bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wireless signal-based sensing framework for robotics
Authors: Jadhav Ninad , Wang Weiying , Zhang Diana , Khatib Oussama , Kumar Swarun , Gil Stephanie
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we develop the analytical framework for a novel Wireless signal-based Sensing capability for Robotics (WSR) by leveraging a robots’ mobility in 3D space. It allows robots to primarily measure relative direction, or Angle-of-Arrival (AOA), to other robots, while operating in non-line-of-sight unmapped environments and without requiring external infrastructure. We do so by capturing all of the paths that a wireless signal traverses as it travels from a transmitting to a receiving robot in the team, which we term as an AOA profile. The key intuition behind our approach is to enable a robot to emulate antenna arrays as it moves freely in 2D and 3D space. The small differences in the phase of the wireless signals are thus processed with knowledge of robots’ local displacement to obtain the profile, via a method akin to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). The main contribution of this work is the development of (i) a framework to accommodate arbitrary 2D and 3D motion, as well as continuous mobility of both signal transmitting and receiving robots, while computing AOA profiles between them and (ii) a Cramer–Rao Bound analysis, based on antenna array theory, that provides a lower bound on the variance in AOA estimation as a function of the geometry of robot motion. This is a critical distinction with previous work on SAR-based methods that restrict robot mobility to prescribed motion patterns, do not generalize to the full 3D space, and require transmitting robots to be stationary during data acquisition periods. We show that allowing robots to use their full mobility in 3D space while performing SAR results in more accurate AOA profiles and thus better AOA estimation. We formally characterize this observation as the informativeness of the robots’ motion, a computable quantity for which we derive a closed form. All analytical developments are substantiated by extensive simulation and hardware experiments on air/ground robot platforms using 5 GHz WiFi. Our experimental results bolster our analytical findings, demonstrating that 3D motion provides enhanced and consistent accuracy, with a total AOA error of less than 10◦ for 95% of trials. We also analytically characterize the impact of displacement estimation errors on the measured AOA and validate this theory empirically using robot displacements obtained using an off-the-shelf Intel Tracking Camera T265. Finally, we demonstrate the performance of our system on a multi-robot task where a heterogeneous air/ground pair of robots continuously measure AOA profiles over a WiFi link to achieve dynamic rendezvous in an unmapped, 300 m2 environment with occlusions.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Future Preferences Toward Telework
Authors: Asgari Hamidreza , Gupta Rajesh , Jin Xia
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a study in capturing the impacts of the mandatory pandemic-induced telework practice on workers’ perceptions of the benefits, challenges, and difficulties associated with telecommuting and how those might influence their preference for telework in the future. Data was collected through an online survey conducted in South Florida in May 2020. Survey data showed that telework indices (either measured through actual behavior or stated preference) before, during, and after the pandemic were heterogeneous across socio-economic, demographic, and attitudinal segments. Before the outbreak, males, full-time students, those with PhD degrees, and high-income people showed higher percentages of involvement in jobs with a telework option. They also had higher pro-technology, pro-online education, workaholic, and pro-telework attitudes. During the pandemic, professional/managerial/technical jobs as well as jobs with lower physical-proximity measures showed the highest telework frequency. In view of future telework preferences, our analysis showed that those who were more pro-telework, pro-technology, and showed less dislike of telework dislike preferred higher telework frequency. A structural equation model was developed to assess the impacts of different predictors on telework behavior before the pandemic and preferences after the pandemic. While telework frequency before the pandemic was highly affected by the pro-telework attitude, the after-pandemic preferences were influenced by several other attitudes such as dislike telework, enjoy interaction, workaholic, as well as productivity factors. This might confirm the assumption that the mandatory practice through the pandemic has provided employees more experiences with work-from-home arrangements, which could reshape decisions and expectations around telework adoption in the future.
Key Levers to Reform Non-Motorized Transport: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shah Sonal , Jaya Vishnu Mohanakumar , Piludaria Nidhi
Published: August 2022

The objective of this research was to understand key levers that enabled city, regional, and national governments to improve non-motorized transport (NMT) infrastructure during the lockdowns necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focused primarily on cycling and adopted a case study approach focusing on three cities: Bengaluru (India), Bogota (Colombia), and London (UK). The selected cities were chosen for diversity across geographies, country income levels, and the scale of interventions. Eight key levers were identified to understand how cycling interventions can be supported, implemented, sustained, and scaled up. These included institutional and organizational arrangements; technical capacity; financing; leadership; policy and regulatory framework; plans, strategies, and technical resources; role of civil society; and communications, messaging, and outreach. The research used secondary literature reviews and key informant interviews, which were validated through an online round table. Research revealed that certain levers were necessary in initiating and continuing successful NMT interventions. These included supportive leadership, participative civil society, and adequate financial and technical capacity. Communications and outreach helped bring behavioral change amongst residents while a coordinated institutional framework and plans and strategies were necessary to sustain momentum. This research contributes to urban mobility and public administration literature in understanding processes and enablers of sustainable mobility interventions. It is relevant for cities in low- and middle-income countries beginning to focus on NMT interventions to combat climate change and public health challenges.
Does enhancing environmental regulation promote corporate green investment? Evidence from China
Authors: Hu Wen-Quan , Zhao Jingyu , Zhao Lexin
Published: August 2022

This paper exploits a quasi-natural experiment in China, the environmental protection tax reform, to examine the effect of environmental regulation on corporate green investment. Based on Chinese listed company data and the multi-period DID method, we find the enhancement of environmental regulation harms corporate green investment in a short time, and green investments in the treatment group were reduced by 19.57 million (RMB) on average. Further exploring and examining the potential mechanisms of the above effect, we find the above effect is caused by the suppression effect of financing constraints and the crowding-out effect of research and development (R&D) expenditures. We also analyze the heterogeneity of enterprise ownership, enterprise size, and enterprise location, and find that non-state-owned enterprises, small-sized enterprises, and enterprises in the eastern region will experience a greater reduction in green investment when environmental regulation is enhanced. Based on the above findings, we put forward corresponding policy recommendations.
Sidelining Bias: A Situationist Approach to Reduce the Consequences of Bias in Real-World Contexts
Authors: Okonofua Jason A. , Harris Lasana T. , Walton Gregory M.
Published: August 2022

It has become common practice to conceptualize bias as an automatic response, cultivated through exposure to bias in society. From this perspective, combating bias requires reducing a proclivity for bias within individuals, as in many implicit-bias training efforts common in schools and corporations. We introduce an alternative approach that begins with the presumption that people are inherently complex, with multiple, often contradictory, selves and goals. When the person is conceptualized this way, it is possible to ask when biased selves are likely to emerge and whether this bias can be sidelined—that is, whether situations can be altered in potent ways that elevate alternative selves and goals that people will endorse and for which bias would be nonfunctional. Using both classic and contemporary examples, we show how sidelining bias has led to meaningful improvements in real-world outcomes, including higher academic achievement and reduced school suspensions, less recidivism to jail, and less stereotyping in mass advertisements.
Doctors, Patients, and Interpreters’ Views on the Co-Construction of Empathic Communication in Interpreter-Mediated Consultations: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Video Stimulated Recall Interviews
Authors: Theys Laura , Wermuth Cornelia , Hsieh Elaine , Krystallidou Demi , Pype Peter , Salaets Heidi
Published: August 2022

Doctors and patients rely on verbal and nonverbal resources to co-construct clinical empathy. In language-discordant consultations, interpreters’ communicative actions might compromise this process. We aim to explore doctors, patients, and professional interpreters’ perspectives on their own and others’ actions during their empathic interaction in interpreter-mediated consultations (IMCs). We analyzed 20 video stimulated recall interviews with doctors, patients, and interpreters using qualitative content analysis. Doctors and patients found ways to connect with each other on the level of empathic communication (EC) that is not limited by interpreters’ alterations or disengaged demeanor. Some aspects of doctors and interpreters’ professional practices might jeopardize the co-construction of EC in IMCs. The co-construction of EC in IMCs is not only subject to participants’ communicative (inter)actions, but also to organizational and subjective factors. These results provide evidence of the transactional process between the behavioral, cognitive, and affective components of clinical empathy in the context of IMCs.
Embracing Emotional Pain: A Case Study of Adolescent Suicidality and Spirituality
Authors: Keefner Tamara , Minton Mary , Antonen Kathy
Published: August 2022

Background:

Suicidality continues to be the second leading cause of adolescent death. Nurses are in a prime position to address the emotional pain associated with adolescent suicidality but report skepticism and discomfort. Moreover, spirituality is identified as a protective factor against suicidality, yet a gap exists related to exploring spirituality within the context of the emotional pain associated with adolescent suicidality. Building awareness of adolescents’ spirituality and emotional pain associated with suicidality is essential to address nurse skepticism and discomfort.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to explore young adults’ experiences of suicide attempt(s) during adolescence in the context of spirituality using a case study application of participant narratives to Minton and Antonen’s B.L.E.S.S. acronym

Method:

A multiple-case study design was used to provide an alternative perspective for understanding adolescent suicidality from a spiritual context. Reed’s theory of self-transcendence and the B.L.E.S.S. acronym guided the analysis and interpretation. Convenience online sampling resulted in six adult participants who provided email narratives of their adolescent experiences. Email data collection was guided by Fritz and Vandermause. Analysis of participant narratives followed the protocol of Baxter and Jack.

Results:

Participant’s narratives revealed self-transcendence that paralleled the five truths about emotional pain and spirituality inherent in the B.L.E.S.S. acronym.

Conclusion:

This case study provides nurses a guide for counteracting the barriers of skepticism and stigma to promote help-seeking behavior associated with adolescent suicidality. Further research is needed for the application of the B.L.E.S.S. acronym with other population samples.
Flexural–torsional modeling and equilibria of three-dimensional axially moving beams
Authors: Orloske Kevin
Published: August 2022

The equilibrium equations for the coupled flexural–flexural–torsional–extensional mechanics of an axially moving beam with initial tension are studied. The form of the governing equations is discussed, and numerical solutions are presented for two types of boundary misalignment that both result in out-of-plane flexural–torsional equilibria. Solutions to the governing equations are obtained while retaining all non-linear terms. With all non-linear terms, the governing equations cannot be expressed in first-order form and appear to be missing boundary conditions, thus complicating the numerical solution. The results are compared to an existing reduced model, thereby confirming previously employed simplifying assumptions. Finally, an alternative form of the equations of motion is derived that are simpler and consists of only polynomial non-linearities. The new equations are shown to capture the behavior studied with only a small reduction in accuracy compared to other models.
Clinical parameters at time of admission as prognostic indicators in cats presented for trauma to an emergency centre in New Zealand: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald William R , Cave Nick J , Yozova Ivayla D
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the clinical features of cats presented for trauma in a first-opinion and referral teaching hospital in New Zealand, and to determine the relationship between those features and outcome.

Methods

The electronic medical records of cats presented for trauma to the Massey University Pet Emergency Centre between September 2013 and January 2019 were examined, from which the signalment, clinical parameters and patient outcomes were extracted. Cases were assigned an Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score and Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score. Variables were selected for inclusion in a logistic regression model to predict survival, and backward elimination was used to find the minimal significant model.

Results

In total, 530 cats met the inclusion criteria. The cause of injury was not known in the majority of cases (38.0%). The most common location of injury was the hindlimbs/pelvis/tail (n = 247; 41%), and skin lacerations/abrasions were the most common specific injury. Multivariate analysis revealed altered mentation (odds ratio [OR] 0.31, P = 0.029), hypothermia (rectal temperature <37.8°C [<100.04°F]; OR 0.45, P = 0.015) and an ATT score ⩾5 (OR 0.13, P <0.001) to be statistically significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions and relevance

Altered mentation and hypothermia are easily measurable perfusion parameter abnormalities associated with mortality in cats presenting with trauma. The ATT score appears to be an accurate prognostic indicator in cats presenting with trauma in New Zealand. These results highlight the importance of incorporating a hands-on triage examination in each cat that presents as an emergency after trauma.
The explanatory power of sensory reading for early childhood research: The role of hidden senses
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia
Published: August 2022

Sensory reading refers to reading that engages all six of the human senses – vison, hearing, touch, gustation, olfaction and proprioception. The author proposes that increased attention be paid to the three ‘hidden’ senses of gustation, olfaction and proprioception to advance innovative reading studies. She articulates the problematic of visually dominated multimodal research and print–digital media comparison studies, and extends the reading field to sensory reading that is not tied to a specific medium or mode of engagement but mediated by individualised sensory stimuli. This cross-disciplinary discussion of sensory reading opens up a new vista for affective literacies and integrates the tensions that emerge between psychological and new media studies concerned with material, ephemeral and embodied reading. This approach refines Rosenblatt's transaction theory and contributes new insights into materiality, ephemerality and the embodiment of reading, which dominate contemporary reading studies.
Development of methodologies for experimental analysis of neck deformations caused by impact forces in martial arts
Authors: Milošević Miloš , Trajković Isaak , Golubović Zorana , Ivanov Toni , Mladenović Goran , Milovanović Aleksa , Mitrović Nenad
Published: August 2022

Martial arts and fight sports are mostly based on exchanging the punches and kicks that often result with injuries of face, skull bones, and neck vertebrae. One of possibilities to reduce number of injuries in athletes who deal with martial arts is development of new materials and improvement of designs for helmets used in sport fights. In order to experimentally analyze impact forces and simulate conditions during different fight punches mechanical installment was made. Aramis system is used to measure the displacement fields and the distribution of deformations which occur on the neck over the entire analyzed area based on the correlation of digital images. On this manner better understanding of behavior of both materials and structures during the action of the impact forces and loading is obtained. This information can further be used in researches related to the development of helmets used in martial arts which would influence reduction of values of neck deformations in athletes.
Introduction: Platformization of entrepreneurial labor via Chinese digital networks
Authors: Yu Haiqing , Xu Jian , Sun Ping
Published: August 2022

The special issue, “Chinese Platforms and Entrepreneurial Labour,” examines entrepreneurial labor and its relationship with the platformization of Chinese society and economy. The introduction to the special issue sums up three key issues pertinent to the broad field of platform entrepreneurial labor: class, power, and gender. It also contextualizes the platforms—Kuaishou, Xiaohongshu, Bilibili, and TikTok—that are discussed in five articles by authors from China, India, Japan, Australia, and UK.
A Consumer Typology Based on Celebrity Endorsement Factors
Authors: Arora Nilesh , Prashar Sanjeev , Vijay T. Sai , Parsad Chandan
Published: August 2022

Celebrity endorsement is one of the most prominent advertising and promotional strategies used by organizations to seek consumer attention. It has been examined extensively by academicians in the last few decades. Still, existing studies have not focused much on understanding the typology of shoppers related to specific celebrity-related factors. This study endeavours to segment the consumer market and develop corresponding profiles based on shoppers’ importance to various celebrity factors. Survey-based research was undertaken using the mall-intercept technique, and data were collected from shoppers in India. Cluster and correspondence analysis techniques were used on the responses received from 232 survey participants. The results suggested the presence of three distinct clusters, namely ‘Indifferent-to-celebrity Buyer’, ‘Fascinated Buyer’ and ‘Star Power Buyer’. The findings suggest the clusters—fascinated buyers and star power buyers—are influenced by different components related to celebrity endorsement. The present study contributes to the marketing and celebrity endorsement literature by offering an insight into the need of identifying the differences among the consumers with respect to their propensity of acceptance of a celebrity endorser. These results would help managers in mapping them to target consumer segments with an appropriate celebrity effectively.
Effect of Rifabutin in Dolutegravir Dosing: A Case Series
Authors: Mendoza Maria A. , Alshaer Mohammad H. , Roldan Giovanni , Castro Jose Guillermo , Ashkin David , Peloquin Charles A. , Boulanger Catherine V.
Published: August 2022

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people worldwide. Currently there are no studies examining the use of Rifabutin (RBN) and Dolutegravir (DTG) in co-infected persons. This is a case series of 4 co-infected patients receiving both agents who underwent Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Methods and Results: This is a retrospective chart review study of four patients diagnosed with both HIV and TB, receiving RBN and DTG and undergoing therapeutic drug monitoring. All 4 cases had lower than expected DTG concentrations at least once, including those on the current recommended dose of DTG with RBN, and even those receiving higher doses. Conclusions: Given the frequency of low DTG and RBN concentrations, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for these drugs is advisable. Prospective clinical studies are needed to further determine the PK interactions between RBN and DTG, and virologic response to treatment.
Democracy, Development and Political Representation: Notes on Dalit Assertion in Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Husain Zeeshan
Published: August 2022

This article takes three concepts, namely ‘democracy’, ‘development’ and ‘political representation’ as entry points to understand the functioning of democracy in Uttar Pradesh. India, since the 1980s, has seen a tremendous rise of ‘lowered’ caste people and a parallel rise of Hindu communalism by ‘upper’ castes. In this respect, it becomes pertinent to ask if the rise of plebeians in Uttar Pradesh’s political sphere brought about any actual change in the lives of the plebeians. In search for an answer to this question, this article looks at the conspicuous rise of Dalits from the early 1980s. It proposes that rather than looking from the vantage point of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Dalit assertion must be seen through non-BSP factors and broader socio-economic and demographic changes happening before the 1980s in the state. Thus, the article delves into the lives of All India Backward (SC, ST, and OBC) and Minority Communities Employees Federation (BAMCEF), Dalit Panthers, Ambedkarite social activists and Ravidasis-Buddhists. It argues that Dalit assertion is about the deepening of formal democracy, increment in substantive democracy and a demand for greater civility. Dalit movement is not ethnic, rather, it is universal, and the article explores it through secondary literature and fieldwork-based observations in Uttar Pradesh.
Procedural Limitations of Victim Impact Statement in India: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Singh Amartya Sahastranshu
Published: August 2022

To empower victims and ensure the protection of their rights, the lawmakers and the courts are emphasizing the need to introduce victim impact statements (VIS) in the Indian criminal justice system. A VIS is a written or oral statement given by the victim during the trial. It helps judges to assess the real physical, financial, and psychological damage of that crime on the victim and to determine the quantum of punishment accordingly. The Supreme Court highlighted the need of VIS in a recent judgement. Consequently, the Parliament introduced the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2020, to forward the cause. Although introducing VIS in India is a major step towards securing the long-awaited rights of victims, the author believes that introducing VIS in India, in the way it is being done, will do more harm than good. Thus, this article is dedicated to presenting the problems that India may face after implementing VIS according to the bill, and suggesting an alternative model to deal with those issues while ensuring the efficacy of VIS. The article is divided into three parts—the first part covers the meaning of victims and victim impact statement, the second part covers the current status of victims in the system and the way in which the bill will improve it, and finally, the third part covers why the integration of victims in the said way can become a problem for the country and what are some variations in the system that can overcome those shortcomings.
Evaluation of the P-wave seismogram approach to estimate VS30 in California
Authors: Li Meibai , Rathje Ellen M
Published: August 2022

The P-wave seismogram method is utilized to estimate the V S30 at 194 ground motion recording stations in California. Comparison with the measured V S30 at these sites shows an average overestimation of 9%, which is similar to values reported by other studies for the P-wave seismogram method. The estimated V S30 are within ±50% of the measured V S30 for 85% of the sites. The V S30 residuals are interpreted with respect to the peak frequency obtained from horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) measurements, and the results indicate that stations with estimated V S30 greater than 500 m/s may be systematically overestimated by the P-wave seismogram method when a distinct peak is identified in the HVSR. Thus, the peak frequency from HVSR can be used to identify sites with potential bias and also to correct this bias. The P-wave seismogram V S30 estimates from this study are compared to estimates from a geology/slope proxy, and the results suggest that the P-wave seismogram method achieves similar accuracy and less variability relative to the measured V S30 compared with the geology/slope proxy-based method.
Integrated methylome and transcriptome analysis unravel the cold tolerance mechanism in winter rapeseed(Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Zheng Guoqiang , Dong Xiaoyun , Wei Jiaping , Liu Zigang , Aslam Ali , Cui JunMei , Li Hui , Wang Ying , Tian Haiyan , Cao Xiaodong
Published: August 2022

Background

Cytosine methylation, the main type of DNA methylation, regulates gene expression in plant response to environmental stress. The winter rapeseed has high economic and ecological value in China's Northwest, but the DNA methylation pattern of winter rapeseed during freezing stress remains unclear.

Result

This study integrated the methylome and transcriptome to explore the genome-scale DNA methylation pattern and its regulated pathway of winter rapeseed, using freezing-sensitive (NF) and freezing-resistant (NS) cultivars.The average methylation level decreased under freezing stress, and the decline in NF was stronger than NS after freezing stress. The CG methylation level was the highest among the three contexts of CG, CHG, and CHH. At the same time, the CHH proportion was high, and the methylation levels were highest 2 kb up/downstream, followed by the intron region. The C sub-genomes methylation level was higher than the A sub-genomes. The methylation levels of chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA were much lower than the B. napus nuclear DNA, the SINE methylation level was highest among four types of transposable elements (TEs), and the preferred sequence of DNA methylation did not change after freezing stress. A total of 1732 differentially expressed genes associated with differentially methylated genes (DMEGs) were identified in two cultivars under 12 h and 24 h in three contexts by combining whole-genome bisulfite sequencing( and RNA-Seq data. Function enrichment analysis showed that most DMEGs participated in linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, flavonoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. Meanwhile, some DMEGs encode core transcription factors in plant response to stress.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of DNA methylation, the freezing tolerance of winter rapeseed is achieved by enhanced signal transduction, lower lipid peroxidation, stronger cell stability, increased osmolytes, and greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. These results provide novel insights into better knowledge of the methylation regulation of tolerance mechanism in winter rapeseed under freezing stress.
Ligation of left gastric vein may cause delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Kimura Koichi , Minagawa Ryosuke , Izumi Takuma , Otake Akihiko , Aoyagi Takehiko , Taniguchi Daisuke , Yano Hiroko , Kajiwara Yuichiro , Minami Kazuhito , Nishizaki Takashi
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine which running pattern of the left gastric vein (LGV) is most frequently ligated in subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD) and how LGV ligation affects delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after SSPPD.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 105 patients who underwent SSPPD between January 2016 and September 2021. We classified the running pattern of LGV as follows: type 1 runs dorsal to the common hepatic artery (CHA) or splenic artery (SpA) to join the portal vein (PV), type 2 runs dorsal to the CHA or SpA and joins the splenic vein, type 3 runs ventral to the CHA or SpA and joins the PV, and type 4 runs ventral to the CHA or SpA and joins the SpV. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify differences between patients with and without DGE after SSPPD.

Results

Type 1 LGV running pattern was observed in 47 cases (44.8%), type 2 in 23 (21.9%), type 3 in 12 (11.4%), and type 4 in 23 (21.9%). The ligation rate was significantly higher in type 3 (75.0%) LGVs (p < 0.0001). Preoperative obstructive jaundice (p = 0.0306), LGV ligation (p < 0.0001), grade B or C pancreatic fistula (p = 0.0116), and sepsis (p = 0.0123) were risk factors for DGE in the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that LGV ligation was an independent risk factor for DGE (odds ratio: 13.60, 95% confidence interval: 3.80–48.68,p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Type 3 LGVs are often ligated because they impede lymph node dissection; however, LGV preservation may reduce the occurrence of DGE after SSPPD.
Acute dizziness and mental alteration associated with Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: a case report
Authors: Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim , Haryono Fillia Kristyawati , Darmawan Nikolaus Erik , Salikim Mia Amelia Mutiara , Veronica Vanessa
Published: August 2022

Background

Due to a rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Indonesian government implemented public health programs to lower the rate. Since January 2021, one of the government’s primary policies has been the COVID-19 immunization program. Recently, the Moderna messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine is one of the COVID-19 vaccines used in Indonesia. Based on some research, Moderna has possible side effects throughout the body, including neurological symptoms.

Case presentation

We describe a 39-year-old female with uncontrolled hypertension who showed behavioral change, communication difficulty, social withdrawal, and a confused state within 7 days from getting her first dose of the Moderna vaccine. The patient had a history of febrile convulsion in childhood. An increase of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (16.9) and C-reactive protein level (31.75 mg/L) indicates ongoing inflammation. Head CT scan shows no abnormalities. She received ceftriaxone, citicoline, and methylprednisolone. The patient was discharged on the seventh day and completely recovered 1 week later. This study is the first case report of encephalopathy following the administration of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine reported in Indonesia up to our knowledge.

Conclusion

Encephalopathy related to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should be acknowledged as an adverse effect of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Temporally ordered associations between type 2 diabetes and brain disorders – a Danish register-based cohort study
Authors: Wimberley Theresa , Horsdal Henriette T. , Brikell Isabell , Laursen Thomas M. , Astrup Aske , Fanelli Giuseppe , Bralten Janita , Poelmans Geert , Gils Veerle Van , Jansen Willemijn J. , Vos Stephanie J. B. , Bertaina-Anglade Valérie , Camacho-Barcia Lucia , Mora-Maltas Bernat , Fernandez-Aranda Fernando , Bonet Mònica B. , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Franke Barbara , Dalsgaard Søren
Published: August 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked with several neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, either as a comorbid condition or as a risk factor. We aimed to expand the evidence by examining associations with a broad range of brain disorders (psychiatric and neurological disorders, excluding late-onset neurodegenerative disorders), while also accounting for the temporal order of T2DM and these brain disorders.

Methods

In a population-based cohort-study of 1,883,198 Danish citizens, born 1955–1984 and followed until end of 2016, we estimated associations between T2DM and 16 brain disorders first diagnosed between childhood and mid-adulthood. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) in temporally ordered analyses (brain disorder diagnosis after T2DM and vice versa), adjusted for sex, age, follow-up, birth year, and parental factors.

Results

A total of 67,660 (3.6%) of the study population were identified as T2DM cases after age 30 and by a mean age of 45 years (SD of 8 years). T2DM was associated with most psychiatric disorders. Strongest associations were seen with other (i.e. non-anorectic) eating disorders (OR [95% CI]: 2.64 [2.36–2.94]) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (2.73 [2.63–2.84]). Among neurological disorders especially inflammatory brain diseases (1.73 [1.57–1.91]) and epilepsy (1.67 [1.60–1.75]) were associated with T2DM. Most associations remained in both directions in the temporally ordered analyses. For most psychiatric disorders, associations were strongest in females.

Conclusions

T2DM was associated with several psychiatric and neurological disorders, and most associations were consistently found for both temporal order of disorders. This suggests a shared etiology of T2DM and those brain disorders. This study can form the starting point for studies directed at further elucidating potential causal links between disorders and shared biological mechanisms.
Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome in apparent primary spontaneous pneumothorax patients; results and recommendations for clinical practice
Authors: Sriram Jincey D. , van de Beek Irma , Johannesma Paul C. , van Werkum Michiel H. , van der Wel Tijmen J. W. T. , Wessels Elise M. , Gille Hans J. J. P. , Houweling Arjan C. , Postmus Pieter E. , Smit Hans J. M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD) is an inherited disease caused by pathogenic variants in the FLCN gene. One of the characteristics is the increased risk for spontaneous pneumothorax, likely due to the presence of pulmonary cysts mainly distributed under the carina. Due to variable expression and lack of awareness, BHD is likely to be underdiagnosed. We aimed to examine the prevalence of BHD in patients presenting with an apparent primary spontaneous pneumothorax and to evaluate the contribution of chest CT in establishing the diagnosis.

Methods

Patients who presented with apparent primary spontaneous pneumothorax between 2004 and 2017 in a large Dutch teaching hospital were enrolled in this quantitative cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was sent to eligible patients. Patients who completed the questionnaire and consented to further participation were invited to visit the hospital for genetic testing and low dose, volumetric chest CT.

Results

Genetic testing was performed in 88 patients with apparent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Three patients were found to have a pathogenic variant in the FLCN gene (3.4%). No variants of unknown significance were detected. Pulmonary cysts were detected in 14 out of 83 participants with an available chest CT, six had more than one cyst. All three patients with BHD had multiple pulmonary cysts.

Conclusions

Based on previous literature and the present study, we believe that performing a chest CT in every patient presenting with primary spontaneous pneumothorax is justified. Subsequent genetic testing of the FLCN gene should be considered when multiple pulmonary cysts are present.

Trial registration

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with reference NCT02916992.

Summary at a glance

Three out of 88 patients with an apparent primary spontaneous pneumothorax were diagnosed with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome in this study and all three had multiple pulmonary cysts. We believe that performing a chest CT in every patient with an apparent primary spontaneous pneumothorax is justified to identify underlying diseases.
Irrigation techniques used in spine surgery for surgical site infection prophylaxis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Torres Kabir A. , Konrade Elliot , White Jacob , Tavares Junior Mauro Costa M. , Bunch Joshua T. , Burton Douglas , Jackson R. Sean , Birlingmair Jacob , Carlson Brandon B.
Published: August 2022

Background

The greater likelihood of morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stays and poorer long-term outcomes as a result of surgical site infections secondary to spinal surgery makes prophylactic measures an imperative focus. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the available research related to the efficacy of different intraoperative irrigation techniques used in spinal surgery for surgical site infection (SSI) prophylaxis.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search using Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane library pertaining to this topic. Our meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria consist of spine surgeries with intraoperative use of any wound irrigation technique, comparison groups with a different intraoperative irrigation technique or no irrigation, SSI identified with bacterial cultures or clinically in the postoperative period, reported SSI rates. Data extracted from eligible studies included, but was not limited to, SSI rates, irrigation technique and control technique. Exclusion criteria consist of articles with no human subjects, reviews, meta-analyses and case control studies and no details about SSI identification or rates. Pooled risk ratios were calculated. A meta-analysis was performed with a forest plot to determine risk estimates’ heterogeneity with I2 index, Q-statistic, and p value under a random-effects model. Funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. All databases were last checked on January, 2022. PROBAST tool was used to assess both risk of bias and applicability concerns.

Results

After reviewing 1494 titles and abstracts, 18 articles met inclusion criteria. They included three prospective randomized-controlled trials, 13 retrospective cohort studies, two prospective cohort studies. There were 54 (1.8%) cases of SSIs in the povidone-iodine irrigation group (N = 2944) compared to 159 (4.6%) in the control group (N = 3408). Using intraoperative povidone-iodine wound irrigation produced an absolute risk reduction of 2.8%. Overall risk ratio was 0.32 (95% CI 0.20–0.53, p < 0.00001). In a global analysis, study heterogeneity and synthesizing mostly retrospective data were primary limitations.

Conclusion

The most evidence exists for povidone-iodine and has Level 2 evidence supporting SSI reduction during spinal surgery. Other antiseptic solutions such as dilute chlorhexidine lack published evidence in this patient population which limits the ability to draw conclusions related to its use in spinal surgery.

Level of Evidence

II – Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.
Factors associated with the absence of Brazilians in specialized dental centers
Authors: da Cunha Inara Pereira , de Lacerda Valéria Rodrigues , da Silveira Gaspar Gabriela , de Lucena Edson Hilan Gomes , Mialhe Fábio Luiz , de Goes Paulo Sávio Angeiras , Leite Hazelelponi Querã Naumann Cerqueira , Bomfim Rafael Aiello
Published: August 2022

Aim

To identify the individual and contextual factors associated with the absence of Brazilians at a scheduled appointment in Dental Specialties Centers (DSC).

Methods

This cross-sectional design uses the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Dental Specialties Centers database, 2018. The outcome was the users' lack of at least one of the scheduled appointments. Contextual and individual independent variables were used, considering Andersen's behavioural model. The analyses were performed with the R Core Team and SAS (Studio 3.8, Institute Inc, North Carolina, U.S, 2019) programs.

Results

Of the 10,391 patients interviewed, 27.7% missed at least one of the consultations. In the adjusted multivariate model, the interpretation based on the effect size and 95% CI showed that the behaviour individual predisposing factors such as age ≤ 42 years (OR = 1.10; 95%CI:1.01–1.21), individual need factors such as participation in the “Bolsa Família” program (OR = 1,14; 95%CI:1.02–1.27), not being covered by the Family Health Strategy (OR = 1.15; 95% CI:1.02–1.30), and users of periodontics services (OR = 1.22;95%CI:1.05–1.40) were associated with absences. The behavioural factor associated with the outcome was that the DSC facilities were not in good condition (OR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.03–1.34). DSC located in the capital (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.92–1.48) were 12% more likely to have dental absences than those in the interior region.

Conclusion

There are individual and contextual barriers associated with patients not attending specialised public dental consultations. DSC should offer adequate hours to patients, especially young adults and vulnerable people.
Antibacterial interactions between two monofloral honeys and several topical antiseptics, including essential oils
Authors: Gray Brayden H. , Green Kathryn J. , Haines Robbie R. , Hammer Katherine A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Honey has broad spectrum antibacterial activity against clinically important organisms and may be suitable for treating superficial bacterial infections. However, very little data are available describing potential interactions between honey and other topically applied agents such as antiseptics or essential oils.

Methods

Interactions between pairs of antibacterial agents were investigated by performing checkerboard assays and determining the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs). Interactions between the two monofloral honeys marri (from Corymbia calophylla) and manuka, and the antiseptic agents benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine digluconate, silver (I) nitrate, tea tree oil, and Eucalyptus polybractea oil were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 43300 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC® 27853.

Results

Additive or indifferent interactions (FICI 0.5—2) were observed for all combinations against both organisms tested, with the exception of chlorhexidine and honey. Chlorhexidine and marri honey showed an antagonistic relationship against S. aureus (median FICI 2.00, range 1.25—4.83). Similarly, chlorhexidine and manuka honey showed antagonism against S. aureus (median FICI 2.33, range 2.00—2.67).

Conclusions

With the exception of chlorhexidine, these data indicate that honey does not interfere with the antimicrobial activity of the tested agents, and that honey may be suitable for combination therapy with other topically applied antibacterial agents for treating superficial bacterial infections.
“That makes me feel human”: a qualitative evaluation of the acceptability of an HIV differentiated care intervention for formerly incarcerated people re-entering community settings in South Africa
Authors: An Yangxi , Ntombela Nasiphi , Hoffmann Christopher J. , Fashina Tolulope , Mabuto Tonderai , Owczarzak Jill
Published: August 2022

Background

Correctional settings in South Africa have disproportionately high rates of HIV infection; a large number of inmates living with HIV return to the community each year. The transition community adherence club (TCAC) intervention was a differentiated care delivery approach with structural and peer components designed to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and HIV care engagement following release from incarceration. The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability of the TCAC intervention among HIV-infected community re-entrants to inform program revisions and future intervention designs.

Methods

This was a qualitative study set within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the TCAC intervention in South Africa. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 16 re-entrants living with HIV and assigned to the intervention arm. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and de-identified. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using content analysis, and acceptability was assessed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).

Results

Overall, study participants reported that the TCAC intervention was acceptable. Development of supportive relationships between participants, non-judgmental attitudes from peer-facilitators, and perceived effectiveness of the intervention to support ART adherence and HIV care were noted as the most valued components. An altruistic desire to help other participants facing similar post-incarceration and HIV-related challenges was a key motivator for TCAC attendance. A lack of access to reliable transportation to intervention sites and clinic-based medication collection were described as burdens to program participation. Illicit drug use by other group members and negative social influences were also identified as potential barriers to optimal program engagement.

Conclusion

The TCAC was a well-accepted model of differentiated care delivery among re-entrants living with HIV in South Africa. To further enhance intervention acceptability for future scale-ups, program revisions should address logistical barriers related to reaching TCAC sites and implementing ART distribution at TCAC group sessions.