bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition prevents venous adaptive remodeling via regulation of Eph-B4
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Zhu Fan , Zhang Xiong , Wu Guangmin , Fu Pinting , Yang Jun
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Vein graft adaptation (VGA) is a process that vein as a vascular graft conduits in arterial reconstructive surgery; VGA can lead to postoperative vein graft stenosis (VGS) and complications after coronary artery bypass graft and other peripheral artery bypass surgeries. VGA is characterized by vein graft loss the venous features without exhibiting arterial features; furthermore, the activation of ERK inhibited the maintenance of venous properties of the vein graft. We hypothesized that ERK inhibition can affect vein VGS through regulating the expression of EphB4.

Methods

Rat vein transplantation model was established using wild-type and EphB4+/− Sprague-Dawley rats. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, Verhoeff, actin staining, and immunohistochemistry were applied to observe the structure of the vein grafts. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from the vein and vein grafts. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of p-ERK1/2 and EphB4, and immunofluorescence was applied to detect the expression and location of EphB4. Cell wound scratch assay and CCK8 assay were used to determine the migration and proliferation of VSMCs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA expression of EphB4.

Results

Western blotting in vein sample and vein graft sample detected p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 expression in both EphB4+/+ and EphB4+/− rats. The expression of p-ERK was increased in vein graft compared to vein. Immunofluorescence in VSMCs form EphB4+/+ and EphB4+/− rats detected EphB4 expression in both cells, and the expression of EphB4 was increased in VSMCs form EphB4+/+ rats. SCH772984 reduces the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Inhibition of ERK suppressed the increase of vein graft wall thickness, and the expression of collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and α-actin was decreased. Vein graft from EphB4+/− rats reduces the expression of EphB4, and SCH772984 suppressed the decrease of EphB4 in vivo. Vein graft from EphB4+/− rats increased the expression of EphB4, and SCH772984 suppressed the increase of EphB4 in vivo.

Conclusions

The inhibition of ERK1/2 suppressed the process of VGS by decreasing the proliferation of VSMCs. The ERK-inhibitor SCH772984 suppressed the level of VGS by extending the time of EphB4 expression during the process of VGA, thus maintaining the venousization of vein graft. The mechanism may be that the inhibitor SCH772984 suppresses the level of VGS by extending the time of EphB4 expression during the process of VGA. Therefore, our research provides a new target of VGS treatment by inhibiting the expression of ERK1/2 through the process of VGA.
Passivity-based filtering for networked semi-Markov robotic manipulators with mode-dependent quantization and event-triggered communication
Authors: Ji Yidao , Wu Wei , Fu Hang , Qiao Hong
Published: March 2021

In this article, the networked filtering problem for a class of robotic manipulators with semi-Markov type parameters is investigated under the passivity framework. In particular, the mode-dependent quantization and event-triggered communication scheme are both proposed for increasing the network transmission efficiency. Sufficient stability conditions are first derived by choosing mode-dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals. Then, the mode-dependent filter gains and the event-triggering parameters are further designed with the help of matrix convex optimization. In the end, a simulation example is provided such that the effectiveness of the proposed filtering method can be well demonstrated.
Comparison of regulatory dossier requirements for marketing authorization of generic solid dosage forms in the United States and Europe: A review
Authors: Joylein Lovely , Adhikari Bishop , Kottayi Megha Chellath , Ravi GS , Dubey Akhilesh
Published: March 2021

Pharmaceutical solid dosage forms are categorized into several types based on the purpose, usage, and route of administration. Some examples of frequently available solid dosage forms include tablets, capsules, lozenges, powders, and granules. A generic drug is one of usually intending to be interchangeable with the innovator product, thereby making it essential for them to mimic the innovator drug concerning their safety and efficacy profiles. The essential concept of making a generic drug available hinges on its economic benefits towards the patient population as well as its feasibility in the development of benefits the pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, generic drugs expand the market of a particular API, thereby ensuring that an adequate number of medications are made available to cater to the needs of every patient and further preventing any issues arising out of drug shortages. The USFDA and the EMA, being two of the leading regulatory agencies across the globe, have long been associated with the development and drafting of regulations about the approval of generic drug products. A firm understanding of the regulatory requirements associated with the preparation of a generic drug dossier will aid pharmaceutical manufacturers in attaining favourable outcomes when desiring multicounty submissions, thereby ensuring a smooth review process without any substantial delays.
Invalid Claims About the Validity of Implicit Association Tests by Prisoners of the Implicit Social-Cognition Paradigm
Authors: Schimmack Ulrich
Published: March 2021

In a prior publication, I used structural equation modeling of multimethod data to examine the construct validity of Implicit Association Tests. The results showed no evidence that IATs measure implicit constructs (e.g., implicit self-esteem, implicit racial bias). This critique of IATs elicited several responses by implicit social-cognition researchers, who tried to defend the validity and usefulness of IATs. I carefully examine these arguments and show that they lack validity. IAT proponents consistently ignore or misrepresent facts that challenge the validity of IATs as measures of individual differences in implicit cognitions. One response suggests that IATs can be useful even if they merely measure the same constructs as self-report measures, but I find no support for the claim that IATs have practically significant incremental predictive validity. In conclusions, IATs are widely used without psychometric evidence of construct or predictive validity.
COVID-19 and stroke—Understanding the relationship and adapting services. A global World Stroke Organisation perspective
Authors: Markus Hugh S , Martins Sheila
Published: March 2021

A year ago the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) highlighted the enormous global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke care. In this review, we consider a year later where we are now, what the future holds, and what the long-term effects of the pandemic will be on stroke. Stroke occurs in about 1.4% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, who show an excess of large vessel occlusion and increased mortality. Despite this association, stroke presentations fell dramatically during the pandemic, although emerging data suggest that total stroke mortality may have risen with increased stroke deaths at home and in care homes. Strategies and guidelines have been developed to adapt stroke services worldwide, and protect healthcare workers. Adaptations include increasing use of telemedicine for all aspects of stroke care. The pandemic is exacerbating already marked global inequalities in stroke incidence and mortality. Lastly, the pandemic has had a major impact on stroke research and funding, although it has also emphasized the importance of large scale collaborative research initiatives.
On the reliability and optimal maintenance of systems under a generalized mixed δ-shock model
Authors: Bohlooli-Zefreh Mohsen , Asadi Majid , Parvardeh Afshin
Published: March 2021

This article is a study on the reliability characteristics of a system under a failure model called the generalized mixed [Formula: see text]-shock model. We assume that the system is subject to shocks according to a stochastic process. Each shock may cause some damage to the system. The system fails either the magnitude of the damage caused by a shock exceeds a threshold [Formula: see text] or the time between two consecutive shocks is less than a pre-specified threshold [Formula: see text] and simultaneously magnitude of the damage is bigger than a pre-specified critical threshold [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]). The survival function and other characteristics of the system lifetime are investigated. By imposing a cost function, we arrive at an optimal replacement policy for the system based on the proposed failure model. Several examples are provided under which we illustrate the theoretical results numerically and graphically.
High-resolution sonographic study of the communicating branch of Berrettini: an anatomical feasibility study
Authors: Dukan Ruben , Otayek Salma , Pierrart Jerome , Otayek Mansour , Silvera Jonathan , Masmejean Emmanuel H.
Published: March 2021

Sensory changes are common manifestations of nerve complications of carpal tunnel surgery. Division or contusion of a superficial communicating branch between the median nerve and the ulnar nerve, the communicating branch of Berrettini, can explain these symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the potential value of high-resolution sonography to examine this branch. We conducted a study on eight fresh cadaver hands. An ultrasound assessment of the communicating branch of Berrettini, accompanied by an injection of methylene blue, was performed by a senior radiologist. Subsequent dissections confirmed that the eight guided ultrasound injections allowed the methylene blue to be placed around the origin and termination of the communicating branch of Berrettini. This study extends the limits of ultrasound both in the postoperative diagnosis of potential nerve complications and its possible use in ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.
Model-based effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of risk-based selection strategies for adjuvant chemotherapy in Dutch stage II colon cancer patients
Authors: Jongeneel Gabrielle , Greuter Marjolein J. E. , van Erning Felice N. , Koopman Miriam , Vink Geraldine R. , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Coupé Veerle M. H.
Published: March 2021

Background:

We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of risk-based strategies to improve the selection of surgically treated stage II colon cancer (CC) patients for adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods:

Using the ‘Personalized Adjuvant TreaTment in EaRly stage coloN cancer’ (PATTERN) model, we evaluated five selection strategies: (1) no chemotherapy, (2) Dutch guideline recommendations assuming observed adherence, (3) Dutch guideline recommendations assuming perfect adherence, (4) biomarker mutation OR pT4 stage strategy in which patients with MSS status combined with a pT4 stage or a mutation in BRAF and/or KRAS receive chemotherapy assuming perfect adherence and (5) biomarker mutation AND pT4 stage strategy in which patients with MSS status combined with a pT4 stage tumor and a BRAF and/or KRAS mutation receive chemotherapy assuming perfect adherence. Outcomes were number of CC deaths per 1000 patients and total discounted costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) per patient (pp). Analyses were conducted from a societal perspective. The robustness of model predictions was assessed in sensitivity analyses.

Results:

The reference strategy, that is, no adjuvant chemotherapy, resulted in 139 CC deaths in a cohort of 1000 patients, 8.077 QALYs pp and total costs of €22,032 pp. Strategies 2–5 were more effective (range 8.094–8.217 QALYs pp and range 118–136 CC deaths per 1000 patients) and more costly (range €22,404–€25,102 pp). Given a threshold of €50,000/QALY, the optimal use of resources would be to treat patients with either the full adherence strategy and biomarker mutation OR pT4 stage strategy.

Conclusion:

Selection of stage II CC patients for chemotherapy can be improved by either including biomarker status in the selection strategy or by improving adherence to the Dutch guideline recommendations.
Boosting the EU’s soft power in Eastern Partnership countries
Authors: Gahler Michael
Published: March 2021

In 2009 the Eastern Partnership (EaP) was established, through which the EU formalised its relationships with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The EU’s objective was to deepen cooperation; contribute to these countries’ economic, political and social development; and improve stability in the region. In the past decade the EU has achieved varying degrees of closer cooperation as well as seeing considerable progress in terms of development in the EaP countries. At the same time, Russia, considering the EaP countries to be within its sphere of influence, has tried to undermine the partnership through means of disinformation and hybrid warfare. This requires the EU to further boost its soft power to counter Russia’s destabilising policy in the region. This article outlines the development of the EaP and its achievements, examines Russian influence and disinformation in the region, and finally, points out possible measures to boost EU soft power to address the Russian challenge.
Mixed Feelings Enhance the Effectiveness of Luxury Advertising
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Argho , Septianto Felix , Nallaperuma Kaushalya
Published: March 2021

The complexity of luxury brand imagery creates challenges for managers when selecting appeals for luxury branding strategies. Against this backdrop, the present research studies the potential of mixed emotional appeals in enhancing the persuasiveness of luxury advertising. Across two experimental studies, this research shows that luxury brand advertising featuring mixed emotional appeals of happiness and sadness (vs. happiness alone) will enhance higher levels of purchase intentions. Furthermore, this effect is driven by narrative transportation. In doing so, this research offers an innovative theoretical viewpoint on the effect of mixed emotional appeals on consumer selection. Managerially, these findings provide implications for marketing practitioners and industry professionals in developing effective marketing communication strategies for luxury brands.
Formal Knowledge Acquisition and Socialization to Educational Leadership by Program Graduates: The Intersection of Social Justice and the Role of Program Faculty
Authors: Guillaume René O.
Published: March 2021

Through the use of Twale et al.’s model of socialization of graduate students, this study sought to better understand the experiences of graduates from an educational leadership and administration program and the influence faculty have on the knowledge acquisition needed to create socially just educational communities. Graduate programs must be critical of the responsibility faculty have in preparing graduates capable of creating socially just educational communities, in particular as they enter educational settings that are the most diverse in U.S. history. Through the use of phenomenological inquiry, interviews with 10 participants revealed three themes: (a) Faculty Connection and Department Culture, (b) Social Justice Curriculum; and (c) Social Justice Pedagogy and Instruction. Implications for research and practice are discussed and center on graduate students, faculty, and departments of educational leadership and administration.
The Role of Coping Strategies in Maintaining Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak in South Korea
Authors: Kim Joo Hyun , Shim Yerin , Choi Incheol , Choi Eunsoo
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose an unprecedented challenge for the world as people strive to cope with this significant threat to their well-being. This intensive longitudinal study of the first 94 days of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea (Phase 1: initial outbreak, Phase 2: intense social distancing) examined individuals’ changes in well-being, in relation to their use of coping strategies and fear of infection. A sample of 10,464 South Koreans participated in surveys during Phase 1 and Phase 2, resulting in 35,846 observations. Multilevel growth models revealed a decrease in well-being while different coping strategies moderated the individual rate of change in well-being. Although preventive measures were associated with a greater decrease in well-being, cognitive appraisal and behavioral strategies predicted stable well-being during the pandemic. Coping strategies further mediated the association between fear of infection and deterioration of well-being.
Spatial Induction in Color Scission
Authors: Huang Zhehao , Zaidi Qasim
Published: March 2021

An exception to the rule that only one color is seen at every retinotopic location happens when a bounded colored transparency or spotlight is seen on a differently colored surface. Despite the spectrum of the light from each retinotopic location being an inextricable multiplication of illumination, transmission, and reflectance spectra, we seem to be able to scission the information into background and transparency/spotlight colors. Visual cues to separating overlay and overlaid layers have been enumerated, but neural mechanisms that extract veridical colors for overlays have not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that spatial induction contributes to color scission by shifting the color of the overlay toward the actual color of the filter. By alternating filter and illumination spectra, we present naturalistic simulations where isomeric disks appear to be covered by filters/spotlights of near veridical colors, depending solely on the surrounding illumination. This previously unrecognized role for spatial induction suggests that color scission employs some general purpose neural mechanisms.
An indirect effect of covid-19 on the heart: A case report
Authors: Tok Özge Özden , Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Çakıllı Yasin , Bingöl Gülsüm , Göktekin Ömer , Ikonomidis Ignatios
Published: March 2021

Covid-19 virus has been recognized to develop major cardiac complications. The indirect effect of the virus though, in terms of fear for hospital admissions, constitutes a greater threat. In this case we present a 69-year old male patient who suffered from a myocardial infarction that has not been given the proper attention due to the fear of in-hospital contact with covid patients. The result was the delayed revascularization and eventually the development of heart failure. This case presents the full range of covid-19 affection to the heart and raises the public awareness for not underestimating symptoms suggesting life-threatening conditions.
Ethical considerations at the end-of-life care
Authors: Akdeniz Melahat , Yardımcı Bülent , Kavukcu Ethem
Published: March 2021

The goal of end-of-life care for dying patients is to prevent or relieve suffering as much as possible while respecting the patients’ desires. However, physicians face many ethical challenges in end-of-life care. Since the decisions to be made may concern patients’ family members and society as well as the patients, it is important to protect the rights, dignity, and vigor of all parties involved in the clinical ethical decision-making process. Understanding the principles underlying biomedical ethics is important for physicians to solve the problems they face in end-of-life care. The main situations that create ethical difficulties for healthcare professionals are the decisions regarding resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, terminal sedation, withholding and withdrawing treatments, euthanasia, and physician-assisted suicide. Five ethical principles guide healthcare professionals in the management of these situations.
Preparedness level and associated factors of health professionals regarding COVID-19
Authors: Eshetie Adane Denberu , Demilew Basazinew Chekol , Ayenew Netsanet Temesgen , Negash Tadesse Tamrie , Boled Abebe Tiruneh
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To assess the level of preparedness of health professionals working in South Gondar Zone public hospital, Debre Tabor Comprehensive specialized Hospital for coronavirus.

Methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire from April 20 to May 20. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, bivariable, and multivariable logistic analysis were done. Bivariable and multivariable regression was held to determine significant predictors for preparedness. For all statistical analyses, a p value ⩽ 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results:

From a total health professionals, 301 health professionals with a response rate of 86% participated in the study. Among these, 206 were males while 95 participants were females with a mean age of 29.71 ± 5.84 years. To determine the preparedness level, we use the mean preparedness score of the respondents. Around 64.1% of health professionals were well prepared. Among 20 respondents who had a chronic illness, 80% of them think their illness is risky for the pandemic. The majority of the respondents (229/76.1%) responded as they were working without protective equipment. From the multivariable analysis male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 2.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.193–3.590), family living with them (adjusted odds ratio = 4.507, 95% confidence interval = 1.863–10.90), and involvement of other previous outbreak (adjusted odds ratio = 2.245, 95% confidence interval = 1.176–4.286) were the predictors for good preparedness.

Conclusion:

Most of the health professionals were well prepared. Being male, living within a family, and involvement of other outbreaks leads to good preparation. Governmental bodies and hospital managers have to help health professionals to be prepared enough to combat the pandemic.
Utilizing the care coordination Atlas as a framework: An integrative review of transitional care models
Authors: Chakurian Daphne , Popejoy Lori
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Care coordination reduces care fragmentation and costs while improving health care quality. Transitional care programs, guided by tested models are an important component of effective care coordination, and have been found to reduce adverse events and prevent hospital readmissions. Using the Care Coordination Atlas as a framework, this article reports an integrative review of two transitional care models including analysis of model components, implementation factors, and associated 30-day all-cause hospital readmission rates.

Methods

Integrative review methodology. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched from January 2015 to July 2020. Fourteen studies set in 18 skilled nursing facilities and 50 hospitals were selected for data extraction and analysis.

Results

The ReEngineered Discharge model had five components and the Better Outcomes by Optimizing Safe Transitions model had eight components in the nine Care Coordination Atlas domains. Communication dominated activities in both models while neither addressed accountability/responsibility. Implementation was influenced by leadership commitment to understanding complexity of the models, culture change, integration of models into workflows, and associated labor costs. Model implementation studies consistently reported improvements in facilities’ 30-day all-cause hospital readmission rates.

Discussion

The Care Coordination Atlas was a useful framework to guide analysis of transitional care models. Leadership commitment to and participation in model implementation is vital. The models do not focus beyond the immediate post-discharge period limiting the impact on chronic disease management. Frameworks such as the Care Coordination Atlas are useful to help guide development of care coordination activities and associations with readmission rates.
“More like a support tool”: Ambivalences around digital health from medical developers’ perspective
Authors: Lenz Sarah
Published: March 2021

Against the background of the increasing importance of digitization in health care, the paper examines how medical practitioners who are involved in the development of digital health technologies legitimate and criticize the implementation and use of digital health technologies. Adopting an institutional logics perspective, the study is based on qualitative interviews with persons working at the interface of medicine and digital technologies development in Switzerland. The findings indicate that the developers believe that digital health technologies could harmonize current conflicts between an increasing economization of the health care system and professional–ethical demands. At the same time, however, they show that digital technologies can undermine the demand for medical autonomy, a central element of the medical ethos.
On the promise of glycogen phosphorylase inhibition in acute inflammation
Authors: Durairaj Aarooran Sivakumaran , Minhas Paras Singh
Published: March 2021

How glycogen metabolism directly regulates macrophages in the acute inflammatory state is not well understood. In the recent issue of Nature Communications, Ma et al. provide new insight into this process, demonstrating that glycogenolysis-driven pentose phosphate pathway and UDP-glucose-driven P2Y14 receptor promote an inflammatory phenotype in macrophages. They show that in vivo blockade of glycogenolysis is sufficient to rescue survival in peritonitis, hepatitis, and sepsis. Their results hold implications for the treatment of acute inflammatory disorders at large.
Exploring Relationships Between Electronic Dance Music Event Participation and Well-being
Authors: Cannon James W. , Greasley Alinka E.
Published: March 2021

While an increasing amount of literature highlights the psychological well-being benefits of musical participation, research focusing on electronic dance music (EDM) event contexts remains scarce. This exploratory mixed methods research draws influence from interdisciplinary research on EDM culture and psychological well-being research on music festivals that suggest EDM event attendance may have a positive influence on well-being. Two studies were implemented. Semistructured interviews with regular attendees of EDM events were undertaken and analyzed thematically (Study 1, n = 7). Four main themes were identified, namely the importance of social, musical, and emotional experiences, and shared values at EDM event. These themes were then used as a basis for developing a questionnaire which explored relationships between scores on facets of EDM event attendance and measures of subjective, social, and psychological well-being (Study 2, n = 103). Results showed that all four EDM event facets were positively associated with psychological and social well-being measures. Principal component analysis was utilized to elucidate nuanced aspects of the four themes and their links to well-being scores. A four-factor model (SMEV) that encapsulates the key psychological beneficial aspects of EDM event attendance has been suggested, and the implications of this model and findings are discussed within the context of future research avenues.
Partial Single Stage Exchange Arthroplasty With Retention of a Well Fixed Cemented Femoral Stem for the Treatment of Culture Negative Infection in a Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty: A Case Report
Authors: Mencia Marlon M. , Cawich Shamir O. , Sandiford Nemandra
Published: March 2021

Background:

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the second most common cause for revision following hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) resulting in a mortality rate of 5.6%. The treatment of PJI is both challenging and controversial, without general consensus on best practice. In an attempt to avoid surgery, patients are commonly prescribed antibiotics, reducing the chance of detecting a microorganism, and culture negative infections are reported to occur in up to 21% of all PJI. Two stage revision is arguably the gold standard treatment but frequently these patients are too frail to undergo such extensive procedures. Some surgeons have attempted to avoid this by leaving well fixed implants undisturbed, effectively performing a partial single-stage revision.

Case Presentation:

A previously well 83 -year-old female patient presented with a gradual onset of increasing pain and difficulty walking. Just over 1 year prior to this presentation she fell at home and underwent an uncomplicated bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Clinical examination as well as serological and radiological investigations were suspicious for a periprosthetic infection. Her rapidly deteriorating clinical picture required prompt surgical intervention. In theater the patient underwent a single stage partial exchange arthroplasty leaving the well cemented femoral stem undisturbed. Although multiple samples were taken, no microorganism was identified. The patient has been followed up for 1 year and remains well, with no recurrence of infection. Her inflammatory markers have returned to normal and radiographs demonstrate no evidence of loosening of the total hip replacement.

Conclusion:

The burden of infection following hip hemiarthroplasty is likely to parallel the predicted increase in hip fractures. The combination of physiologic frailty, osteoporosis and multiple medical comorbidities are pertinent factors for consideration in the development of a treatment strategy. A partial single stage revision THR performed by an experienced arthroplasty surgeon, along with expertly led antimicrobial therapy may be considered in carefully selected patients.
Incidence, Risk-Factors and Associated Mortality of Complications in Orthogeriatric Co-Managed Inpatients
Authors: Wiedl Andreas , Förch Stefan , Fenwick Annabel , Mayr Edgar
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Pneumonia, thromboembolic and ischemic events, urinary tract infections (UTI), delirium and acute kidney injury (AKI) are common complications during the treatment of fragility fractures. In a 2 years-follow-up we determined the according incidence and risk factors of these and other complications in orthogeriatric inward patients, as well as the respective associated mortality.

Methods:

All patients treated on an orthogeriatric co-managed ward over the course of a year were included. Besides injury, therapy and geriatric assessment parameters, we evaluated the inward incidence of common complications. In a 2 years-follow-up the associated death rates were aquired. SPSS (IBM) was used to determine the importance of risk factors predisposing to the respective occurrence of a complication and accordingly determine it’s impact on the patients’ 1- and 2-years-mortality.

Results:

830 orthogeriatric patients were initially assessed with a remaining follow-up cohort of 661 (79.6%). We observed very few cases of thrombosis (0.6%), pulmonary embolism (0.5%), apoplex (0.5%) and myocardial infarction (0.8%). Pneumonia was seen in 42 (5.1%), UTI in 85 (10.2%), delirium in 186 (22.4%) and AKI in 91 (11.0%) patients. Consistently ADL on admission was found to be a relevant risk factor in the development of each complication. After adjustment only AKI showed a significant increased mortality risk of 1.60 (95%CI:1.086-2.350).

Discussion:

In our fracture-independent assessment of complications in the orthogeriatric treatment of inward patients we’ve seen very rare cases of cardiac and thrombotic complications. Typical fragility-fracture associated common events like pneumonia, UTI, delirium and AKI were still more incidental. No complication except AKI was associated to significant increased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

The relevance of orthogeriatric care in prevention and outcome of inward complications seems promising, needing still more controlled studies, evaluating not just hip fracture patients but more diverse groups. Consensus is needed in the scholar evaluation of orthogeriatric complications.
Changes in College Student Alcohol Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are Perceived Drinking Norms Still Relevant?
Authors: Graupensperger Scott , Jaffe Anna E. , Fleming Charles N. B. , Kilmer Jason R. , Lee Christine M. , Larimer Mary E.
Published: March 2021

With widespread concern for increased alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a pressing need to examine changes in young adults’ alcohol use and to identify antecedents of increased use. We tested the hypothesis that self-reported changes in alcohol use during the pandemic (frequency, quantity, heavy episodic drinking) would relate to perceptions of peers’ changes in alcohol use. In April of 2020, 507 college students self-reported changes in their alcohol use and perceived changes in use for typical students at their university (i.e., norms). Most students in our sample reported decreased alcohol use and perceived decreases in peers’ alcohol use. Perceptions of peers’ changes in alcohol use behavior strongly related to changes in students’ own alcohol use. Findings provide strong support for norms-based strategies that can correct normative misperceptions by highlighting the fact that most college students are not in fact engaging in heavier alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bivariate Latent-Change-Score Analysis of Peer Relations From Early Childhood to Adolescence: Leading or Lagging Indicators of Psychopathology
Authors: Rappaport Brent I. , Jackson Joshua J. , Whalen Diana J. , Pagliaccio David , Luby Joan L. , Barch Deanna M.
Published: March 2021

Understanding longitudinal associations between problematic peer relations and psychopathology is needed to inform public health. Three models have been proposed: Poor peer relations (a) lead or are a risk factor for psychopathology, (b) lag or are a consequence of psychopathology, or (c) both lead and lag psychopathology. Another model is that poor peer relations lead or lag psychopathology depending on the developmental period. To test these models, youths’ peer relations and clinical symptoms were assessed up to six times between ages 3 and 11 in 306 children. Bivariate latent-change-score models tested leading and lagging longitudinal relationships between children’s peer relations (peer victimization/rejection, peer-directed aggression, social withdrawal, prosocial behavior) and psychopathology (depression, anxiety, and externalizing symptoms). Peer victimization/rejection was a leading indicator of depression from early childhood into preadolescence. Peer-directed aggression was a leading indicator of externalizing symptoms (in late childhood).
The Effect of Vertebral Augmentation Procedure on Painful OVCFs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Wei-Shang , Cai Yun-Fei , Cong Lin
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Objective:

To systematically compare the effectiveness and safety of vertebral augmentation procedure (VAP) with non-surgical management (NSM) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebrate compression fractures (OVCFs).

Methods:

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses with the comparison between VAP and NSM were identified to extract randomized controlled trials from electronic database. Additionally, recently published RCTs were identified. Two researchers independently extracted the data. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis was pain relief evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results:

Twenty RCTs involving 2566 patients with painful OVCFs were included. Significant differences were found between percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and conservative treatment (CT) in VAS at each time point during follow-up period. The differences of VAS were not significant between PVP and sham procedure at most time points during follow-up period. In subgroup analysis based on fracture type and fracture location, significant differences of VAS were found between PVP and CT and were not found between PVP and sham procedure. In subgroup analysis of duration of back pain, significant differences were found between PVP and CT in VAS at 1 week, 3 month and 1 year. And the differences of VAS were not significant between PVP and CT at 1 month and 6 month.

Conclusion:

BKP is considered sufficient to achieve good clinical outcomes. PVP is associated with on beneficial effect on treatment of painful OVCFs compared with sham procedure. The indication and timing of VAP need further research. More independently high-quality RCTs with sufficiently large sample sizes reporting cost-effectiveness are needed.
European Stroke Organisation expedited recommendation for the use of short-term dual antiplatelet therapy early after minor stroke and high-risk TIA
Authors: Dawson Jesse , Merwick Áine , Webb Alastair , Dennis Martin , Ferrari Julia , Fonseca Ana Catarina ,   for the European Stroke Organisation
Published: March 2021

Prevention of early recurrent ischaemic stroke remains a priority in people with TIA or ischaemic stroke. A number of trials have recently been completed assessing the efficacy of short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus single antiplatelet therapy early after minor or moderate stroke or high-risk TIA. We present an Expedited Recommendation for use of dual antiplatelet therapy early after ischaemic stroke and TIA on behalf of the ESO Guideline Board. We make a strong recommendation based on high quality of evidence for use of 21-days of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel in people with a non-cardioembolic minor ischaemic stroke or high-risk TIA in the past 24 hours. We make a weak recommendation based on moderate quality evidence for 30-days of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and ticagrelor in people with non-cardioembolic mild to moderate ischaemic stroke or high-risk TIA in the past 24 hours.
Algorithmic justice and groundtruthing the remote mapping of informal settlements: The example of Ho Chi Minh City’s periphery
Authors: Acolin Arthur , Kim Annette M
Published: March 2021

The significant advances made in interpreting satellite imagery to monitor urban expansion and informal settlements has made important contributions to urban studies and planning. This paper focuses on the under-examined dimensions of how improvements to classifications of urban areas are not only a technical challenge but lie at the society/technology nexus. We examine why three different research groups produced different urban land use classifications of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from remote sensing images. We trace how a confluence of factors including how the technology intersects with field conditions, researcher assumptions and discretionary choices, and institutional norms and agendas shaped the differences in their results. The different spatial facts they produced raises the issue of adapting algorithms for not only technical accuracy but appropriate social use. In the case of detecting informal settlements, our study finds that groundtruthing through fieldwork or collaborative partnerships is needed to not systematically overlook vulnerable populations and misinform urban planning decisions.
Environmental justice, settler colonialism, and more-than-humans in the occupied West Bank: An introduction
Authors: Braverman Irus
Published: March 2021

Our special issue provides a first-of-its kind attempt to examine environmental injustices in the occupied West Bank through interdisciplinary perspectives, pointing to the broader settler colonial and neoliberal contexts within which they occur and to their more-than-human implications. Specifically, we seek to understand what environmental justice—a movement originating from, and rooted in, the United States—means in the context of Palestine/Israel. Moving beyond the settler-native dialectic, we draw attention to the more-than-human flows that occur in the region—which include water, air, waste, cement, trees, donkeys, watermelons, and insects—to consider the dynamic, and often gradational, meanings of frontier, enclosure, and Indigeneity in the West Bank, challenging the all-too-binary assumptions at the core of settler colonialism. Against the backdrop of the settler colonial project of territorial dispossession and elimination, we illuminate the infrastructural connections and disruptions among lives and matter in the West Bank, interpreting these through the lens of environmental justice. We finally ask what forms of ecological decolonization might emerge from this landscape of accumulating waste, concrete, and ruin. Such alternative visions that move beyond the single axis of settler-native enable the emergence of more nuanced, and even hopeful, ecological imaginaries that focus on sumud, dignity, and recognition.
A Multilab Study of Bilingual Infants: Exploring the Preference for Infant-Directed Speech
Authors: Byers-Heinlein Krista , Tsui Angeline Sin Mei , Bergmann Christina , Black Alexis K. , Brown Anna , Carbajal Maria Julia , Durrant Samantha , Fennell Christopher T. , Fiévet Anne-Caroline , Frank Michael C. , Gampe Anja , Gervain Judit , Gonzalez-Gomez Nayeli , Hamlin J. Kiley , Havron Naomi , Hernik Mikołaj , Kerr Shila , Killam Hilary , Klassen Kelsey , Kosie Jessica E. , Kovács Ágnes Melinda , Lew-Williams Casey , Liu Liquan , Mani Nivedita , Marino Caterina , Mastroberardino Meghan , Mateu Victoria , Noble Claire , Orena Adriel John , Polka Linda , Potter Christine E. , Schreiner Melanie S. , Singh Leher , Soderstrom Melanie , Sundara Megha , Waddell Connor , Werker Janet F. , Wermelinger Stephanie
Published: March 2021

From the earliest months of life, infants prefer listening to and learn better from infant-directed speech (IDS) compared with adult-directed speech (ADS). Yet IDS differs within communities, across languages, and across cultures, both in form and in prevalence. This large-scale, multisite study used the diversity of bilingual infant experiences to explore the impact of different types of linguistic experience on infants’ IDS preference. As part of the multilab ManyBabies 1 project, we compared preference for North American English (NAE) IDS in lab-matched samples of 333 bilingual and 384 monolingual infants tested in 17 labs in seven countries. The tested infants were in two age groups: 6 to 9 months and 12 to 15 months. We found that bilingual and monolingual infants both preferred IDS to ADS, and the two groups did not differ in terms of the overall magnitude of this preference. However, among bilingual infants who were acquiring NAE as a native language, greater exposure to NAE was associated with a stronger IDS preference. These findings extend the previous finding from ManyBabies 1 that monolinguals learning NAE as a native language showed a stronger IDS preference than infants unexposed to NAE. Together, our findings indicate that IDS preference likely makes similar contributions to monolingual and bilingual development, and that infants are exquisitely sensitive to the nature and frequency of different types of language input in their early environments.
Craniofacial sensations induced by transient changes of barometric pressure in healthy subjects – A crossover pilot study
Authors: Funakubo Megumi , Sato Jun , Mizumura Kazue , Suzuki Norihiro , Messlinger Karl
Published: March 2021

Background:

Changes in atmospheric pressure are suggested to trigger headaches. This pilot study was made to determine craniofacial sensations accompanying short phases of changing barometric pressure.

Methods:

In a crossover design, 15 adult healthy subjects were exposed in a climate chamber to 8 min phases of barometric pressure lowering by 0, 20 and 40 hPa. The subjects rated their sensations of ear pressure, head compression and the occurrence of headache every minute on a visual analogue scale (VAS, range 0–10). Pulse rate was recorded as a parameter for autonomic functions.

Results:

Nearly all subjects experienced ear pressure and half of them compression of their head at variable degrees. These sensations started in most subjects during the phase of lowering barometric pressure and increased to an average rating of about 3 VAS when returning to ambient atmospheric pressure. Heart rate slightly decreased during this phase. Three subjects reported mild to moderate headache for various durations within these phases.

Conclusions:

Changes in barometric pressure can be associated with sensations of ear pressure and head compression and may trigger headaches. The generation of these sensations is discussed with regard to convergent trigeminal innervation of the ear, the paranasal sinuses and the cranial meninges.
Responsiveness of human bronchial fibroblasts and epithelial cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors to the transforming growth factor-β1 in epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit model
Authors: Paw Milena , Wnuk Dawid , Jakieła Bogdan , Bochenek Grażyna , Sładek Krzysztof , Madeja Zbigniew , Michalik Marta
Published: March 2021

Background

The asthma-related airway wall remodeling is associated i.a. with a damage of bronchial epithelium and subepithelial fibrosis. Functional interactions between human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts are known as the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) and are necessary for a proper functioning of lung tissue. However, a high concentration of the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) in the asthmatic bronchi drives the structural disintegrity of epithelium with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the bronchial epithelial cells, and of subepithelial fibrosis with the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) of the bronchial fibroblasts. Since previous reports indicate different intrinsic properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts which affect their EMT/FMT potential beetween cells derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients, cultured separatelly in vitro, we were interested to see whether corresponding effects could be obtained in a co-culture of the bronchial epithelial cells and bronchial fibroblasts. In this study, we investigate the effects of the TGF-β1on the EMT markers of the bronchial epithelial cells cultured in the air-liquid-interface and effectiveness of FMT in the bronchial fibroblast populations in the EMTU models.

Results

Our results show that the asthmatic co-cultures are more sensitive to the TGF-β1than the non-asthmatic ones, which is associated with a higher potential of the asthmatic bronchial cells for a profibrotic response, analogously to be observed in '2D' cultures. They also indicate a noticeable impact of human bronchial epithelial cells on the TGF-β1-induced FMT, stronger in the asthmatic bronchial fibroblast populations in comparison to the non-asthmatic ones. Moreover, our results suggest the protective effects of fibroblasts on the structure of the TGF-β1–exposed mucociliary differentiated bronchial epithelial cells and their EMT potential.

Conclusions

Our data are the first to demonstrate a protective effect of the human bronchial fibroblasts on the properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells, which suggests that intrinsic properties of not only epithelium but also subepithelial fibroblasts affect a proper condition and function of the EMTU in both normal and asthmatic individuals.