bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Risk Stratification of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Chen Jiayue , Cao Yaoqian , Li Zhishu , Dong Lixia
Published: June 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the severity of OSA and the risk stratification of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). In this single-center cohort study, patients diagnosed with PE were evaluated for OSA via polygraphy monitoring. The simplified PE severity index (sPESI) and the number of patients requiring systemic thrombolysis were used to determine the severity of the disease. Echocardiography was performed on all participants. All patients were divided into 2 groups (OSA group and non-OSA group), and the patients in OSA group were then divided into 3 groups based on the severity of OSA. Patients with severe OSA had a significantly higher number of patients with sPESI ≥ 1 ( P = .005). A higher proportion of patients with severe OSA require systemic thrombolysis ( P = .010). Patients with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 30/h had a much higher fibrinogen ( P = .004) and D-dimer ( P = .040) level than those in the non-OSA group. The levels of creatinine were significantly higher in patients with OSA ( P = .040). Echocardiography showed a significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between patients in non-OSA and severe OSA groups ( P = .035). And brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) also exhibited a progressive worsening related to the deepest desaturation and oxygen desaturation index. OSA, especially with AHI > 30/h, is correlated with the severity and prognosis of acute PE. This might be attributed to the prothrombotic effect, renal impairment, and cardiac dysfunction in patients with severe OSA.
Validity and Reliability of the Pre-Adolescent Dance Injury and Participation Questionnaire (PADIP-Q)
Authors: George Alli , Black Amanda M. , Doyle-Baker Patricia K. , Kloetzel Melanie , Kenny Sarah J.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Dancers generally begin training in a variety of styles at a young age. Across ages and levels of participation, dancers are at high risk for injury. Most available injury surveillance tools, however, have been developed for adult populations. Valid, reliable tools that monitor injury and exposure of pre-adolescent dance populations are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a dance injury and participation questionnaire specifically for pre-adolescent private studio dancers.

Methods:

Four stages of validity and reliability testing assessed a novel questionnaire: initial design based on previous literature, expert panel review, cognitive interviews, and test-retest reliability. The target population was 8 to 12-year-olds who participate in at least 1 class/week at a private studio. Feedback from a panel review and cognitive interviews was incorporated. Test-retest analyses included Cohen’s kappa coefficients and percent agreement for categorical variables, and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs (3,1)], absolute mean difference (md) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients ( r) for numerical data.

Results:

The final questionnaire was comprised of 4 sections: demographics, dance training history, current dance participation (previous 1-year and 4-months), and dance-related injury history (previous 1-year and 4-months). Items with categorical responses estimated kappa coefficients from 0.32 to 1.00, and percent agreement between 81% and 100%. For items with numeric responses, ICC estimates ranged between .14 and 1.00, r values between .14 and 1.00, and the largest absolute md was 0.46. The 4-month recall sections revealed higher agreement than the 1-year sections.

Conclusion:

This valid pre-adolescent dance injury and participation questionnaire demonstrates good to excellent reliability across all items. To support participant completions, assistance from a parent/guardian is suggested. To move dance epidemiology research forward among private studio dancers aged 8 to 12 years, employment of this questionnaire is therefore recommended.
Determinants of Time-to-Death of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Addisia Gedam Derbew , Tegegne Awoke Seyoum , Belay Denekew Bitew , Kassaw Mahider Abere , Muluneh Mitiku Wale , Abebe Koyachew Bitew , Masresha Bezanesh Melese , Mulugeta Solomon Sisay , Fentaw Setegn Muche , Damtie Dejen Gedamu
Published: June 2023

Background:

Leukemia is a group of cancers that usually begin in the bone marrow and results in a large number of abnormal white blood cells. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is the most prevalent leukemia in Western countries, with an estimated incidence rate of less than 1 to 5.5 per 100 000 people, and average age at diagnosis of 64 to 72 years. It is more common in men among Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients in Ethiopia’s hospitals at Felege Hiwot Referal Hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort research design was employed to acquire critical information from patients’ medical records in order to achieve the study’s purpose. The study comprised the medical records of 312 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia who were followed from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the risk factors for time to death in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients.

Results:

Accordingly the Cox proportional hazard model, age (Hazard Ratio = 11.36; P < .001), sex of male (Hazard Ratio = 1.04; P = .004), married status (Hazard Ratio = 0.03; P = .003), medium stages of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (Hazard Ratio = 1.29; P = .024), high stages of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (Hazard Ratio = 1.99; P < .001), presence of anemia (Hazard Ratio =0.09; P = .005), platelets (Hazard Ratio = 2.11; P = .007), hemoglobin (Hazard Ratio = 0.02; P < .001), lymphocytes (Hazard Ratio = 0.29; P = .006), red blood cell (Hazard Ratio = 0.02; P < .001), which patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia had a significant relationship with time to death.

Conclusions:

Age, sex, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia stage, anemia, platelets, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and red blood cells were all statistically significant determinants in the time to death of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients, according to the data. As a result, healthcare providers should pay particular attention to and emphasize the identified characteristics, as well as provide frequent counseling on how to enhance the health of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patients.
Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) at Melkassa Farmland, Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Tatek Wondimu , Dirirsa Bayisa Gobena , Tefera Abera Tesfaye , Tezera Bizuneh Ketema , Dinku Aynalem Gurms , Awulachew Tigist Worku , Ashemi Bikela Gebeyehu
Published: June 2023

Sorghum has an enormous role in the economy of sorghum-growing nations. Supplying a precise amount of water to a crop based on crop needs is the main agenda in implementing water-saving agriculture. Non-weighing type lysimeters were used to determine actual crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficient of sorghum at the experimental farm of Melkassa Agricultural Research Center situated in the semi-arid area of Ethiopia. Soil-water balance approaches were applied to obtain actual crop evapotranspiration, while the Penman-Monteith technique was used to determine reference evapotranspiration. Growth stages-wise crop coefficient was computed as a ratio of actual crop evapotranspiration to reference evapotranspiration. The total seasonal sorghum actual crop evapotranspiration during the 2017 and 2018 experimental years was 358.6 and 377.54 mm, respectively. The 2 years average sorghum actual crop evapotranspiration was 368.07 mm. The mean locally developed actual crop coefficient values of 0.55, 1.15, and 0.59 were observed for the initial, mid, and end-season, respectively. The FAO-adjusted crop coefficient values for mid and end-season were 1.01 and 0.52, respectively. The developed Kc values considerably differed from the FAO-adjusted Kc values. So, the determination of actual crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficient for crop growth at local climate conditions is vital for decision-making concerning water management in the area where irrigation is practiced.
Pull-down plateau of a Toda-like fractal-fractional oscillator and its application in grass carp’s roes’ agglomeration
Authors: Niu Jing-Yan
Published: June 2023

Grass carp’s roes should be agglomerated together for maximizing their survival rate against various predators. Any vibration induced by any environmental perturbation should be attenuated immediately. A Toda-like fractal-fractional oscillator is established, which shows a low-frequency property for most cases; however, the grass carp has evolved a very ability to attenuate the perturbated vibration by sticky adhesion. The pull-down stability of the roes’ vibration is discovered through the results of phase diagrams. The mathematical analysis reveals that there is a pull-down plateau for the attenuating process, the plateau’s height and width are discussed graphically, and the main factors affecting the plateau’s properties are elucidated. The paper offers a totally new window for biomechanics, especially for biomimicking design of chatter vibration systems inspired by the agglomerated roes.
Cause of death in fatal missing person cases in England and Wales
Authors: Whibley Jessica , Newiss Geoff , Collie Craig JR
Published: June 2023

Typically, fewer than 0.5% of missing incidents result in an individual being found deceased. Whereas previous research has examined the features of missing–homicide, missing–suicide and some aspects of missing–accident cases, this study sought to provide the first reliable estimates of the number and proportion of fatalities by all causes of death, specifically: suicide, accident, homicide and natural causes. Using data obtained on 615 fatal disappearances via Freedom of Information returns from 22 English and Welsh police forces covering a two-year period, this article presents data on the relative probability of fatality by cause of death for adults and children and for males and females. Overall, fatal outcomes are, thankfully, rare, occurring once in every 358 missing incidents. Some 98% of fatalities involved adults; just over 80% involved males. The findings affirm suicide as the largest single cause of death accounting for three-quarters of female fatalities and four in every five male fatalities. Although homicide was the least probable cause of death among male missing persons, females faced a roughly similar chance of dying as a result of an accident or homicide. The research indicates that estimates of probability can be used to inform investigative decision-making and scenario development, offering important context to the overall likelihood of an individual facing a fatal outcome. Further research is needed to replicate these findings.
Understanding vehicle consent search requests through the use of the social conditioning model and illusory correlation
Authors: Waldspurger Ella , Vito Anthony G
Published: June 2023

Previous studies show racial or ethnic bias in police decision-making for consent search requests. Yet, few studies apply the social conditioning model and illusory correlation to explain an officer's decision-making for requesting consent to search the driver's vehicle. Furthermore, a potential consideration when using this theory has not considered the possible explanation that the officer may also conduct such a request because the officer views the citizen as “out-of-place”. This study uses Illinois traffic stop data from 2016 to 2018 for municipal agencies with a minority representation of less than one (i.e., less-diverse police department and a greater chance that the officer involved in the stop is White) and includes one measure from the 2016 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics. Utilizing propensity score matching to match the drivers based on race/ethnicity and gender, the current findings show that non-White drivers and non-White male drivers, who are stopped by police serving predominately White areas and who serve in a less-diverse police department, are more likely to have an officer request consent to search their vehicle. These findings are consistent with racial profiling and support the social conditioning model and illusory correlation as an appropriate theoretical explanation for police officers. Moreover, the officer's decision-making could be based on an individual driver stopped by an officer serving a predominately White community and interacting with a less-diverse police department. The officer may view the minority driver as being “out-of-place”, which is an additional reason for the officer to request consent to search the minority driver's vehicle.
‘Maternal request’ caesarean sections and medical necessity
Authors: Brown Rebecca CH , Mulligan Andrea
Published: June 2023

Currently, many women who are expecting to give birth have no option but to attempt vaginal delivery, since access to elective planned caesarean sections (PCS) in the absence of what is deemed to constitute ‘clinical need’ is variable. In this paper, we argue that PCS should be routinely offered to women who are expecting to give birth, and that the risks and benefits of PCS as compared with planned vaginal delivery should be discussed with them. Currently, discussions of elective PCS arise in the context of what are called ‘Maternal Request Caesarean Sections’ (MRCS) and there is a good deal of support for the position that women who request PCS without clinical indication should be provided with them. Our argument goes further than support for acceding to requests for MRCS: we submit that healthcare practitioners caring for women with uncomplicated pregnancies have a positive duty to inform them of the option of PCS as opposed to assuming vaginal delivery as a default, and to provide (or arrange for the provision of) PCS if that is the woman's preferred manner of delivery.
Cochlear Implant Evaluations of Spanish-Speaking Adults: Linguistic Comparison of Two Spanish-Sentence Perception Tests
Authors: Turnbull Mariana Mejia , MacRoy-Higgings Michelle , Martin Brett A.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the linguistic content of the Spanish HINT and the Spanish AzBio sentence tests. The results revealed that the Spanish AzBio is linguistically more complex as compared with the Spanish HINT in terms of sentence length, complexity, and grammatical structure.
Leading by serving: How can servant leadership influence teacher emotional well-being?
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Shuping , Aramburo Corrine Aramburo , Jiang Jinqiu
Published: June 2023

Owing to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global pandemic and neoliberal reforms, it is critical for school leaders to help teachers navigate through chaos and stay emotionally healthy. From a sample of 449 primary and secondary school teachers in mainland China, we constructed a multi-mediator model to explore the direct effect of servant leadership on teachers’ emotional well-being, as well as the mediating effects of teacher recognition and emotion regulation. The results reveal that servant leadership is positively related to teachers’ emotional well-being directly and indirectly through reappraisal and recognition of social esteem. The findings also indicate that the mediating effects of suppression and recognition for care are not significant. The implications for the field and future directions are discussed.
Feasibility and Potential Benefits of the Observe, Reflect, Improve Children’s Learning (ORICL) Tool: Perspectives of Infant–Toddler Educators
Authors: Elwick Sheena , Wong Sandie , Harrison Linda , Williams Kate E , McFarland Laura , Dealtry Lysa , Janus Magdalena
Published: June 2023

This article discusses infant–toddler educators’ perspectives of using the Observe, Reflect, Improve Children’s Learning tool (ORICL) in practice. ORICL is a new tool informed by implementation science and co-designed with Australian early childhood education and care policy-makers, practitioners, and service providers. It aims to support infant–toddler educators to observe, reflect on, assess, and improve the quality of individual children’s learning experiences. Twenty-one educators working in Australian long day care and family day care services participated in the study, with a total of 66 ORICLs being completed for children ranging from 7 to 33 months of age. Educators also participated in an interview to share their experiences of using ORICL in practice. Findings show that ORICL enhanced educators’ understandings of infants’ and toddlers’ learning, development and wellbeing, and educators’ critical reflection. ORICL also helped educators to notice interactions, document and plan for children’s learning, and communicate children’s learning to others.
A retrospective epidemiological cohort study of ankle fractures in children and teenagers
Authors: Steiger Christina , De Marco Giacomo , Cuérel Céline , Tabard-Fougère Anne , Chargui Moez , Dayer Romain , Ceroni Dimitri
Published: June 2023

Background:

Ankle fracture is one of the most frequent pediatric lower-limb fractures and may result in serious complications.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of ankle fractures, defining fracture types, treatments, and complications in a pediatric population below 16 years old.

Methods:

Medical records of all the ankle fracture patients treated in our hospital during 2004–2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, mechanism of injury, fracture type, treatment modalities, and complications were collected.

Results:

We examined records involving 328 children with 331 ankle fractures, with a ratio of 1:2 male per female. Mean annual prevalence was 24.3 per 100,000 children. Mean patient age was 11.2 ± 4.2 years, with 75.3% of them aged over 10 years. Sports activities accounted for the largest percentage of fractures (162 cases; 49.4%), followed by falls (67; 20.4%) and road traffic accidents (37; 11.3%). Physeal fractures were the most frequent type of lesion (223 cases). Most ankle fractures (60%) were managed using closed reduction and casting; for the remaining 40% of cases, fracture fixation was performed after closed or open reduction to correct the articular step-off and ensure the anatomical restoration of the physis. The main ankle fracture complication was premature growth arrest (12.1% of all physeal fractures).

Conclusion:

Pediatric ankle fractures primarily affect children older than 10 years. Most of these fractures were caused by sports injuries or low-energy trauma. The majority of these fractures are physeal, and the distal tibial physis is affected 10 times more frequently than the distal fibular physis.

Level of evidence:

Level III
Development and Implementation of Diabetes Care by a Community Network Based on a Chronic Care Model
Authors: Boocha Kanniyaporn , Ploylearmsang Chanuttha
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

This participatory action research was conducted by the collaborative health-related team in a district, in Thailand. The community network jointly developed a care model for diabetic patients in primary care using the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and evaluated the effectiveness of implemented model.

Methods:

Data was collected between October 2021 and March 2022 and involved 2 groups: 1) a community network of 25 people including representatives of the community hospital, primary care hospital, Sub-district administrative organization, community leaders, community representatives, representatives of diabetic patients, and representatives of caregivers of diabetic patients, and 2) 41 people with type 2 diabetes and 41 of their family caregivers. The research was conducted in 4 stages: planning, action, observation, and reflection.

Results:

Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, and the overall average knowledge scores of diabetic patients, family caregivers, and community representatives significantly increased from before (6.07 ± 2.11, 7.07 ± 1.98, P = .024, 5.74 ± 1.88, 7.37 ± 2.25, P < .001, 7.47 ± 2.44, 8.99 ± 1.72, P = .010) respectively. For satisfaction, diabetic patients were most satisfied with family caregiver support, while the community network representatives were most satisfied with their participation in planning a model for diabetic patients in primary care. After model implementation, the blood sugar-controlled patients (HbA1c < 7 mg%) significantly increased (0 and 9.76%, P = .045), although the fasting blood sugar (FBS) of diabetic patients did not improve.

Conclusion:

The development and implementation of diabetes care based on CCM, promoted community participation and involvement in diabetes care. This model mainly affected diabetic patients who could control their HbA1c level and the satisfaction of the community network.
Ignoring people: The micro-politics of misrecognition in participatory governance
Authors: Verloo Nanke
Published: June 2023

Local governments across the globe increasingly aim to engage citizens in participatory governance, encouraging them to take an active stance in community activities and policy or planning decisions. Despite the inclusive and emancipatory ambitions, these projects often reproduce inequality and exclude citizens leaving them marginalized and misrecognized. In this paper, I argue that inclusion and recognition do not take shape via political ambitions or promising institutional frameworks but via informal face-to-face interactions among citizens and state actors at the street level. By drawing on 3 years of ethnographic fieldwork in The Hague, the Netherlands, I critically unpack how the engagements among state actors and citizens misrecognized the latter as political subjects. Building on critical scholarship on the politics of recognition, I propose an agent-centered and practice-oriented approach that analyzes the micro-politics of misrecognition via (1) narrative analysis, (2) the detailed analysis of speech acts and emotional expressions, and (3) with a specific focus on analyzing the spatial practices that construe the geopolitical realm. As a result, I introduce the tactic of ‘ignoring people’ as a socio-spatial practice of politics. I found five socio-spatial tactics by which citizens were ignored during the very participatory process in which they were invited: disregarded elements of citizens’ stories, omitting their counter-narrative, neglecting citizens’ memories, showing disdain for their emotional expressions and being spatially absent from their protest. These insights require scholars interested in understanding the exclusive mechanisms of citizen participation, to turn to the micro-politics of interaction where the political is practiced and experienced.
The effects of street environment features on road running: An analysis using crowdsourced fitness tracker data and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Shuyang , Liu Nianxiong , Ma Beini , Yan Shurui
Published: June 2023

Urban streets provide environment for road running. The study proposes a non-parametric approach that uses machine learning models to predict road running intensity. The models were developed using route check-in data from Keep, a mobile exercise application, and street geographic information data in Beijing’s core district. The results show that blue space and trail continuity are the most important factors in improving road running intensity. There is an optimum design value for the sky openness and the street enclosure, which need to be balanced with shade while meeting the light of the road. And it is also important to provide appropriate visual permeability. Furthermore, unlike daily activities, it was found that higher function mixture and function density did not have significant positive effects on the road running intensity. This study provides empirical evidence on road running and highlights the key factors that planners, landscape architects, and city managers should consider when design running-friendly urban streets.
Future shrinking cities on the globe: A projection map for 2020–2100 based on global gridded population dataset
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Long Ying
Published: June 2023

Shrinking cities have become increasingly prevalent worldwide due to various factors, which pose serious challenges to affected areas in terms of population decline, economic decline, and spatial deterioration. While existing research studies have focused on identifying shrinking cities, there is a need for global projections to mitigate uncertainties in their growth trajectories. Spatially explicit population grids offer a new approach to identifying potentially shrinking cities with sufficient spatial resolution. By utilizing a global gridded population dataset from 2020 to 2100 under the SSP2 (Middle of the Road) scenario, we produce a global projection map for future shrinking cities. Among the total 19,024 natural cities, 9682 cities (50.9%) will face population decline and 1751 cities (9.2%) may lose more than half population by 2100. Cities in East Asia and East Europe may face serious population decline.
Lateral Decubitus Positioning For Shoulder Arthroscopy
Authors: Batra Anjay K. , Brusalis Christopher M. , Jawanda Harkirat , Jackson Garrett , Verma Nikhil N.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Lateral decubitus positioning is a frequently employed technique to perform shoulder arthroscopy. Proper patient positioning and equipment setup is crucial to ensure a safe and efficient surgery.

Indications:

The common indications for performing a shoulder arthroscopy in the lateral decubitus position include anterior shoulder stabilization, posterior shoulder stabilization, superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair, diagnostic arthroscopy for internal impingement, and arthroscopic capsular release for adhesive capsulitis.

Technique Description:

After undergoing general endotracheal anesthesia in the supine position on a standard operating room table, the patient is rotated into the lateral decubitus position with the operative arm facing upward. The patient’s head is supported with a pillow to ensure a neutral position. The nonoperative arm is flexed forward and rests on a padded arm board. The sides of a bean bag are applied to the patient’s torso to maintain the lateral decubitus position, and the bean bag is deflated to remain rigid. An axillary roll is placed under the axilla, and foam pads are placed below the “down leg” and between both legs. A commercial arm jack is positioned on the anterior, proximal side of the operating room table to allow for 20° of shoulder abduction, which maximizes the glenohumeral joint space.

Results:

Advantages of the lateral decubitus position over the beach chair position include improved access to the anterior, inferior, and posterior glenoid; more ergonomic positioning for the operating surgeon; lower risk for patient cerebral hypoperfusion; and reduced rates of recurrent instability following arthroscopic stabilization in comparison to procedures performed in the beach chair position. Disadvantages of the lateral decubitus position include risk of traction-related neurovascular injury, requirement of an arm suspension device, and increased difficulty in rotating the shoulder intraoperatively.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Lateral decubitus positioning is commonly used to achieve a circumferential view of the glenohumeral joint in shoulder arthroscopy. This surgical position yields several advantages for the operating surgeon and has been shown to be associated with improved clinical outcomes after shoulder instability surgery.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Blood group A enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Wu Shang-Chuen , Arthur Connie M. , Jan Hau-Ming , Garcia-Beltran Wilfredo F. , Patel Kashyap R. , Rathgeber Matthew F. , Verkerke Hans P. , Cheedarla Narayanaiah , Jajosky Ryan Philip , Paul Anu , Neish Andrew S. , Roback John D. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Wesemann Duane R. , Kalman Daniel , Rakoff-Nahoum Seth , Cummings Richard D. , Stowell Sean R.
Published: June 2023

Among the risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), ABO(H) blood group antigens are among the most recognized predictors of infection. However, the mechanisms by which ABO(H) antigens influence susceptibility to COVID-19 remain incompletely understood. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, which facilitates host cell engagement, bears significant similarity to galectins, an ancient family of carbohydrate-binding proteins. Because ABO(H) blood group antigens are carbohydrates, we compared the glycan-binding specificity of SARS-CoV-2 RBD with that of galectins. Similar to the binding profile of several galectins, the RBDs of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron variants, exhibited specificity for blood group A. Not only did each RBD recognize blood group A in a glycan array format, but each SARS-CoV-2 virus also displayed a preferential ability to infect blood group A–expressing cells. Preincubation of blood group A cells with a blood group-binding galectin specifically inhibited the blood group A enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas similar incubation with a galectin that does not recognize blood group antigens failed to impact SARS-CoV-2 infection. These results demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 can engage blood group A, providing a direct link between ABO(H) blood group expression and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Future targets for migraine treatment beyond CGRP
Authors: Al-Hassany Linda , Boucherie Deirdre M. , Creeney Hannah , van Drie Ruben W. A. , Farham Fatemeh , Favaretto Silvia , Gollion Cédric , Grangeon Lou , Lyons Hannah , Marschollek Karol , Onan Dilara , Pensato Umberto , Stanyer Emily , Waliszewska-Prosół Marta , Wiels Wietse , Chen Hui Zhou , Amin Faisal Mohammad ,   on behalf of the European Headache Federation School of Advanced Studies (EHF-SAS)
Published: June 2023

Background

Migraine is a disabling and chronic neurovascular headache disorder. Trigeminal vascular activation and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of migraine. This knowledge has led to the development of CGRP(-receptor) therapies. Yet, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to these treatments. Therefore, alternative targets for future therapies are warranted. The current narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological role of these possible non-CGRP targets in migraine.

Findings

We covered targets of the metabotropic receptors (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), amylin, and adrenomedullin), intracellular targets (nitric oxide (NO), phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) and -5 (PDE5)), and ion channels (potassium, calcium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC)). The majority of non-CGRP targets were able to induce migraine-like attacks, except for (i) calcium channels, as it is not yet possible to directly target channels to elucidate their precise involvement in migraine; (ii) TRP channels, activation of which can induce non-migraine headache; and (iii) ASICs, as their potential in inducing migraine attacks has not been investigated thus far.

Drugs that target its receptors exist for PACAP, NO, and the potassium, TRP, and ASIC channels. No selective drugs exist for the other targets, however, some existing (migraine) treatments appear to indirectly antagonize responses to amylin, adrenomedullin, and calcium channels. Drugs against PACAP, NO, potassium channels, TRP channels, and only a PAC1antibody have been tested for migraine treatment, albeit with ambiguous results.

Conclusion

While current research on these non-CGRP drug targets has not yet led to the development of efficacious therapies, human provocation studies using these targets have provided valuable insight into underlying mechanisms of migraine headaches and auras. Further studies are needed on these alternative therapies in non-responders of CGRP(-receptor) targeted therapies with the ultimate aim to pave the way towards a headache-free future for all migraine patients.
The two chytrid pathogens of amphibians in Eurasia—climatic niches and future expansion
Authors: Sun Dan , Ellepola Gajaba , Herath Jayampathi , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: June 2023

Background

Climate affects the thermal adaptation and distribution of hosts, and drives the spread of Chytridiomycosis—a keratin-associated infectious disease of amphibians caused by the sister pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidi (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal). We focus on their climate-pathogen relationships in Eurasia, the only region where their geographical distributions overlap. Eurasia harbours invaded and native areas of both pathogens and the natural habitats where they co-exist, making it an ideal region to examine their environmental niche correlations. Our understanding of how climate change will affect their distribution is broadened by the differences in climate correlates and niche characteristics between Bd and Bsal in Asia and Europe. This knowledge has potential conservation implications, informing future spread of the disease in different regions.

Results

We quantified the environmental niche overlap between Bd and Bsal in Eurasia using niche analyses. Results revealed partial overlap in the niche with a unique 4% of non-overlapping values for Bsal, suggesting segregation along certain climate axes. Bd tolerates higher temperature fluctuations, while Bsal requires more stable, lower temperature and wetter conditions. Projections of their Realized Climatic Niches (RCNs) to future conditions show a larger expansion of suitable ranges (SRs) for Bd compared to Bsal in both Asia and Europe, with their centroids shifting in different directions. Notably, both pathogens' highly suitable areas in Asia are expected to shrink significantly, especially under the extreme climate scenarios. In Europe, they are expected to expand significantly.

Conclusions

Climate change will impact or increase disease risk to amphibian hosts, particularly in Europe. Given the shared niche space of the two pathogens across available climate gradients, as has already been witnessed in Eurasia with an increased range expansion and niche overlap due to climate change, we expect that regions where Bsal is currently absent but salamanders are present, and where Bd is already prevalent, may be conducive for the spread of Bsal.
Immunoprofiling of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus– a pilot study
Authors: Damiati Laila A. , Denetiu Iuliana , Bahlas Sami , Damiati Samar , Pushparaj Peter Natesan
Published: June 2023

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting different organ systems. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of 30 different human cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in human plasma to understand the role of these markers in the pathogenicity of SLE using Luminex Multiple Analyte Profiling (xMAP) technology. Plasma samples were obtained from patients with SLE (n = 28), osteoarthritis (OA) (n = 9), and healthy individuals (n = 12) were obtained. High levels of TNF, IL-6, IFN-γ, INF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-8, IP-10, MIG, MCP-1, MIP-1β, GM-CSF, G-CSF, EGF, VEGF, IL-12, IL-1RA, and IL-10 was detected in SLE patients compared with the OA and healthy control groups. xMAP analysis has been used to address the differential regulation of clinical heterogeneity and immunological phenotypes in SLE patients. In addition, complete disease phenotyping information along with cytokine immune profiles would be useful for developing personalized treatments for patients with SLE.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the AUX/IAA gene family in turnip (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa)
Authors: Xu Huanwen , Liu Yu , Zhang Shengmei , Shui Deju , Xia Zhewen , Sun Ji
Published: June 2023

Background

Auxin/indoleacetic acid (AUX/IAA) genes encoding short-lived proteins participate in AUX signaling transduction and play crucial roles in plant growth and development. Although the AUX/IAA gene family has been identified in many plants, a systematic analysis of AUX/IAA genes in Brassica rapa ssp. rapa has not yet been reported.

Results

We performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis and found 89 AUX/IAA genes in turnip based on the conserved AUX/IAA domain (pfam02309). Phylogenetic analysis of AUX/IAA genes from turnip, Arabidopsis, and cabbage revealed that these genes cluster into six subgroups (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, and B2). The motif distribution was also conservative among the internal members of the clade. Enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) signals of BrrIAA-EYFPs showed that BrrIAA members functioned as nucleoproteins. Moreover, transcriptional analysis revealed that the expression patterns of AUX/IAA genes in turnip were tissue-dependent. Because orthologs have similar biological functions and interaction networks in plant growth and development, BrrIAA66 in turnip possibly played a role in embryo axis formation, vascular development, lateral root formation, and floral organ development by interacting with BrrARF19 and BrrTIR1.

Conclusion

These results provide a theoretical basis for further investigation of BrrAUX/IAA genes and lay the foundation for functional analysis of BrrIAA66 in turnip.
Differential expression profiles and functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs in calcific aortic valve disease
Authors: Song Guang-Yuan , Guo Xu-Nan , Yao Jing , Lu Zhi-Nan , Xie Jia-Hong , wu Fang , He Jing , Fu Zhao-Lin , Han Jie
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and explore their potential mechanism of action.

Methods

The gene expression profiles (GSE153555, GSE148219, GSE199718) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and FastQC was run for quality control checks. After filtering and classifying candidate lncRNAs by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted co-expression networks (WGCNA) in GSE153555, we predicted the potential cis- or trans-regulatory target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) by using FEELnc and established the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network by miRanda, more over functional enrichment was analyzed using the ClusterProfiler package in R Bioconductor. The hub cis- or trans-regulatory genes were verified in GSE148219 and GSE199718 respectively.

Results

There were 340 up-regulated lncRNAs identified in AS group compared with the control group (|log2Fold Change| ≥ 1.0 and Padj ≤ 0.05), and 460 down-regulated lncRNAs. Based on target gene prediction and co-expression network construction, twelve Long non-coding RNAs (CDKN2B-AS1, AC244453.2, APCDD1L-DT, SLC12A5-AS1, TGFB3, AC243829.4, MIR4435-2HG, FAM225A, BHLHE40-AS1, LINC01614, AL356417.2, LINC01150) were identified as the hub cis- or trans-regulatory genes in the pathogenesis of CAVD which were validated in GSE148219 and GSE19971. Additionally, we found that MIR4435-2HG was the top hub trans-acting lncRNA which also plays a crucial role by ceRNA pattern.

Conclusion

LncRNAs may play an important role in CAVD and may provide a new perspective on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. Further studies are required to illuminate the underlying mechanisms and provide potential therapeutic targets.
Changes in trauma-related emergency medical services during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Pettke Aleksandra , Stassen Willem , Laflamme Lucie , Wallis Lee Alan , Hasselberg Marie
Published: June 2023

Background

To limit virus spread during the COVID pandemic, extensive measures were implemented around the world. In South Africa, these restrictions included alcohol and movement restrictions, factors previously linked to injury burden in the country. Consequently, reports from many countries, including South Africa, have shown a reduction in trauma presentations related to these restrictions. However, only few studies and none from Africa focus on the impact of the pandemic restrictions on the Emergency Medical System (EMS).

Methods

We present a retrospective, observational longitudinal study including data from all ambulance transports of physical trauma cases collected during the period 2019–01-01 and 2021–02-28 from the Western Cape Government EMS in the Western Cape Province, South Africa (87,167 cases). Within this timeframe, the 35-days strictest lockdown level period was compared to a 35-days period prior to the lockdown and to the same 35-days period in 2019. Injury characteristics (intent, mechanism, and severity) and time were studied in detail. Ambulance transport volumes as well as ambulance response and on-scene time before and during the pandemic were compared. Significance between indicated periods was determined using Chi-square test.

Results

During the strictest lockdown period, presentations of trauma cases declined by > 50%. Ambulance transport volumes decreased for all injury mechanisms and proportions changed. The share of assaults and traffic injuries decreased by 6% and 8%, respectively, while accidental injuries increased by 5%. The proportion of self-inflicted injuries increased by 5%.

Studies of injury time showed an increased share of injuries during day shift and a reduction of total injury volume during the weekend during the lockdown. Median response- and on-scene time remained stable in the time-periods studied.

Conclusion

This is one of the first reports on the influence of COVID-19 related restrictions on EMS, and the first in South Africa. We report a decline in trauma related ambulance transport volumes in the Western Cape Province as well as changes in injury patterns, largely corresponding to previous findings from hospital settings in South Africa. The unchanged response and on-scene times indicate a well-functioning EMS despite pandemic challenges. More studies are needed, especially disaggregating the different restrictions.
Multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation for older adults with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and process outcomes
Authors: McCarthy Aoife , Galvin Rose , Dockery Frances , McLoughlin Kara , O’Connor Margaret , Corey Gillian , Whiston Aoife , Carey Leonora , Steed Fiona , Tierney Audrey , Robinson Katie
Published: June 2023

Background

Older adults are at increased risk for disease severity and poorer prognosis following COVID-19 infection. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the impact of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the acute or post-acute hospital setting for older adults with COVID-19.

Methods

The Cochrane library, EMBASE, Cinahl and Medline (via EBSCO), PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched in June 2022 and a repeat search was completed in March 2023. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers. Studies reporting outcomes for older adults following multidisciplinary rehabilitation (provided by two or more Health and Social Care Professionals) were included. Both observational and experimental study designs were included. The primary outcome was functional ability. Secondary outcomes included discharge disposition, acute hospital and rehabilitation unit length of stay, mortality, primary and secondary healthcare utilisation, and long-term effects of COVID-19.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 570 older adults. Where reported, older adults stayed in the acute hospital for a mean of 18 days (95%CI, 13.35- 23.13 days) and in rehabilitation units for 19 days (95%CI, 15.88–21.79 days). There was a significant improvement in functional ability among older adults with COVID-19 who received multidisciplinary rehabilitation (REM, SMD = 1.46, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.98). The proportion of older adults who were discharged directly home following rehabilitation ranged from 62 to 97%. Two studies reported a 2% inpatient mortality rate of older persons during rehabilitative care. No study followed up patients after the point of discharge and no study reported on long term effects of COVID-19.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation may result in improved functional outcomes on discharge from rehabilitation units/centres for older adults with COVID-19. Findings also highlight the need for further research into the long-term effect of rehabilitation for older adults following COVID-19. Future research should comprehensively describe multidisciplinary rehabilitation in terms of disciplines involved and the intervention provided.
18F‑FDG PET/CT based radiomics features improve prediction of prognosis: multiple machine learning algorithms and multimodality applications for multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhong Haoshu , Huang Delong , Wu Junhao , Chen Xiaomin , Chen Yue , Huang Chunlan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Multiple myeloma (MM), the second most hematological malignancy, have been studied extensively in the prognosis of the clinical parameters, however there are only a few studies have discussed the role of dual modalities and multiple algorithms of 18F-FDG (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) PET/CT based radiomics signatures for prognosis in MM patients. We hope to deeply mine the utility of raiomics data in the prognosis of MM.

Methods

We extensively explored the predictive ability and clinical decision-making ability of different combination image data of PET, CT, clinical parameters and six machine learning algorithms, Cox proportional hazards model (Cox), linear gradient boosting models based on Cox’s partial likelihood (GB-Cox), Cox model by likelihood based boosting (CoxBoost), generalized boosted regression modelling (GBM), random forests for survival model (RFS) and support vector regression for censored data model (SVCR). And the model evaluation methods include Harrell concordance index, time dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

We finally confirmed 5 PET based features, and 4 CT based features, as well as 6 clinical derived features significantly related to progression free survival (PFS) and we included them in the model construction. In various modalities combinations, RSF and GBM algorithms significantly improved the accuracy and clinical net benefit of predicting prognosis compared with other algorithms. For all combinations of various modalities based models, single-modality PET based prognostic models’ performance was outperformed baseline clinical parameters based models, while the performance of models of PET and CT combined with clinical parameters was significantly improved in various algorithms.

Conclusion

18F‑FDG PET/CT based radiomics models implemented with machine learning algorithms can significantly improve the clinical prediction of progress and increased clinical benefits providing prospects for clinical prognostic stratification for precision treatment as well as new research areas.