bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masculinity, cancel culture and woke capitalism: Exploring Twitter response to Brendan Leipsic’s leaked conversation
Authors: Sailofsky Daniel
Published: August 2021

On 6 May 2020, photos were leaked from a conversation in which Brendan Leipsic of the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals, his brother Jeremy of the University of Manitoba Bisons and several others made vulgar, misogynistic comments about women and about other hockey players’ girlfriends and wives. Following the release of the conversation and the subsequent dismissal of both Leipsic brothers from their respective teams, many took to Twitter to explain their thoughts on this situation. This study analyses nearly 1000 Twitter replies to the Leipsic situation and explores how these responses are shaped by questions of masculinity, accountability, legality, privacy and hockey culture. Contrasting responses to both the scandal and the institutional response to it are emblematic of larger contemporary questions regarding narratives of ‘cancel culture’, ‘woke capitalism’, acceptable masculinities and interactions between them.
The COVID-19 border closure to India: Would an Australian Human Rights Act have made a difference?
Authors: Chen Bruce
Published: August 2021

In late April 2021, the Commonwealth government determined to prohibit overseas travellers who had been in India from returning to Australia, subjecting them to heavy penalties for breach. This measure was controversial and unprecedented in Australia’s response to COVID-19, drawing sharp criticism for breaching human rights. This article analyses the human rights issues arising under the Health Minister’s determination, and the ensuing Federal Court case of Newman v Minister for Health and Aged Care. Against the backdrop of a renewed push for a national Human Rights Act, it finds that a national Human Rights Act could have made a difference.
Predictors of functioning and clinical outcomes in inpatient with schizophrenia on clozapine augmented with antipsychotics
Authors: Mukherjee Hindol , Sazhin Vladimir
Published: August 2021

Objective:

We aimed at exploring predictors of improvement in clinical and functional outcomes of patients on clozapine with chronic treatment-resistant schizophrenia admitted into rehabilitation wards.

Method

In a cross-sectional study of 62 patients on clozapine augmented with oral and parenteral antipsychotics, predictors of HoNOS (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales) scores were analysed using ordinal logistic regression.

Result:

Augmentation with parenteral antipsychotics was associated with lower psychotic symptom scores (OR 0.38 [95%CI 0.15, 0.99]) and activity of daily living scores (OR 0.36 [95%CI, 0.13, 0.96]) compared with oral antipsychotics. Increased age was a predictor of behavioural disturbances, physical illness and cognitive problems for all clozapine patients, and female gender was associated with the increase in depression scores.

Conclusion:

The addition of parental antipsychotics to clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia might have potential benefits for clinical and functional outcomes and needs a further investigation.
Comprehensive predictive control for vibration suppression based on piecewise constant input formulation
Authors: Takamoto Ikuya , Abe Mizuki , Hara Yushin , Otsuka Keisuke , Makihara Kanjuro
Published: August 2021

We propose a novel semi-active vibration suppression method based on model predictive control (MPC). Semi-active vibration suppression provides excellent damping performance, energy consumption, and stability during control. As the semi-active control input is often discontinuous, it may be difficult to predict. Hence, we combine semi-active vibration suppression and MPC to determine the control input trajectory arbitrarily. The proposed method, called predictive switching based on piecewise constant input (PSPCI), assumes that the piezoelectric charge remains constant when the control circuit is in the open state. Under this assumption, the future system state can be predicted for semi-active vibration suppression while reducing the computational load. The PSPCI method predicts the future work done by the transducer and effectively suppresses vibrations. Its effectiveness and robustness are demonstrated through simulations and experiments. The proposed PSPCI method enables the prediction of the semi-active control input and diversifies the control input determination for effective semi-active vibration suppression.
A problem of thermo-magnetoelasticity for a system of parallel electrical conductors by Cartesian harmonic polynomials and rational functions
Authors: El Sheshtawy S. M. , Abdusalam H. A. , Abou-Dina M. S. , Rawy E. K.
Published: August 2021

A method proposed earlier, relying on the use of harmonic Cartesian polynomial and rational functions, is extended here to find a semi-analytical solution to the uncoupled, two-dimensional problem of thermo-magnetoelasticity for a system of long parallel, non-intersecting, transversely isotropic elastic cylindrical electrical conductors. Results are presented for two conductors of equal circular normal cross-sections carrying currents of equal densities flowing along the same direction, subjected to Robin-type thermal boundary conditions. Quantities of practical interest are represented graphically and discussed. Consideration of a system of electrical conductors is of practical importance in power plants and in various technological instruments, where it is required to assess the interaction between conductors. The obtained formulas for the magnetic vector potential may be of importance for the determination of the coefficients of self- and mutual inductance of long electric conductors, otherwise difficult to calculate by standard methods. Comparing the results with those of a single conductor allows us to assess the interaction between conductors.
Case report: End of life care via a mid-thigh femoral midline catheter
Authors: Ostroff Matthew , Aberger Kate , Moureau Nancy
Published: August 2021

Maintaining peripheral vascular access represents a major challenge for medical providers and patients leading to the emergence of ultrasound guided vascular access teams. Upper extremity peripheral vascular access options are often limited in the chronically ill patient population with end stage cancer, patients with severe contractures, tracheostomies, and feeding tubes and patients referred for palliative care are just some examples of patients who live with difficult access. The following is a case description of a mid-thigh superficial femoral vein midline catheter for comfort care medications in a patient with exhausted peripheral vasculature on hospice.
Nutrition Knowledge is Associated With the Consumption of Iron Rich Foods: A Survey Among Pregnant Women From a Rural District in Northern Ghana
Authors: Adjei-Banuah Nhyira Yaw , Aduah Victor Abugah , Ziblim Shamsu-Deen , Ayanore Martin Amogre , Amalba Anthony , Mogre Victor
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Iron deficiency anaemia is an international public health concern and pregnant women are at an increased risk. We investigated the consumption of iron rich foods and associated factors among pregnant women in a rural district from Ghana.

Methods:

Following a cross-sectional design, dietary intake of iron rich foods was obtained from 252 pregnant women using a 24-hour recall food check list. Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and socio-demographic characteristics were also assessed.

Findings:

Participants had a mean (SD) knowledge score of 54.66 (22.74)%. About 73% of the participants had heard about iron-deficiency anaemia. Only 16.3% of the participants knew foods that help the body to absorb and use iron while 9.1% knew beverages that decrease iron absorption. About 71% of the participants ate fish and/or seafood while 67.1% of them ate green leafy vegetables. Only 4.4% of the participants ate organ meat, and 29% took flesh meat. Only 22.4% of the study participants usually drank coffee or tea while 78.2% ate vitamin C-rich foods. With regards to attitudes, 88.5% of the participants perceived anaemia to be a serious disease. Nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with the consumption of iron rich foods (β = .02; 95% CI = 0.01-0.02).

Conclusion:

Nutrition knowledge may be an important determinant of the consumption of iron rich foods among pregnant women making it necessary for healthcare providers to continue to provide nutrition education to pregnant women during routine antenatal care.
Predictors of blunt diaphragm injury in Australia
Authors: Cocco Annelise M , Ratnaraj Vignesh , Loveday Benjamin PT , Gumm Kellie , Antippa Phillip , McCormick Jacob J , Read David , Thomson Benjamin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Blunt diaphragm injury (BDI) is an uncommon, potentially fatal consequence of blunt torso injury. While associations between BDI and other factors such as mechanism of injury or other injuries have been described elsewhere, little recent research has been done in Australia into BDI. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence rate of BDI in our centre, identify how it was diagnosed, determine rates of missed injury and identify predictive factors for BDI. The hypothesis was that patients with BDI would significantly differ to those without BDI.

Methods

All major trauma patients with blunt torso injuries at our Level 1 major trauma service from 2010 to 2018 were included. Data for patient demographics, other injuries, diagnosis and treatment of BDI were extracted. Patients with BDI were compared with patients without BDI in order to identify differences that could be used to predict BDI in future patients.

Results

Of 5190 patients with a blunt torso injury, 51 (0.98%) had a BDI at a mean age of 53 ± 19.6 years, and median Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 27(IQR 21–38.5) compared with 5139 patients with a mean age of 48.2 ± 20.7 years and median ISS of 21.9(IQR 14–26) who did not have a BDI. The diagnosis of BDI was made at CT ( n = 35), surgery ( n = 14) or autopsy ( n = 2). Blunt diaphragm injury was missed on index imaging for 11 of 43 patients (25.6%). On multivariate analysis, each point increase in ISS (OR 1.03, p = 0.02); rib fractures (OR 4.65, p = 0.004); splenic injury (OR 2.60, p = 0.004); and liver injury (OR 2.78, p = 0.003) were independently associated with BDI.

Conclusion

Injury Severity Score, rib fractures and solid abdominal organ injury increase the likelihood of BDI. In patients with these injuries, BDI should be considered even in the presence of normal CT findings.
Italian youth mobility: The case for a Mediterranean model of ‘family-centred’ mobile transitions
Authors: Marchetti Giulia , Baldassar Loretta , Harris Anita , Robertson Shanthi
Published: August 2021

This article seeks to advance our understanding of contemporary transnational youth mobility, drawing on the concept ‘mobile transitions’ to explore scholarly approaches to the mobility practices of young Italians moving abroad. We present a critical literature review of the intersections of migration, youth and transition studies to argue that the literature on youth transnational mobility currently features two contrasting models comprising a ‘transitions-focused’ Global South model and an ‘experiential-focused’ Global North model. This bifurcation fails to account for emergent regional models of mobility that may help to sharpen scholarly understandings of a new generation of youth ‘on the move’. We propose an alternative model positioned somewhere along the spectrum between the Global North and Global South models, which we define as the Mediterranean model of ‘family-centred’ transnational youth mobility. This model reflects aspects of both privileged, experiential youth migrations, which tend to undervalue the impact on transitions to adulthood, and economically driven youth migrations, which tend to focus more directly on the economic dimensions of youth to adulthood transitions. The Mediterranean model highlights more broadly how mobility enables and shapes transitions, which are simultaneously driven by both economic imperatives and individual experiential desires, and mediated through family and culture.
A Brand Like a Friend—How Brand Likeability Influences Brand Perception
Authors: Ohlwein Martin , Bruno Pascal
Published: August 2021

Being the customer’s friend is considered an advantageous position for a brand. To achieve this position, brand likeability, that is, the degree of perceived appeal a customer has for a brand, plays an important role. Research suggests that satisfaction and loyalty are outcomes of likeability. However, little is known about its influence on perceptions of objective brand attributes. The present study uncovers that brand likeability positively influences both product quality and price fairness. Moreover, likeability affects loyalty, both directly and mediated by the constructs of product quality, price fairness, and satisfaction. Thus, achieving likeability as a brand can be regarded as a key task of brand management. If a brand is perceived as likeable, the chances that customers will be willing to accept a price premium and overlook qualitative shortcomings of a product are higher.
Bone marrow donation in Poland: 2021 update, and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Janowiak-Majeranowska Aleksandra , Lebiedziński Filip , Majeranowski Alan
Published: August 2021

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a treatment modality that saves the health and lives of a growing number of patients around the world. In the majority of cases, the procedure is conducted to treat haematologic neoplasms, although it can also be used as a therapy for some non-haematooncological diseases. The progress that has been taking place in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation involves the need for recruiting more and more potential unrelated bone marrow donors for allotransplantation. In Poland, the number of people registering as potential bone marrow donors has been continuously growing and in order to maintain this trend, it is necessary, above all, to consistently spread the noble idea of bone marrow donation and to raise Poles’ awareness and knowledge about haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Unfortunately, the situation caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic limited the opportunities to act in public space and, as a consequence, it has become more difficult to achieve the objectives associated with recruiting new potential donors. The article provides a presentation of ethical and practical aspects associated with bone marrow donations as well as an overview of the legal situation concerning bone marrow donating and transplantation in Poland. The purpose of the paper is to also present some of the changes in transplantation procedures that have emerged as a consequence of the current epidemiological situation. The authors would like to emphasize the importance and the rightfulness of taking action that enables further development of transplantology.
Simulation of coupled transient heat and water vapor transfer in porous fiber membrane with different fiber orientations and porosity
Authors: Gu Haihong , Gao Li , Li Guoqing , Li Ni , Xiong Jie
Published: August 2021

The transfer process of heat and water vapor in a porous fiber membrane was investigated through the simulation of a 3D model for optimizing the configuration design. 3D models with different fiber orientations and porosity were constructed by the parameter input method, and the accuracy of the model was validated by the coefficient of determination (R2) between the apparent velocity of the model and the air permeability of the membrane. The permeability of 3D model was used to reflect the discrepancy in fiber orientation of the model. The influences of fiber orientation and porosity on heat and water vapor transfer were surveyed by the coupled physics of heat transfer and dilute substance transfer. Since there was no temperature difference in the entire domain, heat conduction (10−9 W/m2) and moisture convection (10−14 mol·m−2·s−1) were faint in the model. With the diffusion of water vapor in the moisture, the heat convection flux and water vapor diffusion flux gradually decreased and reached equilibrium. When the permeability was increased by adjusting the fiber orientation (from 1.002 to 1.200 m2), the heat convection flux and water vapor diffusion flux followed a similar growth pattern due to the coupling effect of heat transfer and water vapor transfer. The R2 for the heat convection flux and water vapor transmission rate of the simulations and experiments with different porosity (44.87, 47.64 and 50.15%) were 0.999 and 0.923, respectively, which demonstrated the validation of the simulation in heat and water vapor transfer.
Low Expression of KAT6B May Affect Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Wang Hui-Ju , Mou Xiao-Zhou , Zhang Huanqing , Chen YiZhen , Hu Zhi-Ming
Published: August 2021

Aims:

Lysine acetyltransferase 6B (KAT6B), is a histone acetyltransferase implicated to have a role in tumor suppression. However, the relationship between KAT6B and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to detect the expression of KAT6B in HCC tissues and analyze its connection with the clinicopathological features of HCC.

Methods:

First, we performed immunohistochemical staining on 250 HCC tissues and 222 non-tumor liver tissues to examine the expression of KAT6B.Then the relation between KAT6B expression and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed by chi-square test, and the overall survival analysis was conducted by Kaplan-Meier survival method. In addition, based on the Oncomine expression array online and the UALCAN database, we compared KAT6B expression differences between normal liver tissues and HCC tissues more broadly.

Results:

Compared with normal tissues, KAT6B expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues. Low KAT6B expression was found to be related to gender, AFP level, and tumor size. According to the online database, KAT6B expression was found to be decreased in HCC tissues and high in normal tissues.

Conclusions:

Lower expression of KAT6B is associated with poor prognosis of HCC, and KAT6B may be a potential tumor suppressor in liver cancer.
Machine learning prediction of diabetic foot ulcers in the inpatient population
Authors: Stefanopoulos Stavros , Ayoub Samar , Qiu Qiong , Ren Gang , Osman Mohamed , Nazzal Munier , Ahmed Ayman
Published: August 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to create an algorithm that could predict diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) incidence in the in-patient population.

Materials and Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample datasets were examined from 2008 to 2014. The International Classification of Diseases 9th Edition Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality comorbidity codes were used to assist in the data collection. Chi-square testing was conducted, using variables that positively correlated with DFUs. For descriptive statistics, the Student T-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and chi-square test were used. There were six predictive variables that were identified. A decision tree model CTREE was utilized to help develop an algorithm.

Results

326,853 patients were noted to have DFU. The major variables that contributed to this diagnosis (both with p < 0.001) were cellulitis (OR 63.87, 95% CI [63.87–64.49]) and Charcot joint (OR 25.64, 95% CI [25.09–26.20]). The model performance of the six-variable testing data was 79.5% (80.6% sensitivity and 78.3% specificity). The area under the curve (AUC) for the 6-variable model was 0.88.

Conclusion

We developed an algorithm with a 79.8% accuracy that could predict the likelihood of developing a DFU.
They Are Not Little Emperors: Only Children Are Just as Altruistic as Non-Only Children
Authors: Zheng Xuegang , Su Qianru , Jing Changyu , Zhang Yang-Yang
Published: August 2021

Negative stereotypes about only children (OC) have caused widespread concern. However, relatively little is known about the accuracy of these stereotypes, especially regarding altruistic behaviors. In Study 1 ( N = 337), participants rated the altruism of OC and non-only children (NOC) on three measurements on the basis of the participants’ perceptions. Results revealed that participants rated OC as less altruistic, and the stereotype primarily came from NOC raters. Results of Study 2 ( N = 391) did not reveal any difference between OC and NOC in altruism. In Study 3 ( N = 99), a social discounting task was applied to further investigate whether OC and NOC displayed different degrees of altruistic behavior toward various social distances. No differences were found among individuals at close or distant social distances. Ultimately, this research indicates that the negative stereotype regarding the altruistic behavior of OC is an incorrect prejudice.
Status of pulmonary fungal pathogens among individuals with clinical features of pulmonary tuberculosis at Mbarara University Teaching Hospital in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Njovu Israel Kiiza , Musinguzi Benson , Mwesigye James , Kassaza Kennedy , Turigurwa Joseph , Nuwagira Edwin , Bazira Joel , Kabanda Taseera , Mpeirwe Moses , Ampaire Lucas , Mutekanga Andrew , Kiguli James , Achan Beatrice , Itabangi Herbert
Published: August 2021

Background:

Pulmonary mycoses are important diseases of the respiratory tract caused by pulmonary fungal pathogens. These pathogens are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality rates worldwide; however, less attention has been paid to them. In this study we determined the prevalence of pulmonary fungal pathogens among individuals with clinical features of pulmonary tuberculosis at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.

Method:

This was a hospital based cross sectional survey. Sputum samples were collected from each study participant. For each sample, the following tests were performed: Sabouraud dextrose agar for fungal culture, GeneXpert for Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTB) and potassium hydroxide for fungal screening. Filamentous fungal growth and yeasts were further examined with lactophenol cotton blue staining and germ tube respectively.

Results:

Out of 113 study participants, 80 (70.7%) had pulmonary fungal pathogens whilst those with pulmonary tuberculosis numbered five (4.4%). Candida albicans [21 (22.58%)] and Aspergillus species [16 (17.20%)] were the pathogens most identified among others. Two (1.7%) TB GeneXpert positive participants had fungal pathogens isolated from their sputum samples. We established a prevalence of 57 (71.3%) for pulmonary fungal pathogen (PFP) isolates, three (60.0%) for MTB in HIV positive patients and 18 (22.5%) for PFP, and zero (0.0%) for MTB in HIV negative patients. On the other hand, two (100%) HIV positive patients had both PFP isolates and MTB.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight the diversity of neglected pulmonary fungal pathogens whose known medical importance in causing pulmonary mycoses cannot be overemphasised. Therefore this presents a need for routine diagnosis for pulmonary mycoses among TB suspects and set-up of antimicrobial profile for pulmonary fungal isolates to support clinical management of these cases.
A novel hypokalaemic polymyopathy and subsequent unrelated nutritional thiamine deficiency in a young Burmese cat
Authors: Brough Abigail , Duchaussoy Anne-Claire
Published: August 2021

Case summary

An 8-month-old female spayed Burmese cat was referred for investigation of reduced appetite, reluctance to walk and jump and amaurosis. On serum biochemistry there was severe hypokalaemia and marked elevation of creatine kinase, suggestive of hypokalaemic polymyopathy. The neurological signs were consistent with thiamine deficiency. The cat was negative for the periodic hypokalaemic polymyopathy (PHP) of Burmese cats, and was ultimately diagnosed with a previously undescribed potassium wasting nephropathy requiring ongoing oral potassium supplementation. The response to treatment was excellent and the cat has remained clinically normal over a 12-month follow-up period.

Relevance and novel information

PHP in Burmese cats has been well described, but all cases to date have been shown to be secondary to a genetic mutation in WNK4, resulting in potassium wasting into the urine. This is the first case report of another potassium wasting nephropathy in a young Burmese cat, with subsequent development of nutritional thiamine deficiency.
Qualitative exploration of digital chatbot use in medical education: A pilot study
Authors: Kaur Anjuli , Singh Sid , Chandan Joht S , Robbins Tim , Patel Vinod
Published: August 2021

Purpose

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, face-to-face teaching has been severely disrupted and limited for medical students internationally. This study explores the views of medical students and academic medical staff regarding the suitability and limitations, of a bespoke chatbot tool to support medical education.

Methods

Five focus groups, with a total of 16 participants, were recruited using a convenience sample. The participants included medical students across all year groups and academic staff. The pre-determined focus group topic guide explored how chatbots can augment existing teaching practices. A thematic analysis was conducted using the transcripts to determine key themes.

Results

Thematic analysis identified five main themes: (1) chatbot use as a clinical simulation tool; (2) chatbot use as a revision tool; (3) differential usefulness by medical school year group; (4) standardisation of education and assessment; (5) challenges of use and implementation.

Conclusions

Both staff and students have clear benefits from using chatbots in medical education. However, they documented possible limitations to their use. The creation of chatbots to support the medical curriculum should be further explored and urgently evaluated to assess their impact on medical students training both during and after the global pandemic.
Minimally Invasive vs. Open Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Patients with Diabetes – A Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network Study
Authors: Hathi Kalpesh , Bigney Erin , Richardson Eden , Alugo Tolu , El-Mughayyar Dana , Vandewint Amanda , Manson Neil , Abraham Edward , Small Chris , Thomas Kenneth , Fisher Charles G. , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Hall Hamilton , McIntosh Greg , Johnson Michael G. , Bailey Christopher S. , Weber Michael H. , Paquet Jerome , Kingwell Stephen , Nataraj Andrew , Finkelstein Joel , Kelly Adrienne , Attabib Najmedden
Published: August 2021

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Objectives

To compare outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) vs open surgery (OPEN) for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in patients with diabetes.

Methods

Patients with diabetes who underwent spinal decompression alone or with fusion for LSS within the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network (CSORN) database were included. MIS vs OPEN outcomes were compared for 2 cohorts: (1) patients with diabetes who underwent decompression alone (N = 116; MIS n = 58 and OPEN n = 58), (2) patients with diabetes who underwent decompression with fusion (N = 108; MIS n = 54 and OPEN n = 54). Modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI) and back and leg pain were compared at baseline, 6–18 weeks, and 1-year post-operation. The number of patients meeting minimum clinically important difference (MCID) or minimum pain/disability at 1-year was compared.

Results

MIS approaches had less blood loss (decompression alone difference 100 mL, P = .002; with fusion difference 244 mL, P < .001) and shorter length of stay (LOS) (decompression alone difference 1.2 days, P = .008; with fusion difference 1.2 days, P = .026). MIS compared to OPEN decompression with fusion had less patients experiencing adverse events (AEs) (difference 13 patients, P = .007). The MIS decompression with fusion group had lower 1-year mODI (difference 14.5, 95% CI [7.5, 21.0], P < .001) and back pain (difference 1.6, 95% CI [.6, 2.7], P = .002) compared to OPEN. More patients in the MIS decompression with fusion group exceeded MCID at 1-year for mODI (MIS 75.9% vs OPEN 53.7%, P = .028) and back pain (MIS 85.2% vs OPEN 70.4%, P = .017).

Conclusions

MIS approaches were associated with more favorable outcomes for patients with diabetes undergoing decompression with fusion for LSS.
Evaluation of Osseous Incorporation After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: Correlation of Computed Tomography Parameters With Patient-Reported Outcomes
Authors: Anderson Devon E. , Bogner Eric A. , Schiffman Scott R. , Rodeo Scott A. , Wiedrick Jack , Crawford Dennis C.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Studies have reported favorable clinical outcomes after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation to treat osteochondral defects and have demonstrated that healing of the osseous component may be critical to outcomes. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal modality to evaluate osseous healing.

Purpose:

To define parameters for OCA healing using computed tomography (CT) and to investigate whether osseous healing identified using CT is correlated with improved pain and function on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) collected closest in time to the postoperative CT scan and at final follow-up.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Of 118 patients who underwent OCA transplantation for articular cartilage defects of the knee over the 10-year study period, 60 were included in final analysis based on completion of CT scans at 5.8 ± 1.9 months postoperatively and PROs collected preoperatively and postoperatively. CT parameters, including osseous incorporation, bone density, subchondral bone congruency, and cystic changes, were summarized for each patient relative to the cohort. Parameters were assessed for inter- and intrarater reliability as well as for covariation with patient characteristics and surgical variables. Structural equation modeling was used to assess correlation of CT parameters with change in PROs from preoperatively to those collected closest in time to CT acquisition and at the final follow-up.

Results:

Bone incorporation was the most reliable CT parameter. The summarized scores for CT scans were normally distributed across the study population. Variance in CT parameters was independent of age, sex, body mass index, prior surgery, number of grafts, lesion size, and location. No significant correlation ( P > .12 across all comparisons) was identified for any combination of CT parameter and change in PROs from baseline for outcomes collected either closest to CT acquisition or at the final follow-up (mean, 38.2 ± 19.9 months; range, 11.6-84.9 months). There was a uniformly positive association between change in PROs and host bone density but not graft bone density, independent of patient characteristics and surgical factors.

Conclusion:

CT parameters were independent of clinical or patient variables within the study population, and osseous incorporation was the most reliable CT parameter. Metrics collected from a single postoperative CT scan was not correlated with clinical outcomes at ≥6-month longitudinal follow-up.
Cancer Treatment During COVID-19: A Qualitative Analysis of Patient-Perceived Risks and Experiences with Virtual Care
Authors: Gotlib Conn Lesley , Tahmasebi Houman , Meti Nicholas , Wright Frances C. , Thawer Alia , Cheung Matthew , Singh Simron
Published: August 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most cancer centers shifted from in-person to virtual cancer care to curb community spread and ensure care continuity. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand cancer patient-perceived risks related to COVID-19 and cancer treatment, as well as the patient-perceived and experienced value of virtual care. From June to August 2020, focus groups were conducted with patients under active management or observation for a diagnosed malignancy in Toronto, Canada. A thematic analysis of six focus groups found that most participants worried more about treatment delays than they did about COVID-19 infection. Despite some concern about COVID-19 exposure in the hospital, care delays contributed to increased anxiety among participants who already subscribed to strict safety measures in their everyday lives. Most participants accepted virtual care for some appointment types; however, preference for in-person care was found to sustain the humanistic and therapeutic aspects of cancer care that many participants valued. Nuances in the appropriateness and adequacy of virtual cancer care still need exploration. Preserving the humanistic aspects of care is of paramount importance.
Estonian young stroke registry: High burden of risk factors and high prevalence of cardioembolic and large-artery stroke
Authors: Vibo Riina , Schneider Siim , Kõrv Liisa , Mallene Sandra , Torop Liisi-Anette , Kõrv Janika
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

The aim of the present study was to assess the risk factor burden and stroke etiology of young stroke patients in Estonia and to compare the results with similar cohorts from other countries.

Methods

This study includes ischemic stroke patients aged 18–54 years from the prospective Estonian Young Stroke Registry between 2013 and 2020. All patients were managed in a stroke unit following a prespecified detailed protocol. Data on stroke risk factors, etiology, and stroke severity were analyzed.

Results

A total of 437 patients (mean age 44.7 ± 8.3 years; 62% males) were included in the registry during the 8-year study period. A total of 50.2% of patients had ≥ 3 well-documented risk factors (higher for men: odds ratio (OR) 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–8.3; p < .001) and 6.2% of patients had ≥ 3 less well-documented risk factors. While 42% of patients had undetermined cause of stroke (34% of them cryptogenic), the second most frequent etiologies were large-artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism (both 19%). 60 percent of cardioembolic strokes were due to high-risk causes. Large-artery atherosclerosis was more prevalent in men (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1–3.3; p = .05) and among older patients (OR 6.2; 95% CI 1.8–21.4; p = .008). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 3 (interquartile ranges 2–6), stroke was more severe in men ( p = .05).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that young patients with stroke in Estonia have higher burden of well-documented risk factors, higher prevalence of high-risk cardioembolic causes and higher prevalence of large-artery stroke compared to other young stroke cohorts.
Exploring a multilevel approach with spatial effects to model housing price in San José, Costa Rica
Authors: Pérez-Molina Eduardo
Published: August 2021

A multilevel model of the housing market for San José Metropolitan Region (Costa Rica) was developed, including spatial effects. The model is used to explore two main questions: the extent to which contextual (of the surroundings) and compositional (of the property itself) effects explain variation of housing prices and how does the relation between price and key covariates change with the introduction of multilevel effects. Hierarchical relations (lower level units nested into higher level) were modeled by specifying multilevel models with random intercepts and a conditional autoregressive term to include spatial effects from neighboring units at the higher level (districts). The random intercepts and conditional autoregressive models presented the best fit to the data. Variation at the higher level accounted for 16% of variance in the random intercepts model and 28% in the conditional autoregressive model. The sign and magnitude of regression coefficients proved remarkably stable across model specifications. Travel time to the city center, which presented a non-linear relation to price, was found to be the most important determinant. Multilevel and conditional autoregressive models constituted important improvements in modeling housing price, despite most of the variation still occurring at the lower level, by improving the overall model fit. They were capable of representing the regional structure and of reducing sampling bias in the data. However, the conditional autoregressive specification only represented a limited advance over the random intercepts formulation.
Spatial-temporal patterns of self-organization: A dynamic 4D model for redeveloping the post-zoning city
Authors: Levine Daphna , Sussman Shai , Aharon-Gutman Meirav
Published: August 2021

Time is the main axis for understanding the functional, economic, and social aspects of self-organized redevelopment. When such processes are intensive and are conducted contemporaneously by large numbers of urban agents on different spatial and temporal scales and as a result of different motivations, urban planning is fragmented into multiple simultaneous and unexpected projects. The post-zoning era in urban planning stemmed from a recognition of this kind of complexity of urban dynamics and the need for a flexible planning system. Web-based geographic information systems (GIS) and planning support systems (PSS) are employed widely as digital tools to support planning practices. Still, the solutions tend to be isolated implementations that do not achieve sophisticated management of the complex temporal-spatial urban dynamics of self-organization. To this end, the article presents a useful set of multidimensional (2D, 3D, and 4D) planning tools that can be implemented by municipal planning departments to improve planning practices with relative ease. This toolbox facilitates the real-time updating of changes to individual buildings and allows all parties to see where delays are occurring, where they are impacting one another, and where environments of accelerated development are evolving in nearby urban plots. Identifying redevelopment clusters enables the formulation of an urban time-based planning policy. Using a spatial-temporal toolbox for planning, we argue, can facilitate recognition of the potential of self-organization as the leading form of contemporary urban planning.
Progress in Iron Oxides Based Nanostructures for Applications in Energy Storage
Authors: Lv Linfeng , Peng Mengdi , Wu Leixin , Dong Yixiao , You Gongchuan , Duan Yixue , Yang Wei , He Liang , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: August 2021

The demand for green and efficient energy storage devices in daily life is constantly rising, which is caused by the global environment and energy problems. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), an important kind of energy storage devices, are attracting much attention. Graphite is used as LIBs anode, however, its theoretical capacity is low, so it is necessary to develop LIBs anode with higher capacity. Application strategies and research progresses of novel iron oxides and their composites as LIBs anode in recent years are summarized in this review. Herein we enumerate several typical synthesis methods to obtain a variety of iron oxides based nanostructures, such as gas phase deposition, co-precipitation, electrochemical method, etc. For characterization of the iron oxides based nanostructures, especially the in-situ X-ray diffraction and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy are elaborated. Furthermore, the electrochemical applications of iron oxides based nanostructures and their composites are discussed and summarized.

Graphic Abstract
Levels and risks of antineoplastic drugs in households of oncology patients, hospices and retirement homes
Authors: Bláhová Lucie , Kuta Jan , Doležalová Lenka , Kozáková Šárka , Hojdarová Tereza , Bláha Luděk
Published: August 2021

Background

Contamination of the indoor environment by antineoplastic drugs (ADs) is known to pose health risks to the exposed staff in hospitals or pharmacies. ADs may also contaminate households of the patients receiving chemotherapy, but the exposure levels and potential risks to family members have not been studied. The objective was to provide an in-depth research of surface contamination by ADs inside homes focusing on the households of oncology patients, hospices, and retirement houses.

Methods

The study was carried out in 17 patient households, 2 hospices, and 3 retirement homes. Surfaces were sampled using a standardized approach and the wipe samples were analyzed by UPLC–MS for 11 organic ADs and by ICP-MS/MS for total Pt as a marker of Pt-based ADs.

Results

The main study included repeated samplings of surfaces (floors, desktops) in households of 17 ambulant oncology patients receiving different chemotherapies with cyclophosphamide (CP), platinum-based drugs (Pt), doxorubicin (DOX), 5-fluorouracil (FU) and others. Patients treated with chemotherapy were found to serve as a source of contamination for their households, representing thus a risk to sensitive family members such as children or elderly people. Carcinogenic CP was commonly found at relatively high concentrations, especially during the first 6 days after the chemotherapy (maximum 511 pg/cm2). Sweat seems to be a major medium for the spread of the contamination, and high and long-time persisting CP levels (traces still found after 6 months post-chemotherapy) were found on various desktops including kitchen dining tables. The pilot studies in hospices and retirement homes indicated rather lower exposure risks of the personnel but pointed to potential long-lasting contamination by Pt or some other persistent ADs such as ifosfamide (IF).

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies investigating the contamination by ADs in indoor environments outside of hospitals or pharmacies. Peak concentrations of the carcinogenic CP in households were comparable to those observed in hospitals, but the temporal exposures are likely to cause lower risks to family members and caregivers compared to the long-time occupationally exposed health care personnel. The information guidance flier with practical recommendations was prepared improving thus information as well as prevention of eventual risks for family members.
An alternative D. melanogaster 7SK snRNP
Authors: Nguyen Duy , Buisine Nicolas , Fayol Olivier , Michels Annemieke A. , Bensaude Olivier , Price David H. , Uguen Patricia
Published: August 2021

Background

The 7SK small nuclear RNA (snRNA) found in most metazoans is a key regulator of P-TEFb which in turn regulates RNA polymerase II elongation. Although its primary sequence varies in protostomes, its secondary structure and function are conserved across evolutionary distant taxa.

Results

Here, we describe a novel ncRNA sharing many features characteristic of 7SK RNAs, in D. melanogaster. We examined the structure of the corresponding gene and determined the expression profiles of the encoded RNA, called snRNA:7SK:94F, during development. It is probably produced from the transcription of a lncRNA which is processed into a mature snRNA. We also addressed its biological function and we show that, like dm7SK, this alternative 7SK interacts in vivo with the different partners of the P-TEFb complex, i.e. HEXIM, LARP7 and Cyclin T. This novel RNA is widely expressed across tissues.

Conclusion

We propose that two distinct 7SK genes might contribute to the formation of the 7SK snRNP complex in D. melanogaster.
The genome of the extremophile Artemia provides insight into strategies to cope with extreme environments
Authors: De Vos Stephanie , Rombauts Stephane , Coussement Louis , Dermauw Wannes , Vuylsteke Marnik , Sorgeloos Patrick , Clegg James S. , Nambu Ziro , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Norouzitallab Parisa , Van Leeuwen Thomas , De Meyer Tim , Van Stappen Gilbert , Van de Peer Yves , Bossier Peter
Published: August 2021

Background

Brine shrimpArtemiahave an unequalled ability to endure extreme salinity and complete anoxia. This study aims to elucidate its strategies to cope with these stressors.

Results and discussion

Here, we present the genome of an inbredA. franciscanaKellogg, 1906. We identified 21,828 genes of which, under high salinity, 674 genes and under anoxia, 900 genes were differentially expressed (42%, respectively 30% were annotated). Under high salinity, relevant stress genes and pathways included severalHeat Shock ProteinandLeaf Embryogenesis Abundantgenes, as well as the trehalose metabolism. In addition, based on differential gene expression analysis, it can be hypothesized that a high oxidative stress response and endocytosis/exocytosis are potential salt management strategies, in addition to the expression ofmajor facilitator superfamilygenes responsible for transmembrane ion transport. Under anoxia, genes involved in mitochondrial function,mTORsignalling and autophagy were differentially expressed. Both high salt and anoxia enhanced degradation of erroneous proteins and protein chaperoning. Compared with other branchiopod genomes,Artemiahad 0.03% contracted and 6% expanded orthogroups, in which 14% of the genes were differentially expressed under high salinity or anoxia. One phospholipase D gene family, shown to be important in plant stress response, was uniquely present in both extremophilesArtemiaand the tardigradeHypsibius dujardini, yet not differentially expressed under the described experimental conditions.

Conclusions

A relatively complete genome ofArtemiawas assembled, annotated and analysed, facilitating research on its extremophile features, and providing a reference sequence for crustacean research.
Grip strength from midlife as an indicator of later-life brain health and cognition: evidence from a British birth cohort
Authors: Dercon Quentin , Nicholas Jennifer M. , James Sarah-Naomi , Schott Jonathan M. , Richards Marcus
Published: August 2021

Background

Grip strength is an indicator of physical function with potential predictive value for health in ageing populations. We assessed whether trends in grip strength from midlife predicted later-life brain health and cognition.

Methods

446 participants in an ongoing British birth cohort study, the National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), had their maximum grip strength measured at ages 53, 60–64, and 69, and subsequently underwent neuroimaging as part of a neuroscience sub-study, referred to as “Insight 46”, at age 69–71. A group-based trajectory model identified latent groups of individuals in the whole NSHD cohort with below- or above-average grip strength over time, plus a reference group. Group assignment, plus standardised grip strength levels and change from midlife were each related to measures of whole-brain volume (WBV) and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), plus several cognitive tests. Models were adjusted for sex, body size, head size (where appropriate), sociodemographics, and behavioural and vascular risk factors.

Results

Lower grip strength from midlife was associated with smaller WBV and lower matrix reasoning scores at age 69–71, with findings consistent between analysis of individual time points and analysis of trajectory groups. There was little evidence of an association between grip strength and other cognitive test scores. Although greater declines in grip strength showed a weak association with higher WMHV at age 69–71, trends in the opposite direction were seen at individual time points with higher grip strength at ages 60–64, and 69 associated with higher WMHV.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that maximum grip strength may have value in predicting brain health. Future work should assess to what extent age-related declines in grip strength from midlife reflect concurrent changes in brain structure.