bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T lymphocyte subsets and PD-1 expression on lymphocytes in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Tingting , Chen Haixin , Lu Wei , Yao Yimin
Published: October 2022

The incidence rate and mortality rate of lung cancer (LC) are very high. This study aimed to analyze the T lymphocyte subsets and programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression on lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and explore whether there were changes in cellular immunity in NSCLC. Peripheral blood samples were collected from newly diagnosed NSCLC patients and healthy individuals. The T lymphocyte subsets and PD-1 expression were evaluated using flow cytometry. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed to explore the correlations of PD-1 expression with infiltration patterns for tumor-infiltrating T immune cells. By flow cytometry, two populations of lymphocytes in NSCLC patients were observed. Apart from a population of normal volume lymphocytes (Lym1), the other population had larger volume and more particles (Lym2). Compared with the healthy group, the proportion of CD4+ T cells and PD-1 expression on Lym1 was higher, and that of CD8+ T cells was lower in the NSCLC group. In the NSCLC group, the proportions of CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+CD8+ T (DPT) cells, and PD-1 expression were higher on Lym2 than those on Lym1 (P < .05). ssGSEA showed that tumor infiltrating immune T cells were positively correlated with PD-1 expression. The PD-1 expression on lymphocytes increased in recurrent patients who treated with PD-1 inhibitor. Lym2 may be tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) which upregulated PD-1 expression in NSCLC. PD-1 expression on lymphocytes may be used as a recurrence indicator for NSCLC patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors.
Race and the emergency department management of febrile seizures
Authors: Chang Gina , Blackstone Mercedes , McGuire Jennifer L
Published: October 2022

To determine if racial disparities exist in the management of febrile seizures in a large pediatric emergency department (ED), We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of children 6 months to 6 years-old who presented to the ED with a febrile seizure over a 4-year period. Multivariate logistic regression models were built to examine the association between race and the primary outcome of neuroimaging, and secondary outcomes of hospital admission and abortive anticonvulsant prescription at ED discharge. There were 980 ED visits during the study period. Overall, 4.0% of children underwent neuroimaging and 11.1% were admitted. Of the 871 children discharged from the ED, 9.4% were prescribed an abortive anticonvulsant. There were no differences by race in neuroimaging or hospital admission. However, black children were less likely to be prescribed abortive anticonvulsants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23–0.96) compared to non-black peers, when adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. Stratification by insurance revealed that this disparity existed in Medicaid-insured patients (aOR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.78) but not in privately-insured patients. We found no racial disparities in neuroimaging or hospital admission among ED patients with febrile seizures. We did find racial disparities in our secondary outcome of abortive anticonvulsant prescription, driven primarily by individuals on Medicaid insurance. This pattern of findings may reflect the lack of standardized recommendations regarding anticonvulsant prescription, in contrast to the guidelines issued for other ED management decisions. Further investigation into the potential for treatment guidelines to reduce racial disparities is needed.
The social and mental impact on healthcare workers: A comparative and cross-sectional study during two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Li Dian-Jeng , Wu Hui-Ching , Chou Frank Huang-Chih , Hsu Su-Ting , Huang Joh-Jong , Hsieh Kuan-Ying , Lin Guei-Ging , Wu Pei-Jhen
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a heavily burden on healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare differences in psychological and social impact between two waves of the pandemic among first- and second-line HCWs in Taiwan. The current study derived data from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021. Levels of depression, sleep disturbance, psychological distress, social impact, and demographic variables were collected through self-reported questionnaires. The independentttest was used to compare differences in scores between the first and second wave of the pandemic. Differences between first- and second-line HCWs were also analyzed. A total of 711 HCWs in the first wave and 560 HCWs in the second wave were recruited. For the first- and second-line HCWs, the social impact during the second wave was higher than during the first wave, and they expressed a higher intention to maintain social distancing and were more aware of the pandemic overseas in the second wave. The first-line HCWs had a trend of worse sleep quality during the second wave. In addition, sleep quality was worse in the first-line HCWs than in the second-line HCWs during both waves. The second-line HCWs expressed a greater desire to seek COVID-19-related information than the first-line HCWs during the first wave, and more intended to maintain social distancing during the second wave. Our results show the importance of evaluating the social and mental health burden of HCWs, and especially first-line workers.
Expression profile and prognostic values of SMC family members in HCC
Authors: Yan Wei , Wang Dan-Dan , Zhang He-Da , Huang Jinny , Hou Jun-Chen , Yang Su-Jin , Zhang Jian , Lu Ling , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2022

Objective:

The structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) gene family, including 6 proteins, is involved in a wide range of biological functions in different human cancers. Nevertheless, there is little research on the expression patterns, potential functions and prognostic value of SMC genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on publicly available databases and integrative bioinformatics analysis, we tried to determine the value of SMC gene expression in predicting the risk of developing HCC.

Methods:

The expression and copy number variations data of SMC family members were obtained from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). We identified the prognostic values of SMC family members and their clinical features. GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) was conducted to detect the mechanism underlying the involvement of SMC family members in liver cancer. We used Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database to explore the associations between TIICs (Tumor Immune Infiltrating Cells) and the SMC family members.

Results:

Our analysis proved that downregulation of SMC family members was common modification in HCC patients. In HCC, the expression of SMC1A, SMC2, SMC3, SMC4, SMC6 were upregulated. Upregulation of SMC2, SMC3, and SMC4, along with the clinical stage of HCC, were associated with a poor prognosis according to the results of univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. SMC2, SMC3, and SMC4 are also related to tumor purity and immune infiltration levels of HCC. The GSEA results proved that SMC family members take part in numerous biological processes underlying tumorigenesis.

Conclusion:

In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the expression of SMC family members in patients with HCC. This can provide insights for further investigation of the SMC members as potential therapeutic targets in HCC and suggest that the use of SMC inhibitor targeting SMC2, SMC3, and SMC4 can be a practical strategy for the therapy of HCC.
Physical Therapy Provider Continuity Predicts Functional Improvements in Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Adam Mitchell D. , Ness Debra K. , Hollman John H.
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose:

Health care continuity has been linked to improved patient outcomes in a variety of professions and settings. Patients in inpatient rehabilitation receive a consistent dosage of physical therapy (PT) treatment; however, the providing physical therapist may vary. Despite the potential influence of PT provider continuity on functional outcomes in the inpatient rehabilitation setting, this association has not yet been studied.

Methods:

An observational retrospective chart review was conducted on 555 discharged inpatient rehabilitation patients. The relationship between the number of PT providers from whom a patient received care and Quality Indicator (QI) Mobility discharge scores was examined with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, initially with the entire patient group and secondarily with distinct diagnostic groups. Data from subgroups for whom a significant relationship was established were then included in a hierarchical linear regression analysis accounting for relevant covariates.

Results:

The number of PT providers correlated negatively with QI Mobility discharge scores (r = −0.41, P ≤ 0.001). When controlling for QI Mobility admission scores, the “Stroke” (partial r = −0.17, P = 0.02), “Spinal Cord Injury” (partial r = −0.28, P = 0.002), and “Other Neuromuscular” (partial r = −0.35, P = 0.03) groups demonstrated significant inverse relationships. A hierarchical linear regression incorporating these 3 diagnostic groups revealed that the number of PT providers remained a significant predictor of QI Mobility discharge scores (B = −1.50, P ≤ 0.001) when accounting for covariates.

Discussion and Conclusions:

PT provider continuity is related to the functional improvement of neurologically impaired patients in inpatient rehabilitation.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A405, which discusses the findings of this work in a narrative format).
Immunization Status and the Management of Febrile Children in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Curtis Molly , Kanis Jessica , Wagers Brian , Coffee R. Lane , Sarmiento Elisa , Grout Sarah , Johnson Olivia , DiGregory Sydney , Grout Randall
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Widespread Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae immunization has decreased occult bacteremia and bacterial meningitis rates. Practice has evolved in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) to favor fewer diagnostic tests for and empiric treatment of invasive bacterial infection. We lack evidence-based guidance on evaluation and treatment of unimmunized (UnI) or underimmunized (UnderI) febrile children. This study aims to determine how parental report of immunization status in febrile PED patients impacts rates of diagnostic testing, interventions, and hospital admissions.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study with chart review of encounters of children aged 3 to 36 months presenting to an academic, tertiary care PED in 2019 using International Classification of Diseases-10 code for fever (R50.9). Inclusion criteria were documented fever of 38°C and higher and well appearance. Encounters were excluded if there was a history of chronic illness or documentation of ill appearance or hemodynamic instability. Encounters were grouped by provider-documented immunization status. Fischer exact test and logistic regression compared rates of diagnostic testing (serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid laboratory studies, and chest radiographs), interventions (intravenous fluid bolus, intravenous antibiotic or steroid administration, respiratory support, or breathing treatment), and hospital admissions between UnderI, UnI, and fully immunized (FI) groups.

Results

Of the 1813 encounters reviewed, 1093 (60%) included provider-documented immunization status and 788 (43%) met final inclusion criteria: 23 (2.1%) UnI, 44 (5.8%) UnderI, and 721 (92.1%) FI. The UnderI and UnI children experienced significantly higher rates of laboratory evaluation including complete blood count and blood culture, medical intervention, and antibiotic prescriptions while in the PED. No significant differences were observed for rates of chest radiographs, hospital admissions, or 72-hour PED return visits.

Conclusions

Higher rates of laboratory testing and interventions were observed in UnderI and UnI versus FI febrile patients at a PED, likely demonstrating increased clinical suspicion for invasive bacterial infection in this group despite lacking national guidelines. Given continued vaccine hesitancy, further studies are needed for guiding management of febrile UnI and UnderI children presenting for emergency care.
Who is informed of trauma informed care? Patients' primary language and comprehensiveness of initial trauma assessment
Authors: Kundu Souma , Costantini Todd W. , Doucet Jay J. , Berndtson Allison E.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

For patients with limited English proficiency, language poses a unique challenge in patient-provider communication. Using certified medical interpretation (CMI) can be difficult in time- and resource-limited settings including trauma. We hypothesized that there would be limited use of CMI during major trauma resuscitations, less comprehensive assessments, and less empathetic communication for Spanish-speaking patients (SSPs) with limited English proficiency compared with English-speaking patients (ESPs).

METHODS

We analyzed video-recorded encounters of trauma initial assessments at a Level 1 trauma center. Each encounter was evaluated from patient arrival until completion of the secondary survey per Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol. A standard checklist of provider actions was used to assess comprehensiveness of the primary and secondary surveys and communication events such as provider introduction, reassurances, and communicating next steps to patients. We compared the SSP and ESP cohorts for significant differences in completion of checklist items.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 14 and 15 were included (25 SSPs, 25 ESPs). The median age was 34 years (interquartile range, 25–65 years) for SSPs and 40 years (interquartile range, 29–54 years) for ESPs. In SSPs, 72% were male; in ESPs, 60% were male. Spanish-speaking patients received less comprehensive motor (48% complete SSPs vs. 96% ESPs, p < 0.001) and sensory (4% complete SSPs vs. 68% ESPs, p < 0.001) examinations, and less often had providers explain next steps (32% SSPs vs. 96% ESPs, p < 0.001) or reassure them (44% SSPs vs. 88% ESPs, p = 0.001). No patients were asked their primary language. Two SSP encounters (8%) used CMI; most (80%) used ad hoc interpretation, and 12% used English.

CONCLUSION

We found significant differences in the initial care provided to trauma patients based on primary language. Inclusion of an interpreter as part of the trauma team may improve the quality of care provided to trauma patients with limited English proficiency.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
Estimation of helicopter emission and greenest helicopters for London
Authors: Orhan Ilkay
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the greenest helicopters and the emission amount based on the helicopter movement within the London Heathrow and London city control zone.

Design/methodology/approach

The helicopter flight data recorded by the UK’s specialist aviation regulator Civil Aviation Authority and the helicopter type with engine emission data from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) were used for calculation. Based on the approach adopted, the greenest and the most environmentally friendly helicopters were identified for a light-duty helicopter with single-engine, a light-duty helicopter with twin-engine and a heavy-duty helicopter with twin-engine.

Findings

Comparing a flight consisting of landing and take-off cycle, and 1-h phase based on helicopters emissions in the FOCA database, B06 with DDA250-C20R single-engine in the light utility, A109 with PT6B-37 twin-engine in the light utility, and the A139 helicopter with the PT6C-67C twin-engine in the high utility has been identified as the most environmentally friendly helicopter.

Practical implications

This study provides the opportunity to compare between the best and the worst helicopter with engine type according to the emission values released to the environment.

Originality/value

This study raises awareness of the emission levels caused by helicopter in urban air transport in developed countries in terms of environmental and human health. It also provides justification for the authorities to encourage the development and use of green engines and technologies.
Study of secondary particles resulting along 50–150 MeV accelerated protons in liver tissues using MCNPX and abdomen DICOM images
Authors: Abo Shdeed Tawfik
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the resulting Brag peak and secondary particles (neutrons, photons, deuterons, alpha, helium_3, and tritons) along protons’ path in tissue.

Design/methodology/approach

MATLAB program and MCNP code were used to read abdomen Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images and build a 3D phantom to liver in purpose to study resulting Bragg peak and secondary particles (neutrons, photons, deuterons, alpha, helium_3 and tritons) along protons’ path.

Findings

From the study, it was found that Bragg peak varies from a 2 cm depth within the tissue for 50 MeV protons to a 14.2 cm depth for 150 MeV protons; in the other hand, the total deposited energy decreases from 0.656 [MeV/g]/proton, at the depth 2 cm and 50 MeV protons, to the value 0.220 [MeV/g]/proton, at the depth 14 cm and 150 MeV protons.

Originality/value

As for the flow rate of secondary neutrons and photons, the flow rate of secondary neutrons takes a maximum value (peak) in the middle of the proton path, i.e. when the energy of the protons drops to the value of 30 MeV, and this maximum value of the neutrons flow rate is accompanied by a maximum value of the photon flow rate, as for the rest of the secondary particles produced (alpha particles, deuterons, electrons, tritons and triple helium), they deposit most of their energy locally.
Understanding the determinants of the intention to innovate with open government data among potential commercial innovators: a risk perspective
Authors: Yang Zhenbin , Ha Sangwook , Kankanhalli Atreyi , Um Sungyong
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine factors influencing potential commercial innovators' intention to innovate with open government data (OGD) via a risk perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a theoretical model that explains how different forms of uncertainty (i.e. financial, technology, competitive, demand, and data) and their inter-relationships influence potential commercial innovators' intention to innovate with OGD. The model is tested using survey data collected from 144 potential commercial innovators from a developed Asian country.

Findings

The results suggest that all other forms of uncertainty, except competitive uncertainty, negatively influence potential commercial innovators' intention to innovate, mediated by their perceived risk of innovating with OGD. The results also show positive relationships between different forms of uncertainty, i.e. competitive and financial, demand and competitive, data and financial uncertainty.

Originality/value

This paper identifies major forms of innovation uncertainty, perceived risk, their inter-relationships, and impacts on the intention to innovate with OGD. It also finds support for a unique form of uncertainty for OGD innovation (i.e. data uncertainty).
Studying leadership: an eclectic approach to qualitative data collection and analysis
Authors: Eftenaru Cristina L.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper describes the approach to studying leadership within the interpretive paradigm that the author undertook for their doctoral research.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews and the researcher's systematic reflections. The analytical process consisted of database design and management followed by cyclical interview and cross-interview analyses and integration of the researcher's reflections.

Findings

The paper showed that integrating various qualitative methods in pragmatic ways that better align with the research scope, along with a systematic approach to studying complex phenomena—such as leadership—generated richer and more cohesive perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a detailed account of how the qualitative data collection and analysis methods were used, which could be replicated or adapted for future research within the interpretive paradigm.

Practical implications

The paper helps students and junior researchers make sense of qualitative data analysis and interpretation by offering practical tools to tackle the diverse processes of qualitative research.

Originality/value

This paper is based on the Author's doctoral research, recording their experience with engaging in qualitative research.
The Everyday Economy and the Right to Food
Authors: Colás Alejandro , Edwards Jason
Published: October 2022

This article makes the case for incorporating the right to food into notions of the everyday economy in the UK. Beyond the important entitlement to sufficient safe, nutritious and affordable food, the right to food calls for structural change in the current food system and the empowerment of citizens in the everyday production, procurement and consumption of food. We consider the role of reproduction and consumption of food in everyday settings of the household, workplace and community, suggesting that considerations of time combine with questions of earnings and income in addressing the UK's deepening crisis in food security.
Effect of 6‐n‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil or dexamethasone administration on the responses of antimicrobial components in goat milk to intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion
Authors: Suzuki Naoki , Purba Fika Yuliza , Nii Takahiro , Isobe Naoki
Published: October 2022

Heat stress impacts the immune system of dairy animals by altering the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and thyroid function, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism on the response of mammary innate immune function to inflammation caused by Escherichia coli in dairy goats. To induce hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism, we administered 6‐n‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil (PTU; for 21 days) and dexamethasone (DEX; for 5 days), respectively, to six goats each; six goats without treatment were used as the control group. After treatment, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli O111 was infused into the mammary gland. Somatic cell counts (SCC) and levels of lactoferrin (LF), S100A7, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in milk until 7 days after LPS infusion were measured. An increase in SCC after LPS infusion was inhibited in both PTU and DEX groups, and an increase in LF after LPS infusion was inhibited in PTU group, compared with that in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that the recruitment of neutrophils and LF production decreased under hypothyroidism or hypercortisolism, which may be one of the causes underlying increased incidence of mastitis in dairy animals under heat stress conditions.
The economics of cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and beyond
Authors: Chiu Jonathan , Koeppl Thorsten V.
Published: October 2022

How well can a cryptocurrency serve as a means of payment? Cryptocurrencies need to overcome double‐spending by costly mining and by delaying settlement. We formalize this insight through an incentive constraint that rules out double‐spending and pins down the welfare costs of a cryptocurrency. We find that it is optimal to use seignorage rather than transaction fees to finance costly mining. In supplementary material, we study an extension with endogenous transaction fees and show quantitatively that the prime cost of Bitcoin arises from mining, but can be reduced substantially by optimally designing the reward system.
Nurses' and medical doctors' attitudes towards exercise for people with chronic kidney disease in Denmark
Authors: Molsted Stig , Bennett Paul N. , Wilund Ken , Bruun Karina , Pakpour Amir H. , Liljehult Jacob Mesot , Brandi Lisbet
Published: October 2022

Background

Implementation of exercise training in people with kidney failure may be affected by clinicians' attitudes.

Objectives

To investigate Danish nephrology nurses' and medical doctors' attitudes towards: exercise for people undergoing dialysis; use of physical activity interventions in chronic kidney disease; and to compare Danish and previously reported Australian nurse attitudes.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Participants

Nurses and medical doctors from the nephrology field in Denmark.

Measurements

The questionnaire attitudes towards exercise in dialysis, and questions about exercise advice, counselling and interventions.

Results

Nephrology nurses (n = 167) and 17 medical doctors (women 92%, age 47 ± 11 years) from 19 dialysis units participated. There were no differences between nurses' and medical doctors attitudes about training. Ninety‐five % and 88% of nurses and medical doctors, respectively, agreed that most people undergoing dialysis could benefit from exercise. Exercise training was offered to people undergoing haemodialyses in 88% of 17 departments. Danish nurses reported more positive attitudes than Australian towards exercise (p < 0.05). Ninety‐five % and 86% of the Danish and Australian nurses, respectively, agreed/strongly agreed that most people undergoing dialysis could benefit from exercise. Six % and 35% of the Danish and Australian nurses, respectively, agreed/strongly agreed that most people with dialysis were too sick to exercise.

Conclusion

Danish nephrology nurses and medical doctors had mostly positive attitudes to exercise training to people undergoing dialysis, and exercise to people with dialysis was offered frequently. Danish and Australian nurses had positive attitudes to exercise to people undergoing dialysis, it was however more positive in Danish nurses.
Gender bias in ecosystem restoration: from science to practice
Authors: Cruz‐Alonso Verónica , Martínez‐Baroja Loreto , Marqués Laura , Rodríguez‐Uña Asun , Rohrer Zoë , Monteagudo Navila , Velado‐Alonso Elena
Published: October 2022

The declaration of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2020–2030 has established the need to focus on human rights in restoration initiatives, including gender equality. Although this goal raises a need to monitor gender biases on ecosystem restoration, we still lack basic gender information and evaluations on the current situation. The main purpose of this study is to analyze gender bias in ecosystem restoration covering three dimensions: research, outreach, and practice. We used scientific publications from theRestoration Ecologyjournal, mentions of these articles in Altmetric Explorer and Twitter, and projects from the Society for Ecological Restoration's database. First, we study gender bias among people leading ecosystem restoration initiatives in the three dimensions. Second, we assessed factors that could influence gender bias, including year, target ecosystem, and socioeconomic country development. Third, we analyzed whether the impact of scientific knowledge in society depends on the gender of the scientific team. Our results indicate that men were primary leaders in research, outreach, and practice initiatives in ecosystem restoration. There seems to be a trend over time toward equality in research, but gender inequality is still present in most types of ecosystems, with women leading more projects in more developed countries. The impact of scientific knowledge is independent of the author's gender, but research of male senior authors seems to reach society more easily. This broad perspective of inequality in the three dimensions can evolve toward gender equality, by applying gender approaches in restoration policies and initiatives.
The joint macroeconomic impacts of capital markets integration and fertility
Authors: Davoine Thomas
Published: October 2022

Population aging puts pressure on the financing of pension systems in many developed economies over the long run. Higher fertility would reduce the speed at which a population ages, and thus ease the financing pressure. The positive fiscal externality of childbearing decisions is well known in a single‐country context. I perform a quantitative investigation of this externality in a multi‐country context, to investigate the role of capital markets integration. On a sample of 14 European countries confronted with population aging, I find with simulations that the fiscal gains from a 70‐years increase in fertility are on average 1.3 larger with integrated capital markets than with separated capital markets in 50 years, while the GDP per capita gains are 5.0 larger. Positive fertility shocks indeed depress the capital‐labor ratio, increase the interest rate and thus attract foreign investors, when capital markets are open. Fertility increases and capital markets integration are however not sufficient to deal fully with the public finance challenge generated by population aging. More reforms are needed.
Supplemental Material: Chromium isotopes track redox fluctuations in Proterozoic successions of the Chapada Diamantina, São Francisco craton, Brazil
Authors: Caxito Fabricio , al. et
Published: October 2022

Materials and methods, Table S1 (isotope data), and Table S2 (trace element data). 
Public health emergency operation centres: status, gaps and areas for improvement in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Elmahal Osman M , Abdullah Ali , Elzalabany Manal K , Anan Huda Haidar , Samhouri Dalia , Brennan Richard John
Published: October 2022

The functionality of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) in countries is vital to their response capacity. The article assesses the status of National PHEOCs in the 22 countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. We designed and administered an online survey between May and June 2021. Meetings and Key Informant Interviews were also conducted with the emergency focal points in the WHO country offices and with other select partners. We also collected data on PHEOCs from the Joint External Evaluations conducted in the Region between 2016 and 2018 in 18 countries, and intra-action review mission reports conducted in 11 countries to review the response to COVID-19 during May 2020–June 2021 - and other relevant mission reports. Only 12 countries reported having PHEOC with varying levels of functionality and 10 of them reported using PHEOC for their response operations. This review formed the baseline of capacity requirements of National PHEOC in each country and will facilitate identifying benchmarks of areas of improvement for future national, WHO and partners support.
Use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in cancer multidisciplinary team meetings: an explorative study based on EU healthcare professionals
Authors: Prades Joan , Coll-Ortega Cristina , Dal Lago Lissandra , Goffin Karolien , Javor Eugen , Lombardo Claudio , de Munter Johan , Ponce Jordi , Regge Daniele , Salazar Ramón , Valentini Vincenzo , Borras Josep M
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Multidisciplinary teams in cancer care are increasingly using information and communication technology (ICT), hospital health information system (HIS) functionalities and ICT-driven care components. We aimed to explore the use of these tools in multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) and to identify the critical challenges posed by their adoption based on the perspective of professionals representatives from European scientific societies.

Design

This qualitative study used discussion of cases and focus group technique to generate data. Thematic analysis was applied.

Setting

Healthcare professionals working in a multidisciplinary cancer care environment.

Participants

Selection of informants was carried out by European scientific societies in accordance with professionals’ degree of experience in adopting the implementation of ICT and from different health systems.

Results

Professionals representatives of 9 European scientific societies were involved. Up to 10 ICTs, HIS functionalities and care components are embedded in the informational and decision-making processes along three stages of MTMs. ICTs play a key role in opening MTMs to other institutions (eg, by means of molecular tumour boards) and information types (eg, patient-reported outcome measures), and in contributing to the internal efficiency of teams. While ICTs and care components have their own challenges, the information technology context is characterised by the massive generation of unstructured data, the lack of interoperability between systems from different hospitals and HIS that are conceived to store and classify information rather than to work with it.

Conclusions

The emergence of an MTM model that is better integrated in the wider health system context and incorporates inputs from patients and support systems make traditional meetings more dynamic and interconnected. Although these changes signal a second transition in the development process of multidisciplinary teams, they occur in a context marked by clear gaps between the information and management needs of MTMs and the adequacy of current HIS.
Role of COVID-19 pandemic in the academic life and well-being of private sector university students: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Ali Naureen Akber , Feroz Anam Shahil , Akber Noshaba , Khoja Adeel
Published: October 2022

Objective

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a drastic impact on students’ life, causing physical and emotional sufferings. Considering the relevance of unprecedented conditions, we explored perceptions and attitudes of students towards their academic life and well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach conducted at a single-centre private nursing institution in Karachi, Pakistan.

Participants

The current study used in-depth interviews with female university students. Study data were analysed manually using the thematic analysis approach.

Primary outcome

The primary outcome is to explore perception of students on academic life and well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 10 in-depth interviews were conducted between August and September 2020. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) impact of COVID-19 on students’ well-being; (2) effect of COVID-19 on students’ academic life; (3) current coping mechanisms adopted by students and (4) recommendations to address students’ concerns. The pandemic-related stressors served as a major impediment on students’ motivation, concentration span and socioeconomic conditions which negatively influenced their well-being and academic life. However, students have adopted diverse coping mechanisms to combat unstable circumstances that include connecting with family and relatives, indulging in diverse activities, and getting academic support from faculty, senior students, and university administration. Students also recommended the need for arranging online mental health services, integrating e-learning mediums in existing academia, and constant efforts by the government to address electricity and internet connectivity issues to promote virtual learning.

Conclusion

University students have been struck hard due to rapid pandemic-related transitions in their life. The study finding served as the potential guide for educational institutions and government officials to employ appropriate psychological interventions and provide infrastructure and technical facilities to provide support with their academic journey and overcoming the ongoing pandemic repercussions.
Primary Care Severe Asthma Registry and Education Project (PCSAR-EDU): Phase 1 – an e-Delphi for registry definitions and indices of clinician behaviour
Authors: D'Urzo Katrina A , Tamari Itamar E , Chapman Kenneth R , Maleki-Yazdi M Reza , Greiver Michelle , Upshur Ross EG , Biro Lana , O'Neill Braden , Moineddin Rahim , Aliarzadeh Babak , Kulasegaram Kulamakan , To Teresa , D'Urzo Anthony D
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Although most asthma is mild to moderate, severe asthma accounts for disproportionate personal and societal costs. Poor co-ordination of care between primary care and specialist settings is recognised as a barrier to achieving optimal outcomes. The Primary Care Severe Asthma Registry and Education (PCSAR-EDU) project aims to address these gaps through the interdisciplinary development and evaluation of both a ‘real-world’ severe asthma registry and an educational programme for primary care providers. This manuscript describes phase 1 of PCSAR-EDU which involves establishing interdisciplinary consensus on criteria for the: (1) definition of severe asthma; (2) generation of a severe asthma registry and (3) definition of an electronic-medical record data-based Clinician Behaviour Index (CBI).

Methods and analysis

In phase 1, a modified e-Delphi activity will be conducted. Delphi panellists (n≥13) will be invited to complete a 30 min online survey on three separate occasions (i.e., three separate e-Delphi ‘rounds’) over a 3-month period. Expert opinion will be collected via an open-ended survey (‘Open’ round 1) and 5-point Likert scale and ranking surveys (‘Closed’ round 2 and 3). A fourth and final Delphi round will occur via synchronous meeting, whereby panellists approve a finalised ideal ‘core criteria list’, CBI and corresponding item weighting.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained for the activities involved in phase 1 from the University of Toronto’s Human Research Ethics Programme (approval number 39695). Future ethics approvals will depend on information gathered in the proceeding phase; thus, ethical approval for phase 2 and 3 of this study will be sought sequentially. Findings will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and knowledge translation tools.
Collaborative research methods and best practice with children and young people: protocol for a mixed-method review of the health and social sciences literature
Authors: Nowland Rebecca , Robertson Laura , Farrelly Nicola , Roy Alastair , Sharpe Darren , Harris Cath , Morocza Nora , Larkins Cath
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Children and young people have the right to participate in research on matters that affect them, and their contribution improves research quality and insights from findings. Discrete participatory approaches are used across different disciplines. This review will provide a synthesis of existing literature from different disciplines by working with young people and adults experienced in participatory research to develop a broad definition of child and youth led research and to identify best practice.

Methods and analysis

Comprehensive searches will be conducted in eight electronic databases (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, SocINDEX, ASSIA: Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (Proquest), Social Care Online and SCOPUS). Grey literature reports will also be sourced using Google searching. Eligible studies will be English-language primary studies and reviews on collaborative research with children and young people (aged 5–25 years) published from 2000 onwards. Qualitative and quantitative data will be integrated in a single qualitative synthesis following the JBI convergent integrated approach. Study quality will be assessed by developed checklists based on existing participation tools cocreated with the project steering group and co-creation activities with young people.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as no primary data will be collected. The review will develop guidance on best practice for collaborative research with children and young people, synthesising learnings from a wide variety of disciplines. Dissemination will be via peer-reviewed publications, presentations at academic conferences and lay summaries for various stakeholders. Opportunities for cocreation of outputs will be sought with the young researchers and the project steering committee.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021246378.
Durable response of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma to FS118, a bispecific LAG-3/PD-L1 antibody, after checkpoint inhibitor progression: a case report
Authors: Kroloff Maxwell J , Holz Josefin-Beate , Stern Omer , Shepherd Christopher J , Morrow Michelle , Kayitalire Louis , Wong Deborah J
Published: October 2022

Anaplastic thyroid cancer represents a rare, highly aggressive form of thyroid cancer with a poor prognosis and an overall survival ranging from 5 to 12 months. Unfortunately, treatment options remain limited, even for patients with a targetable driver mutation. Here, we present a case of a patient with a BRAF V600E-mutated, PD-L1 positive (tumor proportion score of 95%) anaplastic thyroid cancer refractory to standard therapies, including debulking surgery, followed by chemoradiation, who had further progressed on PD-1 monotherapy, and was unable to tolerate BRAF/MEK inhibition. Ongoing treatment with FS118, a bispecific LAG-3/PD-L1 antagonist, has afforded 3 years of disease control, including a late confirmed partial response, with excellent tolerability. Given this response, further investigation is required to delineate the mechanism by which dual PD-L1/LAG-3 blockade by FS118 overcomes initial PD-1 pathway resistance, and therefore, identify which patients are most likely to benefit. Simultaneously, expanded use should be considered for those with refractory disease, especially if PD-L1 positive.

Insights

Dual PD-L1/LAG-3 blockade may be an effective treatment strategy for refractory metastatic tumors, including anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Multicontractor multiproject matching optimization for planning modular school construction programs
Authors: Hasan Monjurul , Lu Ming , Newton Ross
Published: October 2022

In a practical context of construction management, a number of special contractors are selected to deliver a multiproject program in a definitive time frame. Research has yet to address how well contractors are matched to projects in scheduling and how to evaluate this criterion in scheduling optimization analysis. This research formulates a novel resource scheduling optimization problem termed multicontractor multiproject matching optimization problem (MCMPMO) based on the current practice of planning modular school development programs. The particular goal of MCMPMO is to determine which contractor is a better match for delivering which project in such a way that the program would be completed by available resources in time, resulting in the highest chances of completing the whole program to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders. A bi-objective optimization formulation for MCMPMO is proposed in the application context of planning modular school development programs. A computer program was prototyped to identify a Pareto front of the MCMPMO problem in a case study.
SWEBOK Matters: Report and Reflection of a SEKE Panel on the Educational and Professional Implications of SWEBOK
Authors: Kamthan Pankaj , Washizaki Hironori
Published: October 2022

This paper provides a summary of the proceedings of a panel on the Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK) held under the auspices of the Thirty-Fourth International Conference on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering (SEKE 2022), as well as the discussion that ensued thereafter among the panelists. In this regard, a synopsis of the underlying motivation and structure of SWEBOK is given, and the means for integrating SWEBOK in software-intensive organizations and educational institutions offering software engineering-related courses are highlighted and illustrated by pedagogically-oriented examples.
The Cauchy problem for properly hyperbolic equations in one space variable
Authors: Spagnolo Sergio , Taglialatela Giovanni
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem for higher-order weakly hyperbolic equations assuming that the principal symbol depends only on one space variable and the characteristic roots [Formula: see text] verify an inequality like [Formula: see text] We prove that the Cauchy problem is well-posed in [Formula: see text] if the operators with frozen coefficients are uniformly hyperbolic in the sense of Gårding.
The Fundamentals of the State
Authors: Smith Monica L.
Published: October 2022

Although ubiquitous today, the “state” did not always exist. Archaeological and historical assessments of state beginnings—and research on the characteristics of the state form in both past and present—help address how the state as a social, economic, and territorial construct became dominant. Utilizing the categories of politics, violence, literacy, and borders, this article examines how individuals and households are mutually implicated in negotiations of power and expressions of everyday life that have been present from before the inception of the state through to the modern day. The state is constituted and expressed through nested exploitative engagements predicated on actual and perceived benefits; the outcomes of the existence of the state range from collaborative platforms for integration to the realities of inequality, environmental degradation through future discounting, and institutionalized power dynamics. As a container for human interactions, the state may be situationally unwanted but also seems inescapable once initialized.
The Carceral State: An American Story
Authors: Khan Aisha
Published: October 2022

This article reviews key works in the anthropology of mass incarceration, generated by anthropologists and their interlocutors whose research is directed outside physical sites of imprisonment. My geographical focus is on the United States during the last decade's political and economic Zeitgeist, shaped by the manifestations and consequences of the carceral state and the prison industrial complex. My discussion is also guided by research invigorated by anthropology's decolonizing drive and growing concern about racism within and outside the academy. Along the way, and emphasized in the final section, I make the case that anthropology's abiding interest in kinship is a productive approach for configuring our understanding of the American carceral state and the racial landscapes of carcerality. The research reviewed shows how deeply carcerality is embedded in race, illuminating its destructiveness in Black and brown communities, yet also revealing the creation of regenerative spaces of kinship.
Adjective Ordering Across Languages
Authors: Scontras Gregory
Published: October 2022

Adjective ordering preferences stand as perhaps one of the best candidates for a true linguistic universal: When multiple adjectives are strung together in service of modifying some noun, speakers of different languages—from English to Mandarin to Hebrew—exhibit robust and reliable preferences concerning the relative order of those adjectives. More importantly, despite the diversity of the languages investigated, the very same preferences surface over and over again. This tantalizing regularity has led to decades of research pursuing the source of these preferences. This article offers an overview of the findings and proposals that have resulted.