bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Commercially Available Supraglottic Airway Devices for Prehospital Combat Casualty Care
Authors: Copeland Grant B , Zilevicius Danielius J , Bedolla Carlos N , Islas Andres L , Guerra Marisa N , Salazar Sophia J , De Lorenzo Robert A , Schauer Steven G , Hood R Lyle
Published: February 2022

Background

Airway obstruction is the second leading cause of potentially survivable death on the battlefield. The Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care lists airway optimization among the top 5 battlefield research and development priorities; however, studies show that combat medics lack access to the recommended supraglottic airway (SGA) devices. SGA devices are an alternative airway management technique to endotracheal tube intubation. Reports have shown SGA devices are easier to use and take fewer attempts to provide patent airflow to the patient when compared to endotracheal tube intubation. Military settings require a higher degree of skill to perform airway management on patients due to the environment, limited availability of equipment, and potential chaos of the battlefield. Finding the optimal SGA device for the military setting is an unmet need. The International Organization for Standardization describes basic functional requirements for SGA devices, as well as patient configurations and size limitations. Beyond that, no SGA device manufacturer states that their devices are intended for military settings.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a market review of 25 SGA devices that may meet inclusion into the medics’ aid bag. The company’s official “Instructions for Use” document, Google Scholar, and FDA reports were reviewed to obtain information for each SGA device.

Results

Twenty-five commercially available SGA devices are explored from manufacturer online sources. A commercially available device list is shown later in this paper, which provides the device’s features, indications, and contraindications based on the manufacturer’s product information documentation.

Conclusions

There are a variety of devices that require further testing to determine whether they should be included in sets, kits, and outfits.
The Doctrinal Development of Contemporary Islamic Law: Fiqh Academies as an Institutional Framework
Authors: Gad Makhlouf Ahmed
Published: February 2022

The rise of modernity, with its tremendous changes and challenges, has had an impact on Islamic law. Among the most recent developments there is—at an institutional and doctrinal level—the emergence of fiqh bodies dealing with contemporary issues based on a collective decision-making process. In contrast to this modern approach of law making, the emphasis on individual legal decision-making was common in the pre-modern era. These fiqh academies have contributed to the substantive development of present Islamic law due to its immense output (qarārāt or resolutions). This essay aims to represent the research methodology and legal performance of fiqh academies as a contemporary framework for the formation of Islamic law and their role in the development of legal doctrine. Thereupon, this article intends, on the one hand, to contribute to the study of the developments of present Islamic law; on the other, it examines the relationship of the legal norms developed by contemporary fiqh academies and traditional schools of law and their methodology of law making.
Persistent post-discharge symptoms after COVID-19 in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: Leon Leticia , Perez-Sancristobal Ines , Madrid Alfredo , Lopez-Pedraza Leticia , Colomer Jose Ignacio , Lerma Sergio , Lois Pia , Mucientes Arkaitz , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Luis , Fernandez-Gutierrez Benjamin , Abasolo Lydia
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We aimed to describe persistent symptoms and sequelae in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) after admission owing to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), assessing the role of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) compared with non-autoimmune rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (NARDs) on persistent symptoms and sequelae.

Methods

We performed an observational study including RMD patients who attended a rheumatology clinic in Madrid and required admission owing to COVID-19 (between March and May 2020) and survived. The study began at discharge and ran until October 2020. Main outcomes were persistence of symptoms and sequelae related to COVID-19. The independent variable was the RMD group (ARD and NARD). Covariates included sociodemographics, clinical and treatment data. We ran a multivariate logistic regression model to assess the risk of the main outcomes by RMD group.

Results

We included 105 patients, of whom 51.5% had ARD and 68.57% reported at least one persistent symptom. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnoea, fatigue and chest pain. Sequelae were recorded in 31 patients. These included lung damage in 10.4% of patients, lymphopenia in 10%, a central retinal vein occlusion and an optic neuritis. Two patients died. Eleven patients required re-admission owing to COVID-19 problems (16.7% ARD vs 3.9% NARD; P = 0.053). No statistically significant differences were found between RMD groups in the final models.

Conclusion

Many RMD patients have persistent symptoms, as in other populations. Lung damage is the most frequent sequela. Compared with NARD, ARD does not seem to differ in terms of persistent symptoms or consequences, although ARD might have more re-admissions owing to COVID-19.
Analysis of Postoperative Gait, Hip Strength, and Patient-Reported Outcomes After OTA/AO 61-B and 61-C Pelvic Ring Injuries
Authors: Dean Chase S. , Nadeau Jason , Strage Katya E. , Tucker Nicholas J. , Chambers Lori , Worster Kate , Rojas David , Schneider Gary , Johnson Tony , Hunt Kenneth , Parry Joshua A. , Mauffrey Cyril
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

To examine clinical gait parameters, hip muscle strength, pelvic functional outcomes, and psychological outcomes after surgical fixation of OTA/AO 61-B and 61-C pelvic ring injuries.

Design:

Retrospective review identified 10 OTA/AO 61-B patients and 9 OTA/AO 61-C patients for recruitment who were between 1 and 5 years after pelvic fixation. Gait and strength assessments, and patient-reported outcome scores were performed/collected and analyzed.

Setting:

Outpatient clinical motion performance laboratory.

Patients/Participants:

Patients with OTA/AO 61-B and OTA/AO 61-C fractures who were between 1 and 5 years after pelvic fixation.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Hip strength, kinetics, and spatial–temporal outcomes; Majeed Pelvic Outcome Score; Short Form 36; Hamilton Anxiety/Depression Rating Scales.

Results:

There were no differences in age, body mass index, or time since definitive fixation between OTA/AO 61-B and 61-C groups. The OTA/AO 61-C group had higher median injury severity scores, longer length of stay, and greater postoperative pelvic fracture displacement. There was no difference in bilateral hip strength, bilateral peak hip moments, peak hip power, and walking speed between groups. Patients with OTA/AO 61-C fractures had lower scores on Short Form 36 General Health and Majeed Work, with a trend toward a lower Total Majeed score. There were no differences in self-reported total anxiety and depression symptoms.

Conclusions:

This study did not identify any gait, strength, or psychological differences between OTA/AO 61-B and 61-C injuries at 1–5 years of follow-up. However, increased injury severity in OTA/AO 61-C patients may have residual consequences on perceived general health and ability to work. This pilot study establishes a template for future research into functional recovery of patients with severe pelvic ring trauma.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Blood-Based and Imaging Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ali Kashan , Lang Chim C. , Huang Jeffrey T. J. , Choy Anna-Maria
Published: February 2022

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of arterial thrombosis, causing acute occlusive cardiovascular syndromes. Numerous risk prediction models have been developed, which mathematically combine multiple predictors, to estimate the risk of developing cardiovascular events. Current risk models typically do not include information from biomarkers that can potentially improve these existing prediction models especially if they are pathophysiologically relevant. Numerous cardiovascular disease biomarkers have been investigated that have focused on known pathophysiological pathways including those related to cardiac stress, inflammation, matrix remodelling, and endothelial dysfunction. Imaging biomarkers have also been studied that have yielded promising results with a potential higher degree of clinical applicability in detection of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular event prediction. To further improve therapy decision-making and guidance, there is continuing intense research on emerging biologically relevant biomarkers. As the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is multifactorial, improvements in discrimination and reclassification in risk prediction models will likely involve multiple biomarkers. This article will provide an overview of the literature on potential blood-based and imaging biomarkers of atherosclerosis studied so far, as well as potential future directions.
Preanalytical Stability of Flucloxacillin, Piperacillin, Tazobactam, Meropenem, Cefalexin, Cefazolin, and Ceftazidime in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: A Structured Review
Authors: Mortensen Janni S. , Jensen Berit P. , Doogue Matthew
Published: February 2022

Background:

Therapeutic drug monitoring is increasingly being used to optimize beta-lactam antibiotic dosing. Because beta-lactams are inherently unstable, confirming preanalytical sample stability is critical for reporting reliable results. This review aimed to summarize the published literature on the preanalytical stability of selected widely prescribed beta-lactams used in therapeutic drug monitoring.

Methods:

The published literature (2010–2020) on the preanalytical stability of flucloxacillin, piperacillin, tazobactam, meropenem, cefalexin, cefazolin, and ceftazidime in human plasma, serum, and whole blood was reviewed. Articles examining preanalytical stability at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen (−20°C) using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry or ultraviolet detection were included.

Results:

Summarizing the available data allowed for general observations to be made, although data were conflicting in some cases (piperacillin, tazobactam, ceftazidime, and meropenem at room temperature, refrigerated, or −20°C) or limited (cefalexin, cefazolin, and flucloxacillin at −20°C). Overall, with the exception of the more stable cefazolin, preanalytical instability was observed after 6–12 hours at room temperature, 2–3 days when refrigerated, and 1–3 weeks when frozen at −20°C. In all cases, excellent stability was detected at −70°C. Studies focusing on preanalytical stability reported poorer stability than studies investigating stability as part of method validation.

Conclusions:

Based on this review, as general guidance, clinical samples for beta-lactam analysis should be refrigerated and analyzed within 2 days or frozen at −20°C and analyzed within 1 week. For longer storage times, freezing at −70°C was required to ensure sample stability. This review highlights the importance of conducting well-designed preanalytical stability studies on beta-lactams and other potentially unstable drugs under clinically relevant conditions.
Executive Summary of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pelvic Girdle Pain in the Postpartum Population
Authors: Simonds Adrienne H. , Abraham Karen , Spitznagle Theresa
Published: February 2022

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is defined as pain experienced between the posterior iliac crest and the gluteal fold, particularly in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joint. Pelvic girdle pain is common postpartum and may result from pregnancy-related factors. Pelvic girdle pain is a leading cause of disability postpartum, and some individuals develop persistent pain.

A clinical practice guideline (CPG) on PGP in the antenatal population is available. However, there is a need to explicitly focus on PGP in postpartum individuals because of the impacts of childbirth, the unique biological changes that occur postpartum, and the influence of psychosocial factors during this critical time. Historically, compared to the antepartum, there has been a reduced emphasis on postpartum health in clinical practice and research.

Therefore, the purpose of this CPG is to provide evidence-based recommendations for physical therapist management of PGP in the postpartum population. This executive summary provides background information and recommendations to guide physical therapist practice. The full CPG is available online.
Lived Experiences of Young Adults With Lymphoma During Acute Survivorship
Authors: Vena Joseph A. , Copel Linda , McDermott-Levy Ruth
Published: February 2022

Background

Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are hematologic malignancies of the lymphatic system with increased prevalence in young adults. Numerous studies have examined the health-related quality of life dimensions in young adults with lymphoma; yet, limited research has investigated the experiences of this population.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of young adults with Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 8) receiving acute treatment from one National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Center in the Northeastern United States.

Methods

A qualitative interpretive phenomenological study design and method was applied to explore the lived experiences of young adults with lymphoma during acute survivorship.

Results

The participants lived experiences were shaped by the diagnostic challenges and impediments of cancer and lymphoma in young adults. Through postdiagnosis, they were determined to safeguard parents and close family members from the burden of cancer. The bonds between medical oncologists and nurses offered the participants a dynamic structure to endure acute survivorship.

Conclusion

Cancer was challenging to diagnose in this sample of young adults with lymphoma. The presence of nurses was shown to be deeply impactful for young adults with lymphoma. More research is necessary to understand the experiences of young adults with lymphoma through extended or long-term survivorship.

Implications for Practice

Healthcare providers require additional education regarding the diagnostic guidelines in young adult patients with lymphoma. This study underscores the importance of well-defined and structured postdiagnosis survivorship care in young adults with lymphoma.
Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool Questionnaire
Authors: Santana-Domínguez Irene , González-de la Torre Héctor , Verdú-Soriano José , Nolasco Andreu , Martín-Martínez Alicia
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the validity and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST-E) questionnaire.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study aimed at midwives and obstetricians in Spain. An online survey was conducted consisting of 2 parts: the first part collected different variables, and the second part collected the SVEST-E. The temporal stability of the instrument was evaluated using the test-retest method. For the construct validity and reliability, an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed using FACTOR program v.10 with a polychoric correlation matrix.

Results

A total of 689 professionals participated in the study (323 obstetrician physicians/366 midwives). The mean (SD) score on the SVEST-E for the total sample was 3.09 (0.50). The parallel analysis of the exploratory factor analysis suggested a 5-factor solution, with a total explained variability of 61.8%. The goodness-of-fit indices of the model were the following: root mean square error of approximation = 0.038 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.031–0.042) and comparative fit index = 0.989 (95% CI, 0.988–0.992). The factor model obtained was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, obtaining the values of root mean square error of approximation = 0.038 (95% CI, 0.026–0.053) and comparative fit index = 0.989 (95% CI, 0.969–1.000). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94–0.99).

Conclusions

The SVEST-E instrument maintains the same items as the original questionnaire but introduces changes in the organization of its dimensions. The Spanish version maintains adequate construct validity, reliability, and temporal stability, so it is a valid tool to evaluate the second victim experience in Spanish health professionals.
Are the World Health Organization’s Patient Safety Learning Objectives Still Up-to-Date: A Group Concept Mapping Study
Authors: Vogt Lina , Stoyanov Slavi , Bergs Jochen , Schröder Hanna , Drachsler Hendrik , Klasen Martin , Sopka Saša
Published: February 2022

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) Patient Safety Curriculum Guide defines learning objectives for patient safety. Current implementation in healthcare education is insufficient. Possible explanations may be obsolescence and/or a shift in needs. We investigated whether overarching topics and specific learning objectives of the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide are still up-to-date, their attributed importance, and their perceived difficulty to achieve.

Methods

Experts on patient safety and medical education from 3 European countries were asked to suggest learning objectives concerning patient safety using group concept mapping. Following 3 successive steps, experts rated ideas by importance and difficulty to achieve. Correlation analyses investigated the relationship between those. Overarching topics of the learning goals (clusters) were identified with multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 119 statements about intended learning objectives on patient safety were generated, of which 86 remained for sorting and rating. Based on multivariate analyses, 10 overarching topics (clusters) emerged. Both the learning objectives and the overarching topics showed high correspondence with the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide. Strong correlations emerged between importance and difficulty ratings for learning objectives and overarching topics.

Conclusions

The WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide’s learning goals are still relevant and up-to-date. Remarkably, learning objectives categorized as highly important are also perceived as difficult to achieve. In summary, the insufficient implementation in medical curricula cannot be attributed to the content of the learning goals. The future focus should be on how the WHO learning goals can be implemented in existing curricular courses.
Increased 99mTc-Sestamibi Activity in Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Hu Geng , Zhou Weina , Bai Xia
Published: February 2022

A 99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy was performed in a 27-year-old woman to evaluate possible hyperparathyroidism. The images did not identify any parathyroid abnormality. However, an intense activity was noted in the proximal left upper extremity, which was confirmed as giant cell tumor of the proximal left humerus by pathological examination.
COVID-19 Vaccine–Induced Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome With Polyserositis Detected by FDG PET/CT
Authors: Lee Soo Jin , Park Dong Won , Sohn Jang Won , Yoon Ho Joo , Kim Sang-Heon
Published: February 2022

Of the various adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, fever is a common systemic symptom that often resolves spontaneously without treatment. However, rare vaccine-induced conditions that present with fever and systemic inflammation have been reported. In this case, a 65-year-old man with BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT to evaluate prolonged fever and elevated serum C-reactive protein. PET/CT showed hypermetabolic infiltration in the pericardium and peritoneum suggesting immune-mediated pericarditis and peritonitis. After administration of high-dose corticosteroids, the patient's symptom resolved. This case suggests that multisystem inflammatory syndrome and polyserositis can be induced by the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fibular Free Flap and Iliac Crest Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction In Patients With Mandibular Ameloblastomas
Authors: Piotrowska-Seweryn Agnieszka , Szymczyk Cezary , Walczak Dominik A. , Krakowczyk Łukasz , Maciejewski Adam , Hadasik Grzegorz , Wierzgoń Janusz , Szumniak Ryszard , Drozdowski Piotr , Paul Piotr , Grajek Maciej
Published: February 2022

Ameloblastoma (AM) is the most common, locally aggressive odontogenic tumor. It comprises about 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. It occurs mainly in young adults in their 3rd and 4th decade of life. It localizes in the mandible in about 80% of the cases. According to the 2017 WHO classification, 4 types of ameloblastoma can be distinguished: ameloblastoma (previously referred to as solid/multicystic-SMA; the “conventional type” AM), unicystic (AM-UA), extraosseous/peripheral (AM-PA), and malignant/metastatic (AM-MA). Solid, multicystic is the most common type. It is characteristic for its aggressiveness and high risk of recurrence. Radical resection with consecutive reconstruction is the treatment of choice of mandibular ameloblastomas.

In this study, the authors present their experience in the surgical treatment of mandibular ameloblastomas with vascularized free flap reconstructions. They discuss new technological possibilities that could improve the precision of the reconstructive procedure and therefore result in the better aesthetic outcome.

The retrospective study of a group of 21 patients suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma who underwent segmental man-dibulectomy with simultaneous microvascular free flap reconstruction was conducted. A thorough clinical analysis with various aspects was performed. Tumors resected before 2017 were double checked patomorphologically and assigned to the corrected subtype group.

Seven patients were admitted to the department due to recurrent ameloblastoma. The most common localization of the tumor was the mandibular body (n = 6) andbodywith ramus of the mandible (n = 6). A total amount of 10 iliac crest free flaps and 12 fibular free flaps were performed. Complications were reported in 4 patients. A purulent oro-cutaneus fistula occurred in 3 patients. There was a flap failure in each reconstructive group. The virtual surgical planning with intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography was used in 3 patients. Dentition implantation was conducted in 4 patients (3 simultaneously, 1 postponed). The mean follow-up was 5 years and 8 months.

Radical resection that covers radical segmental mandibulect-omy with immediate microvascular free flap reconstruction is a first-line and only effective treatment of mandibular ameloblas-tomas, that eliminates the risk of recurrence. The extent of surgical margins seems not to influence the recurrence rate, yet further investigation with statistical analysis should be performed. The choice of the adequate free flap must be adapted to dimensions and localization of the tumor and to each patient individually.

New technologies such as virtual surgical planning with 3D models and intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography can make the reconstruction more accurate, improving patient's quality of life.
Novel approaches to measuring neurocognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Authors: Carlson Scott , Kim Hyun , Devanand Davangere P. , Goldberg Terry E.
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

We comprehensively examined recent advancements in developing novel cognitive measures that could significantly enhance detection of outcome changes in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials. Previously established measures were largely limited in their ability to detect subtle cognitive declines in preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease, particularly due to weak psychometric properties (including practice effects and ceiling effects) and requirement of in-person visits that impacted ascertainment.

Recent findings

We present novel cognitive measures that were designed to exhibit reduced practice effects and stronger correlations with Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. In addition, we summarized some recent efforts in developing remote testing measures protocols that are aimed to overcome the limitations and inconvenience of in-person testing, and digital phenotyping, which analyses subtle forms of digital behaviour indicative of cognitive phenotypes. We discuss each measure's prognostic accuracy and potential utility in Alzheimer's disease research while also commenting on their limitations. We also describe our study, the Development of Novel Measures for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Trials (NoMAD), that employed a parallel group design in which novel measures and established measures are compared in a clinical trials armature.

Overall, we believe that these recent developments offer promising improvements in accurately detecting clinical and preclinical cognitive changes in the Alzheimer's disease spectrum; however, further validation of their psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracies is warranted before reliably implementing these novel measures in Alzheimer's disease clinical trials.
The role of the locus coeruleus/norepinephrine system in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders: An update
Authors: Malatt Camille , Tagliati Michele
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this review was to provide an update on current and emerging knowledge of the neuropathological processes affecting the locus coeruleus/norepinephrine (LC/NE) system, their effect on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease symptomatology, including efforts to translate these notions into therapeutic actions targeting the noradrenergic system.

Recent findings

Over the past 2 years, work from multiple groups has contributed to support an early role of locus coeruleus degeneration and/or hyperactivation in the neurodegenerative process, including a trigger of neuroinflammation. Imaging advances are allowing the quantification of locus coeruleus structural features in vivo, which is critical in the early stages of disease. Nonmotor and noncognitive symptoms, often secondary to the involvement of the LC/NE system, are becoming more important in the definition of these diseases and their treatment.

The diverse symptomatology of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, which is not limited to cardinal motor and cognitive abnormalities, strongly suggests a multisystem neurodegenerative process. In this context, it is increasingly clear how the LC/NE system plays a key role in the initiation and maintenance of the neurodegenerative process.
Genomic diversity and intragenic recombination of species C rotaviruses
Authors: Oki Hisako , Masuda Tsuneyuki , Hayashi-Miyamoto Michiko , Kawai Megumi , Ito Mika , Madarame Hiroo , Fukase Yuka , Takemae Hitoshi , Sakaguchi Shoichi , Furuya Tetsuya , Mizutani Tetsuya , Oba Mami , Nagai Makoto
Published: February 2022

Rotavirus C (RVC) is a major cause of diarrhoea in swine, cattle, and humans worldwide. RVC exhibits sequence diversity in all 11 genes, especially in VP4 and VP7, and all segment-based genotyping has been performed similar to rotavirus A. To date, recombination events have been reported in rotavirus A and B. However, there are no reports describing gene recombination of RVC, except for recombination in NSP3 between RVC and rotavirus H. In this study, nine porcine RVC strains identified in Japanese pigs were completely sequenced and analysed together with RVC sequences from the GenBank database. The analyses showed that sequences of the VP4, VP2, and NSP1 of several porcine RVC strains did not branch with any of those of the RVC strains in the GenBank database, suggesting new genotypes. Several homologous recombination events, between or within genotypes, were identified in the VP4, VP7, VP2, NSP1, and NSP3 genes. Of these, nine, one, and one intergenotypic recombination events in the VP4, VP2, and NSP3 genes, respectively, were supported with sufficient statistical values. Although these findings suggest occurrences of the intragenic recombination events in the RVC genome, potential sequence errors and poor sequence assemblies in the databases should be watched with care. The results in this study present data about the important recombination events of the RVCs, which influence evolution of the virus by aiding them to gain genetic diversity and plasticity, although further sequence data will be necessary to obtain more comprehensive understanding of such mechanisms.
Chemophototherapy Overcomes Doxorubicin Resistance in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Ghosh Sanjana , Chitgupi Upendra , Sunar Ulas , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: February 2022

Porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP) liposomes loaded with Doxorubicin have been demonstrated to be an efficient vehicle for chemophototherapy (CPT). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells is a known resistance mechanism for cancer chemotherapies. We report a phototherapeutic measure to overcome Dox-resistance using Doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded PoP liposomes. In vitro studies using free Dox or Dox loaded into liposomes with 2 mol.% showed human ovarian carcinoma A2780 cells were more susceptible to these drugs compared to the corresponding Dox-resistant A2780-R cells. In contrast, when CPT was applied with LC-Dox-PoP liposomes, effective killing of both non-resistant and resistant A2780 cell lines was observed. An in vivo study to assess the efficiency of LC-Dox-PoP liposomes with phototreatment showed effective tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival of athymic nude mice bearing A2780-R tumor xenografts. Biodistribution analysis demonstrated enhanced tumoral drug uptake in Dox-resistant tumors with CPT, pointing to the likelihood that increased drug delivery overcame resistance mechanisms to provide for improved anti-cancer therapy.
Reliability of citations of medRxiv preprints in articles published on COVID-19 in the world leading medical journals
Authors: Gehanno Jean-Francois , Grosjean Julien , Darmoni Stefan J. , Rollin Laetitia
Published: February 2022

Background

Preprints have been widely cited during the COVID-19 pandemics, even in the major medical journals. However, since subsequent publication of preprint is not always mentioned in preprint repositories, some may be inappropriately cited or quoted. Our objectives were to assess the reliability of preprint citations in articles on COVID-19, to the rate of publication of preprints cited in these articles and to compare, if relevant, the content of the preprints to their published version.

Methods

Articles published on COVID in 2020 in the BMJ, The Lancet, the JAMA and the NEJM were manually screened to identify all articles citing at least one preprint from medRxiv. We searched PubMed, Google and Google Scholar to assess if the preprint had been published in a peer-reviewed journal, and when. Published articles were screened to assess if the title, data or conclusions were identical to the preprint version.

Results

Among the 205 research articles on COVID published by the four major medical journals in 2020, 60 (29.3%) cited at least one medRxiv preprint. Among the 182 preprints cited, 124 were published in a peer-reviewed journal, with 51 (41.1%) before the citing article was published online and 73 (58.9%) later. There were differences in the title, the data or the conclusion between the preprint cited and the published version for nearly half of them. MedRxiv did not mentioned the publication for 53 (42.7%) of preprints.

Conclusions

More than a quarter of preprints citations were inappropriate since preprints were in fact already published at the time of publication of the citing article, often with a different content. Authors and editors should check the accuracy of the citations and of the quotations of preprints before publishing manuscripts that cite them.

Key points

Major medical journals cite preprints in their articles on COVID

41% of the preprint cited were in fact already published when the citing article was published online and the published version should have been cited instead

40% of them displayed difference in the data when comparing to the published version and 10% in the conclusions

Differences in content between the preprint and the published version are also common for preprints published after the publication of the citing article
Normalization of aperiodic ECoG components indicates fine motor recovery after sensory cortical stroke in mice
Authors: Biskamp Jonatan , Cainzos Sara Isla , Higgen Focko L. , Gerloff Christian , Magnus Tim
Published: February 2022

Electrophysiological signatures of ischemic stroke might help to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of recovery. Here, analyses of multichannel electrocorticography (ECoG) in awake mice demonstrated that the shape of power spectral density (PSD) is modulated in the vicinity of sensory cortical stroke. PSD consists of both rhythmic oscillatory and non-rhythmic, aperiodic components. The alteration of spectrum shape was reflected in a transient increase of aperiodic exponents, while the relative power and frequency of slow oscillations remained unchanged in the peri-infarct cortex. Exponents derived from motor areas significantly correlated with recovery of fine motor deficits of the contralateral forepaw thus indicating functional modifications of neuronal activity. In conclusion, aperiodic spectral exponents exhibited a unique spatiotemporal profile in the mouse cortex after stroke and might complement future studies providing a dynamic link from pathophysiology to behavior.
Experimental infection of mink with SARS-COV-2 Omicron (BA.1) variant leads to symptomatic disease with lung pathology and transmission
Authors: Virtanen Jenni , Aaltonen Kirsi , Kegler Kristel , Venkat Vinaya , Niamsap Thanakorn , Kareinen Lauri , Malmgren Rasmus , Kivelä Olga , Atanasova Nina , Österlund Pamela , Smura Teemu , Sukura Antti , Strandin Tomas , Dutra Lara , Vapalahti Olli , Nordgren Heli , Kant Ravi , Sironen Tarja
Published: February 2022

We report an experimental infection of American mink with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and show that minks remain virus RNA positive for days, develop clinical signs and histopathological changes, and transmit the virus to uninfected recipients warranting further studies and preparedness.
Inducing a mental context for associative memory formation with real-time fMRI neurofeedback
Authors: Collin Silvy H.P. , van den Broek Philip , van Mourik Tim , Desain Peter , Doeller Christian F.
Published: February 2022

Memory, one of the hallmarks of human cognition, can be modified when humans voluntarily modulate single neuron or neural population activity using neurofeedback. However, it is currently unknown whether memory is facilitated or impaired after such neural perturbation. In this study, participants memorized objects while we trained them with abstract neurofeedback to modulate their brain activity patterns in the ventral visual stream to represent either faces or houses. The neurofeedback created an implicit face or house context in the brain while memorizing the objects. The results revealed that participants created associations between each memorized object and its implicit context solely due to the neurofeedback manipulation. Our findings shed light onto how memory formation can be influenced by synthetic memory tags with neurofeedback and advance our understanding of mnemonic processing.
Structural basis for interaction between CLAMP and MSL2 proteins involved in the specific recruitment of the dosage compensation complex in Drosophila
Authors: Tikhonova Evgeniya , Mariasina Sofia , Efimov Sergey , Polshakov Vladimir , Maksimenko Oksana , Georgiev Pavel , Bonchuk Artem
Published: February 2022

Transcriptional regulators select their targets from a large pool of similar genomic sites. The binding of the Drosophila dosage compensation complex (DCC) exclusively to the male X chromosome provides insight into binding site selectivity rules. Previous studies showed that the male-specific organizer of the complex, MSL2, and ubiquitous DNA-binding protein CLAMP directly interact and play an important role in the specificity of X chromosome binding. Here we studied the highly specific interaction between the intrinsically disordered region of MSL2 and the N-terminal zinc-finger C2H2-type (C2H2) domain of CLAMP. We obtained the NMR structure of the CLAMP N-terminal C2H2 zinc finger, which has a classic C2H2 zinc-finger fold with a rather unusual distribution of residues typically used in DNA recognition. Substitutions of residues in this C2H2 domain had the same effect on the viability of males and females, suggesting that it plays a general role in CLAMP activity. The N-terminal C2H2 domain of CLAMP is highly conserved in insects. However, the MSL2 region involved in the interaction is conserved only within the Drosophila genus, suggesting that this interaction emerged during the evolution of a mechanism for the specific recruitment of the DCC on the male X chromosome in Drosophilidae.
“It’s allowed us access to the outside world”: A Qualitative Study of Lifespan Supported Mobility Device Use in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Feldner Heather A. , Gaebler-Spira Deborah , Awasthi Varun , Bjornson Kristie
Published: February 2022

Aim

The overarching aim of this research was to 1) Understand the mobility experiences, supported mobility device (SMD) use, and desired participation outcomes of people with cerebral palsy (CP) across the lifespan; and 2) Describe how perspectives of rehabilitation care and professional resources may influence mobility decision-making processes and outcomes. The aim of this study was to understand the lived experience of SMD provision and use with a focus group guide co-developed by stakeholders.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted with 164 participants (people with CP, caregivers, and healthcare providers) across four US cities. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using constant comparison.

Results

Six themes emerged. Five presented across all stakeholder groups: 1) The System is Broken; 2) Equipment is Simultaneously Liberating and Restricting; 3) Adaptation Across the Lifespan; 4) Designed for Transport, not for Living; and 5) Sharing Our Stories and Sharing Resources. One theme was specific to healthcare provider groups: Caught in the Middle.

Interpretation

This qualitative study underscores the simultaneous value and frustration associated with SMD, and the need to improve connections and resource networks within the CP community to improve SMD design and provision processes across device types and across the lifespan for people with CP.

What this paper adds

One of the largest qualitative data sets specific to supportive mobility devices across ages and functional levels.

Results indicate SMD is most often equated with freedom, participation, and independence.

Frustrations with SMD across the lifespan persist related to design, function, cost, and maintenance.

Stakeholders in the CP community are seeking greater networking and resource-sharing to enhance SMD provision processes.

Access to appropriate SMD across the lifespan and the need for systems improvement is critical.
Providing a framework for post-disaster resilience factors in buildings and infrastructure from end-users’ perspectives: case study in Caribbean island states
Authors: Charles Shawn Hezron , Chang-Richards Alice , Yiu Tak Wing
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elicit the expectations for resilient post-disaster rebuilds from Caribbean project end-users. In anticipation of future climatological, meteorological, hydrological or geophysical disasters disaster, key stakeholders can articulate and incorporate strategies for resilience development, thus leading to improved end-users’ satisfaction and confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper engages the results of a systematic literature review that identified 24 empirical resilience factors for post-disaster reconstruction projects. These factors informed a semi-structured questionnaire to elicit the perspectives of Caribbean end-users on a seven-point Likert scale. The quantitative analysis of both factor ranking and principal component analysis was performed to identify correlations and provides further interpretations on the desires of the end-users for resilient rebuilds.

Findings

The results presented in this paper highlight the collective perspectives on the Caribbean end-users on what they perceived to be aiding more resilient reconstruction projects. They identified reconstruction designs mindful of future hazards, policies that aid climate change mitigation, active assessment of key structures, readily available funding sources and ensuring stakeholder’s unbiased interest as the top-most empirical factors. Factor analysis suggested collaborations with inclusive training and multi-stakeholder engagement, critical infrastructure indexing and effective governance as the critical resilience development factors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is first of its kind to explore the perspective of the Caribbean people regarding disaster reconstruction projects. It addresses developmental avenues for measurement indicators towards resilience monitoring and improvement. Additionally, the perspectives can provide construction industry professionals with tools for improved operational resilience objective-setting guidance, for Caribbean construction.
Climatic disasters within a flood-prone coastal slum in Lagos: coping capacities and adaptation prospects
Authors: Adegun Olumuyiwa Bayode
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Climate impacts are a significant challenge in slums and informal settlements, most of which are located along the coast. This article aims to show coping strategies and flood adaptation opportunities through the case study of a coastal slum in Lagos, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach is used in Idi-Araba settlement, Oworonshoki, Lagos – the case study area. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with 15 purposively selected residents and a survey (sample size = 300 residents). A town hall meeting was convened to disseminate the findings and gather feedback from the community.

Findings

Being an informally developed settlement, flooding affects the poor-quality buildings – a situation made worse by absence of infrastructure and services. Coping with flooding involves structural strategies (raising building’s foundation, re-roofing, sand-filling the surrounding, etc.), failed attempt through green infrastructure, nonstructural measures through dietary pattern, dressing, etc. These measures emanate from self-help and community efforts, attesting to notable social capital in the study area. They are minimally effective and limited, which highlights adaptation gaps and opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

This study calls for transformative adaptation, beyond the current coping and maladaptation. It argues that local strategies need to meet with innovative substantive external initiatives from the state and third sector.

Originality/value

This study considers the single case of a coastal settlement in Lagos. This focus allowed detailed examination within a representative settlement, much unlike city-wide, cross-settlement considerations in many other studies. It provides additional empirical evidence on limitations of self-help flood coping measures and adaptation prospects in the often overlooked low-income, informal urban sector.
A digital business model: an illustrated framework from the cultural heritage business
Authors: Russo-Spena Tiziana , Tregua Marco , D'Auria Anna , Bifulco Francesco
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The paper offers a comprehensive understanding of how digital transformation affects business models and how firms operate and compete effectively and successfully in a digital economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted an abductive approach (Dubois and Gadde, 2002) through constant movement between theory and empirical evidence. A systematic literature review led the first conceptual development and examples of practices from cultural heritage sectors were used in the theorizing process.

Findings

This paper depicts a digital model framework through a set of assumptions about how an organization creates and delivers value in an interconnected way by orchestrating new interactive processes, and providing experience propositions to customers, and about how value is framed in terms of economic, social and cultural outcomes.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the scientific debate by discussing the role of digital business models as enhancements more rather than replacements of traditional business models; it frames a digital business model as consisting of three main pillars: value orchestration, experience propositions and value sharing.
Relational dignity and assisted dying for persons deprived of liberty
Authors: Reichstein Angelika
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the eventual legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales should extend to persons deprived of liberty, as well.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a relational view of dignity strengthens the argument that the need to protect the dignity of persons deprived of liberty requires the extension of the legalisation of assisted dying to persons deprived of liberty once generally achieved in England and Wales.

Findings

Three aspects make dignity a relational concept – dignity being attributed by society, dignity working as a restraint on others and dignity requiring specific behaviours. All these elements support the claim that assisted dying should be available to persons deprived of liberty, once legalised in England and Wales.

Originality/value

Both the legalisation of assisted dying for persons deprived of liberty and the concept of relational dignity have to date found little attention. With a legalisation of assisted dying being debated in England and Wales, it is pertinent to discuss its application to persons deprived of liberty, who would undoubtedly not automatically benefit from a future Assisted Dying Act.
Transparency in humanitarian logistics and supply chain: the moderating role of digitalisation
Authors: Iqbal Tahir , Ahmad Shabir
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Mismanagement and corruption in disaster relief operations (DROs) have created a demand for transparency and visibility in humanitarian logistics and supply chains. The global relief organisations and recent research endorse the adoption of digital solutions in DROs. The purpose of this research is to examine the moderating role of digitalisation in enhancing transparency in humanitarian logistics and supply chains of DROs in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the quantitative research method, the data were collected from 340 disaster relief workers through survey questionnaires using the snowball sampling technique. The data were analysed in the SmartPLS3 software of PLS-SEM.

Findings

The findings suggested that in Pakistan, where corruption and mismanagement in humanitarian logistics and supply chain have been the greatest concerns of all the stakeholders, digitalisation of the DROs is a way forward to create transparency in the system and build the trust of the donor organisations and public.

Research limitations/implications

The sample included only 340 disaster relief workers, future researchers may test the proposed model on a larger sample size and from different stakeholders' perspectives such as the disaster victims, government agencies and NGOs.

Social implications

The ultimate beneficiaries of a digitalised and transparent humanitarian logistics and supply chain will be the society as a whole and particularly the victims of the disasters. By adopting the appropriate technologies in DROs, the victims will receive timely and entitled resources, and early warnings will save many lives.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the body of knowledge by providing the first empirical evidence of examining the moderating role of digitalisation in creating transparency in humanitarian logistics from one of the top ten most disaster-affected nations.