bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postprandial glucose-lowering effects by sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) resistant starch in spontaneously type 2 diabetes, Goto-Kakizaki rat
Authors: Lokman Ezarul Faradianna , Bugam Sal Hazreen , Ibrahim Aina Shafiza , Yunus Nurleyna , Mansor Fazliana , Balasubramaniam Vimala , Mohamad Khairul Mirza , Md Lazim Rabizah , Awang Seruji Awang Zulfikar Rizal
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The beneficial effects of resistant starch (RS) consumption on health in terms of reducing postprandial hyperglycaemia are evident. However, the potential of local Sarawak sago RS in regulating glucose has not been extensively studied. Objectives: This study aims to identify glucose-lowering effects of Sarawak sago RS, namely native (RS2) and chemically modified (RS4). Methodology: An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed before and after 1 month treatment with sago RS2 and RS4 in spontaneously type 2 diabetes (T2D), Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat. The mechanisms involved were further explored by screening the in vitro inhibitory activities of α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV. Histopathology examination for pancreas, kidney and liver tissues was done in response to sago RS intake using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results and discussion: The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for blood glucose in RS-treated groups was decreased and significant in RS2-treated group ( p < 0.05). Improved iAUC for insulin and higher glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) levels were observed in all RS-treated groups ( p < 0.05). Both sago RS may have potential roles in regulating glucose via α- glucosidase and DPP-IV inhibitory activities by reducing intestinal glucose absorption. For histopathology, although insignificant, sago RS2 and RS4 attenuated lesion scores of pancreatic tissue whereas the liver and kidney tissues significantly showed lesser lesion scores compared to the control diabetic group suggesting the potential of RS in reducing cell degeneration. Conclusion: Findings of this study indicates that RS2 showed greater glucose-lowering effect when compared to RS4, thus the therapeutic potential in the T2D management should be further explored.
Longitudinal differences in iron deposition in periaqueductal gray matter and anterior cingulate cortex are associated with response to erenumab in migraine
Authors: Nikolova Simona , Chong Catherine Daniela , Dumkrieger Gina M. , Li Jing , Wu Teresa , Schwedt Todd J
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The objective of this longitudinal study was to determine whether brain iron accumulation, measured using magnetic resonance imaging magnetic transverse relaxation rates (T2*), is associated with response to erenumab for the treatment of migraine.

Methods

Participants (n = 28) with migraine, diagnosed using international classification of headache disorders 3rd edition criteria, were eligible if they had six to 25 migraine days during a four-week headache diary run-in phase. Participants received two treatments with 140 mg erenumab, one immediately following the pre-treatment run-in phase and a second treatment four weeks later. T2* data were collected immediately following the pre-treatment phase, and at two weeks and eight weeks following the first erenumab treatment. Patients were classified as erenumab responders if their migraine-day frequency at five-to-eight weeks post-initial treatment was reduced by at least 50% compared to the pre-treatment run-in phase. A longitudinal Sandwich estimator approach was used to compare longitudinal group differences (responders vs non-responders) in T2* values, associated with iron accumulation. Group visit effects were calculated with a significance threshold of p = 0.005 and cluster forming threshold of 250 voxels. T2* values of 19 healthy controls were used for a reference. The average of each significant region was compared between groups and visits with Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons with significance defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Pre- and post-treatment longitudinal imaging data were available from 28 participants with migraine for a total of 79 quantitative T2* images. Average subject age was 42 ± 13 years (25 female, three male). Of the 28 subjects studied, 53.6% were erenumab responders. Comparing longitudinal T2* between erenumab responders vs non-responders yielded two comparisons which survived the significance threshold of p < 0.05 after correction for multiple comparisons: the difference at eight weeks between the erenumab-responders and non-responders in the periaqueductal gray (mean ± standard error; responders 43 ± 1 ms vs non-responders 32.5 ± 1 ms, p = 0.002) and the anterior cingulate cortex (mean ± standard error; responders 50 ± 1 ms vs non-responders 40 ± 1 ms, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Erenumab response is associated with higher T2* in the periaqueductal gray and anterior cingulate cortex, regions that participate in pain processing and modulation. T2* differences between erenumab responders vs non-responders, a measure of brain iron accumulation, are seen at eight weeks post-treatment. Less iron accumulation in the periaqueductal gray and anterior cingulate cortex might play a role in the therapeutic mechanisms of migraine reduction associated with erenumab.
Epicranial headache part 1: Primary stabbing headache
Authors: Kwon Soonwook , Lee Mi Ji , Kim Manho
Published: February 2023

Background/objective

Primary stabbing headache is a common but under-recognized primary headache disorder. The objectives of this review were to provide practical information for better understanding and identification of the disease, suggest an algorithm for differential diagnosis, and provide an insight into the pathophysiology of primary stabbing headache hypothesized from its clinical course.

Methods

This narrative review of primary stabbing headache is based on a literature search and the authors’ clinical reasoning.

Result

The phenotype of each stab is typically abrupt, ultrashort-lasting (<3 s), focal or multifocal, paroxysms of pain occurring sporadically or in clusters. The diagnosis of primary stabbing headache is clinical; fixed or migrating stabs without background pain or sensory abnormalities and the absence of features suggestive of other disorders (e.g., cranial autonomic symptoms or signs) can aid in the diagnosis of primary stabbing headache. The clinical patterns include monophasic, intermittent, and chronic primary stabbing headache, of which the first two are considered typical. The pathophysiology of primary stabbing headache has not yet been elucidated. In this review, we postulated the mechanism of stabbing headache, based on the pain phenotype and clinical course, and provide a clinical algorithm for the differential diagnosis of primary stabbing headache.

Conclusion

Knowledge about the typical manifestations and clinical patterns of primary stabbing headache will aid in the proper diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Treatment should be tailored by considering the clinical patterns. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and optimal treatment of primary stabbing headache.
Effects of Asphalt Binder Additives and Industrial Fillers on the Mechanical and Functional Properties of Open Graded Friction Course
Authors: Abohamer Hossam , Elseifi Mostafa A. , Mayeux Corey , Cooper Samuel B. , Cooper Samuel
Published: February 2023

Open graded friction course (OGFC) is widely recognized for its environmental and safety benefits (e.g., water drainage and noise reduction). However, based on durability concerns, many states have limited the use of OGFC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives, by-products (i.e., crumb rubber [CR]), and industrial fillers (i.e., Portland cement and fly ash) in enhancing the laboratory performance of OGFC mixes. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive experimental program was conducted to evaluate the performance of eight mixes at three distinct stages (i.e., production, construction, and service). A suite of laboratory tests was conducted including draindown, prediction of compaction energy, Cantabro abrasion loss, Hamburg wheel tracking, Texas overlay, modified Lottman, and boiling tests to evaluate production, compaction, and OGFC resistance to raveling, permanent deformation, cracking, and stripping damage. Results indicated that CR, Portland cement, and fly ash significantly enhanced OGFC durability while maintaining adequate functional performance. In addition, results also showed that the use of an organic WMA additive considerably reduced the production temperature and compaction effort required to place the mix at the desired density while showing a significant improvement in OGFC durability.
Segment-Level Spatial Spillover Effects of Exogenous Characteristics of Arterials on Crash Frequency
Authors: Atumo Eskindir Ayele , Zhang Bin , Li Haibo , Jiang Xinguo , Yu Qiong , Ambo Tefera Bahiru , Hu Zuoan
Published: February 2023

Studies of spatial effects on road traffic safety are highly skewed in relation to aggregation units. As a result, the spatial effect of road traffic crashes at segment-level aggregation is rarely investigated. In light of that, this study investigates spatial spillover effects to determine the effects of independent variable changes initiated in one segment on the dependent variable of its neighboring segments. Additionally, the performance of the implemented models is evaluated under five different spatial weighting approaches. Spatial spillover effect of fatal and injury crashes aggregated at the segment level is estimated with the spatial lag of explanatory variables model under the general framework of Poisson and negative binomial models. The results indicate (i) spatial spillover effects are better modeled with spatial relation conceptualized by inverse distance spatial weighting schemes; (ii) spatial lag of explanatory variables under negative binomial and inverse distance spatial weighting provides the best model fitting; (iii) exogenous interactions among influence factors of fatal and injury crashes have a noteworthy effect in determining the crash frequency of neighboring segments. Convincingly, spatial spillover effect seems to significantly affect the results of conventional count modeling at the segment levels. To that effect, this study expects to provide empirical evidence and complement the existing literature on the impact of changes in explanatory variables initiated in a given segment on the safety of segments in proximity.
Developing Perceived and Experienced Identity: How Leadership Training Affects Leadership Identity
Authors: Grøn Caroline Howard , Andersen Lotte Bøgh
Published: February 2023

Research shows that leadership identity is important for public managers’ behavior, but has until now relied primarily on self-reports. Arguing that leadership identity is a relational concept, this article compares the managers’ experienced leadership identity with the corresponding follower perceived leadership identity and followers’ role perceptions of their leaders. Further, we test whether leadership training affects these concepts. Panel data from 911 municipal employees and their 84 managers confirms that managers experience that they have a more dominant leadership identity relative to their employees’ perception, but that employees see their managers as having a more dominant leadership identity after the managers’ participation in leadership training. Data from 171 managers and their 1,572 employees in another municipality further show that many employees emphasize the professional role of their manager. Our study implies that public managers should consider prioritizing leadership training to strengthen their followers’ perceptions of them as leaders.
Quantifying Critical Care Pharmacist Interventions in COVID-19
Authors: Pluenneke Jack C. , Semler Matthew W. , Casey Jonathan D. , Qian Edward T. , Rice Todd W. , Stollings Joanna L.
Published: February 2023

Purpose/Background: Pharmacists have been shown to play an important role in the medication management of critically ill patients. Pharmacist interventions in the care of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been quantitatively described. Methodology: A single center, retrospective, observational study was conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. All adult patients admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) or Medical ICU with a COVID-19 diagnosis between March 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, were included. All interventions made by pharmacists were documented electronically, collected, categorized, and analyzed. The primary outcome of this study was the median number of interventions by pharmacists per patient. The secondary outcome was the number of different types of interventions performed. Results: A total of 768 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 63 years old; 63% of patients were male and 71% were Caucasian. Median hospital length of stay (LOS) was 12 days (interquartile range (IQR) 7-21) and ICU LOS was 5 days (IQR 1-11). The median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score was 4 (IQR 2-7) and Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 (IQR 2-5). Mortality at 60 days occurred in 352 patients (46%). Pharmacists performed a total of 7027 interventions for 655 patients with a median number of pharmacist interventions per patient of 6 (IQR 3-14). The most common pharmacist interventions were medication discontinuation (24%), completion of components of the ICU liberation bundle (19%), medication dose adjustment (18%), therapeutic drug monitoring (15%), and medication initiation (10%). Conclusions: Pharmacists made multiple interventions related to medication use and management in critically ill patients with COVID-19. This study adds important information of the evolving role clinical pharmacists play in the care of critical illness, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sexual Assault, Mental Health, and Alcohol Use in College Women: The Role of Resilience and Campus Belonging
Authors: Firkey Madison K. , Tully Lyric K. , Schiros Ashley M. , Antshel Kevin M. , Woolf-King Sarah E.
Published: February 2023

Understanding the mental health outcomes of sexual assault among college women is a public health priority. Although research has identified risk factors for the development of mental health problems following an assault, few studies have utilized a strengths-based approach to identify personal and social resources that may mediate the sexual assault–mental health link. Prior studies allude to the role of resilience and perceived campus belonging in explaining the relationship between sexual assault and mental health. This study represents the first application of the stress process model using a large sample of college women to examine (a) the association between sexual assault and mental health (i.e., psychological distress, suicidality, self-harm) and alcohol use problems and (b) the role of resilience and perceived campus belonging as partial mediators of these associations. Data were collected as part of the Spring 2021 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA; n = 31,328, Mean age = 20.26, SD = 1.64, 58.8% White), a cross-sectional, online survey that samples college students from 143 self-selected United States colleges. To test our primary hypothesis, a structural regression model was conducted, which included a latent sexual assault predictor, manifest resilience and campus belonging mediators, a latent mental health outcome, and a manifest alcohol use problems outcome. Mental health and alcohol use problems were positively associated with sexual assault and negatively associated with resilience and campus belonging. Resilience partially mediated the association between sexual assault and mental health. Campus belonging partially mediated the association between sexual assault, mental health, and alcohol use problems. This model explained 23.2% of the variance in mental health and 5.9% of the variance in alcohol use. Resilience and campus belonging may represent modifiable factors that can be targeted in trauma-focused interventions in efforts to improve victimized college women’s mental health.
Research on surface normal prediction based on kriging interpolation in aircraft assembly
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Wang Hao
Published: February 2023

The accuracy of the drilling position in aircraft assemblies significantly impacts the quality of the final assembly. However, there is a deviation in the workpiece due to various factors such as machining errors and workpiece deformation, and therefore there is a need to correct deviations in the drilling position and normal direction. For these reasons, a method of kriging interpolation model was proposed. First, a new method of normal direction measurement was proposed and used to obtain the normal vector of the reference point in the subsequent study. Secondly, a CAD model of finite element displacement simulation including 30 reference drilling positions as samples and 10 drilling positions to be measured was established. The position deviations of the reference point and the normal vector end point were obtained as outputs, and the coordinates of each point were used as the input to establish a kriging interpolation model. The simulation results show that the average deviation angle between the normal vector predicted by the interpolation model and the initial normal vector of the drilling position was about 0.06°.
Fabrication of nanoindentation array-based SERS substrate using Conical and Berkovich indenters
Authors: Geng Yanquan , Wang Jiqiang , Yan Yongda , Cai Jianxiong
Published: February 2023

This paper reports a study of the effect of indenter geometry on the morphologies of the indentation arrays using a home-made nanoindentation system. Two typical indenters, that is, Conical and Berkovich indenters are chosen to conduct all the indentation process on a pure aluminum block surface. Single-row and multiple-row indentation arrays are machined, and the effect of the spacing value between the adjacent indentations with different indenters are studied in detail. Results show that the overlapping of the indentations and the material filling by the following penetration are the two main factors of the surface topography quality of the obtained structures. The smaller the spacing value is, the larger the indentation deformation is, and the worse the quality of the periodic structure is. In addition, the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates are prepared by the machined indentation arrays, and the SERS spectra is measured using Rhodamine 6G (R6G). The results show that a higher Raman enhancement factor is obtained on the Conical indentation arrays, which is attributed to the higher depth-to-width ratio of the indentation array. Therefore, this work can provide a guidance for the preparation of SERS substrate with suitable indenter geometries and the indentation interval values.
A systematic review of library service quality studies: Models, dimensions, research populations and methods
Authors: Mamta  , Kumar Vinit
Published: February 2023

The study systematically reviews the studies based on a search of published articles from 2010 to 2021 on library service quality with the aim of determining which models of service quality are the most commonly used by librarians as a means of measuring service quality. In addition, the paper makes an effort to determine the variety of dimensions by which these qualitative evaluations were carried out, the types of libraries that have reported such qualitative studies, and the data collection strategies (research population, sample size and data collection instruments) adopted by the authors. The findings indicate that the SERVQUAL and LibQual models are the most frequently adopted models. The empathy, reliability, tangible, assurance, responsiveness, effect of library, information control and library as place are the prominent dimensions. The researchers rely heavily on questionnaire-based survey research methods with sample sizes of less than 100 respondents, mostly reported in academic libraries.
An Empirical Evaluation of Explanations for Political System Support
Authors: Broderstad Troy Saghaug
Published: February 2023

The literature that examines cross-national satisfaction with democracy seeks to discover a set of predictors that are associated with evaluations of regime performance. The most common way of examining the determinants of satisfaction with democracy is null hypothesis significance testing. While this approach has merit, this paper argues that the literature, as it stands, can be complemented to gain additional insights. To date, little research has focused on what variables best predict satisfaction. This is important because it helps guide researchers when determining which features to give attention to when devising theories about what causes (changes) in satisfaction. In this paper, I use machine learning algorithms to determine and evaluate the predictive power of variables identified as important in literature. Drawing on the sixth round of the European Social Survey, I find satisfaction with the economy, procedural fairness and responsiveness to be the most important predictors of satisfaction with democracy. These findings justify a stronger focus on the latter two topics in future studies of satisfaction with democracy, which has received little attention in the scholarly literature.
Diabetes Related Deaths in a Tertiary Pediatric Referral Institution in England: The Value of Biochemical Analyses in Post-Mortem Samples
Authors: Rahim Nur Syahrina , McTaggart Eleanor , Cohen Marta C.
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

To establish the incidence of “diabetes-related death” (DRD) in children with known and unknown Diabetes Mellitus (DM) dying unexpectedly, and describe post-mortem (PM) biochemistry findings.

Patients and Methods:

PM reports from the previous 16-year period were reviewed. Cases of DRD were extracted. All available demographic, clinical, and autopsy data including laboratory analyses was retrieved.

Results:

9/1376 (0.7%) DRD cases were identified. This was attributed to Diabetic Ketoacidosis in 7 and to Death in Bed Syndrome in 2. 4/9 cases were known diabetic and on insulin; whilst in 5/9 cases the diagnosis of DM was at PM. The mean age was 11.6 years (range 2.5–15). At PM, 4 cases were undernourished. The histology demonstrated pancreatic changes in keeping with DM in 3/9 and unremarkable pancreatic findings in 6/9. 3 cases also had autoimmune thyroiditis (1 also had myocarditis and Armanni-Ebstein nephropathy). Toxicological and biochemical analysis showed raised: β-hydroxybutyrate in 6, ketone bodies in 5 cases and raised HbA1c in 3c.

Conclusion:

Type 1 DM is an infrequent but yet potentially preventable cause of death in children. Our findings highlight the value of routine biochemical and toxicological analysis in all PM examinations of infants and children dying suddenly and unexpectedly.
Severe Ciliopathy-Like Phenotype in an Infant With a Novel MPDU1 Missense Variant
Authors: Darouich Sihem , Bellamine Houda , Khamassi Ichrak
Published: February 2023

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are associated with ciliary dysfunction due to altered glycosylation of ciliary glycoproteins. We describe a severe ciliopathy-like phenotype in a female infant associated with a novel homozygous missense variant NM_004870.4( MPDU1):c.503G>A/p.Gly168Glu. Our findings, based on the co-segregation of the variant with the phenotype and in-silico analysis, implicate this MPDU1 missense variant in this disorder. Matched phenotype includes symmetric growth restriction, facial dysmorphism, ichthyosis, hepatomegaly with severe duct plate malformation, renal cortical tubular and glomerular cysts, moderate cerebral tetraventricular dilatation, and severe pontocerebellar hypoplasia. According to this observation, CDG should be included in the workup of infantile ciliopathy-like disorder.
An investigation into the physical, mechanical, tribology, thermal and durability performance of commercial brake material for rail transportation
Authors: Budati Sindhu , Leman Z. , Sulaiman MH , Hanim MA Azmah , Ghazali MJ
Published: February 2023

Brake friction materials play a crucial role to enable effective deceleration on the moving rail vehicle. Unfortunately, particulate matters generated by brake wear as well as during the brake manufacturing process are affecting the environment and human health. Due to this, the development of green friction material is important to improve environmental health, safety, and human health. To develop new environmental-friendly friction materials, it is important to understand the commercial brake block material components and their tribological performance. Characterisation techniques such as hardness test, pin-on-disc wear test, durability test, thermogravimetric analysis, morphology, density and porosity were performed on the commercial brake block, the obtained results were then compared with the existing literature. The experiment results showed that the performance of the commercial sample is superior to the available green friction composite materials. This indicates the necessity of a new formulation for the development of green friction brake block material that can give better or similar performance as commercial material. The results from this article can be referenced to develop the new formulation.
Collaborative forecasting of tourism demand for multiple tourist attractions with spatial dependence: A combined deep learning model
Authors: Bi Jian-Wu , Han Tian-Yu , Yao Yanbo
Published: February 2023

To forecast the tourism demand across a set of tourist attractions with spatial dependence, a new model is proposed, which has three stages: tourist attraction selection, base predictor generation, and base predictor combination. In stage 1, a method for selecting associated attractions based on multi-dimensional scaling is used to determine the strength of the spatial dependence between each pair of attractions. In stage 2, a hybrid base predictor based on LSTM networks and Autoregressive model is developed, where the LSTM networks are used to capture the spatial dependence among attractions, and the Autoregressive model is used capture the scale of tourist volume at each attraction. In stage 3, a strategy for combining these base predictors is proposed; it can alleviate the overfitting problem of LSTM and improve the stability of forecasts. Finally, the superiority of the model is verified through the data on tourist volumes at 77 attractions in Beijing.
Parents' and children’s intolerance of uncertainty and their reactions to COVID-19: A story of remarkable similarity
Authors: Friedberg Robert D , Thomas Jasmine , Tiller-Ormord Joshua , Korte Ciera , Brown Kimberly , Mendez Eunice , Mohavedi Yasaman , Zelcer Hannah
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 viral outbreak is a one in 100 year public health crisis. In addition to the stunning morbidity and mortality rates related to infection, multiple psychiatric sequelae erupted. Unfortunately, children and adolescents are neither immune to infection nor to the emotional consequences associated with the pandemic. Not surprisingly, the field’s understanding of the psychological consequences of the viral outbreak are nascent. Consequently, this study examines the relationship between parents’ and children’s intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and their reactions to COVID-19. Seventy-three parents and 62 children participated in the on-line survey utilizing innovative measures of IU and COVID-19- related thoughts/behaviors. The results revealed remarkable similarities in parents’ and children’s responses. Parents’ and children’s reports of the impact of COVID on their lives were highly correlated (r = .53, df = 60, p < .001). Parents’ perceptions of children’s COVID-19 thoughts and behaviors were strongly aligned with the youths’ self-report of their COVID reactions (r = .69, df = 60, p < .001) as well as the appraisal of the virus’ impact on their lives (r = .-.42, df = 60, p < .001). Finally, children’s reports of their COVID-19 related thoughts and behaviors were significantly linked to their IU (r = .60, df = 60, p < .001). Methodological limitations notwithstanding, the study’s findings provide compelling implications for the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of emotional distress in the peri- and post-pandemic periods.
Life cycle analysis methodology for heating, ventilation and air conditioning ductwork in healthcare buildings
Authors: Botejara-Antúnez Manuel , González Domínguez Jaime , García-Sanz-Calcedo Justo
Published: February 2023

The design, modelling and construction of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) facilities in healthcare buildings must aim for the users’ maximum comfort and meet sanitary criteria for indoor air quality. The environmental impact of 12 HVAC duct types was subjected to life cycle assessment, with a single-score damage category analysis carried out for the midpoint and endpoint levels. The two most favourable duct types for the different impact categories were aluminium with helical steel wire reinforcement and fibreglass insulation, and also copper sheeting with rock wool and polyurethane insulation. However, although the former presented the best environmental impact values, this type is inadvisable for healthcare buildings. This is due to its nature and the subsequent tendency of the system to lose pressure and efficiency, as well as the difficulty of cleaning this type of ductwork and its predisposition to bacterial proliferation. Thus, the copper duct type with rock wool insulation is the most suitable type for healthcare buildings. This came second overall environmentally (1.06 pt/m2), with values 2.83 times more favourable than the polyisocyanurate solution. Finally, the application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to HVAC ductwork was demonstrated to reduce the impact by up to 39.88%.
An interval particle swarm optimization method for interval nonlinear uncertain optimization problems
Authors: Ta Na , Zheng Zhewen , Xie Huichao
Published: February 2023

For nonlinear optimization problems involving interval variables or parameters, the interval possibility degree or interval order relation is conventionally adopted to convert them into a deterministic corresponding counterpart and then can be solved with linear programing approaches, through which computational resources and costs have been preserved to a certain extent. However, some information and computational accuracy will be discounted during the model transformation. In this paper, an interval optimization algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is proposed aiming to cut down the loss of useful information by means of straight optimization instead of model deterministic converting so as to enhance calculation accuracy with few growths of computing expenses. The proposed method firstly employs an interval satisfaction value to cope with the constraints. Consequently, the particle swarm optimization method is used to seek the optimum solution sets without the model deterministic converting. And a criterion based on the satisfaction value model of interval possibility degree plays the role in individual selecting out of the above solution sets. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by investigating four examples.
Update on the role of gemtuzumab-ozogamicin in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Swaminathan Mahesh , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: February 2023

Gemtuzumab-ozogamicin (GO) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in which a monoclonal antibody targeting CD33 is covalently linked to the toxin calicheamicin. GO was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with CD33+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2000. However, GO was recalled from the US market due to the lack of efficacy, and higher incidence of hepatotoxicities, including hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), observed in phase 3 SWOG-0106 study. Since then, several other phase 3 studies have evaluated the efficacy of GO in the frontline treatment of adult patients with AML using different GO doses and schedules. The pivotal study that led to the reconsideration of GO was the French ALFA-0701 study, which used a lower and fractionated dose of GO in combination with standard chemotherapy (SC). Patients treated with the GO combination had a significantly longer survival outcome. The modified schedule also improved the toxicity profile. A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 3000 patients treated in five phase 3 studies showed that adding GO to SC improved relapse-free and overall survival. Most importantly, 6 mg/m2 dose of GO was associated with higher grade ⩾3 hepatoxicities and VOD than 3 mg/m2. The survival benefit was significant in the favorable and intermediate cytogenetic risk groups. This led to the reapproval of GO in 2017 for the treatment of patients with CD33+ AML. Currently, several clinical trials are exploring the role of GO with various combinations and in eliminating the measurable residual disease in patients with CD33+ AML.
Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol for development and validation of a prediction model for gestational hypertension in Africa
Authors: Feleke Sefineh Fenta , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Tenaw Denekew , Yimer Ali , Geremew Habtamu , Mulatie Rahel , Kebede Abayneh
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Examining the development and validation of predictive models for gestational hypertension, evaluating the validity of the methodology, and investigating predictors typically employed in such models.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline will be used to carry out the study procedure. Using the key phrases “Gestational hypertension,” “prediction, risk prediction,” and “validation,” a full systematic search will be conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Hinari, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The methodological quality of the included studies will be evaluated using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool. The CHARMS (checklist for critical evaluation and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modeling research) will be used to extract the data, and STATA 16 will be used to analyze it. The degree of study heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochrane I2 statistics.

Discussion:

A subgroup analysis will be performed to reduce the variance between primary studies. To examine the impact of individual studies on the pooled estimates, a sensitivity analysis will be performed. The funnel plot test and Egger’s statistical test will be used to assess the small study effect. The presence of a modest study effect is shown by Egger’s test ( p-value 0.05), which will be handled by nonparametric trim and fill analysis using the random-effects model. The protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO-International Prospective Register of systematic reviews, with the registration number CRD42022314601.
Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular clinics: Are we ready for telemedicine?
Authors: Mujtaba Mustajab , Kotwani Sapna , Qayyum Danish , Saghir Tahir , Bhatti Khalid Iqbal , Khalid Muhammad Rahman , Khanzada Muhammad Faisal , Aman Saba , Shaikh Khalil Ahmed , Buraro Sharfuddin , Karim Musa
Published: February 2023

Objective:

The need for telemedicine was felt more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted health care worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the difficulties faced by patients in visiting the cardiac outpatient department during COVID-19, along with assessing the awareness and acceptability of telemedicine.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, selected patients presenting to outpatient department of a tertiary care cardiac hospital were interviewed regarding the difficulties faced by patients in visiting the outpatient department during COVID-19 and their awareness and acceptability of telemedicine using a self-designed structured questionnaire.

Results:

Of the 403 patients, 58.3% were male, the mean age was 53.04 ± 11.73 years, and most (77.7%) were urban residents. Ischemic heart disease was present in 69.5%, followed by hypertension (38.7%) and heart failure (29.3%). A total of 26.6% required emergency room visits. Limited appointments (55.6%) was the most common problem faced by patients during COVID-19, followed by financial issues (17.1%), fear of acquiring infection (13.4%), and limited mobility due to lockdown (22.6%). Only 12.2% were aware of telemedicine, 4.5% had previously used it, and 41.2% were willing to opt for telemedicine in the future. No internet access (39.2%) was the key barrier to the usage of telemedicine, followed by a lack of free medicine (39%) and a lack of a smart device (31.5%).

Conclusion:

Limited appointments due to COVID-19 restrictions has made it difficult for patients to visit the clinics, which has led to increased emergency room visits. Telemedicine awareness was found to be limited; however, many patients were willing to adopt it provided their limitations could be overcome.
The Impact of Learning English on Chinese Pre-schoolers’ Identity Aspirations
Authors: Guo Yadong , Gao Xuesong (Andy)
Published: February 2023

The promotion of the English language continues to be instrumental in helping China to engage with the world, but it has caused identity anxiety and cultural uncertainty among language learners. In this paper, we analyze data from a favorite-character-presentation task and an oral survey conducted with 82 preschool children in Shanghai. We found that Chinese remains the most important language for the participants in expressing their transcultural identity aspirations, but the influences of English can be observed in their language practice when presenting their favorite characters. These findings suggest that the participants’ identity aspirations can be understood in the context of their translanguaging practices, which unfold in their use of linguistic and pictorial resources. The paper concludes with a discussion of how language educators and policymakers should consider children’s exposure to informal language learning beyond the classroom in teaching.
Prevalence and Predictors of Anemia Among the Ashram Shala Adolescent of Sabarkantha District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Thaker Abhi , Yasobant Sandul , Saxena Deepak
Published: February 2023

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal period of reproductive maturation and cognitive development; the right intervention during this phase can prevent future health consequences. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of anemia among the Ashram Shala adolescents in a tribal part of Gujarat. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 414 students enrolled from 8 Ashram Shalas of Sabarkantha, Gujarat. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to document sociodemographic profiles, food consumption patterns, handwashing practices, awareness about anemia, and availability of iron folic acid tablets. Hemoglobin was measured by “ToucHb,” (provided by Biosense Technologies Private Limited, A-233, Road No.21-Y, Wagle Industrial Estate, Thane, Maharashtra, India-400604) a noninvasive device in which the amount of Hb was measured by clicking pictures of the conjunctiva of participants. Statistical analysis was conducted through Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (developed by Norman H. Nie, Dale H. Bent, C. Hadlai Hull and aquired by IBM in 2009). Result: Study documented the greater prevalence of anemia among girls compared to boys (51.2% versus 48.7%; P = <0.001). The prevalence of mild anemia was more among the boys (33.5% versus 28.0%), whereas the prevalence of moderate and severe anemia among the girls (19.2%, and 3.9%) was higher than that in boys (14.8% and 0.5%). The odds of having anemia among the girls were 3.875 [CI (2.523, 5.953)] times greater as opposed to boys. Similarly, the adolescents who were neither consuming eggs [OR = 2.297, CI (0.925, 5.708)] nor washing their hands after defecation [OR = 2.135, CI (0.717, 6.358)] were more likely to have anemia. Conclusion: The high prevalence of anemia among girls is a significant issue. Integrated interventions to address nutrition and hygiene practices were identified in the study. Regular distribution of iron folic acid tablets can reduce the risk of anemia.
Peak Flow and Mini-spirometry in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Airway Diseases
Authors: Arjun Padmanabhan , Nair Sanjeev , Babu Veena , Nair Ashwin S. , Gopakumar Soumya , Vijayakumar Krishnapillai , Kutty Vellappillil Raman
Published: February 2023

Background: India is initiating measures to address Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) and Asthma, major causes of mortality and morbidity, at the primary care level. The efforts are limited by the lack of access to spirometry. Various alternatives are being tried out in resource limited countries. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was done at two tertiary care hospitals in Trivandrum, South India, in patients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD or Asthma. Spirometry was done by a trained spirometry technician, along with peak-flow recording and a recording on portable mini-spirometer (COPD6 ®). The values obtained by the latter two were compared to those obtained by spirometry. Results: The study included 360 patients. PEFR showed a positive correlation with both FEV1/FVC as well as FEV1 (R2 of 0.35 and 0.65, respectively). FEV1/FEV6 and FEV1 on COPD6 also correlated positivity with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC on spirometry (R2 of 0.68 and 0.89, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity of PEFR to diagnose obstruction was best at a cut-off of 74% of predicted, as determined by ROC, giving sensitivity of 84.8% and specificity of 85.1%. Sensitivity and specificity of COPD6 to detect obstruction was 75.9% and 95.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Mini-spirometry (COPD6) and peak-flow measurement may be used as alternatives to spirometry in resource limited settings as in the primary care centers of India for the diagnosis of obstructive airway diseases.
Mental Health and COVID-19 Among Seafarers Working in Maritime Industry Residing in India: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kaur Anand Gurleen , Joy Teena Mary
Published: February 2023

Background: To combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), most countries implemented measures such as travel restrictions, prohibitions on leaving shore at ports, and restrictions on crew change. During the COVID-19 first lockdown, seafarers were subjected to excessive stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 77 seafarers working in the maritime industry and residing in India. The questionnaire was distributed online using a Google form. The self-rating depression scale, Depression, Anxiety & Stress scale (DASS-21) was used to evaluate the mental health status among the seafarers. Results: The mean age of study population was 35.39 years with standard deviation of 7.09. According to the results obtained from DASS 21 scale, 16.9% showed moderate depression, 15.6% showed moderate anxiety, and 5.2% were having severe stress. The present health condition of the seafarers, and change in the household income of family due to COVID-19 showed statistically significant association with depression. The extension of contract period during COVID 19, change in the overall household income, and inability to meet their expenses showed statistically significant association with anxiety. The seafarers who had to take part time job for earning and seafarers who were not covered by insurance showed statistically significant association with stress. Conclusion: This pilot study showed that 16.9% Indian seafarers were having moderate depression during the first lockdown of COVID-19 times
Prevalence and management of severe asthma in the Nordic countries: findings from the NORDSTAR cohort
Authors: Hansen Susanne , von Bülow Anna , Sandin Patrik , Ernstsson Olivia , Janson Christer , Lehtimäki Lauri , Kankaanranta Hannu , Ulrik Charlotte , Aarli Bernt Bøgvald , Fues Wahl Hanna , Geale Kirk , Tang Sheila Tuyet , Wolf Maija , Larsen Tom , Altraja Alan , Backman Helena , Kilpeläinen Maritta , Viinanen Arja , Ludviksdottir Dora , Kauppi Paula , Sverrild Asger , Lehmann Sverre , Backer Vibeke , Yasinska Valentyna , Skjold Tina , Karjalainen Jussi , Bossios Apostolos , Porsbjerg Celeste
Published: February 2023

Background

Real-life evidence on prevalence and management of severe asthma is limited. Nationwide population registries across the Nordic countries provide unique opportunities to describe prevalence and management patterns of severe asthma at population level. In nationwide register data from Sweden, Norway and Finland, we examined the prevalence of severe asthma and the proportion of severe asthma patients being managed in specialist care.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study based on the Nordic Dataset for Asthma Research (NORDSTAR) research collaboration platform. We identified patients with severe asthma in adults (aged ≥18 years) and in children (aged 6–17 years) in 2018 according to the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society definition. Patients managed in specialist care were those with an asthma-related specialist outpatient contact (only available in Sweden and Finland).

Results

Overall, we identified 598 242 patients with current asthma in Sweden, Norway and Finland in 2018. Among those, the prevalence of severe asthma was 3.5%, 5.4% and 5.2% in adults and 0.4%, 1.0%, and 0.3% in children in Sweden, Norway and Finland, respectively. In Sweden and Finland, 37% and 40% of adult patients with severe asthma and two or more exacerbations, respectively, were managed in specialist care; in children the numbers were 56% and 41%, respectively.

Conclusion

In three Nordic countries, population-based nationwide data demonstrated similar prevalence of severe asthma. In children, severe asthma was a rare condition. Notably, a large proportion of patients with severe asthma were not managed by a respiratory specialist, suggesting the need for increased recognition of severe asthma in primary care.
Association of ergonomics risk factors among Iranian calico crafts-men and musculoskeletal discomforts: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shakerian Mahnaz , Esmaeili Reza , Rismanchian Masoud
Published: February 2023

Background

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have always been complaints reported by handicraft workers due to the repetitive and static nature of work. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the ergonomic conditions of craftsmen engaged with the calico industry.

Method

This cross-sectional study was done in small calico industrial workshops in Isfahan, Iran, in 2022. The sample selection method in this study was census. Using QEC (Quick Exposure Checklist) and Cornell-Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), the ergonomic status of workers was evaluated. The data were analyzed using Chi-square (χ2) and Pearson’s product-moment correlation test.

Results

The risk level of working postures in wrist/hand, shoulder /arm, and neck were high or very high among the craftsmen. The relationships between discomfort complaints reported by the participants and the risk level of working postures were significant for neck χ2 (1, N = 100) = 13.603, Pvalue = 0.034, left knee χ2 (1, N = 100) = 12.310, Pvalue = 0.030 and lower left leg χ2 (1, N = 100) = 11.906, Pvalue = 0.042. The posture risk level scores for %57.7 of the participants who self-reported the right shoulder discomfort were found to be high or very high.

Conclusions

The high risk found in most calico craftsmen may induce more serious musculoskeletal problems that require applicable interventions. The most important risk factors realized among calico craftsmen were prolonged sitting postures and repetitive tasks.