bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colletotrichum asianum: A Novel Phytopathogen Causing Human Infection—A Case Report
Authors: Ghorpade Aditya , Anitha Venugopal , Ravindran Meenakshi
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report the predisposing factors, clinical features, microbiological characteristics, and the management of the novel identified species, Colletotrichum asianum.

Methods:

Two patients, farmers by occupation, with a history of trauma with vegetative material, presented to us with redness and pain. The corneal scrapings revealed branched hyphae on potassium hydroxide mount, and woolly aerial fungal mycelia with gray colonies were seen on blood agar and potato dextrose agar. The findings were suggestive of a novel fungal organism C. asianum.

Results:

Both patients showed a remarkable response to commonly used antifungal agents. A healing response was obtained in 4 weeks. Molecular analysis by sequencing of the internal transcribed region of ribosomal DNA was performed to confirm the species C. asianum in both cases.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing infective keratitis secondary to C. asianum.
The relationship of frontal QRS-T angle between patients with newly diagnosed true and white coat hypertension
Authors: Akin Halil , Bilge Önder , Altintaş Bernas , Yildiz Görkem
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The frontal QRS-T (f-QRST) angle is a measure of depolarization and repolarization heterogeneity and may be a predictor of poor ventricular health. We aimed to investigate whether the f-QRST angle indicates myocardial damage and predicts newly diagnosed true hypertension (HT) in patients with white coat hypertension.

Methods

We measured the f-QRST angle of 63 subjects with WHC and 105 patients with newly diagnosed HT. Laboratory tests and ABPM were followed up in all patients. The f-QRST angle was calculated on the surface ECGs.

Results

Of the patients in the study, 38.9% were female and 61.1% were male. The mean age was calculated as 59 ± 11 years. A comparison between both groups with the f-QRST angles was seen to be statistically significantly higher in the true HT group. The results of the receiving operating characteristic curve showed that the AUC value of the f-QRST angle was 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.91–0.97), the cutoff value was 60.5°, the sensitivity was 89.5%, and the specificity was 81%.

Conclusion

In our study, the f-QRST angle was found to be lower in patients with WHC than in true hypertensive patients. We think that ECG, which is a simple test, can be used to distinguish between true HT and WHC.
Androgen Deprivation and Sleep Disturbance
Authors: Myers Jamie S. , Siengsukon Catherine , Sherman Joseph , Shen Xinglei , Ptomey Lauren T. , Montgomery Robert , Bock Karen , Rice Anna , Parker William P. , Maliski Sally
Published: April 2022

Background

Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PC) are at risk for cardiovascular comorbidities and cognitive changes. Interventional research involves in-person assessment of physical fitness/activity and cognitive function, which has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Androgen deprivation therapy–related hot flashes and nocturia increase risk for insomnia. Insomnia is associated with fatigue and may exacerbate ADT-related cognitive changes.

Objectives

The purpose of this mixed-methods pilot was to (1) determine feasibility/acceptability of remotely assessing physical fitness/activity, cognitive function, and sleep; (2) deliver telehealth cognitive behavioral training for insomnia (teleCBT-I) to improve sleep; and (3) garner qualitative feedback to refine remote procedures and teleCBT-I content.

Methods

Fifteen men with PC receiving ADT completed a 4-week teleCBT-I intervention. Videoconferencing was used to complete study assessments and deliver the weekly teleCBT-I intervention.

Results

Self-report of sleep quality improved (P < .001) as did hot flash frequency (P = .04) and bother (P = .025). Minimal clinically important differences were detected for changes in insomnia severity and sleep quality. All sleep logs indicated improvement in sleep efficiency. Remote assessment of fitness/cognitive function was demonstrated for 100% of participants. Sufficient actigraph wear time allowed physical activity/sleep assessment for 80%. Sleep actigraphy did not demonstrate significant changes.

Conclusions

Remote monitoring and teleCBT-I are feasible/acceptable to men with PC on ADT. Further research to confirm teleCBT-I efficacy is warranted in this population.

Implications for Practice

Preliminary efficacy for teleCBT-I interventions was demonstrated. Remote assessments of physical fitness/activity, sleep, and cognitive function may enhance clinical trial access for rural or economically disadvantaged PC survivors.
Barriers and Facilitators When Implementing Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures at a Municipal Cancer Care Unit
Authors: Skåre Terese S. , Midtbust May Helen , Lund Jo-Åsmund , Kaasa Stein , Dreyer Anne
Published: April 2022

Background

Few qualitative studies of barriers and facilitators when implementing electronic patient-reported outcome measure (ePROM) in municipal cancer care exist within the large body of symptom assessment research. Such data, gathered from healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspective, are central to the development and design of sustainable interventions aiming for a systematic and patient-centered symptom assessment to patients with cancer.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and explore barriers and facilitators, as described by HCPs, in the implementation of the ePROM application “Eir” at a municipal cancer care unit in Norway.

Methods

The study applies a qualitative method, conducting an inductive data inquiry of semistructured individual interviews and focus groups with 14 Norwegian HCPs. Analysis was inspired by thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke.

Results

The analysis revealed 3 main themes affecting the implementation of ePROM in municipal cancer care: “achieving patient-centered care,” “crucial management and training,” and “technological barriers.”

Conclusion

The results from this study suggest that HCPs’ motivation plays a significant role when implementing ePROM. Motivation of HCPs was strongly influenced by whether the application added value to previously used symptom assessment. Hands-on management and a multiprofessional approach enabled the implementation by facilitating adaptations, training, and resources.

Implications for Practice

The findings show that adapting the implementation of ePROMs to patient population could be of major importance. Early integration of ePROMs in cancer care could facilitate use throughout the disease trajectory.
Feasibility of a refurbished shipping container as a transportable laboratory for rapid SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics
Authors: Muhi Stephen , Tayler Nick , Hoang Tuyet , Prestedge Jacqueline , Lee Jean Y. H. , Ballard Susan A. , Isles Nicole , Wlodek Andrew , Greenhalgh Arran , Williamson Deborah A. , Howden Benjamin P. , Stinear Timothy P.
Published: April 2022

Background. Australia’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relies on widespread availability of rapid, accurate testing and reporting of results to facilitate contact tracing. The extensive geographical area of Australia presents a logistical challenge, with many of the population located distant from a laboratory capable of robust severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection. A strategy to address this is the deployment of a mobile facility utilizing novel diagnostic platforms. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a fully contained transportable SARS-CoV-2 testing laboratory using a range of rapid point-of-care tests.

Method. A 20 ft (6.1 m) shipping container was refurbished (GeneWorks, Adelaide, South Australia) with climate controls, laboratory benches, hand-wash station and a class II biosafety cabinet. Portable marquees situated adjacent to the container served as stations for registration, sample acquisition and personal protective equipment for staff. Specimens were collected and tested on-site utilizing either the Abbott ID NOW or Abbott Panbio rapid tests. SARS-CoV-2 positive results from the rapid platforms or any participants reporting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were tested on-site by GeneXpert Xpress RT-PCR. All samples were tested in parallel with a standard-of-care RT-PCR test (Panther Fusion SARS-CoV-2 assay) performed at the public health reference laboratory. In-laboratory environmental conditions and data management-related factors were also recorded.

Results. Over a 3 week period, 415 participants were recruited for point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 testing. From time of enrolment, the median result turnaround time was 26 min for the Abbott ID NOW, 32 min for the Abbott Panbio and 75 min for the Xpert Xpress. The environmental conditions of the refurbished shipping container were found to be suitable for all platforms tested, although humidity may have produced condensation within the container. Available software enabled turnaround times to be recorded, although technical malfunction resulted in incomplete data capture.

Conclusion. Transportable container laboratories can enable rapid COVID-19 results at the point of care and may be useful during outbreak settings, particularly in environments that are physically distant from centralized laboratories. They may also be appropriate in resource-limited settings. The results of this pilot study confirm feasibility, although larger trials to validate individual rapid point-of-care testing platforms in this environment are required.
Nationwide surveillance in Thailand revealed genotype-dependent dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Takeuchi Dan , Kerdsin Anusak , Akeda Yukihiro , Sugawara Yo , Sakamoto Noriko , Matsumoto Yuki , Motooka Daisuke , Ishihara Takuma , Nishi Isao , Laolerd Warawut , Santanirand Pitak , Yamamoto Norihisa , Tomono Kazunori , Hamada Shigeyuki
Published: April 2022

Carbapenem-resistant

Enterobacterales

(CRE) are a serious public health threat because of their rapid dissemination. To determine the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of CRE infections in Thailand, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 577 carbapenem-resistant

Klebsiella pneumoniae

isolates and 170 carbapenem-resistant

Escherichia coli

isolates from hospitals across the nation. The four most prevalent carbapenemase genes harboured by these bacteria were bla
NDM-1, bla
NDM-5, bla
OXA-181 and bla
OXA-232. The gene bla
NDM-1 was identified in diverse sequence types. The gene bla
NDM-5 was identified almost exclusively in

E. coli

. The genes bla
OXA-181, bla
OXA-232, and co-carriage of bla
NDM-1 and bla
OXA-232 were found in specific sequence types from certain provinces. Replicon typing revealed the diverse backbones of bla
NDM-1- and bla
NDM-5-harbouring plasmids and successful expansion of bla
NDM-1-harbouring IncN2-type plasmids. Core-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis suggested that bla
OXA-181-, bla
OXA-232-, bla
NDM-5-, and co-carriage of bla
NDM-1 and bla
OXA-232-associated sub-clonal lineages have recently predominated in the provinces from where these isolates were isolated. Thus, we demonstrate genotype-dependent dissemination of CRE in Thailand, which is helpful for establishing infection-control strategies in CRE-endemic areas.
Synergetic energy-conscious scheduling optimization of part feeding systems via a novel chaotic reference-guided policy
Authors: Zhou Binghai , Yi Qi , Li Xiujuan , Zhu Yutong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate a multi-objective electric vehicle’s (EV’s) synergetic scheduling problem in the automotive industry, where a synergetic delivery mechanism to coordinate multiple EVs is proposed to fulfill part feeding tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A chaotic reference-guided multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on self-adaptive local search (CRMSL) is constructed to deal with the problem. The proposed CRMSL benefits from the combination of reference vectors guided evolutionary algorithm (RVEA) and chaotic search. A novel directional rank sorting procedure and a self-adaptive energy-efficient local search strategy are then incorporated into the framework of the CRMSL to obtain satisfactory computational performance.

Findings

The involvement of the chaotic search and self-adaptive energy-efficient local search strategy contributes to obtaining a stronger global and local search capability. The computational results demonstrate that the CRMSL achieves better performance than the other two well-known benchmark algorithms in terms of four performance metrics, which is inspiring for future researches on energy-efficient co-scheduling topics in manufacturing industries.

Originality/value

This research fully considers the cooperation and coordination of handling devices to reduce energy consumption, and an improved multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is creatively applied to solve the proposed engineering problem.
COVID-19 and earnings management: a comparison between Chinese family and non-family enterprises
Authors: Rahman Md Jahidur , Ding Jinru , Hossain Md Moazzem , Khan Eijaz Ahmed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on earnings management practices in China using a sample of family and non-family enterprises. More specifically, this study aims to examine whether the COVID-19 pandemic causes variation in Chinese listed family and non-family enterprises' operations, as reflected in the level of real earnings management (REM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses three standardised REM indicators, namely, the abnormal level of cash flows from operations, the abnormal level of production costs and the abnormal level of discretionary expenses. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions are applied to compare the earnings management of Chinese family and non-family enterprises during the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019) and the pandemic period (2020).

Findings

The authors find that Chinese listed non-family enterprises tend to participate in more REM activities than family enterprises before the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the opposite is true during the pandemic. The authors also find that COVID-19 has increased the involvement of family and non-family enterprises in REM activities.

Originality/value

The results of previous studies based on REM using Chinese listed firms may not be applicable under the new social background of COVID-19. As the period after the COVID-19 outbreak is relatively recent, Chinese researchers have yet to study it comprehensively. The present study is amongst the first empirical attempts investigating the effect of a pandemic financial reporting by investigating whether and how the burst of the COVID-19 crisis affected financial reporting through the earnings management practices of listed Chinese family and non-family enterprises. Such information is crucial because it can provide analysis for all stakeholders to make better decisions.
Lean healthcare applied systematically in a medium-sized medical clinic hospitalization
Authors: Martins Drei Samuel , Sérgio de Arruda Ignácio Paulo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to propose a systematic application of Lean Healthcare in the hospitalization activity in the medical clinic entry process.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is established in three stages: the first aims to map the process in which the focus activity is inserted, using lean tools, as well as integrating the employees involved in the application. The second is the proposal to apply the systematic, together with the employees, using the A3 tool step by step. Finally, the third stage confirms the applied systematic, collecting the results and analyzing the initial situation with those reached.

Findings

As a result, improvements were made in the medical clinic entry process, such as reduced waiting time for patients, at approximately 53.8%, with a decrease in the standard deviation of the times – of approximately 79.14%, and displacement of those involved, of 72%, in addition to eliminating unnecessary activities for the process. Furthermore, the empirical results on the efficiency of this systemic application in medical clinic enable the replication of this proposal, generating a systematic.

Research limitations/implications

Despite establishing a systematic proposal with real results, it is focused on only one application, due to time limitations, may generate a subjective evaluation of the systematic. Thus, for future research, it is recommended to expand this systemic application in other activities of different processes.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper are precisely related to the data obtained with the application made, developing a Lean Healthcare systematic not previously seen, which is strategic, systemic and has a roadmap to assist in its application and, in addition, brings with it practical results that prove their efficiency.

Social implications

The social implications of this paper are presented in its empirical results, considering that the study hospital serves, in addition to its host city, 28 other smaller municipalities around it, improving the flow of processes, ensuring better management of the clinic doctor. In addition, the results can assist the processes flow of other medical clinics in hospitals around the world, especially at critical moments, such as pandemics or epidemics.

Originality/value

Due to the positive results obtained in the systematic application, this paper fills a gap identified in the literature, proposing a systematic application of Lean Healthcare that is systemic and strategic, in addition to including a roadmap and analysis of data applied in a medium-sized Brazilian hospital, presenting positive practical results exposed in the paper.
Relational capital in referrer networks of medical specialists in office settings
Authors: Pflugfelder Nina Sophie , Ng Frank
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the association of the Relational Capital (RC) embedded in a medical specialist’s social–professional network with the specialist’s economic performance based on social network analysis (SNA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using health insurance claims data regarding ∼108,000 physicians treating ∼72,000,000 patients, social–professional networks (patient-sharing-networks (PSNs)) of ∼26,000 medical specialists were simulated. To explore the correlation of the network's characteristics (degree centrality, density, relative betweenness centrality and referrer concentration) with economic performance, ordinary-least-squares (OLS)-regression models were estimated for ten common specialties (gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dermatology, urology, neurology, radiology and rehabilitative medicine).

Findings

The study confirms the applicability and strong explanatory power of SNA metrics for RC measurement in ambulatory healthcare. Degree centrality and relative betweenness centrality correlate positively with economic performance, whereas density and referrer concentration exhibit negative coefficients. These results confirm the argument that RC has a strong association with the economic performance of medical specialists.

Originality/value

The study pioneers SNA for RC measurement in healthcare. It is among the first publications on specialists' PSNs. Questions for future research are proposed.
Masculine Old Women or Feminine Old Men? Rethinking Gender and the Ageing Body in Early Modern English Medicine
Authors: Bolissian Amie
Published: April 2022

This article challenges the almost universal historiographical claim that women's bodies were thought to become increasingly masculine as they aged in early modern English medicine, especially after menopause. It is not surprising that this ‘masculinisation hypothesis’ has endured with very little critical appraisal, as there have been few in‐depth studies into medical conceptions of ageing womanhood. Drawing on c.140 English vernacular medical and popular health texts published between 1570 and 1730, this article interrogates and refutes key claims for the corporeal ‘manliness’ of old women. Instead, it argues that while medicine undoubtedly depicted old women and men as growing closer in bodily constitution as they aged, this generic ageing constitution had more ‘feminine’ corporeal attributes than ‘masculine’. Exploring references to ‘effeminated’ old men within medical books, it then questions the impact of these medical gender associations within wider cultural contexts.
Induction immunotherapy followed by surgery for hilar unicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Shoji Fumihiro , Takase Ken , Kozuma Yuka , Yamazaki Koji , Kawauchi Shigeto , Takeo Sadanori
Published: April 2022

Castleman disease is a rare disease borne of a B cell lymphoproliferative disorder of uncertain cause. Standard therapy for the unicentric type of Castleman disease localized as a single mass or single lymph‐node station is surgical extirpation. Nevertheless, in the thoracic cavity, unresectable cases or cases of incomplete extirpation of the tumor without lung scarring owing to tumor size/location have been noted. In such cases, lung resection (e.g., lobectomy, pneumonectomy) or additional therapy (immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) after resection is required. However, few instances of patients receiving induction immunotherapy or chemotherapy followed by surgery have been reported. Here, we describe a 21‐year‐old woman with unicentric Castleman disease originating from the left hilum. The tumor seemed to involve/be in contact with the pulmonary vein and bronchus. Tumor location indicated that initial resection was necessary to sacrifice upper and lower pulmonary lobes. To avoid these pulmonary resections, induction therapy followed by surgery was selected. Induction therapy using rituximab was very efficacious. Resection after induction therapy was completed only by tumor extirpation, and resulted in preservation of pulmonary function. Thoracic surgeons might consider induction therapy followed by resection if the tumor is resectable UCAD, but initial resection is needed and sacrifices a large amount of pulmonary function.
Prediction of response to radiotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma cervix using multiparametric MRI: A prospective, single‐center, longitudinal study
Authors: Verma Ashish , Kumar Ishan , Patel Deepak Singh , Ranjan Ritika , Singh Munendra , Pradhan Satyajeet , Shukla Ram Chandra
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the possible role of a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and semiquantitative fusion map for the prediction of response to radiotherapy in carcinoma cervix.

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐center, longitudinal observational study performed on patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix. Relative blood flow (rBF), relative blood volume (rBV), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained before and after the onset of radiotherapy. rBV, rBF, and ADC values were used to generate a semiquantitative pharmacokinetic model map to identify any hypoxic component of the tumor. The subjects were retrospectively classified as responders and nonresponders based on response to treatment. Prospective prediction of response status was done using pretreatment multiparametric MRI parameters (rBF, rBV, and ADC) and semiquantitative parametric map.

Results

In 32 patients (29 with parametrial involvement and 15 with lymphadenopathy), pretreatment ADC of the primary tumor was the most accurate measure for predicting response to treatment as well as for treatment‐induced fractional volume reduction. Although rBV and rBF were insignificant metrics in isolation for predicting response status, a combination with ADC in the form of parametric map had a sensitivity of 86.4% and 77.2%, specificity of 70% and 70%, positive predictive value of 86.4% and 85%, and negative predictive value 70% and 59% respectively by two independent observers.

Conclusion

ADC is the most accurate measure for predicting the response to treatment. A manual parametric map generated by an off‐line fusion of the above map with those generated by pharmacokinetic modeling of perfusion‐weighted MRI may be a useful tool for the prediction of response to radiotherapy.
Pharmacogenetics may explain part of the interindividual variability of dobutamine pharmacodynamics in neonates
Authors: Hallik Maarja , Soeorg Hiie , Kahre Tiina , Murumets Ülle , Ilmoja Mari‐Liis , Kipper Karin , Metsvaht Tuuli
Published: April 2022

Aims

To determine whether the known single nucleotide polymorphisms in adrenoreceptor associated genes affect the haemodynamic response to dobutamine in critically ill neonates.

Methods

Alleles in the known genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms in β1‐ and β2‐adrenoceptor (AR) genes and Gs protein α‐subunit gene (GNAS) possibly affecting inotropic effect were identified in patients of neonatal dobutamine pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic study. Linear mixed‐effect models were used to describe the effect of genetic polymorphisms to heart rate (HR), left ventricular output (LVO) and right ventricular output (RVO) during dobutamine treatment.

Results

Twenty‐six neonates (5 term, 21 preterm) were studied. Dobutamine plasma concentration and exposure time respective HR (adjusted to gestational age) is dependent on β1‐AR Arg389Gly polymorphism so that in G/G (Gly) homozygotes and G/C heterozygotes dobutamine increases HR more than in C/C (Arg) homozygotes, with parameter estimate (95% CI) of 38.3 (15.8–60.7) beats/min per AUC of 100 μg L−1 h, P = .0008. LVO (adjusted to antenatal glucocorticoid administration and illness severity) and RVO (adjusted to gestational age and illness severity) is dependent on GNAS c.393C > T polymorphism so that in T/T homozygotes and C/T heterozygotes but not in C/C homozygotes LVO and RVO increase with dobutamine treatment, 24.5 (6.2–42.9) mL kg−1 min−1 per AUC of 100 μg L−1 h, P = .0095 and 33.2 (12.1–54.3) mL kg−1 min−1 per AUC of 100 μg L−1 h, P = .0025, respectively.

Conclusion

In critically ill neonates, β1‐AR Arg389Gly and GNAS c.393C > T polymorphisms may play a role in the haemodynamic response to dobutamine during the first hours and days of life.
SHP2/SPI1axis promotes glycolysis and the inflammatory response of macrophages in Helicobacter pylori‐induced pediatric gastritis
Authors: Li Chuanying , Lu Changyun , Gong Liangju , Liu Jia , Kan Chen , Zheng Hong , Wang Siying
Published: April 2022

Background

Macrophages, as innate immune cells, were reported to participate in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)‐induced gastritis. However, the role and mechanism of macrophage dysfunction in H. pylori‐associated pediatric gastritis remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

An RNA‐sequencing assay was used to examine the differential gene expression in normal gastric antrum, non‐H. pylori‐infected tissue, and H. pylori‐infected pediatric gastritis tissue. qPCR assays were applied to verify the expression of target genes. HE staining was performed to identify the occurrence of inflammation in the normal gastric antrum, non‐H. pylori‐infected tissue, and H. pylori‐infected pediatric gastritis tissue. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of SHP2 in pediatric gastritis tissue. The metabolic profile of macrophages was determined via Seahorse metabolic analysis. Flow cytometry analysis was used to examine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Results

We found that H. pylori ‐infected gastritis tissue exhibited many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to gastritis tissue without H. pylori infection. Moreover, H. pylori ‐infected gastritis tissue showed many DEGs annotated with an overactive immune response. We identified that tyrosine‐protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11), which encodes SHP2, was significantly increased in macrophages of H. pylori ‐infected gastritis tissue. Furthermore, we revealed that SHP2 could activate the glycolytic function of macrophages to promote H. pylori ‐induced inflammation. The transcription factor SPI1 , as the downstream molecule of SHP2, could be responsible for the regulation of metabolism‐associated gene expression and inflammation.

Conclusion

Our study illustrated the molecular landscape of H. pylori‐infected gastritis tissue in children and suggested that the SHP2/SPI1axis could be a novel therapeutic target in H. pylori‐induced pediatric gastritis.
Role conflict, role ambiguity, and depressive symptoms: The moderating effects of job autonomy among social workers in China
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Li Xin , He Xuesong
Published: April 2022

This article aimed to determine the association between role stress and depressive symptoms, as well as the moderating role of job autonomy on the role stress‐depressive symptoms relationship. The data came from the China Social Work Longitudinal Study. Depressive symptoms were measured with Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Role stress was assessed using two standardized scales of role conflict and role ambiguity. Job autonomy was assessed with a measure derived from the Job Content Questionnaire. We found that role conflict and role ambiguity were positively associated with depressive symptoms, while job autonomy was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. In addition, job autonomy was found to act as a moderator against the detrimental effect of role ambiguity on depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that measures focusing on improving job autonomy and decreasing role stress are necessary to improve social workers’ psychological well‐being.
Global financial crisis versus COVID‐19: Evidence from sentiment analysis
Authors: Maghyereh Aktham , Abdoh Hussein
Published: April 2022

This study examines the relationship between sentiment and the realized volatility of returns for different asset classes (stocks, bonds, foreign currency, and commodities). Specifically, we aim to answer two key questions: first, how does sentiment relate to volatility during crises (mainly during the global financial crisis [GFC] and the COVID‐19 pandemic)? Second, can sentiment be used to forecast volatility during crises? Using two nonparametric methods, mutual information and transfer entropy, we find that information sharing and transfer increased during the pandemic. We also find that sentiment information transfer to the volatility of assets differed between the GFC and the COVID‐19 crisis. Since sentiment can reduce uncertainty around the realized variance of assets, we investigate the forecasting ability of sentiment during crises. We find that sentiment has a greater predictive power on realized volatility during crises, with a differential impact on volatility depending on the asset class. Our findings carry important implications for hedging, risk management and building models to predict variance during crises.
Combined evaluation of Fibrosis‐4 index and fatty liver for stratifying the risk for diabetes mellitus
Authors: Todo Yasuhiko , Miyake Teruki , Furukawa Shinya , Matsuura Bunzo , Ishihara Toru , Miyazaki Masumi , Shiomi Akihito , Nakaguchi Hironobu , Kanzaki Sayaka , Yamamoto Yasunori , Koizumi Yohei , Yoshida Osamu , Tokumoto Yoshio , Hirooka Masashi , Takeshita Eiji , Kumagi Teru , Ikeda Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Iwata Takeru , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: April 2022

Aims/Introduction

To investigate whether the Fibrosis‐4 index can help stratify the risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with fatty liver disease.

Materials and Methods

Based on fatty liver disease and Fibrosis‐4 index (cut‐off value 1.3), we retrospectively divided 9,449 individuals, who underwent at least two annual health checkups, into four groups stratified by sex: normal; high Fibrosis‐4 index without fatty liver disease; low Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease; and high Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease.

Results

Onset rates for diabetes mellitus in the normal, high Fibrosis‐4 index without fatty liver disease, low Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease and high Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease groups were 1.6%, 4.3%, 6.8% and 10.2%, respectively, in men, and 0.6%, 0.9%, 5.3% and 7.0%, respectively, in women. Compared with the normal group, the high Fibrosis‐4 index without fatty liver disease, low Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease and high Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease groups were at a significant risk for diabetes mellitus onset in both male and female participants. Furthermore, in both sexes, high Fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease remained a significant risk factor on multivariate analysis (high fibrosis‐4 index with fatty liver disease group: adjusted hazard ratio 4.03, 95% confidence interval 2.19–7.42 [men] and adjusted hazard ratio 6.40, 95% confidence interval 1.77–23.14 [women]).

Conclusions

Individuals with fatty liver disease and high Fibrosis‐4 index had a higher risk of diabetes mellitus onset. Therefore, Fibrosis‐4 index can help stratify the risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with fatty liver disease and identify patients requiring intervention.
Emigration State: Race, Citizenship and Settler Imperialism in Modern British History, c. 1850–1972
Authors: Foks Freddy
Published: April 2022

What role did migration play in the making of modern Britain? We now have a good sense of how ethnicity, class, religion and gender structured immigrants' experience and what impact they had on Britain's culture, society and economy. But as Nancy Green pointed out almost two decades ago, scholars of migration must focus on exit as well as entry. Such a call to study ‘the politics of exit’ is especially apposite in the case of the UK. For in every decade between 1850 and 1980 (with the exception of the 1930s), the UK experienced net emigration year on year. This article analyses this outflow of migrants to reveal a new vision of the UK as an ‘emigration state’. The article employs this concept to make a new argument about the formation of migration policy in the UK and offers a revised account of the geographical boundaries of the modern British state.
The adoption of care policies in Costa Rica: A multiple streams approach
Authors: Leon‐Espinoza Diana
Published: April 2022

This study explains the adoption of the National Childcare and Development Network in Costa Rica using John Kingdon's multiple streams approach. Traditionally, the literature on social policies argues that in the presence of socioeconomic transformations and pressures from women's movements and from left or center‐left governments, the adoption of care policies is more likely to happen. Yet, Costa Rica adopted its care policy during a fiscal crisis, with a lack of demands for care policies from the women's movement, and with a right‐wing party in government. Drawing data from documents and semistructured interviews, this article demonstrates the applicability of the multiple streams approach to understand care policy‐making processes in developing countries. The study finds that the multiple streams approach effectively explains the adoption of the policy as the product of top‐down decisions from the national women's agency that constructs the problem, a close‐knit policy design led by technocrats and bureaucrats, and the politicization of care policies to gain electoral support.
Experimental sexual selection reveals rapid evolutionary divergence in sex‐specific transcriptomes and their interactions following mating
Authors: Veltsos Paris , Porcelli Damiano , Fang Yongxiang , Cossins Andrew R. , Ritchie Michael G. , Snook Rhonda R.
Published: April 2022

Post copulatory interactions between the sexes in internally fertilizing species elicits both sexual conflict and sexual selection. Macroevolutionary and comparative studies have linked these processes to rapid transcriptomic evolution in sex‐specific tissues and substantial transcriptomic post mating responses in females, patterns of which are altered when mating between reproductively isolated species. Here, we tested multiple predictions arising from sexual selection and conflict theory about the evolution of sex‐specific and tissue‐specific gene expression and the post mating response at the microevolutionary level. Following over 150 generations of experimental evolution under either reduced (enforced monogamy) or elevated (polyandry) sexual selection in Drosophila pseudoobscura, we found a substantial effect of sexual selection treatment on transcriptomic divergence in virgin male and female reproductive tissues (testes, male accessory glands, the female reproductive tract and ovaries). Sexual selection treatment also had a dominant effect on the post mating response, particularly in the female reproductive tract – the main arena for sexual conflict – compared to ovaries. This effect was asymmetric with monandry females typically showing more post mating responses than polyandry females, with enriched gene functions varying across treatments. The evolutionary history of the male partner had a larger effect on the post mating response of monandry females, but females from both sexual selection treatments showed unique patterns of gene expression and gene function when mating with males from the alternate treatment. Our microevolutionary results mostly confirm comparative macroevolutionary predictions on the role of sexual selection on transcriptomic divergence and altered gene regulation arising from divergent coevolutionary trajectories between sexual selection treatments.
Moving our care home: A qualitative study of the views and experiences of residents, relatives and staff
Authors: Ibrahim Kinda , Baron Sophie , Lathlean Judith , Bridges Jackie , McGrath Nuala , Roberts Helen C.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Involuntary relocation when care homes close can be detrimental to residents’ health and well‐being and is associated with increased mortality. There is little formal evidence to support whether planning can mitigate the impact of such moves. This study aimed to understand the experiences of a whole care home relocation where staff and residents relocated together using existing published guidance.

Methods

A longitudinal qualitative research study using individual face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews was conducted between August 2018 and August 2019. Baseline interviews were conducted 6–8 weeks after relocation with follow‐up interviews 10–12 months later. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using framework analysis.

Results

27 interviews were conducted; 19 baseline interviews (4 residents, 7 family members, 8 staff) and 8 follow‐up interviews (2 residents, 2 family members, 4 staff). Participants’ feelings about the relocation were mixed: some reported apprehension before the move but others excitement. Residents and families felt variably involved in planning the move, whereas staff expressed lack of involvement. Time, family support and continuity of care helped participants settle in. The new environment shaped participants’ experiences and abilities to adjust, especially the lack of a homely feeling with the new home, the larger size and changes in staff organisation and management.

Conclusions

Despite implementation of existing guidance, relocation was still challenging for residents, staff and family members. Future relocations should increase involvement of staff in the planning and design of the home; offer continuous support to those involved; and ensure continuity of care and management style.
Measurements of illuminance in simulated daylight photodynamic therapy
Authors: Sjöholm Alexandra , Claeson Magdalena , Paoli John
Published: April 2022

Background

Simulated daylight photodynamic therapy (SDL‐PDT) is a new treatment alternative for actinic keratosis. The aim of this study was to show how the illuminance that reaches the target skin area during SDL‐PDT depends on the spatial positioning of the patient.

Methods

In this technical validation study, illuminance from the SDL‐PDT system IndoorLux© was measured at different angles, directions, and distances from the light sources corresponding to potential target skin areas. Using two different photometers, data from 63 measuring points at seven specific distances from the ceiling were collected at 0°, 45°, and 90° angles, respectively. Illuminance levels ≥12,000 lux were regarded as adequate. Hotspots were defined as adequate measurements in all directions at a specific measuring point at distances of 1.3, 1.5, and 1.8 m from the light sources (i.e., the most common patient treatment positions).

Results

Adequate illuminance levels were more common with photometer 1 (73%) than photometer 2 (57%). Almost all illuminance levels were adequate at a 0° angle with both photometers. Adequate illuminance levels were observed at 82–93% of the measuring points at a 45° angle and 22–47% at a 90° angle. Hotspots were registered with both photometers at all measuring points at 0°; 59–79% of the measuring points at 45°; and 0–21% at 90°.

Conclusion

Patient positioning is important during SDL‐PDT. Adequate illuminance is achieved if target skin areas are positioned at 0°–45° angles relative to the light sources, but not at 90° angles.
Fast Increased Fidelity Samplers for Approximate Bayesian Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Moran Kelly R. , Wheeler Matthew W.
Published: April 2022

Gaussian processes (GPs) are common components in Bayesian non-parametric models having a rich methodological literature and strong theoretical grounding. The use of exact GPs in Bayesian models is limited to problems containing several thousand observations due to their prohibitive computational demands. We develop a posterior sampling algorithm using H-matrix approximations that scales at O(nlog2n). We show that this approximation's Kullback–Leibler divergence to the true posterior can be made arbitrarily small. Although multidimensional GPs could be used with our algorithm, d-dimensional surfaces are modelled as tensor products of univariate GPs to minimize the cost of matrix construction and maximize computational efficiency. We illustrate the performance of this fast increased fidelity approximate GP, FIFA-GP, using both simulated and non-synthetic data sets.
Break point detection for functional covariance
Authors: Jiao Shuhao , Frostig Ron D. , Ombao Hernando
Published: April 2022

Many neuroscience experiments record sequential trajectories where each trajectory consists of oscillations and fluctuations around zero. Such trajectories can be viewed as zero‐mean functional data. When there are structural breaks in higher‐order moments, it is not always easy to spot these by mere visual inspection. Motivated by this challenging problem in brain signal analysis, we propose a detection and testing procedure to find the change point in functional covariance. The detection procedure is based on the cumulative sum statistics (CUSUM). The fully functional testing procedure relies on a null distribution which depends on infinitely many unknown parameters, though in practice only a finite number of these parameters can be included for the hypothesis test of the existence of change point. This paper provides some theoretical insights on the influence of the number of parameters. Meanwhile, the asymptotic properties of the estimated change point are developed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is numerically validated in simulation studies and an application to investigate changes in rat brain signals following an experimentally‐induced stroke.
Unconditional empirical likelihood approach for analytic use of public survey data
Authors: Berger Yves G.
Published: April 2022

Modeling survey data often requires having the knowledge of design and weighting variables. With public‐use survey data, some of these variables may not be available for confidentiality reasons. The proposed approach can be used in this situation, as long as calibrated weights and variables specifying the strata and primary sampling units are available. It gives consistent point estimation and a pivotal statistics for testing and confidence intervals. The proposed approach does not rely on with‐replacement sampling, single‐stage, negligible sampling fractions, or noninformative sampling. Adjustments based on design effects, eigenvalues, joint‐inclusion probabilities or bootstrap, are not needed. The inclusion probabilities and auxiliary variables do not have to be known. Multistage designs with unequal selection of primary sampling units are considered. Nonresponse can be easily accommodated if the calibrated weights include reweighting adjustment for nonresponse. We use an unconditional approach, where the variables and sample are random variables. The design can be informative.
Relationship between local coordinates and thermal conductivity in amorphous carbon
Authors: Minamitani Emi , Shiga Takuma , Kashiwagi Makoto , Obayashi Ippei
Published: April 2022

To determine the correlation between local structure and thermal conductivity of amorphous carbon, we investigated heat conduction in 216-atom systems with different densities (2.0–3.4 g/cm3) using the ab initio molecular dynamics approach. By applying the Allen–Feldman theory with interatomic force constants from ab initio calculations, we report a significant correlation between the thermal conductivity and the density. To clarify which structural characteristics in the high- and low-density cases determine the magnitude of thermal conductivity, we performed geometrical and topological analyses. Coordination number analysis and ring statistics revealed that the sp/sp2/sp3 bond ratios and topological characteristics correlate with density. We also demonstrated that these structural characteristics can be quantified using persistent homology analysis, providing a predictive model of thermal conductivity.
Identification of a Transferable Linear Plasmid Carrying the Macrolide-Clindamycin Resistance Gene
erm
(X) in a Cutibacterium acnes Isolate from a Patient with Acne Vulgaris in Japan
Authors: Koizumi Juri , Nakase Keisuke , Nakaminami Hidemasa
Published: April 2022

Cutibacterium acnes
, one of the common skin bacteria, is known to exacerbate acne vulgaris. Macrolide-clindamycin-resistant
C. acnes
strains have been reported worldwide. In this study, we found a transferable linear plasmid carrying the macrolide-clindamycin resistance gene
erm
(X) in a
C. acnes
strain isolated from a patient with acne vulgaris.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Cyanobacterium
Synechococcus
sp. Strain Nb3U1
Authors: Pierpont Christopher L. , Ohkubo Satoshi , Miyashita Hideaki , Miller Scott R.
Published: April 2022

We report the 3.5-Mb draft genome sequence of the cyanobacterium
Synechococcus
sp. strain Nb3U1, which was isolated from a microbial mat sample collected from Nakabusa Hot Spring, Nagano, Japan.
Supplemental Material: Terrestrial paleoclimate transition associated with continental weathering and drift during the Aptian–Albian of East Asia
Authors: Jia Jianliang , et al.
Published: April 2022

Table S1: Climate indicators from element and isotope geochemistry, and clay and carbonate minerals from boreholes FY-2, FY-1, and DY-1 in the Fuxin Basin. Table S2: Palynomorph assemblage from borehole FY-2 in the Fuxin Basin. Figure S1: Correlated sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary facies with positions of measured samples in the Fuxin Basin from borehole FY-2 in the west (A), FY-1 in the center (B), and DY-1 in the east (C) (modified after Jia et al., 2021). Figure S2: Diagrams of Al2O3 and TiO2 and δ13C and δ18O values for organic-rich mudrocks from boreholes FY-2 (A, D), FY-1 (B, E), and DY-1 (C, F). Figure S3. Microscopic characteristics of carbonate minerals observed in SEM (A) and thin section images (B) of organic-rich mudrocks from borehole FY-2. 