bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relative Importance of Joke and Audience Characteristics in Eliciting Amusement
Authors: Rosenbusch Hannes , Evans Anthony M. , Zeelenberg Marcel
Published: August 2022

The current work estimated the relative importance of joke and audience characteristics for the occurrence of amusement. Much psychological research has focused on stimulus characteristics when searching for sources of funniness. Some researchers have instead highlighted the importance of perceiver characteristics, such as dispositional cheerfulness. Across five preregistered studies ( Ns = 118–54,905) with varied stimuli and perceiver samples (website visitors, students, Mechanical Turk and Prolific users), variance-decomposition analyses found that perceiver characteristics account for more variance in funniness ratings than stimulus characteristics. Thus, psychological theories focusing on between-persons differences have a relatively high potential for explaining and predicting humor appreciation (here, funniness ratings). Crucially, perceiver-by-stimulus interactions explained the largest amount of variance, highlighting the importance of fit between joke and audience characteristics when predicting amusement. Implications for humor-appreciation theories and applications are discussed.
Effect of LncRNA OIP5-AS1/microRNA-186-5p on isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged rats
Authors: Sun Yujing , Yuan Yawei , Wang Long , Sun Sen
Published: August 2022

Background

Post-operative recognition dysfunction (POCD) is a kind of central nervous system complication that appears after operative anesthesia. Recent studies on the mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in neurodegenerative diseases are abundant.

Aims

The study aimed to explore the expression pattern and role of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in POCD and to investigate its underlying mechanism in old rats.

Methods

The old rats were exposed to isoflurane to mimic the POCD in the elderly, and their cognitive function was tested via Morris water maze (MWM) test. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was applied for the concentration detection of inflammation and oxidative stress-related factors. Luciferase reporter assay was done for the target gene analysis.

Results

Downregulation of OIP5-AS1 was accompanied by isoflurane treatment in rats, overexpression of OIP5-AS1 induced the rats to spend more time in the target quadrant, and shorten escape latency time. OIP5-AS1 inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, GSH and superoxide dismutase, decreased the activation of caspase-3, but promoted malondialdehyde release. miR-186-5p was a target miRNA of OIP5-AS1, and exhibited high expression in rats after isoflurane exposure. miR-186-5p can abolish the beneficial role of OIP5-AS1 against cognitive impairment, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and neuron apoptosis.

Conclusion

OIP5-AS1 plays a neuroprotective role in elderly POCD rats through sponging miR-186-5p, and it is related to OIP5-AS1/miR-186-5p mediated inflammatory response, oxidative stress and neuron apoptosis.
The protective effects of ritodrine against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Zhu Jing , Liu Haiyun , Mao Lijing
Published: August 2022

Endometriosis (EMS) is often observed in women of childbearing age and significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Ritodrine is a β2 receptor agonist applied for relaxing the uterine smooth muscle. Its inhibitory effects on inflammation have recently been noted. The present study explored the protective impact of Ritodrine on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)- induced injury in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Human ESCs (HESCs) were treated with Ritodrine (0.1, 0.5 μM) for 24 h, followed by exposure to H/R for 6 h. Ritodrine ameliorated H/R-induced higher reactive oxygen species (ROS), declined glutathione (GSH) concentration and increased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin- 6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in HESCs. Furthermore, Ritodrine ameliorated the H/R-induced higher nuclear level of nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) p65 expression and increased luciferase activity of the NF-κB promoter. In addition, we show that Ritodrine mitigated H/R-induced higher estrogen receptor α (ER-α) expression in HESCs. Interestingly, overexpressing ER-α abolished the regulatory effects of Ritodrine on oxidative stress and the NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammation. Collectively, our data reveal that Ritodrine alleviated H/R-induced injury in ESCs by inhibiting the ER-α/NF-κB pathway.
Assessment of chemotherapy-related educational needs of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Tezcan Songul , Tanır Gökçen İlke , Yılmaz Hayriye , Memiş Semra , Yumuk Perran Fulden , Apikoğlu Şule
Published: August 2022

Aim

Aim of our study was to evaluate cancer patients’ knowledge about their chemotherapy regimens in order to assess educational needs of patients.

Methods

Study was conducted on 58 colorectal carcinoma patients who were treated in an outpatient chemotherapy unit. These patients had received a 2-page information pamphlet about their chemotherapy treatments before the commencement of treatment. During the first interview with patients, pharmacist collected demographic data and evaluated patients’ knowledge about their medications using a standardized questionnaire.

Findings

Mean age of the patients was 59.6 ± 1.3 years; 65.5% were male. Majority (77.6%) of patients were graduates of primary school. Sixty-four percent of these had at least one comorbid disease. Median number of chemotherapy courses already received by patients was 4 (1–9). Fifty-nine percent reported that they did not receive any patient education and 43.1% reported that they did not receive any informative document. Twenty-nine percent of patients did not know what actions to take in case of nausea-vomiting; while 53.4% did not know how to react if their body temperature exceeded 38 °C and 25.9% had no idea about dietary necessities. About one-third of patients did not pay attention to oral care.

Conclusion

Our study showed that patients did not understand (or remember) the basic points about their chemotherapy sufficiently, but remembered the adverse effects they experienced occasionally. Pharmacists will have the chance to increase the level of knowledge of the patients receiving chemotherapy by providing patient education and follow-up.
Improvement of cooking and textural properties of rice flour-soy protein isolate noodles stabilised with microbial transglutaminase and glucono-δ-lactone and dried using superheated steam
Authors: Ojukwu Moses , Tan Hui Ling , Murad Maizura , Nafchi Abdorreza Mohammad , Easa Azhar Mat
Published: August 2022

In a bid to produce rice flour noodles with improved texture and reduced cooking time, rice flour-soy protein isolate noodles (RNS) were structurally enhanced by a combined treatment (COM) of microbial transglutaminase (MTG) with glucono-δ-lactone (GDL). The RNS-COM was either dried using superheated steam (SHS) to yield RNS-COM-SHS or steamed for 10 min (S10) before air drying to produce RNS-COM-S10 noodles. Control samples were SHS-dried rice flour (RN-SHS) and air-dried RN-S10 noodles. In general, textural and microstructural properties indicated higher textural properties and a more robust network in RNS-COM-SHS and RNS-COM-S10 than in other noodles. However, optimum cooking time (P < 0.5) was in the order; RN-SHS, RNS-COM-SHS < RN-S10 < RNS-COM-S10. As a result of the COM treatment, structurally enhanced noodles were more resistant to cooking. As applied in RNS-COM-SHS noodles, SHS was able to improve cooking quality, probably through the formation of bigger and evenly spread pores that had promoted faster gelatinisation of starch, with a high order of relative starch crystallinity.
Corruption and the Burden of Regulation: National, Regional, and Firm-Level Evidence
Authors: Breen Michael , Gillanders Robert
Published: August 2022

Does corruption ease the burden of regulation? We test this question using survey data on business managers’ experience in dealing with regulation and corruption. We find that there is substantial within-country variation in the burden of regulation and that corruption is associated with worse regulatory outcomes across a range of indicators at the country, national, and firm level. These findings suggest that corruption is associated with an increase in the burden of regulation, and imposes large costs on businesses. While corruption is associated with an increased burden of regulation, this does not seem to happen through an increase in how much time senior managers must devote to regulation, suggesting that the cost of corruption-induced regulation manifests in the form of additional staff costs or professional fees.
Correlation of Walking Activity and Cardiac Hospitalizations in Coronary Patients for 1 Year Post Cardiac Rehabilitation: The More Steps, the Better!
Authors: Al Najem Sinann , Groll Andreas , Schmermund Axel , Nowak Bernd , Voigtländer Thomas , Kaltenbach Ulrike , Dohmann Peter , Andresen Dietrich , Scharhag Jürgen
Published: August 2022

Problem:

Reducing risk by improving fitness is one of the main objectives of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). To estimate how the number of steps/day post-CR affects coronary patients’ prognosis, we analyzed its correlation with the occurrence of death, hospitalizations, and heart complaints, and if and how other variables (ejection fraction (EF), gender, age) relate to those.

Methods:

One hundred eleven patients (male = 91, female = 20; average age ± standard deviation (SD): 61 ± 11 years) who had been in CR due to recent coronary revascularization or chronic coronary syndrome could be enrolled. Patients were advised to document their steps (daily), blood pressure (daily), weight (weekly) and occurrences of a cardiac event in a diary for 1 year post-CR. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the influence of steps/day, EF, gender, and age until the occurrence of an event. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to compare patients’ profiles.

Results:

Average steps/day of patients post-CR were 7333 (SD 4426). Increased walking activity reduced risk for cardiac hospitalization (constant steps/day: 5000 vs 7500, hazard rate (HR) reduction of 0.43; 10 000 vs 12 500, HR reduction of 0.20) and risk was higher in patients with an EF < 55% versus EF ⩾ 55% (HR increase of 2.88). Median follow-up time post-CR was 218 days. No patient died, 25 were hospitalized.

Discussion:

Monitoring the number of steps of coronary patients post CR could be valuable for estimating patients’ prognosis.
Practical Guidelines for Managing Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Update
Authors: Johnston Leah A. , Alhusayen Raed , Bourcier Marc , Delorme Isabelle , George Ralph , O’Brien Elizabeth , Wong Se Mang , Poelman Susan M.
Published: August 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by the formation of comedones, papules, nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts in the axillary, inframammary, groin, and gluteal areas. Up to 3.8% of the Canadian population has HS, though due to a lack of awareness of HS, many patients are initially misdiagnosed and do not receive adequate treatment early on in the disease course. Once a diagnosis of HS is made, developing an effective management plan can be a dilemma for many providers. There is significant variability in response to any given therapy within the HS patient population and many HS patients have other medical comorbidities which must be taken into consideration. The aim of this review is to provide a practical approach for all healthcare providers to diagnose and manage HS and its associated comorbidities. A sample electronic medical record template for HS management was developed by the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation Executive Board and is intended for use in clinical settings. This will help to increase collaboration between primary healthcare providers, dermatologists, and other medical specialists and ultimately improve the quality of care that HS patients receive.
Discovering the prize: information, lobbying, and the origins of US–Saudi security relations
Authors: Evers Miles M.
Published: August 2022

How do policymakers discover their energy security interests abroad? Conventional wisdom assumes states have an inherent interest in securing an affordable and steady supply of oil. In this paper, I show that policymakers often fail to realize such vital interests on their own. Instead, multinational actors like international oil corporations (IOCs) educate policymakers on their state’s security interests abroad. By integrating prior scholarship on corporate power with insights on lobbying in American politics, I theorize that multinational corporations like IOCs can influence security policy when two conditions are met: first, policymakers demand information on security policy because of issue complexities, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and structural holes in the international system; and second, these corporations possess social ties that grant them the access, trust, and legitimacy to supply those policymakers with information. In the context of energy security, IOCs provide information on foreign sources of oil, threats posed to access, and anticipatory strategies for protecting access. I apply the theory to the origins of U.S. lend-lease aid to Saudi Arabia in 1943. Through sequential analysis, process-tracing, and comparative counterfactual reasoning, I argue an American IOC hastened U.S. interests in securing Saudi oil by using its ties to lobby the Roosevelt Administration at a time when the Administration lacked information on the country. The theory and findings broaden the state-centric view of energy security, contribute new evidence to historiography on US–Saudi relations, and fill an important gap in our understanding of corporate lobbying in security policy.
Teacher as creator: Orchestrating the learning environment to promote learner development
Authors: Leontjev Dmitri , deBoer Mark
Published: August 2022

Sociocultural theory (SCT) is a powerful basis for exploring and guiding L2 (second/foreign language) learner development. For the most part, however, the focus of classroom SCT-L2 has been on single activities, for example, teacher mediation of learners’ writing process or peer scaffolding. In this paper, we expand on these studies, building on Vygotsky’s (1997) metaphor of teacher as a creator of learner development. We propose how activities (1) where agency for guiding development lies with learners, (2) where the teacher takes the lead in guiding learner development, and (3) where opportunities for development emerge in dialogical interaction between the teacher and learners can be orchestrated to collectively create learner development. We report on an academic L2 English writing course at a Japanese university. The instructor first created opportunities for learner development in peer interactions. The instructor then built on the information received from these with regard to learners’ challenge with coherence in subsequent group dynamic assessment and frontal work using a SCOBA. Finally, the instructor traced the change in learners’ self-regulation in later peer interactions. We will focus on the development of one learner’s L2 English writing throughout the course, illustrating how insights into areas of learners’ struggle and mediated performance emerged in peer interaction, how the instructor built on these, and how this mediation guided the peer interaction to follow.
Drama-in-teacher-education: A ‘metaxical’ approach for juxtaposing EFL teacher identity and tensions
Authors: Uştuk Özgehan
Published: August 2022

Tensions are generally coined as negative experiences because teachers may find them intimidating when their reality and ideals/beliefs/practices do not match. However, tensions can also be potentially critical resources for an identity-responsive language teacher education. This study proposes a metaxical approach to operationalize tensions in language teacher education. In this approach, tensions are closely related to language teacher/learner identities, and they are juxtaposed in dramatized settings. In other words, tensions are used as productive learning experiences for pre-service language teachers. In this self-study of teacher education practices (S-STEP) case study, the researcher drew on classroom observations, reflective tasks, and interviews to collect the qualitative data, which were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis to explore the metaxis experienced by the participants. Findings revealed that (1) pre-service teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) discovered tensions as professional learning opportunities in dramatized settings; (2) they explored tensions in a safe learning environment while juxtaposing these identity tensions through make-believe; (3) the identity work in metaxis allowed participants to navigate through tensions while (re)constructing their teacher/learner identities.
Development of upper gastrointestinal cancer in patients with symptomatic gallstones, cholecystectomy, and sphincterotomy: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Shabanzadeh Daniel M. , Martinussen Torben , Sørensen Lars T.
Published: August 2022

Background and objective:

Exposures of gallstones and treatments thereof in relation to development of cancer have not been explored before in long-term follow-up studies. Our objective was to determine whether symptomatic gallstones, cholecystectomy, or sphincterotomy were associated with development of upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Methods:

This is a nationwide cohort study of persons born in Denmark 1930–1984 included from age 30 years with long-term follow-up (1977–2014). Exposures were hospital admissions with gallstones, cholecystectomy, and sphincterotomy. Time-varying covariates were included in analyses to allow the impact of exposures to change with time. Follow-up periods were 2–5 and > 5 years. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.

Results:

A total of 4,465,962 persons were followed. We found positive associations between sphincterotomy and biliary (>5 years HR 4.34, CI [2.17–8.70]), gallbladder (2–5 years HR 20.7, CI [8.55–50.1]), and pancreatic cancer (2–5 years HR 3.68, CI [2.09–6.49]). Cholecystectomy was positively associated with duodenal (2–5 years HR 2.94, CI [1.31–6.58]) and small bowel cancer (2–5 years HR 2.75, CI [1.56–4.87]). Inverse associations were seen for cholecystectomy and biliary (>5 years HR 0.60, CI [0.41–0.87]), pancreatic (>5 years HR 0.45 CI [0.35–0.57]), esophageal (>5 years HR 0.57, CI [0.43–0.74]), and gastric cancer (>5 years HR 0.68, CI [0.55–0.86]) and for gallstones and pancreatic cancer (>5 years HR 0.66, CI [0.47–0.93]). Gallstones were positively associated with gallbladder (>5 years HR 3.51, CI [2.02–6.10]) and small bowel cancer (2–5 years HR 3.21, CI [1.60–6.45]).

Conclusions:

A positive association between sphincterotomy and biliary cancer was identified. Cholecystectomy seems to be inversely associated with biliary, pancreatic, esophageal, and gastric cancer. Associations should be explored in similar large cohorts.
Risk factors for evaluating early mortality after microvascular reconstruction of head and neck cancers
Authors: Nieminen Teija , Tolvi Morag , Lassus Patrik , Wilkman Tommy , Lehtonen Lasse , Mäkitie Antti
Published: August 2022

Background:

Free tissue transfer reconstruction carries significant complication rates in surgical head and neck oncology. A registry-based approach offers a possibility to investigate the factors affecting increased morbidity and early mortality, that is, death within 6 months of treatment.

Methods:

A retrospective registry review was conducted on a series of 317 consecutive microvascular free tissue transfers in head and neck cancer patients performed during 2013–2017 at the Helsinki University Hospital (Helsinki, Finland). All surviving patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 24–84 months).

Results:

Overall, 36 (11.4%) early deaths occurred in this series. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients aged 75 years and older ( p = 0.019), Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) score of 3 ( p = 0.048), tumor class T3 ( p = 0.005), lymph node class N2 ( p = 0.014), or thrombocyte count of 360 (× 109 L) or more ( p = 0.001) were more likely to die within 6 months of surgery. Of these 36 patients, 27 (75%) had a complication warranting hospital care and most ( n = 22, 61%) had several complications.

Conclusions:

Early postoperative mortality most frequently affects patients aged 75 years and above, with a high ACE-27 score, advanced tumor stage, or high thrombocyte count. Therefore, preoperative assessment and patient selection should have a crucial role in this patient population.
The Performance Quality Rating Scale for Somatosensation After Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wanklyn Tamara , Webster Kate E. , Nielsen Brittni , Mak-Yuen Yvonne , Haslam Brendon S. , Carey Leeanne M.
Published: August 2022

To our knowledge, no measure of observed performance in self-selected activities has been specifically tested for use with stroke survivors with somatosensory deficits. The objective of this study is to modify the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS) for use with stroke survivors with somatosensory deficits and report the interrater reliability. Videos of stroke survivors ( N = 22) with somatosensory deficits performing self-selected activities on two separate occasions (76 video clips; 38 activities) were viewed by two clinicians who rated performance using the modified PQRS. Reported properties of the modified PQRS included the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Spearman’s rho and standard error of measurement (SEM). Interrater reliability was good (ICC2,1 = 0.81). Raters’ scores correlated highly (Spearman’s rho = 0.81), and the SEM (1.07) was acceptable. The modified PQRS demonstrated good interrater reliability. Further modifications such as developing common operational definitions that are applicable across a wide range of activities may improve the clinical usability of the scale.
Income and Social Trust in Latin America
Authors: González Juan Pablo
Published: August 2022

How do economic conditions affect trust? In this paper, I analyze the effect of natural resource shocks on social trust in Latin American regions. To deal with the endogeneity between income and trust, I use an identification strategy that relies on the exogeneity of the international prices of commodities. I show that income shocks have a positive effect on social trust, a result that is robust to a number of checks. I present evidence that points to two mechanisms: increases in life satisfaction and a reduction in crime victimization. I do not find that inequality is moderating this effect nor that extractive commodities are detrimental to social trust. These results are consistent with the decline in social trust on the continent during the last decade of sluggish growth and economic turmoil.
Evaluation on Hepatoprotection of Dihydromyricetin in Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity Based on Analysis of Inflammation and Apoptosis Mediated by PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Gong Jingli , Zhang Huifeng , Yu Huan , Zhang Xiaomei , Wang Ruman , Gao Juntao
Published: August 2022

Purpose: We aimed to investigate whether dihydromyricetin (DHM) could alleviate acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver damage in mice, and to verify whether the process is associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Methods: The contents of DHM in serum and related physiological indicators in blood and liver tissue were measured, respectively. We used haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), TUNEL, Hoechst 33,258, immunofluorescence assay and western blot methods to comprehensively assess the protective mechanism and therapeutic effect of DHM on liver damage induced by APAP (250 mg/kg) in mice. Results: APAP (250 mg/kg) could increase the expression of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and cause 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) overexpression and stress response in the PI3K/AKT pathway. DHM was also detected in the serum of mice about five minutes after administration. DHM pretreatment could reverse GSH depletion and CYP2E1 overexpression, reduce the expression of ALT, AST, malondialdehyde, 4-HNE, TNF-α, and IL-1β, meanwhile it could reverse the abnormal expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related proteins which were induced by APAP. DHM pretreatment significantly reduced APAP-induced liver tissue apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration. Conclusion: DHM had a hepatoprotective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by APAP, which was shown by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and reducing hepatocyte apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Expanding Latent Tuberculosis Infection Testing and Treatment in Massachusetts Primary Care Clinics via the ECHO Model
Authors: Szkwarko Daria , Urbanowski Michael E. , Thal Rebecca , Iyer Patricia , Foley Susan , Randall Liisa M. , Bernardo John , Savageau Judith A. , Cochran Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Introduction/Objectives:

In the US, reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) accounts for 80% of new cases. In 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force provided a new recommendation that primary care providers (PCPs) should conduct LTBI screening, whereas in the past, LTBI cases were evaluated and treated by specialty providers. This shift in care revealed knowledge gaps surrounding LTBI treatment among PCPs. This study assessed changes in PCPs’ confidence for performing key aspects of LTBI care before and after participation in an LTBI Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) course.

Methods:

The ECHO Model™ is an evidence-based telementoring intervention. Participants were primary care team members from clinics throughout Massachusetts who voluntarily enrolled in the ECHO course. In this mixed-methods evaluation, primary outcomes were PCP self-reported confidence changes by pre- and post-course surveys and post-course semi-structured interviews.

Results:

Twenty PCPs (43% of registered PCPs) attended at least 3 of the 6 sessions and 24 PCPs (31% of registered PCPs) completed at least one survey. Confidence increased in selecting a test ( P = .004), interpreting tuberculosis infection test results ( P = .03), and selecting a treatment regimen ( P = .004). Qualitative interviews with 3 PCPs revealed practice changes including switching to interferon gamma release assays for testing and using rifampin for treatment.

Conclusions:

Use of the ECHO model to train PCPs in LTBI management is feasible and efficacious. For continuing medical education, ECHO courses can be leveraged to reduce health disparities in settings where PCPs’ lack of familiarity about a treatment topic contributes to poor health outcomes.
A Systematic Review of Perioperative Complications in en Bloc Resection for Spinal Tumors
Authors: Li Zhehuang , Guo Liangyu , Zhang Peng , Wang Jiaqiang , Wang Xin , Yao Weitao
Published: August 2022

Study design

Systematic review.

Objective

En bloc resection is a major, invasive surgical procedure designed to completely resect a vertebral tumor with a sufficient margin. It is technically demanding and potentially poses risks of perioperative complications. In this systematic review, we investigated the incidence of complications after en bloc resection for spinal tumors.

Methods

We screened PubMed and Embase databases for relevant English publications, from 1980 to 2020, using the following terms: spine OR spinal AND en bloc AND tumor. Using a standard PRISMA template, after the initial screening, full-text articles of interest were evaluated.

Results

Thirty-six studies with 961 patients were included. The overall mean age of patients was 49.6 years, and the mean follow-up time was 33.5 months. There were 560 complications, and an overall complication rate of 58.3% (560/961). The 5 most frequent complications were neurological damage (12.7%), hardware failure (12.1%), dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (10.6%), wound-related complications (7.6%) and vascular injury and bleeding (7.3%). The complication-related revision rate was 10.7% (103/961). The average incidence of complication-related death was 1.2% (12/961).

Conclusions

En bloc resection is a surgical procedure that is very invasive and technically challenging, and the possible risks of perioperative complications should not be neglected. The overall complication rate is high. However, complication-related death was rare. The advantages of surgery should be weighed against the serious perioperative morbidity associated with this technique.
Heterogeneity in firms’ recruitment practices: New evidence from representative employer data
Authors: Brändle Tobias , Grunau Philipp , Haylock Michael , Kampkötter Patrick
Published: August 2022

The hiring and recruitment process is one of the main challenges to the success of companies and a significant driver of total labor costs. We use representative employer data for German private-sector establishments with at least 50 employees to explore recent developments in employer search, selection, and screening activities over the years of 2012–2018. We document changes in hiring policies over time and address heterogeneity across establishments related to size, ownership, and industry sector. Our results show that although establishment characteristics are correlated with different facets of hiring behavior, there is no homogeneous pattern for employer search and selection instruments. We highlight differences of hiring practices targeted at managerial versus non-managerial new hires. Finally, we outline potential mechanisms and research gaps for future work and discuss managerial implications.

JEL Codes: J21, J63, M51
Book review: Rup Kumar Barman, Migration, State Policies and Citizenship: A Historical Study on India, Bangladesh and Bhutan
Authors: Mukherjee Soumyajit
Published: August 2022

Rup Kumar Barman, Migration, State Policies and Citizenship: A Historical Study on India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. New Delhi: Aayu Publication, 2021, xxviii + 242 pp., ₹1,895. ISBN: 978-93-89381-13-9 (Hardback).
The effects of interventions to enhance cognitive and physical functions in older people with cognitive frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tam Ada Chung Ying , Chan Amanda Wan Yee , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Ho Lily Yuen Wah , Tang Angel Shuk Kwan , Christensen Martin , Tse Mimi Mun Yee , Kwan Rick Yiu Cho
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Cognitive frailty is the co-existence of mild cognitive impairment and physical frailty that increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. The existing systematic reviews on cognitive frailty in the literature have focused only on identifying associated factors and adverse outcomes, and their relationship with frailty and cognition. This study aimed to examine the effects of interventions on cognitive functions, frailty, and physical functions and provide an overview of intervention components used in older people with cognitive frailty.

Methods

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane were searched for publishing during 2013–2021. Studies were selected based on the following eligibility criteria: 1) older people (age ≥ 60 years), 2) cognitive frailty, 3) outcomes on frailty or cognition or physical function, and 4) randomized controlled trial with any type of intervention. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to rate the quality of the included studies. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021251321).

Results

Two thousand five hundred six studies were identified, 9 were eligible, and 8 were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference (Hedges G) between groups of cognitive functions was 0.95, frailty status was 0, physical function in walking was -1.67, and the physical function in core strength assessment was 3.39. Physical activity appeared as an essential component in all interventions for older people with cognitive frailty.

Discussion

All interventions include physical activity as one of the components. Other components include cognitive training, nutrition education, behavioural intervention, mind–body intervention, psychosocial support, and virtual reality. The interventions are effective to promote cognitive and physical functions, but not physical frailty.
Analyzing lignin biosynthesis pathways in rattan using improved co-expression networks of NACs and MYBs
Authors: Wang Yu , Hou Yinguang , Wang Jiongliang , Zhao Hansheng
Published: August 2022

Background

The rattan is a valuable plant resource with multiple applications in tropical forests. Calamus simplicifolius and Daemonorops jenkinsiana are the two most representative rattan species, supplying over 95% of the raw materials for the rattan industry. Hence, the wood properties of both rattans have always attracted researchers’ attention.

Results

We re-annotated the genomes, obtained 81 RNA-Seq datasets, and developed an improved pipeline to increase the reliability of co-expression networks of both rattans. Based on the data and pipeline, co-expression relationships were detected in 11 NACs, 49 MYBs, and 86 lignin biosynthesis genes in C. simplicifolius and four NACs, 59 MYBs, and 76 lignin biosynthesis genes in D. jenkinsiana, respectively. Among these co-expression pairs, several genes had a close relationship to the development of wood properties. Additionally, we detected the enzyme gene on the lignin biosynthesis pathway was regulated by either NAC or MYB, while LACCASES was regulated by both NAC and MYB. For D. jenkinsiana, the lignin biosynthesis regulatory network was characterized by positive regulation, and MYB possible negatively regulate non-expressed lignin biosynthesis genes in stem tissues. For C. simplicifolius, NAC may positively regulate highly expressed genes and negatively regulate non-expressed lignin biosynthesis genes in stem tissues. Furthermore, we established core regulatory networks of NAC and MYB for both rattans.

Conclusions

This work improved the accuracy of rattan gene annotation by integrating an efficient co-expression network analysis pipeline, enhancing gene coverage and accuracy of the constructed network, and facilitating an understanding of co-expression relationships among NAC, MYB, and lignin biosynthesis genes in rattan and other plants.
Impact of unintentional coronary angiography on outcomes of emergency surgery in acute type A aortic dissection: a retrospective study
Authors: Peng Hao , Liu Wei , Jian Kai-Tao , Xia Yu , Liu Jian-Shi , Sun Li-Zhong , Mei Yun-Qing
Published: August 2022

Background

This study investigated the impact of coronary angiography on outcomes of emergency operation in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients who were initially misdiagnosed as an acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

From October 2016 to April 2019, 129 patients underwent emergency operation for ATAAD in our institution, including 21 patients (16.3%, coronary angiography group) who received preoperative coronary angiography without knowledge of the ATAAD, and the rest 108 did not (Non-coronary angiography group). Preoperative clinical characteristics, 30-day mortality and postoperative complications were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to confirm the independent prognostic factors for short-term and long-term outcomes.

Results

Patients undergoing coronary angiography had higher prevalence of preoperative hypotension or shock (61.9% vs 35.2%, P = 0.022), ischemic changes on electrocardiogram (66.7% vs 37.0%, P = 0.012), platelet inhibition (ADP-induced inhibition 92.0% vs 46.0%, P = 0.001), and coronary involvement (66.7% vs 30.6%, P = 0.002). 30-day mortality was 4.8% versus 9.3% (P = 0.84). Coronary angiography group had more intraoperative bleeding (1900 ml vs 1500 ml, P = 0.013) and chest-tube drainage on the first postoperative day (1040 ml vs 595 ml, P = 0.028). However, preoperative coronary angiography was not independent risk factors for 30-day mortality (OR 0.171, 95%CI 0.013–2.174, P = 0.173) and overall survival (HR 0.407; 95%CI 0.080–2.057; P = 0.277).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing coronary angiography carried a higher risk of preoperative hemodynamic instability, myocardial ischemia, and perioperative bleeding. However, unintentional coronary angiography did not have a significant impact on short-term and long-term outcomes of emergency surgery in ATAAD.
Epidemiology and genomic analysis of Klebsiella oxytoca from a single hospital network in Australia
Authors: Stewart James , Judd Louise M. , Jenney Adam , Holt Kathryn E. , Wyres Kelly L. , Hawkey Jane
Published: August 2022

Background

Infections caused by Klebsiella oxytoca are the second most common cause of Klebsiella infections in humans. Most studies have focused on K. oxytoca outbreaks and few have examined the broader clinical context of K. oxytoca.

Methods

Here, we collected all clinical isolates identified as K. oxytoca in a hospital microbiological diagnostic lab across a 15-month period (n = 239). Whole genome sequencing was performed on a subset of 92 isolates (all invasive, third-generation cephalosporin resistant (3GCR) and non-urinary isolates collected > 48 h after admission), including long-read sequencing on a further six isolates with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase or carbapenemase genes.

Results

The majority of isolates were sensitive to antimicrobials, however 22 isolates were 3GCR, of which five were also carbapenem resistant. Genomic analyses showed those identified as K. oxytoca by the clinical laboratory actually encompassed four distinct species (K. oxytoca, Klebsiella michiganensis, Klebsiella grimontii and Klebsiella pasteurii), referred to as the K. oxytoca species complex (KoSC). There was significant diversity within the population, with only 10/67 multi-locus sequence types (STs) represented by more than one isolate. Strain transmission was rare, with only one likely event identified. Six isolates had extended spectrum beta-lactamase (blaSHV−12 and/or blaCTX−M−9) or carbapenemase (blaIMP−4) genes. One pair of K. michiganensis and K. pasteurii genomes carried identical blaIMP−4 IncL/M plasmids, indicative of plasmid transmission.

Conclusion

Whilst antimicrobial resistance was rare, the resistance plasmids were similar to those found in other Enterobacterales, demonstrating that KoSC has access to the same plasmid reservoir and thus there is potential for multi-drug resistance. Further genomic studies are required to improve our understanding of the KoSC population and facilitate investigation into the attributes of successful nosocomial isolates.
Evaluation of pediatric-specific resources to support utilization of the Wheelchair Skills Training Program by the users of the resources: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Ouellet Béatrice , Rushton Paula W. , Côté Andrée-Anne , Fortin-Haines Laurence , Lafleur Emma , Paré Isabelle , Barwick Melanie , Kirby R. Lee , Robert Maxime T. , Routhier François , Dib Tatiana , Burrola-Mendez Yohali , Best Krista L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Children’s ability to engage in meaningful activities is positively influenced by their ability to move independently. Preliminary evidence in children suggests that wheelchair skills training improves wheelchair skills, which are important for independent mobility. The Wheelchair Skills Training Program is a standardized program to teach wheelchair skills. However, it is underutilized in pediatric rehabilitation settings. To increase its utilization, 3 pediatric-specific Wheelchair Skills Training Program resources related to indoor skills were developed (i.e., a storybook, four instructional posters, and a training workbook). This study aimed to describe occupational therapists’ (OTs) and pediatric manual wheelchair users’ (PMWUs) perceived satisfaction with the storybook, instructional posters and training workbook, and to explore their perceptions regarding the usability, relevance, and feasibility of these resources in pediatric rehabilitation settings.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative design was used. Convenience samples of OTs and PMWUs were recruited in a rehabilitation center and affiliated schools. A focus group with OTs and semi-structured interviews with PMWUs were conducted by videoconference to obtain participants’ feedback on the resource prototypes and suggestions for improvement. Data were deductively analyzed using the Framework method.

Results

Eight OTs and 5 PMWUs expressed general satisfaction with the resources, describing them as usable, relevant, and feasible to integrate into wheelchair skills training with novice wheelchair users and younger children. All OTs and 3 PMWUs expressed the desire to use the resources for wheelchair skills training. Two PMWUs perceived the resources were not relevant to them because they already mastered the skills. The participants suggested minor modifications for improving the resources (e.g., more action in the story, increased precision of illustrations related to the characters’ position in the wheelchair).

Conclusion

OTs and PMWUs were satisfied with the resources, perceiving them to be applicable for training wheelchair skills among young children and novice wheelchair users. The resources represent a concrete solution to facilitate the use of the Wheelchair Skills Training Program in pediatric rehabilitation settings. Additional resources are needed to better reach older and more experienced PMWUs (i.e., of intermediate and advanced skill levels).
The global survival rate of graft and patient in kidney transplantation of children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghelichi-Ghojogh Mousa , Mohammadizadeh Fateme , Jafari Fatemeh , Vali Mouhebat , Jahanian Sepideh , Mohammadi Masoud , Jafari Alireza , Khezri Rozhan , Nikbakht Hossein-Ali , Daliri Masumeh , Rajabi Abdolhalim
Published: August 2022

Background

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis on published studies about the Global Survival Rate of Graft and Patients in the Kidney Transplantation of children.

Methods

Studies that investigated the survival rate of kidney transplants published until the 30th of December 2020 were selected using a systematic search strategy in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane. The extracted data were entered into the Excel software and STATA 16.0. The search identified 6007 study references. From the total, we excluded 1348 duplicates, 3688 reference titles and abstracts that were deemed irrelevant, and 846 references that were not original articles (i.e., letter, commentary, review) or did not meet the inclusion criteria. As such, 89 studies involving 12,330 participants were included in this meta-analysis.

Results

In this study 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10-year survival rates of graft were estimated to be 92, 83, 74.40, 67.10, and 63.50%, respectively. Also, 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10-year survival rates of patients were estimated to be 99.60, 97.30, 95.20, 74.60, and 97.90%, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings suggest differences in graft and patient survival among children with kidney transplants. Although differences in ethnic origin, incompatibility with deceased donor kidneys, and types of kidney disease are unavoidable, interventions to improve preventive and living-donor transplantation are particularly needed in minority groups. In addition, more research is needed to establish and address the contribution of medical and sociocultural barriers to preferential treatment of these groups.
Chronic pain, mental health and functional impairment in adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nissen Alexander , Hynek Kamila Angelika , Scales David , Hilden Per Kristian , Straiton Melanie
Published: August 2022

Background

Limited research exists on pain and especially the co-occurrence of pain and mental ill health in general refugee populations. The present study aimed to approximate the prevalence of chronic pain (CP) among adult refugees from Syria resettled in Norway; investigate the association between CP and mental ill health; and explore how CP and mental ill health associate with both perceived general health and functional impairment. Gender as potential effect modifier in these associations was also examined.

Methods

Cross-sectional, postal survey questionnaire. Inclusion criteria: ≥ 18 years old; refugee from Syria; and arrived in Norway between 2015 and 2017. Study sample was randomly drawn from full population registries, and n = 902 participated (participation rate ≈10%). CP was measured with 10 items on pain lasting for ≥ 3 consecutive months last year. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were measured with the HSCL and HTQ scales, respectively. Ordered and binomial logistic regressions were used in analyses. Gender was tested as effect modifier with Wald test for interaction.

Results

In the sample overall, the proportion of participants who reported severe CP was 43.1%. There was strong evidence that anxiety, depression and PTSD were associated with higher levels of CP. In fully adjusted regression models, including both CP and mental health variables, CP was strongly associated with poor perceived general health whereas mental health showed much weaker associations. The association between mental health (anxiety and PTSD) and functional impairment was highly gender specific, with strong associations in men but not in women. CP was strongly associated with functional impairment with no difference across gender.

Conclusion

The study shows a high burden of CP in a general population of adult refugees from Syria with likely substantial adverse consequences for daily functioning. The strong association between CP and mental ill health suggests personnel working with refugees’ health should be attuned to their co-occurrence as both problems may need to be addressed for either to be effectively mitigated. A clear mismatch exists between the burden on health caused by pain in general refugee populations and the amount of available evidence to guide mitigating strategies.

Trial registration

NCT03742128.
Measuring mental well-being in Sri Lanka: validation of the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) in a Sinhala speaking community
Authors: Perera B. P. R. , Caldera A. , Godamunne P. , Stewart-Brown S. , Wickremasinghe A. R. , Jayasuriya R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Well-being is an important aspect of people’s lives and can be considered as an index of social progress. The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being scale (WEMWBS) was developed to capture subjective mental well-being. It is a widely tested measure of mental well-being at the population level and has 14 items and a short-form with 7 items. This study was carried out to culturally validate and adapt the WEMWBS among a Sinhala speaking population in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A forward and backward translation of the scale into Sinhala was done followed by a cognitive interview. The translated and culturally adapted scale and other mental health scales were administered to a sample of 294 persons between the ages of 17–73 using a paper-based version (n = 210) and an online survey (n = 84). Internal consistency reliability and test–retest reliability were tested. Construct validity, and convergent and discriminant validity were assessed using the total sample.

Results

The translated questionnaire had good face and content validity. Internal consistency reliability was 0.91 and 0.84 for the 14-item and 7-item scales, respectively. Test–retest reliability over two weeks was satisfactory (Spearman r = 0.72 p < 0.001). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one factor model. Convergent validity was assessed using WHO-5 well-being index (Spearman r = 0.67, p < 0.001), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (Spearman r = (-0.45), p < 0.001) and Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) (Spearman r = (-0.55), p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The translated and culturally adapted Sinhala version of the WEMWBS has acceptable psychometric properties to assess mental well-being at the population level among the Sinhala speaking population in Sri Lanka.