bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strès ak Pwoblèm Pap Janm Fini: Deciphering migration-related stress from the perspectives of Haitian immigrants in Florida
Authors: Fanfan Dany , Rodríguez Carmen , Stacciarini Jeanne-Marie R.
Published: April 2023

Relocating and starting a new life in a foreign country may entail a constellation of new stressors for Haitian immigrants; thus, research that enhances our understanding of how this vulnerable population contextualizes migration-related stress is necessary. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify what factors are associated with migration-related stress, and (b) describe which and why specific migration-related stressors were most significant from the perspective of those suffering from high migration-related stress post migration via the stress proliferation lens of the stress process model. In this mixed-methods, sequential, explanatory pilot study, first-generation Haitian immigrants ( N = 76) were recruited to operationalize migration-related stress, using the Demands of Immigration Scale (DIS). Participants ( n = 8), who scored 25 or higher on the DIS, completed an in-depth audio-recorded follow-up interview that consisted of open-ended questions and a stressor-ranking questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression (quantitative), and thematic analysis with a double-coded approach (qualitative) were employed to analyze the data. Female gender, older age, English fluency, and migration after the age of 18 years were associated with higher migration-related stress. However, only gender and English fluency predicted migration-related stress. In interviews, participants ranked five migration-related stressors as most stressful: language barriers, financial strains, loss of social networks, family conflicts, and exposure to discrimination/stigma. A nuanced depiction of migration-related stressors and proliferation mechanisms of migration-related stress may help identify areas where support and preventive efforts should be directed to improve social integration, stress levels, and mental well-being among immigrants.
A systematic review of cross-cultural measures of resilience and its promotive and protective factors
Authors: Terrana Alec , Al-Delaimy Wael
Published: April 2023

As psychological resilience has been increasingly recognized as contextually constructed, mixed methods studies that map out local ecologies of resilience have become increasingly common. However, the direct adaptation of quantitative tools for cross-cultural use based on qualitative findings has been relatively lacking. The current review aims to provide an overview of existing measures of resilience used cross-culturally and to synthesize the protective and promotive factors and processes (PPFP) of resilience identified within these measures into a single resource. A January 2021 search of PubMed for studies of the development of psychological resilience measures that excluded studies of non-psychological resilience yielded 58 unique measures. These measures contain 54 unique PPFP of resilience, ranging from individual to communal-level characteristics. This review is intended to serve as a complementary tool for adapting standardized measures for stakeholders requiring an assessment tool that is attuned to their context for mental health risk assessment and intervention evaluation.
Different platforms, different plots? The Kremlin-controlled search engine Yandex as a resource for Russia’s informational influence in Belarus during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kravets Daria , Ryzhova Anna , Toepfl Florian , Beseler Arista
Published: April 2023

Extant research demonstrated that the algorithms of the Kremlin-controlled search engine Yandex, compared to those of its US-based counterpart Google, frequently produce results that are biased toward the interests of Russia’s ruling elites. Prior research, however, audited Yandex’s algorithms largely within Russia. In contrast, this study is the first to assess the role of Yandex’s web search algorithms as a resource for Russia’s informational influence abroad. To do so, we conduct a comparative algorithm audit of Google and Yandex in Belarus, examining the visibility and narratives of COVID-19-related conspiracy theories in their search results. By manually analysing the content of 1320 search results collected in mid-April to mid-May 2020, we find that, compared with Google, (1) Yandex retrieves significantly more conspiratorial content (2) that close to exclusively suspects US plotters to be behind the pandemic, even though the virus spread from the Chinese city of Wuhan across the globe.
Bentall Procedure to Repair Acute Type a Aortic Dissection in Pregnant Marfan Syndrome Woman With Preservation of Pregnancy
Authors: Shahzamani Mehran , Shirvani Fahimeh , Tavakoli Nader , Sedighi Mohsen
Published: April 2023

Background: Acute aortic dissection is the most common life-threatening disorder classically presenting with tearing chest pain radiating to the back yet can have deceiving clinical presentations.

Case presentation: The patient was a 22-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 6, para 4, abortion1) at 26 weeks of gestation. She was a known case of Marfan syndrome who developed acute type A aortic dissection during pregnancy. Repair of aortic dissection was done through the Bentall procedure with a composite mechanical valved conduit while Fetal heart rate (FHR) was simultaneously monitored during surgery. Three months after surgical repair, the newborn was delivered via cesarean, and both mother and baby survived without any complications.

Conclusions: In this case, we demonstrated that repair of type A aortic dissection can be done in pregnant women with preservation of fetus in the uterus through close cooperation among all members of a multi-disciplinary team.
Corresponding measurement-based patternmaking method for leggings using three-dimensional body scanning technology
Authors: Kim Hye Suk , Choi Hee Eun
Published: April 2023

Based on 3D body scanning, this study developed the corresponding measurement-based patternmaking (CMP) method for leggings that could systematically provide an excellent fit and control tightness for different body parts. The CMP method for leggings was qualitatively validated by comparing the fit suitability of the produced leggings prototypes through a wear test. The results suggest that the CMP method is an option to design leggings with outstanding suitability in terms of appearance satisfaction, size satisfaction, compression satisfaction, usefulness in movement, ease of movement, ease in donning and doffing for different body parts. In particular, the graduated application percentage (GAP) provided an advantage in usefulness in movement, while the fixed application percentage (FAP) showed an advantage in ease in donning and doffing. As such, this study suggests selecting the CMP method of the application percentage (AP) depending on the purpose of use. This study demonstrated that the proposed method ensured validity in directly implementing a leggings pattern with 3D body scanning and body measurement alone.
The effect of weft yarn type and elastomer yarn threading on the properties of elastic warp knitted fabrics. Part 1: Structure and elasticity
Authors: Kyzymchuk Olena , Melnyk Liudmyla , Marmaralı Arzu , Oğlakcıoğlu Nida , Ertekin Gözde , Arabuli Svitlana , Arabuli Arsenii , Cüreklibatır Encan Berna
Published: April 2023

The demand for medical textile products is increasing with awareness regarding better healthcare services and efficient medical treatments. Compared to other textiles, elastic warp knitted materials, which have elastomer threads in each wale have been widely used in producing medical and preventive products. Thus, in order to decrease the weight and cost of these products without effect on fabric’s stretchability, in this study, various elastic warp knitted fabrics were produced using different raw materials and elastomer threading arrangements, and their properties were investigated. The fabrics were produced on a crochet knitting machine with five different arrangements of elastomer threading and four different laid-in yarn materials as polyester, cotton, and linen. Then the dimensional properties and elastic behaviors of the samples were determined and evaluated comparatively. Statistical analysis showed that all studied elastic warp knitted fabrics have high provide elasticity at a higher than 95% level. On the other hand, the mass per unit area of the fabric is reduced, with the use of linen yarn as weft yarn, or when the total linear density of the weft yarn and the amount of elastomer threads decrease. Finally, the obtained results revealed the possibility to reduce elastomer consumption to decrease weight for elastic medical products, which were developed, without effect on fabric’s stretchability and elasticity as well as replacing synthetic threads with natural yarns in order to improve product comfort.
Heterogeneity of asthma–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap from a cohort of patients with severe asthma and COPD
Authors: Choi Joon Young , Rhee Chin Kook , Yoo Kwang Ha , Jung Ki-Suck , Lee Jae Ha , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Ra Seung Won , Lee Myung Goo , Jo Yong Suk
Published: April 2023

Background:

A considerable proportion of patients have features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) simultaneously, called asthma–COPD overlap (ACO).

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to identify heterogeneity of ACO from a cohort of patients with severe asthma and COPD using the same diagnostic criteria.

Design:

We used the International Severe Asthma Registry (ISAR) and the Korean COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) to evaluate clinical characteristics of ACO from each cohort.

Methods:

We classified subjects into four groups: (1) pure severe asthma, (2) ACO from the severe asthma cohort, (3) ACO from the COPD cohort, and (4) pure COPD. ACO was defined by satisfying extreme bronchodilator response (BDR) >15% and 400 ml and/or blood eosinophil count ⩾300 /µL in patients aged 40 years or older and post-BD forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7.

Results:

The ACO group had 25 (23%) of 111 in the ISAR cohort and 403 (23%) of 1781 in the KOCOSS cohort. The ACO from the COPD cohort was older with more males and more smokers, but had similar degree of airflow limitation compared with the ACO from the severe asthma cohort. ICS-containing inhaler treatment was prescribed for all severe asthma subjects, but only for 43.9% of ACO subjects from the COPD cohort. Compared with patients having pure severe asthma, the risk for exacerbation was comparable in ACO either from severe asthma or COPD cohort [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.54, 95% CI: 0.22–10.95 or aOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 0.59–7.85].

Conclusion:

The prevalence of ACO was similar in severe asthma and COPD cohorts applying identical diagnostic criteria. ACO from the severe asthma cohort was similar to ACO from the COPD cohort in terms of lung function and exacerbation risk.
Medial placement of trapezoid tunnel leads to higher reduction loss in acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated with anatomic coracoclavicular fixation
Authors: Rojas J Tomás , Oyarzún Andrés , Muñoz J Tomás , García de la Pastora Diego , Canals Andrea , Viacava Alejandro , Carreño Hector , Águila Raúl
Published: April 2023

Aim

To analyze the association between clavicular tunnel positioning and postoperative reduction loss in patients with acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation treated with anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) fixation using double clavicular tunnels.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with AC joint dislocation, treated with anatomic CC fixation using double clavicular tunnels, was conducted. Patients with pre-operative, immediate post-operative, and final follow-up Zanca-view X-rays were included. On each X-ray, the obtained measures included: distance from lateral border of clavicle to trapezoid and conoid tunnels, distance between tunnels, clavicle length, and CC distance of affected and un-affected sides. Loss of reduction was calculated as CC distance difference between immediate and final post-operative X-rays. Association between reduction loss and tunnel positioning was analyzed.

Results

Conoid, trapezoid and tunnel ratios were 24% ± 4, 15% ± 3, and 9% ± 2, respectively. Significant reduction loss was seen in 21(45.7%) patients. Significantly higher probabilities of reduction loss were associated with trapezoid tunnels placed medial to 24 mm (30.8% vs 65.0%, OR 4.2 (IC95%: 1.2–14.4), p: 0.024) or 15% of the clavicle length (32.1% vs 66.7%, OR 4.2 (IC 95%: 1.2–14.9), p: 0.025).

Conclusions

Trapezoid tunnels placed medial to 24 mm or 15% medial to clavicle length could lead to higher probabilities of significant reduction loss. These findings support the importance of clavicular tunnels’ proper placement for decreasing significant reduction loss.
Complementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Pacific peoples in New Zealand
Authors: Auva’a-Alatimu Taulaga
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivery to Pacific peoples by exploring Pacific psychologists’ perspectives. The research was qualitative in its approach, using the Pacific methodology of “ talanoa.” The study carried out two face-to-face focus-group interviews using the talanoa method. Initially, nine participants expressed their interest in the study. However, five participants did not attend the interviews. Three participants participated in the first focus group discussion, and one participant participated in the second focus group, which resulted in an individual interview. All four participants were clinically trained psychologists, with an average of 14 years of clinical experience. These participants worked continuously with Pacific service users in various mental health settings and private practice. The need to enhance the compatibility of CBT with the culture of Pacific peoples was highlighted throughout the study. From the psychologists’ perspectives, there were significant challenges regarding the delivery of CBT among Pacific peoples. These included: accessibility barriers due to socioeconomic and financial stressors; funding constraints and the availability and affordability of therapy sessions; the appropriateness of treatment that needed to be tailored to suit Pacific peoples; and the lack of spiritual and cultural aspects of treatment. The results of the study provide preliminary validation for the efficacy of CBT among Pacific peoples. There is an increasing awareness that delivering culturally relevant and appropriate care to Pacific peoples living in New Zealand requires a deeper understanding of valuing the realities and unique experiences they bring both collectively and individually. Ultimately, the findings provide significant insight into the barriers to the efficacy of CBT and strategies to overcome these.
Estimates of Golf-Related Upper Extremity Injuries in the United States: A 10-Year Epidemiology Study (2011-2020)
Authors: Twomey-Kozak John , Boadi Prince , Rodriguez Kate , Whitlock Keith , O’Donnell Jeff , Magill Jack , Anakwenze Oke , Klifto Christopher
Published: April 2023

Background:

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the United States (US) and is played by participants of all ages and skill level. Given the popularity and sport-specific demands on the upper torso, golf poses a considerable risk for upper extremity (UE) injuries. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to (1) determine the incidence rate of UE golf injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) in the US, (2) determine the most commonly injured body parts and mechanisms of injury, and (3) compare current injury epidemiology with previous trends in the literature.

Hypothesis:

Male sex, bimodal age extremes (young and elderly), and utilization of golf carts (vs walking) are associated with a higher incidence of golf-related UE injuries.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) is a statistically validated injury surveillance system that collects data from ED visits as a representative probability sample of hospitals in the US. We queried the NEISS for the years 2011 to 2020 to examine the following variables for golf-related UE injuries: sociodemographic, diagnosis, body part, and mechanism of injury.

Results:

From 2011 to 2020, there were a total of 1862 golf-related UE injuries presenting to participating EDs, which correlates to an estimated 70,868 total injuries. Overall, male golf players were disproportionately affected (69.2%) versus female golf players (30.8%) and the most commonly injured age groups were those aged >60 and 10 to 19 years. The most common injuries included fractures (26.8%), strains/sprains (23.4%), and soft tissue injuries (15.9%). The joints injured most frequently were the shoulder (24.8%), wrist (15.6%), and joints in the hand (12.0%). The most common mechanisms of injury were cart accidents (44.63%), falling/tripping (29.22%), and golf club swinging/mechanics (10.37%).

Conclusion:

Golf-related UE injuries can be acute or due to chronic overuse. Male athletes >60 years of age were the population most commonly presenting to the ED with a golf-related injury. Further, the shoulder, forearm, and wrist were most commonly injured. These findings are consistent with previous epidemiological trends in the literature. Interventions to reduce the incidence of injury should be sport-specific and focus primarily on equipment and golf cart safety and swing modification to optimize the biomechanical function of the UEs.

Clinical Relevance:

Our findings indicate that golf-related injury prevention programs should target UE injuries, particularly among young (<19) and older (>60 years) golfers with poor swing mechanics.
Hepatitis B and C virus infections and associated factors among HIV-positive and HIV-negative tuberculosis patients in public health facilities, Northeast Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Gedefie Alemu , Seid Abdurahaman , Molla Fenta Genet , Tilahun Mihret , Shibabaw Agumas , Ali Abdurrahman
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, is the leading cause of global liver-related morbidity and mortality. Concomitant infections of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and tuberculosis are risks of hepatotoxicity and death due to antituberculosis therapy. Hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection poses challenges in treating hepatotoxic patients and leads to mortality during antituberculosis treatment. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections, and associated factors among human immunodeficiency virus-positive and human immunodeficiency virus-negative tuberculosis patients attending public health facilities, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods:

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 229 tuberculosis patients from January 1 to April 30, 2021 in public health facilities’ tuberculosis treatment centers. Study participants were selected using a consecutive sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic and other risk factors were collected using an interviewer-based pretested questionnaire by trained data collectors. Anti-hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B surface antigen were determined in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Logistic regression analysis was computed, and then variables with a p value <0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Result:

The overall hepatitis virus infection among human immunodeficiency virus-positive and human immunodeficiency virus-negative tuberculosis patients was 14.03% and 8.14%, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in human immunodeficiency virus positives and human immunodeficiency virus negatives was 10.5% and 6.4% and hepatitis C virus infection in human immunodeficiency virus positives and human immunodeficiency virus negatives was 3.5% and 1.75%, respectively. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus coinfections were not observed. Older age, history of problematic alcohol use, history of blood transfusion, ear–noise piercing, and history of multiple heterosexual partners were predictors for the hepatitis virus infection.

Conclusion:

Hepatitis virus infection increases morbidity and mortality of tuberculosis patients. Therefore, screening tuberculosis patients for hepatitis virus infection is necessary to reduce the risk of antituberculosis complications.
Use of Telehealth to Address Depression and Anxiety in Low-income US Populations: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sultana Sabrina , Pagán José A.
Published: April 2023

Symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders have been increasing substantially among adults in the United States (US) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for low-income populations. Under-resourced communities have difficulties accessing optimal treatment for anxiety and depression due to costs as well as the result of limited access to health care providers. Telehealth has been growing as a digital strategy to treat anxiety and depression across the country but it is unclear how best to implement telehealth interventions to serve low-income populations. A narrative review was conducted to evaluate the role of telehealth in addressing anxiety and depression in low-income groups in the US. A PubMed database search identified a total of 14 studies published from 2012 to 2022 on telehealth interventions that focused on strengthening access to therapy, coordination of care, and medication and treatment adherence. Our findings suggest that telehealth increases patient engagement through virtual therapy and the use of primarily telephone communication to treat and monitor anxiety and depression. Telehealth seems to be a promising approach to improving anxiety and depressive symptoms but socioeconomic and technological barriers to accessing mental health services are substantial for low-income US populations.
Outcomes of Transannular Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot With a Contegra® Monocuspid Patch
Authors: Wasiak Aleksandra , Jaworski Radoslaw , Pastuszko Andrzej , Birbach Mariusz , Kozlowski Michal , Mirkowicz-Malek Malgorzata , Friedman-Gruszczynska Joanna , Maruszewski Bohdan , Kansy Andrzej
Published: April 2023

Background

Surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) depends on the anatomical variations of the heart defect. A group of patients with a hypoplastic pulmonary valve annulus required a transannular patch. This study aimed to evaluate the early and late outcomes of ToF repair with a transannular Contegra® monocuspid patch in a single center.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted. This study included 224 children with a median age of 13 months who underwent ToF repair with a Contegra® transannular patch in over 20 years of observation. The primary outcomes were hospital mortality and need for early reoperations. The secondary outcomes were late death and event-free survival.

Results

The hospital mortality in our group was 3.1%, whereas two patients required early reoperation. Three patients were excluded from the study because follow-up data were not available. In the remaining group of patients (212 patients), the median follow-up was 116 (range, 1-206) months. One patient died because of sudden cardiac arrest at home six months after surgery. Event-free survival was observed in 181 patients (85.4%), whereas the remaining 30 patients (14.1%) required graft replacement. The median time to reoperation was 99 (range, 4-183) months.

Conclusions

Although surgical treatment of ToF has been performed for more than 60 years worldwide, the optimal approach in children with a hypoplastic pulmonary valve annulus remains debatable. Among options, the Contegra® monocuspid patch can be effectively used in transannular repair of ToF with good long-term results.
Beverage industry’s advertising expenditures and airtimes in South Africa from 2013 to 2019 target children and families
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Goldstein Susan , Kruger Petronell , Ng Shu Wen , Hofman Karen J , Thsehla Evelyn
Published: April 2023

With the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), countries across the globe are finding ways to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed food and drinks including sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). South Africa implemented a health promotion levy (HPL) in April 2018 as one strategy to reduce sugar intake. Such efforts are frequently countered or mitigated by industry action in various ways, including through marketing and advertising strategies. To better understand trends in the extent of advertising, this paper analyses advertising expenditures and exposure of children to SSB advertisements in South Africa. Using Nielsen’s monthly data on advertising expenditure before and after the introduction of the HPL, for the period January 2013 to April 2019, the results show that manufacturers spent ZAR 3683 million to advertise their products. Advertising expenditure on carbonated drinks accounted for over 60% (ZAR 2220 million) of the total expenditure on SSBs. The results also show that companies spend less in advertising powdered SSBs (an average of ZAR 0.05 million per month). Based on expenditure patterns, television (TV) was the preferred medium of advertisements, with companies prioritizing what is often considered children’s and family viewing time. Urgent mandatory regulations are needed to prevent child-directed marketing.
Minimum Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Living in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites, Southern Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Mesfin Bezawit Afework , Argaw Abinet Teshome , Getahun Negash Firdawek , Emiru Dagninet Alelign , Aserese Adisalem Damtei , Matebe Girum Yihun
Published: April 2023

Background

Worldwide 1.2 billion women suffer from micronutrient deficiency. Feeding diversified foods during pregnancy prevents pregnancy complications such as severe anemia, low birth weight, and birth defects. However, the status of minimum dietary diversity and associated factors among pregnant women were not explored in the study area; therefore, this study was conducted at the Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites (AMHDSS).

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 19, 2021, to October 30, 2022, on randomly selected 635 pregnant women. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and measurements of mid-upper arm circumference using a tablet; then exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study participants and presented by text, figures, and tables. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with pregnant women MDD-W. Independent variables with a P-value < .05 were considered as associated factors.

Findings

98.2% of the pregnant women responded to this survey, more than half, (53.3%) of them achieved MDD-W, and 24.2% of the pregnant women were undernourished. The MDD-W was associated with household food security (AOR = 0.55, CI: .36, .83), meal frequency, (AOR = 1.62, CI: 1.1, 2.5), house ownership (AOR = 0.52, CI: .29, .9), ownership of banana farms (AOR = 1.7, CI: 1.02, 2.8), antenatal follow-up (ANC) (AOR = 1.9, CI: 1.1, 3.3), and occupational status (AOR = 6, CI: 2.1, 17.6).

Conclusion

The MDD-W outcome in this study was higher than that in other studies. The MDD-W is associated with, ANC follow-up, meal frequency, living in a food-secured household, ownership of a house, and pregnant women's merchant occupation. For optimal pregnancy outcomes; the AMHDSS and stakeholders might need to work in collaboration to increase ANC coverage and meal frequency for pregnant women. In addition, micronutrient supplementation, and increasing the availability/production capacity of food-insecure households are expected.
Revolutionizing Literacy: The Life of Omar ibn Said, Written by Himself
Authors: Willis Arlette Ingram
Published: April 2023

The Library of Congress has acquired the Omar ibn Said Collection, including an exceptional artifact, the autobiography of Omar ibn Said, written in ancient Arabic by an African enslaved man. In this article, I analytically examine the role of literacy in Omar ibn Said's life as informed by African cultures, ethnicities, histories, languages, and literacies in the Senegambia region, and the history of Black literacy access in the United States. In Arabic, Omar ibn Said stealthily applied sophisticated literacy skills to contest living under anti-Black racism and chattel enslavement through his rhetorical and strategic use of Qur’anic surahs and verses. Early translations and interpretations of his autobiography, filtered through Eurocentrism and White supremacy, failed to discern Omar ibn Said's proclamation of his humanity and bold condemnation of chattel enslavement. Africanist, Islamist, and Muslim scholars valorize his resilience as an African Muslim man who remained faithful to Islam under anti-Black racism, the horrors of chattel enslavement, and attempts at Christian conversion. They also provide knowledge about centuries of literacy among people of African descent; expose the pervasiveness of White supremacy; and unveil the roots of deliberate anti-Black literacy laws, policies, and practices, historically and contemporaneously. Omar ibn Said's autobiography dismantles prevailing assumptions about people of African descent as sub-human, without culture, history, intellect, language, or literacy. To create an equitable and ethical approach to literacy: We must transcend the past and present, respect humanity, acknowledge literacy as a global construct, understand literacy as a human right, cultivate a critical consciousness, and require authenticated knowledge.
Clinical Outcomes of 27-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment Repair
Authors: Duong Ryan T. , Cai Xiaoyu , Ambati Naveen R. , Shildkrot Yevgeniy E.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To analyze the clinical outcomes of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) repair of diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD) of various severities. Methods: This retrospective case series examined the outcomes of 27-gauge PPV to repair diabetic TRD from 2016 to 2020. The effect of medical and ophthalmologic history parameters and baseline detachment characteristics on visual acuity (VA) and retinal reattachment was analyzed. A grading system was established to stage the severity of the baseline vitreoretinal traction or detachment and compare the visual and anatomic outcomes between stages. Results: The study comprised 79 eyes (79 patients). The overall redetachment rate was 10.1% (8/79). The proportion of eyes with severe visual impairment (worse than 20/200) decreased from 81.0% (64/79) preoperatively to 56.9% (37/65) 6 months postoperatively ( P < .001). Worse preoperative logMAR VA was associated with greater odds of redetachment ( P = .017) and worse postoperative VA ( P < .001). Insulin dependence was associated with better VA at 6 months ( P = .017). A shorter known duration of diabetes ( P = .026) and evidence of neovascularization of the iris (NVI) or angle ( P = .004) were associated with worse visual outcomes. Eyes with detachment involving the posterior pole extending beyond the equator had worse VA at 6 months ( P = .048). Conclusions: The primary reattachment rate after 27-gauge PPV was 89.9%. There was significant VA improvement, with a roughly 40% reduction in the number of eyes with severe visual impairment by the final follow-up. Insulin dependence, duration of diabetes, presence of NVI before surgery, and baseline posterior pole detachment extending beyond the equator were predictors of visual outcomes.
Exosomal IRF1-loaded rat adipose-derived stem cell sheet contributes to wound healing in the diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Wu Min , Tu Jun , Huang Jinjun , Wen Huicai , Zeng Yuanlin , Lu Yingjie
Published: April 2023

Background

Cell-based therapy has been recognized as a novel technique for the management of diabetic foot ulcers, and cell-sheet engineering leads to improved efficacy in cell transplantation. This study aims to explore the possible molecular mechanism of the rat adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) sheet loaded with exosomal interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in foot wound healing.

Methods

Rats were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin, followed by measurement of miR-16-5p expression in wound tissues. Relationship between IRF1, microRNA (miR)-16-5p, and trans-acting transcription factor 5 (SP5) was analyzed using luciferase activity, RNA pull-down, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. IRF1 was overexpressed in rat ASCs (rASCs) or loaded onto the rASC sheet, and then exosomes were extracted from rASCs. Accordingly, we assessed the effects of IRF1-exosome or IRF1-rASC sheet on the proliferation and migration of the fibroblasts along with endothelial cell angiogenesis.

Results

miR-16-5p was poorly expressed in the wound tissues of diabetic rats. Overexpression of miR-16-5p promoted fibroblast proliferation and migration as well as endothelial cell angiogenesis, thus expediting wound healing. IRF1 was an upstream transcription factor that could bind to the miR-16-5p promoter and increase its expression. In addition, SP5 was a downstream target gene of miR-16-5p. IRF1-exosome from rASCs or the IRF1-rASC sheet facilitated the foot wound healing in diabetic rats through miR-16-5p-dependent inhibition of SP5.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that exosomal IRF1-loaded rASC sheet regulates miR-16-5p/SP5 axis to facilitate wound healing in diabetic rats, which aids in development of stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for diabetic foot wounds.
Mapping the aberrant brain functional connectivity in new daily persistent headache: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Wang Wei , Yuan Ziyu , Zhang Xueyan , Bai Xiaoyan , Tang Hefei , Mei Yanliang , Qiu Dong , Zhang Yingkui , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yaqing , Yu Xueying , Sui Binbin , Wang Yonggang
Published: April 2023

Background and purpose

The pathogenesis of new daily persistent headache (NDPH) is not fully understood. We aim to map aberrant functional connectivity (FC) in patients with NDPH using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Brain structural and functional MRI data were acquired from 29 patients with NDPH and 37 well-matched healthy controls (HCs) in this cross-sectional study. Region of interest (ROI) based analysis was used to compare FC between patients and HCs, with 116 brain regions in the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) atlas were defined as seeds. The correlations between aberrant FC and patients’ clinical characteristics, and neuropsychological evaluation were also investigated.

Results

Compared with HCs, patients with NDPH showed increased FC in the left inferior occipital gyrus, right thalamus and decreased FC in right lingual gyrus, left superior occipital gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, left inferior occipital gyrus, right inferior occipital gyrus, right fusiform gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, right thalamus and right superior temporal gyrus. There were no correlation between FC of these brain regions and clinical characteristics, neuropsychological evaluation after Bonferroni correction (p > 0.05/266).

Conclusions

Patients with NDPH showed aberrant FC in multiple brain regions involved in perception and regulation of emotion and pain.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05334927.
Brain structure and cortical activity changes of new daily persistent headache: multimodal evidence from MEG/sMRI
Authors: Qiu Dong , Wang Wei , Mei Yanliang , Tang Hefei , Yuan Ziyu , Zhang Peng , Zhang Yaqing , Yu Xueying , Yang Chunqing , Wang Qun , Wang Yonggang
Published: April 2023

Background

New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a rare but debilitating primary headache disorder that poses a significant burden on individuals and society. Despite its clinical importance, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of NDPH remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the brain structural changes and neural activity patterns in patients with NDPH using multimodal brain imaging analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) combined with magnetoencephalography (MEG).

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with NDPH and 37 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for this study, and their structural and resting-state data were collected by 3.0 Tesla MRI and MEG. We analyzed the brain morphology using voxel-based morphometry and source-based morphometry. In each brain region, MEG sensor signals from 1 to 200 Hz were analyzed using an adapted version of Welch's method. MEG source localization was conducted using the dynamic statistical parametric mapping, and the difference of source distribution between patients with NDPH and HCs was examined.

Results

Our results revealed significant differences in the regional grey matter volume, cortical thickness, and cortical surface area between the two groups. Specifically, compared with HCs, patients with NDPH showed a significant decrease in cortical thickness of the left rostral cortex in the middle frontal gyrus, decreased cortical surface area of the left fusiform gyrus, decreased grey matter volume of the left superior frontal gyrus and the left middle frontal gyrus, and increased grey matter volume of the left calcarine. Furthermore, the power of the whole brain, bilateral frontal lobes, and right temporal lobe in the NDPH group were higher than that in HCs in the ripple frequency band (80-200 Hz). Functional and structural analysis suggested that there were structural changes and abnormal high frequency cortical activity in both frontal and temporal lobes in patients with NDPH.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that patients with NDPH have abnormalities in brain morphology, such as cortical area, cortical thickness, and grey matter volume, accompanied by abnormal cortical neural activity. Brain structural changes in the frontotemporal cortex and abnormalities in cortical ripple activity may be involved in the pathogenesis of NDPH.
Tunable MEMS-based metamaterial nanograting coupler for C-band optical communication application
Authors: Li Kunye , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: April 2023

A tunable metamaterial nanograting coupler (MNC) is presented that is composed of a one-dimensional surface nanograting coupler with a bottom reflector and the metamaterial atop. For a single nanograting coupler, by introducing a reflector and optimizing nanograting parameters, the spatial coupling efficiency exceeds 97% around near-infrared wavelength of 1.43 μm. The metamaterial can be tuned by using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technique. The relative height or lateral offset between metamaterial and coupling nanograting can be controlled, that the light-emitting efficiency can be separated into two different directions. In addition, the coupling efficiency is as high as 91% at the optical C-band communication window. Therefore, the proposed MEMS-based MNC not only has the possibility of coupling optical fibers with high-density integrated optoelectronic chips, but also has potential application prospects in light path switching, variable optical attenuation, and optical switch.
The adaptive evolution of cancer driver genes
Authors: Gu Langyu , Xia Canwei , Yang Shiyu , Yang Guofen
Published: April 2023

Background

Cancer is a life-threatening disease in humans; yet, cancer genes are frequently reported to be under positive selection. This suggests an evolutionary-genetic paradox in which cancer evolves as a secondary product of selection in human beings. However, systematic investigation of the evolution of cancer driver genes is sparse.

Results

Using comparative genomics analysis, population genetics analysis and computational molecular evolutionary analysis, the evolution of 568 cancer driver genes of 66 cancer types were evaluated at two levels, selection on the early evolution of humans (long timescale selection in the human lineage during primate evolution, i.e., millions of years), and recent selection in modern human populations (~ 100,000 years). Results showed that eight cancer genes covering 11 cancer types were under positive selection in the human lineage (long timescale selection). And 35 cancer genes covering 47 cancer types were under positive selection in modern human populations (recent selection). Moreover, SNPs associated with thyroid cancer in three thyroid cancer driver genes (CUX1, HERC2 and RGPD3) were under positive selection in East Asian and European populations, consistent with the high incidence of thyroid cancer in these populations.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cancer can be evolved, in part, as a by-product of adaptive changes in humans. Different SNPs at the same locus can be under different selection pressures in different populations, and thus should be under consideration during precision medicine, especially for targeted medicine in specific populations.
Incidence and associated factors of perioperative hypothermia in adult patients at a university-based, tertiary care hospital in Thailand
Authors: Wongyingsinn Mingkwan , Pookprayoon Varut
Published: April 2023

Background

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia is an unintentional drop in core body temperature to less than 36 °C perioperatively and is associated with many negative outcomes such as infection, a prolonged stay in a recovery room, and decreased patient comfort.

Objective

To determine the incidence of postoperative hypothermia and to identify the associated factors with postoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing head, neck, breast, general, urology, and vascular surgery. The incidences of pre- and intraoperative hypothermia were examined as the intermediate outcomes.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted in adult patients undergoing surgery at a university hospital in a developing country for two months (October to November 2019). Temperatures below 36 °C were defined as hypothermia. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with postoperative hypothermia.

Results

A total of 742 patients were analyzed, the incidence of postoperative hypothermia was 11.9% (95% CI 9.7%-14.3%), and preoperative hypothermia was 0.4% (95% CI 0.08%-1.2%). Of the 117 patients with intraoperative core temperature monitoring, the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia was 73.5% (95% CI 58.8–90.8%), and hypothermia occurred most commonly after anesthesia induction. Associated factors of postoperative hypothermia were ASA physical status III-IV (OR = 1.78, 95%CI 1.08–2.93, p = 0.023) and preoperative hypothermia (OR = 17.99, 95%CI = 1.57-206.89, p = 0.020). Patients with postoperative hypothermia had a significantly longer stay in the PACU (100 min vs. 90 min, p = 0.047) and a lower temperature when discharged from PACU (36.2 °C vs. 36.5 °C, p < 0.001) than those without hypothermia.

Conclusion

This study confirms that perioperative hypothermia remains a common problem, especially in the intraoperative and postoperative periods. High ASA physical status and preoperative hypothermia were associated factors of postoperative hypothermia. In order to minimize the incidence of perioperative hypothermia and enhance patient outcomes, appropriate temperature management should be emphasized in patients at high risk.

Registration

Clinical Trials.gov (NCT04307095) (13/03/2020).
HiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte to model Brugada syndrome: both asymptomatic and symptomatic mutation carriers reveal increased arrhythmogenicity
Authors: Penttinen Kirsi , Prajapati Chandra , Shah Disheet , Rajan Dhanesh Kattipparambil , Cherian Reeja Maria , Swan Heikki , Aalto-Setälä Katriina
Published: April 2023

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia disorder that is mainly associated with mutations of the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit 5 (SCN5A) gene. The clinical symptoms include ventricular fibrillation and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines were derived from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals carrying the R1913C mutation in the SCN5A gene. The present work aimed to observe the phenotype-specific differences in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) obtained from symptomatic and asymptomatic mutation carriers. In this study, CM electrophysiological properties, beating abilities and calcium parameters were measured. Mutant CMs exhibited higher average sodium current densities than healthy CMs, but the differences were not statistically significant. Action potential durations were significantly shorter in CMs from the symptomatic individual, and a spike-and-dome morphology of action potential was exclusively observed in CMs from the symptomatic individual. More arrhythmias occurred in mutant CMs at single cell and cell aggregate levels compared with those observed in wild-type CMs. Moreover, there were no major differences in ionic currents or intracellular calcium dynamics between the CMs of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals after the administration of adrenaline and flecainide.

In conclusion, mutant CMs were more prone to arrhythmia than healthy CMs but did not explain why only one of the mutation carriers was symptomatic.
The effect of melatonin on irritable bowel syndrome patients with and without sleep disorders: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial study
Authors: Faghih Dinevari Masood , Jafarzadeh Farzaneh , Jabbaripour Sarmadian Amirreza , Abbasian Samaneh , Nikniaz Zeinab , Riazi Ali
Published: April 2023

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the world's most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and current treatments do not meet patients' demands. This study aimed to investigate melatonin's therapeutic effects on IBS score, GI symptoms, quality of life, and sleep parameters in both groups of IBS patients with and without sleep disorders.

Methods

In this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial study, 136 patients with a diagnosis of IBS based on ROME IV criteria were enrolled and then divided into two groups respecting having sleep disorders or not. Patients of each group were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive melatonin 6 mg daily (3 mg fasting and 3 mg at bedtime) for 2 months (8 weeks). Blocked randomization was used in this process. All patients were evaluated both at the beginning and the end of the trial regarding IBS score, GI symptoms, quality of life, and sleep parameters through valid questionnaires.

Results

In both groups of patients with and without sleep disorders, a significant improvement was observed in IBS score and GI symptoms, including the severity and the frequency of abdominal pain, the severity of abdominal bloating, satisfaction with bowel habits, disease's impact on patient's life, and stool consistency; however, there was no significant improvement in the frequency of defecations per week. In patients with sleep disorders, significant improvement in sleep parameters, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction, was observed, while in patients without sleep disorders, there was no significant improvement in sleep parameters. In addition, quality-of-life improvement was observed in a significant number of melatonin recipients compared to placebo in both groups of patients.

Conclusion

Melatonin can be considered an effective treatment for improving IBS score, GI symptoms, and quality of life in IBS patients with and without sleep disorders. It is also effective to improve sleep parameters in IBS patients with sleep disorders.

Trial registration

This study has been registered to the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with the approval number IRCT20220104053626N2 on the date of 13/02/2022.