bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of temporal and spatial distribution patterns of aerosol produced by air-puff non-contact tonometer
Authors: Chen Xuhao , Li Bingzhen , Zhang Chun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To assess the distribution pattern of aerosol in the aspect of time and direction during the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement by air-puff non-contact tonometer (NCT) and further offer references for protection from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in the routine ophthalmic examination.

Method

A single-center observational study was conducted in the ophthalmology clinics of Peking University Third Hospital. Two air quality detectors were equipped to assess the generated particulate matter (PM) concentration simultaneously within 30 s after IOP measurement in the outpatient hall. Detector A was fixed next to the NCT as a reference, while Detector B was fixed 1 meter away. The participants were divided into two groups depending on the position of Detector B. The generation of aerosol was compared within different groups and time intervals.

Results

144 participants were enrolled in the final analysis. At a 1 m distance from the NCT, the PM2.5 concentration significantly increased at the 30 s ( Z = 2.898, Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.038) while the PM10 concentration increased immediately after the IOP measurement ( Z = 2.967, Bonferroni-corrected P = 0.030). The PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations at 1 m were significantly higher immediately ( Z = −2.183, P = 0.029; Z = −2.502, P = 0.012) and 30 s ( Z = −2.021, P = 0.043; Z = −2.071, P = 0.038) after the IOP measurements when the Detector B was vertical to the air jet on the lateral side.

Conclusions

NCT may produce aerosol after the IOP measurement by air-puff. The generated PM2.5 had a prolonged existence compared with PM10 at a 1 m distance. The lateral side of the air-puff direction may be of higher exposure risk to aerosol.
Review of automotive brake lining materials and their tribological properties
Authors: Ahdy Mohamed A. , Ali Mohamed Kamal Ahmed , Mourad M. , Abd-El-Tawwab Ali M.
Published: December 2021

Brake lining material properties are considered an essential aspect of the safe operation of vehicles. The presented paper aims to present a comprehensive review of brake lining materials and their tribological properties including the proposed materials, their advantages and disadvantages, analysis of results, and test rig experiments. The first section of the paper includes brief information on brake lining materials, friction modifier additives, and recent developments in friction additives. The second section discusses the tribological performance of brake lining materials. Furthermore, the key mechanisms of the friction layer produced on the worn brake lining surface have been explained microscopically (HRTEM). Part of this review is devoted to demonstrating current research gaps and challenges related to brake performance in automotive for further research. In brief, this review study is highly significant, as it provides more detailed information regarding the performance of brake lining materials.
Practitioner competencies for working with refugee children and young people: A scoping review
Authors: Due Clemence , Currie Emma
Published: December 2021

Research indicates that refugee and asylum seeker children and young people often require specialised psychological support. Competencies have been established as helpful in guiding the training, education and ongoing professional development of practitioners working in specialised areas. To date there has been no comprehensive review of the literature concerning practitioner competencies for working with refugee or asylum seeker children and young people. This scoping review therefore aimed to synthesise all literature regarding practitioner competencies that are considered important for working in the area of mental health with refugee and asylum seeker children and young people. Literature was sourced from PsycINFO, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were included if they: a) were published in peer-reviewed journals, b) were published in English, c) were published in the last 25 years, d) collected primary data, e) related to children and/or young people (defined as aged under 25) with refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, and f) discussed practitioner competencies (in relation to refugee or asylum seeker children or young people). Nine articles met criteria and a deductive thematic analysis identified six key competencies: 1) knowledge of the complexity of needs of refugees; 2) use of holistic approaches; 3) ability to work in co-ordination with others in the child's network; 4) ability to build therapeutic relationships; 5) seeking feedback; and 6) cultural competency. Further empirical research that directly aims to identify practitioner competencies, from both the practitioner and client perspective, will support the challenging work done by practitioners working with refugee and asylum seeker children and young people.
The effect of vertical near-field ground motions on the collapse risk of high-rise reinforced concrete frame-core wall structures
Authors: Taslimi Arsam , Tehranizadeh Mohsen
Published: December 2021

According to the observations of past earthquakes, the vertical ground motions have had a striking influence on the engineering structures, especially reinforced concrete ones. Nevertheless, the number of studies on their aftermath is insufficient, and despite some endeavors done by researchers, there is still a shortage of knowledge about the inclusion of vertical excitation on the seismic performance and the collapse probability of RC buildings. Hence, the variation in the collapse risk of three high-rise RC frame-core wall structures when they undergo bi-directional ground motions is discussed. In this paper, incremental dynamic analyses are carried out under two circumstances, including the horizontal (H) and the combined horizontal and vertical (H+V) earthquakes, and the seismic fragility curves are derived. The inter-story drift ratio corresponding to the onset of collapse has also been defined. The buildings collapse risk under the two circumstances is obtained from the risk integral. Results indicate that in the H+V state, structures meet the collapse criteria for lower intensity measures. Thus, the collapse risk increases as the structures are subjected to bi-directional seismic loads, and the consideration of this effect leads to a more accurate evaluation of buildings seismic performance.
Book review: Kum-Kum Bhavnani, John Foran, Priya A. Kurian and Debashish Munshi, Climate Futures: Reimagining Global Climate Justice
Authors: Butt M Jahanzeb
Published: December 2021

Kum-Kum Bhavnani, John Foran, Priya A. Kurian and Debashish Munshi, Climate Futures: Reimagining Global Climate Justice (London: Zed Books Ltd, 2019), 400 pp. £54.15 (hardcover), £21.04 (paperback). ISBN: 9781786997821 (paperback), 9781786997814 (hardcover)
Book Review: Venkataraman, L.N. 2021: The Social Construction of Capabilities in a Tamil Village
Authors: Mishra Yogesh
Published: December 2021

Venkataraman, L.N. 2021: The Social Construction of Capabilities in a Tamil Village. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan. xix + 212 pp. ₹595.00 (paper). ISBN: 978-8-194-82959-1.
Book Review: Huang, S. and Ruwanpura, K.N., editors. 2020: Handbook on Gender in Asia
Authors: Silva Nedha de
Published: December 2021

Huang, S. and Ruwanpura, K.N., editors. 2020: Handbook on Gender in Asia. Cheltenham and Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing. 438 pp. £155.00. ISBN: 978-1-78811-290-1 (Hardcover).
Ethical problems in the nurses action in the beginning of life
Authors: Paço Sandra , Deodato Sérgio
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The act of caring in nursing requires previous deliberation and decision, however this perception only arises when an ethical problem emerges. Objective: Identify ethical problems of nurses action in the area of beginning of human life Method: Exploratory and descriptive method, with a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, who were submitted to content analysis. The sample was constituted by 26 nurses.

Results

18 categories of problem areas and 56 ethical problems in early human life were identified. The results obtained are very diverse, including areas such as termination of pregnancy, informed consent or maintaining privacy. However, other problem areas also emerge and numerous new subcategories/ethical problems, including: dealing with miscarriage, extreme situations, minors’ pregnancy, serious malformations detected at birth, consent regarding care during childbirth, Non- identification of a ethical problem, nurse social recognition and non-involvement of the person in labour.

Conclusion

Nurses face different ethical problems that impact their lives. We intend to contribute in helping to make decisions in this field, which the outset is of hope and joy, but which hides, behind this evidence, countless situations of suffering for everyone involved. The identification of ethical problems in this field, it is the first step to reflect about theme and helping decision-making for nurses that are taking care in this area of beginning of human life, when confronted whit the same type of ethical problems.
On Maskirovka: the dynamics of delay in threat recognition
Authors: Wallace Rodrick
Published: December 2021

Across military Zweikampf and public health, error, blindness, and incompetence carry singular burden. Here, we adapt methods developed for the analysis of pandemic mismanagement to the study of armed conflict. Stability of control during such conflict depends on prompt recognition of, and response to, rapidly changing events. In addition to “conventional” Clausewitzian fog and friction, there are almost always inherent or induced delays to threat recognition. For a system to be stable without such delay, there will be a critical lag at which control fails, as it similarly does if institutional cognition sufficiently degrades. In such cases, tactical thrashing becomes manifest. In a military context, there is no way around such dynamics, which are routinely—often brilliantly—exploited.
Aggregated space combat modeling
Authors: Hayhurst Dustin L , Colombi John M , Meyer David W
Published: December 2021

The use of aggregated combat modeling in the cislunar environment has been demonstrated to inform acquisition decisions for the United States Space Force (USSF). First, the cislunar space is hypothesized as a future strategic conflict environment. As such, Lanchester, Lotka–Volterra, and Brackney models could be appropriate to describe such conflict. All models encompass a system of differential equations which parametrically capture the dynamics between friendly and hostile forces. While the Brackney model was constructed to explain two-dimensional land battle, this article adapts it for the respective three-dimensional space domain and applies it to strategic procurement. The analysis demonstrates the pre-eminence of Space Domain Awareness (SDA) in certain contexts while recognizing conditions in which spacecraft survivability holds greater importance.
Life-shortening effects of radiological weapons in military operations
Authors: Andrade Edson R , Alves Isabela S , Carolina Lodi Lobato Ana , Stenders Ricardo M , Curzio Rodrigo C , Bonfim Carlos Eduardo S
Published: December 2021

Military operations can present risks whose origins may be unconventional. As an example, we can mention those within the spectrum of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense. This study evaluates, through a computer simulation, an operation in which soldiers face radiological contamination after the triggering of a radiological dispersion device (RDD) in an inhabited urban area. The simulation of the Gaussian scattering (analytical) of the Cs-137 radionuclide is performed using the HotSpot Health Physics codes software. The results of the simulation are evaluated according to two radiological risk domains, referring to high (above 100 mSv) and low integrated radiation doses over 4 continuous days of operation. The radiological risk for developing solid cancer according to specific epidemiological models was estimated. This information served as a basis for estimating the future detriment, that is, the loss of life expectancy (LLE). In addition, the methodology may serve as an instructional resource for tabletop exercises contributing to develop leadership and preparation for decision-making in asymmetric environments.
Implementation of content related to children’s rights in schools: How to teach them?—perceptions of future teachers in Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia
Authors: Trbojević Aleksandra , Borić Edita , Hus Vlasta , Španović Svetlana
Published: December 2021

This paper reports on the self-assessment of future teachers regarding their familiarity with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and their competency to teach about children’s rights and participation. A total of 561 future teachers were surveyed in Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. They all agreed that, during their studies, they did not acquire sufficient knowledge on children’s rights and participation and were not adequately prepared for teaching this content in schools. The authors further suggest an introduction of new study programs and a significant increase in the number of classes dealing with these topics in day-to-day school practice.
A load spectra design method for multi-stress accelerated testing
Authors: Ma Zhonghai , Nie Songlin , Liao Haitao
Published: December 2021

Accelerated testing (AT) is an effective testing method for evaluating the reliability of highly reliable products. In many applications, such products are often subject to multiple stresses in actual working environments. Then, how to design the load spectra for multi-stress AT becomes a critical issue. In this paper, a new load spectra design method is proposed to overcome this challenge. Considering the properties of multiple stresses, a novel multi-stress loading matrix (MSLM) is modified to fully describe the load spectra in actual working environments and to generate the corresponding load spectra for AT. For illustration purposes, an inverse Gaussian (IG) process incorporating life-stress relationships is adopted to model product degradation under multiple stresses. A case study on a type of hydraulic piston pump is provided to demonstrate the use of the proposed method in guiding the load spectra design for multi-stress AT.
Gender Equity in the Marketing Academy: From Performative to Institutional Allyship
Authors: Dobele Angela R. , Ferguson Shelagh , Hartman Anna E. , Schuster Lisa
Published: December 2021

The fair treatment of women in the workplace, where they experience both opportunities and constraints, has been on and off higher education agendas for decades. Yet, institutionalised gendered constraints still shape the careers of female academics, including those in the marketing academy, resulting in disrupted or obstacle-heavy career journeys and the underrepresentation of women in senior positions. Furthermore, progress towards gender equity is hampered by institutional resistance to change, favouring performative rather than genuine and transformational institutional allyship. We draw upon personal experiences, recollections and anecdotes garnered over the years – synthesised with literature – to examine systemic gendered constraints within our collective career span. We propose institutional allyship as the intentional efforts needed by the marketing academy to address systemic and structural gender inequities and achieve second-order change by integrating gender equity outcomes throughout organisational decision-making. Specifically, we suggest nominated actions within a Gender Equity and Inclusion Charter for the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC) and its member universities as a first step.
Failure of the semi-authoritarian system: Losing ways of absorbing public voices into the post-handover Hong Kong government
Authors: Chan Fung
Published: December 2021

In the past decade, Hong Kong has undergone various large-scale protests, such as the 2014 Occupy Central and the 2019 Anti-Extradition Protests. One of the reasons for such popular grievance was that the government could not grasp the change in public sentiment and opinion. Before the handover, although the governor held the centralized power, the colonial authorities still had ways to collect public opinions to avoid departing from the citizens’ views. The model was called the ‘administrative absorption of politics’. The Chinese authorities attempted to preserve the original advisory system to depoliticize the policy-making process after the handover. This article contributes to the understanding of the development of the cooptation system in Hong Kong and its failure in the 2010s based on the insights of legislators. It also highlights the importance of participation and salient control in the cooptation system to balance public views in a semi-authoritarian society.
Psychosocial Impact of Congenital Heart Diseases on Patients and Their Families: A Parent's Perspective
Authors: Jaschinski Christoph , Knetsch Vivien , Parzer Peter , Meyr Juliane , Schroeder Brian , Fonseca Elizabeth , Karck Matthias , Kaess Michael , Loukanov Tsvetomir
Published: December 2021

Background

Currently, over 90% of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive into adulthood. As a consequence the psychosocial impact on children and their families has become an important outcome measure. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact from a parent's perspective and to identify possible predictors.

Methods

We included all parents of children who underwent open-heart surgery in the years 2010 and 2011 at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at University Hospital Heidelberg and invited them to complete standardized questionnaires. Psychosocial outcome was measured via parent self- and proxy reporting of family burden (Family Burden Questionnaire, FaBel), health-related quality of life (KidScreen-10), developmental problems (Five-to-Fifteen, FTF), and mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ).

Results

In total, 113 families returned the questionnaires completely (71.5%). The Aristotle Basic Complexity score and the STAT 2020 Score overall did not predict the psychosocial impact, whereas the number of surgical operations did significantly predict psychosocial impact across all domains in this study cohort.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the number of surgical operations might be a relevant predictor for the long-term psychosocial impact on families suffering from CHD and a potential connecting factor for specialized psychological support. When setting up screening instruments or support programs the entire family must be considered.
Association of Pre-Operative Vitamin D Levels and Severity of Fracture among Orthopedic Trauma Patients in A Single, Tertiary-Level Hospital
Authors: Mendoza Christian Julius P. , Ver Mikhail Lew Perez , Tabberrah Andrew Gabriel Jacinto , Ver Mario Ratio
Published: December 2021

Background/Purpose

The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among trauma patients have been related to risk of fractures, falls, non-union and poor operative outcomes. There is limited evidence that ties up Vitamin D levels with fracture severity. The objective of this study is to determine the association of pre-operative Vitamin D levels and fracture severity.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients with extremity fractures classified according to the AO Trauma classification system with baseline pre-operative vitamin D levels. The association between vitamin D levels and fracture severity of surgically treated trauma patients were analyzed. Sub-group analysis was performed on patients without osteoporosis and those patients who suffered from low-energy trauma.

Results

Ninety-six (96) patients were included. Those with severe fractures (AO -C fractures, 31B1.3/B2.3 and 31A3) were associated with lower Vitamin D levels (µ  =  17.87 µg/mL) (p < 0.001). There was a strong, positive significant correlation ( rs (4)  =  .426, p  =  < 0.001) between hypovitaminosis D and increasing fracture severity. This significant association of hypovitaminosis D with worse fracture patterns remains in the patient sub-group without osteoporosis ( p  =  0.030), and in those who sustained low-mechanism injuries (­ p­ < 0.001).

Conclusion

We present initial evidence that low pre-operative Vitamin D level is associated with increasing fracture severity at the time of injury. Early detection, surveillance and management of low vitamin D levels can lead to drastic changes in the holistic approach to fracture prevention and treatment.
The Life-Course Timing of Legalization: Evidence from the DACA Program
Authors: Hamilton Erin R. , Patler Caitlin , Langer Paola D.
Published: December 2021

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was created to mitigate some of the harmful consequences of undocumented immigration status. Although research shows that the DACA program promoted employment outcomes for the average DACA recipient, life-course theory and immigrant integration theory suggest that the program may differentially affect younger and older recipients. Using data from the American Community Survey, the authors test whether DACA was associated with different education and employment outcomes for younger and older Mexican immigrants. The results indicate that DACA was associated with increases in the likelihood of working among younger but not older DACA-eligible individuals and with greater decreases in the likelihood of school enrollment among younger DACA-eligible individuals. These results suggest that policy makers should ensure that opportunities to permanently legalize status are available to immigrants as early as possible in the life course.
Thermal (In)equity and incarceration: A necessary nexus for geographers
Authors: Colucci Alex R , Vecellio Daniel J , Allen Michael J
Published: December 2021

Despite overall societal progress in reducing adverse impacts of heat and cold, incarcerated populations remain highly vulnerable to environmental stressors. Incarcerated populations experience a combination of risk factors related to their physical health and well-being that increase their thermal vulnerability: social isolation, disproportionate mental health issues, comorbidities, limited mobility, and a reliance on external factors to provide a safe, healthy environment. In carceral spaces, thermal exposure agitates these already complex situations, shaping a confluence of various economic, political, and ecological intersectionalities. This synthesis contextualizes the ongoing scholarship on climate change, thermal exposure, the built environment, and public policy, to examine thermal inequities experienced by incarcerated populations. In examining this context, we connect our work to carceral geographies, the geographies of violence, racial capitalism, and abolition ecologies. Ultimately, the review highlights how physical geographers may directly converse with critical geographers, promote equity and environmental justice, and work to reduce adverse impacts of extreme temperature events.
Efficacy of a third BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose in patients with CLL who failed standard 2-dose vaccination
Authors: Herishanu Yair , Rahav Galia , Levi Shai , Braester Andrei , Itchaki Gilad , Bairey Osnat , Dally Najib , Shvidel Lev , Ziv-Baran Tomer , Polliack Aaron , Tadmor Tamar , Benjamini Ohad ,   on behalf of the Israeli CLL Study Group
Published: December 2021

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have an impaired antibody response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Here, we evaluated the antibody response to a third BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in patients with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who failed to achieve a humoral response after standard 2-dose vaccination regimen. Anti–severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies were measured 3 weeks after administration of the third dose. In 172 patients with CLL, the antibody response rate was 23.8%. Response rate among actively treated patients (12.0%; n = 12/100) was lower compared with treatment-naïve patients (40.0%; n = 16/40; OR = 4.9, 95% CI 1.9-12.9; P < .001) and patients off-therapy (40.6%; n = 13/32; OR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.8-14.1; P < .001), (P < .001). In patients actively treated with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors or venetoclax ± anti-CD20 antibody, response rates were extremely low (15.3%, n = 9/59, and 7.7%, n = 3/39, respectively). Only 1 of the 28 patients (3.6%) treated with anti-CD20 antibodies <12 months prior to vaccination responded. In a multivariate analysis, the independent variables that were associated with response included lack of active therapy (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 2.3-13.8; P < .001) and serum immunoglobulin A levels ≥80 mg/dL (OR = 5.8, 95% CI 2.1-15.9; P < .001). In patients with CLL/SLL who failed to achieve a humoral response after standard 2-dose BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination regimen, close to a quarter responded to the third dose of vaccine. The antibody response rates were lower during active treatment and in patients with a recent exposure (<12 months prior to vaccination) to anti-CD20 therapy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04862806.
Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and safety of brimonidine for general anesthesia
Authors: Bin Chen , Xiaohui Wang , Mengrou Shi , Xin Li , Ting Zhang , Ping Gao
Published: December 2021

Background

To determine the hypnotic and analgesic effects of brimonidine, and evaluate its efficacy and safety for general anesthesia. Potentiation of pentobarbital sleeping time following brimonidine administration was observed in mice, as was the analgesic activity of brimonidine.

Methods

The median effective dose (ED50) and lethal dose (LD50) of intraperitoneally injected brimonidine were determined in hypnotized mice. In addition, the LD50 of intravenously injected brimonidine, and ED50 of intravenously, intramuscularly, and intrarectally injected brimonidine in hypnotized rabbits were determined. Finally, the synergistic anesthetic effect of brimonidine and chloral hydrate was evaluated in rabbits.

Results

Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg brimonidine enhanced the hypnotic effect of a threshold dose of pentobarbital. Intraperitoneally injected brimonidine produced dose-related analgesic effects in mice. The ED50 of intraperitoneally administered brimonidine in hypnotized mice was 75.7 mg/kg and the LD50 was 379 mg/kg. ED50 values of intravenous, intramuscular, and intrarectal brimonidine for hypnosis in rabbits were 5.2 mg/kg, 8.8 mg/kg, and 8.7 mg/kg, respectively; the LD50 of intravenous brimonidine was 146 mg/kg. Combined intravenous administration of 0.6 mg/kg brimonidine and 0.03 g/kg chloral hydrate had a synergistic anesthetic effect.

Conclusions

Brimonidine elicited hypnotic and analgesic effects after systemic administration and exhibited safety. Moreover, brimonidine enhanced the effects of other types of narcotics when combined.
Changes in stroke volume induced by lung recruitment maneuver can predict fluid responsiveness during intraoperative lung-protective ventilation in prone position
Authors: Watanabe Ryota , Suehiro Koichi , Mukai Akira , Tanaka Katsuaki , Yamada Tokuhiro , Mori Takashi , Nishikawa Kiyonobu
Published: December 2021

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability of hemodynamic changes induced by lung recruitment maneuver (LRM) in predicting stroke volume (SV) increase after fluid loading (FL) in prone position.

Methods

Thirty patients undergoing spine surgery in prone position were enrolled. Lung-protective ventilation (tidal volume, 6–7 mL/kg; positive end-expiratory pressure, 5 cmH2O) was provided to all patients. LRM (30 cmH2O for 30 s) was performed. Hemodynamic variables including mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, SV, SV variation (SVV), and pulse pressure variation (PPV) were simultaneously recorded before, during, and at 5 min after LRM and after FL (250 mL in 10 min). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to evaluate the predictability of SVV, PPV, and SV decrease by LRM (ΔSVLRM) for SV responders (SV increase after FL > 10%). The gray zone approach was applied for ΔSVLRM.

Results

Areas under the curve (AUCs) for ΔSVLRM, SVV, and PPV to predict SV responders were 0.778 (95% confidence interval: 0.590–0.909), 0.563 (0.371–0.743), and 0.502 (0.315–0.689), respectively. The optimal threshold for ΔSVLRM was 30% (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 70.6%). With the gray zone approach, the inconclusive values ranged 25 to 75% for ΔSVLRM (including 50% of enrolled patients).

Conclusion

In prone position, LRM-induced SV decrease predicted SV increase after FL with higher reliability than traditional dynamic indices. On the other hand, considering the relatively large gray zone in this study, future research is needed to further improve the clinical significance.

Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry UMIN000027966. Registered 28th June 2017.
Identification of four hub genes in venous thromboembolism via weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Fan Guoju , Jin Zhihai , Wang Kaiqiang , Yang Huitang , Wang Jun , Li Yankui , Chen Bo , Zhang Hongwei
Published: December 2021

Background

The pathogenic mechanisms of venous thromboembolism (VT) remain to be defined. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could serve as potential therapeutic targets for VT.

Methods

Two human datasets (GSE19151 and GSE48000) were analyzed by the robust rank aggregation method. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted for the DEGs. To explore potential correlations between gene sets and clinical features and to identify hub genes, we utilized weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to build gene coexpression networks incorporating the DEGs. Then, the levels of the hub genes were analyzed in the GSE datasets. Based on the expression of the hub genes, the possible pathways were explored by gene set enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis. Finally, the diagnostic value of the hub genes was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in the GEO database.

Results

In this study, we identified 54 upregulated and 10 downregulated genes that overlapped between normal and VT samples. After performing WGCNA, the magenta module was the module with the strongest negative correlation with the clinical characteristics. From the key module, FECH, GYPA, RPIA and XK were chosen for further validation. We found that these genes were upregulated in VT samples, and high expression levels were related to recurrent VT. Additionally, the four hub genes might be highly correlated with ribosomal and metabolic pathways. The ROC curves suggested a diagnostic value of the four genes for VT.

Conclusions

These results indicated that FECH, GYPA, RPIA and XK could be used as promising biomarkers for the prognosis and prediction of VT.
Detection and characterization of human astrovirus and sapovirus in outpatients with acute gastroenteritis in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Luo Xin , Deng Jian-kai , Mu Xiao-ping , Yu Nan , Che Xiaoyan
Published: December 2021

Background

Human astrovirus (HAstV) and sapovirus (SaV) are common pathogens that can cause acute gastroenteritis (AGE). However, very few studies have reported the molecular epidemiology and clinical information on HAstV and SaV in China. This study aims to determine the molecular epidemiology and clinical features of HAstV and SaV in patients with AGE in Guangzhou, China.

Methods

For this study, 656 patients with AGE were enrolled. Their stool samples were screened for 15 enteropathogens using Luminex xTAG® Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel. HAstV and SaV were detected through an in-house multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction followed by phylogenetic analysis. We described and compared clinical features of AGE in patients with HAstV and SaV.

Results

Of the 656 stool samples, 63.72% (418/656) were found to be positive, with 550 enteropathogens (296 bacteria and 254 viruses). HAstV and SaV were detected in 20 (3.0%) and 12 (1.8%) samples, respectively. Four genotypes (genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 8) of HAstV and three genotypes (GI.1, GI.2 and GIV) of SaV were identified. Coinfection was observed in ten HAstV-positive and two SaV-positive samples. HAstV was more likely to occur in winter, while SaV in early spring. The median age of the patients with single HAstV infection was higher than that of the patients with other viruses (rotavirus, norovirus, and enteric adenovirus; P = 0.0476) and unknown etiology (P = 0.006). Coinfection with HAstV or SaV were not associated with disease severity (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

HAstV and SaV are the common causes of AGE in Guangzhou, China.
Retrospective analysis of pneumothorax after repair of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Yang Shen , Li Siqi , Wang Peize , Zhang Yanan , Zhao Yong , Hua Kaiyun , Gu Yichao , Liao Junmin , Li Shuangshuang , Chen Yongwei , Huang Jinshi
Published: December 2021

Background

To analyze the possible causes, treatment and outcomes of postoperative pneumothorax in patients with Gross type C esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).

Methods

Medical records of patients with Gross type C EA/TEF who were diagnosed and treated in Beijing Children’s Hospital from January 2007 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into 2 groups according to whether postoperative pneumothorax occurred. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for pneumothorax.

Results

A total of 188 patients were included, including 85 (45 %) in the pneumothorax group and 103 (55 %) in the non-pneumothorax group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative anastomotic leakage [P < 0.001, OR 3.516 (1.859, 6.648)] and mechanical ventilation [P = 0.012, OR 2.399 (1.210, 4.758)] were independent risk factors for pneumothorax after EA/TEF repair. Further analysis of main parameters of mechanical ventilation after surgery showed that none of them were clearly related to the occurrence of pneumothorax. Among the 85 patients with pneumothorax, 33 gave up after surgery and 52 received further treatment [conservative observation (n = 20), pleural puncture (n = 11), pleural closed drainage (n = 9), both pleural puncture and closed drainage (n = 12)]. All of the 52 patients were cured of pneumothorax at discharge.

Conclusions

Anastomotic leakage and postoperative mechanical ventilation were risk factors for pneumothorax after repair of Gross type C EA/TEF, but the main parameters of mechanical ventilation had no clear correlation with pneumothorax. After symptomatic treatment, the prognosis of pneumothorax was good.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels among 2-year-old children: findings from the Japan environment and Children’s study (JECS)
Authors: Yang Limin , Sato Miori , Saito-Abe Mayako , Irahara Makoto , Nishizato Minaho , Sasaki Hatoko , Konishi Mizuho , Ishitsuka Kazue , Mezawa Hidetoshi , Yamamoto-Hanada Kiwako , Ohya Yukihiro ,   for the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group), Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko , Kishi Reiko
Published: December 2021

Background

The study aim was to obtain epidemiological data on vitamin D levels for the pediatric population in Japan. We assessed the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in 2-year-old Japanese children using data from a large ongoing birth cohort study.

Methods

Data for analysis was obtained from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) and a Sub-Cohort Study (SCS) of JECS. We evaluated the children’s serum 25(OH) D levels by 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles, and the rates of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. We also presented a weighted prevalence rate for vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency among all children in JECS.

Results

After excluding children with missing 25(OH)D2 or 25(OH)D3 data, we analyzed 4655 remaining children, of whom 24.7% (95% CI, 23.5–26.0%) had vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL), and 51.3% (95% CI, 49.8–52.7%) were at risk of vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL). The estimated prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among all children in JECS were 25.4% (95% CI, 24.1–26.7%) and 50.9% (95% CI, 49.4–52.4%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 22.9% of boys and 26.5% of girls. Median serum 25(OH) D concentrations were lower among participants measured during winter and spring than among those measured in summer and autumn. The highest rate of vitamin D deficiency was observed in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan.

Conclusion

We analyzed data on serum 25(OH) D levels from a birth cohort study and found that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are very common among 2-year-old Japanese children. Sex, season, and latitude affect serum 25(OH) D concentrations.
A study on musculoskeletal complaints and working postures in pathology specialists in Iran
Authors: Rafeemanesh Ehsan , Khooei Alireza , Niroumand Shabnam , Shirzadeh Tina
Published: December 2021

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries and disabilities among health care workers. This study investigates the relationship between musculoskeletal complaints and pathologist postures in laboratories.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, 40 pathologists were evaluated. MSDs in different body segments of the participants were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire. For postural analysis, 20 min film was recorded while using a microscope by subjects. Posture analysis was done by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method and their repetitive movements were scored. The data was analyzed by SPSS Version 11.5.

Results

The mean age and duration of employment of subjects was 36.57 ± 7.54 years and 6.50 ± 6.30 years, respectively. Most MSDs were found in neck (65%), wrist (57.5%), upper back (50%) and lower back (47.5%). The mean RULA grand score was higher in participants with upper back and shoulder pain. A statistically significant relationship was found between the mean RULA grand, the upper back pain (P = 0.02) and the wrist pain (P = 0.003), as well as between the mean RULA B, the neck pain (P = 0.02) and the lower back pain (P = 0.05). The results showed a significant relationship between mean weekly working hours and tight (P < 0.001), wrist (p = 0.01) and ankle (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

This study revealed high prevalence of MSDs among the pathologists. Therefore, performing ergonomic corrective actions is essential in order to improve their physical conditions at work.
Evaluation of parallel endplate osteotomy for severe rigid spinal deformities: a retrospective analysis of 36 cases with a minimum 2-year follow-up
Authors: Liao Hang , Xie Peng , Zheng Guizhou , Miao Houguang , Li Ningdao , Li Xuedong , Du Shixin
Published: December 2021

Background

To report on the technique and results of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for severe rigid spinal deformity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 36 patients with severe rigid spinal deformities who underwent PEO between July 2016 and December 2018 and who were followed up for at least 24 months.

Results

Following PEO, the kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.4 ± 14.0% and 72.2 ± 18.2%, respectively. The median intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1500 mL and the median operative time was 6.8 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 62 ± 28, 51 ± 26, 49 ± 29, 35 ± 30, 53 ± 28, 45 ± 30, 32 ± 34 and 54 ± 18 at baseline to 81 ± 16, 66 ± 41, 72 ± 40, 64 ± 44, 75 ± 25, 71 ± 46, 66 ± 34 and 76 ± 28 at 12 months postoperatively, 82 ± 32, 67 ± 42, 81 ± 30, 71 ± 41, 80 ± 30, 74 ± 36, 68 ± 35 and 85 ± 33 at 18 months postoperatively, and 86 ± 21, 83 ± 33, 88 ± 26, 79 ± 39, 86 ± 36, 86 ± 48, 80 ± 47 and 91 ± 39 at 24 months postoperatively, respectively.

Conclusions

PEO is an effective technique for successful correction of spinal deformities. At the two-year follow-up visit, all patients achieved better clinical results based on the SF-36 scores.
Identification of transcription factors and construction of a novel miRNA regulatory network in primary osteoarthritis by integrated analysis
Authors: Jiang Ying , Shen Yi , Ding Liyan , Xia Shengli , Jiang Liying
Published: December 2021

Backgrounds

As osteoarthritis (OA) disease-modifying therapies are not available, novel therapeutic targets need to be discovered and prioritized. Here, we aim to identify miRNA signatures in patients to fully elucidate regulatory mechanism of OA pathogenesis and advance in basic understanding of the genetic etiology of OA.

Methods

Six participants (3 OA and 3 controls) were recruited and serum samples were assayed through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). And, RNA-seq dataset was analysed to identify genes, pathways and regulatory networks dysregulated in OA. The overlapped differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) were further screened in combination with the microarray dataset GSE143514. The expression levels of candidate miRNAs were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) based on the GEO dataset (GSE114007).

Results

Serum samples were sequenced interrogating 382 miRNAs. After screening of independent samples and GEO database, the two comparison datasets shared 19 overlapped candidate micRNAs. Of these, 9 up-regulated DEMs and 10 down-regulated DEMs were detected, respectively. There were 236 target genes for up-regulated DEMs and 400 target genes for those down-regulated DEMs. For up-regulated DEMs, the top 10 hub genes were KRAS, NRAS, CDC42, GDNF, SOS1, PIK3R3, GSK3B, IRS2, GNG12, and PRKCA; for down-regulated DEMs, the top 10 hub genes were NR3C1, PPARGC1A, SUMO1, MEF2C, FOXO3, PPP1CB, MAP2K1, RARA, RHOC, CDC23, and CREB3L2. Mir-584-5p-KRAS, mir-183-5p-NRAS, mir-4435-PIK3R3, and mir-4435-SOS1 were identified as four potential regulatory pathways by integrated analysis.

Conclusions

We have integrated differential expression data to reveal putative genes and detected four potential miRNA-target gene pathways through bioinformatics analysis that represent new mediators of abnormal gene expression and promising therapeutic targets in OA.
Role of hormone replacement therapy in relieving oral dryness symptoms in postmenopausal women: a case control study
Authors: Wang Lina , Zhu Lilei , Yao Yao , Ren Yajuan , Zhang Hongcan
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy in relieving oral symptoms in postmenopausal women presenting with genitourinary symptoms along with oral dryness.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted after selecting 60 postmenopausal women. Oral dryness status of all the patients was evaluated with the help of questionnaire related to oral dryness. These subjects were divided into case group and control group on the basis of response to questionnaire of oral dryness. Unstimulated saliva samples were obtained and analyzed for estimation of salivary estradiol levels by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay technique. After analyzing the result of salivary estradiol levels, case group was subjected to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The patients were followed up for their response towards oral dryness as well as salivary estradiol levels after the therapy.

Results

The mean salivary estradiol level before HRT was significantly more among control group as compared to case group (p value < 0.001). Most of the patients complained of dry mouth (26 out of 30); reduced amount of saliva in the mouth (25 out of 30); dry mouth at night (28 out of 30); dry mouth during the day (25 out of 30) before HRT. These complains were significantly reduced after the therapy. The mean salivary estradiol in the case group levels increased significantly after HRT (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The salivary estradiol levels were reduced in post menopausal women with the complain of xerostomia as compared to those without the complain of xerostomia. Further these levels can be recovered with the help of hormone replacement therapy.
Quality indicators of telemedical care offshore—a scoping review
Authors: Hellfritz Michael , Waschkau Alexander , Steinhäuser Jost
Published: December 2021

Background

Offshore industries operate all around the world in diverse and remote environments. The use of telemedicine to ensure up-to-date medical care for thousands of people offshore has been common practice for decades. Thus, in this setting, extensive experiences with this type of health care delivery have already been gathered, while in other settings this is just beginning. However, the quality of telemedical care on offshore installations is rarely reported yet. The objective of this review was to explore published literature with regards to the following questions: Have any Quality Indicators (QIs) been published for measuring the quality of telemedical care on offshore installations or are there identifiable items that could be used as such QIs?

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) of the published literature using the databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (Core Collection), and Google Scholar. Search results were read and QIs or findings from which QIs could be derived were classified according to the dimensions of quality established by Donabedian (structure, process, or outcome QIs).

Results

The search returned 10,236 non-recurring articles, 45 of which were full-text screened and 15 of which were included in this review. Types of publications were heterogenous. No QIs for the quality of telemedical care offshore have been published yet. Findings that could be the basis for QIs focused on structure quality (11 QIs) followed by process quality (11 QIs), while outcome quality was less common (1 QI).

Conclusion

Currently, although years of experience with telemedical care on offshore installations exist, there is a paucity of research on a solid data base regarding the quality of telemedical care offshore. The authors derived a list of 24 possible QIs from the findings of the publications for further validation. This could be the basis for implementation and definition of QIs in this and in similar remote settings.