bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction Accuracy Between Terminally Ill Patients’ Survival Length and the Estimations Made From Different Medical Staff, a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Pei-Yun , Huang Chien-Hsun , Peng Jen-Kuei , Yeh Shin-Yu , Hung Shou-Hung
Published: June 2022

Background: Previous reports suggested the clinical predictions of survival (CPS) and prognostic scores had similar accuracy in patients with days to weeks of life. Objective: We aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of CPS by attending physicians, residents, and nurses in an acute palliative care unit at a medical center. Methods: This was a 1-year prospective cohort study. Survival prediction was made within 3 days after patients’ admission and re-evaluated every week until patients’ discharge or death. Associated factors of accurate survival predictions were also explored by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 179 inpatients were recruited and 115 of them were included in this analysis. The mean age of participants was 72.9 years and the average length of actual survival was 11.5 ± 12.0 days. For patients with survival within 30 days, the medical staff tended to overestimate their life span. The predictions made by physicians and nurses showed much closer to actual survival length through repeated estimations. Patients with metastatic cancer (odds ratio: OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.23-6.22) or cognitive impairment (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.12-5.11) had higher associations with accurate CPS. Poor performance status of ECOG (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09-3.02) and dysphagia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.07-3.77) were significant predictors for accurate CPS in patients with the survival of less than 2 weeks. Conclusions: The accuracy of CPS between different medical staff did not reveal significant differences in the study. The importance of re-evaluation for patients’ survival length in clinical practice is worthy of attention.
BMP4 Regulates EMT to be Involved in non-Syndromic Cleft lip With or Without Palate
Authors: Hong Jia-Wei , Yu Yue , Wang Lu-Shan , Li Zheng , Zhang Rui , Wang Qi , Ding Zhen , Zhang Jin-Peng , Zhang Mei-Rong , Xu Li-Chun
Published: June 2022

Objective

In the previous study, we identified bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) responsible for non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). We aimed to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of BMP4 on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) through Smad1 signaling pathway to be involved in NSCL/P.

Methods

The human oral epidermoid carcinoma cells (KBs) were transfected with plasmids or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to build the models. The migration of the cells was evaluated by transwell assay. Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expressions of BMP4, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, EMT-related transcription factors snal1 and snal2, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, Smad1, and phosphorylated Smad1.

Results

In the overexpression group, the migration number of cells was increased significantly. The protein expression of E-cadherin was decreased significantly, while the protein expression level of the N-cadherin was increased significantly. The protein and mRNA expressions of MMP2, MMP9, snal1, and snal2 were significantly higher. The expression level of Smad1 was not significantly changed, while the phosphorylation of Smad1 was significantly increased. In the BMP4-siRNA group, the migrating number cells was significantly decreased. The protein expression of E-cadherin was increased significantly, while the expression of N-cadherin was significantly decreased. The protein and mRNA expressions of MMP2, MMP9, snal1, and snal2 were significantly lower than that of the control group. The expressions of Smad1 and phosphorylation of Smad1 were not significantly changed.

Conclusions

BMP4 enhances cell migration and promotes cell EMT through Smad1 signaling pathway. Abnormal BMP4 mediates migration and EMT through other relevant signaling pathways resulting in NSCL/P. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of NSCL/P associated with BMP4.n
Making Flexibility More I-Deal: Advancing Work-Life Equality Collectively
Authors: Kossek Ellen Ernst , Kelliher Clare
Published: June 2022

Current research on negotiated individualized flexible work arrangements focuses on highly paid, skilled professional workers. We refer to this as “flexibility through privilege,” the ability to obtain “flexibility I-deals,” due to high labor market power. Yet as work-life tensions grow across occupations globally, most individuals need increased access to flexibility. As the COVID-19 pandemic illuminated, work-life equality, the ability of workers to have equal access to, opportunity to use, and benefit from flexible working arrangements is a rising form of job inequality. We examine how existing flexibility i-deals can be reconceptualized more broadly to include collectively bargained arrangements across many occupations, and flexible working forms. Our essay advances understanding by (1) broadening notions of the typical employee and occupation involved; (2) expanding negotiation processes beyond an organizational sphere of control; (3) identifying new forms of negotiated flexibility such as control over work-life boundaries and technological availability; and (4) addressing not only employer-employee mutual benefits, but larger societal interests concurrent with new tensions and unintended consequences of mainstreamed implementation. We propose the term “collective flexibility” as the collective right of workers to customize their work schedule, place, workload, boundaries, connectivity, and employment mode with their employer and other stakeholders to benefit employers, employees, and society. We offer a future research agenda. Expanding how we frame and study what a flexibility i-deal is with a collective approach regarding how they are accessed, negotiated, maintained, and who they serve may enhance their potential as a lever for social change to advance economic, social, and health employment rights.
Iktomi Methodology
Authors: White Eyes Chance
Published: June 2022

This essay responds to narrative analysis and other Indigenous Methodology skeptics who question the legitimacy of storytelling, oral tradition, and narrative analysis as legitimate forms of data and research. Iktomi Methodology (named after a Lakota character in oral tradition) is not only decolonizing, but is forward thinking, not only documenting what has happened in the past, but what could potentially happen in the future. Iktomi Methodology uses Tribal Critical Theory to legitimize Indigenous storytelling as valid forms of data and analysis of how to treat Indigenous students. The essay then uses a version of narrative analysis that incorporates a specific Native American character that arises often in stories on how to behave when it comes to dealing with challenges, “Iktomi” becomes the vessel through which educators can question current policy and practices to think differently about supporting Indigenous students in postsecondary education.
A BIRC5High COD1Low Cancer Tissue Phenotype Indicates Poorer Prognosis of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Bai Yujie , Yuan Feng , Yu Jing , Si Yibei , Zheng Yiwen , Li Dongqing
Published: June 2022

Extensive data research is helpful to find sensitive biomarkers for prognostic prediction of metastatic breast cancer. Through analyzing multiple GEO datasets, literature retrieval, and verified in GEPIA datasets, we identify BIRC5 (Baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5) and CDO1 (Cysteine dioxygenase type 1) as DEGs (differentially expressed genes) between breast tumor and normal tissue and DEGs between metastatic breast cancer and breast cancer in situ. Then, we performed a series of in silico studies on BIRC5 and CDO1 using online tools including the UALCAN, TIMER, TCGA-BRCA, LinkedOmics Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and an R script for analysis. To verify the association of 2 genes expression and patients’ clinical data, we detected BIRC5 and CDO1 mRNA in the tissue of 48 breast cancer patients. The results showed the tumor with BIRC5high CDO1low expression generally indicated patients’ shorter overall (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Specifically, BIRC5 and CDO1 levels significantly affect OS or RFS in patients with Lymph node metastasis and molecular subtypes of TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer) and Luminal A. A BIRC5high tumor displayed a purer tumor purity and expressed more KIR receptors on NK cells while activating more FOXP3+CD25+ Treg cells. The CDO1low tumors infiltrated with more immunocytes leading to less tumor purity. In our verified experiment, BIRC5 mRNA level in patients with stage III and over was significantly higher than in patients with stage 0 to II, but there were no significant differences among molecular subtyping groups; TNBC tissue expressed lower CDO1 mRNA level than HER2+ and Luminal type cancer tissue. In conclusion, a BIRC5high CDO1low expression type in breast cancer tissue indicates a poorer prognosis of patients. The potential mechanism might be increased BIRC5 expression in cancer tissue is likely to accompany NK cells inhibition, activating more Treg cells, and lacking effective CD8+ T cells proliferation. Meanwhile, CDO1 level is positively related to more immunocytes infiltration.
The mediation effect of radical right parties on the nexus between immigration and right-wing terrorism
Authors: Matsunaga Miku
Published: June 2022

How does political representation of radical right parties (RRP) affect the relationship between immigration and right-wing terrorism targeting out-group members? Drawing on right-wing terrorism data of 31 OECD member states between 1970 and 2017, this paper explored the threefold relationship. Causal mediation analysis revealed that while growing immigration increases right-wing terrorism, RRPs have a mediation effect of decreasing attacks. Sensitivity analysis and robustness checks lend support to the findings. The article provides novel implications for the political consequences of RRP success and the effect of political representation on extremist violence.
Optimization of ventilation performance of side air supply for large indoor spaces using deflectors and slot air outlets
Authors: Wang Haorui , Wang Junqi , Feng Zhuangbo , Yu Chuck Wah , Cao Shi-Jie
Published: June 2022

Due to the large height and span of indoor spaces, efficient indoor ventilation performance may be difficult to achieve using the side air supply for large halls, to control the indoor air pollutants or reduce the infection risk, such as the transmission of COVID-19 within the breathing zone of occupants. An efficient Ventilation Mode with Deflector and Slot air outlets (VMDS) was developed by this study. The use of a deflector with slot air outlets was introduced by utilizing jet collision and adhesion effect to accentuate the ventilation performance of the side air supply for the large space. The numerical simulation model used in this study was validated experimentally. The VMDS was compared with three other side air supply modes used in large spaces, and the results were evaluated comprehensively. The results show that VMDS is effective in reducing indoor air pollutant concentrations and transmission of infectious diseases in large spaces while satisfying the energy efficiency and thermal comfort requirements. Compared with the common side-supply and side-return ventilation modes, VMDS can reduce indoor air pollutant concentration by nearly 40%, reduce the transmission risk of infectious disease to less than 1% at a low air change rate and increase the ventilation efficiency from about 0.85 to about 1.2. In addition, VMDS can theoretically reduce ventilation energy consumption by about 85%.
Convergence of European security and defense preferences? A quantitative text analysis of strategy papers, 1994–2018
Authors: Gavras Konstantin , Mader Matthias , Schoen Harald
Published: June 2022

Since the end of the Cold War, the EU aims to advance to a relevant and autonomous actor in international politics—especially concerning security and defense politics. Scholars interested in whether the EU member states actually converge in their security and defense preferences often analyze strategy papers qualitatively, focusing on selected countries at specific points in time. In this article, we propose a dictionary approach for analyzing the development of security and defense preferences within the EU over the last three decades using quantitative text analysis. We make use of 163 strategy papers, published by all EU member states and the EU itself since 1994. The findings show that EU member states react similarly to international events, but do not converge substantially in their preferences. Furthermore, there is no substantial convergence to the position of the EU itself. We finally discuss usefulness and validity of quantitative text analysis in comparative research more broadly.
Family carers’ expectations regarding dementia care services and support in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Zhao Wenhong , Wu Min-Lin (Winnie) , Petsky Helen , Moyle Wendy
Published: June 2022

Introduction

In China, approximately 85% of people with dementia are cared for by family carers. However, limited research has been conducted to examine family carers’ expectations regarding what they perceive is required for optimal care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore family carers’ expectations regarding dementia care support and services in China.

Methods

A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews, with data collected from three public tertiary hospitals where the primary family carers of people with dementia ( N = 21) were recruited from May to December 2019. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used to recruit participants. Data was interpreted both inductively and deductively using thematic analysis.

Findings

Four themes were identified. The family carers reported minimal support regarding dementia care, and they held little hope of receiving support. However, most carers expressed their limited expectations, such as financial support from the government and respite care services from the community. Carers believed that care was their duty, and some of them were unwilling to move their relative with dementia into a nursing home.

Conclusion

Health and the three-tier long-term care systems in China are inadequately prepared for the challenges of dementia care, suggesting the need to develop health and social services and improve support for family carers to enable improved care for people with dementia.
Role of nozzle-exit boundary layer in producing jet noise
Authors: Karon Aharon Z , Ahuja Krishan K
Published: June 2022

Often the measurements from different jet noise studies, which are thought to have been acquired at or corrected to identical jet conditions, do not match when compared to each other. This study looks at the nozzle-exit boundary layer as a possible factor for these differences. The nozzle-exit boundary layer state can easily be changed depending on the design of the jet-facility or the nozzle. To this end, jet noise measurements and nozzle-exit velocity profile measurements were acquired for nozzles where the nozzle-exit boundary state was changed either by using different types of nozzles, ASME nozzles versus conical nozzles, or extensions were added to the nozzles straight section. It is shown that as the laminar boundary layer transitions to turbulent, the high-frequency jet noise is reduced. In addition, development of a novel empirical correction for these effects was attempted.
Single Center Experience with Incidence, Impact and Predictors of Biliary Complications in Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplantation
Authors: Bushara Omar , Alhalel Jonathan , Sanders Jes , Azad Hooman , Cerri Thomas , Zafer Salmaan , Guo Kexin , Zhao Lihui , Daud Amna , Borja-Cacho Daniel , Caicedo-Ramirez Juan C
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Utilizing allografts from donors after cardiac death (DCD) has improved organ availability, and DCD livers comprise a growing proportion of transplantations. However, it has been suggested that DCD transplantations have worse outcomes. Research Questions: We aimed to characterize outcomes in a large cohort of DCD transplantations, identify trends in outcomes over time, and identify factors associated with the development of biliary complications. Design: We conducted an observational retrospective cohort study of patients receiving DCD liver allografts within a large academic teaching hospital with a high transplantation volume. Consecutive patients who underwent Type III DCD liver transplantation from 2006–2016 were included in our cohort. Re-transplantations and multi-organ transplant recipients were excluded. Results: Ninety-six type III DCD transplantations occurred between 2006–2016. We report a 1one-year patient survival of 90.6% (87) and a 5five-year patient survival of 69.8% (67). Twenty-nine (30.2%) patients experienced any biliary complication in the first year following discharge, with 17 (17.7%) experiencing ischemic cholangiopathy. Five-year patient (P = 0.04) and graft (P = 0.005) survival improved over time. Post-operative biliary complications experienced during index admission and prior to discharge were found to be associated with the development of biliary complications (P = 0.005) and ischemic cholangiopathy (P = 0.01) following discharge. Conclusion: Our data suggested that outcomes using DCD allografts have improved, however biliary complications remain a significant issue in DCD transplantation. Patients who experienced post-operative biliary complications during index admission may require more frequent screening to allow the initiation of earlier treatment for biliary complications.
Using Community Health Workers to Improve Health Outcomes in a Sample of Hispanic Women and Their Infants: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lutenbacher Melanie , Elkins Tonya , Dietrich Mary S.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker (MIHOW) program, an early childhood home visiting program, uses community health workers (CHWs) to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Methods: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the impact of MIHOW's use of CHWs on selected maternal/infant outcomes up to 15 months postpartum. We hypothesized outcomes would be better among Hispanic women receiving MIHOW compared to a similar group of women eligible for MIHOW who received only a minimal education intervention (MEI). The study also expanded earlier research testing MIHOW's efficacy among Hispanic families using criteria set forth by federal guidelines. Women living in middle Tennessee enrolled during pregnancy (≤26 weeks gestation) and continued through 15 months postpartum. Results: Enrolled women ( N = 132) were randomly assigned, with 110 women completing the study ( MEI = 53; MIHOW = 57). Positive and statistically significant ( p < .01) effects of MIHOW were observed on breastfeeding duration, safe sleep practices, stress levels, depressive symptoms, emotional support, referral follow through, parental confidence, and infant stimulation in the home. Conclusions: Findings provided strong evidence of the effectiveness of MIHOW for improving health outcomes in this sample. Using trained CHWs makes programs such as MIHOW a viable option for providing services to immigrant and underserved families.
When coaching is a calling: A moderated mediating model among school sports coaches
Authors: Lu Wan Chen , Lin Shin-Huei , Cheng Chih-Fu , Wu Ming-Han
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Drawing on the Job Demands-Resources Model, the present study examined the relationships among the job control, calling, work engagement, and job performance of sports coaches.

Methods

With a cross-sectional study design, we enrolled 278 school sports coaches as participants and adopted questionnaires to collect data. Self-reported data on demographics, job control, calling, work engagement, and job performance were collected from participants. We posted recruitment posters at the sports seminars/workshops for coaches and distributed an informed consent form and a questionnaire to coaches who were willing to participate in our study. Participants received an NT$100 gift voucher after they had filled out the questionnaire. Descriptive analyses (e.g., means, standard deviations, and correlations among focal variables, etc.), reliability and validity analysis, and a series of hierarchical regression analyses to test the hypotheses were adopted in this study.

Results

Job control is positively associated with job performance through work engagement. Further, the moderated mediation model demonstrated that job control has a stronger positive correlation with work engagement and job performance, especially when sports coaches possess higher levels of calling.

Conclusion

The current findings suggest that job control is a critical antecedent of job performance through work engagement and that a higher level of calling strengthens the relationship. We suggest that crafting an autonomy-supportive working environment will help empower sports coaches to set goals and become involved, which in turn supports sports coaches in achieving their goals and produces better individual/team performance.
Current perception and practice of athletics coaches about the modification of footstrike pattern in endurance runners: A survey
Authors: Abran Guillaume , Delvaux François , Schwartz Cédric , Martens Géraldine , Hody Stéphanie , Dardenne Nadia , Bruyere Oliver , Bornheim Stephen , Croisier Jean-Louis
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To date, the relationship between footstrike pattern and performance, as well as with injury incidence in endurance running remains unclear. For these reasons, it is currently not recommended to modify footstrike pattern in an uninjured long-distance runner. The purpose of this study was to analyse whether athletic coaches apply these current scientific recommendations with their endurance runners on the field.

Methods

A Delphi method study was used to develop an online survey that was administered to French-speaking athletic coaches in Belgium. The survey comprised three sections: 1) coaches’ profile, 2) coaches’ perception of footstrike patterns, 3) practices pertaining to footstrike patterns.

Results

One hundred and fourteen respondents completed the entire questionnaire. Ninety-six (84%) athletic coaches reported modifying the footstrike pattern of their endurance runners. They reported that they modify their runners’ rearfoot and forefoot strike more often than a midfoot strike (P < 0.0001) to prevent injury (83%) and to improve performance (66%). According to them, midfoot strike is considered as the best landing pattern for endurance performance (47%) and injury prevention (36%) whereas rearfoot strike is considered as the worst (respectively, 50% and 52%).

Summary and conclusion

This study highlights the disparities between scientific recommendations and athletic coaches’ field practices for modifying footstrike patterns in endurance runners. Contrary to current scientific literature recommendations, a large proportion of coaches modify the natural footstrike pattern of their endurance runners towards a midfoot strike pattern to improve performance and prevent injury.
Changes in tendon length and excursion following extensor tendon grafting at the distal radioulnar joint
Authors: Hashimoto Shun , Kato Hiroyuki , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Itsubo Toshiro , Matsuda Satoshi , Hayashi Masanori
Published: June 2022

We evaluated the tendon length and excursion after extensor tendon grafting following ruptures at the distal radioulnar joint in eight patients. The mean patient age was 70.8 years (range 58 to 84), and the mean follow-up period was 63 months (range 12 to 129). Radiographic markers were placed on ends of the grafted tendon to assess changes in length and passive excursion. The mean length of the grafted tendon and mean passive excursion were 68.2 mm and 4.4 mm immediately after tendon grafting, 76.1 mm and 7.1 mm at 1 year postoperatively, and 76.3 mm and 7.3 mm at final follow-up, respectively. The mean elongation of the grafted tendon was 12% and mean increase of excursion was 2.9 mm. We recommend that tension set during extensor tendon grafting should be with the metacarpophalangeal joint of the affected finger in a slightly extended position as compared with adjacent fingers.

Level of evidence

IV
The impact of psychological factors on outcome after salvage surgery for wrist osteoarthritis
Authors: Swärd Elin M. , Brodda-Jansen Gunilla , Schriever Thorsten U. , Andersson-Franko Mikael , Wilcke Maria K.
Published: June 2022

This prospective longitudinal study of 80 patients analysed the effect of preoperative pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression and sense of coherence on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, quality of life, grip strength and range of motion during the first year after salvage surgery for wrist osteoarthritis. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the effect of the psychological factors on the outcome variables. Pain catastrophizing or a tendency for anxiety preoperatively had a strong negative impact on postoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation. Anxiety also predicted a lower postoperative quality of life, whereas pain catastrophizing had a negative impact on grip strength. Sense of coherence did not influence the outcome.

Level of evidence: II
Free online genome analyses reveal multiple strains in the beginning of a hospital outbreak of Enterobacter hormaechei carrying blaOXA-436 carbapenemase gene
Authors: Kemp Michael , Jespersen Magnus G , Toft Annette , Holm Anette
Published: June 2022

Free online tools for bacterial genome analyses are available for local infection surveillance at hospitals. The tools do not require bioinformatic expertise and provide rapid actionable results.

Within half a year carbapenemase producing Enterobacter cloacae was reported in clinical samples from three patients who had been hospitalized at the same ward.

The aim of this outbreak investigation was to characterize and compare genomes of the isolated bacteria in order to determine molecular evidence of hospital transmission.

The three isolates and two isolates reported as susceptible to carbapenems were locally analyzed by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Draft genome assembly, species identification, phylogenetic analyses, typing, resistance gene determination, and plasmid analyses were carried out using free online tools from the Center for Genomic Epidemiology (CGE).

Genome analyses identified all three suspected outbreak isolates as E. hormaechei carrying blaOXA-436 gene. Two of the suspected outbreak isolates were closely related, while one was substantially different from them. Horizontal transfer of plasmid may have taken place in the ward.

Detailed knowledge on the genomic composition of bacteria in suspected hospital outbreaks can be obtained by free online tools and may reveal transfer of resistance genes between different strains in addition to dissemination of specific clones.
Pneumonitis and Pulmonary Mucormycosis in a Covid-19 Positive Patient—A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Luv , Gupta Sumiti , Chopra Lalit , Dhamija Pooja
Published: June 2022

In the wake of second wave of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), an increased number of mucormycosis cases were reported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India. A total of 45 432 cases of mucormycosis were reported till mid-July 2021, with 4252 fatalities. Mucormycosis and other fungal infections are most commonly seen as an opportunistic infection. They are found in those with low underlying immunity either due to a diabetes, cancers particularly hematological malignancies, and so on, or as a side effect of prolonged/irrational use of certain drugs like steroids, immunosuppressive drugs for management of other disorders including Covid-19. The Health Authorities in India stated that although it is not a new disease, its true incidence during the beginning of the second wave was unknown as it was not a notifiable disease. As per reports, the most common presentations of mucormycosis included rhinocerebral (77.6%), cutaneous (4.3%), and pulmonary (3.0%). We present a case of pulmonary mucormycosis and pneumonitis in a Covid-19 positive patient brought for autopsy. The patient was an under trial prisoner sent for treatment to our facility who was reported Covid positive.
Sinonasal Acinic Cell Carcinoma: A Review of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Eide Jacob G. , Brant Jason A. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) is a salivary gland malignancy that rarely can involve the sinonasal cavity. There are limited outcomes data available to guide management.

Objective

We sought to use the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to characterize treatment outcomes in sinonasal ACC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the NCDB from 2004 to 2016 for patients with ACC involving the sinonasal cavity was conducted. Demographic, treatment, and survival information were obtained. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used to assess overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 28 patients were included in the analysis with an average age of 58.6 ± 15.5 years. Half the patients (n = 14, 50%) were male, mostly white (n = 23, 82.1%), and with private insurance (n = 16, 57.1%). The nasal cavity was the most common subsite (n = 18, 64.3%), followed by the maxillary sinus (n = 5, 17.9%). Most patient received surgery alone (n = 17, 60.7%), with the remaining patients undergoing surgery followed by radiation (n = 8, 28.6%), radiation alone (n = 1, 3.6%), and no treatment (n = 2, 7.1%). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival in this cohort was 100% (95% CI: 100%–100%), 84.3% (95% CI: 71.2%–99.7%), and 72.2% (95% CI: 55%–94.8%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, older age was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio (HR): 1.27; 95% CI: 1.11–1.46, P < .001). Disease of the sphenoid sinus correlated with worse survival (HR: 198, 95% CI: 10.4–3,739, P < .001) and large tumor size was associated with worse OS on log-rank test, but not on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Sinonasal ACC is a rare entity with relatively good long-term outcomes. Older age and primary disease of the sphenoid sinus are associated with worse outcomes. Most patients are treated with surgical resection. Future research is needed to assess the optimal timing and indications for radiation therapy.
Bridging neuroradiology and neuroanatomy: NOWinBRAIN—a repository with sequences of correlated and labeled planar-surface neuroimages
Authors: Nowinski Wieslaw L
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Integrating neuroradiology with neuroanatomy is essential in medical neuroeducation and neuroimage interpretation. To bridge 2D neuroradiology and 3D neuroanatomy, spatially correlated pairs of labeled images were employed, planar radiologic, and planar-surface combined. Research design: The method employs a 3D fully parcellated and labeled brain atlas extended to the head and neck with about 3000 3D components to create planar radiologic and surface neuroanatomic images. The atlas handles reformatted radiologic images as 3D objects using texture mapping which provides consistency with polygonal 3D neuroanatomic structures. This ensures a precise spatial correspondence of dual 2D–2D/3D images for any composed 3D scene reformatted in arbitrary orientation. The sequences of labeled dual images were created spanning a structure/system of interest in multiple orientations. To facilitate image searching, the image name encodes its content, orientation, and stereotactic location. Results: Labeled dual 2D–2D/3D neuroimage sequences in multiple orientations were created for the cerebrum, brainstem, deep nuclei, cerebral ventricles, intracranial arteries, dural sinuses, extracranial arteries, extracranial veins, trigeminal nerve, head muscles, glands, bones of cranium, and visual system. They all were hierarchically organized as a planar-surface gallery with 42 folders and 502 neuroimages. This gallery was integrated with a public NOW inBRAIN repository at www.nowinbrain.org with more than 7700 neuroimages. Conclusions: Owing to its advantages, simplicity, and free availability, this resource is useful for medical students, residents, educators, and clinicians to study the brain, head, and neck as well as to prepare presentations and teaching materials. The approach might potentially enhance image interpretation by integrating brain atlases with radiologic workstations.
Contribution to the study on the ‘right to disconnect’ from work. Are France and Spain examples for other countries and EU law?
Authors: Lerouge Loïc , Trujillo Pons Francisco
Published: June 2022

France and Spain were pioneer countries in regulating the right to ‘disconnect from work’. Indeed, this right has been recognised in these countries since 2016 and 2017 within the framework of the right to privacy in respect to the use of digital devices in the workplace. In accordance with the law, employees are protected if they do not use their digital devices (computer, mobile phone, tablet, smart watch, etc.) during periods of rest, thereby, ensuring that their right to rest is enshrined within the regulations of their country; especially in light of the Working Time Directive 2003/88/EC. Therefore, from an analysis of French and Spanish legislation, the aim is to suggest pathways that could enable other countries to better regulate the right to disconnect, but also to develop EU law on the subject.
‘Real-time’ air quality channels: A technology review of emerging environmental alert systems
Authors: Schulte Kayla
Published: June 2022

Poor air quality is a pressing global challenge contributing to adverse health impacts around the world. In the past decade, there has been a rapid proliferation of air quality information delivered via sensors, apps, websites or other media channels in near real-time and at increasingly localized geographic scales. This paper explores the growing emphasis on self-monitoring and digital platforms to supply informational interventions for reducing pollution exposures and improving health outcomes at the individual level. It presents a technological case study that characterizes emerging air quality information communication mechanisms, or ‘AQ channels’, while drawing upon examples throughout the literature. The questions are posed: which air quality channels are ‘freely’ available to individuals in London, UK, and when and where are they accessed? Digital trace data and metadata associated with 54 air quality channels are synthesized narratively and graphically. Results reveal air quality channels derive air pollution estimates using common data sources, display disparate messaging, adopt variable geographic scales for reporting ‘readings’ and maintain psychosocial barriers to access and adoption of exposure-reducing behaviours. The results also point to a clear association between the publication of a high-profile news article about air pollution and increased air quality channel access. These findings illuminate a need for greater transparency around how air quality channels generate personalized air pollution exposure estimates and tailor messaging. The paper concludes by calling for air quality channel developers to exercise co-creative methods that can support sustainable, democratic data and knowledge production around air quality, while critically approaching disproportionate patterns of both pollution and information exposure.
Medical and Biomechanical Risk Factors for Incident Bone Stress Injury in Collegiate Runners: Can Plantar Pressure Predict Injury?
Authors: Wilzman Andrew R. , Tenforde Adam S. , Troy Karen L. , Hunt Kenneth , Fogel Nathaniel , Roche Megan Deakins , Kraus Emily , Trikha Rishi , Delp Scott , Fredericson Michael
Published: June 2022

Background:

Bone stress injury (BSI) is a common reason for missed practices and competitions in elite track and field runners.

Hypothesis:

It was hypothesized that, after accounting for medical risk factors, higher plantar loading during running, walking, and athletic movements would predict the risk of future BSI in elite collegiate runners.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 39 elite collegiate runners (24 male, 15 female) were evaluated during the 2014-2015 academic year to determine the degree to which plantar pressure data and medical history (including Female and Male Athlete Triad risk factors) could predict subsequent BSI. Runners completed athletic movements while plantar pressures and contact areas in 7 key areas of the foot were recorded, and the measurements were reported overall and by specific foot area. Regression models were constructed to determine factors related to incident BSI.

Results:

Twenty-one runners (12 male, 9 female) sustained ≥1 incident BSI during the study period. Four regression models incorporating both plantar pressure measurements and medical risk factors were able to predict the subsequent occurrence of (A) BSIs in female runners, (B) BSIs in male runners, (C) multiple BSIs in either male or female runners, and (D) foot BSIs in female runners. Model A used maximum mean pressure (MMP) under the first metatarsal during a jump takeoff and only misclassified 1 female with no BSI. Model B used increased impulses under the hindfoot and second through fifth distal metatarsals while walking, and under the lesser toes during a cutting task, correctly categorizing 83.3% of male runners. Model C used higher medial midfoot peak pressure during a shuttle run and triad cumulative risk scores and correctly categorized 93.3% of runners who did not incur multiple BSIs and 66.7% of those who did. Model D included lower hindfoot impulses in the shuttle run and higher first metatarsal MMP during treadmill walking to correctly predict the subsequent occurrence of a foot BSI for 75% of women and 100% without.

Conclusion:

The models collectively suggested that higher plantar pressure may contribute to risk for BSI.
Comparison of Early Range of Motion in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Based on Indication: A Single Center Retrospective Review
Authors: Doany Michael E , Ling Kenny , Jeong Rosen , Nazemi Alireza , Komatsu David E , Wang Edward D
Published: June 2022

Background

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is commonly used in the treatment of rotator cuff arthropathy. Indications for RSA have expanded to include complex proximal humerus fractures. Studies directly comparing outcomes between traumatic and traditional elective indications are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare early active range of motion (aROM) within the first two years postoperatively between traumatic and non-traumatic primary RSA, as well as compare ASES scores, and patient satisfaction at final follow-up.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of all RSA performed by a single surgeon between January 2000 and December 2018. Patients were grouped by indication into traumatic and non-traumatic elective groups. Demographics, surgical data, and routine aROM data were collected. aROM was compared at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and patient satisfaction were determined at the time of this investigation.

Results

367 RSA procedures were performed by the senior author during the study period, 88 for fracture (24%), and 279 for non-traumatic elective indications (76%). Forward elevation and external rotation were inferior in the fracture group at all time points in the first two years. Internal rotation was equivalent throughout the first two years. Final ASES scores were 77.6 versus 83.5 in the fracture and non-fracture groups, respectively ( p = .33).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing RSA for fracture had statistically significant inferior aROM in forward elevation and external rotation throughout the first two years. Despite having inferior aROM, ASES scores and patient satisfaction at final follow-up were statistically equivalent.

Level of Evidence

Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparision; Prognosis Study
Deregulation and epigenetic modification of BCL2-family genes cause resistance to venetoclax in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Thomalla D. , Beckmann L. , Grimm C. , Oliverio M. , Meder L. , Herling C. D. , Nieper P. , Feldmann T. , Merkel O. , Lorsy E. , da Palma Guerreiro A. , von Jan J. , Kisis I. , Wasserburger E. , Claasen J. , Faitschuk-Meyer E. , Altmüller J. , Nürnberg P. , Yang T.-P. , Lienhard M. , Herwig R. , Kreuzer K.-A. , Pallasch C. P. , Büttner R. , Schäfer S. C. , Hartley J. , Abken H. , Peifer M. , Kashkar H. , Knittel G. , Eichhorst B. , Ullrich R. T. , Herling M. , Reinhardt H. C. , Hallek M. , Schweiger M. R. , Frenzel L. P.
Published: June 2022

The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has been approved to treat different hematological malignancies. Because there is no common genetic alteration causing resistance to venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and B-cell lymphoma, we asked if epigenetic events might be involved in venetoclax resistance. Therefore, we employed whole-exome sequencing, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 screening to investigate venetoclax resistance in aggressive lymphoma and high-risk CLL patients. We identified a regulatory CpG island within the PUMA promoter that is methylated upon venetoclax treatment, mediating PUMA downregulation on transcript and protein level. PUMA expression and sensitivity toward venetoclax can be restored by inhibition of methyltransferases. We can demonstrate that loss of PUMA results in metabolic reprogramming with higher oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate production, resembling the metabolic phenotype that is seen upon venetoclax resistance. Although PUMA loss is specific for acquired venetoclax resistance but not for acquired MCL1 resistance and is not seen in CLL patients after chemotherapy-resistance, BAX is essential for sensitivity toward both venetoclax and MCL1 inhibition. As we found loss of BAX in Richter’s syndrome patients after venetoclax failure, we defined BAX-mediated apoptosis to be critical for drug resistance but not for disease progression of CLL into aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in vivo. A compound screen revealed TRAIL-mediated apoptosis as a target to overcome BAX deficiency. Furthermore, antibody or CAR T cells eliminated venetoclax resistant lymphoma cells, paving a clinically applicable way to overcome venetoclax resistance.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and inflammasomes: the role of cigarette smoke in COPD
Authors: Fu Yaw-Syan , Kang Ning , Yu Yanping , Mi Yan , Guo Jialin , Wu Jingyi , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: June 2022

COPD is predicted to become the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide by 2030. Cigarette smoking (active or passive) is one of its chief causes, with about 20% of cigarette smokers developing COPD from cigarette smoke (CS)-induced irreversible damage and sustained inflammation of the airway epithelium. Inflammasome activation leads to the cleavage of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β and pro-IL-18, along with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokinesviagasdermin D N-terminal fragment membrane pores, which further triggers acute phase pro-inflammatory responses and concurrent pyroptosis. There is currently intense interest in the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing protein-3 inflammasomes in chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as COPD and their potential for therapeutic targeting. Phytochemicals including polyphenols and flavonoids have phyto-medicinal benefits in CS-COPD. Here, we review published articles from the last decade regarding the known associations between inflammasome-mediated responses and ameliorations in pre-clinical manifestations of CS-COPDviapolyphenol and flavonoid treatment, with a focus on the underlying mechanistic insights. This article will potentially assist the development of drugs for the prevention and therapy of COPD, particularly in cigarette smokers.
Estimation of dam line composition of 3-way crossbred animals using genomic information
Authors: Calus Mario P. L. , Henshall John M. , Hawken Rachel , Vandenplas Jérémie
Published: June 2022

Background

In genomic prediction including data of 3- or 4-way crossbred animals, line composition is usually fitted as a regression on expected line proportions, which are 0.5, 0.25 and 0.25, respectively, for 3-way crossbred animals. However, actual line proportions for the dam lines can vary between  ~ 0.1 and 0.4, and ignoring this variation may affect the genomic estimated breeding values of purebred selection candidates. Our aim was to validate a proposed gold standard to evaluate different approaches for estimating line proportions using simulated data, and to subsequently use this in actual 3-way crossbred broiler data to evaluate several other methods.

Results

Analysis of simulated data confirmed that line proportions computed from assigned breed-origin-of-alleles (BOA) provide a very accurate gold standard, even if the parental lines are closely related. Alternative investigated methods were linear regression of genotypes on line-specific allele frequencies, maximum likelihood estimation using the program ADMIXTURE, and the genomic relationship of crossbred animals with their maternal grandparents. The results from the simulated data showed that the genomic relationship with the maternal grandparent was most accurate, and least affected by closer relationships between the dam lines. Linear regression and ADMIXTURE performed similarly for unrelated lines, but their accuracy dropped considerably when the dam lines were more closely related. In almost all cases, estimates improved after adjusting them to ensure that the sum of dam line contributions within animals was equal to 0.5, and within dam line and across animals the average was equal to 0.25. Results from the broiler data were much more similar between methods. In both cases, stringent linkage disequilibrium pruning of genotype data led to a relatively low accuracy of predicted line proportions, due to the loss of too many single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Conclusions

With relatively unrelated parental lines as typical in crosses in pigs and poultry, linear regression of crossbred genotypes on line-specific allele frequencies and ADMIXTURE are very competitive methods. Thus, linear regression may be the method of choice, as it does not require genotypes of grandparents, is computationally very efficient, and easily implemented and adapted for considering the specific nature of the crossbred animals analysed.
Identifying network biomarkers of cancer by sample-specific differential network
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chang Xiao , Xia Jie , Huang Yanhong , Sun Shaoyan , Chen Luonan , Liu Xiaoping
Published: June 2022

Abundant datasets generated from various big science projects on diseases have presented great challenges and opportunities, which contributed to unfolding the complexity of diseases. The discovery of disease-associated molecular networks for each individual plays an important role in personalized therapy and precision treatment of cancer-based on the reference networks. However, there are no effective ways to distinguish the consistency of different reference networks. In this study, we developed a statistical method, i.e. a sample-specific differential network (SSDN), to construct and analyze such networks based on gene expression of a single sample against a reference dataset. We proved that the SSDN is structurally consistent even with different reference datasets if the reference dataset can follow certain conditions. The SSDN also can be used to identify patient-specific disease modules or network biomarkers as well as predict the potential driver genes of a tumor sample.