Local Level Research Articles

Radiographic characterization of OPLL progression in patients receiving laminoplasty with a minimum of two-years follow-up

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a common cause of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in Asian populations. Characterization of OPLL progression following laminoplasty remains limited in the literature. 29 patients with OPLL received cervical laminoplasty and a minimum of 2-years follow-up. Clinical and radiological surveillance occurred at 3-months, 6-months, 12-months post-op and then at yearly intervals. Transverse (anteroposterior) diameter and sagittal length of OPLL in relation to their cervical vertebral level of localisation was assessed upon immediate post-op radiographs compared to those obtained at subsequent follow-up. OPLL progression was defined as an increase in transverse dimensions and/or length by ≥ 2 mm. The average period of clinical follow-up was 6.7 ± 3.3 years. Upon latest follow-up, 79% of patients demonstrated at least 2 mm of transverse or longitudinal progression of OPLL. This corresponded to 2-years and 5-year progression rates of 54% and 71% respectively. OPLL located over C5 demonstrated the greatest transverse progression rate at (0.24 ± 0.34 mm / year). The mean overall longitudinal progression rate was 1.61 ± 2.06 mm / year. No patients experienced neurological decline resulting from OPLL progression requiring revision decompression during the period of post-operative observation. Characterizing transverse and longitudinal progression by cervical level via radiographs has implications in surgical planning for OPLL and should be consolidated upon post-operative CT/MRI scans as well as larger sample sizes.

Assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and social caregivers in relation to falls among elderly patients in healthcare settings in a Hungarian county

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this descriptive study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and social caregivers in relation to falls among elderly patients.Materials/MethodsA total of 442 nurses and social caregivers working in acute or chronic care settings participated in our study. Data were gathered on the participants' general characteristics, the characteristics of their workplace, and their levels of knowledge in relation to risk factors and types of falls. Our questionnaire also included a survey of attitudes towards fall prevention. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS software.ResultsOur results showed a significant correlation between the participants' level of knowledge and age, level of professional education, workplace localisation, form and type of care, risk evaluation scale score, and the existence of a healthcare protocol at the workplace. Participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards fall prevention: the mean value for attitude was 48.03 out of 65 points. Participants who experienced a lower number of falls among elderly patients at their workplace demonstrated a significantly more positive attitude to prevention compared to those experiencing falls more frequently.ConclusionsIn our professional opinion, trainings focusing on fall prevention are required. In addition to knowledge transfer, these should emphasise the formation of attitudes, especially in the context of chronic healthcare, among professionals working in institutions in smaller towns.

Pain Mechanosensitivity in Individuals With and Without a History of Lateral Ankle Sprain: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario: Pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals who sustain an acute lateral ankle sprain and can continue to persist among those who develop chronic ankle instability. Most rehabilitation protocols for individuals with acute ankle sprains or chronic ankle instability focus on restoring physical impairments and have largely omitted any pain-relieving therapies. This impairment-based focus has led pain to be an understudied symptom among individuals with an ankle sprain history. Overlooking the role of pain has also left clinicians with little insight into whether pain experienced after an ankle sprain is local (i.e., peripheral sensitization) or widespread (i.e., central sensitization). Understanding the pain profiles for those with an ankle sprain history may represent an unexploited area for clinicians and future research to improve health outcomes for this patient population. Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that pain mechanosensitivity levels are different between those with and without a history of lateral ankle sprain? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was systematically searched for Level 4 evidence or higher. The search yielded two cross-sectional case-control studies and one cross-sectional study that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Based on the available evidence, pain mechanosensitivity levels are lower across ligamentous stabilizers immediately after an acute ankle sprain and over lower extremity neuromuscular structures among individuals with chronic ankle instability. Clinical Bottom Line: There is weak evidence to support an ankle sprain history can affect local pain mechanosensitivity levels of structures surrounding the ankle but not at distant locations. Strength of Recommendation: Level 4 evidence is available according to the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine.

К истории концепта “Общество как государственное установление”: Памяти Дитриха Гайера (1928-2023)

Dietrich Geyer’s article “‘Gesellschaft’ als staatliche Veranstaltung. Sozialgeschichtliche Aspekte des russischen Behördenstaats im 18. Jahrhundert,” had a significant impact on both German and American historiography, which is not the case with the Soviet historiography of the 1960-1980s. Nevertheless, late Soviet and early post-Soviet historiography was preoccupied with the same problems of the relationship between “state” and “society” in Imperial Russia and sometimes followed the line of D. Geyer’s thinking. In the 1990s, when the “grand narrative” of modernization was called into question, historians engaged in a polemic about the very productiveness of the opposition of “state” and “society” as categories of historical knowledge. They turned to the local level of late imperial Russian society, or adopted new methods of examining legislative sources, avoiding access to “backwardness” or “underdevelopment,” preferring to examine the language and rhetoric of eighteenth-century documents.

The Quality of Health Care in Italy: the Osservasalute Report 2005

The Osservasalute Report intends to provide independent information of a high level on health and quality of care in the Italian Regions and to provide information for supporting decisions and choices of health programs and resource allocation. The Osservasalute Report represents a pilot experience in using regional data and when possible using data at provincial or local health trust level. The report is based on an in-depth analysis of the geographic variations and regional differences and the study allows for the identification of ideal performances that every region should strive to achieve. Comparable regional data was compiled from different sources in order to use them for monitoring and benchmarking the performance of regional health and healthcare systems.

Four-dimensional computed tomography as first-line imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism, a retrospective comparison to conventional imaging in a predominantly single adenoma population

BackgroundTo determine the use of four-dimensional CT as first-line imaging compared to the traditional combination of ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT.Materials and methodsRetrospective review of preoperative imaging in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2012 and 2021. In one group, the combination ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT was used as first-line imaging (n = 54), in the other group four-dimensional CT was the first-line imaging modality (n = 51). Sensitivity and positive predictive value were calculated on patient, lateralisation and localisation level. The need for additional imaging was also assessed for both groups.ResultsFour-dimensional CT had a significantly higher sensitivity compared to the combination of ultrasound/[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT on patient and localisation level (70.6% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.049 and 60.8% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.009 respectively). Sensitivity for lateralisation also appeared higher, but did not reach significance (62.7% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.060). Positive predictive value was not significantly higher for four-dimensional CT compared to ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT (88.9% vs. 85.7% for lateralisation and 86.1% vs. 67.9% for localisation respectively). Additional imaging was required in 14 patients with four-dimensional CT as first-line imaging (27.4%) consisting of 2 ultrasound/[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT and 13 [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT, compared to 24 patients with ultrasound/[99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT as first-line imaging (44.4%), requiring 22 four-dimensional CT and 9 [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT.ConclusionsFour-dimensional CT as the sole first-line parathyroid imaging modality had higher sensitivity than the combination of ultrasound and [99mTc]Tc-Sestamibi SPECT, therefore requiring fewer additional procedures. Although the most costly, [18F]fluorocholine PET/CT was the most effective technique to localise parathyroid adenoma in case all other imaging was negative.

Breaking Barriers: An Innovative Tool to Assess the National and City-Level Physical Activity Policy Development to Practice Disconnect.

Population-level physical activity increases are improbable without intersectoral collaboration across government levels and sectors to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This study aims to provide information about the development of the Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool (INTEGRATE PA-Pol). A framework was created to examine the development and implementation of national and subnational physical activity policies and the (mis)alignment between government levels. The work was conducted in 3 phases: (1)a scoping review was carried out to identify local government physical activity promotion policies and instruments for assessing them, (2)an expert group designed 6 questionnaires, and (3)cognitive response testing was employed for validity testing and item modification with a panel of research and policy experts. The INTEGRATE PA-Pol Tool consists of 6 questionnaires assessing how national and subnational governments collaborate to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This tool can assist in better understanding the development and implementation of a public policy monitoring system that will allow for benchmarking and priority setting to comprehend how physical activity promotion policies are designed and executed.

Entropy of metallic glasses and the size effect on glass transition

A statistical description of metallic glasses is proposed based on evaluation of an entropy and using the concept of potential energy landscape (PEL). The PEL is probed using nano-indentation, assuming that serrations observed are related to local energy levels. Serrations sizes follow a Poisson distribution consistent with, that their formation is a rare events. An entropy is derived revealing parameters characterizing the glass structure. The relevance of the approach is tested on the size effect on mechanical properties of metallic glass. It is noticed that the relations explain the effect of film thickness on the glass transition temperature observed for glass polymers.

Investigating the Shared Genetic Etiology Between Parkinson's Disease and Depression.

Depression is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD), resulting from underlying neuropathological processes and psychological factors. However, the extent to which shared genetic risk factors contribute to the relationship between depression and PD is poorly understood. To examine the effects of common genetic variants influencing the etiology of PD and depression risk at the genome-wide and local genomic regional level. We comprehensively investigated the genetic relationship between PD and depression using genome-wide association studies data. First, we estimated the genetic correlation at the genome-wide level using linkage-disequilibrium score regression, followed by local genetic correlation analysis using the GWAS-pairwise method and functional annotation to identify genes that may jointly influence the risk for both traits. Also, we performed Latent Causal Variable, Latent Heritable Confounder Mendelian Randomization, and traditional Mendelian Randomization analyses to investigate the potential causal relationship. Although the genetic correlation between PD and depression was not statistically significant at the genome-wide level, GWAS-pairwise analyses identified 16 genomic segments associated with PD and depression, implicating nine genes. Further analyses revealed distinct patterns within individual genes, suggesting an intricate pattern. These genes involve various biological processes, including neurotransmitter regulation, senescence, and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport mechanisms. We did not observe genetic evidence of causality between PD and depression. Our findings did not support a genome-wide genetic correlation or a causal association between both conditions. However, we identified genomic segments but identified genomic segments linked to distinct biological pathways influencing their etiology.Further research is needed to understand their functional consequences.

Parks Visitation, Physical Activity Engagement, and Older People's Motivation for Visiting Local Parks.

Despite the health benefits of parks and outdoor recreational spaces, small numbers of older people visit parks. This study identified older park visitors' perceptions of their local parks, visit motivation, health, and physical activity level in six parks in Victoria, Australia. Characteristics of general community park visitors and their physical activity engagement were also recorded. Fifty-five older people were surveyed onsite; 92.7% lived within a 5-km distance from the park. Walking was the most common reason for visiting (36.4%), followed by walking the dog (36.4%) and exercise (23.6%). Most older visitors (77.8%) were determined as being sufficiently active. Observation of parks visitors over 1 week recorded 3,770 park visitors, with <5% being older people. Half of all park visitors were inactive, and half of older people visitors (50.5%) engaged in walking. This study supports the importance of parks, park features, and their potential in helping older people to achieve levels of physical activity required for good health.

Feminist democratic innovations in policy and politics

This article examines the potential of feminist democratic innovations in policy and institutional politics. It examines how feminist democratic innovations can be conceptualised and articulated in local institutions. Combining theories on democratic governance, feminist democracy, social movements, municipalism, decentralisation, gender equality policies and state feminism, it conceptualises feminist democratic innovations in policy and politics as innovations oriented at (a) transforming knowledge, (b) transforming policymaking and public funding, (c) transforming institutions, and (d) transforming actors’ coalitions. Through analysis of municipal plans and interviews with key actors, the article examines feminist democratic innovations in the policy and politics of Barcelona’s local government from 2015 to 2023. Emerging from the mobilisation of progressive social movements after the 2008 economic crisis, the findings uncover a laboratory of feminist municipal politics, following the election of a new government and self-proclaimed feminist mayor. Critical actors and an enabling political context play a pivotal role in the adoption of this feminist institutional politics. The article concludes by arguing that feminist institutional politics at the local level contribute to democratising policy and politics in innovative ways, in particular encouraging inclusive intersectionality and participatory discourses and practices.

Advancing Biological Research: New Automated Analysis of Immunofluorescence Signals

In recent years, optical imaging and efficient computational approaches have improved the ability to analyse and understand biological phenomena. Immunofluorescence (IF) is a widely used immunochemical technique that provides information about protein localisation and expression levels. However, the manual analysis of IF images can present important limitations, such as operator workload and interpretative bias. Thus, the development of automated tools for IF signal computation is crucial. Several software programs have been proposed to address this challenge, but there is still a need for more accurate and reliable systems. In this work, we present Q-IF, a software for automatically measuring cellular IF signals with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. We describe the software and validate its results in different biological scenarios using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, human fibroblasts, and rat brain sections. The Q-IF system automatically carries out the entire process, from IF signal quantification to statistical analysis, thus evading operator biases and speeding up the analysis workflow. Our results demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the Q-IF system, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for IF analysis in biological research.

SimCalib: Graph Neural Network Calibration Based on Similarity between Nodes

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have exhibited impressive performance in modeling graph data as exemplified in various applications. Recently, the GNN calibration problem has attracted increasing attention, especially in cost-sensitive scenarios. Previous work has gained empirical insights on the issue, and devised effective approaches for it, but theoretical supports still fall short. In this work, we shed light on the relationship between GNN calibration and nodewise similarity via theoretical analysis. A novel calibration framework, named SimCalib, is accordingly proposed to consider similarity between nodes at global and local levels. At the global level, the Mahalanobis distance between the current node and class prototypes is integrated to implicitly consider similarity between the current node and all nodes in the same class. At the local level, the similarity of node representation movement dynamics, quantified by nodewise homophily and relative degree, is considered. Informed about the application of nodewise movement patterns in analyzing nodewise behavior on the over-smoothing problem, we empirically present a possible relationship between over-smoothing and GNN calibration problem. Experimentally, we discover a correlation between nodewise similarity and model calibration improvement, in alignment with our theoretical results. Additionally, we conduct extensive experiments investigating different design factors and demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed SimCalib framework for GNN calibration by achieving state-of-the-art performance on 14 out of 16 benchmarks.

Distribution and composition of floating marine debris in Shiretoko peninsula, Japan, using opportunistic sighting survey

Floating marine debris (FMD) poses several threats to marine species, such as entanglement, ingestion, and the transport of pollutants. The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in northern Japan, is a registered World Natural Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot. However, FMD has not yet been thoroughly investigated in this region. In 2022, sighting surveys were conducted in Abashiri (west side of the peninsula) and Rausu (east side) to assess the abundance, composition, and distribution of FMD. The mean densities were notably higher in Abashiri, and there was more fishing-related debris in Rausu. Regarding local human activities, the population and number of tourists are higher in Abashiri, and fishing activities are higher in Rausu. While marine pollution is a global issue, our study suggests that addressing it should commence with community-based management at the local level.

Reducing hazards for humans from animals: emerging and re-emerging zoonoses

Pathogens that are capable of infecting more than one host, more than one taxonomic order and wild hosts, all present a higher relative risk of (re-)emergence. A long environmental persistence gives pathogens a more selective advantage. In case of an emerging or re-emerging zoonosis, the prevalence of infection in animals and the exposure determine the incidence in humans. Human exposure to zoonotic agents depends on lifestyle and occupation (e.g., veterinarians and farmers are more at risk for zoonoses related to livestock). Efforts to increase awareness, provide information on prevention, and apply biosecurity are essential. Moreover, a substantial decline in the incidence of human disease implies the prevention, the control or the elimination of zoonoses in the animal compartments. The only way to prevent health hazards is to adapt the existing systems of health governance at global, regional, national and local levels in a harmonised and coordinated manner. To achieve such a goal, the One Health strategy was recently developed to expand interdisciplinary collaborations and communications on all aspects of health care for humans and animals, veterinary, human medical, public health professionals and stakeholders....

Local economic resilience and economic specialization in Greece during the crisis

This paper scrutinizes the issue of economic resilience, aiming to detect the existence of a systematic link with economic specialization. To this end, the paper conducts an empirical analysis at the local (i.e., municipal) level of Greece during the economic crisis period (2009–2015), providing cartographic visualizations and spatial econometrics estimations. Greece is the country that was hit the hardest by the economic crisis. Thus, the need to stabilize the national economy in Greece has seemingly outweighed policy issues of spatial interest, which are also of extreme importance. The findings of the paper reveal that, inter alia, both the level and the nature of economic specialization exert an impact on local economic resilience, providing insight into both theory and policy making.

Strengthening ASEAN Food Security in Facing the Threat of Crisis in The Era of Globalization

Purpose: The paper is aim to analyze the cooperation among ASEAN countries in terms of information exchange, agricultural technology, and strategies to deal with food crises is essential. This paper also discusses efforts to strengthen ASEAN food security in the face of the threat of a global crisis. In general, the global food crisis in 2007-2008 triggered food insecurity in many countries. Methods: Literature review method involves systematically identifying, recording, understanding, making meaning of, and transmitting information relevant to a particular topic of interest. It is considered a method because it encompasses specific approaches and procedures for conducting a review of existing literature. The literature reviewer selects from a variety of strategies and procedures to gather and analyze information, similar to how a researcher would approach a research study. Result and Discussion: ASEAN countries' cooperation in the context of food security involves the exchange of information, agricultural technology, and strategies to overcome food crises. ASEAN has developed initiatives such as ASEAN Plus Three to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security. Furthermore, agricultural research in ASEAN focuses on developing crop varieties that are more resistant to pests, diseases and climate change. This research also involves the use of innovative agricultural technologies to increase productivity, such as smart irrigation systems and sensor-based farm monitoring. The utilization of military capabilities and research efforts that can support the strengthening of food security can be a reference for various countries to always be ready to face the dynamics of the global crisis. Implication of the research: Sustainable agricultural practices, investing in agricultural technologies, and promoting policies that support food security at both local and global levels. By implementing a combination of these technical solutions and strategies, food security challenges can be addressed and a more secure future can be realized. Originality/value: The utilization of military forces and research efforts that can support the strengthening of food security can be a reference for various countries to always be ready to face the dynamics of the global crisis.

Outsourced Facility Management (OFM) Services to Creating Global Competitiveness

In a time of increasing globalization and fierce competition in the market, being competitive has become essential for companies in a variety of sectors. Providers of Outsourced Facilities Management (OFM) services, which include everything from space management to security and maintenance, are essential in helping businesses streamline their operations and concentrate on their core business. The strategic value of outsourcing Facilities Management services is gaining more attention and adaption as the business landscape gets complicated and complex. This increased adoption of the OFM services creates opportunities thus resulting in the presence of both local and global players in this industry. Local outsourced facilities management service providers are encountering a progressively competitive market in today’s business scene. To assess and improve the competitiveness of local OFM service providers fighting to gain market shares against global industry giants, this study explores the idea of critical success factors (CSFs). CSFs stand for those critical areas in which a company must succeed to meet its objectives and beat out rivals. CSFs are essential for comprehending the unique factors that allow local OFM service providers to not only endure but also prosper in a complex network of markets. Additionally, local outsourced facilities management services providers must evaluate their abilities, performance, and competitiveness in comparison to well-established global facilities management leaders that are present in the country. By comparing with these industry giants, local suppliers can establish a baseline and initiate research to gain useful insights, direction, and positioning. This will help them improve their global competitiveness and survival at least at the local industry level. This study examines the rationale for comparing a local supplier against the industry’s critical success factors (CSF) with global companies and emphasizes the potential advantages gained from conducting such a comparison. Keywords: competitiveness, outsourced facility management, property management, critical success factors, integrated facility management

Bioassembly of hemoglobin-loaded photopolymerizable spheroids alleviates hypoxia-induced cell death

The delivery of oxygen within tissue engineered constructs is essential for cell survivability; however, achieving this within larger biofabricated constructs poses a significant challenge. Efforts to overcome this limitation often involve the delivery of synthetic oxygen generating compounds. The application of some of these compounds is problematic for the biofabrication of living tissues due to inherent issues such as cytotoxicity, hyperoxia and limited structural stability due to oxygen inhibition of radical-based crosslinking processes. This study aims to develop an oxygen delivering system relying on natural-derived components which are cytocompatible, allow for photopolymerization and advanced biofabrication processes, and improve cell survivability under hypoxia (1% O2). We explore the binding of human hemoglobin (Hb) as a natural oxygen deposit within photopolymerizable allylated gelatin (GelAGE) hydrogels through the spontaneous complex formation of Hb with negatively charged biomolecules (heparin, hyaluronic acid, and bovine serum albumin). We systematically study the effect of biomolecule inclusion on cytotoxicity, hydrogel network properties, Hb incorporation efficiency, oxygen carrying capacity, cell viability, and compatibility with 3D-bioassembly processes within melt electrowritten (MEW) scaffolds. All biomolecules were successfully incorporated within GelAGE hydrogels, displaying controllable mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. Results demonstrated efficient and tailorable Hb incorporation within GelAGE-Heparin hydrogels. The developed system was compatible with microfluidics and photopolymerization processes, allowing for the production of GelAGE-Heparin-Hb spheres. Hb-loaded spheres were assembled into MEW polycaprolactone scaffolds, significantly increasing the local oxygen levels. Ultimately, cells within Hb-loaded constructs demonstrated good cell survivability under hypoxia. Taken together, we successfully developed a hydrogel system that retains Hb as a natural oxygen deposit post-photopolymerization, protecting Hb from free-radical oxidation while remaining compatible with biofabrication of large constructs. The developed GelAGE-Heparin-Hb system allows for physoxic oxygen delivery and thus possesses a vast potential for use across broad tissue engineering and biofabrication strategies to help eliminate cell death due to hypoxia.

How to deal with invasive species that have high economic value?

The ever-accelerating process of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species (IAS) in marine waters requires engaging different actors in the management and planning. To address this challenge, stakeholders need an integrated approach for defining actions of control and management within an ecosystem-based framework: to seek and enhance coordination, collaboration and trust among all stakeholders affected by changes in linked marine social - ecological systems. This study explores the complexities and opportunities in managing economically valuable IAS, demonstrating the need for tailored management strategies that consider key ecological details needed for successful control such as timing of removals and key economic considerations such as appropriate incentive mechanisms and time horizons in favor of long-term conservation goals. We propose a set of actions that can serve as a roadmap for effective IAS control and management, considering their dual role as nuisances and valuable resources. These actions pertain to local, regional and international levels, encouraging meaningful stakeholder engagement through co-management structures that can foster the development of robust management plans, enabling better IAS control. The outcome holds potential for positive contributions to the blue economy— sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy— and for meeting sustainability objectives.