bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics associated with uncomplicated pregnancies in women with obesity: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Relph Sophie , Guo Yanfang , Harvey Alysha L. J. , Vieira Matias C. , Corsi Daniel J. , Gaudet Laura M. , Pasupathy Dharmintra
Published: March 2021

Background

Approximately one in five pregnant women have obesity. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of antenatal, intrapartum, and perinatal complications, but many women with obesity have uncomplicated pregnancies. At a time where maternity services are advocating for women to make informed choices, knowledge of the chance of having an uncomplicated (healthy) pregnancy is essential. The objective of this study was to calculate the rate of uncomplicated pregnancy in women with obesity and evaluate factors associated with this outcome.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted using the Ontario birth registry dataset in Canada (703,115 women, April 2012–March 2017). The rate of uncomplicated or complicated composite pregnancy outcomes (hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, neonate small- or large- for gestational age at birth, congenital anomaly, fetal death, antepartum bleeding or preterm prelabour membrane rupture) were calculated for women with and without obesity. Associations between uncomplicated pregnancy and maternal characteristics were explored in a population of women with obesity but without other pre-existing co-morbidities (e.g., essential hypertension) or obstetric risks identified in the first trimester (e.g., multiple pregnancy), using log binomial regression analysis.

Results

Of the studied Ontario maternity population (body mass index not missing) 17·7% (n = 117,236) were obese. Of these 20·6% had pre-existing co-morbidities or early obstetric complicating factors. Amongst women with obesity but without early complicating factors, 58·2% (n = 54,191) experienced pregnancy without complication; this is in comparison to 72·7% of women of healthy weight and no early complicating factors. Women with obesity and no early pregnancy complicating factors are more likely to have an uncomplicated pregnancy if they are multiparous, younger, more affluent, of White or Black ethnicity, of lower weight, with normal placental-associated plasma protein-A and/or spontaneously conceived pregnancies.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that over half of women with obesity but no other pre-existing medical or early obstetric complicating factors, proceed through pregnancy without adverse obstetric complication. Care in lower-risk settings can be considered as their outcomes appear similar to those reported for low-risk nulliparous women. Further research and predictive tools are needed to inform stratification of women with obesity.
Prevalence and clinical, social, and health care predictors of miscarriage
Authors: Strumpf Erin , Lang Ariella , Austin Nichole , Derksen Shelley A. , Bolton James M. , Brownell Marni D. , Chateau Dan , Gregory Patricia , Heaman Maureen I.
Published: March 2021

Background

Pregnancy loss is common and several factors (e.g. chromosomal anomalies, parental age) are known to increase the risk of occurrence. However, much existing research focuses on recurrent loss; comparatively little is known about the predictors of a first miscarriage. Our objective was to estimate the population-level prevalence of miscarriages and to assess the contributions of clinical, social, and health care use factors as predictors of the first detected occurrence of these losses.

Methods

In this population-based cohort study, we used linked administrative health data to estimate annual rates of miscarriage in the Manitoba population from 2003 to 2014, as a share of identified pregnancies. We compared the unadjusted associations between clinical, social, and health care use factors and first detected miscarriage compared with a live birth. We estimated multivariable generalized linear models to assess whether risk factors were associated with first detected miscarriage controlling for other predictors.

Results

We estimated an average annual miscarriage rate of 11.3%. In our final sample (n = 79,978 women), the fully-adjusted model indicated that use of infertility drugs was associated with a 4 percentage point higher risk of miscarriage (95% CI 0.02, 0.06) and a past suicide attempt with a 3 percentage point higher risk (95% CI -0.002, 0.07). Women with high morbidity were twice as likely to experience a miscarriage compared to women with low morbidity (RD = 0.12, 95% CI 0.09, 0.15). Women on income assistance had a 3 percentage point lower risk (95% CI -0.04, -0.02).

Conclusions

We estimate that 1 in 9 pregnant women in Manitoba experience and seek care for a miscarriage. After adjusting for clinical factors, past health care use and morbidity contribute important additional information about the risk of first detected miscarriage. Social factors may also be informative.
Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in a large community-based study in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS survey 2017
Authors: Al-Mawali Adhra , Al-Harrasi Ayaman , Jayapal Sathish Kumar , Morsi Magdi , Pinto Avinash Daniel , Al-Shekaili Waleed , Al-Kharusi Hilal , Al-Balushi Zainab , Idikula John
Published: March 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Oman, is currently the fastest growing health crisis and is a significant cause of premature mortality and disability. There is currently insufficient up-to-date information available on prevalence of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the latest prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated demographic, behavioural, and clinical risk factors.

Methods

Using the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease surveillance, a nationally representative population-based survey was conducted from January to April 2017 of adults aged 18 years and above. A multi-stage, stratified, geographically clustered random sampling surveyed 9053 households including Omani nationals and non-Omani residents. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of diabetes.

Results

Overall prevalence of diabetes among the population was 15.7% (95% CI: 14.0–17.5%) whereas prevalence of prediabetes was 11.8% (95% CI: 11.4–12.2%). Age, educational level, raised blood pressure, family history of diabetes, abnormal waist-to-hip ratio, and hypertriglyceridemia were found to be significantly associated with diabetes mellitus. Of the cases of diabetes mellitus, 17% were newly diagnosed and 13.2% were on medication and had an uncontrolled glucose level while 55.5% were not taking medication (although diagnosed) and had an uncontrolled blood glucose level.

Conclusions

The present study provides reliable information regarding the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the adult population in Oman with urgent attention needed to address this significant burden on the health system. The high proportion of uncontrolled cases warrants further research, awareness programmes, and community interventions.
The social stigma of infertile women in Zhejiang Province, China: a questionnaire-based study
Authors: Zhang Fang , Lv Yan , Wang Yanting , Cheng Xuzhen , Yan Yuying , Zhang Ye , Wang Yue
Published: March 2021

Background

Infertile women often face stigmatization worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the stigma against infertile women in China and to analyze its influencing factors.

Methods

Of 270 women who were randomly selected from patients receiving adjuvant fertility treatment in Zhejiang Province, China, 254 successfully completed the general information questionnaire, disease information questionnaire, and Chinese version of the infertility stigma scale (ISS). The ISS contained 27 positively worded items, each of which was graded on a 5-point Likert-type scale.

Results

The total stigma score of female infertility patients was 66.39 ± 21.96. By dividing the number of items, the average score for each ISS item was 2.13 ± 0.81, indicating the presence of stigma. Among the four ISS factors, the social withdrawal score was the highest (2.64 ± 1.05), whereas the family stigma score was the lowest (1.88 ± 0.88). Multiple stepwise regression analysis further revealed that the duration of infertility and monthly income were important predictors of the stigma of infertile women.

Conclusions

Infertile women experience moderate to high levels of stigma in Zhejiang, China. Thus, supportive psychological interventions and public education are required to change patients’ cognition and assist patients in coping with negative experiences.
Smartphone and web-based independent consultation and feedback for joint replacement surgeries: a randomized control trial protocol
Authors: Tong Guixian , Geng Qingqing , Xu Tong , Wang Debin , Liu Tongzhu
Published: March 2021

Background

Cost control and usage regulation of medical materials (MMs) are the practical issues that the government pays close attention to. Although it is well established that there is great potential to mobilize doctors and patients in participating MMs-related clinical decisions, few interventions adopt effective measures against specific behavioral deficiencies. This study aims at developing and validating an independent consultation and feedback system (ICFS) for optimizing clinical decisions on the use of MMs for inpatients needing joint replacement surgeries.

Methods

Development of the research protocol is based on a problem or deficiency list derived on a trans-theoretical framework which incorporates including mainly soft systems-thinking, information asymmetry, crisis-coping, dual delegation and planned behavior. The intervention consists of two main components targeting at patients and doctors respectively. Each of the intervention ingredients is designed to tackle the doctor and patient-side problems with MMs using in joint replacement surgeries. The intervention arm receives 18 months' ICFS intervention program on the basis of the routine medical services; while the control arm, only the routine medical services. Implementation of the intervention is supported by an online platform established and maintained by the Quality Assurance Center for Medical Care in Anhui Province, a smartphone-based application program (APP) and a web-based clinical support system.

Discussion

The implementation of this study is expected to significantly reduce the deficiencies and moral hazards in decision-making of MMs using through the output of economic, efficient, sustainable and easy-to-promote cooperative intervention programs, thus greatly reducing medical costs and standardizing medical behaviors.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10152297.
The role of mRNA in the development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of neural tumors
Authors: Zheng Yiyang , Luo Yanyan , Chen Xixi , Li Huiting , Huang Baojun , Zhou Baofeng , Zhu Liqing , Kang Xianhui , Geng Wujun
Published: March 2021

Neural tumors can generally be divided into central nervous system tumors and peripheral nervous tumors. Because this type of tumor is located in the nerve, even benign tumors are often difficult to remove by surgery. In addition, the majority of neural tumors are malignant, and it is particular the same for the central nervous system tumors. Even treated with the means such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, they are also difficult to completely cure. In recent years, an increasingly number of studies have focused on the use of mRNA to treat tumors, representing an emerging gene therapy. The use of mRNA can use the expression of some functional proteins for the treatment of genetic disorders or tissue repair, and it can also be applied to immunotherapy through the expression of antigens, antibodies or receptors. Therefore, although these therapies are not fully-fledged enough, they have a broad research prospect. In addition, there are many ways to treat tumors using mRNA vaccines and exosomes carrying mRNA, which have drawn much attention. In this study, we reviewed the current research on the role of mRNA in the development, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of neural tumors, and examine the future research prospects of mRNA in neural tumors and the opportunities and challenges that will arise in the future application of clinical treatment.
Hypermethylation of heparanase 2 promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Chenxin , Shi Chen , Zhang Junying , Qian Ting , Wang Zhuo , Ma Rong , Wu Jianzhong , Jiang Feng , Feng Jifeng
Published: March 2021

Background

The epigenetic abnormality of tumor-associated genes contributes to the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). However, methylation in colorectal cancer is still poorly characterized.

Method

By integration of DNA methylation data from the GEO database and gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the aberrantly methylated genes involved in CRC tumorigenesis were identified. Subsequent in vitro experiments further validated their role in CRC.

Results

We performed integrative genomic analysis and identified HPSE2, a novel tumor suppressor gene that is frequently inactivated through promoter methylation in CRC. K-M survival analysis showed that hypermethylation–low expression of heparanase 2 (HPSE2) was related to poor patient prognosis. Overexpression of HPSE2 reduced cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. HPSE2 could regulate the p53 signaling pathway to block the cell cycle in G1 phase.

Conclusion

HPSE2, a novel tumor suppressor gene that is frequently inactivated through promoter methylation in CRC. HPSE2 performs a tumor suppressive function by activating the p53/ p21 signaling cascade. The promoter hypermethylation of HPSE2 is a potential therapeutic target in patients with CRC, especially those with late-stage CRC.
Calling for improved quality in the registration of traditional Chinese medicine during the public health emergency: a survey of trial registries for COVID-19, H1N1, and SARS
Authors: Kuang Zhuoran , Li Xiaoyan , Cai Jianxiong , Chen Yaolong , Qiu Xiaoyuan , Ni Xiaojia ,   on behalf of the Evidence-based Traditional and Integrative Medicine Working Group for Public Health Emergency
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the registration quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials for COVID-19, H1N1, and SARS.

Method

We searched for clinical trial registrations of TCM in the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) on April 30, 2020. The registration quality assessment is based on the WHO Trial Registration Data Set (Version 1.3.1) and extra items for TCM information, including TCM background, theoretical origin, specific diagnosis criteria, description of intervention, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 136 records were examined, including 129 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) and 7 H1N1 influenza (H1N1) patients. The deficiencies in the registration of TCM clinical trials (CTs) mainly focus on a low percentage reporting detailed information about interventions (46.6%), primary outcome(s) (37.7%), and key secondary outcome(s) (18.4%) and a lack of summary result (0%). For the TCM items, none of the clinical trial registrations reported the TCM background and rationale; only 6.6% provided the TCM diagnosis criteria or a description of the TCM intervention; and 27.9% provided TCM outcome(s).

Conclusion

Overall, although the number of registrations of TCM CTs increased, the registration quality was low. The registration quality of TCM CTs should be improved by more detailed reporting of interventions and outcomes, TCM-specific information, and sharing of the result data.
Genetic rhabdomyolysis within the spectrum of the Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 responsive to pregabalin
Authors: Rossi Fabian , Ma Joe , Tsakadze Nina , Benes-Lima Lourdes , Gonzalez Julio Araque , Hoffmann Michael
Published: March 2021

Background

Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 is a slowly progressive adult onset ataxia with a broad clinical presentation.

Case presentation

We describe a man with Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 with chronic, severe, and recurrent rhabdomyolysis, as part of the cerebellar ataxia genetic spectrum. Initially rhabdomyolysis was refractory to multiple medications, but entirely resolved and remained in chronic remission with pregabalin.

Conclusions

This is the first report of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 associated with chronic, severe, recurrent rhabdomyolysis as part of its genetic phenotype responsive to pregabalin.
Benefits of early ambulation within 24 h after total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Lei Yi-Ting , Xie Jin-Wei , Huang Qiang , Huang Wei , Pei Fu-Xing
Published: March 2021

Background

Postoperative care has been evolving since the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) was introduced in China. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early ambulation within 24 h after unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on postoperative rehabilitation and costs in a Chinese population.

Methods

This cohort study of patients with knee osteoarthritis who had undergone TKA at 24 large teaching hospitals between January 2014 and November 2016 involved 2687 patients who began ambulating within 24 h (Group A) and 3761 who began ambulating later than 24 h (Group B). The outcome measurements, such as length of stay (LOS), total hospitalization costs, dynamic pain level, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), results of the 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12), incidence of thromboembolic events and other complications, were recorded and compared.

Results

The early ambulation group (Group A) had a shorter LOS and lower hospitalization costs and pain levels than the late ambulation group (Group B). There was a favorable effect in enhancing ROM for patients in Group A compared with patients in Group B. In Group A, patients had significantly higher postoperative SF-12 scores than those in Group B. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary infection was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and other complications did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Early ambulation within 24 h after TKA was associated with reduced LOS, improved knee function, lower hospitalization costs and lower incidence of DVT and pulmonary infection in the Chinese population.
A novel model for data-driven smart sustainable cities of the future: the institutional transformations required for balancing and advancing the three goals of sustainability
Authors: Bibri Simon Elias
Published: March 2021

In recent years, it has become increasingly feasible to achieve important improvements of sustainability by integrating sustainable urbanism with smart urbanism thanks to the proven role and synergic potential of data-driven technologies. Indeed, the processes and practices of both of these approaches to urban planning and development are becoming highly responsive to a form of data-driven urbanism, giving rise to a new phenomenon known as “data-driven smart sustainable urbanism.” Underlying this emerging approach is the idea of combining and integrating the strengths of sustainable cities and smart cities and harnessing the synergies of their strategies and solutions in ways that enable sustainable cities to optimize, enhance, and maintain their performance on the basis of the innovative data-driven technologies offered by smart cities. These strengths and synergies can be clearly demonstrated by combining the advantages of sustainable urbanism and smart urbanism. To enable such combination, major institutional transformations are required in terms of enhanced and new practices and competences. Based on case study research, this paper identifies, distills, and enumerates the key benefits, potentials, and opportunities of sustainable cities and smart cities with respect to the three dimensions of sustainability, as well as the key institutional transformations needed to support the balancing of these dimensions and to enable the introduction of data-driven technology and the adoption of applied data-driven solutions in city operational management and development planning. This paper is an integral part of a futures study that aims to analyze, investigate, and develop a novel model for data-driven smart sustainable cities of the future. I argue that the emerging data-driven technologies for sustainability as innovative niches are reconfiguring the socio-technical landscape of institutions, as well as providing insights to policymakers into pathways for strengthening existing institutionalized practices and competences and developing and establishing new ones. This is necessary for balancing and advancing the goals of sustainability and thus achieving a desirable future.
CARE: a new approach to change in primary care
Authors: Storey Karen
Published: March 2021

Karen Storey provides an overview of CARE, a programme that empowers GPNs and other primary care professionals to play a key role in their PCNs
Influence of Preload on Failure Modes of Hybrid Metal-Composite Protruding Bolted Joints
Authors: COMAN Calin-Dumitru
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the effects of torque preload on the damage initiation and growth in the CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composite laminated adherent of the single-lap, single-bolt, hybrid metal-composite joints. A detailed 3D finite element model incorporating geometric, material and friction-based contact full nonlinearities is developed to numerically investigate the preload effects on the progressive damage analysis (PDA) of the orthotropic material model. The PDA material model integrates the nonlinear shear response, Hashin-tape failure criteria and strain-based continuum elastic properties degradation laws being developed using the UMAT user subroutine in Nastran commercial software. In order to validate the preload effects on the failure modes of the joints with hexagonal head bolts, experiments were conducted using the SHM (Structural Health Monitoring) technique. The results showed that the adherent torque level is an important parameter in the design process of an adequate bolted joint and its effects on damage initiation and failure modes were quite accurately predicted by the PDA material model, which proved to be computational efficient and can predict failure propagation and damage mechanism in hybrid metal-composite bolted joints.
An Introduction to Crime & Punishment
Authors: Walker-Nolan Lorne
Published: March 2021

Few scholars of Australian history need reminding that Colonial Australia began as a British  prison. The detrimental effect these origins had, and arguably still have, on Indigenous Australia is unambiguous. The extent to which this brutal background shaped the modern nation merits re-evaluation. In this issue of Coolabah, we aim to extrapolate and explore the links stretching from the First Fleet, and assess how much of a role this past plays in the building of the modern Australian nation.
Ghosting in the outback Noir
Authors: Dolgopolov Greg
Published: March 2021

Who was the ‘jolly swagman’ in Waltzing Matilda, Australia’s unofficial national anthem? In this essay I argue that the ghost of the swagman can be heard in a number of recent de-colonising crime narratives. Outback Noir is a relatively recent genre category that describes a new wave of Australian crime films that highlight Indigenous and white relations and take a revisionist approach to traditional history. These films often feature redemption stories that highlight effective collaborations between Indigenous and white policing practices. Uncovering a rural communities’ dark, repressed secrets in order to solve a current problem is a common trend in Outback Noir cinema. I examine Patrick Hughes’ 2010 film Red Hill as an early provocative example of Outback Noir and as modern reimaging of the Waltzing Matilda narrative with the swagman’s avenging ghost exposing the social fractures and corruption that are destroying rural communities. I argue that the Outback Noir genre with its focus on revenge-redemption narratives shapes the cultural dialogue around putting the ghosts of the colonial past to rest.
Clinical and immunological characteristics of tegumentary leishmaniasis cases in Bolivia
Authors: Ballart Cristina , Torrico Mary Cruz , Vidal Gisela , Torrico Faustino , Lozano Daniel , Gállego Montserrat , Pinto Lilian , Rojas Ernesto , Aguilar Ruth , Dobaño Carlota , Ares-Gomez Sonia , Picado Albert
Published: March 2021

Background

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is a parasitic disease that can present a cutaneous or mucocutaneous clinical form (CL and MCL, respectively). The disease is caused by differentLeishmaniaspecies and transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. Bolivia has one of the highest incidences of the disease in South America and the diagnosis is done by parasitological techniques. Our aim was to describe the clinical and immunological characteristics of CL and MCL patients attending the leishmaniasis reference center in Cochabamba, Bolivia, in order to gain updated clinical and epidemiological information, to evaluate the diagnostic methods used and to identify biomarkers related to clinical disease and its evolution.

Methodology/Principal findings

The study was conducted from September 2014 to November 2015 and 135 patients with lesions compatible with CL or MCL were included. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Two parasitological diagnostic methods were used: Giemsa-stained smears and culture of lesion aspirates. Blood samples obtained from participants were used to measure the concentrations of different cytokines. 59.2% (80/135) were leishmaniasis confirmed cases (CL: 71.3%; MCL: 28.7%). Sixty percent of the confirmed cases were positive by smears and 90.6% were positive by culture. 53.8% were primo-infections. Eotaxin and monokine induced by IFN-γ presented higher serum concentrations in the MCL clinical presentation compared to CL cases and no-cases. None of the cytokines presented different concentrations between primo-infections and secondary infections due to treatment failure.

Conclusions/Significance

In Bolivia, parasitological diagnosis remains the reference standard in diagnosis of leishmaniasis because of its high specificity, whereas the sensitivity varies over a wide range leading to loss of cases. Until more accurate tools are implemented, all patients should be tested by both smears and culture of lesion aspirates to minimize the risk of false negatives. Our results showed higher concentrations of several cytokines in MCL compared to CL, but no differences were observed between CL and no-cases. In addition, none of the cytokines differed between primary and secondary infections. These results highlight the need of further research to identify biomarkers of susceptibility and disease progression, in addition to looking at the local cellular immune responses in the lesions.
Sex identification in embryos and adults of Darwin’s finches
Authors: Dobreva Mariya P. , Lynton-Jenkins Joshua G. , Chaves Jaime A. , Tokita Masayoshi , Bonneaud Camille , Abzhanov Arkhat
Published: March 2021

Darwin’s finches are an iconic example of adaptive radiation and evolution under natural selection. Comparative genetic studies using embryos of Darwin’s finches have shed light on the possible evolutionary processes underlying the speciation of this clade. Molecular identification of the sex of embryonic samples is important for such studies, where this information often cannot be inferred otherwise. We tested a fast and simple chicken embryo protocol to extract DNA from Darwin’s finch embryos. In addition, we applied minor modifications to two of the previously reported PCR primer sets for CHD1, a gene used for sexing adult passerine birds. The sex of all 29 tested embryos of six species of Darwin’s finches was determined successfully by PCR, using both primer sets. Next to embryos, hatchlings and fledglings are also impossible to distinguish visually. This extends to juveniles of sexually dimorphic species which are yet to moult in adult-like plumage and beak colouration. Furthermore, four species of Darwin’s finches are monomorphic, males and females looking alike. Therefore, sex assessment in the field can be a source of error, especially with respect to juveniles and mature monomorphic birds outside of the mating season. We caught 567 juveniles and adults belonging to six species of Darwin’s finches and only 44% had unambiguous sex-specific morphology. We sexed 363 birds by PCR: individuals sexed based on marginal sex specific morphological traits; and birds which were impossible to classify in the field. PCR revealed that for birds with marginal sex specific traits, sexing in the field produced a 13% error rate. This demonstrates that PCR based sexing can improve field studies on Darwin’s finches, especially when individuals with unclear sex-related morphology are involved. The protocols used here provide an easy and reliable way to sex Darwin’s finches throughout ontogeny, from embryos to adults.
Transfection methods for high-throughput cellular assays of voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels involved in pain
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahadhi , Ragnarsson Lotten , Cardoso Fernanda C. , Lewis Richard J.
Published: March 2021

Chemical transfection is broadly used to transiently transfect mammalian cells, although often associated with cellular stress and membrane instability, which imposes challenges for most cellular assays, including high-throughput (HT) assays. In the current study, we compared the effectiveness of calcium phosphate, FuGENE and Lipofectamine 3000 to transiently express two key voltage-gated ion channels critical in pain pathways, CaV2.2 and NaV1.7. The expression and function of these channels were validated using two HT platforms, the Fluorescence Imaging Plate Reader FLIPRTetra and the automated patch clamp QPatch 16X. We found that all transfection methods tested demonstrated similar effectiveness when applied to FLIPRTetra assays. Lipofectamine 3000-mediated transfection produced the largest peak currents for automated patch clamp QPatch assays. However, the FuGENE-mediated transfection was the most effective for QPatch assays as indicated by the superior number of cells displaying GΩ seal formation in whole-cell patch clamp configuration, medium to large peak currents, and higher rates of accomplished assays for both CaV2.2 and NaV1.7 channels. Our findings can facilitate the development of HT automated patch clamp assays for the discovery and characterization of novel analgesics and modulators of pain pathways, as well as assisting studies examining the pharmacology of mutated channels.
Oncofertility care for newly diagnosed girls with cancer in a national pediatric oncology setting, the first full year experience from the Princess Máxima Center, the PEARL study
Authors: van der Perk M. E. Madeleine , van der Kooi Anne-Lotte L. F. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , IJgosse Irene M. , van Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , Broer Simone L. , Klijn Aart J. , Versluys A. Birgitta , Arends Brigitte , Oude Ophuis Ralph J. A. , van Santen Hanneke M. , van der Steeg Alida F. W. , Veening Margreet A. , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , Bos Annelies M. E.
Published: March 2021

Background

Childhood cancer patients often remain uninformed regarding their potential risk of gonadal damage. In our hospital we introduced a five step standard oncofertility care plan for all newly diagnosed female patients aiming to identify, inform and triage 100% of patients and counsel 100% of patients at high risk (HR) of gonadal damage. This observational retrospective study (PEARL study) evaluated the use of this standard oncofertility care plan in the first full year in a national cohort.

Methods

The steps consist of 1)timely (preferably before start of gonadotoxic treatment) identification of all new patients, 2)triage of gonadal damage risk using a standardized gonadal damage risk stratification tool, 3)informing all patients and families, 4)counseling of a selected subset of girls, and 5) fertility preservation including ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) in HR patients using amended Edinburgh criteria. A survey of the medical records of all girls newly diagnosed with cancer the first year (1-1-2019 until 31-12-2019) was conducted.

Results

Of 261 girls, 228 (87.4%) were timely identified and triaged. Triage resulted in 151 (66%) low(LR), 32 (14%) intermediate(IR) and 45 (20%) high risk(HR) patients. Ninety-nine families were documented to be timely informed regarding gonadal damage risk. In total, 35 girls (5 LR, 5 IR, 25 HR) were counseled by an oncofertility expert. 16/25 HR patients underwent fertility preservation (1 ovariopexy + OTC, oocyte cryopreservation (1 with and 1 without OTC) and 13 OTC). Fertility preservation did not lead to complications or delay of cancer treatment in any patient.

Conclusion

We timely identified and triaged most girls (88%) with cancer with a high risk of gonadal damage to be counseled for fertility preservation. We aim to optimize the oncofertility care plan and the standardized gonadal damage risk stratification tool based on this experience and these may be of value to other pediatric oncology centers.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi takes advantage of efferocytosis to evade the immune response
Authors: Dalboni Luciane Costa , Alvares Saraiva Anuska Marcelino , Konno Fabiana Toshie de Camargo , Perez Elizabeth Cristina , Codeceira Jéssica Feliciana , Spadacci-Morena Diva Denelle , Lallo Maria Anete
Published: March 2021

Microsporidia are recognized as opportunistic pathogens in individuals with immunodeficiencies, especially related to T cells. Although the activity of CD8+T lymphocytes is essential to eliminate these pathogens, earlier studies have shown significant participation of macrophages at the beginning of the infection. Macrophages and other innate immunity cells play a critical role in activating the acquired immunity. After programmed cell death, the cell fragments or apoptotic bodies are cleared by phagocytic cells, a phenomenon known as efferocytosis. This process has been recognized as a way of evading immunity by intracellular pathogens. The present study evaluated the impact of efferocytosis of apoptotic cells either infected or not on macrophages and subsequently challenged withEncephalitozoon cuniculimicrosporidia. Macrophages were obtained from the bone marrow monocytes from C57BL mice, pre-incubated with apoptotic Jurkat cells (ACs), and were further challenged withE.cuniculispores. The same procedures were performed using the previously infected Jurkat cells (IACs) and challenged withE.cuniculispores before macrophage pre-incubation. The average number of spores internalized by macrophages in phagocytosis was counted. Macrophage expression of CD40, CD206, CD80, CD86, and MHCII, as well as the cytokines released in the culture supernatants, was measured by flow cytometry. The ultrastructural study was performed to analyze the multiplication types of pathogens. Macrophages pre-incubated with ACs and challenged withE.cuniculishowed a higher percentage of phagocytosis and an average number of internalized spores. Moreover, the presence of stages of multiplication of the pathogen inside the macrophages, particularly after efferocytosis of infected apoptotic bodies, was observed. In addition, pre-incubation with ACs or IACs and/or challenge with the pathogen decreased the viability of macrophages, reflected as high percentages of apoptosis. The marked expression of CD206 and the release of large amounts of IL-10 and IL-6 indicated the polarization of macrophages to an M2 profile, compatible with efferocytosis and favorable for pathogen development. We concluded that the pathogen favored efferocytosis and polarized the macrophages to an M2 profile, allowing the survival and multiplication ofE.cuniculiinside the macrophages and explaining the possibility of macrophages acting as Trojan horses in microsporidiosis.
Association between self-rated health and the risk of hip fracture and mortality in a cohort of older women during a 10-year follow-up
Authors: Uzunel Elin , Lundin Hans , Wändell Per , Salminen Helena
Published: March 2021

Fragility fracture of the hip is associated with reduced functional status and mortality. Poor self-rated health (SRH) might be such an indicator. Our aim was to study if SRH was associated with hip fractures and all-cause mortality within the next 10 years in community-dwelling older women. A population-based sample of 350 women aged between 69 and 79 years (median 72.4) assessed their SRH by answering the question “How would you rate your health right now” by putting a mark on a visual-analogue scale (0–100 mm). Information on hip fracture and mortality over the next 10 years was retrieved from health care registers. The association between SRH and hip fracture and all-cause mortality was tested with a Cox proportional hazards regression model. SRH was divided into low, intermediate, and high (reference) assessed SRH. During the study, 40 hip fractures and 72 deaths occurred. The median value of SRH was 62 mm (IQR 50–81 mm). The age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for hip fracture was significantly higher in the group with low and intermediate SRH; HR: 3.17 (95% CI 1.25–8.01), and HR: 2.75 (95% CI 1.08–7.04), compared with high SRH. Adding bone mineral density (at the femoral neck) gave even greater risk. We did not find the hypothesized association between SRH and mortality. In our study, SRH indicated a higher risk of future hip fracture in older women. SRH might be a marker that could add information about the risk of hip fracture independently of bone mineral density.
Association between medial gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit architecture and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion with and without consideration of slack angle
Authors: Hirata Kosuke , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Miyamoto Naokazu
Published: March 2021

Joint flexibility is theoretically considered to associate with muscle-tendon unit (MTU) architecture. However, this potential association has not been experimentally demonstrated in humans in vivo. We aimed to identify whether and how MTU architectural parameters are associated with joint range of motion (RoM), with a special emphasis on slack angle. The fascicle length, pennation angle, tendinous tissue length, MTU length, and shear modulus of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) were assessed during passive ankle dorsiflexion using ultrasound shear wave elastography in 17 healthy males. During passive dorsiflexion task, the ankle joint was rotated from 40° plantar flexion to the maximal dorsiflexion joint angle at which each subject started experiencing pain. From the ankle joint angle-shear modulus relationship, the angle at which shear modulus began to rise (slack angle) was calculated. Two dorsiflexion RoMs were determined as follows; 1) range from the anatomical position to maximal angle (RoManat-max) and 2) range from the MG slack angle to maximal angle (RoMslack-max). The MTU architectural parameters were analyzed at the anatomical position and MG slack angle. The resolved fascicle length (fascicle length × cosine of pennation angle) and ratios of resolved fascicle or tendinous tissue length to MTU length measured at the MG slack angle significantly correlated with the RoMslack-max(r = 0.491, 0.506, and -0.506, respectively). Any MTU architectural parameters assessed at the anatomical position did not correlate with RoManat-maxor RoMslack-max. These results indicate that MTUs with long fascicle and short tendinous tissue are advantageous for joint flexibility. However, this association cannot be found unless MTU architecture and joint RoM are assessed with consideration of muscle slack.
CoC Methodology: Generating Communities of Care Within Indigenous Spaces Through Trauma-Informed Visual Culture
Authors: Huard Adrienne
Published: March 2021

Interdisciplinary Two-Spirit, Métis/Saulteaux/Polish artist, Dayna Danger establishes Indigenous protocol through their artistic practice, which translates through their Mask series and their digital film Bebeschendaam, as they demonstrate the ways in which community is generated, upheld and maintained through their art works. In particular, these collaborative projects exemplify methodologies that revolve around building and nurturing community, which generates a Communities of Care methodology, formed by feminist theorist and scholar, bell hooks. Through this concept, Danger advocated for the term, CoC Methodology at their keynote at Concordia University’s Art History Graduate Student Association’s (AHGSA) 13th annual symposium on the theme of Communities of Care, held in February 2019. CoC Methodology relates to the stability and growth of Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, trans, female and gender-variant Indigenous folks. By advocating for CoC Methodology, Danger’s artistic practice not only concentrates on the creative output, but also on the facilitation of community building and safe-keeping.
Jesse Egner’s Disidenticications: Steven Baboun in Conversation with Jesse Egner
Authors: Egner Jesse , Baboun Steven
Published: March 2021

In this article, Steven Baboun interviews Jesse Egner about his photographic series, Disidentifications—a series of absurd, unusual, and playful portraits of queer individuals meant to evoke the uncanny, humor, and curiosity. Inspired by the theory of disidentification as described by queer theorist José Muñoz, this series examines the liminality of disidentities that neither identify nor counter-identify with a dominant ideology. As a gay man with a non-normative body, Egner has experienced extensive rejection from members of his fellow gay community, forcing him into a precarious relationship with himself. The playful and performative acts and symbols in these photographs reflect this relationship, while the fragmented narratives and uncertainty—existing in a space between reality and fantasy—reflect the liminal space of queer identity.
Interview with guest editor Wayne Baerwaldt
Authors: Logan Zachari , Baerwaldt Wayne
Published: March 2021

The interview with curator and guest editor Wayne Baerwaldt and artist, Zachari Logan pertains to questions about the nature of Logan’s visual art practice in relation to gender, sexuality and intersecting issues of queer embodiment and landscape.
Cyber Sanctuaries
Authors: Adlington Marilyn
Published: March 2021

Curated by Specter (Agnes Momirski & Georgia Kareola)

Digital pavilion in The Wrong Biennale

1 November 2019 to 1 March 2020

(extended indefinitely)
The Process Genre
Authors: Meneghin Marco
Published: March 2021

The Process Genre

Cinema and the Aesthetic of Labour

By Salom. Aguilera Skvirsky

Duke University Press, Durham, NC, 2020, 336 pages
COVID-19, una pandemia de película: análisis de problemas éticos
Authors: Vicente Martínez Celia , Álvarez Galán Carmen , Riaño-Galán Isolina
Published: March 2021

El panorama mundial resultante de la pandemia vivida por el nuevo SARS-CoV-2 y la enfermedad que produce, la COVID-19 ha puesto de manifiesto nuestra fragilidad no solo como individuos sino como sociedad. La gestión de recursos escasos, la transparencia de la información, los riesgos asumidos por los sanitarios, el acompañamiento al final de la vida o la búsqueda de una vacuna segura son solo algunos de los desafíos éticos que han aflorado durante la crisis sanitaria. Previamente, el cine y la literatura ya habían mostrado estos aspectos éticos en situaciones extremas como la actual, basándose en pandemias históricas y otras de ciencia ficción que describen un mundo distópico. La reflexión colectiva y la prudencia deben ser el epicentro que muevan a tomar decisiones solidarias en el ámbito social, científico y político para alejarnos de un futuro desalentador, en el nuevo mundo tras la COVID-19.
La historia de la medicina en las enfermedades epidémicas: entre la realidad y la imaginación
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Luis Vicente , Pipa Muñiz Covadonga
Published: March 2021

En este trabajo planteamos un breve ensayo de las epidemias o pandemias que ocurrieron en el mundo occidental y de las cuales tenemos documentación fehaciente desde el siglo XIV hasta el momento presente. En la misma línea exponemos que estamos inmersos en la epidemia del siglo XXI como consecuencia directa de la bonanza económica que estamos atravesando. En nuestro caso el escenario lo aplicamos a España y a Asturias; reflejando el número de fallecidos. La lucha por la vida con las carencias alimenticias que arrostró la humanidad de manera constante hasta el siglo XVIII que anulan toda posibilidad de defensa innata frente al mal, la muerte súbita de la peste bubónica, las deformaciones de la viruela, etc. ocupan la parte dura, pero es la realidad de la senda humana. En un segundo plano exponemos una serie de películas o de novelas que guardan cierta relación con los brotes epidémicos. Esto es pura fantasía.

Creemos que ambas visiones se pueden complementar porque el temor, el odio al extranjero, la inseguridad ante lo incierto, el aislamiento, el reflejo de huída, el miedo a la muerte o la búsqueda de un remedio curativo son situaciones reales en ambos mundos.
Aspectos psicológicos en películas sobre pandemias. Cuando “no se puede ver (en) la pandemia”. A ciegas (2008), A ciegas (2018)
Authors: Acinas Acinas M.ª Patricia
Published: March 2021

Las situaciones en las que se pierde un sentido, como la vista, o debemos anularlo porque nuestra vida puede estar en juego, suponen una carga de estrés importante. Si además esto va aparejado con un contagio inexplicable y una transmisión de la patología sin causa aparente, y sin razón conocida, añade más malestar psicológico al malestar físico. El sentido de la vista es uno de los primordiales en la vida que llevamos en este siglo XXI. Las películas elegidas en este artículo (A ciegas, 2008 y A ciegas 2018), nos permiten reflexionar sobre estas cuestiones, en sentido literal y figurado.
Epidemias erradicables en seis películas a redescubrir
Authors: Mañez Arocas Constantino , Cabedo García Vicente Ramon
Published: March 2021

Analizamos seis películas sobre cuatro enfermedades infecciosas que en la actualidad están en fase de remisión e incluso de erradicación por las mejoras higiénicas y los avances en el conocimiento médico. Dos de las patologías cursan en brotes explosivos con una gran contagiosidad y letalidad: el cólera, con la película japonesa Red Angel, y la peste con los films El año de la peste y La isla de la muerte. Por otro lado, revisamos infecciones que cursan con secuelas e invalideces a largo plazo como la poliomielitis con La escuela de Shiinomi y la lepra con el documental La casa es negra y Molokai la isla maldita. Intentamos valorar como se representan las enfermedades, su diagnóstico y abordaje terapéutico, así como el contexto en que se presentan y las actitudes sociales que desencadenan.
James (2014) de Claire Oakley. Edward Jenner y la vacuna contra la viruela
Authors: Abad Vila Miguel
Published: March 2021

Hasta la actualidad, la viruela es la única enfermedad infecciosa humana que la vacunación sistemática ha conseguido erradicar. El 14 de mayo de 1796, el médico rural, naturalista y poeta británico Edward Jenner (Berkeley, Inglaterra, 17 de mayo de 1749 – Berkeley, Inglaterra, 27 de enero de 1823) inoculaba a James Phipps, de 8 años de edad, el material purulento procedente de las ampollas de las manos de la lechera Sarah Nemes. Esta campesina estaba infectada de viruela bovina, una enfermedad similar a la viruela humana pero mucho menos agresiva, y que protegía a estas personas de los terribles efectos de la viruela, entonces capaz de contagiar al 60% de la población y causar la mortalidad del 20%. De esta manera, el pequeño James quedó inmunizado contra esta enfermedad. Desde entonces, y hasta el fallecimiento de Edaward Jenner, James Phipps trabajaría a su servicio en sus tierras de Berkeley, en Gloucestershire (Reino Unido). James (2014) de Claire Oakley, es un corto de 15 minutos que recrea magistralmente cómo se gestó la vacunación del doctor Jenner contra la viruela.