bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Personality Trait Recognition: A Survey
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Tang Zhiwei , Zhang Shiqing
Published: May 2022

Automatic personality trait recognition has attracted increasing interest in psychology, neuropsychology, and computer science, etc. Motivated by the great success of deep learning methods in various tasks, a variety of deep neural networks have increasingly been employed to learn high-level feature representations for automatic personality trait recognition. This paper systematically presents a comprehensive survey on existing personality trait recognition methods from a computational perspective. Initially, we provide available personality trait data sets in the literature. Then, we review the principles and recent advances of typical deep learning techniques, including deep belief networks (DBNs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Next, we describe the details of state-of-the-art personality trait recognition methods with specific focus on hand-crafted and deep learning-based feature extraction. These methods are analyzed and summarized in both single modality and multiple modalities, such as audio, visual, text, and physiological signals. Finally, we analyze the challenges and opportunities in this field and point out its future directions.
Authenticity as Best-Self: The Experiences of Women in Law Enforcement
Authors: Jacobs Rochelle , Barnard Antoni
Published: May 2022

Law enforcement poses a difficult work environment. Employees’ wellbeing is uniquely taxed in coping with daily violent, aggressive and hostile encounters. These challenges are compounded for women, because law enforcement remains to be a male-dominated occupational context. Yet, many women in law enforcement display resilience and succeed in maintaining a satisfying career. This study explores the experience of being authentic from a best-self perspective, for women with successful careers in the South African police and traffic law enforcement services. Authenticity research substantiates a clear link between feeling authentic and experiencing psychological wellbeing. The theoretical assumption on which the study is based holds that being authentic relates to a sense of best-self and enables constructive coping and adjustment in a challenging work environment. A qualitative study was conducted on a purposive sample of 12 women, comprising 6 police officers and 6 traffic officers from the Western Cape province in South Africa. Data were gathered through narrative interviews focussing on experiences of best-self and were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. During the interviews, participants predominantly described feeling authentic in response to work-related events of a conflictual and challenging nature. Four themes were constructed from the data to describe authenticity from a best-self perspective for women in the study. These themes denote that the participating women in law enforcement, express feeling authentic when they present with a mature sense of self, feel spiritually congruent and grounded, experience self-actualisation in the work–role and realign to a positive way of being. Women should be empowered towards authenticity in their world of work, by helping them to acquire the best-self characteristics needed for developing authenticity.
Spelling Errors in Brief Computer-Mediated Texts Implicitly Lead to Linearly Additive Penalties in Trustworthiness
Authors: Witchel Harry J. , Jones Christopher I. , Thompson Georgina A. , Westling Carina E. I. , Romero Juan , Nicotra Alessia , Maag Bruno , Critchley Hugo D.
Published: May 2022

Background

Spelling errors in documents lead to reduced trustworthiness, but the mechanism for weighing the psychological assessment (i.e., integrative versus dichotomous) has not been elucidated. We instructed participants to rate content of texts, revealing that their implicit trustworthiness judgments show marginal differences specifically caused by spelling errors.

Methods

An online experiment with 100 English-speaking participants were asked to rate 27 short text excerpts (∼100 words) about multiple sclerosis in the format of unmoderated health forum posts. In a counterbalanced design, some excerpts had no typographic errors, some had two errors, and some had five errors. Each participant rated nine paragraphs with a counterbalanced mixture of zero, two or five errors. A linear mixed effects model (LME) was assessed with error number as a fixed effect and participants as a random effect.

Results

Using an unnumbered scale with anchors of “completely untrustworthy” (left) and “completely trustworthy” (right) recorded as 0 to 100, two spelling errors resulted in a penalty to trustworthiness of 5.91 ± 1.70 (robust standard error) compared to the reference excerpts with zero errors, while the penalty for five errors was 13.5 ± 2.47; all three conditions were significantly different from each other (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Participants who rated information about multiple sclerosis in a context mimicking an online health forum implicitly assigned typographic errors nearly linearly additive trustworthiness penalties. This contravenes any dichotomous heuristic or local ceiling effect on trustworthiness penalties for these numbers of typographic errors. It supports an integrative model for psychological judgments of trustworthiness.
Visualizing Research Trends on Culture Neuroscience (2008–2021): A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Xu Han Qing , Chung Chih-Chao , Yu Cheng
Published: May 2022

Recently, cultural neuroscience has gained attention as a new, important, and interdisciplinary topic in the field of neuroscience. It helps us understand the interaction of cultural and biological factors over the course of life. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field to readers and potential researchers engaged in cultural neuroscience research. A bibliometric analysis was performed on 113 articles in the field of cultural neuroscience from 2008 to 2021 using data from the core collection of Web of Science. Network visualization software VOSviewer and ITGInsight were used for performance analysis and science mapping. Specifically, the performance analysis included countries, institutions, authors, papers, and journals, while science mapping analyzed the collaboration network, keyword network, bibliographic coupling network, and time series evolution. The results showed that the United States was the most productive country, Northwestern University was the most influential research institution, Chiao Jy was the most influential scholar, and “Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience” made the greatest contribution to publishing in the field of cultural neuroscience. Furthermore, collaboration is expected to be the development trend in the future. The key research topics in the field of cultural neuroscience included neuroimaging and psychiatric diseases, theoretical methods, interdisciplinary research, cultural differences (collectivism and individualism), and brain functions. Finally, future research will focus on cultural neuroscience, culture, and self, while adolescence will be the emerging research frontier.
The Effects of Online Text Comments on Patients’ Choices: The Mediating Roles of Comment Sentiment and Comment Content
Authors: Fan Jing , Geng Huihui , Liu Xuan , Wang Jiachen
Published: May 2022

As an increasingly important application of mobile social media usage, online healthcare platforms provide a new avenue for patients to obtain and exchange information, referring not only to online doctor’s advice but also to the patients’ comments on a doctor. Extant literature has studied the patients’ comments facilitated with the direct numeric information gathered in the web pages including the frequencies of “thanks letter,” “flowers,” and “recommendation scores.” Adopting the text analysis method, we analyzed patients’ comments on the healthcare platform, focusing on the comments from two aspects, namely, comment contents and content sentiment. Based on the analysis of the data collected from one of the most popular healthcare apps named “Haodaifu” in China, the results show that the vast majority of the comments are positive, which basically follows the L-shaped distribution. Meanwhile, comment sentiment covering sentiment tendency and proportion of positive comments demonstrates significant effects on recent 2-week consultation by a doctor. One of the comment contents “patience explanation” has significant effects both on the total consultation and recent 2-week consultation by a doctor. The research findings indicate that the online preferences for and evaluations on doctors provide strong support and guidance for improving doctor-patient relationships and offer implications for medical practices and healthcare platforms improvement.
Priorities for Future Research About Screen Use and Adolescent Mental Health: A Participatory Prioritization Study
Authors: Vera San Juan Norha , Oram Sian , Pinfold Vanessa , Temple Rachel , Foye Una , Simpson Alan , Johnson Sonia , Hardt Selina , Abdinasir Kadra , Edbrooke-Childs Julian
Published: May 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to identify research priorities for future research on screen use and adolescent mental health, from the perspectives of young people, parents/carers, and teachers.

Methods

The study design was informed by the James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership approach. A three-stage consensus-based process of consultation to identify research priorities using qualitative and quantitative methods. Research was guided by a steering group comprising researchers, third sector partners, clinicians, parents/carers and young people. A Young People's Advisory Group contributed at each stage.

Results

Initial steps generated 26 research questions of importance to children and young people; these were ranked by 357 participants (229 children and young people and 128 adults). Consensus was reached for the prioritization of four topics for future research: (i) the impact of exposure to adult content on young people's mental health and relationships; (ii) the relationship between screen use and the well-being of young people from vulnerable groups; (iii) the impact of screen use on brain development; and (iv) the relationship between screen use and sleep.

Additionally, young participants prioritized questions about online bullying, advertisements targeting young people, and the relationship between social media and specific mental health conditions. Research topics of interest arising specifically during the pandemic included the effects on adolescent mental health of exposure to constant news updates and online racial bias, and how young people take part in activism online.

Conclusion

These findings will enable researchers and funders to conduct research that is needs-oriented and relevant to the target audience.
Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis
Authors: Murphy Felim , Nasa Anurag , Cullinane Dearbhla , Raajakesary Kesidha , Gazzaz Areej , Sooknarine Vitallia , Haines Madeline , Roman Elena , Kelly Linda , O'Neill Aisling , Cannon Mary , Roddy Darren William
Published: May 2022

Studies of early life stress (ELS) demonstrate the long-lasting effects of acute and chronic stress on developmental trajectories. Such experiences can become biologically consolidated, creating individual vulnerability to psychological and psychiatric issues later in life. The hippocampus, amygdala, and the medial prefrontal cortex are all important limbic structures involved in the processes that undermine mental health. Hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous system with sustained allostatic load along the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis and its connections has been theorized as the basis for adult psychopathology following early childhood trauma. In this review we synthesize current understandings and hypotheses concerning the neurobiological link between childhood trauma, the HPA axis, and adult psychiatric illness. We examine the mechanisms at play in the brain of the developing child and discuss how adverse environmental stimuli may become biologically incorporated into the structure and function of the adult brain via a discussion of the neurosequential model of development, sensitive periods and plasticity. The HPA connections and brain areas implicated in ELS and psychopathology are also explored. In a targeted review of HPA activation in mood and psychotic disorders, cortisol is generally elevated across mood and psychotic disorders. However, in bipolar disorder and psychosis patients with previous early life stress, blunted cortisol responses are found to awakening, psychological stressors and physiological manipulation compared to patients without previous early life stress. These attenuated responses occur in bipolar and psychosis patients on a background of increased cortisol turnover. Although cortisol measures are generally raised in depression, the evidence for a different HPA activation profile in those with early life stress is inconclusive. Further research is needed to explore the stress responses commonalities between bipolar disorder and psychosis in those patients with early life stress.
Cocaine-Induced Locomotor Activation Differs Across Inbred Mouse Substrains
Authors: Gaines Christiann H. , Schoenrock Sarah A. , Farrington Joseph , Lee David F. , Aponte-Collazo Lucas J. , Shaw Ginger D. , Miller Darla R. , Ferris Martin T. , Pardo-Manuel de Villena Fernando , Tarantino Lisa M.
Published: May 2022

Cocaine use disorders (CUD) are devastating for affected individuals and impose a significant societal burden, but there are currently no FDA-approved therapies. The development of novel and effective treatments has been hindered by substantial gaps in our knowledge about the etiology of these disorders. The risk for developing a CUD is influenced by genetics, the environment and complex interactions between the two. Identifying specific genes and environmental risk factors that increase CUD risk would provide an avenue for the development of novel treatments. Rodent models of addiction-relevant behaviors have been a valuable tool for studying the genetics of behavioral responses to drugs of abuse. Traditional genetic mapping using genetically and phenotypically divergent inbred mice has been successful in identifying numerous chromosomal regions that influence addiction-relevant behaviors, but these strategies rarely result in identification of the causal gene or genetic variant. To overcome this challenge, reduced complexity crosses (RCC) between closely related inbred mouse strains have been proposed as a method for rapidly identifying and validating functional variants. The RCC approach is dependent on identifying phenotypic differences between substrains. To date, however, the study of addiction-relevant behaviors has been limited to very few sets of substrains, mostly comprising the C57BL/6 lineage. The present study expands upon the current literature to assess cocaine-induced locomotor activation in 20 inbred mouse substrains representing six inbred strain lineages (A/J, BALB/c, FVB/N, C3H/He, DBA/2 and NOD) that were either bred in-house or supplied directly by a commercial vendor. To our knowledge, we are the first to identify significant differences in cocaine-induced locomotor response in several of these inbred substrains. The identification of substrain differences allows for the initiation of RCC populations to more rapidly identify specific genetic variants associated with acute cocaine response. The observation of behavioral profiles that differ between mice generated in-house and those that are vendor-supplied also presents an opportunity to investigate the influence of environmental factors on cocaine-induced locomotor activity.
A Robust Framework for Epidemic Analysis, Prediction and Detection of COVID-19
Authors: Hassan Farman , Albahli Saleh , Javed Ali , Irtaza Aun
Published: May 2022

Covid-19 has become a pandemic that affects lots of individuals daily, worldwide, and, particularly, the widespread disruption in numerous countries, namely, the US, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia. The timely detection of this infectious disease is mandatory to prevent the quick spread globally and locally. Moreover, the timely detection of COVID-19 in the coming time is significant to well cope with the disease control by Governments. The common symptoms of COVID are fever as well as dry cough, which is similar to the normal flu. The disease is devastating and spreads quickly, which affects individuals of all ages, particularly, aged people and those with feeble immune systems. There is a standard method employed to detect the COVID, namely, the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. But this method has shortcomings, i.e., it takes a long time and generates maximum false-positive cases. Consequently, we necessitate to propose a robust framework for the detection as well as for the estimation of COVID cases globally. To achieve the above goals, we proposed a novel technique to analyze, predict, and detect the COVID-19 infection. We made dependable estimates on significant pandemic parameters and made predictions of infection as well as potential washout time frames for numerous countries globally. We used a publicly available dataset composed by Johns Hopkins Center for estimation, analysis, and predictions of COVID cases during the time period of 21 April 2020 to 27 June 2020. We employed a simple circulation for fast as well as simple estimates of the COVID model and estimated the parameters of the Gaussian curve, utilizing a parameter, namely, the least-square parameter curve fitting for numerous countries in distinct areas. Forecasts of COVID depend upon the potential results of Gaussian time evolution with a central limit theorem of data the Covid prediction to be justified. For gaussian distribution, the parameters, namely, extreme time and thickness are regulated using a statistical Y2 fit for the aim of doubling times after 21 April 2020. Moreover, for the detection of COVID-19, we also proposed a novel technique, employing the two features, namely, Histogram of Oriented Gradients and Scale Invariant Feature Transform. We also designed a CNN-based architecture named COVIDDetectorNet for classification purposes. We fed the extracted features into the proposed COVIDDetectorNet to detect COVID-19, viral pneumonia, and other lung infections. Our method obtained an accuracy of 96.51, 92.62, and 86.53% for two, three, and four classes, respectively. Experimental outcomes illustrate that our method is reliable to be employed for the forecast and detection of COVID-19 disease.
What Is the Current State of Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Health and Non-health College Students
Authors: Islam Md. Ashraful , AlShayban Dhfer Mahdi , Nisa Zeb-un- , Al-Hawaj Ghadeer Abdulwahab Mohammed , Al-Eid Ghadeer Hani Ali , Alenazi Atheer Mohammed Moqbel , Malik Zubda , Maqsood Muhammad Bilal , Ishaqui Azfar Athar , Akbar Zahida , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Hossain Mohammad Akbar , Alnuhait Mohammed , Haseeb Abdul
Published: May 2022

Objective

To document breast cancer (BC) knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health colleges.

Methods

A 3-month cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health subject colleges affiliated to a public university. Convenience sampling was employed, and a previously validated questionnaire available in English and Arabic languages was used. Multiple linear regression was used to report the predictors of BC knowledge. A two-tailedp-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The study was approved by an ethics committee.

Results

A total of 506 responses were analyzed. The mean knowledge score was 13.98 ± 4.1. The findings of the surveyed students suggested that more than 55% of the students had an acceptable level of knowledge. By education sector, approximately 70% and 40% of health and non-health college students, respectively, had an acceptable level of knowledge. The mean difference in knowledge scores between students of health and non-health colleges was significant (p< 0.001) as students at health colleges had a higher score. Age, college type and the presence of the disease in family/relatives were significant predictors of students' BC knowledge (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

By comparing it with previous evidence, the knowledge of BC has improved. The role of awareness campaigns as an information medium for students from non-health backgrounds is greatly appreciated. Moreover, the internet and electronic media have emerged as new sources of information for non-health college students, and therefore, more efforts are needed to utilize this medium in empowering this student population in understanding of this disease.
¡Pásale!: Gaining Entrance to Conduct Research and Practice With Recent Hispanic Immigrants: Lessons Learned From the COPAL Study
Authors: Soto Daniel Wood , Unger Jennifer B. , Pattarroyo Monica , Meca Alan , Villamar Juan Andres , Garcia Maria Fernanda , Schwartz Seth J.
Published: May 2022

Given the rapidly changing political rhetoric and policies concerning immigration, and the likely impact of this rhetoric on immigrants' adjustment, it is essential to understand the experiences of recently arrived immigrant individuals and families. This article describes methods to recruit and retain recently arrived Hispanic families in longitudinal research and clinical practice. Barriers to continued engagement with recent-immigrant families include residential mobility, wariness toward authority figures (including researchers and practitioners), and unpredictable work schedules. These barriers can lead to challenges related to recruitment/engagement, logistics, establishing trust, and retention. This article describes decisions made, experiences, and lessons learned in a longitudinal study of Hispanic families in two cities. We also provide implications for clinical practice.
Province- and Individual-Level Influential Factors of Depression: Multilevel Cross-Provinces Comparison in China
Authors: Gou Yue , Wu Nianwei , Xia Jing , Liu Yanjun , Yang Huawu , Wang Haibo , Yan Tong , Luo Dan
Published: May 2022

Rapid social change has given rise to a general increase in psychological pressure, which has led to more and more Chinese people suffering from depression over the past 30 years. Depression was influenced not only by individual factors but also by social factors, such as economy, culture, politics, etc. These social factors were measured at the national, provincial, or community levels. However, little literature reported the influence of province-level factors on the depression of Chinese. This study examined the effects of province-level and individual-level factors on depression of Chinese respondents aged 16–97 years. We conducted a multilevel analysis of the 2018 wave survey of the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS), with 19,072 respondents nested within the 25 Chinese provinces. Data for the province-level were extracted from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, including three predictors: gross regional product (GRP) per capita, expenditure for social security and employment (ESSE), and rural and urban household income inequality. Depression was measured with the eight-item short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). The study found that respondents who were female, 30–59 years, divorced or widowed, less educated, rural residents, less body mass index (BMI), or had lower household income tended to report higher levels of depressive symptoms. After adjustment for individual-level features, a significant effect of provinces still survived. The respondents who lived in a province with higher GRP, higher ESSE, or smaller rural and urban household income inequality reported lower depressive symptoms. Our results demonstrated that individual features did not fully explain depression. Economic and social factors appeared to impact depression and have to be considered when the government planned for improved public depression. Meanwhile, our research also provided a suggestion for the government of some provinces to investigate and improve depression.
Effect of Network-Based Positive Psychological Nursing Model Combined With Elemene Injection on Negative Emotions, Immune Function and Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Yang Shilu , Zheng Lijuan , Sun Yan , Li Zhuoyun
Published: May 2022

Background

With the development of big data, big data interpenetrate in every person's life. Health care is no exception to this trend, especially in regard to nursing analytics. The data that is analyzed and leveraged in this field is gathered from a variety of sources, including electronic health records (EHRs), medical histories, provider notes and mobile applications, creating an accumulation of personalized health information around each individual.

Objective

To explore the effect of the network-based positive psychological nursing model combined with elemene injection on negative emotions, immune function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with lung cancer (LC) undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

The clinical data of 90 LC patients who underwent chemotherapy in our hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were equally split into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG) according to the order of enrollment. The patients in CG received routine nursing intervention during chemotherapy, while those in EG received the network-based positive psychological nursing model combined with elemene injection to compare negative emotions, immune function and quality of life (QOL) between the two groups.

Results

Compared with CG, EG had notably higher immune function indexes (P < 0.001), lower serum VEGF and MMP-2 levels (P < 0.001), lower HAMA and HAMD scores (P < 0.05), and higher scores of PTGI, physiological function, psychological function, social function and physical function (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The network-based positive psychological nursing model combined with elemene injection is a reliable method to enhance the immune function and QOL of LC patients undergoing chemotherapy and alleviate their negative emotions, which has a high clinical application value.
A Systematic Review of Objective Factors Influencing Behavior in Public Open Spaces
Authors: Han Shuyan , Ye Yu , Song Yifan , Yan Shurui , Shi Feng , Zhang Yuhao , Liu Xiaodong , Du Hu , Song Dexuan
Published: May 2022

As a significant part of outdoor built-environment, public open spaces are closely associated with people's daily lives. Studies of outdoor behavior in these spaces can shed light on users' environmental perceptions and contribute to the promotion of physiological and psychological health. Many recent studies are case studies focused where observations, surveys and interviews have been conducted to understand the factors influencing people's behavior on one or few sites or city environments. There have been few reviews related to this topic, and none have been based on the systematic understanding of influencing factors. This paper presents a systematic review of interactions between behavior and the built environment in public open spaces, and highlights the impacts of diverse and objective influencing factors. Followed the rules of PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), 109 papers published in 2000–2021 were selected and reviewed. The distribution of the studied interactions is analyzed, and the impacts of four distinct factors: personal background, location and context, environmental component, and climate stimuli, are extracted, categorized, and specified. Moreover, outdoor health benefits are discussed based on which, crucial factors that require emphasis after the outbreak of COVID-19 are identified. Throughout this paper, behavioral influencing processes, including objective influencing factors, subjective feedback, and the relationships involved, are considered to provide a comprehensive picture. With the robust classification of existing factors, architects, urban designers, policy makers and fellow researches could be easier to get a more comprehensive trend from the past. This paper also provides guidance for future research, especially given that COVID-19 has created huge changes to outdoor needs and customary behavior.

Systematic Review Registration:http://www.prisma-statement.org/.
Sexual Health and Women Living With Spinal Cord Injury: The Unheard Voice
Authors: Piatt Jennifer Ann , Simic Stanojevic Ivanka , Stanojevic Cedomir , Zahl Melissa L. , Richmond Mary Ann , Herbenick Debra
Published: May 2022

Women's sexual health within the context of sexual function and psychosocial dimensions while living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) has rarely been discussed separately from men living with a SCI or from a collective with other chronic conditions. To date, over 64,000 women in the U.S. are currently living with SCI, with total numbers increasing each year, as well as the demographics shifting to include more diversity in race and incidences occurring later in life. On average, SCI tends to be acquired during the childbearing years (~30–50 years old), as well as when women experience other health concerns associated with aging, including perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, women's sexual health is often conceptualized from the position of the absence of disease and dysfunction. However, consistent with definitions furthered by the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Association of Sexual Health (WAS), we believe women's sexual health is multifaceted, moving beyond a focus on reproduction to also encompass sexual function and the psychosocial dimensions of sexual health both living with and without disabling conditions and diseases. Within this lens, we present prior research that has been conducted, conclusions from these studies, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research. Thus, the paper will expand the understanding of both sexual function and psychosocial dimensions for women living with SCI.
Healthcare Providers' Experiences With a Clinical Mentorship Intervention to Improve Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Care in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Isangula Kahabi , Mbekenga Columba , Mwansisya Tumbwene , Mwasha Loveluck , Kisaka Lucy , Selestine Edna , Siso David , Rutachunzibwa Thomas , Mrema Secilia , Pallangyo Eunice
Published: May 2022

Introduction

There is increasing evidence suggesting that clinical mentorship (CM) involving on-the-job training is one of the critical resources—friendly entry points for strengthening the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers (HCPs), which in turn facilitate the delivery of effective reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) care. The article explores the experiences of HCPs following participation in the CM program for RMNH in eight districts of Mwanza Region in Tanzania.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative descriptive design employing data from midterm project review meetings and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with purposefully selected HCPs (mentors and mentees) and District Medical Officers (DMOs) during endline evaluation were employed. Interview data were managed using Nvivo Software and analyzed thematically.

Results

A total of 42 clinical mentors and master mentors responded to a questionnaire during the midterm review meeting. Then, a total of 17 KIIs were conducted with Mentees (8), Mentors (5), and DMOs (4) during endline evaluation. Five key themes emerged from participants' accounts: (i) the topics covered during CM visits; (ii) the benefits of CM; (iii) the challenges of CM; (iv) the drivers of CM sustainability; and (iv) suggestions for CM improvement. The topics of CM covered during visits included antenatal care, neonatal resuscitation, pregnancy monitoring, management of delivery complications, and infection control and prevention. The benefits of CM included increased knowledge, skills, confidence, and change in HCP's attitude and increased client service uptake, quality, and efficiency. The challenges of CM included inadequate equipment for learning and practice, the limited financial incentive to mentees, shortage of staff and time constraints, and weaker support from management. The drivers of CM sustainability included the willingness of mentees to continue with clinical practice, ongoing peer-to-peer mentorship, and integration of the mentorship program into district health plans. Finally, the suggestions for CM improvement included refresher training for mentors, engagement of more senior mentors, and extending mentorship beyond IMPACT catchment facilities.

Conclusion

CM program appears to be a promising entry point to improving competence among HCPs and the quality and efficiency of RMNH services potentially contributing to the reduction of maternal and neonatal deaths. Addressing the challenges cited by participants, particularly the equipment for peer learning and practice, may increase the success of the CM program.
Neoadjuvant Therapy With Cabozantinib as a Bridge to Liver Transplantation in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A Case Report
Authors: Bhardwaj Hiral , Fritze Danielle , Mais Daniel , Kadaba Venkatesh , Arora Sukeshi Patel
Published: May 2022

Liver transplant (LT) is the treatment of choice for unresectable, localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, transplant is not recommended for patients who have extensive tumor growth and do not meet specific criteria. For these cases, “bridging” therapies are often used to either downstage or prevent tumor progression while patients are on the transplant list. Various pre-transplant therapies have been used, including transarterial chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, and systemic therapies. Sorafenib is a well-known systemic agent used for HCC, but research is limited on its use as well as the use of newer agents as bridging therapy. Prospective studies are also lacking. We discuss cases of two patients diagnosed with HCC and treated systemically with cabozantinib prior to transplant without treatment-related complications. This suggests that cabozantinib could be safely used after sorafenib therapy to control disease related to HCC while awaiting liver transplantation.
Intracranial Pressure as an Objective Biomarker of Decompression Adequacy in Large Territory Infarction: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Lim Jia Xu , Liu Sherry Jiani , Cheong Tien Meng , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Han Julian Xinguang , Chen Min Wei
Published: May 2022

Background

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) improves the survival and functional outcomes in patients with malignant cerebral infarction. Currently, there are no objective intraoperative markers that indicates adequate decompression. We hypothesise that closure intracranial pressure (ICP) correlates with postoperative outcomes.

Methods

This is a multicentre retrospective review of all 75 DCs performed for malignant cerebral infarction. The patients were divided into inadequate ICP (iICP) and good ICP (gICP) groups based on a suitable ICP threshold determined with tiered receiver operating characteristic and association analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for various postoperative outcomes.

Results

An ICP threshold of 7 mmHg was determined, with 36 patients (48.0%) and 39 patients (52.0%) in the iICP and gICP group, respectively. After adjustment, postoperative osmotherapy usage was more likely in the iICP group (OR 6.32, p = 0.003), and when given, was given for a longer median duration (iICP, 4 days; gICP, 1 day, p = 0.003). There was no difference in complications amongst both groups. When an ICP threshold of 11 mmHg was applied, there was significant difference in the duration on ventilator (ICP ≥11 mmHg, 3–9 days, ICP <11 mmHg, 3–5 days, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Surgical decompression works complementarily with postoperative medical therapy to manage progressive cerebral edema in malignant cerebral infarctions. This is a retrospective study which showed that closure ICP, a novel objective intraoperative biomarker, is able to guide the adequacy of DC in this condition. Various surgical manoeuvres can be performed to ensure that this surgical aim is accomplished.
Better Prognosis and Survival in Esophageal Cancer Survivors After Comorbid Second Primary Malignancies: A SEER Database-Based Study
Authors: Ye Jiayue , Hu Sheng , Zhang Wenxiong , Zhang Deyuan , Zhang Yang , Yu Dongliang , Peng Jinhua , Xu Jianjun , Wei Yiping
Published: May 2022

Background

With the development of surgical techniques and advances in systemic treatments, the survival time of esophageal cancer survivors has increased; however, the chance of developing a second primary malignancy (SPM) has also increased. These patients’ prognosis and treatment plans remain inconclusive.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate and predict the survival of patients with esophageal cancer with second primary tumors, to provide insights and the latest data on whether to pursue more aggressive treatment.

Materials and Methods

We selected esophageal cancer cases from the latest available data from the SEER database on April 15, 2021. We performed life table analysis, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis to assess the patient data. We conducted multiple Cox regression equation analyses under multiple covariate adjustment models, and performed a stratified analysis of multiple Cox regression equation analysis based on different covariates. To describe our study population more simply and clearly, we defined the group of patients with esophageal cancer combined with a second primary malignant tumor (the first of two or more primaries) as the EC-SPM group.

Results

Our analysis of 73,456 patients with esophageal cancer found the median survival time of the EC-SPM group was 47.00 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 43.87–50.13), and the mean survival time was 74.67 months (95% CI, 72.12–77.22). Kaplan–Meier curves of different esophageal cancer survivors showed that the survival of the EC-SPM group was significantly better than that of the other groups (p < 0.01). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared with only one malignancy only group, the hazard ratio (HR) of the EC-SPM group was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92–0.99; p < 0.05). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis under different adjustment models, the EC-SPM group had a reduced risk of death compared with the one primary malignancy only group (HR < 1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Survivors of esophageal cancer with a second primary malignant cancer have a better prognosis, but require more aggressive treatment. This study provided new evidence and new ideas for future research on the pathophysiological mechanism and treatment concepts of esophageal cancer combined with SPM.
Efficacy of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Ameliorating Inattentional Blindness Amongst Young Neurosurgeons: A Prospective, Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Pandit Anand S. , de Gouveia Melissa , Horsfall Hugo Layard , Reka Arisa , Marcus Hani J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Human factors are increasingly being recognised as vital components of safe surgical care. One such human cognitive factor: inattention blindness (IB), describes the inability to perceive objects despite being visible, typically when one’s attention is focused on another task. This may contribute toward operative ‘never-events’ such as retained foreign objects and wrong-site surgery.

Methods

An 8-week, mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) programme, adapted for surgeons, was delivered virtually. Neurosurgical trainees and recent staff-appointees who completed the MBI were compared against a control group, matched in age, sex and grade. Attention and IB were tested using two operative videos. In each, participants were first instructed to focus on a specific part of the procedure and assessed (attention), then questioned on a separate but easily visible aspect within the operative field (inattention). If a participant were ‘inattentionally blind’ they would miss significant events occurring outside of their main focus. Median absolute error (MAE) scores were calculated for both attention and inattention. A generalised linear model was fitted for each, to determine the independent effect of mindfulness intervention on MAE.

Results

Thirteen neurosurgeons completed the mindfulness training (age, 30 years [range 27–35]; female:male, 5:8), compared to 15 neurosurgeons in the control group (age, 30 years [27–42]; female:male, 6:9). There were no significant demographic differences between groups. MBI participants demonstrated no significant differences on attention tasks as compared to controls (t = −1.50, p = 0.14). For inattention tasks, neurosurgeons who completed the MBI had significantly less errors (t = −2.47, p = 0.02), after adjusting for participant level and video differences versus controls. We found that both groups significantly improved their inattention error rate between videos (t = −11.37, p < 0.0001). In spite of this, MBI participants still significantly outperformed controls in inattention MAE in the second video following post-hoc analysis (MWU = 137.5, p = 0.05).

Discussion

Neurosurgeons who underwent an eight-week MBI had significantly reduced inattention blindness errors as compared to controls, suggesting mindfulness as a potential tool to increase vigilance and prevent operative mistakes. Our findings cautiously support further mindfulness evaluation and the implementation of these techniques within the neurosurgical training curriculum.
Pathological and Genomic Findings of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Isolated From a Free-Ranging Rough-Toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) Stranded in Korea
Authors: Lee Kyunglee , Park Seon Young , Seo Hwi Won , Cho Yuna , Choi Seok-Gwan , Seo Seunghyun , Han Wonmin , Lee Nam-Kyung , Kwon Hyemin , Han Jee Eun , Kim Ji Hyung
Published: May 2022

Erysipelas, caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is considered one of the most serious infectious diseases of captive and free-ranging cetaceans worldwide, as these animals are known to be highly susceptible to the bacterial infections. The potential diversity between E. rhusiopathiae isolates from captive cetaceans has been previously described; however, the microbiological features of the free-ranging cetacean isolates remain unclear. Here, we describe a case of bacteremia in a rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) caused by E. rhusiopathiae. Additionally, we present the first genomic features of the bacteria from free-ranging cetacean individuals. Histopathological and microbial examinations revealed that E. rhusiopathiae caused bacteremia and systemic infection in the dolphin. The genome of the isolated E. rhusiopathiae strain KC-Sb-R1, which was classified as Clade 1 possessing SpaB gene, was clearly differentiated from the other swine-isolated E. rhusiopathiae, and the comparison of its serovar-defining chromosomal region revealed that our isolate was greatly similar to those of other previously reported serovar 2/15 isolates, including the captive-dolphin isolate. Moreover, most of the potential virulence factors in the strain KC-Sb-R1 were similar to those in the strain Fujisawa. Further, a potential cytotoxicity of the isolate was confirmed, suggesting that marine mammal-isolated E. rhusiopathiae could possess strong pathogenic potential in other animals, including humans. These results would further increase our understanding on the risk factors for controlling zoonotic pathogens of emerging infectious diseases in captive or free-ranging cetaceans, and also provide important insight into the diversity of E. rhusiopathiae in animals.
Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron, and SARS-CoV-2 Breakthrough Cases: Defining Immunological Mechanisms for Vaccine Waning and Vaccine-Variant Mismatch
Authors: Hewins Benjamin , Rahman Motiur , Bermejo-Martin Jesus F. , Kelvin Alyson A. , Richardson Christopher D. , Rubino Salvatore , Kumar Anuj , Ndishimye Pacifique , Toloue Ostadgavahi Ali , Mahmud-Al-Rafat Abdullah , Kelvin David J.
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, is responsible for over 400 million cases and over 5. 5 million deaths worldwide. In response to widespread SARS-CoV-2 infection, immunization of the global population has approached 60% one dose and 54% full dose vaccination status. Emerging data indicates decreasing circulating antibody levels as well as decreases in other immune correlates in vaccinated individuals. Complicating the determination of vaccine effectiveness is the concomitant emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with substantial antigenic differences from the ancestral D614G strain. The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) spike protein has over 30 mutations compared with the D614G spike protein, which was used to design most SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in use today. Therefore, breakthrough cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections or severe disease in fully vaccinated individuals must be interpreted with caution taking into consideration vaccine waning and the degree of vaccine variant-mismatch resulting in adaptive immune evasion by novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The New Soil Conditioner DewEco Could Improve Sandy Soil’s Properties for Efficient Maize Growth
Authors: Liu Yijian , Yan Mengying , Na Kyungsu , Hwang Jiho , Shin Sooan , Yin Lina , Deng Xiping , Wang Shiwen
Published: May 2022

Sandy soil, one of the most abundant soil types in the world, often has lower crop productivity because of poor water and fertilizer retention capacity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the new soil conditioner DewEco (fermented organic material consisted mainly of salt of L-lysine and citric acid) on sandy soil quality and plant growth. Serial dosages of DewEco and nitrogen (N) fertilizer were mixed into sandy soils and planted maize in a greenhouse. DewEco application increased large soil particle composition and decreased small soil particle composition. Soil porosity and the liquid phase increased as the DewEco dosage increased. DewEco also decreased soil pH and increased soil electrical conductivity, soil organic matter content, total nitrogen and available potassium. DewEco significantly enhanced the soil water-holding capacity and soil effective water content although it also increased the wilting coefficient. Finally, DewEco markedly promoted maize growth while improving water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). In addition, there was an interaction effect between DewEco and nitrogen fertilizer, such that the combined effects of DewEco and N exceeded the sum of their respective effects promoting plant growth. Thus, DewEco application can significantly enhance soil water content and nutrient levels by alleviating sandy soil’s physical and chemical properties, thereby promoting plant growth, WUE and NUE. This study indicates that DewEco is a useful eco-friendly sandy soil conditioner for arid and semi-arid regions.