bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It is Easy to do Nothing and Easy to Sit Down”: Perceptions of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors During Pre-retirement
Authors: Spiteri Karl , Broom David R. , Grafton Kate , Laventure Bob , Xerri de Caro John
Published: February 2022

This study explored the insights of old age pre-retirement employees towards physical activity and sedentary behavior. A quota sampling of 20 participants from within the Civil Service in Malta were invited to an interview. Participants who were included met the statutory requirement for retirement within the subsequent 6 months to 1 year. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a narrative approach. Structural narrative analysis and reflective thematic analysis were used. The story structure highlighted the significance of the individual experiences on the perceptions towards future physical activity during retirement. Two themes were identified using the thematic analysis, influencers, and perceptions. Triangulation identified that sedentary behavior was not part of the narration. The transition from work to retirement is a unique and personal experience and therefore when promoting an active lifestyle, the individual experience and past behaviors must be actively considered.
What Does it Mean to be a Woman? How the Content of Gender Identity May Facilitate Women’s Coping with Sexual Harassment
Authors: Western Kate A. B. , Cruwys Tegan , Ryan Michelle K.
Published: February 2022

Sexual harassment and other forms of gendered discrimination are social psychological phenomena, yet the psychological impact of sexual harassment has rarely been examined through a model which considers the role of diverse content of gender identity (i.e. norms). We used an experimental design to investigate how salient norms associated with the social identity of ‘women’ affect coping with sexual harassment. Participants who identified as women ( N = 291) were randomly assigned to either a feminist, traditional feminine, or control norm condition, in which the salience of particular norms associated with womanhood was manipulated. Participants completed measures of personal growth (as a proxy for post-traumatic growth), and help-seeking intentions in response to a hypothetical sexual harassment scenario. Participants in the feminist condition reported significantly greater personal growth relative to those in the traditional feminine and control conditions. Participants in both the feminist and traditional feminine conditions reported significantly greater intentions to seek help from formal supports (e.g. primary care doctor), relative to those in the control condition. The findings suggest that the salience of social identities and their content may be valuable resources in promoting recovery following experiences of gendered discrimination and support the role of social identities in influencing post-trauma trajectories.
Influence of ultrasonic vibrations on the properties of press-and-sintered titanium
Authors: Fartashvand Vahid , Abedini Rezvan , Abdullah Amir
Published: February 2022

In this study, longitudinal ultrasonic vibration was superimposed during the compaction of titanium powders. Then, specimens were vacuum sintered at 1273 K for 120 min. In order to investigate vibration influence on physical/mechanical properties, density, shrinkage, and compression strength of sintered samples were measured. The influence of powder size, compaction pressure, and aspect ratio also were studied on mentioned physical properties. Improvement of fine powder sintered samples density due to applied ultrasonic is greater than coarse powders, although their compacted density is lower than coarse powders samples. Dimensional stability (in the opposite of shrinkage) in coarse powder is greater than fine powders so that shrinkage in fine powders decreases up to 12%. Compression strength is improved due to the application of ultrasonic vibration up to 64%.
Two-level optimal torque distribution for handling stability control of a four hub-motor independent-drive electric vehicle under various adhesion conditions
Authors: Zhai Li , Wang Chengping , Hou Yuhan , Hou Rufei , Ming Mok Yuh , Zhang Xueying
Published: February 2022

In order to increase the handling stability performance of the four hub-motor independent-drive electric vehicle (4MIDEV) under various road conditions such as joint and bisectional road, this paper present an effective two-level optimal torque distribution control method. This method can calculate torque command to each hub-motor according to the desired longitudinal force and desired extra yaw moment. The first level allocation control algorithm has small calculation cost and fast response, and can achieve the maximum stability margin of vehicle under good road adhesion condition. Because the adhesion coefficients of each wheel are different, the weight coefficient of objective function is adjusted in real time in the second level allocation control strategy, so as to ensure the vehicle’s handling stability under various adhesion conditions, especially when four wheels have different road adhesion coefficients. Finally, the actual torque of the hub-motor is adjusted according to the slip rate by the sliding mode controller. The proposed distribution strategy is verified in CarSim-Matlab/Simulink joint simulation platform and hardware in the loop verification platform. Through double lane shift simulation on joint and bisectional road conditions, compared to the “general control” strategy, it is verified that the proposed distribution strategy can reduce the error of yaw rate and sideslip angle up to 47.1% and 50.3% compare to the general controller, and the calculation cost is reduced so that effectively improve the handling stability and real-time performance when facing different roads.
Experimental investigation on the effect of barrel finishing processes on surface integrity of 18CrNiMo7-6 carburized rollers
Authors: Zhang Xiuhua , Liu Huaiju , Wu Shaojie , Li Gaomeng , Wei Peitang
Published: February 2022

There has been growing interest in enhancing the properties of machine components to improve their reliability in recent years. Surface barrel finishing is one of the most widely used surface processes to decrease the surface roughness of components and improve mechanical properties. However, the effect of barrel finishing parameters on surface integrity such as residual stress and hardness distribution is still unclear, which needs an in-depth understanding. This study experimentally investigated the effect of different barrel finishing media and finishing time on the surface integrity including surface morphology, residual stress, microhardness and microstructure of 18CrNiMo7-6 carburized rollers. Experiment results demonstrate that the surface roughness Sa can be decreased to less than 0.2 μm with the surface barrel finishing, and the surface compressive residual stress (SCRS) can be increased by 500 MPa compared with shot peening process. In addition, the surface microhardness increased by 20 HV and the grain size of the surface layer was refined. The improvement of the surface integrity should be of interest for engineers when designing against rolling contact fatigue.
Lessons learned in evaluating system interdependencies using qualitative methods
Authors: Souvannasacd Eric , Engblom Heather , Van Eck Richard N. , Renger Ralph , Basson Marc
Published: February 2022

This article shares lessons learned while evaluating the system interdependencies for a clinical and translational research centre (CTR). It explores the methodological challenge of discussing system concepts (e.g., cascading failures, feedback loops, and reflex arcs) with layperson participants during evaluation interviews. The article discusses the iterative process of moving from structured interview approaches in favor of an open narrative approach for data collection and lessons learned.
Addressing Changes in Professional Behavior by Teacher Bonuses: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Leone Tharcisio
Published: February 2022

How can a bonus program affect the performance of teachers in classrooms? This paper collected data from teachers employed in Brazilian state-run schools to examine the key mechanisms through which a teacher bonus scheme can have a causal effect on the academic achievements of students. Using mixed-methods research and data triangulation from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with teachers, this study finds limited empirical evidence supporting the bonus program of the state of São Paulo. The bonus program created no additional incentive for educators to start/continue working in state schools, and it was not responsible for the improvement of teaching activities.
Size-dependent thermoelastic damping analysis in nanobeam resonators based on Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity and modified couple stress theories
Authors: Kumar Harendra , Mukhopadhyay Santwana
Published: February 2022

Thermoelastic damping has emerged as a critical issue in the modeling and design of micro and nanomechanical systems. Therefore, an extensive research interest is being devoted towards the reduction in thermoelastic damping for micro and nanomechanical systems. The present study intends to examine thermoelastic damping in nanobeam resonators using the modified couple stress theory and Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory, thus so-called modified nonlocal couple stress theory within the context of the recently proposed Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermoelasticity theory. In order to observe size effects, the size-dependent coupled thermoelastic equations are derived by combining modified couple stress theory and nonlocal elasticity theory in the frame of Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermoelasticity. The coupled governing equations for thermoelastic damping of nanobeam resonators are solved analytically in terms of the inverse quality factor. The size-dependent thermoelastic damping of nanobeams is presented graphically with the help of numerical results predicted by modified nonlocal couple stress theory. The results obtained under the combined effects of modified couple stress theory and nonlocal theory in the present context are further compared to those of the classical, modified couple stress, and nonlocal elasticity theories as special cases of the modified nonlocal couple stress theory. It is observed that thermoelastic damping weakens at the submicron scale under Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory, whereas it becomes greater at the submicron scale under modified couple stress theory. However, at the submicron scale, the modeling of nanobeam resonators using modified nonlocal couple stress theory reveals a smaller amount of thermoelastic damping than modified couple stress, nonlocal, and classical theories. In addition, as compared to the Green–Naghdi thermoelasticity theory of type III (GN-III), the Moore–Gibson–Thompson model predicts a higher thermoelastic damping value, while agreeing with the results predicted by the Lord–Shulman (LS) model under modified nonlocal couple stress theory. Some important points highlighted here are believed to be useful in the design of mechanical resonators at micron and submicron scales.
Comparison of ultrasonographic echogenicity and outcome in cats with suspected pancreatitis
Authors: Lederer Kristina A , Hittmair Katharina M , Tichy Alexander , Zeugswetter Florian K
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasonographic pancreatic echogenicity, especially hypoechogenicity, has an impact on the prognosis of cats with suspected pancreatitis. We hypothesised that cats with a hypoechoic pancreas have a longer duration of hospitalisation, higher treatment costs and a higher mortality rate.

Methods

This was a retrospective study, which included cats with clinical signs of pancreatitis, a SNAP fPL test result above the reference interval and ultrasonographic abnormalities consistent with pancreatitis. Medical records and follow-up information were retrieved from the local electronic database. Cases were assigned to one of three groups based on pancreatic echogenicity: hypoechoic, hyperechoic or mixed echogenicity. Statistical analysis aimed to assess differences in outcome, ultrasonographic abnormalities, historical features, physical examination findings, laboratory results, concurrent diseases or treatment costs.

Results

Thirty-six (64%) cats with a hypoechoic, seven (13%) with a hyperechoic and 13 (23%) cats with a mixed echoic pancreas were included. Cats with a hypoechoic pancreas had a significantly lower median body weight ( P = 0.010) and lower median body condition score ( P = 0.004) compared with the other cats. Furthermore, they were presented as being lethargic significantly more often ( P = 0.014), were more likely to have a homogeneously enlarged pancreas ( P <0.001) and were less likely to have concurrent abnormalities or diseases, such as ultrasonographic enteric abnormalities ( P = 0.020), triaditis ( P = 0.013) and diabetes mellitus ( P = 0.041). However, there was no difference in treatment costs ( P = 0.961), duration of hospitalisation ( P = 0.898), survival of hospitalisation ( P = 0.419) or survival time ( P = 0.256) between groups.

Conclusions and relevance

In this study, echogenicity was of no prognostic value in cats with suspected pancreatitis. Cats with a hypoechoic pancreas were not associated with a poorer outcome than cats with a hyperechoic or mixed echoic pancreas.
Karanahan: A Potential New Treatment Option for Human Breast Cancer and Its Validation in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Proskurina Anastasia S , Kupina Victoria V , Efremov Yaroslav R , Dolgova Evgenia V , Ruzanova Vera S , Ritter Genrikh S , Potter Ekaterina A , Kirikovich Svetlana S , Levites Evgeniy V , Ostanin Alexandr A , Chernykh Elena R , Babaeva Oksana G , Sidorov Sergey V , Bogachev Sergey S
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Karanahan, a cancer treatment technology aimed at eradicating tumor-initiating stem cells, has already proven effective in 7 tumor models. Karanahan comprises the following procedures: (1) collecting surgical specimens, (2) determining the duration of the DNA repair process in tumor cells exposed to a cross-linking cytostatic agent, and (3) determining the time point, when cells, including tumor-initiating stem cells, are synchronized in the certain phase of the cell cycle after triple exposure to the cytostatic, becoming vulnerable for the terminal treatment, which is supposed to completely eliminate the rest of survived tumor-initiating stem cells. Determining these basic tumor properties allows to design the schedule for the administration of a cross-linking cytostatic and a complex composite DNA preparation. Being conducted in accordance with the schedule designed, Karanahan results in the large-scale apoptosis of tumor cells with elimination of tumor-initiating stem cells.

Methods:

Breast tumor specimens were obtained from patients, and basic tumor properties essential for conducting Karanahan therapy were determined.

Results:

We report the first use of Karanahan in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Technical details of handling surgical specimens for determining the essential Karanahan parameters (tumor volume, cell number, cell proliferation status, etc) have been worked out. The terminally ill patient, who was undergoing palliative treatment and whose tumor specimen matched the required criteria, received a complete course of Karanahan.

Conclusions:

The results of the treatment conducted indicate that Karanahan technology has a therapeutic potency and can be used as a breast cancer treatment option.
Hearing, Policing, and Using Gender Diversity: The Role of Institutional Gatekeepers in Researching Youth and Gender
Authors: Cuthbert Karen , Hall Joseph J , Hines Sally , Allen Kim , Elley Sharon
Published: February 2022

This article comprises a critical reflection on our experiences of recruiting participants and organising focus groups through institutional gatekeepers for research about young people and changing gendered landscapes. We show how reflections on the research process can give (inadvertent) substantive insight into how gender is interpreted by gatekeepers in institutions – that is, gender as only about or for certain young people; gender as something to be contained by the institutional logics of equality and diversity; and how ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ views of gender diversity were understood through the nationalisation and racialisation of the student body. Crucially, we also trace how these institutional interpretations of gender diversity had epistemological consequences for the kinds of knowledge we were able to generate in the focus groups with young people, as meanings were re-framed and contested, and we were funnelled down particular routes. Furthermore, the article discusses how the act of research itself was leveraged by some institutions as institutional diversity capital and/or as part of classed enrichment agendas, highlighting new dimensions to both the co-option of research and the ‘doing’ of diversity work by institutions. Overall, the article provides empirical insight on gender and gender diversity in education and youth settings, and also key methodological insight into the social constitution of ‘Knowledge’ through gatekeeping, recruitment, and access.
SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospitalisations among immigrants in Norway-significance of occupation, household crowding, education, household income and medical risk: a nationwide register study
Authors: Labberton Angela S. , Godøy Anna , Elgersma Ingeborg Hess , Strand Bjørn Heine , telle Kjetil , Arnesen Trude , Nygård Karin Maria , Indseth Thor
Published: February 2022

Background:

As in other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Norway’s immigrant population disproportionately, with significantly higher infection rates and hospitalisations. The reasons for this are uncertain.

Methods:

Through the national emergency preparedness register, BeredtC19, we have studied laboratory-confirmed infections with SARS-CoV-2 and related hospitalisations in the entire Norwegian population, by birth-country background for the period 15 June 2020 to 31 March 2021, excluding the first wave due to limited test capacity and restrictive test criteria. Straightforward linkage of individual-level data allowed adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic factors (occupation, household crowding, education and household income), and underlying medical risk for severe COVID-19 in regression models.

Results:

The sample comprised 5.49 million persons, of which 0.91 million were born outside of Norway, there were 82,532 confirmed cases and 3088 hospitalisations. Confirmed infections in this period (per 100,000): foreign-born 3140, Norwegian-born with foreign-born parents 4799 and Norwegian-born with Norwegian-born parent(s) 1011. Hospitalisations (per 100,000): foreign-born 147, Norwegian-born with foreign-born parents 47 and Norwegian-born with Norwegian-born parent(s) 37. The addition of socioeconomic and medical factors to the base model (age, sex, municipality of residence) attenuated excess infection rates by 12.0% and hospitalisations by 3.8% among foreign-born, and 10.9% and 46.2%, respectively, among Norwegian-born with foreign parents, compared to Norwegian-born with Norwegian-born parent(s).

Conclusions:

There were large differences in infection rates and hospitalisations by country background, and these do not appear to be fully explained by socioeconomic and medical factors. Our results may have implications for health policy, including the targeting of mitigation strategies.
Examining the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Juvenile Recidivism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yohros Alexis
Published: February 2022

While the impact of trauma on delinquency and offending has been studied in great depth, less is known about the cumulative effects of adverse childhood experiences and how these experiences impact recidivism or reoffending outcomes of youth who already have justice system involvement. The main aim of this paper is to report on the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and juvenile recidivism. Of particular interest, the paper examines to what extent, if any, ACEs can be used to predict youth reoffending outcomes, as well as investigates the nature of this relationship. The study utilizes quantitative metanalytical techniques to estimate the overall impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on youth reoffending. Sixteen studies were selected after a comprehensive search of electronic databases covering the fields of social science, criminology, psychology, or related fields. Key findings demonstrate that Adverse Childhood Experiences increase the risk of youth recidivism, with effects varying amongst sample sizes. Narrative synthesis also shows key gender, racial, and ethnic differences as well as potential mechanisms in the cumulative trauma-reoffending relationship. These findings can further guide research and policy in the areas of trauma, juvenile justice, and crime prevention.
A Community-partnered Approach to Social Network Data Collection for a Large and Partial Network
Authors: Izenberg Maxwell , Brown Ryan , Siebert Cora , Heinz Ron , Rahmattalabi Aida , Vayanos Phebe
Published: February 2022

In the small town of Sitka, Alaska, frequent and often catastrophic landslides threaten residents. One challenge associated with disaster preparedness is access to timely and reliable risk information. As with many small but diverse towns, who or what is a trustworthy source of information is often contested. To help improve landslide communication in Sitka, we used a community-partnered approach to social network analysis to identify (1) potential key actors for landslide risk communication and (2) structural holes that may inhibit efficient and equitable communication. This short take describes how we built trust and developed adaptive data collection methods to build an approach that was acceptable and actionable for Sitka, Alaska. This approach could be useful to other researchers for conducting social network analysis to improve risk communication, particularly in rural and remote contexts.
“It’s Almost as if Stakeholder Engagement is the Annoying ‘Have-to-do'…”: Can Ethics Review Help Address the “3 Ts” of Tokenism, Toxicity, and Tailoring in Stakeholder Engagement?
Authors: Wilkinson Abigail , Slack Catherine , Thabethe Siyabonga , Salzwedel Jessica
Published: February 2022

Ethics guidance recommends that researchers engage stakeholders and that RECs review research for such engagement. The ethics review process may present a unique opportunity to support stakeholder engagement practices for HIV prevention studies. We conducted 28 interviews with experts from 12 countries to explore this issue, and analyzed the data using Thematic Analysis. We found that the value of engagement and review processes was strongly endorsed. However, we identified 3 major thematic complexities, namely: “Tokenism” where processes risk being “tick-box”; “Toxicity”, where practices may inadvertently have negative consequences; and “Tailoring”, where processes need careful variation in intensity. We make recommendations for how these “Ts” can be addressed during the review process to help contribute to thoughtful review of meaningful stakeholder engagement in research.
Analysis of the package diameter in winding processes by image analysis and a linear regression model
Authors: Gramsch Simone , Bell Erik Gordon , Moghiseh Ali , Schmeißer Andre
Published: February 2022

Currently, industrial winding processes are often optimized by trial and error. A digital twin of winding processes could be helpful in order to assist industry to optimize the winding processes. Formulating the kinematic equations that form the basis of such a simulation of the winding process is straightforward in principle. However, a major challenge is to model the increase of the package diameter as a function of time or length of wound up yarn, respectively. In this paper, a kinematic model for the winding process is first outlined. The focus of the paper is the description of a workflow in order to find a model for the package diameter increase dependent on the wound yarn length. For that purpose, a new image analysis method is presented to derive the general class of the model function for the diameter increase. Then, the measurement results of a series of experiments are analyzed to find a parameterization of the model function. Here, the input process parameters winding tension, cradle pressure, winding speed, and traverse ratio are varied at two levels. Finally, the linear regression model for the package diameter increase is presented.
Self-supervised learning of LiDAR odometry based on spherical projection
Authors: Fu Xu , Liu Cong , Zhang Chengjin , Sun Zihao , Song Yong , Xu Qingyang , Yuan Xianfeng
Published: February 2022

Recently, the learning-based LiDAR odometry has obtained robust estimation results in the field of mobile robot localization, but most of them are constructed based on the idea of supervised learning. In the network training stage, these supervised learning-based methods rely heavily on real pose labels, which is defective in practical applications. Different from these methods, a novel self-supervised LiDAR odometry, namely SSLO, is proposed in this article. The proposed SSLO only uses unlabeled point cloud data to train the three-view pose network to complete the robot localization task. Specifically, first, due to the sparseness and disorder of the original LiDAR point cloud, it is difficult to use deep convolutional neural networks for feature extraction. In this article, the spherical projection of the point cloud is used to convert the original point cloud into a regular vertex map. Then the vertex map obtained by the projection is used as the input of the neural network. Second, in the network training phase, SSLO uses multiple geometric losses for different situations of matching point clouds and introduces uncertainty weights when calculating the losses to reduce the interference of noise or moving objects in the scene. Last but not least, the proposed method is not only used in the simulation experiments based on the KITTI dataset and Apollo-SouthBay dataset but also applied to a real-world wheeled robot SLAM task. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed method has good performance in different environments.
Stereoselective synthesis of analogues of deoxyfebrifugine
Authors: K Zaidan Raed , Evans Paul
Published: February 2022

The preparation of six new optically active analogues of the natural product febrifugine (1) is reported. These analogues, lacking the hydroxy group from the natural product, were prepared from optically active N-protected S-pelletierine (7) and differ in terms of the specific quinazolinone portion included. The required S-7 (80% enantiomeric excess) was prepared from an asymmetric Mannich reaction between piperideine (8) and acetone in the presence of l-proline. The differently substituted quinazolinone used in this study (10a–10g) was either commercially available or was prepared from the corresponding substituted anthranilic acid and were installed via a bromination–alkylation sequence. N-Deprotection of the subsequent adducts (12a–12g) gave target compounds 13a–13f and completed the synthetic sequence.
Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema post cocaine and amphetamine insufflation
Authors: Hawkins Leah , Khalid Mohammed Ayaz , Barton Alan
Published: February 2022

A 20-year-old gentleman presented with blood-streaked vomitus after insufflation of an unknown amount of powder cocaine and amphetamine. This was taken with an unspecified amount of alcohol. Other notable symptoms were dysphagia, chest pain, palpitations and the patient reported a ‘crunchy’ sensation in his chest. A chest x-ray revealed pneumomediastinum and a computerised tomography (CT) trauma confirmed these findings with associated subcutaneous emphysema without an identifiable cause. Follow up investigations included a barium swallow and gastroscopy which showed no obvious perforation but mild gastritis and duodenitis. He was managed conservatively with proton pump inhibitor cover and his symptoms resolved.
Alternative dispute resolution in the world of commercial disputes
Authors: Todorović Ilijana , Harges Bobby
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, many commercial contracts contain, or should contain, an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provision. Resorting to mediation or arbitration as a precondition to engaging the courts has the potential of saving the parties’ resources. Further, ADR methods provide the parties with important benefits that court-instituted proceedings cannot offer. One of them is full substantive and procedural control over the resolution-seeking process, including the convenience of arranging the meeting or hearing per the parties’ schedules, needs, and preferences. In their article, the authors compare the advantages and drawbacks of ADR processes versus litigation. They also touch upon the technicalities that need to be followed to ensure the enforceability of ADR clauses. By exploring the World Commerce and Contracting (World CC) Principles, the authors’ goal is to bring the practical aspects of ADR methods closer to those who may not be familiar with them and/or who may be skeptical about their efficiency.
Outcomes of initial and repeat micro-pulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in adult glaucoma patients
Authors: Hooshmand Sara , Voss Jackson , Hirabayashi Matthew , McDaniel Lindsey , An Jella
Published: February 2022

Background:

Micro-pulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) has continued to gain popularity as a treatment in adult glaucoma patients. Thus far there is limited evidence reporting the efficaciousness and safety of retreatment.

Objective:

To evaluate safety and efficacy of primary and repeat MP-TSCPC procedures.

Methods:

Thirty-four of 67 eyes who failed to achieve target IOP from initial MP-TSCPC underwent repeat MP-TSCPC and followed for a minimum of 6 months. All treatments were performed using the laser power of 2000 or 2250 mW, duration of 100–200 s, and a velocity 16–20 s per hemisphere swipe. Success criteria were defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction of greater than 20% from baseline or any medication reduction without additional glaucoma procedures at 6 months after repeat MP-TSCPC. The 6-month success rate after repeat MP-TSCPC was also compared to that of initial MP-TSCPC in the same group of eyes.

Results:

Mean baseline IOP before the repeat MP-TSCPC was 23.0 + /- 5.3 on 3.0 + /- 1.4 medications. At 6 months, mean post-op IOP was 18.2 + /- 5.4 (21.9% reduction, p < 0.002), with mean medication staying relatively the same ( p = .976). Success rate was increased from 23.5% to 44.1% with the repeat procedure compared to that of initial procedure ( p = 0.123). Mean IOP reduction was also greater after repeat MP-TSCPC (18.7%, p < 0.002) when compared to initial MP-TSCPC (10.4%). No adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

MP-TSCPC is a safe and effective non-invasive means to lower IOP in a variety of glaucoma patients. While over 50% (34/67) of eyes required repeat MP-TSCPC, repeat treatment resulted in greater success rates and IOP reduction without any adverse events when using the total energy between 112 and 150 J.
Clinical profile and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness of optic disc oedema patients at a tertiary care institute in North India
Authors: Sood Gitanjli , Samanta Ramanuj , Kumawat Devesh , Agrawal Ajai , Singh Anupam
Published: February 2022

Background:

Optic disc oedema (ODE) is an important manifestation in various ocular as well as systemic disorders. Measurement of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in ODE patients may help in monitoring the progress of the disease and treatment response.

Objective:

To assess the clinical characteristics, aetiology and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) imaging features of optic disc oedema (ODE) patients.

Design:

A retrospective observational study.

Methods:

This hospital-based study included performed for patients presenting with unilateral or bilateral ODE at the ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary institute between January 2019 and December 2019. Clinical features of all ODE patients were noted. RNFL thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus 500, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA).

Results:

Sixty-four patients with ODE were seen with female preponderance (56.2%). The mean age of presentation was 36.8 ± 13.8 years. Bilateral ODE was seen in 57.8% patients. The most common cause of bilateral ODE was idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and vascular papillopathy. Retinal vein occlusion (RVO)-associated ODE was the most common unilateral presentation. Presenting visual acuity was best with IIH and worst with anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION). The mean duration of symptoms was maximum with intracranial space-occupying lesion associated papilloedema and minimum with AION. The mean RNFL thickness was highest in uveitis-associated ODE, followed by compressive ON, and IIH. A positive correlation was noted between clinical ODE severity and RNFL thickness. All aetiological categories (except uveitic and compressive) had maximum RNFL thickening in the inferior quadrant and minimum in the temporal quadrant.

Conclusion:

The current study provides a clinical profile and RNFL measurements of ODE patients at this locality. The clinical severity of ODE correlated positively with RNFL thickness and most of the categories of ODE followed the normative pattern of RNFL thickness (inferior > superior > nasal > temporal) despite thickening.
Ethical Considerations in Oncology and Palliative Care Research During COVID-19
Authors: Akard Terrah Foster , Gilmer Mary Jo , Hendricks-Ferguson Verna L.
Published: February 2022

Background: Researchers and clinicians must collaborate to consider alternative approaches to conduct standard protocol activities and deliver interventions during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has required researchers at many institutions to modify traditional in-person research to virtually delivered activities and still adhere to healthcare ethical principles of beneficence, justice, and respect for persons. Our objective is to describe ethical considerations faced by nurse investigators who modified research conducted in pediatric oncology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Review of research case examples. Results Two research study case examples are presented, including remote-participant recruitment via Facebook advertising and a virtually delivered web-based legacy intervention in a pediatric oncology randomized clinical trial. Challenges to modifying in-person approaches to remote strategies are also discussed, with examples of advantages and disadvantages presented from a study testing a human–animal interaction intervention for children with cancer. Discussion Our case information may assist other investigators in planning virtually delivered behavioral strategies for populations that may prefer the convenience of remote participation in research studies because of multiple family responsibilities in the care of a family member, during the pandemic and after. As researchers understand more about subjects’ preferences to receive protocol activities (i.e., virtual vs. in-person delivery), they may be able to reduce risks of being unable to collect data because eligible subjects declined or withdrew from a study due to multiple-home responsibilities during the care of a family member with a serious or life-limiting condition.
Sonographic Detection of Hepatic Abscesses
Authors: Omorogbe Etinosa , Stormo Janell
Published: February 2022

Hepatic abscesses are masses or lesions within the liver as a response to an infection manifesting into the liver. Hepatic abscess can be a result of other abdominal diseases, such as any biliary tract disease or appendicitis. Because of its inconsistent characteristics in many imaging modalities, its appearance can be mistaken for other pathologies like liver metastasis. With the use of one or more imaging modalities and an imaging-guided biopsy of the targeted lesion, hepatic abscess can be confirmed. The case presents multiple hepatic abscesses throughout the liver with similar imaging characteristics as that of metastasis. Computed tomography (CT), sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and a biopsy were performed to successfully diagnose the hepatic abscesses.
Gene expression signatures identify biologically and clinically distinct tuberculosis endotypes
Authors: DiNardo Andrew R. , Gandhi Tanmay , Heyckendorf Jan , Grimm Sandra L. , Rajapakshe Kimal , Nishiguchi Tomoki , Reimann Maja , Kirchner H. Lester , Kahari Jaqueline , Dlamini Qiniso , Lange Christoph , Goldmann Torsten , Marwitz Sebastian ,   DZIF-TB cohort study group, Abhimanyu  , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , Kaufmann Stefan H.E. , Netea Mihai G. , van Crevel Reinout , Mandalakas Anna M. , Coarfa Cristian
Published: February 2022

Background

In vitro, animal model and clinical evidence suggests that tuberculosis is not a monomorphic disease, and that host response to tuberculosis is protean with multiple distinct molecular pathways and pathologies (endotypes). We applied unbiased clustering to identify separate tuberculosis endotypes with classifiable gene expression patterns and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A cohort comprised of microarray gene expression data from microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis patients was used to identify putative endotypes. One microarray cohort with longitudinal clinical outcomes was reserved for validation, as were two RNA-sequencing (seq) cohorts. Finally, a separate cohort of tuberculosis patients with functional immune responses was evaluated to clarify stimulated from unstimulated immune responses.

Results

A discovery cohort, including 435 tuberculosis patients and 533 asymptomatic controls, identified two tuberculosis endotypes. Endotype A is characterised by increased expression of genes related to inflammation and immunity and decreased metabolism and proliferation; in contrast, endotype B has increased activity of metabolism and proliferation pathways. An independent RNA-seq validation cohort, including 118 tuberculosis patients and 179 controls, validated the discovery results. Gene expression signatures for treatment failure were elevated in endotype A in the discovery cohort, and a separate validation cohort confirmed that endotype A patients had slower time to culture conversion, and a reduced cure rate. These observations suggest that endotypes reflect functional immunity, supported by the observation that tuberculosis patients with a hyperinflammatory endotype have less responsive cytokine production upon stimulation.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that metabolic and immune profiling could inform optimisation of endotype-specific host-directed therapies for tuberculosis.
Culturable fungal endophyte communities of primary successional plants on Mount St. Helens, WA, USA
Authors: Wolfe Emily R. , Dove Robyn , Webster Cassandra , Ballhorn Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

Background

While a considerable amount of research has explored plant community composition in primary successional systems, little is known about the microbial communities inhabiting these pioneer plant species. Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous within plants, and may play major roles in early successional ecosystems. Specifically, endophytes have been shown to affect successional processes, as well as alter host stress tolerance and litter decomposition dynamics—both of which are important components in harsh environments where soil organic matter is still scarce.

Results

To determine possible contributions of fungal endophytes to plant colonization patterns, we surveyed six of the most common woody species on the Pumice Plain of Mount St. Helens (WA, USA; Lawetlat'la in the Cowlitz language; created during the 1980 eruption)—a model primary successional ecosystem—and found low colonization rates (< 15%), low species richness, and low diversity. Furthermore, while endophyte community composition did differ among woody species, we found only marginal evidence of temporal changes in community composition over a single field season (July–September).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that even after a post-eruption period of 40 years, foliar endophyte communities still seem to be in the early stages of community development, and that the dominant pioneer riparian species Sitka alder (Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata) and Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis) may be serving as important microbial reservoirs for incoming plant colonizers.
Benchmarking phasing software with a whole-genome sequenced cattle pedigree
Authors: Oget-Ebrad Claire , Kadri Naveen Kumar , Moreira Gabriel Costa Monteiro , Karim Latifa , Coppieters Wouter , Georges Michel , Druet Tom
Published: February 2022

Background

Accurate haplotype reconstruction is required in many applications in quantitative and population genomics. Different phasing methods are available but their accuracy must be evaluated for samples with different properties (population structure, marker density, etc.). We herein took advantage of whole-genome sequence data available for a Holstein cattle pedigree containing 264 individuals, including 98 trios, to evaluate several population-based phasing methods. This data represents a typical example of a livestock population, with low effective population size, high levels of relatedness and long-range linkage disequilibrium.

Results

After stringent filtering of our sequence data, we evaluated several population-based phasing programs including one or more versions of AlphaPhase, ShapeIT, Beagle, Eagle and FImpute. To that end we used 98 individuals having both parents sequenced for validation. Their haplotypes reconstructed based on Mendelian segregation rules were considered the gold standard to assess the performance of population-based methods in two scenarios. In the first one, only these 98 individuals were phased, while in the second one, all the 264 sequenced individuals were phased simultaneously, ignoring the pedigree relationships. We assessed phasing accuracy based on switch error counts (SEC) and rates (SER), lengths of correctly phased haplotypes and the probability that there is no phasing error between a pair of SNPs as a function of their distance. For most evaluated metrics or scenarios, the best software was either ShapeIT4.1 or Beagle5.2, both methods resulting in particularly high phasing accuracies. For instance, ShapeIT4.1 achieved a median SEC of 50 per individual and a mean haplotype block length of 24.1 Mb (scenario 2). These statistics are remarkable since the methods were evaluated with a map of 8,400,000 SNPs, and this corresponds to only one switch error every 40,000 phased informative markers. When more relatives were included in the data (scenario 2), FImpute3.0 reconstructed extremely long segments without errors.

Conclusions

We report extremely high phasing accuracies in a typical livestock sample. ShapeIT4.1 and Beagle5.2 proved to be the most accurate, particularly for phasing long segments and in the first scenario. Nevertheless, most tools achieved high accuracy at short distances and would be suitable for applications requiring only local haplotypes.
Working in a care home during the COVID-19 pandemic: How has the pandemic changed working practices? A qualitative study
Authors: Hanna Kerry , Giebel Clarissa , Cannon Jacqueline , Shenton Justine , Mason Stephen , Tetlow Hilary , Marlow Paul , Rajagopal Manoj , Gabbay Mark
Published: February 2022

Background

The pandemic has significantly affected care homes’ residents and families through the national visiting restrictions. However, less is known on the impact these changes have had on the care home workforce. The aim of this research was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the working practices of care home staff, caring for people living with dementia.

Methods

Remote qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with care home staff caring for people living with dementia (PLWD) in the UK.

Results

Participants were recruited to the larger programme of research via convenience sampling. Interviews were conducted via telephone or online platforms. This research employed inductive thematic analysis. Sixteen care home staff were included in this study. Three overarching themes were developed from the analysis that conveyed changes to the everyday working practices of the care home workforce and the impact such changes posed to staff wellbeing: (1) Practical implications of working in a care home during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2); Staff values and changes to the staff roles (3): Impact to the care home staff and concerns for the care sector.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the daily working practices of care home staff, with staff forced to adopt additional roles on top of increased workloads to compensate for the loss of external agencies and support. Support and guidance must be offered urgently to inform care home staff on how to best adapt to their new working practices, ensuring that they are adequately trained.
Rituximab in combination with gemcitabine plus cisplatin in patients with recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a phase I trial
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Yun , Lien Ming-Yu , Lin Chen-Yuan , Lo Wen-Jyi , Hua Chung-Hung , Chang Wei-Chao , Chiu Chang-Fang , Lin Ching-Chan
Published: February 2022

Background

The treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) remains challenging. Preclinical studies revealed that B cell depletion could modulate the microenvironment and overcome chemoresistance. We conducted a phase I study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of B cell depletion using the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab to treat HNSCC.

Methods

Ten patients were enrolled in two protocols. The first four patients treated using protocol 1 received rituximab 1000 mg on days −14 and −7, followed by gemcitabine/cisplatin every 3 weeks, and rituximab was administered every 6 months thereafter. Because of disease hyperprogression, protocol 1 was amended to protocol 2, which consisted of the concomitant administration of rituximab 375 mg/m2 and gemcitabine/cisplatin every 3 weeks. Another six patients were enrolled and treated using protocol 2.

Results

Three patients treated using protocol 1 exhibited rapid disease progression, and the remaining patient could not undergo evaluation after rituximab treatment. Conversely, no unpredicted harm was observed in the six patients treated using protocol 2. Among these patients, one achieved complete response, and two had partial responses. The disease-free durations in these patients were 7.0, 6.2, and 7.1 months, respectively. Immune cell analysis revealed a higher ratio of cytotoxic T cells to regulatory T cells in responders than in non-responders.

Conclusions

B cell depletion using rituximab alone in patients with HNSCC can cause hyperprogressive disease. Contrarily, the co-administration of rituximab and cisplatin/gemcitabine was feasible and safe.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04361409, 24 April 2020, retrospectively registered