bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and rapid assessment of indoor air quality at mass gathering events to assess ventilation performance and reduce aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Malki-Epshtein Liora , Adzic Filipa , Roberts Ben M , Hathway Elizabeth Abigail , Iddon Christopher , Mustafa Murat , Cook Malcolm
Published: December 2022

To assess risk factors for COVID-19 transmission and address the closure of mass gathering events since March 2020, the UK Government ran the Events Research Programme (ERP), following which it reopened live events in sports, music, and culture in July 2021. We report the rapid post-occupancy evaluation of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and associated long-range airborne transmission risk conducted in the Environmental Study of the ERP. Ten large venues around the UK were monitored with CO2 sensors at a high spatial and temporal resolution during 90 events. An IAQ Index based on CO2 concentration was developed, and all monitored spaces were classified in bands from A to G based on their average and maximum CO2 concentrations from all events. High resolution monitoring and the IAQ Index depicted the overall state of ventilation at live events, and allowed identification of issues with ventilation effectiveness and distribution, and of spaces with poor ventilation and the settings in which long-range airborne transmission risk may be increased. In numerous settings, CO2 concentrations were found to follow patterns relating to event management and specific occupancy of spaces around the venues. Good ventilation was observed in 90% of spaces monitored for given occupancies.

Practical applications: High-resolution monitoring of indoor CO2 concentrations is necessary to detect the spatial variation of indoor air quality (IAQ) in large mass gathering event venues. The paper summarises COVID-19 ventilation guidance for buildings and defines a methodology for measurement and rapid assessment of IAQ during occupancy at live events that can be implemented by venue managers. Comparisons of the CO2 concentrations measured during the events identified the spaces at high risk of long-range transmission of airborne pathogens. Building operators should be mindful of the ventilation strategies used relative to the total occupancy in different spaces and the occupant’s activities.
Evaluation of a Telehealth Training Package to Remotely Teach Caregivers to Conduct Discrete-Trial Instruction
Authors: Higgins William J. , Fisher Wayne W. , Hoppe Amanda Logan , Velasquez Leny
Published: December 2022

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of using telehealth technologies to remotely train caregivers of children with ASD to conduct discrete-trial instruction (DTI). We used a multiple-baseline-across-participants design to evaluate caregiver correct implementation of the DTI procedures and child emission of independent correct tacts as dependent measures. We observed robust and immediate improvements for all three caregivers and two of three children. Treatment effects were maintained during follow-up and generalization probes. We discuss the benefits of telehealth technologies and other remote treatment applications.
Race and Occupational Mobility in the National Football League
Authors: Harrison Carlton Keith , Bukstein Scott , McArdle Danielle Heceta , Dickens Jessie , Griffin Whitney
Published: December 2022

The Rooney Rule was implemented in the National Football League (NFL) in 2003 to increase levels of employment for ethnic-minority coaches by requiring teams within the league to interview candidates of color for head coaching and executive level positions. However, only three coaches of color were employed at the beginning of the 2020 season. Framed within the larger context of occupational mobility, the present study aims to identify mobility trends for white coaches and coaches of color and analyzes the root causes for the difficulties that candidates of color experience when seeking higher-level positions within NFL organizations. Results illuminate a variety of institutional issues that exist within the NFL and allow for the development of recommendations that are useful for scholars and practitioners alike.
Ischemic myelomalacia and closed spinal dysraphism in multiple finishing swine
Authors: Lin Chun-Ming , Oglesbee Michael , Knudsen David , Smith Thomas W.
Published: December 2022

Ischemic myelomalacia secondary to fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE) is an idiopathic disease in humans and animals. On the other hand, congenital spinal cord malformations result from neural tube defects in fetal development (ie, spinal dysraphism), with structural anomalies referred to collectively as myelodysplasia. Spinal dysraphisms are frequently accompanied by skin and vertebral abnormalities because of the embryogenic relationship. In this observational case study, we report the pathologic findings of 13, 18- to 24-weeks-old pigs from a large conventional operation that presented with acute paraparesis. Ischemic myelomalacia secondary to FCE was observed in 5 of 13 examined pigs. Congenital spinal cord malformations located between the caudal thoracic and sacral spinal cord were identified in 7 pigs, with structural abnormalities that ranged from diplomyelia/split cord malformation to segmental spinal dysgenesis (myelodysplasia) to caudal agenesis. Concurrent myelomalacia and congenital spinal cord malformations in the same or different sites were noted in 2 pigs. No spinal lesion was observed in 3 pigs. Although gross vertebral abnormalities were not observed herein, intervertebral instability due to minor defects in the articular facets, as well as other unidentified factors, is suspected to contribute high incidence of FCE. It is likely that these congenital malformations were previously underdiagnosed or are possibly new conditions associated with continuous inbreeding and genetic improvement in the modern swine industry.
Focusing on the Positive: Home Health Aides’ Desire for Autonomy and Control
Authors: Gleason Hayley P. , Miller Edward Alan , Boerner Kathrin
Published: December 2022

Home Health Aides (HHAs) are one of the fastest growing workforces in the country, yet the industry struggles to recruit and retain workers. This study explored HHAs’ experiences with the level of control, autonomy, and decision-making authority in their work. Six focus groups with 37 HHAs were conducted in Massachusetts. Findings showed that HHAs viewed control as a positive job characteristic, which attracted them to and led them to remain in the position. Positive benefits included having control over client selection, location, hours, and the ability to determine their day-to-day tasks and schedules. The study results highlight the value that HHAs place on autonomy and control and the potential benefit that these job qualities have for greater recruitment and retention of these workers. Amplifying control by bolstering training and expanding scope of practice may entice new individuals to pursue a HHA career and help maintain those currently in the position.
Awakening Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Critical Awareness About Men's Health, Health Literacy and Nursing Practice
Authors: Zanchetta Margareth Santos , Metersky Kateryna , Nazzal Alessar , Dumitriu Marie Elisabeth , Pais Sasha , Mok Yan Wei , Lam-Kin-Teng Mary Rachel , Yu Celine
Published: December 2022

Background

This article reports an evaluative replication study, including a workshop inspired by Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy. Purpose: Assess how the nursing students’ participation in critiquing Canadian empirical evidence on men's health literacy provokes new perceptions; explore students’ intentions of incorporating the aforementioned contents into their professional practice; and test students’ skills to formulate a hypothetical short action plan about men's health literacy.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation study inspired by the qualitative program evaluation approach. The setting was a university-based Canadian undergraduate nursing program located in a major metropolitan city. Seventeen undergraduate students (representing 3.65% of year 4 student population) composed the sample. The educational intervention was two workshops (6 h duration; February 2017) including a lecture about men's health literacy with video presentations, class discussions and group work using Freire's method of reflection and discussion for awareness awakening. Hypothetical health literacy promotion was the key outcome. All interactions were digitally audiorecorded, verbatim transcribed and submitted to thematic analysis having as themes: Perspectives of awareness and knowledge expansion, and New personal-professional assets.

Results

Students were able to relate new knowledge with their own experiences in the classroom or in the practicum. Application of new knowledge was related to students’ social circles and reported familiar health matters. Cultural and community life shaped knowledge expansion and references to men's behaviors.

Conclusions

Mobilization of personal knowledge awoke students’ awareness about gaps in the nursing curriculum and the paucity of experiences in clinical placements relating to men's health literacy.
Effects of a plasma jet on electrochemical properties of silk fibroin hydrogel doped with graphene oxide
Authors: Zhou Jian , Lu Fu , Wu Zhengwei
Published: December 2022

This study modified hydrogels prepared from silk fibroinand graphene oxideby injecting plasma into the silk. The SF-GO hydrogels, modified by plasma jet with different discharge time (30, 90, and 150 s) and working gases (argon, air, helium), undergo electrochemical AC impedance spectrum tests. After hydrogel modification with the plasma of any working gas, the impedance in the very low frequency (10−2∼100 Hz) decreased with a longer plasma discharge time. In the very low frequency, the sequence of impedance change is Ar group <air group ≈ He group <empty. The electric capacity of the hydrogel showed an increasing trend with those modified by argon plasma and a decreasing trend for those hydrogels modified by air and helium plasma. The sequence of electric capacity change is Ar group >empty >air group >He group. Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and X-ray diffraction spectrum showed a reduction of β-fold structure and graphene oxide content in SF-GO hydrogels modified by plasma.
Doublecortin immunolabeling in canine gliomas with distinct degrees of tumor infiltration
Authors: Reyes Vicente A. A. , Donovan Taryn A. , Miller Andrew D. , Porter Brian F. , Frank Chad B. , Rissi Daniel R.
Published: December 2022

Increased doublecortin (DCX) immunolabeling at the tumor margins has been associated with tumor infiltration in human glioma and canine anaplastic meningioma. No association between DCX immunolabeling and glioma infiltration has been reported in dogs, to our knowledge. Here we compare the DCX immunolabeling in 14 diffusely infiltrating gliomas (gliomatosis cerebri) and 14 nodular gliomas with distinct degrees of tumor infiltration. Cytoplasmic DCX immunolabeling was classified according to intensity (weak, moderate, strong), distribution (1 = <30% immunolabeling, 2 = 30–70% immunolabeling, 3 = >70% immunolabeling), and location within the neoplasm (random or at tumor margins). Immunolabeling was detected in 6 of 14 (43%) diffusely infiltrating gliomas and 8 of 14 (57%) nodular gliomas. Diffusely infiltrating gliomas had moderate and random immunolabeling, with distribution scores of 1 (4 cases) or 2 (2 cases). Nodular gliomas had strong (6 cases) or moderate (2 cases) immunolabeling, with distribution scores of 1 (3 cases), 2 (3 cases), and 3 (2 cases), and random (6 cases) and/or marginal (3 cases) immunolabeling. Increased DCX immunolabeling within neoplastic cells palisading around necrosis occurred in 4 nodular gliomas. DCX immunolabeling was not increased at the margins of diffusely infiltrating gliomas, indicating that DCX should not be used as an immunomarker for glioma infiltration in dogs.
Periods of austerity: The emergence of ‘period poverty’ in UK news media
Authors: De Benedictis Sara
Published: December 2022

This article analyses the emergence of the discourse of period poverty in UK news media across a two-year period. Using thematic analysis and discourse analysis, I analyse three themes: the focus on the schoolgirl, the silencing of the austerity context and the preoccupation with products and public figures to solve the structural issue of period poverty. In doing so, I argue that period poverty has emerged in the cultural sphere due to three key, and intertwined, forces: the continued dismantling of the welfare state and individualising of poverty, an escalation of mainstream feminism and feminist activism around menstruation, as well as high-profile individuals (celebrities, MPs, royals etc) supporting period poverty as philanthropy. This article brings together literature on austerity media culture and mediations of mainstream feminism/s. It expands scholarship on austerity media culture by analysing how the novel discourse of period poverty continues to individualise poverty and justify the ongoing dismantling of the welfare state, and it furthers scholarship on mainstream feminism/s by examining how the discourse of period poverty connects mainstream feminism/s with austerity and class.
Understanding Tourists’ Attitude Toward Online Travel Health Information During and Post-COVID-19: A Health Belief Model Application
Authors: Alhemimah Arej
Published: December 2022

Due to people’s anxieties about COVID-19, it may take years before international tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels. Thus, it is crucial to understand how tourists’ health beliefs influence their travel decision-making processes during and after the SARS-COV2 pandemic, and to develop new strategies to support and meet tourists’ current needs and concerns. The current study employs a Health Belief Model (HBM) perspective to examine the influence on tourists’ health risk prevention – and subsequently on their travel intention – of reading travel health information online, while considering tourists’ perceptions of threat susceptibility and severity, and usefulness of travel health information. As risk perception is influenced by individual differences such as gender and previous experience, the study model includes the demographic factors of age, gender, and health status. The model was tested using a survey questionnaire completed by 261 respondents in Saudi Arabia who were considering travelling abroad for tourism. Results were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The study found that perceived susceptibility and perceived usefulness each significantly and positively influenced the perception of importance of reading health information, and the perception of importance of reading travel health information online significantly and positively influenced travel intention. The discussion includes additional findings as well as implications for industry practice and policy regarding online pandemic-related information, in order to improve protection efficacy and enhance information content and style to adequately serve the needs of tourists from a health belief perspective.
Consolidating strategies for innovative business models
Authors: Huang Shuhui , Chen Chun-Liang
Published: December 2022

To help face an unknown future, including ecological and social crisis, the public requires similar opportunities as government in problem solving. Deliberative democracy can facilitate quick responses to complex problems in society, so too, in small and medium-sized enterprises with limited resources. Of the latter’s engagement with deliberative democracy, we know too little. Service design and innovation lays a foundation for transformative service research. This action research brings the theoretical framework of service design into action using the practice of World Café first outlined by Juanita Brown. As a method, participants and organizations can explore various innovation business model topics whilst developing competencies in communication within their own context. The aims of this paper are to identify what can be accomplished through collective consciousness. It offers an example of action research as an integrative examination of how multiple perspectives contribute to the whole. In this study, the authors based in a Non-Governmental Organization for professional development, encourages organizations to reflect on practices and develop critical thinking to suggest action steps for industry innovative services. In the following the reader will: (a) Explore Taiwan SMEs’ efforts to form collective consciousness and to achieve consensus on the innovation industry strategy formulation; (b) Learn how groups’ and organizations’ learning was facilitated with recommendations for the feasibility of future actions; (c) Note how effective group discussion and emotional interaction between SMEs’ members were achieved such that the participants unanimously committed to subsequent actions. In sum, the action research orientation to business development contributed to achieving through collective consciousness by which consensus and action was developed on strategy, opportunities, and resources.
Zebrafish patient-derived xenografts accurately and quickly reproduce treatment outcomes in non–small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Hua Xin , Wu Xiaodi , Xu Ke , Zhan Ping , Liu Hongbing , Zhang Fang , Lv Tangfeng , Song Yong
Published: December 2022

Zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models have shown great potential in predicting the short-term treatment response in various types of tumor cases. However, few studies have used zPDX models for drug screening in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to compare the treatment responses of patients with NSCLC with those of the corresponding zPDX models. Tumor cells were obtained from pleural fluid or biopsy procedures from patients with NSCLC and injected into the perivitelline space of zebrafish larvae. Then, the same antineoplastic drugs administered to the corresponding patient were tested in the successfully constructed zPDX model, for 3 days. Responses to treatment were compared. A total of 21 patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled in our study, and 13 corresponding zPDX models were successfully established. Based on the clinical medication of enrolled patients, we provided a corresponding drug treatment to these zebrafish embryos, including epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs), pemetrexed/platinum (AP), or docetaxel/platinum (DP) administration. The chemosensitivity consistency rate between the clinical responses and those obtained from zPDXs was 76.9% (10/13). There was a high correlation between patient responses and the corresponding zPDX drug responses. Thus, zPDX can accurately and quickly reproduce patient responses to treatment with EGFR TKIs, AP, and DP and has a considerable potential to serve as a biological platform for predicting treatment effect on patients with NSCLC.
Kinematic analysis of forearm rotation using four-dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Oonk Joris G. M. , Dobbe Johannes G. G. , Strijkers Gustav J. , van Rijn Sybren K. , Streekstra Geert J.
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to quantify forearm kinematics with a focus on the forearm rotation axis. Ten healthy volunteers were included in the study. One three-dimensional computed tomographic scan and two four-dimensional computed tomographic scans were done in all the arms to capture forearm joint motion. After image processing, the rotation axis and the movement of the radius with respect to various axes were quantified. The rotation axis was calculated using finite helical axis analysis and a circle fitting approach. The mean error of the rotation axis found through circle fitting was 0.2 mm (SD 0.1) distally and 0.1 mm (SD 0.1) proximally, indicating an improvement in precision over the finite helical axis approach. The translations of the radius along the ulnar axis and the forearm rotation axis were 2.6 (SD 0.8) and 0.6 mm (SD 0.9), respectively. The rotation of the radius around the radial axis was 7.2°. The techniques presented provide a detailed description of forearm kinematics.
Increased modified DUBLIN scores are associated with serious ulcerative colitis and treatment failure
Authors: Liu Lupeng , Ouyang Hui , Su Jingling , Lin Yumei , Hu Yiqun , Shi Huaxiu , Xie Chenxi
Published: December 2022

Background:

Grading of endoscopic lesions is important for determining the severity of ulcerative colitis and developing treatment strategies, but the commonly used methods are not sufficient.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate whether new endoscopic scoring systems incorporating lesions and disease extent are associated with clinical disease severity and maintainable remission.

Design:

This was a retrospective study. In all, 110 patients with ulcerative colitis were included and 87 completed 12-month follow-up.

Methods:

Colonoscopy was performed within 1 week before blood samples were taken. Degree of ulcerative colitis burden of luminal inflammation (DUBLIN) scores were calculated as the product of Mayo endoscopic score (MES) by disease extent and ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity was used to replace MES when calculating modified DUBLIN scores.

Results:

DUBLIN and modified DUBLIN scores were increased in the moderate and severe groups significantly ( p < 0.05). Both of increased scores contributed to the detection of serious diseases, and the clinical cutoff values of DUBLIN and modified DUBLIN were 3[area under the curve (AUC) = 0.809, p = 0.001) and 7(AUC = 0.815, p = 0.001), respectively. They were with high sensitivity, but the specificity of DUBLIN was lower. Both scores were correlated to partial Mayo scores, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate positively, and they were correlated to the albumin negatively ( p < 0.05). Higher modified DUBLIN scores (>7) were associated with an increased risk of treatment failure (hazard ratio = 4.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–21.00, p = 0.03), but there were no association between DUBLIN scores and long-term remission ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Increased DUBLIN and modified DUBLIN scores were conducive to screening serious disease, but only modified DUBLIN scores had the potential to assist in making an upgraded therapeutic schedule.
CAR T-cell therapy for follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Mohty Razan , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A.
Published: December 2022

Patients with relapsed and/or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have a poor prognosis with anticipated short progression-free and overall survivals. Two CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies are approved in the United States for R/R FL, namely, axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) and tisagenlecleucel. The results of ZUMA-5 and ELARA studies led to the approval of axi-cel and tisagenlecleucel, respectively, after demonstrating high overall (ORR) and complete response (CR) rates in this high-risk population of FL patients who had received a median of 3 (range = 2–4) and 4 (range = 2–13) prior lines of therapies, respectively. For instance, the ORR for ZUMA-5 was 94% (CR = 79%), and for ELARA, it was 86% (CR = 69.1%). Pertaining to MCL, brexucabtagene autoleucel is approved for R/R MCL based on results of the ZUMA-2 study. In the latter study, despite the fact that all R/R MCL patients had been exposed to prior Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the reported ORR was 91%, with 68% achieving a CR. These results undoubtedly demonstrate a strong efficacy of CAR T therapy in both R/R FL and MCL; yet, one must acknowledge the relatively short follow-up time of all aforementioned studies. Thus, longer follow-up showing durability of responses and long-term safety is definitely needed.
Menstrual cycle-associated symptoms and workplace productivity in US employees: A cross-sectional survey of users of the Flo mobile phone app
Authors: Ponzo Sonia , Wickham Aidan , Bamford Ryan , Radovic Tara , Zhaunova Liudmila , Peven Kimberly , Klepchukova Anna , Payne Jennifer L
Published: December 2022

Objective

Mood and physical symptoms related to the menstrual cycle affect women's productivity at work, often leading to absenteeism. However, employer-led initiatives to tackle these issues are lacking. Digital health interventions focused on women's health (such as the Flo app) could help fill this gap.

Methods

1867 users of the Flo app participated in a survey exploring the impact of their menstrual cycle on their workplace productivity and the role of Flo in mitigating some of the identified issues.

Results

The majority reported a moderate to severe impact of their cycle on workplace productivity, with 45.2% reporting absenteeism (5.8 days on average in the previous 12 months). 48.4% reported not receiving any support from their manager and 94.6% said they were not provided with any specific benefit for issues related to their menstrual cycle, with 75.6% declaring wanting them. Users stated that the Flo app helped them with the management of menstrual cycle symptoms (68.7%), preparedness and bodily awareness (88.7%), openness with others (52.5%), and feeling supported (77.6%). Users who reported the most positive impact of the Flo app were 18–25% less likely to report an impact of their menstrual cycle on their productivity and 12–18% less likely to take days off work for issues related to their cycle.

Conclusions

Apps such as Flo could equip individuals with tools to better cope with issues related to their menstrual cycle and facilitate discussions around menstrual health in the workplace.
Validation of the German version of the subarachnoid haemorrhage outcome tool (SAHOT)
Authors: Ziebart Andreas , Abdulazim Amr , Wenz Fabian , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Mocarz-Kleindienst Maria , Galea Ian , Rinkel Gabriel JE , Etminan Nima
Published: December 2022

Objective:

The subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) outcome tool (SAHOT) is the first SAH-specific patient reported outcome measure, and was developed in the UK. We aimed to validate the SAHOT outside the UK, and therefore endeavored to adapt the SAHOT into German and to test its psychometric properties.

Methods:

We adapted and pilot tested the German version. We applied the SAHOT, Quality of Life after Brain Injury, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and EuroQol questionnaires in a cohort of 89 patients with spontaneous SAH after discharge. We assessed internal consistency by Cronbach’s α, test-retest reliability by intraclass correlation, and validity by Pearson correlations with established measures. Sensitivity to change was evaluated following neurorehabilitation by effect sizes.

Results:

The translation of SAHOT resulted in a German version that is semantically and conceptually equivalent to the English version. Internal consistency was good regarding the physical domain (α = 0.83) and excellent for the other domains (α = 0.92–0.93). Test–retest reliability indicated a high level of stability with an intraclass correlation of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.83–0.86). All domains correlated moderately or strongly with established measures ( r = 0.41–0.74; p < 0.01). SAHOT total scores showed moderate sensitivity to change (Cohen’s d = −0.68), while mRS and GOSE showed no significant sensitivity to change.

Conclusion:

The SAHOT can be adapted to other health care systems and societies than the UK. The German version of the SAHOT is a reliable and valid instrument, and can be used in future clinical studies and individual assessment after spontaneous SAH.
Leadership and the Recovery of Troubled IT Projects
Authors: Havelka Douglas , Fang Xiang , Rajkumar T. M.
Published: December 2022

The impact of specific types of leadership behaviors on recovery processes and the success of troubled information technology projects was investigated. A theoretical model of leadership for troubled IT projects is proposed. Control and transformational leadership behaviors are hypothesized to affect different recovery processes and through these processes affect project success. A survey instrument based on previously validated theoretical constructs from the IT troubled projects and leadership research was used to gather data from project managers, team members, and project sponsors. The results indicate strong support for the proposed model. Implications for practitioners and researchers are suggested.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cellular Senescence-Related Genes in Prognosis, Molecular Characterization and Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Liang , Liu Zitao , Ning Ke , Wu Zhipeng , Chen Zhendong , Wu Zhengyi , Yin Xiangbao
Published: December 2022

Background

Cellular senescence is a tumor suppressive response in which the cell cycle is in a state of permanent arrest and can inhibit tumor cell proliferation. In recent years, induction of cellular senescence has been shown to be important for antitumor therapy, and the link between cellular senescence and clinical prognosis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma is still unknown.

Methods

We performed enrichment analysis of genes in three cellular senescence gene sets, screened for gene sets significantly enriched in hepatocellular carcinoma and extracted genes from them. Signature were constructed using senescence-related genes, and their expression was verified at the protein and RNA levels. Survival, clinical staging and grading, immune infiltration, immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity were also analyzed between risk groups.

Results

The q-PCR and immunohistochemistry results revealed significant differences in the expression of the signature genes between normal and tumor tissues. Significant differences in clinicopathological features, prognosis and immune infiltration were observed between risk groups. In the low-risk group, better OS and lower TMB scores were demonstrated, while the high-risk group had higher immune checkpoint expression, as well as lower risk of immune escape. In addition, we found that the High-risk group was more sensitive to sorafenib.

Conclusion

In summary, the signature constructed using aging-related genes can reliably predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy, providing a new idea for immune system therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
MR-KPA: medication recommendation by combining knowledge-enhanced pre-training with a deep adversarial network
Authors: Lin Shaofu , Wang Mengzhen , Shi Chengyu , Xu Zhe , Chen Lihong , Gao Qingcai , Chen Jianhui
Published: December 2022

Background

Medication recommendation based on electronic medical record (EMR) is a research hot spot in smart healthcare. For developing computational medication recommendation methods based on EMR, an important challenge is the lack of a large number of longitudinal EMR data with time correlation. Faced with this challenge, this paper proposes a new EMR-based medication recommendation model called MR-KPA, which combines knowledge-enhanced pre-training with the deep adversarial network to improve medication recommendation from both feature representation and the fine-tuning process. Firstly, a knowledge-enhanced pre-training visit model is proposed to realize domain knowledge-based external feature fusion and pre-training-based internal feature mining for improving the feature representation. Secondly, a medication recommendation model based on the deep adversarial network is developed to optimize the fine-tuning process of pre-training visit model and alleviate over-fitting of model caused by the task gap between pre-training and recommendation.

Result

The experimental results on EMRs from medical and health institutions in Hainan Province, China show that the proposed MR-KPA model can effectively improve the accuracy of medication recommendation on small-scale longitudinal EMR data compared with existing representative methods.

Conclusion

The advantages of the proposed MR-KPA are mainly attributed to knowledge enhancement based on ontology embedding, the pre-training visit model and adversarial training. Each of these three optimizations is very effective for improving the capability of medication recommendation on small-scale longitudinal EMR data, and the pre-training visit model has the most significant improvement effect. These three optimizations are also complementary, and their integration makes the proposed MR-KPA model achieve the best recommendation effect.
Comparative genomic analysis of Citrobacter sp. XT1-2-2 reveals insights into the molecular mechanism of microbial immobilization of heavy metals
Authors: Shan Shiping , Cheng Wei , Li Yilu , Zhang Min , Liu Zhudong , Wang Yushuang , Wei Xiaowu , Fu Zujiao , Wu Shandong , Du Dongxia , Guo Zhaohui
Published: December 2022

Background

In our previous study, Citrobacter sp. XT1-2-2 was isolated from high cadmium-contaminated soils, and demonstrated an excellent ability to decrease the bioavailability of cadmium in the soil and inhibit cadmium uptake in rice. In addition, the strain XT1-2-2 could significantly promote rice growth and increase rice biomass. Therefore, the strain XT1-2-2 shows great potential for remediation of cadmium -contaminated soils. However, the genome sequence of this organism has not been reported so far. 

Results

Here the basic characteristics and genetic diversity of the strain XT1-2-2 were described, together with the draft genome and comparative genomic results. The strain XT1-2-2 is 5040459 bp long with an average G + C content of 52.09%, and contains a total of 4801 genes. Putative genomic islands were predicted in the genome of Citrobacter sp. XT1-2-2. All genes of a complete set of sulfate reduction pathway and various putative heavy metal resistance genes in the genome were identified and analyzed.

Conclusions

These analytical results provide insights into the genomic basis of microbial immobilization of heavy metals.
In the battle of the disease: a transcriptomic analysis of European foulbrood-diseased larvae of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Lewkowski Oleg , Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Erler Silvio
Published: December 2022

Background

European foulbrood is a significant bacterial brood disease of Apis sp. and can cause severe and devastating damages in beekeeping operations. Nevertheless, the epidemiology of its causative agent Melissococcus plutonius has been begun to uncover but the underlying mechanisms of infection and cause of disease still is not well understood. Here, we sought to provide insight into the infection mechanism of EFB employing RNAseq in in vitro reared Apis mellifera larvae of two developmental stages to trace transcriptional changes in the course of the disease, including Paenibacillus alvei secondary infected individuals.

Results

In consideration of the progressing development of the larva, we show that infected individuals incur a shift in metabolic and structural protein-encoding genes, which are involved in metabolism of crucial compounds including all branches of macronutrient metabolism, transport protein genes and most strikingly chitin and cuticle associated genes. These changes underpin the frequently observed developmental retardation in EFB disease. Further, sets of expressed genes markedly differ in different stages of infection with almost no overlap. In an earlier stage of infection, a group of regulators of the melanization response cascade and complement component-like genes, predominantly C-type lectin genes, are up-regulated while a differential expression of immune effector genes is completely missing. In contrast, late-stage infected larvae up-regulated the expression of antimicrobial peptides, lysozymes and prominent bacteria-binding haemocyte receptor genes compared to controls. While we clearly show a significant effect of infection on expressed genes, these changes may partly result from a shift in expression timing due to developmental alterations of infection. A secondary infection with P. alvei elicits a specific response with most of the M. plutonius associated differential immune effector gene expression missing and several immune pathway genes even down-regulated.

Conclusion

We conclude that with progressing infection diseased individuals undergo a systemic response with a change of metabolism and their activated immune defence repertoire. Moreover, larvae are capable of adjusting their response to a secondary invasion in late stage infections.
Ultrasonography in the assessment of primary myxofibrosarcoma in the left atrium: a case report
Authors: Huo Xiaoguang , Zhao Wei , Liu Xiao , Zhang Wenzhong , Xu Li , Zhang Baohua , Chen Ju
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiac myxofibrosarcoma is a rare cardiac malignant tumor, whose diagnosis is challenging due to its rare and non-specific manifestations. Ultrasound is the most important tool for detecting cardiac tumors. Yet, its diagnostic value in cardiac myxoidfibrosarcoma is rarely reported. Herein, we summarized the ultrasonic manifestations of myxofibrosarcoma in a 72-year-old Han woman.

Case presentation

The patient presented with crushing chest pain without obvious inducement, lasting 3–5 min each time, which would be relieved after rest, accompanied by palpitation, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and syncope. The electrocardiogram (ECG) suggested atrial fibrillation. Ultrasound found two moderate echogenic masses in the left atrium; one was about 48 × 31 mm in size, and the other was about 25 × 24 mm in size. The clinical diagnosis was atrial mass and atrial fibrillation. The patient underwent the operation of left atrial tumor resection + mitral valvuloplasty + atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation + left atrial appendectomy. The tumor was completely removed, and the patient did not receive radiotherapy or chemotherapy after surgery. The patient was reexamined by ultrasound at 6, 42, and 91 days after surgery, and no obvious abnormalities were found. On day 115, moderate echoic mass was detected on the posterior wall of the left atrium, nearing the mitral valve ring, with a size of about 28 × 23 mm. Currently, the patient is under follow-up care.

Conclusion

As the most important examination method for cardiac tumors, cardiac ultrasound has good diagnostic and differential diagnosis value and can be used regularly due to its simplicity and safety. The diagnosis rate of cardiac myxofibrosarcoma can be greatly improved by summarizing the ultrasonographic manifestations of cardiac myxofibrosarcoma and differentiating them from other lesions.
Screening of dysphagia in geriatrics
Authors: Sheikhany Ayatallah Raouf , Shohdi Sahar Saad , Aziz Azza Adel , Abdelkader Omnia Abass , ِAbdel Hady Aisha Fawzy
Published: December 2022

Background

The oropharyngeal dysphagia is an underestimated symptom with various causes in the geriatric population. Clinical presentation is often insidious and dysphagia symptoms are seldomly mentioned by elderly patients although causing many life-threatening complications. The aim of this work was to introduce an easy applicable tool to be used by the caregivers and general practitioners for screening of dysphagia in geriatrics for early detection of at risk individuals.

Methods

A sample of 200 Egyptian Arabic-speaking elderly patients (65 years or older) not complaining of dysphagia was recruited from nursing homes in Greater Cairo Area. They or their caregivers completed the designed screening tool, including; the designed questionnaires of dysphagia manifestations and eating habits. General, oral motor and bedside evaluation were also performed. In addition to filling in the EAT10 questionnaire and FEES that was performed for only suspected cases for the purpose of validation of the screening tool.

Results

The dysphagia manifestations questionnaire was significantly correlated with EAT 10 with p value of 0.001. It was correlated in some of its aspects with FEES showing quite reliability with p values’ range between 0.012 and 0.044. The Questionnaire of eating habits reliability of r- value of 0.568 slightly exceeding EAT10 reliability of r -value of 0.721 in the subjects under study. The cutoff point of total score of the dysphagia manifestations was > 5, with a sensitivity of 17.65% & a specificity of 94.20%. The cutoff point of total score of the bedside evaluation was ≤ 1 with a sensitivity of 66.9% & a specificity of 56.9%.

Conclusion

the use of this easy applicable screening tool managed to suspect and later on diagnose cases with oropharyngeal dysphagia in non-complaining aging subjects.
Prospective evaluation of low-dose multiphase hepatic computed tomography for detecting and characterizing hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Choi Eun Sun , Kim Jin Sil , Lee Jeong Kyong , Lee Hye Ah , Pak Seongyong
Published: December 2022

Background

Knowing the lowest acceptable radiation dose of multiphase hepatic CT may allow us to reduce the radiation dose for detecting HCC.

Purpose

To prospectively assess the image quality and diagnostic performance of low-dose and ultra-low-dose multiphase hepatic computed tomography using a dual-source CT scanner.

Methods

Three reconstructed different dose scan images (standard-dose, low-dose, and ultra-low-dose) of hepatic multiphase CT were obtained from 67 patients with a dual-source CT scanner. The image quality and the diagnostic performance of the three radiation dose CT scans of the hepatic focal lesion (≥ 0.5 cm) were analyzed by two independent readers using the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System.

Results

Qualitative image quality and signal-to-noise ratio were significantly different among the radiation doses (p < 0.001). In total, 154 lesions comprising 32 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and 122 non-HCC were included. The sensitivities of SDCT, LDCT, and ULDCT were 90.6%(29/32), 81.3%(26/32), and 56.2%(18/32), respectively. The accuracies of SDCT, LDCT, and ULDCT were 98.1%(151/154), 96.1%(148/154), and 89.6%(138/154), respectively. On per-lesion analysis, SDCT and LDCT did not show significantly different sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosing HCC (p = 0.250 and 0.250).

Conclusions

The diagnostic performance of dynamic hepatic LDCT with 33% reduced radiation dose in comparison to SDCT would be acceptable even though its image quality was qualitatively and quantitatively inferior. However, few HCCs could be overlooked. Therefore, with caution, radiation dose reduction by one-third could be implemented for follow-up CT scans for patients suspected of having HCC with caution and further studies are needed in the future.
Quantitative indices for an intracranial aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage in early childhood: a case report
Authors: Tetsuhara Kenichi , Kaku Noriyuki , Arimura Koichi , Sakai Yasunari , Ohga Shouichi
Published: December 2022

Background

Intracranial aneurysms (ICA) rarely occur in children under 3 years of age. Little is known for neuroimaging parameters that predict survival and clinical outcomes of patients with ICA in early childhood.

Case presentation

A 2-year-old girl showed intracranial hemorrhage due to a rupture of aneurysm at the middle cerebral artery. Quantitative measurements of ischemic damages on the head computed tomography (CT) marked an extremely low score of 2 points with modified Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (mASPECTS). She died 15 days after admission. In publications from 2021 to 2022, we found 21 children who were under 3 years of age at onset of ICA. None of them died, but two of three patients who had mASPECTS scores 0–8 showed developmental delay and/or epilepsy as neurological complications.

Conclusion

Early CT findings are applicable for predicting survival and neurological outcomes of young children with intracranial hemorrhage.
Magnetic resonance imaging in late pregnancy to improve labour and delivery outcomes – a systematic literature review
Authors: Jaufuraully Shireen , Dromey Brian , Story Lisa , David Anna L , Attilakos George , Siassakos Dimitrios
Published: December 2022

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent soft tissue visualisation which may be useful in late pregnancy to predict labour outcome and maternal/neonatal birth trauma.

Objective

To study if MRI in late pregnancy can predict maternal and neonatal outcomes of labour and birth.

Methods

Systematic review of studies that performed MRI in late pregnancy or immediately postpartum. Studies were included if they imaged maternal pelvic or neonatal structures and assessed birth outcome. Meta-analysis was not performed due to the heterogeneity of studies.

Results

Eighteen studies were selected. Twelve studies explored the value of MRI pelvimetry measurement and its utility to predict cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) and vaginal breech birth. Four explored cervical imaging in predicting time interval to birth. Two imaged women in active labour and assessed mouldability of the fetal skull. No marker of CPD had both high sensitivity and specificity for predicting labour outcome. The fetal pelvic index yielded sensitivities between 59 and 60%, and specificities between 34 to 64%. Similarly, although the sensitivity of the cephalopelvic disproportion index in predicting labour outcome was high (85%), specificity was only 56%. In women with breech presentation, MRI was demonstrated to reduce the rates of emergency caesarean section from 35 to 19%, and allowed better selection of vaginal breech birth. Live birth studies showed that the fetal head undergoes a substantial degree of moulding and deformation during cephalic vaginal birth, which is not considered during pelvimetry. There are conflicting studies on the role of MRI in cervical imaging and predicting time interval to birth.

Conclusion

MRI is a promising imaging modality to assess aspects of CPD, yet no current marker of CPD accurately predicts labour outcome. With advances in MRI, it is hoped that novel methods can be developed to better identify individuals at risk of obstructed or pathological labour. Its role in exploring fetal head moulding as a marker of CPD should be further explored.
Predictive nomogram based on serum tumor markers and clinicopathological features for stratifying lymph node metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Geng Sheng-Kai , Fu Shao-Mei , Zhang Hong-Wei , Fu Yi-Peng
Published: December 2022

Background

This study was aimed to establish the nomogram to predict patients’ axillary node status by using patients’ clinicopathological and tumor characteristic factors.

Methods

A total of 705 patients with breast cancer were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group. Univariate and multivariate ordered logistic regression were used to determine the predictive ability of each variable. A nomogram was performed based on the factors selected from logistic regression results. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the discriminative ability and accuracy of the models.

Results

Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that CEA, CA125, CA153, tumor size, vascular-invasion, calcification, and tumor grade were independent prognostic factors for positive ALNs. Integrating all the predictive factors, a nomogram was successfully developed and validated. The C-indexes of the nomogram for prediction of no ALN metastasis, positive ALN, and four and more ALN metastasis were 0.826, 0.706, and 0.855 in training group and 0.836, 0.731, and 0.897 in validation group. Furthermore, calibration plots and DCA demonstrated a satisfactory performance of our nomogram.

Conclusion

We successfully construct and validate the nomogram to predict patients’ axillary node status by using patients’ clinicopathological and tumor characteristic factors.