bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy consumption optimization for sustainable flexible robotic cells: Proposing exact and metaheuristic methods
Authors: Ghadiri Nejad Mazyar , Vatankhah Barenji Reza , Güleryüz Güldal , Shavarani Seyed Mahdi
Published: August 2023

Many manufacturing companies are always looking for a way to reduce energy consumption by utilizing energy-efficient production methods. These methods can be different depending on the type of products and production technology. For instance, one of the ways to increase energy efficiency and keep the precision of production is to use robots for the transportation of the parts among the machines and loading/unloading the machines. This technology is affordable compared to the technologies used in manufacturing companies. Manufacturing companies that rely on robotics technology must have a strategy to reduce energy costs and at the same time increase production by adjusting the intensity of processing or controlling the production rate. This study presents an exact solution method for flexible robotic cells to control the production rate and minimize energy consumption, which aims to both reduce electricity prices and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under a lead time of production. Then, considering the NP-hardens nature of the problem, a heuristic solution method based on the genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. Using the proposed approach, manufacturing companies will be able to make more accurate decisions about processing intensity and process scheduling while ensuring sustainability.
Taming the Tides of Internal Conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Political Institutions and Natural Resources
Authors: Slesman Ly , Kole Ali , Abdlaziz Rizgar Abdlkarim , Raheem Ibrahim D.
Published: August 2023

This article examines the interaction effects of resource rents and political institutions on internal conflicts in a panel of 29 Sub-Sahara African countries from 1983 to 2018. Relying on the system generalized method of moments (SGMM) estimator that controls for instrument proliferation, we find robust evidence of the adverse interaction effects between resource rents and political institutions on internal conflicts. Comprehensive marginal effect analysis on both variables reveals the following significant findings. First, there is a (broad) U-shaped marginal effect of resource rents and political institutions. Second, when each component of resource rents was analyzed, only oil and mineral rents had a negative and statistically significant interaction effect with political institutions on internal conflicts. The U-shaped marginal effects hold only for oil rents (but become narrower), while mineral rents exhibit only an L-shaped marginal effect at low levels of political institutions. Our findings are robust to a broad set of alternative measures of political institutions and alternative specifications of the interaction term.

JEL Classification

Q34, E02, N57
Short-term results and complications of the operative treatment of the distal radius fracture AO2R3 C type, planned by using 3D-printed models. Prospective randomized control study
Authors: Grinčuk Aleksandr , Petryla Giedrius , Masionis Povilas , Sveikata Tomas , Uvarovas Valentinas , Makulavičius Aleksas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

3D-printed models rapidly evolving in orthopaedic. Studies show that 3D-printed models used for preoperative planning improve a better understanding of fracture morphology and reduce operative time, blood loss and frequency of fluoroscopy, but there are no studies that investigated possible advantages in the outcomes and complications for the treatment of distal radius fracture (DRF). Our study aims to evaluate short-term functional results and complications between two groups treated DRF using 3D-printed models for preoperative planning and without. We hypothesize that the addition of 3D-printed models would improve functional outcomes and reduce complication rates.

Methods

66 randomized cases of DRF AO/OTA C type were enrolled and divided into “Control group” ( n = 33) and “3D-printed model group” ( n = 33). Personalized 3D-printed models were created. The primary outcomes were: Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaire, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score questionnaire, and complications. The secondary outcomes were: measurement of the range of motions, grip strength, radiological evaluation, and the visual analogue scale. Assessments were measured at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months intervals.

Results

We found that the integration of the 3D-printed model in preoperative planning decreased complication incidence significantly – from 30.3% in the “Control group” to 6.1% in the “3D-printed model group”, p = .022. But we did not find a difference in functional and radiological outcomes.

Conclusion

The 3D-printed models for preoperative planning surgically treating DRF AO/OTA C type can help minimize the complication rate, however, they can’t improve functional outcomes in the short-term results.

Level of evidence

Level I randomized controlled study.
The politics of structural reform in Ireland: Dominant growth coalitions, domestic business elites, and internal devaluation
Authors: Dooley Neil
Published: August 2023

This paper broadens the scope of the Growth Model (GM) research agenda beyond the study of ‘core’ business elites by investigating the influence of (oft-neglected) non-core business actors and sectoral interests in determining growth strategies. To do so it looks at a crucial case in the GM debate: Ireland. Ireland’s robust recovery from the eurozone crisis has set it apart from the rest of the eurozone periphery. For GM scholarship, Ireland’s recovery has been driven by its long-established multinational/export sector, which is relatively indifferent to the effects of austerity and internal devaluation. Why, then, was internal devaluation a central plank of Ireland’s crisis response and Economic Adjustment Programme (EAP)? Drawing on 10 original interviews with Irish business elites and policy makers and documentary evidence, this paper shows that domestic, not multinational, business elites played a key role in framing conditionality related to competitiveness and labour market reform in the Irish EAP. This challenges the concept of ‘dominant growth coalitions’ and argues that an exclusive focus on ‘core’ business elites neglects the ability of other fractions of business power to determine growth strategies. Looking beyond ‘core’ business elites makes it possible to identify transformation behind more obvious patterns of continuity.
What are the evidence bases for developing models of rehabilitation for older people with mental illness in Australia?
Authors: McKay Roderick , Jackson Kate
Published: August 2023

Objective

This paper updates clinicians and service leaders on evidence bases relevant to rehabilitation for older Australians with mental illness.

Methods

Narrative review of literature and relevant public domain data supported by reflections on NSW service development.

Results

There is a paucity of high-quality evidence regarding mental health rehabilitation in older people. Available evidence supports integrating lessons from physical healthcare with adaptations of ‘adult’ mental health rehabilitation. Adaptation is required to respond to the specific needs, strengths and service use of older people with mental illness. Challenges for older people include ageism, increased physical and cognitive comorbidities, lower access to mental health services and earlier residential aged care entry. Strengths of older people include an ongoing desire for recovery, ongoing developmental change and often closer connections with carers and GPs. Evidence is consistent with evaluation of relevant NSW service models and initiatives including the Pathways to Community Living Initiative. Integration of recovery-oriented practice and wellness models may provide a framework for future innovative inpatient and community-based models.

Conclusions

There is sufficient evidence to guide development of models of rehabilitation with older people, but innovation and evaluation are essential if older people are to have equal opportunities in their recovery journeys.
The roots and blossoms of 4E cognition in Chile: Introduction to the Special Issue on 4E cognition in Chile
Authors: Villalobos Mario , Videla Ronnie
Published: August 2023

4E cognition (embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive) is a growing, open and pluralistic research tradition that offers new philosophical and scientific avenues to study the mind. Both its origins and current expansive movement are theoretically and geographically diverse. Chile, the mother country of the influential biologists Francisco Varela and Humberto Maturana, represents one of its roots, but also, as the variety of contributions in this special issue shows it, one of its fields of new blossoms. In this editorial introduction, regarding the roots, we focus on the enactive approach developed by Francisco Varela and its relationship with Maturana’s autopoietic theory. We discuss the way in which the particular theoretical and historical horizons of these two research programs conditioned, to a large extent, their philosophical stances regarding cognition. Regarding the new blossoms, we introduce the seven articles composing the present special issue and briefly comment on their contributions in terms of methodology, practical applications, theoretical extensions, and conceptual reflection.
The Conditional Lawmaking Benefits of Party Faction Membership in Congress
Authors: Clarke Andrew J. , Volden Craig , Wiseman Alan E.
Published: August 2023

Does joining a party faction in Congress enhance or undermine a member’s lawmaking effectiveness? Prior research suggests that factions can help members electorally in signaling their distinct ideological positions to potential political supporters. By contrast, we examine the nine largest ideological caucuses over the past quarter century to test three hypotheses about the conditional lawmaking benefits of faction membership: (1) that benefits from faction membership are limited to those in the minority party; (2) that members of ideologically centrist factions gain the greatest benefits; and (3) that sizable factions exploit their pivotal positions to help their members achieve legislative victories. We find support for only the first of these three conjectures, consistent with the argument that factions offer valuable resources to those in the minority party and that majority-party leaders counter the proposals arising from their own party’s factions. The fact that faction membership offers no significant lawmaking benefit to majority-party legislators challenges conventional wisdom.
Validation of a renal risk score in a cohort of children with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Zhang Pei , Yao Jun , Gao Chun-lin , Fang Xiang , Zhang Zhi-qiang , Xia Zheng-kun
Published: August 2023

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is extremely rare in children. Renal involvement is a common and severe complication of AAV as it can cause end stage kidney disease (ESKD). ANCA renal risk score (ARRS) is helpful in predicting long-term ESKD in patients with ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN). This retrospective study included 61 consecutive patients with kidney biopsy specimen-proven AAGN from Clinical Center for Children’s Kidney Disease in China. Each patient was assessed by eGFR, normal glomeruli, and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, and the renal outcome was evaluated using the ARRS. Based on the ARRS, 27 (44.26%), 21 (34.43%), and 13 (21.31%) patients were divided into the low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk groups, respectively. The median follow-up period was 46.36 (14.58–95.62) months. The high-risk group had worse renal outcomes than the low-risk group (p< 0.05) and the medium-risk group (p < 0.05). COX multivariate regression analysis showed that eGFR ≤ 15 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.015, Hazard Ratio (HR) = 9.574, 95% CI 4.205–25.187) and ARRS (p = 0.012, HR = 2.115, 95% CI 1.206–4.174) were independent risk factors for ESKD.The area under the curve for ESKD prediction of ARRS was 0.880, and the best cutoff value was 5.50. Delong test result showed that ARRS exhibited better predictive value for ESKD than the Berden classification (p < 0.001) and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (p < 0.001). This is the first study to investigate the value of the ARRS for predicting renal prognosis among Chinese children. The ARRS is a preferred index that can predict ESKD in Chinese children with AAGN.
Commentary: Using Language to Improve Health
Authors: Berger Jonah , Packard Grant
Published: August 2023

Communication plays an integral role in service interactions and language shapes how service agents talk to customers, salespeople talk to prospects, and chatbots talk to consumers. But as Danaher, Berry, Howard, Moore, and Attai (2023) note, given healthcare’s impact on quality of life, it’s a particularly important domain to study effective communication. Their useful review and framework should help medical professionals improve patient interactions and encourage future research.  That said, one paper can only cover so much ground, and there are several additional areas that deserve further attention. Building on their framework, we offer some additional areas for future work, including how to use language to better understand patients, how communication mediums (e.g., writing vs. speaking or online portals vs. email) shape what gets communicated, and how effective communication depends on the interaction’s goals (e.g., persuasion vs. medical adherence).
Associations Between Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index and Gout: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018
Authors: Hu Wanqin , Ye Ziwei , Li Tao , Shi Zeya
Published: August 2023

Introduction: To explore the relationship between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and gout to provide support for preventing gout through dietary intervention. Methods: Eligible participants from the 2007 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aged 20 years and older were included in this cross-sectional study. The weighted chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables difference between CDAI quartiles groups. The weighted univariate and binary logistic regression analysis were used to test the association between variables and gout. The weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of CDAI and gout in 4 different models. Subgroup analysis on the associations of CDAI with gout was conducted with stratified factors. Results: The final participants were 26,117, 13,103 (50.17%) were female, 8718 (33.38%) were 40–59 years, 11,200 (42.88%) were white and 1232 (4.72%) had gout. After adjusting for all covariates, the CDAI was associated with gout (odds ratio (OR), .97; 95% CI: .95–1.00). Participants in the highest CDAI quantile group were at low risk of gout (odds ratio (OR), .65; 95% CI: .50–.84) versus those in the lowest quantile group. Subgroup analysis and interaction test showed no significant dependence on diabetes mellitus (DM), marital status, alcohol status, hypertension, poverty income ratio (PIR), education level, body mass index (BMI), smoke status, age, sex, race, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) on this association (all p for interaction >.05). Conclusions: Composite dietary antioxidant index was inversely associated with gout in US adults, and dietary antioxidant intervention might be a promising method in the therapy of gout and greater emphasis should be placed on zinc, selenium, carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E.
Use of antegrade wire guidance for retrograde transjugular/transfemoral venous access in the treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis access: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Lee Yoonhee , Park Suyoung , Kim Jeong Ho , Hwang Jung Han , Shim Young Sup , Kim Dong Kyu
Published: August 2023

Background:

Transvenous access for endovascular treatment of dysfunctional hemodialysis (HD) access can be technically difficult in the retrograde selection of the HD access. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of primary antegrade wire guidance in assisting transvenous access.

Methods:

A total of 41 transvenous access procedures (17 with and 24 without antegrade wire guidance), performed between March 2019 and February 2023, were included. Electronic medical records and procedural images were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Of the 41 procedures, 17 performed primary antegrade wire guidance (group A) and 24 did not (group B). The technical success rate was 100% in group A and 95.8% (23/24) in group B. The mean retrograde selection time was 16.7 min in group A, whereas it was 30.9 min in group B ( p = 0.014). Additional intraprocedural fistulography was not performed in group A, while it was performed at an average of 1.5 times (range: 0–4) in group B ( p = 0.001). One patient in group B experienced venous dissection as a minor complication; however, no major complications were observed in either of the groups.

Conclusions:

Using primary antegrade wire guidance in endovascular treatment of dysfunctional HD access via alternative transvenous access is safe and time-saving.
Collective intelligence to solve complex health challenges facing Indigenous peoples: organ donation and transplantation
Authors: Tait Caroline L. , Moser Michael A. J. , McKinney Veronica , Kappel Joanne , Henry Robert
Published: August 2023

The First Nations and Métis Organ Donation and Transplantation Network (the Network) facilitates Indigenous-driven, culturally-informed, and safe research, policies, education, and advocacy regarding organ donation and transplantation through the building of collective intelligence among Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Network’s think tank comprises Indigenous Elders, thought leaders, and persons with lived experiences of organ donation—living donors and organ recipients—as well as healthcare professionals, outreach workers, and university-based researchers. The Network responds to the failure of governmental institutions to reduce health disparities facing Indigenous peoples, and the dispersal of Indigenous collective intelligence caused by changing federal or provincial and territorial leadership and priorities. The collective intelligence of Indigenous peoples regarding end-stage organ failure and organ donation and transplantation is central to improving patient experiences, increasing the number of Indigenous organ donors and recipients, and finding pathways for advancing healthcare reforms that prevent and treat end-stage organ failure.
Cross-linguistic influence in the comprehension of reflexive possessive pronouns in L3 and L4 Swedish
Authors: Długosz Kamil
Published: August 2023

Aims and Objectives:

The study investigates the extent to which offline and online comprehension of reflexive possessive pronouns in L3 and L4 is modulated by previously acquired native and non-native grammars.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Thirty-one intermediate to advanced L1 Polish learners of Swedish, who have also acquired German and English (L4 Swedish learners) or only English (L3 Swedish learners), completed a self-paced reading task and a grammaticality judgement task. The tasks targeted learners’ sensitivity to possessor and possessee agreement violations.

Data and Analysis:

Reading times and judgement accuracy were collected and analysed using generalised linear models.

Findings/Conclusions:

In online comprehension, L3/L4 Swedish learners showed sensitivity to possessor and possessee agreement, which was affected neither by their proficiency, nor by their prior native and non-native grammars. In offline comprehension, however, they had difficulty deploying possessor and possessee agreement. Performance on possessee but not possessor agreement increased with advancing proficiency, indicating the persistent influence of L1 Polish grammar. Furthermore, L4 Swedish learners achieved an overall higher judgement accuracy than L3 Swedish learners. At the same time, L4 Swedish learners read the relevant regions longer than L3 Swedish learners, suggesting a speed–accuracy trade-off for L4 Swedish learners.

Originality:

The study investigates cross-linguistic influence in the comprehension of reflexive possessive pronouns in multilingual learners, which has not been explored before. It is also the first to provide evidence for a multilingual advantage in the accuracy of reflexive possessive agreement, albeit at the cost of reading speed.

Significance/Implications:

The study demonstrates that native and non-native grammars differently affect the offline comprehension of reflexive possessive pronouns in L3 and L4. The native language seems to have a more direct effect that consists in the employment of agreement mechanisms, while the non-native language has a more indirect effect, as it can increase learners’ sensitivity to morphosyntactic violations.
Performing social policy diffusion: Reflections on agents as social protection policy entrepreneurs in Africa
Authors: Devereux Stephen
Published: August 2023

A growing literature explains the diffusion of social protection policies and, in particular, cash transfer programmes throughout Africa since the early 2000s as a paradigmatic policy transfer process. Most contributions emphasise the central role of transnational development agencies in this process, which is typically characterised as ‘donor-driven’. This article argues that individual agents, notably consultants who were commissioned by agencies to perform various roles in persuading African governments to introduce social protection, played a dual role insofar as many also shaped the positions of the agencies that hired them. They achieved both by deploying a range of influencing strategies associated with policy entrepreneurship, such as rhetorical persuasion, demonstration, and advocacy events. Other tactics, identified by the author from in-depth interviews conducted with 26 influential agents, include ‘piggybacking’, ‘Trojan horse’, and ‘accelerator events’. Although these agents believe in the value of their work, some expressed concern about their role in driving policy changes in African countries that appear to reflect the ideas and preferences of the international community, rather than aligning with the policy priorities of national governments.
The net promoter score: What should managers know?
Authors: Dawes John G.
Published: August 2023

The Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a popular management tool that is used in a variety of ways by firms, not-for-profits, and government. This study firstly provides an overview of the various ways in which the NPS is used. It then canvasses four concerns raised by researchers, authors and commentators about the NPS. These relate to (1) its presumed link to business growth, (2) the assumption that low NPS scores indicate negative word of mouth, (3) the weak association between stated likelihood to recommend and actual recommending, and (4) the claim that NPS is a superior metric to customer satisfaction. The evidence pertaining to those concerns is examined. The study then discusses another problem with the NPS that many practitioners are aware of, but has not been studied. The problem is that the counting method used to calculate the NPS introduces additional variation in scores compared to mean average likelihood-to-recommend scores. This additional variation occurs both across brands in a study, as well as for the same brand over survey waves. This variation is likely to be difficult for market research providers, or those who commission NPS work, to explain. The study concludes with alternative courses of action for NPS users.
Farm-wide virtual load monitoring for offshore wind structures via Bayesian neural networks
Authors: Hlaing Nandar , Morato Pablo G. , Santos Francisco de Nolasco , Weijtjens Wout , Devriendt Christof , Rigo Philippe
Published: August 2023

Offshore wind structures are exposed to a harsh marine environment and are subject to deterioration mechanisms throughout their operational lifetime. Even if the deterioration evolution of structural elements can be estimated through physics-based deterioration models, the uncertainties involved in the process hurdle the selection of lifecycle management decisions, e.g., lifetime extension. In this scenario, the collection of relevant information through an efficient monitoring system enables the reduction of uncertainties, ultimately driving more optimal lifecycle decisions. However, a full monitoring instrumentation implemented on all wind turbines in a farm may become unfeasible due to practical and economical constraints. Besides, certain load monitoring systems often become defective after a few years of marine environment exposure. Addressing the aforementioned concerns, a farm-wide virtual load monitoring scheme directed by a fleet-leader wind turbine offers an attractive solution. Fetched with data retrieved from a fully instrumented wind turbine, a model can be first trained and then deployed, yielding load predictions for non-fully monitored wind turbines, from which only standard data are available, e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition. During the deployment stage, the pretrained virtual monitoring model may, however, receive previously unseen monitoring data, leading to inaccurate load predictions. In this article, we propose a virtual load monitoring framework formulated via Bayesian neural networks (BNNs) and provide relevant implementation details needed for the construction, training, and deployment of BNN data-based virtual monitoring models. As opposed to their deterministic counterparts, BNNs intrinsically announce the uncertainties associated with generated load predictions and allow to detect inaccurate load estimations generated for non-fully monitored wind turbines. The proposed virtual load monitoring is thoroughly tested through an experimental campaign in an operational offshore wind farm and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of BNN models for “fleet-leader”-based farm-wide virtual monitoring.
Clinical validation of a wearable respiratory rate device: A brief report
Authors: Eisenkraft Arik , Goldstein Nir , Ben Ishay Arik , Fons Meir , Tabi Michael , Sherman Anna Danielle , Merin Roei , Nachman Dean
Published: August 2023

Background

Respiratory rate (RR) is used for the diagnosis and management of medical conditions and can predict clinical changes. Heavy workload, understaffing, and errors related to poor recording make it underutilized. Wearable devices may facilitate its use.

Methods

RR measurements using a wearable photoplethysmography-based monitor were compared with medical grade devices in complementary clinical scenarios: Study one included a comparison to a capnograph in 35 healthy volunteers; Study two included a comparison to a ventilator monitor in 18 ventilated patients; and Study three included a comparison to capnograph in 92 COVID-19 patients with active pulmonary disease. Pearson’s correlations and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess the accuracy and agreement between the measurement techniques, including stratification for Body Mass Index (BMI) and skin tone. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

High correlation was found in all studies (r = 0.991, 0.884, and 0.888, respectively, p < 0.001 for all). 95% LOA of ±2.3, 1.7-(−1.6), and ±3.9 with a bias of < 0.1 breaths per minute was found in Bland-Altman analysis in studies 1,2, and 3, respectively. In all, high accordance was found in all sub-groups.

Conclusions

RR measurements using the wearable monitor were highly-correlated with medical-grade devices in various clinical settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov , https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03603860 .
What Enables Child Sexual Abuse in Sport? A Systematic Review
Authors: Dodd Karl , Solomon Colin , Naughton Mitchell , Salmon Paul M. , McLean Scott
Published: August 2023

Sporting environments provide opportunities for perpetrators to commit child sexual abuse (CSA). While awareness of CSA in sport and preventative interventions are increasing, CSA in sport still occurs at alarming rates. A systematic review was conducted to identify and synthesize the extant literature on the enabling factors for CSA in sport. The 34 included articles were peer-reviewed and were primary sources; had full-text versions in English; included the individual, situational, environmental, or systemic antecedent factors and characteristics which enable CSA in organized sport (clubs, schools, universities, and representative teams); and focused on abuse in children (0–18 years old), and included retrospective incidents. The enabling factors from across the broader sports system were identified and mapped using a systems thinking-based approach, the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and the associated AcciMap method. The results indicated that enabling factors for CSA in sport were identified at multiple levels of the sporting system hierarchy. The results show that 24.1% ( n = 46) of the enabling factors identified in the literature relate to the hierarchical level of the Athlete, teammates, opponents, and fans levels, and 52.9% ( n = 101) of the enabling factors relate to the level of Direct supervisors, management, medical, and performance personnel level. However, only 13% ( n = 25) of enabling factors to CSA in sport were identified at the combined top four hierarchical levels. Results indicate that the problem of CSA in sport is a systems issue, and future research is required to explore how these factors interact to enable CSA in sport.
The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Body Composition, Inflammatory Factors, and Nutritional Status in Patients with Cachexia Induced by Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bagheri Amir , Asoudeh Farzaneh , Rezaei Saied , Babaei Mohammad , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: August 2023

Background:

Along with high calorie and high protein diet, a new comprehensive dietary approach is needed to control cachexia caused by cancer and its related outcomes. This study was done to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet on body composition, nutritional status, and inflammatory markers among cancer cachexia patients.

Methods:

In this randomized clinical trial, 46 patients with colorectal cancer-induced cachexia were included. After randomization, 23 patients were allocated to the intervention group (Mediterranean diet) and 23 to the control group (nutritional counseling for weight gain and prevention of weight loss in cancer patients). The primary outcome including muscle health, nutritional status, and inflammatory markers along with secondary outcomes such as quality of life, and serum proteins were evaluated at the start and the eighth week of the study. Statistical analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat concept. To compare changes in dependent variables between the 2 groups, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed.

Results:

After adjustment for the baseline values, age, sex, and supplements use, in the Mediterranean diet group mean of weight ( P < .001), lean body mass ( P = .001), fat mass ( P = .002), and muscle strength ( P < .001) were significantly increased compared to the control group. Regarding inflammatory markers, the mean serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) ( P < .001), high sensitive-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ( P = .01) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) ( P < .001) were significantly improved in the Mediterranean diet group. Moreover, in the Mediterranean diet group, the score for global health status ( P = .02) and physical performance score ( P < .001) were significantly increased.

Conclusion:

It appears that the implementation of the Mediterranean diet might be a strategy to improve nutritional status, quality of life, inflammatory markers, and body composition in patients with colorectal cancer cachexia.

Trial registration:

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ); ID: IRCT20211027052884N1
Research of different needle length on properties of PVDF nanofiber membrane based on long-needle electrospinning technology
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhu Ting , Wei Li , Zhao Jumei , He Jihuan , Yi Shixiong , Wang Jun , Zhou Tianchi , Cai Lu , Zheng Chenghui
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we combine electrospinning with laminar flow theory to verify the influence of the spinning needle length on the internal structure of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) nanofibers. The long spinning needle is referred as a reference like long ducts in the body of spiders. We also discussed the effect of different needle length on the micro-morphology, mechanical properties, electrical properties, porosity, and hydrophobic properties of PVDF nanofiber membranes. The results showed that when the needle length increased, more PVDF macromolecular chains will have sufficient time to be straightened and aligned, resulting in an increasingly ordered internal structure of the prepared PVDF nanofibers. The different length of the long needle has a certain influence on the morphology, mechanical properties, electrical properties, porosity, and hydrophobic properties of PVDF nanofiber membrane obtained by electrospinning. The more ordered the internal structure of nanofibers, the worse the membrane’s mechanical properties, but the lower its electrical resistivity.
Employee Sleep Promotion Programs in Workplace Settings: An Exciting, Viable Area for Lifestyle Medicine
Authors: Robbins Rebecca
Published: August 2023

In the past several decades, our population sleep health has fallen short of recommendations. Moreover, there has been an increase in sleep difficulties amidst COVID-19. Work consumes a huge proportion of our waking lives, and the nature of our work can impact the quantity and quality of employee sleep. Conversely, employee sleep also matters for work-related outcomes as evidence demonstrates poor employee sleep health is associated with increased presenteeism, absenteeism, and health care costs. Given the prevalence of poor sleep health in our population, the changing nature of work and increasing demands on capped time, the worksite represents a promising and potentially underexplored venue for lifestyle medicine practitioners to consider employee sleep health and, where possible, novel employee sleep health promotion programs. This article outlines the impact of work on sleep and reviews the potential for incorporating sleep into lifestyle interventions in workplace settings.
Modern Home Cooking Practices, the Role of New Media, and Implications for Culinary Medicine: A Qualitative Study Among Mothers With Low Income
Authors: Raber Margaret , Vazquez Maria , Khan Syeda , Myneni Sahiti , Thompson Debbe
Published: August 2023

Culinary medicine offers a practical, experiential approach to nutrition education, but in-person programs are resources intensive. Digital interventions may offer a scalable, acceptable approach to culinary medicine in populations that are at increased risk for poor diet, such as parents with low income. The purpose of this study was to examine modern home cooking behavior and the role of new media from the perspective of parents with low income and identify implications for culinary medicine research. Twenty parents from 6- to 11-year-old children that qualify for free/reduced school lunch programs completed a survey and interview examining online cooking information seeking behaviors, current cooking practices, and factors that influence healthy eating. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a semi-structured hybrid coding approach. Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) Current cooking habits and environment; (2) Factors that influence healthy cooking; and (3) The role of the internet in home cooking. This research may be used to inform the creation of digital culinary medicine intervention tools to promote healthy eating in this population.
Performing Qualitative Content Analysis of Video Data in Social Sciences and Medicine: The Visual-Verbal Video Analysis Method
Authors: Fazeli Sahar , Sabetti Judith , Ferrari Manuela
Published: August 2023

Videos are ubiquitous and have significantly impacted our communication and information consumption. The video, as data, has helped researchers understand how human interactions and relationships develop and change, and how patterns emerge in various circumstances and interpretations. Given the expanding relevance of video data in social science and medical research and the constant introduction of new formats and sources, it is critical to be able to conduct a thorough analysis of this multimodal data. However, the few methodologies (e.g., Actor Network Theory, Picture Theory) appropriate to video data analysis lack detailed guidelines on how to select, organize, and examine the multimodality of video data. This article aims to overcome this practice or methodological gap by proposing and demonstrating the Visual-Verbal Video Analysis (VVVA) method, a six-step framework adapted from Multimodal Theory and Visual Grounded Theory for organizing and evaluating video material according to the following dimensions: general characteristics of the video; multimodal characteristics; visual characteristics; characteristics of primary and secondary characters; and content and compositional characteristics including the transmission of messages, emotions, and discourses. This article also looks at the theories underlying video data analysis, focusing on Grounded Theory and Multimodality Theory, and provides multiple examples of coding and interpretive processes to deepen understanding and comprehension. The VVVA data extraction matrices provide a systematic coding approach for verbal, visual, and textual content, allowing for structured, coherent extraction that supports the discovery of patterns and links among disparate types of information. The VVVA method may be applied to a wide range of video data in social and medical sciences that vary in length and originate from different sources (e.g., open access web sources, pre-recorded organizational videos and recordings created for research purposes). The VVVA method effectively tracks the ongoing research process, and can manage data sets of various sizes.
Correlation analysis of structural and functional changes in the carotid artery in patients with H-type hypertension using ultrasound radiofrequency
Authors: Ma Hai-Yan , Chen Xue-Ying , Jin Hong , Deng Yao-Yao , Xiong Ya-Ming , Chang Xuan , Kong Xiang-Hui , Li Ming
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To perform a correlation analysis on the structural and functional changes of the carotid artery in patients with H-type hypertension.

Methods

Outpatients and inpatients with hypertension in our hospital between 2017 and 2018 were selected and divided into the H-type hypertension group (primary hypertension + plasma homocysteine ≥ 10 umol/l) ( n = 30) and the simple hypertension group (primary hypertension + plasma Hcy < 10 umol/l) ( n = 30) based on the plasma homocysteine (Hcy), and 30 healthy people were included in the control group. Thickness and stiffness parameters of the intima of the carotid artery (compliance coefficient [CC], stiffness index [β], and pulse wave velocity [PWV]) were measured for all study participants using ultrasound radiofrequency signal-based quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quantitative arterial stiffness (QAS) for contrast analysis.

Results

Indexes such as QIMT, β, and PWV of the carotid artery were significantly higher, and the CC was significantly lower in the H-type hypertension group and simple hypertension group than the control group ( p < .05), and the difference was statistically significant; these indexes were significantly higher in the H-type hypertension group than in the simple hypertension group, and the CC was significantly lower than in the control group ( p < .05), and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusions

Hypertension can accelerate structural and functional changes of the carotid artery intima, with these changes being more significant in H-type hypertension. The ultrasound radiofrequency technique can be used to quantitatively evaluate the structure and function of the carotid artery in patients with H-type hypertension.
Emotion in Strategic Environmental Communication Research: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Goldberg Matthew H.
Published: August 2023

Emotion and affect play a central role in persuasion, decision-making, and human behavior. Because of ongoing environmental crises, there is a strong need to better understand how emotions shape selection, attention, processing, and effects of environmental communication. Here, I highlight three main areas that contain challenges and opportunities for building a synergistic relationship between the affective sciences and research on strategic environmental communication: (a) identifying the causal effects of emotions in environmental communication; (b) the role of emotions in the durability of environmental messaging effects; and (c) how closing the gap between the laboratory and the field can generate innovative research and more applicable inferences.
Impact of cell-free DNA fungal polymerase chain reaction panels on healthcare-associated infection mould investigations
Authors: Rosenthal Ayelet , Prati Alison , Kushner Lauren E , Valencia Amy , Mathew Roshni
Published: August 2023

Launch of in-house sensitive cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) mould polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays increased detection of moulds meeting suspected healthcare-associated infection (HAI) criteria. Definition was based on time from admission and mould detection in culture or via molecular methods. We created a modified mould HAI algorithm incorporating clinical context into the case definition, which allowed for better capture of possible mould HAIs, decreased number of investigations, and improved utilization of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) resources.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antihyperglycemic Activities of Crataegus monogyna Jacq Aqueous Extract
Authors: Radi Fatima Z. , Bencheikh Noureddine , Bouhrim Mohamed , Saleh Asmaa , Al kamaly Omkulthom , Parvez Mohammad K. , Elbouzidi Amine , Bnouham Mohamed , Zair Touriya
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic (in vivo, in vitro, and in silico) activities and acute toxicity of Crataegus monogyna Jacq ( C monogyna) aqueous extracts.

Methods

The study analyzed the aqueous extract of C monogyna through various methods such as phytochemical screening, and the high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV)-visible analysis. The extract was also tested for antioxidant potential, acute toxicity, antihyperglycemic effect, and inhibitory effect on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme. Additionally, the study used the molecular docking approach to identify the most potent ligands in the extract.

Results

The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of C monogyna showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, sterol, and triterpene. The extract was rich in total polyphenols (1.65 ± 0.04 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract [GAE/g] DM), total flavonoids (0.33 ± 0.03 EQ/g DM), and condensed tannins (0.28 ± 0.01 EC/mg DM). HPLC-UV-visible analysis identified 9 phenolic compounds, with high levels of gallic acid and caffeic acid. The C monogyna extract has a high antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 9.23 ± 0.01 mg/mL by DPPH and 8.32 ± 0.02 mg/mL by FRAP. The aqueous extract of C monogyna was not toxic to albino mice. The glucose tolerance test showed a significant antihyperglycemic effect, with an IC50 of 0.070 ± 0.008 mg/mL for the inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase activity by the aqueous extract of C monogyna. The in vivo inhibitory effect of the extract on the pancreatic α-amylase enzyme was confirmed. Two flavonoids, catechin, and rutin, were identified as potent inhibitors of the activity of α-amylase in the in silico part of the study, compared to the native ligand, Acarbose.

Conclusion

The study found that C monogyna has significant antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties. The presence of catechin and rutin may contribute to these effects. The results suggest that C monogyna could be used as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat diabetes.
Clinical relevance of potential self-medication drug interactions in antineoplastic and immune-modulating therapy among online pharmacy customers
Authors: Schindler Florian , Schinkoethe Timo , Mahner Sven , Kolben Thomas , Wuerstlein Rachel , Culmsee Carsten , Harbeck Nadia , Eggersmann Tanja K.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Modern oral antineoplastic and immune-modulating drugs offer an array of therapeutic advantages, and yet pose challenges in daily use for patients, physicians and pharmacists. In contrast to intravenous administration, these drugs are not subject to direct medical control. Recently, we have seen a huge rise in sales of non-prescription over-the-counter (OTC) medicines via the internet without any advice from a healthcare professional.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the risk of known potential drug-drug interactions between modern oral antineoplastic and immune-modulating drugs and OTC drugs differs between sales in traditional community pharmacies versus online pharmacies.

Design:

Real-life sales data from community and online pharmacies were used as basis for the analysis.

Methods:

We determined the most frequently purchased antineoplastic and immune-modulating drug-substances in 14 local community pharmacies within the Munich area, Germany and identified the OTC substance groups that could potentially cause interactions with oncological therapies. Using sales data from 11 local community pharmacies and three online pharmacies, we investigated whether OTC purchases differed between the two sales channels.

Results:

We identified 10 relevant OTC substance classes and detected significant variations in patients’ preferred sales channels between the drug classes. Certain OTC drugs, which seem to be bought more often over the internet, pose risks during antineoplastic and immune-modulating therapy.

Conclusion:

Patients should therefore be proactively made aware of the corresponding risks in order not to jeopardize the activity of the antineoplastic and immune-modulating drugs and thus the success of their therapy.
Endometriosis in cesarean scars: A rare case report with clinical, imaging, and histopathological insights
Authors: Katwal Shailendra , Katuwal Sarad , Bhandari Sushmita
Published: August 2023

Scar endometriosis is a rare form of endometriosis characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in the abdominal wall following a cesarean delivery. We present a case report of a 38-year-old female with scar endometriosis and provide a comprehensive review of the literature on its clinical management. The patient presented with intermittent pain and swelling at the site of her previous cesarean section scar. Imaging studies revealed a nodular lesion with characteristic features of scar endometriosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis, ruling out malignancy. The patient underwent wide surgical resection of the mass, resulting in the resolution of symptoms and no recurrence during follow-up. Our case highlights the diagnostic challenge of scar endometriosis, which can mimic carcinoma, and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical evaluation, imaging, and histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis and optimal management of this condition.