bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of non‐pharmaceutical interventions against COVID‐19: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Gokmen Yunus , Baskici Cigdem , Ercil Yavuz
Published: April 2021

Prolonging non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) used in the control of pandemics can cause a devastating effect on the overall economic and social welfare levels. Therefore, policymakers are facing a difficult duty in terms of implementing economically and socially sustainable and acceptable measures. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of NPIs implemented to control the COVID‐19 pandemic. To this end, eight NPI measures were analysed, and their effects on the number of cases were investigated for France, Spain, China, and South Korea. In the study, the treatment effect of these mechanisms on the daily increase rate of the total number of cases during a certain period was analysed by using logarithmic linear regression with a dummy variables model. The findings indicate that the measures are effective against the spread of the pandemic at different levels. The findings also suggest that the most effective measure in decreasing the number of cases is workplace closure. An analysis comparing the effectiveness of countrywide measures and regional measures shows that school closing is the most effective measure to decrease the number of cases when implemented countrywide as opposed to regional implementation.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of stroke and thrombolysis among students preparing for undergraduate medical entrance examination in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Pradhan Ravi Ranjan , Jha Ashish , Bhandari Siddhartha , Ojha Sujan , Karn Ragesh
Published: April 2021

Background

Stroke is a major disabling disease, especially for low and middle‐income countries like Nepal. The aim of our study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among the students preparing for undergraduate medical entrance examination regarding risk factors, warning signs and symptoms, and management of stroke.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, single staged study using self‐structured questionnaire intended to assess KAP about stroke and thrombolysis was conducted.

Results

A total of 378 students participated in our study (53% male; mean age = 18.12 ± 0.97). Majority of the participants (88.4%) had heard about stroke. The more common risk factors identified by them were hypertension (86.2%), oily food (48%), alcohol (37.8%), and smoking (32.8%). Limb weakness, slurring of speech and facial weakness as symptoms and signs of stroke were indicated by 43.4%, 30.2%, and 18.8% of the participants, respectively. Only 23.8% of the participants had heard about thrombolysis and 10% of all could rightly mention the window period of thrombolysis. Male participants had better knowledge about smoking [86 (43.0) vs 38 (21.3);P < .001] and oily food [108 (54.0) vs 73 (41.0);P= .012] being risk factors and facial weakness [50 (37.6) vs 21 (11.8);P= .001] being symptom of stroke compared with females. Similarly, male participants had heard more about thrombolysis than females [68 (34.0) vs 22 (12.4);P < .001].

Conclusion

Knowledge regarding risk factors and signs and symptoms of stroke was adequate among the students preparing for undergraduate medical entrance examination. However, knowledge about thrombolysis was poor. Male participants had better knowledge about risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of stroke, and thrombolysis compared with female.
Experimental and economic analysis of energy storage‐based single‐slope solar still with hollow‐finned absorber basin
Authors: Suraparaju Subbarama Kousik , Sampathkumar Arivazhagan , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar
Published: April 2021

The paucity of drinking water is an alarming glitch across the globe. The conversion of available seawater into drinking water by utilizing renewable energy is the best way to surmount this challenge. Desalination through solar still is one of the notable, monetary, and viable processes among various desalination approaches. The current research aims to augment the potable water yield of single‐slope solar still by using a hollow‐finned absorber basin inserted into paraffin wax—phase change material (PCM). The effect of hollow‐finned absorber basin on the yield of solar still is investigated separately, with and without PCM, and compared with the results of conventional solar still (CSS). In the first set of experiments, the CSS and solar still with a hollow‐finned absorber basin without PCM (SSHF) are investigated. In the second set of experiments, the CSS and solar still with a hollow‐finned absorber basin inserted into PCM (SSHFP) are investigated. The experimental results reported that the CSS is having almost the same yield on the 2 days of testing. The yield of SSHF and SSHFP is increased by 15.7% and 52.4%, respectively, when compared with CSS. The results of the economic analysis proved that the payback period and cost per liter of freshwater produced from SSHFP are comparatively better than SSHF and CSS.
Novice researchers' perspectives on affordances in ICT4D research collaboration
Authors: Mwapwele Samwel Dick , van Biljon Judy
Published: April 2021

Collaboration is fundamental to progress in the field of information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) research where interdisciplinary teams are involved in the requirements elicitation, design, implementation and evaluation of context‐sensitive digital solutions. Research collaboration harbors the potential for knowledge exchange, improving research impact and human development; it is often a requirement in grant applications for funding. Despite the known benefits and incentives, there is evidence that research collaborations between African countries are lacking compared to those with and between other geographic regions. Furthermore, research collaboration has been studied as a variable but theorisation of the concept is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to theorize research collaboration as an object with affordances based on the perspective of novice researchers (master's, doctoral and postdoctoral students) in South Africa. The data capturing from a survey and focus groups with ICT4D novice researchers from different universities in South Africa produced 39 responses to be captured, transcribed and analyzed with Atlas.ti 8 using thematic analysis. The main contribution is the theorisation of research collaboration as an object with properties and then an investigation of the affordances offered to novice researchers together with the facilitating conditions and conversion factors influencing the actualisation of those affordances. The practical contribution is the insight gained into the perspectives of novice researchers as representatives of the future generation of research collaborators.
Leveraging applied behavior analysis research and practice in the service of public health
Authors: Normand Matthew P. , Dallery Jesse , Slanzi Crystal M.
Published: April 2021

Human behavior plays a central role in all domains of public health. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) research and practice can contribute to public health solutions that directly address human behavior. In this paper, we describe the field of public health, identify points of interaction between public health and ABA, summarize what ABA research has already contributed, and provide several recommendations for how ABA research and practice could continue to promote public health outcomes. A clearer focus on behavior and widespread adoption of research designs and interventions informed by the ABA literature could lead to better public health outcomes. Reciprocally, better integration of public health goals and strategies into ABA research, harnessing of technology, and more collaboration would help diversify and disseminate our applied science and could yield more effective and scalable interventions to prevent and treat public health problems.
Inhibitory effects of orthosilicic acid on osteoclastogenesis in RANKL‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Magnusson Catarina , Uribe Pamela , Jugdaohsingh Ravin , Powell Jonathan J. , Johansson Anders , Ransjö Maria
Published: April 2021

Numerous studies have reported on the positive effects of silicon (Si) on bone metabolism, particularly on the stimulatory effects of Si on osteoblast cells and on bone formation. Inhibitory effects of Si on osteoclast formation and bone resorption have also been demonstrated in vitro and are suggested to be mediated indirectly via stromal and osteoblast cells. Direct effects of Si on osteoclasts have been less studied and mostly using soluble Si, but no characterisation of the Si treatment solutions are provided. The aims of the present study were to (a) further investigate the direct inhibitory effects of Si on osteoclastogenesis in RANKL‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells, (b) determine at what stage during osteoclastogenesis Si acts upon, and (c) determine if these effects can be attributed to the biologically relevant soluble orthosilicic acid specie. Our results demonstrate that silicon, at 50 μg/ml (or 1.8 mM), does not affect cell viability but directly inhibits the formation of TRAP+ multinucleated cells and the expression of osteoclast phenotypic genes in RAW264.7 cells. The inhibitory effect of Si was clearly associated with the early stages (first 24 hr) of osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, these effects can be attributed to the soluble orthosilicic acid specie.
Targeting sterol alpha‐14 demethylase of Leishmania donovani to fight against leishmaniasis
Authors: Tabrez Shams , Rahman Fazlur , Ali Rahat , Akand Sajjadul Kadir , Alaidarous Mohammed A. , Alshehri Bader Mohammed , Banawas Saeed , Dukhyil Abdul Aziz Bin , Rub Abdur
Published: April 2021

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania. It is endemic in more than 89 different countries worldwide. Sterol alpha‐14 demethylase (LdSDM), a sterol biosynthetic pathway enzyme in Leishmania donovani, plays an essential role in parasite survival and proliferation. Here, we used a drug repurposing approach to virtually screen the library of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drugs against LdSDM to identify the potential lead‐drug against leishmaniasis. Zafirlukast and avodart showed the best binding with LdSDM. Zafirlukast was tested for in vitro antileishmanial assay, but no significant effect on L. donovani promastigotes was observed even at higher concentrations. On the other hand, avodart profoundly inhibited parasite growth at relatively lower concentrations. Further, avodart showed a significant decrease in the number of intra‐macrophagic amastigotes. Avodart‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the parasites in a dose‐dependent manner. ROS induced by avodart led to the induction of apoptosis‐like cell death in the parasites as observed through annexin V/PI staining. Here, for the first time, we reported the antileishmanial activity and its possible mechanism of action of FDA‐approved drug, avodart, establishing a nice example of the drug‐repurposing approach. Our study suggested the possible use of avodart as an effective antileishmanial agent after further detailed validations.
Advancing from outsider to insider: A grounded theory of professional identity negotiation in undergraduate engineering
Authors: McCall Cassandra , McNair Lisa D. , Simmons Denise R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Engineers' identification with their profession is crucial for persistence among engineering students and career professionals. Significant research has been conducted on various dimensions of identity in the engineering field. However, little is known about the ways students negotiate these dimensions as they construct professional identities within a single engineering discipline such as civil engineering.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is twofold in that we not only seek to enhance our understanding of professional identity formation but also to develop a theory that will allow future research to examine professional formation negotiations and processes through a single, interconnected lens.

Design/Method

In this grounded theory study, semistructured interviews with 31 undergraduate students were conducted and analyzed using constant comparative techniques. Frameworks situated within identity theory served as sensitizing concepts and undergraduate civil engineering education served as context to initiate theory development.

Results

The result of this study is the Negotiating Equilibrium: Advancing from Outsider to Insider model (the AOI model). This grounded theory model captures the dynamic process through which individuals iteratively integrate definitions of self and profession to develop professional identities during their undergraduate careers.

Conclusions

This grounded theory model provides a new framework to capture the complex negotiation process of professional identity formation in undergraduate engineering students. Overall, this work contributes to ongoing conversations that promote the diversity of experiences and backgrounds of students to paint a more holistic and diverse picture of engineering students and of the engineering field.
The clinical practice of ulcerative colitis in elderly patients: An investigation using a nationwide database in Japan
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Tarasawa Kunio , Yano Kota , Shimoyama Yusuke , Kuroha Masatake , Kakuta Yoichi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujimori Kenji , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim

The number of elderly patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing worldwide. The clinical practice of associated treatment is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to analyze clinical treatment realities and mortality in elderly and non‐elderly patients with UC.

Methods

We collected UC patients' data using the diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) database system and divided eligible patients into elderly (≥65 years) and non‐elderly (≤64 years) groups. We investigated and compared their therapeutic histories (medical treatments vs. surgery). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify clinical factors affecting surgery and in‐hospital death in each group.

Results

The rates of systemic steroid injection, molecular targeting drug usage, and surgery were not different between the two age groups. Meanwhile, the rate of in‐hospital death in elderly patients was higher than that in non‐elderly patients (2.7% vs. 0.19%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed that lower body mass index, treatment at an academic hospital, smoking history, molecular targeting drug use, and treatment with systemic steroid injection affected the rate of surgery in the elderly group. Multivariate analysis also revealed that male and older age affected the rate of in‐hospital death in the elderly group. Similar tendencies were also recognized in the non‐elderly group.

Conclusions

The clinical practice of treating elderly patients with UC is overall not different from treating non‐elderly patients with UC. Although the form of medical treatment and surgery rate for elderly patients with UC may not be significantly different from non‐elderly patients, the rate of in‐hospital death for elderly patients is higher.
Preclinical evaluation of anti‐VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody ramucirumab labelled with zirconium‐89 for tumour imaging
Authors: Novy Zbynek , Janousek Jiri , Barta Pavel , Petrik Milos , Hajduch Marian , Trejtnar Frantisek
Published: April 2021

The key factors participating in angiogenesis include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs), particularly VEGFR2. Angiogenesis suppression comprises the blocking of the VEGFR2 binding site by the monoclonal antibody ramucirumab (RAM). Our study focused on RAM radiolabelling with zirconium‐89 along with subsequent in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation. RAM was conjugated with the bifunctional chelator p‐SCN‐Bn‐deferoxamine (DFO) and subsequently radiolabelled with [89Zr]Zr‐oxalate. The binding affinity of [89Zr]Zr‐DFO‐RAM to VEGFR2 was tested in vitro on prostate (PC‐3) and ovary adenocarcinoma (SK‐OV‐3) cell lines. The positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging and ex vivo biodistribution experiments were performed in PC‐3 and SK‐OV‐3 xenografted mice. The in vitro experiments revealed the preserved binding affinity of [89Zr]Zr‐DFO‐RAM to VEGFR2. The obtained ex vivo biodistribution data showed the uptake in PC‐3 and SK‐OV‐3 tumours at about 8.7 ± 0.2 and 12.1 ± 1.6%ID/g, respectively. The tumour‐to‐muscle ratio for 1, 3 and 6 days post injection was 3.9, 5.5 and 5.12 for PC‐3 and 6.0, 8.0 and 8.82 for SK‐OV‐3 tumours, respectively. PET/CT images showed high radioactivity accumulation in the tumours starting already on the first day after tracer administration. The obtained results proved the potency of [89Zr]Zr‐DFO‐RAM to target and image VEGFR2‐positive tumours in vivo.
Evaluation of Pancreatic Fibrosis Grading by Multiparametric Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Liu Chang , Shi Yu , Lan Gongyu , Xu Youli , Yang Fei
Published: April 2021

Background

Early detection and grading of pancreatic fibrosis (PF) are important and challenging clinical goals.

Purpose

To determine main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter, pancreatic thickness, and grades of PF via magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), T1 mapping, and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI), assessing respective diagnostic performances.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Histopathologic and imaging records (MRE, T1 mapping, and IVIM‐DWI) generated by 144 patients between December 2018 and May 2020 were collected for analysis. Grades of PF were distributed as follows: F0, 82; F1, 22; F2, 22; and F3, 18.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T pancreatic MRI, encompassing MRE, T1 mapping, and IVIM‐DWI.

Assessment

In all patients, T1 relaxation times, pancreatic stiffness values, IVIM‐DWI parameters, MPD diameter, and pancreatic thickness were measured.

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis served to assess imaging parameters useful in diagnosing PF. To identify relations between specific parameters and grades of PF, logistic regression analysis was invoked.

Results

Both pancreatic stiffness (r = 0.754; P < 0.001) and T1 relaxation time (r = 0.433; P < 0.001) correlated significantly with PF (%). To determine PF grades ≥F1, a combined model (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.906) performed significantly better than pancreatic stiffness (AUC = 0.855; P < 0.001) or T1 relaxation time (AUC = 0.754; P < 0.001) alone. For PF grades ≥F2 or grade F3, both the combined model (≥F2: AUC = 0.910; F3: AUC = 0.939) and pancreatic stiffness (≥F2: AUC = 0.906; F3: AUC = 0.929) outperformed T1 relaxation time (≥F2: AUC = 0.768 [P = 0.005 and P = 0.004, respectively]; F3: AUC = 0.816 [both P < 0.005]). All IVIM‐DWI parameters generated AUC values <0.700.

Data Conclusion

A combination of MRE and T1 mapping seems promising in diagnosing various grades of PF, particularly at an early stage.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Staged laparoscopic management of locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction
Authors: Zhang Lu‐yang , Ma Jun‐jun , Zang Lu , Hong Hi‐ju , Lu Ai‐guo , He Zi‐rui , Jiang Tian‐yu , Zhao Xuan , Fingerhut Abe , Zheng Min‐Hua
Published: April 2021

Background

The prognosis of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction is poor. Gastrectomy with curative intent is often initially impossible or difficult.

Objective

We report our experience of curative distal gastrectomy after laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy and fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel (FLOT) chemotherapy to examine the feasibility and safety of this modified strategy for locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction, initially deemed unresectable.

Methods

Between October 2017 and June 2019, 15 patients diagnosed with locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction sequentially underwent gastrojejunostomy, received four cycles of FLOT chemotherapy, and underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with curative intent (R0 resection + D2 lymphadenectomy). Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

R0 resection was possible in 12/15 patients, laparoscopically in 11, and one conversion to laparotomy was necessary. There was no perioperative mortality in the 12 patients. Pathologic evaluation of the resected specimens revealed that complete tumor grade regression 1a (TRG1a), TRG1b, TRG2, and TRG3 occurred in 3, 2, 4, and 3 patients, respectively.

Conclusion

This case series showed that curative surgical resection was feasible as a staged approach for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with outlet obstruction, after initial staged gastrojejunostomy and chemotherapy.
Targeted Delivery of Salusin‐α Into Rabbit Carotid Arterial Endothelium Using SonoVue
Authors: Wang Yuxue , Luo Min , Mao Xiaolu , Shi Xiaoyan , Liu Xiang
Published: April 2021

Objectives

A new method based on the adhesion of SonoVue to plasmids was assessed to achieve targeted gene delivery into the vascular endothelium.

Methods

pEGFP‐Salusin‐α and pcDNA3.1‐Salusin‐α plasmids were transfected into the arterial endothelium of different rabbit groups. Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of EGFP and salusin‐α in the common carotid arteries of rabbits from different groups, and ELISA was performed to detect plasma salusin‐α levels in rabbits from each group; simultaneously, blood parameters of different groups of rabbits were measured.

Results

Green fluorescence was observed in the right common carotid artery of rabbits transfected with pEGFP‐Salusin‐α, but not in the endothelial cells of not‐transfected control rabbits. The expression of salusin‐α in the transfected animals was higher than that in the control not‐transfected animals (P < .05). In rabbits transfected with pcDNA3.1‐Salusin‐α plasmid, salusin‐α expression was higher than in the not‐transfected control animals (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in plasma salusin‐α levels between transfected animals and controls (P > .05). Blood parameters were also measured in both groups.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the establishment of a new method using SonoVue for targeted gene delivery into the arterial endothelium. Our study outcomes propose a new method of intervention in atherosclerosis and a new tool for targeted gene delivery.
DNA methylation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha gene is associated with specific blood fatty acid levels in a gender‐specific manner
Authors: Hussey Bethan , Steel Richard P. , Gyimah Boakye , Reynolds James C. , Taylor Ian M. , Lindley Martin R. , Mastana Sarabjit
Published: April 2021

Background

Fatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in inflammation and its resolution, however, their interaction with the epigenome is relatively unexplored. Here we investigate the relationship between circulating blood fatty acids and the DNA methylation of the cytokine encoding gene tumour necrosis factor (TNF, OMIM 191160).

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional study approach, we collected blood samples from adults (N=88 (30 males, 58 females); 18–74 years old) for DNA methylation pyrosequencing analysis at four sites in TNF exon 1 and gas‐chromatography mass‐spectrometry analysis of the fatty acid profile of dried blood spots (DBS).

Results

Methylation levels of TNF exon 1 are significantly correlated with specific fatty acids in a gender‐specific manner. In the males the PUFAs Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (AA) were positively associated with TNF methylation, as was the saturated fatty acid (SFA) Stearic Acid; in contrast, mono‐unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) had a negative association. In the females, omega‐6 PUFA γ‐Linolenic acid (GLA) was negatively correlated with TNF methylation; Adrenic acid and Eicosadienoic Acid were positively correlated with TNF methylation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that one way that fatty acids interact with the inflammation is through altered methylation profiles of cytokine genes; thus, providing potential therapeutic targets for nutritional and health interventions.
Imaging acute effects of bevacizumab on tumor vascular kinetics in a preclinical orthotopic model of U251 glioma
Authors: Nagaraja Tavarekere N. , Elmghirbi Rasha , Brown Stephen L. , Rey Julian A. , Schultz Lonni , Mukherjee Abir , Cabral Glauber , Panda Swayamprava , Lee Ian Y. , Sarntinoranont Malisa , Keenan Kelly A. , Knight Robert A. , Ewing James R.
Published: April 2021

The effect of a human vascular endothelial growth factor antibody on the vasculature of human tumor grown in rat brain was studied. Using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, the effects of intravenous bevacizumab (Avastin; 10 mg/kg) were examined before and at postadministration times of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h (N = 26; 4–5 per time point) in a rat model of orthotopic, U251 glioblastoma (GBM). The commonly estimated vascular parameters for an MR contrast agent were: (i) plasma distribution volume (vp), (ii) forward volumetric transfer constant (Ktrans) and (iii) reverse transfer constant (kep). In addition, extracellular distribution volume (VD) was estimated in the tumor (VD‐tumor), tumor edge (VD‐edge) and the mostly normal tumor periphery (VD‐peri), along with tumor blood flow (TBF), peri‐tumoral hydraulic conductivity (K) and interstitial flow (Flux) and tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP). Studied as % changes from baseline, the 2‐h post‐treatment time point began showing significant decreases in vp, VD‐tumor, VD‐edge and VD‐peri, as well as K, with these changes persisting at 4 and 8 h in vp, K, VD‐tumor, −edge and ‐peri (t‐tests; p < 0.05–0.01). Decreases in Ktrans were observed at the 2‐ and 4‐h time points (p < 0.05), while interstitial volume fraction (ve; = Ktrans/kep) showed a significant decrease only at the 2‐h time point (p < 0.05). Sustained decreases in Flux were observed from 2 to 24 h (p < 0.01) while TBF and TIFP showed delayed responses, increases in the former at 12 and 24 h and a decrease in the latter only at 12 h. These imaging biomarkers of tumor vascular kinetics describe the short‐term temporal changes in physical spaces and fluid flows in a model of GBM after Avastin administration.
Analyzing group behavior patterns in a cellular mobile network for 5G use‐cases
Authors: Soos Gabor , Ficzere Daniel , Varga Pal
Published: April 2021

The massive demand for broadband mobile network services are quite successfully covered already by 3G and 4G cellular mobile systems. The challenges for 5G are more diverse: answering the demands of Ultra‐Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) users—besides elevating mobile broadband to the next level. While generic, high‐level targets for KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are widely communicated, it is not yet well‐understood how the various demands can affect the traffic mixture. Both the radio‐ and the core‐domains of the cellular network have to cope with traffic peaks, and have to obey various QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees. In order to cover these gaps, traffic‐related characteristics (data volume, signaling message types, and traffic peaks) should be determined, and this knowledge should be used during network planning, optimization, and service shaping.

This paper aims to provide insights into user behavioral patterns for these three key application areas: enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), URLLC and mMTC. Since traffic volume‐ and burst‐related user behavior is not expected to change suddenly, current targeted data collection on legacy mobile network links would provide a good basic insight for future, 5G usage—at least as traffic patterns. We have collected live pre‐5G mobile network data then analyzed them throughout this paper in order to reveal traffic patterns—and their distinguishing features—for the three key 5G application areas.
Factors associated with the critical thinking ability of professional nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Van Nguyen Tuan , Liu Hsueh‐Erh
Published: April 2021

Aim

To measure the level of critical thinking among Vietnamese professional nurses and to identify the related factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used.

Methods

The total sample included 420 professional nurses. Data were collected from July to September 2019 in three public hospitals located in Southwestern Vietnam. The level of critical thinking was measured using the Vietnamese version of the Nursing Critical Thinking in Clinical Practice Questionnaire. The data were analysed using the independent Student's t tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and regression analysis.

Results

Most of the participants had a low (48.3%) or moderate (45.5%) level of critical thinking. Age, gender, ethnicity, education level, health condition, duration of working as a nurse, duration of working in the current hospital, having heard the term “critical thinking” and work position had an impact on the critical thinking ability. Work position and gender explained 11% of the total variance in critical thinking ability.
Histological investigation of burnt bones: A case study of angulate tortoises from the archaeological site, Diepkloof Rock Shelter, Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Bhat Mohd Shafi , Chinsamy Anusuya , Parkington John
Published: April 2021

The current study examined burnt and unburnt tibiae of angulate tortoises from the intermediate and late Howiesons Poort levels at Diepkloof Rock Shelter (DRS) of Western Cape, South Africa, to ascertain heat‐induced osteohistological changes. Three types of bone damage caused by fire were recognized: (a) external color change in the bones but otherwise consistent osteological and histological features to unburnt bones; (b) partially burned bones with osteological features obliterated, but histological details still preserved, and carbon inclusions visible along the bone margins and within pore spaces; and (c) completely burned bones with obliterated osteological features, but overall shape is maintained, and except for the presence of cracks and carbon accumulations within pore spaces and around the periosteal margin, histological features are evident. Comparisons with other studies of burnt bone suggest that the bones at DRS were subjected to high temperatures of about 600°C to 900°C. Despite exposure to fire, histological features were intact in all the bones, permitting life history deductions for these angulate tortoises. During early ontogeny, uninterrupted fibrolamellar bone tissue (indicative of rapid growth rates) was deposited, whereas later in ontogeny, slowly formed parallel‐fibered bone tissue formed and growth ceased periodically. A minimum age of 10 years was deduced for two individuals, and closely spaced growth marks suggest that the sexual maturity was attained at 7–8 years. Based on the comparisons with modern angulate tortoises, it appears that DRS tortoises had slower growth rates, suggesting less optimal environmental conditions for growth prevailed at the time.
Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Synopsis of Response Rates
Authors: Shek Dmitrii , Read Scott A. , Nagrial Adnan , Carlino Matteo S. , Gao Bo , George Jacob , Ahlenstiel Golo
Published: April 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A first-line standard of care, sorafenib results in median overall survival of 12 months in patients with Child-Pugh class A disease and 6 months in patients with Child-Pugh class B disease with objective response rates (ORRs) not exceeding 19%. These low efficacy rates have driven research on alternative therapeutic options, particularly immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We reviewed the response rates (estimated by RECIST 1.1 criteria) across patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs in phase I–IV clinical trials published between December 2012 to December 2020; 17 reports were identified as eligible and included in the quantitative analysis. Within the selected studies, pembrolizumab + lenvatinib reached the highest absolute ORR (36%), with first-line atezolizumab + bevacizumab showing the second highest ORR (27.3%). With regard to second-line therapy, nivolumab + ipilimumab reached an ORR of 32%, and pembrolizumab alone resulted in an ORR of 17% among sorafenib-experienced patients with advanced HCC. In summary, current studies show high response rates of ICIs in patients with advanced HCC. Nonetheless, further studies are required in the second-line setting to further evaluate ICI therapeutic superiority. Finally, it is of particular interest to examine the therapeutic potential of ICIs for patients with decompensated liver disease (Child-Pugh class C), currently not eligible for any systemic therapy.

Implications for Practice

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can provide high objective response rates (ORR, estimated with RECIST 1.1. criteria) when used as first-line treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly pembrolizumab + lenvatinib (ORR 36%) or atezolizumab + bevacizumab (ORR 27.3%). In sorafenib-experienced patients, nivolumab + ipilimumab (ORR 32%) provided the highest ORR among ICI-based regimens. These findings emphasize high therapeutic potential of ICI-based therapies in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, although further studies are required to further validate and define their role in this context.
Regarding the acoustic coupling medium for the estimation of the depth of invasion in tongue squamous cell carcinoma on intraoral sonography with special reference to the interpretation of normal mucosal structure: A literature review
Authors: Hayashi Takafumi , Takamura Masaki , Kobayashi Taichi , Nikkuni Yutaka , Katsura Kouji
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study reviewed the literature addressing the use of a coupling medium to evaluate the extent of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) in intraoral sonography to assess the potentiality of this technique for the precise estimation of the depth of invasion (DOI).

Methods

Studies for this paper were identified by a search of PubMed and manual searching of references from articles, using the search terms “lingual cancer” and “intraoral sonography” and their synonyms in the title and abstract fields. We excluded studies with no description of the coupling medium.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in this study. Sterile or non‐sterile gel was used in 11 studies; however, no description about the surrounding normal mucosa was provided in these studies. In two studies, a dedicated acoustic coupling polymer gel was used, and the normal mucosal layer was demonstrated as a hypoechoic line underlying the mucosal surface in one study. Although the first report of the DOI measurement was performed with degassed water, no clear interpretation of the basement level of the surrounding mucosa was presented.

Conclusions

Insufficient studies were available in the appropriate use of acoustic coupling medium from the viewpoint of the interpretation of the detailed normal anatomical structure of the tongue mucosa. Further studies are required to establish a standardized technique for the estimation of DOI in OTSCC.
Rare tumors: Retinoblastoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, and adrenocorticoid tumors
Authors: Patel Samir , Vogel Jennifer , Bradley Kristin , Chuba Paul J. , Buchsbaum Jeffrey , Krasin Matthew J.
Published: April 2021

The role of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for retinoblastoma has evolved considerably over the years with the efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy and the high incidence of secondary malignant neoplasms following radiation therapy. The use of spot scanning intensity‐modulated proton therapy may reduce the risk of secondary malignancies. For pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the current standard of care is induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation therapy. For adrenocortical carcinoma, the mainstay of treatment is surgery and chemotherapy. The role of radiation therapy remains to be defined.
Late effects of radiation therapy in pediatric patients and survivorship
Authors: Palmer Joshua D. , Tsang Derek S. , Tinkle Christopher L. , Olch Arthur J. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , Ronckers Cecile M. , Gibbs Iris C. , Constine Louis S.
Published: April 2021

Advances in multimodality therapy have led to childhood cancer cure rates over 80%. However, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may lead to debilitating or even fatal long‐term effects among childhood survivors beyond those inflicted by the primary disease process. It is critical to understand, mitigate, and prevent these late effects of cancer therapy to improve the quality of life of childhood cancer survivors. This review summarizes the various late effects of radiotherapy and acknowledges the Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC), an international collaboration that is systematically analyzing the association between radiation treatment dose/volume and consequential organ toxicities, in developing children as a basis to formulate recommendations for clinical practice of pediatric radiation oncology. We also summarize initiatives for survivorship and surveillance of late normal tissue effects related to radiation therapy among long‐term survivors of childhood cancer treated in the past.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chang John Han‐Chih , Poppe Matthew M. , Hua Chia‐Ho , Marcus Karen J. , Esiashvili Natia
Published: April 2021

The survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has improved significantly with the use of intensive multimodality treatment regimens including chemotherapy, high‐dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy when indicated. This report summarizes the treatment strategies, especially radiation therapy in the Children's Oncology Group for children with ALL. Currently, radiation therapy is only indicated for children with high‐risk CNS involvement at diagnosis or relapse, testicular relapse and as part of the conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Future research strategies regarding the indications for and dosages of radiation therapy and novel radiation techniques are discussed.
Neuroblastoma
Authors: Chung Christine , Boterberg Tom , Lucas John , Panoff Joseph , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Hero Barbara , Bagatell Rochelle , Hill‐Kayser Christine E.
Published: April 2021

The survival of patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma has improved significantly with the use of intensive multimodality treatment regimens, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, myeloablative chemotherapy followed by stem cell rescue, and immunotherapy. This report summarizes the current treatment strategies used in the COG and SIOP for children with neuroblastoma. The improved global collaboration and the adoption of a uniform International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System will help facilitate comparison of homogeneous pretreatment cohorts across clinical trials. Future research strategies regarding the indications for and dosages of radiation therapy to the primary and metastatic sites, and the integration of meta‐iodobenzyl guanidine therapy into the multimodal treatment program, are discussed.
Quality assurance in radiation oncology
Authors: FitzGerald Thomas J. , Followill David , Laurie Fran , Boterberg Tom , Hanusik Richard , Kessel Sandra , Karolczuk Kathryn , Iandoli Matthew , Ulin Kenneth , Morano Karen , Bishop‐Jodoin Maryann , Kry Stephen , Lowenstein Jessica , Molineu Andrea , Moni Janaki , Cicchetti M. Giulia , Prior Fred , Saltz Joel , Sharma Ashish , Mandeville Henry C. , Bernier‐Chastagner Valerie , Janssens Geert
Published: April 2021

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) has a strong quality assurance (QA) program managed by the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC). This program consists of credentialing centers and providing real‐time management of each case for protocol compliant target definition and radiation delivery. In the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), the lack of an available, reliable online data platform has been a challenge and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) quality and excellence in radiotherapy and imaging for children and adolescents with cancer across Europe in clinical trials (QUARTET) program currently provides QA review for prospective clinical trials. The COG and SIOP are fully committed to a QA program that ensures uniform execution of protocol treatments and provides validity of the clinical data used for analysis.
Registration of ‘CP 11‐1640’ sugarcane
Authors: Zhao D. , Davidson R.W. , Gordon V.S. , Islam Md , Sandhu H.S. , Sood S. , Baltazar M. , McCord P.H. , Migneault A. , Coto Arbelo O. , Momotaz A.
Published: April 2021

‘CP 11‐1640’ (Reg. no. CV‐199, PI 695085) sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) was developed through cooperative research conducted by the USDA–ARS, the University of Florida, and the Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc., and released by the Florida Sugarcane Variety Committee (FSVC) to growers for commercial cultivation on mineral (sand) soils in Florida in June 2019. It was selected from a polycross made at Canal Point on 2 Jan. 2009 with Canal Point sugarcane breeding line CP 01‐2390 (female parent). Its male parent was unknown and could be any one of the clones used in the polycross. CP 11‐1640 was released by FSVC because of its high cane and sucrose yields, acceptable commercial recoverable sucrose, and resistance to brown rust, orange rust, leaf scald, Sugarcane mosaic virus strain E (mosaic), and smut. Based on the results of 12 harvests with three crops (plant cane, first ratoon, and second ratoon) at four locations in final‐stage replicated yield trials on sand soils and compared with reference cultivars (CL 88‐4730, CP 96‐1252, CPCL 97‐2730), CP 11‐1640 had significantly higher cane yield (13.4–16.9%), sucrose yield (12.0–12.8%), and economic index (10.9–16.9%) than CL 88‐4730 and CPCL 97‐2730 and did not differ from CP 96‐1252 in any of these traits. Cane fiber content of CP 11‐1640 (138.9 kg Mg−1) was equivalent to that of CL 88‐4730 but slightly higher than that of CP 96‐1252 and CPCL 97‐2730. CP 11‐1640 was considered to be moderately tolerant to freezing among 18 genotypes tested.
Prediction of extubation readiness using lung ultrasound in preterm infants
Authors: Soliman Reem M. , Elsayed Yasser , Said Reem N. , Abdulbaqi Abdulaziz M. , Hashem Rania H. , Aly Hany
Published: April 2021

We aimed to test the hypothesis that a lung ultrasound severity score (LUS) and assessment of left ventricular eccentricity index of the interventricular septum (LVEI) by focused heart ultrasound can predict extubation success in mechanically ventilated infants. We conducted a prospective study on premature infants less than 34 weeks’ of gestation. LUS was performed on postnatal Days 3 and 7 by an investigator who was masked to infants’ ventilator parameters. LVEI and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were measured at postnatal Day 3. A receiver operator curve was constructed to assess the ability to predict extubation success. Spearman correlation was performed between LVEI and PAP. A total of 104 studies were performed to 66 infants; of them 39 had mild and 65 had moderate‐severe lung disease. LUS predicted extubation success with a sensitivity and a specificity of 91% and 69%, respectively. Area under the curve was 0.83 (CI: 0.75–0.91). LVEI did not differ between infants that succeeded and failed extubation. It correlated with PAP during systole (r = .66). We conclude that LUS predicts extubation success in mechanically ventilated preterm infants whereas LVEI correlates with high PAP.
Diagnostic utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in children with complicated intrathoracic tuberculosis
Authors: Goussard Pierre , Croucamp Roland , Bosch Corne , Demers Anne‐Marie , Morrison Julie , Mfingwana Lunga , Palmer Megan , van der Zalm Marieke M. , Friedrich Sven O. , Janson Jacques T. , Whitelaw Andrew C. , Andronikou Savvas , Hesseling Anneke C. , Walters Elisabetta , Lopez‐Varela Elisa
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Bronchoscopy can be a useful tool in children with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with severe disease potentially requiring intervention or in the face of diagnostic dilemmas. The aim of this study was to determine the value of Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples in children with complicated PTB.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of children with clinically diagnosed PTB, who underwent routine bronchoscopy over a 5‐year period at a large referral hospital. BAL and other respiratory samples were tested by microscopy, culture, and Xpert. We explored whether clinical, radiographic and bronchoscopy findings, and duration of antituberculosis treatment were associated with bacteriological confirmation.

Results

One hundred and twelve out of one hundred and forty‐six (76.7%) children (median age 16 months) were on antituberculosis treatment for a median of 10 days at the time of bronchoscopy. Overall, bacteriological confirmation was achieved in 115 (78.7%), with 101 (69.2%) detected on BAL. Of those bacteriologically confirmed on BAL, 61.4% were positive by both Xpert and culture, 34.7% only by Xpert, and 3.9% only by culture. Sensitivity and specificity of Xpert compared with culture on BAL samples for children not on antituberculosis treatment were 94.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.3, 99.8) and 68.7% (95% CI: 41.3, 89.0), respectively.

Conclusions

In children undergoing bronchoscopy for complicated PTB, Xpert testing of BAL had a high diagnostic yield in children already on antituberculosis treatment. Bronchoscopy should be considered if noninvasive respiratory specimens fail to confirm complicated TB.
Targeted RNA sequencing reveals differential patterns of transcript expression in geographically discrete, insecticide resistant populations of Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Clements Justin , Lamour Kurt , Frost Kenneth , Dwyer James , Huseth Anders , Groves Russell L
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) is a major agricultural pest of commercial potatoes, partially due to its ability to rapidly develop resistance to multiple insecticide modes of action. Patterns of L. decemlineata insecticide resistance in the contiguous United States have been linked to geographic location and regional management practices. Several previous studies have classified enzymes that are overexpressed following L. decemlineata exposure to commercial pesticides, many of which have been linked to xenobiotic metabolism. Studies have further associated geographic disparities in resistance patterns to cross‐resistance driven by fungicide exposure in the East Coast and Midwest.

RESULTS

In this study, our objective was to investigate transcript expression of 38 previously classified detoxification enzymes induced by imidacloprid (an insecticide) and chlorothalonil (a fungicide) within five discrete populations of L. decemlineata obtained from areas in the USA representing eastern, midwestern and western production regions. We found unique patterns of transcript expression in different geographic locations, including overexpression of transcripts related to insecticide metabolism within insecticide‐resistant populations.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest the genetic response of these populations may be partially linked to geographic location and corresponding management practices. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.