bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women-Led Businesses
Authors: Torres Jesica , Maduko Franklin , Gaddis Isis , Iacovone Leonardo , Beegle Kathleen
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has struck businesses across the globe with unprecedented impacts. The world economy has been hit hard and firms have experienced a myriad of challenges, but these challenges have been heterogeneous across firms. This paper examines one important dimension of this heterogeneity: the differential effect of the pandemic on women-led and men-led businesses. The paper exploits a unique sample of close to 40,000 mainly formal businesses from 49 countries covering the months between April and September 2020. The findings show that women-led micro-businesses, women-led businesses in the hospitality industry, and women-led businesses in countries more severely affected by the COVID-19 shock were disproportionately hit compared with businesses led by men. At the same time, women-led micro-firms were markedly more likely to report increasing the use of digital platforms, but less likely to invest in software, equipment, or digital solutions. Finally, the findings also show that women-led businesses were less likely to have received some form of public support although they have been hit harder in some domains. In a crisis of the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence tracing the impact of the shock in a timely fashion is desperately needed to help inform the design of policy interventions. This real-time glimpse into women-led businesses fills this need for robust and policy-relevant evidence, and due to the large country coverage of the data, it is possible to identify patterns that extend beyond any one country, region, or sector, but at the cost of some granularity for testing more complex economic theories.
Rotting Grapes Don’t Improve with Age: Cluster Rot Disease Complexes, Management, and Future Prospects
Authors: Crandall Sharifa G. , Spychalla Jamie , Crouch Uma T. , Acevedo Flor E. , Naegele Rachel P. , Miles Timothy D.
Published: February 2022

Cluster rots can be devastating to grape production around the world. There are several late-season rots that can affect grape berries, including Botrytis bunch rot, sour rot, black rot, Phomopsis fruit rot, bitter rot, and ripe rot. Tight-clustered varieties such as ‘Pinot gris’, ‘Pinot noir’, and ‘Vignoles’ are particularly susceptible to cluster rots. Symptoms or signs for these rots range from discolored berries or gray-brown sporulation in Botrytis bunch rot to sour rot, which smells distinctly of vinegar due to the presence of acetic acid bacteria. This review discusses the common symptoms and disease cycles of these different cluster rots. It also includes useful updates on disease diagnostics and management practices, including cultural practices in commercial vineyards and future prospects for disease management. By understanding what drives the development of different cluster rots, researchers will be able to identify new avenues for research to control these critical pathogens.
Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award 2021 International Visionary Leader Hana'a Abd-ul Salam
Authors: Saad Hanadi
Published: February 2022

The following manuscript is the winning international Visionary Leader Award entry submitted to Nursing Management in recognition of Hana'a Abd-ul Salam, MPH, MSN, RN, DESS, TD, director of nursing at Dalla'a General Hospital in Sidon, South Lebanon.
Teaching Medical Students to Teach: A Narrative Review and Literature-Informed Recommendations for Student-as-Teacher Curricula
Authors: Cohen Alexandra , Steinert Yvonne , Ruano Cea Elisa
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Medical students play an important role as teachers. This narrative review synthesizes the student-as-teacher (SaT) literature that incorporates formal teaching skills training, with the goal of proposing literature-informed recommendations for SaT curriculum development within the context of competency-based medical education.

Method

In January and August 2020, the authors searched Medline and Embase and conducted forward citation searches in Scopus to identify articles from 1985 to 2020 related to teaching medical students to teach. Search terms included “student(s) as teacher(s),” “near-peer teaching,” and “teaching to teach.” The findings from selected articles were summarized and synthesized.

Results

Forty-three articles met the inclusion criteria: 33 papers describing specific SaT curricula, 3 literature reviews, 6 stakeholder surveys, and 1 Delphi study. While students often engage in teaching roles, formal teaching skills training is not always provided. Existing curricula are usually optional, delivered as short courses, and offered to senior students. Course content commonly includes topics related to planning and delivering learning activities and providing feedback. Of the numerous teaching modalities employed, students indicate a preference for interactive and experiential learning. Methods used to assess students’ teaching skills vary; however, direct observation and feedback are valued assessment methods. Program evaluations have shown positive outcomes, including high student satisfaction and enhanced self-confidence as teachers.

Conclusions

Informed by these findings and outcome-based educational frameworks, the authors suggest 4 guiding principles for SaT curricula: (1) teaching skills training should be formally implemented in undergraduate medical education and should, whenever possible, be compulsory; (2) teaching skills should be taught longitudinally and progressively along the undergraduate to postgraduate continuum; (3) curriculum content should be aligned with a school’s preexisting curriculum and local context; and (4) authentic opportunities for students to engage in teaching roles should be included. They also propose recommendations for curriculum content, teaching modalities, and assessment methods.
The “Not” Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Prevention and Management of Common Intraoperative and Delayed Complications in Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgical Procedures
Authors: DeFroda Steven F. , Perry Allison K. , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: February 2022

Despite advances in techniques designed to make arthroscopic sports medicine procedures simple, complications still arise in the operating room; even in the most trained hands. However, what marks a skilled surgeon is not just the ability to steer the ship amidst smooth seas, but a knack for getting out of trouble once things deviate from the set course. Each surgical case presents a unique challenge, and no 2 are the same. For this reason, a true expert surgeon must know how to deal with “complications” ranging from a mild swell to a raging storm. In this review we present strategies to prevent and navigate some of the most common, and fearsome complications a sports medicine surgeon may face during surgery. A great surgeon is one that acknowledges that throughout their career it is not a question of “if” these situations will arise, but “when”; and preparation is the key to success.
Neurological Complications Following Arthroscopic and Related Sports Surgery: Prevention, Work-up, and Treatment
Authors: Leland Devin P. , Pareek Ayoosh , Therrien Erik , Wilbur Ryan R. , Stuart Michael J. , Krych Aaron J. , Levy Bruce A. , Camp Christopher L.
Published: February 2022

Arthroscopy of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee has become increasingly utilized due to continued advancements in technique, training, and instrumentation. In addition, arthroscopy is generally safe and effective in the utilization of joint preservation surgical techniques. The arthroscopist must utilize a thorough understanding of the surgical anatomy, detailed care with patient positioning, and safe instrumentation portals to prevent associated neurological injury. In the event of postoperative neurological complications, the physician must carefully document the patient history and physical examination while considering the utilization of additional imaging, testing, or surgical nerve exploration with a specialized team depending upon the severity of neurological injury. In this review, we discuss the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of neurological complications related for arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.
Arthrofibrosis Nightmares: Prevention and Management Strategies
Authors: Lee Dustin R. , Therrien Erik , Song Bryant M. , Camp Christopher L. , Krych Aaron J. , Stuart Michael J. , Abdel Matthew P. , Levy Bruce A.
Published: February 2022

Arthrofibrosis (AF) is an exaggerated immune response to a proinflammatory insult leading to pathologic periarticular fibrosis and symptomatic joint stiffness. The knee, elbow, and shoulder are particularly susceptible to AF, often in the setting of trauma, surgery, or adhesive capsulitis. Prevention through early physiotherapeutic interventions and anti-inflammatory medications remain fundamental to avoiding motion loss. Reliable nonoperative modalities exist and outcomes are improved when etiology, joint involved, and level of dysfunction are considered in the clinical decision making process. Surgical procedures should be reserved for cases recalcitrant to nonoperative measures. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current understanding of AF pathophysiology, identify common risk factors, describe prevention strategies, and outline both nonoperative and surgical treatment options. This manuscript will focus specifically on sterile AF of the knee, elbow, and shoulder.
The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) promotes the formation of appetitive visual memories in honey bees
Authors: Bestea Louise , Briard Emmanuelle , Carcaud Julie , Sandoz Jean-Christophe , Velarde Rodrigo , Giurfa Martin , de Brito Sanchez Maria Gabriela
Published: February 2022

Motivation can critically influence learning and memory. Multiple neural mechanisms regulate motivational states, among which signalling via specific neuropeptides, such as NPY in vertebrates and NPF and its short variant sNPF in invertebrates, plays an essential role. The honey bee (
Apis mellifera
) is a privileged model for the study of appetitive learning and memory. Bees learn and memorize sensory cues associated with nectar reward while foraging, and their learning is affected by their feeding state. However, the neural underpinnings of their motivational states remain poorly known. Here we focused on the short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and studied if it modulates the acquisition and formation of colour memories. Artificially increasing sNPF levels in partially fed foragers with a reduced motivation to learn colours resulted in significant colour learning and memory above the levels exhibited by starved foragers. Our results thus identify sNPF as a critical component of motivational processes involved in foraging and in the cognitive processes associated with this activity in honey bees.
Finite-horizon, energy-efficient trajectories in unsteady flows
Authors: Krishna Kartik , Song Zhuoyuan , Brunton Steven L.
Published: February 2022

Intelligent mobile sensors, such as uninhabited aerial or underwater vehicles, are becoming prevalent in environmental sensing and monitoring applications. These active sensing platforms operate in unsteady fluid flows, including windy urban environments, hurricanes and ocean currents. Often constrained in their actuation capabilities, the dynamics of these mobile sensors depend strongly on the background flow, making their deployment and control particularly challenging. Therefore, efficient trajectory planning with partial knowledge about the background flow is essential for teams of mobile sensors to adaptively sense and monitor their environments. In this work, we investigate the use of finite-horizon model predictive control (MPC) for the energy-efficient trajectory planning of an active mobile sensor in an unsteady fluid flow field. We uncover connections between trajectories optimized over a finite-time horizon and finite-time Lyapunov exponents of the background flow, confirming that energy-efficient trajectories exploit invariant coherent structures in the flow. We demonstrate our findings on the unsteady double gyre vector field, which is a canonical model for chaotic mixing in the ocean. We present an exhaustive search through critical MPC parameters including the prediction horizon, maximum sensor actuation, and relative penalty on the accumulated state error and actuation effort. We find that even relatively short prediction horizons can often yield energy-efficient trajectories. We also explore these connections on a three-dimensional flow and ocean flow data from the Gulf of Mexico. These results are promising for the adaptive planning of energy-efficient trajectories for swarms of mobile sensors in distributed sensing and monitoring.
Robust imaging using electrical impedance tomography: review of current tools
Authors: Brazey Benoit , Haddab Yassine , Zemiti Nabil
Published: February 2022

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a medical imaging technique with many advantages and great potential for development in the coming years. Currently, some limitations of EIT are related to the ill-posed nature of the problem. These limitations are translated on a practical level by a lack of genericity of the developed tools. In this paper, the main robust data acquisition and processing tools for EIT proposed in the scientific literature are presented. Their relevance and potential to improve the robustness of EIT are analysed, in order to conclude on the feasibility of a robust EIT tool capable of providing resistivity or difference of resistivity mapping in a wide range of applications. In particular, it is shown that certain measurement acquisition tools and algorithms, such as faulty electrode detection algorithm or particular electrode designs, can ensure the quality of the acquisition in many circumstances. Many algorithms, aiming at processing acquired data, are also described and allow to overcome certain difficulties such as an error in the knowledge of the position of the boundaries or the poor conditioning of the inverse problem. They have a strong potential to faithfully reconstruct a quality image in the presence of disturbances such as noise or boundary modelling error.
Plants in the UK flower a month earlier under recent warming
Authors: Büntgen Ulf , Piermattei Alma , Krusic Paul J. , Esper Jan , Sparks Tim , Crivellaro Alan
Published: February 2022

Global temperatures are rising at an unprecedented rate, but environmental responses are often difficult to recognize and quantify. Long-term observations of plant phenology, the annually recurring sequence of plant developmental stages, can provide sensitive measures of climate change and important information for ecosystem services. Here, we present 419 354 recordings of the first flowering date from 406 plant species in the UK between 1753 and 2019 CE. Community-wide first flowering advanced by almost one month on average when comparing all observations before and after 1986 (
p
< 0.0001). The mean first flowering time is 6 days earlier in southern than northern sites, 5 days earlier under urban than rural settings, and 1 day earlier at lower than higher elevations. Compared to trees and shrubs, the largest lifeform-specific phenological shift of 32 days is found in herbs, which are generally characterized by fast turnover rates and potentially high levels of genetic adaptation. Correlated with January–April maximum temperatures at −0.81 from 1952–2019 (
p
< 0.0001), the observed trends (5.4 days per decade) and extremes (66 days between the earliest and latest annual mean) in the UK's first flowering dataset can affect the functioning and productivity of ecosystems and agriculture.
Unusual presentation of Nocardia abscessus infection in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Khatri Akshay , Esposito Michael J. , Koshy Robin
Published: February 2022

Introduction.

Nocardia

infections are being increasingly reported in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. We describe a case of

Nocardia abscessus

infection with an atypical presentation in an immunocompetent patient.

Case Presentation. A previously healthy 47-year-old gentleman presented with hiccups and paroxysmal spasms. Imaging revealed a pulmonary nodule, for which he underwent surgical resection. Pathologic evaluation demonstrated evidence of local inflammation, with growth of

Nocardia abscessus

on tissue cultures.

Conclusion.

Nocardia abscessus

may have atypical presentations in immunocompetent patients. Further research is needed to understand the factors leading to

Nocardia

infections in immunocompetent patients.
Principles and test methods of non-contact body thermometry
Authors: Beall Erik B , Askegaard Lars , Berkesch Josh , Adolph Alden C , Hinnerichs Christopher M , Schmidt Matthew
Published: February 2022

Significance

Far infrared (IR) has a long history in thermometry and febrile screening. Concerns have been raised recently over the accuracy of non-contact body thermometry. Clinical testing with febrile individuals constitutes the standard performance assessment. This is challenging to replicate, which may have inadvertently allowed approval of IR systems that are unable to detect fevers. The ability to test performance without relying on febrile participants would have ramifications for public health, especially if this discovered undisclosed differences in accuracy in widely used devices.

Aim

To identify foundational issues in, demonstrate principles of, and develop test methods for non-contact body thermometry.

Approach

We review foundational literature and identify confounds impeding performance of IR thermography (IRT) and non-contact IR thermometry (NCIT) for febrile screening and demonstrate corrections for their effects, which would otherwise be unacceptable. Almost none of the devices we are aware of compensate for these confounds. We reverse-engineer surface-to-body temperature relations for several FDA-cleared NCITs. We note their similarity to recently reported bias-to-normal behavior in other devices and determine range of body temperatures for which the device would produce a "normal" (non-febrile) output. Finally, we generate predictable elevated face temperatures in healthy subjects and demonstrate this in several devices.

Results

The surface-to-body relationships for two IRT and one NCIT were linear, while all others exhibited nonlinear bias-to-normal behavior that produce normal temperatures when presented with surface temperatures ranging from hypothermia to moderate-to-severe fever. The test method was used in healthy, non-febrile subjects to generate elevated temperatures corresponding to body temperatures from 97.35F to 102.45F. Three out of five systems had negligible sensitivity.

Conclusions

This demonstrates an alternative evaluation method without the limitations and risks of febrile patients. These results indicate many devices may be unusable for body thermometry and may be providing a false sense of security for public health surveillance.
Variation in colorectal cancer treatment and outcomes in Scotland: real world evidence from national linked administrative data
Authors: Lemmon E , Hanna C , Diernberger K , Hall PS
Published: February 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer in Scotland and the second leading cause of cancer death. Despite improvements in CRC survival over time, Scotland lags behind its UK and European counterparts. Linked administrative datasets can provide a real-world representation of current care as a basis for evaluation of new interventions or policies and to understand variation in care and outcomes. In this study, we aim to provide up to date, population level evidence on CRC treatment and survival in Scotland for patients treated with curative or palliative intent as a basis for the understanding of variation, and to provide data to underpin the evaluation of new treatments.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults with an incident CRC registered on the Scottish Cancer Registry (ICD-10 codes C18-20) between January 2006 and December 2018. Data on patients with incident CRC was linked to hospital inpatient records allowing description of their demographic, diagnostic and treatment characteristics. For a curative cohort (n = 26,204) Cox-Proportional Hazards regression models were used to assess the factors affecting overall survival (OS) and CRC specific survival (CRCS).

Results

Overall, 32,691 (73%) and 12,184 (27%) patients had a diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer respectively. On average, patients with colorectal cancer had two hospital inpatient stays in the five-years pre-diagnosis. Chemotherapy was used in 42% with colon cancer and 30% with colon cancer. Radiotherapy use was 2% and 39% respectively. Five year OS (CRCS) within the curative cohort was 71% (81%) and 75% (82%) for patients with colon and rectal cancer respectively. After accounting for patient and tumour characteristics, survival outcomes demonstrated significant geographical variation.

Conclusions

National linked administrative datasets have the ability to provide real-world representation of the treatments and outcomes for patients with cancer. In a Scottish population of curative patients with CRC, there was significant variation in survival depending on sex and geography.
Partnering with Athletes to Assess Risk of COVID-Related Myocarditis
Authors: Kay Bradley , Feher Attila , Reinhardt Samuel , Cuomo Jason , Arlis-Mayor Stephanie , Lynch Matthew , Johnson Kyle , Kemp Phil , Wagner Henry , Welsh Tyler , Lamy Jerome , Peters Dana , Mojibian Hamid , Young Lawrence H. , Lampert Rachel , McNamara Robert , Baldassarre Lauren A. , Miller Edward J. , Spatz Erica S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Myocarditis in athletes is a feared complication of SARS-CoV-2, yet guidelines for screening with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are lacking. Further, stakeholder involvement in the research is rare.

Hypothesis

We sought to determine the rates of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging evidence of SARS-CoV-2 related myocarditis in student athletes. We hypothesized that rates of myocarditis were lower than initially reported and that including athletes on the research team would enhance participant satisfaction and scientific integrity.

Methods

Accordingly, when members of a hockey team were infected with SARS-CoV-2, we invited them and their team physicians to be part of the design of a study assessing the incidence of myocarditis. We performed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging on participating hockey players infected with SARS-CoV-2 and compared them to a healthy lacrosse cohort. Participants were given an optional survey to complete at the end of the study to assess their satisfaction with it.

Results

Four hockey players and two team physicians joined the study team; eight hockey players and four lacrosse players participated in the study. Zero athletes met imaging criteria for myocarditis; delayed enhancement was observed in seven cases and three controls. Athletes supported sharing the findings with the participants. No athletes reported feeling uncomfortable participating, knowing other athletes participated on the research team.

Conclusion

Rates of SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis in young athletes appears to be lower than initially reported. Partnered research is important, especially in populations with more to lose, such as collegiate athletes; future studies should include stakeholders in the study design and execution.

Key points

Cardiac MRI findings of myocarditis after COVID infection in young athletes is rare. Subjects of research studies appreciate involvement in the development of the study, and this also builds trust with the research team.
The course of COVID-19 in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria receiving omalizumab treatment
Authors: Atayik Emel , Aytekin Gokhan
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although there are case reports and guideline recommendations that states omalizumab can be used in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there are scarce studies showing the course of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in CSU patients receiving omalizumab.

Materials and Methods

A total of 370 patients with chronic urticaria were included in the study between June 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Results

Sixty patients (16.2%) became infected with the SARS-CoV-2. The rate of pneumonia and hospitalization were 4.1% and 1.9%. There was no significant difference was determined between the CSU patients with omalizumab treatment and the non-receivers in regard to the rate of SARS-CoV-2 (+) (p: 0.567) and in regard to the rate of SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia and hospitalization (p: 0.331 and p: 0.690). Gender, duration of CSU, serum IgE levels, omalizumab treatment, and atopy were not found to be associated with an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 positivity in patients with CSU.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the use of omalizumab does not increase the risk of COVID-19 infection, COVID-19-related pneumonia and hospitalizations in CSU patients and supports the views that omalizumab can be used safely in patients with CSU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Synaptic loss in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia revealed by [11C]UCB-J PET
Authors: Malpetti Maura , Jones P. Simon , Cope Thomas E. , Holland Negin , Naessens Michelle , Rouse Matthew A. , Savulich George , Fryer Tim D. , Hong Young T. , Sephton Selena Milicevic , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , O’Brien John T. , Rowe James B.
Published: February 2022

Synaptic loss is an early feature of neurodegenerative disease models, and is often severe inpost mortemclinical studies, including frontotemporal dementia. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiotracers that bind to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A enables quantification of synapsesin vivo. This study used [11C]UCB-J PET in people with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), testing the hypothesis that synaptic loss is severe and related to clinical severity. We performed a cross-sectional observational study of bvFTD,versushealthy controls, in which participants underwent neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and [11C]UCB-J PET. Patients were recruited from the Cambridge Centre for Frontotemporal Dementia at the University of Cambridge, and healthy volunteers from the UK National Institute for Health Research Join Dementia Research register. Eleven people with a clinical diagnosis of probable bvFTD and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. All participants underwent dynamic [11C]UCB-J PET imaging, structural MRI and a neuropsychological battery, including the Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination (ACE-R), and INECO frontal screening (IFS). General linear models were used to compare [11C]UCB-J binding potential maps between groups, and correlate synaptic density with cognitive performance and clinical features in patients. Group-comparison and correlation analyses were also performed using partial-volume corrected [11C]UCB-J binding potential from regions of interest (ROIs). Patients with bvFTD showed severe synaptic loss compared to controls. In particular, [11C]UCB-J binding was significantly reduced bilaterally in medial and dorsolateral frontal regions, inferior frontal gyri, anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus, insular cortex and medial temporal lobe. Synaptic loss in the left frontal and cingulate regions correlated significantly with cognitive impairments as assessed with ACE-R and IFS. Results from ROI-based analyses mirrored the voxel-wise results. In keeping with preclinical models, and human post mortem data, there is widespread frontotemporal loss of synapses in symptomatic bvFTD, in proportion to disease severity. [11C]UCB-J PET could support translational studies and experimental medicines strategies for new disease-modifying treatments for neurodegeneration.
A Deep Learning solution for triaging patient with cancer from their predicted mutational status using histopathological images
Authors: Morel Louis-Oscar , Derangère Valentin , Arnould Laurent , Ladoire Sylvain , Vinçon Nathan
Published: February 2022

The presence of mutation in cancer can be associated with a response to a targeted cancer therapy. Therefore it has become an important information while it helps giving a more specialized and more efficient treatment for each patient. Detection of mutation is routinely made by DNA-sequencing diagnostic tests. Recently, a new strategy of deep learning based method of prediction of mutation from histopathological images has shown promising results. However it is still unknown whether these methods can be useful as screening tests aside from sequencing methods for efficient population diagnosis. Here we developed our own deep learning based prediction pipeline for the detection of mutation in breast, lung, colon and ovarian cancer and find clinically relevant genes that have easy-to-detect mutational status, and especially TP53 which can be detected in these four tumors. We then propose 3 potential screening strategies and show the effectiveness of our deep learning pipeline for optimizing diagnosis in the patient population.
Logistic regression with machine learning sheds light on the problematic sexual behavior phenotype
Authors: Jiang Shui , Wallace Keanna , Yang Esther , Roper Leslie , Aryal Garima , Lee Dawon , Lodhi Rohit J , Isenberg Rick , Green Bradley , Wishart David , Aitchison Katherine J
Published: February 2022

Objectives

There has been a longstanding debate about whether the mechanisms involved in problematic sexual behavior (PSB) are similar to those observed in addictive disorders, or related to impulse control or to compulsivity. The aim of this report was to contribute to this debate by investigating the association between PSB, addictive disorders (internet addiction, compulsive buying), measures associated with the construct known as reward deficiency (RDS), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in young adults in post-secondary education.

Methods

A Canadian university Office of the Registrar invited 68,846 eligible students and postdoctoral fellows. Out of 4710 expressing interest in participating, 3359 completed on-line questionnaires, and 1801 completed the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). PSB was measured by combining those screening positive (≥6) on the Sexual Addiction Screening Test-Revised (SAST-R) Core with those self-reporting PSB. Current mental health condition(s) and childhood trauma were measured by self-report. OCD was assessed by a combination of self-report and MINI data.

Results

12.18% (407/3341) of participants screened positive on the SAST-R Core. On logistic regression, OCD, attention deficit, internet addiction, a family history of PSB, childhood trauma, compulsive buying and male gender were associated with PSB. On multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), OCD appeared to cluster separately from the other measures, and the pattern of data differed by gender.

Conclusions

Factors that have previously been associated with RDS and OCD are both associated with increased odds of PSB. The factors associated with RDS appear to contribute to a separate data cluster from OCD, and to lie closer to PSB.
An outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in a public-facing office in England, 2021
Authors: Atkinson Barry , van Veldhoven Karin , Nicholls Ian , Coldwell Matthew , Clarke Adam , Frost Gillian , Atchison Christina J. , Raja Amber I. , Bennett Allan M , Morgan Derek , Pearce Neil , Fletcher Tony , Brickley Elizabeth B , Chen Yiqun
Published: February 2022

Between August-September 2021, an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, with an attack rate of 55% (22/40 workers), occurred in a public-facing office in England. To identify workplace and worker-related risk factors, a comprehensive investigation involving surface sampling, environmental assessment, molecular and serological testing, and worker questionnaires was performed in September – October 2021. The results affirm the utility of surface sampling to identify SARS-CoV-2 control deficiencies and the importance of evolving, site-specific risk assessments with layered COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
Using the app “Injurymap©” to provide exercise rehabilitation for people with acute lateral ankle sprains seen at the Hospital Emergency Department – a mixed-method pilot study
Authors: Bak Jonas , Thorborg Kristian , Clausen Mikkel Bek , Elkjær Johannsen Finn , Kirk Jeanette Wassar , Bandholm Thomas
Published: February 2022

Background

Acute lateral ankle sprains (LAS) account for 4-5% of all Emergency Department (ED) visits. Few patients receive the recommended care of exercise rehabilitation. A simple solution is an exercise app for mobile devices, which can deliver tailored and real-time adaptive exercise programs.

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the use and preliminary effect of an app-based exercise program in patients with LAS seen in the Emergency Department at a public hospital.

Materials and methods

We used an app that delivers evidence-based exercise rehabilitation for LAS using machine-based learning. Participants were recruited from the ED and followed for four months. Data on app-use and preliminary effect were collected continuously through the exercise app and weekly text-messages. Baseline and follow-up data were collected though an online questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews were performed after participants stopped using the app.

Results

Health care professionals provided 485 patients with study information and exercise equipment. Of those, 60 participants chose to enroll in the study and 43 became active users. The active users completed a median of 7 exercise sessions. Most of the active users were very satisfied or satisfied (79%-93%) with the app and 95.7% would recommend it to others. The interviews showed that ankle sprains were considered an innocuous injury that would recover by itself. Several app users expressed they felt insufficiently informed from the ED health care professionals. Only 39% felt recovered when they stopped exercising, and 33% experienced a recurrent sprain in the study period.

Conclusion

In this study, only few patients with LAS became active app users after receiving information in the ED about a free app-based rehabilitation program. We speculate the reason for this could be the perception that LAS is an innocuous injury. Most of the patients starting training were satisfied with the app, although few completed enough exercise sessions to realistically impact clinical recovery. Interestingly more than half of the participants did not feel fully recovered when they stopped exercising and one third experienced a recurrent sprain.

Trial-identifiers

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03550274, preprint (open access): doi/xxx.
Structural differences in adolescent brains can predict alcohol misuse
Authors: Rane Roshan Prakash , de Man Evert Ferdinand , Kim JiHoon , Görgen Kai , Tschorn Mira , Rapp Michael A. , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun L.W. , Desrivières Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Paillère Martinot Marie-Laure , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Orfanos Dimitri Papadopoulos , Lemaitre Herve , Paus Tomáš , Poustka Luise , Fröhner Juliane H. , Robinson Lauren , Smolka Michael N. , Winterer Jeanne , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Walter Henrik , Heinz Andreas , Ritter Kerstin ,   IMAGEN Consortium
Published: February 2022

Alcohol misuse during adolescence (AAM) has been linked with disruptive structural development of the brain and alcohol use disorder. Using machine learning (ML), we analyze the link between AAM phenotypes and adolescent brain structure (T1-weighted imaging and DTI) at ages 14, 19, and 22 in the IMAGEN dataset (n ∼ 1182). ML predicted AAM at age 22 from brain structure with a balanced accuracy of 78% on independent test data. Therefore, structural differences in adolescent brains could significantly predict AAM. Using brain structure at age 14 and 19, ML predicted AAM at age 22 with a balanced accuracy of 73% and 75%, respectively. These results showed that structural differences preceded alcohol misuse behavior in the dataset. The most informative features were located in the white matter tracts of the corpus callosum and internal capsule, brain stem, and ventricular CSF. In the cortex, they were spread across the occipital, frontal, and temporal lobes and in the cingulate cortex. Our study also demonstrates how the choice of the phenotype for AAM, the ML method, and the confound correction technique are all crucial decisions in an exploratory ML study analyzing psychiatric disorders with weak effect sizes such as AAM.
Public perceptions and interactions with UK COVID-19 Test, Trace and Isolate policies, and implications for pandemic infectious disease modelling
Authors: Marshall Guy C. , Skeva Rigina , Jay Caroline , Silva Miguel E. P. , Fyles Martyn , House Thomas , Davis Emma L. , Pi Li , Medley Graham F. , Quilty Billy J. , Dyson Louise , Yardley Lucy , Fearon Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

The efforts to contain SARS-CoV-2 and reduce the impact of COVID-19 have been supported by Test, Trace and Isolate (TTI) systems in many settings, including the United Kingdom. The mathematical models underlying policy decisions about TTI make assumptions about behaviour in the context of a rapidly unfolding and changeable emergency. This study investigates the reported behaviours of UK citizens in July 2021, assesses them against how a set of TTI processes are conceptualised and represented in models and then interprets the findings with modellers who have been contributing evidence to TTI policy. We report on testing practices, including the uses of and trust in different types of testing, and the challenges of testing and isolating faced by different demographic groups. The study demonstrates the potential of input from members of the public to benefit the modelling process, from guiding the choice of research questions, influencing choice of model structure, informing parameter ranges and validating or challenging assumptions, to highlighting where model assumptions are reasonable or where their poor reflection of practice might lead to uninformative results. We conclude that deeper engagement with members of the public should be integrated at regular stages of public health intervention modelling.
Noninvasive Epileptogenic Signal Direction Determination by Effective Connectivity of Resting State Functional MRI - Independent of EEG
Authors: Boerwinkle Varina L. , Sussman Bethany L. , Wyckoff Sarah N. , Manjón Iliana , Fine Justin M. , Adelson P. David
Published: February 2022

The goal of this study was to determine resting state fMRI effective connectivity (RSEC) capacity, agnostic of epileptogenic events, in distinguishing seizure onset zones (SOZ) from propagation zones (pZ). Consecutive patients (2.1-18.2 years old), with epilepsy and hypothalamic hamartoma, pre-operative rs-fMRI-directed surgery, post-operative imaging, and Engel class I outcomes were collected. Cross-spectral dynamic causal modelling (DCM) was used to estimate RSEC between the ablated rs-fMRI-SOZ to its region of highest connectivity outside the HH, defined as the propagation zone (pZ). RSEC between the SOZ and PZ was characterized as positive (excitatory), negative (inhibitory), or null. It was hypothesized that connectivity from the SOZ would be excitatory and connectivity from the pZ would be inhibitory. Sensitivity, accuracy, positive predictive value were determined for node-to-node connections. A Parametric Empirical Bayes (PEB) group analysis was performed to identify effects of Engel class outcome and age. RSEC strength was also evaluated for correlation with percent seizure frequency improvement, sex, and region of interest size. Of the SOZ’s RSEC, only 3.6% had no connection of significance to the pZ when patient models were individually reduced. Among remaining, 96% were in expected (excitatory signal found from SOZ→pZ and inhibitory signal found from pZ→SOZ) versus 3.6% reversed polarities. Both polarity signals were equivalently as expected, with one false signal direction out of 26 each (3.7% total). Sensitivity of 96%, accuracy of 93%, and positive predictive value of 96% in identifying and differentiating the SOZ and pZ. Groupwise PEB analysis confirmed SOZ→pZ EC was excitatory, and pZ→SOZ EC was inhibitory. Patients with better outcomes (Engel Ia vs. Ib) showed stronger inhibitory signal (pZ→SOZ). Age was negatively associated with absolute RSEC bidirectionally, but had no relationship with Directionality SOZ identification performance. This study demonstrates the accuracy of Directionality to identify the origin of excitatory and inhibitory signal between the surgically confirmed SOZ and the region of hypothesized propagation zone in children with DRE due to a HH. Thus, this method validation study in a homogenous DRE population may have potential in narrowing the SOZ-candidates for epileptogenicity in other DRE populations and utility in other neurological disorders.

Highlights

Directional rs-fMRI connectivity identifies seizure onset zone independent of EEG

Signal from seizure onset zone to propagation zone is excitatory

Signal from propagation zone to seizure onset zone is inhibitory

Greater inhibition from propagation zone is associated with better surgical outcome
Cost effective sequencing enables longitudinal profiling of clonal hematopoiesis
Authors: Uddin Md Mesbah , Zhou Ying , Bick Alexander G. , Burugula Bala Bharathi , Jaiswal Sidd , Desai Pinkal , Love Shelly-Ann , Hayden Kate , Manson JoAnn , Whitsel Eric , Kooperberg Charles , Natarajan Pradeep , Reiner Alexander P. , Kitzman Jacob
Published: February 2022

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), the age-related expansion of mutant hematopoietic stem cells, confers risk for multiple diseases of aging including hematologic cancer and cardiovascular disease. Whole-exome or genome sequencing can detect CHIP, but due to its high cost, most population studies have been cross-sectional, sequencing only a single timepoint. Here we describe a cost-effective sequencing assay for detecting CHIP. We validate this technology on a set of 548 longitudinal and multi-timepoint samples from 182 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative cohort over median 16 years, including 85 participants with ≥3 timepoints assayed. The majority (52.1%) of clonal mutations expanded over time (with a median doubling period of 7.43 years), with the others remaining static or decreasing in size in the absence of any cytotoxic therapy. This assay provides a cost-effective and sensitive platform for investigating the associations between CHIP dynamics and health outcomes at a biobank scale.
Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Pediatric Ocular Pathology: Imaging Study of 115 eyes
Authors: Nadeem Sana
Published: February 2022

Background

To assess the pediatric anterior segment characteristics in ocular pathology, using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods

Our case series follows 115 eyes of 78 children aged 2–17 years of age with anterior segment pathology in an academic facility. A thorough eye examination and investigations were performed for each child. The anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) analysis was done using the Optopol Revo 80®high resolution SD-OCT (840 nm, axial resolution of 5 µm) using an imaging adapter. All pathological features visible on imaging were observed, studied, tabulated, and analyzed.

Results

115 eyes of 78 children with anterior segment pathology were imaged. The average age was 11.84 years, with 44 males and 34 females. The primary clinical diagnosis wascataract(congenital and acquired) in 40 (34.8%) eyes, followed bycorneal disease(congenital, inflammatory, and traumatic) in 28 (24.3%) eyes,glaucoma(juvenile and secondary) in 18 (15.7%) andtraumain 15 (13%) eyes. Systemic diseases were associated in 20.9%. The commonest imaging pathology observed waslens opacification(any morphology/location) in 43 (37.4%),increased reflectivity of the corneain 31 (28.2%), corneal stromal thinningin 34 (29.6%), increased corneal thickness in 28 (24.3%),shallow anterior chamberin 17 (14.8%), andcells in anterior chamberin18 (15.7%) eyes, along with a multitude of other findings.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that anterior segment optical coherence tomography is a useful non-contact technique used without sedation for the detailed anatomic and pathologic assessment, imaging, diagnosis, and monitoring of pediatric ocular diseases.
Monitoring tubular epithelial cell damage in AKI via urine flow cytometry
Authors: Kujat Jacob , Langhans Valerie , Brand Hannah , Freund Paul , Görlich Nina , Wagner Leonie , Metzke Diana , Timm Sara , Ochs Matthias , Grützkau Andreas , Baumgart Sabine , Skopnik Christopher M. , Hiepe Falk , Riemekasten Gabriela , Klocke Jan , Enghard Philipp
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis is currently based on urine output and serum creatinine and there is a lack of biomarkers that directly reflect tubular damage. Here, we establish flow cytometric quantification of renal epithelial cells as a potential biomarker for quantifying the severity of tubular kidney damage and for predicting AKI outcome.

Methods

A total of 84 patients with AKI were included in this study, divided into an exploratory cohort (n=21) and confirmatory cohort (n=63), as well as 25 controls. Urine of patients was collected and processed within 72 hours after AKI onset. Different urinary tubular epithelial cell (TEC) populations were identified and quantified by flow cytometry (FACS). Urinary cell counts were analyzed regarding AKI severity defined by KDIGO stage as well as renal recovery, length of hospital stay and occurrence of MAKE-30 events.

Results

Urinary TEC counts correlated with stages of AKI based on KDIGO classification and were significantly enriched in patients with AKI compared to healthy donors and inpatient controls in both cohorts. Furthermore, both proximal and distal TEC (pTEC, dTEC) counts performed well in identification of patients with AKI regardless of stage. Urinary amounts of pTEC and dTEC showed a strong correlation, with predominance of dTEC. Higher numbers of TEC were associated with extended length of hospital stay, while elevated pTEC counts were associated with the occurrence of MAKE-30 events. Follow-up measurements showed decreasing amounts of urinary TEC after AKI recovery over several days.

Conclusion

The amount of urinary TEC directly reflects severity of tissue damage in human AKI. Our protocol furthermore provides a basis for a deeper phenotypic analysis of urinary TEC populations.