bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Path from Survey Development to Knowledge Activism: A Case Study of the Use of a Physical Loads Survey in a Retail Workplace
Authors: Carlan Nicolette , Szymanski Terri , Van Zetten Jennifer , Hilbrecht Margo , Bigelow Philip
Published: February 2022

Workers at a multi-site retailer were concerned that they were experiencing higher than anticipated work-related musculoskeletal disabilities (MSDs). They approached union leadership and academic researchers and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project was developed which culminated in a targeted online Physical Loads Survey (PLS). The goal was to initiate discussions to design a preventative collaborative ergonomic program. Survey results confirmed that during a shift, workers had significant exposure to standing, carrying loads of more than 25 lbs, pushing and pulling loads greater than 225 lbs, and repetitive arm and hand movements. The successful survey was the first step in the development of a proactive health and safety program. The union proceeded without management participation and was able to move beyond knowledge creation to knowledge activism and change.
Self-tuning control of parametrically excited active magnetic bearing system due to harmonic base motion using fuzzy logic
Authors: Soni Tukesh , Dutt Jayanta K , Das AS
Published: February 2022

Using active magnetic bearings for vibration control of flexible rotors subject to large base motion is both interesting and challenging. Rotors on ships, airplanes, and space-crafts fall in this category. These applications pose challenge for the active magnetic bearing designer, as the large motion of base renders the rotor-shaft-AMB system, time varying in nature, and also causes parametric excitation to the rotor system. Apart from stability concerns in such systems, it is difficult to design and choose optimal values of controller parameters because the system is subject to different base motions at different times during operation. In order to address this issue, this work applies fuzzy logic and proposes a simple yet effective selftuning control (STC) to control vibrations of flexible rotors supported by active magnetic bearings, which is subject to excitations due to base motion, in addition to unbalance excitation, usually present in rotors. To this end, first, the controller parameters are optimized considering the levitation performance of active magnetic bearings based on the transient response. Next, the fuzzy logic-based self-tuning algorithm is presented. Detailed comparison of performance between optimal and self-tuning control for different base motion conditions show that the proposed self-tuning controller outperforms the optimal control.
Rasburicase induced methemoglobinemia: A systematic review of descriptive studies
Authors: Vidhyashree BH , Zuber Mohammed , Taj Shifa , Venkataraman Rajesh , Sathish Kumar BP , Jabeen Nihala
Published: February 2022

Purpose

There is an increased number of reports being published on rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia recently. We aimed to identify and critically evaluate all the descriptive studies that described the rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia, its treatment approach, and their outcomes.

Methodology

PubMed, Scopus and grey literature databases were searched from inception to January 2022 using search terms “rasburicase” and “methemoglobinemia” without any language and date restriction. A bibliographic search was also done to find additional studies. Only descriptive studies on Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia were included for our review. Two contributors worked independently on study selection, data abstraction, and quality assessment, and any disagreements were resolved by consensus or discussion with a third reviewer.

Result

A total of 24 reports including 27 patients (23 male, 3 female patients, and 1 study did not specify the gender of the patient) aged from 5 to 75 years were included in the review. Immediate withdrawal of the drug and administering methylene blue, ascorbic acid, blood transfusion, and supportive oxygen therapy are the cornerstone in the management of rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia.

Conclusion

Rasburicase administration should be followed by careful monitoring of patients for any severe complication and treat it as early as possible appropriately. In a patient who presents with rasburicase-induced haemolysis or methemoglobinemia, it is often important to expect a diagnosis of G6PD deficiency unless otherwise confirmed and to avoid administering methylene blue, even though the patient is from a low-risk ethnicity for G6PDD.
Transforming Brand Identity to Hotel Performance: The Moderating Effect of Social Capital
Authors: Fan Daisy X. F. , Hsu Cathy H. C. , Liu Andy Xiaofeng
Published: February 2022

Hotel performance is one of the core concerns for managers and investors. However, a clear pathway from investment in branding to hotel performance is scarce. To fill this research gap, the study aims to explore the effects of brand identity, physical facility quality, and brand equity on hotel performance; and to examine the moderating effect of social capital in the brand–performance transformation model in both international and domestic brand hotel settings. Data were collected from 1,201 hotel managers in China, with 757 from international and 444 from domestic brand hotels. Theoretically, this study represents a first attempt to reveal the indirect roles that social capital plays in the hotel financial performance formation. The identified brand–performance pathway also provides implications for hotel practitioners regarding how to boost desirable hotel performance through both internal and external resources.
Application of Hertzian theory to torus on plane contacts
Authors: Kelley Josephine , Babaalihaghighi Kambiz , Bader Norbert , Wege Christian , Pape Florian , Poll Gerhard
Published: February 2022

Hertzian theory includes a well-known analytical solution for the calculation of the contact area and pressure between two bodies. Hertzian theory is not unconditionally applicable, in particular with regards to the shape of the contacting solids. When geometric assumptions are invalid, the finite element method is generally used, but is more computationally intensive. We propose and analyze a generalization to the geometric assumptions of Hertzian theory and apply it to torus on plane contacts. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the calculation, a finite element model is used as a basis for comparison.
Contemporary archaeology in conflict zones: The materiality of violence and the transformation of the urban space in Temuco, Chile during the social outburst
Authors: Lindskoug Henrik B. , Martínez Wladimir
Published: February 2022

We have, during the Latin American spring, studied the material traces of state oppression and social movements in Temuco, Chile, and the transformation of the urban landscape with archaeological surveys. Our results demonstrate alterations in the urban landscape related to both police presence and protesters. Large amounts of teargas-projectiles and rubber bullets indicate strong police presence and repression of different social movements. We have also identified protection and resistance modes in the form of shields, paint bombs, and protective masks, often associated with graffiti's, barricades, and other alterations of the public space. Material vestiges combined with interviews have shown how state institutions have tried to cover up the traces of violence. We argue that archaeology can play a central role in this process and in recording the materiality of these events with the aim to hand over the information to human right associations to prevent state oppression.
Treatment of Long Femoropopliteal Lesions With Self-Expanding Interwoven Nitinol Stent: 24 Month Outcomes of the STELLA-SUPERA Trial
Authors: Nasr Bahaa , Gouailler Flora , Marret Olivier , Guillou Marie , Chaillou Philippe , Guyomarc’h Béatrice , Maurel Blandine , Gouëffic Yann
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The performance of self-expanding interwoven nitinol stent (Supera) in femoropopliteal interventions has been proven through trials with short lesions and with relatively low proportion of occlusions. There is limited evidence of Supera stent in long lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical safety and efficiency of the Supera stent in the treatment of long femoropopliteal lesions (Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus [TASC] C/D) in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods:

The STELLA SUPERA (STEnting Long de L’Artère fémorale superficielle par le stent métallique Supera) is a prospective, 2-center, single-arm study. Patients with symptomatic (Rutherford stages 2–6) de novo and TASC C/D lesions of the femoropopliteal segment were treated with Supera stent. The primary endpoint was the primary sustained clinical improvement at 12 months. Follow-up included clinical examination, duplex scan, and biplane X-ray up to 24 months.

Results:

Between December 2016 and October 2018, 48 symptomatic patients with 49 femoropopliteal lesions (TASC D = 32, 65%) were treated. The mean lesion length was 234 ± 123 mm, and 78% were total occlusion. The mean stented lesion length was 273 ± 127 mm. At 12 and 24 months, the primary sustained clinical improvement rate was 87.2% and 79.7%, respectively. The Rutherford category assessment was significantly improved at 24 months compared with baseline (p=0.02). At 24 months, the primary patency and freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were 77.9% and 86.9%, respectively. The ankle-brachial pressure index increased from 0.62 ± 0.15 at baseline to 0.93 ± 0.15 at 24 months (p<0.0001). There were no stent fractures at 24 months.

Conclusion:

The use of Supera stent in long lesions (TASC C/D) is a safe and effective endovascular alternative. These results reinforce the need for randomized clinical trials to assess the value of interwoven stents for long femoropopliteal lesions.
Anatomical Modifications After Stent Implantation: A Comparative Analysis Between CGuard, Wallstent, and Roadsaver Carotid Stents
Authors: Ginanni Corradini Luca , Balocco Simone , Maresca Luciano , Vitale Silvio , Stefanini Matteo
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Carotid revascularization can be associated with modifications of the vascular geometry, which may lead to complications. The changes on the vessel angulation before and after a carotid WallStent (WS) implantation are compared against 2 new dual-layer devices, CGuard (CG) and RoadSaver (RS).

Materials and Methods:

The study prospectively recruited 217 consecutive patients (112 GC, 73 WS, and 32 RS, respectively). Angiography projections were explored and the one having a higher arterial angle was selected as a basal view. After stent implantation, a stent control angiography was performed selecting the projection having the maximal angle. The same procedure is followed in all the 3 stent types to guarantee comparable conditions. The angulation changes on the stented segments were quantified from both angiographies. The statistical analysis quantitatively compared the pre-and post-angles for the 3 stent types. The results are qualitatively illustrated using boxplots. Finally, the relation between pre- and post-angles measurements is analyzed using linear regression.

Results:

For CG, no statistical difference in the axial vessel geometry between the basal and postprocedural angles was found. For WS and RS, statistical difference was found between pre- and post-angles. The regression analysis shows that CG induces lower changes from the original curvature with respect to WS and RS.

Conclusion:

Based on our results, CG determines minor changes over the basal morphology than WS and RS stents. Hence, CG respects better the native vessel anatomy than the other stents. Level of Evidence: Level 4, Case Series.
A Gender-Based Comparative Analysis of Generation X and Y on Emotional Contagion: The Qualitative Perspective
Authors: Banerjee Poulami , Srivastava Manjari , Krishnamoorthy Bala
Published: February 2022

Workplace emotions are intense and disruptive, so contagion becomes inevitable. With the presence of diverse groups of employees, from generational cohorts to genders, working side by side, workplace dynamics have become quite challenging. We study the factors leading to emotional contagion and its impact on the most prominent generations present today—Generation X and Y. Additionally, we also study the gender differences on emotional contagion at workplace. The factors were shortlisted via a comprehensive literature review. A qualitative research methodology has been used for deeper understanding of the topic. In-depth interviews with 62 respondents (34 from Generation Y: 16 males and 18 females; and 28 from Generation X: 15 males and 13 females) were used for data collection. Data analysis revealed that there were differences in the ways various factors affected emotional contagion for these two generations and on males and females. Based on the analysis, we have presented research propositions for quantitative validation which can be explored by future researchers.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy as an Adjunctive Therapy for Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Ruihan , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Ruishu , Zhang Nan , Guo Jiaxun , Huang Yunxia
Published: February 2022

Background:

The best nonsurgical treatment for frozen shoulder is still unclear. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an innovative adjunctive treatment for frozen shoulder, but its effect is still unclear.

Purpose:

To evaluate the published literature regarding the potential of ESWT as an adjunctive therapy for frozen shoulder.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Searches were conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP Information databases for relevant studies between inception and November 2020. Included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for frozen shoulder that compared ESWT with routine treatments to controls. There were no restrictions on the treatment period, type of ESWT, or severity of symptoms. At least 1 of the following outcome indices was assessed: visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Constant-Murley score (CMS) for shoulder function assessment, or external rotation range of movement (ER ROM). RevMan 5.3 software was used to evaluate the bias and quality of the included studies. For continuous variables, the mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) with the 95% CI was extracted. For dichotomous data, event ratios and sample sizes were extracted.

Results:

Overall, 20 studies were included. The ESWT used as an adjunct to other interventions had better outcomes compared with control groups regarding immediate and short-term analgesic effects (immediate: MD, –1.10 [95% CI, –1.27 to –0.92], P < .00001; short-term: MD, –0.72 [95% CI, –0.94 to –0.50], P < .00001) as well as immediate function (SMD, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.19 to 1.89], P < .00001], I 2 = 0%). There was significant heterogeneity between studies for long-term analgesia (MD, –0.90 [95% CI, –1.40 to –0.41], P < .00001, I 2 = 89%) and ER ROM (MD, 10.31 [95% CI, 3.46 to 17.17], P < .003, I 2 = 93%).

Conclusion:

ESWT seems to be beneficial to patients with frozen shoulder by alleviating pain and improving function. ESWT could be used as an adjunct therapy to routine treatments, although the quality of the included RCTs was hampered by significant heterogeneity regarding long-term analgesia and joint ROM.
Effect of Patient Positioning on Measurement of the Anterior Center-Edge Angle on False-Profile Radiographs and Its 3-Dimensional Mapping to the Acetabular Rim
Authors: Mozingo Joseph D. , Schuring Lindsay L. , Mortensen Alexander J. , Anderson Andrew E. , Aoki Stephen K.
Published: February 2022

Background:

The anterior center-edge angle (ACEA) is used to quantify anterior coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. However, its measurement has not been evaluated in a manner consistent with routine use, and the precise 3-dimensional (3D) anatomic location where it measures coverage is not known.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of patient positioning on ACEA measurement reliability, magnitude, and 3D location.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Included were 18 adults; 7 participants had cam morphology and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and 11 participants had no radiographic evidence of hip abnormalities and no history of hip pain or injuries. Ultimately, 3D femur and pelvis models were generated from computed tomography images. Radiographs were generated with the models in different degrees of pelvic rotation, tilt, and obliquity relative to the standard false-profile view. The ACEA was measured by 2 raters by selecting the location of the bone edge on each radiograph. Selections were projected onto the pelvis model and expressed as a clockface location on the acetabular rim. The clockface was mirrored on left hips to allow a direct comparison of locations between hips. Interrater and intrarater reliability were quantified via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The effect of position on ACEA measurements and clockface locations was determined via linear regression.

Results:

Intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent (ICC ≥0.97 for all). For every degree increase in rotation, tilt, and obliquity, the ACEA changed by +0.53°, +0.93°, and –0.04°, respectively. The mean clockface location (hour:minute:second) in the false-profile view was 2:09:32 ± 0:12:00 and changed by +0:02:08, –0:00:35, and –0:00:05 for every degree increase in rotation, tilt, and obliquity, respectively.

Conclusion:

ACEA measurements were reliable even with differences in patient positioning. Rotation and tilt were associated with notable changes in ACEA measurements. ACEA bone edge measurements mapped to the anterosuperior acetabular rim, typically in proximity to the anterior inferior iliac spine. Mapped location was most sensitive to rotation.

Clinical Relevance:

Pelvic rotation and tilt affected ACEA measurements, which could alter the clinical classification and treatment of borderline abnormalities. Rotation in particular must be well controlled during patient imaging to preserve measurement reliability and accuracy and to describe coverage from the intended 3D rim location.
Local Implementation of State-Level Discipline Policy: Administrator Perspectives and Contextual Factors Associated With Compliance
Authors: Anderson Kaitlin P. , McKenzie Sarah
Published: February 2022

Many states and school districts are implementing reforms to reduce reliance on exclusionary discipline such as out-of-school suspension and expulsion. This article uses survey and administrative data to study the implementation of a state-level policy limiting elementary school out-of-school suspension and expulsions. While the results are limited in sample size and generalizability, we find that survey respondents from relatively disadvantaged schools reported greater difficulties and challenges with implementation and tended to comply at lower rates. Policy makers seeking more equitable implementation of these types of reforms should work with schools to better understand and attend to local preferences, buy-in, and capacity for implementation.
Land use planning: An opportunity to avert devastation from bushfires
Authors: Maund Kim , Maund Mark , Gajendran Thayaparan
Published: February 2022

Land use planning (LUP) provides a mechanism to reduce risk and increase resilience to natural hazards. We sought to understand the extent that key stakeholders in LUP consider natural hazard risk in determination of rezoning applications. The aim was to identify why land uses are permitted within areas exposed to risk of natural hazards like bushfires. Presenting the case of New South Wales, a state ravaged by devastating bushfires, we explore decision-making practices within the regulatory planning environment. We utilised a qualitative exploratory research design involving a multi-criteria decision-making framework as a lens to explore how key stakeholders make decisions to consider bushfire risk within the policy environment. Our findings identify the lack of a consistent process employed in LUP decision-making and priority given to decision-making criteria that emphasises achieving targets for employment and housing and results in low priority given to bushfire risk. We suggest that placing higher priority on bushfire risk in decision-making, within and between organisations, is necessary to consider bushfire risk within regulatory LUP activities to support disaster risk reduction and create resilient communities.
Themes and Narratives of Gig Economy: An Indian HR Perspective
Authors: Pant Jyoti Joshi , Majumder Madhumita Guha
Published: February 2022

Industry experts estimate that there could be over 15 million gig economy workers in India. Despite its massive potential, India’s gig economy is still at a very nascent stage. Due to the recent pandemic, many companies were forced to trim staff and hire gig workers due to uncertain market conditions. This has dispelled many reservations about the dependability and long-term viability of a gig workforce. India can emerge as one of the largest markets for flexible staffing globally. It is therefore apt that a research article traces the Indian gig economy and draws valid inferences for the human resource (HR) function. The objective of this article is to review and synthesise themes and narratives around gig economy from the perspective of people’s function.

The study analyses the concepts in two phases. In phase I, we summarise the key concepts from academic research. We, further, extract the opinions of business professionals; in phase II, using text mining techniques in SPSS Modeler Text of qualitative data discussed in the Indian context is used to come up with the gig economy narrative in India. This inductive research draws inferences from secondary data available in newspapers, magazines, blogs, research journals and comments posted on social media like LinkedIn and Twitter.

The findings of this article reveal how gig economy has shaped the employer–employee relationship. While doing so, we present the opportunities and challenges for the gig workers, the influence of the pandemic in fuelling the gig economy and perception of the organisations. There is more positive sentiment and optimism around the gig economy in India. The role of the managers will transform in this model, and functions like learning and development and performance management will undergo vital changes. Creating a sense of inclusion and belongingness among the gig workers will become a priority. Therefore, to become a stable employment model, there is a need to create a robust gig ecosystem where expectations of all the important stakeholders are understood and met.

Implication: The union budget 2021–2022 for the first time acknowledged the gig economy and announced social security benefits for the gig workers. It is time for HR and policymakers to redesign policies and processes that will not just accommodate gig workers into the formal employment but also foster inclusion. The exhaustive review of literature provides a holistic picture of gig economy to scholars interested in the field of gig economy, psychological contract, and diversity and inclusion. Practitioners can use insights from this research study to manage, engage and retain their gig talent.
Incidental Venous Malformations of the Mandible with Bone Erosion: Successful Treatment with Sclerotherapy, a Case Series
Authors: Marley Samantha , Harrison Joshua , Shahriari Shawhin , Fabre Anna , Sorte Danielle , Shetty Anil , Rogol Elizaveta
Published: February 2022

Intraosseous venous malformations are rare lesions in the facial bones often presenting incidentally on imaging, and accounting for 0.5% to 1% of all osseous tumors. Physicians are presented with a diagnostic challenge of differentiating intraosseous venous malformations from bony lesions of the mandible and midface. This is due to the rarity of venous malformations, which often have an asymptomatic course, and the potential for significant intraoperative blood loss. We report 2 cases of asymptomatic facial venous malformations with bone involvement, incidentally, discovered through routine dental radiographic imaging. After evaluation, sclerotherapy was the selected treatment modality for both patients with complete involution. To date, no recurrence of the lesions has been reported.
TAL Effectors with Avirulence Activity in African Strains of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Lachaux Marlène , Thomas Emilie , Bogdanove Adam J. , Szurek Boris , Hutin Mathilde
Published: February 2022

Background

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial leaf blight, a devastating disease of rice. Among the type-3 effectors secreted by Xoo to support pathogen virulence, the Transcription Activator-Like Effector (TALE) family plays a critical role. Some TALEs are major virulence factors that activate susceptibility (S) genes, overexpression of which contributes to disease development. Host incompatibility can result from TALE-induced expression of so-called executor (E) genes leading to a strong and rapid resistance response that blocks disease development. In that context, the TALE functions as an avirulence (Avr) factor. To date no such avirulence factors have been identified in African strains of Xoo.

Results

With respect to the importance of TALEs in the Rice-Xoo pathosystem, we aimed at identifying those that may act as Avr factor within African Xoo. We screened 86 rice accessions, and identified 12 that were resistant to two African strains while being susceptible to a well-studied Asian strain. In a gain of function approach based on the introduction of each of the nine tal genes of the avirulent African strain MAI1 into the virulent Asian strain PXO99A, four were found to trigger resistance on specific rice accessions. Loss-of-function mutational analysis further demonstrated the avr activity of two of them, talD and talI, on the rice varieties IR64 and CT13432 respectively. Further analysis of TalI demonstrated the requirement of its activation domain for triggering resistance in CT13432. Resistance in 9 of the 12 rice accessions that were resistant against African Xoo specifically, including CT13432, could be suppressed or largely suppressed by trans-expression of the truncTALE tal2h, similarly to resistance conferred by the Xa1 gene which recognizes TALEs generally independently of their activation domain.

Conclusion

We identified and characterized TalD and TalI as two African Xoo TALEs with avirulence activity on IR64 and CT13432 respectively. Resistance of CT13432 against African Xoo results from the combination of two mechanisms, one relying on the TalI-mediated induction of an unknown executor gene and the other on an Xa1-like gene or allele.
Candida albicans Infections: a novel porcine wound model to evaluate treatment efficacy
Authors: Gil Joel , Solis Michael , Higa Alexander , Davis Stephen C.
Published: February 2022

Candida albicans is a common cause of opportunistic mycoses worldwide and a major contributor in wound infections. The purpose of this study was to establish a fungal wound model and analyze the effects of a common antifungal agent against the proliferation of three C. albicans strains. Second degree burns were created, and then inoculated with one of three different C. albicans ATCC strains: 10261 reference strain, 64550 fluconazole resistant and 26310 fluconazole sensitive. After fungal inoculation, every wound was covered with dressings for 4 h to allow fungal colonization on every wound bed. After 4 h, the dressings were removed, and each wound was treated either once or twice daily with a topical terbinafine hydrochloride or left untreated. On days 2, 4 and 7 post inoculation, three wounds from each treatment group were scrub cultured and quantified. On day 2, wounds infected with the sensitive strains 26310 and 10261 and treated twice showed a significant reduction when compared against those infected wounds receiving once daily treatment. On day 4, wounds which were infected with C. albicans fluconazole sensitive (ATCC 26310) showed a significant reduction in fungal cell counts with treatment applied twice daily. A significant reduction in the colony counts was exhibited in all three strains at the seventh day with active as compared to the non-treated wounds. Twice daily treatment resulted in a lower fungal count than once daily treatment. Neither treatment was able to entirely eradicate C. albicans during the duration of this study. Establishing a reliable fungal wound model will help in the translational goal of identifying new antifungal that could be used clinically by wound care providers.
Profiling the cell walls of seagrasses from A (Amphibolis) to Z (Zostera)
Authors: Pfeifer Lukas , van Erven Gijs , Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Duarte Carlos M. , Kabel Mirjam A. , Classen Birgit
Published: February 2022

Background

The polyphyletic group of seagrasses shows an evolutionary history from early monocotyledonous land plants to the marine environment. Seagrasses form important coastal ecosystems worldwide and large amounts of seagrass detritus washed on beaches might also be valuable bioeconomical resources. Despite this importance and potential, little is known about adaptation of these angiosperms to the marine environment and their cell walls.

Results

We investigated polysaccharide composition of nine seagrass species from the Mediterranean, Red Sea and eastern Indian Ocean. Sequential extraction revealed a similar seagrass cell wall polysaccharide composition to terrestrial angiosperms: arabinogalactans, pectins and different hemicelluloses, especially xylans and/or xyloglucans. However, the pectic fractions were characterized by the monosaccharide apiose, suggesting unusual apiogalacturonans are a common feature of seagrass cell walls. Detailed analyses of four representative species identified differences between organs and species in their constituent monosaccharide composition and lignin content and structure. Rhizomes were richer in glucosyl units compared to leaves and roots. Enhalus had high apiosyl and arabinosyl abundance, while two Australian species of Amphibolis and Posidonia, were characterized by high amounts of xylosyl residues. Interestingly, the latter two species contained appreciable amounts of lignin, especially in roots and rhizomes whereas Zostera and Enhalus were lignin-free. Lignin structure in Amphibolis was characterized by a higher syringyl content compared to that of Posidonia.

Conclusions

Our investigations give a first comprehensive overview on cell wall composition across seagrass families, which will help understanding adaptation to a marine environment in the evolutionary context and evaluating the potential of seagrass in biorefinery incentives.
Long-segmental middle aortic coarctation: a rare case first diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Yang Canying , Lai Bin
Published: February 2022

Background

Middle aortic coarctation (MAC), also known as middle aortic syndrome, is an atypical aortic coarctation characterized by narrowing of the distal thoracic aorta and proximal abdominal aorta. MAC is a rare disease commonly diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). In this paper, we present a case of long-segmental MAC first diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and further evaluated by CTA.

Case presentation.

A 14-year-old girl, with dyspnea and fatigue on exertion for 2 months and refractory hypertension for 6 months, was referred by the local clinic to our hospital. Physical examination showed blood pressure up to 176/100 mmHg measured in the arms despite dual antihypertensives, a marked pressure gradient between her arms and legs, and weak pulses in both dorsal pedes arteries. TTE revealed a segmental narrowing in the descending thoracic aorta below the level of the atrioventricular sulcus, with a calcified plaque in the stenotic region. Abdominal vascular ultrasound revealed the segmental narrowing extending to the descending abdominal aorta (5.7 mm in diameter) above the level of the superior mesenteric artery. Subsequently, CTA verified a long-segment narrowing in the descending aorta from the level of T8 to L2 vertebra, with a calcified plaque in the stenotic aorta, right renal artery involvement, and a rich network of collateral vessels between the pre-and post-stenotic region. The patient was referred for cardiovascular surgery in which a successful ascending aorta-abdominal aorta bypass was performed.

Conclusions

Although MAC is usually diagnosed by CTA, it may also be first diagnosed by TTE in some patients whose longitudinal axis view of the thoracic descending aorta could be shown. Careful TTE scan can improve the diagnostic rate of MAC, especially for some hypertension patients whose marked pressure gradient between arms and legs was ignored by the physician.
A randomized controlled clinical trial of prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment strategy in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a pilot study
Authors: Ma Min , Wang Ling , Diao Kai-yue , Liang Shi-chu , Zhu Ye , Wang Hua , Wang Mian , Zhang Li , Yang Zhi-gang , He Yong
Published: February 2022

Background

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the standard procedure for reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon remains common and is associated with adverse outcomes.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate whether prolonged balloon inflation in stent deployment would lessen the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon in PPCI compared with conventional rapid inflation/deflation strategy.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to either the prolonged balloon inflation in stent deployment group (PBSG) or conventional deployment strategy group (CDSG) in a 1:1 ratio. A subset of patients was included in the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment.

Results

Thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) flow grade 3 was found in 96.7% and 63.3% of the patients of the PBSG and CDSG, respectively (P = 0.005). The results of the PBSG and CDSG are respectively shown as follows: 0% versus 30% no-reflow or slow flow (P = 0.002); 90% versus 66.7% ST-segment resolution ≥ 50% (P = 0.028); 35.6 ± 14.5 frames versus 49.18 ± 25.2 frames on corrected TIMI frame count (P = 0.014); and 60% versus 20% myocardial blush grade 3 (P = 0.001). At 1 month, the major cardiovascular adverse event (cardiovascular mortality) rate was 3.3% in both groups; at 1 year, the rate was 3.3% and 6.7% for the PBSG and CDSG, respectively (P = 1.00). In the CMR subset of cases, the presence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) was detected in 6.7% and 50% of the patients in the PBSG and CDSG, respectively (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

In our pilot trial, prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment strategy in PPCI reduces the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients with STEMI and improved the myocardial microcirculation perfusion (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03199014; registered: 26/June/2017).
Acute left ventricular insufficiency in a Burkitt Lymphoma patient with myocardial involvement and extensive local tumor cell lysis: a case report
Authors: Schmiester Maren , Tranter Eva , Lorusso Alessandro , Blaschke Florian , Geisel Dominik , Bullinger Lars , Damm Frederik , Na Il-Kang
Published: February 2022

Background

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a rare disease with the sporadic variant accounting for less than 1% of adult non-Hodgkin lymphomas. BL usually presents with an abdominal bulk, but extranodal disease affecting the bone marrow and central nervous system is common. Cardiac manifestations, however, are exceedingly rare, with less than 30 cases reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We report on a 54-year-old male patient with a six week-long history of paranasal sinus swelling, fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. Stage IV sporadic BL with extensive lymphonodal and cardiovascular involvement was diagnosed. Manifestations included supra- and infradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathy as well as infiltration of the aortic root, the pericardium, the right atrium and the right ventricle. EBV-reactivation was detected, which is uncommon in the sporadic subtype. After initial full-dose chemotherapy with very good BL control, the patient developed acute, but fully reversible cardiac insufficiency. Myocardial lymphoma involvement receded completely during the following two therapy cycles, while cardiac function periodically deteriorated shortly after chemotherapy administration and quickly recovered thereafter. Interestingly, the decline in cardiac function lessened with decreasing myocardial lymphoma manifestation. Once the cardiovascular BL infiltration was resolved, cardiac function remained stable throughout further treatment. Following seven cycles of chemotherapy and mediastinal radiation, the patient is now in continued complete remission.

Conclusions

Although rare, cardiac involvement in BL can quickly become life-threatening due to rapid lymphoma doubling time and should therefore be considered at initial diagnosis. This case suggests an association between myocardial infiltration, chemotherapy associated tumor cell lysis and transient deterioration of cardiac function until the damage caused by the underlying lymphoma could be restored. While additional studies are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms of acute cardiac insufficiency due to lymphoma lysis in the infiltrated structures, prompt BL control and full recovery of the patient supports courageous treatment start despite extensive cardiovascular involvement.
Evaluation of away-from-home excursion patterns after falling among individuals with glaucoma: a longitudinal study
Authors: Garzon Catalina , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Jian-Yu E. , West Sheila K. , Gitlin Laura N. , Friedman David S. , Ramulu Pradeep Y.
Published: February 2022

Background

Unintentional falls among older adults are associated with an ensuing decline in physical activity. Our objective is to evaluate the associations between fall status and changes in excursions after a fall.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of older adults with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma who reported falls for 1 year and wore a GPS device for 1-week at the baseline and 1 year later. GPS data were quantified into average: daily excursions, daily time away from home, and time per excursion. Fall status was categorized as fallers, injurious fallers, recurrent fallers, and recurrent injurious fallers. Multivariable negative binomial regression and generalized estimating equations models were employed to evaluate relationship between excursion parameters and fall status.

Results

A total of 192 eligible participants were included in the analyses. Approximately half were males (50.5%) with a mean age of 70.1 years and one-fourth were Black (28.1%). There were no significant associations between fall status and end-of-study excursion parameters (p > 0.06 for all), and visual field damage did not modify these relationships (p > 0.07 for all). For instance, patients with multiple falls during a one-year study period did not demonstrate more daily excursions (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85 to 1.57), longer time per excursion (IRR = 0.79, 95% CI =0.59 to 1.06), or more average daily time away (IRR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.30) conducted at the end-of-the study. Excursion parameters at the final assessment were not significantly different from those at baseline (p > 0.09 for all) and the changes did not vary by fall status (p > 0.23 for all).

Conclusions

Older adults with glaucoma did not modify their travel away from home after experiencing a fall. Additional research is necessary to understand how often maintenance of travel outside the home after a fall reflects proper compensation for greater fall risk or continued activity despite the risk of falling.
The effect of training the fathers to support their wives on stress and self-efficacy in mothers of premature newborns hospitalized in NICU: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Hadian Shirazi Zahra , Ghasemloo Hamed , Razavinejad Seyyed Mostajab , Sharifi Nasrin , Bagheri Shahpar
Published: February 2022

Background

The birth of premature newborns and their separation from family due to their hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cause stress in the parents, especially mothers. We conducted this study aimed to evaluate whether training the fathers to support their wives impacts premature newborn mothers’ stress and self-efficacy or not?

Methods

A quasi-experimental (before-after study) including one experimental and control group was used. Data were collected from Seventy-five parents with newborns hospitalized in NICU (n = 30) in the intervention and (n = 45) in usual care groups. Settings were the NICUs of the two international, educational, specialty, and subspecialty Nemazee and Hafez hospitals of the Shiraz University of Medical Science. Fathers in the intervention group learned how to support their wives and provide care for their premature newborns. The control group received the usual care. Mother’s stress and self-efficacy were measured using validated questionnaires.

Results

Data analysis showed that the mean scores of mothers’ stress and self-efficacy from pre-intervention to post-intervention were significantly decreased and increased respectively in the intervention group (p <0.001). At the same time, there was no significant difference in the control group.

Conclusion

When fathers are trained to support their wives and do so, it relieves the stress and improves the mothers’ self-efficacy, and has a direct effect on providing care to their premature newborns. Therefore, it is recommended that measures should be taken so that the fathers be present, participate in providing care, and support their wives and newborns in NICU.

Trial registration

IRCT20171130037691N1.
Associations between prolonged second stage of labor and maternal and neonatal outcomes in freestanding birth centers: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Niemczyk Nancy A. , Ren Dianxu , Stapleton Susan R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Current guidelines for second stage management do not provide guidance for community birth providers about when best to transfer women to hospital care for prolonged second stage. Our goal was to increase the evidence base for these providers by: 1) describing the lengths of second stage labor in freestanding birth centers, and 2) determining whether proportions of postpartum women and newborns experiencing complications change as length of second stage labor increases.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of de-identified client-level data collected in the American Association of Birth Centers Perinatal Data Registry, including women giving birth in freestanding birth centers January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016. We plotted proportions of postpartum women and newborns transferred to hospital care against length of the second stage of labor, and assessed significance of these with the Cochran-Armitage test for trend or chi-square test. Secondary maternal and newborn outcomes were compared for dyads with normal and prolonged second stages of labor using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Second stage labor exceeded 3 hours for 2.3% of primiparous women and 2 hours for 6.6% of multiparous women.

Newborn transfers increased as second stage increased from < 15 minutes to > 2 hours (0.6% to 6.33%, p for trend = 0.0008, for primiparous women, and 1.4% to 10.6%, p for trend < 0.0001, for multiparous women.) Postpartum transfers for multiparous women increased from 1.4% after second stage < 15 minutes to greater than 4% for women after second stage exceeding 2 hours (p for trend < 0.0001.)

Conclusions

Complications requiring hospitalization of postpartum women and newborns become more common as the length of the second stage increases. Birth center guidelines should consider not just presence of progress but also absolute length of time as indications for transfer.
Facilitators and barriers to reducing chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer: a qualitative analysis of interviews with patients and patient advocates
Authors: Andrews Courtney , Childers Timothy C. , Wiseman Kimberly D. , Lawhon Valerie , Ingram Stacey , Smith Mary Lou , Wolff Antonio C. , Wagner Lynne , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: February 2022

Background

As the combination of systemic and targeted chemotherapies is associated with severe adverse side effects and long-term health complications, there is interest in reducing treatment intensity for patients with early-stage breast cancer (EBC). Clinical trials are needed to determine the feasibility of reducing treatment intensity while maintaining 3-year recurrence-free survival of greater than 92%. To recruit participants for these trials, it is important to understand patient perspectives on reducing chemotherapy.

Methods

We collected qualitative interview data from twenty-four patients with Stage II-III breast cancer and sixteen patient advocates. Interviews explored potential barriers and facilitators to participation in trials testing reduced amounts of chemotherapy. As the COVID-19 pandemic struck during data collection, seventeen participants were asked about the potential impact of COVID-19 on their interest in these trials. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and researchers used qualitative content analysis to code for dominant themes.

Results

Seventeen participants (42.5%) expressed interest in participating in a trial of reduced chemotherapy. Barriers to reducing chemotherapy included (1) fear of recurrence and inefficacy, (2) preference for aggressive treatment, (3) disinterest in clinical trials, (4) lack of information about expected outcomes, (5) fear of regret, and (6) having young children. Facilitators included (1) avoiding physical toxicity, (2) understanding the scientific rationale of reducing chemotherapy, (3) confidence in providers, (4) consistent monitoring and the option to increase dosage, (5) fewer financial and logistical challenges, and (6) contributing to scientific knowledge. Of those asked, nearly all participants said they would be more motivated to reduce treatment intensity in the context of COVID-19, primarily to avoid exposure to the virus while receiving treatment.

Conclusions

Among individuals with EBC, there is significant interest in alleviating treatment-related toxicity by reducing chemotherapeutic intensity. Patients will be more apt to participate in trials testing reduced amounts of chemotherapy if these are framed in terms of customizing treatment to the individual patient and added benefit—reduced toxicities, higher quality of life during treatment and lower risk of long-term complications—rather than in terms of taking treatments away or doing less than the standard of care. Doctor-patient rapport and provider support will be crucial in this process.