bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El efecto mediador del sentido de coherencia en la relación entre autocuidado y control glucémico de personas diabéticas
Authors: Márquez-Palacios Jesús Humberto , Urzúa-Morales Alfonso , Calderón-Carvajal Carlos , Salazar-Estrada José Guadalupe , Díaz-Reséndiz Felipe de Jesús
Published: February 2021

Mantener un adecuado control de la diabetes se relaciona con variables como autocuidado y sentido de coherencia que reducen las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto mediador del sentido de coherencia en la relación entre autocuidado y niveles de glucosa en sangre de personas con diabetes. A 220 sujetos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 se les aplicó un instrumento para autocuidado y otro para sentido de coherencia, mientras que la hemoglobina glucosilada se obtuvo del expediente médico, posteriormente se analizaron los datos por medio de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados muestran que tanto el autocuidado ( c’ = −0.33; p < 0.05), como el sentido de coherencia ( b = −0.34; p < 0.05) tienen un efecto directo sobre los niveles de glucosa, así como también un efecto indirecto significativo (−0.168; p < 0.05). El efecto total de AC sobre A1c corresponde a −0.498. En consecuencia, este modelo estimado corresponde a un modelo de mediación simple parcial. Los resultados confirman la hipótesis de que el sentido de coherencia en personas con diabetes media la relación entre AC y HbA1c. El enfoque salutogénico mejora la adherencia a las conductas de autocuidado, lo que puede facilitar el control glucémico de la enfermedad.
Clinical outcome comparison of suprapectoral and subpectoral tenodesis of the long head of the biceps with concomitant rotator cuff repair: A systematic review
Authors: Ergün Selim , Cırdı Yiğit Umur , Baykan Said Erkam , Akgün Umut , Karahan Mustafa
Published: February 2021

Background

Simultaneous repairs of rotator cuff and biceps tenodesis can be managed by tenodesis of long head of biceps tendon to a subpectoral or suprapectoral area. This review investigated long head of biceps tendon tenodesis with concomitant rotator cuff repair and evaluated the clinical outcomes and incidences of complications based on tenodesis location.

Methods

Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for published, randomized or nonrandomized controlled studies and prospective or retrospective case series with the phrases “suprapectoral,” “subpectoral,” “tenodesis,” and “long head of biceps tendon”. Those with a clinical evidence Level IV or higher were included. Non-English manuscripts, review articles, commentaries, letters, case reports, and sole long head of biceps tendon tenodesis articles were excluded.

Results

From 481 studies, 13 were chosen. In total, 1194 subpectoral and 2520 suprapectoral tenodesis cases were investigated. Postoperative Constant-Murley and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons mean scores showed similar good results. In terms of complication incidences, while transient nerve injuries were more commonly seen in patients with subpectoral tenodesis, persistent bicipital pain and Popeye deformity are mostly seen in patients with suprapectoral tenodesis.

Discussion

Biceps tenodesis to suprapectoral or subpectoral area with concomitant rotator cuff repair demonstrated similar outcomes. Popeye deformity and persistent bicipital pain were higher in suprapectoral area and transient neuropraxia was found to be higher in subpectoral area. Level of evidence: IV.
Data-driven sector coupling in 5G-based smart networks
Authors: Knieps Guenter
Published: February 2021

5G attains the role of a GPT for an open set of downstream IoT applications in various network industries and within the app economy more generally. Traditionally, sector coupling has been a rather narrow concept focusing on the horizontal synergies of urban system integration in terms of transport, energy, and waste systems, or else the creation of new intermodal markets. The transition toward 5G has fundamentally changed the framing of sector coupling in network industries by underscoring the relevance of differentiating between horizontal and vertical sector coupling. Due to the fixed mobile convergence and the large open set of complementary use cases, 5G has taken on the characteristics of a generalized purpose technology (GPT) in its role as the enabler of a large variety of smart network applications. Due to this vertical relationship, characterized by pervasiveness and innovational complementarities between upstream 5G networks and downstream application sectors, vertical sector coupling between the provider of an upstream GPT and different downstream application industries has acquired particular relevance. In contrast to horizontal sector coupling among different application sectors, the driver of vertical sector coupling is that each of the heterogeneous application sectors requires a critical input from the upstream 5G network provider and combines this with its own downstream technology. Of particular relevance for vertical sector coupling are the innovational complementarities between upstream GPT and downstream application sectors. The focus on vertical sector coupling also has important policy implications. Although the evolution of 5G networks strongly depends on the entrepreneurial, market-driven activities of broadband network operators and application service providers, the future of 5G as a GPT is heavily contingent on the role of frequency management authorities and European regulatory policy with regard to data privacy and security regulations.
Conversion of jet biofuel range hydrocarbons from palm oil over zeolite hybrid catalyst
Authors: Basir Norsahika Mohd , Jamil Norkhalizatul Akmal Mohd , Hamdan Halimaton
Published: February 2021

The catalytic conversion of palm oil was carried out over four zeolite catalysts—Y, ZSM-5, Y-ZSM-5 hybrid, and Y/ZSM-5 composite—to produce jet biofuel with high amount of alkanes and low amount of aromatic hydrocarbons. The zeolite Y-ZSM-5 hybrid catalyst was synthesized using crystalline zeolite Y as the seed for the growth of zeolite ZSM-5. Synthesized zeolite catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and temperature programmed desorption of ammonia, while the chemical compositions of the jet biofuel were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The conversion of palm oil over zeolite Y resulted in the highest yield (42 wt%) of jet biofuel: a high selectivity of jet range alkanes (51%) and a low selectivity of jet range aromatic hydrocarbons (25%). Zeolite Y-ZSM-5 hybrid catalyst produced a decreased percentage of jet range alkane (30%) and a significant increase in the selectivity of aromatic hydrocarbons (57%). The highest conversion of palm oil to hydrocarbon compounds was achieved by zeolite Y-ZSM-5 hybrid catalyst (99%), followed by zeolite Y/ZSM-5 composite (96%), zeolite Y (91%), and zeolite ZSM-5 (74%). The reaction routes for converting palm oil to jet biofuel involve deoxygenation of fatty acids into C15–C18 alkanes via decarboxylation and decarbonylation, catalytic cracking into C8–C14 alkanes, and cycloalkanes as well as aromatization into aromatic hydrocarbon.
Effects of post-annealing on MoS2 thin films synthesized by multi-step chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Johari Muhammad Hilmi , Sirat Mohamad Shukri , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Wakayama Yutaka , Mohmad Abdul Rahman
Published: February 2021

Multi-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a synthesis method which is capable of producing a uniform, large area, and high-quality thin films. In this work, we report the effect of post-annealing on the structural and optical properties of few-layers (FL) MoS2 thin films synthesized by multi-step CVD. Based on atomic force microscopic image, the thickness of the MoS2 thin film is ∼3 nm, which is equivalent to five layers. After annealing at 900°C for 17 min, intensity of the A1g and [Formula: see text] Raman modes increased by ∼3 times while the full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM)* reduced from ∼10 cm−1 to ∼7.5 cm−1 for A1g and from ∼13.6 cm−1 to ∼7.5 cm−1 for [Formula: see text]. Both of the as-grown and annealed samples showed X-ray (002) diffraction peak at 14.2° but the intensity was more prominent for the annealed sample. It was found that the annealed sample showed clear and distinct absorbance peaks at 666, 615, 448, 401, and 278 nm which correspond to the A, B, C, D, and E excitons, respectively. The results indicate that annealing significantly improved the optical and structural quality of the MoS2 film. Field-effect transistor based on annealed MoS2 thin film was fabricated and showed electron mobility of 0.21 cm2V−1s−1, on/off ratio of 1.3 × 102 and a threshold voltage of 0.72 V. Our work highlights the importance of high-temperature annealing in multi-step CVD to obtain a uniform and high-quality FL MoS2 thin films.
A Combined Phytochemical and Network Pharmacology Approach to Reveal the Effective Substances and Mechanism of Eomecon chionantha Hance for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Tian Yu-mei , He Hai-lang , Cheng Ya-ting , Yi Li , Yang Yuan , Yang Peng
Published: February 2021

Eomecon chionantha Hance (ECH), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been reported for the treatment of traumatic injuries and colitis. The current treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC) are unstable and have side effects, so ECH is potentially useful for treating this condition. However, the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of ECH in treating UC remain unclear. In this study, 21 alkaloids were extracted and purified from the roots of ECH, among which 13 were extracted from this herb for the first time. Our results showed that 12 ingredients may have effective pharmacological effects after absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) screening. Network pharmacological analysis revealed that the active ingredients may have positive effects on 19 significant signaling pathways, such as on small cell lung cancer, serotonergic synapses, the IL-17 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, the estrogen signaling pathway, transcriptional misregulation in cancer, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and others by targeting 23 proteins, including MAPK14, RXRA, GSK3B, CDK2, RXRB, HSP90AA1, PTGS2, and ESR1. It is of great benefit to use separation, purification, and network pharmacology together to screen active natural products. This study indicated potential anti-UC mechanisms of the active ingredients of ECH and provides theoretical support for the treatment of UC using ECH.
Glycoside Compounds From Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Their Neuroprotective Activities
Authors: Wei Guanhua , Da Honghong , Zhang Kaixue , Zhang Junmin , Fang Jianguo , Yang Zhigang
Published: February 2021

This paper concerns the study of the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis where one new alkaloid glycoside, 3,4-dihydroxyquinoline 4- O-β-d-glucopyranoside, along with 13 known compounds (12 phenolic glycosides and one triterpene glycoside) were isolated and identified. The structure of the new compound and the known ones were identified on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometric (MS) analysis. All the glycosides were tested for their anti-neuroinflammatory activities by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) release in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine microglial BV-2 cells. Several compounds were tested for their antioxidant activities in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. A structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis was carried out and revealed that the position and amount of sugar moieties have significant impact on antioxidant activities.
Small Garden, Big Impact: Emotional and Behavioral Responses of Visitors to a Rooftop Atrium in a Major Hospital
Authors: Martin Kelly , Nanu Luana , Kwon Wi-Suk , Martin David
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

To measure hospital visitors’ satisfaction with a rooftop atrium and its resultant impact on the visitors’ behavioral intentions toward the healing garden, the hospital, and overall satisfaction with the hospital.

Background:

There is a significant lack of empirical research that links the emotional and behavioral responses toward healing gardens and the hospitals providing them.

Methods:

A purposeful sample of 96 visitors to the healing garden in the rooftop atrium of a surgery building in a major hospital in the Southeastern United States completed a survey based on Roger Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Gardens and the Stimulus, Organism, Response (S-O-R) paradigm.

Results:

Findings of this study suggest visitors’ experience with the healing garden can lead to overall satisfaction with the hospital and behavioral intentions toward the hospital. Visitors’ satisfaction with the healing garden significantly predicted their satisfaction with the hospital, their intend to revisit the hospital, and their intend to recommend it.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that a small healing garden can be a powerful enough space to impact visitors’ overall satisfaction with the hospital and their intentions regarding their future behavior toward the hospital, such as revisiting or recommending the hospital.
The Success of Rosé Wine in France: The Millennial Revolution
Authors: Lorey Thierry
Published: February 2021

Rosé wine consumption in France has tripled since 1992 and, in 2020, accounts for a third of the total national consumption. The objective of our article is to analyze the revolutionary success of rosé wine in France in the Millennial Generation. We mobilize the concept of social representation, which constitutes an understanding of the social transformations in progress for a given social group. We carry out in-depth qualitative research based on conversations with millennial rosé wine consumers. Our results show that the representations of rosé wine for this group are based on five dimensions: (a) product quality and refusal of sophistication, (b) color of the rosé wine, (c) freedom, (d) immediate pleasure and sharing with friends, and (e) its feminine personality. This transgressive capital explains the consumption behaviors of the Millennial Generation reflecting the group’s will to break traditional wine codes familiar to previous generational groups. This sociocultural model differs from that of the Baby Boomer Generation, which was marked by the valorization of terroir and sophistication and based on masculine archetypes and red wine. Rosé wine thus marks a generational and sociological break in the representations of wine in France, which we can describe as a rosé wine revolution in the 21st century. The predictive capacity of the Millennial Generation suggests a growth in rosé wine consumption in the years to come. We recommend to rosé wine producers seven strategic axes, which reconcile the point of view of the producer and the consumer.
Malignant Snare Traps Threaten an Irreplaceable Megafauna Community
Authors: Figel Joe J. , Hambal Muhammad , Krisna Ivan , Putra Rudi , Yansyah Dedi
Published: February 2021

Tropical forests are under severe threat from over-hunting. Subsistence harvests and poaching have decimated wildlife populations to the extent that nearly 50% of Earth’s tropical forests are partially or fully devoid of large mammals. Declines are particularly acute in Southeast Asia where ongoing defaunation, largely attributable to indiscriminate snare trapping, is widespread. Using the extensively forested Aceh province in northern Sumatra as a case study, we document rampant snaring, which threatens Earth’s last sympatric population of tigers, rhinoceros, elephants, and orangutans. To prevent catastrophic hunting-induced impacts already experienced in mainland Southeast Asia, we call for more comprehensive conservation planning assessments that strengthen wildlife law enforcement, promote collaborative anti-poaching, and research species-specific snaring impacts, particularly in the context of human-wildlife conflict. We conclude with a discussion of the important linkages between poaching, wildlife trade, and zoonotic disease risk.
Effects of 8 Weeks of Balance Training, Virtual Reality Training, and Combined Exercise on Lower Limb Muscle Strength, Balance, and Functional Mobility Among Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sadeghi Hassan , Jehu Deborah A. , Daneshjoo Abdolhamid , Shakoor Elham , Razeghi Mohsen , Amani Alireza , Hakim Muhammad Nazrul , Yusof Ashril
Published: February 2021

Background:

Poor muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility have predicted falls in older adults. Fall prevention guidelines recommend highly challenging balance training modes to decrease falls; however, it is unclear whether certain modes are more effective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether traditional balance training (BT), virtual reality balance training (VR), or combined exercise (MIX) relative to a waitlist control group (CON) would provoke greater improvements in strength, balance, and functional mobility as falls risk factor proxies for falls in older men.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that 8 weeks of MIX will provoke the greatest improvements in falls risk factors, followed by similar improvements after BT and VR, relative to the CON.

Study Design:

Single-blinded randomized controlled trial NCT02778841 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

In total, 64 community-dwelling older men (age 71.8 ± 6.09 years) were randomly assigned into BT, VR, MIX, and CON groups and tested at baseline and at the 8-week follow-up. The training groups exercised for 40 minutes, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings strength on the dominant and nondominant legs were primary outcomes measured by the Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer. Secondary outcomes included 1-legged stance on firm and foam surfaces, tandem stance, the timed-up-and-go, and gait speed. Separate one-way analyses of covariance between groups were conducted for each outcome using baseline scores as covariates.

Results:

(1) MIX elicited greater improvements in strength, balance, and functional mobility relative to BT, VR, and CON; (2) VR exhibited better balance and functional mobility relative to BT and CON; and (3) BT demonstrated better balance and functional mobility relative to CON.

Conclusion:

The moderate to large effect sizes in strength and large effect sizes for balance and functional mobility underline that MIX is an effective method to improve falls risk among older adults.

Clinical Relevance:

This study forms the basis for a larger trial powered for falls.
Line- and Point-Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Placebo-Controlled RCT Study
Authors: Gatz Matthias , Schweda Sebastian , Betsch Marcel , Dirrichs Timm , de la Fuente Matias , Reinhardt Nina , Quack Valentin
Published: February 2021

Background:

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a widely considered treatment option for Achilles tendinopathy. Line-focused ESWT is a novel technique treating a larger tendon area than point-focused ESWT. Monitoring capacities of clinical symptoms with ultrasound under ESWT treatment are unknown.

Hypothesis:

Point- and line-focused ESWT have a superior outcome than placebo ESWT. ESWT leads to morphological tendon changes detectable with ultrasound.

Study Design:

Single-blinded placebo-controlled randomized contolled trial.

Level of Evidence:

Level 1.

Methods:

The study was conducted in 3 cohorts, namely ESWT point (n = 21), ESWT line (n = 24), and ESWT placebo (n = 21). Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) score was measured before the intervention (T0), after 6 weeks (T1), and after 24 weeks (T2). All cohorts performed daily physiotherapy for 24 weeks and received 4 sessions of point-focused, line-focused, or placebo ESWT in the first 6 weeks. Ultrasound was performed with B-mode, power Doppler, shear wave elastography (SWE) at T0 and T2 and with ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) at T0, T1, and T2. Data were analyzed with a mixed analysis of variance and t test.

Results:

There was a significant VISA-A improvement over time for all groups ( P < 0.001). ESWT point had the strongest VISA-A score improvement +23 (ESWT line: +18; ESWT placebo: +15), but there was no significant interaction between time and any of the groups: F(4, 116) = 1.393; P = 0.24. UTC, power Doppler, and B-mode could not show significant alterations over time. SWE revealed a significant increase of elastic properties for ESWT point in the insertion ( t = −3.113, P = 0.03) and midportion ( t = −2.627, P = 0.02) over time.

Conclusion:

There is a significant VISA-A score improvement for all study groups without a statistically significant benefit for ESWT point or ESWT line compared with ESWT placebo. Tendon adaptation could only be detected with SWE for ESWT point.

Clinical Relevance:

The present study could not detect any statistically relevant effect of ESWT compared to placebo. SWE is able to demonstrate tendon adaptation.
Early fibroproliferative signs on high-resolution CT are associated with mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with ARDS: a retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Zhilin , Xiang Min , Guan Hanxiong , Liu Yiwen , Zhang Huilan , Xia Liming , Zhan Juan , Hu Qiongjie
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and to evaluate its relationship with clinical outcome.

Materials and methods:

In this retrospective study, 79 COVID-19 patients with ARDS were recruited. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records and analyzed. HRCT scans, obtained within 3 days before clinical ARDS onset, were evaluated by three independent observers and graded into six findings according to the extent of fibroproliferation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess the independent predictive value of the computed tomography (CT) score and radiological fibroproliferation. Patient survival was determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results:

Compared with survivors, non-survivors showed higher rates of lung fibroproliferation, whereas there were no significant differences in the area of increased attenuation without traction bronchiolectasis or bronchiectasis. A HRCT score <230 enabled the prediction of survival with 73.5% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity, 100% negative predictive value (NPP), 83.3% positive predictive value (PPV) and 88.6% accuracy (Area Under the Curve [AUC] = 0.9; 95% confidence Interval [CI] 0.831–0.968). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that the HRCT score is a significant independent risk factor for mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR] 9.94; 95% CI 4.10–24.12). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that a HRCT score ⩾230 was associated with a higher fatality rate. Organ injury occurred less frequently in patients with a HRCT score <230 compared to those with a HRCT score ⩾230.

Conclusion:

Early pulmonary fibroproliferative signs on HRCT are associated with increased mortality and susceptibility to organ injury in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with early ARDS.
Accessing behavioral health care during COVID: rapid transition from in-person to teleconferencing medical group visits
Authors: Juarez-Reyes Maria , Mui Heather Z. , Kling Samantha M.R. , Brown-Johnson Cati
Published: February 2021

Background and aim:

Effective and safe behavioral health interventions in primary care are critical during pandemic and other disaster situations. California shelter-in-place orders necessitated rapid transition of an effective mindfulness-based medical group visit (MGV) program from in-person to videoconferenced sessions (VCSs). Aim: to Describe procedures, acceptability, and feasibility of converting from in-person to VCS.

Patients and methods:

Methods: qualitative. Dataset: primary care. Intervention: a six-session 2-h MGV program with educational and mindfulness components was converted. Four in-person sessions and two VCSs were held. General Anxiety Disorder and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were administered at first and last sessions. A semi-structured focus group was conducted after session six. Population studied: six primary care patients (42 ± 11 years) with stress, anxiety, or depression participated.

Results:

Procedural changes included remote material distribution, scheduling, hosting, and facilitation functions using the Zoom platform. The focus group revealed that patients preferred in-person sessions during initial visits, but appreciated transitioning to VCS, which provided continued support during a challenging time. Instruction on technical (e.g. logging on) and social (e.g. signaling next speaker) aspects of VCS was suggested. Building relationships through conversations was an important part before and after in-person sessions missing from VCS. Patients suggested combining in-person and VCS to allow relationship building while also improving access.

Conclusion:

While many procedural changes were needed to facilitate conversion to VCS, primary care patients seeking stress, anxiety, and depression interventions found VCS acceptable during COVID-19. Future iterations of this program are proposed which incorporate procedural changes and facilitate relationship building between patients in VCS.
“Aging-and-Tech Job Vulnerability”: A proposed framework on the dual impact of aging and AI, robotics, and automation among older workers
Authors: Alcover Carlos-María , Guglielmi Dina , Depolo Marco , Mazzetti Greta
Published: February 2021

As the aging population and workforce constitute a worldwide concern, it is becoming necessary to predict how the dual threat of aging and technology at work increases the job vulnerability of older workers and jeopardizes their employability and permanence in the labor market. The objective of this paper is twofold: (1) to analyze perceptions of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation in work settings and the expected impact of these technologies on older workers to contextualize this emergent phenomenon; and (2) to propose a general model related to “Aging-and-Tech Job Vulnerability” to explain and predict the combined effect of aging and AI/robotics/automation on job insecurity and additional outcomes among older workers. The propositions of the Age-and-Tech Job Vulnerability model developed in this paper seek to present a first approach for the conceptual advance and research on this emerging phenomenon and entails several theoretical and practical implications for organizational psychology.
A Comparison of Eye Tracking Latencies Among Several Commercial Head-Mounted Displays
Authors: Stein Niklas , Niehorster Diederick C. , Watson Tamara , Steinicke Frank , Rifai Katharina , Wahl Siegfried , Lappe Markus
Published: February 2021

A number of virtual reality head-mounted displays (HMDs) with integrated eye trackers have recently become commercially available. If their eye tracking latency is low and reliable enough for gaze-contingent rendering, this may open up many interesting opportunities for researchers. We measured eye tracking latencies for the Fove-0, the Varjo VR-1, and the High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC) Vive Pro Eye using simultaneous electrooculography measurements. We determined the time from the occurrence of an eye position change to its availability as a data sample from the eye tracker (delay) and the time from an eye position change to the earliest possible change of the display content (latency). For each test and each device, participants performed 60 saccades between two targets 20° of visual angle apart. The targets were continuously visible in the HMD, and the saccades were instructed by an auditory cue. Data collection and eye tracking calibration were done using the recommended scripts for each device in Unity3D. The Vive Pro Eye was recorded twice, once using the SteamVR SDK and once using the Tobii XR SDK. Our results show clear differences between the HMDs. Delays ranged from 15 ms to 52 ms, and the latencies ranged from 45 ms to 81 ms. The Fove-0 appears to be the fastest device and best suited for gaze-contingent rendering.
Bioengineered in vitro skeletal muscles as new tools for muscular dystrophies preclinical studies
Authors: Fernández-Costa Juan M. , Fernández-Garibay Xiomara , Velasco-Mallorquí Ferran , Ramón-Azcón Javier
Published: February 2021

Muscular dystrophies are a group of highly disabling disorders that share degenerative muscle weakness and wasting as common symptoms. To date, there is not an effective cure for these diseases. In the last years, bioengineered tissues have emerged as powerful tools for preclinical studies. In this review, we summarize the recent technological advances in skeletal muscle tissue engineering. We identify several ground-breaking techniques to fabricate in vitro bioartificial muscles. Accumulating evidence shows that scaffold-based tissue engineering provides topographical cues that enhance the viability and maturation of skeletal muscle. Functional bioartificial muscles have been developed using human myoblasts. These tissues accurately responded to electrical and biological stimulation. Moreover, advanced drug screening tools can be fabricated integrating these tissues in electrical stimulation platforms. However, more work introducing patient-derived cells and integrating these tissues in microdevices is needed to promote the clinical translation of bioengineered skeletal muscle as preclinical tools for muscular dystrophies.
In-hospital outcomes after percutaneous coronary interventions in cardiac allograft recipients
Authors: Isa Sakiru Oyetunji , Buhari Olajide , Adeniran-Isa Muminat , Khan Mahin , Khan Hafiz , Konda Raghunandan , Changezi Hameem , Afonso Luis
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

The average age and survival of heart transplant recipients have improved significantly over the last 10 years. In these long-term survivors, coronary allograft vasculopathy is one of the most common causes of death. There is a paucity of large-data research highlighting the short-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in cardiac allograft recipients.

Methods:

We compared the in-hospital outcomes of heart transplant recipient and non-transplant recipients following percutaneous coronary intervention using data from the National inpatient sample (NIS). All adult patients (age ⩾ 18 years) who had percutaneous coronary intervention in the index admissions from January of 2005 to December of 2014 were included in the analysis. They were then divided into two groups based on their heart transplant status. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were stroke, cardiac arrest, duration of hospitalization, and total hospital charges. Logistic regression models were used to compare in-hospital outcomes between the two groups.

Results:

Of 1,316,528 patients who had percutaneous coronary intervention, 618 (0.05%) were heart transplant recipients and 1,315,910 (99.95%) were not. The heart transplant recipient group was significantly younger with lower rates of obesity and peripheral vascular disease but higher rate of chronic kidney disease, iron deficiency anemia, and chronic liver disease. There was significantly higher in-hospital mortality in transplant recipients below 65 years of age (adjusted odds ration = 2.3, p value < 0.0001). Subjects in the heart transplant recipient group also had longer hospital stays ( p value = 0.002).

Conclusion:

Heart transplant recipients younger than 65 years had higher in-hospital mortality. Subjects in the heart transplant recipient group were also younger and had longer duration of hospitalization than the non-transplant cohorts.
Urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preparedness and response in Africa: Rapid scoping review of the early evidence
Authors: Alhassan Robert Kaba , Nutor Jerry John , Abuosi Aaron Asibi , Afaya Agani , Mohammed Solomon Salia , Dalaba Maxwel Ayindenaba , Immurana Mustapha , Manyeh Alfred Kwesi , Klu Desmond , Aberese-Ako Matilda , Doegah Phidelia Theresa , Acquah Evelyn , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward , Tampouri John , Akoriyea Samuel Kaba , Amuna Paul , Ansah Evelyn Kokor , Gyapong Margaret , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Gyapong John Owusu
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 also called coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in the African continent on 14 February 2020 in Egypt. As at 18 December 2020, the continent reported 2,449,754 confirmed cases, 57,817 deaths and 2,073,214 recoveries. Urban cities in Africa have particularly suffered the brunt of coronavirus disease 2019 coupled with criticisms that the response strategies have largely been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. This article reviewed early evidence on urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 preparedness and response in Africa.

Methods:

A rapid scoping review of empirical and grey literature was done using data sources such as ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, PubMed, HINARI and official websites of World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 26 full articles (empirical studies, reviews and commentaries) were synthesised and analysed qualitatively based on predefined inclusion criteria on publication relevance and quality.

Results:

Over 70% of the 26 articles reported on coronavirus disease 2019 response strategies across Africa; 27% of the articles reported on preparedness towards coronavirus disease 2019, while 38% reported on urbanisation nexus with coronavirus disease 2019; 40% of the publications were full-text empirical studies, while the remaining 60% were either commentaries, reviews or editorials. It was found that urban cities remain epicentres of coronavirus disease 2019 in Africa. Even though some successes have been recorded in Africa regarding coronavirus disease 2019 fight, the continent’s response strategies were largely found to be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Consequently, adoption of ‘Western elitist’ mitigating measures for coronavirus disease 2019 containment resulted in excesses and spillover effects on individuals, families and economies in Africa.

Conclusion:

Africa needs to increase commitment to health systems strengthening through context-specific interventions and prioritisation of pandemic preparedness over response. Likewise, improved economic resilience and proper urban planning will help African countries to respond better to future public health emergencies, as coronavirus disease 2019 cases continue to surge on the continent.
Pediatric COVID-19 presenting as supraglottitis with vocal cord hypomobility
Authors: Nadiger Meghana , Ness-Cochinwala Manette , Sanchez-Vegas Carolina , Sendi Prithvi , Ho Brian , Totapally Balagangadhar R , Sachdeva Ramesh
Published: February 2021

In the United States, an estimated 7.3% of confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19) are among persons aged less than 18 years. Data regarding clinical manifestations in this age group are still evolving. An upper airway predilection has been reported in children. We describe the case of a 15-year-old female with supraglottitis and unilateral hypomobility of vocal cord with concern for critical airway, associated with COVID-19. She was managed by a multidisciplinary team including critical care, infectious diseases, and otolaryngology. This report adds to the sparse but evolving body of literature on the clinical presentation of COVID-19 disease in children.
A case of severe dry eye disease with corneal melting as presenting complaint of acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Pchejetski Dmitri , Alshaker Heba , Babovic Radomir , Maw Kyaw
Published: February 2021

Dry eye syndrome is a common multifactorial disorder of the tear film and ocular surface. In rare cases, it may be caused by systemic diseases. Corneal melting is a complication of dry eye syndrome and is a potentially blinding condition. Here we report a case of a 67-year-old patient who attended her general practitioner for a year complaining of persistent dry eyes. Ophthalmological assessment showed severe dry eye syndrome with cornea melting in left eye. Blood test revealed anaemia and thrombocytopenia with circulating blasts. Bone marrow biopsy showed 15% myeloblasts with monosomy 7, compatible with acute myeloid leukaemia. Patient was started on intensive chemotherapy regime and was a candidate for allogenic bone marrow transplant. To our knowledge, this is the first case report demonstrating dry eye syndrome with sterile corneal melting as the possible presenting complaints of acute myeloid leukaemia. This case will serve as a useful reminder to general practitioners and accident and emergency doctors about the current guidelines regarding referral of persistently symptomatic patients with dry eye syndrome for further investigation in secondary care.
Big data for climate action or climate action for big data?
Authors: Espinoza Maria I , Aronczyk Melissa
Published: February 2021

Under the banner of “data for good,” companies in the technology, finance, and retail sectors supply their proprietary datasets to development agencies, NGOs, and intergovernmental organizations to help solve an array of social problems. We focus on the activities and implications of the Data for Climate Action campaign, a set of public–private collaborations that wield user data to design innovative responses to the global climate crisis. Drawing on in-depth interviews, first-hand observations at “data for good” events, intergovernmental and international organizational reports, and media publicity, we evaluate the logic driving Data for Climate Action initiatives, examining the implications of applying commercial datasets and expertise to environmental problems. Despite the increasing adoption of Data for Climate Action paradigms in government and public sector efforts to address climate change, we argue Data for Climate Action is better seen as a strategy to legitimate extractive, profit-oriented data practices by companies than a means to achieve global goals for environmental sustainability.
Coping strategies: Seeking personalized care in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. A patient reported measure–coping responses inventory
Authors: Vanotti Sandra , Cabral Nadia , Eizaguirre Maria Barbara , Marinangeli Aldana , Roman Maria Sol , Alonso Ricardo , Silva Berenice , Garcea Orlando
Published: February 2021

Background

Coping is defined as a set of cognitive and behavioral efforts made to master stressful specific demands. Adaptation to chronic diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), depends on the effectiveness of coping. Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Coping Responses Inventory (CRI-A) in persons with MS (PwMS), verifying the transferability of the measure, already validated in the Argentine general population, and to describe the types of coping strategies available for PwMS. Methods: 90 PwMS were included. Outcome measures: CRI-A Inventory, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale and MS International Quality of Life questionnaire. Results: Descriptive data is as follows: mean age (years): 40.97 ± 12.85; years of education: 13.46 ± 3.93; EDSS: 2.48 ± 1.79; disease evolution (years): 10.76 ± 9.72; depression: 13.92 ± 10.45; fatigue 3.77 ± 1.72. The psychometric properties of the CRI-A Inventory observed in the Argentine general population are present in the MS sample as well, with adequate validity and reliability. The respondents most frequently utilized a problem-focused coping style. Conclusions: Results showed the CRI-A has good transferability properties from the Argentine general population to the MS population.
Reviewing the relationship between machines and radiology: the application of artificial intelligence
Authors: Ahmad Rani
Published: February 2021

Background

The scope and productivity of artificial intelligence applications in health science and medicine, particularly in medical imaging, are rapidly progressing, with relatively recent developments in big data and deep learning and increasingly powerful computer algorithms. Accordingly, there are a number of opportunities and challenges for the radiological community.

Purpose

To provide review on the challenges and barriers experienced in diagnostic radiology on the basis of the key clinical applications of machine learning techniques.

Material and Methods

Studies published in 2010–2019 were selected that report on the efficacy of machine learning models. A single contingency table was selected for each study to report the highest accuracy of radiology professionals and machine learning algorithms, and a meta-analysis of studies was conducted based on contingency tables.

Results

The specificity for all the deep learning models ranged from 39% to 100%, whereas sensitivity ranged from 85% to 100%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 85% for the deep learning algorithms for detecting abnormalities compared to 75% and 91% for radiology experts, respectively. The pooled specificity and sensitivity for comparison between radiology professionals and deep learning algorithms were 91% and 81% for deep learning models and 85% and 73% for radiology professionals (p < 0.000), respectively. The pooled sensitivity detection was 82% for health-care professionals and 83% for deep learning algorithms (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Radiomic information extracted through machine learning programs form images that may not be discernible through visual examination, thus may improve the prognostic and diagnostic value of data sets.
Concussion-reporting behaviors among high school athletes in Ireland: Applying the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Sullivan Lindsay , Pursell Lisa , Molcho Michal
Published: February 2021

Background

Sport-related concussion is a significant public health issue, especially among children and adolescents. A growing body of evidence suggests that athletes who do not immediately report concussion and continue to play while concussed take longer to recover than their counterparts. Yet, many child and adolescent athletes do not immediately report concussion symptoms to a responsible adult.

Aim

This study examined the utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in predicting concussion reporting intentions and in-season reporting behaviors among high school, Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

High school GAA athletes aged 12-18 years completed surveys at baseline and at three-month follow-up. Concussion-related perceived behavioral control (PBC), attitudes, subjective norms, and reporting intentions were assessed at baseline. In-season concussion reporting behaviors were assessed at three-month follow-up. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between the constructs of the TPB and baseline reporting intentions. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between the constructs of the TPB and in-season reporting behaviors. All data were collected during the 2016–2017 academic year.

Results

A total of 153 adolescent athletes were included (n = 102 [66.7%] females; Mage = 14.4 years, [SD = 1.6]). Consistent with the TPB, results revealed that PBC and reporting intentions contributed to the prediction of in-season reporting behaviors. Reporting intentions, in turn, were strongly influenced by PBC, attitudes, and subjective norms. PBC was the strongest predictor of concussion reporting intentions and in-season reporting behaviors; the stronger the athletes’ PBC, the stronger their reporting intentions and the more likely they were to have reported concussion symptoms during the current season.

Conclusion

Although the findings from the current study must be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size, the findings suggest that the TPB has some utility in the prediction of concussion reporting intentions and reporting behaviors. However, our findings suggest that the TPB should not be used in isolation; other models that incorporate personal factors and environmental constraints may be needed to better our understanding of concussion reporting intentions and behaviors among high school athletes. Concussion education programs that include strategies to enhance PBC over concussion reporting may help improve concussion reporting behaviors among high school athletes.
Mapping methods of research on consumer engagement with brands on social media: A literature review
Authors: Audy Martínek Petra
Published: February 2021

Consumer-brand engagement on social media is a widely studied research topic with high relevance for marketing practitioners. However, the discipline is affected by a conceptual divergence and limited understanding of applicable research methods. The purpose of this article is to review the extant empirical research in the marketing literature that investigates consumer engagement with brands on social media, provide an overview of the research methods employed, and suggest implications for future research. Through systematic review of 66 published studies, this article aims to explore what methods are used to empirically investigate consumer engagement with brands on social media and asks how these methods have evolved over time. The study categorises the current research and demonstrates the evolution of research methods and themes from 2011 until 2019. This literature review revealed three observations: (a) low methods’ diversity, (b) dominant reliance on visible social media metrics and (c) negative aspects of consumer brand engagement as an emerging theme. The insights developed and the observed trends can be helpful in shaping future research and practice in the field of consumer brand engagement.
Producing ‘good enough’ automated transcripts securely: Extending Bokhove and Downey (2018) to address security concerns
Authors: Da Silva Joseph
Published: February 2021

Interviews are an established research method across multiple disciplines. Such interviews are typically transcribed orthographically in order to facilitate analysis. Many novice qualitative researchers’ experiences of manual transcription are that it is tedious and time-consuming, although it is generally accepted within much of the literature that quality of analysis is improved through researchers performing this task themselves. This is despite the potential for the exhausting nature of bulk transcription to conversely have a negative impact upon quality. Other researchers have explored the use of automated methods to ease the task of transcription, more recently using cloud-computing services, but such services present challenges to ensuring confidentiality and privacy of data. In the field of cyber-security, these are particularly concerning; however, any researcher dealing with confidential participant speech should also be uneasy with third-party access to such data. As a result, researchers, particularly early-career researchers and students, may find themselves with no option other than manual transcription. This article presents a secure and effective alternative, building on prior work published in this journal, to present a method that significantly reduced, by more than half, interview transcription time for the researcher yet maintained security of audio data. It presents a comparison between this method and a fully manual method, drawing on data from 10 interviews conducted as part of my doctoral research. The method presented requires an investment in specific equipment which currently only supports the English language.