bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Opioid Analgesic Reduction Study (OARS)—a comparison of opioid vs. non-opioid combination analgesics for management of post-surgical pain: a double-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Feldman Cecile A. , Fredericks-Younger Janine , Lu Shou-En , Desjardins Paul J. , Malmstrom Hans , Miloro Michael , Warburton Gary , Ward Brent , Ziccardi Vincent , Fine Daniel
Published: February 2022

Background

Everyday people die unnecessarily from opioid overdose-related addiction. Dentists are among the leading prescribers of opioid analgesics. Opioid-seeking behaviors have been linked to receipt of initial opioid prescriptions following the common dental procedure of third molar extraction. With each opioid prescription, a patient’s risk for opioid misuse or abuse increases. With an estimated 56 million tablets of 5 mg hydrocodone annually prescribed after third molar extractions in the USA, 3.5 million young adults may be unnecessarily exposed to opioids by dentists who are inadvertently increasing their patient’s risk for addiction.

Methods

A double-blind, stratified randomized, multi-center clinical trial has been designed to evaluate whether a combination of over-the-counter non-opioid-containing analgesics is not inferior to the most prescribed opioid analgesic. The impacted 3rd molar extraction model is being used due to the predictable severity of the post-operative pain and generalizability of results. Within each site/clinic and gender type (male/female), patients are randomized to receive either OPIOID (hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/300 mg) or NON-OPIOID (ibuprofen/acetaminophen 400/500 mg). Outcome data include pain levels, adverse events, overall patient satisfaction, ability to sleep, and ability to perform daily functions. To develop clinical guidelines and a clinical decision-making tool, pain management, extraction difficulty, and the number of tablets taken are being collected, enabling an experimental decision-making tool to be developed.

Discussion

The proposed methods address the shortcomings of other analgesic studies. Although prior studies have tested short-term effects of single doses of pain medications, patients and their dentists are interested in managing pain for the entire post-operative period, not just the first 12 h. After surgery, patients expect to be able to perform normal daily functions without feeling nauseous or dizzy and they desire a restful sleep at night. Parents of young people are concerned with the risks of opioid use and misuse, related either to treatments received or to subsequent use of leftover pills. Upon successful completion of this clinical trial, dentists, patients, and their families will be better able to make informed decisions regarding post-operative pain management.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04452344. Registered on June 20, 2020
Enhancer of trithorax/polycomb, Corto, regulates timing of hunchback gene relocation and competence in Drosophila neuroblasts
Authors: Hafer Terry L. , Patra Sofiya , Tagami Daiki , Kohwi Minoree
Published: February 2022

Background

Neural progenitors produce diverse cells in a stereotyped birth order, but can specify each cell type for only a limited duration. In the Drosophila embryo, neuroblasts (neural progenitors) specify multiple, distinct neurons by sequentially expressing a series of temporal identity transcription factors with each division. Hunchback (Hb), the first of the series, specifies early-born neuronal identity. Neuroblast competence to generate early-born neurons is terminated when the hb gene relocates to the neuroblast nuclear lamina, rendering it refractory to activation in descendent neurons. Mechanisms and trans-acting factors underlying this process are poorly understood. Here we identify Corto, an enhancer of Trithorax/Polycomb (ETP) protein, as a new regulator of neuroblast competence.

Methods

We used the GAL4/UAS system to drive persistent misexpression of Hb in neuroblast 7–1 (NB7-1), a model lineage for which the early competence window has been well characterized, to examine the role of Corto in neuroblast competence. We used immuno-DNA Fluorescence in situ hybridization (DNA FISH) in whole embryos to track the position of the hb gene locus specifically in neuroblasts across developmental time, comparing corto mutants to control embryos. Finally, we used immunostaining in whole embryos to examine Corto’s role in repression of Hb and a known target gene, Abdominal B (Abd-B).

Results

We found that in corto mutants, the hb gene relocation to the neuroblast nuclear lamina is delayed and the early competence window is extended. The delay in gene relocation occurs after hb transcription is already terminated in the neuroblast and is not due to prolonged transcriptional activity. Further, we find that Corto genetically interacts with Posterior Sex Combs (Psc), a core subunit of polycomb group complex 1 (PRC1), to terminate early competence. Loss of Corto does not result in derepression of Hb or its Hox target, Abd-B, specifically in neuroblasts.

Conclusions

These results show that in neuroblasts, Corto genetically interacts with PRC1 to regulate timing of nuclear architecture reorganization and support the model that distinct mechanisms of silencing are implemented in a step-wise fashion during development to regulate cell fate gene expression in neuronal progeny.
Forced sex and its predictors among students attending university: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jahanfar Shayesteh , Ahmadpour Parivash , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: February 2022

Background

Forced sex is associated with negative psychological health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of forced sex and its predictors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 800 students of a university in USA using a random sampling method. Reproductive health electronic questionnaire was used for data collection. Due to the sensitive nature of the questionnaires and for anonymity, Qualtrics software was used. To estimate the extent of the effect of each of the independent variables (knowledge, attitude, as well as socio-demographic characteristics) on the dependent variable (forced sex), multivariate logistic regression was used.

Results

About one-fifth of students (16.9%) had experienced forced sex. The variables of gender, knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases (STD), and sexual attitude were among the predictors of forced sex. This kind of sexual relationship was more likely to occur in girls than in boys (OR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.20 to 1.71). Further, the chance of forced sex significantly increased with growing knowledge of STD (OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.61 to 1.71), and sexual attitude (OR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.04 to 1.21).

Conclusion

Considering the impact of gender, knowledge about STD, and sexual attitude on forced sex, educational interventions among the youth especially girls are required to provide complete and proper information about sexual and reproductive health and rights and correct the sexual attitudes of the youth.
Somatic Genomic Testing in Patients With Metastatic or Advanced Cancer: ASCO Provisional Clinical Opinion
Authors: Chakravarty Debyani , Johnson Amber , Sklar Jeffrey , Lindeman Neal I. , Moore Kathleen , Ganesan Shridar , Lovly Christine M. , Perlmutter Jane , Gray Stacy W. , Hwang Jimmy , Lieu Christopher , André Fabrice , Azad Nilofer , Borad Mitesh , Tafe Laura , Messersmith Hans , Robson Mark , Meric-Bernstam Funda
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

An ASCO provisional clinical opinion offers timely clinical direction to ASCO's membership following publication or presentation of potentially practice-changing data from major studies. This provisional clinical opinion addresses the appropriate use of tumor genomic testing in patients with metastatic or advanced solid tumors.

CLINICAL CONTEXT

An increasing number of therapies are approved to treat cancers harboring specific genomic biomarkers. However, there is a lack of clarity as to when tumor genomic sequencing should be ordered, what type of assays should be performed, and how to interpret the results for treatment selection.

PROVISIONAL CLINICAL OPINION

Patients with metastatic or advanced cancer should undergo genomic sequencing in a certified laboratory if the presence of one or more specific genomic alterations has regulatory approval as biomarkers to guide the use of or exclusion from certain treatments for their disease. Multigene panel–based assays should be used if more than one biomarker-linked therapy is approved for the patient's disease. Site-agnostic approvals for any cancer with a high tumor mutation burden, mismatch repair deficiency, or neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase ( NTRK) fusions provide a rationale for genomic testing for all solid tumors. Multigene testing may also assist in treatment selection by identifying additional targets when there are few or no genotype-based therapy approvals for the patient's disease. For treatment planning, the clinician should consider the functional impact of the targeted alteration and expected efficacy of genomic biomarker–linked options relative to other approved or investigational treatments. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/assays-and-predictive-markers-guidelines .
Quantum principal component analysis based on the dynamic selection of eigenstates
Authors: Soni Barkha , Khare Nilay
Published: February 2022

Quantum principal component analysis is a dimensionality reduction method to select the significant features of a dataset. A classical method finds the solution in polynomial time, but when the dimension of feature space scales exponentially, it is inefficient to compute the matrix exponentiation of the covariance matrix. The quantum method uses density matrix exponentiation to find principal components with exponential speedup. We enhance the existing algorithm that applies amplitude amplification using range-based static selection of eigenstates on the output of phase estimation. So, we propose an equivalent quantum method with the same complexity using a dynamic selection of eigenstates. Our algorithm can efficiently find phases of equally likely eigenvalues based on the similarity scores. It obtains principal components associated with highly probable larger eigenvalues. We analyze these methods on various factors to justify the resulting complexity of a proposed method as effective in quantum counterparts.
The face of health in the West and the East: A semio-cultural analysis
Authors: Stano Simona
Published: February 2022

Magazines, leaflets, weblogs, and a variety of other media incessantly spread messages advising us on how to achieve or maintain our health or well-being. In such messages, the iconic representation of the face is predominant, and reveals an interesting phenomenon: the “face of health” seems to be unattainable as such, and is generally represented in a differential way, that is to say, by making reference to its opposite – the “face of illness”, or at least of malaise. In fact, the face is crucial in the medical domain: since ancient times, face observation has played an essential role in diagnostic practices, both in Western medicine (which resorts to the concept of facies, intended as the distinctive facial expression or appearance associated with a specific medical condition, for the description of pathological states) and Eastern preventive and healing techniques (within which the so-called Mian Xiang, or ‘face reading’, is fundamental, and connects the medical sphere with other aspects such as personality, talents, and dispositions). Drawing on the semiotic analysis of relevant case studies extending from classical iconography to present-day digital mediascapes, this paper investigates the representation of the face of health (and illness) across time and space, specifically focusing on the analogies and differences between the Western and the Eastern semiosphere. To this purpose, it relies on both literature concerning the representation and understanding of the face and studies on medical sign systems and discourses.
Culturally significant symbolic faces: For a sociosemiotics of faces in films
Authors: Santangelo Antonio
Published: February 2022

Every now and then when watching a movie, we come across faces in which we recognize a significant value, because they represent some important cultural models we use to assign meaning to our experience of the world. By way of example, I will discuss the faces of the protagonists of two recent films, Abdellatif Kechiche’s La vie d’Adèle. Chapitres 1 & 2 (2013; English title Blue Is the Warmest Colour) and Léonor Sérraille’s Jeune femme (2017), comparing them with the faces of the protagonists of some older movies, such as Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson’s Shrek (2001) and James Cameron’s Avatar (2009). I will argue that the way in which the faces are portrayed is similar to the narrative structure of the stories of the characters they belong to, and that the signs and narrative structures used to construct the discourses about the world in those films are at the same time similar to those of two important cultural models of what it means to be young men and women in our times. As these cultural models are different, yet interconnected, I will argue that the most meaningful faces in cinema change due to the transformation of the cultural models they derive from and that a sociosemiotic method based on a structuralist vision of culture can help identify the most culturally significant symbolic faces on screen, and elsewhere.
Nie tylko szablą: Nauka i kultura polska w walce o utrzymanie tożsamości narodowej
Authors: Dybiec Julian
Published: February 2022

In the 1930s, with the Russians in his mind in the first place, Adam Mickiewicz wrote about Poland’s partitioning powers, “destroying all monuments of literature and art, eradicating history and national language, trying to erase all traditions of freedom, [past] glory and all memories of independence, and on the other hand forbidding Poland to communicate with foreign countries, they don’t let the Poles participate in a grand social movement of the new epoch.” These words summarize well the dramatic situation of and the threat to the concept of Polishness during the period of national bondage. Independently of the anti-Polish politics of Russia, Prussia and Austria (until granting Galicia autonomy), there appeared social, economic and civilizational trends which by their nature blurred national distinctions within these states. Assimilation with the partitioning powers was strengthened by the legal system as well as was facilitated by the development of industrialization processes, communication and education. In a situation where a multitude of factors weakened and almost obliterated Polish national identity, Polish culture and scholarship had a significant role to play. Andrzej Chwalba in his textbook History of Poland 1795-1918 states that “the Poles manifested their aspirations for the restitution of their state mainly through conspiracies and risings” (596). It is relevant to remember, however, that it was culture that strengthened the national identity and established the feeling of ethnic distinctiveness, which kept the memories of independence alive and fuelled the struggle for its regaining through risings.
Changes in the Location of Orthodox Churches in the Lemko Region in the 18th and 19th Centuries
Authors: Nowak Damian
Published: February 2022

Changes in the Location of Orthodox Churches in the Lemko Region in the 18th and 19th Centuries: Selected Examples

The subject of the article is the issue of changing the location of church buildings within one village in the Lemko region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The article is based on the analysis of historical maps, written documents (mainly decanal visits) and data based on modern documentation techniques – Light Detection and Ranging. The most common reasons for the change in the location of the church were discussed using the example of selected issues – the natural construction movement, spatial development of the settlement and changes in the administrative boundaries of the parish.
Evolution of the inherited cardiac condition transition service: establishing the need for a dedicated service
Authors: Cowley Bethan , Mackay Rachel
Published: February 2022

In this month's BANCC's feature, Bethan Cowley, a lead nurse for inherited cardiac conditions and Rachel Mackay, a clinical nurse specialist, reflect on the importance of a dedicated and bespoke service for people with inherited cardiac conditions.
Highlighting the latest research: February 2022
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: February 2022

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail.
Recognising endoscopic excellence
Authors: Emura Fabian
Published: February 2022

The World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) announces the winners of the 2022 WEO Awards
Reviewing use of simethicone in gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Beilenhoff Ulrike
Published: February 2022

Ulrike Beilenhoff reconsiders endoscopic use of the defoaming agent simethicone in light of evidence that it may leave residue in the endoscope that is resistant to reprocessing, facilitating the growth of micro-organisms and biofilms and compromising patient safety
The impact and surgeon perceptions of the suspension of the CE certification of MAGEC devices on clinical practice
Authors: Hothi Harry ,   The MCGR Research Group
Published: February 2022

MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) rods are used in the surgical treatment of children with early onset scoliosis. The magnetically controlled lengthening mechanism enables rod distractions without the need for repeated invasive surgery. The CE certification of these devices was suspended in March 2021 due, primarily, to performance evidence gaps in the documents provided by the manufacturer to regulators and notified bodies. MAGEC rods are therefore not permitted for use in countries requiring CE marking. This was a survey of 18 MAGEC rod surgeons in the UK about their perception of the impact of the CE suspension on the clinical management of their patients. Unsurprisingly, virtually all perceived a negative impact, reflecting the complexity of this patient group. Reassuringly, these surgeons are highly experienced in alternative treatment methods. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):155–157.
National Joint Registry recorded untoward intraoperative events during primary total hip arthroplasty: an investigation into the data accuracy, causal mechanisms and attributability
Authors: Singhal R , Leong JW , Rajpura A , Porter ML , Board TN
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Untoward intraoperative events occurring during total hip arthroplasty are recorded by the National Joint Registry through Minimum Data Set (MDS) forms. This data may be used to assess the safety of implants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the untoward intraoperative events, assess the mechanism and ascertain whether these events were attributable to the implants inserted.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of primary total hip arthroplasties performed between 2005 and 2018 in which an untoward intraoperative event was recorded.

Results

Of 12,802 primary hip replacements, 64 patients (0.5%) had untoward intraoperative events recorded on the MDS form. In 43 of 64 cases, the intraoperative untoward event recorded on the MDS form matched the operation notes. Among these 43 cases, in 30 (69%) patients the intraoperative event could be attributed to the implant recorded. In the remaining 13 (31%) cases, the events recorded could not be attributed to the implant. In six cases, the untoward events were attributed to implants used to manage the events rather than the implants which caused them. In seven cases, the untoward events were related to surgical technique rather than to the implant or instrumentation.

Conclusions

Our analysis highlights that all untoward intraoperative events recorded on the NJR form are not implant related or attributable to the implant inserted. Provision should be made on the MDS form to clarify whether a particular untoward intraoperative event was related to the implant inserted.
The impact of myosteatosis on outcomes following surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy: a meta-analysis
Authors: MacCormick A , Streeter A , Puckett M , Aroori S
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The aim of this review was to evaluate the impact of preoperative myosteatosis on long-term outcomes following surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of the electronic information sources, including PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL and AMED. Studies were included if they reported the impact of preoperatively defined myosteatosis, or a similar term, on long-term survival outcomes following surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy. A subgroup analysis was performed for those studies reporting outcomes for colorectal cancer patients only.

Findings

Thirty-nine full-text articles were reviewed for inclusion, with 19 being retained after the inclusion criteria were applied. The total number of included patients across all studies was 14,481. Patients with myosteatosis had significantly poorer overall survival, according to univariate (hazard ratio (HR) 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67–1.99) and multivariable (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.49–1.86) analysis. This was also demonstrated for cancer-specific survival (univariate HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.18–2.22; multivariable HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.48–2.03) and recurrence-free survival (univariate HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.48; multivariable HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07–1.77).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with preoperative myosteatosis have poorer long-term survival outcomes following surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy. Therefore, myosteatosis should be used for preoperative optimisation and as a prognostic tool before surgery. More standardised definitions of myosteatosis and further cohort studies of patients with non-colorectal malignancies are required.
Optimized spatially modulated polarimetry with an efficient calibration method and hybrid gradient descent reconstruction
Authors: Ning Tianlei , Li Yanqiu , Zhou Guodong , Sun Yiyu , Liu Ke
Published: February 2022

High accuracy and fast polarization measurements at a low light field are significant in various applications, spanning from quantum optics to diagnosis of living biological tissue. In this paper, we developed an optimized spatially modulated polarimetry (OSMP) with an efficient calibration method that establishes a quantitative link between the intensity distribution of an arbitrary incident polarization state and four intensity distributions of specific input polarization states. Such a calibration method not only considers the total polarimetric errors induced by polarization elements and the focusing lens but also simplifies the procedure of calibration. A hybrid gradient descent (HGD) algorithm, combining the rapidity of optimization of gradient descent (GD) algorithm and the accuracy of optimization of direct enumeration (DE) algorithm, was proposed to restructure the Stokes parameters. Experiment results illustrate that the proposed method can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of polarization measurements over existing spatially modulated polarimeters based on the vortex wave retarder, whether in strong or low light fields.
Surface plasmon excitation on a grating assisted by a cholesteric liquid crystal layer
Authors: Kisov H. , Dyankov G. , Belina E. , Petrov M. , Naradikian H. , Dimitrova T. , Malinowski N.
Published: February 2022

While surface plasmon excitation assisted by nematic liquid crystal layers has been comprehensively studied in different aspects, application of cholesteric structures for surface plasmon excitation remains an unexplored area. Moreover, structures including cholesteric layers and metal grating for surface plasmon excitation have never been considered, to the best of our knowledge. We studied theoretically and experimentally such structures focusing on different regimes of propagation of normal modes in the cholesteric liquid crystal layer. The application of such structures for sensing is accordingly discussed.
CROW-based Fano structures for all optical switching devices
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad Hasan , Yavari Mohammad Hasan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an improved optical Fano switch based on coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) is presented. The new topological design is employed to achieve steeper and highly asymmetric Fano resonances (FRs). Physically, in the proposed structures, due to the increase in the effective refractive index at the center of the CROW, a confined mode arises in the continuum background according to the variational theorem and leads to FR. The results show that in CROW-based Fano switches, the Fano spectrum is improved by tuning the number of nanocavities. The ratio between the slope ratio and linewidth shows an improvement of 55.25% from single to CROW5. As an important application of FR, an ultra-compact device with a CROW-based Fano structure is demonstrated. The results of the numerical finite difference time domain simulation agree well with the theoretical coupled mode theory.
Viral protein instability enhances host-range evolvability
Authors: Strobel Hannah M. , Horwitz Elijah K. , Meyer Justin R.
Published: February 2022

Viruses are highly evolvable, but what traits endow this property? The high mutation rates of viruses certainly play a role, but factors that act above the genetic code, like protein thermostability, are also expected to contribute. We studied how the thermostability of a model virus, bacteriophage λ, affects its ability to evolve to use a new receptor, a key evolutionary transition that can cause host-range evolution. Using directed evolution and synthetic biology techniques we generated a library of host-recognition protein variants with altered stabilities and then tested their capacity to evolve to use a new receptor. Variants fell within three stability classes: stable, unstable, and catastrophically unstable. The most evolvable were the two unstable variants, whereas seven of eight stable variants were significantly less evolvable, and the two catastrophically unstable variants could not grow. The slowly evolving stable variants were delayed because they required an additional destabilizing mutation. These results are particularly noteworthy because they contradict a widely supported contention that thermostabilizing mutations enhance evolvability of proteins by increasing mutational robustness. Our work suggests that the relationship between thermostability and evolvability is more complex than previously thought, provides evidence for a new molecular model of host-range expansion evolution, and identifies instability as a potential predictor of viral host-range evolution.
Climate sensitivity of the complex dynamics of the green spruce aphid—Spruce plantation interactions: Insight from a new mechanistic model
Authors: Thornley John H. M. , Newman Jonathan A.
Published: February 2022

Aphids can have a significant impact on the growth and commercial yield of spruce plantations. Here we develop a mechanistic deterministic mathematical model for the dynamics of the green spruce aphid (Elatobium abietumWalker) growing on Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis(Bong.) Carr.). These grow in a northern British climate in managed plantations, with planting, thinning and a 60-year rotation. Aphid infestation rarely kills the tree but can reduce growth by up to 55%. We used the Edinburgh Forest Model (efm) to simulate spruce tree growth. The aphid sub-model is described in detail in an appendix. The only environmental variable which impacts immediately on aphid dynamics is air temperature which varies diurnally and seasonally. The efm variables that are directly significant for the aphid are leaf area and phloem nitrogen and carbon. Aphid population predictions include dying out, annual, biennual and other complex patterns, including chaos. Predicted impacts on plantation yield of managed forests can be large and variable, as has been observed; they are also much affected by temperature, CO2concentration and other climate variables. However, in this system, increased CO2concentration appears to ameliorate the severity of the effects of increasing temperatures coupled to worsening aphid infestations on plantation yield.
Improving usability benchmarking for the eHealth domain: The development of the eHealth UsaBility Benchmarking instrument (HUBBI)
Authors: Broekhuis Marijke , van Velsen Lex
Published: February 2022

Background

Currently, most usability benchmarking tools used within the eHealth domain are based on re-classifications of old usability frameworks or generic usability surveys. This makes them outdated and not well suited for the eHealth domain. Recently, a new ontology of usability factors was developed for the eHealth domain. It consists of eight categories: Basic System Performance (BSP), Task-Technology Fit (TTF), Accessibility (ACC), Interface Design (ID), Navigation & Structure (NS), Information & Terminology (IT), Guidance & Support (GS) and Satisfaction (SAT).

Objective

The goal of this study is to develop a new usability benchmarking tool for eHealth, the eHealth UsaBility Benchmarking Instrument (HUBBI), that is based on a new ontology of usability factors for eHealth.

Methods

First, a large item pool was generated containing 66 items. Then, an online usability test was conducted, using the case study of a Dutch website for general health advice. Participants had to perform three tasks on the website, after which they completed the HUBBI. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), we identified the items that assess each factor best and that, together, make up the HUBBI.

Results

A total of 148 persons participated. Our selection of items resulted in a shortened version of the HUBBI, containing 18 items. The category Accessibility is not included in the final version, due to the wide range of eHealth services and their heterogeneous populations. This creates a constantly different role of Accessibility, which is a problem for a uniform benchmarking tool.,

Conclusions

The HUBBI is a new and comprehensive usability benchmarking tool for the eHealth domain. It assesses usability on seven domains (BSP, TTF, ID, NS, IT, GS, SAT) in which a score per domain is generated. This can help eHealth developers to quickly determine which areas of the eHealth system’s usability need to be optimized.
Wheelchair service provision education in Canadian occupational therapy programs
Authors: Giesbrecht Ed M. , Rushton Paula W. , Dubé Evemie
Published: February 2022

Occupational therapists in Canada play a central role in wheelchair service provision. Inadequate entry-to-practice professional education has been identified as a major concern in the delivery of wheelchair related services. The goal of this study was to describe the current education provided in Canadian occupational therapy programs and to map this content against the recommended WHO 8-step wheelchair service provision process. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional online survey design. Educators were recruited from accredited occupational therapy programs in Canada. Participants completed a short sociodemographic questionnaire and a survey with 97 closed- and open-ended questions regarding the wheelchair service provision education provided in their curriculum. Survey data was then mapped according to the WHO 8-step wheelchair service provision process. Twenty-nine educators from all Canadian occupational therapy programs (n = 14) were enrolled. Most participants (55.2%) were full-time faculty members that had been teaching in occupational therapy programs for an average time of 10.9 years. All programs covered at least 4 of the WHO recommended steps, but only 5 programs covered all steps. Assessment and Prescription steps were covered in every program while the Referral & Appointment, Funding & Ordering, Fitting and User Training steps were covered in most programs. The pedagogic approach, the amount of time dedicated to wheelchair-related content, and the type of evaluation used varied greatly between programs. This study is the first to provide a detailed description of wheelchair service provision education across all Canadian occupational therapy programs according to the WHO 8 steps and provides a foundation for collaborative efforts to promote best practice in entry-to-practice professional education.
Performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in maize-chickpea sequence under various integrated nutrient modules in a Vertisol of Central India
Authors: Dotaniya Chetan Kumar , Lakaria Brij Lal , Sharma Yogesh , Meena Bharat Prakash , Aher Satish Bhagwatrao , Shirale Abhay Omprakash , Gurav Pandurang Priya , Dotaniya Mohan Lal , Biswas Ashis Kumar , Patra Ashok Kumar , Yadav Shish Ram , Reager Madan Lal , Sanwal Ramesh Chandra , Doutaniya Rajesh Kumar , Lata Manju
Published: February 2022

Present investigation was conducted at the Research Farm of Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal during 2017–18 and 2018–19 to study the performance of chickpea crop under various nutrient management modules in a Vertisol. The field experiment was set up in a randomized block design with three replications of twelve different INM modules. During the rabi seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19, the chickpea (cv. JG-315) was grown with a set of treatments. The crop’s performance was evaluated in terms of growth, yield (grain and straw), nutritional content, and nutrient uptake under different treatments. At crop harvest, the physic-chemical characteristics of the soil were also evaluated. Finally, the relationship between the numerous examined parameters was determined. The results showed that integrated nutrient management modules had a positive impact on chickpea crop performance and productivity when compared to using only inorganic fertilizer. The INM modules dramatically increased soil organic carbon and improved soil health in terms of physical and chemical qualities, in addition to higher crop performance. Among the various modules, (1) application of 75% STCR dose + FYM @ 5t ha-1to maize followed by 100% P only to chickpea and (2) application of FYM @ 20t ha-1to maize followed by FYM @ 5t ha-1 to chickpea increased the productivity and nutrient uptake in chickpea, improved soil physico-chemical properties and reflected as viable technique in improving soil nutrient availability on sustainable basis.
SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin prevents atherosclerotic and cardiac complications in experimental type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hodrea Judit , Saeed Adar , Molnar Agnes , Fintha Attila , Barczi Adrienn , Wagner Laszlo J. , Szabo Attila J. , Fekete Andrea , Balogh Dora B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is two to five times more prevalent in diabetic patients and is the leading cause of death. Therefore, identification of novel therapeutic strategies that reduce the risk of CVD is a research priority. Clinical trials showed that reduction in the relative risk of heart failure by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are partly beyond their glucose lowering effects, however, the molecular mechanisms are still elusive. Here we investigated the role of SGLT2i dapagliflozin (DAPA) in the prevention of diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications.

Methods

Type 1 diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (65 mg/bwkg, ip.) in adult, male Wistar rats. Following the onset of diabetes rats were treated for six weeks with DAPA (1 mg/bwkg/day, po.).

Results

DAPA decreased blood glucose levels (D: 37±2.7 vs. D+DAPA: 18±5.6 mmol/L; p<0.05) and prevented metabolic decline. Aortic intima-media thickening was mitigated by DAPA. DAPA abolished cardiac hypertrophy, and myocardial damage. Cardiac inflammation and fibrosis were also moderated after DAPA treatment.

Conclusions

These data support the preventive and protective role of SGLT2i in diabetes-associated cardiovascular disease. SGLT2i may provide novel therapeutic strategy to hinder the development of cardiovascular diseases in type 1 diabetes, thereby improve the outcomes.
Effectiveness of erectogenic condom against semen exposure among women in Vietnam: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nguyen Nghia C. , Luong Truong N. , Le Van T. , Hobbs Marcia , Andridge Rebecca , Casterline John , Gallo Maria F.
Published: February 2022

A key barrier to the consistent use of condoms is their negative effect on sexual pleasure. Although sexual pleasure is a primary motivation for engaging in sex and is an integral part of overall sexual health, most programs to improve sexual health operate within a pregnancy and disease-prevention paradigm. A new condom, CSD500 (Futura Medical Developments; Surrey, UK), containing an erectogenic drug was developed for use among healthy couples to improve sexual pleasure by increasing penile firmness, size and erection duration. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to test whether promoting the novel condom CSD500 for improved sexual pleasure is effective in reducing condomless sex compared to the provision of standard condoms with counseling for pregnancy and disease prevention. We randomized 500 adult, heterosexual, monogamous couples in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam to receive either CSD500 (n = 248) or standard condoms (n = 252). At enrollment and after 2, 4, and 6 months, we interviewed women and sampled vaginal fluid to test for the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an objective, biological marker of recent semen exposure. We registered the protocol before trial initiation at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02934620). Overall, 11.0% of women were PSA positive at enrollment. The proportion of follow-up visits with PSA-positivity did not differ between the intervention (6.8%) and control arms (6.7%; relative risk, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–1.54). Thus, we found no evidence that promoting an erectogenic condom to women in a monogamous, heterosexual relationship in Vietnam reduced their exposure to their partner’s semen. These findings might not hold for other populations, especially those with a higher frequency of condomless sex.
Antiepileptic drug adherence in children in southern Ethiopia: A cross sectional study
Authors: Dima Shamil Ahmed , Shibeshi Mulugeta Sitot
Published: February 2022

Background

Epilepsy is one of the commonest chronic neurological disorders with serious health consequences. Treatment adherence is one of the determinants of seizure control. This study was designed to determine factors affecting antiepileptic drug adherence among children with epilepsy.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted on 192 children with epilepsy (≤14 years of age) on follow-up at a pediatric neurology clinic in Southern Ethiopia from January 1st to August 30th, 2019. Medication Adherence was measured using the eight-item Morisky’s medication adherence scale. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with antiepileptic drug adherence.

Result

One hundred twenty-five (65%) of the study subjects were adherent to their medication. On multivariable analysis, factors predictive of good adherence included family size of ≤5 [AOR = 2.34, (95% CI: 1.07, 5.10); P = 0.03] and duration of epilepsy (<1year [AOR = 5.83, (95% CI: 1.48, 22.92); P = 0.012] and 1-2year [AOR = 4.58, (95% CI: 1.12, 18.77); P = 0.035]). Monthly family income of <1000 Ethiopian Birr [AOR = 0.18, (95% CI: 0.06, 0.61); P = 0.005] and presence of seizure attack in the past 3months [AOR = 0.23, 95% (CI: 0.10, 0.55); P = 0.001] predicted poor antiepileptic drug adherence.

Conclusion

Adherence to antiepileptic drugs in children is low in our setting; low family income and occurrence of seizures while on treatment predicted poor adherence. Supplying free antiepileptic drugs to poor children and regular provision of information about expected treatment response to children with epilepsy and their caretakers may help improve adherence.
The characteristics of pain and dysesthesia in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Gylfadottir Sandra Sif , Itani Mustapha , Kristensen Alexander Gramm , Karlsson Pall , Krøigård Thomas , Bennett David L. , Tankisi Hatice , Andersen Niels Trolle , Jensen Troels Staehelin , Sindrup Søren Hein , Finnerup Nanna Brix
Published: February 2022

Introduction/aims

Patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) may experience paresthesia, dysesthesia, and pain. We aimed to characterize the predictors, symptoms, somatosensory profile, neuropathy severity, and impact of painful DPN and dysesthetic DPN.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional study of type 2 diabetes patients with confirmed DPN, diagnosed using widely accepted methods including a clinical examination, skin biopsy, and nerve conduction studies.

Findings

Of 126 patients with confirmed DPN, 52 had DPN without pain or dysesthesia, 21 had dysesthetic DPN, and 53 painful DPN. Patients with painful DPN were less physically active and suffered from more pain elsewhere than in the feet compared to patients with DPN without pain. Patients with painful DPN had the largest loss of small and large sensory fiber function, and there was a gradient of larger spatial distribution of sensory loss from DPN without dysesthesia/pain to dysesthetic DPN and to painful DPN. This could indicate that patients with dysesthesia had more severe neuropathy than patients without dysesthesia but less than patients with painful DPN. Patients with dysesthetic and painful DPN had higher symptom scores for depression and fatigue than those without dysesthesia/pain with no difference between dysesthetic and painful DPN.

Conclusions

There was a gradient of increasing sensory loss from DPN without dysesthesia/pain to dysesthetic DPN and to painful DPN. Pain and dysesthesia are common in DPN and both interfere with daily life. It is therefore important to consider dysesthesia when diagnosing and treating patients with neuropathy.
Understanding factors influencing uptake of healthy lifestyle practices among adults following a community cardiovascular disease prevention programme in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Ndejjo Rawlance , Musinguzi Geofrey , Nuwaha Fred , Bastiaens Hilde , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Healthy lifestyle practices including physical activity, healthy diets, non-smoking, reduced alcohol consumption and stress reduction are important in the prevention of metabollic CVD risk factors such as hypertension, overweight and obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. Owing to current lifestyle changes, the increasing burden of CVD and importance of healthy behaviours, the need for strategies to increase uptake of healthy lifestyles among sub-Saharan African populations are apparent. This study explored the factors influencing uptake of healthy lifestyle practices among adults following implementation of a community CVD prevention programme.

Methods

This was a descriptive qualitative study conducted among purposively selected adults who had engaged in a community CVD prevention programme. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Study transcripts were read into NVIVO 12.6 software for coding and analysis guided by thematic analysis following the semantic approach.

Results

This study found variations in uptake of healthy lifestyle practices for CVD prevention with most changes reported for dietary behaviour especially in vegetable and fruit intake, reduction of salt intake and fats and oils consumption. Changes in physical activity were also notable. On the other hand, participants were slow in making changes in alcohol consumption, smoking behaviours and stress reduction. The barriers to uptake of healthy lifestyle practices were individual such as limited capability or skills, structural such as limited physical activity facilities, and social such as cultural and peer influence. Relatedly, the facilitators of practices uptake were individual including knowledge and personal determination to change, and social including social support from family and the community.

Conclusions

Insights from understanding the uptake of lifestyle practices should guide planning and design of community programmes with an emphasis on removing barriers and strengthening facilitators building on the intermediate motivating factors and considering individual needs and expectations.
Relationship between muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients
Authors: Akazawa Naoki , Kishi Masaki , Hino Toshikazu , Tsuji Ryota , Tamura Kimiyuki , Hioka Akemi , Moriyama Hideki
Published: February 2022

Background

In 2021, the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) special interest group on sarcopenia included the quadriceps thickness assessed with ultrasound image as an indicator of muscle mass in the diagnosis criteria of sarcopenia. If quadriceps echo intensity of older inpatients is to be a strong predictor of quadriceps thickness, muscle quality of the quadriceps may be estimated by the muscle mass when diagnosing sarcopenia using the criteria of ISPRM.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps in older inpatients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 399 inpatients aged ≥ 65 years. Primary outcomes were muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps. Images were acquired using a B-mode ultrasound. Muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue of the quadriceps were assessed based on the muscle thickness and echo intensity, respectively. A multiple regression analysis (forced entry method) was performed to confirm whether quadriceps echo intensity was related to quadriceps thickness even after adjusting for other factors.

Results

In the multiple regression analyses for both male and female models, quadriceps echo intensity (male: β = − 0.537, p < 0.001; female: β = − 0.438, p < 0.001), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (male: β = 0.236, p < 0.001; female: β = 0.213, p < 0.001), and subcutaneous fat thickness of the thigh (male: β = 0.197, p < 0.001; female: β = 0.248, p < 0.001) were independently and significantly associated with quadriceps thickness.

Conclusions

Our results show that there is a negative and significant association between muscle mass and fraction of intramuscular adipose tissue in older inpatients. Muscle quality of the quadriceps in older inpatients may be estimated to some extent by the muscle mass.
Lyophilized annelid mega-hemoglobin retains its’ quaternary structure and oxygen equilibrium properties after room temperature storage for over 6 months
Authors: Savla Chintan , Palmer Andre F.
Published: February 2022

The long-term storage stability and portability of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers are important design criteria in the development of these therapeutics. Lyophilization or storing proteins in a freeze-dried form is known to increase storage lifetime and reduce overall weight. In this study, we lyophilized the extracellular mega-hemoglobin of the annelid Lumbricus terrestris and tested the storage stability at different temperatures and oxygenation conditions. Storage in refrigerated conditions for over 6 months in the presence of N2 reduced oxidation by 50% while storage at room temperature in the presence of N2 reduced oxidation by 60%, all while maintaining the structural stability of the mega-hemoglobin. We also demonstrated a reliable strategy to freeze dry Hbs in the presence of a minimally non-reducing disaccharide sugar that could be easily re-solubilized in deionized water. Overall, this study made significant advances towards long term storage stability of oxygen therapeutics for direct applications in transfusion medicine.