bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of protoplast growth properties using quantitative single-cell tracking analysis
Authors: Dawson Jonathan , Pandey Saurabh , Yu Qiuju , Schaub Patrick , Wüst Florian , Moradi Amir Bahram , Dovzhenko Oleksandr , Palme Klaus , Welsch Ralf
Published: May 2022

Background

Although quantitative single-cell analysis is frequently applied in animal systems, e.g. to identify novel drugs, similar applications on plant single cells are largely missing. We have exploited the applicability of high-throughput microscopic image analysis on plant single cells using tobacco leaf protoplasts, cell-wall free single cells isolated by lytic digestion. Protoplasts regenerate their cell wall within several days after isolation and have the potential to expand and proliferate, generating microcalli and finally whole plants after the application of suitable regeneration conditions.

Results

High-throughput automated microscopy coupled with the development of image processing pipelines allowed to quantify various developmental properties of thousands of protoplasts during the initial days following cultivation by immobilization in multi-well-plates. The focus on early protoplast responses allowed to study cell expansion prior to the initiation of proliferation and without the effects of shape-compromising cell walls. We compared growth parameters of wild-type tobacco cells with cells expressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2-associated athanogene 4 from Arabidopsis (AtBAG4).

Conclusions

AtBAG4-expressing protoplasts showed a higher proportion of cells responding with positive area increases than the wild type and showed increased growth rates as well as increased proliferation rates upon continued cultivation. These features are associated with reported observations on a BAG4-mediated increased resilience to various stress responses and improved cellular survival rates following transformation approaches. Moreover, our single-cell expansion results suggest a BAG4-mediated, cell-independent increase of potassium channel abundance which was hitherto reported for guard cells only. The possibility to explain plant phenotypes with single-cell properties, extracted with the single-cell processing and analysis pipeline developed, allows to envision novel biotechnological screening strategies able to determine improved plant properties via single-cell analysis.
A protocol for Chenopodium quinoa pollen germination
Authors: Castillo S. Elizabeth , Tovar Jose C. , Shamin Anastasia , Gutirerrez Jorge , Pearson Paige , Gehan Malia A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Quinoa is an increasingly popular seed crop frequently studied for its tolerance to various abiotic stresses as well as its susceptibility to heat. Estimations of quinoa pollen viability through staining methods have resulted in conflicting results. A more effective alternative to stains is to estimate pollen viability through in vitro germination. Here we report a method for in vitro quinoa pollen germination that could be used to understand the impact of various stresses on quinoa fertility and therefore seed yield or to identify male-sterile lines for breeding.

Results

A semi-automated method to count germinating pollen was developed in PlantCV, which can be widely used by the community. Pollen collected on day 4 after first anthesis at zeitgeber time 5 was optimum for pollen germination with an average germination of 68% for accession QQ74 (PI 614886). The optimal length of pollen incubation was found to be 48 h, because it maximizes germination rates while minimizing contamination. The pollen germination medium’s pH, boric acid, and sucrose concentrations were optimized. The highest germination rates were obtained with 16% sucrose, 0.03% boric acid, 0.007% calcium nitrate, and pH 5.5. This medium was tested on quinoa accessions QQ74, and cherry vanilla with 68%, and 64% germination efficiencies, respectively.

Conclusions

We provide an in vitro pollen germination method for quinoa with average germination rates of 64 and 68% on the two accessions tested. This method is a valuable tool to estimate pollen viability in quinoa, and to test how stress affects quinoa fertility. We also developed an image analysis tool to semi-automate the process of counting germinating pollen. Quinoa produces many new flowers during most of its panicle development period, leading to significant variation in pollen maturity and viability between different flowers of the same panicle. Therefore, collecting pollen at 4 days after first anthesis is very important to collect more uniformly developed pollen and to obtain high germination rates.
High dose chemoradiotherapy increases chance of organ preservation with satisfactory functional outcome for rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Qiao-Xuan , Zhang Shu , Xiao Wei-Wei , Zhou Cheng-Jing , Chang Hui , Zeng Zhi-Fan , Cai Pei-Qiang , Lu Zhen-Hai , Chen Gong , Ding Pei-Rong , Pan Zhi-Zhong , Wu Xiao-Jun , Gao Yuan-Hong
Published: May 2022

Background

High dose chemoradiotherapy offers a curative chance for patients with rectal cancer that are unfit or unwilling to undergo surgical resection, yet its long-term survival and functional outcomes have been rarely investigated.

Methods

Patients with non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who received pelvic radiation for curative intent from April 2006 to July 2017 were retrospectively investigated. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Quality of life and functional outcomes were evaluated using the EORTC quality of life questionnaire.

Results

A total of 57 patients were included, with a median age of 59.0 (range, 29–84) years. The numbers of patients who were diagnosed as stage I, II and III were 5 (8.8%), 16 (28.1%) and 36 (63.2%), respectively. 53 (93.0%) patients had tumor located within 5 cm from the anal verge. All patients received fluorouracil-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a median radiation dose of 80 (range, 60–86) Gy. All kinds of grade 3–4 adverse events occurred in 18 (31.6%) patients. 42 (73.7%) patients achieved a clinical complete response after chemoradiotherapy. After a median follow-up of 43.5 (range 14.9–163.2) months, 12 (21.1%) patients had local progression and 11 (19.3%) developed distant metastasis. The 3-year local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival were 77.3% (95% CI, 65.7–88.8%) and 79.2% (95% CI, 68.2–90.2%), while the 3-year progression-free survival, cancer-specific survival, overall survival were 61.9% (95% CI, 48.8–75.0%), 93.1% (95% CI, 85.8–100.0%) and 91.4% (95% CI, 83.6–99.2%), respectively. For patients who had tumor located within 3 cm from the anal verge, the sphincter preservation rate was 85.3% at last follow-up. Long-term adverse events mainly were anal blood loss. 21 patients completed the quality-of-life questionnaire and had a score of the global health status of 78.57 ± 17.59. Of them, 95.2% reported no urinary incontinence and 85.7% reported no fecal incontinence.

Conclusions

High dose chemoradiation demonstrated promising survival outcomes with acceptable short-term and long-term side effects, and satisfying long-term functional outcomes and quality of life. It could be considered as a non-invasive alternative for rectal cancer patients who refuse surgery.
Multiple cannulated screw fixation of femoral neck fractures with comminution in young- and middle-aged patients
Authors: Han Zhe , Taxi Wumti , Jia Haobo , Ji NengNeng , Cao DongDong , Sun Xiang , Han Chao , Xie Mengqi , Ma Xinlong , Dong Qiang
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the distribution and influence of comminution in femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients after cannulated screw fixation (CSF).

Methods

From January 2019 to June 2020, a total of 473 patients aged 23–65 years with FNF treated by CSF were included in the present study. Based on location of the cortical comminution, FNF patients were assigned to two groups: the comminution group (anterior comminution, posterior comminution, superior comminution, inferior comminution, multiple comminutions) or the without comminution group. The incidence of postoperative complications, quality of life and functional outcomes was recorded at 1-year follow-up.

Results

Comminution was more likely to appear in displaced FNF patients (86.8%) compared with non-displaced FNF patients (8.9%), and the rate of comminution was closely associated with Pauwels classification (3.2% vs 53.5% vs 83.9%,P < 0.05). The incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH, 11.3% vs 2.9%,P < 0.05), nonunion (7.5% vs 1.7%,P < 0.05), femoral neck shortening (21.6% vs 13.4%,P < 0.05) and internal fixation failure (11.8% vs 2.9%,P < 0.05) was significantly higher in FNF patients with comminutions, especially with multiple comminutions, than those without. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the Harris hip score (HHS, 85.6 ± 15.6 vs 91.3 ± 10.8,P < 0.05) and EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D, 0.85 ± 0.17 vs 0.91 ± 0.18,P < 0.05) between FNF patients with comminution and those without. There was no significant difference in Visual analogue scale scores (VAS, 1.46 ± 2.49 vs 1.13 ± 1.80,P > 0.05) between two groups at 1 year post-surgery.

Conclusion

Comminution is a risk factor for postoperative complications in young- and middle-aged patients with displaced and Pauwels type III FNF who undergo CSF. This can influence the recovery of hip function, thereby impacting quality of life. Further evaluation with a more comprehensive study design, larger sample and long-term follow-up is needed.
The use of novel knotless barbed sutures in posterior long-segment lumbar surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shi Kai , Chen Xuanwei , Shen Bin , Luo Yue , Lin Renqin , Huang Yu
Published: May 2022

Background

The study carries the aim to compare the clinical efficacy and economic outcomes of using barbed suture closure versus conventional closure for wounds after posterior long-segment lumbar surgery.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-one patients undertaking posterior long-segment lumbar surgery participated in the prospective randomized controlled trial study to receive either barbed suture wound closure (n = 91) or conventional suture closure (n = 90). Outcome measures included operating room time (ORT), wound closure time, length of incision, length of hospital stay (LOS), 90-day readmission rates, wound complications of dehiscence and infection, and costs.

Results

Barbed suture group was related with significantly lower ORT (P = 0.036), wound closure time (P < 0.001) and average wound closure time (P < 0.001), and significantly lower wound complication rates (dehiscence and infection) (P = 0.031). No significant differences were found when compared with conventional suture group in terms of length of incision (P = 0.086), length of hospital stay (P = 0.174), readmission rates up to 90 days after the surgical procedure (P = 0.232) and costs (P = 0.205).

Conclusion

The study suggested the knotless barbed suture technique outperformed the conventional suture in shortening operating room time, wound closure time and average wound closure time, and reducing wound complication rates.
Intimate partner violence and women living with episodic disabilities: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Campbell Karen A. , Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Stanley Meagan , MacKinnon Karen
Published: May 2022

Background

Violence towards women with disabilities is most commonly perpetrated by current or former intimate partners and more than half of disabled women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Disabilities differ by presence, type, and complexity, yet are commonly researched collectively. A more nuanced understanding of the relationship between intimate partner violence and episodic disability is required to better support women living with these concurrent challenges. The objective of this scoping review is to investigate and synthesize the literature reporting on intimate partner violence for women living with an episodic disability to identify key concepts and knowledge gaps on this topic. Ultimately, this review aims to improve health services for this stigmatized group of women with episodic disabilities.

Methods

This scoping review will consider all studies that focus on women (18 years of age or older) who have experienced intimate partner violence and have an episodic disability. Episodic disabilities will include multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. The broad review question is what is known about intimate partner violence within the context of women living with an episodic disability? Databases to be searched include MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, Embase, PsychInfo, and Scopus with no limits on language or time frame. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology will guide this scoping review to address the review questions outlined in the protocol. For papers that meet the inclusion criteria, data will be extracted, and findings will be presented in tables and narrative form. A PRISMA table will be included to enhance the transparency of the process. A descriptive qualitative approach to analysis will be conducted following Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. The findings of the scoping review will be presented through a thematic narrative.

Discussion

Findings from this review will be used to identify important priorities for future research based on knowledge gaps and inform both health care practices and health and social interventions for women living with intimate partner violence and episodic disabilities.
Evidence based policy making during times of uncertainty through the lens of future policy makers: four recommendations to harmonise and guide health policy making in the future
Authors: Françoise Margaux , Frambourt Cléa , Goodwin Paige , Haggerty Fabian , Jacques Marjolaine , Lama Maya-Lhanze , Leroy Clara , Martin Augustin , Calderon Raquel Melgar , Robert Jean , Schulz-Ruthenberg Elena , Tafur Lina , Nasser Mona , Stüwe Louisa
Published: May 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has not only outlined the importance of using evidence in the healthcare policy making process but also the complexity that exists between policymakers and the scientific community. As a matter of fact, scientific data is just one of many other concurrent factors, including economic, social and cultural, that may provide the rationale for policy making. The pandemic has also raised citizens’ awareness and represented an unprecedented moment of willingness to access and understand the evidence underpinning health policies.

This commentary provides policy recommendations to improve evidence-based policy making in health, through the lens of a young generation of public policy students and future policymakers, enrolled in a 24-hour course at Sciences Po Paris entitled “Evidence-based policy-making in health: theory and practice(s)”.

Four out of 11 recommendations were prioritised and presented in this commentary which target both policymakers and the scientific community to make better use of evidence-based policy making in health. First, policy makers and scientists should build trusting partnerships with citizens and engage them, especially those facing our target health care issues or systems. Second, while artificial intelligence raises new opportunities in healthcare, its use in contexts of uncertainty should be addressed by policymakers in terms of liability and ethics. Third, conflicts of interest must be disclosed as much as possible and effectively managed to (re) build a trust relationship between policymakers, the scientific community and citizens, implying the need for risk management tools and cross border disclosure mechanisms. Last, well-designed and secure health information systems need to be implemented, following the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) principles for health data. This will take us a step further from data to ‘policy wisdom’.

Overall, these recommendations identified and formulated by students highlight some key issues that need to be rethought in the health policy cycle through elements like institutional incentives, cultural changes and dialogue between policy makers and the scientific community. This input from a younger generation of students highlights the importance of making the conversation on evidence-based policy making in health accessible to all generations and backgrounds.
Effect of sedative premedication with oral midazolam on postanesthesia care unit delirium in older adults: a secondary analysis following an uncontrolled before-after design
Authors: Stuff Karin , Kainz Elena , Kahl Ursula , Pinnschmidt Hans , Beck Stefanie , von Breunig Franziska , Nitzschke Rainer , Funcke Sandra , Zöllner Christian , Fischer Marlene
Published: May 2022

Background

Sedative premedication with benzodiazepines has been linked with prolonged recovery and inadequate emergence during the immediate postoperative period. We aimed to analyze the association between postanesthesia care unit (PACU) delirium and sedative premedication with oral midazolam.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data before (midazolam cohort) and after (non-midazolam cohort) implementation of a restrictive strategy for oral premedication with midazolam. From March 2015 until July 2018, we included patients 60 years and older, who underwent elective radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Exclusion criteria were contraindications to premedication with midazolam, preoperative anxiety, and a history of neurological disorders. Patients, who were scheduled for postoperative admission to the intensive care unit, were excluded. Between 2015 and 2016, patients received 7.5 mg oral midazolam preoperatively (midazolam cohort). Patients included between 2017 and 2018 did not receive any sedative medication preoperatively (non-midazolam cohort). The primary endpoint was the incidence of PACU delirium.

Results

PACU delirium rates were 49% in the midazolam cohort (n= 214) and 33% in the non-midazolam cohort (n= 218). This difference was not statistically significant on multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 0.847 [95% CI 0.164; 4.367];P= 0.842). Age (OR 1.102 [95% CI 1.050; 1.156];P< 0.001), the cumulative dose of sufentanil (OR 1.014 [95% CI 1.005; 1.024];P= 0.005), and propofol-sufentanil for anesthesia maintenance (OR 2.805 [95% CI 1.497; 5.256];P= 0.001) were significantly associated with PACU delirium.

Conclusion

Midazolam for sedative premedication was not significantly associated with PACU delirium. The reduction in the incidence of PACU delirium throughout the study period may be attributable to improvements in perioperative management other than a more restrictive preoperative benzodiazepine administration.
Peak value of serum KL-6 may be useful for predicting poor prognosis of severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Maruyama Shuhei , Nakamori Yasushi , Nakano Hitoshi , Tsuyumu Keiko , Kanayama Shuji , Iwamura Hiromu , Wada Daiki , Yoshihara Tomoyuki , Saito Fukuki , Yoshiya Kazuhisa , Kuwagata Yasuyuki
Published: May 2022

Background

Serum Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6), which reflects alveolar epithelial injury, was reported to be useful to predict the progression of pneumonitis induced by COVID-19 in the early phase. This study aimed to evaluate the peak value of serum KL-6 during hospitalization for COVID-19 to discover a more useful biomarker for predicting prognosis in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we analyzed the data of 147 hospitalized patients who required supplemental oxygen, high-flow oxygen therapy, or invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to February 2021. We extracted data on patient sex, age, comorbidities, treatment, and biomarkers including the initial and peak values of KL-6. Inclusion criteria were examination of the studied biomarkers at least once within 3 days of admission, then at least once a week, and at a minimum, at least twice during the entire hospitalization. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was analyzed to determine the accuracy of several biomarkers including KL-6 and LDH for predicting poor prognosis defined as survivors requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for over 28 days or non-survivors of COVID-19. Univariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the prognostic value of the baseline characteristics and biomarkers.

Results

Among the 147 patients, 108 (73.5%) had a good prognosis and 39 (26.5%) had a poor prognosis. The AUC analysis indicated that peak KL-6 showed precise accuracy in the discrimination of patients with poor prognosis (AUC 0.89,p < 0.001). The best cut-off value for KL-6 concentration was 966 U/mL (sensitivity 81.6%, specificity84.3%). After adjustment, increasing peak values of KL-6 or LDH were associated with a high risk of poor prognosis, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.35 for peak value of KL-6, per 100 U/mL increase (95% CI 1.17–1.57,p < 0.001) and 2.16 for peak value of LDH, per 100 U/L increase (95% CI 1.46–3.20,p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Peak values of KL-6 and LDH measured during hospitalization might help to identify COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure who are at higher risk for a poor prognosis.
Are primary education teachers trained for the use of the technology with disabled students?
Authors: Fernández-Batanero José María , Montenegro-Rueda Marta , Fernández-Cerero José
Published: May 2022

Incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) in inclusive classrooms requires competent teachers, both technological and pedagogical. To contrast these theoretical assumptions, this study aims to identify the level of training and technical knowledge of primary school teachers in Spain regarding the use of ICTs for supporting students with special needs. The research methodology used was a mixed research design (quantitative and qualitative method), analysing 777 questionnaires supplied to primary school teachers and 723 interviews conducted with key informants (members of management teams, ICT coordinators, directors and technological advisors of teacher training centres). The results informed teachers' knowledge about ICT and disability and barriers or obstacles to their training. Among the conclusions, teachers' inadequate training regarding ICTs for students with special needs stands out and the lack of training experiences in this field.
Quality and transparency of reporting derivation and validation prognostic studies of recurrent stroke in patients with TIA and minor stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Abdulaziz Kasim E. , Perry Jeffrey J. , Yadav Krishan , Dowlatshahi Dar , Stiell Ian G. , Wells George A. , Taljaard Monica
Published: May 2022

Background

Clinical prediction models/scores help clinicians make optimal evidence-based decisions when caring for their patients. To critically appraise such prediction models for use in a clinical setting, essential information on the derivation and validation of the models needs to be transparently reported. In this systematic review, we assessed the quality of reporting of derivation and validation studies of prediction models for the prognosis of recurrent stroke in patients with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to February 04, 2020. Studies reporting development or validation of multivariable prognostic models predicting recurrent stroke within 90 days in patients with TIA or minor stroke were included. Included studies were appraised for reporting quality and conduct using a select list of items from the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) Statement.

Results

After screening 7026 articles, 60 eligible articles were retained, consisting of 100 derivation and validation studies of 27 unique prediction models. Four models were newly derived while 23 were developed by validating and updating existing models. Of the 60 articles, 15 (25%) reported an informative title. Among the 100 derivation and validation studies, few reported whether assessment of the outcome (24%) and predictors (12%) was blinded. Similarly, sample size justifications (49%), description of methods for handling missing data (16.1%), and model calibration (5%) were seldom reported. Among the 96 validation studies, 17 (17.7%) clearly reported on similarity (in terms of setting, eligibility criteria, predictors, and outcomes) between the validation and the derivation datasets. Items with the highest prevalence of adherence were the source of data (99%), eligibility criteria (93%), measures of discrimination (81%) and study setting (65%).

Conclusions

The majority of derivation and validation studies for the prognosis of recurrent stroke in TIA and minor stroke patients suffer from poor reporting quality. We recommend that all prediction model derivation and validation studies follow the TRIPOD statement to improve transparency and promote uptake of more reliable prediction models in practice.

Trial registration

The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (Registration number CRD42020201130).
Fluoride pollutants removal from industrial wastewater
Authors: El Diwani G. , Amin Sh. K. , Attia N. K. , Hawash S. I.
Published: May 2022

Background

The main object of the present study is the industrial wastewater effluent treatment resulting from a solar cell manufacturing process, which is a Joint Egyptian Chinese Renewable Energy laboratory, in Sohag Governorate. Fluoric and hydrochloric acids are the main pollutants causing a pH of 1 to 3. The effluent is neutralized by the addition of both potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide to permit the precipitation of the resulting sparingly soluble calcium fluoride. The chlorides are partially precipitated as calcium chloride, and the further addition of hydrated aluminum sulfate is used to precipitate the remaining extra chloride as an insoluble complex to reach the allowable chloride concentration in the treated effluent. Set of experiments at bench and pilot scales were run to achieve the optimum conditions for defluorination and dichlorination taking into consideration not exceeding the allowable ranges of pollutants as soluble salts in the final effluent.

Results

Experimental results showed that the performance of a pilot scale was satisfactory in fluorides, chlorides, and dissolved solids by 97.64, 78.85, and 79.4% removal, respectively. Based on these results a full-scale industrial treatment unit was designed for construction and operation as a treatment unit for industrial wastewater contaminated with fluorides as main pollutant.

Conclusions

The recommended treatment procedure succeeded in the removal of fluorides and chlorides as main contaminants in the effluent which permit the use of treated water in the irrigation of non-edible plants, according to Egyptian Code No. (501/2015).
Mobile Clinical Trial Matching Technology in Medical Oncology Clinic: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Borno Hala T. , Zhang Li , Zhang Sylvia , Kaplan Celia , Palmer Nynikka R. , Bell Alexander , Bakke Brian , Lin Amy , Aggarwal Rahul , Small Eric J.
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE

The internet is a common source of health information for patients and can be leveraged to provide patient-facing clinical trial information. This pilot study integrated an online prostate cancer clinical trial matching technology, called Trial Library (TL), in an academic medical oncology clinic from February 2019 to April 2021.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a single-arm interventional pilot study among patients with a known prostate cancer diagnosis. Participants were given access to TL before seeing a provider. The primary and secondary study end points were the overall satisfaction with TL and the proportion of participant-initiated clinical trial discussion with providers after exposure to TL, respectively. The null hypothesis or true satisfaction rate (acceptability) was tested against a one-sided alternative and was rejected if 29 or more satisfactions were observed.

RESULTS

Among 272 patients approached, 66 provided informed consent to participate in the study. The mean age was 70.8 years (standard deviation = 7.9). The majority of participants were White (82%) and had metastases present at the time of enrollment (65%). The baseline clinical trial discussion rate ascertained via electronic medical record review was 28%. After accessing TL, a significantly larger proportion of participants (48.5%) discussed clinical trials during the clinic visit ( P = .007), half of which were patient-initiated. The majority of participants indicated that TL increased their interest in clinical trials (68.2%); however, satisfaction/extreme satisfaction with the technology was 38%.

CONCLUSION

Access to TL resulted in a significant increase in patient-initiated discussions regarding clinical trials and an increase in interest in clinical trial participation although these data do not address if this resulted in increased accrual to clinical trials. The satisfaction rate did not meet the target to reject the null hypothesis, suggesting the need for iterative design of patient-facing health information.
Nationwide Study to Assess the Psychosocial, Financial, and Professional Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiation Therapy Technologists
Authors: Vadgaonkar Rohit , Dhar Debojoyti , Viswanath Vidya , Miriyala Raviteja , Mahantshetty Umesh
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE

Radiation therapy technologists (RTTs), being the frontline health care workers, are vulnerable to COVID-19 disease and subsequent detrimental consequences of the pandemic. Hence, the study was undertaken for the comprehensive assessment of adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic on RTTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, survey-based study was carried out among RTTs working in various cancer centers across India. Assessment was carried out by using a questionnaire comprising the demographic profile and a structured instrument to quantify psychological, social, financial, and professional impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were collected between February 1, 2021, and April 31, 2021.

RESULTS

Of 302 responders, more than two third of the RTTs were concerned for getting COVID-19 disease either outside the hospital (n = 210, 69.5%) or from patients or attendants (n = 220, 72.8%). More than one third of RTTs were very much concerned for increased financial burden of COVID-19 pandemic (n = 94, 34.1%), and one third (n = 92, 30.5%) were very much concerned for newly imposed restrictions. RTTs working in a private setup ( P = .000), living in a tier 1 city ( P = .028), and lacking the coverage of COVID-19 disease in health insurance ( P = .010) faced a significantly higher financial burden. RTTs living in tier 1 city ( P = .023) and those who were in profession for > 5 years ( P = .013) had significantly higher concern for ensuring proper sanitization of the professional environment. More than half (n = 171, 56.6%) were interested in taking COVID-19 vaccine.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected psychosocial, financial, and professional well-being of RTTs even after subsidizing the initial wave, and a timely intervention is warranted for their well-being and to sustain oncologic facilities.
Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Cancer Clinical Trials: An American Society of Clinical Oncology and Association of Community Cancer Centers Joint Research Statement
Authors: Oyer Randall A. , Hurley Patricia , Boehmer Leigh , Bruinooge Suanna Steeby , Levit Kathryn , Barrett Nadine , Benson Al , Bernick Lea Ann , Byatt Leslie , Charlot Marjory , Crews Jennie , DeLeon Kyle , Fashoyin-Aje Lola , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Gralow Julie R. , Green Sybil , Guerra Carmen E. , Hamroun Leila , Hardy Claudia M. , Hempstead Bridgette , Jeames Sanford , Mann Mel , Matin Khalid , McCaskill-Stevens Worta , Merrill Janette , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Patel Manali I. , Pressman Alice , Ramirez Amelie G. , Segura Juanita , Segarra-Vasquez Barbara , Hanley Williams Jen , Williams James E. , Winkfield Karen M. , Yang Eddy S. , Zwicker Victoria , Pierce Lori J.
Published: May 2022

A concerted commitment across research stakeholders is necessary to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and address barriers to cancer clinical trial recruitment and participation. Racial and ethnic diversity among trial participants is key to understanding intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may affect patient response to cancer treatments. This ASCO and Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Research Statement presents specific recommendations and strategies for the research community to improve EDI in cancer clinical trials. There are six overarching recommendations: (1) clinical trials are an integral component of high-quality cancer care, and every person with cancer should have the opportunity to participate; (2) trial sponsors and investigators should design and implement trials with a focus on reducing barriers and enhancing EDI, and work with sites to conduct trials in ways that increase participation of under-represented populations; (3) trial sponsors, researchers, and sites should form long-standing partnerships with patients, patient advocacy groups, and community leaders and groups; (4) anyone designing or conducting trials should complete recurring education, training, and evaluation to demonstrate and maintain cross-cultural competencies, mitigation of bias, effective communication, and a commitment to achieving EDI; (5) research stakeholders should invest in programs and policies that increase EDI in trials and in the research workforce; and (6) research stakeholders should collect and publish aggregate data on racial and ethnic diversity of trial participants when reporting results of trials, programs, and interventions to increase EDI. The recommendations are intended to serve as a guide for the research community to improve participation rates among people from racial and ethnic minority populations historically under-represented in cancer clinical trials. ASCO and ACCC will work at all levels to advance the recommendations in this publication.
Evidence for Neuropeptide W Acting as a Physiological Corticotropin-releasing Inhibitory Factor in Male Chickens
Authors: Liu Meng , Bu Guixian , Wan Yiping , Zhang Jiannan , Mo Chunheng , Li Juan , Wang Yajun
Published: May 2022

In vertebrates, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), released by the pituitary gland, is a critical part of the stress axis and stress response. Generally, the biosynthesis and secretion of ACTH are controlled by both hypothalamic stimulatory factors and inhibitory factors [eg, ACTH-releasing inhibitory factor (CRIF)], but the identity of this CRIF remains unrevealed. We characterized the neuropeptide B (NPB)/neuropeptide W (NPW) system in chickens and found that NPW could directly target the pituitary to inhibit growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) secretion via neuropeptide B/W receptor 2 (NPBWR2), which is completely different from the mechanism in mammals. The present study first carried out a series of assays to investigate the possibility that NPW acts as a physiological CRIF in chickens. The results showed that (1) NPW could inhibit ACTH synthesis and secretion by inhibiting the 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling cascade in vitro and in vivo; (2) NPBWR2 was expressed abundantly in corticotrophs (ACTH-producing cells), which are located mainly in cephalic lobe of chicken pituitary, as demonstrated by single-cell RNA-sequencing, immunofluorescent staining, and fluorescence in situ hybridization; (3) dexamethasone could stimulate pituitary NPBWR2 and hypothalamic NPW expression in chicks, which was accompanied by the decease of POMC messenger RNA levels, as revealed by in vitro and subcutaneous injection assays; and (4) the temporal expression profiles of NPW-NPBWR2 pair in hypothalamus-pituitary axis and POMC in pituitary were almost unanimous in chicken. Collectively, these findings provide comprehensive evidence for the first time that NPW is a potent physiological CRIF in chickens that plays a core role in suppressing the activity of the stress axis.
Inscriptional Practices of the Song Literati
Authors: Sturman Peter C.
Published: May 2022

After decades of being hidden from public view, the recent emergence of Su Shi's (1037–1101) Old Tree, Rock, and Bamboo has led to a long overdue reexamination of this famous scroll that many scholars regard as the single credible extant painting by the artist. Questions concerning authenticity have been at the forefront, and this has led to a focus on the scroll's impressive documentation, which begins with two poetic inscriptions contemporary to Su Shi, including one by the famed calligrapher Mi Fu (1052–1107). Yet, while scrutiny of the painting and its documentation has made a strong case for authenticity, it has largely avoided two seals on the painting that claim the actual authorial presence of Su and Mi. It is argued in this article that those two seals, which some have attributed to the later collector Yang Zun (ca. 1320–after 1368), should in fact belong to Su Shi and Mi Fu. Acknowledging their true provenance consequently provides an extraordinary entrée to reconstructing the dates and circumstances of both the painting and Mi's poetic inscription. Beyond this, we gain a glimpse of how the literati creatively employed inscriptional practices to enhance the communicative function of painting and calligraphy in the late eleventh century.
The role of genetic factors in microtia: A systematic review
Authors: Putri Indri Lakhsmi , Stephanie Alexandria , Pramanasari Rachmaniar , Kon Moshe , Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono
Published: May 2022

Background: Microtia is a congenital malformation of the outer ears caused by improper embryonic development. The origin of microtia and causes of its variations remain unknown. Because of the lack of clarity regarding the role of genetic variables in microtia, we conducted a systematic review to qualitatively identify the genes most important in the development of microtia to provide an up-to-date review.

Methods: Using six search engines, we searched all published studies related to the genetic factors of isolated microtia and syndromic microtia. The identified publications were screened and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria by the authors and assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. We found 40 studies, including 22 studies on syndromic microtia and 18 studies on isolated microtia. Data extraction of each study was arranged in tabulation for syndromic and isolated microtia. The extracted data were: first author’s surname, year of publication, country of origin, study design, sample characteristic and gene assessed.

Results: After the data were extracted, analyzed, and reviewed, the most common gene suspected to be involved in isolated microtia was Homeobox A2 (HOXA2, 12.1%). Conversely, in syndromic microtia, the two most common genes supposed to play a role were Fibroblast Growth Factor 3 (FGF3, 47.2%) and Treacher–Collins–Franceschetti syndrome 1 (TCOF1, 30.2%). From the studies, the three most prevalent genes associated with microtia were HOXA2 (10%), FGF3 (8.4%), and TCOF1 (5.4%). In syndromic microtia, the most common mutation types were deletion in TCOF1 (46.9%) and missense and deletion in FGF3 (both 38%), and in isolated microtia, the most common mutation type was silent in HOXA2 (54.2%).

Conclusions: In summary, genetic factors are involved in microtia; thus, molecular analysis is strongly advised.

PROSPERO registration: CRD42021287294 (25/10/21).
Pulse fortified whole wheat bread: A review on dough rheology, bread quality, and sensory properties
Authors: Hoque Mominul , Biswas Rahul , Alam Mahabub , Sarkar Animesh , Haque Md Ismail , Hasan Md. Moinul
Published: May 2022

The increase in the consumption of pulses can perform a key role in preventing protein deficiency among people specifically in developing countries. The fortification of whole wheat bread with pulses is an efficient approach to boost the nutritional profile of bread as protein, starches, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals are all abundant in pulses. The optimum ratio of the pulse to whole wheat flour is necessary to determine for producing bread with good quality, sensory attributes, and handling properties. This review investigated the impact of the pulse addition on the whole wheat dough rheology, bread quality, and sensory characteristics, with a particular focus on dough stability, elasticity, strength, and bread volume. The improvement in the nutritional value as well as the negative impact of pulses on whole-wheat bread was also reviewed. The research gaps in pulse supplemented whole grains bread were identified, and further study directions were recommended. Fortification of whole wheat bread with pulses produced affordable bread with a balanced diet for all classes of people. The addition of a higher level of pulses develops a weak gluten structure, which negatively affects dough stability, strength, elasticity, and handling properties. The volume of bread also decreased, and the off-flavor compound produced at a higher level of pulse fortification. The addition of additives and prior processing of pulses not only promote the nutritional value but also produce bread with better dough stability, bread volume, and sensory score.
MSTCN: A multiscale temporal convolutional network for user independent human activity recognition
Authors: Raja Sekaran Sarmela , Pang Ying Han , Ling Goh Fan , Yin Ooi Shih
Published: May 2022

Background: In recent years, human activity recognition (HAR) has been an active research topic due to its widespread application in various fields such as healthcare, sports, patient monitoring, etc. HAR approaches can be categorised as handcrafted feature methods (HCF) and deep learning methods (DL). HCF involves complex data pre-processing and manual feature extraction in which the models may be exposed to high bias and crucial implicit pattern loss. Hence, DL approaches are introduced due to their exceptional recognition performance. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) extracts spatial features while preserving localisation. However, it hardly captures temporal features. Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) learns temporal features, but it is susceptible to gradient vanishing and suffers from short-term memory problems. Unlike RNN, Long-Short Term Memory network has a relatively longer-term dependency. However, it consumes higher computation and memory because it computes and stores partial results at each level.

Methods: This work proposes a novel multiscale temporal convolutional network (MSTCN) based on the Inception model with a temporal convolutional architecture. Unlike HCF methods, MSTCN requires minimal pre-processing and no manual feature engineering. Further, multiple separable convolutions with different-sized kernels are used in MSTCN for multiscale feature extraction. Dilations are applied to each separable convolution to enlarge the receptive fields without increasing the model parameters. Moreover, residual connections are utilised to prevent information loss and gradient vanishing. These features enable MSTCN to possess a longer effective history while maintaining a relatively low in-network computation.

Results: The performance of MSTCN is evaluated on UCI and WISDM datasets using a subject independent protocol with no overlapping subjects between the training and testing sets. MSTCN achieves accuracies of 97.42 on UCI and 96.09 on WISDM.

Conclusion: The proposed MSTCN dominates the other state-of-the-art methods by acquiring high recognition accuracies without requiring any manual feature engineering.
Computación en la Nube y Software Abierto para la Escuela Rural Europea
Authors: Rodríguez Malmierca Maria José
Published: May 2022

La tecnología de la computación en la nube ofrece grandes posibilidades en contextos con dificultades de infraestructura y pueden proporcionar un puente para ayudar a superar la brecha existente en las escuelas rurales europeas por su falta de recursos, aislamiento, sus limitaciones en las infraestructuras y de soporte tecnológico. El propósito de este estudio fue diseñar, implementar y evaluar un entorno para la enseñanza flexible y la colaboración en centros educativos rurales de Europa basado en la tecnología de computación en la nube y se llevó a cabo en el marco de un proyecto de investigación europeo (RuralSchoolCloud). Para ello se realizó una investigación basada en diseño (IBD) en 14 escuelas rurales de cinco países europeos (Dinamarca, España, Gran Bretaña, Italia, Grecia). La muestra objeto de estudio queda conformada por un total de 560 estudiantes y 72 docentes de educación Infantil, Primaria y Secundaria obligatoria que contestaron el "Cuestionario de análisis del entorno educativo RSC de computación en la nube". En términos generales, los resultados muestran que el entorno educativo RSC demostró ser una herramienta potente para proporcionar un recurso educativo técnico funcional y utilizable para las escuelas rurales de la UE, permitiendo flexibilidad temporal y espacial en las interacciones de profesores y estudiantes, y proporcionando una herramienta adaptada a las diferentes características, necesidades e intereses de las escuelas rurales.
RÁFAGAS DE VICO EN LA PRENSA DIARIA ESPAÑOLA DEL SIGLO XIX. DESDE EL FINAL DE LA PRIMERA GUERRA CARLISTA (1840) HASTA EL FINAL DEL SEXENIO DEMOCRÁTICO (1874).
Authors: Sevilla José M.
Published: May 2022

Este artículo estudia la recepción de Vico en la prensa diaria española entre 1840 y 1868. En el contexto de la dialéctica entre tradicionalistas y liberales, la “Ciencia Nueva” es sinónimo de “Filosofía de la Historia” y Vico es visto como un genio incomprendido en su época, aunque felizmente descubierto para la proyección del “Siglo del Progreso”. Esta obra constituye un Añadido más a El espejo de la época. Capítulos sobre G. Vico en la cultura hispánica (Nápoles, 2007), y es una versión muy ampliada (doble extensión) del homónimo artículo en Rocinante. Rivista di filosofia iberica, iberoamericana e interculturale (2018-2019), aún en prensa. PALABRAS CLAVE: G. Vico, Hispanismo, Siglo XIX, Revolución de 1868, prensa diaria, José M. Sevilla
Estetyczne akty mowy jako przedmiot pragmalingwistyki: status, funkcje, formy
Authors: Kiklewicz Aleksander , Przybyszewski Sebastian
Published: May 2022

AESTHETIC ACTS OF SPEECH AS A SUBJECT OF PRAGMALINGUISTICS: STATUS, FUNCTIONS, FORMS: PART 2
Aesthetic speech acts, i.e. affect-creating speech acts that are produced by the sender to make the receiver have an aesthetic experience, may be fulfilled in four different ways. They are produced by means of semantic content which is conventionally associated with beauty or ugliness. They may also be fulfilled through operations on the form and structure of a speech act. The next way is to produce them using a context that contains objects of aesthetic value. The last type of aesthetic speech acts arises when they are uttered in a specific, aesthetic manner.
Kognitywne modele metafory wizualnej: teoria, metodologia, analizy
Authors: Kowalski Grzegorz
Published: May 2022

COGNITIVE MODELS OF VISUAL METAPHOR: THEORY, METHODOLOGY, ANALYSES The aim of the article is to present cognitive studies on visual metaphor: selected theories, methods and analyses. An overview of literature shows a growing interest in this area of research worldwide, especially in the light of the “visual turn”. Compared to the scholarly output of foreign researchers, publications of Polish authors are scarce and their results are not systematized. The discussion of the current state of research on visual metaphor is therefore motivated, on the one hand, by knowledge gap, and on the other, by the need to popularize and systematize this area of study in Poland.