bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Suture Fastener Gaining Complete Commitment: Cumulative Propensity-Matched Comparison with Hand-Tied Knot in Heart Valve Surgery
Authors: Ler Ashlynn , Wu Duoduo , Xian Ong Zhi , Sazzad Faizus , Swee Kang Giap , Kofidis Theo
Published: June 2021

Objective

The COR-KNOT® device is an automated suture fastener in which there is currently no consensus on its role in heart valve surgery. Our aim was thus to conduct a one-to-one comparison of clinical outcomes with a hand-tied control cohort.

Methods

We performed a single-center, cumulative propensity-matched retrospective cohort study on patients undergoing heart valve surgery from 1 January 2015 to 13 February 2020. Propensity score matching was performed on 693 patients, dividing them into matched COR-KNOT® ( n = 124) and hand-tied ( n = 124) groups.

Results

Data on baseline demographics, operative details, and clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between the groups. The patients in both the COR-KNOT® and control groups were well-matched. For the median sternotomy (MS) all procedures subgroup, use of COR-KNOT® was associated with a decrease of around 49 min in CPB time (220.00 [168.00 to 256.00] vs 70.50 [134.00 to 236.75] min, P = 0.006) and around 32 min in ACC time (145.00 [109.00 to 189.00] vs 112.50 [81.00 to 161.75] min, P = 0.008). In the MS valve and CABG subgroup, use of COR-KNOT® was associated with a 70 min reduction in overall operation time (401.00 [354.25 to 468.75] vs 330.50 [288.50 to 370.50] min, P = 0.013), 63 min reduction in CPB time (216.50 [191.75 to 283.25] vs 153.00 [124.75 to 207.50] min, P = 0.004) and 45 min reduction in ACC time (146.00 [134.50 to 205.50] vs 100.50 [71.50 to 150.75] min, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

In heart valve surgery, use of the automated suture fastener was associated with shorter CPB and ACC times. Additionally, we determined that clinical outcomes are most likely unaffected by the use of COR-KNOT®.
A retrospective audit of the timescales involved in the diagnosis and management of suspected Achilles tendon ruptures at a single National Health Service trust: A quality service improvement and redesign project
Authors: Williams CJ , Hodkinson S , Chandrasekaran K , Koc T , Gibb I , Dando C , Bowen C , Oakley J
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The Achilles tendon is the most frequently ruptured tendon. Prompt diagnosis of this injury ensures optimal management decisions are instituted early ensuring the best outcome and patient experience, at minimal cost to the United Kingdom National Health Service. Despite this, regional and national variations to diagnosis and management exist, with anecdotal evidence of inefficiencies in the local patient pathway. To explore this further, a retrospective departmental audit of timescales from presentation to ultrasound diagnosis and definitive treatment decision was undertaken.

Methods

All suspected Achilles tendon ruptures in 2018 were identified through electronic and written patient records, and information on timescales involved in the diagnosis and management of each compiled. Descriptive statistics were used to map each step of the pathway and timescales involved, with performance assessed against local departmental standards and the Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) protocol.

Results

In total, 119 patients were identified, of which 113 received an ultrasound examination. Local departmental standards were met in the majority of cases, with 78% (n = 88) diagnosed by ultrasound within one week of the request and 83% (n = 91) given a treatment decision within two weeks of presentation. However, this was suboptimal when compared with timeframes utilised for developing the SMART protocol, with only 7% (n = 8) scanned within 48 hours of presentation.

Conclusions

Key areas of the patient pathway were identified for quality service improvement and redesign, with multidisciplinary discussion resulting in the development of a revised patient pathway which expedites diagnosis and treatment for these injuries.
Streaming’s Effects on Music Culture: Old Anxieties and New Simplifications
Authors: Hesmondhalgh David
Published: June 2021

This article identifies five key themes, or sets of criticisms, that have emerged in online commentary on the new musical system centred on streaming platforms, and in related academic research: Streaming encourages ‘functional’ rather than meaningful, aesthetic musical experience. Streaming encourages bland, unchallenging music. Streaming makes musical experience passive and distracted, and music recedes into the background (here the article also discusses limitations of the widely used concepts of ‘ubiquitous music’ and ‘ubiquitous listening’). Streaming makes music tracks and songs shorter, and musical experience more fragmented. Streaming discourages and/or limits musical discovery and adventurousness.

The article addresses each of these themes in turn, examining the degree to which criticisms of streaming’s effects on musical experience along these lines might be considered valid, and the degree to which they might genuinely enhance critical understanding of contemporary musical experience. It also considers these themes in relation to older forms of evaluation, particularly those that developed in the 20th century in response to the industrialisation of music, and argues that many recent criticisms problematically reproduce older anxieties and assumptions.
The impact of universal cardiopulmonary exercise testing on perioperative pathways and short-term patient outcomes following elective pancreatic surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mathoulin Sophie , Minto Gary , Taylor Gordon , Erasmus Paul
Published: June 2021

Background

The utility of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) to identify higher risk surgical patients remains controversial. There is limited research investigating the value of preoperative CPET to plan perioperative pathways for patients undergoing major pancreatic surgery.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study, comprising two groups before and after a change in referral policy for High Risk preoperative anaesthetic clinic with CPET. Period 1 discretionary referral and Period 2: universal referral. The primary aim was to investigate the impact of this policy change on critical care use (planned vs unplanned) on the day of surgery and on delayed critical care admission. Secondary end points included a comparison of the total number of critical care bed days, days in hospital, complication rates and mortality data between the two cohorts.

Results

177 patients were included; 114 in Period 1 and 63 in Period 2. There was a reduction in unplanned day of surgery postoperative admissions to critical care (28.1% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.008). Seven (6.1%) of patients in Period 1 and 1 (1.6%) patient in Period 2 had delayed admission, though no p value was calculated due to the small numbers involved. Complication rates were similar in each group. The median critical care bed days was 1 (range 0–21) days in Period 1 and 1 (0–13) days in Period 2.

Conclusions

A universal referral policy for preoperative CPET demonstrated a decrease in unplanned day of surgery critical care admissions and a trend towards reducing delayed (>24 h postop) critical care admission which could be investigated in a larger study. No measurable impact was seen on clinical outcomes.
Dismantling the status quo: promoting policies for health, well-being and equity: an IUHPE2022 prelude
Authors: Jock Brittany Wenniserí:iostha , Clavier Carole , de Leeuw Evelyne , Frohlich Katherine L.
Published: June 2021

The next international gathering of the global health promotion family will be in Montreal, in May 2022. The 24th IUHPE conference is themed ‘Promoting policies for health, well-being and equity’. Conference organizers have decided to transcend the ‘usual suspects’ rhetoric and frame a conference program that truly challenges these key notions for health promotion. In this contribution, members of the Canadian National and Global Scientific Committees reflect on the state of play and the opportunities ahead. We propose three themes as follows: (a) breaking news (the promise and opportunities for disruptions and tipping points, whether from pandemic health challenges, climate change, geopolitical shifts, social unrest or technological promise); (b) breaking free (from world-views that favor only market solutions, divisions between North and South, toward emancipatory decolonizing practices and knowledge systems); and (c) breaking through (disciplines, silos, boundaries and identities engrained in our practices and understandings for innovation.)
Downregulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Mediates Chondrocyte Death and Matrix Degradation in Kashin-Beck Disease
Authors: Zhang Meng , Wang Wenjun , Wang Hui , Liu Yinan , Li Zhengzheng , Yi Chengfen , Shi Yawen , Ma Tianyou , Chen Jinghong
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To explore the relationship between insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1R expression and the pathological progression of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD).

Design:

KBD cartilage samples were collected from 5 patients. Additionally, T-2 toxin was administered to rats fed a selenium (Se)-deficient diet, and their knee joints were collected. Human C28/I2 chondrocytes and mouse hypertrophic ATDC5 chondrocytes were cultured in vitro and treated with T-2 toxin and Se supplementation. Subsequently, the cultured human and mouse chondrocytes were treated with the IGF-1R inhibitor, picropodophyllin. Chondrocyte death and caspase-3 activity were analyzed using flow cytometry and a specific kit, respectively. Protein and mRNA expression levels of IGF-1R and matrix molecules were measured using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses.

Results:

The cartilages from patients with KBD and T-2 toxin-treated rats on a Se-deficient diet showed significantly decreased expression of IGF-1R compared to cartilages from controls. T-2 toxin decreased IGF-1R mRNA and protein levels in both C28/I2 and hypertrophic ATDC5 chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner; however, Se supplementation reduced the decrease of IGF-1R induced by T-2 toxin. Furthermore, inhibition of IGF-1R resulted in chondrocyte death of C28/I2 and hypertrophic ATDC5 chondrocytes, as well as decreased type II collagen expression and increased MMP-13 expression at the mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusion:

Downregulation of IGF-1R was associated with KBD cartilage destruction. Therefore, inhibition of IGF-1R may mediate chondrocyte death and extracellular matrix degeneration related to the pathological progression of KBD.
Broadening Versus Deepening: Gender and Brokering in Social Networks
Authors: Halevy Nir , Kalish Yuval
Published: June 2021

Do women and men differ in their brokering behavior? Integrating the literatures on gender, self-construal, and social networks, we theorize that gender differences in relational interdependence produce different patterns of helpful brokering among women versus men. Two experiments tested the hypothesis that tie strength moderates the effect of gender on two types of helpful brokering: helping others form new network ties (intermediary brokering) and helping others repair strained network ties (conciliatory brokering). In both experiments, the observed gender by tie strength interactions were driven by gender differences in network-broadening behavior (i.e., willingness to help weak ties) rather than network-deepening behavior (i.e., willingness to help strong ties). Experiment 2 provides evidence that differences in relational self-construal mediate the effect of gender on brokering behavior. We discuss the implications of these findings for gender inequality in organizations and in society.
Attitudes toward a mindfulness-based intervention from African American women living with HIV: A qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Slone , Qiao Shan , Weissman Sharon , Li Xiaoming
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Mindfulness-based interventions train participants to pay attention to their own emotions in the current moment without judging themselves. This study aims to assess the attitudes toward a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention among African American women living with HIV.

Methods:

We collected qualitative data from three focus group discussions with 18 African American women living with HIV who were purposely recruited from the Palmetto Health-USC Immunology Center in South Carolina, United States. The participants discussed how they coped with stress, and then were given a presentation on mindfulness-based stress reduction and a sample mindfulness-based stress reduction mini workshop with follow-up discussion about their thoughts and opinions on the information presented to them.

Results:

Participants said that mindfulness could be a useful technique and they were interested in participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Their main concerns included physical ability to perform some of the mindfulness techniques (e.g. yoga) and logistic barriers, such as schedule constraints. They also provided some suggestions to further tailor the mindfulness-based stress reduction, such as modifying yoga, using familiar terms, and combining both in-person and online components. These results suggest that African American women living with HIV showed strong interest in mindfulness-based stress reduction and a high level of willingness to participate in mindfulness-based stress reduction, but the existing mindfulness-based stress reduction program needs to be tailored to address challenges and barriers these women may face for attendance and completion.

Conclusion:

The next step is to further test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy through a pilot study for African American women living with HIV to practice a tailored mindfulness-based stress reduction for this group.
Immune characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus/severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 coinfection: A case report and mini-review
Authors: Liu Aimei , Wei Jie , Xu Yuanlong , Huang Dayong , Lv Kangyan , Meng Zhihao , Huang Junli , Huang Liling , Wu Guowei
Published: June 2021

Since its first appearance in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has rapidly spread throughout the world and has become a global pandemic. It remains unclear whether people living with human immunodeficiency virus are at an increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 and severe disease manifestation; until now, the evidence regarding the outcomes from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus is still limited and conflicting. The clinical characteristics of seven patients of family cluster-onset coronavirus disease 2019 were reported, including the immune characteristics of one patient of human immunodeficiency virus/severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 coinfection. In the patients of human immunodeficiency virus/severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 coinfection, about 2 weeks after infection, it was observed that CD4 and CD8 count showed a downward trend and that of CD8 is more obvious; at the same time, lymphocytes showed a slight increase. CD4, CD8, and lymphocytes are in the plateau period from the second week to the fourth week. About 4 weeks after infection, all showed an increase, in which anti-coronavirus combined with antiviral therapy were given. The time for Nucleic Acid Testing to present as negative was 51 days. The other six patients in the family were non–human immunodeficiency virus infected, the familial cluster received parallel treatment, and the median time for the Nucleic Acid Testing to present as negative was 29 days. The patient of human immunodeficiency virus/severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 coinfection presents an immune state of CD4’s and CD8’s dual lymphatic depletion. Human immunodeficiency virus should still be regarded as an important factor in future risk stratification models for coronavirus disease 2019.
Suppository treatment in ulcerative proctitis
Authors: Si Yingjie , Shao LanJun , Gao Shanqing , Wen Hongzhu
Published: June 2021

Ulcerative proctitis (UP) is a common form of ulcerative colitis (UC), the number of patients with UP is increasing. Suppository treatment containing mesalamine is usually the first-line choice for mild to moderate UP, here, we review the publications on mesalamine suppository in UP, to better understand its dosage, duration of therapy and adverse events in both induction and maintenance phases. We also review articles on budesonide, beclomethasone, tacrolimus, herbal medicine and acetarsol suppositories in UP, to present therapeutic strategies for patients with UP refractory to mesalamine suppository.
Interest in Clinic-Based Financial Services among Low-Income Prenatal Patients and its Association with Health-Related Social Risk Factors
Authors: Liu Patrick Y. , Bell Orly , Wu Olivia , Holguin Monique , Lozano Christina , Jasper Erika , Saleeby Erin , Smith Lynne , Szilagyi Peter , Schickedanz Adam
Published: June 2021

Background

Poverty and financial stress affect prenatal health and well-being as well as early childhood development. This study sought to examine interest in clinic-based financial services to address financial stress in low-income, Medicaid-enrolled prenatal patients and its relationship with self-reported social risks.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients at a large safety-net prenatal clinic. Participants completed a written survey on interest in linkage to financial services, poverty-related financial stress, difficulty affording social needs, and interest in services to address material hardships. We compared interest in financial and social needs services by level of financial stress using multivariate regression.

Results

Respondents (N = 108) were entirely Medicaid-enrolled, with a majority identifying as Hispanic/Latinx (57%) or Black/African American (20%). Sixty-four percent indicated interest in connection to any of the financial services surveyed. Interest was highest in employment (52%), savings and budgeting (49%), job training/adult education (49%), and financial counseling (48%) services. Individuals with high financial stress, compared to those with low financial stress, expressed a higher level of interest in financial services (aRR = 1.61 [95% CI 1.12-2.39]). Interest in financial services was associated with difficulty affording social needs (aRR = 2.24 [95% CI 1.33-4.43]) and interest in services addressing social needs (aRR = 1.45 [95% CI 1.13-1.92]).

Conclusion

In this study of low-income, Medicaid-insured prenatal patients, there was a high degree of interest in clinic-based financial services. Integrating financial services into prenatal health care appears to be an approach that low-income patients would be interested in to directly address poverty and financial stress.
Psychic Income and Intention to Attend Games, Intention to Purchase Licensed Merchandise, and Life Satisfaction: 2017 Taipei Universiade
Authors: Chen Chen-Yueh , Lin Yi-Hsiu
Published: June 2021

Hosting international sporting events brings various benefits to the host city, including direct and indirect economic benefits. However, few studies have explored the association between psychic income and marketing variables and life satisfaction. This study examined whether the perceived psychic income of the 2017 Taipei Universiade predicted intention to attend games, intention to purchase licensed merchandise, and life satisfaction. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 1,102 Taipei residents aged above 20 years in the city. The research sample was randomly split into an analysis sample and a validation sample to test the research hypotheses and ensure generalizability. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical linear regression were performed for data analysis. The research findings indicated that perceived psychic income positively predicted intention to purchase licensed products, intention to attend the sport events, and life satisfaction. The results of this study have both academic and practical implications.
Excessive Ties in Entrepreneurship Can Hurt: How Excess Entrepreneurial Ties Bring Negative Effects to the Firm
Authors: Xu Lijun , Zhu Yun , Ruan Chuanyang , Shi Weijin
Published: June 2021

Entrepreneurial ties are a critical resource for development and survival of entrepreneurial firms; however, the mechanism of how entrepreneurial ties affect entrepreneurial performance remains unclear. This study advances existing research on social ties and entrepreneurship through investigating how entrepreneurial ties exert a curvilinear impact on entrepreneurial performance via absorptive capacity, and the curvilinear effect of entrepreneurial ties is contingent on environmental complexity. The present study uses a dyadic dataset of 223 entrepreneurs from creativity industries in China to examine hypotheses. The results show that entrepreneurs’ ties have an inverted U-shaped impact on entrepreneurial performance. We also partially find that this inverted U-shaped relationship is mediated by absorptive capacity. Finally, we also find that this inverted U-shaped relationship is steeper when environmental complexity is high, and this inverted U-shaped relationship turns into an almost positive linear when environmental complexity is low. Overall, these results contribute to a deeper understanding of how and when entrepreneurial ties lead to a curvilinear impact on firm outcomes.
“Finding my Blackness, Finding my Rhythm”: Music and Identity Development in African, Caribbean, and Black Emerging Adults
Authors: Myrie Rachelle C. , Breen Andrea V. , Ashbourne Lynda
Published: June 2021

This study examines how music functions in relation to identity development for African-, Caribbean- and Black-identified emerging adults who have immigrated to Canada. Eleven ACB-identified emerging adults, recruited from music schools, community, and student organizations took part in semi-structured interviews adapted from McAdams’ Life Story Interview protocol to focus on music practices and memories. Thematic Analyses results suggest that transitioning to life in Canada necessitated learning new meanings of being and “becoming” Black. Participants described the influence of music on negotiating identity in a Canadian context. They described using music to resist racist and hegemonic narratives of Canadian Black identity, to connect to and celebrate their embodied Black identities, and establish self-continuity and coherence across histories and generations to connect with spiritual memories, land, and ancestors. We conclude by suggesting implications of this work for practice and developing research methodologies that resist whiteness.
Characterizing the impact of menstrual and pelvic health disorders in a convenience sample of women in Barbados
Authors: Mandeville Julia S , Best Damian AJ , Waterman Fanta
Published: June 2021

Objective:

To describe the impact of menstrual and pelvic health disorders on a sample of Barbadian women living with one or more disorders.

Design and methods:

Responses from a survey taken online by a sample of women living in Barbados (⩾18 years) were assessed. Variables collected included, age, disorder(s) diagnosed, and symptoms. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem, was administered to measure impact on work and other activities. T-tests, chi- square tests, odds ratios, ANOVA, and multivariate analysis were conducted to estimate the associations between patient characterization, disorder characteristics and outcomes.

Results:

A total of 247 unique responses were received and after data were reviewed 192 responses (77.7%) from this convenience sample were analyzed. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome was the most frequently reported diagnosis (34.7%). The most frequently reported symptom was fatigue (53%). There was an OR of 2.17 (95% CI 0.54–8.74) of missing work due to menorrhagia and 2.60 (95% CI: 1.31–5.17) of missing work if diagnosed with endometriosis. The WPAI revealed endometriosis to be the condition with the most substantial impact on work in the subgroup of persons with one diagnosis, with presenteeism of 49.2%, absenteeism of 13.3% and an impact on other activities of 56.4%.

Conclusion:

Pelvic and menstrual disorders have a significant impact on productivity and other activities of Barbadian women. More research is necessary to elucidate the impacts of menstrual and pelvic disorders and treatments on patient outcomes.
Awareness, Utilization, and Preferences for Traditional and Contemporary HIV Prevention Strategies Among Facebook and Instagram-Using MSM in the United States
Authors: Sharma Akshay , Paredes-Vincent Ariana , Kahle Erin M.
Published: June 2021

HIV prevention research among men who have sex with men (MSM) has traditionally focused on individual risk reduction strategies. Our study evaluated awareness, utilization, and preferences for 10 complementary HIV prevention strategies among 1,286 MSM recruited via Facebook and Instagram from June-August 2018. Ages ranged from 18-85 years, and the majority were non-Hispanic white (n = 1,019, 79.24%), college-educated (n = 819, 63.69%), gay-identifying (n = 1,074, 83.51%), and partnered (n = 808, 62.83%). Post-exposure prophylaxis was the least familiar option, and engaging in sexual activities other than anal sex was the most utilized option. Progressively older and bisexual-identifying MSM were less likely, but those with higher educational levels and easy access to local HIV resources were more likely to be aware of and to be utilizing a greater number of strategies. Additionally, Hispanic MSM were less likely to be aware of, and those in a “closed” relationship were less likely to be utilizing a greater number of strategies. In a subset of 775 multiple strategy users, pre-exposure prophylaxis, regularly testing for HIV, and limiting the number of sex partners emerged as the most preferred options. Combination intervention packages for MSM should be tailored to personal circumstances, including sexual orientation, relationship characteristics and access to local HIV resources.
Indigenous climate change adaptation: New directions for emerging scholarship
Authors: Johnson Danielle Emma , Parsons Meg , Fisher Karen
Published: June 2021

Although Indigenous peoples’ perspectives and concerns have not always been accommodated in climate change adaptation research and practice, a burgeoning literature is helping to reframe and decolonise climate adaptation in line with Indigenous peoples’ lived experiences. In this review, we bring together climate adaptation, decolonising and intersectional scholarship to chart the progress that has been made in better analysing and responding to climate change in Indigenous contexts. We identify a wealth of literature helping to decolonise climate adaptation scholarship and praxis by attending to colonial and neo-colonial injustices implicated in Indigenous peoples’ climate vulnerability, taking seriously Indigenous peoples’ relational ontologies, and promoting adaptation that draws on Indigenous capacities and aspirations for self-determination and cultural continuity. Despite calls to interrogate heterogenous experiences of climate change within Indigenous communities, the decolonising climate and adaptation scholarship has made limited advances in this area. We examine the small body of research that takes an intersectional approach to climate adaptation and explores how the multiple subjectivities and identities that Indigenous peoples occupy produce unique vulnerabilities, capacities and encounters with adaptation policy. We suggest the field might be expanded by drawing on related studies from Indigenous development, natural resource management, conservation, feminism, health and food sovereignty. Greater engagement with intersectionality works to drive innovation in decolonising climate adaptation scholarship and practice. It can mitigate the risk of maladaptation, avoid entrenchment of inequitable power dynamics, and ensures that even the most marginal groups within Indigenous communities benefit from adaptation policies and programmes.
The quest for a headache pattern in giant cell arteritis: A cohort study
Authors: Vincenten Sanne CC , Mulleners Wim M
Published: June 2021

Aim:

To help clinicians in the diagnostic approach of giant cell arteritis (GCA) by providing a better knowledge on headache patterns in GCA. 

Methods:

Cross-sectional data of a cohort of 30 known GCA patients regarding symptoms, clinical signs, laboratory and pathology data were collected retrospectively. 

Results:

Headache was experienced by the majority of our cohort (26/30; 87%) and the most common pattern reported was a continuous, unilateral pain centered in or around the temporal area (13/26; 50% of all headaches). Pain confined to the occiput or frontal areas of the head was rarely reported as well as migrainous or cluster-like headaches. 

Conclusion:

This data suggests that the headache pattern in GCA is heterogeneous, but that the most common pattern is a continuous, unilateral, temporal headache. Several other patterns were infrequently reported and these should question the clinical diagnosis of GCA. A large prospective study will be necessary to further elaborate these findings.
Central Venous Occlusion in End-Stage Renal Failure—A Rare Mimic of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF)
Authors: Govindappa Sharath Kumar Goddu , Viswanathan Lakshminarayanapuram Gopal , Parameshwarappa Shashidhar Kallappa , Nayak Naveen , Kumar Sujit , Pramod Manithody Narayana-Bhat
Published: June 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage is a devastating form of stroke and is more common in patients with hypertension and renal disease. We present the case of a lady suffering from chronic kidney disease who presented with severe headache and aphasia. On evaluation, she was found to have an intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the left temporal lobe with prominent pial and dural veins suggestive of a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Subsequently, she was detected to have occlusion of the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV), which resulted in venous hypertension and resulted in this rare complication. Angioplasty followed by stenting of the LBCV resulted in subsidence of her symptoms. We wish to highlight this unusual but treatable complication of limb AV fistula which can mimic intracranial DAVF.
Modern Slavery as the New Moral Asset for the Production and Reproduction of State-Corporate Harm
Authors: Marmo Marinella , Bandiera Rhiannon
Published: June 2021

The rise of the humanitarian narrative in relation to modern slavery has enabled corporations to profit from large-scale human exploitation with public consensus. Nation-states have legislated on modern slavery on the premise of protection, which has led to the entities involved evading or being exempt from responsibility for such practices by working with their suppliers to combat such practices despite evidence that their supply chains are linked to, or create further, vulnerability for workers. Other third parties praise such mechanism as transparent, reinforcing a moral consensus that is proving difficult to critique. By using the case study of the manufacture and import to Australia of medical gloves, this article unveils the perverseness of the moral, benevolent state-corporation narrative.
The HCK/BTK inhibitor KIN-8194 is active in MYD88-driven lymphomas and overcomes mutated BTKCys481 ibrutinib resistance
Authors: Yang Guang , Wang Jinhua , Tan Li , Munshi Manit , Liu Xia , Kofides Amanda , Chen Jiaji G. , Tsakmaklis Nicholas , Demos Maria G. , Guerrera Maria Luisa , Xu Lian , Hunter Zachary R. , Che Jinwei , Patterson Christopher J. , Meid Kirsten , Castillo Jorge J. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Cameron Michael , Buhrlage Sara J. , Gray Nathanael S. , Treon Steven P.
Published: June 2021

Activating mutations in MYD88 promote malignant cell growth and survival through hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK)–mediated activation of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Ibrutinib binds to BTKCys481 and is active in B-cell malignancies driven by mutated MYD88. Mutations in BTKCys481, particularly BTKCys481Ser, are common in patients with acquired ibrutinib resistance. We therefore performed an extensive medicinal chemistry campaign and identified KIN-8194 as a novel dual inhibitor of HCK and BTK. KIN-8194 showed potent and selective in vitro killing of MYD88-mutated lymphoma cells, including ibrutinib-resistant BTKCys481Ser-expressing cells. KIN-8194 demonstrated excellent bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters, with good tolerance in rodent models at pharmacologically achievable and active doses. Pharmacodynamic studies showed sustained inhibition of HCK and BTK for 24 hours after single oral administration of KIN-8194 in an MYD88-mutated TMD-8 activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC DLBCL) and BCWM.1 Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) xenografted mice with wild-type BTK (BTKWT)– or BTKCys481Ser-expressing tumors. KIN-8194 showed superior survival benefit over ibrutinib in both BTKWT- and BTKCys481Ser-expressing TMD-8 DLBCL xenografted mice, including sustained complete responses of >12 weeks off treatment in mice with BTKWT-expressing TMD-8 tumors. The BCL_2 inhibitor venetoclax enhanced the antitumor activity of KIN-8194 in BTKWT- and BTKCys481Ser-expressing MYD88-mutated lymphoma cells and markedly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival in mice with BTKCys481Ser-expressing TMD-8 tumors treated with both drugs. The findings highlight the feasibility of targeting HCK, a key driver of mutated MYD88 pro-survival signaling, and provide a framework for the advancement of KIN-8194 for human studies in B-cell malignancies driven by HCK and BTK.
A Journey in Science: Immersion in the search for effective cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Rosenberg Steven A.
Published: June 2021

Real innovations in medicine and science are historic and singular; the stories behind each occurrence are precious. At Molecular Medicine we have established the Anthony Cerami Award in Translational Medicine to document and preserve these histories. The monographs recount the seminal events as told in the voice of the original investigators who provided the crucial early insight. These essays capture the essence of discovery, chronicling the birth of ideas that created new fields of research and launched trajectories that persisted and ultimately influenced how disease is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. In this volume, the Cerami Award Monograph is by Steven A. Rosenberg, Chief of Surgery at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. A pioneer in the development of immunotherapies and gene therapies for advanced cancers, this is the story of Dr. Rosenberg’s scientific journey.
Effects of Active Gases on Droplet Transfer and Weld Morphology in Pulsed-Current NG-GMAW of Mild Steel
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Tang Xinhua , Xu Qi , Lu Fenggui , Cui Haichao
Published: June 2021

The current research of narrow-gap gas metal arc welding (NG-GMAW) primarily focuses on improving the sidewall fusion and avoiding the lack-of-fusion defect. However, the high cost and operation difficulty of the methods limit the industrial application. In this study, small amount of active gases CO2 and O2 were added into pure argon inert shielding gas to improve the weld formation of pulsed-current narrow-gap gas metal arc welding (NG-GMAW) of mild steel. Their effects on droplet transfer and arc behavior were investigated. A high-speed visual sensing system was utilized to observe the metal transfer process and arc morphology. When the proportion of CO2, being added into the pure argon shielding gas, changes from 5% to 25%, the metal transfer mode changes from pulsed spray streaming transfer to pulsed projected spray transfer, while it remains the pulsed spray streaming transfer when 2% to 10% O2 is added. Both CO2 and O2 are favorable to stabilizing arc and welding process. O2 is even more effective than CO2. However, O2 is more likely to cause slags on the weld surface, while CO2 can improve the weld appearance in some sense. The weld surface concavity in NG-GMAW is greatly influenced by the addition of active gas, but the weld width and weld penetration almost keep constant. This study proposes a new method which is beneficial to improving the weld bead formation and welding process stability.
Identification, pyramid and candidate genes of QTLs for associated traits based on a dense erect panicle rice CSSL-Z749 and five SSSLs, three DSSLs and one TSSL
Authors: Wang Dachuan , Zhou Kai , Xiang Siqian , Zhang Qiuli , Li Ruxiang , Li Miaomiao , Liang Peixuan , Farkhanda Naz , He Guanghua , Ling Yinghua , Zhao Fangming
Published: June 2021

Background

Seed-set density is an important agronomic trait in rice. However, its genetic mechanism is complex. Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are ideal materials for studying complex traits.

Results

A rice CSSL, Z749, with a dense and erect panicle phenotype, was identified among progeny of the recipient parent Nipponbare and the donor parent Xihui 18. Z749 carried seven substitution segments (average length 2.12 Mb). Compared with Nipponbare, Z749 showed significant increases in the numbers of primary (NPB) and secondary branches (NSB), number of spikelets (SPP) and grains per panicle (GPP), seed-set density (SSD), and decrease in panicle length (PL). A secondary F2 population derived from a cross between Nipponbare and Z749 was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for associated traits. Fifteen QTLs distributed on chromosomes 5, 7, 8, and 10 were detected. The QTL qPL7 might be an allele of OsFAD8 and the remaining 14 QTLs (e.g., qSSD5 and qSSD10 etc.) might be novel. Fourteen QTLs were verified using five single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs). The seed-set density of Z749 was controlled predominantly by one major QTL (qSSD10) and two minor QTLs (qSSD5 and qSSD8). The QTLs qSSD10, qSSD5, and qSSD8 were fine-mapped to intervals of 1.05, 1.46, and 1.53 Mb on chromosomes 10, 5, and 8, respectively. Analysis of QTL additive effects indicated that qSSD5, qSSD8, and qSSD10 from Xihui18 increased seed-set density of Z749 by 14.10, 11.38, and 5.11 spikelets per 10 cm panicle, respectively. Analysis of QTL epistatic effects revealed that pyramiding of qSSD5 and qSSD8, qSSD5 and qSSD10, qSSD8 and qSSD10, and qSSD5, qSSD8 and qSSD10 produced novel genotypes with increased seed-set density.

Conclusions

Inheritance of seed-set density in Z749 was controlled predominantly by one major QTL (qSSD10) and two minor QTLs (qSSD5 and qSSD8). Then, they were fine-mapped to intervals of 1.05, 1.46, and 1.53 Mb on chromosomes 10, 5, 8, respectively. Two MAPK genes (OsMPK9 and OsMPK17) and one gene (candidate gene 6) involved in auxin metabolism might be candidate genes for qSSD5, and OsSAUR32 might be the candidate gene for qSSD8. Pyramiding of qSSD5, qSSD8, and qSSD10 enhanced seed-set density.
Transcriptomic coordination at hepatic steatosis indicates robust immune cell engagement prior to inflammation
Authors: Zhang Youwen , Chatzistamou Ioulia , Kiaris Hippokratis
Published: June 2021

Background

Deregulation in lipid metabolism leads to the onset of hepatic steatosis while at subsequent stages of disease development, the induction of inflammation, marks the transition of steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. While differential gene expression unveils individual genes that are deregulated at different stages of disease development, how the whole transcriptome is deregulated in steatosis remains unclear.

Methods

Using outbred deer mice fed with high fat as a model, we assessed the correlation of each transcript with every other transcript in the transcriptome. The onset of steatosis in the liver was also evaluated histologically.

Results

Our results indicate that transcriptional reprogramming directing immune cell engagement proceeds robustly, even in the absence of histologically detectable steatosis, following administration of high fat diet. In the liver transcriptomes of animals with steatosis, a preference for the engagement of regulators of T cell activation and myeloid leukocyte differentiation was also recorded as opposed to the steatosis-free livers at which non-specific lymphocytic activation was seen. As compared to controls, in the animals with steatosis, transcriptome was subjected to more widespread reorganization while in the animals without steatosis, reorganization was less extensive. Comparison of the steatosis and non-steatosis livers showed high retention of coordination suggesting that diet supersedes pathology in shaping the transcriptome’s profile.

Conclusions

This highly versatile strategy suggests that the molecular changes inducing inflammation proceed robustly even before any evidence of steatohepatitis is recorded, either histologically or by differential expression analysis.
Comparison of periodontal parameters between patients with ischemic and dilative cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ziebolz Dirk , Binner Christian , Reuschel Florentine , Eisner Mirjam , Wagner Justus , Kottmann Tanja , Etz Christian D. , Lehmann Sven , Garbade Jens , Schmalz Gerhard
Published: June 2021

Background

This cross-sectional study aimed in the comparison of periodontal parameters, number of remaining teeth and oral behaviour between patients with ischemic- (ICM) and non-ischemic dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

Patients with HF from the Department for Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Center Leipzig were included. The two groups (ICM and DCM) were composed by matching according to age, gender and smoking habits. All participants received a comprehensive periodontal examination, including a periodontal probing on six measurement points of each tooth.

Results

A total of 226 patients (n = 113 each group) was included. Patients in DCM group used interdental cleaning significantly more often than ICM (23.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.04). The majority of patients in both groups (ICM: 83.6%, DCM: 84.6%, p = 0.23) were diagnosed with stage III–IV periodontitis. Periodontal parameters were comparable between groups (p > 0.05). Variance analysis revealed no influence of the group (ICM vs. DCM) on the number of remaining teeth (p = 0.16), periodontitis stage (p = 0.27) or the periodontal inflamed surface area (p = 0.62).

Conclusions

Patients with severe HF show high periodontal burden, without any differences between ICM and DCM group. Therefore, increased attention should be payed to periodontal health of patients with severe heart disease, irrespective of their underlying disease.
Disability-adjusted life years associated with population ageing in China, 1990-2017
Authors: Li Ruotong , Cheng Xunjie , Schwebel David C. , Yang Yang , Ning Peishan , Cheng Peixia , Hu Guoqing
Published: June 2021

Background

The Chinese population has aged significantly in the last few decades. Comprehensive health losses including both fatal and non-fatal health outcomes associated with ageing in China have not been detailed.

Methods

Based on freely accessible disability adjusted life years (DALYs) estimated by the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2017, we adopted a robust decomposition method that ascribes changes in DALYs in any given country across two time points to changes resulting from three sources: population size, age structure, and age-specific DALYs rate per 100,000 population. Using the method, we calculated DALYs associated with population ageing in China from 1990 to 2017 and examined the counteraction between the effects of DALYs rate change and population ageing. This method extends previous work through attributing the change in DALYs to the three sources.

Results

Population ageing was associated with 92.8 million DALYs between 1990 and 2017 in China, of which 65.8% (61.1 million) were years of life lost (YLLs). Males had comparatively more DALYs associated with population ageing than females in the study period. The five leading causes of DALYs associated with population ageing between 1990 and 2017 were stroke (23.6 million), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (18.3 million), ischemic heart disease (13.0 million), tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (6.1 million) and liver cancer (5.0 million). Between 1990 and 2017, changes in DALYs associated with age-specific DALY rate reductions far exceeded those related to population ageing (− 196.2 million versus 92.8 million); 57.5% (− 112.8 million) of DALYs were caused by decreases in rates attributed to 84 modifiable risk factors.

Conclusion

Population ageing was associated with growing health loss in China from 1990 to 2017. Despite the recent progress in alleviating health loss associated with population ageing, the government should encourage scientific research on effective and affordable prevention and control strategies and should consider investment in resources to implement strategies nationwide to address the future challenge of population ageing.
Evaluation of serological lateral flow assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2
Authors: Trombetta Bianca A. , Kandigian Savannah E. , Kitchen Robert R. , Grauwet Korneel , Webb Pia Kivisäkk , Miller Glenn A. , Jennings Charles G. , Jain Sejal , Miller Samara , Kuo Yikai , Sweeney Thadryan , Gilboa Tal , Norman Maia , Simmons Daimon P. , Ramirez Christopher E. , Bedard Melissa , Fink Catherine , Ko Jina , De León Peralta Esmarline J. , Watts Gerald , Gomez-Rivas Emma , Davis Vannessa , Barilla Rocky M. , Wang Jianing , Cunin Pierre , Bates Samuel , Morrison-Smith Chevaun , Nicholson Benjamin , Wong Edmond , El-Mufti Leena , Kann Michael , Bolling Anna , Fortin Brooke , Ventresca Hayden , Zhou Wen , Pardo Santiago , Kwock Megan , Hazra Aditi , Cheng Leo , Ahmad Q. Rushdy , Toombs James A. , Larson Rebecca , Pleskow Haley , Luo Nell Meosky , Samaha Christina , Pandya Unnati M. , De Silva Pushpamali , Zhou Sally , Ganhadeiro Zakary , Yohannes Sara , Gay Rakiesha , Slavik Jacqueline , Mukerji Shibani S. , Jarolim Petr , Walt David R. , Carlyle Becky C. , Ritterhouse Lauren L. , Suliman Sara
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID-19 has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lateral flow assays can detect anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies to monitor transmission. However, standardized evaluation of their accuracy and tools to aid in interpreting results are needed.

Methods

We evaluated 20 IgG and IgM assays selected from available tests in April 2020. We evaluated the assays’ performance using 56 pre-pandemic negative and 56 SARS-CoV-2-positive plasma samples, collected 10–40 days after symptom onset, confirmed by a molecular test and analyzed by an ultra-sensitive immunoassay. Finally, we developed a user-friendly web app to extrapolate the positive predictive values based on their accuracy and local prevalence.

Results

Combined IgG + IgM sensitivities ranged from 33.9 to 94.6%, while combined specificities ranged from 92.6 to 100%. The highest sensitivities were detected in Lumiquick for IgG (98.2%), BioHit for both IgM (96.4%), and combined IgG + IgM sensitivity (94.6%). Furthermore, 11 LFAs and 8 LFAs showed perfect specificity for IgG and IgM, respectively, with 15 LFAs showing perfect combined IgG + IgM specificity. Lumiquick had the lowest estimated limit-of-detection (LOD) (0.1 μg/mL), followed by a similar LOD of 1.5 μg/mL for CareHealth, Cellex, KHB, and Vivachek.

Conclusion

We provide a public resource of the accuracy of select lateral flow assays with potential for home testing. The cost-effectiveness, scalable manufacturing process, and suitability for self-testing makes LFAs an attractive option for monitoring disease prevalence and assessing vaccine responsiveness. Our web tool provides an easy-to-use interface to demonstrate the impact of prevalence and test accuracy on the positive predictive values.