bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric chronic sinusitis: diagnosis and management
Authors: Ge Marshall , Liu Derek H. , Ference Elisabeth H. 
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review
Review the diagnosis and management of pediatric chronic sinusitis given recent advances in both surgical and medical management

Recent findings
Balloon catheter dilation (BCD) of the sinuses has been used as an adjunct to adenoidectomy or in lieu of traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. BCD has been shown to be a safe technique in children although its efficacy compared to maxillary sinus irrigation or traditional sinus surgery cannot be determined based on current studies.

Summary
New advances in BCD and biologics may serve as useful adjuncts in surgical and medical therapy respectively with additional research needed to better delineate the optimal indications for each in the treatment continuum.
Measurement properties of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire in populations with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Dubé Marc-Olivier , Langevin Pierre , Roy Jean-Sébastien 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A higher level of pain self-efficacy has been suggested as a predictor of a better outcome in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) is one of the most frequently used patient-reported outcome measures for pain self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review that would identify, appraise, and synthetize the psychometric properties of the PSEQ. Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were searched for publications reporting on psychometric properties of the PSEQ in populations with musculoskeletal disorders. After applying selection criteria on identified citations, 28 studies (9853 participants) were included. The methodological quality as measured with the COSMIN risk of bias tool varied from adequate to very good for most measurement properties. The results showed a weighted mean intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 (range: 0.75–0.93) for test–retest reliability for the original 10-item PSEQ and the minimal detectable change at 95% confidence interval was 11.52 out of 60 points. Effect size and standardized response mean values were 0.53 and 0.63, respectively, whereas the minimal clinically important difference ranged from 5.5 to 8.5 in patients with chronic low back pain. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) ranged from 0.79 to 0.95. The results also showed that the PSEQ has low to moderate correlations with measures of quality of life, disability, pain, pain interference, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing. Finally, the PSEQ has been adapted and validated in 14 languages. Overall, the results demonstrate that the PSEQ has excellent validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Further high-quality studies are needed to determine responsiveness in populations other than chronic low back pain.
Evaluation of hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-let-7g-5p and hsa-miR-15b-5p plasma levels in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Poursaei Elham , Abolghasemi Mahsa , Bornehdeli Soghra , Shanehbandi Dariush , Asadi Milad , Sadeghzadeh Mahsa , Rahmanpour Dara , Sadeh Reza Naghdi 
Published: December 2021

Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may be promising diagnostic biomarkers for AD. Previous evidence shows that miR-15b-5p, hsa-let7g-5p and hsa-let7d-5p might confer potential blood biomarkers for timely diagnosis of AD. Therefore, in this replication study, we aimed to investigate the serum transcript level of these miRNAs to assess for their potential as diagnostic or prognostic biomarker in AD patients.

Methods
Blood samples were obtained from 50 AD patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Then, total RNA was extracted from serum samples, cDNA was synthesized, and the expression level of miRNAs was measured by the real-time PCR method.

Results
The expression level of hsa-let7d-5p (fold change = 2.14, P = 0.007) and hsa-let7g-5p (fold change = 1.94; P = 0.013) was significantly increased in the AD patients compared to control individuals. However, the difference in the transcription of miR-15b-5p between the two groups was not statistically significant (fold change = 1.08; P = 0.76). The AROC for transcript levels of hsa-let-7d-5p was 0.68 (P = 0.014; 95% CI, 0.39–0.88) and it was 0.64 for hsa-let-7g-5p (P = 0.028; 95% CI, 0.27–0.89). The cut-off value for let-7d-5p had 0.82 sensitivity and 0.34 specificity. Moreover, the cut-off value for hsa-let-7g-5p indicated a 0.79 sensitivity and 0.28 specificity.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest the potential of measuring the transcript levels of hsa-let7d-5p and hsa-let7g-5p miRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker for AD.
Stimulant intolerance in children with Angelman syndrome with hyperactivity: a case series
Authors: Keary Christopher J. , Thom Robyn P. , McDougle Christopher J. 
Published: December 2021

Objectives
Angelman syndrome is a neurogenetic disorder resulting from the loss of expression of the ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A gene on chromosome 15. Problematic behaviors including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention are highly prevalent in Angelman syndrome. The efficacy, safety and tolerability of stimulant medications in children with Angelman syndrome for the treatment of ADHD symptoms have not been previously reported.

Methods
We describe three boys with Angelman syndrome who were treated with open-label stimulant medications for ADHD symptoms.

Results
Stimulant medications were highly intolerable, and treatment had to be discontinued after limited dosing in all three cases due to marked increases in hyperactivity and impulsivity along with worsened distractibility.

Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that stimulant medications may be ineffective and poorly tolerated in children with Angelman syndrome.
Antibacterial T6SS effectors with a VRR-Nuc domain induce target cell death via DNA Double-Strand Breaks
Authors: Hespanhol Julia Takuno , Sanchez Limache Daniel Enrique , Gonçalves Nicastro Gianlucca , Mead Liam , Llontop Edgar Enrique , Santos Gustavo Chagas , Farah Chuck Shaker , de Souza Robson Francisco , Galhardo Rodrigo da Silva , Lovering Andrew , Santos Ethel Bayer 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe T6SS (Type VI secretion System) secretes antibacterial effectors into target competitors. Salmonella spp. encode five phylogenetically distinct T6SSs. Here we characterize the function of the SPI-22 T6SS of S. bongori, showing that it has antibacterial activity. We identify a group of antibacterial T6SS effectors (TseV1-4) containing an N-terminal PAAR-like domain and a C-terminal VRR-Nuc domain encoded next to cognate immunity proteins that contain the DUF3396 domain (TsiV1-4). TseV2 and TseV3 are toxic when expressed in Escherichia coli and bacterial competition assays confirm that TseV2 and TseV3 are secreted by the SPI-22 T6SS. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that TseV1-4 are evolutionarily related to enzymes involved in DNA repair. TseV2 and TseV3 maintained the ability to bind DNA, but instead cause specific DNA double-strand breaks and induce the SOS response in target cells. The crystal structure of the TseV3:TsiV3 complex reveals that the immunity protein likely blocks the effector interaction with the DNA substrate. These results expand our knowledge on the function of Salmonella pathogenicity islands, the evolution of toxins used in biological conflicts, and the endogenous mechanism regulating the activity of these toxins.
Cell type-specific inference of differential expression in spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Cable Dylan M. , Murray Evan , Shanmugam Vignesh , Zhang Simon , Diao Michael , Chen Haiqi , Macosko Evan Z. , Irizarry Rafael A. , Chen Fei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSpatial transcriptomics enables spatially resolved gene expression measurements at near single-cell resolution. There is a pressing need for computational tools to enable the detection of genes that are differentially expressed (DE) within specific cell types across tissue context. We show that current approaches cannot learn cell type-specific DE due to changes in cell type composition across space and the fact that measurement units often detect transcripts from more than one cell type. Here, we introduce a statistical method, Cell type-Specific Inference of Differential Expression (C-SIDE), that identifies cell type-specific patterns of differential gene expression while accounting for localization of other cell types. We model spatial transcriptomics gene expression as an additive mixture across cell types of general log-linear cell type-specific expression functions. This approach provides a unified framework for defining and identifying gene expression changes in a wide-range of relevant contexts: changes due to pathology, anatomical regions, physical proximity to specific cell types, and cellular microenvironment. Furthermore, our approach enables statistical inference across multiple samples and replicates when such data is available. We demonstrate, through simulations and validation experiments on Slide-seq and MER-FISH datasets, that our approach accurately identifies cell type-specific differential gene expression and provides valid uncertainty quantification. Lastly, we apply our method to characterize spatially-localized tissue changes in the context of disease. In an Alzheimer’s mouse model Slide-seq dataset, we identify plaque-dependent patterns of cellular immune activity. We also find a putative interaction between tumor cells and myeloid immune cells in a Slide-seq tumor dataset. We make our C-SIDE method publicly available as part of the open source R packagehttps://github.com/dmcable/spacexr.
Testing and Validation of Reciprocating Positive Displacement Pump for Benchtop Pulsating Flow Model of Cerebrospinal Fluid Production and Other Physiologic Systems
Authors: Faryami Ahmad , Menkara Adam , Viar Daniel , Harris Carolyn A 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe flow of physiologic fluids through organs and organs systems is an integral component of their function. The complex fluid dynamics in many organ systems are still not completely understood, and in-vivo measurements of flow rates and pressure provide a testament to the complexity of each flow system. Variability in in-vivo measurements and the lack of control over flow characteristics leave a lot to be desired for testing and evaluation of current modes of treatments as well as future innovations. In-vitro models are particularly ideal for studying neurological conditions such as hydrocephalus due to their complex pathophysiology and interactions with therapeutic measures. The following aims to present the reciprocating positive displacement pump, capable of inducing pulsating flow of a defined volume at a controlled beat rate and amplitude. While the other fluidic applications of the pump are currently under investigation, this study was focused on simulating the pulsating cerebrospinal fluid production across profiles with varying parameters.MethodsPumps were manufactured using 3D printed and injection molded parts. The pumps were powered by an Arduino-based board and proprietary software that controls the linear motion of the pumps to achieve the specified output rate at the desired pulsation rate and amplitude. A range of to was tested to evaluate the versatility of the pumps. The accuracy and precision of the pumps’ output were evaluated by obtaining a total of 150 one-minute weight measurements of degassed deionized water per output rate across 15 pump channels. In addition, nine experiments were performed to evaluate the pumps’ control over pulsation rate and amplitude.Resultsvolumetric analysis of a total of 1200 readings determined that the pumps achieved the target output volume rate with a mean absolute error of -0.001034283 across the specified domain. It was also determined that the pumps can maintain pulsatile flow at a user-specified beat rate and amplitude.ConclusionThe validation of this reciprocating positive displacement pump system allows for the future validation of novel designs to components used to treat hydrocephalus and other physiologic models involving pulsatile flow. Based on the promising results of these experiments at simulating pulsatile CSF flow, a benchtop model of human CSF production and distribution could be achieved through the incorporation of a chamber system and a compliance component.
Intravenous whole blood transfusion results in faster recovery of vascular integrity and increased survival in experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Gul Saba , Ackerman Hans C. , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Carvalho Leonardo J. M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTransfusion of 10 mg/kg of whole blood via intraperitoneal route to mice with late-stage experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) along with artemether has been shown to result in markedly increased survival (75%) compared to artemether alone (51%). Intraperitoneal route was used to overcome the restrictions imposed by injection of large volumes of viscous fluid in small and deranged blood vessels of mice with ECM. In the present study, a method of intravenous transfusion was implemented by injecting 200μL of whole blood through the right jugular vein in mice with late-stage ECM, together with artemether given intraperitoneally, leading to a remarkable increase in survival, from 54% to 90%. On the contrary, mice receiving artemether plus plasma transfusion showed a worse outcome, with only 18% survival. Compared to the intraperitoneal route, intravascular transfusion led to faster and more pronounced recoveries of hematocrit, platelet counts, angiopoietins levels (ANG-1, ANG-2 and ANG-2/ANG-1) and blood brain barrier integrity. These findings indicate that whole blood transfusion when given intravenously show more efficacy over intraperitoneal transfusion, reinforcing evidence for benefit as an adjuvant therapy for cerebral malaria.
Does it pay to be a faithful investor? A risk-based approach performance analysis of Islamic funds vs UCITS schemes
Authors: Falzon Joseph , Bonnici Elaine 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis paper empirically investigates the performance of Islamic funds, which have been praised for weathering the 2008 financial storm relatively well and compares it to a European product designed to protect the most vulnerable of investors, UCITS funds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds on 128 time-series regressions using various factor models to analyse the risk-return relationship of 242 Islamic and UCITS funds relative to a market benchmark, over a 10-year period starting January 2006, to capture severe bear and bull market conditions.FindingsIslamic funds do not face a competitive disadvantage arising from their strict compliance with Sharīʿah principles, and their performance and investment style is relatively similar to UCITS schemes.Practical implicationsIslamic funds represent a low risk investment due to their very mild betas. Therefore, when forming part of a diversified portfolio, they can act as a hedging tool against adverse market movements.Social implicationsMuslim investors are not punished relative to conventional retail investors when following their own beliefs. Other investors can consider Islamic funds in their portfolio allocation, especially those who seek socially and ethically responsible investments.Originality/valueThis paper fills a lacuna in the existing literature, because the sample is made up of Islamic funds established worldwide and includes not only equity, but also fixed income and mixed allocation funds.
A qualitative study of military officers’ perceptions of the adaptions couples make to meet the military organisation’s implicit expectations
Authors: Ohlsson Alicia , Nilsson Sofia Alexandra , Larsson Gerry 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate military officers’ perception of the implicit expectations the organisation has for the officer’s private life and what implications it may have for gender norms at the organisation, family and individual levels.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach, using an inductive thematic analysis, was performed. The data was based on 20 interviews with military officers, including 18 men and 2 women.

Findings
Two main themes, with three subsequent subthemes, were identified. These themes were interpreted as being necessary for the military officer to be able to manage organisational demands. The first included the implicit expectations the organisation had for the family. The three subthemes included the officer’s acceptance of frequent travel demands, adapting private life in accordance to organisational demands and picking a partner that matches the goals of the organisation. The second identified main theme included the military officer’s descriptions of implicit expectations the organisation held for the officer’s partner. Three subthemes were identified, including the partner’s need to be independent and psychologically strong, to take the main responsibility for managing family life and to engage in emotion work with the extended family.

Originality/value
The findings identify important perceptions that military officers have regarding the military’s expectations for their private life and the adaptive behaviors regularly performed. These adaptive behaviors allow the military officer to be able to engage in work that sustains the organisation.
Fabrication and tribological behavior of novel UHMWPE/vitamin-C/graphene nanoplatelets based hybrid composite for joint replacement
Authors: Hussain Omar , Sheikh Shahid Saleem , Ahmad Babar 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
This study aims to fabricate and investigate the tribological performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composite materials reinforced with 0.5, 1 and 2 weight percentage of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) while keeping the weight percentage of vitamin C constant at 2% for each composite.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the composites were fabricated using hot pressing, and the dispersion of GNP/vitamin C/UHMWPE hybrid composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction. Experimental trials were performed according to ASTM F732 on a reciprocating sliding tribometer (pin-on-disc) at human body temperature of 37 ± 1 °C, for a load of 52 N, to assess the role of these fillers on the tribological properties of UHMWPE against Ti6Al4V counter body material under dry and lubricating (human serum) environment.

Findings
In this study, it has been observed that friction and wear behavior of the developed composites improve with increase in weight percentage of GNP, and human serum adheres to the surface of the composite pins upon sliding, resulting in the formation of a film, which results in better wear resistance of the composite pins under human serum lubrication than dry sliding. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the worn surface morphological examination of the composite materials. Specific wear rate of 0.76 × 10−7 mm3/Nm was attained for 2 Wt.% GNP-filled composite under human serum lubrication.

Practical implications
The results indicate the compatibility of the composite material used in this study and suggested the in vitro implant application.

Originality/value
The presented work includes novel study of synergistic effect of GNP (which acts as a solid lubricant) and vitamin C (added as an antioxidant) on the tribological performance of UHMWPE under dry and human serum lubrication.
Voice assistants in hospitality: using artificial intelligence for customer service
Authors: Buhalis Dimitrios , Moldavska Iuliia 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
Voice assistants (VAs) empower human–computer interactions by recognising human speech and implementing commands pronounced by users. This paper aims to investigate VA-enabled interactions between hotels and guests in the hospitality context. The research positions VAs within the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) context, disrupting old practices and processes. Smart hospitality uses VAs to support effortless value cocreation for guests cost-effectively. The research examines consumer perceptions and expectations of hospitality VAs and explores VA capabilities through expert technology providers.

Design/methodology/approach
This empirical paper investigates the current use and future implications of VAs for hotel environments. It uses qualitative, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 7 expert hospitality VA technology providers and 21 hotel guests who have VA experience. The research adopts a demand and supply approach, addressing the VAs in hospitality holistically.

Findings
The findings illustrate the requirements from both end-users’ sides, hotels and guests, exploring VA advantages and challenges. The analysis demonstrates that VAs increasingly become digital assistants. VA technology helps hotels to improve customer service, expand operational capability and reduce costs. Although in its infancy, VA technology has made progress towards optimising hotel operations and upgrading customer service. The study proposes a speech-enabled interactions model.

Research limitations/implications
This research stimulates the transformation of hospitality services by using VAs and the development of smart hospitality and tourism ecosystems. The study can benefit from further research with hotel managers, to reflect hoteliers’ points of view and investigate their perception of VAs. Further research can also explore different aspects of consumer–VA interaction in different contexts.

Practical implications
The paper makes a significant contribution to hospitality management and human–computer interaction best practices. It supports technology providers to reconsider how to develop suitable technology solutions towards improving their strategic competitiveness. It also explains how to use VAs cost-effectively and profitably while adding value to travellers’ experience.

Originality/value
VA studies are often focussed on the technology in private households, rather than in commercial or hotel spaces. This paper contributes to the emerging literature on AI and IoT in smart hospitality and explores the acceptance and operationalisation of VAs. The research contributes to the conceptualisation of VA-enabled hotel services and explores positive and negative features, as well as future prospects.
Towards a more robust input for stereotomography
Authors: Barros Tiago , Lopes Renato , Chauris Hervé 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTStereotomography is a slope‐based tomographic method that uses seismic reflection data, consisting of traveltimes and slopes, to estimate the subsurface velocity macro‐model. Here, we interpret the macro‐model as the large‐scale components of the acoustic velocity model of the subsurface. Tomographic methods are often solved with local optimization techniques, which are dependent on the initial input data. In that sense, selecting the correct input data by estimating and picking slopes is a crucial part of the stereotomography problem. In this paper, we address the problem of slope estimation and picking in stereotomography. Our central proposal uses the attributes obtained from the common‐offset common‐reflection‐surface method as input data for stereotomography. We use the global optimization method known as differential evolution to estimate these attributes, resulting in gathers of attributes estimated for the complete seismic data. This strategy presents reliable estimates when the seismic data are highly corrupted by random noise or present geological features that may lead to the failure of classical methods. We also propose an automatic picking strategy to extract the traveltimes and slopes from the common‐offset common‐reflection‐surface attributes gathers. We illustrate with synthetic examples the benefits of using the proposed framework for obtaining input data for stereotomography.