bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platform imperialism, communications law and relational sovereignty
Authors: Bannerman Sara
Published: March 2022

While many have asked whether the law can keep up with new technologies, we may need to ask bigger questions, lest in ‘updating’ we redraw the circuits of inequitable power relations. The fundamental ideas of autonomy and sovereignty that sit at the heart of the circuitry of platform and technological regulation must be reconsidered. How can we rewire this system? Examining the ways that relational thinking has been employed normatively, particularly in areas of communications law, this article suggests that we can draw on relational thinking, understood through critical theories that deal with historical structural relations, for guidance on how to rewire our legal operating system. Critical theories can infuse a relational approach to understanding communication law, which can be drawn on to rewire our legal operating system.
UEFA Against the Champions? An Evaluation of the Recent Reform of the Champions League Qualification
Authors: Csató László
Published: March 2022

The paper evaluates the impact of the only reform in the Champions Path of UEFA Champions League qualifying system, effective from the 2018/19 season. In contrast to previous studies, our methodology considers five seasons instead of only one to filter out any possible season-specific attributes. The chances of some national champions decrease much stronger than suggested by the reduction in the number of available slots. Since the negative effects depend to a large extent on the arbitrary cutoffs in the access list, we propose to introduce some randomness into the determination of entry stages.
Prognostic Implication of Preoperative Serum Albumin to Carcinoembryonic Antigen Ratio in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Xu Mingyue , Liu You , Xue Tianhui , Ye Qianwen , Xiang Jia , Liu Long , Yan Bing
Published: March 2022

Background: Preoperative serum albumin (ALB) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were useful prognostic factors in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the ALB to CEA ratio (ACR) and their individual prognostic efficacies have been less studied. Methods: A retrospective study with 156 CRC patients staged I to IV was performed. The prognostic efficacy of ACR was estimated and subsequently compared with ALB, CEA, and other systemic inflammation markers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined by Kaplan–Meier (K-M) analysis, and the risk factors for survival were calculated by the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 31.41% (49 of 156) of patients presented with ACR-low disease, and these patients had tumors with advanced T stages, larger tumor diameters and distant metastases, and a lower LMR. When 5.98 was used as the cut-off point, it had a sensitivity of 58.50% and 61.50% and a specificity of 83.50% and 80.50% for PFS and OS, respectively. ACR displayed a superior prognostic efficacy than individual ALB, CEA and NLR, LMR, and PLR for both PFS and OS (except LMR). Patients in the ACR-low group displayed significantly worse PFS and OS than those in the ACR-high group. Finally, ACR was an independent prognostic factor for both PFS (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17−0.56, P < .01) and OS (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16−0.66, P < .01). Conclusions: ACR was a robust prognostic factor in CRC, and patients with a relatively low preoperative ACR would have significantly worse survival.
Alice through the Looking-glass: Can We Improve Peer Review?
Authors: Papanas Nikolaos , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: March 2022

Peer review is an essential component for the evaluation of material submitted to medical and scientific journals. This process usually involves single blind, double blind or open peer review. In the present Editorial, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these peer review options. Our comments are influenced by our experience as Editors-in-Chief. We also outline new developments in the field of peer review.
Reflections at the Time of Covid-19: The Doctor Becomes the Patient
Authors: Soriano Nezer A.
Published: March 2022

As a family physician, we are trained to practice a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach for a holistic patient care. But a doctor gains deeper appreciation for the importance of addressing a patient’s spirituality once he becomes a patient himself. My spirituality played a role in my recovery as a patient. This experience led me to appreciate the unique role a patient’s spirituality can play in one’s recovery. It has given me a different experience with God.
Toxic leadership and academics’ work engagement in higher education: A cross-sectional study from Chile
Authors: Klahn Acuña Blanca , Male Trevor
Published: March 2022

The concept of toxic leadership has been widely investigated in diverse settings with most contributors agreeing its impact on followers can have negative effects to the victim's well-being, job satisfaction, group productivity and organisational commitment. However, the concept has not yet been sufficiently researched in tertiary educational settings, and in this case, specifically in Chilean higher education. This paper explores whether toxic leadership was present in country's universities and, if so, to assess its impact over academics’ work engagement. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted, using a sample of 592 academics from two different Chilean universities, who voluntarily responded to two validated scales: One to measure toxic leadership perceptions (Schmidt's toxic leadership scale) and other one to measure work engagement (UWESR work engagement scale). The results corroborated the presence of toxic leadership in the consulted institutions, but a significant relationship between this style of leadership and work engagement was not established. This finding suggests that, even though the participants recognise the presence of toxic leadership, work engagement was not necessarily affected by their leader's behaviour.
The ideograph of Territorial Sovereignty: Framing of China's Belt and Road Initiative by the Times of India
Authors: Li Zhou
Published: March 2022

This study examines the use of the ideograph territorial sovereignty by the Times of India ( TOI; U.S./New Delhi editions) in its reports on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Using McGee's ( 1980 ) notion of ideograph and Entman’s ( 1993 ) framing theory, it uncovers a discursive strategy used by elite media for swaying public opinion regarding international and domestic information flow when promoting its preferred “Indian” understanding of the BRI. This study reviews historical uses of the ideograph territorial sovereignty to establish an analysis of the TOI's use of it. Then, following framing theory and a synchronic structure, I explore the ideograph in 40 collected TOI reports by contextualizing relationships supporting and surrounding it.
Computational structural dynamics general solution procedure using finite volumes
Authors: Graff Joseph S , Davis Roger L , Clark John P
Published: March 2022

A method for the solution of the three-dimensional structural dynamics equations with large strains using a finite volume technique is presented. The proposed solution procedure is second order accurate in space and employs a second-order accurate dual time-stepping scheme. The momentum conservation equations are written in terms of the Piola-Kirchhoff stresses. The stress tensor is related to the Lagrangian strain tensor through the St. Venant-Kirchhoff constitutive relationship. The structural solver presented is verified through two test cases. The first test case is a three-dimensional cantilever beam subject to a gravitational load that is verified using theory and two-dimensional simulations reported in literature. The second test case is a three-dimensional highly deformable cantilever plate subject to a gravitational load. The results of this case are verified through a comparison with the modal response calculated by commercially available software. The focus of the current effort is the development and verification of the structural dynamics portion of a future fully coupled monolithic fluid-thermal-structure interaction code package.
Who Needs Values When We Have Valuing? Comments on Jean Moritz Müller,The World-Directedness of Emotional Feeling
Authors: de Sousa Ronald
Published: March 2022

Müller argues that the perceptual or “Axiological Receptivity” (AR) model of emotions is incoherent, because it requires an emotion to apprehend and respond to its formal object at the same time. He defends a contrasting view of emotions as “Position-Takings" (PT) towards “formal objects”, aspects of an emotion's target pertinent to the subject's concerns. I first cast doubt on the cogency of Müller's attack on AR as begging questions about the temporal characteristics of perceptual events. I then argue that Müller's version of PT is not radical enough. On my attitudinal view, formal objects are not values but natural properties that justify specific affective or behavioral responses. Values are constituted only by a negotiated social aggregation of individual evaluative attitudes.
Could the vaginal wall sling still have a role after the FDA’s warning? Functional outcomes at 20 years
Authors: Illiano Ester , Trama Francesco , Marchesi Alessandro , Fabi Consuelo , Brancorsini Stefano , Costantini Elisabetta
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Aims of this study were to evaluate the functional outcomes of a vaginal wall sling technique in patients with stress urinary incontinence at 20 years after surgery and to evaluate the patient’s satisfaction after the surgical procedure.

Material and Methods:

This was a prospective single-center study on patients with stress urinary incontinence who underwent in situ vaginal sling surgery. Presurgery evaluation included history, pelvic examination, and urodynamic test. All patients completed Urogenital Distress Inventory–6 (UDI-6) questionnaire. They underwent checkups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and then annually. The sling was created by making a rectangle (15–20 × 25 mm) on the anterior vaginal wall and it was reinforced by one roll of Marlex mesh on each side of the sling. The sutures were passed through the vagina at the suprapubic level after suprapubic incision, above the rectus fascia and tied without excessive tension.

Results:

From May 1996 to May 2002, 40 women underwent vaginal wall sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Last visit was performed on 20 women between March 2020 and April 2020. Median follow-up was 251.3 months (20.9 years) (range = 204.3–285.4 months). The success rate after 5 years of surgical procedure was 80%; over 5 years, the objective cure rate was 45%. Considering only the group of 13 patients with pure stress urinary incontinence, the objective cure rate decreased to 38%, in particular 7 years after surgery. Women who did not resolve their urinary incontinence needed to undergo a new treatment. At over 5 years after surgery, there was an increase in urgency ( p = 0.001) and voiding symptoms ( p = 0.008) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) ( p = 0.04). Ninety-five percent were very much worse or much worse according to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale.

Conclusion:

The in situ vaginal wall sling does not guarantee good long-term functional outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence.
Investigation of Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Chemopreventive Properties of Hawaiian Grown Māmaki tea (Pipturus albidus)
Authors: Sun Alanna , Kondratyuk Tamara , Wongwiwatthananukit Supakit , Sun Dianqing , Chang Leng Chee
Published: March 2022

Objective Māmaki tea ( Pipturus albidus) is a native Hawaiian plant species that is best known for its medicinal uses. It is endemic and only grows on the Hawaiian Islands. We evaluated different extraction methods and investigated antioxidant, anticancer, and/or chemopreventive potential of Māmaki tea. Materials and Methods Fresh Māmaki tea leaves were purchased from Hilo Farmers Market on Big Island. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of selected Hawaii-grown teas, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, chemopreventive assays against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nitric oxide (NO) were performed for these Māmaki tea extracts. Cytotoxicity testing was done using in vitro sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay against lung (LU-1) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Results Locally grown red vine Māmaki tea exhibited the highest level (40.0 µM/µg) of antioxidants among the tested locally grown fruits, vegetables, and tea. In addition, when tested at 20 µg/mL, the dehydrated Māmaki tea powders (AS-18), brewed from boiling water, showed the highest NF-κB inhibition (75.0%); and the freeze-dried Māmaki leaf powder (AS-1) brewed using room temperature water had the highest inhibitory activity with 55.5% in the nitrite assay. Furthermore, AS-25, the 100% ethanol extract from dehydrated Māmaki tea leaves exhibited the best anticancer activity with the lowest 71.3% survival of breast cancer cells. Conclusions This work stimulates further studies on the biological properties and medicinal uses of Māmaki tea, and raises community and public awareness to promote Māmaki tea.
Mini-Open Achilles Tendon Repair: Improving Outcomes While Decreasing Complications
Authors: Hoskins Tyler , Patel Jay , Choi Joseph H. , Fitzpatrick Brendan , Begley Brian , Mazzei Chris J. , Harrington Colin J. , Miller Justin M. , Wittig James C. , Epstein David
Published: March 2022

An acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is a traumatic injury that can cause considerable morbidity and reduced function. Nonoperative intervention may put patients at higher risk of rerupture, whereas surgical intervention carries risk of infection, wound complications, and iatrogenic nerve injury. The mini-open Achilles tendon repair technique has been popularized in helping decrease complications. The goal of this study was to examine and compare the functional outcomes and rate of complications in patients treated with a mini-open repair technique versus a traditional open repair for acute Achilles tendon ruptures. A retrospective review was performed of all patients with a complete Achilles tendon rupture that were treated by a single foot and ankle fellowship-trained surgeon. Functional outcome scores were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle scoring system (AOFAS) and the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). Eighty-one patients with a complete Achilles tendon rupture underwent mini-open repair and 22 patients underwent traditional open repair surgery between 2013 and 2020. The mean follow-up was 38.40 months (range, 12-71). Mean preoperative AOFAS and ATRS improved in the mini-open group from 45.60 and 47.18 respectively, to 90.29 and 87.97 after surgery (p < .05). Mean preoperative AOFAS and ATRS scores for the traditional open repair (n = 22) cohort were 44.02 and 42.27, respectively. Postoperatively, the AOFAS and ATRS scores improved to 85.27 and 86.64 (P value < .05), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative ATRS scores. However, the mini-open repair group showed a statistically higher postoperative AOFAS score (90.30) than the traditional open-repair group (85.27) (P value < .05). The overall complication rate for our study was 2.9% (2 mini-open repair and 1 traditional open repair). The complication rate in the mini-open repair group and traditional open repair cohort were 2.4% and 4.5%, respectively (P value > .05). One patient in the mini-open repair cohort (1.2%) reruptured his Achilles tendon 4 months postoperatively. A second patient in the mini-open repair group (1.2%) developed a superficial skin infection and suture irritation. One patient (4.5%) in the traditional open repair group developed a superficial skin infection. There were no sural nerve injuries in our series. The mini-open approach to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon is a viable treatment option to decrease the incidence rate of postoperative complications and rerupture rates while also producing a superior cosmetic result.

Level of Evidence: 3 (retrospective cohort study N ≥ 30).
Chest imaging in pregnant patients with COVID-19: Recommendations, justification, and optimization
Authors: Nair Anirudh Venugopalan , Ramanathan Subramaniyan , Venugopalan Prasanna
Published: March 2022

Evaluation of COVID-19 related complication is challenging in pregnancy, due to concerns about ionizing radiation risk to mother and the fetus. Although there are instances when diagnostic imaging is clinically warranted for COVID-19 evaluation despite the minimal risks of radiation exposure, often there are concerns raised by the patients and sometimes by the attending physicians. This article reviews the current recommendations on indications of chest imaging in pregnant patients with COVID-19, the dose optimization strategies, and the risks related to imaging exposure during pregnancy. In clinical practice, these imaging strategies are key in addressing the complex obstetrical complications associated with COVID-19 pneumonia.
The Development of L2 (Basque) Oracy Skills Through Dialogic Literary Gatherings
Authors: Santiago-Garabieta Maite , Villardón-Gallego Lourdes , García-Carrión Rocío , Duque Elena
Published: March 2022

The acquisition of oral communication skills is essential for lifelong learning and development. Despite their importance, specific approaches oriented to its acquisition and mastery in second languages (L2) are not widely established. Indeed, the prevalence of a monologic classroom discourse still hinders the opportunities to enhance language production. This article analyses the development of L2 oracy skills among secondary school students who have participated in Dialogic Literary Gatherings, a dialogue-based educational action, in Basque. The interactions of five students were observed and analyzed using the Cambridge Oracy Assessment Toolkit. The study also included an interview with the teacher, and a focus group with the participant students. The results show that L2 oracy skills of the students evolve when they participate in these dialogic encounters, especially in the cognitive and socio-emotional areas. Implications for the teaching of L2 spoken language are discussed.
Olympics During the Pandemic: Predictors of Olympics Viewing Across Platforms During the Tokyo Games
Authors: Tang Tang , Cooper Roger
Published: March 2022

This research empirically tested the Dynamic Model of Exposure by examining users’ multiplatform exposure during the Tokyo Olympic Games. Findings supported the model, suggesting that Olympics viewing was a dynamic process involving individual preferences and structures. Various preferences and structures combined to explain 37.7% of the variance in viewing the Olympics on television and 48.7% of Olympics viewing via digital streaming. Overall, endogenous preferences provided the largest predictive value, suggesting that pre-Olympic media routines had the most powerful influence on viewing this mega-event on both television and via digital streaming. Variables related to the COVID-19 pandemic showed no significant impact on those who watched the Tokyo Games.
Predicting ankle joint syndesmotic screw lifetime using finite element and fatigue analysis
Authors: Hariri A. E. , Mirzabozorg H. , Esmaeili R. , Soltani A.R. , Aghajanzadeh M.
Published: March 2022

After recovery and loading on the patient’s leg, syndesmotic screws mounted on an injured ankle may fail. The main subject of this study is to estimate the lifetime of screws considering the patient’s weight and physical activity. Method: A 3D finite element model of the bone and implemented screws were provided assigning the mechanical properties of ligaments, bones, and screws. Considering axial and tangential physiological loads during the walking phase, the stress and fatigue analyses were performed. Results: The stress distribution had an identical pattern in the screws and all of them experienced the maximum stress during 60–70% of the walking phase. Conclusion: The results of analyses show that body weight has a significant effect on the mounted screw lifetime. Patients with a weight of more than [Formula: see text] kg should prevent applying body load on the operated leg. Conversely, no worry about a patient having less than [Formula: see text] kg body weight.
Addressing Sustainability in the Mining Industry Through Stakeholder Engagement
Authors: Matikainen Lotta Sihvo
Published: March 2022

Sustainability challenges are often complex and cannot be tackled by an organization alone. In the mining industry, the potential to threaten environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability is considerable. The data in this qualitative case study about a mining region in Germany consist of 88 newspaper articles, three company reports and one interview. This study argues that constructive stakeholder engagement in the forms of dialogue and collaboration may enhance the sustainability of mining operations. Opportunities to enhance sustainability can be found with both primary and secondary stakeholders. However, stakeholder engagement with stakeholders who oppose the mining operations can be challenging.
Using Pitch-Tracking Data to Identify Risk Factors for Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Cohen Samuel A. , Portney Daniel A. , Cohen Landon E. , Bolia Ioanna K. , Weber Alexander E. , Saltzman Matthew D.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Approximately 25% of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers undergo medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) during their careers.

Purpose:

To identify risk factors for UCLR that are specific to 2 subgroups of MLB pitchers: right (RHPs)- versus left-handed pitchers (LHPs) and starting (SPs) versus relief pitchers (RPs).

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We included 109 MLB pitchers who had undergone UCLR between 2007 and 2019 and had sufficient preinjury data in the 3 years before surgery (T3, T2, T1). A 2:1 matched control cohort was selected for comparison. Pitch velocity, release location, and ball movement were compared between the UCLR and control cohorts in both subgroups in the years before surgery (RHPs vs LHPs and SPs vs RPs). Binary logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for UCLR.

Results:

The mean horizontal release location for the UCLR group was 5.8 cm more lateral than for the control group ( P = .028). For all pitchers, every 2.5-cm lateral shift in release location in the years leading up to UCLR equated to a 3.7% increase in the odds of UCLR. For RPs, this risk was more substantial: a 5.8% increase in odds per 2.5 cm. SPs in the UCLR group demonstrated significantly different T1 horizontal release locations compared with SPs in the control group, though not to a statistically significant change over the 3 years before surgery. However, in the 3 years before surgery, the horizontal release location for RPs in the UCLR group moved 2.1 cm more lateral, as compared with 2.7 cm more medial for RPs in the control group ( P = .007). For LHPs, a decrease in mean pitch velocity by 1 mph (1.6 km/h) in the years leading up to surgery increased the odds of UCLR by 45%.

Conclusion:

Increasing lateralization of release point in the years before surgery increased the risk of UCLR, specifically for relievers. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that release location is an important variable in analyzing the risk of UCLR in MLB and that risk stratification may be dependent on pitcher characteristics such as position, handedness, and weight.
Sample Size and Model Prediction Accuracy in EQ-5D-5L Valuations Studies: Expected Out-of-Sample Accuracy Based on Resampling with Different Sample Sizes and Alternative Model Specifications
Authors: Hansen Tonya Moen , Stavem Knut , Rand Kim
Published: March 2022

Background. National valuation studies are costly, with ∼1000 face-to-face interviews recommended, and some countries may deem such studies infeasible. Building on previous studies exploring sample size, we determined the effect of sample size and alternative model specifications on prediction accuracy of modeled coefficients in EQ-5D-5L value set generating regression analyses. Methods. Data sets ( n = 50 to ∼1000) were simulated from 3 valuation studies, resampled at the respondent level and randomly drawn 1000 times with replacement. We estimated utilities for each subsample with leave-one-out at the block level using regression models (8 or 20 parameter; with or without a random intercept; time tradeoff [TTO] data only or TTO + discrete choice experiment [DCE] data). Prediction accuracy, root mean square error (RMSE), was calculated by comparing to censored mean predicted values to the left-out block in the full data set. Linear regression was used to estimate the relative effect of changes in sample size and each model specification. Results. Results showed that doubling the sample size decreased RMSE by on average 0.012. Effects of other model specifications were smaller but can when combined compensate for loss in prediction accuracy from a small sample size. For models using TTO data only, 8-parameter models clearly outperformed 20-parameter models. Adding a random intercept, or including DCE responses, also improved mean RMSE, most prominently for variants of the 20-parameter models. Conclusions. The prediction accuracy impact of further increases in sample size after 300 to 500 were smaller than the impact of combining alternative modeling choices. Hybrid modeling, use of constrained models, and inclusion of random intercepts all substantially improve the expected prediction accuracy. Beyond a minimum of 300 to 500 respondents, the sample size may be better informed by other considerations, such as legitimacy and representativeness, than by the technical prediction accuracy achievable.

Highlights

Increases in sample size beyond a minimum in the range of 300 to 500 respondents provide smaller gains in expected prediction accuracy than alternative modeling approaches. Constrained, nonlinear models; time tradeoff + discrete choice experiment hybrid modeling; and including a random intercept all improved the prediction accuracy of models estimating values for the EQ-5D-5L based on data from 3 different valuation studies. The tested modeling choices can compensate for smaller sample sizes.
Case series of HaNDL syndrome responding to valproic acid
Authors: Aydinlar Elif Ilgaz , Ertas Mustafa
Published: March 2022

Objective:

We report a case series of patients diagnosed with the syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) responding to high dose Valproic acid.

Background:

HaNDL syndrome is an infrequent entity, presenting with neurological impairment episodes and severe headache. A treatment to prevent the attacks has not been proposed yet.

Results:

We describe 6 patients with a definite diagnosis of HaNDL, responding to Valproic acid 1000–1500 mg/day.

Conclusion:

Although HaNDL’s self-limiting nature, episodes may cause important disability and can last up to 3 months. Valproic acid may be a good choice to prevent attacks due to its effect on cortical depression and fast titration.
Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in primary total hip arthroplasty performed using the direct anterior approach: a one-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Zha Guo-Chun , Zhu Xian-Ren , Wang Lei , Li Hong-Wei
Published: March 2022

Background

It is still unknown whether tranexamic acid (TXA) is beneficial for the minimally invasive surgical approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous TXA in primary THA via the direct anterior approach (DAA).

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 70 patients with nontraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head who underwent THA via the DAA between October 2017 and October 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: TXA group (39 patients received 1.5 g TXA intravenously) and control group (31 patients did not receive TXA). Patients were assessed by operative time, postoperative hemoglobin (HB) drop, transfusion rate, postoperative length of hospital stays (LHS), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and Harris hip score (HHS).

Results

Total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and postoperative HB drop in the TXA group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operative time, transfusion rate, postoperative LHS, HHS, or incidence of DVT (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

TXA may reduce perioperative blood loss without increasing complications in THA via the DAA.

Level of evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.
Development and experience-dependent modulation of the defensive behaviors of mice to visual threats
Authors: Narushima Madoka , Agetsuma Masakazu , Nabekura Junichi
Published: March 2022

Rodents demonstrate defensive behaviors such as fleeing or freezing upon recognizing a looming shadow above them. Although individuals’ experiences in their habitat can modulate the defensive behavior phenotype, the effects of systematically manipulating the individual’s visual experience on vision-guided defensive behaviors have not been studied. We aimed to describe the developmental process of defensive behaviors in response to visual threats and the effects of visual deprivation. We found that the probability of escape response occurrence increased 3 weeks postnatally, and then stabilized. When visual experience was perturbed by dark rearing from postnatal day (P) 21 for a week, the developmental increase in escape probability was clearly suppressed, while the freezing probability increased. Intriguingly, exposure to the looming stimuli at P28 reversed the suppression of escape response development at P35. These results clearly indicate that the development of defensive behaviors in response to looming stimuli is affected by an individual’s sensory experience.
Characterization of pectin methylesterase gene family and its possible role in juice sac granulation in navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck)
Authors: Li Zixuan , Wu Liming , Wang Ce , Wang Yue , He Ligang , Wang Zhijing , Ma Xiaofang , Bai Fuxi , Feng Guizhi , Liu Jihong , Jiang Yingchun , Song Fang
Published: March 2022

Background

Citrus is one of the most important fresh fruit crops worldwide. Juice sac granulation is a physiological disorder, which leads to a reduction in soluble solid concentration, total sugar, and titratable acidity of citrus fruits. Pectin methylesterase (PME) catalyzes the de-methylesterification of homogalacturonans and plays crucial roles in cell wall modification during plant development and fruit ripening. AlthoughPMEfamily has been well investigated in various model plants, little is known regarding the evolutionary property and biological function ofPMEfamily genes in citrus.

Results

In this study, 53 non-redundantPMEgenes were identified fromCitrus sinensisgenome, and thesePMEgenes were divided into four clades based on the phylogenetic relationship. Subsequently, bioinformatics analyses of gene structure, conserved domain, chromosome localization, gene duplication, and collinearity were performed onCsPMEgenes, providing important clues for further research on the functions ofCsPMEgenes. The expression profiles ofCsPMEgenes in response to juice sac granulation and low-temperature stress revealed thatCsPME genes were involved in the low temperature-induced juice sac granulation in navel orange fruits. Subcellular localization analysis suggested thatCsPMEgenes were localized on the apoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, and vacuole membrane. Moreover, yeast one-hybrid screening and dual luciferase activity assay revealed that the transcription factorCsRVE1directly bound to the promoter ofCsPME3and activated its activity.

Conclusion

In summary, this study conducts a comprehensive analysis of thePMEgene family in citrus, and provides a novel insight into the biological functions and regulation patterns ofCsPMEgenes during juice sac granulation of citrus.
Identification of TIFY gene family in walnut and analysis of its expression under abiotic stresses
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Yu Feiyan , Yang Guiyan , Liu Xiaoqiang , Peng Shaobing
Published: March 2022

Background

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are known for their nutrient-rich nuts and are one of the important economic tree species in the world. However, due to global warming and soil salinization, walnuts suffer from various abiotic stresses. TIFY (TIF[F/Y]XG) proteins play an essential role in the growth and development of plants, signal transduction, and stress response in plants. At present, although the TIFY gene family of a number of plants has been identified and studied, how TIFY takes part in stress tolerance remains obscure and many functions of TIFY require further investigation.

Result

In this study, twenty-one TIFY transcription factors were identified in the walnut genome database, and they were divided into four subfamilies (TIFY, JAZ, ZML, and PPD) by bioinformatics analysis. Chromosome location revealed tandem duplication of some genes. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed JrTIFYs were closely related to the TIFY gene family of Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR) analysis revealed the TIFY genes have different expression patterns in ‘Qingxiang’ and ‘Xiangling’ walnut varieties under drought, heat, and salt stress. JAZ subfamily was more expressed in different abiotic stress than other subfamilies. The expressions of JrTIFY14 under heat and salt stress were significantly higher than those under drought stress. However, the expression of JrTIFYs was not significant in ‘Xiangling’.

Conclusion

This study reveals the TIFY gene family plays an important role in walnuts facing abiotic stresses and provides a theoretical basis for walnut breeding.
The impacts of allopolyploidization on Methyl-CpG-Binding Domain (MBD) gene family in Brassica napus
Authors: Xiao Yafang , Li Mengdi , Wang Jianbo
Published: March 2022

Background

Polyploidization promotes species formation and is widespread in angiosperms. Genome changes dramatically bring opportunities and challenges to plants after polyploidy. Methyl-CpG-Binding Domain (MBD) proteins can recognize and bind to methylation sites and they play an important role in the physiological process related to methylation in animals and plants. However, research on the influence of the allopolyploidization process on the MBD gene family is still lacking, so it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive analysis.

Results

In this study, twenty-two, ten and eleven MBD genes were identified in the genome of allotetraploid B. napus and its diploid ancestors, B. rapa and B. oleracea, respectively. Based on the clades of the MBD gene in Arabidopsis, rice and maize, we divided the new phylogenetic tree into 8 clades. Among them, the true MBD genes in Brassica existed in only 5 clades. Clade IV and Clade VI were unique in term of MBD genes in dicotyledons. Ka/Ks calculations showed that MBD genes underwent purifying selection in Brassica and may retain genes through sequence or functional differentiation early in evolution. In the process of allopolyploidization, the number of MBD gene introns increased, and the protein motifs changed. The MBD proteins had their own special motifs in each clade, and the MBD domains were only conserved in their clades. At the same time, the MBD genes were expressed in flower, leaf, silique, and stem tissues, and the expression levels of the different genes were significantly different, while the tissue specificity was not obvious. The allopolyploidization process may increase the number of cis-acting elements and activate the transposable elements. During allopolyploidization, the expression pattern of the MBD gene changes, which may be regulated by cis-acting elements and transposable elements. The number imbalance of cis-acting elements and transposable elements in An and Cn subgenomes may also lead to biased An subgenome expression of the MBD gene in B. napus.

Conclusions

In this study, by evaluating the number, structure, phylogeny and expression of the MBD gene in B. napus and its diploid ancestors, we increased the understanding of MBD genes in allopolyploids and provided a reference for future analysis of allopolyploidization.
Overexpression of the Salix matsudana SmAP2-17 gene improves Arabidopsis salinity tolerance by enhancing the expression of SOS3 and ABI5
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Dai Yuanhao , Li Yixin , Yang Jie , Jiang Yuna , Liu Guoyuan , Yu Chunmei , Zhong Fei , Lian Bolin , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2022

Background

Salix matsudana (Koidz.) is a widely planted ornamental allotetraploid tree species. Genetic engineering can be used to enhance the tolerance of this species to soil salinization, endowing varieties with the ability to grow along coastlines, thereby mitigating afforestation and protecting the environment. The AP2/ERF family of transcription factors (TFs) plays multidimensional roles in plant biotic/abiotic stress tolerance and plant development. In this study, we cloned the SmAP2-17 gene and performed functional analysis of its role in salt tolerance. This study aims to identify key genes for future breeding of stress-resistant varieties of Salix matsudana.

Results

SmAP2-17 was predicted to be a homolog of AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor ANT isoform X2 from Arabidopsis, with a predicted ORF of 2058 bp encoding an estimated protein of 685 amino acids containing two conserved AP2 domains (PF00847.20). SmAP2-17 had a constitutive expression pattern and was localized to the nucleus. The overexpression of the native SmAP2-17 CDS sequence in Arabidopsis did not increase salt tolerance because of the reduced expression level of ectopic SmAP2-17, potentially caused by salt-induced RNAi. Transgenic lines with high expression of optimized SmAP2-17 CDS under salt stress showed enhanced tolerance to salt. Moreover, the expression of general stress marker genes and important salt stress signaling genes, including RD29A, ABI5, SOS3, AtHKT1, and RBohF, were upregulated in SmAP2-17-overexpressed lines, with expression levels consistent with that of SmAP2-17 or optimized SmAP2-17. Promoter activity analysis using dual luciferase analysis showed that SmAP2-17 could bind the promoters of SOS3 and ABI5 to activate their expression, which plays a key role in regulating salt tolerance.

Conclusions

The SmAP2-17 gene isolated from Salix matsudana (Koidz.) is a positive regulator that improves the resistance of transgenic plants to salt stress by upregulating SOS3 and ABI5 genes. This study provides a potential functional gene resource for future generation of salt-resistant Salix lines by genetic engineering.
The application of a surgical face mask over different oxygen delivery devices; a crossover study of measured end-tidal oxygen concentrations
Authors: Brown-Beresford Kate , Currie John , Thiruvenkatarajan Venkatesan
Published: March 2022

Background

The application of a surgical face mask over oxygen delivery devices is now a widespread recommendation in the setting of the Coronavirus disease pandemic. This addition is designed to reduce droplet spread, but this also changes the nature of these devices, and may alter the amount of oxygen delivered to a patient. This research investigated how placing a surgical face mask over both a simple plastic mask (“Hudson mask”) and nasal cannula altered the concentration of available oxygen measured at the nares.

Methods

We measured the inspired and end-tidal oxygen concentrations of five healthy non-smoking volunteers. Oxygen was delivered via nasal cannula and also a simple plastic face mask, at flow rates of 2, 4, 6 and 8 l per minute, with and without an overlying surgical face mask.

Results

Adding a surgical mask over nasal cannula caused an appreciable rise in the end-tidal oxygen concentrations at all the measured oxygen flow rates 2, 4, 6, 8 L/minute. With the Hudson mask, there was a rise in oxygen concentration at 4 and 6 L/minute. For example, at a flow rate of 4 l/min via nasal cannula, available oxygen concentration increased from 24 to 36%, and via the Hudson mask the concentration rose from 27 to 38%.

Conclusions

The addition of a surgical face mask over both nasal cannula and a Hudson mask resulted in an increased available oxygen concentration. This may be valuable where more advanced oxygen devices are not available, or alternatively providing adequate supplemental oxygen at lower flow rates and thus making critical savings in oxygen usage.
Nursing home residents with suspected urinary tract infections: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Latour Katrien , De Lepeleire Jan , Catry Boudewijn , Buntinx Frank
Published: March 2022

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections in nursing homes (NHs). A high error rate of a UTI diagnosis based solely on clinical criteria is to be expected in older persons as they often present infections in an atypical way. A study was set up to assess the diagnostic value of signs/symptoms and urine dipstick testing in identifying UTIs in NH residents and to explore whether C-reactive protein (CRP) measured by point-of-care testing (POCT) can help in the diagnosis.

Methods

During a three month prospective multicentre study, urine sampling for culture, POCT CRP and urinary dipstick testing were performed in each NH resident with a suspected UTI. UTIs were defined according to Stone et al., i.e. criteria based upon the presence of a set of signs/symptoms and a positive urine culture.

Results

Eleven NHs and 1 263 residents participated. Sixteen out of 137 recorded UTI suspicions were confirmed. Acute dysuria (positive likelihood ratio (LR +): 7.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.94–14.5) and acute suprapubic pain (LR + : 11.4, 95% CI: 3.58–35.9) were found to be significant predictors. The combined nitrite and leucocyte esterase urine dipstick test (one or both positive) had a 96.0% negative predictive value (95% CI: 80.5–99.3%). The sensitivity of a positive CRP test (≥ 5 mg/L) was 60.0% (95% CI: 32.3–83.7%). Antimicrobials were prescribed in 60.2% of suspected but unconfirmed UTIs and in 92.3% of confirmed UTIs.

Conclusions

Using a stringent definition, only 11.7% of our suspicions were confirmed. Besides acute dysuria and suprapubic pain, we were not able to prove that any other clinical sign/symptom or POCT CPR adds useful information to the UTI diagnosis. We confirmed the findings of earlier research that urine dipstick tests are useful in ruling out UTIs and identified a potential overuse of antimicrobials in our NH population.
Reduction of testosterone levels in Schistosoma haematobium- or Schistosoma mansoni-infected men: a cross-sectional study in two schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Adamawa region of Cameroon
Authors: Jatsa Hermine Boukeng , Femoe Ulrich Membe , Dongmo Calvine Noumedem , Kamwa Romuald Issiaka Ngassam , Fesuh Betrand Nono , Tchuem Tchuente Louis-Albert , Kamtchouing Pierre
Published: March 2022

Background

The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated compared to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Schistosoma haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of men of reproductive age in Tibati and Wouldé, two endemic schistosomiasis areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon.

Methods

A total of 89 men of reproductive age (range 14–56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study, with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the testes’ circumference and evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was used to assess the levels of transaminases and testosterone.

Results

Schistosoma haematobium was present only in Tibati, with a prevalence of 31.37%. The S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% at Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni. Serum transaminase activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma-positive individuals were close to Schistosoma-negative individuals. However, the testes size was more prominent in S. mansoni-positive individuals than in S. haematobium-positive individuals (P < 0.05). The serum testosterone levels of S. haematobium- and S. mansoni-positive men were significantly reduced by 56.07% (P < 0.001) and 51.94% (P < 0.01), respectively, in comparison to those of Schistosoma-negative men. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low serum testosterone level. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia, and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma-positive and Schistosoma-negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone and may be a significant cause of male infertility.
General and comparative self-rated health in chronic stroke: an important outcome measure for health professionals
Authors: Viana Ramon Távora , de Freitas Araújo Érika , Lima Lidiane Andrea Oliveira , Teixeira-Salmela Luci Fuscaldi , de Morais Faria Christina Danielli Coelho
Published: March 2022

Background

After a stroke, several aspects of health and function may influence how individuals perceive their own health. However, self-rated health (SRH), as well as its relationship with functioning, has been little explored in individuals with stroke. The aims of this study were to determine how individuals with chronic post-stroke disabilities evaluate their health, considering general, time- and age-comparative SRH questions and to investigate whether SRH measures would be influenced by the following health and functioning domains: mental/physical functions and personal factors.

Methods

Sixty-nine individuals with chronic post-stroke disabilities answered the three types of SRH questions and were assessed regarding depressive symptoms (emotional function domain), physical activity levels (physical function domain), and engagement in physical activity practice (personal factor domain). Subjects were divided into the following groups: good/poor for the general SRH question; better, similar, and "worse" for both time- and age-comparative questions. Between-group differences in the three domains for each SRH question were investigated (α = 5%).

Results

General SRH was rated as good by 73% of the participants. Time- and age-comparative SRH was rated as better by 36% and 47% and as similar by 31% and 28% of the subjects, respectively. Significant between-group differences in emotional function were found for both the general and age-comparative questions. For the time-comparative question, significant differences were only observed for physical function.

Conclusion

SRH evaluation differed in individuals with chronic post-stroke disabilities according to the types of questions and health/functioning domains.