bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in cerebral blood flow measurement using arterial spin labeling MRI between patients with moyamoya disease and patients with arteriosclerotic cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Ueda Yasuhiro , Tanaka Yoji , Hara Shoko , Inaji Motoki , Ishii Kenji , Maehara Taketoshi , Nariai Tadashi
Published: January 2022

Background

It is unclear whether the accuracy of arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the same between moyamoya disease (MMD), which is known to have markedly elevated cerebral blood volume (CBV), and atherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenosis (AS), which has relatively less elevated CBV.

Purpose

To investigate how the differences in hemodynamics affect measurement of ASL-cerebral blood flow (CBF) using ASL for patients with MMD and AS.

Material and Methods

Fourteen MMD and ten AS patients were evaluated with ASL-MRI, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and 15O-gas positron emission computed tomography (PET). The regional CBF values of ASL using two post-labeling delays (PLDs; 1525 ms and 2525 ms) were compared with the PET-derived CBF, CBV, and mean transit time (MTT). Corresponding anterior circulation results were evaluated by flow territory map-based analysis.

Results

The correlation between the ASL-CBF values (2525 ms) and PET-CBF declined in the MMD group (r = 0.28; P < 0.01), while the AS group showed good correlation (r = 0.77; P < 0.01). In the MMD group, the ASL-CBF values (2525 ms) overestimated the PET-CBF values as the regional CBV values increased (r = 0.35; P < 0.01). When the regions of interest were divided into two subgroups according to the degree of arterial stenosis by MRA, the correlation coefficient between the ASL-CBF (2525 ms) and PET-CBF values improved (mild stenosis: r = 0.36; P = 0.06; severe stenosis: r = 0.51; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The accuracy of CBF measurements using ASL-MRI differed between patients with MMD and AS. The prominent increase of CBV and the degree of arterial stenosis may have affected the accuracy of ASL-CBF in patients with MMD.
Is percutaneous gastrostomy tube insertion contraindicated in adult peritoneal dialysis patients? A single-centre experience of three successful cases: It is time to revisit
Authors: Alhwiesh Abdullah , Alayoobi Lamees , Aljenaidi Hend A , Alshehabi Khadija M , Abokaker Alghnimi Ibrahim , Alhwiesh Amani , Moaz Mohammed Abdelgalil , Saeed Abdul-Rahman Ibrahiem , AlHwiesh Reema
Published: January 2022

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement in adults who are already established on peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains challenging due to the limited experience and data in this area which lacks clear guidance. Given the fact that peritoneal dialysis is one of the relative contraindications for PEG tube insertion, and PEG tube on its own is a risk for peritonitis, how to overcome these obstacles and utilize the advantage of PEG tube for feeding malnourished PD patients remains uncertain. Here we report our unique successful experience of treating three adult peritoneal dialysis patients in whom the PEG tube was inserted successfully with no complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful case series in the literature for treating adult prevalent PD patients by PEG tube placement.
Green composites from natural fibers and biopolymers: A review on processing, properties, and applications
Authors: Islam Md Zahidul , Sarker Md Emdad , Rahman Md Mahbubor , Islam Md Reajul , Ahmed A T M Faiz , Mahmud Md Sultan , Syduzzaman Md
Published: January 2022

At present, environmental sustainability is a big concern due to the limited resources and the adverse impacts of petroleum-based materials. Green composites (GCs) attracted intensive research interest for the last few decades from academicians, scientists, researchers, and practitioners both from the ecological and economic point of view and are presently being considered as one of the most promising research domains. Composites produced from renewable and/or natural resources thanks to their biodegradability and sustainability properties are envisaged as the next-generation materials to meet the growing demand worldwide. GCs are intensively investigated due to their multifunctional properties and utilization in a wide variety of fields including automobile, marine, aerospace, structural and infrastructural applications, packaging, electronics industry, sports, and biomedical applications. They also show potentials to replace the expensive as well as non-degradable petroleum-based composites. After the shelf life, it can be disposed of easily without harming the environment. The processing techniques, properties, and applications of green composites are comprehensively assessed in this review article. The feasibility of the naturally available fiber and polymers for green composites are also discussed highlighting the existing challenges with possible suggestions. It was intended to present a full overview of biodegradable polymer composites reinforced with natural fiber, as well as the necessary future directions for the concerned researchers.
Beyond the Grands Chantiers: Mapping the Deliberative System of Transport Governance in Paris
Authors: Maaoui Magda , Ray Rosalie
Published: January 2022

Over the last twenty years, the greater Paris metropolitan region has seen a decline in vehicle trips per capita, and has invested in alternative modes. Understanding this transition requires looking beyond the formal planning process to the deliberative systems surrounding transportation in the city. Tim Marshall argues that those interested in participation, and even more so in the prospect of deliberation, should look to France and should broaden our vision beyond formal participation to the deliberative system. We take up Marshall’s call for deliberative systems research with a comparative analysis of two public deliberations around subway network extension and bus transit improvement, and use Sherry Arnstein’s ladder of participation as a set of evaluation criteria. Both involve engagement at multiple scales, and are embedded in ongoing deliberations that stretch beyond their formal consultation periods. We explore whether such deliberation led to a consensual, sustainable territorial project. We find that while the system as a whole ranks on the lower rungs of Arnstein’s ladder and does not reach its aspirational vision of inclusive community participation, moments where coalitions formed to shape the problem-solution nexus moved up the ladder from consultation to partnership, making the Paris system a good model to strengthen and replicate elsewhere.
“I’m a Million Times More Confident Now”: Body Dissatisfaction, Body Projects, and Self-Concept Repair
Authors: Mischke Kelsey
Published: January 2022

This research examines how feelings of body dissatisfaction arise, are experienced, and are managed over time. Analyzing female bodybuilders’ life histories, I find that negative reflected appraisals and social comparisons problematized aspects of each woman’s body during adolescence, generating body dissatisfaction and self-concept damage. Each responded by engaging in long-term body projects. These projects assuaged negative emotions and bolstered feelings of self-efficacy. By showing how body dissatisfaction develops, is managed, and shapes the unfolding of lives, this article contributes to our understanding of how the body is implicated in emotion work and how context limits possibilities for repairing damaged self-conceptions.
Characterization of cellulose nanofibril reinforced polybutylene succinate biocomposite
Authors: Saeed Usman , Taimoor Aqeel Ahmad , Rather Samiullah , Al- Zaitone Belal , Al-Turaif Hamad
Published: January 2022

The environment friendly cellulose nanofibrils obtained from natural cellulose presents unique opportunity for developing a sustainable end product. The beneficial characteristics of cellulose nanofibrils are biocompatibility, low toxicity, suitable surface chemistry and useful physical properties. In the current study, the polybutylene succinate (PBS) with five levels of cellulose nanofibril (NFC) is being developed by using twin extruder. The differential scanning calorimeter results demonstrate that the addition of NFC has insignificant effect on the thermal behavior but it improves the tensile mechanical properties of thermoplastic PBS. The tensile strength reaches upto 30.81 MPA and elastic modulus increases upto 1.5 GPa with the addition of 10% cellulose nanofibril in polybutylene succinate. The rheological analysis shows that the complex viscosity η* of NFC/PBS presents the shear thinning behavior. The decrease in contact angle upto 70.7o with the addition of NFC in PBS matrix is related to its hydrophilic behavior which is also proved by the higher diffusion coefficient. Dynamic mechanical analysis was employed to characterize storage modulus G’ which increased by 1470 MPa due to the rise in PBS stiffness when 10% NFC was added. Finally, the interaction of cellulose nanofibrils in the polybutylene succinate matrix is evaluated by using fracture surface and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Fitting to the UK COVID-19 outbreak, short-term forecasts and estimating the reproductive number
Authors: Keeling Matt J. , Dyson Louise , Guyver-Fletcher Glen , Holmes Alex , Semple Malcolm G ,   ISARIC4C Investigators, Tildesley Michael J. , Hill Edward M.
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the need for policy makers to receive timely and ongoing scientific guidance in response to this recently emerged human infectious disease. Fitting mathematical models of infectious disease transmission to the available epidemiological data provide a key statistical tool for understanding the many quantities of interest that are not explicit in the underlying epidemiological data streams. Of these, the effective reproduction number, [Formula: see text], has taken on special significance in terms of the general understanding of whether the epidemic is under control ([Formula: see text]). Unfortunately, none of the epidemiological data streams are designed for modelling, hence assimilating information from multiple (often changing) sources of data is a major challenge that is particularly stark in novel disease outbreaks. Here, focusing on the dynamics of the first wave (March–June 2020), we present in some detail the inference scheme employed for calibrating the Warwick COVID-19 model to the available public health data streams, which span hospitalisations, critical care occupancy, mortality and serological testing. We then perform computational simulations, making use of the acquired parameter posterior distributions, to assess how the accuracy of short-term predictions varied over the time course of the outbreak. To conclude, we compare how refinements to data streams and model structure impact estimates of epidemiological measures, including the estimated growth rate and daily incidence.
Athlete activism and the role of personal and professional positionality: The case of Naomi Osaka
Authors: Leppard Tom R
Published: January 2022

In this article I argue that athlete activists' personal and professional positionality influence their activism. Researchers document the powerful impact that athlete activists wield in effecting social change – especially during the civil rights movement. However, the extant literature does not consider the important points of sameness or difference that activists’ personal and professional positionality afford them. Athlete activists are not homogenous. Using content analysis, this article examines how Naomi Osaka's leverages her positionality to generate points of sameness and difference with multiple groups. The findings demonstrate that athletes’ personal racial identities greatly influence their decision to become an activist and the issues they speak to. Further, their professional positionality is embedded in a history of former activists, current activists, and the racial structure of their sport. I conclude that Osaka is greatly influenced by the points of sameness and difference afforded to her by her multiple personal and professional identities.
Necrotizing leg gangrene from invasive cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, reversed by pegylated liposomal doxorubicin
Authors: Goff Catherine B. , Stapleton Ann , Aboulafia David M. , Dasanu Constantin A.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Although rare, Kaposi sarcoma is the most common malignant neoplasm associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several agents have now been approved in the treatment of this malignancy and are used with varying degrees of success.

Case report

We present a unique case of a 64-year-old man with well-controlled HIV infection who developed necrotizing leg gangrene from invasive cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma. He responded very well to systemic chemotherapy, thereby avoiding limb amputation.

Management and outcome

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) at a dose of 20 mg/m2 every 3 weeks was utilized, with a near-complete response after six cycles of therapy. The patient continues to receive maintenance treatment with PLD. His HIV infection remains in excellent control, with a high-normal CD4 T-cell count. Periodic echocardiogram evaluations have not shown any decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) over time.

Conclusion

Most patients with Kaposi sarcoma achieve partial responses to treatment with PLD. Our case illustrates that near complete and complete responses are possible with this agent, leading to potential limb salvage in necrotizing gangrene.
Lichen planopilaris-like eruption in chronic myeloid leukemia patient during treatment with nilotinib as second-line therapy
Authors: Gardellini Angelo , Guidotti Francesca , Zancanella Michelle , Maino Elena , Steffanoni Sara , Turrini Mauro
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant clonal disorder of hematopoietic stem cells characterized by a translocation of genetic material between chromosomes 9 and 22 resulting in the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene expression. Nilotinib is a potent second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor available as first line treatment. Among side effects QTc interval prolongation, pancreatitis, metabolic disorders and skin reactions are the most commonly seen.

Case Report

Here we describe a rare case of lichen planopilaris eruption that developed during therapy with nilotinib.

Management & Outcome

Nilotinib dosage was reduced together with introduction of hydroxychloroquine with progressive improvement of alopecia.

Discussion

Collaboration with dermatologist and nilotinib dose reduction allowed to continue the drug maintaining major molecular response and patient's quality of life.
Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia among breast Cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital: Risk and consequences
Authors: Joseph Anu , Joshua Julie Mariam , Mathews Santhosh M
Published: January 2022

Study objective

To identify the risk factors that may predispose breast cancer patients to Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) and its associated complications for the years 2018 and 2020. CIN is an established complication of breast cancer treatment. Clinical Pharmacists can play an important role in the treatment of CIN through involvement in risk assessment to identify patients for oral antimicrobial therapy, drug therapy monitoring, and development of suitable guidelines or policies.

Methodology

A retrospective study was performed by collecting data of 72 breast cancer patients for the last two years from department of Medical Oncology in a tertiary care hospital.

Results

The overall occurrence of CIN was 59.7% in our study population. Out of 72 patients studied, 43 patients were found to be neutropenic. Using Pearson Chi square test, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia was associated with older age (over 60 y) ( p < 0.038), diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.050), tumour stage IIIa ( p < 0.024), AC ( p < 0.051) and taxane chemotherapy regimens ( p < 0.041). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 37.28% of patients and the incidence of infection-related mortality [severe septicaemia] was 3.38%.

Conclusion

The incorporation of clinical pharmacist must be brought into practice in our country for providing proper guidance to the patient on CIN and its complications. By identifying risk factors for neutropenia, the safe management of CIN may be possible in patients with breast cancer.
Rethinking police procedural justice
Authors: Schaap Dorian , Saarikkomäki Elsa
Published: January 2022

While procedural justice theory has become the dominant paradigm in thinking about police legitimacy, it has several important weaknesses. First, procedural justice's conceptually essential distinction between ‘process’ and ‘outcome’ is blurred in reality, which is visible both in empirical operationalizations and in researchers’ understanding of police work. Second, procedural justice theory views society through an implicit consensus lens, making it poorly equipped to address police–citizen conflicts and structural societal inequalities. This is evident in the theory's inability to unpack the dynamics of police–citizen interactions and its reluctance to problematize the police role in contemporary plural societies. To advance our understanding of police legitimacy and police–citizen relations, particularly among marginalized groups, we strongly recommend working toward theoretical renewal and empirical diversification.
Bargaining with criminals: The morality of witness collaboration in Mexico's “war on drugs”
Authors: Espindola Juan
Published: January 2022

Public authorities take considerable and oftentimes controversial steps in their efforts to dismantle criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and related crimes in Mexico. Among other things, they recruit offenders who abandon their criminal organization and strike a deal with law enforcement agents and prosecutors to share information about their co-perpetrators in exchange for leniency in sentencing as well as of protection from retaliation. This article explores whether the deployment of collaborators is morally permissible in view of the significant risks it exposes them to, most notably retaliatory aggressions. The article examines the underlying philosophical problem regarding the justifiability of deploying collaborators in the social and political circumstances prevailing in the country. The normative framework I advance to explore the Mexican case can be useful in examining the ethical implications of using collaborating witnesses elsewhere.
Maximum approximate likelihood estimation of general continuous-time state-space models
Authors: Mews Sina , Langrock Roland , Ötting Marius , Yaqine Houda , Reinecke Jost
Published: January 2022

Continuous-time state-space models (SSMs) are flexible tools for analysing irregularly sampled sequential observations that are driven by an underlying state process. Corresponding applications typically involve restrictive assumptions concerning linearity and Gaussianity to facilitate inference on the model parameters via the Kalman filter. In this contribution, we provide a general continuous-time SSM framework, allowing both the observation and the state process to be non-linear and non-Gaussian. Statistical inference is carried out by maximum approximate likelihood estimation, where multiple numerical integration within the likelihood evaluation is performed via a fine discretization of the state process. The corresponding reframing of the SSM as a continuous-time hidden Markov model, with structured state transitions, enables us to apply the associated efficient algorithms for parameter estimation and state decoding. We illustrate the modelling approach in a case study using data from a longitudinal study on delinquent behaviour of adolescents in Germany, revealing temporal persistence in the deviation of an individual's delinquency level from the population mean.
Comparison of microstructure and tensile behavior of hydroxyapatite-coated PEEK meshes and cellulose-based fabrics and mats
Authors: Naderi Armaghan , Palardy Genevieve
Published: January 2022

Polymeric biomaterials, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and cellulose, have been explored as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering in the past decade. In this study, microstructure and mechanical behavior of uncoated and hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated polymeric meshes, fabrics, and mats were investigated. Commercially available monofilament PEEK meshes, and cellulose fabrics and mats were selected, then coated with a customized low temperature sol–gel method (≤ 150°C). Adhesive HA coating consisting of HA, β-TCP, and CaO with nanorod structure was derived. After HA coating, porosity of substrates (except filter-paper cellulose mats) decreased by up to 43%, indicating effective coating. Both uncoated and HA-coated substrates’ degradation rate in phosphate-buffered saline decreased after day 3. This is a result of ion precipitation or calcium compounds formation, indicating potential stability in biofluids for an extended period of time. Regarding tensile test results, highest tensile strength and elongation at break were obtained for PEEK meshes (approximately 80 MPa and 35%, respectively), as a result of the bulk material properties. HA coating did not significantly affect the tensile properties of the specimens, except for cellulose mats with an initial porosity of 77% (tensile modulus increased by 270% and strength by 210%). The increase in tensile properties could be attributed to increased rigidity, resulting from the adhesion between HA coating and cellulose fibers. Overall, HA-coated cellulose mats and PEEK meshes show promise as customizable, flexible scaffolds for implant applications and bone regeneration for future work.
“Part of Something Larger than Myself”: Lessons Learned From a Multidisciplinary, Multicultural, and Multilingual International Research Team of Academic Women
Authors: Brown Kristina S. , Farwell Tricia M. , Bender Sara , Martinez-Suarez Alpha A. , Boutelier Stefani , Lambrechts Agata A. , Leonowicz-Bukała Iwona , Larasatie Pipiet
Published: January 2022

Bringing our collective experiences of past collaborations through a virtual connection, we created an international research team of 16 multidiscipline, multicultural, and multilingual academic women called “COVID GAP” (Gendered Academic Productivity) to explore the ongoing challenges and effects of COVID-19. Identifying as insider researchers, we engaged in a two-phase, primarily qualitative research project to better understand the lived experiences of academics during the pandemic. Our past individual experiences with cooperative research informed our roles and responsibilities and how we organized and communicated. This article is a reflection of how COVID GAP has refined our collaborative process in response to an evolving comprehension of our own lessons learned including understanding the nature of cooperative research and that it takes time and effort. From our experience, we provide specific recommendations for group collaborations emphasizing the need to identify a team coordinator to organize efforts, the establishment of a safe and equitable working environment for all involved, and the explicit attention to building a network for research partnerships.
Cost Analysis of Providing Overtime to Current Nurses Versus Hiring a Dedicated Nurse for COVID-19 Management in a Processing Plant
Authors: Naylor Jennifer , Gillespie Gordon Lee , Betcher Cynthia , Orr C. Edward
Published: January 2022

Background:

U.S. meat and poultry processing workers experienced a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 illness following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing prevention and surveillance activities for COVID-19 prevention required additional work for occupational health nurses. The purpose of this project was to conduct a cost analysis for two staffing options to address the increased workload for occupational health nurses.

Methods:

An economic quality improvement design was used for this study. The project was performed at a meat and poultry processing plant with 1,800 employees and six occupational health nurses. Two staffing options were considered. Option 1 was to continue to pay current occupational health nurses overtime, and Option 2 was to hire a COVID-dedicated nurse to manage the increased workload. A cost analysis was conducted for wages per hour plus benefits at three time points: 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years.

Findings:

Costs for Option 1 (continuing overtime) at 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years were estimated at US$27,370, US$109,517, and US$328,550, respectively. Costs for Option 2 (hiring a COVID-dedicated nurse) at 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years were estimated at US$44,279, US$94,979, and US$230,179, respectively.

Conclusions/Application to Practice:

Hiring a dedicated COVID nurse would save the processing plant extensive salary costs by Year 3. Reducing overtime had the potential to decrease the COVID-19-related workload and potential experiences of fatigue and burnout in occupational health nurses.
Technology and Socio-Economic Development in India
Authors: Easwaran Sunanda
Published: January 2022

The role of technology in business and society has grown at an accelerated pace in both developed and developing markets in the recent past. This has led to the study and use of digital technologies in a variety of fields, ranging from industry, finance and government policies to education, healthcare and social communication. Many authors have examined the link between new technologies and society in the context of what is referred to as the ‘digital divide’ between rich and poor countries. It has been postulated frequently that productivity effects of technology are moderated by country factors, and increased affordability and accessibility of technology has been instrumental in socio-economic growth across social classes, regions and economies. Education and healthcare play a critical role in socio-economic development. With special emphasis on India, this article examines how innovative technology at various levels of complexity influences societal growth, through its contribution to education and healthcare, in emerging economies. The need for and contribution of different players such as the private sector, NGOs and the government in the past few decades in India has also been discussed with emphasis on these two major contributors to development. With support of some examples of innovative entrepreneurial effort, the article discusses the efforts such as extension of use of digital technology to lower socio-economic strata and its impact on education and healthcare.
NGA-Sub source and path database
Authors: Contreras Victor , Stewart Jonathan P , Kishida Tadahiro , Darragh Robert B , Chiou Brian SJ , Mazzoni Silvia , Youngs Robert R , Kuehn Nicolas M , Ahdi Sean K , Wooddell Katie , Boroschek Rubén , Rojas Fabián , Órdenes Jennyfer
Published: January 2022

We describe source and path attributes of the Next Generation of Ground-Motion Attenuation for Subduction zones (NGA-Sub) project relational database. The database contains 991 earthquakes between 1937 and 2016 that meet quality assurance standards and have assigned event types (mostly interface or intraslab). Data curation emphasized large magnitudes: 73% of events have M > 5 and 13 events have M > 8. Event attributes in the database can be broadly divided into those related to the moment tensor, those related to rupture surface geometry (referred to as finite-fault parameters), and categorizations by type (e.g. interface, intraslab) and sequence classification (mainshock, aftershock). Earthquake information and moment tensor parameters compiled from earthquake catalogs include event date and origin time, hypocenter location, seismic moment, and the strike, dip, and rake angles of nodal planes. Finite-fault parameters include along-strike length, down-dip width, and depth to top-of-rupture for one or more rectangles used to parameterize rupture surface geometry. These are modified from models in literature where available, and otherwise are simulated using procedures customized for subduction earthquakes. Rupture distance and other metrics are computed using finite-fault representations of sources, and (as applicable) are partitioned into forearc and backarc components. Forearc and backarc regions are defined based on volcano locations, and are assigned to events and sites.
Monthly migraine days, tablet utilization, and quality of life associated with Rimegepant – post hoc results from an open label safety study (BHV3000–201)
Authors: Johnston Karissa , Harris Linda , Powell Lauren , Popoff Evan , Coric Vladimir , L’Italien Gilbert , Schreiber Curtis P.
Published: January 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to describe patterns in monthly migraine days (MMD) and tablet utilization, and to estimate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in patients treated as needed (PRN) with rimegepant 75 mg over 52-weeks.

Methods

Eligible subjects were adults with ≥1 year history of migraine and ≥ 6 MMD at baseline, who used rimegepant 75 mg up to once daily PRN (at their discretion) for up to 52-weeks in an open-label safety study (BHV3000–201; NCT03266588). Mean MMD were calculated at each 4-week period, along with mean monthly tablets taken. Migraine-specific quality of life (MSQv2) data were mapped to EQ-5D utilities and used to characterize HRQoL over time. A published network meta-analysis was used to characterize pain hours as well as time periods spent migraine free.

Results

One thousand forty four subjects were included in this post-hoc analysis. Overall mean MMD were 10.9 at baseline and decreased to 8.9 by week 52. Tablet use remained stable over the follow-up period. A total of 0.08 incremental QALYs were associated with rimegepant use.

Conclusion

For subjects with 6 or more MMD, acute treatment of migraine attacks with rimegepant 75 mg on a PRN basis over one-year of follow-up was found to be associated with reduced MMD frequency without an increase in monthly tablet utilization, and improved HRQoL. There was no evidence of medication-related increases in MMDs when rimegepant 75 mg was used as needed for the acute treatment of migraine over 52-weeks.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03266588.
A truncated nuclear norm and graph-Laplacian regularized low-rank representation method for tumor clustering and gene selection
Authors: Liu Qi
Published: January 2022

Background

Clustering and feature selection act major roles in many communities. As a matrix factorization, Low-Rank Representation (LRR) has attracted lots of attentions in clustering and feature selection, but sometimes its performance is frustrated when the data samples are insufficient or contain a lot of noise.

Results

To address this drawback, a novel LRR model named TGLRR is proposed by integrating the truncated nuclear norm with graph-Laplacian. Different from the nuclear norm minimizing all singular values, the truncated nuclear norm only minimizes some smallest singular values, which can dispel the harm of shrinkage of the leading singular values. Finally, an efficient algorithm based on Linearized Alternating Direction with Adaptive Penalty is applied to resolving the optimization problem.

Conclusions

The results show that the TGLRR method exceeds the existing state-of-the-art methods in aspect of tumor clustering and gene selection on integrated gene expression data.
First analyses of lysine succinylation proteome and overlap between succinylation and acetylation in Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Ye Jingwen , Li Jun
Published: January 2022

Background

Lysine succinylation (Ksu) exists in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and influences a variety of metabolism processes. However, little attention has been paid to Ksu in insects, especially the notorious invasive pest Solenopsis invicta.

Results

In this study, the first analyses of Ksu proteome and overlap between Ksu and lysine acetylation (Kac) in S. invicta were presented. 3753 succinylated sites in 893 succinylated proteins were tested. The dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, V-type proton ATPase subunit G, and tubulin alpha chain all had evolutionary conservatism among diverse ant or bee species. Immunoblotting validation showed that there were many Ksu protein bands with a wide range of molecular mass. In addition, 1230 sites in 439 proteins were highly overlapped between Ksu and Kac. 54.05% of Ksu proteins in cytoplasm were acetylated. The results demonstrated that Ksu may play a vital part in the allergization, redox metabolism, sugar, fat, and protein metabolism, energy production, immune response, and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites.

Conclusions

Ksu and Kac were two ubiquitous protein post-translational modifications participated in a variety of biological processes. Our results may supply rich resources and a starting point for the molecular basic research of regulation on metabolic pathways and other biological processes by succinylation and acetylation.
Diagnosis of schizophrenia with functional connectome data: a graph-based convolutional neural network approach
Authors: Oh Kang-Han , Oh Il-Seok , Tsogt Uyanga , Shen Jie , Kim Woo-Sung , Liu Congcong , Kang Nam-In , Lee Keon-Hak , Sui Jing , Kim Sung-Wan , Chung Young-Chul
Published: January 2022

Previous deep learning methods have not captured graph or network representations of brain structural or functional connectome data. To address this, we developed the BrainNet-Global Covariance Pooling-Attention Convolutional Neural Network (BrainNet-GA CNN) by incorporating BrainNetCNN and global covariance pooling into the self-attention mechanism. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from 171 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and 161 healthy controls (HCs). We conducted an ablation analysis of the proposed BrainNet-GA CNN and quantitative performance comparisons with competing methods using the nested tenfold cross validation strategy. The performance of our model was compared with competing methods. Discriminative connections were visualized using the gradient-based explanation method and compared with the results obtained using functional connectivity analysis. The BrainNet-GA CNN showed an accuracy of 83.13%, outperforming other competing methods. Among the top 10 discriminative connections, some were associated with the default mode network and auditory network. Interestingly, these regions were also significant in the functional connectivity analysis. Our findings suggest that the proposed BrainNet-GA CNN can classify patients with SSDs and HCs with higher accuracy than other models. Visualization of salient regions provides important clinical information. These results highlight the potential use of the BrainNet-GA CNN in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Benefits of applying virtual reality in pelvic movement training through a Wii Fit: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Hui-Ting , Tsai Hsin-Jen , Li Yen-I , Hu Wen-Pin
Published: January 2022

Background

Pelvic movement training has become compulsory for part of medical students. An increasing amount of research has focused on the influence of virtual reality (VR) on learning effectiveness. However, its application to pelvic floor muscles or pelvic movement training is still in its infancy. We compared the effectiveness of conventional pelvic movement training with or without VR-assisted pelvic movement training for student learning.

Methods

We recruited 44 university students (16 male and 28 female participants; average age = 19.7 ± 0.31 years) who had not previously received pelvic movement education or training. The participants were randomly assigned into traditional and experimental groups to acquire pelvic movements and relevant knowledge. The traditional group received conventional classes (about 15 min), whereas the experimental group received both conventional classes and VR-assisted teaching (additional VR session took approximately 25-45 min depending on the speed of movement of each participant). The participants were asked to control the trajectory of the centre of pressure on the Wii Fit balance board and build-in games to learn pelvic movements. We conducted evaluations before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after the experiment, based on the scores of written and practical examinations. The experimental group was also asked to complete a questionnaire during the posttest.

Results

We carried out two-way repeated measures ANOVA and discovered that the written examination scores indicated a significant Time × Group interaction (p=0.015). In each group, the written and practical examinations in the posttest and follow-up test exhibited significantly improved results compared with the baseline value (p<0.001, except for traditional group of written exam in follow up test vs. baselinep=0.001). The written examination in the follow-up test did not decline significantly compared with those in the posttest, but the practical examination in the follow-up test was decline significantly compared with those in the posttest (p=0.033). The experimental group had superior overall performance in the practical examinations than the traditional group (experimental group: mean = 76.27, 95% confidence level [CI] = 70.84–81.71; traditional group: mean = 64.21, 95% CI = 58.78–69.65). No significant difference in the written examination between two groups. The percentage for agreement ratio on the usefulness, ease of use, users’ intention to continue using the VR-assisted teaching is high (95.5-100%).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggested that conventional and conventional + VR teaching were both effective. However, the incorporation of VR stimulated learning motivation and facilitated precise performance of pelvic movements. It is recommended that pelvic floor muscles training could be supplemented with VR or games to increase students’ motivation and understanding how to perform pelvic movements.
The effect of medical material management system app on nursing workload and stress
Authors: Chen Yi-Tsao , Chiu Yi-Cheng , Teng Meng-Lan , Liao Pei-Hung
Published: January 2022

Aims

To develop a clinical medical material management App for nurses, in order to reduce their workload and improve the efficacy of medical material management.

Design

The single-group pre- and post-test experimental design was adopted.

Methods

The subjects were nurses in the intensive care units of a regional hospital in Hsinchu City enrolled by purposive sampling. Single-group pre-tests and post-tests were conducted. The research period was from November 2019 to March 2020. The workload, stress, and information acceptance of 57 nurses before and after the intervention of the Medical Equipment App were collected. The research tools included a structured questionnaire, which includes open questions that cover the aspects of workload, stress, and information acceptance intention of nurses, as well as a demographic questionnaire, which collects the basic personal data, including gender, age, years of service, educational level, nursing ability level, use ability of IT products, and unit type. The results were analyzed and compared using SPSS, APP Inventor, and data mining modeling to determine the effects of the App.

Results

After employing the Shift Check App, the average workload of nurses was effectively reduced, in particular, the workload reduction of the N1 level nursing ability was greater than that of N2. In addition to satisfaction, the scores of information acceptance intention in all aspects, including behavioral intention, technology use intention, and contributing factors, all increased.

Conclusion

The use of information technology products to assist medical material management in clinical practice has a significant effect on the load reduction of nurses and improvement of satisfaction.

Clinical relevance

The App developed in this study can improve nurses’ work satisfaction, quality of care and workload reduction.
Explaing users’ technology acceptance through national cultural values in the hospital context
Authors: Metallo C. , Agrifoglio R. , Lepore L. , Landriani L.
Published: January 2022

Background

Current research demonstrates that health information technology can improve the efficiency and quality of health services. However, many implementation projects have failed due to behavioural problems associated with technology usages, such as underuse, resistance, sabotage, and even rejection by potential users. Therefore, user acceptance was one of the main factors contributing to the success of health information technology implementation. However, research suggests that behavioural models do not universally hold across cultures.

The present article considers national cultural values (power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and time orientation) as individual difference variables that affect user behaviour and incorporates them into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as moderators of technology acceptance relationships. Therefore, this research analyses which national cultural values affect technology acceptance behaviour in hospitals.

Methods

The authors develop and test seven hypotheses regarding this relationship using the partial least squares (PLS) technique, a structural equation modelling method. The authors collected data from 160 questionnaires completed by clinicians and non-clinicians working in one hospital.

Results

The findings show that uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, and time orientation are the national cultural values that affect technology acceptance in hospitals. In particular, individuals with masculine cultural values, higher uncertainty avoidance, and a long-term orientation influence behavioural intention to use technology.

Conclusion

The bureaucratic model still decisively characterises the Italian health sector and consequently affects the choices of firms and workers, including the choice of technology adoption. Cultural values of masculinity, risk aversion, and long-term orientation affect intention to use through social norms rather than through perceived utility.
CircNFIB inhibits tumor growth and metastasis through suppressing MEK1/ERK signaling in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Du Jinpeng , Lan Tian , Liao Haotian , Feng Xuping , Chen Xing , Liao Wenwei , Hou Guimin , Xu Lin , Feng Qingbo , Xie Kunlin , Liao Mingheng , Chen Xiangzheng , Huang Jiwei , Yuan Kefei , Zeng Yong
Published: January 2022

Background

Considerable evidence shows that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in tumor development. However, their function in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) metastasis and the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood.

Methods

circNFIB (hsa_circ_0086376, termed as cNFIB hereafter) was identified in human ICC tissues through circRNAs sequencing. The biological role of cNFIB was determined in vitro and in vivo by gain or loss of functional experiments. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays were conducted to analyze the interaction of cNFIB with dual specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase1 (MEK1). Duolink in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) and coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay were used to investigate the effects of cNFIB on the interaction between MEK1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (ERK2). Finally, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to explore the influences of cNFIB on the anti-tumor activity of trametinib (a MEK inhibitor).

Results

cNFIB was significantly down-regulated in human ICC tissues with postoperative metastases. The loss of cNFIB was highly associated with aggressive characteristics and predicted unfavorable prognosis in ICC patients. Functional studies revealed that cNFIB inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of ICC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, cNFIB competitively interacted with MEK1, which induced the dissociation between MEK1 and ERK2, thereby resulting in the suppression of ERK signaling and tumor metastasis. Moreover, we found that ICC cells with high levels of cNFIB held the potential to delay the trametinib resistance. Consistently, in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that cotreatment with trametinib and lentivirus vector encoding cNFIB showed greater inhibitory effect than isolated trametinib treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings identified that cNFIB played a key role in ICC growth and metastasis by regulating MEK1/ERK signaling. Given the efficacy of cNFIB modulation on ICC suppression and trametinib sensitivity, cNFIB appears to be a potential therapeutic molecule for ICC treatment.
Medical students from German-speaking countries on abroad electives in Africa: destinations, motivations, trends and ethical dilemmas
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas , Lederer Ann-Kathrin , Heymann Eric Pieter
Published: January 2022

Background

International medical electives are one the highlights of medical training. Literature about international electives is scarce, and understanding what made a student choose one destination over another is unclear. Many medical students based in Europe travel to Africa each year for their elective, however, students’ expectations and motivations are yet largely unexplored.

Methods

To gain insights into the factors driving students to travel to Africa, we analyzed two large international elective databases based in Germany. We reviewed elective testimonies and extrapolated geographical data as well as the choice of discipline for electives completed in Africa. Based on pre-defined categories, we also investigated students’ motivations and expectations.

Results

We identified approximately 300 elective reports from medical students from German-speaking countries who chose to travel to Africa for their elective. Students commonly reported destinations in Southern and East Africa, with the Republic of South Africa and Tanzania being the most frequently selected destinations. Surgical disciplines were the most commonly reported choice. Diverse motivations were identified, including the desire to improve knowledge and clinical examination skills. A large proportion of students reported a link between destination choice and the potential to partake in surgical procedures not feasible at home; whether these surgeries were not or no longer practiced at home, or whether students could not partake due to level of training, was not ascertainable from the data. A trend-analysis revealed a growing interest in travelling to Africa for electives within the last 15 years. We observed a sharp decline in reports in 2020, a phenomenon most likely related to SARS-CoV-2-related travel restrictions.

Conclusions

This study suggests that medical electives in Africa are commonly reported by medical students from German-speaking countries, with diverse motivations for the choice of destination. A non-neglectable proportion of students identified the possibility to engage in surgical procedures as one of the main reasons for choosing Africa. This poses a series of ethical dilemmas, and well-structured pre-departure trainings may be a solution to this. The recent dip in overseas electives should be seen as a unique opportunity for medical schools and universities to restructure their international elective programs.