bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19's Impact in Long‐Term Care Facilities: The Health and Coping Strategies of Older Adults and Their Families
Authors: Cohen Christine , Abt Maryline , Bélanger Louise , Ortoleva Bucher Claudia
Published: October 2024

Aim

Describe the stressors that long‐term care facility (LTCF) residents and their family members were exposed to during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the resources they mobilised to cope with them, and the strategies used by professionals to support them.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design study.

Method

Between March 2021 and February 2022, we carried out semi‐structured interviews with 8 LTCF residents, 11 family members, and 6 focus groups made up of healthcare and support staff from 8 LTCFs.

Results

Three themes emerged: (1) residents and family members: separated and suffering, (2) residents and family members: reinventing themselves, and (3) staff: attempts to maintain residents' well‐being.

Conclusion

LTCF Residents' and their family members' exposure to the various stressors linked to the COVID‐19 pandemic generated suffering. Healthcare and support staff implemented strategies to support them, notably to maintain links between them. Some deep reflection must occur on the concepts of LTCF residents' autonomy and self‐determination when implementing protective measures in future pandemic situations.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

This study has provided new insights into the nature of the stressors faced by LTCF residents and their families, and the measures implemented by professionals to support them. The role of the families of LTCF residents needs to be better recognised. Our results indicate the importance of involving nurses in discussions on patient autonomy and self‐determination when implementing protective measures (in a pandemic situation).

Impact

Exploring the nature of the stressors experienced by LTCF residents and their families enables professionals to tailor strategies to support them. Maintaining residents' self‐determination is essential when implementing protective measures. Families involved with residents must be recognised and included in the assessment of stressors and the personalisation and implementation of strategies to support LTCF residents.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Psychometric properties of the revised internalized skin bias questionnaire
Authors: Butt Melissa , Singh Pritika , Keeler Amanda , Hollins L. Claire , Kirby Joslyn S. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Rigby Andrea
Published: October 2024

Background

The psychological impacts of skin disease are well documented, with patients reporting increased anxiety, depression and poorer quality of life. More recent studies suggest that adverse psychopathology is associated with re‐direction of skin‐disease‐related social stigma towards oneself or internalized skin bias (ISB).

Objectives

To refine the Internalized Skin Bias Questionnaire (ISBQ) to reflect the construct of ISB with additional skin‐specific biases as well as to evaluate its psychometric properties in a diverse sample of individuals with various skin conditions.

Methods

Two‐part observational design including consensus‐building surveys among a dermatology expert group and a cross‐sectional survey among participants with self‐reported dermatological conditions to assess instrument psychometric properties. Eligible participants completed an online survey comprised of the revised ISBQ (ISBQ‐R), the Questionnaire on Experiences with Skin Diseases‐Short Form (QES‐SF), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and the Burns Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Results

Overall, 33 experts participated including 22 (66.7%) dermatologists or dermatology researchers and 11 (33.3%) patients. Except for three items in the first round, all items received high agreement for inclusion from the expert group. The revised survey was completed by 214 participants who identified mostly as female (n = 185; 86.9%), White (n = 182; 85.5%) and non‐Hispanic/Latino (n = 200; 93.4%). Adding and modifying new items resulted in an instrument with stronger internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and a stronger correlation with other existing stigma measures (QES‐SF; ρ = 0.72).

Conclusions

The ISBQ‐R is a modified instrument with stronger internal consistency and a stronger correlation with other existing stigma measures. Additionally, the study further expanded upon previous research by exploring a two‐factor structure, suggesting that the ISBQ‐R could be used as a single‐ or a dual‐factor instrument depending on investigator goals.
Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study on Chairside‐Fabricated Partial Crowns: 5‐Year Results for Lithia‐Zirconia Glass–Ceramic Restorations
Authors: Rinke Sven , Reinermann Emanuel , Leha Andreas , Roediger Matthias , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Clinical evaluation of chairside‐fabricated lithia‐zirconia glass–ceramic (LZGC) partial crowns (CCPCs) in a multicenter practice‐based study.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐one patients were restored with 92 adhesively luted CCPCs (Cerec SW 4.2/Cerec MC XL/Celtra Duo) in three private dental clinics (C1–C3). Time‐dependent (Kaplan–Meier) survival rates (SVR) and success rates (SCR) were calculated. The following possible covariates of SVRs and SCRs were evaluated in a Cox regression model: Restoration position (premolar/molar), luting material (Variolink/Calibra), and operator (C1–C3).

Results

Seventy‐three CCPCs were placed in 59 patients and were included in the study (mean observational period: 58.0 ± 15 months). Four complete failures (two tooth fractures, one restoration fracture, and one endodontic failure) were recorded. All failures and interventions occurred in one of the three centers (5‐year SCR: C1 + C2: 100%; C3: 71%; 95% confidence interval: [0.55; 0.87]). Additionally, three biological, and two technical complications required clinical intervention to maintain function, and all occurred in C3. Restorations placed in C1 and C2 showed a significantly reduced risk for failure/intervention (hazard ratio = 0.103, p = 0.026) compared with restorations placed in C3.

Conclusions

LZGC CCPCs showed good five‐year clinical performance. However, SVRs and SCRs were significantly influenced by the operator. Additional clinical data are required for a more detailed investigation of this effect.
Comparison of 4‐week versus 8‐week dietitian‐led FODMAP diet group education sessions in tertiary care clinical practice for irritable bowel syndrome: A service evaluation
Authors: Martin Lee D. , Patel Pinal S.
Published: October 2024

Background

The implementation of the fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be effectively delivered by dietitians in group settings. The initial FODMAP restriction phase is recommended to be followed for 4 weeks; however, limited efficacy data exist for 4‐week FODMAP restriction in group education clinical practice.

Methods

We aimed to compare 4‐week versus 8‐week FODMAP group treatment pathways on clinical outcomes using a prospective service evaluation design of IBS patients attending FODMAP restriction (baseline) and reintroduction (follow‐up) group sessions (between 2015 and 2019). Clinical outcomes included global symptom question (GSQ) measuring satisfactory relief, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), stool frequency (SF), stool consistency using Bristol stool form scale (BSFS), diet acceptability, patient satisfaction with group sessions and dietary adherence. Logistic regression was used to test for differences in treatment effects when clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Patients (n = 284) included were aged 18 to 86 years (mean ± SD [standard deviation], 44.6 ± 15.5), 80% female, and were split into 4‐week (41%, 117/284) versus 8‐week (59%, 167/284) pathways with no differences in baseline characteristics. Mean ± SD time gap between baseline and follow‐up was 4.6 ± 0.9 weeks in the 4‐week pathway and 9.6 ± 3.3 weeks in the 8‐week pathway. When groups were compared at follow‐up, no statistical differences were observed in any measures (GSQ, GSRS, SF, BSFS, dietary adherence, diet acceptability and patient satisfaction).

Conclusion

A 4‐week dietitian‐led group FODMAP treatment pathway is as clinically effective and maintains patient acceptability when compared to 8‐weeks and should be considered as part of routine clinical practice.
Hospital Experiences of Carers in Relation to the Comprehensive Care Standard: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Xiong Beibei , Stirling Christine , Bailey Daniel X. , Trinh Emmy , Zeng Ziyinyue , Martin‐Khan Melinda
Published: October 2024

Aims

To explore the care experiences of informal carers of people with chronic conditions in hospitals and identify areas for improvement in the context of comprehensive care delivery.

Design

A explanatory sequential mixed‐method study.

Methods

This study was conducted, involving a survey with 182 carers and interviews with 31 carers of individuals who attended an Australian hospital. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data was performed using RStudio, while thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted using NVivo.

Results

The findings revealed seven overarching components of care that influenced carers' hospital experiences and their perceptions of care quality. Areas requiring improvement were identified within these categories.

Conclusion

This review identifies common perspectives of informal carers of people with chronic conditions in hospital settings and highlights important areas that require attention to improve carers' hospital care experiences. Carers should be welcomed, involved, informed and supported during hospital attendance to foster the most positive care experiences.

Implications

Healthcare professionals should involve carers in assessment, shared decision‐making and the care process and recognise and address carers' needs.

Impact

The findings revealed the carer's hospital experiences in the context of comprehensive care delivery and identified areas requiring improvement.

Reporting Method

The CROSS and the COREQ guidelines were followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study protocol was presented to stakeholders from two hospitals in Australia, a Patient and Carer Advisory Board (attached to the parent project: evaluating Quality of Care (eQC)) and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and discussions were held to assess the relevance and significance of this study to clinical practice and health policy.
Long‐Term Study on the Fluctuation of Self‐Reported Awake Bruxism in a Cohort of Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Colonna Anna , Lobbezoo Frank , Bracci Alessandro , Ferrari Marco , Val Matteo , Manfredini Daniele
Published: October 2024

Background

The introduction of a smartphone‐based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach has allowed achieving data on the frequency of different awake bruxism (AB) behaviours (i.e., teeth contact, teeth clenching, teeth grinding, and mandible bracing) reported by an individual in the natural environment.

Study Objectives

The fluctuation of AB reports over time has a certain degree of variability that has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to assess the long‐term fluctuation of AB behaviours in a population of young adults.

Methods

A smartphone application was used to assess a real‐time report on five specific oral conditions related to AB in a sample of 77 young adults, aged 24.0 ± 0.8 years. Data were recorded over three periods of 7 days, with a three‐month interval for a total of 6 months.

Results

The average frequency of the relaxed condition was 72.9%, 78.2%, and 80.8% at the end of the first, second, and third sessions, respectively. On average, teeth contact and mandible bracing were the most frequently reported conditions, with a mean prevalence of 12.9% and 7%, respectively, whilst the frequency of teeth clenching and teeth grinding was less than 3%. The ANOVA test showed an absence of significant differences (p < 0.05) between the three recording periods, and the frequency was in general only moderately variable from day‐to‐day (e.g., the coefficient of variation (CV) for the condition “relaxed jaw muscles” was 0.3). No gender differences were detected either.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that in a population of healthy individuals, the frequency of AB behaviours over a six‐month monitoring period is quite constant. This investigation represents a standpoint for future comparisons on the study of natural fluctuations of AB behaviours as well as on AB frequency in populations with risk/associated factors and possible clinical consequences.
Bruxism and Sleep Disorders in Patients Diagnosed With Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorder Using Antidepressants
Authors: Avan Gizem Nur Pala , Erdoğan Ali , Cinemre Buket , Kulaksızoğlu Burak , Metin Özmen
Published: October 2024

Objective

To investigate the frequency of bruxism, factors associated with bruxism and sleep disorders in patients diagnosed with depressive disorder and anxiety disorder who use antidepressants.

Methods

A total of 273 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorder or depression who had been using antidepressants for at least 1 month were included, along with 273 healthy control groups. The patient and control groups completed a sociodemographic data form, Epworth Daytime Sleepiness Scale (EDSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a bruxism questionnaire. Additionally, the clinician confirmed the diagnosis of bruxism through a clinical interview.

Results

Bruxism was detected in 73.3% of the patient group and 28.2% of the control group (p < 0.001). The most commonly used antidepressants among patients were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram and sertraline. Within the patient group, individuals with bruxism had higher family history rates of teeth grinding (p = 0.034), PSQI scores (p < 0.001) and EDSS scores (p < 0.001) compared to those without bruxism. Positive correlations were found between the presence of bruxism and PSQI (p < 0.001) scores as well as EDSS scores (p < 0.001) in both the patient group and all participants. Regression analysis conducted on the entire sample revealed that family history rates of teeth grinding (p < 0.001), antidepressant use (p < 0.001) and PSQI score (p = 0.004) were associated with bruxism.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that a majority of patients diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorders may experience bruxism, particularly those using SSRI‐type antidepressants. Furthermore, individuals with bruxism may have poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness tendencies.
Cultural and linguistic diversity is associated with increased inter‐dialytic weight gain among patients on long‐term haemodialysis
Authors: Blessan Asha , Zimbudzi Edward
Published: October 2024

Background

Factors associated with suboptimal interdialytic weight gain have long been established. However, the influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on interdialytic weight gain among patients receiving haemodialysis is not well‐understood.

Objective

This study examined the relationship between interdialytic weight gain and cultural and linguistic diversity among patients receiving haemodialysis.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Participants and Measurements

Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records of patients receiving haemodialysis at five dialysis units. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with suboptimal interdialytic weight gain.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐nine patients, 62% of whom were female, with mean ± age of 65.8 ± 14.8 years, were studied. Most were from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (60%) and a significant number belonged to the most disadvantaged socioeconomic group. Patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds had significantly higher relative interdialytic weight gain (2.40% ± 1.45%) compared to those from nonculturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (1.83 ± 1.09%) (mean difference: 0.57%, 95% CI: 0.25–0.90, p = 0.001). Being from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds was associated with increased odds of higher relative interdialytic weight gain (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.38–4.17, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Among patients on maintenance haemodialysis, individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds had higher interdialytic weight gain compared to those from nonculturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Future research focusing on co‐developing culturally sensitive interventions to improve self‐management capability of patients on maintenance haemodialysis from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is needed.
Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum GCLP4 Derived From the Gut of Ctenopharyngodon idella Modulates Growth, Digestive Enzymes and Immune‐Biochemical Parameters of Labeo rohita Fingerlings
Authors: Yasmin Rubina , Saharia Pabitra Kumar , Hussain Inam Akhtar , Talukdar Avinash , Baishya Sangipran , Bhagawati Kaustubh , Sarma Dipak kr , Patowary Arnab Narayan , Kalita Kamaleswar , Das Utpal Kumar , Singh Aprajita
Published: October 2024

The present study was carried out to isolate, identify, and characterize bacterial probiotic strain from the gut of Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass carp) and then to study its effect on growth, digestive enzymes and immunity of Labeo rohita fingerlings. A total of 6 gram‐positive bacteria belonging to the genus Lactobacillus spp. (3), Bacillus spp. (2) and Staphylococcus spp. (1), were identified biochemically. Based on the biochemical results, the isolate GCLP4 was selected for molecular confirmation and BLAST analysis showed maximum homology with Lactobacillus plantarum (100% ident). Fish were fed for 60 days with diet containing 0 (T0), 105 (T1), 107 (T2), 109 (T3) cfu/g diet of L. plantarum GCLP4 and 105 (T4) of commercial probiotics. Results shows that supplementation of GCLP4 had significantly (p < 0.05) improve weight gain (%), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of L. rohita with better values in T3 group. The immunological parameters (white blood cell, red blood cell, haemoglobin, total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) with 107 and 109 Lactobacillus GCLP4 cfu/g diet. The digestive enzyme activities (protease, amylase and lipase) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher, particularly, with 109 Lactobacillus GCLP4 cfu/g of diet. All the groups supplemented with GCLP4 including the commercial probiotics have lower (p < 0.05) activities of serum transaminase enzymes along with lower (p < 0.005) level of glucose as compared to the control group. The results of the study collectively suggest that dietary L. plantarum GCLP4 at 109 cfu/g is an effective probiotic obtained from grass carp having potency to promote growth, digestive enzymes and immune‐biochemical indices of L. rohita fingerlings in present culture condition.
Insects as Sustainable Feed: Enhancing Animal Nutrition and Reducing Livestock Environmental Impression
Authors: Fu Chun , Cheema Waqas A. , Mobashar Muhammad , Shah Assar A. , Alqahtani Muhammed M.
Published: October 2024

Insects are emerging as a promising alternative source in animal nutrition, offering high protein content and a low environmental impression compared to traditional feed sources. This abstract explores the potential role of insects in reducing the environmental impact of livestock production. Insects such as black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets are rich in essential nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and so on. They can be efficiently farmed on organic waste streams, contributing to resource efficiency and waste lessening. Additionally, insect farming needs a small quantity of water, less land, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional animal feed production. Despite these benefits, several challenges must be addressed to realize their potential, including regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, production scalability, and ensuring consistent nutritional quality. By overcoming these challenges through research, innovation, and policy support, insects can be integrated into mainstream animal feed systems, significantly reducing the environmental impact of livestock farming and contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future.
Efficient 3D robotic mapping and navigation method in complex construction environments
Authors: Ren Tianyu , Jebelli Houtan
Published: October 2024

Recent advancements in construction robotics have significantly transformed the construction industry by delivering safer and more efficient solutions for handling complex and hazardous tasks. Despite these innovations, ensuring safe robotic navigation in intricate indoor construction environments, such as attics, remains a significant challenge. This study introduces a robust 3‐dimensional (3D) robotic mapping and navigation method specifically tailored for these environments. Utilizing light detection and ranging, simultaneous localization and mapping, and neural networks, this method generates precise 3D maps. It also combines grid‐based pathfinding with deep reinforcement learning to enhance navigation and obstacle avoidance in dynamic and complex construction settings. An evaluation conducted in a simulated attic environment—characterized by various truss structures and continuously changing obstacles—affirms the method's efficacy. Compared to established benchmarks, this method not only achieves over 95% mapping accuracy but also improves navigation accuracy by 10% and boosts both efficiency and safety margins by over 30%.
Post‐mortem interval determinations using insects collected from illegally hunted and dehorned rhinoceros in the Republic of South Africa from 2014 to 2021
Authors: Pienaar Melanie , Dadour Ian R.
Published: October 2024

Wildlife forensic science is a growing research field globally with application in criminal cases of illegal hunting requiring an estimate of time of death based on insect fauna. The techniques and procedures of forensic entomology acquired over the last 40 years, used in legal cases relating to human remains, can be adapted to decomposing wildlife. Research on carrion utilising the rate of development of insect immatures provides a biological clock from which a minimum post‐mortem interval (minPMI) can be derived. The following study concerns 19 rhinoceros that were illegally killed and dehorned in the Republic of South Africa between 2014 and 2021. The paper details 74 samples of insect evidence collected from these rhinoceros remains from which an accurate estimate of their PMI was calculated. The specimens comprised 18 species from 12 families belonging to three insect orders. Many Dipteran and Coleopteran species were found on and around each carcass. The species of fly larvae (family Calliphoridae) used in each case to estimate the PMI are as follows: Chrysomya marginalis (Wiedemann) (13 cases), Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann) (2 cases), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) (1 case) and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (1 case). Two species of Coleoptera from the family Dermestidae and Silphidae involved Dermestes maculatus (DeGeer) and Thanatophilus micans (Fabricius), respectively, also were involved in one PMI estimation each. The paper highlights opportunities for improving our global understanding of gaps in procedures and training related to wildlife criminal cases.
Bariatric surgeries and cardiac structure and function: Systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Qian , Chen Ke‐Ning , Zhang Zu‐Xuan , Zhang Nian‐Rong , Zheng Fang‐Jie‐Yi , Zhou Biao , Meng Hua , Zhang Zhi‐Xin , Niu Wen‐Quan
Published: October 2024

Background

Obesity, a global health problem, is causally implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgeries are effective treatment options for obesity; however, the effectiveness of different bariatric surgeries on cardiac structure and function is not fully understood. We undertook a systematic review and network meta‐analysis to comprehensively assess this effectiveness.

Data source

PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched from their inception until November 11, 2023. Studies that compared bariatric surgeries vis‐à‐vis non‐surgical treatment, placebo, and other bariatric surgeries, as well as reported changes in left ventricular mass or its index (LVM or LVMI) or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), were summarized.

Results

Total 19 studies (17 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials) and 2012 adults were meta‐analyzed. Patients receiving gastric bypass had appreciably lowered LVM (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −43.86 g, 95% confidence interval [CI] −61.09 to −26.63, p < 0.01) and LVMI (standardized mean difference: −0.67, 95% CI −1.03 to −0.32, p < 0.01) compared with other bariatric surgeries. No significant improvement in LVEF was noted across all surgeries. The drop in body mass index was most pronounced for biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (WMD −16.33 kg/m2, 95% CI −21.60 to −11.05, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings of this network meta‐analysis indicated that gastric bypass proved best for the improvement in cardiac structure, and there was no obvious improvement in cardiac function for all bariatric surgeries. Further studies are required to better understand the differing effectiveness of bariatric surgeries on cardiac structure and function and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Dietary calcium intake in relation to metabolic syndrome in adults: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies with GRADE assessment
Authors: Nematbakhsh Roxana , Rouhani Parisa , Saneei Parvane
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies have examined the relationship of calcium intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults in previous decades; but the results were inconsistent across different societies. This systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis assessed the relation between calcium consumption and MetS in adults. We did a systematic search of all articles published up to July 2023 in Scopus, PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science electronic databases, and Google Scholar. Observational studies investigated the association between dietary calcium (Ca) intake and MetS in adults were eligible to be included. For computing the estimates, a random effects model was applied. Combining 24 effect size from 17 investigations (15 cross‐sectional and two cohort studies) with 74,720 participants and 18,200 cases showed that highest versus lowest level of dietary Ca intake was related to 23% significant decreased odds of MetS (OR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.89). Linear dose–response analysis of estimates from 12 investigations showed that each 100 mg/day increment in dietary Ca intake was associated with 3% marginally significant decreased odds in MetS (OR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.93, 1.01). In nonlinear dose–response analysis of 12 studies with 67,896 participants, a significant association between dietary calcium intake and MetS was found (Pnonlinearity <0.001); such that 500 mg/day dietary calcium intake was related to maximum decrease in odds of MetS. According to this meta‐analysis, the likelihood of MetS was significantly lower in adults with higher level of dietary calcium intake. Further large‐scale prospective cohort investigations are needed to obtain stronger and more accurate results.
Stigma of coronavirus disease 2019 among hospitalized children and their parents: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Iijima Hiroyuki , Ishitsuka Kazue , Kubota Mitsuru
Published: October 2024

Background

The stigma associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a global problem that causes psychosomatic distress, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness. However, few studies have investigated the stigma of COVID‐19 and the associated mental health impact on children or parents.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Tokyo, Japan, between November 2021 and October 2022. Children (4–17 years of age) with COVID‐19 and parents of hospitalized children (0–17 years of age) with COVID‐19 were enrolled in the study. Children with special health‐care needs were excluded. The questionnaires on stigma and mental health (depression, anxiety, and loneliness) were administered during hospitalization and at the 1 month follow‐up evaluation after discharge.

Results

During the study period, 47 children and 111 parents were included. Thirty‐eight children (81%) and 105 parents (95%) answered the questionnaires at the 1 month follow up, respectively. Approximately 70% of participants were categorized as a high‐stigma group. In children, subjective stigma was associated with loneliness during hospitalization (mean difference [MD] 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11–4.52) and depression at the 1 month follow up (MD 2.44; 95% CI, 0.40–4.48). In parents, presumed stigma was associated with depression, anxiety, and loneliness at 1 month follow up (MD 2.24, 1.68, and 1.15; 95% CI, 0.58–3.89, 0.11–3.25, and 0.08–2.21).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the stigma associated with COVID‐19 continues to affect mental health for more than a month after discharge, and the effects of stigma on mental health differed between the children and parents.
Life review for older adults: an integrative review
Authors: Jiang Vincent , Galin Alexandra , Lea Xanthe
Published: October 2024

Life review therapy is a form of psychotherapy framework which involves the guided reflection of life events throughout a patient's life journey. Patients are encouraged to actively recall and analyze important life events, both negative and positive. Through this process, patients may be able to come to terms with, or even resolve negative events such as conflicts and regrets. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the current knowledge of the use of life review therapy in older adults, and to identify areas for future research. A systematic literature search was conducted across CINAHL, Medline, PsycInfo, Embase and Scopus. Papers were screened and selected using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria using Covidence and exported into Excel. Data analysis was conducted to synthesise thematic analyses. One hundred and thirty‐one articles from 1974 to 2023 were included in this study and were used to develop four themes: life satisfaction and self‐esteem, depression and depressive symptoms, institutional care and cognitive decline, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma. Life review has some benefit in older adults in certain groups and situations, although the extent and duration of effectiveness of this benefit is unclear. Life review unlikely improves self‐esteem. However, in the short term, life review appears to improve life satisfaction, depression or depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms in the elderly. Life review may be a useful therapeutic tool for older adults with cognitive decline for as long as the intervention continues. Areas for future research are explored.
Identifying power outage hotspots to support risk management planning
Authors: Stødle Kaia , Flage Roger , Guikema Seth D.
Published: October 2024

Secure and reliable power systems are vital for modern societies and economies. While there is a focus in the literature on predicting power outages caused by severe weather events, relatively little literature exists on identifying hot spots, locations where outages occur repeatedly and at a higher rate than expected. Reliably identifying hotspots can provide critical input for risk management efforts by power utilities, helping them to focus scarce resources on the most problematic portions of their system. In this article, we show how existing work on Moran's I spatial statistic can be adapted to identify power outage hotspots based on the types and quantities of data available to utilities in practice. The local Moran's I statistic was calculated on a grid cell level and a set of criteria were used to filter out which grid cells are considered hotspots. The hotspot identification approach utilized in this article is an easy method for utilities to use in practice, and it provides the type of information needed to directly support utility decisions about prioritizing areas of a power system to inspect and potentially reinforce.
Racial‐ethnicity group distributions of blood product use in acute trauma care transfusion
Authors: Wisont Tristan , Liu Zhinan , Kmail Zaher , Stansbury Lynn G. , Theard M. Angele , Vavilala Monica S. , Hess John R.
Published: October 2024

Background

Recent studies suggest Black patients are transfused less often and at lower hemoglobin levels than White patients. In elective surgery, Black and Non‐White patients have greater estimated blood loss and transfusion frequency. We asked whether similar transfusion disparities are observable in acute trauma resuscitation.

Methods

In a single‐center retrospective analysis of trauma registry/blood‐bank‐linked data from a large US trauma center, we identified all acute trauma patients 2011–2022. Our data sources permitted distinction of Race and Ethnicity and therefor binning as Non‐White‐race/not Hispanic plus any‐race/Hispanic or White/not Hispanic. We tallied Injury Severity Scores mild through profound (ISS 1–9, 9–15, 16–25, >25), type (blunt vs. penetrating) and mechanism (firearms, etc.), and associated blood use overall and in the first, first four, and first 24 h, comparing results with chi square, p < .01.

Results

Overall, 50,394 (68.41%) acute trauma patients were classified as White and 23,251 (31.7%) as Other than White. White patients were more likely to receive any blood products (17.8% vs. 11.9%), but, for all measures of urgency/quantity, Non‐White patients were transfused more often (respectively, first 4 h, 51.9% vs. 42.1%; ≥3u/first hour, 18.5% vs. 11.0%; ≥10u/24 h, 8.1% vs. 3.8%) (all p < .001). White patients were far more likely to have blunt injury than Non‐White patients, (77.2% vs. 42.6%), less likely to have penetrating injury (10.1% vs. 14%) and far less likely to be injured by firearms (30.6% vs. 56.9%) (all p < .001).

Conclusions

At our center, blood use in acute trauma resuscitation was associated with injury severity and mechanism, not race/ethnicity.
Examining the upper frequency limit of dynamic cerebral autoregulation: Considerations across the cardiac cycle during eucapnia
Authors: Burma Joel S. , Neill Matthew G. , Fletcher Elizabeth K. S. , Dennett Brooke E. , Johnson Nathan E. , Javra Raelyn , Griffiths James K. , Smirl Jonathan D.
Published: October 2024

There are differences within the literature regarding the upper frequency cut‐off point of the dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) high‐pass filter. The projection pursuit regression approach has demonstrated that the upper frequency limit is ∼0.07 Hz, whereas another approach [transfer function analysis (TFA) phase approaching zero] indicated a theoretical upper frequency limit for the high‐pass filter of 0.24 Hz. We investigated how these limits accurately represent the CA upper frequency limit, in addition to extending earlier findings with respect to biological sexes and across the cardiac cycle. Sixteen participants (nine females and seven males) performed repeated squat–stand manoeuvres at frequencies of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 Hz, with insonation of the middle and posterior cerebral arteries. Linear regression modelling with adjustment for sex and order of squat completion was used to compared TFA gain and phase with 0.25 Hz (above the theoretical limit of CA). The upper frequency limit of CA with TFA gain was within the range of 0.05–0.10 Hz, whereas TFA phase was within the range of 0.20–0.25 Hz, and consistent between vessels, between sexes and across the cardiac cycle. Females displayed greater middle cerebral artery gain compared with males (all P < 0.047), and no phase differences were present (all P > 0.072). Although sex‐specific differences were present for specific TFA metrics at a given frequency, the upper frequency limit of autoregulation was similar between cerebral conduit vessels, cardiac cycle phase and biological sex. Future work is warranted to determine whether an upper frequency limit exists with respect to hysteresis analyses.
Investigating the effects of artificial baroreflex stimulation on pain perception: A comparative study in no‐pain and chronic low back pain individuals
Authors: Venezia Alessandra , Fawsitt‐Jones Harriet , Hohenschurz‐Schmidt David , Mancini Matteo , Howard Matthew , Makovac Elena
Published: October 2024

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and pain exhibit a reciprocal relationship, where acute pain triggers ANS responses, whereas resting ANS activity can influence pain perception. Nociceptive signalling can also be altered by ‘top‐down’ processes occurring in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord, known as ‘descending modulation’. By employing the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm, we previously revealed a connection between reduced low‐frequency heart rate variability and CPM. Individuals with chronic pain often experience both ANS dysregulation and impaired CPM. Baroreceptors, which contribute to blood pressure and heart rate variability regulation, may play a significant role in this relationship, although their involvement in pain perception and their functioning in chronic pain have not been sufficiently explored. In the present study, we combined artificial ‘baroreceptor stimulation’ in both pressure pain and CPM paradigms, seeking to explore the role of baroreceptors in pain perception and descending modulation. In total, 22 individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and 29 individuals with no‐pain (NP) took part in the present study. We identified a differential modulation of baroreceptor stimulation on pressure pain between the groups of NP and CLBP participants. Specifically, NP participants perceived less pain in response to baroreflex activation, whereas CLBP participants exhibited increased pain sensitivity. CPM scores were associated with baseline measures of baroreflex sensitivity in both CLBP and NP participants. Our data support the importance of the baroreflex in chronic pain and a possible mechanism of dysregulation involving the interaction between the ANS and descending pain modulation.

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Key points

Baroreflex stimulation has different effects on pressure pain in participants with chronic pain compared to matched individuals with no‐pain.

Baroreceptor activation decreases pain in participants with no‐pain but increases pain perception in participants with chronic pain.

Baroreflex sensitivity is associated with conditioned pain modulation in both groups of chronic pain and no‐pain participants.

The reactivity of the baroreflex during autonomic stress demonstrated a positive correlation with Pain Trait scores in participants with chronic back pain.
Chronic late gestation fetal hyperglucagonaemia results in lower insulin secretion, pancreatic mass, islet area and beta‐ and α‐cell proliferation
Authors: Cilvik Sarah N. , Boehmer Brit , Wesolowski Stephanie R. , Brown Laura D. , Rozance Paul J.
Published: October 2024

Fetal glucagon concentrations are elevated in the presence of a compromised intrauterine environment, as in cases of placental insufficiency and perinatal acidaemia. Our objective was to investigate the impact of late gestation fetal hyperglucagonaemia on in vivo insulin secretion and pancreatic islet structure. Chronically catheterized late gestation fetal sheep received an intravenous infusion of glucagon at low (5 ng/kg/min; GCG‐5) or high (50 ng/kg/min; GCG‐50) concentrations or a vehicle control (CON) for 8–10 days. Glucose‐stimulated fetal insulin secretion (GSIS) was measured following 3 h (acute response) and 8–10 days (chronic response) of experimental infusions. Insulin, glucose and amino acid concentrations were measured longitudinally. The pancreas was collected at the study end for histology and gene expression analysis. Acute exposure (3 h) to GCG‐50 induced a 3‐fold increase in basal insulin concentrations with greater GSIS. Meanwhile, chronic exposure to both GCG‐5 and GCG‐50 decreased basal insulin concentrations 2‐fold by day 8–10. Chronic GCG‐50 also blunted GSIS at the study end. Fetal amino acid concentrations were decreased within 24 h of GCG‐5 and GCG‐50, while there were no differences in fetal glucose. Histologically, GCG‐5 and GCG‐50 had lower β‐ and α‐cell proliferation, as well as lower α‐cell mass and pancreas weight, while GCG‐50 had lower islet area. This study demonstrates that chronic glucagon elevation in late gestation fetuses impairs β‐cell proliferation and insulin secretion, which has the potential to contribute to later‐life diabetes risk. We speculate that the action of glucagon in lower circulating fetal amino acid concentrations may have a suppressive effect on insulin secretion.

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Key points

We have previously demonstrated in a chronically catheterized fetal sheep model that experimentally elevated glucagon in the fetus impairs placental function, reduces fetal protein accretion and lowers fetal weight.

In the present study, we further characterized the effects of elevated fetal glucagon on fetal physiology with a focus on pancreatic development and β‐cell function.

We show that experimentally elevated fetal glucagon results in lower β‐ and α‐cell proliferation, as well as decreased insulin secretion after 8−10 days of glucagon infusion.

These results have important implications for β‐cell reserve and later‐life predisposition to diabetes.
Cooperative Object Transport Via Non-Contact Prehensile Pushing by Magnetic Forces
Authors: Dokuyucu Halil İbrahim , Gürsel Özmen Nurhan
Published: October 2024

Cooperative robot systems are an essential candidate for object transportation solutions. They offer cost-efficient and flexible operation for various types of robotic tasks. The benefits of cooperative robot systems have triggered the improvement of the object transportation field. In this study, a new way of transporting objects by cooperative robots is presented. The proposed method is performed by the pushing action of the magnetic forces of the robots. The permanent magnets mounted on the mobile robots and the cart create this repelling force. The rectangular object carrier cart equipped with passive caster wheels can be manipulated on flat terrains easily and be assigned to carry different shapes of objects. Using a carrier cart has the advantage of eliminating the vertical loads on the robots. Controlling a non-contact pushing method offers a low computational burden since simple velocity and position updates are adequate for operation management. Compared with the other methods of object transportation systems, the non-contact pushing method provides a faster operation with less sensitivity to control errors. Both simulations and real-world experiments are conducted and the performances are given comparatively with a generalized frictional contact object-pushing method. The results show that the proposed method provides 10.48% faster and 20.03% more accurate object transportation compared to the frictional contact method. It is envisioned that the presented method can be a promising candidate for object transportation tasks in the industry.
Numerical Implementation of Electrostatic Solver Within OpenFOAM for Gas Turbine Intake Filtration
Authors: Pinelli Michele , Piovan Mattia , Suman Alessio , Zanini Nicola , Rossin Stefano , Minotti Stefano
Published: October 2024

Gas turbines require filtered air to preserve operability, availability, and efficiency. Fouling, corrosion, and erosion severely affect the performance of the axial compressor and it can be in part prevented by filtering the air intake. For this reason, several stages of filters can be used in series to catch pollutant particles gradually smaller and with a high level of capturing efficiency. Traditionally, the separation is obtained using cartridges of porous material, which provide a high level of filtration but at the same time generate a pressure drop increasing over time. Another common type of filter is the inertial one, whose operating principle is based on the inertial force acting on the solid particles to separate them from the mainstream. The capturing efficiency of the inertial filter is not comparable with the porous one and for this reason, it is used upstream as a pre-filter. In recent years, another technique has been developed to filter air flows thanks to an electrostatic field, that is induced inside the flow. The electrostatic force generated is able to attract and separate metallic particles. In the present work, numerical investigations are carried out to simulate the effect of the electrostatic force for gas turbine filtering systems. The computational fluid dynamics tool used is openfoam, whose official release can simulate inertial and porous filtering media, while for electrostatic one is not possible due to the absence of a library able to simulate the electrostatic force that acts on the discrete phase. A new library was developed in order to calculate the electric field, the electric potential, and the charge density of the continuous phase. Simulation results show how the calculation of these quantities allows us to predict the electrostatic force acting on particle flows in the presence of electrostatic fields.
Rheology and aging of amine functionalized polyolefins
Authors: Zhang Z. , Yavitt B. M. , Mohammadi E. , Schafer L. L. , Hatzikiriakos S. G.
Published: October 2024

The time dependent rheo-mechanical properties of a class of associating polymers (amine-functionalized polyolefins) are investigated using rheology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared microscopy, and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement. The modulus of the sample increases with time and temperature as determined by shear rheology. With higher temperature and longer equilibration time, there is a gradual decrease in the power-law scaling of storage and loss moduli in the terminal flow region and the emergence of an additional low-frequency plateau in the storage modulus. The aging behavior at different temperatures is found to be correlated with the horizontal shift factors obtained from the time-temperature superposition. With increasing aging time, there is an increase in the glass transition temperatures (DSC), and a continuous red shift in the associated amine stretching peak (Fourier-transform infrared). SAXS also shows the emergence of a dominant microstructure after aging of the sample for a long time. Based on the characterization results, an underlying microscopic origin of the aging process is proposed.