bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of CD47 in Endometrial Cancer and Its Clinicopathological Significance
Authors: Yang Mei , Jiang Chunfan , Li Lin , Xing Hui , Hong Li
Published: March 2022

Purpose. To study the prognostic value of CD47 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) and its correlation with clinicopathological variables. Methods. Next-generation sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was analyzed with the Kaplan–Meier curve, Cox’s regression model, and ROC curve. A cohort of 544 specimens, including 344 cases of endometrial cancer, 92 cases of endometrial hyperplasia (EH), and 118 cases of normal endometrium (NE), were evaluated with immunohistochemistry and analyzed with statistical methods. Results. For TCGA data, CD47 expression in EC was considerably greater than in NE tissues. CD47 expression correlated significantly with age, clinical stage, histological grade, histological type, and menopause status. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox’s regression model revealed that elevated CD47 expression was positively correlated with a poorer prognosis. ROC curve showed that CD47 had high specificity and sensitivity as an independent prognosis factor. In our cohort, CD47 expression was significantly stronger in EC than in NE. The strongly positive expression of CD47 could be observed in EC, but none was observed in NE. The CD47 expression rate ranked in descending order: atypical endometrium hyperplasia, complex endometrium hyperplasia, and simple endometrium hyperplasia. Atypical endometrium hyperplasia CD47 expression rate was much greater than either simple endometrium hyperplasia or complex endometrium hyperplasia. A substantial connection existed amongst CD47 expression and the clinical stage. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that CD47 expression was connected with overall survival (OS). Univariate analysis instead of the multivariate analysis revealed that CD47 expression was associated significantly with prognosis. Conclusions. CD47 is a critical part of the progress of pathogenesis in EC. CD47 expression correlates with multiple clinicopathological variables and is a potential prognostic risk factor.
A Comprehensive Review of the Development of Carbohydrate Macromolecules and Copper Oxide Nanocomposite Films in Food Nanopackaging
Authors: Mesgari Mohammad , Aalami Amir Hossein , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: March 2022

Background. Food nanopackaging helps maintain food quality against physical, chemical, and storage instability factors. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) can improve biopolymers’ mechanical features and barrier properties. This will lead to antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in food packaging to extend the shelf life. Scope and Approach. Edible coatings based on carbohydrate biopolymers have improved the quality of packaging. Several studies have addressed the role of carbohydrate biopolymers and incorporated nanoparticles to enhance food packets’ quality as active nanopackaging. Combined with nanoparticles, these biopolymers create film coatings with an excellent barrier property against transmissions of gases such as O2 and CO2. Key Findings and Conclusions. This review describes the CuO‐biopolymer composites, including chitosan, agar, cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose nanowhiskers, carrageenan, alginate, starch, and polylactic acid, as food packaging films. Here, we reviewed different fabrication techniques of CuO biocomposites and the impact of CuONPs on the physical, mechanical, barrier, thermal stability, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of carbohydrate‐based films.
Clinical Significance of Albumin- and Bilirubin-Based Biomarkers in Glaucoma: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: He Chong , Zhang Gao , Fu Jing , Zhang Rui , Li An , Liu Donghua , Li Binghong , Chen Yang , Deng Bolin , Chen Yilian , Shuai Ping , Lu Fang
Published: March 2022

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of global blindness. The etiology of glaucoma is complicated. In addition to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), several other mechanisms have been implicated in pathogenesis, such as oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Serum albumin (ALB) and bilirubin (BIL) have been reported to have potent antioxidant properties and contribute to maintain redox homeostasis in various diseases. However, associations between these parameters and glaucoma remain mostly unknown. Here, we conducted a retrospective case-control study, revealing that serum ALB, total BIL (TBIL), and indirect BIL (IBIL) levels were markedly lower in glaucoma patients than those in healthy controls. Furthermore, the neutrophil-to-ALB (NAR), neutrophil-to-TBIL (NTBR), and neutrophil-to-IBIL (NIBR) ratios were greatly higher in glaucoma. Additionally, interestingly, lower ALB and BIL levels and higher NAR, NTBR, and NIBR were associated with severer glaucomatous visual impairment, and NAR, NTBR, and NIBR showed good accuracy as diagnostic tests for glaucoma severity, suggesting these indices might be useful as discriminative biomarkers for disease severity. Our current findings demonstrate associations between ALB, BIL, NAR, NTBR, NIBL, and glaucoma. It might be useful to use NAR, NTBR, and NIBR as predictive markers for disease severity and employ ALB/BIL as alternative therapy or adjuvant medicines in glaucoma patients.
Electromagnetic Interference Simulation of Software Electronic Equipment Based on Efficient Time Domain Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gupta Rajeev Kumar , Tiwari Basant
Published: March 2022

In order to ensure the normal operation of software electronic equipment and better guide the electromagnetic protection design of software electronic equipment, a set of computational models and numerical methods are needed to analyze the electromagnetic interference problems of electronic equipment. To this end, a new field-path hybrid time domain algorithm is adopted to simulate the electromagnetic interference of broadband electromagnetic signals to software electronic equipment in the time domain; the results are compared with those of the FDTD method to verify the correctness and efficiency of the algorithm. The average calculation time of FDTD is 478.3 min, while that of the field-path hybrid time domain algorithm is 46.5 min. The results show that the simulation effect of the field-path hybrid time domain algorithm is consistent with that of FDTD and saves a lot of memory and computation time, which proves the correctness and efficiency of the algorithm.
Ineffectiveness of Intermittent Hemodialysis in a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient: A Case of Persistent Heparin-Induced Hyperkalemia
Authors: Nlandu Yannick M. , Engole Yannick M. , Mboliassa Marie-France I. , Sakaji Théodore-Junior M. , Kobo Patrick U. , Boloko Patrick M. , Mafuta Pally K. , Tsangu Joseph P. , Van Echkout Karel , Kanku Jean-Pierre M. , Kalifa Golan , Ahmed Rodolphe , Bukabau Justine B.
Published: March 2022

Heparin is widely used in the intensive care unit despite the risk of bleeding it can cause. Although it is rarely reported, hyperkalemia is one of the side effects associated with heparin therapy (unfractionated or fractionated heparin). It would be secondary to hypoaldosteronism by blocking the biosynthesis of aldosterone in the adrenal gland and often appears in context of prolonged heparin therapy or inappropriate renin production in elderly, diabetic, and kidney insufficiency patients. We report a case of persistent hyperkalemia in a diabetic COVID-19 patient treated with curative heparin in the context of severe COVID-19.
A Detailed Review of MMC Circuit Topologies and Modelling Issues
Authors: Soomro Jahangir Badar , Akhtar Faheem , Hussain Rashid , Ahmed Ansari Jamshed , Munir Hafiz Mudassir
Published: March 2022

MMC is a promising technology for MTDC systems and would transform into the concept of Supergrids in the near future. The salient features of MMC are modularity, reduced dv/dt and di/dt stress on switches, voltage and power scalability, inherent fault blocking capacity, transformerless operation, and improved power quality. However, there are some technical issues and challenges to be critically analysed and addressed. There is room for development of novel and enhanced MMC based on SM configurations to enable higher efficiency, improved power quality, compactness, and DC fault blocking capacity. Moreover, development of efficient and accurate models is required for the studies of MTDC grids during steady-state and transient conditions. Literature review suggests a need for studying and comparing different MMC modelling approaches because no modelling technique can be best suited for all applications. The main contribution of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of recent developments in MMC in terms of SM configurations. This paper also presents an in-depth review of systematic comparison of different models of MMC, which can enable appropriate selection of model based on target studies and desired accuracy and efficiency. Finally, the associated research challenges and future trends are presented.
Application of Absorbable Suture in Strabismus Correction and Nursing Management Advantage of Watson Care Theory in Perioperative Period
Authors: Guo Weina , Yang Suling , Gong Yuexing , Zhang Lizhi , Jin Tao , Wang Jiancang , Guo Xiting , Sun Huihui , Song Yanxia , Tian Haixia
Published: March 2022

Objectives. The article is aimed at investigating the suture effect of absorbable suture in strabismus correction and the advantage of Watson care theory. Methods. 148 children with strabismus were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups. The control group received routine nursing, and on this basis, the observation group was given Watson care theory nursing and eye muscle suture with absorbable sutures. The degree of cooperation (induction compliance checklist (ICC) score), negative emotion (modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale (m-YAPS) score), pain (face pain scale (FPS) score), quality of nursing management, parents’ satisfaction, clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions were compared. Results. After nursing and surgical treatment, all children’s strabismus symptoms were improved, and the improvement of strabismus and visual function in the observation group was more obvious. Watson care nursing can effectively improve the nursing management quality, parents’ satisfaction, children’s negative emotions, and treatment compliance. Conclusions. As a result, Watson care theory nursing is of great significance for improving the relationship between nurses and patients and building a harmonious hospital.
Hadronic Molecule Interpretation of

T

c
c

+

and Its Beauty Partners
Authors: Ren Huimin , Wu Fan , Zhu Ruilin
Published: March 2022

Motivated by the latest discovery of a new tetraquark

T

c
c

+

with two charm quarks and two light antiquarks by LHCb Collaboration, we investigated the

D

D

∗

hadronic molecule interpretation of

T

c
c

+

. By calculation, the mass and the decay width of this new structure

T

c
c

+

can be understood in one-meson exchange potential model. The binding energies for these

D

D

∗

hadronic molecules with

J

P

=

1

+

are around 1 MeV. Besides, we also studied the possible beauty partners

T

b
b

10598

of hadronic molecule

T

c
c

+

, which may be feasible in future LHCb experiments.
Preparation of Spice Extracts: Evaluation of Their Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Antityrosinase, and Anti‐α‐Glucosidase Properties Exploring Their Mechanism of Enzyme Inhibition with Antibrowning and Antidiabetic Studies In Vivo
Authors: Alqahtani Yahya S. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Alyami Bandar A. , Alqarni Ali O. , Huneif Mohammed A. , Nahari Mohammed H. , Ali Anser , Javed Qamar , Ilyas Hina , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase enzymes are known as promising target candidates for inhibitors to control unwanted pigmentation and type II diabetics mellitus. Therefore, twenty extracts as enzyme inhibitors were prepared from edible spices: nutmeg, mace, star anise, fenugreek, and coriander aiming to explore their antioxidant, antibrowning, and antidiabetic potential. Results confirmed that all extracts showed potent antioxidant activity ranging from IC50 = 0.14 ± 0.03 to 3.69 ± 0.37 μg/mL. In addition, all extracts exhibited excellent antityrosinase (IC50 = 1.16 ± 0.06 to 71.32 ± 4.63 μg/mL) and anti‐α‐glucosidase (IC504.76 ± 0.71 to 42.57 ± 2.13 μg/mL) activities outperforming the corresponding standards, hydroquinone, and acarbose, respectively. Among all extracts, star anise ethyl acetate (Star anise ETAC) was found most potent inhibitor for both tyrosinase and α‐glucosidase enzymes and was further studied to explore the mechanism of enzyme inhibition. Kinetic analysis revealed its irreversible but mixed‐type tyrosinase inhibition with preferentially competitive mode of action. However, it binds reversibly with α‐glucosidase through competitive mode of action. Further, star anise ETAC extract showed concentration dependent and posttreatment time‐dependent antibrowning effect on potato slices and antidiabetic effect on diabetic rabbits in vivo proposing it promising candidate for tyrosinase‐rooted antibrowning and α‐glucosidase‐associated diabetes management for future studies.
Jornalismo e inteligência artificial: tendências nas pesquisas brasileiras entre 2010 e 2020
Authors: Ioscote Fabia Cristiane
Published: March 2022

Este trabalho apresenta um estado da arte no que se refere às pesquisas brasileiras que abordam o tema do jornalismo e a inteligência artificial (IA). Trata-se de um levantamento de artigos publicados em periódicos brasileiros e nos congressos nacionais SBPJor, Compós e Intercom Nacional entre 2010 e 2020 cujo objetivo é compreender as principais discussões nos trabalhos. O corpus é composto por 19 artigos publicados em periódicos e 27 artigos publicados em congressos. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados são a revisão bibliográfica e uma análise quantitativa com um conjunto de diferentes softwares. A partir da leitura dos títulos, resumos e palavras-chave, foi realizada uma análise qualitativa, de caráter inferencial, de coocorrências e conexões entre palavras com o software Iramuteq. Os resultados evidenciam que os periódicos discutem ferramentas e pesquisas aplicadas com ênfase nos dados e notícias, enquanto nos congressos prevalece a discussão do algoritmo e as implicações para o trabalho do jornalista.
Os 21 do XXI
Authors: Gambaro Daniel , Vicente Eduardo
Published: March 2022

Apresentação do dossiê.
O uso de pseudosseções em Petrologia Metamórfica: conceitos básicos e aplicações, com ênfase em pelitos
Authors: Gengo Rafaela Machado , Santos Caio Arthur , Moraes Renato , Szabó Gergely Andres Julio
Published: March 2022

O uso de pseudosseções em trabalhos voltados para Petrologia Metamórfica tem se tornado cada vez mais comum nos últimos 20 anos em razão de uma série de fatores, entre eles o avanço das técnicas de análise química mineral usando microssonda eletrônica e laser ablation acoplado à ICP-MS, além do refinamento no tratamento dos dados isotópicos em fases acessórias, tais como monazita e zircão, e, principalmente, o aperfeiçoamento dos softwares disponíveis para a sua construção. A cada ano são lançadas novas atualizações desses softwares; no entanto, bibliografias básicas que contemplem os aspectos teórico-práticos sobre as pseudosseções são escassas, sobretudo em língua portuguesa. Esta contribuição visou sintetizar esses aspectos, que são necessários para aqueles que desejam se aprofundar em Petrologia Metamórfica. Aqui são apresentados alguns princípios básicos de diagramas de fase, no geral, e pseudosseções, em particular, e são discutidos os primeiros passos de sua construção. Também são tratados aspectos topológicos de pseudosseções em diferentes sistemas químicos, para exemplificar as diferenças e as semelhanças que ocorrem.
Intervenções educativas para atividade física em adultos brasileiros: revisão sistemática
Authors: Guerra Paulo Henrique , Soares Hugo Falqueto , Mafra Ana Beatriz , Czarnobai Izadora , Cruz Guilherme Airon , Weber William Vinícius , Farias Juliano Cesar Huf , Loch Mathias Roberto , Ribeiro Evelyn Helena Corgosinho
Published: March 2022

OBJETIVO: Sumarizar as principais evidências de intervenções educativas delineadas para o aumento dos níveis de atividade física (AF) em adultos brasileiros.

MÉTODOS: Revisão sistemática de estudos de intervenção conduzidos no Brasil, que implementaram componentes educativos com a finalidade de promover o aumento dos níveis de AF em populações de adultos (18 a 65 anos). Em outubro de 2020, buscas sistemáticas foram conduzidas em seis bases de dados e nas listas de referências dos artigos avaliados.

RESULTADOS: Dos 2.511 artigos iniciais, nove compuseram a síntese. Foram observadas amostras com características específicas (como vulnerabilidade social, inatividade física e sobrepeso ou obesidade), com maior número de mulheres. Cinco intervenções (55,6%) ocorreram nos cenários da atenção primária à saúde (APS) do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Apenas em quatro estudos (44,4%) houve descrição dos referenciais pedagógicos estruturantes das abordagens educativas, dentro os quais o aconselhamento se configurou como a estratégia mais utilizada, como aquelas realizadas por meio de encontros presenciais, visitas domiciliares, palestras e chamadas telefônicas (n = 8; 88,9%). Resultados positivos foram observados em três distintos indicadores: aumento do volume semanal de AF (n = 4); aumento do índice de AF no lazer (n = 1); e aumento da proporção de mulheres classificadas como “muito ativas/ativas” (n = 1). Visto as especificidades amostrais, o domínio “seleção dos participantes” apresentou elevado número de intervenções com alto risco de viés.

CONCLUSÕES: As abordagens educativas produziram alguns efeitos positivos em distintos indicadores de AF, destacando-se o aconselhamento como principal estratégia utilizada e as abordagens que envolveram outras temáticas de saúde, como nutrição e estresse. Contudo, frente aos diversos determinantes da AF no Brasil, é importante que futuras intervenções sejam conduzidas em variadas localizações do país, de forma que avaliem, de maneira mais ampla, seus processos de implementação e articulação com os distintos profissionais que atuam na APS.
Redistributing deaths by ill-defined and unspecified causes on cancer mortality in Brazil
Authors: Bigoni Alessandro , Cunha Amanda Ramos da , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE to discuss the impact four different redistribution strategies have on the quantitative and temporal trends of cancer mortality assessment in Brazil. METHODOLOGY This study used anonymized and georeferenced data provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (BMoH). Four different approaches were used to conduct the redistribution of ill-defined deaths and garbage codes. Age-standardized mortality rates used the world population as reference. Prais-Winsten autoregression allowed the calculation of region, sex, and cancer type trends. RESULTS Death rates increased considerably in all regions after redistribution. Overall, Elisabeth B. França’s and the World Health Organization methods had a milder impact on trends and rate magnitudes when compared to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 method. This study also observed that, when the BMoH dealt with the problem of redistributing ill-defined deaths, results were similar to those obtained by the GBD method. The redistribution methods also influenced the assessment of trends; however, differences were less pronounced. CONCLUSIONS Since developing a comparative gold standard is impossible, matching global techniques to local realities may be an alternative for methodological selection. In our study, the compatibility of the findings suggests how valid the GBD method is to the Brazilian context. However, caution is needed. Future studies should assess the impact of these methods as applied to the redistribution of deaths to type-specific neoplasms.
Contributions of school context to caries on anterior teeth: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Prata Isolda Mirelle de Lima Ferreira , Neves Érick Tássio Barbosa , Lima Larissa Chaves Morais de , Dutra Laio da Costa , Ferreira Fernanda Morais , Paiva Saul Martins , Granville-Garcia Ana Flávia
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether oral health literacy (OHL) and school context are associated with untreated dental caries on the anterior teeth of adolescents. METHODS A representative cross-sectional study was conducted with 746 students aging 15 to 19 in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. The guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data and the absence/presence of private health insurance. Two examiners were trained for the diagnosis of dental caries using the Nyvad criteria and the measurement of OHL using the Brazilian Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) (Kappa > 0.80). Contextual aspects of the schools were obtained from the 2017 National School Census. Descriptive statistics were conducted, followed by unadjusted and adjusted robust negative binomial regression for complex samples (p < 0.05). RESULTS The average number of anterior teeth with untreated caries was 0.95 (SD = 1.77). Among individual factors, the male sex (RR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.24–2.16), inadequate level of OHL (RR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.13–1.63), marginal level of OHL (RR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.05–3.33) and not having private health insurance (RR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.07–1.68) were associated with untreated caries on anterior teeth. Among school contextual factors, the number of students in the classroom (RR = 2.64; 95%CI: 1.78–3.93), number of public oral health services in the district (RR = 0.14; 95%CI: 0.05–0.39) and average income of the district in which the school is located (RR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98–0.99) were associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic factors, having private health insurance, OHL, and school context exerted an influence on the occurrence of untreated dental caries on anterior teeth in adolescents aging 15 to 19.
Ultra-processed food intake and diet carbon and water footprints: a national study in Brazil
Authors: Garzillo Josefa Maria Fellegger , Poli Vanessa Fadanelli Schoenardie , Leite Fernanda Helena Marrocos , Steele Euridice Martinez , Machado Priscila Pereira , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between ultra-processed food consumption and carbon and water footprints of the Brazilian diet. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis on data collected in 2008-9 on a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population aged ≥ 10 years (n = 32,886). Individual food intake was assessed using two food records. The environmental impact of individual diets was calculated by multiplying the amount of each food by coefficients that quantify the atmospheric emissions of greenhouse gases in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent (carbon footprint) and freshwater use in liters (water footprint), both per gram or milliliter of food. The two coefficients consider the food life cycle ‘from farm to fork.’ Crude and adjusted linear regression models and tests for linear trends assessed the association between the ultra-processed food contribution to total energy intake (quintiles) and the diet carbon and water footprints. Potential confounders included age, sex, education, income, and region. Total energy intake was assessed as a potential mediation variable. RESULTS: In the crude models, the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods was linearly associated with the carbon and water footprints of the Brazilian diet. After adjustment for potential confounders, the association remained significant only regarding the diet water footprint, which increased by 10.1% between the lowest and highest quintile of the contribution of ultra-processed foods. Additional adjustment for total energy intake eliminated this association indicating that the dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods increases the diet water footprint by increasing energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: The negative impact of ultra-processed foods on the diet water footprint, shown for the first time in this study, adds to the negative impacts of these foods, already demonstrated regarding dietary nutrient profiles and the risk for several chronic non-communicable diseases. This reinforces the recommendation to avoid ultra-processed foods made in the official Brazilian Dietary Guidelines and increasingly in dietary guidelines of other countries.
Development and Validation of Prediction Models for Severe Complications After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Study Based on the Stroke Registry of Northwestern Germany
Authors: Bonkhoff Anna K. , Rübsamen Nicole , Grefkes Christian , Rost Natalia S. , Berger Klaus , Karch André
Published: March 2022

Background

The treatment of stroke has been undergoing rapid changes. As treatment options progress, prediction of those under risk for complications becomes more important. Available models have, however, frequently been built based on data no longer representative of today’s care, in particular with respect to acute stroke management. Our aim was to build and validate prediction models for 4 clinically important, severe outcomes after stroke.

Methods and Results

We used German registry data from 152 710 patients with acute ischemic stroke obtained in 2016 (development) and 2017 (validation). We took into account potential predictors that were available at admission and focused on in‐hospital mortality, intracranial mass effect, secondary intracerebral hemorrhage, and deep vein thrombosis as outcomes. Validation cohort prediction and calibration performances were assessed using the following 4 statistical approaches: logistic regression with backward selection,
l
1‐regularized logistic regression, k‐nearest neighbor, and gradient boosting classifier. In‐hospital mortality and intracranial mass effects could be predicted with high accuracy (both areas under the curve, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.90–0.90]), whereas the areas under the curve for intracerebral hemorrhage (0.80 [95% CI, 0.80–0.80]) and deep vein thrombosis (0.73 [95% CI, 0.73–0.73]) were considerably lower. Stroke severity was the overall most important predictor. Models based on gradient boosting achieved better performances than those based on logistic regression for all outcomes. However, area under the curve estimates differed by a maximum of 0.02.

Conclusions

We validated prediction models for 4 severe outcomes after acute ischemic stroke based on routinely collected, recent clinical data. Model performance was superior to previously proposed approaches. These predictions may help to identify patients at risk early after stroke and thus facilitate an individualized level of care.
Activation of Citizen Responders to Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest During the COVID‐19 Outbreak in Denmark 2020
Authors: Gregers Mads Christian Tofte , Andelius Linn , Malta Hansen Carolina , Kragh Astrid Rolin , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Christensen Helle Collatz , Kjoelbye Julie Samsoee , Væggemose Ulla , Frischknecht Christensen Erika , Folke Fredrik
Published: March 2022

Background

Little is known about how COVID‐19 influenced engagement of citizen responders dispatched to out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) by a smartphone application. The objective was to describe and analyze the Danish Citizen Responder Program and bystander interventions (both citizen responders and nondispatched bystanders) during the first COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020.

Methods and Results

All OHCAs from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2020, with citizen responder activation in 2 regions of Denmark were included. We compared citizen responder engagement for OHCA in the nonlockdown period (January 1, 2020, to March 10, 2020, and April 21, 2020, to June 30, 2020) with the lockdown period (March 11, 2020, to April 20, 2020). Data are displayed in the order lockdown versus nonlockdown period. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates did not differ in the 2 periods (99% versus 92%;
P
=0.07). Bystander defibrillation (9% versus 14%;
P
=0.4) or return‐of‐spontaneous circulation (23% versus 23%;
P
=1.0) also did not differ. A similar amount of citizen responders accepted alarms during the lockdown (6 per alarm; interquartile range, 6) compared with the nonlockdown period (5 per alarm; interquartile range, 5) (
P
=0.05). More citizen responders reported performing chest‐compression‐only cardiopulmonary resuscitation during lockdown compared with nonlockdown (79% versus 59%;
P
=0.0029), whereas fewer performed standardized cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including ventilations (19% versus 38%;
P
=0.0061). Finally, during lockdown, more citizen responders reported being not psychologically affected by attending an OHCA compared with nonlockdown period (68% versus 56%;
P
<0.0001). Likewise, fewer reported being mildly affected during lockdown (26%) compared with nonlockdown (35%) (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 lockdown in Denmark was not associated with decreased bystander‐initiated resuscitation in OHCAs attended by citizen responders.
Increased Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden With Renal Dysfunction and Albuminuria in Patients Taking Antithrombotic Agents: The Bleeding With Antithrombotic Therapy 2
Authors: Tanaka Kanta , Miwa Kaori , Takagi Masahito , Sasaki Makoto , Yakushiji Yusuke , Kudo Kohsuke , Shiozawa Masayuki , Tanaka Jun , Nishihara Masashi , Yamaguchi Yoshitaka , Fujita Kyohei , Honda Yuko , Kawano Hiroyuki , Ide Toshihiro , Yoshimura Sohei , Koga Masatoshi , Hirano Teruyuki , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the associations of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) burden with renal dysfunction and albuminuria in patients taking oral antithrombotic agents.

Methods and Results

Patients who newly started or continued taking oral antiplatelets or anticoagulants were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, observational study. Obligatorily acquired multimodal magnetic resonance imaging at registration with prespecified imaging conditions was assessed for cerebral microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, enlarged basal ganglia perivascular spaces, or lacunes, and an ordinal SVD score was calculated (range, 0–4). Multivariable adjusting covariates were age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, current smoking, drinking, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Of 5324 patients (1762 women; median age, 73 years), 4797 (90.1%) patients were taking oral antithrombotic agents for secondary stroke prevention. Cerebral microbleeds were present in 32.7%, confluent white matter hyperintensities in 51.8%, extensive basal ganglia perivascular spaces in 38.9%, and lacunes in 59.4%. Median SVD score was 2. Compared with eGFR category G1 (eGFR ≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
), adjusted odds ratios for SVD score increment were 1.63 (95% CI, 1.11–2.39) at category G4 (eGFR 15–<30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) and 2.05 (95% CI, 1.33–3.16) at G5 (eGFR <15 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
). Corresponding odds ratios relative to urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) category A1 (ACR <30 mg/g) were 1.29 (95% CI, 1.12–1.49) for category A2 (ACR 30–<300 mg/g) and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.05–1.77) for A3 (ACR ≥300 mg/g). When combined eGFR and ACR categories were assessed, risks for SVD score increment generally increased as eGFR decreased and ACR increased.

Conclusions

Both reduced eGFR and albuminuria were independently associated with increased cerebral SVD burden in patients requiring oral antithrombotic medication mainly for secondary stroke prevention.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01581502; URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr
; Unique identifier: UMIN000023669.
Why Was There a Hard Brexit? The British Legislative Party System, Divided Majorities and the Incentives for Factionalism
Authors: Quinn Thomas , Allen Nicholas , Bartle John
Published: March 2022

The UK parliament of 2017–2019 had to decide what form of Brexit, if any, it would accept in the government’s negotiations with the EU over a withdrawal agreement. Despite a large majority of MPs having supported Remain in the 2016 referendum, with most opposed to a ‘hard’ Brexit of looser ties between the UK and the EU, all attempts to pass a ‘soft’ Brexit failed. The final withdrawal agreement reflected a hard Brexit that was closer to the preferences of a 28-strong group of Eurosceptic Conservative MPs than to those of any other party or faction in a 650-seat parliament. This article identifies the two-party system for government as a crucial variable in explaining this unexpected outcome. Governments seek majorities from among their own MPs rather than relying on the uncertain support of the opposition. This not only makes party cohesion vital, but also creates leverage for organised factions to hold sway.
Journal of Information Science: A gender-based bibliometric study (2015–2020)
Authors: Cobo-Serrano Silvia , Arquero-Avilés Rosario , Marco-Cuenca Gonzalo
Published: March 2022

Scientific publication is one of the main channels for disseminating research results and one of the most important means of determining the presence of women in scientific research. This article aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field, from a gender perspective, by analysing Journal of Information Science (2015–2020). To reach this goal, the research has been developed in several stages (data collection, gender authors’ identification, validation of authorities, contact by email and analysis of results) to identify 326 contributions and 697 authors finally. Analysis patterns showed outcomes on gender (single and multiple authors), scientific collaboration, authorship time-course, authorship productivity as well as institutional and geographic affiliation. Some conclusions show that male and female authors are not equally represented in the journal, with a great difference in the case of collective authorship. Overall, there is a clear trend of single and multiple male authorship.
Online Conspiracy Theories, Digital Platforms and Secondary Orality: Toward a Sociology of Online Monsters
Authors: Venturini Tommaso
Published: March 2022

Reviving the somewhat forgotten notion of ‘secondary orality’, this paper conceptualizes online conspiracism as a creative, if monstrous, response to the attention economy of social media. Combining classic literature on oral cultures and current research on online subcultures, this paper takes conspiratorial folklore seriously and develops a program of research into its features and into its surprising adaptation to the attention regime of digital media.
Using Wrong-Way Driving Detection Data to Identify Factors That Affect Wrong-Way Driving Behavior and Compare Detection Technologies
Authors: Sandt Adrian , Al-Deek Haitham , Uddin Nizam , Ginsberg Eric , McCombs John , Lopez Sanchez Angel
Published: March 2022

Previous research has studied wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes, citations, and 911 calls to understand WWD characteristics, but no research has utilized WWD detection data. In this paper, WWD detection data from 48 toll road exit ramps were modeled to identify the factors that affect WWD frequency. The developed negative binomial model showed that exit ramps with more lanes, a toll booth, and higher crossing street volumes were predicted to have more WWD, whereas having more lanes on the opposing approach to the exit ramp was predicted to reduce WWD. Examination of 726 WWD detections showed that 23% were initiated by left-turning vehicles and 18% were initiated by right-turning vehicles, with significantly more left-turn entries occurring at night than right-turn entries (at α = 0.05). A case study of five ramps showed that exits with an extended median on the crossing road had fewer left-turn entries and exits with right-turn lanes on the crossing road had fewer right-turn entries. Lastly, radar, laser, and thermal WWD detection technologies were compared based on their WWD detections and false alarms. The laser sites had significantly more detections and false alarms than the radar sites (at α = 0.05), with the radar sites having a significantly higher WWD detection rate than false alarm rate. Radar false alarms were mainly caused by large trucks, whereas the laser sites had issues with equipment damage and traffic queues. The results of this paper can help agencies better understand WWD behavior and identify the most appropriate WWD detection technologies.
Attitudes Toward Deprescribing in Older Adults and Caregivers: A Survey in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Rakheja Bianca , Sirois Caroline , Ouellet Nicole , Roux Barbara , Laroche Marie-Laure
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to describe attitudes toward deprescribing among older adults and caregivers. We recruited 110 adults 65 years and above using at least one prescribed medication for at least 3 months, and 95 unrelated caregivers (18+) of older adults with such characteristics, who answered the validated French version of the revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing questionnaire. More older adults (84.5%) than caregivers (70.5%) ( p = .007) would be willing to stop at least one medication if the doctor said it was possible. Conversely, 93.5% of older adults and 78.9% of caregivers were satisfied with the current medications taken ( p = .0024). The results did not vary according to age, sex, number of medications taken, education level, or residency. Thus, older adults and caregivers are disposed to undertake deprescribing, regardless of sociodemographic characteristics. However, relying solely on satisfaction with current medications may not be sufficient to identify relevant deprescribing opportunities.
Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Yifei , Du Xiayu , Lai Lizu , Ren Zhihong , Li Hua
Published: March 2022

Background: Estimating the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults with different health conditions can inform mental health services for this population during the corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method: A search of 12 scientific databases identified 17 studies with 11,237 Chinese older adults who were infected by COVID-19, were generally healthy, or had chronic illnesses. Meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in these three groups. Assessment criteria, region, and time phase of the pandemic were tested as sources of heterogeneity. Results: With an average risk of bias score of 6.71 (range = 6–8), the majority of included studies employed appropriate statistical methods, used validated measurement tools, and had adequate response rates; however, they might have deficiencies in sample frame, sampling method, and sample size. Within the COVID-19, general, and chronic illness groups, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 27%, 26%, and 61%, respectively, and the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 14%, 23%, and 85%, respectively. Among generally healthy older adults, anxiety was more prevalent during the Phase 2 (March–April 2020) of the pandemic compared with other time phases. Conclusions: The results have implications for addressing the mental health problems of Chinese older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sleep Disturbances and Their Association With Quality of Life in Older Psychiatric Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Xiuying , Li Wen , Zou Siyun , Li Yulong , Wang Huan , Yan Xiaona , Du Xiangdong , Zhang Lan , Zhang Qinge , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: March 2022

Aims

The negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality of clinically stable psychiatric patients is unknown. This study examined the prevalence of sleep disturbances and their association with quality of life (QOL) in clinically stable older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This multicenter, cross-sectional study involved older patients attending maintenance treatment at outpatient departments of four major psychiatric hospitals in China. Patients’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and QOL were assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and 2 items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the independent associations of socio-demographic and clinical variables with sleep disturbances, while the association between sleep disturbances and QOL was explored with analysis of covariance.

Results

A total of 941 patients were recruited. The prevalence of sleep disturbances was 57.1% (95% CI: 53.9–60.2%). Analysis of covariance revealed that QOL was significantly lower in patients with sleep disturbances compared to those without. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sleep disturbances were positively and independently associated with more severe depressive symptoms (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.26–1.37). Compared to patients with major depressive disorder, those with other psychiatric diagnoses had a significantly higher prevalence of sleep disturbances (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.00–2.08).

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances were common among clinically stable older psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the negative association with QOL, this subpopulation needs regular assessment and timely treatment to reduce their sleep disturbances and improve their QOL.
Surface reconstruction method for measurement data with outlier detection by using improved RANSAC and correction parameter
Authors: Gu Tianqi , Luo Zude , Tang Dawei , Chen Jianxiong , Lin Shuwen
Published: March 2022

The moving least squares (MLS) and moving total least squares (MTLS) are two of the most popular methods used for reconstructing measurement data, on account of their good local approximation accuracy. However, their reconstruction accuracy and robustness will be greatly reduced when there are outliers in measurement data. This article proposes an improved MTLS method (IMTLS), which introduces an improved random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm and a correction parameter in the support domain, to deal with the outliers and random errors. Based on the nodes within the support domain, firstly the improved RANSAC is used to generate a model for establishing the group of pre-interpolation and calculating the residual of each node. Subsequently, the abnormal degree of the node with the largest residual is evaluated by the correction parameter associated with the node residual and random errors. The node with certain abnormal degree will be eliminated and the remaining nodes are used to obtain the approximation coefficients. The correction parameter can be used for data reconstruction without insufficient or excessive elimination. The results of numerical simulation and measurement experiment show that the reconstruction accuracy and robustness of the IMTLS method is superior to the MLS and MTLS method.
Critical analysis on the implementation barriers and consumer perception toward future electric mobility
Authors: Chidambaram Kannan , Ashok Bragadeshwaran , Vignesh Rajasekar , Deepak Chirag , Ramesh Rathan , Narendhra Tharun MV , Muhammad Usman Kaisan , Kavitha Chellapan
Published: March 2022

Future mobility is expected to be sustainable in terms of energy production, consumption, and vehicle emissions. Embedded intelligent systems are playing a crucial role in the electrification of vehicles, their autonomy and implementation. Though electric vehicle technology is expected to lead the automotive powertrain architecture in the coming decades, various barriers currently hinder their acceptance into the automotive market. These barriers are generally categorized into battery technology, vehicle performance, charging infrastructure, consumer behavior, and government support. Hence, a detailed analysis of these barriers, especially for developing countries with minimal electric vehicle penetration is an area of concern. This article investigates the barriers and infers the comparative order of resolution for each barrier based on its priority to be identified and overcome. As consumers are the major influencers of electric vehicle demand and acceptance, barrier analysis is carried out based on their opinions. Using a Consumer Perception Survey, this article determines the influence of each barrier on potential users of electric vehicles. Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio analysis and TOPSIS are implemented to allocate evaluation factors to each sub-barrier to obtain the hierarchy of priority. Furthermore, this article highlights the policies and schemes implemented in developed countries and correlates them with their electric vehicle population. The article sheds light on different measures to be taken in developing countries such as India to mitigate barriers and bridge gaps. The outcome of the literature review and consumer perception survey shows that the major factors affecting electric vehicle implementation in developing countries are the lack of charging infrastructure and high overall cost. Therefore, it is realized that such developing countries must introduce more schemes and incentives on infrastructural and operational costs to promote EV growth.
Would the Real Loneliness Please Stand Up? The Validity of Loneliness Scores and the Reliability of Single-Item Scores
Authors: Mund Marcus , Maes Marlies , Drewke Pia M. , Gutzeit Antonia , Jaki Isabel , Qualter Pamela
Published: March 2022

Several measures that assess loneliness have been developed for adults. Across three studies, we investigated psychometric features of scores of different versions of the Rasch-Type Loneliness Scale, the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and three single-item measures. In Study 1 ( N = 697 self-ratings, N = 282 informant-ratings of 160 targets) and Study 2 ( N = 1,216 individuals from 608 couples), we investigated convergent validity, self-informant agreement, and nomological nets of the item scores using correlates related to demographic aspects, personality, satisfaction, and network characteristics. In Study 3 ( N = 411), we estimated a reliability of [Formula: see text] for scores of three single-item measures of loneliness. Overall, scores of all measures and their nomological nets were highly correlated within and across studies, indicating that the scores of the included measures are all reliable and valid. Recommendations for choosing a loneliness measure are discussed.
Differential Item Functioning of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory Across Race/Ethnicity and Gender Among a Sample of Justice-Involved Youth: An Item Response Theory Analysis
Authors: Ray James V.
Published: March 2022

Research is yet to examine whether the items of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) function equally well across race/ethnicity and gender. The current study applies an item response theory analysis to detect differential item functioning (DIF) of the YPI subscale across White, Black, and Hispanic youth and males and females among a sample of justice-involved youth. Significant DIF was detected for several items between Black youth and White youth and Black youth and Hispanic youth. Few incidences of DIF emerged between White and Hispanic youth and between males and females. The findings suggest that subscales of the YPI provide more information for White and Hispanic youth compared with Black youth. They also suggest that while there was significant DIF in the difficulty of items, the direction of DIF did not substantially favor one group or another. Thus, the findings suggest that the YPI produces comparable estimates of psychopathic traits for females and males and for White and Hispanic youth. However, the results raise concerns about comparing YPI subscale scores between White and Black youth and Hispanic and Black youth. The findings have important implications for the use of the YPI subscales among diverse samples.