bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking beyond parity: Gender wage gaps and the leadership labyrinth in the Canadian healthcare management workforce
Authors: Gupta Neeru , Balcom Sarah Ann , Singh Paramdeep
Published: June 2022

It is important for health organizations to monitor progress toward gender equity and inclusion goals among health human resources. Within the Canadian healthcare management workforce, however, recent investigations are lacking. This study examines gender differences in composition and compensation among health leadership in Canada using national census data. Findings show that although women represent over half (57%) of senior managers in health and social services, the pipeline from middle management (72%) suggests persistent career barriers disproportionately affect women. Women health and social care managers’ earnings averaged $0.83-.89 for every dollar that a man earned. The gender wage gap remained statistically significant, with women health managers earning 12-20% less than men, after adjusting for age, education and other characteristics. Dynamic decomposition analyses highlighted that most of the gender wage gap could not be explained within the available data—a finding attributable, at least in part, to (unmeasured and unmeasurable) gender discrimination.
A novel integrated design of switched reluctance motors with planetary gear trains
Authors: Chen Guan-Chen , Lee Ruo-Yu , Chen Yu-Hsun
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a design process based on the aspects of structure, configuration, and function. A mechatronic integrated design combining a switched reluctance motor with a planetary gear train (PGT) reducer is developed systematically. First, feasible design concepts are generated from the identified design requirements and constraints by considering existing SRMs and PGT reducers. The integration elements are selected to fit the design requirements. Then, detailed design and analysis are performed regarding the performance of the PGTS as well as the electromagnetic characteristics and output performance of the motor. In addition, the Taguchi method is employed to identify the optimal electrical parameters and geometric configuration of the motor. Finally, the output characteristics of the integrated device and existing design are compared. The integrated design has a 12.94% higher average torque, 40.74% lower torque ripple, and 9.10% smaller axial space.
Analysis of viscous wave generation at low Ursell number in an optimal numerical wave tank using inlet velocity method
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Yadav Surendra Singh , Roy Pradip Deb
Published: June 2022

The present study analyzes the viscous wave generation at a low Ursell number in an optimal numerical wave tank. Commercial computational fluid dynamics code ANSYS FLUENT software is used in a two-dimensional numerical wave tank in this model. The finite volume method is a discretization technique to solve the Reynolds-average Navier–Stokes equations. The inlet velocity method is used to generate the desired waves. The standard k–ε turbulent model is used for the verification. Viscous models were tested at a constant water depth ( d) under 12 cases to complete the analysis. Surface elevation, wave velocities, velocity contour, and streamlined motions are important studies in this problem. Simulating result shows that the wave velocities ( u, w) at the free surface ( z = 0) increase with the wave steepness ( H/L) at a particular time period ( T) and gradually decrease from the free surface ( z = 0) toward the bottom of the water ( z =  −  d). Many practical systems, such as wave energy converters, offshore marine constructions, and other ocean engineering challenges, may benefit significantly from this research's realistic wave creation. This analysis of different periods gives the knowledge of flow behavior which provides the previous test of the scale model.
Continuous local antibiotic perfusion: A treatment strategy that allows implant retention in fracture-related infections
Authors: Maruo Akihiro , Oda Takahiro , Mineo Ryowa , Miya Hidetoshi , Muratsu Hirotsugu , Fukui Tomoaki , Oe Keisuke , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Fracture-related infections are difficult to treat because of the formation of biofilms around implants. Systemic antibiotics are notoriously ineffective against biofilms due to their insufficient penetration of tissues with poor vascularity. The goal of treating fracture-related infections is to achieve bone union while retaining the implant. Our proposal of continuous local antibiotic perfusion is a sustained local delivery system of sufficient antibiotics to bone and soft tissue infection sites, including to bone marrow via needles as intra-medullary antibiotics perfusion and to soft-tissue via double-lumen subcutaneous tubes as intra-soft tissue perfusion.

Methods

In this study, we examined the outcomes of 40 patients treated for fracture-related infections using continuous local antibiotic perfusion between 2015 and 2021 at Steel Memorial Hirohata Hospital, Himeji, Japan.

Result

The antibiotic used for continuous local antibiotic perfusion was gentamicin in all cases. Implant removal was required in five patients. Two patients required toe amputation and knee arthrodesis, while the remaining 38 patients achieved fracture union. Only one case of transient acute renal injury as a systemic side effect was observed, but it soon resolved. The blood concentration of gentamicin could be adjusted to less than the trough level.

Conclusions

Continuous local antibiotic perfusion is a novel local drug delivery system that has the potential of delivering sufficient concentrations of antibiotics with few systemic side effects; it is a useful option for the treatment of fracture-related infections.
Let’s verify and rectify! Examining the nuanced influence of risk appraisal and norms in combatting misinformation
Authors: Xiao Xizhu
Published: June 2022

Mounting concerns about COVID-19 misinformation and its insidious fallout drive the search for viable solutions. Both scholarly and practical efforts have turned toward raising risk appraisal of misinformation and motivating verification and debunking behaviors. However, individuals remain reluctant to verify and correct misinformation, suggesting a need to develop persuasion strategies to motivate such behaviors. Therefore, with an experiment of 256 participants recruited from Amazon MTurk, this study examines how effectively norm-based messages improve positive behavioral intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that among individuals with high perceived severity of misinformation, exposure to both descriptive and injunctive norms about verification reduced their intention to rectify misinformation. However, both descriptive and injunctive norms about debunking misinformation increased intentions to engage in preventive behaviors. By probing the “self–other” discrepancy and the “trade-off effect” of risk appraisal, the study further reveals that the perceived severity of misinformation merits in-depth exploration in future research.
My Criminal Friend: Maneuvering Friendships and Abstaining from Crime in High-Risk Areas in Denmark
Authors: Haller Mie Birk , Søgaard Thomas Friis , Kolind Torsten , Madsen Mads , Hunt Geoffrey , Kammersgaard Tobias
Published: June 2022

This article highlights the perspective of 39 young men who live and have friends in a Danish high-risk neighborhood. We look into their use of microlevel tactics to socialize with crime-involved friends while managing to abstain from crime. Maintaining this balance was a constant everyday processual negotiation of friendship relations, moral obligations, and risk assessment. However, the most severe consequences of having criminal friends were to endure police control and potentially be known and registered by the police as criminals or ‘gang-affiliated’. In that way, the criminal justice system was deeply entangled in the social lives of these young people.
Endovascular Thrombectomy and Lysis for Acute Renal Vein Thrombosis: Indications, Technical Aspects, Outcome, and Disease Etiology
Authors: Low Rachel , Crane Jeremy , Sackey Fred , Malina Martin
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

To report a rare case of acute renal vein thrombosis (RVT) that was treated with endovascular thrombectomy and lysis, and discuss potential etiology and indications for catheter-directed management.

Case report:

A 21-year-old female athlete presented with sudden pain in her left flank and vomiting. A 3-phase computed tomography (CT) angiogram identified total occlusion of the left renal vein with no excretion from the swollen tender left kidney. Catheter-directed thrombolysis and thrombectomy were initiated 24 hours after onset of symptoms. Complete resolution of the RVT with normalized renal function was achieved. Post-operative Doppler ultrasound scan confirmed normal renal resistance and flow in the renal vein. The patient was discharged on Apixaban and remains well at 6 months. Combined hormonal contraception via an intra-vaginal ring and raised Factor VIII activity were the only identified risk factors.

Conclusion:

Acute complete RVT with impaired kidney function is rare. Combined hormonal contraception and increased Factor VIII activity were potential risk factors. Endovascular thrombectomy and lysis restored renal perfusion and function, and can be used effectively in the management of fit patients with acutely compromised kidney function from total renal vein obstruction.
Surgeons’ Recommendations for Return to Work After Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: von Bergen Tobias N. , Reid Risa , Delarosa Matthew , Gaul John , Chadderdon Christopher
Published: June 2022

Background:

Recommendations and expectations regarding return to work (RTW) after carpal tunnel release (CTR) are often inconsistent. The study aim was to describe preferences of American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) members for perioperative management of patients following CTR, emphasizing surgeon preference regarding RTW.

Methods:

A survey was sent to all ASSH members with active e-mail addresses. The primary outcome was the recommended time frame for patients to RTW full duty. Secondarily, associated factors with RTW were evaluated.

Results:

In total, 4109 e-mail surveys were sent with 632 responses (15%). The highest proportion of respondents perform >100 CTRs per year (43.2%), have been practicing for >20 years (38.1%), and perform CTR using standard, open approach at outpatient surgery centers. The primary surgeon made recommendations about RTW in 99.5% of cases. For desk-based duties, the median recommended RTW time was 3 days; for duties requiring repetitive, light lifting of <10 lbs, the median recommended RTW time was 10 days; and for heavy manual duties, the median recommended RTW time was 30 days after CTR, according to the respondents. The 3 factors considered most influential for RTW were type of work, employer support, and financial considerations.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates consistency among ASSH members in the perioperative management of CTR patients. The most important factors affecting RTW were type of work performed, employer support, and financial considerations. This study provides a meaningful foundation to manage expectations and guide patients, medical providers, and employers on the amount of time likely to be missed from work after CTR.
Hybrid regression model via multivariate adaptive regression spline and online sequential extreme learning machine and its application in vision servo system
Authors: Zhou Zhiyu , Ji Jiangfei , Wang Yaming , Zhu Zefei , Chen Ji
Published: June 2022

To solve the problems of slow convergence speed, poor robustness, and complex calculation of image Jacobian matrix in image-based visual servo system, a hybrid regression model based on multiple adaptive regression spline and online sequential extreme learning machine is proposed to predict the product of pseudo inverse of image Jacobian matrix and image feature error and online sequential extreme learning machine is proposed to predict the product of pseudo inverse of image Jacobian matrix and image feature error. In MOS-ELM, MARS is used to evaluate the importance of input features and select specific features as the input features of online sequential extreme learning machine, so as to obtain better generalization performance and increase the stability of regression model. Finally, the method is applied to the speed predictive control of the manipulator end effector controlled by image-based visual servo and the prediction of machine learning data sets. Experimental results show that the algorithm has high prediction accuracy on machine learning data sets and good control performance in image-based visual servo.
Assessing the stab resistive performance of material extruded body armour specimens
Authors: Cicek Umur Ibrahim , Southee Darren John , Johnson Andrew Allan
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the effect of material extruded body armour specimen size on stab penetration depth and back-face signature (BFS) and establishes the minimum thickness required for a series of material extrusion materials to provide protection against the UK Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) body armour KR1-E1 requirements. In stage one, material extruded planar test specimens ranging from 40 × 40 mm to 80 × 80 mm in length and width with 10 mm increments at three different thicknesses, 6, 8 and 10 mm, were stab tested under 24 joules of impact energy using a gravity driven drop test apparatus. In stage two, 50 × 50 mm specimens in six material categories, PC, ABS, PLA, TPLA, PA and TPU, were manufactured at different thicknesses via material extrusion and impacted in accordance with the UK HOSDB KR1-E1 stab impact energy level as they were the optimum size when considering overall stab and BFS performance. The study established the fundamental steps towards the use of material extrusion in future personal protection solutions. Results demonstrated that stab penetration and BFS were dependent on specimen size, thickness and material type, and there was an inverse relationship between stab penetration depth and BFS. Also, a minimum thickness of 5 mm for PC and TPLA, 6 mm for ABS, 7 mm for PLA, 11 mm for PA and 12 mm for TPU, with 100% print density, was required in order to provide protection against the HOSDB KR1-E1 level of 24 J stab impact energy.
The Social Mediatization of Lifestyle Sport: Continuity and Novelty in the Online Skate Subculture
Authors: Nichols L. Dugan
Published: June 2022

Based on mediatization theory, this article tracks how skateboarders experience and negotiate the entry of social media into their subculture. Building on existing scholarship, I show how social media and digital devices retain existing values within the culture while simultaneously introducing new challenges. To illustrate the phenomena of continuity and novelty in the online skate subculture, I analyze two case studies pertaining to YouTube. The first is a textual analysis of a typical skate video. Released on YouTube in 2020, the BE FREE video exhibits neoliberal, apolitical, masculine, and individualist values that go back decades in skate culture. The second case involves one of the most popular hubs of online skateboarding today: The Berrics YouTube channel, which claims 1.3 million subscribers and over 4,500 individual videos. I show how The Berrics maintains a one-dimensional positivity through its posts and interactions with fans, and I argue that it is still experimenting with the handling of negative feedback that participatory media allow. I also provide a brief history of skateboard media to properly contextualize these case studies.
Encoded Subjectivities: Interpreting Blackness and Representations of Black Women on inDmix.com
Authors: Conley Tara L.
Published: June 2022

The study of Black digital and Internet cultures is a burgeoning site of inquiry. While prior research on identity and the Internet does well to address racialized experiences online, further exploration into so-called niche or under-the-radar Black digital spaces is necessary for a more comprehensive documentation of early Internet applications, practices, and digitally mediated sociality during the early 20th century. This article centers Black southern Internet culture by examining the website, InDmix.com, a photo-based asynchronous web media platform, and one of the first Internet visual catalogs of southern Black college nightlife of the aughts. Combining scholarly inquiry with first-person storytelling, this article provides historical references to contextualize an aspect of early Black Internet culture while arguing that Black women, in particular, mediate the process of visibility and valuation since they carry conceptions of beauty and Blackness across the platform. Engaging with concepts of architectural Blackness and informational Blackness, this article demonstrates the ways in which southern Black youth culture combined with early Web 2.0 technology practices provides a digital snapshot of college and urban nightlife experiences along the backdrop of socioeconomic and cultural shifts in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. In the spirit of documenting Black digital cultures, this article concludes with a conversation with founder Ikem Onyekwena, the Phi Beta Sigma photographer and tech entrepreneur who founded InDmix.com in 2004.
The association between prothrombin time-international normalized ratio and long-term mortality in patients with coronary artery disease: a large cohort retrospective study with 44,662 patients
Authors: Liu Liwei , Ying Ming , Chen Shiqun , Li Qiang , Chen Guanzhong , Li Huanqiang , Mai Ziling , He Yibo , Wang Bo , Xu Danyuan , Huang Zhidong , Yan Xiaoming , Tan Ning , Chen Zhujun , Liu Jin , Liu Yong
Published: June 2022

Background

The association between prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) and long-term prognosis among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without atrial fibrillation or anticoagulant therapy was still unclear. We analyzed the association of PT-INR levels and long-term mortality in a large cohort of CAD patients without atrial fibrillation or using of anticoagulant drugs.

Methods

We obtained data from 44,662 patients who were diagnosed with CAD and had follow-up information from January 2008 to December 2018. The patients were divided into 4 groups (Quartile 1: PT-INR ≤ 0.96; Quartile2: 0.96 < PT-INR ≤ 1.01; Quartile3: 1.01 < PT-INR ≤ 1.06; Quartile4: PT-INR > 1.06). The main endpoint was long-term all-cause death. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association between quartiles of PT-INR levels and long-term all-cause mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 5.25 years, 5613 (12.57%) patients died. We observed a non-linear shaped association between PT-INR levels and long-term all-cause mortality. Patients in high PT-INR level (Quartile4: PT-INR > 1.06) showed a significantly higher long-term mortality than other groups (Quartile2 or 3 or 4), (Compared with Quartile 1, Quartile 2 [0.96 < PT-INR ≤ 1.01], aHR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.91–1.00, P = 0.99; Quartile 3 [1.01 < PT-INR ≤ 1.06], aHR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20, P = 0.03; Quartile 4 [PT-INR > 1.06], aHR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.22–1.45, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates high levels of PT-INR were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Analysis of adverse drug events in pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex disease using spontaneous reporting system
Authors: Ozawa Takuya , Namkoong Ho , Takaya Risako , Takahashi Yusuke , Fukunaga Koichi , Enoki Yuki , Taguchi Kazuaki , Kizu Junko , Matsumoto Kazuaki , Hasegawa Naoki
Published: June 2022

Background

In Japan, Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MAC-LD) is the most common in nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Patients often experience adverse events, resulting in the discontinuation of treatment, which causes treatment failure. The JADER (Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report) database is a database of adverse events that allows us to collect real-world data on adverse events. We can collect large-scale data cost-effectively and detect signals of potential adverse events such as reporting odds ratio (ROR) by using spontaneous reporting systems. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the adverse events of clarithromycin (CAM), ethambutol (EB), and rifampicin (RFP) using the JADER database.

Methods

We included cases of MAC-LD between April 2004 and June 2017. We investigated sex, age, and medications that may have caused the adverse events, outcomes, and time of onset. We calculated the safety signal index as the ROR. Time-to-event analysis was performed using the Weibull distribution.

Results

The total number of adverse events of CAM, EB, and RFP was 2780, with 806 patients. In the overall adverse events, hematologic and lymphatic disorders were the most common adverse events, with 17.3%, followed by eye disorders (16.6%), and hepatobiliary disorders (14.0%). The outcomes were as follows: recovery, 40.0%; remission, 27.1%; non-recovery, 11.2%; and death, 7.1%. Regarding the most common onset time of CAM, EB, and RFP was within 120 days at 40%, 181–300 days at 43.6%, and within 120 days at 88.5%. For CAM, the RORs of infections and infestations, hepatobiliary system disorders, and immune system disorders were 4.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–7.44), 2.61 (95% CI, 1.39–4.91), and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.04–5.44). For EB, the ROR of eye disorders was 215.79 (95% CI, 132.62–351.12). For RFP, the RORs of renal and urinary tract disorders and investigations were 7.03 (95% CI, 3.35–14.77) and 6.99 (95% CI, 3.22–15.18). The β value of EB was 2.07 (95% CI, 1.48–2.76), which was classified as a wear-out failure type.

Conclusions

For MAC-LD, the adverse event which has the highest ROR is infections and infestations in CAM, eye disorders in EB, renal and urinary tract disorders in RFP. Adverse events of EB occur after 180 days, whereas the adverse events of CAM and RFP occur early in the course of treatment.
Population-based surveillance for congenital zika virus syndrome: a latent class analysis of recorded cases from 2015–2018
Authors: Paixao Enny S. , Rodrigues Laura C. , Costa Maria da Conceição N. , de Carvalho-Sauer Rita de Cassia Oliveira , Oliveira Wanderson K. , Cardim Luciana L. , Schuler-Faccini Lavinia , Andrade Roberto F. S. , Rodrigues Moreno S. , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Veiga Rafael V. , Costa Larissa C. , Carmo Eduardo H. , Smeeth Liam , Barreto Mauricio L. , Teixeira Maria Gloria
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aims to describe clinical findings and determine the medium-term survival of congenital zika syndrome (CZS) suspected cases.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using routine register-based linked data. It included all suspected cases of CZS born in Brazil from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, and followed up from birth until death, 36 months, or December 31, 2018, whichever came first. Latent class analysis was used to cluster unconfirmed cases into classes with similar combinations of anthropometry at birth, imaging findings, maternally reported rash, region, and year of birth. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted, and Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to determine mortality up to 36 months.

Results

We followed 11,850 suspected cases of CZS, of which 28.3% were confirmed, 9.3% inconclusive and 62.4% unconfirmed. Confirmed cases had almost two times higher mortality when compared with unconfirmed cases. Among unconfirmed cases, we identified three distinct clusters with different mortality trajectories. The highest mortality risk was observed in those with abnormal imaging findings compatible with congenital infections (HR = 12.6; IC95%8.8–18.0) and other abnormalities (HR = 11.6; IC95%8.6–15.6) compared with those with normal imaging findings. The risk was high in those with severe microcephaly (HR = 8.2; IC95%6.4–10.6) and macrocephaly (HR = 6.6; IC95%4.5–9.7) compared with normal head size.

Conclusion

Abnormal imaging and head circumference appear to be the main drivers of the increased mortality among suspected cases of CZS. We suggest identifying children who are more likely to die and have a greater need to optimise interventions and resource allocation regardless of the final diagnoses.
Corneal densitometry after allogeneic small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation for hyperopia correction
Authors: Hou Jie , Wang Yan , Zhang Jing , Lei Yulin , Ma Zhixing , Zhang Ying , Zheng Xiuyun
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To evaluate corneal densitometry after allogeneic corneal small-incision intrastromal lenticule implantation (SILI) for hyperopia.

Methods

A retrospective study. Thirty-one hyperopic eyes of 24 patients who underwent SILI were enrolled in this study. Examinations took place preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Corneal densitometry (CD) from different concentric radial zones (0–2, 2–6, and 6–10 mm annulus) and layers (anterior, central, and posterior) were obtained using Scheimpflug imaging. The association between CD changes and the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), central corneal thickness (CCT) and K value were examined.

Results

No serious intraoperative complications occurred during SILI. The mean total CD increased postoperatively compared to preoperatively (P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found among the four subsequent follow-up time points (P > 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, the CD values showed an increase of 2.71 ± 2.52, 2.23 ± 2.25, and 1.87 ± 2.46 at the 0–2, 2–6, and 6–10 mm annuli, respectively (all atP < 0.01). The anterior 120 μm displayed the highest densitometry before and after surgery (all atP < 0.01). No significant increase was found within the posterior 60 μm of the cornea (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between the CD and relevant parameters(all atP > 0.05).

Conclusions

SILI resulted in an increase in CD within the surgically altered area, however such change has no significant correlation with visual outcomes.
Co-existence of overweight/obesity and stunting: it’s prevalence and associated factors among under - five children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebsbie Alem , Minda Abebe , Ahmed Sindew
Published: June 2022

Background

Double burden of malnutrition is a global problem posing a serious public health challenge especially in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, where a high prevalence of under-nutrition continues to exist and overweight is increasing at an alarming rate. Although both under-nutrition and over-nutrition are investigated extensively in Ethiopia, evidence about the double burden of malnutrition especially at the individual level is very limited.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of the co-existence of overweight/obesity and stunting and associated factors among under-five children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at an individual level.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2021 among 422 mothers to child pairs in Addis Ababa. Twenty-nine (30%) of the health centers in Addis Ababa were selected to take part in the study using a simple random sampling technique. The total sample size was allocated proportionally to each of the selected health centers based on their performances within 6 months prior to the study. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and a hierarchical logistic regression model were used to characterize the study population and to identify factors that are associated with the outcome variable respectively. Odds ratio along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of the co-existence of overweight/obesity and stunting was 5.1% with 95% CI (2.9–7.1%). The hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that child age (6–23 months) [(AOR = 2.86, 95% CI: (1.02–8.04)], maternal education status (non-educated) [(AOR = 4.98, 95% CI: (1.33–18.66)], maternal age during birth (≥ 28 years) [(AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.06–0.79)] and childbirth order (3+) [(AOR = 6.38, 95% CI: (1.03–39.7)] were significantly associated with the co-existence of overweight /obesity and stunting. Conclusion and recommendations: The study revealed that the prevalence of the co-existence of overweight/obesity and stunting is low in Ethiopia. However, local and national nutrition policies and programs should be tailored and implemented to simultaneously address both under-nutrition and over-nutrition.
Comprehensive analysis of CXCR family members in lung adenocarcinoma with prognostic values
Authors: Hu Lian-Tao , Deng Wen-Jun , Chu Zhen-Sheng , Sun Luo , Zhang Chun-Bin , Lu Shi-Zhen , Weng Jin-Ru , Ren Qiao-Sheng , Dong Xin-Yu , Li Wei-Dong , Li Xue-Bin , Du Yun-Ting , Li Yue , Wang Wei-Qun
Published: June 2022

Background

The expression profiles and molecular mechanisms of CXC chemokine receptors (CXCRs) in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have been extensively explored. However, the comprehensive prognostic values of CXCR members in LUAD have not yet been clearly identified.

Methods

Multiple available datasets, including Oncomine datasets, the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), HPA platform, GeneMANIA platform, DAVID platform and the tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) were used to detect the expression of CXCRs in LUAD, as well as elucidate the significance and value of novel CXCRs-associated genes and signaling pathways in LUAD.

Results

The mRNA and/or protein expression of CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5 and CXCR6 displayed predominantly decreased in LUAD tissues as compared to normal tissues. On the contrary, compared with the normal tissues, the expression of CXCR7 was significantly increased in LUAD tissues. Subsequently, we constructed a network including CXCR family members and their 20 related genes, and the related GO functions assay showed that CXCRs connected with these genes participated in the process of LUAD through several signal pathways including Chemokine signaling pathway, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. TCGA and Timer platform revealed that the mRNA expression of CXCR family members was significantly related to individual cancer stages, cancer subtypes, patient’s gender and the immune infiltration level. Finally, survival analysis showed that low mRNA expression levels of CXCR2 (HR = 0.661, and Log-rank P = 1.90e−02), CXCR3 (HR = 0.674, and Log-rank P = 1.00e−02), CXCR4 (HR = 0.65, and Log-rank P = 5.01e−03), CXCR5 (HR = 0.608, and Log-rank P = 4.80e−03) and CXCR6 (HR = 0.622, and Log-rank P = 1.85e−03) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS), whereas high CXCR7 mRNA expression (HR = 1.604, and Log-rank P = 4.27e−03) was extremely related with shorter OS in patients.

Conclusion

Our findings from public databases provided a unique insight into expression characteristics and prognostic values of CXCR members in LUAD, which would be benefit for the understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis prediction and targeted treatment in LUAD.
Hip abductor strengthening in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thomas Dias Tina , R Shruthi , Prabhakar Ashish John , Dineshbhai Patel Vivekbhai , Eapen Charu
Published: June 2022

Background

Globally osteoarthritis of the knee is a leading cause of disability. Hip abductor strength and activation are essential for maintaining postural balance during transfers and are related to joint loading and progression during weight-bearing activities. Strength deficits in the hip abductors might cause a reduction in the lower extremity force generation, thereby causing stress on the medial tibiofemoral joint. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of hip abductor strengthening on knee joint loading, knee pain and functional outcome measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Database such as Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) database and PEDro were reviewed to recognize the trials published in English from inception to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials that studied the effectiveness of hip abductor strengthening in subjects with knee osteoarthritis and its impact on knee joint loading, knee pain and functional outcome measures were included. RevMan 5.4 was used for meta-analysis and forest plot construction. Quality assessment of the included studies was carried out using the PEDro scale.

Results and discussion

The search yielded 260 results of which 29 full-text articles were screened. The review includes 7 randomized controlled trials and 3 studies with good methodological quality were included for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of the articles favored hip abductor strengthening intervention over the control group. Hip abductor strengthening had significantly reduced the VAS [ SMD = -0.60[-0.88, -0.33] p < 0.0001]at 95% CI and improved the WOMAC scores [SMD – 0.75[-1.05,-0.45] p < 0.0001] at 95% CI. All of the included studies concluded that strengthening the hip abductor muscle had a positive impact on knee pain and functional outcomes.

Conclusion

The current study found high-quality evidence to support the use of hip abductor muscle strengthening exercises as a rehabilitative treatment for subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Trial registration

CRD42021256251.
Content of Serious Illness Care conversation documentation is associated with goals of care orders—a quantitative evaluation in hospital
Authors: King Seema , Douglas Maureen , Javed Sidra , Semenchuk Jocelyn , Ghosh Sunita , Dunne Fiona , Moledina Aliza , Fassbender Konrad , Simon Jessica
Published: June 2022

Background

The Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) increases quality of documentation about patients’ values and priorities, but it is not known whether patient characteristics and goals of care are associated with the elements documented. The purpose of this study was to explore for associations between the quantity and type of elements documented after SICP conversations with patient characteristics and goals of care order.

Methods

Documentation of SICP conversations by internal medicine physicians with hospitalized patients was evaluated in a retrospective chart review between March 2018 to December 2019. The conversations occurred after SICP implementation in a Tertiary Hospital, Medical teaching unit which uses “Goals of Care Designation” (GCD) medical orders to communicate a patient’s general intent, specific interventions, and preferred locations of care. A validated SICP codebook was used to determine the frequency of conversation elements documented for (1) Goals and Values; (2) Prognosis/illness understanding; (3) End-of-life care planning and (4) GCD/Life-sustaining treatment preferences. Univariate and multivariate generalized linear models were used to analyze associations between quantity of elements documented and patient characteristics (age, gender, frailty, language spoken and GCD).

Results

Of 175 SICP conversations documented, in the univariate analysis more goals and values were documented for patients who understand/speak English (0.89; 95% CI: 0.14 - 1.63) and more content was recorded for patients with a non-resuscitative GCD focus (“Medical”: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.51 – 3.33; “Comfort”: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.24 – 1.88) although not in all domains. In the multivariate analysis, controlling for age, gender, language and frailty, the association between content scores and GCD remained highly significant. Patients with a non-resuscitative GCD had higher total domain scores than those with a resuscitative GCD (“Medical”: 1.27 95% CI: 0.42–2.13; “Comfort”: 2.67, 95% CI:1.71–3.62).

Conclusion

The type of content documented by physicians after a SICP conversation is associated with the patient’s goals of care.
Fatigue have impact on the sexual problems in Chinese females with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wu Beiwen , Ye Junna
Published: June 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) might affect all aspects of life including sexual function; previous study indicated that fatigue was the risk factor of sexual dysfunction. The current study aims to investigate the effects of SLE on Chinese mainland female patients’ sexual problems compared with healthy subjects and to investigate the relationship among fatigue, disease parameters, depression, quality of life and sexual problems in Chinese female patients with SLE.

Methods

A total of 128 female SLE patients (mean age: 43.65 ± 7.13 years) and 121 healthy female controls (mean age 43.59 ± 6.57 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. All data were collected consecutively by face-to-face questionnaires from January 2021 to December 2021. SLE patients completed questionnaires for demographic or clinical variables, the 10-cm Visual Analog Scale for pain, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) for disease activity, the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) for fatigue, the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for problems, and the Short Form 12 health survey for quality of life. Independent sample t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, Chi-square test, and forward stepwise binary logistic regression model were used to analyze these data.

Results

Our results showed that the prevalence of female sexual problems was 78.9% in SLE patients, which was significantly higher than the controls (56.7%; p < 0.05). The results found that having child (OR 23.04; p < 0.000), age (OR 1.11; p = 0.002), DMARDs usage (OR 0.04; p = 0.004), MFI total score (OR 1.06; p = 0.006), and disease duration (OR 1.16; p = 0.043) were the potential risk factors of female sexual problems by forward stepwise binary logistic regression.

Conclusion

The present study reported that female sexual problems was more common in Chinese SLE female patients compared to controls. Having child, age, DMARDs usage, fatigue, and disease duration had great impacts on female sexual problems in Chinese SLE patients. Rheumatologists and nurses should pay close attention to SLE female patients’ sexual problems, especially those having no child, older age, not using DMARDs, fatigue, or long disease duration by health education or other methods to improve their sexual problems, and ultimately improve SLE patients’ quality of life.
Elevated levels of body mass index and waist circumference, but not high variability, are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhao Maoxiang , Song Lulu , Zhao Qianqian , Chen Yating , Li Bin , Xie Zhonghui , Fu Zihao , Zhang Nan , Cheng Xiaowei , Li Xiaoqian , Wang Miao , Wu Shouling , Xue Hao , Li Yang
Published: June 2022

Background

Although obesity has been associated with risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), the associations of variability of obesity measures with AF risk are uncertain, and longitudinal studies among Chinese population are still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the impacts of obesity and variability of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a large Chinese cohort study.

Methods

A total of 44,135 participants of the Kailuan Study who were free of cancer and cardiovascular disease and underwent three consecutive surveys from 2006 to 2010 were followed for incident AF until 2020. Average BMI and WC over time and variability were calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of obesity and variability in BMI and WC with AF risk.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 9.68 years, there were 410 cases of incident AF. In multivariable-adjusted models, compared with normal BMI/WC, individuals with general obesity and abdominal obesity had increased risk of AF, with corresponding HRs of 1.73 (95% CI: 1.31–2.30) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.11–1.60), respectively. The short-term elevation in AF risk persisted for the obese even after adjustment for updated biologic intermediaries and weight. Variability in BMI and WC were not associated with the risk of AF. The restricted cubic spline models indicated significant linear relationships between levels of WC and BMI and risk of AF.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of BMI and WC were associated with an increased risk of AF, whereas variability in BMI and WC were not. Therefore, achieving optimal levels of BMI and WC could be valuable in AF prevention.
Long read sequencing revealed proventricular virome of broiler chicken with transmission viral proventriculitis
Authors: Yan Tianxing , Li Gen , Zhou Defang , Hu Liping , Hao Xiaojing , Li Ruiqi , Wang Guihua , Cheng Ziqiang
Published: June 2022

Background

Transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) causes significant economic loss to the poultry industry. However, the exact causative agents are obscure. Here we examine the virome of proventriculus from specified pathogen free (SPF) chickens that reproduced by infection of proventricular homogenate from broiler chicken with TVP using long read sequencing of the Pacific Biosciences RSII platform. The normal SPF chickens were used as control.

Results

Our investigation reveals a virome of proventriculitis, including three Gyrovirus genera of the Aneloviridae: Gyrovirus homsa1 (GyH1) (also known as Gyrovirus 3, GyV3) (n = 2662), chicken anemia virus (CAV) (n = 482) and Gyrovirus galga1 (GyG1) (also known as avian Gyrovirus 2, AGV2) (n = 11); a plethora of novel CRESS viral genomes (n = 26) and a novel genomovirus. The 27 novel viruses were divided into three clusters. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the GyH1 strain was more closely related to the strains from chicken (MG366592) than mammalian (human and cat), the GyG1 strain was closely related to the strains from cat in China (MK089245) and from chicken in Brazil (HM590588), and the CAV strain was more closely related to the strains from Germany (AJ297684) and United Kingdom (U66304) than that previously found in China.

Conclusion

In this study, we revealed that Gyrovirus virome showed high abundance in chickens with TVP, suggesting their potential role in TVP, especially GyH1. This study is expected to contribute to the knowledge of the etiology of TVP.
Making data map-worthy—enhancing routine malaria data to support surveillance and mapping of Plasmodium falciparum anti-malarial resistance in a pre-elimination sub-Saharan African setting: a molecular and spatiotemporal epidemiology study
Authors: Kagoro Frank M. , Allen Elizabeth , Mabuza Aaron , Workman Lesley , Magagula Ray , Kok Gerdalize , Davies Craig , Malatje Gillian , Guérin Philippe J. , Dhorda Mehul , Maude Richard J. , Raman Jaishree , Barnes Karen I.
Published: June 2022

Background

Independent emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria have recently been confirmed in Africa, with molecular markers associated with artemisinin resistance increasingly detected. Surveillance to promptly detect and effectively respond to anti-malarial resistance is generally suboptimal in Africa, especially in low transmission settings where therapeutic efficacy studies are often not feasible due to recruitment challenges. However, these communities may be at higher risk of anti-malarial resistance.

Methods

From March 2018 to February 2020, a sequential mixed-methods study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the near-real-time linkage of individual patient anti-malarial resistance profiles with their case notifications and treatment response reports, and map these to fine scales in Nkomazi sub-district, Mpumalanga, a pre-elimination area in South Africa.

Results

Plasmodium falciparum molecular marker resistance profiles were linked to 55.1% (2636/4787) of notified malaria cases, 85% (2240/2636) of which were mapped to healthcare facility, ward and locality levels. Over time, linkage of individual malaria case demographic and molecular data increased to 75.1%. No artemisinin resistant validated/associated  Kelch-13 mutations were detected in the 2385 PCR positive samples. Almost all 2812 samples assessed for lumefantrine susceptibility carried the wildtype mdr86ASN and crt76LYS alleles, potentially associated with decreased lumefantrine susceptibility.

Conclusion

Routine near-real-time mapping of molecular markers associated with anti-malarial drug resistance on a fine spatial scale provides a rapid and efficient early warning system for emerging resistance. The lessons learnt here could inform scale-up to provincial, national and regional malaria elimination programmes, and may be relevant for other antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
Treatment with specific and pan-plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) inhibitors reduces malaria parasite growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Asih Puji B. S. , Siregar Josephine E. , Dewayanti Farahana K. , Pravitasari Normalita E. , Rozi Ismail E. , Rizki Andita F. M. , Risandi Rifqi , Couper Kevin N. , Oceandy Delvac , Syafruddin Din
Published: June 2022

Background

Rapid emergence of Plasmodium resistance to anti-malarial drug mainstays has driven a continual effort to discover novel drugs that target different biochemical pathway (s) during infection. Plasma membrane Calcium + 2 ATPase (PMCA4), a novel plasma membrane protein that regulates Calcium levels in various cells, namely red blood cell (RBC), endothelial cell and platelets, represents a new biochemical pathway that may interfere with susceptibility to malaria and/or severe malaria.

Methods

This study identified several pharmacological inhibitors of PMCA4, namely ATA and Resveratrol, and tested for their anti-malarial activities in vitro and in vivo using the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain, the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain, and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL strain as model.

Results

In vitro propagation of P. falciparum 3D7 strain in the presence of a wide concentration range of the inhibitors revealed that the parasite growth was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50s at 634 and 0.231 µM, respectively.

Results

The results confirmed that both compounds exhibit moderate to potent anti-malarial activities with the strongest parasite growth inhibition shown by resveratrol at 0.231 µM. In vivo models using P. berghei ANKA for experimental cerebral malaria and P. yoelii 17XL for the effect on parasite growth, showed that the highest dose of ATA, 30 mg/kg BW, increased survival of the mice. Likewise, resveratrol inhibited the parasite growth following 4 days intraperitoneal injection at the dose of 100 mg/kg BW.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the PMCA4 of the human host may be a potential target for novel anti-malarials, either as single drug or in combination with the currently available effective anti-malarials.