bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Within, beyond or against the canon: What does it mean to decolonize social and political theory?
Authors: Ehrmann Jeanette
Published: June 2022

Increasing calls to decolonize the university brought forward by student-led movements have raised the question regarding how to reassess the canon of European social and political thought. This article offers a critical but appreciative reading of Gurminder Bhambra’s and John Holmwood’s Colonialism and Modern Social Theory, based on the first chapter titled “Hobbes to Hegel: Europe and Its Others.” It discusses the strategies of intervention into the canon proposed by the authors and argues for complementary strategies of transformation if decolonizing the canon means to move beyond the myths, metaphors, fictions, and false universals of modern European thought.
The hydrodynamic analysis of multiple hydrofoils translating in tandem in presence of a free surface
Authors: Kumari Nutan , Chakraborty Arnab , Jangam Suneela
Published: June 2022

Hydrofoils find its presence in various engineering applications including high speed marine crafts, blades of hydro-kinetic turbines etc. So, depending on the type of marine application, the foils are arranged in different complex arrangements (i.e. in line, or in tandem) that can alter flow dynamics of the working fluid flowing around them. In order to design efficient marine propulsion systems, it is important to study the effect of different arrangements of hydrofoil systems on its hydrodynamic characteristics (lift, drag, pressure coefficient, velocity contour, etc). In this study, the numerical simulation of fluid flow over a tandem hydrofoils is carried out in presence of a free surface. The present study is limited for a constant Reynolds number of 166,784.8, and at a Froude number of 0.57. The unsteady RANS equations are solved using the volume of fluid (VOF) method embedded in commercial software STAR-CCM+ incorporating [Formula: see text] turbulence model. The first part of the study focuses on varying spacing ratios ( l/ c) that range from 0.1 to 4. In the second part of the study, the angle of attack of the downstream hydrofoil was varied over zero degrees to stall keeping the upstream hydrofoil at a zero degree angle of attack. For both studies, pressure and velocity distributions, lift as well as drag coefficients were evaluated. It is concluded that the presence of a free surface in a close proximity to the foils, different spacing between the hydrofoils, and varying angle of attacks of the downstream hydrofoil have significant effects on the overall performance.
Iatrogenic Vertebral Arteriovenous Fistula Involving Brachiocephalic Vein Due to Central Venous Catheterization: A Case Report
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Nanto Masataka , Kishida Kengo , Goto Yudai , Hashimoto Naoya
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

To report a case of vertebral arteriovenous fistula (VAVF) caused by iatrogenic trauma of central venous catheterization (CVC) involving brachiocephalic vein (BCV).

Case report:

A 79-year-old female was referred for assessment of a vertebral artery (VA) aneurysm at the V1 segment. The patient had no signs other than a vascular murmur on the right neck and was diagnosed 20 years after undergoing CVC. Right vertebral angiography revealed a high-flow shunt from the V1 segment of the right VA and draining into the right BCV. The fistula had a single communication between a pseudoaneurysm and large varix. We diagnosed the patient with CVCinduced VAVF (CIVAVF) involving BCV and obliterated the shunt by selective transarterial and transvenous embolization of the pseudoaneurysm under flow control using a balloon catheter with no complications.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the point that CIVAVF involving BCV is rare but possible. In addition, there is a possibility that CIVAVF involving BCV does not demonstrate the findings of arterial steal or retrograde venous drainage and is undiagnosed for a long term due to lack of neurological manifestation and other subjective symptoms. We also showed that endovascular treatment can be feasible and useful for CIVAVF involving BCV.
Protective Effects of Polydatin on Reproductive Injury Induced by Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Gao Jin , Qian Jincheng , Ma Nan , Han Jianfang , Cui Fengmei , chen Na , Tu Yu
Published: June 2022

The reproductive system is vulnerable to ionizing radiation, which is a hot research topic at present. We tested the effect of polydatin on spermatocytes(GC-1 cells) after X-ray irradiation. The reproductive damage model of C.elegans was established by 60Coγ-ray, and the protective effect of polydatin on reproductive damage caused by ionizing radiation was evaluated. We quantified the ROS levels of GC-1 cells and C.elegans after irradiation with polydatin and evaluated the anti-apoptosis effect of polydatin at proper concentration. Differential genes of C.elegans reproductive damage were screened out from transcriptome sequencing results and comparable GEO datasets. It was proved that 100μM polydatin significantly reduced the apoptosis of GC-1 cells induced by 2 Gy X-ray. In addition, the longevity, reproductive capacity, germ cell apoptosis and spawning and hatching capacity of polydatin were tested. The results showed that 100 μM polydatin content significantly increased the influence of 50 Gy 60Coγ-ray on reproductive capacity of C.elegans. Quantitative analysis of mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis-related genes and reproductive-related genes by qRT-PCR and Western blotcon firmed that polydatin with appropriate dosage had good protective effects on reproductive damage caused by radiation, which laid a foundation for the application research of polydatin in radiation protection.
Long COVID: A New Challenge for Prevention of Obesity in Women
Authors: Mattioli Anna Vittoria , Coppi Francesca , Nasi Milena , Pinti Marcello , Gallina Sabina
Published: June 2022

The long COVID affects individuals that do not recover for several weeks or months following the onset of symptoms of COVID-19. Obesity could play a role in the long COVID syndrome. During the pandemic, various factors contributed greatly to aggravating obesity in women leading to a pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic status. The present commentary explores the relationship between long COVID and obesity in women.
Transorbital embolization of cavernous sinus dural arterio-venous malformations with surgical exposure and catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein
Authors: Trennheuser Sophie , Reith Wolfgang , Kühn Jan Philipp , Morris Luc G T , Bozzato Alessandro , Naumann Andreas , Schick Bernhard , Yilmaz Umut , Linxweiler Maximilian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Cavernous sinus dural arterio-venous malformations (dAVF) represent a pathologic connection between branches of the internal and/or external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Standard endovascular approaches for dAVF treatment are transvenous embolization through the inferior petrosal sinus or the facial vein and transarterial embolization. These approaches are not always successful or feasible, and alternative techniques are required. Here, we present a case series of a minimally invasive transorbital approach with surgical exposure and catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein for transvenous fistula coiling.

Methods

14 patients with dAVFs (Barrow Type B to D) that were treated at a tertiary care medical center over a period of 13 years were included in the study. Patients with persisting dAVF associated symptoms were selected for this approach when conventional endovascular interventions were not successful or not feasible. The surgical procedure was performed under general anaesthesia.

Results

A successful transorbital approach was performed in all 14 cases. In 12 of 14 patients a catheter assisted successful embolization of the fistula was performed using platinum coils with no relevant residual fistula flow. In two cases, a spontaneous thrombosis of the fistula during the surgical procedure required no further embolization. No postoperative therapy-associated complications were observed.

Conclusion

The described approach is an effective method to embolize dAVFs in selected cases when catheter assisted transvenous and/or transarterial embolization is not successful or not feasible. In this case series we demonstrate an excellent success rate with no therapy-associated major complications.
Pregnancy outcome with maternal HNF1B gene mutations and 17q12 deletions
Authors: Morton Adam , Li Ling , Wilson Caroline
Published: June 2022

There is an increasing body of literature regarding monogenic diabetes, particularly the more common forms of glucokinase and HNF1-alpha mutations (MODY2 and MODY3). There is relatively little published literature regarding rarer mutations. HNF1-beta mutations and 17q12 deletions may be associated with a broad range of organ dysfunction, renal disease and diabetes in particular resulting in high-risk pregnancies. This manuscript describes pregnancy outcomes in a woman with an HNF1-beta mutation and 2 women with an HNF1B/17q12 deletion and reviews the previously published literature. It highlights the significant rate of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, and the maternal features suggestive of the diagnosis which should be considered in preconception counselling.
Analysing driving factors of customer satisfaction among telecommunication service providers in Kurdistan region
Authors: Abdullah Nabaz Nawzad , Prabhu M , Othman Masayu Binti
Published: June 2022

Due to unprecedented innovation in information and communication technology, customers interact more with telecommunication service providers. Customer satisfaction is the extent of customer psychological sense and expectation towards a particular product or service. Satisfaction is a core to business success where corporates strive to fulfil them in the competitive market, where customers have more options. The lack of understanding of customer expectations created a gap between telecommunication companies operating in Kurdistan Region and subscribers. The current study intends to understand factors affecting customer satisfaction among telecommunication service companies in Kurdistan Region. It also identifies the customer’s critical factors concerning telecommunication services. Convenience sampling has been used to investigate the impacts of service quality, service attitude, value-added services, and price on customer satisfaction. The result revealed a significant and positive relationship between all independent variables except for the value-added services found to have a significant but reverse impact on customer satisfaction. The negative impacts of value-added services on customer satisfaction rely on the fact that roaming services, money transfer, reward points, and easy recharge are not concerns for customers compared to the price, quality of networks, and connectivity. The study signifies that nourishing customers by telecommunication companies in Kurdistan Region improve their market share and creates competitive value and uniqueness. This study highlights that competitive advantage and uniqueness offers more customer-oriented services to mobile subscribers and could be perceived as a precondition to the survival of operating firms. In return, the general public delivers cheaper and more reliable services with improved connectivity and internet service at a competitive price.
Essential Oils of the Asteraceae Plants Blumea riparia DC. and Pluchea pteropoda Hemsl. ex Hemsl. Growing in Vietnam
Authors: Ninh The Son , Le Tuan Anh , Dinh Thi Thu Thuy , Dinh Luyen Nguyen , Tran Thi Tuyen
Published: June 2022

Essential oils of two Asteraceae plants Blumea riparia DC. and Pluchea pteropoda Hemsl. ex Hemsl., collected from Vietnam, have been studied by hydro-distillation and GC/MS-FID (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-flame ionization detector) analysis. Oil yields of B. riparia fresh leaves and twigs were in the range of 0.1–0.2%, whereas essential oil in the fresh aerial parts of P. pteropoda reached about 0.5%. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes were the main chemical classes in the essential oils of B. riparia. The leaves and twigs of this species gave essential oils containing germacrene D (33.6-42.6%), ( E)-β-caryophyllene (11.2-11.6%), and bicyclogermacrene (9.3-12.1%) as the major components. Oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons achieved the highest amounts in the essential oil of P. pteropoda aerial parts; 2,5-dimethoxy- p-cymene (43.5%), β-maaliene (14.0%), and α-isocomene (9.0%) were characteristic compounds. Particularly, as compared with related Blumea and Pluchea species, B. riparia and P. pteropoda, collected from Vietnam, might be good sources of germacrene D and 2,5-dimethoxy- p-cymene, respectively. The essential oil of B. riparia leaf successfully controlled the growth of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, with an MIC value of 50.0 µg/mL, and the essential oil of P. pteropoda aerial parts showed significant antimicrobial activity against the Gram positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the yeast Candida albicans, with the same MIC value of 50.0 µg/mL.
If I Could Do It, So Can They: Among the Rich, Those With Humbler Origins are Less Sensitive to the Difficulties of the Poor
Authors: Koo Hyunjin J. , Piff Paul K. , Shariff Azim F.
Published: June 2022

Americans venerate rags-to-riches stories. Here we show that people view those who became rich more positively than those born rich and expect the Became Rich to be more sympathetic toward social welfare (Studies 1a and b). However, we also find that these intuitions are misguided. Surveys of wealthy individuals (Studies 2a and b) reveal that, compared with the Born Rich, the Became Rich perceive improving one’s socioeconomic conditions as less difficult, which, in turn, predicts less empathy for the poor, less perceived sacrifices by the poor, more internal attributions for poverty, and less support for redistribution. Corroborating this, imagining having experienced upward mobility (vs. beginning and staying at the top) causes people to view such mobility as less difficult, reducing empathy and support for those failing to move up (Study 3). These findings suggest that becoming rich may shift views about the poor in ways that run counter to common intuitions and cultural assumptions.
Advancements in prevention and intervention of sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Ren Hongmiao , Hu Bing , Jiang Guangli
Published: June 2022

The inner ear is a complex and difficult organ to study, and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a multifactorial sensorineural disorder with characteristics of impaired speech discrimination, recognition, sound detection, and localization. Till now, SNHL is recognized as an incurable disease because the potential mechanisms underlying SNHL have not been elucidated. The risk of developing SNHL is no longer viewed as primarily due to environmental factors. Instead, SNHL seems to result from a complicated interplay of genetic and environmental factors affecting numerous fundamental cellular processes. The complexity of SNHL is presented as an inability to make an early diagnosis at the earliest stages of the disease and difficulties in the management of symptoms during the process. To date, there are no treatments that slow the neurodegenerative process. In this article, we review the recent advances about SHNL and discuss the complexities and challenges of prevention and intervention of SNHL.
Elevated activating Fc gamma receptors levels correlated with susceptibility and severity of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Li Hongfen , Liu Youxia , Yu Huyan , Wang Fanghao , Jia Junya , Yan Tiekun , Lin Shan
Published: June 2022

Background:

It is still uncertain if a dysregulated expression of activating Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) is associated with the development of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods:

RNA sequencing was used to determine the mRNA levels of type I FcγRs, which were then verified by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Commercial ELISA kits were used to detect plasma soluble FcγRIIIb (sFcγRIIIb).

Results:

We first examined the expression of FcγRs genes in 17 patients with IgAN and six healthy controls. The expression of FcγRIa, FcγRIb, FcγRIIa, FcγRIIc, FcγRIIIa, and FcγRIIIb was shown to be higher in IgAN patients. Even without statistical significance, there was a downward trend in FcγRIIb mRNA levels in IgAN. We observed that the expression levels of activating FcγR mRNAs were consistently higher in an independent set of 20 IgAN patients and 20 healthy controls, confirming the RNA-seq results. FcγRIIIb was the IgG receptor with the greatest difference in expression between the two groups (log2 fold-change = 1.82). We observed a much higher percent of FcγRIIIb positive cells in IgAN by flow cytometry. Next, we measured plasma sFcRIIIb levels in 50 patients with IgAN and 50 healthy controls. The findings revealed that the mean sFcγRIIIb level in plasma in participants with IgAN was much higher than that of healthy controls. Increased sFcγRIIIb levels were associated with a substantial increase in body mass index (BMI), lipid levels, serum creatinine level, and a larger percentage of sclerosis compared with lower sFcRIIIb levels. Patients in the group with higher sFcγRIIIb levels were more likely to get glucocorticoid treatment.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated that the mRNA levels of the activating Fc receptor of IgG were significantly increased in IgAN. Patients with higher plasma sFcγRIIIb levels may have had more severe illness than those with lower levels.
Tissue-engineered composite tracheal grafts create mechanically stable and biocompatible airway replacements
Authors: Liu Lumei , Dharmadhikari Sayali , Spector Barak M , Tan Zheng Hong , Van Curen Catherine E , Agarwal Riddhima , Nyirjesy Sarah , Shontz Kimberly , Sperber Sarah A , Breuer Christopher K , Zhao Kai , Reynolds Susan D , Manning Amy , VanKoevering Kyle K , Chiang Tendy
Published: June 2022

We tested composite tracheal grafts (CTG) composed of a partially decellularized tracheal graft (PDTG) combined with a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed airway splint for use in long-segment airway reconstruction. CTG is designed to recapitulate the 3D extracellular matrix of the trachea with stable mechanical properties imparted from the extraluminal airway splint. We performed segmental orthotopic tracheal replacement in a mouse microsurgical model. MicroCT was used to measure graft patency. Tracheal neotissue formation was quantified histologically. Airflow dynamic properties were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics. We found that CTG are easily implanted and did not result in vascular erosion, tracheal injury, or inflammation. Graft epithelialization and endothelialization were comparable with CTG to control. Tracheal collapse was absent with CTG. Composite tracheal scaffolds combine biocompatible synthetic support with PDTG, supporting the regeneration of host epithelium while maintaining graft structure.
Magnitude and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms among municipal street sweepers in Dessie and Kombolcha City, Northeast, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Manaye Elias , Manaye Yibekal , Birkie Mengesha
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Respiratory diseases are one of the main morbidities worldwide, especially in developing countries due to a lack of occupational safety and health measures. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms among street sweepers in Dessie and Kombolcha town, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used from 15 February to 16 March 2019 Gregorian calendar, among 392 participants. An interviewer-based questionnaire was used. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used, and variables with p value less than 0.05 in the final model were taken as associated factors.

Results:

The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among street sweepers was 178 (45.4%) with the prevalence of cough 67 (16.54%), phlegm 60 (15.4%), wheezing 127 (32.3%), breathlessness 83 (21.3%), and chest pain 55 (14.3%). Respiratory symptoms were associated with not using face mask ( p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.57), monthly income ( p = 0.013, adjusted odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–3.8), work experience ( p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 2.1–6.2), previous sinusitis ( p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 8.0, 95% confidence interval: 2.8–22), and educational status ( p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 8.6, 95% confidence interval: 3.0–24.4).

Conclusion:

Respiratory symptoms were prevalent among street sweepers in Dessie and Kombolcha towns, Northeast Ethiopia. The non-use of respiratory equipment, educational status, working experience, and past sinusitis was identified factors.
De-Prescribing Proton Pump Inhibitors in Patients With End Stage Kidney Disease: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Czikk Daniel , Parpia Yasin , Roberts Katelyn , Jain Gaurav , Vu Dan-Cung , Zimmerman Deborah
Published: June 2022

Background:

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed and may be associated with harm; hypomagnesemia and reduced effectiveness of calcium carbonate phosphate binders may be important in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Objectives:

Our objectives included (1) discontinuing PPIs and H2 blockers and (2) assessing the impact on serum magnesium and markers of mineral metabolism.

Design:

Prospective cohort.

Setting:

Satellite hemodialysis unit of a tertiary care hospital.

Patients:

Incident and prevalent patients with ESKD treated with hemodialysis.

Measurements:

We assessed the impact of stopping PPI/H2 blockers in patients who did not have an absolute indication as per guidelines in the general population; serum magnesium, calcium, and phosphate were measured before and approximately 8 weeks later. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Kruskal-Wallis was used to describe the population. Wilcoxon signed rank test for the paired change scores (from pre to post)

Methods:

The electronic medical record (EMR) was extensively searched for absolute indications for a PPI. Results were reviewed with the primary nephrology team before approaching patients about stopping the PPI. Basic demographic information and select medications were also collected.

Results:

Electronic medical records were reviewed for 179 patients, 74 had a PPI or H2 antagonist or both on their medication list (43%); 23 (31%) were assessed as appropriate. After primary team and patient review, 29 patients agreed to a trial of PPI withdrawal. Fourteen patients restarted their PPI, most for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Three patients had a GI bleed, 1 fatally. Serum calcium ( P = .17) and the dose of phosphate binders ( P = .075) did not change but serum phosphate increased (1.55 [0.29] to 1.85 [0.34] mmol/L; P = .0005). Serum magnesium also increased (1.01 [0.16] to 1.06 [0.14] mmol/L; P = .01).

Limitations:

Small patient numbers and observational nature of the study does not establish causation in this population at high risk to experience a gastrointestinal bleed.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that PPI deprescribing as recommended in the general population may be associated with harm in patients with ESKD and requires further study.

Trial Registration:

Not registered.
Co-creation with research participants to inform the design of electronic informed consent
Authors: De Sutter Evelien , Geerts David , Borry Pascal , Coteur Kristien , Bamps Dorien , Marynissen Heleen , Ampe Els , Geenens Els , Depré Marleen , Huys Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to provide recommendations for a personalized electronic informed consent interface that is adapted to research participants’ needs and could enable a longitudinal interaction between the participants and the research team.

Methods

The co-creation process consisted of three co-creation workshops, one focus group discussion, and four semi-structured interviews. In total, 24 participants, who had taken part in four disparate clinical studies in Belgium, were involved. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were applied to analyze the survey data and audio recordings.

Results

Varying perceptions on the type and amount of information described in an informed consent form were reported. Other findings were related to the structure and presentation of information, setting preferences for data sharing, and electronically signing new informed consent versions. Regarding the long-term interaction, most of the participants wanted to receive progress updates, including the results, of the study in which they had taken part. They proposed to receive a notification, preferably via email, in case new information is made available on the electronic informed consent interface.

Conclusions

To optimally support the design of an electronic informed consent interface, it is key to understand the research participants’ needs. Study findings suggest that an electronic informed consent interface may be a promising technological application to interactively provide study-related information and to keep participants informed during and after the clinical study.
The accuracy of teledentistry in caries detection in children – A diagnostic study
Authors: AlShaya Mohammad , Farsi Deema , Farsi Nada , Farsi Najat
Published: June 2022

Introduction

: The increasing burden of dental caries and the lack of effective dental caries screening protocols in non-dental settings, such as schools, demand an innovative and cost-effective approach. Teledentistry is the field of dentistry that combines telecommunication with health records and digital imaging to improve access to dental care and help in epidemiological surveys. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of non-dentist teledentistry in caries detection compared with the clinical dental examination of a sample of 5–10-year-old schoolchildren.

Methods

A calibrated dentist examined schoolchildren aged 5–10 years old. The dentist and two teachers took intraoral photographs for each child, using a smartphone. The photographs were concealed; therefore, the dentist assessed the three sets of photographs blindly two weeks after the clinical examination. Accuracy was measured to compare the teledentistry examination with the clinical dental examination.

Results

The mean DMFT of primary teeth was 3.38, 3.42, and 3.17 upon clinical examination, dental-teledentistry examination (findings of photographs taken by a dentist), and non-dental teledentistry (findings of photographs taken by teachers), respectively. The mean DMFT of permanent teeth was 0.75, 0.69, and 0.65 upon clinical examination, dental-teledentistry examination, and non-dental teledentistry examination, respectively. In primary teeth, dental teledentistry and non-dental teledentistry examinations showed 95 and 98.3 sensitivity and 94.3 and 91.4 specificity, respectively. In permanent teeth, dental teledentistry and non-dental teledentistry examinations showed 80.8 and 88.5 sensitivity and 94.1 and 96.1 specificity, respectively.

Conclusions

Teledentistry has acceptable accuracy for caries detection in schoolchildren compared to a clinical dental examination.
Comparison of Femoral Nerve Block and Fascia Iliaca Block for Proximal Femoral Fracture in the Elderly Patient: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiao-dan , Han Chao , Yu Wen-li
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Pain management modalities after proximal femoral fracture are variable and have been studied extensively. Regional anesthesia, specifically femoral nerve (FNB) and fascia iliaca compartment blocks (FICB), can be used to provide analgesia preoperatively.

Methods

Systematic searches of all related literature were conducted in the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of proximal femoral fractures were included. The pain scores at different time points, opioid requirement in 24 h, mean arterial pressure, time for spinal anesthesia, patient satisfaction, and incidence of side effects between the 2 groups were extracted throughout the study.

Results

Fifteen RCTs including 1240 patients met the inclusion criteria. The present meta-analysis indicated that compared with FNB, FICB could decrease the visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 4 h after surgery (P < .05). The incidence of side effects (nausea, vomiting, and sedation) was lower in the FNB group (P < .05). Compared to the FICB, no significant difference was found at any other observed time point. Additionally, no difference was found in opioid requirement at 24 h, mean arterial pressure, time for spinal anesthesia, or patient satisfaction (P > .05).

Conclusions

FICB demonstrates a reduction in VAS score at 4 while FNB decreases the risk of several adverse events. More high-quality RCTs are necessary for proper comparison of the efficacy and safety of FNB and FICB.
Counselor Competence Gender Identity Scale: Measuring Bias, Knowledge, and Skills Among School Counselors
Authors: Simons Jack D. , Bahr Michael W. , Ramdas S. Melissa
Published: June 2022

The measures presently available to examine the effectiveness of school counselors to provide counseling services to youth and emerging adults who identify as gender diverse are limited. This mixed-methods research study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the Counselor Competence Gender Identity Scale (CCGIS) with a sample of school counselors. The CCGIS is a competency-based assessment that measures the effectiveness of counselors who provide services to gender diverse individuals in schools. We also examined school counselors’ levels of gender identity counselor competence in relation to region of practice. Considering requests by many gender diverse individuals to have gender-inclusive curriculum in the schools and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender minority youth, we recruited school counselors in the United States to take the CCGIS so its factor structure and validity could be examined. Exploratory factor analysis retained 25 items that formed four subscales with good internal consistency. Criterion and concurrent validity tests indicated that the CCGIS is psychometrically sound. The CCGIS was able to discriminate between groups of school counselors based on region. The CCGIS is a valid tool that can be self-administered by school counselors to assess their effectiveness with gender diverse students.
The Nexus Between Cocoa Farmers’ Business Schools Participation and Impact to Support Livelihood Improvement Strategies in Ghana
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Amfo Bismark , Hope Lesley , Kyire Samuel Kwabena Chaa
Published: June 2022

The authors examined cocoa farmers’ participation in Farmer Business Schools (FBS) in Ghana, impacts of livelihood outcomes (human, physical, financial, and social capitals) on participation, and implications of participation on productivity and per capita expenditure. We used cross-sectional data from 150 cocoa farmers. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, heteroskedastic probit, and doubly robust augmented inverse probability weighted regression adjustment model (AIPW). More than half of cocoa farmers participated in FBS. Financial capital (income and loan accessibility) and social capital (farmer group membership) positively influenced participation in FBS. Nevertheless, human capital (ability to pay medical bills) and physical capital (number of sleeping rooms) negatively influenced participation in FBS. Knowledge and skills cocoa farmers obtained from FBS are new farming methods, creativity in solving farming problems, record keeping, and managerial skills. Participation in FBS had a positive impact and a heterogeneous effect on cocoa farmers’ productivity and per capita expenditure. Given that the impact of FBS was heterogeneous, the FBS curriculum and approach should be segmented for different types of farmers to the generic FBS approaches currently practiced.
Effects of Hearing Loss on Interaural Time Difference Sensitivity at Low and High Frequencies
Authors: Best Virginia , Baltzell Lucas S , Colburn H Steven
Published: June 2022

While many studies have reported a loss of sensitivity to interaural time differences (ITDs) carried in the fine structure of low-frequency signals for listeners with hearing loss, relatively few data are available on the perception of ITDs carried in the envelope of high-frequency signals in this population. The relevant studies found stronger effects of hearing loss at high frequencies than at low frequencies in most cases, but small subject numbers and several confounding effects prevented strong conclusions from being drawn. In the present study, we revisited this question while addressing some of the issues identified in previous studies. Participants were ten young adults with normal hearing (NH) and twenty adults with sensorineural hearing impairment (HI) spanning a range of ages. ITD discrimination thresholds were measured for octave-band-wide “rustle” stimuli centered at 500 Hz or 4000 Hz, which were presented at 20 or 40 dB sensation level. Broadband rustle stimuli and 500-Hz pure-tone stimuli were also tested. Thresholds were poorer on average for the HI group than the NH group. The ITD deficit, relative to the NH group, was similar at low and high frequencies for most HI participants. For a small number of participants, however, the deficit was strongly frequency-dependent. These results provide new insights into the binaural perception of complex sounds and may inform binaural models that incorporate effects of hearing loss.
Tele-Rehabilitation in Community-Dwelling Older People with Reduced Functional Capacity: A 4-Patient Case Report
Authors: Jørgensen Bodil B , Gregersen Merete , Pallesen Søren Holm , Marie Damsgaard Else
Published: June 2022

Tele-rehabilitation (TR) can limit physical contact in older patients if long transportation times or physical attendance challenges their health. Digital literacy decreases with age, which might interfere with geriatric patients’ ability to benefit from TR. The purpose was to describe the TR intervention, adherence to training sessions, and level of digital literacy. TR via videoconferencing was delivered both individually and in groups where more were challenged by joining training outside their homes. Improvements in functional capacity were found. Combining individual and group exercises, high adherence to the TR programme was achieved. Digital literacy was on par with younger adult computer users. Individual-and group TR sessions might secure high adherence to the exercise programme. Digital literacy at a certain level might be a prerequisite when supplied with both oral and written material Suggestions on how to raise older people’s digital literacy to use telehealth solutions in the future are provided.
Where the touching is touched: The role of haptic attentive unity in the dialogue between maker and material
Authors: Malafouris Lambros , Koukouti Maria-Danae
Published: June 2022

This paper, drawing on research from the ‘HANDMADE - Understanding Creative Gesture in Pottery Making’ project (sponsored by the ERC), will attempt to show how a focus on the temporality of touch and the tactility of making can help us disambiguate the often discussed, but little understood, dialogue between maker and material. Our main thesis is that with increasing levels of skill, tactile perception plays an active role in transforming a mere kinetic interaction (where potter and clay are causally coupled) into a multi-modal kinaesthetic transaction (where the potter becomes attentive to the expressive affordances of clay and recursively the clay becomes responsive to the creative affordances of the potter’s hand). We call this situational attunement between the potter and clay haptic attentive unity (HAU). The primary objective of this paper is to explore the links between touch and attentive engagement in the context of pottery making and use the notion of HAU to account for the dialogic character of creative material engagement.
Performative antiracism in England
Authors: Parsons Carl
Published: June 2022

George Floyd’s death invigorated the Black Lives Matter movement and stimulated debate and passionate action across the globe. Commitments are set out at every level to address racial inequalities and injustices. However, changing mindsets and instituting changes meets with challenges at multiple levels. Taking the knee, wearing the tee-shirt, removing statues and decolonising the curriculum is not enough. The school curriculum is a major site for the development of understanding about, and the development of attitudes towards, people of other races. Across the spectrum, from challenging selective and biased histories about other peoples to multiple government commissions about ethnic inequalities we have seen limited impact on institutions in their treatment of ethnic minorities. Viewing the effects of policy interventions in England hitherto realistically – and pessimistically – one conclusion is that the challenges to the eradication of racism are too narrowly conceived, symbolic and performative. Indeed, symbolic allyship and multiple government ‘commissionsphere’ reports deceive us into thinking we do enough, whilst experience shows failure. In increasingly neoliberal political and economic environments, individualised, competitive, populist agenda, are forces supporting inequality and subjugation blunting drives for social justice. Sustained, holistic policies enacted with energy and critically monitored are required.
Fostering noticing in prospective teachers through a video-based course: Results of an intervention study from China
Authors: Qi Chunxia , Liu Lizhe , Zuo Siyu
Published: June 2022

Teacher noticing of student mathematics thinking, an essential professional competency, has not been sufficiently investigated in China. In this paper, based on four video clips, we combined the frameworks of Stockero et al. and Jacobs to analyze the characteristics and changes of 19 prospective teachers’ (PTs) noticing under the intervention of the course “Mathematics Teaching Theory in Middle School.” The results showed that (1) the agent of noticing shifted from teachers and mathematical content to students; (2) the percentage of noticing to content with mathematical characteristics remained high, and that of noticing to general math increased significantly after the intervention; and (3) the percentages of noticing to analyzing student math learning and math interaction noticeably increased. Moreover, from select PT interviews (four in total) and facilitator reflections, we concluded four potential strategies for improving interventions to enhance PT noticing: enriching video resources, refining the task requirements, specifying teaching evaluations, and optimizing course implementation.
Improvement of hemolytic anemia with GBT1118 is renoprotective in transgenic sickle mice
Authors: Ren Guohui , Setty Suman , Zhang Xu , Susma Alexandru , Ruiz Maria Armila , Minshall Richard D. , Lash James P. , Gordeuk Victor R. , Saraf Santosh L.
Published: June 2022

Key Points

A reduction in hemolysis with voxelotor analog, GBT1118, reduced hemoglobinuria and kidney injury biomarkers in transgenic sickle mice. Improved chronic hemolysis preserved kidney function and histopathologic and ultrastructural changes in transgenic sickle mice.
A genome-wide association study of bronchodilator response in participants of European and African ancestry from six independent cohorts
Authors: Gereige Jessica D. , Xu Hanfei , Ortega Victor E. , Cho Michael H. , Liu Ming , Sakornsakolpat Phuwanat , Silverman Edwin K. , Beaty Terri H. , Miller Bruce E. , Bakke Per , Gulsvik Amund , Hersh Craig P. , Morrow Jarrett D. ,   International COPD Genetics Consortium, Ampleford Elizabeth J. , Hawkins Gregory A. , Bleecker Eugene R. , Meyers Deborah A. , Peters Stephen P. , Celedón Juan C. , Tantisira Kelan , Li Jiang , Dupuis Josée , O'Connor George T.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Bronchodilator response (BDR) is a measurement of acute bronchodilation in response to short-acting β2-agonists, with a heritability between 10 and 40%. Identifying genetic variants associated with BDR may lead to a better understanding of its complex pathophysiology.

Methods

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of BDR in six adult cohorts with participants of European ancestry (EA) and African ancestry (AA) including community cohorts and cohorts ascertained on the basis of obstructive pulmonary disease. Validation analysis was carried out in two paediatric asthma cohorts.

Results

A total of 10 623 EA and 3597 AA participants were included in the analyses. No single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was associated with BDR at the conventional genome-wide significance threshold (p<5×10−8). Performing fine mapping and using a threshold of p<5×10−6to identify suggestive variants of interest, we identified three SNPs with possible biological relevance: rs35870000 (withinFREM1), which may be involved in IgE- and IL5-induced changes in airway smooth muscle cell responsiveness; rs10426116 (withinZNF284), a zinc finger protein, which has been implicated in asthma and BDR previously; and rs4782614 (nearATP2C2), involved in calcium transmembrane transport. Validation in paediatric cohorts yielded no significant SNPs, possibly due to age–genotype interaction effects.

Conclusion

Ancestry-stratified and ancestry-combined GWAS meta-analyses of over 14 000 participants did not identify genetic variants associated with BDR at the genome-wide significance threshold, although a less stringent threshold identified three variants showing suggestive evidence of association. A common definition and protocol for measuring BDR in research may improve future efforts to identify variants associated with BDR.
Digital Twin for Integration of Design-Manufacturing-Maintenance: An Overview
Authors: Fu Yang , Zhu Gang , Zhu Mingliang , Xuan Fuzhen
Published: June 2022

Traditional design, manufacturing and maintenance are run and managed independently under their own rules and regulations in an increasingly time-and-cost ineffective manner. A unified platform for efficient and intelligent design-manufacturing-maintenance of mechanical equipment and systems is highly needed in this rapidly digitized world. In this work, the definition of digital twin and its research progress and associated challenges in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of engineering components and equipment were thoroughly reviewed. It is indicated that digital twin concept and associated technology provide a feasible solution for the integration of design-manufacturing-maintenance as it has behaved in the entire lifecycle of products. For this aim, a framework for information-physical combination, in which a more accurate design, a defect-free manufacturing, a more intelligent maintenance, and a more advanced sensing technology, is prospected.
Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments with allograft: single-tunnel single-bundle versus single-tunnel double-bundle techniques
Authors: Deng Zhenhan , Zheng Yizi , Deng Zhiqin , Lu Changwei , Wu Yihua , Chen Kang , Fu Zicai , Zhang Hui , Lu Wei , Zhu Weimin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To compare the clinical results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the single-tunnel single-bundle (STSB) technique versus the single-tunnel double-bundle (STDB) technique.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon study based on data collected from March 2012 to June 2013. According to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, a total of 78 patients (64 males, 14 females; mean age, 25.1 years) who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with anterior tibialis tendon allografts through either the STSB technique (36 cases) or the STDB technique (42 cases) in our department were recruited. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner scores were used to evaluate the subjective function of the knee joint during the postoperative follow-up. The Lachman test and pivot shift test were used to objectively assess the stability of the knee.

Results

The average follow-up duration was 24.9 ± 1.8 months in the STSB group and 24.6 ± 1.7 months in the STDB group (P > 0.05). Patients in both groups recovered to the preoperative sports level with few complications. The postoperative Lysholm score (86.1 ± 7.5 vs. 47.7 ± 9.0 in the STSB group; 87.0 ± 7.1 vs. 48.2 ± 8.3 in the STDB group), IKDC score (87.8 ± 7.2 vs. 49.3 ± 6.1 in the STSB group; 88.7 ± 6.6 vs. 49.8 ± 6.3 in the STDB group), Tegner score (6.5 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3 in the STSB group; 6.6 ± 1.2 vs. 2.6 ± 1.2 in the STDB group), Lachman test positive rate (8.3% vs. 89.9% in the STSB group; 7.1% vs. 85.7% in the STDB group), and pivot shift test positive rate (27.8% vs. 63.9% in the STSB group; 7.1% vs. 69.0% in the STDB group) were significantly improved compared to the preoperative status in both groups (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05), except for the pivot shift test positive rate in the STDB group versus the STSB group (7.1% vs. 27.8%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The STDB technique achieved a satisfactory clinical outcome with better rotational stability compared to the traditional STSB technique and therefore provided an effective option for ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

Case series, Level IV.
WTAP-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of NLRP3 mRNA in kidney injury of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Lan Jianzi , Xu Bowen , Shi Xin , Pan Qi , Tao Qing
Published: June 2022

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is prevalent in patients with diabetes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation has been found to cause modification of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) 3, which is involved in cell pyroptosis and inflammation. WTAP is a key gene in modulating NLRP3 m6A.

Methods

In this study, WTAP was silenced or overexpressed in high glucose (HG)-treated HK-2 cells to determine its influence on pyroptosis, NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. NLRP3 expression and m6A levels were assessed in the presence of WTAP shRNA (shWTAP). WTAP expression in HK-2 cells was examined with the introduction of C646, a histone acetyltransferase p300 inhibitor.

Results

We found that WTAP expression was enhanced in patients with DN and in HG-treated HK-2 cells. Knockdown of WTAP attenuated HG-induced cell pyroptosis and NLRP3-related pro-inflammatory cytokines in both HK-2 cells and db/db mice, whereas WTAP overexpression promoted these cellular processes in HK-2 cells. WTAP mediated the m6A of NLRP3 mRNA that was stabilized by insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1. Histone acetyltransferase p300 regulated WTAP expression. WTAP mRNA levels were positively correlated with NLRP3 inflammasome components and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

Taken together, WTAP promotes the m6A methylation of NLRP3 mRNA to upregulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which further induces cell pyroptosis and inflammation.