bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Id3 (Inhibitor of Differentiation 3) Increases the Number of IgM-Producing B-1b Cells in Ischemic Skeletal Muscle Impairing Blood Flow Recovery During Hindlimb Ischemia
Authors: Osinski Victoria , Srikakulapu Prasad , Haider Young Min , Marshall Melissa A. , Ganta Vijay C. , Annex Brian H. , McNamara Coleen A.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Neovascularization can maintain and even improve tissue perfusion in the setting of limb ischemia during peripheral artery disease. The molecular and cellular mechanisms mediating this process are incompletely understood. We investigate the potential role(s) for Id3 (inhibitor of differentiation 3) in regulating blood flow in a murine model of hindlimb ischemia (HLI).

Approach and Results:

HLI was modeled through femoral artery ligation and resection and blood flow recovery was quantified by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Mice with global Id3 deletion had significantly impaired perfusion recovery at 14 and 21 days of HLI. Endothelial- or myeloid cell-specific deletion of Id3 revealed no effect on perfusion recovery while B-cell–specific knockout of Id3 (Id3
BKO
) revealed a significant attenuation of perfusion recovery. Flow cytometry revealed no differences in ischemia-induced T cells or myeloid cell numbers at 7 days of HLI, yet there was a significant increase in B-1b cells in Id3
BKO
. Consistent with these findings, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) demonstrated increases in skeletal muscle and plasma IgM. In vitro experiments demonstrated reduced proliferation and increased cell death when endothelial cells were treated with conditioned media from IgM-producing B-1b cells and tibialis anterior muscles in Id3
BKO
mice showed reduced density of total CD31
+
and αSMA
+
CD31
+
vessels.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to demonstrate a role for B-cell–specific Id3 in maintaining blood flow recovery during HLI. Results suggest a role for Id3 in promoting blood flow during HLI and limiting IgM-expressing B-1b cell expansion. These findings present new mechanisms to investigate in peripheral artery disease pathogenesis.
Variability of the Plasma Lipidome and Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Tan Sock Hwee , Koh Hiromi W.L. , Chua Jing Yi , Burla Bo , Ong Ching Ching , Teo Li San Lynette , Yang Xiaoxun , Benke Peter I. , Choi Hyungwon , Torta Federico , Richards A. Mark , Wenk Markus R. , Chan Mark Y.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

While the risk of acute coronary events has been associated with biological variability of circulating cholesterol, the association with variability of other atherogenic lipids remains less understood. We evaluated the longitudinal variability of 284 lipids and investigated their association with asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

Circulating lipids were extracted from fasting blood samples of 83 community-sampled symptom-free participants (age 41–75 years), collected longitudinally over 6 months. Three types of coronary plaque volume (calcified, lipid-rich, and fibrotic) were quantified using computed tomography coronary angiogram. We first deconvoluted between-subject (CV
g
) and within-subject (CV
w
) lipid variabilities. We then tested whether the mean lipid abundance was different across groups categorized by Framingham risk score and plaques phenotypes (lipid-rich, fibrotic, and calcified). Finally, we investigated whether visit-to-visit variability of each lipid was associated with plaque burden. Most lipids (72.5%) exhibited higher CV
g
than CV
w
. Among the lipids (n=145) with 1.2-fold higher CV
g
than CV
w
, 26 species including glycerides and ceramides were significantly associated with Framingham risk score and the 3 plaque phenotypes (false discovery rate <0.05). In an exploratory analysis of person-specific visit-to-visit variability without multiple testing correction, high variability of 3 lysophospholipids (lysophosphatidylethanolamines 16:0, 18:0, and lysophosphatidylcholine O-18:1) was associated with lipid-rich and fibrotic (noncalcified) plaque volume while high variability of diacylglycerol 18:1_20:0, triacylglycerols 52:2, 52:3, and 52:4, ceramide d18:0/20:0, dihexosylceramide d18:1/16:0, and sphingomyelin 36:3 was associated with calcified plaque volume.

Conclusions:

High person-specific longitudinal variation of specific nonsterol lipids is associated with the burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Larger studies are needed to confirm these exploratory findings.
Lentils Beyond the Veil
Authors: Richardson Elsa
Published: November 2021

On 15 July 1908The Timesadvertised a talk on ‘personal experiences in spirit-photography and the scientific aspect of spiritualism’, due to take place that night at the Eustace Miles Restaurant. Attendees could look forward to not only ‘exhibitions of spirit writing’, but also to enjoying a ‘flesh-free’ meal afterwards. This entertainment speaks to confluence of spiritualist belief and vegetarian ideals that was played out elsewhere in societies, private seances and public demonstrations. Beyond a shared commitment to progressive causes, they held in common a belief in the purity of vegetable foods and the corrupting nature of flesh. Mediums were encouraged to avoid meat and disputes over the proper diet for believers raged through the movement’s periodicals. This article examines how the language of dietetics and the science of nutrition functioned in the séance, and what this reveals of the tricky negotiation of immateriality and corporality in spiritualist discourse.
The ‘Unusual’ Trial of Former Concentration Camp Guard Bruno Dey
Authors: Vormbaum Moritz
Published: November 2021

This paper discusses the trial against Bruno Dey, who was an ss guard at the concentration camp Stutthof in 1944 and 1945. The accused was 92 years old at the time the trial was opened before a juvenile division of the regional court in Hamburg in 2019. The trial ended with a conviction and a sentence of two years on probation. On the first day of the main hearing, the presiding judge remarked that it was an ‘unusual trial’. This expression is a leitmotif for this paper. The first section explains the historical and legal context of the trial. The paper then provides an account of the opening session, the testimonies of the accused and the witnesses, as well the judgment.
Trial as a Tool of Colonialism: The 1858 Trial of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar
Authors: Kumar Aman
Published: November 2021

This paper brings the 1858 trial of 82 years old Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar into the mainstream international law. It discusses the aesthetical aspects of Zafar’s trial, who was tried as a British Subject, despite being the Indian sovereign. The paper argues that the trial was used as a tool to colonise India. It also points out the treatment given to Zafar post his arrest, when he was displayed to the Europeans ‘like a beast in a cage’. It highlights the confusing nature of the trial which was, at times, presented as an enquiry. Moreover, it tells Zafar’s story from his point of view. The paper also highlights the blind-spots in the subject of international law where Zafar’s trial finds no mention. It provokes readers to question their understanding of colonialism by pointing out the well-known nature of trial of Warren Hastings, but the obscurity surrounding Zafar’s trial.
Constructions of Moral Values in Reader Comments of the Samantha Sex Robot Discourse in East African Newspapers
Authors: Njuguna Joseph
Published: November 2021

Although artificial intelligence (ai) has been touted as revolutionary, this technology has sparked ethical concerns, with man accused of attempting to create a ‘play God’ with it. While creators of sex robots have been hailed for reigniting sexual relationships, they have received flack in equal measure for their apparent moral absurdity. From a Christian values perspective, this study interrogates how the Samantha sex robot invention was framed in 129 online reader comments in two East African newspapers – The Standard and The Daily Monitor. Findings showed that comments fell under the value themes of ‘family bond’, ‘compromised conscience’, and ‘apocalypse’. While a few positioned sex robots as a panacea to domestic instability, the majority opinion viewed the robots as ‘destroyers’ of the God-ordained family unit and tools of dehumanizing women, and thus morally contradictory to Christian teachings. Justifying sex robots was considered to be ‘negotiating’ or ‘rationalizing’ with established Christian values and therefore ‘rebelling against God’. Man’s extremity with the creation and use of sex robots sparked predictions of a self-fulfilling prophecy of his extermination for inciting the wrath of God. The preservation of culture also underpinned the ethical evaluations of robots by some commenters.
Pastoral Care at the Time of Lockdown: An Exploratory Study of the Catholic Church in South Tyrol (Italy)
Authors: Isetti Giulia , Stawinoga Elzbieta Agnieszka , Pechlaner Harald
Published: November 2021

In order to assess the impact of covid-19 on catholic pastoral care, an exploratory study was conducted in South Tyrol (Italy) by administering an online survey to parish priests and laypeople with an office within the local Diocese. With reference to the lockdown period, the research aimed to investigate: (1) how pastoral care was delivered; (2) changes in the use of ict within religious activities; and (3) the vision of the future for the Church in a mediatized world. Respondents believe that: (1) pastoral activities have slowed down, even though contact with the faithful was kept up through phone or the Internet; (2) the level of digitalization of the parishes has increased; however, the communication was mostly one-way and top-down. Finally, results show that (3) attitudes towards digital media are divergent: they are perceived as having the potential to either strengthen or weaken the relationship between the Church and the faithful.
Colloquium 4 Hermeneutical Platonism in Plutarch’s Isis and Osiris
Authors: Shiffman Mark
Published: November 2021

I here examine the underlying order of Plutarch’s Isis and Osiris, following compositional cues the author uses to highlight its themes, in order to draw out distinctive features of Plutarch’s philosophical agenda. After placing the text in the context of Plutarch’s general themes and his other main Platonic-hermeneutical works, I follow the indications of key framing devices to bring to the surface his structuring concerns first with the erotic character of the cosmos, in which human eros is at home, and second with the intentions of ancient lawgivers to civilize human communities, both of which he sees represented in the Isis myth. The text thus exemplifies both Plutarch’s recovery of the unity in Plato of metaphysics and political philosophy and his manner of achieving that recovery through a coordinated threefold hermeneutics of wisdom traditions and human and cosmic phenomena.
Biancaea scabrida, a new species of the Caesalpinia group (Fabaceae) from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: CHOO LE MIN
Published: November 2021

The new species Biancaea scabrida, currently only known from Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. The new species most resembles B. parviflora and B. oppositifolia in its inflorescence, but can be distinguished from both species by its sepals which have short stiff scabrid hairs, and its pistil which has stiff and hispid hairs. It also has alternately arranged leaves and inflorescence branches, a lack of a persistent suborbicular stipule, few pinnae per rachis (2–6 pairs) and relatively fewer leaflets per pinna ((3–)5–9 pairs). A provisional IUCN conservation assessment and a taxonomic key to Biancaea is also provided here.
Ardisia kalimbahin (Primulaceae, Myrsinoideae), a new species from the Philippines
Authors: MAGTOTO LIEZEL M. , TAMAYO MAVERICK N. , UDASCO, JR. LEONARDO C. , BUSTAMANTE RENE ALFRED ANTON
Published: November 2021

Ardisia kalimbahin is herein described and illustrated as a new species. It is the latest addition to the richness of Ardisia in the Philippines. It closely resembles A. romanii Elmer but is distinct in having shorter petiole, shorter elliptic leaves, racemose inflorescence, longer and sparsely puberulent pedicels, magenta corolla lobes, basifixed anthers, shorter filaments, and a beaked stigma. Based on current collection and available herbarium specimens, Ardisia kalimbahin is distributed in the islands of Palawan (Aborlan), Mindoro, and Luzon (Carranglan). Available data is not enough to assess its conservation status; hence, it is proposed as data deficient (DD).
A new phosphatized ophiuroid from the lower Triassic of Nevada and its position in the evolutionary history of the Ophiuroidea (Echinodermata)
Authors: THUY BEN , MAXWELL VIVIENNE , PRUSS SARA B.
Published: November 2021

The Lower Triassic fossil record of brittle stars is relatively rich, yet most records published to date are based on poorly preserved or insufficiently known fossils. This hampers exhaustive morphological analyses, comparison with recent relatives or inclusion of Early Triassic ophiuroid taxa in phylogenetic estimates. Here, we describe a new ophiuroid from the Lower Triassic of Nevada, preserved as phosphatized skeletal parts and assigned to the new taxon Ophiosuperstes praeparvus gen. et sp. nov Maxwell, V. & Pruss. S.B. This unusual preservation of the fossils allowed for acid-extraction of an entire suite of dissociated skeletal parts, including lateral arm plates, ventral arm plates, vertebrae and various disk plates, thus unlocking sufficient morphological information to explore the phylogenetic position of the new taxon. Bayesian phylogenetic inference suggests a basalmost position of O. praeparvus within the Ophintegrida, sister to all other sampled members of that superorder. The existence of coeval but more derived ophiuroids suggests that O. praeparvus probably represents a member of a more ancient stem ophintegrid group persisting into the Early Triassic.
First record of the interaction between the arthropod-pathogenic fungus Gibellula and a new species of harvestman Auranus (Stygnidae) narrowly endemic to the Brazilian rain forest
Authors: VILLANUEVA-BONILLA GERMAN ANTONIO , ARAÚJO-DA-SILVA LUIZ PAULO , VASCONCELLOS-NETO JOÃO , MOURA SOBCZAK JULLYANA CRISTINA MAGALHÃES SILVA , FONSECA EMILY OLIVEIRA , DE SOUSA NÓBREGA FRANCISCO AGEU , PIRES JOEDSON CASTRO , ARRUDA ITALO DIEGO PAIVA , DASILVA MARCIO BERNARDINO , SOBCZAK JOBER FERNANDO
Published: November 2021

Harvestmen are one of the largest groups of arachnids with more than 6,500 species distributed in 1,500 genera and 50 families. However, the interactions between harvestmen and arthropod-pathogenic fungi have rarely been studied. Certain previous studies report that fungal attack represents one of the most important factors for the mortality of harvestmen, but the fungus has rarely been identified, and most of the important information about the fungus-host interactions remains unrecorded. In the present study, we have described the new species Auranus quilombola sp. nov. and reported its interactions with the arthropod-pathogenic fungus Gibellula sp. Auranus quilombola sp. nov. belongs to the family Stygnidae, and it is endemic to the humid mountain forests of Ceará state, Brazil in an area of endemism known as Brejos Cearenses. The species is related to five other species of Auranus, all of which have been recorded from the Amazon rainforest. A taxonomic description of this new species and its biogeographic implications have also been discussed in this paper.
Buying into the Meritocracy: Taiwanese Students and the Market for College Admissions Services
Authors: Chen Kenneth Han , Berman Elizabeth Popp
Published: November 2021

The meritocratic ideal prescribes that universities should admit students based on academic ability and individual effort. Yet as competition for scarce slots has increased, markets for services to improve the odds of admission have expanded. We use the case of a popular online forum for elite Taiwanese students seeking graduate study in the United States to argue that the moral values assigned to such markets provide useful information about the status of the meritocratic ideal. Using digital ethnography and interviews with forum participants, we find that individuals moralize markets for admissions services in ways that align with their social position. They valorize participation in markets that compensate for their “unfair” disadvantage around English while rejecting the legitimacy of adjacent markets that compensate for lack of cultural capital (which they possess). More generally, we argue that although individuals who benefit from meritocracy will tend to stigmatize associated markets, the positive moralization of such markets can reflect local contests over how meritocracy should be defined—yet not necessarily undermine the meritocratic ideal.
Middle School Teachers and Undergraduate Mentors Collaborating for Culturally Relevant STEM Education
Authors: Kier Meredith W. , Johnson Lindy L.
Published: November 2021

This qualitative multiple case study explores the collaborations between three STEM middle school teachers and three STEM undergraduate mentors of color in an urban school district. Drawing on sociocultural theories and literature on culturally relevant education, we used a comparative thematic approach to explore how mentors contributed to culturally relevant opportunities in STEM curriculum and pedagogy. We found that the partners’ STEM identities, how the teacher positioned the mentor in the learners’ experience, and the teachers’ philosophy of the purpose of engineering influenced the contribution undergraduate mentors could make to rigorous and equitable engineering instruction.
Monitoring Adult Subglottic Stenosis With Spirometry and Dyspnea Index: A Novel Approach
Authors: Ntouniadakis Eleftherios , Sundh Josefin , von Beckerath Mathias
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim was to examine the correlations among the anatomic Cotton‐Myer classification, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and patient‐perceived dyspnea or dysphonia in patients with subglottic stenosis and identify measurements accurately reflecting treatment effects.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Method

Fifty‐two adults receiving endoscopic treatment for isolated subglottic stenosis were consecutively included. Correlations were calculated among the preoperative Cotton‐Myer scale, PFTs, the Dyspnea Index (DI), and the Voice Handicap Index. Receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for PFT, DI, and Voice Handicap Index pre‐ and postoperative measurements.

Results

The Cotton‐Myer classification correlated weakly with peak expiratory flow (r = −0.35, P =. 012), expiratory disproportion index (r = 0.32, P =. 022), peak inspiratory flow (r = −0.32, P =. 022), and total peak flow (r = −0.36, P =. 01). The DI showed an excellent area under the curve (0.99, P <. 001), and among PFTs, the expiratory disproportion index demonstrated the best area under the curve (0.89, P <. 001), followed by total peak flow (0.88, P <. 001), peak expiratory flow (0.87, P <. 001), and peak inspiratory flow (0.84, P <. 001). Patients treated endoscopically with balloon dilatation showed a 53% decrease in expiratory disproportion index (95% CI, 41%‐66%; P <. 001) and a 37% improvement in peak expiratory flow (95% CI, 31%‐43%; P <. 001).

Conclusion

Expiratory disproportion index or peak expiratory flow combined with DI was a feasible measurement for the monitoring of adult subglottic stenosis. The percentage deterioration of peak expiratory flow and increase in expiratory disproportion index correlated significantly with a proportional percentage increase in DI.
Art and the Audiogram: How Skillful Observation Provides Insights to the History, Present, and Future
Authors: Walker Celya Olivia , Naples James G.
Published: November 2021

Although simple, audiograms are a dynamic tool that, much like fine art, can be used by experts to decipher the history, present, and probable future of its subject. Through close comparison with El Greco’s Burial of the Count Orgaz, a very well‐known painting for its temporal complexity, a sample audiogram is examined through an artistic lens. That intimate relationship with time that El Greco’s piece and audiograms share offers not only a layered interpretive narrative but also a humanities‐based perspective on how to approach diagnostic testing.
Utility of the Pediatric Bleeding Questionnaire in Predicting Posttonsillectomy Bleeding
Authors: Levy Einat , Kuperman Amir , Sela Eyal , Kashkoush Adham , Miari Abeer Dabbah , Hana Randa Yawer , Freilich Ieva , Bader Ahmad , Gruber Maayan
Published: November 2021

Objective

Posttonsillectomy bleeding is a dreadful complication that may be life‐threatening. Preoperative coagulation tests have not been shown to be effective in predicting this complication. The Pediatric Bleeding Questionnaire (PBQ) is a validated and sensitive tool in diagnosing children with abnormal hemostatic functions, and the objective of our study was to assess its utility as a preoperative screening tool for predicting posttonsillectomy bleeding.

Study Design

Prospective single‐blinded cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital system.

Methods

All children scheduled for tonsil surgery between 2017 and 2019 in the Galilee Medical Center were included. The PBQ was completed by the caregivers prior to surgery, and all children underwent coagulation tests. Each PBQ item is scored on a scale of −1 to 4, and the total score per candidate is based on summation of all items.

Results

An overall 272 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 5.2 years; 57.7% were boys. The main finding was that in a multivariable model adjusted to age, a PBQ score of 2 is correlated with increased postoperative bleeding risk (odds ratio, 10.018 [95% CI, 1.20‐82.74]; P =. 046). The results of the PBQ demonstrated better predictive ability when compared with abnormal coagulation test results (odds ratio, 1.76 [95% CI, 0.63‐4.80]; P =. 279). Sex was not found to be significant (odds ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 0.70‐3.18]; P =. 343).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a PBQ score ≥2 has a higher yield for detecting children at risk for posttonsil surgery bleeding as compared with coagulation studies.
Prevalence of Persistent Olfactory Disorders in Patients With COVID‐19: A Psychophysical Case‐Control Study With 1‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , Salzano Giovanni , Le Bon Serge Daniel , Maglio Angelantonio , Petrocelli Marzia , Steffens Younes , Ligas Enrica , Maglitto Fabio , Lechien Jerome R. , Saussez Sven , Vatrella Alessandro , Salzano Francesco Antonio , Boscolo‐Rizzo Paolo , Hopkins Claire , De Riu Giacomo
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this multicenter case‐control study was to evaluate a group of patients at least 1 year after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with Sniffin’ Sticks tests and to compare the results with a control population to quantify the potential bias introduced by the underlying prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in the general population. The study included 170 cases and 170 controls. In the COVID‐19 group, 26.5% of cases had OD (anosmia in 4.7%, hyposmia in 21.8%) versus 3.5% in the control group (6 cases of hyposmia). The TDI score (threshold, discrimination, and identification) in the COVID‐19 group was significantly lower than in the control group (32.5 [interquartile range, 29‐36.5] vs 36.75 [34‐39.5], P <. 001). The prevalence of OD was significantly higher in the COVID‐19 group, confirming that this result is not due to the underlying prevalence of OD in the general population.
The Effects of Type of Pronouns and Hope Appeals in Supportive Messages About COVID-19
Authors: Tian Xi , Kim Youllee , Solomon Denise Haunani
Published: November 2021

This study examined the role of pronouns in supportive messages and hope appeals in facilitating people's coping with coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Participants included 256 residents of New York State, and they evaluated hypothetical messages about COVID-19. Results showed that when people have a communal orientation to coping, you-language (vs. we-language) supportive messages led to more emotional improvement. The presence (vs. absence) of hope appeals in supportive messages increased communal coping. We discuss the implications of results in promoting emotion- and action-focused coping.
Quantitative Electroencephalography for Early Detection of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Critically Ill Children: Case Series and Proposed Protocol
Authors: Sansevere Arnold J. , DiBacco Melissa L. , Pearl Phillip L. , Rotenberg Alexander
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To describe quantitative EEG (electroencephalography) suppression ratio in children with increased intracranial pressure comparing acute suppression ratio changes to imaging and/or examination findings.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the suppression ratio from patients with neuroimaging and /or examination findings of increased intracranial pressure while on continuous EEG. The time of the first change in the suppression ratio was compared to the time of the first image and/or examination change confirming increased intracranial pressure.

Results:

Thirteen patients with a median age of 3.1 years(interquartile range 1.8-6.3) had a rise in the suppression ratio with median time from identification to acute neuroimaging or examination of increased intracranial pressure of 3.12 hours (interquartile range 2.2-33.5) after the first increase in the suppression ratio.

Conclusions:

Acute suppression ratio increase is seen prior to imaging and/or examination findings of increased intracranial pressure. With further study, the suppression ratio can be targeted with intracranial pressure–lowering agents to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with increased intracranial pressure.
Cell proliferative properties of Forcespinning® nopal composite nanofibers
Authors: Rodriguez Cristobal , Padilla Victoria , Lozano Karen , Ahmad Fariha , Chapa Alejandra , Villarreal Alexa , McDonald Andrew , Materon Luis , Gilkerson Robert
Published: November 2021

In this study, Forcespinning® was used to produce nanofibers composed of Opuntia cochenillifera, “nopal,” mucilage (N) extract, chitosan (CH), and pullulan (PL) (N/CH/PL). These nopal-incorporating nanofibers were examined for their ability to sustain adhesion and proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cells. After a 6-day incubation period, N/CH/PL nanofibers displayed robust cell proliferation, with continued cell growth after an extended incubation period of 14 days. These results demonstrate that natural bioactive compounds can be combined with biodegradable polymers to provide an enhanced environment for cell growth, suggesting potential natural active ingredients as alternatives in wound dressings.
Accelerating skin barrier repair using novel bioactive magnesium-doped nanofibers of non-mulberry silk fibroin during wound healing
Authors: Gupta Sharda , Dutta Pallab , Acharya Veena , Prasad Pushpa , Roy Amit , Bit Arindam
Published: November 2021

Novel magnesium doped non-mulberry silk fibroin nanofibers with ability to enhance skin barrier function were successfully fabricated using electrospinning technique for wound healing applications. Magnesium nanoparticles incorporated in the electrospun nanofibers releases Mg2+ ions at the site of implementation. The effect of Mg2+ is of considerable concern in wound healing due to its skin barrier repair ability and its role in blood coagulation. The physicochemical characterization of the scaffold was investigated by determining the morphology and secondary structure confirmation. The effects of Mg2+ ions in silk fibroin microenvironment have been evaluated using SEM, XRD, and FTIR to confirm the incorporation of magnesium in the film. The aim of this study is to see the effect of doped Mg on the structural, physical, and biological properties of non-mulberry silk fibroin (NSF) film. The magnesium doped nanofibrous film exhibited enhanced mechanical property, satisfactory blood clotting ability, and good in vitro degradability. This silk fibroin-based film mimicking extracellular matrix for skin regeneration were constructed using electrospinning technique. The wound healing efficiency of prepared nanofibers were evaluated in full-thickness wound models of rat. The Mg doped silk fibroin film exhibited faster wound healing activity (14 days) among all experimental group. The study indicates the potential of magnesium-doped silk /PVA film as skin substitute film.
Bringing Health Care to Appalachia: The Long-Run Impact of a Rural Health Care System
Authors: Figinski Theodore F. , Troland Erin
Published: November 2021

The U.S. government has supported rural hospitals through direct subsidies and staff recruitment programs. However, little is known about the long-run impact of large-scale changes to rural health care. The authors explore the long-run trajectory of Appalachian counties where a coal mining union introduced a pioneering rural health care program in the 1950s, anchored by a chain of high-quality hospitals. Hospital beds per capita in counties where the union built its hospitals are persistently high through 2006, even when compared to similar counties and accounting for a variety of supply- and demand-side factors. In particular, union counties defied a national hospital consolidation trend starting in the 1980s. Results are consistent with a supply-side explanation where the scale and/or innovation of the union's investment allowed hospital markets to thrive and attract patients from a broad geography.
Effect of stir casting parameters and mono/hybrid reinforcements on aluminium metal matrix composite–A review
Authors: KN Uday , G Rajamurugan
Published: November 2021

Aluminum metal matrix composites are a new class of materials that have gathered more attention from many materialists. Especially, the automotive components like a piston, cylinder block, brake drum, etc., fabricated by different reinforcement, which has exposed better performance over conventional engineering materials. Aluminum composites are generally fabricated by stir casting technique due to simplicity in operation and adaptive to mass or job order production. The paper provides a background for the readers interested in the production of metal matrix composites through stir casting. Based on the literature assessment, the special attentions taken by the researchers to enhance the uniform distribution of particle to avoid agglomeration are discussed. The composite performances mainly depend on the aluminum matrix, particle size, the quantity of reinforcement, preheating temperature of reinforcement, and processing parameters such as stirring speed, stirring time, and wetting agents. The selection of two reinforcements and their suitable parameters for wetting are attaining interest by many researchers and maybe opted as future scope.
Bayesian inference on the number of recurrent events: A joint model of recurrence and survival
Authors: van den Boom Willem , De Iorio Maria , Tallarita Marta
Published: November 2021

The number of recurrent events before a terminating event is often of interest. For instance, death terminates an individual’s process of rehospitalizations and the number of rehospitalizations is an important indicator of economic cost. We propose a model in which the number of recurrences before termination is a random variable of interest, enabling inference and prediction on it. Then, conditionally on this number, we specify a joint distribution for recurrence and survival. This novel conditional approach induces dependence between recurrence and survival, which is often present, for instance, due to frailty that affects both. Additional dependence between recurrence and survival is introduced by the specification of a joint distribution on their respective frailty terms. Moreover, through the introduction of an autoregressive model, our approach is able to capture the temporal dependence in the recurrent events trajectory. A non-parametric random effects distribution for the frailty terms accommodates population heterogeneity and allows for data-driven clustering of the subjects. A tailored Gibbs sampler involving reversible jump and slice sampling steps implements posterior inference. We illustrate our model on colorectal cancer data, compare its performance with existing approaches and provide appropriate inference on the number of recurrent events.
Secondary Childhood glaucoma – a rare association in Seckel syndrome
Authors: Pillai Manju R , Pallamparthy Srilekha , Gnanavelu Subathra
Published: November 2021

A case of 12-year-old male with Seckel syndrome, presented with unilateral glaucoma leading to advanced disc damage hence, visual deterioration. Seckel syndrome being a rare inherited disorder characterized by growth delay and unique facial features, had been infrequently reported for ophthalmic anifestation especially glaucoma. Though glaucoma is a rare association in Seckel syndrome, screening at an early stage could help in preventing vision loss.
Post penetrating keratoplasty infectious keratitis: Clinico-microbiological profile and predictors of outcome
Authors: Dave Abhishek , Sawant Sanil , Acharya Manisha , Gandhi Arpan , Majumdar Atanu , Mathur Umang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To study the clinico-microbiological profile, outcomes and prognostic factors of post penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) infectious keratitis.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records of 78 patients with post PKP infectious keratitis presenting between January 2014 and December 2018. Demographic, clinical and microbiological profile was documented and predictors of treatment and graft success were evaluated using univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Mean age of patients was 52.17 ± 15.51 years and mean infiltrate size was 19.39 ± 19.68 mm2. Mean duration of presentation with infection post PKP was 11.66 ± 10.65 months. Culture positivity was seen in 64 eyes (82.05%). Bacterial growth was observed in 47 eyes (60.25%), fungal growth in 17 (21.79%) and no microbiological growth in 14 eyes (17.94%). At 3 months the visual acuity (VA) improved in 37 eyes (47.44%), did not change in 27 (34.62%) and deteriorated in 14 (17.95%). Graft failure was noted in 53 eyes (73.08%). Surgical intervention was needed in 47 (60.25%) eyes of which most common was therapeutic PKP in 32 eyes (41.02%). Treatment failure was noted with fungal infection ( p = 0.05), poorer vision at presentation ( p = 0.02), larger infiltrate area ( p = 0.002) and graft infection developing before 1 year ( p = 0.02). Graft failure was noted with associated endophthalmitis ( p = 0.02), poorer VA at presentation ( p = 0.01) and larger infiltrate area ( p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Post PKP infectious keratitis is a sight threatening ocular condition. It is associated with high incidence of graft failure and frequently requires surgical intervention. Fungal etiology, larger infiltrate size, poorer vision at presentation and associated endophthalmitis carries a poorer prognosis.
Household Water Treatment Practice and Associated Factors in Gibe District Southern Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tafesse Bereket , Gobena Tesfaye , Baraki Negga , Alemeshet Asefa Yohanis , Adare Mengistu Dechasa
Published: November 2021

Background:

Household water treatment practice or managing water at the point-of-use provides a means of improving drinking water quality and preventing diarrheal diseases. However, evidence regarding household water treatment practice and associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in Southern Ethiopia are limited. This study was, therefore, designed to assess household water treatment practice and associated factors among households in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 627 households in Southern Ethiopia. A stratified random sampling technique was used in this study and a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data about household water treatment practice and associated factors among selected households through face-to-face interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests and binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between independent and dependent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals were used to determine the level of association.

Results:

This study revealed that the level of household water treatment practice was 34.3% with 95% CI (30.7-38.1) and boiling was the most common method of household water treatment in the study area. Educational status of having formal education (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.34-3), withdrawing water from storage vessel by dipping (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.2-2.87) and frequency of fetching water 3 or more times and above a day (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.45-4.88) were significantly associated with household water treatment practice.

Conclusion:

Household water treatment practice is low in the study area. Educational status of having a formal education, drawing water by dipping, and those who collect their drinking water 3 or more times a day were predictors of household water treatment practice. Thus, efforts should be made to increase the level of household water treatment practice especially among those with no formal education and further studies should be conducted to understand the behavioral factors associated with household water treatment practice.
Outcome expectancies toward adherence to antiretroviral therapy for pregnant and postpartum women with HIV
Authors: Momplaisir Florence M , Fortune Kathryn , Nkwihoreze Hervette , Groves Allison K , Aaron Erika , Jemmott John B
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in care significantly drop for women with HIV during the postpartum period. We have a limited understanding of how outcome expectancies influence maternal adherence and retention in care.

Methods:

Women with HIV from an urban academic clinic completed in-depth interviews in the third trimester and at 3 to 9 months postpartum to evaluate outcome expectancies, facilitators, and barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence and retention in care. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed for content. A codebook was created using deductive (based on the theory of reasoned action approach) and inductive (based on emergent themes) codes.

Results:

We conducted 21 interviews with 12 women during pregnancy and 9 women during postpartum period. Participants had a mean age of 31 (standard deviation = 5.7) and most were African American (75%). Outcome expectancies centered mostly around pediatric health to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV and to be healthy to raise their children. Other outcome expectancies included preventing transmission of HIV to their partners. Social support from partners served as a strong facilitator as they helped routinize pill-taking behaviors, provided reminders, and decreased social isolation. Barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence included depression, the disruption of scheduling routines, and the physical demands associated with the postpartum period. These barriers were accentuated for women with multiple children.

Conclusion:

Women’s commitment to pediatric health was the primary motive for antiretroviral therapy adherence. Partners also served an important role. These findings suggest that interventions linking pediatric and maternal health, and partner support can improve maternal HIV treatment in the postpartum period.
Volar plating versus external fixation for unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint
Authors: Murayama Atsuhiko , Watanabe Kentaro , Ota Hideyuki , Kurimoto Shigeru , Hirata Hitoshi
Published: November 2021

We retrospectively compared the results of volar plating and dynamic external fixation for acute unstable dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint with a depressed fragment. We treated 31 patients (31 fingers), 12 with volar buttress plating and 19 with dynamic external fixation. Follow-up averaged 35 and 40 months in the two groups, with a minimal 6-month follow-up. Average active flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint was 95° after plate fixation and 87° after external fixation, with an active extension lag of –6° and –9°, respectively. Active flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint averaged 67° in the plate group and 58° in the external fixation group, with active extension lags of 0° and –5°, respectively. We conclude that both methods can obtain a good range of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint. A limitation of the extension of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred with dynamic external fixation but not with volar buttress plating.

Level of evidence: IV
Ultrasonography for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: correlation of clinical symptoms, cross-sectional areas and electroneuromyography
Authors: Ratasvuori Maire , Sormaala Markus , Kinnunen Antti , Lindfors Nina
Published: November 2021

This study evaluates the usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The cross-sectional area of the median nerve was measured at the forearm and its entry into the carpal tunnel and compared with clinical symptoms and electroneuromyography. A total of 124 patients were examined, 77 patients with clinically confirmed CTS and 47 controls. A significant correlation was found between the ultrasonography cross-sectional area values at entry points into the carpal tunnel and electroneuromyography. The highest sensitivity (87%) and specificity (91%) for different cut-off values (8.5–12.5 mm2) of the cross-sectional area was for 11.5 mm2. The use of ultrasonography may provide a quick and reliable differential diagnostic tool for the primary diagnosis of CTS in patients with classical symptoms.

Level of evidence: II
Management, survival, and predictors of mortality among hospitalized heart failure patients at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Kebede Bekalu , Getachew Melese , Molla Yalew , Bahiru Bereket , Dessie Bekalu
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Heart failure is a major public health problem worldwide. Since heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction are different clinical entities, in-hospital mortality may occur at different rates. This study aimed to assess the management, survival, and predictors of mortality among hospitalized heart failure patients at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized medical ward.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 228 heart failure patients at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital medical wards. A structured data collection tool was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to investigate if there was a difference in the in-hospital survival between heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. Those variables having p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

From the 228 participants, 126 (55.3%) were females with a mean age of 53.32 ± 15.68 years. One hundred thirty-three (58.3%) patients were presented with preserved (⩾50%) level of ejection fraction. The all-cause in-hospital death rate was 12.7%, and the risk of in-hospital mortality was higher in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (7.4% vs 5.3%; p = 0.005). Current occupation ( p = 0.041), elevated serum creatinine ( p = 0.010), reduced ejection fraction ( p = 0.017), and asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comorbidity ( p = 0.002) were the independent predictors of high hospital mortality.

Conclusion:

The rate of in-hospital mortality among heart failure patients was high. Healthcare providers should provide effective education activities and define disease management strategies for patients with reduced ejection fractions.
Factors associated with childhood underweight among orphaned preschool children: A community-based analytical cross-sectional study in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Adane , Wete Andnet Tadesse , Negassa Belay , Chane Yawkal , Ejajo Tekle , Molla Abebaw , Mingude Alemu Basazin , Mengie Tesfa , Habtegiorgis Samuel Derbie , Getacher Lemma
Published: November 2021

Background:

Childhood underweight is one of the major public health problems in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, most of the available evidence is related to the general community children, which had different risk and severity levels than orphan children. Even though under-five orphan children have a higher risk of being underweight, they are the most neglected population.

Objective:

The study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with childhood underweight among orphaned preschool children in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 orphans. The burden of childhood underweight was assessed using World Health Organization standard cutoff points below −2 SD using z-scores. All variables with a p-value of < 0.25 during binary logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify predictor variables independently associated with underweight at a p-value of 0.05 with 95% CI.

Results:

In this study, the prevalence of underweight among orphan children was 27.4%. The main factors associated with underweight were female child (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) (2.83–9.92)), adult food as type of first complementary food (aOR = 2.47; 95% CI (1.24–4.94)), food insecurity (aOR = 1.98; 95% CI (1.23–3.21)), and child age from 24–59 months (aOR = 7.19; 95% CI (3.81–13.60)).

Conclusion:

Childhood underweight is a public health problem in the study area. The sex of a child, type of first complementary food, household food security status, and child age were the major predictors of underweight. Therefore, appropriate dietary interventions, nutrition education, and increased food security status of orphan children are highly recommended.
Sub-Classification of AO/OTA-2018 Pertrochanteric Fractures Is Associated With Clinical Outcomes After Fixation of Intramedullary Nails
Authors: Song Hui , Hu Sun-Jun , Du Shou-Chao , Xiong Wen-Feng , Chang Shi-Min
Published: November 2021

Background

The new edited AO/OTA-2018 classification of pertrochanteric fractures was revised and no longer based on the status of lesser trochanter. This paper aimed to explore the clinical and technical outcomes among the subgroups (31A1 and 31A2) of the new classification treated with cephalomedullary nails.

Methods

A retrospective research of 154 patients diagnosed with pertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA-2018 31A1.2/3 and 31A2.1/2/3) treated with intramedullary nails was conducted. The baseline data and outcomes were compared among the subgroups. The outcomes included tip-apex distance (TAD), Cal-TAD, Parker ratio, neck shaft angle (NSA), blood loss, varus displacement, and over lateral sliding rate of the blade.

Results

There were 154 cases involving 48 males and 106 females. The average age was higher in the sub-classifications of A2.2 and A2.3 than A1.2. Furthermore, the subgroups of A2.2 and A2.3 presented inferior outcomes with regard to blood loss and reduction quality score than A1.2 and A1.3. The subgroup of A2.3 was further poor with respect to calcar fracture gapping in the anteroposterior view and excessive lateral migration occurrence rate than A1.2.

Conclusions

Complex pertrochanteric fractures indicated inferior outcomes compared to simple sub-classifications, which might lead by the incompetent of lateral wall and instability of the fracture. The newly proposed AO/OTA-2018 classification was conductive to forecast the prognosis.