bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Welding Pool Surface by Binocular Vision
Authors: Gu Zunan , Chen Ji , Wu Chuansong
Published: May 2021

Current research of binocular vision systems mainly need to resolve the camera’s intrinsic parameters before the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) objects. The classical Zhang’ calibration is hardly to calculate all errors caused by perspective distortion and lens distortion. Also, the image-matching algorithm of the binocular vision system still needs to be improved to accelerate the reconstruction speed of welding pool surfaces. In this paper, a preset coordinate system was utilized for camera calibration instead of Zhang’ calibration. The binocular vision system was modified to capture images of welding pool surfaces by suppressing the strong arc interference during gas metal arc welding. Combining and improving the algorithms of speeded up robust features, binary robust invariant scalable keypoints, and KAZE, the feature information of points (i.e., RGB values, pixel coordinates) was extracted as the feature vector of the welding pool surface. Based on the characteristics of the welding images, a mismatch-elimination algorithm was developed to increase the accuracy of image-matching algorithms. The world coordinates of matching feature points were calculated to reconstruct the 3D shape of the welding pool surface. The effectiveness and accuracy of the reconstruction of welding pool surfaces were verified by experimental results. This research proposes the development of binocular vision algorithms that can reconstruct the surface of welding pools accurately to realize intelligent welding control systems in the future.
Diversity and antibacterial activity of fungal endophytes from Eucalyptus exserta
Authors: Mao Ziling , Zhang Weihao , Wu Chunyin , Feng Hao , Peng Yuanhang , Shahid Hamza , Cui Zining , Ding Ping , Shan Tijiang
Published: May 2021

Background

Eucalyptus bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is an important eucalyptus disease. Endophytic fungi, an important source of natural active substances, provide a new breakthrough for the control of plant diseases.

Results

In the present study, 80 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained from the healthy branches and fruits of Eucalyptus exserta. Fifteen distinct isolates (MK120854-MK120868) were selected for further taxonomic identification through morphological trait assessments and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region-rRNA gene sequence analysis. Thirteen genera, namely, Phyllosticta, Penicillium, Eutypella, Purpureocillium, Talaromyces, Lophiostoma, Cladosporium, Pestalotiopsis, Chaetomium, Fusarium, Gongronella, Scedosporium and Pseudallescheria, were identified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Members of the genus Phyllosticta were the primary isolates, with a colonization frequency (CF) of 27.5 %. Most of the fungal isolates displayed antibacterial activity. The crude extracts obtained from Lophiostoma sp. Eef-7, Pestalotiopsis sp. Eef-9 and Chaetomium sp. Eef-10 exhibited strong inhibition on the test bacteria, and Lophiostoma sp. Eef-7 was further cultured on a large scale. Three known compounds, scorpinone (1), 5-deoxybostrycoidin (2) and 4-methyl-5,6-dihydro-2 H-pyran-2-one (3), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Lophiostoma sp. Eef-7 associated with E. exserta. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra and a comparison of their spectral data with published values. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weak antimicrobial activity against Ralstonia solanacearum.

Conclusions

Endophytic fungi from Eucalyptus exserta may represent alternative sources of antimicrobial agents. Lophiostoma sp. Eef-7 can produce 2-azaanthraquinone derivatives and shows weak antibacterial activity against Ralstonia solanacearum.
Diagnostic performance evaluation of hepatitis B e antigen rapid diagnostic tests in Malawi
Authors: Stockdale Alexander J. , Silungwe Niza M. , Shawa Isaac Thom , Kreuels Benno , Gordon Melita A. , Geretti Anna Maria
Published: May 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has targeted a reduction in viral hepatitis-related mortality by 65% and incidence by 90% by 2030, necessitating enhanced hepatitis B treatment and prevention programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status is used in the assessment of eligibility for antiviral treatment and for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). Accordingly, the WHO has classified HBeAg rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) as essential medical devices.

Methods

We assessed the performance characteristics of three commercially available HBeAg RDTs (SD Bioline, Alere, South Africa; Creative Diagnostics, USA; and Biopanda Reagents, UK) in two hepatitis B surface antigen-positive cohorts in Blantyre, Malawi: participants of a community study (n = 100) and hospitalised patients with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 94). Two investigators, blinded to the reference test result, independently assessed each assay. We used an enzyme-linked immunoassay (Monolisa HBeAg, Bio-Rad, France) as a reference test and quantified HBeAg concentration using dilutions of the WHO HBeAg standard. We related the findings to HBV DNA levels, and evaluated treatment eligibility using the TREAT-B score.

Results

Among 194 HBsAg positive patients, median age was 37 years, 42% were femaleand 26% were HIV co-infected. HBeAg prevalence was 47/194 (24%). The three RDTs showed diagnostic sensitivity of 28% (95% CI 16–43), 53% (38–68) and 72% (57–84) and specificity of 96–100% for detection of HBeAg. Overall inter-rater agreement κ statistic was high at 0.9–1.0. Sensitivity for identifying patients at the threshold where antiviral treatment is recommended for PMTCT, with HBV DNA > 200,000 IU/ml (39/194; 20%), was 22, 49 and 54% respectively. Using the RDTs in place of the reference HBeAg assay resulted in 3/43 (9%), 5/43 (12%) and 8/43 (19%) of patients meeting the TREAT-B treatment criteria being misclassified as ineligible for treatment. A relationship between HBeAg concentration and HBeAg detection by RDT was observed. A minimum HBeAg concentration of 2.2–3.1 log10IU/ml was required to yield a reactive RDT.

Conclusions

Commercially available HBeAg RDTs lack sufficient sensitivity to accurately classify hepatitis B patients in Malawi. This has implications for hepatitis B public health programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Alternative diagnostic assays are recommended.
Induction chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xia , Fang Qigen , Du Wei , Zhang Xu , Dai Liyuan , Qiao Yongming
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of sintilimab combined with induction chemotherapy (IC) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients.

Methods

A total of 163 patients were prospectively enrolled; 98 patients received IC only, and 65 patients received IC with sintilimab. Following neoadjuvant therapy, patients either underwent surgery (31.9%) or chemoradiotherapy (68.1%). Objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicities between the two groups were compared.

Results

The ORR in the IC group was significantly lower than that in the IC with sintilimab group (68.4% vs 84.6%, P = 0.019). Grade 3 or higher acute toxicity occurred in 15 (15.3%) and 12 (18.5%) patients in the IC and IC with sintilimab groups, respectively. However, this difference was not significant (P = 0.596). After follow-up with a median time of 28.0 months, the IC group had a 2-year PFS rate of 27% (95%CI: 18–36%), whereas the IC with sintilimab group had a 2-year PFS rate of 44% (95%CI: 32–56%), and this difference was significant (P = 0.041). The 2-year OS rates in the IC and IC with sintilimab groups were 61% (95%CI: 52–70%) and 70% (95%CI: 60–80%), respectively, the difference was not significant (P = 0.681).

Conclusions

Addition of sintilimab to IC could provide longer PFS time than traditional chemotherapy regimen, without increasing the toxicity events.
The prevalence and contextual correlates of non-communicable diseases among inter-provincial migrants and non-migrants in South Africa
Authors: Ajaero Chukwuedozie K. , Wet-Billings Nicole De , Atama Chiemezie , Agwu Prince , Eze Eberechukwu J.
Published: May 2021

Background

The socioeconomic conditions of different environments manifest in varying experiences of illnesses. Even as migrants do transit across these different environments for various reasons, including settlement, they are bound to have peculiar experiences of diseases, which could be traced to lifestyle, gender, adaptation, and reactions to specific social, economic, psychological and climatic conditions. Paying attention to such unique scenarios, our study examines the prevalence and contextual correlates of non-communicable diseases among inter-provincial migrants and non-migrants in South Africa.

Methods

Data was from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), waves 5 of 2017, which comprised of 28,055 respondents aged 15–64 years made up of 22,849 inter-provincial non-migrants and 5206 inter-provincial migrants. A composite dependent/outcome variable of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was generated for the study and data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi Square analysis and multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results

More migrants (19.81%) than non-migrants (16.69%) reported prevalence of NCDs. With the exception of household size for migrants and smoking for non-migrants, the prevalence of NCDs showed significant differences in all the community, behavioral, and individual variables. The factors in the full model, which significantly increased odds of NCDs among the migrants and the non-migrants, were older populations, the non-Blacks, and those with higher education levels. On the one hand, being married, having a household with 4–6 persons, and being residents of urban areas significantly increased odds of NCDs among the migrant population. While on the other, living in coastal provinces, being a female, and belonging to the category of those who earn more than 10,000 Rands were significantly associated with increased odds of NCDs among the non-migrants.

Conclusions

These findings, therefore, among other things underscore the need for increased education and awareness campaigns, especially among the older populations on the preventive and mitigative strategies for NCDs. In addition, changes in lifestyles with regard to smoking and physical exercises should be more emphasized in specific contextual situations for the migrant and non-migrant populations, as highlighted by the results of this study.
Robotic single-site versus multi-port myomectomy: a case–control study
Authors: Ahn So Hyun , Park Joo Hyun , Kim Hye Rim , Cho SiHyun , Lee Myeongjee , Seo Seok Kyo , Choi Young Sik , Lee Byung Seok
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of robotic single-site (RSS) myomectomy in comparison with the conventional robotic multi-port (RMP) myomectomy to achieve successful surgical outcomes with reliability and reproducibility.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study was performed on 236 robotic myomectomies at a university medical center. After 1:1 propensity score matching for the total myoma number, total myoma diameter, and patient age, 90 patients in each group (RSS: n = 90; RMP: n = 90) were evaluated. Patient demographics, preoperative parameters, intraoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcome measures were analyzed.

Results

The body mass index, parity, preoperative hemoglobin levels, mean maximal myoma diameter, and anatomical type of myoma showed no mean differences between RSS and RMP myomectomies. The RSS group was younger, had lesser number of myomas removed, and had a smaller sum of the maximal diameter of total myomas removed than the RMP group. After propensity score matching, the total operative time (RSS: 150.9 ± 57.1 min vs. RMP: 170 ± 74.5 min, p = 0.0296) was significantly shorter in the RSS group. The RSS group tended to have a longer docking time (RSS: 9.8 ± 6.5 min vs. RMP: 8 ± 6.2 min, p = 0.0527), shorter console time (RSS: 111.1 ± 52.3 min vs. RMP: 125.8 ± 65.1 min, p = 0.0665), and shorter time required for in-bag morcellation (RSS: 30.1 ± 17.2 min vs. RMP: 36.2 ± 25.7 min, p = 0.0684). The visual analog scale pain score 1 day postoperatively was significantly lower in the RSS group (RSS: 2.4 ± 0.8 days vs. RMP: 2.7 ± 0.8 days, p = 0.0149), with similar consumption of analgesic drugs. The rate of transfusion, estimated blood loss during the operation, and length of hospital stay were not different between the two modalities. No other noticeable complications were observed in either group.

Conclusions

Da Vinci RSS myomectomy is a compatible option with regard to reproducibility and safety, without significantly compromising the number and sum of the maximal diameter of myomas removed. The advantage of shorter total operative time and less pain with the same amount of analgesic drugs in RSS myomectomy will contribute to improving patient satisfaction.
Significant association between Taq1 gene polymorphism in vitamin D receptor and chronic spontaneous urticaria in the Northeast of Iran
Authors: Khoshkhui Maryam , Iravani Farzaneh , Jabbari-Azad Farahzad , Zare Marzouni Hadi , Tavakkol-Afshari Jalil , Zamani Hanieh , Davarpanah Maryam , Hamidian Jahromi Alireza , Mohammadi Mojgan
Published: May 2021

Objective

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as urticaria with an unknown etiology which persists for more than 6 weeks. CSU is an uncomfortable cutaneous condition that occurs due to an immune-mediated inflammatory reaction. Many studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) impact the immune response. In the current study, the frequency of the Taq1 polymorphism in the VDR gene were compared between patients with CSU and individuals without CSU.

Methods

In a case–control study, a group of CSU patients (n = 100) was compared with a group of healthy age- and gender-matched individuals as a control group (n =100) who visited our center between 2015 and 2017. After DNA extraction from EDTA-containing blood, polymerase chain reaction (PCR–RFLP) was used to determine the presence of the Taq1 polymorphism. Serum vitamin D levels were measured using ELISA method (Abcam, Cambridge, USA).

Results

Genotyping for Taq1 polymorphism showed that TT, Tt and tt genes frequency in the CSU group were 36%, 54%, and 10% respectively. The TT, Tt and tt genotypes had a distribution of 50%, 47% and 3% respectively in the control group. The mean serum vitamin D level in the CSU group was 19.88 ± 8.14 ng/ml, which was not significantly correlated with the Taq1 polymorphism (P = 0.841). There was a significant relationship between Taq1 gene polymorphism (tt genotype) and CSU (P = 0.038). Tt genotype increased the risk of CSU (odds ratio = 1.596), and inheritance of tt genotype increased the risk even further (odds ratio = 4.630).

Conclusion

The frequency of Taq1 genotype polymorphism in the VDR gene was significantly higher in patients with CSU compared to the control group. The tt genotype polymorphism may be a risk factor for CSU.
Association of accelerated long-term forgetting and senescence-related blood-borne factors in asymptomatic individuals from families with autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Kong Chaojun , Jia Longfei , Li Tingting , Quan Meina , Li Yan , Lyu Diyang , Li Fangyu , Jin Hongmei , Li Ying , Wang Qigeng , Jia Jianping
Published: May 2021

Background

Accelerated long-term forgetting has been identified in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is attributed to a selective impairment of memory consolidation in which the hippocampus plays a key role. As blood may contain multiple senescence-related factors that involved in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, we tested whether there is an association between blood-borne factors and accelerated long-term forgetting in asymptomatic individuals from families with autosomal dominant AD (ADAD).

Methods

We analyzed data of 39 asymptomatic participants (n = 18 ADAD mutation carriers, n = 21 non-carriers) from the Chinese Familial Alzheimer’s Disease Network (CFAN) study. Long-term forgetting rates were calculated based on recall or recognition of two materials (word list and complex figure) at three delays comprising immediate, 30 min, and 7 days. Peripheral blood concentrations of candidate pro-aging factors (CC chemokine ligand 11 [CCL11] and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP1]) and rejuvenation factors (growth differentiation factor 11 [GDF11], thrombospondin-4 [THBS4], and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine like 1 [SPARCL1]) were evaluated in all participants.

Results

Despite normal performance on standard 30-min delayed testing, mutation carriers exhibited accelerated forgetting of verbal and visual material over 7 days in comparison with matched non-carriers. In the whole sample, lower plasma THBS4 was associated with accelerated long-term forgetting in list recall (β = −0.46, p = 0.002), figure recall (β = −0.44, p = 0.004), and list recognition (β = −0.37, p = 0.010). Additionally, higher plasma GDF11 and CCL11 were both associated with accelerated long-term forgetting (GDF11 versus figure recall: β = 0.39, p = 0.007; CCL11 versus list recognition: β = 0.44, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Accelerated long-term forgetting is a cognitive feature of presymptomatic AD. Senescence-related blood-borne factors, especially THBS4, GDF11, and CCL11, may be promising biomarkers for the prediction of accelerated long-term forgetting.
Using the big data approach to clarify the structure of restricted and repetitive behaviors across the most commonly used autism spectrum disorder measures
Authors: Uljarević Mirko , Jo Booil , Frazier Thomas W. , Scahill Lawrence , Youngstrom Eric A. , Hardan Antonio Y.
Published: May 2021

Background

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass several distinct domains. However, commonly used general ASD measures provide broad RRB scores rather than assessing separate RRB domains. The main objective of the current investigation was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the ability of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) to capture different RRB constructs.

Methods

Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) was conducted using individual item-level data from the SRS-2, SCQ, ADI-R and the ADOS. Data were obtained from five existing publicly available databases. For the SRS-2, the final sample consisted of N = 16,761 individuals (Mage = 9.43, SD = 3.73; 18.5% female); for the SCQ, of N = 15,840 (Mage = 7.99, SD = 4.06; 18.1% female); for the ADI-R, of N = 8985 (Mage = 8.86, SD = 4.68; 19.4% female); and for the ADOS, of N = 6314 (Mage = 12.29, SD = 6.79; 17.7% female).

Results

The three-factor structure provided the most optimal and interpretable fit to data for all measures (comparative fit index ≥ .983, Tucker Lewis index ≥ .966, root mean square error of approximation ≤ .028). Repetitive-motor behaviors, insistence on sameness and unusual or circumscribed interests factors emerged across all instruments. No acceptable fit was identified for the ADOS.

Limitations

The five datasets used here afforded a large as well as wide distribution of the RRB item scores. However, measures used for establishing convergent and divergent validity were only available for a portion of the sample.

Conclusions

Reported findings offer promise for capturing important RRB domains using general ASD measures and highlight the need for measurement development.
Use of constitutive and inducible oncogene-containing iPSCs as surrogates for transgenic mice to study breast oncogenesis
Authors: Nguyen Christine , Nguyen Julie P. T. , Modi Arnav P. , Ahmad Ihsaan , Petrova Sarah C. , Ferrell Stuart D. , Wilhelm Sabrina R. , Ye Yin , Schaue Dorthe , Barsky Sanford H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Powerful constitutive and inducible transgenic / bitransgenic / tritransgenic murine models of breast cancer have been used over the past two decades to shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which the given transgenic oncogenes have interacted with other cellular genes and set in motion breast cancer initiation and progression. However, these transgenic models, as in vivo models only, are expensive and restrictive in the opportunities they provide to manipulate the experimental variables that would enable a better understanding of the molecular events related to initial transformation and the target cell being transformed.

Methods

To overcome some of these limitations, we derived oncogene-containing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) clones from tail vein fibroblasts of these transgenic mice and manipulated them both in vitro and in vivo in non-transgenic background mice. We created the iPSC clones with a relatively low M.O.I, producing retroviral integrations which averaged only 1 to 2 sites per retroviral plasmid construct used.

Results

Most iPSC clones derived from each group displayed an essentially normal murine karyotype, strong expression of the exogenous reprogrammable genes and significant expression of characteristic endogenous murine surface stem cell markers including SSEA-1 (CD15), PECAM-1 (CD31), Ep-Cam (CD326), and Nectin (CD112), but no expression of their transgene. A majority (75%) of iPSC clones displayed a normal murine karyotype but 25% exhibited a genomically unstable karyotype. However, even these later clones exhibited stable and characteristic iPSC properties. When injected orthotopically, select iPSC clones, either constitutive or inducible, no longer expressed their exogenous pluripotency reprogramming factors but expressed their oncogenic transgene (PyVT or ErbB2) and participated in both breast ontogenesis and subsequent oncogenesis. When injected non-orthotopically or when differentiated in vitro along several different non-mammary lineages of differentiation, the iPSC clones failed to do so. Although many clones developed anticipated teratomas, select iPSC clones under the appropriate constitutive or inducible conditions exhibited both breast ontogenesis and oncogenesis through the same stages as exhibited by their transgenic murine parents and, as such, represent transgenic surrogates.

Conclusions

The iPSC clones offer a number of advantages over transgenic mice including cost, the ability to manipulate and tag in vitro, and create an in vitro model of breast ontogeny and oncogenesis that can be used to gain additional insights into the differentiated status of the target cell which is susceptible to transformation. In addition, the use of these oncogene-containing iPSC clones can be used in chemopreventive studies of breast cancer.
A cross-cohort analysis of autosomal DNA methylation sex differences in the term placenta
Authors: Inkster Amy M. , Yuan Victor , Konwar Chaini , Matthews Allison M. , Brown Carolyn J. , Robinson Wendy P.
Published: May 2021

Background

Human placental DNA methylation (DNAme) data is a valuable resource for studying sex differences during gestation, as DNAme profiles after delivery reflect the cumulative effects of gene expression patterns and exposures across gestation. Here, we present an analysis of sex differences in autosomal DNAme in the uncomplicated term placenta (n = 343) using the Illumina 450K array.

Results

At a false discovery rate < 0.05 and a mean sex difference in DNAme beta value of > 0.10, we identified 162 autosomal CpG sites that were differentially methylated by sex and replicated in an independent cohort of samples (n = 293). Several of these differentially methylated CpG sites were part of larger correlated regions of sex differential DNAme. Although global DNAme levels did not differ by sex, the majority of significantly differentially methylated CpGs were more highly methylated in male placentae, the opposite of what is seen in differential methylation analyses of somatic tissues. Patterns of autosomal DNAme at these 162 CpGs were significantly associated with maternal age (in males) and newborn birthweight standard deviation (in females).

Conclusions

Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of sex differences in autosomal DNAme in the term human placenta. We report a list of high-confidence autosomal sex-associated differentially methylated CpGs and identify several key features of these loci that suggest their relevance to sex differences observed in normative and complicated pregnancies.
A novel technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage: the bimanual double aspiration technique
Authors: Placeres Daban Javier , Artieda García Daniel , Yaluff Portilla Sebastian , Belda Sanchís José Isidro
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this paper is to present a novel bimanual double aspiration technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage. The major problem of giant retinal tears (GRT) surgery is the mobility of the posterior flap (slippage), which has been classically solved by the use of intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL). However, avoiding slippage of the posterior flap can be a serious technical challenge when the PFCL is removed, especially when a GRT circumference is > 180°.

Methods

Conventional three-port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) plus chandelier was performed in three patients with giant retinal tears (GRT), using the “bimanual double aspiration technique” with non-contact wide field viewing systems. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon.

Results

None of the three cases presented with a retinal slippage after the bimanual aspiration technique.

Discussion

GRT are full thickness retinal tears that extend circumferentially more than 90° of the retina. Management of GRT is a challenge for the vitreoretinal surgeons because the higher risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), re-detachment and increased risk of retinal slippage; this last can occur intraoperative or postoperative. Retinal slippage is not uncommon but far under-reported and can lead to various complications such as hypotony, retinal folds, and may exacerbate PVR formation. We performed bimanual double aspiration technique to avoid intraoperative giant tear slippage. We believe that this maneuver may avoid slippage by drying the posterior edge of the GRT. There were no complications related with the technique, and no additional equipment was needed.

Conclusion

In summary, “bimanual double aspiration technique”, is a simple, effective, safe and economic maneuver that could be a good option to avoid intraoperative slippage in giant retinal detachment surgery, thus achieving the stabilization of the posterior retinal flap.
Do concerns about COVID-19 impair sustained attention?
Authors: Jun Jihyang , Toh Yi Ni , Sisk Caitlin A. , Remington Roger W. , Lee Vanessa G.
Published: May 2021

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has considerably heightened health and financial concerns for many individuals. Similar concerns, such as those associated with poverty, impair performance on cognitive control tasks. If ongoing concerns about COVID-19 substantially increase the tendency to mind wander in tasks requiring sustained attention, these worries could degrade performance on a wide range of tasks, leading, for example, to increased traffic accidents, diminished educational achievement, and lower workplace productivity. In two pre-registered experiments, we investigated the degree to which young adults’ concerns about COVID-19 correlated with their ability to sustain attention. Experiment 1 tested mainly European participants during an early phase of the pandemic. After completing a survey probing COVID-related concerns, participants engaged in a continuous performance task (CPT) over two, 4-min blocks, during which they responded to city scenes that occurred 90% of the time and withheld responses to mountain scenes that occurred 10% of the time. Despite large and stable individual differences, performance on the scene CPT did not significantly correlate with the severity of COVID-related concerns obtained from the survey. Experiment 2 tested US participants during a later phase of the pandemic. Once again, CPT performance did not significantly correlate with COVID concerns expressed in a pre-task survey. However, participants who had more task-unrelated thoughts performed more poorly on the CPT. These findings suggest that although COVID-19 increased anxiety in a broad swath of society, young adults are able to hold these concerns in a latent format, minimizing their impact on performance in a demanding sustained attention task.
Care Patterns and Overall Survival in Patients With Early-Onset Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kanter Katie , Fish Madeleine , Mauri Gianluca , Horick Nora K. , Allen Jill N. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Ryan David P. , Nipp Ryan D. , Giantonio Bruce J. , Goyal Lipika , Dubois Jon , Murphy Janet E. , Franses Joseph , Klempner Samuel J. , Roeland Eric J. , Weekes Colin D. , Wo Jennifer Y. , Hong Theodore S. , Van Seventer Emily E. , Corcoran Ryan B. , Parikh Aparna R.
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in patients younger than 50 years of age, commonly defined as early-onset (EO-CRC), is rising. EO-CRC often presents with distinct clinicopathologic features. However, data on prognosis are conflicting and outcomes with modern treatment approaches for metastatic disease are still limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We prospectively enrolled patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) to a biobanking and clinical data collection protocol from 2014 to 2018. We grouped the cohort based on age at initial diagnosis: < 40 years, 40-49 years, and ≥ 50 years. We used regression models to examine associations among age at initial diagnosis, treatments, clinicopathologic features, and survival.

RESULTS:

We identified 466 patients with mCRC (45 [10%] age < 40 years, 109 [23%] age 40-49 years, and 312 [67%] age ≥ 50 years). Patients < 40 years of age were more likely to have received multiple metastatic resections (odds ratio [OR], 3.533; P = .0066) than their older counterparts. Patients with EO-CRC were more likely to receive triplet therapy than patients > 50 years of age (age < 40 years: OR, 6.738; P = .0002; age 40-49 years: OR, 2.949; P = .0166). Patients 40-49 years of age were more likely to have received anti-EGFR therapy (OR, 2.633; P = .0016). Despite differences in care patterns, age did not predict overall survival.

CONCLUSION:

Despite patients with EO-CRC receiving more intensive treatments, survival was similar to the older counterpart. However, EO-CRC had clinical and molecular features associated with worse prognoses. Improved biologic understanding is needed to optimize clinical management of EO-CRC. The cost-benefit ratio of exposing patients with EO-CRC to more intensive treatments has to be carefully evaluated.
Association Between Medicare's National Coverage Determination and Utilization of Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Sheinson Daniel M. , Wong William B. , Flores Carlos , Ogale Sarika , Gross Cary P.
Published: May 2021

PURPOSE:

In 2018, Medicare issued a national coverage determination (NCD) providing reimbursement for next-generation sequencing (NGS) tests for beneficiaries with advanced or metastatic cancer and no previous NGS testing. We examined the association between NCD implementation and NGS utilization trends in Medicare beneficiaries versus commercially insured patients.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective study of patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), metastatic breast cancer (mBC), or advanced melanoma with a de novo or recurrent advanced diagnosis from January 1, 2011, through December 30, 2019, using a nationwide US electronic health record–derived deidentified database. Patients were classified by insurance and by advanced diagnosis date. NGS testing was assessed by receipt of first NGS test result ≤ 60 days of advanced diagnosis. Interrupted time series analysis assessed NGS utilization pre- and post-NCD effective date by insurance type.

RESULTS:

The utilization and repeat NGS testing analysis included 70,290 and 4,295 patients, respectively. Use of NGS rose from < 1% in 2011 to > 45% in Q4 2019 in aNSCLC while remaining < 20% in mBC and advanced melanoma. Among patients with aNSCLC, mCRC, or mBC, NGS testing increased post-NCD versus pre-NCD ( P < .05). There was no significant difference in trends pre- and post-NCD between Medicare beneficiaries and commercially insured patients in any tumor. Repeat NGS testing was similar before the NCD (Medicare v commercial: 24.8% v 28.5%). Post-NCD, fewer Medicare beneficiaries had repeat NGS testing (27.7% v 36.0%; P < .01).

CONCLUSION:

Trends in NGS utilization significantly changed post-NCD, although the magnitude of change was not significantly different by insurance type, indicating private insurers may also be incorporating NCD guidance. Implementation of the NCD may have limited use of repeat NGS testing in Medicare beneficiaries.
The Stone and the Wireless
Authors: Ma Shaoling
Published: May 2021

In the final decades of the Manchu Qing dynasty in China, technologies such as the phonograph, telephone, telegraph, and photography were both new and foreign. In The Stone and the Wireless Shaoling Ma analyzes diplomatic diaries, early science fiction, feminist poetry, photography, telegrams, and other archival texts, and shows how writers, intellectuals, reformers, and revolutionaries theorized what media does despite lacking a vocabulary to do so. Media defines the dynamics between technologies and their social or cultural forms, between devices or communicative processes and their representations in texts and images. More than simply reexamining late Qing China's political upheavals and modernizing energies through the lens of media, Ma shows that a new culture of mediation was helping to shape the very distinctions between politics, gender dynamics, economics, and science and technology. Ma contends that mediation lies not only at the heart of Chinese media history but of media history writ large.
Closing the Gap: The Effect of Reducing Complexity and Uncertainty in College Pricing on the Choices of Low-Income Students
Authors: Dynarski Susan , Libassi CJ , Michelmore Katherine , Owen Stephanie
Published: May 2021

High-achieving, low-income students attend selective colleges at far lower rates than upper-income students with similar achievement. Behavioral biases, intensified by complexity and uncertainty in the admissions and aid process, may explain this gap. In a large-scale experiment we test an early commitment of free tuition at a flagship university. The intervention did not increase aid: rather, students were guaranteed before application the same grant aid that they would qualify for in expectation if admitted. The offer substantially increased application (68 percent versus 26 percent) and enrollment rates (27 percent versus 12 percent). The results suggest that uncertainty, present bias, and loss aversion loom large in students’ college decisions. (JEL I22, I23, I24, D31, I28)
Early warning systems in maternity care: protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of maternity care providers’ views and experiences
Authors: Smith Valerie , Cithambaram Kumaresan , O'Malley Deirdre
Published: May 2021

Background: Early warning systems (EWS) have been widely adopted for use in maternity settings internationally. The idea in using these systems is early recognition of potential or actual clinical deterioration in pregnant or postpartum women, and escalation of care. Barriers to successful implementation and use of EWS, however, have been identified. If EWS are to be applied consistently, a greater understanding of the views and experiences of EWS from the perspectives of those using and applying EWS in maternity practice is needed. This protocol describes a qualitative evidence synthesis of maternity care providers’ (midwives, obstetricians, and allied maternity care professionals) views and experiences of EWS use and application in practice.

Methods: Studies will be included in the review if they report on maternity care providers use and application of EWS in any birth setting. Qualitative studies and studies of mixed methods design, where qualitative data can be extracted separately, will be included. To source relevant literature the electronic databases of MEDLINE, CINHAL, Web of Science Core Collection (incorporating Social Science Citation Index) and Maternity and Infant Care (MIDIRS), from date of inception, will be searched. The methodological quality of the included studies will be appraised using the 12-criteria of the assessment tool developed by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre. Thematic synthesis will be used for synthesising the qualitative data from included studies. The confidence in the findings will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research.

Conclusions: The findings of this qualitative evidence synthesis may provide valuable information on the barriers, challenges, and facilitators for EWS use based on the experiences of those directly involved in EWS application in maternity care provision.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42021235137 (08/04/2021)
Record linkage of population-based cohort data from minors with national register data: a scoping review and comparative legal analysis of four European countries
Authors: Doetsch Julia Nadine , Dias Vasco , Indredavik Marit S. , Reittu Jarkko , Devold Randi Kallar , Teixeira Raquel , Kajantie Eero , Barros Henrique
Published: May 2021

Background: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was implemented to build an overarching framework for personal data protection across the European Union/Economic Area (EU/EEA). Linkage of data directly collected from cohort participants based on individual consent must respect data protection rules and privacy rights of data subjects. Our objective was to investigate possibilities of linking cohort data of minors with routinely collected education and health data comparing EU/EEA member states.

Methods: A legal comparative analysis and scoping review was conducted of openly online accessible published laws and regulations in EUR-Lex and national law databases on GDPR’s implementation in Portugal, Finland, Norway, and the Netherlands and its connected national regulations purposing record linkage for health research that have been implemented up until April 30, 2021.

Results: EU/EEA has limited legislative authority over member states. The GDPR offers flexibility for national legislation. Exceptions to process personal data, e.g., public interest and scientific research, must be laid down in EU/EEA or national law. Differences in national interpretation caused obstacles in cross-national research and record linkage: Portugal requires written consent and ethical approval; Finland allows linkage mostly without consent through the national Data Protection Supervisory Authority; Norway when based on regional ethics committee’s approval and adequate information technology safeguarding confidentiality; the Netherlands mainly bases linkage on the opt-out system and Data Protection Impact Assessment.

Conclusions: Though the GDPR is the most important legal framework, national legislation execution matters most when linking cohort data with routinely collected health and education data. As national interpretation varies, legal intervention balancing individual right to informational self-determination and public good is gravely needed for scientific research. More harmonization across EU/EEA could be helpful but should not be detrimental in those member states which already opened a leeway for registries and research for the public good without explicit consent.
THE STUDENT’S METACOGNITIVE SKILLS OF PROSPECTIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Authors: Maryani Ika , Alhakim Muhamad Arif , Gestiardi Rivan
Published: May 2021

Metacognitive skill is essential to have by every individual, including the prospective teachers' students. Some teachers who have not trained in metacognitive ability would be caused by the lack of understanding of the stages in carrying out metacognitive ability. It has not realised that metacognitive ability can affect students' learning process and learning outcome. The students who have the excellent metacognitive ability can develop metacognitive domain-oriented learning. This study aims to know the metacognitive skills of prospective primary school teachers in Universitas Ahmad Dahlan. This research used a quantitative approach to descriptive type and survey method. The samples are 100 students of elementary school educations of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan consisted of the semester II, IV, and VI. The instrument used Metacognitive Ability Inventory (MAI) with the Likert scale(1-5). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to determine the Mean, standard deviation, percentage, and metacognitive categorisation of elementary school education students. The research result showed a low-medium range category. It influenced by some factors related to the inadequate metacognitive development of prospective primary school teachers. Judging from the cognitive knowledge aspect, the high category of the percentage calculation of cognitive knowledge aspects is in the declarative knowledge aspect. In the cognitive regulation aspect, planning becomes the highest percentage of cognitive regulation aspect.
MRI-based assessment of acetabular version and coverage after previous Pemberton osteotomy in skeletally mature patients
Authors: Bellova Petri , Blum Sophia , Hartmann Albrecht , Thielemann Falk , Günther Klaus-Peter , Goronzy Jens
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In hip dysplasia the Pemberton osteotomy can modify the shape of the acetabulum and is indicated for children aged between two and 12 when the triradiate cartilage is still open. However, there have been concerns about acetabular retroversion following this type of osteotomy. The studies, however, have been based on plain radiographs. The aim of our investigation was to assess the 3D acetabular orientation in patients with previous Pemberton osteotomy after skeletal maturation.

Methods

Ten patients with 12 operated hips were included who received Pemberton osteotomy for hip dysplasia between January 3, 2005 and March 25, 2011. Mean age at surgery and at follow-up were 7.2 years (sd 3.7) and 19.2 years (sd 3.7), respectively. MRIs were conducted with 1.5 T. Besides the measurement of acetabular version, the analysis included alpha angles, acetabular sector angles (ASAs) as well as modified ASAs (cartilage covered area angles). Furthermore, the presence of osteoarthritis (OA) as well as acetabular retroversion was determined on plain radiographs. Patient-related outcome measures included the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT) and EuroQol-5-Dimensions (EQ5D) scores.

Results

In comparison with the contralateral native and healthy hips the operated hips showed similar version (19.5° (sd 4.6°) versus 18.6° (sd 7.0°); p = 0.974). Also, there were no differences in terms of femoral head sphericity (alpha angles) and acetabular coverage (ASA angles). Five of 12 Pemberton hips showed signs of beginning OA (Kellgren-Lawrence classification I or II) while none of the non-operated hips did. Patients who received surgery before the age of six years had similar functional and radiological results when compared with patients who were older than six years at surgery. Among all patients, iHOT was 91.9 (sd 10.0) and EQ5D was 90.3 (sd 7.3)).

Conclusion

The Pemberton osteotomy provides good long-term radiographic and functional results without compromising acetabular version or coverage.

Level of Evidence

Level III: retrospective comparative study
Delinking from Victimhood and Other Rivalries
Authors: Tlostanova Madina
Published: May 2021

Contemporary political, economic and social institutions have no adequate tools to deal with diversity and tend to see it as a challenge. The unresolved evils of modernity that neoliberal globalization attempted to lacquer in its first triumphant years, have reemerged with full force confirming the discriminatory nature of the global culture, its unfair conditions of inclusion through erasing identities or through their commercialization. The overwhelming negative sensibility marking the present darker stage of neoliberal globalization, is not a brotherhood but merely a condition of fellow sufferers who have not fully realized that we are in the same boat and need to cooperate rather than compete to survive. The opinion article addresses the danger of multiplying victimhood rivalries as a manifestation of the modern/colonial agonistics. This position replaces politics with manipulative moral zeal and withdraws the dimension of the future as a collective existential condition from the horizon. Delinking from victimhood rivalries is a difficult but urgent task of transcending modernity and looking for other options and other worlds intricately correlating and interacting in a complex pluriverse.
Review of Phakama: Making Participatory Performance
Authors: van Vuuren Petro Janse
Published: May 2021

This is a book review of a collection of case studies, interviews, descriptions of exercises and philosophical writing about Phakama, a collaborative, participant-centered and intercultural theatre project for young people. The project originated in Johannesburg, South Africa, and spread across the country and the world to impact young people, their facilitators and their communities from 1996 to 2016. The review discusses the concept of democracy, as represented in the book, and its effect on the practices revealed in its pages. These practices are characterized by two principles that are discussed, with examples, in the review: the principles of mutual dependence and of boundary crossing. Without glossing over the difficulties that may come with such work, freely discussing and acknowledging difficult moments of intercultural interaction, Phakama, the book and the movement, is a testament to 20 years of ground-breaking theatre work that forges a way of working that exemplifies a democratic orientation, giving voice to a kaleidoscope of perspectives.
Radio Free Cuba: From Détente to Re-escalation in Havana and Miami
Authors: Harney Connor
Published: May 2021

While the United States long represented a safe haven for Cuban political exiles, the Cuban Revolution and its Cold War context accelerated the tendency of disaffected Cubans to flee the island for Yankee shores. As the main destination of those that left Cuba in the decades following the revolution, Miami and its émigré community played an increasingly important role in exile politics, and later US national politics. This article looks at how the first-wave of migrants to Miami established an outsized influence there and continued to dominate politically and culturally, even as subsequent waves representing more diverse perspectives on the Cuban Revolution set down roots in Florida. It does so by considering the attempts by one segment of the exile community to start a dialogue with the island during the Carter administration and another section’s establishment of the propaganda station Radio Martí in Reagan years. These examples highlight the fluidity between political violence and soft-power subversion in maintaining the hegemony of an antagonistic position to the Cuban Revolution.