bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEZEM: A new energy-efficient routing protocol for next-generation wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jaffri Zain ul Abidin , Asif Muhammad , Khan Wali Ullah , Ahmad Zeeshan , Akhtar Zain ul Abiden , Ullah Kalim , Ali Md. Sadek
Published: June 2022

The design and implementation of energy-efficient routing protocols for next-generation wireless sensor networks is always a challenge due to limited power resource capabilities. Hierarchical (clustering) routing protocols appeared to be a remarkable solution for extending the lifetime of wireless sensor networks, particularly in application-aware (threshold-sensitive) and heterogeneity-aware cluster-based routing protocols. In this article, we propose a protocol, namely, Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol. It is a heterogeneity-aware and threshold-based protocol that provides a better solution to existing problems in next-generation wireless sensor networks. During execution, the Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol splits the entire network area into several zones to manage network traffic efficiently. In the first step, Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol is designed for a homogeneous network where the initial energy of all the nodes is the same. Thereafter, we bring in heterogeneity in the Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol execution environment to optimize its energy consumption. By investigating the performance of the various numbers of divisions, it is proved that the Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol with 9 zonal divisions has higher stability and throughput. The performance of the proposed Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol is compared with those of Stable Election Protocol, Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy, Modified Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy, and Gateway-Based Energy-Efficient Routing Protocol through computer simulations. Simulation results verify the improved performance of the proposed Threshold-based Energy-aware Zonal Efficiency Measuring hierarchical routing protocol in terms of network stability, lifetime, and throughput.
Flow field and sealing performance analysis of compliant foil face gas seal
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wang Qinggang , Peng Xudong , Li Yuntang , Wang Bingqing , Jin Jie
Published: June 2022

Based on the theory of gas lubrication and elastic mechanics, a theoretical model of gas-elastic coupling lubrication of compliant foil face gas seal (CFFGS) is presented. The correlation between the film pressure and thickness of CFFGS and its effect on the flow field are investigated, and the differential effect of pressure conditions on the flow field and sealing performance is analyzed. Also explored the influence law of operating and structural parameters on sealing performance. Results show that CFFGS have stable and excellent leakage control performance, and the pressure forms has a differential effect on the coordination mechanism of film pressure-deformation-film thickness and the sealing performance. Moreover, compliant foil structure has a positive impact on the end-face adaptive capability and leakage control performance of the seal.
Characterization of antibiotic resistance genes in drinking water sources of the Douhe Reservoir, Tangshan, northern China: the correlation with bacterial communities and environmental factors
Authors: Zhang Kunfeng , Fan Yueting , Chang Sheng , Fu Qing , Zhang Qi , Yang Guang , Sun Xingbin
Published: June 2022

Background

Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) threaten ecological sustainability and human health, especially the drinking water sources of the Douhe Reservoir, which have critical significance amid their direct use by people and the ecological hub of flora and fauna. Although antibiotics and ARGs pollution in reservoirs have been reported, it is of no practical significance to only study the changes (increase or decrease) of the abundance and diversity of ARGs, and it is more important to explore the mechanisms of the changes affecting ARGs. Thus, the occurrence and prevalence characterizations of the spatial and seasonal of the ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and bacterial communities were comprehensively studied in present study.

Results

263 ARG (nine types of ARGs) and 51 MGE subtypes were detected in 56 samples, and the characteristics of the temporal and spatial distribution of ARGs, MGEs and the composition of bacterial communities were significantly different. Moreover, the correlation among the ARGs, bacterial communities, MGEs and environmental factors were defined, and the co-occurrence patterns associated with ARG subtypes, bacterial genera, and MGE subtypes between water and sediment of the Douhe Reservoir were different.

Conclusions

In summary, ARGs were ubiquitous presence in water and sediment of the Douhe Reservoir, and the multidrug, aminoglycoside and macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (MLSB) were main types of ARGs. Bacterial genera and the environmental factors [such as temperature (T), nitrate–nitrogen (NO– 3–N), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and total phosphorus (TP)] significantly affected the distribution pattern of ARGs. Overall, this research revealed the spatiotemporal change and transmission mechanisms of ARGs in the typical drinking water sources of reservoirs, which will supply clues to ensure the safety of water sources.
Case report: anaesthetic and surgical management of a diaphragmatic rupture with tension pneumothorax and iatrogenic bowel perforation in an undiagnosed Bochdalek hernia patient
Authors: Chan Steffi Kang Ting , Tan Daryl Jian’an , Aman Maria Dhahrani Martinez
Published: June 2022

Background

Congenital diaphragmatic defects are rare, with most cases presenting in childhood. Diagnosis in adulthood is usually incidental or when symptoms develop. We present a case of a strangulated Bochdalek hernia complicated by possible tension pneumothorax and iatrogenic bowel injury in a healthy young male.

Case presentation

A 23-year-old Chinese man initially presented with complaints of mild back pain and was discharged with symptomatic treatment. He presented again 3 days later, with dyspnea and left upper back pain and was haemodynamically unstable and hypoxic. A chest x-ray was reported as a moderately large left-sided pneumothorax with herniation of bowel into the left hemithorax. Needle decompression resulted in feculent fluid being aspirated with no resolution of symptoms. The patient required an immediate transfer to the operating theatre for surgical intervention of his left diaphragmatic rupture, complicated by visceral herniation and left tension pneumothorax, with accidental puncture of the herniated bowel. He underwent an emergent laparotomy with requirements for rapid lung isolation and continued aggressive resuscitation.

Conclusions

Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernias may present in adulthood, either incidentally or emergently. In the well adult patient with good reserves, these initial symptoms may be mild, and may be symptomatically treated with no further workup. However, patients may deteriorate rapidly once their compensatory mechanisms are exhausted.

This is the first reported case of a patient with diaphragmatic rupture and bowel herniation, complicated by iatrogenic tension pneumothorax. This rare case illustrates the speed at which a diaphragmatic rupture may progress, possible pitfalls and offers insights on how a misdiagnosis may be avoided.
Prior test experience confounds longitudinal tracking of adolescent cognitive and motor development
Authors: Sullivan Edith V. , Thompson Wesley K. , Brumback Ty , Prouty Devin , Tapert Susan F. , Brown Sandra A. , De Bellis Michael D. , Nooner Kate B. , Baker Fiona C. , Colrain Ian M. , Clark Duncan B. , Nagel Bonnie J. , Pohl Kilian M. , Pfefferbaum Adolf
Published: June 2022

Background

Accurate measurement of trajectories in longitudinal studies, considered the gold standard method for tracking functional growth during adolescence, decline in aging, and change after head injury, is subject to confounding by testing experience.

Methods

We measured change in cognitive and motor abilities over four test sessions (baseline and three annual assessments) in 154 male and 165 female participants (baseline age 12–21 years) from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study. At each of the four test sessions, these participants were given a test battery using computerized administration and traditional pencil and paper tests that yielded accuracy and speed measures for multiple component cognitive (Abstraction, Attention, Emotion, Episodic memory, Working memory, and General Ability) and motor (Ataxia and Speed) functions. The analysis aim was to dissociate neurodevelopment from testing experience by using an adaptation of the twice-minus-once tested method, which calculated the difference between longitudinal change (comprising developmental plus practice effects) and practice-free initial cross-sectional performance for each consecutive pairs of test sessions. Accordingly, the first set of analyses quantified the effects oflearning(i.e., prior test experience) on accuracy and after speed domain scores. Thendevelopmentaleffects were  determined for each domain for accuracy and speed having removed the measured learning effects.

Results

The greatest gains in performance occurred between the first and second sessions, especially in younger participants, regardless of sex, but practice gains continued to accrue thereafter for several functions. For all 8 accuracy composite scores, the developmental effect after accounting for learning was significant across age and was adequately described by linear fits. The learning-adjusted developmental effects for speed were adequately described by linear fits for Abstraction, Emotion, Episodic Memory, General Ability, and Motor scores, although a nonlinear fit was better for Attention, Working Memory, and Average Speed scores.

Conclusion

Thus, what appeared as accelerated cognitive and motor development was, in most cases, attributable to learning. Recognition of the substantial influence of prior testing experience is critical for accurate characterization of normal development and for developing norms for clinical neuropsychological investigations of conditions affecting the brain.
Endoscopic features and clinical course of patients with asymptomatic cecal ulcers
Authors: Lin Ying-Cheng , Liao Szu-Chia , Chang Chung-Hsin , Chen Chia-Chang , Lin Wan-Tzu , Chiu Fang-We , Ko Chung-Wang
Published: June 2022

Background

Cecal ulcers are
sometimes encountered in asymptomatic individuals. Their clinical outcomes and
management recommendations remain uncertain.

Methods

Asymptomatic patients who underwent a colonoscopic exam
for colon cancer screening were retrospectively reviewed from July 2009 to
November 2016. Patients with cecal ulcers were included. Patients who had
colorectal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, had nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs or were lost to follow-up were excluded.

Results

A total of 34,036 patients underwent colon cancer
screening. Cecal ulcers were found in 35 patients. After exclusion, 24 patients
(mean duration, 52 months) received follow-up colonoscopy. In 20 patients,
(83.3%), cecal ulcer resolved without intervention, but 4 patients (16.7%)
developed clinical significant diseases, including intestinal tuberculosis
(n = 2), Crohn’s disease (n = 1), and ulcerative colitis (n = 1). Patients who
developed clinically significant diseases had a higher percentage of ulcers
larger than 1 cm (75% vs. 15%, p = 0.035), terminal ileum involvement (100% vs.
15.4%, p = 0.006) and ulcers with irregular fold (75% vs. 5%, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

In patients with
asymptomatic cecal ulcers, the endoscopic features included larger ulcer size,
terminal ileum involvement and ulcers with irregular fold may predict
development of clinically significant diseases. If the above-mentioned features
are present, even asymptomatic patients should be closely monitored.
Development of mealtime difficulty scale for older adults with dementia in long-term care facilities
Authors: Jung Dukyoo , Choi Eunju , Yoo Leeho , Lee Hyesoon
Published: June 2022

Background

In older patients with dementia, functional dependence on individuals affects their eating behavior, leading to difficulties with meals. In addition to individual factors, several social, cultural, and environmental factors influence mealtime difficulties in older individuals with dementia. Therefore, a measure is required to evaluate the difficulty of eating, considering the different interacting phenomena.

Methods

Mealtime Difficulties Scale for older adults with Dementia (MDSD) was developed through a literature review. A pilot test was undertaken to confirm the meaning of the items and the relevance of mealtime difficulties for older patients with dementia. A panel of six experts examined the content validity of the MDSD. Convenience sampling was used to recruit direct care workers from long-term care facilities, of which 150 were recruited for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and 208 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

The final version of the MDSD included 19 items, with a Cronbach’s α of 0.91. The EFA identified three factors (“functional,” “caregiving,” and “behavioral”) that account for 54.6% of the total variance. The CFA confirmed the validity of the instrument.

Conclusions

Evidence to substantiate the validity and reliability of MDSD was found. While this tool has limitations in that it does not ensure convergent validity, it can be considered significant as it can assess the mealtime difficulty among older patients with dementia from different perspectives.
Retinal ganglion cell layer thickness and volume measured by OCT changes with age, sex, and axial length in a healthy population
Authors: Al-Hawasi Abbas , Lagali Neil
Published: June 2022

Background

The ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are important for both ophthalmologists and neurologists because of their association with many ophthalmic and neurological diseases. Different factors can affect these measurements, such as brain pathologies, ocular axial length (AL) as well as age and sex. Studies conducted to measure the GCL have overlooked many of these factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of age, sex, and AL on normal retinal GCL thickness and volume in a healthy population without any neurological diseases.

Methods

A prospective cross-sectional study was designed to measure GCL thickness and total volume with OCT with automated segmentation and manual correction where needed. Visual acuity, AL, and autorefraction were also measured. A mixed linear model was used to determine the association of the effect of the various parameters on the GCL thickness and volume.

Results

One hundred and sixteen eyes of 60 subjects (12–76 years of age, 55% female) were examined of which 77% had 0 ± 2 D of spherical equivalent, and mean axial length was 23.86 mm. About 25% of the OCT-automated GCL measurements required manual correction. GCL thickness did not differ in similar anatomic regions in right and left eyes (P > 0.05). GCL volume was greater in males relative to females after adjustment for age and axial length (1.13 ± 0.07 mm3 for males vs 1.09 ± 0.09 mm3 for females; P = 0.031). GCL thickness differed between males and females in the inner retinal ring (P = 0.025) but not in the outer ring (P = 0.66). GCL volume declined with age (P = 0.031) but not after adjustment for sex and axial length (P = 0.138). GCL volume declined with longer axial length after adjustment for age and sex (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Age, sex and axial length should be taken into consideration when measuring the GCL thickness and volume with OCT. Automated OCT segmentation should be reviewed for manual adjustments.
A prospective randomized self-controlled study of LASIK combined with accelerated cross-linking for high myopia in Chinese: 24-month follow-up
Authors: Dong Ruilan , Zhang Yu , Yuan Yifei , Liu Yan , Wang Yuexin , Chen Yueguo
Published: June 2022

Background

To assess the visual and refractive outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) concurrent with accelerated cross-linking (LASIK Xtra) compared with conventional FS-LASIK (convLASIK) for high myopia in Chinese individuals.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, fellow-eye comparison study, 25 patients with high myopia were treated randomly with LASIK Xtra in one eye and convLASIK in the other. A 24-month follow-up was conducted, and the main outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) and corneal tomography.

Results

The UDVA was 0.09 ± 0.15 logMAR in the LASIK Xtra group, which was significantly worse than that in the convLASIK group 1 day postoperatively (P = .001), but the difference became nonsignificant from 1 week after surgery. The efficacy index was 0.88 ± 0.18 in the LASIK Xtra eyes and 0.99 ± 0.13 in the convLASIK eyes at 24 months (P = .028). Throughout the follow-up period, a slight myopic shift in the MRSE and keratometry values were observed in both groups without significant intergroup differences. The coefficient of determination was 0.9982 in the LASIK Xtra eyes and 0.9987 in the convLASIK eyes. The corneal density was significantly higher, and demarcation lines were visible in the first 6 months in LASIK Xtra eyes, but both signs of cross-linking gradually disappeared during follow-up. No severe complications were detected in either group.

Conclusions

LASIK Xtra showed comparable safety and predictability with convLASIK for high myopia in Chinese, but lower efficacy and no greater stability was observed up to 24-month follow-up.
Prismatic treatment of acute acquired concomitant esotropia of 25 prism diopters or less
Authors: Wu Yan , Feng Xueliang , Li Junhong , Chang Min , Wang Jingjing , Yan Hua
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of prismatic treatment in a step-by-step manner to reduce prismatic strength in acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) of 25 prism diopters (PD) or less.

Methods

In this retrospective comparative study, 36 patients with AACE with deviation angle ≤ 25 PD were treated with Fresnel prism in a step-by-step manner to reduce prismatic strength. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they regained orthophoria and were weaned off the press-on prisms within 1 year: (1) the treatment-success group, which consisted of patients who had their esotropia eliminated and were weaned off the press-on prisms within 1 year after prism correction, and (2) the treatment-continuing group, which comprised patients who needed to continue wearing a Fresnel prism at 1 year after the beginning of prismatic correction because diplopia and esotropia still existed. Clinical characteristics and cooperation were analyzed and compared between groups.

Results

Fourteen of 36 patients (38.9%) were weaned off the prism and regained orthophoria and binocular single vision within 1 year after prismatic treatment. Compared with the treatment-continuing group, the treatment-success group showed smaller deviation at near and distant fixations (P = 0.024 and P = 0.006, respectively) measured at the beginning of prismatic correction, a shorter time from onset to prismatic treatment (P = 0.02), and a greater percentage of patients exhibiting good cooperation (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prismatic treatment in a step-by-step manner to reduce prismatic strength can lead to good outcomes of motor alignment and binocular function in patients with AACE of 25 PD or less. Patients showing good cooperation, smaller angle of esotropia, and shorter duration from onset to treatment tend to eliminate esotropia and be weaned off press-on prisms within 1 year after prismatic correction.
Risk factors of extrauterine growth restriction in very preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a multi-center study in China
Authors: Wang Lian , Lin Xin-Zhu , Shen Wei , Wu Fan , Mao Jian , Liu Ling , Chang Yan-Mei , Zhang Rong , Ye Xiu-Zhen , Qiu Yin-Ping , Ma Li , Cheng Rui , Wu Hui , Chen Dong-Mei , Chen Ling , Xu Ping , Mei Hua , Wang San-Nan , Xu Fa-Lin , Ju Rong , Zheng Zhi , Tong Xiao-Mei ,   the Chinese Multicenter EUGR Collaborative Group, Wang Lian , Lin Xin-Zhu , Shen Wei , Zheng Zhi , Wu Fan , Mao Jian , Liu Ling , Chang Yan-Mei , Tong Xiao-Mei , Zhang Rong , Ye Xiu-Zhen , Qiu Yin-Ping , Ma Li , Cheng Rui , Wu Hui , Chen Dong-Mei , Chen Ling , Xu Ping , Mei Hua , Wang San-Nan , Xu Fa-Lin , Ju Rong , Li Gui-Nan , Li Long , Zhang Zhe , Bei Fei , Deng Chun , Su Ping , Luo Ling-Ying , Liu Xiao-Hong , Wang Li-Jun , Yu Shu-Qun
Published: June 2022

Objective

Nutritional deficiency soon after birth is a risk factor of chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia, BPD). Afflicted infants are further prone to inadequate growth during hospitalization (extrauterine growth restriction, EUGR). This multi-center retrospective study investigated risk factors of EUGR, specifically in very preterm infants with BPD.

Method

Data of infants with BPD who were born less than 32 weeks gestation (n = 1010) were collected from 7 regions of China. All infants were non-small for gestational age at birth. Infants were characterized as EUGR or non-EUGR at 36 weeks gestation or discharge, or stratified by gestational age or birthweight. Logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results

In 65.5% of the population, the BPD was mild. Infants with severe BPD (8.3%) had the highest rate of EUGR (72.6%, P < 0.001). Groups stratified by gestational age did not differ in rates of EUGR, but the birthweight of the EUGR group was significantly lower than that of the non-EUGR (P < 0.001). Birthweights of < 1000, 1000–1499, and ≥ 1500 g showed EUGR rates of 65.9%, 43.4%, and 23.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Overall, the independent risk factors of EUGR were: moderate-to-severe BPD, gestational hypertension, cesarean section, cumulative fasting time, time required to achieve 110 kcal/kg/d, and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).

Conclusion

In very preterm infants with BPD, the lower the birthweight or the more severe the BPD, the greater the risk of EUGR. In those with hsPDA, or moderate-to-severe BPD, it is especially important to prevent EUGR through perinatal management, enteral nutrition, and nutritional strategies.
Prognostic factors for advanced lung cancer patients with do-not-intubate order in intensive care unit: a retrospective study
Authors: Shen Chia-I , Yang Shan-Yao , Chiu Hwa-Yen , Chen Wei-Chih , Yu Wen-Kuang , Yang Kuang-Yao
Published: June 2022

Background

The survival of patients with lung cancer undergoing critical care has improved. An increasing number of patients with lung cancer have signed a predefined do-not-intubate (DNI) order before admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). These patients may still be transferred to the ICU and even receive non-invasive ventilation (NIV) support. However, there is still a lack of prognostic predictions in this cohort. Whether patients will benefit from ICU care remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients with advanced lung cancer who had signed a DNI order before ICU admission in a tertiary medical center between 2014 and 2016. The clinical characteristics and survival outcomes were discussed.

Results

A total of 140 patients (median age, 73 years; 62.1% were male) were included, had been diagnosed with stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (AJCC 7th edition), and signed a DNI. Most patients received NIV during ICU stay. The median APACHE II score was 14 (standard error [SE], ± 0.66) and the mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio) was 174.2 (SD, ± 104 mmHg). The APACHE II score was significantly lower in 28-day survivors (survivor: 12 (± 0.98) vs. non-survivor: 15 (± 0.83); p = 0.019). The P/F ratio of the survivors was higher than that of non-survivors (survivors: 209.6 ± 111.4 vs. non-survivors: 157.9 ± 96.7; p = 0.006). Patients with a P/F ratio ≥ 150 had better 28-day survival (p = 0.005). By combining P/F ratio ≥ 150 and APACHE II score < 16, those with high P/F ratios and low APACHE II scores during ICU admission had a notable 28-day survival compared with the rest (p < 0.001). These prognostic factors could also be applied to 90-day survival (p = 0.003). The prediction model was significant for those with driver mutations in 90-day survival (p = 0.021).

Conclusions

P/F ratio ≥ 150 and APACHE II score < 16 were significant prognostic factors for critically ill patients with lung cancer and DNI. This prediction could be applied to 90-day survival in patients with driver mutations. These findings are informative for clinical practice and decision-making.
Withdrawing or withholding treatments in health care rationing: an interview study on ethical views and implications
Authors: Strand Liam , Sandman Lars , Tinghög Gustav , Nedlund Ann-Charlotte
Published: June 2022

Background

When rationing health care, a commonly held view among ethicists is that there is no ethical difference between withdrawing or withholding medical treatments. In reality, this view does not generally seem to be supported by practicians nor in legislation practices, by for example adding a ‘grandfather clause’ when rejecting a new treatment for lacking cost-effectiveness. Due to this discrepancy, our objective was to explore physicians’ and patient organization representatives’ experiences- and perceptions of withdrawing and withholding treatments in rationing situations of relative scarcity.

Methods

Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in Sweden with physicians and patient organization representatives, thematic analysis was used.

Results

Participants commonly express internally inconsistent views regarding if withdrawing or withholding medical treatments should be deemed as ethically equivalent. Participants express that in terms of patients’ need for treatment (e.g., the treatment’s effectiveness and the patient’s medical condition) withholding and withdrawing should be deemed ethically equivalent. However, in terms of prognostic differences, and the patient-physician relation and communication, there is a clear discrepancy which carry a moral significance and ultimately makes withdrawing psychologically difficult for both physicians and patients, and politically difficult for policy makers.

Conclusions

We conclude that the distinction between withdrawing and withholding treatment as unified concepts is a simplification of a more complex situation, where different factors related differently to these two concepts. Following this, possible policy solutions are discussed for how to resolve this experienced moral difference by practitioners and ease withdrawing treatments due to health care rationing. Such solutions could be to have agreements between the physician and patient about potential future treatment withdrawals, to evaluate the treatment’s effect, and to provide guidelines on a national level.
Myths and misconception of COVID-19 among hospital sanitary workers in Pakistan: Efficacy of a training program intervention
Authors: Malik Jamil Ahmad , Musharraf Sadia , Safdar Razia , Iqbal Mazhar
Published: June 2022

Objective

Hospital sanitary workers are among the prime source to disseminate information at a massive level, however they received least attention during the pandemic COVID-19. The study was designed to investigate the prevailing myths and misconceptions of the coronavirus pandemic among the sanitary workers of health care system. Further, a systematic training program is devised and tested to demystify the false myths with discerning truth and awareness-raising in hospital sanitary workers.

Method

A pre-post face-to-face intervention design was opted and the intervention was conducted at five locations by the project team. The intervention consisted a 3 days training program to target myths and misconceptions of hospital sanitary workers. The study was completed in 8 months starting from August, 2019 to March, 2020. Participants were recruited from local hospitals having a specialized indoor COVID treatment facility. The sample consisted of 82 participants (n = 25, 30.09% females) with age ranging from 18 to 60 years (M ± SD = 37.41 ± 10.09).

Findings

The results indicated that 86.4% of the participants never heard the name of the coronavirus before the pandemic in Pakistan. A majority of the participants (> 50%) believed on a very alarming but unrealistic rate of mortality i.e., 30–60%. The pre-testing showed a high prevalence of myths in all four domains (i.e., popular treatments = 24.44, conspiracy myths = 7.93, home remedies = 16.46, and COVID-reliance = 7.82). The pre and post comparison of individual myths showed significant improvement on 24 of the 26 myths with a decline ranging from 0.18 to 1.63. Overall, the intervention significantly decreased scores on all four domains of coronavirus myths.

Conclusion

The training intervention appeared to effectively reduce myths and misconceptions of sanitary staff workers and is advised to be included as a standard training program for sanitary workers of health care system.
Gut archaea associated with bacteria colonization and succession during piglet weaning transitions
Authors: Xiong Xinwei , Rao Yousheng , Tu Xutang , Wang Zhangfeng , Gong Jishang , Yang Yanbei , Wu Haobin , Liu Xianxian
Published: June 2022

Background

Host-associated gut microbial communities are key players in shaping the fitness and health of animals. However, most current studies have focused on the gut bacteria, neglecting important gut fungal and archaeal components of these communities. Here, we investigated the gut fungi and archaea community composition in Large White piglets using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and systematically evaluated how community composition association with gut microbiome, functional capacity, and serum metabolites varied across three weaning periods.

Results

We found that Mucoromycota, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most common fungi phyla and Euryarchaeota was the most common archaea phyla across individuals. We identified that Methanosarcina siciliae was the most significantly different archaea species among three weaning periods, while Parasitella parasitica, the only differential fungi species, was significantly and positively correlated with Methanosarcina siciliae enriched in day 28 group. The random forest analysis also identified Methanosarcina siciliae and Parasitella parasitica as weaning-biased archaea and fungi at the species level. Additionally, Methanosarcina siciliae was significantly correlated with P. copri and the shifts of functional capacities of the gut microbiome and several CAZymes in day 28 group. Furthermore, characteristic successional alterations in gut archaea, fungi, bacteria, and serum metabolites with each weaning step revealed a weaning transition coexpression network, e.g., Methanosarcina siciliae and P. copri were positively and significantly correlated with 15-HEPE, 8-O-Methyloblongine, and Troxilin B3.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a deep insight into the interactions among gut archaea, fungi, bacteria, and serum metabolites and will present a theoretical framework for understanding gut bacterial colonization and succession association with archaea during piglet weaning transitions.
Streptomyces coeruleorubidus as a potential biocontrol agent for Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Abdelaziz Rewan , Tartor Yasmine H. , Barakat Ahmed B. , EL-Didamony Gamal , El-Samadony Hanaa A. , Amer Shimaa A. , Gado Marwa M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a severe disease that affects domestic and wild birds. Controlled antibiotics derived from probiotics have been examined as prospective solutions for preserving seroconversion in NDV-vaccinated fowl. In this study, the secondary metabolite “telomycin” was extracted from Streptomyces coeruleorubidus (S. coeruleorubidus) isolated from Egypt's cultivated soil. The structure of telomycin was determined by the elucidation of spectroscopic analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) spectra, and comparison with the literature. The antiviral activity of the secondary metabolite was tested by checking its effect on NDV hemagglutination activity (HA). Moreover, HA of NDV was tested after inoculation of NDV (control) and a combination of telomycin and NDV in 10- days- specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECE) daily candling. Histopathological examination was performed for chorioallantoic membranes and liver of SPF-ECE.

Results

S. coeruleorubidus secondary metabolite “telomycin” showed complete hemagglutination inhibition (HI) activity of NDV strain (MN635617) with log106 infectivity titers (EID50/mL). The HA of NDV strain was 8 log2 and 9 log2 with 0.5% and 0.75% of chicken RBCs, respectively. Preserved structures of chorioallantoic-membranes (CAM) with dilated capillary networks were observed in the treated group inoculated with telomycin and NDV. Histological changes in SPF-ECE liver were examined after inoculation in ova to further characterize the telomycin effect. Telomycin and NDV mixture inoculated group showed preserved cytoarchitecture of hepatocytes with the presence of perivascular foci of lymphocytes. The group that was inoculated with telomycin alone showed normal histology of hepatic acini, central veins, and portal triads.

Conclusion

S. coeruleorubidus telomycin is a promising bioactive agent that might be a biological weapon against a deadly chicken NDV that costs farmers a lot of money.
Epigenomic analysis reveals a dynamic and context-specific macrophage enhancer landscape associated with innate immune activation and tolerance
Authors: Zhang Ping , Amarasinghe Harindra E. , Whalley Justin P. , Tay Chwen , Fang Hai , Migliorini Gabriele , Brown Andrew C. , Allcock Alice , Scozzafava Giuseppe , Rath Phalguni , Davies Benjamin , Knight Julian C.
Published: June 2022

Background

Chromatin states and enhancers associate gene expression, cell identity and disease. Here, we systematically delineate the acute innate immune response to endotoxin in terms of human macrophage enhancer activity and contrast with endotoxin tolerance, profiling the coding and non-coding transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and epigenetic modifications.

Results

We describe the spectrum of enhancers under acute and tolerance conditions and the regulatory networks between these enhancers and biological processes including gene expression, splicing regulation, transcription factor binding and enhancer RNA signatures. We demonstrate that the vast majority of differentially regulated enhancers on acute stimulation are subject to tolerance and that expression quantitative trait loci, disease-risk variants and eRNAs are enriched in these regulatory regions and related to context-specific gene expression. We find enrichment for context-specific eQTL involving endotoxin response and specific infections and delineate specific differential regions informative for GWAS variants in inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, together with a context-specific enhancer involving a bacterial infection eQTL for KLF4. We show enrichment in differential enhancers for tolerance involving transcription factors NFκB-p65, STATs and IRFs and prioritize putative causal genes directly linking genetic variants and disease risk enhancers. We further delineate similarities and differences in epigenetic landscape between stem cell-derived macrophages and primary cells and characterize the context-specific enhancer activities for key innate immune response genes KLF4, SLAMF1 and IL2RA.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the importance of context-specific macrophage enhancers in gene regulation and utility for interpreting disease associations, providing a roadmap to link genetic variants with molecular and cellular functions.
Emerging in the East: the Shanghai Biennale’s pathways to legitimation, 1996 to 2018
Authors: Zhu Chenchen , Braden LEA
Published: June 2022

This study examines the 22-year development of the Shanghai Biennale from a localized contemporary art exhibition to an internationally renowned art biennale. Through the lens of organizational legitimacy, this research examines how the Shanghai Biennale negotiated changing external pressures to establish within China and grow into the international art world. Using a mix-methods approach, we first create a unique database of participant nationality and then examine artist and curatorial statements, media reports, and interviews with organizers and curators of the Shanghai Biennale from 1996 to 2018. Our study delineates three periods of the Shanghai Biennale’s development: incipient (1996–1998), internationalization (2000–2010), and expanding period (2012–2018). Through these periods we examine the different pathways by which the Shanghai Biennale attained legitimacy first within the local and national Chinese context and then within the Biennale’s expansion into the international art scene. We find at the beginning stage of the Shanghai Biennale, establishing local legitimacy was the foremost concern. When the Shanghai Biennale started to diffuse into the global art world in 2000, focus shifted towards remaking the Shanghai Biennale to comply with international perceptions. That said, our research finds both local and international legitimacy requirements remained salient simultaneously, with the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the Chinese State as a critical basis for internationalization and development. In the most recent editions, more local and non-Western features are included in the Shanghai Biennale, signaling the Biennale’s efforts of distinguishing itself in the global biennale scene. This research contributes to organizational study by closely examining a cultural organization’s ability to negotiate legitimacy requirements in different contexts, but also empirically responds to recent calls for studies on the global development of non-Western biennales.
Intrathoracic gossypiboma presenting 47 years later as a purulent fistula: a case report
Authors: Rafieian Shahab , Vahedi Matin , Sarbazzadeh Javad , Amini Hesam , Ershadi Reza
Published: June 2022

Background

Intrathoracic gossypiboma is a consequence of retained sponge/swap, gauzoma, muslinoma, textiloma, or cottonoid in the thoracic cavity during surgery. The thoracic cavity is of the rarest place for gossypiboma as these entities most occur after abdominal surgery.

Case presentation

We report a case of intrathoracic gossypiboma that was missed for an extended period of time with no symptoms and was successfully treated with surgical intervention.

Conclusions

The rarity of gossypiboma necessitates a high index of suspicion for correct diagnosis. Gossypiboma is often difficult to diagnose, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. It is important to consider this entity as a diagnosis in any case with an unexplained or unusual presentation during the postoperative period.
Life-threatening obsessive–compulsive disorder precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic in an adolescent
Authors: Jayakumar Ahrane , Sanchez-Cerezo Javier , Khayam Afshan , Spreeuwenberg Brigitte , Hodes Matthew
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 has had massive mental health consequences worldwide. It has caused generalised fear and anxiety about catching, spreading and suffering from the virus. This article describes a fictionalised patient's presentation of life-threatening obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) associated with fears of catching COVID-19. The fears resulted in refusal to eat and drink, with subsequent weight loss that required paediatric admission. The scenario portrays the association between COVID-19 and life-threatening OCD symptoms and goes on to illustrate the patient's good response to standard OCD treatments.
Wątrobowce jako wskaźniki sukcesji odtwarzającej siedliska borealnych świerczyn bagiennych w dolinie Czarnej Hańczy (Wigierski Park Narodowy)
Authors: Górski Piotr , Romański Maciej
Published: June 2022

The research problem discussed in the paper concerns the reaction of cryptogams (liverworts) to changes in the habitat and microclimate of the forest interior, which occur in the successive sequence closing the return of the forest to the former grassland (meadow or pasture) in the river valley. The study was conducted on two groups of habitats and groups of species occurring in them, i.e. epigeic and epixylic liverworts. The research results showed that when forests returned to former grassland (meadow or pasture), the soil habitat regenerated faster. The recreation of epixylic flora is a long process.
La configuración del algoritmo digital, vacíos de justicia y principales desafíos para el Derecho del Trabajo.
Authors: Aragüez Valenzuela Lucía Dolores
Published: June 2022

El mundo del trabajo se está transformando de forma constante, fundamentalmente debido a la incorporación de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación. De entre las mismas, las empresas recurren cada vez más frecuentemente al uso de algoritmos digitales de diversa índole –ofertas de trabajo, acceso al empleo, diferencias en las condiciones laborales, formas de medición del rendimiento, entre otros aspectos–. Sin embargo, en el proceso de aprendizaje de la maquinaria, siguen existiendo sesgos sociales que continúan perennes en la sociedad. Por consiguiente, en este estudio, trataremos de profundizar en los posibles vacíos de justicia que en la actualidad presentan los algoritmos digitales aplicados en el ámbito del trabajo, aportando posibles propuestas de mejora para la consecución de un algoritmo orientado hacia la consecución de la justicia desde una perspectiva amplia y relacional.
Trabajo a distancia y COVID-19 en Cuba: entre la protección sanitaria obligada y la protección laboral incompleta.
Authors: Menoya Zayas Sandys
Published: June 2022

La crisis sanitaria mundial provocada por la COVID-19 ha hecho que el trabajo a distancia se mostrara como el mecanismo más eficaz para asegurar el mantenimiento de la actividad económica y social y la prevención del contagio. Cuba no ha estado ajena a esta realidad, que ha generado medidas de política pública que, en función de proteger bienes jurídicos superiores como la salud y seguridad colectiva, han puesto en entredicho la pertinencia y viabilidad de esa forma de trabajo, desde el punto de vista de los derechos fundamentales, la seguridad y salud laboral y otros factores psicosociales. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo valorar críticamente la regulación y aplicación del trabajo a distancia en Cuba, como medida emergente ante la COVID-19. Se concluye que existen vacíos legales y metodológicos desde el Derecho del Trabajo que deben ser corregidos si se pretende que esta modalidad laboral se imponga definitivamente como práctica.
Processo estrutural: solução aplicável ao processo do trabalho?.
Authors: Barão Marques Filho Lourival , Mira de Assumpção Rosado Thiago
Published: June 2022

Por intermédio de metodologia dedutiva e pesquisa bibliográfica o artigo visa responder a seguinte pergunta: o processo estrutural é aplicável ao processo do trabalho? Defende-se que o processo estrutural incide na integralidade no processo do trabalho, já que em simbiose com sua principiologia e resulta em relação jurídica processual que tem a capacidade de solucionar de modo perene e a longo prazo aqueles litígios complexos que estão enraizados e que geram um problema de desconformidade permanente.
Zawód: reporterka. O Wandzie Melcer, zaangażowanej spacerowiczce
Authors: Dauksza Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

OCCUPATION: REPORTER. ABOUT WANDA MELCER, THE INVOLVED FLÂNEUSE In the paper “Occupation: reporter. About Wanda Melcer, the involved flâneuse” the author analyses a reportage by Wanda Melcer which was published in 1936 as “The Dark Continent – Warsaw”. Firstly, the author reflects on the status and the perception of this book, then the role of woman-writer in the public sphere and space in the 20s of the last century. Primarily, the text focuses on literary forms in which Melcer verbalises her experience and characterises the local Jewish community.
Warszawskie lwy Jarosława Abramowa-Newerlego. O wpływie miasta na autokreację bohatera
Authors: Potasińska Paulina
Published: June 2022

LIONS OF WARSAW BY JAROSŁAW ABRAMOW-NEWERLY. ON THE CITY’S IMPACT ON THE MAIN CHARACTER’S SELF-CREATION In my article I give an analysis of three autobiographical books written by Jarosław Abramow-Newerly: “Lions of my Backyard, Lions Liberated” and “Lions of the STS”. The memories revolve around three different stages of the writer’s life: childhood (last years before World War II and the German occupation), his teenage years (after the war) and university studies (Stalinism and the Post-Stalin Thaw). I am particularly interested in two theme circles: first of all, Abramow’s self-portait, which is very strongly associated with the changing space of Poland’s capital – Warsaw. Secondly, more locally and in a narrower sense, I investigate the influence of his so-called “good upbringing” in a family from the capital’s district of Żoliborz. These three interpretative keys are used to analyze Abramow’s trilogy: autobiography, geopoetics and social studies which enables an interdisciplinary look at the issues.
…w ciemnym hotelu, w mieście Wrocławiu. O wrocławskim przystanku Czesława Miłosza
Authors: Antoniuk Mateusz
Published: June 2022

…IN THE DARK ROOM, IN THE CITY OF WROCŁAW. CZESŁAW MIŁOSZ AND HIS WROCŁAW EPISODE The essay is focused on the Wrocław episode in the life and work of Czesław Miłosz. In 1949 Miłosz spent a few days in Wrocław, which was still in ruins after the war. Six years later, in 1955, Miłosz wrote an interesting poem entitled Pokój (The Room) and gave a symbolical vision of post-war, heavily destroyed Wrocław. The article concerns the probable connection between the biographical experience form 1949 and the textual creation from 1955. It also compares the pessimistic images of Wrocław in Miłosz’s poem and in the private diary of Anna Kowalska. This comparison reveals the unexpected convergences between the two separated ways of the perception of the city.
Delegated Concept Testing in New Product Development
Authors: Schlapp Jochen , Schumacher Gerrit
Published: June 2022

How should a firm structure its concept testing processes when testing efforts must be delegated to self-interested testing agents? In “Delegated Concept Testing in New Product Development,” J. Schlapp and G. Schumacher analyze different configurations of testing processes and compare their relative benefits. The authors show that the optimal number of agents to be involved in a testing process critically depends on the costs of testing, the informational quality of test outcomes, and the agents’ tendency to strategically prolong the testing process. The authors also provide guidelines on how to manage the testing process: which product concepts a firm should test (or not), and how it should structure the incentives of agents. Rather surprisingly, the authors also find that the delegation of testing activities can increase a firm’s chances of successful concept selection. The article thus provides a comprehensive analysis of a key organizational issue that firms encounter during their concept testing processes, and it challenges some common decision rules.