Men with writing proficiency enjoyed a privileged position in ancient Egyptian society in the third millennium BC. Research focusing on these officials of elevated social status ("scribes") usually concentrates on their titles, scribal statues, iconography, etc., but the individuals themselves, and their skeletal remains, have been neglected. The aim of this study is to reveal whether repetitive tasks and maintained postures related to scribal activity can manifest in skeletal changes and identify possible occupational risk factors. A total of 1767 items including entheseal changes, non-metric traits, and degenerative changes were recorded from the human remains of 69 adult males of well-defined social status categories from the necropolis at Abusir (2700-2180 BC). Statistically significant differences between the scribes and the reference group attested a higher incidence of changes in scribes and manifested themselves especially in the occurrence of osteoarthritis of the joints. Our research reveals that remaining in a cross-legged sitting or kneeling position for extended periods, and the repetitive tasks related to writing and the adjusting of the rush pens during scribal activity, caused the extreme overloading of the jaw, neck and shoulder regions.
- MeSH
- dějiny starověku MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- kosti a kostní tkáň MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- postura těla MeSH
- psaní * MeSH
- rizikové faktory MeSH
- Check Tag
- dějiny starověku MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- historické články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- starověký Egypt MeSH
Publishing in reputable peer-reviewed journals is an integral step of the clinical pharmacy research process, allowing for knowledge transfer and advancement in clinical pharmacy practice. Writing a manuscript for publication in a journal requires several careful considerations to ensure that research findings are communicated to the satisfaction of editors and reviewers, and effectively to the readers. This commentary provides a summary of the main points to consider, outlining how to: (1) select a suitable journal, (2) tailor the manuscript for the journal readership, (3) organise the content of the manuscript in line with the journal's guidelines, and (4) manage feedback from the peer review process. This commentary reviews the steps of the writing process, identifies common pitfalls, and proposes ways to overcome them. It aims to assist both novice and established researchers in the field of clinical pharmacy to enhance the quality of writing in a research paper to maximise impact.
- Klíčová slova
- Clinical pharmacy, Journal article, Peer review, Publishing, Research, Writing,
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemocniční lékárny * MeSH
- posudkové řízení MeSH
- psaní MeSH
- publikování MeSH
- výzkum v lékárnictví * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Despite the ever-increasing offering of SMART technologies (ie, computer-controlled devices acting intelligently and capable of monitoring, analyzing or reporting), a wide gap exists between the development of new technological innovations and their adoption in everyday care for older adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the barriers and concerns related to the adoption of SMART technologies among different groups of stakeholders. METHODS: Data from 4 sources were used: semistructured in-person or internet-based interviews with professional caregivers (n=12), structured email interviews with experts in the area of aging (n=9), a web-based survey of older adults (>55 years) attending the Virtual University of the Third Age (n=369), and a case study on the adoption of new technology by an older adult care facility. RESULTS: Although all stakeholders noted the potential of SMART technologies to improve older adult care, multiple barriers to their adoption were identified. Caregivers perceived older adults as disinterested or incompetent in using technology, reported preferring known strategies over new technologies, and noted own fears of using technology. Experts viewed technologies as essential but expressed concerns about cost, low digital competency of older adults, and lack of support or willingness to implement technologies in older adult care. Older adults reported few concerns overall, but among the mentioned concerns were lack of ability or interest, misuse of data, and limited usefulness (in specific subgroups or situations). In addition, older adults' ratings of the usefulness of different technologies correlated with their self-rating of digital competency (r=0.258; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults appeared to have more positive views of various technologies than professional caregivers; however, their concerns varied by the type of technology. Lack of competence and lack of support were among the common themes, suggesting that educationally oriented programs for both older adults and their caregivers should be pursued.
- Klíčová slova
- SMART, adults, caregivers, mobile phone, older, technological, technologies,
- MeSH
- elektronická pošta MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- stárnutí MeSH
- strach MeSH
- technologie * MeSH
- zlepšení kvality * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: There is a continuing interest in finding effective methods for scar treatment. Dry needling is gaining popularity in physiotherapy and is defined by Western medicine as a type of acupuncture. The terms acupuncture and dry needling have been used interchangeably so we have focused on the efficacy of dry needling or acupuncture in scar treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the usefulness of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. In our search process, we used the terms 'acupuncture,' 'needling,' or 'dry needling' to identify all relevant scientific papers. We have focused on the practical aspects of local management of different scar types with dry needling or acupuncture. SEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy included different combinations of the following keywords: 'scar', 'keloid', 'dry needling', 'needling', 'acupuncture', 'treatment', 'physical therapy'. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed, EBSCOHost and Ovid), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant publications from inception through October 2023. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The studies that investigated the effectiveness of dry needling or acupuncture for scar treatment were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: The main extraction data items were: the needling technique; needle: diameter, length; needling locations; manual needling manipulation; number of sessions; settings; outcomes and results. RESULTS: As a result of a comprehensive search, 11 manuscripts were included in the systematic review, of which eight were case reports, two were randomized trials and one study concerned case series. Two case reports scored 2-4 out of 8 points on the JBI checklist, five studies scored 5-7, and one study scored 8 points. The methodological quality of the two clinical trials was rated as good or fair on the PEDro scale. The case series study scored 7 of 10 points on the JBI checklist. A meta-analysis was not possible as only two randomized trials, eight case reports, and one case series were eligible for review; also, scar assessment scales and pain severity scales were highly heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: The studies differed regarding the delivery of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. Differences included treatment frequency, duration, number of treatments, selection of needle insertion sites, number of needles used, angle of needle placement, and use of manual needling manipulation. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY no. 202310058.
- Klíčová slova
- Acupuncture, Dry needling, Scar, Treatment,
- MeSH
- akupunkturní terapie * metody MeSH
- fyzioterapie (techniky) MeSH
- jizva MeSH
- kazuistiky jako téma MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- perkutánní indukce kolagenu MeSH
- terapie suchou jehlou * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- systematický přehled MeSH
Interleukin-17A (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the immune response to many pathogens playing also a role in certain chronic and autoimmune diseases. The presented study focused on the early postnatal development of IL-17 producing cells in swine. In agreement with previous studies, αβ T-helper (CD3+CD4+) and γδ T (CD3+TCRγδ+) cells were found to be the major producers of IL-17. In newborn conventional piglets, αβ T-helper cells positive for IL-17 were almost undetectable, but their frequency increased markedly with age in all issues examined, i.e., blood, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Additional analyses of CD8 and CD27 expression showed that the main αβ T-helper producers of IL-17 has CD8+CD27- phenotype in all tissues. IL-17 positive CD8+CD27+ αβ T-helper subpopulation was found only in blood and spleen. The production of IL17 in CD8-CD27+ αβ T-helper cells was always minor. In contrast, γδ T cells positive for IL-17 did not show a similar age-dependent increase in blood and spleen, whereas they increased in MLN. Because of the age-dependent increase in conventional animals, we included a comparison with germ-free piglets to show that the increase in IL-17 positive cells was clearly depended on the presence of the microbiota as the production in germ-free animals was negligible without any age-dependent increase.
- Klíčová slova
- T cells, germ-free, interleukin-17, postnatal, swine,
- MeSH
- interleukin-17 * metabolismus MeSH
- mikrobiota * MeSH
- prasata MeSH
- receptory antigenů T-buněk gama-delta metabolismus MeSH
- T-lymfocyty - podskupiny MeSH
- výzkumná zpráva MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- interleukin-17 * MeSH
- receptory antigenů T-buněk gama-delta MeSH
- Klíčová slova
- AI, Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, ChatGPT, artificial intelligence, ethics, fraudulent medical articles, language models, neurosurgery, publications,
- MeSH
- posudkové řízení MeSH
- psaní * MeSH
- umělá inteligence * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- komentáře MeSH
Considering a rejection rate of 80-90%, the preparation of a research grant is often considered a daunting task since it is resource intensive and there is no guarantee of success, even for seasoned researchers. This commentary provides a summary of the key points a researcher needs to consider when writing a research grant proposal, outlining: (1) how to conceptualise the research idea; (2) how to find the right funding call; (3) the importance of planning; (4) how to write; (5) what to write, and (6) key questions for reflection during preparation. It attempts to explain the difficulties associated with finding calls in clinical pharmacy and advanced pharmacy practice, and how to overcome them. The commentary aims to assist all pharmacy practice and health services research colleagues new to the grant application process, as well as experienced researchers striving to improve their grant review scores. The guidance in this paper is part of ESCP's commitment to stimulate "innovative and high-quality research in all areas of clinical pharmacy".
- Klíčová slova
- Clinical pharmacy, Economics, Funding, Grants, Peer review, Writing,
- MeSH
- farmacie * MeSH
- financování organizované MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemocniční lékárny * MeSH
- psaní MeSH
- výzkumný projekt MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
IMPORTANCE: Approximately 7% to 30% of children contend with handwriting issues (HIs) in their school years. However, research studies to define and quantify HIs, as well as practical assessment tools, are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To confirm the validity and reliability of two screening scales for HIs: the Handwriting Legibility Scale (HLS) and the Concise Assessment Scale of Children's Handwriting (BHK). DESIGN: Structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of five different models were used to examine the construct and discriminant validity of both scales. Furthermore, internal consistency and interrater agreement were evaluated. The association among scales, grades, and children's self-evaluation was also explored. SETTING: Elementary schools and state counseling centers in the Czech Republic. PARTICIPANTS: On a voluntary basis, 161 children from elementary schools and state counseling centers in the Czech Republic were enrolled. The variable of children with typical handwriting development versus HIs was missing for 11 children. Thus, for discriminant validity analysis, 150 data records from children were used. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The HLS and BHK were used to evaluate the handwriting quality of the transcription task. The Handwriting Proficiency Screening Questionnaires for Children was used for children's self-evaluation. RESULTS: The study confirmed the validity and reliability of the shortened BHK and HLS. A strong relationship was found between the BHK and HLS, grades, and children's self-evaluation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both scales are recommended for occupational therapy practice worldwide. Further research should focus on developing standards and providing sensitivity studies. What This Article Adds: Both the HLS and the BHK are recommended for occupational therapy practice. Practitioners should also take the child's well-being into consideration in handwriting quality assessment.
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- ergoterapie * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- psaní rukou * MeSH
- psychometrie MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
OBJECTIVES: Although laboratory result presentation may lead to information overload and subsequent missed or delayed diagnosis, little has been done in the past to improve this post-analytical issue. We aimed to investigate the efficiency, efficacy and user satisfaction of alternative report formats. METHODS: We redesigned cumulative (sparkline format) and single reports (improved tabular and z-log format) and tested these on 46 physicians, nurses and medical students in comparison to the classical tabular formats, by asking standardized questions on general items on the reports as well as on suspected diagnosis and follow-up treatment or diagnostics. RESULTS: Efficacy remained at a very high level both in the new formats as well as in the classical formats. We found no significant difference in any of the groups. Efficiency improved in all groups when using the sparkline cumulative format and marginally when showing the improved tabular format. When asking medical questions, efficiency and efficacy remained similar between report formats and groups. All alternative reports were subjectively more attractive to the majority of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Showing cumulative reports as a graphical display led to faster detection of general information on the report with the same level of correctness. Considering the familiarity bias of the classical single report formats, the borderline-significant improvement of the alternative tabular format and the non-inferiority of the z-log format, suggests that single reports might benefit from some improvements derived from basic information design.
- Klíčová slova
- format, information design, laboratory report, postanalyticsz,
- MeSH
- klinická chemie * MeSH
- laboratoře MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- osobní uspokojení * MeSH
- výzkumná zpráva MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Deep learning has recently been utilized with great success in a large number of diverse application domains, such as visual and face recognition, natural language processing, speech recognition, and handwriting identification. Convolutional neural networks, that belong to the deep learning models, are a subtype of artificial neural networks, which are inspired by the complex structure of the human brain and are often used for image classification tasks. One of the biggest challenges in all deep neural networks is the overfitting issue, which happens when the model performs well on the training data, but fails to make accurate predictions for the new data that is fed into the model. Several regularization methods have been introduced to prevent the overfitting problem. In the research presented in this manuscript, the overfitting challenge was tackled by selecting a proper value for the regularization parameter dropout by utilizing a swarm intelligence approach. Notwithstanding that the swarm algorithms have already been successfully applied to this domain, according to the available literature survey, their potential is still not fully investigated. Finding the optimal value of dropout is a challenging and time-consuming task if it is performed manually. Therefore, this research proposes an automated framework based on the hybridized sine cosine algorithm for tackling this major deep learning issue. The first experiment was conducted over four benchmark datasets: MNIST, CIFAR10, Semeion, and UPS, while the second experiment was performed on the brain tumor magnetic resonance imaging classification task. The obtained experimental results are compared to those generated by several similar approaches. The overall experimental results indicate that the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods included in the comparative analysis in terms of classification error and accuracy.
- MeSH
- algoritmy MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
- nádory mozku * MeSH
- neuronové sítě (počítačové) * MeSH
- psaní rukou MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH