bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixed methods randomised feasibility trial investigating the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in acute traumatic brain injury
Authors: Smith Rebecca M. , Marroney Natalie , Beattie Jenna , Newdick Abby , Tahtis Vassilios , Burgess Caroline , Marsden Jonathan , Seemungal Barry M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of long-term disability in working age adults. Recent studies show that most acute TBI patients demonstrate vestibular features of dizziness and imbalance, often from combined peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction. Effective treatment for vestibular impairments post-TBI is important given its significant adverse impact upon quality of life and employment prospects. The most frequent peripheral vestibular disorder in acute TBI is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), affecting approximately half of acute cases. Although there is effective treatment for idiopathic BPPV, there are no high-quality clinical data for post-TBI BPPV regarding its prevalence, natural history, which treatment is most effective and when is the best time to treat. In particular, observational studies suggest post-TBI BPPV may be recurrent, indicating that hyperacute treatment of BPPV may be futile. Given the potential hurdles and the lack of accurate post-TBI BPPV data, the current study was designed to provide information regarding the feasibility and optimal design of future large-scale prospective treatment studies that would compare different interventions and their timing for post-TBI BPPV.

Method

A multi-centre randomised mixed methods feasibility study design was employed. We aim to recruit approximately 75 acute TBI patients across a range of clinical severities, from three major trauma centres in London. Patients will be randomised to one of three treatment arms: (1) therapist-led manoeuvres, (2) patient-led exercises and (3) advice. Participants will be re-assessed by blinded outcome assessors at 4 and 12 weeks. Acceptability of the intervention will be obtained by patient interviews at the end of their treatment and therapist interviews at the end of the study. Primary outcomes relate to feasibility parameters including recruitment and retention rates, adverse events and intervention fidelity. We will also aim to provide a more accurate estimate of the prevalence of BPPV in TBI cases on the trauma ward.

Discussion

The multi-centre nature of our feasibility study will inform the design of a future prospective treatment trial of BPPV in acute TBI. Important parameters we will obtain from this study, key for designing a future prospective treatment study, include estimating the prevalence of BPPV in TBI patients admitted to UK major trauma wards, and elucidating both patient and care-provider barriers in delivering BPPV treatment.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN91943864. Registered on 10 February 2020.
Degree of financialization and energy efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa: do institutions matter?
Authors: Adom Philip Kofi , Amuakwa-Mensah Franklin , Amuakwa-Mensah Salome
Published: September 2020

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 emphasizes the need for economies around the world to double their efforts in energy efficiency improvements. This is because improvements in energy efficiency can trigger economic growth and considered as one of the ‘green’ growth strategies due to its carbon free content. To this end, some empirical studies have investigated the nexus between economic growth and energy efficiency, but the effects of the latter on financial indicators have not been sufficiently studied in the literature, at least in developing economies like Africa. This study examines the effect of energy efficiency improvements on commercial bank profitability under different political regimes (i.e., autocratic and democratic political regimes); something previous literature had neglected. The study uses panel data, consisting of 43 African countries and the simultaneous System Generalized Method of Moments. We found that energy efficiency improvement is more likely to induce higher bank profitability in political institutions with the characteristics of centralization of power compared with those with decentralization of power. Furthermore, for the banking sector, the findings suggest that energy utilization behavior of clients should be included in the loan or credit valuation process. For the government, the agenda of energy efficiency should be aggressively pursued while taking cognizance of creating a political environment that weans itself from a ‘grandfathering’ behavior.
An unusual presentation of non-specific cystic degeneration of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Hong Inseok , Kang Dong Cheol , Leem Dae-Ho , Baek Jin-A , Ko Seung-O
Published: September 2020

Background

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare, sporadic, and benign congenital condition in which normal cancellous bone is replaced by fibro-osseous tissue with immature osteogenesis. FD localized in the cranial and facial bones is called craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD). Cystic degeneration in CFD cases is rare; cystic degeneration appearing in both the maxilla and the mandible FD lesion is even rarer. The aim of this article was to report a case of fibrous dysplasia of the mandible and maxilla complicated by nonspecific cystic degeneration.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old woman presented with a rare case of non-specific cystic degeneration in a mandible and maxilla FD lesion that occurred 11 years after surgery. She was diagnosed with polyostotic CFD and underwent maxillary and mandibular bone contouring. Cyst enucleation under general anesthesia was performed in the mandibular region due to pain and discomfort.

Conclusions

In cases involving non-aggressive and non-invasive FD cystic degeneration in focal areas, conservative treatment is recommended. However, if cystic degeneration of FD develops rapidly and causes discomfort, pain, or dysfunction, surgical treatment should be considered.
Spatial activity participation in childhood and adolescence: consistency and relations to spatial thinking in adolescence
Authors: Peterson Emily Grossnickle , Weinberger Adam B. , Uttal David H. , Kolvoord Bob , Green Adam E.
Published: September 2020

Background

Prior research has revealed positive effects of spatial activity participation (e.g., playing with blocks, sports) on current and future spatial skills. However, research has not examined the degree to which spatial activity participation remains stable over time, and little is known about how participating in spatial activities at multiple points in development impacts spatial thinking. In this study, adolescents completed measures of spatial thinking and questionnaires assessing their current and previous participation in spatial activities.

Results

Participation in childhood spatial activities predicted adolescent spatial activity participation, and the relation was stronger for females than for males. Adolescents’ current participation in spatial activities predicted spatial thinking skills, whereas participation in childhood spatial activities predicted adolescents’ spatial habits of mind, even when accounting for factors such as gender and academic performance. No cumulative benefit was incurred due to participating in spatial activities in both childhood and adolescence, and a lack of spatial activities in childhood was not made up for by later spatial activity participation.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a consistently positive relationship in spatial activity participation between childhood and adolescence. Results highlight the importance of participating in spatial activities during childhood, and underscore the differential impact that participation in spatial activities during childhood versus adolescence has on different facets of adolescents’ spatial thinking. Implications for the timing of interventions is discussed.
The role of cognitive load in modulating social looking: a mobile eye tracking study
Authors: Bianchi Laura J. , Kingstone Alan , Risko Evan F.
Published: September 2020

The effect of cognitive load on social attention was examined across three experiments in a live pedestrian passing scenario (Experiments 1 and 2) and with the same scenario presented as a video (Experiment 3). In all three experiments, the load was manipulated using an auditory 2-back task. While the participant was wearing a mobile eye-tracker, the participant’s fixation behavior toward a confederate was recorded and analyzed based on temporal proximity from the confederate (near or far) and the specific regions of the confederate being observed (i.e., head or body). In Experiment 1 we demonstrated an effect of cognitive load such that there was a lower proportion of fixations and time spent fixating toward the confederate in the load condition. A similar pattern of results was found in Experiment 2 when a within-subject design was used. In Experiment 3, which employed a less authentic social situation (i.e., video), a similar effect of cognitive load was observed. Collectively, these results suggest attentional resources play a central role in social attentional behaviors in both authentic (real-world) and less authentic (video recorded) situations.
A new strain of Bacillus velezensis as a bioagent against Verticillium dahliae in cotton: isolation and molecular identification
Authors: Sherzad Zabihullah , Canming Tang
Published: September 2020

Background

Verticillium dahliae is one of the most destructive pathogens in many cotton-growing countries around the globe. There is still the lack of high-resistant upland cotton cultivars against this pathogen, and the usage of fungicides is threatening the environment. Biocontrol is an environment-friendly and a green technique in plant protection. In this regard, the present work was aimed to investigate antagonistic bacterial strains and to introduce them as new bioinoculants against V. dahliae in cotton.

Main body of the abstract

Numerous bacteria were isolated from cotton roots, and their antagonism was examined against V. dahliae. Strain SZAD2 which was identified as Bacillus velezensis on the bases of 16S rRNA gene analysis had significantly high biocontrol potential both in plate assay and under greenhouse conditions. The biocontrol efficacy in seed treatment was 60.31%, while in the soil drench method, it was 79.19%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the strain systemically colonized the roots and lived within the intercellular space. Hydrogen peroxide staining exposed that the strain increased plant basal defense response by the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in both roots and leaves. Furthermore, the bacterization of cotton roots triggered induced systemic resistance (ISR) in the roots and caused the activation of the antioxidant enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and phenol contents. Moreover, the antifungal extract produced by the strain contained the activity of both cellulase and chitinase, which were able to suppress fungal mycelia both in the presence and absence of cotton.

Short conclusions

Strain SZAD2 systemically colonized the plant, showed multiple modes of action against the pathogen which played a vital role in V. dahliae control, and is recommended for commercial exploration as a safe alternative bioinoculant instead of hazardous chemical fungicides.
RIP mutated ITS genes in populations of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and their implications for molecular systematics
Authors: Li Yi , Jiang Lan , Wang Ke , Wu Hai-Jun , Yang Rui-Heng , Yan Yu-Jing , Bushley Kathryn E. , Hawksworth David L. , Wu Zujian , Yao Yi-Jian
Published: September 2020

Different hypotheses have been proposed to interpret the observed unusual ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences inOphiocordyceps sinensis. The coexistence of diverged ITS paralogs in a single genome was previously shown by amplifying the ITS region from mono-ascospore isolates using specific primers designed for different ITS paralog groups. Among those paralogs, are AT-biased ITS sequences which were hypothesized to result from repeat-induced point mutation (RIP). This is a process that detects and mutates repetitive DNA and frequently leads to epigenetic silencing, and these mutations have been interpreted as pseudogenes. Here we investigate the occurrence and frequency of ITS pseudogenes in populations ofO. sinensisusing large-scale sampling, and discusses the implications of ITS pseudogenes for fungal phylogenetic and evolutionary studies. Our results demonstrate a wide distribution of ITS pseudogenes amongst different geographic populations, and indicate how ITS pseudogenes can contribute to the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the species.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as independent predictors of outcome in infective endocarditis (IE)
Authors: Meshaal Marwa Sayed , Nagi Abdo , Eldamaty Ahmed , Elnaggar Wae’el , Gaber Mervat , Rizk Hussien
Published: September 2020

Background

Early and accurate risk assessment is an important clinical demand in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are independent predictors of prognosis in many infectious and cardiovascular diseases. Very limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the prognostic role of these markers in IE.

Results

We analyzed clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data and outcomes throughout the whole period of hospitalization for a total of 142 consecutive patients with definitive IE.

The overall in-hospital mortality was 21%. Major complications defined as central nervous system embolization, fulminant sepsis, acute heart failure, acute renal failure, and major artery embolization occurred in 38 (27%), 34 (24%), 32 (22.5%), 40 (28%), and 90 (63.4%) patients, respectively.

The NLR, total leucocyte count (TLC), neutrophil percentage, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level obtained upon admission were significantly higher in the mortality group [p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.008, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.036, respectively].

A higher NLR was significantly associated with fulminant sepsis and major arterial embolization [p = 0.001 and p = 0.028, respectively].

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the NLR for predicting in-hospital mortality showed that an NLR > 8.085 had a 60% sensitivity and an 84.8% specificity for an association with in-hospital mortality [area under the curve = 0.729, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.616–0.841; p = 0.001]. The ROC curve of the NLR for predicting severe sepsis showed that an NLR > 5.035 had a 71.8% sensitivity and a 68.5% specificity for predicting severe sepsis [area under the curve 0.685, 95% CI 0.582–0.733; p = 0.001].

The PLR showed no significant association with in-hospital mortality or in-hospital complications.

Conclusion

A higher NLR, TLC, neutrophil percentage, creatinine level, and CRP level upon admission were associated with increased in-hospital mortality and morbidity in IE patients. Furthermore, a lower lymphocyte count/percentage and platelet count were strong indicators of in-hospital mortality among IE patients.

Calculation of the NLR directly from a CBC upon admission may assist in early risk stratification of patients with IE.
Acute fulminant necrotizing amebic colitis in a pediatric patient: a rare complication of amebiasis with high mortality—a case report
Authors: Kiriwaththuduwa Samantha , Gnanapragasam Romola , Amarasinghe Anjalie , Adikari Yugantha , Ranasinghe Shanika , Morel Rumala , Dharmaratne Chanuka , Bandara Lakmalee
Published: September 2020

Background

The majority of amebic infections among humans remain asymptomatic. Rarely, the disease takes a fulminant acute course due to the development of necrotizing amebic colitis. This complication is usually found in adult patients. However, on the contrary, this case was diagnosed in a 9-year-old patient. He was transferred to the Sirimavo Bandaranayake Specialized Children’s Hospital (SBSCH), Peradeniya from the District General Hospital, Kilinochchi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this rare complication in a child in Sri Lanka.

Case presentation

We present a case of acute fulminant necrotizing amebic colitis in a 9-year-old boy. Surgical exploration revealed extensive ulceration and multiple perforations in the entire colon. PAS-Martius Yellow 40 stain highlighted amebae with erythrophagocytosis within the necrotic debris of the ulcers. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that was conducted to confirm the diagnosis was positive for Entameba histolytica. The post-operative course was marked with antimicrobial treatment for septicemia and the need for ventilator assistance. Antimicrobial treatment included intravenous metronidazole. The patient progressively recovered and was discharged on a normal diet.

Conclusion

This case reports an acute fulminant necrotizing amebic colitis in a 9-year-old patient. After the treatments, the patient progressively recovered and was discharged on a normal diet. E. histolytica infections in northern Sri Lanka should be given attention as a public health concern. Furthermore, this case highlights that acute fulminant amebic colitis requires early surgical intervention, aggressive supportive and anti-amebic treatments. Clinicians should be cognizant of this potentially fatal complication of amebic colitis.
Comparison of the effect Of three treatment interventions for the control of Meniere’s disease: a randomized control trial
Authors: El Shafei Reham Rafei , Qotb Mohamed
Published: September 2020

Background

Intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone, with or without ventilation tube, is widely used to control vertigo in Meniere’s disease (MD) patients. Some authors believe that the tube on its own has a role in the control of MD symptoms. The authors’ goal was to compare the effects of them on multiple sets of patients. A three arms randomized control trial was conducted on 60 patients ( both males and females; age range, 30–60 years; mean age, 47 years) who were diagnosed with MD according to the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Foundation guidelines. The study was conducted at the Otolaryngology Department between May 2016 and May 2018. They were divided into three groups, with 20 patients in each group. The first group received direct IT dexamethasone, the second group received IT dexamethasone through a grommet tube, and the third received saline through grommet.

Results

No treatment modality showed statistically significant improvement regarding both hearing and vertigo control at follow-up periods. However, comparison of patients with disease duration of 1 year and patients with duration of 5 years in the total sample of patients showed that patients with 1-year duration showed statistically significant higher percentage of improvement in pure tone audiometry (PTA) and vertigo control at all follow-up periods.

Conclusions

No golden standard in MD treatment; however, initial improvement may be explained as a result of the anti-inflammatory effect of steroids and/or the pressure release due to tube insertion; yet, the progressive course of the disease may diminish that improvement over time. Thus, early intervention either by direct IT injection or through grommet tube or by grommet placement alone can affect treatment outcomes.
The neurobiology of substance use and addiction: evidence from neuroimaging and relevance to treatment
Authors: Hayes Alexandra , Herlinger Katherine , Paterson Louise , Lingford-Hughes Anne
Published: September 2020

Addiction is a global health problem with a chronic relapsing nature for which there are few treatment options. In the past few decades, neuroimaging has allowed us to better understand the neurobiology of addiction. Functional neuroimaging paradigms have been developed to probe the neural circuits underlying addiction, including reward, inhibitory control, stress, emotional processing and learning/memory networks. Functional neuroimaging has also been used to provide biological support for the benefits of psychosocial and pharmacological interventions, although evidence remains limited and often inconclusive in this area, which may contribute to the variability in treatment efficacy. In this article, we discuss the changing definitions and clinical criteria that describe and classify addictive disorders. Using examples from functional neuroimaging studies we summarise the neurobiological mechanisms that underpin drug use, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal and relapse. We discuss the links between functional neuroimaging and treatment, outline clinical management in the UK and give an overview of future directions in research and addiction services.
How Many Cancer Clinical Trials Can a Clinical Research Coordinator Manage? The Clinical Research Coordinator Workload Assessment Tool
Authors: Fabbri Francesca , Gentili Giorgia , Serra Patrizia , Vertogen Bernadette , Andreis Daniele , Dall'Agata Monia , Fabbri Greta , Gallà Valentina , Massa Ilaria , Montanari Emanuela , Monti Manuela , Pagan Flavia , Piancastelli Alessandra , Ragazzini Angela , Rudnas Britt , Testoni Sara , Valmorri Linda , Zingaretti Chiara , Zumaglini Federica , Nanni Oriana
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE:

Cancer clinical trials (CTs) are now more complex than ever before and require dedicated personnel (clinical research coordinators [CRCs]) to perform regulatory and administrative activities and protocol- and patient-related procedures. We developed a simple tool to measure the workload (WL) of CRCs involved in cancer research and to estimate personnel requirements within a Clinical Trial Center.

METHODS:

A literature review and 2-month period in which CRCs recorded their activities in a diary provided valuable information that led to the Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori Workload Assessment Tool (IWAT) being divided into three sections: Protocol, On-Treatment Patients, and Follow-Up Patients. Twelve full-time senior CRCs from three sites of the Network measured their monthly WL for 30 months to evaluate IWAT reproducibility and accuracy.

RESULTS:

The IWAT proved to be a user-friendly tool (3-6 minutes required for each CT), with high reproducibility (interobserver reproducibility ranged from 82% to 100% for each IWAT item). In December 2017, the Network had 185 ongoing CTs, with a median of 2.5 active centers for each CT. On the basis of 448 total IWAT measures by CRCs, the majority of trials were academic (57%) or dealt with advanced disease (77%). The median IWAT WL score for each study was 20.98 ± 22.90 (range, 2-188) and 475 ± 229 (range, 150 [junior staff] - 930 [extreme heavy WL]) for each CRC. On the basis of our experience, a monthly WL score of 500-600 was considered an appropriate value for a full-time CRC.

CONCLUSION:

The IWAT could prove useful in evaluating CT complexity, estimating appropriate CRC WLs, and defining personnel requirements. Independent validation by other CRCs working in different organizational contexts and in different countries is needed.
High transformation efficiency in Arabidopsis using extremely low Agrobacterium inoculum
Authors: Wang Yiran , Yaghmaiean Hoda , Zhang Yuelin
Published: September 2020

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods have allowed the stable introduction of target genes into the nuclear genomes of recipient plants. Among them, the floral dip approach represents the simplest due to its straightforwardness and high transformation efficiency. In a standard floral dip protocol that most researchers follow, Agrobacterium cells are grown to stationary phase (OD 600≈2.0) in large cultures and resuspended in inoculation medium to OD 600≥0.8. Here, we tested the effects of low Agrobacterium inoculum on transformation rate. Our data revealed that the floral dip method still guarantees a relatively high transformation rate in the Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 ecotype even with very low Agrobacterium inoculum (OD 600=0.002). Our finding thus simplifies the floral dipping protocol further, which allows transformation with small bacterial culture and enables high-throughput transformation of large numbers of constructs in parallel.
Methods developed during the first National Center for Biotechnology Information Structural Variation Codeathon at Baylor College of Medicine
Authors: Mahmoud Medhat , Gener Alejandro Rafael , Khayat Michael M. , English Adam C. , Balaji Advait , Zhou Anbo , Hehn Andreas , Fungtammasan Arkarachai , Chrisman Brianna Sierra , Chin Chen-Shan , Lin Chiao-Feng , Lo Chun-Hsuan , Liao Chunxiao , Carvalho Claudia M. B. , Diesh Colin , Symer David E. , Kalra Divya , Albin Dreycey , Aliyev Elbay , Dawson Eric T. , Venner Eric , Foertter Fernanda , Bae Gigon , Du Haowei , Daw Joyjit , Wang Junzhou , Akagi Keiko , Phan Lon , Jochum Michael , Edrisi Mohammadamin , Shah Nirav N. , Wang Qi , Fullem Robert , Zheng Rong , Kalla Sara E , Mitra Shakuntala , Treangen Todd J. , Mahaganapathy Vaidhyanathan , Malladi Venkat Sai , Menon Vipin K , Fu Yilei , Yin Yongze , Feng Yuanqing , Hefferon Tim , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Busby Ben
Published: September 2020

In October 2019, 46 scientists from around the world participated in the first National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Structural Variation (SV) Codeathon at Baylor College of Medicine. The charge of this first annual working session was to identify ongoing challenges around the topics of SV and graph genomes, and in response to design reliable methods to facilitate their study. Over three days, seven working groups each designed and developed new open-sourced methods to improve the bioinformatic analysis of genomic SVs represented in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. The groups’ approaches addressed a wide range of problems in SV detection and analysis, including quality control (QC) assessments of metagenome assemblies and population-scale VCF files, de novo copy number variation (CNV) detection based on continuous long sequence reads, the representation of sequence variation using graph genomes, and the development of an SV annotation pipeline. A summary of the questions and developments that arose during the daily discussions between groups is outlined. The new methods are publicly available at https://github.com/NCBI-Codeathons/, and demonstrate that a codeathon devoted to SV analysis can produce valuable new insights both for participants and for the broader research community.
A multidimensional quality model: an opportunity for patients, their kin, healthcare providers and professionals in the new COVID-19 period
Authors: Lachman Peter , Batalden Paul , Vanhaecht Kris
Published: September 2020

Background: It is twenty years since the Institute of Medicine (IOM) defined quality in healthcare, as comprising six domains: person-centredness, timeliness, efficiency, effectiveness, safety and equity. Since then, a new quality movement has emerged, with the development of numerous interventions aimed at improving quality, with a focus on accessibility, safety and effectiveness of care. Further gains in equity and timeliness have proven even more challenging.

The challenge: With the emergence of “service-oriented” systems, complexity science, the challenges of climate change, the growth of social media and the internet and the new reality of COVID-19, the original domains proposed by the IOM invite reflection on their relevance and possibility for improvement.

The possible solution: In this paper we propose a revised model of quality that is built on never-ending learning and includes new domains, such as Ecology and Transparency, which reflect the changing worldview of healthcare. We also introduce the concept of person- or “kin-centred care” to emphasise the shared humanity of people involved in the interdependent work. This is a more expansive view of what “person-centredness” began. The delivery of health and healthcare requires people working in differing roles, with explicit attention to the lived realities of the people in the roles of professional and patient. The new model will provide a construct that may make the attainment of equity in healthcare more possible with a focus on kindness for all.
Mapping virtual platforms to estimate the population size of men who have sex with men (MSM) who use internet to find sexual partners: implications to enhance HIV prevention among MSM in Kenya
Authors: Emmanuel Faran , Kioko Japheth , Musyoki Helgar , Kaosa Shem , Ongaro Martin Kyana , Kuria Samuel , Olango Kennedy , Musimbi Janet , Walimbwa Jeffrey , Blanchard James , Isac Shajy , Bhattacharjee Parinita
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya face a disproportionate HIV disease burden. Over the last few years, the use of virtual platforms and internet sites to seek male sexual partners has increased manyfold in Kenya. New approaches are required to map, estimate and profile MSM who operate through virtual platforms to design interventions for them.

Methods: This study was conducted in three counties in Kenya: Kiambu, Kisumu and Mombasa with MSM who use virtual platforms such as geosocial networking (GSN) and social networking applications to find and connect with male sex partners. The platforms were profiled through a multi-stage approach and the number of MSM associated with these platforms were estimated. In the final stage, 435 respondents randomly selected from the virtual platforms were interviewed in a secure location after informed consent. Data analysis focused on calculating an estimate of MSM for each virtual platform in each site, adjusting for duplicate profiles and multiple registrations.

Results: We identified 24 GSN apps, 18 Facebook accounts/pages and 18 WhatsApp groups across the three counties, with Facebook being the preferred platform. Kiambu had the highest number of estimated MSM at 3,635 (95%CI = 3,335 to 3,990) followed by Kisumu at 1,567 (95%CI = 1,480 to 1,665) and Mombasa at 1,469 (95%CI = 1,335 to 1,604) who used virtual platforms to find other male sexual partners. On average, each MSM had 3.7 profiles on multiple platforms, with an average of 2.1 profiles used in the past month.

Conclusions: The use of conventional population size estimation approaches that focus on physical sites alone may underestimate the total number of MSM in a geography. Virtual mapping should be used in conjunction with conventional hot spot based size estimation methodologies to estimate numbers of MSM to set programmatic targets.
Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of bladder storage symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis: Protocol of a single-arm feasibility study
Authors: Al Dandan Hawra B. , Galvin Rose , Robinson Katie , McClurg Dorren , Coote Susan
Published: September 2020

Background: Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is common among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with a pooled prevalence of 68.41% using self-report measures and 63.95% using urodynamic studies. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) is a non-invasive option to manage bladder storage symptoms; however, the potential efficacy of TTNS among people with MS is based on a small number of studies with the absence of high-quality evidence relating to efficacy, and lack of clarity of the optimal electrical stimulation parameters and frequency, duration and number of treatment sessions. This study aims to assess whether TTNS is feasible and acceptable as a treatment for bladder storage symptoms in people with MS.

Methods: We will use a single-arm experimental study to explore the feasibility and acceptability of TTNS in the treatment of bladder storage symptoms in MS. The CONSORT extension for pilot and feasibility studies will be followed to standardise the conduct and reporting of the study. The recruitment plan is twofold: 1) Open recruitment for people with MS through MS Ireland’s communication channels; 2) recruitment from a convenience sample of people with MS who have previously participated in a qualitative interview study of urinary symptoms. We will assess recruitment/retention rates, the urinary symptoms changes and the effect on quality of life pre and post intervention using ICIQ-OAB, 3-day bladder diary, King’s Health Questionnaire and collect self-reported data on adherence and adverse events. Acceptability of using TTNS will be evaluated at the end of intervention. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Education and Health Science’s Faculty Research Ethics Committee, University of Limerick [2020_06_07_EHS]. 

Conclusion: It is anticipated that assessing the feasibility and acceptability of TTNS for storage bladder symptoms in MS will inform the development of a definitive randomised trial.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04528784 27/08/2020
Case Report: Obsessive compulsive disorder in posterior cerebellar infarction - illustrating clinical and functional connectivity modulation using MRI-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Shadakshari Darshan , Vani Pulaparambil , Naik Shalini S , Kiran Raj V , Vangimalla Reddy Rani , Reddy YC Janardhan , Sreevalsan-Nair Jaya , Bharath Rose Dawn
Published: September 2020

Objectives: We describe atypical and resistant neuropsychiatric clinical manifestations in a young male with posterior cerebellar gliosis. We also attempt to test the mediating role of the cerebellum in the clinical presentation by manipulating the frontal-cerebellar network using MRI-informed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Methods: A case report of a young adult male describing obsessive-compulsive symptoms, probably secondary to an infarct in the cerebellar right crus II, combined with an examination of behavioral and functional connectivity changes following TMS treatment.

Results: Obsessions, compulsions, and pathological slowing were observed in the background of a posterior cerebellar infarct, along with impairments in vigilance, working memory, verbal fluency, visuospatial ability, and executive functions, in the absence of any motor coordination difficulties. These symptoms did not respond to escitalopram. MRI-informed intermittent theta-burst stimulation delivered to the pre-supplementary motor area identified based on its connectivity with the cerebellar lesion in the crus II resulted in partial improvement of symptoms with enhanced within and between-network modularity of the cerebellar network connectivity.

Conclusion: We illustrate a case of OCD possibly secondary to a posterior cerebellar infarct, supporting the role of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of OCD. Functional connectivity informed non-invasive neuromodulation demonstrated partial treatment response. A seriation technique showed extended connectivity of the cerebellar lesion regions following the neuromodulatory treatment.
Designing a multi-layered surveillance approach to detecting SARS-CoV-2: A modelling study
Authors: Liu Yang , Gong Wenfeng , Clifford Samuel , Sundaram Maria E. ,   CMMID COVID-19 Working Group, Jit Mark , Flasche Stefan , Klepac Petra
Published: September 2020

Background: Countries achieving control of COVID-19 after an initial outbreak will continue to face the risk of SARS-CoV-2 resurgence. This study explores surveillance strategies for COVID-19 containment based on polymerase chain reaction tests.

Methods: Using a dynamic SEIR-type model to simulate the initial dynamics of a COVID-19 introduction, we investigate COVID-19 surveillance strategies among healthcare workers, hospital patients, and community members. We estimate surveillance sensitivity as the probability of COVID-19 detection using a hypergeometric sampling process. We identify test allocation strategies that maximise the probability of COVID-19 detection across different testing capacities. We use Beijing, China as a case study.

Results: Surveillance subgroups are more sensitive in detecting COVID-19 transmission when they are defined by more COVID-19-specific symptoms. In this study, fever clinics have the highest surveillance sensitivity, followed by respiratory departments. With a daily testing rate of 0.07/1000 residents, via exclusively testing at fever clinic and respiratory departments, there would have been 598 [95% eCI: 35, 2154] and 1373 [95% eCI: 47, 5230] cases in the population by the time of first case detection, respectively. Outbreak detection can occur earlier by including non-syndromic subgroups, such as younger adults in the community, as more testing capacity becomes available.

Conclusions: A multi-layer approach that considers both the surveillance sensitivity and administrative constraints can help identify the optimal allocation of testing resources and thus inform COVID-19 surveillance strategies.
Making sense of it all: Ethical reflections on the conditions surrounding the first genome-edited babies
Authors: Chen Qi , Ma Yonghui , Schaefer G Owen , Xafis Vicki , Labude Markus , Mills Peter
Published: September 2020

In November 2018 the birth of the first genome-edited human beings was announced. The ensuing ethical controversy, institutional investigations and legal proceedings led to the revision of standards, rules and procedures at many levels. Arguably, however, these developments have not fundamentally changed the conditions or the culture that nourished He Jiankui’s vaulting ambition in the first place and enabled it to find expression. In this paper we explore the clinical, regulatory and societal circumstances of the ‘gene-edited baby’ case, the political, cultural and economic conditions that created a radical and dangerous climate for biotechnology innovation, and the responsibilities of the international research community, many of whose members were apprised of Dr He’s intentions. The aim is not to heap anathemas on the heads of implicated individuals but to draw attention to the need for different communities (researchers, authorities and domestic publics) actively to play a part in the governance of biomedical innovation and for research to be bridled by human values.
Sámi Manifest 15
Authors: Pawełko Mariola
Published: September 2020

The Sámi Manifest 15. Performance and the Collective Memory – on the Native Sámi Culture from the Perspective of Contemporary Nordic Artists and Activists

The article analyses the case of the Sámi Manifest 15 performance in Jåhkåmåhkke, Sweden, 2015. The main arguments in the performative action are related to cultural collective memory and cultural identity. In the field of performance, the native Sámi deal with postcolonial trauma, which affects them as descendants of a group that for centuries had been persecuted by the state. The Sámi Manifest 15 is also an appeal to return to a life style respecting the nature and the wisdom of the indigenous communities of the world.
A Fast Lax–Hopf Algorithm to Solve the Lighthill–Whitham–Richards Traffic Flow Model on Networks
Authors: Simoni Michele D. , Claudel Christian G.
Published: September 2020

Efficient and exact algorithms are important for performing fast and accurate traffic network simulations with macroscopic traffic models. In this paper, we extend the semianalytical Lax–Hopf algorithm in order to compute link inflows and outflows with the Lighthill–Whitham–Richards (LWR) model. Our proposed fast Lax–Hopf algorithm has a very low computational complexity. We demonstrate that some of the original algorithm’s operations (associated with the initial conditions) can be discarded, leading to a faster computation of boundary demands/supplies in network simulation problems for general concave fundamental diagrams (FDs). Moreover, the computational cost can be further reduced for triangular FDs and specific space–time discretizations. The resulting formulation has a performance comparable to the link transmission model and because it solves the original LWR model for a wide range of FD shapes, with any initial configuration, it is suitable to solve a broad range of traffic operations problems. As part of the analysis, we compare the performance of the proposed scheme with that of other well-known computational methods.
Nutritional management of patients during and after COVID-19 illness
Authors: Holdoway Anne
Published: September 2020

The impact of nutrition on recovery from various illnesses is well recognised. Malnutrition can affect duration of hospitalisation and impede recovery, and therefore it is important to monitor this condition, especially in at-risk groups, such as older adults and those with chronic disease. Underlying malnutrition impairs the immune system, potentially making people more vulnerable to infections such as COVID-19 and impacting recovery. Patients recovering from severe illness are likely to have muscle wasting or feel weak and may have increased protein needs. In addition individuals who have been discharged from hospital may need ongoing nutritional rehabilitation. This article explores the range of symptoms of COVID-19 that can interfere with dietary intake, such as respiratory issues, loss of taste and smell and fatigue and weakness. It goes on to describe how community nurses can identify risk of malnutrition and dietary issues when working remotely. Additionally, it signposts to a range of resources developed to assist patients and carers in accessing appropriate dietary advice.
The ‘new normal’: delivering childhood immunisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Heffernan Catherine
Published: September 2020

Maintaining good coverage of childhood immunisations is vital. Dr Catherine Heffernan explains how practices in the London region are delivering a safe service to families
Supporting women with the impact of COVID-19
Authors: Moffat Polly
Published: September 2020

New research shows that women have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and that female staff will require support to manage the consequences
Towards a feminist politics of desire: Caring, resisting, and becoming. Review of the book Feminism and vital politics of depression and recovery (Simone Fullagar, Wendy O’Brien & Adele Pavlidis, 2019)
Authors: Riera-Retamero Marina
Published: September 2020

.
Associations Among Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Patterns, Medication Use, and Behavioral Phenotype Features in a Community Sample of Rett Syndrome
Authors: Byiers Breanne J. , Payen Ameante , Feyma Timothy , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Ehrhardt Michael J. , Symons Frank J.
Published: September 2020

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from mutations of the MECP2 gene. Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and abnormal stress responses have been observed in animal models of RTT, but little is known about HPA axis function among individuals with RTT. Diurnal salivary cortisol patterns from 30 females with RTT were examined in relation to mutation type, medication use, and features of the RTT behavioral phenotype. Cortisol patterns were significantly related to mutation severity, anticonvulsant medication status, and bruxism (tooth grinding). This study provides preliminary support for the hypothesis that RTT may be at risk for outcomes associated with aberrant HPA axis function, and that this risk may be mediated by mutation type.
Diffuse optical tomography to measure functional changes during motor tasks: a motor imagery study
Authors: Hernandez-Martin Estefania , Marcano Francisco , Modroño Cristian , Janssen Niels , González-Mora Jose Luis
Published: September 2020

The present work shows the spatial reliability of the diffuse optical tomography (DOT) system in a group of healthy subjects during a motor imagery task. Prior to imagery task performance, the subjects executed a motor task based on the finger to thumb opposition for motor training, and to corroborate the DOT spatial localization during the motor execution. DOT technology and data treatment allows us to distinguish oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin at the cerebral gyri level unlike the cerebral activations provided by fMRI series that were processed using different approaches. Here we show the DOT reliability showing functional activations at the cerebral gyri level during motor execution and motor imagery, which provide subtler cerebral activations than the motor execution. These results will allow the use of the DOT system as a monitoring device in a brain computer interface.
TAPI-enabled SDN control for partially disaggregated multi-domain (OLS) and multi-layer (WDM over SDM) optical networks [Invited]
Authors: Manso C. , Muñoz R. , Yoshikane N. , Casellas R. , Vilalta R. , Martínez R. , Tsuritani T. , Morita I.
Published: September 2020

Network operators are facing a critical issue on their optical transport networks to deploy 5G

+

and Internet of Things services. They need to address the capacity increase by a factor of 10, while keeping a similar cost per user. Over the past years, network operators have been working on the optical disaggregated approach with great interest for achieving the required efficiency and cost reduction. In particular, partially disaggregated optical networks make it possible to decouple the transponders from the transport system (known as an open line system) that are provided by different vendors. On the other hand, space division multiplexing (SDM) has been proposed as the key technology to overcome the capacity crunch that the optical standard single-mode fibers are facing to support the forecasted

10
×

growth. Spatial core switching is gaining interest because it makes it possible to deploy SDM networks to bypass the overloaded wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks, by provisioning spatial media channels between WDM nodes. This paper presents, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental demonstration of transport-application-programming-interface-enabled software defined networking control architecture for partially disaggregated multi-domain and multi-layer (WDM over SDM) optical networks.
Multichannel mode-selective silicon photonic add/drop multiplexer with phase change material
Authors: Wei Yihui , Zhang Ming , Dai Daoxin
Published: September 2020

A multichannel mode-selective silicon photonic add/drop multiplexer is proposed by introducing asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs) assisted with phase change material (PCM) strips. Each ADC consists of a multimode bus waveguide and a single-mode access waveguide with a thin PCM strip on the top. For the present mode-selective add/drop multiplexer, the PCM of

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e

2

S
b

2

S
e

4

T
e

1

(GSST) is used, and the PCM-loaded access waveguide is designed optimally by engineering the effective index and the modal field profile. When the switching state of the add/drop multiplexer is OFF with crystal GSST, all the mode channels go through with very low excess losses. Otherwise, when it is ON, by switching the GSST-PCM strip to be amorphous, the desired TE mode channel can be selectively added to or dropped from the multimode bus waveguide, while the other mode channels still stay and propagate in the multimode bus waveguide. The simulated results show that the designed mode-selective silicon photonic add/drop multiplexer utilizing a single ADC has low excess losses of

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0.5

d
B

and low intermodal crosstalk of

<
−
15

d
B

over the C-band for all the mode channels. Furthermore, using the design with cascaded ADCs for each mode-selective add/drop switch, the crosstalk can be suppressed to

<
−
20

d
B

, and the excess losses are less than 1 dB over an 80 nm broad wavelength band from 1505 to 1585 nm.