bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteoimmunology: The correlation between osteoclasts and the Th17/Treg balance in osteoporosis
Authors: Huang Fei , Wong Puiian , Li Jinglan , Lv Zheng , Xu Liangliang , Zhu Genfu , He Mincong , Luo Yiwen
Published: May 2022

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that is caused by disorder of the skeletal microenvironment, and it characterized by a high disability rate and the occurrence of low energy fractures. Studies on osteoporosis and related treatment options have always been hot spots in the field of bone biology. In the past, the understanding of osteoporosis has been rather limited; research has only shown that osteoporosis involves the imbalance of bone resorption and bone formation, and recent studies have not provided cutting‐edge theories of the basic understanding of osteoporosis. Recent studies have shown crosstalk between bone and immune responses. RANKL, an essential factor for osteoclasts (OCs), is associated with the immune system. T helper (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells are two different kinds of T cells that can self‐interact and regulate the differentiation and formation of OCs. Therefore, understanding the correlation between the skeletal and immune systems and further revealing the roles and the cooperation between RANKL and the Th17/Treg balance will help to provide new insights for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Physical representation of hillslope leaky barriers in 2D hydraulic models: A case study from the Calder Valley
Authors: Senior Jake G. , Trigg Mark A. , Willis Thomas
Published: May 2022

The resources of small‐scale community‐based flood risk action groups are often limited, hence studies to model and predict the effects of Natural Flood Management are often restrained by time and lack of empirical data to validate results. As a result, representations of hillslope leaky barriers are largely modelled as several equifinal approaches, often without survey data. The geometrical characteristics of hillslope leaky barriers were surveyed for the first time at Hardcastle Crags, Calder Valley. This data informed six 2D hydraulic model representation scenarios with varying combinations of topography modification and roughness increase, allowing the sensitivity of their results to be tested. Results from Scenario 3 (topography modification and roughness increase) estimated total hillslope runoff peak flow to reduce by 16.6% in a 1:1‐year design return period; however, this reduction diminished as rainfall intensity increased. Return periods of over 1:30 year estimated peak flow reductions of <5%. Only 14.3%–21.7% (98–148 m3) of the total additional storage provided by the barriers is mobilised during simulated events. A multi‐peaked rainfall event from December 2015 was also simulated. Although the initial peak flow was reduced by 22.7%, as storage became mobilised, effectiveness reduced significantly for subsequent peaks within the same event.
Annual report of the committee on gynecologic oncology, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Annual patient report for 2019 and annual treatment report for 2014
Authors: Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kurita Tomoko , Takahashi Fumiaki , Nagase Satoru ,   Board members of the 2021 Committee on Gynecologic Oncology of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Published: May 2022

Aim

To provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the Annual Patient Report for 2019 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2014, on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2014.

Methods

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry, where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment with gynecologic malignancies was initiated in 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in 2014 was analyzed by using the Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank, and Wilcoxson tests.

Results

Treatment was initiated in 2019 for 7983 patients with cervical cancer, 12 631 with endometrial cancer, 7737 with ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer, 2222 with ovarian borderline tumors, and with the others (251 vulvar cancer, 148 vaginal cancer, 476 uterine sarcoma, 43 uterine adenosarcoma, 175 trophoblastic diseases). This clinicopathological information was summarized as the Patient Annual Report. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 92.5%, 76.8%, 58.6%, and 29.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 94.5%, 87.3%, 70.2%, and 26.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 90.72%, 80.4%, 53.4%, and 31.6% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively.

Conclusion

The annual tumor report is an important survey that provides knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan.
Central American immigrant mothers' narratives of intersecting oppressions: A resistant knowledge project
Authors: Letiecq Bethany L. , Davis Elizabeth , Vesely Colleen K. , Goodman Rachael D. , Zeledon Danielka , Marquez Marlene
Published: May 2022

Objective

In partnership with Central American mothers, the objective of this study was to engage in the coproduction of a resistant knowledge project, delineating how racialized and gendered structural oppression in the context of illegality conditioned mothers' opportunities to work, live, and do family in an immigrant enclave in the Washington, D.C. region.

Background

While there is significant research describing Central American mother's experiences in the United States, it is critical to understand how interlocking structural oppressions operate in specific contexts to produce differential experiences of exploitation and marginalization.

Method

This study is embedded in a larger community‐based participatory action research (CBPAR) program. For this study, we analyzed 22 in‐depth interviews with undocumented Central American immigrant mothers using a community‐engaged coding process.

Results

Findings illustrate how the interlocking forces of structural racism, heteropatriarchy, and illegality deprive Central American immigrant mothers of economic and other resources, exposing them to precarious, overcrowded housing, and toxic, abusive power relations. These oppressive structural forces also position women as dependent on men and their wages. In solidarity with their male partners, some mothers reached their family goals through shared parental sacrifice. For others, partner deportations and relational dysfunction were ruinous. Some mothers saw their liberation from intersecting oppressions as tied to their singlehood.

Conclusion

Critical perspectives and alternative research approaches like CBPAR are needed in family science to advance understanding of how structural racism, heteropatriarchy, and illegality condition and constrain the lives of Central American immigrant mothers and other minoritized and marginalized families. CBPAR can also contribute to social movements for justice and people's liberation.
First report of fig tree dieback caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Tunisia
Authors: Jabnoun‐Khiareddine Hayfa , Aydi Ben Abdallah Rania , Mars Messaoud , Daami‐Remadi Mejda
Published: May 2022

In Tunisia, common fig (Ficus carica L., Moraceae) is a very ancient fruit crop, very important and still regaining interest. It is cultivated throughout Tunisia from the south to the north and from the east to the west. In July 2020, a severe unusual branch dieback and stem canker was observed on fig cv. ‘Zidi’ trees in a commercial orchard in north‐eastern Tunisia. Disease incidence was 50% and symptoms observed on the 10‐year‐old infected trees included wilt, defoliation, branch dieback and trunk and shoot cankers. The current study aimed to characterize the pathogen (s) associated with observed fig dieback and to study their pathogenicity. The causal agent has been identified as belonging only to the species Lasiodiplodia theobromae based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses, using combined sequences of ITS, tef1 and β‐tubulin (tub2) genes. Pathogenicity tests performed on 1‐year‐old detached and green shoots demonstrated that L. theobromae was pathogenic to common fig cv. ‘Zidi’. Symptom development was visible after 7–15 days of incubation at 25°C showing the aggressive behaviour of L. theobromae towards fig shoots. Cvs. ‘Chetoui’, ‘Zidi’, ‘Bidhi Bghal’ and ‘Bither Abyadh’ were less susceptible compared to the more susceptible cvs. ‘Soltani’ and ‘Bidhi 2’. To our knowledge, this study is the first report on common fig canker and dieback disease caused by L. theobromae in Tunisia and Africa. Considering the severe and rapid progress of this disease, prevention and management strategies should be implemented urgently to reduce its incidence and reduce fig tree losses.
Mortality and cause of death in persons with chronic hepatitis B virus infection versus healthy persons from the general population in Denmark
Authors: Bollerup Signe , Hallager Sofie , Engsig Frederik , Mocroft Amanda , Krarup Henrik , Madsen Lone G. , Thielsen Peter , Balslev Ulla , Mens Helene , Barfod Toke S. , Clausen Mette R. , Hobolth Lise , Laursen Alex L. , Tarp Britta , Roege Birgit T. , Hansen Jesper B. , Mygind Lone , Christensen Peer B. , Gerstoft Jan , Weis Nina
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to determine adjusted all‐cause mortality and cause of death in persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection compared with age‐ and sex‐matched persons from the general population. We used nationwide registers to identify persons aged ≥18 years with chronic HBV infection in 2002–2017 in Denmark and included 10 age‐ and sex‐matched controls for each. Follow‐up was from 6 months after diagnosis until death, emigration, or 31 December 2017. Mortality rate ratios (MRRs) adjusted for age, sex, employment, origin and comorbidity were calculated using Poisson regression. Unadjusted cause‐specific mortality rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution. A total of 6988 persons with chronic HBV infection and 69,847 controls were included. During a median follow‐up of 7.7 years (range 0.0–15.5), 315 (5%) persons with—and 1525 (2%) without—chronic HBV infection died. The adjusted all‐cause MRR was 1.5 (95% CI 1.2–2.0). Persons with chronic HBV infection had increased mortality due to liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma (MRR 12.3 [8.6–17.7]), external causes (MRR 3.3 [2.5–4.7]), endocrine disease (MRR 3.2 [1.8–5.4]), genitourinary disease (MRR 3.2 [1.2–7.6]) and neoplasms (except hepatocellular carcinoma; MRR 1.6 [1.2–2.0]). In conclusion, this study showed an increased all‐cause mortality in persons with chronic HBV infection in comparison with age‐ and sex‐matched persons without chronic HBV infection which remained after adjustment for several confounding factors. Excess mortality was mainly associated with liver disease, but also external factors, endocrine disease, genitourinary disease and neoplasms (excluding hepatocellular carcinoma).
Clitics, anti‐clitics, and weak words: Towards a typology of prosodic and syntagmatic dependence
Authors: Zingler Tim
Published: May 2022

Some reference grammars and cross‐linguistic works describe all elements that are not clear‐cut words as “clitics.” As a consequence of this practice, the class of suggested clitics is highly heterogeneous, which reduces the usefulness of the “clitic” label as a whole. In response to this situation, a more nuanced typology of grammatical forms is proposed here. The argument crucially relies on the notion of formal “dependence,” which is essentially a synchronic indicator of grammaticalisation status. The resulting system limits the term “clitic” to its prototypical manifestation, which combines a syntactic distribution with some degree of prosodic dependence on a host. Meanwhile, the class of “weak words” subsumes elements that are independent words in every regard except that they do not bear stress and/or tone, whereas “anti‐clitics” are affixes except that they share some behaviour with phonological words. Lastly, there are “mobile” and “suspended” affixes, which show types of syntagmatic freedom not found with prototypical affixes. All form classes proposed in this typology are attested across unrelated languages and are thus of relevance to typology and language‐specific analyses alike.
Variation in red fox Vulpes vulpes diet in five continents
Authors: Castañeda Irene , Doherty Tim S. , Fleming Patricia A. , Stobo‐Wilson Alyson M. , Woinarski John C. Z. , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: May 2022

Understanding variation in the diet of widely distributed species can help us to predict how they respond to future environmental and anthropogenic changes.

We studied the diet of the red fox Vulpes vulpes, one of the world's most widely distributed carnivores. We compiled dietary data from 217 studies at 276 locations in five continents to assess how fox diet composition varied according to geographic location, climate, anthropogenic impact, and sampling method.

The diet of foxes showed substantial variation throughout the species' range, but with a general trend for small mammals and invertebrates to be the most frequently occurring dietary items.

The incidence of small and large mammals and birds in fox diets was greater away from the equator. The incidence of invertebrates and fruits increased with mean elevation, while the occurrence of medium‐sized mammals and birds decreased.

Fox diet differed according to climatic and anthropogenic variables. Diet richness decreased with increasing temperature and precipitation. The incidence of small and large mammals decreased with increasing temperature. The incidence of birds and invertebrates decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation. Higher Human Footprint Index was associated with a lower incidence of large mammals and a higher incidence of birds and fruit in fox diet.

Sampling method influenced fox diet estimation: estimated percentage of small and medium‐sized mammals and fruit was lower in studies based on stomach contents, while large mammals were more likely to be recorded in studies of stomach contents than in studies of scats.

Our study confirms the flexible and opportunistic dietary behaviour of foxes at the global scale. This behavioural trait allows them to thrive in a range of climatic conditions, and in areas with different degrees of human‐induced habitat change. This knowledge can help us to place the results of local‐scale fox diet studies into a broader context and to predict how foxes will respond to future environmental changes.
Psychological needs of critical care staff and barriers to accessing support: A qualitative study
Authors: Sutton Olivia Rae , Norton Elisabeth Anne
Published: May 2022

Worldwide, critical care staff are vulnerable to mental health difficulties. Support is varied and uptake is minimal.Therefore, barriers need to be understood in order to be addressed; doing so may improve staff's mental health, resulting in positive consequences. This qualitative research took place between September 2020–November 2020 at a National Health Service critical care unit in England. Participants were critical care staff (n = 9). Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) was used to report the findings, with analysis resulting in six themes: support is the team together in the moment, keeping work‐related difficulties from the forefront of the mind, it's just part of the job, stigma makes it hard to speak up about psychological difficulties, normalizing psychological support, and desire for psychological support within critical care. Psychologist presence in critical care, as well as further options for support, may help to reduce barriers and improve staff mental health. Further research is needed to evaluate staff outcomes across multiple sites to refine understanding and interventional approach.
Timely linkage to care among men who have sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV: A structural equation model adapted from the HIV‐related stigma framework
Authors: Zhao Yafang , Li Zhen , Sheng Yu
Published: May 2022

HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in China has increased dramatically, and timely linkage to care after being diagnosed with HIV is important to treatment success. This cross‐sectional study aims to utilize structural equation modeling to test a hypothesized model of timely linkage to care adapted from the HIV‐related stigma framework. Data were collected from 257 men who have sex with men living with HIV. The proportion of participants with timely linkage to care within 1 month was 63.42%. The model result showed a good fit. Higher HIV‐related stigma was significantly associated with a lower level of social support, mental health, maladaptive coping (three mechanism variables), and attitude toward linkage to care. Higher CD4+ T‐cell count, disclosure of HIV positivity to sexual partners, and greater convenience of accessing care were related to timely linkage to care (p < 0.05). These model results suggest that enhancing attention to family reactions and social support are needed for further research and interventions to accelerate newly diagnosed people's access to HIV care in China.
Mycorrhizal type of woody plants influences understory species richness in British broadleaved woodlands
Authors: Guy Petra , Sibly Richard , Smart Simon M. , Tibbett Mark , Pickles Brian J.
Published: May 2022

Mature temperate woodlands are commonly dominated by ectomycorrhizal trees, whereas understory plants predominantly form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations. Due to differences in plant–fungus compatibility between canopy and ground layer vegetation the ‘mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis’ predicts that herbaceous plant establishment may be limited by a lack of suitable mycorrhizal fungal inoculum.

We examined plant species data for 103 woodlands across Great Britain recorded in 1971 and in 2000 to test whether herbaceous plant species richness was related to the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants. We compared the effect of mycorrhizal type with other important drivers of woodland plant species richness.

We found a positive effect of the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants on herbaceous plant species richness. The size of the observed effect was smaller than that of pH. Moreover, the effect persisted over time, despite many woodlands undergoing marked successional change and increased understorey shading.

This work supports the mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis in British woodlands and suggests that increased abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal woody plants is associated with greater understory plant species richness.
Replication proteinRPA2Aregulates floral transition by cooperating withPRC2inArabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Li Wenjuan , Liu Yue , Li Yanzhuo , Li Yang , Yang Wandong , Chen Xiangsong , Pi Limin , Yang Hongchun
Published: May 2022

RPA2A is a subunit of the conserved heterotrimeric replication protein A (RPA) in Arabidopsis, which is an essential replisome component that binds to single‐stranded DNA during DNA replication. RPA2A controls a set of developmental processes, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown.

Here we show that RPA2A represses key flowering genes includingFLOWERING LOCUS T(FT),AGAMOUS(AG) andAGAMOUS LIKE 71(AGL71) to suppress floral transition by cooperating with the PRC2 complex.

RPA2A is vigorously expressed in dividing cells and required for correct DNA replication. Mutation ofRPA2Aleads to early flowering, which is dependent on ectopic expression of key flowering genes includingFTmolecularly and genetically. RPA2A and PRC2 have common target genes includingFT,AGandAGL71supported using genetic analysis, transcriptome profiling and H3K27me3 ChIP‐seq analysis. Furthermore, RPA2A physically interacts with PRC2 components CLF, EMF2 and MSI1, which recruits CLF to the chromatin loci ofFT,AGandAGL71.

Together, our results show that the replication protein RPA2A recruits PRC2 to key flowering genes through physical protein interaction, thereby repressing the expression of these genes to suppress floral transition in Arabidopsis.
Self‐efficacy matters: Influence of students’ perceived self‐efficacy on statistics anxiety
Authors: Kaufmann Liane , Ninaus Manuel , Weiss Elisabeth M. , Gruber Walter , Wood Guilherme
Published: May 2022

Statistical knowledge is a key competency for psychologists in order to correctly interpret assessment outcomes. Importantly, when learning statistics (and its mathematical foundations), self‐efficacy (defined as an individual's belief to successfully accomplish specific performance attainments) is a central predictor of students’ motivation to learn, learning engagement, and actual achievement. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of students’ self‐efficacy for statistics and its interrelations with statistics anxiety and students’ belief in the relevance of statistics. Here, we present results showing development and validation of a self‐assessment questionnaire for examining self‐efficacy for statistics in psychology students (Self‐Efficacy for Learning Statistics for Psychologists, SES‐Psy). Upon using different methodological approaches, we demonstrate that the SES‐Psy questionnaire has (1) sound psychometric properties, and within our sample of university students, (2) a robust latent structure disclosing three clearly distinctive profiles that are characterized by a complex and nonlinear interplay between perceived self‐efficacy (for basic and advanced statistics), statistics anxiety, and students’ belief in the relevance of statistics. Implications for educational settings and future research are discussed.
Consecutive Kummell's Disease Combined with Parkinson's Disease and Experienced Internal Fixation Failure: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhan Yi , He Guiping , Yang Huiming , Gao Wenjie , Yuan Wei , Sun Honghui , Hao Dingjun , Wang Biao
Published: May 2022

Background

The continuous occurrence of Kummell's disease is extremely rare in clinical practice, and its treatment is difficult. The study aimed to present a rare case of consecutive Kummell's disease combined with Parkinson's disease (PD) and experienced internal fixation failure.

Case presentation

A 69‐year‐old female patient had a history of PD for 10 years, and was treated by posterior decompression, fixation, and fusion because of Kummell's disease of T12 with neurological damage. The patient's back pain and lower limb pain were significantly improved after surgery. Twenty‐two months later, the patient was rehospitalized for Kummell's disease of L4 with neuropathic pain of left lower extremity. She received almost identical surgical procedures as T12 lesion, and the difference was no L4 vertebroplasty preformed due to the fact that the L4 vertebrae collapse was not obvious, the intravertebral vacuum cleft (IVC) range was small, and the pedicle screw fixation strength was high. The pain symptoms were significantly relieved after operation. Unfortunately, there was a complication of internal fixation failure that occurred a month later, and a revision operation was carried out.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis combined with PD may lead patients to become prone to consecutive Kummell's disease, and patients are prone to experience failure of internal fixation. Bone cement filling of vertebral IVC and effective support of anterior vertebral column are very important procedures to ensure the clinical efficacy of treating Kummell's disease.
Effectiveness and Feasibility of Injectable Escherichia coli‐Derived Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2 for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion at the Lumbosacral Junction in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Im Sang‐Kyu , Lee Jung‐Hee , Lee Ki Young , Yoo Seung‐Jin
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the effectiveness and feasibility of injectable Escherichia coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (injectable E‐rhBMP‐2, a combination of E. coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenic protein‐2 and a hydrogel type beta‐tricalcium phosphate carrier) as a bone substitute for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) of the lumbosacral junction in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

Methods

A prospective single‐institution therapeutic exploratory trial was conducted. Twenty patients (average age: 69.1 years; 19 female and one male; average fusion level: 7.95) diagnosed with ASD with sagittal imbalance who underwent surgical treatment including ALIF at the lumbosacral junction from December 2017 to January 2019 were evaluated. Injectable E‐rhBMP‐2 was prepared by dissolving 3 mg of E. coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 in 1.5 ml H2O and mixing in situ with 9 g hydrogel type beta‐tricalcium phosphate. This bone graft substitute was loaded onto a metal ALIF cage and L5–S1 ALIF was performed in routine manner. Then posterior column osteotomy with multilevel oblique lumbar interbody fusion or pedicle subtraction osteotomy with accessory rod technique was performed to restore sagittal balance. Patients were followed up for 12 months. CT‐based fusion rates were examined at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Also, clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Visual Analog Scale [VAS] score of the back and leg) were evaluated at 6 and 12 months after surgery. All postoperative adverse events were evaluated for the association with injectable E.BMP‐2.

Results

Of the 20 patients, loss to follow‐up occurred with one patient at 6 months after surgery and one patient at 12 months after surgery, resulting in a total of 18 patients who were available for follow‐up. Six months after surgery, 68.4% patients achieved solid fusion. Twelve months after surgery, 100% fusion rate was achieved. Compared to baseline values, ODI scores improved to 45.8% and 63.7%, VAS (back) improved to 69.2% and 72.8%, and VAS (leg) improved to 49.2% and 64.8%, respectively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery (p < 0.001 for all). Ten cases of adverse events occurred. But no adverse events were associated with injectable E‐rhBMP‐2.

Conclusion

Injectable E‐rhBMP‐2 will be an effective bone graft substitute when achieving solid interbody fusion in the lumbosacral junction.
Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients Treated with a Newly Designed Double Tube Endoscopy for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Liu Lantao , Dong Jian , Wang Dechun , Zhang Chao , Zhou Yue
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcome and quality of life in elderly patients in poor conditions with unilateral symptomatic degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) who were treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) assisted by double tubes.

Methods

This study was designed retrospectively. From June 2017 to June 2018, 31 consecutive elderly patients who were presented with unilateral symptomatic DLSS, underwent PELD assisted by double tubes under local anesthesia. American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA) was used to evaluate the patients' conditions. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and modified Macnab criteria. Short Form 36 (SF‐36) was used to evaluate the life quality. The CT or MRI was used to evaluate the spinal area.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were enrolled and 25 cases achieved at least a 24‐month follow‐up. Three patients were lost to follow‐up and three patients died from other diseases. A total of 76% (19/25) of the patients presented an ASA score of more than 3. The mean operative time was 67.80 min, the mean blood loss was 18.2 ml, and the hospital stay was 6.92 days. The postoperative 12‐month follow‐up VAS score significantly decreased compared with that before the operation (1.12 ± 0.73 vs. 5.12 ± 1.81, p < 0.01). Although the VAS score decreased at the final follow‐up, there was no significant difference compared with that at the 12‐month follow‐up (0.92 ± 0.64 vs. 1.12 ± 0.73, p = 0.549). So did the ODI. Also, there was no difference in the ODI scores between the 12‐month follow‐up and the final follow‐up (12.52 ± 5.58 vs. 9.44 ± 6.32, p = 0.172). The overall excellent rate was 92% (23/25) at the final follow‐up. The scores of the physical function, mental function, and social function of SF‐36 after the operation improved significantly compared with those before operation (p < 0.05). But there was no difference in the physical function score (84.00 ± 6.29 vs 84.40 ± 6.18, p = 0.871), mental function score (81.76 ± 8.01 vs 81.68 ± 6.67, p = 0.974), or social function score (115.50 ± 13.64 vs 118.50 ± 12.03, p = 0.437) between the 12‐month follow‐up and the final follow‐up. There were no differences in the VAS, ODI, and SF‐36 between the L4/5 and L5S1 groups before operation or at the final follow‐up (p > 0.05). The postoperative radiology indicated the lateral recess is opened and the area of the dural sac is expanded. Two cases (8.0%, 2/25) experienced recurrence and a secondary PELD was performed.

Conclusions

PELD assisted by double tubes is effective for unilateral symptomatic DLSS in elderly patients with comorbidities and could improve life quality.
Left atrial appendage closure using WATCHMAN device in chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Jamal Shakeel , Mughal Mohsin Sheraz , Kichloo Asim , Edigin Ehizogie , Khan Muhammad Zia , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Ali Muzaffar , Kanjwal Khalil
Published: May 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end‐stage renal disease are considered independent risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation (AF). Percutaneous occlusion of left atrial appendage (LAAC) using WATCHMAN device is a widely accepted alternative to anticoagulation therapy to prevent ischemic stroke in AF in patients who are not candidates for anticoagulation. There is limited data regarding the utilization and periprocedural safety of this intervention in patients with CKD/ESRD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all hospitalizations from 2016 to 2017 with (ICD‐10) procedure diagnosis code of LAA closure using WATCHMAN procedure with and without a secondary diagnosis of CKD/ESRD in acute‐care hospitals across the United States using the national inpatient sample. Demographic variables (gender, race, income, hospital characteristics, medical comorbidities) were collected and compared. The primary outcomes were inpatient mortality, hospital length, and cost of stay.

Results

There were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. Sixteen thousand five hundred five hospitalizations were for adult patients with a procedure code for LAA closure via watchman procedure. Of 16,505 patients, 3245 (19.66%) had CKD and ESRD. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality, length, and cost of stay in patients with and without CKD/ESRD. There were no statistically significant differences in periprocedural cerebrovascular accidents in both groups.

Conclusion

Patients with and without ESRD/CKD who undergo LAA occlusion with Watchman have similar procedure related, in‐hospital mortality, and complications.
How qualitative research methods can be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public policy and public administration?
Authors: Hendren Kathryn , Newcomer Kathryn , Pandey Sanjay K. , Smith Margaret , Sumner Nicole
Published: May 2022

Recently, there have been a variety of arguments voiced to encourage that more attention be given to the role qualitative methods can play in mixed methods research in public policy and public administration. This article discusses these claims and describes the benefits of qualitative approaches, and how qualitative research methods can be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public administration. We also provide a guide for improving the credibility of mixed methods research through increasing transparency and discussions of all methodological decisions. This study is based on a systematic content analysis of 186 mixed methods studies published in public policy and public administration journals between 2010 and 2018. We found that findings from the quantitative methods dominated the mixed methods studies, little diversity in data collection and analysis methods, and frequent failure to integrate insights from both methods. We also analyzed the 36 qualitative‐dominant studies in the sample, and illuminated seven different ways that authors of qualitative‐dominant studies leveraged the qualitative strand to strengthen mixed methods research. We developed lessons from our analysis of the qualitative‐dominant articles on how to incorporate qualitative methods in a thoughtful manner, articulate a role for each strand, and effectively support findings with one or more strands.
The new culture wars: Why critical race theory matters more than cancel culture
Authors: Kaufmann Eric
Published: May 2022

Background

A set of ‘New Culture Wars’ over questions of majority identity protection and free speech have become important in American politics, but have not received attention from empirical political science

Objective

Compare the relative size of partisan differences on issues of ‘Cancel Culture’ and ‘Critical Race Theory’.

Method

Logistic regression models using attitudes toward real‐world Cancel Culture and Critical Race Theory examples to predict partisanship.

Results

Data show that Republican voters are no more likely to fear career consequences or dismissal for speech than Democrats. Republicans are also more opposed to teaching critical perspectives on race and history in schools than they are to employees being fired for dissenting speech within organizations. Strong white identifiers are both more opposed to diversity training which emphasizes white racism and less opposed to firing people for disputed cases of racist or sexist speech.

Conclusion

Due to the distinctive moral foundations of conservative voters, this paper argues that perceived attacks on white and American identity are a more powerful source of grievance for Republican voters than concerns over freedom of expression. It is hypothesized that the conservative moral foundation of group loyalty helps to explain these findings.
Lessons learned from the CONCOR‐1 trial
Authors: Callum Jeannie , Bégin Philippe , Jamula Erin , Liu Yang , Kron Amie T. , Auclair Marie‐Christine , Cushing Melissa , Arnold Donald M.
Published: May 2022

Faced with an evolving pandemic and a lack of clarity of the role of convalescent plasma for patients with COVID‐19, the CONCOR‐1 trial was launched. In 14 months the trial was designed, launched, completed, and submitted for publication. In total, 72 sites in three countries served by four blood suppliers randomised 940 patients. Many enablers facilitated the trial including: three study principal investigators to distribute the trial workload, diverse steering committee members, an international data safety monitoring committee, multiple statisticians and methodologists, virtual meeting platforms, REDCap data platform, pausing of non‐COVID‐19 trials, rapid approval pathways for institutional review boards and regulators, centralised institutional review boards in many locations, restriction of use of convalescent plasma to trial participants and the incredible dedication by research personnel. In future pandemics, we need to be prepared for rapid launch of trials. The protocols, consent forms, data collection tools, and procedures need to be in draft form ready for use at all times. We were well‐prepared for blood shortages but should have anticipated the need to conduct trials with convalescent plasma. In this short article, we detail our lessons learned to inform researchers faced with the next pandemic pathogen.
Knowledge and attitudes of apheresis donors regarding apheresis blood donation
Authors: Tarlabelen Karaytuğ Emine , Boyraz Sakine
Published: May 2022

Background

Demand for apheresis blood donation has increased with the widening of the use of blood transfusion and the decrease in the donor pool. The knowledge level of apheresis donors, their attitudes such as donating again and recommending others to donate via apheresis are important in meeting this demand.

Objective

This analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted with 182 plateletpheresis donors to determine their knowledge and attitudes regarding apheresis blood donation.

Material and methods

Participants were asked 34 questions (which were prepared based on the literature and perfected by expert opinion and pre‐administration) to determine their level of knowledge regarding apheresis. A value of 1 point was assigned for each ‘correct’ answer and 0 points for ‘wrong’ and ‘do not know’ answers. Participants' total level of knowledge scores was formulated to have a value between 0 and 100 (i.e., the score of each group was divided into the number of question and multiplied by 100). Participant attitudes were evaluated based on responses to 14 questions using a 5‐point Likert questionnaire.

Results

Total knowledge scores regarding apheresis were moderate (55 ± 15.2). Those who were educated above the university level (compared to primary school and less, middle and high‐school education levels) had higher level of knowledge scores regarding apheresis. In general, participants had a positive attitude regarding the importance and effects of apheresis blood donation. Those with the following characteristics had a positive attitude (p < 0.05) regarding the importance of apheresis blood donation: female (compared to men), single (compared to married), 18–33 years of age (compared to 34–49 and 50–65 years of age groups, with an above‐university level of education (compared to primary school and less, middle and high‐school education levels), informed regarding apheresis blood donation, first‐time donors and donors to unknown recipients.

Conclusion

Study participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge and positive attitude regarding the importance of apheresis blood donation. Thus, to enhance attitudes on the procedure and reduce the risk of recipient infections, blood donors should be better informed regarding apheresis blood donation.
Factors associated with HIV viral suppression among children and adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Malawi in 2021: Evidence from the Laboratory Management Information System
Authors: Ng'ambi Wingston Felix , Estill Janne , Jahn Andreas , Orel Erol , Chimpandule Tiwonge , Nyirenda Rose , Keiser Olivia
Published: May 2022

Objective

To describe the prevalence of HIV viral suppression and assess the factors associated with HIV viral suppression among persons receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Malawi in 2021.

Methods

Implementation study using routinely collected patient‐level HIV RNA‐PCR test result data extracted from the national Laboratory Management Information System (LIMS) database managed by the Department of HIV/AIDS in 2021. We calculated frequencies, proportions and odds ratios (OR) of HIV viral suppression with their associated 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). We performed a random‐effects logistic regression to determine the risk factors associated with HIV viral suppression among ART patients, controlling for the spatial autocorrelation between districts and adjusting for other variables.

Results

We evaluated 515,797 adults and children receiving ART and having a viral load test in 2021. Of these, 92.8% had HIV viral suppression. ART patients living in urban areas had lower likelihood of HIV viral suppression than those living in rural areas (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.95, 95%CI: 0.92–0.99, p = 0.01). There was an increasing trend in HIV viral suppression with increasing ART duration. Routine VL monitoring samples were 39% more likely to have suppressed VL values than confirmatory HIV VL monitoring samples (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.34–1.43, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first national analysis of Malawi HIV VL data from LIMS. Our findings show the need to particularly consider the urban residents, those below 20 years, males, those on ART for less than a year as well as those on specific ARV regimens in order to persistently suppress HIV VL and consequently achieve the goal of achieving HIV VL suppression by 2030.
Building on health security capacities in Indonesia: Lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic responses and challenges
Authors: Aisyah Dewi Nur , Mayadewi Chyntia Aryanti , Budiharsana Meiwita , Solikha Dewi Amila , Ali Pungkas Bahjuri , Igusti Gayatri , Kozlakidis Zisis , Manikam Logan
Published: May 2022

As an active member country of the WHO's International Health Regulation and Global Health Security Agenda, Indonesia, the world's fourth‐most populous and largest archipelagic country has recorded the second‐highest COVID‐19 cases in Asia with over 1.8 million cases in early June 2021. This geographically and socially diverse country has a dynamic national and sub‐national government coordination with decentralized authorities that can complicate a pandemic response which often requires nationally harmonized policies, adaptability to sub‐national contexts and global interconnectedness. This paper analyses and reviews COVID‐19 public data, regulations, guidance documents, statements and other related official documents to present a narrative that summarizes the government's COVID‐19 response strategies. It further analyses the challenges and achievements of the country's zoonotic diseases preparedness and responses and lastly provides relevant recommendations. Findings are presented in four sections according to the Global Health Security Agenda capacities, namely epidemiological surveillance (detect capacity); laboratory diagnostic testing (respond capacity); data management and analysis (enable capacity); and the role of sub‐national governments. The COVID‐19 pandemic has been a catalyst for the rapid transformation of existing surveillance systems, inter‐related stakeholder coordination and agile development from the pre‐pandemic health security capacities. This paper offers several recommendations on surveillance, laboratory capacity and data management, which might be useful for Indonesia and other countries with similar characteristics beyond the COVID‐19 response, such as achieving long‐term health security, zoonoses and pandemic prevention, as well as a digital transformation of their governmental capacities.
Energetic and Exergetic Analysis of a Solar-Driven Single-Effect Absorption Refrigeration System Using LiBr + LiCl/H2O Solution Mixture
Authors: Aktemur Cenker , Öztürk İlhan Tekin
Published: May 2022

Comprising an eco-friendly blueprint, absorption refrigeration systems have attracted a lot of interest as they can use biomass, solar and geothermal energy sources which can mitigate climate change. The current study presents a methodology based on energy and analysis for solar-driven single-effect absorption refrigeration systems, which offer a 50-kW cooling capacity. This study proposes a new mixture ratio of LiBr + LiCl (mass ratio of 2:1)/H2O solution and compared it to LiBr/H2O thermodynamically. Based on the climate data of Kocaeli province in Turkey, an evacuated tube collector is employed to benefit from solar energy to meet the generator heat load of the system. Although at an evaporator temperature of 5 °C, enhanced thermodynamic performance is evident with the use of the LiBr + LiCl/H2O system, and a diminished solar collector area is required compared to the system utilizing LiBr/H2O; there is a level of attrition relating to the impact of the former with a single degree rise in evaporator temperature. However, this remained at a greater value than for the latter system. The final results pointed out that LiBr + LiCl/H2O has a 48.93% lower circulation ratio, 8.81% higher coefficient of performance (COP) of chiller, 8.88% higher solar COP, 8.96% higher exergy efficiency of chiller, 8.90% higher exergy efficiency of solar-driven system, 8.92% lower solar collector area, and 8.91% lower storage tank volume than LiBr/H2O system in the investigated operating temperature ranges. The final results of the present study can be safely tested in the experimental design of single-effect absorption chillers.
Real-space observation of fluctuating antiferromagnetic domains
Authors: Kim Min Gyu , Barbour Andi , Hu Wen , Wilkins Stuart B. , Robinson Ian K. , Dean Mark P. M. , Yang Junjie , Won Choongjae , Cheong Sang-Wook , Mazzoli Claudio , Kiryukhin Valery
Published: May 2022

Magnetic domains play a fundamental role in physics of magnetism and its technological applications. Dynamics of antiferromagnetic domains is poorly understood, although antiferromagnets are expected to be extensively used in future electronic devices wherein it determines the stability and operational speed. Dynamics of antiferromagnets also features prominently in the studies of topological quantum matter. Real-space imaging of fluctuating antiferromagnetic domains is therefore highly desired but has never been demonstrated. We use coherent x-ray diffraction to obtain videos of fluctuating micrometer-scale antiferromagnetic domains in Ni
2
MnTeO
6
on time scales from 10
−1
to 10
3
s. In the collinear phase, thermally activated domain wall motion is observed in the vicinity of the Néel temperature. Unexpectedly, the fluctuations persist through the full range of the higher-temperature helical phase. These observations illustrate the high potential significance of the dynamic domain imaging in phase transition studies and in magnetic device research.
Evolutionary trade-offs between heat and cold tolerance limit responses to fluctuating climates
Authors: Schou Mads F. , Engelbrecht Anel , Brand Zanell , Svensson Erik I. , Cloete Schalk , Cornwallis Charlie K.
Published: May 2022

The evolutionary potential of species to cope with short-term temperature fluctuations during reproduction is critical to predicting responses to future climate change. Despite this, vertebrate research has focused on reproduction under high or low temperatures in relatively stable temperate climates. Here, we characterize the genetic basis of reproductive thermal tolerance to temperature fluctuations in the ostrich, which lives in variable environments in tropical and subtropical Africa. Both heat and cold tolerance were under selection and heritable, indicating the potential for evolutionary responses to mean temperature change. However, we found evidence for a negative, genetic correlation between heat and cold tolerance that should limit the potential for adaptation to fluctuating temperatures. Genetic constraints between heat and cold tolerance appear a crucial, yet underappreciated, factor influencing responses to climate change.
Bioinspired soft electroreceptors for artificial precontact somatosensation
Authors: Guo Zi Hao , Wang Hai Lu , Shao Jiajia , Shao Yangshi , Jia Luyao , Li Longwei , Pu Xiong , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2022

Artificial haptic sensors form the basis of touch-based human-interfaced applications. However, they are unable to respond to remote events before physical contact. Some elasmobranch fishes, such as seawater sharks, use electroreception somatosensory system for remote environmental perception. Inspired by this ability, we design a soft artificial electroreceptor for sensing approaching targets. The electroreceptor, enabled by an elastomeric electret, is capable of encoding environmental precontact information into a series of voltage pulses functioning as unique precontact human interfaces. Electroceptor applications are demonstrated in a prewarning system, robotic control, game operation, and three-dimensional object recognition. These capabilities in perceiving proximal precontact events can lenrich the functionalities and applications of human-interfaced electronics.