bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformation
Authors: Brown Alan
Published: November 2022

Professor Alan Brown FBCS explores digital transformation’s evolving language.
Driving it Change in the Motor Industry
Authors: Sheldon Ric
Published: November 2022

When the Institute of the Motor Industry began its digital transformation journey, it’s fair to say it had some distance to run. Dave Baldwin, Digital Solutions Architect and Ric Sheldon, Fractional CTO, point out the twists, turns and bumps in the road of transformation to Johanna Hamilton AMBCS.
Business Analysis
Authors: Lovelock Christina
Published: November 2022

Christina Lovelock MBCS explores the place for compassion in projects.
IT and Ethics
Authors: Ballard Ron
Published: November 2022

Ron Ballard FBCS gives his personal view about what ‘no harm’ means in IT.
Remembering The World’s First Business Computer
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: November 2022

A new book and an award-winning documentary film keep the LEO story and legacy alive for future generation.
A System For Storing Anonymous Patient Healthcare Data Using Blockchain And Its Applications
Authors: Oksuz Ozgur
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a system is proposed which uses blockchain technology in healthcare. In this system, patients can access their health records anytime from anywhere. Moreover, the patients’ health records are put into the blockchain anonymously. Whenever a patient visits a healthcare professional, the authorized entity filters patients’ medical report out by eliminating the patients’ sensitive information. Then, the filtered medical data are put into an off-chain database, while the address of the data is put into the blockchain with an assigned pseudo random identity of the patient. Thus, there are multi pseudo random identities for each patient. Unlike previous studies where the patients’ identities/reports were linkable, in the proposed protocol the patients’ identities are not linkable. The proposed system can also be used to show patients’ health status to some entities when a pandemic happens (e.g. COVID-19). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the patients are required to show their series of vaccinations before they travel internationally/nationally or participate in some social events. To travel or join some events, the patient needs to show only a partial medical history to the security guard without leaking any private information. Furthermore, once the anonymous medical data are put into the off-chain database, the data can be used for data mining and machine learning.
Identifying unmet antithrombotic therapeutic need, and implications for stroke and systemic embolism in atrial fibrillation patients: a population-scale longitudinal study
Authors: Torabi Fatemeh , Harris Daniel E , Bodger Owen , Akbari Ashley , Lyons Ronan A , Gravenor Michael , Halcox Julian P
Published: November 2022

Aims

Guidelines recommend anticoagulation (AC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) to reduce stroke and systemic embolism (SSE) risk; however, implementation has been slow across many populations. This study aimed to quantify the potential impact of changing prevalence of AF, associated risk, and AC prescribing on SSE hospitalizations and death.

Methods and results

We evaluated temporal trends of AF, CHA2DS2-VASc, antithrombotic prescriptions, SSE hospitalizations, death, and their associations between 2012 and 2018 in a longitudinal cohort of AF patients in Wales UK. Multi-state Markov models were used to estimate expected SSE rates given the AC coverage, adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc scores. SSE rates were modelled for various past and future AC scenarios. A total of 107 137 AF patients were evaluated (mean age = 74 years, 45% female). AF prevalence increased from 1.75 to 2.22% (P-value <0.001). SSE hospitalizations decreased by 18% (2.34–1.92%, P-value <0.001). Increased AC coverage from 50 to 70% was associated with a 37% lower SSE rate, after adjustment for individual time-dependent CHA2DS2VASc scores. The observed AC increase accounted for approximately 80 fewer SSE hospitalizations per 100 000/year. If 90% AC coverage had been achieved since 2012, an estimated 279 SSE per 100 000/year may have been prevented. Our model also predicts that improving AC coverage to 90% over the next 9 years could reduce annual SSE rates by 9%.

Conclusion

We quantified the relationship between observed AC coverage, estimating the potential impact of variation in the timing of large-scale implementation. These data emphasize the importance of timely implementation and the considerable opportunity to improve clinical outcomes in the Wales-AF population.
Drought stress affects interactions between potato plants, psyllid vectors, and a bacterial pathogen
Authors: Cohen Abigail , Basu Saumik , Crowder David W
Published: November 2022

Transmission of insect-borne pathogens is mediated by interactions between insects and plants across variable environments. Water stress, for example, affects the physiology, defense, chemistry, and nutritional balance of plants in ways that alter their tolerance to herbivores and pathogens. However, few studies have explored interactions between water stress and insect-borne pathogens as well as the molecular mechanisms mediating these interactions. Here, we address these knowledge gaps by assessing effects of plant water stress on the transmission of a bacterial pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLs), by the vector Bactericera cockerelli Šulc (potato psyllid). We hypothesized that plant water stress would promote pathogen transmission by inducing plant gene transcripts and phytohormones involved in defense. Our results showed water stress was associated with decreased CLs titer with two psyllid haplotypes. Our analysis of plant gene transcripts suggested water stress affected phytohormone pathways in ways that altered plant tolerance to the CLs pathogen. Our study shows that abiotic stressors like drought may mediate the spread of plant pathogens by altering plant signaling pathways in ways that affect pathogen transmission.
The associations among cognitive social factors, eHealth literacy and health-promoting behaviors in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Wang Xin , Yue Tian , Mo Phoenix Kit-han
Published: November 2022

The internet is a critical source of health information. It is important to understand online health information seeking related factors among college students, as modifications in this have the potentials to enhance their health-promoting behaviors in their transition into early adulthood. This study assessed the associations among cognitive social factors, eHealth literacy, online health information seeking and health-promoting behaviors; and examined the potential mediation effect of online health information seeking and eHealth literacy on the association between cognitive social factors and health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional, Internet-based survey was conducted in a sample of Chinese college students (n = 289) during April to June 2018. The structural model fitted the data well: X2/df = 2.27; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.07 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.08); SRMR = 0.07 and the results showed that performance expectancy and health motivation were significantly and positively associated with health-promoting behaviors indirectly through eHealth literacy, adjusting for other cognitive social factors, frequency of online health information seeking and background factors. eHealth literacy is a strong mediator of the association between cognitive social factors (performance expectancy and health motivation) and health-promoting behaviors. Implications and potential interventions to promote eHealth literacy and health-promoting behaviors are discussed.
Human spermatogonial stem cells and their niche in male (in)fertility: novel concepts from single-cell RNA-sequencing
Authors: Di Persio Sara , Neuhaus Nina
Published: November 2022

The amount of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data produced in the field of human male reproduction has steadily increased. Transcriptional profiles of thousands of testicular cells have been generated covering the human neonatal, prepubertal, pubertal and adult period as well as different types of male infertility; the latter include non-obstructive azoospermia, cryptozoospermia, Klinefelter syndrome and azoospermia factor deletions. In this review, we provide an overview of transcriptional changes in different testicular subpopulations during postnatal development and in cases of male infertility. Moreover, we review novel concepts regarding the existence of spermatogonial and somatic cell subtypes as well as their crosstalk and provide corresponding marker genes to facilitate their identification. We discuss the potential clinical implications of scRNA-seq findings, the need for spatial information and the necessity to corroborate findings by exploring other levels of regulation, including at the epigenetic or protein level.
How not to think like a hegemon
Authors: Stein Janice Gross
Published: November 2022

As the United States experiences a relative decline in its share of global GDP and China increases its relative share, there is growing concern about the consequences of intensifying competition between the two great powers. This article takes a wider angled view, warns against a single narrative and provides a collection of plausible stories. First, the story of the rise of China and the decline of the United States that relies heavily on ‘hard’ measures like GDP and relative military capability overlooks other relevant indicators such as normative and network power. I argue that the United States enjoys considerable advantages as measured by both these indicators and will continue to do so for some time. Second, the status of a great power in the international system is a product not only of systemic and structural forces but also of economic and political capacity that enables governments to make strategic choices. The future is contingent, not determined, because the strategies leaders choose matter. I build a matrix of nine possible worlds that result from the choices that the leaders of China and the United States could make over the next twenty years. Finally, I argue that the biggest threat to international peace may come not from rising powers, but when the leaders of the challenger as well as the defender fear that their power may have peaked and that they are beginning to decline.
How not to solve a financial crisis
Authors: James Harold
Published: November 2022

In what ways can there be a learning from the past in the case of financial crises? A short-run assessment looks frequently different to a longer retrospective: policies that once appeared to be the best available turn out to be counter-productive. The article tackles this issue by examining three iconic and world-changing cases of financial crisis: 1931, 1997 and 2008. In each, it looked at first as if there was a substantial success, because the measures adopted corresponded to conventional wisdom. But those immediate responses, in each case driven by the sense that past mistakes needed to be avoided, in the end unfortunately set the stage for a new set of problems, and thus for the next crisis. Even though multilateral solutions might have been the best answer, the concrete dynamics of responding to crises politically produces national solutions, which may drive a nationalization of politics. The immediate and conventional solutions did not adequately deal with the social and political fallout from increasing disillusion with the way that the solutions are applied, and with the (in part) unintended consequences they produce. The side-effects of anti-crisis medicine are thus unpleasant and liable to generate new tensions.
Nearly minimax-optimal rates for noisy sparse phase retrieval via early-stopped mirror descent
Authors: Wu Fan , Rebeschini Patrick
Published: November 2022

This paper studies early-stopped mirror descent applied to noisy sparse phase retrieval, which is the problem of recovering a $k$-sparse signal $\textbf{x}^\star \in{\mathbb{R}}^n$ from a set of quadratic Gaussian measurements corrupted by sub-exponential noise. We consider the (non-convex) unregularized empirical risk minimization problem and show that early-stopped mirror descent, when equipped with the hypentropy mirror map and proper initialization, achieves a nearly minimax-optimal rate of convergence, provided the sample size is at least of order $k^2$ (modulo logarithmic term) and the minimum (in modulus) non-zero entry of the signal is on the order of $\|\textbf{x}^\star \|_2/\sqrt{k}$. Our theory leads to a simple algorithm that does not rely on explicit regularization or thresholding steps to promote sparsity. More generally, our results establish a connection between mirror descent and sparsity in the non-convex problem of noisy sparse phase retrieval, adding to the literature on early stopping that has mostly focused on non-sparse, Euclidean and convex settings via gradient descent. Our proof combines a potential-based analysis of mirror descent with a quantitative control on a variational coherence property that we establish along the path of mirror descent, up to a prescribed stopping time.
Exit Time Analysis for Approximations of Gradient Descent Trajectories Around Saddle Points
Authors: Dixit Rishabh , Gürbüzbalaban Mert , Bajwa Waheed U
Published: November 2022

This paper considers the problem of understanding the exit time for trajectories of gradient-related first-order methods from saddle neighborhoods under some initial boundary conditions. Given the ‘flat’ geometry around saddle points, first-order methods can struggle to escape these regions in a fast manner due to the small magnitudes of gradients encountered. In particular, while it is known that gradient-related first-order methods escape strict-saddle neighborhoods, existing analytic techniques do not explicitly leverage the local geometry around saddle points in order to control behavior of gradient trajectories. It is in this context that this paper puts forth a rigorous geometric analysis of the gradient-descent method around strict-saddle neighborhoods using matrix perturbation theory. In doing so, it provides a key result that can be used to generate an approximate gradient trajectory for any given initial conditions. In addition, the analysis leads to a linear exit-time solution for gradient-descent method under certain necessary initial conditions, which explicitly bring out the dependence on problem dimension, conditioning of the saddle neighborhood, and more, for a class of strict-saddle functions.
The thin line between conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) in the gut
Authors: Ulezko Antonova Alina , Fachi José Luís , Gilfillan Susan , Colonna Marco
Published: November 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) express major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) and are best known for proficiently presenting antigens to T cells, thereby eliciting specific adaptive T cell responses. Moreover, conventional DCs (cDCs) are specifically adept at handling intestinal antigens. Relatively recent discoveries and investigations have proven the existence of a new group of innate lymphocytes that reside in tissues like the intestine. They lack specific antigen receptors and can express MHC-II. These group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) comprise a subset of heterogeneous innate lymphocytes that mirror the phenotype and functions of T-helper cells and act in the first line of defense. Considering that ILC3s are crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the intestinal mucosa and are found in niches alongside DCs, we herein describe the roles played by cDCs and ILC3s in the gut, highlighting the most recent studies. We discuss how these cells are alike and differ, constantly pointing out the thin, blurry line that separates cDCs and ILC3s.
Denying a Unified Concept of Disability
Authors: Timpe Kevin
Published: November 2022

This paper argues that there are reasons to believe that there is no single concept or category which demarcates all individuals who have a disability from those individuals who do not. The paper begins by describing that I call ‘a Unified Concept View of Disability’ and the role that such a view plays in debates about the nature of disability. After considering reasons to think that our concept of disability is not unified in the way that the Unified Concept View assumes, I outline what a non-unified approach to disability might look like. The paper concludes by considering implications of rejecting the Unified Concept View of disability.
Research on reduction of residual stress in girth welds of large-diameter natural gas pipes by ultrasonic
Authors: Li Yukun , Wang Longsheng , Zhao Shangxin , Chang Jinglong , Shen Ke , Wang Shanyao , Cao Xiaojian , Wang Yixuan
Published: November 2022

Excessive residual stress of the girth weld in pipes will directly damage the pipe strength during its operation. Accurate measurement and effective reduction of the residual stress can ensure the safety of natural gas pipes during their service. In this paper, an X80-type large-diameter natural gas pipe section with girth welds is taken as the research object. The coercive force method is used to characterize the residual stress of the girth weld and its surroundings, and then the distribution law of the residual stress of the girth weld and its surroundings is obtained based on the measurement results of the Blind-hole method; the ultrasonic impact method was used to reduce the girth weld residual stress, and the effect of the ultrasonic impact method on the residual stress reduction was studied by comparing changes of the distribution characteristics of the coercive force in the girth weld and its surroundings before and after the residual stress reduction in the natural gas pipes. Lastly, the in-situ test specimen is made to carry out the uniaxial tensile test so as to study the effect of the ultrasonic impact method on the tensile mechanical properties of pipe welds. This study clarifies the influence law of the ultrasonic impact on the mechanical properties of weld toe materials, and provided technical theoretical guidance for the reduction of field residual stress in natural gas pipes.
SARS-CoV-2 Screening Testing Programs for Safe In-person Learning in K–12 Schools
Authors: Kalu Ibukunoluwa C , Zimmerman Kanecia O , Goldman Jennifer L , Keener Mast Dana , Blakemore Ashley M , Moorthy Ganga , Boutzoukas Angelique E , Campbell Melissa M , Uthappa Diya , DeLaRosa Jesse , Potts Jessica M , Edwards Laura J , Selvarangan Rangaraj , Benjamin Daniel K , Mann Tara K , Schuster Jennifer E
Published: November 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) screening testing is a recommended mitigation strategy for schools, although few descriptions of program implementation are available.

Methods

Kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) students and staff practicing universal masking during the delta and omicron variant waves from five schools in Durham, North Carolina and eight schools in Kansas City, Missouri participated; Durham’s program was structured as a public health initiative facilitated by school staff, and Kansas City’s as a research study facilitated by a research team. Tests included school-based rapid antigen or polymerase chain reaction testing, at-home rapid antigen testing, and off-site nucleic acid amplification testing.

Results

We performed nearly 5700 screening tests on more than 1600 K–12 school students and staff members. The total cost for the Durham testing program in 5 public charter K–12 schools, each with 500–1000 students, was $246 587 and approximately 752 h per semester; cost per test was $70 and cost per positive result was $7076. The total cost for the Kansas City program in eight public K–12 schools was $292 591 and required approximately 537 h in personnel time for school-based testing; cost per test was $132 and cost per positive result was $4818. SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates were generally lower (0–16.16%) than rates in the community (2.7–36.47%) throughout all testing weeks.

Conclusions and Relevance

Voluntary screening testing programs in K–12 schools are costly and rarely detect asymptomatic positive persons, particularly in universally masked settings.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT04831866.
Testing modified gravity scenarios with direct peculiar velocities
Authors: Lyall Stuart , Blake Chris , Turner Ryan , Ruggeri Rossana , Winther Hans
Published: November 2022

The theoretical basis of dark energy remains unknown and could signify a need to modify the laws of gravity on cosmological scales. In this study, we investigate how the clustering and motions of galaxies can be used as probes of modified gravity theories, using galaxy and direct peculiar velocity auto- and cross-correlation functions. We measure and fit these correlation functions in simulations of ΛCDM, DGP, and f(R) cosmologies and, by extracting the characteristic parameters of each model, we show that these theories can be distinguished from General Relativity (GR) using these measurements. We present forecasts showing that with sufficiently large data samples, this analysis technique is a competitive probe that can help place limits on allowed deviations from GR. For example, a peculiar velocity survey reaching to z = 0.5 with $20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ distance accuracy would constrain model parameters to 3-σ confidence limits log10|fR0| < −6.45 for f(R) gravity and $r_\mathrm{ c} \gt 2.88 \, \mathrm{ c}/H_0$ for nDGP, assuming a fiducial GR model.
Can ultralight dark matter explain the age–velocity dispersion relation of the Milky Way disc: A revised and improved treatment
Authors: Chiang Barry T , Ostriker Jeremiah P , Schive Hsi-Yu
Published: November 2022

Ultralight axion-like particles ma ∼ 10−22 eV, or Fuzzy Dark Matter (FDM), behave comparably to cold dark matter (CDM) on cosmological scales and exhibit a kpc-size de Broglie wavelength capable of alleviating established (sub-)galactic-scale problems of CDM. Substructures inside an FDM halo incur gravitational potential perturbations, resulting in stellar heating sufficient to account for the Galactic disc thickening over a Hubble time, as first demonstrated by Church et al. We present a more sophisticated treatment that incorporates the full baryon and dark matter distributions of the Milky Way and adopts stellar disc kinematics inferred from recent Gaia, APOGEE, and LAMOST surveys. Ubiquitous density granulation and subhalo passages, respectively, drive inner disc thickening and flaring of the outer disc, resulting in an observationally consistent ‘U-shaped’ disc vertical velocity dispersion profile with the global minimum located near the solar radius. The observed age–velocity dispersion relation in the solar vicinity can be explained by the FDM-substructure-induced heating and places an exclusion bound ma ≳ 0.4 × 10−22 eV. We assess non-trivial uncertainties in the empirical core–halo relation, FDM subhalo mass function and tidal stripping, and stellar heating estimate. The mass range ma ≃ 0.5–0.7 × 10−22 eV favoured by the observed thick disc kinematics is in tension with several exclusion bounds inferred from dwarf density profiles, stellar streams, and Milky Way satellite populations, which could be significantly relaxed due to the aforesaid uncertainties. Additionally, strongly anisotropic heating could help explain the formation of ultra-thin disc galaxies.
A search for transit timing variations within the exomoon corridor using Kepler data
Authors: Kipping David , Yahalomi Daniel A
Published: November 2022

An exomoon will produce transit timing variations (TTVs) upon the parent planet and their undersampled nature causes half of such TTVs to manifest within a frequency range of two to four cycles, irrespective of exomoon demographics. Here, we search through published Kepler TTV data for such signals, applying a battery of significance and robustness checks, plus independent light-curve analyses for candidate signals. Using the original transit times, we identify 11 (ostensibly) single-planets with a robust, significant and fast (PTTV < 4 cycles) TTV signal. However, of these, only five are recovered in an independent analysis of the original photometry, underscoring the importance of such checks. The surviving signals are subjected to an additional trifecta of statistical tests to ensure signal significance, predictive capability and consistency with an exomoon. KOI-3678.01, previously validated as Kepler-1513b, is the only case that passes every test, exhibiting a highly significant (>20σ) TTV signal with a periodicity, amplitude and shape consistent with that caused by an exomoon. Our analysis finds that this planet is $8.2_{-0.5}^{+0.7}$ R⊕ orbiting at $0.53_{-0.03}^{+0.04}$ au around a late G-type dwarf. After forecasting the planetary mass, we expect it to be capable of maintaining at least a 0.3 M⊕ exomoon for 5 Gyr, and the TTV signal corresponds to a moon mass as low as 0.75 Lunar masses. We thus encourage follow-up observations and dynamical analysis of this unique signal, but caution skepticism until such data can be obtained.
Observational signatures of galactic turbulent dynamos
Authors: Carteret Yann , Bendre Abhijit B , Schober Jennifer
Published: November 2022

We analyse the observational signatures of galactic magnetic fields that are self-consistently generated in magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the interstellar medium through turbulence driven by supernova (SN) explosions and differential rotation. In particular, we study the time evolution of the Faraday rotation measure (RM), synchrotron radiation, and Stokes parameters by characterizing the typical structures formed in the plane of observation. We do this by defining two distinct models for both thermal and cosmic ray (CR) electron distributions. Our results indicate that the maps of RM have structures that are sheared and rendered anisotropically by differential rotation and that they depend on the choice of the thermal electron model as well as the SN rate. Synchrotron maps are qualitatively similar to the maps of the mean magnetic field along the line of sight and structures are only marginally affected by the CR model. Stokes parameters and related quantities, such as the degree of linear polarization, are highly dependent on both frequency and resolution of the observation.
Analytic modelling of binary-single encounters: non-thermal eccentricity distribution and gravitational-wave source formation
Authors: Ginat Yonadav Barry , Perets Hagai B
Published: November 2022

Chaotic three-body interactions may lead to the formation of gravitational-wave sources. Here, by modelling the encounter as a series of close non-hierarchical triple approaches, interspersed with hierarchical phases, in which the system consists of an inner binary and a star that orbits it, we compute the pericentre probability distribution, and thereby the in-spiral probability in any given binary-single encounter. We then consider the indirect influence of binary-single encounters on the population of gravitational-wave sources, by changing the eccentricity distribution of hard binaries in clusters; we calculate this distribution analytically, by requiring that it be invariant under interactions with single stars.
Phosphorylation of the smooth muscle master splicing regulator RBPMS regulates its splicing activity
Authors: Barnhart Michael D , Yang Yi , Nakagaki-Silva Erick E , Hammond Thomas H , Pizzinga Mariavittoria , Gooding Clare , Stott Katherine , Smith Christopher W J
Published: November 2022

We previously identified RBPMS as a master regulator of alternative splicing in differentiated smooth muscle cells (SMCs). RBPMS is transcriptionally downregulated during SMC dedifferentiation, but we hypothesized that RBPMS protein activity might be acutely downregulated by post-translational modifications. Publicly available phosphoproteomic datasets reveal that Thr113 and Thr118 immediately adjacent to the RRM domain are commonly both phosphorylated. An RBPMS T113/118 phosphomimetic T/E mutant showed decreased splicing regulatory activity both in transfected cells and in a cell-free in vitro assay, while a non-phosphorylatable T/A mutant retained full activity. Loss of splicing activity was associated with a modest reduction in RNA affinity but significantly reduced RNA binding in nuclear extract. A lower degree of oligomerization of the T/E mutant might cause lower avidity of multivalent RNA binding. However, NMR analysis also revealed that the T113/118E peptide acts as an RNA mimic which can loop back and antagonize RNA-binding by the RRM domain. Finally, we identified ERK2 as the most likely kinase responsible for phosphorylation at Thr113 and Thr118. Collectively, our data identify a potential mechanism for rapid modulation of the SMC splicing program in response to external signals during the vascular injury response and atherogenesis.
Progress in research on the role of clinical nutrition in treating traumatic brain injury affecting the neurovascular unit
Authors: Lai Jin-Qing , Chen Xiang-Rong , Lin Shu , Chen Chun-Nuan , Zheng Xuan-Xuan
Published: November 2022

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of neurons, glial cells, and blood vessels. NVU dysfunction involves the processes of neuroinflammation, and microcirculatory disturbances, as well as neuronal injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs have limited efficacy in improving the prognosis of TBI. Thus, treatments that target NVU dysfunction may provide a breakthrough. A large number of clinical studies have shown that the nutritional status of patients with TBI was closely related to their conditions and prognoses. Nutrient complexes and complementary therapies for the treatment of TBI are therefore being implemented in many preclinical studies. Importantly, the mechanism of action for this treatment may be related to repair of NVU dysfunction by ensuring adequate omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, resveratrol, apigenin, vitamins, and minerals. These nutritional supplements hold promise for translation to clinical therapy. In addition, dietary habits also play an important role in the rehabilitation of TBI. Poor dietary habits may worsen the pathology and prognosis of TBI. Adjusting dietary habits, especially with a ketogenic diet, may improve outcomes in patients with TBI. This article discusses the impact of clinical nutrition on NVU dysfunction after TBI, focusing on nutritional complexes and dietary habits.
Student Placements in Occupational Health Services: nursing and physiotherapy
Authors: Brown Clare , McDowall Kiera , Murphy Elizabeth , Bell Josh
Published: November 2022

This article outlines the practical considerations of establishing student placements in occupational health services. The placements have enhanced recruitment to both the occupational health service and the wider NHS environment. It is anticipated that the ongoing programme will offer practical placements and increase the wider understanding of the value of occupational health in the working-age population.
Factors Associated With Receiving Longer Than Recommended Therapy Among Culture-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Tsang Clarisse A , Patel Neha N , Stout Jason E , Fernando Robyn , Pratt Robert , Goswami Neela D
Published: November 2022

Background

US tuberculosis (TB) guidelines recommend treatment ≥6 months with a regimen composed of multiple effective anti-TB drugs. Since 2003, a 4-month regimen for a specific subset of TB patients has also been recommended.

Methods

We used 2011–2018 US National Tuberculosis Surveillance System data to characterize factors associated with 4-month (111–140 days) therapy among adult patients who had completed treatment and were potentially eligible at that time for 4-month therapy (culture-negative pulmonary-only TB, absence of certain risk factors, and initial treatment that included pyrazinamide). We used modified Poisson regression with backward elimination of main effect variables to calculate adjusted relative risks (aRRs).

Results

During 2011–2018, 63 393 adults completed TB treatment: 5560 (8.8%) were potentially eligible for 4-month therapy; of these, 5560 patients (79%) received >4-month therapy (median, 193 days or ∼6 months). Patients with cavitary disease were more likely to receive >4-month therapy (aRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.07–1.14) vs patients without cavitary disease. Patients more likely to receive 4-month therapy included patients treated by health departments vs private providers only (aRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98), those in the South and West vs the Midwest, non-US-born persons (aRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.99) vs US-born persons, and aged 25–64 years vs 15–24 years.

Conclusions

Most patients potentially eligible for 4-month therapy were treated with standard 6-month courses. Beyond clinical eligibility criteria, other patient- and program-related factors might be more critical determinants of treatment duration.
Making the ‘business case’: vocabularies of motive and clean tech innovation in the hidden developmental state
Authors: Kallman Meghan Elizabeth , Frickel Scott
Published: November 2022

This article analyzes the hidden developmental state (HDS) from a cultural perspective, exploring the values and vocabularies of motive among technology experts, managers and government officials involved in state-led innovation. We consider the rollout of smart meters in Washington State, an endeavor primarily funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Mobilizing evidence from 70 key informant interviews, we develop two related arguments. First, despite its ‘hiddenness’, the ARRA provided cash injections that shifted utility business models and electricity markets from fossil fuels infrastructure and toward renewable technologies by funding projects rather than organizations. The funding structure enabled engineers and managers to bypass conventional industry gatekeepers. Second, this shift was conditioned by a traditional ‘business case’ discourse, which functioned as a rhetorical lubricant, legitimating risky innovation and disguising individual and organizational values that run against established norms. A concluding discussion highlights the implications for future research.
Maintaining Skin Integrity in Neonates with Sunflower Seed Oil and Liquid Vaseline: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Karakoç Ilgın Bahar , Ekici Behice
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness of sunflower seed oil (SSO) and liquid Vaseline (LV) in maintaining skin integrity in term and preterm neonates in the neonatal ICU. Because the skin of the neonate is still immature, disruption of skin integrity is a commonly observed problem.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled study, 90 preterm and term neonates in the neonatal ICU of a state hospital were equally divided into three groups. The skin condition of the neonates in all three groups was assessed using the Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS); assessments were made a total of nine times at 48-hour intervals. The skin of the neonates in the first group was moisturized with SSO, and the second group was moisturized with LV, once a day, a total of 16 times. Moisturizer was not applied to the skin of the third group of neonates (the control group).

RESULTS

The median gestational age was 37.0 weeks (range, 36.0–38.0 weeks). After the third evaluation, the median NSCS scores for the neonates in the SSO and LV groups were significantly lower than for those in the control group (P < .001). The control group’s median NSCS scores did not change throughout the period of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SSO and LV are harmless to the skin of neonates and can be used to maintain their skin integrity. More advanced studies are needed to evaluate the effects of topical oils on maintaining skin integrity.
Immediate Weight-Bearing Following Biplanar Plating of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures
Authors: Thomas Rachel A. , Pan Tommy , Garner Matthew R.
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

Femoral fractures in geriatric patients have a high 1-year mortality rate. Early mobilization without restrictions and full weight-bearing in elderly periprosthetic femoral fractures may improve mortality, morbidity, and accelerate functional recovery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with biplanar plating and early ambulation.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with biplanar plating and immediate weight-bearing over a 4-year period. All patients were treated with anatomic reduction and primary bone healing, with biplanar fixation through a single, lateral-based incision. The primary outcome was radiographic union. Secondary outcomes were preinjury level and postinjury level of functional independence and need for revision surgery.

Results:

Seven patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 79.7 (range, 63 to 88) years. The average follow-up period was 18 months. Bony union occurred in all patients after the index procedure, with no revision surgeries documented. Five patients (71%) returned to preoperative ambulatory status, and all patients returned to their preoperative living environment.

Conclusion:

Our study supports the possibility of immediate weight-bearing in geriatric periprosthetic femur fractures treated with anatomic reduction and biplanar plating through a single lateral-based incision, although additional studies are needed.
Chronic Myopathy as the Initial Manifestation of Thyrotoxicosis: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Prado Mario B. , Adiao Karen Joy B.
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Rarely, hyperthyroidism will initially present with chronic myopathy characterized by progressive and sometimes fluctuating proximal muscle weakness, along with elevated creatine kinase and myopathic pattern in the electromyogram, mimicking other muscle and neuromuscular junction disorders with poorer prognosis.

Cases:

Here, we present 2 young patients who complained of 1–4 months duration of chronic proximal muscle lower extremity weakness, supported by elevated creatine kinase and myopathic pattern in electromyogram, who later found to have markedly low thyroid-stimulating hormone, high free T3 and free T4, enlarged thyroid gland on ultrasound, and elevated anti–thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody, characteristic of Grave disease.

Conclusions:

Although rare, thyrotoxicosis should always be ruled out in a patient with chronic myopathy because this has better prognosis than other primary muscle conditions presenting similarly.
Electrophysiology and Magnetic Resonance Neurography Findings of Nontraumatic Ulnar Mononeuropathy From a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Raj Kishan , Radhakrishnan Divya M. , Bala Parthiban , Garg Ajay , Das Animesh , Shukla Garima , Goyal Vinay , Srivastava Achal Kumar
Published: November 2022

Background:

Ulnar nerve is frequently involved in mononeuropathies of the upper limb. Ulnar neuropathies have been diagnosed conventionally using clinical and electrophysiological findings. Physicians opt for nerve imaging in patients with ambiguous electrophysiological tests to gain additional information, identify etiology and plan management.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to describe the electrophysiological and the magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) findings in patients with nontraumatic ulnar neuropathy.

Methods:

All consecutive patients with suspected nontraumatic ulnar mononeuropathy were recruited; clinical assessment and electrophysiological studies (EPSs) were done in all. After EPS, patients with localization of lesion along the ulnar nerve underwent MRN.

Results:

All 39 patients recruited had clinical findings suggestive of ulnar neuropathy; Electrophysiological confirmation was possible in 36/39 (92.30%) patients. Localization of ulnar nerve lesion to elbow and wrist was possible in 27 (75%) and 9 (25%) patients, respectively. MRN was done in 22 patients; a lesion was identified in 19 of 22 (86.36%) ulnar nerves studied. Thickening and hyperintensity in T2 W/short TI inversion recovery images of ulnar nerve at the level of olecranon, suggesting ulnar neuropathy at elbow, was the commonest (8/22) imaging finding.

Conclusions:

MRN acts as a complimentary tool to EPS for evaluating nontraumatic ulnar neuropathy. By identifying the etiology, MRN is likely to modify the management decision.
Resting-state electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography as biomarkers of chronic pain: a systematic review
Authors: Zebhauser Paul Theo , Hohn Vanessa D. , Ploner Markus
Published: November 2022

Reliable and objective biomarkers promise to improve the assessment and treatment of chronic pain. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) is broadly available, easy to use, and cost efficient and, therefore, appealing as a potential biomarker of chronic pain. However, results of EEG studies are heterogeneous. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021272622) of quantitative resting-state EEG and magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies in adult patients with different types of chronic pain. We excluded populations with severe psychiatric or neurologic comorbidity. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Semiquantitative data synthesis was conducted using modified albatross plots. We included 76 studies after searching MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. For cross-sectional studies that can serve to develop diagnostic biomarkers, we found higher theta and beta power in patients with chronic pain than in healthy participants. For longitudinal studies, which can yield monitoring and/or predictive biomarkers, we found no clear associations of pain relief with M/EEG measures. Similarly, descriptive studies that can yield diagnostic or monitoring biomarkers showed no clear correlations of pain intensity with M/EEG measures. Risk of bias was high in many studies and domains. Together, this systematic review synthesizes evidence on how resting-state M/EEG might serve as a diagnostic biomarker of chronic pain. Beyond, this review might help to guide future M/EEG studies on the development of pain biomarkers.
DRESS syndrome: an unlikely diagnosis with an unlikely cause
Authors: Soares Sofia Garcês , Mendes M. H. , Pinto-Lopes P.
Published: November 2022

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome is a rare and severe adverse drug reaction which is potentially life-threatening. We report a case of a 66-year-old male, with no prior history of allergies, who went to the emergency department with fever, headache and a rash, 12 days following receiving metronidazole for 7 days. He had no recent trips, contact with sick people or animals. The authors aim to alert to an uncommon and serious syndrome caused by an unlikely drug.
The efficiency of the EmERGE platform for medically stable people living with HIV in Portugal
Authors: Beck Eduard J. , Mandalia Sundhiya , Yfantopoulos Platonas , Jones Christopher I. , Bremner Stephen , Whetham Jennifer , Cunha Ana Sofia , Teofilo Eugenio , Rodrigues Goncalo , Borges Margarida ,   on behalf of the EmERGE Consortium
Published: November 2022

Background:

The aim of this study was to calculate the cost-effectiveness of the EmERGE Pathway of Care for medically stable people living with HIV in the Hospital Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central (HC-CHLC). The app enables individuals to receive HIV treatment information and communicate with caregivers.

Methods:

This before-and-after study collected the use of services data 1 year before implementation and after implementation of EmERGE from November 1, 2016, to October 30, 2019. Departmental unit costs were calculated and linked to mean use of outpatient services per patient-year (MPPY). Annual costs per patient-year were combined with primary (CD4 count; viral load) and secondary outcomes (PAM-13; PROQOL-HIV).

Results:

Five hundred eighty-six EmERGE participants used HIV outpatient services. Annual outpatient visits decreased by 35% from 3.1 MPPY (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0–3.3) to 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9–2.1) as did annual costs per patient-year from €301 (95% CI: €288–€316) to €193 (95% CI: €182–€204). Laboratory tests and costs increased by 2%, and radiology investigations decreased by 40% as did costs. Overall annual cost for HIV outpatient services decreased by 5% from €2093 (95% CI: €2071–€2112) to €1984 (95% CI: €1968–€2001); annual outpatient costs decreased from €12,069 (95% CI: €12,047–€12,088) to €11,960 (95% CI: €11,944–€11,977), with 83% of annual cost because of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Primary and secondary outcome measures did not differ substantially between periods.

Conclusions:

The EmERGE Pathway produced cost savings after implementation—extended to all people living with HIV additional savings are likely to be produced, which can be used to address other needs. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) were the main cost drivers and more expensive in Portugal compared with ARV costs in the other EmERGE sites.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Scholarly Activity of Authors of Research Articles Published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education from 2011-2020
Authors: Bouton Marcia , Halasy Michael
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to analyze bibliometric data and trends of author contributions to the Journal of Physician Assistant Education (JPAE) from 2011-2020.

Methods

Author data were collected from JPAE research articles published from 2011-2020. Publication history and h-index were obtained from Scopus. Data collected included first authors, last authors, and PA authors as well as trends in publications in JPAE. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were completed.

Results

From 2011-2020, 200 research articles were published in JPAE; the volume was constant. Of 698 authors listed, 374 were physician assistants (PAs). Overall, contributing authors had a mean publication number of 19.6 (1-327) compared to 12.1 (1-163) for PAs. First and last PA authors had mean publication numbers of 13.2 and 16.1, respectively, and an average h-index of 3.2 and 4.4, respectively. The overall author h-index was 5.2. The mean number of publications for non-PA last authors was 32.9. Publication to h-index proportion was similar between PAs and other authors. The top 25th percentile of PA authors published >9 indexed documents, 3 times the number published by those in the 1-75th percentile.

Discussion

PA author articles in JPAE from 2011 to 2020 were fewer than those by non-PAs but were as likely to have a proportionate h-index. PAs listed as first and last author were highly published. Trends suggest that when PA first authors work with PA last authors, there may be a more egalitarian relationship, and mentorship patterns may also exist within these groups. Increasing publication numbers from 2011 to 2020 for PA first and last authors indicates increasing academic contribution.