bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality data from omission of early thromboprophylaxis in critically ill patients highlights the importance of an individualised diagnosis-related approach
Authors: Sahle Berhe W. , Pilcher David , Peter Karlheinz , McFadyen James D. , Litton Edward , Bucknall Tracey
Published: May 2023

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is effective in reducing VTE events, however, its impact on mortality is unclear. We examined the association between omission of VTE prophylaxis within the first 24 h after intensive care unit (ICU) admission and hospital mortality.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Australian New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database. Data were obtained for adult admissions between 2009 and 2020. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between omission of early VTE prophylaxis and hospital mortality.

Results

Of the 1,465,020 ICU admissions, 107,486 (7.3%) did not receive any form of VTE prophylaxis within the first 24 h after ICU admission without documented contraindication. Omission of early VTE prophylaxis was independently associated with 35% increased odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratios (OR): 1.35; 95% CI: 1.31–1.41). The associations between omission of early VTE prophylaxis and mortality varied by admission diagnosis. In patients diagnosed with stroke (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05–1.52), cardiac arrest (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.65–2.07) or intracerebral haemorrhage (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.19–1.84), omission of VTE prophylaxis was associated with increased risk of mortality, but not in patients diagnosed with subarachnoid haemorrhage or head injury.

Conclusions

Omission of VTE prophylaxis within the first 24 h after ICU admission was independently associated with increased risk of mortality that varied by admission diagnosis. Consideration of early thromboprophylaxis may be required for patients with stroke, cardiac arrest and intracerebral haemorrhage but not in those with subarachnoid haemorrhage or head injury. The findings highlight the importance of individualised diagnosis-related thromboprophylaxis benefit-harm assessments.
Enhancing chemical and physical stability of pharmaceuticals using freeze-thaw method: challenges and opportunities for process optimization through quality by design approach
Authors: Bernal-Chávez Sergio A. , Romero-Montero Alejandra , Hernández-Parra Héctor , Peña-Corona Sheila I. , Del Prado-Audelo María L. , Alcalá-Alcalá Sergio , Cortés Hernán , Kiyekbayeva Lashyn , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Leyva-Gómez Gerardo
Published: May 2023

The freeze-thaw (F/T) method is commonly employed during the processing and handling of drug substances to enhance their chemical and physical stability and obtain pharmaceutical applications such as hydrogels, emulsions, and nanosystems (e.g., supramolecular complexes of cyclodextrins and liposomes). Using F/T in manufacturing hydrogels successfully prevents the need for toxic cross-linking agents; moreover, their use promotes a concentrated product and better stability in emulsions. However, the use of F/T in these applications is limited by their characteristics (e.g., porosity, flexibility, swelling capacity, drug loading, and drug release capacity), which depend on the optimization of process conditions and the kind and ratio of polymers, temperature, time, and the number of cycles that involve high physical stress that could change properties associated to quality attributes. Therefore, is necessary the optimization of F/T conditions and variables. The current research regarding F/T is focused on enhancing the formulations, the process, and the use of this method in pharmaceutical, clinical, and biological areas. The present review aims to discuss different studies related to the impact and effects of the F/T process on the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties (porosity, swelling capacity) of diverse pharmaceutical applications with an emphasis on their formulation properties, the method and variables used, as well as challenges and opportunities in developing. Finally, we review the experimental approach for choosing the standard variables studied in the F/T method applying the systematic methodology of quality by design.
Regulating effect of virtual reality restorative environment on prefrontal cortex dysfunction after night shifts in medical staff: an fNIRS study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in Dalian, China
Authors: Huang Xiaofeng , Song Cuiyan , Jiang Yingjun , Liang Zhanhua , Qu Xiaotong , Fu Shaoyan
Published: May 2023

Background

Night shift work-related disturbed biological rhythm and insufficient sleep affect the functioning of brain activity and thus impair cognitive performance and mood state, which potentially leads to negative and even devastating results for both individuals and patients. A virtual reality (VR)-based restorative environment has shown to be an effective new technique to reduce stress and improve cognitive performance, but little is known about its mechanism of improving neuronal activity and connectivity.

Methods

This is a randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial. A total of 140 medical staff will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 allocation to either the VR immersion group (intervention group) or the control group. In the morning after the night shift, the participants in the intervention group will watch 360° panoramic videos of immersive VR natural restorative environments for 10 min, while the participants in the control group will just rest for 10 min. Assessments of abbreviated Profile of Mood States Questionnaire (POMS) and verbal fluency task (VFT) performances, as well as oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) and total hemoglobin concentration acquired by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will be performed at baseline (day work), the morning after night shift but before the intervention (previous) and after intervention (post). Data collected after a night shift will be compared to baseline performance as well as between the two groups.

Discussion

This trial will investigate the effects of the night shift and VR-based restorative environment intervention on mood, cognitive performance, and neuronal activity and connectivity. A positive result in this trial could encourage hospitals to apply VR technology to reduce physical and mental dysfunction during of night shifts among medical staff in every department. Furthermore, the findings from this study will contribute to understanding the underlying neuromodulation mechanisms of how restorative environments influence mood and cognition.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200064769. Registered on 17 October 2022.
Dual-energy CT for the detection of skull base invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comparison of simulated single-energy CT and MRI
Authors: Zhan Yang , Wang Peng , Wang Yuzhe , Wang Yin , Tang Zuohua
Published: May 2023

Background

Skull base invasion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was shown to be a poor negative prognostic factor, and dual-energy CT (DECT) has heralded a new approach to detect this condition. The study aims to evaluate the value of DECT for detection of skull base invasion in NPC and compare the diagnostic performance of DECT with those of simulated single-energy CT (SECT) and MRI.

Methods

The imaging findings of 50 NPC patients and 31 participants in control group which underwent DECT examinations were assessed in this retrospective study. The skull base invasions were evaluated using 5-point scale by two blind observers. ROC analysis, Mcnemar test, paired t test, weighted K statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of simulated SECT, MRI and DECT.

Results

Quantitative analysis of DECT parameters showed higher normalized iodine concentration and effective atomic number values in sclerosis and lower values in erosion than those in normal bones (both p < 0.05). Compared with simulated SECT and MRI, the diagnostic sensitivity for DECT was significantly improved from 75% (simulated SECT) and 84.26% (MRI) to 90.74% (DECT) (both p < 0.001), specificity from 93.23% and 93.75% to 95.31 (both p < 0.001), accuracy from 86.67% and 90.33% to 93.67%, and AUC from 0.927 and 0.955 to 0.972 (both p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

DECT demonstrates better diagnostic performance than simulated SECT and MRI for detecting skull base invasions in NPC, even those slight bone invasions in early stage, with higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Graphical Abstract
Microglia degrade Tau oligomers deposit via purinergic P2Y12-associated podosome and filopodia formation and induce chemotaxis
Authors: Chinnathambi Subashchandrabose , Das Rashmi
Published: May 2023

Background

Tau protein forms neurofibrillary tangles and becomes deposited in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tau oligomers are the most reactive species, mediating neurotoxic and inflammatory activity. Microglia are the immune cells in the central nervous system, sense the extracellular Tau via various cell surface receptors. Purinergic P2Y12 receptor can directly interact with Tau oligomers and mediates microglial chemotaxis via actin remodeling. The disease-associated microglia are associated with impaired migration and express a reduced level of P2Y12, but elevate the level of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Results

Here, we studied the formation and organization of various actin microstructures such as-podosome, filopodia and uropod in colocalization with actin nucleator protein Arp2 and scaffold protein TKS5 in Tau-induced microglia by fluorescence microscopy. Further, the relevance of P2Y12 signaling either by activation or blockage was studied in terms of actin structure formations and Tau deposits degradation by N9 microglia. Extracellular Tau oligomers facilitate the microglial migration via Arp2-associated podosome and filopodia formation through the involvement of P2Y12 signaling. Similarly, Tau oligomers induce the TKS5-associated podosome clustering in microglial lamella in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, the P2Y12 was evidenced to localize with F-actin-rich podosome and filopodia during Tau-deposit degradation. The blockage of P2Y12 signaling resulted in decreased microglial migration and Tau-deposit degradation.

Conclusions

The P2Y12 signaling mediate the formation of migratory actin structures like- podosome and filopodia to exhibit chemotaxis and degrade Tau deposit. These beneficial roles of P2Y12 in microglial chemotaxis, actin network remodeling and Tau clearance can be intervened as a therapeutic target in AD.
Timely expression of PGAM5 and its cleavage control mitochondrial homeostasis during neurite re-growth after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Liang Min-Zong , Lu Ting-Hsuan , Chen Linyi
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients suffered from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) have twice the risk of developing into neurodegenerative diseases later in their life. Thus, early intervention is needed not only to treat TBI but also to reduce neurodegenerative diseases in the future. Physiological functions of neurons highly depend on mitochondria. Thus, when mitochondrial integrity is compromised by injury, neurons would initiate a cascade of events to maintain homeostasis of mitochondria. However, what protein senses mitochondrial dysfunction and how mitochondrial homeostasis is maintained during regeneration remains unclear.

Results

We found that TBI-increased transcription of a mitochondrial protein, phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5), during acute phase was via topological remodeling of a novel enhancer-promoter interaction. This up-regulated PGAM5 correlated with mitophagy, whereas presenilins-associated rhomboid-like protein (PARL)-dependent PGAM5 cleavage at a later stage of TBI enhanced mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) expression and mitochondrial mass. To test whether PGAM5 cleavage and TFAM expression were sufficient for functional recovery, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupler carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP) was used to uncouple electron transport chain and reduce mitochondrial function. As a result, FCCP triggered PGAM5 cleavage, TFAM expression and recovery of motor function deficits of CCI mice.

Conclusions

Findings from this study implicate that PGAM5 may act as a mitochondrial sensor for brain injury to activate its own transcription at acute phase, serving to remove damaged mitochondria through mitophagy. Subsequently, PGAM5 is cleaved by PARL, and TFAM expression is increased for mitochondrial biogenesis at a later stage after TBI. Taken together, this study concludes that timely regulation of PGAM5 expression and its own cleavage are required for neurite re-growth and functional recovery.
Distorted Innovation: Does the Market Get the Direction of Technology Right?
Authors: Acemoglu Daron
Published: May 2023

In the presence of markup differences, externalities, and other social effects, the direction of innovation can be systematically distorted. I build a simple model of endogenous technology to study distortions in the direction of innovation. Empirical findings across a number of different areas are consistent with this framework's predictions. I use data from several studies to estimate the framework's key parameters and combine them with rough estimates of differential externalities and markups to provide suggestive evidence that innovation distortions can be substantial in the context of industrial automation, health care, and energy, and that correcting them could have sizable welfare benefits.
Behavioral Nudges Reduced Dropout Risk among Vulnerable Students during the Pandemic: Experimental Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Lichand Guilherme , Christen Julien , van Egeraat Eppie
Published: May 2023

In a companion paper (Lichand, Christen and Van Egeraat, 2022), we documented that learning losses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic were magnified by the fact that most schools neglected students' socio-emotional skills during remote learning. Taking advantage of a cluster randomized control trial that sent high school students or their parents text messages targeting their socio-emotional skills over 2020, we showed that such messages prevented 7.5 percent of learning losses in math and 24 percent of those in Portuguese. In this paper, we study whether the intervention also reduced dropout risk, especially among students at the highest risk of abandoning school.
Time Savings When Working from Home
Authors: Aksoy Cevat Giray , Barrero Jose Maria , Bloom Nicholas , Davis Steven J. , Dolls Mathias , Zarate Pablo
Published: May 2023

We quantify the commute time savings associated with work from home, drawing on data for 27 countries. The average daily time savings when working from home are 72 minutes in our sample. We estimate that work from home saved about two hours per week per worker in 2021 and 2022, and that it will save about one hour per week per worker after the pandemic ends. Workers allocate 40 percent of their time savings to their jobs and about 11 percent to caregiving activities. People living with children allocate more of their time savings to caregiving.
The Mental Health of Caregivers and Young Children in Conflict-Affected Settings
Authors: Sánchez-Ariza Juliana , Cuartas Jorge , Moya Andrés
Published: May 2023

We analyze the effects of conflict-related violence on the mental health of caregivers and young children, as well as the role of caregivers' mental health in explaining the toll of conflict on early childhood mental health. Although an upcoming body of work has demonstrated the link between caregivers' and children's mental health, the role of caregivers' psychological constraints has been largely ignored in research and programming in conflict-affected settings. We demonstrate how these constraints play a role in the intergenerational transmission of mental health problems and emphasize the urgency of addressing caregivers' mental health within early childhood development programs in conflict-affected settings.
The Role of Housing Platforms in Facilitating Trading between Firms
Authors: Peng Xuequan Elsie , Wong Maisy
Published: May 2023

We study the 2013 merger of three multiple listings services (MLSes) in Florida, the primary platforms where properties are transacted. We use MLS listings data from 2009 to 2019 to trace out the effects of the merger on the likelihood that listings by brokerages from different platforms are traded. The merger sharply increased the platform scale for brokerages whose platforms were not dominant in a local market prior to the merger. This exposed their listings to more agents and also expanded their access to more listings. Difference-in-difference estimates indicate that nondominant brokerages are more likely to have interplatform trades.
Labor Mobility and Unemployment over the Business Cycle
Authors: Foschi Andrea , House Christopher L. , Proebsting Christian , Tesar Linda L.
Published: May 2023

We estimate the responsiveness of net labor migration to regional differences in unemployment rates across the United States since the mid-1970s. Our baseline estimate suggests an elasticity of roughly -0.3. For typical labor force participation ratios, an increase of 100 unemployed workers in an area is associated with net out-migration of roughly 47 workers. Instrumenting for regional unemployment produces even higher estimates. Our estimates are stable over time, inclusive of the Great Recession. The estimates depend crucially on accurate data and accounting for long-term trends in migration and unemployment.
Terms of the Deal Were Not Announced: Accounting for Mergers with Unpublicized Values
Authors: Wollmann Thomas G.
Published: May 2023

Most economy-wide studies of merger activity ignore deals whose terms are not announced. Using US data, I find that restricting attention to mergers with publicized values eliminates 60 percent or more of transactions. Exploiting a change in antitrust law, I find that mergers with unpublicized values are competitively significant. The data even suggest that these transactions reflect, at least in part, strategic attempts to avoid enforcement actions by escaping detection. Last, relying on an idiosyncratic feature of accounting standards to infer their size distribution, I find that ignoring mergers with unpublicized values undermeasures the extent of stealth consolidation by 40 percent.
Government Trust and COVID-19 Vaccination: The Role of Supply Disruptions and Political Allegiances in Sierra Leone
Authors: Aizenman Anbar , Conteh Fatu E. , Glennerster Rachel , Horn Samantha , Kangbai Desmond M. , Karing Anne , Shaukat Sarah
Published: May 2023

We use data on the universe of COVID-19 vaccines in Sierra Leone to examine the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination take-up and support for the party in power and whether interruptions to vaccine supply reduced take-up of second doses. We find that COVID-19 vaccine take-up is higher in areas that support the ruling party, but this mirrors long-term vaccination patterns and not the politicization of COVID-19 vaccines. People whose second dose was due just before and after a vaccine stockout had similar second take-up rates (around 50 percent)–that is, delayed access to second doses did not deter eventual take-up.
On the Gender Diversity of Research Teams in Economics Seminars
Authors: Biermann Marcus
Published: May 2023

Seminars are an important channel through which researchers receive feedback on their work and disseminate it. This paper presents descriptive evidence on the representation of female, male, and mixed teams in economics seminars. I use a balanced panel of 270 institutions in the academic years 2018-2020. I find that before COVID-19, only 7.4 percent of presented projects were authored by female teams, 59.2 percent of projects were authored by male teams, and 33.5 percent of projects were authored by mixed teams. The introduction of virtual seminars during the COVID-19 pandemic led to more balanced distribution across team types.
Oral manifestations associated with Novel Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19): A questionnaire based hypothetical study
Authors: MOHAMMED FARAZ , FAIROZEKHAN ARISHIYA THAPASUM , MOHAMED SHAMAZ , ALMOUMEN SAUD ABDULLAH , BUGSHAN AMR S. , ALMOMEN ZAINAB I. , ALMOMEN AMINAH MOHAMMAD , M SHASHI KIRAN , ALMULHIM KHALID S.
Published: May 2023

Background: Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, the virus has evolved drastically, presenting with sets of mutations that influence its properties, including transmissibility and antigenicity. The oral mucosa is postulated as probable portal entry and several oral manifestations have been identified, which places dental professionals in a position to recognize probable COVID-19 patients depending on oral signs and symptoms in the initial phases of the disease itself. As co-existing with COVID-19 seems to be a new reality, greater understanding is required regarding early oral signs and symptoms which can be predictors for timely intervention and prevention of complications in COVID-19 patients. The objective of the study is to identify the distinguishing oral signs and symptoms among COVID-19 patients and to establish possible correlation between severity of COVID-19 infection and oral symptoms.

Methods: This study recruited 179 ambulatory, non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province's designated hotels for COVID-19 and home isolated patients from the same region using a convenience sample method. Data was collected by qualified and experienced investigators, including two physicians and three dentists, using a validated comprehensive questionnaire through telephonic interviews with the participants. The X2 was used to assess the categorical variables, and odd's ratio was calculated to determine the strength of the association between general symptoms and oral manifestations.

Results: Oral and nasopharyngeal lesions or conditions like loss of smell and taste, xerostomia, sore throat, and burning sensation were predictors of COVID-19-related systemic symptoms such as cough, fatigue, fever, and nasal congestion were identified to be statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The study reveals the occurrence of olfactory or taste dysfunction, dry mouth, sore throat, and burning sensation along with COVID-19 generic symptoms, should be considered as suggestive yet not conclusive indicators of COVID-19.
Civil activity of Khabarovsk citizens in the prism of modern political events
Authors: Klicenko M. , Sivolob A. , Yarulin Ildus
Published: May 2023

The events of 2020 on the territory of the city of Khabarovsk have become a cause for surprise for almost all residents of Russia. Few people could have imagined such a sharp reaction to the detention of the former governor of the Khabarovsk Territory, S.I. Furgal, and the further development of these events among the local community. If by the winter of 2021 the bulk of the protests have outlived their usefulness, do not say that they are impossible in the future. In this regard, the main purpose of the work is to analyze the civil protest activity of the inhabitants of the city of Khabarovsk. Even a small number of factors affecting the civic activity of residents of the city of Khabarovsk explains the sharp reaction to the events taking place in the city. The results of the study allow us to expand our understanding of the phenomenon of growing civic activity in the Russian Far East. The authors of this article consider civil protest as civil activity, a set of public speeches, which are based on the dissatisfaction of individuals with the nature of the existing state-public relations, distrust of the authorities and disagreement with the policy pursued by state institutions. The mass protest movement in Khabarovsk is proposed to be analyzed from the point of view of a special sphere of the political process – contentious politics, "politics of contestation", or "protest politics" in terms of Doug McAdam and Charles Tilly, which is gaining momentum not only in the Russian Far East, but also in the world.

The article uses data from sociological research and expert assessments. The conclusions indicate that the Khabarovsk Territory remains a region with serious political risks.
Pineal cyst-related sleep disorders – a narrative review
Authors: Gałązka Jakub Krzysztof , Domagalski Łukasz , Hoffman Zofia , Homa Piotr , Kaleta Natalia , Drabczyńska Katarzyna , Czyżewski Wojciech
Published: May 2023

The pineal gland is an endocrine gland, which is responsible for the human circadian rhythm, through the regulation of its hormone – melatonin. The most common pathology of a pineal gland is pineal cyst – its population incidence is estimated as 1-23%, depending on the publication. The most common symptoms of a pineal cyst include headache (87%), visual field defects (54%), nausea/vomiting (34%), and dizziness/vertigo (31%). Among the majority of patients with the asymptomatic pineal cyst, the wait-and-see strategy is proper.

            According to the newest meta-analyze, the prevalence of sleep disturbances among patients with pineal cyst estimates to be 17%. The results of direct melatonin level measurements in pineal cysts remain unclear. The study focused on sleep disturbances in pediatric patients with pineal cysts and showed a significantly higher score on Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) in the domains of disorders of excessive sleepiness and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep than the control groups. The impact of lesion on sleep quality correlated with its size.

            The pineal cyst may be considered a rare, and potentially reversible, cause of sleep disorders. Nevertheless, according to the present reports (often opposite to each other), this thesis and the mechanism of its occurrence need to be further researched.
Ksiądz profesor Szczepan Szydelski (1872-1967): Polityk i działacz społeczny
Authors: Wołczański Józef
Published: May 2023

REVEREND PROFESSOR SZCZEPAN SZYDELSKI (1872-1967): A POLITICIAN AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST Rev. prof. dr hab. Szczepan Szydelski (1872-1967) was undoubtedly one of the most exceptional Roman-Catholic priests in the social and religious circles of Eastern Lesser Poland in the first half of the 20th century. His activity, still admired today, from his pastoral duties, to didactic and academic work at the Jan Kazimierz University in Lwów, to high posts in the national and Lesser Poland Province structures of the Christian Democratic Party and other political groups, Lwów City Council, Polish Parliament, social associations and charities.
fNIRS Hyperscanning of Right-brain Synchronization between Therapist-client in Sandplay Therapy
Authors: Jang Mikyung , Schore Allan N. , Lee Sehwa , Lee Yeoreum , Kim So-myung , Kowen Meera
Published: May 2023

This study investigated inter-right brain synchrony between therapist and client in Sandplay therapy, using hyperscanning technique based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). fNIRS is a non-intrusive method that measures changes in oxyhemoglobin the cerebral blood. A total of seven therapist-client pairs-i.e., 14 participants-wore fNIRS devices on their heads and engaged in two sessions of Sandplay therapy, with each session lasting for 30 minutes. The study observed synchronization in the right and left prefrontal cortices of both therapists and clients in all seven pairs, during every session. Interestingly enough, synchronization occurred not only while the pairs engaged in verbal communication about the completed sandpicture but also during the non-verbal process of clients' creating sandpictures. The outcome of the study hence suggests neurobiological fundamentals for the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client, which is also called the therapeutic resonance, relational mutual regression, therapeutic alliance, and mother-child unity.
Possible sexual dysfunction in traumatically injured clients: improving the approach at initial assessment
Authors: Brine Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Aim:

To explore the perceived barriers experienced by rehabilitation case managers to discussing sexual function with clients after a traumatic injury, at the point of initial assessment. Study design: Small-scale semi-structured interviews were conducted to inform baseline measures for a service improvement proposal within the author's employing company. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used for the interpretation of the data, with application of framework analysis.

Findings:

Case managers within the company do not routinely ask clients about issues of sexual dysfunction at the initial assessment of rehabilitation needs. Identified inhibitors included the client's age, cultural background, the presence of other people during the assessment, embarrassment for either party, or any apparent reservations about the assessment process for the client. These echoed findings from the wider healthcare literature. Prompts to initiating conversations were also identified, including the nature of injury or the openness of the client.

Conclusion:

In their holistic assessment of clients' rehabilitation needs, and as part of the development of the therapeutic relationship, case managers are ideally situated to encourage conversations concerning issues of sexual dysfunction with clients, having the opportunity to signpost them to the most appropriate support or to facilitate referrals for treatment.
Pulsed ventricular tachycardia: a case study
Authors: Rowberry Rowena , Mortimore Gerri
Published: May 2023

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an arrhythmia that originates from the ventricles of the heart and presents as a wide and prolonged QRS complex on the electrocardiograph of greater than 120 milliseconds, with a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute. VT can occur as a pulsed or pulseless rhythm. Pulseless VT occurs when the ventricles cannot effectively pump blood out of the heart, therefore resulting in no cardiac output. Pulsed VT can manifest with the patient presenting asymptomatically, or with symptoms of reduced cardiac output resulting from poor ventricular filling. There is the potential for the patient to quickly become haemodynamically unstable if not treated. This article discusses a case of pulsed VT, diagnosed and treated out of hours in an acute hospital.
Pain experience of cancer patients receiving care in a multidisciplinary pain management clinic
Authors: Alsaraireh Mahmoud , Eshah Nidal , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , ALBashtawy Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Background:

Few longitudinal studies have focused on patients' cancer pain experience when receiving care in a multidisciplinary pain management clinic (MPMC). This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of a cohort of cancer patients newly engaged in a MPMC.

Methods:

This study was based on a longitudinal approach in which data were collected over a 6 months period at the King Hussein Cancer Centre in Jordan. The study adopted the Arabic version of the Brief Pain Inventory to identify the level and prevalence of cancer pain, and to identify the impact of receiving care at the MPMC on patients' pain experience. Data were collected over four time points, and the period between these points ranged from 2 to 3 weeks.

Results:

The majority of patients demonstrated improvement in their pain after receiving treatment at the MPMC, while a third still experienced severe pain. Significant improvement was reported at T1, and no further decline in pain was noted after this point. This indicates that exposure to the intervention provided by the MPMC generated, on average, an improvement in patients' pain experience.

Conclusion:

The MPMC may be an effective pain management strategy in the treatment of cancer pain.
Dealing with a contested past: the Belgian decolonisation debate
Authors: Said Salem Ruwayda , Rutten Kris , De Wilde Lieselot
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, a lot of Western countries have been engaged in a heated debate on how to come to terms with their colonial past. Leaving behind the idea that colonial history consists mainly of common achievements, the former philanthropic narrative of ‘modernisation’ and ‘progress’ has been critically analysed and dissected as the awareness of its painful episodes grew. In this vein, the postcolonial history in Belgium is an interesting case to examine, as it has long been one of the most criticised colonial metropoles for the way in which it deals with its colonial past, precisely because Belgium has persisted in focusing on the positive aspect of that past. Consequently, a whole part of this history has not yet been processed and is mainly part of a contested past. Social work practices have long sought to remain neutral in this discussion, but this awareness of history as a dynamic weaving of a multiplicity of different strands of identity also applies directly to the development of social work as a profession. From a social work perspective, it is impossible to retreat into a viewpoint outside of history, as we must become aware that social work practices are deeply embedded in historical and cultural habits from which we cannot disengage. In this article, we argue that social work needs to critically deal with its own confusing history, with which it is interwoven, in order to be able to clarify what contemporary social work represents.
Enhanced emission from hBN in sputtered microcavities
Authors: Scheuer K. G. , Kirwin P. S. , Hornig G. J. , DeCorby R. G.
Published: May 2023

In this observational study, we embed few-layer hexagonal boron nitride
(hBN) inside a planar Fabry–Perot cavity fabricated using a pulsed DC
magnetron sputtering system and show that the hBN retains its inherent
visible range, defect-based luminescent properties following
relatively energetic deposition processing. The observed
surface-normal emission enhancement factor of ∼40 is in good agreement with theoretical
predictions. We also found that embedded hBN subjected to a rapid
thermal annealing treatment exhibits a cracking effect where the edges
of the material glow distinctly brighter than adjacent regions. Our
results might inform future efforts involving monolithic integration
of hBN active layers.
Bidirectional terahertz plasmonic switch based on periodically structured graphene
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Moravvej-Farshi Mohammad Kazem , Jabbari Masoud , Darvish Ghafar , Ghaffari-Miab Mohsen
Published: May 2023

A plasmonic crystal structure is proposed and simulated based on graphene at terahertz frequency using the three-dimensional finite element method. The proposed model involves both an ON/OFF and a directional switch. Implementing a crystalline structure in graphene can enhance absorption since such a structure creates a bandgap wherein no propagation mode is allowed. Accordingly, the ON/OFF and directional switches can be designed with an extinction ratio higher than 30 dB. Other advantages of this structure are its high quality factor and small dimensions of 1 µm (for the ON/OFF switch) and 2 µm (for the directional switch).
Radiation control by defects in dark-state resonant photonic lattices
Authors: Ko Y. H. , Magnusson R.
Published: May 2023

In this Letter, we present and explain novel radiation properties enabled by defects in resonant photonic lattices (PLs). Incorporating a defect breaks the lattice symmetry and generates radiation through the stimulation of leaky waveguide modes near the non-radiant bound (or dark) state spectral location. Analyzing a simple one-dimensional (1D) subwavelength membrane structure, we show that the defects produce local resonant modes that correspond to asymmetric guided-mode resonances (aGMRs) in spectra and near-field profiles. Without a defect, a symmetric lattice in the dark state is neutral, generating only background scattering. Incorporating a defect into the PL induces high reflection or transmission by robust local resonance radiation depending on the background radiation state at the bound state in the continuum (BIC) wavelengths. With the example of a lattice under normal incidence, we demonstrate defect-induced high reflection as well as high transmission. The methods and results reported here have significant potential to enable new modalities of radiation control in metamaterials and metasurfaces based on defects.
Human migration on a heating planet: A scoping review
Authors: Issa Rita , Robin van Daalen Kim , Faddoul Alix , Collias Lio , James Rosemary , Chaudhry Umar A. R. , Graef Viola , Sullivan Adam , Erasmus Panna , Chesters Heather , Kelman Ilan
Published: May 2023

Whilst people’s migration outcomes may be influenced by climate change, the interaction of heat with migration and migrants is little understood. This scoping review explores the relationship between heat and human migration, focusing on i) whether and how heat functions as a driver of migration, and ii) how migrants are impacted by heat across the migratory journey. Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature to identify studies reporting on the heat-migration nexus through 18 June 2021, alongside a grey literature search. Of 12,149 peer-reviewed and 476 grey literature records, 187 articles were screened in full, resulting in the inclusion of 50 records (47 peer-reviewed, 3 grey). Publications assessed the impact of heat on human migration (n = 32), or the experience of heat among migrants (n = 18). In the former, 16/32 report a significant positive association where exposure to heat increases the likelihood of migration or intention to migrate. Moderating factors in the heat-migration pathway include other climatic factors, agricultural productivity, economic opportunities, age, and gender. The vast majority of studies assessing the impact of heat on migrants reported negative impacts of heat (such as heat related illness, heat stress and premature mortality) among migrants compared to non-migrants. Heat impacts were aggravated by poor infrastructure, insufficient workplace adaptations, lower educational level, and socio-economic factors. Findings suggest heat may influence migratory patterns in terms of people’s intention to move, risk when on the move, and consequences of heat for settled migrants. However, the heterogeneous results suggest heat may not be a driver of migration in all contexts. No literature reported on a so-called ‘temperature threshold’ above which migration is certain. Developing comparability in measurements of heat, heat impacts, and definitions of environmentally-induced migration and migrants may support future research on, risk reduction for, and response to the impact of heat on migration and migrants.
A qualitative study of health workers’ perspectives on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Adokiya Martin Nyaaba , Boah Michael , Atinbire Solomon Abotiba , Achana Felix , Ndago Joyce Aputere , Kanligi David Abatanie , Abotiyire Zakaria , Moyer Cheryl A.
Published: May 2023

Despite successes in malaria control interventions over the past two decades, malaria remains a major public health concern. Over 125 million women live in endemic areas and experience adverse pregnancy outcomes due to malaria. Understanding health workers’ perspectives on malaria identification and management is important to informing policy changes on the control and eradication of the disease. This study explored the perspectives of health workers on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. A qualitative study with a phenomenology design was conducted among participants. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed and the results were presented as themes and sub-themes. Four themes and eight sub-themes regarding case identification and management of malaria in pregnancy were identified including malaria case identification training (trained and untrained), identification approach (signs/symptoms and routine laboratory test), diagnostic tools (rapid diagnostic test and microscopy) and management options. It revealed that attending malaria training programs was generally optional. Some of the participants had not undergone any refresher training for malaria identification after their formal training at health institutions. Participants identified malaria by its signs and symptoms. However, they often referred clients for routine laboratory tests for confirmation. When malaria is confirmed in pregnancy, quinine is used for first trimester treatment, while Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies are prescribed after the first trimester. Clindamycin was not used in the first trimester treatment. This study found that training programs were optional for health workers. Some participants have not received refresher training after graduating from health institutions. Treatment of confirmed cases did not include clindamycin for first trimester malaria infections. Malaria refresher training programs should be made mandatory for health workers. Every suspected case should be confirmed using Rapid Diagnostic Test or microscopy before treatment.
Assessing SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell reactivity in late convalescents and vaccinees: Comparison and combination of QuantiFERON and activation-induced marker assays, and relation with antibody status
Authors: Gatti Arianna , Zizzo Gaetano , De Paschale Massimo , Tamburello Antonio , Castelnovo Laura , Faggioli Paola Maria , Clerici Pierangelo , Brando Bruno , Mazzone Antonino
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 spread and vaccination strategies have relied on antibody (Ab) status as a correlate of protection. We used QuantiFERON™ (QFN) and Activation-Induced Marker (AIM) assays to measure memory T-cell reactivity in unvaccinated individuals with prior documented symptomatic infection (late convalescents) and fully vaccinated asymptomatic donors (vaccinees).

Methods

Twenty-two convalescents and 13 vaccinees were enrolled. Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 and N Abs were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassays. QFN was performed following instructions and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) measured by ELISA. AIM was performed on aliquots of antigen-stimulated samples from QFN tubes. SARS-CoV-2-specific memory CD4+CD25+CD134+, CD4+CD69+CD137+ and CD8+CD69+CD137+ T-cell frequencies were measured by flow cytometry.

Results

In convalescents, substantial agreement was observed between QFN and AIM assays. IFN-γ concentrations and AIM+ (CD69+CD137+) CD4+ T-cell frequencies correlated with each other, with Ab levels and AIM+ CD8+ T-cell frequencies, whereas AIM+ (CD25+CD134+) CD4+ T-cell frequencies correlated with age. AIM+ CD4+ T-cell frequencies increased with time since infection, whereas AIM+ CD8+ T-cell expansion was greater after recent reinfection. QFN-reactivity and anti-S1 titers were lower, whereas anti-N titers were higher, and no statistical difference in AIM-reactivity and Ab positivity emerged compared to vaccinees.

Conclusions

Albeit on a limited sample size, we confirm that coordinated, cellular and humoral responses are detectable in convalescents up to 2 years after prior infection. Combining QFN with AIM may enhance detection of naturally acquired memory responses and help stratify virus-exposed individuals in T helper 1-type (TH1)-reactive (QFNpos AIMpos Abshigh), non-TH1-reactive (QFNneg AIMpos Abshigh/low), and pauci-reactive (QFNneg AIMneg Abslow).
Mind matters: Psychosurgical horror in The Great God Pan and Peter and Wendy
Authors: Tarr Clayton Carlyle
Published: May 2023

This article locates a connection between Arthur Machen’s The Great God Pan and J. M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy beyond the texts’ focus on the mythic and malevolent Pagan god. Both Machen and Barrie express interest in the brain as a physiological region that can be explored, mapped and manipulated. This interest, I argue, emerges from late-nineteenth-century neurological experiments, especially the psychosurgical procedures performed by Gottfried Burckhardt in the 1880s. Although Burckhardt’s operations were widely criticized, and his results generally discredited, the practice of psychosurgery continued to be debated in medical communities. In The Great God Pan and Peter and Wendy, forms of psychosurgery unleash murderous monstrosities, thus implicating, to varying degrees, Dr Raymond and Mrs Darling, the surgeons of this horror.
Revisión sistemática sobre la influencia de la edad, el género y las variaciones estacionales en el absceso periamigdalino
Authors: Losada-Campa Juan , Benito-Orejas José Ignacio , San Millán-González María , González-Sosto Mariana , Muñoz-Moreno Maria Fe , Santos-Pérez Jaime
Published: May 2023

Introducción y objetivo: El absceso periamigdalino (AP) es la complicación más frecuente de la amigdalitis aguda. Dadas las discrepancias observadas en la literatura, presentamos una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía, para analizar la prevalencia del AP en nuestro ámbito, en relación a tres factores epidemiológicos: la edad, el sexo y la climatología.

Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre la influencia de la edad, el género y la estacionalidad en el AP. Las bases utilizadas fueron PubMed, Cochrane y Medline, sin restricción de tiempo, siguiendo la metodología PRISMA. El registro se llevó a cabo por tres revisores independientes, durante el mes de octubre de 2022.

Resultados: Se obtuvieron, tras excluir duplicados, 289 artículos, de los que tras el cribado que se detalla en la metodología, seleccionamos 23, como parte de la revisión sistemática.

Discusión: En la mayoría de trabajos incluidos, se objetiva un predominio del AP en los hombres, con una ratio hombres/mujeres, variable de 1,16 a 3. Se desconocen las causas de esta diferencia de género.

La edad media de aparición del AP varía, según el estudio, de los 22 a los 39 años.

Aunque con resultados dispares, el AP no parece tener un predominio estacional, sin que podamos descartar una cierta influencia climática.

Conclusiones: El AP es la complicación más frecuente de la amigdalitis aguda. En el adulto, predomina en hombres. La media de edad oscila entre los 22 y 39 años. No parece mostrar preferencia climática.
Valuing Accessibility in Hospitality and the Loyalty of Tourists with Disabilities
Authors: Ferst Marklea da Cunha , Gadotti dos Anjos Sara Joana , Kuhn Vitor
Published: May 2023

The official data regarding the development of the tourist activity shows its importance and reflexes on the economy and social well-being. However, the question is whether the countries are properly prepared to meet all tourism demands with equality, which is why the needs of people with disabilities or reduced mobility are addressed in this study. Accessibility in accommodation facilities is an essential factor, whether by seeking to understand ways to eliminate barriers and/or how to develop an environment that is conducive to tourism activity. Thus, the research aims to analyze the valuation of accessibility in the choice of the accommodation and aspects that may influence the loyalty of the tourist with disabilities or with reduced mobility (TwDMr). The study is characterized as applied descriptive, with a bibliographic survey and the use of a questionnaire with both open and closed questions. It collected results from 995 respondents, serving as a basis for quali-quanti analyses. The results establish that having access to tourist activities positively influences people's quality of life; the importance of accessibility in the purchase of a tourism product or service was proven, highlighting the accessibility of the means of accommodation as the most important element in the TwDMr's choice of tourist destination. It was concluded that meeting the accessibility requirements in the means of accommodation influences the choice of tourist destination, generating value to the enterprise, leading to loyalty, and, as a result, the TwDMr tend to be more loyal when their needs are adequately met.