bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory bioenergetics is enhanced in human, but not bovine macrophages after exposure to M. bovis PPD: Exploratory insights into overall similar Cellular Metabolic Profiles
Authors: Bartens Marie-Christine , Willcocks Sam , Werling Dirk , Gibson Amanda J
Published: November 2024

The role of macrophage (MØ) cellular metabolism and reprogramming during TB infection is of great interest due to the influence of Mycobacterium spp. on MØ bioenergetics. Recent studies have shown that M. tuberculosis induces a TLR2-dependent shift towards aerobic glycolysis, comparable to the established LPS induced pro-inflammatory M1 MØ polarisation. Distinct differences in the metabolic profile of murine and human MØ indicates species-specific differences in bioenergetics. So far, studies examining the metabolic potential of bovine MØ are lacking, thus the basic bioenergetics of bovine and human MØ were explored in response to a variety of innate immune stimuli. Cellular energy metabolism kinetics were measured concurrently for both species on a Seahorse XFe96 platform to generate bioenergetic profiles for the response to the bona-fide TLR2 and TLR4 ligands, FSL-1 and LPS respectively. Despite previous reports of species-specific differences in TLR signalling and cytokine production between human and bovine MØ, we observed similar respiratory profiles for both species. Basal respiration remained constant between stimulated MØ and controls, whereas addition of TLR ligands induced increased glycolysis, as measured by the surrogate parameter ECAR. In contrast to MØ stimulation with M. tuberculosis PPD, another TLR2 ligand, M. bovis PPD treatment significantly enhanced basal respiration rates and glycolysis only in human MØ. Respiratory profiling further revealed significant elevation of ATP-linked OCR and maximal respiration suggesting a strong OXPHOS activation upon M. bovis PPD stimulation in human MØ. Our results provide an exploratory set of data elucidating the basic respiratory profile of bovine vs. human MØ that will not only lay the foundation for future studies to investigate host-tropism of the M. tuberculosis complex but may explain inflammatory differences observed for other zoonotic diseases.
Bowel preparation efficacy and discomfort of 2 L polyethylene glycol combined with linaclotide versus 3 L polyethylene glycol: a noninferiority, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Jiandi , Liu Song , Li Shuyu , Li Gangping , Wang Erchuan , Bai Tao , Hou Xiaohua , Song Jun
Published: November 2024

Background:

Three liters of polyethylene glycol administered in a split dose is a commonly recommended regimen for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare the quality and tolerability of low-dose (2 L) polyethylene glycol combined with linaclotide (2 L+L) versus the 3 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) bowel preparation regimen.

Design:

A noninferiority, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

In this noninferiority, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled study, patients scheduled for colonoscopy were enrolled and randomized to receive a 3 L PEG or 2L PEG+L regimen. The quality of bowel preparation and patients’ discomfort was assessed.

Results:

Over 12 months, 458 patients were randomized into 3 L PEG and 2 L+L groups. The primary endpoints showed that the 2 L+L regimen was superior to the 3L PEG regimen in overall bowel cleansing scores (Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale: 3.3 ± 2.1 vs 3.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.021), but no significant difference in adequate bowel preparation rate between the two groups according to the OBPS score (97% vs 97.4%, p = 0.791). Before colonoscopy, patients in the 2 L +L regimen group had lower bloating scores (0.5 (0, 2) vs 1 (0, 3), p = 0.013), discomfort scores (1 (0, 2) vs 1 (0, 3), p = 0.006), and intolerability scores (1 (0, 3) vs 2 (0, 4), p = 0.016) than did those in the 3L PEG group.

Conclusion:

Two liters of polyethylene glycol combined with linaclotide may be an alternative regimen to 3 L of PEG taken in split doses for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

Trial registration:

ChiCTR2100041992.
Diabetes Technology Use in Special Populations: A Narrative Review of Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Hughes Michael S. , Aleppo Grazia , Bally Lia , Batista Annanda Fernandes Moura B. , Brown Sue A. , Faulds Eileen R. , Gonder-Frederick Linda A. , Isaacs Diana , Kahkoska Anna R. , Ortega Jacob , Polonsky William H. , Stumpf Meaghan M.
Published: November 2024

As diabetes technologies continue to advance, their use is expanding beyond type 1 diabetes to include populations with type 2 diabetes, older adults, pregnant individuals, those with psychiatric conditions, and hospitalized patients. This review examines the psychosocial outcomes of these technologies across these diverse groups, with a focus on treatment satisfaction, quality of life, and self-management behaviors. Despite demonstrated benefits in glycemic outcomes, the adoption and sustained use of these technologies face unique challenges in each population. By highlighting existing research and identifying gaps, this review seeks to emphasize the need for targeted studies and tailored support strategies to understand and optimize psychosocial outcomes and well-being.
EUROVISCO Consensus Guidelines for the Use of Hyaluronic Acid Viscosupplementation in Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Patient Characteristics
Authors: Conrozier Thierry , Raman Raghu , Diraçoglu Demirhan , Montfort Jordi , Bard Hervé , Baron Dominique , Goncalves Belarmino , Richette Pascal , Migliore Alberto , Chevalier Xavier , Brittberg Mats , Henrotin Yves
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid (HA) is a commonly used intra-articular treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). We performed a Delphi consensus process to formulate guidelines for the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) knee injection according to the patient’s characteristics.

Methods

The EUROVISCO group consists of 12 members who had expertise in clinical and/or research in the field of OA and IAHA treatment. This group drafted issues through an iterative process and subsequently voted according to a Delphi process on their level of agreement (LoA) on these recommendations. The scores were pooled to generate a median agreement score for each recommendation. The strength of the recommendation (SOR) was classified as strong if the median agreement score was ≥8. The level of consensus (LOC) was also obtained. The level of evidence was given for each recommendation.

Results:

A total of 34 statements were evaluated by the expert group. A unanimous or high LoA was obtained in 16. IAHA can be considered irrespective of the age in patients with symptomatic knee OA. It can be used in patients with diabetes and/or moderate to severe obesity. It can also be used in knee OA patients with a history of gout, meniscocalcinosis and with mild-to-moderate varus/valgus malalignment. The group recommended against the use of VS in pregnant women and in OA flare.

Conclusion

In summary, the working group provided strong recommendations for the use of IAHA injection that will facilitate individualized treatment decision algorithms in the management of knee OA.
Quality of undifferentiated chest pain evaluation and diagnosis guidelines: a systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Palmer Nicole , Pasumarthi Tejanth , O’Connell Joe , Lee Brandon , Yu Tiffany , Kothapudi Venkata Neelima , Patel Shama , Morgan Rebecca L.
Published: November 2024

Chest pain is a symptom that is potentially life-threatening and requires quick and accurate evaluations. This article describes the quality of guidelines related to the evaluation and diagnosis of acute, undifferentiated chest pain. After systematically evaluating existing guidelines, we found that there exists a wide variety of quality in these documents. Future documents that provide recommendations should utilize guideline evaluation tools during the creation process to ensure a high-quality product, regardless of document type.
SMS reminders for monitoring tuberculosis treatment among women in Greater Accra region, Ghana
Authors: Badzi Caroline Dinam , Kotoh Agnes Millicent , Tabong Philip Teg-Nefaah , Maya Ernest Tei , Torpey Kwasi , Kwara Awewura , Lartey Margaret , Adanu Richard
Published: November 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) disease has been of public health interest for decades. Its effect on women is more pronounced in their reproductive years. Nonadherence to treatment among people with TB undermines treatment outcomes and worsens the disease. Directly observed therapy for TB requires patients to take their medicine under observation. Mobile phones present the most potential in providing privacy. This study examined the use of short message service (SMS) reminders for monitoring TB treatment adherence among women in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. A quasi-experimental approach was used to assess the effect of SMS reminder intervention in two phases. Ten facilities were divided into two groups of five, with 105 and 125 for intervention and control groups, respectively. Adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale for both groups before and after implementing the intervention and thereafter compared. STATA 15 was used to analyze data. Bivariate analyses were performed to assess medication uptake and factors associated with medication nonadherence between the intervention and control groups. p Values < .05 were considered significant. The SMS reminder messages had positive effect on adherence (odds ratio = 4.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.64, 12.11, p < .01). Educational level was the only variable significantly associated with TB treatments adherence. The findings suggest that a one-way SMS is feasible for supporting adherence to TB treatment in Ghana and other similar contexts.
Patients’ expectations and experiences with the usage of a self-care application for heart failure: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Neumann Anne , Steiner Bianca , Verket Marlo , Kanna Niveditha Daneeza Dinesh , Hill Loreena , McNulty Anne , Boyne Josiane J. J. , Murphy Marguerite , Maaser Yannick , Fitzsimons Donna , Barrett Matthew , Ski Chantal F. , Schütt Katharina , Helms Thomas M. , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Zippel-Schultz Bettina ,   for the PASSION-HF Consortium
Published: November 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic disease characterized by high mortality and healthcare expenditures. Digital health solutions, including mobile health applications (apps), offer opportunities to enhance patients’ self-care and quality of life. This qualitative study aimed to explore expectations, experiences, and usage behaviour of HF-patients regarding a self-care app ( DoctorME app).

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 2-3 weeks (initial: n = 38), and 4–6 months (post: n = 45) of app use across four European countries. Most patients were male (initial: 84%; post: 78%), aged 60–69 years (initial and post: 29%), with mild HF symptoms. Interviews were transcribed, pseudonymised, and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Five key themes were identified: 1) expectations, 2) perceived usability and benefit, 3) usage behaviour and experiences, 4) self-care, and 5) social influences. Patients expected and valued continuous monitoring of vital signs and weight, early detection of deterioration, and quick feedback. The app was considered user-friendly, with most patients using it as recommended (eight times per month). Those reporting improved self-care attributed it to increased awareness and a sense of security. Patients with established self-care routines did not perceive any additional benefit. Patients’ perceptions on the impact of healthcare professionals’ and relatives opinions on app use were divided.

Conclusions

User-friendliness, continuous monitoring, rapid feedback, and e-learning modules are crucial for integrating self-care apps into daily HF care. While technical reliability and individualisation may enhance long-term use, most HF patients considered the app as a complement to, not a replacement for, professional healthcare guidance.
Lexical Demands and Features of English Textbooks for Vietnamese 10th Graders: An In-depth Comparison of Listening Sections
Authors: Mai Nhi Hoa , Lien Nam Nhat , Trang Nguyen Huynh
Published: November 2024

English textbooks are the most pivotal learning materials in the EFL context. However, in Vietnam, English textbooks for general education are randomized by schools, which arouses a problem of whether they are equivalent for students to gain the same proficiency. This study attempts to report the differences in lexical demands and features, including length, sophistication, and diversity, of these textbooks. To this end, the researchers compiled a corpus of 54,566 tokens extracted from their listening transcripts. Results profiled by AntwordProfiler showed that 1,000, 2,000 to 3,000, and 3,000 to 4,000 word families in the BNC/COCA wordlist plus four supplementary lists of proper nouns (PNs), marginal words (MWs), transparent compounds (TCs), and acronyms were necessary to comprehend 85%, 95%, and 98% of listening in all the textbooks, correspondingly. Moreover, the results of pairwise comparisons run by Jamovi indicated significant differences in text length and lexical diversity between the textbooks but not in sophistication. In short, these grade-10 textbooks could support students in learning English vocabulary although they impede students from using them randomly. Hence, the study heightens the roles of teachers in the classroom and paves the way for researchers who are fond of vocabulary and English textbooks.
A Study on Information Search Behavior Using AI-Powered Engines: Evidence From Chatbots on Online Shopping Platforms
Authors: Pham Van Kien , Pham Thi Thuy Dung , Duong Nam Tien
Published: November 2024

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced how consumers search for information. However, there is a lack of comprehensive models based on theoretical foundations that specifically address AI-powered information search behavior. This study draws on psychological motivation, information processing, and information economics theories to develop a theoretical model of consumer AI-powered information search behavior. The study aims to identify the main factors affecting consumer search behavior, offering a more holistic understanding of consumer behavior in the context of AI. Analyzing 512 valid questionnaires, the study shows that search motivation not only had the most significant impact on search behavior but also served as a mediator between other variables and search intensity. Additionally, perceived search ability had a direct and the greatest indirect impact on search behavior, while other variables such as perceived search costs and benefits also had indirect effects on search behavior. Practically, the study offers valuable insights for businesses and AI developers. Understanding the factors that drive AI-powered search behavior can inform the design of more effective AI systems and marketing strategies.
Examining the Research Performance of Universities with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods
Authors: Maral Muammer
Published: November 2024

There has been an increasing interest in research performance in recent years. However, in previous studies, research performance has generally been measured by traditional methods. In this study, a model based on multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods is proposed to evaluate the research performance of universities. In order to apply the proposed model, the research performance of 88 universities was analyzed with MCDM methods. The research performance of universities was examined with six criteria in total in the dimensions of productivity and impact with the last 5 years of data from InCites Benchmarking and Analytics. First, the criteria were weighted by CRITIC, MEREC, and Entropy methods. Each of these criteria weights was analyzed separately with ARAS, MABAC, and TOPSIS methods and a total of nine different rankings were obtained. The different ranking values were combined using the Borda function and the final ranking of each university was determined. According to the results of the study, the most important productivity criterion in performance evaluation is “number of documents in Q1 per academic staff” and the most important impact criterion is “h-index excluding self-citations per academic staff.” In this study, 88 universities were ranked according to their research performance with the proposed model. Validation and sensitivity findings showed that the proposed model is a robust, consistent and stable methodology for measuring research performance. With the methods proposed in this research, the research performance of researchers, countries and academic units as well as universities can be analyzed.
Outcomes and Complications After Elective Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Fusion in Elderly Patients: A Comparison of Methods to Predict Adverse Events
Authors: Ramos Omar , Mueller Benjamin , Mehbod Amir , Carlson Bayard
Published: November 2024

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Objectives

The current study compares the ability of the modified Frailty Index (mFI), the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, the modified Charleston Comorbidity Index (mCCI), the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (SRC), and the Fusion Risk Score (FRS) to predict perioperative outcomes.

Methods

Comorbidity indices were calculated for patients undergoing elective thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion at a single institution and assessed for their discriminative ability in predicting the desired outcomes using an area under the curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

393 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients being treated for adult spinal deformity (ASD) had the highest rate of complications (44.4%). The FRS had acceptable discrimination (AUC >0.7) and the highest ability among the methods studied to predict any adverse effects, new neurological deficit, return to OR within 90 days, and surgical site infection. It had good discrimination ability (AUC >0.8) predicting durotomy, respiratory failure (RF) requiring intubation, hemodynamic instability, and sepsis. The SRC had acceptable discrimination and highest ability to predict deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The mCCI had excellent and the highest ability to predict acute renal failure (ARF). For the other outcomes, the indices had either poor predictive ability (AUC 0.6-0.7) or no discriminative ability (AUC <0.6).

Conclusions

The FRS had a better ability than the ASA, mCCI, mFI, and SRC to predict the most perioperative adverse events and reoperation. Further study is needed to develop preoperative indices with better predictive ability of postoperative outcomes.
Student Networking Presentations: Cultivating Communication and Critical Thinking Skills in the Asynchronous Virtual Classroom
Authors: Douglas Megan , Holtzen Sarah
Published: November 2024

More work is now completed in a remote setting than ever before. As the skills demanded by employers evolve to meet changing workplace demands, communication remains a noted deficiency for recent college graduates. To bridge this skill gap, we present a format translation of a qualitative interview exercise that has been reimagined for use in the asynchronous online classroom. As a supplement to the several peer-to-peer networking activities already available in the management education literature, the current project provides a structured environment for online students to engage in a real-world networking interview with a business professional of their choosing. Through the activity, students hone their networking, communication, and critical thinking skills as they utilize a variety of Microsoft Teams tools to practice interviewing and presenting in a virtual, asynchronous setting.
Verapamil in patients with cluster headache with concurrent migraine
Authors: Wilcha Robyn-Jenia , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Verapamil is recommended as a first-line preventive for episodic and chronic cluster headache, however, its use is limited by a wide range of adverse events. From clinical practice at a tertiary headache centre, we have observed that the initiation of verapamil may be associated with headache worsening. The aim of this service evaluation was to examine whether verapamil initiation was associated with headache worsening, and whether these exacerbations may be attributed to comorbid migraine in some patients.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of cluster headache from June 2014 to December 2023 were identified from the tertiary headache centre at King's College Hospital, London. Data including age, sex, headache phenotype and headache frequency was collected retrospectively in a cross-sectional design through the use of clinic letters followed by a telephone interview. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare number of cluster headache attacks per day pre- and post-verapamil administration. A negative binomial generalized linear model was used to interrogate the relationship between the number of attacks post-verapamil and age, sex, verapamil dosing, comorbid migraine and baseline number of attacks.

Results

Of 168 patients included, the mean age was 31 years, 73% were male, 46% of patients had chronic cluster headache and 51% had comorbid migraine. During the latest ictal period, the median (interquartile range) frequency of cluster headache attacks per day was 3 (2–5) for the entire sample. The presence of comorbid migraine increased the likelihood of headache exacerbation by verapamil by an odds ratio of 1.616 (95% confidence interval: 1.059–2.465, χ21 = 4.955, P = 0.026). No differences were observed in the frequency of shadow attacks amongst those with comorbid migraine ( n = 54/85, 64%) versus patients without migraine ( n = 48/83, 58%) (Mann-Whitney U = 3728, z = 0.754, P = 0.451). No effect was seen on monthly migraine days pre- and post-verapamil administration ( P = 0.141). Adverse events were reported in 62 of 109 (57%) of patients taking verapamil with the most common being PR interval prolongation (15.6%), lower limb oedema (8.3%), worsened headache (6.4%) and fatigue (6.4%).

Conclusions

It is likely that the association of cluster headache and migraine is more common than generally thought and co-existence may go under-recognised. Our results show comorbid migraine increased the likelihood of headache exacerbation during the initiation of verapamil. In patients with headache worsening, a dual diagnosis of migraine alongside cluster headache should be considered.
Thermal damage diagnosis in micro grinding processes based on raw acoustic emission signals and convolution neural networks
Authors: Hübner Henrique Butzlaff , Duarte Marcus Antônio Viana , de Aguiar Paulo Roberto , Santos Marcelo Braga dos , de Paiva Raphael Lima , Jackson Mark James , Silva Rosemar Batista da
Published: November 2024

A micro-grinding process is usually the last machining operation among the various processes employed in the manufacturing of metallic components. It is generally the first option when the manufactured products require a combination of low surface roughness values and narrow dimensional tolerances. However, one of the main challenges of a micro-grinding process is avoiding high specific energy and the corresponding intense heat generation, as this can damage the workpiece. The energy consumed during micro-grinding is almost entirely converted into heat, making the component susceptible to thermal damage. As the occurrence of this damage compromises the service life of manufactured components, the implementation of monitoring systems is essential to guarantee the quality of the manufactured products improving process efficiency. In this study, a new approach based on convolution neural networks (CNNs) is proposed to predict the occurrence of thermal damage in the micro-grinding process. This approach uses raw acoustic emission (AE) signals as inputs into CNN, which is a more technically feasible approach to performing real-time monitoring. To obtain the AE data, micro-grinding experiments were conducted on N2711 grade steel (which is susceptible to thermal damage) under different cutting conditions (ae = 5–50 µm). The obtained AE signals were labeled based on the offline analyses performed on the workpieces, which identified the occurrence of thermal damage through visual inspections, microhardness, and microstructural analysis. For the conditions employed in this work, thermal damage was obtained after grinding with depth of cut values > 10 µm. Total 3960 AE signals were obtained of which 2200 of them were associated with thermal damage. The results depict that the proposed CNN model was able to successfully classify normal and thermal damage AE signals reaching an accuracy of 98.6% over the dataset (0.4% false positives and 1.0% false negatives).
CFD simulation of liquid nitrogen flow inside a cryogenic chamber used for micromachining of soft polymer
Authors: Mallick Partha Sarathi , Patra Karali
Published: November 2024

Cryogenic-assisted micromachining is seen as a possible solution to fabricate microchannel directly on soft polymer, by increasing the stiffness of the workpiece surface by reducing cryogenic chamber temperature. However, because of large temperature difference at various position of the cooling area inside the chamber, under cryogenic cooling condition, determination of workpiece temperature at machining time is very difficult. Unfortunately, very limited research work has investigated the complicated physical phenomena of cryogenic cooling responsible for temperature distribution occurring inside the chamber during machining process. These phenomena may affect the cryogenic flow characteristics in over or under-cooling of soft polymer as workpiece, thus the performance of the cryogenic machining. In this work, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model is developed and applied to investigate the liquid nitrogen (LN2) flow inside the cryogenic chamber under direct cooling (DC) and novel perforated wall cooling (PWC) techniques. The major objective is to evaluate the influence of several parameters (temperature and pressure) on the LN2 flow inside the chamber and role of the innovative PWC technique in temperature distribution with comparison to DC approach. Results of this study offer two important conclusions for reliable cryogenic micromilling of soft polymer. First, uniform temperature distribution inside the chamber is possible by novel PWC approach and second, peripheral temperature of the chamber shows less fluctuation with surface temperature of the workpiece.
Integrating patient-centred and tumour-centred cancer care: the EU-MyPath implementation project offers an innovative digital solution with care pathways
Authors: Scherrens Anne-Lore , Jacobs An , Beernaert Kim , Pardon Koen , Raemdonck Eveline , Fallon Marie , Cresswell Kathrin , Faric Nusa , Williams Robin , Lundeby Tonje , Hjermstad Marianne J. , Deliens Luc , Kaasa Stein
Published: November 2024

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality, with new cases expected to rise. Medical advances increase cure rates and prolong patient lives, but survivorship involves high symptom burden, loss of function and emotional distress. Improving patient-centred care (PCC) and quality of life throughout the care process is essential. Key to this improvement are systematic use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-centred care pathways (PCCPs).

Despite established benefits, current cancer care focuses on tumour-centred care approaches often neglecting the patient perspective. Evidence-based PCC guidelines fail to be routinely incorporated into clinical practices. The Horizon 2020-funded European MyPath project aims to address these gaps by developing, implementing and evaluating digital PCCPs with PROMs. MyPath will be tailored to enhance the organisational contexts of cancer centres across Europe through the application of implementation science strategies. This paper describes the current state of applying PCC in routine cancer care and presents a forward-looking perspective on how the MyPath project can successfully adopt and implement digital PROMs across countries. A literature search was conducted to provide the state-of-the art.
Rapid Building Damage Estimates From the M7.8 Turkey Earthquake Sequence via Causality-Informed Bayesian Inference From Satellite Imagery
Authors: Li Xuechun , Yu Xiao , Bürgi Paula M. , Wald David J. , Hu Xie , Xu Susu
Published: November 2024

On February 6, 2023, a major earthquake of 7.8 magnitude and its aftershocks caused widespread destruction in Turkey and Syria, causing more than 55,000 deaths, displacing 3 million people in Turkey and 2.9 million in Syria, and destroying or damaging at least 230,000 buildings. Our research presents detailed city-scale maps of landslides, liquefaction, and building damage from this earthquake, utilizing a novel variational causal Bayesian network. This network integrates InSAR-derived change detection with new empirical ground failure models and building footprints, enabling us to (1) rapidly estimate large-scale building damage, landslides, and liquefaction from remote sensing data, (2) jointly attribute building damage to landslides, liquefaction, and shaking, (3) improve regional landslide and liquefaction predictions impacting infrastructure, and (4) simultaneously identify damage degrees in thousands of buildings. For city-scale, building-by-building damage assessments, we use building footprints and satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of approximately 30 meters. This allows us to achieve a high resolution in damage assessment, both in timeliness and scale, enabling damage classification at the individual building level within days of the earthquake. Our findings detail the extent of building damage, including collapses, in Hatay, Osmaniye, Adıyaman, Gaziantep, and Kahramanmaras. We classified building damages into five categories: no damage, slight, moderate, partial collapse, and collapse. We evaluated damage estimates against preliminary ground-truth data reported by the civil authorities. Our results demonstrate the accuracy of our classification system, as evidenced by the area under the curve (AUC) scores on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which ranged from 0.9588 to 0.9931 across different damage categories and regions. Specifically, our model achieved an AUC of 0.9931 for collapsed buildings in the Hatay/Osmaniye area, indicating a 99.31% probability that the model will rank a randomly chosen collapsed building higher than a randomly chosen non-collapsed building. These accurate, building-specific damage estimates, with greater than 95% classification accuracy across all categories, are crucial for disaster response and can aid agencies in effectively allocating resources and coordinating efforts during disaster recovery.
Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of a Hand-Held Ultrasound Device in Measuring Kidney Metrics in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Miller Kevin E. , Walters Josee , Bautista Jimmy , Smith Bailee R. , Robinson Timothy J. , Schmitt Emily E. , Bruns Danielle R. , Schlader Zachary J. , Johnson Evan C.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

The use of a hand-held ultrasound device provides a portable, cost-effective solution for renal assessments in rural settings, but their accuracy and reliability in measuring kidney metrics remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Lumify hand-held ultrasound device (LHUS) in capturing basic kidney metrics in healthy adults.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty individuals underwent renal sonography measurements, which included length, height, width, cortical thickness, parenchymal echogenicity, and renal resistive index (RRI). These measurements were completed using LHUS and the Epiq Elite ultrasound equipment system. LHUS measurements were repeated for test-retest reliability (TRR). Validity and TRR were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, coefficient of variation (COV), and mean absolute percent error (MAPE).

Results:

There was poor agreement (0.414, p = .048) between equipment systems for RRI. All other measures demonstrated moderate to excellent agreement (ICC = 0.75–0.94, p < .001) between systems. The left kidney showed poor agreement for RRI (0.06, p = .45). MAPE for all measurements between devices was <5%, indicating acceptable accuracy. All repeated measurements showed moderate to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.71–0.96, p < .001), with low mean COV for each measurement (0.02–0.08).

Conclusion:

Based on this study, LHUS appears to be a valid and reliable tool for basic kidney metrics in healthy adults, but caution should be used when obtaining an RRI, especially in the left kidney.
Governance and Creativity in Project-Based Organizations: Archetypes and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Pemsel Sofia , Söderlund Jonas
Published: November 2024

Prior research on the governance of project-based organizations has centered on the efficiency problem: on compliance, control, and a concern for doing things right. Less research has addressed the creativity problem: how governance practices spur novel thinking, idea generation, and innovation. We discern four governance archetypes for addressing the creativity problem along two creativity dimensions: creativity locus and creativity orientation. These archetypes are exemplified by case illustrations from four firms, highlighting key differences in how project-based organizations address the creativity problem. We present an agenda for future research emphasizing the need for comparative and longitudinal studies.
Real-world improvement in ultra-low dose thoracic CT scores, systemic inflammatory markers, and patients reported outcome measures post elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor treatment
Authors: Ibrahim Hisham , O'Mahony Alexander T. , Deasy Kevin F. , Waldron Michael , McCarthy Mairead , Dorgan James , Fleming Claire , Howlett Ciara , O'Riordan Edel , McCarthy Yvonne , Twohig Sarah , Mansfield Janice , Vagg Tamara , Murphy Desmond M. , O'Regan Paul , Kirwan Laura , Eustace Joseph A. , O'Connor Owen J. , Maher Michael M. , Plant Barry J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Clinical trials with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) in people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF) were associated with significant improvements in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1), sweat chloride, weight and quality of life in the respiratory domain from the cystic fibrosis questionnaire revised (CFQ-R). Limited data exists on its effect on structural lung disease and inflammatory cytokines.

Methods

In a real-world setting with 61 PWCF, we prospectively recorded FEV1, sweat chloride, body mass index (BMI), and CFQ-R at baseline, 3- and 6-months post commencement of ETI. In addition, changes in ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) Bhalla score, peripheral-blood and sputum inflammatory-cytokines, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including sino-nasal outcomes test-22 (SNOT-22), and fatigue scale (FACIT-Fatigue).

Results

Significant improvements in ppFEV1 (p=0.0001), sweat chloride (p<0.0001), and BMI (p=0.0147) post-ETI treatment were noted. ULD-CT scores demonstrated reductions in peri-bronchial thickening, mucus plugging, and total Bhalla score (p<0.001), and improvements in emphysema extent (p<0.0027). Improvements in systemic inflammatory status were seen with a reduction in interleukin (IL)-1β (p=0.0049), IL-6 and IL-8 (p<0.0001), and increasing IL-10 (p=0.004). Sputum cytokine analysis was not performed as only 4 of 61 patients spontaneously expectorated sputum post ETI. PROMs improved significantly for the SNOT-22 (p<0.0001), FACIT-Fatigue score (p=0.0001), and CFQ-R domains including; respiratory(p<0.0001), physical (p=0.007), vitality (p=0.0004), treatment burden (p=0.0028), health (p=0.0007), social (p=0.0073), weight (p=0.0068), and role/school domain (p=0.0018).

Conclusion

ETI responders, demonstrate significant improvements in CT imaging, circulating cytokines and PROMs which may be of further use evaluating CFTR modulation treatment response.
The PopHEAD study: a population-based, cross-sectional study on headache burden in Norway: methods and validation of questionnaire-based diagnoses
Authors: Argren Maria Bengtson , Engstrand Helene , Husøy Andreas Kattem , Zwart John-Anker , Winsvold Bendik Slagsvold
Published: November 2024

Background

There is a lack of up-to-date information on the prevalence and burden of headache in Norway. Here we describe the methods and validation of the diagnostic tool of the PopHEAD study, a study designed to determine the prevalence and burden of migraine, tension-type headache, and medication-overuse headache.

Method

PopHEAD is a Norwegian population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Vestfold and Telemark County in 2023. A random sample of 28,753 individuals aged 18 to 70 was invited to participate. The study used a digital version of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire, translated into Norwegian using the Lifting The Burden translation protocol. A subsample of participants was contacted by telephone within four weeks for an interview with a headache neurologist blinded to the questionnaire responses. Headache disorders were diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headache Disorders version 3. Validity was expressed by sensitivity, specificity and Cohen’s kappa (κ).

Results

In total, 8,265 (3,344 men and 4,921 women) responded. Most men (75.0%) and women (89.7%) reported having had a headache in the past year. Of 667 participants contacted for a telephone interview, 505 responded. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire-based diagnoses were 97% and 72% for self-reported headache in the previous year (Cohen’s kappa κ = 0.72), 77% and 85% for migraine (κ = 0.61), 77% and 74% for tension-type headache (κ = 0.51), and 58% and 99% for medication-overuse headache (κ = 0.63), respectively.

Conclusion

The PopHEAD questionnaire is a valid tool for identifying individuals with lifetime headache, migraine, tension-type headache, and medication overuse headache.
The role of New World vultures as carriers of environmental antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Tallon Anaïs K. , Smith Renotta K. , Rush Scott , Naveda-Rodriguez Adrian , Brooks John P.
Published: November 2024

Background

Although antibiotics have significantly improved human and animal health, their intensive use leads to the accumulation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Moreover, certain waste management practices create the ideal conditions for AMR development while providing predictable resources for wildlife. Here, we investigated the role of landfills in the potentiation of New World vultures to disseminate environmental AMR. We collected 107 samples (soil, water, and feces) between 2023 and 2024, in different bird use sites (roosts, landfills and boneyards).

Results

We isolated enterococci (EN), Escherichia coli (EC), and Salmonella spp. (SM), performed antibiotic susceptibility tests, and quantified the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within all samples. We identified EN, EC, and SM, in 50, 37, and 26 samples, from the three vulture use areas, respectively. AMR was mainly to aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, and tetracycline, and the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 5.3% (EC), 78.2% (EN), and 17.6% (SM). Variations in bacterial abundance and AMR/MDR profiles were found based on the season, use site, and sample types, which was corroborated by ARG analyses.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that landfills constitute a source of zoonotic pathogens and AMR for wildlife, due to readily available refuse input. Using non-invasive molecular methods, we highlight an often-ignored ecosystem within the One Health paradigm.
Breast size, thoracic kyphosis, and thoracic spine pain: a correlational survey of Nigerian postpartum mothers
Authors: Petronilla Ojukwu Chidiebele , Chinecherem Edeani Pamela , Sunday Ede Stephen
Published: November 2024

Background

Thoracic spine postural dysfunctions are common postpartum-related health problems, compromising breastfeeding efficacy and quality of life among women. Previous studies have particularly associated these conditions with increased breast sizes in several populations. However, such empirical evidence is scarce in the Nigerian population.

Objectives

To investigate the relationship among breast size, thoracic-kyphosis, and -spine pain among postpartum Nigerian women.

Methods

This correlational survey involved 400 consenting postpartum mothers (between 0 and 24 months of postpartum period). Their breast size, thoracic spine posture, and pain were measured using a measuring tape (cm), inclinometer, and Revised Oswestry thoracic spine pain disability questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and relevant inferential statistics at p < 0.05.

Results

The majority of the participants fall under the category of breast cup size B (61.75%), have no history of thoracic spine pain (87.4%), and about half of them (50.2%) have normal thoracic spine posture (low category with values ranging between 20⁰ and 35⁰. Breast size was significantly (r = 0.162, p = 0.001) correlated with thoracic spine posture but showed no significant correlation (r = 0.066, p = 0.622) with thoracic spine pain.

Conclusion

Increasing breast size is weakly associated with a tendency towards a kyphotic posture of the thoracic spine. Postural education and care around adequate support of the breast with suitable fitting brassieres may help prevent kyphotic deformities. Future research with a randomized control trial and long-term follow-up is recommended to further confirm the causal relationship of these variables.
How far are we? Assessing progress in hepatitis C response towards the WHO 2030 elimination goals by the civil society monitoring in 25 European countries, period 2020 to 2023
Authors: Maticic Mojca , Cernosa J. , Loboda C. , Tamse J. , Rigoni R. , Duffell E. , Indave I. , Zimmermann R. , Darragh L. , Moura J. , Leicht A. , Windelinckx T. , Jauffret-Roustide M. , Schiffer K. , Tammi T.
Published: November 2024

Background

With the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted global strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030. In Europe, people who inject drugs (PWID) account for the majority of new cases, however testing and treatment remain suboptimal. The aim was to monitor progress in HCV policy and cascade-of-care for PWID, led by the civil society organisations (CSO) that provide harm reduction services for PWID across Europe.

Methods

In period 2020–2023, CSOs representing focal points of Correlation-European Harm Reduction Network were annually invited to complete online questionnaire on use/impact of HCV test-and-treat guidelines for PWID, availability/functioning of continuum-of-care, and role/limitations of harm reduction services for PWID. A retrospective longitudinal analysis of responses to questions answered each year by the same respondents was performed, and a comparison among the studied years was made.

Results

Twenty-five CSOs from cities in 25 European countries were included and responded to 25 questions. Between 2020 and 2023, there was positive trend in number of HCV treatment guidelines, separate guidelines for PWID, and their positive impact on acess to testing/treatment (24/25, 5/25, and 16/25 in 2023, respectively). DAAs were available in all countries, predominantly prescribed by specialist physicians only (slight increase at primary care), with restrictions including active drug use, stage of liver fibrosis or/and reimbursement policies (2/25, 4/25, and 3/25 in 2023, respectively). A decrease in HCV testing sites was noted. Treatment was consistently most common at clinical settings, however an increase outside the specialist settings was detected, particularly in prisons (12/25 and 15/25 in 2020–2021, respectively). Comparing 2022–2023, number of HCV-testing services increased in many cities with positive dynamic in nearly all the settings; increase in treatment at harm reduction services/community centres was noted (6/25 to 8/25, respectively). Between 2020 and 2023 the frequency of various limitations to CSOs addressing HCV was oscillating, presenting an increase between 2022 and 2023 (9/25 to 14/25, respectively).

Conclusion

The overall progress towards WHO HCV elimination goals across Europe remains insufficient, most probably also due to the influence of Covid-19 pandemic. Further improvements are needed, also by including CSOs for PWID in continuum-of-care services, and in monitoring progress.
Participatory development of evidence-based patient narrative videos for patients with eating disorders: a methodological approach and pilot data
Authors: Daugelat Melissa-Claire , Gregg Bettina , Adam Sophia Helen , Schag Kathrin , Kimmerle Joachim , Giel Katrin Elisabeth
Published: November 2024

Background

Patient narratives can best be defined as personal stories of persons previously or currently affected by a physical or mental health disorder. The collaborative development and implementation of such narratives reflects a participatory approach between researchers, patients, and members of the public towards the development of new interventions. Patient narratives can foster feelings of support and belonging, as well as increase hope and motivation towards recovery. Aims of this pilot study were (a) the collaborative development of a series of evidence-based patient narrative videos about eating disorders, (b) their initial evaluation with a group of participants without (current) eating disorders, and (c) to provide a reproducible documentation of this methodological approach.

Method

A multi-stage participatory process was used including a) a systematic review, b) focus groups with affected persons, c) the participatory narrative development, and d) an initial pilot study with participants without (current) eating disorders. A former and currently recovered patient was recruited as a lived experience representative, while a psychotherapist provided the same information from a professional perspective. Control group videos featured the lived experience representative discussing a somatic condition unrelated to eating disorders (i.e., torn knee ligament). Two videos were created for each perspective with varying degrees of emotionality of the content.

Results

Nineteen female participants without (current) eating disorders were recruited for the pilot study. All videos received positive ratings, however, participants rated videos in which the lived experience representative discussed her eating disorder as significantly more authentic than the control group videos, as well as significantly more empathic, useful, and better overall than the psychotherapist and control group videos. Participants further indicated a clear preference for videos with higher emotionality, regardless of which perspective or disorder was being presented.

Discussion

The use of patient narratives for eating disorders is a relatively new methodological approach. This paper provides one example of how evidence-based patient narratives can be constructed. The patient narratives created in this study received positive feedback from participants without (current) eating disorders and are currently being tested in a 4-arm randomised controlled pilot study with patients affected by eating disorders.