bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Going online: Successes and challenges in delivering group music instrument and aural learning for older adult novices during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: MacRitchie Jennifer , Chmiel Anthony , Radnan Madeleine , Taylor John R , Dean Roger T
Published: May 2022

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many cultural and artistic programs for older adults have been put on hold, despite the numerous physical, social, and emotional well-being benefits continued participation may bring. This article details a cross-section of participants ( n = 13) in the Active Minds Music Ensemble—a longitudinal Australian-based research project that provides 12 months of group music instrument lessons to healthy older adult novices—who transitioned from face-to-face (F2F) to an online format. Research questions include the benefits and challenges for older adults as they cope with the technological demands of “going online,” perceived effects on teaching and older adults’ musical learning, as well as perceived effects on group learning benefits. Qualitative data were collected from three different perspectives: i) a frequently asked questions (FAQ) report from the research team documenting technological issues, ii) individual semi-structured interviews with the participants, and iii) a reflective report from the teacher. The findings confirm that online group music instrument lessons are viable for and valued by older adults, with appreciation of continued technical support. Teaching and learning changed as a result of the online format, primarily in the reduction of individual feedback and less interplay between participants; this was mitigated by use of various functions such as chat, whiteboards, and breakout rooms. Implications for older adult online music instrument lessons include providing continued technical support to learners and helping them maintain confidence with technology. Social opportunities for informal “side-chatter” may also help them to empathize with and encourage each other during music learning activities.
We Are Boiling: Management Scholars Speaking Out on COVID-19 and Social Justice
Authors: Peredo Ana María , Abdelnour Samer , Adler Paul , Banerjee Bobby , Bapuji Hari , Calas Marta , Chertkovskaya Ekaterina , Colbourne Rick , Contu Alessia , Crane Andrew , Evans Michelle , Hirsch Paul , E. Osorio Arturo , Ozkazanc-Pan Banu , Smircich Linda , Weber Gabriel
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 is the most immediate of several crises we face as human beings: crises that expose deeply-rooted matters of social injustice in our societies. Management scholars have not been encouraged to address the role that business, as we conduct it and consider it as scholars, has played in creating the crises and fostering the injustices our crises are laying bare. Contributors to this article draw attention to the way that the pandemic has highlighted long-standing examples of injustice, from inequality to racism, gender, and social discrimination through environmental injustice to migratory workers and modern slaves. They consider the fact that few management scholars have raised their voices in protest, at least partly because of the ideological underpinnings of the discipline, and the fact these need to be challenged.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Considerations for Aging-in-Place Part 2: The Intersection of Environment and Technology
Authors: Owens Otis L. , Beer Jenay M.
Published: May 2022

This article is part 2 of a two-part series focused on aging-in-place. Aging-in-place is a term that has been increasingly used over the past 40 years to describe the process of remaining in one’s home. In attempt to advance the discussion on the future of aging-in-place, this feature series provides an overview of the grand challenges to aging-in-place with an emphasis on human factors and ergonomics considerations. Part 2 will discuss a variety of ways to conceptualize “place” and describe the need for integrated technology within the home and beyond.
The Family System Amidst Complex Trauma: A Driving Force to Enhance Resilience and Reduce Depression in Young Adults
Authors: Daniels Aubrey D. , Bryan Julia , Liles Syrah , Carney JoLynn V.
Published: May 2022

To explore the relationships between complex trauma, family cohesion, family environment, resiliency, and depression, the authors employed hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis were employed with a sample of 485 young adults. The sample consisted of three groups of participants based on the amount of trauma experienced, those who reported 1–3 trauma experiences, those who reported 3 or more trauma experiences, and those who did not report trauma. Analyses indicated that despite complex trauma experiences, families were still able to cultivate strong family environment and family cohesion, which enhanced resilience in individuals and in turn reduced depression symptoms. Future research, as well as important implications for family counseling with the aim of enhancing family resilience and decreasing depression symptoms, especially as a trauma response, are discussed.
Research-Based Theater in the Pediatric Oncology Setting: Balancing Ethical Tensions
Authors: D’Alessandro Paul Robert
Published: May 2022

Research-based theater (RbT) in health care and medical education settings generates unique ethical discourses, particularly when involving pediatric patients. Ed’s Story: The Dragon Chronicles (Ed’s Story) is a verbatim play based on the journal of a teenaged oncology patient, and 25 interviews conducted after his death with his family and multidisciplinary health professional team. The development, dissemination, and evaluation of Ed’s Story will be retrospectively analyzed in order to highlight and discuss ethical tensions, with specific focus on tensions related to participants, including Ed and the interviewees; RbT practitioners and researchers; and audiences, namely, medical trainees who participated in mandatory curriculum viewing. Where applicable, similar projects described in the literature will be reviewed in order to highlight strategies to mitigate these tensions.
‘Involve me, and I learn’: Effects of social status on students’ physical activity, skill, and knowledge during group work
Authors: Hollett Nikki , Brock Sheri J , Cosgrove Brenna , Grimes Jessica R , Hastie Peter , Wadsworth Danielle
Published: May 2022

The limited amount of research on the influence of social status during group work in physical education has typically focused on interactions and power. What is less understood is whether social status has an impact on various physical education outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity, game performance, and knowledge outcomes of high- and low-status fifth-grade students during a physical education field hockey unit delivered utilising the Sport Education model. 44 students completed sociometric peer nomination surveys to determine the social status hierarchy of all students in the class. Students wore accelerometers to measure moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the unit. Pre- and post-unit game performance and knowledge were assessed through the Team Sport Assessment Procedure and cognitive tests, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant difference between high- and low-status students’ average MVPA over all phases of the unit (pre-season, season and post-season), while analysis of covariances revealed significant differences in game performance and field hockey knowledge based on social status. Results suggest while physical activity levels were similar between high- and low-status students, some lower-status students were at risk in terms of developing skills and knowledge.
Castells versus Bell: A comparison of two grand theorists of the information age
Authors: Duff Alistair S.
Published: May 2022

Daniel Bell (1919–2011) and Manuel Castells (1942–) are the grand theorists of the information age. The article provides a detailed, up-to-date, comparative analysis of their writings. It begins with their methodologies, identifying numerous commonalities in their post-Marxian frameworks. The substance of their theories is then examined, where it is shown that both plausibly explain contemporary social reality in terms of the interplay of three forces: the information technology revolution, the restructuring of capitalism and the innovational role of culture. There are found to be major similarities in their accounts (the Kantian interpretation, social stratification) but also significant divergences (role of science, the fourth world, the normative content of culture). Suitably combined, Bell’s and Castells’s thought goes a long way towards delivering a persuasive sociological theory of the global information society. However, the article concludes by suggesting that extensive further work is needed to clarify the precise relationships between the three factors and their relative weightings in the equations required to explain recent social change.
Does the marine environmental carrying capacity of the Yellow Sea’s large marine ecosystem maintain sustainable development? – Evidence from Shandong China
Authors: Wang Su , Zhou Gang , Chen Zhuo , Jiang Daokui , Dai Guilin
Published: May 2022

Under the framework of sustainable development of the marine economy, much consideration has been given to various coastal states for the large marine ecosystem (LME) concept. The Yellow Sea LME (YSLME) is one of the most heavily exploited LMEs in the world, and its sustainable development has been heavily threatened by human activities, with negative impacts on the economies of bordering countries, such as China. With the aim of mitigating environmental threats by developing a low-carbon economy based on low pollution, low energy consumption and low emission, an index system for evaluating marine environmental carrying capacity (MECC) was established in this study based on the entropy method, and gray relation analysis (GRA) was carried out to assess the MECC of three main coastal cities (Qingdao, Yantai and Weihai) along the YSLME in China. The results verified the importance of the environmental carrying capacities (ECCs) of marine resources, marine economy and marine environmental governance for the sustainable development of the YSLME, and revealed paths for improving the MECC of the studied cities. Based on the results, suggestions for ecosystem-based management of a low-carbon economy were provided to help government departments to reasonably develop and utilize marine resources, protect the marine environment and implement sustainable development strategies.
The Ability of Clinical Decision Rules to Detect Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Rerkasem Amaraporn , Nopparatkailas Rawee , Nantakool Sothida , Rerkasem Rath , Chansakaow Chayatorn , Apichartpiyakul Poon , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Rerkasem Kittipan
Published: May 2022

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common cause of lower extremity wound. Consequently, PAD leads to a cause of leg amputation nowadays, especially in diabetic patients. In general practice (GP), confrontation with PAD prevention is a challenge. In general, ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement can be used as a PAD diagnostic tool, but this takes some time. The tool is not generally available and this need to train healthcare workers to perform. Multiple independent predictors developed the diagnostic prediction model known as clinical decision rules (CDRs) to identify patients with high-risk PAD. This might therefore limit the number of patients (only high-risk patients) to refer for ABI evaluation. This narrative review summarized existing CDRs for PAD.
Baricitinib is Effective in Treating Progressing Vitiligo in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Dong Jie , Huang Xuan , Ma Li-Ping , Qi Fei , Wang Si-Nian , Zhang Zi-Qin , Wei Shi-Nan , Gao Ling , Liu Fang
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, in treating patient with progressing vitiligo, and to further explore the regulation of baricitinib on melanocytes (MCs) in vitro.

Methods

Four patients with progressing vitiligo were treated with oral baricitinib for a total of 12 weeks. MCs were cultured in vitro and irradiated by high-dose ultraviolet B (UVB, 150mJ/cm2) to make an MC damaged model (MC-Ds). Baricitinib was added at a final concentration of 25 μM. Dopamine staining and NaOH method were used to measure the tyrosinase activity and melanin level, respectively, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the mRNA levels of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1).

Results

Significant re-pigmentation was observed in the week 12 without obvious side effects. Depigmentation occurred in 2 patients at the 3-month follow-up. Laboratory research found that higher doses of UVB irradiation (150mJ/cm2) could decrease melanin content of MCs, baricitinib (25 μM) could significantly promote tyrosinase activity, melanin content, and TYR, TRP-1 gene expression of MC-Ds.

Conclusion

Our preliminary study showed that baricitinib was effective and safe in treating progressing vitiligo. Baricitinib could promote tyrosinase activity, melanin content and TYR, TRP1 gene expression of MC-Ds in vitro.
The Effects of Tai Chi and Baduanjin Activities on Physical Interventions With Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Zhiming , Zhu Zhicheng , Zhang Xia , He Ying
Published: May 2022

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Tai Chi (TC) and Baduanjin (Bdj) activities on the physical intervention of compulsory segregation drug addicts through a meta-analysis system.

Methods: Six commonly used databases were searched by computer to collect publicly available studies on the physical interventions of TC and Bdj activities for drug addicts from the time of database construction to May 2021. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, jointly extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the literature, and conducted Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results: A total of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 15 publications were included. Meta-analysis indicate that compared with the control group, TC and Bdj had significant effects on blood pressure, lung capacity, heart rate, closed-eye single-leg stand, and seated forward bending in drug addicts, as evidenced by: systolic pressure MD=−4.66, 95%CI = [−7.94, −1.39], p = .005; diastolic pressure MD = −3.49, 95%CI=[−5.45, −1.52], p = .0005; spirometry MD = 12.68, 95%CI = [43.83, 197.52], p = .002; heart rate MD = −2.78, 95%CI = [4.76, −.8], p = .006; MD = 1.47, 95%CI = [6.1, 14.84], p < .00,001 for one-leg stand with eyes closed, MD = 3.08, 95%CI = [1.8, 4.36], p < .00,001 for seated forward bend; however, the effect of TC and Bdj on BMI MD = .01, 95%CI = [−.54, .56], p = .97; grip strength MD = .68, 95%CI = [−.99, 2.34], p = .43; body fat percentage MD = .04, 95%CI = [−.59,.67], p = .91 had no effect.

Conclusions: Tai Chi and Bdj can improve the cardiovascular system, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, and body flexibility of drug addicts better than conventional rehabilitation.
Platelet-rich plasma inhibits inflammation, apoptosis, and the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and induces matrix metalloproteinases and proliferation of IL-1β-induced articular chondrocytes by downregulating T-box transcription factor 3
Authors: Zhuo Feng , Li Jun , Wang Yong-Hong , Li Ming , Song Fang-Fei , Liu Yu-Liang , Tao Zong-Yu
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by osteoproliferation and the degeneration and destruction of articular cartilage. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is rich in various growth factors that have been reported to promote bone defect repair. This study examined the specific role and mechanism of PRP in OA.

Methods

OA model cells were created by treating articular chondrocytes with IL-1β. After treatment of the model cells with PRP or/and a T-box transcription factor 3 (TBX3)-overexpression plasmid, TBX3 expression was monitored via RT-qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. IL-1β, IL-33, and Caspase-3 levels were detected with ELISA kits. Levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, MMP9, MMP13, and COL2A1 expression were evaluated by western blotting, and cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay.

Results

Our results showed that TBX3 expression was upregulated in IL-1β-induced articular chondrocytes. IL-1β stimulation induced inflammation and the production of matrix metalloproteinases, activated Caspase-3 and the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway, inhibited the proliferation of articular chondrocytes; however, all those affects mediated by IL-1β could be markedly reversed by PRP. We also found that PRP alleviated IL-1β-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation in articular chondrocytes by inhibiting TBX3. Our findings suggest that PRP alleviates OA progression in vitro by downregulating TBX3.

Conclusion

PRP suppressed OA progression in vitro by inhibiting TBX3, which may be its mechanism of action in treating OA.
Albumin versus balanced crystalloid for resuscitation in the treatment of sepsis: A protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study, “ABC-Sepsis”
Authors: Cafferkey John , Ferguson Andrew , Grahamslaw Julia , Oatey Katherine , Norrie John , Lone Nazir , Walsh Timothy , Horner Daniel , Appelboam Andy , Hall Peter , Skipworth Richard , Bell Derek , Rooney Kevin , Shankar-Hari Manu , Corfield Alasdair , Gray Alasdair
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients presenting with suspected sepsis to secondary care often require fluid resuscitation to correct hypovolaemia and/or septic shock. Existing evidence signals, but does not demonstrate, a benefit for regimes including albumin over balanced crystalloid alone. However, interventions may be started too late, missing a critical resuscitation window.

Methods

ABC Sepsis is a currently recruiting randomised controlled feasibility trial comparing 5% human albumin solution (HAS) with balanced crystalloid for fluid resuscitation in patients with suspected sepsis. This multicentre trial is recruiting adult patients within 12 hours of presentation to secondary care with suspected community acquired sepsis, with a National Early Warning Score ≥5, who require intravenous fluid resuscitation. Participants are randomised to 5% HAS or balanced crystalloid as the sole resuscitation fluid for the first 6 hours.

Objectives

Primary objectives are feasibility of recruitment to the study and 30-day mortality between groups. Secondary objectives include in-hospital and 90-day mortality, adherence to trial protocol, quality of life measurement and secondary care costs.

Discussion

This trial aims to determine the feasibility of conducting a trial to address the current uncertainty around optimal fluid resuscitation of patients with suspected sepsis. Understanding the feasibility of delivering a definitive study will be dependent on how the study team are able to negotiate clinician choice, Emergency Department pressures and participant acceptability, as well as whether any clinical signal of benefit is detected.
The importance of terminal complement inhibition in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Brodsky Robert A. , Nishimura Jun-ichi , Patriquin Christopher J. , Schrezenmeier Hubert
Published: May 2022

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, chronic hematologic disorder associated with inappropriate terminal complement activity on blood cells that can result in intravascular hemolysis (IVH), thromboembolic events (TEs), and organ damage. Untreated individuals with PNH have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients with PNH experiencing IVH often present with an elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; ⩾ 1.5 × the upper limit of normal) level which is associated with a significantly higher risk of TEs, one of the leading causes of death in PNH. LDH is therefore used as a biomarker for IVH in PNH. The main objective of PNH treatment should therefore be prevention of morbidity and mortality due to terminal complement activation, with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Approval of the first terminal complement inhibitor, eculizumab, greatly changed the treatment landscape of PNH by giving patients an effective therapy and demonstrated the critical role of terminal complement and the possibility of modulating it therapeutically. The current mainstays of treatment for PNH are the terminal complement component 5 (C5) inhibitors, eculizumab and ravulizumab, which have shown efficacy in controlling terminal complement-mediated IVH, reducing TEs and organ damage, and improving health-related quality of life in patients with PNH since their approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2007 and 2018, respectively. Moreover, the use of eculizumab has been shown to reduce mortality due to PNH. More recently, interest has arisen in developing additional complement inhibitors with different modes of administration and therapeutics targeting other components of the complement cascade. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of clinical complications in PNH and explores why sustained inhibition of terminal complement activity through the use of complement inhibitors is essential for the management of patients with this chronic and debilitating disease.
Antecedents of students’ e-learning continuance intention during COVID-19: An empirical study
Authors: Al Amin Md , Razib Alam Md , Alam Mohammad Zahedul
Published: May 2022

This study aims at exploring the underlying determinants influencing students' continuance intention to use an e-Learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the technology acceptance model and expectation-confirmation model, the study investigated the role of contextual (i.e., social isolation), psychological (academic year loss and cyberchondria), and student support-related (government and institutional supports) determinants on students' continuance intention to use an e-Learning platform during the pandemic. The study collected data from 440 respondents and analyzed those with Structural Equation Modeling. The findings showed that an e-Learning continuance intention during the pandemic is affected by usefulness, ease of use, attitudes, and intention to use the e-Learning platform; while the behavioral intention is influenced by usefulness, ease of use, attitudes, contextual, psychological, and student support-related determinants; and attitudes are impacted by usefulness and ease of use. Moreover, usefulness is predicted by confirmation of expectation; e-satisfaction is forecasted by usefulness and confirmation of expectation; whereas, cyberchondria is influenced by social isolation; fear of academic year loss is influenced by cyberchondria. Finally, intention to use mediated the impact of usefulness, ease of use, attitudes, contextual, psychological, and student support-related determinants on continuance intention. The study contributes to e-Learning literature incorporating contextual, psychological, and student support-related determinants into the technology acceptance model and expectation-confirmation model, which guide policymakers to understand how all levels of students can be brought into the e-Learning platforms that eventually help to eliminate digital discrimination barrier in the academia during any emergency. The policymakers must be careful in designing eLearning platforms since students' e-learning continuance intention may vary due to unprecedented crises, such as COVID-19.
An online survey and interview of GPs in the UK for assessing their satisfaction regarding the medical training curriculum and NICE guidelines for the management of menopause
Authors: Dintakurti Nitya , Kalyanasundaram Shreya , Jha Prashant , Talaulikar Vikram
Published: May 2022

Background:

The UK is home to 13 million menopausal women. The aim of this study was to determine the views of GPs on their levels of confidence and comfort when advising or treating menopausal women and assess the need for further training.

Method:

An anonymous online questionnaire was sent out to GPs working within the NHS across the UK between January 2021 and March 2021. The questionnaire was circulated via GP e-mail lists, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and included an option for respondents to volunteer for a semi-structured interview.

Results:

The questionnaire had 173 responses. 52% of GPs indicated that they were not offered enough support to be able to advise and treat women with menopausal symptoms appropriately. 77.5% of GPs expressed that there is a need to improve training provided on menopause in medical school and GP training. 60.7% of GPs felt comfortable managing menopausal women and offering them management options. 22.5% of the respondents felt that the NICE guidelines are easy and clear guidance for clinical practice. Five GPs were further interviewed, and the analysis of the responses showed the perceived need by the GPs for improvements in medical training regarding menopause.

Conclusion:

There is a need for better support and medical training for GPs to help them advice and treat women with menopausal symptoms. This is key for ensuring that every woman in the UK feels supported in their journey during the menopausal transition and is offered evidence-based advice to help them make informed decisions.
Online Fiction Writers, Labor, and Cultural Economy
Authors: He Wei , Lin Lei , Fung Anthony
Published: May 2022

This paper explicates a new form of cultural economy, namely individual cultural economy, with the case of online writing platform. Critical studies of creative workers on online platforms have revealed the capitalist manipulation and exploitation in this new technologized cultural economy, and among those, online fiction writers are one of the fashionable occupations for slash youth in China. Based on survey and interviews, this paper elucidates why some youth in China chose to commit to taking online writing jobs, despite the precarious conditions. This paper argues that online fiction writers, besides deriving satisfaction and pleasure from their work, tag on are able to take advantage of the cultural logic of these capitalist-manipulated platforms, and create for themselves an individual, single person cultural economy between themselves and the platform. Different from the collective, organized cultural economy in most of the social networked platforms, such an individual economy encourages youth to create an alternative lifestyle from that of the mainstream socialist economy.
Understanding the Factors Influencing Actual Usage of Payments Banks: An Empirical Investigation Using the Extended Information Systems Success Model
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Syan Amanjot Singh , Kaur Sawraj , Sharma Rishi Raj
Published: May 2022

This study aims to elucidate the factors that affect users’ intention to use payments bank services in India. The research model focuses on closing the gap between the intention to use and the actual usage of payments banks by integrating various quality dimensions with the trust and reputation of service provider. The research model was tested and validated using the partial least squares, which was performed on the data of 393 Indian users. SmartPLS software version 3.2.8 has been used in the current study. The results revealed that satisfaction and intentions to use have a significant effect on actual usage. The reputation of service provider, service quality and trust are the major constructs that significantly affect satisfaction and users’ intention to use payments banks. To make the consumers adopt the payments banks, they need to be satisfied, which can further lead to the actual usage. As payments banks are at a nascent stage, the reputation of service provider and trust are the most influential antecedents to the satisfaction and intention of users. Additionally, it is very pertinent for the service providers to use modern and safe technology to enhance their trust. Furthermore, personalized services for grievances redressal should be used to ensure the proper service and information being delivered to the user.
Tracheostomy Outcomes in Patients With COVID‐19 at a New York City Hospital
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , Grewal Maeher R. , Long Sallie M. , DiDonna Brendon , Sturm Joshua , Hills Susannah E. , Troob Scott H.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Tracheostomies have been performed in patients with prolonged intubation due to COVID‐19. Understanding outcomes in different populations is crucial to tackle future epidemics.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center in New York City.

Methods

A prospectively collected database of patients with COVID‐19 undergoing open tracheostomy between March 2020 and April 2020 was reviewed. Primary endpoints were weaning from the ventilator and from sedation and time to decannulation.

Results

Sixty‐six patients underwent tracheostomy. There were 42 males (64%) with an average age of 62 years (range, 23‐91). Patients were intubated for a median time of 26 days prior to tracheostomy (interquartile range [IQR], 23‐30). The median time to weaning from ventilatory support after tracheostomy was 18 days (IQR, 10‐29). Of those sedated at the time of tracheostomy, the median time to discontinuation of sedation was 5 days (IQR, 3‐9). Of patients who survived, 39 (69%) were decannulated. Of those decannulated before discharge (n = 39), the median time to decannulation was 36 days (IQR, 27‐49) following tracheostomy. The median time from ventilator liberation to decannulation was 14 days (IQR, 8‐22). Thirteen patients (20.0%) had minor bleeding requiring packing. Two patients (3%) had bleeding requiring neck exploration. The all‐cause mortality rate was 10.6%. No patients died of procedural causes, and no surgeons acquired COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Open tracheostomies were successfully and safely performed at our institution in the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The majority of patients were successfully weaned from the ventilator and sedation. Approximately 60% of patients were decannulated prior to hospital discharge.
Towards the arboreal side-effects of marronage: Black geographies and ecologies of the Jamaican forest
Authors: Moulton Alex A
Published: May 2022

The English colonial plan of converting Jamaica into a settler colony was challenged by the Maroons who established communities in the interior of the island. Living in the forests at the edge of the expanding plantation system, Maroons were feared by aspiring white settlercolonists. The zone where the plantation and white settlements met the Maroon de-facto territory became a frontier zone, where race, belonging, and freedom were contested. The Maroons inspired Black revolt and dreams of freedom, but after signing treaties ending their war against the English in the mid-18th century, the Maroons became dreaded by non-Maroon Blacks in Jamaica. Fear of the Maroons had productive and protective effects on the physical environment; the conservation of much of Jamaica's interior was one of these effects. The paper uses colonial era admissions of this fear as openings for showing how Jamaican conservation was shaped by the Maroons as spatial actors. The paper proposes conceptualizing the afforesting outcomes of marronage as arboreal side-effects, geographical and ecological consequences that are denied in foremost accounts of colonial forest conservation. The paper illustrates the importance of considering Black spatial thought, race and the geographic imaginary (Black Geographies) alongside the connections between antiblackness, the exploitation of nature, and the imperatives of ecological justice (Black ecologies). Reading Maroon practices and histories through and as Black geographies, the paper argues for a subaltern environmental history of Jamaica that affirms Black spatial agency and epistemologies. Consequently, the paper helps clarify marronage as a material-ecological as well as social-political process that is always shaped by the morphology of power and the landscape.
Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: How I Teach It
Authors: Zimmermann Christopher J. , Lidor Anne O.
Published: May 2022

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is a technically demanding procedure with a steep learning curve. Here we demonstrate our method for taking a trainee through this procedure in step-by-step fashion with accompanying video.
Short and Long Term Outcomes of Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
Authors: Massie Pierce , Auyang Edward D.
Published: May 2022

This review will attempt to highlight some of the short- (1-2 years) and long-term (>5 years) outcomes of paraesophageal hernia repairs (PEHR), demonstrating that despite the significant incidence of radiographic recurrence for surgical correction of PEH, many patients continue to have durable relief from their previous symptoms. This supports the current indications for PEHR surgery and highlights an interesting discordance between radiographic recurrence and the initial defect encountered during evaluation. Major limitations in research will be outlined, such as the difficulty of following these patients for extended periods given the extremes of age at which this condition typically presents. Finally, much of this review will focus on elective laparoscopic PEHR, as this is now the accepted modality and setting for initially treating a symptomatic PEH due to superior effects on post-operative pain, morbidity, and recovery by experienced surgeons.
COVID-19 therapies: do we see substantial progress?
Authors: Matusewicz Lucyna , Golec Marlena , Czogalla Aleksander , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz , Konka Adam , Zembala-John Joanna , Sikorski Aleksander F.
Published: May 2022

The appearance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its spread all over the world is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has recently resulted in almost 400 million confirmed cases and 6 million deaths, not to mention unknown long-term or persistent side effects in convalescent individuals. In this short review, we discuss approaches to treat COVID-19 that are based on current knowledge of the mechanisms of viral cell receptor recognition, virus–host membrane fusion, and inhibition of viral RNA and viral assembly. Despite enormous progress in antiviral therapy and prevention, new effective therapies are still in great demand.
Receiving screened donor human milk for their infant supports parental wellbeing: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Brown A. , Shenker N.
Published: May 2022

Background

Access to donor human milk (DHM) has primarily been based on the health and development outcomes of premature infants but there has been little examination of the broader impact of an infant receiving it upon parental mental health. Breastfeeding and mental health are closely tied with women who experience breastfeeding difficulties or are unable to meet their own breastfeeding goals often experiencing feelings of guilt, sadness and anger, alongside an increased risk of postnatal depression. The aim of the current study was to explore how experience of receiving DHM for their baby affected the wellbeing of parents.

Methods

UK parents of infants aged 0 – 12 months who had received screened DHM from a milk bank (typically on the neonatal unit or in some cases in the community) completed an online questionnaire exploring their experiences. The questionnaire included Likert scale items examining perceived impact upon infant health, own wellbeing and family functioning alongside open-ended questions exploring perceptions of how receiving DHM affected wellbeing.

Results

Almost all of the 107 participants (women = 102) agreed that receiving DHM had a positive impact upon infant health and development, their own mental and physical health, and their family’s wellbeing. Parents felt relieved that their infant was receiving DHM for health reasons but also due to the experience of being listened to, supported and having their infant feeding decisions facilitated. Receiving DHM helped mothers to process some of their emotions at not being able to breastfeed, in part because knowing their baby was being fed gave them the space to focus on recovery and bonding with their baby. Some parents did experience challenges, feeling guilty at receiving DHM, insecure that another woman was able to feed their baby when they could not, or negative reactions from family. Although the impact of receiving DHM upon breastfeeding was not measured, some women who were working to build their own milk supply noted that it helped motivate them to continue.

Conclusions

DHM may play an important role not only in protecting infant health and development but in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of mothers for whom their infant receiving human milk is important.
Nitric-Oxide Synthase trafficking inducer (NOSTRIN) is an emerging negative regulator of colon cancer progression
Authors: Paul Madhurima , Gope Tamal Kanti , Das Priyanka , Ain Rupasri
Published: May 2022

Background

NOSTRIN, abundantly expressed in colon, was reported to be anti-angiogenic, anti-invasive and anti-inflammatory. NOSTRIN expression was inversely related to survival of pancreatic ductal adeno-carcinoma patients. Yet its function and regulatory mechanism in CRC remains elusive.

Methods

NOSTRIN’s influence on EMT of CRC cells were analysed using realtime PCR array containing the functional EMT-transcriptome followed by western blotting. Regulation of oncogenic potential of CRC cells by NOSTRIN was elucidated using soft agar colony formation, trans-well invasion, wound healing and colonosphere formation assays. Biochemical assays were used to reveal mechanism of NOSTRIN function. Human CRC tissue array was used to test NOSTRIN mark in control and CRC disease stages.

Results

We showed here that CRC cell lines with less NOSTRIN expression has more invasive and migratory potential. NOSTRIN affected EMT-associated transcriptome of CRC cells by down regulating 33 genes that were functionally annotated to transcription factors, genes important for cell growth, proliferation, migration, cell adhesion and cytoskeleton regulators in CRC cells. NOSTRIN over-expression significantly reduced soft agar colony formation, wound healing and cell invasion. In line with this, RNA interference of Nostrin enhanced metastatic potential of CRC cells. Furthermore, stable overexpression of NOSTRIN in CRC cell line not only curtailed its ability to form colonosphere but also decreased expression of stemness markers CD133, CD44 and EpCAM. NOSTRIN’s role in inhibiting self-renewal was further confirmed using BrdU incorporation assay. Interestingly, NOSTRIN formed immune-complex with Cdk1 in CRC cells and aided in increase of inhibitory Y15 and T14 phosphorylation of Cdk1 that halts cytokinesis. These ex vivo findings were substantiated using human colon cancer tissue array containing cDNAs from patients’ samples with various stages of disease progression. Significant decrease in NOSTRIN expression was found with initiation and progression of advanced colon cancer disease stages.

Conclusion

We illustrate function of a novel molecule, NOSTRIN in curtailing EMT and maintenance of CRC cell stemness. Our data validates importance of NOSTRIN mark during onset and disease progression of CRC indicating its diagnostic potential.
Depth of field and visual performance after implantation of a new hydrophobic trifocal intraocular lens
Authors: Palomino-Bautista Carlos , Cerviño Alejandro , Cuiña-Sardiña Ricardo , Carmona-Gonzalez David , Castillo-Gomez Alfredo , Sanchez-Jean Ruben
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess the depth of field (DOF) by means of defocus curve analysis applying different visual acuity criteria in patients following cataract surgery and bilateral implantation of a new trifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL).

Methods

Fifty eyes of 25 consecutive patients who underwent implantation of the Asqelio™ trifocal IOL (AST Products Inc., USA) were enrolled in this observational prospective study. Monocular subjective DOF was obtained from defocus curves with absolute and relative criteria of tolerance for different visual acuities values. Patient’s visual satisfaction, postoperative refraction and visual acuity at far, intermediate (67 cm) and near (40 cm) distances were also measured at 1 and 3-months post-surgery. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in refractive error after the surgical procedure, and paired t-tests were used to assess differences in VA. Patient satisfaction results were reported as percentages.

Results

Spherical equivalent was 0.05 ± 0.23 D and residual cylinder 0.01 ± 0.23 D 3-months after the surgery. Absolute DOF obtained was 3.29 ± 0.91 D considering 0.1 LogMAR as cut-off value, and 4.82 ± 0.69 D when 0.3 logMAR as cutoff value. Relative DOF considering a drop of 0.1 logMAR from maximum visual acuity was 2.57 ± 0.82 D, and 1.27 ± 0.70 D when a drop of 0.04 logMAR was considered. Visual acuities obtained 3-months after the surgery were 0.03 ± 0.13, − 0.05 ± 0.06, 0.03 ± 0.08 and 0.04 ± 0.08 logMAR for uncorrected and best-corrected for distance, and best distance-corrected for intermediate and near distances, respectively. Average response to visual satisfaction queries was 8.24/10 at distance, 8.04/10 at intermediate, and 7.88/10 at near.

Conclusions

Patients implanted with this trifocal IOL showed a significant improvement in visual acuity at different distances providing wide absolute and relative DOF values. The outcomes demonstrate that this lens is predictable yielding good patient satisfaction rates.
The effect of A2E on lysosome membrane permeability during blue light-induced human RPEs apoptosis
Authors: Xu Yan , Li Dan , Su Gang , Cai Shanjun
Published: May 2022

Background

To investigate the effect of N-retinyl-N-retinylidene ethanolamine (A2E) on lysosome membrane permeability (LMP) during blue light-induced human retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPEs) apoptosis.

Methods

By building an A2E and blue light irradiation inducing RPEs damage model, the CCK-8 assay was used to detect RPEs viability loaded with different concentrations of A2E after different culturing time to determine the optimum A2E loading concentration. And the RPEs fluorescence intensity changes were observed by fluorescence microscopy loaded with different concentration of A2E. The RPEs were divided into four groups randomly: control group, A2E-loaded group, blue light irradiation group, and A2E-loaded + blue light irradiation group. Annexin V-FITC/PI and TUNEL/DAPI methods were used to detect RPEs apoptotic rate. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was used to observe RPEs LMP changes stained by acridine orange (AO) method.

Results

The CCK-8 result showed a downward trend in cells viability of RPEs loaded with increasing concentration of A2E and extending culturing time. The optimum A2E loading concentration was determined at 25 μmol/L. With increasing A2E loading concentrations, the intensity of fluorescence in RPEs decreased gradually. The RPEs apoptotic rate in blue light irradiation + A2E-loaded group was significantly higher than those in other three groups detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI method, which was similar to TUNEL/DAPI’s result. After AO staining, cytoplasmic and nucleolar RNAs emits green fluorescence; lysosomes emit red fluorescence. Through the interference of A2E and blue light on RPEs, red fluorescent leakage from the lysosomes (means LMP increasing) can be observed. The mean red fluorescence intensity was chosen as the statistics indicator to estimate LMP change in RPEs cultured in vitro. Compared with the control group, the red fluorescence intensity decreased in A2E-loaded group, blue light irradiation group, and blue light irradiation + A2E-loaded group. Meanwhile, the mean red fluorescence intensity in blue light irradiation + A2E-loaded group was the lowest.

Conclusions

Both A2E-loaded and blue light irradiation could induce human RPEs apoptosis, and the two factors had a synergistic effect. In addition, both A2E and blue light can lead to LMP increasing, which indicated LMP change might be the upstream part in inducing mitochondrion-dependent apoptotic pathway. These data provided evidence that A2E as the most important auto-fluorescence substance in lipofuscin is an initiator of blue light-mediated damage of RPEs and participate in pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases in humans.
Qualitative comparative analysis of the implementation fidelity of a workplace sedentary reduction intervention
Authors: Leonard Krista S. , Mullane Sarah L. , Golden Caitlin A. , Rydell Sarah A. , Mitchell Nathan R. , Koskan Alexis , Estabrooks Paul A. , Pereira Mark A. , Buman Matthew P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Stand and Move at Work was a 12-month, multicomponent, peer-led (intervention delivery personnel) worksite intervention to reduce sedentary time. Although successful, the magnitude of reduced sedentary time varied by intervention worksite. The purpose of this study was to use a qualitative comparative analysis approach to examine potential explanatory factors that could distinguish higher from lower performing worksites based on reduced sedentary time.

Methods

We assessed 12-month changes in employee sedentary time objectively using accelerometers at 12 worksites. We ranked worksites based on the magnitude of change in sedentary time and categorized sites as higher vs. lower performing. Guided by the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, we created an indicator of intervention fidelity related to adherence to the protocol and competence of intervention delivery personnel (i.e., implementer). We then gathered information from employee interviews and surveys as well as delivery personnel surveys. These data were aggregated, entered into a truth table (i.e., a table containing implementation construct presence or absence), and used to examine differences between higher and lower performing worksites.

Results

There were substantive differences in the magnitude of change in sedentary time between higher (-75.2 min/8 h workday, CI95: -93.7, -56.7) and lower (-30.3 min/8 h workday, CI95: -38.3, -22.7) performing worksites. Conditions that were present in all higher performing sites included implementation of indoor/outdoor walking route accessibility, completion of delivery personnel surveys, and worksite culture supporting breaks (i.e., adherence to protocol). A similar pattern was found for implementer willingness to continue role and employees using face-to-face interaction/stair strategies (i.e., delivery personnel competence). However, each of these factors were also present in some of the lower performing sites suggesting we were unable to identify sufficient conditions to predict program success.

Conclusions

Higher intervention adherence and implementer competence is necessary for greater program success. These findings illustrate the need for future research to identify what factors may influence intervention fidelity, and in turn, effectiveness.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02566317. Registered 2 October 2015, first participant enrolled 11 January 2016.