bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heuristics and biases in the mental manipulation of magnitudes: Evidence from length and time production
Authors: Mioni Giovanna , Fischer Martin H , Shaki Samuel
Published: October 2020

There is a debate about whether and why we overestimate addition and underestimate subtraction results (Operational Momentum or OM effect). Spatial-attentional accounts of OM compete with a model which postulates that OM reflects a weighted combination of multiple arithmetic heuristics and biases (AHAB). This study addressed this debate with the theoretically diagnostic distinction between zero problems (e.g., 3 + 0, 3 − 0) and non-zero problems (e.g., 2 + 1, 4 − 1) because AHAB, in contrast to all other accounts, uniquely predicts reverse OM for the latter problem type. In two tests (line-length production and time production), participants indeed produced shorter lines and under-estimated time intervals in non-zero additions compared with subtractions. This predicted interaction between operation and problem type extends OM to non-spatial magnitudes and highlights the strength of AHAB regarding different problem types and modalities during the mental manipulation of magnitudes. They also suggest that OM reflects methodological details, whereas reverse OM is the more representative behavioural signature of mental arithmetic.
Reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears with an acellular dermal matrix in elderly patients without joint arthritis
Authors: Gbejuade Herbert , Patel Mohammed Shakil , Singh Harvinder , Modi Amit
Published: October 2020

Background

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears in elderly patients without arthritis. However, this treatment incurs significant costs and is a major surgical undertaking. This study explores an alternative that involves the reconstruction of irreparable rotator cuff tears using an acellular dermal matrix in elderly patients without established joint arthritis.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated the reconstruction of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in 21 patients aged 68 years and over without radiographic glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis in whom conservative management had failed. A human dermal acellular matrix graft was used as a bridging graft for reconstruction. Pain scores, Oxford Shoulder Scores and ranges of movement were all assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 5.8 years (range 2.6 to 8.9 years).

Results

Statistically significant ( p < 0.05) improvements were observed in Oxford Shoulder Scores (mean preoperative score, 21; mean postoperative score, 46), pain scores (mean preoperative score, 6; mean postoperative score, 0) and ranges of movement. Patients also reported a high satisfaction rate with the procedure.

Discussion

Human tissue matrix allografts could serve as a suitable option for the treatment of elderly patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears without arthritis.
Comorbid pain in axial spondyloarthritis, including fibromyalgia
Authors: López-Medina Clementina , Moltó Anna
Published: October 2020

The main symptom in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is inflammatory back pain, caused principally by inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and the spine. However, not all back pain in patients with axSpA is related to active inflammation: other types of pain can occur in these patients, and may be related to structural damage (e.g. ankylosis), degenerative changes, vertebral fractures or comorbid fibromyalgia, which are not uncommon in these patients. Structural damage and ankylosis may lead to a biomechanical stress, which can lead to chronic mechanical pain; and degenerative changes of the spine may also exist in patients with axSpA also leading to mechanical pain. Osteoporosis is more prevalent in axSpA patients than in the general population, and vertebral fractures may result in acute bone pain, which can persist for several months. Fibromyalgia, which is also more prevalent in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (including axSpA), presents with widespread pain which can mimic entheseal pain. A correct diagnosis of the origin of the pain is crucial, since treatments and management may differ considerably. Recognizing these causes of pain may be a challenge in clinical practice, especially for fibromyalgia, which can coexist with axSpA and may have a significant impact on biologic drug response.

In this review, we provide an update of the most common causes of pain other than inflammatory back pain in axSpA patients, and we discuss the latest management options for such causes.
Differences in Three Vection Indices (Latency, Duration, and Magnitude) Induced by “Camera-Moving” and “Object-Moving” in a Virtual Computer Graphics World, Despite Similarity in the Retinal Images
Authors: Sato Hirotaro , Morimoto Yuki , Remijn Gerard B. , Seno Takeharu
Published: October 2020

To create a self-motion (vection) situation in three-dimensional computer graphics (CG), there are mainly two ways: moving a camera toward an object (“camera moving”) or by moving the object and its surrounding environment toward the camera (“object moving”). As both methods vary considerably in the amount of computer calculations involved in generating CG, knowing how each method affects self-motion perception should be important to CG-creators and psychologists. Here, we simulated self-motion in a virtual three-dimensional CG-world, without stereoscopic disparity, which correctly reflected the lighting and glare. Self-motion was induced by “camera moving” or by “object moving,” which in the present experiments was done by moving a tunnel surrounding the camera toward the camera. This produced two retinal images that were virtually identical in Experiment 1 and very similar in Experiments 2 and 3. The stimuli were presented on a large plasma display to 15 naive participants and induced substantial vection. Three experiments comparing vection strength between the two methods found weak but significant differences. The results suggest that when creating CG visual experiences, “camera-moving” induces stronger vection.
Applying Mantel’s spatial method to the case of restaurants
Authors: Clauzel Amélie
Published: October 2020

Most conventional spatial analysis approaches that are used to study the effects of interpersonal spacing are positioned on urban geographical scales and are, therefore, applicable to open spaces. This article presents the challenges and limitations of the Mantel method, which is particularly appropriate for co-presence situations in enclosed spaces, and also shows how it is implemented. Traditionally used in biostatistics and ecology, the method is deployed here for the first time in the field of consumer behaviour. When applied to the case of restaurants, it helps to identify the effects of (here, socio-spatial) distance on the greater or lesser similarity of choices between customer groups and their spending. Because it allows a high degree of use across disciplines, particularly in management sciences, the Mantel method may interest practitioners seeking to (re-)arrange shared spaces, such as workspaces, shows, aeroplane areas, spas or condominium meetings.
Education Informatization 2.0 in China: Motivation, Framework, and Vision
Authors: Yan (闫守轩) Shouxuan , Yang (杨运) Yun
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This article aims to shed light on a latest education informatization policy blueprint in China, titled Education Informatization 2.0 Action Plan, which was promulgated by the Ministry of Education in China on April 18, 2018.

Design/Approach/Methods:

The study is an analytical policy review based on the policy documents, theoretical discussion, and development of practice.

Findings:

This new Chinese education informatization policy was driven by three factors: the promotion of education informatization 1.0 in China, the requirement of education modernization toward 2035, and the response to “Wisdom Education.” The framework for action can be summarized as “One Goal, Three Tasks, and Eight Actions.” The main features involve innovation-driven development rather than technology-driven development, committing to the expansion of digital educational resources rather than the digital presentation of textbooks, and aiming at improving teachers and students’ information literacy rather than the applied skills of information technology. The future vision of the plan involves building new models on talent cultivation, education service, and education governance. The new models on talent cultivation involve establishing “Wisdom Teaching” mode, learning mode, and intelligent learning environment supported by artificial intelligence technology. The new education service models entail building the admission and sharing mechanism of quality educational resources based on National Network for Education and the public service platform and system for educational resources by means of the cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The new education governance models involve achieving precise, flat, and humanized education governance.

Originality/Value:

This article entails expounding the motivation, framework for action, main features, and vision of the education informatization 2.0 in China, which will be helpful for learning and understanding the current background, stage, and future path of China’s education informatization.
Is Allograft Reconstruction of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow a Viable Option for Nonelite Athletes? Outcomes at a Mean of 8 Years
Authors: Kennon Justin C. , Marigi Erick M. , Songy Chad E. , Bernard Chris , O’Driscoll Shawn W. , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Camp Christopher L.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The rate of elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injury and surgery continues to rise steadily. While authors have failed to reach a consensus on the optimal graft or anchor configuration for MUCL reconstruction, the vast majority of the literature is focused on the young, elite athlete population utilizing autograft. These studies may not be as applicable for the “weekend warrior” type of patient or for young kids playing on high school leagues or recreationally without the intent or aspiration to participate at an elite level.

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical outcomes and complication rates of MUCL reconstruction utilizing only allograft sources in nonelite athletes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patient records were retrospectively analyzed for individuals who underwent allograft MUCL reconstruction at a single institution between 2000 and 2016. A total of 25 patients met inclusion criteria as laborers or nonelite (not collegiate or professional) athletes with a minimum of 2 years of postoperative follow-up. A review of the medical records for the included patients was performed to determine survivorship free of reoperation, complications, and clinical outcomes with use of the Summary Outcome Determination (SOD) and Timmerman-Andrews scores. Statistical analysis included a Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare continuous variables between groups with an alpha level set at .05 for significance. Subgroup analysis included comparing outcome scores based on the allograft type used.

Results:

Twenty-five patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean time to follow-up was 91 months (range, 25-195 months), and the mean age at the time of surgery was 25 years (range, 12-65 years). There were no revision operations for recurrent instability. The mean SOD score was 9 (range, 5-10) at the most recent follow-up, and the Timmerman-Andrews scores averaged 97 (range, 80-100). Three patients underwent subsequent surgical procedures for ulnar neuropathy (n = 2) and contracture (n = 1), and 1 patient underwent surgical intervention for combined ulnar neuropathy and contracture.

Conclusion:

Allograft MUCL reconstruction in nonelite athletes demonstrates comparable functional scores with many previously reported autograft outcomes in elite athletes. These results may be informative for elbow surgeons who wish to avoid autograft morbidity in common laborers and nonelite athletes with MUCL incompetency.
Health-Promoting Leadership and Leaders’ Listening Skills Have an Impact on the Employees’ Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention
Authors: Bregenzer Anita , Milfelner Borut , Šarotar Žižek Simona , Jiménez Paul
Published: October 2020

The topic of health-promoting leadership has often been investigated on its impact on health outcomes. However, it is still unclear if healthpromoting leadership has an impact on other well-being parameters at work besides health. Another leadership behavior, the leaders’ listening skills, can benefit well-being parameters at the workplace, such as job satisfaction, which in turn lowers turnover intention. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between health-promoting leadership, the leaders’ listening skills, job satisfaction, and turnover intention to get a clearer picture about the effects of different leadership behaviors on the employees’ well-being. The results of an online-study with 354 Austrian and Slovenian workers showed that both types of leadership behaviors had a direct effect on the employees’ job satisfaction and an indirect effect on turnover intention through job satisfaction. Listening was found to have a stronger direct impact on job satisfaction. The findings indicate that both leadership behaviors are able to support well-being at the workplace.
Nurses’ Experiences of Documenting the Mental Health of Older Patients in Long-Term Care
Authors: Engen Eli Johanne Haugan , Devik Siri Andreassen , Olsen Rose Mari
Published: October 2020

Nursing documentation is repeatedly reported to be insufficient and unsatisfactory. Although nurses should apply a holistic approach, they tend to document physical needs more often than other caring dimensions. This study aimed to describe nurses’ experiences documenting mental health in older patients receiving long-term care. Individual interviews were conducted with nine nurses and were analyzed by content analysis. One main theme, two categories and seven sub-categories emerged. The findings showed that the nurses perceived mental health as an ambiguous phenomenon that could be difficult to observe, interpret, and agree upon. Thus, the nurses were uncertain about what concepts and words corresponded to their observations. They also struggled with finding the right words to create accurate and complete documentation without breaking confidentiality or diminishing the dignity of the patient. The findings are relevant for nurses in different types of healthcare services and in the educational context to ensure comprehensive nursing documentation.
Misinformation in Patient Handouts About Upper Extremity Conditions
Authors: O’Connor Casey M , Kortlever Joost , Ring David
Published: October 2020

This study investigated handouts regarding common upper extremity problems for inaccuracies, distracting information, and concepts that reinforce common unhelpful cognitive biases. We reviewed handouts on upper extremity conditions from 2 electronic medical records and 2 professional associations. We categorized information as inaccurate, distracting, and risk of reinforcing common unhelpful cognitive biases. Reading level, quality, and the ability of patients to process and take action was also rated. We found an average rate of inaccurate statements of 1.9 per 100 words, distracting statements of 0.73 per 100 words, and statements reinforcing common unhelpful cognitive biases of 2.1 per 100 words. Handouts from electronic medical records were rated higher quality and had higher reading grade level, but on average were constructed for better understandability. Patient handouts have a notable rate of inaccuracies, distractions, and information that may reinforce less adaptive cognitions. Greater attention is merited to making patient handouts readable, understandable, hopeful, and enabling.
Cost and Outcomes Analysis of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (Aneurysmal Type 1 Neovascularization) Treatment Strategies
Authors: Feng Paula W. , Lin James , Sakurada Yoichi , Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Smiddy William E. , Chilakamarri Priyanka , Mehta Nitish , Modi Yasha S. , Parikh Ravi
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This work compares the relative cost utility of ranibizumab and aflibercept with and without verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) for the treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

Methods:

A retrospective cost and outcomes analysis of the PLANET (Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Aflibercept for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy) and EVEREST II (Efficacy and Safety of Ranibizumab With or Without Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy) studies was performed. Clinical utilization and outcomes were based on data from these clinical trials, and costs were obtained from Medicare fee schedules. Cost utility was derived from published visual outcomes and expressed as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Cost per QALY and cost per line of vision gained for each treatment strategy (in US dollars) were assessed as the main outcome measure.

Results:

The 1-year facility (nonfacility) costs per QALY were $295,744.41 ($260,088.19), $209,574.09 ($182,831.77), $211,072.63 ($188,425.33), and $212,275.22 ($189,703.05) for ranibizumab as-needed monotherapy, ranibizumab as-needed with combination therapy, aflibercept monotherapy, and aflibercept with delayed vPDT combination therapy, respectively.

Conclusions:

Ranibizumab as-needed monotherapy was the least clinically effective and least cost efficient over 1 year. Ranibizumab as-needed with combination therapy, aflibercept monotherapy, and aflibercept with deferred vPDT combination therapy all had similar overall cost utility at 1 year. If bevacizumab were to be substituted for ranibizumab, the cost per QALY could be reduced by approximately a factor of 5, showing the benefit of bevacizumab for increasing the cost utility of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treatment.
Serial Hemodynamic and Autonomic Changes in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Relation to Outcome, Stroke Type, and Location
Authors: Gujjar Arunodaya R. , Jaju Deepali S. , Jacob Poovathoor C. , Ganguly Shyam Sundar , Al-Asmi Abdullah Rashid
Published: October 2020

Background:

Hypertension and changes in autonomic functions commonly accompany the acute phase of ischemic stroke and are recognized to influence outcomes. Few studies have addressed hemodynamic and autonomic monitoring together in acute stroke.

Aim:

We aimed to study serial hemodynamic and cardiovascular autonomic changes among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using thoracic electrical bioimpedance and to explore their relation to stroke outcome, stroke type, location, and severity.

Methods:

Patients with AIS of <96 h duration underwent serial hemodynamic/autonomic function studies over the first 4 days of admission. Their association with stroke severity, type, location, and outcome was explored using univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients with arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, or cardiac failure were excluded.

Results:

Of the 55 patients (M:F::27:28; age: 62 + 12 yrs) with AIS, 33 had large artery stroke, 18-lacunar and 4-cardioembolic stroke, and 6 died. Mean blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and cardiac output (CO) decreased over 4 days. Several hemodynamic and autonomic parameters correlated with the outcome on univariate analysis, while CO and SVR independently predicted the outcome. Stroke type was related to few hemodynamic parameters (SI, cardiac index on days 2-4). Lacunar stroke type was associated with left ventricular ejection time and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Among patients with AIS, early sympathetic autonomic dominance may explain decreasing hemodynamic trends observed over the initial 4 days. 2 hemodynamic parameters, CO and SVR, independently predicted stroke outcome, while blood pressure did not. Further studies are indicated to explore the possibility of influencing stroke outcomes through modification of CO or SVR.
Rewriting the HR Playbook for the Future
Authors: Dash Sadhna
Published: October 2020

As organisations deal with the evolving nature of the new normal, the role of the human resources (HR) is getting redefined to meet the ongoing needs of its workforce. Designing employee–HR experiences in an uncertain and ambiguous work world emerges as one of the top challenges for HR leaders. On the one hand, employee well-being initiatives like employee mentoring, virtual mindfulness workshops, health tips and free consulting and counselling services are becoming the norm. On the other hand, the HR function is itself being re-crafted for the emergent workplace. Technology plays a pivotal role, fuelling the need for scaling HR activities to provide next-gen employee experiences. As the war for high-tech talent increases, organisations are re-crafting an all new HR playbook to differentiate themselves as preferred employers. Within the transforming work and workplace context, the worker continues to be in the eye of the storm and demands both attention and action.
The Role and Characteristics of Hybrid Approaches to Project Management in the Development of Technology-Based Products and Services
Authors: Copola Azenha Flávio , Aparecida Reis Diane , Leme Fleury André
Published: October 2020

There is a trend of combining agile and traditional project management practices for technology-based product and service development in the search for more agility. Although there are, in the literature, hybrid models that propose combinations of traditional and agile approaches, there are no studies that discuss the impact of the adoption of this approach in organizations in practice. Consequently, guidance on the selection of the most appropriate project management approach has remained largely theoretical, rather than based on companies’ experiences. The objective of this research is to analyze how organizations that develop technology-based products and services apply hybrid approaches to project management, their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, conducting a literature review and multiple case studies as research methods. Results reveal that hybrid approaches to project management are currently fundamental for companies in order to deal with distinct organizational cultures, specific processes, customer contractual requirements, and project specificities. This study also led to a consolidated list of the characteristics of hybrid approaches to project management.
Culture of benthic diatom Nitzschia sp. with macroalgae carriers and its application as feed of juveniles Stichopus japonicus
Authors: Jiang Aili , Ji Heng , Liu Hengxu , Zhu Huimin , Ai Guofeng , Guo Xiaochen
Published: October 2020

Carrier culture is the combination of suspension culture and adherent culture. Carriers could be used to improve the culture efficiency of large-scale culture of adherent benthic diatom. In order to identify a suitable carrier for mass suspension culture of the benthic diatoms Nitzschia sp. powders of seven macroalgae were used as carriers for diatom attachment including Ulva pertusa, degummed Laminaria japonica, Sargassum muticum, Chaetomorpha valida, Zostera marina, Sargassum fusiforme and Sargassum thunbergii. Diatoms could grow on the surface of the suspended carriers and could effectively utilize the nutrients released by the decomposition of these carriers. Among the seven carriers, Ulva pertusa powder was the most effective for Nitzschia culture when comprehensively considering the nutrition of the harvested diatoms and nutrient utilization of the algae carrier by diatoms. The seaweed powder was dried at 80 °C before used as carrier, this process should meet the sterilization requirements for microalgal culture and is easy to implement in the large-scale cultivation of diatoms. Diatoms cultured with carriers were used to feed juveniles Stichopus japonicus with a wet weight of 5.0 ± 2.0 g, as well as diatoms cultured using conventional methods without carriers, and no significant differences were observed between the two kinds of feed. Compared to sea cucumbers fed with commercial feed, the growth rate of S. japonicus fed with carrier-cultured diatoms was approximately 1.5 times greater, and the activities of non-specific immune enzymes were improved in the coelomic fluid including acidic phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase. Feeding sea cucumber with fresh diatoms could effectively reduce the total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the culture water, improve the water quality, and promote the breeding of sea cucumbers, regardless of whether the carrier culture was adopted.
Plasma levels of CGRP and expression of specific microRNAs in blood cells of episodic and chronic migraine subjects: towards the identification of a panel of peripheral biomarkers of migraine?
Authors: Greco Rosaria , De Icco Roberto , Demartini Chiara , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Tumelero Elena , Sances Grazia , Allena Marta , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: October 2020

Background

Migraine can manifest with an episodic or a chronic pattern in a continuum of disease severity. Multiple factors are associated with the progression of the pattern from episodic to chronic. One of the most consistently reported factors is the overuse of medications (MO) for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. The mechanisms through which MO facilitates the transformation of episodic migraine (EM) into chronic migraine (CM) are elusive. In order to provide insights into these mechanisms, the present study aims to identify possible peripheral biomarkers associated with the two forms of migraine, and with the presence of MO.

Methods

We evaluated the plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and the expression of miR-34a-5p and miR-382-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with EM (n = 27) or CM-MO (n = 28). Subjects in the CM-MO group were also tested 2 months after an in-hospital detoxification protocol.

Results

CGRP, miR-382-5p, and miR-34a-5p levels were significantly higher in CM-MO subjects when compared to EM patients (p = 0.003 for all comparisons). After correcting for age, sex, and disease duration, miRNAs expression was still significantly associated with migraine phenotype (EM vs. CM-MO: p = 0.014 for miR-382-5p, p = 0.038 for miR-34a-5p), while CGRP levels were not (p = 0.115). CGRP plasma levels significantly and positively correlated with miR-382-5p (Spearman’s rho: 0.491, p = 0.001) and miR-34a-5p (Spearman’s rho: 0.303, p =0.025) in the overall population. In the CM-MO group, detoxification significantly decreased CGRP levels and miRNAs expression (p = 0.001). When comparing responders and non-responders to the detoxification, the former group (n = 23) showed significantly higher levels of CGRP at baseline, and significantly lower expression of miR-382-5p after the detoxification.

Conclusions

Our findings identify a potential panel of peripheral markers associated with migraine subtypes and disease severity. CGRP levels as well as miRNAs expression were influenced by MO, and modulated by detoxification in subjects with CM-MO.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04473976).
Mechanistic validation of the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Guidelines for the assessment of diastolic dysfunction in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Goldberg Ythan H. , Megyessi David , Flam Mischa , Spevack Daniel M. , Sundqvist Martin G. , Ugander Martin
Published: October 2020

Background

The American Society for Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASE/EACVI) 2016 guidelines for assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD) are based primarily on the effects of diastolic dysfunction on left ventricular filling hemodynamics. However, these measures do not provide quantifiable mechanistic information about diastolic function. The Parameterized Diastolic Filling (PDF) formalism is a validated theoretical framework that describes DD in terms of the physical properties of left ventricular filling.

Aims

We hypothesized that PDF analysis can provide mechanistic insight into the mechanical properties governing higher grade DD.

Methods

Patients referred for echocardiography showing reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (< 45%) were prospectively classified into DD grade according to 2016 ASE/EACVI guidelines. Serial E-waves acquired during free breathing using pulsed wave Doppler of transmitral blood flow were analyzed using the PDF formalism.

Results

Higher DD grade (grade 2 or 3, n = 20 vs grade 1, n = 30) was associated with increased chamber stiffness (261 ± 71 vs 169 ± 61 g/s2, p < 0.001), increased filling energy (2.0 ± 0.9 vs 1.0 ± 0.5 mJ, p < 0.001) and greater peak forces resisting filling (median [interquartile range], 18 [15–24] vs 11 [8–14] mN, p < 0.001). DD grade was unrelated to chamber viscoelasticity (21 ± 4 vs 20 ± 6 g/s, p = 0.32). Stiffness was inversely correlated with ejection fraction (r = − 0.39, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Higher grade DD was associated with changes in the mechanical properties that determine the physics of poorer left ventricular filling. These findings provide mechanistic insight into, and independent validation of the appropriateness of the 2016 guidelines for assessment of DD.
Increasing access to health workers in rural and remote areas: what do stakeholders’ value and find feasible and acceptable?
Authors: Ajuebor Onyema , Boniol Mathieu , McIsaac Michelle , Onyedike Chukwuemeka , Akl Elie A.
Published: October 2020

Background

The primary aim of this study is to assess stakeholders’ views of the acceptability and feasibility of policy options and outcome indicators presented in the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) global policy recommendations on increasing access to health workers in remote and rural areas through improved retention.

Methods

A survey on the acceptability, feasibility of recruitment and retention policy options, and the importance of their outcome indicators was developed. It followed a cross-sectional approach targeting health workers in rural and remote settings as well as policy- and decision-makers involved in the development of recruitment and retention policies for such areas. Respondents were asked their perception of the importance of the policy outcomes of interest, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of the 2010 WHO guidelines’ policy options using a 9-point Likert scale.

Results

In total, 336 participants completed the survey. Almost a third worked in government; most participants worked in community settings and were involved in the administration and management of rural health workers. Almost all 19 outcomes of interests assessed were valued as important or critical. For the 16 guideline policy options, most were perceived to be "definitely acceptable" and "definitely feasible", although the policy options were generally considered to be more acceptable than feasible.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide insight into the revision and update of the 2010 WHO guideline on increasing access to health workers in remote and rural areas. Stakeholders’ views of the acceptability, feasibility of policy options and the importance of outcomes of interest are important for the development of relevant and effective policies to improve access to health workers in rural and remote areas.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric operations: a retrospective study of Chinese children
Authors: Wei Yi , Yu Chengjun , Zhao Tian Xin , Lin Tao , Dawei H. E. , Wu Sheng-de , Wei Guang-hui
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pediatric operations, and establish preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative protocols to improve the pediatric operations.

Methods

We here compare the number of patients who underwent surgery in Chongqing Medical University Affiliated Children’s Hospital during the pandemic (January 23–March 11), after the pandemic (March 12–April 30), after our measures were put in place (May 1–May 21), and the equivalent period in 2019.

Result

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 62.68% fewer patients underwent surgery than during the homologous period of time 1 year earlier (P < 0.01). After the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of orchidopexy cases increased significantly from 175.14 to 504.57 per week (P < 0.01). The large number of patients that accrued in our hospital may have increased the risk of COVID-19 transmission. In response, hospitals and clinics have made protocols and reorganized healthcare facilities (e.g., performing nucleic acid tests (NAT), adding adequate personal protective equipment (PPE)) from May 1, 2020. After the measures were implemented, the number of operations performed remained stable and comparable to the pre-pandemic period. COVID-19 RNA detection was performed in 5104 cases and there were no new confirmed cases in our hospital.

Conclusion

This outbreak of COVID-19 has affected not only individuals with COVID-19 but also patients seeking surgical operations. Understanding the present situation helps clinicians provide a high level of treatment to all children.
Point prevalence mapping reveals hotspot for onchocerciasis transmission in the Ndikinimeki Health District, Centre Region, Cameroon
Authors: Aza’ah René Afor , Sumo Laurentine , Ntonifor Ngum Helen , Bopda Jean , Bamou Rolph H. , Nana-Djeunga Hugues C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Ivermectin-based preventive chemotherapy (PC) is distributed annually to all at-risk populations eligible for ivermectin treatment to control and/or eliminate onchocerciasis. Information on the impact of mass ivermectin administration on onchocerciasis transmission is scanty, and it is tricky to appreciate the progress towards elimination and engage corrective measures. To fill that gap in the Centre Region in Cameroon, the current onchocerciasis endemicity level in the Ndikinimeki Health District after about two decades of mass treatments was assessed.

Methods

A cluster-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in the Ndikinimeki Health District and all volunteers aged ≥ 5 years were (i) interviewed on their compliance to ivermectin over the past five years and (ii) underwent clinical (nodule palpation and visual search for onchocercal lesions) and parasitological examinations (skin snip) for onchocerciasis.

Results

The overall Onchocerca volvulus prevalence was 7.0% (95% CI: 5.2–9.3%). The prevalence of the disease was significantly higher in the communities Kiboum 1 and Kiboum 2 compared to the other communities (highest prevalence in Makénéné Town Water: 8.5%; 95% CI: 2.3–20.4%) (χ2 = 51.314, df = 11, P = 0.0001). The proportion of systematic non-compliers to ivermectin was 23.3% (95% CI: 19.9–27.1%) among individuals interviewed. In the sentinel sites (Kiboum communities), onchocerciasis prevalence decreased from 95.2% (95% CI: 88.3–98.1%) to 23.7% (95% CI: 14.7–36.0%).

Conclusions

This study has revealed that the Ndikinimeki Health District is hypo-endemic for onchocerciasis after about two decades of preventive chemotherapy. However, transmission is ongoing, with potential hotspots in the Kiboum 1 and Kiboum 2 communities, which are known as first-line communities (closest to the breeding sites of the vector). Alternative or complementary strategies to annual ivermectin appear compulsory to accelerate the momentum towards onchocerciasis elimination.
Microbiota characterization in Blastocystis-colonized and Blastocystis-free school-age children from Colombia
Authors: Castañeda Sergio , Muñoz Marina , Villamizar Ximena , Hernández Paula C. , Vásquez Luis Reinel , Tito Raúl Yhossef , Ramírez Juan David
Published: October 2020

Background

Blastocystis is a protist that lives in the intestinal tract of a variety of hosts, including humans. It is still unclear how Blastocystis causes disease, which presents an ongoing challenge for researchers. Despite the controversial findings on the association between Blastocystis and clinical digestive manifestations, there is currently no consensus as to whether this protozoan actually behaves as a pathogen in humans. Furthermore, the relationship between Blastocystis and the intestinal microbiota composition is not yet clear. For that reason, the aim of this study was to identify if colonization by Blastocystis is related to changes in the diversity and relative abundance of bacterial communities, compared with those of Blastocystis-free individuals in a group of Colombian children.

Methods

We took stool samples from 57 school-aged children attending a daycare institution in Popayán (Southwest Colombia). Whole DNA was extracted and examined by 16S-rRNA amplicon-based sequencing. Blastocystis was detected by real time PCR and other intestinal parasites were detected by microscopy. We evaluated if Blastocystis was associated with host variables and the diversity and abundance of microbial communities.

Results

The composition of the intestinal bacterial community was not significantly different between Blastocystis-free and Blastocystis-colonized children. Despite this, we observed a higher microbial richness in the intestines of children colonized by Blastocystis, which could, therefore, be considered a benefit to intestinal health. The phylum Firmicutes was the predominant taxonomic unit in both groups analyzed. In Blastocystis-free individuals, there was a higher proportion of Bacteroidetes; similarly, in children colonized by Blastocystis, there was a higher relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria; however, no statistically significant differences were found between the comparison groups.

Conclusions

The presence of Blastocystis showed a decrease in Bacteroides, and an increase in the relative abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium. It was also evident that the presence of Blastocystis was unrelated to dysbiosis at the intestinal level; on the contrary, its presence did not show statistically differences in the intestinal microbiota composition. Nevertheless, we believe that Blastocystis plays a role in the ecology of the intestinal microbiota through its interaction with other microbial components.
Correction to: Extracellular vesicles from human mesenchymal stem cells expedite chondrogenesis in 3D human degenerative disc cell cultures
Authors: Hingert Daphne , Ekström Karin , Aldridge Jonathan , Crescitelli Rossella , Brisby Helena
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
‘What do you mean by ethical compass?’ Bachelor students’ ideas about being a moral professional
Authors: Van Stekelenburg Lieke H. , Smerecnik Chris , Sanderse Wouter , De Ruyter Doret J.
Published: October 2020

This article aims to explore the moral ideas and experiences that students at Dutch universities of applied sciences (UAS) have of being a professional with an ‘ethical compass.’ Semi-structured interviews were held with 36 fourth-year Bachelor students divided over four institutions and three different programmes: Initial Teacher Education, Business Services and Information and Communication Technology. Findings show that students say they strive to be(come) moral professionals, but that they have difficulties recognising and articulating the moral aspects of their professional roles. They seem to lack a moral vocabulary and the moral knowledge to verbalise their aspirations and to provide arguments to explicate or legitimise their moral behaviour. While most students were critical of the support they received from their universities, they indicated that various other role models and (work) experiences did have a strong and positive influence on their moral development. In this article, we reflect on the findings in relation to international empirical research on students’ moral development and highlight the characteristics of UAS students.
Convergence of artificial intelligence and high performance computing on NSF-supported cyberinfrastructure
Authors: Huerta E. A. , Khan Asad , Davis Edward , Bushell Colleen , Gropp William D. , Katz Daniel S. , Kindratenko Volodymyr , Koric Seid , Kramer William T. C. , McGinty Brendan , McHenry Kenton , Saxton Aaron
Published: October 2020

Significant investments to upgrade and construct large-scale scientific facilities demand commensurate investments in R&D to design algorithms and computing approaches to enable scientific and engineering breakthroughs in the big data era. Innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have powered transformational solutions for big data challenges in industry and technology that now drive a multi-billion dollar industry, and which play an ever increasing role shaping human social patterns. As AI continues to evolve into a computing paradigm endowed with statistical and mathematical rigor, it has become apparent that single-GPU solutions for training, validation, and testing are no longer sufficient for computational grand challenges brought about by scientific facilities that produce data at a rate and volume that outstrip the computing capabilities of available cyberinfrastructure platforms. This realization has been driving the confluence of AI and high performance computing (HPC) to reduce time-to-insight, and to enable a systematic study of domain-inspired AI architectures and optimization schemes to enable data-driven discovery. In this article we present a summary of recent developments in this field, and describe specific advances that authors in this article are spearheading to accelerate and streamline the use of HPC platforms to design and apply accelerated AI algorithms in academia and industry.
Regulation of intracellular transition metal ion level with a pH-sensitive inorganic nanocluster to improve therapeutic angiogenesis by enriching conditioned medium retrieved from human adipose derived stem cells
Authors: Kim Yeong Hwan , Jung Euiyoung , Im Gwang-Bum , Kim Yu-Jin , Kim Sung-Won , Jeong Gun-Jae , Jang Young Charles , Park Kyung Min , Kim Dong-Ik , Yu Taekyung , Bhang Suk Ho
Published: October 2020

Cell therapy based on human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) is a known potential therapeutic approach to induce angiogenesis in ischemic diseases. However, the therapeutic efficacy of direct hADSC injection is limited by a low cell viability and poor cell engraftment after administration. To improve the outcomes of this kind of approach, various types of nanoparticles have been utilized to improve the therapeutic efficacy of hADSC transplantation. Despite their advantages, the adverse effects of nanoparticles, such as genetic damage and potential oncogenesis based on non-degradable property of nanoparticles prohibit the application of nanoparticles toward the clinical applications. Herein, we designed a transition metal based inorganic nanocluster able of pH-selective degradation (ps-TNC), with the aim of enhancing an hADSC based treatment of mouse hindlimb ischemia. Our ps-TNC was designed to undergo degradation at low pH conditions, thus releasing metal ions only after endocytosis, in the endosome. To eliminate the limitations of both conventional hADSC injection and non-degradable property of nanoparticles, we have collected conditioned medium (CM) from the ps-TNC treated hADSCs and administrated it to the ischemic lesions. We found that intracellular increment of transition metal ion upregulated the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, which can induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expressions. Based on the molecular mechanism, the secretion of VEGF and bFGF by ps-TNC treated hADSCs showed a significant improvement compared to that of untreated cells. Injecting the CM collected from ps-TNC treated hADSCs into the mouse hindlimb ischemia model (ps-TNC-CM group) showed significantly improved angiogenesis in the lesions, with improved limb salvage and decreased muscle degeneration compared to the group injected with CM collected from normal hADSCs (CM group). This study suggests a novel strategy, combining a known angiogenesis molecular mechanism with both an improvement on conventional stem cell therapy and the circumvention of some limitations still present in modern approaches based on nanoparticles.
Creep of calcareous sand in Tunisia: effect of particle breakage at low stress level
Authors: Choo Hyunwook , Kwon Minhyuk , Touiti Lamia , Jung Young-Hoon
Published: October 2020

Aims/hypothesis

One of the critical mechanisms determining creep in granular materials is the breakage of soil particles. This study aims at evaluating the time-dependent creep deformation of calcareous sand at low effective stress conditions.

Methods

K0 creep tests were performed for both calcareous and silica sands at low stresses of 65 and 120 kPa, and the results of creep tests were compared with the results of constant rate of strain (CRS) tests at high stress levels up to 12 MPa. For a quantitative evaluation of the effect of the particle breakage on the creep deformation of calcareous sand, the relative breakage ($$B_{r}$$

B
r

) was determined based on the results of sieve analyses.

Results

The results demonstrate that Tunisia calcareous sand experiences significant particle breakage during creep and the consequent creep deformation at low stress level. The determined $$B_{r}$$

B
r

after creep at low stress level is comparable with that after the CRS test at high stress level.

Conclusions

High potential of particle breakage inherited by characteristic minerology of the calcareous Tunisia sand significantly influences the creep deformation at low stress level.
Regenerative therapy for spinal cord injury using iPSC technology
Authors: Nagoshi Narihito , Okano Hideyuki , Nakamura Masaya
Published: October 2020

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating event that causes permanent neurologic impairments. Cell transplantation therapy using neural precursor cells (NPCs) is a promising intervention aiming to replace damaged neural tissue and restore certain functions. Because the protocol to produce human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) was first established, we have attempted to apply this technology for regenerative therapy in SCI. Our group reported beneficial effects of iPSC-derived NPC transplantation and addressed safety issues on tumorigenicity after grafting. These findings will soon be tested at the clinical trial stage, the protocol of which has already been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan. Current transplantation therapies treat patients at the subacute phase after injury, highlighting the need for effective treatments for chronic SCI. We recently demonstrated the modest efficacy of gamma secretase inhibitor treatment of iPSC-NPCs before transplantation at the chronic phase. However, more comprehensive strategies involving combinatory therapies are essential to enhance current spinal cord regeneration treatments.
China’s global engagement to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Song Wei
Published: October 2020

The world is confronted by the current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is a common threat to the whole of humanity. In the process of fighting COVID-19 domestically, China had attached great importance to international cooperation, such as the sharing of information on the pandemic with the international community, providing bilateral and multilateral assistance to other affected countries, etc. However, due to the severity of this pandemic, global solidarity is necessary to conquer it, and to improve global public health governance.