bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of vitamin D deficiency in relation to the clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Rachman Andhika , Rahmaniyah Rizky , Khomeini Andi , Iriani Anggraini
Published: April 2023

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging public health problem that affects more than one billion people worldwide. Vitamin D has been shown to be effective in preventing and reducing the severity of viral respiratory diseases, including influenza. However, the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the clinical outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among hospitalized COVID-19 patients at two COVID-19 referral hospitals in Indonesia from October 2021 until February 2022.

Results: The median serum 25(OH)D level in 191 hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 13.6 [IQR=10.98] ng/mL. The serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower among COVID-19 patients with vitamin D deficiency who had cardiovascular disease (p-value=0.04), the use of a ventilator (p-value=0.004), more severe COVID-19 cases (p-value=0.047), and mortality (p-value=0.002). Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly different between patients with mild and severe COVID-19 cases (p-value=0.019). Serum 25(OH)D levels in moderate and severe COVID-19 cases were significantly different (p-value=0.031). Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with an increased number of comorbidities (p-value=0.03), the severity of COVID-19 (p-value=0.002), and the use of mechanical ventilation (p-value=0.032). Mortality was found in 7.3% of patients with deficient vitamin D levels. However, patients with either sufficient or insufficient vitamin D levels did not develop mortality.

Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with having cardiovascular disease, mortality, more severe COVID-19 cases, and the used of mechanical ventilation. Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with an increased number of comorbidities, COVID-19 severity, and the use of mechanical-ventilation. Thus, we suggest hospitalized COVID-19 patients to reach a sufficient vitamin D status to improve the clinical outcome of the disease.
The genome sequence of the Bulrush Veneer, Calamotropha paludella (Hübner, 1824)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: April 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Calamotropha paludella (the Bulrush Veneer; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence is 742.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 21,500 protein coding genes.
Diabetics suffer in silence – about sexual dysfunction and modern therapeutic possibilities in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Madej Karolina , Krawiec Paulina , Wolanin Izabela , Zielonka Bartłomiej , Kowalczyk Ilona , Stachyra Bartłomiej , Wolanin Marta , Stawikowski Cezary , Dengler Barbara , Osińska Aleksandra
Published: April 2023

Introduction
Nowadays, the global incidence of diabetes is on the rise, indicating a growing medical concern due to the persistent increase in cases. This disease is insidious and silent. Despite its long-term asymptomatic course, it secretly damages many organs, leading to distant and often irreversible complications. Early diagnosis of asymptomatic patients with risk factors, the use of screening tests, as well as appropriate control of the disease can significantly delay the process of developing complications; ensuring a longer and better quality of life for patients. A seriously problematic, but rarely discussed, disorder, experienced by some within the male patient group, is erectile dysfunction. Understanding the pathophysiology and the mechanism responsible for this disorder enables early prevention and taking appropriate steps, implementing effective therapy; thus – enhancing and prolonging sexual function and enhancing quality of life of patients with diabetes.
Purpose of the work
This article reviews the state of knowledge based on available research on sexual dysfunction in men with diabetes. The purpose of this review is to present the general issues, pathophysiology, risk factors and contemporary therapeutic options for sexual dysfunction disorders in this group of patients.
Materials and methods
The authors based on databases such as PubMed, Scopus anf Google Scholar, created a work summarizing review of currently available publications on the issue of erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus. The authors using the terms contained in the „keywords” column, searched for available information contained in other scientific works, on the basis of which they created the above review.
Misja Janusza Radziwiłła w Londynie (1633)
Authors: Kalinowska Anna
Published: April 2023

W lutym 1633 r. dwudziestojednoletni Janusz Radziwiłł, syn księcia Krzysztofa Radziwiłła, przybył do Londynu z misją dyplomatyczną zleconą mu przez nowego polskiego władcę Władysława IV. Jej przebieg oraz pozostałe szczegóły pobytu młodego magnata w Anglii nie były dotychczas zbyt dobrze znane. Dzięki analizie nowych polskich i angielskich źródeł jest jednak możliwe ich szczegółowe odtworzenie, a zebrany materiał jednoznacznie wskazuje, że pobyt młodego Radziwiłła w Londynie miał nie tylko stricte ceremonialny charakter i powinien być interpretowany jako jeden z przejawów aktywizacji polityki zagranicznej przez nowego monarchę oraz znaczenia rodu Radziwiłłów na arenie międzynarodowej.
Zróżnicowanie ekonomiczne właścicieli ziemskich w powiecie grodzieńskim w końcu XVIII wieku
Authors: Poniat Radosław , Kozłowski Jakub
Published: April 2023

Artykuł poświęcony jest nierównościom ekonomicznym występującym wśród właścicieli ziemskich zamieszkujących powiat grodzieński w ostatnich latach XVIII w. Podstawę źródłową prowadzonych badań stanowią protokoły ofiary wieczystej na wojsko znanej też jako ofiara 10. grosza – wczesnego podatku dochodowego, którym objęci byli właściciele dóbr ziemskich oraz duchownych. Uzyskane rezultaty wskazują na bardzo wysokie zróżnicowanie majątkowe wśród badanej populacji. Obok nielicznej i bardzo bogatej elity na terenie powiatu licznie występowała drobna szlachta (3/4 badanej populacji), której majątki były tak małe, że zostały zwolnione z podatku ze względu na zbyt niskie dochody. Wartości współczynnika Giniego opisującego koncentrację dochodów w powiecie wynoszą ok. 0,95 i nie ulegają poważnym zmianom w przypadku modyfikowania sposobu kalkulowania dochodów.
Jest chemia? Wrocławskie budynki uniwersyteckie po 1945 roku
Authors: Gabiś Agata
Published: April 2023

Wrocław po 1945 r. był architektonicznym i urbanistycznym laboratorium, w którym często ścierały się spektakularne wizje i realne potrzeby. W tym procesie ważną rolę odgrywał Uniwersytet, również zawieszony pomiędzy oczekiwaniami i ambicjami a koniecznością ciągłej walki o swoją pozycję wśród innych uczelni. Koncepcje zrealizowane lub odłożone na półkę, projekty trwające wiele lat i plany modyfikowane podczas budowy, w zależności od zmieniających się warunków politycznych i ekonomicznych – wszystkie te elementy składają się na ważny fragment historii rozwoju Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego, stanowią również istotną część dziejów dolnośląskiej architektury.
Społeczny portret załogi Fabryki Samochodów Osobowych na Żeraniu w 1956 r. na tle środowiska robotniczego
Authors: Sasanka Paweł
Published: April 2023

Artykuł przedstawia społeczną charakterystykę załogi FSO na Żeraniu w 1956 r. na tle ogólnopolskiego środowiska robotniczego. Jej profil był zbliżony do „starych” ośrodków przemysłowych. Skład załogi, złożonej z relatywnie dużej liczby robotników typu proletariacko-produktywnego, pielęgnujących tradycyjne wartości i zdolnych do działań zbiorowych w obronie swoich interesów, mógł mieć duże znaczenie dla postawy robotników FSO (partyjnych i bezpartyjnych) w 1956 r. Jej przejawem był wybór na sekretarza Komitetu Zakładowego FSO, wbrew nieformalnym wytycznym, młodego robotnika Lechosława Goździka oraz odrzucenie oficjalnych związków zawodowych i poparcie „żerańskiego” projektu utworzenia samorządu robotniczego.
Optimal Server Assignment in Queues with Flexible Servers and Abandonments
Authors: Andradóttir Sigrún , Ayhan Hayriye
Published: April 2023

We study a Markovian system of two stations in tandem and two flexible servers who are capable of working at both stations. The novelty of our work is that jobs waiting in line to be processed by the second station may leave the system (without being processed at the second station) after an exponential amount of time. We show that the dynamic server assignment policy that maximizes the long-run average throughput assigns one server to each station unless station 2 is starved (i.e., has no work) or the number of jobs in the buffer reaches a certain threshold (both servers work together at station 1 when station 2 is starved and at station 2 when the threshold is reached). We specify the criterion for the assignment of the servers to the stations and characterize the threshold. Finally, we investigate how the threshold depends on the service and abandonment rates.
N. 21 - APRESENTAÇÃO
Authors: Revista Sitientibus
Published: April 2023

A perspectiva de publicar a produção intelectual da UEFS, conforme o já descrito nos três últimos lançamentos, projeta-se, também, neste número, dando prosseguimento aos objetivos de uma revista que se propôs a acompanhar o "continuum" acadêmico.
NATUREZA HUMANA E INSOCIABILIDADE: SUJEIÇÃO E DIREITO NATURAL, SEGUNDO HOBBES
Authors: De Souza José Crisóstomo
Published: April 2023

Com sua crua lógica naturalista  mecanicista,  o argumento de Thomas Hobbes procede de uma investigação  sobre a natureza humana e da demonstração de suas inevitáveis consequências,  para o estabelecimento da necessidade do Estado Civil bem como da sujeição política irrestrita.  O homem é o indivíduo apetitivo, cujo impulso   essencial   é   a defesa da própria vida, e que se avoca direito a tudo que lhe parecer necessário à garantia da mesma. Apesar das conclusões absolutistas  de Hobbes, são essas mesmas premissas  que consagram  o indivíduo  como razão de ser do Estado e mesmo fundamentam a noção de um direito incondicional e inalienável  – o que faz de Hobbes o precursor de uma teoria política e do direito natural tipicamente moderna.
REPRESENTAÇÕES FEMININAS NA IDADE MÉDIA: O OLHAR DE GEORGES DUBY
Authors: Silva Barreiros Leite Márcia Maria
Published: April 2023

O estudo objetiva analisar as obras que Georges  Duby realizou acerca das mulheres  de elite no mundo medieval.  A partir  de livros da sua autoria que abarcam essa problemática  — O Cavaleiro,  a Mulher e o Padre; Idade Média Idade dos   Homens;   e   Heloísa, Isolda   e outras damas no século XII —, avaliaremos como o historiador construiu a sua interpretação sobre  o universo  feminino  do período.  Será dado ênfase aos aspectos teórico-metodológicos presentes nos referidos trabalhos, que constituem,  atualmente,  uma valiosa  contribuição  à história  social da mulheres e à análise das relações entre os gêneros nas sociedades.
USO DE IMAGENS DE RADAR COMO FERRAMENTA AUXILIAR NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE ELEMENTOS GEOLÓGICOS NA REGIÃO DO CERRADO
Authors: Chaves Joselisa Maria , Sano Edson Eyji , Meneses Paulo Roberto
Published: April 2023

Desde a década de 70, as imagens de radar vêm sendo intensamente utilizadas para o reconhecimento e mapeamento geológico, especialmente em regiões de difícil acesso como a Amazônia. A principal vantagem do radar é a sua capacidade em adquirir imagens independentemente da presença de nuvens ou de fumaça. Especificamente para a região do Cerrado brasileiro, cuja área representa ¼ do território nacional, poucos trabalhos com radar têm sido desenvolvidos  até o momento. Na primeira parte deste trabalho, são descritos os aspectos gerais sobre os princípios físicos e o processamento de imagens de radar, além de possíveis aplicações em   Geologia.   Na   segunda   parte,   são   mostrados   os   primeiros   resultados da análise dos dados de radar de visada lateral (banda C, satélite RADARSAT) para aplicação em mapeamento geológico, numa área-teste situada próximo a Brasília, DF.
Tutorial on the conservation of momentum in photonic time-varying media [Invited]
Authors: Ortega-Gomez Angel , Lobet Michaël , Vázquez-Lozano J. Enrique , Liberal Iñigo
Published: April 2023

Time-varying media break temporal symmetries while preserving spatial symmetries intact. Thus, it represents an excellent conceptual framework to investigate the fundamental implications of Noether’s theorem for the electromagnetic field. At the same time, addressing momentum conservation in time-varying media sheds light on the Abraham-Minkowski debate, where two opposing forms of the electromagnetic field momentum are defended. Here, we present a tutorial review on the conservation of momentum in time-varying media. We demonstrate that the Minkowski momentum is a conserved quantity with three independent approaches of increasing complexity: (i) via the application of the boundary conditions for Maxwell equations at a temporal boundary, (ii) testing for constants of motion and deriving conservation laws, and (iii) applying temporal and spatial translations within the framework of the Lagrangian theory of the electromagnetic field. Each approach provides a different and complementary insight into the problem.
Let’s just ask them. Perspectives on urban dwelling and air quality: A cross-sectional survey of 3,222 children, young people and parents
Authors: Juel Rachel , Sharpe Sarah , Picetti Roberto , Milner James , Bonell Ana , Yeung Shunmay , Wilkinson Paul , Dangour Alan D. , Hughes Robert C.
Published: April 2023

This research aimed to capture and synthesise the views of children, young people, parents and expectant parents (CYPP) about the cities where they live, with a specific focus on air pollution (AP), in order to support the generation of evidence-informed policy that reflects CYPP’s perspectives, ultimately contributing to the development of child-centered, healthier, sustainable cities. The Children, Cities and Climate (CCC) project used targeted social media adverts to recruit CYPP to complete an online survey with a combination of open and closed questions in order to collect perceptions about air quality in their home cities, the main sources of AP, and how they would improve their cities. The survey was completed by 3,222 CYPP in 59 of the most polluted cities in 14 countries. Nearly two in five (39%) CYPP cited AP as one of the worst things about their city, with motor transport perceived as the main contributor. CYPP reported differing views on whether their cities were becoming better (43%) or worse (34%) places to live (33% reported it was ‘staying the same’). Numerous specific ideas to improve cities and urban air quality emerged, alongside an emphasis on also addressing structural barriers to change. A clear set of principles that should guide how city leaders act was also described, including the need to engage with young people meaningfully. CYPPs articulated good and bad experiences of urban living and perceived AP and traffic as pressing concerns. They provided a clear set of suggestions for improving their cities. Further efforts to engage young people on these issues are warranted.
African eggplant-associated virus: Characterization of a novel tobamovirus identified from Solanum macrocarpon and assessment of its potential impact on tomato and pepper crops
Authors: Giesbers Anne K. J. , Roenhorst Annelien , Schenk Martijn F. , Westenberg Marcel , Botermans Marleen
Published: April 2023

A novel tobamovirus was identified in a fruit of Solanum macrocarpon imported into the Netherlands in 2018. This virus was further characterized in terms of host range, pathotype and genomic properties, because many tobamoviruses have the potential to cause severe damage in important crops. In the original fruit, two different genotypes of the novel virus were present. The virus was able to infect multiple plant species from the Solanaceae family after mechanical inoculation, as well as a member of the Apiaceae family. These species included economically important crops such as tomato and pepper, as well as eggplant and petunia. Both tomato and pepper germplasm were shown to harbor resistance against the novel virus. Since most commercial tomato and pepper varieties grown in European greenhouses harbor these relevant resistances, the risk of infection and subsequent impact on these crops is likely to be low in Europe. Assessment of the potential threat to eggplant, petunia, and other susceptible species needs further work. In conclusion, this study provides a first assessment of the potential phytosanitary risks of a newly discovered tobamovirus, which was tentatively named African eggplant-associated virus.
Determinants of regulatory compliance in health and social care services: A systematic review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Authors: Dunbar Paul , Keyes Laura M. , Browne John P.
Published: April 2023

Background

The delivery of high quality care is a fundamental goal for health systems worldwide. One policy tool to ensure quality is the regulation of services by an independent public authority. This systematic review seeks to identify determinants of compliance with such regulation in health and social care services.

Methods

Searches were carried out on five electronic databases and grey literature sources. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies were eligible for inclusion. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers independently. Determinants were identified from the included studies, extracted and allocated to constructs in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). The quality of included studies was appraised by two reviewers independently. The results were synthesised in a narrative review using the constructs of the CFIR as grouping themes.

Results

The search yielded 7,500 articles for screening, of which 157 were included. Most studies were quantitative designs in nursing home settings and were conducted in the United States. Determinants were largely structural in nature and allocated most frequently to the inner and outer setting domains of the CFIR. The following structural characteristics and compliance were found to be positively associated: smaller facilities (measured by bed capacity); higher nurse-staffing levels; and lower staff turnover. A facility’s geographic location and compliance was also associated. It was difficult to make findings in respect of process determinants as qualitative studies were sparse, limiting investigation of the processes underlying regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The literature in this field has focused to date on structural attributes of compliant providers, perhaps because these are easier to measure, and has neglected more complex processes around the implementation of regulatory standards. A number of gaps, particularly in terms of qualitative work, are evident in the literature and further research in this area is needed to provide a clearer picture.
Sequential bilateral accelerated theta burst stimulation in adolescents with suicidal ideation associated with major depressive disorder: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuruk Deniz , Ozger Can , Garzon Juan F. , Leffler Jarrod M. , Shekunov Julia , Vande Voort Jennifer L. , Zaccariello Michael J. , Nakonezny Paul A. , Croarkin Paul E.
Published: April 2023

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescents worldwide. Previous research findings suggest that suicidal adolescents with depression have pathophysiological dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) deficits in γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission. Interventions with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) directly address these underlying pathophysiological deficits in the prefrontal cortex. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is newer dosing approach for TMS. Accelerated TBS (aTBS) involves administering multiple sessions of TMS daily as this dosing may be more efficient, tolerable, and rapid acting than standard TMS.

Materials and methods

This is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial of sequential bilateral aTBS in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation. Three sessions are administered daily for 10 days. During each session, continuous TBS is administered first to the right DPFC, in which 1,800 pulses are delivered continuously over 120 seconds. Then intermittent TBS is applied to the left DPFC, in which 1,800 pulses are delivered in 2-second bursts and repeated every 10 seconds for 570 seconds. The TBS parameters were adopted from prior research, with 3-pulse, 50-Hz bursts given every 200 ms (at 5 Hz) with an intensity of 80% active motor threshold. The comparison group will receive 3 daily sessions of bilateral sham TBS treatment for 10 days. All participants will receive the standard of care for patients with depression and suicidal ideation including daily psychotherapeutic skill sessions. Long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) biomarkers will be measured before and after treatment. Exploratory measures will be collected with TMS and electroencephalography for biomarker development.

Discussion

This is the first known randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of sequential bilateral aTBS for treating suicidal ideation in adolescents with MDD. Results from this study will also provide opportunities to further understand the neurophysiological and molecular mechanisms of suicidal ideation in adolescents.

Trial registration

Investigational device exemption (IDE) Number: G200220, ClinicalTrials.gov (ID:NCT04701840). Registered August 6, 2020.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04502758?term=NCT04701840&draw=2&rank=1.
The role of social networks in the self-management support for young women recently diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Vassilev Ivaylo , Lin Sharon Xiaowen , Calman Lynn , Turner Josh , Frankland Jane , Wright David , Foster Claire
Published: April 2023

It is widely acknowledged that social network support plays an important role in the quality of life and illness management of breast cancer survivors. However, the factors and processes that enable and sustain such support are less well understood. This paper reports baseline findings from a prospective UK national cohort of 1,202 women with breast cancer (aged <50 years at diagnosis), recruited before starting treatment, conducted in 2016–2019. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate regression analyses explored associations between the individual, and network member characteristics, and the type of support provided. Social network members provided a substantial level of illness-related, practical and emotional support. Highest contribution was provided by friends, followed by close family members. The social network members of women who did not have a partner provided a higher level of support than those in networks with a partner. Women without higher education were more reliant on close family members than those with higher education, and this was more so for women without a partner. Women with higher education without a partner were more reliant on friends and were overall best supported. Women without higher education who did not have a partner were overall least well supported. They had much smaller networks, were highly reliant on close family members, and on high level contributions from all network members. There is a need to develop network-based interventions to support people with a cancer diagnosis, prioritising support for the groups identified as most at risk. Interventions that support engagement with existing network members during treatment, and those that help extend such networks after treatment, are likely to be of benefit. A network perspective can help to develop tailored support and interventions by recognising the interactions between network and individual level processes.
A comprehensive survey on the beliefs, perceptions, and clinical manifestations of pre and post Covid-19 vaccinations among physiotherapy students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Almheiri Shaikha , Hazari Animesh , Kumar Praveen , Kumar Sampath , Girish Srilatha
Published: April 2023

The World Health Organization has defined Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as an infectious pandemic, caused by a newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 virus. Students relied heavily on the internet, social media, parents, and friends, in addition to medical advice for information on its presentation, complications, prevention, and management. It is evident from the literature that healthcare professionals including students who play an important role in the healthcare system may be lacking important information on COVID-19 vaccinations. Thus, the study aims to identify and compare the pre-post covid-19 vaccination-related essential information among Physical Therapy university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physiotherapy university students in the United Arab Emirates using a self-administrated structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised three sections covering beliefs, perceptions, and clinical manifestations of the pre- and post-COVID- 19 vaccination. The survey was shared with more than 300 students through email and social platforms during the time between January 2022 till December 2022. Most of the physiotherapy students believed the vaccines to be safe (71.3%) due to multiple reasons while others did not believe in the effectiveness of the vaccine (28.7%). Some students did report unusual symptoms (painful periods, hair loss, forgetfulness) after the vaccine (10%). Similar findings were reported for family members as well (14%). Students had a positive perception of the vaccine and reported willingness to take it even if not mandatory (68%). Some students did believe in the safety of the vaccine due to multiple reasons while some did not due to fear of long-term side effects and personal choices. The finding of the study could be useful to create confidence as well as awareness among physiotherapy students as they are often invited to aid during medical pandemics such as Covid 19. Also, higher rates of vaccination among healthcare professionals will impart higher acceptance in the medical organization due to safety guidelines. This could also help to counsel other students against fear and apprehension towards the vaccination of such kind in the future.
Study design and baseline to evaluate water service provision among peri-urban communities in Kasai Oriental, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kirsch Kathleen , Nagel Corey , Iribagiza Chantal , Ecklu John , Zawadi Ghislaine Akonkwa , Ntabaza Pacifique Mugaruka , Barstow Christina , Lund Andrea J. , Harper James , Carlton Elizabeth , Javernick-Will Amy , Linden Karl , Thomas Evan
Published: April 2023

We present a study design and baseline results to establish the impact of interventions on peri-urban water access, security and quality in Kasai Oriental province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In standard development practice, program performance is tracked via monitoring and evaluation frameworks of varying sophistication and rigor. Monitoring and evaluation, while usually occurring nearly concurrently with program delivery, may or may not measure parameters that can identify performance with respect to the project’s overall goals. Impact evaluations, often using tightly controlled trial designs and conducted over years, challenge iterative program evolution. This study will pilot an implementation science impact evaluation approach in the areas immediately surrounding 14 water service providers, at each surveying 100 randomly-selected households and conducting water quality assessments at 25 randomly-selected households and five water points every three months. We present preliminary point-of-collection and point-of-use baseline data. This study is utilizing a variety of short- and medium-term monitoring and impact evaluation methods to provide feedback at multiple points during the intervention. Rapid feedback monitoring will assess the continuity of water services, point-of-consumption and point-of-collection microbial water quality, household water security, household measures of health status, ability and willingness to pay for water and sanitation service provision, and service performance monitoring. Long-term evaluation will focus on the use of qualitative comparative analysis whereby we will investigate the combination of factors that lead to improved water access, security and quality.
Food insecurity, dietary diversity and the right to adequate food among households in landslide-prone communities in Eastern Uganda: A cohort study
Authors: Nahalomo Aziiza , Iversen Per Ole , Andreassen Bård Anders , Kaaya Archileo , Rukooko Archangel Byaruhanga , Rukundo Peter Milton
Published: April 2023

We assessed food insecurity, dietary diversity and the right to adequate food among households in communities in Eastern Uganda that were affected by major landslides in 2010 and 2018. A prospective cohort study was applied to select 422 households during May-August (the food-plenty season) of 2019. In January-March (the food-poor season) of 2020, 388 households were re-assessed. Socio-demographic, food security, dietary diversity and right to adequate food data were collected using structured questionnaires. Four focus groups discussions and key informant interviews with 10 purposively sampled duty-bearers explored issues of food insecurity, dietary and the right to adequate food. The affected households had significantly higher mean (SE) food insecurity scores than controls, both during the food plenty season: 15.3 (0.5) vs. 10.8 (0.5), and during food-poor season: 15.9 (0.4) vs. 12.5 (0.0). The affected households had significantly lower mean (SE) dietary diversity scores than controls during the food plenty season: 5.4 (0.2) vs. 7.5 (0.2) and during the food poor season: 5.2 (0.2) vs. 7.3 (0.1). Multivariate analyses showed that the disaster event, education and main source of livelihood, were significantly associated with household food security and dietary diversity during the food-plenty season whereas during the food-poor season, the disaster event and education were associated with household food security and dietary diversity. During both food seasons, the majority of affected and control households reported to have consumed unsafe food. Cash-handout was the most preferred for ensuring the right to adequate food. Comprehension and awareness of human rights principles and state obligations were low. The severity of food-insecurity and dietary diversity differed significantly between the affected and control households during both food seasons. Moreover, the right to adequate food of landslide victims faced challenges to its realization. There is need for policy and planning frameworks that cater for seasonal variations, disaster effects and right to adequate food in order to reduce landslide victims’ vulnerability to food insecurity and poor dietary diversity. In the long-term, education and income diversification program interventions need to be integrated into disaster recovery programs since they are central in enhancing the resilience of rural livelihoods to shocks and stressors on the food system.
Development and validation of algorithms to build an electronic health record based cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Tukpah Ann-Marcia C. , Rose Jonathan A. , Seger Diane L. , Dellaripa Paul F. , Hunninghake Gary M. , Bates David W.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate methods of identifying patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes (M34*), electronic health record (EHR) databases and organ involvement keywords, that result in a validated cohort comprised of true cases with high disease burden.

Methods

We retrospectively studied patients in a healthcare system likely to have SSc. Using structured EHR data from January 2016 to June 2021, we identified 955 adult patients with M34* documented 2 or more times during the study period. A random subset of 100 patients was selected to validate the ICD-10 code for its positive predictive value (PPV). The dataset was then divided into a training and validation sets for unstructured text processing (UTP) search algorithms, two of which were created using keywords for Raynaud’s syndrome, and esophageal involvement/symptoms.

Results

Among 955 patients, the average age was 60. Most patients (84%) were female; 75% of patients were White, and 5.2% were Black. There were approximately 175 patients per year with the code newly documented, overall 24% had an ICD-10 code for esophageal disease, and 13.4% for pulmonary hypertension. The baseline PPV was 78%, which improved to 84% with UTP, identifying 788 patients likely to have SSc. After the ICD-10 code was placed, 63% of patients had a rheumatology office visit. Patients identified by the UTP search algorithm were more likely to have increased healthcare utilization (ICD-10 codes 4 or more times 84.1% vs 61.7%, p < .001), organ involvement (pulmonary hypertension 12.7% vs 6% p = .011) and medication use (mycophenolate use 28.7% vs 11.4%, p < .001) than those identified by the ICD codes alone.

Conclusion

EHRs can be used to identify patients with SSc. Using unstructured text processing keyword searches for SSc clinical manifestations improved the PPV of ICD-10 codes alone and identified a group of patients most likely to have SSc and increased healthcare needs.
Quantifying topical antimicrobial use before and during participation in an antimicrobial stewardship programme in Dutch companion animal clinics
Authors: Kardomatea Nafsika , Hopman Nonke E. M. , van Geijlswijk Ingeborg M. , Portengen Lützen , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Heederik Dick J. J. , Broens Els M.
Published: April 2023

The emergence of bacterial strains resistant to topical antimicrobials in both human and veterinary medicine has raised concerns over retaining the efficacy of these preparations. Yet, little information is available regarding the use of topical antimicrobials in either sector for planning targeted interventions. This study aims to quantify the use of topical antimicrobials in 44 Dutch companion animal clinics before and during their participation in an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP), to explore the effect of the intervention on topical antimicrobial use (AMU). Hence, prescription and clinic animal population data, collected from July 2012 until June 2018 were used. Specifically, the period from July 2012 until June 2015 was defined as pre-intervention period, whereas clinics started to participate in the ASP from March 2016 onwards. As quantification metric, the Defined Daily Dose for Animals (DDDA) was used and a mixed effect times series model with auto-regression was applied to monthly topical AMU data. The intervention effect was modelled using a step function with a change in (linear) time trend and clinic characteristics, as potential determinants of topical AMU, were assessed using a multivariable regression model. A seasonal pattern was identified, in the pre-intervention period, where topical AMU was highest in July-August and lowest in February-March. In addition, total topical AMU appeared to significantly decrease over time in the pre-intervention period and the proportion of dogs in the clinic was positively associated with topical AMU. The intervention effect was significant only for second line and for skin product AMU. This study demonstrates that during participation in an ASP, second line and skin product AMU decreased in Dutch companion animal clinics. Additionally, this study demonstrates the existence of a seasonal effect and a decrease in topical AMU over time already before introduction of a targeted intervention.
Course of recovery of respiratory muscle strength and its associations with exercise capacity and handgrip strength: A prospective cohort study among survivors of critical illness
Authors: Major Mel , van Egmond Maarten , Dettling-Ihnenfeldt Daniela , Ramaekers Stephan , Engelbert Raoul , van der Schaaf Marike
Published: April 2023

Background

Mechanical ventilation affects the respiratory muscles, but little is known about long-term recovery of respiratory muscle weakness (RMW) and potential associations with physical functioning in survivors of critical illness. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of recovery of RMW and its association with functional outcomes in patients who received mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study with 6-month follow-up among survivors of critical illness who received ≥ 48 hours of invasive mechanical ventilation. Primary outcomes, measured at 3 timepoints, were maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP/MEP). Secondary outcomes were functional exercise capacity (FEC) and handgrip strength (HGS). Longitudinal changes in outcomes and potential associations between MIP/MEP, predictor variables, and secondary outcomes were investigated through linear mixed model analysis.

Results

A total of 59 participants (male: 64%, median age [IQR]: 62 [53–66]) were included in this study with a median (IQR) ICU and hospital length of stay of 11 (8–21) and 35 (21–52) days respectively. While all measures were well below predicted values at hospital discharge (MIP: 68.4%, MEP 76.0%, HGS 73.3% of predicted and FEC 54.8 steps/2m), significant 6-month recovery was seen for all outcomes. Multivariate analyses showed longitudinal associations between older age and decreased MIP and FEC, and longer hospital length of stay and decreased MIP and HGS outcomes. In crude models, significant, longitudinal associations were found between MIP/MEP and FEC and HGS outcomes. While these associations remained in most adjusted models, an interaction effect was observed for sex.

Conclusion

RMW was observed directly after hospital discharge while 6-month recovery to predicted values was noted for all outcomes. Longitudinal associations were found between MIP and MEP and more commonly used measures for physical functioning, highlighting the need for continued assessment of respiratory muscle strength in deconditioned patients who are discharged from ICU. The potential of targeted training extending beyond ICU and hospital discharge should be further explored.
Risk factors associated with the discordance in kidney function decline rate in identical twins
Authors: Hwang Jeong Ah , Shin Jaeun , Cho Eunjung , Ahn Shin Young , Ko Gang-Jee , Kwon Young Joo , Kim Ji Eun
Published: April 2023

Background

The rate of kidney function decline is different for each individual regardless of any difference in the medical histories. This study set out to identify the risk factors for high discordance in kidney function decline in an identical twin cohort.

Methods

This study included 333 identical twins from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study who were categorized into two groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline: the slow and rapid progressor groups. The mean differences of variables were compared between the two groups. We calculated the difference in the annual eGFR change between twins and analyzed the risk factors associated with high discordance in twins who had > 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 /yr of the intra-twin difference in the annual eGFR decline. Identical twins with diabetes and baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded.

Results

The high discordance twins showed significant differences in body mass index; waist-to-hip ratio; total body fat percentage; and levels of blood hemoglobin, serum fasting glucose, albumin, triglyceride, and uric acid; however, there were no differences in low discordance twins. Multivariable logistic regression showed that blood hemoglobin level is the only significant factor associated with high discordance of eGFR decline in twins.

Conclusions

Blood hemoglobin level may play a role in the individual differences in kidney function decline.
Pharmacological activities of Artemisia absinthium and control of hepatic cancer by expression regulation of TGFβ1 and MYC genes
Authors: Sohail Jannat , Zubair Muhammad , Hussain Khadim , Faisal Muhammad , Ismail Muhammad , Haider Imran , Mumtaz Rabia , Khan Asif Ali , Khan Muhammad Asaf
Published: April 2023

Plant derived compounds have always been an important source of medicines and have received significant attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological properties. Millions of plant-based herbal or traditional medicines are used to cure various types of cancers especially due to activation of proliferative genes. The aim of the present study was to characterize the altered and attenuated gene expression of the selected growth factor namely Transforming growth factor Beta -1 (TGFβ1) and MYC in human hepatoma-derived (Huh7) liver cancer cell lines in response to extracts of Artemisia absinthium dissolved in selected organic solvents. Ethanolic, methanolic and acetone extract of different plant parts (leaf, stem and flowers) was used to access the antiproliferative activity by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR revealed that the transcript levels of TGFβ1 are induced in the samples treated with methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium. Furthermore, reduced expression levels of MYC gene was noticed in cancerous cells suggesting antiproliferative properties of the plant. This study further highlights the resistance profile of various microbes by antimicrobial susceptibility test with plant extracts. In addition, antidiabetic effect of Artemisia absinthium have also shown positive results. Our study elucidates the potentials of Artemisia absinthium as a medicinal plant, and highlights the differential expression of genes involved in its mitogenic and anti-proliferative activity with a brief account of its pharmacological action.
Effectiveness of a natural wellness group program using interactive real-time video for unmarried mothers: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Bang Kyung-Sook , Kim Sungjae , Choi Sinyoung , Lee Gumhee , Kim Misook , Shin Da-Ae
Published: April 2023

Background

Unmarried mothers who raise their children alone in South Korea experience various difficulties in maintaining their health. Improving the health of unmarried mothers, who are socioeconomically vulnerable, is important not only for them but also for the healthy growth and development of their children. We aimed to implement a natural wellness group program using an interactive real-time video platform for unmarried mothers and to verify its effects.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The participants were unmarried mothers raising children aged 0–6 years. The quantitative data collection occurred from August to November 2021. For the qualitative data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants from the experimental group. The experimental group received eight 90-minute weekly online sessions, whereas the control group received no intervention. The outcome variables were physical and mental health, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and parenting stress.

Results

A total of 42 unmarried mothers (21 experimental, 21 control) participated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed significant post-intervention differences in mental health, depression, and self-esteem in the experimental group. Moreover, a generalized estimating equation analysis revealed significant differences in self-esteem levels between the experimental and control groups. Four themes identified through qualitative analysis revealed that the natural wellness group program using interactive real-time video not only increased mothers’ vitality and relaxation but also improved depression and anxiety, and had a positive effect on parenting stress.

Conclusions

Natural wellness group programs using interactive real-time videos can help improve the psychological health of unmarried mothers with young children, a group that tends to be socially and psychologically marginalized.
Predictive value of gastrointestinal symptoms and patient risk factors for NSAID-associated gastrointestinal ulcers defined by endoscopy? Insights from a pooled analysis of two naproxen clinical trials
Authors: van de Laar Mart A. F. J. , Schöfl Rainer , Prevoo Marlou , Jastorff Jan
Published: April 2023

Objective

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to treat pain and rheumatic conditions. To facilitate patient management, we determined the predictive value of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and risk factors for the development of NSAID-associated GI injuries.

Methods

Post-hoc analysis of pooled data from naproxen treatment arms of two identical, randomized, double-blind, controlled phase 3 trials in arthritis patients at risk of GI adverse events. Endoscopic incidence of GI ulcers at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months was employed as a surrogate parameter for GI injury. For GI symptom analysis, Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment questionnaire was used. For GI risk factor analysis, the high risk factors: previous GI injury, concomitant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or corticosteroids, ulcer history, concomitant low-dose aspirin, and age >65 years were employed.

Results

Data of 426 naproxen patients were analyzed. Distribution of GI symptoms between patients with and without ulcer was similar; about one third of patients developing an ulcer reported no GI pain symptoms. GI symptoms experienced under naproxen treatment were thus not indicative of GI injury. The proportion of patients developing an ulcer increased with the number of risk factors present, however, about a quarter of patients without any of the analyzed risk factors still developed an ulcer.

Conclusion

GI symptoms and the number of risk factors are not reliable predictors of NSAID-induced GI injury to decide which patients need gastroprotection and will lead to a large group of patients with GI injuries. A preventive rather than reactive approach should be taken.
Recognition of brief sounds in rapid serial auditory presentation
Authors: Akça Merve , Vuoskoski Jonna Katariina , Laeng Bruno , Bishop Laura
Published: April 2023

Two experiments were conducted to test the role of participant factors (i.e., musical sophistication, working memory capacity) and stimulus factors (i.e., sound duration, timbre) on auditory recognition using a rapid serial auditory presentation paradigm. Participants listened to a rapid stream of very brief sounds ranging from 30 to 150 milliseconds and were tested on their ability to distinguish the presence from the absence of a target sound selected from various sound sources placed amongst the distracters. Experiment 1a established that brief exposure to stimuli (60 to 150 milliseconds) does not necessarily correspond to impaired recognition. In Experiment 1b we found evidence that 30 milliseconds of exposure to the stimuli significantly impairs recognition of single auditory targets, but the recognition for voice and sine tone targets impaired the least, suggesting that the lower limit required for successful recognition could be lower than 30 milliseconds for voice and sine tone targets. Critically, the effect of sound duration on recognition completely disappeared when differences in musical sophistication were controlled for. Participants’ working memory capacities did not seem to predict their recognition performances. Our behavioral results extend the studies oriented to understand the processing of brief timbres under temporal constraint by suggesting that the musical sophistication may play a larger role than previously thought. These results can also provide a working hypothesis for future research, namely, that underlying neural mechanisms for the processing of various sound sources may have different temporal constraints.