bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quadriceps or hip exercises for patellofemoral pain? A randomised controlled equivalence trial
Authors: Hansen Rudi , Brushøj Christoffer , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Magnusson S Peter , Henriksen Marius
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess effectiveness equivalence between two commonly prescribed 12-week exercise programmes targeting either the quadriceps or the hip muscles in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP).

Methods

This randomised controlled equivalence trial included patients with a clinical diagnosis of PFP. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 12-week quadriceps-focused exercise (QE) or a hip-focused exercise (HE) programme. The primary outcome was the change in Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS) (0–100) from baseline to 12-week follow-up. Prespecified equivalence margins of ±8 points on the AKPS were chosen to demonstrate comparable effectiveness. Key secondary outcomes were the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire pain, physical function and knee-related quality of life subscales.

Results

200 participants underwent randomisation; 100 assigned to QE and 100 to HE (mean age 27.2 years (SD 6.4); 69% women). The least squares mean changes in AKPS (primary outcome) were 7.6 for QE and 7.0 for HE (difference 0.6 points, 95% CI −2.0 to 3.2; test for equivalence p<0.0001), although neither programme surpassed the minimal clinically important change threshold. None of the group differences in key secondary outcomes exceeded predefined equivalence margins.

Conclusion

The 12-week QE and HE protocols provided equivalent improvements in symptoms and function for patients with PFP.

Trial registration number

NCT03069547.
Impact of hearing impairment and cochlear implantation on productivity and social well-being in a professionally active but severely hearing-impaired group: protocol of the ‘Hear again, work again’ longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Philips Cato , Jacquemin Laure , Lammers Marc JW , Wouters Kristien , Moyaert Julie , Vanderveken Olivier , Van Rompaey Vincent
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Severe hearing loss is a sensory deficit with considerable impact on the patient’s daily life and on society. Previous research has established occupational obstacles in professionally active patients with hearing loss. However, studies investigating the impact of severe hearing loss and cochlear implantation (CI) on work performance using a quantitative and longitudinal study design and validated questionnaires are lacking. This study aims to answer the following research question: ‘What is the impact of unilateral and bilateral severe hearing loss and CI on the cost for society, health state, employment, productivity and social well-being?’. We hypothesise hearing impairment to influence work performance. After establishing the impact, we will be able to enhance the support of hearing impaired patients to maintain employed.

Methods and analysis

A total of 200 professionally active adults between 18 and 65 years old with severe hearing loss will be included for assessment at baseline and reassessment at 3, 6 and 12 months. The following four study groups are included: bilateral severely hearing impaired participants without CI (1) and with CI (2) and unilateral severely hearing impaired participants in acute (3) and chronic (4) setting. The primary outcome of this study is the change in index score on the Work Limitations Questionnaire, which evaluates the degree of limitations and health-related productivity loss. Secondary outcome measures include audiometric and cognitive evaluations and validated questionnaires evaluating employment, work productivity, quality of life and direct healthcare costs. Linear mixed models will assess the evolution in time and the difference in evolution between groups.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol (project ID 2021-0306) received ethical approval from the ethics committee of the Antwerp University Hospital on 22 November 2021. Our findings will be disseminated by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05196022.
Preventive interventions for paternal perinatal depression: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Iwata Hiroko , Mori Emi , Maehara Kunie , Kimura Kayoko , Toyama Fusae , Kakehashi Asana , Seki Marika , Abe Sayaka , Kosaka Mai
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The objective of this scoping review is to map the literature describing preventive interventions for paternal perinatal depression. Depression is a common mental disorder experienced by fathers as well as mothers around childbirth. Perinatal depression has negative consequences for men, and suicide is the most serious adverse effect. Impaired father–child relationships can also result from perinatal depression, negatively impacting child health and development. Considering its severe effects, early prevention of perinatal depression is important. However, little is known about preventive interventions for paternal perinatal depression including Asian populations.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will consider studies of preventive interventions for perinatal depression in men with a pregnant wife or partner, and new fathers (less than 1 year post partum). Preventive intervention includes any form of intervention intended to prevent perinatal depression. Primary prevention intended to promote mental health will also be included if depression is included as an outcome. Interventions for those with a formal diagnosis of depression will be excluded. MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), APA PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Ichushi-Web (Japan’s medical literature database) will be searched for published studies, and Google Scholar and ProQuest Health and Medical Collection will be searched for grey literature. Beginning in 2012, the search will include the last 10 years of research. Screening and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers. Data will be extracted using a standardised data extraction tool and presented in diagrammatic or tabular form, accompanied by a narrative summary.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study involves no human participants, approval from a human research ethics committee is not required. Findings of the scoping review will be disseminated through conference presentations and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

https://osf.io/fk2qe/.
Immune and metabolic markers for identifying and investigating severe Coronavirus disease and Sepsis in children and young people (pSeP/COVID ChYP study): protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Oruganti Sivakumar , Rodrigues Patrícia R S , White Daniel , Watkins William John , Shapey Selyf , Barrow Anna , al Samsam Rim , Ali Sara , Gajraj Malcolm , Skone Richard , Jardine Michelle , Evans Jennifer , Struik Siske , Song Jong Eun , Abood Lloyd , Paquete Barbara , Foulkes Sian , Saunders Benjamin , Strang Angela , Kotecha Sarah Joanne , Phillips Bethan , Evans Awen , Buchanan Iona , Bowes Susan , Ali Begum , Gore Maya , Thomas-Turner Rhian , Andrews Robert , Zaher Summia , Sharma Simran , Chakraborty Mallinath , Parkinson Edward , Liberatore Federico , Woolley Thomas , Edkins Sarah , Davies Luke C , Moet Linda , McLaren James E , Watson Gareth L , O'Donnell Valerie , Hood Kerry , Ghazal Peter
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Early recognition and appropriate management of paediatric sepsis are known to improve outcomes. A previous system’s biology investigation of the systemic immune response in neonates to sepsis identified immune and metabolic markers that showed high accuracy for detecting bacterial infection. Further gene expression markers have also been reported previously in the paediatric age group for discriminating sepsis from control cases. More recently, specific gene signatures were identified to discriminate between COVID-19 and its associated inflammatory sequelae. Through the current prospective cohort study, we aim to evaluate immune and metabolic blood markers which discriminate between sepses (including COVID-19) from other acute illnesses in critically unwell children and young persons, up to 18 years of age.

Methods and analysis

We describe a prospective cohort study for comparing the immune and metabolic whole-blood markers in patients with sepsis, COVID-19 and other illnesses. Clinical phenotyping and blood culture test results will provide a reference standard to evaluate the performance of blood markers from the research sample analysis. Serial sampling of whole blood (50 μL each) will be collected from children admitted to intensive care and with an acute illness to follow time dependent changes in biomarkers. An integrated lipidomics and RNASeq transcriptomics analyses will be conducted to evaluate immune-metabolic networks that discriminate sepsis and COVID-19 from other acute illnesses. This study received approval for deferred consent.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received research ethics committee approval from the Yorkshire and Humber Leeds West Research Ethics Committee 2 (reference 20/YH/0214; IRAS reference 250612). Submission of study results for publication will involve making available all anonymised primary and processed data on public repository sites.

Trial registration number

NCT04904523.
Exploring children’s formal help-seeking behaviour for violence in Zimbabwe: analysis of national survey and routine service provider data
Authors: Devries Karen , Cerna-Turoff Ilan , Fabbri Camilla , Turner Ellen , Nyakuwa Robert , Nherera Charles Muchemwa , Nhenga-Chakarisa Tendai , Nengomasha Beaulah C , Moyo Ratidzai
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To explore knowledge of formal services and help-seeking behaviour for violence among Zimbabwean children aged 18 years and under.

Design

We use cross-sectional data from the 2017 Zimbabwe Violence Against Children Survey (VACS), which is nationally representative and had a 72% response rate for female participants and 66% for males; and anonymised routine data from one of the largest child protection service providers' (Childline Zimbabwe) call database.

Setting

Zimbabwe.

Participants

We analysed data from 13 to 18 year old participants in the 2017 VACS and pertaining to respondents aged 18 years and under from Childline Zimbabwe’s call database.

Measures/analysis

We describe characteristics of children, and fit unadjusted and logistic regression models to estimate associations between selected characteristics and help-seeking knowledge and behaviours.

Results

1339 of 4622 children aged 13–18 years surveyed for the 2017 VACS in Zimbabwe (29.8%) reported experience of lifetime physical and/or sexual violence. Of these, 829 (57.3%) children did not know where to seek formal help, 364 (33.1%) children knew where to seek help but did not, and 139 (9.6%) children knew where to seek help and did seek help. Boys were more likely to know where to seek help, but girls were more likely to actually seek help. During the 6-month period when VACS survey data were being collected, Childline received 2177 calls where the main reason for the call was recorded as violence against someone aged 18 years or under. These 2177 calls contained more reports from girls and children in school, versus the national profile of children who had experienced violence. Few children who did not seek help reported not wanting services. Most children who did not seek help reported that they felt at fault or that their safety would be put at risk by disclosure.

Conclusion

Both awareness of services and help-seeking are gendered, suggesting that different strategies may be needed to support boys and girls to access the help they want. Childline in particular may be well placed to expand its outreach to boys and to receive more reports of school-related violence, and should consider efforts to reach out-of-school children.
Role development, implementation and evaluation of nurse practitioners in a Belgian university hospital: a mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Dehennin Laurence , Kinnaer Lise-Marie , Vermassen Frank , Van Hecke Ann
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Due to the increased prevalence of chronic conditions, multimorbidity and an increased complexity of care, the burden on healthcare teams is high resulting in unmet needs of patients and their family and a high workload on healthcare professionals. To respond to these challenges, care models integrating nurse practitioners were introduced. Despite the proven benefits, implementation in Belgium is at an early stage. The aim of this study is to develop, implement and evaluate nurse practitioner roles in a Belgian university hospital. Insights into development and implementation processes can inform healthcare managers and policymakers for future (nationwide) implementation.

Methods and analysis

For the development, implementation and (process-)evaluation of nurse practitioner roles in three departments in a Belgian university hospital, a participatory action research approach involving interdisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, healthcare managers and researchers will be used. To investigate the effectiveness at patient (eg, quality of care), healthcare providers (eg, team effectiveness) and organisational level (eg, utility) a longitudinal (matched controlled) pre–post mixed methods study will be set up. Quantitative data (surveys, data from electronic patient files, administrative files) will be analysed using SPSS V.28.0. Qualitative data will be collected throughout the whole process and will consist of the meetings, (focus group) interviews and field notes. All qualitative data will be analysed thematically both across-case and within-case. This study is designed and will be reported based on the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials 2013 statement.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for all parts of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the participating university hospital (February–August 2021). All participants throughout the study parts will receive written and verbal information and will be asked written consent. All data will be stored on a secured server. Only the primary researchers will have access to the data set.

Trial registration number

NCT05520203.
Protocol for a feasibility, acceptability and safety study of the PICO device (negative pressure wound therapy) in acute paediatric burns
Authors: Lumsden Emma Joan , Kimble Roy M , McMillan Catherine , Storey Kristen , Ware Robert S , Griffin Bronwyn
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in acute burn care may decrease the time to re-epithelialisation by more than 20%. Despite this, the perceived burden of use; including therapeutic, physical and financial, have limited the use of NPWT in acute burn care. This might be minimised by using the small, ultraportable, single-use NPWT device PICO as opposed to larger devices, which to date has never been studied in acute burn care. This research will; therefore, primarily assess the feasibility, acceptability and safety of PICO in paediatric burns. Secondary outcomes include time to re-epithelialisation, pain, itch, cost and scar formation.

Methods and analysis

This protocol details a clinical trial methodology and is pre-results. This single site, prospective, pilot randomised controlled trial will be conducted in an Australian quaternary paediatric burns centre. Participants must be aged ≤16 years, otherwise well and managed within 24 hours of sustaining a burn that fits beneath a PICO dressing. Thirty participants will be randomised to one of three groups: group A: Mepitel and ACTICOAT, group B: Mepitel, ACTICOAT and PICO and group C: Mepitel, ACTICOAT Flex and PICO. Patient outcomes will be recorded at each dressing change to assess efficacy and safety outcomes until 3 months postburn wound re-epithelialisation. Surveys, randomisation and data storage will be undertaken via online platforms and physical data storage collated at the Centre for Children’s Health Research, Brisbane, Australia. Analysis will be done by using StataSE 17.0 statistical software.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics has been obtained from Queensland Health and Griffith Human Research Ethics committees including a site-specific approval. These data will be disseminated via clinical meetings, conference presentations and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622000009718.
Efficacy and safety of ceftazidime–avibactam versus polymyxins in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Ping , Li Yinyan , Wang Xiaojuan , Chen Na , Lu Xiaoyang
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is increasingly recognised as a significant public health concern. Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) and polymyxins are considered as the last therapeutic options worldwide. This is the first meta-analysis of recently published data to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of CAZ-AVI with polymyxins in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched, for publications in any language, from database inception to February 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of CAZ-AVI with polymyxins were included. Mortality, clinical success, microbiological eradication and nephrotoxicity were assessed as the main outcomes.

Data extraction and synthesis

Literature screening, data extraction and the quality evaluation of studies were conducted by two researchers independently, with disagreements resolved by another researcher. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the bias risk for the included studies. Review Manager V.5.3 was employed for the meta-analysis.

Results

The meta-analysis included seven retrospective and four prospective cohort studies with 1111 patients enrolled. The CAZ-AVI groups demonstrated a lower 30-day mortality (risk ratio (RR)=0.48, 95% CI of 0.37 to 0.63, I2=10%, p<0.0001) in nine studies with 766 patients; higher clinical success (RR=1.71, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.20, I2=35%, p<0.0001) in four studies with 463 patients; and lower nephrotoxicity in seven studies with 696 patients (RR=0.42, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.77, I2=35%, p<0.05). However, no significant difference in microbiological eradication rates was observed in 249 patients from two studies (RR=1.16, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.39, I2=0, p>0.05).

Conclusion

Available evidence suggested that CAZ-AVI treatment held a dominant position with respect to efficacy and safety compared with polymyxins in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections. However, the analysis included only observational studies, and high-quality, large-scale, multicentre, double-blind randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm the advantage of CAZ-AVI.
OPtimal TIming of antenatal COrticosteroid administration in pregnancies complicated by early-onset fetal growth REstriction (OPTICORE): study protocol of a multicentre, retrospective cohort study
Authors: van de Meent Mette , Kleuskens Dianne G. , Ganzevoort Wessel , Gordijn Sanne J. , Kooi Elisabeth M. W. , Onland Wes , van Rijn Bas B. , Duvekot Johannes J. , Kornelisse René F. , Al-Nasiry Salwan , Jellema Reint K. , Knol H. Marieke , Manten Gwendolyn T. R. , Mulder-de Tollenaer Susanne M. , Derks Jan B. , Groenendaal Floris , Bekker Mireille N. , Schuit Ewoud , Lely A. Titia , Kooiman Judith
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) requires timely, often preterm, delivery to prevent fetal hypoxia causing stillbirth or neurologic impairment. Antenatal corticosteroids (CCS) administration reduces neonatal morbidity and mortality following preterm birth, most effectively when administered within 1 week preceding delivery. Optimal timing of CCS administration is challenging in early-onset FGR, as the exact onset and course of fetal hypoxia are unpredictable. International guidelines do not provide a directive on this topic. In the Netherlands, two timing strategies are commonly practiced: administration of CCS when the umbilical artery shows (A) a pulsatility index above the 95thhcentile and (B) absent or reversed end-diastolic velocity (a more progressed disease state). This study aims to (1) use practice variation to compare CCS timing strategies in early-onset FGR on fetal and neonatal outcomes and (2) develop a dynamic tool to predict the time interval in days until delivery, as a novel timing strategy for antenatal CCS in early-onset FGR.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, retrospective cohort study will be performed including pregnancies complicated by early-onset FGR in six tertiary hospitals in the Netherlands in the period between 2012 and 2021 (estimated sample size n=1800). Main exclusion criteria are multiple pregnancies and fetal congenital or genetic abnormalities. Routinely collected data will be extracted from medical charts. Primary outcome for the comparison of the two CCS timing strategies is a composite of perinatal, neonatal and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes include the COSGROVE core outcome set for FGR. A multivariable, mixed-effects model will be used to compare timing strategies on study outcomes. Primary outcome for the dynamic prediction tool is ‘days until birth’.

Ethics and dissemination

The need for ethical approval was waived by the Ethics Committee (University Medical Center Utrecht). Results will be published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals and disseminated by presentations at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05606497
COllaborative Neonatal Network for the first European CPAM Trial (CONNECT): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kersten Casper M , Hermelijn Sergei M , Dossche Louis W J , Muthialu Nagarajan , Losty Paul D , Schurink Maarten , Rietman André B , Poley Marten J , van Rosmalen Joost , Zanen - van den Adel Tabitha P L , Ciet Pierluigi , von der Thüsen Jan , Brosens Erwin , Ijsselstijn Hanneke , Tiddens Harm A W M , Wijnen Rene M H , Schnater J Marco
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Consensus is lacking on the optimal management of asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM). For future studies, the CONNECT consortium (the COllaborative Neonatal Network for the first European CPAM Trial)—an international collaboration of specialised caregivers—has established consensus on a core outcome set of outcome parameters concerning respiratory insufficiency, surgical complications, mass effect and multifocal disease. These outcome parameters have been incorporated in the CONNECT trial, a randomised controlled trial which, in order to develop evidence-based practice, aims to compare conservative and surgical management of patients with an asymptomatic CPAM.

Methods and analysis

Children are eligible for inclusion after the CPAM diagnosis has been confirmed on postnatal chest CT scan and they remain asymptomatic. On inclusion, children are randomised to receive either conservative or surgical management. Subsequently, children in both groups are enrolled into a standardised, 5-year follow-up programme with three visits, including a repeat chest CT scan at 2.5 years and a standardised exercise tolerance test at 5 years.

The primary outcome is exercise tolerance at age 5 years, measured according to the Bruce treadmill protocol. Secondary outcome measures are molecular genetic diagnostics, validated questionnaires—on parental anxiety, quality of life and healthcare consumption—, repeated imaging and pulmonary morbidity during follow-up, as well as surgical complications and histopathology. This trial aims to end the continuous debate surrounding the optimal management of asymptomatic CPAM.

Ethics and dissemination

This study is being conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The Medical Ethics Review Board of Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands, has approved this protocol (MEC-2022–0441). Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05701514.
Use of symptom-guided physical activity and exercise rehabilitation for COVID-19 and other postviral conditions
Authors: Ladlow Peter , Barker-Davies R , Hill O , Conway D , O'Sullivan O
Published: May 2023

There are many similarities in symptoms between postviral conditions, including clinical features such as fatigue, reduced daily activity and postexertional symptom exacerbation. Unfavourable responses to exercise have influenced the wider debate on how to reintegrate physical activity (PA) and exercise while simultaneously managing symptoms during recovery from post-COVID-19 syndrome (or Long COVID). This has resulted in inconsistent advice from the scientific and clinical rehabilitation community on how and when to resume PA and exercise following COVID-19 illness. This article provides commentary on the following topics: (1) controversies surrounding graded exercise therapy as a treatment modality for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation; (2) evidence supporting PA promotion, resistance exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness for population health, and the consequences of physical inactivity in patients with complex rehabilitation needs; (3) population-based challenges for UK Defence Rehabilitation practitioners for the management of postviral conditions; and (4) ‘symptom guided PA and exercise rehabilitation’ as an appropriate treatment option for managing individuals with multifaceted medical needs.
Extent of axial damage in psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis: comparative data from the BEPAS and (Be-)GIANT multicentre cohorts
Authors: de Hooge Manouk , Ishchenko Alla , De Craemer Ann-Sophie , Steinfeld Serge , Nzeusseu Adrien , Elewaut Dirk , Lories Rik , de Vlam Kurt , Van den Bosch Filip
Published: May 2023

Background

To examine radiographic axial damage of the sacroiliac joints and spine in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) in private and academic Belgian practices.

Methods

Patients with PsA with clinical diagnosis of PsA and fulfilling the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis from the prospective Belgian Epidemiological Psoriatic Arthritis Study and patients with SpA fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for SpA originate from the Ghent and BelGian Inflammatory Arthritis and spoNdylitis cohorTs were included in this study. Baseline pelvic and spinal radiographs were analysed by two calibrated readers. Blinded for the origin of the cohort or clinical data readers assessed the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) and modified New York criteria on spinal and pelvic radiographs, respectively. Data were compared between both patient groups.

Results

Of the 525 patients included (312 PsA and 213 SpA), most patients showed normal spinal radiographs: 87.5% of the patients with PsA and 92.0% of the patients with SpA. Patients with SpA with spinal damage show higher mSASSS than the patients with PsA (p<0.05). In patients with PsA, cervical spine is more often affected; 24/33 patients (72.7%) compared with lumbar spine 11/33 (33.3%). While in patients with SpA, syndesmophyte location was more evenly distributed; cervical 9/14 (64.3%) and lumbar 10/14 (71.4%).

Conclusion

Minimal radiographic spinal damage was observed in Belgian patients with PsA or SpA. Patients with SpA tend to have higher mSASSS values and more syndesmophytes compared with PsA. Syndesmophytes were more often located in the cervical spine of patients with PsA, while the location was equally distributed in axSpA.
Medical cannabis is effective for cancer-related pain: Quebec Cannabis Registry results
Authors: Aprikian Saro , Kasvis Popi , Vigano MariaLuisa , Hachem Yasmina , Canac-Marquis Michelle , Vigano Antonio
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis (MC) in reducing pain and concurrent medications in patients with cancer.

Methods

This study analysed data collected from patients with cancer who were part of the Quebec Cannabis Registry. Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) questionnaires, total medication burden (TMB) and morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) recorded at 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month follow-ups were compared with baseline values. Adverse events were also documented at each follow-up visit.

Results

This study included 358 patients with cancer. Thirteen out of 15 adverse events reported in 11 patients were not serious; 2 serious events (pneumonia and cardiovascular event) were considered unlikely related to MC. Statistically significant decreases were observed at 3-month, 6-month and 9-month follow-up for BPI worst pain (5.5±0.7 baseline, 3.6±0.7, 3.6±0.7, 3.6±0.8; p<0.01), average pain (4.1±0.6 baseline, 2.4±0.6, 2.3±0.6, 2.7±0.7; p<0.01), overall pain severity (3.7±0.5 baseline, 2.3±0.6, 2.3±0.6, 2.4±0.6; p<0.01) and pain interference (4.3±0.6 baseline, 2.4±0.6, 2.2±0.6, 2.4±0.7, p<0.01). ESAS-r pain scores decreased significantly at 3-month, 6-month and 9-month follow-up (3.7±0.6 baseline, 2.5±0.6, 2.2±0.6, 2.0±0.7, p<0.01). THC:CBD balanced strains were associated with better pain relief as compared with THC-dominant and CBD-dominant strains. Decreases in TMB were observed at all follow-ups. Decreases in MEDD were observed at the first three follow-ups.

Conclusions

Real-world data from this large, prospective, multicentre registry indicate that MC is a safe and effective complementary treatment for pain relief in patients with cancer. Our findings should be confirmed through randomised placebo-controlled trials.
Compost  and biosolids increase long-term soil organic carbon stocks
Authors: Badewa Emmanuel A. , Yeung Chun C. , Whalen Joann K. , Oelbermann Maren
Published: May 2023

Biobased residues derived from organic urban waste materials can be processed to produce soil amendments that enhance soil fertility and carbon sequestration. However, the extent of carbon sequestration by biobased residues depends on the interaction between their physicochemical properties, climate, and agroecosystem management practices. Our objective was to predict how different biobased residues (compost, anaerobic digestate, or biosolids), compared to nitrogen fertilizer, affect soil organic carbon stocks under continuous cropping and crop rotation in Ontario, Canada, using the Century model. The Century model was calibrated and validated with data, from a three-year field study located in Elora, Ontario, Canada, that was used to predict long-term changes in soil organic carbon. Our results showed that after 150 years, soil amended with compost and biosolids increased soil organic carbon stocks significantly ( p < 0.05) compared to anaerobic digestate and nitrogen fertilizer. Soil organic carbon stocks were 1%–27% greater with crop rotation compared to continuous cropping. Model performance indicated a strong correlation between measured and simulated soil organic carbon stocks ( R2 = 0.26–0.82; RMSD = 432–727 g m−2). Our findings suggested that compost had the greatest soil carbon sequestration potential of the tested soil amendments, and this difference was due to the quantity and quality of carbon input.
Measurement of fast neutron background in the Gran Sasso underground laboratory using a geyser-concept bubble-chamber
Authors: Bertoni R. , Bruno G. , Burgio N. , Corcione M. , Cretara L. , Frullini M. , Fulgione W. , De Matteis M. , Quintino A. , Redaelli N. , Santagata A. , Vallicelli E. A. , Zanotti L.
Published: May 2023

A measurement of the fast neutron background in the Gran Sasso underground laboratory has been performed by the MOSCAB thermodynamic bubble chamber, a neutron detector which identifies fast neutrons passing through the metastable fluid by scattering ions. The result of this measurement confirms the results previously obtained using detectors based on totally different techniques, thus corroborating the previous results in terms of both integral intensity and spectral characteristics, at least in the energy region where the current measurement technique is sensitive.
Higher-Order mimetic gravity after GW170817
Authors: Sharafati Kimya , Heydari Soma , Karami Kayoomars
Published: May 2023

On 17 August 2017, the thriving discovery of gravitational wave event GW170817 and its optical counterpart GRB170817A, owing to coalescing of two neutron stars, divulged a very small amount of difference of around [Formula: see text] between traveling speed of light and the velocity of gravitational waves [Formula: see text]. This small deviation can be used as a strong constraint on modified gravity models. We concentrate on the Higher-Order expansion of Mimetic Gravity (HOMimG) model to specify the parametric space of three parameters of our model ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]) utilizing the observational constraint from GW170817–GRB170817A on [Formula: see text], besides two theoretical constraints on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] due to assurance of the stability of the model and subluminal promulgation of the scalar and tensor perturbations. Thereafter, we increase the accuracy of the parametric space with the aid of imposing further limitation of [Formula: see text] parameter (related to the age of the universe). In pursuance of determining the other parameter of the model [Formula: see text], the potential of the model is specified, and another observational bound related to the Equation of State parameter of dark energy is taken into account. In consequence, we attain a viable HOMimG model confined to numbers of observational and theoretical constraints. At the end, regarding the concluded numerical ranges for the model parameters, and cogitating two different potential (quadratic and quartic potentials) to specify [Formula: see text] parameter, we illustrate that the values of the model parameters are independent of the form of potential.
About this title - Supercontinents, Orogenesis and Magmatism
Authors: Nance R.D. , Strachan R.A. , Quesada C. , Lin S.
Published: May 2023

A tribute to the career of J. Brendan Murphy, this volume covers topics that encompass the three main fields of his influence: (i) supercontinents and the supercontinent cycle; (ii) orogenesis and terranes; and (iii) magmatism and magmatic processes. Papers range from strongly field-based studies to conceptual analyses, and focus on clarifying some crucial geological processes.
Shot Boundary Detection Using Color Clustering and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Yuan Ye , Zhang Jiawan
Published: May 2023

Shot boundary detection (SBD) is widely used in scene segmentation, semantic analysis, and video retrieval. However, existing SBD algorithms have certain applications in video processing, but they have the following three problems. First, these algorithms cannot effectively handle shot boundaries caused by sudden lighting changes. Second, when there are dimly lighting frames in the video, these algorithms cannot perform boundary detection well. Third, when there is object or camera motion in the video, these algorithms also fail to work. To resolve these issues, we propose an SBD algorithm with color clustering changes in small regions (CCSR) to detect the shot transitions, which are abrupt changes and gradual transitions (dissolve and fade). The main idea behind the CCSR algorithm is to compute the distance of color features and to preserve the spatio-temporal information as much as possible. This model has relatively less dependence on the threshold parameters and sliding windows. Unlike other SBD algorithms, the clustering results of CCSR weaken factors such as object motion and illumination changes between adjacent frames in the video, which is helpful for reducing false detections. Furthermore, we utilize an attention mechanism in the gradual transitions to improve detection efficiency and accuracy. Finally, we evaluated the SBD algorithm, which was tested on a standard TRECVID dataset. The experimental results suggest that our algorithm yields significant improvements in precision and recall compared to the current techniques, with an average improvement of 10.35% and 8.85%, respectively. Moreover, compared with state-of-the-art algorithms, the results prove that the proposed method improves the F-score by more than 2.64% and the computation time efficiency by over 10%.
An Overview of Deep Generative Models in Functional and Evolutionary Genomics
Authors: Yelmen Burak , Jay Flora
Published: May 2023

Following the widespread use of deep learning for genomics, deep generative modeling is also becoming a viable methodology for the broad field. Deep generative models (DGMs) can learn the complex structure of genomic data and allow researchers to generate novel genomic instances that retain the real characteristics of the original dataset. Aside from data generation, DGMs can also be used for dimensionality reduction by mapping the data space to a latent space, as well as for prediction tasks via exploitation of this learned mapping or supervised/semi-supervised DGM designs. In this review, we briefly introduce generative modeling and two currently prevailing architectures, we present conceptual applications along with notable examples in functional and evolutionary genomics, and we provide our perspective on potential challenges and future directions.
Parenting Promotes Social Mobility Within and Across Generations
Authors: García Jorge Luis , Heckman James J.
Published: May 2023

This article compares early childhood enrichment programs that promote social mobility for disadvantaged children within and across generations. Instead of conducting a standard meta-analysis, we present a harmonized primary data analysis of programs that shape current policy. Our analysis is a template for rigorous syntheses and comparisons across programs. We analyze new long-run life-cycle data collected for iconic programs when participants are middle-aged and their children are in their twenties. The iconic programs are omnibus in nature and offer many services to children and their parents. We compare them with relatively low-cost, more focused home-visiting programs. Participants in programs that enrich home environments grow up with better skills, jobs, earnings, marital stability, and health, as well as reduced participation in crime. The long-run monetized gains are substantially greater than the costs of the iconic programs. A study of focused home-visiting programs that target parents enables us to isolate a crucial component of successful programs: They activate and promote the parenting skills of child caregivers. The home-visiting programs we analyze produce outcomes comparable to those of the iconic omnibus programs. National implementation of the programs with long-run follow-up that we analyze would substantially shrink the overall Black-White earnings gap in the United States.
The Economics of Border Carbon Adjustment: Rationale and Impacts of Compensating for Carbon at the Border
Authors: Fontagné Lionel , Schubert Katheline
Published: May 2023

International trade contributes directly to global greenhouse gas emissions, as the carbon content of high-emission products is priced differently in different countries. This phenomenon is termed carbon leakage. Thus, not putting a price on carbon is theoretically equivalent to an export subsidy, although that would be difficult to challenge in the context of multilateral trade law. Leakage can be alleviated by pricing the carbon embedded in imported products through a border carbon adjustment (BCA), be it a tax, a carbon tariff, or a regulation requiring the purchase of emissions allowances. The design of a BCA is a compromise between environmental effectiveness in preventing leakage, economic effectiveness in preserving competitiveness and ensuring acceptability, technical feasibility of the implementation, and World Trade Organization compatibility. An import-limited BCA is more effective than free emissions allowances in reducing leakage, but it does not preserve the export competitiveness of the country imposing it.
Effects of Perfluorodecanoic Acid on the Photostability and Self-Recovery of Cesium Lead Bromide Nanocrystals
Authors: Kano Kensho , Iso Yoshiki , Isobe Tetsuhiko
Published: May 2023

Photoinduced desorption of surface ligands causes photodegradation of nanophosphors due to enhanced non-radiative relaxation, which is attributed to generated surface defects. We previously reported the self-recovery of photodegraded CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) and revealed that its mechanism can be attributed to readsorption of the desorbed surface ligands. Thus, using different surface ligands would change the photodegradation and subsequent self-recovery behaviors. Accordingly, in the present work, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was added to pre-synthesized CsPbBr3 NCs modified with oleic acid and oleylamine to evaluate its effects on photodegradation and subsequent self-recovery. The as-prepared NCs (OA-NCs) and PFDA-modified NCs (PFDA-NCs) were dispersed in nanocomposite ethylene-vinyl acetate resin films to suppress concentration quenching. OA-NCs showed monotonical photoluminescence (PL) decrease under blue excitation light and self-recovery during subsequent dark storage. In contrast, the PFDA-NCs exhibited temporary PL enhancement under excitation irradiation. The photo-activation is attributed to optimization of the adsorption states of the surface ligands in the early stage, while the influence of photodegradation due to ligand desorption becomes dominant later. However, increased PFDA modification prevented self-recovery, indicating that desorbed PFDA may be resistant to readsorption on the NC surface.
Endocrine disruptors in plastics alter β-cell physiology and increase the risk of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Martínez-Pinna Juan , Sempere-Navarro Roberto , Medina-Gali Regla M. , Fuentes Esther , Quesada Ivan , Sargis Robert M. , Trasande Leonardo , Nadal Angel
Published: May 2023

Plastic pollution breaks a planetary boundary threatening wildlife and humans through its physical and chemical effects. Of the latter, the release of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has consequences on the prevalence of human diseases related to the endocrine system. Bisphenols (BPs) and phthalates are two groups of EDCs commonly found in plastics that migrate into the environment and make low-dose human exposure ubiquitous. Here we review epidemiological, animal, and cellular studies linking exposure to BPs and phthalates to altered glucose regulation, with emphasis on the role of pancreatic β-cells. Epidemiological studies indicate that exposure to BPs and phthalates is associated with diabetes mellitus. Studies in animal models indicate that treatment with doses within the range of human exposure decreases insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, induces dyslipidemia, and modifies functional β-cell mass and serum levels of insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. These studies reveal that disruption of β-cell physiology by EDCs plays a key role in impairing glucose homeostasis by altering the mechanisms used by β-cells to adapt to metabolic stress such as chronic nutrient excess. Studies at the cellular level demonstrate that BPs and phthalates modify the same biochemical pathways involved in adaptation to chronic excess fuel. These include changes in insulin biosynthesis and secretion, electrical activity, expression of key genes, and mitochondrial function. The data summarized here indicate that BPs and phthalates are important risk factors for diabetes mellitus and support a global effort to decrease plastic pollution and human exposure to EDCs.
Impacts of Heavy Metal Pollution on Ethiopian Agriculture: A Review on the Safety and Quality of Vegetable Crops
Authors: Gelaye Yohannes , Musie Sintayehu
Published: May 2023

Lack of nutritive and consumption of polluted food sources are the main health implications in African countries. Vegetable production is an optional balanced food source easily grown in the urban and rural areas. However, the levels of contaminant heavy metals in cultivated vegetables have not yet been identified. This review scrutinizes the contamination route, sources, health effects, environmental problems, food safety complications, and remedial activities of vegetable production in Ethiopian agriculture. Informal settlement, the rapid rate of urbanization, and the lack of community-based industrial expansion lead to massive increases in toxic heavy metals in ecosystems. They are supplied with food source diets unrestrictedly, mainly for vegetable consumption. Among the assessed metals, Zn (112.7 mg/kg), Cr (47.7 mg/kg), Pb (17.76 mg/kg), and Cd (0.25 mg/kg) existed in vegetables, with the highest concentrations in Ethiopia. They have negative effects on public safety, environmental security, and nutrient levels in horticultural crops. Hence, Ethiopia has no permissible standards for vegetable consumption and hazard analysis, critical control point, or food safety system. Additionally, physical, biological, and natural remedial strategies such as phytoremediation, phytoextraction, phytostabilization, rhizofiltration, bioremediation, and phytovolatilization are not applied to curtail deadly substance contents in Ethiopia. Despite this, some mitigation strategies, such as industrial waste treatment activities, are underway in Ethiopia’s universities and beer and sugar factories. This review found that the use of integrated remedial strategies could help to improve the efficiency of strategies in a sustainable manner, solid safety control for heavy metal management in Ethiopia, and management should begin with local solutions.
Hydromagnetic Flow of Two Immiscible Couple Stress Fluids through Porous Medium in a Cylindrical Pipe with Slip Effect
Authors: Bitla Punnamchandar , Kore Yitagesu Daba
Published: May 2023

In this study, the steady hydromagnetic flow of two immiscible couple stress fluids through a uniform porous medium in a cylindrical pipe with slip effect is investigated analytically. Essentially, the flow system is divided into two regions, region I and region II, which occupy the core and periphery of the system, respectively. The flow is driven by a constant pressure gradient applied in a direction parallel to the cylinder’s axis, and an external uniform magnetic field is applied in the direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid motion. Instead of the classical no-slip condition, the slip velocity along with vanishing couple stress boundary conditions is taken on the surface of the rigid cylinder, and continuity conditions of velocity, vorticity, shear stress, and couple stress are imposed at the fluid-fluid interface. The governing equations are modeled using the fully developed flow conditions. The resulting differential equations governing the flow in the two regions are converted to nondimensional forms using appropriate dimensionless variables. The nondimensional equations are solved analytically, and closed-form expressions for the flow velocity, flow rate, and stresses are derived in terms of the Bessel functions. The impacts of several parameters pertaining to the flow such as the magnetic number, couple stress parameters, Darcy number, viscosity ratio, Reynolds number, and slip parameter on the velocities in respective regions are examined and illustrated through graphs. The flow rate’s numerical values are also calculated for different fluid parameters and displayed in tabular form. It is found that increasing the magnetic number, viscosity ratio, Reynolds number, and slip parameters decreases the velocities of the fluids whereas increasing the couple stress parameter, Darcy number, and pressure gradient increases fluid velocities. The results obtained in this paper show an excellent agreement with the already existing results in the literature as limiting cases.