bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early maladaptive schemas and ICD‐11 CPTSD symptoms: Treatment considerations
Authors: Greenblatt‐Kimron Lee , Karatzias Thanos , Yonatan Maya , Shoham Adi , Hyland Philip , Ben‐Ezra Menachem , Shevlin Mark
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Early maladaptive schemas (EMS) can result from adverse interpersonal traumatic experiences. The ICD‐11 updated the concept of disorders following traumatic experiences with the new disorder of complex post‐traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). There is now a need to develop and test interventions for CPTSD. An essential step in identifying interventions that are particularly relevant to the treatment of CPTSD is to explore psychological constructs associated more closely with CPTSD compared to PTSD. The current study explored the associations of EMS with PTSD and CPTSD.

Design

The sample consisted of 603 adults (mean age = 41.65, SD = 13.8), recruited through social media and e‐mails, and who responded to an online questionnaire.

Methods

Participants completed measures of demographic, traumatic life events, EMS, PTSD and CPTSD symptoms.

Results

Overall, results suggest that participants with CPTSD present with higher schema elevations across all schemas compared to those with PTSD or no diagnosis. Secondly, the schemas of emotional deprivation, abandonment/instability, social isolation/alienation, defectiveness/shame, enmeshment/undeveloped self, subjugation, emotional inhibition and insufficient self‐control/self‐discipline were significantly associated with the symptom clusters of CPTSD. Finally, results indicate that different schemas form significant associations with the individual symptom clusters of CPTSD.

Conclusions

Although results require replication in clinical samples, initial findings suggest that specific EMS may be important psychological correlates of CPTSD symptoms. Wider treatment considerations of these findings are discussed.
Status of treatment and outcome in Kawasaki disease in the Kinki area of Japan
Authors: Tsuchihashi Tomoya , Kakimoto Nobuyuki , Kitano Naomi , Suenaga Tomohiro , Ikeda Kazuyuki , Izui Masafumi , Kobayashi Naho , Yoshimura Ken , Nakamura Yoshikazu , Suzuki Hiroyuki ,   the steering committee of the Society of Kinki Area Kawasaki Disease Research
Published: October 2022

Background

The treatment guidelines for acute Kawasaki disease (KD) have been revised several times. Moreover, the criterion used to define coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) has changed from the coronary artery's internal diameter to the Z‐score. Treatment for KD and methods for evaluating CAAs vary between hospitals, so we investigated the actual status of acute KD treatment and development of CAAs under the 2012 Japanese treatment guidelines for acute KD.

Methods

The 24th Japanese Nationwide Survey on Kawasaki Disease yielded 2618 patients who developed KD in the Kinki area in 2016. We sent a secondary questionnaire to each participating hospital and used the resulting data to investigate the frequency of CAAs according to Z‐score, treatment by KD treatment stage, and predictors of CAAs.

Results

The response rate was 80.0%. The data for 1426 patients without major data deficiencies were examined. The frequency of CAAs was 3.0% when based on coronary artery internal diameters and 8.8% when based on Z‐scores. Intravenous immunoglobulins combined with corticosteroids were administered as an initial treatment in 12.8% of cases and as a second‐line treatment in 16.8% of cases. Corticosteroids, cyclosporine A, infliximab, and plasma exchange were used at similar frequencies for third‐line treatment. A pretreatment maximum coronary artery Z‐score of ≥1.9 and age <1 year were associated with significantly higher incidences of CAAs.

Conclusions

Using the Z‐score resulted in a threefold increase in the number of patients diagnosed with CAAs. A pretreatment maximum coronary artery Z‐score of ≥1.9 and age <1 year are useful predictors of CAAs.
Association analysis of PLIN2 gene polymorphisms and lambing performance in Qianbei Ma goats
Authors: Huang Jiajin , Chen Xiang , Dai Lingang , Xu Jiali , Xiao Meimei , Ruan Yong
Published: October 2022

Qianbei Ma goats are one of the three most valued local goat breeds in Guizhou, China; furthermore, it has lower litter size performance. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlation between SNP (single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) of PLIN2 gene and lambing performance. The bioinformatics analysis, DNA sequencing, RT‐qPCR and correlation analysis methods were used to analyse the evolutionary relationship of PLIN2 protein in 13 species, to detect the expression pattern of PLIN2 gene in the gonad axis of Qianbei sheep, to explore the dominant genotype of PLIN2 related to lambing traits and to screen molecular markers related to lambing performance to guide the breeding of Qianbei Ma goats. Results showed that the Qianbei Ma goat PLIN2 protein had the closest genetic relationship with sheep and the furthest from mice, there were significant or extremely significant differences in the expression levels of the PLIN2 gene in the gonadal axis of the mothers of single‐ and multi‐lamb groups. Compared with the reference sequence, four SNPs were found, which were g.1006 C → A and g.1171 A → G in the first and second intron regions of the PLIN2 gene, g.8514 C → T in the exon 8 region and g.9122 A → T in the 3′UTR. The correlation analysis showed that g.1006 C → A, g.8514 C → T and g.9122 A → T had significant indigenous effects on the lambing performance of Qianbei Ma goats (p < .05). The number of third births for diploid H2H5 was significantly higher than that of diploid H1H2, and the number of first to third births for diploid H2H5 was large and stable. The results showed that PLIN2 gene could be used as a candidate gene related to lambing traits of Qianbei Ma goat.
Policy beliefs, policy learning, and risk perception: Exploring the formation of local creative Placemaking‐catalyzed policy network
Authors: Guo Wen
Published: October 2022

This article studies the formation of a local Creative Placemaking (CPM) policy network based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) and social capital perspective of policy networks. This article hypothesizes that policy beliefs, policy learning, social capital, and the perceived risks induced by defections, as well as macro‐level changes in the broader political and socio‐economic system, influence partner selection in the local CPM policy networks. The study collected survey data from policy actors participating in the Franklinton CPM‐catalyzed revitalization project in Columbus, Ohio. An exponential random graph model (ERGM) was applied to test the hypotheses. The findings partially support the hypotheses: policy learning, certain secondary policy beliefs, and risk perceptions of changes in economic and political factors are correlated with tie formation. The reciprocity‐driven bonding structure underlies the Franklinton CPM policy network, suggesting that policy actors perceive the Franklinton CPM policy network as a high‐defection‐risk network. This study has implications for policy makers in designing engagement strategies to better involve stakeholders holding different beliefs and occupying different network positions.
Non-parametric Calibration of Multiple Related Radiocarbon Determinations and their Calendar Age Summarisation
Authors: Heaton Timothy J.
Published: October 2022

Due to fluctuations in past radiocarbon (14C) levels, calibration is required to convert 14C determinations Xi into calendar ages θi. In many studies, we wish to calibrate a set of related samples taken from the same site or context, which have calendar ages drawn from the same shared, but unknown, density f(θ). Calibration of X1,…,Xn can be improved significantly by incorporating the knowledge that the samples are related. Furthermore, summary estimates of the underlying shared f(θ) can provide valuable information on changes in population size/activity over time. Most current approaches require a parametric specification for f(θ) which is often not appropriate. We develop a rigorous non-parametric Bayesian approach using a Dirichlet process mixture model, with slice sampling to address the multi-modality typical within 14C calibration. Our approach simultaneously calibrates the set of 14C determinations and provides a predictive estimate for the underlying calendar age of a future sample. We show, in a simulation study, the improvement in calendar age estimation when jointly calibrating related samples using our approach, compared with calibration of each 14C determination independently. We also illustrate the use of the predictive calendar age estimate to provide insight on activity levels over time using three real-life case studies.
Experiences of romantic relationships among early adults who do not turn to their long‐term partner when in need of love and support
Authors: Järdmo Caroline , Frisén Ann , Wängqvist Maria
Published: October 2022

As most early adults in long‐term romantic relationships rely on their partner to fulfill their relational needs, relationships with romantic partners are very important to many people at this time of life. However, there is a group of individuals for whom their long‐term partner is not the most important person when they need love and support. This study explored experiences of romantic relationships among early adults who do not turn to their long‐term partner to meet these needs. Twelve individuals in early adulthood (Mage = 33.3 years; SD = 0.54) were selected from a larger community sample (N = 124) based on their answers on a questionnaire about who they turn to when in need of love and support. A thematic analysis of their answers in interviews about romantic relationships resulted in three main themes: Distancing attitudes toward romantic relationships, Desirable aspects of romantic relationships, and Not thinking about romantic relationships. The results show that these early adults' reflections on romantic relationships were characterized by ambivalence, striving toward independence, and relating to their partner as a person to have fun with rather than someone to share a deep connection with. Participants also expressed disagreement with what they perceived as norms concerning romantic relationships. Taken together, this study illustrates that the experiences of early adults who do not turn to their long‐term partner to meet needs of love and support are characterized by a complex interaction between contradictory feelings, values, and behaviors.
Current state of antimicrobial stewardship in solid organ transplantation in Israel
Authors: Hoffman Tomer , Atamna Alaa , Katchman Eugene , Orenbuch‐Harroch Efrat , Nesher Lior , Bitterman Roni , Yahav Dafna , Nutman Amir
Published: October 2022

Background

We aimed to review the current state, challenges, and needs of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in adult solid organ transplantation (SOT) centers in Israel.

Methods

We conducted a survey using electronic questionnaires sent during February 2022 to infectious disease (ID) consultants of SOT centers, encompassing general and organ‐specific ASP issues.

Results

All six centers performing adult SOTs in Israel participated. The institutional ASPs in all centers included SOT recipients, and five centers had specific stewardship activities targeting SOT recipients. ASP activities were performed by ID consultants in all centers, with clinical pharmacists in most. ASP protocols and activity scope were highly variable. Formulary restriction with pre‐authorization was used in all centers. Antibiotic allergy was addressed in ASP guidelines in half of the centers. Peri‐transplantation antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral prophylactic regimens varied based on center, transplanted organ, and patient risk group. Approaches to surveillance cultures, diagnosis and treatment of various graft infections were also variable. ASP outcome measurement was not performed in all centers. The main challenges and barriers to successful ASP implementation were difficulty in defining appropriate durations of therapy for certain infections, high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and lack of dedicated ASP teams.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial stewardship in SOT centers in Israel is performed by ID consultants and practices vary. Challenges are related to high AMR rates, insufficient evidence to support practices, lack of dedicated ASP teams, and lack of outcome measurement. There is an urgent need to establish a national collaborative program including all SOT centers.
Antifungal stewardship in solid‐organ transplantation: What is needed?
Authors: Whitney Laura , Armstrong‐James Darius , Lyster Haifa S. , Reed Anna K. , Dunning John , Nwankwo Lisa , Cheong Jamie
Published: October 2022

Background

Antifungal stewardship (AFS) lags behind antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in terms of implementation, evidence base, and workforce experience. Solid‐organ transplantation (SOT) carries a significant risk of invasive fungal infection, with high associated mortality, and is therefore associated with significant opportunities to optimize antifungal use.

Methods

A literature search for the terms “antifungal stewardship” and “solid‐organ transplant” revealed a small evidence base to support AFS programs in this patient group.

Results

There is significant overlap in the methodology used in AMS and AFS programs, with notable differences in diagnostics, which are discussed in detail. The primary AFS interventions tested in SOT recipients are implementation of clinical guidelines and care bundles, digital enablers of AFS, and post‐prescription review/audit and feedback.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for further research to support effective AFS strategies in this highly susceptible population.
Shorter is better: The case for short antibiotic courses for common infections in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Imlay Hannah , Spellberg Brad
Published: October 2022

Background

Prolonged antibiotics are associated with toxicity, selection for resistant organisms, and secondary infections such as Clostridioides difficile colitis. Emerging clinical data suggest that short courses of antibiotics can be used for common bacterial infections among immune competent patients, but for many randomized controlled trials (RCTs), immunocompromised patients, including solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), have been excluded.

Methods

Peer‐reviewed publications were identified through PubMed and Embase searches.

Results

We review data examining shorter antibiotic courses among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients and the rationale for use of short antibiotic courses in SOTRs.

Conclusion

There are known harms associated with antibiotics and, when studied, existing data do not demonstrate harm associated with shorter courses of antibiotics among SOTRs. Furthermore, several RCTs did include some immune compromised patients and found shorter therapy to result in similar clinical efficacy with diminished adverse effects. Shorter antibiotic durations should be considered in SOTRs, and questions of antibiotic duration among SOTRs should be prioritized for study in clinical trials.
An Australian perspective on antimicrobial stewardship programs and transplantation
Authors: Stewart Adam G. , Isler Burcu , Paterson David L.
Published: October 2022

Background

Over 1000 solid‐organ and close to 2000 stem‐cell transplants are performed annually in Australia.

Methods

Antimicrobial stewardship activities in transplant units in Australia were reviewed.

Results

All health service organizations, and thus all transplant centers, in Australia are required to have an antimicrobial stewardship program. Despite this, in one recent survey, 23.5% of hospital antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate. Vigorous efforts are being made to implement antifungal stewardship in Australian transplant programs, with guidelines for implementation published in December 2021. These guidelines include therapeutic antifungal drug monitoring and diagnostic stewardship as it pertains to the investigation of suspected invasive fungal infections.

Conclusions

Infections with multidrug resistant pathogens and invasive fungi are sporadic issues in Australian transplant units, but stewardship efforts can optimize patient outcomes.
Rapid molecular testing for antimicrobial stewardship and solid organ transplantation
Authors: Vega Ana D. , Abbo Lilian M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Several molecular platforms now exist for early detection of infectious pathogens. In this review, we present the currently available literature summarizing clinical outcomes using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in the solid organ transplant (SOT) population. We also present potential benefits and drawbacks of these technologies for SOT patients.

Methods

We completed a PubMed search querying for 31 specific RDTs AND (“SOT”). We also queried PubMed for studies on RDT outcomes in the general population. References of the resulting relevant studies were reviewed and incorporated if the study population included at least one SOT patient. All culture specimen types were included. Only full‐text peer‐reviewed publications in English were examined.

Results

Our search yielded eleven studies. Across these studies, integrating RDTs with ASP intervention led to faster species identification and susceptibility results, faster time‐to‐optimal therapy, decreased hospital length‐of‐stay and costs, and decreased mortality. Potential drawbacks of RDTs in the SOT population included: overdiagnosis due to increased sensitivity (i.e., Clostridium difficile), decreased yield of tests for respiratory pathogens, and lack of identification of important pathogens in this population such as, Aspergillus species.

Conclusions

Although there is a scarcity of studies involving SOT patients, current available data suggests that the use of RDTs helps improve patient outcomes and minimizes inappropriate antimicrobial use when coupled with proactive ASPs. Future studies should focus on clinical outcomes in SOT patients specifically, as well as how to optimize the use of RDTs in conjunction with traditional microbiology methods.
Bridging the gap: An approach to reporting antimicrobial stewardship metrics specific to solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Greenlee Sage B. , Acosta Tommy J. Parraga , Makowski Charles T. , Kenney Rachel M. , Ramesh Mayur , Williams Jonathan D. , Alangaden George J.
Published: October 2022

Background

This study seeks to describe inpatient antimicrobial use (AU) utilizing the National Healthcare Safety Network‐AU (NHSN‐AU) framework among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) within 12 months after transplant.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included SOTr ≥ 18 years of age who underwent transplantation from January 2015 to December 2016 at a Midwestern US transplant center. Inpatient AU was followed for 12 months post‐transplant. Hospital days present up to 12 months post‐transplant, AU variables, and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) occurrences were analyzed.

Results

The cohort of 530 SOTr included 225 kidney (42.5%), 171 liver (32.3%), 45 lung (8.5%), 40 heart (7.5%), 39 multivisceral (7.4%), seven small bowel (1.3%), and three pancreas (0.6%) transplants. Total days of therapy (DOT) were 22 782 among the cohort, with a median of 5 days [interquartile range [IQR], 1–12]. Lung and liver transplants had the most total DOT (6571 vs. 5569 days), while lungs and small bowels had the highest median DOT (13 [IQR, 2–56] vs. 12 [IQR, 2–31]). The facility‐wide DOT/1000 days were lowest in pancreas and highest in lung transplants (5.3 vs. 428.1). Small bowel transplants received the most resistant‐Gram‐positive infection and hospital‐onset infection agents for facility‐wide DOT/1000 days present. Pancreas and kidney transplants accounted for the most high‐risk CDI agents. CDI occurred in 34 patients, with kidney and liver transplants experiencing 13 each.

Conclusion

This study represents one of the first reports of AU in SOTr utilizing the NHSN‐AU framework. More studies are needed for further peer‐to‐peer comparison of AU in this complex patient population.

image
Antimicrobial stewardship in solid organ transplantation: Perspective from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Authors: Felkner Rebecca , Barnett Susanne G. , Misch Elizabeth A. , Safdar Nasia , Balasubramanian Prakash
Published: October 2022

Background

The importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities specifically focused on solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is increasingly recognized. In 2014, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) created national guidance and committed resources to establish AMS programs at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers across the country. However, the AMS implementation is at the discretion of individual VA centers.

Methods

We undertook an environmental scan of AMS activities in a tertiary care VA medical center.

Results

We describe AMS activities focused on SOT recipients. Strategies based on local epidemiology that leverage the electronic medical record together with engagement by transplant infectious diseases personnel are likely to be beneficial.

Conclusion

AMS in SOT recipients is challenging yet impactful. Strategies described here may be useful for AMS activities focused on the SOT population.
Transplant surgeons’ perspective on antimicrobial stewardship: Experience with TransQIP
Authors: Shwaartz Chaya , Reichman Trevor W.
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been shown to reduce the rates of antimicrobial resistance and improve morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. ASPs have largely been underutilized in solid organ transplant programs, and the current state of ASPs in transplantation is reviewed. Continued implementation of ASPs would likely significantly benefit transplant patients. Furthermore, coupling ASPs with robust programmatic metrics (such as transplant‐specific NSQIP) will hopefully lead to improved outcomes including morbidity and mortality of solid organ transplant recipients.
Symplectic reduction along a submanifold
Authors: Crooks Peter , Mayrand Maxence
Published: October 2022

We introduce the process of symplectic reduction along a submanifold as a uniform approach to taking quotients in symplectic geometry. This construction holds in the categories of smooth manifolds, complex analytic spaces, and complex algebraic varieties, and has an interpretation in terms of derived stacks in shifted symplectic geometry. It also encompasses Marsden–Weinstein–Meyer reduction, Mikami–Weinstein reduction, the pre-images of Poisson transversals under moment maps, symplectic cutting, symplectic implosion, and the Ginzburg–Kazhdan construction of Moore–Tachikawa varieties in topological quantum field theory. A key feature of our construction is a concrete and systematic association of a Hamiltonian $G$-space $\mathfrak {M}_{G, S}$ to each pair $(G,S)$, where $G$ is any Lie group and $S\subseteq \mathrm {Lie}(G)^{*}$ is any submanifold satisfying certain non-degeneracy conditions. The spaces $\mathfrak {M}_{G, S}$ satisfy a universal property for symplectic reduction which generalizes that of the universal imploded cross-section. Although these Hamiltonian $G$-spaces are explicit and natural from a Lie-theoretic perspective, some of them appear to be new.
Energy-Based Footstep Planning of Biped on Uneven Deformable Terrain Using Nonlinear Inverted Pendulum
Authors: Gora Sunil , Gupta Shakti S. , Dutta Ashish
Published: October 2022

In this work, the motion of a nonlinear inverted pendulum (NIP) on deformable terrain due to foot contact forces is used for energy analysis and footstep placement. In order to include the linear and rotational motions of the NIP, the mass moment of inertia of the body is also considered in the center of mass (CoM) model. The terrain deformation is modeled using a spring-damper contact model, and based on the rigid body dynamics of the NIP, its motion is generated. The energy analysis of the system provides the regions of possible foot placement. Based on the loss of potential energy due to ground deformation, the limits of terrain stiffness are also obtained for walking on uneven deformable terrain.
MVGCN: Multi-View Graph Convolutional Neural Network for Surface Defect Identification Using Three-Dimensional Point Cloud
Authors: Wang Yinan , Sun Wenbo , Jin Jionghua (Judy) , Kong Zhenyu (James) , Yue Xiaowei
Published: October 2022

Surface defect identification is a crucial task in many manufacturing systems, including automotive, aircraft, steel rolling, and precast concrete. Although image-based surface defect identification methods have been proposed, these methods usually have two limitations: images may lose partial information, such as depths of surface defects, and their precision is vulnerable to many factors, such as the inspection angle, light, color, noise, etc. Given that a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud can precisely represent the multidimensional structure of surface defects, we aim to detect and classify surface defects using a 3D point cloud. This has two major challenges: (i) the defects are often sparsely distributed over the surface, which makes their features prone to be hidden by the normal surface and (ii) different permutations and transformations of 3D point cloud may represent the same surface, so the proposed model needs to be permutation and transformation invariant. In this paper, a two-step surface defect identification approach is developed to investigate the defects’ patterns in 3D point cloud data. The proposed approach consists of an unsupervised method for defect detection and a multi-view deep learning model for defect classification, which can keep track of the features from both defective and non-defective regions. We prove that the proposed approach is invariant to different permutations and transformations. Two case studies are conducted for defect identification on the surfaces of synthetic aircraft fuselage and the real precast concrete specimen, respectively. The results show that our approach receives the best defect detection and classification accuracy compared with other benchmark methods.
An Interactive Rehabilitation Mechanism Design System for Kinematic and Kinetostatic Synthesis With Expandable Solution Space
Authors: Li Xiangyun , Shu Xin , Chen Peng , Yu Xi , Li Kang
Published: October 2022

Compared to manual therapy, robot therapy can provide more intensive and accurate rehabilitation training. However, most current devices are built on bulky and complex multi-degree-of-freedom (multi-DOF) mechanisms. Recently, 1-DOF mechanisms have gained popularity due to their portability and simplicity. Existing synthesis methods for 1-DOF mechanisms focus primarily on computing the optimal mechanism dimensions such that kinematic error between the task and the mechanism output is minimized. In cases where the kinematically feasible solutions become impractical under engineering circumstances, designers may need a handle to intervene in the synthesis process; moreover, the force interactions between the mechanism and users should also be considered to encourage the active participation of users for effective physical recovery. In this paper, we combine kinematic and kinetostatic synthesis to develop an interactive rehabilitation mechanism design system, taking into account task specifications on rehabilitation motion and gravity balancing. To enable interactive design, users are invited to manage the task movement via kinematic tolerance-oriented variation, thus providing the flexibility to address practical constraints. To compensate the gravity, torsional springs are attached to the actuated joints of the mechanism and human limb, and designed based on the principle of static balancing. For presenting a systematic, general, and defect-free design methodology for 1-DOF rehabilitation mechanisms, the synthesis model is formulated in a Fourier way to better accommodate different mechanism types and continuous limb motion. Examples of the upper- and lower-limb rehabilitation mechanism design are given in the end to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Balance and Cognition in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Players
Authors: Klima Dennis W. , Hood Ethan , Madden Meredith , Bell Rachel , Dawson Teresa , McGill Catherine , Patterson Michael
Published: October 2022

Concussion screening among collegiate lacrosse athletes is a major safety priority. Although attention has been directed at concussion management following injury, less is known about the association between cognition and balance during preseason screening. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between balance and neurocognition among collegiate male lacrosse players and to examine predictive determinants of postural stability. Participants included a convenience sample of 49 male collegiate Division 3 lacrosse players who completed a demographic survey and performed the immediate postconcussion test (ImPACT) and instrumented Sensory Organization Test (SOT). There was a significant association between balance SOT performance and both verbal memory (r = .59, p < .01) and visual motor speed scores (r = .43, p < .05). Significant correlations between verbal memory and SOT Conditions 2, 5, and 6 were also noted (all p < .05). Verbal memory predicted 33% of the variance in the SOT composite balance score (p < .001). Our results indicate a significant relationship exists between postural stability and both verbal memory and visual processing speed among collegiate male lacrosse players and supports vestibulocortical associations. Findings warrant ongoing performance and executive function tracking and can serve as a conduit for integrated sensorimotor and dual-task training.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
induces proliferation and migration in pancreatic cancer cells through host autocrine and paracrine signaling
Authors: Udayasuryan Barath , Ahmad Raffae N. , Nguyen Tam T. D. , Umaña Ariana , Monét Roberts LaDeidra , Sobol Polina , Jones Stephen D. , Munson Jennifer M. , Slade Daniel J. , Verbridge Scott S.
Published: October 2022

The tumor microbiome is increasingly implicated in cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy. In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), high intratumoral loads of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
correlate with shorter survival in patients. Here, we investigated the potential mechanisms underlying this association. We found that
F. nucleatum
infection induced both normal pancreatic epithelial cells and PDAC cells to secrete increased amounts of the cytokines GM-CSF, CXCL1, IL-8, and MIP-3α. These cytokines increased proliferation, migration, and invasive cell motility in both infected and noninfected PDAC cells but not in noncancerous pancreatic epithelial cells, suggesting autocrine and paracrine signaling to PDAC cells. This phenomenon occurred in response to
Fusobacterium
infection regardless of the strain and in the absence of immune and other stromal cells. Blocking GM-CSF signaling markedly limited proliferative gains after infection. Thus,
F. nucleatum
infection in the pancreas elicits cytokine secretion from both normal and cancerous cells that promotes phenotypes in PDAC cells associated with tumor progression. The findings support the importance of exploring host-microbe interactions in pancreatic cancer to guide future therapeutic interventions.
Alcohol Abuse Drug Disulfiram Is Effective against Cyst Stages of Entamoeba histolytica Parasite
Authors: Sharma Ishrya , Farr Laura , Moonah Shannon
Published: October 2022

New anti-
Entamoeba histolytica
multistage drugs are needed because only one drug class, nitroimidazoles, is available for treating invasive disease, and it does not effectively eradicate the infective cyst stage. Zinc ditiocarb (ZnDTC), a main metabolite of the FDA-approved drug disulfiram, was recently shown to be highly effective against the invasive trophozoite stage.
A Fungal Sterylglucosidase at the Intersection of Virulence, Host Immunity, and Therapeutic Development
Authors: Cramer Robert A.
Published: October 2022

Human fungal infections (mycoses) cause significant morbidity and mortality in high-risk populations. Contemporary antifungal therapies rely heavily on three classes of antifungal drugs, and to date, no fungal vaccine is in clinical use for invasive mycosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Alstroemeria
Necrotic Streak Virus
Isolated from Limonium sinuatum in Ecuador
Authors: Taipe Marco , Flores Francisco
Published: October 2022

The complete genome sequence of
Alstroemeria
necrotic streak virus
(ANSV) isolated from the statice cut flower (
Limonium sinuatum
) is presented. The genome has the three characteristic segments of the genus
Orthotospovirus
, family
Tospoviridae
, the S segment (3,135 bp), the M segment (4,869 bp), and the L segment (8,755 bp).
Design and Implementation of Improved SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Assays To Mitigate the Impact of Genomic Mutations on Target Failure: the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Experience
Authors: Burns Bethany L. , Moody Domonique , Tu Zheng Jin , Nakitandwe Joy , Brock Jay E. , Bosler David , Mitchell Stephanie L. , Loeffelholz Michael J. , Rhoads Daniel D.
Published: October 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 genome has mutated during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Some of these mutations have impacted the performance of nucleic acid amplification tests like PCR, which are commonly used as diagnostic tools to detect an infection.
Transcriptome Analysis of Protein Kinase MoCK2, which Affects Acetyl-CoA Metabolism and Import of CK2-Interacting Mitochondrial Proteins into Mitochondria in the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Lianhu , Shan Chonglei , Zhang Yifan , Miao Wenjing , Bing Xiaoli , Kuang Weigang , Wang Zonghua , Cui Ruqiang , Olsson Stefan
Published: October 2022

The protein kinase CK2 is highly expressed and essential for plants, animals, and fungi, affecting fatty acid-related metabolism. In addition, it directly affects the import of essential mitochondrial proteins into mitochondria.
Effect of social prescribing link workers on health outcomes and costs for adults in primary care and community settings: a systematic review
Authors: Kiely Bridget , Croke Aisling , O'Shea Muireann , Boland Fiona , O'Shea Eamon , Connolly Deirdre , Smith Susan M
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To establish the evidence base for the effects on health outcomes and costs of social prescribing link workers (non-health or social care professionals who connect people to community resources) for people in community settings focusing on people experiencing multimorbidity and social deprivation.

Design

Systematic review and narrative synthesis using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Data sources

Cochrane Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, LILACS, Web of Science and grey literature were searched up to 31 July 2021. A forward citation search was completed on 9 June 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Controlled trials meeting the Cochrane Effectiveness of Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) guidance on eligible study designs assessing the effect of social prescribing link workers for adults in community settings on any outcomes. No language restrictions were applied.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data, evaluated study quality using the Cochrane EPOC risk of bias tool and judged certainty of the evidence. Results were synthesised narratively.

Results

Eight studies (n=6500 participants), with five randomised controlled trials at low risk of bias and three controlled before–after studies at high risk of bias, were included. Four included participants experiencing multimorbidity and social deprivation. Four (n=2186) reported no impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Four (n=1924) reported mental health outcomes with three reporting no impact. Two US studies found improved ratings of high-quality care and reduced hospitalisations for people with multimorbidity experiencing deprivation. No cost-effectiveness analyses were identified. The certainty of the evidence was low or very low.

Conclusions

There is an absence of evidence for social prescribing link workers. Policymakers should note this and support evaluation of current programmes before mainstreaming.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019134737.
Vibration characteristics of slotted disc spring series vibration isolation unit
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Yin Zhongjun , Liao Maolin , Li Mingge
Published: October 2022

There have been many pieces of research on the vibration isolation theory of the single slotted disc spring. However, the theory of the series slotted disc spring and its bandwidth optimization is rarely mentioned. Therefore, by considering the effect of boundary friction of series slotted disc spring units, we optimized the general formula for the load–deflection relationship of a slotted disc spring. The accuracy of the optimization was verified by simulation. Furthermore, it expands on the application range of the general formula, making it suitable for both single and series slotted disc springs. The nonlinear dynamic model of the slotted disc spring was established, and the multiscale method was used to study system parameters under strong excitation conditions. System parameters affected the response characteristics of the primary, superharmonic, and subharmonic resonance of series slotted disc spring units. Results showed that reducing the nonlinear stiffness and increasing the viscous damping coefficient and friction reaction coefficient are beneficial to improving the vibration isolation performance. We further deduced that the effective bandwidth of vibration isolation could be increased by adding the mass of the block, slotted depth, and number of slotted disc spring units. Therefore, this research provides theoretical guidance that is significant for engineering applications.
How Hard Is Cyber-risk Management in IT/OT Systems?A Theory to Classify and Conquer Hardness of Insuring ICSs
Authors: Pal Ranjan , Liu Peihan , Lu Taoan , Hua Ed
Published: October 2022

Third-party residual cyber-risk management (RCRM) services (e.g., insurance, re-insurance) are getting increasingly popular (currently, a multi-billion-dollar annual market) with C-suites managing industrial control systems (ICSs) based upon IoT-driven cyber-physical IT and OT technology. Apart from mitigating and diversifying losses from (major) cyber-threats RCRM services positively contribute to improved cyber-security as an added societal benefit. However, it is also well known that RCRM markets (RCRM for ICSs being a mere subset) are relatively nascent and sparse. There is a huge (approximately 10-fold) supply-demand gap in an environment where (a) annual cyber-losses range in trillions of USD, and (b) CRM markets (residual or otherwise) are annually worth only up to 0.25 trillion USD. The main reason for this wide gap is the age-old information asymmetry (IA) bottleneck between the demand and supply sides of the third-party RCRM market, which is significantly amplified in modern cyber-space settings. This setting primarily comprises interdependent and intra-networked ICSs (and/or traditional IT systems) from diverse application sectors inter-networked with each other in a service supply-chain environment.In this article, we are the first to prove that optimal cyber-risk diversification (integral to RCRM) under IA is computationally intractable, i.e., NP-hard, for such (systemic) inter-networked societies.Here, the term “optimal diversification” implies the best way a residual and profit-minded cyber-risk manager can form a portfolio of client coverage contracts. We follow this up with the design and analysis of a computational policy that alleviates this intractability challenge for the social good. Here, the social good can be ensured through denser RCRM markets that in principle improve cyber-security. Our work formally establishes (a) the reason why it has been very difficult in practice (without suitable policy intervention) to densify IA-affected RCRM markets despite their high demand in modern CPS/ICS/IoT societies; and (b) the efficacy of our computational policy to mitigate IA issues between the supply and demand sides of an RCRM market in such societies.
Harnessing the Power of Natural Language Processing to Mass Produce Test Items
Authors: Yu Martin C. , Sullivan Taylor
Published: October 2022

Mass production of test items involves numerous steps and takes time. Technology can play a key role in supplementing human resources whether gathering and storing source materials, communicating with subject matter experts, or synchronizing and coordinating activities during a complex or fast-paced development cycle. Our work in automated item generation (AIG) using natural language processing is one example of this process unfolding in practice. Over the past few years, there has been a surge in developments in the fields of natural language understanding and generation (NLU/NLG) regarding applications of language models developed via machine learning techniques that have yet to be applied to the area of AIG. We introduce NLU/NLG approaches to AIG and describe our efforts in making the technology accessible to the broader test development community.
Novel One‐Dimensional Chaotic System and Its Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Wang Wencheng , Dai Yuezhang , Li Lun
Published: October 2022

Designing a chaotic system with a simple structure and complex dynamic behavior is one of the main tasks of chaotic cryptography. This paper designs a new 1D chaotic system called 1D two‐parameters‐sin‐cos (1D‐TPSC). Compared with high‐dimensional chaotic systems, the 1D‐TPSC has a simple structure and is easy to implement with software. The Lyapunov exponent analyzes the parameter space of the 1D‐TPSC in a chaotic state. Furthermore, using sensitivity analysis, cobweb plot, and bifurcation diagram to verify that the sequence generated by 1D‐TPSC has good performance. In addition, the 1D‐TPSC has also been applied in chaotic image encryption. Arnold mapping is used to scramble the plaintext, and random XOR is used to diffuse the scrambled image. Simulation experiments show that the method can remarkably resist standard attack methods.
Outcome of COVID-19 Patients Presented with Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Manifestations
Authors: Soe Aye Min , Aung Kyaw Ko Ko , Shan Min Ag , San Pann Ei , Lin Khaing Kyaw , Thu Si Phyo
Published: October 2022

Background. COVID-19 is rapidly spreading as a global pandemic disease that affects mortality, morbidity, and economic recession worldwide including Myanmar. This study is aimed at investigating the prevalence and temporal nature of gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations as well as their association with composite clinical endpoints in patients with COVID-19. Method. This was a retrospective hospital-based cohort study conducted on confirmed COVID-19 patients who were admitted to two designated COVID-19 hospitals: DSLH and No. (22/100) MH, Yangon, Myanmar, from June 1, 2021, to August 31, 2021. Data related to patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes were abstracted manually through individual hospital records. Results. Out of the 241 patients recruited, 68 (28.2%) of the patients had GI symptoms. Ageusia/hypogeusia and diarrhea are the most common symptoms at 41.3% and 28.3%, respectively. Abnormal liver chemistries at admission are found in 52.7% of total patients. Mortality is 12.9% (31/241). Patients with abnormal liver chemistry are older (

p
<
0.001

), unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated (

p
=
0.04

), associated comorbidities (

p
=
0.019

), leukocytosis (

p
<
0.001

), lymphopenia (

p
=
0.033

), hypoalbuminemia (

p
<
0.001

), higher INR (

p
<
0.001

), and longer HDU stay (

p
<
0.001

) and higher mortality (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. COVID-19-infected patients with abnormal liver chemistry are found to have worse clinical outcomes, although no significant association is found in patients with digestive symptoms. More attention should be given to this group of patients in the next coming wave.
Apparent Digestibility Coefficients of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens), Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), and Blue Bottle Fly (Calliphora vicina) Insects for Juvenile African Catfish Hybrids (Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis)
Authors: Sándor Zsuzsanna J. , Banjac Vojislav , Vidosavljević Strahinja , Káldy Jenő , Egessa Robert , Lengyel-Kónya Éva , Tömösközi-Farkas Rita , Zalán Zsolt , Adányi Nóra , Libisch Balázs , Biró Janka
Published: October 2022

A digestibility trial was conducted with African catfish hybrid juveniles in order to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of different nutrients. The experimental diets contained defatted black soldier fly (BSL), yellow mealworm (MW), or fully fat blue bottle fly (BBF) meals, in a 70 : 30 ratio between the control diet and the tested insect meals. The indirect method for the digestibility study was performed using 0.1% yttrium oxide as an inert marker. Fish juveniles of

217.4
±
9.5
 
g

initial weight were distributed in 1 m3 tanks (75 fish/tank) of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), in triplicates, and fed until satiation for 18 days. The average final weight of the fish was

346
±
35.8
 
g

. The ADCs of the dry matter, protein, lipid, chitin, ash, phosphorus, amino acids, fatty acids, and gross energy for the test ingredients and diets were calculated. A six-month storage test was carried out to evaluate the shelf life of the experimental diets, while the peroxidation and microbiological status of the diets were also assessed. The ADC values of the test diets differed significantly (

p
<
0.001

) compared to those of the control for most of the nutrients. Altogether, the BSL diet was significantly more digestible for protein, fat, ash, and phosphorus than the control diet but less digestible for essential amino acids. Significant differences were found between the ADCs of the different insect meals evaluated (

p
<
0.001

) for practically all nutritional fractions analyzed. The African catfish hybrids were able to digest BSL and BBF more efficiently than MW, and the calculated ADC values agreed with those of other fish species. The lower ADCs of the tested MW meal correlated (

p
<
0.05

) with the markedly higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels present in the MW meal and MW diet. Microbiological evaluation of the feeds revealed that mesophilic aerobic bacteria in the BSL feed were 2–3 orders of magnitude more abundant than those in the other diets and their numbers significantly increased during storage. Overall, BSL and BBF proved to be potential feed ingredients for African catfish juveniles and the shelf life of the produced diets with 30% inclusion of insect meal retained the required quality during a six-month period of storage.