bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHY STOP? A prospective observational vignette-based study to determine the cognitive-behavioural effects of rapid diagnostic PCR-based point-of-care test results on antibiotic cessation in ICU infections
Authors: Singh Suveer , Nurek Martine , Mason Sonia , Moore Luke SP , Mughal Nabeela , Vizcaychipi Marcela P
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for infection offer accurate rapid diagnostics but do not consistently improve antibiotic stewardship (ASP) of suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. We aimed to measure the effect of a negative PCR-POCT result on intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians’ antibiotic decisions and the additional effects of patient trajectory and cognitive-behavioural factors (clinician intuition, dis/interest in POCT, risk averseness).

Design

Observational cohort simulation study.

Setting

ICU.

Participants

70 ICU consultants/trainees working in UK-based teaching hospitals.

Methods

Clinicians saw four case vignettes describing patients who had completed a course of antibiotics for respiratory infection. Vignettes comprised clinical and biological data (ie, white cell count, C reactive protein), varied to create four trajectories: clinico-biological improvement (the ‘improvement’ case), clinico-biological worsening (‘worsening’), clinical improvement/biological worsening (‘discordant clin better’), clinical worsening/biological improvement (‘discordant clin worse’). Based on this, clinicians made an initial antibiotics decision (stop/continue) and rated confidence (6-point Likert scale). A PCR-based POCT was then offered, which clinicians could accept or decline. All clinicians (including those who declined) were shown the result, which was negative. Clinicians updated their antibiotics decision and confidence.

Measures

Antibiotics decisions and confidence were compared pre-POCT versus post-POCT, per vignette.

Results

A negative POCT result increased the proportion of stop decisions (54% pre-POCT vs 70% post-POCT, χ2(1)=25.82, p<0.001, w=0.32) in all vignettes except improvement (already high), most notably in discordant clin worse (49% pre-POCT vs 74% post-POCT). In a linear regression, factors that significantly reduced clinicians’ inclination to stop antibiotics were a worsening trajectory (b=−0.73 (−1.33, –0.14), p=0.015), initial confidence in continuing (b=0.66 (0.56, 0.76), p<0.001) and involuntary receipt of POCT results (clinicians who accepted the POCT were more inclined to stop than clinicians who declined it, b=1.30 (0.58, 2.02), p<0.001). Clinician risk averseness was not found to influence antibiotic decisions (b=−0.01 (−0.12, 0.10), p=0.872).

Conclusions

A negative PCR-POCT result can encourage antibiotic cessation in ICU, notably in cases of clinical worsening (where the inclination might otherwise be to continue). This effect may be reduced by high clinician confidence to continue and/or disinterest in POCT, perhaps due to low trust/perceived utility. Such cognitive-behavioural and trajectorial factors warrant greater consideration in future ASP study design.
Sustainable development goals and multisectoral collaborations for child health in Cambodia: a qualitative interview study with key child health stakeholders
Authors: Helldén Daniel , Sok Serey , Chea Thy , Nordenstedt Helena , Kuruvilla Shyama , Alvesson Helle Mölsted , Alfvén Tobias
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Multisectoral collaboration highlighted as key in delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but still little is known on how to move from rhetoric to action. Cambodia has made remarkable progress on child health over the last decades with multisectoral collaborations being a key success factor. However, it is not known how country stakeholders perceive child health in the context of the SDGs or multisectoral collaborations for child health in Cambodia.

Design, settings and participants

Through purposive sampling, we conducted semistructured interviews with 29 key child health stakeholders from a range of government and non-governmental organisations in Cambodia. Guided by framework analysis, themes, subthemes and categories were derived.

Results

We found that the adoption of the SDGs led to increased possibility for action and higher ambitions for child health in Cambodia, while simultaneously establishing child health as a multisectoral issue among key child stakeholders. There seems to be a discrepancy between the desired step-by-step theory of conducting multisectoral collaboration and the real-world complexities including funding and power dynamics that heavily influence the process of collaboration. Identified success factors for multisectoral collaborations included having clear responsibilities, leadership from all and trust among stakeholders while the major obstacle found was lack of sustainable funding.

Conclusion

The findings from this in-depth multistakeholder study can inform policy-makers and practitioners in other countries on the theoretical and practical process as well as influencing aspects that shape multisectoral collaborations in general and for child health specifically. This is vital if multisectoral collaborations are to be successfully leveraged to accelerate the work towards achieving better child health in the era of the SDGs.
Exploring the outcomes of research engagement using the observation method in an online setting
Authors: Marshall Deborah A , Suryaprakash Nitya , Lavallee Danielle C , Barker Karis L , Mackean Gail , Zelinsky Sandra , McCarron Tamara L , Santana Maria J , Moayyedi Paul , Bryan Stirling
Published: November 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the outcomes of research engagement (patient engagement, PE) in the context of qualitative research.

Design

We observed engagement in two groups comprised of patients, clinicians and researchers tasked with conducting a qualitative preference exploration project in inflammatory bowel disease. One group was led by a patient research partner (PLG, partner led group) and the other by an academic researcher (RLG, researcher led group). A semistructured guide and a set of critical outcomes of research engagement were used as a framework to ground our analysis.

Setting

The study was conducted online.

Participants

Patient research partners (n=5), researchers (n=5) and clinicians (n=4) participated in this study.

Main outcome measures

Transcripts of meetings, descriptive and reflective observation data of engagement during meetings and email correspondence between group members were analysed to identify the outcomes of PE.

Results

Both projects were patient-centred, collaborative, meaningful, rigorous, adaptable, ethical, legitimate, understandable, feasible, timely and sustainable. Patient research partners (PRPs) in both groups wore dual hats as patients and researchers and influenced project decisions wearing both hats. They took on advisory and operational roles. Collaboration seemed easier in the PLG than in the RLG. The RLG PRPs spent more time than their counterparts in the PLG sharing their experience with biologics and helping their group identify a meaningful project question. A formal literature review informed the design, project materials and analysis in the RLG, while the formal review informed the project materials and analysis in the PLG. A PRP in the RLG and the PLG lead leveraged personal connections to facilitate recruitment. The outcomes of both projects were meaningful to all members of the groups.

Conclusions

Our findings show that engagement of PRPs in research has a positive influence on the project design and delivery in the context of qualitative research in both the patient-led and researcher-led group.
Telenursing practice in the care of surgical cancer patients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mozer Carla Aparecida do Nascimento , Gonçalves Juliana do Carmo , dos Santos Lucyara Silvares , Furieri Lorena Barros , Fioresi Mirian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Telenursing is a component of telehealth that occurs when nurses use information and communication technologies to provide care and nursing services remotely. To understand how telenursing services in surgical oncology patients can be better implemented, it is important that the success models are collected and studied. Therefore, the general objective is to develop the scoping review protocol for the survey of existing evidence on the practice of oncological perioperative telenursing.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will be conducted following the scoping review directions of the Joanna Briggs Institute with the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist for the review report. The databases that will be used for these searches will be: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library. To search for grey literature, Google Scholar, WorldWideScience and Global ETD Search will be used. Primary studies, observational or experimental, published in any year or language will be considered. For the selection and extraction of data, two independent reviewers will read the title, summary and full text using the Rayyan software and a form prepared by the authors. The data to be extracted are related to the characterisation of the study (study design, country and year of publication) and details of the telenursing programme (surgery or surgical specialty, perioperative period, tools used, organisation and operation, outcome indicators and treatment methods and content in telenursing). Among others, the difficulties and potentialities for the development or implementation of telenursing will also be extracted, as the main result of the study.

Ethics and dissemination

The study does not require ethical approval as it will use previously published research data. The results will be shared in journals and scientific events and may be used for the development and implementation of oncological perioperative telenursing programmes.
Social determinants of alcohol-related traumatic injury in young adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Goodon Hunter , Czyrnyj Cameron , Comaskey Brenda , Gawaziuk Justin , Logsetty Sarvesh , Spiwak Rae
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Limited research examines alcohol-related injury in the context of social determinants of health (SDoH) to guide effective intervention and prevention programmes. SDoH are non-medical factors that impact health such as income, housing and childhood environment. This scoping review aims to explore the role SDoH in childhood have in alcohol-related injury in young adults.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review process will be guided by the methodology framework of Arksey and O’Malley and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols Extension for Scoping Reviews Guidelines (PRISMA-ScR). The PubMed and SCOPUS databases will be systematically searched. Studies of various designs and methodologies (published in English since 1 January 2000) that examine certain SDoH of interest in relation to alcohol-related injury in adults aged 18–25 years old will be considered for inclusion in this review. Two reviewers will screen all articles identified from the databases independently. Titles and abstracts will be reviewed based on the initial search and included if eligibility criteria are met. Duplicate articles will be removed and full texts will be examined to create a final list of included studies. Any disagreements on the inclusion of any articles will be resolved through discussion and consultation with a third reviewer if necessary.

Ethics and dissemination

As this research does not involve human subjects, ethics approval is not required. The results of this study will be summarised quantitatively through numerical counts and qualitatively through a narrative synthesis. The results from this review will address an important literature gap and inform the development of targeted prevention programmes for alcohol-related injury.

Registration number

This protocol is registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MYEXA).
Association between anxiety and depression and all-cause mortality: a 50-year follow-up of the Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden
Authors: von Below Amanda , Hällström Tore , Sundh Valter , Björkelund Cecilia , Hange Dominique
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the association between anxiety disorders and/or major depression disorder (ADs/MDD) and all-cause mortality in a 50-year perspective and to examine specific risk and health factors that may influence such an association.

Design

Observational population study, 1968–2019.

Setting

The Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden (PSWG).

Participants

In 1968–1969, 899 (out of 1462) women from PSWG were selected according to date of birth for a psychiatric investigation, including diagnostic evaluation. Eight hundred (89%) were accepted. Twenty-two women were excluded. Of the 778 included, 135 participants (17.4 %) had solely ADs, 32 (4.1%) had solely MDD and 25 (3.2%) had comorbid AD/MDD.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Associations between ADs, MDD, comorbid AD/MDD and all-cause mortality with adjustments for potential confounding factors. Differences between the groups concerning health and risk factors and their association with mortality.

Results

In a fully adjusted model, ADs were non-significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.41). When examining age during risk time as separate intervals, a significant association between mortality and AD was seen in the group of participants who died at the age of 65–80 years (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.29). In the younger or older age interval, the association did not reach significance at the 95% level of confidence. Among confounding factors, smoking and physical activity were the strongest contributors. The association between smoking and mortality tended to be further increased in the group with ADs versus the group without such disorders (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.75 and HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.12, respectively).

Conclusions

This study suggests potential links between ADs, age and mortality among women with 50 years of follow-up, but does not provide definitive conclusions due to the borderline significance of the results.
Pembrolizumab monotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): can patient stratification be improved in the UK Tayside population? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mander Emily Susannah , Merrick Christopher Brian , Nicholson Hugh Adam , Lord Hannah Kate , Ferguson Michelle Jane , Smith Gillian
Published: November 2023

Objective

Pembrolizumab is a programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor used to treat advanced patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) tumour proportion score (TPS) ≥50. Further sub-division of TPS-based stratification has not been evaluated in the UK, although smoking-induced tumour mutational burden and the immunogenic effects of prior radiotherapy are suggested to improve response.

Aims

To investigate if PD-L1 TPS ≥80%, smoking status or radiotherapy before or within 2 months of treatment influenced progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with NSCLC treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy.

Methods

PD-L1 TPS, smoking status and radiotherapy exposure were compared in patients with NSCLC in National Health Service (NHS) Tayside (n=100) treated with pembrolizumab monotherapy between 1 November 2017 and 18 February 2022. Survival estimates were compared using log-rank analysis, and Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to investigate the influence of potential confounding factors, including tumour stage and performance status.

Results

PFS was not significantly different (log-rank HR=0.330, p=0.566) comparing patients with PD-L1 TPS 50–79% and PD-L1 TPS ≥80%. Smokers had significantly improved PFS (log-rank HR=4.867, p=0.027), while patients receiving radiotherapy had significantly decreased PFS (log-rank HR=6.649, p=0.012). A Cox regression model confirmed that both radiotherapy (p=0.022) and performance status (p=0.009) were independent negative predictors of PFS.

Conclusions

More rigorous PD-L1 TPS stratification did not influence survival outcomes. Smoking history improved PFS, although it was not an independent response predictor, while radiotherapy and performance status independently influenced clinical response. We suggest that further stratification of PD-L1 TPS is not warranted, while performance status and radiotherapy treatment may be additional clinically useful biomarkers of response to pembrolizumab in patients with NSCLC.
Refractory primary and secondary headache disorders that dramatically responded to combined treatment of ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprazygomatic pterygopalatine ganglion blocks and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation: a case series
Authors: Boezaart Andre P , Smith Cameron R , Zasimovich Yury , Przkora Rene , Kumar Sanjeev , Nin Olga C , Boezaart Louis C , Botha Daniel AJ , Leonard André , Reina Miguel A , Pareja Juan A
Published: November 2023

In 1981, Devoghel achieved an 85.6% success rate in treating patients with treatment-refractory cluster headaches with alcoholization of the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) via the percutaneous suprazygomatic approach. Devoghel’s study led to the theory that interrupting the parasympathetic pathway by blocking its transduction at the PPG could prevent or treat symptoms related to primary headache disorders (PHDs). Furthermore, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has proven to treat PHDs and has been approved by national regulatory bodies to treat, among others, cluster headaches and migraines.

In this case series, nine desperate patients who presented with 11 longstanding treatment-refractory primary headache disorders and epidural blood patch–resistant postdural puncture headache (PDPH) received ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprazygomatic pterygopalatine ganglion blocks (PPGB), and seven also received nVNS. The patients were randomly selected and were not part of a research study. They experienced dramatic, immediate, satisfactory, and apparently lasting symptom resolution (at the time of the writing of this report). The report provides the case descriptions, briefly reviews the trigeminovascular and neurogenic inflammatory theories of the pathophysiology, outlines aspects of these PPGB and nVNS interventions, and argues for adopting this treatment regime as a first-line or second-line treatment rather than desperate last-line treatment of PDPH and PHDs.
Descriptive cross-sectional survey of tobacco and cannabis restrictions on state and local film incentives in the USA
Authors: Wakefield Tanner D , Guillory Jamie , Ling Pamela , Apollonio Dorie E
Published: November 2023

Background

Reducing tobacco depictions in media has significant health benefits because tobacco placements in films normalise tobacco use and are linked to youth initiation. Cannabis depictions may have similar effects. Placing restrictions on film incentives has been suggested; however, it remains an unexplored strategy for reducing tobacco depictions. We investigated whether states and localities that offer film incentives have established funding restrictions to deter tobacco or cannabis depictions.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey of official state and local government websites in the USA that listed film incentives. We coded policy level (ie, state, local), incentive type (ie, tax credit, rebate), incentive amounts, programme qualifiers and presence and characteristics of tobacco and cannabis restrictions.

Results

Quantifiable tax incentives at the state level offered over $1.6 billion to producers. Among 50 US states and Washington, DC, 39 provided film incentives: 4 restricted tobacco and 0 restricted cannabis. Among the 238 local film offices we identified, 24 offered incentives; 5 restricted tobacco and 1 restricted cannabis. All the incentive restrictions excluded tobacco or cannabis purchases from reimbursement; there were no penalties for tobacco or cannabis depictions.

Conclusions

Film incentives are large financial commitments that may undermine public health since they allow depictions of tobacco and cannabis that contribute to initiation and use. Few states or localities limit film incentives related to tobacco or cannabis, and the existing restrictions are unlikely to deter depictions or product placement. Restrictions on incentives are an underused tool for deterring tobacco and cannabis depictions in film.
Effects of male paratroopers’ initial body composition on changes in physical performance and recovery during a 20-day winter military field training
Authors: Borgenström Jere , Kyröläinen Heikki , Pihlainen Kai , Vaara Jani P. , Ojanen Tommi
Published: November 2023

Changes in physiological markers and physical performance in relation to paratroopers’ initial body composition were investigated during a 20-day winter military field training (MFT) and the subsequent 10-day recovery period. Body composition, serum hormone concentrations and enzymatic biomarkers, and physical performance of 58 soldiers were measured before, during, and after MFT. Comparisons were done according to soldiers’ body fat percentage before MFT between low-fat (<12% body fat) and high-fat (>12% body fat) groups. Correlations between body fat percentage preceding MFT and changes in muscle mass, physical performance, and serum hormone concentrations and enzymatic biomarkers were investigated. It was hypothesized that soldiers with a higher fat percentage would have smaller decrements in muscle mass, physical performance, and serum testosterone concentration. The change in muscle and fat mass was different between groups ( p < 0.001) as the low-fat group lost 0.8 kg of muscle mass and 2.0 kg of fat mass, while there was no change in muscle mass and a loss of 3.7 kg of fat mass in the high-fat group during MFT. Fat percentage before MFT correlated with the changes in muscle mass ( R2 = 0.26, p < 0.001), serum testosterone concentration ( R2 = 0.22, p < 0.001), and evacuation test time ( R2 = 0.10, p < 0.05) during MFT. The change in muscle mass was correlated with the changes in evacuation test time ( R2 = 0.11, p < 0.05) and countermovement jump test results ( R2 = 0.13, p < 0.01) during MFT. Soldiers with a higher initial fat percentage lost less muscle mass, and had smaller decrements in some aspects of physical performance, as well as in serum testosterone concentration during MFT.
The role of BCL2L13 in glioblastoma: turning a need into a target
Authors: Jacobs Joadi , Iranpour Rosa , Behrooz Amir Barzegar , da Silva Rosa Simone C. , Ghavami Saeid
Published: November 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive central nervous system cancer. GBM has a high mortality rate, with a median survival time of 12–15 months after diagnosis. A poor prognosis and a shorter life expectancy may result from resistance to standard treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Temozolomide has been the mainstay treatment for GBM, but unfortunately, there are high rates of resistance with GBM bypassing apoptosis. A proposed mechanism for bypassing apoptosis is decreased ceramide levels, and previous research has shown that within GBM cells, B cell lymphoma 2-like 13 (BCL2L13) can inhibit ceramide synthase. This review aims to discuss the causes of resistance in GBM cells, followed by a brief description of BCL2L13 and an explanation of its mechanism of action. Further, lipids, specifically ceramide, will be discussed concerning cancer and GBM cells, focusing on ceramide synthase and its role in developing GBM. By gathering all current information on BCL2L13 and ceramide synthase, this review seeks to enable an understanding of these pieces of GBM in the hope of finding an effective treatment for this disease.
Estimation of digestible zinc and copper in pigs: a meta-analysis approach
Authors: Ketata Mohamed Ali , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Guay Frédéric
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of Zn and Cu supplementation and nutritional factors on the digestible content of these minerals using a meta-analysis approach. A database derived from 24 publications and describing 142 experimental treatments was compiled. A model showed that positive effects of chelated, (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) and inorganic Zn supplementation ( P < 0.05) (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01), Zn from ingredients (linear, P < 0.01) and a negative linear effect of dietary Cu concentration ( P = 0.067; R2= 94%) on digestible Zn content. In other model, addition of phytase showed linear improvement of digestible Zn ( P < 0.01; R2= 96%). For digestible Cu, a model showed that chelated and inorganic Cu supplementation ( P < 0.01) linearly increased digestible Cu while dietary Zn level decreased it ( P < 0.01; R2 = 93%). Dietary phytase did not impact digestible content of Cu. The digestibility of Zn and Cu depends on dietary supplementation of these minerals in diets but also on the interaction between these minerals. Finally, phytase supplementation improves digestible Zn content but not Cu.
Quark models and radial oscillations: decoding the HESS J1731-347 compact object’s equation of state
Authors: Rather Ishfaq A. , Panotopoulos Grigoris , Lopes Ilídio
Published: November 2023

We investigate the peculiar nature of strange stars through an analysis of different quark models, i.e. vBag model and CFL model equation of states at different parameter sets, and focus on understanding the equation of state governing the intriguing central compact object (CCO) within the supernova remnant HESS J1731-347, with a mass and radius of $$M = 0.77^{+0.20}_{-0.17} M_{\odot }$$

M
=
0
.

77

-
0.17

+
0.20

M
⊙

and $$R = 10.4^{+0.86}_{-0.78}$$

R
=
10
.

4

-
0.78

+
0.86

km, respectively. Additionally, we compare the radial oscillations of two models to determine the frequency of the HESS J1731-347 compact object at its maximum mass. The frequencies of radial oscillations are computed for each of the four EoSs considered. In total, the 10 lowest radial frequencies for each of those EoSs have been computed. By delving into these aspects, we aim at deepening our understanding of strange stars and their connection to the observed HESS J1731-347 mass-radius relationship.
Outsiders Within: How Do Black Girls Fit into Computer Science for All?
Authors: Mirakhur Zitsi , Fancsali Cheri , Hill Kathryn
Published: November 2023

Objectives.At the K–12 level, “CS for All” initiatives across the country strive to increase equitable access to and participation in computer science (CS). However, there are many open questions about the implementation and effectiveness of these initiatives, including the extent to which exposing young people to CS early on can shape their longer-term CS interest and engagement. In this article, we examine CS participation among 6th–8th-grade Black girls and assess whether CS participation during middle school shapes CS interest and engagement during their first year of high school. We focus on Black girls in the hopes of developing a more nuanced and rigorous understanding of computing experiences at the intersection of racism and sexism in this field.

Participants.The focal group of students in this study are 6th–8th-grade Black girls from New York City. We employ a comparative lens in this article, contextualizing the CS experiences and outcomes of Black girls to Latinas, Asian, and White girls, as well as Black boys.

Study Method.We primarily rely on quantitative data for this article, applying a critical lens to our analyses and interpretation. More specifically, we conduct descriptive analyses of course-taking patterns as well as survey data that focus on student attitudes and beliefs about CS. We then carry out inferential analyses of students’ administrative records examining how, if at all, middle school CS participation is related to high school outcomes for Black girls. We employ a comparative lens and rely on qualitative data to make sense of our results.

Findings.We find that, troublingly, Black girls in the district are disproportionately less likely to receive CS instruction in middle school. Black girls are also less likely than Black boys, Latinas, and White girls to feel that they belong in CS. However, Black girls in CS courses report similar levels of engagement, family, and peer support, as well as value for CS relative to other students in the district. Finally, we find that participation in CS courses in middle school does not increase the likelihood that Black girls will select high schools that offer CS courses or take a CS course during their first year of high school.

Conclusions.Our findings suggest that to increase equitable access and participation in CS, it is not enough to simply expose students to CS coursework. We call for sustained attention to the experiences that Black girls have in their CS classes as well as broader structural barriers that might shape CS course-taking.
Sampling-Based Motion Planning: A Comparative Review
Authors: Orthey Andreas , Chamzas Constantinos , Kavraki Lydia E.
Published: November 2023

Sampling-based motion planning is one of the fundamental paradigms to generate robot motions, and a cornerstone of robotics research. This comparative review provides an up-to-date guide and reference manual for the use of sampling-based motion planning algorithms. It includes a history of motion planning, an overview of the most successful planners, and a discussion of their properties. It also shows how planners can handle special cases and how extensions of motion planning can be accommodated. To put sampling-based motion planning into a larger context, a discussion of alternative motion generation frameworks highlights their respective differences from sampling-based motion planning. Finally, a set of sampling-based motion planners are compared on 24 challenging planning problems in order to provide insights into which planners perform well in which situations and where future research would be required. This comparative review thereby provides not only a useful reference manual for researchers in the field but also a guide for practitioners to make informed algorithmic decisions.
Neuroimmunology of the Lung
Authors: Azzoni Rossana , Perdijk Olaf , Harris Nicola L. , Marsland Benjamin J.
Published: November 2023

Barrier tissues are highly innervated by sensory and autonomic nerves that are positioned in close proximity to both stromal and immune cell populations. Together with a growing awareness of the far-reaching consequences of neuroimmune interactions, recent studies have uncovered key mechanisms through which they contribute to organ homeostasis and immunity. It has also become clear that dysregulation of such interactions is implicated in the development of chronic lung diseases. This review describes the characteristics of the lung nervous system and discusses the molecular mechanisms that underlie lung neuroimmune interactions in infection and disease. We have contextualized the current literature and identified opportune areas for further investigation. Indeed, both the lung-brain axis and local neuroimmune interactions hold enormous potential for the exploration and development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting lung diseases.
The Future of Motivation in and of Teams
Authors: Chen Gilad , Kanfer Ruth
Published: November 2023

The study of motivation in and of teams has flourished and expanded over the past few decades. We now have a better understanding of core motivational processes at the individual and team levels of analysis, along with cross-level processes through which individuals and teams influence each other. However, societal, cultural, economic, and technological changes have led to new forms of team-based designs and teaming strategies in work organizations. In this article we review five major changes to the nature of teams and teaming and identify fruitful avenues for future research that can generate new and important knowledge about the motivation of individuals in teams as well as the motivation of team systems as wholes.
Distribution of P2Y and P2X purinergic receptor expression within the intestine
Authors: Engevik Kristen A. , Scribano Francesca J. , Gebert J. Thomas , Perry Jacob L. , Crawford Sue E. , Hyser Joseph M.
Published: November 2023

Several studies have revealed crucial roles for P2 receptors during inflammatory and infectious diseases, however, these have largely been demonstrated in immune cells and the enteric nervous system. Although epithelial cells serve as the first barrier against infection and inflammation, the role of purinergic signaling within the gastrointestinal tract remains largely unknown. This work expands our knowledge of purinergic receptor distribution and relative expression along the intestine.
Gain of Spatial Diversity with Conjoint Signals in Arbitrarily Correlated Rayleigh Fading Channels
Authors: Omosa Edwin , Akuon Peter , Xu Hongjun , Oduol Vitalis
Published: November 2023

Coding gains for arbitrarily correlated signals in a spatial diversity system with conjoint signals are presented in this study. The basic form of the proposed signal synthesizer evenly produces phase changes in the output signals. The mixer is an orthogonal transformation matrix, which is energy preserving and blind to the channel correlation matrix. The idea is to synthesize additional conjoint signal copies from the received signals that would be received if there were more antennas. However, these conjoint signals contain a level of correlation with the received signals. With the assumption of flat Rayleigh fading channels, simulation results for symbol error probability (SEP) are presented for different numbers of receive branches and varying correlation conditions. It is shown that under binary phase shift keying (BPSK), the synthesizer achieves decorrelation coding gains of about 1 dB when selection combining (SC) or equal gain combining (EGC) is used. The synthesizer’s performance across M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM) signals is also tested. In addition, analytical frameworks are derived for BPSK and MQAM, which are tightly bound by the Monte Carlo simulation results obtained using Matlab. The correlation analysis is performed for different numbers of antennas and varied antenna spacings.
Design of Ultrasmall Plasmonic Logic Gates Based on Single Nanoring Dielectric-Metal-Dielectric Waveguide
Authors: Sadeq Salma Ali , Hayati Mohsen , Khosravi Saba
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a new configuration of dielectric-metal-dielectric (DMD) waveguides to design optical logic gates. Seven plasmonic logic gates, including NOT, OR, AND, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR, are realized by one nanoring and four DMD plasmonic waveguides. To realize the logic gates, an ultrasmall size of 300 nm × 300 nm device is designed. The performance of the plasmonic logic gates is based on constructive and deconstructive interference between input and control ports. To evaluate the logic state of the output port, the threshold transmission limit is assumed to be 0.35. The transmission ratio, T, contrast ratio, CR, modulation depth, MD, insertion loss, IL, and contrast loss, CL, parameters measure the seven logic gates’ performance. A maximum T of 232% is obtained for AND, OR, and XNOR logic gates. Simulation results show that the dimensional parameters are optimized because of very high MD for all seven logic gates. Maximum values of CR and CL are obtained for the NOT gate. For the AND gate, a minimum IL value is achieved. The studied plasmonic logic gates can be employed in building blocks of all-optical signal-processing nanocircuits and nanophotonics devices. The finite element method (FEM) simulates the structure with COMSOL Multiphysics 5.4 software.
An Ameliorated Small-Signal Model Parameter Extraction Method for GaN HEMTs up to 110 GHz with Short-Test Structure
Authors: Yuan Qingyu , Tang Jinze , Luan Xiaodong , Lin Xin , Chang Fan , Cheng Jiali
Published: November 2023

An improved method of extracting small-signal equivalent circuit model parameters for gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs) is presented. This paper intends to present a method to extract the parasitic inductance and resistance of transistors based on the short-test structure without the open-circuit test structure. The parasitic capacitance of transistors is extracted by the method based on the size scalable model. Compared with the traditional COLD-FET method, the extraction procedure is simpler and more convenient. After removing the influence of parasitic elements, the intrinsic parameters of the model can be extracted by the S-parameters measured at different bias points. The experimental results show that the simulation results have good agreement with the measured results in the range of 0.5∼110 GHz.
Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Health Impacts from Indoor Activities
Authors: Bhoonah Rachna , Maury-Micolier Alice , Jolliet Olivier , Fantke Peter
Published: November 2023

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an important contributor to global human disease burden, particularly indoors where people spend the majority of their time and exposure is highest. We propose a framework linking indoor PM2.5 emissions from human activities to exposure and health impacts, expressed in Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY). Derived dynamic indoor PM2.5 concentrations—capturing temporal variations through different window-opening scenarios and air renewal rates—are used to estimate uncertainty for a parametric model (up to a factor of 114). Intake fractions (fraction of emitted substance taken in (μgintake/μgemitted)), effect factors (μDALY/μgintake), related impact characterisation factors (health impact per unit mass emitted (μDALY/μgemitted)), and impact scores (health impact per hour activity (μDALY/hactivity)) are provided for 19 one-hour indoor activities and can be flexibly scaled to real activity durations. Indoor concentrations exceeded recommended World Health Organization (WHO) limits for all activities at low ventilation rates. Per person, 98 to 119 μDALY/hactivity (52 to 63 minuteslost/hactivity) was associated with traditional fuel cook stoves, with high air renewal rates (3 and 14 h-1). The burning of candles, at low air renewal rates of 0.2 to 0.6 h-1, results in 7 to 11 μDALY/hactivity (4 to 11 minuteslost/hactivity). Derived impact scores and characterisation factors serve as a starting point for integrating indoor PM2.5 emissions and exposure into life cycle impact and public health assessments.
Esophageal Infiltration by High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Very Rare Case Report
Authors: Carbó-Bagué Anna , Cerón-Nasarre Laura , Valls-Masot Laia , Melendez-Munoz Cristina , Bujons-Buscarons Elisabet , Liñan-Planas Raquel , Barretina-Ginesta Maria Pilar
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Esophageal involvement in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is a rare phenomenon when advanced systemic disease is detected. Dysphagia is the most common guide symptom. However, diagnosis is often delayed due to its submucosal process that is not early seen in endoscopic initial evaluation, while computerized tomography (CT) scan usually shows concentric thickening of the esophageal layers and gives the suspected diagnosis. Case Presentation: We present the case of a patient who died of mediastinitis caused by an esophageal perforated ulceration due to infiltration of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. In addition, this is the first case report of severe esophageal candidiasis associated that delayed diagnosis and subsequent oncological treatment. Conclusion: Esophageal secondary infiltration must be suspected when a patient has a history of malignancy combined with consistent CT findings.
From Clinical Trial Evidence to Clinical Guidelines: Perspectives on REWIND from Clinicians in the Gulf and Levant Region
Authors: Ashour Talal , Azar Sami , Echtay Akram , Farooqi Muhammad , Fiad Tarek , Hassanein Mohamed , Hassoun Ahmed , Jabbar Abdul , Jayyousi Amin , Ranta Kari , Sabbour Hani , Tangi Fatih , Turfanda Ibrahim
Published: November 2023

Background: Current guidelines recommend that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) with proven cardiovascular benefit should be considered for first-line therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have/are at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Summary: Only one GLP-1 RA – dulaglutide – has demonstrated superiority versus placebo in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D with or without a history of CVD in a cardiovascular outcomes trial (CVOT). This trial – REWIND – is the only GLP-1 RA-based CVOT that recruited patients with a CVD prevalence (31%) that is similar to the estimated prevalence in primary care T2D populations in the Gulf and Levant region. In contrast, baseline CVD prevalence in all other GLP-1 RA-based CVOTs ranged from 73 to 100%. REWIND’s results provided the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and American Diabetes Association with data on which to base updated guidelines. These organisations subsequently recommended that GLP-1 RAs should be considered for primary CVD prevention in high cardiovascular-risk patients with T2D, and acknowledged that present evidence supporting GLP-1 RAs for primary prevention of CVD in T2D is strongest for dulaglutide but limited for other GLP-1 RAs. The Emirates Diabetes Society guidelines also support the use of GLP-1 RAs for primary cardiovascular prevention in patients with T2D. The cardiovascular benefit conferred by dulaglutide in patients with no CVD history, and the close alignment of the REWIND cohort with patient populations in the Gulf and Levant region, may better inform physicians in the early use of dulaglutide in patients with T2D and multiple cardiovascular-risk factors, regardless of CVD history. Utilizing published data and author opinion, this review explores the importance of taking a cardiocentric approach to T2D management, and discusses the clinical implications of REWIND for people with T2D in the Gulf and Levant region. Key Messages: Guideline recommendations, including those of the Emirates Diabetes Society, state that GLP-1 RAs with proven cardiovascular benefit should be considered for primary CVD prevention in high cardiovascular-risk patients with T2D. This recommendation was informed, in part, by REWIND; REWIND was the only CVOT to show that a GLP-1 RA (dulaglutide) reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D with or without established CVD. Demonstration of cardiovascular benefit in the REWIND cohort, which aligns closely with patient populations in the Gulf and Levant region, may better inform physicians in the early use of dulaglutide in patients with T2D, regardless of CVD history.
Human Ribonuclease 6 Has a Protective Role during Experimental Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Ruiz-Rosado Juan de Dios , Cortado Hanna , Kercsmar Macie , Li Birong , Ballash Gregory , Cotzomi-Ortega Israel , Sanchez-Zamora Yuriko I. , Gupta Sudipti , Ching Christina , Boix Ester , Jackson Ashley R. , Spencer John David , Becknell Brian
Published: November 2023

Mounting evidence suggests that antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) belonging to the RNase A superfamily have a critical role in defending the bladder and kidney from bacterial infection. RNase 6 has been identified as a potent, leukocyte-derived AMP, but its impact on urinary tract infection (UTI) in vivo has not been demonstrated. To test the functional role of human RNase 6, we generated RNASE6 transgenic mice and studied their susceptibility to experimental UTI. In addition, we generated bone marrow-derived macrophages to study the impact of RNase 6 on antimicrobial activity within a cellular context. When subjected to experimental UTI, RNASE6 transgenic mice developed reduced uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) burden, mucosal injury, and inflammation compared to non-transgenic controls. Monocytes and macrophages were the predominant cellular sources of RNase 6 during UTI, and RNASE6 transgenic macrophages were more proficient at intracellular UPEC killing than non-transgenic controls. Altogether, our findings indicate a protective role for human RNase 6 during experimental UTI.
Relative Efficacies of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Treatment of Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer after Surgery
Authors: Motono Nozomu , Mizoguchi Takaki , Ishikawa Masahito , Iwai Shun , Iijima Yoshihito , Uramoto Hidetaka
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The relative efficacies of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the treatment of recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgery remain unclear. Methods: Among 801 patients with NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection at Kanazawa Medical University between 2017 and 2021, sixty-four patients had recurrence. We retrospectively compared the efficacies of EGFR-TKIs and ICIs in these patients with recurrent NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection. Results: The 3-year overall survival rates after recurrence were 79.3% in patients who received EGFR-TKIs, 69.5% in patients who received ICIs, and 43.7% in patients who received cytotoxic agents. There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients treated with EGFR-TKIs and ICIs (p = 0.14) or between patients treated with ICIs and cytotoxic agents (p = 0.23), but overall survival was significantly higher in patients treated with EGFR-TKIs compared with cytotoxic agents (p < 0.01). The probabilities of a 2-year response were 88.5%, 61.6%, and 25.9% in patients treated with EGFR-TKIs, ICIs, and cytotoxic agents, respectively. There was no significant difference in response periods between patients treated with EGFR-TKIs and ICIs (p = 0.18), but the response period was significantly better in patients treated with EGFR-TKIs (p < 0.01) or ICIs (p = 0.03) compared with cytotoxic agents. Percent-predicted vital capacity (p = 0.03) and epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation (p < 0.01) were significant factors affecting the overall response to chemotherapy in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: EGFR-TKIs and ICIs are effective for treating recurrent NSCLC after surgery. Although adjuvant chemotherapy for completely resected pathological stage II to IIIA NSCLC, atezolizumab or osimertinib, has also been recently approved as adjuvant chemotherapy, there is a risk that patients who relapse after adjuvant chemotherapy will have less choice.