bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with single and multiple suicide attempts in adolescents attending school in Argentina: national cross-sectional survey in 2018
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: July 2022

Background

Factors associated with single suicide attempts (SSA) and multiple suicide attempts (MSA) may differ.

Aims

The study aimed to assess the factors associated with MSA in adolescents with a history of suicide attempts during the past 12 months in Argentina.

Method

National cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey in Argentina in 2018 were analysed. Students who reported having a history of suicide attempts in the past 12 months were included in the final sample (n = 8507). Students with MSA were compared with students with an SSA through multiple logistic regression.

Results

In a subsample of adolescents attending school (mean age 14.8 years, s.d. = 1.3), 59.4% had an SSA and 40.6% had MSA in the past 12 months. In the final adjusted logistic regression model, compared with participants with SSA, both male and female students with MSA more frequently had no close friends, reported feeling more lonely and had more anxiety-induced sleep disturbances. Furthermore, among female participants, having been physically attacked, having participated in physical fights, low parental support, current tobacco use and lifetime amphetamine use were associated with MSA. Among male students, multiple sexual partners were associated with MSA. Furthermore, among both boys and girls, compared with participants without psychosocial distress, participants with one, two, three or more psychosocial distress factors had higher odds of MSA. Compared with students with one or two social or environmental risk factors, students with seven or eight social or environmental risk factors had higher odds of MSA; compared with students who had zero or one health risk behaviours, students with six or more health risk behaviours had higher odds of MSA.

Conclusions

Psychosocial distress (anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, having no close friends and loneliness) increased the odds of MSA among both sexes. The odds of MSA were increased by interpersonal violence, low parental support and substance use among girls, and by having multiple sexual partners among boys. This suggests the potential relevance of these variables in identifying multiple suicide attempters among adolescents attending school in Argentina.
Time to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of valproate and a call for action
Authors: Howes Oliver D. , Barnes Thomas R. E. , Lennox Belinda R. , Markham Sarah , Natesan Sridhar
Published: July 2022

Valproate is widely used in psychiatry and neurology, including off-label use. Here we consider its potential benefits and risks, particularly for women of childbearing potential, and the evidence that clinical guidelines are adhered to. Finally, we consider the implications for clinical practice and research into its efficacy in off-label indications.
Multidimensional Molecular Profiling of Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Benefit
Authors: Barroso-Sousa Romualdo , Forman Juliet , Collier Katharine , Weber Zachary T. , Jammihal Tejas R. , Kao Katrina Z. , Richardson Edward T. , Keenan Tanya , Cohen Ofir , Manos Michael P. , Brennick Ryan C. , Ott Patrick A. , Hodi F. Stephen , Dillon Deborah A. , Attaya Victoria , O'Meara Tess , Lin Nancy U. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Rodig Scott , Winer Eric P. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Wu Catherine J. , Wagle Nikhil , Stover Daniel G. , Shukla Sachet A. , Tolaney Sara M.
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE

In metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), consistent biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy benefit remain elusive. We evaluated the immune, genomic, and transcriptomic landscape of mTNBC in patients treated with ICIs.

METHODS

We identified 29 patients with mTNBC treated with pembrolizumab or atezolizumab, either alone (n = 9) or in combination with chemotherapy (n = 14) or targeted therapy (n = 6), who had tumor tissue and/or blood available before ICI therapy for whole-exome sequencing. RNA sequencing and CIBERSORTx-inferred immune population analyses were performed (n = 20). Immune cell populations and programmed death-ligand 1 expression were assessed using multiplexed immunofluorescence (n = 18). Clonal trajectories were evaluated via serial tumor/circulating tumor DNA whole-exome sequencing (n = 4). Association of biomarkers with progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) was assessed.

RESULTS

Progression-free survival and OS were longer in patients with high programmed death-ligand 1 expression and tumor mutational burden. Patients with longer survival also had a higher relative inferred fraction of CD8+ T cells, activated CD4+ memory T cells, M1 macrophages, and follicular helper T cells and enrichment of inflammatory gene expression pathways. A mutational signature of defective repair of DNA damage by homologous recombination was enriched in patients with both shorter OS and primary resistance. Exploratory analysis of clonal evolution among four patients treated with programmed cell death protein 1 blockade and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor suggested that clonal stability post-treatment was associated with short time to progression.

CONCLUSION

This study identified potential biomarkers of response to ICIs among patients with mTNBC: high tumor mutational burden; presence of CD8+, CD4 memory T cells, follicular helper T cells, and M1 macrophages; and inflammatory gene expression pathways. Pretreatment deficiencies in the homologous recombination DNA damage repair pathway and the absence of or minimal clonal evolution post-treatment may be associated with worse outcomes.
Characterization of Aldosterone-producing Cell Cluster (APCC) at Single-cell Resolution
Authors: Iwahashi Norifusa , Umakoshi Hironobu , Seki Tsugio , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E , Mukai Kuniaki , Suematsu Makoto , Umezawa Yuta , Oya Mototsugu , Kosaka Takeo , Seki Masahide , Suzuki Yutaka , Horiuchi Yutaka , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Nishimoto Koshiro
Published: July 2022

Context

The adrenal cortex consists of zona glomerulosa (ZG), fasciculata (ZF), and reticularis. Aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) that strongly express aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) are frequently found in adult adrenals and harbor somatic mutations that are also detected in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). Primary aldosteronism is mainly caused by APAs or idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). We presume that APCCs are causing IHA and are precursors of APAs. However, the gene expression characteristics and especially the development of APCCs are not well understood.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the transcriptome of APCCs at single-cell resolution and infer the developmental trajectory.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 2 adult adrenals was performed.

Results

Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the 2 adrenals had APCCs. scRNA-seq data of 2928 adrenal cells were obtained and 1765 adrenocortical cells were identified based on unsupervised clustering and the marker gene expression. The adrenocortical cells were divided into 6 clusters, of which 3 clusters (923 cells) were composed of APCC/ZG cells. By further subclustering, the APCC/ZG cells were divided into 3 clusters (clusters C1, C2, and C3), we finally identified APCC cluster (C3) and ZG cluster (C1). Cluster C2 seemed to be ZG-to-ZF transitional cells. RNA velocity analysis inferred the developmental direction from cluster ZG-cluster-C1 to APCC-cluster-C3. The scRNA-seq additionally revealed that many CYP11B2-positive cells were positive for CYP11B1 and/or CYP17A1, which were essential for cortisol but not for aldosterone production.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the gene expression characteristics of APCC at single-cell resolution and show that some ZG cells remodel to APCC.
Grounds for Collective Action
Authors: Nishikawa Kinohi
Published: July 2022

The Black Lives Matter movement experienced a groundswell of support in the summer of 2020. The scale of mobilization was staggering, with marches and rallies held in every corner of the country. Since then, support for the movement has dropped, and some see this as an indication that white support for Black Lives Matter was only ever fickle and thin. In May 2020 Percival Everett published a novel that contests the reduction of activist sentiment to social outcomes. Telephone tells the story of a Black man, Zach Wells, who struggles to come to terms with his daughter's terminal illness. As she deteriorates, Zach looks to be of help to someone, anyone, in need. An opportunity to do that comes in the form of an anonymous note in Spanish that he receives asking for help. At this juncture, the novel splits off into three narratives, each giving a distinct account of how feelings of loss and grief spur Zach to act on conviction and mobilize support for a cause. The narratives appear in three versions of Telephone, which the publisher released simultaneously. In a remarkable coincidence, this trivalent fiction limns summer 2020’s structure of feeling, where the strain of enduring COVID-19 restrictions intersected with the outrage of witnessing racial injustice. Telephone's versions show how activism can result from an admixture of motives and aims. Against the claim that support for Black Lives Matter was insincere, Telephone imagines the grounds for political action as particular to experience yet multiple in its trajectories.
Black Lives Matter and the Contemporary African Novel: Form and the Limits of Solidarity
Authors: Krishnan Madhu
Published: July 2022

In June 2020, a group of more than one hundred African writers published a statement of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter uprisings that emerged around the world in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. In this statement are a number of claims around the extension of Black internationalism and solidarities and the uneven—and sometimes uneasy—interrelation between the violence of white supremacy as evidenced in the United States and the larger violence of coloniality experienced globally today. This essay, taking these claims as its spark, explores how the contemporary African literary novel, as a form, registers a response to the historical degradation of Black lives under the colonial matrix of power, which, while often sympathetic with the analytic framework of Black Lives Matter, does not always cohere with it. Reading a broad range of texts, the essay argues that the ambivalent relationship to Black Lives Matter engendered in these works stems from a persistent cleaving of coloniality from an America-specific reading of white supremacy and violence against Black lives, which these texts sometimes perpetuate. Critics such as Ashleigh Harris and Sarah Brouillette have described the novel form in an African context as both “exhausted” and “residual,” inextricably implicated in the violence of neoliberalism. By drawing on comparative readings of non-novelistic work such as Marechera's House of Hunger and the Chimurenga Chronic, this essay concludes by considering the extent to which the ambivalence registered in the African literary novel is itself an inevitability of its own formal parameters and their entanglement with concepts of nation, extroversion/extraction, and coloniality.
The marine gastropod Conomurex luhuanus (Strombidae) has high-resolution spatial vision and eyes with complex retinas
Authors: Irwin Alison R. , Williams Suzanne T. , Speiser Daniel I. , Roberts Nicholas W.
Published: July 2022

All species within the conch snail family Strombidae possess large camera-type eyes that are surprisingly well-developed compared with those found in most other gastropods. Although these eyes are known to be structurally complex, very little research on their visual function has been conducted. Here, we use isoluminant expanding visual stimuli to measure the spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity of a strombid, Conomurex luhuanus. Using these stimuli, we show that this species responds to objects as small as 1.06 deg in its visual field. We also show that C. luhuanus responds to Michelson contrasts of 0.07, a low contrast sensitivity between object and background. The defensive withdrawal response elicited by visual stimuli of such small angular size and low contrast suggests that conch snails may use spatial vision for the early detection of potential predators. We support these findings with morphological estimations of spatial resolution of 1.04 deg. These anatomical data therefore agree with the behavioural measures and highlight the benefits of integrating behavioural and morphological approaches in animal vision studies. Using contemporary imaging techniques [serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy (TEM)], we found that C. luhuanus have more complex retinas, in terms of cell type diversity, than expected based on previous studies of the group using TEM alone. We find the C. luhuanus retina comprises six cell types, including a newly identified ganglion cell and accessory photoreceptor, rather than the previously described four cell types.
A simple method reveals minimum time required to quantify steady-rate metabolism and net cost of transport for human walking
Authors: Adeyeri Bolatito , Thomas Shernice A. , Arellano Christopher J.
Published: July 2022

The U-shaped net cost of transport (COT) curve of walking has helped scientists understand the biomechanical basis that underlies energy minimization during walking. However, to produce an individual's net COT curve, data must be analyzed during periods of steady-rate metabolism. Traditionally, studies analyze the last few minutes of a 6–10 min trial, assuming that steady-rate metabolism has been achieved. Yet, it is possible that an individual achieves steady rates of metabolism much earlier. However, there is no consensus on how to objectively quantify steady-rate metabolism across a range of walking speeds. Therefore, we developed a simple slope method to determine the minimum time needed for humans to achieve steady rates of metabolism across slow to fast walking speeds. We hypothesized that a shorter time window could be used to produce a net COT curve that is comparable to the net COT curve created using traditional methods. We analyzed metabolic data from 21 subjects who completed several 7 min walking trials ranging from 0.50 to 2.00 m s−1. We partitioned the metabolic data for each trial into moving 1, 2 and 3 min intervals and calculated their slopes. We statistically compared these slope values with values derived from the last 3 min of the 7 min trial, our ‘gold’ standard comparison. We found that a minimum of 2 min is required to achieve steady-rate metabolism and that data from 2–4 min yields a net COT curve that is not statistically different from the one derived from experimental protocols that are generally accepted in the field.
Effect of Surgical Humidification on Inflammation and Peritoneal Trauma in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sampurno Shienny , Chittleborough Timothy , Dean Meara , Flood Michael , Carpinteri Sandra , Roth Sara , Millen Rosemary M. , Cain Helen , Kong Joseph C. H. , MacKay John , Warrier Satish K. , McCormick Jacob , Hiller Jonathon G. , Heriot Alexander G. , Ramsay Robert G. , Lynch Andrew C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Pre-clinical studies indicate that dry-cold-carbon-dioxide (DC-CO2) insufflation leads to more peritoneal damage, inflammation and hypothermia compared with humidified-warm-CO2 (HW-CO2). Peritoneum and core temperature in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery were compared.

Methods

Sixty-six patients were randomized into laparoscopic groups; those insufflated with DC-CO2 or HW-CO2. A separate group of nineteen patients undergoing laparotomy were randomised to conventional surgery or with the insertion of a device delivering HW-CO2. Temperatures were monitored and peritoneal biopsies and bloods were taken at the start of surgery, at 1 and 3 h. Further bloods were taken depending upon hospital length-of-stay (LOS). Peritoneal samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to evaluate mesothelial damage.

Results

Laparoscopic cases experienced a temperature drop despite Bair-HuggerTM use. HW-CO2 restored normothermia (≥ 36.5 °C) by 3 h, DC-CO2 did not. LOS was shorter for colon compared with rectal cancer cases and if insufflated with HW-CO2 compared with DC-CO2; 5.0 vs 7.2 days, colon and 11.6 vs 15.4 days rectum, respectively. Unexpectedly, one third of patients had pre-existing damage. Damage increased at 1 and 3 h to a greater extent in the DC-CO2 compared with the HW-CO2 laparoscopic cohort. C-reactive protein levels were higher in open than laparoscopic cases and lower in both matched HW-CO2 groups.

Conclusions

This prospective RCT is in accord with animal studies while highlighting pre-existing damage in some patients. Peritoneal mesothelium protection, reduced inflammation and restoration of core-body temperature data suggest benefit with the use of HW-CO2 in patients undergoing CRC surgery.
Association between Fat-Free Mass Loss after Diet and Exercise Interventions and Weight Regain in Women with Overweight
Authors: MARTINS CATIA , GOWER BARBARA A. , HUNTER GARY R.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to determine if percent fat-free mass loss (% FFML) after diet alone, diet plus aerobic, or diet plus resistance exercise is a predictor of weight regain in women with overweight.

Methods

One hundred and forty-one premenopausal women with overweight (body mass index, 28 ± 1 kg·m−2; age, 35 ± 6 yr) enrolled in a weight loss program to achieve a body mass index <25 kg·m−2 (diet alone, diet plus resistance, or diet plus aerobic exercise) and were followed for 1 yr. Body weight and composition (with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) were measured at baseline, after weight loss, and at 1 yr.

Results

Participants lost 12.1 ± 2.6 kg of body weight, 11.3 ± 2.5 kg of fat mass, and 0.5 ± 1.6 kg of fat-free mass during the weight loss intervention, followed by weight regain at 1 yr (6.0 ± 4.4 kg, 51.3% ± 37.8%; P < 0.001 for all). % FFML was −3.6 ± 12.4, and a greater % FFML was associated with more weight regain (r = −0.216, P = 0.01, n = 141), even after adjusting for the intervention group (β = −0.07; 95% confidence interval, −0.13 to −0.01; P = 0.017).

Conclusions

% FFML is a significant predictor of weight regain in premenopausal women with overweight. These results support strategies for conserving fat-free mass during weight loss, such as resistance training. Future research should try to identify the mechanisms, at the level of both appetite and energy expenditure, responsible for this association.
Predictors of Quadriceps Strength Asymmetry after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection Decision Tree Analysis
Authors: STRAUB RACHEL K. , MANDELBAUM BERT , POWERS CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The influence of graft type on the restoration of quadriceps strength symmetry after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has been widely studied. However, an important consideration when evaluating quadriceps symmetry is the fact that this measure can be influenced by numerous factors beyond graft type. This study sought to determine if graft type is predictive of quadriceps strength asymmetry during the first 12 months post-ACLR taking into consideration potentially influential factors (i.e., age, sex, body mass index, time post-ACLR).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed quadriceps strength data from 434 patients (303 female patients and 131 male patients) who had previously undergone ACLR with an autograft (hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon [QT], patellar tendon [PT]) or allograft. Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection decision tree analysis was used to evaluate if graft type is predictive of quadriceps strength asymmetry during the first 12 months post-ACLR taking into consideration age, sex, body mass index, and time post-ACLR.

Results

The best predictor of quadriceps strength asymmetry was graft type. Specifically, three graft categories were identified: 1) allograft and hamstring tendon autograft, 2) PT autograft, and 3) QT autograft. The average quadriceps strength asymmetry for each of the three identified categories was 0.91, 0.87, and 0.81, respectively, and differed statistically from each other (P < 0.001). The second-best predictor of quadriceps strength asymmetry was sex, albeit only in the PT and QT groups (with female patients having increased asymmetry). Female patients post-ACLR with a QT autograft were at highest risk for quadriceps strength asymmetry.

Conclusions

Graft type and sex are important predictors of quadriceps strength asymmetry after ACLR. Clinicians should take these factors into consideration when designing rehabilitation protocols to restore quadriceps strength symmetry during the postoperative period.
Διαδικασίες εξυγιάνσεως επιχειρήσεων και ατομικά διωκτικά μέτρα στο πλαίσιο του νέου πτωχευτικού νόμου
Authors: Σχοινά Δήμητρα
Published: July 2022

Το δίκαιο αφερεγγυότητας καθίσταται εξαιρετικά επίκαιρο, δεδομένων των σύγχρονων πολιτικοοικονομικών εξελίξεων που επηρεάζουν την ομαλή λειτουργία των επιχειρήσεων. Ένεκα του σκοπού του, δεν μπορεί να είναι στατικό. Προσαρμοσμένος στις νέες συνθήκες και στις ανάγκες των επιχειρήσεων, ο ισχύων Πτωχευτικός Κώδικας, που εισήχθη με το ν. 4738/2020, προέβη σε αναμόρφωση του νομοθετικού πλαισίου, ενσωματώνοντας σε ένα νομοθέτημα όλες τις διαδικασίες αφερεγγυότητας που αφορούν σε νομικά και φυσικά πρόσωπα. Έχει εμπνευστεί, σε μεγαλύτερο ή μικρότερο βαθμό, από όλα τα υπό εξέταση αλλοδαπά δίκαια.Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, εξετάζονται οι διαδικασίες εξυγιάνσεως σε τέσσερις έννομες τάξεις: ελληνική, αμερικανική, αγγλική και γαλλική. Δίδεται έμφαση στα προσυμφωνημένα σχέδια σε συνδυασμό με τα ατομικά διωκτικά μέτρα κατά του οφειλέτη. Τα κυριότερα χαρακτηριστικά των προσυμφωνημένων σχεδίων εξυγίανσης, ήτοι η αυτοδίκαιη αναστολή ατομικών διωκτικών μέτρων κατά του οφειλέτη, η προνομιακή μεταχείριση των νέων χρηματοδοτήσεων, το μειωμένο κόστος, η σύντομη διάρκεια της διαδικασίας, καθώς και η μικρότερη καταπόνηση του δικαστικού συστήματος δικαιολογούν την υψηλή τους προτίμηση από τις αφερέγγυες επιχειρήσεις. Οι προϋποθέσεις και οι ειδικότερες πτυχές της εν λόγω έννοιας διαφέρουν σε κάθε έννομη τάξη, ανάλογα με το σκοπό που εξυπηρετεί το εκάστοτε εθνικό δίκαιο αφερεγγυότητας. Παρά τις διαφορές, τα προσυμφωνημένα σχέδια αποσκοπούν στην ανάκαμψη της αφερέγγυας επιχείρησης, σε όσο το δυνατό βραχυπρόθεσμο χρονικό ορίζοντα, με στόχο τη διαφύλαξη και τη βέλτιστη εξυπηρέτηση των συμφερόντων των εμπλεκομένων μερών, σε σύγκριση με τη διαδικασία πτώχευσης.Καθώς το επιχειρείν δεν περιορίζεται στα στενά εθνικά όρια, κρίνεται επιβεβλημένη η σύγκλιση των εθνικών δικαίων προς αντιμετώπιση της διασυνοριακής αφερεγγυότητας. Προς την εν λόγω κατεύθυνση, έχουν ήδη γίνει σημαντικά βήματα, τόσο σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο με τον Κανονισμό 2015/848 όσο και σε διεθνές με τον Πρότυπο Νόμο UNCITRAL.
Peruvian children toothbrushing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Garcés-Elías María Claudia , Beltrán Jorge A. , Del Castillo-López César Eduardo , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A. , León-Manco Roberto A.
Published: July 2022

Background: Toothbrushing is a convenient, inexpensive, widespread and culturally accepted method, resulting in an ideal public health outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on toothbrushing in Peruvian children.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted using a database of children aged 0 to 11 years, with a final sample of 39,124 participants, 15,974 in 2019 (62.03%) and 7088 in 2020 (55.54%). General toothbrushing, daily toothbrushing and minimum frequency of two times a day were dependent variables; the year was considered as the independent variable. In addition, other covariates such as geographical landscape, area of residence, place of residence, altitude, wealth index, health insurance cover, sex and age. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied.

Results: General toothbrushing was 96.19% (n=51 013), daily toothbrushing was 87.47% (n=42 246) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day was 84.53% (n=33 957). In multivariate form, the year presented a negative association with daily toothbrushing (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.96-0.98; p<0.001) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.95-0.98; p<0.001), adjusted for the previously associated co-variables.

Conclusions: The year 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted daily toothbrushing and minimum twice-daily toothbrushing of Peruvian children.
Performance of Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Patient-Generated Global Subjective Assessment in screening for cancer-related malnutrition in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Auma Caroline M.N. , Mweu Marshal M. , Opiyo Rose O.
Published: July 2022

Background: Malnutrition is a common feature among oncology patients. It is responsible for poor response and tolerance to anticancer therapy, increased morbidity, and mortality. More than half of malnourished cancer patients remain undetected owing to lack of effective screening. Body mass index is the main indicator for assessing malnutrition in Kenyan public hospitals. However, it underestimates weight loss in patients with chronic illnesses. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment have been widely used in research and clinical practice and have both reported good validity and reliability. However, their diagnostic evaluation has not been performed in Kenya.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 and 76 cancer outpatients from Kenyatta National Hospital and Texas cancer treatment centres, respectively. Participants had a confirmed disease, stage 1-4 cancer, and aged 18 years and above. They were screened for malnutrition using both Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment. A separate study questionnaire was utilized to gather participant’s socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. A Bayesian latent class modelling framework was employed to infer the tests’ estimates based on participants ‘cumulative scores from the two tests.

Results: The cut-off value of ≥ 1 and ≥ 4 gave the best combination of sensitivity and specificity of Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment. Both tests yielded statistically similar sensitivities and specificities. Predictive values were comparable between the tests and across the two populations. The posterior median true prevalences of malnutrition were high (˃ 54%) and numerically similar between the studied populations.

Conclusions: The performance of both tests among patients with cancer is similar. Healthcare workers are therefore at liberty to use either of them to inform treatment. Given the high true prevalence of cancer-related malnutrition, routine screening is critical and should be included as part of cancer care.
A scoping review protocol of non-verbal communication utilised in peri-interventive dental and medical procedures
Authors: O'Dwyer Paul , Guzman Viveka , Wallace Emma , Doyle Frank
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Dental operative procedures, by their interventive nature, impede the opportunity for peri-intervention verbal communication between patients and clinicians. This can impair trust, consent, and shared decision making with the potential of adversely affecting patient dignity, and potentially resulting in suboptimal clinical outcomes.

This scoping review aims to interrogate the literature concerning non-verbal communication methods used in dental and medical practices during peri-interventive procedures, in aiding communication between clinician and patient. We will also ascertain how these align with the Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing (LC4MP) communication theory.

Methods: The framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews, will be used to guide this scoping review and reporting methodology. Selected electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus), PsychInfo, CINAHL and grey literature sources will be searched.

Inclusion criteria are: articles written in the English language, publications between 2000 and 2020, peer-reviewed empirical studies, with either qualitative or quantitative data, mixed methods, reviews, book chapters and grey literature with a principal focus on non-verbal communication in the healthcare setting.

A narrative synthesis will be conducted, with results reported according to elements of LCM4P theory: cognitive load, motivated messaging, message processing and memory.

Conclusion: This scoping review will contribute to our methodological and theoretical understanding of the use of non-verbal communication strategies in clinical settings.
The Path to Advising: Understanding Who Chooses the Profession
Authors: Couture Rene , Tyson Michele
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this article is to address how current academic advisors became advisors. In a survey of NACADA members, participants were asked about their demographics, educational backgrounds, and initial and continued interest in academic advising. Knowing this can help advising administrators gain a better understanding of advisor recruitment and retention, as well as help those currently in the profession understand collectively who they are in relation to other advisors, which in turn helps the profession further define the practice of advising.
Can a high-fidelity simulation tutorial improve written examination results? Review of a change in teaching practice
Authors: Grey Clare
Published: July 2022

Background:

Undergraduate nursing students prefer technology-based learning. Simulation has been used in nursing education to provide skills acquisition and clinical exposure. Can high-fidelity simulation (HFS) be used to teach tutorial content to prepare students for a written examination?

Aims:

To design a pilot HFS tutorial.

Method:

203 second year undergraduate nurses were timetabled to attend an HFS tutorial. Examination results at first attempt were compared with the previous cohort's results.

Results:

81% of the students from the HFS tutorial cohort passed at the first attempt compared with 85% from the previous cohort.

Conclusion:

The HFS tutorial needs to be developed further, incorporating simulation standards, to further assess its ability to improve a student's written examination results. Students found the post-simulation discussion difficult and wanted guidance in how to participate. Involvement of the university's skills and simulation team would be recommended for future cohorts to assist with design and facilitation.
Coming out of shielding
Authors: Joyce Claire
Published: July 2022

In this issue's perspective piece, Claire Joyce details her experiences as an advocate and support officer with Kidney Care UK and shares the impact that coming out of shielding is having on renal patients
Advocacy, insight and patient involvement
Authors: Palmer Nicholas
Published: July 2022

Nicholas Palmer details the impact that charities and organisations have on the renal community, as well as exploring the importance of giving patients a voice and a chance to be included in their care
Ethical and legal concepts: confidentiality
Authors: Ellis Peter , Ellis Hannah
Published: July 2022

Peter Ellis and Hannah Ellis explore the definition of confidentiality and why it needs to be protected in a kidney care setting but cannot always be maintained
Professional reflections of a lecturer practitioner during the first COVID-19 surge
Authors: Agyekum Roseline Elsie
Published: July 2022

I have undertaken this opportunity to reflect on the delivery of intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) among adult critically ill COVID-19 positive patients. My role in facilitating the delivery of the service within an intensive care setting is presented using Rolfe et al's 2001 reflective model. The purpose of this article is to reflect on how the process of introducing and facilitating IHD affected the renal team and impacted patient care, as well as my personal feelings and learning needs at the time and now.

IHD mimics some of the metabolic functions of the native kidneys. It reduces the accumulation of waste products, corrects biochemical and metabolic derangement, and helps to maintain fluid balance. Although IHD is an individually prescribed therapy, the intended outcome among critically ill adults presents multiple challenges, particularly in relation to intended fluid loss during the therapy.

Nurses are expected to continually reflect on their practice to develop their knowledge and skills, as required by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards of proficiency. Therefore, reflecting on how my skills have been challenged and the potential areas for development, in the context of working as a nurse lead and facilitator, is an essential part of my professional development.

In terms of implications for practice, having recently completed an online leadership course has made it clear that collaboration and synergy between the renal and intensive care teams must be developed should the need for IHD recur. Redeployed staff from the renal satellite unit must familiarise themselves within acute dialysis setting prior to their redeployment to intensive care. This will ensure that concerns regarding the management of the changing haemodynamic stability of patients are addressed. Formal staff feedback would be valuable in optimising renal-intensive care collaboration, as well as identifying personal development opportunities for leaders. Creating a psychologically safe environment and a ‘seek to understand’ mindset in relation to the workforce, while inspiring the team towards autonomous clinical decision making, are pivotal to continuous personal and professional development and the delivery of quality patient care.
HydroTac—a hydro-responsive wound dressing: a review of the in vitro evidence
Authors: Rippon Mark G , Mikosiński Jacek , Rogers Alan A
Published: July 2022

Aim:

The aim of this review is to identify and summarise the key in vitro evidence available to support the use of HydroTac (HRWD-2) to address specific aspects associated with the treatment of both acute and hard-to-heal wounds.

Background:

The provision of a moist wound healing environment to support optimal wound healing has been a basic tenet in wound care since the pioneering work on the benefits of occlusion to support wound healing. Modern wound dressings have adopted the benefits of moist healing through their innovative development. HRWD-2 has been shown in clinical studies to enable and support good healing outcomes and the in vitro evidence in support of this dressing is presented in this article.

Method:

An online literature search (supplemented with a manual search of resources not available online) was conducted to identify articles and studies describing in vitro evidence in support of HRWD-2 in aspects important for promoting a healing response in the clinical environment.

Results:

In vitro studies showed that HRWD-2 contributes to balancing moisture levels and enhances the availability of growth factors known to be important for re-epithelialisation. Pre-clinical studies indicate that HRWD-2 enhances wound re-epithelialisation. Together these results suggest that HRWD-2 promotes a moist healing environment leading to the dressing supporting re-epithelialisation. In vitro data indicating an intrinsic lower in vitro adherence of HRWD-2 likely translate clinically to the benefits of an atraumatic wound dressing, including reduced pain (specifically at dressing change).

Conclusion:

The in vitro evidence presented in this review supports the successful clinical results reported for HRWD-2 in terms of fluid management, wound healing and pain reduction at dressing change.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of nanofibre mats containing Calendula officinalis extract as a wound dressing
Authors: Tahami Seyed Rasoul , Nemati Nahid Hassanzadeh , Keshvari Hamid , Khorasani Mohammad Taghi
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The present study aims to create Calendula officinalis-loaded nanofibre-based wound dressing materials to enhance the wound healing process. Calendula officinalis is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is antipyretic, antifungal, antioedema, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory (wound, oral and pharyngeal mucosa), antispasmodic, treats chronic ocular surface diseases, acts as a stimulant and a diaphoretic. It is also used in the prevention of acute dermatitis, and in the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers, wounds and burns.

Method:

Electrospinning is an effective method for creating nano- and microfibres for biomedical applications. Calendula officinalis (CA) of various concentrations 5%, 10% and 15%)-loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SAlg) nanofibre mats were successfully produced via blend electrospinning. Nanofibre mats were evaluated using: scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis; gel content; water vapour transmission rate (WVTR); swelling ratio; in vitro drug release studies; viability evaluation (cell culture and MTT assay); and an in vivo study using male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into three groups (n=3). In each group, rats were inflicted with five full-thickness wounds on the back and were treated with sterile gauze (control), PVA/SAlg nanofibre dressing (CA-free control), PVA/SAlg/CA5%, PVA/SAlg/CA10%, and PVA/SAlg/CA15% nanofibre dressing.

Results:

Results showed that the obtained fibres were smooth with no surface aggregates, indicating complete incorporation of Calendula officinalis. The release of Calendula officinalis from loaded PVA/SAlg fibre mats in the first four hours was burst released and then was constant. PVA/SAlg and PVA/SAlg/CA nanofibres were not toxic to L929 mouse fibroblasts and supported cell attachment and proliferation. The results of the in vivo study showed that the PVA/SAlg/CA10% nanofibre dressing had a higher full-thickness wound healing closure rate compared with the control group on days seven, 14 and 21 after treatment.

Conclusion:

The results of this evaluation showed that PVA/SAlg/CA nanofibrous mats could be a candidate as an effective wound dressing; however, the percentage of CA in this compound needs further investigation.
Clinical outcome of multidisciplinary treatment of vulvar necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Rabbani Anam Y , Kim Sara , Gossner Gabrielle , Burke William , Sandoval Steven , Krajewski Aleksandra , Pearl Michael L
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Vulvar necrotising fasciitis (VNF) is a severe soft tissue infection associated with substantial morbidity and high mortality. At Stony Brook Medicine, US, patients with known or suspected VNF are treated by a structured multidisciplinary team consisting of members of the Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medicine, the Divisions of Gynecologic Oncology, Burn and Surgical Intensive Care Units, Infectious Disease and Plastic Surgery, and the nursing, nutrition, physical/occupational therapy and social work services.

Method:

This is a retrospective review of patients presenting to Stony Brook University Hospital with VNF over an 18-month period.

Results:

A total of 10 patients were treated for VNF during the study period. All patients were treated by the structured multidisciplinary team, including extensive initial surgical debridement by the gynaecologic oncologists. All patients survived to discharge.

Conclusion:

The results of this review demonstrated that prompt diagnosis, rapid implementation of appropriate antibiotic coverage, surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, and comprehensive care delivered by a structured multidisciplinary team contributed to positive clinical outcomes and decreased the risk of death from VNF.
The patient behind the wound assessment and plan
Authors: Devanabanda Bhavana , Louis Martine A , Schlussel Yvette , Mashchenko Igor , Charles Mike , Sinha Atul , Louis Joseph A , Chen Ashley , Maloof Mark
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Hard-to-heal wounds are a common problem, worsened by ageing, and the increased prevalence of diabetes and morbid obesity. The provider–patient relationship has undergone a transformation, from a paternalistic to a mutual participation model, in which ‘the physician tries to enter the patient's world to see the illness through the patient's eyes’. The indepth assessment of the impact of psychosocial, physical issues and provider–patient dynamics is crucial to wound healing and patient wellbeing. It can customise future treatment including physical therapy, psychological and social interventions to improve outcomes.

Method:

A new health-related quality of life instrument (HRQOL) proposal based on a survey consisting of 20 questions was completed by patients as a pilot project. The psychosocial, physical and provider–patient dynamics were evaluated. A total wound impact score (WIs) was tabulated, ranging from 20–80 points. A wound assessment and plan (PBW–AP) was created.

Results:

In our sample of 25 patients, 75% experienced a moderate WIs (50–69) and 5% experienced a severe WIs (31–49). Feeling angry about having a wound was reported by 40% of patients. A majority of patients (60%) thought about their wounds >1 hour per day. Importantly, 24% answered that their primary care physicians never mentioned their wounds.

Conclusion:

It is important for all physicians taking care of patients with hard-to-heal wounds to see ‘the patient behind the wound’. The PBW–AP algorithm is an individualised, multidisciplinary assessment and intervention based on a WIs. It is designed not only to identify but also to tackle psychosocial, physical, and provider–patient issues, to improve overall quality of life, patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Based on the results, the PBW–AP algorithm was designed to be used at initial and subsequent visits as a roadmap for problem identification and intervention.
Project Manager’s Competencies Required by Corporate Management of Chemical Industry in the Czech Republic
Authors: Košťálová Jana , Bednaříková Marie , Paták Michal
Published: July 2022

Purpose of the article: This paper focuses on the issues of project manager competencies in corporate practice. It presents required project management competencies from the point of view of corporate management representatives – human resource managers.Methodology/methods: The paper introduces the outcomes of the research conducted in the chemical companies in the Czech Republic in 2019. The research involved 514 chemical companies that were active in manufacturing chemical substances; in total, 60 from the addressed number of respondents replied.Scientific aim: The scientific aim of this paper is to summarise the required project management competencies from the point of view of corporate management representatives.Findings: The article presents the most important requirements for the project manager’s competencies, project manager selecting tools and tools for enhancing competencies. The specification of requirements on this position and their verification, the selection of project managers and education in area of project management are indicative of one of the possible practical forms of Career Systems for Project Managers.Conclusions: This paper identifies the required project management competencies from the point of view of corporate management representatives – human resource managers and tools usable for project managers’ career development. The limiting factor of the paper is the scope of activity of the companies focussing solely on the chemical industry. Implementation of recommended tools and procedures in human resource management can bring a new dimension into corporate human resource management, project management, improvements in relationships in the teams, in the workplace, and broader possibilities of employee development.
Method for tissue clearing: temporal tissue optical clearing
Authors: Shariati B K Behnam , Khatami Seyyede Sarvenaz , Ansari Mohammad Ali , Jahangiri Fazel , Latifi Hamid , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: July 2022

Light absorption and scattering in biological tissue are significant variables in optical imaging technologies and regulating them enhances optical imaging quality. Optical clearing methods can decrease light scattering and improve optical imaging quality to some extent but owing to their limited efficacy and the potential influence of optical clearing agents on tissue functioning, complementing approaches must be investigated. In this paper, a new strategy of optical clearing proposed as time-dependent or temporal tissue optical clearing (TTOC) is described. The absorption and scattering in light interaction with tissue are regulated in the TTOC technique by altering the pulse width. Here, the dependence of optical properties of matter on the pulse width in a gelatin-based phantom was investigated experimentally. Then, a semi-classical model was introduced to computationally study of Ultra-short laser/matter interaction. After studying phantom, the absorption and scattering probabilities in the interaction of the pulse with modeled human skin tissue were investigated using the proposed model for pulse widths ranging from 1µs to 10fs. The propagation of the pulse through the skin tissue was simulated using the Monte Carlo technique by computing the pulse width-dependent optical properties (absorption coefficient µa, scattering coefficient µs, and anisotropy factor g). Finally, the penetration depth of light into the tissue and reflectance for different pulse widths was found.
Measuring the red blood cell shape in capillary flow using spectrally encoded flow cytometry
Authors: Fridman Lidan , Yelin Dvir
Published: July 2022

Red blood cells in small capillaries exhibit a wide variety of deformations that reflect their true physiological conditions at these important locations. By applying a technique for the high-speed microscopy of flowing cells, termed spectrally encoded flow cytometry (SEFC), we image the light reflected from the red blood cells in human capillaries, and propose an analytical slipper-like model for the cell morphology that can reproduce the experimental in vivo images. The results of this work would be useful for studying the unique flow conditions in these vessels, and for extracting useful clinical parameters that reflect the true physiology of the blood cells in situ.
Off-axis propagation algorithm for partial reconstruction of wide-angle computer-generated holograms
Authors: Martinez-Carranza Juan , Kozacki Tomasz
Published: July 2022

A method for reconstruction of partial off-axis areas of arbitrary size for wide-angle viewing computer generated holograms is presented. Proposed method employs paraxial spherical phase factors and modified propagation kernels. This significantly reduces the numerical space–bandwidth product needed for off-axis wave field calculations, which makes it an efficient propagation method. As a result, propagated wavefields of high-off axis and large size output windows can be obtained. To that end, a phase-space analysis for obtaining the proper condition for implementing spatial-frequency zero-padding for accurate wavefield propagation is carried out. Hence, suppression of aliased components and high spatial resolution is possible. Nevertheless, proposed algorithm faces a computer memory bottleneck when reconstructing very large off-axis areas due to too extensive zero-padding needed. To solve this problem, a memory optimized tiling implementation is introduced. Utility of the developed propagation tools are proven by partial reconstructions from a high-resolution hologram. The size of the reconstructions areas ranges from 100 × 100 mm2 up to 550 × 550 mm2.