bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experience of device failure after cochlear implantation
Authors: Kim Jeong Heon , Choi Yeonjoo , Kang Woo Seok , Park Hong Ju , Ahn Joong Ho , Chung Jong Woo
Published: July 2023

Background

The present study describes the treatment of patients at a tertiary institution who experienced device failure after Cochlear Implantation (CI), as well as identifying prodromic symptoms that could assist in the timely identification and management of device failure.

Study design

Retrospective database review (January 2000–May 2017).

Setting

Single tertiary hospital.

Methods

Factors recorded included the etiology of hearing loss; age at first and revision CI surgeries; surgical information, including operation time and approach; electrical outcomes after implantation; device implanted; symptoms of device failure; history of head trauma; and audiologic outcomes as determined by categories of auditory performance (CAP).

Results

From January 2000 to May 2017, 1431 CIs were performed, with 27 (1.9%) undergoing revision surgeries due to device failure. The most common etiology of hearing loss was idiopathic (12/27), followed by cochlear hypoplasia (5/27). Mean age at initial CI was 11.8 (1–72) years, with 21 being pre-lingual and 6 being post-lingual. Of the total devices initially implanted, 80.5% were from Cochlear, 15.9% from MED-EL, and 3.5% from Advanced Bionics. The failure rates of these devices were 1.3%, 3.1%, and 10.0%, respectively. The most suggestive symptom of device failure was intermittent loss of signal. Mean CAP scores were 5.17 before reimplantation and 5.54 and 5.81 at 1- and 3-years, respectively, after reimplantation.

Conclusion

The most suggestive symptom preceding device failure was intermittent loss of signal. Patients who present with this symptom should undergo electrical examination for suspected device failure. Audiologic outcomes showed continuous development despite revision surgeries.
Impact of molar teeth distalization by clear aligners on temporomandibular joint: a three-dimensional study
Authors: Al-Tayar Barakat , Al-Somairi Majedh A. A. , ALshoaibi Lina H. , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Junbin , Liu Jiajie , Al-Tayar Baher , An Xiaoli , Si Qingzong
Published: July 2023

Background

Maxillary molar distalization is a common technique used in the non-extraction treatment of Angle Class II malocclusion that can effectively correct the molar relationship and create spaces for anterior teeth alignment. However, this approach may also impact the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) due to predictable changes in the posterior vertical dimension. Despite its widespread use, Class II malocclusions correction by molar distalization with clear aligners has not been investigated for their effects on the TMJ. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the impact of sequential molar distalization using clear aligners on the TMJ.

Methods

Three-dimensional CBCT scans of 23 non-growing patients (7 males, 16 females; mean age 29.8 ± 4.6 years) with skeletal class I or II malocclusion and a bilateral molar class II relationship treated by sequential upper molars distalization with orthodontic clear aligners (Invisalign, Align Technology, San Josè, Ca, USA). A total of 46 joints were examined before and after molar distalization using Anatomage InvivoDental 6.0.3. Linear and angular measurements of the mandibular joint were measured, including joint parameters, inclination, position, and the dimension of the condyle and articular fossa. In addition, 3D volumetric spaces of the joint were analyzed. All data were statistically analyzed by paired T test to determine the differences between the pre-and post-orthodontic procedures.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found in all primary effects resulting from maxillary molars distalization by clear aligners on TMJ components measurements and joint spaces between T0 and T1. Meanwhile, statistically significant differences were observed in the linear position of the upper molars and the molar relationship parameter with at least P ≤ 0.05.

Conclusion

Treatment by sequential upper molars distalization with clear aligners does not lead to significant TMJ parameters changes in condyle and fossa spaces, dimensions, and positions.
Xylaria furcata reconsidered and nine resembling species
Authors: Ju Yu-Ming , Hsieh Huei-Mei , Suwannasai Nuttika
Published: July 2023

Background

Xylaria collections from termite nests with dichotomously branched stromata have been identified as X. furcata. However, Léveillé’s original material is no longer available, and the modern interpretation of X. furcata is based on a 1908 collection made by von Höhnel from termite nests at Buitenzorg Botanical Garden in Java. A packet of this von Höhnel material at FH was designated as the neotype by Rogers et al. in 2005.

Results

We reexamined the neotype from FH and its duplicates from various herbaria and found that three different species were mixed in these specimens. Despite that all of them have dichotomously branched stromata and tiny ascospores, only one fits the 2005 neotypification of X. furcata, where exposed perithecial mounds on the stromatal surface were unambiguously indicated. This portion of material is redesignated as the neotype, while the other two species with immersed perithecia are described as new: X. hoehnelii and X. robustifurcata. The ITS sequence obtained from the neotype helped us designate a specimen with cultures obtained from it as the epitype. From specimens identifiable as X. furcata, we describe four new species: X. brevifurcata, X. furcatula, X. insignifurcata, and X. tenellifurcata. Additionally, we recognize X. furcata var. hirsuta at the species level as X. hirsuta and consider X. scoparia a distinct species rather than a synonym of X. furcata. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on three protein-coding loci showed that X. furcata and resembling species were grouped into two clusters: the X. furcata cluster with half-exposed to fully exposed perithecial mounds and the X. hoehnelii cluster with largely immersed perithecial mounds.

Conclusion

Ten species are recognized for X. furcata and resembling species, all of which could have been identified as X. furcata in the past. Its diversity has been overlooked primarily due to the small and similar stromata. Several additional species have been confirmed to be related to X. furcata by DNA sequences but are yet to be described due to the lack of mature stromata. While the species diversity of macrotermitine termites is equally high in Africa as in Asia, all of the species are primarily found in Asia, with X. hirsuta as the only exception. This suggests that there may be many more undiscovered species for this fungal group.
Management of potato brown rot disease using chemically synthesized CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs
Authors: Rabea Amira , Naeem E. , Balabel Naglaa M. , Daigham Ghadir E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Potatoes are a crucial vegetable crop in Egypt in terms of production and consumption. However, the potato industry suffers significant annual losses due to brown rot disease. This study aimed to suppress Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum), the causative agent of brown rot disease in potatoes, using efficient and economical medications such as CuO and MgO metal oxide nanoparticles, both in vitro and in vivo, to reduce the risk of pesticide residues.

Results

CuO and MgO metal oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple chemical process. The average particle size, morphology, and structure of the nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The growth of R. solanacearum was strongly inhibited by CuO and MgO NPs at a concentration of 3 mg/mL, resulting in zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 19.3 mm and 17 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs were 0.5, 0.6, and 0.6, 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. When applied in vivo through seed dressing and tuber soaking at their respective MIC concentrations, CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs significantly reduced the incidence of brown rot disease to 71.2% and 69.4%, respectively, compared to 43.0% and 39.5% in bulk CuSO4 and bulk MgSO4 treatments, respectively. Furthermore, CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs significantly increased the yield, total chlorophyll content, and enzyme efficiency of potato plants compared with the infected control plants. TEM revealed that the bacterial cytomembrane was severely damaged by nanomechanical forces after interaction with CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs, as evidenced by lipid peroxidation and ultrastructural investigations.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs can be used as intelligent agents to manage plant pathogens in agriculture. The use of metal oxide nanoparticles could provide a risk-free alternative for treating plant diseases, which are currently one of the biggest challenges faced by the potato industry in Egypt. The significant increase in yield, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic activity, and total phenol-promoted resistance to R. solanacearum in potato plants treated with CuO-NPs and MgO-NPs compared to infected control plants highlights the potential benefits for the potato industry in Egypt. Further investigations are needed to explore using metal oxide nanoparticles for treating other plant diseases.
Development and characterization of a fecal-induced peritonitis model of murine sepsis: results from a multi-laboratory study and iterative modification of experimental conditions
Authors: Sharma Neha , Chwastek Damian , Dwivedi Dhruva J. , Schlechte Jared , Yu Ian-Ling , McDonald Braedon , Arora Jaskirat , Cani Erblin , Eng Mikaela , Engelberts Doreen , Kuhar Eva , Medeiros Sarah K. , Bourque Stephane L. , Cepinskas Gediminas , Gill Sean E. , Jahandideh Forough , Macala Kimberly F. , Panahi Sareh , Pape Cynthia , Sontag David , Sunohara-Neilson Janet , Fergusson Dean A. , Fox-Robichaud Alison E. , Liaw Patricia C. , Lalu Manoj M. , Mendelson Asher A. ,   for the National Preclinical Sepsis Platform, Sepsis Canada
Published: July 2023

Background

Preclinical sepsis models have been criticized for their inability to recapitulate human sepsis and suffer from methodological shortcomings that limit external validity and reproducibility. The National Preclinical Sepsis Platform (NPSP) is a consortium of basic science researchers, veterinarians, and stakeholders in Canada undertaking standardized multi-laboratory sepsis research to increase the efficacy and efficiency of bench-to-bedside translation. In this study, we aimed to develop and characterize a 72-h fecal-induced peritonitis (FIP) model of murine sepsis conducted in two independent laboratories. The experimental protocol was optimized by sequentially modifying dose of fecal slurry and timing of antibiotics in an iterative fashion, and then repeating the experimental series at site 1 and site 2.

Results

Escalating doses of fecal slurry (0.5–2.5 mg/g) resulted in increased disease severity, as assessed by the modified Murine Sepsis Score (MSS). However, the MSS was poorly associated with progression to death during the experiments, and mice were found dead without elevated MSS scores. Administration of early antibiotics within 4 h of inoculation rescued the animals from sepsis compared with late administration of antibiotics after 12 h, as evidenced by 100% survival and reduced bacterial load in peritoneum and blood in the early antibiotic group. Site 1 and site 2 had statistically significant differences in mortality (60% vs 88%; p < 0.05) for the same dose of fecal slurry (0.75 mg/g) and marked differences in body temperature between groups.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a systematic approach to optimizing a 72-h FIP model of murine sepsis for use in multi-laboratory studies. Alterations to experimental conditions, such as dose of fecal slurry and timing of antibiotics, have clear impact on outcomes. Differences in mortality between sites despite rigorous standardization warrants further investigations to better understand inter-laboratory variation and methodological design in preclinical studies.
Possible link between temperatures in the seashore and open ocean waters of Peru identified by using new seashore water data
Authors: Masuda Shuhei , Kobayashi Masato , Icochea Salas Luis Alfredo , Rosales Quintana Gandy Maria
Published: July 2023

The linkage between environmental conditions in the coastal ocean and the open sea varies greatly by region. It is important to clarify, on an area-by-area basis, what coastal monitoring information reveals about the open ocean and how much predictive information for the open ocean may be applicable to the coastal ocean. The Pacific Ocean off the coast of Peru is a monitoring area for the El Niño/La Niña, an oceanic–atmospheric phenomenon of global importance. However, there are not many reliable data along the Peruvian coast. We deployed a network of 6 logger sites along the Peruvian coast during 2017–2020 and compiled a useful, high-resolution dataset of water temperatures. We examined a possible link between temperatures in the coastal waters of Peru and the open sea by comparing the new dataset with historical temperatures in the open ocean. We confirmed that monthly mean anomalies of seashore water temperatures in coastal Peru were strongly correlated with those of open ocean sea surface temperatures. With one exception, the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.80 to 0.92 and were significant at p < 0.01. This result suggested that data obtained from monitoring along the Pacific coast of Peru could be used to indicate the state of the open ocean and that El Niño forecasts for the open ocean could be applied to coastal forecasting as well. Spectral analysis revealed that the periods of changes of seashore water temperature peaked at 80 and 120 days in the region north of 5° S. This result suggested that coastal monitoring might capture intraseasonal dynamics of equatorial Kelvin waves. The absence of clear peaks south of 5° S implied that equatorial wave energy did not penetrate far into off-equatorial regions along the Peruvian coast on intraseasonal timescales.
Effects of rearing mode on gastro-intestinal microbiota and development, immunocompetence, sanitary status and growth performance of lambs from birth to two months of age
Authors: Dunière Lysiane , Ruiz Philippe , Lebbaoui Yacine , Guillot Laurie , Bernard Mickael , Forano Evelyne , Chaucheyras-Durand Frédérique
Published: July 2023

Background

Artificial rearing system, commonly used in prolific sheep breeds, is associated to increased mortality and morbidity rates before weaning, which might be linked to perturbations in digestive tract maturation, including microbiota colonization. This study evaluated the effect of rearing mode (mothered or artificially reared) on the establishment of the rumen and intestinal microbiome of lambs from birth to weaning. We also measured immunological and zootechnical parameters to assess lambs’ growth and health. GIT anatomy as well as rumen and intestinal epithelium gene expression were also analysed on weaned animals to assess possible long-term effects of the rearing practice.

Results

Total VFA concentrations were higher in mothered lambs at 2 months of age, while artificially-reared lambs had lower average daily gain, a more degraded sanitary status and lower serum IgG concentration in the early growth phase. Metataxonomic analysis revealed higher richness of bacterial and eukaryote populations in mothered vs. artificially-reared lambs in both Rumen and Feces. Beta diversity analysis indicated an evolution of rumen and fecal bacterial communities in mothered lambs with age, not observed in artificially-reared lambs. Important functional microorganisms such as the cellulolytic bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes and rumen protozoa did not establish correctly before weaning in artificially-reared lambs. Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli were dominant in the fecal microbiota of mothered lambs, but main E. coli virulence genes were not found differential between the two groups, suggesting they are commensal bacteria which could exert a protective effect against pathogens. The fecal microbiota of artificially-reared lambs had a high proportion of lactic acid bacteria taxa. No difference was observed in mucosa gene expression in the two lamb groups after weaning.

Conclusions

The rearing mode influences gastrointestinal microbiota and health-associated parameters in offspring in early life: rumen maturation was impaired in artificially-reared lambs which also presented altered sanitary status and higher risk of gut dysbiosis. The first month of age is thus a critical period where the gastrointestinal tract environment and microbiota are particularly unstable and special care should be taken in the management of artificially fed newborn ruminants.
Recent progress in the role of grain boundaries in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides studied using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Hyo Won
Published: July 2023

Grain boundaries (GBs) are one- or two-dimensional (2D) defects, which are universal in crystals and play a crucial role in determining their mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermoelectric properties. In general, GBs tend to decrease electrical or thermal conductivity, and consequently degrade the performance of devices. However, the unusual characteristics of GBs have led to the production of a new class of memristors with 2D semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and the creation of conducting channels in 2D topological insulators. Therefore, understanding the nature of GBs and their influence on device applications emphasizes the importance of GB engineering for future 2D TMD-based devices. This review discusses recent progress made in the investigation of various roles of GBs in 2D TMDs characterized via scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy.
Developing and testing a clinical care bundle incorporating caffeine citrate to manage apnoea of prematurity in a resource-constrained setting: a mixed methods clinical feasibility study protocol
Authors: Irimu Grace , Okwaro Ferdinand , Coleman Jesse , Waiyego Mary , Murila Florence , Chomba Dorothy , Parsimei Millicent , Shitote Cynthia , Ochieng Roseline , Shah Jasmit , Ogero Morris , Ginsburg Amy Sarah , Ansermino J. Mark , Macharia William
Published: July 2023

Background

Apnoea of prematurity (AOP) is a common condition among preterm infants. Methylxanthines, such as caffeine and aminophylline/theophylline, can help prevent and treat AOP. Due to its physiological benefits and fewer side effects, caffeine citrate is recommended for the prevention and treatment of AOP. However, caffeine citrate is not available in most resource-constrained settings (RCS) due to its high cost. Challenges in RCS using caffeine citrate to prevent AOP include identifying eligible preterm infants where gestational age is not always known and the capability for continuous monitoring of vital signs to readily identify apnoea. We aim to develop an evidence-based care bundle that includes caffeine citrate to prevent and manage AOP in tertiary healthcare facilities in Kenya.

Methods

This protocol details a prospective mixed-methods clinical feasibility study on using caffeine citrate to manage apnoea of prematurity in a single facility tertiary-care newborn unit (NBU) in Nairobi, Kenya. This study will include a 4-month formative research phase followed by the development of an AOP clinical-care-bundle prototype over 2 months. In the subsequent 4 months, implementation and improvement of the clinical-care-bundle prototype will be undertaken. The baseline data will provide contextualised insights on care practices within the NBU that will inform the development of a context-sensitive AOP clinical-care-bundle prototype. The clinical care bundle will be tested and refined further during an implementation phase of the quality improvement initiative using a PDSA framework underpinned by quantitative and qualitative clinical audits and stakeholders’ engagement.

The quantitative component will include all neonates born at gestation age < 34 weeks and any neonate prescribed aminophylline or caffeine citrate admitted to the NBU during the study period.

Discussion

There is a need to develop evidence-based and context-sensitive clinical practice guidelines to standardise and improve the management of AOP in RCS. Concerns requiring resolution in implementing such guidelines include diagnosis of apnoea, optimal timing, dosing and administration of caffeine citrate, standardisation of monitoring devices and alarm limits, and discharge protocols. We aim to provide a feasible standardised clinical care bundle for managing AOP in low and middle-income settings.
Primary localized ileal amyloidosis with chronic ileitis: a case report with review of literature
Authors: Ghoname Mahmod , Abosheaishaa Hazem , Shehata Mostafa , Abdelwahed Mohammed , Soliman Moataz Yousry
Published: July 2023

Amyloidosis is a rare condition where fibrillar proteins and abnormal, soluble peptides accumulate throughout the body’s organs. Gastrointestinal symptoms secondary to amyloid deposition vary widely and may be confused with other common small intestine diseases, making the diagnosis challenging. Our case is a 63-year-old male with a past medical history of smoking who showed up in the ED with 5 months of diffuse abdominal pain referred to the back. Pelvis-abdominal ultrasound showed bilateral acute pyelonephritis. A colonoscopy revealed large multiple ileal ulcers about 10 cm from the ileocecal valve with a wide base. Pathology biopsies revealed ileal amyloidosis and chronic ileitis with superficial erosions. The patient has been diagnosed with primary localized ileal AL amyloidosis. The patient has finally been referred for surgical resection. We want to raise awareness of ileal amyloidosis and emphasize the importance of considering uncommon etiologies of small intestine pathology in patients presenting with chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Finally, patients with small intestine amyloid disease progressing rapidly and failing to respond to non-surgical treatment should be considered for surgical resection.
A systematic review of the venous thromboembolism prevalence and related risk factors in patients with Covid-19
Authors: Sobhiyeh Mohammad Reza , Salimi Yahya , Tardeh Zeinab
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The present study was performed to evaluate the pooled prevalence of the venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the factors affecting its incidence in patients who are affected with coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Patients and methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out by searching all the authentic online databases. The study includes papers worldwide since 2019 to 2022. After assessing related articles, the required information was collected based on a prepared checklist and analyzed by STATA software.

Result

According to the estimates, pooled prevalence of VTE among patients with Covid-19 was 0.17 (95% CI = 0.13–0.22, P = 0.000). Analysis of prevalence values of VTE in patients with Covid-19 based on geographical areas showed statistically significant differences emerged from the study results. Analyses showed that stroke is a significant risk factor.

Discussion

The present study showed a relatively high prevalence of VTE in patients infected with coronavirus. Results of study showed that prevalence of VTE is significantly differ according to geographical areas; it can be concluded that racial differences and genetic factors can affect the VTE incidence in Covid-19-affected patients. Additionally, a history of stroke and cerebrovascular events can be a risk factor indicating the need for prophylactic anticoagulant treatment in these patients, but history of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, liver disease, malignancy, and smoking is not risk factors of VTE in patients affected with Covid-19.
Exploring teleaudiology adoption, perceptions and challenges among audiologists before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chong-White Nicky , Incerti Paola , Poulos Marisa , Tagudin Joseph
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns accelerated the uptake of remote services, however, the integration of teleaudiology into regular clinical practice has been slow, with audiologists reporting several barriers and mixed attitudes. To develop effective strategies and solutions to enhance teleaudiology services and facilitate their acceptance beyond the pandemic, a better understanding of the factors influencing audiologist’s attitudes and usage is needed.

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes towards and usage of teleaudiology by audiologists prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We aimed to uncover underlying factors influencing teleaudiology adoption to identify potential barriers and opportunities that could inform interventions and future developments.

Method and results

Two cross-sectional surveys were administered to audiologists between September and October in 2018 and 2021. Questions addressed issues regarding quality of care, satisfaction, and perceived benefits of teleaudiology. Survey items based on the COM-B behaviour model were also included in the 2021 survey. Data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric statistics.

Eighty audiologists completed the 2018 survey and 105 audiologists completed the 2021 survey. In 2021, teleaudiology users reported increased quality of care, quality of relationships with clients and client satisfaction compared to non-users. However, among teleaudiology users, there was a decrease in quality of care, relationships with new clients and job satisfaction in 2021 compared to 2018. The COM-B framework helped identify the major barriers for non-users of teleaudiology such as lack of training, unclear guidelines, and concerns about service quality.

Conclusion

The attitudes towards teleaudiology for clinicians before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated, revealing a substantial increase in usage and varying effects on client satisfaction, clinician job satisfaction and service quality. Key potential barriers and factors influencing usage were identified. Targeted solutions may include providing training, scheduling regular teleaudiology appointments to build confidence, and developing reliable tools and technologies to improve remote hearing care.
Comparison of outcomes for patients with and without a serious mental illness presenting to hospital for chronic obstruction pulmonary disease: retrospective observational study using administrative data
Authors: Goldman Sara , Saoulidi Anastasia , Kalidindi Sridevi , Kravariti Eugenia , Gaughran Fiona , Briggs Tim W. R. , Gray William K.
Published: July 2023

Background

There are few data on the profile of those with serious mental illness (SMI) admitted to hospital for physical health reasons.

Aims

To compare outcomes for patients with and without an SMI admitted to hospital in England where the primary reason for admission was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method

This was a retrospective, observational analysis of the English Hospital Episodes Statistics data-set for the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019, for patients aged 18–74 years with COPD as the dominant reason for admission. Patient with an SMI (psychosis spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder) were identified.

Results

Data were available for 54 578 patients, of whom 2096 (3.8%) had an SMI. Patients with an SMI were younger, more likely to be female and more likely to live in deprived areas than those without an SMI. The burden of comorbidity was similar between the two groups. After adjusting for covariates, SMI was associated with significantly greater risk of length of stay than the median (odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.37,P≤ 0.001) and with 30-day emergency readmission (odds ratio 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.34–1.69,P≤ 0.001) but not with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for poorer outcomes in patients with an SMI even when the SMI is not the primary reason for admission. Collaborative working across mental and physical healthcare provision may facilitate improved outcomes for people with SMI.
Empowerment group therapy for refugees with affective disorders: results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wiechers Maren , Strupf Michael , Bajbouj Malek , Böge Kerem , Karnouk Carine , Goerigk Stephan , Kamp-Becker Inge , Banaschewski Tobias , Rapp Michael , Hasan Alkomiet , Falkai Peter , Jobst-Heel Andrea , Habel Ute , Stamm Thomas , Heinz Andreas , Hoell Andreas , Burger Max , Bunse Tilmann , Hoehne Edgar , Mehran Nassim , Kaiser Franziska , Hahn Eric , Plener Paul , Übleis Aline , Padberg Frank
Published: July 2023

Background

Against the background of missing culturally sensitive mental health care services for refugees, we developed a group intervention (Empowerment) for refugees at level 3 within the stratified Stepped and Collaborative Care Model of the project Mental Health in Refugees and Asylum Seekers (MEHIRA). We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the Empowerment group intervention with its focus on psychoeducation, stress management, and emotion regulation strategies in a culturally sensitive context for refugees with affective disorders compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU).

Method

At level 3 of the MEHIRA project, 149 refugees and asylum seekers with clinically relevant depressive symptoms were randomized to the Empowerment group intervention or TAU. Treatment comprised 16 therapy sessions conducted over 12 weeks. Effects were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MÅDRS). Further scales included assessed emotional distress, self-efficacy, resilience, and quality of life.

Results

Intention-to-treat analyses show significant cross-level interactions on both self-rated depressive symptoms (PHQ-9; F(1,147) = 13.32, p < 0.001) and clinician-rated depressive symptoms (MÅDRS; F(1,147) = 6.91, p = 0.01), indicating an improvement in depressive symptoms from baseline to post-intervention in the treatment group compared to the control group. The effect sizes for both scales were moderate (d = 0.68, 95% CI 0.21–1.15 for PHQ-9 and d = 0.51, 95% CI 0.04–0.99 for MÅDRS).

Conclusion

In the MEHIRA project comparing an SCCM approach versus TAU, the Empowerment group intervention at level 3 showed effectiveness for refugees with moderately severe depressive symptoms.
Οι επιπτώσεις των νέων τεχνολογιών στη στρατηγική ευελιξία και τα ανταγωνιστικά πλεονεκτήματα των εταιρειών
Authors: Καρβέλα Παναγιώτα
Published: July 2023

Οι απόψεις της παγκόσμιας ερευνητικής κοινότητας αναφορικά με το ρόλο της Πληροφοριακής Τεχνολογίας (IT) και του ευρύτερου πλαισίου νέων τεχνολογιών (Cloud , AI , IoT , BI ) στη στρατηγική ευελιξία και τα ανταγωνιστικά πλεονεκτήματα που προέρχονται από τη σωστή υιοθέτηση αυτών διίστανται. Η παρούσα έρευνα επιδιώκει να αναλύσει τη συμβολή των νέων τεχνολογιών στην ενίσχυση της στρατηγικής ευελιξίας έχοντας ως αποτέλεσμα την απόκτηση του ανταγωνιστικού πλεονεκτήματος. Η στρατηγική ευελιξία αποτελεί επιτακτική ανάγκη, ειδικά σε ένα ανταγωνιστικό περιβάλλον. Όμως, εξακολουθεί να υφίσταται ένα κενό στη βιβλιογραφία σχετικά με τις επιπτώσεις των νέων τεχνολογιών στη στρατηγική ευελιξία μιας εταιρείας, και ειδικότερα στο ρόλο της στρατηγικής ευελιξίας μέσω των νέων τεχνολογιών. Μετά, λοιπόν, από ενδελεχή βιβλιογραφική ανάλυση και ποικίλες μελέτες περιπτώσεων, η παρούσα έρευνα καταδεικνύει τη σημασία μιας τεχνολογικά ανεπτυγμένης, «αυτόνομα» σκεπτόμενης αλυσίδας, με χαμηλό κόστος συναλλαγών, στην οποία θα μπορεί να μετέχει πλήρως και συνειδητά κάθε συναλλασσόμενος. Για την επίτευξη των στόχων της έρευνας χρησιμοποιήθηκε η μελέτη περίπτωσης της Εταιρείας Χ , μιας εταιρείας που δραστηριοποιείται σε πολλές χώρες παγκοσμίως στον τομέα των μεταφορών και αποτελεί σημαντικό μέλος μιας εφοδιαστικής αλυσίδας. Η έρευνα αφορούσε την Εταιρεία Χ στην Ελλάδα και χρησιμοποιήθηκε η μέθοδος Action Research προς εξέτασή της. Η Εταιρεία Χ η οποία χρησιμοποιεί Πληροφοριακά Συστήματα, που βασίζονται σε υπερσύγχρονο εξοπλισμό, είχε σημαντικά οφέλη τόσο στην επίδοση (performance) όσο και στη μείωση του κόστους σε βάθος τριετίας. Από τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας διαπιστώθηκε η σημαντική βελτίωση της αποτελεσματικότητας των εργαζομένων από την υιοθέτηση Πληροφοριακών Συστημάτων, και Νέων Τεχνολογιών στην Εταιρεία Χ, καθώς και τη μεγάλη ασφάλεια που έχει στα Πληροφοριακά της Συστήματα. Τα ευρήματα αυτής της ενότητας έδειξαν ξεκάθαρα ότι η τεχνική υποστήριξη μέσω των Νέων Τεχνολογιών του Πληροφοριακών Συστημάτων μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε ανταγωνιστικό πλεονέκτημα χωρίς όμως να είναι διατηρήσιμο. Η ελάχιστη ανθρώπινη παρέμβαση, η πλήρης απουσία εγγράφων και η υποστήριξη στις εξωτερικές αλλαγές έθεσαν τις βάσεις για έναν πολύ διαφορετικό τρόπο λειτουργίας της επιχείρησης, η οποία αποτελεί μέλος μιας εφοδιαστικής αλυσίδας
Identifying healthcare professionals’ fear of covid-19 and their attitudes towards being vaccinated
Authors: Ergin Eda , Akkoyun Semih
Published: July 2023

Background: This study was conducted to determine healthcare professionals’ fear of COVID-19 in and their attitudes towards being vaccinated against COVID-19.
Method and Material: The sample of this descriptive study was composed of 302 healthcare professionals working in a university research and training hospital. The data were collected with the help of an online survey method created with the help of Google Forms using the “Form for Determining Healthcare Professionals’ Attitudes towards Being Vaccinated” and “The Fear of COVID-19 Scale” between December 28, 2020 and January 13, 2021.
Results: The mean total Fear of COVID-19 Scale score of the healthcare professionals participating in the study was found to be 17.20 ± 6.015. A significant relationship was found between the Fear of COVID-19 Scale total score and participating healthcare professionals’ gender, status of education, status of flu vaccination and status of being diagnosed with COVID-19 (p <0.005).
Conclusion: According to research results, it was found that healthcare professionals experienced moderate fear, almost half of them were undecided about the COVID-19 vaccine, their thoughts about vaccination were positive and they were mostly concerned about the side effects of the vaccine.
Effect of an educational intervention on knowledge of human papillomavirus infection among university students in Turkey: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Dasikan Zeynep , Ünsal Atan Şenay , Erdoğan Meryem , Kıratlı Didem , Yeyğel Çiler , Elmas Semra
Published: July 2023

Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge level of university students outside the health field on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and evaluate the efficacy of educational interventions provided on HPV infection.
Method and Material: This was a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design. This study was conducted on undergraduate students outside the health field at a public university in Izmir. HPV education was provided to the students in classes with a PowerPoint presentation, and the “Fall in Love, Not in HPV” brochure was distributed.
Results: Of 873 students participating in the pretest, 48.7% and 42.5% heard of HPV infection and vaccine, respectively. While the response rates of the students participating in the pretest of the 16-question HPV knowledge survey ranged from 13.9% to 58.8%, a significant (51.4%–91.6%) increase was observed in the percentage of answers to the posttest HPV questions after the educational intervention (p < 0.001).  The total HPV knowledge score was 5.17±4.33in the pre-test, and the post-test was 13.37±2.66 (p<0.001). The biggest barriers to those who did not want to be vaccinated were the cost of the vaccine and the lack of information about HPV infection.
Conclusion: The educational intervention has greatly increased the knowledge of HPV infection among university students. Continuing education programs are needed to bridge the knowledge gap on HPV infection and HPV-related diseases among young adults.
Obstacles for self-management practices among diabetes patients: A facility-based study from Coastal South India.
Authors: T Rekha , R Murali Mohan , Kumar Nithin , Hegde Kausthubh , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Mithra Prasanna , Holla Ramesh , Suma Balanarayana , Rao Aadithya M , Nikitha Patil , Sahama M Aysha Roushida
Published: July 2023

Background 

The purpose of the study was to assess the obstacles faced by diabetes patients in their self-care and determine the factors associated with these obstacles. The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) extends beyond the clinician’s efforts, with the responsibility of the care also being shared by the patient to achieve better treatment outcomes and prevent complications. Self-care management is the most important part of DM treatment, which includes diet, regular exercise, blood glucose monitoring, medication and foot care.  

Methods 

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 type 2 DM patients aged >18 years using the Diabetes Obstacles Questionnaire-30. Patients scoring a mean response score >3 were considered to have an obstacle. We included age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), duration of DM and blood glucose levels as factors for regression analysis and a P value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.  

Results 

A large majority (64.5%, n = 69) of our participants were aged above 55 years and belonged to lower socio-economic status (65.4%, n = 70). Family history of DM was present in 41% (n=44) of the participants. The median duration of DM among the participant was 10 (4 – 7) years.  

In our study, the participants faced obstacles for two items in the domains: Support from Friends & Family (mean score: 3.73) and Knowledge of the Disease (mean score: 3.58). A multinominal regression analysis revealed SES was predictive of participants who could not understand information from literature with a P. value of 0.002 (OR: 3.65, CI: 1.60-8.338). 

Conclusion 

The two major obstacles to self-management practices that were identified were in the domains of Support from Friends and Family, and Knowledge of the Disease. Socioeconomic status was identified to be a predictive factor associated with the participants who are not able to understand information from the literature.
A protocol for the development of PhyCaRe: An extension of the CARE guideline for physiotherapy using the Delphi method
Authors: Naqvi Waqar M. , Mishra Gaurav , Pashine Aishwarya A. , Arora Sakshi P. , Gupta Sonia , Goyal Chanan , Varma Ashish R. , Quazi Zahiruddin , Muthukrishnan Ramprasad , Kumar Kandakurti Praveen , Umate Laxmikant
Published: July 2023

Background: Case reports are one of the important forms of documentation and publication of clinical physiotherapy presenting the first line of evidence in scientific literature. In order to provide a systematic and precise structure for reporting and presenting cases, the CARE guidelines were established in 2013. However, these guidelines present limitations as while reporting require items of specific specialties following the checklist. Authors from different specialities have developed CARE extensions specifying the characteristic features of corresponding fields, however, an extension dealing with physiotherapy assessment and line of management in the CARE guidelines is proposed as PhyCaRe.

Method: After consulting with the advisors, a draft will be prepared of the specific elements that should be included in the PhyCaRe using Delphi methodology considering CARE statement as the source and SurveyMonkey will be used to undertake the Delphi questionnaire. The Delphi methodology will be assumed for three rounds and will be open to physiotherapists and others with substantial experience in reviewing case reports. Subsequently, an online consensus meeting, pilot testing, and submission of the CARE extension for physiotherapy will be conducted for publication.

Dissemination: The 2010 "Guidance for Developers of Health Research Reporting" and instructions from the EQUATOR Network will be followed in the preparation of PhyCaRe guidelines. The guidelines will be propagated at different platforms and journals will be requested to adopt the guidelines.

Registration: The reporting guideline under development is prospectively registered on the EQUATOR Network website on PhyCaRe – Reporting guideline for physiotherapy case reports.
Should Mama or Papa Work? Variations in Attitudes towards Parental Employment by Country of Origin and Child Age
Authors: Gambaro Ludovica , Spiess C. Katharina , Wrohlich Katharina , Ziege Elena
Published: July 2023

Employment among mothers has been rising in recent decades, although mothers of young children often work fewer hours than other women do. Parallel to this trend, approval of maternal employment has increased, albeit not evenly across groups. However, differences in attitudes remain unexplored despite their importance for better understanding mothers’ labour market behaviour. Meanwhile, the employment of fathers has remained stable and attitudes towards paternal employment do not differ as much as attitudes towards maternal employment do between socio-economic groups.

This paper examines attitudes towards maternal and paternal employment. It focuses on Germany, drawing on data from the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA). The survey explicitly asks whether mothers and fathers should be in paid work, work part-time or full-time, presenting respondents with fictional family profiles that vary the youngest child’s age. Unlike previous studies, the analysis compares the views of respondents with different origins: West Germany, East Germany, immigrants from different world regions, and second-generation migrants in West Germany.

The results highlight remarkable differences between respondents from West and East Germany, with the former group displaying strong approval for part-time employment among mothers and fathers of very young children and the latter group reporting higher approval for full-time employment. Immigrant groups are far from homogenous, holding different attitudes depending on their region of origin. Taken together, the results offer a nuanced picture of attitudes towards maternal and paternal employment. We discuss these findings in relation to labour markets participation in Germany.

* This article belongs to a special issue on “Family Research and Demographic Analysis – New Insights from the German Family Demography Panel Study (FReDA)”.
The role of travelling distances: different planning, different motives
Authors: Urbonavicius Sigitas , Andruliene Rasuole , Adomaviciute Karina , Ozretic-Dosen Durdana
Published: July 2023

The impact of travel distance on travel planning and motives of travelling represents a notable research gap. This study aims to demonstrate that impacts of intention predictors are different, since longer distance increases complexities of planning; also – that a long-haul travelling is driven by different motives than short-haul travelling. The study is based on analysis of survey data from Lithuania. The findings showed differences in how beliefs impact intentions to travel to distant and nearby cities. Behavioural and normative beliefs had stronger impacts on intentions for nearby destinations, whereas control beliefs had strong impacts for distant destinations. Also, the sets of travel motives for long-haul destinations and for short-haul destinations had different structure of motives. The findings deepen understanding of travel distance as an aspect of travelling that differentiates impacts of travel intention antecedents and generates different sets of travel motives for long-haul and short-haul travelling.
“Pleasing to the eye”: The problem of physical beauty and beautification in the theology of Chrysostom
Authors: Mavropoulos Angelos
Published: July 2023

“Pleasing to the eye” (Gen 3:6) – this is how Genesis describes the forbidden fruit when Adam and Eve were trying to apologise for eating it, as, since the time of the first people, beauty, or that which is “pleasing to the eye”, has been admired. Christian Fathers, since the time of the early Church, came up against the problem of beauty, as, although the human body was unquestionably beautiful, the question of the right attitude towards it was of particular concern to them. One of these Fathers was the most prolific Eastern Christian thinker and writer, St. John Chrysostom. As Chrysostom, drawing mainly from the Bible, saw, beauty, especially that of the human body, should be appreciated and even glorified. However, paradoxically one could say, physical beautification is morally disapproved. How is it possible, then, that the beauty of the body is desired, while its beautification should be condemned? That is the problem this work deals with.
„Który Rusin, a który Polak…” Ukraińskie straty osobowe w powiecie przemyskim w czasie konfliktu polsko-ukraińskiego w pierwszym półroczu 1945 r. (aspekt statystyczny)
Authors: Hałagida Igor
Published: July 2023

Artykuł ukazuje mało zbadany fragment relacji polsko-ukraińskich w powojennej Polsce, tj. zabójstwa osób narodowości ukraińskiej, do których doszło w powiecie przemyskim wiosną 1945 r. Zestawiając ze sobą informacje z materiałów archiwalnych, opublikowanych dokumentów, memuarystyki oraz literatury przedmiotu, autor starał się ustalić najbardziej prawdopodobną liczbą ofiar, dokonał ich ogólnej charakterystyki, ukazał dynamikę wydarzeń oraz próbował wskazać głównych sprawców zbrodni.
Mit założycielski państwa polskiego jako mem w kontekście miejsc pamięci w przestrzeni internetowej
Authors: Ratke-Majewska Anna
Published: July 2023

Podstawowe założenie niniejszego artykułu stanowiło zainicjowanie analizy mitów założycielskich państwa polskiego – ich istnienia i powielania we wspólnocie – w kontekście zarówno teorii memetyki, jak i wirtualnych miejsc pamięci. Pole badawcze, szeroko zarysowane rozważaniami teoretycznymi, zostało w prezentowanym tekście znacząco ograniczone. W ten sposób przeanalizowano (w wyznaczonym zakresie czasowym) jedynie wybrane konta na portalu społecznościowym Facebook – z jednej strony te reprezentujące instytucje publiczne zajmujące się upamiętnianiem, z drugiej – te prywatne, których jednym z celów jest prowadzenie narracji pamięci.
Nowa próba opowieści o polskiej Dzierżyńszczyźnie. Na marginesie pracy Anatola Wialikiego (Anatol Wialiki, Dzierżyńszczyzna 1932–1937. Rejon skazany na likwidację, red. nauk. Jan Szumski, tłum. Jarosław Kurkowski, Warszawa 2021, Instytut Pamięci Narodowej
Authors: Karaliou Maxim
Published: July 2023

Artykuł poświęcony jest analizie zawartości książki Anatola Wialikiego, pt. Dzierżyńszczyzna 1932–1937. Rejon skazany na likwidację. Białoruski historyk na podstawie dokumentów z Narodowego Archiwum Republiki Białorusi podjął próbę przedstawienia sytuacji Polaków w tym jedynym polskim rejonie narodowościowym na Białorusi Sowieckiej.
Lower semicontinuity of Kirchhoff-type energy functionals and spectral gaps on (sub)Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Farkas Csaba , Kajántó Sándor , Varga Csaba
Published: July 2023

In this paper we characterize the sequentially weakly lower semicontinuity
of the parameter-depending energy functional associated with the critical Kirchhoff
problem in context of (sub)Riemannian manifolds.
We also present some spectral gap and convexity results.
Existence of saddle-type solutions for a class of quasilinear problems in R^2
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Isneri Renan J. S. , Montecchiari Piero
Published: July 2023

The main goal of the present paper is to prove the existence of saddle-type solutions for the following class of quasilinear problems
$$
-\Delta_{\Phi}u + V'(u)=0\quad \text{in }\mathbb{R}^2,
$$%
where
$$
\Delta_{\Phi}u=\text{div}(\phi(|\nabla u|)\nabla u),
$$%
$\Phi\colon \mathbb{R}\rightarrow [0,+\infty)$ is an N-function
and the potential $V$ satisfies some technical condition and we have
as an example $ V(t)=\Phi(|t^2-1|)$.