bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture distribution in electric scooter accidents: a nationwide observational cohort study of 1,874 fractures from the Swedish fracture register
Authors: Hernefalk Björn , Brüggemann Anders , Wolf Olof
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly popular as a mode of transportation in recent years. The impact of e-scooter accidents on the healthcare system and resulting orthopaedic injuries remains largely unknown. This study describes the distribution of fractures caused by e-scooter accidents.

Methods

All patients who had one or more fractures from e-scooter accidents registered in the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) between 7 April 2019 and 30 December 2022 were included. Fractures were classified using the AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture classification system. We analysed the distribution of fractures, the proportion that required surgical management and seasonal variation of injuries.

Results

During the study period, 1,874 fractures in 1,716 patients were registered in the SFR. The mean age of patients was 29 (SD 14) years and 70% of fractures occurred in males. High-energy accidents accounted for 299 fractures (16%). The most common fractures were of the hand (n = 363, 19%), wrist (n = 352, 19%) and proximal forearm (n = 356, 19%). Wrist fractures were the most common injury in children (n = 183), accounting for 44% of paediatric fractures. Surgical treatment was performed on 556 (30%) fractures, with wrist fractures being the most commonly treated in both adults (n = 78, 17%) and children (n = 36, 36%).

Interpretation

Fractures caused by e-scooter accidents predominantly occur in the upper extremity. E-scooter accidents comprise a new source of injury requiring attention and surgical resources from an already strained healthcare system.
A qualitative study of cultural concepts of distress among Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Trang Kathy , Hiott Caroline , Rahim A. K. , Rahman Shafiqur , Wuermli Alice J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh have been exposed to profound trauma in addition to ongoing daily stressors of living in the refugee camps. Accurate assessments of mental health burden and their impact among this population require culturally sensitive tools that remain lacking in this context. The purpose of this study was to characterize salient cultural concepts of distress (CCDs), their causes, consequences, and approaches to treatment, among Rohingya refugees living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, to help inform future measurement and intervention design.

Methods

Between December 2020 and March 2022, 106 free-listing interviews and 10 key informant interviews were conducted with community members to identify and better understand common CCDs. Rohingya research staff analyzed the interview transcripts by tabulating the frequency of unique CCDs in the free-listing interviews and the unique attributed causes, signs, consequences, and treatment strategies for each CCD in the key informant interviews.

Results

In total, five CCDs were identified: tenshon (tension), bishi sinta (excessive thinking), feshar (pressure), gum zai nofara (unable to sleep), and shoit-shoit lagon (feeling restless and/or trapped). Although the five CCDs had overlapping symptoms, they also had unique presentation, consequences, and preferred strategies for treatment that may impact service-seeking behavior. Three out of the five CCDs were considered life-threatening, if severe and left untreated.

Conclusion

The five CCDs identified are culturally salient ways of experiencing and communicating distress within this community but are not adequately captured in existing mental health assessments for this population. This may negatively impact programmatic efforts among the group.
Mechanical versus manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): an umbrella review of contemporary systematic reviews and more
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Naduvilekandy Mashhood , Rizoli Sandro , Di Somma Salvatore , Cander Basar , Galwankar Sagar , Lateef Fatimah , Abdul Rahman Mohamed Alwi , Nanayakkara Prabath , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: July 2024

Background

High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can restore spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and neurological function and save lives. We conducted an umbrella review, including previously published systematic reviews (SRs), that compared mechanical and manual CPR; after that, we performed a new SR of the original studies that were not included after the last published SR to provide a panoramic view of the existing evidence on the effectiveness of CPR methods.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline were searched, including English in-hospital (IHCA) and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) SRs, and comparing mechanical versus manual CPR. A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) and GRADE were used to assess the quality of included SRs/studies. We included both IHCA and OHCA, which compared mechanical and manual CPR. We analyzed at least one of the outcomes of interest, including ROSC, survival to hospital admission, survival to hospital discharge, 30-day survival, and survival to hospital discharge with good neurological function. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were performed for age, gender, initial rhythm, arrest location, and type of CPR devices.

Results

We identified 249 potentially relevant records, of which 238 were excluded. Eleven SRs were analyzed in the Umbrella review (January 2014–March 2022). Furthermore, for a new, additional SR, we identified eight eligible studies (not included in any prior SR) for an in-depth analysis between April 1, 2021, and February 15, 2024. The higher chances of using mechanical CPR for male patients were significantly observed in three studies. Two studies showed that younger patients received more mechanical treatment than older patients. However, studies did not comment on the outcomes based on the patient's gender or age. Most SRs and studies were of low to moderate quality. The pooled findings did not show the superiority of mechanical compared to manual CPR except in a few selected subgroups.

Conclusions

Given the significant heterogeneity and methodological limitations of the included studies and SRs, our findings do not provide definitive evidence to support the superiority of mechanical CPR over manual CPR. However, mechanical CPR can serve better where high-quality manual CPR cannot be performed in selected situations.
A comparison of self-reported chronic disease, health awareness and behaviours in social housing residents: cross-sectional study of communities in Ontario and Quebec
Authors: Agarwal Gina , Pirrie Melissa , Koester Christie , Pete Drashti , Antolovich Julia , Angeles Ricardo , Marzanek Francine , Girard Magali , Kaczorowski Janusz
Published: July 2024

Objective

Social housing programs are integral to making housing more affordable to Canadian seniors living in poverty. Although the programs are similar across Canada, there may be inter-provincial differences among the health of residents that could guide the development of interventions. This study explores the health of low-income seniors living in social housing in Quebec and compares it with previously reported data from Ontario.

Results

80 responses were obtained in Quebec to compare with the previously reported Ontario data (n = 599) for a total of 679 responses. More Ontario residents had access to a family doctor (p < 0.001). Quebec residents experienced less problems with self-care (p = 0.017) and less mobility issues (p = 0.052). The visual analog scale for overall health state was similar in both provinces (mean = 67.36 in Ontario and 69.23 in Quebec). Residents in Quebec smoked more cigarettes per day (p = 0.009). More residents in Ontario participated in moderate physical activity (p = 0.09), however, they also spent more time per day on the computer (p = 0.006).
Dementia with Lewy bodies and gait neural basis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sainsily-Cesarus Adele , Schmitt Elise , Landre Lionel , Botzung Anne , Rauch Lucie , Demuynck Catherine , Philippi Nathalie , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Mutter Catherine , Cretin Benjamin , Martin-Hunyadi Catherine , Blanc Frederic
Published: July 2024

Background

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is responsible for cognitive-behavioural disorders but also for gait disorders. The latter are thought to be related to parkinsonism, but the neural bases of these disorders are not well known, especially in the early stages. The aim of this study was to investigate by volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging the neuronal basis of gait disorders in DLB patients, compared to Healthy Elderly Controls and Alzheimer’s Disease patients.

Methods

Clinical examination with motor assessment including 10-meter walking speed, one-leg balance and Timed Up and Go test, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and 3D brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging were performed on 84 DLB patients, 39 Alzheimer’s Disease patients and 22 Healthy Elderly Controls. We used Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 to perform a one-sample t-test to investigate the correlation between each gait score and gray matter volume (P ≤ 0.05 corrected for family-wise error).

Results

We found a correlation for DLB patients between walking speed and gray matter decrease (P < 0.05, corrected for family-wise error) in caudate nuclei, anterior cingulate cortex, mid-cingulate cortex, hippocampi, supplementary motor area, right cerebellar cortex and left parietal operculum. We found no correlation with Timed Up and Go test and one-leg balance.

Conclusion

Gait disorders are underpinned by certain classical regions such as the cerebellum and the supplementary motor area. Our results suggest there may be a motivational and emotional component of voluntary gait in DLB subjects, underpinned by the cingulate cortex, a spatial orientation component, underpinned by hippocampi and suggest the involvement of brain processing speed and parkinsonism, underpinned by the caudate nuclei.

Trial registration

The study protocol has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. (NCT01876459) on June 12, 2013.
Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation for fracture of the posterior process of the talus (Shepherd’s fracture): a case report
Authors: Krivokapic Branislav , DHooghe Pieter , Bogosavljevic Nikola , Jeremic Danilo , Rajović Nina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Fracture of the lateral tubercle of the posterior process of the talus (Shepherd fracture) is an uncommon injury seen in sport. It is secondary either to indirect trauma on the plantarflexed foot or to high-impact direct trauma. The fracture can be missed with conventional X-rays and therefore advanced imaging methods such as CT scans are usually warranted for management planning. There is a low threshold towards surgical management in the displaced or comminuted case as the delayed functional outcome with conservative treatment is frequently sub-optimal with long-term pain, degenerative changes and non-union. In this regard, recent years saw an increasing interest in the role of minimally invasive approaches for Shepherd´s fracture treatment, such as arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF).

Case report

We present a case of a 27-year-old white male professional football player from Serbia who had Shepard fracture and successfully managed with arthroscopic osteosynthesis. The technical approach is detailed with posterior ankle arthroscopy offering the advantages of a minimally invasive approach with low morbidity and a rapid return to regular sporting activities.

Conclusion

The utilization of the 2-port arthroscopic approach this method enables the direct observation of the articular surface along with the corresponding fracture lines, thereby affording the surgeon the chance to achieve accurate reduction via a minimally invasive soft tissue aperture. We advocate that Arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) is a reliable method for the fixation of Shepherd's fracture in the hands of experienced ankle arthroscopists.
Characteristic of phenotype, amino acids and volatile compounds for fresh tea leaves of Korean tea cultivars (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)
Authors: Kang Suyoung , Lee So Jin , Kwon YongHee , Moon Doo-Gyung , Sun Jung Hun , Hwang Kyu-Won , Moon Joon-Kwan
Published: July 2024

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a popular beverage consumed worldwide. To establish fundamental scientific data, we analyzed the amino acids and volatile compounds in seven tea cultivars grown in Korea investigated phenotype also. Phenotypically, the leaf area and greenness index of young shoots and leaf blades were particularly different among the four Korean cultivars. Nine amino acids were detected from each cultivar, with the total amino acid and theanine contents being 9.08–41.42 and 2.81–24.60 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, 107 volatile compounds were identified as common components among tea cultivars using headspace solid-phase microextraction / gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), and 38 key compounds were identified using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The (Z)-linalool oxide (furanoid) concentrations were significantly high in Korean tea plant cultivars, and linalool concentrations were also high or low, but had high relative contents. Linalool and its various oxides are the major compounds responsible for the tea aroma. In conclusion, Korean tea cultivars have distinct characteristics, and the results of this study will form the basis for identifying Korean tea plant cultivars that can produce high-value tea products.
CD71 + erythroid cells promote intestinal symbiotic microbial communities in pregnancy and neonatal period
Authors: Koleva Petya , He Jia , Dunsmore Garett , Bozorgmehr Najmeh , Lu Julia , Huynh Maia , Tollenaar Stephanie , Huang Vivian , Walter Jens , Way Sing Sing , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: July 2024

Background

The establishment of microbial communities in neonatal mammals plays a pivotal role in shaping their immune responses to infections and other immune-related conditions. This process is influenced by a combination of endogenous and exogenous factors. Previously, we reported that depletion of CD71 + erythroid cells (CECs) results in an inflammatory response to microbial communities in newborn mice.

Results

Here, we systemically tested this hypothesis and observed that the small intestinal lamina propria of neonatal mice had the highest frequency of CECs during the early days of life. This high abundance of CECs was attributed to erythropoiesis niches within the small intestinal tissues. Notably, the removal of CECs from the intestinal tissues by the anti-CD71 antibody disrupted immune homeostasis. This disruption was evident by alteration in the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), toll-like receptors (TLRs), inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and resulting in microbial dysbiosis. Intriguingly, these alterations in microbial communities persisted when tested 5 weeks post-treatment, with a more notable effect observed in female mice. This illustrates a sex-dependent association between CECs and neonatal microbiome modulation. Moreover, we extended our studies on pregnant mice, observing that modulating CECs substantially alters the frequency and diversity of their microbial communities. Finally, we found a significantly lower proportion of CECs in the cord blood of pre-term human newborns, suggesting a potential role in dysregulated immune responses to microbial communities in the gut.

Conclusions

Our findings provide novel insights into pivotal role of CECs in immune homeostasis and swift adaptation of microbial communities in newborns. Despite the complexity of the cellular biology of the gut, our findings shed light on the previously unappreciated role of CECs in the dialogue between the microbiota and immune system. These findings have significant implications for human health.
Compromises in occupational choice and premature termination of vocational education and training: gender type, prestige, and occupational interests in focus
Authors: Fischer-Browne Melanie , Ahrens Lea , Kleinert Corinna , Schels Brigitte
Published: July 2024

This study examines whether premature termination of vocational education and training (VET) is more likely when trainees have to make compromises between their realistic occupational aspirations and the occupation for which they are trained in terms of the occupational dimensions of gender type, prestige, and occupational interests. Specifically, it examines the relative importance of the three compromise dimensions on premature VET termination. The study is based on a sample of 3,241 VET entrants from a cohort of ninth graders in 2010 in the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS-SC4) in combination with aggregated data on occupational characteristics. Results from discrete hazard rate models indicate a higher risk of premature VET termination for trainees whose VET occupation differs from their realistic occupational aspiration from their school days. While compromises in prestige have no overall effect, both compromises in interests and gender type threaten the stability of VET. The results also indicate that compromises in interests have the strongest effect on the risk of premature VET termination and that the effects of compromises in gender type are partly mediated by the effects of compromises in interests. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis revealed that the main effects of compromises in gender type and prestige are gender specific.
From pilot to practice: navigating pre-requisites for up-scaling sustainable urban solutions
Authors: Sondal Jonas , Hellquist Alexander , Balfors Berit
Published: July 2024

Municipalities employ pilot projects, tests, living labs and similar initiatives to explore novel sustainable solutions for urban development. Nevertheless, civil servants often encounter challenges when attempting to scale up tested solutions, both within their own city and to other cities. To address this and increase knowledge on how theory can be utilised by practitioners, this research project has created a supportive tool aimed at facilitating the upscaling process. The development took place in co-creation with civil servants from the three largest cities in Sweden. The paper confirms earlier research on the need of institutional capacity as well as appropriate navigation between institutional logics as pre-requisites for upscaling. More specifically, institutional capacity plays a vital role for securing sufficient resources and mandates for upscaling, extending beyond mere dissemination of results. The supportive tool aims at enhancing this institutional capacity and translating between institutional logics. In addition, the paper contributes to the scientific debate on civil servants’ understanding of different forms of upscaling and, consequently, the need to articulate these differences when facilitating upscaling. The paper emphasizes that upscaling should be conceptualised not as a discrete event but rather an ongoing process starting already when planning a pilot project.
Association of host antimicrobial peptides with type II diabetes mellitus complications: a systematic review
Authors: Abdul Kareem Hawraa Ibrahim , Mohammed Suhad Hadi
Published: July 2024

Background

This systematic review aims to review and assess the importance and relationship between host defence antimicrobial peptides with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications and the correlation of their expression with hyperglycaemic status.

Main body

The systematic search included three electronic databases (PMC, PubMed, and Google Scholar) that were searched from July to November 2023. After identifying and screening the research articles, eleven studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included (six case–control and five cross-sectional studies). The Newcastle Ottawa Scale assessed the selected studies’ quality. Most studies indicated a correlation between certain types of AMPs and diabetic complications.

Conclusion

Hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects the expression of certain types of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which have a dual function (antibacterial and modulation of immune response) that may enhance inflammation which may correlate with the development of long-term complications, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired wound healing.
A fast fish swimming protocol that provides similar insights to critical swimming speed
Authors: Bamford Stephanie M. , Seebacher Frank
Published: July 2024

Performance measures are an important tool to assess the impact of environmental change on animals. In fish, performance is often measured as critical swimming speed (Ucrit), which reflects individual maximal physiological capacities. A drawback of Ucrit is that trials are relatively long (∼30-75 min). Ucrit may therefore not be suitable for several repeated measurements because of the potential for training effects, long recovery periods, and low throughput. Here we test a shorter (∼4-5 min) protocol, “Ucrit fast” (UCfast) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). We show that UCfast and Ucrit have similar, significant repeatabilities within individuals. Unlike Ucrit, repeated UCfast trials did not elicit a training effect. Both UCfast and Ucrit provide the same insights into thermal acclimation, and both provide similar estimates of individual acclimation capacity in doubly acclimated fish. We propose that UCfast is a valid substitute for Ucrit particularly when higher throughput and several repeated measures are necessary.
Reflections on alma mater: Origin and evolution of Ruhr University Bochum
Authors: Ahmad HR , Schläfke Mariane
Published: July 2024

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.10111
How to cite this: Ahmad HR, Schläfke M. Reflections on alma mater: Origin and evolution of Ruhr University Bochum. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------.   doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.10111
Systematic review with meta-analysis of intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid reoperation
Authors: Ji Shengwei , Hu Mingrong , Zhang Chunjie , Pei Maowei
Published: July 2024

Objective: Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a serious complication during thyroid reoperation. Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is one of the means to reduce RLN paralysis. However, the role of IONM during thyroidectomy is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess whether the IONM could reduce the incidence of RLN injury during thyroid reoperation.
Methods: We performed a systematic review to identify studies in English language which were published between January 1, 2004, and March 25, 2023 from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, comparing the use of IONM and Visualization Alone (VA) during thyroid reoperation. The RLN injury rate was calculated in relation to the number of nerves at risk. All data were analyzed using Review Manger (version 5.3) software. The Cochran Q test (I2 test) was used to test for heterogeneity. Odds ratios were estimated by fixed effects model or random effects model, according to the heterogeneity level.
Results: Eleven studies (3655 at-risk nerves) met criteria for inclusion. Data presented as odds ratio(OR) and their 95% confidence intervals(CI). Incidence of overall, temporary, and permanent RLN injury in IONM group were, respectively, 4.67%, 4.17%, and 2.39%, whereas for the VA group, they were 8.30%, 6.27%, and 2.88%. The summary OR of overall, temporary, and permanent RLN injury compared using IONM and VA were, respectively, 0.68 (95%CI 0.4-1.14, p=0.14), 0.82 (95%CI 0.39-1.72, p=0.60), and 0.62 (95%CI 0.4-0.96, p=0.03).
Conclusions: The presented data showed benefits of reducing permanent RLN injury by using IONM, but without statistical significance for temporary RLN injury.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.8241
How to cite this: Ji S, Hu M, Zhang C, Pei M. Systematic review with meta-analysis of intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid reoperation. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.8241
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Getting ready for the European Health Data Space (EHDS): IDERHA's plan to align with the latest EHDS requirements for the secondary use of health data
Authors: Hussein Rada , Balaur Irina , Burmann Anja , Ćwiek-Kupczyńska Hanna , Gadiya Yojana , Ghosh Soumyabrata , Jayathissa Prabath , Katsch Florian , Kremer Andreas , Lähteenmäki Jaakko , Meng Zhaoling , Morasek Kathrin , C. Rancourt Rebecca , Satagopam Venkata , Sauermann Stefan , Scheider Simon , Stamm Tanja , Muehlendyck Christian , Gribbon Philip
Published: July 2024

Objective The European Health Data Space (EHDS) shapes the digital transformation of healthcare in Europe. The EHDS regulation will also accelerate the use of health data for research, innovation, policy-making, and regulatory activities for secondary use of data (known as EHDS2). The Integration of heterogeneous Data and Evidence towards Regulatory and HTA Acceptance (IDERHA) project builds one of the first pan-European health data spaces in alignment with the EHDS2 requirements, addressing lung cancer as a pilot. Methods In this study, we conducted a comprehensive review of the EHDS regulation, technical requirements for EHDS2, and related projects. We also explored the results of the Joint Action Towards the European Health Data Space (TEHDAS) to identify the framework of IDERHA’s alignment with EHDS2. We also conducted an internal webinar and an external workshop with EHDS experts to share expertise on the EHDS requirements and challenges. Results We identified the lessons learned from the existing projects and the minimum-set of requirements for aligning IDERHA infrastructure with EHDS2, including user journey, concepts, terminologies, and standards. The IDERHA framework (i.e., platform architecture, standardization approaches, documentation, etc.) is being developed accordingly. Discussion The IDERHA's alignment plan with EHDS2 necessitates the implementation of three categories of standardization for: data discoverability: Data Catalog Vocabulary (DCAT-AP), enabling semantics interoperability: Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP), and health data exchange (DICOM and FHIR). The main challenge is that some standards are still being refined, e.g., the extension of the DCAT-AP (HealthDCAT-AP). Additionally, extensions to the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) OMOP Common Data Model (CDM) to represent the patient-generated health data are still needed. Finally, proper mapping between standards (FHIR/OMOP) is a prerequisite for proper data exchange. Conclusions The IDERHA's plan and our collaboration with other EHDS initiatives/projects are critical in advancing the implementation of EHDS2.
Analysis of Breakdown Characteristics in Nanofluid Insulation Materials with Metal Particle Contamination
Authors: Mubarok Abdul Fattah , Asfani Dimas Anton , Negara I Made Yulistya , Fahmi Daniar , Subekti Hakim
Published: July 2024

Optimal insulation in transformers is essential to maintain their performance and reliability. However, insulation-related problems, particularly transformer oil contamination, often result in premature transformer failure. To address this issue, a solution has been proposed in the form of a nanofluid, a mixture of transformer oil, and nanoparticles. This study aims to investigate the impact of metal particle contamination on the breakdown and levitation voltage characteristics of nanofluids as liquid insulating materials. The nanofluids were prepared by mixing mineral oil with Fe3O4 nanoparticles at three different concentrations. Tests were conducted to evaluate the AC breakdown and levitation voltages for various contaminant metal particle sizes. The experimental results demonstrate that contaminant particle size has a significant impact on the breakdown voltage. The nanofluid with a concentration of 0.008% Fe3O4 exhibited superior breakdown voltage performance compared to mineral oil and 0.016% Fe3O4 nanofluid. Furthermore, an increase in the levitation stress was observed as the contaminant particle size increased. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of controlling contamination and selecting the appropriate concentration of nanoparticles to enhance transformer insulation performance. This study also highlights the necessity of monitoring the size of contaminant particles to prevent potential damage. Consequently, this study makes a significant contribution to the advancement of more reliable and efficient transformer insulation technology.
PAPR Reduction of CC-OFDM MIMO Radar Waveform using Golay Codes
Authors: Kuswidiastuti Devy , Suryani Titiek , Prasetya Alif Yudha
Published: July 2024

The development of modern radar technology demands multi-functional features that lead to the importance of designing a flexible, software-controlled digital waveform generator. The CC-OFDM MIMO radar waveforms allow flexibility in subcarrier management; hence it is possible to generate multiple narrow beams which transmitted simultaneously for providing all time coverage of the area.However, the main issue of OFDM is the high level of its PAPR value. This will cause non-linear distortion that potentially ruin the orthogonality of the OFDM subcarriers and in the end gives error in the radar detection results. In this paper, PAPR reduction using phase coding is done, by comparing the performance of complementary Hadamard, complementary Golay codes and combining it with Selective Mapping (SLM). The PAPR results show that complementary Golay codes without SLM are superior to complementary Hadamard with or without SLM. The maximum PAPR value of 65 beams transmitted simultaneously are 4.9 dB and 11.1 dB for CC OFDM waveform using complementary Golay codes and Hadamard respectively.
Analysis of blood microbiota in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease and sepsis by metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Authors: Fang Quanquan , Xie Jingzhi , Yin Songlou , Yin Hanqiu , Zhou Dongmei
Published: July 2024

Aims/Background Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) shares similar clinical symptoms with sepsis. Thus, differentiating between AOSD and sepsis presents a great challenge while making diagnosis. This study aimed to analyse the changes in blood microbiota related to AOSD and sepsis using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), identify potential biomarkers that distinguish AOSD from sepsis, and explore the diagnostic value of mNGS in differentiation between these two pathological conditions.

Methods Clinical data of four AOSD patients and four sepsis patients treated in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between October 2021 and February 2022 were collected. The mNGS diagnostic records of these patients were analysed for microbial correlations in terms of species taxonomic structure and beta diversity by comparing blood microbiota between AOSD and sepsis. The biomarkers with the strongest capability in distinguishing the subgroups were screened using a random forest algorithm.

Results There was no statistically significant differences between AOSD patients and sepsis controls in terms of gender and age (p > 0.05). A total of 91 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained. At the level of phylum, Proteobacteria, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were present in high abundances in both groups (79.76%, 14.18% and 3.30% vs 54.03%, 32.77% and 5.81%). At the genus level, the abundances of Parainfluenzae, Aspergillus and Ralstonia were the top three highest in the AOSD group (73.88%, 10.92% and 5.48%), while Ralstonia, Aspergillus and Malassezia were ranked as the top three in the sepsis group in term of abundance (48.69%, 27.36% and 5.52%). In beta-diversity analysis, there were advances shown in visual principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) between the AOSD group and sepsis group (p < 0.05), with little significant differences in the analysis of similarities (Anosim) (p > 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed that Mucoromycota, Saccharomycetes, Moraxellales, Mucorales, Xanthomonadales, Saccharomycetales, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Yarrowia, Apophysomyces, Acinetobacter johnson, Yarrowia lipolytica, Apophysomyces variabilis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were more enriched in sepsis group (p < 0.05). The top five variables with the strongest capability in distinguishing between AOSD and sepsis were Acinetobacter johnsonii, Apophysomyces variabilis, Propionibacterium acnes, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Yarrowia lipolytica.

Conclusion The blood microorganisms in AOSD were different from sepsis, and mNGS was potential to distinguish between AOSD and sepsis.
Strategies to promote scholarship among academic hospitalists
Authors: Jha Pinky , Bhandari Sanjay , Slawski Barbara
Published: July 2024

Academic hospitalists play an integral role in the day-to-day care of hospitalized patients, education and research. They are well-positioned to engage in scholarly and research activities and inform clinical practice. Hospital medicine also offers a compelling career path for those seeking to maintain a broad clinical focus while also pursuing opportunities in quality improvement (QI), clinical research, and medical education (MedEd) projects. Participation in these endeavors not only foster scholarly growth but also enhances career satisfaction for hospitalists. Therefore, there is a need to explore and implement feasible strategies to equip hospitalists with the knowledge and resources necessary to generate scholarship and promote academic growth within the field.
Enhancing Entrepreneurial Orientation among Women: A Multi Regression Approach
Authors: Latiyan Anshu , Ghai Sachin , Mishra Amar Kumar , Kahera Roopika
Published: July 2024

The survival, growth and prosperity of any region depend upon its economy. While the government undertakes every step it can take to boost the economy of a region, it cannot uplift the economy alone. The entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in assisting the government in completing this Herculean task. The contribution of entrepreneurs is even more significant in small states like Uttarakhand, which is still in its nascent state after being carved out in 2000 as the 27th state of India. The hilly terrains, remoteness from the center, and extreme climate all contribute to making its economy more contingent upon the entrepreneurial ventures of the indigenous people. While there is a surge of entrepreneurial activities in urban areas close to the plains, there is a dearth of such endeavors in the hilly areas. The situation is graver in the rural areas of the hilly region, especially for women as most of them lack awareness, resources and support and are primarily engaged in agricultural and husbandry activities. A paradigm change is required for the inclusion of such women for the holistic and heuristic development of the economy. This demands a shift from an agrarian to an entrepreneurial civilization. However, entrepreneurial orientation cannot be developed overnight and in isolation. It requires the instillation of personality characteristics. In the present paper, the researchers have identified three personality variables: – self-esteem, self-efficacy, and locus of control as the antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation and, using multiple regression, have explored the contribution of these personality variables to entrepreneurial orientation among women in the hilly region of Uttarakhand. The data for the present study were collected using stratified sampling and structured questionnaires from 200 women in the age group of 18 years to 40 years. The finding revealed that the personality variables accounted for 66.5 % of the variation in entrepreneurial orientation. Further, it also revealed that locus of control (LOC) contributed most to the development of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), followed by self-efficacy and self-esteem.
Attractiveness of Tetragonula laeviceps (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to Citrus Volatile Compounds and Flower Colors in Indoor Microclimate Conditions
Authors: Nurdiansyah Muhamad Aldi , Abduh Muhammad Yusuf , Ono Hajime , Permana Agus Dana
Published: July 2024

Tetragonula laeviceps plays a vital role as a primary pollinator of citrus flowers for successful pollination. However, there is still a lack of understanding about how T. laeviceps can find citrus flowers. This study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing the attraction of T. laeviceps to citrus flowers, focusing on microclimate conditions, and visual and olfactory factors. For this, we conducted six-choice assays in a stingless bee house using artificial flowers as visual cues and citrus essential oils as olfactory stimuli. Three pairs of red or white artificial flowers were displayed to adult workers, with each pair placed in glass vials filled with diluted orange (Citrus reticulata) essential oil, lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil, or solvent. Simultaneously, microclimate conditions were measured, including temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity. We observed that the highest number of T. laeviceps visited the artificial flowers at 11:00, irrespective of visual and olfactory factors. We also found a positive correlation between the number of visits and both temperature and light intensity, whereas there was a negative correlation with humidity. The number of visits did not exhibit a significant difference between flower colors. In contrast, we observed the highest visitation to the orange essential oil, followed by the lemon essential oil and solvent. Gas Chromatograph – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed common terpenes in orange and lemon essential oils, while linalool and α-citral were predominantly detected in the orange essential oil. These characteristic terpenes could potentially be the attractants for T. laeviceps.
Clandestine Baptism and Crypto-Christianity in the Ottoman Archipelago during the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Flórez Marina Fernández
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This article deals with crypto-Christianity in Ottoman lands, particularly in the Archipelago during the seventeenth century. The main goal is to explain why converts to Islam and their offspring would risk themselves to keep their former habits. This paper also intends to discuss the relevance of religious secrecy at that time and place, which will be analysed from an institutional, communitarian and familiar point of view. As a novelty, the topic of crypto-Christianity has been studied through several inquisitorial trials, coming mainly from the Maltese Inquisition. These sources contain rich, first-hand testimonies that allow to approach this phenomenon from an anthropological perspective. Such a methodology helps to achieve a closer and more human picture of those officially Islamic families who decided to observe the Christian faith discretely.
Camus, the absurd Meursault, and Alexandros Panagouolis
Authors: Castelli Alberto
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Un Uomo is a biography, with autobiographical elements, written by Oriana Fallaci in 1979 in which she retells her impossible love with Alexandros Panagoulis, hero and martyr of the resistance to the regime of the Greek colonels (1967‒1974). However, Alexandros Panagoulis is also an absurd character who chose rebellion to suicide, stretching life to the limit of death, thus reenacting the fate of Albert Camus’s most famous characters.
Maternal Mortality and Gender Differences in Adult Mortality in Early New England
Authors: Hacker J. David
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Published estimates of adult mortality and life expectancy in early America are based on poor data, faulty methods, and small numbers of cases. Estimates for women are especially difficult to make and are often inaccurate. This study relies on the remarkably complete and reliable demographic data available for the graduates of Yale College and their wives to examine gender differences in mortality and life expectancy. Because these data are nearly complete, mortality differences can be estimated without significant measurement bias. The results indicate that women married to Yale graduates suffered higher mortality during their peak childbearing years relative to their husbands, but lower mortality afterwards. Much of the difference in mortality under the age of fifty appears to be related to maternal mortality, but gender differences in mortality from other causes such as tuberculosis also appears to be important. This study also examines perceptions of the risk of death in childbearing among white women in early America and suggests that while religion provided an interpretive framework that may have overemphasized the risk, the cumulative risk of death from maternal causes was nontrivial and rightly feared by pregnant women, who took active measures to mitigate their fears and eventually to reduce their fertility.
Noninvasive high-frequency oscillation ventilation as post- extubation respiratory support in neonates: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Prasad Rameshwar , Saha Bijan , Sk Md Habibullah , Sahoo Jagdish Prasad , Gupta Bhupendra Kumar , Shaw Subhash Chandra
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Noninvasive High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (NHFOV) is increasingly being adopted to reduce the need for invasive ventilation after extubation.

Objectives

To evaluate the benefits and harms of NHFOV as post-extubation respiratory support in newborns compared to other non‐invasive respiratory support modes.

Material & methods

We included randomized controlled trials comparing NHFOV with other non-invasive modes post-extubation in newborns. Data sources were MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WHO international clinical trials registry platform and Clinical Trial Registry, forward and backward citation search. Methodological quality of studies was assessed by Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool 1.0.

Results

This systematic review included 21 studies and 3294 participants, the majority of whom were preterm. NHFOV compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) reduced reintubation within seven days (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.53) after extubation. It also reduced extubation failure (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.51) and reintubation within 72 hrs (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.53), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.94) and pulmonary air leak (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79) compared to NCPAP. The rate of reintubation within seven days (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.18 to 2.14) was similar whereas extubation failure (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.83) and reintubation (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89) within 72 hrs were lower in NHFOV group compared to nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation. There was no effect on other outcomes. Overall quality of the evidence was low to very low in both comparisons.

Conclusions

NHFOV may reduce the rate of reintubation and extubation failure post-extubation without increasing complications. Majority of the trials were exclusively done in preterm neonates. Further research with high methodological quality is warranted.
Molecular evaluation and phenotypic screening of brown and orange rust in Saccharum germplasm
Authors: Oliveira Gleicy Kelly , Barreto Fernanda Zatti , Balsalobre Thiago Willian Almeida , Chapola Roberto Giacomini , Hoffmann Hermann Paulo , Carneiro Monalisa Sampaio
Published: July 2024

Brazil is the largest global producer of sugarcane and plays a significant role—supplier of sugar and bioethanol. However, diseases such as brown and orange rust cause substantial yield reductions and economic losses, due decrease photosynthesis and biomass in susceptible cultivars. Molecular markers associated with resistance genes, such as Bru1 (brown rust) and G1 (orange rust), could aid in predicting resistant genotypes. In this study, we sought to associate the phenotypic response of 300 sugarcane accessions with the genotypic response of Bru1 and G1 markers. The field trials were conducted in a randomized block design, and five six-month-old plants per plot were evaluated under natural disease conditions. Genotypic information about the presence or absence of Bru1 (haplotype 1) and G1 gene was obtained after extraction of genomic DNA and conventional PCR. Of the total accessions evaluated, 60.3% (181) showed resistance to brown rust in the field, and of these, 70.7% (128) had the Bru1 gene present. Considering the field-resistant accessions obtained from Brazilian breeding programs (116), the Bru1 was present in 77,6% of these accessions. While alternative resistance sources may exist, Bru1 likely confers enduring genetic resistance in current Brazilian cultivars. Regarding the phenotypic reaction to orange rust, the majority of accessions, 96.3% (288), were field resistant, and of these, 52.7% (152) carried the G1 marker. Although less efficient for predicting resistance when compared to Bru1, the G1 marker could be part of a quantitative approach when new orange rust resistance genes are described. Therefore, these findings showed the importance of Bru1 molecular markers for the early selection of resistant genotypes to brown rust by genetic breeding programs.
Projections of Passing: Postwar Anxieties and Hollywood Films, 1947–1960, N. Megan Kelley (2016)
Authors: Elana Holland
Published: July 2024

Review of: Projections of Passing: Postwar Anxieties and Hollywood Films, 1947–1960, N. Megan Kelley (2016)

Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 288pp., ISBN: 9781496834546 (pbk), $30.00, ISBN: 9781496806277 (hbk), $110.00
Wohnungslos in Göttingen in Zeiten der Pandemie
Authors: Hinrichs Christian , Weishaupt Timo
Published: July 2024

Christian Hinrichs und Timo Weishaupt widmen sich in diesem Beitrag der Frage, wie sich die Versorgungssituation von wohnungs- und obdachlosen Personen während der COVID-19-Pandemie in der Universitätsstadt Göttingen entwickelt hat. Dabei zeigt sich ein ambivalentes Bild: trotz des engagierten Einsatzes der Hilfseinrichtungen, hat die kommunale Sozialpolitik keinen strategischen Plan vorgelegt, wie sich die Notlage der Menschen verbessern ließe. Stattdessen ist im Windschatten der Pandemie eine Diskussion über die prekären und unzumutbaren Lebensverhältnisse in den sog. Problemimmobilien in der Stadtgesellschaft ausgebrochen, die einen neuen Einblick in die reale Ausbreitung dieser städtischen Armut ermöglichen.
Bedarfe wohnungsloser Frauen mit schweren chronischen psychischen Erkrankungen in München - (k)ein pandemisches Phänomen
Authors: Unterkofler Ursula , Watschöder Stephanie , Scheuermann Jörn
Published: July 2024

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Forschungsprojekt vorgestellt, das mit Studierenden in Kooperationen mit der Praxis der Wohnungsnotfallhilfe München durchgeführt wurde. Es reagierte auf eine Versorgungslücke, die in der Wohnungsnotfallhilfe in München während der Corona-Pandemie 2021/2022 festgestellt wurde. Dort waren vermehrt Frauen mit schweren chronischen psychischen Erkrankungen und Komorbiditäten aufgefallen, die selbst durch die niedrigschwelligsten Angebote der Unterbringung, psychosozialen und psychiatrischen Versorgung nicht oder nur sehr punktuell erreicht werden konnten. Im Laufe der Corona-Pandemie beobachteten die Fachkräfte eine Zunahme entsprechender Fälle sowie eine Verschlechterung der Lebenssituation der Frauen und ihrer Symptomatiken. Der Beitrag stellt den Prozess der Feststellung und Erhebung der Versorgungslücke für die Frauen in der Praxis der Wohnungsnotfallhilfe dar (2) und zeichnet die darauffolgende Initiierung des Forschungsprojekts nach (3). Im Anschluss werden die Konzeption des Projekts (4) und die wichtigsten Ergebnisse dargestellt: die Bedeutung von Unterbringung als privater, geschützter Raum, Niedrigschwelligkeit als Voraussetzung für die selbstbestimmte Nutzung, Unterstützung bei Ämter- und Behördenangelegenheiten, Bedeutung von Wertschätzung, Respekt und Beziehung sowie Eckpunkte für die Entwicklung bedarfsgerechter Angebote (5). Im Fazit wird deutlich gemacht, dass hinsichtlich Inklusion und Barrierefreiheit noch einiges zu tun ist (6).