bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transnationalism and Latino print media in Spain: The challenge of linking contents to both origin and destination
Authors: María Mendieta Bartolomé Ana
Published: July 2021

The creation of transnational Latino media spaces is the result of the migratory flow of Latin Americans to the north. In this context, the goal of this research is to link news content in Latino print publications in Spain to the origin and destination of their readers, and to analyse the importance of this media content as a vehicle of transnational practices. As our initial hypothesis, we suggest that the content of Latino print media in Spain reinforces the maintenance of readers’ ties to their countries of origin, whilst failing to prioritize stories that encourage the incorporation of readers into their country of destination, in this case Spain. Our analysis focuses on the orientation of contents, in order to determine whether they are mainly oriented towards the readers’ origin or destination. The findings confirm the initial hypothesis, because origin-binding contents represent 62.4percent of all contents, a result that multiplies by four destination-binding contents, which represent 14.1percent of the total. The leaning of content towards origin is an important step to foster the transnational behaviour of migrants. However, the greater leaning of content towards origin could compromise the transnational role of Latino print media in Spain, because while their contents strengthen readers’ ties with their homeland, they do not sufficiently reinforce the integration of readers into their country of destination.
High-output diesel engine heat transfer: Part 2 – instantaneous spatially averaged heat transfer correlation
Authors: Gingrich Eric , Tess Michael , Korivi Vamshi , Ghandhi Jaal
Published: July 2021

A new temporally resolved spatially averaged heat transfer correlation was developed using the local piston heat flux data presented in the first part of this paper. The new correlation extends previous correlations that relate the Nusselt and Reynolds numbers through a power law by adding a dimensionless chemical energy release rate term. The new term, which arises from dimensional analysis, should enable similitude for diesel engines. Additionally, the characteristic velocity used in the Reynolds number was modified to include the integrated fuel mass injection rate. The new correlation was calibrated to the experimental data by minimizing the least squares error, and compared to existing correlations from the literature. On average, the new formulation was found to match the experimental data better than the existing models even when the existing models’ constants were adjusted to best fit the measured data.
China's New Kingdom of Bikes: Bicycling and the quest for modernity
Authors: Thomason Erin
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this article is to investigate the shifting semiotic meanings of bicycles within the cultural context of contemporary China. I seek to interrogate the ways in which the symbolic capital of bicycles becomes established, reformulated, and reconstituted through different social structures. By looking at the shifting social meaning of riding bicycles, I illuminate the ways that social forces define and shape commodities. Informed by discourse analysis of online forums and ethnographic research, this article sheds light on the ways in which ordinary people and national initiatives use material objects and physical culture to remake themselves in an increasingly globalized and capitalistic world.
Out of the (ethnic) closet: Consumer practices among Eritrean refugee women
Authors: Arev Tamar
Published: July 2021

This article examines the fabric of the emerging relationships between refugee women and consumption. Based on an empirical study of women from Eritrea living in Tel Aviv, Israel, I discuss the ways in which national and ethnic identity is formulated through and in the economic space. In contrast to previous academic literature with its focus on the connection between refugees and the maintenance of national identity via ethnic goods, this study emphasizes the consumerist aspects of being a refugee, which are made possible for the first time in their host society. I describe the connection between identity and the consumption of traditional goods, mainly Eritrean dresses and hair products, and show how, by using shared status symbols, these serve women refugees as a political instrument for mobility within their community. The article asserts that this unintended outcome of forced migration enables women refugees to position themselves as a fresh consumer power in their new urban space and affords them newfound social prestige.
Positive Masculinities and Gender-Based Violence Educational Interventions Among Young People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Vanesa , Marcos-Marcos Jorge , Cerdán-Torregrosa Ariadna , Briones-Vozmediano Erica , Sanz-Barbero Belen , Davó-Blanes MCarmen , Daoud Nihaya , Edwards Clarie , Salazar Mariano , La Parra-Casado Daniel , Vives-Cases Carmen
Published: July 2021

Background:

Hegemonic masculinity has been recognized as contributing to the perpetration of different forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Abandoning hegemonic masculinities and promoting positive masculinities are both strategies used by interventions that foreground a “gender-transformative approach.” Preventing GBV among young people could be strengthened by engaging young men. In this article, we aim to systematically review the primary characteristics, methodological quality, and results of published evaluation studies of educational interventions that aim to prevent different forms of GBV through addressing hegemonic masculinities among young people.

Main body:

We conducted a systematic review of available literature (2008–2019) using Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, the CINAHL Complete Database, and ERIC as well as Google scholar. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication was used for data extraction, and the quality of the selected studies was analyzed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. More than half of the studies were conducted in Africa ( n = 10/15) and many were randomized controlled trials ( n = 8/15). Most of the studies with quantitative and qualitative methodologies ( n = 12/15) reported a decrease in physical GBV and/or sexual violence perpetration/victimization ( n = 6/15). Longitudinal studies reported consistent results over time.

Conclusions:

Our results highlight the importance of using a gender-transformative approach in educational interventions to engage young people in critical thinking about hegemonic masculinity and to prevent GBV.
Next-generation sequencing in a large pedigree segregating visceral artery aneurysms suggests potential role of COL4A1/COL4A2 in disease etiology
Authors: Donner Iikki , Sipilä Lauri J , Plaketti Roosa-Maria , Kuosmanen Anna , Forsström Linda , Katainen Riku , Kuismin Outi , Aavikko Mervi , Romsi Pekka , Kariniemi Juho , Aaltonen Lauri A
Published: July 2021

Background

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) can be fatal if ruptured. Although a relatively rare incident, it holds a contemporary mortality rate of approximately 12%. VAAs have multiple possible causes, one of which is genetic predisposition. Here, we present a striking family with seven individuals affected by VAAs, and one individual affected by a visceral artery pseudoaneurysm.

Methods

We exome sequenced the affected family members and the parents of the proband to find a possible underlying genetic defect. As exome sequencing did not reveal any feasible protein-coding variants, we combined whole-genome sequencing of two individuals with linkage analysis to find a plausible non-coding culprit variant. Variants were ranked by the deep learning framework DeepSEA.

Results

Two of seven top-ranking variants, NC_000013.11:g.108154659C>T and NC_000013.11:g.110409638C>T, were found in all VAA-affected individuals, but not in the individual affected by the pseudoaneurysm. The second variant is in a candidate cis-regulatory element in the fourth intron of COL4A2, proximal to COL4A1.

Conclusions

As type IV collagens are essential for the stability and integrity of the vascular basement membrane and involved in vascular disease, we conclude that COL4A1 and COL4A2 are strong candidates for VAA susceptibility genes.
Measuring the Frequency of Inner-Experience Characteristics
Authors: Hurlburt Russell T. , Heavey Christopher L. , Lapping-Carr Leiszle , Krumm Alek E. , Moynihan Stefanie A. , Kaneshiro Cody , Brouwers Vincent P. , Turner Dio K. , Kelsey Jason M.
Published: July 2021

Inner experience is widely accepted by psychologists and lay people as being straightforwardly observable: Inner speech, visual images, feelings, and so on are understood to be directly apprehendable “before the footlights of consciousness.” Many psychologists hold that such characteristics of inner experience play substantial theoretical roles and have applied significance across a wide range of cognitive, affective, performance, and clinical situations. If so, the frequency of occurrence of these characteristics is of fundamental importance. Such frequencies are usually estimated by questionnaires or by questionnaire-based experience sampling. However, there are reasons to wonder about the accuracy of such questionnaire-based estimates. We present three studies that compared, head-to-head, questionnaire-based experiential frequencies with frequencies discovered using descriptive experience sampling (DES), a method for random sampling in the natural environment that aspires to apprehend inner experience with as high fidelity as the state of the art allows. Together, they suggest that estimates of inner-experience frequency produced by questionnaires and DES are irreconcilably discrepant: Questionnaire-based methods produced dramatically higher (from 2 to 4 times as high) frequencies than did DES. These results suggest caution when interpreting questionnaire-based experiential results and the importance of additional high-fidelity studies of inner experience.
Habits and Goals in Human Behavior: Separate but Interacting Systems
Authors: Wood Wendy , Mazar Asaf , Neal David T.
Published: July 2021

People automatically repeat behaviors that were frequently rewarded in the past in a given context. Such repetition is commonly attributed to habit, or associations in memory between a context and a response. Once habits form, contexts directly activate the response in mind. An opposing view is that habitual behaviors depend on goals. However, we show that this view is challenged by the goal independence of habits across the fields of social and health psychology, behavioral neuroscience, animal learning, and computational modeling. It also is challenged by direct tests revealing that habits do not depend on implicit goals. Furthermore, we show that two features of habit memory—rapid activation of specific responses and resistance to change—explain the different conditions under which people act on habit versus persuing goals. Finally, we tested these features with a novel secondary analysis of action-slip data. We found that habitual responses are activated regardless of goals, but they can be performed in concert with goal pursuit.
Does periodization work? Athletes perform better in major events than in minor competitions
Authors: Matomäki Pekka , Räntilä Aapo
Published: July 2021

Previous studies on periodization have led to the view that most athletes fail to peak at major events. These conclusions might be based on definitions of “peak performance” that are too narrow. In this study, a track and field athlete was defined as succeeding in a competition if their outcome was within the acceptable range from the best result of the season. The data are from seven championship finals and semifinals together with 42 Diamond League competitions from the 2010s, altogether 7,087 individual results. All field events and running events up to 400 m were included. The majority of athletes succeeded in major events (67.0% in sprint and 57.5% in field events). Overall, championship finals elicit success rates that are more than 70% higher than the basic level achieved in Diamond League competitions ( p < 0.001). Success rates were systematically higher (over 60% higher) for the top three versus other competitors in every race ( p < 0.001). When an acceptable range is adopted for the definition of what a successful result is, the majority of athletes manage to peak at the most important competitions. In addition, finishing in the top three in championship finals typically requires a peak performance.
Research progress in immune checkpoint inhibitors for lung cancer in China
Authors: Gan Jiadi , Huang Yihua , Fang Wenfeng , Zhang Li
Published: July 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have come to play an increasingly prominent role in the treatment of lung cancer, and some are recommended as a first-line treatment for late-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, either as a monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. Accordingly, the indications of Food and Drug Administration-approved ICIs have increased. In this background, China has implemented various policies to encourage and accelerate the marketing of domestic and imported innovative antitumor drugs. Eight ICIs have been approved in China. Among these, four imported programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have received approval for six indications, and one domestic PD-1 inhibitor has received approval for one indication for lung cancer in 2018. Numerous clinical trials of ICIs for lung cancer are underway in China. This review aims to summarize the recent advances and future directions of ICIs, including PD-1 inhibitors, PD-L1 inhibitors, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 inhibitors, bi-specific antibodies, and a novel inhibitor of T-cell immune-receptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains in immunotherapies for lung cancer in China.
Deep canvassing: Persuasion, ethics, democracy and activist public relations
Authors: Demetrious Kristin
Published: July 2021

In the run up to the 2020 US presidential elections, some activist groups promoted the practice of ‘deep canvassing political persuasion’ as an inclusive, values-based communication strategy, to turn Trump voters favourably towards left leaning or progressive agendas. Deep canvassing emphasises non-judgemental listening to voters’ stories and emotions, in order to avoid any threat that voters may feel from ‘forms of persuasion employed by traditional political campaigns’. In current conditions, some see it as an antidote to the increased persuasive power of misinformation campaigns. This paper provides a critical description of deep canvassing and investigates its growing appeal as a persuasive activist communication practice in the US, focussing on its justification and ethical orientation. In doing so, it situates the practice as ‘activist public relations’ and discusses its context in relation to democratic models. The paper will field the proposition that deep canvassing should be situated within a broader and more robust discussion of democracy, discourse and power to fully understand its ethical and social implications. This study of contemporary communication in the US contexts will shed light on democratic political cultures and interrelationships of power and language between civil society, business and government that support their distribution and interpretation.
Cries of war: Securitization of fluid transnational identities during war (a comparative study of securitization of Chinese Indians and Japanese Americans)
Authors: Narzary Urmila
Published: July 2021

Fluid transnational identities are an omnipresent reality in the contemporary world, but what happens when war becomes a reality or the threat of war is imminent in a State which contains fluid transnational identities? This article tries to explore these dynamics to determine if the threat from transnational identities is an actual threat during war or an act of an elite few, and what follows after the war, by comparing the experiences of Chinese Indians and Japanese Americans. The study heavily leans on securitization theory to explore the questions posed and elaborate on the situations when habeas corpus was denied thereby incarceration and internment as a practice were justified. The relationship between the transnational population and the State under the Copenhagen School is also further elaborated on.
Perspectives on the Potential Benefits of Children’s Group-based Music Education
Authors: Tanja Linnavalli , Adriana Soni García , Mari Tervaniemi
Published: July 2021

Recent empirical evidence suggests that attending individual instrumental training in music schools benefits the development of cognitive skills such as language and executive functions. In this article, we examine studies that have found these transfer effects provided by group-based music education in school and preschool contexts. We conclude that group-based music lessons may enhance children’s language skills and possibly executive functions, but evidence for the impact of music activities on intelligence—as measured by nonverbal intelligence tests—or long-term prosocial abilities is scarce. Although the beneficial effects of music on language skills and executive functions are small, they seem to be discernible. However, we do not know if they apply to all children or only to, for example, children who enjoy engaging in musical activities. We suggest that group-based music education should be part of the national school and preschool curricula, because of both the enjoyment of learning music-related skills and the impact it may have on children’s general learning. In parallel, we encourage new empirical longitudinal projects to be launched, enabling further investigations into the promises of music.
“Who Would Bother Getting a Degree When You Would Be on the Exact Same Pay and Conditions . . .?” Professionalism and the Problem With Qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care: An Irish Perspective
Authors: Oke Ayooluwa , Butler Judith E. , O’Neill Cian
Published: July 2021

Although the literature is replete with research that indicates the importance of qualified and highly skilled practitioners in the provision of quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), challenges to the retention of highly skilled graduates and the establishment of a professional ECEC workforce persist. This study investigates the barriers that hinder practitioners from obtaining higher level ECEC qualifications. It presents findings from the perspectives of practitioners ( n = 18) participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme using semi-structured interviews. This article is part of a doctoral study with practitioners and parents on quality in ECEC and the impact of technology on quality practice. Importantly, this article presents findings from the practitioner interviews as they relate to the barriers faced by practitioners in obtaining higher level qualifications. Findings indicate that practitioners value the role of qualifications in the provision of quality practice. Despite this, findings suggest that the likelihood of obtaining an ECEC degree is largely dependent on the practitioner’s financial situation. For example, in the absence of appropriate pay scales and occupational profiles, practitioners are forced to avail of social welfare services.
Incidence of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Proximal Hamstring Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Asokan Ajay , Plastow Ricci , Chang Justin S. , Kayani Babar , Moriarty Peter , Thompson Joshua W. , Haddad Fares S.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries can enable the return to preinjury levels of sporting function and minimize the risk of recurrence in both professional and recreational athletes. While venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a recognized complication of surgical repair, the incidence thereof is poorly reported in the literature.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To report the incidence of symptomatic VTE after proximal hamstring avulsion repair and assess the efficacy of our thromboprophylaxis protocol. It was hypothesized that the incidence of VTE after proximal hamstring avulsion repair is low and that aspirin is an adequate choice of chemical prophylaxis.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

We performed a prospective cohort study of 2 groups of patients who underwent proximal hamstring avulsion (partial and complete) repair between 2000 to 2020 with different thromboprophylaxis protocols. No patients were routinely screened for VTEs, and VTE was investigated only if clinically indicated. Prospectively collected data included demographics, the mechanism and sport that caused injury, use of bracing, and clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). The first cohort (n = 380) was given mechanical prophylaxis in the form of compression stockings for 6 weeks postoperatively. The second cohort (n = 600) was given compression stockings and aspirin 150 mg once daily routinely, or prophylactic low–molecular weight heparin in high-risk individuals, until the 6-week follow-up. Patients in both cohorts underwent early mobilization after surgery; a hinged knee brace locked at 60° to 120° was provided if the tendon repair was under significant tension. The surgical technique and rehabilitation protocol remained consistent throughout the study.

Results:

The overall incidence of symptomatic VTE was 0.51%. A total of 5 patients developed symptomatic VTEs (3 DVTs, 2 PEs) in the first cohort, and no patients developed symptomatic VTEs in the second cohort (1.32% vs 0%; P = .0048).

Conclusion:

The incidence of symptomatic VTE after proximal hamstring avulsion repairs was extremely low. A combination of aspirin, early mobilization despite bracing, compression stockings, and good hydration was an effective thromboprophylaxis strategy.
Cochlear Implantation in Infants: Why and How
Authors: Purcell Patricia L. , Deep Nicholas L. , Waltzman Susan B. , Roland J. Thomas , Cushing Sharon L. , Papsin Blake C. , Gordon Karen A.
Published: July 2021

In children with congenital deafness, cochlear implantation (CI) prior to 12 months of age offers the opportunity to foster more typical auditory development during late infancy and early childhood. Recent studies have found a positive association between early implantation and expressive and receptive language outcomes, with some children able to achieve normal language skills by the time of school entry. Universal newborn hearing screening improved early detection and diagnosis of congenital hearing loss, allowing for earlier intervention, including decision-making regarding cochlear implant (CI) candidacy. It can be more challenging to confirm CI candidacy in infants; therefore, a multidisciplinary approach, including objective audiometric testing, is recommended to not only confirm the diagnosis but also to counsel families regarding expectations and long-term management. Surgeons performing CI surgery in young children should consider both the anesthetic risks of surgery in infancy and the ways in which mastoid anatomy may differ between infants and older children or adults. Multiple studies have found CI surgery in infants can be performed safely and effectively. This article reviews current evidence regarding indications for implantation in children younger than 12 months of age and discusses perioperative considerations and surgical technique.
The Association of Vitamin D and Neurodevelopmental Status Among 2 Years Old Infants
Authors: Juwita Feby , Gumilang Lani , Risan Nelly Amalia , Dhamayanti Meita
Published: July 2021

The previous studies about association of vitamin D and neurodevelopmental status in the first 1000 days of life showed inconsistent results. This study aimed to investigate correlation between vitamin D deficiency and neurodevelopmental in 2 years old infants. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sukabumi and Waled, West Java involving 2 years old infants born from the mothers participated in previous cohort. Total 109 infants met the criteria. Vitamin D was measured and neurodevelopmental status was assessed using ASQ-3 in each subject. Statistical analysis using Spearman’s Rank correlation and multiple regression model. 50.4% infants had vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L). Neurodevelopmental status showed appropriate for age. No significant association between vitamin D level and neurodevelopmental in 2 years old infants. However, there was an association between some developmental domains and vitamin D level at birth. No correlation between vitamin D and neurodevelopmental in 2 years old infants.
Take Your Best Shot: Which SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Should I Get?
Authors: Eckman Mark H. , Powers-Fletcher Margaret V. , Forrester Jennifer W. , Fichtenbaum Carl J. , Lofgren Richard , Smulian Alan George
Published: July 2021

Background. Three vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) have now received emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration. Patients may have the opportunity to make a choice about which vaccine they prefer to receive. Vaccine hesitancy is a hurdle to the development of widespread immunity, with many patients struggling to decide whether to get vaccinated at all. Objective. Develop a decision model exploring the question, “Should I get vaccinated with mRNA or adenovirus vector vaccine (AVV) if either is available now?”Design. Markov state transition model with lifetime time horizon. Data Sources. MEDLINE searches, bibliographies from relevant English-language articles. Setting. United States, ambulatory clinical setting. Participants. Previously uninfected, nonimmunized adults in the United States. Interventions. 1) Do Not Vaccinate, 2) Vaccination with mRNA Vaccine, 3) Vaccination with Adenovirus Vector Vaccine. Main Measures. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Key Results. Base case—for a healthy 65-year-old patient, both vaccines yield virtually equivalent results (difference of 0.0028 QALYs). In sensitivity analyses, receiving the AVV is preferred if the short-term morbidity associated with each vaccine dose exceeds 1.8 days. Both vaccines afford an even greater benefit compared with Do Not Vaccinate if the pandemic is in a surge phase with a rising incidence of infection or if the current 7-day incidence is greater than the base case estimate of 105 cases per 100,000. Conclusions. Preferred vaccination strategies change under differing assumptions, but differences in outcomes are negligible. The best advice for patients is to get vaccinated against COVID-19 disease with whatever vaccine is available first. Providing mRNA vaccine to the remaining eligible US population would result in an aggregate gain of 3.92 million QALYs.

[Box: see text]
Using Mixed Methods With Multiple Stakeholders to Inform Development of a Breast Cancer Screening Decision Aid for Women With Limited Health Literacy
Authors: Gunn Christine M. , Maschke Ariel , Paasche-Orlow Michael K. , Housten Ashley J. , Kressin Nancy R. , Schonberg Mara A. , Battaglia Tracy A.
Published: July 2021

Background. When stakeholders offer divergent input, it can be unclear how to prioritize information for decision aids (DAs) on mammography screening. Objectives. This analysis triangulates perspectives (breast cancer screening experts, primary care providers [PCPs], and patients with limited health literacy [LHL]) to understand areas of divergent and convergent input across stakeholder groups in developing a breast cancer screening DA for younger women with LHL. Design. A modified online Delphi panel of 8 experts rated 57 statements for inclusion in a breast cancer screening DA over three rounds. Individual interviews with 25 patients with LHL and 20 PCPs from a large safety net hospital explored informational needs about mammography decision making. Codes from the qualitative interviews and open-ended responses from the Delphi process were mapped across stakeholders to ascertain areas where stakeholder preferences converged or diverged. Results. Four themes regarding informational needs were identified regarding 1) the benefits and harms of screening, 2) different screening modalities, 3) the experience of mammography, and 4) communication about breast cancer risk. Patients viewed pain as the primary harm, while PCPs and experts emphasized the harm of false positives. Patients, but not PCPs or experts, felt that information about the process of getting a mammogram was important. PCPs believed that mammography was the only evidence-based screening modality, while patients believed breast self-exam was also important for screening. All stakeholders described incorporating personal risk information as important. Limitations. As participants came from one hospital, perceptions may reflect local practices. The Delphi sample size was small. Conclusions. Patients, experts, and PCPs had divergent views on the most important information needed for screening decisions. More evidence is needed to guide integration of multiple stakeholder perspectives into the content of DAs.

[Box: see text]
Lessons Learned from a Writing to Learn Program for Public Health Students at the University of Tokyo
Authors: Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: July 2021

We have taught writing for public health to students completing a Master of Public Health since 2016 in Japan. We adopted a writing-to-learn approach and assigned work to students to write health materials that encourage recipients to perform health behaviors (eg, drafting a poster to encourage lay audiences to adopt preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic). We collected students’ work assignments and products from 2016 to 2020 and reviewed them to identify distinctive trends common to all years. We found that there was a curse of knowledge (ie, difficulties to imagine the state of mind of not knowing when knowing something) among students. Students strongly embraced the adage “knowledge is power” and underestimated the difficulties lay audiences face. Their writing was somewhat dogmatic, whereby experts imparted privileged knowledge to ignorant non-experts. However, it is well known that merely imparting knowledge often does not work to educate lay audiences about making better decisions. Debiasing this curse of knowledge among students will be the main target of our writing education.
European stroke organization interim expert opinion on cerebral venous thrombosis occurring after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Ferro José M , Sousa Diana Aguiar de , Coutinho Jonathan M , Martinelli Ida
Published: July 2021

Severe cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) with thrombocytopenia and anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies occurring after adenoviral vector anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been recently reported. We aim to present a guidance document on the diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with CVT after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We reviewed the available evidence which consists on case reports, small case series, expert opinion and analogy with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) management. Because of the low level of evidence, this is an interim document, based only on expert opinion consensus. In patients presenting with CVT after being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection, if there is thrombocytopenia a reliable HIT PF4 Antibody ELISA test should be performed, to confirm vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). In patients with CVT and thrombocytopenia, in whom VITT is suspected or confirmed, heparin (unfractionated or low molecular weight) should be avoided and non-heparin anticoagulants are preferred. If possible, platelet transfusions should be avoided. If the diagnosis of VITT is confirmed or suspected, early intravenous immunoglobulins are indicated. This expert opinion is supported by low quality evidence. It should be periodically updated, or changed to a formal guideline, as new and higher quality evidence is eventually produced. Because of their potential unfavourable clinical course, patients developing symptoms and signs suggestive of CVT after being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 virus should undergo urgent clinical and neuroimaging evaluation. In cases of suspected or confirmed VITT, non-heparin anticoagulants should be used, platelet transfusions avoided and intravenous immunoglobulin started early.
Comprehensive management of adults with chronic migraine: Clinical practice guidelines in Mexico
Authors: Vélez-Jiménez Maria-Karina , Chiquete-Anaya Erwin , Orta Daniel San Juan , Villarreal-Careaga Jorge , Amaya-Sánchez Luis Enrique , Collado-Ortiz Miguel Ángel , Diaz-García María Luisa , Gudiño-Castelazo Manuel , Hernández-Aguilar Juan , Juárez-Jiménez Humberto , León-Jiménez Carolina , Loy-Gerala María del Consuelo , Marfil-Rivera Alejandro , Antonio Martínez-Gurrola Marco , Martínez-Mayorga Adriana Patricia , Munive-Báez Leticia , Nuñez-Orozo Lilia , Ojeda-Chavarría Manuel Humberto , Partida-Medina Luis Roberto , Pérez-García Juan Carlos , Quiñones-Aguilar Sandra , Reyes-Álvarez María Teresa , Rivera-Nava Silvia Cristina , Torres-Oliva Bertha , Vargas-García Rubén Darío , Vargas-Méndez Rodrigo , Vega-Boada Felipe , Vega-Gaxiola Selene Berenice , Villegas-Peña Hilda , Rodriguez-Leyva Ildefonso
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Migraine is a polygenic multifactorial disorder with a neuronal initiation of a cascade of neurochemical processes leading to incapacitating headaches. Headaches are generally unilateral, throbbing, 4–72 h in duration, and associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and sonophobia. Chronic migraine (CM) is the presence of a headache at least 15 days per month for ≥3 months and has a high global impact on health and economy, and therapeutic guidelines are lacking.

Methods:

Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system, we conducted a search in MEDLINE and Cochrane to investigate the current evidence and generate recommendations of clinical practice on the identification of risk factors and treatment of CM in adults.

Results:

We recommend avoiding overmedication of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); ergotamine; caffeine; opioids; barbiturates; and initiating individualized prophylactic treatment with topiramate eptinezumab, galcanezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, or botulinum toxin. We highlight the necessity of managing comorbidities initially. In the acute management, we recommend NSAIDs, triptans, lasmiditan, and gepants alone or with metoclopramide if nausea or vomiting. Non-pharmacological measures include neurostimulation.

Conclusions:

We have identified the risk factors and treatments available for the management of CM based on a grading system, which facilitates selection for individualized management.
Communication regarding adverse neonatal birth events: Experiences of parents and clinicians
Authors: Loren Davia Liba , Lyerly Anne Drapkin , Lipira Lauren , Ottosen Madelene , Namey Emily , Benedetti Thomas , Dunlap Benjamin S , Thomas Eric J , Prouty Carolyn , Gallagher Thomas H
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Communicating with parents about adverse birth outcomes is challenging. We sought to describe attitudes and experiences of parents and providers regarding communication about adverse newborn birth events.

Methods

From 2011–2012, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with parents who believed they had experienced an adverse birth-related neonatal outcome and focus groups with healthcare providers who have communicated with parents about adverse newborn birth events from three geographically diverse US academic medical centers. We conducted qualitative thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results

Parents and providers described unique communication challenges around adverse neonatal outcomes in six categories: 1) High expectations for a positive delivery experience and the view that birth is a life event, not a medical encounter; 2) Powerful emotions associated with birth, amplified when an adverse event occurs; 3) Rapid changes when expectations for a normal birth take a sudden negative turn; 4) Family involvement adding complexity to communication; 5) Multiple patients and providers complicating communication dynamics with inter-professional teams seeking to coordinate information and care; and, 6) Concerns about litigation surrounding the birth experience. Strategies to educate parents and enhance communication were identified by both parents and providers.

Conclusion

Both parents and providers experience – and may suffer as a result of – communication challenges following adverse birth events affecting the newborn. Training and resources for this care environment are needed to meet parental, extended family, and provider expectations for communication when these events occur.
Engineering Safer Psychedelics for Treating Addiction
Authors: Peters Jamie , Olson David E
Published: July 2021

Addiction is best described as a disorder of maladaptive neuroplasticity involving the simultaneous strengthening of reward circuitry that drives compulsive drug seeking and weakening of circuits involved in executive control over harmful behaviors. Psychedelics have shown great promise for treating addiction, with many people attributing their therapeutic effects to insights gained while under the influence of the drug. However, psychedelics are also potent psychoplastogens—molecules capable of rapidly re-wiring the adult brain. The advent of non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens with anti-addictive properties raises the intriguing possibility that hallucinations might not be necessary for all therapeutic effects of psychedelic-based medicines, so long as the underlying pathological neural circuitry can be remedied. One of these non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens, tabernanthalog (TBG), appears to have long-lasting therapeutic effects in preclinical models relevant to alcohol and opioid addiction. Here, we discuss the implications of these results for the development of addiction treatments, as well as the next steps for advancing TBG and related non-hallucinogenic psychoplastogens as addiction therapeutics.
Unexpected suppression of tumorigenesis by c-MYC via TFAP4-dependent restriction of stemness in B lymphocytes
Authors: Tonc Elena , Takeuchi Yoshiko , Chou Chun , Xia Yu , Holmgren Melanie , Fujii Chika , Raju Saravanan , Chang Gue Su , Iwamoto Masahiro , Egawa Takeshi
Published: July 2021

The proliferative burst of B lymphocytes is essential for antigen receptor repertoire diversification during the development and selective expansion of antigen-specific clones during immune responses. High proliferative activity inevitably promotes oncogenesis, the risk of which is further elevated in B lymphocytes by endogenous gene rearrangement and somatic mutations. However, B-cell–derived cancers are rare, perhaps owing to putative intrinsic tumor-suppressive mechanisms. We show that c-MYC facilitates B-cell proliferation as a protumorigenic driver and unexpectedly coengages counteracting tumor suppression through its downstream factor TFAP4. TFAP4 is mutated in human lymphoid malignancies, particularly in >10% of Burkitt lymphomas, and reduced TFAP4 expression was associated with poor survival of patients with MYC-high B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In mice, insufficient TFAP4 expression accelerated c-MYC–driven transformation of B cells. Mechanistically, c-MYC suppresses the stemness of developing B cells by inducing TFAP4 and restricting self-renewal of proliferating B cells. Thus, the pursuant transcription factor cascade functions as a tumor suppressor module that safeguards against the transformation of developing B cells.
Differential long non-coding RNA expression profile and function analysis in primary Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: Chen Xiaochan , Cheng Qi , Du Yan , Liu Lei , Wu Huaxiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal immune cell activation. This study aimed to investigate differentially expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with pSS to identify lncRNAs that affect pSS pathogenesis.

Methods

Total RNA was extrated from PBMCs of 30 patients with pSS and 15 healthy persons. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in 8 RNA samples from the discovery cohort. The differentially expressed mRNAs underwent functional enrichment analysis. A protein interaction relationship (PPI) and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed. Real-time PCR was used to validate screened lncRNAs in all 45 RNA samples..

Results

1180 lncRNAs and 640 mRNAs were differentially expressed in pSS patients (fold change > 2 in healthy persons). The PPI network was constructed with 640 mRNAs and a ceRNA network with four key lncRNAs (GABPB1-AS1, PSMA3-AS1, LINC00847 and SNHG1). Real-time PCR revealed that GABPB1-AS1 and PSMA3-AS1 were significantly up-regulated 3.0- and 1.4-fold in the pSS group, respectively. The GABPB1-AS1 expression level was positively correlated with the percentage of B cells and IgG levels.

Conclusions

GABPB1-AS1 was significently up-regulated in pSS patients, and its expression level is positively correlated with the percentage of B cells and IgG levels. GABPB1-AS1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of pSS and may be a promising biological marker.
Genome-wide association mapping reveals new loci associated with light-colored seed coat at harvest and slow darkening in carioca beans
Authors: de Almeida Caléo Panhoca , Santos Isabella Laporte , de Carvalho Paulino Jean Fausto , Barbosa Caio Cesar Ferrari , Pereira Cássia Cristina Augusto , Carvalho Cassia Regina Limonta , de Moraes Cunha Gonçalves Gabriel , Song Qijian , Carbonell Sérgio Augusto Morais , Chiorato Alisson Fernando , Benchimol-Reis Luciana Lasry
Published: July 2021

Background

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) is a legume whose grain can be stored for months, a common practice among Brazilian growers. Over time, seed coats become darker and harder to cook, traits that are undesirable to consumers, who associate darker-colored beans with greater age. Like commercial pinto and cranberry bean varieties, carioca beans that have darker seeds at harvest time and after storage are subject to decreased market values.

Results

The goal of our study was to identify the genetic control associated with lightness of seed coat color at harvest (HL) and with tolerance to post-harvest seed coat darkening (PHD) by a genome-wide association study. For that purpose, a carioca diversity panel previously validated for association mapping studies was used with 138 genotypes and 1,516 high-quality SNPs. The panel was evaluated in two environments using a colorimeter and the CIELAB scale. Shelf storage for 30 days had the most expressive results and the L* (luminosity) parameter led to the greatest discrimination of genotypes. Three QTL were identified for HL, two on chromosome Pv04 and one on Pv10. Regarding PHD, results showed that genetic control differs for L* after 30 days and for the ΔL* (final L*—initial L*); only ΔL* was able to properly express the PHD trait. Four phenotypic classes were proposed, and five QTL were identified through six significant SNPs.

Conclusions

Lightness of seed coat color at harvest showed an oligogenic inheritance corroborated by moderate broad-sense heritability and high genotypic correlation among the experiments. Only three QTL were significant for this trait – two were mapped on Pv04 and one on Pv10. Considering the ΔL, six QTL were mapped on four different chromosomes for PHD. The same HL QTL at the beginning of Pv10 was also associated with ΔL* and could be used as a tool in marker-assisted selection. Several candidate genes were identified and may be useful to accelerate the genetic breeding process.
The association of timing of repeat cesarean with outcomes among a cohort of Guatemalan women with a history of prior cesarean birth
Authors: Harrison Margo S. , Garces Ana , Figueroa Lester , Westcott Jamie , Hambidge Michael , Krebs Nancy F.
Published: July 2021

Background

The objective of this analysis was to observe whether maternal and perinatal/neonatal outcomes of birth vary by timing of repeat cesarean among women with a history of one prior cesarean birth in a Guatemalan cohort.

Methods

This secondary analysis was conducted using data from a prospective study conducted in communities in Chimaltenango, Guatemala through the Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research.

Results

Between January 2017 and April 2020, 26,465 women delivered; 3,143 (11.9%) of those women had a singleton gestation and a history of prior cesarean delivery. 2,210 (79.9%) women with a history of prior cesarean birth had data available on mode of delivery and gave birth by repeat cesarean; 1312 (59.4%) were pre-labor cesareans while 896 (40.5%) were intrapartum cesarean births. Risk factors associated with an increased risk of intrapartum cesarean birth included hospital delivery as compared to “other” location (ARR 1.6 [1.2,2.1]) and dysfunctional labor (ARR 1.6 [1.4,1.9]). Variables associated with a reduced risk of intrapartum cesarean birth were hypertensive disease (ARR 0.7 [0.6,0.9]), schooling (ARR 0.9 [0.8,0.9]), and increasing age, which was associated with a very slight reduction in the outcome (ARR 0.99 [0.98,0.99]). Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not vary by type of cesarean birth.

Conclusion

Outcomes of cesarean birth do not seem to vary by timing of repeat cesarean birth, with hypertensive disease increasing the likelihood of pre-labor cesarean. This information might be useful in counseling women that outcomes after failed trial of labor do not appear worse than those after pre-labor cesarean birth.
Usefulness of readout-segmented EPI-based diffusion tensor imaging of lacrimal gland for detection and disease staging in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Chen Lu , Hu Hao , Chen Wen , Wu Qian , Zhou Jiang , Chen Huan-Huan , Xu Xiao-Quan , Shi Hai-Bin , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: July 2021

Background

Dysfunction of lacrimal gland (LG) gains increasing attention in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), while the underlying pathological change is still not fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI)-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in non-invasively detecting microstructural alterations of LG in patients with TAO, as well as in discriminating disease activity.

Methods

Thirty TAO patients and 15 age- and sex- matched healthy controls, who underwent rs-EPI-based DTI, were retrospectively enrolled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of LG, and clinical-endocrinological variables were collected and compared. The correlations between FA and ADC values of LG and serum thyroid biochemical markers were also assessed.

Results

TAO group showed significantly lower FA (P < 0.001) and higher ADC (P = 0.014) of LG than healthy group. Active subgroup had significantly lower FA (P < 0.001) and higher ADC (P < 0.001) than inactive subgroup. In TAO group, FA of LG was significantly and negatively correlated with TRAb (r=-0.475, P = 0.008), while ADC of LG showed no significant correlation (P > 0.05). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of FA was significantly greater than that under curve of ADC for discriminating disease activity (0.832 vs. 0.570, P = 0.009).

Conclusions

rs-EPI-based DTI is a useful tool to characterize the microstructural change of LG in patients with TAO. The derived metrics, particularly FA, can help to reveal disease activity.