bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of CRRT with oXiris filter on hemodynamic instability in surgical septic shock with AKI: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Feng Junqi , Zhang Shuyi , Ai Tianyi , Wang Lihui , Gao Yuan , Li Wen , Zhu Mingli
Published: July 2022

Background:

Early identification and timely management of septic AKI continue to represent clinical challenges for intensive care. The aim was to evaluate the effect of renal replacement with oXiris filter on clinical outcomes in septic AKI.

Methods:

This was a single-center randomized controlled trial that enrolled surgical septic shock with AKI patients admitted in the ICU, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine from Jan 1, 2021 to Sep 30, 2021, were screened.

Results:

Sixteen subjects that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized into CRRT with AN69-oXiris group ( n = 8) and AN69-ST group ( n = 8). The PCT and IL-6 concentration decreased significantly after the first treatment compared to pre-CRRT levels in the oXiris group (PCT: 23.46 [4.18, 84.90] vs 52.79 [9.03, 100.00] µg/L, p = 0.046; IL-6: 3080.15 [527.62, 9806.61] vs 10,457.17 [8150.00, 15,528.87] pg/mL, p = 0.043). The levels of lactate decreased by 1.70 [1.03, 2.83] mmol/L after the first CRRT in the oXiris group ( p = 0.028). The norepinephrine infusion rate was decreased by 0.06 [0, 0.09], 0.05 [0, 0.23] and 0.11 [0, 0.23] μg/kg/min at 4, 6, and 8 h in the oXiris group compared to the ST group ( p = 0.005, 0.038, and 0.017).

Conclusion:

Using the oXiris filter may improve hemodynamic status during initial CRRT in severe surgical septic shock with AKI. Further large multicenter RCTs are needed to determine the effect of the oXiris filter on patient outcomes. ( http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx (ChiCTR2200055732)).
Predicting Intervention Effects With Preintervention Measures of Decoding: Evidence for a Skill-by-Treatment Interaction With Kindergarten and First-Grade Students
Authors: Burns Matthew K. , Young Helen , McCollom Elizabeth M. , Stevens Mallory A. , Izumi Jared T.
Published: July 2022

A skill-by-treatment interaction (STI) isolates skill deficits and manipulates conditions to match them to student needs. Based on the learning hierarchy, preintervention scores can help predict which intervention will be most successful for an individual student. This study compared the efficacy of a modeling and practice-based decoding intervention for 29 kindergarten and first-grade students. Results suggested that grade was not a significant predictor of which intervention was more effective, but preintervention accuracy in nonsense word fluency was a significant predictor of the more effective intervention, accounted for 68% of the variance, and correctly identified the more effective intervention 88% of the time.
Does Socializing in the Virtual World Impact Victimization in the Real World?
Authors: Boccio Cashen M. , Leal Wanda E.
Published: July 2022

Previous research links unstructured socializing with victimization. In addition, recent research also links digital media use with particular forms of online victimization (e.g., cyberbullying, harassment, sex solicitation, phishing, computer viruses, etc.). Very limited research, however, has explored how socialization through virtual means (e.g., using social networking sites, video chatting, and texting) is associated with in-person victimization. This is a pertinent gap in the literature as trends in adolescent socializing have been shifting from spending time in-person to spending more time socializing through virtual means. As a result, the current state of the literature cannot adequately assess the risks that may be posed by spending time engaging in virtual socializing. This article addresses this gap in the literature by examining the relationship between virtual socializing and several indicators of in-person victimization (i.e., property, violent, and in-school bullying victimization) along with one indicator of online victimization (i.e., cyberbullying) in a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Specifically, our study utilizes negative binomial regression and logistic regression to test associations between time spent using social networking sites, video chatting, texting, and phone usage and in-person victimization using data drawn the 2018 eighth and tenth grade cohort of Monitoring the Future . Our findings reveal that time spent engaging in virtual socializing activities is associated with a greater likelihood of property, violent, in-school bullying, and online bullying victimization. In addition, these associations remain significant when taking into account time spent engaging in in-person unstructured socializing. The implications of these findings for future research and policy are discussed.
Nepal, China and ‘Belt and Road Initiative’: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Sharma Samir , Chhetri Preksha Shree
Published: July 2022

At a time when the push towards a ‘decoupling’ from China has gained significant traction, debates with regard to the favourability of the conditions of China–Nepal engagement within the BRI framework acquire significance. Despite being signed in 2017, it remains to be seen whether the ‘terms’ of the BRI framework has positive consequences for Nepal or not. Against this backdrop, and through a discussion of the larger contours of (under)development in Nepal, Nepal–China relations and perceptions of India, we argue that BRI in Nepal indicates an attempt to reframe Nepal’s geo-strategic position. This assertion undergirds the pivotal role of polyamorous cooperation envisioned by Nepal—both in the context of Sino-India relations and in staking its agency towards an ‘independent’ foreign policy. However, this attempt, we argue, will be constrained by the concrete, unresolved issues of BRI investments in Nepal as well as by the larger power (im)balances.
D-Dimer as a Prognostic Factor in a Tertiary Center Intensive Coronary Care Unit
Authors: Rav Acha Moshe , Taha Louay , Turyan Anna , Farkash Rivka , Bayya Feras , Karmi Mohammad , Steinmetz Yoed , Shaheen Fauzi Fadi , Perel Nimrod , Hamayel Kamal , Levi Nir , Karameh Hani , Tvito Ariella , Glikson Michael , Asher Elad ,   For the Jerusalem Platelets Thrombosis and Intervention in cardiology (JUPITER-1) study group
Published: July 2022

Introduction

D-dimer is a small protein fragment produced during fibrinolysis. High D-dimer levels were shown to have prognostic impact in critically ill patients. Nevertheless, data regarding D-dimer's prognostic impact among tertiary care intensive coronary care unit (ICCU) patients is scarce.

Material and method

All patients admitted to the ICCU between 1-12/2020 were prospectively included. Based on admission D-dimer level, patients were categorized into low and high D-dimer groups (< 500 ng/ml and ≥ 500 ng/ml) and also to age-adjusted D-dimer cutoff (500 ng/ml for ages ≤ 50 years old and age*10 for ages>50 years old).

Results and discussion

A total of 959 consecutive patients were included, including 296 (27.4%) and 663 (61.3%) patients with low and high D-Dimer levels, respectively. Patients with high D-dimer level were older compared with patients with low D-dimer level (age 70.4 ± 15 and 59 ± 13 years, p = 0.004) and had more comorbidities. The most common primary diagnosis on admission among the low D-dimer group was acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (74.3%), while in the high D-dimer group it was a combination of ACS (33.6%), cardiac structural interventions (26.7%) and various arrhythmias (21.1%). High D-dimer levels were associated with increased mortality rate, even after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). High D-dimer levels were independently associated with increased overall 1-year mortality rate (HR = 5.8; 95% CI; 1.7-19.1; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Elevated D-dimer levels on admission in ICCU patients is an independently poor prognostic factor for in-hospital morbidity and 1-year overall mortality rate following hospitalization.
Convergence of Boundaries in Tourism, Hospitality, Events, and Leisure: Defining the Core and Knowledge Structure
Authors: Lehto Xinran Y. , Kirillova Ksenia , Wang Dan , Fu Xiaoxiao
Published: July 2022

This study aims to address the convergence of boundaries in Tourism, Hospitality, Events, and Leisure (THEL) fields. We offer a synthesized definition of THEL and discuss a set of meta-concepts that define the core and knowledge structure of THEL. We argue that hospitality, experience, and place are unifying constructs upon which all THEL scholarship activities and practice fields are established. The paper invites a system-wide conversation to stimulate thinking regarding academic discipline building at a time when technological and societal forces are transforming work, life, and education. This research contributes to modernization of THEL and engenders new perspectives to guide future scholarship. This paper invites a reassessment of curricular structures to stay relevant and adaptive to changing needs of contemporary societies.
Rethinking Unhealthy Alcohol Use in the United States: A Structured Review
Authors: Volpicelli Joseph R , Menzies Percy
Published: July 2022

Greater than moderate alcohol use spans a continuum that includes high levels of total alcohol consumed per period (heavy drinking) as well as episodes of intense drinking (binges) and can give rise to alcohol use disorder (AUD) when associated with an inability to control alcohol use despite negative consequences. Although moderate drinking and AUD have standard, operable definitions in the United States (US), a significant “gray area” remains in which an individual may exceed recommended drinking guidelines but does not meet the criteria for AUD (hereafter referred to as unhealthy alcohol use). To address this need, we conducted a structured literature search to evaluate how this gray area is defined and assess its burden within the US. For purposes of this review, we will refer to this gray area as “unhealthy alcohol use.” Although numerous terms are used to describe various unsafe drinking practices, our review did not find any studies in which the specific prevalence and/or burden of unhealthy alcohol use was evaluated. That is, we found no studies that focus exclusively on individuals who exceed moderate drinking guidelines but do not meet AUD criteria. Furthermore, we did not discover an established framework for identifying individuals with unhealthy alcohol use. The lack of a consistent framework for identifying unhealthy alcohol users has significant implications for patient management and disease burden assessment. Therefore, we propose the following framework in which unhealthy alcohol use comprises 2 distinct subpopulations: those at risk of experiencing alcohol-related consequences and those who have subthreshold problems associated with use. The former, termed “risky drinkers,” are defined by exceeding recommended guidelines for moderate drinking (⩽1 or 2 drinks per day for women and men, respectively). People with subthreshold problems associated with use, defined as exhibiting exactly 1 AUD symptom, would be classified as “problematic drinkers” within this proposed framework. These definitions would help bring the core elements of unhealthy alcohol use into focus, which in turn would help identify and provide management strategies sooner to those affected and reduce the overall burden of unhealthy alcohol use.
The Medical Nemesis of Primary Health Care Implementation: Evidence From Ghana
Authors: Appiah-Agyekum Nana Nimo , Sakyi Emmanuel Kojo , Kayi Esinam Afi , Otoo Desmond Dzidzornu , Appiah-Agyekum Josephine
Published: July 2022

Primary Health Care (PHC), based on the Alma Ata declaration, calls for the movement of responsibility, resources, and control away from medical systems and curative measures toward health promotion. However, PHC implementation in practice appears to be heavily influenced by medical systems with its own attendant effects on the attainment of PHC goals. This study therefore examines the extent and effects of medical systems influence on PHC implementation in Ghana. The study uses the thematic framework approach to qualitative data analysis to analyze data collected from PHC managers through interviews. Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Findings suggest that PHC in practice is tied to the apron-strings of medical systems. While this has catalyzed successes in disease control programs and other medicine-based interventions, it has swayed PHC from its intended shift toward health promotion. Community ownership, participation, and empowerment in PHC is therefore lost in the maze of medical systems which reserves power over PHC decision making and implementation to medical professionals while focusing attention on treatment and curative services. Ultimately, PHC has gradually metamorphosed into mini-clinics instead of the revolutionary community-driven promotive services espoused by Alma Ata with concomitant effects on the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Further, findings show how gradually, the primary in PHC is being used as a descriptor of the first or basic level of hospital-based care instead of a first point of addressing existing health problems using preventive, promotive, and other community driven approaches. Without a reorientation of health systems, significant efforts and resources are channeled toward empowering health workers instead of local communities with significant effects on the long term sustainability of health efforts and the attainment of UHC. The study recommends further studies toward practical means of reducing the influence of medical systems.
Bacteriological Quality and Public Health Risk of Ready-to-Eat Foods in Developing Countries: Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
Authors: Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Belami Desi Debelu , Tefera Alemayehu Aschalew , Alemeshet Asefa Yohanis
Published: July 2022

Background:

Ready-to-eat foods are foods that are consumed at the point of sale or later, without any further processing or treatment. Foodborne diseases are on the rise worldwide, involving a wide range of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, and are becoming a public health problem. Therefore, this study sought to identify and determine the bacteriological quality and public health risks in ready-to-eat foods in developing countries.

Methods:

The studies published from 2012 to 2020 were identified through systematic searches of various electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed and MEDLINE, MedNar, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Science Direct. The articles were searched using a Boolean logic operator (“AND,” “OR,” “NOT”) combination with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords. All identified keywords and an index term were checked in all included databases. In addition, a quality assessment is performed to determine the relevance of the article, and then the data are extracted and analyzed.

Results:

The current study found that the pooled prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas species, and Shigella in ready-to-eat foods was 30.24% (95% CI: 18.8, 44.65), 11.3% (95% CI: 6.6, 18.7), 9.1% (95% CI: 7.0, 11.8), 23.8% (95% CI: 17.5, 31.5), 17.4% (95% CI: 11.6, 25.31)], 26.8% (95% CI: 13.7, 45.9), 6.1% (95% CI: 2.8, 12.6), 34.4% (95% CI: 18.1-55.4), respectively.

Conclusions:

Most of the reviewed articles reported on various pathogenic bacterial species that are potentially harmful to human health, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli in ready-to-eat food above the maximum allowable limit. Therefore, relevant national and international organizations must take corrective measures to prevent foodborne diseases and protect human health.
Building a multicultural peer-consultation team: Planning, implementing, and early sustainment evaluation
Authors: Nagy Gabriela A. , Cassiello-Robbins Clair , Anand Deepika , Arnold Macey L. , Coleman Jessica N. , Nwosu Joshua , Singh R. Sonia , Woodward Eva N.
Published: July 2022

This article represents an implementation-focused evaluation of a multicultural peer-consultation team situated within a psychiatry department in a large academic medical center in the Southern United States. The evaluation comprised anonymous self-report questionnaires ( n = 14) as well as individual ( n = 3) or group interviews ( n = 10) conducted by outside independent evaluators. Participants were current and former team members (i.e., graduate trainees, mental health care providers, clinical and research staff members) who voluntarily participated in this multimethod implementation evaluation. Results indicated that attendance on the team had several important impacts on members, and most notably an increased ability to provide multiculturally competent care, that is treatment that carefully and routinely considers the influence of culture and context on patients and therefore their clinical presentation. Further, no negative impacts from participating on the team were noted. A primary strength of the team's sustainability is that participation on the team was deemed to be relevant and useful by current and former team members. A major barrier to participation on the team is competing demands, such as high clinical loads. We conclude that this model for multicultural peer-consultation holds promise as an effective and implementable educational method for mental health care professionals. We discuss strengths, limitations, and future directions for research.
The associations between basic psychological need satisfaction at work and the wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees
Authors: Magson Natasha R. , Craven Rhonda G. , Ryan Richard M. , Blacklock Fabri , Franklin Alicia , Mooney Janet , Yeung Alexander S. , Dillon Anthony
Published: July 2022

We investigated how satisfaction of the basic psychological needs at work was associated with the psychological and physical wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees both within and outside of the workplace. Participants included 1,146 Indigenous ( n = 559) and non-Indigenous Australians (60.9% female), aged 18 to 81 years ( Mage = 43.54) who were recruited through their employer or online advertisements. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data, and Indigenous status and occupation type were investigated as moderators. Results revealed that independent of income, autonomy satisfaction was related to better physical and psychological health, satisfaction of the need for relatedness was associated with increased family and community thriving, and competence satisfaction was linked to decreased psychological distress. Results also showed that autonomy, competence, and relatedness need satisfaction was lower among Indigenous employees compared to non-Indigenous employees. Moderation analyses suggested that relatedness at work was especially important for non-Indigenous employees’ connection with their community, as were high levels of competence satisfaction for Indigenous employees. These findings are discussed in the context of self-determination theory and the implications for organizations wanting to improve the wellbeing of their Indigenous and non-Indigenous workforce.
HnRNP K regulates inflammatory gene expression by mediating splicing pattern of transcriptional factors
Authors: Liu Siyi , Duan Yong , You Ran , Chen Dong , Tan Jinhai
Published: July 2022

HnRNP K is a heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein and has been identified as an oncogene in most solid tumors via regulating gene expression or alternative splicing of genes by binding both DNA and pre-mRNA. However, how hnRNP K affects tumorigenesis and regulates the gene expression in cervical cancer (CESC) remains to be elucidated. In these data, higher expression of hnRNP K was observed in CESC and was negatively correlated with the patient survival time. We then overexpressed hnRNP K (hnRNP K-OE) and found that its overexpression promoted cell proliferation in HeLa cells ( P = 0.0052). Next, global transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments were conducted to explore gene expression and alternative splicing profiles regulated by hnRNP K. It is shown that upregulated genes by hnRNP K-OE were associated with inflammatory response and an apoptotic process of neuron cells, which involves in cancer. In addition, the alternative splicing of those genes regulated by hnRNP K-OE was associated with transcriptional regulation. Analysis of the binding features of dysregulated transcription factors (TFs) in the promoter region of the inflammatory response genes regulated by hnRNP K revealed that hnRNP K may modulate the expression level of genes related to inflammatory response by influencing the alternative splicing of TFs. Among these hnRNP K-TFs-inflammatory gene regulatory networks, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) experiments and gene silencing were conducted to verify the hnRNP K-IRF1-CCL5 axis. In conclusion, the hnRNP K-TFs-inflammatory gene regulatory axis provides a novel molecular mechanism for hnRNP K in promoting CESC and offers a new therapeutic target.
Ultra-local model-free speed prediction control based on high-order sliding mode compensation for PMSM drives
Authors: Chen Guiming , Xu Lingliang
Published: July 2022

The model predictive control (MPC) is widely used in permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) motion systems because of its simple structure, easy implementation, and reasonable control effect to realize accurate speed tracking. However, MPC relies on the mathematical model of a PMSM. During motor operation, parameter drifts will occur and the model will be mismatched. Furthermore, motor operation may be affected by known and unknown disturbances, resulting in a degraded control performance. To solve this problem, ultra-local model-free speed prediction control (MFSPC), based on high-order sliding mode compensation (HOSMC), is proposed. Only the output and input of the speed loop are used to establish MFSPC and no system parameters are considered. HOSMC shows good control performance under nonlinearity and is not sensitive to parameter changes and external disturbances, which improves the robustness and anti-interference performance of the control system. Therefore, the current output is composed of two parts: an MFSPC output current and an HOSMC output current. The experimental results show that the method has strong robustness and anti-interference ability, and it can achieve a rapid dynamic response, track rated speed, reduce current and speed ripples, and suppress chattering.
Positive Cognitive Reappraisal in Stress Resilience, Mental Health, and Well-Being: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Riepenhausen Antje , Wackerhagen Carolin , Reppmann Zala C. , Deter Hans-Christian , Kalisch Raffael , Veer Ilya M. , Walter Henrik
Published: July 2022

Stress-related psychopathology is on the rise, and there is a pressing need for improved prevention strategies. Positive appraisal style, the tendency to appraise potentially threatening situations in a positive way, has been proposed to act as a key resilience mechanism and therefore offers a potential target for preventive approaches. In this article, we review n  =  99 studies investigating associations of positive cognitive reappraisal, an important sub-facet of positive appraisal style, with outcome-based resilience and relevant other outcomes, which are considered resilience-related. According to the studies reviewed, positive cognitive reappraisal moderates the relation between stressors and negative outcomes and is positively related to several resilience-related outcomes. It also mediates between other resilience factors and resilience, suggesting it is a proximal resilience factor.
Trust your gut: The human microbiome
Authors: Lawton Tessa
Published: July 2022

All mucosal surfaces of the human body are home to vast, complex communities of microbial organisms. These multitudes of non-pathological microbes are otherwise known as the human ‘microbiome’. It is only in recent years with developments in genome coding, that we are beginning to comprehend the significance of the microbiome on host physiology and disease. These microbes, once considered malevolent, have now become high profile in the media. The phrases ‘gut health’ and ‘microbiome’ are referred to across a range of industries and social media. This surge in interest may signal the potential for exciting developments and novel therapies. However, with such burgeoning public interest come new areas of debate, misinformation, and unanswered questions. This article provides an overview of: what the microbiome is, its function, its impact on disease and areas of ongoing research. This may enable clinicians to give evidence-based information to patients presenting with questions in practice.
A pilot study on deep learning-based grading of corners of vertebral bodies for assessment of radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Koo Bon San , Lee Jae Joon , Jung Jae-Woo , Kang Chang Ho , Joo Kyung Bin , Kim Tae-Hwan , Lee Seunghun
Published: July 2022

Background:

Radiographs are widely used to evaluate radiographic progression with modified stoke ankylosing spondylitis spinal score (mSASSS).

Objective:

This pilot study aimed to develop a deep learning model for grading the corners of the cervical and lumbar vertebral bodies for computer-aided detection of mSASSS in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods:

Digital radiographic examination of the spine was performed using Discovery XR656 (GE Healthcare) and Digital Diagnost (Philips). The disk points were detected between the bodies using a key-point detection deep learning model from the image obtained in DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) format from the cervical and lumbar spinal radiographs. After cropping the vertebral regions around the disk point, the lower and upper corners of the vertebral bodies were classified as grade 3 (total bony bridges) or grades 0, 1, or 2 (non-bridges). We trained a convolutional neural network model to predict the grades in the lower and upper corners of the vertebral bodies. The performance of the model was evaluated in a validation set, which was separate from the training set.

Results:

Among 1280 patients with AS for whom mSASSS data were available, 5,083 cervical and 5245 lumbar lateral radiographs were reviewed. The total number of corners where mSASSS was measured in the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, including the upper and lower corners, was 119,414. Among them, the number of corners in the training and validation sets was 110,088 and 9326, respectively. The mean accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for mSASSS scoring in one corner of the vertebral body were 0.91604, 0.80288, and 0.94244, respectively.

Conclusion:

A high-performance deep learning model for grading the corners of the vertebral bodies was developed for the first time. This model must be improved and further validated to develop a computer-aided tool for assessing mSASSS in the future.
Association between body mass index in the first half of pregnancy and gestational diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Rahnemaei Fatemeh Alsadat , Abdi Fatemeh , Kazemian Elham , Shaterian Negar , Shaterian Negin , Behesht Aeen Fatemeh
Published: July 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a more common complication in pregnancy and rising worldwide and screening for treating gestational diabetes mellitus is an opportunity for preventing its complications. Abnormal body mass index is the cause of many complications in pregnancy that is one of the major and modifiable risk factors in pregnancy too. This systematic review aimed to define the association between body mass index in the first half of pregnancy (before 20 weeks of gestation) and gestational diabetes mellitus. Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar databases were systematically explored for articles published until April 31, 2022. Participation, exposure, comparators, outcomes, study design criteria include pregnant women (P), body mass index (E), healthy pregnant women (C), gestational diabetes mellitus (O), and study design (cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional). Newcastle–Ottawa scale checklists were used to report the quality of the studies. Eighteen quality studies were analyzed. A total of 41,017 pregnant women were in the gestational diabetes mellitus group and 285,351 pregnant women in the normal glucose tolerance group. Studies have reported an association between increased body mass index and gestational diabetes mellitus. Women who had a higher body mass index in the first half of pregnancy were at higher risk for gestational diabetes mellitus. In the first half of pregnancy, body mass index can be used as a reliable and available risk factor to assess gestational diabetes mellitus, especially in some situations where the pre-pregnancy body mass index is not available.
Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among health care providers in public hospitals of Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gashawbeza Biruk , Ezo Elias
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

To assess prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among health care providers in public hospitals of Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods:

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from August 1 to September 10, 2021. The total sample size was 470 and a multi-stage sampling technique was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and taking Anthropometric measurements. Epi data version 3.1 for data entry and SPSS version 25 for analysis were used. The fitness of the model was checked using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test. A binary logistic regression analysis was done, and variables with a p-value of less than .025 in univariate analysis were taken to bivariate analysis. Statistically significant was declared at a p-value of less than .05 with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Results:

The 1-year prevalence of low back pain among health care providers was 44.2% (95% CI 39.5–48.3). Past medical history of systemic illness, most commonly adopted posture, a job never requiring repeating motions within 60 s difference, belief that working health profession activities at night aggravate low back pain, and job satisfaction were significantly associated with low back pain, believing that working at night aggravated low back pain, (often lift, push, pull carry or move) more than 10 kg alone, and job satisfaction were important risk factors for low back pain.

Conclusion:

About four in 10 health care providers in public hospitals in the Gamo zone were suffering from low back pain. Therefore, using ergonomic equipment and lifting techniques and alternating posture while caring for patients may reduce the burden.
Incidental optic nerve sheath arachnoid cyst: A rare case finding with literature review
Authors: Touarsa Firdaous , El Ouali Ibtissam , Elkettani Najwa , Fikri Meriem , Jiddane Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Arachnoid cysts are the most common benign cystic abnormalities formed due to congenital splitting of the arachnoid layer. They comprise 1% of intracranial masses, and the orbital location is even more rarely reported in history especially in the pediatric population. They might be discovered as an asymptomatic finding on imaging performed for a concomitant condition or, in most reported cases, as a result of ophthalmic impairment. They can be isolated or associated with gliomas, neurofibromas, empty sella syndrome, and frontotemporal porencephalic cysts. Computed tomography scan shows a non-enhancing liquid cystic lesion, and magnetic resonance imaging remains the best assessment tool confirming the similarity of the fluid to cerebrospinal fluid and evaluating the optic nerves. Herein, we report the case of an incidental discovery of an intraorbital arachnoid cyst on magnetic resonance imaging in a 53-year-old woman with a history of epilepsy. No treatment was performed as the cystic formation was asymptomatic.
A personalized mobile app for physical activity: An experimental mixed-methods study
Authors: Tong Huong Ly , Quiroz Juan C , Kocaballi Ahmet Baki , Ijaz Kiran , Coiera Enrico , Chow Clara K , Laranjo Liliana
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To investigate the feasibility of the be.well app and its personalization approach which regularly considers users’ preferences, amongst university students.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods, pre-post experiment, where participants used the app for 2 months. Eligibility criteria included: age 18–34 years; owning an iPhone with Internet access; and fluency in English. Usability was assessed by a validated questionnaire; engagement metrics were reported. Changes in physical activity were assessed by comparing the difference in daily step count between baseline and 2 months. Interviews were conducted to assess acceptability; thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Twenty-three participants were enrolled in the study (mean age = 21.9 years, 71.4% women). The mean usability score was 5.6 ± 0.8 out of 7. The median daily engagement time was 2 minutes. Eighteen out of 23 participants used the app in the last month of the study. Qualitative data revealed that people liked the personalized activity suggestion feature as it was actionable and promoted user autonomy. Some users also expressed privacy concerns if they had to provide a lot of personal data to receive highly personalized features. Daily step count increased after 2 months of the intervention (median difference = 1953 steps/day, p-value <.001, 95% CI 782 to 3112).

Conclusions

Incorporating users’ preferences in personalized advice provided by a physical activity app was considered feasible and acceptable, with preliminary support for its positive effects on daily step count. Future randomized studies with longer follow up are warranted to determine the effectiveness of personalized mobile apps in promoting physical activity.
Searching for the Dimensions of Today’s Political Incivility
Authors: Bentivegna Sara , Rega Rossella
Published: July 2022

Incivility in public discourse is a central concern for scholars and citizens alike. However, the definitions of the concept offered by scholars are dissimilar and difficult to compare. This research, which adopts an approach based on citizens’ perceptions of incivility, addresses this issue by empirically testing a three-dimensional model of political incivility. The findings of a survey of 797 students to track differences in perceptions of specific types of uncivil speech show that political incivility consists of a three-dimensional concept, that is, incivility as “impoliteness,” as “individual delegitimization,” and as “institutional delegitimization.” Future studies can use this model to corroborate these results and verify whether this composition of the concept holds up in other contexts.
How Social Infrastructures of Care and Solidarity Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reflection from Community Networks of the Baan Mankong Programme in Thailand
Authors: Wungpatcharapon Supreeya , Pérez-Castro Brenda
Published: July 2022

Low-income citizens in urban areas have been highly vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak around the world. The pandemic has revealed and deepened the unequal distribution of resources, as well as the inability of national, state and local governments to respond to such crises. In Thailand, the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) supported the community networks associated with their collective housing credit programme, Baan Mankong. CODI not only put a 3-month moratorium on Baan Mankong, but also released an urgent COVID-19 relief fund of $4.5 million, for communities under the same programme, nationwide. There were 228 initiatives proposed by the urban poor networks, which received approximately $2.2 million, implemented between April and September 2020. Community kitchens, community-run shops, community gardens, income-generation activities, and online and offline community markets are among the activities—along with diverse mechanisms to manage them collectively—devised by the community groups to respond to the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. Drawing on information from online surveys, focus group discussions and case studies, this article highlights the mechanisms used and outcomes achieved by these community initiatives. More importantly, the article points at how the underlying social infrastructures of care and solidarity embedded in the community networks actively participating in Baan Mankong were crucial to cope with COVID-19 and constitute the basis for long-term rehabilitation and further development of low-income communities in Thailand.
Steady-state visual evoked potentials in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: associations with behavioral rating scales and impact of psychostimulant medication
Authors: Lalancette Eve , Charlebois-Poirier Audrey-Rose , Agbogba Kristian , Knoth Inga Sophia , Jones Emily J. H. , Mason Luke , Perreault Sébastien , Lippé Sarah
Published: July 2022

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder often associated with cognitive dysfunctions, including a high occurrence of deficits in visuoperceptual skills. The neural underpinnings of these visuoperceptual deficits are not fully understood. We used steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) to investigate possible alterations in the synchronization of neural activity in the occipital cortex of children with NF1.

Methods

SSVEPs were measured using electroencephalography and compared between children with NF1 (n = 28) and neurotypical controls (n = 28) aged between 4 and 13 years old. SSVEPs were recorded during visual stimulation with coloured icons flickering at three different frequencies (6 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz) and analyzed in terms of signal-to-noise ratios. A mixed design ANCOVA was performed to compare SSVEP responses between groups at the three stimulation frequencies. Pearson’s correlations with levels of intellectual functioning as well as with symptoms of ADHD, ASD and emotional/behavioral problems were performed. The impact of psychostimulant medication on the SSVEP responses was analyzed in a subset of the NF1 group (n = 8) with paired t-tests.

Results

We observed reduced signal-to-noise ratios of the SSVEP responses in children with NF1. The SSVEP responses were negatively correlated with symptoms of inattention and with symptoms of emotional/behavioral problems in the NF1 group. The SSVEP response generated by the lowest stimulation frequency (i.e., 6 Hz) was rescued with the intake of psychostimulant medication.

Conclusions

Impaired processing of rhythmic visual stimulation was evidenced in children with NF1 through measures of SSVEP responses. Those responses seem to be more reduced in children with NF1 who exhibit more symptoms of inattention and emotional/behavioral problems in their daily life. SSVEPs are potentially sensitive electrophysiological markers that could be included in future studies investigating the impact of medication on brain activity and cognitive functioning in children with NF1.
Italian reference rivers under the Water Framework Directive umbrella: do natural factors actually depict the observed nutrient conditions?
Authors: Erba Stefania , Buffagni Andrea , Cazzola Marcello , Balestrini Raffaella
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite the efforts made in the last century to counteract the nutrient enrichment from diffuse and point-sources, the excess of nitrogen and phosphorous is among the main causes of degradation of European rivers. In this context, determining natural background concentrations of nutrients in rivers is crucial for a correct definition of their ecological status. In the most anthropized regions, this is a difficult task. This study provides a nation-wide assessment of the nutrient concentration variability between Italian river reference sites.

Results

We applied the Affinity Propagation technique to identify groups of river sites classified as reference based on measured nutrients and oxygen water saturation. The role of natural and anthropogenic factors determining differences in nutrients concentration between groups of sites was explored. Nitrate concentrations varied from 0.01 mg N l−1to more than 5 mg N l−1. Ammonia and total phosphorous varied between 0.001 and 0.12 mg l−1. Observed nutrient levels, although in line with those identified for reference sites in other countries, largely exceed the ranges reported for natural basins. Atmospheric deposition of inorganic N and artificial and/or high-impact agricultural land use are the major factors determining differences in nutrient concentration. Factors like, e.g. catchment size, precipitation amount and altitude do not play a relevant role in explaining nutrient differences between groups of reference sites.

Conclusions

We especially focused on (i) major causes of failure in the selection of appropriate reference sites in Italy; (ii) the potential of setting higher NO3-N thresholds for the classification of ecological status in specific areas, and (iii) the prospective of a regionalization approach, in which human effects are accepted to a low degree for reference site selection or when setting thresholds for peculiar geographical areas.
ccImpute: an accurate and scalable consensus clustering based algorithm to impute dropout events in the single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Malec Marcin , Kurban Hasan , Dalkilic Mehmet
Published: July 2022

Background

In recent years, the introduction of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled the analysis of a cell’s transcriptome at an unprecedented granularity and processing speed. The experimental outcome of applying this technology is a $$M \times N$$

M
×
N

matrix containing aggregated mRNA expression counts of M genes and N cell samples. From this matrix, scientists can study how cell protein synthesis changes in response to various factors, for example, disease versus non-disease states in response to a treatment protocol. This technology’s critical challenge is detecting and accurately recording lowly expressed genes. As a result, low expression levels tend to be missed and recorded as zero - an event known as dropout. This makes the lowly expressed genes indistinguishable from true zero expression and different than the low expression present in cells of the same type. This issue makes any subsequent downstream analysis difficult.

Results

To address this problem, we propose an approach to measure cell similarity using consensus clustering and demonstrate an effective and efficient algorithm that takes advantage of this new similarity measure to impute the most probable dropout events in the scRNA-seq datasets. We demonstrate that our approach exceeds the performance of existing imputation approaches while introducing the least amount of new noise as measured by clustering performance characteristics on datasets with known cell identities.

Conclusions

ccImpute is an effective algorithm to correct for dropout events and thus improve downstream analysis of scRNA-seq data. ccImpute is implemented in R and is available at https://github.com/khazum/ccImpute.
Poly(a) selection introduces bias and undue noise in direct RNA-sequencing
Authors: Viscardi Marcus J. , Arribere Joshua A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Genome-wide RNA-sequencing technologies are increasingly critical to a wide variety of diagnostic and research applications. RNA-seq users often first enrich for mRNA, with the most popular enrichment method being poly(A) selection. In many applications it is well-known that poly(A) selection biases the view of the transcriptome by selecting for longer tailed mRNA species.

Results

Here, we show that poly(A) selection biases Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing. As expected, poly(A) selection skews sequenced mRNAs toward longer poly(A) tail lengths. Interestingly, we identify a population of mRNAs (> 10% of genes’ mRNAs) that are inconsistently captured by poly(A) selection due to highly variable poly(A) tails, and demonstrate this phenomenon in our hands and in published data. Importantly, we show poly(A) selection is dispensable for Oxford Nanopore’s direct RNA-seq technique, and demonstrate successful library construction without poly(A) selection, with decreased input, and without loss of quality.

Conclusions

Our work expands the utility of direct RNA-seq by validating the use of total RNA as input, and demonstrates important technical artifacts from poly(A) selection that inconsistently skew mRNA expression and poly(A) tail length measurements.
Living with frailty and haemodialysis: a qualitative study
Authors: Young Hannah M. L. , Ruddock Nicki , Harrison Mary , Goodliffe Samantha , Lightfoot Courtney J. , Mayes Juliette , Nixon Andrew C. , Greenwood Sharlene A. , Conroy Simon , Singh Sally J. , Burton James O. , Smith Alice C. , Eborall Helen
Published: July 2022

Background

Frailty is highly prevalent in people receiving haemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor outcomes. Understanding the lived experiences of this group is essential to inform holistic care delivery.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with N = 25 prevalent adults receiving HD from 3 HD units in the UK. Eligibility criteria included a Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) score of 4–7 and a history of at least one fall in the last 6 months. Sampling began guided by maximum variation sampling to ensure diversity in frailty status; subsequently theoretical sampling enabled exploration of preliminary themes. Analysis was informed by constructivist grounded theory; later we drew upon the socioecological model.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 69 ± 10 years, 13 were female, and 13 were White British. 14 participants were vulnerable or mildly frail (CFS 4–5), and 11 moderately or severely frail (CFS 6–7). Participants characterised frailty as weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, pain and sleep disturbance arising from multiple long-term conditions. Participants’ accounts revealed: the consequences of frailty (variable function and psychological ill-health at the individual level; increasing reliance upon family at the interpersonal level; burdensome health and social care interactions at the organisational level; reduced participation at the community level; challenges with financial support at the societal level); coping strategies (avoidance, vigilance, and resignation); and unmet needs (overprotection from family and healthcare professionals, transactional health and social care exchanges).

Conclusions

The implementation of a holistic needs assessment, person-centred health and social care systems, greater family support and enhancing opportunities for community participation may all improve outcomes and experience. An approach which encompasses all these strategies, together with wider public health interventions, may have a greater sustained impact.

Trial registration

ISRCTN12840463.