bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of hydromechanical and functional properties of diversion-type microcapsule-suspension bioreactor for bioartificial liver
Authors: Lu Juan , Zhu Danhua , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2022

Aim:

To evaluate the performance of a diversion-type microcapsulesuspension fluidized bed bioreactor and a choanoid fluidized bed bioreactor as bioartificial liver support systems.

Materials and methods:

We evaluated the performance between the modified fluidized bed bioreactor based on diversion-type microcapsule suspension (DMFBB) and choanoid fluidized bed bioreactor (CFBB). The fluidization performance, fluidized height, bed expansion, and the mechanical stability and strength of microcapsule were determined. The viability, synthetic, metabolism, and apoptosis of microcapsulated HepLi5 cells were evaluated. Finally, samples were collected for measurement of alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and albumin concentrations.

Results:

Uniform fluidization was established in both DMFBB and CFBB. The bed expansion, shear force, retention rate, swelling rate, and breakage rate of microcapsules differed significantly between two bioreactors over 3 days. The viability of microencapsulated HepLi5 cells and the activities of cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A4 increased on each day in DMFBB compared to the control. The albumin and urea concentrations in the DMFBB displayed obvious improvements compared to the control. Caspase3/7 activities in the DMFBB decreased compared to those in the CFBB. At 24 h, the alanine aminotransferase concentration in the DMFBB declined significantly compared to the control. The total and direct bilirubin concentrations within plasma perfusion were decreased and albumin was increased in the DMFBB at 24 h than in the CFBB.

Conclusion:

The DMFBB shows a promising alternative bioreactor for use in bioartificial liver support systems for application of clinical practice.
The Financial Case for Food as Medicine: Introduction of a ROI Calculator
Authors: Katz David L. , Govani Rachna , Anderson Kieran , Rhee Lauren Q. , Aronson Dina L.
Published: January 2022

Diet quality is now established as the single leading predictor of perennial premature death in modern countries. However, practice at scale in modern medicine is driven as much by financial as clinical imperatives and yet, the ability to quantify the potential ROI of Food as medicine (FaM) interventions is limited by a lack of data. Utilizing a novel advance in dietary assessment and data from the peer-reviewed literature, we constructed and tested a web-based calculator simulating the return-on-investment associated with FaM interventions.
Language Analysis and the Role of Facebook Hashtags in Pakistan
Authors: Tariq Umbreen
Published: January 2022

Over the past few years, online hashtags have gained tremendous fame mainly because of two reasons: first, as digital information trackers and second, as short and spontaneous communication tags. The present study aims to explore language factors in three types of Facebook hashtags, that is, long, short, and multiple mixed. It further investigates each factor’s role in online communication by performing an in-depth examination through activities and close-ended questions. First, it identifies factors through the writing activities where participants wrote different hashtags with their intention behind each hashtag. It follows interpretation activities in which other participants wrote their interpretations about the already written hashtags. Further, a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed to note participants’ opinions about hashtags which were evaluated by the SPSS factor analysis test. Results of the study are divided into three sections and showed that lack of adequate vocabulary and lower casing is an important factor affecting digital communication in Pakistan. It is also suggested that teachers should play their part to improve informal writing and digital literacy in Pakistan.
Removal of the highest energy POD mode for optimal construction of subgrid-scale parameters in a SPIV-measured turbulent mixing layer flow
Authors: Rahmani Hossein , Kalaei Hamid , Akbari Ghasem , Montazerin Nader
Published: January 2022

Large eddy simulation is based on decomposition of turbulent flow structures to large energy-containing scales and small subgrid-scale (SGS) structures. The present study analyzes the effect of removing high-energy modes of flow to find the optimal construction of SGS parameters using the a priori approach. The data belong to a shear layer flow measured by stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV). The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is used to capture all energy modes of the acquired velocity field. The missing/erroneous data are reconstructed using the gappy POD method. Particularly, similarity and mixed models are used to evaluate the SGS parameters. The results of the mixed model are compared via the a priori approach, before and after removing the high-energy modes. For the present flow, it is found that removal of just the first POD mode (as a representative of the mean flow) leads to the best SGS reconstruction, and this results in one order of magnitude higher precision of the average SGS stresses.
Wavescapes: A visual hierarchical analysis of tonality using the discrete Fourier transform
Authors: Viaccoz Cédric , Harasim Daniel , Moss Fabian C. , Rohrmeier Martin
Published: January 2022

Many structural aspects of music, such as tonality, can be expressed using hierarchical representations. In music analysis, so-called keyscapes can be used to map a key estimate (e.g., C major, F minor) to each subsection of a piece of music, thus providing an intuitive visual representation of its tonality, in particular of the hierarchical organization of local and global keys. However, that approach is limited in that the mapping relies on assumptions that are specific to common-practice tonality, such as the existence of 24 major and minor keys. This limitation can be circumvented by applying the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to the tonal space. The DFT does not rely on style-specific theoretical assumptions but only presupposes an encoding of the music as pitch classes in 12-tone equal temperament. We introduce wavescapes, a novel visualization method for tonal hierarchies that combines the visual representation of keyscapes with music analysis based on the DFT. Since wavescapes produce visual analyses deterministically, a number of potential subjective biases are removed. By concentrating on one or more Fourier coefficients, the role of the analyst is thus focused on the interpretation and contextualization of the results. We illustrate the usefulness of this method for computational music theory by analyzing eight compositions from different historical epochs and composers (Josquin, Bach, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, Webern, Coltrane, Ligeti) in terms of the phase and magnitude of several Fourier coefficients. We also provide a Python library that allows such visualizations to be easily generated for any piece of music for which a symbolic score or audio recording is available.
Atrophic Kidney Like Lesion: A Provisional Entity With Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Narwal Anubhav , Kaushal Seema , Nakra Tripti , Sharma Mehar Chand , Kumar Manoj
Published: January 2022

Atrophic kidney-like lesion (AKLL) is a provisional renal entity with distinct morphological and immunohistochemical features. It characteristically resembles thyroid-like follicular renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of kidney, an emerging renal entity. Very few patients of AKLL have been reported in the literature. We are hereby describing the clinicopathological features of AKLL in a 38-year-old man. The patient was incidentally found to have a renal mass and underwent radical nephrectomy. The morphological and immunohistochemical findings revealed features of AKLL. The patient on 24 months’ post-operative period follow-up is alive without recurrence or metastasis.
Prevention of nNon-Vitamin K Oral Anticoagulants-Related Gastrointestinal Bleeding With Acid Suppressants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dong Yongqi , He Song , Li Xue , Zhou Zhihang
Published: January 2022

Whether the use of acid suppressants can reduce non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs)-related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) remains unclear. To systemically evaluate the effect of acid suppressants on the risk of GIB in patients treated with NOACs. All related studies were searched in four databases (Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science) from their establishment to August 10, 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to identify studies and Stata 16.0 software was used for meta-analysis, including sensitivity and subgroup analysis. Six retrospective cohort studies were included in this study. The use of acid suppressants significantly reduced the GIB risk in patients taking NOACs, with an overall relative risk (RR) of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.82; P < 0.001; I2 = 56.3%). This trend of reduced risk for GIB in NOACs was more significant in upper GIB (UGIB; RR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.22-0.90; P = 0.025; I2 = 71.1%). The reduction was stronger for dabigatran than for rivaroxaban and apixaban. The least reduction in the risk of GIB with acid suppressant co-therapy was rivaroxaban (dabigatran: RR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.45-0.62; P = <0.001; I2 = 39.8%; apixaban: RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.54-0.84; P = <0.001; I2 = 0; rivaroxaban: RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.66-0.81; P = <0.001; I2 = 37.6%). The included studies revealed the protective effect of acid suppressants against NOACs-related GIB, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The protective effect was even stronger in patients using dabigatran than in those using Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban and apixaban).
Immediate severe hypersensitivity reaction to etoposide phosphate: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pringle Nicole R , Gilbar Peter J , Grewal Guranjan D
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Hypersensitivity reactions from intravenous (IV) etoposide have been rarely reported, with these being seen more commonly with etoposide than with etoposide phosphate. This is generally explained by the need for polysorbate 80, a known cause of hypersensitivity, as a solubiliser, in the etoposide formulation.

Case report

We report a 22-year-old male, being treated with adjuvant BEP (bleomycin/etoposide phosphate/cisplatin) for a testicular germ cell tumour. Bleomycin and cisplatin were administered without incident. Within one minute of etoposide phosphate commencement he experienced a severe hypersensitivity reaction, consisting of widespread erythematous rash, facial swelling, and nausea. Observations included unrecordable blood pressure, tachycardia, hypoxia, and loss of consciousness, confirming a diagnosis of anaphylactic shock.

Management and outcome

Etoposide phosphate was ceased immediately. He was successfully managed with IV hydrocortisone, IV promethazine, intramuscular adrenaline, IV fluids and oxygen. Following admission for observation, significant improvement occurred over 48 h.

Discussion

Hypersensitivity reactions to etoposide were first reported in the 1980s. Following reactions to etoposide, substituting etoposide phosphate into chemotherapy regimens has commonly allowed treatment to continue without incidence. Anaphylactic reactions to etoposide phosphate were first documented in 2012, with further cases reported subsequently. Unlike etoposide, etoposide phosphate is highly soluble in aqueous solutions and doesn't require adjuvants in the formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions to etoposide phosphate are therefore likely related to the etoposide drug molecule itself. Clinicians should be aware of this rare, but potentially life-threatening, toxicity when using etoposide-based treatments and have procedures in place to urgently manage any hypersensitivity reactions that may occur.
Newly approved anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Davis James A. , Shockley Abigail , Glode Ashley E.
Published: January 2022

Objective: This article summarizes the background, clinical trials, and place in therapy for the first two anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies that have been recently FDA approved for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Summary: Treatment options are limited for patients that have relapsed after or are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Recent novel therapy approvals have started to change management strategies and outcomes for these patients. Two examples of recent FDA approvals are tafasitamab and loncastuximab tesirine, which represent the first anti-CD19 targeting monoclonal antibodies for patients with R/R DLBCL. Tafasitamab was granted accelerated approval in combination with lenalidomide for adult patients with R/R DLBCL after one or more lines of therapy based on the phase 2, L-MIND trial. Loncastuximab tesirine was granted accelerated approval for adult patients with R/R DLBCL after two or more lines of therapy based on the phase 2, LOTIS-2 trial. The place in therapy and sequencing of these agents can present a challenge to prescribers especially in regards to patients being evaluated for CD19 targeting CAR T-cell therapy. Conclusion: Tafasitamab and loncastuximab tesirine are options for use in patients with R/R DLBCL and are welcome additions to the limited therapy options for these patients. Further data is needed to elucidate sequencing and the impact these agents may have on CAR T-cell therapy. Ongoing clinical trials are studying these agents in the upfront setting in combination with other chemoimmunotherapy agents which may further expand treatment options for patients with B-cell lymphomas.
Azacitidine-induced massive pericardial effusion in a child with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Fogaça da Mata Miguel , Vieira Martins Miguel , Rato João , Madeira Márcio , Gonçalves Jean-Pierre , Teixeira Ana , Anjos Rui
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Pericardial effusions are rare yet potentially fatal conditions in children. Azacitidine is a DNA-hypomethylating agent used in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome. Although seldomly described in adults, no cases of azacitidine-induced pericardial effusion have been reported in children.

Case report

A 7-year-old boy with myelodysplastic syndrome presented with a large pericardial effusion with risk for cardiac tamponade after his first azacitidine cycle.

Management & outcome

The patient was admitted to a pediatric ICU, antibiotic and steroid therapy were initiated. Pericardiocentesis was done due to hemodynamic instability. Serum and pericardial fluid complementary evaluation excluded infectious and malignant causes. The pericardial effusion did not reappear and additional pleural and ascitic slight effusions responded well to diuretics. Follow-up azacitidine cycles were administered by tapering daily dosages and using adjunctive steroid therapy, with no additional adverse events.

Discussion

We report the first pediatric case of large pericardial effusion secondary to azacitidine therapy in a child with MDS. This adverse reaction has not been described in pediatric patients, in which this therapeutic option has been increasingly used. We seek to raise awareness on the potential life-threatening cardiotoxicity of azacitidine in pediatric patients.
Multiple rechallenges with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in patients with checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis: A report of two cases
Authors: Yan Zheng , Yao Shuna , Yuan Junhui , Liu Yanyan , Yao Zhihua
Published: January 2022

Introduction

With the expanding use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with various types of cancers, many more patients are experiencing checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP). After recovery from CIP, some patients are rechallenged with ICI therapy. The CIP will recur in a considerable proportion of rechallenged patients. When severe or recurrent CIP (rCIP) occurs, ICI therapy is usually terminated, resulting to treatment failure and tumour progression. The feasibility of multiple rechallenges with immunotherapy in patients with rCIP is unknow.

Case presentation

Two patients with refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) were treated with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy. The lymphoma responded well to the ICI therapy, but both patients experienced CIP. The immunotherapy was suspended and steroid was introduced to treated the CIP. When the CIP resolved, however, the lymphoma progressed.

Management and outcome

The patients were rechallenged with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in the absence of alternative treatment options. The lymphoma responded again, but the CIP recurred. The immunotherapy was suspended again and steroid was reintroduced. These episodes repeated multiple times. At the time of submission of this manuscript, the tumour in both patients has been controlled for more than 4 years, and the immunotherapy is still continuing.

Conclusion

Multiple rechallenges with immunotherapy is feasible in selected patients with rCIP.
Evaluation of awareness about importance of high fever in leukemia and lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy among healthcare professionals working in pharmacies other than hospital pharmacies: A survey from a Central Anatolian city
Authors: Mert Duygu , Merdin Alparslan
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Pharmacy staff are part of the healthcare delivery. In some cases, the patient goes to the pharmacy before the doctor and asks for a medicine suitable for his own complaint. The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness about the importance of high fever in patients with leukemia and lymphoma receiving chemotherapy among healthcare professionals working in non-hospital pharmacies.

Material and method

The study is a survey study. 140 pharmacy employees working in non-hospital pharmacies in Ankara Province were included in the study. Volunteer participants were included in the study. Seven questions were asked to the participants.

Results

About 47.1% of the participants stated that they would advise patients to go immediately to the nearest hospital's emergency department when they presented to the pharmacy and said that they had high fever. It was stated by 56.5% of the participating pharmacy employees that high fever did not pose the same risk for a leukemia or lymphoma patient receiving chemotherapy as it did for a leukemia or lymphoma patient not receiving chemotherapy.

Conclusion

In this study, it was found that awareness about importance of high fever in leukemia and lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy among healthcare professionals working in pharmacies other than hospital pharmacies was not very high. Providing necessary information to the pharmacy personnels and increasing the awareness about importance of high fever in leukemia and lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy among the non-hospital pharmacy staff might also contribute to the reduction of negativities associated with infections in such patients.
Caring Masculinities and Race: On Racialized Workers and “New Fathers”
Authors: Prattes Riikka
Published: January 2022

Karla Elliott defines caring masculinities as both embracing care and rejecting domination. Most work within critical studies on men and masculinities that engages with masculinities and care focuses on care yet sidelines non-domination. For caring masculinities to not be/come a “White” concept, this article argues for a broad grounding of caring masculinities in a rejection of all forms of domination and starts with race. Bringing research on the international division of reproductive labor together with fatherhood studies, the article illustrates systemic oppression within the field of care. It is here that privileged men manage to actualize ideals such as involved fatherhood by relying on a marginalized workforce—that simultaneously remains locked out of involved fathering—in the coloniality of labor. I close by advocating not for the “inclusion” of men in the margins but for exploding the dominating power that the center holds.
Diagnosis concealment is associated with psychosocial outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kever Anne , Riley Claire S , Leavitt Victoria M
Published: January 2022

Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) frequently conceal their diagnosis, fearing professional and personal repercussions of disclosing. Associations of concealment behavior and expected consequences of disclosure with psychosocial outcomes were examined in 90 pwMS who completed validated self-report measures of diagnosis concealment, loneliness, social support, and self-efficacy. More frequent concealment was related to worse loneliness ( rp = 0.213, p = 0.045) and lower social support ( rp = −0.211, p = 0.047), controlling for depression. Higher anticipated negative consequences of disclosure were associated with worse loneliness ( rp = 0.263, p = 0.013), lower social support ( rp = −0.338, p < 0.001), and lower self-efficacy ( rp = −0.350, p < 0.001). Findings hold implications for the development of psychological support strategies addressing concealment/disclosure issues and their psychosocial consequences.
The influence of Eurosceptic challenger parties on mainstream party behaviour: Is oppositional behaviour contagious?
Authors: Persson Thomas , Karlsson Christer , Mårtensson Moa
Published: January 2022

Previous research has looked at how Eurosceptic challenger parties can cause mainstream parties to change their policy positions and bring about adjustments to their programmes. We explore whether this contagion effect extends to the parliamentary behaviour of mainstream parties in European Union (EU) affairs. The empirical analysis is based on a large-scale study of 6215 statements made by national parliamentarians in the European Affairs Committee of Sweden between 1995 and 2016. A dynamic panel analysis of the data shows that the oppositional behaviour of Eurosceptic challenger parties has a significant impact on the opposition statements made in EU affairs by mainstream parties. These findings have important implications for the general understanding of factors that drive national EU opposition.
Reliability and validity of the DSM-5 Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children, Adolescents, and Parents-5 in externalizing disorders and common comorbidities
Authors: Tissue Avalon D , Hawes David J , Lechowicz Meryn E , Dadds Mark R
Published: January 2022

The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Adolescents and Parents (DISCAP) is a semi-structured diagnostic interview for assessing psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. Changes to diagnostic criteria introduced in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) required the DISCAP to be revised accordingly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the updated DISCAP-5 in clinic-referred children. The DISCAP-5 was administered to parents of n=60 clinic-referred children aged 2–9 years with externalizing problems and a range of comorbid disorders. Inter-rater reliability data were collected using independent ratings of video-recorded DISCAP-5 interviews, and concurrent and discriminant validity were indexed against mother and father reports on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Inter-rater reliability agreement was high for the presence and absence of any diagnosis, common externalizing (e.g., oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder) and internalizing disorders (separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder), and severity of primary and secondary diagnoses. Rating scale data supported the concurrent and discriminant validity of diagnoses based on the DISCAP-5. The DISCAP-5 appears to provide valid and reliable data in the diagnostic assessment of clinic-referred children with behavioral and emotional difficulties across broad ranges of severity and complexity.
Trajectories of hope/lessness among men and women in the late stage of a life sentence
Authors: Wright Serena , Hulley Susie , Crewe Ben
Published: January 2022

Drawing on Snyder's ‘hope theory’ as a conceptual framework, this article examines the hope narratives of men and women at the ‘late stage’ of a life sentence. The article aims to bridge the existing gap between jurisprudence and sociological accounts on hope and life imprisonment by extending this debate to men and women serving reducible life sentences in England and Wales, for whom release is not guaranteed but assumed to be attainable. Through focusing on the individual ways in which the spectre and procedural elements of release shape narratives of hope and hopelessness, this article agrees with Vannier that recent human rights debates have fallen short in terms of subjectively understanding the complex relationship between ‘hope’ and ‘release’ for life-sentenced prisoners. It concludes by highlighting the necessity of procedural legitimacy in reducing uncertainty and promoting and maintaining hope among this group.
Positiva upplevelser av dopning: En kvalitativ studie av AAS-bruk och reflexiva kroppar [Positive experiences of doping: A qualitative study of AAS-use and reflexive bodies]
Authors: Hoff David
Published: January 2022

Research on doping usually has focused on social and individual problems, such as AAS-use in relations to substance abuse, criminality and health issues. The purpose of this study was to analyze the meaning of positive experiences of doping with Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS), outside the traditional sports competition context. Eight respondents with own AAS-experiences were interviewed. The theoretical framework was elaborated from Giddens’ discussion on individuals’ self-reflexivity and the construction of the self-identity in the late modern age. The respondents’ narratives were analyzed in four themes: (1) To be big and strong – masculine self-identity; (2) Revenge and to become a part of a community; (3) AAS and training as an “exit” from risk behavior and substance use; (4) Euphoria generator and anxiety reducer. The themes were analyzed as different processes of the respondents’ constructions of new self-identities and lifestyles using their reflexive bodies in body regimes where weight training and use of AAS were crucial.
Particle type composite phase change materials via microemulsion impregnation for photothermal conversion and temperature regulation of surface coatings
Authors: Hao Shang , Zhang Wei , Weng Jiali , Yao Jiming , Li Jiahui , Li Xianghong
Published: January 2022

In order to facilitate the combination of composite phase change materials (CPCMs) and fabrics, granular CPCMs were prepared, a simple vacuum impregnation method was used to adsorb n-octadecane with disc-shaped diatomite as a carrier. To improve the adsorption capacity of n-octadecane on diatomite, the average pore size of its single point was increased from 13.35 nm to 25.54 nm through acidification. The microemulsion of n-octadecane liquid with particle size of less than 200 nm was immersed into the diatomite under vacuum conditions, and after demulsification, the particle type CPCMs with a particle size of about 30 μm was prepared. The stability, thermal properties of particle type CPCM, and its thermoregulation on textile were systematically studied. The particle type CPCM with the latent heat energy of 34.69 J/g revealed no phase leakage when heated for 30 min at 50°C. The impregnation rate of acidified diatomite was increased by 51.7% compared with original diatomite. The CPCMs mixed with polyurethane was coated on the surface of cotton fabric and evaluated the thermal properties of the fabric. The fabric was allowed to absorb heat at 40°C to reach saturation. Analysis showed that the heat storage performance of the fabric was increased by 7.9%, and the temperature difference was adjusted to 2.9–3.1°C, which effectively slowed down thermoregulatory in a relatively low temperature environment. Moreover, the coated particle type CPCM did not alter the coldness of the cotton fabric.
Fabrication, characterization and in vitro accelerated degradation of polypropylene/poly (glycolide-ε-caprolactone) warp-knitted hernia repair mesh
Authors: Liu Lele , Lin Haitao , Cheng Guangqi , Chen Chaoyu , Jiang Gaoming , Ma Pibo
Published: January 2022

The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of hernia repair mesh have been difficult to achieve an optimal balance. In this paper, polypropylene (PP)/Poly(glycolide-ε-caprolactone) (PGCL) partially degradable hernia repair meshes were prepared through the warp-knitting process and its advantages were demonstrated. Basic properties of the materials and the mechanical properties of the meshes were tested and compared. Furthermore, in vitro accelerated degradation tests were performed on meshes (E14) by using five kinds of alkali solution. The degradation effect was reflected by the apparent morphologic change, weight, and strength loss rate of the mesh. The results show that the mesh has excellent mechanical properties, and accelerated degradation in vitro provides degradation results quickly. Among them, the degradation situation of meshes in Na2CO3 solution was more similar to that of phosphate buffered solution solution. The PP skeleton of mesh remains relatively stable after the degradation of PGCL, and the residual strength can still meet the clinical requirements. This study presents a promising step for the preparation and subsequent degradation of partially degradable hernia repair mesh.
Dialysis Treatment is an Independent Risk Factor for Foot Morbidity
Authors: Schembri Nathalie , Formosa Cynthia
Published: January 2022

Aim: To determine the prevalence of foot morbidity among patients with ESRD on dialysis. Methods: A prospective, non-experimental, quantitative time series design was employed. Forty-seven participants were recruited in the study. Medical records were reviewed followed by non-invasive foot assessments which included: Neurological, Arterial, Biomechanical, and Dermatological Assessment. Participants were assessed twice during the study. Results: Foot morbidity was found to be high among participants with ESRD on dialysis. 95.74% of participants presented with foot deformities, 76.60% had skin and nail conditions. 15% of participants had a history of ulceration and amputation. Moreover, active ulceration and history of revascularisation were also observed. Findings demonstrated overall poor foot health and footcare behavior within this population with 40.43% of participants having inappropriate footwear. The majority of participants did not check feet regularly, did not attend to podiatry appointments, and were unable to reach their feet for self-care. The Toe Brachial Pressure Index (TBPI), Spectral Doppler Waveform Analysis, and the Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) were re-measured at each visit. Monophasic continuous doppler waveforms increased while triphasic waveforms decreased during the study period. Protective sensation did not decrease during the study period. The mean TBPI decreased during the study period. The relationship between the TBPI and duration of dialysis was found to be significant. Both DM and dialysis duration were identified as significant predictors of reduction in TBPI. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of foot morbidity among patients with ESRD on dialysis. This study highlighted the importance of expanding practice by introducing a podiatry service within the renal unit to provide foot screening, foot assessments, and foot care education, with the aim to reduce severe foot complications.
The Perspective of Administrators of Intellectual Disability Organizations on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hughes M. Courtney , Gray Jennifer A. , Kim Jinsook
Published: January 2022

Objective: To learn about the challenges, policies, and needed resources to serve people with intellectual disability and protect staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of intellectual disability service providers. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 intellectual disability organization administrators throughout Illinois, USA from November 2020 through February 2021. We coded and analyzed the data using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes emerged: (1) COVID-19 caused considerable challenges to people with intellectual disability and staff and service providers, (2) intellectual disability organizations reinvented service provisions in response to COVID-19 challenges, and (3) the interrelatedness of intellectual disability organizations, public policies, and community entities became evident. Conclusions: Exhibiting responsiveness to needs and developing innovative solutions were strategies championed by intellectual disability organizations during the pandemic. Fostering collaboration with community entities may assist these organizations in navigating pandemic challenges and developing resilient infrastructure for future environmental threats.
Cultural alloys and heterogeneous mixes: Contextualized and comparative language differences in literacy assessment of U.S. and Canadian youth
Authors: Warrican S. Joel , Alleyne Melissa , Smith Patriann , Zaidi Rahat , Esperat Tala Karkar , Chen Yi-Hsin , Yin Yue
Published: January 2022

The United States and Canada, two countries known to have large immigrant populations, have long since reflected a dichotomy, where Canada is generally perceived to be a country with language policies that demonstrate its receptiveness to embrace multiculturalism in schools and classrooms. In contrast, the United States has consistently espoused the notion that one is “American first” and one’s cultural identity follows behind. It is within this context that the following study examines the difference in reading literacy performance between youth in the U.S. who self-identify as native English speakers and those who self-identify as non-native English speakers on the PISA assessment. The study also explores the difference in reading literacy performance among Canadian youth who self-identify as native English speakers, those who self-identify as native French speakers, and those who self-identify as neither native English nor native French speakers on PISA. Implications for policy, practice and society are discussed.
The influence of three-dimensional cues on body size judgements
Authors: Turnbull Georgia , Alexi Joanna , Mann Georgina , Li Yanqi R , Engel Manja , Bayliss Donna , Farrell Simon , Bell Jason
Published: January 2022

Research has shown that body size judgements are frequently biased, or inaccurate. Critically, judgement biases are further exaggerated for individuals with eating disorders, a finding that has been attributed to difficulties integrating body features into a perceptual whole. However, current understanding of which body features are integrated when judging body size is lacking. In this study, we examine whether individuals integrate three-dimensional (3D) cues to body volume when making body size judgements. Computer-generated body stimuli were presented in a 3D Virtual Reality environment. Participants ( N = 412) were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions: in one condition, the to-be-judged body was displayed binocularly (containing 3D cues to body volume); in the other, bodies were presented monocularly (two-dimensional [2D] cues only). Across 150 trials, participants were required to make a body size judgement of a target female body from a third-person point of view using an unmarked visual analogue scale (VAS). It was found that 3D cues significantly influenced body size judgements. Namely, thin 3D bodies were judged smaller, and overweight 3D bodies were judged larger, than their 2D counterpart. Furthermore, to reconcile these effects, we present evidence that the two perceptual biases, regression to the mean and serial dependence, were reduced by the additional 3D feature information. Our findings increase our understanding of how body size is perceptually encoded and creates testable predictions for clinical populations exhibiting integration difficulties.
Implications of the Gut Microbiome in Sports
Authors: Miranda-Comas Gerardo , Petering Ryan C. , Zaman Nadia , Chang Richard
Published: January 2022

Context:

Two-thirds of an individual’s gut microbiota is unique and influenced by dietary and exercise habits, age, sex, genetics, ethnicity, antibiotics, health, and disease. It plays important roles in nutrient and vitamin metabolism, inflammatory modulation, immune system function, and overall health of an individual. Specifically, in sports it may help decrease recovery time and improve athletic performance.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed and Medline databases were used for the literature search. Bibliographies based on the original search were utilized to pursue further literature search.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Diet and exercise play very important roles in the composition of the gut microbiota in the athletic and nonathletic individual. Ingestion of carbohydrates during and after exercise seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect postexercise. Supplementation with probiotic seems to aid in recovery after exercise, too, especially restoring the “normal” gut microbiota. Physically active individuals of all levels have more alpha diversity and “health-promoting gut species” in their microbiome than nonactive individuals, along with higher concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and SCFA-producing organisms. However, exercise interventions should be longer than 8 weeks to see these positive characteristics. Immune function is highly influenced by the gut microbiota’s response to exercise. A transient immune dysfunction occurs after prolonged high-intensity exercise, which correlates with microbiota dysregulation. Nevertheless, long-term exposure to exercise will enhance the immune response and lead to positive changes in the gut microbiota.

Conclusion:

Although the exact mechanisms of the effects that diet, exercise, and genetics have on the gut microbiota remain largely unknown, there is evidence that suggests overall health benefits. In the athletic population, these benefits can ultimately lead to performance improvement.
Age and Gender Differences in Injuries and Risk Factors in Elite Junior and Professional Tennis Players
Authors: Rice Robyn Porter , Roach Kathryn , Kirk-Sanchez Neva , Waltz Bret , Ellenbecker Todd S. , Jayanthi Neeru , Raya Michele
Published: January 2022

Background:

Elite tennis athletes experience injuries throughout the entire body. Impairments in trunk stability, lower limb flexibility, and hip range of motion (ROM) are modifiable risk factors that can impact injuries and performance. Information on nonmodifiable risk factors such as age and gender is limited. The purpose of this investigation was to provide information on risk factors to direct clinical decision-making and injury prevention and rehab programming in this population.

Hypothesis:

Prevalence and location of injuries will differ by age group and gender. Trunk stability, lower limb flexibility, and hip ROM will differ by age group and gender.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A de-identified database (n = 237; females = 126) from the United States Tennis Association High Performance Profile (HPP) 2014-2015 was used for the analysis. Subjects were elite junior and professional tennis players (mean age 14.6 [range, 9-27] years). The HPP is a tennis-specific assessment and questionnaire that includes retrospective information on injury history. Subjects were categorized by injury, gender, and age. Injury locations were classified by region. Trunk stability measures included drop vertical jump (DVJ), single-leg squat, and prone and side planks. Lower limb measures included hamstring, quadriceps and hip flexor flexibility, and hip rotation ROM.

Results:

A total of 46% of athletes reported an injury. Significant differences were found for injury prevalence and location by age group. Adolescent athletes (age 13-17 years) had more trunk injuries, while adult athletes (age ≥18 years) had more lower limb injuries. Adolescent athletes performed worse on DVJ, dominant side plank, and hamstring flexibility compared with young (age ≤12 years) and adult athletes. Significant gender differences in hip ROM included internal rotation on both the dominant and nondominant sides.

Conclusion:

Impairments in trunk stability, lower limb flexibility, and hip rotation ROM may affect both health and performance outcomes in this population. Elite tennis athletes may benefit from additional off court programming to address trunk and lower limb impairments.

Clinical Relevance:

Adolescent elite tennis athletes may be at higher risk of trunk injuries. Age, gender, injury history, and impairments should be considered with all assessments and programming.
Transdermal Buprenorphine for Pain Management Following a Neck of Femur Fracture
Authors: Davies Andrew , Murray Jane , Zalmay Pardis , Ross Ewan , Dar Shumaila , Wilson Helen
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Pain management in patients with hip fractures can be challenging. Poor pain control is associated with reduced mobility and increased morbidity. Inadequate analgesia in patients with dementia is a concern. After using several different alternatives, transdermal buprenorphine was chosen as a standardised approach for analgesia in patients with fragility fracture in our hospital. There is limited evidence on the use of buprenorphine in this population. Our aim was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of transdermal buprenorphine in patients with hip fractures.

Methods

A review of consecutive patients presenting with a hip fracture from June 2018 to December 2018 was conducted using medical records. Our primary outcome was the incidence of complications as a consequence of transdermal buprenorphine. Our secondary outcome was adequate analgesia measured by reviewing the requirement for analgesia during the first week following the patient’s admission. Analgesia demands were considered adequate if patients required less than 20 mg of oral morphine in total during the first week following injury.

Results

In total, 148 patients presented with a hip fracture during the study period. 128 patients had documented evidence of buprenorphine patch application. Complete data was available for the primary outcome of complications in all cases. Data was available for the secondary outcome in 124 patients. Buprenorphine was discontinued in 24 patients (19%), most commonly due to due to concerns about contribution to hypoactive delirium (9%), and when strong analgesia was no longer required (4%). There were no severe complications. Adequate analgesia was achieved using this regime in 68% patients. 38 patients (32%) required more than 20 mg of oral morphine sulphate solution in the first week post-admission.

Conclusion

This series suggests that transdermal buprenorphine is safe and effective in the management of pain following a neck of femur fragility fracture.
Psoas Muscle Index as a Predictor of Perioperative Outcomes in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery
Authors: Pernik Mark N. , Hicks William H. , Akbik Omar S. , Nguyen Madelina L. , Luu Ivan , Traylor Jeffrey I. , Deme Palvasha R. , Dosselman Luke J. , Hall Kristen , Wingfield Sarah A. , Aoun Salah G. , Bagley Carlos A.
Published: January 2022

Study Design

Single-center retrospective study.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of psoas muscle mass defined sarcopenia with perioperative outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery.

Methods

We included geriatric patients undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery. Total psoas surface area (TPA) was measured on preoperative axial computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at the L3 vertebra and normalized to the L3 vertebral body area. Patients were divided into quartiles by normalized TPA, and the fourth quartile (Q4) was compared to quartiles 1–3 (Q1-3). Outcomes included perioperative transfusions, length of stay (LOS), delirium, pseudoarthrosis, readmission, discharge disposition, revision surgery, and mortality.

Results

Of the patients who met inclusion criteria (n = 196), the average age was 73.4 y, with 48 patients in Q4 and 148 patients in Q1-3. Q4 normalized TPA cut-off was <1.05. Differences in Q4 preoperative characteristics included significantly lower body mass index, baseline creatinine, and a greater proportion of females (Table 1). Q4 patients received significantly more postoperative red blood cell and platelet transfusions and had longer ICU LOS ( P < .05; Table 2). There was no difference in intraoperative transfusion volumes, delirium, initiation of walking, discharge disposition, readmission, pseudoarthrosis, or revision surgery (Tables 2 and 3). Mortality during follow-up was higher in Q4 but was not statistically significant ( P = .075).

Conclusion

Preoperative TPA in geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery is associated with increased need for intensive care and postoperative blood transfusion. Preoperative normalized TPA is a convenient measurement and could be included in geriatric preoperative risk assessment algorithms.
Peak Elbow Flexion Does Not Influence Peak Shoulder Distraction Force or Ball Velocity in NCAA Division I Softball Pitchers
Authors: Bordelon Nicole , Friesen Kenzie , Fava Anthony , Plummer Hillary , Oliver Gretchen
Published: January 2022

Background:

High shoulder distraction force has been observed in softball pitchers during the acceleration phase (top of the pitch to ball release) of a pitch. Increasing elbow flexion may reduce shoulder forces and the susceptibility to pain by shortening the lever arm of the throwing arm.

Purpose:

To determine the association of peak elbow flexion during the acceleration phase of the pitch with peak shoulder distraction force and ball velocity.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 61 female collegiate softball pitchers (mean age, 19.9 ± 1.9 years; mean height, 175.7 ± 5.7 cm; mean weight, 83.6 ± 12.7 kg; 49 right-handed) volunteered for this study. Biomechanical data were collected with a 3-dimensional electromagnetic tracking system while the pitchers threw 3 maximal-effort fastballs at a regulation distance. Peak elbow flexion and peak shoulder distraction force were calculated for the acceleration phase and averaged across the 3 trials. Ball velocity was assessed with a radar gun.

Results:

Simple linear regression analyses indicated that peak elbow flexion did not influence peak shoulder distraction force during the acceleration phase of the pitch ( F(1,59) = 2.412; P = .126), with R 2 = 0.023. Additionally, peak elbow flexion during the acceleration phase of the pitch did not influence ball velocity ( F(1,59) = 2.435; P = .124), with R 2 = 0.023. A bivariate correlation analysis showed a significant association between ball velocity and shoulder distraction force ( R 2 = 0.343; P = .007) in which ball velocity constituted approximately 34% of the variance in shoulder distraction force.

Conclusion:

Peak elbow flexion did not influence ball velocity or peak shoulder distraction force during the acceleration phase of a windmill softball pitch. However, there was a significant and positive relationship between ball velocity and peak shoulder distraction force. These results may indicate that ball velocity and other kinematic variables may be more related to shoulder distraction force than elbow flexion.

Clinical Relevance:

Increasing elbow flexion can shorten the lever arm, but it did not reduce shoulder distraction force or increase ball velocity. Therefore, elbow flexion may be more useful as a description of the pitching style rather than a single measure related to increased performance or the risk of injuries. Future research should continue to examine the relationship between other kinematic parameters with shoulder distraction force.