bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural comparison of fundamental movement skills in 9- to 10-year-old children from England and China
Authors: Ma Jiani , Duncan Michael J. , Chen Si-Tong , Eyre Emma L.J. , Cai Yujun
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed to examine cross-cultural differences in fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency levels in children aged 9–10 years old in England and China, using a process-oriented FMS measurement. Four FMS (run, jump, throw, catch) were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The sample consisted of 272 (58.3% boys, 41.7% girls) Chinese children and 273 (48.7% boys, 51.3% girls) English children. ANCOVA analysis for the raw FMS scores showed significant sex by country interaction ( P = .022, partial η2 = .01). Chinese children scored higher than English children on total FMS, locomotor, and object control skill subsets. Additional Chi-squared analyses revealed significant differences regarding mastery levels of skills, with a higher proportion of Chinese children being classified as having advanced skill proficiency across three of four selected FMS (i.e. run, throw, and catch). The substantial cross-cultural differences found may be related to aspects such as Physical Education (PE) provision and process, educational policy, and other physical activity opportunities (e.g. extracurricular organised sports). Our findings require further examination of the contextual influences, in order to understand the optimal strategies that promote children's FMS development through PE, youth sports, or physical activity promotion.
The use of everyday and assistive technology in the lives of older autistic adults
Authors: Zheng Lidan , Foley Kitty-Rose , Grove Rachel , Elley Kieran , Brown Scott Andrew , Leong Dawn-joy , Li Xue , Pellicano Elizabeth , Trollor Julian N , Hwang Ye In (Jane)
Published: November 2021

Assistive technologies have the potential to provide accessible support to people with varying needs and abilities, including older autistic adults. However, there is currently limited knowledge about how older autistic adults use technology in their daily lives, whether it is sufficient to meet their needs and whether they experience any barriers to technology use. To address these questions, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 autistic adults aged over 50 years. Using thematic analysis, we identified two major themes related to how older autistic adults use technology: ‘Helping to Manage the External Environment’ and ‘Increasing Everyday Accessibility and Convenience’. Overall, participants reported experiencing a number of challenges associated with performing everyday activities and while technology was able to offer some assistance, a number of gaps still remain in meeting the support needs of this population. Based on these findings, we offer some guidelines and recommendations for technology use with this population to guide future research and practice.

Lay abstract

Technology has the potential to help people with various support needs live more autonomous lives. This includes autistic individuals. In this article, we look at how older autistic adults use technology in their daily lives. Past research examining technology use and autism has mainly focused on helping children to learn new skills. To date, very little research has been conducted looking at how to create and design technology for use by older autistic adults. This is concerning because older autistic adults will likely have supports needs that match or exceed those of similarly aged non-autistic individuals. In this article, we spoke to autistic adults over 50 years about their daily experiences and how they use technology. We identified some important ways that older autistic adults use technology in their daily lives, as well as a number of support needs and barriers to technology use. Based on the findings, we were able to provide some guidelines and recommendations for technology developers and service providers to assist with designing, creating and using technology with older autistic adults.
Evidence of increasing recorded diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in Wales, UK: An e-cohort study
Authors: Underwood Jack FG , DelPozo-Banos Marcos , Frizzati Aura , John Ann , Hall Jeremy
Published: November 2021

Estimates place the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (autism) at around 1% in the population. New services for adult diagnosis have been set up in Wales, UK, at a time of rising awareness of the spectrum of autism experiences; however, no studies have examined adult autism prevalence in Wales. In this study, we used an anonymised e-cohort comprised of healthcare record data to produce all-age estimates of prevalence and incidence of recorded autism for the years 2001–2016. We found the overall prevalence rate of autism in healthcare records was 0.51%. The number of new-recorded cases of autism increased from 0.188 per 1000 person-years in 2001 to 0.644 per 1000 person-years in 2016. The estimate of 0.51% prevalence in the population is lower than suggested by population survey and cohort studies study methodologies, but comparable to other administrative record study estimates. Rates of new incident diagnoses of autism saw a >150% increase in the years 2008–2016, with a trend towards more diagnoses in those aged over 35 years and an eightfold increase in diagnoses in women from 2000 to 2016. This study suggests that while the number of people being diagnosed with autism is increasing, many are still unrecognised by healthcare services.

Lay abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (autism) are thought to be relatively common, with analyses estimating 1% in the population could meet diagnostic criteria. New services for adult diagnosis have been set up in Wales, UK; however, no studies have examined for the proportion of adults with autism in Wales. In this study, we take anonymised healthcare record data from more than 3.6 million people to produce a national estimate of recorded autism diagnoses. We found the overall prevalence rate of autism in healthcare records was 0.51%. The number of new-recorded cases of autism increased from 0.188 per 1000 person-years in 2001 to 0.644 per 1000 person-years in 2016. The estimate of 0.51% prevalence in the population is lower than suggested by population survey and cohort studies, but comparable to other administrative records. From 2001 to 2016, the number of autism services for adults has increased, and autism is more widely known in society, while concurrently in healthcare records, there was a >150% increase autism diagnoses in the years 2008–2016. An increasing number of diagnoses were among women and those aged over 35 years. This study suggests that while the number of people being diagnosed with autism is increasing, many are still unrecognised by healthcare services.
A heuristic model for cephalometric diagnosis of sagittal dysplasia
Authors: Khandelwal Mayank , Ramaiah Prasanna Turuvekere , Setty Suhas , Subramonia Swaroop , Kapoor Swati , Karajagi Sneha
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To identify the best-suited cephalometric parameter for assessing the sagittal skeletal discrepancy in the Indian population.

Design:

An in vitro, observational, single-blinded, retrospective study.

Setting:

Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics.

Methods:

A total of 94 lateral cephalograms were used in this study. The study involved one key person and two examiners. The key person collected the radiographs, coded, analysed and classified them into three groups (skeletal classes I, II and III). Subsequently, the coded radiographs were independently analysed by the two examiners. They classified the cases by matching a minimum of 6 out of 11 parameters. On completion of diagnosis by the examiners, the samples were decoded and matched with the original diagnosis given by the key person. The samples in which identification of a particular cephalometric parameter matched the original evaluation as given by the key person was regarded as correctly diagnosed. The number of correctly assessed cases was used to judge the diagnostic performance of all the parameters in all the cases. Cross-validation of the method was performed, and a diagnostic algorithm was developed for diagnosis.

Results:

β angle and Pi angle showed a positive predictive value of 1 in both skeletal class I and II cases. ANB angle, W angle and HBN angle showed a positive predictive value of 1 in skeletal class III cases.

Conclusion:

No single cephalometric parameter can independently be used to diagnose sagittal skeletal discrepancy in all cases. However, a conclusive diagnosis on the type of sagittal skeletal malocclusion can be made by using a simple and easy to use diagnostic algorithmic process having a combination of cephalometric parameters.
Smart distalization of the upper arch with an easy, efficient and no-compliance procedure
Authors: Catalfamo Lorenza , Gasperoni Enrico , Celli Daniel
Published: November 2021

In conventional Class II treatment, distalisation of the maxillary arch usually requires multiple phases of tooth movement during which anchorage loss can occur. In order to solve this issue, a rational and simple technique has been developed. Instead of using intraoral distalisers along with palatal mini-implants, Ni-Ti superelastic loops are used to obtain molar distalisation while buccal interradicular miniscrews (BIM), preferably placed between the roots of upper premolars, supply the necessary anchorage. Once the distalisation of molars and second premolars is performed, miniscrews are placed between the roots of first molars and second premolars after removing the previous miniscrews. Elastic chains or tie-backs, which go from the new miniscrews to the hooks of a 0.019×0.025-inch stainless-steel archwire, produce the retraction of incisors, canines and first premolars with optimal control of anchorage. Clinical cases are shown to illustrate the technique.
Sporoderm-Removed Ganoderma lucidum Spore Powder May Suppress the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk Pathway
Authors: Liu Jingyan , Zeng Tao
Published: November 2021

Tumor metastasis is a key factor of therapeutic failure in tumor patients, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be explored and novel effective curative strategies are urgently required. Emerging evidence suggests that sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder can suppress tumor growth and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms of action remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder against esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC). The expression of MCP-1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells was detected by Western blotting. The MTS assay was used to assess the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells viability. The clone formation assay was used to evaluate to the proliferation ability of KYSE140 and KYSE510 cells. Apoptosis and the cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to analyze the migration of KYSE140 and KYSE510 cells. Invasion was also analyzed by the Transwell assay. The expressions of PI3K, AKT/p-AKT, Erk/p-Erk, JNK1, and mTOR were detected by Western blotting. We found that the MCP-1 protein was highly expressed in KYSE140 and KYSE510. In addition, sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder treatment was found to inhibit esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation, to block the cell cycle, to induce cell apoptosis and to inhibit cell migration and invasion. Finally, we found that sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder decreased the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that sporoderm-removed Ganoderma lucidum spore powder suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinomas by involving MCP-1, regulated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk signal pathways.
Olfactory Function and Diffusion Tensor Imaging as Markers of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Early Stages of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Stewart Sophie A. , Pimer Laura , Fisk John D. , Rusak Benjamin , Leslie Ron A. , Eskes Gail , Schoffer Kerrie , McKelvey J. Roger , Rolheiser Tyler , Khan M. Naeem , Robertson Harold , Good Kimberley P.
Published: November 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is typified by motor signs and symptoms but can also lead to significant cognitive impairment and dementia Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD). While dementia is considered a nonmotor feature of PD that typically occurs later, individuals with PD may experience mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) earlier in the disease course. Olfactory deficit (OD) is considered another nonmotor symptom of PD and often presents even before the motor signs and diagnosis of PD. We examined potential links among cognitive impairment, olfactory functioning, and white matter integrity of olfactory brain regions in persons with early-stage PD. Cognitive tests were used to establish groups with PD-MCI and with normal cognition (PD-NC). Olfactory functioning was examined using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) while the white matter integrity of the anterior olfactory structures (AOS) was examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis. Those with PD-MCI demonstrated poorer olfactory functioning and abnormalities based on all DTI parameters in the AOS, relative to PD-NC individuals. OD and microstructural changes in the AOS of individuals with PD may serve as additional biological markers of PD-MCI.
School leadership writ small: Meetings and school principal practice
Authors: Midha Gopal
Published: November 2021

This paper systematically reviews literature on meetings of the principal or principal meetings from 1970 to 2021. Even though meetings comprise the largest percentage of principal time, they have been overlooked as a topic of research. The purpose of this review is to study notations of meetings in academic literature and develop analytical insights on school leadership practice. The systematic literature search used keyword search, snowballing, and personal network references to yield 62 academic publications. The results of the review indicate that educational literature provides limited and often summative notations of principal meetings. Importantly, the limited notations are still able to illuminate and nuance three dimensions of school principalship – bridging, bending, and balancing. Further, three possible conceptualizations of principal meetings as waste of time, familiar events, and intervention tools provide analytical insights into meetings as a microcosm of school principal practice. Implications for theory, practice, and further research are provided.
Explaining the problems faced by Iranian housewives during the COVID-19 quarantine period, and their adaption strategies: A qualitative study
Authors: Yoosefi Lebni Javad , Irandoost Seyed Fahim , Xosravi Tareq , Ahmadi Sina , Ziapour Arash , Soofizad Goli , SoleimanvandiAzar Neda
Published: November 2021

Background:

Housewives have several problems during the quarantine phase; so, the current study was designed to describe the challenges faced by Iranian housewives during the quarantine period in relation to COVID-19 and compatibility measures for it.

Methods:

The current research employed a qualitative methodology and a traditional content analysis method on 34 quarantined women in Tehran. Purposive sampling and snowballing were used to find participants, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. The Guba and Lincoln criteria were also employed to assess the quality of the study findings.

Results:

After analyzing the data, 4 main categories and 18 subcategories were extracted, including (1) individual problems (personal health problems, life with fear and anxiety, low mental health, lifestyle imbalance, Internet addiction); (2) family problems (violence and conflict in the family, tension in managing family members, disruption of the educational and economic situation of family members, intensification of domestic tasks and roles); (3) social problems (social isolation, disregard for social customs, restricted access to cyberspace); and (4) compatibility strategies (spirituality, strengthening family relationships, division of tasks between family members, optimal use of leisure, positive use of cyberspace, development of individual skills).

Conclusion:

Their problems can be ameliorated by providing contraception to housewives, improving their mental health and reducing their worries and fears, modeling a healthy lifestyle during quarantine, offering solutions that reduce violent behavior and manage family conflict, and expanding their access to virtual communications.
‘Everyone’s Annoyed’: Leveraging Uncertainty in the Smell of Others
Authors: Gerber Alison
Published: November 2021

A growing literature illuminates the limits of claims made on the basis of sensory perception in scientized, rationalized, and bureaucratic contexts. How to understand exceptions to the rule – cases where claims based on sensory experience are taken at face value, even without corroborating evidence? Here, I focus on one such exception, in which citizen complaints about the smell of a small shantytown functioned successfully as both demands and justifications despite a lack of the kinds of instrumentally and technologically enabled corroboration that the literature would suggest are necessary to strengthen such claims. I show how complaints slotted neatly into a specific cultural structure, an olfactory cosmology in which ‘bad air’ that endangers health can be identified by smell and requires ongoing management and amelioration, and where adherence to hygienic norms is required for full moral citizenship. The case suggests ways that the apparent weaknesses of olfactory claims might allow them to be uniquely weaponized in social and political life, and shows how such claims can exploit shared norms, values, and meanings to enroll others in the demand for action.
Marketing Education: Reflecting on Relevance
Authors: Harrigan Paul , Dolan Rebecca , Lee Michael S. W.
Published: November 2021

Marketing is one of the fastest-growing employment areas within commerce. Most of the growth lies in the role of digital technologies and in promoting sustainability rather than consumerism. However, students with mostly theoretical knowledge, even if in these areas, may not necessarily satisfy this demand, nor will students armed with strategic knowledge that is not required in entry-level jobs. There is increased demand from the marketing industry for job-ready graduates with both technical and multidisciplinary soft skills. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to reflect on the relevance of marketing education in universities in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region. At the beginning of this new decade and following a global health pandemic that has severely impacted the university sector, the time is right for such a reflection. Specifically, we reflect on how we teach and what we teach. Under how we teach, we consider two main issues: online learning and the role of industry certifications. Under what we teach, we consider three main issues: content relevance, soft skills and industry experience. We conclude with key questions for individual educators and marketing departments, and we provide some recommendations as to how, collectively, we can deal with the question we pose.
E-scaping apartheid: Digital ventures of Zionist settler colonialism
Authors: Bevilacqua Ivana
Published: November 2021

The ongoing “Intifada of Unity” against Israel's settler colonialism has resuscitated discussions about the liberatory potential of digital emancipation due to the massive data traffic circulation through its international media coverage. In fact, in a process that has intensified since the outbreak of the global pandemic at the very least, social media platforms and geospatial mapping tools have been subverted from more mundane uses, developing into new forums for organizing, imagining, and practicing more just futures. Yet, the centrality of infrastructure both as a means of digital extractivism and as a site for rupture and resistance demonstrates that the path toward new trajectories of e-scaping cannot be conceived as a virtual venture directed at designing alternative volatile geographies alone, but should always involve facing and challenging power in its everyday forms. By investigating the materiality of cyber colonialism, this paper explores the entanglement between imperial cartography and digital map-making which has reduced Palestinians and their space to a pixelated terra nullius, sanitized from the paradigmatic sites of the occupation and overwritten by a pseudo-biblical narrative that aims to legitimize the re-indigenization of the Zionist settlers. At the same time, it unpacks online processes of hyper-visibility through which Palestine suddenly materializes as a signifier for its dangerous nature, yet fragmented and enclaved by an intangible and discretional regime of im/mobility enforced through the neglect of permits and visas, as well as by the material constraints posed by apartheid roads, barriers, checkpoints, gates, and walls. Finally, it retraces the rationality of Israeli violence diluted through the technical means of built environment, infrastructure, machines and algorithms which, on one hand, contributes to the de-development of Palestine and the censorship of its people, and on the other, normalizes Israel’s position in the region due to its perceived technological superiority vis-à-vis its neighboring counterparts.
Geometric Constraints of Visual Space
Authors: Erkelens Casper J.
Published: November 2021

Perspective space has been introduced as a computational model of visual space. The model is based on geometric features of visual space. The model has proven to describe a range of phenomena related to the visual perception of distance and size. Until now, the model lacks a mathematical description that holds for complete 3D space. Starting from a previously derived equation for perceived distance in the viewing direction, the suitability of various functions is analyzed. Functions must fulfill the requirement that straight lines, oriented in whatever direction in physical space, transfer to straight lines in visual space. A second requirement is that parallel lines oriented in depth in physical space, converge to a finite vanishing point in visual space. A rational function for perceived distance, compatible with the perspective-space model of visual space, satisfies the requirements. The function is unique. Analysis of alternative functions shows there is little tolerance for deviations. Conservation of the straightness of lines constrains visual space to having a single geometry. Visual space is described by an analytical function having one free parameter, that is, the distance of the vanishing point.
Freeform 3D printing of vascularized tissues: Challenges and strategies
Authors: Lee Hyun , Jang Tae-Sik , Han Ginam , Kim Hae-Won , Jung Hyun-Do
Published: November 2021

In recent years, freeform three-dimensional (3D) printing has led to significant advances in the fabrication of artificial tissues with vascularized structures. This technique utilizes a supporting matrix that holds the extruded printing ink and ensures shape maintenance of the printed 3D constructs within the prescribed spatial precision. Since the printing nozzle can be translated omnidirectionally within the supporting matrix, freeform 3D printing is potentially applicable for the fabrication of complex 3D objects, incorporating curved, and irregular shaped vascular networks. To optimize freeform 3D printing quality and performance, the rheological properties of the printing ink and supporting matrix, and the material matching between them are of paramount importance. In this review, we shall compare conventional 3D printing and freeform 3D printing technologies for the fabrication of vascular constructs, and critically discuss their working principles and their advantages and disadvantages. We also provide the detailed material information of emerging printing inks and supporting matrices in recent freeform 3D printing studies. The accompanying challenges are further discussed, aiming to guide freeform 3D printing by the effective design and selection of the most appropriate materials/processes for the development of full-scale functional vascularized artificial tissues.
Long Covid: Online patient narratives, public health communication and vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Miyake Esperanza , Martin Sam
Published: November 2021

Introduction

This study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses of social media data collected through three key stages of the pandemic, to highlight the following: ‘First wave’ (March to May, 2020): negative consequences arising from a disconnect between official health communications, and unofficial Long Covid sufferers’ narratives online. ‘Second wave’ (October 2020 to January 2021): closing the ‘gap’ between official health communications and unofficial patient narratives, leading to a better integration between patient voice, research and services. ‘Vaccination phase’ (January 2021, early stages of the vaccination programme in the UK): continuing and new emerging concerns.

Methods

We adopted a mixed methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative analyses of 1.38 million posts mentioning long-term symptoms of Covid-19, gathered across social media and news platforms between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2021, on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and Forums. Our inductive thematic analysis was informed by our discourse analysis of words, and sentiment analysis of hashtags and emojis.

Results

Results indicate that the negative impacts arise mostly from conflicting definitions of Covid-19 and fears around the Covid-19 vaccine for Long Covid sufferers. Key areas of concern are: time/duration; symptoms/testing; emotional impact; lack of support and resources.

Conclusions

Whilst Covid-19 is a global issue, specific sociocultural, political and economic contexts mean patients experience Long Covid at a localised level, needing appropriate localised responses. This can only happen if we build a knowledge base that begins with the patient, ultimately informing treatment and rehabilitation strategies for Long Covid.
Knowledge Levels of Teachers With Refugee Student(s) in Their Class Related to Classroom Management
Authors: Taş Halil , Minaz Muhammet Baki
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge level of primary school teachers with refugee student(s) present in their class related to classroom management and to determine whether this knowledge level varies depending on their gender, the type of school they graduated from, their seniority and whether they have received training in classroom management. The study group of this research, which is a survey model, is composed of 62 primary school teachers. In this study, “Classroom Management Knowledge Level Measurement Test” was used as a quantitative data collection tool while “Interview Form” was used as a qualitative data collection tool. Frequency, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Scheffe multiple comparison test were used in the analysis of quantitative data, and the descriptive analysis technique was used in the analysis of qualitative data. The results of the study showed that the knowledge level of teachers with refugee students(s) present in their class had low knowledge level related to classroom management, that their knowledge levels differed depending on their professional seniority and whether they have received training in classroom management, and that their knowledge levels did not vary depending on the type of school they graduated and gender.
Cointegration and Causality Between Foreign Direct Investment, Trade and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from India’s Post Economic Reform Period
Authors: Singh Kunwar Milind
Published: November 2021

International trade and capital flows are the key macroeconomic indicators of a country’s balance of payment, and they impact the real economy. This study estimates the long-run association between exports, imports, foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth since India’s economic reform in 1991 until 2019. Johansen multivariate cointegration method has been adopted to study this association and to develop long-run cointegration model. The augmented Dickey–Fuller test results show that variables are non-stationary at level and stationary at first difference. The cointegration model suggests a long-run relationship among GDP per person employed (GDPPE), exports, imports and FDI. The result shows that exports are the major determinant and positively influences the GDPPE whereas imports and FDI negatively influence GDPPE. The imports affect GDPPE more negatively than FDI. The vector error correction model finds long-run causality from GDPPE, exports and imports towards FDI and short-run causality from GDPPE towards FDI, imports towards FDI and GDPPE towards exports. The policy focus should be on export promotion and to closely watch the causal effect of labour productivity on FDI and exports, and imports on FDI.
Resolving the Covid Vaccination Debate by Understanding Diversity and Standardization
Authors: Li Shaomin , Selover David
Published: November 2021

To help resolve the current debate on whether countries should vaccinate the whole population against Covid, we offer a new perspective by looking at the issue as a case of diversity versus standardization, which, we believe, is at the heart of the issue, moving away from the politics. While diversity and standardization are, to a large extent, opposites, they are also complementary in social, economic and technological development. Over-promoting or artificially suppressing one or the other will harm the creativity and efficiency of an economy. The optimal balance between diversity and standardization is that when facing a new problem of an unknown nature, we must diversify and create a competition to find the best methods for solving it. In the current covid crisis, we have done just that, and now we have a good set of vaccines, some better than others. Once the best methods are found, the government of a country should concentrate and adopt them as the standard for the entire nation for implementation. When we develop vaccines, we need some diversity, a diversity of ideas, approaches and chemistry. Once the best vaccines have been found, we need to have standardization to quickly vaccinate the entire population and realize the benefits of the vaccines.
Disruption of HIV Service Provision and Response in Hong Kong During COVID-19: Issues of Privacy and Space
Authors: Suen Yiu Tung , Chidgey Andrew
Published: November 2021

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive health and rights is a significant public health issue. HIV/AIDS related services have been severely disrupted during the pandemic in different aspects. This paper highlights how privacy concerns affected HIV service provision during COVID-19 in Hong Kong, by sharing the experience of AIDS Concern Hong Kong. Based on our experience of working with our local MSM clients, temporary closure of center-based testing, venue-based testing in gay saunas, and mobile testing, meant that MSM could not easily go to a safe space to get anonymous and gay-friendly testing. To mitigate this, AIDS Concern Hong Kong put effort into promoting and making self-testing available during periods of testing center closure. We also made sure that people can choose to have test kits delivered to an anonymous pick-up station.
Trajectories of Health-Related Quality of Life, Health Literacy, and Self-Efficacy in Curatively-Treated Patients with Esophageal Cancer: A Longitudinal Single-Center Study in Italy
Authors: Magon Arianna , Caruso Rosario , Sironi Andrea , Mirabella Sabrina , Dellafiore Federica , Arrigoni Cristina , Bonavina Luigi
Published: November 2021

This prospective longitudinal study aimed to describe the trajectories of HRQoL, health literacy, and self-efficacy in patients with esophageal cancer, which have been thus far poorly described. Data were collected at baseline (preoperative phase) and in the postoperative period (two weeks, and one, two, and three months after esophagectomy). The study hypothesis was that health literacy and self-efficacy might predict better health status and quality of life over time. Forty-five patients were enrolled between 2018 and 2019. HRQoL, health literacy, and self-efficacy were assessed using validated scales. The ability to analyze information to exert greater control over life events critically (critical health literacy) (η2 p = 0.660) and the individual's confidence in dealing with challenging tasks (self-efficacy) (η2 p = 0.501) strongly predicted the scores of general health status over time. Overall, the functional status improved at 3 months after surgery, and this trend paralleled the decline of cancer-specific and surgery-related symptoms. In conclusion, researchers and clinicians should pay greater attention to optimizing baseline health literacy and self-efficacy levels. Future educational and motivational interventions should be further tested and possibly integrated into the prehabilitation programs.
2D Geotechnical site-response analysis including soil heterogeneity and wave scattering
Authors: de la Torre Christopher A , Bradley Brendon A , McGann Christopher R
Published: November 2021

This study describes an approach for modeling wave scattering and the spatial variability of ground motion in geotechnical site-response analysis by modeling soil heterogeneity through 2D correlated random fields. Importantly, the required site-specific inputs to apply the proposed approach in a practical setting are the same as those associated with conventional 1D site-response analysis. The results, which are affected by wave scattering attenuation, are compared to those from conventional laterally homogeneous 1D site-response analyses and 1D analyses with randomized velocity profiles extracted from heterogeneous 2D velocity model realizations. A sensitivity study, involving 5400 2D model realizations, investigates the influence of random field input parameters on wave scattering and site response. The computed ground surface acceleration waveforms and transfer functions show that this method is capable of scattering seismic waves. Multiple ground-motion intensity measures are analyzed to quantify this influence and distinguish between the effects of 1D vertical heterogeneities and averaging across many nodes and realizations, from the effects of wave scattering and 2D ground-motion phenomena. The redistribution of ground-motion energy across wider frequency bands and scattering attenuation of high-frequency waves in the 2D analyses resemble features observed in empirical transfer functions computed in other studies. While analyses with 1D randomized velocity profiles are able to replicate median results from 2D analyses for some low-frequency intensity measures (e.g. transfer functions at [Formula: see text] Hz, and spectral acceleration at the fundamental period), medians and standard deviations of high-frequency intensity measures (e.g. transfer function at [Formula: see text] Hz, [Formula: see text], and Arias intensity), which are influenced by wave scattering, are not appropriately captured. Given the equivalent input information requirements as conventional 1D analysis, and the availability of large computational resources, we advocate that the proposed 2D (and eventually 3D) approach is a fruitful path forward to improve the modeling of site-response physics and realize improved predictive capabilities.
BSA-Coated Gold Nanorods for NIR-II Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhao Shubi , Luo Yiqun , Chang Zong , Liu Chenchen , Li Tong , Gan Lu , Huang Yong , Sun Qinchao
Published: November 2021

The second near infrared window is considered to be the optimal optical window for medical imaging and therapy as its capability of deep tissue penetration. The preparation of the gold nanorods with long wavelength absorption and low cytotoxicity is still a challenge. A series gold nanorods with large aspect ratio have been synthesized. Strong plasma absorption in the second near infrared window from 1000 to 1300 nm could be observed. The biocompatibility of the synthesized gold nanorods is dramatically improved via coating by bovine serum albumin (BSA), while the optical properties of which remains. The breast cancer tumor-bearing mouse could be well treated by the prepared gold nanorods with the NIR-II light intensity as low as 0.75 W/cm2. In summary, these results demonstrate the feasibility of using low illumination dose to treat tumor in the NIR-II region via the large aspect ratio gould nanoparticles.
The rhodopsin-retinochrome system for retinal re-isomerization predates the origin of cephalopod eyes
Authors: Vöcking Oliver , Leclère Lucas , Hausen Harald
Published: November 2021

Background

The process of photoreception in most animals depends on the light induced isomerization of the chromophore retinal, bound to rhodopsin. To re-use retinal, the all-trans-retinal form needs to be re-isomerized to 11-cis-retinal, which can be achieved in different ways. In vertebrates, this mostly includes a stepwise enzymatic process called the visual cycle. The best studied re-isomerization system in protostomes is the rhodopsin-retinochrome system of cephalopods, which consists of rhodopsin, the photoisomerase retinochrome and the protein RALBP functioning as shuttle for retinal. In this study we investigate the expression of the rhodopsin-retinochrome system and functional components of the vertebrate visual cycle in a polyplacophoran mollusk, Leptochiton asellus, and examine the phylogenetic distribution of the individual components in other protostome animals.

Results

Tree-based orthology assignments revealed that orthologs of the cephalopod retinochrome and RALBP are present in mollusks outside of cephalopods. By mining our dataset for vertebrate visual cycle components, we also found orthologs of the retinoid binding protein RLBP1, in polyplacophoran mollusks, cephalopods and a phoronid. In situ hybridization and antibody staining revealed that L. asellus retinochrome is co-expressed in the larval chiton photoreceptor cells (PRCs) with the visual rhodopsin, RALBP and RLBP1. In addition, multiple retinal dehydrogenases are expressed in the PRCs, which might also contribute to the rhodopsin-retinochrome system.

Conclusions

We conclude that the rhodopsin-retinochrome system is a common feature of mollusk PRCs and predates the origin of cephalopod eyes. Our results show that this system has to be extended by adding further components, which surprisingly, are shared with vertebrates.
Validation and modification of existing mortality prediction models for lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective study
Authors: Lee Hyun Seok , Moon Hee Seok , Kwon In Sun , Jeong Hyun Yong , Lee Byung Seok , Kim Seok Hyun , Lee Eaum-Seok , Sung Jae Kyu , Kang Sun Hyung
Published: November 2021

Background

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) often subsides without medical intervention; however, in some cases, the bleeding does not stop and the patient’s condition worsens. Therefore, predicting severe LGIB in advance can aid treatment. This study aimed to evaluate variables related to mortality from LGIB and propose a scoring system.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of patients who visited the emergency room with hematochezia between January 2016 and December 2020. Through regression analysis of comorbidities, medications, vital signs, laboratory investigations, and duration of hospital stay, variables related to LGIB-related mortality were evaluated. A scoring system was developed and the appropriateness with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was evaluated and compared with other existing models.

Results

A total of 932 patients were hospitalized for LGIB. Variables associated with LGIB-related mortality were the presence of cancer, heart rate > 100 beats/min, blood urea nitrogen level ≥ 30 mg/dL, an international normalized ratio > 1.50, and albumin level ≤ 3.0 g/dL. The AUROCs of the models CNUH-4 and CNUH-5 were 0.890 (p < 0.001; cutoff, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.0851–0.929) and 0.901 (p < 0.001; cutoff, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.869–0.933), respectively.

Conclusions

The model developed for predicting the risk of LGIB-related mortality is simple and easy to apply clinically. The AUROC of the model was better than that of the existing models.
Establishment and validation of prognosis model for patients with cerebral contusion
Authors: Zhu Yufeng , Jin Xiaoqing , Xu Lulu , Han Pei , Lin Shengwu , Lu Zhongsheng
Published: November 2021

Background And Objective

Cerebral Contusion (CC) is one of the most serious injury types in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, the baseline data, imaging features and laboratory examinations of patients with CC were summarized and analyzed to develop and validate a prediction model of nomogram to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients.

Methods

A total of 426 patients with cerebral contusion (CC) admitted to the People’s Hospital of Qinghai Province and Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2018 to January 2021 were included in this study, We randomly divided the cohort into a training cohort (n = 284) and a validation cohort (n = 142) with a ratio of 2:1.At Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression were used for screening high-risk factors affecting patient prognosis and development of the predictive model. The identification ability and clinical application value of the prediction model were analyzed through the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Twelve independent prognostic factors, including age, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), Basal cistern status, Midline shift (MLS), Third ventricle status, intracranial pressure (ICP) and CT grade of cerebral edema,etc., were selected by Lasso regression analysis and included in the nomogram. The model showed good predictive performance, with a C index of (0.87, 95% CI, 0.026–0.952) in the training cohort and (0.93, 95% CI, 0.032–0.965) in the validation cohort. Clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) also showed that the model brought high clinical benefits to patients.

Conclusion

This study established a high accuracy of nomogram model to predict the prognosis of patients with CC, its low cost, easy to promote, is especially applicable in the acute environment, at the same time, CSF-glucose/lactate ratio(C-G/L), volume of contusion, and mean CT values of edema zone, which were included for the first time in this study, were independent predictors of poor prognosis in patients with CC. However, this model still has some limitations and deficiencies, which require large sample and multi-center prospective studies to verify and improve our results.
Prognostic value of preoperative peripheral blood mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio (MPV/PC) in patients with resectable cervical cancer
Authors: Deng Qicheng , Long Qifang , Liu Yanan , Yang Zhujuan , Du Yibei , Chen Xin
Published: November 2021

Background

The mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio (MPV/PC) ratio based on the preoperative peripheral MPV and PCcan be used to predict the prognosis of multiple malignant tumors.

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic value of MPV/PC in cervical cancer patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 408 patients who had undergone radical surgery for cervical cancer and evaluated the correlation of MPV/PC with patient prognosis in the primary cohort and validation cohort. Additionally, independent prognostic factors were incorporated to construct the prognostic nomogram, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) value was calculated to analyze the prognostic predictive ability of the nomogram.

Results

In the primary cohort, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that the overall survival (OS) for patients with MPV/PC ≤ 0.41 was significantly lower than that in patients with MPV/PC > 0.41. MPV/PC was an independent prognostic factor for resectable cervical cancer patients. Compared with neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) or monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), the AUC values of MPV/PC in predicting the 3- and 5-year survival rates for cervical cancer patients were greater. Similar results were verified in the validation cohort. Subsequently, the nomogram constructed based on MPV/PC, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification and lymphovascular invasion performed well to accurately predict the prognosis of cervical cancer patients. The 3- and 5-year survival rates predicted by the nomogram were highly consistent with the real observations. Similar results were also displayed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

MPV/PC may be used as a novel independent prognostic factor for patients with resectable cervical cancer. Compared with the FIGO classification system, the nomogram integrating MPV/PC maybe reliably predict the survival of cervical cancer patients after radical surgery.
Prognostic characterization of immune molecular subtypes in non-small cell lung cancer to immunotherapy
Authors: Li Chenlu , Pan Jingjing , Luo Jing , Chen Xupeng
Published: November 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was usually associated with poor prognosis and invalid therapeutical response to immunotherapy due to biological heterogeneity. It is urgent to screen reliable biomarkers, especially immunotherapy-associated biomarkers, that can predict outcomes of these patients.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of 1026 NSCLC patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets with their corresponding clinical and somatic mutation data. Based on immune infiltration scores, molecular clustering classification was performed to identify immune subtypes in NSCLC. After the functional enrichment analysis of subtypes, hub genes were further screened using univariate Cox, Lasso, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and the risk score was defined to construct the prognostic model. Other microarray data and corresponding clinical information of 603 NSCLC patients from the GEO datasets were applied to conduct random forest models for the prognosis of NSCLC with 100 runs of cross-validation. Finally, external datasets with immunotherapy and chemotherapy were further applied to explore the significance of risk-scores in clinical immunotherapy response for NSCLC patients.

Results

Compared with Subtype-B, the Subtype-A, associated with better outcomes, was characterized by significantly higher stromal and immune scores, T lymphocytes infiltration scores and up-regulation of immunotherapy markers. In addition, we found and validated an eleven -gene signatures for better application of distinguishing high- and low-risk NSCLC patients and predict patients’ prognosis and therapeutical response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, combined with other clinical characteristics based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, we successfully constructed and validated a nomogram to effectively predict the survival rate of NSCLC patients. External immunotherapy and chemotherapy cohorts validated the patients with higher risk-scores exhibited significant therapeutic response and clinical benefits.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated the immunological and prognostic heterogeneity within NSCLC and provided a new clinical application in predicting the prognosis and benefits of immunotherapy for the disease.