bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scintigraphy study of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler in patients with moderate-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Usmani Omar , Roche Nicolas , Wahab Ezanul , Israel Samuel , Jenkins Martin , Trivedi Roopa , Dorinsky Paul , Aurivillius Magnus
Published: October 2021

Background

Triple therapy with inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting muscarinic antagonists/long-acting β2-agonists (ICS/LAMA/LABA) is recommended for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with continued symptoms or exacerbations, despite treatment with LAMA/LABA or ICS/LABA. The pulmonary, extrathoracic, and regional lung deposition patterns of a radiolabeled ICS/LAMA/LABA triple fixed-dose combination budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF 320/18/9.6 μg), delivered via a single Aerosphere metered dose inhaler (MDI) were previously assessed in healthy volunteers and showed good deposition to the central and peripheral airways (whole lung deposition: 37.7%). Here, we report the findings assessing BGF in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD.

Methods

This phase I, single-dose, open-label gamma scintigraphy imaging study (NCT03906045) was conducted in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD. Patients received two actuations of BGF MDI (160/9/4.8 μg per actuation) radiolabeled with technetium‑99‑pertechnetate, not exceeding 5 MBq per actuation. Immediately following each inhalation, patients performed a breath-hold of up to 10 s, then exhaled into an exhalation filter. Gamma scintigraphy imaging of the anterior and posterior views of the lungs and stomach, and a lateral head and neck view, were performed immediately after exhalation. The primary objective of the study was to assess the pulmonary deposition of BGF. Secondary objectives assessed the deposited dose of radiolabeled BGF in the oropharyngeal and stomach regions, on the actuator, and on the exhalation filter in addition to regional airway deposition patterns in the lungs.

Results

The mean BGF emitted dose deposited in the lungs was 32.1% (standard deviation [SD] 15.6) in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD, 35.2% (SD 12.8) in patients with moderate COPD, and 28.7% (SD 18.4) in patients with severe/very severe COPD. Overall, the mean normalized outer/inner ratio was 0.55 (SD 0.19), while the standardized central/peripheral ratio was 2.21 (SD 1.64).

Conclusions

Radiolabeled BGF 320/18/9.6 μg was efficiently delivered and deposited throughout the entire lung, including large and small airways, in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD, with similar deposition in patients with moderate COPD and patients with severe/very severe COPD.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03906045. Registered 8 April 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03906045
Diagnosis of pulmonary nodules by DNA methylation analysis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids
Authors: Li Lei , Ye Zhujia , Yang Sai , Yang Hao , Jin Jing , Zhu Yingying , Tao Jinsheng , Chen Siyu , Xu Jiehan , Liu Yanying , Liang Weihe , Wang Bo , Yang Mengzhu , Huang Qiaoyun , Chen Zhiwei , Li Weimin , Fan Jian-Bing , Liu Dan
Published: October 2021

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The alteration of DNA methylation plays a major role in the development of lung cancer. Methylation biomarkers become a possible method for lung cancer diagnosis.

Results

We identified eleven lung cancer-specific methylation markers (CDO1, GSHR, HOXA11, HOXB4-1, HOXB4-2, HOXB4-3, HOXB4-4, LHX9, MIR196A1,PTGER4-1,andPTGER4-2), which could differentiate benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. The methylation levels of these markers are significantly higher in malignant tissues. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples, the methylation signals maintain the same differential trend as in tissues. An optimal 5-marker model for pulmonary nodule diagnosis (malignant vs. benign) was developed from all possible combinations of the eleven markers. In the test set (57 tissue and 71 BALF samples), the area under curve (AUC) value achieves 0.93, and the overall sensitivity is 82% at the specificity of 91%. In an independent validation set (111 BALF samples), the AUC is 0.82 with a specificity of 82% and a sensitivity of 70%.

Conclusions

This model can differentiate pulmonary adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma from benign diseases, especially for infection, inflammation, and tuberculosis. The model’s performance is not affected by gender, age, smoking history, or the solid components of nodules.
How rare and common risk variation jointly affect liability for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Klei Lambertus , McClain Lora Lee , Mahjani Behrang , Panayidou Klea , De Rubeis Silvia , Grahnat Anna-Carin Säll , Karlsson Gun , Lu Yangyi , Melhem Nadine , Xu Xinyi , Reichenberg Abraham , Sandin Sven , Hultman Christina M. , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Roeder Kathryn , Devlin Bernie
Published: October 2021

Background

Genetic studies have implicated rare and common variations in liability for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Of the discovered risk variants, those rare in the population invariably have large impact on liability, while common variants have small effects. Yet, collectively, common risk variants account for the majority of population-level variability. How these rare and common risk variants jointly affect liability for individuals requires further study.

Methods

To explore how common and rare variants jointly affect liability, we assessed two cohorts of ASD families characterized for rare and common genetic variations (Simons Simplex Collection and Population-Based Autism Genetics and Environment Study). We analyzed data from 3011 affected subjects, as well as two cohorts of unaffected individuals characterized for common genetic variation: 3011 subjects matched for ancestry to ASD subjects and 11,950 subjects for estimating allele frequencies. We used genetic scores, which assessed the relative burden of common genetic variation affecting risk of ASD (henceforth “burden”), and determined how this burden was distributed among three subpopulations: ASD subjects who carry a potentially damaging variant implicated in risk of ASD (“PDV carriers”); ASD subjects who do not (“non-carriers”); and unaffected subjects who are assumed to be non-carriers.

Results

Burden harbored by ASD subjects is stochastically greater than that harbored by control subjects. For PDV carriers, their average burden is intermediate between non-carrier ASD and control subjects. Both carrier and non-carrier ASD subjects have greater burden, on average, than control subjects. The effects of common and rare variants likely combine additively to determine individual-level liability.

Limitations

Only 305 ASD subjects were known PDV carriers. This relatively small subpopulation limits this study to characterizing general patterns of burden, as opposed to effects of specific PDVs or genes. Also, a small fraction of subjects that are categorized as non-carriers could be PDV carriers.

Conclusions

Liability arising from common and rare risk variations likely combines additively to determine risk of any individual diagnosed with ASD. On average, ASD subjects carry a substantial burden of common risk variation, even if they also carry a rare PDV affecting risk.
Diffuse prothrombotic syndrome after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine administration: a case report
Authors: Ceschia Nicole , Scheggi Valentina , Gori Anna Maria , Rogolino Angela Antonietta , Cesari Francesca , Giusti Betti , Cipollini Franco , Marchionni Niccolò , Alterini Brunetto , Marcucci Rossella
Published: October 2021

Background

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia is emerging as one of the most relevant side effects of adenoviral-based vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019. Given the novelty of this disease, the medical community is seeking new evidence and clinical experiences on the management of these patients.

Case presentation

In this article, we describe the case of a 73-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with diffuse prothrombotic syndrome, both in the arterial and venous districts, following the first dose administration of ChAdOx1 CoV-19 vaccine. The main thrombotic sites included the brain, with both a cortical ischemic lesion and thromboses of the left transverse and sigmoid sinuses and the lower limbs, with deep venous thrombosis accompanied by subsegmental pulmonary thromboembolism. The deep venous thrombosis progressively evolved into acute limb ischemia, requiring surgical intervention with thromboendoarterectomy. Anticoagulation was maintained throughout the whole hospitalization period and continued in the outpatient setting using vitamin K antagonists for a recommended period of 6 months.

Conclusions

This case describes the management of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia in a complicated clinical scenario, including multisite arterial and venous thromboses. Given the complexity of the patient presentation, this case may implement the comprehension of the mechanisms and clinical features of this disease; it also provides a picture of the challenges related to the management, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
Knockdown of SERPINB2 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Hang Kai , Ying Li , Bai Jinwu , Wang Yibo , Kuang Zhihui , Xue Deting , Pan Zhijun
Published: October 2021

Background

Globally, bone fractures are the most common musculoskeletal trauma, and approximately 8–10% of cases that fall into the categories of delayed or non-union healing. To date, there are no efficient pharmacological agents to accelerate the healing of bone fractures. Thus, it is necessary to find new strategies that accelerate bone healing and reduce the incidence of non-union or delayed fracture healing. Previous studies have revealed that the plasminogen activation system has been demonstrated to play an important role in bone metabolism. However, the function of SERPINB2 in the osteogenesis of hBMSCs remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of SERPINB2 on osteogenic differentiation.

Methods

We investigated the osteogenesis effects of hBMSCs by both exogenous SerpinB2 protein and SERPINB2 gene silencing in vitro. Cell proliferation assay was used to assess the effect of exogenous SerpinB2 or SERPINB2 silencing on proliferation of hBMSCs. qPCR and Western blotting analysis detected the expression of target genes and proteins respectively. ALP staining was used to evaluated ALP activity and Alizarin Red staining (ARS) was used to evaluate mineral deposition. In vivo, a murie tibial fracture model was established, histological evaluation and radiographic analysis was used to confirm the therapeutic effects of SERPINB2 silencing in fracture healing. Statistical significance between two groups was determined by Student’s t test, one-way ANOVA or Bonferroni’s post-hoc test according to the distribution of the tested population.

Results

The addition of exogenous SerpinB2 protein inhibted osteoblast differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro, while SERPINB2 gene silencing significant promote osteoblast differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro. And silenced SERPINB2 gene also increased mineral deposits. Moreover, β-catenin levels were up-regulated by SERPINB2 gene depletion. And the enhancement of osteogenic differentiation induced by SERPINB2 silencing was almost inhibited by specific Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor. In a murine tibial fracture model, local injection of SERPINB2 siRNA improved bone fracture healing.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings indicate that SERPINB2 silencing promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and silenced SERPINB2 in vivo effectively promotes fracture healing, suggesting that SERPINB2 may be a novel target for bone fracture healing.
CAR-T cell therapy in T-cell malignancies: Is success a low-hanging fruit?
Authors: Safarzadeh Kozani Pouya , Safarzadeh Kozani Pooria , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh
Published: October 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has been prosperous in the treatment of patients with various types of relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell malignancies including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and multiple myeloma (MM). However, this type of therapy has faced serious hindrances in combating T-cell neoplasms. R/R T-cell malignancies are generally associated with poor clinical outcomes, and the available effective treatment approaches are very limited. CAR-T therapy of T-cell malignancies has unique impediments in comparison with that of B-cell malignancies. Fratricide, T-cell aplasia, and product contamination with malignant T cells when producing autologous CAR-Ts are the most important challenges of CAR-T therapy in T-cell malignancies necessitating in-depth investigations. Herein, we highlight the preclinical and clinical efforts made for addressing these drawbacks and also review additional potent stratagems that could improve CAR-T therapy in T-cell malignancies.
Longitudinal clonal tracking in humanized mice reveals sustained polyclonal repopulation of gene-modified human-HSPC despite vector integration bias
Authors: Suryawanshi Gajendra W. , Arokium Hubert , Kim Sanggu , Khamaikawin Wannisa , Lin Samantha , Shimizu Saki , Chupradit Koollawat , Lee YooJin , Xie Yiming , Guan Xin , Suryawanshi Vasantika , Presson Angela P. , An Dong-Sung , Chen Irvin S. Y.
Published: October 2021

Background

Current understanding of hematopoiesis is largely derived from mouse models that are physiologically distant from humans. Humanized mice provide the most physiologically relevant small animal model to study human diseases, most notably preclinical gene therapy studies. However, the clonal repopulation dynamics of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) in these animal models is only partially understood. Using a new clonal tracking methodology designed for small sample volumes, we aim to reveal the underlying clonal dynamics of human cell repopulation in a mouse environment.

Methods

Humanized bone marrow-liver-thymus (hu-BLT) mice were generated by transplanting lentiviral vector-transduced human fetal liver HSPC (FL-HSPC) in NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice implanted with a piece of human fetal thymus. We developed a methodology to track vector integration sites (VIS) in a mere 25 µl of mouse blood for longitudinal and quantitative clonal analysis of human HSPC repopulation in mouse environment. We explored transcriptional and epigenetic features of human HSPC for possible VIS bias.

Results

A total of 897 HSPC clones were longitudinally tracked in hu-BLT mice—providing a first-ever demonstration of clonal dynamics and coordinated expansion of therapeutic and control vector-modified human cell populations simultaneously repopulating in the same humanized mice. The polyclonal repopulation stabilized at 19 weeks post-transplant and the contribution of the largest clone doubled within 4 weeks. Moreover, 550 (~ 60%) clones persisted over 6 weeks and were highly shared between different organs. The normal clonal profiles confirmed the safety of our gene therapy vectors. Multi-omics analysis of human FL-HSPC revealed that 54% of vector integrations in repopulating clones occurred within ± 1 kb of H3K36me3-enriched regions.

Conclusions

Human repopulation in mice is polyclonal and stabilizes more rapidly than that previously observed in humans. VIS preference for H3K36me3 has no apparent negative effects on HSPC repopulation. Our study provides a methodology to longitudinally track clonal repopulation in small animal models extensively used for stem cell and gene therapy research and with lentiviral vectors designed for clinical applications. Results of this study provide a framework for understanding the clonal behavior of human HPSC repopulating in a mouse environment, critical for translating results from humanized mice models to the human settings.
Research of ergonomic comprehensive evaluation for suit production operation based on hybrid method with IAHP and gray entropy
Authors: Du Laihong , Chen Hua , Fang Yadong
Published: October 2021

To solve the problem of ergonomic evaluation of suit production system, a hybrid method of IAHP and gray entropy theory is proposed. Firstly, literature reviews for ergonomics evaluation tools and techniques are introduced. Furthermore, ergonomic evaluation index system of suit operation is established according to production practice. Besides, a comprehensive evaluation models process of gray entropy and IAHP is introduced. Finally, a detailed evaluation process of suit sewing, ironing and clipping operation is introduced by an example, and the results show that the evaluation method of the paper is helpful to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the operation system improvement demonstration.
Challenges for food security and safety: a qualitative study in an agriculture supply chain company in Iran
Authors: Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Nayedar Mehdi , Zartash Leila , Falakodin Zahra
Published: October 2021

Background

Food supply chain companies are major link for safe food production and distribution. Food safety ensures reduced food losses and, therefore, contributes to food security. Although there have been extensive studies on the food industry with different perspectives, no study has so far been conducted on the challenges in terms of the food security. The present study is a qualitative one conducted in 2019 in one of the largest agricultural production chain companies in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran.

Results

The research method was based on the conventional content analysis. Triangulation method was used for the data collection being a combination of the participant observations, focus group discussions (17 managers) and semi-structured interviews with the president of the company. Participants believed that their company plays an important role and has a prestigious position in the food security of Iran. However, the main challenges of the company are regulatory system, food safety risks, market unpredictability, traditional management and sanctions.

Conclusions

The company is highly resilient to all these challenges; however, the traditional management is still a serious disadvantage. This leads to the managers’ burnout along with the company survival problem, removing unfair sanctions and protecting agricultural development in developing countries is a necessity. In general, paying attention to the modern organizational management of these companies and their survival is an essential policy. For this reason, it is suggested that trust must be established between policymakers and companies on one hand and relationship between the academia and such companies to promote the organizational management on the other hand.
Seven novel glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency variants identified in the Qatari population
Authors: Malik Shaza , Zaied Roan , Syed Najeeb , Jithesh Puthen , Al-Shafai Mashael
Published: October 2021

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD) is the most common red cell enzymopathy in the world. In Qatar, the incidence of G6PDD is estimated at around 5%; however, no study has investigated the genetic basis of G6PDD in the Qatari population yet.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed whole-genome sequencing data generated by the Qatar Genome Programme for 6045 Qatar Biobank participants, to identify G6PDD variants in the Qatari population. In addition, we assessed the impact of the novel variants identified on protein function both in silico and by measuring G6PD enzymatic activity in the subjects carrying them.

Results

We identified 375 variants in/near G6PD gene, of which 20 were high-impact and 16 were moderate-impact variants. Of these, 14 were known G6PDD-causing variants. The most frequent G6PD-causing variants found in the Qatari population were p.Ser188Phe (G6PD Mediterranean), p.Asn126Asp (G6PD A +), p.Val68Met (G6PD Asahi), p.Ala335Thr (G6PD Chatham), and p.Ile48Thr (G6PD Aures) with allele frequencies of 0.0563, 0.0194, 0.00785, 0.0050, and 0.00380, respectively. Furthermore, we have identified seven novel G6PD variants, all of which were confirmed as G6PD-causing variants and classified as class III variants based on the World Health Organization’s classification scheme.

Conclusions

This is the first study investigating the molecular basis of G6PDD in Qatar, and it provides novel insights about G6PDD pathogenesis and highlights the importance of studying such understudied population.
Behavioral Activation as an ‘active ingredient’ of interventions addressing depression and anxiety among young people: a systematic review and evidence synthesis
Authors: Malik Kanika , Ibrahim Maliha , Bernstein Adam , Venkatesh Rahul Kodihalli , Rai Tara , Chorpita Bruce , Patel Vikram
Published: October 2021

Background

Psychological interventions such as behavioral activation (BA) that focus on overt behaviors rather than complex cognitive skills may be developmentally well-suited to address youth mental health problems. The current systematic review synthesized evidence on the characteristics, effectiveness and acceptability of behavioral activation (BA) to examine its role as a potential ‘active ingredient’ for alleviating depression and anxiety among young people aged 14 to 24 years.

Methods

Evidence across the following sources were synthesized: (i) randomized control trials (RCT) evaluating interventions where BA has been used as a standalone intervention or as part of a multicomponent intervention, (ii) qualitative studies examining the acceptability of BA as an intervention or as a coping strategy among young people with lived experiences. Consultations with a youth advisory group (YAG) from India were used to draw inferences from existing evidence and identify future research priorities.

Results

As part of the review, 23 RCTs were identified; three studies examined BA as a standalone intervention, and the remaining studies examined multicomponent intervention where BA was a constituent element. The intervention protocols varied in composition, with the number of intervention elements ranging between 5 to 18. There was promising but limited evidence in standalone interventions for thse effectiveness of BA for depression. The impact of BA in multicomponent interventions was difficult to evaluate in the absence of focal assessment of activation outcomes. Evidence from 37 additional qualitative studies of youth lived experience literature, corroborated by the YAG inputs, indicated that young people preferred using behavioral strategies similar to BA to cope with depression in their own life. Themes indicated that the activities that are important to an individual and their socio-contextual factors need to be considered in the planning and implementing BA intervention. Evidence for the use of BA in anxiety was limited across data sources.

Conclusions

Overall, there was preliminary empirical evidence for the effectiveness and acceptability of BA for youth depression. Further research is needed to examine the components and mechanisms that contribute to its effectiveness as an active intervention ingredient for depression and anxiety.
Muscle strength after the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction via contralateral bone-tendon-bone autograft
Authors: Sanada Takaki , Uchiyama Eiji , Iwaso Hiroshi , Fukai Atsushi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via a contralateral bone-tendon-bone (C-BTB) autograft was introduced to encourage early return to sports. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether primary contralateral BTB ACL reconstruction can be adapted for early return-to-sports modification by investigating the chronological changes of muscle strength after surgery.

Methods

Fifteen patients who had underwent C-BTB ACL reconstruction were compared with a matched group of 15 patients of ipsilateral BTB (I-BTB) ACL reconstruction. The clinical outcomes of the time of return-to-sports, Tegner activity scale and the rate of second ACL injuries, the tibial anterior translation measurement, and knee extension and flexion muscle strength were assessed.

Results

Within 12 months after surgery, 14 of 15 patients from both groups returned to preinjury sports. The median time to return to sports after surgery was 6.5 months in the C-BTB group and 8.0 months in the I-BTB group (p = 0.021). No significant difference was noted with regard to the Tegner activity scale, reinjury rate or mean instrumental anterior tibial translation. The quadriceps muscle strength in the ACL-reconstructed knee compared with the opposite knee in both groups at 5 months after surgery was 120.6% in the C-BTB group and 70.0% in the I-BTB group (p < 0.001). However, the quadriceps muscle strength of the non-reconstructed limb, which instructed the graft harvested knee in the C-BTB and the intact knee in the I-BTB group, compared with that of the preoperative uninjured limb, was 74.5% in the C-BTB group and 118.7% in the I-BTB group (p = 0.0021) 5 months after surgery. Moreover, the quadriceps muscle strength of the reconstructed knee compared with the preoperative normal limb was 88.8% and 81.5% in the C-BTB and I-BTB groups, respectively (p = 0.38).

Conclusions

ACL reconstruction via the C-BTB autograft indicated better quadriceps muscle strength from early stage after surgery compared with I-BTB ACL reconstruction. However, the ostensible rapid symmetrical muscle strength recovery was attributed to strength deficits compared to the preoperative condition at the donor site limb and ACL-reconstructed limb.

Level of evidence

Level: Level: 4.
Retinal image quality with multifocal, EDoF, and accommodative intraocular lenses as studied by pyramidal aberrometry
Authors: Alio Jorge L. , D’Oria Francesco , Toto Francesca , Balgos Joan , Palazon Antonio , Versaci Francesco , Alio del Barrio Jorge L.
Published: October 2021

Background

To study and compare the clinical optical image quality following implantation with different premium IOLs by analysing the point spread function (PSF) Strehl ratio using a pyramidal wavefront sensor (PWS)-based aberrometer.

Methods

This study included 194 eyes implanted with: (a) 19 AcrySof SA60AT (control group); (b) 19 Miniwell; (c) 24 LENTIS Mplus LS-313 MF30; d) 33 LENTIS Mplus LS-313 MF15; (e) 17 AkkoLens Lumina; (f) 31 AT LISA Tri 839MP; (g) 20 Precizon Presbyopic; (h) 20 AcrySof IQ PanOptix; (i) 11 Tecnis Eyhance. Main outcome measures were PSF Strehl ratio, PSF Strehl ratio excluding second-order aberrations (PSFw2), total root mean square (RMS), low-order aberration (LOA) and high-order aberration (HOA) RMS measured by PWS aberrometer.

Results

AT LISA Tri had the highest PSFw2 Strehl ratio at both 3.0- and 4.0-mm pupil size (0.52 ± 0.14 and 0.31 ± 0.10; P < 0.05), followed by SA60AT (0.41 ± 0.11 and 0.28 ± 0.07) and PanOptix (0.4 ± 0.07 and 0.26 ± 0.04). AT LISA Tri was found to provide a significantly better retinal image quality than PanOptix at both 3.0 mm (P < 0.0001) and 4.0 mm (P = 0.004). Mplus MF15 was found to be significantly better than Mplus MF30 at both 3.0 mm (P < 0.0001) and 4.0 mm (P = 0.002). Total RMS, LOA RMS, HOA RMS, PSF Strehl ratio and PSFw2 varied significantly between the studied groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Far distance clinical image quality parameters measured by PWS aberrometer differed significantly according to the technology of the implanted lens. AT LISA Tri, SA60AT and PanOptix showed the highest values of far distance retinal image quality, while the lowest PSFw2 Strehl ratios were displayed by Miniwell, Mplus MF30 and Precizon Presbyopic.
Neural network application in forecasting maximum wall deflection in homogenous clay
Authors: Aljanabi Khalid R. , AL-Azzawi Osamah M.
Published: October 2021

An attempt was carried out by using a neural network to predict the maximum deflection and its position caused by braced excavation in homogeneous clay. Six input variables, including excavation depth, Ratio of EI wall/EI of brace, the vertical distance between bracing, Length to width ratio of an excavation, shear strength, and the coefficient of lateral earth pressure, were adopted. Two models were developed, one is to estimate the maximum deflection and the other one to estimate the position of maximum deflection. The ANN models were developed and verified using a database of (169) cases of actual measured and presumptive cases using the analysis with the Finite element of maximum deflection. A sensitivity analysis was accomplished, to examine the relative significance of the parameters that influence the maximum deflection of the wall and its position; it indicates that the Ratio of EI wall/EI of brace has the most significant effect on the maximum wall deflection, while the properties of the soil have the most considerable effects on the position. The results show that the ANN can reasonably forecast the magnitude of the maximum deflection of the wall, as well as its position. Design charts are developed based on the ANN model.
CHILD-SAN: a new disability-inclusive framework for emergency sanitation for children aged five to 11, based on a systematic review of existing guidance
Authors: Rosato-Scott Claire , Evans Barbara E. , Barrington Dani J.
Published: October 2021

The specific sanitation needs of children aged five to 11 years old—those too old to use small potties, but usually too young to safely and confidently use adult latrines during both the day and night, and including children in this age range with disabilities—have often been overlooked in the provision of emergency sanitation. There are multiple reasons to provide sanitation specifically for this age group. They represent a large number of beneficiaries; legal principles and the moral obligations of humanitarian actors should drive their inclusion. Failure to consider their needs results in increased risk of injuries, abuse and/or exploitation when using unsuitable locations to urinate or defecate, and negative health impacts arising from being unable to manage personal hygiene.

We have critically reviewed existing guidance for the provision of emergency sanitation for children aged five to 11 and subsequently presents a new disability-inclusive framework: CHILD-SAN. CHILD-SAN is an acronym representing key factors for the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector to consider in emergency sanitation programmes: child participation, heights, user-friendly, location, décor, scaled-down, accessibility, and monitoring and evaluation.

The CHILD-SAN framework recommends (a) safe and meaningful child participation in emergency WASH preparedness planning and emergency WASH programming as a means to develop contextually-appropriate facilities, (b) specific design considerations for child-friendly toilets (that is, they meet the needs of a child), and (c) the collection of sex-, age- and disability-disaggregated data against contextually appropriate indicators to determine the prevalence of child-friendly facilities and their use. We found few examples of emergency WASH programmes adhering to elements of the CHILD-SAN framework, but the implementation of CHILD-SAN would contribute to the WASH sector’s aims of achieving universal sanitation and maximising opportunities for good health, dignity, comfort and safety for all.
CAVE-based immersive learning in undergraduate courses: examining the effect of group size and time of application
Authors: de Back Tycho T. , Tinga Angelica M. , Louwerse Max M.
Published: October 2021

Immersive virtual reality is increasingly regarded as a viable means to support learning. Cave Automatic Virtual Environments (CAVEs) support immersive learning in groups of learners, and is of potential interest for educational institutions searching for novel ways to bolster learning in their students. In previous work we have shown that the use of a CAVE-based virtual learning environment yielded higher learning gains compared to conventional textbook study. Yet, few prior studies have explored the circumstances that yield a trade-off between learning gains and the practical feasibility of providing immersive learning to large student numbers. To gain insight into these circumstances the current study examined two factors: (1) group size (small, medium and large), and (2) time of application (pre-, mid- and late-term of a course). Results indicated learning gains were present for all group sizes and application time periods, with highest learning gains in smaller groups. Learning gains were consistent across application time periods. Additionally, structural equation modeling was applied to assess how learning may result from the use of immersive virtual reality. Results indicated technological virtual reality features predicted learning outcomes via self-reported usability but less so via self-reported presence. Based on the findings, recommendations are presented for effective immersive learning for different group size and application time period configurations. Taken together, the current study elucidates factors affecting learning in immersive virtual reality and facilitates its use in educational practice.
Length–weight relationship of Charybdis callianassa Herbst, 1789 (Decapoda: Brachyura) in relation to sex and carapace length along the Mumbai coastal water, India
Authors: Wanjari Rinkesh N. , Ramteke Karankumar K. , Raut Shailendra , Gupta Nishikant
Published: October 2021

Background

The present study was performed to determine carapace length–body weight relationship of Charybdis callianassa. In fisheries biology, length–weight relationships are important as they allow for the calculation, by creating a mathematical equation between the two, of the total weight of the fish in a particular group in fish. Such information is helpful for fishery scientists to research the dynamics of development and populations and for public agencies that can maintain and preserve these resources sustainably.

Results

A study on the carapace length–body weight relationship of Charybdis callianassa (Herbst, 1789) was made on the northwest coast of India for the first time. The study was based on experimental trawl fishing conducted fortnightly from August 2019 to March 2020. A total of 479 specimens, including 262 males and 217 females from fishing trawler, were examined for their carapace length and total weight. The carapace length ranged from 2.69 to 3.54 cm, and the total weight from 5.26 to 7.36 g. This analysis revealed that the crabs exhibited negative allometric development, as shown by average exponents 'b' = 2.71 for pooled data with high coefficient (r) = 0.91 and r2 = 0.83.

Conclusions

The carapace length–body weight relationship of Charybdis callianassa in relation to sex and carapace was studied in the Mumbai coastal water, India. We found major differences in the average “r2” values of species reported for males (0.89), females (0.79) and pooled data (0.83). Such kind of study is essential for fisheries biology to comprehend the differences in circumstances in small and large specimens that vary with environmental conditions and seasons.
Reasons for using cannabidiol: a cross-sectional study of French cannabidiol users
Authors: Fortin Davide , Di Beo Vincent , Massin Sophie , Bisiou Yann , Carrieri Patrizia , Barré Tangui
Published: October 2021

Background

Cannabidiol and cannabidiol-based products are proliferating in many countries. This recent and rapid diffusion prompts investigating the reasons for its use.

Methods

We analyzed data from an online survey among cannabidiol users in the French general population (n = 1166) selected for their interest in such products. We described the reported reasons for using cannabidiol. We performed logistic regressions to identify the correlates of declaring well-being and other specific reasons for using cannabidiol. We also provided descriptive data regarding the cannabidiol patterns of use.

Results

Well-being was the most cited primary reason for use (27% of the sample). Declaring well-being as a primary reason for using cannabidiol was inversely associated with cigarette smoking, cannabis use, and employment. Among cannabidiol users reporting well-being as their primary reason for use, stress and sleep improvements were the most-cited specific reasons. In the whole study sample, the most common modes of use were smoking cannabidiol-rich cannabis (61%) and ingesting cannabidiol oil sublingually (19%).

Conclusions

In a sample of cannabidiol users from France, well-being was the most-cited primary reason for use, and smoking was the first route of administration. Further research is needed to clarify to what extent expected effects are scientifically sound and to understand country-related specificities regarding patterns of use.
Recycling disposable bamboo chopstick waste as a renewable energy resource: Case study in Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Authors: Jodnok Supin , Choeisai Pairaya , Kruehong Chaiyaput , Choeisai Krit
Published: October 2021

This study focused on elucidating disposable bamboo chopstick (DBC) waste generation rate and identifying the appropriate carbonization temperature for recycling DBC waste as a renewable energy resource. A survey was conducted within the study area of Khon Kaen University (KKU). Of the student population of approximately 40,000, the questionnaire was completed by 470 students. The survey revealed a bamboo chopstick utilization rate equivalent to 0.46 pairs person− 1 d− 1. A carbonization process wit 1-h was carried out at 650 and at 900 °C to compare the quality of charcoal recycled from DBC (DBC charcoal). The DBC charcoal prepared at 650 °C was of a higher quality for use as fuel compared to 900 °C prepared DBC charcoal; with 5.3 times higher BET surface area (62 × 103 m2 kg− 1), 5% higher thermal efficiency (31%), 15 times higher hydrogen (H) content (1.9% of total mass content), and 1.0 MJ kg− 1 higher heating values by bombs calorimeter (32.8 MJ kg− 1). The utilization of DBC charcoal as the biomass fuel in gasification for electricity generation could produce 0.0395% of KKU consumption energy which was estimated to reduce CO2 emission by 12.9 t CO2 yr− 1 as well as waste generation at 43.7 t yr− 1 or 0.399% around KKU area.
Integrating social determinants of health screening and referral during routine emergency department care: evaluation of reach and implementation challenges
Authors: Wallace Andrea S. , Luther Brenda L. , Sisler Shawna M. , Wong Bob , Guo Jia-Wen
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite the importance of social determinants in health outcomes, little is known about the best practices for screening and referral during clinical encounters. This study aimed to implement universal social needs screening and community service referrals in an academic emergency department (ED), evaluating for feasibility, reach, and stakeholder perspectives.

Methods

Between January 2019 and February 2020, ED registration staff screened patients for social needs using a 10-item, low-literacy, English-Spanish screener on touchscreens that generated automatic referrals to community service outreach specialists and data linkages. The RE-AIM framework, specifically the constructs of reach and adoption, guided the evaluation. Reach was estimated through a number of approaches, completed screenings, and receipt of community service referrals. Adoption was addressed qualitatively via content analysis and qualitative coding techniques from (1) meetings, clinical interactions, and semi-structured interviews with ED staff and (2) an iterative “engagement studio” with an advisory group composed of ED patients representing diverse communities.

Results

Overall, 4608 participants were approached, and 61% completed the screener. The most common reason for non-completion was patient refusal (43%). Forty-seven percent of patients with completed screeners communicated one or more needs, 34% of whom agreed to follow-up by resource specialists. Of the 482 participants referred, 20% were reached by outreach specialists and referred to community agencies. Only 7% of patients completed the full process from screening to community service referral; older, male, non-White, and Hispanic patients were more likely to complete the referral process. Iterative staff (n = 8) observations and interviews demonstrated that, despite instruction for universal screening, patient presentation (e.g., appearance, insurance status) drove screening decisions. The staff communicated discomfort with, and questioned the usefulness of, screening. Patients (n = 10) communicated a desire for improved understanding of their unmet needs, but had concerns about stigmatization and privacy, and communicated how receptivity of screenings and outreach are influenced by the perceived sincerity of screening staff.

Conclusions

Despite the limited time and technical barriers, few patients with social needs ultimately received service referrals. Perspectives of staff and patients suggest that social needs screening during clinical encounters should incorporate structure for facilitating patient-staff relatedness and competence, and address patient vulnerability by ensuring universal, private screenings with clear intent.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04630041.
Embryonic Steroids Control Developmental Programming of Energy Balance
Authors: Monica Shih Meng-Chun , Huang Chen-Che Jeff , Chu Hsueh-Ping , Hsu Nai-Chi , Chung Bon-chu
Published: October 2021

Glucose is a major energy source for growth. At birth, neonates must change their energy source from maternal supply to its own glucose production. The mechanism of this transition has not been clearly elucidated. To evaluate the possible roles of steroids in this transition, here we examine the defects associated with energy production of a mouse line that cannot synthesize steroids de novo due to the disruption of its Cyp11a1 (cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1) gene. The Cyp11a1 null embryos had insufficient blood insulin and failed to store glycogen in the liver since embryonic day 16.5. Their blood glucose dropped soon after maternal deprivation, and the expression of hepatic gluconeogenic and glycogenic genes were reduced. Insulin was synthesized in the mutant fetal pancreas but failed to be secreted. Maternal glucocorticoid supply rescued the amounts of blood glucose, insulin, and liver glycogen in the fetus but did not restore expression of genes for glycogen synthesis, indicating the requirement of de novo glucocorticoid synthesis for glycogen storage. Thus, our investigation of Cyp11a1 null embryos reveals that the energy homeostasis is established before birth, and fetal steroids are required for the regulation of glycogen synthesis, hepatic gluconeogenesis, and insulin secretion at the fetal stage.
‘‘No solo hilaron lana’’. Una aproximación a las desconocidas escritoras romanas.
Authors: Martín Díaz Marta
Published: October 2021

Las condiciones de producción de la Literatura Latina, una actividad codificada por y para la élite romana masculina, así como la decisión consciente de no conservar la obra del escaso número de mujeres que tuvieron acceso a esa esfera, debido al sesgo androcéntrico en la transmisión literaria, hacen que apenas podamos hablar de Literatura Latina producida por mujeres. No obstante, pese a los adversos avatares que a lo largo del tiempo estas autoras y su obra han padecido, hemos conservado algunos de estos nombres, así como parte de sus obras, en algunas ocasiones de manera fragmentaria. Por ende, este artículo presenta una selección de autoras que, partiendo de los orígenes de la misma Literatura Latina y llegando hasta la última escritora de la antigüedad romana tal y como la conocemos, ilustran la variedad de géneros que las autoras supervivientes de esta literatura cultivaron, tanto en verso (elegías, poesía erótica, sátira, laudatio funebris) como en prosa (oratoria judicial, memorias). A su vez, este rescate dará pie a profundizar en los mecanismos de omisión de estas escritoras y la necesidad de llevar a cabo esta recuperación en nuestros días, para darle a la Literatura Latina un enfoque propio del siglo XXI.
An Inverse Optimization Approach to Measuring Clinical Pathway Concordance
Authors: Chan Timothy C. Y. , Eberg Maria , Forster Katharina , Holloway Claire , Ieraci Luciano , Shalaby Yusuf , Yousefi Nasrin
Published: October 2021

Clinical pathways outline standardized processes in the delivery of care for a specific disease. Patient journeys through the healthcare system, however, can deviate substantially from these pathways. Given the positive benefits of clinical pathways, it is important to measure the concordance of patient pathways so that variations in health system performance or bottlenecks in the delivery of care can be detected, monitored, and acted upon. This paper proposes the first data-driven inverse optimization approach to measuring pathway concordance in any problem context. Our specific application considers clinical pathway concordance for stage III colon cancer. We develop a novel concordance metric and demonstrate using real patient data from Ontario, Canada that it has a statistically significant association with survival. Our methodological approach considers a patient’s journey as a walk in a directed graph, where the costs on the arcs are derived by solving an inverse shortest path problem. The inverse optimization model uses two sources of information to find the arc costs: reference pathways developed by a provincial cancer agency (primary) and data from real-world patient-related activity from patients with both positive and negative clinical outcomes (secondary). Thus, our inverse optimization framework extends existing models by including data points of both varying “primacy” and “alignment.” Data primacy is addressed through a two-stage approach to imputing the cost vector, whereas data alignment is addressed by a hybrid objective function that aims to minimize and maximize suboptimality error for different subsets of input data.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, Management Science Special Section on Data-Driven Prescriptive Analytics.
Investigating the incidence and type of sharps injuries within the nursing student population in the UK
Authors: Hambridge Kevin , Endacott Ruth , Nichols Andrew
Published: October 2021

Aims:

To identify the incidence and type of sharps injuries within a UK nursing student population.

Background:

Evidence suggests that nursing students sustain sharps injuries across the world, but there is a lack of data from the UK. Design: Questionnaire survey.

Methods:

A survey was administered to a volunteer sample of nursing students (n=1015) in a university, following which the survey was distributed to nursing students nationwide using snowball sampling via social media. Datasets from 1015 nursing students were available for analysis.

Results:

Sharps injuries were most likely to occur with glass ampoules, when preparing injections and to occur in the second year of the programme. Contributing factors to sharps injury were identified, with inexperience being the primary cause. Some nursing students reported psychological impacts after sustaining the sharps injury.

Conclusion:

Sharps injuries are common among nursing students, and can have many psychological consequences for an individual.
Editorial 112
Authors: Kubo Edson Keyso de Miranda Kubo
Published: October 2021

Editorial da publicação G&R V.37, nº112