bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the integrity and usability of policy evaluation tools within an evolving sociocultural context: A demonstration of reflexivity using the CFPC Family Medicine Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Hamza Deena M. , Grierson Lawrence
Published: December 2021

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

Over the last decade, policy changes have prompted Canadian medical education to emphasize a transformation to competency‐based education, and subsequent development of evaluation tools. The pandemic provides a unique opportunity to emphasize the value of reflexive monitoring, a cyclical and iterative process of appraisal and adaptation, since tools are influenced by social and cultural factors relevant at the time of their development.

Methods

Deductive content analysis of documents and resources about the advancement of primary care. Reflexive monitoring of the Family Medicine Longitudinal Survey (FMLS), an evaluation tool for physician training.

Results

The FMLS tool does not explore all training experiences that are currently relevant; including, incorporating technology, infection control and safety, public health services referrals, patient preferences for care modality, and trauma‐informed culturally safe care.

Conclusion

The results illustrate that reflection promotes the validity and usefulness of the data collected to inform policy performance and other initiatives.
Development of a PCR‐RFLP method for differential identification of Microcotyle sebastis and Microcotyle caudata isolated from cultured rockfish in Korea
Authors: Nam U‐Hwa , Kim Jeong‐Ho
Published: December 2021

Microcotylid monogeneans can cause considerable health problems in cultured fish, and several Microcotyle species are reported from scorpaenid fish, an economically important aquaculture target species in Korea. We developed a PCR‐RFLP assay targeting the mitochondrial cox1 gene, for discriminating Microcotyle sebastis and M. caudata from cultured Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegelii and dark‐banded rockfish S. inermis. AseI enzyme treatment of the PCR products showed that M. sebastis sequence was cleaved while M. caudata was not. A total of 95.2% (118/124) of monogeneans from S. schlegelii were identified as M. sebastis, and 96.2% (126/131) of monogeneans from S. inermis were identified as M. caudata by PCR‐RFLP. However, the remaining parasites from each host showed the opposite digestion pattern. Additional analyses of these specimens by targeting the ITS region by PCR‐RFLP showed the same results, suggesting that cross‐species infection by the parasites may have occurred. In Korea, S. inermis net cages are commonly located nearby S. schlegelii net cages, and this encaged proximity might have provided the opportunity for cross‐infection to occur. Further examination of wild host populations and experimental cross‐infection will be necessary to explain this phenomenon. The PCR‐RFLP method in this study will help investigate the epidemiology and infection dynamics of Microcotyle species in S. inermis.
Developing a multicomponent implementation strategy for mental health interventions within the Nurse‐Family Partnership: An application of the EPIS framework
Authors: Beeber Linda , Ledford Alasia , Gasbarro Mariarosa , Zeanah Paula , Knudtson Michael , Sprinkle Sharon , McMichael Georgette , Mosqueda Alison , Leeman Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe the process used to create the Mental Health Innovation (MHI), a multicomponent implementation strategy that integrates evidence‐based mental health interventions into the Nurse‐Family Partnership (NFP), a national home visiting program delivered by nurses to low‐income mothers.

Organizing construct

The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework outlines the multistep, stakeholder‐engaged process used to develop the MHI.

Conclusion

Engaging stakeholders provided an in‐depth understanding of NFP infrastructure and the needs of NFP nurses and their clients. This understanding was key to designing a multicomponent implementation strategy to integrate mental health interventions within national and local NFP infrastructure and existing care processes.

Clinical relevance

Application of implementation frameworks such as EPIS provides a guide to integrating evidence‐based interventions in a systematic, intentional, and rigorous manner, which in turn may promote their wide scale use and long‐term sustainability.
Enhancing paediatric palliative care: A rapid review to inform continued development of care for children with life‐limiting conditions
Authors: Ekberg Stuart , Bowers Alison , Bradford Natalie , Ekberg Katie , Rolfe Melanie , Elvidge Norah , Cook Rebecca , Roberts Sara‐Jane , Howard Christine , Agar Meera , Deleuil Renee , Fleming Sara , Hynson Jenny , Jolly Ashka , Heywood Melissa , Waring Simon , Rice Toni , Vickery Annette
Published: December 2021

Aim

Following the establishment of paediatric palliative care services over recent decades, this study sought to identify information to inform future policy and practice.

Methods

A rapid review using thematic synthesis was conducted to synthesise existing information about improving paediatric palliative care. Information was extracted in relation to key areas for investment and change: quality, access, advance care planning, skills, research, collaboration and community awareness.

Results

A total of 2228 literature sources were screened, with 369 included. Synthesised information identified clear ways to improve quality of care, access to care, advance care planning, and research and data collection. The synthesis identified knowledge gaps in understanding how to improve skills in paediatric palliative care, collaboration across Australian jurisdictions and community awareness.

Conclusions

The findings of this review bring together information from a vast range of sources to provide action‐oriented information to target investment and change in paediatric palliative care over the coming decades.
Practices and perceptions of British dog owners related to pet‐associated zoonoses
Authors: Sum S. J. J. , Mateus A. L. P.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate husbandry practices, animal health provision and perceptions of British dog owners related to the risk of exposure to zoonoses.

Materials and Methods

Using an online survey, we collected data on pet and owner's demographics and husbandry practices, and perceptions of zoonotic risks. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate if respondents' characteristics were associated with their practices and perceptions.

Results

Overall, 335 dog owners participated in this survey. The odds of engaging in practices associated with a risk of zoonotic exposure and having misconceptions about zoonoses were greater in older than in younger respondents. The same association was observed in respondents without a veterinary background and with a lower level of education compared to those with a veterinary background and with a higher education, respectively. The odds of feeding raw meat‐based diets (odds ratio: 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.0 to 7.9) were greater in respondents without a veterinary background than in those with a veterinary background. The odds of vaccinating their dogs (OR: 2.7, 1.1 to 6.3) were greater in respondents with an undergraduate qualification than in respondents with lower qualifications. The odds of following recommended dosing when administering both ectoparasitic (OR: 0.09, 0.02 to 0.4) and endoparasitic (OR: 0.08, 0.02 to 0.4) treatments were lower in respondents aged 60 and above than in younger respondents.

Clinical Significance

This study highlights opportunities for targeted client communication and education by veterinarians to reduce risks of pet‐associated zoonoses moving forward.
Laboratory monitoring and antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B among routine care patients in the United States
Authors: Zhou Yueren , Li Jia , Gordon Stuart C. , Trudeau Sheri , Rupp Loralee B. , Boscarino Joseph A. , Daida Yihe G. , Schmidt Mark A. , Lu Mei
Published: December 2021

We investigated factors associated with rates of recommended monitoring of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) patients for viral DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and initiation of antiviral treatment among eligible patients, in a US cohort of patients under routine care. Patients were categorised by treatment indication: definite, equivocal or ineligible. Baseline covariates included demographics, clinical characteristics and specialist care status. ‘Recommended monitoring’ was defined ≥1 ALT or HBV DNA test per year. Logit models, univariate then multivariable, were used to evaluate factors associated with monitoring and treatment. Among 3,830 patients, treatment was received by 67.5% (788/1168 patients) in the ‘definite’ category, and 34.1% (208/610 patients) in the ‘equivocal’ category, of whom 109 moved up to ‘definite’ status at some point during follow‐up. Sex, age and specialist care were independently associated with receipt of treatment in ‘definite’ patients. Routine monitoring rates were high prior to treatment in ‘definite/ treated’ patients (ALT: 77%; DNA: 85%) but declined afterwards (ALT 63%; DNA 36%). Rates of monitoring were lower in ‘definite/ untreated’ patients (ALT: 48%; DNA: 32%). Among ‘equivocal/ treated’ patients, lower age and comorbidity scores were associated with receipt of treatment; ALT monitoring rates were similar before and after treatment initiation (41% and 46%, respectively), while rates of DNA monitoring declined (55% and 29%). Monitoring among ‘treatment ineligible’ patients was similar to those in the ‘equivocal’ and untreated ‘definite’ groups. A large proportion of US HBV patients under routine care did not receive recommended annual laboratory monitoring, especially after initiation of antiviral treatment, and nearly one‐third of patients with ‘definite’ indications for antiviral therapy remained untreated.
Preliminary evaluation of selected inflammatory cytokine gene expression in lymphocytes isolated from whole human blood infected with trans-anethole-treated Staphylococcus aureus Newman strain
Authors: Kwiatkowski P. , Kurzawski M. , Łopusiewicz Ł. , Pruss A. , Sienkiewicz M. , Wojciechowska-Koszko I. , Dołęgowska B.
Published: December 2021

In our previous study based on a whole-blood model of sepsis infected with trans-anethole (TA)-treated Staphylococcus aureus, we have found that innate immune response was more effective in comparison to non-treated cells. Due to the previous observation, in the current preliminary study, a primary adaptive immune response was analysed. This study was conducted to evaluate the expression of selected cytokine (IL1B, IL2, IL6, IL10, TNF, TGFB1, IFNG) and Toll-like receptor (TLR2) genes in lymphocytes isolated from whole human blood infected with S. aureus Newman strain treated with TA. The lymphocytes were isolated by density gradient centrifugation from blood samples infected with S. aureus, as well as from non-infected samples. Gene expression was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The lymphocytes isolated from the blood infected with TA-treated staphylococcal cells demonstrated significantly greater IL10, IL1B, IL6, TNF and TLR2 expression. Hence, it is possible that the previously observed changes in the surface structure of TA-treated S. aureus Newman strain may significantly increase the relative expression of IL10, IL1B, IL6, TNF and TLR2 genes in lymphocytes; however, further studies are needed.
Iran's Africa‐Pivot Policy
Authors: Keynoush Banafsheh
Published: December 2021

Africa is a pivotal continent for Iran, as the Islamic Republic aims to expand its influence in wider global vistas. Iran experiences frequent setbacks in developing its Africa policy, but the continent continues to offer ample opportunities to support Tehran. This is partly because revolutionary Iran's Africa policy evolves through a wide array of piecemeal political, security, maritime, economic, and cultural activities. A host of Iranian organizations implement Iran's Africa policy, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the Quds Force, the naval forces, inter‐parliamentary groups, friendship associations, and local chambers of commerce, as well as charities, religious seminaries, and universities. This article explores Iran's policies and their impact across the African continent. It also shows how Iran's activities evolve as the country seizes opportunities to expand bilateral and regional ties with African countries while retracting its involvement when it is unable to ensure strong bonds. The ebb and flow in Iranian Africa policy challenges but continually offers Tehran a chance to explore its foreign relations across the continent; as a result, Africa will play a vital role in sustaining Iran's international contacts, ability to circumvent sanctions, and capacity to withstand pressures from rival powers. The undeniable spread of Islam across Africa means that Iran will make efforts to win followers and propagate its brand of religion and revolutionary worldview as part of measures to build strategic depth across the continent.
Comparison of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion in the Treatment of 4‐Level Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Wang Xian‐zheng , Liu Huanan , Li Jia‐qi , Sun Yapeng , Zhang Fei , Guo Lei , Zhang Peng , Dou Chen‐hao , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess and compare the therapeutic effects of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion (CLF) in the treatment of 4‐level cervical.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review on 39 patients with 4‐level CSM who underwent ACDF or CLF in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2010 to December 2018. The patients were divided into ACDF group and CLF group according to the treatment. The operative index was evaluated based on intraoperative blood loss and operation time. The functional outcomes including Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) of axial pain were compared. The Cobb angle, Cobb angle improvement rate, range of motion (ROM) and ROM loss ratio were measured for radiographic evaluation.

Results

No major complications or deaths occurred. The average age at baseline was 55 years. There was no significant difference between the ACDF and CLF group in follow‐up time (26.29 months, 25.39 months, P > 0.05). The intraoperative blood loss was higher in the CLF group than in the ACDF group (692.67 ± 38.68 vs 392.14 ± 128.06, P < 0.05). The operation time was longer in the CLF group than in the ACDF group (206.60 ± 49.37 vs 172.64 ± 31.96, P < 0.05). Significant improvements in the VAS and JOA scores were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference in VAS was found between the ACDF and CLF groups (P < 0.05). There was a significantly larger improvement rate of JOA score in the ACDF group than in the CLF group (60.9% ± 9.57% vs 31.5% ± 15.70%, P < 0.05). There were two (9.6%) cases with complications In the ACDF group, including one (4.8%) case of dysphagia and one (4.8%) case of pharyngodynia. In the CLF group, two patients (11.1%) developed C5 palsy. No significant difference in the incidence of complications, ROM loss ratio and Cobb angle improvement rate was found between group ACDF and group CLF (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both ACDF and CLF were effective in the treatment of multi‐level cervical spondylosis and ACDF is more suitable for patients with 4‐level CSM.
Introspection of Emotions
Authors: De Vlieger Bertille , Giustina Anna
Published: December 2021

We argue that knowledge of emotions essentially depends on introspecting the phenomenology of emotional experiences and that introspection of emotional experiences is a process by stages, where the most fundamental stage is a non‐classificatory introspective state. We call such a non‐classificatory kind of introspectionprimitive introspection. We aim to show that, although not sufficient, primitive introspection is a necessary ground to acquire knowledge of emotions. Our main argument is phenomenological: by examining a variety of examples, we suggest that an accurate analysis of the introspective process through which one comes to know, or refines one's knowledge of, one's current emotion requires that one primitively introspects it.
Asymptotic theory for the inference of the latent trawl model for extreme values
Authors: Courgeau Valentin , Veraart Almut E.D.
Published: December 2021

This article develops statistical inference methods and their asymptotic theory for the latent trawl model for extremes, which captures serial dependence in the time series of exceedances above a threshold. We review two methods based on pairwise likelihood and show that they underestimate the serial dependence in the extremes. We propose two generalized method of moments procedures based on auto‐covariance matching to overcome this shortcoming. Out of those four inference approaches, two are single‐stage strategies while the others have two stages, and we provide central limit theorems in the sense of weakly approaching sequences of distributions for all of them. This additional flexibility ensures good behavior between the estimators and estimates of the limiting distribution. In an empirical illustration using London air pollution data, we find that the two‐stage auto‐covariance matching scheme yields a high‐quality inference. It comprises two interpretable steps and correctly captures the serial dependence structure of extremes while performing on par with other methods in terms of marginal fit.
Iron content of drinking water is associated with anaemia status among children in high groundwater iron areas in Bangladesh
Authors: Choudhury Nuzhat , Siddiqua Towfida Jahan , Ahmed S. M. Tanvir , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Ali Mohammad , Dil Farzana Fahmida , Naz Farina , Rahman Sheikh Shahed , Faruque A. S. G. , Rahman Sabuktagin , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: December 2021

Objective

Iron in groundwater provides a good source of absorbable iron for humans and can contribute to optimal iron and haemoglobin (Hb) status among populations. We aimed to examine the relationship between the iron content of groundwater and anaemia status among 12‐ to 23‐month‐old children in a rural area of Bangladesh.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 80 randomly selected unions (the lowest administrative unit) in Sylhet and Moulvibazar districts of Bangladesh. A total of 800 children aged 12–23 months were selected via a systematic random sampling method. The child's age, sex, stunting status, consumption of iron‐rich or iron‐fortified food, maternal age and maternal body mass index (BMI) and the type of terrain were subjected to multiple logistic regression analysis to observe the independent relationships between groundwater iron content and anaemia in children.

Results

In total, 50.4% of children were anaemic. The odds of children being anaemic were 1.51‐fold higher [OR: 1.51 (95% CI: 1.09, 2.09)] among households consuming water with an iron content <2 mg/L than in households consuming water with an iron content ≥2 mg/L. Childhood stunting, child's sex, child's age and the type of terrain were also significantly associated with anaemia among children.

Conclusion

Groundwater with a high iron concentration was significantly associated with a decreased risk of childhood anaemia. This study provides evidence of the importance of groundwater iron to protect impoverished young children from anaemia.
Epidemiological burden of Chikungunya fever in Brazil, 2016 and 2017
Authors: Vidal Emily Raquel Nunes , Frutuoso Livia Carla Vinhal , Duarte Elisabeth Carmen , Peixoto Henry Maia
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To describe Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) cases and estimate the burden of the disease in Brazil between 2016 and 2017.

Methods

The first stage of this study consisted of a descriptive epidemiological study with estimations of incidence, mortality and case‐fatality rates for each Brazilian state. The second stage provided estimates of the disease burden using DALY, an indicator that aggregates measures of morbidity (years lived with disability – YLD) and mortality (years of life lost – YLL) into a single value.

Results

In Brazil, the incidence rate in 2016 was 114.70 per 100,000 inhabitants, while the mortality rate was 0.15 per 100,000, for a case‐fatality rate of 0.13%. In 2017, these figures were 87.59 and 0.12 per 100,000 inhabitants and 0.14%, respectively. The estimated CHIKF burden for Brazil in 2016 was 77,422.61 DALY or 0.3757 per 1000 inhabitants. In 2016, the YLL share of DALY was 10.04%, with YLD accounting for the remaining 89.96%. In 2017, the estimated burden was 59,307.59 DALY or 0.2856 per 1000 inhabitants, with YLL accounting for 9.65% of the total and YLD for 90.35%.

Conclusion

CHIKF causes a significant disease burden in Brazil. The chronic phase of CHIKF is responsible for the largest portion of DALY. Deaths from CHIKF are a significant component of the disease burden, with YLL accounting for approximately 10% of the total DALY value.
Stratifying and predicting patterns of neighbourhood change and gentrification: An urban analytics approach
Authors: Yee Joshua , Dennett Adam
Published: December 2021

While recent debates have widely acknowledged gentrification's varied manifestations, success in enumerating and disentangling the process and its defining features from other forms of neighbourhood change at‐scale and across entire cities, has remained largely elusive. This paper addresses this gap and employs a novel, open and reproducible urban analytics approach to systematically examine the past and future trajectories of neighbourhood change using London, England, as a case‐study example. Using suites of datasets relating to population, house prices, and built environment development, the nature of gentrification's mutations and its spatial patterns are extracted through a multi‐stage data dimensionality reduction and classification methodology. Machine learning is subsequently adopted to model gentrification's observed trends and predict its future frontiers with interactive visualisation methods offering new insights into gentrification's projected dynamics and geographies.
Effect of topical florfenicol, terbinafine and mometasone furoate ear drops on adrenocortical function in healthy small breed dogs with bilateral otitis externa
Authors: Hoppers Sarrah , Drake Elizabeth , Frank Linda A. , Sun Xiaocun
Published: December 2021

Background

Testing for hyperadrenocorticism is commonly pursued in adult dogs with dermatological disease, and adrenocortical suppression has been well‐documented following the use of topical corticosteroids in otic preparations. An otic suspension that contains florfenicol, terbinafine and mometasone furoate, and lasts for 30 days after a single application, frequently is used to treat canine otitis externa (OE). This medication was shown to cause adrenocortical suppression on Day (D)2 postadministration and two weeks after two applications two weeks apart.

Hypothesis/objectives

The objective of this study was to determine if topical florfenicol/terbinafine/mometasone furoate causes adrenocortical suppression in healthy, small‐breed dogs with bilateral OE at D28 postapplication.

Animal

Seven client‐owned dogs weighing <10 kg diagnosed with non‐Pseudomonasbilateral OE.

Materials and methods

Cortisol was measured pre‐ and post‐adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) stimulation on D0. Topical florfenicol/terbinafine/mometasone furoate was applied in both ears. Dogs were reassessed on D28, and cortisol was measured pre‐ and post‐ACTH stimulation.

Results

The median pre‐ and post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations on D28 were 2.5 µg/dL (range 2.0–5.0 µg/dL) and 14.3 µg/dL (range 11.5–23.1 µg/dL), respectively. There was no significant difference (P = 0.85) between post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations from D0 to D28.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Results demonstrated no evidence of adrenocortical suppression, suggesting that there is no need to delay adrenocortical function testing in dogs treated with topical florfenicol/terbinafine/mometasone furoate when applied as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Kinematic Uncertainty Analysis of a Cable-Driven Parallel Robot Based on an Error Transfer Model
Authors: Gao Jun , Zhou Bin , Zi Bin , Qian Sen , Zhao Ping
Published: December 2021

Cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) are a kind of mechanism with large workspace, fast response, and low inertia. However, due to the existence of various sources of error, it is unavoidable to bring uncertain cable lengths and lead to pose errors of the end-effector. The inverse kinematic model of a CDPR for picking up medicines is established by considering radii of fixed pulleys. The influence of radii of fixed pulleys on errors of cable lengths is explored. Error transfer model of the CDPR is constructed, and uncertain sources of cable lengths are analyzed. Based on evidence theory and error transfer model, an evidence theory-based uncertainty analysis method (ETUAM) is presented. The structural performance function for kinematic response is derived based on the error transfer model. Belief and plausibility measures of joint focal elements under the given threshold are obtained. Kinematic error simulations show that errors of cable lengths become larger with the increase of radii of fixed pulleys. Compared with the vertex method and Monte Carlo method, numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the ETUAM when it comes to the kinematic uncertainty analysis of the CDPR.
Surface Heater Fabrication Using Micro-Lithography for Transpiration Cooling Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurements
Authors: Min Zheng , Parbat Sarwesh , Wang Qing-Ming , Chyu Minking K.
Published: December 2021

Transpiration cooling is able to provide more uniform coolant coverage than film cooling to effectively protect the component surface from contacting the hot gas. Due to numerous coolant ejection outlets within a small area at the target surface, the experimental thermo-fluid investigation on transpiration cooling becomes a significant challenge. Two classic methods to investigate film cooling, the steady-state foil heater method and the transient thermography technique, fail for transpiration cooling because the foil heater would block numerous coolant outlets, and the semi-infinite solid conduction model no longer holds for porous plates. In this study, a micro-lithography method to fabricate a silver coil pattern on top of the additively manufactured polymer porous media as the surface heater was proposed. The circuit was deliberately designed to cover the solid surface in a combination of series connection, and parallel connection to ensure the power in each unit cell area at the target surface was identical. With uniform heat flux generation, the steady-state tests were conducted to obtain distributions of a pair of parameters, adiabatic cooling effectiveness, and heat transfer coefficient (HTC). The results showed that the adiabatic cooling effectiveness could reach 0.65 with a blowing ratio lower than 0.5. Meanwhile, the heat transfer coefficient ratio (hf/h0) of transpiration cooling was close to 1 with a small blowing ratio at 0.125. A higher HTC ratio was observed for smaller pitch-to-diameter cases due to more turbulence intensity generated at the target surface.
Application of Various Machine Learning Techniques in Predicting Water Saturation in Tight Gas Sandstone Formation
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Farid , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Abdelraouf Yasmin , Al Ramadan Mustafa
Published: December 2021

Water saturation (Sw) is a vital factor for the hydrocarbon in-place calculations. Sw is usually calculated using different equations; however, its values have been inconsistent with the experimental results due to often incorrectness of their underlying assumptions. Moreover, the main hindrance remains in these approaches due to their strong reliance on experimental analysis which are expensive and time-consuming. This study introduces the application of different machine learning (ML) methods to predict Sw from the conventional well logs. Function networks (FNs), support vector machine (SVM), and random forests (RFs) were implemented to calculate the Sw using gamma-ray log, neutron porosity log, and resistivity (Rt) log. A dataset of 782 points from two wells (well-1 and well-2) in tight gas sandstone formation was used to build and then validate the different ML models. The dataset from well-1 was applied for the ML models training and testing, then the unseen data from well-2 were used to validate the developed models. The results from FN, SVM, and RF models showed their capability of accurately predicting the Sw from the conventional well logging data. The correlation coefficient (R) values between actual and estimated Sw from the FN model were found to be 0.85 and 0.83 compared to 0.98 and 0.95 from the RF model in the case of training and testing sets, respectively. SVM model shows an R-value of 0.95 and 0.85 in the different datasets. The average absolute percentage error (AAPE) was less than 8% in the three ML models. The ML models outperform the empirical correlations that have AAPE greater than 19%. This study provides ML applications to accurately forecast the water saturation using the readily available conventional well logs without additional core analysis or well site interventions.
Adults with cochlear implants can use prosody to determine the clausal structure of spoken sentences
Authors: Amichetti Nicole M. , Neukam Jonathan , Kinney Alexander J. , Capach Nicole , March Samantha U. , Svirsky Mario A. , Wingfield Arthur
Published: December 2021

Speech prosody, including pitch contour, word stress, pauses, and vowel lengthening, can aid the detection of the clausal structure of a multi-clause sentence and this, in turn, can help listeners determine the meaning. However, for cochlear implant (CI) users, the reduced acoustic richness of the signal raises the question of whether CI users may have difficulty using sentence prosody to detect syntactic clause boundaries within sentences or whether this ability is rescued by the redundancy of the prosodic features that normally co-occur at clause boundaries. Twenty-two CI users, ranging in age from 19 to 77 years old, recalled three types of sentences: sentences in which the prosodic pattern was appropriate to the location of a clause boundary within the sentence (congruent prosody), sentences with reduced prosodic information, or sentences in which the location of the clause boundary and the prosodic marking of a clause boundary were placed in conflict. The results showed the presence of congruent prosody to be associated with superior sentence recall and a reduced processing effort as indexed by the pupil dilation. The individual differences in a standard test of word recognition (consonant-nucleus-consonant score) were related to the recall accuracy as well as the processing effort. The outcomes are discussed in terms of the redundancy of the prosodic features, which normally accompany a clause boundary and processing effort.
Paving the way for metastasis
Authors: Baek Amy E.
Published: December 2021

Extracellular vesicles help form the premetastatic niche in lymph nodes and facilitate melanoma dissemination.
Successional Stages in Infant Gut Microbiota Maturation
Authors: Beller Leen , Deboutte Ward , Falony Gwen , Vieira-Silva Sara , Tito Raul Yhossef , Valles-Colomer Mireia , Rymenans Leen , Jansen Daan , Van Espen Lore , Papadaki Maria Ioanna , Shi Chenyan , Yinda Claude Kwe , Zeller Mark , Faust Karoline , Van Ranst Marc , Raes Jeroen , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: December 2021

After birth, microbial colonization of the infant intestinal tract is important for health later in life. However, this initial process is highly dynamic and influenced by many factors.
Evolutionary Processes Driving the Rise and Fall of
Staphylococcus aureus
ST239, a Dominant Hybrid Pathogen
Authors: Gill Jacqueline L. , Hedge Jessica , Wilson Daniel J. , MacLean R. Craig
Published: December 2021

The rise of antibiotic resistance in most pathogenic bacteria has been driven by the spread of a small number of epidemically successful resistant strains. However, the processes that drive the rise and fall of these “superbugs” remain poorly understood.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Mediate T Cell Dysfunction in Nonhuman Primate TB Granulomas
Authors: Singh Bindu , Singh Dhiraj K. , Ganatra Shashank R. , Escobedo Ruby A. , Khader Shabaana , Schlesinger Larry S. , Kaushal Deepak , Mehra Smriti
Published: December 2021

Myeloid cells are immunocytes of innate origin that orchestrate the first response toward pathogens via immune surveillance (uptake and killing), antigen presentation, and initiation of adaptive immunity by T cell stimulation. However, MDSCs are a subset of innate immunocytes that deviate to an immunoregulatory phenotype.
A New Sugar for an Old Phage: a c-di-GMP-Dependent Polysaccharide Pathway Sensitizes
Escherichia coli
for Bacteriophage Infection
Authors: Sellner Benjamin , Prakapaitė Rūta , van Berkum Margo , Heinemann Matthias , Harms Alexander , Jenal Urs
Published: December 2021

Because bacterial surface glycans are in direct contact with the environment they can provide essential protective functions during infections or against competing bacteria. But such structures are also “Achilles’ heels” since they can serve as primary receptors for bacteriophages.
A Novel Locally c-di-GMP-Controlled Exopolysaccharide Synthase Required for Bacteriophage N4 Infection of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Junkermeier Eike H. , Hengge Regine
Published: December 2021

Key findings in model organisms led to the concept of “local” signaling, challenging the dogma of a gradually increasing global intracellular c-di-GMP concentration driving the motile-sessile transition in bacteria. In our current model, bacteria dynamically combine both global and local signaling modes, in which specific DGCs and/or PDEs team up with effector/target systems in multiprotein complexes.
Interactions of Both Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic CUG Clade
Candida
Species with Macrophages Share a Conserved Transcriptional Landscape
Authors: Pountain Andrew W. , Collette John R. , Farrell William M. , Lorenz Michael C.
Published: December 2021

Candidiasis is a major fungal infection by
Candida
species, causing life-threatening invasive disease in immunocompromised patients.
C. albicans
, which is adapted to commensalism of human mucosae, is the most common cause. While several other species cause infection, most are less prevalent or less virulent.
Taxon-Specific Shifts in Bacterial and Archaeal Transcription of Dissolved Organic Matter Cycling Genes in a Stratified Fjord
Authors: Pontiller Benjamin , Pérez-Martínez Clara , Bunse Carina , Osbeck Christofer M. G. , González José M. , Lundin Daniel , Pinhassi Jarone
Published: December 2021

It is generally recognized that stratification in the ocean strongly influences both the community composition and the distribution of ecological functions of microbial communities, which in turn are expected to shape the biogeochemical cycling of essential elements over depth. Here, we used metatranscriptomics analysis to infer molecular detail on the distribution of gene systems central to the utilization of organic matter in a stratified marine system.
Enhancing Microbiome Research through Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling
Authors: Ankrah Nana Y. D. , Bernstein David B. , Biggs Matthew , Carey Maureen , Engevik Melinda , García-Jiménez Beatriz , Lakshmanan Meiyappan , Pacheco Alan R. , Sulheim Snorre , Medlock Gregory L.
Published: December 2021

Construction and analysis of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) is a well-established systems biology approach that can be used to predict metabolic and growth phenotypes. The ability of GEMs to produce mechanistic insight into microbial ecological processes makes them appealing tools that can open a range of exciting opportunities in microbiome research.
The Sugar Transporter MST1 Is Involved in Colonization of Rhizosphere and Rhizoplane by Metarhizium
robertsii
Authors: Dai Jin , Mi Wubin , Wu Congcong , Song Hui , Bao Yuting , Zhang Mingxiang , Zhang Sufen , Fang Weiguo
Published: December 2021

Over 90% of all vascular plant species develop an intimate symbiosis with fungi, which has an enormous impact on terrestrial ecosystems. It is widely recognized that plant-symbiotic fungi are supported by photosynthates, but little is known about the mechanisms for fungi to utilize plant-derived carbon sources.
Biliary cystadenoma masquerading as an adnexal cyst in pregnancy
Authors: Raja Navaneethan Preethi , Abraham Anuja , Abraham Kavitha , Jagannathan Aparna
Published: December 2021

The aetiological diagnosis of cystic masses detected on routine ultrasound during pregnancy can be challenging. Unless approached cautiously with a detailed history and adequate use of imaging techniques, misdiagnosis of these cystic masses are not uncommon. Cystic masses diagnosed during pregnancy are mostly of ovarian origin; however, other non-ovarian cystic masses are also detected incidentally or at laparotomy/laparoscopy. We report a rare case of ruptured biliary cystadenoma in a pregnant woman diagnosed at emergency laparotomy. She was taken up for surgery with a provisional impression of ruptured adnexal cyst. However, the cyst was found to be arising from the liver and the histology of the cyst wall was reported as biliary cystadenoma.
Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic macular oedema: scoping review of clinical practice guidelines recommendations
Authors: Vargas-Peirano Manuel , Verdejo Catalina , Vergara-Merino Laura , Loézar Cristóbal , Hoehmann Martin , Pérez-Bracchiglione Javier
Published: December 2021

Background

Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is a worldwide major cause of low vision and blindness. Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) constitutes an effective treatment. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are synthesis documents that seek to improve patient care.

Objectives

To identify CPGs that make anti-VEGF recommendations for DME and to assess their reporting quality and their considerations when making recommendations.

Eligibility criteria

CPGs published between December 2009 and December 2019 that make explicit anti-VEGF recommendations in DME.

Sources of evidence

Sensitive search strategy in Embase, Google Scholar and hand-searching on 165 websites.

Methods

We extracted information from each CPG with a previously piloted sheet. Two independent authors applied theAppraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation tool (AGREE-II) assessment for each CPG.

Results

The 21 included CPGs recommend anti-VEGF for DME, but there is a wide variation among the clinical aspects included, such as location of DME, visual acuity required, therapeutical alternatives or discontinuation. Most have a poor quality of reporting based on the AGREE-II tool assessment, especially those developed by ophthalmological societies, those that have an exclusive content about DME, and those where most of their authors disclose conflict of interest (COI) with pharmaceutical industry or where their authors did not report COIs. Pharmaceutical-sponsored CPGs did not use systematic reviews (SRs) to support their recommendations. Very few recommendations consider patient values and preferences, equity, acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.

Conclusions

Most of the CPGs that made recommendations of anti-VEGF for DME have poor quality of reporting, do not use SRs and do not consider patients’ values and preferences.
Comparative efficacy and safety of transurethral laser surgery with holmium laser, KTP laser, 2-micron laser or thulium laser for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma: a protocol of network meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Jinfeng , Zheng Junbiao
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The potential of transurethral laser surgery in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has been confirmed, however which types of lasers may be preferentially prescribed remains a debate. The aim of this network meta-analysis is to investigate the comparative efficacy and safety of transurethral laser surgery with four common types of laser including holmium laser, potassium titanylphosphate (KTP) laser, 2-micron laser or thulium laser for the treatment of NMIBC.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search will be conducted to search all potentially eligible randomised controlled trials comparing different transurethral laser surgeries with each other or with standard transurethral resection among patients with NMIBC in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database and Chongqing VIP from their inception until 31 May 2021. Two reviewers will be asked to independently select eligible studies, and assess the risk of bias of individual study with Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. A random-effects network meta-analysis based on Markov chain Monte Carlo method will be carried out. Ranking probabilities will be considered to rank all laser types. Quantitative analysis will be carried out by using WinBUGS V.1.4.3.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required because this is a network meta-analysis of published data. We will submit all findings to some conferences for preliminary communication and to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Trial registration number

10.17605/OSF.IO/TD9MW.
Emergency physicians’ experience of stress during resuscitation and strategies for mitigating the effects of stress on performance
Authors: Groombridge Christopher James , Maini Amit , Ayton Darshini , Soh Sze-Ee , Walsham Nicola , Kim Yesul , Smit De Villiers , Fitzgerald Mark
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study explored the perspectives and behaviours of emergency physicians (EPs), regularly involved in resuscitation, to identify the sources and effects of any stress experienced during a resuscitation as well as the strategies employed to deal with these stressors.

Methods

This was a two-centre sequential exploratory mixed-methods study of EPs consisting of a focus group, exploring the human factors related to resuscitation, and an anonymous survey. Between April and June 2020, the online survey was distributed to all EPs working at Australia’s largest two major trauma centres, both in Melbourne, and investigated sources of stress during resuscitation, impact of stress on performance, mitigation strategies used, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and stress management training received. Associations with gender and years of clinical practice were also examined.

Results

7 EPs took part in the focus group and 82 responses to the online survey were received (81% response rate). The most common sources of stress reported were resuscitation of an ‘unwell young paediatric patient’ (81%, 95% CI 70.6 to 87.6) or ‘unwell pregnant patient’ (71%, 95% CI 60.1 to 79.5) and ‘conflict with a team member’ (71%, 95% CI 60.1 to 79.5). The most frequently reported strategies to mitigate stress were ‘verbalising a plan to the team’ (84%, 95% CI 74.7 to 90.5), ‘implementing a standardised/structured approach’ (73%, 95% CI 62.7 to 81.6) and ‘asking for help’ (57%, 95% CI 46.5 to 67.5). 79% (95% CI 69.3 to 86.6) of EPs reported that they would like additional training on stress management. Junior EPs more frequently reported the use of ‘mental rehearsal’ to mitigate stress during a resuscitation (62% vs 22%; p<0.01) while female EPs reported ‘asking for help’ as a mitigator of stress more frequently than male EPs (79% vs 47%; p=0.01).

Conclusions

Stress is commonly experienced by EPs during resuscitation and can impact decision-making and procedural performance. This study identifies the most common sources of stress during a resuscitation as well as the strategies that EPs use to mitigate the effects of stress on their performance. These findings may contribute to the development of tailored stress management training for critical care clinicians.
BAP1-deficient meningioma presenting with trabecular architecture and cytokeratin expression: a report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Landry Alexander P , Wang Justin Z , Nassiri Farshad , Patil Vikas , Gao Andrew , Zadeh Gelareh
Published: December 2021

Aims

BRCA (BReast CAncer gene)-associated protein 1 (BAP1), encoded by theBAP1gene, a tumour suppressor that is lost in several cancers. Importantly, such mutations have been shown to be susceptible to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition in preclinical studies, offering hope for targeted therapy. While rare, BAP1 loss has been observed in a subset of rhabdoid and papillary meningioma and is associated with earlier recurrence. We seek to add to the literature on this rare disease and advocate for more routine BAP1 testing.

Methods

We present a report of two cases of BAP1-deficient meningioma and review the available literature on this rare entity.

Results

Both cases present with a distinct trabecular architecture without rhabdoid or papillary features. Interestingly, both also presented with radiographic and histopathological findings unusual for meningioma. While immunohistochemistry and genetic sequencing confirmed BAP1 loss, DNA methylation analysis was required to confirm the final diagnosis.

Conclusions

We suggest that BAP1-deficient meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extra-axial central nervous system (CNS) tumours with atypical imaging or histopathological features and that BAP1 loss may constitute a clinically important meningioma subtype with opportunities for targeted therapy.
Aspiration thrombectomy using a novel 088 catheter and specialized delivery catheter
Authors: Caldwell James , McGuinness Ben , Lee Shane S , Barber P Alan , Holden Andrew , Wu Teddy , Krauss Martin , Laing Andrew , Collecutt Wayne , Liebeskind David S , Hetts Steven W , Brew Stefan
Published: December 2021

Background

We describe the first-in-human experience using the Route 92 Medical Aspiration System to perform thrombectomy in the initial 45 consecutive stroke patients enrolled in the SUMMIT NZ trial. This aspiration system includes a specifically designed delivery catheter which enables delivery of 0.070 inch and 0.088 inch aspiration catheters.

Methods

The SUMMIT NZ trial is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study with core lab imaging adjudication. Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion are eligible to enrol. The study has had three phases which transitioned from use of the 0.070 inch to the 0.088 inch catheter.

Results

Vessel occlusions were located in the internal carotid artery (27%), M1 (60%) and M2 (13%). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 16 (IQR 10). Across the three phases, the first-pass reperfusion rate of modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2b was 62% using the Route 92 Medical system; this rate was 29% in phase 1, 56% in phase 2, and 80% in phase 3. The first-pass reperfusion rate of mTICI ≥2c was 42% overall, 29% in phase 1, 33% in phase 2, and 55% in phase 3. A final reperfusion rate of mTICI ≥2b was achieved in 96% of cases, with 36% of cases using adjunctive devices. Patients had an average improvement of 6.7 points in NIHSS from baseline at 24 hours, and at 90 days 48% were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale 0–2).

Conclusions

In this early experience, the Route 92 Medical Aspiration System has been effective and safe. The system has design features that improve catheter deliverability and have the potential to increase first-pass reperfusion rates in aspiration thrombectomy.