bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-122-5p prevents proliferation and promotes apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells by suppressing the cellular-Abelsongene/histone deacetylases 2 pathway
Authors: Wu ZongYang , Wang JinBo , Feng JiYe , Ying LiPing
Published: March 2022

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response and the activation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) is the core of hepatic fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development of fibrosis. It is reported that histone deacetylases (HDAC2) tyrosine phosphorylation by cellular-Abelsongene (c-Abl) induces malignant growth of cells. Here, we investigated the effect of miR-122-5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs. Normal human HSC line LX-2 and LX-2 cells stimulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 for 24 h were cultured and assigned into the blank group and the TGF-β1 group. The miR-122-5p inhibitor and its negative control were transfected into LX-2 cells and miR-122-5p mimic and its negative control were transfected into LX-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β1. The result showed that miR-122-5p expression was decreased in TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells. miR-122-5p overexpression reduced the mRNA and protein levels of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin, inhibited cell proliferation, and accelerated cell apoptosis. miR-122-5p targeted c-Abl. Meanwhile, miR-122-5p overexpression inhibited HSC activation by suppressing the c-Abl/HDAC2 pathway. In summary, miR-122-5p overexpression exerted anti-fibrosis effect and inhibited HSC activation by suppressing the c-Abl/HDAC2 pathway.
Users’ needs and expectations of immersive learning spaces in an academic library: A survey
Authors: Zhu Qiandong , Xie Xiaozhen
Published: March 2022

This research aims to investigate users’ space requirements, facilities, equipment, environmental needs, management services, and food services in immersive learning space. Descriptive statistical analysis is used to study the degree of users’ demand on spatial factors of different dimensions. The influence of identity and gender on the spatial needs is measured through t-test and one-way analysis of variance. The study found that in terms of space requirements, users are inclined to choose private and quiet seats; in terms of facilities and equipment, the higher the user’s academic status, the correspondingly higher requirements for some space facilities and equipment. Users attach great importance to the environmental elements of the immersive learning space, especially the cleanliness, lighting, acoustic environment, and temperature. Users also hope to use the online reservation services and increase the open time of the library. Although the main purpose of the immersive learning space is to learn, users hope to get food services. According to the research results, suggestions for the improvement of library spaces are put forward: adding special areas for doctoral candidate and faculty community, enhancing space planning, building better online services, building a 24-hour open learning space, and seting up a dining area outside the library.
Agency Through the We: Group-Based Control Theory
Authors: Fritsche Immo
Published: March 2022

How do people maintain a sense of control when they realize the noncontingencies in their personal life and their strong interdependence with other people? Why do individuals continue to act on overwhelming collective problems, such as climate change, that are clearly beyond their personal control? Group-based control theory proposes that it is social identification with agentic groups and engagement in collective action that serve to maintain and restore people’s sense of control, especially when their personal control is threatened. As a consequence, group-based control may enable people to act adaptively and stay healthy even when personal control seems futile. These claims are supported by evidence showing increased in-group identification and group-based action intentions following reminders of low personal control. Furthermore, these responses of identifying with agentic in-groups increase people’s perceived control and well-being. This article succinctly presents group-based control theory and relevant empirical findings. It also elaborates on how group-based control relates to other social-identity motives and how it may explain social phenomena.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) Classification
Authors: Li Shuyuan , Zhu Mingjie , Gu Wanjun , Hamati Mary , Hunt Kenneth J. , de Cesar Netto Cesar , Simonson Tatum S. , Myerson Mark S.
Published: March 2022

Background:

A consensus group recently proposed the term progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) and a new classification with 2 stages plus 5 classes to describe the complex array of flatfoot deformities. This study aimed to validate different diagnostic accuracy rates of the PCFD classification.

Methods:

This was a survey-based study distributed among 13 foot and ankle fellowship programs for 3 groups of participants with varied experience in practice (group 1: fellows in training, group 2: surgeons in practice for 1-4 years, and group 3: surgeons in practice for ≥5 years). Each participant was asked to assign 20 different cases of flatfoot deformity to the appropriate classes and stages using the PCFD classification. The overall diagnostic accuracy, class, and stage diagnostic accuracy rates for the 20 cases were calculated first for the entire cohort and then compared among the 3 groups. The misdiagnosis rate for each class of deformity (the sum of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis rates) of the entire cohort was calculated and compared with the other classes. Mean and standard evidence were used to describe numerical data. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare values among the 3 groups and the 5 classes. P <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

For the whole cohort, the overall diagnostic accuracy, class diagnostic accuracy, and stage diagnostic accuracy rates were 71.0%, 78.3%, and 81.7%, respectively There was a statistically significant difference between group 1 and 2, and group 1 and 3, in overall diagnostic accuracy and class diagnostic accuracy, with no significant difference among the 3 groups regarding stage diagnostic accuracy. Class B had a significantly higher overdiagnosis rate than the rest of the classes, whereas class D was significantly underdiagnosed than others. The misdiagnosis rates for classes A to E were 3.3%, 17.5%, 11.1%, 26.0%, and 3.7%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The PCFD classification showed overall fair diagnostic accuracy rates. The highest diagnostic accuracy was for “hindfoot valgus deformity” and “ankle instability.” Further content validation of the PCFD classification is needed to examine the terminology and interpretation of those classes with low diagnostic accuracy including “midfoot/forefoot abduction deformity,” “forefoot varus deformity/medial column instability,” and “peritalar subluxation/dislocation.” Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.
Ceding ground as a strategic concession in fact-checking: Shifting practice to shift power
Authors: Waller Lisa , Brookes Stephanie
Published: March 2022

This article looks beyond functionalist accounts to consider how fact-checking organisations and practitioners interact with traditional and alternative sites of media power: holding and negotiating that power in their own right while interfacing collaboratively and strategically with those working in adjacent fields. Interpreted through this theoretical prism, interviews and a content analysis reveal how RMIT ABC Fact Check used its CoronaCheck project to renegotiate and renew its position of authority, and master time, during a moment of intense disruption in the media environment due to the global pandemic. With critical insights from the data as a foundation, the article argues that making strategic concessions in practice – conceptualised here as ‘ceding ground’ – can open spaces for new approaches in fact-checking.
Association of pregnancies with risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gasperi Christiane , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Schneider Antonius , Kuhn Klaus A , Donnachie Ewan , Hemmer Bernhard
Published: March 2022

Background:

Pregnancies have an impact on the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS), but their relationship with MS risk is yet unclear.

Objective:

To determine the relationships of pregnancies and gynecological diagnoses with MS risk.

Methods:

In this retrospective case–control study, we assessed differences in gynecological International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code recording rates between women with MS ( n = 5720), Crohn’s disease ( n = 6280), or psoriasis ( n = 40,555) and women without these autoimmune diseases ( n = 26,729) in the 5 years before diagnosis.

Results:

Twenty-eight ICD-10 codes were recorded less frequently for women with MS as compared to women without autoimmune disease, 18 of which are pregnancy-related. After adjustment for pregnancies, all codes unrelated to pregnancies were still negatively associated with MS. In a sensitivity analysis excluding women with evidence for possible demyelinating events before diagnosis, all associations were more pronounced. In comparison to women with psoriasis, most associations could be confirmed; that was not true in comparison to women with Crohn’s disease.

Conclusion:

Our findings provide evidence for a possible protective effect of pregnancies on MS risk likely independent of or in addition to a previously suggested reversed causality. The negative associations of gynecological disorders with disease risk need further investigation. The associations might be shared by different autoimmune diseases.
Money, memory objects and material practices in the everyday conduct of inter-ethnic marriages in Indonesia
Authors: Yulianto Jony Eko , Hodgetts Darrin , King Pita , Liu James H.
Published: March 2022

In the context of historical and ongoing tensions between different ethnic groups, inter-ethnic marriages are increasingly prevalent in Indonesia today. This article explores the social materiality of memory objects (money and related household items) in the negotiation of shared lifeworlds within two inter-ethnic marriages between Javanese and Chinese Indonesians. The research is based on detailed fieldwork conducted face-to-face in East Java over a 10 week period, and supported with further online interactions with participating couples. We demonstrate how a focus on money and related material practices can offer new understandings of how couples respond agentively to inter-cultural tensions in their marriages and strive towards harmony. In doing so we demonstrate how values of cooperation and prudence are articulated through things and related practices, and in the process are harnessed to support couples efforts to build mutually supportive lives together. In the process we document how objects, including money, an onion peeling machine and food emerge in these relationships as both practical things and objects of care, cooperation and affection. This research demonstrates that whilst still of crucial importance, a focus on inter-cultural tensions and the conflicts these can cause can be complimented with a focus on couple's agentive efforts to manage and contain such tensions as they build culturally hybrid lives together.
Communication about distress and well-being: Epistemic and ethical considerations
Authors: White Ross G. , Fay Richard , Chiumento Anna , Giurgi-Oncu Catalina , Phipps Alison
Published: March 2022

Communication about well-being and distress involves multiple stakeholders, including experts by experience (EBE), researchers, clinical practitioners, interpreters, and translators. Communication can involve a variety of discourses and languages and each of the stakeholders may employ diverging epistemologies to understand and explain experiences. These epistemologies may link to different sources of authority and be articulated using particular linguistic resources. Epistemic injustice can occur when stakeholders, intentionally or unintentionally, fail to recognise the validity of other stakeholders’ ways of conceptualising and verbalising their experience of well-being and distress. Language lies at the heart of the risk of epistemic injustice involved in the process of expressing well-being and distress as seen in: 1) the interface between divergent discourses on well-being and distress (e.g., biomedical vs. spiritual); and 2) communications involving multiple linguistic resources, which can be subdivided into multi-language communications involving a) translation of assessment measures, and b) interpreted interactions. Some of the challenges of multi-language communication can be addressed by translators or interpreters who strive for conceptual equivalence. We argue, however, that all stakeholders have an important role as “epistemic brokers” in the languaging of possible epistemological differences. Effective epistemic brokering requires that all stakeholders are reflexively and critically aware of the risks of epistemic injustice inherent in multi-language communication. The article concludes with a set of prompts to help raise stakeholder awareness and reflexivity when engaging in communication about well-being and distress.
Damage detection on a historic iron bridge using satellite DInSAR data
Authors: Giordano PF , Turksezer ZI , Previtali M , Limongelli MP
Published: March 2022

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) allows tracking the structural behavior in time and support decisions regarding, for instance, the need for maintenance and repair activities. Most traditional SHM systems require sensors that are directly applied to the structure to get insights into the structural performance. Satellite technologies can provide an appealing alternative to traditional SHM. They allow to measure displacements at a large scale and to follow their evolution without the need of directly accessing the structure. Further to this, the possibility to monitor large areas opens new avenues for the development of automatic alert systems able to issue an alarm and early-flag damaged structures. However, displacements of civil structures might also be induced by sources other than damage such as thermal or periodic hydrogeological variations. These can hinder the onset and development of damage or lead to false alarms if such displacements are erroneously interpreted as damages. This paper aims to present a new method for damage detection based on DInSAR measurements, that tackles both aspects providing reliable information about the onset of damage under environmentally changing conditions in a period corresponding to about twice the revisit time of the satellite. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method, namely the Palatino bridge in Rome, Italy. The satellite data are acquired by COSMO-SkyMed of the Italian Space Agency and consist of displacements of the observed structure recorded during a period spanning between 2011 and 2019.
Reliability of 2-Dimensional Video Analysis in Adolescent Runners
Authors: Matsuzaki Yukiko , Heath Madison R. , Khan Julianne M. , Mackie Alexandra T. , Spitzer Elad , Fabricant Peter D.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The literature on the reliability of qualitative and quantitative measures for running video analysis in the adolescent population is limited. Reliability of 2-dimensional (2D) video analysis has been reported in adult runners, but these findings may not apply to youth runners.

Purpose:

We sought to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of sagittal and frontal plane kinematics using 2D video analysis in healthy adolescent runners.

Methods:

High-definition (1080p) videos were recorded of 10 healthy runners between 14 and 18 years old running on a treadmill at self-selected speed with markers attached to the cervical spine, pelvis, and lower extremities. Kinematic variables in the sagittal and frontal planes were measured using Dartfish Motion Analysis Software by 3 raters (2 sports medicine physical therapists and a research assistant). Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results:

Of the 10 runners, 4 (40%) were male and the mean age was 16 ± 1.5 years. The intra-rater ICC for all kinematic variables ranged from 0.574 to 0.999 for the experienced physical therapist, and 0.367 to 0.973 for the inexperienced research assistant. The inter-rater ICC for all raters ranged from −0.01 to 0.941. Eleven kinematic variables showed substantial agreement and 4 showed almost perfect agreement. Step width and foot progression showed fair and poor agreement, respectively.

Conclusions:

Running analysis using 2D video can be performed reliably in adolescents on all kinematic variables except for step width and foot progression. Inexperienced raters can be properly trained in the video analysis of running kinematics to consistently assess the same runner.
Treatment of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease With CT Scans of the Brain: A Case Report
Authors: Cuttler Jerry M , Lamet Maryélise S , Calabrese Edward J
Published: March 2022

We report the case of a patient in Massachusetts with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease who was treated with low doses of ionizing radiation to the brain. He requested this treatment after reading about a patient with severe Alzheimer’s in Michigan who improved remarkably after receiving 4 CT scans. After his first treatment in April 2016, mental clarity improved. His impaired conversation, reading, and sense of humor were restored, especially his virtuosic clarinet jazz-playing. However, executive function remained deficient. He requested a treatment every 2 weeks, but his neurologist denied this, fearing opposition to this treatment, a diagnostic procedure that used ionizing radiation. Limited recovery was observed after each CT scan, lasting from several weeks to months, depending on the endpoints/behavior and the periodicity. Despite the positive responses, the physician was reluctant to continue beyond 6 due to concerns about adverse effects and disapproval for prescribing them. The patient began hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an alternative. But after 43 treatments, no conclusive benefit was observed. The patient died in September 2020 at age 77. This experience suggests CT scans may have value in treating Alzheimer’s patients and restoring, at least temporarily, important aspects of normal life activities. Such observations need testing and validation.
Relationships between flow state and motivation in junior elite tennis players: Differences by gender
Authors: Mouelhi-Guizani Salma , Guinoubi Sarah , Chtara Mokhtar , Crespo Miguel
Published: March 2022

This study examined the relationships between differing types of motivation and the flow state and possible gender differences. A sample of 94 junior elite tennis players (44 boys and 50 girls), ages 11 to 14 years (12.05 ± 1.2) completed the French Flow State Scale-2 (F FSS-2) and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) questionnaires. Results reported a moderate link between intrinsic motivation and flow state (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). Amotivation was negatively related to all dimensions of flow state except for transformation of time (r = -.02, p <0.05). An independent-sample t-test analysis indicated that girls had stronger intrinsic motivation than boys to know (t = 1.95; p <.05; d = .59), and to accomplish (t = 2.14; p <.04; d = .64) and also had better extrinsic motivation identified-regulation (t = 3.71; p <.01; d = 1.11). No meaningful differences were found between girls and boys in their general flow state (t = .18; p <.86; d = .04). In conclusion, our findings suggest that intrinsic motivation can contribute positively to improving the flow state in young tennis players.
Motivated Mobilization: The Role of Emotions in the Processing of Poll Messages
Authors: Neyazi Taberez Ahmed , Kuru Ozan
Published: March 2022

This study investigates how exposure to favorable messages about one's preferred party can affect emotional reactions and subsequent behavioral intentions. Integrating the motivated reasoning and discrete emotions’ frameworks, we offer a theoretical framework of motivated mobilization for explaining political engagement in response to poll exposure. Specifically, we examine the mediating role of emotions in the relationship between motivated assessments of polls and political mobilization. To test this model, we offer empirical evidence from an online survey-experiment (N = 540) conducted during the 2019 Indian general election. We find that exposure to favorable poll results increases enthusiasm and decreases anger, while both enthusiasm and anger activate behavioral intention for political participation. While our study supports the existing findings which show that partisanship is an important predictor of mobilization for a party and candidate, we uncover the affective routes through which partisanship operates to shape poll reactions. The results underscore the importance of capturing individual variability in preexisting affiliations and their shaping of poll reactions through affect-driven motivated reactions. We discuss these results with regard to the dynamics of political mobilization during election campaigns, the role of emotions in political cognition at large, and in understanding and mitigating biases in poll perceptions.
A Comparative Study of Montelukast and Azelastine add on Therapy in Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis Treatment: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Hossein , Far Nasrin Mortazavi , Nabavizadeh Seyed Hesamedin , Babaeian Masroor , Hadipour Maryam , Alyasin Soheila
Published: March 2022

Background

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory nasal condition with significant negative effects on the patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Montelukast and intranasal antihistamine in combination with intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) in moderate to severe allergic rhinitis on the patients’ quality of life and AR control.

Method

This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 66 moderate to severe AR patients referred to Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran from 2020 to 2021, who were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group one received Montelukast add-on therapy and Budesonide nasal spray. The second group received intranasal antihistamine (Azelastine) add-on therapy and Budesonide nasal spray and the third group as the control group received intranasal Budesonide spray with a placebo tablet. To measure the impact of each medication on the patient's quality of life and AR control, we employed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 questionnaire (SNOT 22). We evaluated the symptoms and compared them at baseline, one and three months after the start of treatments. Spirometry was performed to investigate the possibility of co-morbid asthma at baseline and end of the study.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 30.13 ± 12.7 years. Most patients experienced perennial AR (65.2%). Reduction of mean scores SNOT22 was statistically different between groups (P-value < 0.001). Three months after treatment, the mean decrease of SNOT-22 in the Azelastine group was statistically significant compared to both Montelukast (P-value < 0.001) and control groups (P-value < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the Montelukast and control groups (P-value = 0.142). 23 of 66 patients were diagnosed with asthma and asthma treatment was initiated. The amount of FEV1 change after AR treatment was not statistically significant between the groups in asthmatic patients (P-value = 0.351).

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we recommend Azelastine in conjunction with an intranasal corticosteroid for the treatment of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. In moderate to severe AR or even asthma management, Montelukast has no greater impact than INCS.
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risk of heart failure
Authors: Zheng Sulin , Qiu Min , Wu Jason H.Y. , Pan Xiong-fei , Liu Xiong , Sun Lichang , Zhu Hailan , Wu Jiandi , Huang Yuli
Published: March 2022

Aims:

Adequate intake of long-chain (LC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n-3 PUFAs) is considered important for cardiovascular health. However, the effects of LC n-3 PUFAs on the risk of heart failure (HF) remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the role of LC n-3 PUFAs in the incidence of HF.

Materials and Methods:

Electronic databases were searched for studies up to 31 July 2021. Studies were included for the meta-analysis if they reported the adjusted associations between different dietary intakes or circulating concentrations of LC n-3 PUFAs and the risk of HF. A random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for higher LC n-3 PUFA concentrations.

Results:

Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Eight studies comprising 316,698 individuals (11,244 incident HF cases), with a median follow-up of 10.7 years, showed that a higher dietary intake of LC n-3 PUFAs was associated with a lower risk of HF (highest versus lowest quintile: HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.75–0.94). Six studies, comprising 17,163 participants (2520 HF cases) with a median follow-up of 9.7 years, showed that higher circulating LC n-3 PUFA concentrations were associated with a lower risk of HF (highest versus lowest quintile: HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39–0.91). Higher circulating docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were associated with a decreased risk of HF (top versus bottom quintile: HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.26–0.77). The associations between eicosapentaenoic acid (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.26–1.25), docosahexaenoic acid (HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.24–1.82), and the risk of HF were not significant.

Conclusion:

High LC n-3 PUFA concentrations measured by dietary intake or circulating biomarkers are associated with a lower risk of developing HF.
Comparison of Hard and Soft Cervical Collars for the Management of Odontoid Peg Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Coleman Nichola , Chan Hoi-Ying H. , Gibbons Veronique , Baker Joseph F
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Odontoid peg fractures (OF) are the most common cervical spine fracture in the elderly. This retrospective analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of older patients with OF who had been managed non-operatively with either a hard or soft cervical collar.

Materials and Methods

We analysed the retrospective data of the clinical and radiographic records of patients 60 years or older who presented over a 10-year period with OF and were treated non-operatively with a cervical collar. Mortality was the primary outcome measure with mechanism of injury, complications, and fracture healing secondary measures.

Results

45 patients (hard collar n = 22; soft collar n = 23) were included with comparable demographics for frailty and co-morbidities in each group; age was significantly higher in the soft collar group (80.6 vs 86.4 years; P = .0065). Associated injuries and complications were not significantly different overall, or when Type II fractures were separately analysed ( P = .435 associated injuries, P = .121 complications). All-cause mortality was greater in the soft collar group (30-day mortality hard: 0%, soft: 9%; 1-year mortality hard: 18%, soft: 48% P = .035). However, once corrected for age, this proved not to reach significance ( P = .333) in any fracture type. Non-union was common (77%) but was not significantly different (hard = 70%; soft = 87%; P = .419).

Discussion

Consistent with other reports, non-union rates remained substantial regardless of which collar was used. After controlling for age, there was no difference in all-cause mortality between elderly patients treated with a hard or soft cervical collar for odontoid peg fractures.

Conclusions

Soft collars appear suitable for the treatment of odontoid peg fractures in the elderly without compromising outcome. Larger cohort analyses will help confirm this finding.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in total joint arthroplasty – the usual practice and variability among joint replacement surgeons in Hong Kong
Authors: Tong Chi Him , Cheung Amy , Chan Ping Keung , Yan Chun Hoi , Ng Fu Yuen , Chiu Kwong Yuen
Published: March 2022

Background

Perioperative antibiotics is a well established measure to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, the usual practice of prescription vary from surgeon to surgeon. This study aims to investigate and compare the usual practice and variability of prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis among different joint replacement surgeons in Hong Kong.

Methods

An online questionnaire was prepared and sent to members of the Adult Joint Reconstruction (AJR) Chapter of the Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association (HKOA). The questionnaire consists of a total of 15 questions in 3 categories: choice of antibiotics, dose of antibiotics and duration of antibiotics prescribed by the surgeon.

Results

A total of 25 responses were received and data collected. Participants were from a diverse background from different hospitals with variable years of experience. Results showed a general consensus on the choice of antibiotics, but also a wide variability on the actual prescription, particularly about the weight-adjusted dose and total duration of antibiotics given.

Conclusion

There is a wide variability among surgeons regarding the actual prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis. Correlation between rate of PJI and specific aspects of antibiotic prescription is needed to give recommendations to surgeons regarding perioperative antibiotic usage in total joint arthroplasties.
A Prospective Registry Analysis on Soft-to-Hard Tissue Ratios in Profile View; Midline Changes in the Lip Region after Mono- and Bimaxillary Repositioning Surgery
Authors: Bral Alexander , Olate Sergio , Zaror Carlos , Mensink Gertjan , Coscia Giuseppe , Loomans Natalie , Mommaerts Maurice Y.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We aimed to determine the ratios of the lower and upper lip landmarks in the sagittal and vertical direction for maxillary osteotomies and mandibular lengthening surgeries, in a prospective way.

Methods

This prospective cohort study is the second part of the OSRES (Orthognathic/orthofacial Surgery RESearch group); patients that underwent mandibular and/or Le Fort I surgery without genioplasty were included. Pearson correlation determined significant patient and surgical variables. The relationship between hard and soft tissue changes was determined by correlation analysis.

Results

An average ratio of 103% was found for sB:B for mandibular advancement surgery without genioplasty and 83% for sB:Pg with genioplasty. Lower jaw surgery yielded a ratio of 68% for Li:Ili in the horizontal direction and 69% with a genioplasty. Displacement of the upper jaw gave a ratio of 83% for Ls:Iui anteriorly for all surgery groups combined. Horizontal displacement of the upper jaw yielded a strong correlation with a ratio of 88% for sA:A.

Conclusions

The equations presented in this study for landmark sB, sA, labrale inferius, and labrale superius can aid preoperative planning of lip position. No accurate way was found to predict stomion inferius and stomion superius.

Highlights

We prospectively arranged for computerized measurements of sB:B, Li:Ili, Ls: Iui, Stoi:Ili, Stos: Iui, and sA:A ratios on lateral cephalograms using FaceWizz. The influences of direction and the type of surgery were studied. Moderate to strong correlations were found for horizontal ratios of sB:B, Li:Lli, Ls:Iui, and sA:A. Weak correlations were found for vertical movement of Stos:Iui and Stoi:Ili.
Response characteristics of highland barley under freeze-thaw, drought and artemisinin stresses
Authors: Liu Huichen , Bao Guozhang , Dou Zihao , Liu Haoyuan , Bai Jingqi , Chen Yingyi , Yuan Yifu , Zhang Xin , Xi Jinghui
Published: March 2022

The freeze-thaw of early spring in China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is often accompanied by severe droughts. Artemisia annua, widely distributed in China, releases allelopathic substances, mainly artemisinin, to the environment and exerts a wide range of effects on crops. This paper studied the physiological effects of highland barley under freeze-thaw, drought, and artemisinin stress through indoor simulation experiments. The physiological response characteristics of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (POD) activity, net photosynthetic rate, relative water content (RWC), relative electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and soluble protein content in highland barley were analyzed. The results showed that artemisinin and drought contributed to the increase of SOD activity and the decrease of POD activity. Under the freeze-thaw stress, the SOD and POD activities both decreased firstly and then increased, but the effect of compound stress on POD was more complicated. Either artemisinin, drought, or low temperature could reduce the net photosynthetic rate of highland barley. Low temperature had more significant impacts on photosynthesis, and compound stress would show a single stress superimposed effect. Artemisinin, drought, and low temperature could reduce the RWC of highland barley, and increase the relative electrical conductivity and the concentration of soluble protein (except for low temperature stress above zero, which reduces the concentration of soluble protein). However, the effect of compound stress on soluble protein is more complex. The single stress of artemisinin and drought had no obvious effect on MDA content, while the MDA content was increased significantly under the freeze-thaw stress and the compound stress of artemisinin and drought, and the MDA content reached its peak at T1. The results are helpful to explore the effects of freeze-thaw, drought and artemisinin stress on the growth of highland barley under the background of the aridification of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and provide ideas for rational agricultural management.
AL amyloidosis with primary presentation of multiple serous cavity effusion and severe cholestasis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Liu Kehui , Ding Yezhou , Xu Yumin , Tang Weiliang , Feng Mingyang , Liu Yunye , Bao Shisan , Wang Hui
Published: March 2022

Background

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis commonly affects the kidney or heart, but may also involve the liver at a histopathological level. Early diagnosis of AL amyloidosis is important for proper management with desirable outcome. We reported here an unusual case of AL amyloidosis, presenting primarily with multiple serous cavity effusion, accompanied with rapidly progressive cholestasis.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 63-year-old man presented with dysuria, frequent urination, oliguria and oedema of lower extremities for one month, accompanied with jaundice and hypoproteinemia. CT demonstrated multiple serous cavity effusion, focal hypodense lesions in the liver, and focal low-density in the spleen. Laparoscopy with liver biopsy revealed liver and spleen fibrosis with congestion, no visceral rupture, following haemorrhagic ascites from abdominocentesis. This patient was transferred to our (tertiary) hospital. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was confirmed with histopathology/immunohistochemistry. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation was not applicable, however chemotherapy was advised, due to the patient’s Mayo score 3. The patient declined chemotherapy and was self-discharged back to his hometown hospital with palliative care, however only lasted a further one-month.

Discussion

The lesson we have learnt from this case that any patients with multiple serous cavity effusion and isolated hepatic involvement, primary amyloidosis should be considered. Multiple serous cavity effusion may serve as an indicator for poor prognosis of hepatic AL amyloidosis.
Cephalic arch restenosis rates in hemodialysis patients with brachiocephalic fistulae: a retrospective multicenter analysis of 3301 patients
Authors: Razdan Rishi N. , Rosenblatt Melvin , Jiao Yue , McLaughlin Nancy , Usvyat Len A. , Sor Murat , Larkin John W.
Published: March 2022

Background

We evaluated restenosis rates at the cephalic arch after percutaneous angioplasty and stenting procedures in patients with brachial artery to cephalic vein arteriovenous fistula (BCAVF) hemodialysis access.

Methods

We used data from adult hemodialysis patients treated at a national network of 44 outpatient interventional facilities during Oct 2011–2015. We included data from patients with BCAVF who received an exclusive angioplasty, or stent with angioplasty, for treatment of cephalic arch stenosis and had ≥1 subsequent evaluation of the cephalic arch. Median percent restenosis per month at cephalic arch and days between encounters was calculated from the 1st index to 2nd procedure, and for up to 4 subsequent encounters. Analyses were stratified by intervention and device types.

Results

We identified a cohort of 3301 patients (mean age 62.2 ± 13.9 years, 58.5% male, 33.2% white race) with a BCAVF who had an angioplasty, or stent, at the cephalic arch for an index and ≥ 1 follow-up procedure. Between the 1st index to 2nd procedure, patients who received an angioplasty (n = 2663) or stent (n = 933) showed a median decrease of 18.9 and 16.5% in luminal diameter per month and a median time of 93 and 91 days between encounters, respectively. Restenosis and day rates were similar for standard versus high-pressure angioplasties. Bare metal stents showed 10.1 percentage point higher restenosis rate compared to stent grafts. Restenosis rates and time to restenosis were relatively consistent across subsequent encounters.

Conclusions

Findings suggest hemodialysis patients with a BCAVF who require an angioplasty or stent to treat a stenosis at the cephalic arch will have stenosis reformed at a rate of 18.9 and 16.5% per month after the first intervention, respectively. Findings suggest patients are at risk of having significant lesions at the cephalic arch within 3 months after the previous intervention.
Acute kidney injury in hospitalized children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Batte Anthony , Menon Sahit , Ssenkusu John , Kiguli Sarah , Kalyesubula Robert , Lubega Joseph , Mutebi Edrisa Ibrahim , Opoka Robert O. , John Chandy C. , Starr Michelle C. , Conroy Andrea L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are at increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) that may lead to death or chronic kidney disease. This study evaluated AKI prevalence and risk factors in children with SCA hospitalized with a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) in a low-resource setting. Further, we evaluated whether modifications to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition would influence clinical outcomes of AKI in children with SCA hospitalized with a VOC.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 185 children from 2 – 18 years of age with SCA (Hemoglobin SS) hospitalized with a VOC at a tertiary hospital in Uganda. Kidney function was assessed on admission, 24–48 h of hospitalization, and day 7 or discharge. Creatinine was measured enzymatically using an isotype-dilution mass spectrometry traceable method. AKI was defined using the original-KDIGO definition as ≥ 1.5-fold change in creatinine within seven days or an absolute change of ≥ 0.3 mg/dl within 48 h. The SCA modified-KDIGO (sKDIGO) definition excluded children with a 1.5-fold change in creatinine from 0.2 mg/dL to 0.3 mg/dL.

Results

Using KDIGO, 90/185 (48.7%) children had AKI with 61/185 (33.0%) AKI cases present on admission, and 29/124 (23.4%) cases of incident AKI. Overall, 23 children with AKI had a 1.5-fold increase in creatinine from 0.2 mg/dL to 0.3 m/dL. Using the sKDIGO-definition, 67/185 (36.2%) children had AKI with 43/185 (23.2%) cases on admission, and 24/142 (16.9%) cases of incident AKI. The sKDIGO definition, but not the original-KDIGO definition, was associated with increased mortality (0.9% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.024). Using logistic regression, AKI risk factors included age (aOR, 1.10, 95% CI 1.10, 1.20), hypovolemia (aOR, 2.98, 95% CI 1.08, 8.23), tender hepatomegaly (aOR, 2.46, 95% CI 1.05, 5.81), and infection (aOR, 2.63, 95% CI 1.19, 5.81) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that AKI is a common complication in children with SCA admitted with VOC. The sKDIGO definition of AKI in children with SCA was a better predictor of clinical outcomes in children. There is need for promotion of targeted interventions to ensure early identification and treatment of AKI in children with SCA.
Assessment of the prevalence and associated risk factors of pediatric hydrocephalus in diagnostic centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulugeta Blein , Seyoum Girma , Mekonnen Abebe , Ketema Elbet
Published: March 2022

Background

Hydrocephalus (HCP) is a common disorder of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) physiology resulting in abnormal expansion of the cerebral ventricles. Infants commonly present with progressive macrocephaly whereas children older than 2 years generally present with signs and symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Neither qualitatively nor quantitatively are there adequate data to determine the prevalence and incidence of HCP in the developing world. HCP is a treatable condition that when left untreated, has fatal consequences.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of pediatric HCP and associated risk factors in diagnostic centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

This study was conducted using a cross-sectional facility-based study design over a two-time period, i.e. a 2-year retrospective data collection from January 2018 to January 2020 included 1101 patients and a prospective data collection from May 2019 to February 2020 included 99 patients. Children aged 5 years and below who came to the selected diagnostic centers for MRI/CT examination were studied. The collected data were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Result

The retrospective study included 639(58%) males and 462 (42%) females. The mean age calculated was 22.3 months. Infants aged younger than 24 months 753 (68.4%) were significantly associated with HCP development (P < 0.05). In the retrospective study, HCP etiologies; Aqueductal stenosis (17.9%), Neural Tube defects (NTDs) (35.7%), post-infectious (10.1%) were identified. In the prospective study, the gender and age distribution was 57(57.6%) males, 42 (42.4%) females, 60.6% infants aged younger than 24 months with a mean age of 24.9 months. Inadequate consumption of folic acid and development of HCP was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the prospective study, HCP etiologies; Aqueductal stenosis (26.1%), Neural Tube defects (26.08%), and post-infectious (8.69%) were identified. The 3 years prevalence of HCP calculated in both studies was 22% (223 per 1000 live births).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the high prevalence of HCP was due to the high prevalence of aqueductal stenosis and neural tube defects; with a small contribution of post-infectious causes. The majority of infants who present with HCP were aged younger than 24 months.
Local understandings of PTSD and complex PTSD among health professionals working with adolescents in violent neighbourhoods of São Paulo city, Brazil
Authors: Massazza Alessandro , de Almeida Juliana Feliciano , Quinlan-Davidson Meaghen , da Silva Renata Teixeira , Devakumar Delanjathan , Peres Maria Fernanda Tourinho , Lewis Glyn , Kiss Ligia
Published: March 2022

Background

Adolescents in low-resource urban settings in Brazil are often exposed to high levels of trauma that can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, preliminary evidence indicates that PTSD tends to be under-reported in Brazilian health services, despite the high prevalence of trauma. Additionally, little is known about the perceived applicability among clinicians of the new ICD-11 diagnosis of complex PTSD (CPTSD), despite its potential relevance for contexts of chronic trauma. The current study investigated local understandings of PTSD and CPTSD among health professionals working with adolescents in violent neighbourhoods of São Paulo city.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 58 health professionals working at both the primary care and specialized mental health levels in two areas of São Paulo city with high levels of community violence.

Results

Most participants knew about PTSD, but most did not know about CPTSD. There were mixed views concerning the commonality of PTSD among adolescents exposed to community violence. Many participants reported having no experience working with patients with the PTSD diagnosis. According to some, community violence was normalized by adolescents and health professionals, and did not result in PTSD. Others highlighted how they did not use psychiatric diagnoses in their practice, had critical perspectives towards psychiatric diagnoses and/or PTSD, or simply knew little about PTSD. Furthermore, many highlighted how the chronic nature of multiple traumas experienced by adolescents often resulted in complex clinical presentations characterised by many symptoms beyond PTSD. The diagnosis of CPTSD was considered appropriate to the context by many participants as it captured the complex traumatic histories and symptom presentations of adolescents exposed to community violence in Brazil.

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for the assessment and treatment of mental health among adolescents exposed to community violence in Brazil.
Detecting changes in help seeker conversations on a suicide prevention helpline during the COVID− 19 pandemic: in-depth analysis using encoder representations from transformers
Authors: Salmi Salim , Mérelle Saskia , Gilissen Renske , van der Mei Rob , Bhulai Sandjai
Published: March 2022

Background

Preventatives measures to combat the spread of COVID− 19 have introduced social isolation, loneliness and financial stress. This study aims to identify whether the COVID-19 pandemic is related to changes in suicide-related problems for help seekers on a suicide prevention helpline.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using chat data from a suicide prevention helpline in the Netherlands. The natural language processing method BERTopic was used to detect common topics in messages from December 1, 2019 until June 1, 2020 (N = 8589). Relative topic occurrence was compared before and during the lock down starting on March 23, 2020. The observed changes in topic usage were likewise analyzed for male and female, younger and older help seekers and help seekers living alone.

Results

The topic of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an 808% increase in relative occurrence after the lockdown. Furthermore, the results show that help seeker increased mention of thanking the counsellor (+ 15%), and male and young help seekers were grateful for the conversation (+ 45% and + 32% respectively). Coping methods such as watching TV (− 21%) or listening to music (− 15%) saw a decreased mention. Plans for suicide (− 9%) and plans for suicide at a specific location (− 15%) also saw a decreased mention. However, plans for suicide were mentioned more frequently by help seekers over 30 years old (+ 11%) or who live alone and (+ 52%). Furthermore, male help seekers talked about contact with emergency care (+ 43%) and panic and anxiety (+ 24%) more often. Negative emotions (+ 22%) and lack of self-confidence (+ 15%) were mentioned more often by help seekers under 30, and help seekers over 30 saw an increased mention of substance abuse (+ 9%).

Conclusion

While mentions of distraction, social interaction and plans for suicide decreased, expressions of gratefulness for the helpline increased, highlighting the importance of contact to help seekers during the lockdown. Help seekers under 30, male or who live alone, showed changes that negatively related to suicidality and should be monitored closely.