bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vernacular Visibility and Algorithmic Resistance in the Public Expression of Latin American Feminism
Authors: Sued Gabriela Elisa , Castillo-González María Concepción , Pedraza Claudia , Flores-Márquez Dorismilda , Álamo Sofía , Ortiz María , Lugo Nohemí , Arroyo Rosa Elba
Published: December 2021

This article seeks to understand how Latin American feminist public expression has gained algorithm-mediated visibility on social media. To this end, a cross-platform analysis was conducted for two issues: the legalisation of abortion in Argentina and the struggle to eliminate violence against women. The data were collected on four platforms: Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube through the representative hashtags, ‘#abortolegal2020’, ‘#25N’, and ‘#niunamenos’. Digital critical methods were employed to gather data and approach high-visibility users, visual messages, and hashtagging practices. The findings reveal two configurations of algorithmic mediated visibility, formed by assemblages of actors, formats, and knowledge: platform vernaculars and algorithmic resistance. Both result in a mutual shaping between platforms, seeking to impose a quantitative logic of visibility, and feminist actors, using the tactics of algorithmic resistance to give visibility to the content, aesthetics, and resignified messages about their struggles.
Are they different? A comparative study of European populist party members
Authors: Dassonneville Ruth , McAllister Ian
Published: December 2021

Party membership is in decline across the established democracies, but populist parties appear to be reversing this trend. The expansion of populist parties’ membership base raises the question whether these parties are fulfilling their role as actors who serve as a “corrective to democracy” by mobilizing the socially and politically marginalized to become politically active. Using large comparative datasets from the European Social Survey and the World Values Survey, we examine the characteristics of populist party members in terms of their socio-demographic background and their political attitudes. We show that, with the exceptions of income levels and church attendance, the members of populist and non-populist parties look very much alike and hold similar political attitudes. These findings imply that mobilizing the politically disaffected remains a challenge, even for populist actors.
Dissimilar tungsten inert gas welding between Inconel 718 and commercially pure titanium using a vanadium interlayer
Authors: Shehbaz Tauheed , Junaid Massab , Khan Fahd Nawaz , Akbar Usman Ali , Saeed Hakeem Abbas
Published: December 2021

A weight reduction of aero engines, in order to enhance their efficiency would be possible if the commercially pure titanium in the low-temperature region of the compressor could be welded with Inconel in the high-temperature portion. This joining of titanium/Inconel is challenging owing to the formation of hard TixNiy intermetallic compounds, the suppression of which is not possible using the conventional weld process optimization approach. In recent years, a number of approaches have been developed to reduce or eliminate these intermetallic compounds during welding and one approach is the use of an interlayer during the welding operation. The insertion of a V interlayer at the root side remarkably suppressed Ti and Ni diffusion across the interlayer. NiV3 and (Ti, V) solid solutions were present in the interfacial microstructure of V/Inconel 718 and V/commercially pure titanium, respectively, as characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The tensile strength of the weldment was 190 MPa (approx. 59% of the commercially pure titanium base metal) with an elastic modulus comparable with that of the base alloys. The joint exhibited brittle fracture at the Inconel 718 side near the V/Inconel 718 interface due to intermetallic compounds.
Diversifying academic communication in anti-racist scholarship: The value of a translingual orientation
Authors: Canagarajah Suresh
Published: December 2021

This article develops a complex orientation to linguistic domination and resistance to demonstrate how academic communication can be diversified to facilitate anti-racist scholarship. While it draws from social sciences which provide complex theories of social structuration, it demonstrates how linguists can offer fine-grained analytical tools to track these processes across diverse scales of space, time, and institutions. The objective of this article is to introduce an orientation to language which goes beyond traditional reductive and overdetermined perspectives to accommodate its generative and resistant potential. It introduces translingual practice as accommodating the theoretical developments discussed, and demonstrates how methods of indexical analyses can help scholars study texts and communication across various spatiotemporal scales in achieving structuration. This approach is applied to the writing practice of African American scholar, Geneva Smitherman, to demonstrate how her anti-racist scholarship renegotiates established structures of academic communication and generates change. While this article will help applied linguists to develop an appreciation of writers and writing in constructing diversified academic communication, it can provide linguistic tools to social scientists for tracing the workings of structuration and change at diverse spatiotemporal and social scales of consideration.
Assessment of Action Plans as a Guide for Equity-Focused Coalition Work
Authors: Lautner Shelby C. , Garcia Kristen , Garney Whitney R. , Shevon Harvey Idethia
Published: December 2021

Collaborative capacity within coalitions is required to promote healthy communities and create systemic change. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of three Tobacco Prevention and Control Coalitions’ action plans for their likely ability to address health equity through tobacco cessation efforts. To do this, the Butterfoss State Plan Index was adapted for relevance to community-oriented coalitions, with a focus on health disparities and tobacco control. This study compares three tobacco control coalitions in Texas to quantify their efforts on addressing health disparities through a standardized measurement process. The results of this assessment indicate that there are gaps in existing coalition assessment tools, and action plan norms and requirements, specifically as it pertains to addressing health disparities in a systematic way. Through a systematic analysis of coalition action plans and supporting documents, it is clear that there is a need for more standard inclusion of disparities-focused work within action plans. Community health researchers, coalition members, and coalition funders should consider action plans to be living, iterative documents that are subject to adjustments. Systems-thinking perspective should be used to develop action plans adapted to environmental, community, policy, and other changes. Lessons learned from this study can provide an example of how to incorporate strategies for reducing health disparities within coalition action planning.
A survey on software test automation return on investment, in organizations predominantly from Bengaluru, India
Authors: Reine De Reanzi S. , Ranjit Jeba Thangaiah P.
Published: December 2021

Software industry has adopted automated testing widely. The most common method adopted is graphical user interface test automation for the functional scenarios to reduce manual testing and increase the repeatability. Reducing execution time and redundancy to achieve quality “go/no go decisions” provides rational for the executive management to allocate funds to adopt automation and invest in the setup including people, process, and tools to achieve faster time to market. There are a variety of practices engaged by testers, like frameworks, tools, methods, procedures, models, and technologies to achieve automation. Nonetheless, the actual effectiveness in terms of return on investment (ROI) is not known, though there are various formulas to calculate ROI of test automation. The factors that determine the ROI are maturity of test automation, purpose, or intent, picking right tests for automation, knowledge of the tester to derive test coverage, domain expertise, defining right metrics like defects found by automation runs, cost versus reduction of time, labor versus quality of scripts, repeatability, and results. These factors form the base of the questions designed for the survey. The paper presents a survey and analysis to understand the ROI of test automation from industry test professionals from both product and services organizations.
Irreversibility analysis in dissipative magnetohydromagnetic flow of non-Newtonian nanomaterials
Authors: Hayata Tasawar , Kainata Zobia , Khana Sohail A , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: December 2021

The theme of this article is to scrutinize the entropy rate in hydromagnetic flow of Reiner–Philippoff nanofluid by a stretching surface. Energy equation is developed through first law of thermodynamic with dissipation and Joule heating. Furthermore, random and thermophoretic motion is discussed. Additionally, binary reaction is discussed. Physical feature of irreversibility analysis is discussed. Nonlinear expression is obtained by suitable transformation. The obtained systems are solved through the numerical method (bvp4c). Variation of entropy rate, thermal field, velocity profile, and concentration against sundry variables are discussed. Computational outcomes of thermal and mass transport rate for influential parameters are studied in tabularized form. A reverse effect holds for thermal field and velocity through magnetic variable. Higher Bingham number leads to a rise in velocity field. An intensification in thermal field and concentration is noted for thermophoretic variable. An enhancement in fluid variable leads to augments velocity. An increment in entropy analysis is seen for magnetic effect. Larger estimation of diffusion variable improves entropy rate. A reduction in concentration is noticed for reaction variable.
‘It’s better to treat a COVID patient than a HIV patient’: using feminist participatory research to assess women’s challenges to access HIV care in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Najmah Najmah , Davies Sharyn Graham , Kusnan Kusnan , Davies Tom Graham
Published: December 2021

Background:

Women living with HIV in Indonesia encounter challenging obstacles to healthcare, which is exacerbated by COVID-19. Access is difficult as there are limited numbers of poorly supported healthcare providers. Women also face significant stigma when disclosing their HIV-status.

Objectives:

Our main purpose is to give a voice to disempowered women living with HIV, by normalising the discussion of HIV, to empower health professionals to better understand the issues faced by women living with HIV, and develop improved treatment practices.

Design:

Our project was guided by a Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) framework. FPAR refers to ‘a participatory and action-oriented approach to research that centres gender and women’s experiences both theoretically and practically’. It creates meaningful participation for women throughout the research process, ensuring a collective critical consciousness that challenges oppressive attitudes, beliefs, and practices that may be deeply embedded in society.

Method:

Purposive sampling and a thematic analysis was applied to focus group discussions with 20 women living with HIV and 20 women without HIV in Palembang, South Sumatra.

Results:

When women living with HIV face a difficult decision, do they disclose their status knowing that they may face stigma and even a refusal to be treated; or do they conceal their status and face not receiving the right care? In this article, we explore the stories of women living with HIV as they seek medical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. We show that there is no optimal solution for women as they lose whether they disclose their HIV status or not.

Conclusion:

Women’s stories around HIV and COVID-19 intersect with conditions such as poverty and discrimination, as well as embedded gender systems, creating overlapping barriers to treatment. Government must challenge this culture by introducing a comprehensive sex and HIV education programme. This would normalise discussions of HIV-related topics, leading to improved health outcomes.
Systemic corticosteroids for management of COVID-19: Saving lives or causing harm?
Authors: FakhriRavari Alireza , Jin Stephanie , Kachouei Farrnam H , Le Diana , Lopez Mireya
Published: December 2021

The underlying cause of many complications associated with severe COVID-19 is attributed to the inflammatory cytokine storm that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which appears to be the leading cause of death in COVID-19. Systemic corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory activity through repression of pro-inflammatory genes and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, which makes them a potential medical intervention to diminish the upregulated inflammatory response. Early in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the role of corticosteroids was unclear. Corticosteroid use in other indications such as ARDS and septic shock has proven benefit while its use in other respiratory viral pneumonias is associated with reduced viral clearance and increased secondary infections. This review article evaluates the benefits and harms of systemic corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 to assist clinicians in improving patient outcomes, including patient safety. Dexamethasone up to 10 days is the preferred regimen to reduce mortality risk in COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen support, mechanical ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. If dexamethasone is unavailable, other corticosteroids can be substituted at equivalent doses. Higher doses of corticosteroids may be beneficial in patients who develop ARDS. Corticosteroids should be avoided early in the disease course when patients do not require oxygen support because of potential harms.
Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Decreases Blood Transfusions and Blood Loss for Patients with Surgically Treated Hip Fractures
Authors: Huynh Phuong Anh N , Miller Megan , Will Ryan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Tranexamic acid can decrease blood loss related to surgery and trauma. The primary objective of this study is to examine if the use of a single dose of peri-operative TXA significantly decreases the rate of allogenic blood transfusions in the setting of operative care of hip fractures. Secondary objectives included examining if total blood loss was decreased by TXA in operative hip fractures as well as examining the safety of TXA by measuring the rates venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 505 patients who were operatively treated for hip fractures at a single facility was performed. In a non-randomized fashion, 307 patients received TXA and 198 patients did not. Patients received 1 gram of TXA prior to incision. Blood transfusion was the primary end point. Blood loss was calculated using the hemoglobin balance method. Chart was reviewed for VTE events during hospitalization.

Results

505 patients were analyzed. The use of single perioperative dose of TXA in the surgical management of hip fracture resulted in absolute risk reduction of transfusion of 7.7% and relative risk reduction of transfusion by 29%. This was statistically significant with P =.04. Patients who received TXA on average lost 235 ml less blood compared to those who did not receive TXA ( P <.0001). No increase in VTE events were found in either group during hospitalization.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of TXA is decrease blood loss and transfusion rates in patients with hip fractures. TXA can be used routinely to decrease complications in this usually fragile population.
Big Data Applications the Banking Sector: A Bibliometric Analysis Approach
Authors: Nobanee Haitham , Dilshad Mehroz Nida , Al Dhanhani Mona , Al Neyadi Maitha , Al Qubaisi Sultan , Al Shamsi Saeed
Published: December 2021

This study aims to review the existing literature on big data applications in banking using a bibliometric analysis approach. This approach describes citation rates, research outputs, and their implementations, along with current streams in the field and future research agenda. The articles were selected from 2012 to 2020 and sorted by the citation rate in results and analysis. We have discovered 60 papers related to big data in banking, although the applications of big data in the banking sector are growing rapidly, the number of research output in this field is limited. Several themes are extracted from the studies that are reviewed, analyzed, and presented in this report. This review covered the themes that include investment, profit, competition, credit risk analysis, banking crime, and fintech. This report also signifies the importance, use of big data, and its function in the banking and financial sector. This study has also discussed the future research scope in the banking industry’s big data analytics.
Occupational Health and Safety Education at Inclusive Vocational Schools in Turkey
Authors: Şenkal Ozan , Kanık Resul , Sezgin Mehmet Emre , Şenkal Özgül Akın
Published: December 2021

The occupational health and safety education program (OHS) is an important intervention strategy to prevent injuries among young workers. This study aims to emphasize the importance of inclusive and integrated occupational safety education in an Inclusive Vocational School for students at 10th grade. In this study, we investigated the success levels and the awareness of the students before and after the education on occupational safety. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of 12-hour basic OHS education on the students’ levels of awareness and knowledge and the retention of these effects. A questionnaire comprising 10 questions and an open-ended exam comprising 20 questions that measure their knowledge level on OHS were applied to the students who had just met with the workshop environment before and after the education. As a result, OHS education delivered to students has improved the students’ awareness of OHS positively. It was observed that the knowledge levels before receiving OHS education increased according to their knowledge level after regular OHS education.
Subsidence of Interbody Cage Following Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion: An Analysis and Potential Risk Factors
Authors: Kotheeranurak Vit , Jitpakdee Khanathip , Lin Guang-Xun , Mahatthanatrakul Akaworn , Singhatanadgige Weerasak , Limthongkul Worawat , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Kim Jin-Sung
Published: December 2021

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study

Objectives

This study aimed to report the incidence and potential risk factors of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage subsidence following oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) for lumbar degenerative diseases. We proposed also an algorithm to minimize subsidence following OLIF surgery.

Methods

The study included a retrospective cohort of 107 consecutive patients (48 men and 59 women; mean age, 67.4 years) who had received either single- or multi-level OLIF between 2012 and 2019. Patients were classified into subsidence and non-subsidence groups. PEEK cage subsidence was defined as any violation of either endplate from the computed tomography scan in both sagittal and coronal views. Preoperative variables such as age, sex, body mass index, bone mineral density (BMD) measured by preoperative dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, smoking status, corticosteroid use, diagnosis, operative level, multifidus muscle cross-sectional area, and multifidus muscle fatty degeneration were collected. Age-related variables (height and length) were also documented. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the risk factors of subsidence.

Results

Of the 107 patients (137 levels), 50 (46.7%) met the subsidence criteria. Higher PEEK cage height had the strongest association with subsidence (OR = 9.59, P < .001). Other factors significantly associated with cage subsistence included age >60 years (OR = 3.15, P = .018), BMD <−2.5 (OR = 2.78, P = .006), and severe multifidus muscle fatty degeneration (OR = 1.97, P = .023).

Conclusions

Risk factors for subsidence in OLIF were age >60 years, BMD < −2.5, higher cage height, and severe multifidus muscle fatty degeneration. Patients who had subsidence had worse early (3 months) postoperative back and leg pain.
Comparison of Opioid Consumption Patterns of Three Interbody Fusion Surgical Techniques
Authors: LeRoy Taryn E. , Moon Andrew , Chilton Matthew , Gedman Marissa , Aidlen Jessica P. , Rogerson Ashley
Published: December 2021

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Objectives

With increased awareness of the opioid crisis in spine surgery, the focus postoperatively has shifted to managing surgical site pain while minimizing opioid use. Numerous studies have compared outcomes and fusion status of different interbody fusion techniques; however, there is limited literature evaluating opioid consumption postoperatively between techniques. The aim of this study was to assess in-house and postoperative opioid consumption across 3 surgical techniques.

Methods

Patients were stratified by technique: posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF), and cortical screw (CS) instrumentation with interbody fusion. Age, ASA, BMI, depression, preoperative opioid use, EBL, and OR time were recorded and compared across surgical groups using Welch’s ANOVA and chi-square analysis. Total morphine equivalent dose (MED) was tabulated for both in-house consumption and postoperative prescriptions and was compared across surgical techniques using Welch’s ANOVA analysis, Mann Whitney U tests, and linear regression.

Results

Two hundred and thirty nine patients underwent one- or two-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion between 2016 and 2020. One hundred and twenty one patients underwent CS instrumentation, 95 underwent PLIF, and 83 underwent MIS-TLIF. There was a significantly higher percentage of patients who had a history of depression and preoperative opioid consumption in the CS group ( P = .001, P = .009). CS instrumentation required significantly less total post-op opioids per kilogram bodyweight compared to MIS-TLIF and PLIF surgeries ( P = .029).

Conclusions

Patients who underwent CS instrumentation required less opioids postoperatively. CS instrumentation may be associated with less postoperative pain due to the less invasive approach, however, patient education and prescriber practice also play a role in postoperative opioid consumption.
The Versatility of Lateral Chest Wall Perforator Flaps in Immediate and Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Retrospective Study of Clinical Experience with 26 Patients
Authors: Retrouvey Helene , Mahoney Mary-Helen , Pinchuk Brian , Jalil Waqqas , Somogyi Ron
Published: December 2021

Rationale: Lateral chest flaps represent versatile reconstructive options, especially valuable in times of global healthcare resource restriction. In this series, we present our experience with the use of lateral chest wall flaps in both immediate and delayed reconstruction from both breast conserving and mastectomy surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone a lateral chest wall flap for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction of a lumpectomy or mastectomy defect was performed. Data collected consisted of patient demographics, procedure type, tumor/oncological characteristics, as well as postoperative complications. Findings: Between September 2015 and April 2021, 26 patients underwent breast reconstruction using a lateral chest wall flap. Fifteen patients (58%) underwent immediate reconstruction (9 lumpectomy; 6 mastectomy) and 11 (42%) underwent delayed breast reconstruction. All flaps survived, though 1 patient required partial flap debridement following venous compromise hours after surgery. There were no incidences of hematoma, seroma, infection, or wound healing delay at either the donor site or breast. There was one positive margin which occurred in a mastectomy patient. Significance: This study describes the use of lateral chest wall flaps in a wide variety of reconstructive breast surgery scenarios. This technique can be safely performed in an outpatient setting and does not require microvascular techniques. Review of our outcomes and complications demonstrate that this is a safe and effective option. Our experience is that this is an easy to learn, versatile flap that could be a valuable addition to the surgeon's arsenal in breast reconstruction.
Customer Digital Engagement and Lifetime Value: An Empirical Study of Telecom Services in India
Authors: Sood Hitesh , Sharma Rajendra Prasad
Published: December 2021

Digitalization has posed severe challenges to traditional businesses. Traditional firms are still not sure of the benefits of digitally engaging their customers. In contrast, the new-age firms have successfully leveraged digital media. This article examines the relationship between digital adoption by customers and customer lifetime value (CLV). This study analysed the mobile recharges by 13 million rural and urban prepaid telecom customers over 60 million transactions from January 2019 to June 2019 in the Indian telecom industry. The computed predictive CLV has been computed and compared across various customer segments (digitally engaged, partially digitally engaged and digitally unengaged customers). The studied data were statistically validated using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The data proved to be non-normally distributed as per the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The results supported that digital adoption helps increase customer engagement, loyalty and CLV. The study presents several managerial implications, such as digitally engaged customers being a surrogate for high value and more profitable customers. Also, digitally engaged customers are relatively more loyal, contributing higher CLV than digitally unengaged customers.
When the Old Will No Longer Do: School and Community Practices for Student Homelessness Amid COVID-19
Authors: Pavlakis Alexandra E. , Roberts J. Kessa , Richards Meredith P.
Published: December 2021

In this qualitative case study, we employ 29 semistructured interviews and an array of supplemental data to explore why and how COVID-19 shaped school and community practices around student and family homelessness in Houston, Texas. Drawing on Small’s notion of organizational embeddedness, we find that COVID-19 fundamentally altered school and community practices, as educators and providers faced resource constraints, new concerns about safety, and evolving student and family needs. Providers struggled to meet the depth of need stemming from COVID-19; however, they also embraced innovation in adapting their practices to the pandemic era. We find that this adaptation occurred along a continuum, ranging from pausing or stopping existing practices to developing new practices from scratch. We conclude with implications for theory, research, policy, and practice.
Parent and Teacher Support of Elementary Students’ Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany
Authors: Gunzenhauser Catherine , Enke Susanne , Johann Verena E. , Karbach Julia , Saalbach Henrik
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between parental and teacher support and elementary students’ academic skills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on data of an ongoing longitudinal study, we studied the roles of children’s (N = 63) academic skills before the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany (March–June 2020) as predictors of individual differences in parental schoolwork support during the lockdown, and the contributions of parental and teacher support to students’ reading and mathematics skills after the lockdown. Findings indicated that children’s reading and mathematics skills before the lockdown predicted parental help, and reading skills predicted parental need-oriented support with schoolwork during the lockdown. Children who received more need-oriented support from parents showed a more favorable development of arithmetic skills across the lockdown. Indicators of teacher support did not explain individual differences in students’ academic skills after the lockdown period.
“You Feel Very Isolated”: Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Caregiver Social Connections
Authors: Bristol Alycia A. , Mata Aaron C. , Mickens Melody , Dassel Kara B. , Ellington Lee , Scammon Debra , Thompson Amber , Towsley Gail L. , Utz Rebecca L. , Terrill Alexandra L.
Published: December 2021

One in five individuals in the United States provides care and support to ill, disabled, and aging family members in the home, leading to feelings of burden, stress, and poor health and well-being. Social support represents an important buffer for family caregivers that allows them to feel less isolated and more positive about their caregiving role. This sequential mixed-methods study aimed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on family caregivers’ social connections. Eighty-two caregivers completed a web-based survey which comprised of fixed-choice and open-ended questions. Survey data showed that the majority of caregivers (83%) reported an increase in stress and feeling lonely (77%) during the pandemic. Qualitative interviews with a subsample of caregivers ( n=27) further explored social connections during the pandemic. Three themes echoed the quantitative findings and centered around defining boundaries, intentionality in social interactions, and loss of social resources. Although caregivers were often strained by new or increased caregiving demands, many experienced positive changes such as feeling a deeper connection with the care-recipient. Findings from this study highlight the need for further consideration of the impact of social isolation on the well-being of caregivers.
Risk surveillance and mitigation: autoantibodies as triggers and inhibitors of severe reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Chen Catherine , Amelia Aisah , Ashdown George W. , Mueller Ivo , Coussens Anna K. , Eriksson Emily M.
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 clinical presentation differs considerably between individuals, ranging from asymptomatic, mild/moderate and severe disease which in some cases are fatal or result in long-term effects. Identifying immune mechanisms behind severe disease development informs screening strategies to predict who are at greater risk of developing life-threatening complications. However, to date clear prognostic indicators of individual risk of severe or long COVID remain elusive. Autoantibodies recognize a range of self-antigens and upon antigen recognition and binding, important processes involved in inflammation, pathogen defence and coagulation are modified. Recent studies report a significantly higher prevalence of autoantibodies that target immunomodulatory proteins including cytokines, chemokines, complement components, and cell surface proteins in COVID-19 patients experiencing severe disease compared to those who experience mild or asymptomatic infections. Here we discuss the diverse impacts of autoantibodies on immune processes and associations with severe COVID-19 disease.
Comparative transcriptome and DNA methylation analysis in temperature-sensitive genic male sterile wheat BS366
Authors: Liu Yong-jie , Li Dan , Gong Jie , Wang Yong-bo , Chen Zhao-bo , Pang Bin-shuang , Chen Xian-chao , Gao Jian-gang , Yang Wei-bing , Zhang Feng-ting , Tang Yi-miao , Zhao Chang-ping , Gao Shi-qing
Published: December 2021

Background

Known as the prerequisite component for the heterosis breeding system, the male sterile line determines the hybrid yield and seed purity. Therefore, a deep understanding of the mechanism and gene network that leads to male sterility is crucial. BS366, a temperature-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) line, is male sterile under cold conditions (12 °C with 12 h of daylight) but fertile under normal temperature (20 °C with 12 h of daylight).

Results

During meiosis, BS366 was defective in forming tetrads and dyads due to the abnormal cell plate. During pollen development, unusual vacuolated pollen that could not accumulate starch grains at the binucleate stage was also observed. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes involved in the meiotic process, such as sister chromatid segregation and microtubule-based movement, were repressed, while genes involved in DNA and histone methylation were induced in BS366 under cold conditions. MethylRAD was used for reduced DNA methylation sequencing of BS366 spikes under both cold and control conditions. The differentially methylated sites (DMSs) located in the gene region were mainly involved in carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and transport. Differentially expressed and methylated genes were mainly involved in cell division.

Conclusions

These results indicated that the methylation of genes involved in carbon metabolism or fatty acid metabolism might contribute to male sterility in BS366 spikes, providing novel insight into the molecular mechanism of wheat male sterility.
Reference ranges of T lymphocyte subsets by single-platform among healthy population in southwest China
Authors: Wei Bin , Guo Ying , Zhang Liangjun , Zhong Huixiu , Miao Qiang , Yan Lin , Bai Yangjuan , Feng Weihua , Liu Weiping , Niu Qian , Li Yi
Published: December 2021

Background

Appropriate reference ranges of T lymphocyte subsets are essential for immune status evaluation of patients with immunological diseases. We aim to establish the age- and sex-related reference intervals of T lymphocyte subsets by single-platform for the southwest China population using the indirect method with the data resulting from 53,822 cases of periodic health examination individuals in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) of West China Hospital from 2018 to 2020.

Methods

We used the Box-Cox conversion combined with the Tukey method to normalize the data and eliminate the outliers, and the nonparametric method to estimate the 95% distribution reference intervals.

Results

We initially established the reference ranges of T lymphocyte subsets by single-platform among healthy population in southwest China by indirect method (See text for details). Using the standard normal deviate test (z-test) suggested by Harris and Boyd according to CLSI EP28-A3C, which is more scientific, we found the reference ranges of T lymphocyte subsets should be differentiated by ages and genders since the reference ranges of T lymphocyte subsets by single-platform in different ages and genders are significantly different.

Conclusions

We further demonstrated the absolute count of CD3 + T cell, CD3 + CD4 + T cell, CD3 + CD8 + T cell decreased with aging, which is more marked in men and CD3 + CD8 + T cell count, and the obtained reference intervals were superior to the reference intervals derived from the reagent specification currently in use.
Plasma atherogenic indices are independent predictors of slow coronary flow
Authors: Afsin Abdulmecit , Kaya Hakan , Suner Arif , Uzel Kader Eliz , Bursa Nurbanu , Hosoglu Yusuf , Yavuz Fethi , Asoglu Ramazan
Published: December 2021

Background

Although the pathophysiology of coronary slow flow (CSF) has not been fully elucidated, emerging data increasingly support potential role for subclinical diffuse atherosclerosis in the etiology of CSF. We aimed to investigate relationship between atherogenic indices and CSF.

Methods

130 patients with CSF diagnosed according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI)-frame count (TFC) method and 130 controls who had normal coronary flow (NCF) were included in this retrospective study. Atherogenic indices (atherogenic index of plasma [AIP], Castelli risk indices I and II [CRI-I and II]) were calculated using conventional lipid parameters.

Results

The logistic regression analyses demonstrated that AIP (OR, 5.463; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.357–21.991; p = 0.017) and CRI-II (OR, 1.624; 95% CI, 1.138–2.319; p = 0.008) were independent predictors of CSF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value to predict the occurrence of CSF was 0.66 for AIP (sensitivity, 59%; specificity, 73%; area under curve [AUC], 0.695; p < 0.001) and 3.27 for CRI-II (sensitivity, 60%; specificity, 79%; AUC, 0.726; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

AIP and CRI-II levels were independent predictors of CSF. Prospective studies in larger cohorts of patients may elucidate the role of atherogenic dyslipidemia in the pathophysiology of CSF.
Guidance for using artificial intelligence for title and abstract screening while conducting knowledge syntheses
Authors: Hamel Candyce , Hersi Mona , Kelly Shannon E. , Tricco Andrea C. , Straus Sharon , Wells George , Pham Ba’ , Hutton Brian
Published: December 2021

Background

Systematic reviews are the cornerstone of evidence-based medicine. However, systematic reviews are time consuming and there is growing demand to produce evidence more quickly, while maintaining robust methods. In recent years, artificial intelligence and active-machine learning (AML) have been implemented into several SR software applications. As some of the barriers to adoption of new technologies are the challenges in set-up and how best to use these technologies, we have provided different situations and considerations for knowledge synthesis teams to consider when using artificial intelligence and AML for title and abstract screening.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the implementation and performance of AML across a set of ten historically completed systematic reviews. Based upon the findings from this work and in consideration of the barriers we have encountered and navigated during the past 24 months in using these tools prospectively in our research, we discussed and developed a series of practical recommendations for research teams to consider in seeking to implement AML tools for citation screening into their workflow.

Results

We developed a seven-step framework and provide guidance for when and how to integrate artificial intelligence and AML into the title and abstract screening process. Steps include: (1) Consulting with Knowledge user/Expert Panel; (2) Developing the search strategy; (3) Preparing your review team; (4) Preparing your database; (5) Building the initial training set; (6) Ongoing screening; and (7) Truncating screening. During Step 6 and/or 7, you may also choose to optimize your team, by shifting some members to other review stages (e.g., full-text screening, data extraction).

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence and, more specifically, AML are well-developed tools for title and abstract screening and can be integrated into the screening process in several ways. Regardless of the method chosen, transparent reporting of these methods is critical for future studies evaluating artificial intelligence and AML.
The first two cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) secondary to conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jia Kefeng , Yin Weili , Wang Fang , Gao Zhongsong , Sun Cheng , Wang Hui , Han Yujuan , Wang Yongmei , Li Mingge , Yu Changlu
Published: December 2021

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a very rare complication secondary to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Only two patients with liver metastasis have been reported. We report for the first time two cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients occurred PRES secondary toTACE.

Case presentation

The two patients with HCC developed headache, epilepsy, expressive aphasia, visual impairment and loss of consciousness, 11 and 3 h after conventional TACE (c-TACE) surgery. One patient experienced raised blood pressure during and after TACE, accompanied by a significant elevated creatinine. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the two patients showed multiple abnormal signals in the brain, mainly located in the white matter region. Combined with the clinical symptoms and MRI findings, PRES was diagnosed. Their symptoms and MRI changes improved significantly in the next two weeks.

Conclusion

The PRES in this report is chemoembolization-associated syndrome, which might be related to the use of chemotherapy agents during TACE. And if neurological symptoms occur after TACE, patients should be closely monitored to exclude PRES.
Social isolation, social support and loneliness as predictors of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality
Authors: Freak-Poli Rosanne , Ryan Joanne , Neumann Johannes T. , Tonkin Andrew , Reid Christopher M. , Woods Robyn L. , Nelson Mark , Stocks Nigel , Berk Michael , McNeil John J. , Britt Carlene , Owen Alice J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Poor social health is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent research suggests that different social health domains should be considered separately as the implications for health and possible interventions may differ.

Aim

To assess social isolation, low social support and loneliness as predictors of CVD.

Methods

Secondary analysis of 11,486 community-dwelling, Australians, aged 70 years and over, free of CVD, dementia, or significant physical disability, from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial. Social isolation, social support (Revised Lubben Social Network Scale), and loneliness were assessed as predictors of CVD using Cox proportional-hazard regression. CVD events included fatal CVD, heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction and stroke. Analyses were adjusted for established CVD risk factors.

Results

Individuals with poor social health were 42 % more likely to develop CVD (p = 0.01) and twice as likely to die from CVD (p = 0.02) over a median 4.5 years follow-up. Interaction effects indicated that poorer social health more strongly predicted CVD in smokers (HR 4.83, p = 0.001, p-interaction = 0.01), major city dwellers (HR 1.94, p < 0.001, p-interaction=0.03), and younger older adults (70-75 years; HR 2.12, p < 0.001, p-interaction = 0.01). Social isolation (HR 1.66, p = 0.04) and low social support (HR 2.05, p = 0.002), but not loneliness (HR 1.4, p = 0.1), predicted incident CVD. All measures of poor social health predicted ischemic stroke (HR 1.73 to 3.16).

Conclusions

Among healthy older adults, social isolation and low social support may be more important than loneliness as cardiovascular risk factors. Social health domains should be considered in future CVD risk prediction models.
Longitudinal changes of frailty in 8 years: comparisons between physical frailty and frailty index
Authors: Hwang An-Chun , Lee Wei-Ju , Huang Nicole , Chen Liang-Yu , Peng Li-Ning , Lin Ming-Hsien , Chou Yiing-Jenq , Chen Liang-Kung
Published: December 2021

Background

Few studies have made longitudinal comparisons between frailty phenotype (FP) and frailty index (FI) changes. We aimed to investigate frailty status changes defined by FP and FI concurrently, and to compare the associated factors and incident disability among different combination of FI and FP trajectory groups.

Methods

Data on respondents aged over 50 who completed the 1999, 2003 and 2007 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) surveys (n = 2807) were excerpted. Changes of FI, FP and major time-dependent variables were constructed by group-based trajectory modeling. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associated factors and relationships with incident disability among different frailty trajectories.

Results

We identified four FP trajectories – stably robust, worsened frailty, improved frailty, and stably frail and three FI trajectories – stable FI, moderate increase FI and rapid increase FI. Lower self-rated health, mobility impairment, and depressed mood were associated with unfavorable FP and FI changes (all p < 0.001). Regardless of FP trajectory groups, the moderate and rapid increase FI group had significantly more comorbidities than the stable FI group, and more visual, hearing, oral intake impairment, more difficulty in meeting living expenses, and poorer cognitive function in ≥65-year-olds (all p < 0.05). In addition, the worsened frailty, improved frailty, and stably frail groups had ORs for incident disability of 10.5, 3.0, and 13.4, respectively, compared with the stably robust group (all p < 0.01); the moderate and rapid increase FI groups had 8.4-fold and 77.5-fold higher risk than the stable FI group (both p < 0.001). When combining FI and FP trajectories, risk increased with FI trajectory steepness, independent of FP change (all p < 0.01 in rapid increase FI vs stable FI).

Conclusions

Four FP trajectories (stably robust, worsened frailty, improved frailty, and stably frail) and three FI trajectories (stable FI, moderate increase FI and rapid increase FI) were identified. Lower self-rated health, mobility impairment, and depressed mood were associated with both unfavorable FP and FI trajectories. Nevertheless, even for individuals in stably robust or improved frailty FP groups, moderate or rapid increase in FI, either due to comorbidities, sensory impairment, cognitive deficits, or financial challenges, may still increase the risk of incident disability.
Tuberculosis forecasting and temporal trends by sex and age in a high endemic city in northeastern Brazil: where were we before the Covid-19 pandemic?
Authors: de Andrade Hamilton Leandro Pinto , Gomes Dulce , Ramos Antônio Carlos Vieira , Arroyo Luiz Henrique , Santos-Neto Marcelino , Palha Pedro Fredemir , Fiorati Regina Célia , Fronteira Inês , Monroe Aline Aparecida , dos Santos Márcio Souza , Fuentealba-Torres Miguel , Yamamura Mellina , Crispim Juliane de Almeida , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the temporal trend of tuberculosis cases according to sex and age group and evidence the level of disease before the Covid-19 pandemic in a TB high endemic city.

Methods

This was a time series study carried out in a city in northeast Brazil. The population was composed of cases of tuberculosis, excluding those with HIV-positive status, reported between the years 2002 and 2018. An exploratory analysis of the monthly rates of tuberculosis detection, smoothed according to sex and age group, was performed. Subsequently, the progression of the trend and prediction of the disease were also characterized according to these aspects. For the trends forecast, the seasonal autoregressive linear integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and the usual Box-Jenkins method were used to choose the most appropriate models.

Results

A total of 1620 cases of tuberculosis were reported, with an incidence of 49.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in men and 34.0 per 100,000 in women. Regarding the incidence for both sexes, there was a decreasing trend, which was similar for age. Evidence resulting from the application of the time series shows a decreasing trend in the years 2002–2018, with a trend of stability.

Conclusions

The study evidenced a decreasing trend in tuberculosis, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, for both sex and age; however, in a step really slow from that recommended by the World Health Organization. According to the results, the disease would have achieved a level of stability in the city next years, however it might have been aggravated by the pandemic. These findings are relevant to evidence the serious behavior and trends of TB in a high endemic scenario considering a context prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.