Scientific Conference Research Articles

OPerative versus non-opERAtive management of isolated ULNAr diaphyseal fractures (OPERA-Ulna): protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Isolated fractures of the ulnar diaphysis are uncommon, occurring at a rate of 0.02 to 0.04 per 1,000 cases. Despite their infrequency, these fractures commonly give rise to complications, such as nonunion, limited forearm pronation and supination, restricted elbow range of motion, radioulnar synostosis, and prolonged pain. Treatment options for this injury remain a topic of debate, with limited research available and no consensus on the optimal approach. Therefore, this trial aims to compare clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of two treatment methods: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus nonoperative treatment in patients with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures. This will be a multicentre, open-label, parallel randomized clinical trial (under National Clinical Trial number NCT01123447), accompanied by a parallel prospective cohort group for patients who meet the inclusion criteria, but decline randomization. Eligible patients will be randomized to one of the two treatment groups: 1) nonoperative treatment with closed reduction and below-elbow casting; or 2) surgical treatment with ORIF utilizing a limited contact dynamic compression plate and screw construct. The primary outcome measured will be the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score at 12 months post-injury. Additionally, functional outcomes will be assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and pain visual analogue scale, allowing for a comparison of outcomes between groups. Secondary outcome measures will encompass clinical outcomes such as range of motion and grip strength, radiological parameters including time to union, as well as economic outcomes assessed from enrolment to 12 months post-injury. This trial has been approved by the lead site Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB; REB14-2004) and local ethics boards at each participating site. Findings from the trial will be disseminated through presentations at regional, national, and international scientific conferences and public forums. The primary results and secondary findings will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.

An observational study protocol to capture, validate and characterise lucid episodes in people living with advanced dementia receiving hospice care.

Lucid episodes (LEs) in advanced neurodegenerative disease, characterised by a transient recovery of abilities, have been reported across neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Evidence on LEs in dementia is extremely limited and draws predominantly from retrospective case reports. Lucidity in dementia has received growing attention given the clinical, caregiving and potential epidemiological implications of even a temporary return of abilities in advanced disease. Following a funding initiative by the National Institute on Aging, several new investigations are focused on establishing foundational evidence on lucidity in dementia. The objectives of this study are to capture, characterise and validate potential LEs via audiovisual observation, computational linguistic and timed-event coding of audiovisual data, and informant case review for face validation of LEs. This prospective multifaceted observational study will investigate LEs in advanced dementia through longitudinal audiovisual observation within an inpatient hospice unit. Audiovisual data will be coded to generate variables of participant verbal output, verbal expressions, non-verbal communicative actions and functional behaviours to enable measurement of features that can be used to characterise LEs. Multiple methods will be used to identify potential LEs including field interviews with caregivers/clinicians who witness significant events during data collection, reports from research staff who witness significant events during data collection and detection by researchers during video data processing procedures. Potential LEs will undergo a structured case review with informants familiar with the participant to facilitate validation and enable triangulation across measures generated through coding. This study will be conducted in accordance with all Federal Policies for the Protection of Human Subjects and the protocol (ID 2021-1243) has been approved by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Institutional Review Board. Findings will be disseminated via scientific conferences, journal publications and newsletters shared with participants and through dementia-focused and caregiver-focused networks.

Meeting Abstracts from the 5th National Big Data Health Science Conference

Meeting Abstracts from the 5th National Big Data Health Science Conference

A lab experiment on metals separation and recovery from waste ink-jet cartridges as a non-formal appealing learning activity for students of secondary schools

Abstract Since 2004, the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR), the Conference of Science and Technology Headmasters, and Confindustria, have been promoting the National Plan for Scientific Degrees (PLS) aimed at supporting students in acquiring scientific skills better responding to contemporary society challenges and increasing vocations in basic sciences. This paper describes a successful experience of the University of Cagliari together with selected local secondary schools, in which the hot topic of technological waste valorization was selected to create an orientation laboratory for students towards chemistry disciplines. Specifically, students and teachers were guided into the challenging world of e-waste production and treatment through the practical activity of noble metals recovery from real waste ink-jet cartridges. A specific emphasis was placed on fundamental chemical aspects – separation and recovery of metals driven by redox processes favored by a complexing agent – as well as on the chance to play on coordination chemistry to promote a green chemistry approach. The close collaboration between school and university teachers in planning and implementing laboratory activities is the element that characterizes PLS actions and promotes the development and strengthening of relations between secondary school and university courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Assessment of effectiveness and impact of universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab for prevention of hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus in infants. The NIRSE-GAL study protocol

ABSTRACT Nirsevimab has been recently licensed for universal RSV prophylaxis in infants. NIRSE-GAL is a three-year population-based study initiated in Galicia in September 2023. It aims to evaluate nirsevimab effectiveness against RSV-related hospitalizations lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), severe RSV, all-cause LRTI, and all-cause hospitalization. NIRSE-GAL also aims to estimate nirsevimab impact on primary healthcare use in the short and mid-term, children’s wheezing and asthma, and medical prescriptions for RSV. The immunization campaigns will be scheduled based on the expected start week for the RSV season and will last the whole season. Immunization will be offered to: i) infants born during the campaign (seasonal), ii) infants < 6 months at the start of the campaign (catch-up), and iii) infants with high-risk factors, aged 6–24 months at the start of the campaign (high-risk). The follow-up period will start: i) the immunization date for all immunized infants, ii) the start of the campaign, for the non-immunized catch-up or high-risk groups, or iii) the birthdate for the non-immunized seasonal group. Infants will be followed up until outcome occurrence, death, or end of study. Nirsevimab effectiveness will be estimated using Poisson and Cox regression models. Sensitivity and stratified analyses will be undertaken. The number of averted cases and the number needed to immunize will be estimated. Immunization failure and nirsevimab safety will be monitored. NIRSE-GAL was approved by the ethics committee of Galicia (CEIC 2023–377) and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06180993). Findings will be mainly shared via peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.

The International Commission on Continental Erosion (ICCE): a brief overview of its scientific focus and example outputs

Abstract. Erosion and sediment-related problems are well documented globally and continue to warrant further scientific investigation, as well as improved policies and management strategies to protect soil and water resources. The International Commission on Continental Erosion (ICCE) has long been a very active commission of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) focussing on progressing scientific understanding of erosion and sediment systems. This paper provides a brief overview of its main scientific foci, examples of previous contributions to scientific conferences and finally, concludes by paying tribute to two key former members of the international scientific community engaged with its remit.

Sustainability in a broad sense: An essential aspect of scientific conferences.

This article reflects on sustainability in the context of scientific conferences with emphasis on environmental, diversity, inclusivity, and intellectual aspects. We argue that it is imperative to embrace sustainability as a broad concept during conference organization. In-person conferences have an obvious environmental impact but mitigating strategies can be implemented, such as incentivizing low-emission travel, offering fellowships to support sustainable traveling, and promoting use of public transport or car-pooling. Utilizing eco-conscious venues, catering, and accommodations, along with minimizing resource wastage, further reduces environmental impact. Additional considerations include facilitating hybrid format conferences that allow both in-person and online attendance. Hybrid conferences enhance global participation whilst reducing resource consumption and environmental impact. Often-overlooked benefits can arise from the simple recording of talks to enable asynchronous viewing for people unable to attend in person, in addition to providing a legacy of knowledge that, for example, could support the training of early career researchers (ECRs) or newcomers in the field. The longevity of a research field, intellectual sustainability, requires an inclusive conference atmosphere, offering optimal opportunities for ECRs, minority groups, and researchers from emerging countries. Diversity and inclusivity not only enrich conference experiences but also enhances creativity and innovation.

Bacterial growth in patients with low back pain and Modic changes: protocol of a multicentre, case–control biopsy study

IntroductionBacterial infection and Modic changes (MCs) as causes of low back pain (LBP) are debated. Results diverged between two randomised controlled trials examining the effect of amoxicillin with and without...

PROVIDING NECESSARY RESOURCES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ACQUISITIONS WHEN STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY IN THE CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL STATE

PROVIDING NECESSARY RESOURCES FOR HIGHER EDUCATION ACQUISITIONS WHEN STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY IN THE CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL STATE

A trainee's perspective on scientific conferences.

Attending and presenting at conferences is a preeminent experience during scientific training. This article provides a trainee's perspective on strategies to promote trainee growth before, during and after scientific meetings, taking the initiatives implemented by the Canadian Society for Immunology (CSI) as an example. A foremost action was the establishment of the Trainee Engagement Committee (TEC) in 2020. The TEC members contribute to the annual symposia by participating in the local organizing committee meetings and organizing trainee-directed events. We propose actions that conference organizers can take to foster the development of the next generation of scientists. In addition, we offer advice to conference presenters on how to craft talks with trainees in mind and to attendees on how to maximize the quality and longevity of conference interactions. We hope this opinion piece evokes reflections and discussions among scientific societies, organizing committees, conference presenters and trainees alike.

Current problems in the field of structure, properties of minerals and methods of their investigation

The main goal of research into the structure and properties of minerals, as well as their crystal chemistry and physics, consists in obtaining fundamental information about the actual atomic and electronic structure of mineral objects and physical regularities of their transformations under the influence of external factors (temperature, pressure, radiation, and environmental chemistry). Such information forms the basis for mineral typification and restoration of mineral crystallization conditions and their evolution in a certain geological situation. This information is widely used in petrogenetic and geochronological constructions. Such studies are also relevant to the development of nature-like technologies for obtaining new promising functional materials. Knowledge of the structure, crystal chemistry, and physics of minerals, typomorphism of their spectroscopic properties, as well as the development of analytical techniques and methods for the synthesis of mineral-like materials are of particular significance. This thematic issue of the Lithosphere journal aims to review of these problems in the context of the materials reported at the XIII All-Russian Scientific Conference “Minerals: Structure, Properties, Research Methods” held in 2023 at the Institute of Geology and Geochemistry of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Yekaterinburg.

Outlining the Hidden Curriculum: Perspectives on Successfully Navigating Scientific Conferences.

Scientific conferences and meetings are valuable opportunities for researchers to network, communicate, and develop knowledge. For early career scientists, conferences can also be intimidating, confusing, and overwhelming, especially without having adequate preparation or experience. In this Perspective, we provide advice based on previous experiences navigating scientific meetings and conferences. These guidelines outline parts of the hidden curriculum around preparing for and attending meetings, navigating conference sessions, networking with other scientists, and participating in social activities while upholding a recommended code of conduct.

Feasibility of blinding spinal manual therapy interventions among participants and outcome assessors: protocol for a blinding feasibility trial

IntroductionBlinding is a methodologically important aspect in randomised controlled trials yet frequently overlooked in trials of spinal manual therapy interventions for back pain. To help inform the blinding methods of a future, double-placebo-controlled trial comparing spinal manual therapy and nerve root injection for lumbosacral radicular pain, we set four objectives: (1) to assess the feasibility of blinding participants, randomly allocated to an active or placebo-control spinal manual therapy intervention protocol, (2) to assess the feasibility of blinding outcome assessors within the trial, (3) to explore the influence of spinal manual therapy experience and low back pain on blinding, and (4) to explore factors contributing to perceptions about intervention assignment among participants and outcome assessors.Methods and analysisTwo-parallel-group, single-centre, placebo-controlled, methodological blinding feasibility randomised trial. We will recruit between 60 and 100 adults with or without back pain and with or without experience of spinal manual therapy from Zurich, Switzerland. Participants will be randomised to either an active spinal manual therapy or a placebo-control spinal manual therapy protocol—both interventions delivered over two study visits, up to two weeks apart. The primary outcome is participant blinding using the Bang blinding index within each intervention arm immediately after each of the two study visits. Secondary outcomes are participant blinding using the James blinding index, outcome assessor blinding (Bang and James blinding indices), self-reported factors influencing perceived intervention assignment among participants and outcome assessors, and participant-reported credibility and expectancy of study interventions. Other outcomes—included to blind the study objective from participants—are lumbar spine range of motion, self-rated general health, satisfaction with care, pain intensity, and function. Intervention provider outcomes include intervention component fidelity and quality of intervention delivery.Ethics and disseminationThe independent ethics commission of Canton Zurich granted ethical approval for this study (KEK 2023–00381). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Findings will be disseminated in scientific conferences and a peer-reviewed publication and inform the blinding methods of a future double-placebo controlled trial comparing spinal manual therapy and nerve root injection for lumbosacral radicular pain—the SALuBRITY trial.Trial registrationNCT05778396.

Preface

IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering International Nuclear Science, Technology and Engineering Conference 2023 (iNuSTEC2023) “Nuclear Science and Technology For Socio-economic Development “ Universiti Tenaga Nasional Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia 10-12 October 2023 MESSAGE FROM: VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL (UNITEN)UNITEN is honored to host the International Nuclear Science, Technology, and Engineering Conference 2023 (iNUSTEC2023) and the Nuclear Youth Competition (NYC). With the theme “Nuclear Science and Technology for Sustainable Development Goals”, iNuSTEC2023 is the thirteenth in a series of conferences hosted by the Malaysian Nuclear Society (MNS) since 2010 through collaboration with research institutes and local universities.Don’t we feel like time has passed by so quickly? And with it, came along significant and some were unthinkable changes to our lives. According to Our World in Data statistics, in 2022, each of us consumed on average 3.5 times more energy compared to 40 years ago. In the year 2050, Malaysia is expected to consume almost twice the amount of electricity in 2022 (320 TWh vs. 180 TWh). This means that on a daily basis in 2050, Malaysia is expected to consume close to 0.9 TWh of electricity per day.About 50 million electric vehicles are expected to be on the road in 2050. Every day, about 0.6 TWh of electricity is needed to charge these cars. That is an additional two-thirds of the expected daily electricity consumption per person in 2050. Malaysia has identified the pathways for Responsible Transition 2050 in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) to tackle the energy trilemma of affordability, security, and sustainability. These pathways include having 0% coal share and 70% renewable energy share of installed capacity in 2050.70% of renewable energy share is about 57 GW of solar PV, which will take a total land size that is slightly smaller than Melaka state. The same amount of power can be generated by nuclear power on a total land size that is 10 times smaller. That is not even considering the intermittency of power generation with solar PV.At UNITEN, we believe that research and knowledge in nuclear power can play a huge role in supporting the Low Carbon Nation Aspiration and the Responsible Transition, especially in providing affordable, clean and safe energy supply to the Rakyat. Institute of Nuclear Energy (INE) at UNITEN was established in May this year to further empower and accelerate the existing research and educational efforts done at UNITEN since 2010.At the university level, UNITEN has established the National Energy Centre (NEC) to support the national energy transition efforts. NEC will serve as a hub for research institutes, industrial and international linkages, and government agencies to form collaborations with experts from local and foreign universities, energy agencies, and stakeholders.UNITEN envisions that NEC will play a significant role in providing technological solutions for Malaysia’s energy transition which will be beneficial to Malaysia, as well as the surrounding region. NEC will also play the role of capacity building for the country’s future workforce that will lead Malaysia towards net-zero in 2050. I extend my warmest invitation to every participant attending this conference, to be a part of this concerted nationwide effort in championing sustainability through involvement with the NEC.I would like to remind participants, that you are among the very small percentage of Malaysia’s population, who are experts in the nuclear field. Thank you so much for your contributions to keeping the knowledge related to nuclear science and engineering alive, despite how hard or negative it can get in the industry.Congratulations to the organizing committee for hosting this iNuSTEC2023 together with the Nuclear Youth Competition (NYC2023). My deepest appreciation goes to our keynote speakers, technical co-sponsors, and all supporters for their contribution to ensuring the success of this conference. To the presenters and participants, thank you for your participation and I wish the conference all success. PROFESSOR IR. DR. NOOR AZUAN ABU OSMAN Vice-Chancellor Universiti Tenaga Nasional List of Editors, Contents, Papers, iNuSTEC2023 Organising Committee, Nuclear Youth Competition 2023 Secretariat, Nuclear Youth Competition 2023, Acknowledgement, Mns Council Members 2023/2025, are available in the pdf.

Study protocol for assessment of the efficacy of calcium dobesilate versus placebo on SARS-CoV-2 viral load in outpatients with COVID-19 (CADOVID study): a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, monocentric phase II trial

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 mainly infects respiratory endothelial cells, which is facilitated through its spike protein binding to heparan sulphate. Calcium dobesilate (CaD) is a well-established, widely available vasoactive and angioprotective drug interacting...

Cognitive stimulation for people with dementia in nursing homes: a protocol for a feasibility study examining a new 24/7 approach (CogStim24)

IntroductionBased on the available evidence, cognitive stimulation is recommended as an intervention for people with dementia (PwD). Currently, cognitive stimulation is regularly offered as a group programme in care facilities....

Efficacy of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesFive electronic databases of published literature (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,...

DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEXT ESSA RESEARCH STRATEGY

INTRODUCTION The generation and use of research is a function within ESSA and the first research strategy was developed for the period 2018 - 2021. Research program activities are diverse. ESSA has hosted the Research Committee and the Publications Committee for 5 years. ESSA has facilitated the development of member-driven Guidelines, Consensus and Position Statements for use by professionals in practice. ESSA has hosted an annual Research Grant Program and a biannual scientific conference. This paper outlines the research strategy development project. METHODS The previous strategy delivered research grants and ESSA publications. Investments were made into administration and research governance including release of the ESSA Research Publications Development Guideline. Consultation on the development of the next Research Strategy included presentations and surveys to engage members, key stakeholders and staff about: the program; the key strategy pillars; principles; and actions. Actions were assessed for feasibility and priority. RESULTS The outcomes of the consultation on the ESSA Research Strategy 2023-2026 identified four pillars of capacity building, engagement, translation and data, and research for policy and practice priorities. The use of research publications by ESSA accredited professionals and industry will be guided by a translation framework, aligning with the objectives of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Translation Strategy 2022-2025, the resources of the National Centre of Implementation Science and the ESSA Strategic Plan. This will support members to leverage research findings, to encourage researchers to develop translation collateral and to implement new research results. The strategy will have actions, references and tools to help accredited professionals to engage in research translation. CONCLUSIONS The Research Strategy and translation framework will be outlined. The paper will include examples relating to physical activity. ESSA’s next Research Strategy is to further support research generation and use by ESSA accredited professionals, staff and the industry.

Cost analysis for initiating an integrated package of essential non-communicable disease interventions (PEN-Plus) in Kondoa District Hospital, Tanzania: a time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) study protocol

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitute approximately 74% of global mortality, with 77% of these deaths occurring in low-income and middle-income countries. Tanzania exemplifies this situation, as the percentage of total disability-adjusted...

Publication patterns of posters and oral presentations at the Annual Meeting of the Joint AANS/CNS Cerebrovascular Section.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Joint Cerebrovascular (CV) Section serves as a centralized entity for the dissemination of information related to CV neurosurgery. The quality of scientific conferences, such as the CV Section's Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery Annual Meeting, can be gauged by the number of poster and oral presentations that are published in peer-reviewed journals. However, publication rates from the CV Section's meetings are unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the rate at which abstracts presented at the AANS/CNS CV Section Annual Meeting from 2014 to 2018 were subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals. The abstract titles for all accepted poster and oral podium presentation abstracts from the 2014-2018 Annual Joint AANS/CNS CV Section Meetings were searched using PubMed. A match was defined as sufficient similarity between the abstract and its corresponding journal publication with regard to title, authors, methods, and results. Five-year impact factors (IFs) from Journal Citation Reports (JCR), the country of the corresponding author, and the number of citations in the Scopus database were obtained using the articles' digital object identifier when available, or the exact article title, journal, and year of publication. Of the 607 total poster and oral presentations from the 2014-2018 Annual Meetings of the AANS/CNS Joint CV Section, 46.29% (n = 281) have been published. Published articles received 3233 total citations for an average number of citations per article (± SD) of 10.89 ± 16.37. The average 5-year JCR IF of published studies was 4.64 ± 3.13. Additionally, 98.22% of published abstracts were in publication within 4 years from the time the abstract was presented. The most common peer-reviewed neurosurgical journals featuring these publications were the Journal of Neurosurgery, World Neurosurgery, the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, Neurosurgery, and the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. Nearly half of all poster and oral presentations at the annual meetings of the AANS/CNS Joint CV Section from 2014 to 2018 have been published in PubMed-indexed, peer-reviewed journals. The average number of citations per publication (10.89 ± 16.37) reflects the high quality of abstracts accepted for presentation. It is important to continuously assess the quality of research presented at national conferences to ensure that standards are being maintained for the advancement of clinical practice in a given area of medicine. Conference abstract publication rates in peer-reviewed journals represent a way in which research quality can be gauged, and the authors encourage others to conduct similar investigations in their subspecialty area of interest and/or practice.