bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low vitamin D serum levels as risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim , Handayani Theressia , Wijaya Vincent Ongko , Buana Ranbebasa Bijak
Published: July 2023

Past literatures have reported that changes in serum vitamin D levels are related to cognitive dysfunctions, such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, these past studies vary in results on whether vitamin D levels correlated with the development of AD. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the associations between low vitamin D serum levels as risk factor of AD based on the latest evidence. We systematically searched Pubmed and additional references for relevant articles according to PRISMA guidelines from the beginning up to December 2022. The risk estimate of AD was determined using a pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). five prospective trials and one cross-sectional study were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that patients with low vitamin D serum levels (< 25 ng/ml) had an increased risk of developing AD compared to patients with normal vitamin D levels (≥ 25 ng/ml) (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.33, I2=77%). Further research is required to provide evidence on whether maintaining sufficient vitamin D serum levels may lower the risk of AD.
Hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke in a patient with Fahr’s disease
Authors: Başkurt Ozan
Published: July 2023

Background

Fahr’s disease is a very rare inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by diffuse and symetric intracranial calcification of the bilateral basal ganglia and cerebellum. Although the disease is slowly progressive, several acute forms have been described. We would like to present a very rare case of Fahr’s disease with an ischemic stroke and its hemorrhagic transformation.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with rapid cognitive decline, dysarthria and right limb weakness. Cranial computed tomography showed diffuse and symmetric hyperdense areas at the level of the bilateral dentate nuclei of cerebellar hemispheres and basal ganglia, suggestive of calcification consistent with Fahr's disease on a background of thyroidectomy history, and effacement in the left caudate region. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with suspected left cerebral ischemic stroke. Because of clinical deterioration with increasing drowsiness and right hemiplegia, a control computed tomography scan was performed. Upon detection of a 6 * 8 cm lesion corresponding to an intracerebral hematoma in the left temporoparietal area with intraventricular component, she underwent surgery. The patient did not become hemodynamically stable and died on post-operative day 3.

Conclusions

The calcium deposits in the walls of the cerebral vessels in Fahr’s disease may exacerbate inflammatory processes leading to disruption of the blood-brain barrier. In addition, peripheral blood extravasation into the disrupted blood brain barrier due to ischemic stroke may lead to hemorrhagic transformation.
Marburg virus outbreaks in Africa
Authors: Idris Ibrahim , Adesola Ridwan Olamilekan , D’Souza Joanna Nicole
Published: July 2023

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a zoonotic viral hemorrhagic illness, caused by a negative sense, single-stranded RNA virus which has an envelope. The Marburg virus belongs to the genus Marburgvirus of the family Filoviridae. Due to the similarities in clinical signs and symptoms seen in other viral hemorrhagic diseases, arboviral infections, and malaria, MVD is difficult to diagnose. On February 8, 2023, Equatorial Guinea declared the first case of the MVD, which was confirmed by the Institute Pasteur Laboratory, Dakar, Senegal. MVD had a fatality rate of up to 88% during this outbreak. About eight individuals who had suspected infections, as well as the individuals with the confirmed infection, passed away. This letter addresses the current and previous Marburg virus outbreaks in African nations and whether or not they may result in an epidemic. It also discusses the significance of effective biosecurity and quarantine in limiting the spread of a highly contagious illness like MVD in African population.
Characteristics associated with differences in 24-hour device-measured and self-reported sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity in a sample of Australian primary school children
Authors: Gauci Joshua , Olds Timothy , Maher Carol , Watson Amanda , Fraysse François , Munzberg Mason , Hoepfl Isaac , Dumuid Dorothea
Published: July 2023

Background

How much time children spend sleeping, being sedentary and participating in physical activity affects their health and well-being. To provide accurate guidelines for children’s time use, it is important to understand the differences between device-measured and self-reported use-of-time measures, and what may influence these differences. Among Australian primary school-aged children, this study aimed to describe the differences between device-measured and self-reported sleep, sedentary behaviour, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and to explore how sociodemographic and personal characteristics were associated with these differences.

Methods

Participants (n = 120, 67% female, age 9–11 years) were drawn from the Life on Holidays cohort study. Device measured use of time was from 7-day accelerometry worn over five timepoints in a 2-year period, and self-reported use of time was from 2-day Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults (MARCA), conducted at the same timepoints. For each participant and measurement method, average daily time spent in sleep, sedentary time, LPA and MVPA was derived for any overlapping days (that had both types of measurement) across the study period. Participant characteristics were either obtained from baseline parental survey (age, sex, parental education, puberty) or derived from the average of direct measurements across the study timepoints (aerobic fitness from shuttle run, body mass index from anthropometric measurements, academic performance from national standardised tests). Differences between device-measured and self-reported use of time were described using Bland-Altmann plots. Compositional outcome linear-regression models were used to determine which participant characteristics were associated with differences by use-of-time measurement type.

Results

Relative to device-measured, self-reported daily LPA was underestimated by 83 min (35% difference), whilst sleep (+ 37 min; 6% difference), MVPA (+ 34 min; 33% difference) and sedentary time (+ 12 min; 3% difference) were overestimated. Characteristics underpinning the differences between measurement types were sex (χ2 = 11.9, p = 0.008), parental education (χ2 = 23.0, p = 0.001), aerobic fitness (χ2 = 10.7, p = 0.01) and academic performance (χ2 = 15.9, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Among primary school-aged children, device-measured and self-reported use-of-time measurements should not be used interchangeably as there are systematic biases and differences relative to socio-demographic characteristics.
Training in neuropsychiatry: views of early career psychiatrists from across the world
Authors: Molina-Ruiz Rosa , Nakagami Yukako , Mörkl Sabrina , Vargas Martin , Shalbafan Mohammadreza , Chang Jane Pei-Chen , Rai Yugesh , Seun-Fadipe Champion T. , Erzin Gamze , Kazhungil Firoz , Vidal Pablo , Brihastami Sawitri , Yıldızhan Eren , Maiti Tanay , Fedotov Ilya , Rojnic-Palavra Irena , Horinouchi Toru , Renganathan Vasanth , Pinto da Costa Mariana
Published: July 2023

Background

Training and practice in neuropsychiatry varies across the world. However, little is known about the experiences and opinions of early career psychiatrists (ECPs) across different countries regarding neuropsychiatry.

Aims and method

To investigate neuropsychiatry training experiences, practices and opinions among ECPs across different countries. An online survey was distributed to ECPs in 35 countries across the world.

Results

A total of 522 participants took part in this study. Responses show that neuropsychiatry is integrated to a variable extent in psychiatric training curricula across the world. Most respondents were not aware of the existence of neuropsychiatric training or of neuropsychiatric units. Most agreed that training in neuropsychiatry should be done during or after the psychiatry training period. Lack of interest among specialty societies, lack of time during training, and political and economic reasons are regarded as the main barriers.

Clinical implications

These findings call for an improvement in the extent and in the quality of neuropsychiatry training across the world.
Biomarkers of dissociation
Authors: Reinders Antje A. T. S. , Young Allan H. , Veltman Dick J.
Published: July 2023

Dissociative symptoms present transdiagnostically and are related to poor clinical outcome. Research into the biological correlates of dissociation remains limited. This editorial summarises and discusses papers from this themed series of BJPsych Open that contribute to unravelling the biological correlates of dissociative symptomatology with the aim of improving treatment and treatment outcome.
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis presenting as pneumoperitoneum in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Logue Genna , Chaudhry Mubeen
Published: July 2023

Pneumatosis is always an alarming sign that may result from life-threatening bowel ischaemia and infarction; however, benign intramural gas can also result from a variety of secondary conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pneumoperitoneum and pneumoretroperitoneum can be seen with both entities. Therefore, thorough discussions with the referring clinicians regarding the patient’s medical history, clinical examination and laboratory results are mandatory. Benign causes can be managed conservatively, however, emergency exploratory laparotomy is often required in suspected life-threatening conditions. Misinterpretation of this finding can lead to incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary surgery.
O desempenho das empresas brasileiras com melhor atuação socioambiental na crise da COVID-19
Authors: Castro Francisco Henrique , Garcia Pedro Paulo
Published: July 2023

Esta pesquisa analisa se empresas com melhores práticas socioambientais (ES) apresentam melhor desempenho que as demais empresas em momentos de crise. Utilizamos o choque exógeno causado pela pandemia da COVID-19 como estratégia de identificação. A amostra consiste de empresas brasileiras de capital aberto negociadas na B3, a bolsa brasileira. Os resultados mostram que firmas com maiores notas ES tiveram, durante o primeiro semestre de 2020, retornos anormais significativamente mais altos, menores volatilidades e melhores desempenhos operacionais medidos pelo ROA, margem operacional e giro de ativo. Nossos resultados contribuem para a literatura ao mostrarem que o investimento em boas práticas socioambientais desempenham um papel positivo nas empresas brasileiras, especialmente em períodos de crise.
Confucius’ Ontological Ethics
Authors: Steiris Georgios
Published: July 2023

Confucius associates the good and the beautiful. Li (translated variously as “ritual propriety,” “ritual,” “etiquette,” or “propriety”) embodies the entire spectrum of interaction with humans, nature, and even material objects. I argue that Confucius attempts to introduce an ethical ontology, not of “what,” but of “the way.” The “way” of reality becomes known with the deliberate participation to the Dao. In other words, through interaction. The way people co-exist demonstrates the rationality of the associations of living and functioning together. Li, as an aesthetic-moral principle, embodies the entire spectrum of one’s interaction with humans, nature, and even material objects. Li is a constitutive element of Confucian ethics and politics, highlighting the importance of beauty, and not only goodness, in human action. The worthiness of human action is judged both aesthetically and morally. Moreover, I hold that Confucius’ ethical ontology is not an ontology of “whatness” but of “howness,” according to the Dao, since Confucius primary concern was not to define the Dao, but to restore the Dao of the ancient sage-kings. The morality of the action is dependent on the way it is performed, according to the mandates of the Dao.
Brain-based learning in design and visual arts education: a bibliometric assessment of Scopus indexed literature
Authors: El-Wakeel Hala A. , Abdellatif Reham , Eldardiry Dalia Hussain , Al-Saleh Deema F. , Shukri Mai I. , Ansari Khadeeja M N
Published: July 2023

Background: This study aims to critically review, quantify, and assess research outcomes on brain-based learning with an evidence-based study on Scopus indexed literature, with a focus to understand the evolution structure and growth, detect trends, subject development, and most importantly, identify the gaps in the published body of literature that relates brain-based learning to design and visual arts education.

Methods: Various scientometric tools were used to map, visualize, and analyze 186 research publications, indexed in Scopus in a twenty-year timespan ‘2001-2021’. Annual publication trends, relevant sources, prolific authors, authorship patterns, productive organizations and countries, funding agencies, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and thematic evolution mapping on brain-based learning publications were examined in this study.

Results: Despite the significance to apply brain-based learning strategies in design and visual arts education to boost students’ knowledge and creative skills, the findings show a decline in quantities and growth patterns in brain-based learning research directed towards design disciplines in the past twenty years. Among the identified (186) documents published in (128) sources, with (1013) citations, the study detected only (57) research (30%) that were related to ‘design education,’ including those focusing on ‘instructional design, ‘and ‘syllabus design’ whereas only (3) articles were in ‘design and visual arts’ disciplines.

Conclusion: These rather small numbers reflect the big gap in the current body of literature that associates brain-based learning with creativity-based disciplines, specifically in design and visual arts education. This infers the necessity to direct the attention of academics, researchers, and educationalists in the fields of design and arts towards brain-based learning applications, research and pedagogy.
Demographic status and training needs of aesthetic plastic surgeons in government and private hospitals: evidence from Guangdong, China
Authors: Yi Yanhua , Wang Zhifeng , Hu Guijie , Zhao Shiwei , Li Yongbin , Chen Bo , Xiang Zhen , Zhang Qiaojun , Lu Wei , Liu Jian , Xue Yongping , Li Hongmian , Wu Cimin , Shi Wuxiang , Gong Zhenyu
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aims to survey the demographic status of aesthetic plastic surgeons in an economically developed region and to investigate their continuing training needs in contents, training methods, and barriers in private and government hospitals.  

Methods: A cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from January to December, 2022 in Guangdong, China. In-depth interviews were conducted with key informants to gain insights on the current demographic status. Demographic data and training needs assessment were collected and compared with the chi-square test, Fisher’s test, Mann-Whitney U-test using R software.

Results: The disparity of surgeons’ demographic data between private and government hospitals was small. Over 60% of practicing aesthetic plastic surgeons transferred from other specialties, and one third of them had less than three years of working experience. Half of surgeons attended training less than three times with an affordable expense of 1000-5000RMB. Almost 80% of them had strong willingness to attend a continuing training program. They prefer to attend further study in a tertiary hospital, with a short topic-focused training course and operation demonstrations. Their favorable training contents were rhinoplasty, eye surgery, and new technologies. Our questionnaire survey revealed the likelihood that the surgeons had a graduate degree in government hospitals outweighed those in private hospitals (P<0.05). Results also showed that the government hospitals focused more on repair and reconstructive surgery and academic research, whereas, private hospitals focused on market needs and were more profit-driven, where the organizational needs had influence on their different training needs for aesthetic plastic surgeons.

Conclusion: It would be favorable to take the demographic status of aesthetic plastic surgeons and organizational needs into consideration in designing a continuing training program in plastic surgery.
Protocol for evaluation and correlation of CD44 immunoexpression in tumor tissue and surgical margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma with three-year survival: A retrospective study
Authors: Tehzeeb Husna , Gawande Madhuri , Hande Alka , Patil Swati , Sonone Archana , Pakhale Aayushi
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The commonest type of cancer in the head and neck region is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) due to its high rates of occurrence and mortality. Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) is a surface glycoprotein present on tumor cells. It regulates cell proliferation, adhesion, migration an invasion of cancer stem cell. Immunoexpression of CD44 in surgical margins indicates poor prognosis of disease and increased risk of local recurrence.[4]

Objectives: To evaluate and correlate CD44 immunoexpression in tumor tissue and surgical margins OSCC with three-year survival.

Methodology: All tissue sections will be processed for CD44 immunohistochemistry. After that, light microscopic evaluation of CD44 expression will be done. A dark brown color of membranous staining of neoplastic cells will be considered for CD44 positivity; this must be observed in the tumor core, in the basal layer because most stem cells are present in the basal layer of oral mucosa and in the invasive front of tumor.

Expected results: The present study will find the immunohistochemical expression of CD44 tumor tissue and surgical margins of OSCC, in order to evaluate the prognosis of OSCC. Immunoexpression may vary in according to their different grades.

Conclusions: We hypothesize that, as the disease stage advances, intensity of CD44 expression immunohistochemically increases and it can adversely affect overall survival; hence it is considered as an independent predictor of prognosis of OSCC.
Case Report: Activated B-cell-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Kalmegh Padmashri , Hande Alka , Gawande Madhuri , Patil Swati , Sonone Archana , Pakhale Aayushi
Published: July 2023

Lymphomas of the oral and oropharyngeal regions are rather uncommon, and diagnosis can be challenging and confusing due to the multiple histological subgroups. Lymphomas are the third most common type of tumor in the head and neck region and are brought on by the lymphoreticular system. The two forms of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Herein, we present a case report of oropharyngeal lymphoma. The female patient reported with a complaint of swelling over the palatal region for two to three months. An ulceroproliferative lesion was evident over the posterior palatal region. We diagnosed reactive lymphadenitis based on an incisional biopsy. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, a punch biopsy followed by immunohistochemical studies were done. Features suggestive of activated B-cell-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were confirmed. Among malignant lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most prevalent variety. Much progress has been made in recent years in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of this disease. In this case report, we aim to correlate the clinical presentation, histology features and immunohistochemical significance in order to promote early discovery, diagnosis, and treatment for a better prognosis of the patient.
Managing Multirooming: Why Uniform Price Can Be Optimal for a Monopoly Retailer and Can Be Uniformly Lower
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Dai Yue , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2023

Retailers managing both online and offline channels have to decide whether to adopt the uniform (i.e., charging the same price online and offline) or dual (i.e., charging different prices online and offline) pricing strategy. This decision is made even more challenging as consumers are increasingly multirooming as they may search offline and then purchase online (showrooming) or the other way around (webrooming). In this paper, we develop an analytical model to examine such a decision. The model takes into consideration (1) consumers’ uncertainty about digital and nondigital product attributes, (2) consumers’ costs of showrooming as well as webrooming, and (3) the prevalence of costly product return. We show that uniform pricing can be optimal for a monopoly retailer even though consumers have different costs for shopping online versus offline and there is no intrinsic disutility against price discrimination by consumers. In addition, when the uniform price is optimal, it can be lower than both the offline and online prices under optimal dual pricing. This is because, compared with dual pricing, uniform pricing eliminates consumers’ uncertainty about the offline store’s price so that they are more likely to search the nondigital attribute at the offline store and buy the fitted product. Moreover, a relatively higher online price has to be used under dual pricing to encourage consumers to search offline for the purpose of reducing the product return costs.

This paper was accepted by Dmitri Kuksov, marketing.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71922008, 71972043, 72025102, and 72091211] and the Sci-Tech Innovation Foundation of School of Management at Fudan University [Grant 20210202].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4849 .
Decoding Culture: Tools for Behavioral Strategists
Authors: Koçak Özgecan , Puranam Phanish
Published: July 2023

It is uncontroversial for strategy scholars that culture matters for both strategy formulation and execution. Yet, the diversity of approaches and concepts for thinking about culture can prove daunting for operationalizing this insight. We introduce the concept of a “code”—a fuzzy mapping between two distinct sets of cognitive constructs—as a fundamental construct to study culture. The concept of a code, and the distinction between using a code versus expectations about the code others use, can be applied to study many different elements of culture both in terms of theorizing about them with precision and for empirical applications. Furthermore, we argue that a code-based perspective on culture is particularly useful from the normative, design-oriented stance that is characteristic of strategy. Using an example of creating stakeholder alignment around the problem of sustainability, a first-order challenge for business and society today, we show that the perspectives of culture as shared values and culture as a toolkit point to different interventions that are each likely to work under different conditions.

Funding: P. Puranam thanks The Desmarais Fund at INSEAD for supporting the Organizations & Algorithms project.
Women Representation in the Electoral Office: Progress and Challenges.
Authors: Thwala Phakamile
Published: July 2023

Over the past three decades, there has been a rise in efforts to increase the percentage of women in decision-making bodies across the globe including representation of women into electoral office. This was done through quotas, constituency elections, regulations, and party lists. Yet, women's representation in the electoral office globally is still low. There are different contributory factors to the aforementioned progress and challenges. The challenges are caused in the main by cultural and religious conditions. There are countries that are globally recognised for achieving parity in the election of women into parliaments, The Nordic states and Rwanda in Africa have done well in this regard. Yet, the achievement of equal representation does not translate into gender equality within their society and institutions. This study evaluates women's representation in the electoral office in selected countries.
The Power of Divine Beauty: A Study of the Saundarya Lahari
Authors: Chitgopekar Nilima
Published: July 2023

The Saundarya Lahari is a lyrical and yet powerful set of hymns dedicated to the beautiful wife of Shiva. The authorship of the composition is traditionally and almost unanimously ascribed/ attributed to Adi Shankaracharya though some historians believe it was composed sometime after 1000 CE. (Brown, 1958, p. 29)

The extensive acceptance of this hymn, over the centuries, is clear from the number of commentaries it has engendered. Even today it is immensely popular among a wide section of followers, in mostly southern India.

Hindu hymns and prayers are often potent, arousing the latent powers within the worshipper. Sometimes they contain elements of auto-suggestion and self-hypnosis that help the spiritual aspirant in his upward path through samipya sarupya and sayujyam, that is, by creating a sense of’ “ nearness to the divine”., a desire to acquire the attributes of divinity and ultimate identification of the individual self with the supreme.” (Subramanian, 2011, p. iv) That the devotee begets such a dazzling form – seems to be the raison d’etre of the Saundarya Lahari, which is a direct address and written in the present .

It is quite normal in such devotional hymns to portray the goddess as being beautiful but here in this poem the author has made her supremely, unsurpassed outstanding and unparalleled. She is not an ethereal, etiolated beauty but a more human- like, tangible beauty. To observe her beauty is to worship her. This hymn provides a visualization of her form. The beauty insufflates the devotee to feel a transcendence of the goddess and at the same time to experience her life as a doting wife and mother.
Canine heat-related illness – new perspectives from recent research
Authors: Bradbury Jude , Hall Emily , Carter Anne , O'Neill Dan G.
Published: July 2023

Heat-related illness (or heatstroke) is a potentially fatal condition in dogs that can be triggered by hot environments or physical activity. Awareness by dog owners and veterinary professionals of the key risk factors and triggers for heat-related illness can promote mitigation strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of the condition. Owners should seek veterinary treatment if their dog develops heat-related illness, but should always ‘cool first, transport second’ before travelling to their vet clinic. Recommended active cooling methods include immersing the animal in water or pouring water over the animal and ensuring air movement, for example using a fan or air conditioning. This article summarises recent research exploring the epidemiology of heat-related illness in UK dogs and aims to debunk common myths related to canine cooling.
Recovery of autonomic dysfunction assessed by heart rate variability after acute stroke: an observational study
Authors: Hoshino Takashi , Oguchi Kazuyo , Hoshino Aiko , Hoshiyama Minoru
Published: July 2023

Background/Aims

Early mobilisation after acute stroke is recommended worldwide, and autonomic dysfunction is a common complication. However, little is known about autonomic adaptation to postural changes during early mobilisation. The aim of the present study was to clarify the recovery process of autonomic dysfunction after acute stroke regarding adaptation to postural changes.

Methods

A total of 23 patients (mean age 60 ± 11 years) were included in this observational study. Those with a history of arrhythmia, heart failure and diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy were excluded. Autonomic functions were assessed using heart rate variability. Electrocardiograms were recorded when the patients were lying down, sitting up and then lying back down again for 5 minutes in each position. The indices of heart rate variability, total power, high frequency band and low frequency/high frequency ratio, which correspond to total, parasympathetic and sympathetic activity respectively, were calculated to evaluate participants’ autonomic function during the 7 days after the onset of stroke.

Results

From days 3 to 7 after stroke onset, the low frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly higher, and the total power and high frequency were reciprocally lower in the sitting position than in the supine position. On day 7, the total power and high frequency were significantly higher while the low frequency/high frequency ratio was lower than the total power and high frequency values that were recorded on the second and third days after stroke. Blood pressure levels and heart rates also changed, corresponding to changes in heart rate variability.

Conclusions

The patients’ autonomic function, as well as heart rate and blood pressure levels, changed gradually during the first 7 days after onset of stroke. The results could lead to optimised clinical practice in safe early stroke rehabilitation.
Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary programme to improve functional outcomes of patients following severe COVID-19 infection in Malaysia: a retrospective study
Authors: Zamli Akmal Hafizah , Lim Su-Yin , Na Amitha Sherng Lhung , Mahmud Fatnin Faqiha Azmi , Rapieng Reginald Valentino , Yeong Chai Hong , Chua Li-Shun
Published: July 2023

Background/Aims

Evidence-based, specialised rehabilitation interventions are key to improving functional outcomes for patients with complications caused by severe COVID-19 infection, who often have complex needs and a wide range of functional impairments. The aims of this study were to determine the effectiveness of a structured inpatient, personalised, interdisciplinary rehabilitation programme, namely the COVID-19 Rehabilitation Inpatient Specialised Services, and to identify clinical predictors of rehabilitation effectiveness in patients after contracting COVID-19.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 154 patients who underwent rehabilitation under the COVID-19 Rehabilitation Inpatient Specialised Services programme at a single centre between 1 July and 31 October 2021. The modified Barthel Index, Post-COVID-19 Functional Scale, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale scores, and actual effectiveness derived from the modified Barthel Index scores were used to measure outcomes.

Results

The mean age of patients was 49.8 ± 14.3 years. Overall 48.1% (n=74) had required intubation, 70.1% (n=108) had been critically ill, and 21.4% (n=33) remained dependent on oxygen therapy beyond discharge. There was a statistically significant improvement in mean modified Barthel Index scores (45.2 vs 66.3, P<0.001), median post-COVID-19 Functional Scale score (4 vs 3, P<0.001) and median modified Medical Research Council scores (4 vs 3, P<0.001) following the rehabilitation intervention. Acute kidney injury, oxygen therapy dependency, neurological complications and initial modified Barthel Index scores were significant predictors of rehabilitation effectiveness (adjusted R2=0.23, P<0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 Rehabilitation Inpatient Specialised Services programme was effective in improving functional outcomes of hospitalised patients with severe to critical COVID-19 infection. By identifying factors that predict rehabilitation effectiveness, allied healthcare professionals can administer more focused rehabilitation efforts tailored to the specific needs of patients, thereby enabling them to achieve their maximum potential functional outcomes.
The effect of transverse friction massage on pain and quality of life in women with chronic pelvic pain: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Ersin Aybüke , Tarhan Fatih , Başol Gülfem , Şakul Bayram Ufuk , Algun Zeliha Candan
Published: July 2023

Background/Aims

Chronic pelvic pain is defined as pain located to the pelvis or lower abdominal region, lasting for at least 6 months, and not associated with menstruation, coitus or pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of transverse friction massage on pain and quality of life in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Methods

A total of 20 women participated in this study. Eight sessions of transverse friction massage were performed twice a week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Pelvic floor muscles (in terms of tenderness, trigger point, spasm and scar presence) were evaluated by digital palpation by an expert physiotherapist. The outcome measures used were the visual analogue scale, the 36-item Short Form-36 Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants were evaluated before treatment, at the end of the treatment, and 4 weeks after the end of the treatment.

Results

Participants' mean age was 49.7 ± 0.31 years. There was a decrease in pain intensity and an increase in quality of life scores (P<0.001), but no statistically significant improvement in depression status at the end of the treatment (P>0.001). Four weeks after the end of the treatment, significant decreases in pain severity, quality of life and depression were observed (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Transverse friction massage is a feasible treatment option that can safely be used by physiotherapists to treat patients with chronic pelvic pain. It is inexpensive and can help to reduce pain and increase patients' quality of life. Randomised controlled trials are recommended to further confirm the findings from this study.
Molecular Docking Studies, Synthesis of Novel Isoxazole Derivatives from 3-Methoxy Substituted Chalcone and Evaluation of their Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: S Sonu , Gautam Girendra Kumar , Mishra Arun Kumar , Parveen Baby Rabiya , singh Harpreet
Published: July 2023

Synthesis of 3-methoxy acetophenone with substituted benzaldehydes resulted in a number of novel chalcones. The chalcones were then treated to a cyclization reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in ethanol to enable the synthesis of 3-methoxy acetophenone isoxazole derivatives. After purification, the structures of the synthesized compounds were identified using TLC, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and a Mass spectroscopy. The carrageenan-induced paw edema method was used to test the compounds for anti-inflammatory activity. Based on the findings, the three compounds appeared to be moderate to extremely active.
Some Applications of CeO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Hudda Komal , Rathee Barkha , Wati Mukhan , Ranga Sweety , Tyagi Rajdeep
Published: July 2023

Various properties of cerium oxide (Ceria, CeO2) have been widely used in recent times. This article aims at discussing some fundamental properties of ceria, its application due to oxygen vacancies in its structure, its effects due to nano-size, synthesis strategy to give it a structure with diverse applications. Some basic applications of ceria-based structure have been reviewed. Ceria nanoparticles are used in catalytic converters in the automotive industries to convert harmful carbon monoxide to less harmful carbon dioxide, semiconductor industries uses it as fine abrasive and polishing agent, it can light production in mantles of gas lanterns where cerium oxide generates a yellowish white colour. Certain probable toxic effects and challenges in controllable synthesis of nanomaterials for its applications have been reviewed.
Phytochemical Analysis and In vitro Anti-oxidant Activities of Medicinal Plants Cyperus rotundus, Tinospora cordifolia and their Formulation
Authors: Gomathi S. , Maneemegalai S.
Published: July 2023

Free radicals are harmful macromolecules that interact with lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates inside cells. The high level of ROS present in the cell leads to major health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and oxidative stress. In the current study, Cyperus rotundus (C.rotundus), Tinospora cordifolia (T.cordifolia) and their formulations were evaluated for their phytochemical content, functional group identification by FT-IR and In vitro free radical scavenging activity. The phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanolic extracts had more secondary metabolites like flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds than the extracts from the other solvents. Compared to the standard ascorbic acid, the ethanolic extract exhibited good free radical scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide and an elevated level of activity was observed with the increased concentration of the extract. The ethanolic extracts of C.rotundus, T.cordifolia and their formulation were investigated using FT-IR spectroscopy, which revealed the presence of unique functional groups such as primary as well as secondary amines, alkenes, nitro compounds and alkylhalides. In an In vitro model, the current finding demonstrates the anti-oxidant effectiveness of C.rotundus and T.cordifolia. Hence, further studies are warranted and it might eventually be utilized as a possible medicament for treating diseases.
Haematological effect of chlorfenapyr-exposed freshwater African mud catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)
Authors: Esenowo Imeh K. , Chukwu Maureen N. , Nelson Akwaowo U. , Alimba Chibuisi G. , Johnson Micheal , Effiong Mmandu U. , Akpan Akaninyene U. , Ugwumba Adiaha A.A. , Udoidung Nsima I. , Ukpong Nsikakabasi C. , Ugwumba Alex O. , Ogidiaka Efe , Ale Adeyemi O.A. , Sunday Godsgift
Published: July 2023

The effects of chlorfenapyr pesticide were investigated on juvenile of Clarias gariepinus. Sub-lethal test was carried out using 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 mgL-1 of chlorfenapyr pesticide for 96 hours, and peripheral blood was collected through the caudal vein and examined for haematological changes. There was significant reduction (P0.05) in WBC when compared to the control. RBC increase was directly proportional to increase in chlorfenapyr dose and significantly differed from control (p0.05). HGB increased in a dose-dependent manner. MCV values of all treatment groups, except 15 mgL-1, were higher when compared to control. MCH was not significantly different from control. PLT decreased with increase in concentration and was lower for all treatment when compared with control. Results obtained in this study suggest that exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of chlorfenapyr can alter the haematological indices of non-target organisms.
Growth dimension and DNA analysis of Bulinus snail from River Wudil, Kano State Nigeria
Authors: Moruf Rasheed Olatunji , Muhammad Halima Abdullahi
Published: July 2023

The growth pattern and DNA yield and purity of Bulinus. globosus from River Wudil, Kano State, were investigated using standard methods. The mean ranges in mm from 7.9±2.9, 5.7±2.5, 4.8±1.8, 3.4±1.2, 1.5±0.2, 1.6 ± 0.0, 2.4 ± 0.2, 1.2 ± 0.1, 1.4 ± 0.1, 65.8 ± 1.9 and 22.2 ± 0.4 were recorded for length, width, aperture height, aperture width, height width ratio, height and aperture height ratio, height and aperture width ratio, width and aperture height ratio, aperture height and aperture width ratio, shell weight and flesh weight. About 33.7 % of weight of the snail is made up of flesh by weight. The value of “b” showed that B. globosus exhibited a negative allometric growth pattern while the correlation coefficient (r) in all the shell variables were below 1, indicating a weak correlation between the parameters. Mean DNA yield and purity were 120.03 ± 5.10 ng/µl and 1.81 ± 1.21. The DNA yield in this study is well above the minimum standard and the pure extracts are good enough for further DNA analyses.
Fiber and ash content of fermented palm oil fronds using liquid organic supplements as potential feed ingredients for ruminant
Authors: Pratama Said Mirza , Dahlan Abdullah , Annisa Yulia , Izzati Raichan , Resthu Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Inadequate feed causes low productivity of livestock, which is indicated by a slow rate of development and low body weight. Alternative non-conventional feed ingredients derived from oil palm waste have shown the potential to be used as livestock feed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fiber and ash content of palm fronds fermented with liquid organic supplements. The waste raw material was obtained after grinding the palm fronds and followed by a fermentation process using liquid organic supplements. This process was continued with fiber and ash analysis at the Laboratory of Nutrition Science and Feed Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University. A complete randomized design was employed with four treatments using liquid organic supplements at levels of 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, with four replications. The measured parameters were water content, crude fiber, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The results showed that the addition of liquid organic supplements had no significant effect (P0.05) on the levels of crude fiber, ash, NFE, and water content. Among all treatments, the results were observed in the P3 treatment (8%) which had the lowest crude fiber content and ash content, namely 22 ± 0.589 and 3.72 ± 0.112, as well as had the highest NFE and water content of 78.15 ± 0.501 and 57.9 ± 0.304, respectively. This indicated that the use of liquid organic supplements had the potential to improve the quality of oil palm midrib fiber and positively impact animal feed.
Short communication: Length-frequency distribution, length-weight relationship and condition factor of two grey mullets from Lagos Lagoon
Authors: Olukolajo Soyinka Olufemi , Sifau Mutiu Oyekunle , Olude Oluwagbenga Olanrewaju , Ashanabode Osawe
Published: July 2023

There is a growing interest in examining of economically important fish species with excellent mariculture potentials in lagoons of coastal states. Members of the family Mugilidae, which are permanent residents in Lagos Lagoon form a mainstay of fish protein source and are potential candidates for such investigations. Length-frequency distribution, length-weight relationship, condition factor and molecular characteristics of two grey mullets, Mugil cephalus and Liza falcipinniswere investigated in Lagos Lagoon. A total of 52 samples (26 specimens of each species) of the fish were collected from the Lagos Lagoon. The standard length ranged from 10.0 – 19.2 cm and 12.0 – 18.2 cm for M. cephalus and L. falcipinnis respectively, with corresponding weights of 13.90 – 105.00 g and 36.00-129.00 g respectively. The growth pattern of the species showed negative allometric, b = 0.32 and 0.65 respectively. The condition factors were 1.81 and 2.16 respectively and this meant both species were in good condition.
A partner‐specific critique of mistimed and unwanted fertility: Results from an analysis of the 2017–2019 United States National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Yeatman Sara , Sennott Christie
Published: July 2023

Context

Despite substantial critiques of retrospective measures of fertility intentions, researchers widely use the metrics of unwanted and mistimed pregnancies as tools for monitoring patterns and trends in reproductive health. However, in focusing exclusively on the timing and numeric elements of fertility these constructs ignore partner‐specific desires, which may lead to considerable measurement error and threaten their validity.

Methodology

We use data on births in the last 5 years from the 2017–2019 United States National Survey of Family Growth to compare responses to the standard retrospective measure of fertility intentions with responses to a partner‐specific question that asks respondents about whether they had ever desired a child with that partner.

Results

We find that women's responses to questions on retrospective fertility desires with and without reference to a particular partner vary in ways that suggest that women and researchers interpret these questions differently.

Discussion

Despite a long history in fertility research, the standard approach to measuring mistimed and unwanted fertility is both conceptually and operationally flawed. In the context of complicated sexual and reproductive lives that do not start and end with a single partner, researchers should reevaluate the usefulness of the constructs of mistimed and unwanted fertility. We conclude by offering recommendations for analysts and survey designers as well as by calling for a move away from the terms entirely to focus instead on the pregnancies that women themselves view as most problematic.
Confocal microscopy multi-focus image fusion method based on axial information guidance
Authors: Yuan Tao , Jiang Wei , Ye Yiqing , Wu Dongliang , Hai Yongjie , Yi Dingrong
Published: July 2023

Aiming at the problems of poor anti-interference of existing pixel-level fusion rules and low efficiency of transform domain fusion rules, this study proposes a confocal microscopic multi-focus image fusion method (IGCM) based on differential confocal axial information guidance. Unlike traditional multi-focus image fusion (MFIF) methods, IGCM uses height information rather than grayscale or frequency to determine clear areas. First, the differential confocal axial measurement curve is calibrated to determine the suitable scan step u. Second, the image set required for fusion is constructed by performing a hierarchical scan of the measurement samples. Then, multiple differential image pairs are constructed using the step size u and the set of images, and the extraction area of the current reference image is decided based on the height obtained from the differential image. Finally, the regions determined by each reference image are extracted and the duplicated pixels are averaged to obtain the MFIF image. The results were that IGCM improves the interference immunity based on pixel-level image fusion compared to the maximum peak fusion method. Compared with other MFIFs, IGCM has excellent fusion efficiency while ensuring fusion clarity, which can meet the application scenario of real-time fusion and offers a new approach to panoramic depth images for confocal devices.
Optimized principal component analysis for camera spectral sensitivity estimation
Authors: Fan Hui , Xu Lihao , Luo Ming Ronnier
Published: July 2023

This paper describes the use of a weighted principal component analysis (PCA) method for camera spectral sensitivity estimation. A comprehensive set of spectral sensitivities of 111 cameras was collected from four publicly available databases. It was proposed to weight the spectral sensitivities in the database according to the similarities with those of the test camera. The similarity was evaluated by the reciprocal predicted errors of camera responses. Thus, a set of dynamic principal components was generated from the weighted spectral sensitivity database and served as the basis functions to estimate spectral sensitivities. The test stimuli included self-luminous colors from a multi-channel LED system and reflective colors from a color chart. The proposed method was tested in both the simulated and practical experiments, and the results were compared with the classical PCA method, three commonly used basis function methods (Fourier, polynomial, and radial bases), and a regularization method. It was demonstrated that the proposed method significantly improved the accuracy of spectral sensitivity estimation.
Observation of the mixed magneto-optical Kerr effects using weak measurement
Authors: Li Tong , Luo Lan , Li Xinrui , Dove Martin T. , Zhang Sijie , He Jianhong , Zhang Zhiyou
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we use weak measurement to study the mixed magneto-optical Kerr effects (MOKEs) in a magnetic single layer of Co and in organic/Co bilayer films. The relationship between the amplified shift and the MOKE parameters is theoretically established and then experimentally observed as a function of both the magnetization intensity and the magnetization direction in magnetic thin films with an arbitrary magnetization. Furthermore, we experimentally observe a magnetic coupling at the organic/ferromagnetic interface. Due to this being a robust coupling, there is a significant dependence of the amplified shift with the thickness of the organic layer. This work has value for its application in the magnetic measurement technique for the more general case based on weak measurement.