bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of nursing interventions for management of children with bronchial asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tao Shuai , Fan Qiuhua , Hariharan Vishnu Shankar , Zhi Haoliang
Published: March 2023

Aim

Nursing interventions include the preventive care that can support and guide the nurse's effort to provide asthma interventions for children. Hence, this review was done to assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions for management of childhood asthma.

Methods

We conducted a search in Medline, the Cochrane library, EMBASE, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar from 1964 until April 2022. Meta‐analysis was done using a random‐effects model and pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and/or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Fourteen studies were analysed. The pooled RR was 0.49 for emergency visits (95% CI: 0.32 to 0.77) and 0.46 for hospitalizations (95% CI: 0.27 to 0.79). The pooled WMD was −1.20 for number of days with symptoms (95% CI: −3.50 to 1.11), −0.98 for number of nights with symptoms (95% CI: −2.94 to 0.98) and −0.69 for frequency of asthma attacks (95% CI: −1.19 to −0.20). The pooled SMD was 0.39 for quality of life (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.66) and 0.58 for asthma control (95% CI: −0.29 to 1.46).

Conclusion

Nursing interventions were relatively effective in improving the quality of life and reducing asthma related emergencies, acute attacks and hospitalization amongst childhood asthma patients.
Quality and safety in residential aged care: an evaluation of a national quality indicator programme
Authors: Inacio Maria C. , Eshetie Tesfahun C. , Caughey Gillian E. , Whitehead Craig , Westbrook Johanna , Gray Len , Hibbert Peter , Beattie Elizabeth , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Cameron Ian D. , Crotty Maria , Wesselingh Steve
Published: March 2023

Background

In Australia, 243 000 individuals live in approximately 2700 residential aged care facilities yearly. In 2019, a National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator programme (QI programme) was implemented to monitor the quality and safety of care in facilities.

Aim

To examine the validity of the QI programme indicators using explicit measure review criteria.

Methods

The QI programme manual and reports were reviewed. A modified American College of Physicians Measure Review Criteria was employed to examine the QI programme's eight indicators. Five authors rated each indicator on importance, appropriateness, clinical evidence, specifications and feasibility using a nine‐point scale. A median score of 1–3 was considered to not meet criteria, 4–6 to meet some criteria and 7–9 to meet criteria.

Results

All indicators, except polypharmacy, met criteria (median scores = 7–9) for importance, appropriateness and clinical evidence. Polypharmacy met some criteria for importance (median = 6, range 2–8), appropriateness (median = 5, range 2–8) and clinical evidence (median = 6, range 3–8). Pressure injury, physical restraints, significant unplanned weight loss, consecutive unplanned weight loss, falls and polypharmacy indicators met some criteria for specifications validity (all median scores = 5) and feasibility and applicability (median scores = 4 to 6). Antipsychotic use and falls resulting in major injury met some criteria for specifications (median = 6–7, range 4–8) and met criteria for feasibility and applicability (median = 7, range 4–8).

Conclusions

Australia's National QI programme is a major stride towards a culture of quality promotion, improvement and transparency. Measures' specifications, feasibility and applicability could be improved to ensure the programme delivers on its intended purposes.
Multifold stiffness and fracture toughness enhancement in W‐doped VO2 microcrystals
Authors: Verma Divya , Chandran Yadu , Uniyal Piyush , Kumar Navin , Balakrishnan Viswanath
Published: March 2023

Vanadium dioxide is popular for the metal‐insulator phase transition at 68°C. Chemical doping is one of the effective ways adopted to tune the phase transition temperature, where tungsten is known to reduce the transition temperature of VO2. This work investigates the effect of tungsten doping on the mechanical properties of VO2 microcrystals and their polymer composites. Doping of VO2 with W shows a systematic reduction in phase transition temperature up to 33°C for 4 wt% W‐doped VO2. For 3 wt% W‐doped VO2, the elastic modulus values enhance by 50%. The fracture toughness of 3 wt% W‐doped VO2 shows an enhancement of fourfold compared to the undoped VO2. The dynamic compressive strength of 3 wt% W‐doped VO2–UHMWPE polymer composite at room temperature is found to be 7% higher than the undoped VO2—composite.
The shiny new object: Deconstructing the patient‐oriented paradigm in health sciences
Authors: Turcotte Pier‐Luc , Holmes Dave , Murray Stuart J.
Published: March 2023

Rationale

A ‘patient‐oriented’ research paradigm, also known as patient and public engagement, has infiltrated the field of health sciences and continues to spread. At first blush, it is difficult to reprove anything labelled ‘patient‐oriented’; however, the patient‐oriented paradigm may easily become an ideological ‘good’, leading to unintended consequences that may well prove more detrimental than beneficial. While patient‐oriented research has its roots in more radical forms of patient and public engagement, its recent instantiation betrays its roots and forecloses on more radical forms of engagement, such as critical participatory research.

Aim and Objectives

The objective of this article is to deconstruct the patient‐oriented research narrative and to demonstrate how such a discourse imposes itself as a dominant approach in health sciences.

Approach

Following Derrida's deconstructive approach, we bring to light the unexamined presuppositions, false pretences, and presumed ‘goodness’ and ‘naturalness’ of patient‐oriented discourse.

Discussion

By deconstructing the patient‐oriented narrative we demonstrate how pre‐existing power structures (biomedical, economic, etc.) shape the conduct of the approach and serve to depoliticize the truly participatory aspects of research. Rather than being modelled on the evidence‐based movement or seen as its natural ‘evolution’, patient‐oriented research should resist by affirming itself as a radical form that is both participatory and emancipatory.
‘Not always so’: Embracing process in the development of curricula for contemporary person‐centred healthcare professional education
Authors: Stephens John
Published: March 2023

Contemporary person‐centred healthcare and professional education operates within an interconnected and rapidly changing world of challenge and opportunity in the development of curricula that reflect practice. In times characterised by change and uncertainty, with increasing opportunities for networking and collaboration, educational curricula with an emphasis on ‘process’ rather than a more traditional, mechanistic emphasis on ‘product’, would seem appropriate in looking towards the future. Learning and emergent professional identity occurs through individuals' social definitions in turn influenced by knowledge and power relationships. The Dialogical Curriculum Framework seeks to promote a more even distribution of knowledge and power through participation and co‐production in the pursuit of tolerance and coherence to support learning and identity. The parameters and dynamics of the Dialogical Curriculum Framework are represented through the interconnected relationship between learner attributes, curriculum themes, and curriculum constructs. The processes of space for reflection, open dialogue, participation and symbolic interactionism drive the curriculum, within the context of UK policy and Society. The emphasis on the pursuit of person‐centred care makes it important for students to make connections with their own and other professions/disciplines to reflect the complexities of contemporary healthcare—an understanding of the ‘whole’, rather than fragmented parts. By way of example, a co‐produced module of study within a preregistration MSc Physiotherapy programme is highlighted. Students identify, develop, and design small‐group projects working with ‘Physiopedia’. Thus, projects hold the potential to contribute to a global educational forum as well as student dialogue for learning.
A new deep‐water conger eel of the genus Rhynchoconger (Anguilliformes: Congridae) from the south‐west coast of India, Arabian Sea
Authors: Kodeeswaran Paramasivam , Mohapatra Anil , Kumar Thipramalai Thangappan Pillai Ajith , Lal Kuldeep Kumar
Published: March 2023

A new species of deep‐water conger eel, Rhynchoconger bicoloratus sp. nov., is described herein based on three specimens collected from the deep‐sea trawlers landing at Kalamukku fishing harbour, off Kochi, Arabian Sea, from a depth beyond 200 m. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by having the following combination of characters: head larger than trunk, rictus at posterior margin of pupil, dorsal fin origin slightly before the pectoral fin insertion, eye diameter 1.7–1.9 times in snout length, ethmovomerine teeth patch broader than long with 41–44 recurved pointed teeth in six or seven rows, vomerine teeth patch pentagonal shaped with single tooth on posterior end, 35 pre‐anal vertebrae, body bicoloured, peritoneum and stomach black. Genetically, the new species differs from its congeners with a divergence of 12.9%–20.1% in the mitochondrial COI gene.
Patient‐derived xenograft mouse models to investigate tropism to the central nervous system and retina of primary and secondary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Isbell Lisa Kristina , Tschuch Cordula , Doostkam Soroush , Waldeck Silvia , Andrieux Geoffroy , Shoumariyeh Khalid , Lenhard Dorothee , Schaefer Hans Eckart , Reinacher Peter Christoph , Bartsch Ingrid , Pantic Milena , Vinnakota Janaki Manoja , Kakkassery Vinodh , Schorb Elisabeth , Scherer Florian , Frey Anna Verena , Boerries Melanie , Illerhaus Gerald , Duyster Justus , Schueler Julia , von Bubnoff Nikolas
Published: March 2023

Aims

How and why lymphoma cells home to the central nervous system and vitreoretinal compartment in primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the central nervous system remain unknown. Our aim was to create an in vivo model to study lymphoma cell tropism to the central nervous system.

Methods

We established a patient‐derived central nervous system lymphoma xenograft mouse model and characterised xenografts derived from four primary and four secondary central nervous system lymphoma patients using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and nucleic acid sequencing technology. In reimplantation experiments, we analysed dissemination patterns of orthotopic and heterotopic xenografts and performed RNA sequencing of different involved organs to detect differences at the transcriptome level.

Results

We found that xenografted primary central nervous system lymphoma cells home to the central nervous system and eye after intrasplenic transplantation, mimicking central nervous system and primary vitreoretinal lymphoma pathology, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct signatures for lymphoma cells in the brain in comparison to the spleen as well as a small overlap of commonly regulated genes in both primary and secondary central nervous system lymphoma.

Conclusion

This in vivo tumour model preserves key features of primary and secondary central nervous system lymphoma and can be used to explore critical pathways for the central nervous system and retinal tropism with the goal to find new targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
Addressing a century‐old hypothesis – do pioneer beetles of Ips typographus use volatile cues to find suitable host trees?
Authors: Lehmanski Linda M. A. , Kandasamy Dineshkumar , Andersson Martin N. , Netherer Sigrid , Alves Eliane Gomes , Huang Jianbei , Hartmann Henrik
Published: March 2023

Global warming and more frequent climate extremes have caused bark beetle outbreaks of unprecedented scale of these insects in many conifer forests world‐wide. Conifers that have been weakened by drought and heat or damaged by storms are highly susceptible to bark beetle infestation. A large proportion of trees with impaired defences provides good conditions for beetle population build‐up of beetles, but mechanisms driving host search of pioneer beetles are still uncertain in several species, including the Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus. Despite a two‐century‐long history of bark beetle research, we still lack a sufficient understanding of interactions between I. typographus and its host Norway spruce (Picea abies) to forecast future disturbance regimes and forest dynamics. Depending on the scale (habitat or patch) and beetle population state (endemic or epidemic), host selection is likely driven by a combination of pre and postlanding cues, including visual selection or olfactory detection (kairomones). Here, we discuss primary attraction mechanisms and how volatile emission profiles of Norway spruce may provide cues on tree vitality and suitability for attacks by I. typographus, in particular during the endemic phase. We identify several crucial knowledge gaps and provide a research agenda addressing the experimental challenges of such investigations.
Chinese Experts Consensus and Practice Guideline on Discoid Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Yang Shunjie , Zhang Shurong , Li Ruixin , Yang Chunxi , Zheng Jiapeng , Wang Cheng , Lu Jun , Zhang Zhengzheng , Shang Xiliang , Zhang Hui , Wang Weiming , Li Weiping , Huang Jingmin , Zhang Yadong , Wang Jianquan , Wang You , Zheng Xiaofei , Chen Gang , Hua Yinghui , Chen Shiyi , Li Jian
Published: March 2023

Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) is the most common congenital variant of the lateral meniscus, which is prone to degeneration and lesions, and often leads to knee osteoarthritis. At present, there is no consensus on the clinical practice of DLM, and this expert consensus and practice guidelines on DLM was developed and approved by Chinese Society of Sports Medicine according to the Delphi method. Among 32 statements drafted, 14 statements were excluded for redundant information, and 18 statements achieved consensus. This expert consensus focused on the definition, epidemiology, etiology, classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and rehabilitation of DLM. Restoring the normal shape, retaining appropriate width and thickness, and ensuring the stability of the remnant meniscus is critical to sustaining the physiological function of the meniscus and preserving the knee. The partial meniscectomy with or without repair should be the first‐line treatment when possible, given that the clinical and radiological long‐term outcomes of total or subtotal meniscectomy are worse.
Associations between chronic pain, anxiety, and depression among adults in the United States
Authors: Mullins Peter M. , Yong Robert Jason , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2023

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the associations of depression and anxiety with chronic pain among U.S. adults.

Setting

Nationally representative cross‐sectional survey analysis.

Methods

The National Health Interview Survey for 2019 was analyzed with respect to the chronic pain module and embedded depression and anxiety scales (PHQ‐8 and GAD‐7). Univariate associations between the presence of chronic pain and depression and anxiety scores were determined. Similarly, associations between the presence of chronic pain and the adults' treating with medications for depression and anxiety were also determined. Odds ratios, adjusted for age and sex, were computed for these associations.

Results

Among 244.6 million sampled U.S. adults, 50.2 million (95% confidence interval, 48.2–52.2 million) reported chronic pain (20.5%, [19.9%–21.2%] of the population). Adults with chronic pain had elevated severity of depressive symptoms (PHQ‐8 categories: none/minimal: 57.6%, mild: 22.3%, moderate: 11.4%, and severe: 8.7%) versus those without chronic pain (87.6%, 8.8%, 2.3%, and 1.2%; p < 0.001). Adults with chronic pain had elevated severity of anxiety symptoms (GAD‐7 categories: none/minimal: 66.4%, mild: 17.1%, moderate: 8.5%, severe: 8.0%) versus those without chronic pain (89.0%, 7.5%, 2.1%, and 1.4%; p < 0.001). 22.4% and 24.5% of chronic pain sufferers were taking medication for depression and anxiety versus 6.6% and 8.5% of those without chronic pain, respectively (both p < 0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for the association of chronic pain with increasing severity of depression or anxiety and taking a depression or anxiety medication were 6.32 (5.82–6.85), 5.63 (5.15–6.15), 3.98 (3.63–4.37), and 3.42 (3.12–3.75), respectively.

Conclusions

The presence of chronic pain in adults associated with significantly higher severity scores for both anxiety and depression as measured by validated surveys in a nationally representative sample. The same is true for the association between chronic pain and an adult taking medication for depression and/or anxiety. These data highlight the impact of chronic pain has on psychological well‐being within the general population.
A multivariate analysis of phenotypic traits of strains ofFusarium graminearumandF. meridionalesupports structure by species
Authors: Machado Franklin J. , de Barros Aline V. , McMaster Nicole , Schmale David G. , Del Ponte Emerson M. , Vaillancourt Lisa J.
Published: March 2023

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and Gibberella ear and stalk rot (GER and GSR) of maize are diseases of worldwide importance. Several phylogenetic species belonging to theFusarium graminearumspecies complex (FGSC) cause FHB and GER/GSR in Brazil, but the dominant species varies depending on host.Fusarium graminearumis the most frequent cause of FHB, whileF.meridionaleis more often associated with GER/GSR. These two species are distinguished based on fixed sequence variations at a few genetic loci; however, relevance of these differences to reproduction, pathogenicity and toxigenicity has not been fully explored. A range of phenotypic traits were evaluated for a group of strains ofF.graminearumandF.meridionalefrom wheat and maize. These included radial growth on agar plates, sexual and asexual reproduction, fungicide sensitivity, toxigenicity and pathogenicity on wheat and maize. Although intraspecies variation was observed for most traits, a multivariate analysis showed the strains were strongly structured by species, regardless of host origin. Increased sexual or asexual reproduction, deoxynivalenol production and aggressiveness on wheat heads were most important for distinguishing strains ofF.graminearum, while faster mycelial growth in culture, nivalenol production and reduced colonization on detached maize silks were most important for distinguishing strains ofF.meridionale. Thus, the phylogenetic distinction betweenF.graminearumandF.meridionaleis supported by phenotypic differences that are relevant for pathogenicity (aggressiveness and mycotoxin production on wheat heads and maize silks, mycelial growth and sexual and asexual reproduction) and disease management (tebuconazole sensitivity).
Single cell genomics as a transformative approach for aquaculture research and innovation
Authors: Daniels Rose Ruiz , Taylor Richard S. , Robledo Diego , Macqueen Daniel J.
Published: March 2023

Single cell genomics encompasses a suite of rapidly maturing technologies that measure the molecular profiles of individual cells within target samples. These approaches provide a large up‐step in biological information compared to long‐established ‘bulk’ methods that profile the average molecular profiles of all cells in a sample, and have led to transformative advances in understanding of cellular biology, particularly in humans and model organisms. The application of single cell genomics is fast expanding to non‐model taxa, including aquaculture species, where numerous research applications are underway with many more envisaged. In this review, we highlight the potential transformative applications of single cell genomics in aquaculture research, considering barriers and potential solutions to the broad uptake of these technologies. Focusing on single cell transcriptomics, we outline considerations for experimental design, including the essential requirement to obtain high quality cells/nuclei for sequencing in ectothermic aquatic species. We further outline data analysis and bioinformatics considerations, tailored to studies with the under‐characterized genomes of aquaculture species, where our knowledge of cellular heterogeneity and cell marker genes is immature. Overall, this review offers a useful source of knowledge for researchers aiming to apply single cell genomics to address biological challenges faced by the global aquaculture sector though an improved understanding of cell biology.
Enchanted companionship of Korean Catholic youth amid compressed individualization
Authors: Jung Kyuhyun , Oh Seil
Published: March 2023

Korean youth are confronted with “existential vulnerability” in an uncertain labor market. “Compressed individualization” reflects a high‐risk society in Korea's socio‐economic context and acts as the social backdrop for the “privatization of religion.” Despite de‐religionization or the unchurching climate, what are the peculiar features of Korean Catholic youth who are actively participating in a church group? The authors selected five Catholic youth groups and conducted in‐depth interviews with 18 of their members. Highly religious young Catholics demonstrate coping with existential insecurity amid compressed individualization via “enchanted companionship” experienced through prayer, sharing, or service. Despite differences in communal culture between groups, the peculiar features of their enchanted companionship include holistic healing, reciprocal transcendence, and solidarity. Amid the youth's struggles to find their way toward the fullness of life, these communities offer them a “free and gratuitous haven” distinct from secular ties in the utilitarian and disenchanted world. They can also voluntarily discover the significance of life through their activities, reflections, and missions. In sum, this study explains how religiosity is formed through a socio‐existential vulnerability in youth's lived religion at a micro‐level analysis, and signifies enchanted companionship as a key mechanism counteracting the waves of the secular world.
A retrospective study of 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser therapy for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules
Authors: Yang Xinjun , Bi Chen , E Tianyu , Lin Li , Cao Yongqian
Published: March 2023

Background

The therapeutic efficacy of laser treatments for acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNOM) varies among studies, and few studies have evaluated the factors affecting therapeutic effects.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL) therapy for ABNOM and to identify the factors influencing the outcome.

Methods

A total of 110 patients with ABNOM were retrospectively evaluated and received two‐to‐nine treatment sessions. The effects of different factors on the therapeutic effect were analyzed on the basis of the number of treatments, age at first treatment, skin type, lesion color, affected area, number of lesion sites, and presence of concomitant melasma.

Results

The curative effect was positively correlated with the treatment time and negatively correlated with the increasing age at first treatment (p < 0.05). The curative effect was better in patients with skin type III than those with type IV ( p < 0.05) and in patients with a lesion area of less than 10 cm2 than those with a larger affected area (p < 0.05). Additionally, the treatment effect was poorer in patients with concomitant melasma (p < 0.05). The treatment effect was not significantly correlated with the lesion color or number of affected sites (p > 0.05). Eleven patients (10%) developed postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Conclusions

Early and repeated QSNYL therapy achieved satisfactory results for ABNOM. The risk of PIH after laser treatment is highest among patients with older age, darker lesion color, and darker skin color. For patients with ABNOM with concurrent melasma, low‐energy laser therapy is recommended to reduce the risk of melasma aggravation.
Desires of technocracy in pandemic times: A multilevel study
Authors: Cena Lorenzo , Roccato Michele
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We aimed to predict the favor for a technocratic government in the context of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.

Method

We tested a multilevel mediated moderated model on the ResPOnsE COVID‐19 data set (rolling cross‐section design, quota sample of the Italian adult population, N = 8210, data collected from March 17 to June 16, 2021).

Results

Subjective vulnerability to COVID‐19 showed a positive relationship with trust in science and scientists, which, in turn, had a positive relationship with favor for a technocratic government, particularly among participants who had low trust in the Italian Parliament. The prevalence of COVID‐19 (measured at Level‐2, with data nested by day of data collection) also showed a positive association with favor for a technocratic government.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic may have jeopardized representative democracy

The objective and subjective threats it triggered favor trust in science and scientists that, when combined with a low level of trust toward political institutions, fosters the desire for a technocratic government.
Public perceptions of castle doctrine and stand your ground cases
Authors: Sower Emma , Alexander Apryl A. , Klukoff Hannah
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Stand your ground (SYG) and castle doctrine (CD) laws are presently growing throughout the United States. The present study aims to better understand public perceptions of SYG and CD cases and demographic factors that influence judicial decision making.

Methods

Participants were 204 adults who were randomly assigned one of four vignettes that depicted a CD or SYG scenario and varied by defendant demographics. After reading the vignette, participants completed a questionnaire assessing whether they believed the defendant was guilty of the murder and whether the homicide was justified.

Results

Results indicated participants were more likely to assign a guilty verdict to the SYG scenario, compared to the CD scenario. Additionally, participants assigned to the SYG vignette believed the male defendant was more justified in killing the victim, compared to participants assigned the female defendant.

Conclusion

Results from this study reveal how potential jurors may harbor sex/gender bias in determining justifiable homicide in stand your ground cases.
Length L‐function for network‐constrained point data
Authors: Fang Zidong , Song Ci , Shu Hua , Chen Jie , Liu Tianyu , Wang Xi , Chen Xiao , Yan Xiaorui , Pei Tao
Published: March 2023

Network‐constrained points are constrained by and distributed on road networks, for example, taxi pick‐up and drop‐off locations. The aggregation pattern (clustering) of network‐constrained points (significantly denser than randomly distributed) along roads may indicate spatial anomalies. For example, detecting and quantifying the aggregation with the highest intensity (i.e., the number of taxi pick‐up points per network length) can reveal high taxi demand. The network K‐function and its derivative (incremental network K‐function) have been utilized to identify point aggregations and measure aggregation scale, yet can only identify radius‐based planar‐scale results, thereby mis‐estimating aggregation patterns owing to the network topology configuration heterogeneity. Specifically, complex road networks (e.g., intersections) may incur aggregations despite their low intensity. This study constructs the length L‐function for network‐constrained points, using its first derivative to quantify the true‐to‐life aggregation scale and the local function to extract aggregations. Synthetic and practical data experiments show innovative detection of aggregations at the length‐based scale and with high intensity, providing a new approach to point pattern analysis of networks unaffected by topological complexity.
Safety profile of plasma for fractionation donated in the United Kingdom, with respect to variantCreutzfeldt–Jakobdisease
Authors: Thomas Stephen , Roberts Barnaby , Domanović Dragoslav , Kramer Koen , Klochkov Denis , Sivasubramaniyam Sujan , Miloslavich Dana , Plançon Jean‐Philippe , Rossi Françoise , Misztela Dominika , Kirkpatrick Lauren , Miflin Gail , Birchall Janet , McLintock Lorna , Knight Richard
Published: March 2023

Plasma‐derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are life‐saving and life‐improving therapies, but the raw material is in short supply: Europe depends on importation from countries including the United States. Plasma from donors resident in the United Kingdom has not been fractionated since 1999 when a precautionary measure was introduced in response to the outbreak of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD). Cases of vCJD have been far fewer than originally predicted in the 1990s. Since the introduction of leucodepletion in 1999, and accounting for the incubation period, more than 40 million UK‐derived blood components have been issued with no reports of TT vCJD. In February 2021, the UK Government authorized manufacture of immunoglobulin from UK plasma. Following separate reviews concluding no significant difference in the risk posed, the United States, Australia, Ireland and Hong Kong also lifted their deferrals of blood donors with a history of living in the United Kingdom. Other countries are actively reviewing their position. Demand is rising for PDMPs, and Europe faces a threat of supply shortages. Industry and patient groups are clear that using UK plasma would bring significant immediate benefits to patients and to the resilience of the European supply chain. From this scientific review, we conclude that UK plasma is safe for fractionation and urge blood regulators and operators to take account of this safety profile when considering fractionation of UK plasma, and to revise their guidelines on the deferral of donors who have lived in, or received a transfusion in, the United Kingdom.
A two‐dimensional arithmetic André–Oort problem
Authors: Richard Rodolphe
Published: March 2023

We state and investigate an integral analogue of the André–Oort conjecture (in integral models of Shimura varieties). We establish an instance of this conjecture: the case of a modular curve, as a scheme over . Our approach relies on equidistribution estimates related to subconvexity in analytic number theory and our result is unconditional.
On the Computation of Mean and Variance of Spatial Displacements
Authors: Ge Qiaode Jeffrey , Yu Zihan , Arbab Mona , Langer Mark P.
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the problem of computing an average (or mean) displacement from a set of given spatial displacements using three types of parametric representations: Euler angles and translation vectors, unit quaternions and translation vectors, and dual quaternions. It is shown that the use of Euclidean norm in the space of unit quaternions reduces the problem to that of computing the mean for each quaternion component separately and independently. While the resulting algorithm is simple, a change in the sign of a unit quaternion could lead to an incorrect result. A novel kinematic measure based on dual quaternions is introduced to capture the separation between two spatial displacements. This kinematic measure is used to define the variance of a set of displacements, which is then used to formulate a constrained least squares minimization problem. It is shown that the problem decomposes into that of finding the optimal translation vector and the optimal unit quaternion. The former is simply the centroid of the set of translation vectors and the latter is obtained as the eigenvector corresponding to the least eigenvalue of a 4 × 4 positive definite symmetric matrix. In addition, it is found that the weight factor used in combining rotations and translations in the formulation does not play a role in the final outcome. Examples are provided to show the comparisons of these methods.
Physical Education Teacher Candidates' Beliefs About Instructing Students With Disabilities in Adapted Aquatics
Authors:   Kent State University, Sato Takahiro , Hodge Samuel ,   The Ohio State University, Casebolt Kevin ,   East Stroudsburg University, Samalot-Rivera Amaury ,   State University of New York at Brockport
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe and explain teacher candidates’ beliefs about instructing students with severe disabilities in adapted aquatics as a requirement of their physical education teacher education (PETE) program. The participants were 10 PETE teacher candidates (6 male and 4 female) enrolled in adapted physical education courses coupled with an adapted aquatic practicum. This explanatory case study was situated in the theory of planned behavior. The data sources were face-to-face interviews, self-reflective journaling entries, and follow-up e-mail messages. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, and we uncovered the following themes: (a) expectations unmet, (b) limited choice, and (c) experiential learning. Based on the findings, it is clear at least a minimal amount of course work in adapted physical activity (including adapted aquatic instruction) and in special education and hands-on experiences working with students with disabilities should be recommended, if not required, in PETE programs.
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) in Drowning Prevention: An Exploratory Study
Authors:   The University of Auckland, Moran Kevin , Moran Damian ,   New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research
Published: March 2023

The use of inertial measurement unit (IMUs) sensors in competitive swimming movement analysis has become increasingly popular but has not been applied to measuring water competencies related to drowning prevention. This study explored the potential use of IMU sensors in three simulated water competency activities in a pool environment. Participants were a subset (n = 12) of a cohort of students (n = 37) taking part in the Can You Swim in Clothes? project. Participants undertook a swim for speed test over 25 m, a distance swim of 5-min duration, and a flotation test, also for 5 min, wearing swimwear and again in lightweight street clothing while wearing an IMU to measure leg acceleration forces. Results showed that clothing impeded swimming sprint speed and distance but not flotation. Authors suggest further research with regard to IMU placement, appropriate survival activities, and measurement protocols and recommend the need for expanded future IMU use.
Measuring Physical Education Teacher Socialization With Respect to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming
Authors: Merica Christopher Barton , Egan Cate A. , Webster Collin A. , Mindrila Diana , Goc Karp Grace , Paul David R. , McKown Hayley , Rose Seth
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Utilizing teacher socialization in physical education theory, the aim of this study was to develop a survey to measure physical education teachers’ socialization experiences and comprehensive school physical activity program involvement. Method: Instrument development included a review of existing comprehensive school physical activity program and socialization instruments, Delphi method to evaluate face and content validity through expert feedback, and a pilot test to examine the instrument’s psychometric properties. Results: Upon completion of expert feedback, three items were removed, four items were revised, and open-ended questions were added to each survey construct. The pilot test yielded 28 completed surveys (40% response rate). Bayesian exploratory factor analytic procedures showed that items had statistically significant loadings and were quality measures of the corresponding constructs. Survey subscales had acceptable and high internal consistency coefficients. Discussion/Conclusion: Results suggest that this instrument is a trustworthy tool for continued research examining physical education teachers’ socialization and comprehensive school physical activity program involvement.
The early bird catches the IL-2 in C-type lectin receptor–dependent activation of dendritic cells
Authors: Blamberg Robert , Lang Roland
Published: March 2023

The transcriptional response of macrophages and dendritic cells to stimulation of pattern recognition receptors can be unexpectedly distinct. In this issue of
Science Signaling
, Watanabe
et al.
demonstrate that IL-2 is differentially induced by the closely related C-type lectin receptors Dectin-2 and Mincle and reveal early signaling through the adaptor protein FcRγ as a critical mechanism.
Immunogenic Lncs to cancer therapy
Authors: Baek Amy E.
Published: March 2023

LncRNA-derived peptides enhance T lymphocyte responses to tumors in mice.
Imprinting of Gut-Homing Receptors on Mtb-Specific Th1* Cells Is Associated with Reduced Lung Homing after Gavage BCG Vaccination of Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Hoft Stella G. , Kauffman Keith D. , Sakai Shunsuke , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Sette Alessandro , Hoft Daniel F. , Herbert Richard , Barber Daniel L.
Published: March 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) is a leading cause of global infectious disease mortality. The vaccine for Mtb, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), was originally developed as an oral vaccine, but is now given intradermally.
Kaposi sarcoma at the base of the tongue in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Safia Alaa , Farhat Raed , Avraham Yaniv , Merchavy Shlomo
Published: March 2023

Oral Kaposi Sarcoma (OKS) commonly occurs in patients with AIDS. The incidence of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is greatly increased in renal transplant recipients compared with the general population, with particular prevalence in certain ethnic groups where it can occur in up to 5% of transplant recipients. From them, only 2% can manifest first with OKS.

A man in his early 40s, 2 years after kidney transplantation, presented with a reddish-purple hypertrophic ulcerated lesion at the base of the tongue. Cervical ultrasonography revealed enlarged lymph nodes, and pathological examination of biopsies revealed KS. The patient had HIV-negative status. Following an investigation, calcineurin inhibitor treatment was stopped, and an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor treatment was started. Fibreoptic examination 3 months after beginning mTOR inhibitor treatment revealed no traces of the disease in the base of the tongue.

An isolated oral lesion should not distract clinicians from further systemic investigation for metastatic disease.

OKS is a rare but serious complication in kidney transplant patients after receiving calcineurin inhibitor that could result in airway obstruction due to mass effect or bleeding and aspiration.

Early diagnosis and management of OKS in a renal transplant patient who received a calcineurin inhibitor carry a good prognosis. OKS can be managed by changing the treatment regime to an mTOR inhibitor followed by radiation therapy. This contrasts with KS treatment in non-renal transplant patients without calcineurin inhibitors who may need treatment using different modalities such as surgery and chemotherapy.

We emphasise the importance of this case for nephrologists responsible for patient follow-up after renal transplantation who prescribed calcineurin inhibitors. These patients must be advised that if they feel any physical mass in the tongue, they should immediately seek an examination by an ear, nose and throat specialist. Nephrologists and patients should be aware that these symptoms should not be underestimated.
Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma mimicking mucinous ovarian neoplasm with pseudomyxoma peritonei
Authors: Altintas Taslicay Ceylan , Asadullayeva Maila , Civriz Aziz Hakki , Posteki Gokhan
Published: March 2023

Cystic mesothelioma, also known as benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM), is a rare neoplasm and one of the five main histological types of peritoneal mesothelioma. Although it is usually considered benign histologically, it is increasingly accepted as a ‘borderline malignancy’ because the local recurrence rate is high. It is more common in middle-aged women and is generally asymptomatic. Considering that BMPM is often found in the pelvis, it is difficult to differentiate from other pelvic and abdominal lesions, such as cystic ovarian masses, especially mucinous cystadenoma–adenocarcinoma, pseudomyxoma peritonei, etc. Preoperative diagnosis is very difficult due to its rarity and lack of specific diagnostic imaging and clinical findings. Definitive diagnosis is made only by pathological evaluation. In this article, we aimed to present the imaging findings of a BMPM case in a woman who was diagnosed with mucinous ovarian neoplasm with pseudomyxoma peritonei preoperatively and underwent cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Regional practice variation in pelvic organ prolapse surgery in Tuscany, Italy: a retrospective cohort study on administrative health data
Authors: Ferrari Amerigo , Giannini Andrea , Seghieri Chiara , Simoncini Tommaso , Vainieri Milena
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To explore determinants of practice variation in both access, and quality and efficiency of surgical care for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Design and setting

A retrospective cohort study employing administrative health data from the Tuscany region, Italy.

Participants

All women over 40 years hospitalised for apical/multicompartmental POP reconstructive surgery (excluding anterior/posterior colporrhaphy without concomitant hysterectomy) from January 2017 to December 2019.

Outcomes

We first computed treatment rates just for women residing in Tuscany (n=2819) and calculated the Systematic Component of Variation (SCV) to explore variation in access to care among health districts. Then, using the full cohort (n=2959), we ran multilevel models for the average length of stay and reoperations, readmissions and complications, and computed the intraclass correlation coefficient to assess the individual and hospital determinants of efficiency and quality of care provided by hospitals.

Results

The 5.4-fold variation between the lowest-rate (56/100 000 inhabitants) and the highest-rate (302/100 000) districts and the SCV over 10% confirmed high systematic variation in the access to care. Higher treatment rates were driven by greater provisions of robotic and/or laparoscopic interventions, which showed highly variable usage rates. Both individual and hospital factors influenced quality and efficiency provided by hospitals, but just low proportions of variation were explained by hospital and patient characteristics.

Conclusions

We found high and systematic variation in the access to POP surgical care in Tuscany and in quality and efficiency provided by hospitals. Such a variation may be mainly explained by user and provider preferences, which should be further explored. Also, supply-side factors may be involved, suggesting that wider and more uniform dissemination of robotic/laparoscopic procedures may reduce variation.
Effects of integrated action and sensory observation therapy based on mirror neuron and embodied cognition theory on upper limb sensorimotor function in chronic stroke: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Zhiqing , Chen Xixi , Li Yuanli , Chen Songmei , Zhang Sicong , Wu Yuwei , Shi Xiaolong , Ren Meng , Shan Chunlei
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study protocol aims to explore the effectiveness and neural mechanism of the integration of action observation therapy (AOT) and sensory observation therapy (SOT) for post-stroke patients on upper limb sensorimotor function.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. A total of 69 patients with upper extremity hemiparesis after stroke will be recruited and randomly divided into an AOT group, a combined action observation and somatosensory stimulation therapy (AOT+SST) group, and a combined AOT and SOT (AOT+SOT) group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Each group will receive 30 min of daily treatment, five times weekly for 4 weeks. The primary clinical outcome will be the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity. Secondary clinical outcomes will include the Box and Blocks Test, modified Barthel Index and sensory assessment. All clinical assessments and resting-state functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging data will be obtained at pre-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2) and 8 weeks of follow-up (T3).

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine (Grant No. 2020-178). The results will be submitted to a peer-review journal or at a conference.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000040568
Food allergy knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of kindergarten teachers in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madooh Latifah , Allahou Shaikhah , Alshallal Haya , Alkazemi Fatemah , Alyaseen Dina , Allahow Farah , Alsattam Shahad , Al-Majran Abdullah , Ziyab Ali H
Published: March 2023

Background

Food allergy (FA) affects up to 10% of children globally, with clinical symptoms varying from mild to severe, and in rare instances, it is life-threatening. Approximately one in five children with FA experience a food-induced allergic reaction in school, leaving teachers as the first line of intervention. This study aimed to assess kindergarten teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding FA.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled kindergarten teachers in Kuwait using stratified cluster sampling. The Chicago Food Allergy Research Survey for the General Public was used to assess teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding FA. The overall FA knowledge score was calculated for each participant. The χ2test was used to assess the differences in the distribution of categorical variables.

Results

Responses were obtained from 882 public kindergarten teachers from 63 kindergartens. Most teachers (81.9%) encountered students with FA in their classrooms. Only 13.5% of the teachers reported receiving training in FA. Overall, participants scored an average of 52.2% on the FA knowledge assessment, with participants receiving prior training in FA scoring on average higher than those with no prior training in FA (55.9% vs 51.6%, p=0.005). A few teachers (10.7%) were aware that lactose intolerance was not equivalent to milk allergy. In terms of attitudes regarding FA, only 14.9% of the participants acknowledged that children with FA are teased/stigmatised due to their condition, and 33.7% recognised that avoidance of allergenic food is difficult. Moreover, only 9.9% of the teachers self-reported their ability to use an epinephrine autoinjector.

Conclusions

Improved knowledge and awareness of FA among public kindergarten teachers in Kuwait are needed to ensure the safety of children with FA in schools. Teachers should be trained to prevent, recognise and manage FA-related allergic reactions.
The hydrodynamic limit for the inhomogeneous Vlasov–Navier–Stokes system
Authors: El Ghani Najoua , Mejri Hassen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study the hydrodynamic limit for the fluid–particle model, which consists of the inhomogeneous incompressible Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the Vlasov equation through a drag force in a bounded domain of [Formula: see text] with a homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition on the fluid velocity field and Maxwell boundary condition on the kinetic distribution function. The proof relies on the relative entropy argument, which extends the work of El Ghani [Asymptotic analysis for a Vlasov–Navier–Stokes system in a bounded domain, J. Hyperbolic Differ. Equ. 7 (2010) 191–210] to inhomogeneous incompressible Navier–Stokes–Vlasov equations.