bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of childhood growth and obesity curves in school health examinations
Authors: Takaya Junji , Higashino Hirohiko , Takaya Ryuzo , Sakaguchi Hiromi , Tanoue Jitsuo , Higashide Takashi , Moriguchi Hisako , Nakao Masatoshi , Shigematsu Shigeto
Published: February 2022

Background

With the revision of the Japanese School Health and Safety Law in 2016, the use of growth and obesity curves has been recommended. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of growth and obesity curve creation in elementary and junior high schools using government‐issued software in Japan between 2016 and 2019.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted with school nursing teachers in elementary and junior high schools in Osaka, Japan. The questionnaire was distributed and collected by e‐mail between 1 and 31 March 2020.

Results

The survey response rate was 87.1%. In total, 78.5% of the elementary schools, and 75.0% of the junior high schools had the software for creating the growth curves. The rate of adoption of growth curve creation using the software increased in elementary schools (from 16.2% in 2016 to 40.5% in 2019 and in junior high schools from 6.0% in 2016 to 33.6% in 2019. The detection rates of growth abnormalities also increased over the 4 years in elementary and junior high schools, as follows: short stature (2.48‐ and 3.81‐fold, respectively), tall stature (2.77‐ and 4.77‐fold, respectively), emaciation (2.62 and 4.85‐fold, respectively), mild obesity (2.66 and 5.15‐fold, respectively), moderate obesity (2.71‐ and 4.14‐fold, respectively), and severe obesity (2.45‐ and 3.32‐fold, respectively). The rates of receiving a recommendation slip and going on to consult a specialist for each growth abnormality were low.

Conclusions

By utilizing these curves, the detection rate of physical development abnormalities increased, but the rate of recommending a specialist consultation and the rate of actual consultation with a specialist were still low.
The effects of desiccation and salinity gradients in the PSII photochemical efficiency of a subtidal brown alga, Saccharina japonica (Laminariales) from Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Shindo Aoi , Nishihara Gregory N. , Borlongan Iris Ann , Terada Ryuta
Published: February 2022

We determined the response of photochemical efficiency to desiccation and salinity in an edible brown alga, Saccharina japonica (var. japonica), using a pulse amplitude modulation chlorophyll fluorometer. Natural populations of this species in Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan are most of the time immersed in the subtidal zone; however, those at the uppermost part of the sublittoral are sometimes emersed during low tide. In the laboratory experiment, the alga under aerial exposure up to 8 h under dim light at 20°C and 50% humidity showed that the effective quantum yields (ΔF/Fm′) of Photosystem II quickly declined after more than 45 min of emersion; ΔF/Fm′ also failed to recover to the initial level even after 1 day of rehydration in seawater. Under emersion, the ΔF/Fm′ values were relatively stable and above 0.5 when the absolute water content (AWC, %) was greater than 50%; however, it declined as the AWC decreased. Once the algae were dehydrated to an AWC of less than 50%, their ΔF/Fm′ did not return to the initial level despite subsequent reimmersion in seawater, suggesting the low ability of photosynthetic recovery from dehydration. Results of in situ measurements in Muroran showed that the ΔF/Fm′ of S. japonica declined during the tidal exposure; however, it recovered after they were again immersed in seawater due to the rising tide. Furthermore, S. japonica showed a stenohaline photosynthetic response between 20 and 40 psu, as their ΔF/Fm′ values were found to be unchanged in these salinities after 5 days of laboratory culture; this suggests the seaweed’s photosynthetic tolerance and/or acclimation within such a relatively narrow range, which might be one of the traits that preclude its occurrence in the intertidal and brackish waters. Indeed, desiccation risk and fluctuating salinity are important limiting factors that influence the stability of kelp beds for sustainable utilization in the regional fishery including mariculture of this species.
The Existential Breastfeeding Difficulty Scale’s influences on the caring dialogue—Child healthcare nurses’ lived experiences
Authors: Gustafsson Ida , Spångby Malin , Arvidsdal Ann , Golsäter Marie , Palmér Lina
Published: February 2022

Breastfeeding is experienced as an existential journey, and breastfeeding difficulties put mothers in existentially vulnerable situations. For care to be caring, it must be based on the mother's breastfeeding story. Previous research show that healthcare professionals struggle to perform individualised breastfeeding care. The Existential Breastfeeding Difficulty Scale (ExBreastS) was developed to support an existential focus in caring dialogues and was introduced in child healthcare in Sweden.

The aim of this study is to describe child healthcare nurses’ lived experience of how the Existential Breastfeeding Difficulty Scale (ExBreastS) influences the caring dialogue.

Seventeen child healthcare nurses with experience in using ExBreastS as a basis for caring dialogues with breastfeeding mothers were interviewed, in groups, pairs or individually. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis based on descriptive phenomenology.

The results show that the caring dialogue becomes re‐evaluated when using ExBreastS because existential aspects of breastfeeding is acknowledged. ExBreastS also visualises new perspectives of the mother's breastfeeding experiences. However, the use of ExBreastS also risks overshadowing the caring dialogue when the nurses focus too much on the instrument.

The use of ExBreastS supports caring dialogues—and caring care—by highlighting the existential aspects of breastfeeding/breastfeeding difficulties and the uniqueness of every mothers’ breastfeeding experience. However, the instrument sometimes evokes a vulnerability in the nurses that calls for support from the care organisation.
Corporate editors in OpenStreetMap: Investigating co‐editing patterns
Authors: Sarkar Dipto , Anderson Jennings T.
Published: February 2022

Traditionally, OpenStreetMap (OSM) has been recognized as a volunteered geographic information (VGI) project. In recent years, many corporations have enlisted teams of mappers to edit data on OSM. These teams of corporate editors (CEs) can quickly edit large swaths of data using a variety of methods. Consequently, there are new tensions over possible community bifurcations where editing and map stewardship disagreements may occur between the CEs and non‐CEs. To characterize CE and non‐CE editing interactions, we focused on six locations with varied types of corporate editing activity. We created six temporal (2015–2020) editing networks for each location, resulting in 36 total networks. We found a continual increase in the number of editors, with more growth in places with CEs. There was significant co‐editing between the two groups, with CEs showing more in‐group editing patterns, both in terms of number of edits and time between edits. We conclude that currently the CE and the non‐CE communities continue to co‐exist and co‐produce open geospatial data in apparent harmony, even though the size of the CE community and volume of contributions have grown significantly. Finally, we discuss implications for OSM as a VGI project in light of our corporate editing trends.
Complete blood count and biochemistry reference intervals for healthy adult sheep in the northeastern United States
Authors: Frye Elisha A. , Behling‐Kelly Erica L. , Lejuene Manigandan , Webb Julie L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Reference intervals (RIs) for routine clinicopathologic data in sheep are sparse. The authors sought to establish hematologic and biochemical RIs from a varied ovine population to improve data interpretation for small ruminant veterinarians.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to establish ovine CBC and biochemistry reference intervals by sampling 120 healthy adult sheep, both male and female, from a variety of breeds, located in the Northeastern United States.

Methods

One hundred and eighteen sheep were included in the CBC RI and 121 sheep were included in the biochemistry panel RI.

Results

RIs for 42 CBC and biochemistry analytes were established in accordance with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

Conclusions

These RIs are provided to assist small ruminant veterinarians with the interpretation of CBC and biochemistry panel results in sheep.
Exercise in hypobaric hypoxia increases markers of intestinal injury and symptoms of gastrointestinal distress
Authors: McKenna Zachary J. , Fennel Zachary J. , Berkemeier Quint N. , Nava Roberto C. , Amorim Fabiano T. , Deyhle Michael R. , Mermier Christine M.
Published: February 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the effect of hypobaric hypoxia on markers of exercise‐induced intestinal injury and symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) distress?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Exercise performed at 4300 m of simulated altitude increased intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP), claudin‐3 (CLDN‐3) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), which together suggest that exercise‐induced intestinal injury may be aggravated by concurrent hypoxic exposure. Increases in I‐FABP, LBP and CLDN‐3 were correlated to exercise‐induced GI symptoms, providing some evidence of a link between intestinal barrier injury and symptoms of GI distress.

We sought to determine the effect of exercise in hypobaric hypoxia on markers of intestinal injury and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Using a randomized and counterbalanced design, nine males completed two experimental trials: one at local altitude of 1585 m (NORM) and one at 4300 m of simulated hypobaric hypoxia (HYP). Participants performed 60 min of cycling at a workload that elicited 65% of their NORM . GI symptoms were assessed before and every 15 min during exercise. Pre‐ and post‐exercise blood samples were assessed for intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP), claudin‐3 (CLDN‐3) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP). All participants reported at least one GI symptom in HYP compared to just one participant in NORM. I‐FABP significantly increased from pre‐ to post‐exercise in HYP (708 ± 191 to 1215 ± 518 pg ml−1; P = 0.011, d = 1.10) but not NORM (759 ± 224 to 828 ± 288 pg ml−1; P > 0.99, d = 0.27). CLDN‐3 significantly increased from pre‐ to post‐exercise in HYP (13.8 ± 0.9 to 15.3 ± 1.2 ng ml−1; P = 0.003, d = 1.19) but not NORM (13.7 ± 1.8 to 14.2 ± 1.6 ng ml−1; P = 0.435, d = 0.45). LBP significantly increased from pre‐ to post‐exercise in HYP (10.8 ± 1.2 to 13.9 ± 2.8 μg ml−1; P = 0.006, d = 1.12) but not NORM (11.3 ± 1.1 to 11.7 ± 0.9 μg ml−1; P > 0.99, d = 0.32). I‐FABP (d = 0.85), CLDN‐3 (d = 0.95) and LBP (d = 0.69) were all significantly higher post‐exercise in HYP compared to NORM (P ≤ 0.05). Overall GI discomfort was significantly correlated to ΔI‐FABP (r = 0.71), ΔCLDN‐3 (r = 0.70) and ΔLBP (r = 0.86). These data indicate that cycling exercise performed in hypobaric hypoxia can cause intestinal injury, which might cause some commonly reported GI symptoms.
Estética poshumana: interacciones entres sistemas naturales y artificiales
Authors: Hernández García Iliana , Niño Bernal Raúl , Hernández-García Jaime
Published: February 2022

Este libro ofrece una teoría de la estética poshumana en los paisajes de información mediados por procesos computacionales. A partir de innovaciones científicas, tecnológicas y conceptuales, se investiga la transformación que ha tenido la estética hacia una visión poshumana, en la que se vincula lo humano y lo no humano a través de la relación con otros animales, plantas y sistemas maquínicos. En Estética poshumana, se reconocen otros sistemas sociales en los que robots, microbios, animales, plantas y humanos interactúan socialmente, en un vínculo endo y ecosimbiótico. Esto implica, entonces, alcanzar un conocimiento basado en epistemologías convergentes no humanas que producen estructuras conceptuales metahumanas. En definitiva, estas características conforman un modo más radical de pensar la creatividad relacionado con los procesos evolutivos tanto biológicos como maquínicos, en la vida artificial, la vida microbiana y los paisajes artificiales.
Data-Driven Approach for Resistivity Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed , Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: February 2022

Formation resistivity is crucial for petrophysics and formation evaluation. Laboratory measurements and/or well logging can be used to provide resistivity data. Laboratory measurements are time-consuming and costly, limiting their use. Furthermore, certain log records may be missing in some segments for a variety of reasons, including instrument failure, poor hole conditions, and data loss due to storage and incomplete recording. The purpose of this study is to apply support vector machines (SVM), and functional networks (FN) to introduce intelligent models for formation resistivity prediction using other available logging parameters. The well logs include gamma ray, density, neutron, and sonic data. The predictive models were built using a data collection of roughly 4300 data points collected from vertical sections of complex reservoirs. For model training and testing, the data set was split at random in a 70:30 ratio. The predictive models were validated using a different set of data (around 1300 points) that had not been seen by the model. The models predicted the target with a good correlation coefficient (R) of around 0.93 and accepted root-mean-squared error (RMSE) of 0.3 for training and testing. The suggested methods for estimating formation resistivity from available logging parameters are shown to be reliable in this study. Resistivity prediction can fill the missing gaps in log tracks and may save money by removing resistivity logs running in all offset wells in the same field.
Numerical Investigation on Blockage-Related Cavitation Surge and Pressure Gain of a Mixed-Flow Pump With Influence of Blade Leading Edge Shape on Suction Performance
Authors: Kim Yong-In , Yang Hyeon-Mo , Lee Kyoung-Yong , Choi Young-Seok
Published: February 2022

The blade leading edge is a design variable that can affect the local flow patterns and pressure peaks, implying a direct effect on the cavitation performance. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of the blade leading edge shape on the cavitation and noncavitation states. A total of four sets, including the square shape, were selected under the definition of ellipse ratio, and the main focus was on the cavitation state rather than the noncavitation state. In the noncavitation state, the square set denoted a remarkable negative influence, while the other three sets obtained almost the same performance despite different ellipse ratios. In the cavitation state, the square set obtained a relatively low net positive suction head required, related to the inlet flow pattern with the cloud cavity. The other three sets contained the sheet cavity, and their suction performance tended to improve as the cavity blockage decreased. As a parallel focus, an in-depth analysis of cavitation surge and pressure gain was presented with the head drop slope for the other three ellipse sets. The numerical results included the off-design flow rate points and were validated through an experimental test.
A New Turbulent Viscosity Correction Model With URANS Solver for Unsteady Turbulent Cavitation Flow Computations
Authors: Zhang Shijie , Yao Zhifeng , Wu Hongfei , Zhong Qiang , Tao Ran , Wang Fujun
Published: February 2022

Due to the ignorance of the effect of the water–vapor interface on the cavitation flow field, the standard k–ε turbulence model (ST model) may overestimate the turbulent viscosity. It is unable to simulate cavitation shedding, especially at small attack angles of a hydrofoil. In the present investigation, a turbulent viscosity correction model is proposed to dampen the turbulent viscosity at the water–vapor interface. Cavitation flow around a NACA0009 truncated hydrofoil with a 2.5 deg angle of attack is used to demonstrate the effect of correction. The results show that the interface effect-based correction model (IE model) can both predict the pressure distribution on the suction surface of the hydrofoil with experimental data and the re-entrance jet in the leading-edge cavitation shedding. The region of the IE model influenced concentrates on the water–vapor interface and intensifies the vortex strength, which directly enhances the formation of a horseshoe vortex. The reduction of turbulent viscosity by the IE model reduces the resistance to the development of a re-entrance jet. The shear stress plays an important role in the shedding of the attached cavity bubble. The increase of shear force in the leading-edge cavitation occurs with the re-entrance of water and the main shear flow concentrates on the middle of the cavity bubble. This paper therefore presents a new method of numerical simulation of cavitation flow in engineering applications.
Pseudospectral Continuation for Aeroelastic Stability Analysis
Authors: Pons Arion
Published: February 2022

This technical note is concerned with aeroelastic flutter problems: the analysis of aeroelastic systems undergoing airspeed-dependent dynamic instability. Existing continuation methods for parametric stability analysis are based on marching along an airspeed parameter until the flutter point is found—an approach that may waste computational effort on low-airspeed system behavior, before a flutter point is located and characterized. Here, we describe a pseudospectral continuation approach that instead marches outward from the system’s flutter points, from points of instability to points of increasing damping, allowing efficient characterization of the subcritical and supercritical behavior of the system. This approach ties together aeroelastic stability analysis and abstract linear algebra and, by reducing the sample space in which the analysis needs to take place, provides efficient methods for computing practical aeroelastic stability properties—for instance, flight envelopes based on maximum modal damping and the location of borderline-stable zones.
Lidiar con turistas: Reacciones europeas al turismo en masa (Jeremy Boissevain, Ed.)
Authors: Travé Molero Raúl
Published: February 2022

Veintiún años después de la celebración del seminario que dio vida a este libro su actualidad es incuestionable. El turismo sigue presentándose como el motor económico y una de las alternativas de desarrollo más accesibles para muchas comunidades. Por ello, la comprensión de las dinámicas y procesos que atraviesan los contextos turísticos es una necesidad para los gestores públicos y privados, los investigadores sociales y los propios ciudadanos.
Llàgrimes vora mar. Guerra, postguerra i riuada al Cabanyal (1936-1975) a través de la memòria (Beatriz Santamarina Campos)
Authors: Tapada Berteli María Teresa
Published: February 2022

El barrio del Cabanyal, declarado Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) en 1993 por la Generalitat Valenciana, queda afectado por el Plan General de Ordenación Urbana de Valencia desde 1988 y por el controvertido Plan Especial de Protección y Reforma Interior (PEPRI) del Cabanyal-Canyameral, aprobado en su versión definitiva por la Generalitat Valenciana el 24 de Enero de 2001. El PEPRI tiene como actuación central la continuación de la Avenida Blasco Ibáñez en línea recta perpendicular a la costa hasta el mar, implicando la demolición de un importante volumen de tejido residencial. Pero al sventramento físico, operación de reforma más propia del siglo XIX y de efectos perversos demostrados, le acompaña silenciosa e impunemente una operación de sventramento moral que extirpa de raíz la memoria de las gentes que lo habitan, verdadero patrimonio cultural e histórico del territorio urbano de la ciudad de Valencia.
Presentación
Authors: Redacción AIBR
Published: February 2022

Con esta tercera entrega anual de nuestra revista, comenzamos a abrir una nueva etapa editorial marcada por la internacionalización de AIBR a través de la incorporación de textos traducidos en ediciones bilingües, a inglés y español. El año 2016 cerrará, por tanto, una etapa en nuestra revista que progresivamente se abrirá a mayor cantidad de contenidos y público de muchos otros países, incluidos los de habla no hispana. Paralelamente a ello, hemos renovado el sistema de envío y evaluación de manuscritos y preparamos el lanzamiento de números monográficos para comienzos del año 2018. Queremos que la nueva plataforma de envío agilice a pocos meses el proceso de selección de originales y reduzca los tiempos de evaluación. Por otra parte, la recuperación de la oferta de monográficos permitirá dar salida a muchos contenidos y trabajos que hasta ahora no estaban viendo la luz en nuestra revista.
Room-temperature atomic layer deposition of iron oxide using plasma excited humidified argon
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Nagata Issei , Saito Kentaro , Miura Masanori , Kanomata Kensaku , Ahmmad Bashir , Kubota Shigeru , Hirose Fumihiko
Published: February 2022

Room-temperature atomic layer deposition (RT-ALD) of iron oxide is developed with a precursor of bis(N, N′-diisopropyl-propionamidinate)iron [(DIPPA)2Fe] and plasma excited humidified Ar. Saturated conditions of (DIPPA)2Fe and plasma excited humidified Ar exposures at room temperature (23–25 °C) are investigated by in situ IR absorption spectroscopy for finding the RT-ALD process condition. Using the designated process, the growth per cycle of the iron oxide RT-ALD is confirmed as 0.15 nm/cycle based on the film thicknesses measured by the spectroscopic ellipsometer. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests that the stoichiometry of the deposited iron oxide is closed to that of Fe2O3. The grown film is composed of partly crystallized iron oxides, confirmed by cross-sectional TEM and AFM. The RT deposited iron oxide exhibits a magnetic volume susceptibility of 1.52, which implies the applicability of the present coating for magnetic drug delivery. We discuss the surface reaction with the IR absorption spectroscopy and the quartz crystal microbalance. The (DIPPA)2Fe molecule is suggested to adsorb on the Fe2O3 surface with mixed first- and second-order reactions at RT. It is also suggested that amidinate ligands in (DIPPA)2Fe are released in the course of the adsorption and the remaining ligands are oxidized by the plasma excited humidified Ar. The RT iron oxide deposition is demonstrated, and the reaction mechanism of room-temperature ALD is discussed in this paper.
Atomic step disorder on polycrystalline surfaces leads to spatially inhomogeneous work functions
Authors: Berg Morgann , Smith Sean W. , Scrymgeour David A. , Brumbach Michael T. , Lu Ping , Dickens Sara M. , Michael Joseph R. , Ohta Taisuke , Bussmann Ezra , Hjalmarson Harold P. , Schultz Peter A. , Clem Paul G. , Hopkins Matthew M. , Moore Christopher H.
Published: February 2022

Structural disorder causes materials’ surface electronic properties, e.g., work function (ϕ), to vary spatially, yet it is challenging to prove exact causal relationships to underlying ensemble disorder, e.g., roughness or granularity. For polycrystalline Pt, nanoscale resolution photoemission threshold mapping reveals a spatially varying ϕ=5.70±0.03 eV over a distribution of (111) vicinal grain surfaces prepared by sputter deposition and annealing. With regard to field emission and related phenomena, e.g., vacuum arc initiation, a salient feature of the ϕ distribution is that it is skewed with a long tail to values down to 5.4 eV, i.e., far below the mean, which is exponentially impactful to field emission via the Fowler–Nordheim relation. We show that the ϕ spatial variation and distribution can be explained by ensemble variations of granular tilts and surface slopes via a Smoluchowski smoothing model wherein local ϕ variations result from spatially varying densities of electric dipole moments, intrinsic to atomic steps, that locally modify ϕ. Atomic step-terrace structure is confirmed with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at several locations on our surfaces, and prior works showed STM evidence for atomic step dipoles at various metal surfaces. From our model, we find an atomic step edge dipole μ=0.12 D/edge atom, which is comparable to values reported in studies that utilized other methods and materials. Our results elucidate a connection between macroscopic ϕ and the nanostructure that may contribute to the spread of reported ϕ for Pt and other surfaces and may be useful toward more complete descriptions of polycrystalline metals in the models of field emission and other related vacuum electronics phenomena, e.g., arc initiation.
Teaching Quantum Computing to High School Students
Authors: Hughes Ciaran , Isaacson Joshua , Turner Jessica , Perry Anastasia , Sun Ranbel
Published: February 2022

Quantum computing is a growing field at the intersection of physics and computer science. The goal of this article is to highlight a successfully trialled quantum computing course for high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. This course was designed to bridge the gap between popular science articles and advanced undergraduate textbooks. Conceptual ideas in the text are reinforced with active learning techniques, such as interactive problem sets and simulation-based labs at various levels. The course is freely available for use and download under the Creative Commons “Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International” license.
An Inquiry Approach to Effective Use of Instrumentation: An Example from RC Circuits
Authors: Harvey G. , Gilday M. , Kelly T. J.
Published: February 2022

In this article, we present an intriguing experimental exercise that does not fall foul of improper use of instrumentation. The activity is designed as an electronics exercise where the role of the instruments in the measurement of the RC time constant is considered. Essentially, we study the accuracy and precision of a measurement of the RC time constant in a series circuit with an oscilloscope as a function of the value of the resistor, against the predicted linear model of τ = RC. As the value of the resistor approaches the value of the impedance of the oscilloscope, the time constant deviates from the linear model. We show how to adapt the model to account for this and create a mathematical model that agrees with the measurements. It is hoped that such an exercise will solidify a rule of effective use of oscilloscopes—that the resistance of the circuit should be much lower than the impedance of the scope—in the mind of the student.
Getting schooled in physics the hard way: A long journey to an inclusive pedagogy
Authors: Sullivan Mare
Published: February 2022

Physics courses—and the lack of physics courses—had a huge impact on my academic career. I attended a high school that transitioned from coed to all girls during my freshman year. With the change, four things disappeared: boys, football, calculus, and physics. Three years later, when I applied to universities, two of my four applications were rejected. I was not qualified to apply, because I had not completed a physics course. As I sat in college Physics 1 on the first day of class, the professor asked us to raise our hands if we had not studied physics in high school. I raised my hand. Suddenly, panic struck me as I realized that not one of the other 400+ mostly male students had raised a hand. In that class I learned that physics teaching means direct lecture, notetaking, and occasional entertaining demonstrations. Not a good fit for a social woman from a very poor family in the East Los Angeles area. Working half time precluded joining study groups, so my struggle to learn physics was difficult and lonely. I succeeded primarily by sheer stubbornness and fear of failure. How I wish I had had fellow travelers on my path.
Adenovirus 5 Vectors Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Proteins
Authors: Bachus Scott , Akkerman Nikolas , Fulham Lauren , Graves Drayson , Stephanson Caelan , Memon Harram , Miller Matthew S. , Pelka Peter
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has brought untold personal and economic suffering to the world. Intense research has made tremendous progress in understanding how this virus works, yet much research remains to be done as new variants and continued evolution of the virus keep shifting the rules of engagement on the pandemic battlefield.
Contributions of Human-Associated Archaeal Metabolites to Tumor Microenvironment and Carcinogenesis
Authors: Cai Mingwei , Kandalai Shruthi , Tang Xiaoyu , Zheng Qingfei
Published: February 2022

More evidence suggests that archaea are associated with human disease, including cancer. Here, we present the first framework of the diversity and distribution of human-associated archaea across human body sites, such as gut and oral cavity, using long contigs.
Methylene blue for the treatment of refractory septic shock secondary to listeriosis in a paediatric patient
Authors: Domínguez-Rojas Jesús Angel , Caqui Patrick , Sanchez Abel , Coronado Munoz Alvaro J
Published: February 2022

Current therapies frequently used for refractory septic shock include hydrocortisone, vasopressin, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, inodilators, levosimendan and methylene blue. The evidence for these treatments is very limited. We present a case of a 5-year-old patient with refractory septic shock, secondary toListeria monocytogenesmeningitis. She presented with status epilepticus and developed septic shock. Shock persisted despite multiple high-dose vasoactive medications. ECMO support was not available. The medical team decided to use methylene blue to revert the vasoplegia, with excellent results. Shortly after the administration, vasopressors were weaned off and the high lactate cleared. She developed severe neurological sequelae due to brain haemorrhage secondary to theListeriameningitis. The evidence supporting methylene blue for refractory septic shock in paediatric patients is limited. This case represents the effectiveness of this therapy without secondary effects.
Multiterritorial strokes in the setting of spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia syndrome
Authors: Kwan Christopher , Reimers Jon , o'Gorman Cullen , Bird Robert , Brown Helen
Published: February 2022

We present a case study of a 38-year-old man who developed arterial and venous thrombi, resulting in multiterritorial strokes, a pulmonary embolus and a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the setting of spontaneous heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia syndrome.
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in a young girl
Authors: Moor Sarah E , Gardin Tova
Published: February 2022

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) is a neuromuscular junction defect that results in weakness. It is rarely seen in children and most commonly is associated with small-cell lung cancer. Diagnosis of LEMS requires characteristic electromyogram (EMG) findings and the detection of antibodies directed against voltage-gated calcium channels. We report the case of an 8-year-old female child who presented with profound weakness found to have EMG evidence of a neuromuscular junction defect and detectable antivoltage-gated calcium channel antibodies. She received plasma exchange electrophoresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, oral steroids and amifampridine with some clinical improvement. We present a case of a child with a demonstrated autoimmune propensity and no evidence of malignancy, thereby adding to the 12 previously reported cases of LEMS in children.
GlotticStaphylococcus aureusin a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: videolaryngostroboscopic characteristics
Authors: Mohd Ramli Siti Sarah , Mat Baki Marina
Published: February 2022

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease commonly treated with steroid which leads to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infection. Chronic laryngitis with whitish lesion on the true vocal fold in SLE may be caused by opportunistic organisms, such as tuberculous, fungal andStaphylococcus aureusinfections. Videolaryngostroboscopy may be helpful in leading to the diagnosis and optimum treatment of glotticS. aureus. A woman in her 40s with SLE presented with progressively worsening hoarseness for 2 months, accompanied by sore throat and odynophagia. Videoendoscopy showed erythematous and oedematous bilateral vocal fold with whitish lesion seen at the edge of middle one-third while the videolaryngostroboscopic evaluation showed there was severe asymmetry of the bilateral vocal folds, with severely reduced amplitude during phonation where the vocal cords were not vibrating, aperiodic vibratory cycles and ‘always open’, incomplete closure of vocal cord pattern. Later, endolaryngeal microsurgery and biopsy of the lesion confirmed of glotticS. aureus. Her symptoms and followed up videolaryngostroboscopy showed resolution to normal findings after 6 weeks of cloxacillin.S. aureusinfection of the glottis is a differential diagnosis in a chronic laryngitis with leucoplakic lesion in an immunosuppressive patient. Videolaryngostroboscopy has an important role in diagnosis, evaluation and treatment decision.
Acute-onset heart failure secondary to biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy and atrial septal defect in a woman presenting in the seventh decade
Authors: Sharma Purva , Jobanputra Yash , Chait Robert , Ghumman Waqas
Published: February 2022

We present a case of a previously asymptomatic 63-year-old woman who presented with worsening dyspnoea for 3 weeks. Initial transthoracic and later transoesophageal echocardiography confirmed biventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy and a large secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) measuring 1.4 cm. Additionally, there was a haemodynamically significant left to right shunt causing acute decompensated systolic heart failure. She eventually underwent closure of the septal defect using a AMPLATZER Septal Occluder device. Decision to close the defect was made as the left to right shunt was causing severe pulmonary hypertension and acute heart failure. Since most heart failure treatments involve lowering of the LV afterload there was consideration that this could cause right to left shunting and could cause an Eisenmenger physiology. Hence the AMPLATZER Septal Occluder device was placed to eliminate the shunt through the ASD. The ASD combined with the non-compaction posed significant treatment challenge in this case.
Rare congenital abnormality resulting in spontaneous bilateral deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli in a young healthy man
Authors: Ledgard Celina , Clarke James , McGreal Gerald Thomas
Published: February 2022

This report describes a unique case of a healthy man in his 30s, who presented with progressive unilateral leg swelling with no common risk factors identified. Two days prior to the swelling he had developed significant abdominal pain following a treadmill exercise session. Ultrasound imaging revealed extensive deep vein thrombosis involving bilateral ileo-femoral venous systems, extending up the inferior vena cava (IVC). Further investigation using a CT venogram revealed the rare congenital anomaly of hypoplasia of the renal IVC. Successful treatment involved 48 hours of an intravenous unfractionated heparin infusion, followed by lifelong anticoagulation.
Symptomatic resolution of malignant bowel obstruction by endoscopic catheterisation of an enterocutaneous fistula
Authors: Haq Taha , Burke Dermot
Published: February 2022

Patients with advanced intra-abdominal malignancy frequently experience nausea and vomiting, however these symptoms can be difficult to manage. A woman in her seventies with high grade primary peritoneal adenocarcinoma developed intermittent small bowel obstruction following extensive surgery. Poor relief was provided by pharmacological approaches and nasogastric tube insertion. Further surgical management was deemed unsuitable due to the significant possibility of complications and likely impairment of the patient’s quality of life. A conservative approach was used by using a novel therapeutic intervention: an endoscope was used to visualise an enterocutaneous fistula tract proximal to the obstruction and a gastrostomy catheter was fluoroscopically inserted. This maintained fistula tract patency, permitting drainage of bowel contents and therefore resolving the patient’s symptoms. We therefore describe a novel therapeutic approach where endoscopic insertion of a gastrostomy catheter maintained patency of an enterocutaneous fistula, enabling lasting relief of bowel obstruction in a manner acceptable to the patient.
Delayed diagnosis and treatment of a distal patellar tendon avulsion in an adolescent
Authors: Allred Gabrielle , Arevalo Alfonso , Brooks Robert , Greenhill Dustin Adam
Published: February 2022

Distal patellar tendon avulsions are uncommon. While much is known about proximal patella tendon ruptures, there are very few reports to guide treatment of a patellar tendon disruption near the tibial tuberosity. Moreover, delayed diagnosis and treatment presents additional challenges. We present a distal patellar tendon avulsion in an adolescent whereby diagnosis and treatment were delayed due to a distracting nearby contaminated wound. The tendon was separated from post-traumatic scar then repaired back to its native footprint using suture anchors. This report aims to increase awareness of this rare diagnosis as well as provide details about our chosen treatment and rehabilitation protocol.
Non-pharmacological interventions for autism spectrum disorder in children: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Meza Nicolás , Rojas Valeria , Escobar Liquitay Camila Micaela , Pérez Ignacio , Aguilera Johnson Francisca , Amarales Osorio Claudia , Irarrázaval Matías , Madrid Eva , Franco Juan Victor Ariel
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

Design

Overview of systematic reviews (SRs).

Participants

Children aged 12 years and under with ASD.

Search methods

In October 2021, we searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Epistemonikos placing no restrictions on language or date of publication.

Interventions

17 non-pharmacological interventions compared with placebo, no-treatment (including waiting list) or other interventions (ie, usual care, as defined by the authors of each study).

Data collection and analysis

We rated the methodological quality of the included SRs using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). We reported the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) certainty of the evidence (CoE) according to the analysis conducted by the authors of the included SRs.

Main outcome measures

A multidisciplinary group of experts agreed on analysing nine critical outcomes evolving core and non-core ASD symptoms.

Public and patient involvement statement

Organisations of parents of children with ASD participated in external revision of the final version of the report.

Results

We identified 52 reports that were within our scope, of which 48 were excluded for various reasons. After excluding less reliable SRs, we included four SRs. Non-pharmacological interventions (ie, Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System and Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Interventions) may have favourable effects on some core outcomes including language, social and functioning, play or daily living skills in children with ASD (with either no GRADE assessment, very low or low CoE). In addition, we identified a lack of report for other key outcomes in the included SRs (ie, restricted, repetitive behaviour; play and sensory processing).

Conclusions

Synthesised evidence regarding the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for children with ASD is scarce. High-quality SRs addressing the variety of both non-pharmacological interventions and relevant outcomes are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020206535.
How to organise travel restrictions in the new future: lessons from the COVID-19 response in Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Lai Daoyuan , Cai Yuxi , Chan Tsai Hor , Gan Dailin , Hurson Amber N , Zhang Yan Dora
Published: February 2022

It has been nearly 2 years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported. Governments worldwide have introduced numerous non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to combat this disease. Many of these NPIs were designed in response to initial outbreaks but are unsustainable in the long term. Governments are exploring how to adjust their current NPIs to resume normal activities while effectively protecting their population. As one of the most controversial NPIs, the implementation of travel restrictions varies across regions. Some governments have abandoned their previous travel restrictions because of the induced costs to society and on the economy. Other areas, including Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) and Singapore, continue employing these NPIs as a long-term disease prevention tactic. However, the multidimensional impacts of travel restrictions require careful consideration of how to apply restrictions more appropriately. We have proposed an adapted framework to examine Hong Kong and Singapore’s travel restrictions. We aimed to study these two regions’ experiences in balancing disease control efforts with easing the burden on lives and livelihoods. Based on the experiences of Hong Kong and Singapore, we have outlined six policy recommendations to serve as the cornerstone for future research and policy practices.
Assessment of interferon gamma and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 analysis during respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants in Italy: an observational case–control study
Authors: Savino Francesco , Daprà Valentina , Savino Andrea , Calvi Cristina , Montanari Paola , Galliano Ilaria , Bergallo Massimiliano
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to measure interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) values in the White blood cells of infants during respiratory tract infections and to compare these with healthy age-matched controls.

Design

This was a prospective, observational case–control study conducted in 2019–2020.

Setting

The study took place at Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy.

Participants

The study comprised 63 infants, including 26 patients hospitalised for bronchiolitis due to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and 37 age-matched controls. The inclusion criteria included a positive RSV test for an infant with bronchiolitis.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood and measured the relative quantification of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of IFN-γ and IDO1 with TaqMan real-time PCR amplification. The data were collected on the first day of admission.

Results

The mean age of the 26 patients with RSV bronchiolitis (53.8% female) was 85 (9–346) days when they were admitted to the hospital. Their mean gestational age at birth was 38 weeks and their mean birth weight was 3100 (2780–3730) g. The expression of IFN-γ was significantly reduced in patients with bronchiolitis RSV compared with healthy controls (p=0.0132). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups when the IDO1 mRNA expression values in their WCC were measured (p=0.0642).

Conclusion

Our findings did not clarify whether IDO1 expression was related to the early stage of the disease or to the young age of the infants. The data provide evidence that IFN-γ was significantly reduced in infants with bronchiolitis due to RSV, compared with age-matched healthy controls, but the IDO1 was not different. New investigations that focus on subjects infected with RSV at different stages of infancy would help to clarify whether IDO1 expression can be related to age.
Self-testing for pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kennedy Caitlin E , Yeh Ping Teresa , Gholbzouri Karima , Narasimhan Manjulaa
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Urine pregnancy tests are often inaccessible in low-income settings. Expanded provision of home pregnancy testing could support self-care options for sexual and reproductive health and rights. We conducted a systematic review of pregnancy self-testing effectiveness, values and preferences and cost.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Data sources

PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE and four trial registries were searched through 2 November 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included trials and observational studies that compared urine self-testing for pregnancy to health worker-led pregnancy testing on effectiveness outcomes; quantitative and qualitative studies describing values and preferences of end users and health workers and costs of pregnancy self-testing.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers used standardised methods to search, screen and code included studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence Project tools. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models. Findings were summarised in GRADE evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.

Results

For effectiveness, four randomised trials following 5493 individuals after medical abortion showed no difference or improvements in loss to follow-up with home pregnancy self-testing compared with return clinic visits. One additional trial of community health workers offering home pregnancy tests showed a significant increase in pregnancy knowledge and antenatal counselling among 506 clients. Eighteen diverse values and preferences studies found support for pregnancy self-testing because of quick results, convenience, confidentiality/privacy, cost and accuracy. Most individuals receiving pregnancy self-tests for postabortion home management preferred this option. No studies reported cost data.

Conclusion

Pregnancy self-testing is acceptable and valued by end users. Effectiveness data come mostly from articles on postabortion care, and cost data are lacking. Greater availability of pregnancy self-tests, including in postabortion care and CHW programs, may lead to improved health outcomes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021231656.
A case of neurosyphilis with psychosis and hippocampal atrophy
Authors: Murtza Mohammed , Bangash Ayesha , Rehman Ajaz-Ur , Pervaiz Amjadali , Imran Adeena
Published: February 2022

Neurosyphilis can mimic many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Though several of its varied central nervous system manifestations can be measured clinically and by neuroimaging, they are non-specific. Thus, this mimicry and the relative rarity of the illness in the present era make the diagnosis elusive. However, neurosyphilis is readily treatable; therefore, it must be considered a diagnostic possibility in the routine workup of early-onset dementia. This case report is of a young man presenting with psychosis and cognitive impairment. His brain scan showed hippocampal atrophy, a finding not often seen in neurosyphilis but more common in Alzheimer’s disease. Without awareness of the various causes of mesiotemporal atrophy, clinicians may erroneously diagnose cases such as this one as a neurodegenerative disorder.