bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting change in community participation with the Enfranchisement scale of the community participation indicators
Authors: Kersey Jessica , Terhorst Lauren , Hammel Joy , Baum Carolyn , Toglia Joan , O’Dell Michael W. , Heinemann Allen W. , McCue Michael , Skidmore Elizabeth R.
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study determined the sensitivity to change of the Enfranchisement scale of the Community Participation Indicators in people with stroke.

Data sources

We analyzed data from two studies of participants with stroke: an intervention study and an observational study.

Main measures

The Enfranchisement Scale contains two subscales: the Importance subscale (feeling valued by and contributing to the community; range: 14–70) and the Control subscale (choice and control: range: 13–64).

Data analysis

Assessments were administered 6 months apart. We calculated minimum detectable change and minimal clinically important difference.

Results

The Control subscale analysis included 121 participants with a mean age of 61.2 and mild-moderate disability (Functional Independence Measure, mean = 97.9, SD = 24.7). On the Control subscale, participants had a mean baseline score of 51.4 (SD = 10.4), and little mean change (1.3) but with large variation in change scores (SD = 11.5). We found a minimum detectable change of 9 and a minimum clinically important difference of 6. The Importance subscale analysis included 116 participants with a mean age of 60.7 and mild-moderate disability (Functional Independence Measure, mean = 98.9, SD = 24.5). On the Importance subscale, participants had a mean baseline score of 44.1 (SD = 12.7), and again demonstrated little mean change (1.08) but with large variation in change scores (SD = 12.6). We found a minimum detectable change of 11 and a minimum clinically important difference 7.

Conclusions

The Control subscale required 9 points of change, and the Importance subscale required 11 points of change, to achieve statistically and clinically meaningful changes, suggesting adequate sensitivity to change.
The Tribute System and the World Imagined in Early Modern East Asia
Authors: Lee Ji-Young
Published: November 2021

The field of international relations has long treated the Westphalian system and states in the territorial sovereign sense as the standard or ‘normal’ in IR. The World Imagined by Hendrik Spruyt boldly challenges this habit as the biases of our times and instead brings non-European historical international systems into their rightful place in our study of international order and international relations theorising more generally. Unpacking Spruyt’s discussion of ‘the East Asian interstate society’, the article argues that an in-depth examination of what is known as a ‘tribute system’ and early modern East Asian historical orders richly illuminates the book’s arguments on the heterogeneity and diversity of order-building practices. It also argues that from a practice-oriented approach, the experience of early modern East Asia presents a compelling case that legitimation holds the key to explaining order building processes at both the domestic and international levels, with legitimation at these two levels working in tandem.
The Lumumba Commission (1999-2002): Shame, Guilt, and the Post-Imperial Self
Authors: Verleye Zeger
Published: November 2021

This article aims to explore the process of colonial redress from the theoretical scope of ontological security. In this theory, shame denotes a challenge to the consistency of state self-narratives, compelling the state to actions that reaffirm its sense of self. However, other works on ontological security argue that post-imperial states are more likely to experience guilt than shame because of their historical connection to international society. By juxtaposing shame and guilt as characteristic of the process of colonial redress, this article gives insight into the challenges, opportunities, and constraints of colonial redress. Empirically, the article discusses parliamentary debates during the Lumumba Commission (1999-2002), a significant moment in Belgium’s struggle with its imperial legacy. To adequately trace the anxieties and narrative changes that ontological insecurity implies, this case-study is approached using a narrative and interpretative sentiment analysis. The analysis indicates that Belgian MPs deployed a comedic narrative, sided by discourses of serenity, objectivity, and guilt. This particular narrative countered Belgium’s anxiety, facilitated an apology, and restated its self-identity. Based on these findings, the article concludes that the conceptual borderline between shame and guilt is less distinct than is assumed in the literature and suggests that further research is needed into the relationship between narratives and emotions.
Differences in Baseline Characteristics and Outcome Among Responders, Late Responders, and Never-Responders After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Randsborg Per-Henrik , Adamec Dakota , Cepeda Nicholas A. , Pearle Andrew , Ranawat Anil
Published: November 2021

Background:

Loss to follow-up in registry studies might affect generalizability and interpretation of results.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of nonresponder bias in our anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) registry.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 2042 patients with ACL reconstruction in the Hospital for Special Surgery ACL Registry between 2009 and 2013 were included in the study. Patients who completed the patient-reported outcome measures at 2 or 5 years were considered responders (n = 808). Baseline data and patient characteristics were compared between responders and nonresponders (n = 1234). Both responders and nonresponders were contacted and invited to complete the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Marx scores electronically and respond to questions regarding return to sports and subsequent surgeries. Nonresponders who completed the questionnaires after reminders were considered late responders. The remaining nonresponders were considered never-responders. The late responders (n = 367) completed the questionnaires after a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (range, 6.7-9.6 years), while follow-up for the responders was 6.8 years (range, 5.0-9.7 years). Responders and late responders were then compared in terms of differences in IKDC and Marx scores from baseline to final follow-up.

Results:

Nonresponders were younger (28.5 vs 31.5 years; P < .001) and more often male (60% vs 53%; P = .003) compared with responders. Responders had a higher level of education and were more likely to be White (79% vs 74%; P = .04). There were no substantial differences in patient characteristics or baseline IKDC and Marx scores between the late responders and never-responders. There were no statistically significant differences in patient-reported outcomes, return to sports, or subsequent surgeries between responders and late responders at a mean follow-up time of 8.8 years (range, 6.7-9.7 years). Repeat email reminders and telephone calls increased response rate by 18% (from 40% to 58%).

Conclusion:

There was no difference in clinical outcome as evaluated using IKDC and Marx scores between responders and late responders.
“It’s Not Real Life”: Liminality and Summer Camp Employment
Authors: Povilaitis Victoria , Sibthorp Jim , Warner Robert P.
Published: November 2021

Liminal spaces occur separately from everyday life and are important to human development. Due to increased technological connectivity, young people are rarely separated from their home lives. Understanding young adulthood is a transitional time and summer camps can be settings for development, the purpose of this study was to understand the nature of summer camp employment as a liminal space. Individuals from a national (USA) study of summer camp employment ( n = 77, Mage = 21.3) participated in in-depth interviews. Participants were 77.9% White ( n = 60), 9.1% Black or African American, 9.1% Multi-Racial, 2.6% Asian, and 1.3% Latinx. About 64.9% identified as female ( n = 50), 33.8% identified as male, and 1.3% identified as gender non-conforming. Interview transcripts were inductively analyzed using thematic coding. Participants described camp as a liminal space with four dimensions of separation: physical, psychological, social, and technological. They also described experiencing a liminal time of life. In combination, the separation and time-of-life dimensions created an experience of liminal intensity manifested through a closed social system, blurred boundaries between work and non-work life, and increased autonomy. A revised conceptualization of liminal space is suggested and considerations regarding liminal intensity for young people are discussed.
Clindamycin-loaded titanium prevents implant-related infection through blocking biofilm formation
Authors: Li Youbin , Wang Shaochuan , Li Shidan , Fei Jun
Published: November 2021

Implant-related infection is a disastrous complication. Surface modification of titanium is considered as an important strategy to prevent implant-related infection. However, there is no recognized surface modification strategy that can be applied in clinic so far. We explored a new strategy of coating. The clindamycin-loaded titanium was constructed by layer-by-layer self-assembly. The release of clindamycin from titanium was detected through high performance liquid chromatography. Different titanium was co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus for 24 h in vitro, then the effect of different titanium on bacterial colonization and biofilm formation was determined by spread plate method and scanning electron microscopy. Cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility of clindamycin-loaded titanium on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured by CCK8. The antibacterial ability of clindamycin-loaded titanium in vivo was also evaluated using a rat model of osteomyelitis. The number of osteoclasts in bone defect was observed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Bacterial burden of surrounding tissues around the site of infection was calculated by tissue homogenate and colony count. Clindamycin-loaded titanium could release clindamycin slowly within 160 h. It reduced bacterial colonization by three orders of magnitude compare to control ( p < .05) and inhibits biofilm formation in vitro. Cells proliferation and adhesion were similar on three titanium surfaces ( p > .05). In vivo, clindamycin-loaded titanium improved bone healing, reduced microbial burden, and decreased the number of osteoclasts compared control titanium in the rat model of osteomyelitis. This study demonstrated that clindamycin-loaded titanium exhibited good biocompatibility, and showed antibacterial activity both in vivo and in vitro. It is promising and might have potential for clinical application.
Generalized Dentin Dysplasia in a Four-Year-old dog
Authors: Hutt Jason P. , Volker Mary Krakowski , Alterman Jennifer B. , Soukup Jason W. , Bell Cynthia M.
Published: November 2021

Dentin dysplasia is an autosomal-dominant genetic abnormality that occurs in humans and results in diffuse radiographic dental abnormalities and variable tooth discoloration due to an underlying defect in secondary dentinogenesis. This case report presents distinctive radiographic and histopathologic dental abnormalities in a dog that are consistent with generalized dentin dysplasia. These findings are similar to but not completely analogous to any specific clinical type of dentin dysplasia in humans. Grossly, the majority of the teeth in this case were discolored and most were determined to be vital. Dentin dysplasia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of discolored teeth and notably this form of discoloration does not necessarily indicate loss of vitality.
Saving Nature but Losing History? Promises and Perils of Cosmic Christology for an Ecotheology of Liberation
Authors: May Roy H.
Published: November 2021

Cosmic Christology, including deep incarnation, provides an ethical-theological framework for confronting environmental crisis. It criticizes ‘history’ as arrogantly anthropocentric and proposes a paradigm shift from Christ the Saviour of history to the Christ of the cosmos. Whereas I recognize these strengths for protecting nature, I argue that in its universal pretension Christ too often becomes an abstract reality and loses material grounding for social justice. In its eagerness to supplant the Christ the Saviour of history, cosmic Christology risks stripping humanity from those deemed ‘non-persons’ and inadvertently reinforces the status of the oppressed as subalterns. Likewise, by de-legitimizing history, and by putting exploited nature and the oppressed as equivalents, struggles by subalterns for recognition and justice are diminished. To avoid this, I argue that the salvation of nature passes through the salvation of history. Only the Christ the Saviour of history can be the cosmic Christ.
The Role of STEM-Based Sustainability in Business and Management Curricula: Exploring Cognitive and Affective Outcomes in University Students
Authors: Craig Christopher A. , Petrun Sayers Elizabeth L. , Gilbertz Susan , Karam Rita , Feng Song
Published: November 2021

To address deficiencies in STEM and sustainability in business management and intra-university curricula, we developed and implemented an interdisciplinary STEM-based sustainability curriculum at a university in the Western United States. Six classes participated in curricular efforts including in-person and online sections of a business management course, in-person and online sections of a general elective STEM course, and a matched control course for each ( n = 214). We systematically designed, developed, and implemented curricular interventions—multi-week STEM-based business sustainability modules—using the case teaching method. A comprehensive evaluation with pre- and post-tests was conducted to assess student sustainability cognition and affect. Significant results emerged for sustainability cognition including the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. Counterintuitively, student sustainability affect did not improve. However, sustainability cognition and affect were significantly correlated on the post-test for treatment students, an indication that cognitive and affective changes share the same directionality. Discussion, implications, limitations, and future research directions are provided.
Depression and Inflammatory Markers in Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Newland Pamela , Basan Yelyzaveta , Chen Ling , Wu Gregory
Published: November 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), afflicts over one per thousand people in the United States. The pathology of MS typically involves lesions in several regions, including the brain and spinal cord. The manifestation of MS is variable and carries great potential to negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Evidence that inflammatory markers are related to depression in MS is accumulating. However, there are barriers in precisely identifying the biological mechanisms underlying depression and inflammation. Analysis of cytokines provides one promising approach for understanding the mechanisms that may contribute to MS symptoms. Methods: In this pilot study, we measured salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta (β), and IL-10 in 24 veterans with MS. Descriptive statistics were reported and Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained between cytokines and depression. Results: The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly negatively associated with depression in veterans with MS (r = −0.47, p = .024). Conclusion: Cytokines may be useful for elucidating biological mechanisms associated with the depression and a measure for nurses caring for veterans with MS.
The importance of passionate individuals for navigating school arts provision in 19 Australian schools
Authors: McFerran Katrina Skewes , Crooke Alexander HD , Steele Megan , Hattie John , McPherson Gary E
Published: November 2021

Arts programs are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting student development and cohesive school communities. Yet, most Australian schools are left to navigate a landscape characterized by shifting policy goals and external providers of diverse quality and intent. Drawing on interviews with 27 stakeholders from 19 Catholic primary schools in Melbourne, Australia, we explored key approaches to arts provision in this context, and conditions that hinder and support it. Approaches varied markedly, from school-wide programs embedded across the curriculum, to one-off incursions. Conditions consistently affecting provision ranged from leadership support to a community’s view of the arts. Programs regularly relied on individuals passionate about arts to go beyond their paid roles, yet this frequently jeopardized sustainability. Overall, the approaches identified, and conditions affecting their sustainability, reveal a lack of value for school arts at policy and administration levels. This lack of value is not demonstrated in the provision of other traditional school activities like math or literacy, which begs consideration by policymakers and school administrators.
Coronavirus Pandemic: How National Leaders Framed Their Speeches to Fellow Citizens
Authors: Krishnatray Pradeep , Shrivastava Sangeeta
Published: November 2021

It has perhaps never happened before that presidents or prime ministers of almost all countries have spoken to their citizens in so short a time on the same topic—COVID-19. When the scientific community did not have correct answers or adequate explanations for the questions that people and patients were asking, world leaders took up the gauntlet and spoke to their citizens. What did they tell them? What facts did they choose to dwell on, and how did they present them? How did they provide comfort and support? What offer did they make? We selected the speeches of leaders from five countries with the highest (nominal) GDP—the USA, China, Japan, Germany and India, and analysed it using a qualitative method—framing analysis. All the speeches except that of China’s were relatively short and contained four dominant frames: prevention-protection, the other, solidarity and hope and comfort. However, each leader’s address had a unique frame. The manner in which the leaders framed their arguments and announcements shows how they understand and construct the identity of their fellow citizens.
Re: Caron et al., 2021, sociocultural context and autistics quality of life: A comparison between Quebec and France
Authors: Rodgers Jacqui
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this letter to the editors is to highlight to the readership of Autism the recommended use of the Autism Quality of Life measure (ASQoL) for research with autistic adults. The ASQoL was developed for use alongside the World Health Organization Quality of Life – Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) and the World Health Organization disabilities module. The letter raises some concerns about the use of the ASQoL as a standalone measure in a recent study by Caron et al. published in Autism.

Lay abstract

This letter to the editors discusses the use of the ASQoL for research with autistic adults. The autism quality of life measure was developed for use alongside two existing measures of quality of life developed by the World Health Organization. It was not developed as a questionnaire to be used in its own. The letter raises some concerns about the use of the autism quality of life measure as a standalone measure in a recent study by Caron et al., published in Autism.
Mothers’ ability to determine and measure paracetamol doses for children—a contrived observational study
Authors: Prasadi GAM , Senarathna L , Dharmaratne SD , Mohamed F , Jayasinghe SS , Dawson A
Published: November 2021

Caregivers are primarily responsible for the administration of Over The Counter (OTC) medications in children. This study examines the mothers’ ability to determine and measure paracetamol doses for children aged between 1 and 5 years. A contrived observational study was conducted for mothers of preschool aged children at two Public Health Midwifery (PHM) areas in Southern province, Sri Lanka. Stratified random sampling was used. Only 26.9% ( n = 95, 95% CI = 22.5%–31.7%) of the 353 participants correctly determined and measured the doses of paracetamol. Errors were frequently made in both determining and measuring dose together ( n = 113, 32.0%, 95% CI = 27.3%–37.1%), determining only ( n = 94, 26.6%, 95% CI = 22.2%–31.5%) and measurement only ( n = 51, 14.4%, 95% CI = 11.1%–18.5%). Dose determined errors were not significantly associated with maternal education, number of children in the family, total monthly income and age of the index child. Similarly measuring errors were not significantly associated with mothers’ education, income of the family and number of children in the family. However, there was a weak positive correlation between measuring errors and age of the index child. The study suggests that mothers made errors when determining doses and measuring doses of paracetamol. Results emphasize importance of clear, concise guardian information leaflet and healthcare professionals’ guidance to minimize dosing errors of child medication.
‘There is no right or wrong answer’: Swedish preschool teachers’ reflections on the didactics of death
Authors: Puskás Tünde , Jeppsson Fredrik , Andersson Anita
Published: November 2021

This study is part of a larger project with the general aim of developing the ability of preschool teachers to reflect critically on questions, topics and theories related to different understandings of death(s). The article is based on three focus-group interviews with a focus on how preschool teachers reflect on what, how, why and when they teach about death and death-related issues. The results show that preschool teachers consider that it is important in early childhood education to teach about death because death is a fundamental aspect of life in daily reality, and they consider it to be their task to comfort a child in grief, as well as care for the well-being of the group. However, much of the time, they avoid teaching about biological death relative to concrete goals that the children are to achieve in understanding what death implies. Instead, they use child-responsive, improvisational teaching that is intended to calm and comfort the children. The content of the teaching arises at the intersection of expert knowledge in talking about death as an irreversible outcome of natural processes and the preschool teachers’ own beliefs and ideas about death, dying and an afterlife. As a consequence, the biological conceptions of death coexist with the teachers’ own beliefs in an afterlife, reflecting a dualistic thinking within which culturally constructed beliefs coexist with biological views.
miR-9-5p Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion by Targeting ID4
Authors: Zhu Kai , Lin Jinlan , Chen Shengjia , Xu Qian
Published: November 2021

Objectives Evidence reveals that microRNAs (miRNAs) are abnormally expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissue and are crucial in LUAD occurrence. Therefore, this study aims to find the miRNA which could regulate LUAD and to further explore its regulatory mechanism, thus providing a potential molecular target for LUAD. Methods miR-9-5p and ID4 expression in LUAD cells were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. Cell functional assays were conducted to detect the biological functions of LUAD cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was utilized to validate the binding relationship between miR-9-5p and ID4. Results miR-9-5p was highly expressed whereas ID4 was lowly expressed in LUAD. miR-9-5p facilitated LUAD cell progression by targeting ID4. Conclusion miR-9-5p promotes LUAD cell progression by modulating ID4 and may become a potential target for LUAD.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among staff and students in a Nigerian tertiary educational institution
Authors: Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke , Eleje George Uchenna , Nwankwo Chike Henry , Chukwuma George Okechukwu , Uzuke Chinwendu Alice , Uzochukwu Chinwe Elizabeth , Mathias Bentina Alawari , Okunna Chinyere Stella , Asomugha Lasbrey Azuoma , Esimone Charles Okechukwu
Published: November 2021

Background:

COVID-19 was first reported on 31 December 2019 and has so far claimed over 2,000 lives in Nigeria. Through global and national efforts, about 4 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine was distributed and used in Nigeria from March 2021. Vaccine hesitancy could pose a serious problem for COVID-19 prevention and control.

Objectives:

To estimate the proportion of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community that is willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19; level of hesitancy and its associated factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using online Google form distributed to staff and students of the university via different WhatsApp groups. The outcome measures were the proportion of persons willing to be vaccinated, vaccine hesitancy rates and reasons for this hesitancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Minitab version 19. Bivariate analysis was performed by the chi-square test, Odds Ratios (ORs) and statistical significance was accepted when p-value is < 0.05.

Results:

Only 349 of the survey responses were analyzed in the survey. Results show that 34.70 ± 5.00% of the university community were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to them. The COVID-19 hesitancy rate among staff and students was 65.04 ± 5.00%. It was discovered that marital status (OR = 2.06), age (OR = 0.802) and christian denominational affiliation (OR = 0.366) influenced respondents’ perception of COVID-19 vaccination. Gender, occupation, previous vaccination experience, awareness of COVID-19 and previous symptoms of COVID-19 did not significantly ( p = 0.05) influence respondents’ willingness to be vaccinated.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is high among staff and students in a Nigerian university and is significantly influenced by marital status, respondents’ age and christian denominational affiliation.
Endoscopic Shelf Acetabuloplasty Concomitant With Labral Repair, Cam Osteoplasty, and Capsular Plication to Treat Acetabular Dysplasia in Artistic Athletes: A Case Series
Authors: Uchida Soshi , Murata Yoichi , Tsukamoto Manabu , Utsunomiya Hajime , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Hatakeyama Akihisa , Kanezaki Shiho , Sakai Akinori
Published: November 2021

Background:

Knowledge of clinical outcomes and return to artistic activities after endoscopic shelf acetabuloplasty (ESA) for acetabular dysplasia in artistic athletes is lacking.

Hypothesis:

Hip arthroscopic surgery including ESA will enable artistic athletes to return to their activities with a high success rate, significantly improved acetabular coverage, and preserved joint cartilage.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We reviewed 28 hips in 23 female artistic athletes (14 ballet, 9 rhythmic gymnastics, 4 dance, and 1 baton twirling) who underwent arthroscopic labral preservation, capsular plication, and ESA. Their mean age was 25.8 ± 10.2 years. Preoperatively, all patients had generalized joint laxity (Beighton score, 7.1 ± 1.8). We evaluated preoperative and postoperative radiographs and outcome scores including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12), Vail Hip Score (VHS), and Hip Outcome Score–Sports (HOS— Sports). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests and Bonferroni correction.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 32.5 ± 12.5 months. The mean lateral center-edge angle significantly increased from preoperatively (15.7° ± 5.3°) to postoperatively (39.8° ± 8.2°; P < .001) and at the final follow-up (33.7° ± 8.6°; P < .001). The vertical-center-anterior angle significantly improved from preoperatively (16.2° ± 8.8°) to final follow-up (33.6° ± 8.0°; P < .001). All hips maintained a Tönnis grade of 0 or 1 at the final follow-up. Overall, 20 patients (87%) were able to return to their preinjury level. All outcome scores improved from preoperatively to postoperatively: mHHS, from 68.5 ± 18.1 to 88.3 ± 18.5; NAHS, from 50.8 ± 17.7 to 69.0 ± 11.4; iHOT-12, from 36.9 ± 19.3 to 75.2 ± 19.8; VHS, from 53.8 ± 13.7 to 79.4 ± 19.4; and HOS--Sports, from 59.9 ± 17.0 to 79.6 ± 21.3 ( P < .001 for all). In total, 3 patients could not return to artistic activities as the result of postoperative deep gluteal syndrome.

Conclusion:

ESA concomitant with labral repair, cam osteoplasty, and capsular plication to treat dysplastic hips in patients with joint laxity enabled artistic athletes to return to their activities with a high success rate.
Bringing Back the ‘Classroom’: Feminist Pedagogy in a Sociology Classroom
Authors: Wagh Anurekha Chari
Published: November 2021

The article interlinks sociology and classrooms through the lens of teaching gender studies. It argues that to address the challenges of teaching gender studies to students of sociology at a university department, of a state university, it has to be placed within the complex terrain of classrooms. It states that while there is a discussion on the challenges of framing feminist pedagogy and teaching gender studies in India, there is inadequate engagement with the issue of; one, the changing nature of the classroom and its relevance and impact in the structuring of the disciplinary theories, methodologies and pedagogy and two, the challenges of operationalising feminist pedagogy within classrooms.
Transformation From Aesthetics to Activism: An Analysis of Select Dalit Women Personal Narratives
Authors: Simon Surya
Published: November 2021

Dalit resistance gained prominence in postcolonial India through Dalit literature, with Dalit life writing emerging as a significant way to address ongoing problems and issues faced by Dalit communities. Dalit personal narratives are not mere reflections into the past but lived experiences with a timely and current sociological base. Dalit narratives have become a platform for social and political activism against various hegemonic discourses that otherwise exclude the experiences of the Dalit population. Moreover, Dalit women suffer many layers of oppression and violence, and there is a necessity to understand the intersectionality of Dalit women’s realities. Hence this article analyses select personal narratives of two Dalit women writers: P. Sivakami’s The Grip of Change ([1989] 2006) and ₹Author’s Notes: Gowri’ ([1999] 2006); and Bama’s Karukku ([1992] 2005). The ₹Author’s Notes: Gowri’ is a reflection on The Grip of Change and the two narratives are collectively referred to as The Grip of Change. This article attempts to understand the extent to which Dalit personal narratives transform from aesthetics to activism. This article analyses the narrative technique and form used in the narratives and explores how the narratives expose embodied issues to foster activism in and through the content.
Four-Cell Population Collision Tumor of the Scalp: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Nwagu Uche G. , Vaishampayan Anita , Sragi Zara , Lin Jared , Chung Michael T. , Lucas Jordyn , Johnson Jared , Waxman Jonathan , Raza Syed N.
Published: November 2021

Background: Most cases of collision tumors (CTum) usually present with 2 histologic cell types. We report a unique CTum case comprised of 4 cell populations. Additionally, we performed a systematic review of the current literature published on head and neck collision tumors (HNCTum). Methods: Eighty-one-year-old male presents with a scalp lesion of several years’ duration. PET/CT scan demonstrated increased uptake in the scalp. Wide local excision with free flap reconstruction was performed and tissue pathology reviewed. Database search of HNCTum was performed and reported. Results: Specimen histopathology consisted of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma. Thirty-one articles met inclusion criteria: 11 thyroid, 7 cutaneous, 7 laryngeal, 2 lymph nodes, 2 salivary gland, 1 glottic, 1 maxillary sinus, and 1 tonsil. Conclusion: We present a highly unique CTum case of 4 different cell populations. The systematic review provides a comprehensive report of HNCTum in literature.
HLA informs risk predictions after haploidentical stem cell transplantation with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide
Authors: Fuchs Ephraim J. , McCurdy Shannon R. , Solomon Scott R. , Wang Tao , Herr Megan R. , Modi Dipenkumar , Grunwald Michael R. , Nishihori Taiga , Kuxhausen Michelle , Fingerson Stephanie , McKallor Caroline , Bashey Asad , Kasamon Yvette L. , Bolon Yung-Tsi , Saad Ayman , McGuirk Joseph , Paczesny Sophie , Gadalla Shahinaz M. , Marsh Steven G. E. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Spellman Stephen R. , Lee Stephanie J. , Petersdorf Effie W.
Published: November 2021

Hematopoietic cell transplantation from HLA-haploidentical related donors is increasingly used to treat hematologic cancers; however, characteristics of the optimal haploidentical donor have not been established. We studied the role of donor HLA mismatching in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), disease recurrence, and survival after haploidentical donor transplantation with posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for 1434 acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome patients reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. The impact of mismatching in the graft-versus-host vector for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, and -DQB1 alleles, the HLA-B leader, and HLA-DPB1 T-cell epitope (TCE) were studied using multivariable regression methods. Outcome was associated with HLA (mis)matches at individual loci rather than the total number of HLA mismatches. HLA-DRB1 mismatches were associated with lower risk of disease recurrence. HLA-DRB1 mismatching with HLA-DQB1 matching correlated with improved disease-free survival. HLA-B leader matching and HLA-DPB1 TCE-nonpermissive mismatching were each associated with improved overall survival. HLA-C matching lowered chronic GVHD risk, and the level of HLA-C expression correlated with transplant-related mortality. Matching status at the HLA-B leader and HLA-DRB1, -DQB1, and -DPB1 predicted disease-free survival, as did patient and donor cytomegalovirus serostatus, patient age, and comorbidity index. A web-based tool was developed to facilitate selection of the best haploidentical-related donor by calculating disease-free survival based on these characteristics. In conclusion, HLA factors influence the success of haploidentical transplantation with PTCy. HLA-DRB1 and -DPB1 mismatching and HLA-C, -B leader, and -DQB1 matching are favorable. Consideration of HLA factors may help to optimize the selection of haploidentical related donors.
The histone lysine acetyltransferase HBO1 (KAT7) regulates hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and self-renewal
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Kueh Andrew J. , Grant Zoe L. , Abeysekera Waruni , Garnham Alexandra L. , Wilcox Stephen , Hyland Craig D. , Di Rago Ladina , Metcalf Don , Alexander Warren S. , Coultas Leigh , Smyth Gordon K. , Voss Anne K. , Thomas Tim
Published: November 2021

The histone acetyltransferase HBO1 (MYST2, KAT7) is indispensable for postgastrulation development, histone H3 lysine 14 acetylation (H3K14Ac), and the expression of embryonic patterning genes. In this study, we report the role of HBO1 in regulating hematopoietic stem cell function in adult hematopoiesis. We used 2 complementary cre-recombinase transgenes to conditionally delete Hbo1 (Mx1-Cre and Rosa26-CreERT2). Hbo1-null mice became moribund due to hematopoietic failure with pancytopenia in the blood and bone marrow 2 to 6 weeks after Hbo1 deletion. Hbo1-deleted bone marrow cells failed to repopulate hemoablated recipients in competitive transplantation experiments. Hbo1 deletion caused a rapid loss of hematopoietic progenitors. The numbers of lineage-restricted progenitors for the erythroid, myeloid, B-, and T-cell lineages were reduced. Loss of HBO1 resulted in an abnormally high rate of recruitment of quiescent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into the cell cycle. Cycling HSCs produced progenitors at the expense of self-renewal, which led to the exhaustion of the HSC pool. Mechanistically, genes important for HSC functions were downregulated in HSC-enriched cell populations after Hbo1 deletion, including genes essential for HSC quiescence and self-renewal, such as Mpl, Tek(Tie-2), Gfi1b, Egr1, Tal1(Scl), Gata2, Erg, Pbx1, Meis1, and Hox9, as well as genes important for multipotent progenitor cells and lineage-specific progenitor cells, such as Gata1. HBO1 was required for H3K14Ac through the genome and particularly at gene loci required for HSC quiescence and self-renewal. Our data indicate that HBO1 promotes the expression of a transcription factor network essential for HSC maintenance and self-renewal in adult hematopoiesis.
Transcriptomic analysis of the Myxococcus xanthus FruA regulon, and comparative developmental transcriptomic analysis of two fruiting body forming species, Myxococcus xanthus and Myxococcus stipitatus
Authors: McLoon Anna L. , Boeck Max E. , Bruckskotten Marc , Keyel Alexander C. , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte
Published: November 2021

Background

The Myxococcales are well known for their predatory and developmental social processes, and for the molecular complexity of regulation of these processes. Many species within this order have unusually large genomes compared to other bacteria, and their genomes have many genes that are unique to one specific sequenced species or strain. Here, we describe RNAseq based transcriptome analysis of the FruA regulon of Myxococcus xanthus and a comparative RNAseq analysis of two Myxococcus species, M. xanthus and Myxococcus stipitatus, as they respond to starvation and begin forming fruiting bodies.

Results

We show that both species have large numbers of genes that are developmentally regulated, with over half the genome showing statistically significant changes in expression during development in each species. We also included a non-fruiting mutant of M. xanthus that is missing the transcriptional regulator FruA to identify the direct and indirect FruA regulon and to identify transcriptional changes that are specific to fruiting and not just the starvation response. We then identified Interpro gene ontologies and COG annotations that are significantly up- or down-regulated during development in each species. Our analyses support previous data for M. xanthus showing developmental upregulation of signal transduction genes, and downregulation of genes related to cell-cycle, translation, metabolism, and in some cases, DNA replication. Gene expression in M. stipitatus follows similar trends. Although not all specific genes show similar regulation patterns in both species, many critical developmental genes in M. xanthus have conserved expression patterns in M. stipitatus, and some groups of otherwise unstudied orthologous genes share expression patterns.

Conclusions

By identifying the FruA regulon and identifying genes that are similarly and uniquely regulated in two different species, this work provides a more complete picture of transcription during Myxococcus development. We also provide an R script to allow other scientists to mine our data for genes whose expression patterns match a user-selected gene of interest.
Organ-specific, integrated omics data-based study on the metabolic pathways of the medicinal plant Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Ma Xiaoxia , Tang Kehua , Tang Zhonghai , Dong Aiwen , Meng Yijun , Wang Pu
Published: November 2021

Background

Bletilla striata is one of the important species belonging to the Bletilla genus of Orchidaceae. Since its extracts have an astringent effect on human tissues, B. striata is widely used for hemostasis and healing. Recently, some other beneficial effects have also been uncovered, such as antioxidation, antiinflammation, antifibrotic, and immunomodulatory activities. As a key step towards a thorough understanding on the medicinal ingredient production in B. striata, deciphering the regulatory codes of the metabolic pathways becomes a major task.

Results

In this study, three organs (roots, tubers and leaves) of B. striata were analyzed by integrating transcriptome sequencing and untargeted metabolic profiling data. Five different metabolic pathways, involved in polysaccharide, sterol, flavonoid, terpenoid and alkaloid biosynthesis, were investigated respectively. For each pathway, the expression patterns of the enzyme-coding genes and the accumulation levels of the metabolic intermediates were presented in an organ-specific way. Furthermore, the relationships between enzyme activities and the levels of the related metabolites were partially inferred. Within the biosynthetic pathways of polysaccharides and flavonoids, long-range phytochemical transportation was proposed for certain metabolic intermediates and/or the enzymes.

Conclusions

The data presented by this work could strengthen the molecular basis for further studies on breeding and medicinal uses of B. striata.
Risk of antimicrobial-associated organ injury among the older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chinzowu Tichawona , Roy Sandipan , Nishtala Prasad S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Older adults (aged 65 years and above) constitute the fastest growing population cohort in the western world. There is increasing evidence that the burden of infections disproportionately affects older adults, and hence this vulnerable population is frequently exposed to antimicrobials. There is currently no systematic review summarising the evidence for organ injury risk among older adults following antimicrobial exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between antimicrobial exposure and organ injury in older adults.

Methodology

We searched for original research articles in PubMed, Embase.com, Web of Science core collection, Web of Science BIOSIS citation index, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest, and PsycINFO databases, using key words in titles and abstracts, and using MeSH terms. We searched for all available articles up to 31 May 2021. After removing duplicates, articles were screened for inclusion into or exclusion from the study by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias for cohort and case-control studies. We explored the heterogeneity of the included studies using the Q test and I2 test and the publication bias using the funnel plot and Egger’s test. The meta-analyses were performed using the OpenMetaAnalyst software.

Results

The overall absolute risks of acute kidney injury among older adults prescribed aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, and macrolides were 15.1% (95% CI: 12.8–17.3), 19.1% (95% CI: 15.4–22.7), and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.3–0.3), respectively. Only 3 studies reported antimicrobial associated drug-induced liver injury. Studies reporting on the association of organ injury and antimicrobial exposure by age or duration of treatment were too few to meta-analyse. The funnel plot and Egger’s tests did not indicate evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

Older adults have a significantly higher risk of sustaining acute kidney injury when compared to the general adult population. Older adults prescribed aminoglycosides have a similar risk of acute kidney injury to the general adult population.
A multidimensional model of healthy ageing: proposal and evaluation of determinants based on a population survey in Ecuador
Authors: Rivadeneira María Fernanda , Mendieta María José , Villavicencio Jessica , Caicedo-Gallardo José , Buendía Patricio
Published: November 2021

Background

Healthy ageing is a complex construct which involves multiple dimensions. Previous studies of healthy ageing have focused only on measuring the intrinsic capacity of the older person. The objectives of this study were to design a multidimensional model of healthy ageing and to identify its determinants from national data in Ecuador.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out from the National Survey of Health and Well-being of the Older Adult, 2010. Sample was 1797 adults aged 65 years or more. A multidimensional model was designed based on the World Health Organization’s concept of healthy ageing. For the analysis, two groups were created: a healthy ageing and a less healthy ageing group. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze the probability of belonging to the healthy group according to sex, age, area of ​​residence, level of education, perceived health status, perceived life satisfaction, and poverty by income level.

Results

The 53.15% of the sample was classified in the healthy ageing group. Women and the poorest older adults were less likely to be in the healthy ageing group (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.464–0.737; OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.343–0.564). Older adults with secondary education or higher, who considered their health as excellent and who were satisfied with their life, had a greater probability of being in healthy ageing group (OR 2.61; 95% CI 1.586–4.309; OR 28.49; 95% CI 3.623–224.02; OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.165–0.341).

Conclusions

This study contributes with a multidimensional approach to healthy ageing. It proposes to evaluate the intrinsic capacity of the individual, the social and political environment and the interaction with it, through indicators that discriminate who are ageing in a healthy way and who are not. By using this model, it was identified that gender and economic situation seem to play an important role on heathy ageing of the Ecuadorian population. Public policies are necessary to promote healthy ageing, especially focused on improving socioeconomic conditions and gender equity.
Association between tocilizumab and emerging multidrug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Aljuhani Ohoud , Al Sulaiman Khalid , Alshabasy Adel , Eljaaly Khalid , Al Shaya Abdulrahman I. , Noureldeen Haytham , Aboudeif Mohammed , Al Dosari Bodoor , Alkhalaf Amina , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Aleissa Muneera M. , Badreldin Hisham A. , Al Harbi Shmeylan , Alhammad Abdullah , Vishwakarma Ramesh
Published: November 2021

Background

Tocilizumab is an IgG1 class recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that directly inhibits the IL-6 receptor. Several randomized clinical trials have evaluated its safety and efficacy in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and these studies demonstrate conflicting results. Our study aimed to determine the association between tocilizumab treatment and microbial isolation and emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary government hospitals in Saudi Arabia. All critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units with a positive COVID-19 PCR test between March 1 and December 31, 2020, who met study criteria were included. Patients who received tocilizumab were compared to those who did not receive it.

Results

A total of 738 patients who met our inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Of these, 262 (35.5%) received tocilizumab, and 476 (64.5%) were included in the control group. Patients who received tocilizumab had higher odds for microbial isolation (OR 1.34; 95% CI 0.91–1.94, p = 0.13); however, the difference was not statistically significant. Development of resistant organisms (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.51–1.98, p = 0.99) or detection of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.29–1.54, p = 0.34) was not statistically significant between the two groups.

Conclusions

Tocilizumab use in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is not associated with higher microbial isolation, the emergence of resistant organisms, or the detection of CRE organisms.