bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life Evaluation Through a Single-Item “Daily Prosthesis Usage Time” in Individuals with Lower-Limb Amputation
Authors: Topuz Semra , Ülger Özlem , Yakut Yavuz , Yazıcıoğlu Gül
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to identify the relation of daily prosthesis usage time (DPUT) of individuals with amputation with quality of life (QoL) questionnaires.

Methods

The research was carried out on 125 individuals with amputation. Prosthetic-related parameters were searched, as well as demographic data. A generic (Nottingham Health Profile [NHP]) questionnaire and a questionnaire specific to individuals with amputation (Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales [TAPES]) QoL measurements were used.

Results

Ninety-one males and 28 females with a mean age of 42.4 ± 14.7 years participated in the study. The average DPUT was 11.1 ± 4.4 hrs/d. Study results showed that there was significant correlation between both of the QoL questionnaires (NHP and TAPES) and DPUT. High correlation was determined between DPUT and NHP total score and NHP-Pain, and very high correlation was found between DPUT and NHP–Physical Activity subscale. A moderate negative correlation was found between DPUT and NHP–Energy Level, NHP–Emotional Reaction, NHP–Social Isolation, and NHP–Sleep. A moderate negative correlation was found between DPUT and TAPES–Activity Restriction. A high correlation was found between DPUT and residual limb pain, prosthetic satisfaction, time interval after amputation, and number of prosthetic fittings. A moderate correlation was found between DPUT and walking aids, whereas a poor relationship was shown between phantom pain and DPUT.

Conclusions

This study showed that “the average DPUT” may be used in terms of short assessment of QoL of individuals with amputation. The outcomes of this study pointed out that especially prosthetic-related parameters affected the QoL in individuals with amputation. In problems resulting from routine assessment and questionnaires having so many items, a single-item question, “the average DPUT,” may be used effectively in a shorter period and is helpful for organizing a rehabilitation program.

Clinical Relevance

A single-item question, “The average daily prosthesis usage time (DPUT),” be used effectively in a shorter assessment of quality of life of individuals with amputation and is helpful for organizing a rehabilitation program.
Thrombosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms: update in pathophysiology
Authors: Reeves Brandi N. , Moliterno Alison R.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review

This review summarizes high-impact research in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) from the last 18 months, with a particular focus on basic science findings.

Recent findings

A pseudo-hypoxia state with stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIFα exists that is central to cell growth, cell renewal, inflammation, and thrombotic potential in MPN hematopoietic cells.

HIFα and inflammatory pathways are new therapeutic targets in MPN, with the potential to ameliorate thrombotic risk and perhaps eradicate mutant progenitor cells.
Brothers in arms: platelets and neutrophils in ischemic stroke
Authors: Denorme Frederik , Rustad John L. , Campbell Robert A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review

In this review, we will describe how the combined ability of platelets and neutrophils to interact with each other drives ischemic stroke brain injury.

Recent findings

Neutrophils are one of the first cells to respond during ischemic stroke. Although animals stroke models have indicated targeting neutrophils improves outcomes, clinical trials have failed to yield successful strategies. Platelets play a critical role in recruiting neutrophils to sites of injury by acting as a bridge to the injured endothelium. After initial platelet adhesion, neutrophils can rapidly bind platelets through P-selectin and glycoprotein Ibα. In addition, recent data implicated platelet phosphatidylserine as a novel key regulator of platelet-neutrophil interactions in the setting of ischemic stroke. Inhibition of procoagulant platelets decreases circulating platelet-neutrophil aggregates and thereby reduces infarct size. Platelet binding alters neutrophil function, which contributes to the injury associated with ischemic stroke. This includes inducing the release of neutrophil extracellular traps, which are neurotoxic and pro-thrombotic, leading to impaired stroke outcomes.

Platelet-neutrophil interactions significantly contribute to the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke brain injury. Better understanding the mechanisms behind their formation and the downstream consequences of their interactions will lead to improved therapies for stroke patients.
Distraction osteogenesis in craniosynostosis
Authors: Sandhaus Henya , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review

Craniosynostosis, a condition of premature cranial suture fusion, can have significantly detrimental effects on development and growth due to sequelae of increased intracranial hypertension (ICP), exophthalmos, and upper airway obstruction. Evolving surgical treatments now include distraction osteogenesis (DO) due to its many benefits relative to standard cranial vault remodeling procedures. This article provides an overview and update of different surgical applications of DO for patients with craniosynostosis.

Recent findings

DO has been utilized successfully for single and multisuture craniosynostosis with or without midface hypoplasia to increase intracranial volume, decrease ICP and improve aesthetics. It has been applied in single suture synostosis, posterior vault DO, fronto-orbital advancement, monobloc DO and Le Fort III DO. DO has been applied through modification of traditional surgical procedures with success in maintaining goals of surgery while reducing risk.

DO is still a relatively new and evolving surgical technique for patients with syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. With promising benefits, consideration for each procedure should be weighed until longer-term data is available.
Management of noncleft velopharyngeal insufficiency
Authors: Jefferson Niall David , Willging Jay Paul
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review

Velopharyngeal insufficiency in the absence of an overt cleft-palate is a less common and often missed cause of a resonance disorder. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide the reader with an overview of the clinical assessment. Highlight the need for multidisciplinary involvement. Discuss the process of decision-making related to a repair and finally comment on the preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative considerations.

Recent findings

With the advent of small calibre videonasendoscopes, evaluation of the size, location, and closure pattern of the velopharyngeal gap has improved the surgeons’ ability to provide a tailored repair. Evolutions in technique including posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation and buccal flap advancement in palatal lengthening have all increased the options available to the patient and treating team.

Multidisciplinary assessment by trained specialist from speech and language pathology and surgery remain the cornerstone in the evaluation and management of this patient cohort. Many have a chromosomal anomaly that should be tested for and managed accordingly. These patients are often diagnosed late and have developed additional compensatory speech disorders that often need to be addressed following repair of the palate. Targeted thoughtful assessment will allow for a greater likelihood of successful repair.
An Exploratory Study on Death Anxiety and Its Impact on Community Palliative Nurses in Singapore
Authors: Tang Mun Leong , Goh Hongli Sam , Zhang Hui , Lee Chen Na
Published: June 2021

Nurses working in palliative care settings encounter death and dying regularly and face a greater risk of developing death anxiety and negative attitudes than their counterparts. Such distress and apprehension can cause care fatigue and affect patients' quality of life. Death anxiety remains an underresearched area in Asia, where death and dying are still considered taboo. This study explored death anxiety and its impact on community palliative nurses in Singapore and was conducted at a community hospital in Singapore from January to June 2018. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 16 nurses of different job grades for the face-to-face interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the data analytical approach of Miles et al. Four overarching themes were generated: (1) intrinsic factors influencing death anxiety, (2) extrinsic factors influencing death anxiety, (3) emotional struggles and coping, and (4) need for death education and psychological support. Gaps in palliative care education and death education need to be contextualized to increase the community palliative nurses' awareness and acceptance of death and enhance their death literacy in a multicultural setting.
The Relationship of Comorbid Overweight-Obesity With Cold Executive Functions, Verbal Short-Term Memory, and Learning in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Guler Hasan Ali , Turkoglu Serhat
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between comorbid obesity/overweight and cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, and learning in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our study was conducted on 100 drug-naive participants, including 70 patients with ADHD and 30 healthy controls. In our study, patients diagnosed with ADHD were divided into two groups according to body mass index as above the 85th percentile and at or below the 85th percentile. Cold executive functions were evaluated by the Stroop Test (ST) and Cancellation Test (CT). Serial Digit Learning Test (SDLT) was administered to measure verbal short-term memory and learning capacity. To evaluate the severity of ADHD objectively, the parents completed the Conners' Parents Rating Scale–Revised Short Version (CPRS-RS). There was no statistically significant difference in ST, SDLT, CT scores, and CPRS-RS subscale scores between the two groups with ADHD. This study show that overweight/obesity comorbid with ADHD may not be associated with cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, learning, or ADHD symptom severity.
Nurse Mentors Guide Medical Assistants Up the Clinical Ladder
Authors: Johnson Shelly J. , Flores Holly J.
Published: June 2021

Health systems adopting a medical assistant clinical ladder program would do well to invest in program leaders. Nurse mentors tasked with leading advancement programs should formally advance their own coaching and mentoring skills. The following literature remarks describe potentially better practices for nurses who develop adult learners along advancement pathways. The proposed practice considerations may guide program leaders in equipping nurse leaders with basic mentorship fundamentals. The recommendations may be adapted to any health system’s complex adaptive network.
Dry needling has lasting analgesic effect in shoulder pain: a double-blind, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Pai Marcus Yu Bin , Toma Juliana Takiguti , Kaziyama Helena Hideko Seguchi , Listik Clarice , Galhardoni Ricardo , Yeng Lin Tchia , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) affects most patients with chronic shoulder pain. Dry needling (DN) is a common treatment for MPS, but its temporal pattern and sensory effects remain unknown.

Objectives:

We evaluated in a randomized, sham-controlled study the pattern of analgesic efficacy and local sensory changes of a single session of DN for MPS in patients with chronic shoulder pain.

Methods:

Patients with chronic shoulder pain were randomized into active (n = 20) or sham (n = 21) groups. A single DN was performed by a researcher blinded to group assignment and pain outcomes. Pain intensity was assessed by the numeric rating score, and sensory thresholds were evaluated with a quantitative sensory testing protocol, including the area of tactile sensory abnormalities 7 days before needling, right before, and 7 days after the intervention.

Results:

Dry needling led to significant larger pain intensity reduction (from 6.30 ± 2.05 to 2.40 ± 2.45 in the active group; P = 0.02, effect size = −1.3 (95% CI [−2.0 to −0.68]); (number necessary to treat = 2.1). Pain reduction scores were significantly different on the second day after needling and persisted so until the seventh day and were accompanied by improvement in other dimensions of pain and a decrease in the area of mechanical hyperalgesia in the active DN group alone (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Active trigger points DN provided analgesic effects compared with sham and decreased the area of local mechanical hyperalgesia. These findings have practical clinical implications and may provide mechanistic insights behind MPS.
Sex and Age Determination by Measurement of Foramen Magnum Dimensions on Computer Tomography Scanning Study in the Iranian Population
Authors: Hosseini Amir , Soleimannejad Maryam , Javadi Amir , Kazemifar Amirmohammad , Darabi Shahram , Pourkeramat Sorosh
Published: June 2021

Background:

Individual distinguishing evidence may be an imperative field of measurable investigation which demonstrates higher correct expectation rates. This process of recognizable Evidence is facilitated by the assurance of sex and age. In circumstances where there are fragmented and mangled skeletal remains, sex assurance is moderately troublesome, and it becomes important to set up the precision of cadaver bones. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate sexual dimorphism and age determination by measuring foramen magnum (FM) dimensions in the Iranian population using digital computed tomography scan.

Methods:

The study sample consisted of a modern adult Iranian population of 120 males and 109 females (age range: 15–50 years). Length, width, and area of FM, also FM index were measured on base skull computed tomography scan.

Result:

All of the parameters of FM (length, width, area, and FM index), were larger in men than women. The accuracy of sex determination was up to 50.2. The highest accuracy for sex determination was FM width (67.9). This study also helps craniofacial surgeon for exact reference value of FM, which are authorize neurosurgeons’ accessibility to the brain stem approach and FM region with minimum retraction.

Conclusions:

It can be concluded from the result, that morphometric analyze of FM is useful for sex determination but cannot be suitable for age determination.
Association of Frailty and the Expanded Operative Stress Score with Preoperative Acute Serious Conditions, Complications, and Mortality in Males Compared to Females
Authors: Yan Qi , Kim Jeongsoo , Hall Daniel E. , Shinall Myrick C. , Reitz Katherine Moll , Stitzenberg Karyn B. , Kao Lillian S. , George Elizabeth L. , Youk Ada , Wang Chen-Pin , Silverstein Jonathan C. , Bernstam Elmer V. , Shireman Paula K.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to expand Operative Stress Score (OSS) increasing procedural coverage and assessing OSS and frailty association with Preoperative Acute Serious Conditions (PASC), complications and mortality in females versus males.

Summary Background Data:

Veterans Affairs male-dominated study showed high mortality in frail veterans even after very low stress surgeries (OSS1).

Methods:

Retrospective cohort using NSQIP data (2013–2019) merged with 180-day postoperative mortality from multiple hospitals to evaluate PASC, 30-day complications and 30-, 90-, and 180-day mortality.

Results:

OSS expansion resulted in 98.2% case coverage versus 87.0% using the original. Of 82,269 patients (43.8% male), 7.9% were frail/very frail. Males had higher odds of PASC [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–1.41, P < 0.001] and severe/life–threatening Clavien-Dindo IV (CDIV) complications (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.09–1.28, P < 0.001). Although mortality rates were higher (all time-points, P < 0.001) in males versus females, mortality was similar after adjusting for frailty, OSS, and case status primarily due to increased male frailty scores. Additional adjustments for PASC and CDIV resulted in a lower odds of mortality in males (30-day, aOR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.71–0.92, P = 0.002) that was most pronounced for males with PASC compared to females with PASC (30-day, aOR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.56–0.99, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Similar to the male-dominated Veteran population, private sector, frail patients have high likelihood of postoperative mortality, even after low-stress surgeries. Preoperative frailty screening should be performed regardless of magnitude of the procedure. Despite males experiencing higher adjusted odds of PASC and CDIV complications, females with PASC had higher odds of mortality compared to males, suggesting differences in the aggressiveness of care provided to men and women.
The Impact of General Surgeons on Pediatric Surgical Practice in North Carolina
Authors: Purcell Laura N. , Charles Anthony G. , Ricketts Thomas , Akinkuotu Adesola , McLean Sean E. , Hayes-Jordan Andrea , Phillips Michael R.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to define the training background of the actual surgical workforce providing care to pediatric patients in North Carolina (NC).

Background:

Due to database limitations, pediatric surgical workforce studies have not included general surgeons (GS) who operate on children. Defining the role of GS in care delivery affects policy for clinical care and general and pediatric surgical training.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of the NC Hospital Discharge Database (2011–2017), including pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing the most frequent general surgery procedures. Descriptive and correlational analysis over surgical provider [Pediatric Surgeon (PS), GS], and other specialties (OSS), was performed using logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with surgery by a PS.

Results:

Of the 57,265 discharges analyzed, pediatric, general, and other specialty surgeons operated on 25,514 (44.6%), 18,581 (32.5%), and 9049 (15.8%), respectively. In a logistic regression model, PS had lower odds of operating on older patients [odds ratio (OR) 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-0.91]. However, PS were more likely to operate on female patients (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.53-1.65), Black (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.43-1.56), and other minority patients (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17-1.29) when compared to white patients. PS were also more likely to operate on patients with private insurance (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.33–1.43) compared to government insurance, and patients undergoing emergency surgery (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.38–1.50).

Conclusion:

In NC, general surgeons performed a third of the operations on children. After controlling for covariates, pediatric surgeons in NC are more likely to operate on minority and emergency surgery patients, and this is the first study to describe this important practice pattern.
Influence of Wrap Fixation Technique on the Results of Fundoplication
Authors: Paranyak Mykola , Patel Rikesh , Grubnyk Viktor , Grubnik Volodymyr
Published: June 2021

Background:

Different techniques of wrap fixation in laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) have been proposed with of the aim to reduce the complications, but the optimal technique is yet to be determined. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate several techniques of wrap fixation and determine whether the application of a combined approach to perform wrap fixation reduces the failure rate in short-term and long-term follow-up.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred two patients with sliding or paraesophageal hiatal hernia (type I or type II), who underwent antireflux surgery were randomized into 2 groups. In group I, LNF was supplemented with suturing the wrap to the diaphragmatic crura (35 patients) or to the body of stomach (16 patients). This was dependent on the strength of the crura (defined as weak or strong). The control group (51 patients) underwent LNF without wrap fixation. All patients were assessed using a validated symptom and quality of life (gastroesophageal reflux disease-Health Related Quality of Life) questionnaire, 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring, and barium swallow.

Results:

At the 48-month follow-up, the overall rate of complications was not significantly different between the 2 groups; however, there was a tendency toward a lower frequency of reoperations in the first group (P=0.059). Fixation of the fundoplication of wrap was noted to lead to significantly lower rates of postoperative dysphagia (P<0.05). These patients (group I) were also found to have significant improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease-Health Related Quality of Life score (from 19.3±13.2 to 4.3±3.9 vs. from 18.7±11.9 to 9.3±7.7).

Conclusion:

Fixation of the Nissen fundoplication wrap has been shown to have a positive impact on the reduction of postoperative dysphagia and leads to an improvement in disease-specific quality of life.
What Do Nurses Prefer? A Cross-sectional Study of Catheter Preference After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery
Authors: Kulkarni Anjali , McDermott Colleen D.
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to determine nursing preferences regarding catheter type (transurethral indwelling catheters vs intermittent catheterization vs suprapubic tube drainage) when caring for patients in hospital after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional survey study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

Registered nurses practicing in academic and community hospitals across North America (the United States and Canada).

METHODS:

Three hundred fifty-four RNs who routinely care for patients after pelvic organ prolapse surgery from centers across North America were sent an electronic survey between February 2018 and March 2019. The survey comprised 24 questions that collected information on the participants' demographics and their experience with using different catheters in a hospital setting, along with knowledge of and preference for the different catheter types. Descriptive statistics were used to determine catheter preferences of respondents in addition to their catheter rankings according to catheter-related outcomes.

RESULTS:

One hundred sixty nurses completed the survey, representing a 45% response rate. More than half (63.1%, n = 101) of respondents stated a preference for transurethral indwelling catheters, 23.1% (n = 37) preferred suprapubic tubes, and 10.6% (n = 17) preferred intermittent catheterization. Transurethral indwelling catheters were ranked by nurses as the best catheter type for ease of use and pain/discomfort for patients. Intermittent catheterization was ranked by nurses as the best for lowest malfunction rates and return of bladder function. Suprapubic tubes were ranked by nurses as best for lowest infection rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study has demonstrated that nurses practicing in inpatient care units have a strong preference for transurethral indwelling catheters over intermittent catheterization and suprapubic tubes when caring for patients after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.
The careful control of Polo kinase by APC/C-Ube2C ensures the intercellular transport of germline centrosomes during
Drosophila
oogenesis
Authors: Braun Alexis Leah , Meghini Francesco , Villa-Fombuena Gema , Guermont Morgane , Fernandez-Martinez Elisa , Qian Zhang , Dolores Martín-Bermudo Maria , González-Reyes Acaimo , Glover David Moore , Kimata Yuu
Published: June 2021

A feature of metazoan reproduction is the elimination of maternal centrosomes from the oocyte. In animals that form syncytial cysts during oogenesis, including
Drosophila
and human, all centrosomes within the cyst migrate to the oocyte where they are subsequently degenerated. The importance and the underlying mechanism of this event remain unclear. Here, we show that, during early
Drosophila
oogenesis, control of the Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C), the ubiquitin ligase complex essential for cell cycle control, ensures proper transport of centrosomes into the oocyte through the regulation of Polo/Plk1 kinase, a critical regulator of the integrity and activity of the centrosome. We show that novel mutations in the APC/C-specific E2, Vihar/Ube2c, that affect its inhibitory regulation on APC/C cause precocious Polo degradation and impedes centrosome transport, through destabilization of centrosomes. The failure of centrosome migration correlates with weakened microtubule polarization in the cyst and allows ectopic microtubule nucleation in nurse cells, leading to the loss of oocyte identity. These results suggest a role for centrosome migration in oocyte fate maintenance through the concentration and confinement of microtubule nucleation activity into the oocyte. Considering the conserved roles of APC/C and Polo throughout the animal kingdom, our findings may be translated into other animals.
Comparative genomics of the Pseudomonas corrugata subgroup reveals high species diversity and allows the description of Pseudomonas ogarae sp. nov.
Authors: Garrido-Sanz Daniel , Redondo-Nieto Miguel , Martin Marta , Rivilla Rafael
Published: June 2021

Pseudomonas corrugata

constitute one of the phylogenomic subgroups within the

Pseudomonas fluorescens

species complex and include both plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant pathogenic bacteria. Previous studies suggest that the species diversity of this group remains largely unexplored together with frequent misclassification of strains. Using more than 1800 sequenced

Pseudomonas

genomes we identified 121 genomes belonging to the

P. corrugata

subgroup. Intergenomic distances obtained using the genome-to-genome blast distance (GBDP) algorithm and the determination of digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were further used for phylogenomic and clustering analyses, which revealed 29 putative species clusters, of which only five correspond to currently named species within the subgroup. Comparative and functional genome-scale analyses also support the species status of these clusters. The search for PGPR and plant pathogenic determinants showed that approximately half of the genomes analysed could have a pathogenic behaviour based on the presence of a pathogenicity genetic island, while all analysed genomes possess PGPR traits. Finally, this information together with the characterization of phenotypic traits, allows the reclassification proposal of

Pseudomonas fluorescens

F113 as Pseudomonas ogarae sp. nov., nom rev., type strain F113T (=DSM 112162T=CECT 30235T), which is substantiated by genomic, functional genomics and phenotypic differences with their closest type strains.
Socioeconomic changes predict genome-wide DNA methylation in childhood
Authors: Liu Jiaxuan , Cerutti Janine , Lussier Alexandre A. , Zhu Yiwen , Smith Brooke J. , Smith Andrew D.A.C. , Dunn Erin C.
Published: June 2021

Childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) is a major determinant of health and well-being across the entire life course. To effectively prevent and reduce health risks related to SEP, it is critical to better understand when and under what circumstances socioeconomic adversity shapes biological processes. DNA methylation (DNAm) is one such mechanism for how early life adversity “gets under the skin”. Using data from a large, longitudinal birth cohort, we showed that changes in the socioeconomic environment may influence DNAm at age 7. We also showed that middle childhood (ages 6-7) may be a potential sensitive period when socioeconomic instability, reflected in parental job loss, is especially important in shaping DNAm. Our findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic stability during childhood, providing biological evidence in support of public programs to help children and families experiencing socioeconomic instability and other forms of socioeconomic adversity during childhood.
Overcoming COVID-19 vaccine preferential bias in Europe: Is the end of the pandemic still foreseeable?
Authors: Adusei-Mensah Frank , Inkum Ivy Eyiah
Published: June 2021

The availability of safe and effective vaccine alone does not save lives; it is the inoculation plus other public health measures that do. Recent reports suggest the growing trend in vaccine preferential bias in parts of the world but not much in Europe. The present paper aims to investigate the occurrence of COVID-19 vaccine preferential bias in Europe for effective vaccination planning and pandemic control.

Method

Data on vaccine delivered and vaccination campaigns of the EU member states was collected from Eu center for disease control (EUCDC) on COVID-19 vaccination radar. The data was processed for analysis on MS excel and both descriptive and statistical analysis was done with IBM’s SPSS version 21. Analysis was performed at 95% confidence interval and statistically significant difference was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

We observed statistically significantly lower vaccine uptake compared to the vaccine delivered doses in the present study (average at 62.678 +/-3.928%) (p< 0.05, CI = 95%). Great variances in uptake for Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines (50.927 +/-4.626 %) compared to Pfizer-Biontech vaccine (86.285 +/- 2.1052 %) was observed compared to previous prospective study on the wiliness to receive COVID-19 vaccine in the region (75%).

Conclusion

Public health practitioners and policy makers need to factor the existence of COVID-19 preferential bias based on vaccine type or manufacturer. This will enable them introduce policies including public educational campaigns to overcome biasness on the wiliness to inoculate thereby enhancing vaccine uptake for smooth and effective control of the pandemic.
ASER: Animal Sex Reversal database
Authors: Li Yangyang , Chen Zonggui , Liu Hairong , Li Qiming , Lin Xing , Ji Shuhui , Li Rui , Li Shaopeng , Fan Weiliang , Zhao Haiping , Zhu Zuoyan , Hu Wei , Zhou Yu , Luo Daji
Published: June 2021

Sex reversal, representing extraordinary sexual plasticity during the life cycle, not only triggers reproduction in animals but also affects reproductive and endocrine system-related diseases and cancers in humans. Sex reversal has been broadly reported in animals, however, an integrated resource hub of sex reversal information is still lacking. Here, we constructed a comprehensive database named ASER by integrating sex reversal-related data of 18 species from Teleostei to Mammals. We systematically collected 40,018 published papers and mined the Sex Reversal-associated Genes (SRGs), including their regulatory networks, from 1,611 core papers. We annotated homologous genes and computed conservation scores for whole genomes across the 18 species. Furthermore, we collected 206 available RNA-seq data and investigated the expression dynamics of SRGs during sex reversal or sex determination processes. In addition, we manually annotated 551 ISH images of SRGs from the literature and described their spatial expression in the gonads. Collectively, ASER provides a unique and integrated resource for researchers to query and reuse organized data to explore the mechanisms and applications of SRGs in animal breeding and human health. The ASER database is publicly available at http://aser.ihb.ac.cn/.
MCX Cloud – a modern, scalable, high-performance and in-browser Monte Carlo simulation platform with cloud computing
Authors: Fang Qianqian , Yan Shijie
Published: June 2021

Significance

Despite the ample progress made towards faster and more accurate Monte Carlo (MC) simulation tools over the past decade, the limited usability and accessibility of these advanced modeling tools remain key barriers towards widespread use among the broad user community.

Aim

An open-source, high-performance, web-based MC simulator that builds upon modern cloud computing architectures is highly desirable to deliver state-of-the-art MC simulations and hardware acceleration to general users without the need for special hardware installation and optimization.

Approach

We have developed a configuration-free, in-browser 3-D MC simulation platform – MCX Cloud – built upon an array of robust and modern technologies, including a Docker Swarm-based cloud-computing backend and a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that supports in-browser 3-D visualization, asynchronous data communication, and automatic data validation via JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schemas.

Results

The front-end of the MCX Cloud platform offers an intuitive simulation design, fast 3-D data rendering, and convenient simulation sharing. The Docker Swarm container orchestration backend is highly scalable and can support high-demand GPU MC simulations using Monte Carlo eXtreme (MCX) over a dynamically expandable virtual cluster.

Conclusion

MCX Cloud makes fast, scalable, and feature-rich MC simulations readily available to all biophotonics researchers without overhead. It is fully open-source and can be freely accessed at http://mcx.space/cloud.
PAIREF: paired refinement also for Phenix users
Authors: Malý Martin , Diederichs Kay , Dohnálek Jan , Kolenko Petr
Published: June 2021

In macromolecular crystallography, paired refinement is generally accepted to be the optimal approach for the determination of the high-resolution cutoff. The software tool PAIREF provides automation of the protocol and associated analysis. Support for phenix.refine as a refinement engine has recently been implemented in the program. This feature is presented here using previously published data for thermolysin. The results demonstrate the importance of the complete cross-validation procedure to obtain a thorough and unbiased insight into the quality of high-resolution data.
The influence of multi-stenosis in the left coronary artery subjected to the variable blood flow rate
Authors: Kamangar Sarfaraz , Ameer Ahamad N. , Nik-Ghazali N. , Anqi Ali E. , Algahtani Ali , Ahamed Saleel C. , Javed Syed , Tirth Vineet , Yunus Khan T.M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is reported as one of the most common sources of death all over the world. The presence of stenosis (plaque) in the coronary arteries results in the restriction of blood supply, leading to myocardial infarction. The current study investigates the influence of multi stenosis on hemodynamic properties in a patient-specific left coronary artery.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional model of the patient-specific left coronary artery was reconstructed based on computed tomography (CT) scan images using MIMICS-20 software. The diseased model of the left coronary artery was investigated, having the narrowing of 90% and 70% of area stenosis (AS) at the left anterior descending (LAD) and left circumflex (LCX), respectively.

Findings

The results indicate that the upstream region of stenosis experiences very high pressure for 90% AS during the systolic period of the cardiac cycle. The pressure drops maximum as the flow travels into the stenotic zone, and the high flow velocities were observed across the 90% AS. The higher wall shear stresses occur at the stenosis region, and it increases with the increase in the flow rate. It is found that the maximum wall shear stress across 90% AS is at the highest risk for rupture. A recirculation region immediately after the stenosis results in the further development of stenosis.

Originality/value

The current study provides evidence that there is a strong effect of multi-stenosis on the blood flow in the left coronary artery.
Electroosmosis forces EOF driven boundary layer flow for a non-Newtonian fluid with planktonic microorganism: Darcy Forchheimer model
Authors: Zaher A.Z. , Ali Khalid K. , Mekheimer Kh. S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The study of the electro-osmotic forces (EOF) in the flow of the boundary layer has been a topic of interest in biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative mathematical model for electro-osmotic boundary layer flow. This type of fluid flow requires sophisticated mathematical models and numerical simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of EOF on the boundary layer Williamson fluid model containing a gyrotactic microorganism through a non-Darcian flow (Forchheimer model) is investigated. The problem is formulated mathematically by a system of non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs). By using suitable transformations, the PDEs system is transformed into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations subjected to the appropriate boundary conditions. Those equations are solved numerically using the finite difference method.

Findings

The boundary layer velocity is lower in the case of non-Newtonian fluid when it is compared with that for a Newtonian fluid. The electro-osmotic parameter makes an increase in the velocity of the boundary layer. The boundary layer velocity is lower in the case of non-Darcian fluid when it is compared with Darcian fluid and as the Forchheimer parameter increases the behavior of the velocity becomes more closely. Entropy generation decays speedily far away from the wall and an opposite effect occurs on the Bejan number behavior.

Originality/value

The present outcomes are enriched to give valuable information for the research scientists in the field of biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. Also, the proposed outcomes are hopefully beneficial for the experimental investigation of the electroosmotic forces on flows with non-Newtonian models and containing a gyrotactic microorganism.
Orchestrated learning: creating a company-specific production system (XPS)
Authors: Hekneby Torbjørn , Ingvaldsen Jonas A. , Benders Jos
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Companies create company-specific production systems (XPS) by tailoring generic concepts to fit their unique situation. However, little is known about how an XPS is created. This paper aims to provide insights into the creation of an XPS.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective case study was conducted in a Norwegian multinational company over the period 1991–2006, using archival data and interviews.

Findings

The development of the XPS did not start with a master plan. Instead, dispersed existing initiatives were built upon, along with an external search for novel ideas. Widespread experimentation took place, only later to be combined into a coherent approach. Once established, the XPS was disseminated internally and further refined. The CEO orchestrated the experimentation by facilitating the adaptation and combination of different concepts and by allocating resources to institutionalize the XPS in the global network.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to study how an XPS is created. This study contributes with novel empirical insights, and it highlights the role of top management in facilitating experimentation and step-by-step organizational learning.
Examining the antecedents of everyday rumor retransmission
Authors: Lin Tung-Ching , Huang Shiu-Li , Liao Wei-Xing
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study investigates factors that motivate social media users to retransmit rumors. We focus on everyday rumors rather than catastrophic rumors and develop a model of everyday rumor retransmission based on the uses and gratification theory, the rumor retransmission model, and the basic law of rumor.

Design/methodology/approach

An Internet survey is conducted to collect data and test the proposed model. This study’s hypotheses are tested through partial least squares regression analysis.

Findings

The results show that socializing, information seeking and status seeking increase the intention to retransmit rumors. Perceived rumor credibility has a moderating effect on the impacts of socializing and status seeking on retransmission intention.

Originality/value

Our research model provides a theoretical foundation for future studies that want to explore motivations or values that determine rumor-sharing intention on social media. The findings can help government agencies and businesses to manage rumor retransmission on social media.
The implication of machine learning for financial solvency prediction: an empirical analysis on public listed companies of Bangladesh
Authors: Abdullah Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Financial health of a corporation is a great concern for every investor level and decision-makers. For many years, financial solvency prediction is a significant issue throughout academia, precisely in finance. This requirement leads this study to check whether machine learning can be implemented in financial solvency prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed 244 Dhaka stock exchange public-listed companies over the 2015–2019 period, and two subsets of data are also developed as training and testing datasets. For machine learning model building, samples are classified as secure, healthy and insolvent by the Altman Z-score. R statistical software is used to make predictive models of five classifiers and all model performances are measured with different performance metrics such as logarithmic loss (logLoss), area under the curve (AUC), precision recall AUC (prAUC), accuracy, kappa, sensitivity and specificity.

Findings

This study found that the artificial neural network classifier has 88% accuracy and sensitivity rate; also, AUC for this model is 96%. However, the ensemble classifier outperforms all other models by considering logLoss and other metrics.

Research limitations/implications

The major result of this study can be implicated to the financial institution for credit scoring, credit rating and loan classification, etc. And other companies can implement machine learning models to their enterprise resource planning software to trace their financial solvency.

Practical implications

Finally, a predictive application is developed through training a model with 1,200 observations and making it available for all rational and novice investors (Abdullah, 2020).

Originality/value

This study found that, with the best of author expertise, the author did not find any studies regarding machine learning research of financial solvency that examines a comparable number of a dataset, with all these models in Bangladesh.
Building members' trust in a producer company through social capital
Authors: Chamola Deepak , Dey Ajoy Kumar , Sahay Arunaditya , Singh Rahul
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The paper contributes to the long-standing interest in studying the relationship of social capital and trust. It examines the relationship between social capital and trust in a producer company and the role of perceived benefits as a mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage sampling was done to collect data from 395 farmer members from five producer companies spread over three states of India. Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) latent constructs were mapped, and composite reliability and construct validity were established. PROCESS macro of Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) was used to probe relationship between social capital and member's trust and mediation effect of perceived benefit.

Findings

The authors’ research findings establish that the social capital has a positive and significant relationship with members' trust in a producer company and perceived benefit mediates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to reduce complexity of social capital theory by differentiating sources and benefits of social capital. It opens up the avenues of testing theoretically valid mediation effects of many other constructs.

Originality/value

The role of member's perceived benefits as a mediator between social capital and members' trust is a new knowledge to the literature of social capital.
Impact of ethical leadership on organizational climate and its subsequent influence on job commitment: a study in hospital context
Authors: Mishra Bhanu , Tikoria Jyoti
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Individuals often look up to external influencers (leaders) that determine their conduct and form their perception regarding organizational policies and practices which constitute their organizational climate. The importance of organizational climate has been realized off late in various job outcomes among doctors, such as commitment, turnover, etc. Therefore this study aims to investigate the relationship of ethical leadership with organizational climate that may further affect the commitment of doctors in Indian hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study has been done in 10 public and private Indian hospitals using a questionnaire survey. Data were collected from a sample of 537 doctors, which were further analyzed statistically using structural equation modeling (SEM) through AMOS and SPSS software.

Findings

The results show a significant influence of ethical leadership on organizational climate and organizational climate further has significant relationship with commitment of doctors in Indian hospitals.

Practical implications

The study has important implication for hospital administration, to identify and place an ethical leadership team at the top, which will further influence the behavior of the followers (doctors). This will further lead to formation of favorable organizational climate fostering commitment in doctors.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that determines the relationship of ethical leadership with organizational climate and it's further influence on commitment of doctors in large (500 beds and above) public and private hospitals in Indian context.
A dynamic process of different helping behavior: from the extended self-theory perspective
Authors: Ouyang Xi , Zhou Kong , Zhan Yuan-Fang , Yin Wen-Jun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the extended self-theory, this study explores the dynamic process through which reactive helping could influence proactive helping through self-investment and investigate the moderating role of task difficulty in affecting this process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, with a sample of 582 diary surveys from 66 employees, used experience sampling techniques to analyze the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that self-investment could mediate the positive relationship between reactive helping and proactive helping. Additionally, task difficulty acts as an essential role in facilitating the process raised by reactive helping. Further examination revealed that the moderated mediation effect in this model was also significant.

Practical implications

Managers should encourage help-seeking and positive responses to requests, especially in groups with difficult tasks, which could build helpers’ extended self at work and increase their proactive helping behaviors at the following episode.

Originality/value

As verifying the dynamic trajectory of reactive helping, this study enriches our understanding of whether and how helping behaviors are likely to grow over time. Besides, it complements current pieces of literature by exploring the potential positive implication of reactive helping with a helper-centric perspective.