bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and numerical study on the lateral torsional buckling of full-scale steel-timber composite beams
Authors: Gao Ying , Xu Feiyang , Meng Xinmiao , Zhang Ye , Yang Hongda
Published: December 2021

The lateral torsional buckling (LTB) of steel-timber composite (STC) beam with partial interaction was investigated in this paper. The composite beam is constructed by connecting the timber to both flanges of the H-shaped steel with bolts or screws. Twelve push-out specimens were designed to evaluate the shear performance of bolt or screw connectors. It was shown that the slip stiffness and the shear bearing capacity of the connectors increased with the thickness of timber increasing. Then, eight full-scale composite beams with lengths of 6000 mm were studied through bending tests and compared to a bare steel beam. The experimental behaviors of the specimens were identified, including the failure mode, load-deflection relationship and load-strain response. The LTB phenomenon and composite action were discussed by analyzing the strain distribution, stiffness and strength. The results demonstrated that the STC beams fastened with bolts or screws displayed partial composite action. Although the stiffness of the composite beam showed little augmentation, the maximum strength of the composite beam substantially increased by suppressing the LTB phenomenon. A finite element analysis was conducted to reveal the failure mechanism of the specimens with different geometric and physical parameters, including the number of timber layers, the interface shear stiffness and the initial imperfection. It was found that increasing the number of timber layers in the upper flange suppressed the lateral torsional buckling, and the interface shear stiffness was the key factor to control the stiffness and failure modes of STC beams.
“Why I quit journalism:” Former journalists’ advice giving as a way to regain control
Authors: Mathews Nick , Bélair-Gagnon Valérie , Carlson Matt
Published: December 2021

This study offers a metajournalistic discourse analysis of first-person narratives by former journalists who quit the profession. It finds the former journalists felt powerless while in the industry. They expressed this by writing about feelings of being stuck in their “dream job,” haunted by an always-on mentality, strained mentally overall, and unsupported by the industry and colleagues. This article argues that with these texts, the former journalists regained a sense of power over the industry by offering advice to other journalists about leaving the industry. As with any profession, advice giving in journalism has always occurred in myriad interpersonal settings with a variety of actors, from educators to colleagues to friends. Mediated advice would occur within the relatively restricted realm of journalism trade press. Yet self-publishing digital platforms provide public outlets for advice giving, including to former journalists who have lost their news platform for speaking to the public.
Stereotypes and sexism? Effects of gender, topic, and user comments on journalists’ credibility
Authors: Haim Mario , Maurus Kim
Published: December 2021

Gendered social roles raise assumptions about what female and male journalists ought to do. Prior studies have suggested that covering counter-stereotypical topics may decrease journalists’ source and their work’s message credibility. Pertaining also to prior studies on heuristic cues for credibility evaluation, user comments have been shown to serve as corrective, both positively and negatively affecting the perception of accompanying content. In an online survey with 417 German participants, we employed a 3 (author: female, male, and computer) × 2 (topic: stereotypically masculine and feminine) × 2 (comments: sexist and non-sexist) experimental design to investigate source and message credibility. Findings do not show differences in gender perception but between human authors (either female or male) and a computer (the control group). Covering counter-stereotypical topics indicates slightly less credibility for men and women if presented with non-sexist comments. In turn, sexist comments lead to slightly higher credibility, suggesting more elaborate engagement with sexism-affected content.
Black bodies at risk: Exploring the corporeal iconography of the anti-police brutality movement
Authors: Richardson Allissa V.
Published: December 2021

Black bodies at risk are in constant conversation with each other. The Black witness who films a fatal police encounter on her phone is talking to the Black victim, promising not to leave him in his final moments. The distant Black witness who sees that video then talks back to the witness and the victim, creating powerful imagery that amplifies the tragic footage. In this manner, those working under the broad banner of the Black Lives Matter movement have reimagined a dynamic Black visual public sphere, where moral arguments about police brutality are sustained through an assemblage of strategic visual appeals. In this essay, I argue that this call-and-response of Black corporeal iconography forms the vanguard of embodied protest journalism in the 21st century. I explain how the concepts of “strong objectivity,” which is rooted in feminist standpoint theory, help validate and liberate the flesh witnessing of the marginalized. Moreover, I offer two broad categories of imagery that Black activists create most often in response to fatal police shootings: historic juxtapositions and symbolic deaths.
‘Like, I’m playing, but with this’. Materialization and affect in early childhood literacy
Authors: Guzmán-Simón Fernando , Pacheco-Costa Alejandra
Published: December 2021

The more-than-human turn in early childhood education has highlighted the relevance of children’s intra-actions with their environment, as well as the multiple ways in which worlds and literacies emerge in them. The rejection of representationalism as the single source of knowledge leads to the consideration of affect, embodiment, memories, sound and movement as ways of knowing. The ways in which they manifest in a school context deserve close attention to the tiny details of literacy events. Our research presents a diffractive reading of an event in a school classroom, aiming to understand human and more-than-human intra-actions in this context, the re-configurations of time, space and matter, and the ways in which children articulate entanglements with texts and bodies. We focus on the intra-actions of a seven-year old child with a photo of his favourite videogame and the ways in which affect and memory emerge. The child’s sounds and movements, the researcher, the photo and the space become entangled to re-configure time, space and matter. Our analysis provides an insight into an event often occurring in schools. We offer some clues to understand it as part of the language and literacy practices of children, and pose the necessity of reconsidering the usual concept of literacy in school.
Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six: Validation of Language Skills in the Jamaican Context
Authors: Kokotek Leslie E. , Washington Karla N. , Cunningham Barbara Jane , Wright Karem Rachel , Fletcher Brittany
Published: December 2021

The Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS) is one of a few validated outcome measures related to children’s communicative participation. Additional validation of the FOCUS measure could address the paucity of validated outcomes-based measures available for assessing preschool-age children, particularly for those who are multilingual. The data collected for this study, with a representative sample of Jamaican Creole-English speaking children, extend the applicability of the FOCUS to a broader range of preschoolers and expand psychometric evidence for the FOCUS to a multilingual and understudied context.
Development of fabric electrode for bio-potential signal acquisition in wearable health monitoring and effect of perspiration on signal acquisition
Authors: Yogendra M. S. , Mallikarjuna Reddy M.V. , Kartik S.N. , Mohanvelu K. , Varghese F.V. , Kotresh TM.
Published: December 2021

Development of a gel-free bio-potential electrode for the wearable health monitoring applications is a challenging goal. A conductive fabric electrode can replace the traditional conductive gel electrode. This paper describes the development of a conductive fabric electrode with regard to its potential use for electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition. Since direct contact between the conductive fabric and human skin will be involved, an investigation on the effect of perspiration on the electrical conductivity of fabric is critical. Hence, the developed electrode was treated with alkaline (pH=8.0) and acidic (pH=4.3) perspiration for 3, 8 and 40 h to study the effect of perspiration on the conductivity and surface morphology. The acquired ECG signals were analysed with respect to morphology and frequency distribution.

Conductivity tests were carried out on the perspiration-treated test electrodes by two probe method and surface resistivity meter. The ECG signals of volunteers were also recorded. The results showed a slight decrease in conductivity but without affecting the morphology and the quality of ECG signal. Leached silver content in the acid perspiration-treated solution was found to be 0.117 ppm as determined by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. The result shows that soft conducting textile materials can indeed be used as an electrode for ECG acquisition. This is a novel type of gel-free fabric electrode for long term wearable health monitoring applications including space application.
Child Delinquency, ACEs, and the Juvenile Justice System: Does Exposure to ACEs Affect Justice System Experiences for Children?
Authors: Novak Abigail , De Francisco Lopes Vitoria
Published: December 2021

Thousands of children ages 12 and under are referred to juvenile justice systems each year, and little is known about how their experiences may differ from those of older youth. The purpose of this study was to compare risk factors associated with juvenile justice referral between children and adolescents and examine differences in adjudication and disposition of referred children and adolescents. The moderating role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) was also examined. Using data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, results suggest children referred to the juvenile justice system are more likely to have experienced greater numbers of ACEs, have family and school problems, and be referred by schools. Results also indicate children and adolescents differ in their experiences within the juvenile justice system, and that experiences vary according to exposure to ACEs. Results suggest juvenile justice system officials should consider the unique needs of children referred to the system and be cognizant of the influence of non-legal factors in decision-making for this population.
The Radial Synergy Test: An Aid to Diagnose de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Authors: Lee Chihua , Langford Phillip N. , Sullivan Graham E. , Langford Matthew A. , Hogan Christopher J. , Ruland Robert T.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Diagnosis of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is made clinically. Finkelstein’s and Eichoff’s tests are commonly utilized examination maneuvers. Their specificity has been questioned due to a propensity to provoke pain in asymptomatic patients. Using the principle of synergism, the novel radial synergy test takes advantage of isometric contraction of the first dorsal compartment with resisted abduction of the small finger.

Methods:

Electromyography was performed on 3 authors and the first dorsal compartment sampled during the maneuver. Sensitivity evaluation was performed via retrospective chart review for patients diagnosed with de Quervain’s from 2013 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were documented radial synergy test, Eichoff’s test, and ≥90% pain relief after lidocaine/corticosteroid injection. We enrolled 222 patients with 254 affected extremities. Specificity evaluation was performed via a prospective cohort of volunteers undergoing radial synergy and Eichoff’s tests. Inclusion criterion was lack of preexisting wrist pain. Score > 0 on Visual Analog Scale was considered positive. We enrolled 48 volunteers with 93 tested extremities.

Results:

Electromyography revealed positive recruitment of the first dorsal compartment. Sensitivity of the radial synergy test was inferior to Eichoff’s test (97% vs 91%, relative risk [RR] = 0.93 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.89-0.97], P < .01). Specificity of the radial synergy test was superior to Eichoff’s test (99% vs 74%, RR = 1.33 [95% CI = 1.18-1.51], P < .001).

Conclusions:

We describe and evaluate the radial synergy test, a novel examination maneuver to aid the diagnosis of de Quervain’s. This serves as an adjunct for future diagnostic evaluations with its high specificity.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, diagnostic study.
A 15-Year Review of Clinical Practice Patterns and Evidence-Based Medicine in Carpometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Shah Nikhil D. , Yuksel Selcen , Sasson Daniel C. , Kearney Aaron M. , Neumeister Michael W. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: December 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to help understand national practice patterns in carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty and how they have evolved with evidence-based recommendations over the past 15 years.

Methods:

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) started collecting practice data on primary CMC joint arthroplasty in 2006 as a portion of its continuous certification (CC) process. Data on primary CMC arthroplasty from May 2006 through December 2013 were reviewed and compared to those from January 2014 to March 2020. National practice trends observed in these data were evaluated. Comprehensive evidence-based medicine reviews published in 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2017 were reviewed alongside the CC data.

Results:

In all, 570 primary CMC joint arthroplasty cases were included from May 2006 to March 2020. The average age at the time of repair was 62 years and the patient population was predominantly female (79%). Most cases were done under general anesthesia (69%), and there was an increase in the use of regional anesthesia with nerve block when our 2 cohorts were compared (27% vs 37%; P = .020). A trapezium excision with flexor carpi radialis tendon ligament reconstruction was the most popular technique (72%) and an increase in the use of simple trapeziectomy was observed (6% vs 14%; P = .001). One-third of patients did not receive any form of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis.

Conclusions:

The ABPS CC data provide a databank that allows for direct observation of national practice trends and sheds light on potential avenues for improvement in patient care.
A Threshold QuickDASH Score for Estimating a Diagnosis of Major Depression in Patients With Fingertip Injuries in the American and Dutch Population
Authors: Oflazoglu Kamilcan , Verheul Elfi M. , Pong Taylor M. , Ritt Marco J. F. P. , Rakhorst Hinne , Chen Neal C.
Published: December 2021

Background:

The aim was to determine the threshold Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score that estimates a diagnosis of major depression in patients with fingertip injuries in American and Dutch patients.

Methods:

In this observational cross-sectional study, 112 patients with a recent fingertip injury measured symptoms of depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire and upper extremity disability with the QuickDASH.

Results:

In the US cohort, 8 of 56 patients had an estimated diagnosis of major depression. A threshold value of QuickDASH of 50 showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 81%, with a negative predicting value (NPV) of 95% for an estimated diagnosis of major depression. In the Dutch cohort, 7 of 56 patients had an estimated diagnosis of major depression. The same threshold score of 50 had a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 63%, and an NPV of 94%.

Conclusions:

We have found a correlation between experienced loss of function and an estimated diagnosis of major depression in patients with a fingertip injury. Referral to the primary care physician for further evaluation of depression in these patients is advised.
The First Interchangeable Biosimilar Insulin: Insulin Glargine-yfgn
Authors: Matli Mark C. , Wilson Andrea B. , Rappsilber Leah M. , Sheffield Farron P. , Farlow Miranda L. , Johnson Jeremy L.
Published: December 2021

On March 23, 2020, all insulin products were reclassified as biologics instead of drugs under the Biological Price Competition and Innovation (BPCI) Act of 2009. This allows biosimilar insulin products to be manufactured when the patent expires for the reference biologic, sometimes called the originator or brand name product. A biosimilar product may not be substituted for the reference biologic at the pharmacy counter unless the biosimilar undergoes further switch trials to earn the designation as an interchangeable biosimilar. Insulin glargine-yfgn 100 units/mL is the first biosimilar insulin to attain interchangeable status with the reference insulin glargine. In the INSTRIDE 1 and INSTRIDE 2 trials, insulin glargine-yfgn has proven noninferiority regarding blood glucose reduction and adverse effect profile versus reference insulin glargine; even in the INSTRIDE 3 trial in which treatment of diabetes was switched between insulin glargine-yfgn and reference insulin glargine throughout the trial without statistically significant changes to glucose levels or adverse effects. Insulin glargine-yfgn may be substituted at the pharmacy counter without consultation with the prescriber, in accordance with state laws. In suit with other biosimilars, insulin glargine-yfgn’s list price is significantly lower than other insulin glargine products. This increases market competition leading to decreases in costs of other insulin glargine products. Many patients who could not previously afford insulin therapy may now have significantly improved access to treatment. Providers will need education to increase awareness of these new biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilar insulin products, cost benefits, and substitution allowances.
Acute Cerebellitis and Myeloradiculitis Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Common Variable Immunodeficiency—A Case Report
Authors: Lemus Hernan Nicolas , Alkayyali Miryam , Kim Eonjung , Cunnigham-Rundles Charlotte , Pyburn Dewitt , Abrams Rory
Published: December 2021

The role of the adaptive immune system in mediating COVID-19 is largely unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the clinical course in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), a disease characterized by dysfunctional lymphocytes and impaired antibody production. We report a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting as isolated neurological symptoms in a patient with CVID. The patient subsequently improved following steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and convalescent plasma (CP). The latter has been shown to be safe and efficacious in treating COVID-19 in patients with primary immunodeficiency. Recent data suggest that the mechanism of CNS injury in COVID-19 may be due to immunological dysregulation rather than direct viral-mediated injury. This case exemplifies the complex interaction between the brain, the immune system, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
White People Problems? White Privilege Beliefs Predict Attitudes Toward Confederate Symbols
Authors: Rios Kimberly , Mischkowski Dominik , Stephenson Nicole B.
Published: December 2021

Building upon Intergroup Threat Theory and research on group-level empathy, we tested the relationship between White privilege beliefs and White Americans’ attitudes toward Confederate symbols. In three experiments, participants induced to think about White privilege exhibited more opposition to Confederate symbols, perceived less realistic threat to their group’s power/resources and symbolic threat to their group’s values/identity from the prospect of these symbols being removed, and (in Study 2) felt more empathetic toward racial/ethnic minorities who may view these symbols. Further, a meta-analytic path analysis across studies demonstrated that the effect of White privilege reminders on opposition to Confederate symbols was driven by reduced realistic and symbolic threat, as well as greater outgroup empathy.
Perceiver Effects in First Impressions Reflect Generalized Stereotypes: Evidence of Consistency Across Time, Groups, and Contexts
Authors: Rau Richard , Lawless DesJardins Nicole M. , Niemeyer Lisa Maria , Back Mitja D. , Srivastava Sanjay , Nestler Steffen
Published: December 2021

In interpersonal perception, perceivers’ tendencies for judging the average target (perceiver effects) are commonly assumed to reflect generalized stereotypes about “the other.” This is empirically supported by findings of consistent rank-orders of perceiver effects across measurement occasions, but previous studies could not rule out important alternative explanations for consistency. Here, we present a strict test of the generalized stereotype account in two studies ( ns 146 and 295) in which participants provided mutual impressions in distinct, uniquely composed groups. Results reveal that perceiver effects are quite consistent on the level of global evaluation and acquiescence but less consistent on the level of specific trait- or item-content. The finding that perceivers who saw others in globally positive or negative ways in one situation also saw other targets in similar ways in entirely different situations across time, groups, and contexts is strong evidence for the generalized stereotype account and has vital implications.
Left behind or at the front line of COVID-19: A descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Grimshaw-Aagaard Søsserr , Knøfler Inge-Lise
Published: December 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses in the field examined were required to manage large numbers of patients suffering from COVID-19 in in-patient clinics necessitating relocation of registered nurses (RNs) from other clinics in the department to support the care of those patients. The aim of the study was to explore how RNs attribute meaning to their experiences during the organizational changes caused by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive phenomenological study is based on thematic analysis interviewing 47 RNs who either continued working in in-patient clinics, were relocated to in-patient clinics, or remained in out-patient clinics. The study methods complied with the COREQ. The main finding, ‘Sense-making in a changed reality of nursing’, shows how RNs attribute meaning or not to the organizational changes, and explains how meaning-making in RNs continuing in in-patient clinics reinforced their identity as RNs or, conversely, how feelings of meaninglessness in those relocated to in-patient clinics or remaining in out-patient clinics contributed to identity loss. This article suggests that managers, by paying attention to the narratives of meaning or meaninglessness in nurses during organizational changes, could be instrumental in managing the anger, frustration, and hopelessness arising from experiences of meaninglessness.
Improving Assessment of Disease Severity and Strategies for Monitoring Progression in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 4]
Authors: Tetreault Lindsay , Garwood Philip , Gharooni Aref-Ali , Touzet Alvaro Yanez , Nanna-Lohkamp Laura , Martin Allan , Wilson Jefferson , Harrop James S. , Guest James , Kwon Brian K. , Milligan James , Arizala Alberto Martinez , Riew K. Daniel , Fehlings Michael G. , Kotter Mark R. N. , Kalsi-Ryan Sukhvinder , Davies Benjamin M.
Published: December 2021

Study design

Narrative Review.

Objective

To (i) discuss why assessment and monitoring of disease progression is critical in Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM); (ii) outline the important features of an ideal assessment tool and (iii) discuss current and novel strategies for detecting subtle deterioration in DCM.

Methods

Literature review

Results

Degenerative cervical myelopathy is an overarching term used to describe progressive injury to the cervical spinal cord by age-related changes of the spinal axis. Based on a study by Smith et al (2020), the prevalence of DCM is approximately 2.3% and is expected to rise as the global population ages. Given the global impact of this disease, it is essential to address important knowledge gaps and prioritize areas for future investigation. As part of the AO Spine RECODE-DCM (Research Objectives and Common Data Elements for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy) project, a priority setting partnership was initiated to increase research efficiency by identifying the top ten research priorities for DCM. One of the top ten priorities for future DCM research was: What assessment tools can be used to evaluate functional impairment, disability and quality of life in people with DCM? What instruments, tools or methods can be used or developed to monitor people with DCM for disease progression or improvement either before or after surgical treatment?

Conclusions

With the increasing prevalence of DCM, effective surveillance of this population will require both the implementation of a monitoring framework as well as the development of new assessment tools.
T-replete HLA-matched grafts vs T-depleted HLA-mismatched grafts in inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Lum Su Han , Greener Sinéad , Perez-Heras Inigo , Drozdov Daniel , Payne Rebecca P. , Watson Helen , Carruthers Kay , January Robert , Nademi Zohreh , Owens Stephen , Williams Eleri , Waugh Sheila , Burton-Fanning Shirelle , Leahy Timmothy Ronan , Cant Andrew , Abinun Mario , Flood Terry , Hambleton Sophie , Gennery Andrew R. , Slatter Mary
Published: December 2021

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has become standard-of-care for an increasing number of inborn errors of immunity (IEI). This report is the first to compare transplant outcomes according to T-cell–replete (ie, T-replete) HLA-matched grafts using alemtuzumab (n = 117) and T-cell–depleted (ie, T-depleted) HLA-mismatched grafts using T-cell receptor-αβ (TCRαβ)/CD19 depletion (n = 47) in children with IEI who underwent first HCT between 2014 and 2019. All patients received treosulfan-based conditioning except patients with DNA repair disorders. For T-replete grafts, the stem cell source was marrow in 25 (21%) patients, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) in 85 (73%), and cord blood in 7 (6%). TCRαβ/CD19 depletion was performed on PBSCs from 45 haploidentical parental donors and 2 mismatched unrelated donors. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival for the entire cohort were 85% (77%-90%) and 79% (69%-86%), respectively. Analysis according to age at transplant revealed a comparable 3-year OS between T-replete grafts (88%; 76%-94%) and T-depleted grafts (87%; 64%-96%) in younger patients (aged <5 years at HCT). For older patients (aged >5 years), the OS was significantly lower in T-depleted grafts (55%; 23%-78%) compared with T-replete grafts (87%; 68%-95%) (P = .03). Grade III to IV acute graft-versus-host disease was observed in 8% of T-replete marrow, 7% of T-replete PBSC, 14% of T-replete cord blood, and 2% of T-depleted PBSC (P = .73). Higher incidence of viremia (P < .001) and delayed CD3 reconstitution (P = .003) were observed after T-depleted graft HCT. These data indicate that mismatched donor transplant after TCRαβ/CD19 depletion represents an excellent alternative for younger children with IEI in need of an allograft.
Extent of intravital contraction of arterial and venous thrombi and pulmonary emboli
Authors: Khismatullin Rafael R. , Abdullayeva Shahnoza , Peshkova Alina D. , Sounbuli Khetam , Evtugina Natalia G. , Litvinov Rustem I. , Weisel John W.
Published: December 2021

Blood clots and thrombi undergo platelet-driven contraction/retraction followed by structural rearrangements. We have established quantitative relationships between the composition of blood clots and extent of contraction to determine intravital contraction of thrombi and emboli based on their content. The composition of human blood clots and thrombi was quantified using histology and scanning electron microscopy. Contracting blood clots were segregated into the gradually shrinking outer layer that contains a fibrin-platelet mesh and the expanding inner portion with compacted red blood cells (RBCs). At 10% contraction, biconcave RBCs were partially compressed into polyhedral RBCs, which became dominant at 20% contraction and higher. The polyhedral/biconcave RBC ratio and the extent of contraction displayed an exponential relationship, which was used to determine the extent of intravital contraction of ex vivo thrombi, ranging from 30% to 50%. In venous thrombi, the extent of contraction decreased gradually from the older (head) to the younger (body, tail) parts. In pulmonary emboli, the extent of contraction was significantly lower than in the venous head but was similar to the body and tail, suggesting that the emboli originate from the younger portion(s) of venous thrombi. The extent of contraction in arterial cerebral thrombi was significantly higher than in the younger parts of venous thrombi (body, tail) and pulmonary emboli but was indistinguishable from the older part (head). A novel tool, named the “contraction ruler,” has been developed to use the composition of ex vivo thrombi to assess the extent of their intravital contraction, which contributes to the pathophysiology of thromboembolism.
Post–hematopoietic stem cell transplantation immune-mediated anemia: a literature review and novel therapeutics
Authors: Migdady Yazan , Pang Yifan , Kalsi Shelley S. , Childs Richard , Arai Sally
Published: December 2021

Anemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be immune or non–immune mediated. Auto- or alloimmunity resulting from blood group incompatibility remains an important cause in post-HSCT immune-mediated anemia. ABO incompatibility is commonly encountered in HSCT and may lead to serious clinical complications, including acute hemolysis, pure red cell aplasia, and passenger lymphocyte syndrome. It remains controversial whether ABO incompatibility may affect HSCT outcomes, such as relapse, nonrelapse mortality, graft-versus-host disease, and survival. Non-ABO incompatibility is less frequently encountered but can have similar complications to ABO incompatibility, causing adverse clinical outcomes. It is crucial to identify the driving etiology of post-HSCT anemia in order to prevent and treat this condition. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of anemia in blood group–incompatible HSCT and the temporal association between HSCT and anemia. In this review, we summarize the literature on post-HSCT immune-mediated anemia with a focus on ABO and non-ABO blood group incompatibility, describe the underlying mechanism of anemia, and outline preventive and treatment approaches.
Does disrespect and abuse during childbirth differ between public and private hospitals in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Okedo-Alex Ijeoma Nkem , Akamike Ifeyinwa Chizoba , Eze Irene Ifeyinwa , Onwasigwe Chika Nwamma
Published: December 2021

Background

Disrespect and Abuse (D&A) during childbirth represents an important barrier to skilled birth utilization, indicating a problem with quality of care and a violation of women‘s human rights. This study compared prevalence of D&A during childbirth in a public and a private hospital in Southeast Nigeria.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional study among women who gave birth in two specialized health facilities: a public teaching and a private-for-profit faith-based hospital in Southeast Nigeria. In each facility, systematic random sampling was used to select 310 mothers who had given birth in the facility and were between 0-14 weeks after birth. Study participants were recruited through the immunization clinics. Semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires using the Bowser and Hills classification of D&A during childbirth were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 at 95% significance level.

Results

Mean age of the participants in the public hospital was 30.41 ± 4.4 and 29.31 ± 4.4 in the private hospital. Over three-fifths (191; 61.6%) in the public and 156 women (50.3%) in the private hospital had experienced at least one form of D&A during childbirth [cOR1.58; 95% CI 1.15, 2.18]. Abandonment and neglect [Public153 (49.4%) vs. Private: 91 (29.4%); cOR2.35; 95% CI. 1.69, 3.26] and non-consented care [Public 45 (14.5%) vs. Private 67(21.6%): cOR0.62; 95% CI. 0.41, 0.93] were the major types of D&A during childbirth. Denial of companionship was the most reported subtype of D&A during childbirth in both facilities [Public 135 (43.5%) vs. Private66 (21.3%); cOR2.85; 95% CI. 2.00, 4.06]. Rural residents were less likely to report at least one form of D&A during childbirth (aOR 0.53; CI 0.35-0.79).

Conclusion

Although prevalence was high in both facilities, overall prevalence of D&A during childbirth and most subtypes were higher in the public health facility. There is a need to identify contextual factors enabling D&A during childbirth in public and private health care settings.
Pregnant during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploration of patients’ lived experiences
Authors: Kolker Sabrina , Biringer Anne , Bytautas Jessica , Blumenfeld Haley , Kukan Sahana , Carroll June C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Infectious outbreaks are known to cause fear and panic. Exploration of pregnant individuals’ psychosocial condition using a qualitative lens during an infectious outbreak is limited. In this study we explore pregnant individuals’ lived experiences as well as their psychological and behavioural responses during COVID-19 with the goal of providing useful strategies from the patient’s perspective to enable health care providers to help pregnant patients navigate this and future pandemics.

Methods

Pregnant individuals between 20-weeks gestation and 3 months postpartum who received maternity care from an urban academic interprofessional teaching unit in Toronto, Canada were invited to participate. Semi-structured 60 min interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Interview questions probed psychological responses to the pandemic, behavioural and lifestyle changes, strategies to mitigate distress while pregnant during COVID-19 and advice for other patients and the healthcare team.

Results

There were 12 participants, mean age 35 years (range 30–43 years), all 1 to 6 months postpartum. Six main themes emerged: 1) Childbearing-related challenges to everyday life; 2) Increased worry, uncertainty and fear; 3) Pervasive sense of loss; 4) Challenges accessing care; 5) Strategies for coping with pandemic stress; 6) Reflections and advice to other pregnant people and health care professionals. Pregnant individuals described lack of social support due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and a profound sense of loss of what they thought their pregnancy and postpartum period should have been. Advice to healthcare providers included providing mental health support, clear and up to date communication as well as more postpartum and breastfeeding support.

Conclusions

These participants described experiencing psychosocial distress during their pregnancies and postpartum. In a stressful situation such as a global pandemic, health care providers need to play a pivotal role to ensure pregnant individuals feel supported and receive consistent care throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. The health care provider should ensure that mental health concerns are addressed and provide postpartum and breastfeeding support. Without addressing this need for support, parental mental health, relationships, parent-infant bonding, and infant development may be negatively impacted.
Factors associated with mammographic breast density among women in Karachi Pakistan
Authors: Shamsi Uzma , Afzal Shaista , Shamsi Azra , Azam Iqbal , Callen David
Published: December 2021

Background

There are no studies done to evaluate the distribution of mammographic breast density and factors associated with it among Pakistani women.

Methods

Participants included 477 women, who had received either diagnostic or screening mammography at two hospitals in Karachi Pakistan. Mammographic breast density was assessed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. In person interviews were conducted using a detailed questionnaire, to assess risk factors of interest, and venous blood was collected to measure serum vitamin D level at the end of the interview. To determine the association of potential factors with mammographic breast density, multivariable polytomous logistic regression was used.

Results

High-density mammographic breast density (heterogeneously and dense categories) was high and found in 62.4% of women. There was a significant association of both heterogeneously dense and dense breasts with women of a younger age group < 45 years (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.60–4.49) and (OR 4.83, 95% CI 2.54–9.16) respectively. Women with heterogeneously dense and dense breasts versus fatty and fibroglandular breasts had a higher history of benign breast disease (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.14–3.17) and (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.90–6.86) respectively. There was an inverse relationship between breast density and body mass index. Women with dense breasts and heterogeneously dense breasts had lower body mass index (OR 0.94 95% CI 0.90–0.99) and (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.76–0.87) respectively. There was no association of mammographic breast density with serum vitamin D levels, diet, and breast cancer.

Conclusions

The findings of a positive association of higher mammographic density with younger age and benign breast disease and a negative association between body mass index and breast density are important findings that need to be considered in developing screening guidelines for the Pakistani population.
Cost-Effectiveness of perioperative Vaginally Administered estrogen in postmenopausal women undergoing prolapse surgery (EVA trial): study protocol for a multicenter double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Vodegel Eva V. , Zwolsman Sandra E. , Vollebregt Astrid , Duijnhoven Ruben G. , Bosmans Judith E. , Speksnijder Leonie , Roos Eveline J. , Spaans Wilbert , Gerards Franca , Adriaanse Albert , Vernooij Flora , Milani Alfredo L. , Sikkema Marko , Weemhoff Mirjam , Mous Marieke , Damoiseaux Anne , van Dongen Heleen , v/d Ploeg Marinus , Veen Joggem , van de Pol Geerte , Broekman Bart , Steures Pieternel , Tjin-Asjoe Fernando , van der Stege Jolande , Mouw Ronald , van der Vaart Carl H. , Roovers Jan-Paul W. R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is associated with high recurrence rates. The costs associated with the treatment of recurrent POP are huge, and the burden from women who encounter recurrent POP, negatively impacts their quality of life. Estrogen therapy might improve surgical outcome for POP due to its potential beneficial effects. It is thought that vaginal estrogen therapy improves healing and long-term maintenance of connective tissue integrity. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of perioperative vaginal estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women undergoing POP surgery.

Methods

The EVA trial is a multi-center double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted in the Netherlands comparing the effectiveness and costs-effectiveness of vaginal estrogen therapy. This will be studied in 300 postmenopausal women undergoing primary POP surgery, with a POP-Q stage of ≥ 2. After randomization, participants administer vaginal estrogen cream or placebo cream from 4 to 6 weeks preoperative until 12 months postoperative. The primary outcome is subjective improvement of POP symptoms at 1 year follow-up, measured with the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Secondary outcomes are POP-Q anatomy in all compartments, re-interventions, surgery related complications, general and disease specific quality of life, sexual function, signs and complaints of vaginal atrophy, vaginal pH, adverse events, costs, and adherence to treatment. Follow up is scheduled at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months postoperative. Data will be collected using validated questionnaires and out-patient visits including gynecological examination performed by an independent gynecologist.

Discussion

This study investigates whether perioperative vaginal estrogen will be cost-effective in the surgical treatment of POP in postmenopausal women. It is hypothesized that estrogen therapy will show a reduction in recurrent POP symptoms and a reduction in reoperations for POP, with subsequent improved quality of life among women and cost savings.

Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Registry: NL6853; registered 19-02-2018, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6853. EudraCT: 2017-003144-21; registered: 24-07-2017.
An in vivo evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of newly synthesized 1, 2, 4 Triazole derivatives
Authors: Azim Tabinda , Wasim Muhammad , Akhtar Muhammad Shoaib , Akram Irfan
Published: December 2021

Background

In recent years, 1, 2, 4-triazole and its derivatives have been reported to be pharmacologically significant scaffolds. They possess analgesic, anti-tubercular, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity. This study was designed and conducted to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Triazole derivatives.

Methods

Swiss albino (male and female) mice weighing 20-30 g (10-24 weeks female), (5-14 weeks male) and Wister Kyoto rats (male and female) weighing 200-300 g (8-10 weeks old) were used for the present study. Anti-inflammatory activity was checked using Lambda carrageenan (λ) and egg albumin-induced paw edema models. Analgesic via Writhing Reflex induced by acetic acid and formalin, furthermore anti-pyretic activity was assessed by yeast induced pyrexia.

Results

Both of the test compounds exhibited encouraging anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic results when compared with standard drug ibuprofen. The maximum inhibition of edema for the compound (S)-1-(4-Amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl) ethanol[3]was found to be (91)% as compared to reference drug ibuprofen (82)%, while (S)-1-(6-Phenyl-7H-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazin-3-yl)ethanol[5e]showed equipotent results to ibuprofen (81)%. The derivatives were also screened for their anti-nociceptive activity by Acetic acid writhing and tail immersion test. Compound 3 showed a significant reduction in wriths (83)% as compared to standard drug ibuprofen 71.5% and [5] showed comparable results to ibuprofen by exhibiting 70% reduction in writh at the same dose as that of standard drug, moreover, there were no signs of toxicity being observed after administration of high doses of test compounds to mice.

Conclusions

It is evident from the results that compounds 3(compound A) and 5(compound B) are a potential candidate for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic and the scaffold could be used for further structural modifications. Further studies would help to evaluate their molecular mechanism of action regarding these beneficial activities.
Biologic TNF-α inhibitors reduce microgliosis, neuronal loss, and tau phosphorylation in a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Ou Weijun , Yang Joshua , Simanauskaite Juste , Choi Matthew , Castellanos Demi M. , Chang Rudy , Sun Jiahong , Jagadeesan Nataraj , Parfitt Karen D. , Cribbs David H. , Sumbria Rachita K.
Published: December 2021

Background

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, making biologic TNF-α inhibitors (TNFIs), including etanercept, viable therapeutics for AD. The protective effects of biologic TNFIs on AD hallmark pathology (Aβ deposition and tau pathology) have been demonstrated. However, the effects of biologic TNFIs on Aβ-independent tau pathology have not been reported. Existing biologic TNFIs do not cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), therefore we engineered a BBB-penetrating biologic TNFI by fusing the extracellular domain of the type-II human TNF-α receptor (TNFR) to a transferrin receptor antibody (TfRMAb) that ferries the TNFR into the brain via receptor-mediated transcytosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of TfRMAb-TNFR (BBB-penetrating TNFI) and etanercept (non-BBB-penetrating TNFI) in the PS19 transgenic mouse model of tauopathy.

Methods

Six-month-old male and female PS19 mice were injected intraperitoneally with saline (n = 12), TfRMAb-TNFR (1.75 mg/kg, n = 10) or etanercept (0.875 mg/kg, equimolar dose of TNFR, n = 10) 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Age-matched littermate wild-type mice served as additional controls. Blood was collected at baseline and 8 weeks for a complete blood count. Locomotion hyperactivity was assessed by the open-field paradigm. Brains were examined for phosphorylated tau lesions (Ser202, Thr205), microgliosis, and neuronal health. The plasma pharmacokinetics were evaluated following a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.875 mg/kg etanercept or 1.75 mg/kg TfRMAb-TNFR or 1.75 mg/kg chronic TfRMAb-TNFR dosing for 4 weeks.

Results

Etanercept significantly reduced phosphorylated tau and microgliosis in the PS19 mouse brains of both sexes, while TfRMAb-TNFR significantly reduced these parameters in the female PS19 mice. Both TfRMAb-TNFR and etanercept treatment improved neuronal health by significantly increasing PSD95 expression and attenuating hippocampal neuron loss in the PS19 mice. The locomotion hyperactivity in the male PS19 mice was suppressed by chronic etanercept treatment. Equimolar dosing resulted in eightfold lower plasma exposure of the TfRMAb-TNFR compared with etanercept. The hematological profiles remained largely stable following chronic biologic TNFI dosing except for a significant increase in platelets with etanercept.

Conclusion

Both TfRMAb-TNFR (BBB-penetrating) and non-BBB-penetrating (etanercept) biologic TNFIs showed therapeutic effects in the PS19 mouse model of tauopathy.
An optimized FM-index library for nucleotide and amino acid search
Authors: Anderson Tim , Wheeler Travis J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Pattern matching is a key step in a variety of biological sequence analysis pipelines. The FM-index is a compressed data structure for pattern matching, with search run time that is independent of the length of the database text. Implementation of the FM-index is reasonably complicated, so that increased adoption will be aided by the availability of a fast and flexible FM-index library.

Results

We present AvxWindowedFMindex (AWFM-index), a lightweight, open-source, thread-parallel FM-index library written in C that is optimized for indexing nucleotide and amino acid sequences. AWFM-index introduces a new approach to storing FM-index data in a strided bit-vector format that enables extremely efficient computation of the FM-index occurrence function via AVX2 bitwise instructions, and combines this with optional on-disk storage of the index’s suffix array and a cache-efficient lookup table for partial k-mer searches. The AWFM-index performs exact match count and locate queries faster than SeqAn3’s FM-index implementation across a range of comparable memory footprints. When optimized for speed, AWFM-index is $$\sim $$
∼
2–4x faster than SeqAn3 for nucleotide search, and $$\sim $$
∼
2–6x faster for amino acid search; it is also $$\sim $$
∼
4x faster with similar memory footprint when storing the suffix array in on-disk SSD storage.

Conclusions

AWFM-index is easy to incorporate into bioinformatics software, offers run-time performance parameterization, and provides clients with FM-index functionality at both a high-level (count or locate all instances of a query string) and low-level (step-wise control of the FM-index backward-search process). The open-source library is available for download at https://github.com/TravisWheelerLab/AvxWindowFmIndex.