bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Continuities and Skateboarding in Transition: In the Case of China’s Skateboarding Culture and Industry
Authors: Li Chuang
Published: March 2022

Previous research on skateboarding has been conducted largely under the lens of cultural studies. Recently, there has been growing recognition of skateboarding as an industry under capitalist structures. Nonetheless, the transition of skateboarding from a subculture to a global multi-billion dollar industry is still left untheorized. There are two primary aims of this study. First is to evaluate the implication of the theoretical transition in existing literature from the subcultural theories and the critical political economy approach in examining subcultures and cultural industries. The second is to contextualize key concepts such as authenticity and cultural intermediaries in the empirical understanding of the dynamics of distinction in the Chinese skateboarding community and industry. The evidence presented in the qualitative investigation of key members of the Chinese skateboarding community suggests that an ambivalent sociality has been neglected in previous discussions on authenticity and the precariousness of skateboarding careers. Borrowing perspectives from cultural sociology and organizational sociology, the finding on the prevalence of the Chinese concept guanxi suggests relevant implications for future research.
interRAI Pediatric Home Care (PEDS-HC) Assessment Tool: Evaluating Ontario Healthcare Workers’ Experience
Authors: Lynch-Godrei Anisha , Doherty Megan , Vadeboncoeur Christina
Published: March 2022

High quality pediatric homecare requires comprehensive assessment of the needs, supports, and health care challenges of children with special healthcare needs and their families. There is no standardized homecare assessment system to evaluate children’s clinical needs in the home (support services, equipment, etc.) in Ontario, Canada, which contributes to inequitable homecare service allocation. In 2017, the interRAI Pediatric Home Care assessment tool (PEDS-HC) was implemented on a pilot basis in several regions of Ontario. This qualitative descriptive study explores the experiences of homecare coordinators using the PEDS-HC, seeking to understand the utility and feasibility of this tool through focus group discussion. Four major themes were identified including: the benefits of the tool; areas for modification; challenges to use; and Clinical Assessment Protocols to develop. These themes can guide modifications to the tool to improve utility and improve pediatric home care services. The PEDS-HC is an effective tool to assess children needing homecare in a standardized and comprehensive manner. Use of the tool can improve the quality of homecare services by ensuring equity in service provision and facilitate early identification of clinical issues to prevent unexpected health deteriorations.
Ingredients of a Natural Oral Nutritional Supplement and Their Role in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Bharat Krish Tejas , Manhas Navdeep Singh , Gutcho James , Lin Joshua , Bhattacharyya Sumon , Kounang Robertus
Published: March 2022

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative disease affecting a large portion of the world’s aging population. Currently, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen are first-line medications for treating osteoarthritis patients’ pain. However, several studies have noted that while these medications control pain they do not halt progressive degeneration and tend to have an unfavorable side-effect profile with prolonged use. Recently, due to their more favorable side-effect profiles, herbal alternatives for controlling osteoarthritis symptoms and for alleviating the progression of the disease are being increasingly studied. Synogesic is a newly developed herbal supplement blend by renowned orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists consisting of turmeric, rutin, ginger root, vitamin C, vitamin D, and boswellia extracts. A study by Sharkey et al. has commented on the efficacy of the blend on the patients with knee osteoarthritis. So far, a review on the ingredients of the blend has not yet carried outbeen. By exploring prominent literature databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect, our aim is to write a narrative review to explore the individual ingredients of this blend and delve into their characteristics, as well as the most recent literature on their mechanism and efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis. Through this, we hope to inform clinicians and patients alike on relevant up-to-date research on the supplement and provide insight on the potential for this supplement for alleviating the disease course of patients with osteoarthritis.
Pretreatment Inflammatory Markers Predict Outcomes and Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients With Synchronous Liver Metastasis
Authors: Li Qingfang , Chen Linyan , Jin Hongyu , Zhao Yunuo , Hao Zeng , Ma Xuelei
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Pretreatment inflammatory markers were applied to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer. However, the role of these markers in predicting survival in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) is rarely reported. Notably, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was mainly reported in hematologic malignancies and is worth to be further explored to predict the survival of synchronous CLM.

Methods:

Totally, 196 patients who were diagnosed with synchronous CLM were enrolled. Their clinical and laboratory data before treatment were collected, retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the inflammatory biomarkers.

Results:

LMR ( P = .002) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( P = .017) were significantly related to the progression-free survival (PFS). More factors such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ( P = .011), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) ( P = .001), number of metastatic foci ( P = .006), and adjuvant chemotherapy ( P = .027) were correlated with overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, LMR remained statistically associated with PFS ( P = .003). Regarding OS, LMR ( P = .016) and LDH ( P = .013) were significantly independent predictive factors.

Conclusions:

The higher LMR and lower LDH were strongly correlated with better survival in synchronous CLM patients. In addition, the result also indicated that enhanced LMR was related to better PFS. The LMR and LDH can be used to predict prognosis of the synchronous CLM.
Towards trans-feminist coalitions in the post-Yugoslav space: Building feminist radical solidarities
Authors: Pan Maja
Published: March 2022

The conflict between trans-inclusive and trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs) has recently erupted in the post-Yugoslav space, adding to the urgency of embracing trans-feminism. In order to forge the ground for such a feminist orientation, this paper interweaves two theoretical reflections: the subject of feminism, and the historical lesbian experience of becoming ‘included’ with/in it. Beginning with the idea that, similarly to trans, it also took time and effort for lesbianity (see discussion on this concept in the article) to be recognised as a ‘legitimate’ subject of feminist emancipation, I extend Wittig's negation of lesbian womanhood to trans women. With this in mind, I argue that feminist radical solidarity requires an open-ended, liminal conception of gender. I then draw upon nine interviews with predominantly cis-gender lesbian activists from the post-Yugoslav space to explore the ways in which they endeavoured to bring about feminist radical solidarity in their activist engagement. I conclude that solidarity rather than normative inclusion that we, lesbians, fought for as feminists, should eventually be put at the service of trans-feminism. Like that, trans-feminism can become an integral part of women studies, trans women can be recognised as subjects of feminism, and trans persons embraced as our political and personal allies.
Living with ‘New Diseases’ in Dakar: Embodied Time and the Emergence of Chronicity
Authors: Poleykett Branwyn
Published: March 2022

In this article, I examine how the emergence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease reshapes perceptions of time, embodiment, ageing and the life course in the West African city of Dakar. Focusing on the complex, discontinuous and cyclical nature of chronic disease in this context, I argue that experiences of chronicity in Dakar can be analysed using a ‘biocircular’ lens. Biocircular approaches draw attention to new forms of embodied temporality that emerge in the wake of ‘new diseases’. I identify three new forms of embodied time produced and engaged by ailing and ageing people in Dakar. First, chronic symptoms emerge out of time, at unexpected junctures in the life course. Second, chronic diseases are understood to speed up or accelerate body pace. Finally, food can be implicated not just in harmful and risky consumption, but in healing and metabolic repair.
Support position optimization with safety factor in the demolition and rebuilding of a bridge using the SPMT method: A case study
Authors: Yu Xiangdong , Wang Huihui , Jing Haiquan
Published: March 2022

The accelerated bridge construction (ABC) method has become increasingly popular in recent decades because it creates few traffic disruptions, minimal environmental impacts, and lower cycle costs. The self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) is an ABC method. In the SPMT method, the support position is a key factor during transportation because the support position changes the boundary conditions and consequently changes the stress distribution of the original bridge. Unreasonable stress distribution may cause a collapse of the demolished bridge and permanent damage to the new built bridge during the transportation process. In the present study, an overpass bridge is demolished and replaced due to the expansion of an expressway. The SPMT method is adopted for rapid demolition and construction because it can greatly reduce traffic interruptions and costs. An optimization strategy of SPMT support positions is proposed by introducing a safety factor. The influence of the support positions of the SPMT on the internal force, stress, deflection, and resistance to overturning of both the demolished and new built bridges during the transport process is considered in the safety factor. Finally, an overpass bridge is taken as a case study. The optimal support positions of both demolished and new built bridges are obtained, and the demolition and rebuilding of the bridge are successfully completed using the SPMT method.
Modeling of non-ductile RC structure under near-fault ground motions: A nonlinear finite element analysis
Authors: Hidayat Banu A , Hu Hsuan-Teh , Hsiao Fu-Pei , Shen Wen-Cheng , Weng Pu-Wen , Han Ay Lie , Chan Li-Yin , Haryanto Yanuar
Published: March 2022

The old existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures in Taiwan are susceptible to severe damage under earthquakes because of the soft-story mechanism. Moreover, the effects of near-fault ground motions often contain a long period of velocity pulse and permanent ground displacement. This study is based on the tri-axial shaking table test conducted at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in Taiwan and a series of seismic performance evaluations of a non-ductile RC structure in Taiwan. Finite element analysis (FEA) will be conducted to simulate the linear and nonlinear behavior of the seven-story building. This accommodates the damage plasticity model for concrete and the elastic-perfectly plastic model for reinforcement. Comparison of the results between the experimental test and numerical model showed that the similarity of the vibration period has a great influence on the simulation results. The findings showed that the data of acceleration and displacement behavior corresponded with the experimental results in a satisfactory margin. Also, the damage mode is very similar to the shaking table test results. The study found that using FEA can satisfactorily simulate the seismic performance of mid-rise buildings under a near-fault earthquake.
Effect of pier height and support flexibility on seismic response of bridges including poundings
Authors: Yang Z. , Meng D. , Chouw N.
Published: March 2022

In conventional seismic design, bridges usually are assumed to be fixed to a rigid support. This assumption, however, does not correspond to the reality of bridges with shallow footings since they can rock in strong earthquakes. It has been recognised that several factors significantly affect the response of bridges with rocking footings, including support flexibility, pier height and pounding. Most studies so far have mainly focused on a single factor. This research aims to narrow the knowledge gap by investigating the combined effect of pier height, support condition and earthquake characteristics on bridges with rocking ability. A series of shake table experiments on a single-frame bridge with different pier heights and support conditions under hard, medium and soft soil excitations were carried out. The influence of support flexibility was examined by comparing the response of rocking bridges on rigid support with that on soil support. The result shows that regardless of the flexibility of the support, in the case of no pounding, it is beneficial to take rocking footing into account because the maximum bending moment at the pier support can be reduced. However, when pounding was considered, the combined effect can generate an even larger maximum bending moment than that of the fixed-base bridge.
Occupational differences in mortality and life expectancy persist after retirement and throughout life
Authors: Marcus Ebeling , Anders Ahlbom , Per Gustavsson , Karin Modig
Published: March 2022

Aims:

There are substantial differences in remaining life expectancy at higher ages between occupational groups. These differences may be the effect of work-related exposures, lifestyle factors of workers in specific occupations, socioeconomic position or a combination of this. The scope of this paper is the extent to which occupational differences in remaining life expectancy persist after retirement, which would suggest that occupational exposures alone are not likely to explain all the difference.

Methods:

All individuals born between 1925 and 1939 who reported occupational information in the Census 1985 and were residents in Sweden to the end of 2020 or who died were included and followed for death until 2020. The Nordic Classification of Occupations was used to create nine occupational groups. Partial life expectancy and age-specific death rates were applied to examine mortality differentials.

Results:

This study showed substantial differences in partial life expectancy across the occupational cohorts with the biggest difference being about 2 years. The mortality differences persisted with increasing age, both when measured as absolute numbers as well as relative numbers.

Conclusions:

The lack of convergence in mortality at high ages suggests that factors associated with lifestyle may play a larger role than occupational factors for the mortality differences between occupational groups at high ages. However, it cannot be ruled out that long-lasting effects of earlier occupational exposures also contribute. Regardless of the exact mechanism, we conclude that there is room for further reduction in mortality at high ages and, thus, for further improvement in life expectancy.
Numerical study of the effect of gender composition and partitioning boards on evacuation in a two-line transfer transit rail subway station
Authors: Zhang Linhua , Wang Xiaolong , Fang Huixin , Lei Wenjun
Published: March 2022

Subways for transit rail can solve urban congestion problems. Many people use transit rail subways during rush hours. Taking Jinan Wangfuzhuang subway station as the research object, the influence of different gender compositions on the evacuation process was analysed and discussed in this study. The results show that the evacuation efficiency of passengers that include a high proportion of males in subway stations is higher than that for passengers with a high proportion of females with the same age composition. According to the field observation and numerical calculation results, congestion readily occurred at the subway station exits and automatic ticket gates, and partitioning boards are added to alleviate congestion. Adding partitioning boards at automatic ticket gates can shorten the evacuation time. The calculated critical length of a partitioning board is 1.5 m, and the evacuation time can be shortened by 9.6% compared with the case without partitioning boards. Additionally, the evacuation time can be shortened by installing partitioning boards at exits. The results show that when the length of partitioning boards at exits is 1.5 m, the critical distance between adjacent partitioning boards is 1.5 m, and the evacuation time can be shortened by 16.9% compared with the case without partitioning boards.
A retrospective study of intraductal papillary neoplasia of the pancreas (IPMN) under surveillance
Authors: Johansson Katarina , Kaprio Tuomas , Nieminen Heini , Lehtimäki Tiina E. , Lantto Eila , Haglund Caj , Seppänen Hanna
Published: March 2022

Background and objective:

The growing number of identified intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) patients places greater pressure on healthcare systems. Only a minority of patients have IPMN-related symptoms. Thus, more precise surveillance is required.

Methods:

In this retrospective single-center cross-sectional study, patients with an active diagnosis of branch duct IPMN (BD-IPMN) and >6 months of surveillance were classified as follows: presence/absence of worrisome features (WF) or high-risk stigmata (HRS), newly developed WF/HRS, under/over 15 mm cyst, growing/not growing <15 mm cyst, and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9).

Results:

In all, 377 patients with BD-IPMN were followed for a median of 5.4 years, 28% with WF at diagnosis, and 14% who developed WF/HRS during surveillance. Half had a <15 mm primary cyst, 40% of which did not grow during surveillance. CA 19-9 was elevated in 12%. None of the patients with normal CA 19-9 levels developed cancer or high-grade dysplasia (HGD).

Conclusions:

No carcinomas or HGDs appeared with normal CA 19-9 levels. Patients with <15 mm cysts that do not grow and have no WF/HRS could undergo imaging less frequently.
Russh and the ‘all-Australian’ girl?
Authors: Findlay Rosie
Published: March 2022

A central preoccupation that constantly arises in Australian culture is the question of who ‘we’ are and where ‘we’ belong. So much is evident in independent women's fashion magazine Russh, the focus of this article, in which pride and uncertainty about Australian identity (and fashionability) are representationally resolved through a sensual, girlish and white fashionable ideal. By closely analysing magazine issues selected from its archive, this article charts the ways that Russh imagines Australian fashion as both imbricated with global flows as well as reaching from the periphery towards where fashion really originates. It then reads the fashionable femininity represented in the magazine in light of settler colonial fantasies that imagine the actualisation of national character amongst the Australian landscape – a landscape in which white presence is positioned as originary. This fashionable ideal symbolically rejects cosmopolitanism through her ‘return to the bush’ whilst embodying fashion itself, thus reconciling the tension between far and near. As such, Russh can be read as actively reinforcing a hegemonic Australian imaginary that elides the diversity of contemporary Australian culture/s whilst escaping censure, because as a niche fashion magazine peopled with dreamy protagonists, its content is situated firmly within the realm of fashion's fantasy.
Object-oriented marketing theory
Authors: Franco Paolo , Canniford Robin , Phipps Marcus
Published: March 2022

Assemblage and actor-network theories explain how markets and consumption are constituted by heterogeneous resources that form part-whole relations at various scales. Marketing and consumer research studies that use these theories, however, often retain human-centred scales and units of analysis, such that objects and forces that exist at unfamiliar (time)scales are overlooked. This paper explains how Object-Oriented Ontology can help to guide ontological, methodological, and analytical considerations in studies of market and consumption assemblages. We offer a framework that helps researchers to consider how far researchers should unpack assemblages into component parts; to what extent studies should trace objects’ effects as part of wider contexts; how ‘objects’ may harbour qualities that are withdrawn from social contexts; and how these hidden features can be encountered through speculative methods. Finally, we critically discuss the place of objects and subjects in socio-material research.
Aristotle 24 microwire early experience
Authors: Nguyen Vincent N. , Goyal Nitin , Khan Nickalus R. , Inoa Violiza , Elijovich Lucas , Fiorella David , Arthur Adam S.
Published: March 2022

Larger microcatheters are being used with increasing frequency in routine neurovascular procedures. Navigating catheters safely and effectively to the target intracranial vessels can be a challenge when using conventional 0.014″ microwires. A new family of 0.024″ Aristotle 24 microwires (Scientia Vascular, West Valley City, UT) specifically designed for intracranial navigation were recently introduced. These microwires offer significant technical advantages over the standard 0.014″ microwires, including a reduced ledge gap, improved torquability and support, and overall safety. This video case series contains several illustrative cases to demonstrate the features of the novel Aristotle 24 microwire for use in endovascular neurointervention.
Endovascular experience at an academic office-based procedure center
Authors: Malgor Rafael D , Baker Jennifer M , Malgor Emily A , Blebea John
Published: March 2022

Objective

The number of office-based procedure centers with the capability of performing a wide range of endovascular procedures has substantially increased over the past decade. This shift in practice settings has occurred faster in the private sector as compared to the academic environment. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of endovascular procedures performed at a dedicated academic outpatient procedural center.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of 400 patients who underwent 499 endovascular procedures in a university-based, academic outpatient procedure center between November 2013 and December 2016. Outcomes analyzed included procedure-related complications, limb loss, mortality, and emergency department visits or hospital admissions that occurred within 30 days following the procedure.

Results

The 400 patients had a mean age of 65 ± 13 years with slightly more females (51%; n = 203) as compared to males (49%; n = 197). Most patients (71%; 284) were Caucasian while 80 (20%) were African-Americans. Associated comorbidities included hypertension (86%), diabetes mellitus (51%), chronic kidney disease (42%), and obesity (mean body mass index of 29 ± 6). Based on anesthetic risk, most were ASA class 3 (81%), while ASA 1 and 2 comprised 17% and ASA 4 only 2%. Medicare beneficiaries accounted for 254 (64%) of our patients. Pre-operative studies included mainly duplex ultrasound (62%) and other noninvasive arterial studies (57%). The mean procedural time was 58 min (range, 7 to 200) with an overall technical success rate of 97%. There were no deaths. Complications developed in 10 patients following the 483 procedures (2.1%) being hospitalized with four of them transferred directly to the emergency room. The reasons for these hospitalizations included acute limb ischemia, arterial pseudoaneurysm, deep vein thrombosis, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and lower extremity pain not vascular in origin. Financial reimbursement at the office-based center was higher than that seen with hospital-based procedures.

Conclusions

Endovascular procedures performed in an academic office-based procedure center are safe and associated with good clinical outcomes. A small minority of patients have subsequent ER visits or hospital admissions. Academic institutions should consider adding an office-based procedure center based on today’s competitive healthcare market.
Spinal NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates IL-1β release and contributes to remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia by regulating NMDA receptor NR1 subunit phosphorylation and GLT-1 expression in rats
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhao Yue , Shen Mengxi , Wang Chenxu , Dong Beibei , Xie Keliang , Yu Yang , Yu Yonghao
Published: March 2022

Background

Trafficking and activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play an important role in initiating and maintaining postoperative remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH). Activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been linked to the development of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome mediates IL-1β release and contributes to RIH in rats by increasing NMDA receptor NR1 (NR1) subunit phosphorylation and decreasing glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) expression.

Methods

Acute exposure to remifentanil (1.2 μg/kg/min for 60 min) was used to establish RIH in rats. Thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia were tested at baseline (24 h before remifentanil infusion) and 2, 6, 24, and 48 h after remifentanil infusion. The levels of IL-1β, GLT-1, phosphorylated NR1 (phospho-NR1), and NLRP3 inflammasome activation indicators [NLRP3, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7R), and caspase-1] were measured after the last behavioral test. A selective IL-1β inhibitor (IL-1β inhibitor antagonist; IL-1ra) or three different selective NLRP3 inflammasome activation inhibitors [(+)-naloxone (a TLR4 inhibitor), A438079 (a P2X7R inhibitor), or ac-YVADcmk (a caspase-1 inhibitor)] were intrathecally administered immediately before remifentanil infusion into rats.

Results

Remifentanil induced significant postoperative hyperalgesia, increased IL-1β and phospho-NR1 levels and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome by increasing TLR4, P2X7R, NLRP3, and caspase-1 expression, but it decreased GLT-1 expression in the L4-L6 spinal cord segments of rats, which was markedly improved by intrathecal administration of IL-1ra, (+)-naloxone, A438079, or ac-YVADcmk.

Conclusion

NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediates IL-1β release and contributes to RIH in rats by inducing NMDA receptor NR1 subunit phosphorylation and decreasing GLT-1 expression. Inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome may be an effective treatment for RIH.
Individual differences in executive attention and inhibitory control are related to spatial memory biases in adults
Authors: Schutte Anne R , Wu Yinbo , Jacoby Morgan N
Published: March 2022

Executive attention is involved in working memory; however, the role of executive attention in the maintenance of information in spatial working memory is debated. This study examined whether inhibitory control was related to spatial working memory biases in adults in a simple spatial memory task where participants had to remember one location on an otherwise blank computer screen. On some trials, a distractor was presented during the maintenance period. Eighty-four participants completed the spatial working memory task and a battery of cognitive control measures. When a distractor was presented during the maintenance period of the spatial memory task, performance on two of the cognitive control measures, a measure of overall attention and a measure of inhibitory control was related to memory errors. When a distractor was not presented during the spatial memory task, memory errors were not related to performance on the cognitive control tasks. Overall, these effects demonstrated that attention is related to maintaining locations in spatial working memory in adults, and inhibitory control may also be related such that those with more efficient inhibitory control were less influenced by distractors presented during the maintenance period.
A rare case of suspected lupus erythematosus panniculitis as the presenting skin feature of juvenile dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: Ginter Dylan C , Ramien Michele L , Brundler Marie-Anne , Swaney Laura C , Miettunen Paivi MH , Luca Nadia JC
Published: March 2022

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune myopathy of childhood, associated with systemic vasculopathy, primarily affecting the capillaries. Panniculitis is seen histologically in about 10% of patients with dermatomyositis; however, its clinical presentation is rare, with only 30 cases presented in the literature to date. The histopathology overlaps with other inflammatory disease states, and is almost identical to the panniculitis seen in lupus erythematous panniculitis. In the cases with both panniculitis and dermatomyositis, skin and muscle inflammation is usually the first clinical manifestation. We present a case of a 16-year-old female with panniculitis as the initial presenting feature of juvenile dermatomyositis in the context of a prior diagnosis of indeterminate colitis.
Effect of asymptomatic bacteriuria on readmissions and rate of urosepsis after ureterorenoscopy for urolithiasis
Authors: Daggamseh Abdallah , Dickinson Andrew , Campain Nicholas , Longshaw Anna , Maccormick Andrew , Miller Catherine
Published: March 2022

Objective:

This study aims to assess whether the rate of readmissions after ureterorenoscopy (URS) is dependent on results of urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MC&S) or nitrite dipstick test performed before the procedure.

Patients and Methods:

All patients attending for ureteroscopy for stone disease over 12 months were included and had urine dipstick performed immediately prior to the surgery with mid-stream urine (MSU) sample sent for culture. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) was not treated before ureteroscopy. All included patients received standard antibiotic prophylaxis. Readmissions within 30 days of the procedure were evaluated.

Results:

A total 120 ureteroscopies were included, of which 20% had ABU. Eight patients (6.67%) were readmitted due to all procedure-related complications; among them, five (4.17%) were readmitted with urinary tract infection (UTI). Readmission rates with UTIs were similar for patients with sterile urine and those who had untreated ABU. Of those patients who were readmitted with UTI, all had a negative nitrite result on preoperative urine dipstick specimens. Most patients (54.17%) who had ABU also had a negative urinary nitrite test.

Conclusions:

Screening and routine treatment of ABU before ureteroscopy for urolithiasis may be unnecessary provided patients have standard antibiotic prophylaxis. Moreover, urine nitrite testing before ureteroscopy may not be a useful screening test for ABU before ureteroscopy.

Level of evidence:

2
Technology scripts in care practice: A case study of assistant nurses’ use of a social alarm system in Swedish nursing homes
Authors: Chang Fangyuan , Kuoppamäki Sanna , Östlund Britt
Published: March 2022

Background

Technologies such as social alarm systems contain expectations about how they should be integrated and used in practice. These expectations, also called technology scripts, usually fail to consider all the complexity in care practice. Shifting the focus from technology scripts to care practice, this paper examines how a social alarm system is used in assistant nurses’ care practices in nursing homes.

Methods

The paper draws on observations of assistant nurses’ daily tasks (32 h) and semi-structured interviews with assistant nurses ( n = 12) in two Swedish nursing homes. The observation data were used to understand the care contexts and assistant nurses’ technology-mediated care practices, while interviews were used to deeply understand assistant nurses’ perceptions of the system, their care practices, and which aspects they considered during the provision of care.

Findings

We show the complexities involved in integrating a social alarm system into care practices based on assistant nurses’ situational and personal interpretations of both technology scripts and quality of care. The technology-mediated care practices consist of receiving alarms from residents, checking alarms via alarm phones, responding to alarms via alarm phones, checking specific residents’ situations in person, documenting all finished alarms, and documenting some finished alarms. In these practices, the assistant nurses defined technology scripts according to their expected requirements and outcomes, and meanwhile considered the quality of care by evaluating the priority of practical, moral or relational care in the situations at hand. Through further negotiations with the defined scripts and the considered quality of care, the assistant nurses decided on the final way of following (or not following) specific scripts in practice.

Conclusion

Results from our study portray the complexity of technology in care practices. The findings contribute to increased understanding of technology-mediated care practices in nursing homes, and research on technology scripts in institutional settings.
A framework for examining patient attitudes regarding applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare
Authors: Richardson Jordan P. , Curtis Susan , Smith Cambray , Pacyna Joel , Zhu Xuan , Barry Barbara , Sharp Richard R.
Published: March 2022

Background

While use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is increasing, little is known about how patients view healthcare AI. Characterizing patient attitudes and beliefs about healthcare AI and the factors that lead to these attitudes can help ensure patient values are in close alignment with the implementation of these new technologies.

Methods

We conducted 15 focus groups with adult patients who had a recent primary care visit at a large academic health center. Using modified grounded theory, focus-group data was analyzed for themes related to the formation of attitudes and beliefs about healthcare AI.

Results

When evaluating AI in healthcare, we found that patients draw on a variety of factors to contextualize these new technologies including previous experiences of illness, interactions with health systems and established health technologies, comfort with other information technology, and other personal experiences. We found that these experiences informed normative and cultural beliefs about the values and goals of healthcare technologies that patients applied when engaging with AI. The results of this study form the basis for a theoretical framework for understanding patient orientation to applications of AI in healthcare, highlighting a number of specific social, health, and technological experiences that will likely shape patient opinions about future healthcare AI applications.

Conclusions

Understanding the basis of patient attitudes and beliefs about healthcare AI is a crucial first step in effective patient engagement and education. The theoretical framework we present provides a foundation for future studies examining patient opinions about applications of AI in healthcare.
Science popularization from the perspective of the theory of communicative action
Authors: Alvim da Silva Ana Eliza Ferreira , Pereira José Roberto , Felizardo Luiz Flávio
Published: March 2022

This theoretical article proposes using Jürgen Habermas's theory of communicative action (TCA) as a normative instruction for texts intended for science popularization (SP). We used TCA approaches, such as the validity claims that should characterize argumentative debate and the interactive processes with ‘lifeworld’ components (culture, person and society), to create a theoretical relationship between Habermas's theory and SP practices. We propose that the TCA aligns with the objectives of a dialogic communication about science with the non-specialist public and can contribute to perspectives that emphasize dialogue about science in society. We conclude that the premises of communicative action can guide SP policies.
The Irrelevance of Innocence: Ethnoracial Context, Occupational Differences in Policing, and Tickets Issued in Error
Authors: Henricks Kasey , Ortiz Ruben
Published: March 2022

“The Irrelevance of Innocence” is a case study of Chicago that focuses on parking tickets that are written under false pretenses. We leverage multiple data sets against one another to demonstrate that more than one in eight tickets over a six-year span were written under conditions when restrictions did not apply. Then, we situate these findings within a multilevel framework to answer three questions: (1) Are errored tickets more likely to be issued in neighborhoods with higher proportions of Black or Latinx residents? (2) Are errored tickets more likely to be issued by patrol officers as opposed to parking enforcement officers? and (3) Does ethnoracial composition moderate the relationship between ticketing authorities and errored tickets? The implications of our findings (1) quantitatively trouble the ontological assumptions of data that are defined from a policing standpoint and (2) underscore an adjudicative process that routinely sanctions drivers without cause.
Applications of machine learning and deep learning methods for climate change mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Ladi Tahmineh , Jabalameli Shaghayegh , Sharifi Ayyoob
Published: March 2022

Climate change is a global issue that must be considered and addressed immediately. Many articles have been published on climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, new methods are required to explore the complexities of climate change and provide more efficient and effective adaptation and mitigation policies. With the advancement of technology, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods have gained considerable popularity in many fields, including climate change. This paper aims to explore the most popular ML and DL methods that have been applied for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Another aim is to determine the most common mitigation and adaptation measures/actions in general, and in urban areas in particular, that have been studied using ML and DL methods. For this purpose, word frequency analysis and topic modeling, specifically the Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) as a ML algorithm, are used in this study. The results indicate that the most popular ML technique in both climate change mitigation and adaptation is the Artificial Neural Network. Moreover, among different research areas related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, geoengineering, and land surface temperature are the ones that have used ML and DL algorithms the most.
Three-Dimensional Incoherent Imaging Using Spiral Rotating Point Spread Functions Created by Double-Helix Beams [Invited]
Authors: Anand Vijayakumar , Khonina Svetlana , Kumar Ravi , Dubey Nitin , Reddy Andra Naresh Kumar , Rosen Joseph , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: March 2022

In recent years, there has been a significant transformation in the field of incoherent imaging with new possibilities of compressing three-dimensional (3D) information into a two-dimensional intensity distribution without two-beam interference (TBI). Most incoherent 3D imagers without TBI are based on scattering by a random phase mask exhibiting sharp autocorrelation and low cross-correlation along the depth axis. Consequently, during reconstruction, high lateral and axial resolutions are obtained. Scattering based-Imaging requires a wasteful photon budget and is therefore precluded in many power-sensitive applications. This study develops a proof-of-concept 3D incoherent imaging method using a rotating point spread function termed 3D Incoherent Imaging with Spiral Beams (3DI2SB). The rotation speed of the point spread function (PSF) with displacement and the orbital angular momentum has been theoretically analyzed. The imaging characteristics of 3DI2SB were compared with a direct imaging system using a diffractive lens, and the proposed system exhibited a higher focal depth than the direct imaging system. Different computational reconstruction methods such as the Lucy–Richardson algorithm (LRA), non-linear reconstruction (NLR), and the Lucy–Richardson–Rosen algorithm (LRRA) were compared. While LRRA performed better than both LRA and NLR for an ideal case, NLR performed better than both under real experimental conditions. Both single plane imaging, as well as synthetic 3D imaging, were demonstrated. We believe that the proposed approach might cause a paradigm shift in the current state-of-the-art incoherent imaging, fluorescence microscopy, and astronomical imaging.
Whole-genome resequencing reveals genomic footprints of Italian sweet and hot pepper heirlooms giving insight into genes underlying key agronomic and qualitative traits
Authors: Esposito Salvatore , Aiese Cigliano Riccardo , Cardi Teodoro , Tripodi Pasquale
Published: March 2022

Background

Pepper is a major crop species of the Solanaceae family, largely appreciated for its high nutritional and healthy contribution to human diets. In the Mediterranean basin, the favorable pedoclimatic conditions enhanced the selection of several diversified landraces cultivated pepper (Capsicum annuum), for whom Italy can be considered a main pole of diversification. Hence, a survey of traditional C. annuum genetic resources is essential for deep understanding of such diversity and for applications in genomics assisted breeding. Here, we report whole-genome resequencing analyses of two sweet and two pungent genotypes highly diffused in South Italy and representative of the variability for shape, colour and nutritional properties.

Results

The four genomes were reconstructed at a chromosomal scale using a reference-guided approach, based on a dataset of 2.6 billion paired-end reads, corresponding to 20× genome coverage and a mapping rate above 99% for a final genomes size of approximately 3 Gb. After five iterations of variant calling, a total of 29,258,818 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1,879,112 InDels, were identified. Substantial differences were observed among the four genomes based on geographical origin, with chromosomes 9 and 11 showing more polymorphisms in the accessions with higher fruit weight and absence of pungency. Among the identified variants, a small private indel (T - > TA) shared between sweet and big fruits accessions induces a frameshift with the generation of a new stop codon in a gene annotated as extensin, whereas two private SNPs within hot types were identified in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), a key gene involved in fruit ripening. The estimation of repetitive elements highlights a preponderant presence of Long Terminal Repeats (LTRs), the majority of which belonged to Gypsy superfamily. By comparing the four genomes with publicly available references including ‘CM334’ and Zunla-1 highlight the presence of 49,475 shared gene families.

Conclusions

The new genomic sequences aim to enrich the whole genome information of pepper local varieties, providing a valuable tool for precision gene mapping, marker discovery, comparative studies. Such knowledge widens the frontiers to understand the selection history of Italian pepper landraces toward the recognition of specificity local agri-food products marks.
Responses of antioxidant enzymes and key resistant substances in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to cadmium and arsenic stresses
Authors: Jiang Na , Li Zuran , Yang Jingmin , Zu Yanqun
Published: March 2022

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) exist simultaneously in soil environment, which poses a serious threat to the safety of agricultural products and forage production. Four Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars with different accumulation characteristics (ʻNicaraguaʼ, ʻVenusʼ, ʻExcellentʼ and ʻMonroʼ) were selected as the material for pot experiment. The coupled responses of key components and related enzyme activities under combined stresses of Cd and As were investigated. key components contents include Non protein sulfhydryl (NPT), glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs). The related enzyme includes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-ECS), glutathione synthetase (GSS), phytochelatin synthetases (PCSase) and arsenate reductase (AR). The results showed that Cd contents of perennial ryegrass were higher than those of As contents with TFCd/As < 1. Cd and As contents in roots were in the higher proportion than those in shoots. Compared to control, POD activities increased by 2.72 folds under 120 mg kg−1 As treatment. The contents of PCs increased by 5.68 folds under 120 mg kg−1 As treatment. Under combined Cd and As stress, the MDA contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of ʻVenusʼ were higher than those of ʻNicaraguaʼ. ʻNicaraguaʼ, a high accumulation cultivar. Under the combined stresses of Cd and As, the enzyme activities and the key components were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with the contents of Cd and As. The tolerance to Cd and As was improved with increase in GSH and PCs contents and γ-ECS, GSS, PCSase and AR activities. In conclusion, the antioxidant enzyme system and key resistant substances of perennial ryegrass have important and antagonistic effects on Cd and As stresses.
The heat is on: a simple method to increase genome editing efficiency in plants
Authors: Blomme Jonas , Develtere Ward , Köse Ayse , Arraiza Ribera Júlia , Brugmans Christophe , Jaraba-Wallace Jessica , Decaestecker Ward , Rombaut Debbie , Baekelandt Alexandra , Daniel Fernández Fernández Álvaro , Van Breusegem Frank , Inzé Dirk , Jacobs Thomas
Published: March 2022

Background

Precision genome mutagenesis using CRISPR/Cas has become the standard method to generate mutant plant lines. Several improvements have been made to increase mutagenesis efficiency, either through vector optimisation or the application of heat stress.

Results

Here, we present a simplified heat stress assay that can be completed in six days using commonly-available laboratory equipment. We show that three heat shocks (3xHS) efficiently increases indel efficiency of LbCas12a and Cas9, irrespective of the target sequence or the promoter used to express the nuclease. The generated indels are primarily somatic, but for three out of five targets we demonstrate that up to 25% more biallelic mutations are transmitted to the progeny when heat is applied compared to non-heat controls. We also applied our heat treatment to lines containing CRISPR base editors and observed a 22-27% increase in the percentage of C-to-T base editing. Furthermore, we test the effect of 3xHS on generating large deletions and a homologous recombination reporter. Interestingly, we observed no positive effect of 3xHS treatment on either approach using our conditions.

Conclusions

Together, our experiments show that heat treatment is consistently effective at increasing the number of somatic mutations using many CRISPR approaches in plants and in some cases can increase the recovery of mutant progeny.