bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic determinants of healthy behaviours among primary schoolchildren and adolescents in Lokossa district of southern Benin
Authors: Sagbo Herbert , Kpodji Paulin , Bakai Tchaa Abalo , Khanafer Nagham
Published: April 2022

Background

There is little information regarding fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and physical activity (PA) among schoolchildren in Benin. In this study we evaluated the differences in breakfast eating, FV consumption and PA according to socio-economic (SE) determinants in primary schoolchildren.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a probabilistic sample of 612 students (8–17 y of age) from 26 primary schools was done between December 2018 and January 2019. The association was estimated by logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of all students, 53% were physically inactive, 60% took breakfast <5 d/week, 84% irregularly ate fruits and 68% irregularly ate vegetables. Younger students (8–10 y) take breakfast regularly and older ones (>15 y) were physically more active. The probability of regular breakfast and fruit consumption were significantly higher in children of educated parents (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) compared with children of non-educated parents. Medium SE status was associated with regular breakfast intake, whereas high SE status was associated with higher fruit intake and lower physical activity compared with low SE status (p<0.001). There was no association between breakfast eating, FV intake, PA and the body mass index.

Conclusions

Findings emphasize the need for interventions to promote healthy eating behaviours in primary schoolchildren and their family environments.
BayesVarbrul: a unified multidimensional analysis of language change in a speaker community
Authors: Hua Xia
Published: April 2022

Exchange in ideas between language evolution and biological evolution has a long history, due to a shared theoretical foundation between language and biology as two evolving systems. Both systems evolve in terms of the frequency of a variant in a population for each of a large number of variables, that is how often a particular variant of a language variable is used in a speaker community and how many individuals in a biological population carry a particular variant of a gene. The way these frequencies change has been modelled under a similar mathematical framework. Here, I show how we can use concepts from genome wide association studies that identify the source of natural selection and the genes under selection in a biological population to study how social factors affect the usage of language variables in a speaker community or how some social groups use some language variables differently from other groups. Using the Gurindji Kriol language as a case study, I show how this approach unifies existing mathematical and statistical tools in studying language evolution over a large number of speakers and a large number of language variables, which provides a promising link between micro- and macro-evolution in language. The approach is named BayesVarbrul and is ready to apply to datasets other than the Gurindji Kriol dataset, including existing corpus data. The code and the instructions are available at https://github.com/huaxia1985/BayesVarbrul.
Group B Streptococcal Cellulitis-Adenitis Syndrome in Infants: Insights From 24 Years of Experience
Authors: Del Valle Penella Ana , Pretorius Christopher C , Baker Carol J , Rench Marcia A , Healy Catherine Mary , Edwards Morven S
Published: April 2022

This series of 28 infants with group B streptococcal (GBS) cellulitis-adenitis from a single institution over 24 years offers insights important to the early recognition, spectrum of findings, and optimal management of this rare manifestation of invasive GBS disease.
Bladder carcinosarcoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation: a rare case report
Authors: Rahoui Moez , Dali Kheireddine Mrad , Chaker Kays , Ouanes Yassine , Bibi Mokhtar , Sellami Ahmed , Rhouma Sami Ben , Nouira Yassine
Published: April 2022

Carcinosarcoma is a distinct neoplasm consisting of bidirectional differentiation toward epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Bladder localization is rare and the association with a rahbdomyoblastic component is exceptional. Few cases of bladder carcinosarcoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation have been reported in the literature. We present a case of a bladder carcinosarcoma in a 68-year-old man who presented with terminal hematuria and discuss difficulties of diagnostic and treatment.
Triggering micronovae through magnetically confined accretion flows in accreting white dwarfs
Authors: Scaringi S , Groot P J , Knigge C , Lasota J-P , de Martino D , Cavecchi Y , Buckley D A H , Camisassa M E
Published: April 2022

Rapid bursts at optical wavelengths have been reported for several accreting white dwarfs. In these bursts, the optical luminosity can increase by up to a factor of 30 in less than an hour, before fading on time-scales of several hours, and the energy release can reach ~1039 erg (‘micronovae’). Several systems have also shown these bursts to be semirecurrent on time-scales of days to months, and the temporal profiles of these bursts strongly resemble those observed in Type-I X-ray bursts in accreting neutron stars. It has been suggested that the observed micronovae may be the result of localized thermonuclear runaways in the surface layers of accreting white dwarfs. Here we propose a model in which the magnetic confinement of accretion streams on to the accreting magnetic white dwarf may trigger localized thermonuclear runaways. The model proposed to trigger micronovae appears to favour magnetic systems with both a high white dwarf mass and a high mass-transfer rate.
Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab Improve Symptoms and Associated Outcomes in Ambulatory Patients at Increased Risk for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019: Results From the Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Phase 3 BLAZE-1 Trial
Authors: Chen Peter , Behre Gerhard , Hebert Corey , Kumar Princy , Farmer Macpherson Lisa , Graham-Clarke Peita Louise , De La Torre Inmaculada , Nichols Russell M , Hufford Matthew M , Patel Dipak R , Naegeli April N
Published: April 2022

Background

In the phase 2/3 BLAZE-1 trial, bamlanivimab and etesevimab together reduced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–related hospitalizations and any-cause mortality in ambulatory patients. Herein, we assess the impact of bamlanivimab and etesevimab treatment on the severity and length of symptoms and health outcomes among patients at increased risk for severe COVID-19.

Methods

In the phase 3 portion of BLAZE-1 (NCT04427501), symptomatic patients with increased risk for severe COVID-19 were randomized (2:1) to a single infusion of 700 mg bamlanivimab and 1400 mg etesevimab or placebo. Hospitalization events, vital signs, and symptomatology were monitored throughout the trial.

Results

Overall, 769 patients were randomized to bamlanivimab and etesevimab together (n = 511) or placebo (n = 258). The time to sustained symptom resolution was significantly shorter among patients who received bamlanivimab and etesevimab compared with placebo (8 vs 10 days; P < .01). The median time to first sustained symptom resolution of body aches and pain, chills, fatigue, feeling feverish, headache, and shortness of breath was significantly different in patients receiving bamlanivimab and etesevimab compared to placebo (P < .05). The proportion of patients who experienced COVID-19–related hospitalization by day 29 was significantly reduced among the bamlanivimab and etesevimab group compared with placebo (0.8% vs 5.4%; P < .01). The mean duration of hospital stay was numerically shorter among patients who received bamlanivimab and etesevimab (7.3 vs 13.5 days; P = .16), with fewer intensive care admissions.

Conclusions

Patients receiving bamlanivimab and etesevimab together resolved their symptoms more rapidly than those receiving placebo. Bamlanivimab and etesevimab treatment was associated with reduced rates of hospitalizations and shorter hospital stays.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04427501.
In Reply: TP53 Alteration Status and Tumor Mutational Burden Score: Prevalence and Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Burcher Kimberly M , Wilson Harper L , Gavrila Elena , Abreu Arianne , D’Agostino Ralph B , Zhang Wei , Porosnicu Mercedes
Published: April 2022

This Letter to the Editor responds to recent comments by Jiang et al. and joins the recommendation for further investigations into the role of TP53alteration status and TMB as predictors of response to immunotherapy and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Influence of Aging on Memory Across Cultures
Authors: Gutchess Angela , Mukadam Nishaat , Zhang Wanbing , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2022

This chapter reviews the emerging literature on the ways in which culture can influence memory with age. It first discusses the typical effects of healthy and pathological aging (Alzheimer’s disease [AD]) on brain metrics. Next, comparisons of healthy older adults across cultures are reviewed, including studies of brain structure, function, and strategies that yield accurate or erroneous memory. Social influences, such as stereotypes and beliefs about aging, are presented in terms of their direct effects on memory outcomes. The next section considers socioemotional influences more broadly, including social networks and future time perspective that can impact focus on positive information, and how they can impact cognition and memory across cultures with age. The chapter next focuses on AD. Although the work on healthy aging underscores the potential for malleability in memory and cognition across cultures, this may not be possible when pathological changes occur. Thus, this section discusses ways in which culture could impact risk factors for AD and diagnosis, including a number of challenges and considerations for neuropsychological assessment.
The strong CP problem and higher dimensional gauge theories
Authors: Adachi Yuki , Lim C S , Maru Nobuhito
Published: April 2022

We discuss a natural scenario to solve the strong CP problem in the framework of the higher dimensional gauge theory. An axion-like field Ay has been built-in as the extra-space component of the higher dimensional gauge field. The coupling of Ay with gluons is attributed to the radiatively induced “Chern-Simons” (CS) term. We adopt a toy model with some unknown gauge symmetry U(1)X. The CS term is obtained in two ways: first by a concrete 1-loop calculation and next by use of the Fujikawa’s method to deal with the chiral anomaly in 4D space-time. The obtained results are identical, which implies that the radiative correction to the CS term is “1-loop exact” and is also free from UV-divergence even though the theory itself is non-renormalizable. As a novel feature of this scenario, such obtained CS term is no longer linear in the field Ay as in the usually discussed CS term in 5D space-time but a periodic function of Ay, since Ay has a physical meaning as the Wilson-loop phase. We argue how such novel feature of this scenario causes the modification of the ordinary solutions of the strong CP problem based on the axion fields.
Key population perceptions and opinions about long-acting antiretrovirals for prevention and treatment: a scoping review
Authors: Sued Omar , Nardi Norma , Spadaccini Luciana
Published: April 2022

Purpose of review

Key populations are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Access, retention, and adherence are important barriers for the efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV treatment among these populations. Long-acting (LA) antiretrovirals hold the promise to solve some of these backdrops. The objective of the current review is to update the perceptions of key populations and PLWH about LA, based on their opinion, acceptability, and willingness to use it.

Recent findings

According to the review preferences for LA vary with the population studied. Regarding people living with HIV (PLWH), male having sex with men are interested in having different options, adolescents are interested in LA (strong preference for implants), yet also perceive substantial obstacles to using biomedical prevention; transgender women aimed to nonvisible small implants, with long-lasting effects or LA injections that can be applied in other areas than buttocks, and women who experienced history of medical injections might increase preference for LA (except for history of people who inject drugs [IDU]). Female sex workers and IDU both showed interest in LA-PrEP. Regarding antiretroviral therapy, LA increased treatment satisfaction and acceptance, mainly among those receiving injections every 2 months. LA helped overcome pill fatigue, stigma, and adherence issues.

Knowing preferences for biomedical interventions will contribute to better understanding and developing effective strategies for these populations.
Group Coaching Using Energy-Based Practices for Health, Healing, and Personal Growth
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Bark Linda , Gentry Christine
Published: April 2022

An innovative training curriculum on energy-based practices for group coaching was developed and disseminated to 16 coaching students. This article describes phase 1 curriculum design and initial evaluation of the coaching program. Findings demonstrated the benefits of this course, highlighted areas for refinement, and support progression to phase 2 for wider dissemination.
Addressing Nursing Personnel Burnout in Long-Term Care
Authors: Camero Inglish , Carrico Cathy
Published: April 2022

Burnout affects health care providers and leads to adverse consequences. A 21-day gratitude journaling activity implemented in a Midwest long-term care setting was a personal, low-cost, and low-tech intervention requiring minimal time commitment to address burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was utilized to assess burnout pre- and post-intervention of a gratitude journal.
Cornea Classic: Spoerl et al, 2007, the “Holy Grail of CXL”
Authors: Padmanabhan Prema
Published: April 2022

Corneal collagen cross-linking has established itself as the only known treatment with a proven ability to arrest the progression of keratoconus. The efficacy and safety of the procedure have been entirely due to meticulous preparation by the innovators of this technique, before clinical application was confidently advocated. The article by Spoerl et al, entitled “Safety of UVA riboflavin crosslinking of the cornea,” one of the most frequently cited articles in the journal “Cornea,” explains the logic behind the formulation of the “Dresdon protocol” that remains the gold standard in the treatment of keratoconus by collagen cross-linking.
Effect of Mydriatic Administration On Retinal Hemodynamics in Glaucoma: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Ozturker Zeynep , Kurt Rengin Aslihan
Published: April 2022

Précis:

Pupillary dilation with 0.5% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine resulted in a statistically significant decrease in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics in glaucoma eyes. This observation emphasizes the critical role of pupillary status in interpreting glaucomatous vascular alterations detected by OCTA.

Purpose:

To evaluate the influence of mydriatic eye drops on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

A total of 20 POAG eyes and 20 control eyes were recruited in the study. The imaging area on the fundus was visualized by AngioPlex (Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec) using en face view of 3×3▒mm and 6×6▒mm preview scans. Images were generated before and after the instillation of topical 0.5% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine. Optic nerve head (ONH) perfusion, ONH flux index, macular perfusion density, macular vessel density, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements were consecutively obtained for each session. Differences between the pre-and post-dilation measurements were evaluated in POAG patients and controls.

Results:

POAG eyes showed a statistically significant decrease in the FAZ area from a mean of 0.29▒mm2to 0.25▒mm2(P=0.037) and FAZ perimeter from a mean of 2.27▒mm to 2.09▒mm (P=0.045) in the OCTA 6×6▒mm scan area after tropicamide/phenylephrine instillation. Pre-and post-dilation measurements of ONH perfusion and ONH flux index were significantly lower in the glaucoma group compared to controls (P<0.05, for all).

Conclusion:

Topical pupillary dilation with 0.5% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine results in a statistically significant reduction in the FAZ area and FAZ perimeter in POAG eyes. Further OCTA studies are needed for the diagnostic value of vascular changes due to pupil dilation in glaucoma.
Examining the effects of chronic pain on work performance in the military
Authors: Ransom Jeffrey C. , Brosz-Hardin Sally , Calero Patricia , DeFord Nicole , Burkard Joseph F.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Effectively managing pain is a unique challenge for the U.S. military. Chronic pain has a tremendous detrimental impact on mission readiness throughout the Armed Forces. Examining the effects of chronic pain on readiness is critical to understanding and addressing these challenges.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of chronic pain and sleep disruption in the context of work performance among active duty military service members.

Methodological Orientation:

The study design was a cross-sectional observational study that examined associations between patients with chronic pain and sleep disruption, in the context of work performance.

Results:

One hundred forty-five participants completed the study. Age, depression, sleep, and pain severity were consistently strong predictors of work performance.

Conclusions:

Patients performed better with age, whereas those with depression, sleep disruption, and increased pain severity performed poorly.

Implications for Practice:

Research focused on the differences in work performance among age groups may provide a better understanding of coping strategies. Focused depression research can lead to a greater understanding of how mental health affects pain, sleep, and work. The findings of this study open the door to explore multiple approaches that could lead to treatments and preventions for military members living with chronic pain.
Influence of family history of hypertension on blood pressure and heart rate variability in young adults: a meta-analysis
Authors: Queiroz Marilene Gonçalves , Prado Alexandre Garcia Konig , Alves-Santos Érica Tânise , Araújo Jaqueline Alves , Damazo Amilcar Sabino , Cambri Lucieli Teresa
Published: April 2022

Purpouse

This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of family history of hypertension (FHH+) on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV) in young adults.

Methods

Observational studies that evaluated adults (aged between 18 and 40 years) of both sexes, are without cardiometabolic disease diagnosis, are published in English, and are reporting on the influence of FHH+ (father, mother, or both) on BP and HRV were included. In June 2021, we made a search of the electronic database MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed). Random-effects models were used, and data are reported as standardized mean difference and 95% confidence limits.

Results

Thirty-eight studies with a total of 2025 individuals were included. Clinic systolic [3.13 mmHg (1.75–4.51)] and diastolic [2.85 mmHg (1.65–4.04)] BPs were higher (P < 0.001) in individuals with an FHH+. Only 24-h systolic BP was higher [1.76 mmHg (0.05–3.47); P = 0.04] in individuals with an FHH+. As for HRV indices in time-domain, RMSSD: −7.00 ms (−10.75 to −3.26), SDNN: −13.93 ms (−23.56 to −4.30), and HF [−6.82 n. u. (−9.76 to −3.89)] were lower (P < 0.05), and LF [4.78 ms (2.52–7.03)] and LF/HF ratio [0.32 (0.14–0.50)] were higher (P < 0.001) in individuals with an FHH+.

Conclusion

FHH+ negatively impacts BP and HRV in young adults.
Role of 68Ga and 18F PSMA PET/CT and PET/MRI in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer: a systematic review of prospective studies
Authors: Mazrani Waseem , Cook Gary J.R. , Bomanji Jamshed
Published: April 2022

Objective

To systematically review the prospective literature on the role of 68Ga and 18F PSMA PET/CT and PET/MRI as a tool for functional imaging in prostate cancer biochemical recurrence (BCR), particularly with respect to detection efficacy and impact on management.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed in July 2021, focusing on original prospective studies looking at PSMA PET/CT and PET/MRI in BCR.

Results

We included 20 prospective studies reporting on 68Ga and 18F PSMA PET/CT and PET/MRI. Pooled PSMA PET positivity was 66.6% out of 2110 patients. The only factor consistently reported as associated with PSMA PET positivity was PSA level at the time of the study. Analysis of PSMA PET positivity rates in differing PSA ranges confirmed increasing positivity with increasing PSA levels. No significant adverse reactions were reported in the 20 studies, but only 6 studies mentioned safety or adverse reactions. A major change of management occurred in 42.7% of all patients scanned with PSMA PET/CT and more specifically 63.2% of those patients positive on PSMA PET/CT. There are no long-term studies that prove a survival benefit from these changes in management.

Conclusion

There is prospective evidence for efficacy of PSMA PET/CT and PET/MRI in localizing disease recurrence in BCR, which increases with increasing PSA level at the time of scanning. There are no reported significant adverse effects related to the PSMA PET ligands. There is evidence of major change in management but no evidence for whether this achieves any improvement in outcome.
Distinct Cognitive Function Profiles Are Associated With a Higher Presurgery Symptom Burden in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Allemann-Su Yu-Yin , Vetter Marcus , Koechlin Helen , Conley Yvette , Paul Steven M. , Cooper Bruce A. , Kober Kord M. , Levine Jon D. , Miaskowski Christine , Katapodi Maria C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common symptom in patients with breast cancer. In our previous study of 397 women with breast cancer, we identified 3 groups of patients with distinct CRCI profiles (ie, high, moderate, and low-moderate attentional function). Compared with the other 2 classes, the low-moderate class was younger, had more comorbidities, and with lower functional status.

Objectives

In this study, we expand on this work and evaluate for differences among these latent classes in the severity of psychological (depression and anxiety) and physical (fatigue, decrements in energy, sleep disturbance, and pain) symptoms before surgery.

Methods

Cancer-related cognitive impairment was assessed using the Attentional Functional Index from before through 6 months after surgery. Lower Attentional Functional Index scores indicate higher levels of CRCI. Psychological and physical symptoms were assessed with valid instruments. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to evaluate for differences in symptom severity scores among the latent classes.

Results

Approximately 60% of patients experienced CRCI (ie, moderate and low-moderate classes). Significant differences were found among the 3 classes in the severity of trait and state anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and sleep disturbance (ie, high < moderate < low-moderate). In addition, compared with the other 2 classes, the low-moderate class reported higher pain interference scores.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that women with clinically meaningful levels of persistent CRCI have a relatively high symptom burden before surgery.

Implications for Practice

Clinicians need to routinely perform preoperative assessments of CRCI and associated symptoms and initiate therapeutic interventions.
Outcomes of Pediatric Patients in Secondary Transport to Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Nezu Mari , Shiima Yuko , Kurosawa Hiroshi , Miyakoshi Chisato
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Emergency medical service (EMS) providers play an important role in determining which hospital to choose. To date, there is no evidence-based guideline to support their decisions, except for major trauma cases. Secondary transport is considered when a patient needs further investigation or treatment after primary transport, but this can delay treatment and put patients at unnecessary risk. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes of pediatric secondary transport patients to tertiary hospitals.

Methods

This was a citywide population-based observational study conducted in Kobe, Japan. We reviewed the EMS registry to identify secondary transport patients younger than 19 years and investigated their clinical characteristics. We excluded cases of unknown hospital destinations, nontransported cases, and major trauma patients who followed a different protocol for a hospital destination. The primary endpoint was the hospital outcome 12 hours after transport. Because there was no link between the EMS patient transport data and the hospital medical records, a probabilistic linkage was performed to obtain the hospital outcomes. Patients who required secondary transport were compared with patients transported directly to tertiary hospitals.

Results

A total of 13,720 pediatric patients were transported from the field by Kobe EMS between January 2013 and December 2015. Among them, 81 pediatric patients (0.6%) required secondary transport to tertiary hospitals within 24 hours of the primary transport, whereas a total of 3673 patients (27%) were transported directly to tertiary hospitals. Despite no apparent difference in prehospital severity, secondary transport patients were associated with higher hospitalization rates and a need for critical care compared with those who had direct transport. Seizure was the most common reason for the use of secondary transport, and 89% of the seizure patients were hospitalized after undergoing secondary transport; minor trauma was the second most common reason for the use of secondary transport, and 53% of the patients were hospitalized.

Conclusions

In this study, the characteristics of the secondary transport patients and hospital outcomes revealed a heterogeneity in pediatric prehospital transport. It is recommended that the development of pediatric EMS destination guidelines cover children's diverse conditions. Further studies are required, and linkages between prehospital and hospital data will help promote a better understanding of appropriate hospital destinations.
Improving the Science in Plastic Surgery
Authors: Thoma Achilles , Murphy Jessica , Voineskos Sophocles H. , Coroneos Christopher J. , Goldsmith Charles H.
Published: April 2022

In 1906, George Bernard Shaw criticized the medical profession for its lack of science and compassion. Since then, advances in both medical and surgical subspecialties have improved quality of patient care. Unfortunately, the reporting of these advances is variable and is frequently biased. Such limitations lead to false claims, wasted research dollars, and inability to synthesize and apply evidence to practice. It was hoped that the introduction of evidence-based medicine would improve the quality of health care and decrease health dollar waste. For this to occur, however, credible “best evidence”—one of the components of evidence-based medicine—is required. This article provides a framework for credible research evidence in plastic surgery, as follows: (1) stating the clinical research question, (2) selecting the proper study design, (3) measuring critical (important) outcomes, (4) using the correct scale(s) to measure the outcomes, (5) including economic evaluations with clinical (effectiveness) studies, and (6) reporting a study’s results using the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research, or EQUATOR, guidelines. Surgeon investigators are encouraged to continue improving the science in plastic surgery by applying the framework outlined in this article. Improving surgical clinical research should decrease resource waste and provide patients with improved evidence-based care.
PET/CT Imaging of Hemorrhagic Pseudotumor Arising From Treated Plasmacytoma
Authors: Cumsky Jameson L. , Nguyen Ba Duong
Published: April 2022

Hemorrhagic pseudotumor occurs in approximately 1% to 2% of patients with hemophilia. This lesion is exceptionally rare in nonhemophiliac individuals. The authors present a case of treated right ischial plasmacytoma with a progressively enlarging expansile hemorrhagic pseudotumor, documented on 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI and confirmed by histology.
Case report and literature review: double jeopardy – Exophiala dermatitidis and Mycobacterium canariasense central line-associated bloodstream infection in a patient
Authors: Ahamad Afrinash , Tehreem Bushra , Farooqi Maaz , Maramara Bennadette
Published: April 2022

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the most common nosocomial-acquired infection, affecting 38 000 patients in the USA annually. Approximately 8–10 % of inserted catheters lead to bloodstream infections, and ~25–30 % of infections are associated with mortality. Although proper line maintenance is essential to prevent infection, it is quite a challenge to avoid infection in patients with a long-term catheter. We present a case of a female in her 40s with a previous history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who has had a central line for total parenteral nutrition for the past 2 years. The patient recently visited the emergency room with fever and generalized fatigue. Blood cultures sent to microbiology were positive for black mould, Exophiala dermatitidis. However, after a few days, microbiology reported an additional micro-organism,

Mycobacterium canariasense

, a pathogen rarely associated with bacteraemia. The patient was administered voriconazole and moxifloxacin for black mould and mycobacterium infection, respectively. We present an unusual case of rare opportunistic organisms causing bacteraemia and fungaemia in a patient with a long-term catheter. CLABSI remains a serious challenge for clinical facilities. Implementation and monitoring of effective strategies can prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with long-term catheters and can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with CLABSI.
High molecular weight DNA extraction methods lead to high quality filamentous ascomycete fungal genome assemblies using Oxford Nanopore sequencing
Authors: Petersen Celine , Sørensen Trine , Westphal Klaus R. , Fechete Lavinia I. , Sondergaard Teis E. , Sørensen Jens L. , Nielsen Kåre L.
Published: April 2022

During the last two decades, whole-genome sequencing has revolutionized genetic research in all kingdoms, including fungi. More than 1000 fungal genomes have been submitted to sequence databases, mostly obtained through second generation short-read DNA sequencing. As a result, highly fragmented genome drafts have typically been obtained. However, with the emergence of third generation long-read DNA sequencing, the assembly challenge can be overcome and highly contiguous assemblies obtained. Such attractive results, however, are extremely dependent on the ability to extract highly purified high molecular weight (HMW) DNA. Extraction of such DNA is currently a significant challenge for all species with cell walls, not least fungi. In this study, four isolates of filamentous ascomycetes (Apiospora pterospermum, Aspergillus sp. (subgen. Cremei), Aspergillus westerdijkiae, and Penicillium aurantiogriseum) were used to develop extraction and purification methods that result in HMW DNA suitable for third generation sequencing. We have tested and propose two straightforward extraction methods based on treatment with either a commercial kit or traditional phenol-chloroform extraction both in combination with a single commercial purification method that result in high quality HMW DNA from filamentous ascomycetes. Our results demonstrated that using these DNA extraction methods and coverage, above 75 x of our haploid filamentous ascomycete fungal genomes result in complete and contiguous assemblies.
Asymmetric activation of microglia in the hippocampus drives anxiodepressive consequences of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Chen Li-Qiang , Lv Xue-Jing , Guo Qing-Huan , Lv Su-Su , Lv Ning , Yu Jin , Xu Wen-Dong , Zhang Yu-Qiu
Published: April 2022

Patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (TN) are often accompanied by anxiety and depression. Whether and how microglia are involved in TN-induced anxiodepressive remains unclear. Here, we unconventionally report that TN activates ipsilateral but not contralateral hippocampal microglia, upregulates ipsilateral hippocampal ATP and interleukin1β (IL-1β) levels, impairs ipsilateral hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), and induces anxiodepressive-like behaviors in a time-dependent manner in rodents. Specifically, activation of ipsilateral hippocampal microglia is necessary for TN-induced anxiodepressive-like behaviors; and unilateral activating hippocampal microglia is sufficient to elicit an anxiodepressive state and impair LTP. Knockdown of ipsilateral hippocampal P2X7 receptor prevented TN-induced microglial activation and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Furthermore, we demonstrate that microglia-derived IL-1β mediates microglial activation-induced anxiodepressive-like behaviors and LTP impairment. Together, these findings suggest that priming of microglia with ATP/P2X7R in the ipsilateral hippocampus drives pain-related anxiodepressive-like behaviors via IL-1β. Our results also reveal an asymmetric role of the bilateral hippocampus in TN-induced anxiety and depression.
Optimization method for spatial route adjustment of multi-bends pipes considering assembly demands
Authors: Chen Kunyong , Zhao Yong , Liu Yuming , Yu Haidong , Huang Shunzhou
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an optimization method to automatically adjust the spatial route of multibend pipes to meet the assembly demands in constrained space.

Design/methodology/approach

The compact geometric parameters that uniquely determine the pipe route are analyzed. Besides, the relationship between these parameters and the end pose is revealed based on the exponential product formula. Mathematical representations for the engineering constraints, including the end pose restriction, collision interference, manufacture ability and geometric limitations, are further established. On this basis, the adjustment of the spatial route is formulated as a multiconstraint optimization problem. A modified particle swarm optimization method based on the combination of gradient projection and swarm intelligence is designed to find the near-optimal pipe that meets the required assembly demands.

Findings

The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively find the feasible pipe route that satisfies the engineering constraints and the end pose requirement is highly guaranteed.

Originality/value

The proposed method can automate the geometric adjustment of multi-bend pipes to meet the actual assembly demands, which significantly reduces manual efforts and guarantees high accuracy. The results demonstrate the possibility of further applications in the pipe assembly or design process, especially in ships, aerospace products or pressure vessels.
Voltage instability curtailment and quality improvement with phasor measurement unit in power system
Authors: Preeti Kabra , Rani Donepudi Sudha
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The earlier methods are more resilient to improvements such as load shift and path change. This results in problems such as a voltage drop and a high reactive flux. In addition, due to the delay, congestion or interruption of the transmission, the system cannot receive all phasor measurement unit (PMU) measurements at the relevant time as well as the presence of noise in the received data.

Design/methodology/approach

With the development of wide area measurement system technologies, it seems to be possible to track voltage stability online via time-stamped PMUs. As the voltage instability causes a voltage decomposition, voltage instability is one of the most important problems when monitoring the power supply.

Findings

This harmonic distortion significantly decreases the data quality in the grid. As a result, instability ascertainment based on PMU has been suggested as a method for detecting voltage instability in power systems monitored with PMU. In addition, a technique called instability amendment via load dropping has been proposed to keep the device from collapsing due to voltage failure.

Originality/value

To improve the power output, the power prominence melioration technique was developed. This proposed system has been implemented in MATLAB Simulink and compared with the recent researches.
Student internship experiences: areas for improvement and student choices of internship practices
Authors: Thi Ngoc Ha Nguyen , Dakich Eva
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates areas for improvement in internship practices from the perspectives of key stakeholders, such as university department leaders, host company leaders, lecturers, work supervisors, graduates, and final year students. Student choices of internship practices are also reported.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed methods approach was implementing that included three focus groups, 15 individual in-depth interviews, and 461 responses to a student survey. In the qualitative phase, deductive thematic analysis was employed to explore areas for improvement in internship practices. In the quantitative phase, descriptive statistical analysis, and two non-parametric tests were used: the Mann–Whitney tests and Kruskal–Wallis tests, followed by pairwise comparisons to identify student choices of internship practices.

Findings

The corroboration and triangulation of the qualitative and quantitative data sets revealed three distinct areas for improvement in internship practices in Vietnamese universities. These are internship learning outcomes, internship support, and internship assessment. Findings highlighted the crucial role of industry stakeholders, including work supervisors in the entire process of the internship, as well as the key responsibility of universities in improving student internship experiences.

Originality/value

Areas for improvement and student choices of internship practices in Vietnamese universities have not been discussed previously. Findings carry practical, policy and theoretical implications for higher education in Vietnam and other countries striving to enhance student internship experiences. Hence, this study contributes to the Vietnamese and international WIL literature with its findings emerging from a complex mixed-methods design. This methodological approach offers enhanced reliability and validity of findings compared to previous research in the field that relied on a single data set.
A multidisciplinary definition of privacy labels
Authors: Johansen Johanna , Pedersen Tore , Fischer-Hübner Simone , Johansen Christian , Schneider Gerardo , Roosendaal Arnold , Zwingelberg Harald , Sivesind Anders Jakob , Noll Josef
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present arguments about how a complex concept of privacy labeling can be a solution to the current state of privacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors give a precise definition of Privacy Labeling (PL), painting a panoptic portrait from seven different perspectives: Business, Legal, Regulatory, Usability and Human Factors, Educative, Technological and Multidisciplinary. They describe a common vision, proposing several important “traits of character” of PL as well as identifying “undeveloped potentialities”, i.e. open problems on which the community can focus.

Findings

This position paper identifies the stakeholders of the PL and their needs with regard to privacy, describing how PL should be and look like to address these needs. Main aspects considered are the PL’s educational power to change people’s knowledge of privacy, tools useful for constructing PL and the possible visual appearances of PL. They also identify how the present landscape of privacy certifications could be improved by PL.

Originality/value

The authors adopt a multidisciplinary approach to defining PL as well as give guidelines in the form of goals, characteristics, open problems, starting points and a roadmap for creating the ideal PL.
Determinants of satisfaction with imported Asian pears in the US: moderating role of Korea's country image
Authors: Seo Sunhee , Kim Kawon , Im Soo Yeon
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects of accessibility, quality perception, and price perception on consumer satisfaction with imported fruit, specifically imported Asian pears. The moderating role of the country image was also assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 413 Americans aged over 19 years who had purchased imported Asian pears were surveyed through an online questionnaire. Structural equation modeling and multiple group analysis were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Accessibility, quality perception, and price perception exhibited a significant impact on consumer satisfaction with imported Asian pears and influenced behavioral intention through satisfaction. Multiple group analysis results revealed a moderating effect of the country image on these relationships. Accessibility had a significant impact on consumer satisfaction of consumers with a high country image of Korea, whereas prices had no significant impact on them. In contrast, price was determined as a key satisfaction factor for consumers with a low country image of Korea, whereas accessibility did not have a significant impact.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on imported fruits and provides practical implications for promoting the consumption of imported Asian pears in the US.
Design of a high-temperature grease by BP neural network and its preparation and high-temperature performance studies
Authors: Zeng Qunfeng , Jiang Hao , Liu Qi , Li Gaokai , Ning Zekun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a high-temperature grease design method assisted by back propagation neural network (BPNN) and verify its application value.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the grease data sets were built by sorting out the base data of greases in a large number of literatures and textbooks. Second, the BPNN model was built, trained and tested. Then, the optimized BPNN model was used to search the unknown data space and find the composition of greases with excellent high-temperature performance. Finally, a grease was prepared according to the selected composition predicted by the model and the high-temperature physicochemical performance, high-temperature stability and tribological properties under different friction conditions were investigated.

Findings

Through high temperature tribology experiments, thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry experiments, it is proved that the high temperature grease prepared based on BPNN has good high-temperature performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a new method of designing and exploring high-temperature greases is successfully proposed, which is useful and important for the industrial applications.
Nonfinancial value creation of integrated reporting
Authors: Ribeiro Cintia de Melo de Albuquerque , Ezequiel Flavio , Perez Zotes Luis , Vieira Neto Julio
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the nonfinancial drivers of value creation that influence an investment decision and present a set of drivers that contribute with a useful integrated reporting to its providers of financial capital using evidence from Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a systematic literature review in the Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases in the period from 2005 to 2020. Interpretive content analysis is used in 42 documents identified to explore nonfinancial drivers to demand by providers of financial capital, which are classified according to the capitals nonfinancial suggested by the integrated report (IR). Then, the results are evaluated by Brazilian professional investors in a focus group.

Findings

The members of the focus group do not consider the IR relevant to investment decision and neither the information about natural capital nor social capital. They highlighted two nonfinancial drivers of value not identified in the previous literature.

Research limitations/implications

The focus group is limited by subjects’ availability and by the participants’ number. But its results represent initial discussions on the subject in the Brazilian context.

Practical implications

The results of this study have value, principally, to investors, target audience of IR, because it aligns your demands with the IRs content, improving its usefulness.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this manuscript is the first study to investigate the perception of Brazilian professional investors about the importance of the IR in investment decision-making and to identify content relevant to the financial capital provider’s investment decision, which can improve the usefulness of IR.
Disclosing opaque inventory information in a two-period sales setting: substitute products' selling strategy
Authors: Lu Zhigang , Kong Xuehua
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the opaque inventory information disclosure strategy for an online retailer who sells two substitutable products to customers in two selling periods.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a two-period model where an online retailer sells two substitute products with two inventory composition structures to maximize profits. The authors investigate the optimal inventory disclosure decision from both ex post and ex ante perspectives. Sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the effects that discount rate, transaction cost and the probability of agreeable inventory situation have on the equilibrium disclosure outcome. The authors also consider risk-averse customers and horizontally differentiated products to highlight the robustness of our results.

Findings

The authors find that the online retailer will choose the opaque information disclosure when attempting to increase revenue and reduce the mismatch of supply and demand in both ex post and ex ante inventory information conditions. Comparing with ex post disclosure strategies, ex ante opaque disclosure is optimal in a larger price region, and the total revenues gap between opaque disclosure and complete disclosure gradually increase as discount rate, transaction cost or the probability of agreeable inventory situation decreases. Furthermore, strategic customers may tend to be risk neutral when faced with opaque inventory information in a two-period sales setting.

Originality/value

This current paper is the first paper to study the online retailer's inventory information disclosure strategy in two selling periods. Moreover, this paper presents the conditions under which the online retailer should share complete or opaque inventory information with customers to maximize the online retailer's total revenues.