bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram-Based Prediction of Overall and Disease-Specific Survival in Patients With Postoperative Major Salivary Gland Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Lixi , Zhang Di , Ma Fei
Published: August 2022

Background : The major salivary gland squamous cell carcinoma is a rare head and neck tumor, often accompanied by lymph node metastasis. Even if the patient undergoes surgery, the prognosis remains unsatisfactory. To explore the prognostic factors of postoperative major salivary gland squamous cell carcinoma to establish a prognostic risk stratification model to guide clinical practice. Methods: Patients’ information was retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2018. Optimal cutoff points were determined using X-tile software, and overall survival and disease-specific survival were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Independent prognostic factors affecting the overall survival and disease-specific survival were identified by multivariate analysis, and corresponding 2 nomogram models were constructed. The discriminative ability and calibration of nomograms were evaluated by the Concordance index, area under curves, and calibration plots. Results: A total of 815 patients with postoperative major salivary gland squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled. The cutoff values for the number of lymph nodes were 2, and the cutoff values for the lymph node ratio were 0.11 and 0.5, respectively. Age, T stage, tumor size, lymph nodes, lymph node ratio, and radiotherapy were prognostic factors for overall survival and disease-specific survival. Nomograms for disease-specific survival and overall survival were established and showed favorable performance with a higher Concordance index and area under curves than that of the tumor–node–metastasis stage and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results stage. The calibration plots of 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival also exhibited good consistency. What's more, patients were divided into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups according to the scores calculated by the models. The overall survival and disease-specific survival of patients in the high-risk group were significantly worse than those in the moderate- and low-risk group. Conclusions: Our nomogram integrated clinicopathological features and treatment modality to demonstrate excellent performance in risk stratification and prediction of survival outcomes in patients with major salivary gland squamous cell carcinoma after surgery, with important clinical value.
Dosimetric Effects of Differences in Multi-Leaf Collimator Speed on SBRT-VMAT for Central Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Saito Masahide , Komiyama Takafumi , Marino Kan , Aoki Shinichi , Oguri Mitsuhiko , Yamada Takashi , Sano Naoki , Suzuki Hidekazu , Ueda Koji , Onishi Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the effects of different multi-leaf collimator (MLC) speed constraints in volumetric modulated radiotherapy (VMAT) on the robustness of treatment plans for central lung cancer patients. Method and Materials: Twenty patients with central lung tumor who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with the VMAT technique at our hospital were included in this retrospective study. The reference plans were created with 3 different MLC speed constraints (Plan A: 0.1 cm/deg., Plan B: 0.3 cm/deg., and Plan C: 0.5 cm/deg.) with a 50-Gy/8Fr, planning target volume (PTV) D95% prescription. In each of these plans, setup errors from 1 to 5 mm were intentionally added in the direction of the central organ at 1-mm intervals (300 plans [20 cases × 3 MLC speeds × 5 error plans] were created in total). Each plan was then calculated by the same beam conditions as each reference plan. The actual average MLC speed and dose difference between the reference plan and the error-added plan were then calculated and compared among the 3 MLC speeds. Results: In the reference plans, the actual average MLC speeds were 0.25 ± 0.04, 0.34 ± 0.07, and 0.39 ± 0.12 cm/deg. for Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, respectively ( P < .05). For PTV and OARs, many dose indices tended to improve as the MLC speed increased, while no significant differences were observed among the 3 MLC speed constraints. However, in assessments of robustness, no significant differences in dose difference were observed among the 3 MLC speed constraints for most of the indices. Conclusions: When necessary, increasing the MLC speed constraint with a priority on improving the quality of the dose distribution is an acceptable approach for central lung cancer patients.
A Multiple Case Study of Latina Breast Cancer Survivors Returning to Work With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Adaptation, Resilience, and Quality of Life
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth A , Anbari Allison B , Sun Yuanlu , Armer Jane M
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), a side effect of cancer treatment, may negatively impact the ability to perform work. Factors such as delayed diagnosis, late-stage disease, and a high percentage of service occupations may challenge work choices for Latinas after BCRL diagnosis. Methods: Our multiple case study explored work experiences and quality of life (QOL) for Hispanic/Latina survivors. Participants completed demographic and short form-36 (SF-36) surveys. Semi-structured interviews focused on how work environment, self-management, and QOL were influenced by BCRL. Thematic analysis of cases used In Vivo and descriptive coding and constant cross-case comparative methods. Results: Analysis illustrated how Hispanic/Latina survivors perceive the influence of BCRL on work experience as requiring adaptation and personal resilience. Participants identified BCRL knowledge gap challenges and described coping with physical, psychosocial, and work activity changes. They described creative work adaptations and discussed BCRL’s impact on both positive and negative interpersonal perceptions. Strong support from family, friends, and colleagues contributed to improved QOL and continued work activities. Conclusion: Future research should incorporate coping strategies and creative management of BCRL to optimize work activities across the lifespan. These strategies can provide guidance for the creation of survivorship care plans, education of healthcare professionals (HCPs), and lifelong occupational support.
Top Shelf Drinks, Bottom Line Play: Examining Representations of Class in Bartending and Mixology Games
Authors: DeJong Scott , Blamey Courtney
Published: August 2022

There is an emerging body of games that simulate the labor of drink making and serving at the forefront of play through the role of a bartender or artisanal mixologist. Both are working class but the creative variance between them challenges how economic precarity is understood. The authors ask how this translates to video games when these positions are foregrounded. How do play, poverty, and precarity interconnect in drink making and serving games? Through the qualitative analysis of four games that put the player in the position of bartender or mixologist, this paper shows how creative labor and precarity are illuminated or obfuscated through mechanics and narrative. In doing so, it argues how games, as one form of media, obscure or make visible labor and precarity to players and simultaneously reinforce the romanticization of often exploited creative labor. These findings prompt further questions and research directions on representations of working-class labor.
Mean nocturnal baseline impedance, a novel metric of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Wu Yanhong , Guo Zihao , Zhang Chuan , Zhan Yutao
Published: August 2022

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. However, the diagnosis of GERD is challenging because there are no definite gold standard criteria. Recently, a novel impedance parameter, namely mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI), has been proposed, which reflects the burden of longitudinal reflux and the integrity of esophageal mucosa. MNBI has shown an immense promise for increasing the diagnostic rate of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring and predicting the response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or anti-reflux intervention in patients with reflux symptoms. The present paper reviews the association between baseline impedance and esophageal mucosal integrity, the acquisition of MNBI in 24-h MII-pH monitoring, the clinical utilization of MNBI in improving the diagnosis rate of GERD in patients with typical reflux symptoms, predicting the response to PPI or anti-reflux treatment in these patients, the utilization of MNBI in diagnosing patients with atypical symptoms or extra-esophageal symptoms, and the correlation between reflux burden and MNBI. MNBI should be routinely assessed using MII-pH monitoring.
Tissue-Based Thrombolysis for Wake-Up Stroke With Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Case Report
Authors: Janocko Nicholas J. , Seitz Alison , Tsiouris A. J. , Lappin Richard I. , Navi Babak B.
Published: August 2022

Stroke from basilar artery occlusion is associated with a poor natural history with high rates of death and disability. Intravenous thrombolysis administered within 4.5 hours of last known well time improves the odds of a good neurological outcome after ischemic stroke, including in patients with basilar artery occlusion. Thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusion has had mixed outcomes. The WAKE-UP randomized clinical trial demonstrated that administration of intravenous thrombolysis can benefit select patients with wake-up strokes whose brain MRI shows restricted diffusion but no accompanying T2 FLAIR change. We report a case of a wake-up acute ischemic stroke presenting with acute vertigo followed by progressive brainstem dysfunction from a basilar artery occlusion. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous thrombolysis beyond 4.5 hours of last known well and symptom discovery time according to an MRI tissue-based approach resulting in partial recanalization of her basilar artery and recovery to near normal. This case suggests that hyperacute MRI can serve as a tissue clock to select patients with wake-up stroke for acute reperfusion therapy even if they do not meet standard trial inclusion criteria, including patients with basilar artery occlusion.
Sweet syndrome following Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: A case report
Authors: Pelchat Frederic , Fournier Cynthia , Perron Emilie , Gilbert Martin , Delisle Bernard
Published: August 2022

With the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have been administered all around the world probably more than ever. Even though they are considered safe, with such a huge quantity of doses used, many adverse effects including cutaneous ones were reported. We report here the case of a male adult with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance who presented with an extensive cutaneous eruption of indurated erythematous papules and plaques 2 days after receiving his first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine). Histopathology was compatible with a histiocytoid Sweet syndrome and history suggested that the vaccine contributed to the eruption.
Exploring the effects of traditional media, social media, and foreign media on hierarchical levels of political trust in China
Authors: Xu Ping , Ye Yinjiao , Zhang Mingxin
Published: August 2022

Although there is a consensus that mass media play an important role in the rise and fall of political trust in Western democracies, existing research on media use and political trust in China achieved relatively inconclusive findings. By using two surveys conducted in China in 2013 and 2018, we examine the effects of media use, including traditional media, social media, and foreign media, on Chinese citizens’ trust in their central and local governments. Our research shows that traditional media usage such as watching TV and reading newspapers is positively associated with citizens’ trust in the central government but is not related to their trust in local governments. Social media usage is negatively associated with trust in local governments but not with trust in the central government. Using VPNs to access foreign media is negatively associated with Chinese citizens’ trust in the central government but does not affect their trust in local governments. We explain why different types of media have such contrasting effects on political trust in central versus local Chinese governments and discuss the theoretical and empirical implications of these findings.
Impact of a Secondary Prevention Program for Fragility Fractures at the Orthogeriatric Clinical Care Center at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, 2014-2020
Authors: Olarte Carlos M. , López Ana M. , Tihanyi Feldman Jonathan , Libos Zabala Andrés , Morales Diana C. , Patiño Aldo F. , Pesantez Rodrigo F. , Salavarrieta Julián E. , Sanint Valentina
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

The presence of a fragility fracture increases the risk of new fractures. The timely and prompt initiation of treatment for osteoporosis can reduce the incidence of new fractures, for which adherence to management is a determining factor. The main objective of the study was to characterize the secondary prevention program for fragility hip fractures in patients older than 65 years, determine adherence to treatment and its effect on the appearance of new fractures in the established follow-up period.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive retrospective cohort study was carried out. Patients older than 65 years with a fragility hip fracture treated by an Orthogeriatric Clinical Care Center between May 2014 and April 2020 who completed a one-year follow-up were included.

Results:

A final sample of 290 patients was obtained (226 women and 64 men) with an average age of 82.27 years. It was found that 84.5% of patients received indications to start osteoporotic management prior to hospital discharge and only 35.2% started the treatment in the first 6 postoperative months. 16.6% (n = 48) of patients presented a new fracture, with no significant difference between those who started their osteoporosis treatment in a timely manner. Out of the 48 patients, 5 patients (10.4%) met therapeutic failure criteria.

Discussion:

Most patients (84.5%) received indications for starting osteoporotic treatment before hospital discharge, nevertheless 35.2% started it during the first 6 postoperative months. 16.6% of patients presented a new fracture during follow up, of which only five met therapeutic failure criteria.

Conclusions:

No significant differences were found between the presence of new fractures and early initiation of osteoporotic management. However, literature shows that prompt and timely osteoporotic treatment reduces the incidence of new fractures, thus measures must be implemented to strengthen the adherence and surveillance of patients to the indicated treatment.
Zinc finger protein 33B demonstrates sex interaction with atopy-related markers in childhood asthma
Authors: Lee Sanghun , Prokopenko Dmitry , Kelly Rachel S. , Lutz Sharon , Ann Lasky-Su Jessica , Cho Michael H. , Laurie Cecelia , Celedón Juan C. , Lange Christoph , Weiss Scott T. , Hecker Julian , DeMeo Dawn L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Sex differences related to immune responses can influence atopic manifestations in childhood asthma. While genome-wide association studies have investigated a sex-specific genetic architecture of the immune response, gene-by-sex interactions have not been extensively analysed for atopy-related markers including allergy skin tests, IgE and eosinophils in asthmatic children.

Methods

We performed a genome-wide gene-by-sex interaction analysis for atopy-related markers using whole-genome sequencing data based on 889 trios from the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) and 284 trios from the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP). We also tested the findings in UK Biobank participants with self-reported childhood asthma. Furthermore, downstream analyses in GACRS integrated gene expression to disentangle observed associations.

Results

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1255383 at 10q11.21 demonstrated a genome-wide significant gene-by-sex interaction (pinteraction=9.08×10−10) for atopy (positive skin test) with opposite direction of effects between females and males. In the UK Biobank participants with a history of childhood asthma, the signal was consistently observed with the same sex-specific effect directions for high eosinophil count (pinteraction=0.0058). Gene expression ofZNF33B(zinc finger protein 33B), located at 10q11.21, was moderately associated with atopy in girls, but not in boys.

Conclusions

We report SNPs in/near a zinc finger gene as novel sex-differential loci for atopy-related markers with opposite effect directions in females and males. A potential role forZNF33Bshould be studied further as an important driver of sex-divergent features of atopy in childhood asthma.
Analysis of the Temperature Characteristics of High-speed Train Bearings Based on a Dynamics Model and Thermal Network Method
Authors: Wang Baosen , Liu Yongqiang , Zhang Bin , Huai Wenqing
Published: August 2022

High-speed trains often use temperature sensors to monitor the motion state of bearings. However, the temperature of bearings can be affected by factors such as weather and faults. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze in detail the relationship between the bearing temperature and influencing factors. In this study, a dynamics model of the axle box bearing of high-speed trains is established. The model can obtain the contact force between the rollers and raceway and its change law when the bearing contains outer-ring, inner-ring, and rolling-element faults. Based on the model, a thermal network method is introduced to study the temperature field distribution of the axle box bearings of high-speed trains. In this model, the heat generation, conduction, and dispersion of the isothermal nodes can be solved. The results show that the temperature of the contact point between the outer-ring raceway and rolling-elements is the highest. The relationships between the node temperature and the speed, fault type, and fault size are analyzed, finding that the higher the speed, the higher the node temperature. Under different fault types, the node temperature first increases and then decreases as the fault size increases. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated using the actual temperature data of a high-speed train. This study proposes a thermal network model that can predict the temperature of each component of the bearings on a high-speed train under various speed and fault conditions.
Epidemiology of treatment resistant depression among major depressive disorder patients in Israel
Authors: Sharman Moser Sarah , Chodick Gabriel , Gelerstein Shulamit , Barit Ben David Nava , Shalev Varda , Stein-Reisner Orit
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide, estimated to affect 10–15% of the population per year. Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is estimated to affect a third of these patients who show difficulties in social and occupational function, decline of physical health, suicidal thoughts and increased health care utilization. We describe the prevalence of MDD, TRD and associated healthcare resource utilization in Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), a 2.5 million-member state-mandated health service in Israel.

Methods

All MHS members with an MDD diagnosis were identified within the years 2017–2018 and prevalence assessed by age, sex and TRD. To assess the incidence of MDD, members aged 18–65 years at the start of any MDD episode were identified between 1st January 2016 and 31st May 2018 with at least one systemic first-line antidepressant treatment within three months before or after the initial episode. Treatment patterns, time on first-line treatment, and healthcare resource utilization were compared by TRD.

Results

A total of 4960 eligible MDD patients were identified (median age = 51 years, 65% female), representing a period prevalence of 0.218%, and of those, a high proportion of patients received drug treatment (92%). Among incident MDD cases (n = 2553), 24.4% had TRD. Factors associated with TRD included increasing age and personality disorder. Median time on treatment was 3.7 months (longer for those without TRD than those with) and 81.9% of patients purchased more than one month’s supply of therapy. In the year after index, patients with TRD had a significant increased number of visits to primary care physicians, psychiatrists, emergency room visits, general hospitalizations, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Our study shows that prevalence of MDD in Israel is low compared to other countries, however once diagnosed, patients' are likely to receive drug treatment. Among patients diagnosed with MDD, the proportion of TRD is similar to other countries, increases with age and is associated with increased healthcare utilization, therefore should be a focus of continued research for finding effective long term treatment options.
Association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and locomotive syndrome in community-dwelling older people
Authors: Nakamura Misa , Imaoka Masakazu , Nakao Hidetoshi , Hida Mitsumasa , Tazaki Fumie , Imai Ryota , Hashizume Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Background

Locomotive syndrome (LS) is a condition in which mobility decreases, and it is known as a risk factor for elderly persons needing care in connection with sarcopenia and frailty. Prevention or delay of the onset of these diseases is important for preventing the need for care, and identification of biomarkers as indicators for appropriate intervention is useful. The present study aimed to clarify whether the serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) level, which has been reported to be related to sarcopenia and frailty, is related to LS.

Methods

The study participants were 133 elderly people living in a rural area in Japan. LS was assessed using Locomo-25, which is a self-administered questionnaire, and LS was defined as a Locomo-25 score ≥ 7 points. Serum IGF-1 and albumin levels were measured. A self-completed medical history questionnaire was used.

Results

On multiple linear regression analysis, age, IGF-1, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis were significantly associated with the Locomo-25 score. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of the IGF-1 level showed a threshold value of 82.0 ng/mL for discriminating non-LS and LS. The logistic regression analysis adjusted for osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and the propensity score estimated from sex, age, and BMI showed that the odds ratio (OR) of the IGF-1 level for LS was 1.019 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002–1.039;p = 0.027), and the OR of IGF-1 ≤ 82 ng/mL for LS was 2.275 (95% CI 0.993–5.324;p = 0.052).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that osteoporosis and osteoarthritis were associated with early LS, and a decrease of the serum IGF-1 level was a significant independent factor for early LS.
Economic analysis of the different endodontic instrumentation techniques used in the Unified Health System
Authors: Merchan Laura Paredes , Probst Livia Fernandes , Simões Ana Clara Correa Duarte , Raimundo Augusto Cesar Santos , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Cavalcante Denise de Fátima Barros , Câmara João Victor Frazão , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: August 2022

Background

To assess the financial impact of incorporating a new (reciprocal) technology into endodontic treatments in the public health system (SUS).

Methods

This was a economic evaluation study (comparing the 3 different endodontic instrumentation techniques—manual, rotary and reciprocating), allocative efficiency analysis to optimize existing resources in the SUS, and financial contribution impact analysis of incorporation of a new technology. Thirty-one (31) 12 years-old volunteers were evaluated.

Results

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated at R$1.34/min, − R$0.60/min and BRL 0.10/min for the single-rooted, bi-rooted and tri-rooted teeth, respectively, when the rotary technique was compared with the manual type. In turn, the ICER was R$ 21.04/min, − R$ 0.73/min and − R$ 2.81/min for the 3 types of teeth, respectively, when the reciprocating technique was compared with the manual type. The incremental financial impact of replacing manual endodontic with rotary endodontic treatments would be − R$ 2060963.66 in the case of single-rooted teeth, but the number of treatments would also be reduced (− 19,379). In the case of two-rooted teeth, the incremental financial impact would be BRL 34921540.62 with the possibility of performing an additional 204,110 treatments. In turn, BRL 11523561.50 represented the incremental financial impact for teeth with 3 or more roots and with an increase of 72,545 procedures. When we analyzed the incremental financial impact of replacing manual endodontic with reciprocating endodontic treatments, it would be − R$ 730227.80 in the case of single-rooted teeth, allowing for an additional 2538 treatments. In turn, R$ 21674853.00 represented the incremental financial impact for bi-radicular teeth, with an increase of 121,700 procedures. In the case of two-rooted teeth, the incremental financial impact would be BRL 13591742.90 with the possibility of performing an additional 40,670 treatments.

Conclusions

The reciprocating technique could improve access to endodontic treatment in the SUS as it allowed a simultaneous reduction in clinical time and associated costs. However, the higher number of endodontic treatments performed would have a financial impact.
Exploring in vitro anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory activities of Prasachandaeng remedy, and its bioactive compounds
Authors: Prommee Nuntika , Itharat Arunporn , Thongdeeying Pakakrong , Makchuchit Sunita , Pipatrattanaseree Weerachai , Tasanarong Adis , Ooraikul Buncha , Davies Neal M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Prasachandaeng (PSD) remedy has been empirically used in Thai traditional medicine to treat fever in bile duct and liver and cancer patients through Thai folk doctors. However, there have been no scientific reports on the bioactive compounds and bioactivities related to inflammation-associated carcinogenesis or cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated the chemical content of the remedy, and evaluated its cytotoxic activity against two cancer cell lines in comparison with a non-cancerous cell line and determined tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production in a murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. A novel HPLC method was used for quality control of its chemical content.

Methods

Pure compounds from the EtOH extract of D. cochinchinensis were isolated using bioassay-guided fractionation and chemical content of the PSD remedy was determined using HPLC. The cytotoxic activity against the hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2) and cholangiocarcinoma cell line (KKU-M156), in comparison with non-cancerous cell line (HaCaT), were investigated using antiproliferative assay (SRB). The anti-inflammatory activity measured by TNF-α production in RAW 264.7 was determined using ELISA.

Results

All crude extracts and isolated compounds exhibited significant differences from vincristine sulfate (****p < 0.0001) in their cytotoxic activity against HepG2, KKU-M156, and HaCaT. The PSD remedy exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and KKU-M156 with IC50 values of 10.45 ± 1.98 (SI = 5.3) and 4.53 ± 0.74 (SI = 12.2) µg/mL, respectively. Some constituents from C. sappan, D. cochinchinensis, M. siamensis, and M. fragrans also exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and KKU-M156, with IC50 values less than 10 µg/mL. The isolated compounds, i.e., Loureirin B (1), 4-Hydroxy-2,4’-dimethoxydihydrochalcone (2), and Eucomol (3) exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines. None of the crude extracts and isolated compounds showed cytotoxicity against HaCaT. D. cochinchinensis and PSD remedy exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity measured as TNF-α production than acetaminophen.

Conclusion

The findings provide evidence of bioactivity for EtOH extracts of PSD remedy and the isolated compounds of D. Cochinchinensis. The results consistent the use clinical activity and use of PSD remedy as a antipyretic treatment for liver and bile duct cancer patients by Thai traditional practitioners.
‘A basic understanding’; evaluation of a blended training programme for healthcare providers in hospital-based palliative care to improve communication with patients with limited health literacy
Authors: Noordman Janneke , Roodbeen Ruud , Gach Leonie , Schulze Lotte , Rademakers Jany , van den Muijsenbergh Maria , Boland Gudule , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: August 2022

Background

The non-curative setting makes communication and shared decision-making in palliative care extremely demanding. This is even more so for patients with limited health literacy. So far, research in palliative care focusing on shared decision-making with patients with limited health literacy is lacking. Recent research from our team indicates that the assessment of these patients’ understanding of their situation and the implementation of shared decision-making in palliative care, needs improvement.

Methods

To improve communication and decision-making, especially with patients with limited health literacy, we developed and evaluated a blended training programme for healthcare providers. The training programme comprised of an e-learning and a team training. The evaluation was performed by 1. conducting interviews (n = 15) focused on evaluating the whole programme and, 2. coding video-recorded outpatient consultations on the extent to which providers involved patients in decision-making before (n = 19) and after (n = 20) the intervention, using the 5-item OPTION coding instrument.

Results

The interviews showed that healthcare providers valued the skills they had learned during the e-learning and team training. Providers specifically valued the teach-back technique, learned to use simpler wording and felt better able to recognize patients with limited health literacy. Many providers reported a change in communication behaviour as a consequence of the training programme. Suggestions for improvement for both e-learning and training were, amongst others, a follow-up team training course and a new scenarios for the e-learning about discussing palliative care. For both the pre- and the post-measurement, involving patients in decision-making lies between a minimal and a moderate effort; differences were not significant.

Conclusions

The e-learning and team training were valued positively by the healthcare providers. Adaptations to the e-learning have been made after evaluation. The e-learning has been implemented in several hospitals and medical education. To improve shared decision-making in practice a more sustained effort is needed.
DQAgui: a graphical user interface for the MIRACUM data quality assessment tool
Authors: Mang Jonathan M. , Seuchter Susanne A. , Gulden Christian , Schild Stefanie , Kraska Detlef , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Kapsner Lorenz A.
Published: August 2022

Background

With the growing impact of observational research studies, there is also a growing focus on data quality (DQ). As opposed to experimental study designs, observational research studies are performed using data mostly collected in a non-research context (secondary use). Depending on the number of data elements to be analyzed, DQ reports of data stored within research networks can grow very large. They might be cumbersome to read and important information could be overseen quickly. To address this issue, a DQ assessment (DQA) tool with a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed and provided as a web application.

Methods

The aim was to provide an easy-to-use interface for users without prior programming knowledge to carry out DQ checks and to present the results in a clearly structured way. This interface serves as a starting point for a more detailed investigation of possible DQ irregularities. A user-centered development process ensured the practical feasibility of the interactive GUI. The interface was implemented in the R programming language and aligned to Kahn et al.’s DQ categories conformance, completeness and plausibility.

Results

With DQAgui, an R package with a web-app frontend for DQ assessment was developed. The GUI allows users to perform DQ analyses of tabular data sets and to systematically evaluate the results. During the development of the GUI, additional features were implemented, such as analyzing a subset of the data by defining time periods and restricting the analyses to certain data elements.

Conclusions

As part of the MIRACUM project, DQAgui is now being used at ten German university hospitals for DQ assessment and to provide a central overview of the availability of important data elements in a datamap over 2 years. Future development efforts should focus on design optimization and include a usability evaluation.
Pharmacological perspectives and mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis
Authors: Marques Francisca Valéria Bezerra Sampaio , Kawamura Lorena Roberta de Souza Mendes , Quintanilha Maria Varela Torres , Mota Isabela Ferreira Lima , Vasconcelos Amanda Santos , da Silva Johnatan Felipe Ferreira , Mortari Márcia Renata
Published: August 2022

Background

Epileptogenesis can be defined as the process by which a previously healthy brain develops a tendency toward recurrent electrical activity, occurring in three phases: first as an initial trigger (such as stroke, infections, and traumatic brain injury); followed by the latency period and the onset of spontaneous and recurrent seizures which characterizes epilepsy.

Main body

The mechanisms that may be involved in epileptogenesis are inflammation, neurogenesis, migration of neurons to different regions of the brain, neural reorganization, and neuroplasticity.In recent years, experimental studies have enabled the discovery of several mechanisms involved in the process of epileptogenesis, mainly neuroinflammation, that involves the activation of glial cells and an increase in specific inflammatory mediators. The lack of an experimental animal model protocol for epileptogenic compounds contributes to the difficulty in understanding disease development and the creation of new drugs.

Conclusion

To solve these difficulties, a new approach is needed in the development of new AEDs that focus on the process of epileptogenesis and the consolidation of animal models for studies of antiepileptogenic compounds, aiming to reach the clinical phases of the study. Some examples of these compounds are rapamycin, which inhibits mTOR signaling, and losartan, that potentiates the antiepileptogenic effect of some AEDs. Based on this, this review discusses the main mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis, as well as its pharmacological approach.
Echo Rounds: Intraoperative Doppler Assessment of Transjugular Intrahepatic Shunt Flow Using Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Perlman Hannah , Lee Matthew , Miles Lachlan F.
Published: August 2022

The use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess venous congestion of the liver due to right heart dysfunction is well established, predominately through the Doppler interrogation of the hepatic and portal venous waveforms. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs) are artificial intraparenchymal tracts through the liver that are placed to decompress the portal circulation in the setting of portal hypertension, most commonly due to cirrhosis. Herein, we describe the Doppler interrogation of a TIPS using intraoperative TEE, and how changes in the transmitted portal venous waveform were used to assess the severity of tricuspid regurgitation and inform management. (A&A Practice. 2022;16:e01607.)
Hidden Figures: A New History of the Permanent Income Hypothesis
Authors: Burns Jennifer
Published: August 2022

This article uses archival sources to reconstruct an alternate history of Milton Friedman's A Theory of the Consumption Function, spotlighting the contributions of his collaborators Margaret Reid, Dorothy Brady, and Rose Friedman. Although Milton Friedman offered public credit to his wife and their two close friends, none received formal recognition or reward for their contribution to the permanent income hypothesis. The article documents this hypothesis as an example in professional economics of the well-known “Matilda effect,” in which women's intellectual contributions are systemically devalued, while arguing it is important to distinguish between formal and informal credit. Further, the article connects the lower status of women's consumption economics to broader shifts in the economics discipline across the twentieth century.
“Snail Households”: Containerization of Migrant Housing on Shanghai's Fringe
Authors: Ling Minhua
Published: August 2022

China's escalated infrastructural building and real estate development have gradually erased urban villages and reduced affordable living space for rural-to-urban migrants. This article showcases the emerging practice of container housing among low-income migrants, based on ethnographic data collected between 2016 and 2018 in Shanghai. Such “snail households” living in removable cargo containers and prefabricated metal shelters represent a submissive coping mechanism in response to demolition and eviction, to reduce living cost and stay put on the urban fringe. This article examines the containerization of migrant housing, a process of sociospatial reconfiguration of migrant livelihood that has become increasingly precarious during China's economic restructuring in the twenty-first century. It shows how container housing reifies the state capitalist mode of production and accumulation. The containerization of migrant housing entails a multifaceted process of extraction of labor and land, during which migrants’ mobility and sense of entitlement are highly contained. Container housing represents migrants’ sociospatial precarity in China's exclusive urban citizenship and place-specific property regime. It symbolizes a reinforced subaltern position of migrants subdued in the politics of accumulation, which contributes to the lack of strong resistance and collective action amid forced eviction.
MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF CORPORATE FINANCE FUNCTIONING
Authors: Ostaev Gamlet , Il'in Sergey , Klychova Guzaliya , Zakirova Alsu , Dyatlova Angelina , Khoruzhy Valery
Published: August 2022

The study was carried out in order to develop a methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of corporate finance based on a systematic formalization of general and particular indicators. The proposed methodology allows you to quickly identify and rank reserves to achieve optimal final parameters. The range of research objectives includes the determination of intermediate static (performance and cost) and dynamic (changes in performance and cost) financial indicators and their combination for a logical combination through an absolutely representative set of calculated dependencies. They are necessary for corporations to manage and analyze the effectiveness and intensification of cash flows as the final indicators used to determine the viability of entrepreneurial ideas and competitiveness in the commercial sphere. The methodology for calculating indicators is based on a synthesis of the provisions set forth in general methodological and specialized literature. It is fully adapted to the current market conditions and the financial environment of corporations, since it provides for the entire list of monetary transactions carried out by them, corresponds to the semantic content of the concept of managing corporate financial stability, embodied in direct and indirect income and expenses of a point and range nature. The proposed approaches to the calculation of indicators can become a reliable tool for enterprise management when analyzing the stability of the functioning of finance, using which objective conclusions are possible on making decisions necessary to optimize cash receipts and payments.
Information Retrieval Under Network Uncertainty: Robust Internet Ranking
Authors: Timonina-Farkas Anna , Seifert Ralf W.
Published: August 2022

Ranking algorithms play a crucial role in information technologies and numerical analysis due to their efficiency in high dimensions and wide range of possible applications, including internet ranking, scientometrics, and systemic risk in finance (SinkRank and DebtRank).

The traditional approach to internet ranking goes back to the seminal work of Sergey Brin and Larry Page, who developed the initial method PageRank (PR) in order to rank websites for search engine results based on linear algebra rules. But how robust is this method in times of rapid internet growth? Recent works have studied robust reformulations of the PageRank model for the case when links in the network structure may vary; that is, some links may appear or disappear, influencing the transportation matrix defined by the network structure. In this article, the authors make a further step forward, allowing the network to vary not only in links but also in the number of nodes. The authors focus on growing network structures and develop methods for ranking of networks uncertain both in size and in structure.
Noise analysis in Stokes parameter reconstruction for division-of-focal-plane polarimeters
Authors: Bai Chuanbiao , Jiang Zhaoxiang , Zhao Jiangcheng , Wu Shangquan , Zhang Qingchuan
Published: August 2022

The division-of-focal-plane (DoFP) polarimeter can quickly and effectively obtain the polarization information of light in real time, where Stokes parameter reconstruction is a critical issue. Many reconstruction methods have been proposed to address this; however, their performance tends to degrade in the presence of noise. Thus, it is significant to clarify the noise-induced error in Stokes parameter reconstruction. In this work, we investigate the link between the noise-introduced error and the reconstruction method and develop a simple and effective way to evaluate the noise robustness of reconstruction methods. Furthermore, a novel experimental scheme of noise measurement, to the best of our knowledge, is designed to verify the theory. Based on the criterion, our scheme guides the selection of reconstruction methods and further promotes the practical application of the DoFP technique.
Development of a large-field streak tube for underwater imaging lidar
Authors: Fang Mengyan , Xue Yanhua , Ji Chao , Yang Bingqing , Xu Guoquan , Chen Fubin , Li Guangying , Han Wenjie , Xu Ke , Cheng Guanghua , Li Shaohui , Wang Junfeng , Liu Baiyu , Zhao Wei , Tian Jinshou , Wang Xing
Published: August 2022

Streak tube
imaging lidar (STIL) can
obtain 4-D images of a target, and its performance is mainly
determined by the streak tube sensor. To obtain a large field of view,
we developed a streak tube
with a photocathode length as large as 35.3 mm, which is larger than
the commonly used ST-HDR (30 mm). At the same time, the temporal
resolution and dynamic spatial resolution are 60 ps and 12 lp/mm,
which are very suitable to obtain accurate target coordinates for 4-D
imaging. In addition, the streak tube has a high detection sensitivity
of 46 mA/W at 500 nm and, hence, prospects in remote imaging. To test
the performance of the streak tube, an underwater STIL experiment was
conducted. Echo signal processing was performed by means of a bandpass
filter and a matched filter, and then the peak detection algorithm was
used to reconstruct the image. The results indicate that a spatial
resolution better than 9 mm is achieved in the limpid water with a
depth of 20 m, and a range accuracy of 1 cm is achieved in the turbid
water with a depth of 10 m. Such a performance suggests that the
large-field streak tube is of great potential for underwater target
imaging and other remote imaging applications.
Simultaneous excitations of odd and even order resonances in plasmonic metasurfaces for an orthogonal terahertz probe
Authors: Mallick Soumyajyoti , Jana Arun , Acharyya Nityananda , Roy Chowdhury Dibakar
Published: August 2022

Most of the compelling phenomena pertaining to plasmonic metamaterials revolve around the associated odd and even order resonances. However, excitation of odd and even order modes is polarization sensitive, particularly in the case of well-accepted split-ring resonator based terahertz (THz) plasmonic metasurfaces. Such a drawback limits the practical applications of plasmonic metasurfaces across the electromagnetic spectrum. In this context, we experimentally demonstrate multi-split-ring resonator based THz metasurfaces capable of simultaneously sustaining odd and even order resonances when the polarization of the probe beam is altered through 90°. We believe this work should be beneficial in realizing polarization-independent switches and frequency selective surfaces.
Optimal focal length search and design of a compact zoom lens based on
a telecentric intermediate image
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Yang Bo , Zhuang Songlin
Published: August 2022

The design of a compact zoom lens requires a designer’s most abundant and professional
skills and experience, which increases the difficulty of zoom lens
miniaturization. In this paper, an automatic optimal focal length
search method for a catadioptric zoom lens is proposed. After 7 h of
searching for the initial structure and further optimization, a

3

×

compact zoom lens based on a
telecentric intermediate image is obtained, which is applicable for
1/4 inch (6.35 mm) CMOS, with a focal length range of

−

4.8

∼
−

14

m
m

and a F-number range of 2.7–8.0. The
depth and total length are within 6 mm and 30 mm, separately. The
proposed method helps to reduce researchers’ difficulty in designing
compact zoom lenses and can provide some reference for the development
of the mobile zoom lens industry.
Coordinate-transformation iteration algorithm for phase modulation of arbitrary axial light distribution
Authors: Li Hengyang , Xu Jiaming , Zhang Huaizhi , Cheng Wei , Xu Gang , Tang Xiahui , Qin Yingxiong
Published: August 2022

Axial light distribution modulation is widely applied in optical tweezers, hard-brittle material cutting, multilayer laser direct writing, etc. To generate arbitrary axial light distribution, the coordinate-transformation iteration (CTI) algorithm is presented. The CTI algorithm unifies equations in low and high numerical aperture (NA) scenarios, using the same iterative algorithm to produce phase computer-generated holograms. In a low NA scenario, twin-foci, flattop, and

sin

2

distributions have been achieved. In high NA scenarios, multirings, multifoci, and needle-like distributions have been realized in simulation with specific polarized incident beams. Since the CTI algorithm is inherently an efficient one-dimensional phase retrieval algorithm that is not limited by NA, this method has the potential to become a well-received solution for axial light distribution modulation.
Single-cell measurement quality in bits
Authors: Rammohan Jayan , Sarkar Swarnavo , Ross David
Published: August 2022

Single-cell measurements have revolutionized our understanding of heterogeneity in cellular response. However, there is no universally comparable way to assess single-cell measurement quality. Here, we show how information theory can be used to assess and compare single-cell measurement quality in bits, which provides a universally comparable metric for information content. We anticipate that the experimental and theoretical approaches we show here will generally enable comparisons of quality between any single-cell measurement methods.