bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of using blended generative adversarial network images to augment classification model training data sets
Authors: McCloskey Benjamin J , Cox Bruce A , Champagne Lance , Bihl Trevor J
Published: April 2023

Object detection algorithms have reached nearly superhuman levels within the last decade; however, these algorithms require large diverse training data sets to ensure their operational performance matches performance demonstrated during testing. The collection and human labeling of such data sets can be expensive and, in some cases, such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance of rare events it may not even be feasible. This research proposes a novel method for creating additional variability within the training data set by utilizing multiple models of generative adversarial networks producing both high- and low-quality synthetic images of vehicles and inserting those images alongside images of real vehicles into real backgrounds. This research demonstrates a 17.90% increase in mean absolute percentage error, on average, compared to the YOLOv4-Tiny Model trained on the original non-augmented training set as well as a 14.44% average improvement in the average intersection over union rate. In addition, our research adds to a small, but growing, body of literature indicating that the inclusion of low-quality images into training data sets is beneficial to the performance of computer vision models.
Effective Methodologies to Study Affects: New Tools for Engaging With Socio-Spatial Relations
Authors: Shilon Mor
Published: April 2023

Present day cities are highly diverse and include ongoing socio-spatial transformations. Attending to recent calls made within urban planning literature to draw on relational, nonrepresentational approaches to better attend to current cities dynamics, this paper suggests three adapted qualitative methods to the study of socio-spatial relations. The paper draws on three empirical case studies of diverse urban settings (the international airport and high-rise residential complexes) in which traditional qualitative methods were adjusted to attune to ‘affects’ in socio-spatial research: sense-oriented observations; experiential walking tours; and in-depth in situ interviews. The paper discusses the benefits and disadvantages of each of these methods and reconsiders the knowledge that can be derived from socio-spatial studies in urban planning for better urban futures. The paper advances the development of a solid nonrepresentational framework in urban planning to derive nuanced understandings of diverse urban experiences in rapidly changing cities, and planning which is more attentive to multiplicities, transformations, and complexities. For nonrepresentational scholars, the paper contributes to the search of affective methodologies empirical examples utilizing qualitative methods which were adjusted to include affective experiences in diverse urban settings.
Research on a novel displacement-dependent semi-active valve damping control mechanism used in the seat suspension system
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Liu Xiandong , Sun Canhang
Published: April 2023

The passive suspension seats have been widely used in off-road vehicles, but the drivers still suffer from the greater vibration and shock transmitted from the rough road, adversely affecting the drivers’ health and vehicle handling safety. Although active suspension seats have been researched and developed in engineering and academia for more than 30 years, they have rarely been applied in the industry due to the complex electrical structures and high costs. In this paper, a novel valve damping control system (VDCS) used in the off-road vehicle seat suspension is proposed and studied, which is a mechanical semi-active damping control system without ECUs and sensors. Firstly, the structures and working principles of VDCS are described in detail. Then, the dynamics model of the seat suspension system with VDCS is established, and simulation and experimental research are performed to evaluate its shock and vibration isolation performance. The results show that a seat suspension with VDCS is much better for isolating vibrations and shocks than one with a traditional manual adjustment damper in the whole workspace.
Papanicolaou test collection with the Papette brush or the spatula with cytobrush: A pragmatic study
Authors: O’Laughlin Danielle J , Strelow Brittany A , Fellows Nicole A , Stevens Joy N , Kelsey Elizabeth A , Fink Stephanie R , Peters Sonya M , Johnson Jennifer A , Houghton Jaclyn P , Stolp Anne M , Fischer Karen M , Tweedy Johanna M , DeJesus Ramona S
Published: April 2023

Background:

Cotesting with the Papanicolaou (Pap) and human papillomavirus tests detects most precancerous and cancerous lesions and increases the sensitivity for detecting high-grade precancerous and invasive cervical cancers compared with human papillomavirus testing alone.

Objective:

To compare the use of the Papette brush (hereafter Papette) to the traditional spatula with endocervical brush (cytobrush) for cervical cancer screening.

Design:

Pragmatic observational study.

Methods:

Adult women aged 21–64 years who were eligible for a Papanicolaou test at a Midwest Community Internal Medicine practice underwent cervical cancer screening using the Papette or spatula with cytobrush from 18 August 2021 through 1 February 2022. Cluster sampling was used across the practice. Pathology reports were then analyzed to compare the number of satisfactory versus unsatisfactory results between the two collection techniques.

Results:

We collected results for 756 Pap tests. The test results were satisfactory with the Papette 93.8% of the time compared with 93.0% for the spatula with cytobrush.

Conclusion:

The Papette is not inferior to a spatula with cytobrush as a collection method for Pap tests.
Solubility and thermodynamic properties of sodium theophylline salt in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at different temperatures
Authors: Dong Zhenhuan , Kong Lingqi , Liu Zhen , Yang Anming
Published: April 2023

The solubility data of sodium theophylline salt in the water and aqueous sodium hydroxide systems with molarities of 0.00, 0.01, 0.10, 0.20, 0.49, and 0.96 mol kg−1 at temperatures ranging from 283.15 to 368.15 K are determined via the equilibrium method. The experimental results show that the solubility of sodium theophylline increases on increasing the temperature at the same concentration of NaOH solution and decreases with an increase in the NaOH concentration at the same temperature. These results correlate well with the polynomial empirical equation, the modified Apelblat equation, and the λh equation. At the same time, it is found that the modified Apelblat equation gives better correlation results than the polynomial empirical and the λh equations. The results show that the three models correlate well with the solubility data of sodium theophylline. The modified Van’t Hoff equation is used to estimate the thermodynamic properties including the dissolution enthalpy, the dissolution entropy, and the Gibbs free energy change of sodium theophylline when dissolved in aqueous NaOH solution at different concentrations. The solubility data and correlation results obtained from the experiments can provide basic data for the cooling crystallization, separation, and purification of sodium theophylline and are expected to be of great significance for the research and development of sodium theophylline and for caffeine production.
Kinetic study on the adsorption of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using dinitrodiphenyldiquinoline adsorbent
Authors: Al-Trawneh Salah A
Published: April 2023

In this study, a dinitrodiphenyldiquinoline derivative is synthesized, purified, and characterized, and its adsorptive ability is examined for the first time. Twelve common polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are chosen as potential adsorbates for removal by using dinitrodiphenyldiquinoline as an adsorbent surface. The adsorptive capacity and the efficiency of removal depend on several variables such as adsorbent dose, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon initial concentration, pH, and contact time. This paper summarizes the adsorbent parameters and the kinetic models that can optimize and describe the adsorption process used to treat aqueous solutions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Experimentally, the optimum adsorbent dose, the initial concentration, and contact time are found to be 0.1 g, 1 ppm, and 60 min, respectively. Mathematical treatment of the adsorption data reveals that the adsorption of all the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by dinitrodiphenyldiquinoline adopted a pseudo second-order adsorption model. As a result, the dinitrodiphenyldiquinoline derivative is found to be a very good adsorbent surface for several hazardous organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Telemedicine in pulmonary rehabilitation – benefits of a telerehabilitation program in post-COVID-19 patients: a controlled quasi-experimental study
Authors: de la Plaza San Frutos Marta , Abuín Porras Vanesa , Blanco Morales María , Arrabé María García , Estrada Barranco Cecilia , Rubio Alonso Margarita
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the results of a Respiratory Telerehabilitation Program implemented to patients post-COVID-19 in postacute phase of mild to critical course of COVID-19 who had persistent respiratory symptoms and had not received any vaccination. The intervention was performed during confinement.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental nonrandomized study was conducted in Spain during confinement. Respiratory Telerehabilitation Program was guided by a specialized physical therapist through a web platform (Zoom by Zoom Video Communications, San Jose, CA, USA). Participants were recruited through social webs. Outcome measures included respiratory rate, heart rate, percutaneous oxygen saturation, Mahler’s Dyspnea Index, anxiety status, and quality of life [EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 (EQ-5D)].

Results:

A total number of 148 participants were recruited, with a final number of 100 participants completing the protocol (50 experimental group (EG)/50 control group (CG)). A total of 500 telerehabilitation sessions were performed for this study. In the EG, pre–post intervention comparative analysis showed significative changes in Mahler’s functional dyspnea ( p < 0.001), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory ( p < 0.001), oxygen saturation ( p < 0.001), heart rate ( p < 0.001), quality-of-life questionnaire ( p < 0.001), and respiratory rate ( p < 0.001). Participants in the CG showed an improvement in all the variables, but the differences were not statistically significant except in Mahler’s functional dyspnea ( p = 0.001) and in the quality-of-life questionnaire ( p = 0.043). Percentage changes in pre–post intervention were calculated and compared between EG and CG. There were statistically significative differences in all the outcomes in favor of the EG.

Conclusion:

The implementation of a pulmonary telerehabilitation program for COVID-19 not vaccinated survivors in postacute phase with mild to critical course of COVID-19 with respiratory sequelae has proven its benefits in cardiorespiratory variables and dyspnea-related anxiety.
The effect of starch- and sucrose-reduced diet accompanied by nutritional and culinary recommendations on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome patients with diarrhoea
Authors: Gayoso Lucia , Garcia-Etxebarria Koldo , Arzallus Teresa , Montalvo Isabel , Lizasoain Jacobo , D’Amato Mauro , Etxeberria Usune , Bujanda Luis
Published: April 2023

Background:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition which entails a high burden in the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Nutritional interventions have been proposed to alleviate symptoms, since still no effective treatments exist for IBS.

Objectives:

Our aim is to analyse the feasibility of the use of starch- and sucrose-reduced diet (SSRD).

Design:

In this study, we used a SSRD accompanied by nutritional and culinary recommendations to measure the effects in IBS patients with diarrhoea.

Methods:

In all, 34 participants completed a 4-week nutritional intervention based on SSRD. Symptoms, QoL and dietary habits were assessed by several questionnaires that were completed at the beginning, daily, after 2 weeks, at the end, and after 2 months.

Results:

85.29% of the participants reached the primary endpoint [reduction of 50 points or more in IBS-symptom severity scale (SSS)], and 58.82% the secondary endpoint (reduction of 50% or more in IBS-SSS). The relief of symptoms and improvement of the QoL were significant after 2 weeks of intervention, at the end and after 2 months. Dietary habits were consistent with the diet and high adherence was achieved.

Conclusions:

SSRD and individualized nutritional and culinary guidance improved symptoms and QoL of IBS patients with diarrhoea, with a high adherence.
A practical proposal on treatment sequencing of metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Perrier Marine , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Walter Thomas
Published: April 2023

According to the neuroendocrine tumour (NET) characteristics, 3 to 7 different treatment options are available, corresponding to 6 to 5,040 theoretical different sequences. Even though each patient is unique and despite a large heterogeneity in NET characteristics, the present review aims to discuss the main sequences and addresses how one can propose the best sequence to treat metastatic NET (mNET) on a case-by-case basis. Each treatment must be discussed during dedicated multi-disciplinary meetings, and inclusions in clinical trials should be favoured. After a thorough characterization of patients and their mNET, and taking into account the availability of drugs, the first-line treatment should be chosen according to the treatment aim. The latter is determined based on three main topics (efficacy, safety, and patient preferences) that do not necessarily converge and must be defined a priori. At baseline, physicians should design an a priori full therapeutic sequence, which may evolve at each step depending on the response to previous treatment, the occurrence of chronic toxicities, and the patients’ perception of the prior treatment. To improve knowledge in terms of effectiveness and risk of cumulative toxicities regarding the different sequences, real-world data using long follow-up durations are necessary; such issues will not be resolved by randomized clinical trials.
Magnetic resonance imaging assessments for knee segmentation and their use in combination with machine/deep learning as predictors of early osteoarthritis diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Paiement Patrice , Pelletier Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling disease that can develop over decades. This disease is heterogeneous and involves structural changes in the whole joint, encompassing multiple tissue types. Detecting OA before the onset of irreversible changes is crucial for early management, and this could be achieved by allowing knee tissue visualization and quantifying their changes over time. Although some imaging modalities are available for knee structure assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred. This narrative review looks at existing literature, first on MRI-developed approaches for evaluating knee articular tissues, and second on prediction using machine/deep-learning-based methodologies and MRI as input or outcome for early OA diagnosis and prognosis. A substantial number of MRI methodologies have been developed to assess several knee tissues in a semi-quantitative and quantitative fashion using manual, semi-automated and fully automated systems. This dynamic field has grown substantially since the advent of machine/deep learning. Another active area is predictive modelling using machine/deep-learning methodologies enabling robust early OA diagnosis/prognosis. Moreover, incorporating MRI markers as input/outcome in such predictive models is important for a more accurate OA structural diagnosis/prognosis. The main limitation of their usage is the ability to move them in rheumatology practice. In conclusion, MRI knee tissue determination and quantification provide early indicators for individuals at high risk of developing this disease or for patient prognosis. Such assessment of knee tissues, combined with the development of models/tools from machine/deep learning using, in addition to other parameters, MRI markers for early diagnosis/prognosis, will maximize opportunities for individualized risk assessment for use in clinical practice permitting precision medicine. Future efforts should be made to integrate such prediction models into open access, allowing early disease management to prevent or delay the OA outcome.
A Systematic Study of Ambivalence and Well-Being in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Zoppolat Giulia , Righetti Francesca , Faure Ruddy , Schneider Iris K.
Published: April 2023

People in close relationships can, and often do, experience ambivalence (i.e., mixed feelings) toward their romantic partner. Although ambivalence is common and consequential, research on this phenomenon is fragmented. The present work examines how four different types of ambivalence (i.e., objective, subjective, implicit-explicit, and implicit ambivalence) relate to well-being. In four intensive studies ( N = 1,134) and internal meta-analyses, ambivalence was related to lower personal and relational well-being, but this association was only statistically significant for explicit (i.e., objective and subjective) types of ambivalence, with subjective ambivalence showing the strongest association, particularly for relationship outcomes. This work is the first systematic study of ambivalence and well-being in relationships and highlights the importance of capturing mixed feelings in relationship research and how such focus can benefit research on attitudinal ambivalence and well-being more broadly.
Social Connectedness Promotes Robot Anthropomorphism
Authors: Dang Jianning , Liu Li
Published: April 2023

Anthropomorphism has traditionally been viewed as a means to compensate for a lack of social connection; therefore, social deficits are considered to facilitate anthropomorphism. In this research, we adopted an alternative growth-oriented perspective of anthropomorphism. We posited that anthropomorphism operates as a means to explore the social world, and thus hypothesized that social connectedness promotes robot anthropomorphism. To test this hypothesis, we conducted three studies (total N = 599) examining the effect of social connectedness on robot anthropomorphism. We found that social connectedness increased robot anthropomorphism. Importantly, genuine interest in social interactions with robots accounted for this effect. In addition, anthropomorphism elicited by social connectedness predicted more favorable attitudes toward robots. These findings enrich the current understanding of anthropomorphism and have practical implications.
Field strength difference in extent of artifacts induced by CERTAS Plus valves in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Camerucci Emanuele , Elder Benjamin D , Shu Yunhong , Messina Steven A , Gunter Jeffrey L , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Jones David T , Botha Hugo , Cutsforth-Gregory Jeremy K , Jack Clifford R , Huston John , Cogswell Petrice M
Published: April 2023

Background and purpose

: Post-shunt MRI is usually performed at 1.5T under the general assumption that shunt-related susceptibility artifacts would be greater at higher field strengths.

Purpose

The purpose is to show that imaging post-shunt idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients at 3T is feasible and with reduced artifacts as compared to 1.5T.

Methods

We manually measured transverse dimensions of artifact at the levels of lateral ventricles, cerebral aqueduct, and cerebellar hemisphere. Areas/volumes of artifacts were calculated assuming an elliptic/ellipsoid shape. Relative extent of shunt-related artifact between field strengths was rated by 3 readers on a 5-point Likert scale. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to compare artifact at 1.5T vs 3T for each sequence, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results

Artifact areas were calculated in 22 iNPH patients; artifacts were on average smaller at 3T vs 1.5T on MPRAGE, DWI, and GRE sequences. On T2 FLAIR and T2 FSE, artifacts at 3T were larger than 1.5T. On the qualitative analysis, artifact effects were less at 3T vs 1.5T on DWI, greater at 3T on T2 FSE, and had mixed results on GRE.

Conclusion

Our results indicate feasibility of post-shunt imaging with the CERTAS Plus valve at 3T based on shunt-related artifact that is less than or equal in extent to that on 1.5T on most standard clinical imaging sequences. Our findings, corroborated by the qualitative image review, suggest that dedicated clinical imaging sequences for devices may allow for reduction in artifact extent at both 1.5T and 3T.
Brain iron content and cognitive function in patients with β-thalassemia
Authors: Bu Meiru , Deng Xi , Zhang Yu , Chen Sean W. , Jiang Muliang , Chen Bihong T.
Published: April 2023

Patients with β-thalassemia (β-TM) may have brain iron overload from long-term blood transfusions, ineffective erythropoiesis, and increased intestinal iron absorption, leading to cognitive impairment. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods such as the transverse relaxation rate, susceptibility-weighted imaging, and quantitative susceptibility mapping can provide quantitative, in vivo measurements of brain iron. This review assessed these MRI methods for brain iron quantification and the measurements for cognitive function in patients with β-TM. We aimed to identify the neural correlates of cognitive impairment, which should help to evaluate therapies for improving cognition and quality of life in patients with β-TM.
Emerging roles of macrophages in heart failure and associated treatment approaches
Authors: Xie Lan , Chen Jinyong , Wang Yidong , Jin Chengjiang , Xie Yao , Ma Hong , Xiang Meixiang
Published: April 2023

Heart failure is typically caused by different cardiovascular conditions and has a poor prognosis. Despite the advances in treatment in recent decades, heart failure has remained a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As revealed by in vivo and in vitro experiments, inflammation plays a crucial role in adverse cardiac remodeling, ultimately leading to heart failure. Macrophages are central to the innate immune system, and they are the most indispensable cell type for all cardiac injuries and remodeling stages. The immediate microenvironment regulates their polarization and secretion. In this review, we summarize the phenotypic heterogeneity and governing roles of macrophages in the infarcted, inflamed, and aging heart and assess their significance as potential therapeutic targets in heart failure. We also highlight the current missing links and major challenges in the field that remain to be addressed before macrophages can be exploited for therapeutic applications.
Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Asfaw Tsegahun
Published: April 2023

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available data on rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia to provide a true figure on the prevalence and distribution of the disease.

Methods:

Different articles were selected using search terms by different search engines like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholars, and ScienceDirect and also by obtaining hard copies of locally published articles. The search for original research articles was conducted from December 1 to December 30, 2022. Finally, the priority reporting items of the systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines were used for the literature search strategy, publication selection, data extraction, and reporting of review results. Data quality was checked by the author for similarity of study design and inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results:

A total of sixteen original research articles were included. Nine included articles were from different cardiac patients and seven of the included articles were from children and asymptomatic population. All research papers were summarized in the table clearly with the key information and findings. The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in cardiac patients from nine included studies was 49.04 (−30.84, 128.92) whereas the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in children and asymptomatic participants from seven study included was 2.70 (−1181.99, 1187.39) or 27/1000.

Conclusions:

This review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Ethiopia is very high in cardiac patients, children, and the asymptomatic population. Therefore, well-designed and evidence-based national prevention and treatment strategies must be in place to prevent the disease and provide timely treatment for patients.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with migraine
Authors: Hrytsenko Olena , Kopchak Oksana , Kozyk Marko , Strubchevska Kateryna
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

The aim of our work was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine measures on migraine patients in regards to the activity of the disease, the psycho-emotional background of the patients and their quality of life.

Methods:

his study included 133 patients with established diagnosis of migraine. All study participants were divided into two clinical groups: A—patients with chronic and episodic forms of migraine, who had a history of positive PCR test for COVID-19, and B—patients with chronic and episodic forms of migraine who did not have a history of coronavirus disease.

Results:

We detected increase in the number of antimigraine medication ( p = 0.04), frequency of headache attacks ( p = 0.01), and the psycho-emotional state deterioration (increase in the Hamilton anxiety scale score) ( p = 0.002) in patients after recovery from the coronavirus disease. There was no significant difference in the headache’s intensity according to the VAS scale ( p = 0.51) as well as in the dynamics of the Beck depression scale score ( p = 0.09) before and after the COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion:

Patients with a history of migraine who recovered from COVID-19 showed increased frequency of migraine headache attacks and anxiety.
Effectiveness of cyanoacrylate glue in the fixation of midline catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters in hospitalised adult patients: Randomised clinical trial (CIANO-ETI)
Authors: Padilla-Nula Ferran , Bergua-Lorente Alejandro , Farrero-Mena Jordi , Escolà-Nogués Anna , Llauradó-Mateu Miriam , Serret-Nuevo Carme , Bellon Filip
Published: April 2023

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of the use of cyanoacrylate glue (CAG) as a means of securing midline catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters with the modified micro-Seldinger technique in adult hospitalised patients.

Methods:

Randomised clinical trial with two groups (1:1): control and intervention. The control group received a securement method with a sutureless device plus transparent dressing and the intervention group received the same securement method plus the CAG. The study was approved by the Drug Research Ethics Committee of the Lleida Health Region.

Results:

A total of 216 patients were assessed. The two groups of the trial were homogenously distributed in terms of sociodemographic and clinical variables. The intervention group had a statistically significant lower incidence of peri-catheter bleeding and/or oozing during the 7-day study period (odds ratio (OR), 0.6; 95% confidence level (CI), 0.44–0.81; p < 0.001) and a statistically significant lower incidence of catheter dislodgements during the first 24 h (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.04–0.91; p = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of phlebitis (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.60–2.83; p = 0.56) or catheter-related pain (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.40–1.94; p = 0.84).

Conclusion:

Midline catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters secured with CAG had fewer complications than catheters not secured with this adhesive.
Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures: A case report
Authors: Roa Juan David , Camacho-Cruz Jhon , Pérez-Osorio Laura , Castillo Ana Maria , Saavedra-Gutierrez Gabriela
Published: April 2023

Self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures, formerly known as benign occipital epilepsy of childhood or Panayiotopoulos syndrome is a focal epilepsy that is part of the epileptic syndromes with onset during childhood. The objective of this report is to raise awareness about its importance and describe the clinical manifestations, timely diagnosis, and treatment. A pediatric patient admitted with gastrointestinal manifestations is presented. The autonomic manifestations must be considered as part of the clinical spectrum that includes this disease and the digestive and autonomic manifestations that mask the diagnosis, sometimes even in the absence of motor seizures themselves. Electroencephalographic confirmation was performed, avoiding cataloging it in other differential diagnoses.
Tolvaptan-induced isolated elevation of bilirubin in a patient with Gilbert syndrome
Authors: Nguyen Matthew , Yanny Beshoy T , Truong Tai LD , Zhao Hongyu , Hanna Ramy
Published: April 2023

Tolvaptan is the current standard of treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. It operates by acting on V2 receptors and blocks vasopressin interactions, causing a reduction in the rate of renal cyst growth and preserving kidney function. The current known risks of tolvaptan involve a serious liver injury characterized by an elevation in total bilirubin and alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels. In this report, we document a unique liver injury characterized by an elevated bilirubin with normal alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels in a patient who is homozygous for the UGT1A1 consistent with Gilbert syndrome.
A delayed presentation of a traumatic isolated duodenal injury
Authors: Gunarathne KPD Janitha Kaushalya , Kaushalya PD Jayamini , Halpegamage Nishantha Wijenayake
Published: April 2023

Blunt injury to the abdomen resulting in isolated duodenal injury is rare in surgical practice. Due to the insidious onset of symptoms and the vague non-specific nature of the clinical presentation, these injuries can be easily missed even in experienced hands. Contrary to Europe or developed countries, assaults to the abdomen using hands, fists, and feet in home-based violence is common in third-world countries. These patients have the habit of hiding the assault part of the history to avoid litigations to ‘known’ people. A high level of suspicion, a continuous revisiting of the history, and timely damage control surgery can improve the outcomes of such patients.
Survey-based Evaluation of a Fish Consumption Information Dissemination Campaign Within an Integrated Health System: Learnings From ChooseYourFish
Authors: Dinh Jennifer M. , JaKa Meghan M. , Kottke Thomas E. , Haapala Jacob , Rivard Rachael , Katz Abigail S. , McCann Patricia , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y.
Published: April 2023

Introduction/Objectives:

Safe fish consumption is important for people who are or could become pregnant. A health system in Minnesota partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health to develop and disseminate messages to promote safe fish consumption for this population via the ChooseYourFish initiative. The ChooseYourFish message was delivered through 5 channels: the Healthy Pregnancy Program (HPP) with phone-based coaching, a clinic brochure, in the clinic after visit summary (AVS), direct mailing of the brochure with a letter, and in images on clinic waiting room monitors.

Methods:

We designed a pragmatic evaluation to understand the likelihood that each channel would result in awareness of the message and increase a recipient’s intent to act on the information. We surveyed 1050 women aged 18 to 40 in March-May 2020. Results are reported with descriptive statistics.

Results:

The survey was completed by 524 respondents (51%). Respondents receiving the ChooseYourFish message through any channel except clinic monitors reported a higher awareness of recommendations about eating fish (42%-56%) than respondents in the no-message comparison group (21%). The after visit summary and Healthy Pregnancy Program channels had more confidence in following recommendations (50%-54%) and showed more intention to eat fish (61%-62%) compared to lower-intensity channels (24%-31% and 19%-32%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Messages delivered by an often-trusted source (eg, healthcare provider) were more likely to increase confidence and intent. Despite the trend toward online health information, physical brochures still have large reach. Repetition of exposure may be important. Because all communication channels have advantages and drawbacks, using multiple delivery channels is appropriate in communication campaigns.
Integrated Primary Care and Health Behavior Support: A Survey of Behavioral Health Providers
Authors: Nederveld Andrea , Wiggins Kimberly , Dickinson Linda Miriam , Dickinson Perry W , Tolle Lauren Woodward , Holtrop Jodi Summers
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

Many behavioral health providers (BHPs) in primary care practices spend a majority of their time addressing mental health rather than behavior change. We wanted to better understand the practice of BHPs in integrated primary care.

Methods:

Survey of BHPs from practices participating in the Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) initiative. The survey measured what diagnoses BHPs receive referrals to treat, what they treat regardless of referral reason, which techniques they use, and think are most effective for mental health diagnoses and behavior change/weight management support, and their interest in providing support for weight management. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations.

Results:

We received 79 surveys representing 64 out of 248 SIM practices (practice response rate of 26%). BHPs reported addressing health-related behaviors with patients referred to them for mental health diagnoses. They expressed interest in health behavior and believed the techniques they use for traditional mental health diagnoses also support behavior change. Most reported using cognitive behavioral therapy (89%), mindfulness (94%), and relaxation/stress management (94%). Time in practice was associated with receiving more referrals for weight management (rho(76) = .271, P = .018) and with addressing diet (rho(75) = .339, P = .003) and weight management (rho(75) = .323, P = .005). BHPs in practices that had care managers were more likely to report receiving referrals for weight management than BHPs in practices that did not employ a case manager ([Formula: see text](76) = .222, P = .038); practices employing a health coach were more likely to receive referrals for physical activity than practices without a health coach ([Formula: see text](76) = .257, P = .015).

Conclusions:

BHPs are interested in and frequently address health related behavior. Formalizing health behavior services from BHPs in primary care may provide opportunities to better support patients with behavior change and subsequently improve health outcomes.
Learning Outcomes, Motivation, and Satisfaction in Gamified English Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Yu Zhonggen
Published: April 2023

The past several years have been witnessing the fast development of information and communication technology, with which an increasing number of serious games are being designed and developed. Randomly selected participants were divided into the treatment and control cohorts. Two experiments, as well as a semi-structured interview, were administered to both cohorts. It was concluded that: (1) Learning outcomes in gamified English vocabulary learning are significantly better than in non-gamified English vocabulary learning; (2) The motivation in gamified English vocabulary learning is significantly stronger than in non-gamified English vocabulary learning; (3) The satisfaction in gamified English vocabulary learning is significantly higher than in non-gamified English vocabulary learning. Future research could include various serious games with interdisciplinary cooperation to testify the effect of gamification on English vocabulary learning.
Determinants of Bank Profitability in the Context of Financial Liberalization: Evidence from Morocco
Authors: Belcaid Karim , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: April 2023

This article aims, in the context of financial liberalization, to examine the impact of several internal and external factors in relation to the profitability of banks listed on the Moroccan stock exchange. The study uses the panel data method on a sample of the six banks with the largest market shares over the 2010–2019 period to investigate the influence of ownership structure, bank governance, capital structure, prudential regulation, and also a macroeconomic variation on bank profitability. Accordingly, the empirical results indicate a negative relationship between concentration, foreign ownership, and bank profitability. Further, high capital structure ratios, especially solvency, liquidity, and capitalization ratios appear to have an undesirable effect on the performance of Moroccan banks. In contrast, the impact of domestic institutional ownership is positive, implying that profitability is more favored by domestic ownership than by foreign ownership. Our findings also highlight the importance of independent directors and board size. Therefore, liberalizing ownership and opening up the board to the expertise of outside directors is essential for the banking sector’s development.

In terms of policy implications, central banks and regulators need to ensure that banks rigorously adhere to specified leverage and fixed capital adequacy ratios while ensuring optimal liberalization for bank performance.
The application of social cognitive theory (SCT) to the mHealth diabetes physical activity (PA) app to control blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Takalar regency
Authors: Zainuddin  , Abdullah Andi Zulkifli , Jafar Nurhaedar , Suriah  , Nursalam  , Darmawansyah  , Syahrul Syahrul , Wahiduddin  , Widiantoro Fransiskus Xaverius , Irfandi Rizal
Published: April 2023

Background: People with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) experience an increased health risk due to reduced physical activities. Cellular health technology ( mHealth) offers a way that people with DM can engage in more complex physical activities. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is the most commonly used theory in increasing physical activities. This study aims to find out the application of SCT in mHealth app to control blood sugar (GDP, HbA1C) of T2DM patients. Design and Method: This present study used a mixed method sequential explanatory design related to the application of mHealth Diabetes Physical Activity in Takalar Regency. The first step was to use qualitative methods with rapid assessment procedures in developing the application of SCT in mHealth. The second step was to validate and test the app through usability testing. The last step was intervening the development of mHealth app using quasi-experimental designs related to the influence of mHealth Diabetes Physical activity interventions in controlling blood sugar (GDP, HbA1c) in T2DM patients. The first group was the mHealth diabetes Physical activity (PA) intervention group; the second intervention group was a group monitored through Whatsapp group; and the third group was the group with physical activity module but without monitoring. Expected outcome: The findings of this study are expected to be the basis of evidence for nurses holding DM programs to make relevant policies and design an app-based physical activity promotion programs for T2DM patients. Conclusion: This protocol qualifies to be the basis of evidence for nurses holding Diabetes Mellitus programs in improving health services through IT-based health promotion programs
The Design and Characteristics of School Improvement Plan Templates
Authors: VanGronigen Bryan A. , Meyers Coby V. , Adjei Rachel Antwi , Marianno Latrice , Charris Linda
Published: April 2023

Resources for school improvement efforts, such as school improvement plan (SIP) templates, can espouse governmental entities’ perspectives on and requirements and recommendations for the school improvement planning process. These resources, in turn, can influence how educators enact school improvement efforts generally and the school improvement planning process specifically. In this exploratory qualitative study, we leveraged a conventional content analysis to rigorously examine SIP templates used by schools in the United States before and after the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015. We were particularly interested in learning how a sample of SIP templates espoused the school improvement planning process before and after ESSA’s passage. Findings suggest that SIP templates focused more on developing SIPs than implementing SIPs, raising concerns about SIPs continuing to be enacted out of compliance rather than as a mechanism for spurring and sustaining improvement efforts in schools.
Going the Distance: Disparities in Pre-K Enrollment in Higher-Quality Schools by Geographic Proximity, Race/Ethnicity, Family Income, and Home Language
Authors: McCormick Meghan , Pralica Mirjana , Hsueh JoAnn , Weiland Christina , Weissman Amanda Ketner , Shapiro Anna , Xia Samantha , MacDowell Cullen , Maves Samuel , Taylor Anne , Sachs Jason
Published: April 2023

This study leverages six years of public prekindergarten (pre-K) and kindergarten data (N = 22,469) from the Boston Public Schools (BPS) to examine enrollment in BPS pre-K from 2012–2017 for students from different racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and linguistic groups. The largest differences in enrollment emerged with respect to race and ethnicity—and for enrollment in programs in higher-quality schools (defined as schools scoring in the top quartile on third-grade standardized tests)—with disparities increasing over time. Although there were no differences across groups in proximity to BPS pre-K programs in general, Black students lived about a quarter of a mile farther than their White peers from the nearest program in a higher-quality school, with gaps widening over time. Closer proximity was associated with a higher likelihood of enrollment in a program in a higher-quality school. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Opting Out of Standardized Tests at the Secondary Level—A Geographic Analysis of Colorado
Authors: Ross Lydia , Chapman Kathryn P. , Dorn Sherman , Casanova Carlos R.
Published: April 2023

Although much of the national opt-out movement is parent driven, the Colorado opt-out movement involved considerable efforts from high school students. This study explores the geography of the Colorado opt-out movement among secondary students, drawing upon social movements theory. We utilize the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) as a measure of opt-out behavior in Colorado between 2016–2019. We also examine school-level demographic data. We first applied ordinary least squares regression and then utilize multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to examine the relationships between school-level demographics and opting out behavior for 11th-grade standardized assessments in Colorado. This analysis demonstrates the importance of geography in enacting social networks surrounding the opt-out movement in the state of Colorado. This study offers insight into opting out in the unique context of youth activism in Colorado, with a specific focus on geographical analysis.
Understanding the effect of boundary spanning activities on team identification in new product development teams
Authors: Carbonell Pilar , Rodriguez Escudero Ana I
Published: April 2023

Despite the relevance of team boundary spanning in new product development (NPD), there is great deal we still do not know about these activities. For example, little is known about how these activities affect the development of team identification, an important emergent state with critical implications for new product performance. This study extends our understanding of this topic by exploring the relationship between team boundary spanning and team identification. This relationship is examined via the intervening mechanisms of team potency and team boundedness and the moderating effect of intra-team communication. Data from a time-lagged survey study of 140 NPD projects revealed that team potency and team boundedness, respectively, positively and negatively mediate the relationship between team boundary spanning and team identification. Intra-team communication was found to reduce the negative effect of team boundary spanning on team boundedness.

JEL CLASSIFICATION 031, 032, 036
Do you get what you desire? Consequences of (mis) fit of desired versus actual servant leadership, and the role of context across 10 countries
Authors: Wang Siqi , Rofcanin Yasin , Las Heras Mireia , Bosch Maria Jose , Marescaux Elise
Published: April 2023

This study explores how (in)congruence of desired and actual behaviors of servant leaders shape the outcomes of followers’ work engagement, well-being, and turnover intentions. We underline the significance of cultural context in influencing follower outcomes and, thus, integrate a gender-cultural perspective to highlight the moderating role of gender inequality on a country level. In so doing, we postulate a strong relationship between the effects of actual/desired behaviors of servant leaders upon follower work outcomes, especially in contexts where gender inequality is high. Our results from documenting the perceptions of full-time employees ( n = 2,960) across 10 countries using polynomial regression analyses show that followers’ turnover intentions are lower and work engagement is higher when there is a congruence between followers’ perception of servant leadership and desired servant leadership. Moreover, we found that followers’ well-being is higher when actual and desired servant leadership is congruent as opposed to incongruent. In addition, the results show that the beneficial impact of congruence (as opposed to incongruence) is stronger in the cultural context where gender inequality is high. We contribute to the literature by showing the important impacts of (in)congruence between desired and actual servant leadership on followers’ outcomes.

JEL CLASSIFICATION M12