bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference and morphology*
Authors: Dupre Gabe
Published: June 2022

The dominant tradition in analytic philosophy of language views reference as paradigmatically enabled by the acquisition of words from other speakers. Via chains of transmission, these words connect the referrer to the referent. Such a picture assumes the notion of a word as a stable mapping between sound and meaning. Utterances are constructed out of such stable mappings. While this picture of language is both intuitive and historically distinguished, various trends and programs that have developed over the last few decades in theoretical linguistics suggest an alternative. According to these approaches, the word, conceived of as a linguistic ‘building block’, has no special theoretical significance. While natural language systems generate structures mapping sounds onto meanings, they need not do so by composing elements which themselves specify such mappings. I shall describe some of these developments, and show how they pose a problem for traditional philosophical views of language and communication, before identifying an alternative approach to reference which does not rely on this common‐sense picture of words.
Lycopene supplementation to serum‐free embryo culture medium and its effect on development and quality of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro
Authors: Gonzalez Andueza Sebastian , Azari‐Dolatabad Nima , Benedetti Camilla , Fernandez Andrea , Angel‐Velez Daniel , Sadeghi Hafez , Malledevarahalli Sanjana , Opsomer Geert , Van Soom Ann , Pascottini Osvaldo Bogado
Published: June 2022

Selenium is commonly used as an antioxidant in a serum‐free culture medium setting. However, lycopene has emerged as a potent antioxidant being twice as efficient as β‐carotene and 10 times as efficient as α‐tocopherol with beneficial effects when supplemented in a serum‐free maturation medium. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation in a serum‐free culture medium on blastocyst development and quality. After in vitro maturation and fertilization, presumed zygotes were cultured in groups of 25 in 50 μl droplets of synthetic oviductal fluid. Culture medium supplementation was done using four experimental groups: insulin, transferrin, selenium (ITS, control); ITS + DMSO (diluent control); ITS + DMSO‐lycopene 0.1 μM (ITSL); and IT + DMSO‐lycopene 0.1 μM (ITL). DMSO was used as a diluent for lycopene. Blastocyst development among experimental groups was fitted in mixed‐effects models, and blastocyst quality parameters (assessed via differential apoptotic staining) were evaluated in mixed linear regression models. The cleavage (85.3 ± 2.4, 82.6 ± 2.7, 86 ± 2.3 and 86.4 ± 2.3% for control, diluent control, ITSL and ITL, respectively) and day 8 blastocyst rates (37.4 ± 3.3, 36.9 ± 3.4, 39.7 ± 3.3 and 46.2 ± 3.4% for control, diluent control, ITSL and ITL, respectively) were not different (p > .1) among experimental groups. Embryos produced in the ITL group resulted in blastocysts with higher total cell numbers (TCN; 141 ± 19.2), inner cell mass (ICM; 65.3 ± 11.6) and trophectoderm cells (TE; 75.2 ± 8.8) compared with the control (129 ± 19.2, 56.3 ± 11.6 and 72.7 ± 8.8, for TCN, ICM and TE; p < .01, respectively). Lycopene‐supplemented groups (ITSL and ITL) resulted in blastocysts with similar TCN, ICM and TE (p > .2). The number of apoptotic cells was not different among experimental groups (p > .1). Lycopene supplementation to the culture medium only produced a numerical increase in the blastocyst rate but replacing selenium with lycopene in a serum‐free culture medium resulted in blastocysts with more cells.
A comprehensible machine learning tool to differentially diagnose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from other chronic interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Furukawa Taiki , Oyama Shintaro , Yokota Hideo , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Kataoka Kensuke , Johkoh Takeshi , Fukuoka Junya , Hashimoto Naozumi , Sakamoto Koji , Shiratori Yoshimune , Hasegawa Yoshinori
Published: June 2022

Background and objective

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has poor prognosis, and the multidisciplinary diagnostic agreement is low. Moreover, surgical lung biopsies pose comorbidity risks. Therefore, using data from non‐invasive tests usually employed to assess interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), we aimed to develop an automated algorithm combining deep learning and machine learning that would be capable of detecting and differentiating IPF from other ILDs.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive patients presenting with ILD between April 2007 and July 2017. Deep learning was used for semantic image segmentation of HRCT based on the corresponding labelled images. A diagnostic algorithm was then trained using the semantic results and non‐invasive findings. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using five‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

In total, 646,800 HRCT images and the corresponding labelled images were acquired from 1068 patients with ILD, of whom 42.7% had IPF. The average segmentation accuracy was 96.1%. The machine learning algorithm had an average diagnostic accuracy of 83.6%, with high sensitivity, specificity and kappa coefficient values (80.7%, 85.8% and 0.665, respectively). Using Cox hazard analysis, IPF diagnosed using this algorithm was a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.593; 95% CI, 2.069–3.250; p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was good even in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia patterns on HRCT and those with surgical lung biopsies.

Conclusion

Using data from non‐invasive examinations, the combined deep learning and machine learning algorithm accurately, easily and quickly diagnosed IPF in a population with various ILDs.
Biodiscoveries within the Australian plant genus Eremophila based on international and interdisciplinary collaboration: results and perspectives on outstanding ethical dilemmas
Authors: Semple Susan J. , Staerk Dan , Buirchell Bevan J. , Fowler Rachael M. , Gericke Oliver , Kjaerulff Louise , Zhao Yong , Pedersen Hans Albert , Petersen Malene J. , Rasmussen Line Fentz , Bredahl Emilie Kold , Pedersen Gustav Blichfeldt , McNair Laura Mikél , Ndi Chi P. , Hansen Nikolaj Lervad , Heskes Allison M. , Bayly Michael J. , Loland Claus J. , Heinz Nanna , Møller Birger Lindberg
Published: June 2022

In a cross‐continental research initiative, including researchers working in Australia and Denmark, and based on joint external funding by a 3‐year grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we have used DNA sequencing, extensive chemical profiling and molecular networking analyses across the entire Eremophila genus to provide new knowledge on the presence of natural products and their bioactivities using polypharmocological screens. Sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids and dimers of branched‐chain fatty acids with previously unknown chemical structures were identified. The collection of plant material from the Eremophila genus was carried out according to a ‘bioprospecting agreement’ with the Government of Western Australia. We recognize that several Eremophila species hold immense cultural significance to Australia's First Peoples. In spite of our best intentions to ensure that new knowledge gained about the genus Eremophila and any potential future benefits are shared in an equitable manner, in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol, we encounter serious dilemmas and potential conflicts in making benefit sharing with Australia's First Peoples a reality.
Opinions of nursing and theology faculty students on Xenotransplantation
Authors: Dogan Bahar Aslan , Saritas Serdar , Akturk Ummuhan , Akbulut Sami , Kucukakcali Zeynep , Erci Behice
Published: June 2022

Background

It is mentioned that students' opinions about xenotransplantation (XTx) have been explored in a limited manner. In particular, there is no literature in Turkey on Nursing and Theology students' perspectives on XTx. This research aimed to find out what Nursing and Theology students thought about XTx.

Methods

This descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted on students studying at the Theology and Nursing faculties. The study population consisted of 2.581 students educated in these faculties. Without using any sampling method, it was aimed to reach all students, and 1.780 (70%) students were reached. Data were collected using a participant identification form and questionnaire form, which the researchers developed.

Results

The difference between the answers given by the Nursing and Theology students to the information statements about XTx was statistically significant (p < .001). Nursing and Theology students’ attitudes to organ or tissue Tx from halal animals in case of necessity were positive (p < .001). While the nursing students’ attitude toward organ or tissue Tx from non‐helal animals in case of necessity was negative, Theology students had no idea (p < .001). In other attitude statements, while nursing students responded positively, Theology students responded as “I have no idea” (p ≤ .001).

Conclusion

Theology students tended to have the question about XTx and only positive attitude towards XTx from halal animals. Nursing students mostly had positive attitude, but negative when XTx is practiced out of necessity.
On the Kawamata–Viehweg vanishing theorem for log del Pezzo surfaces in positive characteristic
Authors: Arvidsson Emelie , Bernasconi Fabio , Lacini Justin
Published: June 2022

We prove the Kawamata–Viehweg vanishing theorem for surfaces of del Pezzo type over perfect fields of positive characteristic$p>5$. As a consequence, we show that klt threefold singularities over a perfect base field of characteristic$p>5$are rational. We show that these theorems are sharp by providing counterexamples in characteristic$5$.
Energy Recovery of Expired Pistachios From Pyrolysis and CO2-Assisted Gasification
Authors: Cao Qin , Lu Wei , Li Jinhu , Burra Kiran G. , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: June 2022

The amount of food waste due to the product expiration date is growing globally each year. Although the expired food loses its nutritional and safe edible value, it still offers great energy conversion value. In this study, expired pistachios were pyrolyzed and gasified in a semi-batch reactor at temperatures of 873–1223 K. The gases components of the produced syngas were analyzed using a micro-gas chromatograph for the syngas yield, and gases mass flowrates as well as the energy of each component in the syngas were calculated. CO2 consumption from the gasification reaction at different temperatures was also evaluated. Experimental results showed that the syngas yield and syngas energy from pyrolysis and CO2-assisted gasification increased with the in-reaction temperatures. Higher reaction temperature resulted in a shorter reaction time for the evolution of the peak value of the syngas mass flowrate. During pyrolysis, the increase in temperature from 873 to 1223 K enhanced syngas yield by 8.6 times from 1.42 kJ/g to 13.62 kJ/g. However, during the CO2-assisted gasification, syngas energy increased from 5.43 kJ/g to 17.27 kJ/g in the temperature range of 973–1173 K. The CO2 consumption in the gasification of pistachio samples enhanced with the increase in reaction temperature. The mass of CO2 consumption at 1223 K was 0.67 g/g, which was 138 times higher than that of 0.005 g/g at 973 K. Furthermore, at the same temperature (1223 K), the syngas yield from gasification was 1.3 times higher than that from pyrolysis. Thus, higher temperatures promoted the reaction rate of gasification processes as well as the consumption of greenhouse gas (CO2). The CO2-assisted gasification technology is an effective pathway to convert expired food into clean sustainable energy.
A neurotrophic approach to treating hearing loss: Translation from animal models to clinical proof-of-concept
Authors: Foster Alan C. , Szobota Stephanie , Piu Fabrice , Jacques Bonnie E. , Moore David R. , Sanchez Victoria A. , Anderson Jeffery J.
Published: June 2022

Currently, there are no approved medicines available for the treatment of hearing loss. However, research over the past two decades has contributed to a growing understanding of the pathological mechanisms in the cochlea that result in hearing difficulties. The concept that a loss of the synapses connecting inner hair cells with the auditory nerve (cochlear synaptopathy) contributes to hearing loss has gained considerable attention. Both animal and human post-mortem studies support the idea that these synapses (ribbon synapses) are highly vulnerable to noise, ototoxicity, and the aging process. Their degeneration has been suggested as an important factor in the speech-in-noise difficulties commonly experienced by those suffering with hearing loss. Neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have the potential to restore these synapses and provide improved hearing function. OTO-413 is a sustained exposure formulation of BDNF suitable for intratympanic administration that in preclinical models has shown the ability to restore ribbon synapses and provide functional hearing benefit. A phase 1/2 clinical trial with OTO-413 has provided initial proof-of-concept for improved speech-in-noise hearing performance in subjects with hearing loss. Key considerations for the design of this clinical study, including aspects of the speech-in-noise assessments, are discussed.
A future for Ukrainian science
Authors: Duszyński Jerzy , McNutt Marcia , Zagorodny Anatoly
Published: June 2022

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth month, Russian forces continue to destroy the nation’s scientific institutions and infrastructure, signaling Russia’s intent to obliterate the future for Ukraine. In Kharkiv, for instance, the renowned Institute of Physics and Technology and its newly built Neutron Source nuclear facility have been heavily damaged. Even the Plant Production Institute with its underground national seed bank—one of the world’s largest—has been bombed. At the Chernobyl nuclear labs, Russian forces have looted or destroyed hundreds of computers, radiation dosimeters, and irreplaceable software and equipment. Although the response to each international science crisis is necessarily unique, the US National Academy of Sciences is once again joining with international and regional partners to support beleaguered colleagues, as it did last year in the successful extraction and resettlement of Afghanistan scientists at risk from the Taliban. To that end, the national science academies of Poland, Ukraine, and the United States recently convened a meeting of leaders from several national science academies (including the presidents of Germany’s Leopoldina science academy, the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, and the ALLEA European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, and leaders from the Royal Society of the United Kingdom) to explore how the global science community can best help Ukraine. The resulting 10-point action plan for the world’s research community aims to help meet several immediate needs and also provide the building blocks for revitalizing Ukrainian science in the future.
Mutation of
PA4292
in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Increases β-Lactam Resistance through Upregulating Pyocyanin Production
Authors: Zhao Xinrui , Jin Yongxin , Bai Fang , Cheng Zhihui , Wu Weihui , Pan Xiaolei
Published: June 2022

Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is increasingly reported worldwide and usually causes infections with high mortality rates. Aztreonam/avibactam is a β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BLBLI) combination that is under clinical trials.
Quantification of Extracellular DNA Network Abundance and Architecture within Streptococcus gordonii Biofilms Reveals Modulatory Factors
Authors: Serrage Hannah J. , FitzGibbon Lucy , Alibhai Dominic , Cross Stephen , Rostami Nadia , Jack Alison A. , Lawler Catherine R. E. , Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Jepson Mark A. , Nobbs Angela H.
Published: June 2022

Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of many microbial biofilms, making it an attractive target for the management of biofilms. However, our knowledge and targeting of eDNA are currently hindered by a lack of tools for the quantitative assessment of eDNA networks within biofilms.
Real-Time PCR Differential Detection of
Neorickettsia findlayensis
and
N. risticii
in Cases of Potomac Horse Fever
Authors: Budachetri Khemraj , Lin Mingqun , Yan Qi , Chien Rory C. , Hostnik Laura D. , Haanen Gillian , Leclère Mathilde , Waybright Warren , Baird John D. , Arroyo Luis G. , Rikihisa Yasuko
Published: June 2022

Potomac horse fever (PHF) is an acute and potentially fatal enterotyphlocolitis of horses with clinical signs that include anorexia, fever, diarrhea, and laminitis. Its incidence is increasing despite a commercially available vaccine.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Enterococci
Authors: Khan Ayesha , Miller William R. , Axell-House Dierdre , Munita Jose M. , Arias Cesar A.
Published: June 2022

Enterococci are major, recalcitrant nosocomial pathogens with a wide repertoire of intrinsic and acquired resistance determinants and the potential of developing resistance to all clinically available antimicrobials. As such, multidrug-resistant enterococci are considered a serious public health threat.
A Viral NOD to Encephalitis
Authors: Sadler Anthony J.
Published: June 2022

In this issue, Gao and colleagues (J Virol 96:e00167-22,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00167-22
) dissect innate immune signaling in a microglial cell line infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). This virus has been designated a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization due to its capacity to induce a fatal cytokine storm. The study’s findings attribute the pathogenesis to induction of the host inflammasome response by the SFTSV nonstructural protein.
Short-Term Dairy Product Elimination and Reintroduction Minimally Perturbs the Gut Microbiota in Self-Reported Lactose-Intolerant Adults
Authors: Smith Courtney J. , Dethlefsen Les , Gardner Christopher , Nguyen Linda , Feldman Marcus , Costello Elizabeth K. , Kolodny Oren , Relman David A.
Published: June 2022

Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed with a lactose hydrogen breath test. Lifestyle changes such as diet interventions can impact the gut microbiome; however, the role of the microbiome in lactose intolerance is unclear.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K) Orchestrates Aspergillus fumigatus-Induced Eosinophil Activation Independently of Canonical Toll-Like Receptor (TLR)/C-Type-Lectin Receptor (CLR) Signaling
Authors: Dietschmann Axel , Schruefer Sebastian , Westermann Stefanie , Henkel Fiona , Castiglione Kirstin , Willebrand Ralf , Adam Jasmin , Ruland Jürgen , Lang Roland , Sheppard Donald C. , Esser-von-Bieren Julia , Radtke Daniel , Krappmann Sven , Voehringer David
Published: June 2022

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is caused by the fungusAspergillus fumigatus, afflicts about five million patients globally, and is still a noncurable disease. ABPA is associated with pronounced lung eosinophilia.
Bacterial Strain–Dependent Dissociation of Cell Recruitment and Cell-to-Cell Spread in Early M. tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Zha B. Shoshana , Desvignes Ludovic , Fergus Tawania J. , Cornelius Amber , Cheng Tan-Yun , Moody D. Branch , Ernst Joel D.
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis is a leading infectious disease killer worldwide and is caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis. After exposure toM. tuberculosis, outcomes range from apparent elimination to active disease.
Draft Genome Sequences of Five Cystobasidium ongulense Strains Isolated from Areas near Syowa Station, East Antarctica
Authors: Tsuji Masaharu , Ishihara Jun-ichi , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Hayashi Tetsuya , Takahashi Hiroki
Published: June 2022

Cystobasidium ongulense
has been reported from East Ongul Island near Syowa Station, East Antarctica, as a new basidiomycetous yeast species. This species has cold active lipases and cellulases that are active even at subzero temperatures. We report draft genome sequences of five
Cystobasidium ongulense
strains isolated from East Antarctica.
Long-Read Metagenomics Improves the Recovery of Viral Diversity from Complex Natural Marine Samples
Authors: Zaragoza-Solas Asier , Haro-Moreno Jose M. , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco , López-Pérez Mario
Published: June 2022

We explored the vast genetic diversity of environmental viruses by using a combination of cellular metagenome (as opposed to virome) sequencing using high-fidelity long-read sequences (in this case, PacBio CCS). This approach resulted in the recovery of a representative sample of the viral population, and it performed better (more phage contigs, larger average contig size) than Illumina sequencing applied to the same sample.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Yeast Metabolic Cycle through Metabolic Network Models Reveals Superiority of Integrated ATAC-seq Data over RNA-seq Data
Authors: Cesur Müberra Fatma , Çakır Tunahan , Pir Pınar
Published: June 2022

Dynamic chromatin organization mediates the emergence of condition-specific phenotypes in eukaryotic organisms.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
can alter its metabolic profile via regulation of genome accessibility and robust transcriptional oscillations under nutrient-limited conditions. Thus, both epigenetic information and transcriptomic information are crucial in the understanding of condition-specific metabolic behavior in this organism.
Rapid Detection of Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens Using the T2MR versus Blood Culture in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Seitz Tamara , Holbik Johannes , Hind Julian , Gibas Georg , Karolyi Mario , Pawelka Erich , Traugott Marianna , Wenisch Christoph , Zoufaly Alexander
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a high number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic worldwide. One of the reasons is the high number of bacterial and fungal superinfections in patients suffering from critical disease.
Uncovering Beta-Lactam Susceptibility Patterns in Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Olivença Francisco , Nunes Alexandra , Macedo Rita , Pires David , Silveiro Cátia , Anes Elsa , Miragaia Maria , Gomes João Paulo , Catalão Maria João
Published: June 2022

Associations between differential
M. tuberculosis
beta-lactam phenotypes and preexisting antimycobacterial drug resistance, strain sublineage, or specific mutational patterns were established. Importantly, we reveal that highly drug-resistant isolates of sublineage 4.3.4.2 have an increased susceptibility to beta-lactams compared with other strains.
Use of Resazurin To Rapidly Enumerate
Bdellovibrio
and Like Organisms and Evaluate Their Activities
Authors: Jang Hyochan , Mun Wonsik , Choi Seong Yeol , Mitchell Robert J.
Published: June 2022

Bdellovibrio
and like organisms are predatory bacteria that are capable of attacking, killing, and consuming many bacterial pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains. These qualities have led to them being labeled as “living antibiotics.” Research work with these remarkable strains, however, has been hampered by long growth times needed to quantify the predatory populations through plaque assays, which typically take 4 days to develop.
Increased Cleavage of Japanese Encephalitis Virus prM Protein Promotes Viral Replication but Attenuates Virulence
Authors: Xiong Junyao , Yan Mengxue , Zhu Shuo , Zheng Bohan , Wei Ning , Yang Lingen , Si Youhui , Cao Shengbo , Ye Jing
Published: June 2022

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis epidemics in Southeast Asia, affecting mostly children, with high morbidity and mortality. During the viral maturation process, prM is cleaved into M by the cellular endoprotease furin in the acidic secretory system.
Quantitative relationships between river and channel-belt planform patterns
Authors: Dong Tian Y. , Goudge Timothy A.
Published: June 2022

Channel planform patterns arise from internal dynamics of sediment transport and fluid flow in rivers and are affected by external controls such as valley confinement. Understanding whether these channel patterns are preserved in the rock record has critical implications for our ability to constrain past environmental conditions. Rivers are preserved as channel belts, which are one of the most ubiquitous and accessible parts of the sedimentary record, yet the relationship between river and channel-belt planform patterns remains unquantified. We analyzed planform patterns of rivers and channel belts from 30 systems globally. Channel patterns were classified using a graph theory-based metric, the Entropic Braided Index (eBI), which quantifies the number of river channels by considering the partitioning of water and sediment discharge. We find that, after normalizing by river size, channel-belt width and wavelength, amplitude, and curvature of the belt edges decrease with increasing river channel number (eBI). Active flow in single-channel rivers occupies as little as 1% of the channel belt, while in multichannel rivers it can occupy >50% of the channel belt. Moreover, we find that channel patterns lie along a continuum of channel numbers. Our findings have implications for studies on river and floodplain interaction, storage timescales of floodplain sediment, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.
Silurian wildfire proxies and atmospheric oxygen
Authors: Glasspool Ian J. , Gastaldo Robert A.
Published: June 2022

The earliest evidence of wildfire is documented from two localities: the early mid-Silurian Pen-y-lan Mudstone, Rumney, Wales (UK), and the late Silurian Winnica Formation, Winnica, Poland. Nematophytes dominate both charcoal assemblages. Reflectance data indicate low-temperature fires with localized intense conditions. Fire temperatures are greater in the older and less evolved assemblage. These charcoal assemblages and others, new and previously documented, from the Silurian and earliest Devonian are compared to box models of atmospheric oxygen concentration (pO2). Based on modern charring experiments, these data indicate pO2 is divergent from the broad trends predicted by the COPSE-revisited and GEOCARBSULFOR models. Sustained burns require a minimum pO2 threshold of 16%, or ~0.75 present atmospheric level. This threshold was first met and, our charcoal data indicate, was exceeded in the mid-Silurian and then, later in the Silurian, attained again repeatedly.
Supplemental Material: Reconstructing a dismembered Neogene basin along the active Hikurangi subduction margin, New Zealand
Authors: Hines Benjamin R. , al. et
Published: June 2022

Data and constraints incorporated in model development.
Concepts and metrics of clinician attention: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kissler Mark J , Kissler Katherine , Porter Samuel C , Keniston Angela , Jankousky Katherine , Burden Marisha
Published: June 2022

Introduction

There is growing emphasis on the importance of both the cognitive and behavioural phenomenon of attention for clinicians engaged in patient care. Aspects of attention such as cognitive load, distraction and task switching have been studied in various settings with different methodologies. Using the protocol described here, we aim to systematically review the medical literature in order to map the concept of attention and to synthesise diverse concepts and methods under the broader category of research focused on ‘attention’.

Methods and analysis

Following the methodology described by the Joanna Briggs Institute and Arksey and O’Malley, our scoping review conducts an iterative search of Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline (PubMed) and EMBASE (Ovid). An initial limited search based on key concepts and terminology will generate relevant articles which in turn will be mined for additional keywords and index terms to guide a formal literature search. Our multidisciplinary team will extract data into a matrix, including a small random sample of the same studies (to ensure concordance), and present the results in a descriptive narrative format.

Ethics and dissemination

As a secondary analysis, our study does not require ethics approval, and we will ensure that included studies have appropriate approval. We anticipate results will identify diverse ways of conceptualising clinician attention and will provide a foundation for developing additional metrics and study methods to optimise attention in the clinical environment. We will disseminate results through journals and conferences and coordinate with colleagues doing work in adjacent fields.
Compliance of healthcare workers with the infection prevention and control guidance in tertiary care hospitals: quantitative findings from an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study in Bangladesh
Authors: Salwa Marium , Haque M Atiqul , Islam Syed Shariful , Islam Mohammad Tanvir , Sultana Sarmin , Khan Md Maruf Haque , Moniruzzaman Syed
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To assess healthcare workers’ (HCWs) compliance with the infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and identify the factors influencing this compliance using the Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework.

Design

Quantitative data from an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study were employed in this research.

Participants and settings

From 17 May to 30 August 2020, 604 physicians and nurses working at six randomly selected tertiary care facilities in Dhaka City in Bangladesh took part in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Compliance with the WHO’s guidance on IPC measures, as well as the associated factors, was the primary outcome.

Results

A mean compliance score of 0.49 (±0.25) was observed on a 0–1 scale. HCWs were most compliant with the medical mask wearing guidelines (81%) and were least compliant with the high-touch surface decontamination regulations (23%). Compliance with the IPC guidance was significantly associated with increasing age, female sex, working as a nurse, having non-communicable diseases and history of exposure to patients with COVID-19. Perceived benefits (B=0.039, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.076), self-efficacy (B=0.101, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.142) and cues to action (B=0.045, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.088) were positively associated with compliance. Compliance with IPC guidance was 0.061 times greater among participants who reported low perceived barriers compared with those with high perceived barriers.

Conclusion

Overall, compliance with IPC guidance among HCWs was unsatisfactory. As self-efficacy exerted the greatest contribution to compliance, it should be emphasised in any endeavour to improve HCWs’ IPC adherence. Such interventions should also focus on perceived barriers, including unreliability of the information sources, unsafe working places and unavailability of protective equipment and cues to action, including trust in the administration and availability of adequate IPC guidance.
Investigation of the optimal platinum-based regimen in the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy setting for early-stage resected non-small lung cancer: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Lan-Lan , Gan Jia-Di , Huang Yi-Hua , Liao Jun , Lv Yi , Ali Wael Abdullah-Sultan , Zhang Li , Fang Wen-Feng
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different platinum adjuvant chemotherapy regimens for early-stage resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Design

Systematic review with network meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus Google Scholar were searched through 12 March 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the postoperative platinum chemotherapy regimen with the observation-controlled group or comparing two platinum chemotherapy regimens head-to-head were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

The primary outcome was the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens including relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), 2-year, 3-year, 5-year RFS rate and OS rate. The secondary outcome was the rate of grade 3–4 toxicity assessments. Cochrane Handbook (V.5) was used for the risk of bias assessment. Analyses were performed using R software V.4.3.1.

Results

20 RCTs with a sample size of 5483 were enrolled in meta-analysis. The chemotherapy group had a significant RFS and OS advantage compared with the observation group (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.56 to 0.81, p<0.0001; HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.88, p<0.0001, respectively). Compared with the observation arm, only the ‘cisplatin_vinorelbine’ regimen had a significant RFS and OS advantage (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.87; HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.87, respectively) while the remaining chemotherapy regimens had no significant difference of efficacy compared with the observation group. In terms of the safety of adjuvant chemotherapy, the incidence of haematological toxicities and nausea/vomiting was not significantly higher in the ‘cisplatin_vinorelbine’ arm than in other chemotherapy group.

Conclusion

This study summarised the adjuvant cytotoxicity chemotherapy regimens for patients with early-stage resected NSCLC. Our analysis may provide some guiding significance for the clinicians when determining the optimal chemotherapy regimen.
Sleep behaviour and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention during cardiac rehabilitation: protocol for a longitudinal study
Authors: Huang Lan , Zhou Jie , Li Husheng , Wang Yiyan , Wu Xubo , Wu Jing
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Most patients with coronary heart disease experience sleep disturbances and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), but their relationship during cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is still unclear. This article details a protocol for the study of sleep trajectory in patients with coronary heart disease during CR and the relationship between sleep and CRF. A better understanding of the relationship between sleep and CRF on patient outcomes can improve sleep management strategies.

Methods and analysis

This is a longitudinal study with a recruitment target of 101 patients after percutaneous cardiac intervention from the Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai, China. Data collection will include demographic characteristics, medical history, physical examination, blood sampling, echocardiography and the results of cardiopulmonary exercise tests. The information provided by a 6-min walk test will be used to supplement the CPET. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will be used to understand the sleep conditions of the participants in the past month. The Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder Scale will be used to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. All participants will be required to wear an actigraphy on their wrists for 72 hours to monitor objective sleep conditions. This information will be collected four times within 6 months of CR, and patients will be followed up for 1 year. The growth mixture model will be used to analyse the longitudinal sleep data. The generalised estimating equation will be used to examine the associations between sleep and CRF during CR.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this observational longitudinal study was granted by the Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital Ethics Committee on 23 April 2021 (2021-7th-HIRB-012). Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journal articles.
Prevalence of and factors associated with tobacco smoking in the Gambia: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Shariful Islam Md , AlWajeah Haifaa , Rabbani Md Golam , Ferdous Md , Mahfuza Nusrat Sharmin , Konka Daniel , Silenga Eva , Zafar Ullah Abu Naser
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with tobacco smoking in the Gambia.

Design

A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Setting

The Gambia.

Participants

The study participants were both women and men aged between 15 and 49 years old. We included 16,066 men and women in our final analysis.

Data analysis

We analysed data from the Gambia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2019–2020. DHS collected nationally stratified data from local government areas and rural–urban areas. The outcome variable was the prevalence of tobacco smoking. Descriptive analysis, prevalence and logistic regression methods were used to analyse data to identify the potential determinants of tobacco smoking.

Results

The response rate was 93%. The prevalence of current tobacco smoking was 9.92% in the Gambia in 2019–2020, of which, 81% of the consumers smoked tobacco daily. Men (19.3%) smoked tobacco much higher than women (0.65%) (p<0.001). People aged 40–49 years, with lower education, and manual workers were the most prevalent group of smoking in the Gambia (p<0.001).

Men were 33 times more likely to smoke tobacco than women. The chance of consuming smoked tobacco increased with the increase of age (adjusted OR (AOR) 9.08, 95% CI 5.08 to 16.22 among adults aged 40–49 years, p<0.001). The strength of association was the highest among primary educated individuals (AOR 5.35, 95% CI 3.35 to 8.54).

Manual workers (AOR 2.73) and people from the poorest households (AOR 1.86) were the risk groups for smoking. However, place of residency and region were insignificantly associated with smoking in the Gambia.

Conclusions

Men, older people, manual workers, individuals with lower education and lower wealth status were the vulnerable groups to tobacco smoking in the Gambia. Government should intensify awareness programmes on the harmful effects of smoking, and introduce proper cessation support services among tobacco smoking users prioritising these risk groups.
Chronic lung lesions in COVID-19 survivors: predictive clinical model
Authors: Carvalho Carlos Roberto Ribeiro , Chate Rodrigo Caruso , Sawamura Marcio Valente Yamada , Garcia Michelle Louvaes , Lamas Celina Almeida , Cardenas Diego Armando Cardona , Lima Daniel Mario , Scudeller Paula Gobi , Salge João Marcos , Nomura Cesar Higa , Gutierrez Marco Antonio
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to propose a simple, accessible and low-cost predictive clinical model to detect lung lesions due to COVID-19 infection.

Design

This prospective cohort study included COVID-19 survivors hospitalised between 30 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 followed-up 6 months after hospital discharge. The pulmonary function was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale, oximetry (SpO2), spirometry (forced vital capacity (FVC)) and chest X-ray (CXR) during an in-person consultation. Patients with abnormalities in at least one of these parameters underwent chest CT. mMRC scale, SpO2, FVC and CXR findings were used to build a machine learning model for lung lesion detection on CT.

Setting

A tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Participants

749 eligible RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected patients aged ≥18 years.

Primary outcome measure

A predictive clinical model for lung lesion detection on chest CT.

Results

There were 470 patients (63%) that had at least one sign of pulmonary involvement and were eligible for CT. Almost half of them (48%) had significant pulmonary abnormalities, including ground-glass opacities, parenchymal bands, reticulation, traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion. The machine learning model, including the results of 257 patients with complete data on mMRC, SpO2, FVC, CXR and CT, accurately detected pulmonary lesions by the joint data of CXR, mMRC scale, SpO2 and FVC (sensitivity, 0.85±0.08; specificity, 0.70±0.06; F1-score, 0.79±0.06 and area under the curve, 0.80±0.07).

Conclusion

A predictive clinical model based on CXR, mMRC, oximetry and spirometry data can accurately screen patients with lung lesions after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given that these examinations are highly accessible and low cost, this protocol can be automated and implemented in different countries for early detection of COVID-19 sequelae.
Family-centred care for children with traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injury: a qualitative study of service provider perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pollock Anna , D’Cruz Kate , Scheinberg Adam , Botchway Edith , Harms Louise , Amor David J , Anderson Vicki , Bonyhady Bruce , Knight Sarah
Published: June 2022

Objectives

COVID-19 has led to rapid changes in rehabilitation service provision for young people living with traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury. The aim of this project was to understand the experiences of rehabilitation service providers during the acute response stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we aimed to identify innovative approaches to meeting the ongoing needs of young people with traumatic brain and/or spinal cord injury during this time.

Setting

This study was conducted at a research institute and involved remote interviews with key informants around Australia and internationally.

Participants

Key informants from 11 services supporting children and/or adolescents with traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injury were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Three key themes emerged: (1) recognising and responding to the experiences of families during the pandemic, (2) the impact of greater use of telehealth on care delivery, and (3) realising opportunities to enhance family-centred care.

Conclusions

These themes capture shifting perspectives and process changes relevant to longer term practice. Research findings suggest opportunities for future service development, enabling service delivery that is more family centred, flexible and efficient in meeting the needs of families. Understanding these experiences and the changed nature of service delivery provides important insights with implications for future service improvement.
AOZORA: long-term safety and joint health in paediatric persons with haemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors receiving emicizumab – protocol for a multicentre, open-label, phase IV clinical study
Authors: Shima Midori , Takedani Hideyuki , Kitsukawa Kaoru , Taki Masashi , Ishiguro Akira , Nagao Azusa , Yamaguchi-Suita Haruko , Kyogoku Yui , Yoshida Seitaro , Nogami Keiji
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Persons with haemophilia A (PwHA) commonly experience regular bleeding into joints, which may result in joint damage and complications such as degenerative arthritis. Emicizumab has previously demonstrated efficacy in reducing the occurrence of joint bleeds and target joints, along with having a favourable safety profile; however, data on the long-term effects on joint health are lacking. The AOZORA study will evaluate the long-term safety and joint health of paediatric PwHA without factor (F)VIII inhibitors taking emicizumab; here, we report the details of the study protocol and baseline data.

Methods and analysis

AOZORA is a multicentre, open-label, phase IV clinical study in Japan that aims to enrol approximately 30 PwHA aged <12 years without FVIII inhibitors. The primary endpoints include a long-term safety evaluation of adverse events, laboratory test abnormalities and FVIII inhibitor development; and a long-term joint health assessment using MRI and the Hemophilia Joint Health Score. Exploratory endpoints include characterising participants’ physical activities and the number of activity-related bleeds requiring coagulation factor treatment. Currently, 30 participants have been enrolled, including 20 emicizumab-naïve participants and 10 who transferred from HOHOEMI, a previous study in paediatric PwHA.

Ethics and dissemination

The AOZORA study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Nara Medical University and the St Marianna University Group. The study will be conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki, the standards stipulated in paragraph 3 of Article 14 and Article 80-2 of the Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices and Other Therapeutic Products Act, the Ministerial Ordinance on Good Clinical Practice and the Ministerial Ordinance on Good Post-marketing Study Practice. Data will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at Global congresses.

Trial registration number

JapicCTI-194701.
Can electronic monitoring with a digital smart spacer support personalised medication adherence and inhaler technique education in patients with asthma?: Protocol of the randomised controlled OUTERSPACE trial
Authors: Dierick Boudewijn H.J. , Achterbosch Maria , Been-Buck Sandra , Klemmeier Titia , van de Hei Susanne J. , Hagedoorn Paul , Kerstjens Huib A.M. , Kocks Janwillem W.H. , van Boven Job F. M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Medication adherence and inhaler technique in patients with asthma remain suboptimal. A digital, smart spacer may support personalised adherence and inhaler technique education. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomised controlled trial of personalised, smart spacer data-driven education and explore clinical benefits.

Methods and analysis

We present the design of the multicentre, randomised controlled OUtcomes following Tailored Education and Retraining: Studying Performance and AdherenCE feasibility trial of 2 months. Patients will be recruited from four Dutch general practices. At t=−1, patients with asthma ≥18 years using inhaled corticosteroids±long-acting beta-agonists±short-acting beta-agonists administered with a pressurised-metered-dose-inhaler and spacer (n=40) will use a smart spacer for 1 month. The rechargeable CE-marked smart spacer (Aerochamber Plus with Flow Vu) includes a sensor that monitors adherence and inhalation technique to prescribed dosing regimen of both maintenance and reliever inhalers. After 1 month (t=0), patients are 1:1 randomised into two groups: control group (usual care) versus intervention group (personalised education). At t=-1, t=0 and t=1 month, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire and Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI) are administered and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is assessed. At t=0 and t=1, spirometry is performed. At t=1, usability and satisfaction will be analysed using the System Usability Scale and interviews with patients and healthcare providers. Primary outcome is the overall feasibility of a definitive trial assessed by patient recruitment speed, participation and drop-out rate. Secondary outcomes are patient and healthcare provider satisfaction and exploratory clinical outcomes are adherence, inhaler technique, TAI score, FeNO, lung function, ACQ and WPAI.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the RTPO in Leeuwarden, Netherlands (number: NL78361.099.21). Patients will provide written informed consent. Study findings will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed scientific and professional journals.

Trial registration number

NL9637.