bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-stratified assessment of orthodontic tooth movement outcomes with clear aligners
Authors: Chaluparambil Mariamma , Abu Arqub Sarah , Kuo Chia-Ling , Godoy Lucas Da Cunha , Upadhyay Madhur , Yadav Sumit
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study compared the achieved tooth movement to that predicted in the preliminary simulated digital treatment plan between adults and teenagers.

Materials and methods

Records of 60 patients (30 adults; mean age: 36.6 ± 11.36 years, and 30 teenagers; mean age: 16.23 ± 2.25 years) were randomly selected. Initial and predicted models were obtained from the initial simulated treatment plan. The first model of the refinement scan was labeled as achieved. SlicerCMF software (version 3.1; https://www.slicer.org) was used to superimpose the achieved and predicted digital models over the initial ones with regional superimposition on relatively stable first molars. 600 teeth were measured in each group for horizontal, vertical, angular movements, and transverse dimensions. Accuracy was defined as the achieved amount of movement minus predicted and was calculated for each individual and compared between teens and adults.

Results

The mandibular inter-canine width accuracy was statistically significant between groups (p = 0.050). Significant under-correction in horizontal movements was noted for mandibular first premolars in teenagers compared to adults (p = 0.037). There was considerable over-correction in horizontal movements for mandibular central and lateral incisors between groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between groups in the vertical plane. Rotations were underachieved for maxillary first premolars, more in adults than teenagers (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

The accuracy of achieved versus predicted tooth movement between adults and teenagers was significant for the inter-canine width. Mandibular central and lateral incisors showed significantly greater over-correction in adults in the horizontal plane. The accuracy of rotations and vertical movements was comparable.
Re-partnering and fertility
Authors: Luppi Francesca , Migheli Matteo , Pronzato Chiara
Published: November 2024

European divorce rates have been rising since the 1970s. Concurrently, as more couples choose cohabitation over marriage, there has also been an increase in separations among cohabiting partners. Nearly 50% of separated individuals form new relationships within five years. These trends may have important implications for fertility research. Are re-partnered women more likely to continue having children than women who have never separated? Do re-partnered women approach fertility decisions differently? Does re-partnering help recover the births 'lost' due to separation? To address these questions, we utilise longitudinal data from 2004 to 2018 across 32 European countries, employing probit models for our analysis. We find that women in higher-order unions are, on average, more likely to have an additional child compared to those who already have children with their current partner. The former group appears less burdened by having more or older children and is less influenced by family income. Predictions from our models indicate that births lost due to union dissolution can only be recovered when re-partnering occurs relatively quickly.
Quantifying the stability of refugee populations: a case study in Austria
Authors: Ali Ola , Dervic Elma , Stütz Rainer , Nedelkoska Ljubica , Prieto-Curiel Rafael
Published: November 2024

The global surge in displacement, with nearly 110 million people uprooted due to violence, underscores the pressing need to comprehend the challenges faced by refugees. Population growth, environmental crises, and political instability contribute to this crisis, projecting an escalating trend in the decades ahead. While hosting countries strive to address concerns related to labour markets, state provisions, and cultural integration, understanding the well-being of refugees upon entry needs to be more adequately explored. This study focuses on refugee stability and integration, employing Austria as a case study. Stability is assessed through residential movement, where more frequent moves indicate instability. Utilising comprehensive administrative data spanning November 2022 to November 2023, we examine residence movements as a proxy for stability. Our findings reveal a stark contrast in the stability of refugees compared to other migrant groups. Analysing movement profiles, we establish that refugees exhibit significantly higher rates of residential mobility than their counterparts, especially among male refugees. This imbalance persists even when comparing refugees to migrants from top refugee-sending countries without official refugee status. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of refugee stability, shedding light on the enduring challenges faced by this population. By examining movement patterns as a key indicator, we provide a nuanced understanding of the residential experiences of refugees, that can inform targeted policies and interventions for enhanced refugee well-being and integration.
El Niño southern oscillation, weather patterns, and bacillary dysentery in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Li Caiji , Wang Xiaowen , Liu Zehua , Cheng Liangliang , Huang Cunrui , Wang Jing
Published: November 2024

Background

Increasingly intense weather anomalies associated with interannual climate variability patterns, like El Niño-southern oscillation (ENSO), could exacerbate the occurrence and transmission of infectious diseases. However, research in China remains limited in understanding the impacts and intermediate weather changes of ENSO on bacillary dysentery (BD). This study aimed to reveal the relationship between ENSO, weather conditions, and the incidence of BD, and to identify the potential meteorological pathways moderated by ENSO in the ENSO-BD connections.

Methods

BD disease data and meteorological data, as well as ENSO index, from 2005 to 2020 were obtained for 95 cities in the Yangtze River Basin. We first established the associations between ENSO events and BD, ENSO and weather, as well as weather and BDs using two-stage statistical models. Then, we applied a causal mediation analysis to identify the specific meteorological changes in the ENSO-BD relationship.

Results

In the Yangtze River Basin, both El Niño (IRR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.04 ~ 1.08) and La Niña (IRR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.02 ~ 1.05) events were found to increase the risk of BD. Variations of ENSO index were associated with changes in local weather conditions. Both the increases in regional temperatures and rainfall were associated with a higher risk of BD. In the casual mediation analyses, we identified that higher temperatures and excessive rainfall associated with La Niña and El Niño events mediated the ENSO’s effect on BD, with mediation proportions of 38.58% and 34.97%, respectively.

Conclusions

Long-term climate variability, like ENSO, can affect regional weather conditions and lead to an increased risk of BD. We identified the mediating weather patterns in the relationship between ENSO and BD, which could improve targeted health interventions and establish an advanced early warning system in response to the BD epidemic.
Treatment decision-making factors among patients with cervical myelopathy: a discrete-choice experiment
Authors: Sarraj Mohamed , Majeed Meerab , Zarrabian Mohammad , Busse Jason , Bhandari Mohit , Guha Daipayan , Pahuta Markian
Published: November 2024

Background

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy is a debilitating condition and current recommendations encourage shared decision-making between surgeons and patients. However, there is limited data on patients’ values and preferences for surgical decision making. This study aimed to quantify and compare the relative importance of neurologic function, risk of future surgery, and complications to patients with cervical stenosis.

Methods

Patients with cervical stenosis presenting for surgical evaluation, or post-operative cervical decompression patients, were recruited to participate. Demographic information including modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, type of surgery, and complications were recorded and anonymized to study ID. Patients then completed an online discrete-choice experiment survey. In a series of 10 questions, respondents chose between two hypothetical health states defined in terms of five attributes, or “decision factors”: (i) upper extremity neurologic function, (ii) lower extremity neurologic function, (iii) risk of cervical spine surgery, (iv) dysphagia, and (v) C5 palsy. Participants were asked to choose which ‘life’ they preferred, and a regression model was used to quantify the importance of each decision factor.

Results

We report three key findings that can aid clinicians in shared decision-making conversations: (i) all patients regard lower extremity neurologic function as the most important decision factor, (ii) dysphagia, a complication, and upper extremity neurologic function are equally important, and (iii) patients who have undergone surgery weigh neurologic function as less important, and complications as more important than patients who have not undergone surgery.

Conclusions

Patient preferences for management of degenerative cervical myelopathy are influenced by several considerations including the experience of surgery itself. Communication of benefits and harms associated with surgical and conservative care can optimize shared decision making. Further research should be conducted to evaluate for decisional regret and the impact of complications to inform treatment conversations.
Ethnic fermented foods of the world: an overview
Authors: Lee Cherl-Ho , Ahn Junyoung , Son Hong-Seok
Published: November 2024

The origins of traditional fermented foods and the types and characteristics of fermented foods by region are reviewed. Fermented foods are classified into alcohol fermentation, acid fermentation, carbon dioxide (bread) fermentation, and amino acid/peptide fermentation, and related fermentation technologies for each region are introduced. The raw materials, microorganisms involved, and usage of ethnic fermented foods are reviewed and compared one another. The beginning of food fermentation technology is related to the invention and use of earthenware, and Northeast Asia is presumed to be one of the birth places. During the period of primitive pottery culture (8000–3000 BCE) on the Korean Peninsula and the coastal region of Korea Strait, boiling technology of food materials using pottery and salt manufacturing technology from seawater were developed, and at the same time, alcohol fermentation using grains and salt-fermentation of fish and vegetables emerged. In the West, where people were nomads, a roasting/grilling culture was continued for a long time, and technologies for fermenting fruit wine and milk products such as cheese and yogurt were developed. As a result, fermentation was mainly used for enhancing the taste of plant foods in the East, while for extending the shelf life of animal foods in the West. The production of salty and meaty flavors from soybeans and marine products by fermentation in East Asia is a technology that increases the value of low-quality proteins.
Genomic strategies for drug repurposing
Authors: Dave Kirtan , Patel Dhaval , Dave Nischal , Jain Mukul
Published: November 2024

Functional genomics, a multidisciplinary subject, investigates the functions of genes and their products in biological systems to better understand diseases and find new drugs. Drug repurposing is an economically efficient approach that entails discovering novel therapeutic applications for already-available medications. Genomics enables the identification of illness and therapeutic molecular characteristics and interactions, which in turn facilitates the process of drug repurposing. Techniques like gene expression profiling and Mendelian randomization are helpful in identifying possible medication candidates. Progress in computer science allows for the investigation and modeling of gene expression networks that involve large amounts of data. The amalgamation of data concerning DNA, RNA, and protein functions bears similarity to pharmacogenomics, a crucial aspect in crafting cancer therapeutics. Functional genomics in drug discovery, particularly for cancer, is still not thoroughly investigated, despite the existence of a significant amount of literature on the subject. Next-generation sequencing and proteomics present highly intriguing opportunities. Publicly available databases and mining techniques facilitate the development of cancer treatments based on functional genomics. Broadening the exploration and utilization of functional genomics holds significant potential for advancing drug discovery and repurposing, particularly within the realm of oncology.
Prevalence and characteristics of smokers interested in using virtual reality for encouraging smoking cessation: a representative population survey in Great Britain
Authors: Okpako Tosan , Kale Dimitra , Perski Olga , Brown Jamie
Published: November 2024

Background

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of morbidity in the world. Virtual reality (VR) has been used to encourage and support quit attempts. However, interest in VR may differ according to sociodemographic characteristics. This study aimed to estimate the proportion and associated characteristics of smokers in Great Britain who were interested in using VR for smoking cessation.

Methods

Data were collected from 6,858 adults between February to April 2023, from the Smoking Toolkit Study—a monthly, nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of adults in Great Britain. Of these, 873 were smokers (unweighted). Prevalence of interest was assessed descriptively and associations between interest and sociodemographic and smoking characteristics were analysed with weighted logistic regression models.

Results

Of 905 (weighted) smokers, 34.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI):31.0%-38.5%) were interested in using VR for smoking cessation. Smokers had greater odds of reporting interest in VR for smoking cessation who were: highly motivated to quit (Odds Ratio (OR):2.41, 95% CI:1.59–3.65), had made a quit attempt in the past year (OR:1.95, 95% CI:1.37–2.77), currently trying to cut down (OR:1.90, 95% CI:1.34–2.67) and interested in VR generally (OR:10.42, 95% CI:6.97–15.57). Those ≥ 65 years old (OR:0.29, 95% CI:0.15–0.57) and women (OR:0.69, 95% CI:0.49–0.97) were less likely to report interest.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that up to a third of adult smokers may be interested in using VR to support a quit attempt. However, the potential reach of a VR smoking cessation intervention may be lower in certain subgroups such as women, adults 65 years or older, and adults less motivated to quit. From a health equity perspective, it is recommended that non-digital but effective interventions should be made readily available for adults at risk of digital exclusion due to lack of interest. However, as VR grows in popularity and its technological potential becomes fully realised, future research could also focus on strategies to reduce digital exclusion and increase interest. For example, by involving these subgroups in co-design activities and using novel dissemination strategies.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists should become British, not Royal
Authors: Curtis David
Published: November 2024

The royal charter of the Royal College of Psychiatrists is generally taken to enhance its status. However, the concept of a hereditary monarchy is intellectually indefensible and the realities of the British monarchy exacerbate inequalities in the UK. The connection is particularly problematic for psychiatrists because of their role in the compulsory detention and treatment of patients. The Royal affiliation can only serve to emphasise the power inequalities in society associated with these activities. College members should feel free to discuss whether this situation should continue or whether we should be British rather than Royal.
Mental health and psychiatry in Japan
Authors: Sugiura Kanna , Yamada Yuhei , Kirihara Naoyuki , Akiyama Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2024

Mental health services in Japan are fully integrated into the broader healthcare system, and patients have access to a wide range of services and specialists. In addition, psychiatry services are part of comprehensive mental healthcare that provides social support to address the whole person's needs. However, there are still challenges in the mental health system in Japan, including overuse of hospital beds and coercive practices such as involuntary admission, restraint and seclusion. This article will explore the current state of mental health services, the challenges the country still faces and the efforts being made to address these challenges.
Treatment with medication for patients with psychosis within 2 days during waiting in the accident and emergency department and its correlation with length of in-patient stay: retrospective database study
Authors: Pasha Memon Hannah , Phiphopthatsanee Nacharin , Hampsey Elliot
Published: November 2024

Background

One of the ‘critical goals’ for psychiatric liaison services is reducing hospitalisation. Psychotropic medication is a treatment for psychosis, although research determining the efficacy of early medication administration is lacking.

Aims

To determine whether commencing psychotropic medication within 2 days of psychiatric liaison input in the accident and emergency (A&E) department is correlated with length of in-patient psychiatric admissions for patients with psychosis.

Method

We gathered data on patients presenting to A&E sites covered by South London and Maudsley (SLaM) National Health Service Trust, who were subsequently admitted to and discharged from SLaM psychiatric in-patient wards with discharge diagnosis of psychosis between 2015 and 2020. The analysis set comprised 228 patients waiting in the A&E department under psychiatric liaison care for ≥2 days, of which 140 were started on medication within those 2 days (group A) and 88 were not (group B). Group A was divided into A1 (patients restarted on previous psychotropic medication taken within 1 week) and A2 (others, including those new to psychotropic medication or with past usage).

Results

Although Kaplan–Meier survival curves with log-rank tests demonstrated no statistically significant difference of in-patient admission duration between groups A and B or groups B1 and B2, further analysis revealed that subgroup A1 had statistically significant shorter admissions than group B (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Restarting patients with psychosis on medication they were taking within the week before A&E department attendance, within 2 days of arrival at the A&E department, is associated with statistically significant shorter admissions. The limitation is a relatively small sample size.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and symptoms in paediatric cancer survivors and their family nucleus: systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Low Chen Ee , Tan Sheryl Yen Pin , Loh Andre , Yu Jingrong , Ong Joel Zuo Er , Loh Caitlin Yuen Ling , Yau Chun En , Lee Ainsley Ryan Yan Bin , Ho Cyrus Su Hui
Published: November 2024

Background

Various studies have highlighted the increased incidence and symptoms of depression and anxiety in paediatric cancer survivors (PCS). Yet no meta-analysis has focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in PCS and their family nucleus.

Aims

To evaluate the overall risk of PTSD and severity of PTSS in PCS and their family nucleus. Secondary objectives include identifying potential risk factors of PTSD and high PTSS.

Method

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO for studies comparing the risk of PTSD and PTSS severity among PCS, their family nucleus and non-cancer controls. PRISMA reporting guidelines were followed. Random effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were conducted.

Results

From 1089 records, we included 21 studies. PCS have an increased risk of PTSD (risk ratio 2.36, 95% CI 1.37–4.06) and decreased PTSS severity (standardised mean difference −0.29, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.08). Subgroup analyses of other categorical study-level characteristics revealed that female PCS who were older at diagnosis and data collection had a significantly higher risk of PTSD. Meta-regression were insignificant. Family nucleus did not show a significantly increased risk of PTSD (risk ratio 1.13, 95% CI 0.59–5.00) and PTSS severity (standardised mean difference 0.53, 95% CI −0.00 to 1.06). Systematically reviewing studies on the family nucleus found that the majority reported a significantly increased risk of psychological trauma compared with the comparator. Lower education, income and social status were also risk factors.

Conclusions

Timely identification and interventions are imperative for policy makers and healthcare providers to prevent trauma from worsening in this population group.
Adapting to a New Normal: Peruvian University Faculty’s Experiences with Techno-Stress Post-COVID-19
Authors: Suyo-Vega Josefina Amanda , Meneses-La-Riva Monica Elisa , Fernández-Bedoya Víctor Hugo
Published: November 2024

Background Technology enhances teaching and learning quality, yet when educators lack tech proficiency, it hinders effective education and leads to frustration, lower confidence, and self-doubt. This study aims to investigate the experiences of university faculty members in relation to the impact of technology on their mental well-being. Methods Using a qualitative approach (grounded theory), ten university faculty members were selected for in-depth interviews based on criteria such as teaching experience, tenure, specific courses or subjects taught, and active engagement during the research period. The guiding research question, “What are the experiences and perceptions of university faculty members concerning techno-stress?” directed the study’s focus. The instrument (interview guide) that measured techno-stress consisted of 12 items and was administered virtually. Data were analyzed thematically to uncover common stressors, adaptive strategies, and institutional challenges faced by faculty in adapting to technology’s demands and work overload. Additionally, the study identified four subcategories: work overload, social and emotional interaction, adaption to new technologies, and expectations and teaching quality. Results Techno-stress is a composite of emotional and physical reactions triggered by the improper use of technology. Faculty members’ encounters with techno-stress have substantial implications for their quality of life. Conclusions This research highlights technology’s positive impact on higher education but notes faculty struggles with techno-stress, emphasizing the need for training, support, and boundaries to maintain work-life balance and enhance educational quality.
EghiFit: Smartphone based Behaviour Monitoring and Health Recommendation in a Weight Loss Intervention Study
Authors: Ivezić Dijana , Keppel Jonas , Horneber David , Becker Christine , Laumer Sven , Walle Hardy , Schneegass Stefan , Amft Oliver
Published: November 2024

Background Current health recommender systems lack interactivity that relates to the current situation. Methods We designed and implemented an intervention study for obese patients that incorporates context information obtained from smartphone and smartwatch sensors, gamification, as well as joint goal management of patients and health coaches. We developed a health behaviour recommendation system comprising of a smartphone application, cloud platform for data management, and a data dashboard for coaches. Results We conducted a three months long study and analysed data from eight patients, focusing on system function, patient adherence, satisfaction and overall impact of the proposed system on changing health-related habits. Along with data analysis, we also provide patient feedback collected during interview round after the end of the study. Conclusion Patients could successfully implement the goals using the EghiFit app. Challenges regarding the data collection, recommendation synthesis, and patient engagement persist. Furthermore, reliable sensor data processing on current smartphone platforms is difficult due to system restrictions. Future research should further integrate sensor data, gaming, and health behaviour intervention design using smart devices.
impact of strength training on the prevention of orthopedic injuries in sports: a literature review.
Authors: Szewczyk Julia , Świta Michał , Szuciak Anna
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The perception of physical activity has evolved, influenced by urbanization, media, and public health initiatives. While regular physical activity offers health benefits, musculoskeletal injuries in athletes remain a concern, often going unnoticed due to subtle symptoms. Preventing these injuries is crucial, with strength training (ST) emerging as a strategy to enhance stability and reduce injury risk.
Purpose of the Study: This review examines the impact of strength training on preventing orthopedic injuries in athletes, focusing on mechanisms like muscle strengthening, joint stabilization, improved endurance, and correcting imbalances. It evaluates research on ST's effectiveness in preventing knee, ankle, hip, back, and upper limb injuries.
Methodology: A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, was conducted using keywords such as "strength training," "orthopedic injury prevention," "musculoskeletal stability," "injury risk reduction," and "sports injuries."
Results: Strength training plays a key role in preventing sports injuries by enhancing muscle strength, joint stability, and endurance, addressing musculoskeletal weaknesses and imbalances. Studies show ST significantly reduces knee, ankle, hip, and back injuries. For instance, knee injuries are prevented by strengthening the hip abductors and quadriceps, while ankle injuries are mitigated by improving core and lower limb strength. ST also prevents injuries in "overhead sports" by enhancing shoulder stability.
Keywords: strength training, orthopedic injury prevention, musculoskeletal stability, sports injuries, injury risk reduction.
The Human Stuff: Recognising Devalued Expertise in a Steel Mill
Authors: Holdstock Mike
Published: November 2024

In a challenging and involuntary role-change process in a traditional industrial environment, a spontaneous opening appeared so that room for man-to-man appreciation could be made, leading to a greater level of humanity, concern and community. This contributed to a feeling of safety among the work group, which in turn supported and expedited acceptance of the change.
On the Being and Becoming of Appreciative Inquiry and Christian Faith
Authors: Thomas Fiona
Published: November 2024

Appreciating Church suggests that active dialogue between Christian faith and Appreciative Inquiry can address challenges facing longstanding Christian denominations in the UK. It is important to keep working and living appreciatively, drawing creatively from scripture, tradition and experience. This article makes eight key suggestions for embedding Appreciative Inquiry in church life to encourage generativity and spark transformation.
La reformulación discursiva y su aplicación didáctica en la enseñanza del alemán como lengua extranjera.
Authors: Kaminski Bettina
Published: November 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es destacar la importancia de la introducción de los mecanismos de reformulación y sus marcadores discursivos en el discurso de los aprendientes de alemán, tratando de constatar el hecho de que estos elementos lingüísticos contribuyen tanto a la mejora de la competencia comunicativa como al aumento de la capacidad estratégica y cooperativa. Como consecuencia, se ofrecen soluciones didácticas enfocadas a los procesos de reformulación en alemán y su aplicación a partir del trabajo con corpus orales.
Robotic Warehousing Operations: A Learn-Then-Optimize Approach to Large-Scale Neighborhood Search
Authors: Barnhart Cynthia , Jacquillat Alexandre , Schmid Alexandria
Published: November 2024

The rapid deployment of robotics technologies requires dedicated optimization algorithms to manage large fleets of autonomous agents. This paper supports robotic parts-to-picker operations in warehousing by optimizing order–workstation assignments, item–pod assignments, and the schedule of order fulfillment at workstations. The model maximizes throughput, managing human workload at the workstations and congestion in the facility. We solve it via large-scale neighborhood search with a novel learn-then-optimize approach to subproblem generation. The algorithm relies on an off-line machine learning procedure to predict objective improvements based on subproblem features and an online optimization model to generate a new subproblem at each iteration. In collaboration with Amazon Robotics, we show that our model and algorithm generate much stronger solutions for practical problems than state-of-the-art approaches. In particular, our solution enhances the utilization of robotic fleets by coordinating robotic tasks for human operators to pick multiple items at once and by coordinating robotic routes to avoid congestion in the facility.

Funding: This research was partially funded by Amazon.com Services LLC under award number 2D-12552417.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoo.2024.0033 .
The Value of Information Design in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Candogan Ozan , Gurkan Huseyin
Published: November 2024

This paper studies an information design problem of a retailer in a two-tier supply chain that procures a single type of product from a supplier. The supplier needs to decide on a production quantity by balancing the shortage cost and the excess inventory holding cost with respect to the retailer’s demand. The retailer’s demand is random, but the retailer receives an informative signal about the demand before the supplier sets the production quantity and places orders after learning the demand realization. The retailer wants to reduce the shortage cost, and to this end, the retailer can disclose information about the retailer’s signal to persuade the supplier to increase production levels. For this setup, we characterize the optimal information disclosure policy of the retailer and shed light on settings in which the retailer strictly benefits from carefully designed information disclosure policies relative to a full- or a no-disclosure policy.

This paper was accepted by Jeannette Song, operations management.

Funding: O. Candogan acknowledges the NSF (National Science Foundation) [Grant 2216912] for “Institute for Data, Econometrics, Algorithms and Learning.”

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.03004 .
Corticosteroid Effect in Acute Spinal Cord Injury in the Rural Area
Authors: Amir Muhammad Rafif , Mahartha Gde Rastu Adi
Published: November 2024

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are devastating traumatic events in the lives of patients, often resulting in severe and/or permanent neurologic disabilities. Nearly half a million people are living permanently disabled in the United States due to traumatic SCI and 12,000–15,000 patients per year incur new injuries. A 78-year-old male patient came to the emergency room with a history of falling from a height with a pelvic position below exposed to trees 30 hours before admission, found weakness in the lower limbs, unable to urinate since yesterday. On radiologic examination, a burst fracture was found in the collumna of the 1st lumbar vertebra. The patient could not be examined for MRI due to limitations and unavailability of equipment at the hospital. The patient was given high dose of Methylprednisolone treatment for 3 days and there was no motoric improvement in the patient. Acute spinal cord injury is a very dangerous disease because it can cause patients both psychological and non psychological disorders. In areas that are left behind and do not have very good facilities and medical personnel to carry out this treatment. There is no treatment option other than using corticosteroids. However, the effect of corticosteroids still needs to be further developed and researched.
Momentum builds in Milan
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: November 2024

The 2023 edition of Mido was perhaps the first optical trade show that had a pre-pandemic feel. Simon Jones reports
CPD: Developments in corneal transplants
Authors: Clarkson Douglas
Published: November 2024

Dr Douglas Clarkson reviews the latest developments in corneal transplantation and corneal tissue bioengineering (C104966, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
CPD: AMD VRICS – answers
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey presents the answers to the recent VRICS exercise based around the first two parts in the recent CPD series about age-related macular degeneration (C104641)
CPD: Audiology – a primer for ECPs
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey explains the nature of hearing and hearing loss and how it is best addressed, through screening, correction, adapted communication techniques and by liaising with other services (C105049, suitable as logging for one distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Catch a show in New York
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: November 2024

Simon Jones travels to Manhattan to take in two optical trade shows
Myopic motivations
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McClean speaks to the Optician Awards 2022 Myopia Management Award winner
Technology at its best
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: November 2024

Mike Hale reports on how Maskell + Josephson came to win the Technology Practice of the Year at the Optician Awards 2022
CPD: BCLA CLEAR
Authors: Retallic Neil , Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Neil Retallic and Bill Harvey introduce a new interactive CPD exercise based upon the BCLA CLEAR publication focusing on contact lens properties and their interaction with the eye, as featured in April's Optician Contact Lens Monthly (C105479, suitable for logging as one interactive CPD point for optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians)
CPD: How clinical science translates into clinical practice
Authors: Jones Debbie , Logan Nicola
Published: November 2024

Professor Debbie Jones and Professor Nicola Logan take a close look at what can be learned from the results of the MiSight 1 day clinical study after seven years and how this might influence our clinical practice. (C105432, suitable for logging as one distance learning CPD point for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians)
Myopia management: The sins of commission versus the sins of omission
Authors: Edwards Richard
Published: November 2024

Richard Edwards explains why ECPs need to keep up-to-date about myopia management and be comfortable discussing all intervention options with their patients if future complaints are to be avoided
CPD: Let's talk menopause
Authors: Dulley Polly
Published: November 2024

In recent years, there has been much greater awareness of the significant impact of the menopause upon health and daily life. In this article, Polly Dulley takes a look at the ocular impact and how this may influence eye care practice. (C 105485, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Festival and feminine flair
Authors: Mara Max
Published: November 2024

Marcolin showcases its latest spring/summer 2023 range, spotlighting festival styles from Guess and strong feminine designs from Max Mara
Fodo's eye care strategy
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean finds out about Fodo's principles and priorities for primary eye care
Crossing the presbyopia chasm
Authors: Bishop Meredith , Moody Kurt , Hansen Drew , Ambrose Natalie
Published: November 2024

Dr Meredith Bishop, Dr Kurt Moody, Drew Hansen and Natalie Ambrose share the results of an in-practice assessment undertaken with a large group of eye care professionals that looked at the transition from adopting the new technology of multifocal contact lenses and translating it into everyday practice fitting behaviour
Living in the modern world
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: November 2024

Bill Harvey takes an initial look at the highlights of the newly release TFOS reports on the impact of modern lifestyle upon the ocular surface
CPD: Oxygen levels in the cornea with contact lens wear
Authors: Clarkson Douglas
Published: November 2024

Dr Douglas Clarkson describes the way a cornea maintains oxygen supply during contact lens wear against the back-drop of contact lens evolution over the last decades (C106006, suitable for logging as one distance learning CPD point for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians)
CPD: An introduction to cerebral visual impairment in children 1
Authors: Tooth Cirta
Published: November 2024

In the first of a four part series looking at an important cause of visual impairment in children, Cirta Tooth explains the nature of cerebral visual impairment (C105999, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
The shape of things to come
Authors: Kirkpatrick Nigel
Published: November 2024

Nigel Kirkpatrick shares his thoughts on how the government is shaping our NHS
CPD: Retinoblastoma: An update
Authors: Abbott Joe
Published: November 2024

In the first of two articles looking at retinoblastoma, consultant paediatric ophthalmologist Mr Joe Abbott offers an overview of the disease (C106043, suitable for logging as one distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Contemporary solutions for cataract and refractive surgery
Authors: Jones Nabila , O'Donnell Clare
Published: November 2024

Dr Nabila Jones and Dr Clare O'Donnell report from a recent interactive symposium for eye care professionals organised by Zeiss Academy and Optegra Eye Sciences
Profitable practices discussed at IDay23
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: November 2024

Independents met in Birmingham to explore how to maximise post-pandemic business. Andrew McCarthy-McClean reports
Divergent welfare regimes, shared challenges: exploring the subjectivities of home-based eldercare workers in Sweden and Türkiye
Authors: Yavuz Sedagül
Published: November 2024

This article investigates the subjectivities of home-based eldercare workers in the context of the organization of care and the neoliberal transformation of welfare regimes in Sweden and Türkiye. Through a thematic analysis of interviews, two main findings emerge: first, despite differing welfare regimes, the subjectivities of home-based eldercare workers in both Türkiye and Sweden converge due to neoliberal transformations driven by marketization trends in the organization of care; and, second, complex and intersecting power dynamics, including race, gender, and migration status, exacerbate the vulnerability of eldercare workers to sexual harassment stemming from dehumanization and objectification.
Generation of structural colors with wide gamut based on stretchable transmission metasurfaces
Authors: Jiang Kun , Jiang Xiquan , Wu Rui , Gao Xinpeng , Ding Shuangshuang , Ma Jingwen , Li Zhihao , Teng Shuyun
Published: November 2024

Structural colors with high saturation, large gamut, high resolution, and tunable color are expected in practical applications. This work explores the generation of tunable structural color based on transmission metasurfaces. The designed metasurfaces consist of rectangular nanoholes etched in silver film, which is deposited on the stretchable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. The smaller separation of adjacent nanoholes makes the resolution of metasurface reach 63,500 dpi. The color gamut of the nanostructures reaches 146.9% sRGB. We also perform a comparison with the case on the glass substrate and analyze the incident polarization condition and the coating film of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The ultra-thin structure, high resolution, high-performance structural colors, and convenient transmission mode provide broad application prospects for metasurfaces in color displaying, color printing, and color holographic imaging.
A modular protein language modelling approach to immunogenicity prediction
Authors: O’Brien Hugh , Salm Max , Morton Laura T. , Szukszto Maciej , O’Farrell Felix , Boulton Charlotte , King Laurence , Bola Supreet Kaur , Becker Pablo D. , Craig Andrew , Nielsen Morten , Samuels Yardena , Swanton Charles , Mansour Marc R. , Hadrup Sine Reker , Quezada Sergio A.
Published: November 2024

Neoantigen immunogenicity prediction is a highly challenging problem in the development of personalised medicines. Low reactivity rates in called neoantigens result in a difficult prediction scenario with limited training datasets. Here we describe ImmugenX, a modular protein language modelling approach to immunogenicity prediction for CD8+ reactive epitopes. ImmugenX comprises of a pMHC encoding module trained on three pMHC prediction tasks, an optional TCR encoding module and a set of context specific immunogenicity prediction head modules. Compared with state-of-the-art models for each task, ImmugenX’s encoding module performs comparably or better on pMHC binding affinity, eluted ligand prediction and stability tasks. ImmugenX outperforms all compared models on pMHC immunogenicity prediction (Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.619, average precision: 0.514), with a 7% increase in average precision compared to the next best model. ImmugenX shows further improved performance on immunogenicity prediction with the integration of TCR context information. ImmugenX performance is further analysed for interpretability, which locates areas of weakness found across existing immunogenicity models and highlight possible biases in public datasets.
Giardia lamblia risk factors and burden in children with acute gastroenteritis in a Nicaraguan birth cohort
Authors: Gutiérrez Lester , Vielot Nadja A. , Herrera Roberto , Reyes Yaoska , Toval-Ruíz Christian , Blandón Patricia , Rubinstein Rebecca J. , Mora Javier , Bartelt Luther A. , Bucardo Filemón , Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Vilchez Samuel
Published: November 2024

Background

Giardia lamblia is an intestinal protozoan estimated to cause ~200 million symptomatic infections annually, mainly in children in low- and middle-income countries associated with intestinal damage, increased permeability, and malabsorption.

Methods and results

We describe here the epidemiology, incidence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of acute gastroenteritis episodes (AGE) with G. lamblia detection (GAGE) using a birth cohort of 443 Nicaraguan children followed weekly until 36 months of life. From June 2017 to July 2021, 1385 AGE samples were tested by qPCR. G. lamblia was detected in 104 (7.5%) of AGE episodes. In all, 69 (15.6%) children experienced at least one GAGE episode, and 25 of them (36.2%) experienced more than one episode. The incidence rate of the first episode of GAGE was 6.8/100 child-years (95% CI, 4.5–9.1). During GAGE, bloody stools, vomiting, and fever were uncommon, and children were less likely to be treated at a primary care clinic, suggesting that GAGE is typically mild and most cases did not receive medical attention, which could facilitate higher parasite loads with increased possibilities of establishing chronic carriage. GAGE was more common in children 12–24 months of age (13.9/100 child-years [95% CI, 10.7–17.1]) as compared to other age groups. In our birth-cohort, children living in a home with an indoor toilet (aHR, 0.52 [95%CI, 0.29–0.92]), and being breastfed in the first year of life (aHR: 0.10 [95%IC, 0.02, 0.57]) had a lower incidence of GAGE. In contrast, being breastfed for ≤ 6 months was associated with a higher incidence if the children were living in houses without indoor toilets and earthen floors (HR, 7.79 [95% CI, 2.07, 29.3]).

Conclusion

Taken together, GAGE is more frequent under poor household conditions. However, breastfeeding significantly reduces the incidence of GAGE in those children.
Effects of fasting on the interplay between temperature and Trypanosoma cruzi infection on the life cycle of the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Loshouarn Henri , Guarneri Alessandra A.
Published: November 2024

Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine insect, is one of the most important vectors of Chagas disease in South America. Its interaction with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of this disease, is known to be deeply affected by ambient temperature and the nutritional status of the insect vector. In this study, we investigated how starvation affects the life cycle of R. prolixus and the population dynamics of the parasite inside the intestine of the vector at four temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. The weights and molting times of chronically infected and uninfected insects were monitored through repeated 30-day fasting periods from first instar to adult stage, assessing their capacity to retain blood meal weight between developmental stages and tracking parasite concentrations in their urine. Our results demonstrate that ambient temperature is a crucial factor affecting the resistance of R. prolixus to starvation, as survival, body weight, and weight retention greatly decreased in high temperature treatments. Furthermore, we showed that temperature significantly influenced whether T. cruzi established an infection in early instars, with few insects developing infections at the lowest and highest temperature treatments. Additionally, we discovered that a fasting period of 30 days induces a steady decrease in parasite populations in the vector over its lifetime. Infection by T. cruzi had no effect on the survival, molting time, and nutritional factors monitored in our protocol. Our results highlight the importance of nutrition as a determining factor for the development of the vector and the parasite, providing valuable insights for elucidating the complex interplay between temperature and nutrition in shaping the epidemiology of Chagas disease in a changing climate.