bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative care and end-of-life care in adults with malignant brain tumors
Authors: Koekkoek Johan A F , van der Meer Pim B , Pace Andrea , Hertler Caroline , Harrison Rebecca , Leeper Heather E , Forst Deborah A , Jalali Rakesh , Oliver Kathy , Philip Jennifer , Taphoorn Martin J B , Dirven Linda , Walbert Tobias
Published: October 2022

Background

This systematic review provides updated insights, from the published literature in the past 5 years, based on the 2017 European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) guidelines for palliative care in adults with malignant brain tumors. It provides an overview of palliative care options, including during the end-of-life phase for patients with malignant brain tumors.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2021 focusing on four main topics: (1) symptom management, (2) caregiver needs, (3) early palliative care, and (4) care in the end-of-life phase. An international panel of palliative care experts in neuro-oncology synthesized the literature and reported the most relevant updates. A total of 140 articles were included.

Results

New insights include that: Hippocampal avoidance and stereotactic radiosurgery results in a lower risk of neurocognitive decline in patients with brain metastases; levetiracetam is more efficacious in reducing seizures than valproic acid as first-line monotherapy antiseizure drug (ASD) in glioma patients; lacosamide and perampanel seem well-tolerated and efficacious add-on ASDs; and a comprehensive framework of palliative and supportive care for high-grade glioma patients and their caregivers was proposed. No pharmacological agents have been shown in randomized controlled trials to significantly improve fatigue or neurocognition.

Conclusions

Since the 2017 EANO palliative care guidelines, new insights have been reported regarding symptom management and end-of-life care, however, most recommendations remain unchanged. Early palliative care interventions are essential to define goals of care and minimize symptom burden in a timely fashion. Interventional studies that address pain, fatigue, and psychiatric symptoms as well as (the timing of) early palliative care are urgently needed.
Adolescent and young adult glioma: systematic review of demographic, disease, and treatment influences on survival
Authors: Malhotra Armaan K , Karthikeyan Vishwathsen , Zabih Veda , Landry Alexander , Bennett Julie , Bartels Ute , Nathan Paul C , Tabori Uri , Hawkins Cynthia , Das Sunit , Gupta Sumit
Published: October 2022

Background

Prognostic factors in adolescent and young adult (AYA) glioma are not well understood. Though clinical and molecular differences between pediatric and adult glioma have been characterized, their application to AYA populations is less clear. There is a major need to develop more robust evidence-based practices for managing AYA glioma patients.

Methods

A systematic review using PRISMA methodology was conducted using multiple databases with the objective of identifying demographic, clinical, molecular and treatment factors influencing AYA glioma outcomes.

Results

40 Studies met inclusion criteria. Overall survival was highly variable across studies depending on glioma grade, anatomic compartment and cohort characteristics. Thirty-five studies suffered from high risk of bias in at least one domain. Several studies included older adults within their cohorts; few captured purely AYA groups. Despite study heterogeneity, identified favorable prognosticators included younger age, higher functional status at diagnosis, low-grade pathology, oligodendroglioma histology and increased extent of surgical resection. Though isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant status was associated with favorable prognosis, validity of this finding within AYA was compromised though may studies including older adults. The prognostic influence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on overall survival varied across studies with conflicting evidence.

Conclusion

Existing literature is heterogenous, at high risk of bias, and rarely focused solely on AYA patients. Many included studies did not reflect updated pathological and molecular AYA glioma classification. The optimal role of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted agents cannot be determined from existing literature and should be the focus of future studies.
Giant nonlinear Hall effect in twisted bilayer WSe2
Authors: Huang Meizhen , Wu Zefei , Hu Jinxin , Cai Xiangbin , Li En , An Liheng , Feng Xuemeng , Ye Ziqing , Lin Nian , Law Kam Tuen , Wang Ning
Published: October 2022

The recently discovered nonlinear Hall effect (NHE) in a few non-interacting systems provides a novel mechanism for generating second-harmonic electrical Hall signals under time-reversal-symmetric conditions. Here, we introduce a new approach to engineering an NHE by using twisted moiré structures. We found that the twisted WSe2 bilayer exhibited an NHE when the Fermi level was tuned to the moiré flat bands. When the first moiré band was half-filled, the nonlinear Hall signal exhibited a sharp peak with a generation efficiency that was at least two orders of magnitude greater than those obtained in previous experiments. We discuss the possible origins of the diverging generation efficiency in twisted WSe2 based on resistivity measurements, such as moiré-interface-induced correlation effects and mass-diverging-type continuous Mott transition. This study demonstrates not only how interaction effects can combine with Berry curvature dipoles to produce novel quantum phenomena, but also the potential of NHE measurements as a new tool for studying quantum criticality.
Disparities in Nicotine Addictiveness and Cancer Harm Perceptions Among U.S. Adults: A Trend Analysis Using the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Peterson Emily B , Pitzer Lindsay , Zhao Xiaoquan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Recent research has found widespread misperceptions about nicotine. This study tests perceptions among U.S. adults with respect to nicotine addictiveness and cancer harm, while distinguishing between nicotine misperceptions (ie an incorrect response) and “don’t know” (DK) responses.

Aims and Methods

Data from three cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey, fielded in 2015, 2017, and 2019 were merged for analysis. Weighted multinominal logistic regression models were conducted where nicotine addictiveness and cancer harm beliefs (DK, incorrect, and correct responses) were regressed on survey year and demographic variables. We also tested for interactions between survey year and demographic variables to assess if previously identified disparities had evolved during these years.

Results

Analyses showed lower odds of misperceptions about nicotine addictiveness, but higher odds of misperceptions about nicotine cancer harm in 2019 compared to 2015. There was no change in DK responses during these years. Disparities by sociodemographics and tobacco use status were observed, mostly for cancer harm. Survey year significantly interacted with age in the model for cancer harm, which was driven primarily by increased incorrect responses and decreased DK responses over time among the youngest age group (18–34 years). There were no significant interactions between survey year and race and ethnicity or level of educational attainment.

Conclusions

Disparities in nicotine addictiveness and cancer harm perceptions reflect the uneven distribution of knowledge in the U.S. adult population. Nicotine cancer harm misperceptions are increasing and educational efforts to address this misperception are warranted.

Implications

Future educational efforts targeting nicotine addictiveness beliefs may benefit by focusing on DK responders. The growing trend of misperceptions of nicotine’s role in cancer harm may negatively impact perceptions about nicotine replacement therapy and low nicotine content cigarettes. Future efforts should focus on correcting nicotine cancer harm misperception, particularly among young adults.
Silicosis after short-term exposure
Authors: Nowak-Pasternak J , Lipińska-Ojrzanowska A , Świątkowska B
Published: October 2022

Background

Silicosis develops after inhalation of dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and is recognized as an occupational disease. Workers also develop accelerated and acute silicosis after shorter exposure to respirable silica dust at high concentrations.

Aims

The objective of this study is to investigate and identify the occupational groups at the highest risk of silicosis due to short-term RCS exposure.

Methods

All confirmed cases of silicosis reported to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases in Poland between 2000 and 2019 were included. Data analysis covered: gender, age at the time of occupational disease diagnosis, exposure duration to RCS and sector of the national economy.

Results

A total of 2066 confirmed cases of silicosis were analysed. Thirty-two cases occurred after RCS exposure shorter than 5 years. Median age was 50. Seventy-five per cent (n = 24) of these cases were diagnosed in industrial processing workers who were mainly employed in manufacturing of non-metallic mineral products (44%, n = 14) and metal production (19%, n = 6). 16% (n = 5) of cases were associated with employment in mining and quarrying, 6% (n = 2) in conservation of monuments and 3% (n = 1) in construction.

Conclusions

The findings identify occupational groups at risk of silicosis due to short-term silica exposure. Medical professionals should be aware of early silicosis symptoms, and occupational health professionals and employers should improve protective and preventive measures in silica related industries.
Use of Anti-Glycopeptidolipid-Core Antibodies Serology for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease in the United States
Authors: Hernandez A G , Brunton A E , Ato M , Morimoto K , Machida S , Henkle E , Winthrop K L
Published: October 2022

Background

There is an unmet need for rapid, accurate, and noninvasive assays for diagnosis and monitoring of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD). We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of an anti-glycopeptidolipid (GPL)-core immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody test in a US cohort of MAC patients, and we described serial serology changes during antimicrobial therapy.

Methods

We identified serum samples from MAC patients starting treatment at enrollment and control subjects with or without bronchiectasis within OHSU's NTM Biobank. We conducted diagnostic test accuracy. Changes in mean levels of anti-GPL-core IgA antibodies between 0 and 3, 6, or 12 months after treatment start were assessed using the Student's paired t test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for IgA antibody levels and Student paired t test measures.

Results

We included 25 MAC patients and 18 controls. At baseline, IgA antibody concentrations in MAC patients (3.40 ± 6.77 U/mL) were significantly higher than in controls without bronchiectasis (0.14 ± 0.03 U/mL, P = .02). Sensitivity and specificity for MAC-PD in this population was 48% and 89% (cutoff point 0.7 U/mL), respectively. Among MAC patients starting antimicrobial therapy, mean IgA levels decreased 0.3202 U/mL (P = .86) at month 3, 0.8678 U/mL (P = .47) at month 6, and 1.9816 U/mL (P = .41) at 1 year. Quality of Life-Bronchiectasis Respiratory Symptom Scale improvement correlated with decreasing IgA titers after 12 months of treatment in MAC patients (r = −0.50, P = .06).

Conclusions

Anti-GPL-core IgA antibody levels are relatively specific for MAC-PD and decrease with treatment. Larger studies are warranted to evaluate the role of IgA serology in monitoring treatment response or for disease relapse/reinfection.
Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the Clinical Features of Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Japan
Authors: Ozeki Shoko , Kawada Jun-ichi , Yamashita Daiki , Yasufuku Chika , Akano Takuya , Kato Masahiro , Suzuki Konomi , Tano Chihiro , Matsumoto Kazuki , Mizutani Shu-hei , Mori Ayumi , Nishio Nobuhiro , Kidokoro Hiroyuki , Yasui Yoshihiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Sato Yoshiaki ,   Nagoya Collaborative Clinical Research Team, Shiraki Anna , Ueda Kazuto , Ando Shotaro , Nagai Noriko , Aoshima Tsutomu , Suzuki Michio , Kubota Tetsuo , Suzuki Motomasa , Doi Satoru , Fukumi Daichi , Sugiyama Yuichiro , Morishita Masafumi , Nishimura Naoko , Takagi Mizuki , Kurahashi Hirokazu , Takeuchi Yohei , Kuraishi Kenji , Shinohara Osamu , Kawabe Takashi , Watanabe Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Shinji , Muto Taichiro , Kido Shinji , Hara Shinya , Hoshino Shin
Published: October 2022

Background

Mitigation measures implemented during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remarkably reduced the incidence of infectious diseases among children. However, a re-emergence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was observed in 2021 in Japan. We compared the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with RSV infection before and during COVID-19.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled children aged <6 years who were hospitalized with RSV infection in 18 hospitals and compared their clinical characteristics before (January 2019 to April 2020, 1675 patients) and during COVID-19 (September 2020 to December 2021, 1297 patients).

Results

The mean age of patients with RSV infection was significantly higher during COVID-19 than before (17.4 vs 13.7 months, P < .001). Compared with before COVID-19, a 2.6-fold increase in RSV cases in the 2–5 years age group was observed from sentinel surveillance during COVID-19, whereas a 1.2-fold increase was noted in the same age group among hospitalized patients. On average for all patients, consolidation shadows obtained on radiography were less frequently observed (26.1 vs 29.6%, P = .04), and reduced respiratory assistance (42.2% vs 48.7%, P < .001) and hospitalization stay (5.7 vs 6.0 days, P < .001) was required in patients with RSV infection during COVID-19.

Conclusions

Coronavirus disease 2019 and social activity restriction caused epidemiological changes in pediatric RSV infections, and a majority of patients with RSV infection aged ≥2 years did not develop severe symptoms requiring hospitalization. The RSV symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak were equivalent to or milder than in the previous seasons.
SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 plays rice-specific roles in DNA damage response and repair
Authors: Nishizawa-Yokoi Ayako , Motoyama Ritsuko , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Mori Akiko , Iida Keiko , Toki Seiichi
Published: October 2022

Land plants are constantly exposed to environmental stresses and have developed complicated defense systems, including DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair systems, to protect plant cells. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the transcription factor SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE1 (SOG1) plays a key role in DDR. Here, we focus on DDR in rice (Oryza sativa)—thought to be a simpler system compared with Arabidopsis due to lack of induction of the endocycle even under DNA damage stress. Rice SOG1 (OsSOG1) and SOG1-like (OsSGL) were identified as putative AtSOG1 orthologs with complete or partial conservation of the serine–glutamine motifs involved in activation via phosphorylation. In addition to OsSOG1 or OsSGL knockout mutants, OsSOG1 nonphosphorylatable mutants (OsSOG1-7A) were generated by homologous recombination-mediated gene targeting. Based on the analysis of DNA damage susceptibility and the effect on the expression of DNA repair-related genes using these mutants, we have demonstrated that OsSOG1 plays a more important role than OsSGL in controlling DDR and DNA repair. OsSOG1-regulated target genes via CTT (N)7 AAG motifs reported previously as AtSOG1 recognition sites. The loss of transcription activity of OsSOG1-7A was not complete compared with OsSOG1-knockout mutants, raising the possibility that other phosphorylation sites might be involved in, or that phosphorylation might not be always required for, the activation of OsSOG1. Furthermore, our findings have highlighted differences in SOG1-mediated DDR between rice and Arabidopsis, especially regarding the transcriptional induction of meiosis-specific recombination-related genes and the response of cell cycle-related genes, revealing rice-specific DDR mechanisms.
Respiratory energy demands and scope for demand expansion and destruction
Authors: Bathe Ulschan , Leong Bryan J , Van Gelder Kristen , Barbier Guillaume G , Henry Christopher S , Amthor Jeffrey S , Hanson Andrew D
Published: October 2022

Nonphotosynthetic plant metabolic processes are powered by respiratory energy, a limited resource that metabolic engineers—like plants themselves—must manage prudently.
Rose WRKY13 promotes disease protection to Botrytis by enhancing cytokinin content and reducing abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Liu Xintong , Zhou Xiaofeng , Li Dandan , Hong Bo , Gao Junping , Zhang Zhao
Published: October 2022

The plant hormones cytokinin (CK) and abscisic acid (ABA) play critical and often opposite roles during plant growth, development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Rose (Rosa sp.) is an economically important ornamental crop sold as cut flowers. Rose petals are extremely susceptible to gray mold disease caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. The infection of rose petals by B. cinerea leads to tissue collapse and rot, causing severe economic losses. In this study, we showed that CK and ABA play opposite roles in the susceptibility of rose to B. cinerea. Treatment with CK enhanced the disease protection of rose petals to B. cinerea, while ABA promoted disease progression. We further demonstrated that rose flowers activate CK-mediated disease protection via a B. cinerea-induced rose transcriptional repressor, Rosa hybrida (Rh)WRKY13, which is an ortholog of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AtWRKY40. RhWRKY13 binds to promoter regions of the CK degradation gene CKX3 (RhCKX3) and the ABA-response gene ABA insensitive4 (RhABI4), leading to simultaneous inhibition of their expression in rose petals. The increased CK content and reduced ABA responses result in enhanced protection from B. cinerea. Collectively, these data reveal opposite roles for CK and ABA in the susceptibility of rose petals against B. cinerea infection, which is mediated by B. cinerea-induced RhWRKY13 expression.
Web of Power: How Elite Networks Shaped War and Politics in China
Authors: Bai Ying , Jia Ruixue , Yang Jiaojiao
Published: October 2022

Scholars have argued that powerful individuals can exert influence on the path of a nation’s development. Yet the process through which people can have an effect on macro-level political economy outcomes remains unclear. This study uses the deadliest civil war in modern history, the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864), to elucidate how one person—Zeng Guofan—used his personal elite networks to organize an army to suppress the rebellion, and how these networks would affect the nation’s power distribution. Two findings stand out: (i) counties that already had more prewar elites in Zeng’s networks experienced an increase in soldier deaths after he took power; and (ii) postwar political power shifted significantly toward the home counties of these elites, creating a less balanced national-level power distribution. Our findings highlight how micro-level elite networks can influence national politics and societal power distribution, shedding new light on the relationship between elites, war, and the state.
The adjusted Global Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome Score as predictor of damage accrual measured by Damage Index for APS: a longitudinal study
Authors: Barilaro Giuseppe , Della Rocca Carlo , Esteves Alexandra , Cervera Ricard , Espinosa Gerard
Published: October 2022

Objective

To analyse the association between the average ‘adjusted’ Global APS Score (aGAPSS) over time, as a surrogate of disease activity, and change in Damage Index for APS (DIAPS) during follow-up in patients with thrombotic and non-thrombotic APS.

Methods

Two hundred APS patients (138 primary, 62 associated to other autoimmune diseases) were included. DIAPS change was calculated as the difference between basal DIAPS and DIAPS at the end of follow-up. The aGAPSS was calculated for each patient at baseline and on a yearly basis for up to 6 years (minimum 3 years). The average score per patient was computed and considered the reference aGAPSS. Linear regression models were designed to analyse the association between mean aGAPSS and DIAPS change. Moreover, factors associated to high (increase of DIAPS ≥1 during follow-up) vs low (increase of DIAPS <1 during follow-up) damage accrual were assessed.

Results

A higher mean aGAPSS value was associated to a DIAPS increase during follow-up (b = 0.04, P < 0.001) in the multivariate analysis. Higher mean aGAPSS values were found in patients with a DIAPS increase ≥1 during follow-up compared with patients with an increase of <1 point [9.22 (95% CI 7.58, 10.86) vs 6.72 (95% CI 6.0, 7.43), P = 0.003]. aGAPSS increased the odds a DIAPS increment of ≥1 point during follow-up [OR = 1.12 (95% CI 1.04, 1.21), P = 0.003].

Conclusions

Our data support the utility of longitudinal assessing of the aGAPSS score in predicting damage accrual, measured by DIAPS, in APS.
Effects of formic acid and glycerol monolaurate on weanling pig growth performance, fecal consistency, fecal microbiota, and serum immunity
Authors: Dahmer Payton L , Harrison Olivia L , Jones Cassandra K
Published: October 2022

A total of 350 weanling pigs (DNA 400 × 200; initially, 5.67 ± 0.06 kg BW) were used in a 42-day study with 5 pigs per pen and 14 replicate pens per treatment. At weaning, pigs were allotted to pens in a completely randomized design and pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: 1) negative control (CON; standard nursery diet containing only 150 ppm Zn from trace mineral premix and no acidifier); 2) control diet with 3,000 ppm added zinc from ZnO included in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm added zinc from ZnO included in phase 2 (ZnO); 3) control diet with 0.70% formic acid (FA; Amasil NA; BASF, Florham, NJ); 4) control diet with 0.18% glycerol monolaurate (GML; Natural Biologics GML, Natural Biologics, Newfield, NY); and 5) control diet with a 1.0% blend of formic acid and glycerol monolaurate (FORMI; FORMI 3G, ADDCON GmbH, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany). Pigs were fed treatment diets from d 0 to d 28 and were then fed a common diet from d 28 to d 42. From days 0 to 7, pigs fed ZnO or FORMI had increased (P = 0.03) ADG compared to pigs fed CON, with no difference in feed intake (P > 0.05). Overall, pigs fed GML had reduced (P < 0.0001) ADG compared with those fed the CON, ZnO, or FORMI diets. Fecal DM was evaluated from days 7 to 28 and there was a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04). Pigs fed GML had a lower fecal DM % on day 7, but a higher fecal DM % on days 14 and 21; however, no differences in fecal DM were observed on day 28. Fresh fecal samples were collected from the same randomly selected pig on days 0 and 14 (70 pigs total;14 pigs per treatment) for analysis of fecal microbial populations using 16S rDNA sequencing. Dietary treatment did not significantly impact fecal microbiota at the phyla level, but pigs fed ZnO had an increased relative abundance (P < 0.01) of the family Clostridiaceae. A blood sample was also collected from one pig per pen on days 0 and 14 for analysis of serum IgA, IgG, and TNF-α. There was no evidence that dietary treatment effected IgA, IgG, or TNF-α concentrations. The effect of sampling day was significant (P < 0.05), where circulating IgA and TNF-α was increased and IgG was decreased from days 0 to 14. In summary, there is potential for a blend of formic acid and GML to improve growth performance immediately post-weaning without negatively impacting fecal consistency. Formic acid and GML alone or in combination did not impact fecal microbial populations or serum immune parameters.
“It’s hard for everyone” systemic barriers to home confinement to prevent community spread of COVID-19
Authors: Omaleki Vinton , Vo Anh V , Flores Marlene , Majnoonian Araz , Le Tina , Nguyen Megan , Duong Dawn , Hassani Ashkan , Wijaya Fitri C , Gonzalez-Zuniga Patricia E , Gaines Tommi , Garfein Richard S , Fielding-Miller Rebecca
Published: October 2022

Rapid identification and isolation/quarantine of COVID-19 cases or close contacts, respectively, is a vital tool to support safe, in-person learning. However, safe isolation or quarantine for a young child also necessitates home confinement for at least one adult caregiver, as well as rapid learning material development by the teacher to minimize learning loss. The purpose of this study is to better understand barriers and supports to student home confinement. We conducted a mixed-methods study using focus group discussions and a self-administered online survey with parents and staff members from 12 elementary schools and childcare sites across San Diego County serving low-income and socially vulnerable families. Focus group participants reported that mental distress and loneliness, learning loss, childcare, food, income loss, and overcrowded housing were major barriers related to home confinement. The experiences described by FGD participants were prevalent in a concurrent community survey: 25% of participants reported that isolation would be extremely difficult for a household member who tested positive or was exposed to COVID-19, and 20% were extremely concerned about learning loss while in isolation or quarantine. Our findings suggest that there are serious structural impediments to safely completing the entire recommended course of isolation or quarantine, and that the potential for isolation or quarantine may also lead to increased hesitancy to access diagnostic testing.
Identifying positioning and storylines about mathematical modelling in teacher–student dialogues in episodes from two upper secondary classrooms
Authors: Berget Ingeborg Katrin Lid
Published: October 2022

The teaching and learning of mathematical modelling involve engagement in real-world situations and the mathematization of such situations. In this study, the communication between teachers and students in 13 lessons (0.75–1.5 hours each) in two Norwegian upper secondary classrooms is observed and recorded to explore how modelling is communicated and to evaluate the students’ agency in different episodes. Episodes in which a student takes initiative are analysed through the lens of positioning theory. An analytic tool is developed to explore the implementation of mathematical modelling in day-to-day activities by identifying the positioning and storylines of the speech/act in classroom episodes. It is found that the teacher facilitates students’ agency using everyday experiences when critiquing mathematical models. There are no possibilities found for students’ agency in the process of formulating a mathematical model. In these episodes, the storyline of mathematical modelling is one of finding the correct answer using given procedures, rather than engaging in real-world situations and making choices in the mathematization of such situations.
Investigation of the use of multiplex PCR in childhood diarrhea with clinical and epidemiological features
Authors: Kara Yalçın , Kızıl Mahmut Can , Kılıç Ömer , Us Tercan , Dinleyici Ener Çağrı
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in children. Treatment regimens differ depending on the pathogen. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical features of pediatric patients whose gastrointestinal agents were detected by multiplex PCR.

Materials and Methods

The study included 131 pediatric patients who were followed up at Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Pediatric Department between January 2018 and December 2021.Gastrointestinal pathogens were detected in stool samples by multiplex PCR. The epidemiological and clinical features were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 203 gastrointestinal pathogens were detected from the stool samples of 131 cases. Of these cases, 56% were male and 44% were female. The mean age was 66 (2–204) months. The most common symptoms were diarrhea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain. The pathogen detection rate was 69% by multiplex PCR. A single pathogen was detected in 85 (65%) cases and multiple pathogens were detected in 46 (35%) cases. The most common pathogens were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC, 23%), Clostridium difficile (21%), norovirus (17%), rotavirus (15%), salmonella (12%) and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC, 11%). Stool culture was positive in 16 (12%) cases and microscopic examination positive in 17 (13%) cases. Probiotic treatment was given to 119 (92%) cases and antimicrobial treatment (metroinidazole, ceftriaxone, azithromycin and oral vancomycin) to 34 (26%) cases. Of the cases, 56 (42%) had chronic disease, 40 (30%) had a history of previous antibiotic use and 17 (13%) had a history of hospitalization in the intensive care unit.

Conclusion

The sensitivity of the multiplex PCR in the detection of acute gastroenteritis agents is higher than stool microscopy, stool culture and stool antigen tests. However, due to the inability to distinguish between colonization, carrier state and pathogenicity, it should be evaluated together with other diagnostic tests and clinical findings in order to determine whether the determined agent is pathogenic or not and in the regulation of antimicrobial therapy.
Application and Influencing Factors of Radiofrequency Ablation in Monochorionic Pregnancy
Authors: Pan Pingshan , Huang Dongbing , Tang Lu , Yang Zuojian , Qin Guican , Wei Hongwei
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes and possible influencing factors concerning complicated monochorionic (MC) multiple pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction using radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 54 women with complicated MC multiple pregnancy who underwent selective fetal reduction using RFA at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2015 to March 2020. According to the indications for RFA, the 54 women were divided into three groups: complex complications (n = 30), structural anomalies (n = 18), and triplet pregnancy (n = 6). According to the gestational age for RFA, all patients were divided into three groups: 16–19+6 weeks (n = 17), 20–23+6 weeks (n = 17), and 24–26+6 weeks (n = 20). We analyzed the pregnancy outcomes (including the overall survival rate (OSR), gestational age at delivery, birth weight of newborns) and postoperative complications such as miscarriage, and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) according to the indications and gestational age of reduction by using suitable statistical testing.

Results

The OSR was 83.3% (45/54). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of gestation at the time of reduction was 21.6 ± 3.2 weeks. The GA at delivery was 34.0(32.0,37.5) weeks. The mean ± SD of newborns’ birth weight was 2118 ± 685 g. The overall rates of miscarriage, PROM, and IUFD were 9.3% (5/54), 7.4% (4/54), and 7.4% (4/54), respectively. According to the indications for reduction, the OSR for complex complications, structural anomalies, and triplet pregnancy groups were 83.3% (25/30), 83.3% (15/18), and 83.3% (5/6), respectively. Statistically significant differences were only found in the mean birth weight among the three groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the rate of miscarriage, and mean gestation at delivery among the three groups (P > 0.05). In the group with complex complications, the OSR of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, selective intrauterine growth restriction, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, and twin anemia polycythemia sequence were 66.7% (6/9), 93.3% (14/15), 80.0% (4/5), and 100.0% (1/1), respectively, with no significant difference among these groups (P > 0.05). According to the gestational age of reduction, the OSRs among the three groups were 82.4% (14/17), 76.5% (13/17), and 90.0% (18/20), respectively, and the rate of miscarriage, IUFD, and mean gestation age at delivery among these groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Selective fetal reduction by RFA is an important treatment method for complicated MC multiple pregnancy, although it may lead to complications like miscarriage, and IUFD. The indication of reduction seems to affect the pregnancy outcome. An optimal treatment plan should be selected according to the patient’s conditions in clinical practice.
The Controversies and Challenges in the Management of Twin Pregnancy: From the Perspective of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Guidelines
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Liu Quanrui , Zhao Jingya , Li Danlun , Zhou Yi
Published: October 2022

The rate of multiple pregnancy is increasing, mainly because of the widespread use of assisted reproduction techniques and families’ desire for twins. Twin pregnancy accounts for a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, structural malformations, and neonatal adverse events than singleton pregnancy. The presence of artery-vein anastomoses, unbalanced placenta sharing, and abnormal cord insertion in monochorionic twins is associated with twin complications such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, selective intrauterine growth restriction, and twin anemia polycythemia sequence. Although many guidelines and studies have established and improved the processes about the antenatal surveillance and management of twin pregnancy, they also raise more controversies and challenges. This review aims to highlight the international consensus on the antenatal care of twin pregnancies and analyze the controversies and predicaments based on the published International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics guidelines and research.
An investigation of celebrity brand hate influence in the arts marketing sector of Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Iddrisu , Preko Alexander , Ameyibor Leeford Edem Kojo , Feglo Mawuli , Agbemabiese George Cudjoe
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating negative past experience (NPE), symbolic incongruity and ideological incompatibility on celebrity brand hate (CBH) within the arts marketing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on the self-congruity theory (SCT), the study is based on two studies with 618 hip-life music (HLM) listeners in Ghana (Study 1 = 340 face-to-face participants; study 2 = 278 online participants), who responded to 20 celebrities they hate. The study validates Hegner et al.'s (2017) product brand hate (BH) model in the arts sector utilizing the structural equal modeling in testing the research hypotheses.

Findings

The study found that negative past experience, symbolic incongruity, and ideological incompatibility significantly influences CBH. Furthermore, CBH significantly influences celebrity brand avoidance (CBA) and negative word-of-mouth (NWoM), brand retaliation, private complaint and brand switching. Nevertheless, CBH had no significant influence on CBA in the second study. In all, BH had the strongest effects on NWoM for products in Hegner et al. (2017) model, whereas in our model BH strongly impacts on brand retaliation for celebrities (i.e. people).

Practical implications

The study provided evidence to marketing scholars, celebrity image managers and brand professionals, on critical factors to consider in building and sustaining celebrity brands as viable currencies for economic leveraging within the arts industry.

Originality/value

Though BH has received academic recognition, little is known about the concept of CBH and its outcomes in the arts marketing literature.
Integrative literature review on employee turnover antecedents across different generations: commonalities and uniqueness
Authors: Climek Michael , Henry Rachel , Jeong Shinhee
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to synthesize the current turnover literature that has investigated the nonfinancial antecedents of turnover intention across generations. This paper provides an integrative and analytical review of prior empirical studies with two research questions: What nonfinancial factors influencing employee turnover have been empirically identified across different generations? and What generational commonalities and uniqueness exist among the turnover antecedents?

Design/methodology/approach

To identify nonfinancial antecedents of employee turnover, an integrative literature review that allows a systematic process of searching and selecting literature was conducted. While synthesizing the antecedents identified in the articles, the authors were able to categorize them at three different levels: individual, group and organizational

Findings

The authors discuss each antecedent according to three categories: individual, group and organizational levels. Based on the findings from the first research question, the authors further explore the commonalities and uniqueness among three generations (i.e. Millennials, Generation X and older workers).

Originality/value

This study found both generational commonalities and uniqueness in terms of turnover intention antecedents. Based on the findings of the study, the authors discuss how to facilitate these common factors across all generations as well as considering the factors unique to each generation. Differentiation within organizations regarding retention strategies should yield positive results for both employees and organizations.
Information literacy instruction in university libraries of Islamabad, Pakistan: a study of librarians’ perceptions, practices, barriers, and strategies
Authors: Moin Ud Din Ghulam , Mairaj Muhammad Ijaz , Sheikh Arslan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the perceptions of librarians about information literacy (IL) instruction, their current IL practices and the problems they face while offering IL instructional programs in public and private sector university libraries in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research design was adopted, and a survey was carried out for this study to collect the data through an online questionnaire for the university librarians. All librarians (a total of 120) were approached to collect the data, of whom 92 (76.6%) responded to the survey.

Findings

The findings reveal that the librarians working in the university libraries of Islamabad are aware of the significance of IL instruction to fulfil the information needs of their library users. A majority of the librarians indicated having adequate skills to offer IL instruction. Moreover, the majority of the librarians are offering IL instruction to users at their respective universities. However, some of the barriers affecting IL instruction programs were also reported including the absence of IL instruction courses in the library and information science (LIS) curriculum, a shortage of trained library professional staff to provide IL instruction, a lack of commitment among librarians for IL instruction, a lack of training opportunities for librarians and a lack of interest from library users. These obstacles have a negative effect on IL instruction in the university libraries of Islamabad. Therefore, this study suggests that librarians are needed to take several necessary steps to overcome these obstacles to achieve the best results in IL instruction programs.

Originality/value

This study presents a picture of the status of IL skills, current practices and barriers to offering IL instruction in the university libraries of Islamabad. This research bridges the gap in the existing literature and will help to create awareness about the importance of IL skills among LIS professionals in Pakistan. Moreover, the findings of this study will help encourage librarians for the enhancement of IL instruction services in university libraries of Islamabad in particular and Pakistan in general.
An exploratory study of university librarians’ perceptions on causes and deterrents of plagiarism: a Pakistani perspective
Authors: Mansoor Faiqa , Ameen Kanwal , Arshad Alia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The role of academic libraries in dissemination of information and facilitating research of academic community is well-established world over. However, a significant role of libraries in ensuring fair use of information to promote an ethical research culture at the higher education institutes is also flourishing. This study aims to explore the perceived causes of unethical use of literature by university scholars and deterrents to plagiarism in universities of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the study was qualitative, and interviews were conducted on nine university library heads in Pakistan who were officially administrating anti-plagiarism (Turnitin) software service at their universities and were providing “similarity index certification” of PhD and MPhil research work through the software. They were purposively selected for the interviews because of their direct interaction with the researchers and faculty on matters of information searching as well as its ethical use. The study is based on PhD thesis work of the first author.

Findings

The findings of the study depicted that conceptual unawareness of plagiarism, lack of information skills, socio-cultural factors and weak policies were the prime reasons for unethical research practices among graduate scholars. Participants were positive that a role of university library in combating plagiarism through provision of anti-plagiarism software and guidance could prove more beneficial for both the researchers and libraries.

Originality/value

Multiple studies have been conducted, in and out of south Asian region, to gather the views of the students and faculty on the matters of academic misconduct. However, no study was found presenting the views of the other stakeholders in promotion of academic integrity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is first of its kind in South Asian context and provided observation-based views of a group of university library heads who are also administrating anti-plagiarism service in their universities on the causes and deterrents to plagiarism.
A novel space/time integration technology via altogether different space and time stepping methods for nonlinear first-order systems
Authors: Tae David , Tamma Kumar K.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel implementation of a multispatial method, multitime-scheme subdomain differential algebraic equation (DAE) framework allowing a mix of different space discretization methods and different time schemes by a robust generalized single step single solve (GS4) family of linear multistep (LMS) algorithms on a single body analysis for the first-order nonlinear transient systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This proposed method allows the coupling of different numerical methods, such as the finite element method and particle methods, and different implicit and/or explicit algorithms in each subdomain into a single analysis with the GS4 framework. The DAE, which constrains both space and time in multi-subdomain analysis, combined with the GS4 framework ensures the second-order time accuracy in all primary variables and Lagrange multiplier. With the appropriate GS4 parameters, the algorithmic temperature rate variable shift can be matched for all time steps using the DAE. The proposed method is used to solve various combinations of spatial methods and time schemes between subdomains in a single analysis of nonlinear first-order system problems.

Findings

The proposed method is capable of coupling different spatial methods for multiple subdomains and different implicit/explicit time integration schemes in the GS4 framework while sustaining second-order time accuracy.

Originality/value

Traditional approaches do not permit such robust and flexible coupling features. The proposed framework encompasses most of the LMS methods that are second-order time accurate and unconditionally stable.
A six-factor asset pricing model of China's stock market from the perspective of institutional investors' dominance
Authors: Zhou Xiaoguang , Lin Yuxuan , Zhong Jie
Published: October 2022

Purpose

China's stock market, which serves as an example of emerging markets, is steadily maturing in the context of globalization. In order to analyze the pricing mechanism of China's stock market, this paper builds a six-factor model to address the market features that are structurally efficient but not entirely efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

This study updates the Fama–French factor model's construction process to account for the unique features of China's stock market before creating a model that incorporates size, volume, value, profitability, and profit-income factors based on institutional investors' trading behavior and research preferences. The SWS three-tier sector stock index's monthly and quarterly data for the years 2016–2021 are used as samples for this study.

Findings

The results imply that China's stock market is structurally efficient and exhibits high levels of rationality in the region dominated by institutional investors. Specifically, big-size and high-volume portfolios that perform well in terms of liquidity can receive trading premiums. Growth-style sectors prevail at present, and investing in sectors with strong profitability and reliable financial reporting data can produce better returns.

Practical implications

The research on China's stock market can be extended to improve the understanding of the development process of similar emerging markets, thereby promoting their improvement. To enhance the development of emerging markets, the regulators should attach great importance to the role of local institutional investors in driving the market to maturity. It is crucial to adopt a structured approach to examine the market pricing mechanism throughout the middle stage of the transition from developing to mature markets.

Originality/value

This study offers a structured viewpoint on asset pricing in growing emerging markets by combining the multi-factor pricing model approach with behavioral finance theories.
A hierarchical visual model for robot automatic arc welding guidance
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Tingyang , Cai Zhenhua , Zeng Chunnian , Jin Xiaoyue
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The traditional vision system cannot automatically adjust the feature point extraction method according to the type of welding seam. In addition, the robot cannot self-correct the laying position error or machining error. To solve this problem, this paper aims to propose a hierarchical visual model to achieve automatic arc welding guidance.

Design/methodology/approach

The hierarchical visual model proposed in this paper is divided into two layers: welding seam classification layer and feature point extraction layer. In the welding seam classification layer, the SegNet network model is trained to identify the welding seam type, and the prediction mask is obtained to segment the corresponding point clouds. In the feature point extraction layer, the scanning path is determined by the point cloud obtained from the upper layer to correct laying position error. The feature points extraction method is automatically determined to correct machining error based on the type of welding seam. Furthermore, the corresponding specific method to extract the feature points for each type of welding seam is proposed. The proposed visual model is experimentally validated, and the feature points extraction results as well as seam tracking error are finally analyzed.

Findings

The experimental results show that the algorithm can well accomplish welding seam classification, feature points extraction and seam tracking with high precision. The prediction mask accuracy is above 90% for three types of welding seam. The proposed feature points extraction method for each type of welding seam can achieve sub-pixel feature extraction. For the three types of welding seam, the maximum seam tracking error is 0.33–0.41 mm, and the average seam tracking error is 0.11–0.22 mm.

Originality/value

The main innovation of this paper is that a hierarchical visual model for robotic arc welding is proposed, which is suitable for various types of welding seam. The proposed visual model well achieves welding seam classification, feature point extraction and error correction, which improves the automation level of robot welding.