bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to build and maintain competence in pain management: Insights from a SIAARTI survey on educational needs among Italian anesthesiologists
Authors: Vittori Alessandro , Cascella Marco , Petrucci Emiliano , Cortegiani Andrea , Bignami Elena Giovanna , Innamorato Massimo Antonio , Cuomo Arturo , Torrano Vito , Petrini Flavia , Giarratano Antonino , Natoli Silvia , Marinangeli Franco
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Fulfilling educational needs in pain management should be a lifelong process, even involving physicians board certified in pain medicine such as the anesthesiologists/pain therapists. The aim of the study was to investigate Italian anesthesiologists' self‐perceived competency, confidence, and interest to attend educational programs in relation to their seniority in pain management.

Methods

SIAARTI members were sent an online questionnaire addressing the following items: education, skills (both soft and hard skills), technical expertise and engaged to participate between December 2020 and January 2021. Participants rated their competence based on the following range (no knowledge, knowledge, competence) while their agreement to attend educational courses was assessed using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale.

Results

Less than one in four participants declare to be dedicated to pain medicine activity with greater proportion among older (over 61 years) compared to younger ones (31–40 years). Regarding cancer and chronic noncancer pain a positive gradient of self‐perceived competence has been observed in relation to seniority. In contrast, no gradient of self‐perceived competence was reported about musculoskeletal and low back pain. Participants self‐perceived competent in both opioid use and prevention of opioid‐related adverse event while feeling less competent when managing drugs with abuse potential. The lowest competence has been observed in pediatric pain along with the lowest interest to attend educational courses. Participants were much and very much interested to education regarding cancer, noncancer, musculoskeletal, and low back pain, invasive analgesic procedures but less regarding items for which they declared less competence, such as use of pain scales, pain management in children, and use of drugs with abuse potential.

Conclusion

This work provides first evidence of a summative assessment of competency and related educational needs' profile of anesthesiologists/pain therapists thus paving the way for developing a nationwide educational program to improve chronic pain care in Italy.
ABA‐triggered ROS burst in rice developing anthers is critical for tapetal programmed cell death induction and heat stress‐induced pollen abortion
Authors: Zhao Qian , Guan Xianyue , Zhou Lujian , Asad Muhammad‐Asad‐Ullah , Xu Yanqiu , Pan Gang , Cheng Fangmin
Published: January 2023

High temperatures (HT) cause pollen abortion and poor floret fertility in rice, which is closely associated with excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the developing anthers. However, the relationships between accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and ROS, and their effects on tapetum‐specific programmed cell death (PCD) in HT‐stressed anthers are poorly characterised. Here, we determined the spatiotemporal changes in ABA and ROS levels, and their relationships with tapetal PCD under HT exposure. Mutants lacking ABA‐activated protein kinase 2 (SAPK2) functions and exogenous ABA treatments were used to explore the effects of ABA signalling on the induction of PCD and ROS accumulation during pollen development. HT‐induced pollen abortion was tightly associated with ABA accumulation and oxidative stress. The higher ABA level in HT‐stressed anthers resulted in the earlier initiation of PCD induction and subsequently abnormal tapetum degeneration by activating ROS accumulation in developing anthers. Interactions between SAPK2 and DEAD‐box ATP‐dependent RNA helicase elF4A‐1 (RH4) were required for ABA‐induced ROS generation in developing anthers. The OsSAPK2 knockout mutants showed the impaired PCD responses in the absence of HT. However, the deficiency of SAPK2 functions did not suppress the ABA‐mediated ROS generation in HT‐stressed anthers.
Structural and Functional Analysis of a Prokaryotic (6‐4) Photolyase from the Aquatic Pathogen Vibrio Cholerae†
Authors: Emmerich Hans‐Joachim , Schneider Leonie , Essen Lars‐Oliver
Published: January 2023

Photolyases are flavoproteins, which are able to repair UV‐induced DNA lesions in a light‐dependent manner. According to their substrate, they can be distinguished as CPD‐ and (6‐4) photolyases. While CPD‐photolyases repair the predominantly occurring cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer lesion, (6‐4) photolyases catalyze the repair of the less prominent (6‐4) photoproduct. The subgroup of prokaryotic (6‐4) photolyases/FeS‐BCP is one of the most ancient types of flavoproteins in the ubiquitously occurring photolyase & cryptochrome superfamily (PCSf). In contrast to canonical photolyases, prokaryotic (6‐4) photolyases possess a few particular characteristics, including a lumazine derivative as antenna chromophore besides the catalytically essential flavin adenine dinucleotide as well as an elongated linker region between the N‐terminal α/β‐domain and the C‐terminal all‐α‐helical domain. Furthermore, they can harbor an additional short subdomain, located at the C‐terminus, with a binding site for a [4Fe‐4S] cluster. So far, two crystal structures of prokaryotic (6‐4) photolyases have been reported. Within this study, we present the high‐resolution structure of the prokaryotic (6‐4) photolyase from Vibrio cholerae and its spectroscopic characterization in terms of in vitro photoreduction and DNA‐repair activity.
A whole‐slide imaging based workflow reduces the reading time of pathologists
Authors: Baidoshvili Alexi , Khacheishvili Mariam , van der Laak Jeroen A. W. M. , van Diest Paul J.
Published: January 2023

Even though entirely digitized microscopic tissue sections (whole slide images, WSIs) are increasingly being used in histopathology diagnostics, little data is still available on the effect of this technique on pathologists' reading time. This study aimed to compare the time required to perform the microscopic assessment by pathologists between a conventional workflow (an optical microscope) and digitized WSIs. WSI was used in primary diagnostics at the Laboratory for Pathology Eastern Netherlands for several years (LabPON, Hengelo, The Netherlands). Cases were read either in a traditional workflow, with the pathologist recording the time required for diagnostics and reporting, or entirely digitally. Reading times were extracted from image management system log files, and the digitized workflow was fully integrated into the laboratory information system. The digital workflow saved time in the majority of case categories, with prostate biopsies saving the most (68% time gain). Taking into account case distribution, the digital workflow produced an average gain of 12.3%. Using WSI instead of conventional microscopy significantly reduces pathologists' reading times. Pathologists must work in a fully integrated environment to fully reap the benefits of a digital workflow.
Need for Standardized Measure of Modern Method Availability: Assessment of Indicators Using Health Facility Data from Three Country Contexts
Authors: Barden‐O'Fallon Janine , Ijdi Rashida‐E
Published: January 2023

The concept of contraceptive method choice is complex and difficult to measure, usually requiring multiple metrics that represent the service environment, access, and acceptability. One of the most used measures for the family planning service delivery environment is method availability, or specifically, the contraceptive options that are available to clients at any given family planning service delivery point. Despite the importance of the measure, indicator definitions vary widely and are not standardized. We identified six versions of the method availability indicator and calculated each version using Service Provision Assessment data from three countries with varying family planning profiles, health service structures, and from different geographic areas: Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Haiti. We compared method availability estimates by urban/rural location, facility type, and across country context. Our results showed a wide variability in method availability estimates depending on the indicator used. Generally, indicators requiring a particular mix of method types had lower estimates of method availability than indicators only requiring a minimum number of methods. Results are discussed and recommendations are made to standardize indicator language and guidance. We further recommend the standardization of an indicator with a minimum mix of method types to ensure that a variety of method preferences can be met.
Morphology and volume of Meibomian glands ex vivo pre and post partial tarsal plate excision, cryotherapy and laser therapy in the dog using microCT
Authors: Zwiauer‐Wolfbeisser Victoria , Handschuh Stephan , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara
Published: January 2023

Objective

To determine the morphology and volume of Meibomian glands (MG) of dogs with microCT before and after partial tarsal plate excision (PTPE), cryotherapy, and laser therapy.

Procedure

MicroCT scans were made of 12 upper lids (ULs) and lower lids (LLs) of 12 dogs. After undergoing PTPE, 10 ULs and LLs were scanned again, and one UL and one LL was scanned after laser therapy and one UL and one LL after cryotherapy.

Results

The length of the area containing MGs did not change pre‐ and post‐PTPE, and cryo‐ or laser therapy. The mean number of MGs in the ULs and LLs was 30.50 and 29.42, respectively, and did not change during the procedures. The average length of one individual MG was 2.60 mm. The mean volume of MGs in the 10 ULs and LLs pre‐PTPE was 21.45 and 17.2 mm3, respectively, and 12.84 and 11.25 mm3 in the UL and LL after PTPE, respectively. The mean volume of MGs decreased from 29.78 mm3 precryotherapy to 28.91 mm3 post‐treatment and in the lower eyelid from 22.87 to 22.4 mm3 after cryotherapy. The mean volume of MGs in the UL and LL before laser therapy was 8.95 and 6.78 mm3, respectively, and after 9.25 and 6.38 mm3, respectively.

Conclusion

MicroCT is a valuable tool to determine the morphology and the volume of MGs and to demonstrate changes that occur after PTPE, laser‐, and cryotherapy. There is no need for additional preparation, such as staining, of the specimen prior to scanning.
Dolphin conditioned hearing attenuation in response to repetitive tones with increasing level
Authors: Finneran James J. , Lally Katelin , Strahan Madelyn G. , Donohoe Kyle , Mulsow Jason , Houser Dorian S.
Published: January 2023

All species of toothed whales studied to date can learn to reduce their hearing sensitivity when warned of an impending intense sound; however, the specific conditions under which animals will employ this technique are not well understood. The present study was focused on determining whether dolphins would reduce their hearing sensitivity in response to an intense tone presented at a fixed rate but increasing level, without an otherwise explicit warning. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to intermittent, 57-kHz tone bursts were continuously measured in two bottlenose dolphins as they were exposed to a series of 2-s, 40-kHz tones at fixed time intervals of 20, 25, or 29 s and at sound pressure levels (SPLs) increasing from 120 to 160 dB re 1 μPa. Results from one dolphin showed consistent ABR attenuation preceding intense tones when the SPL exceeded ∼140–150 dB re 1 μPa and the tone interval was 20 s. ABR attenuation with 25- or 29-s intense tone intervals was inconsistent. The second dolphin showed similar, but more subtle, effects. The results show dolphins can learn the timing of repetitive noise and may reduce their hearing sensitivity if the SPL is high enough, presumably to “self-mitigate” the noise effects.
NET formation is independent of gasdermin D and pyroptotic cell death
Authors: Stojkov Darko , Claus Meike J. , Kozlowski Evelyne , Oberson Kevin , Schären Olivier P. , Benarafa Charaf , Yousefi Shida , Simon Hans-Uwe
Published: January 2023

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA scaffolds coated with granule proteins that are released by neutrophils to ensnare and kill bacteria. NET formation occurs in response to many stimuli through independent molecular pathways. Although NET release has been equated to a form of lytic cell death, live neutrophils can rapidly release antimicrobial NETs. Gasdermin D (GSDMD), which causes pyroptotic death in macrophages, is thought to be required for NET formation by neutrophils. Through experiments with known physiological activators of NET formation and ligands that activate canonical and noncanonical inflammasome signaling pathways, we demonstrated that
Gsdmd
-deficient mouse neutrophils were as competent as wild-type mouse neutrophils in producing NETs. Furthermore, GSDMD was not cleaved in wild-type neutrophils during NET release in response to inflammatory mediators. We found that activation of both canonical and noncanonical inflammasome signaling pathways resulted in GSDMD cleavage in wild-type neutrophils but was not associated with cell death. Moreover, NET formation as a result of either pathway of inflammasome activation did not require GSDMD. Together, these data suggest that NETs can be formed by viable neutrophils after inflammasome activation and that this function does not require GSDMD.
Vitellogenin Facilitates Associations between the Whitefly and a Bacteriocyte Symbiont
Authors: Sun Xiang , Liu Bing-Qi , Chen Zhan-Bo , Li Chu-Qiao , Li Xing-Ye , Hong Ji-Sheng , Luan Jun-Bo
Published: January 2023

Intracellular heritable symbionts have been incorporated into insect reproductive and developmental biology by various mechanisms. All
Bemisia tabaci
species harbor the obligate symbiont
Portiera
in specialized insect cells called bacteriocytes. We report that the whitefly juvenile hormone and
Portiera
determined vitellogenin (Vg) localization in bacteriocytes of whiteflies.
Deletion of the Transcriptional Coactivator HCF-1
In Vivo
Impairs the Removal of Repressive Heterochromatin from Latent HSV Genomes and Suppresses the Initiation of Viral Reactivation
Authors: Arbuckle Jesse H. , Vogel Jodi L. , Efstathiou Stacey , Kristie Thomas M.
Published: January 2023

Herpes simplex virus is responsible for a substantial worldwide disease burden. An initial infection leads to the establishment of a lifelong persistent infection in sensory neurons.
Amelanotic subungual melanoma and chilblains
Authors: Manuelyan Karen , De Silva Bernadette , Singh-Raghunath Rakhi
Published: January 2023

A female patient in her 50s presented with blue discolouration of several toes and with single nail dystrophy affecting the little toenail. The nail changes were considered to be secondary to poor circulation and chilblains, which led to delay in the diagnosis of amelanotic subungual melanoma.
Effects of a 12-week, seated, virtual, home-based tele-exercise programme compared with a prerecorded video-based exercise programme in people with chronic neurological impairments: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Divecha Ayushi A , Bialek Amy , Kumar Devina S , Garn Rachel M , Currie Lydia E J , Campos Talita , Friel Kathleen M
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Exercise is vital to staying well and preventing secondary complications in people with chronic neurological impairments (CNI). Appropriate exercise is often inaccessible to this population. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of a seated, virtual exercise programme on heart rate, recovery, fatigue, pain, motivation, enjoyment and quality of life in people with CNI.

Methods and analysis

Individuals with CNI will be screened for eligibility, and 60 participants will be randomised 1:1 into either a live or prerecorded group. There is no geographical limitation to where participants reside, since participation is virtual. The study will be coordinated by one site in White Plains, New York, USA. The live group will exercise with an instructor via Zoom while the prerecorded group will exercise at their chosen time using prerecorded videos, 3×/week for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures: change in heart rate during exercise/recovery. Secondary outcome measures: fatigue, motivation, level of pain and exertion, physical well-being, enjoyment of physical activity, motivation and quality of life. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, midpoint, end of study and 1-month poststudy. Adverse events, medication changes and physical activity will be tracked throughout. Within-group and between-group comparisons will be performed by using analysis of covariance and regression.

Ethics and dissemination

BRANY IRB approval: 22 September 2020, protocol #20-08-388-512. All participants will provide written informed consent. Results will be disseminated through presentations, publications and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Trial registration number

NCT04564495.
Promoting adherence to stroke secondary prevention behaviours by imparting behaviour change skills: protocol for a single-arm pilot trial of Living Well After Stroke
Authors: Smith Stephanie , Parkinson Joy , Caitens Thomas , Sanders Andrea , Murphy Lisa , Hamilton Kyra
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Survivors of stroke have an elevated risk of recurrent stroke. Prompt intervention to support healthy lifestyle modification following an initial stroke is crucial for effective secondary prevention of stroke. However, many patients do not receive adequate postdischarge support for secondary prevention, particularly if not referred to inpatient rehabilitation. Living Well After Stroke is a health promotion programme based on the health action process approach (HAPA), which is designed to support this underserviced group to improve and self-manage secondary prevention behavioural performance (eg, diet, exercise, medication-adherence) by equipping participants with a toolkit of theory-based and evidence-based behaviour change strategies and techniques that are transferable to different behavioural contexts.

Methods and analysis

The target sample is 118 adults living in Queensland, Australia, with stroke or transient ischaemic attack not referred to inpatient rehabilitation. Adopting a prospective single-arm trial design, the intervention comprises five behaviour change sessions over an 8-week period. Participants will receive a mix of individual-based and group-based assessments and interventions, based on the HAPA theoretical framework, delivered via telehealth or in-person (eg, public library). Measures of primary (ie, goal behaviours 1 and 2) and secondary outcomes (intention, outcome expectancy, risk perception, self-efficacy, planning, action control, subjective well-being) will be taken at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. The primary outcomes of the trial will be behavioural performance and transferability of behaviour change skills at 16 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from the Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref no: 2022/308). Informed consent is obtained via telephone prior to data collection. Findings will be presented in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports and conference presentations, and will be used to inform the continued development and refinement of the programme for testing in a future fully powered trial.
Risk factors for hamstring muscle injury in male elite football: medical expert experience and conclusions from 15 European Champions League clubs
Authors: Ekstrand Jan , Ueblacker Peter , Van Zoest Wart , Verheijen Raymond , Vanhecke Bruno , van Wijk Maikel , Bengtsson Håkan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To describe the perceived importance of suggested hamstring injury risk factors according to chief medical officers (CMOs) of European male professional football clubs. A secondary objective was to compare if these perceptions differed between teams with a lower-than-average hamstring injury burden and teams with a higher than average hamstring injury burden.

Methods

First, CMOs of 15 European professional male football clubs were asked to suggest risk factors for hamstring injury in their club. The perceived importance of the suggested risk factors was then rated by all participants on a 5-graded Likert scale. Participating teams were divided in two groups depending on their hamstring injury burden during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons. The LOW group consisted of seven teams that had a lower than average hamstring injury burden. The HIGH group consisted of eight teams that had a higher-than-average hamstring injury burden.

Results

Twenty-one risk factors were suggested. The majority were extrinsic in nature, associated with coaching staff, team or club rather than players themselves. ‘Lack of communication between medical staff and coaching staff’ had the highest average importance (weighted average=3.7) followed by ‘Lack of regular exposure to high-speed football during training sessions’ (weighted average=3.6). The HIGH group perceived the player factors fatigue and wellness as more important than the LOW group.

Conclusion

According to CMOs recruited in this study, most risk factors for hamstring injuries are extrinsic and associated with the club and coaching staff, and not the players themselves.
Gender disparities in industry compensation and research payments among neurointerventional surgeons in the USA
Authors: Kyarunts Mariam , Michaelcheck Charlotte E , Kobeissi Hassan , Kallmes David F , Agid Ronit , Brinjikji Waleed
Published: January 2023

Background

The purpose of this study is to examine the presence of gender disparity represented by industry payments and research funding within the field of interventional neuroradiology.

Methods

Payment information was collected using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment database for the year 2019. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze differences in annual compensation based on sex in $US, while controlling for geographic factors, academic rank, and h-index. A sample t-test was performed to look at gender differences in h-indexes.

Results

The study cohort was comprised of 893 interventional neuroradiologists, 73 (8.2%) of which were female. Of the $48889.20 in mean annual payments reported in the database, $5847.13 (11.2%) went to female interventional neuroradiologists (P<0.05). The significant difference in compensation between male and female neuroradiologists was evident after controlling for state-level variance and academic position. There was a statistically significant difference in total reimbursement (P<0.001), research (P<0.001), consulting (P<0.04), food and beverage (P<0.02), and compensation for services other than consulting between males and females (P<0.02). A statistically significant difference was found for h-index based on gender (males=16.7, females=10.1; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that in the field of interventional neuroradiology, females receive less research funding and private industry compensation, have lower h-indexes, and are less likely to occupy the highest academic positions. The difference in funding did not differ when accounting for geographic state of practice and academic rank. Future studies should work to identify potential contributory factors of these trends.
Comparative evaluation of dynamic responses of RCC composite pavement under different moving axles
Authors: Zarei Benyamin , Talebsafa Mohsen , Shafabakhsh Gholam Ali
Published: January 2023

Roller-compacted composite pavement is considered as an alternative for traditional pavements that provides the desired benefits of both rigid and flexible pavements in a cost-effective manner. To evaluate the performance of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) composite pavement under moving loads, a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) was developed. A realistic dynamic moving load was applied to the surface of the pavement via DLOAD subroutines developed by FORTRAN. The dynamic response of the pavement at critical locations induced by single, tandem, and tridem axles at speeds of 8 and 80 km/h was determined using the developed FEM model and utilized to estimate pavement performance. Sensitivity analysis of design factors considering variations of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and RCC thicknesses, RCC elastic modulus, axle configurations, and moving speed was conducted to evaluate their impact on fatigue life and rutting development of RCC composite pavement. The results show that the performance of the pavement is significantly affected by axle configurations and moving speed. Among different axle configurations, the tandem axle creates the highest tensile stress and shear stress in the RCC base and HMA layer, respectively. The fatigue life of the pavement prolongs by increasing in the speed of moving loads, so it is expected that the pavement withstands higher load repetition when it is subjected to higher speed traffic. Moreover, increasing layer thicknesses and stiffness of the RCC layer improve fatigue life and rutting performance of the pavement. Even though increasing the thickness of the HMA layer enhances the fatigue life of pavement, increasing it to over 15 cm increases the potential of rutting.
Isotropic compact stars in four-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity coupled with scalar field: reconstruction of model
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , Nojiri Shin’ichi
Published: January 2023

It has been suggested that the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet theory coupled with a scalar field (EGBS) may allow us to obtain physically viable models of celestial phenomena such that the scalar field effect is active in standard four dimensions. We consider the spherically symmetric and static configuration of the compact star and explain the consequences of the EGBS theory in the frame of stellar modeling. In our formulation, for any given static profile of energy density $$\rho $$
ρ
with spherical symmetry and the arbitrary equation of state (EoS) of matter, we can construct a model which reproduces the profile. Because the profile of the energy density determines the mass M and the radius $$R_s$$

R
s

of the compact star, an arbitrary relation between the mass M and the radius $$R_s$$

R
s

of the compact star can be realized by adjusting the potential and the coefficient function of the Gauss–Bonnet term in the action of EGBS theory. This could be regarded as a degeneracy between the EoS and the functions characterizing the model, which indicates that the mass–radius relation alone is insufficient to constrain the model. Here, we investigate a novel class of analytic spherically symmetric interior solutions by the polytropic EoS. We discuss our model in detail and show that it is in agreement with the necessary physical conditions required for any realistic compact star, confirming that EGBS theory is consistent with observations.
A conversation with Grace IbukunOluwa Ufeoshi
Authors: Anjum Bushra
Published: January 2023

Ubiquity's senior editor Dr. Bushra Anjum chats with Grace IbukunOluwa Ufeoshi, a data science professional and AI entrepreneur, about her passion for preparing the underprivileged African youth for the future of work in the IT ecosystem. They discuss IbukunOluwa's journey as a computer science educator and community leader, and her latest initiatives to equip young people with the requisite skills needed to apply AI in solving real social and business problems---especially in areas of socio-economic development across Africa.
Community-enhanced Link Prediction in Dynamic Networks
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Mishra Shivansh , Singh Shashank Sheshar , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: January 2023

The growing popularity of online social networks is quite evident nowadays and provides an opportunity to allow researchers in finding solutions for various practical applications. Link prediction is the technique of understanding network structure and identifying missing and future links in social networks. One of the well-known classes of methods in link prediction is a similarity-based method, which uses local and global topological information of the network to predict missing links. Some methods also exist based on quasi-local features to achieve a trade-off between local and global information on static networks. These quasi-local similarity-based methods are not best suited for considering community information in dynamic networks, failing to balance accuracy and efficiency. Therefore, a community-enhanced framework is presented in this article to predict missing links on dynamic social networks. First, a link prediction framework is presented to predict missing links using parameterized influence regions of nodes and their contribution in community partitions. Then, a unique feature set is generated using local, global, and quasi-local similarity-based as well as community information-based features. This feature set is further optimized using scoring-based feature selection methods to select only the most relevant features. Finally, four machine learning-based classification models are used for link prediction. The experiments are performed on six well-known dynamic networks and three performance metrics, and the results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Review of Clustering Methods for Functional Data
Authors: Zhang Mimi , Parnell Andrew
Published: January 2023

Functional data clustering is to identify heterogeneous morphological patterns in the continuous functions underlying the discrete measurements/observations. Application of functional data clustering has appeared in many publications across various fields of sciences, including but not limited to biology, (bio)chemistry, engineering, environmental science, medical science, psychology, social science, and so on. The phenomenal growth of the application of functional data clustering indicates the urgent need for a systematic approach to develop efficient clustering methods and scalable algorithmic implementations. On the other hand, there is abundant literature on the cluster analysis of time series, trajectory data, spatio-temporal data, and so on, which are all related to functional data. Therefore, an overarching structure of existing functional data clustering methods will enable the cross-pollination of ideas across various research fields. We here conduct a comprehensive review of original clustering methods for functional data. We propose a systematic taxonomy that explores the connections and differences among the existing functional data clustering methods and relates them to the conventional multivariate clustering methods. The structure of the taxonomy is built on three main attributes of a functional data clustering method and therefore is more reliable than existing categorizations. The review aims to bridge the gap between the functional data analysis community and the clustering community and to generate new principles for functional data clustering.
Oropharyngeal Carcinoma with a Special Focus on HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ferris Robert L. , Westra William
Published: January 2023

Human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) has one of the most rapidly increasing incidences of any cancer in high-income countries. The most recent (8th) edition of the Union for International Cancer Control/American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system separates HPV-OPSCC from its HPV-negative counterpart to account for the improved prognosis seen in the former. Indeed, owing to its improved prognosis and greater prevalence in younger individuals, numerous ongoing trials are examining the potential for treatment deintensification as a means to improve quality of life while maintaining acceptable survival outcomes. Owing to the distinct biology of HPV-OPSCCs, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have become an area of particular interest. Importantly, OPSCC is often detected at an advanced stage, highlighting the need for diagnostic biomarkers to aid in earlier detection. In this review, we highlight important advances in the epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and clinical management of HPV-OPSCC and underscore the need for a progressive understanding of the molecular basis of this disease toward early detection and precision care.
The State of the US Public Health Workforce: Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Leider Jonathon P. , Yeager Valerie A. , Kirkland Chelsey , Krasna Heather , Hare Bork Rachel , Resnick Beth
Published: January 2023

Between the 2009 Great Recession and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US state and local governmental public health workforce lost 40,000 jobs. Tens of thousands of workers also left during the pandemic and continue to leave. As governmental health departments are now receiving multimillion-dollar, temporary federal investments to replenish their workforce, this review synthesizes the evidence regarding major challenges that preceded the pandemic and remain now. These include the lack of the field's ability to readily enumerate and define the governmental public health workforce as well as challenges with the recruitment and retention of public health workers. This review finds that many workforce-related challenges identified more than 20 years ago persist in the field today. Thus, it is critical that we look back to be able to then move forward to successfully rebuild the workforce and assure adequate capacity to protect the public's health and respond to public health emergencies.
Fully Printed pH Sensor based on Polyaniline/Graphite Nanocomposites
Authors: Mahinnezhad Shirin , Izquierdo Ricardo , Shih Andy
Published: January 2023

Recently, there is an exceptional growth in research related to the development of flexible sensors for health analysis. pH measurements can be done non-invasively and continuously, making it an excellent parameter for monitoring different stages of wound healing. Here, we report pH functionality of a polyaniline/graphite (PANI/G) composite in a fully-printed potentiometric pH sensor and the effect of graphite loading on sensor functionality. PANI/G composites in different ratios were aerosol-jet printed on Ag/AgCl with and without a graphite layer as the working electrode in a two-electrode potentiometric sensor on a flexible substrate. The role of graphite layer on working electrode in functionality of the sensor has been investigated. The PANI/G composites were prepared by a solution processing method using a graphite paste and polyaniline emeraldine salt powder. Samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis to investigate the relations between the physical and chemical relations and the performance of the sensors. The sensors were tested in the pH range from 3 to 10, exhibiting a linear, stable and near-Nernstian sensitivity of 53 mV pH−1 and a response time of 15 s.
Remote Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells of Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma Generate a Similar Malignant Microenvironment of the Lung Stromal Counterpart
Authors: De Falco Elena , Bordin Antonella , Menna Cecilia , Dhori Xhulio , Picchio Vittorio , Cozzolino Claudia , De Marinis Elisabetta , Floris Erica , Maria Giorgiano Noemi , Rosa Paolo , Angelo Rendina Erino , Ibrahim Mohsen , Calogero Antonella
Published: January 2023

Cancer alters both local and distant tissue by influencing the microenvironment. In this regard, the interplay with the stromal fraction is considered critical as this latter can either foster or hamper the progression of the disease. Accordingly, the modality by which tumors may alter distant niches of stromal cells is still unclear, especially at early stages. In this short report, we attempt to better understand the biology of this cross-talk. In our “autologous stromal experimental setting,” we found that remote adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mediastinal AMSC) obtained from patients with lung adenocarcinoma sustain proliferation and clonogenic ability of A549 and human primary lung adenocarcinoma cells similarly to the autologous stromal lung counterpart (LMSC). This effect is not observed in lung benign diseases such as the hamartochondroma. This finding was validated by conditioning benign AMSC with supernatants from LAC for up to 21 days. The new reconditioned media of the stromal fraction so obtained, was able to increase cell proliferation of A549 cells at 14 and 21 days similar to that derived from AMSC of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The secretome generated by remote AMSC revealed overlapping to the corresponding malignant microenvironment of the autologous local LMSC. Among the plethora of 80 soluble factors analyzed by arrays, a small pool of 5 upregulated molecules including IL1-β, IL-3, MCP-1, TNF-α, and EGF, was commonly shared by both malignant-like autologous A- and L-MSC derived microenvironments vs those benign. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that these proteins were strictly and functionally interconnected to lung fibrosis and proinflammation and that miR-126, 101, 486, and let-7-g were their main targets. Accordingly, we found that in lung cancer tissues and blood samples from the same set of patients here employed, miR-126 and miR-486 displayed the highest expression levels in tissue and blood, respectively. When the miR-126-3p was silenced in A549 treated with AMSC-derived conditioned media from patients with lung adenocarcinoma, cell proliferation decreased compared to control media.
Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pregnant Women on Antenatal Care in Amatere Health Center, Massawa, Eritrea: A Cross-Sectional Study, 2019
Authors: Gebremariam Hailemichael , Tesfai Berhe , Tewelde Seltene , Kiflemariam Yonas , Kibreab Fitsum
Published: January 2023

Background. Proper antenatal care is one of great means of reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality. However, determining level of knowledge and practice is vital, and the objective of this study was to evaluate this gap among pregnant women in Amatere Health Center, Massawa city, Eritrea, 2019. Methods. A cross-sectional study with systematic sampling was conducted. All pregnant mothers who were resident of Massawa city and visiting Amatere Health Center for their current pregnancy were included in the study. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used as data collection tool. Results were presented using descriptive statistics, percent, and frequencies. Results. A total of 289 pregnant mothers were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 27.7 years. Most mothers reported that high blood pressure (92.4%), maternal smoking (97.6%), alcohol consumption (97.2%), infection (92.7%), and medicines (98.3%) had affected fetal growth during pregnancy. Practically, two-thirds (59.4%) of the mothers were visiting the health facility during the first three months of their pregnancy. Majority of mothers had good knowledge (84.1%) and attitude (99%), but they had low level of practice (45%). Marital status, occupation, gravidity, and parity had showed statistically significant association to their comprehensive knowledge (

p
<
0.001

). And their gravidity (

p
<
0.003

) and parity (

p
<
0.001

) had also showed statistically significant association to their level of practice. Conclusion. Even though majority of the pregnant mothers had high level of knowledge and attitude, their practice towards ANC was relatively low. Age, marital status, and occupation showed statistically significant association to their comprehensive knowledge. Moreover, multiparous and multigravida mothers were having higher level of knowledge and practice on antenatal care. Enhancing community awareness on early starting of antenatal care and improving their practice through proper counseling are highly recommended.
Road Performance and Microscopic Mechanism Analysis of Modified Straw Fiber Asphalt Binder
Authors: Wang Kun , Wu Qiong , Hu Peng , Xu Hao , Qu Lu , Li Xiongao , Lin Yuquan , Du Guoyi , Shi Tao
Published: January 2023

In this study, the correlation between the microstructure of straw fibers and the macroscopic properties of asphalt binders is investigated. Penetration, softening point, bending beam rheometer, and toughness tests are performed to investigate the relationship between the pavement properties of fiber asphalt binders and each of the fiber types and contents. Subsequently, a four-component test, SEM, Fourier transform infrared microscopy, and fluorescence microscope tests are performed to analyze the microstructure of the straw fiber and its effect on asphalt properties. The results show that the high-temperature performance and shear resistance of the asphalt binder were enhanced with an increase in the modified straw fiber content. The low-temperature performance and toughness of the asphalt binder were reduced because of excessive fiber, and the recommended fiber content is 1.5%–2.0%. The adsorption capacity of the modified straw fiber for the light components of asphalt increased by 5.4% on average, and the low-temperature creep capacity of asphalt decreased by 9.6%. The surface roughness of the straw fiber increased via modification, and the shear resistance, high-temperature deformation resistance, and stress relaxation ability of the asphalt increased by 23.1%, 6.5%, and 5.7%, respectively. The comprehensive properties of the asphalt binder with modified straw fiber are similar to those of lignin fiber.
Anti‐inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Toxicological Properties of Uvaria comperei Stem Crude Extract and Fractions
Authors: Simo Marguerite Kamdem , Siwe Gael Tchokomeni , Taboula Kayo Maurice , Chen Zheng , Mangoua Kouamo Mersimine , Dize Darline , Jazet Pierre Dongmo , Sameza Modeste Lambert , Fekam Fabrice Boyom , Froldi Guglielmina
Published: January 2023

The present study was carried out to investigate the anti‐inflammatory activity of a methanolic extract and fractions of Uvaria comperei stems. The crude extract was obtained by maceration of the powder in methanol and fractions by vacuum chromatography from the methanolic extract. To study the anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro, red blood cell lysis inhibition assay and albumin denaturation inhibition were performed, while in vivo measurements of carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and formalin‐induced pain in albino mice were performed. Acute toxicity and cytotoxicity studies of the fraction F2 were performed, as well as its HPLC, and some biochemical parameters were quantified. Uvaria comperei crude extract (UCCE) at 250 and 500 μg/mL completely inhibited albumin denaturation, while decreasing 75.5% of heat blood cell lysis at 500 μg/mL. The fractions 128‐136 (F3), 10‐11 (F1), and 56‐62 (F2) at 500 μg/mL displayed a significant anti‐inflammatory activity with percentages of inhibition of 60.5, 67.4, and 100%, respectively. Administration of fraction F2 (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose‐dependent inhibition of formalin‐induced pain of 60.2% at 50 mg/kg in the neurogenic phase (p < 0.05) and 70.2% at 25 mg/kg in the inflammatory phase (p < 0.05). Similarly, the time‐dependent increase in carrageenan‐induced paw circumference induced by carrageenan was inhibited by pretreatment with F2: 50% of inhibition at 25 mg/kg after 30 min (p < 0.05) and 96.5% inhibition at 25 mg/kg after 6 h (p < 0.05). In this research, the fraction F2 presented its maximum analgesic property at 50 mg/kg, while it presented the highest anti‐inflammatory property at 25 mg/kg. The oral lethal median dose (LD50) of F2 was determined to be greater than 2000 mg/kg; further low cytotoxicity in RAW cells was also observed. Overall, this work shows that the methanolic crude extract and fractions, mainly F2, of Uvaria comperei stem have interesting anti‐inflammatory properties.
Continuous Human Motion Recognition Based on FMCW Radar and Transformer
Authors: Jiang Liubing , Wu Minyang , Che Li , Xu Xiaoyong , Mu Yujie , Wu Yongman
Published: January 2023

Radar‐based human motion recognition has received extensive attention in recent years. Most current recognition methods generate a heat map of features through simple signal processing and then feed into a classification‐based neural network for recognition. Such an approach can only identify a single action. When a set of data contains information about multiple movements, it can also only be recognized as a single movement. Another point that cannot be overlooked is that continuous action recognition methods are able to recognize continuously changing actions but ignore the issue of whether continuous actions are legitimate or not (continuous actions obtained by stitching together multiple current actions do not conform to real time). In this paper, we propose a continuous action recognition method based on micro‐Doppler features and transformer, which translates the micro‐Doppler features of continuous actions into machine translation tasks and uses the idea of natural language processing (NLP) to identify continuous action. In order to judge whether the continuous action is legal or not, we also design the action state transition diagram as a constraint condition to strictly control the forward and backward actions. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper achieves good recognition accuracy for the recognition of a single action and can also effectively segment and recognize continuous actions.
Reporting Quality of Oral TCM Systematic Reviews Based on the PRISMA Harms Checklist from 2013 to 2020
Authors: Chang Tianying , Cui Yingzi , Zhang Ying , Ma Jinhui , Tan Jing , Wang Jian
Published: January 2023

Background. Systematic reviews focusing on the effectiveness of different kinds of healthcare interventions have been widely published, but there were few guidelines for reporting safety concerns before 2016. The PRISMA harms checklist, which was published in 2016, can standardize reporting quality. Objectives. To evaluate the safety information reporting quality of oral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in systematic reviews before and after the PRISMA harms checklist was published and to explore factors associated with better reporting. Methods. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify all systematic reviews using oral TCM as interventions published before (from 2013 to 2015) and after (from 2017 to 2020) the PRISMA harms checklist was published. We used the PRISMA harms checklist to assess the quality of reporting of the safety information to included systematic reviews. Results. In total, 200 systematic reviews were sampled from eligible studies published between 2013 and 2020. Reviews from 2016 were excluded. Scores on the PRISMA harms checklist (23 items) ranged from 0 to 12. A systematic reviews published after 2016 had better reporting quality compared with studies published before 2016 with regard to the title (P = 0.03), results of individual studies (P = 0.016), and risk of bias across studies (P = 0.043). In all included systematic reviews of our study, the state conclusion in coherence with review findings was reported adequately with the proportion of adherence at 95%; other items had a reporting proportion ranging from 0% to 57%. The four essential reporting items of the PRISMA harms checklist also had a low reporting quality ranging from 0% to 4%. Conclusions. Oral TCM systematic reviews reported inadequate safety information before and after the PRISMA harms checklist was published. This survey suggested that the PRISMA harms checklist should be recommended more to both original research and systematic review authors.