bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lip print evaluation of Indian and Malaysian-Chinese subjects by manual and digital methods: a correlational study with gender and ethnicity
Authors: Chadha Aditi , Vineetha Ravindranath , Kumar Mathangi , Bansal Divyansh , Pai Keerthilatha M. , Aithal Prakash K
Published: March 2022

Background

Cheiloscopy is a reliable method of personal identification which may augment the established methods like dactylography, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) profiling, and dental records.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the correlation of lip prints with ethnicity and gender of individuals in an attempt to bridge the gap between conventional manual methods and digital methods of cheiloscopy.

Methods

Lip prints of 300 gender-matched subjects of Indian and Malaysian-Chinese descents were collected and analyzed using the Suzuki K and Tsuchihashi Y classification system. The lip sizes were measured and lip print patterns were analyzed. The analysis was carried out using manual and computer-aided methods. A customized software for lip print analysis and validate it with the manual lip print analysis was developed.

Results

Independent sample t test showed a statistically significant difference between the width and length of the lips between males and females of the total population (p < 0.001). Pearson’s chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference between the Indian males and females in the width of the lower lip (p = 0.074). In the Malaysian-Chinese population, there was a statistically significant difference between males and females in the length of the upper lip (p = 0.032) and lower lip (p = 0.035). The type V grooves were predominant in the total study population (51.3%) followed by type III pattern (38.7%). The new customized software could not provide reliable results.

Conclusions

Lip sizes differed significantly among the Indian and Malaysian-Chinese subjects. There was no significant gender dimorphism in the distribution of lip print patterns. The results from manual and computer-aided methods were comparable.
Effect of nitrogen application level on cotton fibre quality
Authors: VAN DER SLUIJS Marinus H. J.
Published: March 2022

The nitrogen (N) requirements of cotton are well understood and have been extensively studied since 1887, with practical guides, decision support systems, models and recent reviews providing information on the importance of providing cotton crops with a sufficient supply of nutrients and improving nitrogen use efficiency. Given that the financial return to the grower depends on both the cotton quantity and quality and the growing importance of the latter, this review focusses specifically on information and knowledge about the effect of nitrogen application level on fibre quality.
Intervening to prevent suicide at railway locations: findings from a qualitative study with front-line staff and rail commuters
Authors: Katsampa Dafni , Mackenzie Jay-Marie , Crivatu Ioana , Marzano Lisa
Published: March 2022

Background

For every suicide on the British railway network, at least six potential attempts are interrupted by front-line staff or rail commuters. However, the factors that maximise or hinder the likelihood and effectiveness of such interventions are poorly understood.

Aims

The aim of the current study was to shed light on the experience of intervening to prevent a suicide at a railway location, including how and why people intervene, and their feelings and reflections in the aftermath.

Method

In-depth interviews were carried out with rail commuters (n = 11) and front-line railway staff (n = 10) who had intervened to stop a suicide by train. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Participants had intervened to prevent suicide in several ways, both from afar (e.g. by calling a member of staff) and more directly (verbally or non-verbally), in some cases with no prior training or experience in suicide prevention, and often as a ‘quick, gut reaction’ given the limited time to intervene. In more ‘reasoned’ interventions, poor confidence and concerns around safety were the greatest barriers to action. Although often privy to their final outcome, most participants reflected positively on their intervention/s, stressing the importance of training and teamwork, as well as small talk and non-judgemental listening.

Conclusions

Suicides in railway environments can present bystanders with little time to intervene. Potential interveners should therefore be resourced as best as possible through clear infrastructure help/emergency points, visibility of station staff and training for gatekeepers.
Circulating Cell-Free DNA Captures the Intratumor Heterogeneity in Multinodular Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Coto-Llerena Mairene , Benjak Andrej , Gallon John , Meier Marie-Anne , Boldanova Tuyana , Terracciano Luigi M. , Ng Charlotte K.Y. , Piscuoglio Salvatore
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous disease, with more than 40% of patients initially diagnosed with multinodular HCCs. Although circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been shown to effectively detect somatic mutations, little is known about its utility to capture intratumor heterogeneity in patients with multinodular HCC undergoing systemic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tumor biopsies and plasma were synchronously collected from seven prospectively recruited patients with HCC before and during systemic therapy. Plasma-derived cfDNA and matched germline were subjected to high-depth targeted sequencing with molecular barcoding. The mutational profile of the cfDNA was compared with whole-exome sequencing from matched tumor biopsies.

RESULTS

Genomic data revealed that out of the seven patients, five were considered intrahepatic metastasis and two multicentric HCCs. cfDNA captured the majority of mutations in the tumors and detected significantly more mutations than tumor biopsies. Driver mutations such as CTNNB1 S33C, NRAS Q61R, ARID1A R727fs, and NF1 E2368fs as well as standard-of-care biomarkers of response to targeted therapy were detected only in cfDNA. In the two patients with multicentric HCC, cfDNA detected mutations derived from the genetically independent and spatially distinct nodules. Moreover, cfDNA was not only able to capture clonal mutations but also the subclonal mutations detected in only one of the multiple biopsied nodules. Furthermore, serial cfDNA detected variants of tumor origin emerging during treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the genetic analysis of cfDNA captures the intratumor heterogeneity in multinodular HCC highlighting the potential for cfDNA as a sensitive and noninvasive tool for precision medicine.
Radiomics for differentiating minimally invasive adenocarcinoma from precursor lesions in pure ground-glass opacities on chest computed tomography
Authors: Zhu Yan-qiu , Liu Chaohui , Mo Yan , Dong Hao , Huang Chencui , Duan Ya-ni , Tang Lei-lei , Chu Yuan-yuan , Qin Jie
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore the correlation between radiomic features and the pathology of pure ground-glass opacities (pGGOs), we established a radiomics model for predicting the pathological subtypes of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and precursor lesions.

Methods:

CT images of 1521 patients with lung adenocarcinoma or precursor lesions appearing as pGGOs on CT in our hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University) from January 2015 to March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. pGGOs were divided into an atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH)/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) group and an MIA group. Radiomic features were extracted from the original and preprocessed images of the region of interest. ANOVA and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator feature selection algorithm were used for feature selection. Logistic regression algorithm was used to construct radiomics prediction model. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the classification efficiency.

Results

129 pGGOs were included. 2107 radiomic features were extracted from each region of interest. 18 radiomic features were eventually selected for model construction. The area under the curve of the radiomics model was 0.884 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.818–0.949] in the training set and 0.872 (95% CI, 0.756–0.988) in the test set, with a sensitivity of 72.73%, specificity of 88.24% and accuracy of 79.47%. The decision curve indicated that the model had a high net benefit rate.

Conclusion

The prediction model for pathological subtypes of MIA and precursor lesions in pGGOs demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy.

Advances in knowledge:

We focused on lesions appearing as pGGOs on CT and revealed the differences in radiomic features between MIA and precursor lesions. We constructed a radiomics prediction model and improved the diagnostic accuracy for the pathology of MIA and precursor lesions.
Min-Sup-Min Robust Combinatorial Optimization with Few Recourse Solutions
Authors: Arslan Ayşe N. , Poss Michael , Silva Marco
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we consider a variant of adaptive robust combinatorial optimization problems where the decision maker can prepare K solutions and choose the best among them upon knowledge of the true data realizations. We suppose that the uncertainty may affect the objective and the constraints through functions that are not necessarily linear. We propose a new exact algorithm for solving these problems when the feasible set of the nominal optimization problem does not contain too many good solutions. Our algorithm enumerates these good solutions, generates dynamically a set of scenarios from the uncertainty set, and assigns the solutions to the generated scenarios using a vertex p-center formulation, solved by a binary search algorithm. Our numerical results on adaptive shortest path and knapsack with conflicts problems show that our algorithm compares favorably with the methods proposed in the literature. We additionally propose a heuristic extension of our method to handle problems where it is prohibitive to enumerate all good solutions. This heuristic is shown to provide good solutions within a reasonable solution time limit on the adaptive knapsack with conflicts problem. Finally, we illustrate how our approach handles nonlinear functions on an all-or-nothing subset problem taken from the literature.

Summary of Contribution: Our paper describes a new exact algorithm for solving adaptive robust combinatorial optimization problems when the feasible set of the nominal optimization problems does not contain too many good solutions. Its development relies on a progressive relaxation of the problem augmented with a row-and-column generation technique. Its efficient execution requires a reformulation of this progressive relaxation, coupled with dominance rules and a binary search algorithm. The proposed algorithm is amenable to exploiting the special structures of the problems considered as illustrated with various applications throughout the paper. A practical view is provided by the proposition of a heuristic variant. Our computational experiments show that our proposed exact solution method outperforms the existing methodologies and therefore pushes the computational envelope for the class of problems considered.
Can Lenalidomide Protect against Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Multiple Myeloma Patients? A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Al Sbihi Ali , Manasrah Nouraldeen , Sano Dahlia
Published: March 2022

We present a case series of three multiple myeloma (MM) patients on lenalidomide for maintenance therapy who were at high risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications and mortality. However, our patients had minor symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19 although they were unvaccinated. We think that lenalidomide might have a protective effect against severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Prehospital point-of-care biomarkers: missing link in acute myocardial infarction?
Authors: Williams Gareth Vaughan
Published: March 2022

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Paramedics are instrumental in the treatment, triage and transport of patients experiencing acute coronary syndromes and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Paramedics currently rely on prehospital electrocardiography and patient symptomology to diagnose AMI, which may result in missed diagnoses. Point-of-care biomarkers such as cardiac troponin (cTnT) and copeptin may have the potential to increase the diagnostic capabilities of prehospital providers. Multiple electronic databases (MAG Online Library, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase) were searched to evaluate the feasibility and potential application of cardiac biomarkers cTnT and copeptin in the prehospital setting. Because of the paucity of evidence, this article explores the evidence on the dual-marker strategy of cTnT and copeptin to increase diagnostic capabilities of prehospital providers, and as an adjunct for decision-making and risk stratification for AMI. The evidence suggests that using the combined dual-marker strategy of cTnT and copeptin may counteract limitations of the ‘troponin-blind’ period of cTnT and the low cardiac specificity of copeptin. However, the research for this method is still in its infancy and requires investigation into its feasibility and affordability as well as into the training required to implement it in paramedic practice.
Protection and support for survivors of modern slavery in the UK: assessing current provision and what we need to change
Authors: Schwarz Katarina , Williams-Woods Alexandra
Published: March 2022

Despite its stated protective purpose, the Modern Slavery Act has often fallen short when it comes to ensuring support, facilitating effective remedy, and safeguarding victims of modern slavery. Support services have been repeatedly flagged as insufficient to meet the needs of those recovering from modern slavery. Survivors have faced a ‘cliff-edge’ of support exiting the national referral mechanism, depriving them of access to essential services and leaving them vulnerable to re-trafficking. Decision-making timeframes have far exceeded stated benchmarks, leaving many survivors in limbo for extended periods of time. In addition, victims of modern slavery continue to be detained by immigration authorities and criminalised for actions committed while they were being exploited. Yet, at the same time, increasing numbers of survivors have been identified and supported as a result of the Act and associated care systems. This article explores developments in support for victims of modern slavery in the five years since the passage of the 2015 Act, assessing strengths, shortcomings, attempts to fill the gaps in provision, and where we go from here.
Sub-diffraction-limit Fourier-plane laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Eismann Jörg S. , Banzer Peter
Published: March 2022

Resolving features that are smaller than the diffraction limit is an intricate yet fascinating challenge that many scientists are working on. Heretofore, most techniques that can circumvent this resolution limit, such as super-resolution microscopy or electron microscopy, lead to a permanent modification of the sample. Consequently, noninvasive approaches are of special interest. Here we introduce an all-linear far-field measurement and imaging modality for the investigation of ensembles of sub-diffraction-limit sized nanostructures. Our technique is based on laser scanning, polarization resolved Fourier-plane measurements and optimizing a theoretical model of the investigated system to resemble the measurement. As an experimental demonstration, we apply this method to gold nanoparticle clusters and derive their positions and respective sizes with an accuracy down to several nanometers, even if multiple particles are located directly adjacent. Our technique showcases the capabilities of microscopy techniques when combined with careful analysis of light scattered off a specimen.
Additive manufacturing for the development of optical/photonic systems and components
Authors: Berglund Gregory , Wisniowiecki Anna , Gawedzinski John , Applegate Brian , Tkaczyk Tomasz S.
Published: March 2022

The ambition of this review is
to provide an up-to-date synopsis of the state of 3D printing
technology for optical and photonic components, to gauge technological
advances, and to discuss future opportunities. While a range of
approaches have been developed and some have been commercialized, no
single approach can yet simultaneously achieve small detail and low
roughness at large print volumes and speed using multiple materials.
Instead, each approach occupies a niche where the
components/structures that can be created fit within a relatively
narrow range of geometries with limited material choices. For
instance, the common Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) approach is
capable of large print volumes at relatively high speeds but lacks the
resolution needed for small detail (

>

100

µ

m

) with low roughness (

>

9

µ

m

). At the other end of the spectrum,
two-photon polymerization can achieve roughness (

<

15

n
m

) and detail (

<

140

n
m

) comparable to commercial molded and
polished optics. However, the practical achievable print volume and
speed are orders of magnitude smaller and slower than the FDM
approach. Herein, we discuss the current state-of-the-art 3D printing
approaches, noting the capability of each approach and prognosticate
on future innovations that could close the gaps in performance.
Value Sensitive Design in der digitalen Transformation
Authors: Jacobs Mattis , Jacobs Stephan
Published: March 2022

Eine zentrale Herausforderung der digitalen Transformation ist es, diese in Einklang mit gesellschaftlichen Normen und Werten zu bringen. Verschiedene Ansätze, dies zu erreichen, wurden in den vergangenen Jahren entwickelt und erprobt. In der Entwicklung von informationstechnischen Systemen wird beispielsweise das technische Design im Einklang mit ethischen Werten und Prinzipien (ethics by design) zunehmend als wichtiger Baustein diskutiert. Value Sensitive Design (VSD) ist ein Ansatz, um ethische Werte in einer systematischen Weise während eines Entwicklungsprozesses zu berücksichtigen. Der Begriff „digitale Transformation“ umfasst aber mehr als die Entwicklung von informationstechnischen Systemen. Er beschreibt den Einsatz von Informationstechnik als einen Prozess, durch den ein Mehrwert für ein Unternehmen oder für die Gesellschaft erzielt wird. Vier Dimensionen, die es bei einer digitalen Transformation zu beachten gilt, sind Informationstechnik, Organisation, Wertschöpfung und Compliance. Dieser Artikel stellt die Hypothese auf, dass VSD geeignet ist, nicht nur Entwicklungsprojekte, sondern auch die digitale Transformation in einem Unternehmen zu gestalten. Hierzu müssen allerdings Orientierungshilfen wie beispielsweise Methodensammlungen, die AnwenderInnen in der einschlägigen Literatur zur Verfügung gestellt werden, erweitert werden. Dieser Artikel diskutiert, wie und mithilfe der Integration welcher Methoden, die einzelnen Dimensionen in VSD berücksichtigt werden können. Der Artikel leistet hierdurch einen doppelten Beitrag. Einerseits zeigt er auf konzeptueller Ebene auf, wie VSD für die Gestaltung einer digitalen Transformation genutzt werden kann. Andererseits erläutert er, wie die Integration von Methoden der Wirtschaftsinformatik den Einsatz von VSD unterstützen kann.
Digitale Ethik aus Studierendensicht – Ethische Treiber und Barrieren zur Nutzung eines Digitalen Studienassistenten
Authors: Greiff Paul
Published: March 2022

Die fortschreitende Digitalisierung der Hochschullandschaft führt dazu, dass sowohl Lehrende als auch Studierende sich auf den Umgang mit neuen Technologien einstellen müssen. Eine dieser neuen Technologien sind digitale Assistenten, welche bereits in anderen Bereichen des täglichen Lebens Einzug gehalten haben. Digitale Assistenten besitzen die Fähigkeit mehrere vormals unverknüpfte Daten zu verbinden, um auf dieser Grundlage Empfehlungen abzugeben oder sogar Vorhersagen zu treffen.

Im Hochschulkontext kann ein Digitaler Studienassistent (DSA) Studierenden beispielsweise Vorschläge für eine Modulwahl geben, auf Grundlage der fachlichen Interessen zusätzliches Lehrmaterial zur Verfügung stellen oder auch bei der Organisation eines Auslandssemesters unterstützen. Bei all den vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und der mitschwingenden Euphorie, die ein solches System bei der Implementierung mit sich bringt, wird oft vergessen, die Nutzerperspektive angemessen zu berücksichtigen. Besonders der Bereich digitale Ethik hat hier bisher eher ein Schattendasein geführt. Dabei ist insbesondere ein System, welches persönliche Daten verknüpft und mit Entscheidungshinweisen in den Alltag der Nutzer eingreift, der kritischen ethischen Betrachtung der Nutzergruppe, im Falle desDSA: den Studierenden, ausgesetzt.

Dieser Beitrag nimmt sich daher dieser Thematik an und untersucht die ethischen Treiber, welche eine Nutzung des DSAs begünstigen und Barrieren, welche einer Nutzung entgegenstehen. Zudem soll auch geklärt werden, was Studierende grundlegend unter digitaler Ethik verstehen. Ziel ist es, mittels einer explorativen Befragung einen Überblick über die genannten Faktoren zu geben und aufzuzeigen, wie diese von Entwicklerseite berücksichtigt werden können.
Non-pharmacologic hypertension management barriers and recommendations by hypertensive patients at Pentecost Hospital, Madina
Authors: Appiah Evans Osei , Agyekum Susana Boateng , Ninon Amertil P. , Appiah Cyndi
Published: March 2022

The number of hypertension cases keeps rising worldwide. Africa is not exempted from the prevalence of hypertension. The Sub-Saharan region over the years has been recording high numbers of hypertension cases due to low consciousness, poor management and lack of control of urbanization. However, it has been established that hypertension as a condition can be managed by controlling familiar risk factors such as alcohol consumption, tobacco use, physical inactivity and intake of an unhealthy diet. The researchers, therefore, intend to explore the non-pharmacologic hypertension management barriers and recommendations by hypertensive patients at Pentecost Hospital, Madina. The researchers employed the qualitative exploratory-descriptive design using a purposive sampling technique to select 20 participants between the ages of 35–65, who met the inclusion criteria. Using a semi-structured interview guide, participants were engaged in 30–60 minutes of face-to-face interviews. The demography of the participants revealed that 60% (12) were females, and 40% (8) were also males. Participants reported that they visit the clinic once a week with a budget of hundred Ghana Cedis to five hundred Ghana Cedis (100–500 GHS). Two main themes and 7 subthemes emerged from the study analysis. The barriers identified include financial constraints, difficulty adjusting to lifestyle changes, personal factors (laziness, forgetfulness, stress), lack of motivation, and busy work schedules and limited time. Recommendations were also made to overcome the barriers which include follow ups by health care professionals, and advice to hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. In conclusion, the study found that adherence to non-pharmacologic management of hypertension is greatly influenced by one’s finances, some personal factors and external influences. Hence, it is necessary address these factors and also to ensure effective follow-ups and reminders in order to improve adherence to the non-pharmacologic management of hypertension. Further studies can also be conducted to address other obstacles to non-pharmacologic hypertension management.
Triage admission protocol with a centralized quarantine unit for patients after acute care surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A tertiary center experience in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chih-Ho , Chiu Chen-Lun , Lin Yi-Ting , Yu Ann-Yu , Kang Yen-Te , Cherng Michael , Chen Yi-Hui , Chuang Ting-Hui , Huang Hsin-Yi , Pao Jwo-Luen , Chen Kuo-Hsin , Chang Chih-Hung
Published: March 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 surge in Taiwan, the Far East Memorial Hospital established a system including a centralized quarantine unit and triage admission protocol to facilitate acute care surgical inpatient services, prevent nosocomial COVID-19 infection and maintain the efficiency and quality of health care service during the pandemics.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing acute care surgery. The triage admission protocol was based on rapid antigen tests, Liat® PCR and RT-PCT tests. Type of surgical procedure, patient characteristics, and efficacy indices of the centralized quarantine unit and emergency department (ED) were collected and analyzed before (Phase I: May 11 to July 2, 2021) and after (Phase II: July 3 to July 31, 2021) the system started.

Results

A total of 287 patients (105 in Phase I and 182 in Phase II) were enrolled. Nosocomial COVID-19 infection occur in 27 patients in phase I but zero in phase II. More patients received traumatological, orthopedic, and neurologic surgeries in phase II than in phase I. The patients’ surgical risk classification, median total hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and the number of patients requiring postoperative ICU care were similar in both groups. The duration of ED stay and waiting time for acute care surgery were longer in Phase II (397 vs. 532 minutes, p < 0.0001). The duration of ED stay was positively correlated with the number of surgical patients visiting the ED (median = 66 patients, Spearman’s ρ = 0.207) and the occupancy ratio in the centralized quarantine unit on that day (median = 90.63%, Spearman’s ρ = 0.191).

Conclusions

The triage admission protocol provided resilient quarantine needs and sustainable acute care surgical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The efficiency was related to the number of medical staff dedicated to the centralized quarantine unit and number of surgical patients visited in ED.
Estimating the number of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among vaccinated individuals in the United States—January–July, 2021
Authors: Kugeler Kiersten J. , Williamson John , Curns Aaron T. , Healy Jessica M. , Nolen Leisha D. , Clark Thomas A. , Martin Stacey W. , Fischer Marc
Published: March 2022

As of March 2021, three COVID-19 vaccines had been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States. Each has substantial efficacy in preventing COVID-19. However, as efficacy from trials was <100% for all three vaccines, disease in vaccinated people is expected to occur. We created a spreadsheet-based tool to estimate the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases among vaccinated people (vaccine breakthrough infections) based on published vaccine efficacy (VE) data, percent of the population that has been fully vaccinated, and average number of COVID-19 cases reported per day. We estimate that approximately 199,000 symptomatic vaccine breakthrough infections (95% CI: ~183,000–214,000 cases) occurred in the United States during January–July 2021 among >156 million fully vaccinated people. With high SARS-CoV-2 transmission and increasing numbers of people vaccinated in the United States, vaccine breakthrough infections will continue to accumulate. Understanding expectations regarding number of vaccine breakthrough infections enables accurate public health messaging to help ensure that the occurrence of such cases does not negatively affect vaccine perceptions, confidence, and uptake.
It was tough, but necessary. Organizational changes in a community based maternity care system during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis in the Netherlands
Authors: Appelman Iris F. , Thompson Suzanne M. , van den Berg Lauri M. M. , van der Wal Janneke T. Gitsels , de Jonge Ank , Hollander Martine H.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2pandemic necessitated several changes in maternity care. We investigated maternity care providers’ opinions on the positive and negative effects of these changes and on potential areas of improvement for future maternity care both in times of crisis and in regular maternity care.

Methods

We conducted nineteen semi-structured in-depth interviews with obstetricians, obstetric residents, community-based and hospital-based midwives and obstetric nurses. The interviews were thematically analysed using inductive Thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were generated: ‘(Dis)proportionate measures’, ‘A significant impact of COVID-19’, ‘Differing views on inter-provider cooperation’, ‘Reluctance to seek help’ and ‘Lessons learnt’. The Central Organizing Concept was: ‘It was tough but necessary’. The majority of participants were positive about most of the measures that were taken and about their proportionality. These measures had a significant impact on maternity care providers, both mentally and on an organizational level. Most hospital-based care providers were positive about professional cooperation and communication, but some community-based midwives indicated that the cooperation between different midwifery care practices was suboptimal. Negative effects mentioned were a higher threshold for women to seek care, less partner involvement and perceived more fear among women and their partners, especially around birth. The most significant positive effect mentioned was increased use of eHealth tools. Recommendations for future care were to consider the necessity of prenatal and postnatal care more critically, to replace some face-to-face visits with eHealth and to provide more individualised care.

Conclusion

Maternity care providers experienced measures and organizational changes during the first wave of the COVID19-pandemic as tough, but necessary. They believed that a more critical consideration of medically necessary care, increased use of e-health and more individualised care might contribute to making maternity care more sustainable during and after the pandemic.
High human papillomavirus (HPV)-35 prevalence among South African women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia warrants attention
Authors: Mbulawa Zizipho Z. A. , Phohlo Keletso , Garcia-Jardon Mirta , Williamson Anna-Lise , Businge Charles B.
Published: March 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and genotype distribution data is important for HPV vaccine monitoring. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in cervical lesions of unvaccinated women referred to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital Gynaecology Department due to different abnormal cervical conditions. A total of 459 women referred to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital Gynaecology department were recruited. When the cervical biopsy was collected for histopathology, an adjacent biopsy was provided for HPV detection. Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay that detects 37 HPV genotypes was used to detect HPV infection in cervical biopsies. HPV infection was detected in 84.2% (383/455) of participants. The six most dominant HPV types were HPV-16 (34.7%), followed by HPV-35 (17.4%), HPV-58 (12.1%), HPV-45 (11.6%), HPV-18 (11.4%) and HPV-52 (9.7%). HPV-35 was the third most dominant type among women with cervical intraepithelial lesion (CIN)-2 (12.6%; single infection: 5.7% and multiple infection: 6.9%), the second most dominant type among women with CIN3 (22.2%; single infection: 8.0% and multiple infection: 14.2%); and the fourth most dominant type among women with cervical cancer (12.5%; single infection: 7.1% and multiple infection: 5.4%). A proportion of 41.1% (187/455) was positive for HPV types targeted by the Cervarix®, 42.4% (193/455) by Gardasil®4, and 66.6% (303/455) by Gardasil®9. There was a statistically significant increase when the prevalence of women infected with HPV-35 only or with other HPV types other than Gardasil®9 types was included to those infected with Gardasil®9 HPV types (66.6%, 303/455 increase to 76.0%, 346/455, p = 0.002). High HPV-35 prevalence in this population, especially among women with CIN3 warrants attention since it is not included in current commercially available HPV vaccines.
Stakeholder controls and conflicts in research funding and publication
Authors: Buckley Ralf C.
Published: March 2022

Academics are required by their university employers both to raise research funding and to publish research findings, but conditions imposed by research funders may conflict with the requirements of research publishers. These conflicts create risks, with potentially severe consequences, that differ between research fields and funders, and must be navigated by individual academics. I propose that universities report cases of conflict, including causes and resolutions, to national registries accessible to all research organisations. These could serve both as a warning to grant applicants, and a deterrent to future interference by funders.
Quantitative evaluation of radiodermatitis following whole-breast radiotherapy with various color space models: A feasibility study
Authors: Park So-Yeon , Kim Jin Ho , Chang Ji Hyun , Park Jong Min , Choi Chang Heon , Kim Jung-In
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We analyzed skin images with various color space models to objectively assess radiodermatitis severity in patients receiving whole-breast radiotherapy.

Methods

Twenty female patients diagnosed with breast cancer were enrolled prospectively. All patients received whole-breast radiotherapy without boost irradiation. Skin images for both irradiated and unirradiated breasts were recorded in red-green-blue (RGB) color space using a mobile skin analysis device. For longitudinal analysis, the images were acquired before radiotherapy (RTbefore), approximately 7 days after the first fraction of radiotherapy (RT7days), RT14days, and approximately 10 days after radiotherapy completion (RTafter). Four color space models (RGB, hue-saturation-value (HSV), L*a*b*, and YCbCr models) were employed to calculate twelve color space parameters for each skin image. Skin dose measurements for irradiated breasts were performed using nanoDot optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters on the first fraction of radiotherapy. Subsequently, acute radiation dermatitis in each patient was assessed according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scoring criteria at both RT14days and RTafter. Finally, several statistical analysis methods were applied to investigate the performance of the color space parameters to objectively assess the radiodermatitis.

Results

Owing to radiation-induced skin damage, R value of RGB model as well as S and V values of the HSV model for irradiated breasts increased significantly, while those for unirradiated breasts showed smaller increases. These parameters showed the longitudinal changes in color space parameters within each group and between groups over time with statistical significance. Strong correlations of the parameters for irradiated breasts at RT7days with skin doses and those at RTafter were observed with statistical significance.

Conclusion

The R value of RGB model as well as the S and V values of HSV model showed relatively better performance in evaluating the acute radiation dermatitis. These color space parameters could therefore serve as useful tools to assess radiodermatitis severity in a dose-dependent manner.
Experimental uninephrectomy associates with less parasympathetic modulation of heart rate and facilitates sodium-dependent arterial hypertension
Authors: Pliquett Rainer U. , Brandes Ralf P.
Published: March 2022

Background

Blood pressure is known to be increased in kidney donors following living-donor kidney transplantation. However, the physiological underpinnings of the blood-pressure increase following uninephrectomy remain unclear. We hypothesized that changes in sympathetic tone or in parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function are involved in the blood-pressure increase following experimental kidney-mass reduction.

Methods

C57BL6N mice (6 to 11 per group) subjected to sham surgery (controls) or uninephrectomy with or without a one-week course of sodium chloride-enriched, taurine-deficient diet were studied. Uninephrectomized mice treated with a subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin-II over a period of one week were positive controls. A transfemoral aortic catheter with telemetry unit was implanted, readings of heart-rate and blood-pressure were recorded. Powerspectral analysis of heart rate and systolic blood pressure was performed to gain surrogate parameters of sympathetictone and parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function. Baroreflex sensitivity of heart rate was determined from awake, unrestrained mice using spontaneous baroreflex gain technique.

Results

Systolic arterial blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex sensitivity were not different in uninephrectomized mice when compared to controls. Parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function was less in uninephrectomized mice in comparison to controls. Uninephrectomized mice of the high-angiotensin-II model or of the high-salt and taurine-deficiency model had an increased systolic arterial blood pressure.

Conclusions

Uninephrectomy associated with less parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function. The combination of uninephrectomy, taurine-deficiency and high-salt intake led to arterial hypertension.
Risk stratification of cirrhotic patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: A single-centre experience
Authors: Grass Julia K. , Küsters Natalie , Kemper Marius , Tintrup Jan , Piecha Felix , Izbicki Jakob R. , Perez Daniel , Melling Nathaniel , Bockhorn Maximilian , Reeh Matthias
Published: March 2022

Background

Concomitant liver cirrhosis is a crucial risk factor for major surgeries. However, only few data are available concerning cirrhotic patients requiring esophagectomy for malignant disease.

Methods

From a prospectively maintained database of esophageal cancer patients, who underwent curative esophagectomy between 01/2012 and 01/2016, patients with concomitant liver cirrhosis (liver-cirrhotic patients, LCP) were compared to non-liver-cirrhotic patients (NLCP).

Results

Of 170 patients, 14 cirrhotic patients with predominately low MELD scores (≤ 9, 64.3%) were identified. Perioperative outcome was significantly worse for LCP, as proofed by 30-day (57.1% vs. 7.7, p<0.001) and 90-day mortality (64.3% vs. 9.6%, p<0.001), anastomotic leakage rate (64.3 vs. 22.3%, p = 0.002) and sepsis (57.1 vs. 21.5%, p = 0.006). Even after adjustment for age, gender, comorbidities, and surgical approach, LCP revealed higher odds for 30-day and 90-day mortality compared to NLCP. Moreover, 5-year survival analysis showed a significantly poorer long-term outcome of LCP (p = 0.023). For risk stratification, none of the common cirrhosis scores proved prognostic impact, whereas components as Bilirubin (auROC 94.4%), INR (auROC = 90.0%), and preoperative ascites (p = 0.038) correlated significantly with the perioperative outcome.

Conclusion

Curative esophagectomy for cirrhotic patients is associated with a dismal prognosis and should be evaluated critically. While MELD and Child score failed to predict perioperative mortality, Bilirubin and INR proofed excellent prognostic capacity in this cohort.
British and Irish radio: Radio and audio in the twenty-first century in the United Kingdom and Ireland1
Authors: Gordon Janey
Published: March 2022

This editorial serves as an introduction to the Special Issue titled ‘British and Irish Radio: Radio and Audio in the Twenty-First Century in the United Kingdom and Ireland’. This thematic collection brings together radio and audio research captured during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020–21. The editorial begins by giving some geographic definitions and explains how the contributions are relevant globally, dealing with issues such as the importance of sound radio as a medium; the impact of new transmission, broadcasting and internet technologies; and how podcasting has established itself as a medium in its own right. This editorial also shares data from the 2021 government review of British radio and audio, and then points to the contributions which provide an account of contemporary Irish radio sectors and listenership and how legacy technologies, such as longwave, are still valued, especially by diasporic audiences. The focus then turns to the articles dealing with small-scale community radio and its management, programming and audiences during the pandemic. The articles in this Special Issue highlight twenty-first-century radio and audio in the United Kingdom and Ireland; however, the cases discussed will provide international scholars and readers with valuable examples and inform future research elsewhere.
Save the wave: RTÉ longwave 252 and the ageing Irish diaspora in the United Kingdom
Authors: McMahon Daithí
Published: March 2022

Despite radio’s increased digitalization over the past two decades, Ireland’s public service broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) disseminates a transmission of its flagship Radio 1 service across Ireland and the United Kingdom via the longwave 252 kHz (LW252) facility – a service that is enjoyed largely by the elderly members of the Irish diaspora. The proposed shutdown of this longwave service was met with anger and consternation from listeners who rely on the service as their ‘connection to home’. LW252 offers expats news, public discourse and cultural content that helps shape listeners’ cultural identity that can become strained or eroded over time. Drawing from interviews with audience members, this article offers an examination of transnational radio audiences to better understand the value of engagement with mediatic services and the benefits derived. The article highlights the immense sociocultural importance of radio’s output and offers recommendations for how RTÉ can shift audiences to digital alternatives.
Atlas clínico de cirugía plástica periodontal y periimplantaria
Authors: Quispe López Norberto
Published: March 2022

Esta obra de carácter didáctico en cirugía mucogingival sobre dientes e implantes, fruto de mi primer proyecto de innovación docente, constituye una herramienta útil para la docencia teórico-práctica tanto para alumnos de pregrado y posgrado como profesionales interesados en el mundo de la periodoncia. Dado que existen muchas y contrastadas técnicas en cirugía mucogingival, este material con contenido iconográfico y videográfico puede ser el complemento adecuado para comprender de manera integral el paso a paso de cada cirugía. Cada uno de los 12 capítulos que componen este libro, desde el diagnóstico hasta el plan de tratamiento, incluyen diferentes protocolos quirúrgicos, numerosas ilustraciones con sus comentarios de pie de foto y referencias bibliográficas que pueden complementar la docencia y ayudar al profesional a aumentar su práctica clínica en periodoncia. Así, debido a que nuestra profesión tiene un gran componente de ejercicio práctico (horas de gabinete-paciente), he intentado verter en cada uno de los presentes capítulos un procedimiento clínico claro, conciso y didáctico.
Risk factors associated with Salmonella prevalence, its antibiotic resistance, and egg antibiotic residues in the layer farming environment
Authors: Sornplang Pairat , Aieamsaard Jareerat , Saksangawong Chuleeporn , Suayroop Naritsara
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: Human salmonellosis with non-typhoidal Salmonella remains a global public health concern related to the consumption of contaminated eggs and egg-based products. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of Salmonella, antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, and egg antibiotic residues concerning risk factors associated with Salmonella contamination in eggs, the layer farming environment, and laying hens kept in battery-cage closed-housing systems.

Materials and Methods: This study used a repeated cross-sectional design to collect 488 samples from eggs, laying hens, and the farm environment on one laying farm for Salmonella detection according to ISO 6579:2002/AMD 1:2007. Salmonella-positive samples were further tested for serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion test. The layer farm contact person was interviewed at the sampling time to evaluate the risk factors associated with Salmonella contamination using logistic regression analysis. For each month, 24 eggs (144 eggs in total) were also randomly sampled from the collection egg area at the farm for antibiotic residue detection using the European Four Plate Test.

Results: The highest Salmonella prevalence rates were in the samples from the layer pen floors, followed by the egg sizing machine (ESM) and eggshells at 65.5%, 52.5%, and 15%, respectively. Salmonella enterica serovar Corvallis was the dominant serovar (48.38%), followed by Mbandaka (37.76%), Braenderup (14.29%), and Typhimurium (4.08%). Rodent presence at the farm and the frequency of changing the disinfectant foot dip were significant factors related to Salmonella contamination on the pen floors (odds ratio [OR]=22.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.11-240.48, p=0.01; OR=24, 95% CI=2.78-206.96, p=0.004, respectively). Hand-washing before sorting and cleaning the ESM were the significant factors (OR=13, 95% CI=1.2-140.73, p=0.04). The most resistant Salmonella isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline. One isolate of S. enterica Typhimurium was resistant to cefotaxime, enrofloxacin, and oxytetracycline. The antibiotic residues in the egg yolks were streptomycin, enrofloxacin, and tetracycline at prevalence rates of 36.11%, 11.81%, and 7.64%, respectively. Streptomycin was the most abundant residue in the albumen and yolk, followed by tetracycline.

Conclusion: Salmonella prevalence in layer farming with a closed-housing system is related to effective biosecurity and hygiene issues, such as rodent control, clean farm equipment, and good worker hygiene. In addition, eggs' antibiotic residues may be related to treating antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella isolates and medicated feed with inappropriate antibiotic withdrawal time.
Cotas para refugiados em universidades federais baianas: uma análise sobre sua efetividade e a relação com os direitos humanos
Authors: Sá Natalia Coimbra de , Silva Joelma Boaventura da , Bispo Luan Victor de Souza
Published: March 2022

O presente trabalho tem como tema de estudo o acolhimento a refugiados no Brasil através do sistema de cotas em universidades. O objetivo principal é apresentar duas experiências inovadoras de universidades federais, que incidem sobre ações afirmativas de acolhimento a refugiados com vistas à formação e inserção social. A metodologia empregada é composta por uma abordagem qualitativa, acompanhada, procedimentalmente, de revisão de literatura e análise de documentação normativa. Trata-se de uma produção acadêmica interdisciplinar que transita pelas áreas do Direito e Educação. Conclui-se que a universidade tem um papel social relevante e, portanto, pode, através de ações afirmativas, contribuir para o acolhimento digno de refugiados no Brasil.
Políticas de ações afirmativas na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro: uma análise a partir da experiência do Curso de História
Authors: Santos Matheus do Nascimento , Macedo Jussara Marques de
Published: March 2022

A Educação Superior brasileira é excludente, devido ao racismo estrutural. A política liberal meritocrática de acesso e permanência nega a pertinência das Políticas de Ações Afirmativas. Neste artigo, pretende-se analisar como a Lei 12.711/2012 influenciou as ações da UFRJ para garantir o acesso, a permanência e a conclusão de estudantes negros e pardos no curso de graduação em história. A análise tem como referência teórica e metodológica o materialismo histórico-dialético e toma como referência empírica o Instituto de História da UFRJ. Trata-se de uma análise qualitativa com dados coletados a partir de fontes primárias e secundárias. À título de conclusão, percebe-se o esforço da UFRJ para garantir aos estudantes pretos e pardos as condições de permanência e conclusão do curso investigado, apesar do contingenciamento.