bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retour à Saïs: à propos de quelques mots relatifs au tissage
Authors: Servajean Frédéric
Published: October 2022

Ma première rencontre avec Ramadan El-Sayed est, d’une certaine manière, due à la lecture de quelques passages des Lettres et journaux de Champollion se rapportant à Saïs, écrits lors de son voyage en Egypte. Sa description du site, datée du 14 septembre 1828, inspira au jeune homme que j’étais et qui ne connaissait pas encore l’Egypte une sensation de démesure et de désolation:

L’inondation occupait une très grande partie de cette enceinte au moment où je l’ai visitée. L’entrée (…) est tout à fait moderne ; on a abattu la muraille pour donner passage à un petit canal d’irrigation, et la coupe des murs présente les briques égyptiennes entremêlées de lits de paille parfaitement conservés. C’est par cette ouverture que je pénétrai dans l’intérieur, et il est impossible de rendre l’impression que produisit sur moi l’aspect de l’intérieur de cette enceinte si étendue. J’aperçus vers la gauche, et occupant le milieu sur une très grande longueur, une suite de ruines colossales se dessinant sous toutes sortes de formes bizarres et qui, du point de vue où je les voyais, semblaient être les ruines d’un palais de géants ; mais il existe un tel désordre et si peu d’accord entre les parties de cette ruine qu’il est impossible de se former une idée claire de l’ensemble du plan primitif.
The “Ontological Turn” in Anthropology: Self-Silencing Irrealism
Authors: Bråten Eldar
Published: October 2022

This article calls attention to problematic effects of the so-called “ontological turn” that now gains ground in academic anthropology, especially the entailments of perspectival multi-naturalism. I argue that a consistent embrace of this approach challenges public anthropology at its core. The irrealist grounding of perspectival multi-naturalism encourages withdrawal from both analysis and engagement, rendering the application of anthropological knowledge dubious. In order to counter this development, I suggest a reorientation in terms of realist principles, notably those of Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism. The diverging theoretical and ethical implications of these approaches are exemplified through a discussion of threats to health and life in Java, Indonesia.
A Hierarchy of Refugees: Fixing Vulnerability among Refugees from Mali in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bardelli Nora
Published: October 2022

This article discusses the pragmatic dimension humanitarian classifications and discourses play in hierarchical and discriminatory practices taking place in the refugee regime. It does so by focusing on the notion of “vulnerability,” very much used in contemporary humanitarianism. The paper deconstructs the two main uses/understandings of this notion: its use as a humanitarian tool to categorize those most in need among the humanitarian beneficiaries – i.e. its use to categorize “people with specific needs;” and its “unofficial” use by humanitarian workers. In addition to being both limited and stereotyped, they are further in contradictions with each other; yet, they both ultimately reproduce hierarchies and inequalities among refugees from Mali. Eventually, performing the ideal, vulnerable refugee becomes impossible for urban refugees in Burkina Faso, and most other refugees too, thus making it harder for them to be perceived as legitimate refugees in the eyes of the humanitarian community.
Narrating Islamic Origins in the Philippines: From Princess Urduja to Alexander the Great
Authors: Donoso Isaac
Published: October 2022

Different disconnected stories have been associated with the origins of Islam in the Philippines, enforcing historical narratives that have avoid placing the lens on other facts. The story of Princess Urduja that Ibn Baṭṭūṭa included in his Riḥla, dominated the ethos of an Edenic past with Arabic connections. The Spanish concept of Reconquista and the articulation of the so-called ‘Moro Wars’ pervaded ad nauseam the Moro condition and the Philippine national construction. The presence of Alexander the Great in Philippine silsilas have certainly received unequal attention, without going further than folklore. This paper aims to clarify myth and history in narrating the origins of Islam in the Philippines. In doing so recent historiographical trends and insights on Islamic mission in early modern Philippines are examined.
Technology-Mediated Communication and Representations of Islam in Northwest China: Insights from Visual Postings on Weixin
Authors: Cabras Giulia
Published: October 2022

During the last few decades, Muslim communities in China have experienced a religious revival in which belonging to a global Muslim community has been a central element. At the same time, in recent years, the State’s campaign of Sinicization of Islam (yisilan zhongguohua) has supported Chinese nationalism and targeted symbols of Islam that are alleged to distance the believers from patriotism.

This study explores the capacity for texts, language, and visual choices to build and shape sociality and forms of devotion and to reflect social and political changes.

The research examines visual posting on the multipurpose app Weixin (WeChat), providing insights into local forms of religiousness, self-representation, and aspirational identities of part of the Muslim community in Xining (Qinghai province, Northwest China).
An Innovation’s Path to Mathematics Textbooks: A Retrospective Analysis of the Successful Scaling of the Swedish PUMP Project
Authors: Prytz Johan , Ahl Linda Marie , Jankvist Uffe Thomas
Published: October 2022

In this study, we investigate how the results of the Swedish PUMP project (1973–1977) influenced the content of mathematics textbooks in Sweden. Through analyses of 26 mathematics textbooks and interviews with three key informants, we identified a large impact on textbooks and six different channels for spreading innovations to textbooks, but also teachers. We theoretically frame our results on Coburn’s four dimensions of scaling: depth, sustainability, spread, and shift in reform ownership. Our results showed that although the PUMP project was never officially implemented, its scaling followed a number of official channels. Thus, we argue that the project is an example of what may be referred to as informal implementation. We also hypothesize that while textbooks calling for a change in teaching practice rarely succeed as carriers of innovations, a change in content aligned with existing teaching practice can successfully facilitate scaling innovations without accompanying extensive professional development.

The impact sheet to this article can be accessed at 10.6084/m9.figshare.21080656.
Ethnic Proverbs as Kiswahili Verbal Art Performance
Authors: Mnenuka Angelus
Published: October 2022

The ever-growing expansion of Kiswahili as a lingua franca has depreciated the status of other languages in Tanzania and the ethnic verbal arts embedded in them. This includes proverbs. The disappearance of ethnic proverbs is unfortunate because proverbs serve several functions in society, including imparting wisdom and representing a culturally inherited worldview. Efforts to mainstream them into Kiswahili proverbial performances, the practical approach to rescue them from disappearing, have been relatively unsuccessful because translated ethnic proverbs lack proverbiality. Consequently, they cannot be mainstreamed into the Kiswahili proverb repertoire. In this paper, I argue that in order to deal with this problem, existing ethnic proverbs should be collected and translated into Kiswahili and finally fleshed out with aesthetic Kiswahili devices. Kiswahili proverbial features would enable them to gain immediate acceptance among Kiswahili speakers. In so doing, the endangered verbal art will be preserved.
Lady Huntingdon and the Church of England
Authors: Tyson John R.
Published: October 2022

Selina Shirley Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon (1707-1791), was one of the central figures in the eighteenth-century evangelical revival. Lady Huntingdon understood herself as an authentic daughter of the Church of England; she labored ceaselessly to bring renewal to the Church she loved. Among her innovations were the employment of lay preachers, the establishment of a ʽConnexionʼ of Methodist chapels within the Church of England, and the founding of the first Methodist theological college (Trevecca) in South Wales. Ironically, the very steps she took to bring renewal to the Church ultimately led to her separation from it.
Sea-Level Rise and State of Necessity: Maintaining Current Baselines and Outer Limits of National Maritime Zones
Authors: Virzo Roberto
Published: October 2022

For some coastal States, the rise in sea levels may cause the baselines and national maritime spaces to regress towards the coast. From a legal point of view, the question arises as to whether, in the event of such phenomenon occurring, the States concerned would be able to maintain their current baselines and outer limits of national maritime spaces. According to some authors, this would be prohibited by the existing rules of the international law of the sea. If this were the case, one would nevertheless still have to consider whether the States affected by sea-level rise could invoke a state of necessity in order not to apply, without committing an internationally wrongful act, any rules of international law stipulating that baselines are ambulatory. In order to answer that question, this essay examines and applies to the present case all the cumulative conditions laid down in Article 25 of the Draft Articles on State Responsibility adopted in 2001 by the International Law Commission.
The Italian Constitutional Court and the Use of Comparative Law: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Passaglia Paolo
Published: October 2022

The paper analyzes the use of comparative and foreign law by the Italian Constitutional Court. The author carries out an empirical study mainly with two purposes: measuring the impact of comparative law on the activity of the Court and classifying the functions of comparative law in the Court’s decision-making process.

It is impossible to identify all the cases where the Court considers comparative law. Nevertheless, references to comparative or foreign law in rulings can be regarded as significant hints. The Court’s case-law between 2000 and 2021 is examined, and 74 rulings with comparative references are identified. This data is the starting point of the analysis, which shows the increasing use of comparative law by the Constitutional Court. Moreover, the classification of these references shows the growing importance that comparative law has in the Court’s legal reasoning.
War and Peace in the Context of the Multilevel Legal Order for the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of the Persons Requested for the Execution of a European Arrest Warrant
Authors: Venturi Filippo
Published: October 2022

In two judgments issued on 18 November 2021, the Italian Constitutional Court requested the Court of Justice to give a preliminary ruling on the compatibility of the discipline of the European arrest warrant with respect to the fundamental rights of the requested persons as protected by the Italian Constitution and the Charter of the Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This comment expounds the fundamental points of the legal reasoning of the two decisions. In doing so, it underlines the constructive and loyal (but not neutral) attitude of the Italian Constitutional Court, highlighting in particular its use of (legislative and judicial) arguments of European law. After that, the note, sets out the reasons why the common judges raised the question of constitutionality instead of the preliminary reference. In this perspective, Judgment No. 269 of 2017 of the Constitutional Court and the Taricco saga are recalled. In the end, the note emphasizes the value of the two decisions in the current architecture of the multilevel legal system of protection of fundamental rights in criminal matters; however, it also underlines the frailty of the appreciable balance that they strike.
Leafhoppers of the Fynbos Biome of South Africa: Colistra, Proekes, Proekoides and a new genus (Insecta, Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae, Bonaspeiini)
Authors: STILLER MICHAEL , WEBB MICHAEL D.
Published: October 2022

The following leafhoppers (Deltocephalinae: Bonaspeiini) of the Fynbos Biome of South Africa are treated: Colistra parvulus (Linnavuori, 1961) is redescribed and three new species of Colistra Davies are described, i.e., C. acapitatus sp. n., C. bucapitatus sp. n. and C. semialius sp. n.; four species of Proekoides Stiller, 1986 are reviewed with the addition of P. postspina sp. n.; Proekes cephaleus (Naudé, 1926) is redescribed with details of the female ovipositor, and three new species, i.e., P. hemiplatyphalis sp. n., P. tetracaphalis sp. n., P. diacaphalis sp. n.; a new genus, Xhoreus gen. n. is described with one new species, X. ulosentus sp. n. All species are of similar appearance, size and with reduced hind wings. Two species, C. acapitatus and C. bucapitatus, were collected on Rooibos tea. Keys are provided to species of Colistra, Proekes and Proekoides. Distribution models show limited ranges in the Western Cape province and confined to the Fynbos Biome while Xhoreus ulosentus is possibly endemic to the Cape Peninsula. The validity of the tribe Bonaspeiini is discussed.
Climatology of Significant Tornadoes within China and Comparison of Tornado Environments between the United States and China
Authors: Zhang Chenyue , Xue Ming , Zhu Kefeng , Yu Xiaoding
Published: October 2022

A climatology of significant tornadoes [SIGTOR, tornadoes rated (E)F2+ on the (enhanced) Fujita scale] within China and in three subregions, including northern, central, and southern China, is first presented for the period 1980–2016. In total, 129 SIGTOR are recorded in China, with an average of 3.5 per year. The tornado inflow environments of the south-central and southeast regions of the United States (USC and USSE) are compared with those of China and its subregions based on sounding-derived parameters including shear, storm-relative helicity, convective available potential energy (CAPE), lifting condensation level (LCL), etc. Soundings are extracted from the ERA5 reanalysis dataset. The results confirm that the SIGTOR in USSE are characterized by high shear, low CAPE, and low LCL whereas those in USC are characterized by moderate-to-high shear, high CAPE, and high LCL. The thermodynamic conditions of tornadic cases are favorable for China, with moderate-to-high CAPE and low-to-moderate LCL, but their kinematic conditions are much less favorable than in the United States, a fact that is believed to be primarily responsible for the lower tornado frequency and intensity in China. The high CAPE in China is due mostly to high humidity. For three subregions in China, the central China cases account for 60% of total samples, and its environmental features are similar to those of China. The average shear with northern China cases is stronger than that with the other two subregions, and the midlayer is relatively dry. The southern China SIGTOR have the most conducive humidity conditions, but the CAPE and shear there are the lowest. The northern, central, and southern China environments can be considered as representative of midlatitude, subtropical, and tropical regions.

Significance Statement

We document the climatological characteristics of significant tornadoes (SIGTOR) within China and compare the inflow environments of SIGTOR in China and its subregions with those in the U.S. central and southeastern regions. The availability of hourly high-resolution ERA5 data makes the environments based on extracted proximity soundings much more accurate than possible with earlier reanalyses. The environmental characteristics show systematic differences in the tornado environments of different regions of China and the United States and suggest different roles played by thermodynamic and kinematic conditions for tornado formation. Overall, the environmental differences are consistent with the resulting frequency and intensities of SIGTOR. The findings are helpful toward improving tornado forecasting and warning or even understanding of potential impacts of climate change on SIGTOR, especially in China, where such studies are rarer.
Impact of Radar Reflectivity Data Assimilation Frequency on Convection-Allowing Forecasts of Diverse Cases over the Continental United States
Authors: Yang Yue , Wang Xuguang
Published: October 2022

The sensitivity of convection-allowing forecasts over the continental United States to radar reflectivity data assimilation (DA) frequency is explored within the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI)-based ensemble–variational (EnVar) system. Experiments with reflectivity DA intervals of 60, 20, and 5 min (RAIN60, RAIN20, and RAIN5, respectively) are conducted using 10 diverse cases. Quantitative verification indicates that the degree of sensitivity depends on storm features during the radar DA period. Five developing storms show high sensitivity, whereas five mature or decaying storms do not. The 20-min interval is the most reliable given its best overall performance compared to the 5- and 60-min intervals. Diagnostics suggest that the differences in analyzed cold pools (ACPs) among RAIN60, RAIN20, and RAIN5 vary by storm features during the radar DA period. Such ACP differences result in different forecast skills. In the case where RAIN20 outperforms RAIN60 and the case where RAIN5 outperforms RAIN20, assimilation of reflectivity with a higher frequency commonly produces enhanced and widespread ACPs, promoting broader storms that match better with reality than a lower frequency. In the case where RAIN5 performs worse than RAIN20, the model imbalance of RAIN5 overwhelms information gain associated with frequent assimilation, producing overestimated and spuriously fast-moving ACPs. In the cases where little sensitivity to the reflectivity DA frequency is found, similar ACPs are produced.
CLCA2 overexpression suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer cells through inactivation of ERK/JNK/p38-MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Xin Wenhu , Zhang Jian , Zhang Haibin , Ma Xueyao , Zhang Yunzhong , Li Yufeng , Wang Fang
Published: October 2022

Cervical cancer is an important malignant tumor threatening the physical and mental health of women in the world. As a new calcium activated chloride channel protein, calcium activated chloride channel (CLCA2) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. But its role and exact regulatory mechanism in cervical cancer are still unclear. In our study, we found CLCA2 was significantly decreased in cervical cancer cells, and overexpression of CLCA2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion, and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, and CLCA2 inhibited EMT (Epithelial-mesenchymal transition) through an p38 / JNK / ERK pathway. The results in vivo were consistent with those in vitro. In conclusion, overexpression of CLCA2 inhibited the progression of cervical cancer in vivo and in vitro. This may provide a theoretical basis for CLCA2 as a new indicator of clinical diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer or as a potential target of drug therapy.
Non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy assessment of the spinal neurovascular response in a patient with transverse myelitis: a case report
Authors: Oyarzún Juan Esteban , Caulier-Cisterna Raúl , González-Appelgren Juan Pablo , Gonzalez Leticia , Trujillo Oscar , Eblen-Zajjur Antonio , Uribe Sergio
Published: October 2022

Background

Transverse myelitis (TM) is characterized by acute development of motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions due to horizontally diffused inflammation in one or more segments of the spinal cord in the absence of a compressive lesion. The not well-known inflammation process induces demyelination resulting in neurological dysfunction.

Case presentation

In this case report we used a functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) technique to evaluate changes in the peri-spinal vascular response induced by a peripheral median nerve electrical stimulation in a patient with chronic transverse myelitis (TM). fNIRS showed drastically reduced signal amplitude in the peri-spinal vascular response, compared to that obtained from a healthy control group throughout most of the C7-T1 and T10-L2 spinal cord segments.

Conclusion

The potential use of this relatively non-invasive fNIRS technology support the potential clinical application of this method for functional test of the spinal cord through the assessment of the spinal neurovascular response.
Left-sided colorectal cancer distinct in indigenous African patients compared to other ethnic groups in South Africa
Authors: McCabe Michelle , Penny Clement , Magangane Pumza , Mirza Sheefa , Perner Yvonne
Published: October 2022

Introduction

A large proportion of indigenous African (IA) colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in South Africa are young (< 50 years), with no unique histopathological or molecular characteristics. Anatomical site as well as microsatellite instability (MSI) status have shown to be associated with different clinicopathological and molecular features. This study aimed to ascertain key histopathological features in microsatellite stable (MSS) and low-frequency MSI (MSI-L) patients, to provide insight into the mechanism of the disease.

Methods

A retrospective cohort (2011–2015) of MSS/MSI-L CRC patient samples diagnosed at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital was analyzed. Samples were categorized by site [right colon cancer (RCC) versus left (LCC)], ethnicity [IA versus other ethnic groups (OEG)] and MSI status (MSI-L vs MSS). T-test, Fischer’s exact and Chi-square tests were conducted.

Results

IA patients with LCC demonstrated an increased prevalence in males, sigmoid colon, signet-ring-cell morphology, MSI-L with BAT25/26 marker instability and advanced disease association.

Conclusion

This study revealed distinct histopathological features for LCC, and suggests BAT25 and BAT26 as negative prognostic markers in African CRC patients. Larger confirmatory studies are recommended.
The pattern and treatment outcomes for rectal cancer with concurrent locoregional recurrence and distant metastases after total mesorectal excision
Authors: Chen Yikuan , Li Yaqi , Mo Shaobo , Hu Xiang , Liu Fangqi , Cai Sanjun , Ma Xiaoji , Peng Junjie
Published: October 2022

Background

To study the pattern and treatment outcome of rectal cancer (RC) with concurrent locoregional recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM) after total mesorectal excision (TME) and to identify patient-, disease-, and treatment-related factors associated with differences in prognosis after concurrent LR and DM.

Methods

RC patients who were diagnosed with concurrent LR and DM after TME from May 2015 to June 2019 were included in our study. All patients received single or multiple treatment modalities under the guidance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) of colorectal cancer in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. The prognostic value of various clinicopathological factors for survival were calculated by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analyses.

Results

A total of 74 RC patients with concurrent LR and DM who had undergone TME with a median follow-up of 27 months were eligible for analysis. The median survival of the included patients was 34 months, and 30 patients (41%) died. Fifty-nine patients (80%) underwent comprehensive treatments. Patients with oligometastatic disease (OMD) achieved no evidence of disease (NED) status more frequently than those with multiple metastases (P = 0.003). In the univariate analysis, patients achieving NED, diagnosed with OMD and five or less peritoneal metastases tended to have longer survival after LR and DM diagnosis (P < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, attaining NED status was the only independent factor for survival (hazard ratio (HR), 2.419; P = 0.032). Survival after concurrent LR and DM in the non-NED group was significantly shorter than that in the NED group (median survival, 32 vs. 46 months; HR, 2.7; P = 0.014).

Conclusions

The pattern and treatment outcome of RC with concurrent LR and DM after TME has changed with the development of multiple treatment modalities. Although the prognosis remains poor, pursuing NED status through comprehensive treatments may improve the survival of RC patients with concurrent LR and DM after TME.
The effect of ECD program on the caregiver’s parenting knowledge, attitudes, and practices: based on a cluster-randomized controlled trial in economically vulnerable areas of China
Authors: Li Ying , Li Shanshan , Tang Lei , Bai Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

The first three years of life are the critical and sensitive periods for the formation of individual abilities. However, existing data indicates that early childhood development (ECD) in economically vulnerable areas of China is lagging, which is closely related to the lack of parenting knowledge and poor parenting practices.

Methods

We conducted a non-masked cluster-randomized controlled trial in a former nationally designated poverty county of China. All 6–36-month-old children and their caregivers living in 18 communities/clusters (10 towns and 8 districts of the county seat) were enrolled in a 9-month parenting training program. In the treatment-group communities, ECD centers were installed where community workers provided parenting training sessions. If caregivers were unable to visit the center, home-based parenting training was offered. No intervention was provided to the control group. Furthermore, we assigned half of the treatment group to receive monthly developmental feedback in addition to the parenting training. Based on the baseline and follow-up data, we investigated the treatment effects on parenting knowledge, attitudes, and practices through Intention-to-Treat (ITT) and Treatment-on-the-Treated (TOT) analyses.

Results

We found no effects on the parenting knowledge and attitudes of the caregivers but significant effects on the parenting practices. The effects were heterogeneous among families with different characteristics. Specifically, on average, the program had the largest effect on internally oriented caregivers, mothers with higher education, and mothers who are primary caregivers. We want to emphasize that, although the ITT effect on parenting practices (the average treatment effect) were stronger for mothers with higher education, the TOT effect on parenting practices (the local average treatment effect, LATE) were stronger for mothers with less education. That is, even though on average the program helped mothers with higher education, but among complier families, the program benefited mothers with less education.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that, at least in the short run, the program can directly change caregivers’ parenting practices without changing their knowledge and attitudes. Future studies are needed to investigate whether parenting knowledge and attitudes can change in the long run.
A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a pilot school-based, toothbrushing programme
Authors: Wang Ming-Ching , Marshman Zoe , Chen Wei-Han , Shih Wen-Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

While supervised toothbrushing programmes have been established in many countries of the world, little is known about different perspectives on their implementation. The aim of the study was to explore stakeholders' barriers and facilitators to implementation of a school-based toothbrushing programme in Taiwan.

Methods

Focus groups and interviews were used to explore the views of elementary school students, teachers, staff, and nurses in a piloted school-based toothbrushing programme. The topic guides were developed according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to cover the behavioural factors systematically and comprehensively. Data were analysed with content analysis.

Results

Overall, 36 students, 29 teachers/staff, and five school nurses (N = 65) were included. The overarching theme was the importance of habit formation for both staff and children to ensure that toothbrushing as part of the programme was embedded into the school schedule and routine. While children did not necessarily appear to retain the dental knowledge which was taught in the programme, the provision of fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush for their use in schools allowing teachers and staff to choose the timing of the brushing and engaging classmates to supervise each other were found to be key factors.

Conclusions

Implementing a school-based toothbrushing programme with the support of staff and active engagement of children can help children to develop a toothbrushing habit. Classmate-supervised toothbrushing may reduce the burden on teachers and staff to implement the programme.
A prospective randomized study to compare standard versus intensive training strategies on long-term improvement in critical care ultrasonography proficiency
Authors: Suzuki Reina , Kanai Mio , Oya Kazumasa , Harada Yohei , Horie Ryohei , Sekiguchi Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

Background

Critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) has become a daily diagnostic tool for intensivists. While the effective training measures for ultrasound novices are discussed widely, the best curriculum for the novices to retain a long-term proficiency is yet to be determined.

Methods

Critical care medicine fellows who underwent an introductory CCUS workshop were randomly allocated into the standard training (ST) or the intensive training (IT) group. The IT group received an 8-h training besides the standardized fellowship education that the ST group received. Participant improvement in CCUS proficiency tests (maximum score, 200) after a 6-month training intervention was compared between the groups. CCUS examinations performed in patient care were observed over 2 years.

Results

Twenty-one fellows were allocated into the ST (n = 10) or the IT (n = 11) group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the median (interquartile range [IQR]) improvement in CCUS proficiency tests between the ST group and the IT group: 18 (3.8–38) versus 31 (21–46) (P = .09). Median (IQR) test scores were significantly higher in postintervention than preintervention for both groups: ST, 103 (87–116) versus 124 (111–143) (P = .02), and IT, 100 (87–113) versus 143 (121–149) (P < .01). Participating fellows performed 226 examinations over the 2 years of observation.

Conclusions

Fellows improved their CCUS proficiency significantly after 6-month training intervention. However, an additional 8-h training did not provide further benefits.
The role of continuing medical education programs in promoting iranian nurses, competency toward non-communicable diseases, a qualitative content analysis study
Authors: Zarei Maryam , Mojarrab Sadaf , Bazrafkan Leila , Shokrpour Nasrin
Published: October 2022

Background

Continuing medical education is essential for nurses to provide quality patient care and upgrade their professional skills and competence. The need for continuing medical education (CME) has become more apparent in the face of advances in medical science, the ever-changing healthcare system, and nurses’ vital role in improving health care. It is, therefore, imperative to explore the nurses’ experience of CME courses and the extent to which such programs are effective.

Objective

The present qualitative study aimed to explore and describe nurses’ experiences of the effect of CE programs in promoting their competencies toward non-communicable diseases.

Methods

This qualitative content analysis study was conducted from December 2019 to April 2020 at various hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) and based on the principles of conventional content analysis. The target population was nurses who actively worked in the chronic wards of these hospitals. The participants were selected using maximum variation sampling, including nine nursing managers, education and clinical supervisors, and staff nurses. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews guided by an interview guide, and data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Each interview took about 30–45 min. Follow up questions were used for clarification when needed. Data trustworthiness was assessed according to the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln.

Results

Analysis of the interview data resulted in 230 primary codes, based on 8 categories, and three themes were identified. The extracted themes were gaps in the planning of the CME program, problematic context, and training to improve professional skills and competency. The associated categories were gaps in the planning of the CME program, problematic context, and training to improve professional skills and competency.

Conclusion

Professional competence and performance of nurses can be improved through intrinsic motivation stimulation, planning, and implementation of training programs based on professional needs and effective assessment of the teaching/learning process.
Depression in primary care and the role of evidence-based guidelines: cross-sectional data from primary care physicians in Germany
Authors: Lech Sonia , Herrmann Wolfram , Trautmann Sebastian , Schwantes Ulrich , Gellert Paul , Behr Joachim , Buspavanich Pichit
Published: October 2022

Background

Depression is the most common mental health burden worldwide. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in the care provision for people with depression. The first objective of the present study was to examine the health care situation of depression in primary care, focusing on the cooperation between PCPs and mental health specialists. Secondly, we aimed at examining the role of the German S3 Guideline for Unipolar Depression in the primary care provision.

Methods

Data of N = 75 PCPs were analysed from a cross-sectional online survey. Analysis of descriptive information on the current status of primary health care and depression was conducted. Further, to examine factors that are related to the usage of guidelines, multiple regression was performed.

Results

Only 22.1% of PCPs described the quality of cooperation with ambulatory mental health specialist as good. The most frequent problems in the cooperation were of structural nature (49.3%, long waiting list, few therapy units, as well as barriers in the communication and the information exchange). With regard to the role of the guideline, 65% of PCPs reported never or seldom using the guideline and 31.7% of PCPs perceived the guideline as not useful at all. In addition, perceived usefulness of the S3 guideline was positively associated with the usage of the guideline. Results of the logistic regression revealed a significant association between the usage of the German S3 Guideline for Unipolar Depression and rating of perceived usefulness of the guideline (OR: 4.771; 95% CI: 2.15–10.59; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights the central role of PCPs and demonstrates major barriers in the outpatient health care provision of depression. Present findings suggest a strong need for collaborative health care models to resolve obstacles resulting from fragmented mental health care systems. Finally, reported perceived barriers in the implementation of the German S3 Guideline for Unipolar Depression indicate the urge to involve PCPs in the development of evidence-based guidelines, in order to ensure a successful implementation and usage of guidelines in clinical practice.
Relationship of body mass index with frailty and all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Jayanama Kulapong , Theou Olga , Godin Judith , Mayo Andrea , Cahill Leah , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: October 2022

Background

Parallel to growth of aging and obese populations, the prevalence of metabolic diseases is rising. How body mass index (BMI) relates to frailty and mortality across frailty levels is controversial. We examined the associations of high BMI with frailty and mortality and explored the effects of percent body fat on these associations.

Methods

We included 29,937 participants aged ≥50 years from the 2001–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohorts (N=6062; 53.7% females) and from wave 1 (2004) of Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (N=23,875; 54% females). BMI levels were categorized as: normal: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, overweight: 25.0–29.9, obese grade 1: 30.0–34.9, and obese grade 2 or 3: >35.0. A frailty index (FI) was constructed excluding nutrition-related items: 36 items for NHANES and 57 items for SHARE. We categorized the FI using 0.1-point increments: FI ≤ 0.1 (non-frail), 0.1 < FI ≤ 0.2 (very mildly frail), 0.2 < FI ≤ 0.3 (mildly frail), and FI > 0.3 (moderately/severely frail). Percent body fat was measured using DXA for NHANES participants. All-cause mortality data were obtained until 2015 for NHANES and 2017 for SHARE to estimate 10-year mortality risk. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, educational, marital, employment, and smoking statuses.

Results

Mean age of participants was 63.3±10.2 years for NHANES and 65.0±10.0 years for SHARE. In both cohorts, BMI levels ≥25 kg/m2 were associated with higher frailty, compared to normal BMI. In SHARE, having a BMI level greater than 35 kg/m2 increased mortality risk in participants with FI≤0.1 (HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.02–1.69). Overweight participants with FI scores >0.3 were at lower risk for mortality compared to normal BMI [NHANES (0.79, 0.64–0.96); SHARE (0.71, 0.63–0.80)]. Higher percent body fat was associated with higher frailty. Percent body fat significantly mediated the relationship between BMI levels and frailty but did not mediate the relationship between BMI levels and mortality risk.

Conclusions

Being overweight or obese is associated with higher frailty levels. In this study, we found that being overweight is a protective factor of mortality in moderately/severely frail people and obesity grade 1 may be protective for mortality for people with at least a mild level of frailty. In contrast, obesity grades 2 and 3 may be associated with higher mortality risk in non-frail people. The relationship between BMI and frailty is partially explained by body fat.
A likely pathogenic POLD1 variant associated with mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, progeroid features, and lipodystrophy syndrome in a Chinese patient
Authors: Zuo Bin , Xu Hongen , Pan Zhaoyu , Mao Lu , Feng Haifeng , Zeng Beiping , Tang Wenxue , Lu Wei
Published: October 2022

Background

Mandibular hypoplasia, deafness, progeroid features, and lipodystrophy syndrome (MDPL; OMIM# 615381) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, with only a few reported cases worldwide. Herein, we describe the clinical features and underlying molecular etiology of MDPL syndrome in an 8-year-old Chinese patient.

Methods

We performed otological, endocrine, ultrasound, and radiological examinations, as well as genetic testing. Additionally, the literature concerning MDPL was reviewed to do a retrospective analysis of the pathogenesis, genotype–phenotype correlation, and clinical management.

Results

The proband was diagnosed with MDPL, presenting with mandibular hypoplasia, a characteristic facial appearance, lipodystrophy, and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed a de novo missense variant in the POLD1 gene, NM_002691.4:c.3185A>G (NP_002682.2:p.(Gln1062Arg)). The retrospective analysis showed wide variation in the MDPL phenotype, but the most frequent features included mandibular hypoplasia, characteristic facial appearance, lipodystrophy, and SNHL.

Conclusions

This study supplements the mutational spectrum of POLD1. The genetic analysis contributes to the diagnosis of syndromic deafness, and it has a vital role in clinical management and future genetic consultation.
Long acting reversible contraceptive utilization and its associated factors among modern contraceptive users in high fertility sub-Saharan Africa countries: a multi-level analysis of recent demographic and health surveys
Authors: Negash Wubshet Debebe , Belachew Tadele Biresaw , Asmamaw Desale Bihonegn
Published: October 2022

Background

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) have been hailed as one of the safest and most effective methods of contraception. However, the use of LARC is low in the world, including Sub Saharan Africa; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess LARC utilization and associated factors among modern contraceptive users in high fertility SSA countries.

Methods

Data for this study was obtained from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys. A total weighted sample of 14,828 reproductive age women was included. A multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the significant associated factors of long acting reversible contraception utilization. Finally, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was used to declare as statistical significance.

Results

Overall prevalence of LARC utilization was observed to be 20.1% (19.45, 20.74). The factors significantly associated with the utilization were women’s age ≥ 35 years (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.19,1.68), having media exposure (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.28), number of alive children: 1–2 (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.38, 4.01), 3–4 (AOR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.74, 5.10), $$\ge$$ 5 (AOR = 2.82; 95% CI:1.63, 4.86), have no history of abortion (AOR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.17,1.51) and who have no big problem with distance to the health facility (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.43).

Conclusion

The use of long acting reversible contraception in this study was relatively low. To improve the utilization of long acting reversible contraceptives governments, policymakers, and stakeholders should implement health promotion strategies through media and improve accessibilities of health facilities.
The new WHO guideline for control and elimination of human schistosomiasis: implications for the Schistosomiasis Elimination Programme in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwole Akinola Stephen , Ekpo Uwem Friday , Nebe Obiageli Josephine , Akpan Nse Michael , Jacob Solomon Monday , Amazigo Uche Veronica , Stothard John Russell
Published: October 2022

Graphical Abstract
Combining transradial access and sheathless femoral access for complex iliac artery chronic total occlusions
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Kodera Satoshi , Takanashi Keisuke , Ichihara Shinya , Hirano Satoshi , Arakawa Masataka , Inoguchi Yasunori , Kanda Junji
Published: October 2022

Background

The transradial approach (TRA) is associated with fewer serious access site-related complications compared with the transfemoral or transbrachial approach. However, TRA has associated problems in complex aortoiliac (AI) lesions, including the procedural difficulty. A bidirectional approach was used combining TRA with a sheathless technique for femoral artery (FA) puncture to treat complex AI lesions, as a minimally-invasive approach. This report describes a representative cases with AI chronic total occlusion in which the combination of TRA and a sheathless technique for FA puncture was useful for guidewire crossing.

Case presentation

Case 1 was a 71-year-old man with intermittent claudication (IC). Control angiography showed total occlusion of the left common iliac artery (CIA) ostium to the distal external iliac artery (EIA). Guidewire externalization was achieved by combining TRA using a 6Fr guiding sheath and a sheathless technique for the left FA. Two nitinol stents were deployed in the CIA to EIA. Case 2 was a 63-year-old man with IC. Control angiography revealed total occlusion of the right CIA ostium to the common femoral artery (CFA) with severe calcification. The antegrade wire could not pass through the CTO lesion because of the calcified CFA occlusion. A 21-G metal needle was used to penetrate the CFA calcification through the distal true lumen of the CFA, and the wire was inserted into the EIA for wire externalization. Three nitinol stents were deployed in the CIA to EIA, and a drug-coated balloon was dilated in the CFA with hemostasis of the distal puncture site. In both cases, the retrograde puncture site was hemostatic during the procedure and postoperative bed rest was not required.

Conclusions

TRA combined with a sheathless technique from the FA has the potential to treat AI complex lesions in a less invasive manner.
The histone deacetylase Cfhos2 is a key epigenetic factor regulating appressorium development and pathogenesis in apple Glomerella leaf spot fungus Colletotrichum fructicola
Authors: Cao Mengyu , Zhang Zhaohui , Tian Huanhuan , Yu Wei , Zhao Xuemei , Yang Wenrui , Zhang Rong , Sun Guangyu , Liang Xiaofei
Published: October 2022

Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) is a devastating fungal disease that damages the leaves and fruits and reduces tree vigor of apple (Malus domestica). The pathogen infection mechanism, however, remains elusive. Histone-modifying enzymes, which regulate eukaryotic chromatin conformation and gene expression, are key epigenetic factors controlling fungal development, virulence, and secondary metabolism. To dissect the epigenetic regulation of GLS pathogenesis, we characterized a histone deacetylase gene Cfhos2 in Colletotrichum fructicola, the causing agent of GLS. Cfhos2 deletion mutants were mildly reduced in vegetative growth rate, but almost lost pathogenicity on apple leaves. Cfhos2 deletion mutants induced strong plant defense responses manifested by epidermal cell browning, granulation, and distortion of pathogen invasive hyphae. The mutants also showed defect in appressorial development on cellophane, but not on parafilm or on apple leaf surface, suggesting that the defect in appressorial development is surface-dependent. RNA-seq based transcriptome analysis highlighted that Cfhos2 regulates secondary metabolism-related virulence genes during infection. Moreover, the expression of an apple defense-related F-box protein was strongly induced by infection with Cfhos2 deletion mutants. Taken together, we demonstrate that Cfhos2 is a key epigenetic factor regulating appressorium development, virulence gene expression, and GLS pathogenesis in C. fructicola. The results provide important information for understanding the virulence mechanisms of C. fructicola.
Precise orbit determination for a large LEO constellation with inter-satellite links and the measurements from different ground networks: a simulation study
Authors: He Xingchi , Hugentobler Urs , Schlicht Anja , Nie Yufeng , Duan Bingbing
Published: October 2022

Geodetic applications of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites requires accurate satellite orbits. Instead of using onboard Global Navigation Satellite System observations, this contribution treats the LEO satellite constellation independently, using Inter-Satellite Links and the measurements of different ground networks. Due to geopolitical and geographical reasons, a ground station network cannot be well distributed. We compute the impact of different ground networks (i.e., global networks with different numbers of stations and regional networks in different areas and latitudes) on LEO satellite orbit determination with and without the inter-satellite links. The results are based on a simulated constellation of 90 LEO satellites. We find that the orbits determined using a high latitude network is worse than using a middle or low latitude network. This is because the high latitude network has a poorer geometry even if the availability of satellite measurements is higher than for the other two cases. Also, adding more stations in a regional network shows almost no improvements on the satellite orbits if the number of stations is more than 16. With the help of ISL observations, however, the satellite orbits determined with a small regional network can reach the same accuracy as that with the global network of 60 stations. Furthermore, satellite biases can be well estimated (less than 0.6 mm) and have nearly no impact on satellite orbits. It does thus not matter if they are not physically calibrated for estimating precise orbits.