bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Health Communication Common Agenda 2.0: An Updated Consensus for the Public and Private Sectors to Advance Public Health
Authors: Gold Robert S. , Auld M. Elaine , Abroms Lorien C. , Smyser Joseph , Yom-Tov Elad , Allegrante John P.
Published: November 2019

Despite widespread use of the Internet and social media platforms by the public, there has been little organized exchange of information among the academic, government, and technology sectors about how digital communication technologies can be maximized to improve public health. The second Digital Health Promotion Executive Leadership Summit convened some of the world’s leading thinkers from across these sectors to revisit how communication technology and the evolving social media platforms can be utilized to improve both individual and population health. The Summit focused on digital intelligence, the spread of misinformation, online patient communities, censorship in social media, and emerging global legal frameworks. In addition, Summit participants had an opportunity to review the original “Common Agenda” that emerged and was published after the inaugural Summit and recommend updates regarding the uses of digital technology for advancing the goals of public health. This article reports the outcomes of the Summit discussions and presents the updates that were recommended by Summit participants as the Digital Health Communication Common Agenda 2.0. Several of the assertions underlying the original Common Agenda have been modified, and several new assertions have been added to reflect the recommendations. In addition, a corresponding set of principles and related actions—including a recommendation that an interagency panel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services be established to focus on digital health communication, with particular attention to social media—have been modified or supplemented.
Fc Receptor-Like 1 as a Promising Target for Immunotherapeutic Interventions of B-Cell-Related Disorders
Authors: Yousefi Zahra , Sharifzadeh Sedigheh , Yar-Ahmadi Vali , Andalib Alireza , Eskandari Nahid
Published: November 2019

Background:

Human B-cell responses are regulated through synergy between a collection of activation and inhibitory receptors. Fc receptor-like (FCRL) molecules have recently been identified as co-receptors that are preferentially expressed in human B-cells, which may also play an important role in the regulation of human B-cell responses. FCRL1 is a member of the FCRL family molecules with 2 immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) in its cytoplasmic tail. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory roles of FCRL1 in human B-cell responses.

Materials and methods:

The regulatory potential of FCRL1 in human B-cell through knockdown of FCRL1 expression in the Ramos and Daudi Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cell lines by using the retroviral-based short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) delivery method. The functional consequences of FCRL1 knockdown were assessed by measuring the proliferation, apoptosis, and the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bid, and Bax genes as well as phosphoinositide-3 kinase/-serine-threonine kinase AKT (PI3K/p-AKT) pathway in the BL cells, using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry analysis. The NF-κB activity was also measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results:

FCRL1 knockdown significantly decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptotic cell death in the BL cells. There was a significant reduction in the extent of the Bcl-2 gene expression in the treated BL cells compared with control cells. On the contrary, FCRL1 knockdown increased the expression levels of Bid and Bax genes in the treated BL cells when compared with control cells. In addition, the extent of the PI3K/p-AKT expression and phosphorylated-p65 NF-κB activity was significantly decreased in the treated BL cells compared with control cells.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that FCRL1 can play a key role in the activation of human B-cell responses and has the potential to serve as a target for immunotherapy of FCRL1 positive B-cell-related disorders.
Retrospective Analysis of Complication Rates Associated With Auricular Reconstruction After Skin Cancer Surgery
Authors: Crișan Diana , Colosi Horațiu Alexandru , Manea Avram , Kastler Sabine , Lipke Anna , Crișan Maria , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin , Schneider Lars Alexander
Published: November 2019

Background

There is limited data regarding postoperative complications after microtia surgery or tympanoplasty; however, complication rates after pinna reconstruction following tumor resection and comorbidities associated with suboptimal outcomes have not been investigated so far.

Objective

To examine the incidence of postoperative complications after auricular reconstruction surgery following tumor resection and determine the association between postoperative complications and defect size, patients’ comorbidities, and reconstruction type.

Methods and Materials

In a retrospective case series ( n = 146, January 2014 to October 2018), we examined the surgical outcome and amount of postoperative complications following auricular surgery as well as the association with different comorbidities. SPSS 16.0 was used for statistical analyses.

Results

The following early postoperative complications were identified: pain (29.5%), hematoma (4.1%), flap congestion (4.8%), infection (3.4%), and flap/graft necrosis (2.7%). Late complications including cartilage step-offs, helical rim sulcus alteration, granulomas, or ear deformities occurred only in 3.6% of subjects. Reconstructions of large defects (>1 cm2) were associated with a higher incidence of early postoperative complications compared to small defects (<1 cm2) ( P < .001). Neither the presence of smoking or diabetes nor immunosuppression was significantly linked to an increased incidence of early complications. Immunosuppression, however, was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative infection ( P < .001)

Conclusion

The incidence of early and late postoperative complications after skin tumor resection and external ear reconstruction is low. The occurrence of postoperative infection was not linked with smoking or the presence of diabetes, but strongly associated with a state of immunosuppression, which is why a perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in immune-compromised patients may be considered.
Epidermal Carcinoma of the Conchal Bowl: Creation of a Multidisciplinary Pathway Approach
Authors: Fraser Kathleen M. , Matthews T. Wayne , Kurwa Habib A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Malignant neoplasms of the auricle make up 6% of all skin cancers. Management of cutaneous neoplasms of the conchal bowl presents a unique challenge in visualizing and defining margins that may extend into the external auditory canal (EAC).

Objectives

The objective of this study was to create a multidisciplinary pathway for cutaneous carcinoma of the conchal bowl extending into the EAC.

Methods

We present a series of patients that were referred to dermatology or otolaryngology, with cutaneous neoplasms arising in the conchal bowl. A consensus approach from otolaryngology and dermatology, for evaluation and treatment, was created based on evaluation of these cases, and review of the otolaryngology and dermatology literature, in collaboration between the two specialties.

Results

Initial evaluation should be done by both dermatology and otolaryngology, with otomicroscopic evaluation of the canal. Imaging is recommended for lesions that approach the EAC, for bony and soft tissue spread. Excision of the tumor with Mohs micrographic surgery to achieve clearance in the conchal bowl should be performed initially. If extension into the external auditory meatus is present, otolaryngology would proceed with en bloc resection. Repair is dictated by the defect, with both specialties involved in follow-up.

Conclusions

In collaboration between dermatology and otolaryngology, and following review of the literature, a pathway was created to manage skin cancer of the conchal bowl. This resulted in a stepwise approach for evaluation and management, ensuring that patients have a streamlined pathway for the treatment of these lesions.
Better out than in? The effect on recidivism of replacing incarceration with electronic monitoring in Norway
Authors: Andersen Synøve N. , Telle Kjetil
Published: November 2019

Electronic monitoring (EM) has become a common alternative to traditional incarceration over the past few decades, yet the causal effect of EM on recidivism remains uncertain. This study exploits the gradual implementation of an EM programme in Norway between 2008 and 2011 in an instrumental variable design aimed at estimating the effect of EM on the recidivism rate, frequency and severity measured up to three years after release. Results suggest that EM reduced two-year recidivism rates by about 15 percent and the one-year recidivism frequency by approximately 0.3 offences on average. Subsample analyses indicate that the effects on recidivism rates are strongest among offenders without a prison record or recent unemployment spells and, although between-group differences are not statistically significant, this suggests that avoiding prison stigma and maintaining workplace relations can be important mechanisms whereby EM reduces recidivism and promotes desistance.
Minimally Invasive Thoracoscopic Exclusion of the Left Atrial Appendage Following Watchman Device With an AtriCure ProV LAA Exclusion Device
Authors: Romano Matthew A.
Published: November 2019

This is a case report of a minimally invasive exclusion of the left atrial appendage with a ProV AtriClip following a Watchman device implantation with residual flow into the left atrial appendage.
“Mixed” Drinking Motivations: A Comparison of Majority, Multiracial, and Minority College Students
Authors: Straka Brenda C. , Gaither Sarah E. , Acheson Shawn K. , Swartzwelder H. S.
Published: November 2019

Social exclusion is associated with substance use, but the specific link between majority and minority racial group membership and substance use is unknown. We examined how social exclusion among racial majority (White), Multiracial, and racial minority (Native American, Latino, Asian, and Black) college students relates to self-reported alcohol use and motivations. Using the AlcoholEdu for College™ survey, Study 1a reports five factors related to motives for initiating or inhibiting alcohol use. Study 1b analyzes majority, Multiracial, and minority college students’ comparative endorsement of these motivations. Study 2 compares these factors with established belonging scales using a separate undergraduate sample. White, Multiracial, Native American, and Latino students displayed the highest proportion of problematic alcohol use. White students endorsed belonging-based drinking motivations, while Multiracial and Asian students endorsed motivations similar to both majority and minority groups. Native American, Latino, and Black students endorsed abstaining motivations more than other groups.
“Let Me Show You How Nice I Am”: Impression Management as Bias in Empathic Responses
Authors: Sassenrath Claudia
Published: November 2019

Past research showed that empathic responses are confounded with social desirability. The present research aims at illuminating this confound. In a first step, it is examined how a measure typically implemented to screen, for response, biases based on social desirability (i.e., the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding) relate to classical measures of interindividual differences in empathic responses (i.e., the Interpersonal Reactivity Index). Moreover, it is investigated what happens to empathic responses under conditions of reduced opportunity to behave socially desirable. Results of two correlational studies indicate that impression management (IM) as well as self-deceptive enhancement as facets of a socially desirable response bias is related to self-reported empathic responses. Results of an additional experiment show that introducing conditions reducing opportunity for IM lowers empathic responses toward a person in need. Implications for research on self-reported empathy and empathy-induced prosocial behavior are discussed.
The position of volunteers in EU-working time law
Authors: Risak Martin
Published: November 2019

One aspect also addressed in the Matzak case is the personal scope of the Working Time Directive 2003/88 (WTD), as Mr Matzak is a ‘volunteer firefighter’ and it is not clear if such persons are covered by this piece of EU legislation. This article will therefore first explore the notion of ‘volunteer’ and then examine under what circumstances volunteers are to be considered workers for the purpose of the WTD. It will become evident that the element of remuneration/pay has a special relevance in this context although this is not really in line with the health and safety purpose of the WTD. A purposive approach of defining the personal scope of application of the WTD might lead to more suitable results.
‘Unionisation’ of the European Court of Human Rights’ ne bis in idem jurisprudence: the Case of Mihalache v Romania
Authors: Serneels Cedric
Published: November 2019

This article analyses the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the case of Mihalache v Romania. In the judgment, the Court, dealing with the application of the ne bis in idem principle, further elaborates on the different components of the concept ‘final acquittal or conviction’ under Article 4 of Protocol No 7 to the European Convention on Human Rights. The author studies this aspect of the ruling through the lens of judicial dialogue and examines in particular the influence of relevant case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the ECtHR’s reasoning.
Reduced physical activity in young and older adults: metabolic and musculoskeletal implications
Authors: Bowden Davies Kelly A. , Pickles Samuel , Sprung Victoria S. , Kemp Graham J. , Alam Uazman , Moore Daniel R. , Tahrani Abd A. , Cuthbertson Daniel J.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Although the health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise are well established and have been incorporated into national public health recommendations, there is a relative lack of understanding pertaining to the harmful effects of physical inactivity. Experimental paradigms including complete immobilization and bed rest are not physiologically representative of sedentary living. A useful ‘real-world’ approach to contextualize the physiology of societal downward shifts in physical activity patterns is that of short-term daily step reduction.

Results:

Step-reduction studies have largely focused on musculoskeletal and metabolic health parameters, providing relevant disease models for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis. In untrained individuals, even a short-term reduction in physical activity has a significant impact on skeletal muscle protein and carbohydrate metabolism, causing anabolic resistance and peripheral insulin resistance, respectively. From a metabolic perspective, short-term inactivity-induced peripheral insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, with consequent liver triglyceride accumulation, leads to hepatic insulin resistance and a characteristic dyslipidaemia. Concomitantly, various inactivity-related factors contribute to a decline in function; a reduction in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle mass and muscle strength.

Conclusions:

Physical inactivity maybe particularly deleterious in certain patient populations, such as those at high risk of T2D or in the elderly, considering concomitant sarcopenia or osteoporosis. The effects of short-term physical inactivity (with step reduction) are reversible on resumption of habitual physical activity in younger people, but less so in older adults. Nutritional interventions and resistance training offer potential strategies to prevent these deleterious metabolic and musculoskeletal effects.

Impact:

Individuals at high risk of/with cardiometabolic disease and older adults may be more prone to these acute periods of inactivity due to acute illness or hospitalization. Understanding the risks is paramount to implementing countermeasures.
Eliminating Thought Boundaries Through Fiction Movies and Books
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhajit , Chattopadhyay Subrata
Published: November 2019

The case study pedagogy over the years led to its essence in effective learning with real-life situations, logical progression and data-driven analysis in solution optimization. However, it is has its limitations in solving managerial problems with creativity. It confines the learning to its boundaries, is mechanistic and unemotional by design. It does not unfold limitless interpretation while merging creativity and innovation with out-of-the-box thinking. A differentiated session offering led to incorporating fiction movies and books to tinker young minds with a plethora of thought rainbows. The essence of the unconventional mode of group learning resulted in linkage of marketing theories to fiction, taking the interpretations to a pleasure voyage. The philosophical perspective with high engagement moves from literary subjectivity to profound management objectivity. This article depicts that experimentation with differentiated pedagogy can generate better learning outcomes which can create an effective impact for management students in creative thinking and wiser decision-making.
Cadaver Models in Residency Training for Uncommonly Encountered Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Authors: Amini Richard , Camacho Luis D , Valenzuela Josephine , Ringleberg Jeannie K , Patanwala Asad E , Stearns Jack , Situ-LaCasse Elaine H , Acuña Josie , Adhikari Srikar
Published: November 2019

Background:

Arthrocentesis of the ankle and elbow and brachial plexus nerve blocks are infrequently performed procedures; however, clinicians in specialties such as emergency medicine are required to be proficient in these procedures in the event of emergent or urgent necessity.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to create, implement, and assess a fresh cadaver-based educational model to help resident physicians learn how to perform ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis of the ankle and elbow and ultrasound-guided regional nerve blocks.

Methods:

This was a single-center cross-sectional study conducted at an academic medical center. After a brief didactic session, 26 emergency medicine residents with varying levels of clinical and ultrasound experience rotated through 4 fresh cadaver-based stations. The objective of each station was to understand the sonographic anatomy and to perform ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis or regional nerve block with hands-on feedback from ultrasound fellows and faculty. Participants were subsequently asked to complete a questionnaire which evaluated participants’ experience level, opinions, and procedural confidence regarding the 4 stations.

Results:

A total of 26 residents participated in this study. All 26 residents agreed that the cadaver model (compared with clinical anatomy) was realistic regarding ultrasound quality of the joint space, ultrasound quality of the joint effusion, ultrasound quality of nerves, tissue density, needle guidance, and artifacts. Finally, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores for pre-simulation and post-simulation session participant procedural confidence for all 4 procedures.

Conclusions:

This fresh cadaver-based ultrasound-guided educational model was an engaging and well-received opportunity for residents to gain proficiency and statistically significant confidence in procedures which are uncommonly performed in clinical settings.
Expression of major blood group antigens on human erythroid cells in a two phase liquid culture system
Authors: Wada H , Suda T , Miura Y , Kajii E , Ikemoto S , Yawata Y
Published: November 2019

In order to examine the sequential expression of major blood group antigens on human erythroblasts, a selective two phase liquid culture system for erythroid progenitors was established. After mononuclear cells obtained from peripheral blood were cultured in the presence of phytohemagglutinin stimulated-leukocyte conditioned medium (PHA-LCM) for 7 days (the first phase), nonphagocytic cells were recultured under hypoxic culture conditions containing 30% fetal calf serum, 1% bovine serum albumin, 300 micrograms/mL transferrin and 2 U/mL recombinant erythropoietin (the second phase). Mature (orthochromatic) erythroblasts were observed on day 4 of the second phase, and reached 57.1 +/- 3.1% of total cells on day 8, followed by the appearance of denucleated red cells, equivalent to mature red cells in peripheral blood. Hemoglobin contents reached the level of 16.8 +/- 0.7 micrograms/10(6) cells on day 8. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that, on day 3 of the second phase, cells became blood type M-positive, corresponding to the maturation of erythroid cells. Regarding the expression of ABH blood group antigens, a small number of blood type H- positive cells were initially detected on day 0 of the second phase, while blood type A-positive cells, which essentially were not observed on day 0, increased gradually corresponding to the extent of erythroid maturation. In the present system, Lewis and P1 blood group antigens were expressed at day 5 of the second phase, although autologous plasma was required to determine the expression of Lewis blood group antigens. This culture system is beneficial for studies on normal and abnormal human red cell membranes, because the erythroid progenitors in human peripheral blood were used, and a reasonable number of erythroid cells (0.5 to 1.5 x 10(7] was obtained with good maturation.
Risk-based approach to school entry examinations in Germany – a validation study
Authors: Führer Amand , Wienke Andreas , Wiermann Snezhina , Gröger Christine , Tiller Daniel
Published: November 2019

Background

In Germany, all preschoolers undergo a school entry examination (SEE). While most children are sufficiently served with standardized developmental tests only, for a small group of otherwise underserved children, the SEE should also include a subsidiary health checkup. The aim of the study was to validate selection criteria to differentiate these two groups of children.

Methods

Secondary data from the SEEs of 2016 and 2017 that contained information on 3513 children were analyzed. Of these children, a subset was selected in which no severe developmental disorders were diagnosed prior to the SEE (n = 2744). The selection criteria identified in an earlier study (low or medium social status, missed the last pediatric routine check-up, migration background, three or more siblings, and raised by a single mother) were then applied to this subset to estimate their effectiveness in finding children at risk for a newly diagnosed severe developmental disorder. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the selection criteria were calculated.

Results

The tested selection criteria identified children who would likely benefit from a subsidiary checkup in the context of SEEs with a sensitivity of 96% (95% CI: 94.5–98.9%). The negative predictive value and specificity of the criteria were 99% (98.6–99.7%) and 34% (32.1–35.8%), respectively. By using this approach, the number of children seen by a physician could be reduced to 53% of the age cohorts.

Conclusion

The tested selection criteria are a viable way to differentiate children for whom SEEs should include a subsidiary health checkup from those who do not need it. Therefore, the time that physicians spend with SEEs could be reduced. Using the selection criteria to establish a stepped procedure in SEEs therefore offers a valid way to focus physicians’ resources on the children who need them most.
People with activity limitations’ perceptions of their health condition and their relationships with social participation and experienced autonomy
Authors: Meulenkamp Tineke , Rijken Mieke , Cardol Mieke , Francke Anneke L. , Rademakers Jany
Published: November 2019

Background

People with activity limitations participate less in society, which may be due to both societal barriers and personal factors. The aim of this study was to examine the role of one specific personal factor, namely the perceptions that people have of their health condition. We hypothesized that perceptions of more personal control and less negative consequences increase the likelihood of participation in social activities and of experiencing autonomy in participation.

Methods

Survey data of 1681 people with activity limitations participating in a Dutch nationwide panel-study were analyzed by means of logistic and linear regression analyses. Perceptions of the health condition were assessed with the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R). Social participation was operationalized as doing volunteer work, participating in club activities and meeting friends. Two scales of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire were used to assess experienced autonomy regarding participation.

Results

People who perceived more personal control over their health condition were more likely to participate in volunteer work (OR = 1.36) and club activities (OR = 1.35). People who believed their condition to be long-lasting were also more likely to do volunteer work (OR = 1.34), whereas people who reported a better understanding of their condition were more likely to frequently meet friends (OR = 1.19). Perceptions of the health condition explained 14% of the variance in experienced autonomy in participation, in addition to the severity of participants’ activity limitations and their age, gender and education level. Especially a belief in more serious consequences, a perception of a long-lasting and less controllable condition, a perception of less understanding of the condition and a greater perceived impact on the emotional state were associated with experiencing less autonomy in participation.

Conclusions

People with activity limitations who experience less control over their condition participate less in volunteer work and club activities than people who experience more control. Perceptions of the health condition are just as important to explain differences in participation as the severity of people’s activity limitations and their socio-demographic characteristics. Health and social care professionals should pay attention to people’s perceptions, to help people with activity limitations to participate according to their needs, circumstances, and preferences.
Palliative care nurse specialists’ reflections on a palliative care educational intervention in long-term care: an inductive content analysis
Authors: Frey Rosemary , Balmer Deborah , Boyd Michal , Robinson Jackie , Gott Merryn
Published: November 2019

Background

Older people in long-term care facilities are at a greater risk of receiving care at the end of life that does not adequately meet their needs, yet staff in long-term care are often unprepared to provide palliative care. The objective of the study was to explore palliative care nurse specialists’ experiences regarding the benefits of and barriers to the implementation of a palliative care educational intervention, Supportive Hospice Aged Residential Exchange (SHARE) in 20 long-term care facilities.

Methods

Reflective logs (465), recorded over the course of the yearlong SHARE intervention by the three palliative care nurse specialists from two local hospices, who were the on-site mentors, were qualitatively analyzed by two researchers utilizing inductive content analysis.

Results

Categories emerging from the logs include the importance of relationships, knowledge exchange, communication, and the challenges of providing palliative care in a long-term care setting.

Conclusion

Evidence from the logs indicated that sustained relationships between the palliative care nurse specialists and staff (registered nurses, healthcare assistants) as well as reciprocal learning were key factors supporting the implementation of this palliative care educational intervention. Challenges remain however in relation to staffing levels, which further emphasizes the importance of palliative care nurse specialist presence as a point of stability.
Assessment of nanomaterial-induced hepatotoxicity using a 3D human primary multi-cellular microtissue exposed repeatedly over 21 days - the suitability of the in vitro system as an in vivo surrogate
Authors: Kermanizadeh Ali , Berthing Trine , Guzniczak Ewa , Wheeldon Melanie , Whyte Graeme , Vogel Ulla , Moritz Wolfgang , Stone Vicki
Published: November 2019

Background

With ever-increasing exposure to engineered nanomaterials (NMs), there is an urgent need to evaluate the probability of consequential adverse effects. The potential for NM translocation to distal organs is a realistic prospect, with the liver being one of the most important target organs. Traditional in vitro or ex vivo hepatic toxicology models are often limiting (i.e. short life-span, reduced metabolic activity, lacking important cell populations, etc.). In this study, we scrutinize a 3D human liver microtissue (MT) model (composed of primary hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells). This unique experiment benefits from long-term (3 weeks) repeated very low exposure concentrations, as well as incorporation of recovery periods (up to 2 weeks), in an attempt to account for the liver’s recovery capacity in vivo. As a means of assessing the toxicological potential of NMs, cell cytotoxicity (cell membrane integrity and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity), pro/anti-inflammatory response and hepatic function were investigated.

Results

The data showed that 2 weeks of cell culture might be close to limits before subtle ageing effects start to overshadow low sub-lethal NM-induced cellular responses in this test system (adenylate kinase (AK) cytotoxicity assay). We showed that in vitro AST measurement are not suitable in a nanotoxicological context. Moreover, the cytokine analysis (IL6, IL8, IL10 and TNF-α) proved useful in highlighting recovery periods as being sufficient for allowing a reduction in the pro-inflammatory response. Next, low soluble NM-treated MT showed a concentration-dependent penetration of materials deep into the tissue.

Conclusion

In this study the advantages and pitfalls of the multi-cellular primary liver MT are discussed. Furthermore, we explore a number of important considerations for allowing more meaningful in vitro vs. in vivo comparisons in the field of hepatic nanotoxicology.
Potential risk factors and triggers for back pain in children and young adults. A scoping review, part I: incident and episodic back pain
Authors: Beynon Amber M , Hebert Jeffrey J , Lebouef-Yde Charlotte , Walker Bruce F
Published: November 2019

Background

The one-month prevalence of back pain in children and adolescents has been reported at 33, 28 and 48% at ages 9, 13 and 15 respectively. There are many suspected risk factors and triggers of back pain in young people.

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify potential risk factors and potential triggers for back pain in young people. The purpose of part I was to identify potential risk factors for incident and episodic back pain in young people. Part II included all eligible studies with unclear or mixed types of back pain.

Methods

Due to the vast number of studies on “risk factors” for back pain, a two-part scoping review of the literature was chosen as the best way to summarise the evidence. We adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guideline for scoping reviews. General potential risk factors and triggers for back pain in children and young adults (≤ 24 years) were included, incorporating physical, environmental, and/or physiological factors. A search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases from inception to September 2018, limited to the English language. Within part I, and because of their importance, only the results of the studies that investigated risk factors of incident back pain and back pain episodes are presented.

Results

The search identified 7356 articles, of which 91 articles were eligible for this scoping review. The majority of the eligible articles had an unclear definition of back pain (results presented in scoping review part II). There were 7 inception cohort studies included and 1 cohort study that met the criteria for part I. The most consistent risk factors for incident and episodic back pain are female sex and older age.

Conclusion

Due to inconsistent ways of reporting on the type of back pain, no definitive risk factor for back pain has been identified. In general, females often report more symptoms, also for other diseases, and older age is not a useful risk factor as it merely indicates that the onset may not be in childhood. Clearly, the time has come to study the causes of back pain from different angles.
Population-level analysis reveals the widespread occurrence and phenotypic consequence of DNA methylation variation not tagged by genetic variation in maize
Authors: Xu Jing , Chen Guo , Hermanson Peter J. , Xu Qiang , Sun Changshuo , Chen Wenqing , Kan Qiuxin , Li Minqi , Crisp Peter A. , Yan Jianbing , Li Lin , Springer Nathan M. , Li Qing
Published: November 2019

Background

DNA methylation can provide a source of heritable information that is sometimes entirely uncoupled from genetic variation. However, the extent of this uncoupling and the roles of DNA methylation in shaping diversity of both gene expression and phenotypes are hotly debated. Here, we investigate the genetic basis and biological functions of DNA methylation at a population scale in maize.

Results

We perform targeted DNA methylation profiling for a diverse panel of 263 maize inbred genotypes. All genotypes show similar levels of DNA methylation globally, highlighting the importance of DNA methylation in maize development. Nevertheless, we identify more than 16,000 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that are distributed across the 10 maize chromosomes. Genome-wide association analysis with high-density genetic markers reveals that over 60% of the DMRs are not tagged by SNPs, suggesting the presence of unique information in DMRs. Strong associations between DMRs and the expression of many genes are identified in both the leaf and kernel tissues, pointing to the biological significance of methylation variation. Association analysis with 986 metabolic traits suggests that DNA methylation is associated with phenotypic variation of 156 traits. There are some traits that only show significant associations with DMRs and not with SNPs.

Conclusions

These results suggest that DNA methylation can provide unique information to explain phenotypic variation in maize.
Systematic comparative analysis of single-nucleotide variant detection methods from single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Liu Fenglin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Lei , Li Ziyi , Fang Qiao , Gao Ranran , Zhang Zemin
Published: November 2019

Background

Systematic interrogation of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) is one of the most promising approaches to delineate the cellular heterogeneity and phylogenetic relationships at the single-cell level. While SNV detection from abundant single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data is applicable and cost-effective in identifying expressed variants, inferring sub-clones, and deciphering genotype-phenotype linkages, there is a lack of computational methods specifically developed for SNV calling in scRNA-seq. Although variant callers for bulk RNA-seq have been sporadically used in scRNA-seq, the performances of different tools have not been assessed.

Results

Here, we perform a systematic comparison of seven tools including SAMtools, the GATK pipeline, CTAT, FreeBayes, MuTect2, Strelka2, and VarScan2, using both simulation and scRNA-seq datasets, and identify multiple elements influencing their performance. While the specificities are generally high, with sensitivities exceeding 90% for most tools when calling homozygous SNVs in high-confident coding regions with sufficient read depths, such sensitivities dramatically decrease when calling SNVs with low read depths, low variant allele frequencies, or in specific genomic contexts. SAMtools shows the highest sensitivity in most cases especially with low supporting reads, despite the relatively low specificity in introns or high-identity regions. Strelka2 shows consistently good performance when sufficient supporting reads are provided, while FreeBayes shows good performance in the cases of high variant allele frequencies.

Conclusions

We recommend SAMtools, Strelka2, FreeBayes, or CTAT, depending on the specific conditions of usage. Our study provides the first benchmarking to evaluate the performances of different SNV detection tools for scRNA-seq data.
Effectiveness of music therapy for alleviating pain during haemodialysis access cannulation for patients undergoing haemodialysis: a multi-facility, single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kishida Masatsugu , Yamada Yosuke , Inayama Emi , Kitamura Mineaki , Nishino Tomoya , Ota Keiko , Shintani Ayumi , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi
Published: November 2019

Background

Repeated pain during haemodialysis access cannulations is a serious problem for haemodialysis patients even when prescribed oral or topical analgesics. Although some studies have observed the efficacy of music therapy for improving pain and anxiety, its effectiveness during haemodialysis access cannulations during dialysis is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of music therapy for pain when cannulating haemodialysis access for haemodialysis patients.

Methods

A prospective, multi-facility, single-blind, crossover, randomised controlled trial will be implemented. The intervention includes listening to Mozart, along with a white noise control condition. One hundred twenty haemodialysis patients will be enrolled across five facilities. Patients will be randomly allocated to either an Early-sequence group or a Later-sequence group. The Early-sequence group will receive cannulation while listening to Mozart’s Sonata for two pianos in D major (K.448) during the second week (Music period) and white noise during the fourth week (White noise period). The Later-sequence group will receive cannulation along with white noise first, followed by Mozart. All patients will also undergo cannulation during a no-sound period (wearing only headphones) during the first and third week (No-sound period). The music or no-music protocol will begin 8 min prior to the cannulating procedure, and participants will finish listening after starting haemodialysis during each period. The primary outcomes that will be assessed include the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for pain during cannulation, and secondary outcomes are blood pressure, heart rate, VAS anxiety score, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, and salivary amylase activity. The operators who are in charge of haemodialysis access cannulation will be blind to the listening condition and VAS report.

Discussion

The proposed study has several methodological benefits. First, using white noise is a suitable control condition for addressing the role of sound in pain management. Additionally, using a crossover design with repeated measurements can help control individual differences between participants, which should better distinguish between- and within-participant variability. Overall, music therapy is a safe and inexpensive intervention that does not have the problematic side effects typically associated with pharmacological treatment. If effective, music therapy can be easily implemented for reducing pain and anxiety during cannulation.

Trial registration

This trial was prospectively registered to UMIN Clinical Trials Registry on 1 July 2018 (UMIN000032850).
Deep person re-identification in UAV images
Authors: Grigorev Aleksei , Tian Zhihong , Rho Seungmin , Xiong Jianxin , Liu Shaohui , Jiang Feng
Published: November 2019

The person re-identification is one of the most significant problems in computer vision and surveillance systems. The recent success of deep convolutional neural networks in image classification has inspired researchers to investigate the application of deep learning to the person re-identification. However, the huge amount of research on this problem considers classical settings, where pedestrians are captured by static surveillance cameras, although there is a growing demand for analyzing images and videos taken by drones. In this paper, we aim at filling this gap and provide insights on the person re-identification from drones. To our knowledge, it is the first attempt to tackle this problem under such constraints. We present the person re-identification dataset, namedDRoneHIT(DRHIT01), which is collected by using a drone. It contains 101 unique pedestrians, which are annotated with their identities. Each pedestrian has about 500 images. We propose to use a combination of triplet and large-margin Gaussian mixture (L-GM) loss to tackle the drone-based person re-identification problem. The proposed network equipped with multi-branch design, channel group learning, and combination of loss functions is evaluated on the DRHIT01 dataset. Besides, transfer learning from the most popular person re-identification datasets is evaluated. Experiment results demonstrate the importance of transfer learning and show that the proposed model outperforms the classic deep learning approach.
A hybrid approach to inferring the Internet of Things for complex activity recognition
Authors: Li Qingjuan , Ning Huansheng , Zhu Tao , Cui Shan , Chen Liming
Published: November 2019

With the rapid development and large-scale uptake of the Internet of Things, smart home is evolving from a vision towards a realistically viable solution for assisted living. Activity recognition is one of the fundamental tasks in order to provide accurate and timely assistance and service. As daily living scenarios are full of similar activities, missing data, and noise, inferring complex activities using knowledge-driven reasoning algorithms suffers from several drawbacks, e.g., real-time raw sensor data segmentation, poor generalization, higher computational complexity, and scalability. To address these problems, this paper proposes a hybrid approach to complex daily activity recognition by merging the first-order logic and probability graphic modeling. Specifically, we develop a novel “Markov logic network” combining data-driven multi-feature and simplified rule-based modeling and inference, thus enabling and supporting the applicability and robustness of daily activity recognition. To evaluate the approach and associated methods, we design a testing scenario with a number of similar activity groups, missing data, or disturbance test datasets in a multi-modeling sensor scene. Initial results show our approach outperforms the traditional approach with a better accuracy in the situations of similar activities with missing data and noise disturbance. Experiments are also conducted to compare the Gibbs sampling and MC-SAT sampling algorithms for Markov logic network, and the results show that the Gibbs is better in our experimental settings.
Many continuous variables should be analyzed using the relative scale: a case study of β2-agonists for preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Hemilä Harri , Friedrich Jan O.
Published: November 2019

Background

The relative scale adjusts for baseline variability and therefore may lead to findings that can be generalized more widely. It is routinely used for the analysis of binary outcomes but only rarely for continuous outcomes. Our objective was to compare relative vs absolute scale pooled outcomes using data from a recently published Cochrane systematic review that reported only absolute effects of inhaled β2-agonists on exercise-induced decline in forced-expiratory volumes in 1 s (FEV1).

Methods

From the Cochrane review, we selected placebo-controlled cross-over studies that reported individual participant data (IPD). Reversal in FEV1decline after exercise was modeled as a mean uniform percentage point (pp) change (absolute effect) or average percent change (relative effect) using either intercept-only or slope-only, respectively, linear mixed-effect models. We also calculated the pooled relative effect estimates using standard random-effects, inverse-variance-weighting meta-analysis using study-level mean effects.

Results

Fourteen studies with 187 participants were identified for the IPD analysis. On the absolute scale, β2-agonists decreased the exercise-induced FEV1decline by 28 pp., and on the relative scale, they decreased the FEV1decline by 90%. The fit of the statistical model was significantly better with the relative 90% estimate compared with the absolute 28 pp. estimate. Furthermore, the median residuals (5.8 vs. 10.8 pp) were substantially smaller in the relative effect model than in the absolute effect model. Using standard study-level meta-analysis of the same 14 studies, β2-agonists reduced exercise-induced FEV1decline on the relative scale by a similar amount: 83% or 90%, depending on the method of calculating the relative effect.

Conclusions

Compared with the absolute scale, the relative scale captures more effectively the variation in the effects of β2-agonists on exercise-induced FEV1-declines. The absolute scale has been used in the analysis of FEV1changes and may have led to sub-optimal statistical analysis in some cases. The choice between the absolute and relative scale should be determined based on biological reasoning and empirical testing to identify the scale that leads to lower heterogeneity.
User-centred participatory design of visual cues for isolation precautions
Authors: Clack Lauren , Stühlinger Manuel , Meier Marie-Theres , Wolfensberger Aline , Sax Hugo
Published: November 2019

Background

Isolation precautions are intended to prevent transmission of infectious agents, yet healthcare provider (HCP) adherence remains suboptimal. This may be due to ambiguity regarding the required precautions or to cognitive overload of HCPs. In response to the challenge of changing HCP behaviour, increasing attention should be paid to the role of engineering controls and facility design that incorporate human factors elements. In the current study, we aimed to develop an isolation precaution signage system that provides visual cues, serves as a cognitive aid at the point of care, and removes ambiguity regarding which precautions are necessary (e.g. masks, gowns, gloves, single rooms) when caring for isolated patients.

Methods

We employed a user-centred, participatory design approach in which HCPs were actively involved in generating an isolation precaution signage system based on human factors design principles. HCPs were purposefully sampled for each design phase to include a representative sample of potential system users. We conducted front-end analysis through interviews and observations to identify challenges related to the existing signage and to establish design requirements for new signage. This was followed by the creation of user personas, design thinking workshops, and prototyping, which then underwent iterative cycles of evaluation. Graphical symbols were developed and tested for comprehensibility.

Results

Front-end analysis revealed several barriers to use of the current signage system such as unclear target audience, low signal-to-noise ratio, and ambiguity regarding the applicable precautions. A comprehensive list of design requirements was generated. The project ultimately resulted in a collection of validated, comprehensible symbols and signs for contact, droplet, and airborne isolation, as well as the identification of several systems-level solutions for work re-organisation to improve compliance with isolation precautions.

Conclusions

The introduction of visual cues in the form of signage offers a promising opportunity to make guidelines available directly at the frontline. Anecdotal evidence based on observations and interviews with HCP have shown that the current solution is superior to previous isolation signage. User-centred participatory design was a useful approach that holds potential for further improving design in healthcare settings.