bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbonate-Induced Chemical Reductants Are Responsible for Iron Acquisition in Strategy I Wild Herbaceous Plants Native to Calcareous Grasslands
Authors: Wang Baolan , Wei Haifang , Chen Zhuo , Li Yuting , Zhang Wen-Hao
Published: March 2022

Significant progress has been made in understanding Strategy I iron (Fe) acquisition using crop/model plants under controlled conditions in laboratories. However, plant species native to calcareous soils may have evolved unique strategies for adaptation to high carbonate/pH-induced Fe deficiency. Until now, little information is available on the Fe acquisition mechanisms in these plants. Here, we explored the Fe acquisition mechanisms in wild dicot species native to calcareous grasslands, by monitoring the Fe nutrition–related rhizosphere processes in field and greenhouse conditions. Most of these wild species displayed comparable shoot Fe concentration to those of crops, and some dicots actually accumulated very high shoot Fe. However, these species did not exhibit ferric reductase oxidase (FRO)-dependent Strategy I responses to Fe deficiency, including visual rhizosphere acidification and increased Fe3+ reduction. In contrast, chemical reductants exuded by roots of dicots were responsible for Fe3+ reduction in these wild plants. These features were not observed in the FRO-dependent Strategy I crop plant cucumber. Neither leaf chlorophyll nor shoot/root Fe was depressed by 10% CaCO3 application in all the examined wild species. Furthermore, their root exudation was significantly activated by CaCO3, leading to an increased Fe3+ reduction. We show that chemical reductant–mediated Fe3+ reduction occurs preferentially in these wild dicots and that these mechanisms are not sensitive to high soil carbonate/pH. Our findings support that Fe acquisition in Strategy I wild plants native to calcareous soils is substantially different from the enzyme-dependent system of Strategy I plants.
Proteome Analysis of Vacuoles Isolated from Fig (Ficus carica L.) Flesh during Fruit Development
Authors: Kuang Liuqing , Chen Shangwu , Guo Yan , Scheuring David , Flaishman Moshe A , Ma Huiqin
Published: March 2022

Fruit flesh cell vacuoles play a pivotal role in fruit growth and quality formation. In the present study, intact vacuoles were carefully released and collected from protoplasts isolated from flesh cells at five sampling times along fig fruit development. Label-free quantification and vacuole proteomic analysis identified 1,251 proteins, 1,137 of which were recruited as differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) by fold change ≥ 1.5, P < 0.05. DAPs were assigned to 10 functional categories; among them, 238, 186, 109, 93 and 90 were annotated as metabolism, transport proteins, membrane fusion or vesicle trafficking, protein fate and stress response proteins, respectively. Decreased numbers of DAPs were uncovered along fruit development. The overall changing pattern of DAPs revealed two major proteome landscape conversions in fig flesh cell vacuoles: the first occurred when fruit developed from late-stage I to mid-stage II, and the second occurred when the fruit started ripening. Metabolic proteins related to glycosidase, lipid and extracellular proteins contributing to carbohydrate storage and vacuole expansion, and protein-degrading proteins determining vacuolar lytic function were revealed. Key tonoplast proteins contributing to vacuole expansion, cell growth and fruit quality formation were also identified. The revealed comprehensive changes in the vacuole proteome during flesh development were compared with our previously published vacuole proteome of grape berry. The information expands our knowledge of the vacuolar proteome and the protein basis of vacuole functional evolution during fruit development and quality formation.
Mitochondrion-encoded circular RNAs are widespread and translatable in plants
Authors: Liao Xun , Li Xiao-Jie , Zheng Guan-Tao , Chang Feng-Rui , Fang Lin , Yu Hang , Huang Jun , Zhang Ya-Feng
Published: March 2022

Nucleus-encoded circular RNAs (ncircRNAs) have been widely detected in eukaryotes, and most circRNA identification algorithms are designed to identify them. However, using these algorithms, few mitochondrion-encoded circRNAs (mcircRNAs) have been identified in plants, and the role of plant mcircRNAs has not yet been addressed. Here, we developed a circRNA identification algorithm, mitochondrion-encoded circRNA identifier, based on common features of plant mitochondrial genomes. We identified 7,524, 9,819, 1,699, 1,821, 1,809, and 5,133 mcircRNAs in maize (Zea mays), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), rice (Oryza sativa), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and grape (Vitis vinifera), respectively. These mcircRNAs were experimentally validated. Plant mcircRNAs had distinct characteristics from ncircRNAs, and they were more likely to be derived from RNA degradation but not intron backsplicing. Alternative circularization was prevalent in plant mitochondria, and most parental genomic regions hosted multiple mcircRNA isoforms, which have homogenous 5′ termini but heterogeneous 3′ ends. By analysis of mitopolysome and mitoribosome profiling data, 1,463 mcircRNAs bound to ribosomes were detected in maize and Arabidopsis. Further analysis of mass spectrometry-based proteomics data identified 358 mcircRNA-derived polypeptides. Overall, we developed a computational pipeline that efficiently identifies plant mcircRNAs, and we demonstrated mcircRNAs are widespread and translated in plants.
Translating Outcomes from the Clinical Setting to Preclinical Models: Chronic Pain and Functionality in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Lenert Melissa E , Gomez Rachelle , Lane Brandon T , Dailey Dana L , Vance Carol G T , Rakel Barbara A , Crofford Leslie J , Sluka Kathleen A , Merriwether Ericka N , Burton Michael D
Published: March 2022

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CWP), resting pain, movement-evoked pain (MEP), and other somatic symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. In clinical studies, this symptomology is assessed, while preclinical models of CWP are limited to nociceptive assays. The aim of the study was to investigate the human-to-model translatability of clinical behavioral assessments for spontaneous (or resting) pain and MEP in a preclinical model of CWP. For preclinical measures, the acidic saline model of FM was used to induce widespread muscle pain in adult female mice. Two intramuscular injections of acidic or neutral pH saline were administered following baseline measures, 5 days apart. An array of adapted evoked and spontaneous pain measures and functional assays were assessed for 3 weeks. A novel paradigm for MEP assessment showed increased spontaneous pain following activity. For clinical measures, resting and movement-evoked pain and function were assessed in adult women with FM. Moreover, we assessed correlations between the preclinical model of CWP and in women with fibromyalgia to examine whether similar relationships between pain assays that comprise resting and MEP existed in both settings. For both preclinical and clinical outcomes, MEP was significantly associated with mechanical pain sensitivity. Preclinically, it is imperative to expand how the field assesses spontaneous pain and MEP when studying multi-symptom disorders like FM. Targeted pain assessments to match those performed clinically is an important aspect of improving preclinical to clinical translatability of animal models.
Effectiveness of Pharmacological-Based Interventions, Including Education and Prescribing Strategies, to Reduce Subacute Pain After Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Shania , Genel Furkan , Harris Ian A , Patanwala Asad E , Adie Sam , Stevens Jennifer , Hassett Geraldine , Luckie Kate , Penm Jonathan , Naylor Justine
Published: March 2022

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries are among the most common elective procedures. Moderate to severe postoperative pain during the subacute period (defined here as the period from hospital discharge to 3 months postoperatively) is a predictor of persistent pain 12 months postoperatively. This review aimed to examine the available postdischarge pharmacological interventions, including educational and prescribing strategies, and their effect on reducing pain during the subacute period after TKA or THA.

Methods

We searched seven electronic databases from inception to April 22, 2021. Published randomized controlled trials of adults who underwent TKA or THA and received a pharmacological-based intervention commencing within 1 week after hospital discharge and conducted for up to 3 months postoperatively were compared with any treatment. Two reviewers independently extracted data on the primary outcome, pain intensity. This review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021250384).

Results

Four trials involving 660 participants were included. Interventions included changing analgesic prescribing practices upon hospital discharge and education on analgesic use. Providing multimodal non-opioid analgesia in addition to reduced opioid quantity was associated with lower subacute pain (coefficient –0.81; 95% confidence interval –1.33 to –0.29; P = 0.003). Education on analgesic use during multidisciplinary home visits was effective for reducing pain intensity during the subacute period (6.25 ± 10.13 vs 35.67 ± 22.05; P < 0.001) compared with usual care.

Conclusions

Interventions involving the provision of multimodal non-opioid analgesia and education on analgesic use show positive effects on reducing pain intensity during the subacute period after TKA and THA.
Soluble LILRA3 is aberrantly expressed in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and is a potential marker of thrombotic APS
Authors: Liu Hongjiang , Li Chun , Shi Hui , Guo Yixue , Tang Yundi , Chen Chen , Zhao Zhen , Hoy Claire K , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Figueroa-Parra Gabriel , Duarte-Garcia Ali , Zuo Yu , Li Zhanguo , Knight Jason S , Guo Jianping
Published: March 2022

Objective

Leucocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor A3 (LILRA3) belongs to a family of leucocyte receptors. Our previous study reported LILRA3 transcripts were markedly upregulated in neutrophils from patients with APS. We undertook this study to investigate clinical implications of LILRA3 in APS and its potential role in APS-associated thrombosis.

Methods

Two independent cohorts were studied. The first consisted of 294 APS patients, 48 asymptomatic aPL carriers and 150 healthy controls (HCs) from Peking University People’s Hospital. The second included 99 APS patients, 25 aPL carriers and 40 HCs from United States APS centres. Serum or plasma concentrations of LILRA3 and MPO-DNA complexes were measured. Additionally, 35 patients with thrombotic APS (tAPS) were evaluated to determine potential effects of immunosuppressive therapy on serum concentrations of LILRA3 and MPO-DNA complexes.

Results

Both positivity and serum concentration of LILRA3 were significantly increased in APS patients, especially in those with tAPS. LILRA3-positive tAPS patients displayed more severe thrombotic manifestations. Serum LILRA3 was positively correlated with MPO-DNA complexes in LILRA3-positive tAPS. After immunosuppressive treatment, LILRA3 and MPO-DNA complexes were consistently decreased in tAPS patients. Key findings from the Peking cohort were confirmed in the United States cohort.

Conclusion

Our study provides first evidence that LILRA3 is aberrantly expressed in APS, especially in patients with tAPS. Serum LILRA3 correlated with MPO-DNA complexes, and the two indices were consistently decreased in tAPS patients after treatment. LILRA3 may play a role in thrombosis of APS and may serve as a biomarker and/or therapeutic target in tAPS.
DIRECT ASSIMILATION OF ATMOSPHERIC CARBON BY IMMATURE APPLE FRUITS
Authors: Imada Shogo , Tako Yasuhiro , Moriya Yuki
Published: March 2022

Although fruit development primarily depends on photoassimilation by leaves, immature green fruits can also directly assimilate atmospheric CO2. To elucidate the process of C accumulation due to direct assimilation by fruit, we conducted a 13CO2 exposure experiment in an orchard in late June with immature ‘Fuji’ apples (Malus domestica). Four fruits from three trees were enclosed in transparent plastic bags and exposed to 13CO2 using an in-situ exposure system. Fruits were collected prior to and immediately following exposure in early July, late September and mid-November, and 13C concentrations in the peduncle, skin, flesh and core (including seeds) were measured. The higher assimilated 13C concentrations measured following exposure indicated that the fruits directly assimilated atmospheric 13C. The 13C concentration in fruit skin was higher immediately after exposure and in early July compared with that prior to exposure. In late September and mid-November, 13C concentrations were close to natural levels.
Adoption of LGBT-Inclusive Policies: Social Construction, Coercion, or Competition?
Authors: Gardberg Naomi A , Newburry William , Hudson Bryant A , Viktora-Jones Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Companies evaluate LGBT policy adoption in an environment with competing and often contradictory societal institutions and ethical frames. This makes the adoption process more difficult to understand when compared to new practice diffusion in less contested settings, providing an opportunity to examine diffusion in an uncertain and varying institutional environment. Herein, we develop a policy adoption model that examines both competing and reinforcing forces. Utilizing a longitudinal dataset of LGBT policy adoption by 283 firms across 1980 firm-years between 2002 and 2014 as measured by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), we find that firms respond to coercive, social constructivist, and competitive forces for and against LGBT-inclusive work policy adoption. We find that coercive forces exercised by shareholder resolutions and competitive forces driven by industry-level policy adoption lead to firm-level policy adoption. However, other forces, such as state-level anti-marriage equality constitutional amendments, are associated with LGBT-exclusive policies. We also disaggregate the overall HRC policy data into equal employment opportunity (EEO) policy, benefits, and inclusion dimensions and find similarities and differences among our hypothesized relationships.
Enduring Consequences of Dehumanizing Institutions: Slavery and Contemporary Minority Social Control in the U.S. Northeast and South
Authors: Ward Matthew
Published: March 2022

Scholarship on slavery's legacy and enduring consequences has largely been limited to the South under the assumption that this region continues to be more deeply affected by slavery than other regions, notably the Northeast. Also overlooked is the extent to which slavery's consequences generalize beyond Black disadvantage, harming other racialized ethnic minority groups such as Latinos. Scholarship has paid little attention to the role of the state's institutions of social control—notably, law enforcement—in transmitting slavery’s legacy after its formal abolishment. I address these issues using quantitative techniques assessing the relationship between prior slave dependence and contemporary policing practices in U.S. Southern and Northeastern counties. I argue that as a result of slavery's influence on local legal apparatuses and institutions of social control—in areas in the South and Northeast where slave dependence was greater—law enforcement today is less likely to protect minorities, resulting in higher rates of hate crime underreporting by police. Findings reveal slavery’s nefarious consequences disadvantage Black populations but also spillover to Latinos, particularly in the South. In both regions, contemporary Black population concentration mediates slavery’s relationship with the rate of police underreporting of anti-Black crimes.
Classification and Coercion: The Gendered Punishment of Transgender Women in Immigration Detention
Authors: Vogler Stefan , Rosales Rocío
Published: March 2022

Although transgender immigrants are a highly vulnerable and growing population, little sociological or criminological work has examined their experiences. This paper begins to fill that gap through in-depth life history interviews with thirteen transgender women migrants in detention and a survey of fifty-five transgender women migrants who experienced detention. Though the detention system allows trans migrants to be classified as such for housing and immigration relief (e.g., asylum), we show that the classification processes that trans women encounter continue to marginalize them and expose them to particularly gendered forms of punishment. We thus argue that adding new categories does little to ameliorate gendered inequalities without a concomitant commitment to shifting organizational cultures of classification. To support these claims, we show that being classified as transgender can serve as a punishment itself, and secondly, that such classification still exposes transgender women to unique forms of gendered violence while in detention. We conclude with implications for the gendered nature of punishment and organizations, suggesting that carceral settings are not only gendered but cisgendered, favoring cis experiences and bodies in ways that disadvantage and punish trans people.
Temporal trend, space risk and factors associated with the occurrence of dengue in northeast Brazil, 2009–2018
Authors: Coutinho Helder Silveira , Silva Jhonathan Oliveira , Santana Gibson Barros de Almeida , do Carmo Rodrigo Feliciano , Souza Sírius Oliveira , de Faria Marcelo Domingues , Matos Thais Silva , da Silva Tarcísio Fulgêncio Alves , Bezerra-Santos Márcio , de Souza Carlos Dornels Freire
Published: March 2022

Background

Dengue is an acute viral disease of major relevance and impact on public health, causing major epidemics around the world, especially in tropical regions. Here we aimed to analyse the temporal trend and spatial risk, as well as social vulnerability factors, associated with the occurrence of dengue in the state of Bahia, Brazil between 2009 and 2018.

Methods

This is an ecological study carried out with all suspected cases of dengue in Bahia between 2009 and 2018. The data were obtained from the National Notifiable Diseases Information System, available on the website of the Health Department of the State of Bahia, and from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. We used the Joinpoint regression model, local empirical Bayesian model for smoothing, global and local Moran statistics and spatial scanning statistics. The relationship between the dengue incidence rate and social determinants was tested using Moran's bivariate correlation.

Results

During the study period, 451 847 probable dengue cases were registered in Bahia. A declining trend was observed in 39.28% (n=11) of the state's health regions and 60.71% (n=17) showed a stationary tendency. The spatiotemporal scanning statistic showed nine clusters of dengue occurrence. The largest cluster had a radius of 342.14 km, consisting of 160 municipalities, 120 094 cases (710.20 cases/100 000 inhabitants) and a relative risk of 2.80. In the multivariate regression model, 11 variables showed a significant association: Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), Municipal Human Development Index (MHDI), SVI urban infrastructure, SVI human capital, MHDI longevity, MHDI education, proportion of people living in households with per capita income less than half the minimum wage (in 2010) and who spend more than 1 h commuting, proportion of mothers who are heads of household who did not complete elementary school and with children <15 y of age, activity rate of persons ages 10–14 y and per capita income.

Conclusions

In the analysis of the spatial distribution, areas of risk of disease transmission throughout the state were identified. These results can provide subsidies for the strategic planning of actions, as well as for the implementation of programs and/or public policies in order to control the incidence of dengue in the population.
Supporting Physician Pregnancy: What Is Taking So Long?
Authors: Willett Lisa L.
Published: March 2022

Challenges persist for female physicians and physicians in training who desire to have children. A scoping review in this issue of Academic Medicine identifies 4 major themes that have evolved over time and have surged in numbers as more women have entered the medical profession and as the sociopolitical environment has progressed: the impact of pregnancy on the physician and her colleagues, pregnant physician work productivity, physician maternity leave policies, and physician maternal–fetal health outcomes. The persistence of themes over time should compel the medical profession and society to address the challenges that face female physicians and physicians in training who desire to have children and to find solutions for them. Women should be able to be physicians, have children if they wish, and have the same health care considerations as nonphysician women. Institutional, departmental, and personal support structures must become a priority.
Prioritizing Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Health Equity Agenda
Authors: Kim Karen E. , Humphrey Holly J. , Koh Howard K.
Published: March 2022

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations are growing rapidly in the United States, yet AANHPIs remain understudied, overlooked, and misunderstood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, themes from the tragic history of anti-Asian bias and marginalization have resurfaced in a surge of renewed bigotry and xenophobic violence against AANHPIs. In this commentary, the authors discuss the role of medical schools in combating anti-Asian sentiment as an important step toward achieving health equity. Based on their collective expertise in health disparities research, medical education, and policy, they offer suggestions about how to disrupt the pattern of invisibility and exclusion faced by AANHPI populations. They consider ways that representative data, leadership in medical education, research funding, national policies, and broad partnerships can help address AANHPI health disparities.
The Status of SBIRT Training in Health Professions Education: A Cross-Discipline Review and Evaluation of SBIRT Curricula and Educational Research
Authors: McAfee Nicholas W. , Schumacher Julie A. , Madson Michael B. , Villarosa-Hurlocker Margo C. , Williams Daniel C.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To assess the quality of curricular research on the Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) approach and determine the presence of useful training modalities, particularly motivational interviewing (MI) training, across health care training curricula.

Method

The authors conducted a systematic review of published, peer-reviewed studies in PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, Ovid HealthSTAR, and PsycINFO databases through March 2021 for English-language studies describing SBIRT, a curriculum for health care trainees, and curricular intervention outcomes. After the records were independently assessed, data were extracted and 20% of the studies were double-coded for interrater reliability.

Results

Of 1,856 studies, 95 were included in the review; 22 had overlapping samples and were consolidated into 10 nested studies, leaving 83 total. Interrater reliability ranged from moderate (κ = .74, P < .001) to strong (κ = .91, P < .001) agreement. SBIRT training was delivered to trainees across many professions, including nursing (n = 34, 41%), medical residency (n = 28, 34%), and social work (n = 24, 29%). Nearly every study described SBIRT training methods (n = 80, 96%), and most reported training in MI (n = 54, 65%). On average, studies reported 4.06 (SD = 1.64) different SBIRT training methods and 3.31 (SD = 1.59) MI training methods. Their mean design score was 1.92 (SD = 0.84) and mean measurement score was 1.89 (SD = 1.05). A minority of studies measured SBIRT/MI skill (n = 23, 28%), and 4 studies (5%) set a priori benchmarks for their curricula.

Conclusions

SBIRT training has been delivered to a wide range of health care trainees and often includes MI. Rigor scores for the studies were generally low due to limited research designs and infrequent use of objective skill measurement. Future work should include predefined training benchmarks and validated skills measurement.
Development and Validation of SCFE Percutaneous Pinning Surgical Simulation
Authors: Ikwuezunma Ijezie A. , Guilbault Ryan , Jain Amit , Lee Rushyuan J. , Varghese Ranjit , Lentz Jonathan M. , Sponseller Paul D. , LaPorte Dawn , Margalit Adam
Published: March 2022

Background:

In situ screw fixation with a single percutaneously placed femoral screw remains widely accepted for femoral head fixation in adolescent patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Given the potential risks involved with this procedure, a simulation whereby surgical skills could be refined before entering the operating room may be of benefit to orthopaedic trainees.

Methods:

We developed a synthetic model for the simulated treatment of SCFE. Five orthopaedic attendings and twenty trainees were recorded performing an in situ percutaneous fixation on the SCFE model. Time, radiation exposure, and final anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the SCFE model were recorded. After completion, the attendings and trainees answered a Likert-based questionnaire regarding the realism and utility of the simulation, respectively. Two blinded orthopaedic surgeons rated each participant’s skill level based on previously described assessment tools, including a Global Rating Scale (GRS) of technical proficiency and radiographic grading index for screw placement. Performance metrics and survey responses were evaluated for construct validity, face validity, and interrater reliability.

Results:

The attendings demonstrated superior technical proficiency compared with trainees in terms of higher GRS scores (27.9±1.9 vs. 14.7±5.0, P<0.001) and better radiographic grading of screw placement on lateral views (P=0.019). Similarly, compared with the trainees, the orthopaedic attendings demonstrated shorter operative times (11.0±4.1 vs. 14.7±6.2 min, P=0.035) and less radiation exposure (3.7±1.7 vs. 9.5±5.7 mGy, P=0.037). The interrater reliability was excellent for both the GRS scoring (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.973) and radiographic grading (weighted κ=1.000). The attendings and trainees rated the realism and teaching utility of the simulation as “very good,” respectively.

Conclusion:

Our surgical simulation for in situ percutaneous fixation of SCFE represents a valid and reliable measure of technical competency and demonstrates much promise for potential use as a formative educational tool for orthopaedic residency programs.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
Lutetium-177 Radiopharmeceutical Therapy Extravasation Lessons Learned
Authors: Berry Kendall , Kendrick Jessica
Published: March 2022

Lutetium-177 (177Lu) dotatate has been offered at Fox Chase Cancer Center since 2017 as part of a clinical trial and then in 2018 as a commercially available cancer therapy, and we thought we were prepared for most 177Lu issues by the fall of 2020. A single phone call identified that the Radiation Safety Department had not been prepared to address extravasations. Fortunately for the patient and Radiation Safety, the 177Lu therapies are administered by an infusion nurse and Fox Chase Cancer Center has a robust infusion center. The expertise of our infusion center team helped to quickly identify specific mitigation efforts to employ. A team of radiation safety and diagnostic medical physicists worked together to estimate a tissue dose. Research was also started with the aim of identifying therapeutic 177Lu extravasations as early as possible. The lessons we learned and plans for future early identification of 177Lu dotatate extravasations are the basis of this paper.
Geographic variations in gender differences in cataract surgery volume among a national cohort of ophthalmologists
Authors: Cai Cindy X. , Klawe Janek , Ahmad Sumayya , Zeger Scott L. , Wang Jiangxia , Sun Grace , Ramulu Pradeep , Srikumaran Divya
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To assess factors associated with gender disparities in cataract surgery volume and evaluate how these differences have changed over time.

Setting:

Cataract surgeons in the 2012 to 2018 Medicare database.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

The association of provider gender with the number of cataract surgeries per office visit billed was assessed with negative binomial regression models, controlling for calendar year, years in practice, hospital affiliation, geographic region, rurality, density of ophthalmologists, and the national percentile of Area Deprivation Index (ADI) score for the practice location.

Results:

There were 8480 cataract surgeons, most of whom were male (78%). Male surgeons worked in more deprived areas with a higher ADI (median: 40 vs 33, P < .001). Female surgeons performed fewer cataracts per year (140 [95% CI, 126-154] vs 276 [95% CI, 263-288], P < .001) and billed fewer office visits (1038 [95% CI, 1008-1068] vs 1505 [95% CI, 1484-1526], P < .001). In multivariate analysis, the number of cataract surgeries per office visit was greater for males compared with females in all years in the South (average incidence rate ratio 1.80), Midwest (1.50), and West (1.53), but not in the Northeast (1.16). The relative rate of cataract surgeries between male and female surgeons in each region did not change significantly over time from 2012 to 2018 (P > .05 in each region).

Conclusions:

Gender disparities in cataract volume among male and female surgeons have remained unchanged over time from 2012 to 2018. The higher cataract volume among male surgeons may be explained in part by provider practice location. Further studies are needed to better understand and address gender disparities.
Evidence to Eliminate Double-Leg Conditions From the Modified Balance Error Scoring System and Balance Error Scoring System
Authors: Fraser Melissa A. , Kuo Michael , Boeckmann Anne Marie , Kilchrist Leah M.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The purpose of our study was to assess the differences between the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), modified BESS (mBESS), and both measures with the double-leg (DL) stances removed [BESS-revised (BESS-R) and mBESS-revised (mBESS-R)] among healthy and concussed collegiate student-athletes.

Design:

Retrospective, repeated-measures cohort study.

Setting:

Clinical.

Patients or Other Participants:

Healthy and concussed collegiate athletes (baseline n = 622, postinjury n = 41) from 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I sports cheer and dance at a single university.

Intervention (Or Independent Variables):

Balance Error Scoring System, mBESS, BESS-R, and mBESS-R test versions from baseline and postinjury testing.

Main Outcome Measures:

The mBESS and BESS and their revised versions with DL stances removed (mBESS-R and BESS-R) scores were compared at baseline. Baseline and postinjury scores for all 4 BESS variations and the 6 BESS conditions were compared for those who sustained a concussion.

Results:

The BESS and BESS-R were statistically different at baseline for the entire sample (99.6% confidence interval 0.32, 0.38, P > 0.0001). None of the other comparisons were significantly different (P > 0.004).

Conclusion:

Although our results do suggest statistically significant differences between the BESS and BESS-R test versions, they do not represent clinically meaningful differences. The greatest mean difference between all test versions was <1 error; therefore, these BESS versions may not be specific enough to identify balance deficits at baseline or postinjury. Elimination of the time intensive DL measures in the revised BESS variations may be a more clinically practical alternative.
Accessory Flexor Digitorum Longus Presenting as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Parkhurst Drew B. , Saffarian Mathew R. , Andary Michael T. , Fajardo Ryan S. , Knake Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2022

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) typically occurs from extrinsic or intrinsic sources of compression on the tibial nerve. We present 3 cases of patients, all of whom have a prolonged time to diagnosis after evaluation with multiple specialties, with foot pain ultimately secondary to an accessory flexor digitorum longus muscle causing TTS. The literature describing the association between TTS and accessory musculature has been limited to single case reports and frequently demonstrate abnormal electrodiagnostic testing. In our series, 2 cases had normal electrodiagnostic findings despite magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that later revealed TTS and improvement with eventual resection. A normal electromyogram should not preclude the diagnosis of TTS and MRI of the ankle; it should be considered a useful diagnostic tool when examining atypical foot pain.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder During the Initial Stage of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tulacı Rıza Gökçer , Tulacı Özge Demircan , Dolapoğlu Nazan
Published: March 2022

We aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the symptom severity and dimensions of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how patients with different levels of insight have been impacted by the pandemic. This study included 58 patients with OCD. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)–Obsession, Y-BOCS–Compulsion, and Y-BOCS–Total scores during the pandemic were significantly higher than the prepandemic scores (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, severity of OCD symptoms increased in 39.7% patients, remained the same in 44.8% patients, and reduced in 15.5% patients during the pandemic. The obsession with contamination, Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (for insight assessment) score, and time spent following the news/data about COVID-19 were significantly associated with an increase in OCD severity. In patients with contamination obsessions as well as poor insight, close monitoring and facilitating access to treatment may reduce the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urination Frequency Ranges in Healthy Women
Authors: Wyman Jean F. , Cain Charles H. , Epperson C. Neill , Fitzgerald Colleen M. , Gahagan Sheila , Newman Diane K. , Rudser Kyle , Smith Ariana L. , Vaughan Camille P. , Sutcliffe Siobhan ,   For the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: March 2022

Background

Limited information on the normal range of urination frequencies in women is available to guide bladder health promotion efforts.

Objectives

This study used data from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey to (a) estimate normative reference ranges in daytime and nighttime urination frequencies in healthy women based on two operational definitions of “healthy” and (b) compare urination frequencies by age, race/ethnicity, and fluid intake.

Methods

A secondary analysis of cross-sectional interview data collected from female participants was performed using less restrictive (“healthy”) and strict (“elite healthy”) inclusion criteria. All analyses were weighted to account for the BACH sampling design. Normative reference values corresponding to the middle 95% of the distribution of daytime and nighttime urination frequencies were calculated overall and stratified by age, race/ethnicity, and fluid intake. Generalized linear regression with a log-link was used to estimate rate ratios of daytime and nighttime urination frequencies by age, race/ethnicity, and fluid intake.

Results

Of the 2,534 women who completed the BACH follow-up interviews, 1,505 women met healthy eligibility criteria, and 300 met elite healthy criteria. Overall, reference ranges for urination frequencies were 2–10 times/day and 0–4 times/night in healthy women and 2–9 times/day and 0–2 times/night in elite healthy women. Women ages 45–64 years, but not 65+ years, reported a greater number of daytime urination than those aged 31–44 years, whereas women 65+ years reported a greater number of nighttime urination. Black women reported fewer daytime urination and more nighttime urinations than White women. Women who consumed less than 49 oz daily reported fewer daytime and nighttime urinations than those who drank 50–74 oz; drinking 75+ oz had only a small effect on urination frequencies.

Discussion

Normative reference values for daytime and nighttime urination frequencies were similar in women using strict and relaxed definitions of health. These results indicate a wide range of “normal” urination frequencies, with some differences by age, race/ethnicity, and fluid intake. Future research is needed to examine urination frequencies in minority women and whether fluid intake amount and type influence the development of lower urinary tract symptoms.
Use of an EMG-Controlled Game as a Therapeutic Tool to Retrain Hand Muscle Activation Patterns Following Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Seo Na Jin , Barry Alex , Ghassemi Mohammad , Triandafilou Kristen M. , Stoykov Mary Ellen , Vidakovic Lynn , Roth Elliot , Kamper Derek G.
Published: March 2022

Background/Purpose:

To determine the feasibility of training with electromyographically (EMG) controlled games to improve control of muscle activation patterns in stroke survivors.

Methods:

Twenty chronic stroke survivors (>6 months) with moderate hand impairment were randomized to train either unilaterally (paretic only) or bilaterally over 9 one-hour training sessions. EMG signals from the unilateral or bilateral limbs controlled a cursor location on a computer screen for gameplay. The EMG muscle activation vector was projected onto the plane defined by the first 2 principal components of the activation workspace for the nonparetic hand. These principal components formed the x- and y-axes of the computer screen.

Results:

The recruitment goal (n = 20) was met over 9 months, with no screen failure, no attrition, and 97.8% adherence rate. After training, both groups significantly decreased the time to move the cursor to a novel sequence of targets (P = 0.006) by reducing normalized path length of the cursor movement (P = 0.005), and improved the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) quality score (P = 0.01). No significant group difference was observed. No significant change was seen in the WMFT time or Box and Block Test.

Discussion/Conclusions:

Stroke survivors could successfully use the EMG-controlled games to train control of muscle activation patterns. While the nonparetic limb EMG was used in this study to create target EMG patterns, the system supports various means for creating target patterns per user desires. Future studies will employ training with the EMG-controlled games in conjunction with functional task practice for a longer intervention duration to improve overall hand function.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A379).
Performance of molecular tests in the diagnosis of syphilis from 2009 to 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Simpore Abibou , Bazie Bapio Valérie , Zoure Abdou Azaque , Ouattara Abdoul Karim , Compaore Rebeca T , Kiba-Koumare Alice , Yooda Paul A , Djigma Florencia W. , Sombié Hermann , Bisseye Cyrille , Simpore Jacques
Published: March 2022

Background

Syphilis continues to be a public health problem and its diagnosis still has limitations. Molecular diagnosis provides an alternative for rapid and effective management. The objective is to determine the accuracy of tests in the molecular diagnosis of syphilis.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Web of Sciences for articles related to molecular detection of syphilis during January 01, 2009, to December 31, 2019. The bivariate Reitsma model and the hierarchical Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve model were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of molecular tests at a 95% confidence interval (CI). A subgroup meta-analysis was performed to explore sources of heterogeneity.

Results

47 articles were identified for qualitative synthesis, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivities in conventional PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) and real-time PCR were 77.52 (59.50-89.01) and 68.43 (54.96-79.39) respectively. The pooled specificities were 98.00(90.73-99.59) and 98.84(97.55-99.46) respectively. Ulcer samples had a better performance (sensitivity of 79.88 (69.00- 87.62)) and specificity of 98.58 (97.25-99.27) and the major target genes were Polymerase A gene and tpp47 gene.

Conclusion

Our work showed that conventional PCR was more widely used than real-time PCR in the diagnosis of syphilis and ulcers were the best specimens. Sample types and target genes are factors that may influence the quality of the different tests. These results could provide evidence for further work in the direction of providing a more efficient diagnostic test.
Enhancing Antigen Retrieval to Unmask Signaling Phosphoproteins in Formalin-fixed Archival Tissues
Authors: George Bhawana , Haque Abedul , Sahu Vishal , Joldoshova Albina , Singh Yashandeep , Quinones Janet E. , George Suraj Konnath , Amin Hesham M.
Published: March 2022

The introduction of targeted therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. Nonetheless, for this approach to succeed, it is crucial to identify the targets, particularly when activated, in tumor tissues. Phosphorylation is a posttranslational modification that causes activation of numerous oncogenic protein kinases and transcription regulators. Hence, phosphoproteins is a class of biomarkers that has therapeutic and prognostic implications directly relevant to cancer patients’ management. Despite the progress in histopathology methodology, analysis of the expression of phosphoproteins in tumor tissues still represents a challenge owing to preanalytical and analytical factors that include antigen retrieval strategies. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that optimizing antigen retrieval methods will improve phosphoproteins unmasking and enhance their immunohistochemical staining signal. We screened 4 antigen retrieval methods by using antibodies specific for 3 oncogenic phosphoproteins to stain human lymphoma tumors that were developed in severe combined immunodeficiency mice and subsequently fixed in formalin for 2 years. Then, we used antibodies specific for 15 survival phosphoproteins to compare the most effective method identified from our screening experiment to the antigen retrieval method that is most commonly utilized. Using the antigen retrieval buffer Tris-EDTA at pH 9.0 and heating for 45 minutes at 97°C unmasked and significantly enhanced the staining of 9 of the 15 phosphoproteins (P<0.0001). Our antigen retrieval approach is cost effective and feasible for clinical and research settings. We anticipate that combining this approach with the newly proposed methods to improve tissue fixation will further improve unmasking of phosphoproteins in human and animal tissues.
Reliability of three different methods for assessing amputee residuum shape and volume: 3D scanners vs. circumferential measurements
Authors: Seminati Elena , Young Matthew , Canepa Talamas David , Twiste Martin , Dhokia Vimal , Bilzon James
Published: March 2022

Background:

Objective and reliable methods are necessary to monitor and manage amputee residuum shape and volume and design prosthetic residuum-prosthesis interfaces. Portable 3D scanners are potential solutions for digitally recording the amputee residuum characteristics.

Objective:

To investigate test-operator reliability when measuring lower limb residuum shape and volume using two different types of 3D laser-free scanners compared with tape measurements generally adopted in clinic.

Study design:

Ten lower limb amputees took part in this study. Residuum volume, cross sectional areas, and perimeter lengths were measured by three different operators on three different occasions using two types of 3D scanners (Artec Eva scanner and OMEGA Scanner 3D) and circumferential measurements.

Methods:

Variance components, intraclass correlation coefficients and intra-rater and inter-rater reliability coefficients were calculated for all measurement conditions.

Results:

Residuum volume outputs ranged from 569 to 3115 mL. The factor contributing mostly to the residuum volume error variance was the shape of the residuum (75.85%). Volume intraclass correlation coefficients for both intra-rater and inter-rater reliability exceeded 0.9 for all three conditions. Volume reliability coefficients ranged from 70.68 mL (Artec Eva intra-rater reliability) to 256.85 mL (circumferential measurements inter-rater reliability). Shape relative error reached the highest values for the circumferential measurements (>10% for the cross-sectional areas and >5% for the perimeters).

Conclusions:

The Artec Eva scanner resulted in the lowest test-operator reliability coefficients. However, both investigated scanners are a potential alternative for measuring small and macroscopic changes in residuum characteristics.
Nonoperative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using braces
Authors: Grivas Theodoros B. , Negrini Stefano , Aubin Carl-Eric , Aulisa Angelo Gabriele , De Mauroy Jean Claude , Donzelli Sabrina , Hresko M. Timothy , Kotwicki Tomasz , Lou Edmond , Maruyama Toru , Parent Eric C. , Rigo Manuel , Thometz John G. , Wong Man Sang , Zaina Fabio
Published: March 2022

This review presents the state of the art according to the current evidence on nonoperative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, focusing on bracing. The definition of braces for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a short history are provided. The analysis includes biomechanics, types, existing classifications, indications for treatment, time of brace wear and weaning, adherence, three-dimensional modeling, use of ultrasound imaging for bracing, management of treatment, issue of immediate in-brace correction, and documentation of the outcomes usually assessed for brace treatment, including the quality-of-life issues. According to the current evidence, there are two randomized control trials in favor of bracing. There are insufficient data on the superiority of one brace over another, although it is possible to classify and grade braces for efficacy from nonrigid to rigid and very rigid. Nevertheless, there is consensus on patients' management on the need for teamwork focusing on adherence to treatment, acceptability, and family and patient involvement.