bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant apatinib combined with oxaliplatin and capecitabine in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of stomach or gastroesophageal junction: a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial
Authors: Tang Zhaoqing , Wang Yan , Yu Yiyi , Cui Yuehong , Liang Liang , Xu Chen , Shen Zhenbin , Shen Kuntang , Wang Xuefei , Liu Tianshu , Sun Yihong
Published: April 2022

Background

Adding anti-angiogenics to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for localized gastric cancer is recognized as a promising strategy, but its clinical value remains to be defined.

Methods

This single-center, single-arm, phase 2 trial included patients with locally advanced (cT3/4aN+M0) adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) who received three cycles of intravenous oxaliplatin (135 mg/m2 on day 1), oral capecitabine (1000 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1 to 14), and oral apatinib for 21 days (250 mg once daily in the first two cycles, and further increased to 500 mg daily in the third cycle based on whether any adverse event of grade 3 or worse occurred), and an additional cycle of oxaliplatin plus capecitabine, followed by gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an objective response according to RECIST version 1.1.

Results

Between April 28, 2017, and October 23, 2019, 37 patients were screened and 35 participants were included. Of the 32 patients assessable for efficacy and safety, objective responses were achieved in 25 (78.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 60.0% to 90.7%) patients. Thirty-one (96.9%) patients received R0 resection, two (6.3%) patients achieved pathological complete response, and 11 (34.4%) patients achieved pathological response. At the data cutoff date (September 30, 2021), the median event-free survival was 42.6 (95% CI, 16.2 to not reached) months, and the median overall survival was not reached. The most common grade 3 or 4 treatment-emergent adverse events were hypertension (9/32, 28.1%), thrombocytopenia (7/32, 21.9%), and neutropenia (5/32, 15.6%). Seven (21.9%) patients developed surgical complications, and the most common one was intra-abdominal abscess (4/32, 12.5%).

Conclusions

The concomitant use of apatinib, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine as neoadjuvant therapy showed promising efficacy and manageable safety profile in patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or GEJ, and further phase 3 study is warranted.

Trial registration

This study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT03229096).
Myogenesis controlled by a long non-coding RNA 1700113A16RIK and post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Fu Xin , Li Sheng , Jia Minzhi , Xu Bo , Yang Lele , Ma Ruimiao , Cheng Hong , Yang Wenjun , Hu Ping
Published: April 2022

Long non-coding (lnc) RNA plays important roles in many cellular processes. The function of the vast majority of lncRNAs remains unknown. Here we identified that lncRNA-1700113A16RIK existed in skeletal muscle stem cells (MuSCs) and was significantly elevated during MuSC differentiation. Knockdown of 1700113A16RIK inhibits the differentiation of muscle stem cells. In contrast, overexpression of 1700113A16RIK promotes the differentiation of muscle stem cells. Further study shows the muscle specific transcription factor Myogenin (MyoG) positively regulates the expression of 1700113A16RIK by binding to the promoter region of 1700113A16RIK. Mechanistically, 1700113A16RIK may regulate the expression of myogenic genes by directly binding to 3’UTR of an important myogenic transcription factor MEF2D, which in turn promotes the translation of MEF2D. Taken together, our results defined 1700113A16RIK as a positive regulator of MuSC differentiation and elucidated a mechanism as to how 1700113A16RIK regulated MuSC differentiation.
Anatomical differences in nociceptor neurons sensitivity
Authors: Crosson Theo , Talbot Sebastien
Published: April 2022

Background

Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) neurons are derived from the neural crest and mainly innervate the skin, while Jugular Nodose Complex (JNC) neurons originate from the placode and innervate internal organs. These ganglia are composed of highly heterogeneous groups of neurons aimed at assessing and preserving homeostasis. Among other subtypes, nociceptor neurons are specialized in sensing and responding to environmental dangers. As form typically follows function, we hypothesized that JNC and DRG neurons would be phenotypically and transcriptomically different.

Methods

Mouse JNC and DRG neurons were cultured ex vivo. Using calcium imaging, qPCR and neurite outgrowth assay, we compared the sensitivity of JNC and DRG neurons. Using in-silico analysis of existing RNA sequencing datasets, we confronted our results to transcriptomic differences found between both ganglia.

Results

We found drastically different expression levels of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, growth factor receptors and neuropeptides in JNC and DRG neurons. Functionally, naïve JNC neurons’ TRP channels are more sensitive to thermal cues than the ones from DRG neurons. However, DRG neurons showed increased TRP channel responsiveness, neuropeptide release and neurite outgrowth when exposed to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). In contrast, JNC neurons preferentially responded to Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Conclusion

Our data show that JNC and DRG neurons are transcriptomically and functionally unique and that pain sensitivity is different across anatomical sites. Drugs targeting NGF signaling may have limited efficacy to treat visceral pain. Bioelectronics nerve stimulation should also be adjusted to the ganglia being targeted and their different expression profile.
Factors that shape pregnant women’s perceptions regarding the safety of cannabis use during pregnancy
Authors: Satti Mohamed A. , Reed Eda G. , Wenker Elizabeth S. , Mitchell Stephanie L. , Schulkin Jay , Power Michael L. , Mackeen A. Dhanya
Published: April 2022

Background

Cannabis use among pregnant women has increased. We surveyed pregnant women in rural Pennsylvania to examine cannabis use and opinions regarding its safety during pregnancy. We examined associations between challenges of pregnancy (e.g., exhaustion, pain, nausea) and cannabis use.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to a convenience sample of English-speaking pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Geisinger, May–June 2019. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to construct three scores (overwhelmed/exhausted, happy/optimistic, and health worries) based on 10 questions regarding common experiences during pregnancy (e.g., nausea/vomiting, pain, exhaustion, mood). A score based on four questions regarding cannabis safety during pregnancy was also constructed.

Results

From a maximum of 300 surveys distributed, 284 were completed (95%). Most participants were white (87%), married (49%) or living with a partner (38%), and had private health insurance (62%). Most women indicated it was unsafe to use alcohol and tobacco products during pregnancy (> 90%), but that proportion dropped to 82% and 63% regarding recreational cannabis and medical cannabis, respectively. Only women with prior cannabis use (23% of sample) continued to do so during pregnancy: 57% of women reporting daily cannabis use prior to pregnancy continued to use cannabis during pregnancy with 33% reporting daily use. Two thirds of users during pregnancy indicated they were self-medicating for: nausea (90%), anxiety (70%), insomnia (30%), and pain management (30%). Many (56%) of the women who used cannabis during pregnancy believed it is safe. Younger women and women who were overwhelmed/exhausted or less happy/optimistic were more likely to believe cannabis use is safe. Women valued healthcare provider advice more than advice from family and friends. Study strengths include a high response rate. Weaknesses include self-report and that is was a convenience sample; however, the demographics of the sample were similar to past studies.

Conclusion

Women with a history of cannabis use, especially daily use, are at risk of continuing during pregnancy and should receive counseling. Younger women and women with greater stressors during pregnancy also are at greater risk. Screening for prior use and for stressors may identify patients that would benefit from enhanced counseling.
Optimal Sequential Predictive Probability Designs for Early-Phase Oncology Expansion Cohorts
Authors: Zabor Emily C. , Kaizer Alexander M. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Hobbs Brian P.
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE

The customary approach to early-phase clinical trial design, where the focus is on identification of the maximum tolerated dose, is not always suitable for noncytotoxic or other targeted therapies. Many trials have continued to follow the 3 + 3 dose-escalation design, but with the addition of phase I dose-expansion cohorts to further characterize safety and assess efficacy. Dose-expansion cohorts are not always planned in advance nor rigorously designed. We introduce an approach to the design of phase I expansion cohorts on the basis of sequential predictive probability monitoring.

METHODS

Two optimization criteria are proposed that allow investigators to stop for futility to preserve limited resources while maintaining traditional control of type I and type II errors. We demonstrate the use of these designs through simulation, and we elucidate their implementation with a redesign of the phase I expansion cohort for atezolizumab in metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

RESULTS

A sequential predictive probability design outperforms Simon's two-stage designs and posterior probability monitoring with respect to both proposed optimization criteria. The Bayesian sequential predictive probability design yields increased power while significantly reducing the average sample size under the null hypothesis in the context of the case study, whereas the original study design yields too low type I error and power. The optimal efficiency design tended to have more desirable properties, subject to constraints on type I error and power, compared with the optimal accuracy design.

CONCLUSION

The optimal efficiency design allows investigators to preserve limited financial resources and to maintain ethical standards by halting potentially large dose-expansion cohorts early in the absence of promising efficacy results, while maintaining traditional control of type I and II error rates.
Effect of superconductivity on the shape of flat bands
Authors: Shaginyan V. R. , Msezane A. Z. , Amusia M. Ya. , Japaridze G. S.
Published: April 2022

For the first time, basing both on experimental facts and our theoretical consideration, we show that Fermi systems with flat bands should be tuned with the superconducting state. Experimental measurements on magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene of the Fermi velocity V

F
as a function of the temperature T

c
of superconduction phase transition have revealed

, where N

s
(0) is the density of states at the Fermi level. We show that the high-T

c
compounds

exhibit the same behavior. Such observation is a challenge to theories of high-T

c
superconductivity, since V

F
is negatively correlated with T

c
, for

. We show that the theoretical idea of forming flat bands in strongly correlated Fermi systems can explain this behavior and other experimental data collected on both

and twisted bilayer graphene. Our findings place stringent constraints on theories describing the nature of high-T

c
superconductivity and the deformation of flat band by the superconducting phase transition.
GH Action in Prostate Cancer Cells Promotes Proliferation, Limits Apoptosis, and Regulates Cancer-related Gene Expression
Authors: Unterberger Christopher J , Maklakova Vilena I , Lazar Michelle , Arneson Paige D , Mcilwain Sean J , Tsourkas Philippos K , Hu Rong , Kopchick John J , Swanson Steven M , Marker Paul C
Published: April 2022

Previous studies investigating the effects of blocking the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis in prostate cancer found no effects of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) antagonist, pegvisomant, on the growth of grafted human prostate cancer cells in vivo. However, human GHR is not activated by mouse GH, so direct actions of GH on prostate cancer cells were not evaluated in this context. The present study addresses the species specificity of GH-GHR activity by investigating GH actions in prostate cancer cell lines derived from a mouse Pten-deletion model. In vitro cell growth was stimulated by GH and reduced by pegvisomant. These in vitro GH effects were mediated at least in part by the activation of JAK2 and STAT5. When Pten-mutant cells were grown as xenografts in mice, pegvisomant treatment dramatically reduced xenograft size, and this was accompanied by decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. RNA sequencing of xenografts identified 1765 genes upregulated and 953 genes downregulated in response to pegvisomant, including many genes previously implicated as cancer drivers. Further evaluation of a selected subset of these genes via quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction determined that some genes exhibited similar regulation by pegvisomant in prostate cancer cells whether treatment was in vivo or in vitro, indicating direct regulation by GH via GHR activation in prostate cancer cells, whereas other genes responded to pegvisomant only in vivo, suggesting indirect regulation by pegvisomant effects on the host endocrine environment. Similar results were observed for a prostate cancer cell line derived from the mouse transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model.
Machine Learning to Predict Successful Opioid Dose Reduction or Stabilization After Spinal Cord Stimulation
Authors: Adil Syed M. , Charalambous Lefko T. , Rajkumar Shashank , Seas Andreas , Warman Pranav I. , Murphy Kelly R. , Rahimpour Shervin , Parente Beth , Dharmapurikar Rajeev , Dunn Timothy W. , Lad Shivanand P.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) effectively reduces opioid usage in some patients, but preoperatively, there is no objective measure to predict who will most benefit.

OBJECTIVE:

To predict successful reduction or stabilization of opioid usage after SCS using machine learning models we developed and to assess if deep learning provides a significant benefit over logistic regression (LR).

METHODS:

We used the IBM MarketScan national databases to identify patients undergoing SCS from 2010 to 2015. Our models predict surgical success as defined by opioid dose stability or reduction 1 year after SCS. We incorporated 30 predictors, primarily regarding medication patterns and comorbidities. Two machine learning algorithms were applied: LR with recursive feature elimination and deep neural networks (DNNs). To compare model performances, we used nested 5-fold cross-validation to calculate area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS:

The final cohort included 7022 patients, of whom 66.9% had successful surgery. Our 5-variable LR performed comparably with the full 30-variable version (AUROC difference <0.01). The DNN and 5-variable LR models demonstrated similar AUROCs of 0.740 (95% CI, 0.727-0.753) and 0.737 (95% CI, 0.728-0.746) (P = .25), respectively. The simplified model can be accessed at SurgicalML.com.

CONCLUSION:

We present the first machine learning–based models for predicting reduction or stabilization of opioid usage after SCS. The DNN and 5-variable LR models demonstrated comparable performances, with the latter revealing significant associations with patients' pre-SCS pharmacologic patterns. This simplified, interpretable LR model may augment patient and surgeon decision making regarding SCS.
Comparative Clinical and Radiographic Cohort Study: Uniportal Thoracic Endoscopic Laminotomy With Bilateral Decompression by Using the 1-Block Resection Technique and Thoracic Open Laminotomy With Bilateral Decompression for Thoracic Ossified Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: Kim Hyeun Sung , Wu Pang Hung , Kim Ji-Yeon , Lee Yeon Jin , Kim Dae Hwan , Lee Jun Hyung , Jeon Jun Bok , Jang Il-Tae
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Symptomatic thoracic myelopathy secondary to thoracic ossified ligamentum flavum (OLF) often requires decompression spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare clinical and radiological outcomes in uniportal endoscopic vs open thoracic decompression for thoracic OLF.

METHODS:

Retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent uniportal thoracic endoscopic unilateral laminotomy with bilateral decompression (TE-ULBD) by using the one-block resection technique compared with thoracic open laminotomy (TOL) with bilateral decompression. Radiological outcomes in MRI scan and clinical charts were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five levels of TE-ULBD were compared with 24 levels of TOL. The overall complication rate of TOL was 15% while TE-ULBD was 6.5%. Both TOL and TE-ULBD cohort had significantly improved their visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) myelopathy score after operation. Comparative analysis of TE-ULBD performed statistically and significantly better than TOL in improvement of final VAS and JOA scores. The mean difference ± standard deviation of VAS and JOA improvement in final follow-up when compared with preoperative state of TE-ULBD and TOL was 0.717 ± 0.131 and 1.03 ± 0.2, respectively, P < .05. The mean Hirabayashi recovery rates were 94.5% (TE-ULBD) and 56.8% (TOL). There was no statistical difference in change in preoperative and final Oswestry Disability Index and MRI volume at upper endplate, middisk, and lower endplate canal cross-sectional area.

CONCLUSION:

Uniportal TE-ULBD achieved significantly improved pain and neurological recovery with sufficient spinal canal decompression, as compared with thoracic open laminectomy for patients with myelopathy secondary to OLF in our cohort.
Single-Center Experience Using a 3D4K Digital Operating Scope System for Aneurysm Surgery
Authors: Pantel Tobias , Drexler Richard , Göttsche Jennifer , Piffko Andras , Westphal Manfred , Regelsberger Jan , Dührsen Lasse
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

In recent years, 3D4K exoscope systems (EXs) have been introduced to microneurosurgery and reported to be an alternative to conventional operating microscopes (OMs). This study reviews our single-center experience using an 3D4K EX in intracranial aneurysm surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the applicability of a novel 3D4K EX for intracranial aneurysm surgery.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent microsurgical repair of incidentally or ruptured cerebral aneurysms between August 2018 and August 2020 was performed. Patient and aneurysm characteristics and technical features, including 3-dimensional indocyanine green fluorescence, were evaluated. Data on surgery duration were statically assessed for a time trend and comparability with the OM cohort.

RESULTS:

Overall, we collected 185 aneurysm cases in which the exoscope was used in 44 cases. The mean duration of surgery using the EX was in similar range to those using the OM (165.5 ± 45.8 minutes vs 160.5 ± 39.2 minutes, P > .05). Routine postoperative computed tomography angiography showed comparable rates of complete aneurysm occlusion (95.5% vs 92.2%, P > .05) and postoperative complications (9.1% vs 9.7%, P > .05). There was no necessity to revert to the OM from the EX. Three-dimensional indocyanine green fluorescence was used in all procedures without any malfunction.

CONCLUSION:

The 3D4K EX for vascular microsurgical cases proved to be as useful as the OM. Because of the ease of use and comparable surgical results, the EX has the potential to become an accepted and additional visualization tool in vascular microsurgery next to the OM.
Three-Dimensional Assessment of Vertebral Derotation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Review of a Surgical Technique and Its Success in Achieving Derotation in the Instrumented and Uninstrumented Spine
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L. , Segar Anand H. , Cerpa Meghan , Chanbour Hani , Sardar Zeeshan M. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging represents a novel way to assess surgical derotation maneuvers in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the following in patients with AIS undergoing derotation surgery with Lenke type 1/2 curves using 3D imaging: (1) the primary outcome of thoracic apical vertebral rotation (T-AVR) and (2) secondary outcomes of thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar AVR (L-AVR), and rotation of each thoracic/lumbar vertebrae.

METHODS:

A retrospective, pilot study of type 1/2 AIS patients from 2017 to 2018 was performed. All patients received posterior pedicle screw/rod constructs with consistent direct vertebral derotational maneuvers and received full length SterEOS imaging with 3D reconstruction. The primary outcome of interest was T-AVR. Secondary outcomes included TK, L-AVR, and rotation at each thoracic/lumbar vertebrae.

RESULTS:

Fifteen patients (mean age 15.7 ± 1.2 years, 67.0% female) were studied. The mean preoperative/postoperative Cobb angle of the major curve was 51.8° ± 14.9° (range 39.8-62.0) and 11.0° ± 5.1° (range 3.7-20.7). Mean level fused was 10.5 ± 1.2. The primary outcome of T-AVR showed significant improvement (13.8° ± 12.5° vs 9.2° ± 8.6°, P = .015) after surgery, along with secondary outcome of TK (T1-12/T4-12, P = .008/.027). Significant spontaneous rotational improvement was seen in L-AVR (P = .016). Significant improvement was also seen in 11 of 17 (64.7%) individual vertebrae (T3-8/T11-L3) (P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

In Lenke Type 1/2 AIS patients undergoing surgical derotation and fusion, 3D imaging techniques captured improvements in rotation. Significant postoperative improvement was seen in T-AVR, TK, L-AVR, and rotation of the individual vertebrae T3-8/T11-L3. These pilot results warrant the study of 3D imaging in all patients with AIS and other scoliosis populations.
Frontofacial Monobloc Advancement With Internal Distraction: Surgical Technique and Osteotomy Guide
Authors: Ferreira Junior Tancredo Alcântara , Fontoura Renato Rinco , Marques do Nascimento Leyzeane , Alcântara Mariana Torres , Capuchinho-Júnior Geraldo Andrade , Alonso Nivaldo , Matushita Hamilton , Costa Bruno Silva , Faraj de Lima Franklin Bernardes
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Craniosynostosis are cranial deformities resulting from the early closure of 1 or more sutures. Concomitant facial changes are complex and usually result from the involvement of multiple sutures, which may lead to restriction of cranial growth and brain expansion, ocular compression, and breathing difficulties. Surgical techniques to correct syndromic craniosynostosis have improved over time, considerably reducing the rate of complications of this procedure.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe in detail (step-by-step) and with pertinent anatomic considerations the technique of monobloc frontofacial advancement using internal distractors.

METHODS:

We describe the monobloc frontofacial advancement technique with the use of internal distractors, which we use in patients with primary syndromic craniosynostosis (Apert, Crouzon, and Pfeiffer) who have major facial hypoplasia and secondary respiratory repercussions. To illustrate this technique, the procedure was performed in 2 cranial models: an adult artificial acrylic skull of normal morphology for better evidence of anatomic repairs and a 3-dimensional printed infant skull from a tomography file obtained from a child diagnosed with Apert syndrome.

RESULTS:

The benefits of osteogenic distraction and better surgical timing for each procedure are presented. We presented the changes and details of osteotomies performed during the procedure, as well as anatomic details and care regarding the pterygomaxillary dysjunction.

CONCLUSION:

Monobloc frontofacial distraction is a procedure with widely demonstrated aesthetic and functional results, and this detailed step-by-step description may improve familiarity with the anatomic landmarks of the procedure and provide a better dynamic understanding of the distraction process.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders prevalence and awareness of appropriate clinical practices, among Al-Madinah community in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alolayan Albraa , Alsayed Shayma S. , Salamah Ruwaa M. , Ali Khadija M. , Alsousi Mashael , Elsayed Shadia
Published: April 2022

Background:  Painful temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are of musculoskeletal origin and are considered the most common cause of non-odontogenic pain in the orofacial region.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and awareness of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in Almadinah Almunawwarah community.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was conducted. A modified version of Fonseca's questionnaire was employed. The questionnaire asked about the participant's personal information, if they thought they had TMDs, and who to visit for therapy if necessary. These were followed by 10 items from Fonseca's questionnaire, each with a three-point scale.

Results: The questionnaire was completed by 598 people. Females made up 57.1% of the participants. TMDs were present in 61% of the population, with varying degrees of severity. Males (44.3%) were less affected than females (55.7%). The difference, however, was not statistically significant (P = 0.354). Out of the 61% TMDs Positive patients, 74.1% had mild TMDs symptoms, while 20.8% and 5.1%, respectively, had moderate and severe TMDs symptoms (P = 0.05). The severity of the symptoms was unaffected by demographic data (P > 0.05). Only 40% seek care, with 64.6% selecting for a dentist and 24.6% preferring for an orthopaedic specialist (P= 0.008).

Conclusions: Participants from Al-Madinah had a greater prevalence of mild TMDs. The majority of the participants had no idea who to go to for treatment. The findings of this study highlight the importance of educational activities to enhance public awareness. Fonseca's Anamnestic Index could also be considered as a useful instrument for early identification and measuring the severity of TMDs in the general population.
Pandemic Pedagogy: Perception of Nursing students’: A cross-sectional study
Authors: D'Souza Prima Jenevive Jyothi , Assariparambil Anil Raj , Muthamilselvi G , Joseph Veena M , George Linu Sara
Published: April 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic impacted across the globe disrupting all sectors including the higher education universities. Nursing institutions faced various challenges due to the pandemic restrictions, of which the abrupt shift of implementing the curriculum to online mode posed a major challenge to both the teachers and the students. To assess nursing students' perception of pandemic pedagogy and the challenges faced in online teaching-learning, this cross-sectional survey was conducted among 982 undergraduate nursing students from three Deemed to be University nursing institutions of Southern India. Institutional Ethics Committee approval (IEC 444/2020), permission from the heads of the institutions and study participant’s consent was obtained. Data was collected using an online survey questionnaire which had three domains, including student-related (19 items), teacher-related(5 items), and physical learning environment-related factors (11 items).  The reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha (0.86). Explored the favouring, hindering factors and challenges faced during the emergency remote teaching with open-ended items. The overall mean score of perceptions on pandemic pedagogy was 89.03±10.03. Sixty-three percent of students had a total perception score above 87 which indicates that they preferred online learning during the pandemic whereas 45% preferred classroom learning. There was a significant difference in the total perception scores and the years of study( F (3, 978) = 4.96, p = 0.002). The factors favouring online learning were, an opportunity to view the recorded classes even after the live classes’ (n=165), and ‘more time to spend for learning activities’ (n=152). Factors that hindered the learning or the challenges faced were poor network connectivity (n=451), and lack of opportunity for group study  (n=326). Students favoured online learning during the pandemic; however, there were several challenges. The educational institutions need to prepare themselves to overcome this and focus on a blended learning curriculum.
Paradox Mindset in Management: Theory and Measurement
Authors: Praszkier Ryszard , Munnik Paige , Zabłocka Agata
Published: April 2022

Purpose: This article presents an overview of the constructive functions of embracing (instead of rejecting) contradictions (otherwise known as a paradox mindset or Janusian thinking). It also demonstrates the positive impact of tension resulting from the cognitive consideration of simultaneous contradictions (as opposed to the traditional conviction that such cognitive dissonance isexperienced as uncomfortable and reduced). Additionally, this article highlights the positive impact of a paradox mindset on augmenting teams’ and institutions’ creativity and performance. It also documents a method of evaluating the propensity for embracing contradictions (i.e., a paradox mindset).Design/methodology/approach: This article documents the construction and validation of an assessment tool, i.e., the Influence of Contradictions Questionnaire (ICQ), for evaluating the level of propensity for a paradox mindset.Findings: In the validation process (n = 120 Anglophonic sample), the ICQ proved to have positive psychometric parameters (discrimination power and reliability).Social implications: The ICQ can be used for scientific purposes, e.g., for comparison between segments of society or for finding possible correlations with other personality traits (e.g., empathy). It could also serve as an evaluation tool for teams’ and individuals’ levels of propensity for conceptual blending—especially when measuring the results of training in this area.Originality/value: This is a novel approach, both in the theoretical review of various manifestations of embracing contradictions, as well as in designing a comprehensive evaluation method.Keywords: contradictions, Janusian thinking, conceptual blending, creativity, embracing contradictions, divergent thinkingPaper type: Research paper
The Worst-First Heuristic: How Decision Makers Manage Conjunctive Risk
Authors: Lewis Joshua , Feiler Daniel , Adner Ron
Published: April 2022

Many important managerial outcomes hinge on the co-occurrence of multiple uncertain events, a situation termed conjunctive risk. Whereas past literature has addressed the psychology of choosing to enter situations with conjunctive risk, this article elucidates a novel way in which the psychology of managing conjunctive risk is importantly distinct. We examine a case in which there are two independent events, one is currently less likely than the other, both are required for overall success, and the decision maker must evaluate opportunities to increase the chance of the less-likely or more-likely requirement. We introduce the hypothesis of a worst-first heuristic. Decision makers intuitively evaluate improvements in conjunctive risk according to their impact on the biggest barrier to success, the least likely of the required events. We find evidence for such a worst-first heuristic across nine experiments (n = 3,653, including samples from the United States and United Kingdom in Studies 1–5 and Studies S1–S3 in the online supplement, as well as a sample of managers in Study 6). Participants invest more to improve chances of less-likely requirements than more-likely requirements, even when the latter improvements have at least as much impact on the aggregate chance of success. Moreover, we find that decision makers exhibit this behavior particularly when managing conjunctive risk, as doing so makes them attend to which threat is the worst. Conversely, they do not appear to exhibit the behavior when making formally equivalent decisions about choosing between conjunctive risks. This bias toward underinvesting in stronger-links holds important implications for decision making in contexts subject to conjunctive risk—both managerial and societal.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: Data and the e-companion are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4411 .
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Family Needs Studies: Relationships with Parent, Family and Child Functioning
Authors: Dunst Carl J.
Published: April 2022

Findings from a research synthesis of the relationships between family needs and parent, family, and child functioning are reported. The synthesis included 31 studies conducted in 12 different countries. The studies were conducted between 1987 and 2021 and included 4,543 participants. Eight different family needs scales or adaptations of the scales were completed by the study participants (mothers, fathers, or grandmothers of children with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or medical conditions). The outcome measures included caregiver psychological health, parenting stress, parenting burden, parenting beliefs, family coping strategies, family functioning, family support, and child functioning. The correlations between family needs and the outcome measures were used as the sizes of effects for evaluating the strength of the relationships between measures. Results showed that unmet family needs were associated with more negative and less positive family and family member functioning and fewer unmet family needs were associated with more positive and less negative family and family member functioning. The sizes of effect for parenting stress and burden were larger than were the sizes of effects for each of the other outcome measures. Child condition and study quality moderated the relationship between family needs and parenting stress and burden but not the other outcome measures. The results are discussed in terms of one component of family systems intervention models.
Design and optical performance research of a fully customizable collimating lens based on total internal reflection
Authors: Xing J. C. , Li H. , Zhang Z. Q. , Chen Z. T.
Published: April 2022

An optical design method of a fully customizable collimating lens is proposed. The initial model of the complete lens is constructed by two parts. One part is calculated by the total internal reflection algorithm; the other part is constructed by trial-and-error method. The lens is further optimized by normal vector correction and high- and low-angle compensation. The optical performance of the fully customizable collimating lens is studied. It is proven to have good collimation performance with a divergence angle of 1.8° at 50% of the maximum luminous intensity; the uniformity is as high as 98.4%.
Simulation and misalignment analysis of the gain ratio of a polarization Mie Raman lidar: publisher’s note
Authors: Chen He , Sun Yuting , Wang Lifu , Chen Siying , Guo Pan , Tan Wangshu , Deng Yanbao , Lin Ruiqi , Zhang Yinchao , Jiang Yurong , Bu Zhichao
Published: April 2022

This publisher’s note serves to correct an error in Appl. Opt.
61, 2881 (2022)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.453852.
Arrival time fluctuation of the SwissFEL photocathode laser: characterization by a single color balanced cross correlator
Authors: Dax Andreas , Sydlo Cezary , Divall Edwin , Hauri Christoph P. , Huppert Martin , Schaedler Michael , Vicario Carlo , Cavalieri Adrian L. , Resan Bojan , Trisorio Alexandre
Published: April 2022

The arrival time jitter and drift of the photocathode drive laser has an important impact on the performance of a Free-Electron-Laser (FEL). It adversely affects the beam energy jitter, bunch length jitter and bunch arrival time jitter, which becomes especially important for pump-probe experiments with femtosecond time resolution. To measure both parameters background free and stabilize the drift of the Yb:CaF2 based laser we use a well designed balanced optical cross correlator. In this paper we present our results using this device and focus particularly on the performance of the amplifier. We achieve a laser drift of less than 200 fs during 60 h, a 4.5 fs rms jitter of the amplifier relative to its seeding oscillator and 11 fs rms for the whole laser relative to a reference clock integrated from 2 mHz to 100 Hz.
Narrow linewidth semiconductor laser with a multi-period-delayed feedback photonic circuit
Authors: Zhang Chenwei , Xu Changda , Jin Ya , Li Ming , Li Wei , Liu Yu , Yuan Haiqing , Bai Jinhua , An Junming , Zhu Ninghua
Published: April 2022

A multi-period-delayed feedback (MPDF) photonic circuit constructed by a Sagnac ring and two coupled rings was designed. By coupling a distributed feedback (DFB) laser diode (LD) with the MPDF, a narrow linewidth semiconductor laser was demonstrated. The linewidth of the DFB-LD with MPDF was narrowed to be around 2 kHz, which is reduced by three orders of magnitude, and the linewidth reduction capability could be maintained when the wavelength of the DFB-LD was tuned in a range wider than 3 nm. The laser frequency stability can also be improved using the proposed technique, and the frequency fluctuation was reduced for nearly 8 times in comparison with the DFB-LD.
Mid-infrared spectral reconstruction with dielectric metasurfaces and dictionary learning
Authors: Russell Benjamin J. , Cadusch Jasper J. , Meng Jiajun , Wen Dandan , Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: April 2022

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy has numerous industrial applications and is usually performed with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. While these work well for many purposes, there is currently much interest in alternative approaches that are smaller and lighter, i.e., MIR microspectrometers. Here we investigate all-dielectric metasurfaces as spectral filters for MIR microspectrometers. Two metasurface types are studied. For the first, we design, fabricate, and test a metasurface with a narrow and angularly tunable transmission stop band. We use it to reconstruct the transmission spectra of various materials. The second metasurface, investigated theoretically, possesses narrow passband features via symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum.
Influence of particle size on the magneto-refractive effect in PbS quantum dots-doped liquid core fiber
Authors: Dong Yanhua , Sun Wanting , Huang Caihong , Huang Sujuan , Yan Cheng , Wen Jianxiang , Zhang Xiaobei , Huang Yi , Shang Yana , Wang Tingyun
Published: April 2022

In this study, magneto-refractive effects of PbS quantum dots (QDs)-doped liquid core fiber with different particle sizes were investigated. Based on the density function theory, the defect structures of PbS nanoclusters were constructed and the spin magnetic moments of sulfur (S) and plumbum (Pb) were analyzed. It indicates that the magnetic moments are mainly induced by the spin interaction between Pb 6s, 6p, and S 3p states, and the spin magnetism shows a weakening trend as the particle size increases. Based on the analysis, we experimentally studied the magneto-refractive effect with different sizes PbS QDs in liquid core fibers through a magneto-refractive index measuring system. The experimental results show that the magneto-refractive effect is strong as the size of PbS QDs decreases when the concentration is 8 mg/mL, exhibiting a maximum magneto-refractive sensitivity of -1.668×10−3 RIU/mT under the magnetic field of 0-7.89 mT, which can be used for magnetic field sensing applications.
Community disaster exposure and first onset of depression: A panel analysis of nationally representative South African data, 2008–2017
Authors: Tomita Andrew , Ncama Busisiwe P. , Moodley Yoshan , Davids Rashieda , Burns Jonathan K. , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Modi Albert T. , Slotow Rob
Published: April 2022

Sub-Saharan Africa faces unprecedented disasters, with climate change expected to exacerbate the frequency and severity of unpredictable and stressful catastrophic events. Unlike developed nations, reconstruction in developing nations is hindered by resource constraints, with certain communities potentially experiencing multiple and enduring effects of disasters. Despite the potential danger of such cumulative community disaster exposure on mental health (e.g. depression), large-scale population-level evidence for the region is limited. We investigated the association between exposure to cumulative disaster and the first onset of depression in a nationally representative survey in South Africa. We used panel data from the South African National Income Dynamics Study (SA-NIDS) from 2008–2017, consisting of 17,255 adult study participants who were depression free at baseline. Risk of first depression onset between individuals exposed and unexposed to community disaster was measured, accounting for multiple disaster exposure over time by fitting generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression models. Data on the geographic location of disasters were obtained from the South African government gazette, and mapped with the government delineated SA-NIDS households’ locations. Of the sampled individuals, 2,986 were exposed to disaster during the study duration (17.3%). Increased cumulative community disaster was significantly associated with the likelihood of depression onset (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.20, p<0.01, 95% CI: 1.09–1.33), even after controlling for socio-demographic factors. In sub-group analyses, greater likelihood of depression onset was found among females [but not in men] (aRR = 1.23, p<0.01, 95% CI: 1.09–1.38), Black African [but not in other population group] (aRR = 1.21, p<0.01, 95% CI: 1.09–1.36), lower education attainment group [but not in tertiary and above educational attainment group] (aRR = 1.20, p<0.01, 95% CI: 1.08–1.33), and lower income attainment group [but not in the top income quartile group] (aRR = 1.24, p<0.01, 95% CI: 1.11–1.38), due to cumulative community disaster. Although cumulative community disaster exposure was significantly associated with the first onset of depression, its negative impact may be more pronounced among individuals considered chronically socially vulnerable (i.e. the groups above) in South Africa. Given that many individuals in South Africa rely on social, food parcel relief, and health services from government/public sector, timely access to community-based supportive intervention is needed for disaster survivors, prioritizing socially vulnerable groups to help mitigate problems associated with mental health challenges.
Nationwide introduction of HPV vaccine in Zimbabwe 2018–2019: Experiences with multiple cohort vaccination delivery
Authors: Carlton Julie Garon , Marembo Joan , Manangazira Portia , Rupfutse Maxwell , Shearley Adelaide , Makwabarara Egnes , Hidle Anna , Loharikar Anagha
Published: April 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9–14 years for cervical cancer prevention and encourages vaccinating multiple cohorts in the first year to maximize impact. The HPV vaccine was introduced nationwide in Zimbabwe in 2018 through a 1-week school-based campaign to multiple cohorts (all girls 10–14 years old), followed by a single cohort (grade 5 girls in school and age 10 girls out-of-school) in 2019. During the 2019 campaign, the multiple cohort’s second dose was concurrently delivered with the single cohort’s first dose. We interviewed national-level key informants, reviewed written materials, and observed vaccination sessions to document HPV vaccine introduction in Zimbabwe and identify best practices and challenges. Key informants included focal persons from government health and education ministries, in-country immunization partners, and HPV Vaccine Strategic Advisory Group members. We conducted a desk review of policy/strategy documents, introduction plans, readiness reports, presentations, and implementation tools. Vaccination sessions were observed in three provinces during the 2019 campaign. Key informants (n = 8) identified high cervical cancer burden, political will, vaccine availability, donor financing, and a successful pilot program as factors driving the decision to introduce the HPV vaccine nationally. The school-based delivery strategy was well accepted, with strong collaboration between health and education sectors and high community demand for vaccine identified as key contributors to this success. Challenges with transitioning from a multiple age-based to single grade- and age-based target population as well as funding shortages for operational costs were reported. Zimbabwe’s first multiple cohort, school-based HPV vaccination campaign was considered successful—primarily due to strong collaboration between health and education sectors and political commitment; however, challenges vaccinating overlapping cohorts in the 2019 campaign were observed. Integration with existing health and vaccination activities and continued resource mobilization will ensure sustainability of Zimbabwe’s HPV vaccination program in the future.
Molecular and biological characterization of an Asian-American isolate of Chikungunya virus
Authors: Archila Edwin D. , López Lady S. , Castellanos Jaime E. , Calvo Eliana P.
Published: April 2022

Chikungunya virus is an arthropod-transmitted virus that causes chikungunya fever, a disease characterized by severe muscle and joint pain. In 2013, the virus was introduced to the Americas and caused approximately 2.7 million cases of infection during the subsequent two years. The lack of knowledge regarding the biological behavior of the viral strains circulating during the outbreak motivated the characterization of an isolate from the Colombian outbreak, starting from analysis of the complete genome to the biological behavior in vitro. The full genome was retrieved using next-generation sequencing. The infective and replicative capacities were evaluated in HEK293T, Huh-7, and MRC-5 cell lines. The infection rates were determined by flow cytometry, and the cytopathic effect was assessed by a resazurin fluorescent metabolic assay. The viral yield was quantified using the virus plaque formation assay, while the viral proteins and genomic RNA kinetics were subsequently evaluated by western-blot and RT-qPCR. The COL7624 isolate clustered with other American and Caribbean sequences in the Asian American lineage. The T669A substitution in E2 protein distinguished it from other Colombian sequences reported in 2014. After 48 h post infection (hpi), the three cell lines analyzed reached infection percentages exceeding 65%, generating a high load of infectious viral progeny. The infection kinetics indicated that the replication peak of this CHIKV isolate is around 24 hpi, although gRNA is detectable in the culture supernatant from 4 hpi onwards. The infection caused the overexpression of interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8. The COL7624 CHIKV isolate exhibited a high infective and replicative capacity as well as activation of cellular immune responses, similar to isolates belonging to the other genotypes.