bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Measurement of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies: Analytical and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Higgins Victoria , Fabros Anselmo , Kulasingam Vathany
Published: January 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While molecular-based testing is used to diagnose COVID-19, serologic testing of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 is used to detect past infection.
TgIF2K-B Is an eIF2α Kinase in Toxoplasma gondii That Responds to Oxidative Stress and Optimizes Pathogenicity
Authors: Augusto Leonardo , Martynowicz Jennifer , Amin Parth H. , Carlson Kenneth R. , Wek Ronald C. , Sullivan William J.
Published: January 2021

Toxoplasma gondii
is a single-celled parasite that infects nucleated cells of warm-blooded vertebrates, including one-third of the human population. The parasites are not cleared by the immune response and persist in the host by converting into a latent tissue cyst form.
STRANGE NONCHAOTIC ATTRACTORS AND MULTISTABILITY IN A TWO-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM QUASIPERIODICALLY FORCED VIBRO-IMPACT SYSTEM
Authors: LI GAOLEI , YUE YUAN , GREBOGI CELSO , LI DENGHUI , XIE JIANHUA
Published: January 2021

In this work, we initially study the strange nonchaotic dynamics of a two-degree-of-freedom quasiperiodically forced vibro-impact system. It is shown that strange nonchaotic attractors (SNAs) occur between two chaotic regions, but not between the quasiperiodic region and the chaotic one. Subsequently, we mainly focus on the abundant multistability in the system, especially the coexistence of SNAs and quasiperiodic attractors. Besides, the coexistence of quasiperiodic attractors of different frequencies, and the coexistence of quasiperiodic attractors and chaotic attractors are also uncovered. The basins of attraction of these coexisting attractors are obtained. The quasiperiodic attractor can transform into a chaotic attractor directly through torus break-up without passing through an SNA. The nonchaotic property of SNAs is verified by its maximal Lyapunov exponent, and the strange property of SNAs is described by its phase sensitivity, power spectrum, fractal structure, and rational approximations.
Impact of phthalocyanine structure as photosensitizer for ZnO nanophotocatalyst under natural solar irradiation
Authors: Ghazal Basma , Makhseed Saad
Published: January 2021

Novel composites of zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper phthalocyanines (CuTriPc and CuPc) were synthesized as efficient natural solar light photocatalysts for the photodegradation of organic wastewater pollutants. Spectroscopic and analytical measurements confirmed that both bulky triazolo copper phthalocyanine (CuTriPc) and unsubstituted planer (CuPc) were successfully coupled with ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesized nanocomposites were investigated as natural solar radiation photocatalysts toward the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) analogue dye. The prepared CuTriPc/ZnO nanocomposite was proven to be an efficient solar light photocatalyst compared to pure ZnO and the unsubstituted CuPc/ZnO.
Estimating of the b-Value Based on the Characteristic Earthquake Model
Authors: Yaghmaei-Sabegh Saman , Ostadi-Asl Gholamreza
Published: January 2021

[Formula: see text]-value of the Gutenberg–Richter relation as an earthquake precursor depends on the tectonic setting features. This paper presents an alternative method to calculate [Formula: see text]-value in the presence of characteristic earthquakes. The proposed equation is based on the maximum likelihood method applied on the probability density function of the characteristic earthquake model. Data from real and simulated catalogs were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed model. For this purpose, 224 seismic event catalogs with various properties including catalogs’ sample size, the ratios of characteristic earthquakes number to catalog’s sample size [Formula: see text] and different magnitude of characteristic earthquakes were simulated. According to the estimated [Formula: see text]-values, the earthquake occurrence probability was calculated and discussed. The results indicate that the proposed method of estimation for [Formula: see text]-value has more adaptable consideration of the characteristic earthquake behavior.
Primary Radial Nerve Exploration Determined by Ultrasound in Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Tokutake Katsuhiro , Okui Nobuyuki , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: January 2021

We report two pediatric cases of radial nerve palsy caused by supracondylar fracture of the humerus requiring nerve exploration. The children had comparable conditions, palsy types (complete motor and partial sensory) and radiographic findings. The fracture in the first case was managed conservatively with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning but, while the patient eventually recovered from the partial sensory palsy, her motor palsy remained unchanged. In the second case, ultrasound assessment of the nerve prior to fixation indicated that surgical exploration was needed as it revealed tethering on the edge of the proximal fracture fragment. The nerve was released during an open reduction and the patient subsequently recovered from both sensory and motor palsies. Ultrasonography proved essential in the initial clinical assessment by determining how to proceed. We recommend primary nerve exploration when ultrasound findings show entrapment or tethering of the radial nerve.
DeepHeart
Authors: Chang Xiangmao , Li Gangkai , Xing Guoliang , Zhu Kun , Tu Linlin
Published: January 2021

Heart rate (HR) estimation based on photoplethysmography (PPG) signals has been widely adopted in wrist-worn devices. However, the motion artifacts caused by the user’s physical activities make it difficult to get the accurate HR estimation from contaminated PPG signals. Although many signal processing methods have been proposed to address this challenge, they are often highly optimized for specific scenarios, making them impractical in real-world settings where a user may perform a wide range of physical activities. In this article, we propose DeepHeart, a new HR estimation approach that features deep-learning-based denoising and spectrum-analysis-based calibration. DeepHeart generates clean PPG signals from electrocardiogram signals based on a training data set. Then a set of denoising convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) are trained with the contaminated PPG signals and their corresponding clean PPG signals. Contaminated PPG signals are then denoised by an ensemble of DCNNs and a spectrum-analysis-based calibration is performed to estimate the final HR. We evaluate DeepHeart on the IEEE Signal Processing Cup training data set with 12 records collected during various physical activities. DeepHeart achieves an average absolute error of 1.61 beats per minute (bpm), outperforming a state-of-the-art deep learning approach (4 bpm) and a classical signal processing approach (2.34 bpm).
The 13th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Computational Transportation Science (IWCTS 2020)
Authors: Kurte Kuldeep , Berres Anne , Ravulaparthy Srinath , Sanyal Jibonananda , Thakur Gautam
Published: January 2021

Today's growth in big data, edge computing, high-performance computing, and machine learning has opened tremendous opportunities for advances in mobility. The 13
th
International Workshop on Computational Transportation Science (IWCTS 2020) is particularly timely given the prominence of connected automated vehicles technologies in the global auto industry's near-term growth strategies, of big data analytics, unprecedented access to sensing data of mobility, and of integration of this analytics into the optimization of mobility and transport. These developments (as listed below) are deeply computational.

• Transportation Planning & Modeling: travel behavioral analysis, modeling and simulation of population movements and freight transportation systems.

• Transportation Operations: Connected and Autonomous (CAVs), Computational traffic flow models and control algorithms, role of transportation in community spread of a pandemic (COVID-19).

• Infrastructure Sensing: Digital Twin, Data-driven approaches to transportation systems operations

• Other Technologies: Urban sensing technologies, Geoinformatics and Regional Science
Pressure Load Characteristics of Explosions in an Adjacent Chamber
Authors: Wang Chuan-hao , Wang Shu-shan , Zhang Jing-xiao , Ma Feng
Published: January 2021

To learn more about dynamite explosions in confined spaces, we focused on the chamber adjacent to the main chamber, the main chamber being the location of the explosion. We investigated the characteristics of two damaging pressure loads: first reflected shock wave and quasistatic pressure. In this work, we analyzed the characteristics of the first reflected shock wave and the quasistatic pressure formed by the explosion of the chamber charge. Simulated chamber explosion experiments were carried out, where high‐frequency piezoelectric sensors were used to measure the first reflected shock wave, and low‐frequency piezo‐resistive sensors were used to measure the quasistatic pressure. Valid and reasonable experimental data were obtained, and the experimental values of the pressure load were compared with those calculated from the classical model. The results showed that when the main chamber was partially damaged by the explosion load, the adjacent chambers were not subjected to the shock wave load, and the quasistatic pressure load was less than that in the main chamber. The presence of adjacent chambers did not affect the shock wave load in the main chamber. Using the mass of the explosive and the blast distance as input parameters, the internal explosion shock wave load parameters, including those in adjacent chambers, can be calculated. The presence of the adjacent chamber did not affect the theoretically calculated quasistatic overpressure peak in the main chamber. Using the mass of the explosive and the spatial volume of the chamber as input parameters, the quasistatic pressure load parameters of the internal explosion can be calculated, including those in the adjacent chambers.
Treatment of Hepatitis C Post-Liver Transplantation Could Mitigate Discard Rates of Hepatitis C-Positive Deceased Donor Livers and Expand the Donor Pool
Authors: Keller Jennifer , Marklin Gary , Okoye Obi , Desai Roshani , Sura Tej , Jain Ajay , Varma Chintalapati , Nazzal Mustafa
Published: January 2021

Background. Prior to 2014, treatment for hepatitis C was limited. However, the subsequent introduction of direct acting antiviral medications (DAA) against hepatitis C led to improvements in morbidity and better medication tolerance. DAA therapy allowed for an increase in treatment rates of hepatitis C in patients on the liver transplant waiting list. With the popularization of DAA, there became a growing concern about the utility of hepatitis C-positive (HCV+) deceased liver donors, especially after treating HCV+ potential recipients on the transplant waiting list. Methods. This is a retrospective, observational study using Mid-America Transplant Services (MTS) database from 2008 to 2017. Comparison was made before the widespread use of DAAs 2008–2013 (pre-DAA) against their common practice use 2014–2017 (post-DAA). All deceased liver donors with HCV antibody or nucleic acid positive results were evaluated. Results. Between 2008 and 2017, 96 deceased liver donors were positive for HCV. In the pre-DAA era, 47 deceased liver donors were positive for HCV, of which 32 (68.1%) were transplanted and 15 (31.9%) were discarded. In the post-DAA era, a total of 49 HCV+ organs were identified, out of which 43 (87.8%) livers were transplanted and 6 (12.2%) were discarded. Discard rate was significantly higher in the pre-DAA population (31.9% vs. 12.2%,

p

 = 0.026). Secondary analysis showed a distinct trend towards increased regional sharing and utilization of HCV+ donors. Conclusion. In order to reduce discard rates of HCV+ patients, our data suggest that transplant centers could potentially delay HCV treatment in patients on the transplant waitlist.
A Hybrid EMD‐Wavelet EEG Feature Extraction Method for the Classification of Students’ Interest in the Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Babiker Areej , Faye Ibrahima
Published: January 2021

Situational interest (SI) is one of the promising states that can improve student’s learning and increase the acquired knowledge. Electroencephalogram‐ (EEG‐) based detection of SI could assist in understanding SI neuroscientific causes that, as a result, could explain the SI role in student’s learning. In this study, 26 participants were selected based on questionnaires to participate in the mathematics classroom experiment. SI and personal interest (PI) questionnaires along with knowledge tests were undertaken to measure student’s interest and knowledge levels. A hybrid method combining empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and wavelet transform was developed and employed for feature extraction. The proposed method showed significant difference using the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test and consistently outperformed other methods in the classification performance using weighted k‐nearest neighbours (wkNN). The high classification accuracy of 85.7% with the sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 90% revealed that brain oscillation patterns of high SI students are somewhat different than students with low or no SI. In addition, the result suggests that the delta rhythm could have a significant effect on cognitive processing.
Parallel Computing for Efficient and Intelligent Industrial Internet of Health Things: An Overview
Authors: Yang Xin , Nazir Shah , Khan Habib Ullah , Shafiq Muhammad , Mukhtar Neelam
Published: January 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding and evolves into all aspects of the society. Research and developments in the field of IoT have shown the possibility of producing huge volume of data and computation among different devices of the IoT. The data collected from IoT devices are transferred to a central server which can further be retrieved and accessed by the service providers for analyzing, processing, and using. Industrial Internet of Health Things (IIoHT) is the expansion of the Internet of Health Things (IoHT) which plays an important role in observing, consulting, monitoring, and treatment process of remote exchange data processes. The linkage of computation and interoperability are supported through various intelligent sensors, controllers, and actuators. The role of parallel computing for efficient and Intelligent Industrial Internet of Health Things is obvious to analyze and process different healthcare situations. A detailed overview of this existing literature is needed through which the research community will provide new solutions for efficient healthcare with the help of IoT based on parallel computing. Therefore, the current study presents a detailed overview of the existing literature for facilitating IIoHT.
Multistep Wind Speed Forecasting Based on a Hybrid Model of VMD and Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Network
Authors: Zheng Yuqiao , Dong Bo , Liu Yuhan , Tong Xiaolei , Wang Lei
Published: January 2021

Reducing the costs of wind power requires reasonable wind farm operation and maintenance strategies, and then to develop these strategies, the 24-hour ahead forecasting of wind speed is necessary. However, existing prediction work is mostly limited to 5 hours. This work developed a diurnal forecasting methodology for the regional wind farm according to real-life data of the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system of a wind farm from Jiangxi Province. The methodology used the variational mode decomposition (VMD) to extract wind characteristics, and then, the characteristics were put in the nonlinear autoregressive neural network (Narnet) and long short-term memory network (LSTM) for prediction; the forecast results of VMD-Narnet and VMD-LSTM are compared with the actual wind speed. The comparison results indicate that compared with the LSTM, the Narnet improves the accuracy by 61.90% in 24 hours on wind speed forecasting, and the predicted time horizon was improved by 6.8 hours. This work strongly supports the development of wind farm operation and maintenance strategies and provides a foundation for the reduction of wind power costs.
Shaking Table Tests for Seismic Response of Oblique Overlapped Tunnel
Authors: Lei Hao , Wu Honggang , Lai Tianwen
Published: January 2021

To study the dynamic response and spectrum characteristics of the three‐dimensional crossing tunnel under the action of seismic load, we established a 1/50 downscale model based on a typical of the oblique overlapped tunnel and conducted a series of shaking table tests. Through examining the recorded dynamic responses (acceleration and dynamic strain measured at different locations in model tunnels), we found that the seismic response of the crown was the largest at the central section, and the invert of the tunnels was exactly opposite to the crown, which presented a “parabolic” distribution, and we inferred that the damage within the model may be mainly concentrated on the crown of the tunnels. Additionally, the dynamic strain showed obvious nonlinear and nonstationary characteristics under the action of different degrees of seismic intensities. Different from a single tunnel, the acceleration superposition effect appears in the cross section of two tunnels because of the spatial effect of overlapping tunnels, resulting in the obvious seismic response in the cross section. Meanwhile, we also found that the 1st dominant frequency (0.1–6.26 Hz) seismic wave played a leading role in the process of tunnel slope failure. Furthermore, the analysis of the acceleration response spectrum also showed that the surrounding rock mass has an amplification effect on low‐frequency seismic waves. These results help us better understand the features of the dynamic responses and also provide evidence to reinforce the overlapped tunnels against earthquakes.
Why Are Women Less Represented in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Trials?
Authors: Greige Tatiana , Norton Casey , Foster Lydia D. , Yeatts Sharon D. , Thornhill Andre , Griffin Jessica , Wang Jeffrey , Hrdlicka Courtney M. , Selim Magdy , Palesch Yuko , Perlmutter Aaron , Moy Claudia , Greenberg Steven , Morgenstern Lewis , Hanley Daniel , Xi Guohua , Bleck Thomas P , Balk Robert , Dillon Catherine , Zhao Wenle , Kim Jaemyung , Kumar Sandeep , Farinella Megan , Siwila-Sackman Erica , Feigert Caroline , Schlaug Gottfried , Wang Jasmine , Wright Clinton , Janis Scott , Gilbert Peter , Kase Carlos S , Carson Shannon , Flaherty Matthew , Kessler Craig M , McClure Leslie A , Bannon Donna , Broderick Joseph , Dill Amy
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Fewer women than men tend to be enrolled in clinical trials of intracerebral hemorrhage. It is unclear whether this reflects lower prevalence of intracerebral hemorrhage in women, selection bias, or poor recruitment efforts. We undertook this study to examine differences between men and women in the reasons for exclusion from the iDEF trial (Intracerebral Hemorrhage Deferoxamine).

Methods:

The screen failure log included 29 different reasons for exclusion. Chi-square statistics were used to evaluate the differences in reasons for exclusion between men and women.

Results:

A total of 38.2% of participants in iDEF were women. Three thousand nine hundred eighty-two women (45.7%) and 4736 men (54.3%) were screen failures (
P
<0.0001). Similar proportions of women (1.28%) and men (1.73%) were excluded due to inability to obtain consent (
P
=0.1). Patients or families declined participation in 1.26% of women versus 1.31% of men (
P
=0.9). More women than men failed screening because of age>80 (22.40% versus 12.61%; adjusted
P
=0.0007) and preexisting do-not-resuscitate/do-not-intubate (3.69% versus 2.83%; adjusted
P
=0.067).

Conclusions:

Lower rates of women enrollment in the iDEF trial may be attributed to older age. Inability to obtain consent or declining participation was similar between women and men, arguing against selection bias. Our findings should be confirmed in other intracerebral hemorrhage trials to determine best strategies to improve women’s representation in future trials.
Conservation Research in Times of COVID-19 – The Rescue of the Northern White Rhino
Authors: Hildebrandt Thomas B. , Holtze Susanne , Biasetti Pierfrancesco , Colleoni Silvia , de Mori Barbara , Diecke Sebastian , Göritz Frank , Hayashi Katsuhiko , Hayashi Masafumi , Hermes Robert , Kariuki Linus , Lazzari Giovanna , Mijele Domnic , Mutisya Samuel , Ndeereh David , Ngulu Stephen , Seet Steven , Zwilling Jan , Zywitza Vera , Stejskal Jan , Galli Cesare
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has changed the world at unprecedented pace. The measures imposed by governments across the globe for containing the pandemic have severely affected all facets of economy and society, including scientific progress. Сonservation research has not been exempt from these negative effects, which we here summarize for the BioRescue project, aiming at saving the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), an important Central African keystone species, of which only two female individuals are left. The development of advanced assisted reproduction and stem-cell technologies to achieve this goal involves experts across five continents. Maintaining international collaborations under conditions of national shut-down and travel restrictions poses major challenges. The associated ethical implications and consequences are particularly troublesome when it comes to research directed at protecting biological diversity – all the more in the light of increasing evidence that biodiversity and intact ecological habitats might limit the spread of novel pathogens.
Automated Detection, Classification, and Tracking of Internal Wave Signatures Using X-Band Radar in the Inner Shelf
Authors: Celona Sean , Merrifield Sophia T. , de Paolo Tony , Kaslan Nate , Cook Tom , Terrill Eric J. , Colosi John A.
Published: January 2021

A method based on machine learning and image processing techniques has been developed to track the surface expression of internal waves in near–real time. X-band radar scans are first preprocessed and averaged to suppress surface wave clutter and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of persistent backscatter features driven by gradients in surface currents. A machine learning algorithm utilizing a support vector machine (SVM) model is then used to classify whether or not the image contains an internal solitary wave (ISW) or internal tide bore (bore). The use of machine learning is found to allow rapid assessment of the large dataset, and provides insight on characterizing optimal environmental conditions to allow for radar illumination and detection of ISWs and bores. Radon transforms and local maxima detections are used to locate these features within images that are determined to contain an ISW or bore. The resulting time series of locations is used to create a map of propagation speed and direction that captures the spatiotemporal variability of the ISW or bore in the coastal environment. This technique is applied to 2 months of data collected near Point Sal, California, and captures ISW and bore propagation speed and direction information that currently cannot be measured with instruments such as moorings and synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
The superdiverse precariat of British higher education? Limpiadores revisited
Authors: Rings Guido
Published: January 2021

González Mitjáns’s documentary Limpiadores (2015), which has been screened widely in Europe and won both the Learning on Screen Award (2017) and the ‘Student Accolade’ of the One World Media Awards (2017), has so far been largely ignored by academic research, although – or perhaps because – it fundamentally questions the neoliberal basis of that research. This study explores the challenges of its superdiverse protagonists – cleaners at London University – who suffer under precarious conditions. The author discusses the protagonists’ situation as example of contemporary neo-colonialism, and suggests potential ways forward.
Differential onset time of mirtazapine on pruritus and depression in a patient receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Miyahara Yu , Haruta-Tsukamoto Ayaka , Funahashi Hideki , Matsuo Hisae , Kanemaru-Kawazoe Anna , Nishimori Toshikazu , Ishida Yasushi
Published: January 2021

A 63-year-old male receiving hemodialysis for renal insufficiency developed severe and widespread pruritus, which was unresponsive to antihistamines and severe depression with insomnia, agitation, and anxiety. The oral administration of 7.5 mg mirtazapine daily alleviated his severe pruritus after 4 days and severe depression after 14 days. Mirtazapine has potential as a therapeutic option for patients receiving hemodialysis with depressive disorder and severe pruritus unresponsive to antihistamines.
Caregiving in Quarantine: Evaluating the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Adult Child Informal Caregivers of a Parent
Authors: Archer Jesse , Reiboldt Wendy , Claver Maria , Fay John
Published: January 2021

Informal caregivers form a shadow workforce projected to become even more essential as the U.S. population ages. Most are untrained in the role and manage caregiving with competing life demands that compound burden and threaten the welfare of the older adults in their care. The 12-item Zarit Burden Interview measure was employed to investigate differences in subjective burden before and during the Covid-19 pandemic among adult children who are primary informal caregivers of a parent. Additionally, this study explored family composition to determine if the presence of siblings or dependent children affected burden scores. A convenience sample ( N = 77) reported significantly more burden since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic when compared to pre-pandemic burden. Since the pandemic began, those with living siblings reported less burden than those without siblings, while there was no difference in burden between sandwich generation caregivers and those providing care only for a parent. This study’s results point to the role family plays in resilience during a crisis and emphasizes the need to promote efficient supports and networks to alleviate caregiver burden.
The longitudinal relationship of school climate with adolescent social and emotional health
Authors: Wong Mitchell D. , Dosanjh Kulwant K. , Jackson Nicholas J. , Rünger Dennis , Dudovitz Rebecca N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Schools and school climate are thought to influence academic outcomes as well as child and adolescent development, health and well-being. We sought to examine the relationship between several aspects of the school climate with adolescent social-emotional health outcomes.

Methods

We analysed data from the Reducing Inequities through Social and Educational change Follow-up (RISE UP) Study, a longitudinal natural experimental study of Los Angeles high school students collected from 2013 to 2018. We analysed data on the portion of the sample that completed the baseline, 10th grade and 11th grade surveys (n=1114). Students reported their perceptions of school climate at 10th grade and social-emotional outcomes including grit, self-efficacy, depression, hopelessness, and stress at baseline (9th grade) and at 11th grade. Multivariable regressions adjusted for student and parental demographics and baseline social-emotional states tested associations between school climate and each outcome.

Results

Students who reported being in authoritative school environments in 10th grade, one that is highly supportive and highly structured, had subsequently higher levels of self-efficacy (p< 0.001) and grit (p=0.01). They also had fewer depressive symptoms (p=0.008), and less hopelessness (p = 0.01), stress at school (p=0.002) and stress about the future (p=0.03) reported in 11th grade.

Conclusions

School climate, and particularly an authoritative school environment, is strongly associated with better social-emotional health among adolescents. Relationship with teachers and their disciplinary style may be a focus for future interventions to improve the social-emotional health of children.
Modelling cost-effectiveness of syphilis detection strategies in prisoners: exploratory exercise in a Chilean male prison
Authors: Castillo-Laborde Carla , Gajardo Pedro , Nájera-De Ferrari Manuel , Matute Isabel , Hirmas-Adauy Macarena , Aguirre Pablo , Ramírez Héctor , Ramírez Daniel , Aguilera Ximena
Published: January 2021

Background

Syphilis, together with other sexually transmitted infections, remains a global public health problem that is far from controlled. People deprived of liberty are a vulnerable population. Control activities in prisons rely mostly on passive case detection, despite the existence of affordable alternatives that would allow switching to active case-finding strategies. Our objective was to develop a mathematical modelling framework for cost-effectiveness evaluation, from a health system perspective, of different approaches using rapid tests for the detection of syphilis in inmates' populations and to explore the results based on a Chilean male prison population.

Methods

A compartmental model was developed to characterize the transmission dynamics of syphilis inside a prison with the ongoing strategy (passive case detection, with VRDL + FTA-ABS), considering the entrance and exit of inmates over a 40 year period. The model allows simulation of the implementation of a reverse algorithm for the current situation (rapid test + VDRL), different screening strategies (entry point, massive periodically; both with rapid test + VDRL) and treatment of detected cases. The parameters for the exploratory exercise were obtained from systematic searches of indexed and grey literature and field work (EQ-5D questionnaire application and key actors interviews). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to account for uncertainty in relevant parameters.

Results

The proposed framework allows the evaluation of different detection strategies. In this study, all the strategies were cost-effective in the baseline scenario when considering an ICER threshold of 1 Chilean GDP per capita (US$15,000). The strategies most likely to be cost-effective (over 80% probability) were: current situation with reverse algorithm, entry point screening and mass screening every two years; the latter was the most effective, achieving the lowest prevalence (0.7% and 1.7% over the period versus the 3% prevalence in the current situation).

Conclusions

Mathematical modelling that considers the performance of different tests and detection strategies could be a useful tool for decision making. The exploratory results show the efficiency of adopting both the use of the rapid tests and performing active case detection to significantly reduce the burden of syphilis in Chilean prisons in the near future.
HELQ and EGR3 expression correlate with IGHV mutation status and prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Guo Chao , Gao Ya-yue , Ju Qian-qian , Zhang Chun-xia , Gong Ming , Li Zhen-ling
Published: January 2021

Background

IGHV mutation status is a crucial prognostic biomarker for CLL. In the present study, we investigated the transcriptomic signatures associating with IGHV mutation status and CLL prognosis.

Methods

The co-expression modules and hub genes correlating with IGHV status, were identified using the GSE28654, by ‘WGCNA’ package and R software (version 4.0.2). The over-representation analysis was performed to reveal enriched cell pathways for genes of correlating modules. Then 9 external cohorts were used to validate the correlation of hub genes expression with IGHV status or clinical features (treatment response, transformation to Richter syndrome, etc.). Moreover, to elucidate the significance of hub genes on disease course and prognosis of CLL patients, the Kaplan–Meier analysis for the OS and TTFT of were performed between subgroups dichotomized by the median expression value of individual hub genes.

Results

2 co-expression modules and 9 hub genes ((FCRL1/FCRL2/HELQ/EGR3LPL/LDOC1/ZNF667/SOWAHC/SEPTIN10) correlating with IGHV status were identified by WGCNA, and validated by external datasets. The modules were found to be enriched in NF-kappaB, HIF-1 and other important pathways, involving cell proliferation and apoptosis. The expression of hub genes was revealed to be significantly different, not only between CLL and normal B cell, but also between various types of lymphoid neoplasms. HELQ expression was found to be related with response of immunochemotherapy treatment significantly (p = 0.0413), while HELQ and ZNF667 were expressed differently between stable CLL and Richter syndrome patients (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0278, respectively). By survival analysis of subgroups, EGR3 expression was indicated to be significantly associated with TTFT by 2 independent cohorts (GSE39671, p = 0.0311; GSE22762, p = 0.0135). While the expression of HELQ and EGR3 was found to be associated with OS (p = 0.0291 and 0.0114 respectively).The Kras, Hedgehog and IL6-JAK-STAT3 pathways were found to be associating with the expression of hub genes, resulting from GSEA.

Conclusions

The expression of HELQ and EGR3 were correlated with IGHV mutation status in CLL patients. Additionally, the expression of HELQ/EGR3 were prognostic markers for CLL associating with targetable cell signaling pathways.
LncRNA HOTAIRM1, miR-433-5p and PIK3CD function as a ceRNA network to exacerbate the development of PCOS
Authors: Guo Hongmin , Li Ting , Sun Xinhui
Published: January 2021

Background

Currently, several non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were distinguished in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This present study aims to explore the potential function of lncRNA HOTAIRM1/miR-433-5p/PIK3CD in ovarian granulosa cells.

Methods

We analyzed the expression profiles of HOTAIRM1, miR-433-5p and PIK3CD in PCOS samples by enquiring GEO database. GSEA was applied to enrich the pathways related to PCOS. The target association between HOTAIRM1 and miR-433-5p or the binding association between miR-433-5p and PIK3CD were assessed by online prediction tools and a dual luciferase reporter assay. qPCR and western blotting assays were used to detect PIK3CD expression after HOTAIRM1 and miR-433-5p treatment. The proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells were estimated by cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assays, respectively.

Results

The expression profiles of HOTAIRM1 and PIK3CD were increased, whereas miR-433-5p was decreased in PCOS tissues. PIK3CD expression was positively regulated by HOTAIRM1 and negatively modulated by miR-433-5p. Overexpression of HOTAIRM1 reduced the proliferative ability and increased the apoptotic ability of granulosa cells, whereas upregulation of miR-433-5p or downregulation of PIK3CD reversed the effects of HOTAIRM1 on granulosa cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-433-5 displayed a results with increasing proliferative ability and decreasing apoptotic ability, but upregulation of PIK3CD eliminated the function of miR-433-5p on granulosa cells.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrated that HOTAIRM1 could sponge miR-433-5p to promote PIK3CD expression, thereby regulating the growth and apoptosis of granulose cells in PCOS.
A secure procedure for early career scientists to report apparent misconduct
Authors: Fischhoff Baruch , Dewitt Barry , Sahlin Nils-Eric , Davis Alex
Published: January 2021

Early career scientists sometimes observe senior scientists engage in apparent scientific misconduct, but feel powerless to intervene, lest they imperil their careers. We propose a Secure Reporting Procedure that both protects them, when pursuing those concerns, and treats the senior scientists fairly. The proposed procedure is, we argue, consistent with the ethical principles of the scientific community, as expressed in the codes of its professional organizations. However, its implementation will require changes in procedures and regulations. Those efforts will be a small price to pay for protecting the scientific community’s integrity and fidelity to its principles. We begin by describing the circumstances motivating the proposal, then sketch its design, and, finally, illustrate next steps in its application in two national settings.
Comparative evaluation of fluoride varnishes, self-assembling peptide-based remineralization agent, and enamel matrix protein derivative on artificial enamel remineralization in vitro
Authors: Lena Sezici Yağmur , Yetkiner Enver , Aykut Yetkiner Arzu , Eden Ece , Attin Rengin
Published: January 2021

Background

One of the most unfavorable side effects of fixed orthodontic treatment is white spot lesions (WSLs). Although the most important approach is prevention of WSLs, it is also essential to evaluate the efficacy of the remineralization agents. However, there is no concurrence in the literature with respect to the remineralization process of these agents. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different fluoride varnishes, enamel matrix protein, and self-assembling peptide derivatives with varying chemical compositions on remineralization of artificially created WSLs in vitro using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF).

Methods

Artificial WSLs were created on bovine enamel samples using acidic buffer solution (pH 5, 10 days). Specimens were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 10/group): (1) Emdogain (Straumann, Basel, Switzerland), (2) Curodont Repair (Credentis AG, Switzerland), (3) Duraphat (Colgate-Palmolive, New York, NY), (4) Clinpro XT (3 M ESPE, Pymble, New South Wales, Australia), (5) Enamel Pro Varnish (Premier Dental Products, PA, USA), and (6) control (untreated). The agents were applied to the WSLs according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Fluorescence loss (ΔF), lesion area (area), and impact (ΔQ) values of enamel surfaces were quantified by QLF-D BiluminatorTM (Inspektor-Pro, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) at baseline and after 7, 14, and 21 days of application of the respective materials.

Results

ΔF value presented a significantly decreasing trend throughout the 21 days for all groups except the Duraphat and Enamel Pro varnishes. The changes between 14th and 21st days of the Clinpro XT varnish application were significantly higher than Emdogain, Curodont, and Enamel Pro. The Curodont group showed higher lesion area changes between the first and second week in comparison to the Emdogain, Clinpro XT, and Enamel Pro groups, whereas Clinpro XT assured the highest reduction from the second to the third week of the observation period.

Conclusions

The fluorescence loss was significantly reduced with enamel matrix protein, self-assembling peptide, and light-curable fluoride varnishes in the analysis for 21 days. Curodont and Clinpro XT were effective in diminishing the fluorescence loss and lesion area compared to the Duraphat, Enamel Pro fluoride varnishes, and Emdogain in different time points.
Middle trapezius transfer for treatment of irreparable supraspinatus tendon tears- anatomical feasibility study
Authors: Moroder Philipp , Akgün Doruk , Lacheta Lucca , Thiele Kathi , Minkus Marvin , Maziak Nina , Khakzad Thilo , Festbaum Christian , Rüttershoff Katja , Ellermann Sophia , Weiss Torsten , Jöns Thomas , Danzinger Victor
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical feasibility of a middle trapezius transfer below the acromion for treatment of irreparable supraspinatus tendon tears.

Methods

This study involved 20 human cadaveric shoulders in 10 full-body specimens. One shoulder in each specimen was dissected and assessed for muscle and tendon extent, force vectors, and distance to the neurovascular structures. The opposite shoulder was used to evaluate the surgical feasibility of the middle trapezius transfer via limited skin incisions along with an assessment of range of motion and risk of neurovascular injury following transfer.

Results

The harvested acromial insertion of the middle trapezius tendon showed an average muscle length of 11.7 ± 3.0 cm, tendon length of 2.7 ± 0.9 cm, footprint length of 4.3 ± 0.7 cm and footprint width of 1.4 ± 0.5 cm. The average angle between the non-transferred middle trapezius transfer and the supraspinatus was 33 ± 10° in the transversal plane and 34 ± 14° in the coronal plane. The mean distance from the acromion to the neurovascular bundle was 6.3 ± 1.3 cm (minimum: 4.0 cm). During surgical simulation there was sufficient excursion of the MTT without limitation of range of motion in a retracted scapular position but not in a protracted position. No injuries to the neurovascular structures were noted.

Conclusion

Transfer of the acromial portion of the middle trapezius for replacement of an irreparable supraspinatus seems to be feasible in terms of size, vector, excursion, mobility and safety. However, some concern regarding sufficiency of transfer excursion remains as scapula protraction can increase the pathway length of the transfer.

Level of evidence

Basic Science Study/Anatomical Study
Reducing suicidal ideation among Turkish migrants in the Netherlands and in the UK: the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial of a guided online intervention
Authors: Eylem Ozlem , van Straten Annemieke , de Wit Leonore , Rathod Shanaya , Bhui Kamaldeep , Kerkhof Ad J. F. M.
Published: January 2021

Background

The evidence for the effectiveness of e-mental health interventions among ethnic minorities is still preliminary. This mixed methods study investigates the feasibility of a culturally adapted, guided online intervention with the intention to understand how it works and for whom to inform refinement. It also examines its likely effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation when compared with the treatment as usual.

Methods

Turkish migrants with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts were recruited from the general population using social media and newspaper advertisements. The intervention group obtained direct access to a 6-week guided online intervention while participants in the waiting list condition had to wait for 6 weeks. The intervention is based on an existing online intervention and was culturally adapted. Participants in both conditions completed baseline, post-test, and follow-up questionnaires on suicidal ideation (primary outcome), depression, worrying, hopelessness, suicide attempt and self-harm, acculturation, quality of life, and usability. In addition, participants were interviewed to examine the feasibility and mechanisms of action in more depth. The responses were analysed by inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Eighty-five people signed up via the study website, and we included 18 (10 intervention, 8 waitlist control). While the therapeutic benefits were emphasised (e.g. feeling connected with the intervention), the feasibility was judged to be low. The main reasons given were not having severe suicidal thoughts and not being represented by the culturally adapted intervention. No suicide attempts were recorded during the study. The suicidal ideation, depression, and hopelessness scores were improved in both groups.

Conclusion

Although intended to be a definitive trial, the current study became a feasibility study with process evaluation to understand the components and how they operate. The online intervention was not superior to the control condition. Future studies need to attend the implementation issues raised including measures of stigma, acculturation, and careful cultural adaptations alongside more attention to coaching and relational support. They should also consider how to improve engagement alongside selection of those who are motivated to use online interventions and offer alternatives for those who are not.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, NTR5028. Registered on 1 March 2015
Experiences of an HCV Patient engagement group: a seven-year journey
Authors:   UNC Chapel Hill HCV Patient Engagement Group, Kixmiller Scott , Sloan Anquenette P. , Wadsworth Summer , Brown Finton , Chaney Lourdes , Houston Larry , Thomas Kim
Published: January 2021

Historically, few publications exist where patient engagement in clinical studies is a driving force in study design and implementation. The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), established in 2010, employed a new model of integrating stakeholder perspectives into healthcare research. This manuscript aims to share the experience of a Patient Engagement Group (PEG) that has engaged in hepatitis C (HCV) clinical research alongside investigators conducting two studies funded by PCORI and to inspire others to get more involved in research that can impact our healthcare and health policies.

There are many gaps in treating infectious diseases. Traditionally, treatment and research have been strictly clinical/medical approaches with little focus on the biopsychosocial aspects of individual patients. Our PEG reflected on its own personal experiences regarding how research design can affect study implementation by including patients who are normally excluded. We considered barriers to treatment, out of pocket costs, access to insurance, and patient race/ethnicity. Common themes were discovered, and four major topics were discussed. In addition, measures used in the two studies to collect patient data were considered, tested, and implemented by the group.

We describe in detail how we were formed and how we have worked together with researchers on two PCORI funded projects over the past 7 years. We formulated and implemented guidelines and responsibilities for operating as a PEG as well as appointing a chair, co-chair, and primary author of this manuscript.

Written from the perspective of a PEG whose members experienced HCV treatment and cure, we provide lessons learned, and implications for further research to include patients. PEGs like ours who are included as active partners in research can provide useful input to many areas including how patients are treated during clinical trials, how they interact with research teams, and how the clinical benefits of drugs or devices are defined and evaluated. PCORI believes engagement impacts research to be more patient-centered, useful, and trustworthy, and will ultimately lead to greater use and interest of research results by the patient and the broader healthcare community.
Weathering the storm: contesting disaster governance after Hurricane Matthew in Haiti
Authors: Melis Samantha , Jean Mikel
Published: January 2021

As a disaster unfolds, survivors’ experiences, actions and motives often become overshadowed by the humanitarian response. This is especially the case in contexts where the national state and international organizations are seen to perpetuate (colonial) power structures. This article is based on 4 months of fieldwork in Haiti, where the authors conducted interviews and focus group discussions with people affected by Hurricane Matthew and with a variety of state officials and humanitarian response actors in Port-au-Prince, Jérémie, Les Cayes and Dame Marie. This study aimed to understand the role and power of societal actors in a context where there is a strong disarticulation between the state and society. The findings show that state–society tensions have been intensified in the response, leading to the politicization of aid and limiting the inclusion of affected communities in disaster governance. In this context, society-based actors negotiate the conditions of aid through resistance and solidarity, with strategies ranging from public protests to everyday resistance and from social networks to alternative aid structures. The article argues that disarticulation between society and the state needs to be addressed to make a more locally led response possible.