bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma travessia transatlântica: a primeira geração de mediadores e mediadoras da obra de Bourdieu no Brasil
Authors: Rocha Maria Eduarda da Mota
Published: April 2022

O artigo apresenta os resultados de pesquisa sobre a participação brasileira na rede científica criada em torno de Pierre Bourdieu e seus(uas) colaboradores(as), especialmente Monique de Saint Martin, nos anos de 1970 e 1980, nos centros de pesquisa que ele dirigia. Pensando  a circulação internacional das ideias a partir dos agentes, identificamos questões relativas  aos três momentos decisivos da trajetória dos que introduziram a obra de Bourdieu no  Brasil:  1) as suas formas de inserçã o na rede, considerando as suas relaçõ es anteriores, os vínculos institucionais, os capitais mobilizados; 2) os indícios do processo de socializaçã o  dos(as) brasileiros(as) no grupo de Bourdieu formado no CSE e CSEC nas décadas de 1970 e  1980; 3) o momento de dissoluçã o da rede, que parece corresponder ao passo decisivo do  envelhecimento social dos(as) brasileiros(as), quando adquiriram postos importantes no  Brasil e desenvolveram seus próprios programas de pesquisa, ao tempo em que Bourdieu se  tornava um “pensador global”. Utilizamos para tanto, a análise de trajetórias baseada nas  cartas que ele trocou com esses agentes, catalogadas nos seus Arquivos, além de entrevistas  com os/as participantes da rede, os currículos Lattes e depoimentos disponíveis em revistas e  livros.
O andamento tensivo em Água viva, de Lispector: do improviso jazzístico a uma [quase] aria cantabile
Authors: Moreira Fernando de Freitas
Published: April 2022

Partindo da abordagem que coaduna as investigações sobre o contínuo e o descontínuo nos mais recentes estudos discursivos, valemo-nos de Claude Zilberberg e de Luiz Tatit para nos acercar do andamento que tece um ritmo entoativo no discurso lispectoriano em Água viva. A obra, publicada em 1973, trata de esboços e de um ensaio sobre o instante exemplar contido em cada instante trivial. Como se manipulasse um caleidoscópio de temas atemáticos, a enunciação os reúne em uma espécie de diário afetivo, que lhes confere ordenamento, sensibilidade e ampliação de sentidos. O discursoentoação revela a cifra tensiva e, em última instância, inscreve o éthos e o estarno-mundo do referido enunciador, posicionando-o a partir da presença marcante de um ser em construção e em busca de perguntas em lugar de respostas.
A resistência no exílio: o Portugal Democrático na voz de seus colaboradores
Authors: Travancas Isabel Siqueira
Published: April 2022

O jornal Portugal Democrático foi criado em São Paulo em 1956 por um grupo de exilados portugueses no Brasil com o objetivo de lutar contra a ditadura salazarista. O periódico circulou até 1975, um ano depois da Revolução dos Cravos por fim ao Estado Novo português. Busca-se apresentar a história do jornal, não apenas através de suas manchetes e artigos, mas também do discurso de seus produtores. O periódico reuniu em suas páginas intelectuais, políticos, artistas e advogados de diversas vertentes políticas como republicanos, socialistas e, principalmente, comunistas. Seus depoimentos redimensionam a história do jornal e o seu papel na luta além-mar contra o fascismo em Portugal.
Weak Association Between Genetic Markers of Hyperuricemia and Cardiorenal Outcomes: Insights From the STANISLAS Study Cohort With a 20‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Xhaard Constance , Le Floch Edith , Dandine‐Roulland Claire , Girerd Nicolas , Ferreira João Pedro , Boivin Jean‐Marc , Wagner Sandra , Bacq‐Daian Delphine , Deleuze Jean‐François , Zannad Faiez , Rossignol Patrick
Published: April 2022

Background

Hyperuricemia is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes, although it is uncertain whether this relationship is causal in nature. This study aimed to: (1) assess the heritability of serum uric acid (SUA) levels, (2) conduct a genome‐wide association study on SUA levels, and (3) investigate the association between certain single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and target organ damage.

Methods and Results

The STANISLAS (Suivi Temporaire Annuel Non‐Invasif de la Santé des Lorrains Assurés Sociaux) study cohort is a single‐center longitudinal cohort recruited between 1993 and 1995 (visit 1), with a last visit (visit 4 [V4]) performed ≈20 years apart. Serum lipid profile, SUA, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, pulse wave velocity, and genotyping for each participant were assessed at V4. A total of 1573 participants were included at V4, among whom 1417 had available SUA data at visit 1. Genome‐wide association study results highlighted multiple single‐nucleotide polymorphisms on the
SLC2A9
gene linked to SUA levels. Carriers of the most associated mutated
SLC2A9
allele (
rs16890979
) had significantly lower SUA levels. Although SUA level at V4 was highly associated with diabetes, prediabetes, higher body mass index, CRP (C‐reactive protein) levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate variation (visit 1–V4), carotid intima‐media thickness, and pulse wave velocity,
rs16890979
was only associated with higher carotid intima‐media thickness.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that
rs16890979
, a genetic determinant of SUA levels located on the
SLC2A9
gene, is associated with carotid intima‐media thickness despite significant associations between SUA levels and several clinical outcomes, thereby lending support to the hypothesis of a link between SUA and cardiovascular disease.
Coronary Flow Variations Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Affect Diastolic Nonhyperemic Pressure Ratios More Than the Whole Cycle Ratios
Authors: Aetesam‐ur‐Rahman Muhammad , Zhao Tian X. , Paques Kitty , Oliveira Joana , Khialani Bharat , Kyranis Stephen , Braganza Denise M. , Clarke Sarah C. , Bennett Martin R. , West Nick E. J. , Hoole Stephen P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Post–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) fractional flow reserve ≥0.90 is an accepted marker of procedural success, and a cutoff of ≥0.95 has recently been proposed for post‐PCI instantaneous wave‐free ratio. However, stability of nonhyperemic pressure ratios (NHPRs) post‐PCI is not well characterized, and transient reactive submaximal hyperemia post‐PCI may affect their precision. We performed this study to assess stability and reproducibility of NHPRs post‐PCI.

Methods and Results

Fifty‐seven patients (age, 63.77±10.67 years; men, 71%) underwent hemodynamic assessment immediately post‐PCI and then after a recovery period of 10, 20, and 30 minutes and repeated at 3 months. Manual offline analysis was performed to derive resting and hyperemic pressure indexes (Pd/Pa resting pressure gradient, mathematically derived instantaneous wave‐free ratio, resting full cycle ratio, and fractional flow reserve) and microcirculatory resistances (basal microvascular resistance and index of microvascular resistance).

Transient submaximal hyperemia occurring post‐PCI was demonstrated by longer thermodilution time at 30 minutes compared with immediately post‐PCI; mean difference of thermodilution time was 0.17 seconds (95% CI, 0.07–0.26 seconds;
P
=0.04). Basal microcirculatory resistance was also higher at 30 minutes than immediately post‐PCI; mean difference of basal microvascular resistance was 10.89 mm Hg.s (95% CI, 2.25–19.52 mm Hg.s;
P
=0.04). Despite this, group analysis confirmed no significant differences in the values of resting whole cycle pressure ratios (Pd/Pa and resting full cycle ratio) as well as diastolic pressure ratios (diastolic pressure ratio and mathematically derived instantaneous wave‐free ratio). Whole cardiac cycle NHPRs demonstrated the best overall stability post‐PCI, and 1 in 5 repeated diastolic NHPRs crossed the clinical decision threshold.

Conclusions

Whole cycle NHPRs demonstrate better reproducibility and clinical precision post‐PCI than diastolic NHPRs, possibly because of less perturbation from predominantly diastolic reactive hyperemia and left ventricular stunning.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03502083
; Unique identifier: NCT03502083 and URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03076476
; Unique identifier: NCT03076476.
Moth flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Portugal with descriptions of a new genus, new species and additions to the fauna of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: WAGNER RÜDIGER , ANDRADE RUI , GONÇALVES ANA
Published: April 2022

Collections of Psychodidae in Portugal revealed a number of new species and a new genus for this country and the Iberian Peninsula. New species described are: Pneumia portuguesa sp. nov., Ulomyia iberica sp. nov., Clytocerus ibericus sp. nov., Pericoma estrelica sp. nov., and Psychoda iucunda sp. nov.. Heteroberdeniella gen. nov. is proposed with Berdeniella jaramensis (Wagner) as type species and Heteroberdeniella guardarramica sp. nov. is also included. Most species and genera are members of the West Palearctic fauna, but the genus Mystropsychoda Duckhouse is mentioned for the first time out of the Afrotropical realm. Distribution patterns of several genera and species cover at least the Mediterranean area and in addition indicate biogeographic relationships to the Afrotropical realm and particularly the East African mountain chains.
Media Framing and Agenda Setting (Tone) in News Coverage of Hurricane Harvey: A Content Analysis of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Houston Chronicle from 2017 to 2018
Authors: Ali S. M. Asger , Gill Duane A.
Published: April 2022

Media organizations can quickly disseminate information from official sources to the general population. The media play a vital role before, during, and after a hazard incident or natural disaster by broadcasting early warnings, coordinating emergency management strategies, providing timely updates, and offering advice on protective actions. Therefore, it is important to examine how news media use various framing devices such as story selection, placement, length, and quotations from officials and citizens in their crisis news coverage. We investigate print media coverage of Hurricane Harvey utilizing data from three newspapers: the New York Times (online), the Wall Street Journal (online), and the Houston Chronicle. By examining the use of descriptors, quotes, and wording about Hurricane Harvey, our research explores how media coverage framed and created a tone for the government and private sectors for their roles in response and recovery processes. Findings reveal that the human-interest frame received the most media attention, whereas the morality frame received less attention. For tone, we find that the overall tone for the government response was balanced and less negative. However, the media tone varies among three levels of government: the tone for the federal government was more negative, whereas the tone for the city and state levels of government was slightly positive. For private sectors, we found that the for-profit sector coverage had a strong negative tone, whereas the nonprofit sector received a strong positive tone. By offering a descriptive analysis of framing and tone, our study reveals how print media sources portray actors involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts for Hurricane Harvey.
Metaphors in End-of-Life Dreams in Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Secondary Qualitative Study
Authors: Nyblom Stina , Molander Ulla , Benkel Inger
Published: April 2022

Background: Metaphors are used by patients and professionals in the discourse of disease and can facilitate conversations about difficult topics. There is little information about metaphors present in patients’ end-of-life dreams. Objective: Identify and interpret metaphors in end-of-life dreams, directly reported by patients in palliative care. Design: A qualitative study with a secondary analysis of transcribed face-to-face interviews with patients. Setting/Participants: The study includes 25 patients with end-stage disease receiving advanced end-of-life palliative care. In total, 41 interviews were performed. Results: Metaphors applicable to 3 themes were found: the journey toward death, the inevitability of death and death itself. The underlying meaning of the metaphors is often related to topics and emotions commonly relevant in dialogue with patients near death. Patients, however, often seemed unaware of the meaning of their dream metaphors. Conclusion: Metaphors pertaining to death are present in end-of-life dreams in patients with end-stage disease. We hypothesize that encouraging patients to talk about their dreams can expose metaphors that could facilitate end-of-life discussions.
Linking assessments to program outcomes in practitioner-oriented EdD programs: An alternative to comprehensive examinations
Authors: Capello Sarah A
Published: April 2022

For decades, the field of education has been criticized for failing to distinguish between the PhD and EdD degrees. However, the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate has recently redefined the EdD as a professional practice doctorate and offered a framework for program (re)design that includes the generation and application of practitioner knowledge to identify, investigate, and solve problems of practice. This renewed focus on (re)designing EdD programs provides a timely segue into rethinking doctoral assessments in EdD programs. This document analysis demonstrates how one near-ubiquitous assessment, the comprehensive examination, can be reimagined to serve as a site for reinforcing practitioner-oriented program outcomes. This manuscript reports how an EdD program implemented alternative comprehensive examinations to support student growth toward a variety of practitioner-oriented program outcomes. The findings indicate that the alternative assessments fostered student growth in all program outcomes and allowed students to meet several purposes of traditional comprehensive exams while also demonstrating that other purposes of comprehensive exams are misaligned with revised visions for EdD education. The implications of this study are that EdD assessments should be aligned with program outcomes and that program administrators should abandon traditional comprehensive exams for assessments that support practitioner growth and development.
Antibacterial activities and action mode of anti-hyperlipidemic lomitapide against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhang Yufang , Zhang Yiying , Chen Chengchun , Cheng Hang , Deng Xiangbin , Li Duoyun , Bai Bing , Yu Zhijian , Deng Qiwen , Guo Jie , Wen Zewen
Published: April 2022

Background

The increasing emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections necessitates new antibacterial agents with novel mechanisms of action that can be used to treat these infections. Lomitapide has been approved by FDA for years in reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia, whereas the antibacterial effect of lomitapide remains elusive. In this study, the inhibitory activities of lomitapide against Gram-positive bacteria were the first time explored. Quantitative proteomics analysis was then applied to investigate the mechanisms of action of lomitapide.

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of lomitapide against Gram-positive bacteria including both methicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and Streptococcus agalactiae were range 12.5–50 μM. Moreover, lomitapide also inhibited anti-biofilm activity against clinical S. aureus isolates. A total of 106 proteins with > 1.5-fold changes in expression were identified upon 1/2 × MIC lomitapide exposure, including 83 up-regulated proteins and 23 down-regulated proteins. Based on bioinformatics analysis, the expression of cell wall damage response proteins including two-component system VraS/VraR, lipoteichoic acid (LPA) D-alanylnation related proteins D-alanyl carrier protein (dltC) and carrier protein ligase (dltA), methionine sulfoxide reductases (mrsA1 and mrsB) were up-regulated. Moreover, the expression of SaeS and multiple fibrinogen-binding proteins (SAOUHSC_01110, FnBPB, SAOUHSC_02802, SdrC, SdrD) which were involved in the bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, was inhibited by lomitapide. Furthermore, VraS/VraR deletion mutant (ΔvraSR) showed an enhanced lomitapide sensitivity phenotype.

Conclusion

Lomitapide displayed broad antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial effect of lomitapide may be caused by cell wall destruction, while the anti-biofilm activity may be related to the inhibition of surface proteins.
Effect of growth medium nitrogen and phosphorus on nutritional composition of Lemna minor (an alternative fish and poultry feed)
Authors: Ullah Hafiz , Gul Bakhtiar , Khan Haroon , Akhtar Naveed , Rehman Khushnood Ur , Zeb Umar
Published: April 2022

Duckweed (Lemna minor L.) is an aquatic macrophyte and grows profoundly on the surface of polluted water reservoirs of Pakistan. The plant can be used as a potential alternative for the fish and poultry industry to meet the promptly growing demand for feed. Our study investigates the effect of varying concentrations (ppm) of nutrients like N, P, and their combination, NP on biomass production, carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and mineral (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn & Zn) contents of L. minor. The varying concentrations of N and P substantially affected the above-stated parameters. The highest biomass yield was recorded in the 30 ppm NP tank as 172 g/m2 day in comparison with the control tank. Higher protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents were recorded for 30 ppm NP, 20 ppm NP, and 10 ppm NP respectively. Minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn & Zn increased in 20 ppm P and all N concentrations. The combined application of NP was more effective in boosting the protein, carbohydrate, and lipid content whereas less effective in increasing the mineral contents. A rise in the concentration of N and P showed a positive correlation with the nutritional composition of L. minor.
Hyperuricemia is associated with an increased prevalence of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Hu Xianqing , Fu Shenwen , Wang Saibin
Published: April 2022

Background

Little is known about the association between hyperuricemia and ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Methods

The data from a cohort of STEMI patients undergoing PPCI at our center from January 2013 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The endpoint of the study was the occurrence of VT/VF, including (1) non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) on Holter monitoring; (2) sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT)/VF on cardiac monitoring.

Results

Of the 634 patients included in the study, 147 (23.2%) of them had hyperuricemia. The occurrence of VT/VF after PPCI was significantly higher in patients with hyperuricemia (19.0 vs. 9.4%,p = 0.001) compared with those without hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia was associated with a significantly higher risk of VF/VT (odds ratio (OR) 2.11; 95% CI 1.11–4.03;p = 0.024). The strength of this association remained statistically after adjustments for age, sex, history of hypertension, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypersensitive C reactive protein, plasma natrium, peak troponin I, fasting glucose, B-type natriuretic peptides and VT/VF in PPCI (adjusted odds ratio 2.73; 95% CI 1.19–6.27;p = 0.018).

Conclusions

There is a significant association between hyperuricemia and increased prevalence of VT/VF in STEMI patients after PPCI, independently of multiple risk factors and potential confounders.
Comparison of statistical models for estimating intervention effects based on time-to-recurrent-event in stepped wedge cluster randomized trial using open cohort design
Authors: Oyamada Shunsuke , Chiu Shih-Wei , Yamaguchi Takuhiro
Published: April 2022

Background

There are currently no methodological studies on the performance of the statistical models for estimating intervention effects based on the time-to-recurrent-event (TTRE) in stepped wedge cluster randomised trial (SWCRT) using an open cohort design. This study aims to address this by evaluating the performance of these statistical models using an open cohort design with the Monte Carlo simulation in various settings and their application using an actual example.

Methods

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we evaluated the performance of the existing extended Cox proportional hazard models, i.e., the Andersen-Gill (AG), Prentice-Williams-Peterson Total-Time (PWP-TT), and Prentice-Williams-Peterson Gap-time (PWP-GT) models, using the settings of several event generation models and true intervention effects, with and without stratification by clusters. Unidirectional switching in SWCRT was represented using time-dependent covariates.

Results

Using Monte Carlo simulations with the various described settings, in situations where inter-individual variability do not exist, the PWP-GT model with stratification by clusters showed the best performance in most settings and reasonable performance in the others. The only situation in which the performance of the PWP-TT model with stratification by clusters was not inferior to that of the PWP-GT model with stratification by clusters was when there was a certain amount of follow-up period, and the timing of the trial entry was random within the trial period, including the follow-up period. In situations where inter-individual variability existed, the PWP-GT model consistently underperformed compared to the PWP-TT model. The AG model performed well only in a specific setting. By analysing actual examples, it was found that almost all the statistical models suggested that the risk of events during the intervention condition may be somewhat higher than in the control, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

When estimating the TTRE-based intervention effects of SWCRT in various settings using an open cohort design, the PWP-GT model with stratification by clusters performed most reasonably in situations where inter-individual variability was not present. However, if inter-individual variability was present, the PWP-TT model with stratification by clusters performed best.
Increased expression of NOP14 is associated with improved prognosis due to immune regulation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lu Caijie , Liao Weihua , Huang Yiwen , Huang Yaoxing , Luo Yuqi
Published: April 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common of cancer-related deaths. Nucleolar protein 14 (NOP14) is known to play different roles in diverse types of cancers. However, little is known about its roles in CRC. Here, we assessed the prognostic value and functions of NOP14 in CRC using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and validated them based on the data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO).

Methods

NOP14 mRNA and protein data in CRC was obtained from the TCGA, GEO, human protein atlas (HPA), and UALCAN databases. Survival and Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the prognostic value of NOP14 in CRC patients. Next, to evaluate the potential functions of NOP14, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of differential expression genes (DEGs) associated with dysregulated NOP14 was performed. Finally, to investigate the immune response associated with NOP14 expression in CRC, we analyzed the correlations between immune cells infiltration and NOP14 expression level. Additionally, the correlations between immune molecule expression levels with NOP14 expression level were analyzed.

Results

High NOP14 mRNA expression was observed in CRC tissues based on the data from TCGA and GEO datasets. Similarly, high NOP14 protein levels were found in CRC tissues according to the immunohistochemical images from HPA. Interestingly, high NOP14 expression level was associated with an improved prognosis in CRC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that high NOP14 expression level was an independent protective factor for CRC patients. With the support of PPI network analysis, we found several risk genes interacted with NOP14. GSEA revealed that high NOP14 expression inhibited several signal pathways involved in tumor formation and development. Additionally, high NOP14 expression was positively associated with most kinds of immune cell infiltrations and the expression levels of some molecules related to immune activation.

Conclusion

Altogether, these results indicated that high NOP14 expression leads to improved prognosis in CRC patients by inhibiting the signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and promoting the immune responses.
Comparison of five-year survival rates among patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma with and without association with syphilis: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Hertel Moritz , Hagedorn Leonie , Schmidt-Westhausen Andrea Maria , Dommisch Henrik , Heiland Max , Preissner Robert , Preissner Saskia
Published: April 2022

Background

Syphilis is an infectious disease that is at least discussed to be premalignant. This potential, combined with its general pathological impact, raises the question if syphilis increases mortality in oral cancer patients. The aim of the study was to assess if the five-year survival rates among patients suffering from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with (cohort I) and without association with syphilis (cohort II) differ.

Methods

Retrospective clinical data of patients diagnosed with OSCC (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-10 codes C01–06) within the past 20 years from the access date September 25, 2021 were retrieved from the TriNetX network (TriNetX, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) to gain initial cohort 0. Subjects also diagnosed with syphilis (ICD-10 codes A51–53) were assigned to cohort I. Cohort II was comprised of the remaining individuals of cohort 0 by creating a group with the same number of patients as cohort I, and by matching for age and gender. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed, and risk, odds and hazard ratios were calculated.

Results

Of a total of 73,736 patients in cohort 0, 199 individuals were each assigned to cohort I and II. During the five-year period after tumor diagnosis, 39 and 30 patients in cohort I and II died. The five-year survival probabilities did not significantly differ between the cohorts (I vs. II = 74.19% vs. 75.01%; p = 0.52; Log-Rank test), nor the risk of dying (I vs. II = 19.6% vs. 15.08%; risk difference = 4.52%; p = 0.23). The calculated risk, odds and hazard ratios were 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.84; 2.00), 1.37 (95% CI = 0.81; 2.31) and 1.17 (95% CI = 0.73; 1.88), respectively.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate that the survival rate of individuals with OSCC might not be negatively influenced if syphilis is present/associated. However, the results need to be interpreted cautiously due to limitations related to the retrospective approach, especially as data on the tumor staging were not accessible.

Trial registration

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, no registration was necessary.
Cost-effectiveness of procalcitonin for detection of serious bacterial infections in children presenting with fever without source
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero Patiño Diana
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Procalcitonin (PCT) offers better specificity than C-reactive protein (CRP) to detect SBI. However, their cost limited their use and routine application. The objective of this work is to determine the cost-effectiveness of PCT against CPR or Rochester scale in infants between 1 and 3 months from the perspective of the third payer in Colombia.

Methods

A Monte Carlo simulation was performed with a hypothetical cohort of 10,000 patients with fever without focus (FWS) between 1 to 3 months, to estimate the number of cases correctly diagnosed for each test and the associated costs with each test.

Results

The test with the highest number of correctly diagnosed cases was PCT 79%, followed by C-reactive protein 75%, and the Rochester scale 68%. The test with the lowest cost per patient was PCT $645 (95% CI US$646-US$645) followed by C-reactive protein U$ 653 (95% CI US$655-$645) and Rochester scale US$804 (95% CI US$807-US$804). This position of dominance of PCT eliminated the need to calculate an incremental cost effectiveness ratio.

Conclusions

PCT is the most cost-effective strategy for the detection of IBS in infants with FWS. These results should be interpreted within the clinical context of the patient and not as a single method for therapeutic decision-making.
Does mothers’ and caregivers' access to information on their child’s vaccination card impact the timing of their child’s measles vaccination in Uganda?
Authors: Griffith Bridget C. , Cusick Sarah E. , Searle Kelly M. , Negoescu Diana M. , Basta Nicole E. , Banura Cecily
Published: April 2022

Introduction

On-time measles vaccination is essential for preventing measles infection among children as early in life as possible, especially in areas where measles outbreaks occur frequently. Characterizing the timing of routine measles vaccination (MCV1) among children and identifying risk factors for delayed measles vaccination is important for addressing barriers to recommended childhood vaccination and increasing on-time MCV1 coverage. We aim to assess the timing of children's MCV1 vaccination and to investigate the association between demographic and healthcare factors, mothers'/caregivers' ability to identify information on their child’s vaccination card, and achieving on-time (vs. delayed) MCV1 vaccination.

Methods

We conducted a population-based, door-to-door survey in Kampala, Uganda, from June–August of 2019. We surveyed mothers/caregivers of children aged one to five years to determine how familiar they were with their child’s vaccination card and to determine their child’s MCV1 vaccination status and timing. We assessed the proportion of children vaccinated for MCV1 on-time and delayed, and we evaluated the association between mothers'/caregivers' ability to identify key pieces of information (child’s birth date, sex, and MCV1 date) on their child’s vaccination card and achieving on-time MCV1 vaccination.

Results

Of the 999 mothers/caregivers enrolled, the median age was 27 years (17–50), and median child age was 29 months (12–72). Information on vaccination status was available for 66.0% (n = 659) of children. Of those who had documentation of MCV1 vaccination (n = 475), less than half (46.5%; n = 221) achieved on-time MCV1 vaccination and 53.5% (n = 254) were delayed. We found that only 47.9% (n = 264) of the 551 mothers/caregivers who were asked to identify key pieces of information on their child's vaccination card were able to identify the information, but ability to identify the key pieces of information on the card was not independently associated with achieving on-time MCV1 vaccination.

Conclusion

Mothers'/caregivers' ability to identify key pieces of information on their child’s vaccination card was not associated with achieving on-time MCV1 vaccination. Further research can shed light on interventions that may prompt or remind mothers/caregivers of the time and age when their child is due for measles vaccine to increase the chance of the child receiving it at the recommended time.
Protection motivation theory and smoking quitting intention: findings based on structural equation modelling and mediation analysis
Authors: Lin Haoxiang , Chen Meijun , Yun Qingping , Zhang Lanchao , Chang Chun
Published: April 2022

Objective

Although many smoking cessation strategies have been implemented, only a few strategies at the population level are grounded in theory. Even in those interventions based on specific theories, most studies have focused only on the outcome. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of protection motivation theory (PMT) in explaining smoking quitting behaviour among adults, with the goal of providing valuable evidence for further intervention strategies.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were randomly selected on the street from 26 provinces in mainland China. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess the reliability of the individual PMT constructs. We applied structural equation modelling (SEM) to test how well the PMT constructs predicted intention. A bootstrap test was performed to test the potential mediators.

Results

The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of all the subscales ranged from 0.71 to 0.74. Greater intentions were significantly associated with higher threat appraisal (Coef. = 0.18,P < 0.01) and coping appraisal (Coef. = 0.24,P < 0.01). Threat appraisal was significantly associated with higher perceived severity and vulnerability but inversely associated with extrinsic rewards and intrinsic rewards. Coping appraisal was significantly associated with higher self-efficacy and response efficacy but inversely associated with response cost. The R2of quitting intention was 0.12, which means that 12% of quitting intention was predicted by PMT constructs. For threat appraisal, approximately 19.8% of the effects on lower threat appraisal were mediated by higher extrinsic rewards. For coping appraisal, approximately 42.8% of the effects on higher coping appraisal were mediated by higher response efficacy.

Conclusion

This study finds that PMT is a sound theoretical framework for predicting smoking quitting intention among adults. Coping appraisal has a stronger effect than threat appraisal for predicting quitting intention. Mediation analyses confirmed that extrinsic rewards and response efficacy mediated the relationship between PMT constructs and quitting intention. Our findings are essential for understanding quitting behaviour among adults and support more effective smoking cessation activities.
Dental fear in school children and young adults attending public dental health care: prevalence and relationship to gender, oral disease and dental treatment; trends over 40 years
Authors: Nydell Helkimo Anna , Rolander Bo , Koch Göran
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To study prevalence of dental fear and the relationship to gender, oral disease and dental treatment between 1973 and 2013 in school children and young adults attending public dental health care.

Methods

Every ten years from 1973 to 2013 random samples of about 100 individuals in each of the age groups 10, 15 and 20 years took part in a repeated cross-sectional study based on clinical parameters and a questionnaire. Dental fear was estimated by the question: “What do you feel at the prospect of an appointment with a dentist?”. 75–99% of the samples answered the question. Agreement to at least one of the alternative answers: ill at ease, frightened and sick defined dental fear. Frightened and/or sick indicated severe dental fear. The prevalence of caries, gingivitis and number of filled tooth surfaces were calculated. Chi-square tests were used to show differences in proportions between groups and linear regression to show trends over time.

Results

Prevalence of dental fear declined in all age groups over time. In the 20-year olds dental fear was found in 29% of the sample and severe dental fear in 12% of girls and 5% of boys in 2013. Individuals with dental fear had higher mean caries prevalence and number of filled tooth surfaces compared with individuals without dental fear.

Conclusions

This 40-year time trend study showed a reduction in dental fear prevalence in school children and young adults offered regular public dental health care based on prevention and a psychological approach.
The prevalence of dental fear was still high in 2013 despite a significant decline in caries during the study period. Further improvements in the psychological approach when treating children are thus needed.
Digital intraoral scanner devices: a validation study based on common evaluation criteria
Authors: Róth Ivett , Czigola Alexandra , Fehér Dóra , Vitai Viktória , Joós-Kovács Gellért Levente , Hermann Péter , Borbély Judit , Vecsei Bálint
Published: April 2022

Background

The evolution of intraoral scanners (IOSs) is rapid, and new IOSs appear on the market with different properties depending on the manufacturers. There is no uniform rating system based on a defined set of aspects that has reported in the literature that can be used to compare these devices. This validation study aimed to compare different IOSs based on objective and comprehensive parameters.

Methods

In this study, 12 different IOSs were examined. The IOSs that were tested in this study in order of their delivery included the 3Shape Trios 3 Pod®, Planmeca Emerald®, Straumann DWIO®, GC Aadva®, iTero Element 2®, CEREC Primescan®, Medit i500®, 3Shape Trios 4 Move®, Carestream CS3600®, 3Shape Trios 4 Pod®, Carestream CS3700®, and Planmeca Emerald S®. IOSs were evaluated in four different ways: (a)summary chart, (b)comparative assessment, (c)data based on in vitro measurements and (d)accuracy measurements. A scoring system was created to enable an objective rating of IOSs.

Results

The differences among IOSs were demonstrated in point scores (summary chart[max. 10 points] + weight of IOSs[max. 2.5 points] + circumference of IOSs[max. 2.5 points] + in vitro scanning time[max. 2.5 points] + pauses in data capture[max. 2.5 points] + accuracy[max. 10 points] = summary[max. 30 points]). Trios 4 Pod achieved the greatest cumulative score (23.37 points), furthermore it earned the highest points for summary chart and scanning speed. Regarding scanning continuity, the best-performing IOSs, which tied at identical point scores, were the Trios 3 and 4 Pod, Trios 4 Move, iTero Element 2, CS3600 and CS3700. The most accurate IOS was the CEREC Primescan, although it earned the lowest points of the comparative assessment (heaviest IOS). GC Aadva scored 5.73 points of a maximum of 30 points, which was the poorest result in this study.

Conclusion

The scoring system reflects the differences among IOS devices based on the evaluated objective parameters and can be used to help clinicians select the right IOS device. The new generations of IOSs have more special properties, and their accuracy is higher than the previous versions.

Trial registration The permission for this study was granted by University Ethics Committee of Semmelweis University (SE RKEB number:108/2019).
Analyzing the effect of interview time and day on emergency medicine residency interview scores
Authors: O’Connell Alanna , Greco Sean , Zhan Tingting , Brader Tracy , Crossman Megan , Naples Robin , Sielicki Anthony , Gallagher Megan Stobart , Tomaselli Peter , Papanagnou Dimitrios
Published: April 2022

Background

When it comes to scheduling interviews, medical students may wonder if they need a strategy to increase their likelihood of matching. Previous studies examined the temporal effects of the residency interview on overall match rate; however, there are additional factors that affect the match process, including board examination scores and letters of recommendation. Only few studies have examined the effect interview time of day has on match success. The current study examines the impact date and time of interview during the interview season have on candidates’ respective interview scores.

Methods

Interview data over a three-year period (i.e., three interview cycles) was examined at a PGY-1-3, ACGME-accredited EM residency program in Philadelphia. Date of interview and time of day of interview (i.e., morning versus afternoon) was examined. A linear regression analysis was performed to determine if there is a statistically-significant difference in overall interview scores based on date during the interview season and time of day.

Results

There is no statistically-significant effect of time of day or date on residency interview scores.

Conclusions

Our findings are congruent with other studies on the temporal effects of residency interviews on overall match rate. Findings should provide reassurance to students scheduling interviews, as time slots have not been found to have a significant relationship with overall interview score. Future studies should more holistically analyze the residency application process.
Exploring health service preparation for the COVID-19 crisis utilizing simulation-based activities in a Norwegian hospital: a qualitative case study
Authors: Stømer Une Elisabeth , Dieckmann Peter , Laudal Thomas , Skeie Kristi Bjørnes , Qvindesland Sigrun Anna , Ersdal Hege Langli
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic caused stress in healthcare organizations worldwide. Hospitals and healthcare institutions had to reorganize their services to meet the demands of the crisis. In this case study, we focus on the role of simulation as part of the pandemic preparations in a large hospital in Norway. The aim of this study is to explore hospital leaders' and simulation facilitators' expectations of, and experiences of utilizing simulation-based activities in the preparations for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a qualitative case study utilizing semi-structured in-depth interviews with hospital leaders and simulation facilitators in one large hospital in Norway. The data were sorted under three predefined research topics and further analyzed by inductive, thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke within these pre-defined topics.

Results

Eleven members of the hospital leadership and simulation facilitators were included in the study. We identified four themes explaining why COVID-19 related simulation-based activities were initiated, and perceived consequences of the activities; 1) a multifaceted method like simulation fitted a multifaceted crisis, 2) a well-established culture for simulation in the hospital was crucial for scaling up simulation-based activities during the crisis, 3) potential risks were outweighed by the advantages of utilizing simulation-based activities, and finally 4) hospital leaders and simulation facilitators retrospectively assessed the use of simulation-based activities as appropriate to prepare for a pandemic crisis.

Conclusions

The hospital leadership’s decision to utilize simulation-based activities in preparing for the COVID-19 crisis may be explained by many factors. First, it seems that many years of experience with systematic use of simulation-based activities within the hospital can explain the trust in simulation as a valuable tool that were easy to reach. Second, both hospital leaders and simulation facilitators saw simulation as a unique tool for the optimization of the COVID-19 response due to the wide applicability of the method. According to hospital leaders and simulation facilitators, simulation-based activities revealed critical gaps in training and competence levels, treatment protocols, patient logistics, and environmental shortcomings that were acted upon, suggesting that institutional learning took place.
Fuzzy identification of bioactive components for different efficacies of rhubarb by the back propagation neural network association analysis of UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE and integrated effects
Authors: Chen Jia-Qian , Chen Yan-Yan , Du Xia , Tao Hui-Juan , Pu Zong-Jin , Shi Xu-Qin , Yue Shi-Jun , Zhou Gui-Sheng , Shang Er-Xin , Tang Yu-Ping , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: April 2022

Background

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (rhubarb), as one of the typical representatives of multi-effect traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), has been utilized in the treatment of various diseases due to its multicomponent nature. However, there are few systematic investigations for the corresponding effect of individual components in rhubarb. Hence, we aimed to develop a novel strategy to fuzzily identify bioactive components for different efficacies of rhubarb by the back propagation (BP) neural network association analysis of ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for every data (UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE) and integrated effects.

Methods

Through applying the fuzzy chemical identification, most components of rhubarb were classified into different chemical groups. Meanwhile the integration effect values of different efficacies can be determined by animal experiment evaluation and multi-attribute comprehensive indexes. Then the BP neural network was employed for association analysis of components and different efficacies by correlating the component contents determined from UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE profiling and the integration effect values. Finally, the effect contribution of one type of components may be totaled to demonstrate the universal and individual characters for different efficacies of rhubarb.

Results

It suggested that combined anthraquinones, flavanols and their polymers may be the universal character to the multi-functional properties of rhubarb. Other components contributed to the individuality of rhubarb efficacies, including stilbene glycosides, anthranones and their dimers, free anthraquinones, chromones, gallic acid and gallotannins, butyrylbenzenes and their glycosides.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that the bioactive components for different efficacies of rhubarb were not exactly the same and can be systematically differentiated by the network-oriented strategy. These efforts will advance our knowledge and understanding of the bioactive components in rhubarb and provide scientific evidence to support the expansion of its use in clinical applications and the further development of some products based on this medicinal herb.
Mobile Subthreshold Exercise Program (MSTEP) for concussion: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chrisman Sara P. D. , Bollinger Beth J. , Mendoza Jason A. , Palermo Tonya M. , Zhou Chuan , Brooks M. Alison , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Subthreshold exercise, defined as aerobic exercise below the level that causes symptoms, has been utilized as a treatment for youth with persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS), but there is currently little evidence to guide use. In addition, prior studies of exercise for PPCS have all required multiple in-person visits. We developed a virtual approach for delivering subthreshold exercise to youth with PPCS called the Mobile Subthreshold Exercise Program (MSTEP), and we have now been funded to conduct a large national randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test its efficacy for reducing concussive symptoms and improving health-related quality of life.

Methods

This investigation is an RCT comparing MSTEP to an active control. We will recruit 200 adolescents 11–18 years old with postconcussive symptoms persisting for at least 1 week but less than 1 year. Youth will be randomized to receive either 6 weeks of subthreshold exercise (MSTEP) or a stretching condition (control). Youth and parents will complete surveys of concussive symptoms at baseline, weekly during the intervention, and at 3 and 6 months. The primary outcomes will be trajectory of concussive symptoms and health-related quality of life over the 6 months of the study. Secondary outcomes will include depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. We will also assess potential mediators of treatment effects including moderate-vigorous physical activity and fear avoidance of concussive symptoms.

Discussion

This multisite RCT of MSTEP will provide vital information regarding the efficacy of a virtually delivered subthreshold exercise program for youth with PPCS, and insight regarding potential mediators of treatment effects, including objectively measured physical activity and fear avoidance of concussive symptoms.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04688255. Registered on December 29, 2020.