bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing structural violence and systemic inequities in education: A qualitative study on Indigenous youth schooling experiences in Canada
Authors: Wager Amanda C , Ansloos Jeffrey P , Thorburn Rachel
Published: June 2022

In this qualitative study we demonstrate the critical ways that Indigenous youth experience structural violence and systemic inequities in the context of education. In particular, this youth-engaged study explores three key themes regarding (1) the social ecologies of education, (2) curriculum, and (3) pedagogy. Considerations of how these issues factor substantially in Indigenous young peoples’ experiences of education in Canada are explained. The implications of our study point towards concrete changes needing to be addressed in the field of education to ensure that every student is reflected in the educational curriculum and supported to meet the needs of succeeding in a colonized world while still upholding Indigenous rights, traditions, identities and values.
Polymethoxyflavone-rich Fraction from Citrus sunki Leaves Alleviates Renal Dysfunction in Mice with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Baek Songyee , Jang Mi Gyeong , Kim Jae-Won , Ko Hee Chul , Nam Mi Hyun , Hur Sung-Pyo , Park Soo Ah , Kim Se-Jae
Published: June 2022

Polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) are flavonoid compounds present in citrus plants that are proposed to be advantageous to human health. However, the advantageous effects of PMFs in the context of renal dysfunction are unclear. In this study, we made a PMF-rich fraction (PRF) from the leaves of Citrus sunki Hort ex. Tanaka and identified its components using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. We then investigated the effect of PRF—comprising 9 types of PMF—on renal dysfunction induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. Animals were divided into four experimental groups ( n = 7 per group): I) sham-operated group (Sham); II) UUO group (UUO); III) UUO + Enalapril 0.1 mg/1 mL (UUO + Enap); IV) UUO + PRF 100 mg/kg/day (UUO + PRF). All mice were orally administered with the drugs once a day from 7 days before UUO to 1 week after UUO. After the experiments were over, serum and tissues were taken for biochemical and histological analysis. PRF promoted the recovery of body weight in the background of UUO. Biochemical and histological analysis revealed that PRF ameliorated UUO-induced renal dysfunction and moderately reversed inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Further, PRF inhibited the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), collagen I (Col-I), and collagen IV (Col-IV). These results suggest that PRF improves UUO-induced renal dysfunction by regulating the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic response-related genes.
Differential Effects of a Global Public Health Crisis on Physical Activity: Evidence From a Statewide Survey From the United States
Authors: Towne Samuel D. , Xu Minjie , Zhu Xuemei , Ory Marcia G. , Lee Sungmin , Lee Chanam
Published: June 2022

Aim:

We aimed to identify how the COVID-19 lockdown affected changes, including the potential for longer term sustained changes, in physical activity, as compared to immediately prior to the pandemic.

Background:

Physical activity’s significant role in overall health is known to be influenced by the surrounding environment, such as one’s neighborhood, prompting this study of physical activity and its relationship with individual-level and neighborhood-level factors within the pandemic timeline.

Methods:

A statewide online survey assessed adults’ self-reported weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) comparing a typical week immediately prior to the pandemic and during the pandemic (prewidespread vaccination) using negative binomial models.

Results:

Overall, MVPA decreased during the pandemic, though the decrease was driven largely by the reduction in MVPA outside one’s neighborhood. In contrast, MVPA done within one’s neighborhood increased over time. This change in MVPA done within one’s neighborhood was not uniform across several characteristics including income level favoring those with the highest income ( p < .05) and race/ethnicity favoring those self-reporting as non-Hispanic White ( p < .05). While several factors, including higher Walk Scores, were associated with higher levels of MVPA without evidence of change over time, evidence of a differential effect over time was seen for other key indicators of social and structural determinants of health including income and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions:

This study can add to the existing literature surrounding not only COVID-19 but also neighborhood built environmental research seeking to identify factors associated with changes in MVPA, a known indicator of overall health and health-related outcomes.
Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome on Different Phenotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Haihong , Zhong Jiangtao , Shen Lifang , Zheng Xiu
Published: June 2022

Background

The pathophysiologic mechanisms of human chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are highly complex, and sinonasal colonization with pathogens is the first and most important step in this process. NLRP3, the main receptor activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), is associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases, including airway inflammation; however, the understanding of its role in CRS is limited.

Objective

By detecting the differential expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 between CRS patients and controls, between different CRS phenotypes (CRSsNP and CRSwNP), between mucosal tissue and polyp tissue, and further its relationship with neutrophilic/eosinic infiltration, we aimed to elucidate the biological role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of CRS.

Methods

Fifteen cases in each control, CRSsNP, and CRSwNP groups (subdivided into mucosa tissue and polyp tissue) were included in this study. Differential expression of NLRP3/caspase-1 and its downstream cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 was investigated, and its relationship with neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltration was analyzed. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry (F-IHC) was used to assess NLRP3 and caspase-1 expression, RT-PCR was used for mRNA level quantitation, and western blotting was employed to analyze the protein concentrations.

Results

NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1 were expressed at higher levels in both the CRSsNP and CRSwNP phenotypes than in the control nasal mucosa and at much higher levels in polyp tissue of CRSwNP ( P < .05), which was in line with the expression of cleaved IL-1β and cleaved IL-18 ( P < .05). Higher expression of NLRP3 had a mild correlation with neutrophilic infiltration but highly correlated with eosinophilic infiltration (R = 0.607, P < .01).

Conclusions

NLRP3 is involved in the pathogenesis of CRS, most likely by the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β and IL-18 response. It induced eosinophilic infiltration in CRSwNP, especially in polyp tissue. As for whether NLRP3 induces neutrophilic infiltration, further experiments are needed to confirm.
Safety and efficacy of dual lumen balloon catheters for the Treatment of cerebral vascular malformations: A systematic review, pooled analysis, and meta-analysis
Authors: Matsoukas Stavros , Siddiqui Neha , Scaggiante Jacopo , Bageac Devin V , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , DeLeacy Reade , Mocco J , Majidi Shahram , Kellner Christopher P , Fifi Johanna T
Published: June 2022

Background

There is little evidence in scientific literature assessing the safety and efficacy of dual-lumen balloon catheters (DLBCs) and their performance compared to single-lumen catheters (SLCs).

Methods

In this PROSPERO-registered, PRISMA-compliant systematic review, we identified all MEDLINE and EMBASE single-arm (DLBCs) and double-arm (DLBCs vs SLCs) cohorts where DLBCs were used for the treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Immediate angiographic outcome, vascular complications, technical failures, reflux episodes and entrapment were the primary outcomes. A meta-analysis of the double-arm studies summarized the primary outcomes of total procedural time and immediate angiographic outcome.

Results

The authors identified 18 studies encompassing 209 treated lesions with reported outcomes. Complete occlusion was achieved in 108/132 treated dAVFs (81.8%, 95% CI: [74–87.8%]) and in 45/77 treated AVMs (58.4%, [46.7–69.4%]). The proportion of completely occluded dAVFs was statistically significantly higher than that of AVMs, p < .001. There were eight reported vascular complications (3.8%, [1.8–7.7%]), five technical failures (2.4%, [0.9–5.8%]), 14 reflux events (6.7%, [3.9–11.2%]), two entrapment events (1%, [0.2–3.8%]) and 0 deaths (mortality rate 0%, [0–2.3%]). In a meta-analysis for the treatment of dAVFs, the total procedural time was significantly less for DLBCs compared to SLCs (64.9 vs 125.7 min, p < .0001). The odds of complete immediate occlusion were significantly higher with DLBCs compared to SLCs (odds ratio (OR) 4.6, [1.5–14.3], p = .008).

Conclusion

Dual-lumen balloon catheters are safe and effective for the embolization of cerebral AVMs and dAVFs and can achieve faster and potentially superior results compared to SLCs.

Registration-URL

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ Unique Identifier: CRD42021269096
Single-pill fixed-dose drug combinations to reduce blood pressure: the right pill for the right patient
Authors: Sarzani Riccardo , Laureti Giorgia , Gezzi Alessandro , Spannella Francesco , Giulietti Federico
Published: June 2022

Arterial hypertension is one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Effective and sustained reduction in blood pressure is essential to reduce individual cardiovascular risk. In daily clinical practice, single-pill fixed-dose combinations of different drug classes are important therapeutic resources that could improve both treatment adherence and cardiovascular risk management by targeting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this practical narrative review is to help physicians choosing the right single-pill fixed-dose combination for the right patient in the daily clinical practice, based on the individual clinical phenotype and cardiovascular risk profile.
Morality extracted under crowding impairs face identification
Authors: Shirai Risako , Ogawa Hirokazu
Published: June 2022

We investigated whether morality associated with faces is perceptible even under less optimal visual conditions such as crowding. A facial image was paired with a sentence describing an immoral act or a neutral act. Participants imagined the person performing the actions described in the sentence during the learning phase. Then, in the crowding phase, the target face was briefly presented in the left or right peripheral visual fields. Participants were required to judge the gender or morality of the target face in Experiment 1 and to choose the target face from two faces in Experiment 2. In both experiments, flankers were presented around the target face in the flanker condition, whereas no flankers were presented in the no-flanker condition. Experiment 1 indicated that the accuracy of judgments about the morality of a crowded face was higher for immoral faces than for neutral faces. This demonstrates that morality is preferentially extracted even when conscious access to facial representations is limited. Experiment 2 showed that the accuracy of selecting the flanked face from two faces was higher for neutral faces than for immoral faces. These indicated that the morality processed under the crowding impaired the discrimination of the facial identity.
Engineering Functional Vascularized Beige Adipose Tissue from Microvascular Fragments of Models of Healthy and Type II Diabetes Conditions
Authors: Acosta Francisca M. , Stojkova Katerina , Zhang Jingruo , Garcia Huitron Eric Ivan , Jiang Jean X. , Rathbone Christopher R. , Brey Eric M.
Published: June 2022

Engineered beige adipose tissues could be used for screening therapeutic strategies or as a direct treatment for obesity and metabolic disease. Microvascular fragments are vessel structures that can be directly isolated from adipose tissue and may contain cells capable of differentiation into thermogenic, or beige, adipocytes. In this study, culture conditions were investigated to engineer three-dimensional, vascularized functional beige adipose tissue using microvascular fragments isolated from both healthy animals and a model of type II diabetes (T2D). Vascularized beige adipose tissues were engineered and exhibited increased expression of beige adipose markers, enhanced function, and improved cellular respiration. While microvascular fragments isolated from both lean and diabetic models were able to generate functional tissues, differences were observed in regard to vessel assembly and tissue function. This study introduces an approach that could be employed to engineer vascularized beige adipose tissues from a single, potentially autologous source of cells.
Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among people living with HIV in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegne Degu , Mamo Galana , Negash Belay , Habte Sisay , Gobena Tesfaye , Letta Shiferaw
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Sustained adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy is necessary to suppress viral replication and improve immunological and clinical outcomes. Although different studies tried to identify factors affecting adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy, there are few studies after initiation of test and start strategy and the first-line drug regimen change in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among people living with HIV in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 2 March 2020, to 30 March 2020. A total of 501 study participants were recruited using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews at the end of the clinic visit and a review of participants’ medical records. The level of adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy was measured using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The score ranges from 0 to 8, and a score of less than 8 indicates poor adherence. The data were entered into EpiData and exported to STATA for further analysis. The binary logistic regression analysis model was employed to identify associated factors. The association was reported with an adjusted odds ratio and a 95% confidence level. The significance level was declared at p = 0.05.

Results:

A total of 501 participants participated in the study, giving a response rate of 98.2%. The majority (314 or 62.7%) of study participants were females. The participants’ mean (standard deviation) age was 38.17 (8.75). The level of poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy was found to be 33.73% (confidence interval: 29.70, 38.00). Age category 35 to 44 (1.65 (confidence interval: 1.02, 2.69)), no shortage of highly active antiretroviral therapy (0.46 (confidence interval: 0.28, 0.75)), substance use (1.67 (confidence interval: 1.11, 2.25)), having moderate depressive symptoms (4.00 (confidence interval: 1.94, 8.48)), and moderate anxiety symptoms (5.22 (confidence interval: 2.31, 8.84)) were significantly associated with the poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy among adult people living with HIV.

Conclusion:

The level of poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy was found to be high in this study. Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy was significantly associated with age, availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy drugs, substance usage, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Improving the adherence levels requires stringent counseling, assuring continuous drug availability, and timely screening and management of depression and anxiety.
“A case of vanishing bone disease complicated by chylothorax- diagnosis and treatment”
Authors: Suzuki N , Cintra FF , Cintra ML , Maciel MG , Amstalden EMI , Teixeira F , Kubba F
Published: June 2022

Summary

A 16-year old girl with Gorham-Stout disease is presented. She had progressive replacement of the bones of her left arm and shoulder girdle by fibroadipose tissue and numerous proliferated, non-neoplastic, lymphatic channels. The clinico-pathologic features of this condition are discussed, as are its possible complications and available therapeutic modalities.
How the mighty are fallen: Evaluating Abe Shinzō's leadership capital in crisis
Authors: Maruoka Chiho , Rose Caroline
Published: June 2022

Japanese prime ministers have traditionally been seen as consensus-builders, lacking flair, charisma and the skills to be anything other than reactive leaders, constrained by a political system which privileged a strong bureaucracy and Liberal Democratic Party structures. Recent literature has, however, begun to explore prime ministerial agency, considering the ways in which Japanese prime ministers have been able to demonstrate stronger leadership not only because of an expansion of their power resources in the core executive and the party, but also because of their individual leadership skills, style and personal attributes. Drawing on studies which have highlighted the impact of Japanese prime ministerial agency, this article uses the Leadership Capital Index (LCI) alongside insights from crisis management literature to explore the latter months of Abe Shinzō's premiership. It considers the ways in which personal factors interacted with institutional and situational factors in shaping Abe's political authority during the final year of his prime ministership, with a particular focus on the pandemic period. It asks why, when Abe had otherwise been considered one of post-war Japan's strongest and most decisive leaders, did he fall short during the Covid-19 crisis? To what extent did his personal skills and leadership style help or hinder his ability to lead during the crisis? The article suggests that the LCI offers insights into ways in which, and why, Abe's apparently strong leadership skills went missing in action during the global pandemic.
Utilizing Telemedicine and Modified Fibrosis Staging Protocols to Maintain Treatment Initiation and Adherence Among Hepatitis C Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: O’Brien Matthew , Daws Rachel , Amin Pooja , Lee Kristen
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the decline in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening and treatment globally in part due to lockdowns and restrictions at healthcare centers. The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the effectiveness of an updated workflow implemented at Boston Medical Center (BMC) HCV clinics. Revised workflow incorporated appointments via telemedicine, transitioning to blood test-based fibrosis scoring, and delivering medication by mail to mitigate the lack of in-person services. We compared 2 cohorts of patients who attended at least the initial intake appointment at BMCHCV clinics: 170 before the pandemic and 133 after the pandemic. Outcome variables included treatment starts, fibrosis lab tests completed, appointment attendance, and SVR achievement. Proportions for outcome variables were compared between groups by use of χ2 and 2-sample t-tests where appropriate. Our results showed a 14.43% decrease in completing fibrosis scoring tests ( P-value: <.001) and a 15.21% decrease in medication initiation ( P-value: <.001) among the patients who initiated care during the pandemic (modified workflow group). Furthermore, we found a 18.56% decrease in sustained virologic response (SVR) among the modified workflow group when compared to the controls. Overall, these results align with current trends of patients’ decreasing engagement in HCV care but show higher retention than other published data. Furthermore, these figures support how appointments via telemedicine, transitioning to blood test-based fibrosis scoring, and medication delivery by mail can serve as tools to increase access to HCV care and successful HCV treatment completion even after COVID restrictions are lifted.
Understanding Online Consumer Textual Reviews and Rating: Review Length With Moderated Multiple Regression Analysis Approach
Authors: Md Altab Hossin , Yinping Mu , Md Sajjad Hosain , Nkrumah Kofi Frimpong Adasa , Frempomaa Frempong Michelle , Sarfo Adu-Yeboah Stephen
Published: June 2022

This research endeavors to fill the research cavity in the domain of online consumer reviews (OCRs) through investigating the relationship between review length and rating. Moderated multiple regression (MMR) analysis was used to investigate the moderation interactions of some critical factors, including the product price, brand, product type, and delivery systems. Through data curation, 10,547 sets of cross-sectional product data containing 200,169 sets of reviews refined from the original 12,009 products collected from jd.com in China were used. Research through econometric analysis reveals that review length improves rating. Through interactions, this study found that the price has negative interaction, whereas brand familiarity has a positive interaction with review length and rating. Domestic brands, search goods, and third-party delivery systems have more positive interactions on review length and rating than the overseas brand, experience goods, and platform’s self-delivery systems, respectively. This paper renders insight for managers, especially merchants, who should encourage consumers to write meaningful lengthy reviews to improve their reputation.
Bilateral Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Sharma Rohan , Ponder Christian , Kamran Mudassar , Chacko Joseph , Kapoor Nidhi , Mylavarapu Krishna , Onteddu Sanjeeva , Nalleballe Krishna
Published: June 2022

Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is an aberrant communication between the main trunk or branches of carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Most of the cases of CCF occur following head trauma, but congenital and spontaneous cases have been reported. We report an interesting case of bilateral CCF with no history of trauma, thus most likely spontaneous form. Since it is rare, it was a diagnostic challenge. The suspicion of this diagnosis was made due to clinical features of headache, signs of increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP) (nausea, vomiting, and worsening headaches during Valsalva), exophthalmos, periorbital edema, periorbital erythema, chemosis, and conjunctival injection in both eyes. It was diagnosed with a 4-vessel angiography (digital subtraction angiography) which is the gold standard and was managed successfully with endovascular coil embolization.
EGD for Refractory Toxidromes: Is It Time to Add to the Algorithm?
Authors: Allen Kelsey , Kane Ian , Connors Nicholas , Tecklenburg Frederick , Marvin Whitney
Published: June 2022

Toxic ingestions are an increasing concern among pediatric patients in the United States. Less common, but troubling, are those patients with persistent toxicity symptoms despite stabilization, resuscitative, and decontamination efforts. We report a case of refractory serotonin toxicity in an adolescent for whom endoscopic removal of medication remnants led to the resolution of his clinical course. A 14-year-old male patient with anxiety and depression, treated with escitalopram and clonidine, presented to an outside hospital (OSH) emergency department (ED) with tonic-clonic seizure activity and altered mental status. Non-contrast head computed tomography (CT), complete blood count, and basic metabolic panel were unrevealing. Repeated seizure activity that occurred in the OSH ED prompted transfer to a tertiary pediatric care facility for ongoing management. Based on the constellation of symptoms (tachycardia, muscle rigidity, and lower extremity clonus) and his medication history, there was concern for serotonin toxicity. His clinical course worsened, despite treatment with midazolam and cyproheptadine, requiring intubation for respiratory failure. Because of his refractory symptoms and concern for ongoing medication side effects, on hospital day 4, he underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which revealed 20 partially digested pills firmly adhered to the gastric mucosa. The pill fragments were removed and whole bowel irrigation was started, and the patient improved rapidly, allowing for extubation within 24 hours. An EGD is not routinely used for the management of toxic ingestions. In addition to this case, evidence from prior case reports supports the judicious use of EGD as a diagnostic and therapeutic decontamination modality for severe toxicities.
Clonidine Overdose as an Unusual Cause of Heart Failure
Authors: Bhullar Jagdeep , Patel Arti , Chitithoti Jaagruthi , Venter Frederick , Win Theingi , Joolhar Fowrooz
Published: June 2022

Clonidine is used as an antihypertensive medication due to its effect on decreasing peripheral vascular resistance and therefore lowering blood pressure. Alpha antagonism in the medulla and the posterior hypothalamus causing a reduction in sympathetic activation allows for clonidine to be used as an effective off-label treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This is a case of a 28-year-old female with hypertension, ADHD, and depression who developed acute heart failure with significant troponemia after ingesting 30 pills of clonidine. We illustrate the possible rare diagnosis of systolic heart failure and coronary vasospasm secondary to clonidine overdose.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preparedness for Managing Pregnant and Postpartum Women with COVID-19 Among Nurse-Midwives in Kenya
Authors: Maina Rose , Kimani Rachel Wangari , Orwa James , Mutwiri Bernard Daniel , Nyariki Carolyne K. , Shaibu Sheila , Fleming Valerie
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Globally, maternal morbidity and mortality have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high burden of maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya prior to COVID-19, front line health workers, including nurse-midwives, must be competent to ensure continued quality maternal services. Knowledge and awareness of COVID-19 transmission influence nurse-midwives risk perception and ability to implement prevention strategies.

Objective

We examined nurse-midwives’ knowledge, attitudes, and preparedness in managing pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 in Kenya.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 118 nurse-midwives between July 2020 and November 2020. A 31-item survey comprising 15 knowledge, 11 attitude, and five preparedness questions was administered using SurveyMonkey. A link to the survey was distributed among nurse-midwives via email. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between the variables. A p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Eighty-five participants were included in the final analysis (response rate 72%). Most participants were female ( n = 69, 81.2%), 52.9% ( n = 45) worked in labor wards, and 57.6% ( n = 49) worked in rural hospitals. Overall, 71% ( n = 57) of participants had sufficient knowledge about managing COVID-19 in pregnant and postpartum women. However, only 63% were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Nurse-midwives working in urban areas were 3.7 times more likely to have positive attitudes than those in rural areas (odds ratio 3.724, 95% confidence interval 1.042–13.31; p = .043).

Conclusion

Nurse-midwives’ responses to the Kenyan government's COVID-19 guidelines for managing and caring for pregnant women were inconsistent. Continued professional development for nurse-midwives is important to ensure they stay abreast of evolving COVID-19 guidelines for maternal health. Our findings also suggest vaccine hesitancy may be a hurdle for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Fatality Risk From COVID-19
Authors: Nguyen Hoang , Medina Ashleigh , Golovko George , Evangelista Lorraine
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Studies have reported higher infection and mortality rates from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for disadvantaged groups in the U.S. population. However, racial and ethnic differences in fatality rates, which measure deaths among those infected, are not as clear.

Objectives

The objectives were to (1) estimate the fatality rate after COVID-19 infection by racial and ethnic groups and (2) determine the extent preexisting health conditions account for differences in fatality rate between the racial and ethnic groups.

Methods

Data for all adults aged 18 and older (n = 24,834) who had a confirmed COVID-19 infection captured in the electronic health records (EHRs) of a major health care organization (HCO) from the beginning of the pandemic to March 28, 2021 were used to estimate the fatality rates for three racial and ethnic groups: Hispanic, non-Hispanic African American, and non-Hispanic White. Elixhauser's comorbidity index was calculated using the enhanced ICD-9-CM and the ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Logistic regression models were used to compare differences in fatality between racial and ethnic groups. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported for all models.

Results

The age-specific fatality rates non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic African American, and Hispanic groups were 0.23%, 1.05%, 0.55% for age group 18–59 years old; 2.44%, 4.50%, 5.28% for 60–69; 5.42%, 10.11%, 8.49% for 70–79, and 17.33%, 20.79%, 20.39% for 80–90. After adjusting for age, sex, and preexisting conditions, the fatality risk remains significantly higher for non-Hispanic African American (adjusted odds ratio [adj. OR] = 1.85, 95% CI 1.41–2.44) and Hispanic individuals (adj. OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.53–2.39) compared to non-Hispanic White individuals.

Conclusion

Hispanic and non-Hispanic African American individuals have a higher risk of fatality from COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. The higher risk remains after adjusting for sex, age, and preexisting conditions. Health care providers could help to increase vaccination rates in these vulnerable populations by addressing the social and cultural barriers with their patients.
Training Surgeon Scholars: Grant Writing Workshops During Residency
Authors: Chen Jenny X. , Gray Stacey T. , Jung David H.
Published: June 2022

Surgical residents may have limited experience with grant writing even though it is an important skill for academic physicians. We describe a novel curriculum on the conduct of research and grant literacy delivered at a single otolaryngology training program over 5 years. This workshop series included preparing a draft grant and conducting a mock grant review committee. In a survey of past participants (71% response rate), 91% found the workshops useful for grant writing or reviewing, and many used or planned to use the draft grants for real grant applications. The average number of American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation CORE grants submitted and successfully funded increased among residents at this program in the 4 years after the introduction of the workshop series as compared with the 4 years before. Further improvements continue to be made to the curriculum based on resident feedback.
A Review of the Risk Factors Involved in the Late Failure of the Dental Implant
Authors: Sharma Sandeep Kumar , Mohan Shishir , Sharma Nidhi , Singh Dushyant , Verma Shweta , Srivastava Neha
Published: June 2022

Dental implants are increasingly being used to replace missing or lost teeth. Despite significant advances in materials, techniques, and implant design, implant failure remains a major concern for both the dentist and the patient. The most common causes of implant failure are peri-implantitis and a lack of osseointegration. Other causes of implant failure include occlusal overloading, compromised or poor medical status of the patient, habits that harm oral tissues, and implant selection. The most pressing issue that all implantologists face today is the occurrence of complications and failures in implants. To further improve treatment outcomes, the etiologies and factors associated with implant failures should be identified. Osseointegrated dental implants have long been regarded as the closest substitute for missing teeth.
The biopsychosocial board—A conversation tool for broad diagnostic assessment and identification of effective treatment of children with functional somatic disorders
Authors: Helgeland Helene , Gjone Inger H , Diseth Trond H
Published: June 2022

Functional somatic disorders (FSD) result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, the combination of which varies between individuals. Professional and academic communities recommend an integrative, biopsychosocial, and personalized approach in order to achieve early diagnosis, an appropriate understanding of predisposing, triggering, and maintaining factors, and effective treatment. In order to obtain an integrative understanding, constructing a case formulation is suggested to be an important skill for clinicians treating patients with complex health conditions—such as FSD. However, in daily practice, many clinicians are struggling to conceptualize and then implement the biopsychosocial approach into their work with children and their families. This sustains the risk of a fragmented understanding of the child’s symptoms and functioning, and consequently fragmentation of health care. As members of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who treat children and adolescents with complex FSD, we here describe and share our experience of a clinical conversational tool—the biopsychosocial board—that we use to promote communication and to achieve an integrative understanding of the patient’s symptoms. We highlight the clinician’s ability to facilitate and co-construct a biopsychosocial case formulation together with the patient and family because this in the next turn will function as a roadmap to effective and personalized treatment. Used in such a way, we find that our conversation tool has the potential to be an innovative and useful tool for broad diagnostic assessment and identification of effective treatment options tailored to the individual child.
How Egalitarian are Indian undergraduates? A narrative thematic analysis of perceived equality
Authors: Yadav Sarvendra
Published: June 2022

Liberal arts are widely recognized to be more critical, reflexive and emancipatory, and so do its students, whereas technical knowledge caters only to the demands of the market, thus blinding itself to graver social concerns, such as equality and justice. Taking into account that liberal arts students possess greater ‘sociological/narrative imagination’ to look into these issues, this paper tries to understand the perception of equality among the Social Science and the Engineering undergraduate students across four academic institutions in north India. Broadly, focusing on their views on equality and exploring the role of disciplinary background in shaping the idea of equality. Narrative analysis of students’ in-depth interviews suggests significant difference in conceptualization of equality depending upon students’ disciplinary background and college location.
Highly efficient production of 2,3-butanediol from xylose and glucose by newly isolated thermotolerant Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Keo-oudone Chansom , Phommachan Koudkeo , Suliya Orathai , Nurcholis Mochamad , Bounphanmy Somchanh , Kosaka Tomoyuki , Yamada Mamoru
Published: June 2022

Background

2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BD), a valuable compound used for chemicals, cosmetics, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, has been produced by various microbes. However, no high-temperature fermentation of the compound at high productivity has been reported.

Methods

Thermotolerant xylose-utilizing microbes were isolated from 6 different districts in Laos and screened for a low accumulation of xylitol in a xylose medium at 37 ˚C. One isolate was found to produce 2,3-BD and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. The 2,3-BD fermentation capacity was investigated at different temperatures using xylose and glucose as carbon sources, and the fermentation parameters were determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography system.

Results

By screening for a low accumulation of xylitol in a xylose medium, one isolate that accumulated almost no xylitol was obtained. Further analyses revealed that the isolate is Cronobacter sakazakii and that it has the ability to produce 2,3-BD at high temperatures. When xylose and glucose were used, this strain, named C. sakazakii OX-25, accumulated 2,3-BD in a short period before the complete consumption of these sugars and then appeared to convert 2,3-BD to acetoin. The optimum temperature of the 2,3-BD fermentation was 42 ˚C to 45 ˚C, and the maximum yield of 2,3-BD was 0.3 g/g at 12 h in 20 g/l xylose medium and 0.4 g/g at 6 h in 20 g/l glucose medium at 42 ˚C. The 2,3-BD productivity of the strain was higher than the 2,3-BD productivities of other non-genetically engineered microorganisms reported previously, and the highest productivity was 0.6 g/l·h and 1.2 g/l·h for xylose and glucose, respectively.

Conclusions

Among thermotolerant microbes isolated in Laos, we discovered a strain, C. sakazakii OX-25, that can convert xylose and glucose to 2,3-BD with high efficiency and high productivity at high temperatures, suggesting that C. sakazakii OX-25 has the potential for industrial application to produce 2,3-BD as an important platform chemical.
The functional microbiota of on- and off-year moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) influences the development of the bamboo pest Pantana phyllostachysae
Authors: Li Jian , Zhao Qing , Huang Jin-Peng , Jia Jia-Yu , Zhu Teng-Fei , Hong Tao , Su Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

Development of Pantana phyllostachysae, a moso bamboo pest, is affected by its diet. Understanding the mechanism underlying the different insect-resistant capacities of on- and off-year moso bamboo fed by P. phyllostachysae is crucial for managing pest outbreaks. As microbes were proven to influence plant immunity, we compared gut microbial communities of P. phyllostachysae with different diets by metabarcoding sequencing. By using sterilization assay, microbes were removed from leaf surfaces, and thus we confirmed that microbes inhabiting moso bamboo leaves impact the weight of P. phyllostachysae larva. Furthermore, the gut microbial communities of P. phyllostachysae fed on on- and off-year bamboo leaves were compared, to identify the functional microbial communities that impact the interaction between bamboo leaves and P. phyllostachysae.

Results

We found that species from orders Lactobacillales and Rickettsiales are most effective within functional microbiota. Functional prediction revealed that gut microbes of larva fed on on-year leaves were related to naphthalene degradation, while those fed on off-year leaves were related to biosynthesis of ansamycins, polyketide sugar unit biosynthesis, metabolism of xenobiotics, and tetracycline biosynthesis. Most functional microbes are beneficial to the development of larva that feed on on-year bamboo leaves, but damage the balance of intestinal microenvironment and immune systems of those larva that feed on off-year leaves.

Conclusions

This work developed an efficient strategy for microbiome research of Lepidopteran insects and provided insights into microbiota related to the interaction between host plants and P. phyllostachysae. We provided microbial candidates for the ecological control of P. phyllostachysae according to the function of effective microbiota.
Mutations in PmUFGT3 contribute to color variation of fruit skin in Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.)
Authors: Ni Xiaopeng , Ni Zhaojun , Ouma Kenneth Omondi , Gao Zhihong
Published: June 2022

Background

Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc.) is popular for both ornamental and processing value, fruit color affects the processing quality, and red pigmentation is the most obvious phenotype associated with fruit color variation in Japanese apricot, mutations in structural genes in the anthocyanin pathway can disrupt the red pigmentation, while the formation mechanism of the red color trait in Japanese apricot is still unclear. 

Results

One SNP marker (PmuSNP_27) located within PmUFGT3 gene coding region was found highly polymorphic among 44 different fruit skin color cultivars and relative to anthocyanin biosynthesis in Japanese apricot. Meantime, critical mutations were identified in two alleles of PmUFGT3 in the green-skinned type is inactivated by seven nonsense mutations in the coding region, which leads to seven amino acid substitution, resulting in an inactive UFGT enzyme. Overexpression of the PmUFGT3 allele from red-skinned Japanese apricot in green-skinned fruit lines resulted in greater anthocyanin accumulation in fruit skin. Expression of same allele in an Arabidopsis T-DNA mutant deficient in anthocyanidin activity the accumulation of anthocyanins. In addition, using site-directed mutagenesis, we created a single-base substitution mutation (G to T) of PmUFGT3 isolated from green-skinned cultivar, which caused an E to D amino acid substitution and restored the function of the inactive allele of PmUFGT3 from a green-skinned individual.

Conclusion

This study confirms the function of PmUFGT3, and provides insight into the mechanism underlying fruit color determination in Japanese apricot, and possible approaches towards genetic engineering of fruit color.
Agonist-induced Piezo1 activation promote mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yin Qing , Zang Guangyao , Li Nannan , Sun Chenchen , Du Rongzeng
Published: June 2022

Objective

Mechanical damage plays an essential role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Piezo1 is a new mechanically sensitive ion channel. The present study investigated the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) apoptosis induced by Piezo1 activation and explored its underlying mechanism.

Methods

We evaluated cell viability and apoptosis rate with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry assay, respectively. And then Western blot was performed to measure the relative protein. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular Ca2+ were assessed via fluorescence microscope, and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was monitored by JC-10 staining.

Results

Our in vitro study revealed that mice in the ApoE-/- group compared with control mice showed higher Piezo1 expression(P < 0.05). Besides, Yoda1, a Piezo1 agonist, triggered Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial damage, accumulation of ROS, and VSMCs apoptosis in a dose-depend manner. Furthermore, BAPT-AM (an intracellular Ca2+ chelator) and NAC (an antioxidant) suppressed the mitochondrial damage and attenuated the VSMCs apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that Piezo1 induced VSMCs apoptosis because of Ca2+ overload, excessive ROS generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which indicated that Piezo1 has potential value in treating vascular diseases.
TEADs serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and targets for human gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Meng-huan , Li Bing-zhi , Chen Yue , Wang Jie
Published: June 2022

TEADs are critical transcription factors that participate in the Hippo pathway. Evidence indicates the promotion role of TEADs in cancer progression. However, the role of TEADs and the expression patterns in gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of TEADs in gastric cancer samples, and the clinical outcomes of patients with high TEADs expression were observed. Co-expression and interaction analysis as well as functional enrichment analysis were further conducted to determine the potential role of TEADs in gastric cancer. These results suggested TEADs may serve as the prognostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for gastric cancer. However, more studies are warranted to verify our findings and promote the application in gastric cancer patients.
Prevalence and correlates of disability among urban–rural older adults in Southwest China: a large, population-based study
Authors: Qiao Runjuan , Jia Shuli , Zhao Wanyu , Xia Xin , Su Qiaoli , Hou Lisha , Li Daiping , Hu Fengjuan , Dong Birong
Published: June 2022

Background

As one of the challenges of aging, older adults with disabilities are often overlooked in remote areas of many developing countries, including southwest China. Similar populations would undoubtedly benefit from a representative, high-quality survey of large samples, which would also enrich global disability data. This study aims to assess the prevalence of disability and associated factors among urban and rural older adults in a typical representative region.

Method

A large-scale baseline survey was conducted between March and September 2020 using face-to-face interviews with a multistage stratified random sample of 16,536 participants aged ≥ 60 years. Disability was assessed using the BI scale, with a score of 100 representing normal status, 65–95 as mild disability, 45–60 as moderate disability, and 0–40 as severe disability. The prevalence of disability was estimated by demographics and health characteristics, and their associations were explored by robust Poisson regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of disability among older adults was 19.4%, and the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe disability was 16.8%, 1.5%, and 1.1%, respectively. All variables, including older age, residence in a rural area, higher number of hospitalizations, comorbidities, poor self-rated health, falls, cognitive impairment, mental impairment, and alienation from friends and relatives, were shown to be associated with a higher adjusted prevalence of disability. Only formal education can reduce the risk of disability.

Conclusion

The prevalence of disability among older adults is high in both urban and rural settings in southwest China, and a number of important factors associated with disability have been identified. In addition to increased attention to the health status of older adults, further research on scientific management and effective disability interventions is needed.
The functional connectivity of basal forebrain is associated with superior memory performance in older adults: a case-control study
Authors: Jia Shu-hong , Zhou Zhi , Shao Wen , Zhou Xiao , Lv Shuang , Hong Wen , Peng Dan-tao
Published: June 2022

Background

Aging is related with memory deterioration. However, some older adults demonstrate superior performance compared to age- and education-matched adults, who are referred to as superagers. To explore the neural mechanisms that mediate their unusually successful memory is important not only for the ameliorate the effects of aging in brain, but also for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. This case-control study is aimed to investigate the effects of volume and function of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons on the cognition of superagers.

Methods

The morphometric and resting-state functional MRI analysis, including 34 superagers and 48 typical older adults, were conducted. We compared the basal forebrain gray matter density and related resting-state functional connectivity (FC) in the two groups. To investigate the relationship of FC with cognition, we measure the correlation of significant altered FC and individual cognitive domain.

Results

No significant differences of gray matter density was observed between superagers and typical older adults. The superagers had stronger cortical FC of Ch1-3 with left putamen and insular cortex. The strength of FC positively correlated with global cognition, memory and executive function.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that the stronger FC of basal forebrain correlated with specific cognitive difference in global cognition and domains of memory and executive function in superagers.