bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interim 4′-[methyl-11C]-thiothymidine PET for predicting the chemoradiotherapeutic response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: comparison with [18F]FDG PET
Authors: Mitamura Katsuya , Norikane Takashi , Yamamoto Yuka , Fujimoto Kengo , Takami Yasukage , Hoshikawa Hiroshi , Toyohara Jun , Nishiyama Yoshihiro
Published: February 2021

Purpose

We investigated the potential of interim 4′-[methyl-11C]thiothymidine ([11C]4DST) PET for predicting the chemoradiotherapeutic response for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in comparison with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with HNSCC who underwent both [11C]4DST and [18F]FDG PET/CT before therapy (baseline) and at approximately 40 Gy point during chemoradiotherapy (interim) were available for a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The baseline was treatment-naïve PET/CT scan as part of staging. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) from [18F]FDG PET or proliferative tumor volume (PTV) from [11C]4DST PET, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from [18F]FDG PET or total lesion proliferation (TLP) from [11C]4DST PET were measured. MTV or PTV was defined as the volume with an SUVmax greater than 2.5. The differences in SUVmax (ΔSUVmax), MTV (ΔMTV) or PTV (ΔPTV) and TLG (ΔTLG) or TLP (ΔTLP) from baseline to interim PET scans were calculated. Patients without or with evidence of residual or recurrent disease at 3 months after completion of chemoradiotherapy were classified as showing a complete response (CR) and non-CR, respectively.

Results

All patients showed increased uptake in primary tumor on baseline [11C]4DST and [18F]FDG PET studies. All patients showed increased uptake on interim [18F]FDG PET, whereas 18 patients showed no increased uptake on interim [11C]4DST PET. After chemoradiotherapy, 25 patients were found to be in CR group and 7 to be in non-CR group. [11C]4DST ΔSUVmax, ΔPTV, and ΔTLP for CR group showed significantly greater reductions than the corresponding values for non-CR group (P = 0.044, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in [18F]FDG ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV, or ΔTLG between CR group and non-CR group. [11C]4DST ΔMTV of -90 was the best cutoff value for the early identification of patients with non-CR.

Conclusion

These preliminary results suggest that interim [11C]4DST PET might be useful for predicting the chemoradiotherapeutic response in patients with HNSCC, in comparison with [18F]FDG PET.
High levels of genetic diversity and an absence of genetic structure among breeding populations of the endangered Rufous-backed Bunting in Inner Mongolia, China: implications for conservation
Authors: Li Shi , Li Dan , Zhang Lishi , Shang Weiping , Qin Bo , Jiang Yunlei
Published: February 2021

Background

The Rufous-backed Bunting,Emberiza jankowskii, is an endangered species that is primarily distributed in Inner Mongolia, China. The main threats to the continued persistence of this species are habitat loss and degradation. However, the impact of population loss on genetic diversity remains unclear. To support future conservation and management efforts, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure ofE. jankowskiiusing mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 7‒8-day-old nestlings in Inner Mongolia, China between May and August of 2012 and 2013. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite markers were used to assess the genetic diversity, genetic structure and inbreeding ofE. jankowskii. The results of genetic diversity and inbreeding were compared to other avian species.

Results

We found an unexpectedly high level of genetic diversity in terms of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite compared to other avian species. However, there were high levels of gene flow and minimal genetic structuring, among the fragmented breeding populations ofE. jankowskiiin Inner Mongolia. These findings suggest thatE. jankowskiiin Inner Mongolia is a metapopulation. Despite the high genetic diversity ofE. jankowskii, local populations in each small patch remain at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. In addition, theE. jankowskiipopulation has a high risk of inbreeding.

Conclusions

To minimize further loss of genetic diversity of this endangered species, we suggest that theE. jankowskiiin Inner Mongolia should be considered as a protected species for management purposes. Conservation efforts should concentrate onE. jankowskiihabitat management. This may be most effectively achieved by protecting the current breeding habitats and prohibiting over-grazing.
Two cases of intraoperative hemodynamic instability during combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic surgery for esophagogastric junction carcinoma
Authors: Tani Makiko , Matsuoka Yoshikazu , Sugihara Mayu , Fujii Ayaka , Kanazawa Tomoyuki , Morimatsu Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Background

Intraoperative complications during combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic surgery for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) carcinoma have not been reported as compared to those during surgery for esophageal carcinoma. We present two cases which had surgery-related hemodynamic instability during laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and intra-mediastinal valvuloplastic esophagogastrostomy (vEG) with thoracoscopic mediastinal lymphadenectomy for EGJ carcinoma.

Case presentation

In case 1, the patient fell into hypotension with hypoxemia during laparoscopic vEG due to pneumothorax caused by entry of intraabdominal carbon dioxide. In case 2, ventricular arrythmia and ST elevation occurred during laparoscopic vEG. Pericardium retraction to secure surgical field during reconstruction compressed the coronary artery, which caused coronary malperfusion. These two events were induced by the surgical procedure, characterized by the following: (1) connection of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and (2) cardiac displacement during vEG.

Conclusion

These cases indicated tension pneumothorax and coronary ischemia are possible intraoperative complications specific to combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic surgery for EGJ carcinoma.
Tube-wave monitoring as a method to detect shear modulus changes around boreholes: A case study
Authors: Wehner Daniel , Borges Filipe , Landrø Martin
Published: February 2021

Monitoring the shear modulus of formations around boreholes is of interest for various applications, ranging from near-surface investigation to reservoir monitoring. Downhole logging tools and borehole seismic are common techniques applied to measure and characterize formation properties. These methods rely on transmitted and reflected waves to retrieve the rock properties. Wave modes traveling along the interface between the well and the formation, such as tube waves, are often considered as noise. However, tube waves are less attenuated than body waves and contain information about the shear modulus of the formation surrounding the well. Hence, a potential use of this interface wave is of interest. Because tube-wave properties depend on several parameters, e.g., well geometry, highly accurate measurements should be performed for use in inferring rock properties. We have studied the feasibility of tube-wave measurements as a monitoring method. Different experiments are conducted using a hydrophone array in two boreholes, with depths of 30 and 95 m. The experiments are used to investigate how accurately the tube-wave velocity can be measured and which parameters have the most impact on the measurements. Our results suggest that it is hard to estimate the absolute shear modulus of the geologic formation using tube-wave velocities only. However, it seems feasible to use them to monitor changes in the shear modulus, depending on the borehole setup and the geologic formation. Tube-wave monitoring can be used as a first step to determine the depth along the well where changes occur before more accurate measurements are performed in a second step.
Utilization, Timing, and Outcomes of BRCA Genetic Testing Among Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer From a National Commercially Insured Population: The ABOARD Study
Authors: Armstrong Joanne , Lynch Kristian , Virgo Katherine S. , Schwartz Marc D. , Friedman Sue , Dean Marleah , Andrews James E. , Bourquardez Clark Elizabeth , Clasen Joanna , Conaty Jessica , Parrillo Olivia , Sutphen Rebecca
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE:

To evaluate timing and outcomes of BRCA testing and definitive surgical treatment among patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

METHODS:

Patient-reported (n = 1,381) and deidentified health-plan (n = 2,369) data were analyzed from a consecutive national series of 3,750 women whose healthcare providers ordered BRCA testing between March 2014 and June 2015, within 1 year following breast cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS:

Among 1,209 respondents, 54.4% received the genetic test results presurgery, 23.2% tested presurgery but received the results postsurgery, and 22.3% tested postsurgery. Patients aware of mutation-positive results presurgery were more likely to choose bilateral mastectomy (BLM) (n = 32/37) compared with patients who learned of positive results postsurgery (n = 14/32), (odds ratio [OR] = 8.23, 95% CI = 2.55 to 26.59, P < .001). When compared with women tested postsurgery, only women unaware of negative results presurgery had higher BLM rates (adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.69, P = .02). Among women > 50 tested presurgery, those unaware of negative results presurgery were more likely to choose BLM (n = 28/81) compared with those aware of negative results (n = 32/168) (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.23 to 4.08, negative results awareness × age interaction, and P = .007).

CONCLUSION:

Nearly half of participants did not receive BRCA results presurgery, which limited their ability to make fully informed surgical treatment decisions. This may represent suboptimal care for unaware mutation-positive patients compared with those who were aware presurgery. Women > 50 who test negative are significantly less likely to choose BLM, a costly surgery that does not confer survival advantage, if they are aware of negative results presurgery. These results have important implications for quality of care and costs in the US health system.
Patient Perspectives on the Financial Costs and Burdens of Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Oshima Sachiko M. , Tait Sarah D. , Rushing Christel , Lane Whitney , Hyslop Terry , Offodile Anaeze C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Zafar S. Yousuf , Greenup Rachel , Fish Laura J.
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE:

Although financial toxicity is a well-documented aspect of cancer care, little is known about how patients narratively characterize financial experiences related to breast cancer treatment. We sought to examine these patient experiences through mixed methods analysis.

METHODS:

Women (≥ 18 years old) with a history of breast cancer were recruited from the Love Research Army and Sisters Network to complete an 88-item electronic survey including an open-ended response. Quantitative data were used to sort and stratify responses to the open-ended question, which comprised the qualitative data evaluated here. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used to evaluate the financial costs and other burdens resulting from breast cancer surgery.

RESULTS:

In total, 511 respondents completed the survey in its entirety and wrote an open-ended response. Participants reported significant financial burden in different categories including direct payments for medical care and indirect costs such as lost wages and travel expenses. Treatment-related costs burdened participants for years after diagnosis, forming a financial arc for many participants. Discrepancies existed between the degree of financial burden reported on multiple-choice questions and participants’ corresponding open-ended descriptions of financial burden. Participants described a lack of communication surrounding costs with their providers and difficulty negotiating payments with insurance.

CONCLUSION:

Breast cancer care can result in ongoing financial burden years after diagnosis among all patients, even those with adequate insurance patient populations.
Association of Metformin with Susceptibility to COVID-19 in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Jingya , Cooper Jennifer M , Gokhale Krishna , Acosta-Mena Dionisio , Dhalla Samir , Byne Nathan , Chandan Joht Singh , Anand Astha , Okoth Kelvin , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Bangash Mansoor N , Jackson Thomas , Zemedikun Dawit , Taverner Tom , Hanif Wasim , Ghosh Sandip , Narendran Parth , Toulis Konstantinos A , Tahrani Abd A , Surenthirakumaran Rajendra , Adderley Nicola J , Haroon Shamil , Khunti Kamlesh , Sainsbury Christopher , Thomas G Neil , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: February 2021

Objective

Diabetes has emerged as an important risk factor for mortality from COVID-19. Metformin, the most commonly prescribed glucose-lowering agent, has been proposed to influence susceptibility to and outcomes of COVID-19 via multiple mechanisms. We investigated whether, in patients with diabetes, metformin is associated with susceptibility to COVID-19 and its outcomes.

Research Design and Methods

We performed a propensity score–matched cohort study with active comparators using a large UK primary care dataset. Adults with type 2 diabetes patients and a current prescription for metformin and other glucose-lowering agents (MF+) were compared to those with a current prescription for glucose-lowering agents that did not include metformin (MF−). Outcomes were confirmed COVID-19, suspected/confirmed COVID-19, and associated mortality. A negative control outcome analysis (back pain) was also performed.

Results

There were 29 558 and 10 271 patients in the MF+ and MF− groups, respectively, who met the inclusion criteria. In the propensity score–matched analysis, the adjusted hazard ratios for suspected/confirmed COVID-19, confirmed COVID-19, and COVID-19-related mortality were 0.85 (95% CI 0.67, 1.08), 0.80 (95% CI 0.49, 1.30), and 0.87 (95% CI 0.34, 2.20) respectively. The negative outcome control analysis did not suggest unobserved confounding.

Conclusion

Current prescription of metformin was not associated with the risk of COVID-19 or COVID-19-related mortality. It is safe to continue prescribing metformin to improve glycemic control in patients with.
U2AF2 binds IL7R exon 6 ectopically and represses its inclusion
Authors: Schott Geraldine , Galarza-Muñoz Gaddiel , Trevino Noe , Chen Xiaoting , Weirauch Matthew T. , Gregory Simon G. , Bradrick Shelton S. , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A.
Published: February 2021

Interleukin 7 receptor α-chain is crucial for the development and maintenance of T cells and genetically associated with autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS). Exon 6 of IL7R encodes for its transmembrane domain and regulated by alternative splicing (AS): Inclusion or skipping of IL7R exon 6 results in membrane-bound or soluble IL7R isoforms, respectively. We previously identified SNP rs6897932 in IL7R exon 6, associated with MS risk, and showed that the risk allele (C) results in increased exon skipping and elevated sIL7R. Elevated levels of sIL7R have been shown to exacerbate the disease in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of MS. Here we report two mechanisms by which IL7R exon 6 is controlled. A competition between PTBP1 and U2AF2 at the polypyrimidine tract (PPT) of intron 5, and an unexpected U2AF2-mediated assembly of splicing factors in the exon. We noted the presence of a branchpoint sequence (BPS) (TACTAAT or TACTAAC) within exon 6, which is stronger with the C allele. Importantly, the BPS is followed by a PPT and we conjectured that silencing could be mediated by binding of U2AF2 to that tract. Here, we show that evolutionary conservation of the exonic PPT correlates well with the degree of AS of exon 6 in two nonhuman primate species and that U2AF2 binding to this PPT recruits U2 snRNP components to the exon. These observations provide the first explanation for the stronger silencing of IL7R exon 6 with the disease-associated C allele at rs6897932.
Λάθος, ατυχήματα και καταστροφές: ο παραλογισμός τού "εσύ φταις!"
Authors: Γκίκας Νίκος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Ο ρόλος της ένταξης στη δημιουργική διαδικασία και η αξιοποίησή της στο πλαίσιο της διδασκαλίας στη σχολική τάξη
Authors: Κούτσουλας Φώτης
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Κοινωνική ταυτότητα και ενδο-ομαδική μεροληψία: Εξετάζοντας την υπόθεση της αυτοεκτίμησης
Authors: Λαμπρίδης Ευθύμιος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Τρόποι ζωής ως προγνωστικοί παράγοντες της νυσταλέας οδήγησης
Authors: Τζαμαλούκα Γ. , Χρηστάκης Ν. , Παπαδακάκη Μ. , Γναρδέλλης Χ. , Δαρβίρη Χ. , Χλιαουτάκης Ι.
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Αναμνήσεις νεαρών ενηλίκων από τη μοναξιά στην παιδική ηλικία
Authors: Γαλανάκη Ευαγγελία
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Η σχέση προγεννητικής και επιλόχειας κατάθλιψης
Authors: Μωραΐτου Μάρθα , Σταλίκας Αναστάσιος
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Η επίδοση των παιδιών με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες στο WISC-III
Authors: Ρότσικα Βασιλική , Βλασσοπούλου Μαρία , Ρογκάκου Έφη , Σίνη Αναστασία , Λεγάκη Λουκία , Πεχλιβανίδου Λένα , Κ. Αναγνωστόπουλος Δημήτρης
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Οι διαφυλικές συγκρούσεις στις στενές διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις και η αντιμετώπισή τους από άνδρες και γυναίκες στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Χατζούλη Αθηνά , Σινίκη Μαρίνα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
ΜΜΕ και ψυχική ασθένεια: Απεικονίσεις της σχιζοφρένειας στον ελληνικό Τύπο
Authors: Οικονόμου Μαρίνα , Χαρίτση Μαρία , Δημητριάδου Ελένη
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Το στίγμα της ψυχικής ασθένειας και της σχιζοφρένειας: Βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση ερευνητικών ευρημάτων
Authors: Μερτίκα Αντιγόνη , Οικομόνου Μαρίνα , Σταλίκας Αναστάσιος , Γραμανδάνη Χριστίνα
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Μετανάστευση και ψυχική υγεία: Ανασκόπηση εμπειρικών ευρημάτων
Authors: Ζήση Αναστασία
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Structural and attitdinal approach of social representations of individuality and collectivity in a Greek and a French sample
Authors: Sakalaki Maria , Bastounis Marina , Ferentinos Spiros
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT IS AVAILABLE IN THE PDF
Διεπιστημονική θεώρηση της εγκυμοσύνης των διδύμων
Authors: Μαρκοδημητράκη Μαρία , Κουγουμουτζάκης Γιάννης
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Πως βιώνουν το χρόνο στο σχολείο οι μαθητές 16 ετών
Authors: Πουρκός Μάριος , Κοντοπόδης Μιχάλης
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Φοίτηση σε τάξεις ένταξης και αυτοεκτίμηση παιδιών με μαθησιακές δυσκολίες. Μια αναπτυξιακή προσέγγιση
Authors: Συγκολλίτου Έφη
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Υποκειμενική ευεξία; δημογραφικές και ενδοπροσωπικές μεταβλητές
Authors: Χ. Καραδήμας Ευάγγελος , Καλαντζή-Αζίζι Αναστασία
Published: February 2021

The abstract is available in the PDF
Psychosocial functioning and anaesthetic requirements in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Panagopoulou Efharis , Maes Stan
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT IS AVAILABLE IN THE PDF
Under-reported COVID-19 cases in South Asian countries
Authors: Khan Soban Qadir , Moheet Imran Alam , Farooqi Faraz Ahmed , Alhareky Muhanad , Alonaizan Faisal
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of the study was to compare  trends in the progression of COVID-19 among South Asian countries with more developed Western countries.

Methods: COVID-19 data from South Asian countries were used for this observational study. Data were taken up to April 21, 2020 from the outbreak of the COVID-19. Four of the seven countries met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.

Results: An exponential increase in the average number of weekly cases was reported after the fifth week following the first case. The correlation between reported cases and tests was found to be strong and significant (r=0.90, p=0.037). However, on average, 315.25 tests per million population were performed, which was at least 12 times lower than the number of tests performed in countries with a large number of COVID-19 cases.

Conclusions: At present, the number of confirmed cases from South Asia was found to be significantly lower than in Western countries. However, this could be due to the smaller number of tests performed. Hence, an increase in the strength of performing diagnostic tests is highly recommended. Strict measures are required to make the people of these countries follow the instructions of social distancing and comply with preventive measures.
Recommendations from long-term care reports, commissions, and inquiries in Canada
Authors: Wong Eric K. C. , Thorne Trina , Estabrooks Carole , Straus Sharon E.
Published: February 2021

Background:Multiple long-term care (LTC) reports have issued similar recommendations for improvement across Canadian LTC homes. Our primary objective was to identify the most common recommendations made over the past 10 years. Our secondary objective was to estimate the total cost of studying LTC issues repeatedly from 1998 to 2020.

Methods:The qualitative and cost analyses were conducted in Canada from July to October 2020. Using a list of reports, inquiries and commissions from The Royal Society of Canada Working Group on Long-Term Care, we coded recurrent recommendations in LTC reports. We contacted the sponsoring organizations for a cost estimate, including direct and indirect costs. All costs were adjusted to 2020 Canadian dollar values.

Results:Of the 80 Canadian LTC reports spanning the years of 1998 to 2020, 24 (30%) were based on a national level and 56 (70%) were focused on provinces or municipalities. Report length ranged from 4 to 1491 pages and the median number of contributors was 14 (interquartile range, IQR, 5–26) per report. The most common recommendation was to increase funding to LTC to improve staffing, direct care and capacity (67% of reports). A median of 8 (IQR 3.25–18) recommendations were made per report. The total cost for all 80 reports was estimated to be $23,626,442.78.

Conclusions:Problems in Canadian LTC homes and their solutions have been known for decades. Despite this, governments and non-governmental agencies continue to produce more reports at a monetary and societal cost to Canadians.
Evolución antropojurídica y sociojurídica de la mediación y las prácticas reconciliatorias
Authors: Moreno Buján Marcela
Published: February 2021

El presente artículo visibiliza el uso de la mediación y las prácticas reconciliatorias (PRs) para tratar los conflictos sociales de forma autocompositiva en distintas culturas. La identificación de estos procesos, de forma diacrónica, es posible al aplicar una perspectiva antropojurídica y sociojurídica (PAS) al fenómeno de estudio. Esto por cuanto es frecuente analizarlos desde un abordaje técnico-jurídico disciplinar, lo cual descuida los contextos: social, histórico, cultural, político y plurijurídico en los cuales también pueden verse inmersos estos procesos.

Adoptar el paradigma antropojurídico enunciado por Merry, permite separarse de la forma jurídica heterocompositiva hegemónica (el juicio) para intervenir los conflictos sociales. También, habilita la percepción de las disputas desde una concepción dinámica e influenciable por los cambios sociales.

Así, se analizarán los procesos mencionados desde la PAS. Lo cual permite considerar como mediadores efectivos a aquellos neutrales que tienen la habilidad de trabajar con las partes de manera transcultural. La PAS habilita entrever en los procesos autocompositivos, las experiencias, motivaciones, razones y patrones de conducta presentes en la disputa, sobrepasando los límites culturales para arribar a un espacio de entendimiento recíproco. Este abordaje conlleva un claro acceso a la justicia con perspectiva multicultural y plurijurídica.
Rare health conditions 42: clinical supervision and its importance
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this series is to highlight a range of rare health conditions. Rare health conditions are those that affect no more and usually fewer than 1 person in every 2000 and many healthcare assistants and nurses will encounter some of these conditions, given the high number of these conditions. This 42nd article will briefly explore a range of issues that are associated with providing care and support to those with rare health conditions, including clinical supervision.
LGBTQ+ people living with dementia: an under-served population
Authors: Cousins Emily , De Vries Kay , Dening Karen Harrison
Published: February 2021

Background:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people living with dementia are an under-served population. They are often at greater risk of vulnerability, discrimination, loneliness, health inequalities and poorer health outcomes.

Aims:

The aim of this applied practice paper was to produce an introductory summary of some of the challenges and considerations facing LGBTQ+ people living with dementia. This is the second in a series of clinical articles on dementia in underserved populations.

Methods:

A literature overview was undertaken comprising a number of literature searches. Salient academic articles, policy papers and third sector reports were analysed to identify themes.

Findings:

Three main themes emerged from the analysis regarding LGBTQ+ people living with dementia: an increasing awareness of needs; challenges and considerations; and recommendations for improving practice and care.

Conclusions:

Challenges and considerations facing LGBTQ+ people living with dementia include living with memory problems, remembering the past, reminiscence, personal relationships and receiving care. Recommendations include comprehensive training for health and care professionals, as well as strengthened peer support networks. Areas for future research to fully understand the needs of this under-served population are also suggested.
Lung transplantation for silicosis and recovery: an Australian case study
Authors: McEwen Kate , Brodie Lyndell
Published: February 2021

Lung transplantation is a well-established treatment for a variety of end-stage pulmonary diseases. However, the journey of a lung transplant recipient is complex and multifaceted. Silicosis is a rare indication for lung transplantation, but no other treatment is yet available for this disease in its end stages. This Australian case study presents a 52-year-old man with silicosis who received bilateral lung transplantation. The patient was frequently noncompliant with noninvasive ventilation therapy and experienced the complication of type 2 respiratory failure. Patient education and support provided, particularly around medication management following transplantation surgery, are discussed here. The patient's social situation and its implications for both him and his family are also considered.
Towards a safer NHS?
Authors: Tingle John
Published: February 2021

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses the Healthcare Safety and Inspection Branch report on Never Events
Pharmacokinetics in paramedic prescribing
Authors: Dixon Matt
Published: February 2021

This instalment in the Prescribing Paramedic series introduces the concept of pharmacokinetics. This is not only relevant to those undertaking a non-medical prescribing course but it is also important information for any paramedic, as a knowledge of pharmacokinetics is critical to understanding why our medications do what they do and how their effects may vary on a patient-to-patient basis.
Student paramedic decision-making: a critical exploration of a patient interaction
Authors: Costello Barry , Downs Simon
Published: February 2021

Clinical decision-making is a multifaceted construct, requiring the practitioner to gather, interpret and evaluate data to select and implement an evidence-based choice of action. Clinical reasoning is a difficult skill for students to develop due in part to the inability to guarantee awareness or opportunity to develop within time spent in practice. While professional developments within the past few years have established a supportive preceptorship programme within NHS trusts for new paramedic registrants, enhancing activities to develop these crucial skills within a pre-registrant programme should be prioritised to enhance the abilities of students and subsequent new registrants. A better understanding of the reasoning processes used during clinical decision-making may help health professionals with less experience to develop their processes in their own clinical reasoning. To embed such awareness and enhanced practice, the lead author, a third-year student paramedic at the time of writing, presents a reflective consideration of a patient encounter using the hypothetico-deductive model to evaluate and critically explore his own reasoning and processing within a meaningful patient interaction.
Storing patient images safely and securely
Authors: Hooper Ayisha
Published: February 2021

The increased use of remote consultations during Covid-19 has generated queries about the receipt and storage of patients' images. Ayisha Hooper looks at the relevant guidance
Identification of Longjing Teas with Different Geographic Origins Based on E-Nose and Computer Vision System Combined with Data Fusion Strategies
Authors: Xu Min , Wang Jun , Jia Pengfei , Dai Yuting
Published: February 2021

Highlights

E-nose and computer vision combined with data fusion strategies were applied to trace tea origins.

Pearson correlation analysis, IG, and F-scores were applied to modify the fusion strategies.

The classification performances of different fusion strategies were compared.

The strategies of IG_SVM_FL and IG_SVM_DS achieved the best results.

Abstract. The traceability of tea origins is of great significance. In this study, an electronic nose (E-nose) and computer vision system (CVS) were jointly applied to acquire aroma and image signals of tea samples, aiming at identifying Longjing teas from different geographic origins including Jinyun (120° 7' E, 28° 65' N), Xihu (120° 13' E, 30° 27' N), Xinchang (120° 9' E, 29° 50' N), and Qian Daohu (119° 3' E, 29° 60' N). Data fusion was used to integrate the E-nose and CVS signals for comprehensively characterizing the tea samples. Four traditional fusion strategies including k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM) based feature-level fusion (KNN_FL and SVM_FL) and Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory based decision-level strategies (KNN_DS and SVM_DS) were applied for classification modeling. Pearson analysis, information gain (IG), and F-scores were employed to modify the traditional fusion strategies to reduce inconsistent and redundant information in the fusion process. The results indicated that the original fusion strategies had no superiority over independent E-nose and CVS decision-making. With the feature selection methods, the modified fusion strategies generally exhibited better performance than the independent decision-making and original fusion strategies. Moreover, the IG-based fusion strategies, encompassing IG_SVM_FL and IG_SVM_DS, achieved the highest classification accuracy of 100%. Keywords: Computer vision, Electronic nose, Feature selection, Fusion strategies, Tea origins.
The role of subjective social status in living well for carers of people with dementia: findings from the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life programme
Authors: Victor Christina R. , Rippon Isla , Quinn Catherine , Martyr Anthony , Clare Linda
Published: February 2021

We investigated how carers of people with dementia evaluate their standing in their community and wider society, and if this is related to ‘living well’. We used baseline data from the Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life programme and found that carers rated their standing in society higher than in their local community. Higher evaluations of both were associated with enhanced life satisfaction, well-being and quality of life. Initiatives that increase support or engagement in the community or wider society may help to increase carers’ perceptions of their social status, enhancing their ability to ‘live well’.
Distributed Caching and Lightpath Provisioning in Multi-access Edge Computing based Elastic Optical Networks
Authors: Guo Zizheng , Bai Lin , Liu Zhen , Zhang Jiawei , Ji Yuefeng
Published: February 2021

We propose a distributed caching and lightpath provisioning algorithm to reduce bandwidth consumption and improve storage space utilization in MEC based EONs. Simulation results show that the algorithm can reduce blocking probability and bandwidth consumption.
Quantum Noise Diffusion Mapping Based on Chaotic Recurrent Neural Network in Quantum Noise Cipher
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Yajie , Lei Chao , Zhao Yongli , Zhang Jie , Wang Xiangqing
Published: February 2021

We introduce a quantum noise diffusion mapping method based on chaotic recurrent neural network in quantum noise cipher system. Simulation results demonstrate the improved security performance in terms of increasing quantum noise masking number.
Optical Chaotic Communication Utilizing Neural Network for Message Decryption
Authors: Luo Fan , Jiang Ning , Chang Congcong , Sun Ruiqi , Qiu Kun
Published: February 2021

We propose a chaotic communication scheme using neural network replacing chaotic laser for message decryption, and numerically demonstrate that with proper neural network, high-quality chaotic carrier synchronization and Gbit/s chaotic communication can be achieved.
Low Power-Consumption 50-Gb/s/λ PON Utilizing BPAM-4 Modulation
Authors: Yin Mingzhu , Zou Dongdong , Yi Xingwen , Li Zhaohui , Li Fan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we demonstrate a low power- consumption 50-Gb/s/λ Bipolar PAM-4 (BPAM-4) PON with 32.1-dB power budget under the 7% FEC threshold after 20-km SSMF transmission in C-band for the first time.
A Simple and Effective K-means Assisted OSNR Monitoring Scheme
Authors: Ge Peiyun , Xu Hengying , Yang Lishan , Bai Chenglin , Sun Weibin , Yu Xinkuo
Published: February 2021

We propose a simple and effective OSNR monitoring scheme assisted by K-means algorithm. The simulation results show that it has high OSNR monitoring accuracy for PDM-QPSK/ 8QAM/16QAM/32QAM/64QAM signals, combining good tolerance for CD and PMD.
Improve the Performance of MS-CPE in Long-distance Transmission of Optical Comb Communication
Authors: Zhu Minhui , Zhao Yujie , Xu Bo
Published: February 2021

A scheme using optical delay module is proposed to recover the phase coherence for MS-CPE in optical comb-based WDM systems over long fiber transmission. Its good performance is validated with simulations over 2000km fiber transmission.
Universal Fiber Models based on PINN Neural Network
Authors: Zang Yubin , Yu Zhenming , Xu Kun , Chen Minghua , Yang Sigang , Chen Hongwei
Published: February 2021

We apply the PINN neural network in fields of communication fiber model to provide another way of researching pulse and signal evolution. This method can have notable distance generalization once adopted.
Security Enhancing and Probability Shaping Coordinated Optimization for CAP-PON in Physical Layer
Authors: Song Xiumin , Liu Bo , Zhang Hongxin , Mao Yaya , Ren Jianxin , Chen Shuaidong , Xu Hui , Zhang Jingyi , Jiang Lei , Zhao Jianye , Han Shun , Liu Xueyang , Xin Xiangjun
Published: February 2021

A secure-enhanced scheme based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encoding encryption and probabilistic shaping (PS) is proposed. Experimental results verify the superiority of our proposed scheme in the achievement of security and power gain.
Nonlinear Equalizer by Feature Engineering Based-Deep Neural Network for Coherent Optical Communication System
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wang Yongjun , Li Chao
Published: February 2021

We experimentally demonstrate the maximum 1.07 dB Q-factor improvement in terms of nonlinearity compensation of 120 Gb/s 64-QAM coherent optical communication system at 375 km, using a feature engineering-based deep neural network (FE-DNN) nonlinear equalizer.
Spectrum spreading and encryption of underwater optical OFDM communication
Authors: Zhang Jialiang , Gao Guanjun , Wang Bolun
Published: February 2021

An underwater optical communication system using spread spectrum with OFDM modulation was demonstrated for the first time. By operating on the spectrum replications, we can achieve the propose of anti-jamming and increasing communication distance.
Transmission of 50-Gb/s/λ PAM-4 over 100-km SMF for LR-PON utilizing Low Complexity Polarization-insensitive Quasi-coherent Receiver
Authors: Lai Daoning , Li Zibin , Zou Dongdong , Yi Xingwen , Li Zhaohui , Li Fan
Published: February 2021

A low complexity quasi-coherent 50-Gb/s/λ PAM4 LR-PON under the 7% hard decision forward FEC threshold is demonstrated. Electrical dispersion compensation (EDC) is applied to compensate the fiber chromatic dispersion. The power budgets after 80-km and 100-km SSMF transmission without pre-amplifier are 36 dB and 34 dB, respectively.
Nonlinearity Compensation Technique by Spectral Clustering for Coherent Optical Communication System
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wang Yongjun , Xu Hui
Published: February 2021

The nonlinear compensation algorithm using spectral clustering is experimentally demonstrated for 16-QAM coherent optical communication system. The spectral clustering outperforms density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) and K-means clustering.
Precoded DMT System Enhanced with Geometric Shaping
Authors: Tong Tianhao , Chen Xi , Sun Qizhen , Liu Deming , Tang Ming
Published: February 2021

We propose to optimize the performance of precoded discrete-multitone (DMT) transmission system by using geometric shaping (GS). The simulation results show that up to 0.9 dB receiver sensitivity improvement has been achieved.
Joint Time Synchronization and PMD Estimation Based on Superimposed FrFT Training Sequences
Authors: Wang Li , Jiang Hexun , Chen Xi , Xiang Yating , Luo Fengguang , Tang Ming
Published: February 2021

Fractional Fourier transform training sequences have been proposed to superimpose with signals to experimentally achieve large range PMD monitoring (0-108ps, 5.7ps RMSE) and accurate timing offset estimation (0.8-sample RMSE) before equalization.
Walk-off Effect on Inter-channel Nonlinearity Compensation for Multi-channel Unrepeatered Optical System
Authors: Bao Qinghong , Yi Anlin , Jiang Lin , Pan Yan , Yan Lianshan
Published: February 2021

The walk-off effect on multi-channel DBP-based inter-channel fiber nonlinearity compensation for unrepeatered optical system is investigated. 5×112Gb/s PDM-QPSK WDM transmission results confirm that SPM and XPM can be efficiently compensated by utilizing the multi-channel DBP including the walk-off effect among channels.
1.25 Gb/s Correlated Random Bit Generation Over 200 km Using Electro-Optic Hybrid Chaotic Entropy Source
Authors: Fu Yudi , Luo Chenkun , Cheng Mengfan , Chen Yetao , Shao Weidong , Luo Hanwen , Deng Lei , Liu Deming
Published: February 2021

1.25 Gb/s Correlated random bit sequences are generated over 200-km fiber using synchronized electro-optic hybrid chaotic entropy sources. High-quality synchronization is realized by the coordination of digital synchronization strategy and neural network.
Joint Power Optimization of PTMP Coherent Architecture for Improving Link Budget in Downlink Transmission
Authors: Ren Huiling , Fu Mengfan , Zeng Xiaobo , Zhai Zhiqun , Fan Yunyun , Liu Qiaoya , Yi Lilin , Hu Weisheng , Zhuge Qunbi
Published: February 2021

A joint power optimization method is proposed for the downlink in point-to-multipoint structure based on digital subcarriers. 2.3 dB power budget gain was achieved experimentally with eight 4 GBaud 16QAM subcarriers with a distance difference of 24 km.
Optical Codebook-Based Hybrid Precoding for Intelligent Reflecting Surface-Assisted mmWave C-RAN Systems
Authors: Yang MuChuan , Huang Huan , Zhang Chongfu , Wang Xiaowen , Qiu Kun
Published: February 2021

An optical codebook-based hybrid precoding is proposed for intelligent reflecting surface-assisted millimeter-wave cloud radio access networks, where an optical codebook-based alternating optimization algorithm is developed. Based on numerical simulation, the obtained results are discussed.
A Novel Microwave Photonic Filter for Frequency-tripled Signals
Authors: Zhu Nan , Liu Shifeng , Liu Hongfei , Zhang Limin , Liu Mingzhen , Zhang Bowen , Pan Shilong
Published: February 2021

A novel microwave photonic filter (MPF) for frequency-tripled signals is proposed. The simulation results show that the proposed MPF successfully selects out frequency-tripled signals with reconfigurable center frequency and bandwidth.
Flat Optical Frequency Comb Generation Based on Intensity Modulator with RF Frequency Multiplication Circuit and Dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder Modulator
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Li Xiang , Sheng Mengmeng , Wei Yongfeng , Gong Caili
Published: February 2021

A novel optical frequency comb (OFC) generator with two dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulators(DPMZMs) and intensity modulator(IM) is proposed. Results show that 80-line OFC with flatness of 0.32dB and frequency interval of 8GHz can be obtained.
Monolithically Reflector Integrated Waveguide Photodetector with Optically Isolation Mesa
Authors: Liu Tao
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a waveguide photodetector with optically isolation between photosensitive-mesa and N-contact-mesa, and forming a mirror separated from the N-contact-mesa at the end of the waveguide was proposed for high efficiency bandwidth product.
Diabolical Points in Coupled Cavities with Quantum Emitters
Authors: Yang Jingnan , Qian Chenjiang , Xie Xin , Peng Kai , Wu Shiyao , Song Feilong , Sun Sibai , Dang Jianchen , Yu Yang , Shi Shushu , He Jiongji , Steer Matthew J. , Thayne Iain G. , Li Bei-Bei , Bo Fang , Xiao Yun-Feng , Zuo Zhanchun , Jin Kuijuan , Gu Changzhi , Xu Xiulai
Published: February 2021

Here we propose a macroscopical control of the backscattering direction by optimizing the cavity size. The backscattering directions are confirmed with two strongly-coupled microdisks and diabolical points are achieved at the resonance of two microdisks.
Distributed Temperature and Strain Sensing Utilizing Brillouin Frequency Shifts Contributed by Multiple Acoustic Modes in Dispersion-Shifted Fiber
Authors: Sheng Liwen , Li Ligong , Lang Jinpeng , Wang Jianguo , Hu Leijun , Yan Jisong , Liu Zhiming
Published: February 2021

A multi-parameter sensor for distributed measurement of temperature and strain based on Brillouin scattering in dispersion-shifted fiber is proposed, which is an excellent candidate for the cross effects in traditional Brillouin sensing system. In experiment, a temperature accuracy of 2 ℃, a strain accuracy of 60 με are achieved simultaneously.
A compact and distributed near infrared detecting system based on 45º TFGs
Authors: Song Qingguo , Yan Zhijun , Sun Qizhen , Zhou Kaiming , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2021

We have proposed a compact and distributed near infrared detecting system based on 45 ºtilted fiber gratings. The system has been applied to measure the moisture level of flour sample, which have shown linear response between moisture level and testing signal. (tel:18062120349, e-mail: yanzhijun@gmail.com).
Accurate strain measurement of spacecraft structure suitable for the high and low temperature of aerospace environment
Authors: Zhang Jiande , Yang Ning , Luo Yuxiang , Jiang Junfeng
Published: February 2021

To realize the accurate measurement of strain parameters for spacecraft structure in the high and low temperature of aerospace environment, an optical fiber sensing approach is presented, which can satisfy the requirement of engineering application.
Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing System Based on Filtering Effect of Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Authors: Meng Xianglin , Fang Nian , Wang Lutang , Wang Chunhua
Published: February 2021

A distributed optical fiber sensing system based on filtering effect of Mach-Zehnder interferometer is proposed. The light is fed into the sensing fiber from two directions and then enter the interferometer. The location is realized by the time difference of two output signals. The experimental results verify that the system is feasible and stable.
Antiresonant Hollow-core Fiber for Ho:YAG Laser Lithotripsy
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Cao Xinyue , Gao Fuyu , Zhao Yanjin , He Cheng
Published: February 2021

For delivery of high power Ho:YAG laser, a fiber with 7 tubes and a core of 40µm was designed. Also we designed a coupling structure and a waterproof structure at either end of fiber.
Threshold-Assisted Soft-Output Direct Detection FTN Algorithm for Bandwidth-Limited Systems
Authors: Liu Shuangyue , Zhou Ji , Guo Mengqi , Tang Xizi , Sun Zhongliang , Cui Han , Lu Yueming , Qiao Yaojun
Published: February 2021

A threshold-assisted soft-output direct detection faster than Nyquist (SO-DD-FTN) is proposed to compensate bandwidth-limitation impairments in 56-Gb/s PAM-4 systems using 10G-class optics. Experimental results show the computational complexity re-duces by 57% without performance degradation.
Discrete-Circulant-Transform Spread OFDM Based on the Sparse ZC Sequence for Short-Reach IM/DD System
Authors: Fan Zhaoquan , Zhao Jian
Published: February 2021

We demonstrate DCrT-S-OFDM based on the sparse Zadoff-Chu sequence in a 68.8-Gbit/s bandwidth-limited IMDD system over 10-km SMF. Results show that this scheme outperforms conventional OFDM, DFT-S-OFDM and OCT precoded OFDM by optimizing the sparsity.
IJK complex detection within BCG signal based on multi-core fiber sensors
Authors: Zhang Jian , He Ying , Tan Fengze , Chen Shuyang , Lyu Weimin , Yang Fangang , Yu Changyuan
Published: February 2021

BCG signal is detected based on proposed multi-core fiber sensors and IJK complex is extracted and explored for biomedical applications.
Wash-out-free fiber optofluidic laser by sequential bio-conjugation
Authors: Yang Xi , Han Zewen , Gong Yuan , Peng Gang-Ding , Rao Yun-Jiang
Published: February 2021

We propose a sequentially bio-conjugated fiber optofluidic laser to solve the washing problem in the heterogeneous assay in the microstructures. Its laser emission can be tuned through the control of biomolecule concentration in a sequential manner.
Frequency Slicing Pre-equalization Scheme for Laser Diode based Underwater Visible Light Communication
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Zou Peng , Hu Fangchen , Wang Chaofan , Lin Gong-Ru , Chi Nan
Published: February 2021

We proposed a frequency slicing pre-equalization scheme for laser diode based underwater visible light communication. An AIR increment of beyond 1 Gbps was achieved when signal suffers from great attenuation at the high frequency region.
Single-Pixel Imaging Using Optical Phased Array Chip
Authors: Tanemura Takuo , Fukui Taichiro , Komatsu Kento , Kohno Yusuke , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: February 2021

We review our recent approaches of using compact silicon optical phased array (OPA) chips for speckle-based single-pixel imaging. Unlike conventional OPA-based beam steering, precise calibration of optical phases is not necessary, enabling robust and low-complexity operation.
Essential Formulations of the Low-dimensional Electron-transportation in Semiconductors and the Energetic Electron-transition in Atoms
Authors: Ren Xiaomin
Published: February 2021

As a fundamental advance, the theoretical models of the low-dimensional electron-transportation in semiconductors and the energetic electron-transition in atoms based on the principle of energy level divergence have been essentially established.
On-the-Fly Particle Metrology in Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal fiber
Authors: Xie Shangran , Sharma Abhinav , Zeltner Richard , Russell Philip
Published: February 2021

I will introduce a novel technique for airborne particle metrology based on hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. It offers in situ particle counting, sizing and refractive index measurement with effectively unlimited device lifetime.