bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond babysitting: Childminding today
Authors: Maltman Tina , Wakelin Tracey , Herring Samantha , Wallace Lisa
Published: May 2024

In part one of this month's digital Practice Insight supplement childminders from the membership organization Childminding UK share insights into their practice. Tracey Wakelin discusses her intergenerational practice for the Early Years Community Corner, and Samantha Herring chats to Lisa Wallace about how she prioritises play for the Play Experience Case Study.
DAY-CASE TOTAL ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Drake B. , Blundell M. , Gibson B. , Kingman A. , Kakwani R. , Townshend D.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Day Case Surgery (defined as same day discharge) is a priority within the National Health Service and has been shown to provide beneficial outcomes for patients and hospitals. We report our experience developing a Day Case Programme for Total Ankle Replacement (TAR).

Methods

Prior to the introduction of a Day Case Programme, average length of stay following TAR in our unit was 3.5 days. Stakeholders were consulted about ways in which same day discharge could be facilitated. Patients' post-operative pain charts were reviewed prior to the introduction of this programme. Inclusion criteria included non-complex surgery (anticipated tourniquet < 2hrs), friend or relative support and pre-operative walking-aid assessment. An enhanced recovery protocol included long-acting popliteal block and dexamethasone. Patients were discharged with opiate analgesia and written pain instructions. Patients were asked to complete a pain and satisfaction questionnaire. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were recorded.

Results

From September 2017 to April 2019 21 of 70 patients underwent TAR as a Day Case. Mean age was 67 years (43-85 years). Complications included two delayed wound healings and one representation on day three with urinary retention. No patients reported post-operative nausea or vomiting, 60% did not use Oramorph at home. Average Visual Analogue Score for pain was 23/100 on day one and 21/100 day three post-operatively. There was no significant difference in pre-operative or overall change in MOXFQ, VAS or EQ5D PROMS.

Conclusions

Early results suggest that Day Case Total Ankle Replacements are safe. Appropriate patient selection is necessary. Day Case Surgery relies on support and communication between multiple teams to organise and run effectively.
The Association Between Governance Mechanisms and Sustainability Assurance Levels: The Case of CAC 40 Firms
Authors: Klibi Emna , Ben Mohamed Mabrouka , Damak–Ayadi Salma
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Recently, there has been an increasing interest in corporate governance as well as in sustainability. However, the link between corporate governance and sustainability is still under debate. The current study provides evidence on whether sustainability assurance levels are linked to corporate governance mechanisms. Specifically, we examine the association between corporate governance mechanisms (ownership structure, governance characteristics), characteristics of the company, the type of assurance provider, and sustainability assurance levels in the French context. Methodology: We collected the necessary data about the CAC 40 firms from 2008 to 2018 and opted for an ordinal regression model with panel data. Findings: Results indicate that corporate governance mechanisms play a vital role in providing sustainability assurance levels. Most corporate governance mechanisms, especially the board size, the executive incentive compensation, the sensitivity of sectors, and the type of assurance provider have a significant impact on sustainability assurance levels. The findings of this study show that the board size has a positive association with the level of sustainability assurance, hence favoring the choice of a reasonable assurance level. On the other hand, the executive incentive compensation, the sensitivity of sectors and the type of assurance provider are negatively associated with the assurance level, hence implying the choice of a moderate level.Implications: The paper offers useful insights for firms, stakeholders, and other users of the reports, as they will have a deeper understanding of sustainability assurance practices. The size of the sample might be a limitation of this study.Contribution: This is the first study that empirically tests the association between governance mechanisms and sustainability assurance levels. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing literature and highlights the impact of governance mechanisms on sustainability assurance levels.
Quality of life and regional economic development: Evidence from China
Authors: Cui Yuhu , Tian Hu , An Dong , Jia Yonghua
Published: May 2024

With the development of China’s economy entering a new stage, the quality of life, which centers on the well-being of residents, provides an essential hand in promoting the transformation of the regional economy from high-speed development to high-quality development. Based on a panel threshold regression model, we examine in this paper whether quality of life helps regional economies realize developmental convergence. The research shows that: (1) The quality of life overall can promote regional economic development and passes the series test with relatively robust results. (2) The quality of life has a non-linear effect on regional economic growth, which is mainly manifested in the fact that the impact is more significant in regions with higher levels of quality of life and weaker in regions with lagging quality of life and may widen the gap between regions at the same time. (3) We categorize the study regions to test further regional heterogeneity based on regional location and development status. At the Quality of Life Level-I regions, their influence on economic development has a more substantial pulling effect. Therefore, each region should seize the strategic opportunity to improve the quality of life, focus on the balanced development of the quality of life, strengthen policy support and social security, and strive to promote the coordinated development of China’s regional economy.
The efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Qiufeng , Zhao Guozheng , Pan Yu , Zhang Ying , Ni Yuehua
Published: May 2024

Background

Recently, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of fluvoxamine have been successfully conducted for the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for RCTs which were performed to evaluate fluvoxamine and placebo up to January 31, 2024. Review Manager 5.3 was used to perform meta-analysis. The risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) was analyzed and calculated with a random effect model.

Results

We pooled 4,711 participants from six RCTs (2,382 in the fluvoxamine group and 2,329 in the placebo group). Compared to the placebo group, the fluvoxamine group had a significantly lower rate of clinical deterioration (RR, 0.73; P = 0.004; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.90; I2 = 0%) and hospitalization (RR, 0.76; P = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.99; I2 = 0%). In the meantime, compared with the placebo group, fluvoxamine group did not show any higher risk of AEs (P = 0.13 and 0.91, respectively) in safety outcomes analysis. The subgroup analysis showed that fluvoxamine treatment performed more than 200 mg daily appears to be more effective than those performed less than 200 mg daily in reducing clinical deterioration and hospitalization risks, while not exhibiting higher AE and SAE risks than placebo group.

Conclusion

Fluvoxamine for patients with COVID-19, especially those who take 200 mg or more daily, is superior to the placebo group in reducing clinical deterioration and hospitalization, and did not show any higher risk of AEs and SAEs in safety concerns, which might be a promising intervention for COVID-19.
Sine cosine optimization algorithm combined with balloon effect for adaptive position control of a cart forced by an armature-controlled DC motor
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Tarek , Alkhalaf Salem , Senjyu Tomonobu , Mohamed Tarek Hassan , Elnoby Ahmed Mohamed , Hemeida Ashraf
Published: May 2024

For a car that is propelled by an armature-controlled DC motor This study proposes an adjustable linear positioning control. In this paper, to optimize the parameters of the car’s position controller the sine cosine optimization algorithm (SCA) is utilized, with support from the Balloon effect (BE), The BE is incorporated to enhance the responsiveness of the traditional sine cosine optimization algorithm when faced with external disturbances and variations in system parameters. In the proposed approach, the determined value of the open loop transfer function of the motor and the updated values of the controller gains serve as the basis for the modified sine cosine algorithm’s objective function (OF). Under the influence of changes in motor parameters and step load disturbances, the system using the suggested controller is evaluated. Results from simulations and experiments show that the proposed adaptive controller, which implements the modified sine cosine algorithm, enhances the system’s overall performance in the presence of load disturbances and parameter uncertainties.
Genetic effects and causal association analyses of 14 common conditions/diseases in multimorbidity patterns
Authors: Fu Ting , Yang Yi-Qun , Tang Chang-Hua , He Pei , Lei Shu-Feng
Published: May 2024

Background

Multimorbidity has become an important health challenge in the aging population. Accumulated evidence has shown that multimorbidity has complex association patterns, but the further mechanisms underlying the association patterns are largely unknown.

Methods

Summary statistics of 14 conditions/diseases were available from the genome-wide association study (GWAS). Linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis (LDSC) was applied to estimate the genetic correlations. Pleiotropic SNPs between two genetically correlated traits were detected using pleiotropic analysis under the composite null hypothesis (PLACO). PLACO-identified SNPs were mapped to genes by Functional Mapping and Annotation of Genome-Wide Association Studies (FUMA), and gene set enrichment analysis and tissue differential expression were performed for the pleiotropic genes. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses assessed the bidirectional causality between conditions/diseases.

Results

LDSC analyses revealed the genetic correlations for 20 pairs based on different two-disease combinations of 14 conditions/diseases, and genetic correlations for 10 pairs were significant after Bonferroni adjustment (P<0.05/91 = 5.49E-04). Significant pleiotropic SNPs were detected for 11 pairs of correlated conditions/diseases. The corresponding pleiotropic genes were differentially expressed in the brain, nerves, heart, and blood vessels and enriched in gluconeogenesis and drug metabolism, biotransformation, and neurons. Comprehensive causal analyses showed strong causality between hypertension, stroke, and high cholesterol, which drive the development of multiple diseases.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the complex mechanisms underlying the association patterns that include the shared genetic components and causal effects among the 14 conditions/diseases. These findings have important implications for guiding the early diagnosis, management, and treatment of comorbidities.
Experimental study on the effect of different cement content on the improvement of dynamic characteristics of seismic-prone poor soil
Authors: Zhao Yunhui , Qiao Feng , Meng Fanchao , Zheng Zhihua , Gu Jiapei , Li Haoyu
Published: May 2024

The improvement of sandy soils with poor seismic properties to modify their dynamic characteristics is of great importance in seismic design for engineering sites. In this study, a series of dynamic tests on sandy soils sandy soils with poor seismic conditions were conducted using the GCTS resonant column system to investigate the improvements effects of different cement contents on dynamic characteristic parameters. The research findings are as follows: The cement content has certain influences on the dynamic shear modulus, dynamic shear modulus ratio, the maximum dynamic shear modulus, and the damping ratio of sandy soils with poor seismic properties. Among them, the influence on dynamic shear modulus is limited, while the damping ratio is significantly affected. The addition of cement to seismic-poor sandy soils significantly enhances their dynamic characteristics. The most noticeable improvement is observed when the cement content is 8%. Through curve fitting analysis, a relationship equation is established between the maximum dynamic shear modulus and the cement content, and the relevant parameters are provided. A comparative test between the improved soils and the remolded soils reveals that the addition of cement significantly improves the seismic performance of the poor soils. The recommended values for the range of variation of the dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio are provided, considering the effect of improvement. These research findings provide reference guidelines for seismic design and engineering sites.
"You don’t get side effects from social prescribing”—A qualitative study exploring community pharmacists’ attitudes to social prescribing
Authors: Rathbone Adam Pattison , Pearson Harry , Akinyemi Oluwafunmi , Cartwright Nia , Tierney Stephanie , Rowlands Gill , Lindsey Laura
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Social prescribing is an approach that enables the referral of patients to non-clinical support and places a focus on holistic care. This study explored views of community pharmacists regarding social prescribing in pharmacies.

Study design

A qualitative phenomenological approach was used.

Methods

A convenience sample of eleven community pharmacists from Northern England were recruited via social media (Twitter, Facebook) and took part in a semi-structured, one-to-one qualitative interviews that asked about their knowledge of social prescribing, the advantages of community pharmacist involvement and any barriers they predicted to its implementation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

The sample included largely male pharmacists (63.3%) with less than five years’ experience (45.5%) and included pharmacists working as employees (63.6%), locums (27.3%) and owners (9%) in both chain (36%) and independent stores (54.5%). The main findings indicate an enthusiasm for but limited understanding of social prescribing. Factors which appeared to influence involvement were training requirements and time available to complete an additional service in busy pharmacies. Opportunities centred on the broader pharmacy team’s role to optimise health outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings indicate pharmacists may be an underused resource due to a poor understanding of the full scale and scope of social prescribing beyond health promotion, lifestyle interventions. Further work is needed to explore the transferability of the findings to the broader pharmacy workforce to understand how social prescribing can be positioned within pharmacy practice.
Green innovation and enterprise digital transformation: Escape from the “dilemma” of development and governance choices
Authors: She Jinghuai , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2024

The digital economy is now the expected norm for economic development, warranting strategic importance for enterprise digital transformation. Nonetheless, enterprises have a lengthy journey to embark upon for digital transformation. On the one hand, resource-based demands pose a significant challenge due to the development characteristics of the initiative; on the other hand, excessive emphasis on economic gains may result in severe environmental issues. Therefore, this paper examines whether green innovation, which combines environmental and economic benefits, can effectively address the above dilemma. The study includes all A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020 as the research sample, and empirically investigates the impact of green innovation on enterprise digital transformation and its mechanism based on resource-based view. The study concluded that (i) green innovation has a significant positive impact on corporate digital transformation performance, exhibiting asymmetric effects. The robustness tests confirmed the validity of the findings. (ii) Enterprises that actively engage in green innovation can effectively reduce their financial constraints, enhance their operational capacity, and enable the efficient allocation of resources, thereby promoting digital transformation within the enterprise. (iii) There is a regional imbalance in the conversion of green innovation performance into economic performance. The aforementioned results offer fresh insights for investigating the connection between green innovation and digital transformation. Additionally, these findings hold significant implications for the discourse on the synergistic advancement of the environment and economy.
The effect of visual sensory interference during multitask obstacle crossing in younger and older adults
Authors: Cho HyeYoung , Rietdyk Shirley
Published: May 2024

When older adults step over obstacles during multitasking, their performance is impaired; the impairment results from central and/or sensory interference. The purpose was to determine if sensory interference alters performance under low levels of cognitive, temporal, and gait demand, and if the change in performance is different for younger versus older adults. Participants included 17 younger adults (20.9±1.9 years) and 14 older adults (69.7±5.4 years). The concurrent task was a single, simple reaction time (RT) task: depress button in response to light cue. The gait task was stepping over an obstacle (8 m walkway) in three conditions: (1) no sensory interference (no RT task), (2) low sensory interference (light cue on obstacle, allowed concurrent foveation of cue and obstacle), or (3) high sensory interference (light cue away from obstacle, prevented concurrent foveation of cue and obstacle). When standing, the light cue location was not relevant (no sensory interference). An interaction (sensory interference by task, p<0.01) indicated that RT was longer for high sensory interference during walking, but RT was not altered for standing, confirming that sensory interference increased RT during obstacle approach. An interaction (sensory interference by age, p<0.01) was observed for foot placement before the obstacle: With high sensory interference, younger adults placed the trail foot closer to the obstacle while older adults placed it farther back from the obstacle. The change increases the likelihood of tripping with the trail foot for younger adults, but with the lead limb for older adults. Recovery from a lead limb trip is more difficult due to shorter time for corrective actions. Overall, visual sensory interference impaired both RT and gait behavior with low levels of multitask demand. Changes in foot placement increased trip risk for both ages, but for different limbs, reducing the likelihood of balance recovery in older adults.
An integrated in-silico approach for drug target identification in human pathogen Shigella dysenteriae
Authors: Qureshi Hurria , Basheer Amina , Sajjad Wasim , Faheem Muhammad , Babar Jamal Syed
Published: May 2024

Shigella dysenteriae, is a Gram-negative bacterium that emerged as the second most significant cause of bacillary dysentery. Antibiotic treatment is vital in lowering Shigella infection rates, yet the growing global resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics poses a significant challenge. The persistent multidrug resistance of S. dysenteriae complicates its management and control. Hence, there is an urgent requirement to discover novel therapeutic targets and potent medications to prevent and treat this disease. Therefore, the integration of bioinformatics methods such as subtractive and comparative analysis provides a pathway to compute the pan-genome of S. dysenteriae. In our study, we analysed a dataset comprising 27 whole genomes. The S. dysenteriae strain SD197 was used as the reference for determining the core genome. Initially, our focus was directed towards the identification of the proteome of the core genome. Moreover, several filters were applied to the core genome, including assessments for non-host homology, protein essentiality, and virulence, in order to prioritize potential drug targets. Among these targets were Integration host factor subunit alpha and Tyrosine recombinase XerC. Furthermore, four drug-like compounds showing potential inhibitory effects against both target proteins were identified. Subsequently, molecular docking analysis was conducted involving these targets and the compounds. This initial study provides the list of novel targets against S. dysenteriae. Conclusively, future in vitro investigations could validate our in-silico findings and uncover potential therapeutic drugs for combating bacillary dysentery infection.
Complex multimorbidity in hemodialysis patients: Study in a metropolitan region in Brazil
Authors: Soares Ana Cristina de Oliveira , Petarli Glenda Blaser , Cattafesta Monica , Santos Neto Edson Theodoro dos , Salaroli Luciane Bresciani
Published: May 2024

The objective of this article was to analyze the factors associated with complex multimorbidity (CMM) among hemodialysis patients in a metropolitan region in southeastern Brazil. To this end, a cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out with 1,024 individuals in the year 2019. CMM data were collected through the application of a questionnaire to hemodialysis patients. The binary logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) between independent variables and CMM. The prevalence of CMM was 81% and the results indicated that: living in cities with a low rate of general mortality (OR = 0.395, 95%CI = 0.179–0.870), being aged between 18 and 29 (OR = 0.402, 95%CI = 0.196–0.825), having an elementary education (OR = 0.536, 95%CI = 0.290–0.966) and assessing health as good/very good (OR = 0.446, 95%CI = 0.301–0.661) are factors that reduced the chances of having CMM, whereas a longer period of hemodialysis (OR = 1.779 and 95%CI = 1.057–2.997) increased the chances of CMM. The findings show that characteristics of the social and individual context are associated with CMM in hemodialysis patients, signaling the need for public health policies that include monitoring the complex multimorbidity condition among individuals undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
Direct and indirect effects of adiposity on markers of autonomic nervous system activity in older adults
Authors: Jarrett Michael S. , Anderson Travis , Wideman Laurie , Davis Paul G.
Published: May 2024

Several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (e.g., hypertension, poor glycemic control) can affect and be affected by autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Since excess adiposity can influence CVD development through its effect on hypertension and diabetes mellitus, it is important to determine how adiposity and altered ANS activity are related. The present study employed structural equation modeling to investigate the relation between adiposity and ANS activity both directly and indirectly through biological variables typically associated with glycemic impairment and cardiac stress in older adults. Utilizing the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) dataset, 1,145 non-smoking adults (74±4.8 yrs, 62.8% female) free from known CVD, hypertension, and diabetes and not currently taking beta-blockers were evaluated for fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and HbA1c concentrations, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), and markers of ANS activity. WC was recorded just above the iliac crest and was used to reflect central adiposity. Resting 2-minute electrocardiograph recordings, pulse wave velocity, and ankle-brachial index data were used to assess the root mean square of successive differences in RR intervals (RMSSD) and the pre-ejection period (PEP), markers of parasympathetic and sympathetic activity, respectively. FBG, insulin, and HbA1c inferred a latent variable termed glycemic impairment (GI), whereas heart rate and diastolic BP inferred a latent variable termed cardiac stress (CS). The structural equation model fit was acceptable [root mean square error of approximation = 0.050 (90% CI = .036, .066), comparative fit index = .970, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.929], with adiposity having both significant direct (β = 0.208, p = 0.018) and indirect (β = -.217, p = .041) effects on PEP through GI. Adiposity displayed no significant direct effect on RMSSD. CS displayed a significant pathway (β = -0.524, p = 0.035) on RMSSD, but the indirect effect of WC on RMSSD through CS did not reach statistical significance (β = -0.094, p = 0.137). These results suggest that adiposity’s relation to ANS activity is multifaceted, as increased central adiposity had opposing direct and indirect effects on markers of sympathetic activity in this population of older adults.
Retinoic acid alleviates the reduction of Akt and Bad phosphorylation and regulates Bcl-2 family protein interactions in animal models of ischemic stroke
Authors: Kang Ju-Bin , Koh Phil-Ok
Published: May 2024

Ischemic stroke causes a lack of oxygen and glucose supply to brain, eventually leads to severe neurological disorders. Retinoic acid is a major metabolic product of vitamin A and has various biological effects. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is an important survival pathway in brain. Phosphorylated Akt is important in regulating survival and apoptosis. We examined whether retinoic acid has neuroprotective effects in stroke model by regulating Akt and its downstream protein, Bad. Moreover, we investigated the relationship between retinoic acid and Bcl-2 family protein interactions. Animals were intraperitoneally administered vehicle or retinoic acid (5 mg/kg) for four days before surgery and ischemic stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery. Neurobehavioral tests were performed 24 h after MCAO and cerebral cortical tissues were collected. Cresyl violet staining and TUNEL histochemistry were performed, Western blot and immunoprecipitation analysis were performed to elucidate the expression of various proteins. Retinoic acid reduced neurological deficits and histopathological changes, decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells, and alleviated reduction of phospho-PDK1, phospho-Akt, and phospho-Bad expression caused by MCAO damage. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that MCAO damage reduced the interaction between phospho-Bad and 14-3-3, which was attenuated by retinoic acid. Furthermore, retinoic acid mitigated the increase in Bcl-2/Bad and Bcl-xL/Bad binding levels and the reduction in Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xL/Bax binding levels caused by MCAO damage. Retinoic acid alleviated MCAO-induced increase of caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 expression. We demonstrate that retinoic acid prevented apoptosis against cerebral ischemia through phosphorylation of Akt and Bad, maintenance of phospho-Bad and 14-3-3 binding, and regulation of Bcl-2 family protein interactions.
Impact of redefining statistical significance on P-hacking and false positive rates: An agent-based model
Authors: Fitzpatrick Ben G. , Gorman Dennis M. , Trombatore Caitlin
Published: May 2024

In recent years, concern has grown about the inappropriate application and interpretation of P values, especially the use of P<0.05 to denote “statistical significance” and the practice of P-hacking to produce results below this threshold and selectively reporting these in publications. Such behavior is said to be a major contributor to the large number of false and non-reproducible discoveries found in academic journals. In response, it has been proposed that the threshold for statistical significance be changed from 0.05 to 0.005. The aim of the current study was to use an evolutionary agent-based model comprised of researchers who test hypotheses and strive to increase their publication rates in order to explore the impact of a 0.005 P value threshold on P-hacking and published false positive rates. Three scenarios were examined, one in which researchers tested a single hypothesis, one in which they tested multiple hypotheses using a P<0.05 threshold, and one in which they tested multiple hypotheses using a P<0.005 threshold. Effects sizes were varied across models and output assessed in terms of researcher effort, number of hypotheses tested and number of publications, and the published false positive rate. The results supported the view that a more stringent P value threshold can serve to reduce the rate of published false positive results. Researchers still engaged in P-hacking with the new threshold, but the effort they expended increased substantially and their overall productivity was reduced, resulting in a decline in the published false positive rate. Compared to other proposed interventions to improve the academic publishing system, changing the P value threshold has the advantage of being relatively easy to implement and could be monitored and enforced with minimal effort by journal editors and peer reviewers.
The risk analysis index is an independent predictor of outcomes after lung cancer resection
Authors: Lee Andy Chao Hsuan , Madariaga Maria Lucia L. , Lee Sang Mee , Ferguson Mark K.
Published: May 2024

Background

The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a frailty assessment tool based on an accumulation of deficits model. We mapped RAI to data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Database to determine whether RAI correlates with postoperative outcomes following lung cancer resection.

Methodology/Principal findings

This was a national database retrospective observational study based on data from the STS Database. Study patients underwent surgery 2018 to 2020. RAI was divided into four increasing risk categories. The associations between RAI and each of postoperative complications and administrative outcomes were examined using logistic regression models. We also compared the performance of RAI to established risk indices (American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)) using areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC). Results: Of 29,420 candidate patients identified in the STS Database, RAI could be calculated for 22,848 (78%). Almost all outcome categories exhibited a progressive increase in marginal probability as RAI increased. On multivariable analyses, RAI was significantly associated with an incremental pattern with almost all outcomes. ROC analyses for RAI demonstrated “good” AUC values for mortality (0.785; 0.748) and discharge location (0.791), but only “fair” values for all other outcome categories (0.618 to 0.690). RAI performed similarly to ASA and CCI in terms of AUC score categories.

Conclusions/Significance

RAI is associated with clinical and administrative outcomes following lung cancer resection. However, its overall accuracy as a surgical risk predictor is only moderate and similar to ASA and CCI. We do not recommend routine use of RAI for assessment of individual patient risk for major lung resection.
Remanufacturing and channel strategies in e-commerce closed-loop supply chain
Authors: Shi Ying , Ma Rong , Yang Tianjian
Published: May 2024

This paper studies the recycling and remanufacturing mode and sales channel issues in the closed-loop supply chain. Specifically, this study establishes an e-commerce closed-loop supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and an e-commerce platform, and divides the recycling model into recycling by the manufacturer or recycling by the platform. Considering two common sales models in e-commerce platforms: the resale model and agency model, combined with the recycling model, four different research scenarios are formed. We use backward induction to solve the Stackelberg game problem and explore the remanufacturing and channel strategies of the manufacturer and the e-commerce platform. The research results show that for the manufacturer, under the same recycling model, when consumers’ preference for remanufactured products and the sensitivity of recycling volume to recycling prices are low, he will prefer the resale model. Under the same sales model, the manufacturer always prefers the recycling model in which he is responsible for recycling. However, the choice of platform is contrary to that of the manufacturer. In the resale model, both the manufacturer and the platform will choose to recycle by themselves, which cannot achieve a win-win situation. Under the agency model, when consumers’ preference for remanufactured products is high and the sensitivity coefficient of recycling volume to recycling price is low, supply chain members can achieve a win-win situation, and the scope of the win-win situation decreases as the unit production cost of new products increases. In addition, rising consumer preference for remanufactured products will lead to lower consumer surplus.
The impact of Yoga on patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lu Junyue , Kang Jiliang , Huang Haoyuan , Xie Chen , Hu Jiaxuan , Yu Yan , Jin Yu , Wen Youliang
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this review is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the efficacy of Yoga as an intervention for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and PEDro as of January 3, 2024. Retrieved a total of 200 articles. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

The study included a total of 8 trials and involved 756 KOA patients. The results indicated that compared to the control group, Yoga exercise showed significant improvements in alleviating pain (SMD = -0.92; 95% CI = -1.64 ~ - 0.20;P= 0.01,I2= 94%), stiffness (SMD = -0.51; 95% CI = -0.91 ~ -0.12;P= 0.01;I2= 66%) and physical function (SMD = -0.53; 95% CI = -0.89 ~ -0.17;P= 0.004;I2= 59%) among KOA patients. However, there was no significant improvement observed in terms of activities of activity of daily living (ADL) (SMD = 1.03; 95% CI = -0.01 ~ 2.07;P= 0.05;I2= 84%), and quality of life (QOL) (SMD = 0.21; 95% CI = -0.33 ~ 0.74;P= 0.44;I2= 83%) with the practice of Yoga.

Conclusions

In general, Yoga has been found to be effective in reducing pain and stiffness in KOA patients, it can also improve the physical function of patients. However, there is limited evidence to suggest significant improvements in terms of ADL and QOL.
Malaria prevalence and use of control measures in an area with persistent transmission in Senegal
Authors: Tairou Fassiatou , Gaye Ibrahima , Herrera Samantha , Nawaz Saira , Sarr Libasse , Cissé Birane , Faye Babacar , Tine Roger C. K.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In Senegal, the widespread use of vector control measures has resulted in a significant reduction in the malaria burden and led the country to consider the possibility of elimination. Given this shift and changing context, it is important to characterize the malaria burden across all age groups to guide decision-making on programmatic interventions to interrupt transmission and ultimately eradicate the disease. In Senegal, there is a lack of information on malaria prevalence among certain populations, particularly among adolescents and adults. This study sought to assess the magnitude of malaria infections in all age groups, as well as malaria associated factors in an area of persistent transmission in Senegal.

Methods

A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in four health posts (Khossanto, Mamakhona, Diakhaling and Sambrambougou), of the health district of Saraya, in November 2021, among individuals over 6 months of age. Households were selected using multistage sampling. Consented participants were screened for malaria parasites by microscopic examination of blood smears, and hemoglobin levels were measured using the Hemocue HB 301TM analyzer. Socio-demographic information of the participants, household heads, household assets, and information on ownership and use of preventive measures were collected using a structured questionnaire. Weighted generalized mixed effects logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with microscopically confirmed malaria infection.

Results

A total of 1759 participants were enrolled in the study. Overall, about 21% of participants were classified as having Plasmodium infection; children aged 5–10 years old (26.6%), adolescents aged 10–19 years old (24.7%), and children under five years of age (20.5%) had higher rates of infection compared to adults (13.5%). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 99.2% of the malaria infections, and most infections (69%) were asymptomatic. Around one-third of study participants had anemia (hemoglobin level <11.0 g/dl), with under five children bearing the highest burden (67.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that the odds of having a malaria infection were around 2 times higher among participants in Khossanto compared to Diakhaling (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI:1.06–3.20). Participants aged 5–9 years were more likely to have malaria infection compared to under five children (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI:1.02–1.91). Factors associated with anemia were P. falciparum infection (aOR = 1.36, p = 0.027), females (aOR = 2.16, p = 0.000), under-five age group (aOR = 13.01, p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Malaria burden was considerable among adolescents and under ten children living in an area of persistent transmission, with adolescents more commonly presenting as asymptomatic. Interventions tailored to this specific group of the population are needed to better control the disease and reduce its burden.
Cronicidad: significado construido por los cuidadores y las personas cuidadas
Authors: Ramírez Perdomo Claudia Andrea , Cantillo-Medina Claudia Patricia , Perdomo-Romero Alix Yaneth , Rodríguez-Vélez María Elena , Escobar Tobón Ana Ligia
Published: May 2024

Introducción: Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles van en aumento, ocasionando discapacidad y dependencia en quien la padece, así como la necesidad de un cuidador. La cronicidad es un concepto que se ha analizado desde la mirada de la persona que la padece, dejando un vacío en la comprensión del significado para el cuidador. Objetivo: Comprender el significado de la cronicidad para las personas con Enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y sus cuidadores informales. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cualitativa fenomenológica-hermenéutica según la propuesta de Van Manen, muestreo casual orientado por criterio, participaron 10 personas enfermas y 9 cuidadores. Los criterios de rigor de credibilidad y confirmabilidad, confiabilidad y la transferibilidad, garantizaron la calidad del estudio. Resultados: emergieron los siguientes temas: brindar y recibir cuidado como un acto de amor; unión de la familia; enfrentarse a la dureza; recibir, brindar y buscar apoyo; estar pendiente; cambio de vida; proceso de aprendizaje; una compañía para toda la vida; imponer restricciones, limitaciones y pérdidas. Conclusiones: el significado de la cronicidad para los cuidadores y las personas enfermas es complejo, dinámico y multidimensional; por lo tanto, es necesario realizar intervenciones que ayuden a mitigar el impacto que esta produce en la vida de este binomio.
Significados y prácticas de salud como ausencia de enfermedad en universitarios
Authors: Mejía Corredor Lilia Johana , Hernández Sánchez Jacqueline
Published: May 2024

Introducción: Los jóvenes universitarios están expuestos a cambios y transiciones que marcarán su salud en la adultez. Sus decisiones se traducen en comportamientos que pueden ser saludables o no, y dependen del significado de salud que se construye de conocimientos adquiridos, tradiciones o costumbres culturales. Objetivo: Comprender la influencia que tiene la cultura universitaria en la construcción del significado y prácticas de salud en estudiantes de pregrado de una sede, en una universidad privada en Colombia. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, tipo etnografía. Participaron 15 estudiantes, 11 profesores y profesionales de Bienestar Universitario. Se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada virtual, se procesaron los datos, y se sometieron a auditoría. Resultados: El significado de salud responde a una perspectiva individual y biopsicosocial; existe una fuerte influencia del entorno cercano y universitario en la significación y las prácticas de salud. Los hallazgos tienen similitud con otros estudios del ámbito internacional. Conclusiones: Se logró comprender la alta importancia que se da a la salud, entendiéndola principalmente como ausencia de enfermedad, reflejada en creencias, valores y prácticas. Se proponen unos retos, necesarios enfrentar, para hacer a las universidades promotoras del concepto amplio y renovado de la salud.
Historia de la enfermería. Evolución Histórica del cuidado enfermero 4a Edición de María Luisa Martínez Martín y Elena Chamorro Rebollo
Authors: Noreña-Peña Ana Lucía
Published: May 2024

Ana Noreña-Peña escribe una reseña sobre el libro de María Luisa Martínez Martín y Elena Chamorro Rebollo “Historia de la enfermería. Evolución Histórica del cuidado enfermero”.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND LIPID MODULATING EFFECTS OF

Mangifera indica, Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC ANIMAL MODELS
Authors: Omale Aminu , Omale Jamila Audu , Egu Samuel Attah , Onoja Andrew Omachoko
Published: May 2024

Background:
In recent years, increasing attention is being paid to oils consumed by humans because of the high number of unsaturated compounds these oils are susceptible to. As a result, many unnecessary changes occur in food products that deteriorate their sensory properties (colour, taste, odour).

Mangifera

sp and

Irvingia sp are rich in a variety of

phytochemicals and

nutrients; and have great antioxidant activities. This study aim to study the effect these oils have on the lipid profile of rats fed the oils.

Methods:
Chemical properties involving antioxidant techniques like 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, Total Antioxidant Activity (TAA) and Total Phenolics (TP) were investigated. Lipid profiles of the oils were also studied using animal models.

Results:
Of all the techniques employed, TAA was indeed a better reflector of the antioxidant activity, irrespective of oil type since it distinctly showed the significant (p<0.05) contribution of testa to inhibit autoxidation. The oil extracts possessed a lower potency than the standards (Quercetin). The

Irvingia variety with testa (

Iwt 4.86 µg/ml;

Igt 17.12µg/ml) showed more potency by having relatively lesser IC

50 values than those without testa (

Iwt

o
17.30µg/ml;

Igt

o
22.41µg/ml). The

Irvingia wombulu (

Iw) extracts irrespective of treatment, had stable LDL, increase in TC by 24.6%, a remarkable rise in HDL by 115.8% and a decrease in TG by 6.4%. When effects of testa were examined,

Iwt gave increased values of 178.2% TC, 354.5% HDL and 743% decrease in LDL representing ratio 1:2:5 respectively.

Conclusion:
The observations re-emphasized the positive contribution of testa of

Irvingia seed in nutrition. This research has demonstrated that the oil extracts derived from

Irvingia wombulu and

Irvingia gabonensis, particularly when retaining their testa components, exhibit notable antioxidant properties and mitigates oxidative stress induced by free radicals.
Effect of current ratio, total asset turnover, and size on profitability: Evidence from Indonesia manufacturing companies
Authors: Karim Abdul , Widyarti Endang Tri , Santoso Aprih
Published: May 2024

This study aims to look at the influence of current ratio, total asset turnover (TATO), size on profitability empirical studies in manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2017-2020. The sample used in this study is an empirical study on manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2017-2020. The population in the study was 32 manufacturing companies. The purposive sampling technique used in this study had a sample number of eighteen companies in building manufacturing with a sample of 128 data. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS 23 software. Data analysis begins with analyzing descriptive statistics, testing classical assumptions, testing research hypotheses. The results of the study prove that current ratio, total asset turnover, and size have a positive and significant effect on the company's Return On Assets.
Assessing The Role of Water-Related Regulations and Actors in The Operation of PDAM (Local Drinking Water Company)
Authors: Fransiska Fransiska
Published: May 2024

Water management in Indonesia has not been addressing water problems and challenges needed in achieving SDG 6, especially in the provision of sustainable drinking water services. Based on the condition, this research starts with a hypothesis that current performance of PDAM (Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum – Local Drinking Water Companies) – that have significant roles in drinking water provision in Indonesia regions – is influenced by water-related regulations and actors. With the aim to analyse the influence of regulations and actors related to the operation of PDAM, and to formulate recommendations that helps better PDAM performance in providing sustainable drinking water services, this study analyses regulations underlying PDAM governance and performance. Using content analysis on regulations, reports, and documents related to PDAM, this research has figured out that the operation of PDAM has not been supported with effective regulations, which is exacerbated by poor implementation and low enforcement of the regulations at the operational level by determined parties: local governments and PDAM. Therefore, to improve PDAM performance, this study recommends the Government of Indonesia to integrate and simplify PDAM-related regulations to avoid overlapping regulations and regulatory obesity and to review, analyse, state and disseminate clearly the status of existing PDAM-related regulations in the hierarchy of repealed and ineffective regulations to avoid confusion, stagnation and wrong decision making in the operation of PDAM. This study also finds out that further research on internal and external factors of water utilities (environment, biology, water and human resources, public policy, public services etc.) is necessary for sustainable provision of drinking water services and water security purposes and to ensure that the use or the implementation of those factors be clearly regulated.