bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonpharmacologic management of chronic pain in the United States’ Medicare population: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Rofé Kara L. , Marshall Brandon D.L. , Merlin Jessica S. , Trivedi Amal N. , Shireman Theresa I. , Schmidt Catherine , Moyo Patience
Published: August 2022

Objective:

This objective of this review is to describe the scope of the literature on the access to and use of nonpharmacologic therapies to manage chronic pain among people with disabilities and older adults.

Introduction:

Clinical guidelines recommend nonpharmacologic interventions as first-line therapy for chronic pain management. The importance of nonpharmacologic management is magnified in populations with a high pain burden and multiple chronic conditions, such as people living with a disability and/or older adults, many of whom are enrolled in Medicare. Understanding the utilization of nonpharmacologic therapies for pain is critical to guide effective pain management delivery and policy.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will consider studies of Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare-eligible individuals who have chronic pain. Noninvasive and nonpharmacologic treatments for pain identified in clinical guidelines will be included. We will exclude studies exclusively focused on acute pain, cancer pain, palliative care and hospice settings, cannabis-based treatment, and pharmacologic therapies. Studies conducted outside the United States will be excluded.

Methods:

The proposed scoping review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology. The search strategy has been developed in consultation with a public health librarian and will be carried out in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SocINDEX, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The search will be limited to results published in English since January 1, 1990. Two independent reviewers will screen all titles and abstracts and then full-text articles. Data will be extracted and summarized in diagrammatic, tabular, and narrative formats.

Scoping review registration:

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/h7bwc/)
The influence of total compensation on job satisfaction
Authors: Gonzalez Navarro Francesc , Selva Olid Clara , Sunyer Torrents Albert
Published: August 2022

El propósito de esta investigación es examinar los efectos de la compensación total (equilibrio entre la vida laboral y personal, apoyo del supervisor, desarrollo profesional y satisfacción salarial).  sobre la satisfacción laboral.

Esta investigación se realizó sobre un colectivo de 246 empleados incluyendo empleados, técnicos y mandos intermedios de los sectores industrial y de servicios en España, principalmente de empresas medianas y grandes del sector privado.

Este documento concluye que el apoyo del supervisor, el desarrollo profesional y el equilibrio entre el trabajo y la vida personal están relacionados de manera fuerte y positiva con la satisfacción laboral, mientras que la satisfacción salarial se relaciona positivamente con la satisfacción laboral solo para el grupo de empleados de menos de 40 años de edad.

Es importante que los directivos entiendan estos factores como parte de la compensación total y promuevan políticas de flexibilidad laboral. Además, las empresas deberían promover planes de desarrollo profesional y alentar a los supervisores a apoyar a sus empleados. Estos elementos clave de la compensación total aumentan la satisfacción de los empleados.

Los resultados de este estudio se suman a la escasa literatura que ha investigado el creciente campo de la compensación total y sus efectos sobre la satisfacción laboral y el desempeño de los empleados.
Making-a-Scene: A Preliminary Case Study on Speech-Based 3D Shape Exploration Through Scene Modeling
Authors: Vyas Shantanu , Chen Ting-Ju , Mohanty Ronak R. , Krishnamurthy Vinayak R.
Published: August 2022

We explore verbalization as a means for quick-and-dirty 3D shape exploration in early design. Our work stems from the knowledge gap that the fundamental principles necessary to operationalize speech as a viable means for describing and communicating 3D digital forms do not currently exist. To address this gap, we present a case study on 3D scene modeling within the context of interior design. For this, we implemented a constrained workflow wherein a user can iteratively generate variations of seed templates of objects in a scene through verbal input. By using this workflow as an experimental setup, we systematically study four aspects of speech-based shape exploration, namely, (a) design-in-context (creating one shape with respect or in relation to the other), (b) order independence (sequence of parts preferred in speech-based shape exploration), (c) multiscale exploration (study how speech allows overview-then-detail modifications), and (d) semantic regions of interest (effectiveness of speech for modifying regions of a given object). We finally present an observational study with six participants selected from diverse backgrounds to better understand shape verbalization.
Combining Uneliminated Algebraic Formulations With Sparse Linear Solvers to Increase the Speed and Accuracy of Homotopy Path Tracking for Kinematic Synthesis
Authors: Glabe Jeffrey , Plecnik Mark
Published: August 2022

The method of kinematic synthesis requires finding the solution set of a system of polynomials. Parameter homotopy continuation is used to solve these systems and requires repeatedly solving systems of linear equations. For kinematic synthesis, the associated linear systems become ill-conditioned, resulting in a marked decrease in the number of solutions found due to path tracking failures. This unavoidable ill-conditioning places a premium on accurate function and matrix evaluations. Traditionally, variables are eliminated to reduce the dimension of the problem. However, this greatly increases the computational cost of evaluating the resulting functions and matrices and introduces numerical instability. We propose avoiding the elimination of variables to reduce required computations, increasing the dimension of the linear systems, but resulting in matrices that are quite sparse. We then solve these systems with sparse solvers to save memory and increase speed. We found that this combination resulted in a speedup of up to 250 × over traditional methods while maintaining the same accuracy.
Kinematic Analysis and Workspace Investigation of Novel 3-RPS/(H) Metamorphic Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Tian Hai-bo , Wang Cheng-yu , Ma Hong-wei , Xia Jing
Published: August 2022

3-RPS/(H) Metamorphic parallel mechanism based on conventional mechanisms is proposed in this study. In contrast to the 3-RPS mechanism, the 3-RPS/(H) mechanism comprises a novel intermediate metamorphic limb. The different constraints provided by the intermediate metamorphic limb and locking device enhance the dexterity of the metamorphic parallel mechanism. The configurations of the 3-RPS/(H) metamorphic parallel mechanism are analyzed and their degrees-of-freedom are obtained. Additionally, an inverse kinematic analysis of the mechanism is performed, and its workspace is compared with that of a conventional 3-RPS parallel mechanism with similar parameters. The results demonstrate that the 3-RPS/(H) metamorphic parallel mechanism exhibits better dexterity than that of the 3-RPS mechanism. Moreover, the effects of different structural parameters of the metamorphic parallel mechanism on the workspace are analyzed. Finally, the singularity analysis of the mechanism is performed. The results provide a theoretical basis for the design and optimization of mechanical legs.
An Approximate Time Domain Nonlinear Harmonic Method for Analyzing Unsteady Flows With Multiple Fundamental Modes
Authors: Wang Dingxi , Zhang Sen
Published: August 2022

In this article, a new hybrid time and frequency domain method called the approximate time domain nonlinear harmonic method is proposed for a robust and efficient analysis of turbomachinery unsteady flow with more than one fundamental mode. The proposed method combines the features of the nonlinear harmonic method and the time domain harmonic balance method. Unsteady flow components are grouped according to their fundamental frequencies and inter blade phase angles, and separate unsteady flow governing equations are constructed for each mode group. These mode groups are connected using the least squares method based Fourier transform. The proposed method is expected to be exact for a linear problem but approximate for a nonlinear problem. Three sets of analyses with increasing levels of difficulties are presented to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing it with the time domain harmonic balance method based on the almost periodic Fourier transform.
The cost of chewing: The energetics and evolutionary significance of mastication in humans
Authors: van Casteren Adam , Codd Jonathan R. , Kupczik Kornelius , Plasqui Guy , Sellers William I. , Henry Amanda G.
Published: August 2022

Any change in the energetic cost of mammalian mastication will affect the net energy gain from foods. Although the energetic efficiency of masticatory effort is fundamental in understanding the evolution of the human masticatory system, nothing is known currently about the associated metabolic costs of chewing different items. Here, using respirometry and electromyography of the masseter muscle, we demonstrate that chewing by human subjects represents a measurable energy sink. Chewing a tasteless odorless gum elevates metabolic rate by 10 to 15% above basal levels. Energy expenditure increases with gum stiffness and is paid for by greater muscle recruitment. For modern humans, it is likely that mastication represents a small part of the daily energy budget. However, for our ancestors, before the onset of cooking and sophisticated food processing methods, the costs must have been relatively high, adding a previously unexplored energetic dimension to the interpretation of hominin dentofacial fossils.
A widespread length-dependent splicing dysregulation in cancer
Authors: Zhang Sirui , Mao Miaowei , Lv Yuesheng , Yang Yingqun , He Weijing , Song Yongmei , Wang Yongbo , Yang Yun , Al Abo Muthana , Freedman Jennifer A. , Patierno Steven R. , Wang Yang , Wang Zefeng
Published: August 2022

Dysregulation of alternative splicing is a key molecular hallmark of cancer. However, the common features and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report an intriguing length-dependent splicing regulation in cancers. By systematically analyzing the transcriptome of thousands of cancer patients, we found that short exons are more likely to be mis-spliced and preferentially excluded in cancers. Compared to other exons, cancer-associated short exons (CASEs) are more conserved and likely to encode in-frame low-complexity peptides, with functional enrichment in GTPase regulators and cell adhesion. We developed a CASE-based panel as reliable cancer stratification markers and strong predictors for survival, which is clinically useful because the detection of short exon splicing is practical. Mechanistically, mis-splicing of CASEs is regulated by elevated transcription and alteration of certain RNA binding proteins in cancers. Our findings uncover a common feature of cancer-specific splicing dysregulation with important clinical implications in cancer diagnosis and therapies.
Multi-Omics Profiling Reveals Resource Allocation and Acclimation Strategies to Temperature Changes in a Marine Dinoflagellate
Authors: Zhang Hao , Gu Bowei , Zhou Youping , Ma Xiao , Liu Tianqi , Xu Hongkai , Xie Zhangxian , Liu Kailin , Wang Dazhi , Xia Xiaomin
Published: August 2022

Marine phytoplankton is one of the most important nodes in global biogeochemical cycle. Deciphering temperature-associated marine phytoplankton cell stoichiometric changes and the underlying molecular mechanisms are therefore of great ecological concerns.
Evidence against the Human Metapneumovirus G, SH, and M2-2 Proteins as Bona Fide Interferon Antagonists
Authors: Groen K. , van Nieuwkoop S. , Lamers M. M. , Fouchier R. A. M. , van den Hoogen B. G.
Published: August 2022

Understanding the interaction between viruses and the innate immune response is one of the barriers to the design of antiviral therapies. Here, we investigated the role of the G, SH, and M2-2 proteins of HMPV as type I IFN antagonists.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Freshwater Diatom Fragilaria crotonensis SAG 28.96
Authors: Zepernick Brittany N. , Truchon Alexander R. , Gann Eric R. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: August 2022

Here, we report the assembled and annotated genome of the freshwater diatom
Fragilaria crotonensis
SAG 28.96. The 61.85-Mb nuclear genome was assembled into 879 contigs, has a GC content of 47.40%, contains 26,015 predicted genes, and shows completeness of 81%.
Extremely delayed-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Holland Ethan , Altshuler Ellery , Franke Aaron J
Published: August 2022

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare condition that occurs in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation. Symptoms at presentation depend on the organs involved. PTLD most commonly occurs in the first year after transplant (early onset) or around 5 years after transplant (late onset). Herein, we report a rare presentation of central nervous system PTLD in an adult who presented with seizures 17 years after renal transplantation. After extensive infectious and transplant-related workup, brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PTLD. The patient was treated with rituximab and high-dose methotrexate. Eighteen months later, the patient had no signs of recurrence. Very late-onset (>10 years) PTLD is rare, but is likely to become more common with more long-term survivors of solid organ transplant. Data are limited but show that the factors associated with very late-onset PTLD are different from early or late-onset PTLD.
Incorporating productivity loss in health economic evaluations: a review of guidelines and practices worldwide for research agenda in China
Authors: Jiang Shan , Wang Yitong , Si Lei , Zang Xiao , Gu Yuan-Yuan , Jiang Yawen , Liu Gordon G , Wu Jing
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Productivity loss may contribute to a large proportion of costs of health conditions in an economic evaluation from a societal perspective, but there is currently a lack of methodological consensus on how productivity loss should be measured and valued. Despite the research progress surrounding this issue in other countries, it has been rarely discussed in China.

Methods

We reviewed the official guidelines on economic evaluations in different countries and regions and screened the literature to summarise the extent to which productivity loss was incorporated in economic evaluations and the underlying methodological challenges.

Results

A total of 48 guidelines from 46 countries/regions were included. Although 32 (67%) guidelines recommend excluding productivity loss in the base case analysis, 23 (48%) guidelines recommend including productivity loss in the base case or additional analyses. Through a review of systematic reviews and the economic evaluation studies included in these reviews, we found that the average probability of incorporating productivity loss in an economic evaluation was 10.2%. Among the economic evaluations (n=478) that explicitly considered productivity loss, most (n=455) considered losses from paid work, while only a few studies (n=23) considered unpaid work losses. Recognising the existing methodological challenges and the specific context of China, we proposed a practical research agenda and a disease list for progress on this topic, including the development of the disease list comprehensively consisting of health conditions where the productivity loss should be incorporated into economic evaluations.

Conclusion

An increasing number of guidelines recommend the inclusion of productivity loss in the base case or additional analyses of economic evaluation. We optimistically expect that more Chinese researchers notice the importance of incorporating productivity loss in economic evaluations and anticipate guidelines that may be suitable for Chinese practitioners and decision-makers that facilitate the advancement of research on productivity loss measurement and valuation.
Reporting conflicts of interest in randomised trials of patient blood management interventions in patients requiring major surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roman Marius , Fashina Oluwatomini , Tomassini Sara , Abbasciano Riccardo G , Lai Florence , Richards Toby , Murphy Gavin
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aimed to systematically review the effects of declared and undeclared conflicts of interest on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of patient blood management (PBM) interventions.

Design

We performed a secondary analysis of a recently published meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating five common PBM interventions in patients undergoing major surgery.

Data sources

The databases searched by the original systematic reviews were searched using subject headings and Medical Subject Headings terms according to search strategies from the final search time-points until 1 June 2019.

Eligibility criteria

RCTs on PBM irrespective of blinding, language, date of publication and sample size were included. Abstracts and unpublished trials were excluded. Conflicts of interest were defined as sponsorship, funding or authorship by industry, professional PBM advocacy groups or blood services.

Data extraction and synthesis

Three independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. Pooled treatment effect estimates were reported as risk ratios (RRs) or standardised mean difference with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic.

Results

Three hundred and eighty-nine RCTs totalling 53 635 participants were included. Thirty-two trials (8%) were considered free from important sources of bias. There was reporting bias favouring PBM interventions on transfusion across all analyses. In trials with no declared author conflicts of interest, the treatment effect on mortality was RR 1.12 (0.86 to 1.45). In trials where author conflicts of interest were declared, the treatment effect on mortality was RR 0.84 (0.69 to 1.03), with significant reporting bias favouring PBM interventions. Trials with declared conflicts linked to professional PBM advocacy groups (five studies, n=977 patients) reported statistically significant reductions in mortality RR 0.40 (0.17 to 0.92), unlike other groups.

Conclusions

Low certainty of the evidence that guides PBM implementation is confounded by evidence of reporting bias, and the effects of declared and undeclared conflicts of interest, favouring PBM on important trial outcomes.
Use of a positive psychology intervention (PPI) to promote the psychological well-being of children living in poverty: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ho Ka Yan , Lam Katherine Ka Wai , Bressington Daniel Thomas , Lin Jessie , Mak Yim Wah , Wu Cynthia , Li William H C
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Poverty has a detrimental influence on psychological well-being of children. Existing evidence shows that positive psychology interventions are possible to mitigate such impact. Despite criticisms that positive psychology resembles a scientific Pollyannaism that promotes overly positivity, positive psychology is not the scientific Pollyannaism that denies the difficulties and emotions that people may experience. Whereas, positive psychology acknowledges the difficulties and emotions, alongside with building up human resilience, strength and growth to face adversity. This study examined the feasibility of implementing a positive psychology intervention among Hong Kong Chinese children living in poverty.

Methods

A feasibility randomised controlled trial will be conducted. A convenience sample of 120 children aged 13–17 years will be recruited from a community centre in Kwai Tsing district. Participants who are randomised into the experimental group will join a 1.5-hour workshop covering four positive psychology techniques: (1) gratitude visits/letters, (2) three good things, (3) you at your best and (4) using signature strengths. A booster intervention will be provided at 1 week. Control group participants will not receive any intervention. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at 1-week, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.

Analysis

Descriptive statistics will be used to calculate the feasibility measures. Effect sizes on psychological outcomes (ie, self-esteem, depressive symptoms and quality of life) will be estimated by mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance using partial eta squared with poverty (yes, no) entering into the model as a factor.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institutional Review Broad. We will obtain parental consent as our subjects are below 18 years old. Findings from this study will be disseminated via international publications and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04875507.
Patient lead users experience of the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Jansson Hanna , Stenfors Terese , Riggare Sara , Hasson Henna , Reinius Maria
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Patient lead users can be defined as patients or relatives who use their knowledge and experience to improve their own or a relative’s care situation and/or the healthcare system, and who are active beyond what is usually expected. The objective of this study is to explore patient lead users’ experiences and engagement during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Qualitative in-depth interviews with a cross-sectional time horizon.

Setting

The early COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, from 1 June through 14 September, 2020.

Participants

A total of 10 patient lead users were recruited from the Swedish patient lead users (spetspatient) network. All participants were living with different long-term conditions and matched the definition of being patient lead users.

Results

We found that during the early pandemic, patient lead users experienced that they no longer knew how to best manage their own health and care situations. On an individual level, they described an initial lack of knowledge, new routines, including a change in their health and an experience of people without a disease being in the same situation as them, for a while. On a systemic level, they described a fear of imminent unmet-care backlogs and decreased opportunities for sharing patient perspectives in care organisation, but also described increased networking.

Conclusions

Patient lead users can be seen as an emerging community of practice, and as such could be a valuable resource as a complementary communication channel for an improved health system. The health systems were not able to fully acknowledge and engage with the resource of patient lead users during the pandemic.
Effects of multiple sclerosis on the audio-vestibular system: a systematic review
Authors: Gür Evrim , Binkhamis Ghada , Kluk Karolina
Published: August 2022

Objective

Systematically investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the audio-vestibular system.

Methods

Systematic review of literature investigating audio-vestibular conditions in persons with MS (PwMS) aged ≥18 years. PubMed, Scopus, NICE and Web of Science were searched. Randomised controlled trials, and cohort, case–control, observational and retrospective studies in English, published from 2000 to 21 November 2021, evaluated PwMS with at least one outcome (pure tone audiometry, auditory brainstem response, otoacoustic emissions, cortical auditory evoked potentials, functional MRI assessing auditory function, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, videonystagmography, electronystagmography, posturography, rotary chair, gaps in noise, word discrimination scores, duration pattern sequence test), were included. Study selection and assessments of bias were independently conducted by two reviewers using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the NOS adapted for cross-sectional studies.

Results

35 studies were included. Auditory function was evaluated in 714 PwMS and 501 controls, vestibular function was evaluated in 682 PwMS and 446 controls. Peripheral auditory function results were contradictory between studies; some found abnormalities in PwMS, and others found no differences. Tests of brainstem and central auditory functions were more consistently found to be abnormal in PwMS. Most vestibular tests were reported as abnormal in PwMS, abnormalities were either peripheral or central or both. However, quantitative analyses could not be performed due to discrepancies between studies in results reporting, test stimulus and recording parameters.

Conclusions

Although abnormal results on auditory and vestibular tests were noted in PwMS, specific effects of MS on the audio-vestibular system could not be determined due to the heterogeneity between studies that restricted the ability to conduct any quantitative analyses. Further research with consistent reporting, consistent stimulus and consistent recording parameters is needed in order to quantify the effects of MS on the auditory and vestibular systems.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020180094.
Incorporating value-based healthcare projects in residency training: a mixed-methods study on the impact of participation on understanding and competency development
Authors: Vaassen Sanne , Essers Brigitte A B , Stammen Lorette A , Walsh Kieran , Kerssens Marlou , Evers Silvia M A A , Heyligers Ide , Stassen Laurents P S , van Mook Walther N K A , Noben Cindy Y G
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Stimulating the active participation of residents in projects with societally relevant healthcare themes, such as value-based healthcare (VBHC), can be a strategy to enhance competency development. Canadian Medical Education Directions for Specialists (CanMEDS) competencies such as leader and scholar are important skills for all doctors. In this study, we hypothesise that when residents conduct a VBHC project, CanMEDS competencies are developed. There is the added value of gaining knowledge about VBHC.

Design

An explorative mixed-methods study assessing residents’ self-perceived learning effects of conducting VBHC projects according to three main components: (1) CanMEDS competency development, (2) recognition of VBHC dilemmas in clinical practice, and (3) potential facilitators for and barriers to implementing a VBHC project. We triangulated data resulting from qualitative analyses of: (a) text-based summaries of VBHC projects by residents and (b) semistructured interviews with residents who conducted these projects.

Setting

Academic and non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands.

Participants

Out of 63 text-based summaries from residents, 56 were selected; and out of 19 eligible residents, 11 were selected for semistructured interviews and were included in the final analysis.

Results

Regarding CanMEDS competency development, the competencies ‘leader’, ‘communicator’ and ‘collaborator’ scored the highest. Opportunities to recognise VBHC dilemmas in practice were mainly stimulated by analysing healthcare practices from different perspectives, and by learning how to define costs and relate them to outcomes. Finally, implementation of VBHC projects is facilitated by a thorough investigation of a VBHC dilemma combined with an in-depth stakeholder analysis.

Conclusion

In medical residency training programmes, competency development through active participation in projects with societally relevant healthcare themes—such as VBHC—was found to be a promising strategy. From a resident’s perspective, combining a thorough investigation of the VBHC dilemma with an in-depth stakeholder analysis is key to the successful implementation of a VBHC project.
Prospective cohort study of characteristics and sex differences in elderly patients with degenerative valvular disease
Authors: Qi Xiling , Xu Haiyan , Liu Qingrong , Ye Yunqing , Wu Yongjian
Published: August 2022

Objectives

We aimed to describe the characteristics and to compare the sex differences in the clinical features and prognosis of Chinese elderly patients with senile degenerative valvular heart disease (VHD).

Design

This study was a nationwide, multicentre, prospective cohort study.

Setting

Participants were enrolled consecutively from 69 hospitals nationwide in China from September to December 2016.

Participants

A total of 2728 patients aged ≥60 years old with an aetiological diagnosis of moderate to severe degenerative VHD as defined by echocardiography were recruited.

Main outcome measures

The baseline data and 1-year follow-up data were collected, and disease distribution, clinical features, treatment and prognosis were compared between different sex groups.

Results

Aortic disease was more common in men, and mitral disease was more common in women. Male patients were more likely to have smoking, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery bypass grafting histories, while female patients had more hypertension and atrial fibrillation. The average age and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly lower in men than in women (p<0.001), while the intervention rate (p=0.026) and total hospitalisation cost (p=0.016) of male patients were higher than those of female patients. There were no significant differences in perioperative complications, in-hospital outcomes or short and intermediate prognoses between the two groups.

Conclusions

Currently, the intervention rate of elderly patients with VHD is still not ideal, with dominant factor—patient rejection. Heart failure was the critical reason for rehospitalisation. There were some differences between men and women in the distribution, severity, clinical characteristics and interventions in senile degenerative valvular disease.
Public views of and reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic in England: a qualitative study with diverse ethnicities
Authors: McNulty Cliodna , Sides Eirwen , Thomas Amy , Kamal Atiya , Syeda Rowshonara B , Kaissi Awatif , Lecky Donna M , Patel Mahendra , Campos-Matos Ines , Shukla Rashmi , Brown Colin S , Pareek Manish , Sollars Loretta , Nellums Laura , Greenway Jane , Jones Leah Ffion
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To explore public reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic across diverse ethnic groups.

Design

Remote qualitative interviews and focus groups in English or Punjabi. Data were transcribed and analysed through inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

England and Wales, June to October 2020.

Participants

100 participants from 19 diverse ‘self-identified’ ethnic groups.

Results

Dismay, frustration and altruism were reported across all ethnic groups during the first 6–9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dismay was caused by participants’ reported individual, family and community risks, and loss of support networks. Frustration was caused by reported lack of recognition of the efforts of ethnic minority groups (EMGs), inaction by government to address COVID-19 and inequalities, rule breaking by government advisors, changing government rules around: border controls, personal protective equipment, social distancing, eating out, and perceived poor communication around COVID-19 and the Public Health England COVID-19 disparities report (leading to reported increased racism and social isolation). Altruism was felt by all, in the resilience of National Health Service (NHS) staff and their communities and families pulling together. Data, participants’ suggested actions and the behaviour change wheel informed suggested interventions and policies to help control COVID-19.

Conclusion

To improve trust and compliance future reports or guidance should clearly explain any stated differences in health outcomes by ethnicity or other risk group, including specific messages for these groups and concrete actions to minimise any risks. Messaging should reflect the uncertainty in data or advice and how guidance may change going forward as new evidence becomes available. A contingency plan is needed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 across all communities including EMGs, the vulnerable and socially disadvantaged individuals, in preparation for any rise in cases and for future pandemics. Equality across ethnicities for healthcare is essential, and the NHS and local communities will need to be supported to attain this.
Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake, confidence and hesitancy among people experiencing homelessness in Toronto, Canada: protocol for theKu-gaa-gii pimitizi-winqualitative study
Authors: Jenkinson Jesse I R , Sniderman Ruby , Gogosis Evie , Liu Michael , Nisenbaum Rosane , Pedersen Cheryl , Spandier Olivia , Tibebu Tadios , Dyer Allison , Crichlow Frank , Richard Lucie , Orkin Aaron , Thulien Naomi , Kiran Tara , Kayseas Jolen , Hwang Stephen W
Published: August 2022

Introduction

People experiencing homelessness are at high risk for COVID-19 and poor outcomes if infected. Vaccination offers protection against serious illness, and people experiencing homelessness have been prioritised in the vaccine roll-out in Toronto, Canada. Yet, current COVID-19 vaccination rates among people experiencing homelessness are lower than the general population. This study aims to characterise reasons for COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among people experiencing homelessness, to identify strategies to overcome hesitancy and provide public health decision-makers with information to improve vaccine confidence and uptake in this priority population.

Methods and analysis

TheKu-gaa-gii pimitizi-winqualitative study (formerly the COVENANT study) will recruit up to 40 participants in Toronto who are identified as experiencing homelessness at the time of recruitment. Semistructured interviews with participants will explore general experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic (eg, loss of housing, social connectedness), perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine, factors shaping vaccine uptake and strategies for supporting enablers, addressing challenges and building vaccine confidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for this study was granted by Unity Health Toronto Research Ethics Board. Findings will be communicated to groups organising vaccination efforts in shelters, community groups and the City of Toronto to construct more targeted interventions that address reasons for vaccine hesitancy among people experiencing homelessness. Key outputs will include a community report, academic publications, presentations at conferences and a Town Hall that will bring together people with lived expertise of homelessness, shelter staff, leading scholars, community experts and public health partners.
Impact of customised ICU handover protocol on the quality of ICU discharge reports
Authors: Correia Paulo César , Gomes de Macedo Paulo , Santos Joseph Fabiano Guimarães , Moreira Júnior José Ronaldo , de Oliveira Carla , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of implementing a handover protocol, based on a standardised mnemonic tool specific for a cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU), on the quality of information transferred during ICU discharge.

Methods

In this prospective pre–post study, we evaluated the implementation of an ICU discharge handover protocol in 168 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The primary outcome was the quality of the information. In the preintervention phase, 84 ICU standard discharge reports were evaluated. During the intervention period, a new handover protocol which included a written discharge report based on the I-PASS (illness severity, patient summary, action list, situation awareness and contingency plans, and synthesis by receiver) mnemonic tool was implemented. After the intervention, 84 new reports were assessed. The reports were evaluated by the ward physicians and by an external independent examiner using a standardised questionnaire. ICU discharge time and postoperative length of stay were also analysed.

Results

The overall quality of the reports was evaluated as ‘completely understood’ by the ward physicians in 17 patients (21%) in the preintervention phase compared with 45 patients (54.9%) in the postintervention phase (p<0.001). The independent examiner classified one report (1.2% of the total number) as ‘excellent’ in the preintervention phase and 30 (35.7%) in the postintervention phase (p<0.001). After protocol implementation, patients were released from the ICU 58 min later (p<0.001). There was no difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusion

Implementation of a customised handover protocol when discharging patients from the ICU was associated with improvement in the quality of the information transferred but also with ICU discharge occurring at a later time of day.
Dual-agent percutaneous sclerotherapy technique for macrocystic lymphatic malformations
Authors: Caton M Travis , Baker Amanda , Smith Eric R , Perez Edgar , Hemphill Kafi , Cooke Daniel L , Dowd Christopher F
Published: August 2022

Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an effective technique for treating lymphatic malformations of the head and neck, with clinical success rates exceeding 84%.1 Sodium tetradecyl, which damages lipid membranes and stimulates free radical-induced local damage, and doxycycline, which inhibits angiogenesis, have emerged as the safest and most effective of several available sclerosants.2–4 Although severe periprocedural morbidity is rare, temporary local complications are reported in 14% and skin necrosis or scarring in up to 0.8–5.8% of sclerotherapy procedures.5 As these lesions are frequently located in the face and/or neck, even minor complications can be disfiguring and must be avoided. This technical video describes a ‘dual-agent’ approach for percutaneous sclerotherapy of macrocystic lymphatic malformations using sodium tetradecyl as a ‘primer’ followed by doxycycline as a definitive sclerosant (video 1). This technique emphasizes meticulous backtable preparation and effective use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy to minimize complications.

Video 1
Body size of raccoons (Procyon lotor) introduced in west-central Hokkaido, Japan: evaluation using two spatial scales
Authors: Yamaguchi Saya , Ueno Mayumi
Published: August 2022

Evaluating body size as an indicator of life history traits is essential for the proper management of invasive species. The body size of alien species may change due to differing climates at the latitudinal scale and presence of anthropogenic food at a regional scale; however, only few studies have examined spatial variation in body size of alien carnivores at two spatial scales. In this study, we evaluated the body size of adult raccoons ( Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758)) inhabiting Hokkaido, Japan, by comparing populations from different latitudes. Second, we examined the contribution of anthropogenic food (i.e., residential areas, crop field areas, and livestock farm density) to variations in body size in our study area in west-central Hokkaido. Using body mass as an index of body size, we found that body size did not change along latitudinal clines. Thus, the body mass of omnivorous carnivores may be unaffected by climatic variations. On a regional scale, anthropogenic food did not affect the body mass of raccoons. Thus, anthropogenic food is only supplemental for raccoons in our study area, if at all. We conclude that implementing culling programs are essential for effectively managing invasive species, rather than preventing their consumption of anthropogenic food.
NEW INSIGHTS ON FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT: THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL REGULATORY TRANSPARENCY IN MIDDLE-LOW INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: TRABELSI EMNA
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial regulatory transparency and financial development. To achieve this goal, we collect data for 33 middle-low-income countries over the period 1998–2014 and estimate a dynamic panel by the two-step system generalized method of moments. We find that, beyond the standard factors, a higher disclosure of information about macroprudential data of financial institutions is a prerequisite for a well-developed financial system. The positive association between financial regulatory transparency and financial development implies that a transparency-based policy is mandatory to ensure the development of financial systems in middle-low-income economies. We further analyze the potential mediating role of two proxies of financial instability (banking crisis and non-performing loans (NPLs)) in explaining the effect of financial regulatory transparency on financial development. In doing so, our paper provides new evidence and insights into the long-standing discussion of the determinants of financial development.
Form-Finding Method of Site Road from the Perspective of Meta-Design
Authors: Liu Yong , Lin Junhang , Cai Rongsheng
Published: August 2022

Site road alignment is one of the main elements of architectural environmental design [B. Holdsworth, Refocus 6(1) (2005) 58–60]. It is difficult for traditional methods to achieve both qualitative exploration and quantitative optimization objectives, and optimization algorithms can only optimize quantitative objectives. On the other hand, the shape of the site road is subject to various other human interventions besides the designer, which is a multi-objective problem. Based on the idea of meta-design, this paper proposes a new method for “form-finding” of site roads. This method develops the architecture and components of an expert system, which can handle both qualitative and quantitative objectives in conceptual design, and can realize various human interventions. Component development combines site specification, recursive algorithm, and genetic algorithm, which treats human intervention as a factor of variation, allows for qualitative exploration of different preferences, and finally demonstrates the capabilities of this new approach through case studies.
Tangut Character Stroke Detection with Improved Hough Transform
Authors: Meng Yifei , Zhang Peng , Meng Bin , Hu Minfei
Published: August 2022

In the research of Tangut character recognition, it was attempted to detect the stroke of character with standard Hough transform (SHT), but hindered by the inability of SHT to detect the curve-line. In this paper, Hough transform with guidance of endpoints (HTGE) was proposed to achieve better performance on the aspect of curve and short line detection. HTGE is implemented based on the conception of hypothesis and verification, first, to assume there is line between each pair of endpoints, and then the existence of line is checked according to the corresponding area accumulated value in the parameter domain. With setting up of test object and evaluation criterion, the experiment was carried out to determine the key parameter for the best performance, and it can be concluded from the experiment result that considerable performance can be achieved with HTGE in the application of line detection.
Wind-Induced Asymmetry Torsional Divergence of Long-Span Bridges: Mechanism, Three-Dimensional and Turbulence Effects
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhu Jinsong , Zeng Jiadong , Zhang Zhitian
Published: August 2022

Flexible suspension bridges are susceptible to aerodynamic instability phenomena. In this paper, the torsional divergence is addressed in terms of underlying mechanism, 3D and turbulence effects. A 3D generalized analytical model is first established by reasonable simplification of the model. Comparisons among results from different models are performed. The mechanisms of symmetric and asymmetric torsional divergence are explored. Finally, the 3D and turbulence effects are investigated. The results show that the proposed 3D generalized model is feasible for estimating the critical wind speed of asymmetric torsional divergence, and its computational accuracy is higher than the method provided by the code. The effects of turbulence on torsional divergence are multifaceted: the buffeting response due to wind fluctuations can significantly reduce the aerostatic stability of the bridge, resulting in a much lower critical wind speed than that in a smooth flow; the threshold of divergence is ambiguous and the instability is intermittent; further, the left and right quarter span sections largely vibrate in opposite directions during asymmetric torsional divergence.
Critical Kirchhoff equations involving the p-sub-Laplacians operators on the Heisenberg group
Authors: Sun Xueqi , Song Yueqiang , Liang Sihua , Zhang Binlin
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we deal with a class of Kirchhoff-type critical elliptic equations involving the [Formula: see text]-sub-Laplacians operators on the Heisenberg group of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-sub-Laplacian, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the horizontal Sobolev space on [Formula: see text]. And [Formula: see text] is the homogeneous dimension of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is a real parameter, [Formula: see text] is the critical Sobolev exponent on the Heisenberg group. Under some proper assumptions on the Kirchhoff function [Formula: see text], the potential function [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], together with the mountain pass theorem and the concentration-compactness principles for classical Sobolev spaces on the Heisenberg group, we prove the existence and multiplicity of nontrivial solutions for the above problem in non-degenerate and degenerate cases on the Heisenberg group. The results of this paper extend or complete recent papers and are new in several directions for the non-degenerate and degenerate critical Kirchhoff equations involving the [Formula: see text]-Laplacian type operators on the Heisenberg group.
On properties of positive solutions to nonlinear tri-harmonic and bi-harmonic equations with negative exponents
Authors: Dai Wei , Fu Jingze
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we investigate various properties (e.g. nonexistence, asymptotic behavior, uniqueness and integral representation formula) of positive solutions to nonlinear tri-harmonic equations in [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) and bi-harmonic equations in [Formula: see text] with negative exponents. Such kind of equations arise from conformal geometry.
Sliding column model for t-unit bar visibility representations of graphs
Authors: Hasan Md. Manzurul , Sultana Shaheena , Rahman Md. Saidur
Published: August 2022

A bar visibility representation of a graph [Formula: see text] is an assignment of the vertices of [Formula: see text] to distinct horizontal line segments in the plane so that two vertices are adjacent in [Formula: see text] if and only if there is an uninterrupted vertical channel of positive width that joins the bars corresponding to those vertices. A bar visibility representation is called a unit bar visibility representation if every bar has the same length. If each vertex is assigned to [Formula: see text] distinct bars of the same length in a unit bar visibility representation then the representation is called [Formula: see text]-unit bar visibility representation. In this paper, we introduce a “sliding column model” for [Formula: see text]-unit bar visibility representation and show that every graph of maximum degree [Formula: see text] has a [Formula: see text]-unit bar visibility representation for [Formula: see text]. We also show that a planar graph of maximum degree 3 having [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] edges has a 2-unit bar visibility representation on [Formula: see text] columns and a 3-connected cubic graph of [Formula: see text] vertices admits a 2-unit bar visibility representation on [Formula: see text] columns.