bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct kin strategies of the legume soybean and the non‐legume balsam by accomplishing different nitrogen acquisition and rhizosphere microbiome composition
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Qingxia , Li Weilin , He Jizheng , Xu Xingliang
Published: December 2021

Kin selection has been proposed vvto be an important mechanism for plant relatives growing together. To reveal kin recognition, we used15N labeling to assess the short‐term nitrogen (N) acquisition (uptake of nitrate and ammonium), long‐term N utilization (recovery of added urea), N‐use efficiency (NUE) and rhizosphere microbiome in leguminousGlycine maxand non‐leguminousImpatiens balsamina. Individuals of each species were planted pairwise with either a sibling or a stranger. Enzyme activity and soil microbial composition were compared between kinship groups. Compared with strangers,G. maxsiblings increased aboveground biomass, NUE, and nitrogenase activity, whereasI. balsaminasiblings decreased root biomass and increased uptake rate of nitrate and potential nitrification rate. Plant kinship affected soil bacterial communities by enriching specific groups possessing explicit eco‐functions (Rhizobiales forG. maxandNitrospiraforI. balsamina). Kinship‐sensitive operational taxonomic units formed independent modules in the bacterial co‐occurrence network and were positively correlated with plant growth performance, N acquisition and enzymatic activity. Plant kin recognition may depend on the growth strategies of the plant species. Kin selection was dominant inG. maxby enhancing biological N fixation through the enrichment of symbiotic rhizobia (demonstrated by aboveground growth and NUE superiority among siblings). Kin selection and niche partitioning occurred simultaneously inI. balsamina, expressed through reduced root allocation but increased nitrate uptake, and enhanced soil N nitrification, by enriching functional microbial groups. Kin recognition responses are the consequence of complex interactions among the host plant, the microbiome, and soil nutrient cycling and utilization processes.
The 2021 IXA Keith Reemtsma Lecture: Moving xenotransplantation to the clinic
Authors: Cooper David K. C.
Published: December 2021

Keith Reemtsma was a pioneer in xenotransplantation, the Honorary Founding President of the International Xenotransplantation Association (in 1998), and a wonderful personality. It is a privilege to be invited to give this lecture in his memory.

If he were alive today, he would be delighted to see the progress that has been made in pig organ transplantation into nonhuman primate recipients. This progress has largely resulted from two major advances: (i) the increasing availability of pigs with multiple genetic manipulations aimed at protecting the cells of the organ from the primate immune response and (ii) the introduction of novel immunosuppressive agents that block the CD40/CD154 costimulation pathway.

There is strong evidence from numerous in vitro studies that the transplantation of a triple‐knockout pig organ, particularly if expressing several human protective proteins, into a patient is likely to be significantly more successful than if that same organ is transplanted into a nonhuman primate recipient. With this fact in mind, and in view of the advances currently being made, the time has surely come when we need to consider moving from the laboratory to the clinic.

However, there are still questions we need to definitively resolve: (i) What exact genetic modifications do we need in the organ‐source pig? (ii) What exact immunosuppressive regimen will we choose? (iii) How will we monitor the immune response and diagnose and treat rejection? and (iv) How do we plan to prevent or treat potential infectious complications? Furthermore, when these matters have been resolved, which patients will be offered a pig organ in the first trial? We have suggested that patients who are very unlikely to survive until a suitable deceased human donor kidney becomes available are those who should be considered for the initial trials. Assessing public attitudes to xenotransplantation is also important before embarking on a clinical trial.

I suggest that progress is much more likely to be made from a small clinical trial than if we persist in carrying out experiments in an animal model that no longer mimics the clinical situation.
EMPLOYING THE FUZZY DELPHI METHOD TO VALIDATE COMMUNICATION SKILLS AMONG ENGINEERING GRADUATES
Authors: Singh Amarjit , Mustafa Zaida , Kharuddin Azrul Fazwan
Published: December 2021

Delphi strategy may be a method and organized approach utilized to audit and collect suppositions of a gather of specialists, be that as it may, has it possess shortcomings. The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), which is based on a variation of the Delphi method, has been demonstrated to be more successful in showing human phonetic knowledge in numerous tests (which is the signature of the Delphi Procedure). The Fuzzy Delphi Method was used to assess the content of communication abilities among engineering graduates in this article. This stage of development could be part of a larger project to develop a Malaysian employability aptitude system. This stage includes the view of 10 specialists who are experienced and have profound information in designing. It may be a thorough factual examination to approve the legitimacy of the theoretical concept of communication skills. The results of the experts' analysis were presented in the study, as well as the usefulness of the Fuzzy Delphi Method as a tool for gathering information about the validity of communication abilities content. Experts' recognitions have appeared disjointed about communication and get it more than one dialect among engineers. The specialists concurred with building graduates it can be donated by a clear heading, tune in and inquire address in their employability aptitudes capability.
A CONCEPTUAL PAPER ON THE INFLUENCE OF MUTUAL RESPECT ON LEADER-SUBORDINATE RELATIONSHIP IN THE MALAYSIAN PUBLIC SERVICES
Authors: Rahman Syahrir , Mahadi Nomahaza
Published: December 2021

Respect has a crucial role in a dyadic relationship, especially between leader and subordinate, because of the reciprocal costs in the relationship when respect is gained or earned. Leaders can be respected because of their position or fair treatment given to their subordinates. Respect has been featured in the leadership literature; however, few touches on the perspective of mutuality in respect, especially in a dyadic leader-subordinate relationship. The impact of the leader-subordinate relationship is significant in the Malaysian public services, as the scheme of grades determines the employees’ hierarchy. The Malaysian public services organizations' issues often arise from employees’ behavior and working relationships that affect their delivery. A high exchange of the dyadic leader and subordinate relationship correlated with desirable outcomes such as positive performance and attitudinal outcomes. One of the significant elements of the subordinates’ response is the attitude of respect towards the leader. Hence, this paper aimed to investigate the influence of mutual respect on the leader-subordinate working relationship in the public services that has implications for performance and service delivery.
Representations and Realization of Written Planning of PSE Teachers in Tunisia
Authors: Mounira Ben Chaifa , Naceur Abd Elmajid , Mohamed Elloumi
Published: December 2021

Planning is an act of anticipation carried out by the teacher during the pre-active phase to prioritize the pedagogical and didactic teaching approaches. On the other hand, in the teaching field, the teaching-learning situation is also complex to be identified by simple planning. In this study, we seek to explain the influence of gender and the seniority of physical education and sports (PSE) teachers on representations of written lesson planning and its management in the field. We collaborated with 20 PSE teachers and 10 trainee students in initial training in secondary schools. We filmed practical sessions and we carried out two types of interviews with the participants and we analyzed the content of the written plans of the participants in our experiment. Our results show that the professional seniority and the gender of the PSE teacher do not modulate the representations that are made of the written planning of the lesson. However, in practice, the teacher's representations of written planning are not always consistent with their realization on the ground. The difference between teachers' representations of the PSE teacher's written planning and their teaching practices is dependent on the professional seniority and gender of the acting person. The actions of the actor are shaped by the aspects inherent in the learning situation, the actions of the teacher are therefore contextualized.
Anisotropic magnetoresistance and planar Hall effect in correlated and topological materials
Authors: Li Tianlin , Zhang Le , Hong Xia
Published: December 2021

This article reviews the recent progress in understanding the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and the planar Hall effect (PHE) in two classes of quantum materials, the strongly correlated oxides and topological materials. After introducing the phenomenological description, we give a comprehensive survey of the experimental results, including the effects of temperature, magnetic field, strain, chemical doping, and electric field effect tuning. The material systems of interest include single-phase bulk and thin film materials, artificial nanostructures, surfaces and heterointerfaces, as well as superlattices. We focus on the critical information revealed by the AMR and PHE about the complex energy landscape in these emergent materials, elucidating their connection with magnetocrystalline anisotropy, charge correlation, spin-orbit coupling, band topology, and interface coupling.
Electronic structure and anion engineering for perovskite oxysulfide BaTi(O,S)3
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhang Sa , Jiang Ming , Xiao Haiyan , Feng Shan , Qiao Liang
Published: December 2021

Barium titanate (BaTiO3), as a classical ferroelectric material, has been widely applied in photovoltaic cells due to its unique ferroelectric photovoltaic effect for charge separation. However, its large bandgap (3.40 eV) limits sunlight absorption efficiency. Anion substitution by elements with smaller electronegativity has been demonstrated as an emergent strategy for reducing bandgaps for traditional oxides. This work reports the electronic structure and anion engineering to replace the oxygen atoms in BaTiO3 with sulfur atoms, leading to a new material system of perovskite oxysulfide BaTi(O,S)3. First-principles calculations show that the bandgap of BaTiOS2 and BaTiS3 are 1.25 and 0.13 eV, respectively, which are significantly smaller than that of BaTiO3. Meanwhile, the optical absorption of BaTiOS2 and BaTiS3 is shown to be in the range of visible light and is improved remarkably as compared with BaTiO3. The presented results suggest that BaTiOS2 and BaTiS3 are promising candidates for photovoltaic materials.
Crystal-phase-specific near-infrared photoluminescence from Er3+-doped Bi2O3 thin films
Authors: Akazawa Housei
Published: December 2021

Er3+-doped Bi2O3 films were sputter deposited on Si(100) substrates at room temperature with H2O vapor as an oxygen source gas. Crystal phases appearing after postannealing in an O2 atmosphere included single-phases of α-Bi2O3, γ-Bi2O3, and δ-Bi2O3, as well as a mixed phase of α-Bi2O3 and γ-Bi2O3. Selection of the crystal phase was possible in terms of H2O pressure and postannealing temperature. Photoluminescence spectra from Er3+ ions excited at a laser wavelength of 532 nm revealed distinct spectral features specific to the crystal phases. A clear crystal-field splitting feature consisting of eight emission lines was observed in PL spectra from sufficiently oxidized α-Bi2O3:Er films, indicating that Er3+ ions occupied low-symmetry C2v sites of Bi3+. The optimum annealing temperature for optical activation of Er3+ ions was between 400 and 450 °C. The emission intensity of α-Bi2O3:Er deposited with H2O was seven times higher than that of α-Bi2O3:Er deposited with O2 probably because larger numbers of Er3+ could substitute Bi3+ sites under reduced condition. Increasing deposition temperature lowered the emission intensity due to the loss of OH and H species from the as-deposited films. The emission spectra of γ-Bi2O3:Er were featureless and its emission intensity was one order of magnitude lower than that of α-Bi2O3:Er. The low-temperature phase of δ-Bi2O3:Er turned out to be entirely emission inactive. Reactions at the interface between the Bi2O3 film and the Si substrate were promoted upon postannealing at 500 °C. The resulting Bi2SiO5:Er exhibited a weak emission spectrum with four emission lines, which reflected occupation at tetragonal Bi3+ sites in the (Bi2O2)2− layers.
Mechanistic understanding of catechols and integration into an electrochemically cross-linked mussel foot inspired adhesive hydrogel
Authors: Appenroth Julia , Moreno Ostertag Laila , Imre Alexander M. , Valtiner Markus , Mears Laura L. E.
Published: December 2021

Catechol reaction mechanisms form the basis of marine mussel adhesion, allowing for bond formation and cross-linking in wet saline environments. To mimic mussel foot adhesion and develop new bioadhesive underwater glues, it is essential to understand and learn to control their redox activity as well as their chemical reactivity. Here, we study the electrochemical characteristics of functionalized catechols to further understand their reaction mechanisms and find a stable and controllable molecule that we subsequently integrate into a polymer to form a highly adhesive hydrogel. Contradictory to previous hypotheses, 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine is shown to follow a Schiff-base reaction whereas dopamine shows an intramolecular ring formation. Dihydrocaffeic acid proved to be stable and was substituted onto a poly(allylamine) backbone and electrochemically cross-linked to form an adhesive hydrogel that was tested using a surface forces apparatus. The hydrogel’s compression and dehydration dependent adhesive strength have proven to be higher than in mussel foot proteins (mfp-3 and mfp-5). Controlling catechol reaction mechanisms and integrating them into stable electrochemically depositable macroscopic structures is an important step in designing new biological coatings and underwater and biomedical adhesives.
Are Unilateral Devices Valid for Power Output Determination in Cycling? Insights From the Favero Assioma Power Meter
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Montalvo-Perez Almudena , Alejo Lidia B. , Castellanos Mario , Gil-Cabrera Jaime , Talavera Eduardo , Lucia Alejandro , Barranco-Gil David
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Some power meters are available in both bilateral and unilateral versions. However, despite the popularity of the latter, their validity remains unknown. We aimed to analyze the validity of a unilateral pedal power meter for estimating actual (“bilateral”) power output (PO). Methods: Thirty-three male cyclists were assessed at different POs (steady cycling at 100–500 W, as well as all-out sprints), pedaling cadences (70, 85, and 100 repetitions·min−1), and cycling positions (seated and standing). The PO estimated by a left-only power meter (Favero Assioma Uno) was compared with the actual PO computed by a bilateral power meter (Favero Assioma Duo), and the level of bilateral asymmetry (most- vs least-powerful leg) with the latter system was also computed. Results: Nonsignificant differences, high intraclass correlation coefficients (≥.90), and low coefficients of variation (consistently ≤5% except for low PO levels, ie, 5%–7% at 100 W) were found between Favero Assioma Uno and Favero Assioma Duo. However, although a strong intraclass correlation coefficient (.995) was found between both legs, asymmetry values of 4% to 6% were found for all conditions except when pedaling at the lowest PO (100 W), in which asymmetry increased up to 10% to 13%. Conclusions: Although cyclists tend to present some level of bilateral asymmetry during cycling (particularly at low PO), Favero Assioma Uno provides overall valid estimates of actual PO and is, therefore, an economical alternative to bilateral power meters. Caution is needed, however, when interpreting data at the individual level in cyclists with high levels of asymmetry.
No Fans, No Problem: An Investigation of Audience Effects on Shooting Performance in Professional Basketball
Authors: Markwell Logan T. , Strick Andrew J. , Porter Jared M.
Published: December 2021

Sports, along with nearly all facets of life, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Basketball Association quickly adopted a unique method to finish the 2019–2020 regular season and playoffs. The entire league quarantined for months in what was known as the “NBA bubble” where games were played in spectator-less arenas. During this time, increases in shooting accuracy were reported, suggesting that free throws and field goals were made at record-breaking levels. This study examined differences in free throw shooting accuracy with and without spectators. Archival data were retrieved and analyzed to evaluate the potential differences. Free throw shooting accuracy with and without spectators were examined in multiple analyses. Our examination revealed free throw percentages were significantly greater in spectator-less arenas compared with the 2018 and 2019 seasons with spectators. Changes of the environmental characteristics, due to spectator-less arenas, were likely contributors to the improved free throw phenomenon reported in this study.
Relationship Among 3 Different Core Stability Tests in Healthy Young Adults: Validity and Gender Differences
Authors: Kuniki Masahiro , Iwamoto Yoshitaka , Yamagiwa Daiki , Kito Nobuhiro
Published: December 2021

Context: Core stability is important for preventing injury and improving performance. Although various tests for evaluating core stability have been reported to date, information on their relationship and the effect of gender differences is limited. This study aimed to (1) identify correlations among the 3 core stability tests and to examine the validity of each test and (2) identify gender differences in the test relationship and determine whether gender influenced test selection. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-one healthy volunteers (27 men and 24 women) participated in the study. The participants underwent the following 3 tests: Sahrmann Core Stability Test (SCST), the lumbar spine motor control tests battery (MCBT), and Y Balance Test (YBT). Each parameter was analyzed according to all parameters and gender using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: Overall, there was a strong positive correlation between SCST and MCBT and moderate positive correlations between SCST and YBT and between MCBT and YBT. Conversely, gender-specific analyses revealed no significant correlations between YBT and SCST and between YBT and MCBT in women, although significantly strong correlations were found among all tests in men. Conclusion: Although these 3 tests evaluated interrelated functions and may be valid as core stability tests, the results should be carefully interpreted when performing YBT in women.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis secondary to ChAdOx-1 nCov-19 vaccine
Authors: Atta Syed Noman , Othman Nariman , Babar Munir
Published: December 2021

Thrombosis and thrombocytopaenia secondary to ChAdOx-1 nCov-19 vaccine is a new phenomenon that usually occurs after the first dose of vaccine. Most of these patients are healthy without any prior history of thromboembolic events or heparin use. Hall marks of this condition include detectable antibodies to platelet factor 4 and thrombosis at atypical sites particularly cerebral veins and sinuses mimicking atypical heparin induced thrombocytopaenia. We describe a case of a patient who was diagnosed with this rare condition and treated successfully.
Safety of add-on sulfonylurea therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes using metformin: a population-based real-world study
Authors: Hougen Ingrid , Whitlock Reid H , Komenda Paul , Rigatto Claudio , Clemens Kristin K , Tangri Navdeep
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Metformin is the initial oral antihyperglycemic agent (OHA) of choice for most patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, more than one agent is often required for optimal glucose control. As the choice of preferred second OHAs is less well defined, we sought to compare the real-world safety of sulfonylureas to other OHAs as add-on therapy to metformin in patients with T2D.

Research design and methods

This retrospective cohort study included adults in Manitoba, Canada with T2D from 2006 to 2017. Using a new-user design, we divided patients who started on metformin into two groups: add-on therapy with a sulfonylurea and add-on therapy with a different OHA. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and major hypoglycemic episodes. We calculated propensity scores and applied inverse probability of treatment weights to each individual. We compared groups using Cox proportional hazards regression and explored differences in HRs between pre-2008 (acarbose, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones) and post-2008 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose linked transporter-2 inhibitors) OHAs.

Results

Our cohort included 32 576 individuals (28 077 metformin plus sulfonylurea and 4499 metformin plus ‘other’). Patients newly prescribed a sulfonylurea in the setting of metformin had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.84, p=0.005) and major hypoglycemic episodes (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.66 to 4.66, p<0.001) than those prescribed an ‘other’ OHA. No differences in cardiovascular events were observed (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.22, p=0.92). In subgroup analyses, mortality and cardiovascular event risk was higher in patients prescribed sulfonylureas versus post-2008 OHAs.

Conclusions

Sulfonylureas as add-on therapy to metformin are associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and major hypoglycemic episodes compared with ‘other’ OHAs. Post hoc analysis suggests newer OHAs may be preferred to sulfonylureas as second-line therapy for glycemic control.
An 18-year-old girl with retrosternal burning discomfort: a bitter pill to swallow
Authors: Gouda Mahmoud , Elkholi Ayman , Tranah Thomas H , Shawcross Debbie L
Published: December 2021

Caustic injury secondary to impaction of ingested batteries is a potentially severe cause of oesophageal injury with an increasing incidence that reflects consumer trends and the utilisation of compact electronic devices. Delays to recognition and management are associated with increased risk of complications, morbidity and mortality. In this manuscript, we describe a case presentation and literature review of a patient presenting with upper oesophageal odynophagia after the deliberate ingestion of multiple foreign bodies.
A pilot feasibility trial of cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia in people with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Salwen-Deremer Jessica K , Smith Michael T , Aschbrenner Kelly A , Haskell Hannah G , Speed Brittany C , Siegel Corey A
Published: December 2021

Objective

Poor sleep is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), associated with worse overall disease course and predominantly attributable to insomnia. While cognitive–behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, it is untested in IBD. It is unclear if CBT-I will be as effective in this group given the extent of night-time symptoms people with IBD experience. Thus, we evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of CBT-I in IBD.

Design

We comprehensively assessed sleep in people with mild-to-moderately active IBD using questionnaires, daily diaries and actigraphy. People with significant insomnia symptoms were allocated to a single-arm, uncontrolled pilot feasibility study of gold-standard CBT-I treatment. They were then reassessed post-treatment.

Results

20 participants with IBD completed a baseline assessment. 10 were experiencing insomnia and were allocated to CBT-I. All participants who were offered CBT-I elected to complete it, and all completed 5/5 sessions. Participants rated treatment acceptability highly and daily diary and actigraphy completion rates were>95%. At baseline, participants with insomnia evidenced significantly worse sleep than participants without insomnia. Following CBT-I, participants reported significant improvements in diary and actigraphy measures of sleep continuity, dysfunctional sleep-related beliefs and IBD disease activity.

Conclusion

CBT-I was feasible and acceptable and demonstrated a signal for efficacy in the treatment of insomnia in IBD. Importantly, the improvements in sleep continuity were consistent with the extant literature. Future fully powered randomised controlled studies should evaluate whether treatment of insomnia can improve other aspects of IBD, including pain and inflammation.

Trial registration number

NCT04132024.
Cord blood microRNA-376c and microRNA-1268a as biomarkers for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Midan Dina Abdel Razek , Bahbah Wael A , Fayed Doaa Ahmed , Tantawy Ibrahim , Abdel Barry Hamed Mohamed , Ellaithy Manal Abd El-Monem , Elhefnawy Sally Mohammed
Published: December 2021

Background

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among neonates. There is a critical need for non-invasive novel biomarkers to detect HIE early, predict its outcomes and monitor its progression. We conducted this observational study to assess the relative expression of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a in cord blood as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HIE.

Methods

A total of 100 neonates divided into two independent groups were included. The case group included 50 neonates with HIE, while the control group included 50 matched healthy neonates. Relative expressions of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a were measured in whole cord blood at birth using real-time PCR.

Results

Compared with the control group, patients with HIE had a significantly lower median level of miRNA-376c (0.168, IQR=0.011–0.411 vs 1, IQR=0.80–1.20) and a higher median level of miRNA-1268a (13.46, IQR=2.7–22.8 vs 1, IQR=0.4–1.6). Comparing neonates with HIE who survived versus those who did not survive, no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a (p=0.124 and p=0.279) was elicited. Our diagnostic analysis showed that, at 0.90 points, miRNA-376c has a sensitivity and a specificity of 88% and 68.40%, with an area under the curve of 84%. At 2.70 points, miRNA-1268a has a sensitivity and a specificity of 76% and 100%, with an area under the curve of 96%.

Conclusion

The relative expression of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a was altered in the cord blood of neonates with HIE. In addition, they have moderate diagnostic accuracy in detecting HIE.
Telehealth for patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD): results of an international survey of clinicians
Authors: Althobiani Malik , Alqahtani Jaber S , Hurst John R , Russell Anne-Marie , Porter Joanna
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Clinicians and policymakers are promoting widespread use of home technology including spirometry to detect disease progression for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD); the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this. Data collating clinicians’ views on the potential utility of telehealth in ILD are limited.

Aim

This survey investigated clinicians’ opinions about contemporary methods and practices used to monitor disease progression in patients with ILD using telehealth.

Methods

Clinicians were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey (SurveyMonkey) of 13 questions designed by an expert panel. Telehealth was defined as home monitoring of symptoms and physiological parameters with regular automatic transmission of data from the patient’s home to the clinician. Data are presented as percentages of respondents.

Results

A total of 207 clinicians from 23 countries participated in the survey. A minority (81, 39%) reported using telehealth. 50% (n=41) of these respondents completed a further question about the effectiveness of telehealth. A majority of respondents (32, 70%) rated it to be quite or more effective than face-to-face visit. There were a greater number of respondents using telehealth from Europe (94, 45%) than Asia (51, 25%) and America (24%). Clinicians reported the most useful telehealth monitoring technologies as smartphone apps (59%) and wearable sensors (30%). Telehealth was most frequently used for monitoring disease progression (70%), quality of life (63%), medication use (63%) and reducing the need for in-person visits (63%). Clinicians most often monitored symptoms (93%), oxygen saturation (74%) and physical activity (72%). The equipment perceived to be most effective were spirometers (43%) and pulse oximeters (33%). The primary barriers to clinicians’ participation in telehealth were organisational structure (80%), technical challenges (63%) and lack of time and/or workload (63%). Clinicians considered patients’ barriers to participation might include lack of awareness (76%), lack of knowledge using smartphones (60%) and lack of confidence in telehealth (56%).

Conclusion

The ILD clinicians completing this survey who used telehealth to monitor patients (n=81) supported its’ clinical utility. Our findings emphasise the need for robust research in telehealth as a mode for the delivery of cost-effective healthcare services in ILD and highlight the need to assess patients’ perspectives to improve telehealth utility in patients with ILD.
Palliative care volunteer roles in Nordic countries: qualitative studies—systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Stoelen Karen Marie Sangild , Raunkiaer Mette , Winther Kirstine , Grubert Maria Vilhelm , Bøgeskov Benjamin Olivares
Published: December 2021

Background

Given limited palliative care resources, volunteers can be viewed as essential. To better understand the contribution of volunteers, it is useful to look at their roles in care systems with high level of financed public welfare, such as those found in Nordic countries.

Aim

To develop research-based knowledge of experiences related to volunteer roles in palliative care in Nordic countries with similar welfare systems.

Design

Systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Data sources

Cinahl, APA PsycInfo, SocINDEX, Idunn, Cristin, SwePub, SweMed+, Doria and Danish Research Database from 2005 to 2020.

Eligibility criteria

Qualitative peer-reviewed studies reporting first-hand experience of volunteers in palliative care in hospital, community (homecare and nursing home) and hospice settings (hospice institution and hospice home care); English abstract and available full text.

Results

Of 1521 citations, 11 articles were included in the review: seven Norwegian articles, three Swedish articles and one Danish article. Three overall themes emerged from analysis: (1) volunteers offered something different than professionals, (2) volunteering took place in professionals’ domain, (3) volunteers were motivated by personal gains.

Conclusion

Volunteers provide valuable support to patients and next of kin that differs from professionals’ support. Volunteers are motivated by direct interaction with patients and next of kin. Opportunities for interactions depend on the healthcare setting and professionals’ understandings of volunteers’ role. Formal training of volunteers is limited and supportive available professionals important to volunteers. Professionals’ understandings of volunteers’ role should be improved to strengthen volunteers’ role in palliative care in Nordic countries.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020222695.
Prostate cancer: unmet supportive and palliative care needs: national survey of patients and family carers
Authors: Johnson Miriam J , Huang Chao , Chen Hong , Jones Lesley , Twiddy Maureen
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Men living with prostate cancer have supportive and palliative needs. However, few studies detail unmet needs (vs quality of life measurement) or include data from those with advanced disease. We aimed to identify unmet needs of people living with prostate cancer (men, family carers), including those with advanced disease.

Methods

Mixed-methods national survey (patient Supportive Care Needs Survey; Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool) and health status (EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale). Quantitative data were explored using regression analysis. Free text data were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

216 men (mean age 65±8.5 years; active cancer 136 [63%]) and 97 carers (68 (70%) spouse/partner) provided data. 133 men (62%) reported moderate-to-high need which was more likely in advanced disease. Men’s health status was worse with active vs remitted disease (mean difference −11; 95% CI −17 to −5; p<0.001). 85 (88%) carers reported at least one unmet need relating to ‘enabling them to care’ and 83 (86%) relating to ‘their own well-being’. Carers with chronic illnesses had more unmet needs (p=0.01 to p=0.04) and patient receipt of palliative care independently predicted higher unmet carer needs (p=0.02).

Free text data demonstrated widespread burden with: (1) poor communication/information, including about palliative care; (2) poorly managed symptoms/concerns and (3) poor care co-ordination. Incontinence, sexual dysfunction and hormone side-effects were serious problems, often left unaddressed.

Conclusions

Many living with prostate cancer continue with wide-ranging concerns. Lack of systematic, ongoing needs assessment and poor communication compound inadequate clinical pathways. Person-centred care, interdisciplinary working and integrated palliative care should be resourced.
Gene of the month: Cornulin
Authors: Kaur Rajandeep , Chauhan Anshika , Bhat Shabir Ahmad , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Ghoshal Sushmita , Pal Arnab
Published: December 2021

Cornulin (CRNN) gene encodes a 495 amino acid long protein and is located on chromosome 1q21.3. Primarily, it functions as the marker of differentiation. Initially, it was found to be specific for the squamous cells of oesophagus. However, later on, several studies have revealed the presence of Cornulin downregulation in various epithelial squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, oesophagus and cervix and clinically associated it with worsening of cancer and the poor prognosis. Cornulin levels also showed dysregulation in other diseases such as Eczema and Psoriasis. Besides the differentiation marker, it was identified to be involved in the stress response. The studies, in psoriasis and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, has elucidated that the dysregulation in the Cornulin is associated with the cell cycle events such as G1/S transition. However, the actual function of Cornulin is still yet to be explored in detail.
I need an exact margin measurement for this basal cell carcinoma!
Authors: Katz Ian , Irwig Les , McGeehan Kevin , Bell Katy
Published: December 2021

Background/objectives

Pathology laboratories are required to determine or estimate the measurement uncertainty for all quantitative results, but there is no literature on the uncertainty in margin measurements for skin cancer excisions.

Methods

Six pathologists measured 4–14 histological margins in each of 10 basal cell carcinoma.

Results

The mean of measurements from all the margins from all the cases was 1.8 mm (range 0 and 6 mm). Regarding the overall variance in margin measurements across the ten cases, 25% was from variation within cases (differences in margin measurement for a given case, because of different margins and different pathologists measuring each margin, SD 0.7 mm). For a given case, we estimate that 95% of margin measurements would fall approximately within±1.4 mm of the mean measurement for that case. When only pathologists’ closest margin for each case were included (for the six cases with uninvolved margins), 6% of the overall variance was from differences within cases (because of different pathologists’ measurements of the closest margin, SD 0.2 mm). For a given case without an involved margin, 95% of closest margin measurements would fall approximately within±0.5 mm of the mean closest measurement for that case.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware there is uncertainty in reported histological margins.
Board affiliate pilot: leadership and innovation—creating new opportunities to deliver better patient care
Authors: Medlock Rebecca M
Published: December 2021

Background

Leadership and management have become a key facet of medical training. However, there remains enormous variation in the quality and effectiveness of medical leadership training. This article describes an innovative pilot programme that aimed to prove a new method of developing clinical leaders.

Methods

We undertook a 12-month pilot integrating a doctor in training onto our trust board in a role called the ‘board affiliate’. We collected qualitative and quantitative data throughout our pilot programme.

Results

Qualitative data demonstrated a clear positive impact of this role on senior management and clinical staff. Our staff survey results increased from 47.4% to 50.3%. The pilot programme has had such an impact on our organisation that we have expanded the single pilot role into two positions.

Conclusion

This pilot programme has demonstrated a new and effective method of developing clinical leaders.
Environmental exposures contribute to respiratory and allergic symptoms among women living in the banana growing regions of Costa Rica
Authors: Alhanti Brooke , van Wendel de Joode Berna , Soto Martinez Manuel , Mora Ana M , Córdoba Gamboa Leonel , Reich Brian , Lindh Christian H , Quirós Lépiz Marcela , Hoppin Jane A
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This research evaluates whether environmental exposures (pesticides and smoke) influence respiratory and allergic outcomes in women living in a tropical, agricultural environment.

Methods

We used data from 266 mothers from the Infants’ Environmental Health cohort study in Costa Rica. We evaluated environmental exposures in women by measuring seven pesticide and two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites in urine samples. We defined ‘high exposure’ as having a metabolite value in the top 75th percentile. We collected survey data on respiratory and allergic outcomes in mothers as well as on pesticides and other environmental exposures. Using logistic regression models adjusted for obesity, we assessed the associations of pesticide exposure with multiple outcomes (wheeze, doctor-diagnosed asthma, high (≥2) asthma score based on symptoms, rhinitis, eczema and itchy rash).

Results

Current pesticide use in the home was positively associated with diagnosed asthma (OR=1.99 (95% CI=1.05 to 3.87)). High urinary levels of 5-hydroxythiabendazole (thiabendazole metabolite) and living in a neighbourhood with frequent smoke from waste burning were associated with a high asthma score (OR=1.84 (95%CI=1.05 to 3.25) and OR=2.31 (95%CI=1.11 to 5.16), respectively). Women who worked in agriculture had a significantly lower prevalence of rhinitis (0.19 (0.01 to 0.93)), but were more likely to report eczema (OR=2.54 (95%CI=1.33 to 4.89)) and an itchy rash (OR=3.17 (95%CI=1.24 to 7.73)).

Conclusions

While limited by sample size, these findings suggest that environmental exposure to both pesticides and smoke may impact respiratory and skin-related allergic outcomes in women.
Chiral Bargmann–Wigner equations for spin-1 massive fields
Authors: Watson T. B. , Musielak Z. E.
Published: December 2021

A generalization of the original Bargmann–Wigner equations for spin-1 massive fields is employed, taking fully into account all internal degrees of freedom associated with the underlying chiral bases of the constituent spin-1/2 representations. Through the specification of a chiral basis, the chiral Bargmann–Wigner equations are reduced to a Proca-like form coupled by chirality to an auxiliary equation for a spin-0 massive field. The coupling derived is a new phenomenon whose physical implications are discussed in the context of identification of this field with the Higgs field and dark matter.
Fabrication and properties of the He+-implanted K9 glass waveguide
Authors: Lu Yan , Yin Hao-Yang , Chen Bai-Kun , Zhang Liao-Lin , Fu Li-Li , Yue Qing-Yang , Zheng Rui-Lin , Lin She-Bao , Liu Chun-Xiao
Published: December 2021

This work reports on the fabrication and characterization of a K9 glass planar waveguide structure. The helium ion implantation was employed to form the waveguide on the K9 glass. The choices of the energy of 0.4 MeV and the dose of [Formula: see text] ions/cm2 were conducted by the SRIM 2013. The [Formula: see text]-line spectroscopy and the modal profile of the He[Formula: see text]-irradiated K9 glass waveguide were performed by the prism-coupling system and the end-face coupling technique at 0.6328 [Formula: see text]m, which suggests the capability of light propagation. The He[Formula: see text]-implanted K9 glass waveguides can serve as potential candidates for advanced integrated optoelectronic devices.
Lognormal and log-logistic distribution mixture analysis and application
Authors: Kočović Jelena , Mitić Vojislav V. , Koprivica Marija , Rajić Vesna , Lazović Goran
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we analyze a mixture of Lognormal and Log-Logistic distribution. We estimate the parameters of the introduced distribution by using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. Various phenomena in the field of medicine and economy could be modeled by this mixture. In this paper, it is used to construct new mortality model for determining the unisex premium rates in life insurance. The application of the model is illustrated in the case of Serbian population and its advantages are presented in the context of life insurance premium calculation.
Edge Detection in Natural Scenes Inspired by the Speed Drawing Challenge
Authors: Canêjo Marcos José , Barros de Mello Carlos Alexandre
Published: December 2021

Edge detection is a major step in several computer vision applications. Edges define the shape of objects to be used in a recognition system, for example. In this work, we introduce an approach to edge detection inspired by a challenge for artists: the Speed Drawing Challenge. In this challenge, a person is asked to draw the same figure in different times (as 10[Formula: see text]min, 1[Formula: see text]min and 10[Formula: see text]s); at each time, different levels of details are drawn by the artist. In a short time stamp, just the major elements remain. This work proposes a new approach for producing images with different amounts of edges representing different levels of relevance. Our method uses superpixel to suppress image details, followed by Globalized Probability of Boundary (gPb) and Canny edge detection algorithms to create an image containing different number of edges. After that, an edge analysis step detects whose edges are the most relevant for the scene. The results are presented for the BSDS500 dataset and they are compared to other edge and contour detection algorithms by quantitative and qualitative means with very satisfactory results.
DOES CORRUPTION SAND THE WHEELS OF FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT? EVIDENCE FROM GLOBAL PANEL DATA
Authors: SHARMA CHANDAN
Published: December 2021

This study examines the effects of corruption and political instability and violence on the financial sector development. We estimate the impact for a panel of countries classified by income groups and regulatory quality. The study considers the period from 1996 to 2015 for analysis. The empirical models of this study test the linear as well as nonlinear relationships between corruption and financial sector development. Our analysis utilizes a dynamic panel data model and takes care of the potential endogeneity problem in estimation. The results show that corruption has a negative effect on financial sector development for all as well as different income-group countries. Our results further show that the effects of corruption are nonlinear in nature and indicate that corruption is more financial development-reducing when its level is very high. We also test the joint effect of corruption and political instability and violence on financial development. It largely shows that their combined effect is positive, implying that widespread corruption can positively affect financial development if a country is suffering from an unstable political institution.
New holozoans with cellular resolution from the early Ediacaran Weng'an Biota, SW China
Authors: Yin Zongjun , Sun Weichen , Reitner Joachim , Zhu Maoyan
Published: December 2021

Embryo-like fossils from the early Ediacaran Weng'an Biota (SW China, 609 myr ago), widely interpreted as holozoans, potentially provide insights into the early evolutionary development of metazoans and the rise of the animal kingdom. However, the biodiversity of the embryo-like fossil assemblage is largely underestimated and its more precise phylogenetic affinities within the holozoan tree are still under debate. We describe a new species of embryo-like fossil,
Ostiosphaera rara
n. gen. n. sp., from the Ediacaran Weng'an Biota. These 3D, phosphatized specimens exhibit a spherical morphology, a thick ornamented envelope with a circular opening and a membrane-bound, multicellular inner body. In terms of biological characteristics,
O. rara
shows similarities with a number of extant and fossil analogues, including testate amoebae, unicellular green algae, the cellular slime mould
Fonticuida
and co-occurring Weng'an embryo-like fossils. Although the phylogenetic affinity of
O. rara
is difficult to constrain precisely based on the available evidence, it is reasonable to follow the holozoan interpretation for these fossils because they share the same grade complexity with co-occurring embryo-like fossils, such as
Megasphaera
and
Helicoforamina
, in terms of the combination of biological features. These new holozoans resemble asexual reproductive gemmules of fossil and living demosponges in size, morphology, circular opening and cellular anatomy. If this similarity reflects biological affinity rather than convergent evolution, this discovery would force us to rethink the evolutionary history of Precambrian sponges.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Advances in the Cambrian Explosion collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/advances-cambrian-explosion
WTRPNet: An Explainable Graph Feature Convolutional Neural Network for Epileptic EEG Classification
Authors: Xin Qi , Hu Shaohao , Liu Shuaiqi , Zhao Ling , Wang Shuihua
Published: December 2021

As one of the important tools of epilepsy diagnosis, the electroencephalogram (EEG) is noninvasive and presents no traumatic injury to patients. It contains a lot of physiological and pathological information that is easy to obtain. The automatic classification of epileptic EEG is important in the diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy of epileptics. In this article, an explainable graph feature convolutional neural network named
WTRPNet
is proposed for epileptic EEG classification. Since WTRPNet is constructed by a recurrence plot in the wavelet domain, it can fully obtain the graph feature of the EEG signal, which is established by an explainable graph features extracted layer called
WTRP block
. The proposed method shows superior performance over state-of-the-art methods. Experimental results show that our algorithm has achieved an accuracy of 99.67% in classification of focal and nonfocal epileptic EEG, which proves the effectiveness of the classification and detection of epileptic EEG.