bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Intraoperative Dexamethasone on Perioperative Blood Glucose Levels: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Katerenchuk Vasyl , Ribeiro Eduardo Matos , Batista Ana Correia 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Dexamethasone is associated with increased blood glucose levels that could impact patient outcomes or management. This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence regarding the impact of an intraoperative single dose of dexamethasone on blood glucose levels.

METHODS:
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a single intraoperative dose of dexamethasone to control in adult patients who underwent noncardiac surgery. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023420562). Data were pooled using a random-effects model. We reported pooled dichotomous data using odds ratios (OR) and continuous data using the mean difference (MD), reporting 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and corresponding P-values for both. Confidence in the evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. As primary outcomes we assessed maximum blood glucose levels measurement and variation from baseline within 24 hours of surgery; blood glucose levels measurement and variation from baseline at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after dexamethasone administration. As secondary outcomes, we evaluated insulin requirements and hyperglycemic events.

RESULTS:
We included 23 RCTs, enrolling 11,154 participants overall. Dexamethasone was associated with a significant increment in blood glucose levels compared to control at all timepoints. The results showed an increase compared to control of 0.37 mmol L−1 (6.7 mg dL−1) at 2 hours (95% CI, 0.16–0.58 mmol L−1 or 2.9–10.5 mg dL−1), 0.97 mmol L−1 (17.5 mg dL−1) at 4 hours (95% CI, 0.67–1.25 mmol L−1 or 12.1–22.5 mg dL−1), 0.96 mmol L−1 (17.3 mg dL−1) at 8 hours (95% CI, 0.55–1.36 mmol L−1 or 9.9–24.5 mg dL−1), 0.90 mmol L−1 (16.2 mg dL−1) at 12 hours (95% CI, 0.62–1.19 mmol L−1 or 11.2–21.4 mg dL−1) and 0.59 mmol L−1 (10.6 mg dL−1) at 24 hours (95% CI, 0.22–0.96 mmol L−1 or 4.0–17.3 mg dL−1). No difference was found between subgroups regarding diabetic status (patients with diabetes versus patients without diabetes) in all the outcomes except 2 (maximum blood glucose levels variation within 24 hours and variation at 4 hours) and dexamethasone dose (4–5 mg vs 8–10 mg) in all the outcomes except 2 (blood glucose levels at 24 hours and hyperglycemic events).

CONCLUSIONS:
Mean blood glucose levels rise between 0.37 and 1.63 mmol L−1 (6.7 and 29.4 mg dL−1) within 24 hours after a single dose of dexamethasone administered at induction of anesthesia compared to control, but in most patients this difference will not be clinically relevant.
Perioperative Dexamethasone in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Jones Ian A. , LoBasso Michael A. , Wier Julian , Gettleman Brandon S. , Richardson Mary K. , Ratto Christina E. , Lieberman Jay R. , Heckmann Nathanael D. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
The perioperative use of dexamethasone in diabetic patients remains controversial due to concerns related to infection and adverse events. This study aimed to determine whether clinical evidence supports withholding dexamethasone in diabetic patients due to concern for infection risk. We hypothesized that there is no difference in infectious outcomes between dexamethasone-treated patients and controls.

METHODS:
A literature search was performed on November 22, 2022 to identify randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating short-course (<72 hours), perioperative dexamethasone that explicitly included diabetic patients and measured at least 1 clinical outcome. Pertinent studies were independently searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Authors for all identified studies were contacted with the aim of performing quantitative subgroup analyses of diabetic patients. The primary end point was surgical site infection and the secondary end point was a composite of adverse events. Qualitative remarks were reported based on the total available data and a quality assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed using inverse variance with random effects. Heterogeneity was assessed via standard χ2 and I
2 tests.

RESULTS:
Sixteen unique studies were included, 5 of which were analyzed quantitatively. Of the 2592 diabetic patients, 2344 (1184 randomized to dexamethasone and 1160 to placebo) were analyzed in at least 1 quantitative outcome. Quantitative analysis showed that the use of perioperative dexamethasone had no effect on the risk of surgical site infections (log odds ratio [LOR], −0.10, 95%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.64 to 0.44) while significantly reducing the risk of composite adverse events (LOR, −0.33; 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.05). Qualitative analysis reinforced these findings, demonstrating noninferior to superior results across all clinical outcomes. There was high heterogeneity between the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS:
Current evidence suggests perioperative dexamethasone may be given to diabetic patients without increasing the risk of infectious complications. Prospective investigations aimed at optimizing dose, frequency, and timing are needed, as well as studies aimed explicitly at exploring the use of dexamethasone in patients with poorly controlled diabetes.
Intimate partner violence in Nepal: Analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022
Authors: Sapkota Parash Mani , Pandey Achyut Raj , Adhikari Bikram , Shrestha Grishu , Piya Reecha , Lamichhane Bipul , Garu Shristi , Joshi Deepak , Baral Sushil Chandra 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue in Nepal. IPV has social and economic impacts on women, family, and the wider society. In this study, we aimed to determine factors associated with IPV among currently partnered women aged 15–49.

Methods
We conducted a secondary data analysis of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022. The study examines the lifetime prevalence of IPV. IPV was measured in three domains: experience of physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence. Weighted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied to determine factors associated with IPV. The results of logistic regression were presented as crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Of 3853 women, 27.2% had experienced any form of IPV. The lifetime prevalence of physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence were 23.2%, 12.8%, and 7.1%, respectively. Higher odds of physical violence were reported among women aged 35–49 years (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.58–2.87), women without formal education (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.10–2.06), and women who justified wife-beating (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00–1.52). Women from poor households (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.12–2.35) and women with uneducated partners (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08–2.58) were at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. Women with unemployed husbands reported a higher risk of physical violence (AOR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.45–5.06) and emotional violence (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.12–2.35).

Conclusion
Almost one in three currently partnered women experienced some form of IPV in their lifetime. Various sociodemographic, partner-related, and women’s empowerment-related factors were associated with experiencing IPV. Acknowledging and addressing these factors is essential to mitigating the high rates of IPV among reproductive aged women.
Fables of Development: Capitalism and Social Imaginaries in Spain (1950–1967), Ana Fernández-Cebrián (2023)
Authors: de la Fuente Maite Usoz 
Published: August 2024

Review of: Fables of Development: Capitalism and Social Imaginaries in Spain (1950–1967), Ana Fernández-Cebrián (2023)
Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 210 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-80207-805-3, h/bk, £76
ISBN 978-1-80207-641-7, e-book, £76
Critical appraisal of the CLSI guideline EP09c “measurement procedure comparison and bias estimation using patient samples”
Authors: Cesana Bruno Mario , Antonelli Paolo , Ferraro Simona 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
In laboratory setting evaluating the agreement between two measurement methods is a very frequent practice. Unfortunately, the guidelines to refer to are not free from criticisms from a statistical methodological point of view. We reviewed the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline EP09c, 3rd ed. pointing out some drawbacks and some aspects that have not been well defined, leaving situations of uncertainty and/or of excessive subjectivity in the judgement.

Content
We have stressed the need of having replicates to estimate the systematic and the proportional biases of the measurement methods to be compared. Indeed, unequal variance of the two measurement methods gives a slope and intercept of the regression between the difference and the mean of the two values of the measurement methods to be compared that can be absolutely calculated from their means, their variances and their correlation coefficient. So, it is not possible to disentangle true from spurious biases. For laboratory professionals we have developed a worked exemplification of an agreement assessment.

Summary
We have stressed the need of other approaches than the classic Bland and Altman method to calculate the systematic and proportional biases of two measurement methods compared for their agreement in a study with replicates.
Is the EU’s AI Act Merely a Distraction from Europe’s Productivity Problem?
Authors: Meyers Zach 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Solving the EU’s productivity problem will require greater use of technologies. Artificial intelligence is of particular interest given its potential to boost productivity in the services sector, where productivity growth in Europe has been particularly weak. While touted as a mechanism to boost trust in and the use of AI in Europe, the EU’s AI Act risks dampening investment. Aspects of its design and implementation should mitigate these risks, however, so that the overall impact of the bloc’s landmark law on European productivity will likely prove modest. The bigger problem is that European leaders’ focus on the law has detracted from more important steps to boost productivity – such as developing the EU’s capital markets union, addressing the lack of digital skills, and developing the single market to boost business dynamism.
Innovative exploration of designing the ‘Host Defense and Immunology’ course based on the concept of seamless learning
Authors: Niu Xiaoyin , Xi Yebin , Chen Guangjie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The ‘Host Defense and Immunology’ course is compulsory for undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. In order to promote students’ self-directed and active learning, we innovated teaching activities around ‘seamless learning’ which is emphasising learner-centredness.

Methods
Guided by the concept of seamless learning, we integrated teaching content, constructed course resources, innovated course-teaching modes, and reformed assessment and evaluation. Then two survey questionnaires were provided to students to get feedback on the course achievement. One set of survey questionnaire with written descriptions was designed to collect feedback on the overall evaluation of the course. Another survey questionnaire was presented in the form of multiple-choice questions to get feedback on more specific questions.

Results
294 questionnaires were distributed to eight-year clinical medicine students in years 2021–2022, and 234 were valid. Overall student feedback revealed that the students mastered the immunological basic theories, research techniques and have acquired integrated systematic thinking. The students also deepened their application ability, pursued clinical rigor and logic, and shaped their clinical thinking patterns. The survey questionnaire revealed that the comprehensive immunological mind map was highly beneficial for analysing clinical immunological problems, understanding immunological principles, grasping interrelationships between knowledge points, and fostering self-learning abilities. Case-based learning (CBL), micro-lecture videos, and learning about scientists’ and doctors’ stories also had positive effects on students’ active learning, understanding, logical thinking, innovation, and humanistic literacy, with over 79 % of students reporting benefits.

Conclusions
Based on seamless learning, students acquired integrated systematic thinking through the course, shaped clinical thinking patterns, developed communication and collaboration skills, and enhanced their ability to analyse and solve clinical problems. The exploration and practice of the ‘Host Defense and Immunology’ course provides a good example for the integration of seamless learning concepts into teaching.
Methodology of probabilistic safety assessment for transportation of radioactive material
Authors: Kumar Manorma , Cortes-Rossell Guillem 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The paper is focused on how to apply the Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) methodology to assess the nuclear safety risks associated with the transportation of radioactive material. The methodology is comprehensive and covers the different mode of transports (for example, by road, by train, by ship and by air) used for the transportation of radioactive material. This methodology can be applied to any specific mode of transportation of radioactive material as well as to any specific country. The systematic assessment starts with identification of risk associated with transportation mode and its initiating events to analyze what can go wrong in transportation of radioactive material and how likely it can be. The accident involving the radioactive material has sensitive information and this information is not publicly available, therefore the generic accident data can be utilized to develop the probabilistic models and quantify the risk associated with radioactive material transportation. Another fact is the transportation of radioactive material accidents are extremely rare, consequently the associated statistics are insufficient for the development of PSA models. The lack of statistical data induced the need to use the generic accident data for predicting accident frequency estimations. The paper explores the feasibility of using probabilistic methods to assess the safety risks associated with radioactive material transport. The paper describes how to perform the comprehensive probabilistic assessment and creating a generic accident event tree that is based on road traffic accident data. The focus of the event tree is to outline a range of different traffic accident scenarios and their respective probability of occurrence and its consequences.
A new approach to determine abnormality of radioactive discharges from pressurized water reactors and to derive abnormality indicators correlated with a specific causal event
Authors: Kang Ji Su , Cheong Jae Hak 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A novel methodology to analyze the trend of radioactive effluent data from nuclear power plants (NPPs) has been proposed to estimate the possibility of abnormal releases of radioactive materials, and to identify sensitive radionuclides with high correlation to specific events and abnormal releases. Actual discharge data including abnormal releases for 21 years (1,610 reactor-years) from 62 US and 22 Korean pressurized water reactors were collected. A release correlation factor (RCF) was newly proposed as a quantitative indicator of the abnormality of radioactive discharges based on annual discharge data from each NPP. The probability of correct estimation of abnormality using the RCF for a test case ranges 27–36 %, and such a modest estimation power was ascribed to the relatively low contribution (i.e., about 12 %) of a specific causal event to the annual radioactivity release. Through this, the feasibility of the RCF for estimating the abnormality of radioactive discharges was demonstrated. The RCF was derived for three types of causal events, and subsequently the sensitive radionuclides to each specific event were derived as 88Kr, 137Xe, and 138Xe for leakage from gas decay tank, 3H for leakage from steam generator’s power operated relief valve, and 85Kr, 88Kr, 133Xe, 133mXe, 3H and 14C for leakage from defected spent fuel during handling. The new approach proposed in this study is to be used to suppose the significant unreported abnormality in radioactive effluent data and the potential causal event, which may contribute to improving the safety and performance of radioactive effluent control as necessary.
A deep dive into AI integration and advanced nanobiosensor technologies for enhanced bacterial infection monitoring
Authors: Khan Habib , Jan Zahoor , Ullah Inam , Alwabli Abdullah , Alharbi Faisal , Habib Shabana , Islam Muhammad , Shin Byung-Joo , Lee Mi Young , Koo JaKeoung 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The emergence of smart and nanobiosensor (NB) technologies has transformed the monitoring and management of bacterial infections. These developments offer remarkable accuracy and precision for detecting infectious pathogens. Smart artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted and NB-based methods are used as powerful tools in biomedicine for bacterial detection, combatting multidrug resistance, and diagnosing infections. In this study, we delve into the advancements in these technologies, focusing on AI-based techniques for NBs in detecting bacterial infections from 2019 to 2024. We analyze the contributions of machine learning and deep learning techniques to enhance performance and reliability. The new approaches to improve the effectiveness and versatility of antibacterial treatments are critically analyzed. Our study includes the observations of carbon nanoparticles that selectively target bacteria using photothermal properties and the production of hybrid hydrogel composites with capabilities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the crucial significance of NBs in propelling the progress of diagnostic methods, biosensing technologies, and treatments, thereby transforming the healthcare industry and the way diseases are managed. In addition, we explore pathogen-based infections, bacterial diagnosis, and treatment using engineered NBs enhanced with various modalities such as electrochemistry, acoustics, electromagnetism, and photothermal resonance. Our comprehensive review highlights the potential and throws light on future research directions for effective management and control of bacterial infections.
Nonvanishing minors of eigenvector matrices and consequences
Authors: Emmrich Tarek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
For a matrix

M
∈

K

n
×
n

{\bf{M}}\in {{\mathbb{K}}}^{n\times n}

, we establish a condition on the Galois group of the characteristic polynomial

φ

M

{\varphi }_{{\bf{M}}}

that induces nonvanishing of the minors of the eigenvector matrix of

M

{\bf{M}}

. For integer matrices, recent results by Eberhard show that, conditionally on the extended Riemann hypothesis, this condition is satisfied with high probability (We say “with high probability” for probability

1
−
o

(

1

)

1-o\left(1)

as

n
→
∞

n\to \infty

.) and hence, with high probability, the minors of eigenvector matrices of random integer matrices are nonzero. For random graphs, this yields a novel uncertainty principle, related to Chebotarëv’s theorem on the roots of unity and results from Tao and Meshulam. We also show the application in graph signal processing and the connection to the rank of the walk matrix.
Impact of exercise and fasting on mitochondrial regulators in human muscle
Authors: Menezes Eveline S. , Islam Hashim , Arhen Benjamin B. , Simpson Craig A. , McGlory Chris , Gurd Brendon J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the impact of acute energetic stress (acute HIIE and fasting) on ERRγ, PPARβ, NR1D1, NR4A1, and TFEB in human skeletal muscle.

Methods
The current study performed secondary analyses using muscle biopsy samples from two previously published studies: study 1) leg muscle biopsies from nine men and eight women were obtained pre and 3 h following acute high-intensity interval cycling exercise (HIIE); study 2) leg muscle biopsies were obtained from nine men pre-, during, and post-an 8 h fast with or without 2 h of arm ergometer exercise. RT-PCR was performed on samples from each study to determine the mRNA expression of ERRγ, PPARβ, NR1D1, NR4A1, and TFEB. Additionally, we retrieved data from meta-analyzed human muscle gene expression using the publicly available database MetaMex.

Results

PGC-1α (p<0.01, d=1.98) and NR4A1 (p<0.01, d=1.36) mRNA expression significantly increased while TFEB (p≤0.05, d=0.70) decreased following HIIE. Significant decreases in NR4A1 and NR1D1 mRNA expression were observed following an 8 h fast. Our MetaMex analyses revealed significant increases (p<0.05) in PGC-1α and NR4A1 expression following aerobic and resistance exercise, and in PPARβ expression following resistance exercise.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that acute HIIE stimulates increases in NR4A1 and PGC-1α and decreases in TFEB mRNA expression in human skeletal muscle. Additionally, a short term (8 h) fast reduced the mRNA expression of the transcriptional regulators NR4A1 and NR1D1 – potentially as a mechanism of decreasing mitochondrial biogenesis to reduce energy expenditure during a period of restricted energy availability.
Pedagogia dos multiletramentos e desafios para uso das novas tecnologias digitais em sala de aula no ensino de língua portuguesa
Authors: Gaydeczka Beatriz , Mário Karwoski Acir 
Published: August 2024

Este artigo ​discute como alguns conceitos ​da pedagogia dos multiletramentos ​são concebidos na ​área de educação. A discussão baseia-se em ​teorias e ​em análises de projetos de pesquisa de iniciação científica e na visão de professores participantes de cursos de formação continuada cuja temática ​foi o uso ​das novas tecnologias​ digitais de ​informação e comunicação em aulas de língua portuguesa. Em síntese, observa-se que a inserção das tecnologias ​acontece na maioria das escolas. Os principais problemas estão relacionados à adaptação de infraestrutura e à preparação dos professores para o uso efetivo​ das tecnologias​. Em contrapartida, as ​principais ​vantagens ​são desenvolvimento de atividades inovadoras, facilidade de acesso de informações, motivação, interesse dos estudantes em função d​o​ dinamismo das estratégias didáticas integradas à aula e​, por fim, a ​necessidade de uma nova ética de uso consciente ​das tecnologias ​para a aprendizagem.