bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body pedagogics, culture and the transactional case of Vélo worlds
Authors: Shilling Chris
Published: April 2021

During the past two decades, there has been a significant growth of sociological studies into the ‘body pedagogics’ of cultural transmission, reproduction and change. Rejecting the tendency to over-valorise cognitive information, these investigations have explored the importance of corporeal capacities, habits and techniques in the processes associated with belonging to specific ‘ways of life’. Focused on practical issues associated with ‘knowing how’ to operate within specific cultures, however, body pedagogic analyses have been less effective at accounting for the incarnation of cultural values. Addressing this limitation, with reference to the radically diverse norms involved historically and contemporarily in ‘vélo worlds’, I develop Dewey’s pragmatist transactionalism by arguing that the social, material and intellectual processes involved in learning physical techniques inevitably entail a concurrent entanglement with, and development of, values.
Trashing Appalachia: Coal, prisons and whiteness in a region of refuse
Authors: Perdue Robert Todd
Published: April 2021

While prisons are often seen as locally undesirable land uses (LULUs), nuance and historical analysis is needed to understand why this is not the case for all places, as well as why many of these “sites of acceptance” are layered upon legacies of resource extraction and environmental degradation. Central Appalachia has seen a shift from coalfields to prisonfields in the past three decades as policymakers turn to the incarceration industry to stem unemployment and depopulation as coal mining declines. Using the conceptual lens of trash, I contend that the literal trashing of the ecosystems of this region has been fostered by the metaphorical representation of Appalachians as “white trash.” In turn, the space is now viewed as a logical location for the deposition of “societal castoffs” in the form of prisoners.
The effects of DLC-coated journal on improving seizure limit and reducing friction under engine oil lubrication
Authors: Ogihara Hidemi , Iwata Takumi , Mihara Yuji , Kano Makoto
Published: April 2021

Internal combustion engines have been improved markedly in recent years through efforts to conserve resources, reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. In this regard, the authors have been working to reduce friction and improve the seizure properties of the crankshaft main journal and main bearing. These mechanical components of internal combustion engines incur large friction losses. In order to reduce friction, journals have been coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, which has been reported to reduce friction in the fluid lubrication regime in recent years. Another current issue of journals and bearings is the need to improve seizure resistance. Therefore, these properties were evaluated for material combinations of aluminium alloy bearings and DLC-coated journals, which have low affinity. The results revealed that friction was reduced under a fluid lubrication regime and seizure resistance was improved under a mixed lubrication regime.
Disgust-Related Memory Bias in Children and Adults
Authors: Schienle Anne , Potthoff Jonas , Schönthaler Elena , Schlintl Carina
Published: April 2021

Studies with adults found a memory bias for disgust, such that memory for disgusting stimuli was enhanced compared to neutral and frightening stimuli. We investigated whether this bias is more pronounced in females and whether it is already present in children. Moreover, we analyzed whether the visual exploration of disgust stimuli during encoding is associated with memory retrieval. In a first recognition experiment with intentional learning, 50 adults (mean age; M = 23 years) and 52 children ( M = 11 years) were presented with disgusting, frightening, and neutral pictures. Both children and adults showed a better recognition performance for disgusting images compared to the other image categories. Males and females did not differ in their memory performance. In a second free recall experiment with eye-tracking, 50 adults ( M = 22 years) viewed images from the categories disgust, fear, and neutral. Disgusting and neutral images were matched for color, complexity, brightness, and contrast. The participants, who were not instructed to remember the stimuli, showed a disgust memory bias as well as shorter fixation durations and longer scan paths for disgusting images compared to neutral images. This “hyperscanning pattern” correlated with the number of correctly recalled disgust images. In conclusion, we found a disgust-related memory bias in both children and adults regardless of sex and independently of the memorization method used (recognition/free recall; intentional/incidental).
Do learning support assistants’ perceptions of their role support the capability approach? A small-scale study in a Jordanian international school
Authors: Lee Matthew
Published: April 2021

This article reports on a small-scale study which explored the perceptions of learning support assistants (LSAs) about how they facilitate learner agency and wellbeing, two key facets of the capability approach. Interviews were conducted with ten LSAs working in an international school to investigate whether LSAs support aspects of this theoretical framework within their role, where their efficacy is often valued by the quantity of time they spend with the child rather than the quality of the support provided. The capability approach was utilised as an analytic framework by using the four capability approach categories which Sen (1999) argues can evaluate human life: wellbeing achievements, agency achievements, wellbeing freedoms, and agency freedoms. The findings from the study indicate that whilst LSAs did support key aspects of the capability approach, they felt unsure if every part of their role could be based on it due to a range of factors beyond their control, such as parental expectations and the school’s deployment of the LSAs. Possibilities for future research, such as the impact of higher-education on LSAs’ ability to further the capability approach, are discussed briefly.
An analytical stress model for composite multi-pinned plates considering the combination effects of pin load and bypass load in different positions
Authors: Wu Tao , Tian Minghui
Published: April 2021

Multi-pin joints are commonly used in engineering due to their high loading capacity. However, affected by coupling relationships between pin load and bypass load, the evaluation of stress state is difficult for composite multi-pin joints. An analytical method is proposed in this paper to calculate stress distribution of these joints under tensile load. Stress functions in this method are created considering the pin load and bypass load, according to a geometry division of the whole plate. Superposition relationships are built for each section type with an influence coefficient of bypass load. Stress components could be obtained by calculation of stress functions when material properties, geometry dimension and load are known. Experiments and finite element method are employed to verify the validation of proposed method. Results show that pin position affects stress state, and mainly embodies in σx. The first pin always gets the highest stress level, while for the other pins the stress is quite similar. Increase pin number will decrease stress level but the effect is relatively small for the first pin.
Direct oral anticoagulants and the risk of osteoporotic fractures in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kuo Liang-Tseng , Lin Su-Ju , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Chang Jung-Jung , Chu Pao-Hsien , Lin Yu-Sheng
Published: April 2021

Background:

The incidence of osteoporotic fracture increases with age, particularly in elderly populations with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have less effect on osteoporotic fracture than vitamin K antagonists, it is unclear whether the risk of osteoporotic fracture is affected by different types and doses of DOACs in AF patients.

Methods:

This nationwide population-based cohort study included AF patients prescribed DOACs between 2011 and 2016 taken from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for the risk of osteoporotic, hip, and spine fractures between DOAC users were compared using the Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard model to adjust for possible confounders.

Results:

A total of 56,795 patients who were prescribed DOACs were included in the present study. Among them, 24,597 patients received dabigatran, 26,968 received rivaroxaban, and 5230 received apixaban. After 2 years’ follow up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of osteoporotic, spine, or hip fracture among those receiving dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban. Subgroup analysis showed that patients taking dabigatran had a higher incidence of osteoporotic and hip fracture than those taking rivaroxaban and apixaban in cases with concomitant peripheral artery disease (PAD) or a history of hip fracture ( p for interaction: 0.004 and 0.030, respectively). However, dabigatran users had a lower incidence of osteoporotic fracture and spine fracture in those receiving standard-dose DOACs compared with rivaroxaban and apixaban; whereas, they had a higher incidence of hip fractures when administered at low dose.

Conclusion:

AF patients with different DOACs did not have different risks of osteoporotic fracture overall. However, additional concomitant morbidities, such as PAD or a history of hip fracture, and standard/low doses might be associated with different risks for different DOACs. These findings should be taken into consideration in the clinic when the DOAC is being chosen.

Plain language summary

Different direct oral anticoagulants had different impact on osteoporotic fracture Anticoagulation therapy is an essential therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, but osteoporotic fracture is another important issue in these patients prescribed with anticoagulants. However, no study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of different DOACs on different types of osteoporotic fractures. In our findings, although different DOACs had no significantly different impact on osteoporotic fractures, dabigatran users had a slightly higher incidence of osteoporotic and hip fractures among different DOACs, particularly in those have simultaneously had peripheral artery disease, a history of hip fracture. In addition, when AF patients taking low-dose DOACs, dabigatran users also have higher incidence of hip fracture than those taking other DOACs.
Influencer Marketing and Authenticity in Content Creation
Authors: Kapitan Sommer , van Esch Patrick , Soma Vrinda , Kietzmann Jan
Published: April 2021

Across four studies, over 1,100 participants, and two product categories, we examine the impact of endorser type (celebrity vs. influencer) on consumers’ willingness to pay for an endorsed product (Study 1a). We determine whether the impact of endorser type on willingness to pay is mediated by perceptions of authenticity (Study 1b). Finally, we test how perceptions that an endorser as a content creator (vs. paid promoter) acts as a boundary condition on the effect of authenticity on willingness to pay (Study 2a). Moreover, consumers see an endorsement by influencers who demonstrate they are intrinsically motivated and in creative control over their content as more believable and authentic, which significantly drives their willingness to pay for an endorsed product (Study 2b). We propose that in influencer marketing, marketing practitioners should seek to engage influencers who are authentic and retain control over their own content. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and recommendations for future research are presented.
Baicalein Exerts Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects by Inhibiting the TLR4-ROS /NF-κB-NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Xin Wenyu , Jing Ming , Yang Junjie , Wang Meiling , Hou Guige , Wang Qiaoyun , Zhang Leiming , Wang Chunhua
Published: April 2021

Emerging evidence indicates that NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-induced inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Baicalein has been considered as a possible option for PD treatment based on its anti-neuroinflammatory effects. However, no studies have elucidated the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of baicalein, particularly inflammasome-mediated effects. In this present study, rotenone-induced PD mice and BV2 microglia were used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of baicalein and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that baicalein alleviated motor impairments and attenuated several inflammatory responses in rotenone-induced PD mice. Also, baicalein inhibited the expression of NLRP3 and activated caspase-1 in brain tissues. Correspondingly, baicalein prominently suppressed the inflammatory response in BV2 microglia induced by rotenone. Furthermore, in vitro data showed that baicalein suppressed the expression of NLRP3 and activated caspase-1 by abrogating the upregulation of ROS, as well as by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade. Overall, the results of the present study indicated that baicalein exerted anti-neuroinflammatory effects partly by inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and targeting NLRP3 inflammasome signaling offers a novel therapeutic strategy for PD treatment.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of health professionals in Ethiopia toward COVID-19 prevention at early phase
Authors: Fetansa Getahun , Etana Belachew , Tolossa Tadesse , Garuma Melkamu , Tesfaye Bekuma Tariku , Wakuma Bizuneh , Etafa Werku , Fekadu Ginenus , Mosisa Alemnesh
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a potentially lethal disease having significant public health concerns. As the disease is new, nothing has been intervened yet. Therefore, here we show the health worker’s knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19.

Methods:

The online cross-sectional study design was conducted from April to May 2020, among Ethiopia health workers. The data were collected online, downloaded by an Excel sheet, and transferred to IBM SPSS version 24. Using questionnaire containing four parts sociodemographic, knowledge, attitude, and practice assessing. Linear logistic regression and binary logistic regression were performed to test the association between the dependent and the independent variables. We reported the 95% confidence intervals of adjusted odds ratios with a statistical significance level at less than 0.05 p-values.

Results and conclusion:

A total of 441 health workers were included in this study. The majority of participants were from urban (88.7%), nurses (53.1%), male (88.4%), and have a degree educational level (66.7%). The mean knowledge level of respondents was 10.13 ± 0.057 standard deviation. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude toward control of COVID-19, 88%, and 77% of respondents had confidence that Ethiopia will control COVID-19. Similarly, male (2.746, 95% confidence interval (1.23, 6.02)) and good knowledge level (1.98, 95% confidence interval (1.01, 3.09)) were found to be a determinant for attitude regarding control of COVID-19. Good knowledge level 1.6 (1.02, 2.6), male sex 2.2 (1.07, 4.6), masters 2.33 (1.06, 5.08), and medical doctors 5.99 (1.76, 20.4) to practice wearing a mask when going out of the home. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the participant health workers are considerable, but may not be enough to control the disease. Sex, age, and profession of the health workers were determinant factors for knowledge about COVID-19. Therefore, training has to be considered for updating health care workers on COVID-19 prevention and controlled at the national level.
Emotional Reactions to Music in Dementia Patients and Healthy Controls: Differential Responding Depends on the Mechanism
Authors: Barradas Gonçalo T. , Juslin Patrik N. , i Badia Sergi Bermúdez
Published: April 2021

Music is frequently regarded as a unique way to connect with dementia patients. Yet little is known about how persons with dementia respond emotionally to music. Are their responses different from those of healthy listeners? If so, why? The present study makes a first attempt to tackle these issues in a Portuguese context, with a focus on psychological mechanisms. In Experiment 1, featuring 20 young and healthy adults, we found that musical excerpts which have previously been shown to activate specific emotion induction mechanisms (brain stem reflex, contagion, episodic memory, musical expectancy) in Sweden were valid and yielded predicted emotions also in Portugal, as indexed by self-reported feelings, psychophysiology, and post hoc mechanism indices. In Experiment 2, we used the same stimuli to compare the responses of 20 elderly listeners diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with those of 20 healthy listeners. We controlled for cognitive functioning (Mini-Mental State Examination) and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale). Our predictions about how mechanisms would be differentially affected by decline in brain regions associated with AD received support in that AD patients reported significantly lower levels of (a) sadness in the contagion condition, (b) happiness and nostalgia in the episodic memory condition, and (c) anxiety in the musical expectancy condition. By contrast, no significant difference in reported surprise was found in the brain stem reflex condition. Implications for musical interventions aimed at dementia are discussed, highlighting the key role that basic research may play in developing applications.
Job Satisfaction Among Plastic Surgery Residents in Canada
Authors: Copeland Andrea E. , Mackinnon Victoria , Axelrod Daniel E. , Farrokhyar Forough , Avram Ronen , Coroneos Christopher J.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Resident wellness is a focus of medical training and is prioritized in both Canadian and American accreditation processes. Job satisfaction is an important component of wellness that is not examined in the literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze job satisfaction in a national sample of plastic surgery residents, and identify factors that influence satisfaction.

Methods:

We designed a cross-sectional survey adapted from existing instruments, with attention to thorough item generation and reduction as well as pilot and clinical sensibility testing. All plastic surgery residents at Canadian institutions were surveyed regarding overall job satisfaction as well as personal- and program-specific factors that may affect satisfaction. Predictors of satisfaction were identified using multivariable regression models.

Results:

The response rate was 40%. Median overall job satisfaction was 4.0 on a 5-point Likert scale. Operative experience was considered both the most important element of a training program, and the area in most need of improvement. Senior training year ( P < .01), shorter commute time ( P = .04), fewer duty hours ( P = .02), fewer residents ( P < .01), and more fellows ( P < .01) were associated with significantly greater job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to gather cross-sectional data on job satisfaction from a national sample of plastic surgery residents. The results from this study can inform programs in making tangible changes tailored to their trainees’ needs. Moreover, our findings may be used to inform a prospectively studied targeted intervention to increase job satisfaction and resident wellness to address North American accreditation standards.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Use of Functional Motor Scales in the Era of Disease-Modifying Treatment
Authors: Pierzchlewicz Katarzyna , Kępa Izabela , Podogrodzki Jacek , Kotulska Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition characterized by progressive motoneuron loss. Infants affected by SMA type 1 do not gain developmental milestones and acutely decline, requiring ventilatory support. Several scales are used to assess motor disability and its progression in SMA. Recently, 3 disease-modifying therapies have been approved for SMA patients: nusinersen, an intrathecal antisense oligonucleotide enhancing SMN protein production by the SMN2 gene, risdiplam, also influencing the SMN2 gene to stimulate SMN production but administered orally, and onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi, an SMN1 gene replacement therapy. Thus, the functional scales should now be applicable for patients improving their motor function over time to assess treatment efficacy. In this paper, we compare different functional scales used in SMA patients. Their usefulness in different SMA types, age groups, and feasibility in daily clinical practice is described below. Some changes in motor function assessments in SMA are also suggested.
Are All Politics National? County-Level Social Contexts and Inequality Remediation Attitudes, 2006 to 2012
Authors: Lindner Andrew M. , Houle Jason N.
Published: April 2021

Despite growing economic inequality in recent decades, public support for government intervention to address it has been stable. A substantial literature has documented the individual-level demographic, social, and political characteristics that are associated with the extent to which individuals favor government intervention to reduce inequality. However, less work has examined how the local social environments that individuals are embedded in shape attitudes regarding inequality remediation. Using data from the General Social Survey (2006–2012) and other data sources, the authors examine whether local economic and social characteristics are associated with individuals’ support for government intervention to address income inequality in the United States during the Great Recession. Specifically, the authors link restricted General Social Survey data with place-level identifiers to county-level data on local income inequality, racial segregation, and partisan leanings. Broadly, the authors find that although individual-level conditions and year fixed effects are strongly correlated with perceptions about inequality remediation, most local-level characteristics were not strongly nor significantly associated with individual attitudes regarding government intervention to address inequality. These findings suggest that individuals formulate policy stances regarding inequality on the basis of national messaging rather than on observations within their own communities.
Meditation Monologue can Reduce Clinical Injection-Related Anxiety: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sugimoto Dai , Slick Nathalie R. , Mendel David L. , Stein Cynthia J. , Pluhar Emily , Fraser Joana L. , Meehan William P. , Corrado Gianmichel D.
Published: April 2021

Background.

Strategies to reduce anxiety prior to injection procedures are not well understood. The purpose is to determine the effect of a meditation monologue intervention delivered via phone/mobile application on pre-injection anxiety levels among patients undergoing a clinical injection. The following hypothesis was tested: patients who listened to a meditation monologue via phone/mobile application prior to clinical injection would experience less anxiety compared to those who did not.

Methods.

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed at an orthopedics and sports medicine clinic of a tertiary level medical center in the New England region, USA. Thirty patients scheduled for intra- or peri-articular injections were randomly allocated to intervention (meditation monologue) or placebo (nature sounds) group. Main outcome variables were state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI) scores and blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and respiratory rate.

Results.

There were 16 participants who were allocated to intervention (meditation monologue) while 14 participants were assigned to placebo (nature sounds). There was no interaction effect. However, a main time effect was found. Both state anxiety (STAI-S) and trait anxiety (STAI-T) scores were significantly reduced post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (STAI-S: p = 0.04, STAI-T: p = 0.04). Also, a statistically significant main group effect was detected. The pre- and post- STAI-S score reduction was greater in the intervention group (p = 0.028). Also, a significant diastolic BP increase between pre- and post-intervention was recorded in the intervention group (p = 0.028), but not in the placebo group (p = 0.999).

Conclusion.

Listening to a meditation monologue via phone/mobile application prior to clinical injection can reduce anxiety in adult patients receiving intra- and peri-articular injections. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02690194
Prioritizing social identities: Patients’ perspective on living with multimorbidity
Authors: Sand Camilla Drivsholm , Rahbek Keren , Willadsen Tora G , Jønsson Alexandra R
Published: April 2021

Objective:

This article explores experiences of people with multimorbidity, and attempts to advance understandings of the complexity of living with multimorbidity outside the medical encounter in a social identity theoretical framework.

Method:

This is a qualitative study using individual semi-structured interviews among nine persons living with multimorbidity. The interviews are analysed inductively according to thematic content analysis.

Results:

The emerging themes are: 1) Impact on daily life, 2) Professional life and 3) Capacity for handling multimorbidity. People with multimorbidity experience physical limitations and psychological distress, which limits their ability to maintain social relations and affiliation to the labour market. Accordingly, they are challenged in their ability to retain a sense of normal everyday life, which is mediated by their capacity for handling multimorbidity.

Discussion:

Multimorbidity may compromise various social identities. The complexity of living with multimorbidity is increased by an aspiration to maintain valued social identities in order to preserve a coherent sense of self and a normal everyday life. This study suggests an increased focus on individual priorities and values outside the medical encounter, and argues in favour of recognizing the conflicts that people experience as they try to balance multimorbidity with other important aspects of their daily lives.
Differences in the “egumi” taste of moso-bamboo shoots: research using chemical analysis and two types of taste sensors
Authors: Furusawa Yuka , Nakamura Hitoshi , Ashitani Tatsuya
Published: April 2021

We conducted our research with the aim of determining whether the “egumi” taste of moso-bamboo shoots differs depending on the production area and how the “egumi” taste of bamboo shoots from Yamagata Prefecture, which is near the northern limit of cultivation, differs. The investigation was conducted using conventional chemical analysis methods to quantitatively evaluate the presence and content of homogentisic acid and oxalic acid in bamboo shoots from different regions. In addition, qualitative evaluation, for which chemical analysis alone is insufficient, was conducted using taste sensors, which have rarely been used. As a result, chemical analysis showed that homogentisic acid was not identified among the two substances considered to be major components of egumi taste, while oxalic acid was identified in all samples. Therefore, it is highly likely that oxalic acid is responsible for the “egumi” taste in this study. In addition, qualitative analysis using taste sensors revealed that there is a difference in “egumi” taste depending on the origin of the bamboo shoot. It was suggested that bamboo shoots from Yamagata Prefecture, near the northern limit of cultivation, had a stronger “egumi” taste than those from Kyoto and Fukuoka Prefectures.
Transcriptome dynamic landscape underlying the improvement of maize lodging resistance under coronatine treatment
Authors: Ren Zhaobin , Wang Xing , Tao Qun , Guo Qing , Zhou Yuyi , Yi Fei , Huang Guanmin , Li Yanxia , Zhang Mingcai , Li Zhaohu , Duan Liusheng
Published: April 2021

Background

Lodging is one of the important factors causing maize yield. Plant height is an important factor in determining plant architecture in maize (Zea mays L.), which is closely related to lodging resistance under high planting density. Coronatine (COR), which is a phytotoxin and produced by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, is a functional and structural analogue of jasmonic acid (JA).

Results

In this study, we found COR, as a new plant growth regulator, could effectively reduce plant height and ear height of both hybrids (ZD958 and XY335) and inbred (B73) maize by inhibiting internode growth during elongation, thus improve maize lodging resistance. To study gene expression changes in internode after COR treatment, we collected spatio-temporal transcriptome of inbred B73 internode under normal condition and COR treatment, including the three different regions of internode (fixed, meristem and elongation regions) at three different developmental stages. The gene expression levels of the three regions at normal condition were described and then compared with that upon COR treatment. In total, 8605 COR-responsive genes (COR-RGs) were found, consist of 802 genes specifically expressed in internode. For these COR-RGs, 614, 870, 2123 of which showed expression changes in only fixed, meristem and elongation region, respectively. Both the number and function were significantly changed for COR-RGs identified in different regions, indicating genes with different functions were regulated at the three regions. Besides, we found more than 80% genes of gibberellin and jasmonic acid were changed under COR treatment.

Conclusions

These data provide a gene expression profiling in different regions of internode development and molecular mechanism of COR affecting internode elongation. A putative schematic of the internode response to COR treatment is proposed which shows the basic process of COR affecting internode elongation. This research provides a useful resource for studying maize internode development and improves our understanding of the COR regulation mechanism based on plant height.
Infliximab‐induced seizures in a patient with Crohn’s disease: a case report
Authors: Lv Zhijie , Zhang Xiaoqi , Wu Li
Published: April 2021

Background

Infliximab-induced seizures in patients with Crohn’s disease are extremely rare and the mechanism of infliximab-induced seizures is unclear.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old woman with Crohn’s disease experienced infliximab-induced seizures, diagnosed on normal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Moreover, the rechallenge with infliximab was positive.

Conclusions

Neurological assessment and tight clinical monitoring before and during therapy with infliximab should be performed in patients with pre-existing seizure disorders.
Investigating the utility of COVID-19 antibody testing in end-stage renal disease patients receiving haemodialysis: a cohort study in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wickens Olivia , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Mannan Fahmida , Svendsen Frida , Baig Mirza Yasar , Chukwu Chukwuma , Ali Ibrahim , Summersgill Christina , Evans Dawn , Antoine Berckley V. , Oxton Julie , Mairs Nathan , Flanagan Emma , Oliver Robert , Kalra Philip A. , Poulikakos Dimitrios
Published: April 2021

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) are a vulnerable group of patients with increased mortality from COVID-19. Despite improved understanding, the duration of host immunity following COVID-19 infection and role of serological testing alone or in addition to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing in the HD population is not fully understood, which this study aimed to investigate.

Methods

There were two parts to this study. Between 15th March 2020 to 15th July 2020, patients receiving HD who tested positive on rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were recruited into the COVID-19 arm, whilst asymptomatic patients without a previous diagnosis of COVID-19 were recruited to the epidemiological arm of the Salford Kidney Study (SKS). All patients underwent monthly testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as per routine clinical practice since August 2020. The aims were twofold: firstly, to determine seroprevalence and COVID-19 exposure in the epidemiological arm; secondly, to assess duration of the antibody response in the COVID-19 arm. Baseline characteristics were reviewed between groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests were used for testing significance of difference between groups.

Results

In our total HD population of 411 patients, 32 were PCR-positive for COVID-19. Of the remaining patients, 237 were recruited into the SKS study, of whom 12 (5.1%) had detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Of the 32 PCR-positive patients, 27 (84.4%) were symptomatic and 25 patients admitted to hospital due to their symptoms. Of the 22 patients in COVID-19 arm that underwent testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies beyond 7 months, all had detectable antibodies.

A higher proportion of the patients with COVID-19 were frail compared to patients without a diagnosis of COVID-19 (64.3% vs 34.1%, p = 0.003). Other characteristics were similar between the groups. Over a median follow up of 7 months, a higher number of deaths were recorded in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 compared to those without (18.7% vs 5.9%, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Serological testing in the HD population is a valuable tool to determine seroprevalence, monitor exposure, and guide improvements for infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to help prevent local outbreaks. This study revealed HD patients mount a humoral response detectable until at least 7 months after COVID-19 infection and provides hope of similar protection with the vaccines recently approved.
Hemisensory syndrome: Hyperacute symptom onset and age differentiates ischemic stroke from other aetiologies
Authors: Koh Pei Xuan , Ti Joanna , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Lim Zhen Yu Isis Claire , Tu Tianming
Published: April 2021

Background

An important cause of hemisensory syndrome is ischemic stroke. However, the diagnostic yield of neuroradiological imaging on hemisensory syndrome is low. Therefore, we aim to describe patients hospitalized with isolated hemisensory syndrome, and to identify clinical features associated with an aetiology of ischemic stroke.

Methods

We performed a single centre retrospective observation study, identifying patients who were hospitalised with hemisensory syndrome from October 2015 to March 2016, and whom underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain during the admission. Ischemic stroke was defined as the presence of restricted diffusion-weighted image on the MRI brain. Clinical information was analysed and compared between patients with and without stroke seen on MRI brain.

Results

79 patients, 36 (45.6%) males and 43 (54.4%) females, aged between 30 to 87 years (mean 54), were included in the final analysis. 18 (22.8%) patients were identified to have an acute ischemic stroke. Clinical features associated with ischemic stroke in hospitalised patients with hemisensory syndrome include symptom onset of ≤24 h at presentation (odds ratio 31.4, 95% CI 3.89–254.4), advanced age (odds ratio 1.14, CI 1.05–1.25) and smoking (odds ratio 7.35, 95% CI 1.20–45).

Conclusion

Older patients, with a history of smoking, and who present with an acute onset of symptoms, are more likely to have ischemic stroke as the cause of their hemisensory syndrome.
The risk factors of gestational hypertension in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhou Shu , Ji Yiping , Wang Haimei
Published: April 2021

Background

The hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) is common in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet the potential influencing factors remained unclear. We aimed to assess the independent risk factors of HDCP in patients with PCOS, to provide clinical evidences for the management of PCOS.

Methods

Pregnant PCOS patients treated in our hospital from June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2020 were approached. The personal and clinical characteristics of patients with and without gestational hypertension were evaluated. Logistic regressions were conducted to identify the independent risk factors of HDCP, Receiver operating characteristics (ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predicting value.

Results

A total of 188 PCOS patients were included, the incidence of HDCP in patients with PCOS was 27.66 %. There were significant differences in the age, BMI, family history of hypertension, the history of adverse pregnancy, history of contraceptive pills use and family history of HDCP between HDCP group and no-HDCP group (all p < 0.05), and there were no significant differences in the family history of diabetes, multiple pregnancy and long-term smoking history between HDCP group and no-HDCP group (all p > 0.05). Age ≥ 27y(OR2.048, 95 %CI1.121 ~ 3.208), BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2(OR1.463, 95 %CI1.069 ~ 2.011), family history of hypertension(OR2.129, 95 %CI1.093 ~ 3.042), the history of adverse pregnancy(OR2.435, 95 %CI1.264 ~ 4.085), history of contraceptive pills use(OR3.806, 95 %CI1.184 ~ 6.102), family history of HDCP(OR1.934, 95 %CI1.016 ~ 2.774) were the independent risk factors of HDCP in patients with PCOS (all p < 0.05). ROC curve analyses indicated that those factors had good predictive value on HDCP in PCOS patients.

Conclusions

The incidence of HDCP in PCOS patients is relatively high. In clinical practice, medical workers should carry out early prevention and intervention measures for these risk factors to reduce the incidence of HDCP.
Primary effusion lymphoma occurring in the setting of transplanted patients: a systematic review of a rare, life-threatening post-transplantation occurrence
Authors: Zanelli Magda , Sanguedolce Francesca , Zizzo Maurizio , Palicelli Andrea , Bassi Maria Chiara , Santandrea Giacomo , Martino Giovanni , Soriano Alessandra , Caprera Cecilia , Corsi Matteo , Ricci Stefano , Ricci Linda , Ascani Stefano
Published: April 2021

Background

Primary effusion lymphoma is a rare, aggressive large B-cell lymphoma strictly linked to infection by Human Herpes virus 8/Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus. In its classic form, it is characterized by body cavities neoplastic effusions without detectable tumor masses. It often occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as HIV-positive individuals. Primary effusion lymphoma may affect HIV-negative elderly patients from Human Herpes virus 8 endemic regions. So far, rare cases have been reported in transplanted patients. The purpose of our systematic review is to improve our understanding of this type of aggressive lymphoma in the setting of transplantation, focusing on epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathological features, differential diagnosis, treatment and outcome. The role of assessing the viral serological status in donors and recipients is also discussed.

Methods

We performed a systematic review adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, using the search terms “primary effusion lymphoma” and “post-transplant”.

Results

Our search identified 13 cases of post-transplant primary effusion lymphoma, predominantly in solid organ transplant recipients (6 kidney, 3 heart, 2 liver and 1 intestine), with only one case after allogenic bone marrow transplantation. Long-term immunosuppression is important in post-transplant primary effusion lymphoma commonly developing several years after transplantation. Kaposi Sarcoma occurred in association with lymphoma in 4 cases of solid organ recipients. The lymphoma showed the classical presentation with body cavity effusions in absence of tumor masses in 10 cases; 2 cases presented as solid masses, lacking effusions and one case as effusions associated with multiple organ involvement. Primary effusion lymphoma occurring in the setting of transplantation was more often Epstein Barr-virus negative. The prognosis was poor. In addition to chemotherapy, reduction of immunosuppressive treatment, was generally attempted.

Conclusions

Primary effusion lymphoma is a rare, but often fatal post-transplant complication. Its rarity and the difficulty in achieving the diagnosis may lead to miss this complication. Clinicians should suspect primary effusion lymphoma in transplanted patients, presenting generally with unexplained body cavity effusions, although rare cases with solid masses are described.
Paediatric flat foot and foot dimension in Central Anatolia
Authors: Alsancak Serap , Guner Senem , Güven Enver , Özgün Ali Koray , Akkaş Yunis , Alkıs Neslihan
Published: April 2021

Background

Information on the foot structures of Central Anatolian children is limited. Foot structures of children aged 6–10 years were shown to be different according to sex and increasing age.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the foot anthropometric values by age and sex and collect the foot anthropometric data to reveal the relationship between pes planus and pes cavus in the arches of children according to age.

Methods

Footprints of 335 children (180 boys and 155 girls) aged 6–10 years were taken by the pedigraph method and evaluated using 18 different parameters. The TFL (Truncated foot length), FL (foot length), Arch Index, Chippaux Smirak Index, Staheli Arc Index, and foot rotation values of the children were examined. To examine the relationship between the parameters, normality values were examined. Independent samples t-test was used to analyze sex differences in terms of foot size and shape.

Results

Correlations between other parameters were determined using the correlations analysis method. TFL, metatarsal circumference, and FL were strongly correlated with age in the children. Foot rotation increased with body mass index in the girls compared to that in the boys. According to the evaluation results with the classification made with the Staheli arch index, 63.3% pes planus, 9.8% pes cavus and 27.7% of the normal arch structure were identified.

Conclusions

Planning shoe production accordingly will contribute to the development of healthy feet in children. This article focused on foot structures of in Central Anatolia and to identify early foot deformities in children. This study found that the length of the TFL was smaller in boys than in girls.
The qualitative analysis of characteristic of callers to a psychological hotline at the early stage of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Du Na , Ouyang Yingjie , He Zongling , Huang Juan , Zhou Die , Yuan Yin , Li Yunge , He Manxi , Chen Yong , Wang Hongming , Yue Yuchuan , Xiong Maoxiang , Pan Keliang
Published: April 2021

Background

As the outbreak of COVID-19, traditional face-to-face psychological intervention are difficult to achieve, so hotline becomes available and recommended strategies. The callers’ characteristic could help us to study their experiences of emotional distress, as well as the reasons for calling during the pandemic, which can be used to inform future service design and delivery.

Methods

The information of 1558 callers called our hospital’ s hotline for help from February 3, 2020, to March 16, 2020 were collected in the form of Tick-box and Free text, and the inductive content analysis was undertaken focusing on the reasons for caller engagement.

Results

It was indicated that more than half of the callers are female (59.7%), mostly between the age of 18–59 (76.5%). The average age was 37.13 ± 13.76 years old. The average duration of a call to the hotline was 10.03 ± 9.84 min. The most frequent description emotional state were anxious (45.1%) and calm (30.3%), with the sub-sequence of scared (18.2%), sad (11.9%), and angry (6.9%). All callers displayed a wide range of reasons for calling, with needing support around their emotion (64.6%), seeking practical help (44.0%), and sleep problems (20.3%) constituting the majority of calls. Among the subthemes, 314 callers thought the epidemic has made them upset, 198 asked questions about the epidemic, and 119 reported their life routines were disrupted. The prevalence of key reasons does not appear to differ over time. Through their feedback, 79.1% agreed that they felt emotionally better after calling, and 95.0% agreed that hotline had helped them.

Conclusions

During the epidemic, the most concern of the public is still related to epidemics and its adverse effects. Fortunately, the hotline can be an active and effective rescue measure after an emergency happened.
Disparities in access to food and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related outcomes: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Moughames Eric , Woo Han , Galiatsatos Panagis , Romero-Rivero Karina , Raju Sarath , Tejwani Vickram , Hoffman Eric A. , Comellas Alejandro P. , Ortega Victor E. , Parekh Trisha , Krishnan Jerry A. , Drummond Michael B. , Couper David , Buhr Russell G. , Paine Robert , Kaufman Joel D. , Paulin Laura M. , Putcha Nirupama , Hansel Nadia N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Millions of Americans are living in food deserts in the United States, however the role of the local food environment on COPD has not been studied. The aim of this study is to determine the association between food deserts and COPD-related outcomes.

Method

In this cross-sectional analysis we linked data collected from SPIROMICS (SubPopulations and InteRmediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study) between 2010 and 2015 and food desert data, defined as an underserved area that lacks access to affordable healthy foods, from the Food Access Research Atlas. COPD outcomes include percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), 6-min walk distance test (6MWD), exacerbations, and air trapping. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the association between living in food deserts and respiratory outcomes, adjusting for age, gender, race, education, income, marital status, BMI, smoking status, pack years, and urban status

Results

Among 2713 participants, 22% lived in food deserts. Participants living in food deserts were less likely to be white and more likely to have a lower income than those who did not live in food deserts. In the adjusted model controlling for demographics and individual income, living in food deserts was associated lower FEV1% (β = – 2.51, P = 0.046), higher air trapping (β = 2.47, P = 0.008), worse SGRQ (β = 3.48, P = 0.001) and CAT (β = 1.20, P = 0.003) scores, and 56% greater odds of severe exacerbations (P = 0.004). Results were consistent when looking at food access alone, regardless of whether participants lived in low income areas.

Conclusions

Findings suggest an independent association between food desert and food access alone with COPD outcomes. Health program planning may benefit from addressing disparities in access to food.