bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic Intraoperative Antibiotic Dosing in Head and Neck Surgery: Opportunities for Improvement and Future Study
Authors: Shah Rema , Cohen Oded , Panth Neelima , Dibble Jacqueline , Paolillo Danielle , Cook Amanda , Mehra Saral
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate rates of Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) guideline adherence with regard to intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in head and neck surgery with free tissue transfer.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

A single academic center.

Methods

All patients who underwent mucosa‐violating head and neck oncologic surgery with free tissue transfer between March 2017 and June 2019 were reviewed. Intraoperative antibiotic data included type, dosage, frequency of administration, and duration. Any deviation from SCIP recommendations was defined as nonadherence. Antibiotic type was categorized as ampicillin‐sulbactam, cefazolin/metronidazole, clindamycin, and others. As a secondary exploratory analysis, postoperative infections were analyzed and stratified by adherent vs nonadherent and by antibiotic type.

Results

A total of 129 surgical procedures were included. The mean ± SD number of antibiotic doses during surgery was 3.16 ± 1.2. The mean number of missed doses was 1.86 ± 1.65. Adherence rate with first dosing recommendation was 100%, as compared with 41.7% for dose 2, 23.1% for dose 3, 13.7% for dose 4, 5.26% for dose 5, 2.56% for dose 6, and 0% for dose 7 (P < .001). Ampicillin‐sulbactam (6.4%) had a significantly lower rate of average redosing adherence when compared with cefazolin/metronidazole (73.2%) and clindamycin (63.3%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Significant opportunities exist in SCIP guideline adherence rates for intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Cefazolin/metronidazole had a significantly higher rate of appropriate redosing when compared with ampicillin‐sulbactam, which should be considered when choosing a prophylactic antibiotic regimen and performing antibiotic‐based outcomes studies. More attention should be given to intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in head and neck surgery with free tissue transfer, as this presents an opportunity for quality improvement and future study heretofore not explored.
Acute effect of resistance exercise at different velocities on stiffness and vascularity of the biceps brachii muscle: a preliminary study
Authors: Ustabaşıoğlu Fethi Emre , Ağırdemir Fatma Ebru , Ustabaşıoğlu Fatma , Sunal Baran Serdar
Published: September 2022

Background

Resistance exercise can be defined as the percentage of maximal strength (%1 repetition maximum) used for a particular exercise. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a robust and novelty imaging technique that provides information regarding tissue stiffness. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is a non-irradiating technique that can provide quantitative measurement of muscle blood flow non-invasively.

Purpose

To compare the acute effects of low- and high-velocity resistance exercise on stiffness and blood flow in the biceps brachii muscle (BBM) using SWE and SMI.

Material and Methods

This prospective study included 60 healthy men (mean age=28.9 years; age range=26–34 years). BBM stiffness was measured by using SWE at rest, after low- and high-velocity resistance exercise, and muscle blood flow was also evaluated by SMI. Resistance exercise was performed using a dumbbell with a mass adjusted to 70%–80% of one-repetition maximum.

Results

The stiffness values increased significantly from resting to high- and low-velocity resistance exercises. There was no significant difference between the elastography values of the BBM after the high- and low-velocity resistance exercise. The blood flow increased significantly from resting to high- and low-velocity resistance exercises. Blood flow increase after low-velocity exercise was significantly higher compared to high-velocity exercise.

Conclusion

While muscle stiffness parameters and blood flow significantly increased from resting after both high- and low-velocity resistance exercises, blood flow significantly increased after low-velocity exercise compared to high-velocity exercise. This can mean that metabolic stress, an important trigger for muscle development, is more likely to occur in low-velocity exercise.
Relationship of Average Outcomes Scores and Change in Status Requires Further Interpretation Between 1 and 2 Years Following Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: McGovern Ryan P. , Martin RobRoy L. , Christoforetti John J. , Disantis Ashley E. , Kivlan Benjamin R. , Wolff Andrew B. , Nho Shane J. , Salvo John P. , Van Thiel Geoffrey S. , Matsuda Dean K. , Carreira Dominic S.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Previous studies have demonstrated a clinically impactful change in patients between 1 and 2 years after hip arthroscopy. Assessment of differences in patient-specific factors between patients who remain the same and those who change (ie, either improve or decline) could provide valuable outcome information for orthopaedic surgeons treating those patients.

Purpose:

To identify patients who experienced change in functional status between 1 and 2 years after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and assess differences in patient-specific factors between those who improved, remained the same, or declined in functional status.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy at 1 of 7 centers were analyzed retrospectively at 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. Patients were categorized as “improved,”“remained the same,” or “declined” between 1- and 2-year follow-up based on the 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) minimal clinically important difference (MCID) value. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in iHOT-12 scores, age, body mass index (BMI), alpha angle, and center-edge angle (CEA) between groups. Chi-square analyses were used to assess differences in the proportions of male and female patients in the outcome groups.

Results:

The study included 753 patients (515 women and 238 men), whose mean ± SD age was 34.7 ± 12 years. Average 1-year (±1 month) and 2-year (±2 months) iHOT-12 scores for all patients were 73.7 and 74.9, respectively. Based on the calculated MCID of ±11.5 points, 162 (21.5%) patients improved, 451 (59.9%) remained the same, and 140 (18.6%) declined in status between 1- and 2-year follow-up. Those who improved between 1 and 2 years had lower 1-year iHOT-12 scores ( P < .0005). We found no difference in age, BMI, alpha angle, CEA, or sex between groups ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Between 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments, 21.5% of patients improved and 18.6% declined in self-reported functional status. Those with iHOT-12 scores indicating abnormal function at 1 year improved beyond the MCID at 2 years follow-up. Thus, any decisions about the failure or success of arthroscopic hip procedures should not be made until at least the 2-year follow-up. Failing to thrive at 1-year follow-up may not accurately predict outcomes at year 2 or beyond. This could potentially decrease the perceived need for revision surgery in patients who do not thrive before 2-year follow-up.
Air core vortexing in liquid draining tanks: Influence of surface roughness
Authors: Prabhu Mahadev , Nair Ragesh Ramakrishnan , Ajith Kumar Raghavan
Published: September 2022

This paper study the influence of roughness of the tank base in the formation of air core vortex when liquid inside the cylindrical tank is rotated and subsequently drained. The vortex air core formation in drain tanks can lead to the blockage of drain port and can result in reduced discharge of draining liquid as an immediate consequence. The formation of such a vortex in propellant tanks of spacecraft and rockets will lead to underutilization of propellants and can adversely affect the performance of rocket engines. Ingestion of air core vortex in metal casting process can affect the mechanical properties of casted metal. Hence, suppression of air core vortex is inevitable in the fields of aerospace, metal casting and other hydraulic engineering systems. Current study makes use of roughness of the tank base to suppress vortexing which is the first of its kind and therefore, novel. Experimental investigations have been carried out at several values of roughness height and initial fluid rotation to study the characteristics of air core vortex. It is found that at the highest value of initial rotation provided to the liquid, air core vortexing can be subdued up to 25% by making use of base roughness. Current study also recommends drain tank manufacturers not to smoothen the tank base surface spending time at extra cost. In addition, applying roughness on the tank base will further weaken the formation of air core vortex, in the light of this study.
Hemodialysis Graft Infections Treated with Cryopreserved Femoral Vein
Authors: Matsuura John H. , Rosenthal David , Wellons Eric D. , Castronovo Clare S. , Fronk David
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Treatment of infected hemodialysis grafts is associated with prolonged hospitalization and wound care. The use of cryopreserved femoral vein (CFV) for angioaccess in infected hemodialysis grafts was prospectively evaluated.

Methods:

Forty-three CFV arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) were placed in 43 patients with prosthetic AVG infections. Thirty-two of the CFV AVGs were constructed adjacent to the infected AVG using a parallel tunnel tract, while 11 were placed into the infected field. All patients were prospectively followed at three-month intervals for graft complications and recurrent infections.

Results:

With a mean follow-up of 418 days, there was one recurrent infection (2.3%). The one-year primary and secondary graft patency rates were 42% and 68%, respectively. The two-year primary and secondary patency rates were 31% and 63%. respectively.

Conclusions:

Cryopreserved femoral vein proved useful in the treatment of infected hemodialysis grafts. The absence of infection after implantation around an infected area shows promise for salvaging an angioaccess site that would otherwise have been abandoned.
Patent Foramen Ovale: A Cause of Significant Post-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Morbidity
Authors: Schoevaerdts D. , González M. , Evrard P. , Buche M. , Installé E.
Published: September 2022

We descibe two patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting complicated by postoperative hypoxemia due to a patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunting. We discuss different hypotheses to explain the shunt: decreased right ventricular compliance, right atrial geometric changes due to septal distension or ischemia, exceeding filling pressure and localised haemorragic pericardial tamponade and low atrial pressure when correcting aortic stenosis. We emphasize the close interplay of pericardectomy and the four cardiac chambers including the distortion of the heart axis. The contrast echo produced by microbubbles of air is the safest and the most accurate procedure to detect the shunt. The two patients progressed positively with an extracorporeal circulation of short duration and without complications linked to the intervention. We conclude that postoperative unexplained hypoxemia must always exclude diagnosis of right-to-left shunting due to a patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Two Cases of Anomalous Origin of LAD from Right Coronary Artery Requiring Coronary Artery Bypass
Authors: Ono Minoru , Brown David A. , Wolf Randall K.
Published: September 2022

We experienced two cases with anomalous origin of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) from the proximal right coronary artery requiring coronary artery bypass grafting. A 66-yr old female with a long history of angina and a positive stress test had the anomalous artery coursing anterior to the right ventricular outflow tract. A 42-yr old male with worsening angina after an anteroseptal myocardial infarction had the anomalous artery running between the great vessels. Both patients underwent left internal mammary artery-to-LAD bypass on the beating heart with complete resolution of ischemic symptoms.

Isolated coronary artery anomaly is an uncommon disease (0.6–1.2%) in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization [1, 2]. An anomalous origin of the LAD from the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) or the right sinus of Valsalva (RSV) is very rare, found in 1.2–6.1% of all coronary anomalies [1, 2]. This coronary anomaly has been considered potentially serious but functionally unimportant [2]. We report two cases of anomalous LAD from the proximal RCA resulting in anterior wall ischemia which was effectively treated by coronary artery bypass surgery.
Skeletal Muscle Reperfusion Injury: Pathophysiology and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Crinnion J. N. , Homer-Vanniasinkam S. , Gough M. J.
Published: September 2022

Skeletal muscle reperfusion injury following revascularization of an acutely ischaemic limb undoubtedly contributes to the morbidity and mortality of this surgical emergency. This article reviews the experimental evidence which has defined the biochemical events responsible for the pathogenesis of this injury, with particular emphasis on the roles played by free radicals, neutrophils and products of lipid peroxidation. Finally, the clinical relevance of both the local and systemic effects of the injury is considered, together with suggestions for potential therapeutic strategies based on the results of laboratory work.
Below-Elbow Joint Arterial Reconstruction for Chronic Ischaemia
Authors: Sakurai T. , Iwatsuka Y. , Nishikimi N. , Yano T. , Nimura Y.
Published: September 2022

Ten below-elbow joint arterial bypass grafts performed in nine patients for chronic upper extremity ischaemia are reviewed. The cause of the ischaemia was thromboangiitis obliterans in four patients, iatrogenic trauma in four and unknown aetiology in one. Graft revision was required in two patients with thromboangiitis obliterans who underwent axillary-brachial bypass. Eight grafts, including one reoperation, have remained patent from 1 to 10 years (mean 54.3 months). Graft failure after 5 months did not occur, at which time the primary patency rate was 80%. In general, the long-term patency rates of autogenous vein bypass graft to the forearm were satisfactory. Aggressive arterial reconstruction is especially indicated in significant chronic upper extremity ischaemia resulting from iatrogenic trauma, as chances of success are excellent. Clinical and technical problems of in situ vein bypass in the upper extremity are discussed.
Copper–graphite composites: Cross-property connections between electrical conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient for 0–90 vol% of graphite
Authors: Mazloum Aref , Kováčik Jaroslav , Emmer Štefan , Sevostianov Igor
Published: September 2022

This paper focuses on the electrical conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of copper–graphite composites in the range of 50–90 vol.% graphite. In the previous authors’ work, elastic and conductive properties for the range of 0–50 vol% graphite were studied and cross-property connections were established between (1) electrical and thermal conductivities and thermal expansion coefficient and (2) electrical resistivity and shear modulus. Copper–graphite composites are prepared using hot isostatic pressing from the mixture of copper and graphite powders. The microstructure of the composites consists of copper particles that are homogeneously distributed within the dominant graphite phase (50–90 vol% graphite). The density, electrical conductivity, and thermal expansion coefficients of copper–graphite composites for the range of 0–90 vol% graphite are measured. Cross-property connections between electrical resistivity and thermal expansion coefficients are modeled using various techniques of micromechanics that account for the volume fraction, shape, size, and orientation of composites’ constituents. Cross-property connections between the said properties are verified using the obtained experimental data.
Alström syndrome: Two clinical cases with two novel pathogenic variants
Authors: Herranz-Heras Juan C , Barceló Ana , Quesada-Espinosa Juan F , Dorado-Lopez-Rosado Ana M , Tejada-Palacios Pilar , Muñoz-Gallego Alicia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To report two clinical cases of Alström syndrome (AS) with novel pathogenic variant of the ALMS1 gene not previously reported.

Case description

Patient 1 was a 6-year-old female presenting with poor vision. Ophthalmic examination only showed a visual field (VF) with diffusely decreased sensitivity in both eyes. At age of 15, vision and ophthalmic examination remain stable. Patient 2 was a 2-year-old male with poor vision, photophobia, and nystagmus. ERG showed a severe decrease in cone and rod responses. At age of 6, his vision is lower than 0.1 (decimal scale) and VF is severely constricted. Both of them presented with dilated cardiomyopathy in their first's months of life and patient 2 developed sensorineural deafness along with follow-up. Research genetic testing revealed two loss-of-function heterozygous genetic variants in the ALMS1 gene in both patients, so the diagnosis of AS was made.

Conclusions

AS is a rare disease caused by pathogenic variants of ALMS1 gene that causes ocular manifestations in almost 100% of patients. There are many genetic variants of AMLS1 described, but novel pathogenic variants can still be found. Ophthalmologists play an important role in the diagnosis, and AS should be included in the differential diagnosis when retinal dystrophy is suspected.
CMV-related anterior and intermediate uveitis in a kidney transplant recipient treated with belatacept
Authors: Morel Antoine , Debieb Amina Chahrazed , Mrejen David , Amrouche Lucile , Scemla Anne , Vilain Estelle , Legendre Christophe , Anglicheau Dany , Zuber Julien , Brézin Antoine , Chavarot Nathalie
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Belatacept is associated with a higher incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease and atypical presentations. Ocular manifestations are rare, representing up to 5% of disease manifestations and previous cases consisted in isolated retinitis.

Case Description

Herein, we report the case of an 81-year-old kidney transplant recipient who developed an anterior and intermediate uveitis under belatacept therapy. The diagnosis was established using quantitative CMV polymerase chain reaction assays in the aqueous humor. Belatacept was interrupted and oral and topical valganciclovir treatments were instituted. Lesions however extended, leading to intensify the treatment by intra-venous and intra-vitreal ganciclovir injections. Visual acuity stabilized and ocular inflammation was finally controlled after 3 months.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of CMV infection as a cause of anterior uveitis under belatacept-based regimen, even in the absence of symptoms suggestive of systemic CMV replication.
Non-digital fan networking: How Japanese animation and comics disseminated in China despite authoritarian deterrence
Authors: Chew Matthew Ming-tak
Published: September 2022

This study has three research objectives. Its major theoretical objective is to theorize the political impact of fan networks in authoritarian contexts. It finds that these fan networks perform the counterhegemonic work of blocking the authoritarian state's preferred solution to ‘the dictator's popular cultural dilemma’. Its major empirical objective is to understand how anime (Japanese animation) and manga (Japanese comics) disseminated so successfully in China despite authoritarian deterrence. It offers an explanation based on fan networking and fan network resilience. Its secondary theoretical objective is to enrich the research on non-digital kinds of fan networks. Its dataset mainly consists of anime and manga publications and other primary sources such as fans’ memoirs and reports.
Groups amplify the perceived threat and justification for using force against Black people protesting for racial equality—especially among social conservatives
Authors: Cooley Erin , Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin L. , Payne Brian Keith , Steele Jennifer , Cipolli William
Published: September 2022

Although most antiracism protests of 2020 were peaceful, at times, there was extreme use of force. Drawing on research that groups amplify intergroup threats, we test whether use of force is perceived as particularly justified against groups of Black people protesting racism. In Study 1, White Americans perceived a group of Black people peacefully protesting racism to be more threatening and more deserving of use of force than the same Black people protesting individually. Notably, when the protest topic did not threaten the racial hierarchy (i.e., environmental protection), Black groups (vs. individuals) no longer amplified perceived threat nor support for force. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated that this tendency for groups to amplify intergroup threat was stronger among White Americans motivated to maintain the status quo (i.e., social conservatives). We conclude that Black groups protesting racism activate intergroup threats with implications for support for using force against them.
Ultrasonographic assessment of skeletal muscles after experimentally induced neurogenic inflammation (facet injury) in rats
Authors: Ahmadi Bahareh , Issa Sara , Duarte Felipe CK , Srbely John , Bartlewski Pawel M
Published: September 2022

This study set out to examine ultrasonographic attributes of non-neurosegmentally (pectoral-forelimb) and neurosegmentally linked (hindlimb) myotomes in an experimental model that leads to neurogenic inflammation in segmentally linked myotomes, and to evaluate quantitative correlations among ultrasonographic attributes of the muscles, relative content of various inflammatory mediators, and nociceptive thresholds (hot and mechanical) in rats. Twelve male Wistar Kyoto rats were randomly divided into two equinumerous groups: surgery group, in which the left lumbar (L4–L6) facet joints were compressed for 3 min with modified Kelly forceps under general anesthesia, and sham-operated rats. All ultrasonograms were obtained with the Vevo 2100 Visual Sonic scanner connected to a 24-MHz transducer at four different time points: pre-surgery and 7, 14, and 21 days after surgical procedures. Digital ultrasonographic images of quadriceps femoris, hamstring, and pectoral-brachial muscle groups were analyzed using a polygonal meter region of interest placed on the largest cross-sectional area of the muscles displayed in Image ProPlus® analytical software to compute numerical pixel values and pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation of mean pixel values). On day 21, pain behavior tests (hot plate and von Frey) were performed and then all animals were euthanized. Protein expression of inflammatory mediators in biceps brachii and rectus femoris muscles was measured by Western blot. The most prominent differences in muscle echotextural attributes between the two subsets of rats occurred 14 days post-surgery in pectoral-brachial and quadriceps femoris muscles. The expression of calcitonin-gene-related peptide was directly related to both echotextural variables only in biceps brachii (pixel intensity: r = 0.65, P = 0.02; and heterogeneity: r = 0.66, P = 0.02, respectively). Our findings have revealed the occurrence of echotextural changes in skeletal muscles of rats during myositis; however, the accumulation of inflammatory mediators and the outcomes of sensory tests did not relate to the changes in first-order echotextural characteristics of affected hindlimb muscles.
Polyadenylate-binding protein cytoplasmic 1 mediates alternative splicing events of immune-related genes in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Xu Xincai , Zhang Wenbin , Gao Hua , Tan Yi , Guo Yangchao , He Tiehan
Published: September 2022

Polyadenylate-binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) is dysregulated in malignancies, which is considered as a potential therapeutic target for many cancer types. By alternative splicing (AS) for gastric cancer (GC), we described PABPC1-modulated AS events in this study. PABPC1 expression was analyzed in 408 GC tissues from The Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA) database. Human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells were transfected with PABPC1-specific small interfering RNA (siPABPC1) with siCtrl as a negative control. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was done for the determination of transcripts. To detect the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 10 different types of AS events, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed. DEGs were analyzed for functional categories including gene ontology, and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway were analyzed for DEGs. GC displayed an elevated expression of PABPC1. PABPC1 was efficiently knocked down in AGS cells. Here, we excavated 1234 PABPC1-regulated DEGs, among which 502 were down-regulated and 732 were up-regulated compared to the siCtrl group. A total of 94 DEGs were involved in inflammation and immune response. Results from qRT-PCR validated the up-regulation of 10 immune and inflammation-related DEGs in the siPABPC1 group. PABPC1 deficiency causes 1304 AS events differentially occurred in AGS cells. The most common type of AS events regulated by PABPC2 is alternative 5′ splice sites. qRT-PCR confirmed the transcription level of five immune-related genes, in which AS events were detected in the siPABPC1 group. PABPC1 knockdown mediates AS events and thus the transcript level of immune and inflammation-related genes in AGS cells. PABPC1-regulated oncogenic AS events display potential as targets for therapeutic development.
Fertility Health Knowledge in U.S. Adults: Men Narrowing the Knowledge Gap
Authors: Barron Mary L. , Lithgow Diana , Wade Gail H. , Mueller Luckey Georgia
Published: September 2022

Much of young people’s fertility health knowledge has been limited to avoiding sexually transmitted infections and preventing pregnancy thus lacking what is necessary to support future overall health as well as reproductive goals. This study assesses university students’ knowledge related to fertility health factors to verify consistencies and discrepancies in fertility health knowledge, with a sub-assessment focusing on men’s knowledge. The Fertility Health Knowledge survey was delivered to 17,189 students at three American universities. Twenty percent or 546 of the 2,692 participants were male. The 30-question survey addresses knowledge of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors on fertility health in men and women, and four questions regarding fertility intentions. Across all 30 questions, 63% of female responses were correct and 61% of male responses were correct. For 10 questions, less than 70% of males and females answered correctly, with men answering correctly more often than females for six of the questions. Males exhibited more knowledge regarding male fertility. Knowledge of fertility health was consistently limited, regardless of site or demographics. Men demonstrated improved overall fertility health knowledge and more knowledge regarding male factors. There are still considerable gaps in knowledge of modifiable risk factors that may impact fertility health and future overall health. Fertility health promotion through education should be comprehensive and widely available in secondary schools, colleges, and universities. As well, increased education regarding fertility health in primary care settings should become the norm—with male inclusion as a standard of their care.
Does implementation of a standardized pathway of stroke care affect functional outcome after stroke?
Authors: Bergh Elin , Askim Torunn , Rønning Ole Morten , Šaltyteė Benth Jurate , Fjærtoft Hild , Thommessen Bente
Published: September 2022

Background:

A stroke care pathway (SCP) was introduced in Norway in 2018. The goal of the pathway was to avoid delay in treatment and diagnostics of acute stroke and to secure treatment according to national guidelines. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how the implementation of the SCP affects outcome after stroke.

Methods:

We performed a register-based study using data from the Norwegian Stroke Register that covers 87% of acute stroke patients in Norway. Patients included 1 year before and 1 year after the introduction of the care pathway were compared (2017 vs 2019). Change in functional outcome, the proportion of independent patients 90 days post-stroke, discharge destination, proportions admitted to stroke units and 90 days mortality were compared. Functional outcome was measured using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and functional independence was defined as mRS 0–2.

Results:

In total, 11,009 patients with 90 days follow-up data were analyzed. Comparing the cohorts from 2017 and 2019, there was no change in demographics or stroke characteristics. No statistically significant differences in mRS, admission to thrombolysis time, or 90 days mortality were found. However, the proportion of patients discharged directly home and treated in a stroke unit increased from 2017 to 2019.

Conclusion:

The implementation of a standardized pathway of stroke care in Norway did not lead to improvement in functional outcome or a reduction in 90 days mortality. However, the proportion of patients discharged directly home increased, and more patients were treated in stroke units in 2019 compared with 2017.
Numerical study on aerodynamic characteristics of two-dimensional propulsive wing in cruise and hover
Authors: Lu Jiaxin , Lu Yang , Wang Junjie , Shao Mengxue
Published: September 2022

The propulsive wing vehicle is a new concept vehicle, which is driven by a cross-flow fan (CFF) embedded in the trailing edge of the wing. The propulsive wing vehicle is capable of cruising and hovering at high angles of attack with very high aerodynamic force coefficients, and has the potential to become a new type of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle. The cruise and hover states of the propulsive wing vehicle are defined, and a numerical model of the two-dimensional propulsive wing is established. Based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, the rotation of the CFF is simulated by using the sliding mesh technique. The effects of cruise speed, angle of attack and CFF rotation speed on the aerodynamics of the two-dimensional propulsive wing are evaluated, and the mechanism of the propulsive wing flow field changes is revealed. The results show that the propulsive wing has a very high lift coefficient of up to 60 at low speed and high angle of attack cruise, and a high thrust coefficient of up to 40 at low speed and small angle of attack cruise. The aerodynamic force of the propulsive wing fluctuates periodically with the rotation of the CFF, and the amplitude of the fluctuation is related to the vorticity of the CFF blade shedding vortex. In hover, the flow field of the propulsive wing is affected by the geometry and wake deflection into an asymmetric distribution, forming a vortex on each side of the airfoil, and the vortex diameter varies with the CFF rotation speed, which in turn has an impact on the hovering performance of the propulsive wing.
Obedient liberals? Mass attitudes in a monarchy enclave
Authors: Budi Arya
Published: September 2022

Mass attitudes in a monarchy context are understudied relative to those in advanced and new democracies. By employing the case of a monarchy enclave in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia, this article tries to uncover mass attitudes towards democracy in such a setting. It is based on public opinion surveys conducted by PolGov Universitas Gadjah Mada with 2181 respondents. The study finds a strong existence of obedient liberals, i.e. people who believe in liberal views and embrace values of self-expression but are proud of having a non-democratic political system. While this distinguished attitude revisits Almond and Verba’s allegiant citizens, this article aligns with the revisionists of the civic culture model by arguing that a political regime, i.e. the monarchy enclave, helps pave the way for the presence and persistence of obedient-liberal mass attitudes. This distinct mass attitude in turn explains how the monarchy enclave has survived for decades.
Market Transition, Occupational Status, and Depression in Urban China: A Population-based Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Xu Yanhui , Lai Dongpeng , Chang Qingsong
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the effects of ecological-level marketization, individual-level occupational status, and their interaction, on depression in residents in urban China. Population-based data ( N = 13,004) from the 2016 China Family Panel Survey were used. A multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear model explored whether and to what extent market transition measured by the marketization index (MI), occupational status measured by international socio-economic index (ISEI), and their interaction, affected people’s depression. Results showed that higher MI ( b = –.157, p < .001) and ISEI scores ( b = –.124, p < .001) were associated with lower levels of depression. However, residents with high occupational status might suffer a uniquely elevated level of depression when living in highly marketized cities ( b = .139, p < .05). Raising the public mental health awareness of residents with low occupational status from low marketized areas and that of residents with high occupational status from high marketized areas is warranted in societies undergoing rapid marketization, such as China.
Engaging Students in Writing Data Requests: A Role-Playing Writing Exercise
Authors: Williams Julie Ann Stuart , Billings Philip E. , Estep Joshua L. , Pinder Ashanae D.
Published: September 2022

Despite organizations increasingly seeking talent to identify data to make better business decisions, many assignments provide the data for the students. This article encourages curriculum to introduce data and information request dimensions, identify data sources, write data and information requests, and reflect on data request examples. We propose a three-step writing exercise with a data and information request rubric. A pilot study for an operations management data and information request revealed that participants struggled to specify four data request dimensions: an appropriate recipient, adequate data, a data format, and an information security level.
Pattern matching for high precision detection of LINE-1s in human genomes
Authors: Lopez Juan O. , Seguel Jaime , Chamorro Andres , Ramos Kenneth S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposons are mobile elements that constitute 17–20% of the human genome. Strong correlations between abnormal L1 expression and several human diseases have been reported. This has motivated increasing interest in accurate quantification of the number of L1 copies present in any given biologic specimen. A main obstacle toward this aim is that L1s are relatively long DNA segments with regions of high variability, or largely present in the human genome as truncated fragments. These particularities render traditional alignment strategies, such as seed-and-extend inefficient, as the number of segments that are similar to L1s explodes exponentially. This study uses the pattern matching methodology for more accurate identification of L1s. We validate experimentally the superiority of pattern matching for L1 detection over alternative methods and discuss some of its potential applications.

Results

Pattern matching detected full-length L1 copies with high precision, reasonable computational time, and no prior input information. It also detected truncated and significantly altered copies of L1 with relatively high precision. The method was effectively used to annotate L1s in a target genome and to calculate copy number variation with respect to a reference genome. Crucial to the success of implementation was the selection of a small set of k-mer probes from a set of sequences presenting a stable pattern of distribution in the genome. As in seed-and-extend methods, the pattern matching algorithm sowed these k-mer probes, but instead of using heuristic extensions around the seeds, the analysis was based on distribution patterns within the genome. The desired level of precision could be adjusted, with some loss of recall.

Conclusion

Pattern matching is more efficient than seed-and-extend methods for the detection of L1 segments whose characterization depends on a finite set of sequences with common areas of low variability. We propose that pattern matching may help establish correlations between L1 copy number and disease states associated with L1 mobilization and evolution.
Investigation of CRS-associated cytokines in CAR-T therapy with meta-GNN and pathway crosstalk
Authors: Wei Zhenyu , Cheng Qi , Xu Nan , Zhao Chengkui , Xu Jiayu , Kang Liqing , Lou Xiaoyan , Yu Lei , Feng Weixing
Published: September 2022

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a new and efficient cellular immunotherapy. The therapy shows significant efficacy, but also has serious side effects, collectively known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). At present, some CRS-related cytokines and their roles in CAR-T therapy have been confirmed by experimental studies. However, the mechanism of CRS remains to be fully understood.

Methods

Based on big data for human protein interactions and meta-learning graph neural network, we employed known CRS-related cytokines to comprehensively investigate the CRS associated cytokines in CAR-T therapy through protein interactions. Subsequently, the clinical data for 119 patients who received CAR-T therapy were examined to validate our prediction results. Finally, we systematically explored the roles of the predicted cytokines in CRS occurrence by protein interaction network analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and pathway crosstalk analysis.

Results

We identified some novel cytokines that would play important roles in biological process of CRS, and investigated the biological mechanism of CRS from the perspective of functional analysis.

Conclusions

128 cytokines and related molecules had been found to be closely related to CRS in CAR-T therapy, where several important ones such as IL6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and VEGFA were highlighted, which can be the key factors to predict CRS.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of AP2/ERF gene superfamily during flower development in Actinidia eriantha
Authors: Jiang Quan , Wang Zhi , Hu Guangming , Yao Xiaohong
Published: September 2022

Background

As one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, AP2/ERF gene superfamily plays important roles in plant growth, development, fruit ripening and biotic and abiotic stress responses. Despite the great progress has been made in kiwifruit genomic studies, little research has been conducted on the AP2/ERF genes of kiwifruit. The increasing kiwifruit genome resources allowed us to reveal the tissue expression profiles of AP2/ERF genes in kiwifruit on a genome-wide basis.

Results

In present study, a total of 158 AP2/ERF genes in A. eriantha were identified. All genes can be mapped on the 29 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis divided them into four main subfamilies based on the complete protein sequences. Additionally, our results revealed that the same subfamilies contained similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Ka/Ks calculation indicated that AP2/ERF gene family was undergoing a strong purifying selection and the evolutionary rates were slow. RNA-seq showed that the AP2/ERF genes were expressed differently in different flower development stages and 56 genes were considered as DEGs among three contrasts. Moreover, qRT-PCR suggested partial genes showed significant expressions as well, suggesting they could be key regulators in flower development in A. eriantha. In addition, two genes (AeAP2/ERF061, AeAP2/ERF067) had abundant transcription level based on transcriptomes, implying that they may play a crucial role in plant flower development regulation and flower tissue forming.

Conclusions

We identified AP2/ERF genes and demonstrated their gene structures, conserved motifs, and phylogeny relationships of AP2/ERF genes in two related species of kiwifruit, A. eriantha and A. chinensis, and their potential roles in flower development in A. eriantha. Such information would lay the foundation for further functional identification of AP2/ERF genes involved in kiwifruit flower development.
Case management intervention of high users of the emergency department of a Portuguese hospital: a before-after design analysis
Authors: Gonçalves Simão , von Hafe Francisco , Martins Flávio , Menino Carla , Guimarães Maria José , Mesquita Andreia , Sampaio Susana , Londral Ana Rita
Published: September 2022

Background

Emergency department (ED) High users (HU), defined as having more than ten visits to the ED per year, are a small group of patients that use a significant proportion of ED resources. The High Users Resolution Group (GRHU) identifies and provides care to HU to improve their health conditions and reduce the frequency of ED visits by delivering patient-centered case management integrated care. The main objective of this study was to measure the impact of the GRHU intervention in reducing ED visits, outpatient appointments, and hospitalizations. As secondary objectives, we aimed to compare the GRHU intervention costs against its potential savings or additional costs. Finally, we intend to study the impact of this intervention across different groups of patients.

Methods

We studied the changes triggered by the GRHU program in a retrospective, non-controlled before-after analysis of patients’ hospital utilization data on 6 and 12-month windows from the first appointment.

Results

A total of 238 ED HU were intervened. A sample of 152 and 88 patients was analyzed during the 6 and 12-month window, respectively. On the 12-month window, GRHU intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction of 51% in ED visits and hospitalizations and a non-statistically significant increase in the total number of outpatient appointments. Overall costs were reduced by 43.56%. We estimated the intervention costs to be €79,935.34. The net cost saving was €104,305.25. The program’s Return on Investment (ROI) was estimated to be €2.3.

Conclusion

Patient-centered case management for ED HU seems to effectively reduce ED visits and hospitalizations, leading to better use of resources.
The effect of Nrf2 deletion on the proteomic signature in a human colorectal cancer cell line
Authors: Cheraghi Omid , Dabirmanesh Bahareh , Ghazi Farideh , Amanlou Massoud , Atabakhshi-kashi Mona , Fathollahi Yaghoub , Khajeh Khosro
Published: September 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancer and the third leading cause of death worldwide. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is observed in many types of cancer cells. Several studies have reported that an increase in ROS production could affect the expression of proteins involved in ROS-scavenging, detoxification and drug resistance. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a known transcription factor for cellular response to oxidative stress. Several researches exhibited that Nrf2 could exert multiple functions and expected to be a promising therapeutic target in many cancers. Here, Nrf2 was knocked down in colorectal cancer cell line HT29 and changes that occurred in signaling pathways and survival mechanisms were evaluated.

Methods

The influence of chemotherapy drugs (doxorubicin and cisplatin), metastasis and cell viability were investigated. To explore the association between specific pathways and viability in HT29-Nrf2−, proteomic analysis, realtime PCR and western blotting were performed.

Results

In the absence of Nrf2 (Nrf2−), ROS scavenging and detoxification potential were dramatically faded and the HT29-Nrf2− cells became more susceptible to drugs. However, a severe decrease in viability was not observed. Bioinformatic analysis of proteomic data revealed that in Nrf2− cells, proteins involved in detoxification processes, respiratory electron transport chain and mitochondrial-related compartment were down regulated. Furthermore, proteins related to MAPKs, JNK and FOXO pathways were up regulated that possibly helped to overcome the detrimental effect of excessive ROS production.

Conclusions

Our results revealed MAPKs, JNK and FOXO pathways connections in reducing the deleterious effect of Nrf2 deficiency, which can be considered in cancer therapy.
Tidal volumes during delivery room stabilization of (near) term infants
Authors: Thomann Janine , Rüegger Christoph M. , Gaertner Vincent D. , O’Currain Eoin , Kamlin Omar F. , Davis Peter G. , Springer Laila
Published: September 2022

Background

We sought to assess tidal volumes in (near) term infants during delivery room stabilization.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a prospective study comparing two facemasks used for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in newborn infants ≥ 34 weeks gestation. PPV was provided with a T-piece device with a PIP of 30 cmH2O and positive end-expiratory airway pressure of 5 cmH2O. Expired tidal volumes (Vt) were measured with a respiratory function monitor. Target range for Vt was defined to be 4 – 8 ml/kg.

Results

Twenty-three infants with a median (IQR) gestational age of 38.1 (36.4 – 39.0) weeks received 1828 inflations with a median Vt of 4.6 (3.3 – 6.2) ml/kg. Median Vt was in the target range in 12 infants (52%), lower in 9 (39%) and higher in 2 (9%). Thirty-six (25—27) % of the inflations were in the target rage over the duration of PPV while 42 (25 – 65) % and 10 (3 – 33) % were above and below target range.

Conclusions

Variability of expiratory tidal volume delivered to term and late preterm infants was wide. Reliance on standard pressures and clinical signs may be insufficient to provide safe and effective ventilation in the delivery room.

Trial registration

This is a secondary analysis of a prospectively registered randomized controlled trial (ACTRN12616000768493).