bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teledermatology in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Verma Luvneet , Turk Tarek , Dennett Liz , Dytoc Marlene
Published: January 2024

Telemedicine use has been increasing especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Various studies have outlined benefits of telemedicine including improving health equity, reducing wait times, and cost-effectiveness. Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) may potentially be managed via telemedicine. However, there are no evidence-based recommendations for best practices in telemedicine for assessing AD patients. The objective of this review is to assess and summarize current evidence on telemedicine modalities for AD. This review will assess patient outcomes from various telemedicine models for AD. A review protocol was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two reviewers independently screened potential studies and extracted data. Studies were included if they evaluated any telemedicine assessment for AD. Of 2719 identified records, 5 reports were included. Two reports used the direct-access online model, 1 used web-based consultation, 1 used e-health through a personal eczema portal, and 1 used an online platform and mobile application. All models were variations of the asynchronous, store and forward model. In all the included reports, teledermatology for the follow-up of patients with AD was effective and equivalent when compared to in-person appointments or standard treatment for their respective key outcome measures. However, it is unclear what the most effective teledermatology model is due to significant heterogeneity between studies. Teledermatology may serve as an important tool for triaging and follow-up of patients with AD. More studies are needed to determine which teledermatology models are most effective for virtual assessment of AD.
Postfeminist technologies of authenticity: Examining the construction of authentic feminine selves in the neoliberal workplace
Authors: Zaeemdar Sara
Published: January 2024

This paper examines how the neoliberal injunction to be authentic as addressed to working women operates at the level of the individual. Drawing on Foucault’s framing of self-construction, the paper conceptualizes the quest for the authentic feminine self as a technology of the self which enables women to work upon transformation of their subjectivity to attain a state of authenticity. The developed conceptual framework is applied in an in-depth structural and content analysis of work-life narratives of authenticity related by women training and development professionals. These narratives are a part of the field material collected during a two-year ethnographic study of the sector. Derived from theoretical and empirical analysis, the paper develops the notion of postfeminist technologies of authenticity which demonstrate the quest for the authentic feminine self as aligned with postfeminism, a neoliberal sensibility under which individualized and retraditionalized notions of femininity are constructed. Authenticity is therefore shown as a gendered form of control which works upon women’s self-construction in regressive ways contributing to the reproduction of gendered work, organizations, and power relations.
Assessing acoustical quality in university classrooms in Brazil: Measurements and simulations
Authors: Scoczynski Ribeiro Rodrigo , Moreira Isis , Marcelo Miscovicz Luciane , Bento de Almeida Eliabe , de Miranda Saleme Gidrão Gustavo , Silva Dyorgge Alves , Silvestro Laura , Mara Bosse Rúbia , Cristini Kuritza Joice
Published: January 2024

The acoustic quality of learning spaces, such as classrooms, is a worldwide issue. Some countries have regulations or guidelines for these environments, which does not happen properly in Brazil. Beyond the lack of nationwide research related to classroom acoustics, Brazil has two standards with a few information related to classroom acoustics. One of them was written in 1992, having a single demand concerning an appropriate reverberation time for conference rooms at the 500 Hz frequency, without detailed requirement, in contrast to other national guidelines. Another one, updated in 2020, recommends the sound pressure levels for indoor environments, having classrooms in its list. The aim of this study is to analyze the acoustic quality of two Brazilian classrooms over a public university in the south part of Brazil. Several impulse responses were taken within the learning environments and then processed in Matlab with the ITA ToolBox. The classrooms were also modeled into RAVEN and I-SIMPA software aiming to identify different sound absorption schemes to improve their speech intelligibility. The findings showed that the classrooms had a bad acoustic environment, with a measured reverberation time of approximately [Formula: see text]. However, the simulation suggested that implementing sound absorption strategies could reduce the reverberation effects by half, bringing it closer to optimal levels. The estimated costs for implementing sound absorbers were [Formula: see text] for Classroom 01 and [Formula: see text] for Classroom 02.
The effects of hotels’ environmental sustainability communication strategies on social Media engagement and brand advocacy: The roles of communication characteristics and customers’ personality traits
Authors: Alnawas Ibrahim , El Hedhli Kamel , Abu Farha Allam , Zourrig Haithem
Published: January 2024

Prior research has overlooked the significance of two distinct communication strategies used by hotels over social media platforms to foster environmental sustainability (ES), namely informative communication strategy (ICS) and engaging communication strategy (ECS). Understanding the role of these communication strategies in cultivating social media engagement (SME) with sustainability content, and deciphering the conditions that govern these relationships have yet to be addressed. The current study endeavors to fill these research voids. First, it investigates the effects of ICS and ECS on SME with sustainability content. Second, it examines the moderating effects of two key communication characteristics (perceived intensity and perceived transparency) and two customers’ personality traits (conscientiousness and extraversion) in the investigated relationships. Finally, it establishes the potential role of sustainability-oriented SME in generating online brand advocacy. Data from Japan-based online panelists were analyzed using AMOS 28. The results generally lend support to the study's hypothesized relationships. ICS and ECS are equally important in driving SME. Their effects are positively moderated by the intensity and transparency of the ES communication as well as by customers’ conscientiousness and extraversion. SME is positively associated with online brand advocacy. The article discusses the implications of the findings, and closes with the study's limitations and directions for future research.
‘Smart reminder’: A feasibility pilot study on the effects of a wearable device treatment on the hemiplegic upper limb in persons with stroke
Authors: Toh Fong Mei , Lam Winnie WT , Gonzalez Pablo Cruz , Fong Kenneth NK
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Emerging literature suggests that wearable devices offer a promising option for self-directed home-based upper limb training for persons with stroke. However, little research is available to explore integrating smartphone applications with wearable devices to provide upper limb telerehabilitation to stroke survivors at home. This study examined the feasibility and potential therapeutic effects of a wearable device integrated with a smartphone-based telerehabilitation system to provide upper limb rehabilitation to stroke survivors at home.

Methods

Twelve stroke survivors from community support groups participated in a treatment consisting of 4-week telerehabilitation using a wearable device and 4-week conventional therapy successively in a single-blind, randomised crossover study. A 3-week washout period was administered between the two 4-week treatments. The primary outcome measures were the Fugl Meyer Assessment, the Action Research Arm Test, and the active range of motion (ROM) of the upper limb. Secondary outcome measures included the Motor Activity Log and exercise adherence.

Results

Results showed that the active ROM of participants’ hemiplegic shoulder improved more significantly after 4 weeks of telerehabilitation with the wearable device than with conventional therapy. No significant differences were found in other outcome measures.

Conclusions

A 4-week telerehabilitation programme using a wearable device improves the hemiplegic upper limb in community-dwelling stroke survivors and may be feasible as an effective intervention for self-directed upper limb rehabilitation at home.
First things first: An exploration of the effects of psychoeducation for older autistic adults
Authors: Lenders Maartje , Ouwens Machteld A , Wilting Rosalien M H J , Videler Arjan C
Published: January 2024

A psychoeducation program that was originally developed by the Dutch Association for Autism was adjusted for older adults to enhance its feasibility and efficacy in later life. In this study, we explored the effects of this adapted psychoeducation program for older autistic adults in a pre-test–post-test 6-month follow-up design. A total of 61 patients (55–78 years) and 44 proxies (a person close to them) participated in the study; attrition rate was high for the follow-up assessment. As hypothesized, an increase in knowledge and acceptance of the diagnosis was observed, with a strong and positive correlation between patients and proxies for knowledge. Furthermore, ambiguous results were observed on coping with the diagnosis and no positive effects on psychological distress were found. The feedback of participants and proxies about the psychoeducation program was largely positive. Future research with larger group samples and larger time scales is necessary to gain more insight into the effectiveness of the psychoeducation program. It seems worthwhile to further adjust the program to the needs and requirements of older adults, and to help older autistic adults to construct a new narrative of themselves, and the life they have lived, in the light of the recent autism diagnosis.

Lay abstract

After receiving an autism diagnosis, psychoeducation (i.e. information regarding autism) is a first intervention. We adjusted a psychoeducation program that was originally developed by the Dutch Association for Autism for older adults to enhance its feasibility and efficacy in later life. We expected that participants would report an increase in knowledge and acceptance of the diagnosis and that people close to them would also observe this. Indeed, we found this and participants and those close to them agreed on this. Furthermore, we found some evidence that older autistic adults were better at coping with their autism. We found no positive intervention effects on psychological distress. The feedback of participants and informants about the psychoeducation program was largely positive. In future research, we advise using larger group samples and larger time scales and we also advise to further adjust the program to the needs and requirements of older adults, and to help older autistic adults to construct a new narrative of themselves, and the life they have lived, in the light of the recent autism diagnosis.
Global visions for a metaverse
Authors: Girginova Katerina
Published: January 2024

There is a growing effort to locate metaverse developments within the purview of platform research. However, the majority of English-language studies take Horizon Worlds, Meta's US-centric prototype of a metaverse, as the starting point. This critical reflection argues that since the fate of the metaverse is far from settled, and its building blocks exist in a colorful array of global visions, we need to divorce discourses of the metaverse from Meta's hype cycle and multiply our frames of reference by engaging with international developments. In turn, this article proceeds by scoping out metaverse visions emanating from different parts of the world and drawing out common themes as entry points for future research. This article contributes to a re-orientation of metaverse studies toward critical and embodied global perspectives of socio-cultural production, while simultaneously reconsidering the very notion of the metaverse as a platform.
Meaningfulness and mortality: exploring the sense of coherence in Eastern Finnish men
Authors: Piiroinen Ilkka , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Tolmunen Tommi , Voutilainen Ari
Published: January 2024

Aims:

The sense of coherence scale has been shown to have an epidemiological relationship with mortality. This study aimed to investigate how the three components of sense of coherence (meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability) and the individual items of these components relate to mortality.

Methods:

Eastern Finnish men ( n=2315) aged 42–60 years at baseline in the 1980s completed a 12-item sense of coherence scale and were followed for 25 years, on average, until death or until the end of 2019. Hazard ratios for mortality were calculated using two models: one adjusted for age and the second for an additional 12 mortality risk factors.

Results:

Of the three sense of coherence components, only meaningfulness was associated with all-cause mortality, and in the fully adjusted model, those in the weakest tertile had a 1.14 (95% confidence interval 1.01−1.29, P=0.042) times higher hazard ratio for mortality than those in the strongest tertile. Of the individual sense of coherence items, only the first question, ‘How often do you have the feeling that you really don’t care about what is going on around you?’, was associated with all-cause mortality, and in the fully adjusted Cox model, the hazard ratio of weak versus strong was 1.18 (95% confidence interval 1.03−1.36, P=0.020).

Conclusions:

The sense of coherence component related to meaningfulness, including its first item, ‘Caring about what goes on around you’, plays a significant role in the association with mortality among middle-aged men in Eastern Finland. This item should be considered a noteworthy patient-reported variable when predicting mortality in public health settings.
Thermal comfort and indoor air quality in hospitals in the subtropics: Analysis of operating rooms and waiting rooms conditions
Authors: Santana Elaine Gonçalves Ferreira , Suzuki Eliane Hayashi , Prado Racine Tadeu Araujo , Kurokawa Fernando Akira
Published: January 2024

The indoor air quality should provide adequate temperature and humidity levels, free from harmful pollution concentration. Proper heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system management is crucial in hospitals to prevent transmission of contaminated air and diseases. To verify whether healthcare facilities meet standard criteria for thermal comfort and indoor air quality, a field investigation in waiting and operating rooms was conducted in six hospitals in Brazil, in the summer. Thermal comfort parameters, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and differential air pressure were collected in loco. The results demonstrated that CO2 concentration was over 1,000 ppm in four waiting rooms, and no positive pressure was guaranteed in the operating room. The medical staff showed different thermal sensation variations in zone 1 (around the operating table) and zone 2 (remaining space around zone 1). In conclusion, most operating rooms had significant contamination risks and did not provide thermal comfort conditions to occupants. Due to improper HVAC design or high occupational density, air change rates were insufficient to guarantee adequate air renewal in the waiting rooms. There is an opportunity to improve the operation and maintenance process to provide healthy and comfortable environments in healthcare facilities, reducing nosocomial infections, especially during pandemic times.
Recognition and prioritization of flexible design strategies in student dormitories during respiratory disease outbreaks
Authors: Boroushaki Bahar , Sahragard Monfared Neda Sadat , Yazdanfar Seyed-Abbas
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to address the evolving needs of student dormitories during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by employing flexible strategies to optimize the use of these buildings during respiratory disease outbreaks. Initially, the relationship between architecture and respiratory infections was examined using the descriptive-analytical method and library research, and the operational spaces impact on airborne transmissions was identified. Subsequently, a conceptual model for flexible design was developed. A questionnaire was then distributed amongst architecture experts, and the results were compared through the Friedman test and Shannon’s entropy to prioritize flexible design strategies for dormitories during quarantine. Amongst these strategies, ‘segregation of space’ had the highest impact on the operational spaces of dormitories. Generally, the priorities of employing flexible strategies on dormitory spaces are as follows: ‘privatizing wet spaces’, ‘converting communal rooms into suites’, ‘splitting suites’, ‘creating screening spaces’, and ‘designing hierarchical access’. Next, a case study was conducted on the current dormitory of the Iran University of Science and Technology, and a proposed dormitory was presented based on the prioritized strategies. Finally, the current and the suggested dormitory were compared with space syntax criteria, including connectivity, depth and integration, and the pandemic responsiveness of the new plan was evaluated.
Isolated celiac artery injury: Brief report, review of literature, and suggested grading guidelines
Authors: Fahim Kanani , Uri Neeman , Eyal Hashavia , Idit Timor , Dror Soffer , Shachar Shimonovich
Published: January 2024

Blunt traumatic dissection of the celiac artery without aortic dissection is a rare event. There is paucity of data on the appropriate management of such injuries. In this brief report, we present a patient with isolated celiac artery dissection after blunt abdominal trauma. The patient was managed non-operatively with anticoagulation and developed splenic infarct. Due to its rarity, no grading criteria and management guidelines exist for the spectrum of isolated blunt CA injuries. Furthermore, it remains unlikely that injury volume will increase to create robust management guidelines. We therefore suggest that isolated celiac artery injury be graded based on the Biffl grading criteria for blunt cerebrovascular injury and managed accordingly.
Neural networks-based modeling of compressive stress in expanded polystyrene foams: A focus on bead size parameters
Authors: Pech-Mendoza Melvin I. , Rodríguez-Sánchez Alejandro E. , Plascencia-Mora Héctor
Published: January 2024

Expanded polystyrene is used in diverse applications, notably for protective and structural purposes. Its cushioning and mechanical strength excel under compressive loads, especially when optimally designed. A key factor influencing its compressive stress is the initial density, which plays a significant role in determining the material’s mechanical properties. This aspect is primarily determined by the bead size distribution. Although there is a vast body of literature on modeling the stress response of expanded polystyrene, there is limited emphasis on predictions that account for this factor, which is also relevant for the manufacturing of the material. Recent literature has emphasized the capability of artificial neural networks in predicting the compressive behaviors of expanded polystyrene, incorporating various factors. In this study, artificial neural network models were used to predict the compressive stress responses of polystyrene foams, with a focus on bead size distribution parameters. Specimens of two distinct initial densities were examined using micrographs to identify bead diameters and distributions, which were then used as model inputs. Compression tests on these specimens were conducted at two different rates. The collected data facilitated the development of predictive models for the material’s compressive behavior. The model predictions closely match experimental findings, with error metrics showing deviations <3% compared to the experimental data. This highlights the utility of artificial neural networks in modeling the compressive behavior of polystyrene foams, particularly when bead size and related parameters are considered.
An analytical analysis of vibrational energy harvesting using piezoelectric energy harvester in a fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Singh Pushpendra , Ansari Mohd Anis , Bisoi Alfa
Published: January 2024

Fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the modern day have widespread applications in various reconnaissance, agriculture, military, and civilian operations. Their wide domain of application has placed the development of drone technology at the forefront. The energy harvesting in UAVs seems promising since it not only has the ability to lengthen flying time but also guarantees that no appreciable weight is added. The current article explores the concept of placing piezoelectric material patches on the UAV wing in order to extract energy from the vibration of the wing. This study uses a UAV's fixed NACA 2412 wing to harvest vibration energy by finding the location and placing a piezoelectric patch where it will produce the most voltage. The mode shapes generated are used to get the appropriate location to place the piezoelectric patch. The fixed-wing of a UAV with a piezo patch placed is subjected to a harmonically varying pressure load of 213.934 Pa and the behavior of the wing and its frequency response is analyzed in terms of displacement and voltage as output. The maximum voltage produced by the single piezoelectric patch is found about 0.11 V at the first mode shape of the wing. Embedding and increasing the patch at a location of high displacements help to harvest more energy and can be utilized for other purposes.
Locating cracks in smart TRC elements based on the TDR concept
Authors: Gaben Mahdi , Goldfeld Yiska
Published: January 2024

The current study aims to handle the challenge of identifying the location of cracks in carbon-based textile reinforced concrete (TRC) elements by using their smart self-sensory capabilities. To answer this challenge, the study offers to adopt the concept of the Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) analysis. Yet, direct implementation of the TDR analysis to smart sensory carbon yarns is not a straightforward act and requires facing some inherent challenges. Therefore, the study offers an advanced monitoring methodology that handles the various challenges. A special electrical setup is proposed that uses a pair of carbon yarns, in which one yarn is used as the electrical conductor that transmits the electrical current, and the other as insulation. Two calibration processes that consider the unique micro-structural mechanism and its correlation to the electrical characterization are developed. The efficiencies of the calibration processes are investigated by a designated identification technique. Results from this study demonstrate the potential and capabilities of the proposed smart self-sensory carbon-based TRC concept to monitor its health by detecting the cracks’ locations.
‘I have discovered how to have faith in my students’: Negotiating a citizenship education curriculum with vocational education students
Authors: Geurts Esther M A , Reijs Rianne P , Leenders Hélène H M , Simons Emmy M C , Jansen Maria W J , Hoebe Christian J P A
Published: January 2024

Although the curriculum ideally serves the interests of its recipients, student perspectives have been marginalised in curriculum negotiation. Our objective is to better meet the needs and wishes of vocational education students by including them in planning, acting/observing and reflecting on the citizenship education curriculum. In this participatory action research project students were made responsible for designing, developing and delivering a lesson for their peers. Data collection consisted of interviews, focus group discussions and observations during three action rounds involving five classes. Even though many teachers were initially sceptical about their students’ abilities, it turned out that students enjoyed engaging in curriculum negotiation. Students were the main drivers of the curriculum. Relevant factors for implementation were: teachers’ beliefs about student capabilities and attitudes, changing roles and responsibilities, and safe and constructive classroom dynamics. Students were exposed to a wide variety of skills and challenges. Future research should focus on studying the same participants during multiple implementation rounds. Also, opportunities for curriculum negotiation activities within other topics should be explored. Lastly, a more rigid analysis of the learning outcomes as well as the impact on personal development of students and teachers would be recommended.
The Role of High Mobility Group Box B-1 in the Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Based on the Changes in the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Chen Anqi , Yuan Na , Hao Xiaohui , Wang Cong , Lu Xiurong , Song Xiao , Zhang Zhilin
Published: January 2024

Background: To investigate the expression of high mobility group box B-1 (HMGB-1) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and its association with clinicopathological features and prognosis in colorectal carcinoma by combining bioinformatics and clinical data analysis, and to clarify the role of HMGB-1. To examine whether HMGB-1 expression is related to the damage of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and then explore the potential HMGB-1-dependent mechanisms affecting the progression of CRC. Methods: CRC datasets of GSE12945, GSE17536, and GSE17537 from the public gene chip database were screened and downloaded. Clinical information and CRC tissue samples from patients with stage I-III CRC from the hospital were collected. Serum samples of patients were applied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on HMGB-1, and were divided into high and low HMGB-1 expression, which was examined by 16S rDNA sequencing. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the relationship between the expression of HMGB-1 and tight junction protein, occludin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ. Results: Based on the Cutoff value of 10.24 ng/mL, the CRC patients were divided into high and low expression groups. In the HMGB-1H patient group, the TNM staging, overall survival, disease-free survival, recurrence, and metastasis were inferior to the HMGB-1L group. The results of 16S rDNA sequencing demonstrated that the Providencia genus was found to be enriched in the HMGB-1L group. Immunohistochemical results showed that HMGB-1 expression was negatively correlated with the expression of ZO-1 and occludin ( R = 0.035, R = 0.003, P < .05), but was positively correlated with the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ ( R = 0.016, R = 0.001, P < .05). Conclusion: The survival of CRC patients with positive HMGB-1 expression was significantly shortened, which may be related to the decrease of Rovitensis content, the decreased expression of ZO-1 and occludin, and the increased levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ, which in turn damage the intestinal mucosal barrier, leading to the development of CRC.
Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Function: Mediating Role of Social Isolation and Depression
Authors: Wu Fan , Zhou Chenxi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To examine the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive function and the mediating role of social isolation and depression. Methods: Data came from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study wave. A self-reported item, a composite index, the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Mini-Mental State Exam were used to measure hearing impairment, social isolation, depression, and cognitive function, respectively. Mediation analysis was performed. Results: 6799 participants were included. For participants reporting mild hearing impairment and severe hearing impairment, there were significant direct and indirect effects on cognitive function. Social isolation mediated 2.75% and 6.33% of the relationship between mild hearing impairment, severe hearing impairment, and cognitive function, respectively. The direct effect of hearing impairment outweighed the mediation effect of social isolation on cognitive function. Conclusions: Decreased cognitive function linked to hearing impairment might benefit from addressing hearing impairment and social isolation in older adults.
Use of Simulated Discussions of Postsecondary Accommodations to Inform Self-Advocacy Instruction
Authors: Freedman Justin E. , Drelick Alicia M. , Dotger Benjamin H.
Published: January 2024

Researchers increasingly recognize the importance of high school students with disabilities being prepared to advocate for postsecondary academic accommodations. The purpose of this study was to inform how self-advocacy instruction can reflect the authentic context in which postsecondary students with learning disabilities (LD) and with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) advocate for accommodations. Postsecondary undergraduate students with LD and with ADHD engaged in a video-recorded simulated meeting to discuss accommodations with a standardized (actor-portrayed) professor. A qualitative analysis of the meetings and postsimulation interviews was conducted. Findings demonstrate how students with LD and students with ADHD discuss accommodations with a professor, including their tendency to be hesitant to assert their preferences and needs for accommodations. Data from postsimulation interviews also suggest that participating in and reflecting upon the simulated interview facilitated students to assess their self-advocacy and identify changes they would make in future conversations about accommodations. Implications for research and practice in self-advocacy instruction are discussed.
Phytochemical Properties of Crataegus azarolus Berries Decoction Extract and Evaluation of its Protective Activity Against Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats
Authors: Sammari Houcem , Jedidi Saber , Selmi Houcine , Jridi Mourad , Ayari Ala , Sebai Hichem
Published: January 2024

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Crataegus azarolus berries decoction extract (CAB-DE) against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis as well as the mechanisms implicated in such protection. Adult male Wistar rats were separated into seven groups: Control (H2O), acetic acid (AA), AA + various doses of CAB-DE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.), and AA + sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) or gallic acid (50 mg/kg, b.w.,p.o.) during 10 days. All rats were kept fasting overnight and ulcerative colitis was induced by rectal infusion of AA (300 mg kg−1, b.w.) (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg−1 b.w), for 30 s. The colon was rapidly excised and macroscopically examined to measure ulcerated surfaces and the ulcer index. In vitro, we found that CAB-DE exhibited a high antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50 = 164.17 ± 4.78 μg/mL). In vivo , pretreatment with CAB-DE significantly protected the colonic mucosa against AA-induced damage by stimulating mucus secretion, reducing ulcer index as well as histopathological changes. Also, CAB-DE limited the oxidative status induced by AA in the colonic mucosa, as assessed by MDA and H2O2 increased levels and the depletion of both enzymatic activities and non-enzymatic levels. In addition, AA intoxication increased iron and calcium levels in colonic mucosa and plasma, while CAB-DE pretreatment regulated all intracellular mediators deregulation and significantly reduced inflammatory markers such as CRP (1.175 ± .04 ─ .734 ± .06 μg/dl) and ALP (161.53 ± 5.02 ─ 98.60 ± 4.21 UI/L) levels. We suggest that CAB-DE protected against AA-induced ulcerative colitis due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Participatory Health Research With Women From Refugee, Asylum-Seeker, and Migrant Backgrounds Living in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vazquez Corona Martha , Hazfiarini Alya , Vaughan Cathy , Block Karen , Bohren Meghan A.
Published: January 2024

Participatory Health Research (PHR) has the potential to result in more equitable health interventions and impactful research outcomes, and is an increasingly used paradigm in migrant health research. In the context of intersecting systems of social disadvantage imposed on migrant and refugee women, PHR could offer an opportunity for researchers to challenge unequal power dynamics in academic research by co-creating knowledge to improve these women’s healthcare access and use. However, there is limited information about how PHR has been conducted with migrant women, including the extent of their involvement throughout the research process. This scoping review aimed to describe and summarize current evidence on the research approaches and methods that have been used in PHR with women of migrant and refugee backgrounds living in high-income countries, and the extent of community engagement in PHR with this population. We searched MEDLINE Ovid, CINHAL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021 to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies adopting a PHR approach with migrant women as participants. We included 91 studies from 12 countries. Health topics of included studies included: knowledge, screening and prevention of HPV, cervical and breast cancer, mental health, nutrition and physical activity, gender-based violence, and health promotion and education. The most common PHR approaches were Community-Based Participatory Research and participatory action research. Overall, community engagement was commonly reported in most stages of research; however, participatory engagement with migrant women was more often done by proxy through community organisations or agents, rather than women themselves. We argue that more rigorous reporting of community engagement is necessary to demonstrate PHR conducted with migrant women is following the principles of equity and inclusion in community-academic partnerships.
The development of the fuel saving control strategy for 48 V P0 system: Design and experimental investigation
Authors: Shang Ming , Zhang Zhendong , Yin Congbo , Li Kai
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a fuel consumption reduction control strategy for a newly-developed 48 V P0 mild hybrid electric vehicle and evaluates its fuel economy benefit experimentally. The strategy is designed with rule-based methods and utilizes various functions such as start-stop, torque boost, regeneration, load shift, BSG neutral mode and torque interventions with BSG. Fuel consumption comparison tests are performed in the WLTP cycle between the MHEV and the conventional vehicle. The authors evaluate the performance of specific key functions, analyze the energy flow of the 48 V battery, and calculate the fuel saving rate of the MHEV. The SOC of the 48 V battery is balanced in the WLTP cycle. The total energy charged to the 48 V battery is 378 Wh, of which 82% comes from the regeneration pattern. The total energy discharged from the 48 V battery is 355 Wh, of which 85% is consumed by the load shift pattern (BSG neutral state and Discharging state). The fuel consumption of the MHEV is reduced by 7.9% compared with the conventional vehicle in the WLTP cycle. The start-stop, BSG neutral, and torque interventions with BSG save fuel by 3.8%, 0.9%, and 0.5% respectively. The other hybrid functions save fuel by 2.7%.
Sensitization of human and rat nociceptors by low dose morphine is toll-like receptor 4-dependent
Authors: Khomula Eugen V , Araldi Dionéia , Green Paul G , Levine Jon D
Published: January 2024

While opioids remain amongst the most effective treatments for moderate-to-severe pain, their substantial side effect profile remains a major limitation to broader clinical use. One such side effect is opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), which includes a transition from opioid-induced analgesia to pain enhancement. Evidence in rodents supports the suggestion that OIH may be produced by the action of opioids at Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) either on immune cells that, in turn, produce pronociceptive mediators to act on nociceptors, or by a direct action at nociceptor TLR4. And, sub-analgesic doses of several opioids have been shown to induce hyperalgesia in rodents by their action as TLR4 agonists. In the present in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments, we demonstrate that low dose morphine directly sensitizes human as well as rodent dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, an effect of this opioid analgesic that is antagonized by LPS-RS Ultrapure, a selective TLR4 antagonist. We found that low concentration (100 nM) of morphine reduced rheobase in human (by 36%) and rat (by 26%) putative C-type nociceptors, an effect of morphine that was markedly attenuated by preincubation with LPS-RS Ultrapure. Our findings support the suggestion that in humans, as in rodents, OIH is mediated by the direct action of opioids at TLR4 on nociceptors.
Determination of trace thallium by flow injection combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer based on immobilized p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine separation and preconcentration
Authors: Liu Bangfu , He Guo-wen , Zhou Le-zhou
Published: January 2024

The novelty of immobilized p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is successfully prepared by using TiO2-based nanoparticles as the carrier. It is applied to preconcentrate and separate trace thallium and detect by flow injection combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The results show that immobilized p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine can preconcentrate and separate trace thallium and eliminate the interference of many other ions. The optimal adsorption occurs at pH = 3.5, the retention time is 2.0 min, and the flow velocity is 2.5mL/min. The optimal desorption takes place at a flow velocity of 1.0 mL/min, 1 mL mixed solution (thiourea and HCl were both 0.1 mol/L). The recovery rate of thallium is over 95%; the amount of immobilized p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is 22.08 mg/g; the adsorption capacity of thallium for immobilized p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is 7.2 mg/g; the molar ratio of thallium ions and p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine is 5:2. The immobilized p-dimethylaminobenzylidenerhodanine can be recycled and reused. For the developed method, the limit of detection is 8 ng/L, the relative standard deviation is 3.7%, and the recovery is 89%–107%. The method is successfully applied to actual samples with satisfactory results.
Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia prevention strategies for urology surgical patients who received a blood transfusion: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Humphries Kathryn , Page Tamara , Donaldson Tina , Blaney Sharon
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to establish whether hypothermia was present in patients who required a blood transfusion and underwent a urology procedure, as well as identify staff knowledge and understanding.

Patients and methods:

A staff survey was conducted with respondents from a range of clinical settings, with some staff working across more than one area. A retrospective review of 46 medical records was conducted between January 2021 and July 2022. All data were exported into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed.

Results:

Staff (70%) were unaware of guidelines informing thermoregulation practices; however, 90% understood the importance of normothermia in the perioperative environment. Medical record review demonstrated temperature monitoring and intervention implementation varied across the perioperative journey, with 20% of patients hypothermic on admission and 89% of the cohort having two or more risk factors.

Conclusion:

There is no formal process for the management of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia throughout the patient journey at the hospital. A variety of intrinsic factors (age, patient comorbidities, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score) and external factors (patient waiting times, anaesthetic modality, type of procedure, environmental influences), impact each patient’s risk of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia.
A critical appraisal of perioperative sleep apnoea management after nasal surgery: A review of up-to-date literature supplemented by findings of a retrospective observational study
Authors: Duvekot Anne , Klimek Markus , Datema Frank R
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To review the current recommendations on postoperative precautions for obstructive sleep apnoea patients undergoing elective nasal surgery.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Anesthesiology/Intensive Care, University Teaching Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Participants:

The medical charts of 61 patients with sleep apnoea who were admitted to the post-anaesthesia care unit between 2016 and 2020, following nasal surgery were reviewed.

Main outcome measures:

Number of respiratory events during post-anaesthesia care unit admission that required medical intervention.

Results:

In all 61 patients, continuous positive airway pressure could not be used. In 13 patients (8%), decreased oxygen saturation levels were registered during the first postoperative night, and in five of these patients, supplemental oxygen was needed. No other respiratory incidents of medical interventions were registered.

Conclusions:

The number of clinically relevant respiratory events of obstructive sleep apnoea patients with bilateral nasal packing following nasal surgery is low. We suggest that the safety of less expensive and less scarce alternatives of postoperative observation should be explored.
Team selection strategies for major international target archery competitions
Authors: Park James L
Published: January 2024

Results from major international target archery competitions from 1995 to 2023 have been used to show the score trends and the probability of winning either a podium position or the event versus the archer’s position in a ranking round. The probabilities versus ranking position fall approximately exponentially. Subjectively, archers need to rank at least in the top 16 to have a reasonable probability of winning a medal. Ideally, a team selection process should select those archers with the highest probabilities of winning at least a podium position at the international competition. That can be achieved by using the arrow value scores over the entire selection process, providing bonuses for exceeding given scores in ranking rounds or matches and by not including elimination matches in the selection process.
Antiviral Significance of Isoquercetin (Quercetin-3-O-Glucoside) With Special Reference to its Anti-Coronaviral Potential
Authors: Agrawal Pawan K , Blunden Gerald , Jacob Claus
Published: January 2024

Isoquercetin, a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid glycoside, has shown many promising biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. It also exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity, significantly reducing cell infection by influenza, Zika, Ebola, and dengue viruses, among others. Its beneficial effect for mitigating the disease of COVID-19 can be explained due to its inhibitory effects on several stages of the viral life cycle, from entry to replication and virus infectivity, and thus isoquercetin can be a promising anticoronaviral flavonoid to manage severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and warrants further investigation into its potential use in clinical settings.
Steroid-Responsive Parkinsonism and Encephalopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Tofade Toluwalase Oluwakemi , Harrold G. Kyle , Laud Arjun , Wills Anne-Marie , Venna Nagagopal
Published: January 2024

We describe a patient who presented with rapidly progressive parkinsonism and encephalopathy and was diagnosed with seronegative autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Subacute parkinsonism as a manifestation of seronegative AE is uncommon with only a handful of similar cases published in literature. A 71-year-old man presented with severe flu like symptoms, rapidly progressive cognitive decline and was found to have parkinsonian features on examination. Initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was unremarkable however, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein level. Thorough searches for neural antibodies and infectious pathogens were negative. His symptoms fluctuated initially but markedly improved within days of starting prednisone and dramatically worsened after prednisone was tapered off. His CSF pleocytosis also improved on prednisone. Relapses again resolved with resumption of prednisone. The scope of autoimmune neurology Is constantly evolving, and physicians should be aware of the diverse and heterogenous clinical presentations of autoimmune encephalitis. We aim to emphasize the importance of ruling out autoimmune encephalitis in patients presenting with acute or subacute parkinsonism. This case additionally reinforces that negative antibody tests do not exclude the diagnosis of AE.
Tafamidis improves myocardial longitudinal strain in A97S transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Wu Yuan-Kun (Aden) , Yu An-Li , Cheng Mei-Fang , Lin Lung-Chun , Lee Ming-Jen , Chou Chia-Hung , Shun Chia-Tung , Hsueh Hsueh-Wen , Juang Jimmy Jyh-Ming , Tseng Ping-Huei , Lin Siao-Ping , Su Mao-Yuan , Chao Chi-Chao , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Tsai Cheng-Hsuan , Lin Yen-Hung
Published: January 2024

Background:

Transthyretin cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a debilitating disease that has received much attention since the emergence of novel treatments. The Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial showed that tafamidis, a transthyretin tetramer stabilizer, effectively reduced the declines in functional capacity and quality of life. However, Ala97Ser (A97S) hereditary ATTR-CM is underrepresented in major ATTR-CM tafamidis trials.

Objectives:

We aim to investigate the change in global longitudinal strain (GLS) of A97S ATTR-CM patients after 12 months of tafamidis treatment.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed a prospective cohort of patients with A97S ATTR-CM who received tafamidis meglumine (61 mg/day) at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Echocardiography with speckle tracking strain analysis was performed at baseline and 12 months after treatment.

Results:

In all, 20 patients were included in the cohort. The baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and interventricular septum (IVS) thickness were 59.20 ± 13.23% and 15.10 ± 3.43 mm, respectively. After 12 months of tafamidis treatment, the LVEF and IVS were 61.83 ± 15.60% ( p = 0.244) and 14.59 ± 3.03 mm ( p = 0.623), respectively. GLS significantly improved from −12.70 ± 3.31% to −13.72 ± 3.17% ( p = 0.048), and longitudinal strain (LS) in apical and middle segments significantly improved from −16.05 ± 4.82% to −17.95 ± 3.48% ( p = 0.039) and −11.89 ± 4.38% to −13.58 ± 3.12% ( p = 0.039), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with LVEF < 50% had a better treatment response and improvement in GLS. The patients with an IVS ⩾ 13 mm had an improvement in two-chamber LS from −10.92 ± 4.25% to −13.15 ± 3.87% ( p = 0.042) and an improvement in apical left ventricular LS from −15.30 ± 5.35% to −17.82 ± 3.99% ( p = 0.031).

Conclusion:

Tafamidis significantly improved GLS, and particularly apical and middle LS in A97S ATTR-CM patients.