bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHIME-GP trial of online education for prescribing, pathology and imaging ordering in general practice – how did it bring about behaviour change?
Authors: Metusela Christine , Mullan Judy , Kobel Conrad , Rhee Joel , Batterham Marijka , Barnett Stephen , Bonney Andrew
Published: December 2023

Background

There is a need for scalable clinician education in rational medication prescribing and rational ordering of pathology and imaging to help improve patient safety and enable more efficient utilisation of healthcare resources. Our wider study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted education intervention for general practitioners (GPs) in rational prescribing and ordering of pathology and imaging tests, in the context of Australia’s online patient-controlled health record system, My Health Record (MHR), and found evidence for measurable behaviour change in pathology ordering among participants who completed the educational activities. This current study explored the mechanisms of behaviour change brought about by the intervention, with a view to informing the development of similar interventions in the future.

Methods

This mixed methods investigation used self-reported questionnaires at baseline and post-education on MHR use and rational prescribing and test ordering. These were analysed using multi-level ordinal logistic regression models. Semi-structured interviews pre- and post-intervention were also conducted and were analysed thematically using the COM-B framework.

Results

Of the 106 GPs recruited into the study, 60 completed baseline and 37 completed post-education questionnaires. Nineteen participants were interviewed at baseline and completion. Analysis of questionnaires demonstrated a significant increase in confidence using MHR and in self-reported frequency of MHR use, post-education compared with baseline. There were also similar improvements in confidence across the cohort pre-post education in deprescribing, frequency of review of pathology ordering regimens and evidence-based imaging. The qualitative findings showed an increase in GPs’ perceived capability with, and the use of MHR, at post-education compared with baseline. Participants saw the education as an opportunity for learning, for reinforcing what they already knew, and for motivating change of behaviour in increasing their utilisation of MHR, and ordering fewer unnecessary tests and prescriptions.

Conclusions

Our education intervention appeared to provide its effects through providing opportunity, increasing capability and enhancing motivation to increase MHR knowledge and usage, as well as rational prescribing and test ordering behaviour. There were overlapping effects of skills acquisition and confidence across intervention arms, which may have contributed to wider changes in behaviour than the specific topic area addressed in the education.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000010998) (09/01/2020).
Tigecycline causes loss of cell viability mediated by mitochondrial OXPHOS and RAC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Koch Dominik T. , Yu Haochen , Beirith Iris , Schirren Malte , Drefs Moritz , Liu Yunfei , Knoblauch Mathilda , Koliogiannis Dionysios , Sheng Weiwei , De Toni Enrico N. , Bazhin Alexandr V. , Renz Bernhard W. , Guba Markus O. , Werner Jens , Ilmer Matthias
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite recent advances in locoregional, systemic, and novel checkpoint inhibitor treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still associated with poor prognosis. The feasibility of potentially curative liver resection (LR) and transplantation (LT) is limited by the underlying liver disease and a shortage of organ donors. Especially after LR, high recurrence rates present a problem and circulating tumor cells are a major cause of extrahepatic recurrence. Tigecycline, a commonly used glycylcycline antibiotic, has been shown to have antitumorigenic effects and could be used as a perioperative and adjuvant therapeutic strategy to target circulating tumor cells. We aimed to investigate the effect of tigecycline on HCC cell lines and its mechanisms of action.

Methods

Huh7, HepG2, Hep3B, and immortalized hepatocytes underwent incubation with clinically relevant tigecycline concentrations, and the influence on proliferation, migration, and invasion was assessed in two- and three-dimensional in vitro assays, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis was used to identify specific targets of tigecycline. The expression of RAC1 was detected using western blot, RT-PCR and RNA sequencing. ELISA and flow cytometry were utilized to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation upon tigecycline treatment and flow cytometry to detect alterations in cell cycle. Changes in mitochondrial function were detected via seahorse analysis. RNA sequencing was performed to examine involved pathways.

Results

Tigecycline treatment resulted in a significant reduction of mitochondrial function with concomitantly preserved mitochondrial size, which preceded the observed decrease in HCC cell viability. The sensitivity of HCC cells to tigecycline treatment was higher than that of immortalized non-cancerous THLE-2 hepatocytes. Tigecycline inhibited both migratory and invasive properties. Tigecycline application led to an increase of detected ROS and an S-phase cell cycle arrest. Bioinformatic analysis identified RAC1 as a likely target for tigecycline and the expression of this molecule was increased in HCC cells as a result of tigecycline treatment.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence for the antiproliferative effect of tigecycline in HCC. We show for the first time that this effect, likely to be mediated by reduced mitochondrial function, is associated with increased expression of RAC1. The reported effects of tigecycline with clinically relevant and achievable doses on HCC cells lay the groundwork for a conceivable use of this agent in cancer treatment.
A postmortem case control study of asbestos burden in lungs of malignant mesothelioma cases
Authors: Visonà S. D. , Bertoglio B. , Favaron C. , Capella S. , Belluso E. , Colosio C. , Villani S. , Ivic-Pavlicic T. , Taioli E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Asbestos lung content is regarded as the most reliable tool for causal attribution of malignant mesothelioma (MM) to previous asbestos exposures. However, there is a lack of studies on asbestos burden in lungs of MM patients in comparison with healthy individuals. This study aims to provide such a comparison, investigating, as well, differences in asbestos lung burden with sex and time trends.

Methods

Asbestos lung content has been assessed on formalin-fixed lung fragments using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) on individuals deceased from MM (cases) and healthy subjects without any lung disease who died from violent causes (controls) between 2005 and 2023.

Results

Asbestos and asbestos bodies (ABs) were found, respectively, in 73.7% and 43.2% of cases and in 28 and 22% of controls; in MM cases the most represented asbestos types were crocidolite and amosite, whereas in controls it was tremolite-actinolite asbestos. The concentration of both asbestos fibers and ABs was statistically significantly higher in MM cases compared to controls. The mean asbestos fibers width was also significantly higher in cases than controls. Males and females with MM showed similar asbestos and ABs concentrations, but females had higher concentrations of chrysotile, and significantly lower fibers width compared to males. Time trends show that MM lung asbestos concentrations decreased starting in 2011.

Discussion

The results suggest a correlation between asbestos burden in lungs and MM risk. The different concentration of chrysotile, as well as the different width of asbestos fibers in MM males and females might reflect a sex difference in response of the lung microenvironment to inhaled asbestos. Finally, this study provides the first pathological evidence of the effect of the ban of asbestos use, demonstrating a significant decrease of asbestos lung content after 2011.
Study on articular surface morphology of atlantoaxial lateral mass based on differential manifold
Authors: Zhang Zeyuan , Zhao Yao , Chou Dean , Zhang Shuhao , Zhou Ruifang , Ma Zeyu , Wang Limin , Yu Zhong , Liu Yilin , Wang Yuqiang
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To propose a surface reconstruction algorithm based on a differential manifold (a space with local Euclidean space properties), which can be used for processing of clinical images and for modeling of the atlantoaxial joint. To describe the ideal anatomy of the lateral atlantoaxial articular surface by measuring the anatomical data.

Methods

Computed tomography data of 80 healthy subjects who underwent cervical spine examinations at our institution were collected between October 2019 and June 2022, including 46 males and 34 females, aged 37.8 ± 5.1 years (28–59 years). A differential manifold surface reconstruction algorithm was used to generate the model based on DICOM data derived by Vision PACS system. The lateral mass articular surface was measured and compared in terms of its sagittal diameter, transverse diameter, articular surface area, articular curvature and joint space height.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between left and right sides of the measured data in normal adults (P > 0.05). The atlantoaxial articular surface sagittal diameter length was (15.83 ± 1.85) and (16.22 ± 1.57) mm on average, respectively. The transverse diameter length of the articular surface was (16.29 ± 2.16) and (16.49 ± 1.84) mm. The lateral articular surface area was (166.53 ± 7.69) and (174.48 ± 6.73) mm2 and the curvature was (164.03 ± 5.27) and (153.23 ± 9.03)°, respectively. The joint space height was 3.05 ± 0.11mm, respectively. There is an irregular articular space in the lateral mass of atlantoaxial, and both upper and lower surfaces of the articular space are concave. A sagittal plane view shows that the inferior articular surface of the atlas is mainly concave above; however, the superior articular surface of the axis is mainly convex above. In the coronal plane, the inferior articular surface of the atlas is mostly concave above, with most concave vertices located in the medial region, and the superior articular surface of the axis is mainly concave below, with most convex vertices located centrally and laterally.

Conclusion

A differential manifold algorithm can effectively process atlantoaxial imaging data, fit and control mesh topology, and reconstruct curved surfaces to meet clinical measurement applications with high accuracy and efficiency; the articular surface of the lateral mass of atlantoaxial mass in normal adults has relatively constant sagittal diameter, transverse diameter and area. The distance difference between joint spaces is small, but the shape difference of articular surfaces differs greatly.
Effectiveness and safety of everolimus treatment in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex in real-world clinical practice
Authors: Cockerell Ine , Christensen Jakob , Hoei-Hansen Christina E. , Holst Lotte , Grenaa Frederiksen Mikkel , Issa-Epe Aart Imran , Nedregaard Bård , Solhoff Ragnar , Heimdal Ketil , Johannessen Landmark Cecilie , Lund Caroline , Nærland Terje
Published: December 2023

Background

The randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled EXIST-1–3 studies have showed everolimus effective with adverse effects reported as acceptable in treatment of symptoms in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), although evidence of outcomes in clinical practice remains limited. This study aimed to investigate, in clinical practice, the effectiveness and safety of everolimus for epilepsy, renal angiomyolipoma (rAML), and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in patients with TSC.

Results

The study included 64 patients with TSC (median age: 19, range 0.9–54 years) receiving everolimus treatment (Norway: n = 35; Denmark: n = 29). Among 45 patients with epilepsy, 14 (31%) were responders experiencing ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency in the last 3 months of treatment compared with the last 3 months before treatment. Nineteen (42%) patients changed their anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Responders were more common among patients < 18 years (46%) than among patients ≥ 18 years (14%, p = 0.03). In 29 patients with rAML, everolimus reduced (≥ 30% decrease) and stabilized (< 20% increase, ≤ 30% decrease) longest diameter of rAML in 38% and 59%, respectively, after a mean treatment duration of 37 months. SEGA volume was reduced in three patients by 71%, 43%, and 48% after 39, 34, and 82 months. Adverse effects were reported in 61 of 64 patients (95%) after a median treatment duration of 31 months (range 0–106), with oral ulceration/stomatitis (63%) and upper respiratory tract infections (38%) being the most common. The most common laboratory abnormalities were increased cholesterol (41%), anaemia (30%), and leucopoenia (25%). Grade 3–4 adverse effects were reported in 36% of cases, and life-threatening conditions were reported in two patients. Nine patients discontinued everolimus treatment.

Conclusions

Seizure reduction in this study sample was consistent with results from EXIST, but might be lower than expected, given that changes in concomitant ASMs are part of clinical practice. Seizure reduction was associated with younger age. As with EXIST, everolimus reduced or stabilised rAML size in most patients. SEGA volume was reduced in all three patients. Close follow-up is needed for this group, especially for children and patients who may not be able to report adverse effects.
Prognostic value of capillary refill time in adult patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Jacquet-Lagrèze Matthias , Pernollet Aymeric , Kattan Eduardo , Ait-Oufella Hafid , Chesnel Delphine , Ruste Martin , Schweizer Rémi , Allaouchiche Bernard , Hernandez Glenn , Fellahi Jean-Luc
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Acute circulatory failure leads to tissue hypoperfusion. Capillary refill time (CRT) has been widely studied, but its predictive value remains debated. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the ability of CRT to predict death or adverse events in a context at risk or confirmed acute circulatory failure in adults.

Method

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google scholar databases were screened for relevant studies. The pooled area under the ROC curve (AUC ROC), sensitivity, specificity, threshold, and diagnostic odds ratio using a random-effects model were determined. The primary analysis was the ability of abnormal CRT to predict death in patients with acute circulatory failure. Secondary analysis included the ability of CRT to predict death or adverse events in patients at risk or with confirmed acute circulatory failure, the comparison with lactate, and the identification of explanatory factors associated with better accuracy.

Results

A total of 60,656 patients in 23 studies were included. Concerning the primary analysis, the pooled AUC ROC of 13 studies was 0.66 (95%CI [0.59; 0.76]), and pooled sensitivity was 54% (95%CI [43; 64]). The pooled specificity was 72% (95%CI [55; 84]). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 3.4 (95%CI [1.4; 8.3]). Concerning the secondary analysis, the pooled AUC ROC of 23 studies was 0.69 (95%CI [0.65; 0.74]). The prognostic value of CRT compared to lactate was not significantly different. High-quality CRT was associated with a greater accuracy.

Conclusion

CRT poorly predicted death and adverse events in patients at risk or established acute circulatory failure. Its accuracy is greater when high-quality CRT measurement is performed.
17-year follow-up of association between telomere length and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality in individuals with metabolic syndrome: results from the NHANES database prospective cohort study
Authors: Xiong Lijiao , Yang Guangyan , Guo Tianting , Zeng Zhaohao , Liao Tingfeng , Li Yanchun , Li Ying , Chen Fujuan , Yang Shu , Kang Lin , Liang Zhen
Published: December 2023

Background

The relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mortality risk in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between telomere length and long-term all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, in individuals with MetS in the United States.

Methods

A total of 1980 participants with MetS aged 18 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) prospective cohort study (1999–2002) were included in this cohort study. Medical records review was used to identify the cause of deaths as of December 2018. We employed Kaplan-Meier curves, fitted curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and CVD mortality, stratified by tertiles of LTL.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 17.75 years of participants with metabolic syndrome, 819 deaths occurred, including 231 cardiovascular deaths. After adjusting for multiple covariates, participants with shorter telomere length had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11–1.6) and CVD mortality (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.96–1.93) compared with those in the highest tertile of telomere length. All-cause mortality (P < 0.001) and cardiovascular disease mortality (P = 0.028) followed a similar pattern across tertiles of telomere length.

Conclusion

In individuals with MetS, shorter telomere length is associated with increased risks of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. The underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings require additional investigation.
Validation of non-invasive indicators in the screening of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study among Uighurs in rural Xinjiang
Authors: Guo Yanbo , Hu Yunhua , Yang Jing , Ma Rulin , Zhang Xianghui , Guo Heng , Wang Xinping , Li Yu , Peng Xinyu , Zhang Shijie , He Jia , Guo Shuxia
Published: December 2023

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in China. Our study aimed to evaluate the screening value of the fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and Zhejiang University index (ZJU), as well as other single indicators for MAFLD. We aimed to find the optimal screening tool and its appropriate cut-off values for rural Uyghur adults.

Methods

We completed a survey of 14,321 Uyghur adults in 51 groups in Kashgar, Xinjiang, in 2016 using a typical sampling method, with 12,794 patients ultimately included in statistical analyses. Fatty liver was diagnosed using ultrasonography.

Results

The prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and MAFLD was 16.73% and 16.55%, respectively, and the FLI, HSI, LAP, VAI, and ZJU were all independently associated with an increased risk of MAFLD. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of the FLI for diagnosing MAFLD in men and women were 0.853 and 0.847, respectively. The AUCs of the body mass index (BMI) for diagnosing MAFLD in men and women were 0.850 and 0.852, respectively. Compared with other metabolic-related markers, FLI had the largest AUC. In men, the optimal cut-off values of FLI and BMI for diagnosing MAFLD were 45 (sensitivity 84.83%, specificity 69.57%) and 27.4 (sensitivity 78.47%, specificity 76.30%), respectively. In women, the optimal cut-off values of FLI and BMI for diagnosing MAFLD were 45 (sensitivity 80.11%, specificity 74.23%) and 28.0 (sensitivity 79.56%, specificity 75.41%), respectively. In men and women, an FLI score of < 30 ruled out MAFLD, while a score of ≥ 50 was a basis for diagnosis.

Conclusion

FLI and BMI had good screening ability for MAFLD and were superior to HSI, LAP, VAI, and ZJU in both sexes.
Women empowerment in agriculture and its effect on household food security: evidence from Gamo Zone of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Jemaneh Sileshi Abebe , Shibeshi Elias Mekonnen
Published: December 2023

Background

Women empowerment and food security are supposed to be two mutually reinforcing goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations. However, the measurement of women’s empowerment and its relationship with household food security in the agricultural context is too limited, especially in Ethiopia. The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of women’s empowerment in agriculture on household food security in the Gamo zone of Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected from 385 dual-adult households, selected through a multistage random sampling procedure from two districts—Chencha and Kucha of Gamo zone in Ethiopia. The data were collected on the sample households’ demographic, socioeconomic, women empowerment, food consumption and livelihood activities—crop production, livestock holding and off-farm participation by interviewing both primary male and female decision-makers from each household. Household food security was measured using Calorie Availability, Household Food Consumption and Dietary Diversity Score, while women’s empowerment in agriculture was measured using the Abbreviated Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Ordinary Least Square, Two-Stage Least Square, Poisson and Instrumental Variable Poisson regression were used as analytical models.

Results

Our study shows that increases in women’s empowerment are positively and significantly associated with all food security indicators—adult equivalent calorie availability, household-level food consumption and dietary diversity. The result also shows that food security is positively related to the proportion of adult household members, age and education of primary female, landholding size, crop diversification, food crop production, the number of dairy cows owned and off-farm participation. However, food security is negatively related to household size.

Conclusion

The implication of the finding is that stakeholders should give due attention to promoting women’s empowerment and eliminating the gender gap in agriculture through appropriate gender mainstreaming intervention in dual-adult households. Food security programmes could also gain from prioritizing female education and promoting agricultural diversification (crop and livestock) and off-farm income diversification strategies as valuable investments to improve household food security. This study is the first application of the Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index in Ethiopia as a predictor to household food security, and contributes to the women’s empowerment–household food security nexus literature in developing countries.
Construct validity of the German version of the Emotion Reactivity Scale
Authors: Lüönd Antonia M. , Thoma Martina F. , Spiller Tobias R. , Weilenmann Sonja , Jansson Billy , Pfaltz Monique C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Emotional reactivity is an important construct to consider when studying mental disorders. This study was conducted to translate and assess the factor structure, construct validity and internal consistency of a German version of the Emotion Reactivity Scale (ERS), which is an originally English questionnaire assessing three components of emotional reactivity: sensitivity, intensity and persistence of emotions.

Methods

The German ERS and a range of questionnaires used to assess convergent and discriminant validity were completed by 334 German speaking Swiss participants.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis showed strong support for a bi-factor model, with evaluation indices pointing to a unidimensional construct rather than to domain specific factors. The questionnaire showed good reliability and the factor structure was similar across gender. The ERS showed convergent validity with general psychopathology, behavioral inhibition, negative affect, orienting sensitivity, depressive symptoms and symptoms of disordered eating, and discriminant validity with behavioral activation and alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

Findings support the construct validity of the German ERS and suggest that it assesses a unidimensional construct with high internal consistency. Accounting for the unidimensional nature of the scale and aiming for efficient assessment tools, future research could, based on these findings, develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a short version of the ERS.
Optimizing scenarios of a deep geothermal aquifer storage in the southern Upper Rhine Graben
Authors: Stober Ingrid , Jägle Martin , Kohl Thomas
Published: December 2023

Based on a newly developed geological 3D reservoir model for the demonstration site of the ‘Freiburger Bucht’ in the Upper Rhine Graben (SW Germany), geothermal development and realization concepts of an aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) in the Buntsandstein aquifer were elaborated and energetically evaluated by numerical modeling. The thermal–hydraulic coupled modeling was performed with the FE-software OpenGeoSys and COMSOL. For this purpose, the geological model was converted into a numerical model and calibrated by local and regional, hydrogeological and geothermal measured values. A detailed study based on two-phase storage-heating cycles per year with constant injection temperature on the ‘hot side’ of the ATES, different volumetric flow rates, and temperature spreads was performed to quantify possible storage capacities, energies, and efficiencies. The calculated efficiency of the cyclic storage operation in this study, averaged over 10 storage heating cycles, are between 50 and 85%, depending on flow rate and temperature spread. The efficiency of the individual storage heating cycles increases from year to year in all scenarios considered, as the ‘hot side’ of the storage heats up in the long term. To increase ATES’ efficiency, also horizontal wells were integrated into the numerical model and the results were compared with those of inclined wells.
Factors that increase the rate of periprosthetic dislocation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Reddy Chethan , Venishetty Nikit , Jones Hunter , Mounasamy Varatharaj , Sambandam Senthil
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is considered one of the greatest technological innovations in shoulder reconstruction surgery, as evidenced by the fact its growth rate of usage is greatest among all shoulder arthroplasties. However, like all arthroplasties, a post-surgical complication often arises. One of these complications, periprosthetic dislocation (PPD), requires revision and poses, therefore, a burden on both patients and healthcare providers. While PPD is understood to be a complication of RSA, it is unclear to what extent certain risk factors and co-morbidities predispose patients to post-RSA PPD. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the impact of specific risk factors and co-morbidities that contribute to the development of PPD following RSA.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016–2019 to analyze the prevalence and impact of various risk factors and co-morbidities on the incidence of PPD following RSA. A univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression model was made to provide a descriptive association between variables that impact the rates of PPD after RSA.

Results

The NIS database identified 59,925 patients, 1,000 of whom experienced a PPD while the remaining 58,825 were placed in the non-PPD group (controls). The PPD group consisted predominantly of females (53.10%) and Caucasians (86.30%). There was a higher incidence of tobacco-related disorders (P = 0.003), obesity (P < 0.001), morbid obesity (P < 0.001), liver cirrhosis (P < 0.001), and Parkinson’s disease (PD) (P < 0.001) in PPD patients compared to controls. Young patients had a 1.89-fold increased odds (OR: 1.89, 95% CI [1.58, 2.26], P < 0.001), patients with tobacco-related disorders had decreased odds (OR: 0.80, 95% CI [0.67, 0.97], P = 0.02), morbidly obese patients had 1.50 times the odds (OR: 1.50, 95% CI [1.14, 1.97]), liver cirrhosis patients had 2.67-fold increased odds (OR: 2.67, 95% CI [1.55, 4.60], P < 0.001), and Parkinson’s disease patients had 2.66 times the odds (OR: 2.66, 95% CI [1.78, 3.96], P < 0.001) to develop PPD following RSA compared to patients who did not have the corresponding condition.

Conclusions

Patients with specific risk factors and co-morbidities are predisposed to developing PPD after RSA. Risk factors that were found to be associated with a higher incidence of PPD are gender (female), race (Caucasian), and age (young patients). Analysis revealed the history of tobacco-related disorder, obesity, morbid obesity, liver cirrhosis, and Parkinson’s disease increased the odds of developing PPD following RSA. These findings can inform both healthcare providers and patients to improve RSA surgical outcomes and tailor post-surgery recovery programs to fit the patient’s needs.
Analyzing safety and effectiveness of Mavacamten in comparison with placebo for managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rangwala Hussain Sohail , Fatima Hareer , Ali Mirha , Ahmed Syed Taha , Rangwala Burhanuddin Sohail , Abbas Syed Raza
Published: December 2023

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a hereditary myocardial disorder, often due to sarcomere gene mutations, characterized by the left ventricular hypertrophy. Current treatments offer symptomatic relief but lack specificity. Mavacamten, an allosteric inhibitor, has shown significant improvements in HCM patients in trials, reducing the requirement for invasive treatments. This meta-analysis assesses Mavacamten’s efficacy and safety as a targeted HCM intervention.

Methods

This study examined four randomized controlled trials comparing Mavacamten to placebo in HCM patients. Each trial had a unique primary endpoint, and secondary outcomes included improvements in NYHA-FC, eligibility for septal reduction therapy (SRT) or undergoing it, adverse events (serious and treatment-related), atrial fibrillation, and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Statistical analysis involved calculating risk ratios (RRs) and assessing heterogeneity.

Results

The four included studies showed minimal risk of bias and involved 503 patients with HCM (273 Mavacamten and 230 placebo). Mavacamten significantly increased the primary endpoint (RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.20–3.86, P = 0.01) and ≥ 1 NYHA-FC class (RR 2.21, 95% CI 1.48–3.3, P = 0.0001). Mavacamten group had lower rates of SRT compared to those receiving placebo (RR, 0.30, 95% CI 0.22–0.40; P < 0.00001). No significant differences existed in rates adverse events between the Mavacamten and placebo groups.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that Mavacamten may have therapeutic benefits for HCM patients, as indicated by its positive impact on certain endpoints. Further research with larger samples, longer follow-up, and comprehensive analysis is needed to understand Mavacamten’s safety and efficacy in HCM patients.
Do user-generated content and micro-celebrity posts encourage generation Z users to search online shopping behavior on social networking sites—the moderating role of sponsored ads
Authors: Shetu Sabakun Naher
Published: December 2023

The study investigates the impact of user-generated content (UGC) and micro-celebrity posts on the online purchasing behavior of Generation Z on social networking sites. In addition, the mediator function of the user’s search intent is investigated. Thus, sponsored ads employ moderation. To collect primary data, self-administered questionnaires and cross sectional studies were applied. The population is comprised of university students of Generation Z from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Systematic random sampling was used to select Generation Z members from six institutions in the city of Dhaka. Using convenience sampling, primary data were collected. The research yielded 565 standardized questionnaire samples. The study’s findings demonstrated that user-generated content’s direct, indirect, and mediation relationships were statistically significant. Moreover, the direct and indirect relationships of micro-celebrity posts were found to be statistically significant, but the mediation relationship was found to be insignificant. Additionally, users’ search intention has a strong correlation with online purchasing behavior. Thus, the moderation analysis of sponsored ads was deemed crucial. In Bangladesh, the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) paradigm is rarely applied to studies on the online purchasing preferences of Generation Z consumers. This study also examined its findings’ implications for future research and limitations.
Comprehensive index condition assessment of structural concrete based on surface wave techniques
Authors: Xu Xiang , Lan Jiasheng , Kırlangıç Ahmet Serhan , Polak Maria Anna
Published: December 2023

To reliably assess the condition of concrete structures, a surface wave-based comprehensive index has been developed. Considering various factors (e.g., aggregate types) influencing the surface wave-based characteristics, a relative index for concrete condition assessment has presented. To address the conflicts between individual indexes, the weight for each index is determined in accordance with its credibility. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is verified by using test results from six concrete beams with different void volume ratios. Hereby three characteristics of surface waves (i.e., P- and R-wave velocities, and attenuation coefficient) are used to diagnose the concrete beams. It is found that the comprehensive index has the advantage in handling abnormal measurements of the individual indexes by reducing their weights to lower their influence on the final diagnosis. Comparison of the diagnoses based on the comprehensive index and individual indexes reveals that the comprehensive index performs much better than any other individual index. It matches greatly with the compressive strength of the concrete beams obtained from the destructive test. In conclusion, the proposed methodology presents a single comprehensive diagnostic feature with improved reliability on the fitness of the concrete structures for decision-makers.
Exploring the prioritisation of sleep, diet, and physical activity as pillars of health: correlates and associations with health behaviours in Australian adults
Authors: Gupta Charlotte C , Duncan Mitch J , Ferguson Sally A , Rebar Amanda , Vandelanotte Corneel , Sprajcer Madeline , Khalesi Saman , Booker Lauren A. , Rampling Caroline , Rigney Gabrielle , Vincent Grace E
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic disease is the leading cause of death globally. Sleep, diet, and physical activity are modifiable health behaviours that are key for reducing the burden of chronic disease. These health behaviours are collectively termed ‘The 3 Pillars of Health’ and are critical for populations who are at risk of poor health. Shiftworkers are one such at-risk population. To target behavioural change it is critical to first understand which of these health behaviours Australians currently prioritise. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how Australians (including shift workers) prioritise sleep, physical activity, and diet, and examine the associations with correlates of health behaviours.

Methods

Two cohorts of Australian adults were sampled. A cohort of 1151 Australian adults (54% female, aged 18–65 years) including employed (in any work schedule), unemployed, studying, and retired completed a phone interview. A cohort of 533 Australian shiftwork-only adults (76% female, 18–72) completed an online survey. All participants were asked which health behaviour (sleep, physical activity, or diet) they prioritised in their own life. Behavioural correlates of sleep, diet, and physical activity (sleep duration, frequency of moderate to physical activity, healthy dietary behaviour), and years of shiftwork experience were also collected. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between the highest prioritised pillar of health and the behavioural correlates.

Results

Diet was prioritised by the Australian adults (49%), whereas sleep was prioritised by the shiftwork-only sample (68%). Australian adults who prioritised diet were significantly more likely to report diets with less fast-food consumption (p < 0.002) and more fruit consumption (p < 0.002) compared to those that prioritised sleep. For the shiftwork-only sample, those with 16–30 years of shiftwork experience were significantly more likely to prioritise sleep compared to diet (p < 0.05). However, prioritising sleep was not associated with meeting the sleep duration recommendations in the shiftwork-only sample.

Conclusions

Across two cohorts of Australians, prioritisation of health behaviour was only associated with actual behaviour for diet. This may reflect different motivations for prioritising different health behaviours, in addition to different capabilities to change different health behaviours. Future research should include longitudinal methodologies to understand how behaviour prioritisation changes over work- and life-span, and any associations with actual health behaviour.
Exploring perceptions and experiences of stigma in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Cooper Jeanette , Theivendrampillai Suvabna , Lee Taehoon , Marquez Christine , Lau Michelle Wai Ki , Straus Sharon E. , Fahim Christine ,   in partnership with the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter,   the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice
Published: December 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic fueled stigmatization and discrimination, particularly towards individuals of Chinese or East Asian ethnicity. We conducted interviews with members of the public in Canada in order to describe and understand stigma perceptions and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used a phenomenological approach to describe stigma experiences of Canadian residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared the stigma perceptions and experiences of East Asian and non-East Asian individuals. Participants were invited to take part in a single, semi-structured interview. The interview guide was rooted in the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework (HSDF). Interviews were conducted in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Following participant consent, interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were double coded and analyzed using qualitative content analysis guided by a framework approach.

Results

A total of 55 interviews were conducted between May and December 2020. Fifty-five percent of the sample identified as East Asian, 67.3% identified as women, and mean age was 52 years (range 20–76). Fear of infection, fear of social and economic ramifications, and blame for COVID-19 were reported drivers of stigma. Participants described preexisting perceptions on cultural norms and media influence as facilitators of stigma that propagated harmful stereotypes, particularly against Chinese and East Asian individuals. Participants observed or experienced stigmatization towards place of residence, race/ethnicity, culture, language, occupation, and age. Stigma manifestations present in the public and media had direct negative impacts on East Asian, particularly Chinese, participants, regardless of whether or not they personally experienced discrimination.

Conclusions

We used the HSDF as a rooting framework to describe perceptions and impact of stigma, particularly as they related to race/ethnicity-based stigmatization in Canada. Participants reported a number of drivers and facilitators of stigma that impacted perceptions and experiences. These findings should be used to develop sustained strategies to mitigate stigma during public health emergencies or other major crises.
Management of RANKL-mediated Disorders With Denosumab in Children and Adolescents: A Global Expert Guidance Document
Authors: Vanderniet Joel A , Szymczuk Vivian , Högler Wolfgang , Beck-Nielsen Signe S , Uday Suma , Merchant Nadia , Crane Janet L , Ward Leanne M , Boyce Alison M , Munns Craig F
Published: December 2023

Context

Denosumab is an effective treatment for many receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-mediated disorders but there are potential safety considerations and limited data to guide its use in children and adolescents.

Objective

This document seeks to summarize the evidence and provide expert opinion on safe and appropriate use of denosumab in pediatric RANKL-mediated disorders.

Participants

Ten experts in pediatric bone and mineral medicine from 6 countries with experience in the use of denosumab participated in the creation of this document.

Evidence

Data were sourced from the published literature, primarily consisting of case reports/series and review articles because of the lack of higher level evidence. Expert opinion of the authors was used substantially when no published data were available.

Conclusion

Denosumab is an effective treatment for RANKL-mediated disorders in children and adolescents but is often not curative and, in some cases, is best used in conjunction with surgical or other medical treatments. Careful multidisciplinary planning is required to define the goals of treatment and expert oversight needed to manage the risk of mineral abnormalities. Substantive, collaborative research efforts are needed to determine optimal treatment regimens and minimize risks.
From Social to Mathematical Science: Transforming Economics at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, 1956–85
Authors: Benest Serge
Published: December 2023

Within the French academic landscape, the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS) stands out as the only institution exclusively devoted to the social sciences. Since its creation in 1947, it has claimed a scientific agenda based on interdisciplinary approaches. Originally, economists had a prominent place within the institution. The so-called realist economists endorsed an empirical and interdisciplinary approach and rejected mathematical and abstract approaches. Yet, in the past fifty years or so, most EHESS economists have conducted model-oriented research and adopted international standards. That transformation was accomplished despite strong opposition from noneconomist social scientists. This article follows the chaotic journey of economics at the EHESS and shows that local institutional configurations shaped the shift in economic methods.
KUŞAKLARARASILIK BAĞLAMINDA GELENEKSEL OYUNDAN DİJİTAL OYUNA: UYGURLARIN “KARLIK OYUNU”
Authors: KILIÇ Ebru
Published: December 2023

Geleneksel oyunlar; bireylerin bilişsel, fiziksel, duygusal ve sosyal gelişimini sağlamakla birlikte toplumun sosyal ve kültürel temellerini oluşturur. Bilgi aktarıcı bir tür olarak geleneksel oyunların kültürün derinlemesine çözümlenmesi gerektiği fikri doğrultusunda; insanlığın postmodern yapı içerisinde teknolojik gelişmelerle dijital ortama aktarımının kültürel bağlamıyla analiz edilmesi ve bunların değişim-dönüşümünün etki ve işlevlerinin incelenmesi, kültürel analiz açısından önem taşır. Bu makalede, “bebek patlaması kuşağı”ndan “alfa kuşağı”na her bir kuşağın katılımıyla icra edilen Uygur Türklerinin geleneksel “karlık oyunu”, kuşaklararasılık bağlamında işlevsel halkbilimi bağlamında ele alınmış teknolojinin kültürü etkilemesi ile oyunun dijitale aktarımının sonucu olarak biçimsel ve anlamsal değişim-dönüşümü, “yeniden işlevlendirme” yaklaşımı ortaya konulmuştur. Kuşaklar arasında eğlenerek yarışma, birlik-beraberliği pekiştirme, eğitim, boş zaman aktivitesi oluşturma gibi işlevler kazandıran karlık oyununun kültürün dijitalleşme karşısında katılımcı aktör/icra eden ya da paylaşanların yaş kalıpları, kültürel adaptasyonları/entegrasyonları, güncel teknolojiyi kullanma gibi durumlar karşısında kültürel sürekliliğinin ve işlevselliğinin durumu ele alınarak değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak geleneksel oyununun kültürel göç, modern yaşam gibi koşullardan kaynaklı dijitale aktarılarak yeniden işlev kazandırıldığı saptanmıştır.
Tribology of vegetal oils as base for eco-friendly nano additivated lubricants
Authors: GUGLEA Dionis , CRISTEA George Catalin , DELEANU Lorena , IONESCU Traian Florian , OJOC George Ghiocel , DIMA Dumitru , GEORGESCU Constantin
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an analysis based on experimental data for pointing out the behavior of rapeseed oil when it is additivated with a modifier of friction and wear, the nano hexagonal Boron nitride. All tests are done on a four-ball machine, in mild regime. Test parameters were sliding velocity (0.38 m/s, 0.53 m/s, 0.69 m/s, corresponding to the spindle rotational speed of the four-ball machine of 1000 rpm, 1400 rpm, 1800 rpm (±10 rpm),), force (100 N – 300 N), test duration 1 h. There were calculated the average friction coefficient during the test and the average wear scar diameter (WSD) for each test. The same test parameters were done twice and the values in this paper are the average of these two tests. Wear was discussed for the same velocity range, in terms of WSD, but for comparing tests with different sliding velocity (implicitly, different sliding distances), there was used the wear rate of the wear scar diameter. The results on wear parameters, using additivated rapeseed oil, do not show spectacular results for the parameters tested in this study, but underline the “insensitivity” of the lubricants to the variation of the test regime (especially with respect to sliding speed), which is desirable for certain applications.
Implementing the Propeller Speed Control of Drone Designed in Solidworks in CoppeliaSim Robotic Simulator Environment with Codes Prepared in Matlab
Authors: SİĞERGÖK Bülent , ÇAVAŞ Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Real-time applications of autonomous systems are simulated in the computer environment to ensure that they operate error-free or with minimal errors. Coppeliasim, used in this field, is a platform where several sample models, robots, sensors and actuators are used together, a virtual world is created and interacted with it throughout the working period. Having a comprehensive toolbox, autonomous vehicle training and virtual reality, Coppeliasim's compatibility with Solidworks, a very useful design program for drawing, seems to be a great advantage. Due to these features, CoppeliaSim is very important in predicting and solving problems that may arise in many different applications. The propeller movement of the drone, which we designed with the Solidworks 2020 program and transferred to the Coppeliasim platform using the URDF exporter method, was carried out with the Coppeliasim simulator. In our work, Coppeliasim is synchronized with the simulator and MATLAB API codes. While the drone propellers were working on the Coppeliasim platform, angular speed and timing controls were made using the codes we prepared in the MATLAB program. Additionally, this work shows that drones or different autonomous systems can be controlled and designed before real-time operation using the Coppeliasim simulator and the MATLAB program.
VBA fatigue analysis program for metallic structural components preliminary design
Authors: CORMOS Raul , NEAGOE Catalin Andrei , CIOLCA Miruna , HADAR Anton
Published: December 2023

The main objective of this paper is to describe the creation and use of a fatigue analysis program written in VBA, designed for the preliminary sizing of metallic structural components used in aerospace applications, subjected to one or multiple fatigue loading cases. The VBA programing language was chosen because of its direct control over the most common spreadsheet computational program, Microsoft Excel. Metal fatigue analysis is an important type of analyses for modern structures. Fatigue failure accounts for around 80-90 percent of common structural failures, and therefore, a quick and reliable analysis is necessary so as to evaluate the structure’s bearing capacity to fatigue load. Due to the nature of the fatigue load and the importance of the structural component, such an analysis can be very time consuming, starting from the finite element model preparation and going through the actual analysis; thus, there is a need for a tool that can evaluate the stress data from the numerical simulation and give reliable information about the behavior of the structural component.