bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
12. The ‘Museum Problem’ Revisited
Authors: Petzold Denise
Published: January 2024

This chapter seeks to rearticulate the ‘museum problem’ that classical music is ought to have, meaning the idea that this music’s pastness and traditions are in significant tension with processes of innovation. In order to understand how musical works can be brought into the future in meaningful ways, it proposes to look at a related, yet different institution: the contemporary art museum. There, classical music institutions and practitioners may learn about (1) new understandings of how the ontology or existence of artworks, and (2) how such understandings may inform institutional change. In particular, the chapter introduces the contributions that a specific theoretical approach from contemporary art conservation studies – the notion of the archive as presented by conservator and media art researcher Hanna B. Hölling – can make in the innovation of classical music. The author continues to outline the merits of this approach with the help of two examples, the experimental MCICM concert The People’s Salon and her own research on violoncellos. The chapter concludes that such interdisciplinary approaches can reveal and open up alternative understandings of what an artwork can be and what it does, what role artistic heritage plays in institutions and society more broadly, and inform practical changes that attend carefully to the involvement of human as well as non-human actors in the traditions of classical music.
17. Audiences of the Future
Authors: Phillips Michelle , Krause Amanda E.
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced audiences to new ways of engaging with artistic performance in an online environment (Rendell, 2020, terms this ‘pandemic media’). Multiple performers and organisations transferred live performances into a recorded or livestreamed format. However, at present, there is little research to support decisions that organisations may make in terms of how they do this, and what they deem to be important in how they record and / or stream. There is evidence to support the value of ‘liveness’ in music performance (Tsangaris, 2020), but what is this, and can it be replicated in online environment?

This chapter will outline existing research regarding concepts such as liveness in music performance. The study discussed in the chapter will also discuss research regarding the live music experience as a social one, and the vital role that sharing musical spaces plays in social bonding and group coherence. This study examines questions including what listeners perceive to be the main differences between live and livestreamed attendance at music performance, and what constitutes ‘liveness’ in such performances. Data analysis suggests that audiences may have different motivations to attend live versus livestreamed performances, with the former being associated with having fun and a good night out, and shared experience, and the latter often about using time in a meaningful way and the sound quality available in livestreamed attendance at an event. ‘Liveness’ involves not only such factors as the opportunity to share an experience and interact with other audience members and performers, but also the sense of atmosphere, immersion, sensory experiences, and being physically present. When asked about the advantages and disadvantages of attending a livestreamed performance, audience members cite factors common to both live and online experiences such as the logistics, and whether they are with other people or not. However, a thematic analysis also reveals differences in what people see as the advantages and disadvantages of attending online, such as the emotional response to a live performance, and considerations around accessibility and the impact on the environment for online experiences. There is an urgent need in the music industry to better understand what the essential elements of a live performance are, and whether these aspects need to be, and indeed can be replicated in a livestreamed event, for example in terms of level of sound quality and emotional response.
Bundled Bone Grafting Effectively Promotes Callus Growth and Accelerates Fracture Healing in the Operation of Nonunion or Bone Defects
Authors: Feng Dajun , Peng Kang , Du Guixia , Wang Jinlong
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate the clinical application potential of bundled bone grafting in the management of nonunion or bone defects after internal fixation. A total of 34 patients with nonunion or partial bone defects after internal fixation of femoral shaft fracture at our hospital
from March 2018 to January 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group treated with filling/compressed bone grafting (n = 17) and a test group receiving bundled bone grafting (n = 17) patients receiving bundled bone grafting. The healing
rate of fracture, the length and healing time of callus growth, and the lower extremity function were assessed in the two groups. The test group exhibited a significantly higher fracture healing rate compared to the control group (100% vs. 76.47%, P < 0.05). Moreover, the test group
demonstrated superior callus growth length when compared to the control group [(2.64±0.48) cm vs. (1.72 ±0.35) cm, P < 0.05]. Additionally, the test group exhibited a significantly shorter healing time than the control group [(6.73 ± 1.24) months vs. (8.12 ±
1.48) months, P < 0.05]. The total efficacy rate for lower extremity function in the test group was significantly higher at 94.12% compared to the control group’s rate of 64.71%. In conclusion, the utilization of bundled bone grafting can promote callus growth and accelerate
fracture healing in the management of nonunion or bone defects after internal fixation.
PEEK Surface Treatment Using Nd: YAG, Riboflavin Activated by PDT, and Alumina Particles on Surface Roughness, Bond Failure, and Bond Integrity to Composite Resin
Authors: Alanazi Amer M. , Khan Azmat Ali , Mahmood Amer , Bajwa Warda Naseer , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Kamal Iqra
Published: January 2024

Aims: Conditioning protocols, Airborne Particles of Alumina (ABP), Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd: YAG) laser, and Riboflavin (RF), were tested on PEEK disc bonded to composite restorations for surface roughness (Ra) and shear bond strength (SBS). Method
and Material: Random sampling was used to divide 80 PEEK discs into four groups for surface conditioning. (n = 20). Group 1: Sulfuric acid (SA); Group 2: PDT (RF); Group 3: Alumina particle ABP; Group 4: NYL. Pretreated PEEK discs were measured for Ra using a surface profilometer.
They were luted and bonded to composite resin discs. On Universal testing equipment, SBS was tested. Stereomicroscopes analyzed failure type. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: The SA-treated group had the highest Ra (1.411 ±0.043 μm).
However, PDT (RF) treated tissues had the lowest mean Ra score (1.299 ± 0.019 μm). Regarding SBS, the SA-treated group (11.83±0.82 MPa) had the highest mean score. PDT (RF) (10.23±0.64 MPa) treated specimens showed the lowest bond integrity values. The most common
fracture type in all investigated groups is cohesive failure. Conclusion: Airborne alumina, riboflavin, and Nd: YAG laser could replace PEEK sulfuric acid to improve composite cement bond integrity and surface roughness.
Centering Equity for Multilingual Learners in Preservice Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Authors: Durham Carmen
Published: January 2024

Recent calls encourage teacher education programs to examine how they address equity within educational technology coursework. This study therefore conceptualizes equity specifically related to using digital tools with multilingual learners. Drawing on a technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework informed by prior research on (language) teacher education and computer-assisted language learning, this study examines how preservice teachers described their knowledge base specifically related to using digital tools equitably with multilingual learners. Qualitative analysis of 17 preservice teachers’ course discussions, assignments, and interviews revealed that preservice teachers purposefully reflected on and selected digital tools to use that would support students’ language development and leverage students’ interests. They also reflected on structural inequities and advocacy related to technological implementation. This study encourages teacher educators to support preservice teachers in developing technologically savvy practices that are also linguistically responsive and humanizing by centering equity in TPACK.
Pose-and-shear-based tactile servoing
Authors: Lloyd John , Lepora Nathan F.
Published: January 2024

Tactile servoing is an important technique because it enables robots to manipulate objects with precision and accuracy while adapting to changes in their environments in real-time. One approach for tactile servo control with high-resolution soft tactile sensors is to estimate the contact pose relative to an object surface using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for use as a feedback signal. In this paper, we investigate how the surface pose estimation model can be extended to include shear, and utilise these combined pose-and-shear models to develop a tactile robotic system that can be programmed for diverse non-prehensile manipulation tasks, such as object tracking, surface-following, single-arm object pushing and dual-arm object pushing. In doing this, two technical challenges had to be overcome. Firstly, the use of tactile data that includes shear-induced slippage can lead to error-prone estimates unsuitable for accurate control, and so we modified the CNN into a Gaussian-density neural network and used a discriminative Bayesian filter to improve the predictions with a state dynamics model that utilises the robot kinematics. Secondly, to achieve smooth robot motion in 3D space while interacting with objects, we used SE(3) velocity-based servo control, which required re-deriving the Bayesian filter update equations using Lie group theory, as many standard assumptions do not hold for state variables defined on non-Euclidean manifolds. In future, we believe that pose-and-shear-based tactile servoing will enable many object manipulation tasks and the fully-dexterous utilisation of multi-fingered tactile robot hands.
Chronic Ankle Joint Instability Induces Ankle Sensorimotor Dysfunction: A Controlled Laboratory Study
Authors: Kawabata Sora , Ozone Kaichi , Minegishi Yuki , Oka Yuichiro , Terada Hidenobu , Takasu Chiharu , Kojima Takuma , Kano Takuma , Kanemura Naohiko , Murata Kenji
Published: January 2024

Background:

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a clinical sequela that causes the recurrence of ankle sprain by inducing ankle sensorimotor dysfunction. Animal models of CAI have recently shown that ankle ligament injuries mimicking an ankle sprain result in chronic loss of ankle sensorimotor function. However, the underlying mechanisms determining the pathogenesis of CAI remain unclear.

Hypothesis:

Ankle instability after an ankle sprain leads to the degeneration of the mechanoreceptors, resulting in ankle sensorimotor dysfunction and the development of CAI.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Four-week-old male Wistar rats (N = 30) were divided into 2 groups: (1) the ankle joint instability (AJI) group with ankle instability induced by transecting the calcaneofibular ligament (n = 15) and (2) the sham group (n = 15). Ankle instability was assessed using the anterior drawer test and the talar tilt test at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the operation (n = 5, for each group at each time point), and ankle sensorimotor function was assessed using behavioral tests, including ladder walking and balance beam tests, every 2 weeks during the postoperative period. Morphology and number of mechanoreceptors in the intact anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were histologically analyzed by immunofluorescence staining targeting the neurofilament medium chain and S100 proteins at 4, 6, and 8 weeks postoperatively (n = 5 per group). Sensory neurons that form mechanoreceptors were histologically analyzed using immunofluorescence staining targeting the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO2 at 8 weeks postoperatively (n = 5).

Results:

Ankle sensorimotor function decreased over time in the AJI group, exhibiting decreased ankle instability compared with the sham group ( P = .045). The number of mechanoreceptors in the ATFL was reduced ( P < .001) and PIEZO2 expression in the sensory neurons decreased ( P = .008) at 8 weeks postoperatively. The number of mechanoreceptors was negatively correlated with ankle sensorimotor dysfunction ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The AJI model demonstrated degeneration of the mechanoreceptors in the ATFL and decreased mechanosensitivity of the sensory neurons, which may contribute to CAI.

Clinical Relevance:

Ankle instability causes degeneration of mechanoreceptors and decreases the mechanosensitivity of sensory neurons involved in the development of CAI. This finding emphasizes the importance of controlling ankle instability after ankle sprains to prevent recurrence and the onset of CAI.
Classroom Placements of Students With Disabilities in Public Day Schools in a Large School District
Authors: Maurer Karolyn J. , Sturm Alexandra , Kasari Connie
Published: January 2024

This study used longitudinal special education record data from a large urban southwestern U.S. school district to review classroom placements of students in Grades 5 to 9 educated in traditional public schools ( N = 21,314). Results indicated that half of the students were educated primarily in general education classrooms ( n = 10,658), 9% of students had a primary placement of a special education classroom ( n = 1,977), and 41% ( n = 8,679) switched classroom placements between Grades 5 and 9. The highest rate of primary classroom switching to special education occurred in sixth grade and to general education in Grade 9. Results of a hurdle model showed that students educated with alternate curriculum, African American and Hispanic students, and those with an eligibility of Autism, intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment, or emotional disturbance spent less proportion of their school day in general education than students educated with general curriculum, White students, and those with learning disabilities, respectively.
Examining U.S. Teachers’ Working Conditions in Online Schools
Authors: Leidner Courtney M. , Roch Christine H.
Published: January 2024

Enrollment in online schools (OS) has increased significantly in recent years. Due to advancements in technology, OS are able to provide education entirely online to K–12 students. Despite their growth, there has been little research on the working environments of OS. This paper explores teacher perceptions about working conditions in OS. We use data from the 2015 to 2016 National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS) to estimate multi-level models using HLM to determine the effects of the online environment. We find that teachers working in OS are less satisfied with their levels of classroom control; however, they report higher levels of administrative support and collegiality.
Ontological complexity of interpolity orders: the encounter between Chosŏn and Tibet in Qing
Authors: Choi Inho , Kwon Minju
Published: January 2024

This article examines the ontological complexity of interpolity orders with a focus on peripheral polities in the Qing order. Existing multiculturalist studies of the Qing order emphasized diverse cultural representations of a single imperial reality, lacking an understanding of multiple realities experienced by peripheral participants. Our analysis reveals the ontological complexity—rather than cultural diversity—of the Qing order, in which multiple ontological agents experienced different lived worlds, from the encounter between Chosŏn Korean envoys and the Tibetan Panchen Lama at Emperor Qianlong’s birthday ceremony. By analyzing the Chosŏn envoy member Pak Chiwŏn’s travelog and Tibetan records, we argue that the Chosŏn envoys with Confucian ontology experienced the Panchen Lama as a subhuman, while the Lama experienced the envoys as ignorant lay beings. Observing this ontological dissonance, Pak Chiwŏn criticized the Qing court’s appropriation of peripheral ontologies and proposed experiencing other ontologies to foreground the presence of the pluriverse in the interpolity order. Beyond the Qing, an ontological approach will help reveal heterogeneous lived worlds of interpolity orders and reconceptualize interpolity order under the condition of ontological complexity.
The emergence and undermining of sex worker-led freelance feminism
Authors: Simpson Jessica
Published: January 2024

Using one sex worker-led collective as a case example, this paper explores how feminism, precarious work and entrepreneurialism coexist together in contradictory ways. I begin by highlighting how freelance work within UK strip clubs creates precarity and hostile work environments for sex workers when coupled with exploitative managerial practices; however, when similar, equally precarious gig work and promotional activities are combined with sex worker-led collectivist practices, they can instead be used to advance feminist politics. The paper then shifts to a discussion of how the transformative potential of the sex worker collective and their efforts to fight for labour rights and safer working conditions are continually and violently undermined by the feminism of those outside the stripping industry and with access to more privilege, power, and resources. While there are many different feminisms, the article ends by arguing for the ongoing need to seek some reconciliation within the movement to ensure that the voices and concerns of those most marginalised remain at the centre of politics and action.
Rethinking the World Health Organization’s leadership of global health governance and the global health surveillance systems
Authors: Alkhaldi Mohammed , Meghari Hamza , AlBada Marina
Published: January 2024

Global health governance is a strategic priority for the World Health Organization (WHO), and the public health surveillance system (PHSS) is a fundamental element of the global health governance structure to timely identify emerging diseases and guide global public health decisions and actions. This analysis explores the overall landscape of global health governance, with a specific focus on the PHSS to understand whether the existing governance landscape facilitates or undermines the WHO’s ability to formulate and implement global health policies and initiatives. To achieve this, the existing evidence was reviewed, and synthesized with the experts’ perspectives. It is reported that fragmentation is the main drawback of the global health governance landscape, necessitating reorganization and restructuring. The disintegration of PHSS at the global, regional and local levels is associated with a lack of leadership, misalignment with global health priorities, imbalance in coverage of surveillance systems, inadequate innovative technology and digitalization, and fragmented data and information systems. The fragmentation and disintegration of global health governance undermine the effectiveness of the WHO’s global health strategic directions and programmes and hinder its ability to govern and guide the global, regional and national public health emergency response. Strategic rethinking of the WHO’s governance is essential because strong governance and leadership lead to a robust, aligned and effective PHSS.
“When you use tramadol, the sperms will not come out. . .”: Unconventional strategies for avoiding unintended pregnancy among adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Gyan Sylvia Esther , Boafo Isaac Mensah
Published: January 2024

Background:

In spite of adolescents’ high knowledge about modern contraceptives, usage is low especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Little is known about what adolescents use in place of modern contraceptive methods.

Objective:

This paper discusses lay strategies that adolescents use in their quest to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was used in the study reported in this paper. The paper draws on focus group data from a larger study looking at adolescent contraceptive needs in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 79 adolescents who participated in a focus group discussion. Eight focus group discussions were held with both male and female adolescents aged 15–19. The data were analysed using the inductive thematic analysis method after transcribing the data.

Results:

We found that after having sex without using condom, adolescent girls ejected sperms by using water, salt solution or ice cubes, while others engaged in pushing with pelvic floor muscles. In their bid to prevent pregnancy, for boys, engaging in masturbation and the intake of Tramadol before sex was observed. When these lay strategies fail, adolescents resorted to unsafe and illegal abortion.

Conclusions:

Though adolescents girls engaged in unprotected sex, they still tried to avoid pregnancy, and consequently adopted lay strategies of pregnancy prevention that do not expose them to stigma. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Health through the Ghana Health Service consider establishing more adolescent-friendly health centres and expanding existing ones where adolescents could easily visit to have their sexual and reproductive health needs addressed in a very confidential and non-judgemental manner.
Navigating contract renegotiations with sustainability at the helm: Societal benefits and transaction costs
Authors: Domingos Fernando Deodato , J Heinrich Carolyn , Saussier Stéphane , Shiva Mehdi
Published: January 2024

Public procurement and cross-sector collaborations in national economies offer the opportunity for advances in sustainability practices, including through sustainability-related renegotiations during the execution of public contracts. Using rich, granular data from contract modification notices made publicly available by the European Union (EU) tenders electronic daily (TED), we investigate whether sustainability-related renegotiations, apart from generating positive environmental externalities, also limit ex-post transaction costs associated with contract renegotiations. Transaction costs are assessed in our study by the sentiment of renegotiations (negative or conflictual) and potential red flags associated with overly costly adjustments. Our findings suggest that regardless of whether contracts were initially focused on sustainable issues or not, sustainability-related renegotiations could have the dual benefit of a priori reducing environmental externalities while further limiting ex-post transaction costs associated with contract execution. More generally, contract modifications (renegotiations) may be under-utilised in public procurement contracts given their possible ‘double dividends’.
The Dimensions and Dynamism of Group Engagement in Computer-Mediated Collaborative Writing in EFL Classes
Authors: Wang Shuyan
Published: January 2024

Student engagement as an important predictor of peer interaction and academic achievement has received considerable attention in second language classes. Despite its significance, how study groups engage in online writing activities in collaborative learning settings remains underexplored. To fill this gap, the present study explored how a group of four engaged in an 8-week computer-mediated collaborative writing (CMCW) project in a Chinese university English as a foreign language (EFL) context. Data were collected from multiple sources such as a pre-survey, audio-recorded discussions, and retrospective interviews. Findings identify three developmental periods of group engagement through task completion, namely breaking-in, growth, and proficiency periods. During each period, the four dimensions of group engagement (i.e., behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement) were ongoing and salient to varying extents and mutually influenced among the participants. Also, the learners utilized certain collaborative strategies to promote meaning negotiation and care for the quality of interactions. The study highlights the great potential of CMCW to form a sociocognitive learning community where the students can actively engage in learning, construct new knowledge, and promote language skills through not only cognitive processing but also mutual interaction between peers and instructors.
Barriers to Accessing Primary Dental Care in Adults with Alcohol Dependence: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bowes C. , Breckons M. , Holmes R.D. , Durham J. , Bareham B.K.
Published: January 2024

Background:

People with alcohol dependence (AD) frequently experience oral health problems, but their dental attendance is poor, with limited evidence to the reasons why from their perspective.

Objective:

To explore perceived barriers, motivators, and facilitators to accessing primary dental care in people with AD.

Methods:

Qualitative study consisting of remote one-to-one and group semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of adults with lived experience of AD in northern England. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. A reflexive thematic analysis method was used; use of COM-B model informed data interpretation.

Results:

Twenty adults with lived experience of AD participated in 18 one-to-one interviews and 1 group interview (of 3 participants). Barriers to access were fear and physical, social, and environmental factors (physical effects of AD, financial barriers, nonprioritization of oral health). Motivators to access were pain and prioritization of oral health. Facilitators to access were patterns of alcohol use (i.e., sobriety) and dental service provision within recovery services.

Conclusions:

Fear of “the dentist” is a major barrier to accessing dental care, and pain is the primary motivator, among people with AD, although neither are unique to this population. Fear and physical, social, and environmental barriers to access contribute to problem-oriented attendance, which negatively affect oral health outcomes. Opportunity to facilitate attendance increases when a person is in remission from AD through their physical capabilities improving. Increasing capability and opportunity can influence attendance beyond the automatic motivation of pain. Provision of dental care within recovery services could facilitate access to care. Understanding the “web of causation” is key to developing any intervention to improve dental access in people with AD. Further research is needed from the perspective of other adult populations with lived experience of AD, as well as of dental professionals, to gain deeper insight into barriers, facilitators, and possible solutions.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study can help dental professionals understand factors affecting access to primary care in people with alcohol dependence to provide knowledge that may reduce stigma surrounding the disease. Results also demonstrate areas for intervention development for public policy.
The 2023 Addiction Health Services Research Conference: Back in Person and Taking a Bite of the Big Apple
Authors: McCollister Kathryn E. , Gordon Adam J. , Acevedo Andrea , Voshtina Dorela , Li Jazmine M. , Tse Bonnie , Murphy Sean M.
Published: January 2024

The Addiction Health Services Research (AHSR) Conference has been held since 2002. This Conference brings together researchers, graduate students, policymakers, and treatment providers to focus improving the organization, distribution, and financing of healthcare resources for prevention/care of SUD. The AHSR 2023 Conference took place in New York City, October 18–20th, and was hosted by the Center for Health Economics of Treatment Interventions for Substance Use Disorder, HCV, and HIV (CHERISH; cherishresearch.org). Attended by more than 300 participants, the Conference comprised several themes relating to the latest research on addiction health services delivery, financing, and impact. The agenda also included pre-conference workshops, distinguished plenary speakers, a multitude of networking opportunities, and career support for early-stage and minority investigators. AHSR 2023 featured 3 plenary sessions, 120 oral presentations, and 143 poster presentations from academics throughout the world. Overall, AHSR 2023 provided numerous opportunities to advance the field of addiction health services research. The state-of-the-art techniques and insights gained by attending scholars will position them to be change-agents in the addiction field going forward.
Complement component C3 is associated with body composition parameters and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Misa , Imaoka Masakazu , Sakai Keiko , Kubo Takanari , Imai Ryota , Hida Mitsumasa , Tazaki Fumie , Orui Junya , Inoue Takao , Takeda Masatoshi
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic inflammation is a factor in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia, which is characterized by low muscle mass and reduced strength. Complement C3 is important in the management of the immune network system. This study seeks to determine the relationship between serum C3 levels and body composition and sarcopenia-related status in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Study participants were 269 older adults living in rural Japan. A bioelectrical impedance analysis device was used to measure body composition parameters including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist-hip-ratio, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Muscle function was measured by handgrip strength and 6-m walking speed. The correlation coefficients for C3 level and measurements were calculated using Pearson correlation analysis. Participants were categorized into normal, pre-sarcopenia, dynapenia, or sarcopenia groups. Sarcopenia was defined according to 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition, dynapenia was defined as low muscle function without low muscle mass, and pre-sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle mass only. The C3 threshold score for sarcopenia status was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.

Results

Significant positive correlations were found between C3 and BMI, body fat percentage, and waist-hip ratio in both sexes, and further positive correlations with SMI were found in women. The relationship with body fat percentage was particularly strong. Body composition measurements (BMI, body fat percentage, and waist- hip ratio) and C3 levels were lowest in the sarcopenia group compared with the others. ROC analysis showed that the significant threshold of C3 for discriminating between the normal and sarcopenia groups was 105 mg/dL. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that participants with C3 < 105 mg/dL had an odds ratio of 3.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.49–7.18) for sarcopenia adjusted by sex, age and body fat percentage.

Conclusion

C3 levels are suggested to be related to body composition and pathophysiological functions of sarcopenia. C3 is expected to become a useful biomarker for sarcopenia, for predicting the onset of the disease and for predicting the effectiveness of interventions.
The value of intraovarian autologous platelet rich plasma in women with poor ovarian reserve or ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Maged Ahmed M. , Mohsen Reham A. , Salah Noha , Ragab Wael S.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To assess the value of intraovarian PRP in women with low ovarian reserve.

Search strategy

Screening of databases from inception to January 2023 using the keywords related to “Platelet-rich plasma” AND “poor ovarian reserve” OR “ovarian failure”.

Selection criteria

Fourteen studies (1632 participants) were included, 10 included women with POR, 1 included women with POI and 3 included both POR and POI women.

Data collection and analysis

Extracted data included study settings, design, sample size, population characteristics, volume, timing and preparation of PRP administration, and outcome parameters.

Main results

AMH level was evaluated in 11 studies (2099 women). The mean difference (MD) was 0.09 with 95% CI of – 0.06, 0.24 (P = 0.25). Antral follicular count level was assessed in 6 studies (1399 women). The MD was 1.73 with 95% CI of 0.81, 2.66 (P < 0.001). The number of oocytes retrieved was evaluated in 7 studies (1413 women). The MD was 1.21 with 95% CI of 0.48, 1.94 (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This systematic review found a significant improvement of AFC, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of cleavage embryos and the cancellation rate in women with POR.

Trial registration

Registration number CRD42022365682.
The impact of COVID-19 on aflibercept treatment of neovascular AMD in Sweden – data from the Swedish Macula Register
Authors: Wickman Isac , Lövestam-Adrian Monica , Granstam Elisabet , Kjellström Ulrika , Schroeder Marion
Published: January 2024

Background

The purpose of the study was to compare the real-world aflibercept treatment and visual outcomes, and to examine the adherence to pandemic guidelines in two groups of patients with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden up to the 1-year follow-up.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study including 2915 treatment naïve eyes with nAMD. Using data from the Swedish Macula Register (SMR), 1597 eyes initiating treatment between 1 July 2018 and 31 January 2019 (pre-pandemic group) were compared with 1318 eyes starting treatment between 1 February and 31 August 2020 (pandemic group). The eyes were then followed for 1 year ± 2 months, hence the first group was unaffected by the pandemic while the second group was affected. The focus was on baseline characteristics, visual acuity (VA) change from baseline, number of injections, treatment regimen, number of appointments and the frequency and length of appointment delays. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used to compare baseline VA to follow-up VA within the respective groups. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare outcomes between the groups.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The percentage of eyes with an available follow-up VA after 1 year was 58% in the pre-pandemic group vs. 44% in the pandemic group. VA in the pre-pandemic group had increased significantly after 1 year, from 62.2 ± 14.1 letters to 64.8 ± 16.1 letters (n = 921); p < 0.0001. In the pandemic group, VA increased from 61.1 ± 15.8 to 64.9 ± 16.9 (n = 575); p < 0.0001. There was no significant difference in mean VA change between the groups; p = 0.1734. The pre-pandemic group had significantly more delays than the pandemic group, 45% vs. 36%; p < 0.0001.

Conclusions

The pre-pandemic and pandemic groups had similar VA gains at 1-year follow-up, but with a reduced number of available VA in the pandemic group. Clinics were able to implement and prioritize injection visits excluding VA measurements, helping to reduce delays and maintain VA gains during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk factors and predicting nomogram for the clinical deterioration of non-severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Xu Cheng-bin , Su Shan-shan , Yu Jia , Lei Xiong , Lin Peng-cheng , Wu Qing , Zhou Ying , Li Yu-ping
Published: January 2024

Background

Currently, there remains insufficient focus on non-severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients who are at risk of clinical deterioration, and there is also a dearth of research on the related risk factors. Early recognition of hospitalized patients at risk of clinical deterioration will be beneficial for their clinical management.

Method

A retrospective study was conducted in The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China, spanning from January 1, 2018 to April 30, 2022, and involving a total of 1,632 non-severe CAP patients. Based on whether their condition worsened within 72 h of admission, patients were divided into a clinical deterioration group and a non-clinical deterioration group. Additionally, all patients were randomly assigned to a training set containing 75% of patients and a validation set containing 25% of patients. In the training set, risk factors for clinical deterioration in patients with non-severe CAP were identified by using LASSO regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was developed based on identified risk factors. The effectiveness of the nomogram in both the training and validation sets was assessed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Age, body mass index (BMI), body temperature, cardiovascular comorbidity, respiratory rate, LDH level, lymphocyte count and D-dimer level were identified as risk factors associated with the clinical deterioration of non-severe CAP within 72 h of admission. The area under curve (AUC) value of the nomogram was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74–0.82) in the training set and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67–0.83) in the validation set. Furthermore, the calibration curves for both the training and validation sets indicated that the predicted probability of clinical deterioration aligned with the actual probability. Additionally, DCA revealed clinical utility for the nomogram at a specific threshold probability.

Conclusion

The study successfully identified the risk factors linked to the clinical deterioration of non-severe CAP and constructed a nomogram for predicting the probability of deterioration. The nomogram demonstrated favorable predictive performance and has the potential to aid in the early identification and management of non-severe CAP patients at elevated risk of deterioration.
A comprehensive comparison of the safety and efficacy of drugs in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Xiaozheng , Li Wen , Luo Zhenliang , Chen Yunzhi
Published: January 2024

Objective

Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of multiple drugs for Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) have been reported and achieved a certain degree of efficacy, however, the difference in safety and efficacy of them for IPF is not yet well understood. The aim of this network meta-analysis is to assess their safety and efficacy in the treatment of IPF and differences in this safety and efficacy comprehensively.

Methods

The PubMed, EMbase, CENTRAL and MEDLINE were retrieved to find out the RCTs of drugs in the treatment of IPF. The retrieval date is from construction to November 10, 2022. Stata 14.0 and RevMan 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. Registration number: CRD42023385689.

Results

Twenty-four studies with a total of 6208 patients were finally included, including RCTs of 13 drugs. The results of safety showed that there' s no difference in the incidence of SAEs of 13 drugs treated with IPF compared to placebo (P>0.05), and it’s also found that Warfarin had a higher all-cause mortality for IPF than placebo (OR = 5.63, 95% CI [1.54 to 20.55]). SUCRA' s scatterplot showed that Pirfenidone, Nintedanib, Sildenafil and Imatinib were lower than placebo, and Warfarin, Ambrisentan and N-acetylcysteine were higher than placebo. The results of effectiveness showed that Nintedanib (MD = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.12 to -0.04]) improved FVC (L)absolute change from baseline in patients better than placebo, and Nintedanib (OR=1.81, 95% CI [1.23 to 2.66]), Pirfenidone (OR=1.85, 95%CI [1.26 to 2.71]) and Pamrevlumab (OR=4.11, 95% CI [1.25 to 13.58]) improved the proportion of patients with a decline in FVC ≥10% predicted better than placebo. SUCRA' s scatterplot showed that Pamrevlumab, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib were lower than placebo, and Warfarin and Ambrisentan were higher than placebo.

Conclusion

Compared with other drugs, Nintedanib and Pirfenidone can significantly slow the decline of lung function in patients with IPF, and the safety is higher. Therefore, they can be further promoted in clinical practice. Warfarin and Ambrisentan shouldn’t be used clinically for IPF as the safety and efficacy of them are poor compared to other drugs and placebo. Pamrevlumab may become important drugs for the treatment of IPF in the future.
Virtual reality experiential learning improved undergraduate students’ knowledge and evaluation skills relating to assistive technology for older adults and individuals with disabilities
Authors: Chen Peng-Hsu , Ho Hsuan-Wei , Chen Hung-Chou , Tam Ka-Wai , Liu Ju-Chi , Lin Li-Fong
Published: January 2024

Background

The aging population has caused assistive technology (AT) to receive attention. Thus, ensuring accurate user comprehension of AT has become increasingly crucial, and more specialized education for students in relevant fields is necessary. The goal of this study was to explore the learning outcomes in the context of AT for older adults and individuals with disabilities through the use of VR experiential learning.

Methods

A parallel-group design was used. Sixty third-year university students studying gerontology and long-term-care-related subjects in Taiwan were enrolled, with the experimental (VR) and control (two-dimensional [2D] video) groups each comprising 30 participants. Both groups received the same 15-minute lecture. Subsequently, the experimental group received experiential learning through a VR intervention, whereas the control group watched a 2D video to learn. The students’ knowledge of AT was assessed using a pretest and posttest. Additionally, their skills in evaluation of residential environments were assessed using the Residential Environment Assessment (REA) Form for Older Adults. All data analyses were performed with SPSS version 22.

Results

In the posttest conducted after the intervention, the experimental group exhibited a significant 20.67 point improvement (p < 0.05), whereas the control group only exhibited improvement of 3.67 points (p = 0.317). Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly higher score (+ 2.17 points) on the REA Form for Older Adults than did the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

VR experiential learning can significantly improve undergraduate students’ knowledge and evaluation skills in relation to AT for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Economic burden and coping mechanisms by tuberculosis treatment supporters: a mixed method approach from Bono Region, Ghana
Authors: Bio Robert Bagngmen , Akweongo Patricia , Koduah Augustina , Adomah-Afari Augustine
Published: January 2024

Background

The Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) strategy recommended by World Health Organization for tuberculosis control requires multiple clinic visits which may place economic burden on treatment supporters especially those with low socio-economic status. The End tuberculosis goal targeted eliminating all tuberculosis associated costs. However, the economic burden and coping mechanisms by treatment supporters is unknown in Ghana.

Objectives

The study determined the economic burden and coping mechanism by treatment supporters in Bono Region of Ghana.

Methods

Cross-sectional study using mixed method approach for data collection. For the quantitative data, a validated questionnaire was administered to 385 treatment supporters. Sixty in-depth interviews with treatment supporters to elicit information about their coping mechanisms using a semi-structured interview guide for the qualitative data. Descriptive statistics, costs estimation, thematic analysis and bivariate techniques were used for the data analysis.

Results

Averagely, each treatment supporter spent GHS 112.4 (US$21.1) on treatment support activities per month which is about 19% of their monthly income. Borrowing of money, sale of assets, used up saving were the major coping mechanisms used by treatment supporters. Highest level of education, household size, marital status and income level significantly influence both the direct and indirect costs associated with tuberculosis treatment support. The significant levels were set at 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05.

Conclusion

We concludes that the estimated cost and coping mechanisms associated with assisting tuberculosis patients with treatment is significant to the tuberculosis treatment supporters. If not mitigated these costs have the tendency to worsen the socio-economic status and future welfare of tuberculosis treatment supporters.
Comparison of safety and efficacy of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (M-TLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative diseases
Authors: Chen Ming , Cui Jianchao , Liu Youtao , Cai Zhuoyan , Yang Cekai , Liu Hao , Chen Yuan , Yao Zhensong
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare modified transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (M-TLIF) with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of single-segment lumbar degenerative disorders in order to assess its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

From January 2016 to January 2021, 74 patients who received single-segment M-TLIF were examined. A total of 74 patients having single-segment PLIF during the same time period were included in a retrospective controlled study using the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. The two groups were compared in terms of the fusion rate, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the visual analogue scale of low back pain (VAS), the perioperative condition, the postoperative complications, and the postoperative neighbouring segment degeneration.

Results

All patients had surgery satisfactorily and were monitored for at least a year afterwards. The baseline values for the two groups did not significantly differ. The interbody fusion rate between PLIF (98.65%) and M-TLIF (97.30%) was not significantly different. In the follow-up, the M-TLIF group's VAS score for low back and leg pain was lower than that of the PLIF group. The ODI score of the M-TLIF group was lower than that of the PLIF group at 7 days and 3 months following surgery. Both groups' post-op VAS and ODI scores for low back and leg pain were much lower than those from before the procedure. In M-TLIF group, the operation time, drainage tube extraction time, postoperative bed rest time and hospital stay time were shorter, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss was less. Compared with those before operation, the height of intervertebral space and intervertebral foramen were significantly increased in both groups during postoperative follow-up (P < 0.05). The postoperative complications and adjacent segment degeneration of M-TLIF were significantly lower than those of PLIF.

Conclusions

M-TLIF is a safe and effective treatment for lumbar degenerative disorders, with a high fusion rate and no significant difference between M-TLIF and PLIF. M-TLIF's efficacy and safety are comparable to that of PLIF, particularly in terms of early relief of low back pain and improvement in quality of life following surgery. Therefore, M-TLIF technology can be popularized and applied in clinic.