bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapists facing masks: A qualitative study of the nature of relationships between masks and relational depth
Authors: Kidd Andrew
Published: February 2022

Background

Central to this research was exploring characteristics facilitating and disinhibiting meetings at relational depth to explore underlying driving factors of change. The overall aim was to explore relationships between masks and relational depth. Viewing masks as a characteristic sought to understand further the socio‐cultural impacts of masks on client/patient care and decision‐making to meet at depth. This research demonstrates immediate social and international context due to COVID‐19.

Methods

A phenomenological methodology was utilised. The primary research vehicle was an examination of primary data from semi‐structured interviews. Four therapists who had used masks within sessions (where both therapist and clients wore masks) provided data on meetings at relational depth.

Findings

Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed four themes: ‘epicentre of aetiology’, ‘loss’, ‘masked‐disinhibition’ and ‘disconnection paradox: depth through disconnection’. Findings suggest masks are a characteristic that can facilitate and inhibit meetings at depth—acknowledging common factors, including how therapists related to masks as an extended part of the client, and mutuality within disconnection to masks, not one another, was significant.

Conclusions

Findings suggest the exigent presence of masks could facilitate or inhibit meetings at depth, regulated by what masks represented to therapists/clients at moments of contact. Yet, when both therapist and client appeared mutually disconnected (to masks, not each other), they found moments of relational depth within the disconnection. Masks are suggested as a characteristic that can influence meetings at depth. Opportunities for depth seemed reliant on individual capabilities to offer depth, emphasising therapists' experiential awareness of their interoceptive process.
Selective removal of Cr (VI) from hydrometallurgical effluent using modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with succinic anhydride and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid: Isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Banza Musamba , Rutto Hilary
Published: February 2022

Biological sources are renewable basic resources that may be used for several purposes, including the development of green materials for the removal of heavy metal ions. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from waste papers via acid hydrolysis were modified and utilized as adsorbents to remove Cr (VI) ions from metallurgical effluent in this work. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and zeta potentiometer were used to characterize the CNCs. The CNCs treated with succinic anhydride and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt have thin particle sizes and are porous. The carboxylate functional group is primarily engaged in the coordination and selective removal of metal ions (–COO2−) and thermal degradation of 85%, observed at temperatures between 250–380°C. On the surface of the modified CNCs, the zeta potential data showed a decrease in negative value. The results revealed that the modified CNCs had a maximum adsorption capacity of 387.25 ± 0.88 mg L−1 at pH 5, at CNCs doses of 25 and 400 mg L−1 as starting concentrations. The adsorption equilibrium period was 300 min and the temperature was 313 K. The equilibrium results fit the Langmuir isotherm model with an R2 of 0.993 and a qmax of 340 ± 0.97. The Chi‐square (X2) and Marquardt's percent standard deviation tests confirmed that the adsorption process was pseudo‐second‐order with an R2 of 0.998, and the Elovich model revealed that Cr (VI) complexed with the adsorbent's functional groups. The reaction was endothermic due to positive ΔH and spontaneous due to negative ΔG. The positive ΔS indicates that the adsorption process enhances the unpredictability of the solid/liquid interface, according to thermodynamic analysis. After acid treatment, the CNCs may be effectively reused for six cycles with an adsorption capacity of 220 ± 0.78 mg g−1.
Dancing on Ropes ‐ Enantioselective Functionalization of Preformed Four‐Membered Carbocycles
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhou Qiang , Fang Huayi , Lu Ping
Published: February 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Cyclobutane derivatives have been recognized as useful structural motifs in organic synthesis and drug design. With the revival of photochemistry, the enantioselective synthesis of cyclobutane derivatives using [2 + 2]‐cycloadditions has garnered numerous attentions. On the other hand, enantioselective functionalization of preformed four‐membered carbocycles is emerging as an important complementary approach to access chiral cyclobutane derivatives with versatile structural patterns. Herein, we summarize recent advances in this field from 2012. To avoid undesired C—C bond cleavage driven by strain‐releasing, it is crucial to choose compatible methods for enantioselective functionalization and meanwhile preserving intact four‐membered ring skeleton. Guided by calculated hydrogenation enthalpies, which are used to evaluate the strain energy of indicated C—C bond, a clear picture of the developed methodologies on functionalization of four‐membered carbocycles combining the strain energy and enhanced reactivity is presented.
Secretory protein beta‐lactoglobulin in cattle stable dust may contribute to the allergy‐protective farm effect
Authors: Pali‐Schöll Isabella , Bianchini Rodolfo , Afify Sheriene Moussa , Hofstetter Gerlinde , Winkler Simona , Ahlers Stella , Altemeier Theresa , Mayerhofer Hanna , Hufnagl Karin , Korath Anna D. J. , Pranger Christina , Widhalm Raimund , Hann Stephan , Wittek Thomas , Kasper‐Giebl Anne , Pacios Luis F. , Roth‐Walter Franziska , Vercelli Donata , von Mutius Erika , Jensen‐Jarolim Erika
Published: February 2022

Background

Growing up on a cattle farm and consuming raw cow's milk protects against asthma and allergies. We expect a cattle‐specific protein as active component in this farm effect.

Methods

Dust was collected from cattle and poultry stables and from mattresses of households. Urine was obtained from cattle, and ambient aerosols were sampled. Samples were analysed for BLG by SDS PAGE/immunoblot and mass spectrometry, and for association with metals by SEC‐ICP‐MS. PBMC of healthy donors were incubated with BLG +/− zinc, and proliferation and cytokines determined. BALB/c mice were pre‐treated intranasally with stable dust extract containing BLG or depleted of BLG, and subsequent allergy response after sensitization was evaluated on antibody and symptom level.

Results

A major protein in dust from cattle farms and ambient air was identified as BLG. Urine from female and male cattle is a major source of BLG. In dust samples, BLG was associated with zinc. In vitro, zinc‐BLG provoked significantly lower proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells while inducing significantly higher levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐6 than the apo‐BLG devoid of zinc. In vivo, pre‐treatment of mice with dust extract containing BLG resulted in lower allergy symptom scores to BLG and unrelated Bet v 1 than pre‐treatment with extract depleted of BLG. These in vitro and in vivo effects were independent of endotoxin.

Conclusion

The lipocalin BLG is found in large amounts in cattle urine, accumulates in bovine dust samples and is aerosolized around farms. Its association with zinc favorably shapes the human cellular immune response towards Th1‐cytokines in vitro. BLG together with zinc in stable dust protects mice from allergic sensitization. BLG with its associated ligands may in an innate manner contribute to the allergy‐protective farm effect.
Birkhoff Normal Form and Long Time Existence for Periodic Gravity Water Waves
Authors: Berti Massimiliano , Feola Roberto , Pusateri Fabio
Published: February 2022

We consider the gravity water waves system with a periodic one‐dimensional interface in infinite depth and give a rigorous proof of a conjecture of Dyachenko‐Zakharov [16] concerning the approximate integrability of these equations. More precisely, we prove a rigorous reduction of the water waves equations to its integrable Birkhoff normal form up to order 4. As a consequence, we also obtain a long‐time stability result: periodic perturbations of a flat interface that are initially of size ε remain regular and small up to times of order . This time scale is expected to be optimal. © 2022 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Masseter muscle thickness and vertical cephalometric characteristics in children with Class II malocclusion
Authors: Tentolouri Eirini , Antonarakis Gregory S. , Georgiakaki Ioanna , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: February 2022

Background

Masseter muscle thickness and its relationship with vertical craniofacial morphology have been extensively studied in adults, but data on children are lacking.

Objective

To examine the association between masseter muscle thickness and vertical cephalometric parameters in a group of Class II malocclusion growing children.

Methods

The current study design was retrospective and cross‐sectional, looking at a sample of 211 growing children with Class II malocclusion between the ages of 6 and 15 derived from two centers. Ultrasonographic masseter muscle thickness measurements and vertical cephalometric variables, including the gonial angle, were evaluated before any orthodontic treatment had been carried out. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between masseter muscle thickness and vertical cephalometric measurements, including age and patient origin as independent variables in the analysis.

Results

In the present sample, masseter muscle thickness was found to be independent of sex, but correlated with age, with older children presenting thicker masseter muscles. In the total patient sample, using multiple regression analyses, children with thicker masseter muscles had significantly smaller intermaxillary and gonial angles. No other cephalometric vertical characteristics showed associations with masseter muscle thickness.

Conclusion

In growing children with Class II malocclusion, those with thicker masseter muscles are more likely to display smaller intermaxillary and gonial angles respectively.
High Performance 3D Self‐Supporting Cu−Bi Aerogels for Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Formate
Authors: Li Huaxin , Yue Xian , Che Jing , Xiao Zhou , Yu Xianbo , Sun Fenglei , Xue Chao , Xiang Junhui
Published: February 2022

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) to CO, formate, methane, and other high‐value compounds is a promising technique. However, current electrocatalysts suffer from drawbacks such as few active catalytic sites, poor selectivity and low stability, etc, which restrict the practical application. Although monatomic metal catalysts have been widely reported in recent years, high performance non‐noble metal aerogels were rarely investigated for electrocatalytic CO2RR. Herein, Cu−Bi aerogels with boosted CO2RR activity were well constructed by a simple one‐step self‐assembly method. The resultant Cu1Bi2 exhibits excellent CO2RR activity with high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96.57 % towards HCOOH at a potential of −0.9 V vs. RHE, and the FEHCOOH remains over 80.18 % in a wide potential window (−0.8 V to −1.2 V vs. RHE). It demonstrated that the enhanced CO2RR activity of Cu−Bi aerogels could be attributed to the 3D self‐supporting structure of the catalysis, synergistic effect, and low interfacial charge transfer resistance.
Feasibility analysis of machine learning applied to magnetized plasma diagnosis
Authors: Guan Qiuyu , Qu Zhenshen , Zeng Ming , Zhao Pengbo , Liu Junyu
Published: February 2022

In the paper, machine learning is demonstrated for the diagnostic enhancement of magnetized plasma probes. In the plasma experiment, the magnetic field greatly affects the properties of plasma and the performance of the probe, which limits the range of measurement parameters and reduces the accuracy of probe diagnostic results. Existing probe correction methods based on improved theory and mechanics cannot completely eliminate the influence of magnetic field and often introduce additional errors. In this paper, a novel machine learning method is proposed to improve magnetized plasma probe diagnostic based on existing methods and traditional probe correction theory. The pressure of the plasma, the total voltage of the circuit, and the magnetic induction intensity are used as input parameters, and the electron density obtained from the probe diagnostics are used as output parameters. The paper presents experiments to analyse the original probe results and the probe results revised by magnetic field probe theory through the machine learning algorithm and compare them with the results of theoretical simulations. The experimental results prove that the machine learning model based on revised data has better learning efficiency and prediction results, which can expand the application scope of traditional probe correction theory and predict results closer to the theoretical value.
Spectroscopic diagnostic of oscillating electric fields in edge plasmas
Authors: Hannachi Ibtissem , Stamm Roland J , Rosato Joel , Marandet Yannick
Published: February 2022

The changes of plasma radiative properties in the presence of oscillating electric fields can be used for a diagnostic of the electric fields in the edge plasma. We present the modelling of hydrogen line shapes emitted in edge plasmas where powerful radio frequency (RF) waves are launched. RF waves are used for plasma heating and current drive, and understanding the details of their coupling to the plasma is an important issue in tokamak physics. Our model relies on a computer simulation of the plasma microfield and retains the emitter quantum evolution by solving numerically the Schrödinger equation. We calculate Lyman and Balmer lines of hydrogen in conditions where a significant part of the central intensity is transferred to satellite components under the simultaneous effects of the oscillating field and stochastic plasma microfield.
Barcoding of live peripheral blood mononuclear cells to assess immune cell phenotypes using full spectrum flow cytometry
Authors: Junker Fabian , Camillo Teixeira Priscila
Published: February 2022

Barcoded flow cytometry is a multiplexing technique allowing for the simultaneous acquisition of cells from different donors or experimental conditions in a high‐throughput manner. This approach allows to synchronize acquisition of samples and reduce variance introduced through the operator or technical platform. However, to date, only very few flow cytometry barcoding protocols have been developed, which often suffer from technical limitations. Here, we developed a novel barcoding protocol for a full‐spectrum flow cytometry platform. We developed a 21‐color immunophenotyping assay for up to 20 different samples analyzed simultaneously with comparable variance between repeated single‐tube acquisition and postde‐multiplexing. Barcoding offers great potential in parallelizing the analysis of complex cell populations such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Consequently, we assessed the performance of our method in situations where PBMCs were challenged with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a strong mitogen and broad activator of B cells and T cells, and superantigenStaphylococcusenterotoxin B (SEB) that has been reported to induce polyclonal T cell activation. PBMCs were either barcoded before pooled challenge or challenged individually pre‐barcoding. Our final workflow included pooled immunophenotyping followed by machine learning aided single‐cell data analysis and enabled us to identify robust PHA and SEB mode of action related phenotypic changes in PBMC immune cell lineages. Conclusively, we present a novel technique allowing the barcoded acquisition and analysis of PBMCs from up to 20 different donors and present a valid basis for the future development of complex immunophenotyping protocols.
Unsupervised cluster analysis and subset characterization of abnormal erythropoiesis using the bioinformatic Flow‐Self Organizing Maps algorithm
Authors: Porwit Anna , Violidaki Despoina , Axler Olof , Lacombe Francis , Ehinger Mats , Béné Marie C.
Published: February 2022

Background

The Flow‐Self Organizing Maps (FlowSOM) artificial intelligence (AI) program, available within the Bioconductor open‐source R‐project, allows for an unsupervised visualization and interpretation of multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) data.

Methods

Applied to a reference merged file from 11 normal bone marrows (BM) analyzed with an MFC panel targeting erythropoiesis, FlowSOM allowed to identify six subpopulations of erythropoietic precursors (EPs). In order to find out how this program would help in the characterization of abnormalities in erythropoiesis, MFC data from list‐mode files of 16 patients (5 with non‐clonal anemia and 11 with myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS] at diagnosis) were analyzed.

Results

Unsupervised FlowSOM analysis identified 18 additional subsets of EPs not present in the merged normal BM samples. Most of them involved subtle unexpected and previously unreported modifications in CD36 and/or CD71 antigen expression and in side scatter characteristics. Three patterns were observed in MDS patient samples: i) EPs with decreased proliferation and abnormal proliferating precursors, ii) EPs with a normal proliferating fraction and maturation defects in late precursors, and iii) EPs with a reduced erythropoietic fraction but mostly normal patterns suggesting that erythropoiesis was less affected. Additionally, analysis of sequential samples from an MDS patient under treatment showed a decrease of abnormal subsets after azacytidine treatment and near normalization after allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation.

Conclusion

Unsupervised clustering analysis of MFC data discloses subtle alterations in erythropoiesis not detectable by cytology nor FCM supervised analysis. This novel AI analytical approach sheds some new light on the pathophysiology of these conditions.
An Efficient Intra‐Cluster Data Aggregation and finding the Best Sink location in WSN using EEC‐MA‐PSOGA approach
Authors: Sreedevi Pogula , Venkateswarlu S.
Published: February 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of nodes. Issues involved with the use of a sensor network are energy‐saving and the effective use of energy. Clustering in WSNs is a proven technique for energy optimization. The relationship between sensor nodes and cluster heads (CHs) has only been considered prior to cluster‐based routing protocols. However, most clustering algorithms have failed to address the routing overhead and the energy consumption rate between CH nodes and SINK. In this paper, a new framework named as EEC‐MA‐PSOGA ‐ an energy‐efficient (EE) intra‐cluster mobile agent (INC‐MA)‐based particle swarm optimization–genetic algorithm (PSO‐GA), has been presented to initiate the distance communication and place the SINK optimally in WSNs. The cluster members send the collected data towards their respective CHs for aggregation. To find the sink's best position, the PSO‐GA‐based location estimation algorithm is initiated based on the network structure. The limited capability of WSNs makes them more vulnerable to attackers. The prevention mechanism must be less complex to ensure the fair operations in the network. Here, the attack detection ability of the proposed solution has been tested against clone attack. With varied communication range, simulation time, and sensor nodes, the tests are conducted extensively on various scenarios of WSNs. When compared with the prior mechanisms, the framework provides better results and better prevention with less overhead by analyzing the experimental results such as energy consumption, network lifetime, and throughput.
Fear of fatness and desire for thinness as distinct experiences: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Rodgers Rachel F. , Fischer Laura E. , Laveway Katherine , Laws Kristen , Bui Eric
Published: February 2022

Objective

The pursuit of thinness and fear of gaining weight have been found to play an important role in eating disorder symptomatology. While these dimensions have typically been considered conjointly, emerging evidence suggests they may be distinct dimensions. The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experiences of fear of fatness and drive for thinness in young women with body image concerns.

Method

Young women endorsing weight concerns (N = 29, mean age = 20.86, SD = 2.70 years) were interviewed and asked to describe an experience of fear of fat and drive for thinness, respectively.

Results

Qualitative analysis was conducted and identified four themes: (1) precipitating events; (2) physiological, emotional, cognitive, and proprioceptive experiences; (3) coping strategies; and (4) sociocultural influences. While similarities emerged, the experiences of fear of fatness, and of drive for thinness also evidenced clear differences situating the former in the context of fear‐based avoidance patterns, and the latter in approach‐based reward models.

Discussion

These findings provide additional support for the usefulness of considering fear of fat and drive for thinness as distinct constructs. Further research examining the contributions of each of these constructs to eating pathology is warranted.
Pressure‐based estimation of right ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Heerdt Paul M. , Singh Inderjit , Elassal Ahmed , Kheyfets Vitaly , Richter Manuel J. , Tello Khodr
Published: February 2022

Aims

A method for estimating right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) from RV pressure waveforms was recently validated in an experimental model. Currently, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the clinical reference standard for measurement of RVEF in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the pressure‐based method can detect clinically significant reductions in RVEF as determined by cardiac MRI in patients with PAH.

Methods and results

RVEF estimates derived from analysis of RV pressure waveforms recorded during right heart catheterization (RHC) in 25 patients were compared with cardiac MRI measurements of RVEF obtained within 24 h. Three investigators blinded to cardiac MRI results independently performed pressure‐based RVEF estimation with the mean of their results used for comparison. Linear regression was used to assess correlation, and a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was derived to define ability of the pressure‐based method to detect a maladaptive RV response, defined as RVEF <35% on cardiac MRI. In 23 patients, an automated adaptation of the pressure‐based RVEF method was also applied as proof of concept for beat‐to‐beat RVEF monitoring. The study cohort was comprised of 16 female and 9 male PAH patients with an average age of 53 ± 13 years. RVEF measured by cardiac MRI ranged from 16% to 57% (mean 37.7 ± 11.6%), and estimated RVEF from 15% to 54% (mean 36.2 ± 11.2%; P = 0.6). Measured and estimated RVEF were significantly correlated (r2 = 0.78; P < 0.0001). ROC curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.94 ± 0.04 with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 85% for predicting a maladaptive RV response. As a secondary outcome, with the recognized limitation of non‐coincident measures, Bland–Altman analysis was performed and indicated minimal bias for estimated RVEF (−1.5%) with limits of agreement of ± 10.9%. Adaptation of the pressure‐based estimation method to provide beat‐to‐beat RVEF also demonstrated significant correlation between the median beat‐to‐beat value over 10 s with cardiac MRI (r2 = 0.66; P < 0.001), and an area under the ROC curve of 0.94 ± 0.04 (CI = 0.86 to 1.00) with sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 86%, respectively, for predicting a maladaptive RV response.

Conclusions

Pressure‐based estimation of RVEF correlates with cardiac MRI and detects clinically significant reductions in RVEF. Study results support potential utility of pressure‐based RVEF estimation for assessing the response to diagnostic or therapeutic interventions during RHC.
‘My dad was like “it's your brain, what are you doing?”’: Participant experiences of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in severe enduring anorexia nervosa
Authors: Dalton Bethan , Austin Amelia , Ching Brian C. F. , Potterton Rachel , McClelland Jessica , Bartholdy Savani , Kekic Maria , Campbell Iain C. , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: February 2022

Objective

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising emerging treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN). However, to date, patients' views and experiences of this treatment have not been fully explored. To assess these, we integrated a qualitative study into a feasibility randomised controlled trial of rTMS in individuals with severe enduring AN.

Method

Twenty‐nine (of 34) trial participants contributed to this study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted 3‐months following the completion of rTMS treatment (4‐months post‐randomisation), prior to unblinding. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis.

Results

rTMS was deemed an acceptable but time‐consuming treatment. Many emphasised how their lives had changed to some extent during, but mainly after treatment by making them more positive, open‐minded, flexible and willing to try new things in relation to their AN and other aspects of their lives.

Conclusions

These qualitative data will be valuable in shaping participant information, recruitment and planning of future large‐scale trials of rTMS in AN.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN14329415, registered 23rd July 2015, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14329415
A positive preserving gas‐kinetic scheme for relativistic Vlasov‐Bhatnagar‐Gross‐Krook‐Maxwell model
Authors: Wang Yi , Ni Guoxi , Zhang Jiexing
Published: February 2022

A positive preserving scheme is proposed for Vlasov‐Bhatnagar‐Gross‐Krook (BGK)‐Maxwell model to simulate the laser‐plasma‐interaction with relativistic effect. The Strang‐splitting method is adopted and the Vlasov‐BGK equation is divided into two parts, the kinetic part and acceleration part. Asymptotic gas‐kinetic scheme is designed for the kinetic part and the solver for direction is analytically accurate along the characteristic. Maxwell equations are solved by characteristic line method. The scheme is proved positive preserving. Stimulated Raman Scattering and Relativistic Modulational Instability are used to verify the validity of scheme.
HIV, risk, and time preferences: Evidence from a general population sample in Lesotho
Authors: Björkman Nyqvist Martina , Corno Lucia , de Walque Damien , Svensson Jakob
Published: February 2022

Identifying individuals most at risk of HIV infection is a priority for policymakers. Apart from specific groups, however, little is known about how to identify those at high risk in the population. Research suggests that attitudes toward risk and time preferences may influence risky sexual behavior, but no studies have so far investigated the interplay between risk attitudes, time preference, and HIV infection. We collect data on risk and time preferences using hypothetical games (multiple price list method) at baseline and data on HIV status at baseline (2010) and endline (2012) allowing us to calculate incidence rate over a 2‐year period among 675 participants, males and females 18–32 years old in Lesotho. We find robust evidence of a statistically significant positive associations between HIV incidence and prevalence and risk‐loving attitudes, while the associations with risky behaviors and time preferences are not statistically significant. A measure of attitude toward risk, relatively easy to administer to individuals in a survey, is thus associated with future HIV status. This is an important finding for policymakers and suggests the importance of targeting HIV prevention programs to risk‐loving individuals and therefore improving program efficiency.
Management of postradiation late hemorrhage following treatment for HPV‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Stevens Madelyn N. , Gallant Jean‐Nicolas , Feldman Michael J. , Sermarini Anthony J. , Cmelak Anthony , Murphy Barbara , Langerman Alexander , Kim Young , Rohde Sarah L. , Mannion Kyle , Sinard Robert J. , Netterville James L. , Chitale Rohan , Topf Michael C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Acute oropharyngeal hemorrhage is a serious complication for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), particularly in patients with a history of radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

Retrospective case series from at a tertiary care center for treated patients with HPV‐positive OPSCC presenting with oropharyngeal hemorrhage.

Results

Median time from completion of chemoradiation to first hemorrhagic event was 186 days (range 66–1466 days). Seven patients (58%) required intervention to secure their airway. All patients were evaluated for endovascular intervention, six (50%) were embolized. Eight patients (67%) had a second hemorrhagic event; median time to second bleed was 22 days (range 3–90 days).

Conclusions

Acute oropharyngeal hemorrhage is a sequelae following treatment for HPV‐positive OPSCC. The majority of bleeds occurred within a year of completion of treatment. While more research is needed to determine optimal treatment paradigms, endovascular intervention should be considered, even if noninvasive imaging does not demonstrate active bleeding.
Multiscaled causality of infections on viral testing volumes: The case of COVID‐19 in Tunisia
Authors: Saâdaoui Foued , Rabbouch Hana , Saadaoui Hayet , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is one of the most detrimental pandemics that affected the humanity throughout the ages. The irregular historical progression of the virus over the first year of the pandemic was accompanied with far‐reaching health and social damages. To prepare logistically against this worsening disaster, many public authorities around the world had set up screening and forecasting studies. This article aims to analyse the time‐frequency co‐evolution of the number of confirmed cases (NCC) in Tunisia and the related number of performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests over the COVID‐19 first year. Accurately predicting such a relationship allows Tunisian authorities to set up an effective health prevention plan.

Study Design

In order to keep pace with the speed of evolution of the virus, we used uninterrupted daily time series from the Tunisian Ministry of Public Health (TMPH) recorded over the COVID‐19 first year. The objective is to: (1) analyse the time‐frequency progress of the NCC in relationship with the number of PCR tests, (2) identify a multi‐scale two‐factor stochastic model in order to develop a robust bivariate forecasting technique.

Methods

We assume a bivariate stochastic process which is projected onto a set of wavelet sub‐spaces to investigate the scale‐by‐scale co‐evolvement the NCC/PCR over the COVID‐19 first year. A wavelet‐based multiresolutional causality test is then performed.

Results

The main results recommend the rejection of the null hypothesis of no instantaneous causality in both directions, while the statistics of the Granger test suggest failing to reject the null hypothesis of non‐causality. However, by proceeding scale‐by‐scale, the Granger causality is proven significant in both directions over varying frequency bands.

Conclusions

It is important to include the NCC and PCR variables in any time series model intended to predict one of these variables. Such a bivariate and multi‐scale model is supposed to better predict the needs of the public health sector in screening tests. On this basis, testing campaigns with multiple periodicities can be planned by the Tunisian authorities.
Knowledge of pregnancy complications and utilization of antenatal care services in Rwanda
Authors: Kpienbaareh Daniel , Kofinti Raymond Elikplim , Konkor Irenius , Amoak Daniel , Kansanga Moses Mosonsieyiri , Luginaah Isaac
Published: February 2022

Background

While Rwanda's progress towards achieving the maternal health care targets of the Sustainable Development Goals is impressive, evidence of women’s limited utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services in the context of an improved health care system provides an opportunity for exploring other essential but less highlighted factors that may shape ANC service utilization. In this study, we examined the association between women’s knowledge of pregnancy complications and the utilization of maternal health services.

Methods

We employed logistic regression analysis using the 2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey data. Our analytical sample consisted of women (n = 5883) in their reproductive ages (15–49 years). Three maternal health care indicators, namely, timing of first ANC visit, number of ANC visits, and place of delivery, were explored. We controlled for the effects of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, including marital status, place of residence and age.

Results

The results show that women with no knowledge of pregnancy complications were less likely to utilize ANC services within the first trimester (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, p < 0.01), achieve the WHO recommended minimum of eight visits (OR = 0.66, p < 0.01), and deliver at a health facility (OR = 0.77, p < 0.10).

Conclusion

Given these findings, we recommend restructuring existing maternal health care programs to include rigorous maternal health education.
Evapotranspiration across the rain–snow transition in a semi‐arid watershed
Authors: Kraft Maggi , McNamara James P.
Published: February 2022

The snowpack regime influences the timing of soil water available for transpiration and synchrony with the evapotranspiration (ET) energy demand (air temperature, VPD, and shortwave radiation). Variability of snowmelt timing, soil water availability, and the energy demand results in heterogeneous ET rates throughout a watershed. In this study, we assessed how ET and growing season length vary across five sites on an elevational gradient in the Dry Creek Watershed, ID, USA. We compared trends of daily and annual ET between 2012 and 2017 to environmental parameters of soil moisture, air temperature, vapour pressure deficit, snow cover, and precipitation. Trends between parameters and ET were evaluated at each site and compared between sites. We observed three trends in ET across the watershed. The first trend is at the low elevation site where the snow cover is not continuous throughout the winter and rain is the dominant precipitation form. The first day of the growing season and ET occurs early in the season when the energy demand is low and soil water is available. Annual ET at the low elevation site is a balance between spring precipitation providing soil water into the summer season and limiting the ET energy demand. The second trend occurs at the middle elevation site located in the rain–snow transition. At this site, ET increases with snow depth and spring precipitation extending the soil water availability into the summer season. At the higher elevation sites, ET is aligned with the energy demand and limited by growing season length. At the high elevation sites, decreasing snow depth and spring precipitation and increasing spring air temperatures result in greater annual ET rates. The observations from this study highlight the influence of environmental parameters and the potential sensitivity of ET to climate change.
Automatic detection of keratoconus on Pentacam images using feature selection based on deep learning
Authors: Fırat Murat , Çankaya Cem , Çınar Ahmet , Tuncer Taner
Published: February 2022

Today, corneal refraction, height, and thickness data, which are required in the diagnosis of keratoconus, can be obtained with corneal tomography devices. Pentacam four map display presenting this data is one of the most basic options in the diagnosis of keratoconus. In this article, an artificial intelligence‐based method using Pentacam images is proposed to distinguish keratoconus from healthy eyes. Axial/sagittal curvature, back elevation, front elevation, and corneal thickness map images of a total of 341 keratoconus and 341 healthy corneas obtained from İnönü University ophthalmology clinic as the data set were given as input to AlexNet, one of the deep learning models, and the feature vectors of each image were obtained and combined. The most effective features in the determination of keratoconus were determined by applying ReliefF, minimum‐redundancy‐maximum‐relevance (mRMR) and Laplacian algorithms, which are widely used in feature extraction algorithms, to the obtained feature vector. These features are classified using the support vector machine (SVM) classifier, which has high performance in binary classification. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of keratoconus detection with the proposed method were found to be 98.53%, 99.01%, and 98.06%, respectively. The developed model can support the clinician to evaluate the features of the cornea and to detect keratoconus, which is difficult through subjective assessments, especially in the subclinical and early stages of the disease.
Challenges, interface engineering, and processing strategies toward practical sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Liang Yuhao , Liu Hong , Wang Guoxu , Wang Chao , Ni Yu , Nan Ce‐Wen , Fan Li‐Zhen
Published: February 2022

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries have emerged as a priority candidate for the next generation of safe and energy‐dense energy storage devices surpassing state‐of‐art lithium‐ion batteries. Among multitudinous solid‐state batteries based on solid electrolytes (SEs), sulfide SEs have attracted burgeoning scrutiny due to their superior ionic conductivity and outstanding formability. However, from the perspective of their practical applications concerning cell integration and production, it is still extremely challenging to constructing compatible electrolyte/electrode interfaces and developing available scale processing technologies. This review presents a critical overview of the current underlying understanding of interfacial issues and analyzes the main processing challenges faced by sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries from the aspects of cost‐effective and energy‐dense design. Besides, the corresponding approaches involving interface engineering and processing protocols for addressing these issues and challenges are summarized. Fundamental and engineering perspectives on future development avenues toward practical application of high energy, safety, and long‐life sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state batteries are ultimately provided.

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Assessment of climate change effects on the blue and green water consumption of winter wheat in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai farming region
Authors: Wang Kaicheng , Jia Hao , Lu Jie , Zhao Jiongchao , Shi Xiaoyu , Gao Zhenzhen , Chu Qingquan
Published: February 2022

Climate change effects on consumptive water use (CWU) and its blue and green water components of winter wheat during 1980–2015 were analysed, using data sets from 145 meteorological stations in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai (HHH) farming region. The results showed that 61% of CWU came from blue water consumption (CWUb), and 39% from green water consumption (CWUg). The proportion of CWUb was distinguished significantly among sub‐regions, with the highest of 73% in sub‐region 2.3, and the lowest of 47% in sub‐region 2.5. From the 1980s to 2010s, CWU, CWUb and CWUg decreased by about 5%. Meanwhile, precipitation and temperature in most regions increased, while other meteorological indicators were lower. As a result, the temporal and spatial distribution of CWU and its components has changed in the whole area and seven sub‐regions over the decades, leading to a shift of their centroids. Path analysis indicated that the decrease in solar radiation and wind speed resulted in the reduction of CWU of winter wheat. Precipitation and relative humidity were the main factors for CWUb variation, and precipitation for CWUg variation. This study provides valuable information for optimal irrigation strategy and sustainable water management adapted to future climate change for winter wheat production in the HHH farming region.
Rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic bacteria at the single‐cell level using laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy and deep learning
Authors: Zhou Bo , Sun Liying , Fang Teng , Li Haixia , Zhang Ru , Ye Anpei
Published: February 2022

We report a new method for the rapid identification of pathogenic bacterial species at the single‐cell level that combines laser tweezers Raman spectroscopy (LTRS) with deep learning (DL). LTRS can accurately measure single‐cell Raman spectra (scRS) without destroying and labeling cells. Based on the scRS data, DL rapidly and accurately identifies pathogenic bacteria. We measured scRS of 15 species bacteria using homemade LTRS. For each species, approximately, 160 cells from three different patients were measured, one patient's data were used as test set, and the rest after being augmented was used as training set. A residual network (ResNet) model, trained on the augmented training set, achieved an accuracy of 94.53% on the test set. Moreover, we applied gradient‐weighted class activation mapping to visualize the proposed model. Finally, we demonstrated the advantages of ResNet over traditional machine‐learning algorithms.
Human colorectal cancer tissue assessment using optical coherence tomography catheter and deep learning
Authors: Luo Hongbo , Li Shuying , Zeng Yifeng , Cheema Hassam , Otegbeye Ebunoluwa , Ahmed Safee , Chapman William C. , Mutch Matthew , Zhou Chao , Zhu Quing
Published: February 2022

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can differentiate normal colonic mucosa from neoplasia, potentially offering a new mechanism of endoscopic tissue assessment and biopsy targeting, with a high optical resolution and an imaging depth of ~1 mm. Recent advances in convolutional neural networks (CNN) have enabled application in ophthalmology, cardiology, and gastroenterology malignancy detection with high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we describe a miniaturized OCT catheter and a residual neural network (ResNet)‐based deep learning model manufactured and trained to perform automatic image processing and real‐time diagnosis of the OCT images. The OCT catheter has an outer diameter of 3.8 mm, a lateral resolution of ~7 μm, and an axial resolution of ~6 μm. A customized ResNet is utilized to classify OCT catheter colorectal images. An area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.975 is achieved to distinguish between normal and cancerous colorectal tissue images.
Evaluation of the Atellica COAG 360 coagulation analyzer in a specialized coagulation laboratory
Authors: Strandberg Karin , Augustsson Cecilia
Published: February 2022

Background

Diagnosis of bleeding disorders includes correct analysis of coagulation factors VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIII, II, V, VII, and X and von Willebrand antigen and activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of the Atellica COAG 360 analyzer in a specialized coagulation laboratory with focus on specific coagulation parameters involved in the diagnosis of bleeding disorders.

Methods

Verification included assessment of precision, reference interval, and method comparison according to local guidelines. For FVIII (Chromogenix) and FIX (Rossix), extended verifications were performed with additional assessment of linearity, detection limit, and comparability to BCS‐XP.

Results

The precision was below 5% (normal levels) and below 10% (abnormal levels) and either improved or similar when compared to expected target values from a BCS‐XP. The locally established reference range agreed well (≥80% of measured values within manufacturer's assigned ranges) for most of the methods. The lower limit of quantification was calculated to below 0.01 IU/ml for FVIII chromogenic (Chromogenix) and FIX chromogenic (Rossix), both with acceptable linearity. Bland–Altman analyses revealed generally good agreement between Atellica COAG 360 and BCS‐XP in the determination of coagulation parameters, and differences between the two instruments did not result in any diagnostic change.

Conclusions

The results of the evaluation show that the Atellica COAG 360 analyzer performs as expected to target values and equivalent to BCS‐XP for the diagnosis of bleeding disorders in a specialized coagulation laboratory providing service to a hemophilia treatment center (HTC).
Sleep and chronotype in adults with persistent tic disorders
Authors: Ricketts Emily J. , Montalbano Gabrielle E. , Burgess Helen J. , McMakin Dana L. , Coles Meredith E. , Piacentini John , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study examined sleep disorders and sleep medication use rates, nighttime tics, and sleep and chronotype in relation to tic and co‐occurring symptoms in adults with persistent tic disorders (PTDs), including Tourette's disorder (TD).

Methods

One hundred twenty‐five adult internet survey respondents rated sleep history, sleep, chronotype, tic severity, impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive‐compulsive symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotional and behavioral dyscontrol.

Results

Bruxism, insomnia, tic‐related difficulty falling asleep, and melatonin use were commonly endorsed. Sleep disturbance correlated with impairment, obsessive‐compulsive symptoms, and emotional and behavioral dyscontrol. Eveningness correlated with vocal and total tic severity only in TD. Controlling for age and sex, age, impairment, and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms predicted sleep disturbance, and age and tic severity predicted chronotype.

Conclusions

Impairment and obsessive‐compulsive symptoms play a role in sleep disturbance in adults with PTDs, and may be intervention targets. Eveningness relates to tic severity, which may suggest the utility of interventions to advance chronotype.
Sexual assault survivors' engagement with advocacy services during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Engleton Jasmine , Goodman‐Williams Rachael , Javorka McKenzie , Gregory Katie , Campbell Rebecca
Published: February 2022

Sexual assault advocates provide support to survivors as they navigate medical, legal, housing, and other complex systems. However, social distancing measures enacted in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) forced changes to traditional advocacy services. The current study aimed to understand how the COVID‐19 pandemic transformed survivors' engagement with sexual assault advocacy services. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 sexual assault advocates from a community‐based advocacy organization in Detroit. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover emergent themes reflecting COVID‐19's impact on survivors' engagement with advocacy services. Three themes were identified: (1) Disruption to advocacy services; (2) difficulty obtaining tangible resources; and (3) desire for COVID‐related support, information, and resources. This study highlights the needs of sexual assault survivors during the COVID‐19 pandemic and explores how public health emergencies have the potential to exacerbate the needs of this vulnerable population. Implications and future directions for service provision and research are considered.