bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface modification of polyimide fibers for high-performance composite by using oxygen plasma and silane coupling agent treatment
Authors: Lu Cheng , Shao Huiqi , Chen Nanliang , Jiang Jinhua
Published: July 2022

In this study, the oxygen plasma and silane coupling agent composite treatment was used to modify the polyimide fiber surface to improve the interfacial properties. The oxygen plasma treatment introduced active groups on the fiber surface, which facilitated the grafting of silane coupling agent to the fiber surface. The surface morphology and chemical composition of fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that after plasma treatment, the etching spots on the fiber surface increased with the plasma treatment time, and the surface O atom content, O/C ratio and C–O(H) bond ratio reached the highest value at 27 min plasma treatment. After the composite treatment, the surface Si atomic content reached the highest value after 27 min plasma pretreatment. Moreover, polyimide/polyamic acid unidirectional reinforced composites were prepared. In polyimide/polyamic acid composites, the interfacial shear strength of polyimide fibers first increased and then decreased with plasma treatment time, both in oxygen plasma treatment and in composite treatment, and increased by up to 36.98% and 61.68% respectively compared. In addition, the transverse tensile strength of polyimide/polyamic acid composites increased by 103.73% after composite treatment compared with the pristine specimens.
Kinematic Differences Between the Dominant and Nondominant Legs During a Single-Leg Drop Vertical Jump in Female Soccer Players
Authors: Nakahira Yu , Taketomi Shuji , Kawaguchi Kohei , Mizutani Yuri , Hasegawa Masato , Ito Chie , Uchiyama Emiko , Ikegami Yosuke , Fujiwara Sayaka , Yamamoto Ko , Nakamura Yoshihiko , Tanaka Sakae , Ogata Toru
Published: July 2022

Background:

In soccer, the roles of the dominant (kicking) and nondominant (supporting) legs are different. The kinematic differences between the actions of the dominant and nondominant legs in female soccer players are not clear.

Purpose:

To clarify the kinematic differences between dominant and nondominant legs during a single-leg drop vertical jump (DVJ) in female soccer players.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 64 female high school and college soccer players were included in this study. Participants performed a single-leg DVJ test utilizing video motion capture with artificial intelligence during the preseason period. This study assessed the knee flexion angles, knee valgus angles, hip flexion angles, and lower leg anterior inclination angle at 3 time points (initial contact, maximum flexion of the knee, and toe-off) and compared them between the dominant and nondominant legs. These angles were calculated from motion capture data and analyzed in 3 dimensions. A paired t test was used to analyze the differences between legs, and the significance level was set at P < .05.

Results:

The knee valgus angle at initial contact was greater in the nondominant leg (mean ± SD, 0.8°± 5.2°) than the dominant leg (−0.9°± 4.9°) ( P < .01). There were no differences between legs for any other angles at any of the time points.

Conclusion:

The kinematics of the dominant and nondominant legs of female soccer players in a single-leg DVJ differ in knee valgus angle.

Clinical Relevance:

Leg dominance is associated with the risk of sports injuries. Kinematic differences between the dominant and nondominant legs may be a noteworthy factor in elucidating the mechanisms and risk of sports injury associated with leg dominance.
Creativity Development With Problem-Based Digital Making and Block-Based Programming for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics Learning in Middle School Contexts
Authors: Weng Xiaojing , Ng Oi-Lam , Cui Zhihao , Leung Suzannie
Published: July 2022

Creativity, one of the cornerstones of students’ 21st-century skills, is regarded as an important learning outcome of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. Meanwhile, problem-based digital making (DM), which combines the child-friendly programming activities of DM with problem-solving elements, is an emerging instructional design to facilitate STEAM learning. This qualitative case study examines the implementation of a problem-based DM instructional program that used the block-based programming tool Scratch to cultivate the participants’ creativity. Fifty-four middle school students (aged 10–14 years) in Hong Kong participated in the program, which totaled 10 contact hours over five consecutive weeks. Through triangulating students’ DM artifacts, video recordings, field notes, and interviews, the researchers characterized the students’ creative expression, examined the role of problem-based DM in encouraging creative work, and investigated the use of Scratch for mediating student creativity. The results showed that problem-based DM activities fostered students’ creative expressions in the dimensions of novelty, utility, aesthetics, and authenticity. While Scratch mediated the way the students presented their solutions, it had limitations that hindered the students’ digital artifact construction. The findings provide theoretical insights for framing creativity and offer practical implications for the implementation of problem-based DM in K–12 contexts.
Generation and Disruption of Circadian Rhythms in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: A Core-Shell Model
Authors: Goltsev Alexander V. , Wright Edgar A. P. , Mendes José F. F. , Yoon Sooyeon
Published: July 2022

We focus our research on how the core-shell organization controls behavior of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), how the core and shell are synchronized to the environment, what impact they have on the behavior of the SCN under different lighting conditions, and what mechanisms disrupt synchronization. To this end, we use a reduced Kuramoto model, with parameters inferred from experimental observations and calibrated for mice, and perform a detailed comparison between the model and experimental data under light-dark (LD), dark-dark (DD), and light-light (LL) conditions. The operating limits of free-running and entrained SCN activity under symmetric LD cycles are analyzed, with particular focus on the phenomena of anticipation and dissociation. Results reveal that the core-shell organization of the SCN enables anticipation of future events over circadian cycles. The model predicts the emergence of a second (dissociated) rhythm for large and small LD periods. Our results are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental observations of circadian dissociation. We further describe SCN activity under LL conditions and show that our model satisfies Aschoff’s first rule, according to which the endogenous free-running circadian period observed under complete darkness will shorten in diurnal animals and lengthen in nocturnal animals under constant light. Our results strongly suggest that the Kuramoto model captures essential features of synchronization and entrainment in the SCN. Moreover, our approach is easily extendible to an arbitrary number of groups, with dynamics described by explicit equations for the group phase and synchronization index. Viewed together, the reduced Kuramoto model presents itself as a useful tool for exploring open problems in the study of circadian rhythms, one that can account for evolving views of the circadian system’s organization, including peripheral clocks and inter-hemispheric interaction, and can be translated to other nocturnal and diurnal animals, including humans.
Can We Chat . . . Privately? Using Twitter Chats to Facilitate Offline Engagement for Nonprofits
Authors: Taylor Matthew P.
Published: July 2022

This study examines a health-focused nonprofit organization’s Twitter chats, using qualitative content analysis and social network analysis (SNA) to describe the characteristics of participants and their patterns of interaction. Together, these analyses indicate that Twitter chats do not produce the dialogue that seems inherent to the format. The chats are driven by a small group of users, feature minimal levels of participation from most users, and are heavy on retweets rather than original messages. Nevertheless, these chats can serve to identify committed users and thereby facilitate future offline relationship building rather than being the primary source of relationship building. Offline interactions hold the potential to result in dialogue consistent with theoretical models; however, these interactions may instead serve organizational purposes within an advocacy context. Suggestions that focus on exploring the value of social media for generating offline engagement and relationship building for further research are made.
Professional Master’s Program in Biotechnology and Innovation Management: The Triple Helix in movement and knowledge generation
Authors: Baeta Adelaide Maria Coelho , Liboreiro Karla Rocha , Diniz Marcia Consuelo , Padrão Vanessa Paiva , Teixeira Camila Palhares
Published: July 2022

This paper analyses evidence of innovation in the joint work of a company, a university and government in creating a professional Master’s degree program in Biotechnology and Innovation Management at the Centro Universitário de Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It presents a new perspective by combining two fields of knowledge: biotechnology and innovation management. The conceptual scheme of Triple Helix spaces is still not well analyzed from an empirical viewpoint. This paper identifies the development of knowledge, consensus and innovation spaces through an examination of this professional Master’s course. A qualitative approach was used for the conducting of 20 semi-structured interviews with representatives of the Triple Helix: two directors of Embrapa, a Brazilian agriculture and livestock research company; the President of FAPEMIG, the Minas Gerais Research Support Foundation; nine teachers; and eight students. In addition, data were analyzed from the databases of CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel). The results show that the proximity between the knowledge areas of biotechnology and innovation management strengthened this new program, created only 7 years ago, which has already impacted socio-economic regional development.
Cell activation, PD-1 expression and in vitro cytokine production in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yamada Juliana , Peracchi Octávio AB , Terreri Maria T , de Moraes-Pinto Maria Isabel
Published: July 2022

Background

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) is known to be more severe and with a higher frequency of renal and central nervous system impairment when compared to systemic lupus erythematosus in adults. The study of immunological characteristics of jSLE patients might help to envisage better treatment strategies to reduce the burden of the disease.

Objective

To characterize peripheral lymphocytes, assessing activation markers, and PD-1 expression on T cells; to evaluate in vitro cytokine expression upon stimulation in jSLE patients and age-matched controls.

Methodology

Eighteen jSLE patients on low disease activity and 25 matched healthy adolescents were evaluated for immune activation and PD-1 expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Twenty-one cytokines were assessed by X-MAP technology after in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood with phytohemagglutinin.

Results

jSLE patients had lower numbers of CD4 T, CD8 T, B, and NK cells; higher central memory CD8 T cell percentages were noted in jSLE adolescents in comparison with controls ( p = 0.014). B cells subsets showed a higher percentage of exhausted memory subset than controls ( p = 0.014). The expression of PD-1 on CD4 T and CD8 T cells did not show relevant changes in jSLE adolescents. After stimulation of peripheral blood, cell supernatant of jSLE patients showed a trend to lower concentrations of IL-10 ( p=0.080) and higher concentrations of IL-23 ( p = 0.063) than controls.

Conclusions

jSLE patients on low disease activity maintain lymphopenia of all subsets, with a B cell profile of exhaustion. Upon in vitro stimulation, peripheral blood cell supernatant showed a shift to IL-23, suggesting a role of inhibitors of this cytokine as another potential therapeutic target for those patients.
Actors, knowledge and path transformations in a declining cluster
Authors: Fai Felicia , Tomlinson Philip R , Branston J Robert
Published: July 2022

We contribute to the literature on cluster dynamics to show that the outcome for declining industrial clusters are not necessarily restricted to death or renewal or replacement. We do so by considering upward and downward causation pressures in the evolution of the North Staffordshire’s ceramics cluster and the role of actors, their visions and the modification of their assets as influenced by both local knowledge sharing and exposure to ‘global buzz’ at international trade fairs. Efforts by cluster-level actors to reinvigorate the cluster appear to be having an effect, and we highlight the types of knowledge being infused into the cluster through these activities. We find the cluster is experiencing two different pathways simultaneously: the first is one of renewal, where traditional ceramicware firms have been supported by cluster-level actors to find new knowledge and make incremental innovations to support the aesthetic appeal of their product offerings and market reach; the second is a form of cluster exaptation where technical ceramics firms have moved onto a pathway with radical innovative potential associated with the properties of ceramics as advanced materials. We conclude with some policy suggestions for the revival of declining clusters.
‘In Aid of Bangladesh’: The Soft Power Push by Bombay’s Civil Society Towards the Liberation of East Pakistan
Authors: Tiwary Bipin K. , Roy Anubhav
Published: July 2022

India’s all-out war with Pakistan for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 may have been brief, but it came after a lengthy prelude. For months, New Delhi laboured to convince the world—especially the West—about the grim consequences of Islamabad’s oppressive bid to stomp out Bengali nationalism in East Pakistan. While there is adequate literature chronicling the diplomatic persuasion undertaken by India leading up to the war of 1971 and its military pursuits during the conflict, the academic interest in the civil society’s contribution to the cause appears insufficient. A dearth of retrospective case studies of India’s socio-cultural responses to its foreign affairs is, in fact, noticeable, especially in the discourse on Indian soft power. In an attempt to address this gap, by principally relying on the historical evaluative analysis of primary news reports, this article attempts to chronicle the contributions towards the cause of East Pakistan’s liberation by individual and collective civil society actors of Bombay (now Mumbai)—a cultural and commercial hub of India—focusing on the efforts of a dedicated volunteer-run committee for fundraising, the fraternity of the city’s Bollywood celebrities, and a few distinguishable films produced within it. In doing so, the potential of these actors to qualify as resources of India’s soft power during that tense year is also examined.
Quadratus lumborum block for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gazendam Aaron M , Zhu Meng , Rubinger Luc , Chang Yaping , Phillips Steve , Bhandari Mohit
Published: July 2022

Background:

The use of quadratus lumborum nerve blocks (QLB) for pain control following elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased substantially in recent years. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare outcomes from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) utilising QLBs following elective THA.

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for RCTs perioperative QLBs for THA. Quantitative synthesis was conducted for pain scores, opioid consumption and adverse events.

Results:

A total of 7 RCTs with 429 patients undergoing THA were included. No differences in pain scores were demonstrated between QLBs and control interventions. Subgroup analysis demonstrated no differences between QLBs and sham procedures or active comparators. No differences in postoperative opioid consumption between QLB and control interventions was found. In trials reporting adverse events, they were rare and similar between groups. Overall, the certainty of the evidence was graded as low or very low

Conclusions:

The current literature suggests that a QLB for THA does not reduce pain or opioid consumption compared to sham or active comparators.
Tourism specialization, growth stage, and economic growth
Authors: Sahni Herman , Nsiah Christian , Fayissa Bichaka
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the nonlinear relationship between tourism and economic growth using a balanced sample of 58 countries in three continental samples (Africa, Asia, and Latin America) for the 2003–2017 period. First, we document an asymmetric threshold effect of tourism on economic growth. By utilizing an endogenous threshold regression model, we show that a single tourism threshold cutoff exists and that tourism receipts influence growth only till the threshold cutoff point in all three continental samples; however, this influence is nonexistent past the threshold point. Second, a quantile effect decomposition shows separate marginal effects for the tourism and economic growth relationship across the growth distribution. By using an unconditional quantile regression approach, we show that compared to their regional cohorts, slow- and medium-growth African countries, slow-growth Asian countries, and medium-growth Latin American countries exhibit substantially higher economic growth benefits from tourism. We explain these empirical observations and discuss their policy implications.
Race/ethnicity, online information and COVID-19 vaccination: Study of minority immigrants’ internet use for health-related information
Authors: Baines Annalise , Seo Hyunjin , Ittefaq Muhammad , Shayesteh Fatemeh , Kamanga Ursula , Liu Yuchen
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic aggravated existing challenges for racial/ethnic minority immigrants in the U.S. in obtaining health information and seeking health care. Based on in-depth interviews with 49 racial/ethnic minority immigrants in the U.S. Midwest, this study examines how they navigated online health information related to general health issues and in particular COVID-19, how they encounter online misinformation related to COVID-19 vaccination and their willingness to get vaccinated. Results show that participants use online health information from both the U.S. and their home country to stay informed about the pandemic, but often encounter misinformation and hate speech online. Further, participants are hesitant to correct misinformation due to contentious online environment. Additionally, findings revealed that younger participants tended to be less willing to get vaccinated due to low perceived benefits. The study suggests scholarly and practical implications for those who work in the area of health communication, digital media messaging and minority communication.
Effects of empathy and question types on suspects’ provision of information in investigative interviews
Authors: Baker-Eck Bianca , Bull Ray
Published: July 2022

The current study examines the relationship between the extent of, and various types of, empathy and of questions on suspects’ provision of information in 16 real-life police interviews. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to: predict suspects’ information provision in relation to (a) open questions, (b) the extent of displayed empathy and (c) each of the empathy types. Verbatim transcriptions of police interviews with suspects of sexual offences were coded for: (a) the extent and types of interviewer empathy, (b) the proportionality of interviewer open versus closed questions, and (c) suspects’ information provision. It was found that the proportion of open (versus closed) questions and the amount of empathy demonstrated by interviewers had a positive relationship with suspects’ information provision. The latter supports a recent finding by the authors involving a different sample of police interviews. Whereas in a growing number of countries the training of police interviewers has been emphasizing use of open questions, the current study aids weight to the small amount of research literature on the importance of interviewer empathy. Indeed, the effectiveness of open questions might be influenced by the amount of interviewer empathy in an interview.
Does fear of migrant crime predict xenophobia: Evidence from three Russian cities
Authors: Gurinskaya Anna , Nalla Mahesh K. , Polyakova Evgeniya
Published: July 2022

In this study, we examine Russian millennials’ attitudes toward migrants—an estimated 10 million legal and four million illegal migrants, who work in construction, service, and retail industries. More specifically, we examine the influence of various factors such as perceived fear of migrant crime, economic, and cultural competition on explaining xenophobia measured by social distance and ethnic exclusionism. Drawing from a survey of 944 university students in St Petersburg, Vladivostok, and Rostov-on-Don, Russia, our findings suggest that fear of migrant crime along with perceived cultural threats are strong predictors of xenophobic attitudes toward migrants. However, the economic threat did not appear to be a strong predictor of xenophobia. Variations existed between cities on dimensions of a perceived threat from migrants, suggesting that geographic and city characteristics are important factors.
Bickerstaff encephalitis: An uncommon sequalae of a bacterial infection
Authors: Deb Chakrabarty Rahul , Chakraborty Suvajit , Chandra Atanu , Kusum Datta Amlan , Chakraborty Uddalak , Basu Sagar
Published: July 2022

Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) is a rare neurological disorder characterised by the presence of the triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and altered consciousness. It is thought to be associated to an autoimmune condition triggered by an antecedent infection. Scrub typhus is a zoonotic disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, and it is associated with myriads of neurological complications. We hereby present an unusual case of BBE in a young lady, who was probably a sequalae of scrub typhus infection. Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis in association with scrub typhus has not been reported till date.
Holy Water
Authors: Spicer-Orak Des
Published: July 2022

Holy Water explores the infiltration of colonization on my home island, Belau, and the impact that it has had on our relationships to each other, our health, and our indigenous ways of knowing and being. I intentionally use baptism and Western Christianity as a metaphor for colonization to highlight the effect White supremacy has had on my people, while also challenging the ways in which we take part in continuing our colonial reality. I often run into contradictions about what Western culture deems we should be and who we actually are as Palauans—birthing this story of struggle into reclamation. This piece continually addresses the subject “unko,” to highlight the tensions between myself, a queer femme diasporic micronesian, and the elder men in my community who have been forced into Westernization, and therefore enforce those same values and societal norms on my expression of self. I believe in radical self love and community care. I honor my ancestors and their fight for our liberation, and carry their legacy into my own journey. The health of my community depends on our ability to think critically about where we’ve been, who we are, and where we want to be. Holy Water is a testament to the reclamation of our stories, our history, and our collective power. To view the original version of this poem, see the supplemental material section of this article online.
Screening of Crucial Differentially-Methylated/Expressed Genes for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Qiu Haiyuan , Weng Qiuyan
Published: July 2022

Background: We aimed to make an integrated analysis of published transcriptome and DNA methylation dataset to ascertain the key differentially methylated and differentially expressed genes for Alzherimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Two gene expression microarrays and 1 gene methylation microarray were downloaded for identification of differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated genes. Then, we used various biological information databases to annotate the functions of the differentially-methylated/expressed genes, and screen out key genes and important signaling pathways. Finally, we validate the differentially-methylated/expressed genes in the additional online datasets and in blood from AD patients.Results: A total of 8 hub hypomethylated-high expression genes were obtained, including Rac family small GTPase 2, FGR proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase, LYN proto-oncogene, Src family tyrosine kinase, protein kinase C delta, myosin IF, integrin subunit alpha 5, semaphorin 4D, and growth arrest specific protein 7. Some enriched signaling pathways of hypomethylated-high expression genes were identified, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, chemokine signaling pathway, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, and axon guidance. Conclusion: Differentially-methylated/expressed genes are likely to be associated with AD.
Intraoperative Ultrasound Guided Robotic Pancreatic Enucleation, Does a Distance of 3mm Still Matters?
Authors: Tang Wenbo , Gao Yuanxing , Zhao Zhiming , Kang Yuhao , Xu Yong , An Lichun
Published: July 2022

Background: A minimal distance of 3 mm to main pancreatic duct (MPD) was generally considered to be necessary for pancreatic enucleation (PE). This study was designed to report the safety and feasibility of PE for tumors located in 3 mm to MPD Under the intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) guidance.

Methods: The data of patients who received IOUS guided robotic PE from January 2018 to May 2019 in the second department of hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery were reviewed in this study. According to the distance to MPD (less than 3 mm or not), patients were divided in 2 groups, and the short-term operative outcomes were compared.

Statistics: Students’ t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparing continuous variables, and Chi-squared test was used for comparing categorical variables.

Results: And a total of 56 patients were analyzed, and a minimal distance less than 3 mm between the tumor and pancreatic duct measured by IOUS was found in 12 patients. The tumors and MPD were clearly revealed intraoperatively in all the cases. The operative duration was significantly longer in patients with tumors located in 3 mm from MPD (143.25 ± 40.89 min vs 107.14 ± 37.73 min, t = 2.756, P=.014). There was no significant difference between the rate of post-operative pancreatic fistula and other complications in the different groups (χ2 =.924, P=.48).

Discussion and conclusion: robotic PE could be safely performed under IOUS guidance for benign or low-grade malignant tumors located less than 3 mm to the MPD.
Ethical Considerations for Discrete Choice Experiments with Caregivers
Authors: Illes Judy , Lawson Ashley , McDonald Patrick J.
Published: July 2022

We discuss research ethics challenges experienced while running a discrete choice experiment administered to caregivers of children with treatment resistant pediatric epilepsy. We highlight ethical considerations around the study design of the discrete choice experimental paradigm that pertain to vulnerability of and caregiving burden on the population, imbalance of benefit-to-load of participation, and limitations of cultural meaningfulness and generalizability.
High performance control method of electro-mechanical actuator based on active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Shi Zhaoyao , Zhang Pan , Lin Jiachun
Published: July 2022

Integrated electro-mechanical actuators (EMAs) are widely used in cooperative robots. Their control system has to be carefully designed to achieve a desirable performance. The proportional-integral (PI) control and the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) are the two commonly used controllers. Compared with the PI, the ADRC shows better performance in terms of disturbance rejection, response speed and overshooting suppression. However, the ADRC utilises numerous parameters and the optimisation of these parameters is a challenge. In this study, the influence of the parameters of β01, β02, β03, β1, β2 on the ADRC performance is deeply analysed. Considering the two non-linear factors of permanent magnet synchronous motor and harmonic transmission in the EMA, a simulation model of the EMA was established. An improved swarm optimisation algorithm was employed to optimise the parameters of the ADRC. A second-order ADRC in speed and position modes was designed. The parameters of the ADRC in these modes were adjusted using improved particle swarm optimisation. ADRC was applied to the EMA field-oriented control system instead of cascade PI, and the simulation and experimental results were compared using the cascade PI control method. When the target speed is to 15 rpm, the speed fluctuation range of the ADRC is about ±0.3 rpm, which is smaller than that of the PI controller’s ±0.5 rpm. Compared with the cascade PI control, ADRC affords a faster response speed, greater robustness and stronger disturbance resistance in the steady-state operation process.
Where was the toaster? A systematic investigation of semantic construction in a new virtual episodic memory paradigm
Authors: Zöllner Carina , Klein Nicole , Cheng Sen , Schubotz Ricarda I , Axmacher Nikolai , Wolf Oliver T
Published: July 2022

Retrieved memories of past events are often inaccurate. The scenario construction model (SCM) postulates that during encoding, only the gist of an episode is stored in the episodic memory trace and during retrieval, information missing from that trace is constructed from semantic information. The current study aimed to find behavioural evidence for semantic construction in a realistic, yet controlled setting by introducing a completely new paradigm and adjusted memory tests that measure semantic construction. Using a desktop virtual reality (VR), participants navigated through a flat in which some household objects appeared in unexpected rooms, creating conflicts between the experienced episode and semantic expectations. The manipulation of congruence enabled us to identify influences from semantic information in cases of episodic memory failure during recall. Besides, we controlled for objects to be task-relevant or task-irrelevant to the sequence of action. In addition to an established old/new recognition task we introduced spatial and temporal recall measures as possible superior memory measures quantifying semantic construction. The recognition task and the spatial recall revealed that both congruence and task-relevance predicted correct episodic memory retrieval. In cases of episodic memory failure, semantic construction was more likely than guessing and occurred more frequently for task-irrelevant objects. In the temporal recall object-pairs belonging to the same semantic room-category were temporally clustered together compared with object-pairs from different semantic categories (at the second retrieval delay). Taken together, our findings support the predictions of the SCM. The new VR paradigm, including the new memory measures appears to be a promising tool for investigating semantic construction.
Treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula with interventional negative pressure drainage
Authors: Li Xiaobing , Wang Shuai , Yin Meipan , Li Xiangnan , Qi Yu , Ma Yaozhen , Li Chunxia , Wu Gang
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Bronchopleural fistula is a serious complication of pneumonectomy and lobectomy and results in a reduction in the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous drainage tube placement with continuous negative pressure drainage for the treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula.

Methods:

Data of 16 patients with peripheral bronchopleural fistula were retrospectively analyzed. A percutaneous thoracic drainage tube was placed under fluoroscopy and connected with a negative pressure suction device. The drainage tube was removed when the residual cavity disappeared on computed tomography.

Results:

All 16 patients underwent lobectomy, including 11 patients with lung cancer (68.8%), 4 patients with pulmonary infection (25.0%), and 1 patient with hemoptysis (6.3%). All patients underwent successful drainage tube placement on the first attempt with a technical success rate of 100%. No serious complications occurred during or after the procedure. The drainage tubes were adjusted 3.25 ± 2.24 times (range: 1–8 times). A total of 30 drainage tubes were used (average per patient, 1.88 ± 1.36 tubes). The cure time of 16 patients was 114.94 ± 101.08 days (range, 30–354 days). The median drainage tube indwelling duration was 87 days, and the 75th percentile was 117 days.

Conclusion:

Interventional percutaneous thoracic drainage tube placement with continuous negative pressure drainage is an effective, safe, and feasible method for the treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula.
Crammer’s Corner
Authors: Patel Hana
Published: July 2022

A recent report in the medical news described how a practice had decided to move administrative staff from the front of reception because of the level of abuse received from patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has put untold pressure on the National Health Service (NHS), its users and staff. Dr Hana Patel discusses how to manage difficult consultations and gives tips in this two-part series.
Quality and Readability of Information Regarding Total Ankle Arthroplasty Available to Patients on the Internet
Authors: Smith Sydney , Jupiter Daniel C. , Panchbhavi Vinod K. , Chen Jie
Published: July 2022

This study sought to evaluate the reliability, comprehensiveness, and readability of ankle arthroplasty information available on the Internet. We evaluated websites based on category, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) criteria, Health on the Net (HON) code, DISCERN score, an author-created Ankle Replacement Index (ARI), and readability metrics. Based on the ARI, 80 (62.5%) websites provided poor information. The mean reading level was 8.96 ± 2.66, which is above the recommended sixth-grade reading level for patient information. Academic websites had the highest mean DISCERN, ARI, and JAMA scores, and a midrange reading level. The government category had high DISCERN and JAMA scores, a fair ARI score, and the lowest reading level. We found significant correlation between website class and DISCERN score, as well as HON code and DISCERN score. Our results suggest that academic and government websites provide more reliable, complete information than other categories and that websites with an HON code contain more reliable information than those without. We recommend that physicians create handouts to point patients to reliable resources and encourage them to critically evaluate information they read online. We also encourage physicians to take part in evaluating and updating information on their practice websites.

Level of Clinical Evidence: N/A
Utilization Trends of Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Ankle Fusion for Tibiotalar Osteoarthritis: A Nationwide Analysis of the United States Population
Authors: Paracha Noorulain , Idrizi Adem , Gordon Adam M. , Lam Aaron W. , Abdelgawad Amr A. , Razi Afshin E.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Studies evaluating utilization and trends of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle fusion (AF) are sparse. The purpose of this study was to use a nationwide administrative claims database to compare baseline demographics between TAA and ankle arthrodesis and to determine whether patients who had a TAA have increased rates of: (1) utilization, (2) in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and (3) costs of care. Methods: PearlDiver, a nationwide claims database was queried from 2005 to December 2013 for all patients who underwent primary TAA or AF for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the ankle and foot. Baseline demographics of age, sex, geographic distribution, and the prevalence of comorbidities comprising the Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI) were compared between patients who had TAA and AF. Linear regression was used to compare differences in utilization and in-hospital LOS between the 2 cohorts during the study interval. Annual charges and reimbursement rates for TAA were assessed during the study period. A P value less than .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 21 433 patients undergoing primary TAA (n = 7126) and AF (n = 14 307) were included. Patients undergoing TAA had significantly greater ECI driven by arrythmias, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte/fluid disorders, iron deficiency anemia than patients undergoing AF (P < .001). From 2005 to 2013, TAA utilization increased from 21.5% to 49.4% of procedures (P < .0001). There was reduced in-hospital LOS over the time interval for patients with TAA compared with AF (2.15 days vs. 3.11 days, P < .0001). Total ankle arthroplasty reimbursements remained stable while charges per patient increased significantly from $40 203.48 in 2005 to doubling by the end of 2013 to $86 208.59 (P < .0001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated increased use of TAA compared to AF showing decreased in-hospital LOS and increased cost of care with stagnant reimbursement rates.

Level of Evidence: Level III
Community-based asthma assessment in young children: adaptations for a multicentre longitudinal study in South Asia
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Huq Samin , Cunningham Steven , Schwarze Jurgen , Islam A.S.M.D. Ashraful , Amin Mashal , Raza Farrukh , Satpathy Radanath , Rauta Pradipta Ranjan , Ahmed Salahuddin , Mahmood Hana , Fernandes Genevie , Baloch Benazir , Nisar Imran , Soofi Sajid , Panigrahi Pinaki , Juvekar Sanjay , Bavkedar Ashish , Baqui Abdullah H. , Saha Senjuti , Campbell Harry , Sheikh Aziz , Nair Harish , Saha Samir K. ,   RESPIRE
Published: July 2022

Background:

Systematic assessment of childhood asthma is challenging in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings due to the lack of standardised and validated methodologies. We describe the contextual challenges and adaptation strategies in the implementation of a community-based asthma assessment in four resource-constrained settings in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

Method:

We followed a group of children of age 6–8 years for 12 months to record their respiratory health outcomes. The study participants were enrolled at four study sites of the ‘Aetiology of Neonatal Infection in South Asia (ANISA)’ study. We standardised the research methods for the sites, trained field staff for uniform data collection and provided a ‘Child Card’ to the caregiver to record the illness history of the participants. We visited the children on three different occasions to collect data on respiratory-related illnesses. The lung function of the children was assessed in the outreach clinics using portable spirometers before and after 6-minute exercise, and capillary blood was examined under light microscopes to determine eosinophil levels.

Results:

We enrolled 1512 children, 95.5% (1476/1512) of them completed the follow-up, and 81.5% (1232/1512) participants attended the lung function assessment tests. Pre- and post-exercise spirometry was performed successfully in 88.6% (1091/1232) and 85.7% (1056/1232) of children who attempted these tests. Limited access to health care services, shortage of skilled human resources, and cultural diversity were the main challenges in adopting uniform procedures across all sites. Designing the study implementation plan based on the local contexts and providing extensive training of the healthcare workers helped us to overcome these challenges.

Conclusion:

This study can be seen as a large-scale feasibility assessment of applying spirometry and exercise challenge tests in community settings of LMICs and provides confidence to build capacity to evaluate children’s respiratory outcomes in future translational research studies.
Comparison of clinical presentations and burden of respiratory syncytial virus in infants across three distinct healthcare settings in Davidson County, Tennessee
Authors: Rankin Danielle A. , Haddadin Zaid , Lipworth Loren , Stahl Anna L. , Fryzek Jon , Suh Mina , Shepard Donald S. , Varjabedian Rebekkah , Fernandez Kailee N. , Salib Seifein , Villarreal Jessica , Bruce Mercedes , McHenry Rendie , Spieker Andrew J. , Nelson Christopher B. , Halasa Natasha B.
Published: July 2022

Background:

The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated acute respiratory illnesses among healthy infants (<1 year) in the inpatient setting is well established. The focus on RSV-associated illnesses in the outpatient (OP) and emergency department (ED) settings are however understudied. We sought to determine the spectrum of RSV illnesses in infants at three distinct healthcare settings.

Methods:

From 16 December 2019 through 30 April 2020, we performed an active, prospective RSV surveillance study among infants seeking medical attention from an inpatient (IP), ED, or OP clinic. Infants were eligible if they presented with fever and/or respiratory symptoms. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and illness histories were collected during parental/guardian interviews, followed by a medical chart review and illness follow-up surveys. Research nasal swabs were collected and tested for respiratory pathogens for all enrolled infants.

Results:

Of the 627 infants screened, 475 were confirmed eligible; 360 were enrolled and research tested. Within this final cohort, 101 (28%) were RSV-positive (IP = 37, ED = 18, and OP = 46). Of the RSV-positive infants, the median age was 4.5 months and 57% had ⩾2 healthcare encounters. The majority of RSV-positive infants were not born premature (88%) nor had underlying medical conditions (92%). RSV-positive infants, however, were more likely to have a lower respiratory tract infection than RSV-negative infants (76% vs 39%, p < 0.001). Hospitalized infants with RSV were younger, 65% required supplemental oxygen, were more likely to have lower respiratory tract symptoms, and more often had shortness of breath and rales/rhonchi than RSV-positive infants in the ED and OP setting.

Conclusion:

Infants with RSV illnesses seek healthcare for multiple encounters in various settings and have clinical difference across settings. Prevention measures, especially targeted toward healthy, young infants are needed to effectively reduce RSV-associated healthcare visits.
Evidence-based guiding principles to build public trust in personal data use in health systems
Authors: Gille Felix , Smith Sarah , Mays Nicholas
Published: July 2022

Objective

Public trust in health systems is pivotal for their effective and efficient functioning. In particular, public trust is essential for personal data use, as demonstrated in debates in many countries, for example, about whether data from COVID-19 contact tracing apps should be pooled or remain on individuals’ smartphones. Low levels of public trust pose a risk not only to health system legitimacy but can also harm population health.

Methods

Synthesising our previous qualitative and theoretical research in the English National Health Service which enabled us to conceptualise the nature of public trust in health systems, we present guiding principles designed to rebuild public trust, if lost, and to maintain high levels of public trust in personal data use within the health system, if not.

Results

To build public trust, health system actors need to not rush trust building; engage with the public; keep the public safe; offer autonomy to the public; plan for diverse trust relationships; recognise that trust is shaped by both emotion and rational thought; represent the public interest; and work towards realising a net benefit for the health system and the public.

Conclusions

Beyond policymakers and government officials, the guiding principles address a wide range of actors within health systems so that they can work collectively to build public trust. The guiding principles can be used to inform policymaking in health and health care and to analyse the performance of different governments to see if those governments that operate in greater conformity with the guiding principles perform better.
Telemedicine acceptance and efficacy in the context of preventive cardiology interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Gass Felix , Halle Martin , Mueller Stephan
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Telemedicine is being used in an increasing number of healthy lifestyle intervention studies in preventive cardiology. However, the optimal telemedicine-based approach for patients with cardiovascular disease remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to identify which design features are associated with the acceptance and efficacy of telemedicine in this specific patient population.

Methods

The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Web of Science Core Collection were searched from 5 October 2010 to 5 October 2020. This systematic review only included randomized controlled or quasi-randomized controlled trials with a comparator to a telemedicine-based intervention group and a designated measure of adherence. We adopted a narrative synthesis approach to define telemedical design features, which were clustered into three main categories (social, exercise related and barrier removal) and compared to adherence (graded as good, medium and bad) and primary outcomes (significant improvement, no significant change).

Results

We screened a total of 865 records, of which 14 were included in this review, containing 13 identified design features. In 8 studies (57.1%), adherence was graded as good (4 studies medium, 2 studies bad). A positive primary outcome occurred in 10 (71.4%) studies. Personal contact showed the most pronounced (while not statistically significant) positive association with adherence and study outcomes.

Conclusion

Given the remote nature of telemedical lifestyle intervention studies, including recurring personal contact in the intervention seems to be a key factor in ensuring that adherence levels remain comparable to those seen in centre-based interventions.
circadian rhythms are not captured equal: Exploring Circadian metrics extracted by differentcomputational methods from smartphone accelerometer and GPS sensors in daily life tracking
Authors: Wu Congyu , McMahon Megan , Fritz Hagen , Schnyer David M.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To identify the differences between circadian rhythm (CR) metrics characterized by different mobile sensors and computational methods.

Methods

We used smartphone tracking and daily survey data from 225 college student participants, applied four methods (survey construct automation, cosinor regression, non-parametric method, Fourier analysis) on two types of smartphone sensor data (GPS, accelerometer) to characterize CR. We explored the inter-relations among the extracted circadian metrics as well as between the circadian metrics and participants’ self-reported mood and sleep outcomes.

Results

Compared to GPS signals, smartphone accelerometer activity follows an intradaily distribution that starts earlier in the day, winds down later, reaches half cumulative activity about the same time, conforms less to a sinusoidal wave, and exhibits more intradaily fragmentation but higher CR strength and lower interdaily disruption. We found a notable negative correlation between intradaily variability and CR strength especially pronounced in GPS activity. Self-reported sleep and mood outcomes showed significant correlations with particular CR metrics.

Conclusions

We revealed significant inter-relations and discrepancies in the circadian metrics discovered from two smartphone sensors and four CR algorithms and their bearings on wellbeing indicators such as sleep quality and loneliness.