bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of CeO2 addition on microstructure and tribological characteristics of laser cladded Cu10Al–MoS2 coating under oil lubrication
Authors: Lifan Shao , Yuan Ge , Dejun Kong
Published: July 2021

In order to improve the friction and wear properties of Cu10Al–MoS2 coating, the addition of CeO2 is one of the present research hot spots. In this work, Cu10Al–MoS2 coatings with different CeO2 mass fractions were successfully fabricated on Q235 steel using a laser cladding. The microstructure and phase compositions of obtained coatings were analyzed using an ultra-depth of field microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The friction-wear test was carried out under oil lubrication using a ball-on-disk wear tester, and the effects of CeO2 mass fraction on the microstructure, hardness, and friction-wear properties were studied, and the wear mechanism was also discussed. The results show that the laser cladded Cu10Al–MoS2 coatings with the different CeO2 mass fractions were mainly composed of Cu9Al4, Cu, AlFe3, Ni, MoS2, and CeO2 phases. The Vickers-hardness (HV) of Cu10Al–8MoS2–3CeO2, Cu10Al–8MoS2–6CeO2, and Cu10Al–8MoS2–9CeO2 coatings was 418, 445, and 457 HV0.3, respectively, which indicates an increase in hardness with the increase of CeO2 mass fraction. The average coefficients of friction (COF) and wear rates decrease with the increase of CeO2 mass fraction, presenting the outstanding friction reduction and wear resistance performances. The wear mechanism of Cu10Al–MoS2 coatings is changed from abrasive wear with slight fatigue wear to abrasive wear with the increase of CeO2 mass fraction.
Can an indigenous media model enrol wider non-Indigenous audiences in alternative perspectives to the ‘mainstream’
Authors: Nemec Susan
Published: July 2021

This paper offers a theoretical model to analyse an example of Indigenous media through an Indigenous lens and discusses its potential to increase audiences in other alternative media. Adapted from New Zealand Māori filmmaker and philosopher Barry Barclay’s idea of the ‘fourth cinema’ and a metaphorical ‘communications marae’, 1 the model has been applied to New Zealand’s Indigenous broadcaster, Māori Television. This article discusses the model and suggests that the ‘communications marae’ has the potential to be used by non-mainstream media providers to, not only address their own audiences, but also to enrol wider communities in alternative perspectives to the ‘mainstream’. Research has demonstrated how Indigenous broadcasting can serve its own audience while also attracting wider, non-Indigenous audiences. However, this paper’s focus is a case study of migrants engaging with Māori Television because it is migrants who frequently operate outside of established power relationships and represent an often unrecognised niche audience segment in mainstream media. The model demonstrates the potential pedagogical role of the broadcaster and how its content can make a positive difference to migrants’ lives and attitudes towards Indigenous people through its ability to counter the, often negative, representations of Indigeneity in mainstream media. Outside of Māori Television, migrants have limited access to an Indigenous perspective on the nation’s issues and concerns, which calls into question both democracy and migrants’ ability to engage in civic society. Migrants need information to negotiate and weigh up important tensions and polarities, to understand multiple perspectives inherent to democratic living and to evaluate issues of social justice and to solve problems based on the principles of equity. Indigenous media, as in all alternative media, has a role to play in questioning or challenging accepted thinking and to present counter hegemonic discourses to all citizens in participatory democratic societies.
Punch Grafting for the Management of Hard-to-Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: García-Madrid Marta , Sanz-Corbalán Irene , Tardáguila-García Aroa , Molines-Barroso Raúl J. , López-Moral Mateo , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: July 2021

Punch grafting is an alternative treatment to enhance wound healing which has been associated with promising clinical outcomes in various leg and foot wound types. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of punch grafting as a treatment for hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Six patients with chronic neuropathic or neuroischemic DFUs with more than 6 months of evolution not responding to conventional treatment were included in a prospective case series between May 2017 and December 2020. All patients were previously debrided using an ultrasound-assisted wound debridement and then, grafted with 4 to 6 mm punch from the donor site that was in all cases the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. All patients were followed up weekly until wound healing. Four (66.7%) DFUs were located in the heel, 1 (16.7%) in the dorsal aspect of the foot and 1 (16.7%) in the Achilles tendon. The median evolution time was 172 (interquartile range [IQR], 25th-75th; 44-276) weeks with a median area of 5.9 (IQR; 1.87-37.12) cm2 before grafting. Complete epithelization was achieved in 3 (50%) patients at 12 weeks follow-up period with a mean time of 5.67 ± 2.88 weeks. Two of the remaining patients achieved wound healing at 32 and 24 weeks, respectively, and 1 patient showed punch graft unsuccessful in adhering. The median time of wound healing of all patients included in the study was 9.00 (IQR; 4.00-28.00) weeks. The wound area reduction (WAR) at 4 weeks was 38.66% and WAR at 12 weeks was 88.56%. No adverse effects related to the ulcer were registered through the follow-up period. Autologous punch graft is an easy procedure that promotes healing, achieving wound closure in chronic DFUs representing an alternative of treatment for hard-to-heal DFUs in which conservative treatment has been unsuccessful.
Immediate Effects of Weight-Bearing Calf Stretching on Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion and Plantar Pressure During Gait in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Maeshige Noriaki , Uemura Mikiko , Hirasawa Yoshikazu , Yoshikawa Yoshiyuki , Moriguchi Maiki , Kawabe Nobuhide , Fujii Miki , Terashi Hiroto , Fujino Hidemi
Published: July 2021

High plantar pressure is a risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers, and it is known that restriction of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) causes high plantar pressure. Stretching is a non-invasive and general means to improve ROM; however, the effect of stretching on the ROM and plantar pressure has not been clarified in patients with diabetes mellitus. We aimed to study the effects of intermittent weight-bearing stretching on ankle dorsiflexion ROM and plantar pressure during gait in patients with diabetes mellitus. Seven patients with diabetes mellitus participated, and their triceps surae was stretched using weight-bearing stretching with a stretch board. Five minutes of stretching was performed 4 times with a rest interval of 30 s. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was measured with the knee flexed and extended. Peak pressure and pressure-time integral during gait were measured and calculated for the rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and total plantar surface before and after stretching. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM with the knee extended or bent increased significantly after stretching ( P < .05). Peak pressure and the pressure-time integral decreased significantly, especially in the forefoot ( P < .01), and these also decreased significantly in the total plantar surface ( P < .05). The duration of foot-flat decreased after stretching ( P < .05). Weight-bearing stretching improved ankle dorsiflexion ROM and reduced plantar pressure during gait. These results suggest that weight-bearing calf stretching may be an effective means to prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcers.
Location, Location, Location: Accelerometer Placement Affects Steps-Based Physical Activity Outcomes During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Marshall Mallory R. , Montoye Alexander H. K. , Conway Michelle R. , Schlaff Rebecca A. , Pfeiffer Karin A. , Pivarnik James M.
Published: July 2021

As pregnancy progresses, physical changes may affect physical activity (PA) measurement validity. n = 11 pregnant women (30.1 ± 3.8 years) wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers on the right hip, right ankle, and non-dominant wrist for 3–7 days during the second and third trimesters (21 and 32 weeks, respectively) and 12 weeks postpartum. Data were downloaded into 60-second epochs from which stepping cadence was calculated; repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences among placements. At all time points, the wrist accelerometer measured significantly more daily steps (9930–10 452 steps/d) and faster average stepping cadence (14.5–14.6 steps/min) than either the hip (4972–5944 steps/d, 7.1–8.6 steps/min) or ankle (7161–8205 steps/d, 10.3–11.9 steps/min) placement, while moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity at the wrist (1.2–1.7 min/d) was significantly less than either hip (3.0–5.9 min/d) or ankle (6.1–7.3 min/d). Steps, cadence, and counts were significantly lower for the hip than the ankle at all time points. Kappa calculated for agreement in intensity classification between the various pairwise comparisons ranged from .06 to .41, with Kappa for hip–ankle agreement (.34–.41) significantly higher than for wrist–ankle (.09–.11) or wrist–hip (.06–.16). These data indicate that wrist accelerometer placement during pregnancy likely results in over counting of PA parameters and should be used with caution.
A performance comparison between closed form and numerical optimization solutions for humanoid robot walking pattern generation
Authors: Mohamed Samer A , Maged Shady A , Awad Mohammed I
Published: July 2021

This article presents the modeling process of the lower part of a humanoid biped robot in terms of kinematic/dynamic states and the creation of a full dynamic simulation environment for a walking robot using MATLAB/Simulink. This article presents two different approaches for offline walking pattern generation: one relying on a closed-form solution of the linear inverted pendulum model (LIPM) mathematical model and another that considers numerical optimization as means of desired output trajectory following for a cart table state-space model. This article then investigates the possibility of introducing solution-dependent modifications to both approaches that could increase the reliability of basic walking pattern generation models in terms of smooth single support–double support phase transitioning and power consumption optimization. The algorithms were coded into offline walking pattern generators for NAO humanoid robot as a valid example and the two approaches were compared against each other in terms of stability, power consumption, and computational effort as well as against their basic unmodified counterparts.
Stress interventions and hypertension in Black women
Authors: Kalinowski Jolaade , Kaur Kiran , Newsome-Garcia Valerie , Langford Aisha , Kalejaiye Ayoola , Vieira Dorice , Izeogu Chigozirim , Blanc Judite , Taylor Jacquelyn , Ogedegbe Olugbenga , Spruill Tanya
Published: July 2021

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Black women have high rates of hypertension compared to women of other racial or ethnic groups and are disproportionately affected by psychosocial stressors such as racial discrimination, gender discrimination, and caregiving stress. Evidence suggests that stress is associated with incident hypertension and hypertension risk. Stress management is associated with improvements improved blood pressure outcomes. The purpose of this review is to synthesize evidence on effects of stress management interventions on blood pressure in Black women. A comprehensive search of scientific databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria included studies that were: (1) primary research that tested an intervention; (2) in the English language; (3) included African-American women; (4) incorporated stress in the intervention; (5) included blood pressure as an outcome; and (6) were US based. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. Ten (56%) studies tested meditation-based interventions, two (11%) tested coping and affirmation interventions, and six (33%) tested lifestyle modification interventions that included stress management content. Thirteen of the studies were randomized controlled trials. Reductions in blood pressure were observed in all of the meditation-based interventions, although the magnitude and statistical significance varied. Comprehensive lifestyle interventions were also efficacious for reducing blood pressure, although the relative contribution of stress management versus behavior modification could not be evaluated. Coping and affirmation interventions did not affect blood pressure. Most of the reviewed studies included small numbers of Black women and did not stratify results by race and gender, so effects remain unclear. This review highlights the urgent need for studies specifically focusing on Black women. Given the extensive disparities in cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, whether stress management can lower blood pressure and improve primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention among Black women is an important question for future research.
Massed and distributed practice on learning the forehand shot in tennis
Authors: Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Pulido Silvia , Morales Noemí , Menayo Ruperto
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of the distribution of practice on learning the forehand shot in tennis.

Method

Twenty-four beginner tennis players participated in the study (13 males and 11 female; 8.63 ± 0.92 years old). The players were separated after groups -massed practice ( N = 12) and distributed practice ( N = 12). Each group practiced the forehand shot for 12 sessions, 4 series per session and 10 trials/series (6 weeks). The accuracy and efficacy were measured through one post-test and one retest, carried out 2 weeks after the last learning session.

Results

Significant improvements in accuracy between the pre-test and post-test ( p=.004) and between pre-test and re-test ( p=.006) were found in the massed practice group. Significant improvements in accuracy between the pre-test and post-test ( p=.002) and between pre-test and re-test ( p=.001) were found in the distributed practice group. No significant differences were found between groups but there was a favourable trend toward better learning in both, with improved accuracy and efficacy.

Conclusion

The motor learning through the distribution of practice among children has been noted, with a significant improvement in the skill acquisition of the forehand shot in the two groups. The results are useful because they clear up the doubts about how to plan the teaching of this stroke in tennis, confirming the suitability of carrying out learning programs based on massed and distributed practice.
Variations in attack patterns between female and male opposite players in top-level volleyball
Authors: Sotiropoulos Konstantinos , Drikos Sotirios , Barzouka Karolina
Published: July 2021

In volleyball, the opposite player is the most requested hitter since she/he is the player with a higher probability of successfully carrying out attacks. The main objective of this study was to analyze variables that predicted attack effectiveness, in top-level teams depending on gender. Inferential analysis and multinomial logistic regression were applied to analyze 1512 attacks of men and women opposite players from 79 sets of the six top-ranked teams in the Men and Women 2018 World Championships. The analysis revealed that in female volleyball to increase the odds for a winning attack from the opposite player, teams have to pass the ball more accurately, setters have to set in a faster tempo and opposites avoid off-speed attack and spike in a diagonal direction from position 2. On the contrary, in male volleyball the odds for a winning attack from the opposite player are increased when male setters set accurate to the pre-agreement point on the net independent of the quality of the previous pass, opposite players hit in parallel and volleyball coaches select proper line-up and process tactical substitutions to increase the number of rotations with an opposite player in the offensive zone.
Teungku Identity Development: The Role of Dayah Community of Practice
Authors: Usman Jarjani , Syabuddin Syabuddin , Zakaria Faishal
Published: July 2021

This study attempted to delve into the teungku identity development within the traditional dayah institutions in Aceh to examine how four teungku negotiated their participation and membership in their situated teungku community of practice. This narrative study approached the teungku identity construction from Lave and Wenger’s theory of situated learning. Its overarching question was: how does the teungku identity develop within the dayah community of practice? The data were mainly from interviews of four teungku, the graduates of four different dayah institutions in Aceh. The findings showed that the identity of teungku was shaped and reshaped through several modes within the dayah community of practice: the learning process of up to grade 7, teaching junior students, serving communities (e.g., teaching and leading prayers), commemorating the death day of the dayah founder(s), and collaboratively resisting any other isms penetrating Aceh society. It can be deduced that the dayah communities of practice have played a significant role in teungku identity development. These dayah CoPs could go through either formal, less formal, or informal phases.
The Effect of Consumer-Activated Mind-Set and Product Involvement on the Compliance With Recommender System Advice
Authors: Aljukhadar Muhammad , Senecal Sylvain
Published: July 2021

Whereas the research gauging the effectiveness of e-commerce recommender systems (RS) has depended on their design factors, recent work proposes a key role for consumer’s psychological factors. Involvement should reduce the compliance with RS advice because a consumer highly involved with the product perceives high choice risk and assigns low value to the advice. However, a consumer’s activated mind-set captured by implicit theory (fixed vs. growth mind-set) should also shape compliance. It is hypothesized that the two factors interact to jointly mitigate advice taking. Specifically, consumers whose fixed mind-set is primed comply with the RS advice less often when involvement is high. This and other anticipated effects (i.e., consumer’s importance of social approval, positive affect, and need for cognition) on advice compliance are tested in an experiment on 251 Canadian adults. In the experiment, compliance occurred when the participant follows the RS advice, and product involvement was initially measured. The results show that priming a fixed mind-set, which orients shoppers toward a performance goal, motivates them to comply with the RS advice when involvement is low. Priming a growth mind-set, which orients shoppers toward a learning goal, nullifies such effect. Positive affect and the importance of social approval had no significant impact on advice taking. Therefore, the effect of involvement on RS effectiveness is contingent on the shopper’s accessible mind-set.
Industry Cluster Innovation Upgrading and Knowledge Evolution: A Simulation Analysis Based on Small-World Networks
Authors: Ye Di , Zheng Linlin , He Peixu
Published: July 2021

This article focuses on the innovation and knowledge evolution of industry clusters. We examine the effects of the hub firm and the interaction of network member firms on the upgrading of the cluster. Our study is based on two patterns of knowledge learning and innovation, namely, STI (science, technology, and innovation) and DUI (doing, using, and interacting). This article adopts a knowledge diffusion simulation model to study the exchange of knowledge between cluster network actors in the context of small-world networks. The results indicate that we must pay close attention to the influence of hub enterprises on cluster evolution. Although hub companies may have certain innovation capabilities, if knowledge absorption problems among members are not properly resolved in the cluster network, the innovation performance of the local clusters is likely to be weakened, despite the success of the hub firm.
What is Known About Students and Sleep: Systematic Review and Evidence Map
Authors: Bjørnnes Ann Kristin , Torbjørnsen Astrid , Valeberg Berit Taraldsen , Sparboe-Nilsen B. Bente , Sandbekken Ida Hellum , Almendingen Kari , Leegaard Marit , Ravn Ingrid , Sæterstrand M. Torill , Løyland Borghild , Kvarme Lisbeth Gravdal , Fagerlund Bettina Holmberg , Valla Lisbeth , Misvær Nina , Riiser Kirsti , Utne Inger , Rostad Hanne , Winger Anette , Albertini Früh Elena , Holmen Heidi , Lis Ribu , Helseth Sølvi , Grov Ellen Karine
Published: July 2021

Higher education students are considered to belong to a population susceptible to poor sleep health; however, there is a lack of broader evidence reviews. This systematic review aims to map out and categorize the existing literature related to higher education students and sleep. The present evidence map is based on a comprehensive systematic literature search of ten electronic databases, which resulted in 15,286 unique citations. After title/abstract, and full-text screening: 515 studies were included in the final map. Most of the studies were cross-sectional ( n = 357, 69%), while 77 (15%) studies assessed the effectiveness of an intervention. Sixty-eight (13%) studies followed a cohort prospectively over time, and 8 (2%) studies utilized a qualitative design. The most frequent outcome was the proportion of sleep problems, which was reported in 226 (44%) studies. Weekday sleep duration was reported in 156 (30%) studies. Results from this mapping process suggest that evidence about students` sleep health is emerging; however, the evidence base is mostly quantitative and descriptive, and there is a lack of sleep health programs designed for students.
Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Wennan , Xue Qingyun
Published: July 2021

Background:

It is unclear how and which factors affect the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applied during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of PRP for arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tear and investigate the factors that affect its clinical efficacy.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

We searched Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and OVID to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients who received PRP treatment and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (PRP group) versus controls (no-PRP group). The primary outcomes included retear rate, Constant-Murley score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, short-term American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and adverse events.

Results:

A total of 14 RCTs were included in this systematic review. Significant improvement in Constant-Murley, UCLA, and VAS pain scores were found in the PRP group during short-term, midterm, and long-term follow-up. The PRP group had a significantly decreased retear rate (risk ratio [RR], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.78]; P = .0003), especially for long-term follow-up (RR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.17 to 0.83]; P = .02), large to massive tears (RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.80]; P = .0008), use of leukocyte-poor PRP (RR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.33 to 0.76]; P = .001), and intraoperative application of PRP (RR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.42 to 0.79]; P = .0007). No significant difference between the 2 groups was found in the incidence of adverse events (RR, 1.34 [95% CI, 0.83 to 2.15]; P = .23) or in ASES scores at short-term follow-up (weighted mean difference, 1.04 [95% CI, –3.10 to 5.19]; P = .62).

Conclusion:

The results of this review indicated that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with PRP significantly reduced the long-term retear rate and shoulder pain and provided improved long-term shoulder function in patients. Intraoperative application of PRP, use of leukocyte-poor plasma, and large to massive tear size contributed to a significantly decreased retear rate for rotator cuff repair combined with PRP.
EMR Precharting Efficiency in Internal Medicine: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bowman Chip A , Holzer Horatio
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

The act of precharting, or navigating the EMR to review a patient’s recent vitals, labs, notes, and other results, is something that is required of every clinician prior to effective rounding on patients. The purpose of this scoping review is to review the extant literature on precharting.

Methods:

Scholarly data through OVID on Medscape and grey literature were systematically searched with extensive inclusion criteria including the terms “Pre-round” “precharting” as well as “student” “education” or “teach” adjacent to “EMR” or “electronic medical record” or “electronic health record” or “documentation.” We collated this with “education, medical, undergraduate,” or “Students/medical.”

Results:

As of September 23, 2020, 241 scholarly articles were identified. No grey literature were identified. Inclusion criteria included full article access, English language, and covering the precharting topic. Seventeen articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These articles included 1 direct observational study, 1 retrospective study, 2 qualitative studies, 5 EMR workshop trainings, 1 perspective piece, 1 curriculum analysis, and 6 articles based on survey measures. Of these articles, the majority were published recently, with 8 of the 17 published since 2018. Summary of the limited existing literature can be distilled into 3 findings: a need for timely EMR data extraction, the potential optimization of EMR workflow, and the benefit of time intensive EMR trainings.

Conclusions:

This scoping review explored the existing scholarly and grey literature to summarize the review of precharting and education surrounding navigating the EMR for medical students as a means of exploring the topic to determine current practices and identify areas of potential improvement.
A Rare Case of Idiophatic Fournier’s Gangrene: Scrotal Reconstruction via Anterolateral Thigh Flap
Authors: Mačiulaitis Tomas , Jakutis Nerijus , Baužys Karolis
Published: July 2021

Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a surgical emergency. The main treatment plan for this disease includes several aggressive debridements, which lead to the development of massive soft-tissue defects in the affected area. Current literature describes various possible reconstructive options for the closure of those defects, yet, there is no evidence on which is the most efficient. Here we describe an unusual case of an otherwise healthy male presenting with a scrotal Fournier’s gangrene. In our case, the reconstruction was performed via anterolateral thigh flap. Due to a postoperative complication the flap was partly lost, however, consequences were managed successfully and a satisfactory result was achieved.
Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft: A Promising Graft for ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Budhiparama Nicolaas C. , Rhatomy Sholahuddin , Phatama Krisna Yuarno , Chandra William , Santoso Asep , Lumban-Gaol Imelda
Published: July 2021

Background:

With the increasing use of hamstring tendon as an autograft in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, some shortcomings have been found on the donor site. Therefore, an alternative autograft option with adequate strength and less donor site morbidity will be very valuable. Peroneus longus tendon has been found to be a promising option.

Indication:

Primary ACL reconstruction.

Technique Description:

Peroneus longus tendon graft is harvested with a longitudinal skin incision at 2 to 3 cm (2 finger-breadths) above and 1 cm (1 finger-breadth) behind the lateral malleolus, followed by superficial fascia incision in line with skin incision. The peroneus longus and peroneus brevis tendons were then identified. The tendon division location was marked at 2 to 3 cm above the level of the lateral malleolus. After that, an end-to-side suture was performed between the distal part of the peroneus longus tendon and peroneus brevis tendon. The peroneus longus tendon was stripped proximally with a tendon stripper to at least 5 cm from the fibular head to prevent peroneal nerve injury. Graft preparation was performed with a standard procedure to obtain the suitable graft size. In routine arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, peroneus longus tendon graft fixation can be performed with a cortical suspension device, bioabsorbable screws, or a combined technique.

Results:

Recent studies showed that peroneus longus autograft had a comparable outcome with hamstring tendon autograft in primary ACL reconstruction at a 1-year follow-up. The use of peroneus longus tendon autograft resulted in larger graft diameter and less thigh hypotrophy. The mean (±SD) for the AOFAS-Hindfoot Score in the peroneus longus group was 97.3 ± 4.2, while the mean FADI score was 98 ± 3.4, both of which were considered excellent results.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The use of peroneus longus autograft in primary ACL reconstruction is a safe procedure with an excellent outcome. Peroneus longus tendon autograft can be recommended as an alternative graft in single-bundle ACL reconstruction. Further study of the functional outcome and knee stability evaluation is recommended.
Interleukin-6 induces spatially dependent whole-body hypersensitivity in rats: implications for extracephalic hypersensitivity in migraine
Authors: Avona Amanda , Price Theodore J , Dussor Gregory
Published: July 2021

Background

Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that is characterized by throbbing head pain, increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch, as well as nausea and fatigue. It is one of the most common and most disabling disorders globally but mechanisms causing migraine are poorly understood. While head pain is a typical feature of attacks, they also often present with cutaneous hypersensitivity in the rest of the body. In contrast, primary pain conditions in the lower parts of the body are less commonly associated with cephalic hypersensitivity. Previous studies indicate that application of stimuli to the meninges of rodents causes cutaneous facial as well as hindpaw hypersensitivity. In the present study, we asked whether widespread hypersensitivity is a unique feature of dural stimulation or whether body-wide responses occur similarly when the same stimulus is given in other locations.

Methods

Rats were given the same dose of IL-6 either via dural, intraplantar, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracisternal, or intrathecal injection. Cutaneous facial and hindpaw allodynia was assessed using Von Frey following injection into each location.

Results

Hindpaw allodynia was observed following dural and intraplantar injection of IL-6 in both males and females. Hindpaw allodynia was only observed in females following intracisternal and intrathecal IL-6 injections. In contrast, facial allodynia was only observed in either sex following dural and intracisternal injections, which would activate meningeal afferents and the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC), respectively.

Conclusions

Here we show that while stimulation of upper body regions with IL-6 including the meninges and brainstem can cause widespread hypersensitivity spreading to the paws, similar stimulation of the lower body does not cause the spread of hypersensitivity into the head. These data are consistent with the observations that whole body hypersensitivity is specific to conditions such as migraine where pain is present in the head and they may provide insight into co-morbid pain states associated with migraine.
Nanoparticles engineered from endophytic fungi (Botryosphaeria rhodina) against ESBL-producing pathogenic multidrug-resistant E. coli
Authors: Akther Tahira , Ranjani S. , Hemalatha S.
Published: July 2021

Background

ESBLs hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring of antibiotics and are not affected by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation antibiotics. There are over 400 ESBL enzymes that have already been investigated globally are present inEnterobacteriaceaespecies such asEscherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniaeandKlebsiella oxytocastrains. Prevalence of ESBLs is slowly increased, from 10 to 40% inE. coliandK. pneumoniastrains. Microorganisms producing ESBLs are challenging to physicians, clinical microbiologists, and antibiotic researchers.

Results

In this study, ESBL-producing strains ofE. coliwere subjected to antibiotic sensitivity screening. The efficacy of myco BR-AgNPs on growth inE. coliATCC (25922) and clinical isolates ofE. coliwas determined by well diffusion method. Myco BR-AgNPs reduced the growth as well as inhibited the biofilm formation in ESBL-producing strains ofE. coli. MIC and MBC were determined by using serial microdilution and surface drop method. The MICs were 0.078–0.625 µg/ml and MBCs were 0.312–1.25 µg/ml. The biofilm formation was effectively inhibited by myco BR-AgNPs when compared with control. The expression of CTX-M-15 gene was studied in clinical isolates ofE. colitreated with antibiotic (positive control), mycosilver nanoparticles (test) and compared with the other positive control (untreated strains). Interestingly, the expression of CTX-M-15 was downregulated in the samples treated with myco BR-AgNPs.

Conclusion

The use of myco BR-AgNPs and their growth inhibitory effect on ESBL-positive strains were the main focus of this research. ATCC and ESBL strains used in this study were effectively inhibited by myco BR-AgNPs. The effect of myco BR-AgNPs on the expression of a gene encoding CTX-M-15 was tested on a molecular level, and the observed results showed that the gene expression was reduced when compared with control and antibiotic treatment. According to the current research, myco BR-AgNPs synthesized with the aid of endophytic fungal extract could be used to suppress the growth of ESBL-positive strains ofE. coli. Myco BR-AgNPs may be an important alternative to various antibiotics in preventing bacterial resistance if optimized and tested for toxicity.
The BBX gene family in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis): identification, characterization and expression profiles
Authors: Ma Ruifang , Chen Jialu , Huang Bin , Huang Zhinuo , Zhang Zhijun
Published: July 2021

Background

The BBX (B-box) family are zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcription factors that play an essential role in plant growth, development and response to abiotic stresses. Although BBX genes have been characterized in many model organisms, genome-wide identification of the BBX family genes have not yet been reported in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), and the biological functions of this family remain unknown.

Result

In the present study, we identified 27 BBX genes in the genome of Moso bamboo, and analysis of their conserved motifs and multiple sequence alignments revealed that they all shared highly similar structures. Additionally, phylogenetic and homology analyses indicated that PeBBX genes were divided into three clusters, with whole-genome duplication (WGD) events having facilitated the expansion of this gene family. Light-responsive and stress-related cis-elements were identified by analyzing cis-elements in the promoters of all PeBBX genes. Short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis revealed that the PeBBX genes had spatiotemporal-specific expression patterns and were likely involved in the growth and development of bamboo shoots. We further explored the downstream target genes of PeBBXs, and GO/KEGG enrichment analysis predicted multiple functions of BBX target genes, including those encoding enzymes involved in plant photosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we analyzed the PeBBX genes at multiple different levels, which will contribute to further studies of the BBX family and provide valuable information for the functional validation of this family.
Type 2 innate lymphoid cells from Id1 transgenic mice alleviate skin manifestations of graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Srinivasan Anand , Bajana Sandra , Pankow Aneta , Yuen Carrie , Shah Rikin K. , Sun Xiao-Hong
Published: July 2021

Background

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity for patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. There is preliminary evidence that activated Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) from wild type (WT) mice reduces the lethality of aGVHD and is effective in treating lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract manifestations of aGVHD. This raises the prospect that ILC2s may be used for cell-based therapy of aGVHD but vigorous investigation is necessary to assess their impacts on different aspects of aGVHD. Genetically engineered mice which either express Id1 protein (Id1tg/tg), an inhibitor of E protein transcription factors or have E protein genes knocked out (dKO) in the thymus produce massive numbers of ILC2s, thus allowing extensive evaluation of ILC2s. We investigated whether these ILC2s have protective effects in aGVHD as WT ILC2s do using an established mouse model of aGVHD.

Results

bone marrow transplant was performed by irradiating BALB/c strain of recipient mice and transplanting with bone marrow and T cells from the MHC-disparate C57BL/6 strain. We isolated ILC2s from Id1tg/tg and dKO mice and co-transplanted them to study their effects. Our results confirm that activated ILC2s have a protective role in aGVHD, but the effects varied depending on the origin of ILC2s. Co-transplantation of ILC2s from Id1tg/tg mice were beneficial in aGVHD and are especially helpful in ameliorating the skin manifestations of aGVHD. However, ILC2s from dKO mice were less effective at the protection and behaved differently depending on if the cells were isolated from dKO mice were pre-treated with IL-25 in vivo.

Conclusion

These findings support the notion that thymus-derived ILC2s from Id1tg/tg mice are protective against aGVHD, with a significant improvement of skin lesions and they behave differently from dKO mice in the setting of aGVHD.
Prevalence and differences of ideal cardiovascular health in urban and rural adolescents in the Region of Tyrol: results from the EVA Tyrol study
Authors: Hochmayr C. , Ndayisaba J. P. , Gande N. , Staudt A. , Bernar B. , Stock K. , Geiger R. , Knoflach M. , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer U. ,   Early Vascular Ageing (EVA) Study Group, Asare Mandy , Bock-Bartl Manuela , Bohl Maximilian , Schreiner Christina , Brössner Gregor , Heisinger Tatjana , Klingenschmid Julia , Kothmayer Martina , Marxer Julia , Pechlaner Raimund , Pircher Maximilian , Reiter Carmen , Kiechl Sophia Julia , Kiechl Stefan , Winder Bernhard
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Early adoption of a healthy lifestyle has positive effects on cardiovascular health (CVH) in adulthood. In this study, we aimed to assess CVH metrics in a cohort of healthy teenagers with focus on differences between rural and urban areas.

Methods

The Early Vascular Aging (EVA) Tyrol study is a population-based non-randomized controlled trial, which prospectively enrolled 14- to 19-year-old adolescents in North Tyrol, Austria and South Tyrol, Italy between 2015 and 2018. Data from the baseline and control group (prior to health intervention) are included in the current analysis. CVH determinants (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, dietary patterns, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) were assessed and analyzed for urban and rural subgroups separately by univariate testing. Significant variables were added in a generalized linear model adjusted for living in urban or rural area with age and sex as covariates. Ideal CVH is defined according to the guidelines of the American Heart Association.

Results

2031 healthy adolescents were enrolled in the present study (56.2% female, mean age 16.5 years). 792 adolescents (39.0%) were from urban and 1239 (61.0%) from rural areas. In 1.3% of adolescents living in urban vs. 1.7% living in rural areas all CVH determinants were in an ideal range. Compared to the rural group, urban adolescents reported significantly longer periods of moderate to vigorous-intensive activity (median 50.0 min/day (interquartile range 30–80) vs. median 40.0 min/day (interquartile range 25–60), p < 0.01). This observation remained significant in a generalized linear model (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the study groups regarding all other CVH metrics.

Conclusion

The low prevalence of ideal CVH for adolescents living in urban as well as rural areas highlights the need for early health intervention. Geographic differences must be taken into account when defining targeted subgroups for health intervention programs.
Impact of acute kidney injury on mortality in patients with acute variceal bleeding
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Im Chang Bin , Lee Sang Soo , Jeon Hankyu , Choi Jung Woo , Kim Hee Jin , Cha Ra Ri , Cho Hyun Chin , Lee Jae Min , Ha Chang Yoon , Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Tae Hyo , Jung Woon Tae , Lee Ok-Jae
Published: July 2021

Background

The effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on patients with acute variceal bleeding (AVB) using the recently proposed International Club of Ascites (ICA) criteria is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of AKI using the ICA criteria and factors associated with the outcomes in cirrhotic patients with AVB.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included data of cirrhotic patients with AVB from two centers in Korea. The association of the ICA criteria for AKI with 6-week mortality was analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

In total, there were 546 episodes of AVB in 390 patients, of which 425 and 121 episodes were due to esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding, respectively. Moreover, 153 patients fulfilled the ICA criteria for AKI, and 64, 30, 39, and 20 patients were diagnosed with stages 1a, 1b, 2, and 3, respectively. Conversely, 97 patients developed AKI within 42 days as per the conventional criteria. The 6-week mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with ICA-AKI than in patients without ICA-AKI; the occurrence of ICA-AKI was an independent factor for predicting the 6-week mortality.

Conclusion

The ICA criteria could help diagnose renal dysfunction earlier, and presence of AKI is a predictor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis and AVB.
Predicting Oral Beta-lactam susceptibilities against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Murphy Mark E. , Powell Eleanor , Courter Joshua , Mortensen Joel E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Oral beta-lactam antimicrobials are not routinely tested against Streptococcus pneumoniae due to presumed susceptibility based upon penicillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing. Currently, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute provides comments to use penicillin MIC ≤0.06 to predict oral cephalosporin susceptibility. However, no guidance is provided when cefotaxime MIC is known, leading to uncertainty with interpretation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cefotaxime and penicillin MICs and their respective correlation to oral beta-lactam categorical susceptibility patterns.

Methods

249 S. pneumoniae isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF) and then tested by broth microdilution method to penicillin, cefotaxime, amoxicillin, cefdinir, cefpodoxime, and cefuroxime.

Results

Using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) non-meningitis breakpoints for cefotaxime, 240/249 isolates were classified as susceptible. Of the cefotaxime susceptible isolates, 23% of the isolates are misrepresented as cefdinir susceptible. Amoxicillin correlated well with penicillin MIC breakpoints with only 1 discordant isolate out of 249.

Conclusion

The correlation between amoxicillin and penicillin creates a very reliable predictor to determine categorical susceptibility. However oral cephalosporins were not well predicted by either penicillin or cefotaxime leading to the possible risk of treatment failures. Caution should be used when transitioning to oral cephalosporins in cefotaxime susceptible isolates, especially with higher cefotaxime MICs.
A longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 biorepository for COVID-19 survivors with and without post-acute sequelae
Authors: LaVergne Stephanie M. , Stromberg Sophia , Baxter Bridget A. , Webb Tracy L. , Dutt Taru S. , Berry Kailey , Tipton Madison , Haberman Jared , Massey Benjamin R. , McFann Kim , Alnachoukati Omar , Zier Linda , Heacock Thomas , Ebel Gregory D. , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Dunn Julie , Ryan Elizabeth P.
Published: July 2021

Background

SARS-CoV-2 has swept across the globe, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Though most survive, many experience symptoms of COVID-19 for months after acute infection. Successful prevention and treatment of acute COVID-19 infection and its associated sequelae is dependent on in-depth knowledge of viral pathology across the spectrum of patient phenotypes and physiologic responses. Longitudinal biobanking provides a valuable resource of clinically integrated, easily accessed, and quality-controlled samples for researchers to study differential multi-organ system responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), and vaccination.

Methods

Adults with a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR are actively recruited from the community or hospital settings to enroll in the Northern Colorado SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository (NoCo-COBIO). Blood, saliva, stool, nasopharyngeal specimens, and extensive clinical and demographic data are collected at 4 time points over 6 months. Patients are assessed for PASC during longitudinal follow-up by physician led symptom questionnaires and physical exams. This clinical trial registration is NCT04603677.

Results

We have enrolled and collected samples from 119 adults since July 2020, with 66% follow-up rate. Forty-nine percent of participants assessed with a symptom surveillance questionnaire (N = 37 of 75) had PASC at any time during follow-up (up to 8 months post infection). Ninety-three percent of hospitalized participants developed PASC, while 23% of those not requiring hospitalization developed PASC. At 90–174 days post SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, 67% of all participants had persistent symptoms (N = 37 of 55), and 85% percent of participants who required hospitalization during initial infection (N = 20) still had symptoms. The most common symptoms reported after 15 days of infection were fatigue, loss of smell, loss of taste, exercise intolerance, and cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusions

Patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have PASC than those not requiring hospitalization, however 23% of patients who were not hospitalized also developed PASC. This patient-matched, multi-matrix, longitudinal biorepository from COVID-19 survivors with and without PASC will allow for current and future research to better understand the pathophysiology of disease and to identify targeted interventions to reduce risk for PASC. Registered 27 October 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04603677.