bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transatlantic Collaborations: Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Experiences of Participating in a Semester-Long Study Abroad Program
Authors: O'Donnell Claire , O'Brien Brid , Markey Kathleen , McCarthy Jane , Flaten Carol , Mueller Christine , Leinen Eric , Martin Katherine , Graham Margaret M.
Published: July 2022

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe students’ experiences during a 15-week semester involving clinical placement in an Irish university.

BACKGROUND

Internationalization is promoted and facilitated through study abroad initiatives within nurse education. Collaborations were developed between one university in the United States, an Irish university, and service partners. This study abroad initiative involved planning logistics, curriculum learning opportunities, and negotiating clinical placement in meeting state professional requirements.

METHOD

A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Following ethical approval, 19 fourth-year students participated in focus group and individual semistructured interviews. Data analysis followed a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Connecting our worlds details a process of acclimatizing, navigating learning, and using person-centered practices, illustrating meaningful learning in a journey of personal and professional development.

CONCLUSION

Moving beyond the rhetoric of globalization is critical in future proofing initiatives in developing nursing practitioners while balancing potential safety risks in a post-COVID-19 era.
Alcohol Consumption During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: Results From a Nationally Representative Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Barbosa Carolina , Dowd William N. , Barnosky Alan , Karriker-Jaffe Katherine J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Alcohol consumption and risky drinking behavior increased in the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, but it is not known if and for whom those changes were sustained over the longer term. This study analyzes longitudinal data on drinking patterns during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

Methods

A nationally representative longitudinal survey was used to assess alcohol consumption patterns among respondents 21 years and older who reported drinking between February and November 2020 (N = 557) overall and by subgroups.

Results

Compared with February, drinks per month in April and November 2020 significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased by 36% and 38%, respectively. The proportion exceeding drinking guidelines significantly increased by 27% and 39%, and increases for binge drinking were 26% and 30% (both P = 0.01). February to November increases in proportion exceeding drinking guidelines were significantly larger for women (54% increase) than for men (32%), and for Black (508%) than for White respondents (16%). Drinks per month significantly increased more for respondents with children in the household (64%) than for those without children (20%). There also was a significantly larger increase in drinks per month for those who reported drinking to cope (57% increase) and those who reported drinking for enhancement (40%) than for those who did not.

Conclusions

Self-reported alcohol consumption and risky drinking patterns increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Monitoring alcohol consumption changes, with a focus on marginalized groups, is warranted to plan behavioral health services and inform prevention for future pandemics.
Opioid Use Behaviors Among People With Disability in the United States: An Analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Hong Young-Rock , Xie Zhigang , Yadav Sandhya , Tanner Rebecca , Striley Catherine , Marlow Nicole M.
Published: July 2022

Objective

People with disability (PWD) often experience chronic pain, and opioid is widely used prescription medication. However, population-based evidence of opioid use behaviors among PWD is lacking. This study examined the prevalence of opioid use behaviors by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics among PWD compared with people without disability (PWoD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data from 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Three types of opioid use behaviors (any use, misuse, and use disorder) were defined and compared by disability status. Five self-reported disability types were measured, including hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility, and complex activity limitations. Complex survey design–adjusted descriptive and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Of 201,376 respondents aged 18 years or older, 34.6% reported any opioid use, 4.2% opioid misuse, and 0.8% opioid use disorder. Compared with PWoD, PWD had higher prevalence of any opioid use (49.7% vs 30.7%), misuse (6.2% vs 3.7%), and use disorder (1.7% vs 0.8%). In adjusted analysis, PWD with mobility limitation (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.81–2.11) or multiple limitations (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.83–2.02) were almost 2 times more likely to report any opioid use than PWoD. The likelihood of reporting any opioid use (ORs, 1.42–2.50), misuse (ORs, 1.24–2.41), and disorder (ORs, 1.38–2.54) increased as the number of limitations increased.

Conclusions

People with vision, cognitive, or multiple limitations had higher rates of opioid misuse and disorder than PWoD. Development of more inclusive opioid abuse prevention strategies for PWD is warranted.
Analysis of 101 Mechanical Failures in Distal Femur Fractures Treated with 3 Generations of Precontoured Locking Plates
Authors: Collinge Cory Alan , Reeb Alexander Francis , Rodriguez-Buitrago Andres Felipe , Archdeacon Michael T. , Beltran Michael J. , Gardner Michael J. , Jeray Kyle James , Miller Anna N. , Crist Brett D. , Sems Stephen A. , Shah Nihar Samir , Fogel Nathaniel , Tibbo Meagan
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate mechanical treatment failure in a large patient cohort sustaining a distal femur fracture treated with a distal femoral locking plate (DFLP).

Design:

This retrospective case–control series evaluated mechanical treatment failures of DFLPs.

Setting:

The study was conducted at 8 Level I trauma centers from 2010 to 2017.

Patients and Participants:

One hundred one patients sustaining OTA/AO 33-A and C distal femur fractures were treated with DFLPs that experienced mechanical failure.

Intervention:

The intervention included the treatment of a distal femur fracture with a DFLP, affected by mechanical failure (implant failure by loosening or breakage).

Main Outcome Measure:

The main outcome measures included injury and DFLP details; modes and timing of failure were studied.

Results:

One hundred forty-six nonunions were found overall (13.4%) including 101 mechanical failures (9.3%). Failures occurred in different manners, locations, and times depending on the DFLPs. For example, 33 of 101 stainless steel (SS) plates (33%) failed by bending or breaking in the working length, whereas no Ti plates failed here (P < 0.05). Eleven of 12 failures with titanium-Less Invasive Stabilization System (92%) occurred by lost shaft fixation, mostly by the loosening of unicortical screws (91%). Sixteen of 44 variable –angled–LCP failures (36%) occurred at the distal plate–screw junction, whereas only 5 of 61 other DFLPs (8%) failed this way (P < 0.05). Distal failures occurred on average at 23.7 weeks compared with others that occurred at 38.4 weeks (P < 0.05). Variable –angled–LCP distal screw–plate junction failures occurred earlier (mean 21.4 weeks).

Conclusion:

Nonunion and mechanical failure occurred in 14% and 9% of patients, respectively, in this large series of distal femur fracture treated with a DFLP. The mode, location, presence of a prosthesis, and timing of failure varied depending on the characteristics of DFLP. This information should be used to optimize implant usage and design to prolong the period of stable fixation before potential implant failures occur in patients with a prolonged time to union.

Level of Evidence:

Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Existing tests vs. novel non-invasive assays for detection of invasive aspergillosis in patients with respiratory diseases
Authors: Xiao Wei , Du Longyi , Cai Linli , Miao Tiwei , Mao Bing , Wen Fuqiang , Gibson Peter Gerard , Gong Deying , Zeng Yan , Kang Mei , Du Xinmiao , Qu Junyan , Wang Yan , Liu Xuemei , Feng Ruizhi , Fu Juanjuan
Published: July 2022

Background:

Although existing mycological tests (bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] galactomannan [GM], serum GM, serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan [BDG], and fungal culture) are widely used for diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-hematological patients with respiratory diseases, their clinical utility in this large population is actually unclear. We aimed to resolve this clinical uncertainty by evaluating the diagnostic accuracy and utility of existing tests and explore the efficacy of novel sputum-based Aspergillus assays.

Methods:

Existing tests were assessed in a prospective and consecutive cohort of patients with respiratory diseases in West China Hospital between 2016 and 2019 while novel sputum assays (especially sputum GM and Aspergillus-specific lateral-flow device [LFD]) in a case-controlled subcohort. IPA was defined according to the modified European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were computed for each test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

Results:

The entire cohort included 3530 admissions (proven/probable IPA = 66, no IPA = 3464) and the subcohort included 127 admissions (proven/probable IPA = 38, no IPA = 89). Sensitivity of BAL GM (≥1.0 optical density index [ODI]: 86% [24/28]) was substantially higher than that of serum GM (≥0.5 ODI: 38% [39/102]) (χ
2 = 19.83, P 
< 0.001), serum BDG (≥70 pg/mL: 33% [31/95]) (χ
2 = 24.65, P < 0.001), and fungal culture (33% [84/253]) (χ
2 = 29.38, P < 0.001). Specificity varied between BAL GM (≥1.0 ODI: 94% [377/402]), serum GM (≥0.5 ODI: 95% [2130/2248]), BDG (89% [1878/2106]), and culture (98% [4936/5055]). Sputum GM (≥2.0 ODI) had similar sensitivity (84% [32/38]) (Fisher's exact P = 1.000) to and slightly lower specificity (87% [77/89]) (χ
2 = 5.52, P = 0.019) than BAL GM (≥1.0 ODI). Area under the ROC curve values were comparable between sputum GM (0.883 [0.812–0.953]) and BAL GM (0.901 [0.824–0.977]) (P = 0.734). Sputum LFD had similar specificity (91% [81/89]) (χ
2 = 0.89, P = 0.345) to and lower sensitivity (63% [24/38]) (χ
2 = 4.14, P = 0.042) than BAL GM (≥1.0 ODI), but significantly higher sensitivity than serum GM (≥0.5 ODI) (χ
2 = 6.95, P = 0.008), BDG (χ
2 = 10.43, P = 0.001), and fungal culture (χ
2 = 12.70, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Serum GM, serum BDG, and fungal culture lack sufficient sensitivity for diagnosing IPA in respiratory patients. Sputum GM and LFD assays hold promise as rapid, sensitive, and non-invasive alternatives to the BAL GM test.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Television Clips to Teach Communication Skills
Authors: Hoffman Beth L. , Sidani Jaime E. , Wolynn Riley , Morgan Allison , Calhoun Bridget C.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to conduct an innovative seminar that was developed by using clips from the television program ER to teach/reinforce key concepts of effective communication for didactic phase physician assistant (PA) students.

Methods

Interactive, 2-hour, small group seminars were conducted as part of the PA curriculum. Demographic data, as well as information about prior exposure to medical-related television shows and interest in specific medical disciplines, were collected at baseline. The evaluation of this unconventional teaching strategy was completed via a post-activity self-administered, electronic survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated for closed-ended questions, and a thematic analysis approach was used to examine open-ended questions.

Results

Approximately two-thirds (n = 49) of the students who attended the seminars completed both the baseline and post-activity surveys. The seminars were well-received, with 94% of respondents indicating they would like to participate in similar trainings in the future. The primary suggestion was to use clips from multiple television programs.

Discussion

The results suggest that this instructional format was highly acceptable to modern PA students, who yearn for an amalgamation of education and entertainment. Future work could examine the influence of the seminar on students’ communication in clinical environments.
Proximal tibia and tibial plateau nail-plate combinations: technical trick and case series
Authors: Bogdan Yelena , Dedhia Nicket
Published: July 2022

Proximal tibia fractures and combined tibial shaft-plateau injuries are increasingly common. Prolonged nonweightbearing may result in poor outcomes, particularly in elderly patients. Nail–plate combination constructs offer an attractive solution to facilitate early weight-bearing in these complex problems. We describe strategies and tips for these constructs and present the results of a small patient series treated with this technique.
Surfing-Related Craniofacial Injuries: A NEISS Database Study
Authors: Muhonen Ethan G. , Kafle Samipya , Torabi Sina J. , Abello Eric H. , Bitner Benjamin F. , Pham Nguyen
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Surfing is a popular pastime in coastal areas around the world with increasing numbers of participants. There is a lack of detailed data in the literature regarding surfing-related head and neck (HN) injuries.

Materials and Methods:

We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to characterize patient demographics, injury types, injury subsite, and emergency department (ED) disposition status associated with surfing-related HN injuries between 2009 and 2020 in the United States.

Results:

A total of 54,978 estimated national cases were reported from 2009 to 2020. Injuries to the head (36.0%) and neck (35.8%) were most common. Young adults (ages 18–35) made up most ED visits, whereas older adults (>35) made up most (63.5%) admissions. Laceration (46.1%) was the most common injury among ED visits, whereas fracture (30.5%) and internal injury (29.2%) were most common in admitted patients. Concussions represented 7.5% of injuries overall, 9.1% of pediatric injuries, and 9.9% of young adult injuries.

Conclusions:

When treating a patient who presents with injury suffered during surfing, a thorough examination of the HN should be performed. Specific attention should be given to evaluation of lacerations, fractures, internal ear injuries, and concussions. Pediatric and young adult patients are at increased risk of concussion. The majority of surfing injuries can be treated in an outpatient context.
Salvage of Declined Extended-criteria DCD Livers Using In Situ Normothermic Regional Perfusion
Authors: Schurink Ivo J. , de Goeij Femke H.C. , Habets Lex J.M. , van de Leemkolk Fenna E.M. , van Dun Christian A.A. , Oniscu Gabriel C. , Alwayn Ian P.J. , Polak Wojciech G. , Huurman Volkert A.L. , de Jonge Jeroen
Published: July 2022

Objective:

This study investigates whether liver grafts donated after circulatory death (DCD) that are declined by the entire Eurotransplant region can be salvaged with abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (aNRP).

Background:

aNRP is increasingly used for DCD liver grafts because it prevents typical complications. However, it is unclear whether aNRP is capable to rescue pretransplant declined liver grafts by providing the opportunity to test function during donation.

Methods:

Donor livers from DCD donors, declined by all centers in the Eurotransplant region, were included for this study. The comparator cohort included standard DCD livers and livers donated after brain death, transplanted in the same time period.

Results:

After the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, 28 from the 43 donors had a circulatory death within 2 hours, in which case aNRP was initiated. Of these 28 cases, in 3 cases perfusion problems occurred, 5 grafts were declined based on liver assessment, and 20 liver grafts were transplanted. The main differences during aNRP between the transplanted grafts and the assessed nontransplanted grafts were alanine transaminase levels of 53 U/L (34–68 U/L) versus 367 U/L (318–488 U/L) (P=0.001) and bile production in 100% versus 50% of the grafts (P=0.024). The 12-month graft and patient survival were both 95%, similar to the comparator cohort. The incidence of ischemic cholangiopathy was 11%, which was lower than in the standard DCD cohort (18%).

Conclusion:

aNRP can safely select and thus is able to rescue DCD liver grafts that were deemed unsuitable for transplantation, while preventing primary nonfunction and minimizing ischemic cholangiopathy.
An International Cohort Study of Prognosis Associated With Pathologically Complete Response Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Versus Chemoradiotherapy of Surgical Treated Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cools-Lartigue Jonathan , Markar Sheraz , Mueller Carmen , Hofstetter Wayne , Nilsson Magnus , Ilonen Ilkka , Soderstrom Henna , Rasanen Jari , Gisbertz Suzanne , Hanna George B. , Elliott Jessie , Reynolds John , Kisiel Aaron , Griffiths Ewen , Van Berge Henegouwen Mark , Ferri Lorenzo
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To compare overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in esophageal adenocarcinoma patients with a pathologically complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Background:

In the absence of survival differences in several prior studies comparing nCT with nCRT, the higher rate of pCR after nCRT has been suggested as reason to prefer this modality over nCT.

Methods:

An international cohort study included data from 8 high-volume centers. Inclusion criteria was patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, between 2008 and 2018, who had a pCR after nCT or nCRT. Univariate analysis was used to compare demographic factors, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis used to compare 5-year OS and RFS between groups.

Results:

In all, 465 patients with pCR following neoadjuvant treatment were included; 132 received nCT and 333 received nCRT. There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year OS between groups (78.8% (nCT) vs 65.5% (nCRT), P=0.099), with a similar result demonstrated in multivariate analysis (HR=1.19, 95% CI 0.77–1.84). 5-year RFS was significantly reduced in patients with a pCR following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (75.3% (nCRT) vs 87.1% (nCT), P=0.026). Multivariate analysis confirmed nCRT was associated with a poorer 5-year RFS (HR=1.70, 95% CI 1.22–2.99). nCRT associated with a significantly greater prevalence of 5-year distant recurrence (odds ratio=2.50, 95% CI 1.25–4.99)

Conclusions:

The results of this international cohort study show that the prognosis of pCR following different neoadjuvant regimes differs, bringing into question the validity of this measure as an oncological surrogate when comparing neoadjuvant treatment schemes for esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Impact of COVID-19 on cancer screening: a global perspective
Authors: Allahqoli Leila , Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Salehiniya Hamid , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Cancer screening disruption due to COVID-19 may have a significant impact on patients, healthcare practitioners, and healthcare systems. In this present review, we aim to offer a comprehensive view of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screening programs worldwide.

Recent findings

The present review comprised 33 publications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of cancer screening investigations were drastically reduced worldwide. Screening rates plummeted for all types of cancer, all ages, and racial/ethnic groups. Reductions in screening percentages were higher in several underserved racial groups. Cancer screening was suspended for at least 30 days in 13 countries.

Screenings for all types of cancer fell sharply. In the chain of cancer management, delays in any step are liable to change the outcome of the next step. Further long-term research will be needed to fully comprehend the impact of the pandemic on cancer services and patient outcomes.
Clinical Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Renal Transplant Recipients. Antibody Levels Impact in Pneumonia and Death
Authors: Rodríguez-Cubillo Beatriz , Moreno de la Higuera M. Angeles , Pérez-Flores Isabel , Calvo Romero Natividad , Aiffil Arianne Sofía , Arribi Vilela Ana , Peix Belen , Huertas Sara , Juez Almudena , Sanchez-Fructuoso Ana I.
Published: July 2022

Background.

Few studies have described the clinical impact of anti–severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) in the context of omicron variant and the third vaccine dose. Antibody titer has been tried to relate to the prediction of outcomes related to SARS-CoV-2, but it results controversially in these populations.

Methods.

All patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction followed at a RTRs reference center from March 15, 2020, to March 15, 2022, were considered for analysis. Cases were analyzed by vaccination status. Breakthrough cases were then analyzed by nonantibodies (<20 arbitrary unit [AU]/mL), low (20–100 AU/mL), and high antibody titers (>100 AU/mL) against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Outcomes included pneumonia and mortality. We used logistic regression multivariable to assess for confounders.

Results.

Among 186 RTRs with coronavirus disease 2019, 50.5% (n = 94) were vaccinated versus 49.5% (n = 92) unvaccinated. Of the vaccinated patients, 67.02% developed a high antibody titer (>100 AU/mL) but 14.89% achieved a low antibody titer and 18.08%. Pneumonia-free survival (day 20) was 95% in high antibody titer but 40% in unvaccinated RTRs. Survival in RTRs at day 60 was similar in the unvaccinated group compared with nonantibodies breakthrough cases (82%) but 92% in the low antibody titer group (relative risk, 0.027; 95% confidence interval, 0.002-0.479; P = 0.014). Only patients with >100 AU/mL showed a 100% survival on day 60 postinfection.

Conclusions.

Vaccinated RTRs who achieve at least a low antibody titer (>20 AU/mL) had better results in terms of pneumonia and mortality than unvaccinated RTRs. Antibody titer >100 AU/mL associate with even better results than patients with lower antibody titers.
Relationship between salmon egg subsidy and the distribution of an avian predator
Authors: Yamada Taihei , Katahira Hirotaka , Miura Kazuki , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: July 2022

As a spatial subsidy, which is the phenomenon of transferring resources from a donor system to a recipient system, anadromous salmonids contribute to the supply of marine-derived nutrients to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Live salmon and salmon carcasses and eggs are utilized by various organisms and affect their abundance and distribution. However, the evaluation of the effect of salmon subsidies on the abundance and distribution of terrestrial animals is biased towards predators or scavengers that utilize spawning adults and carcasses, and few studies have focused on the effect of salmon eggs as a subsidy. To avoid underestimating the function of salmon subsidies, the response to the availability of salmon eggs in various systems should be investigated. Here, we investigated the abundance and feeding behaviour of the brown dipperCinclus pallasii, as salmon egg a consumer, based on the hypothesis that the availability of salmon eggs affects the diet composition and stream distribution of this small predator. In addition, to test whether changes in the abundance of brown dippers are determined by salmon spawning, their abundance was compared upstream and downstream of the dam. Brown dippers used salmon eggs during the spawning season (53.7% of diet composition), and their abundance increased as the number of spawning redds increased. In contrast, this pattern was not observed upstream of the dam. These results suggested that the abundance and stream distribution of brown dippers vary according to the variation in the spatiotemporal availability of salmon eggs.
The Spatial Organization of Bacterial Transcriptional Regulatory Networks
Authors: Tian Liu , Liu Tong , Hua Kang-Jian , Hu Xiao-Pan , Ma Bin-Guang
Published: July 2022

Transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) is the central pivot of a prokaryotic organism to receive, process and respond to internal and external environmental information. However, little is known about its spatial organization so far. In recent years, chromatin interaction data of bacteria such asEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilishave been published, making it possible to study the spatial organization of bacterial transcriptional regulatory networks. By combining TRNs and chromatin interaction data ofE. coliandB. subtilis, we explored the spatial organization characteristics of bacterial TRNs in many aspects such as regulation directions (positive and negative), central nodes (hubs, bottlenecks), hierarchical levels (top, middle, bottom) and network motifs (feed-forward loops and single input modules) of the TRNs and found that the bacterial TRNs have a variety of stable spatial organization features under different physiological conditions which may be closely related with basic life activities. Our findings provided new insights into the connection between transcriptional regulation and the spatial organization of chromosome in bacteria, and might serve as a foundation for spatial-distance-based gene circuit design in synthetic biology.
Estimating functional EEG sources using topographical templates
Authors: Poncet Marlene , Ales Justin
Published: July 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a common and inexpensive method to record neural activity in humans. However, it lacks spatial resolution making it difficult to determine which areas of the brain are responsible for the observed EEG response. Here we present a new easy-to-use method that relies on EEG topographical templates. Using MRI and fMRI scans of 50 participants, we simulated how the activity in each visual area appears on the scalp and averaged this signal to produce functionally defined EEG templates. Once created, these templates can be used to estimate how much each visual area contributes to the observed EEG activity. We tested this method on extensive simulations and on real data. The proposed procedure is as good as bespoke individual source localization methods and has several strengths. First, because it does not rely on individual brain scans, it is inexpensive and can be used on any EEG dataset, past or present. Second, the results are readily interpretable in terms of functional brain regions and can be compared across neuroimaging techniques. Finally, this method is easy to understand, simple to use, and expandable to other brain sources. We thus expect it to be of wide interest to EEG users.
Artifacts can be deceiving: The actual location of deep brain stimulation electrodes differs from the artifact seen on magnetic resonance images
Authors: Nuzov Noa B. , Bhusal Bhumi , Henry Kaylee R. , Jiang Fuchang , Vu Jasmine , Rosenow Joshua M. , Pilitsis Julie G. , Elahi Behzad , Golestanirad Laleh
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a common treatment for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the role of neuroimaging in localizing the position of electrode contacts relative to target brain areas in order to optimize DBS programming. Among different imaging methods, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used for DBS electrode localization; however, the geometrical distortion induced by the lead limits its accuracy. In this work, we investigated to what degree the difference between the actual location of the lead’s tip and the location of the tip estimated from the MRI artifact varies depending on the MRI sequence parameters such as acquisition plane and phase encoding direction, as well as the lead’s extracranial configuration. Accordingly, an imaging technique to increase the accuracy of lead localization was devised and discussed.

Methods

We designed and constructed an anthropomorphic phantom with an implanted DBS system following 18 clinically relevant configurations. The phantom was scanned at a Siemens 1.5 Tesla Aera scanner using a T1MPRAGE sequence optimized for clinical use and a T1TSE sequence optimized for research purposes. We varied slice acquisition plane and phase encoding direction and calculated the distance between the caudal tip of the DBS lead MRI artifact and the actual tip of the lead, as estimated from MRI reference markers.

Results

Imaging parameters and lead configuration substantially altered the difference in the depth of the lead within its MRI artifact on the scale of several millimeters − with a difference as large as 4.99 millimeters. The actual tip of the DBS lead was found to be consistently more rostral than the tip estimated from the MR image artifact. The smallest difference between the tip of the DBS lead and the tip of the MRI artifact using the clinically relevant sequence (i.e., T1MPRAGE) was found with the sagittal acquisition plane and anterior-posterior phase encoding direction.

Discussion/Conclusion

The actual tip of an implanted DBS lead is located up to several millimeters rostral to the tip of the lead’s artifact on postoperative MR images. This distance depends on the MRI sequence parameters and the DBS system’s extracranial trajectory. MRI parameters may be altered to improve this localization.
Evolutionary-scale prediction of atomic level protein structure with a language model
Authors: Lin Zeming , Akin Halil , Rao Roshan , Hie Brian , Zhu Zhongkai , Lu Wenting , Smetanin Nikita , Verkuil Robert , Kabeli Ori , Shmueli Yaniv , dos Santos Costa Allan , Fazel-Zarandi Maryam , Sercu Tom , Candido Salvatore , Rives Alexander
Published: July 2022

Artificial intelligence has the potential to open insight into the structure of proteins at the scale of evolution. It has only recently been possible to extend protein structure prediction to two hundred million cataloged proteins. Characterizing the structures of the exponentially growing billions of protein sequences revealed by large scale gene sequencing experiments would necessitate a break-through in the speed of folding. Here we show that direct inference of structure from primary sequence using a large language model enables an order of magnitude speed-up in high resolution structure prediction. Leveraging the insight that language models learn evolutionary patterns across millions of sequences, we train models up to 15B parameters, the largest language model of proteins to date. As the language models are scaled they learn information that enables prediction of the three-dimensional structure of a protein at the resolution of individual atoms. This results in prediction that is up to 60x faster than state-of-the-art while maintaining resolution and accuracy. Building on this, we present the ESM Metage-nomic Atlas. This is the first large-scale structural characterization of metagenomic proteins, with more than 617 million structures. The atlas reveals more than 225 million high confidence predictions, including millions whose structures are novel in comparison with experimentally determined structures, giving an unprecedented view into the vast breadth and diversity of the structures of some of the least understood proteins on earth.
Pump–probe capabilities at the SPB/SFX instrument of the European XFEL
Authors: Koliyadu Jayanath C. P. , Letrun Romain , Kirkwood Henry J. , Liu Jia , Jiang Man , Emons Moritz , Bean Richard , Bellucci Valerio , Bielecki Johan , Birnsteinova Sarlota , de Wijn Raphael , Dietze Thomas , E Juncheng , Grünert Jan , Kane Daniel , Kim Chan , Kim Yoonhee , Lederer Max , Manning Bradley , Mills Grant , Morillo Luis L. , Reimers Nadja , Rompotis Dimitrios , Round Adam , Sikorski Marcin , Takem Cedric M. S. , Vagovič Patrik , Venkatesan Sandhya , Wang Jinxiong , Wegner Ulrike , Mancuso Adrian P. , Sato Tokushi
Published: July 2022

Pump–probe experiments at X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities are a powerful tool for studying dynamics at ultrafast and longer timescales. Observing the dynamics in diverse scientific cases requires optical laser systems with a wide range of wavelength, flexible pulse sequences and different pulse durations, especially in the pump source. Here, the pump–probe instrumentation available for measurements at the Single Particles, Clusters, and Biomolecules and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SPB/SFX) instrument of the European XFEL is reported. The temporal and spatial stability of this instrumentation is also presented.
Concomitant dimorphism in poly[di-μ-azido-(5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine)iron(II)]
Authors: Setifi Zouaoui , Bernès Sylvain , Geiger David K. , Setifi Fatima , Reedijk Jan
Published: July 2022

The title metal–organic polymer, catena-poly[[(5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)iron(II)]-di-μ-azido-κ2
N
1:N
3-[(5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)iron(II)]-di-μ-azido-κ2
N
1:N
1], [Fe(N3)2(C12H12N2)]
n
, features alternating μ-1,1 (end-on mode of coordination) and μ-1,3 (end-to-end mode of coordination) double azide bridges, forming chains running in the [100] direction. The octahedral coordination geometry around the FeII centre is completed by a bidentate 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand. Two polymorphs for this compound were obtained from the crude reaction product, the first in the space group P-1 and the other in P21/c. The molecular and crystal structures are very similar for both forms, the main difference being that the eight-membered Fe(μ-1,3-N3)2Fe metallacycle formed with end-to-end azide ligands has a nearly flat conformation in the triclinic form and a chair conformation in the monoclinic form. In spite of this geometric difference, both forms have the same density, the same packing index and similar arrangements of the one-dimensional chains in the crystal. As a consequence, they also share very similar Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots. However, a density functional theory (DFT) computational study showed that the monoclinic form is more stable than the triclinic form by ca 30.5 kJ mol−1.
Semi-analytic theory of multiphonon effects on the static structure factors of warm solids
Authors: Kitamura Hikaru
Published: July 2022

A semi-analytic formula for the temperature-dependent static structure factor S(k) of polycrystalline and amorphous solids applicable to the entire wavenumber (k) range is derived. The formula describes thermal diffuse scattering due to multiphonon processes entirely by a single kernel function without resorting to the standard perturbation expansion. It is analytically proven that S(k → 0) is determined from the one-phonon term, whereas the asymptotic limit S(k → ∞) = 1 can be reproduced through a Gaussian integral of the multiphonon term. The formula also reveals that an enhancement of the one-phonon scattering intensity at each Bragg point is expressed as a logarithmic singularity. Numerical examples for a face-centred cubic polycrystal near the melting point are shown. The present formula is computationally more efficient than other theoretical models, requiring only a one-dimensional integration to obtain S(k) once the elastic part of the structure factor and the Debye–Waller factor are given.
Structural dynamics: review of time-resolved cryo-EM
Authors: Mäeots Märt-Erik , Enchev Radoslav I.
Published: July 2022

The structural determination of biological macromolecules has been transformative for understanding biochemical mechanisms and developing therapeutics. However, the ultimate goal of characterizing how structural dynamics underpin biochemical processes has been difficult. This is largely due to significant technical challenges that hinder data collection and analysis on the native timescales of macromolecular dynamics. Single-particle cryo-EM provides a powerful platform to approach this challenge, since samples can be frozen faster than the single-turnover timescales of most biochemical reactions. In order to enable time-resolved analysis, significant innovations in the handling and preparation of cryo-EM samples have been implemented, bringing us closer to the goal of the direct observation of protein dynamics in the milliseconds to seconds range. Here, the current state of time-resolved cryo-EM is reviewed and the most promising future research directions are discussed.
Understanding the purchase intention of fitness wearables: using value-based adoption model
Authors: Mathavan Bushan , Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Hanifah Haniruzila , Ramayah T. , Kurnia Sherah
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the key enablers and inhibitors that influence the intention to use fitness wearables using the value-based adoption model (VAM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire from 323 respondents who had never used fitness wearables. A purposive sampling technique was used in this study. Smart PLS was employed to test the research framework and hypotheses using a two-step approach.

Findings

The findings support some of the hypotheses developed with R2 values of 0.622 for perceived value (PV) and 0.567 for intention to use fitness wearable. Perceived enjoyment, perceived social image and perceived usefulness had a positive effect on PV. In addition, health information sensitivity (HIS) was positively related to perceived privacy risk and health information accuracy was positively related to perceived usefulness. Surprisingly, this study did not find any significant relationship between perceived fee, perceived privacy risk, perceived health increase and perceived design aesthetics with PV.

Practical implications

This study's findings can help designers and manufacturers design fitness wearables by considering factors that users find valuable, thus satisfying consumers' needs.

Originality/value

This study tries to model behavioural intention of fitness wearable usage of individual users by using the VAM with the addition of two new antecedences, HSI and health information accuracy, to better explain the behaviour.
Managing client–consultant relationships to derive benefits from ERP projects
Authors: Bawack Ransome Epie , Kala Kamdjoug Jean Robert
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultants have the expertise required to understand the specific contextual needs of an ERP client, implement tailored business processes that meet those needs, and ensure that no potential benefit offered by the ERP remains unexplored by the client. However, conflicts between ERP clients and consultants are a significant source of non-benefit realisation, making managing client–consultant agency crucial to ERP post-implementation benefits realisation. This paper aims to elucidate how managing client–consultant agency affects the benefits derived from ERP systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses microfinance institutions in 15 sub-Saharan African countries to explore different paths through which managing client–consultant agency leads to benefit realisation in ERP projects. It uses partial least squares structural equation modelling to analyse data from 127 managers and explains the results using insights from agency theory and the information system (IS) success model.

Findings

This paper reveals three routes through which contractual agreements and conflict resolution strategies lead to benefits realisation in ERP projects.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to provide quantitative evidence of how managing the complex relationship between ERP project stakeholders affects ERP project success. It also contributes a novel theoretical model for ERP benefits realisation to complement existing research on ERP agency issues, critical success factors, and benefits realisation.
The grey digital divide and welfare state regimes: a comparative study of European countries
Authors: Alexopoulou Sofia , Åström Joachim , Karlsson Martin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Technology access, digital skills, and digital services are increasingly prerequisites for public life and accessing public services. The digital divide in contemporary societies matters for efforts to digitalize the welfare state. Research has already mapped individual determinants of digital exclusion and the existence of an age-related digital divide. However, far less attention has been paid to variations in digital inclusion between countries and to their potential explanations related to political systems. This study explores the influence of variations in welfare regimes on the digital divide among seniors (aged 65+) in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

This article presents time-series cross-sectional analyses of the relationship between welfare state regimes and digital inclusion among seniors in European countries. The analyses are based on data from Eurostat, the World Bank, and the UN E-Government Survey.

Findings

The authors find extensive variation in the digital inclusion of citizens between welfare regimes and argue that considering regime differences improves the understanding of these variations. The findings indicate that the age-related digital divide seems to be least evident in countries with more universalistic welfare regimes and most evident in countries where seniors rely more on their families.

Originality/value

This is the first comparative study of the association between welfare state regimes and digital inclusion among seniors.
The role of enterprise information systems strategies enabled strategy-making on organizational innovativeness: a resource orchestration perspective
Authors: Yoshikuni Adilson Carlos , Dwivedi Rajeev
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to establish the role of enterprise information systems strategies (ISS) enabled by business strategies for attaining organizational innovativeness (ORIN) mediated by performance (decision-making and business processes) under environmental turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

The research framework is developed based on theoretical grounding and validated with the help of 408 responses from Brazil using SmartPLS path modeling.

Findings

The results of the research suggest that the resource orchestra of enterprise information systems strategy-enabled strategy-making can be a viable alternative to enhance innovation activities in the organizations through the mediated role of performance (decision-making and business process).

Practical implications

The research demonstrates the role of business function (information systems) strategy enabled overall business strategy-making for achieving innovations in the organization. Fortune organizations are exploiting the information systems strategy enabled business strategy for innovations in the organization; such as Amazon, Walmart, Costco, etc.

Originality/value

The proposed and validated model is a contribution to the enterprise information systems strategy theory. This model presents the role of resource orchestras in achieving innovations in organizations.
Socio-spatial appropriations in dwellings of Cairo during lockdown: lessons learned for the post-pandemic era
Authors: Eissa Doha
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study examines socio-spatial appropriations in dwellings of Cairo, which were undertaken to expand dwellings affordances and accommodate new utilitarian demands during lockdown. The study questions whether those appropriations impacted dwellers' conceptions of dwellers' dwellings and scrutinizes how those appropriations could feedback the design of dwellings post-pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a mixed-method approach and was constructed over two phases as follows: first, in-depth interviews with 20 participants to acquire qualitative data about the adopted appropriation strategies and the subsequent actualized affordances and second, an online quantitative survey answered by 133 respondents to quantify the frequency of the adopted appropriation strategies and test the relationship between appropriations and mental conceptions of dwellings.

Findings

The study identifies five main appropriation strategies undertaken by dwellers and builds upon them to recommend favorable design features of dwellings post-pandemic. Those are: securing unscripted spaces, reviving dormant spaces, space compartmentalization, temporal programing of space and space esthetic personalization. The study also affirms a relationship between undertaking appropriations and improved mental conceptions of dwellings. Finally, the study suggests recommendations for space use optimization which could be deployed in existing dwellings and could ultimately be considered for designing post-pandemic dwellings.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the study's opportune documentation and analysis of such an exceptional condition. Thus far, very few studies have tackled socio-spatial practices in dwellings during lockdown, let alone the impact of the pandemic on the design of future dwellings.
Countrywide inter‐epidemic region migration pattern suggests the role of southwestern population in wheat stripe rust epidemics in China
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Ali Sajid , Ju Meng , Liu Wei , Zhang Gensheng , Zhang Zedong , Li Zejian , Ma Xinyao , Wang Lin , Du Zhimin , Tian Xiaxia , Zeng Qingdong , Kang Zhensheng , Zhao Jie
Published: July 2022

Understanding countrywide pathogen population structure and inter‐epidemic region spread is crucial for deciphering crop potential losses. Wheat stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is a destructive disease that affects worldwide wheat production, widespread in China, representing largest epidemic region globally. This study aimed to understand the population structure and migration route of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici across China based on sampling from 15 provinces representing six epidemic zones, viz., over‐summering, over‐wintering, eastern, Yun‐Gui, Xinjiang and Tibet epidemic regions. High genotypic diversity was recorded in over‐summering, Tibet and over‐wintering epidemic regions. Epidemic regions partly explain population subdivision with variable divergence (FST = 0.005–0.344). Xinjiang and Tibet epidemic regions were independent epidemic zones with least sharing of genotypes. Among other epidemic zones, i.e. over‐summering, over‐wintering, eastern and Yun‐Gui epidemic zones, re‐sampling MLGs, clustering‐based structure, DAPC analyses, relative migration and low divergence (FST from 0.006 to 0.073) revealed frequent geneflow. Yun‐Gui epidemic regions, with a potential for both over‐summering and over‐wintering, could play an important role in causing epidemics in main wheat‐cultivating areas of China. High diversity, recombination signatures and inter‐epidemic region migration patterns need to be considered in host‐resistant cultivar development in China and neighbouring countries, considering risk of long‐distance migration capacity of pathogen.
Concentration in Asia's cross‐border banking: Determinants and impacts
Authors: Lapid Ana Kristel , Mercado Rogelio , Rosenkranz Peter
Published: July 2022

Cross‐border bank positions in Asia and the Pacific remain highly concentrated among a few counterparties, exposing the region to financial risks and policy spillovers. Consequently, assessing the determinants and impacts of the region's cross‐border banking concentration is relevant to the design of appropriate policies for promoting financial development and safeguarding financial stability. To this end, we construct cross‐border bank concentration measures for 47 economies in Asia and the Pacific from 2000 to 2019. The results show that higher capital account and trade openness and per capita income are significantly associated with lower cross‐border bank concentration. Moreover, elevated cross‐border bank concentration tends to lower domestic credit and nonperforming loans. We find no impact on bank profitability for the region.