bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Jessie right to end her life?
Authors: Landau Iddo
Published: November 2022

Presupposing that our consideration of ethical issues can be enriched by examining literary works, this paper focuses on Marsha Norman's play ‘night, Mother. The play describes the last hour and a half in the life of Jessie, a young woman who decides to die by suicide. Before ending her life, Jessie explains to her mother her reasons for her suicide. In the context of the play, these are presented as quite weighty and as, perhaps, justifying her decision. Scholarly research on the play has also treated Jessie's suicide favorably. In this paper I argue that Jessie, and people in similar conditions, are wrong to die by suicide. Among other points, I criticize Jessie's arguments from the impossibility to improve life; the assured termination of suffering; the badness of the world; and the right for suicide. I also criticize arguments in the scholarly literature that view Jessie's suicide favorably, such as the arguments from independence, heroism, authenticity, and emotional closeness.
Cancer Cell‐Specific and Laser‐Activatable NanoSeeds for Targeted Photothermal Ablation of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Kalyane Dnyaneshwar , Polaka Suryanarayana , Vasdev Nupur , Tekade Rakesh Kumar
Published: November 2022

This investigation reports the quality‐by‐design (QbD) assisted novel templated approach for developing cancer cell‐specific and laser‐activatable nanoseeds (AuraTherm) for targeted photothermal ablation of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). AuraTherm was nanometric in size as characterized by SEM, TEM and particle analysis (80.28 ± 2.56 nm; −21.80 ± 0.17 mV) with hemocompatibility and neutrality towards blood components. AuraTherm showed reversible photothermal effect (ΔT: 37 ± 1.2°C → 49.4 ± 1.5°C; 15 min; 2.4 W cm−2) employing near‐infrared 808 nm laser (NIR‐808). The targeted cytosolic localization led to a significant anticancer activity as evaluated using apoptosis assay, cell cycle analysis, Intracellular ROS generation assay, cellular uptake and receptor binding assay. The NIR‐808 laser‐responsive photothermal ablation of cancer cell was found to be more effective compared to without NIR‐808 laser‐treated counterparts, suggesting the fundamental role of photothermal ablation in the treatment of TNBC.
Recent Photosensitizer Developments, Delivery Strategies and Combination‐based Approaches for Photodynamic Therapy†
Authors: Mariño‐Ocampo Nory , Dibona‐Villanueva Luciano , Escobar‐Álvarez Elizabeth , Guerra‐Díaz Daniel , Zúñiga‐Núñez Daniel , Fuentealba Denis , Robinson‐Duggon José
Published: November 2022

Photodynamic therapy of cancer (PDT) is a therapeutic technique, minimally invasive, which is currently used to treat cancerous lesions and tumors that have been in the spotlight for its potential over the recent decades. Nonetheless, PDT still needs further development to become a first‐option treatment for patients. This review compiles recent progress in several aspects of the current research in the constantly growing area of PDT to overcome the main challenges as an attempt to serve as a guide and reference for newcomers into this research area. This review has been prepared to highlight the use of chemical modifications on photosensitizers to improve their solubility, photostability, selectivity and phototoxicity. Additionally, the use of liposomes and cavitands as drug delivery systems to aid in the biodistribution and bioaccumulation of photosensitizers is presented. Also, the combination of PDT with chemotherapy or immunotherapy as an option to boost and improve treatment outcomes is discussed. Finally, the inhibition of antioxidant enzymes as a strategy for a synergistic effect to ameliorate the performance of the photosensitizers in PDT is presented as an alternative for future researchers.
Satirical strikes and deadpanning diplomats: Stiob as geopolitical performance in Russia–US relations
Authors: Hemment Julie
Published: November 2022

This article examines humor as geopolitical performance in the context of Russia–US political communication. Humor has featured prominently in the mass‐mediated performances of Russian state actors since 2012. Public officials such as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have engaged in ambiguous play and satirical borrowings via the circulation of memes and other political theatrics. “Russiagate”—the scandal about Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election—proved to be a particular flashpoint. I draw on recent scholarship in anthropology and media studies as well as prior ethnographic work to account for these humorous performances and consider the work that they do. Dominant analyses view this humor in militarized terms, regarding it as part of a deliberate “hybrid war” strategy. I contend that deadpanning diplomats like Lavrov are produced when a transformed Soviet‐era humorous form, stiob, intersects with a hybridized and transnationally dialogic global media context, resulting in a volatile form of geopolitical communication. In taking this state propagated humor and the confusion it generates as ethnographic objects, I contribute to anthropological interrogations of the politics of post‐truth.
How patients with dementia influence caregiver burden using the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System‐21 items (DASC‐21) and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI)
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Takechi Hajime
Published: November 2022

Background

Dementia is a disease that is frequently associated with significant caregiving burden. The present study was conducted on patients with dementia in order to investigate the causes of caregiver burden using the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System‐21 items (DASC‐21) and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI).

Methods

The study subjects consisted of 206 elderly patients (mean age: 80.9 ± 5.9 years) with dementia in an outpatient clinic. Current age, gender, type of dementia, Mini‐Mental State Examination, Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the DASC‐21 were investigated. Caregiver burden was assessed by using the ZBI. Behavioural and Psychological Symptom of Dementia (BPSD) were evaluated by using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Simple regression analysis for the ZBI was performed with respective risk factors as independent variables. Thereafter, multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results

The mean ZBI score was 28.0 ± 18.1, whereas mean DASC‐21 score was 44.4 ± 13.2. Simple regression analysis for the ZBI was performed with respective risk factors as independent variables. The DASC‐21 (P < 0.001), CDR (P < 0.001), NPI (P < 0.001), and GDS (P = 0.034) were significantly associated with the ZBI. For each item of the DASC‐21, Memory (P < 0.001), Orientation (P < 0.001), Solving issues/Common sense (P < 0.001), Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) outside the home (P < 0.001), IADL inside the home (P < 0.001), Physical ADL① (P < 0.001) and Physical ADL② (P = 0.014) were also significantly associated with the ZBI. To find the independent association of the ZBI, multiple regression analysis was performed. The results showed that DASC‐21 (P < 0.001) and NPI (P < 0.001) had significant correlation. For each item of the DASC‐21, Memory (P = 0.014) and Solving issues/Common sense (P < 0.001) were also shown to have significant correlation.

Conclusions

Both BPSD, cognition and IADL have affected caregiver burden. The DASC‐21 is useful for determining the causes of caregiver burden of dementia patients.
Reviving the Distinction between Positive and Negative Human Rights
Authors: Wibye Johan Vorland
Published: November 2022

Increasingly firm rejections of the distinction between positive and negative human rights as incoherent have created a gap between theory and practice, as well as tensions within legal doctrinal and philosophical literature. This article argues that the distinction can be preserved by means of a structural account of the interaction of duties within human rights, anchored in case law on the right to freedom of assembly in Article 11, the right to free elections in Article 3 of Protocol 1, and the right to security as enshrined in Articles 2, 3, 5, and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The biofouling process: The science behind a valuable phenomenon for aquaculture
Authors: Garibay‐Valdez Estefanía , Martínez‐Córdova Luis Rafael , Vargas‐Albores Francisco , Emerenciano Maurício G. C. , Miranda‐Baeza Anselmo , Cortés‐Jacinto Edilmar , Ortiz‐Estrada Ángel M. , Cicala Francesco , Martínez‐Porchas Marcel
Published: November 2022

Biofouling, the biological process leading to the accumulation of microorganisms, has been promoted for over a decade in aquaculture, particularly in biofloc technology, biofilm‐based systems and recently aquamimicry. However, the science behind biofouling is largely unknown in aquaculture. This document brings the science behind the biofouling process, reviews and analyses available information about the different phases of such a unique natural process. In aquatic or high humidity environments, substrata rapidly become colonized by microbes. After molecules form a thin film on any surface, bacterial adhesions occur and bacteria–bacteria, bacteria–eukaryotes and bacteria–substrate interactions take place; bacterial adhesion entails the production of adhesins and polysaccharides production. Coaggregation continues after irreversible adhesion, but the activated genes during the adhesion process associated with flagella and pili are suppressed in this stage. Throughout the process, bacteria communicate by excreting signalling or self‐inducing molecules, and other bacteria recognize these molecules that serve as a sort of checkpoint associated with their accumulation. Thereafter, the maturation phase is achieved and usually characterized by a colony equilibrium; some bacteria and other microorganisms achieve prominence in the colony, and many of the members have their functions and contributions to the microbial community. Finally, the detachment involves a complex but coordinated process involving several environmental signals, signal transduction pathways and effectors, promoting biofilm or biofloc split and dispersal to start the process again. In conclusion, biofouling is a complex, multifaceted process, but a deeper understanding of it and its consequent regulation would benefit microorganism‐based aquaculture.
Effects of historical management on the vegetation and habitat properties of wet meadows in Germany
Authors: Straubinger Cornelia , Reisch Christoph , Poschlod Peter
Published: November 2022

Wet meadows in Germany are of high conservational value with a strong decline over the last centuries. Occasionally, new meadows developed, providing us with the opportunity to compare vegetation and habitat properties of wet meadows with currently similar, but different historical management. We categorized the areas as ancient, old or young, according to the point of establishment and grassland continuity in the last two centuries. Several trends derived from other grassland types proved also to be true for wet meadows like a high diversity of vascular plants and Red List species in long‐term managed grasslands. Old grasslands, established one to two centuries ago, exhibited the highest diversity of vascular plants and bryophytes, indicating additional plants arrived by seeding. We investigated species composition using ordination and indicator species. Ancient grasslands were characterized by plants adapted to wet meadows (Molinietalia) such as Rhinanthus serotinus. Young meadows were marked by plants revealing succession like Carex brizoides or a high productivity. A trend, contrary to other grassland types, was that most habitat properties exhibited no temporal pattern except habitat area and few soil attributes. Altogether, a stepwise intensification from ancient to young meadows was detected that reflects the fast development from traditional to modern agriculture. Including the grassland's history in conservation approaches and adapting the management accordingly will improve restoration attempts. Ancient and old grasslands provided more appropriate species for future wet meadows, whereas young grasslands often need a more intensive land use and would benefit from seeding to develop to species‐rich meadows.
Composition of fine‐grained sediment in the Hikurangi Trough: Evidence for intermingling among axial gravity flows, transverse gravity flows and margin‐parallel ocean currents
Authors: Underwood Michael B.
Published: November 2022

The International Ocean Discovery Program cored five sites during Expeditions 372 and 375 to investigate the Hikurangi margin, offshore Poverty Bay, North Island, New Zealand. Trench‐wedge deposits were recovered at Site U1520, and the frontal accretionary prism was cored at Site U1518. Based on X‐ray diffraction analyses of the clay‐sized fraction, illite and smectite are the dominant clay minerals. Compositional scatter is unusually large, and a well‐defined mixing trend is evident between illite‐rich and smectite‐rich end members. The proportion of smectite ranges from 9 to 59 wt.% at Site U1518 and from 12 to 62 wt.% at Site U1520. Nearby slope deposits at Sites U1517 and U1519 are more homogeneous, with consistently higher proportions of smectite. The East Cape Current is probably responsible for transporting smectite‐rich suspensions towards the south‐west from sources that include the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Illite‐rich muds require different sources and different routing paths to the trench. Some suspended sediment probably originated in the Waipaoa watershed on the North Island, entering the trench via Māhia Canyon. Other gravity flows probably started in Kaikōura Canyon or Cook Strait and moved towards the north‐east, down the trench's axial channel. The influence of turbidity currents on clay composition changes with water depth, as do the effects of reworking by contour currents and the role of passive hemipelagic settling. The broad continuum of clay compositions in the trench is enhanced by variable amounts of mixing among multiple ocean currents and fluctuating durations of suspension within a bottom nepheloid layer. That complexity deviates from the paradigm of turbidite‐dominated trench wedges. The margin's compositional diversity also complicates the goal of predicting or modelling three‐dimensional variations in frictional, geotechnical and hydrogeological properties. Those lithological properties are important because they affect slope stability along strike and changes in fault‐slip behaviour along the subduction interface.
Effects of breaking up sitting with light‐intensity physical activity on cognition and mood in university students
Authors: Wu Yingyi , Van Gerven Pascal W. M. , de Groot Renate H. M. , Eijnde Bert O. , Winkens Bjorn , Savelberg Hans H. C. M.
Published: November 2022

Background

University students often exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior that is negatively associated with cognition and mood. On the other hand, light‐intensity physical activity (LIPA) may improve cognitive performance and mood. Therefore, this study investigated the acute effect of LIPA breaks during prolonged sitting on attention, executive functioning, and mood.

Methods

A randomized crossover design was used in this study. In total, 21 healthy adults (15 women, age = 24 ± 3 years, BMI = 23 ± 2 kg/m2) completed three prolonged sitting conditions: (1) without a demanding cognitive task (SIT), (2) with a demanding cognitive task (COGN), and (3) with every 25 min sitting interrupted by a 5‐minute walk (INTERRUPT). Attention, executive function (response inhibition, task shifting, and working memory updating), and mood were assessed before and after each condition.

Results

Linear mixed models analyses showed that prolonged sitting frequently interrupted by LIPA (INTERRUPT) or with cognitively demanding activities (COGN) significantly improved task shifting compared to SIT. However, INTERRUPT did not significantly improve task shifting compared with COGN. No significant acute effects on attention, response inhibition, working memory updating, or mood were found.

Conclusions

Frequent LIPA breaks or cognitively demanding activities have a selective, acute positive impact on one aspect of cognitive performance compared to idle sitting. No evidence was found that LIPA breaks have an acute improvement in attention, executive function, and mood compared to sitting with cognitive loading. To further investigate the effect of PA on cognitive performance, it is necessary to consider cognitive loading and control for the cognitive activity during sitting in the experimental design.
Compromised skin barrier induced by prolonged face mask usage during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its remedy with proper moisturization
Authors: Feng Li , Zhang Qihong , Ruth Nora , Wu Yan , Saliou Claude , Yu Mei
Published: November 2022

Background

Prolonged face mask usage, a daily practice for the public due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, creates high levels of humidity underneath the mask, which may cause unexpected skin concerns.

Objective

To investigate the impact of repeated mask usage on the face by comparing skin properties inside and outside of the mask‐covered areas.

Methods

A double‐blinded, randomized, split‐face clinical study was conducted with 21 healthy female participants who wore face masks at least 6 h every day for 1 week, with one side of their face treated with a moisturizer three times daily. On day 8, after 5 h of wearing the mask, skin properties (sebum, hydration, and trans‐epidermal water loss [TEWL]) were evaluated at 15, 60, and 120 min post‐mask removal, followed by barrier disruption and recovery assessment.

Results

Mask usage weakened stratum corneum (SC) on facial skin compared to uncovered areas, including reduced SC hydration (p < 0.02 at 15 min) and increased TEWL in response to tape stripping challenge (p < 0.03 after stripping). In addition, sebum production also increased after mask removal (p < 0.01 at 15 min). Notably, a daily moisturizer mitigated these effects by increasing SC hydration (p < 0.001) and improving SC resilience against barrier disruption.

Conclusion

Daily prolonged usage of a facial mask, essential due to the COVID‐19 situation, generated a high‐humidity microenvironment and led to compromised SC, which was revealed by a barrier challenge technique. Moreover, proper facial moisturization may help to maintain skin homeostasis and prevent the barrier impairment caused by repeated mask usage.
Academic self‐concept in physics: A multidimensional and hierarchical model based on learning targets
Authors: Jahanifar Mojtaba
Published: November 2022

The academic self‐concept (ASC) is a domain‐specific construct, which plays an influential role in academic motivation and choices. Although some ASC models and instruments have been developed for mathematics and science, none have been specifically designed to measure the physics ASC. Therefore, this study focuses on designing and validating a model for measuring the physics ASC. In the proposed model, students' physic academic self‐perception is measured by a novel instrument called Physics Academic Self‐Concept Inventory (PASCI) based on domain‐specific learning targets. The major physics learning targets considered in the PASCI design are physics knowledge, attitudes toward physics, and physics‐related skills. Confirmatory factor analysis and psychometric methods are used to test and validate the proposed model and the PASCI instrument on the data collected from 861 male and female students attending secondary high schools in Iran. The results indicate that the devised model has appropriate fit measures and robust structural validity so that in multiple group analysis, model parameters are invariant. The author suggests that the idea of physics ASC should be modeled as a hierarchical and multidimensional structure based on physics learning targets to be effectively helpful to physics education researchers and teaching physics in classrooms.
Characterization of four novel HLA‐B alleles: HLA‐B*07:02:92, ‐B*40:02:36, ‐B*18:220, ‐B*18:221
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Plaksina Evgeniya , Gritsenko Olga , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: November 2022

Four novel HLA‐B alleles HLA‐B*07:02:92, ‐B*40:02:36, ‐B*18:220, and ‐B*18:221 alleles detected during routine next generation sequencing.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*15:01:01:65Q allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Cargou Marine , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: November 2022

HLA‐B*15:01:01:65Q differs from HLA‐B*15:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in the splice site in the beginning of intron 3.
Detection of novel HLA‐A*33:03:62, HLA‐B*52:01:01:25 alleles and confirmation of HLA‐A*02:01:209
Authors: Rajak Jyoti , Parsaniya Bansi , Pinto Andrea S. , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: November 2022

Novel HLA‐A*33:03:62, ‐B*52:01:01:25 alleles and confirmatory HLA‐A*02:01:209 allele were detected during the HLA typing process.
Interaction pattern analysis for WebGIS usability evaluation
Authors: Unrau René , Kudekar Aditya , Kray Christian
Published: November 2022

Web‐based geographic information systems (WebGIS) are increasingly common and accessed by various types of users. However, evaluating their usability is hard, as interactions with the map and provided functionality can be complex. We present a novel approach to remotely assess WebGIS usability and identify design flaws by logging user interface (UI) interactions and applying pattern mining techniques to the resulting datasets. We conducted an online user study with 40 participants in a realistic WebGIS scenario to validate the approach. The results show that applying this concept can provide insights into user strategies and can reveal usability issues, which can help to improve UIs for WebGIS. Designers can use the methods presented here to assess the usability of their WebGIS rapidly and at scale without carrying out expensive and lengthy in‐person user studies. This article also contributes to a better understanding of the challenges and limitations of remotely conducted usability evaluations for WebGIS.
Clinical consequences of a 30‐day interval between antibody identifications
Authors: Steele Jasmine , Herman Michele , Norfolk Adam , Haspel Richard L.
Published: November 2022

Background

While studies have shown that antibody detection may be delayed if an antibody identification (ABID) is not performed every 3 days, little data exist on the potential major risk of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (aHTR).

Study Design and Methods

At our institution, if no change in the screen, or a positive crossmatch, ABIDs are performed every 30 days. Between January 1, 2015 and May 31, 2019, all new antibodies detected within 28 days of a prior transfusion were identified. Testing results and patient charts were reviewed for evidence of hemolysis. The $211 patient charge was used to determine the cost for ABIDs performed during the studied time period.

Results

For 36 patients, a new clinically significant alloantibody was detected within 28 days of an antigen‐positive transfusion. Only one of these patients had a history of prior alloimmunization and put at possible risk due to the ABID policy. For this patient, while there was less than the expected increment to an antigen‐positive unit, there was no clinical or laboratory evidence of an aHTR. During this same time, 6095 ABIDs were performed, at a cost of approximately $1.29 million, and 72,665 red cell transfusions occurred.

Conclusion

With an ABID every 30 days, only one patient, over 4.5 years, was put at potential risk for hemolysis from one transfusion (0.001% of the total units transfused during the time period). While antibody detection may be delayed, performing ABIDs every 30 days saves money and medical laboratory scientist time and should be balanced against potential patient harm.
Intestinal enteroendocrine cells rely on ryanodine and IP3 calcium store receptors for mechanotransduction
Authors: Knutson Kaitlyn R. , Whiteman Sara T. , Alcaino Constanza , Mercado‐Perez Arnaldo , Finholm Isabelle , Serlin Hannah K. , Bellampalli Shreya S. , Linden David R. , Farrugia Gianrico , Beyder Arthur
Published: November 2022

Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized sensors of luminal forces and chemicals in the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium that respond to stimulation with a release of signalling molecules such as serotonin (5‐HT). For mechanosensitive EECs, force activates Piezo2 channels, which generate a very rapidly activating and inactivating (∼10 ms) cationic (Na+, K+, Ca2+) receptor current. Piezo2 receptor currents lead to a large and persistent increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) that lasts many seconds to sometimes minutes, suggesting signal amplification. However, intracellular calcium dynamics in EEC mechanotransduction remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the role of Ca2+ stores in EEC mechanotransduction. Mechanical stimulation of a human EEC cell model (QGP‐1) resulted in a rapid increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ and a slower decrease in ER stores Ca2+, suggesting the involvement of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Comparing murine primary colonic EECs with colonocytes showed expression of intercellular Ca2+ store receptors, a similar expression of IP3 receptors, but a >30‐fold enriched expression of Ryr3 in EECs. In mechanically stimulated primary EECs, Ca2+ responses decreased dramatically by emptying stores and pharmacologically blocking IP3 and RyR1/3 receptors. RyR3 genetic knockdown by siRNA led to a significant decrease in mechanosensitive Ca2+ responses and 5‐HT release. In tissue, pressure‐induced increase in the Ussing short circuit current was significantly decreased by ryanodine receptor blockade. Our data show that mechanosensitive EECs use intracellular Ca2+ stores to amplify mechanically induced Ca2+ entry, with RyR3 receptors selectively expressed in EECs and involved in Ca2+ signalling, 5‐HT release and epithelial secretion.

image

Key points

A population of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are specialized mechanosensors of the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium that respond to mechanical stimulation with the release of important signalling molecules such as serotonin.

Mechanical activation of these EECs leads to an increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) with a longer duration than the stimulus, suggesting intracellular Ca2+ signal amplification.

In this study, we profiled the expression of intracellular Ca2+ store receptors and found an enriched expression of the intracellular Ca2+ receptor Ryr3, which contributed to the mechanically evoked increases in intracellular calcium, 5‐HT release and epithelial secretion.

Our data suggest that mechanosensitive EECs rely on intracellular Ca2+ stores and are selective in their use of Ryr3 for amplification of intracellular Ca2+.

This work advances our understanding of EEC mechanotransduction and may provide novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for GI motility disorders.
Reviewing the Link Between Young and Michelson Under COVID Lockdown
Authors: Gulich Damián
Published: November 2022

Physics II is an undergraduate course on basic electromagnetism that I teach for engineers, and it includes topics from optics as a natural application. Among the many challenges of conducting video lectures during the local restrictions of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic was finding demonstration material. In this article, I describe how these restrictions led me to develop my home version of Michelson’s experiment as an alternative to Young’s, and how I was able to highlight the circumstances in which both experiments turn out to be two particular cases of the same underlying idea.
How spice dispensers reveal the physics behind hummingbird feeders
Authors: Behroozi Fred
Published: November 2022

Many students are fascinated by the seemingly magical operation of hummingbird feeders and wonder why the sugar water does not pour out of the access ports when the feeders are hung upside down.
Sun Photometry for Introductory Students
Authors: Bensky Tom
Published: November 2022

Light and its spectrum are central concepts in many introductory physics, astronomy, geology, and conceptual physics courses. The Sun and its spectrum are usually primary examples, likely due to the Sun’s everyday familiarity and the full spectrum it generates when dispersed. To enhance such discussions with a hands-on student activity, we’ve often looked to sun photometry.
Quantifying continuous child speech for automated detection of speech impairment
Authors: Speights Atkins Marisha , MacAuslan Joel
Published: November 2022

The SpeechMark® Automated Syllabic Cluster detection system was tested as a novel approach for analysis of continuous speech samples recorded from 4-year-old children classified as typically developing (TD, N = 44, M = 4.32 years, SD = 0.64) and with speech compromise (SC, N = 16, M = 4.14 years, SD = 0.66). The speakers were recruited in the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States. To test if the TD group produced higher syllabic clusters compared to the SC, we fit a generalized linear mixed effects model. The model adjusted for the potential influence of age and dialect in contributing to the group differences by including them as covariates. Results were interpreted using incidence rate ratios (IRR). Results showed that the IRR was dependent on age indicated by the significant interaction term group*age (p-value = 0.003). The results also showed that there was no difference between the two dialect groups. Results from linear mixed effects models showed that the speech rate was higher among speakers in SC group given all other factors held constant (effect = 0.9, p-value = 0.055). These findings are promising as we aim to automate the analysis of continuous speech samples of young children.
Oceanic intraplate faulting as a pathway for deep hydration of the lithosphere: Perspectives from the Caribbean
Authors: Bishop Brandon T. , Cho Sungwon , Warren Linda , Soto-Cordero Lillian , Pedraza Patricia , Prieto German A. , Dionicio Viviana
Published: November 2022

The recycling of water into the Earth’s mantle via hydrated oceanic lithosphere is believed to have an important role in subduction zone seismicity at intermediate depths. Hydration of oceanic lithosphere has been shown to drive double planes of intermediate-depth, Wadati-Benioff zone seismicity at subduction zones. However, observations from trenches show that pervasive normal faulting causes hydration ~25 km into the lithosphere and can explain neither locations where separations of 25–40 km between Wadati-Benioff zone planes are observed nor the spatial variability of the lower plane in these locations, which suggests that an additional mechanism of hydration exists. We suggest that intraplate deformation of >50-m.y.-old lithosphere, an uncommon and localized process, drives deeper hydration. To test this, we relocated the 25 November 2018 6.0 MW Providencia, Colombia, earthquake mainshock and 575 associated fore- and aftershocks within the interior of the Caribbean oceanic plate and compared these with receiver functions (RF) that sampled the fault at its intersection with the Mohorovičić discontinuity. We examined possible effects of velocity model, initial locations of the earthquakes, and seismicphase arrival uncertainty to identify robust features for comparison with the RF results. We found that the lithosphere ruptured from its surface to a depth of ~40 km along a vertical fault and an intersecting, reactivated normal fault. We also found RF evidence for hydration of the mantle affected by this fault. Deeply penetrating deformation of lithosphere like that we observe in the Providencia region provides fluid pathways necessary to hydrate oceanic lithosphere to depths consistent with the lower plane of Wadati-Benioff zones.
Cost and cost effectiveness of reactive case detection (RACD), reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) to reduce malaria in the low endemic setting of Namibia: an analysis alongside a 2×2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ntuku Henry , Smith-Gueye Cara , Scott Valerie , Njau Joseph , Whittemore Brooke , Zelman Brittany , Tambo Munyaradzi , Prach Lisa M , Wu Lindsey , Schrubbe Leah , Kang Dufour Mi-Suk , Mwilima Agnes , Uusiku Petrina , Sturrock Hugh , Bennett Adam , Smith Jennifer , Kleinschmidt Immo , Mumbengegwi Davis , Gosling Roly , Hsiang Michelle
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To estimate the cost and cost effectiveness of reactive case detection (RACD), reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) to reduce malaria in a low endemic setting.

Setting

The study was part of a 2×2 factorial design cluster randomised controlled trial within the catchment area of 11 primary health facilities in Zambezi, Namibia.

Participants

Cost and outcome data were collected from the trial, which included 8948 community members that received interventions due to their residence within 500 m of malaria index cases.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) per in incident case averted. ICER per prevalent case and per disability-adjusted life years (DALY) averted were secondary outcomes, as were per unit interventions costs and personnel time. Outcomes were compared as: (1) rfMDA versus RACD, (2) RAVC versus no RAVC and (3) rfMDA+RAVC versus RACD only.

Results

rfMDA cost 1.1× more than RACD, and RAVC cost 1.7× more than no RAVC. Relative to RACD only, the cost of rfMDA+RAVC was double ($3082 vs $1553 per event). The ICERs for rfMDA versus RACD, RAVC versus no RAVC and rfMDA+RAVC versus RACD only were $114, $1472 and $842, per incident case averted, respectively. Using prevalent infections and DALYs as outcomes, trends were similar. The median personnel time to implement rfMDA was 20% lower than for RACD (30 vs 38 min per person). The median personnel time for RAVC was 34 min per structure sprayed.

Conclusion

Implemented alone or in combination, rfMDA and RAVC were cost effective in reducing malaria incidence and prevalence despite higher implementation costs in the intervention compared with control arms. Compared with RACD, rfMDA was time saving. Cost and time requirements for the combined intervention could be decreased by implementing rfMDA and RAVC simultaneously by a single team.

Trial registration number

NCT02610400; Post-results.
Temporal trends in anticoagulation management for US active duty personnel with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Keithler Andrea Nichole , Wilson Andrew S , Yuan Alexander , Sosa Jose M , Bush Kelvin N V
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aims to investigate US active duty (AD) military members diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) and the temporal trends of systemic anticoagulation (AC). Our secondary objective is to study the AC prescriptions in AD military members diagnosed with AF and associated military dispositions and deployment rates.

Design and setting

A retrospective investigation of Tricare pharmacy AC prescriptions within the San Antonio Military Health System from January 2004 to July 2019 for AD individuals diagnosed with AF was performed.

Participants

386 AD personnel with non-valvular AF were analysed (mean age 35.0±9.4 years; mean body mass index, 28.3±4.3 kg/m2; 93% male; 57% Caucasian, 94% paroxysmal AF).

Outcomes

The temporal trends of systemic AC prescriptions were the primary outcome measures. The association between AC prescriptions and military dispositions and deployments were secondary outcomes of interest.

Statistical analysis

The association between AC management, future deployments and military disposition was analysed using χ2and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. The t-test was used for comparison of continuous variables.

Results

CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were low (0.39±0.65 and 0.86±0.63, respectively). 127 (33%) members received warfarin and 58 (15%) received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Rates of military retention were not different between AC histories (no AC (64%) vs warfarin (75%) vs DOAC (65%); p=0.425). There was a significant trend of more recent utilisation of DOACs compared with warfarin (p<0.0001). When adjusted for temporal changes in deployment rates, there was no significant difference in deployment between AC groups (no AC (39%) vs warfarin (49%) vs DOAC (27%); p=0.9472).

Conclusions

This is the first report describing AC utilisation in US AD military members with AF. Young AD personnel with low stroke and bleeding risks do not commonly receive AC prescriptions. DOAC prescription rates are increasing and predominate over warfarin for AC indications.
Usability assessment of an interactive health technology for kidney living donors: protocol for a prospective cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ortiz Fernanda , Giunti Guido
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Several web portals for kidney patients are available, but assessments of their performance are scarce. A crucial aspect of living donation is to provide standardised information about the risks of the procedure. This is of particular interest among candidates for kidney living donation. In 2019, the Digital Care Path for Living Kidney Donor Candidates was launched in Finland as part of the Health Village portal, containing information about the donation process and facilitating communication between clinicians, transplant coordinators and patients. The performance of this eHealth service has not yet been studied. The present study will investigate living donor candidates’ experience with the Health Village and Digital Care Path for Living Kidney Donor Candidates. Participants’ general attitudes towards the use of eHealth services will also be explored as a secondary objective.

Methods and analysis

A prospective cross-sectional survey study will take place. Participants will be kidney donor candidates who have used the digital care path since its implementation in January 2019 up to 1 March 2021 (N=122). The surveys will include demographic data, electronic device ownership and digital health literacy. Platform’s ease of use will be assessed with the System Usability Scale. Open-ended questions will be used to gather suggestions.

Ethics and dissemination

The research protocol has been approved by the Helsinki University Hospital ethical committee (HUS/501/2021) to ensure that the work is done in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki and Declaration of Istanbul. Recruitment will start during the first semester of 2021. Initial results are expected during the second semester of 2021.

Trial registration number

NCT04791670; Pre-results.
STAndardised DIagnostic Assessment for children and young people with emotional difficulties (STADIA): protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Day Florence , Wyatt Laura , Bhardwaj Anupam , Dubicka Bernadka , Ewart Colleen , Gledhill Julia , James Marilyn , Lang Alexandra , Marshall Tamsin , Montgomery Alan , Reynolds Shirley , Sprange Kirsty , Thomson Louise , Bradley Ellen , Lathe James , Newman Kristina , Partlett Chris , Starr Kath , Sayal Kapil
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Emotional disorders (such as anxiety and depression) are associated with considerable distress and impairment in day-to-day function for affected children and young people and for their families. Effective evidence-based interventions are available but require appropriate identification of difficulties to enable timely access to services. Standardised diagnostic assessment (SDA) tools may aid in the detection of emotional disorders, but there is limited evidence on the utility of SDA tools in routine care and equipoise among professionals about their clinical value.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, two-arm, parallel group randomised controlled trial, with embedded qualitative and health economic components. Participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to either the Development and Well-Being Assessment SDA tool as an adjunct to usual clinical care, or usual care only. A total of 1210 participants (children and young people referred to outpatient, specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services with emotional difficulties and their parent/carers) will be recruited from at least 6 sites in England. The primary outcome is a clinician-made diagnosis about the presence of an emotional disorder within 12 months of randomisation. Secondary outcomes include referral acceptance, diagnosis and treatment of emotional disorders, symptoms of emotional difficulties and comorbid disorders and associated functional impairment.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received favourable opinion from the South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (Ref. 19/WM/0133). Results of this trial will be reported to the funder and published in full in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Journal series and also submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT15748675; Pre-results.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for adults with hydrocephalus: creating a prognostic model for success: protocol for a retrospective multicentre study (Nordic ETV)
Authors: Tefre Sondre , Lilja-Cyron Alexander , Arvidsson Lisa , Bartek Jiri , Corell Alba , Forsse Axel , Glud Andreas Nørgaard , Hamdeh Sami Abu , Hansen Frederik Lundgaard , Huotarinen Antti , Johansson Conny , Kämäräinen Olli-Pekka , Korhonen Tommi , Kotkansalo Anna , Mansoor Nadia Mauland , Mendoza Mireles Eduardo Erasmo , Miscov Rares , Munthe Sune , Nittby-Redebrandt Henrietta , Obad Nina , Pedersen Lars Kjelsberg , Posti Jussi , Raj Rahul , Satopää Jarno , Ståhl Nils , Tetri Sami , Tobieson Lovisa , Juhler Marianne
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is becoming an increasingly widespread treatment for hydrocephalus, but research is primarily based on paediatric populations. In 2009, Kulkarniet alcreated the ETV Success score to predict the outcome of ETV in children. The purpose of this study is to create a prognostic model to predict the success of ETV for adult patients with hydrocephalus. The ability to predict who will benefit from an ETV will allow better primary patient selection both for ETV and shunting. This would reduce additional second procedures due to primary treatment failure. A success score specific for adults could also be used as a communication tool to provide better information and guidance to patients.

Methods and analysis

The study will adhere to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis reporting guidelines and conducted as a retrospective chart review of all patients≥18 years of age treated with ETV at the participating centres between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. Data collection is conducted locally in a standardised database. Univariate analysis will be used to identify several strong predictors to be included in a multivariate logistic regression model. The model will be validated using K-fold cross validation. Discrimination will be assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration with calibration belt plots.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by appropriate ethics or patient safety boards in all participating countries.

Trial registration number

NCT04773938; Pre-results.
Multicentre collection of uniform data on patients hospitalised for transient ischaemic attack or stroke in the Philippines: the Philippine Neurological Association One Database-Stroke (PNA1DB-Stroke) protocol
Authors:   Philippine Neurological Association One Database - Stroke, Disease Study Management Group
Published: November 2022

Introduction

For scientific advances to translate into improved patient outcomes, systems of care must be in place to facilitate delivery of care. There is scarce information on quality of care and clinical outcome in our stroke patients. We aim to collect uniform data from patients with first or recurrent transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke to determine in-patient caseload, patient profile, types of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, outcomes and overall quality of care among patients hospitalised for acute stroke in the Philippines.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre observational study and standing database will include patients diagnosed with first or recurrent TIA, ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke or cerebral venous thrombosis, ≥18 years old, and admitted in any of the country’s 11 accredited adult neurology residency training institutions. Anonymised data on sociodemographics, medical history, stroke subtype, in-hospital management and discharge outcomes will be collected and entered in a database using a secure online data platform. Outcomes include in-hospital complications, functional, neurological and vital (alive or dead) status at discharge.

We intend to capture data from all TIA and stroke cases in participating sites. Based on 2017–2019 census, approximately 10 000 cases each year may be included. Collective data spanning 3 years will be extracted, summarised and analysed every year.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from ethics committees or institutional review boards (EC/IRB) was obtained from the Single Joint Research Ethics Board and all participating institutions. As this study involves no more than minimal risk to patients, waiver of informed consent was requested. Written information about the study will be provided to patients or legal representative. If site EC/IRB requires written consent, only approved consent forms will be used.

To identify areas of improvement and guide public health policies, data on ‘real-world’ situation are needed. The Philippine Neurological Association One Database-Stroke initiative may become a model that can be implemented in other designated stroke-ready hospitals.

Trial registration

NCT04972058; ClinicalTrials.gov.
Effect of a specific exercise programme during pregnancy on diastasis recti abdominis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Theodorsen Nina-Margrethe , Fersum Kjartan Vibe , Moe-Nilssen Rolf , Bo Kari , Haukenes Inger
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in pregnant and postpartum women.

Evidence for the treatment of DRA is both sparse and weak. As this

condition occurs during the last two trimesters of pregnancy and there is a paucity of high-quality studies on a pregnant population, we will conduct a randomised trial on the effect of

a specific exercise programme during pregnancy on DRA.

Methods and analysis

This is an exploratory, assessor-blinded, randomised parallel group trial carried out in a

primary healthcare setting in a Norwegian city. 100 pregnant women, both primigravida and

multigravida, in gestation week 24 presenting with DRA of ≥28 mm will

be included. Participants will be allocated to either an intervention group or a control group

by block randomisation. The intervention group will participate in a 12-week specific exercise

programme. The control group will not participate in any exercise intervention. Data collection

will take place prior to intervention, postintervention at gestation week 37, and 6 weeks, 6

and 12 months postpartum. The primary outcome measure will be change in the inter-recti

distance, measured by two-dimensional ultrasonography. Data will be analysed and presented

in accordance with international Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines and analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained by the regional ethical committee (76296), and all

procedures will be performed in adherence to the Helsinki declaration. The study has been

registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Results from this study will be presented at

scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04960800; Pre-results.