bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of social media and virtual opportunities by integrated vascular surgery residency programs during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: LaGrone Ryan B , Singh Nikhi P , Nocera Alex P , Rais-Bahrami Soroush , Novak Zdenek , Beck Adam W , Sutzko Danielle C
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the 2021 match application cycle as in person sub-internships and interviews have been halted. Given the abrupt change, we aimed to characterize the utilization of social media and virtual open house platforms by integrated vascular surgery residency programs for outreach and networking during the pandemic for the 2021 cycle.

Methods

A list of accredited integrated vascular surgery residency programs was compiled using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) website provided by the Academic Medical Colleges (AMC). The social media platforms Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook were queried for accounts associated with the training programs or their associated institutional vascular surgery divisions. Each discovered account was surveyed for date of creation as well as posts outlining virtual interactive events such as open houses, meet-and-greets, and virtual sub-internship opportunities. Slopes of the curves representing total account numbers and account numbers on each platform were compared from pre-COVID to current day using linear regression and t-statistics.

Results

There were 64 integrated vascular surgery residency programs participating in the 2021 match cycle. 70.3% ( N = 45) of programs had a social media presence on at least one of the three platforms. 54.7% ( N = 35) of programs had an associated Twitter account. 43.9% ( N = 28) of programs had an associated Instagram account. Six (9.4%) programs were found on Facebook. The number of social media accounts significantly increased from March 2020 (37 vs 69, p < .001) to March 2021.

Conclusions

Vascular surgery residency programs have significantly increased use of social media platforms over a 12-month period beginning in March 2020, indicating adaptation to the restrictions prompted by the pandemic.
A surgical method to be reminded for the treatment of symptomatic ipsilateral central venous occlusions in patients with hemodialysis access: Axillo-axillary venous bypass case report and review of the literature
Authors: Meric Mert , Oztas Didem Melis , Cakir Mehmet Semih , Ulukan Mustafa Ozer , Sayin Omer Ali , Kilickesmez Ozgur , Erdinc Ibrahim , Rodoplu Orhan , Oteyaka Emre , Ugurlucan Murat
Published: May 2022

Background

In this case report, we present two chronic hemodialysis patients with upper extremity swelling due to central venous occlusions together with their clinical presentation, surgical management and brief review of the literature.

Methods

The first patient who was a 63-year-old female patient with a history of multiple bilateral arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) was referred to our clinic. Physical examination demonstrated a functioning right brachio-cephalic AVF, with severe edema of the right arm, dilated venous collaterals, facial edema, and unilateral breast enlargement. In her history, multiple ipsilateral subclavian venous catheterizations were present for sustaining temporary hemodialysis access. The second patient was a 47-year-old male with a history of failed renal transplant, CABG surgery, multiple AV fistula procedures from both extremities, leg amputation caused by peripheral arterial disease, and decreased myocardial functions. He was receiving 3/7 hemodialysis and admitted to our clinic with right arm edema, accompanied by pain, stiffness, and skin hyperpigmentation symptoms ipsilateral to a functioning brachio-basilic AVF. He was not able to flex his arms, elbow, or wrist due to severe edema.

Results

Venography revealed right subclavian vein stenosis with patent contralateral central veins in the first patient. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) twice with subsequent re-occlusions. After failed attempts of PTA, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass in order to preserve the AV access function. In second patient, venography revealed right subclavian vein occlusion caused secondary to the subclavian venous catheters. Previous attempts for percutaneously crossing the chronic subclavian lesion failed multiple times by different centers. Hence, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass surgery.

Conclusion

In case of chronic venous occlusions, endovascular procedures may be ineffective. Since preserving the vascular access function is crucial in this particular patient population, venous bypass procedures should be kept in mind as an alternative for central venous reconstruction, before deciding on ligation and relocation of the AVF.
Assessment of microcirculatory changes in local tissue oxygenation after revascularization for peripheral arterial disease with the Hyperview®, a portable hyperspectral imaging device
Authors: van Schilt Kaz L. J. , Hollander Evert-Jan F. , Koelemay Mark J. , van Geloven Anna A. W. , Olthof Dominique C.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The Hyperview® is a hyperspectral camera, which can be used to assess the microcirculation of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM). It measures local tissue oxygenation in concentrations of oxyhemoblobin (OXY), deoxyhemoglobin (DEOXY), and O2-saturation (O2-SAT) in arbitrary units. The aim of this validation study is to assess whether the Hyperview® is able to monitor microcirculatory changes after revascularization in patients with PAD.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, 50 patients with PAD were included who were scheduled for endovascular, hybrid, or open revascularization. The ankle-brachial index (ABI), systolic toe pressure (TP) (in case of DM), and a set of Hyperview® measurements of the plantar region were recorded before and after treatment. Changes in pre- and postoperative measurements were assessed with the paired t-test.

Results

Some 38 patients underwent endovascular revascularization and eight patients underwent hybrid or open vascular surgical revascularization. After revascularization, the ABI improved from 0.58 to 0.80 ( p < 0.001). OXY increased from 72.6 to 77.8 ( p = 0.134). DEOXY decreased from 69.1 to 55.0 ( p < 0.001). O2-SAT increased from 51.3 to 58.1 ( p < 0.001). TP improved from 50.6 to 61.9 mmHg ( p = 0.065) but was measured in only 16 patients.

Conclusion

The Hyperview® is able to observe changes in the microcirculation after revascularization in terms of DEOXY and O2-SAT. The results of this study are a promising step into the validation of the Hyperview®.
Color guided convolutional network for point cloud semantic segmentation
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Haozhe , Jiang Zhou , Zhang Dong , Yue Xiaoli , Du Shaoyi
Published: May 2022

Point cloud semantic segmentation based on deep learning methods is still a challenge due to the irregularity of structures and uncertainty of sampling. Color information often contains a lot of prior information, whereas the existing methods do not attach more importance to it. To deal with this problem, we propose a novel hard attention mechanism, named color-guided convolution. This convolution operator learns the correlation between geometric and color information by reordering the local points with color-indicated vectors. In addition, the global feature fusion is proposed to rectify features selected by the feature selecting unit. Experimental results and comparisons with recent methods demonstrate the superiority of our approach.
Combining factorial and multi-arm multi-stage platform designs to evaluate multiple interventions efficiently
Authors: White Ian R , Choodari-Oskooei Babak , Sydes Matthew R , Kahan Brennan C , McCabe Leanne , Turkova Anna , Esmail Hanif , Gibb Diana M , Ford Deborah
Published: May 2022

Background

Factorial designs and multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS) platform designs have many advantages, but the practical advantages and disadvantages of combining the two designs have not been explored.

Methods

We propose practical methods for a combined design within the platform trial paradigm where some interventions are not expected to interact and could be given together.

Results

We describe the combined design and suggest diagrams that can be used to represent it. Many properties are common both to standard factorial designs, including the need to consider interactions between interventions and the impact of intervention efficacy on power of other comparisons, and to standard multi-arm multi-stage designs, including the need to pre-specify procedures for starting and stopping intervention comparisons. We also identify some specific features of the factorial-MAMS design: timing of interim and final analyses should be determined by calendar time or total observed events; some non-factorial modifications may be useful; eligibility criteria should be broad enough to include any patient eligible for any part of the randomisation; stratified randomisation may conveniently be performed sequentially; and analysis requires special care to use only concurrent controls.

Conclusion

A combined factorial-MAMS design can combine the efficiencies of factorial trials and multi-arm multi-stage platform trials. It allows us to address multiple research questions under one protocol and to test multiple new treatment options, which is particularly important when facing a new emergent infection such as COVID-19.
Timing is everything: The importance of patient-reported outcome assessment frequency when characterizing symptomatic adverse events
Authors: King-Kallimanis Bellinda L , Bhatnagar Vishal , Horodniceanu Erica G , Chen Ting-Yu , Kluetz Paul G
Published: May 2022

Objective

Although patient-reported symptoms and side effects are increasingly measured in cancer clinical trials, an appropriate assessment frequency has not yet been established. To determine whether differences in assessment frequency affect the apparent incidence and severity of patient-reported symptoms using two well-established patient-reported outcome measures used within the same clinical trial.

Methods

We examined patient-reported outcome results from AURA3 (NCT02151981), a randomized open-label study comparing Tagrisso (osimertinib) with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with previously treated estimated glomerular filtration rate/T790M mutation-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The outcome of interest was the proportion of patients in each arm that reported worsening of nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and appetite loss from baseline measured using the patient-reported outcome—common terminology criteria for adverse event (weekly) or European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (every 6 weeks).

Results

Similar trends were observed for all six symptoms investigated. Using nausea in the chemotherapy arm as an example, 76% of patients reported any worsening from baseline based on weekly patient-reported outcome—common terminology criteria for adverse event assessments. When using an every 6-week assessment of Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 nausea and restricting analysis to an every 6-week assessment for patient-reported outcome—common terminology criteria for adverse event nausea, the proportion of chemotherapy arm patients reporting any worsening of nausea was 40% for both measures. Across the six patient-reported symptomatic adverse events, we observed differential proportions when comparing frequent versus sparse assessment.

Conclusion

This analysis demonstrates that more frequent assessment of patient-reported symptomatic adverse events will lead to improved detection, and therefore a more complete understanding of the tolerability of experimental anti-cancer therapies.
The Cooperation Databank: Machine-Readable Science Accelerates Research Synthesis
Authors: Spadaro Giuliana , Tiddi Ilaria , Columbus Simon , Jin Shuxian , ten Teije Annette ,   CoDa Team, Balliet Daniel
Published: May 2022

Publishing studies using standardized, machine-readable formats will enable machines to perform meta-analyses on demand. To build a semantically enhanced technology that embodies these functions, we developed the Cooperation Databank (CoDa)—a databank that contains 2,636 studies on human cooperation (1958–2017) conducted in 78 societies involving 356,283 participants. Experts annotated these studies along 312 variables, including the quantitative results (13,959 effects). We designed an ontology that defines and relates concepts in cooperation research and that can represent the relationships between results of correlational and experimental studies. We have created a research platform that, given the data set, enables users to retrieve studies that test the relation of variables with cooperation, visualize these study results, and perform (a) meta-analyses, (b) metaregressions, (c) estimates of publication bias, and (d) statistical power analyses for future studies. We leveraged the data set with visualization tools that allow users to explore the ontology of concepts in cooperation research and to plot a citation network of the history of studies. CoDa offers a vision of how publishing studies in a machine-readable format can establish institutions and tools that improve scientific practices and knowledge.
You Think Failure Is Hard? So Is Learning From It
Authors: Eskreis-Winkler Lauren , Fishbach Ayelet
Published: May 2022

Society celebrates failure as a teachable moment. But do people actually learn from failure? Although lay wisdom suggests people should, a review of the research suggests that this is hard. We present a unifying framework that points to emotional and cognitive barriers that make learning from failure difficult. Emotions undermine learning because people find failure ego-threatening. People tend to look away from failure and not pay attention to it to protect their egos. Cognitively, people also struggle because the information in failure is less direct than the information in success and thus harder to extract. Beyond identifying barriers, this framework suggests inroads by which barriers might be addressed. Finally, we explore implications. We outline what, exactly, people miss out on when they overlook the information in failure. We find that the information in failure is often high-quality information that can be used to predict success.
Processing symmetry between visual and auditory spatial representations in updating working memory
Authors: Maezawa Tomoki , Kawahara Jun I
Published: May 2022

Updating spatial representations in visual and auditory working memory relies on common processes, and the modalities should compete for attentional resources. If competition occurs, one type of spatial information is presumably weighted over the other, irrespective of sensory modality. This study used incompatible spatial information conveyed from two different cue modalities to examine relative dominance in memory updating. Participants mentally manoeuvred a designated target in a matrix according to visual or auditory stimuli that were presented simultaneously, to identify a terminal location. Prior to the navigation task, the relative perceptual saliences of the visual cues were manipulated to be equal, superior, or inferior to the auditory cues. The results demonstrate that visual and auditory information competed for attentional resources, such that visual/auditory guidance was impaired by incongruent cues delivered from the other modality. Although visual bias was generally observed in working-memory navigation, stimuli of relatively high salience interfered with or facilitated other stimuli regardless of modality, demonstrating the processing symmetry of spatial updating in visual and auditory spatial working memory. Furthermore, this processing symmetry can be identified during the encoding of sensory inputs into working-memory representations. The results imply that auditory spatial updating is comparable to visual spatial updating in that salient stimuli receive a high priority when selecting inputs and are used when tracking spatial representations.
Verbascoside extracted from Clerodendrum inerme: A natural monomer for the fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical Cu(II) sensor
Authors: Tran Minh T , Tran Hoang V
Published: May 2022

Verbascoside is isolated from the whole plants of the Verbenaceae family and demonstrates significant levels of bioactivity. In this work, we report on the isolation of verbascoside, a phenolic glycoside, from the stems of Clerodendrum inerme collected in Vietnam and verify its structure by comparing its spectroscopic data with those reported in the literature. Verbascoside is then applied as a monomer for the electrochemical deposition of a layer of polyverbascoside onto glassy carbon electrodes toward Cu2+ sensing. Electrochemical results demonstrate that the polyverbascoside-modified glassy carbon electrode is highly selective for Cu2+ ions compared to other evaluated ions including Ni2+ and Co2+. The developed sensor can detect Cu2+ in a concentration range from 0 to 175 μM with a sensitivity of 0.372 µA µM−1 and a limit of detection of 50 nM Cu2+ ions.
Taking the soldier home: Sustaining the domestic presence of absent fallen soldiers in Israel
Authors: Nizri Osnat Shalev , Kidron Carol A
Published: May 2022

This study presents the lived memory work of Israeli bereaved parents who preserve the bedrooms of their children—fallen soldiers—intact after their deaths. Ethnographic semi-structured interviews and participant observation in the rooms point to an assemblage of interwoven practices that sustain the presence of the dead in the family lifeworld. Enactment of past habitual embodied movement, person-object interaction, and familial roles within the domestic architecture that housed the deceased sustain virtual presence. Removal from view of military objects signifying death, and modulated incorporation of new life in the room forestall cracks in virtuality of presence and temporal absencing, ushering the dead into familial futures. Reconceptualizing livedmemory as the manipulation of temporal stasis and continuity to (re)generate presence rather than represent/commemorate absence and loss, raises questions regarding the dialectical relations between lived memory and public commemoration and the salutary potential of continuing bonds with loved ones.
Risk factors for reoperation after flexor tendon repair: a registry study
Authors: Svingen Jonas , Wiig Monica , Turesson Christina , Farnebo Simon , Arner Marianne
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for reoperations after Zones 1 and 2 flexor tendon repairs. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors from data collected via the Swedish national health care registry for hand surgery (HAKIR). The studied potential risk factors were age and gender, socio-economics and surgical techniques. Included were 1372 patients with injuries to 1585 fingers and follow-up of at least 12 months (median 37 IQR 27–56). Tendon ruptures occurred in 80 fingers and tenolysis was required in 76 fingers. Variables that affected the risk of rupture were age >25 years ( p < 0.001), flexor pollicis longus tendon injuries ( p < 0.001) and being male ( p = 0.004). Injury to both finger flexors had an effect on both rupture ( p = 0.005) and tenolysis ( p < 0.001). Understanding the risk factors may provide important guidance both to surgeons and therapists when treating patients with flexor tendon injuries.

Level of evidence: III.
Crigler-Najjar type II in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Creeper Katherine , Graham Dorothy
Published: May 2022

Crigler-Najjar is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder that results in mutations causing a complete absence (type I) or deficiency (type II) of the hepatic uridine diphospho-glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT) enzyme. Both forms, however, result in unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia which can lead to kernicterus and potentially death. Phenobarbitone can be used as an enzyme inducer in Type II to facilitate a reduction in total serum bilirubin. We report two consecutive pregnancies in a 29-year-old woman with Crigler-Najjar Type II syndrome. Phenobarbitone therapy was commenced in the first pregnancy at 16 weeks’ gestation and was associated with favorable biochemical and clinical outcomes. There were no reports of long-term neonatal neurological sequelae. Tertiary center, multidisciplinary care is recommended for optimal pregnancy outcomes.
Understanding myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Preston Kate , Castronovo Grace
Published: May 2022

Myeloproliferative disorders are a group of stem cell disorders that can affect the production of red blood cells, white blood cells and/or platelets. Although rare, they are often diagnosed within general practice, most often incidentally, and are therefore important conditions for which primary care clinicians need to have a good understanding. This article aims to provide a clear and concise summary of what myeloproliferative disorders are, how they can present, how to investigate them, when to involve secondary care and what potential complications need to be paid attention.
Changes in the gut microbiome associated with liver stiffness improvement in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Sharpton Suzanne R. , Podlaha Ondrej , Chuang Jen-Chieh , Gindin Yevgeniy , Myers Robert P. , Loomba Rohit
Published: May 2022

Background:

Longitudinal studies are needed to decipher mechanistic links between the gut microbiome and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We examined shifts in the gut microbiome in persons with NASH with improvement in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by magnetic resonance (MR) elastography.

Methods:

Gut microbial profiling was performed at baseline and study completion (24 weeks) using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing in 69 adults with biopsy-confirmed NASH and significant fibrosis (stages 2–3) enrolled in a multi-center randomized controlled trial evaluating selonsertib alone or in combination with simtuzumab. Differential abundance of bacterial taxa at baseline and end of study were examined in participants with and without longitudinal improvement in LSM. Gut microbial shifts that correlated with secondary outcomes, including reduction in MR imaging-derived proton density fat faction (MRI-PDFF) and histologic fibrosis regression were evaluated. Fecal samples from 32 healthy adults were profiled and genus-level multidimensional scaling was used to determine if microbial shifts in persons with NASH improvement represented a shift toward a healthy gut microbiome.

Results:

Shifts in abundance of 36 bacterial taxa including Lactobacillus (log2FC = –4.51, FDR < 0.001), Enterococcus (log2FC = –6.72, FDR < 0.001), and Megasphaera (log2FC = 7.74, FDR < 0.001) were associated with improvement in LSM. Improvement in LSM was associated with microbial shifts toward healthy reference ( p = 0.05). Significant shifts in 10 and 12 bacterial taxa were associated with improvement in LSM in addition to MRI-PDFF and fibrosis regression, respectively, indicating consistent taxonomic changes across multiple clinical endpoints.

Conclusion:

Longitudinal changes in the gut microbiota are observed in adults with NASH and clinical improvement and represent a shift toward a healthy microbiome.
Comparison of remission criteria in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: results from a nationwide registry
Authors: Koh Jung Hee , Lee Yusun , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Kim Jinhyun , Shin Kichul
Published: May 2022

Background:

Biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARD) are widely used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), enabling patients to better achieve remission.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate and compare remission rates in RA patients treated with different b/tsDMARDs during the period 2013–2019.

Design:

A longitudinal observational analysis was performed on data from a nationwide RA registry.

Methods:

Remission rates in the KOBIO-RA registry were defined by a disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), clinical disease activity index (CDAI), simplified disease activity index (SDAI), and Boolean-based assessment. After initiating treatment with b/tsDMARDs, yearly remission rates in response to b/tsDMARDs, either all or as subgroups (tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, tocilizumab, abatacept, and Janus kinase inhibitors), were investigated for 5 years. Sustained remission was defined as remission maintained for two consecutive years.

Results:

Patients ( N = 1805) who completed at least one follow-up visit were analyzed (mean age = 55 years; 83.2% female). At month 12, 56.0% of patients achieved remission based on DAS28-C-reactive protein (CRP), 36.2% on DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), 10.4% on CDAI, 12.7% on SDAI, and 12.9% on Boolean criteria. Sustained remission rates were 62%, 40%, 13%, 11%, and 8% for the DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, Boolean, SDAI, and CDAI remission criteria, respectively. Remission rates using the DAS28 definition varied most among the b/tsDMARD subgroups.

Conclusion:

Assessment of sustained remission using the CDAI, SDAI, or Boolean criteria is more stringent, yet congruous with the DAS28-based criteria in RA patients treated with b/tsDMARDs.
Social Media Policies in U.S. Television Newsrooms: Changes over Time
Authors: Adornato Anthony C. , Frisch Allison
Published: May 2022

This study analyzes survey data, gathered in 2014 and 2020, regarding local television newsrooms’ social media policies (SMPs). The purpose of the study is to explore changes to these policies. As part of this inquiry, the researchers investigate if and in which ways newsroom SMPs are evolving in four areas: journalists’ professional and personal social media activities; social media sources and content; audience complaints; and ownership of on-air talents’ accounts. The researchers found a significant increase of guidelines regarding what is and is not appropriate on the professional and personal social media of journalists, with little distinction made between these types of accounts. Although newsrooms have implemented policies to articulate what is appropriate conduct and a majority have revised policies, those guidelines don't always address the contemporary issues journalists face, specifically online threats and verification of user-generated content. The researchers found an increasing percentage of news outlets retain ownership of on-air talents’ professional accounts.
Anthocyanin Extraction Method and Sample Preparation Affect Anthocyanin Yield of Strawberries
Authors: Taghavi Toktam , Patel Hiral , Rafie Reza
Published: May 2022

Anthocyanins are a group of pigments with antioxidant activities that are present naturally in plants. The role of the pigment in human health and its quantitative analysis has attracted a lot of attention globally. A well-known and accurate method of anthocyanin quantification is based on spectrophotometric methods. However, these methods are subject to interference from impurities and need to be optimized for different plant matrixes and extraction conditions. Two experiments were designed to study (1) the effect of plant preparation methods (eg, fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried puree) on anthocyanin yield and (2) the effect of five anthocyanin extraction methods on anthocyanin yield of freeze-dried strawberry puree. Sample preparation methods did not have any effect on anthocyanin yield. Freeze-dried samples were used for their stability (ease of use and flexibility) to compare extraction methods. The anthocyanin yield was affected by the extraction method. Two methods containing chloroform gave the highest anthocyanin yield. One method with methanol:water:HCl gave intermediate results, and the pH differential and the other method with methanol:water:HCl (80:20:1) gave the lowest anthocyanin yields. Processing time (incubation time) was lowest in the pH differential method; however, the haze produced in this method may interfere with the spectrophotometric assessment of anthocyanins.
Emerging Adults’ Peer Acceptance of Those Who Appear to be Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Mikesell Megan , Troilo Jessica
Published: May 2022

Physical appearance has been shown to be heavily influential in the overall peer acceptance of an individual. Yet, the role of a changing physical appearance due to an illness (e.g., cancer) and its impact on peer acceptance has garnered little focus. This study considered how appearing as if undergoing treatment for cancer impacted peer acceptance in emerging adults. Using photo vignettes, a sample of 182 emerging adults (79 percent female; 21 percent male) evaluated four types of hypothetical emerging adult peers. Results showed that the healthy models had significantly different peer acceptance scores compared with the chemotherapy models. A positive association between microsystem exposure to cancer and peer acceptance ratings was also found. Clinical applications to foster more microsystem influences, such as social support groups on university campuses, and future directions, such as the use of video vignettes, are provided.
De Novo Presentation of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) Associated With COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Sriuoginys Saulius , Margareta Sköld , Jon Hersir Eliasson
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 virus has been associated with a variety of neurological complications. We present the case of a 41 year old woman who presented with visual symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Neurological examination revealed bilateral papilledema and after exclusion of other disorders such as brain tumour and sinus thrombosis she received a diagnosis of IIH, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. We believe there is a causal association between COVID-19 and IIH in her case. Doctors treating COVID-19 patients should be aware of this possible association as early diagnosis and treatment can be important to prevent visual deterioration.
Staying Ahead of Head Lice: Pediculosis Treatment Updates
Authors: Bultas Margaret W. , Smith Sidney
Published: May 2022

Pediculosis (head lice) infections are one of the more sensitive issues that may involve the school nurse. In the 3- to 11-year-old age group in the United States, head lice infections are common and can elicit anxiety in students, parents, and school personnel. Head lice do not transmit any communicable diseases and therefore exclusion from school and “no nit” policies are not warranted. Treatment and management for head lice include a range of over-the-counter products and prescription topical and oral medications. Nonpharmacologic and alternative treatments do exist; however, many do not have established efficacy studies, and some can be costly. The school nurse plays an integral role in providing education related to treatment and environmental recommendations for families affected by head lice. Through this education, the nurse can also reduce the stigma and anxiety many feel around the subject of head lice infections.
Guiding Online Students in a Crisis: An Intervention for Mentoring Educational Leadership Doctoral Candidates
Authors: Mullen Carol A.
Published: May 2022

This pedagogical case focuses on the online mentoring of educational leadership doctoral candidates in a protracted crisis. Relevant theories and problems of practice in doctoral education are reviewed. The COVID-19 Dyadic Online Mentoring Intervention was a faculty mentor’s dyadic mentoring initiative for guiding 19 mentees’ social justice-oriented dissertations. Beneficiaries’ responses spanning 2020 to 2021 indicated that effective academic mentoring, progress, and success resulted from 10 online strategies they identified. The research-based support strategies and six-step intervention suggest positive impacts with electronically delivered mentoring that is culturally responsive. Takeaways and possibilities for university leadership faculties, doctoral students, and institutions are included.
The Past is Holding Us Back: Applying Foresight to Move the Disciplines of Political Science and International Relations Forward
Authors: Miller Angela
Published: May 2022

This article examines the extent to which the academic disciplines of political science and international relations (IR) are incorporating foresight or futures thinking into their work. The disciplines of political science and IR grapple with important issues that affect lives across the world and have the potential to influence the future in ways that reduce conflict, enhance allocation of resources, and improve processes in general. This article offers a review of the political science and IR literature and course content that incorporates foresight, concluding that only a handful of journals appear to be publishing research that applies foresight. Some academic institutions on the other hand are encouraging a more multidisciplinary approach to resolving global challenges with an eye toward the future in their course content. The article concludes with several recommendations on how political science and IR scholars can incorporate foresight’s best practices to ensure the disciplines are more forward looking and effective at shaping a better future.
Pomalidomide- and dexamethasone-based regimens in the treatment of refractory/relapsed multiple myeloma
Authors: Fotiou Despina , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Terpos Evangelos , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: May 2022

Pomalidomide is a potent immunomodulatory agent that is currently a standard of care backbone for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients in the relapsed/refractory setting after exposure to lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. The present review addresses current knowledge regarding the clinical use of pomalidomide in relapsed myeloma patients. Pomalidomide has direct myeloma cell tumoricidal effects by activating proteasomal degradation of Ikaros and Aiolos transcription factors and also indirect effects by modulation of immune responses, interaction with bone marrow stromal cells, and inhibition of angiogenesis. It is approved by regulatory authorities as doublet combination with dexamethasone but four more triplets are also approved for this setting. Many ongoing trials are evaluating the pomalidomide–dexamethasone backbone with newer anti-myeloma class agents or in quadruplet combinations. Pomalidomide–dexamethasone is currently one of the powerful tools available for use in the relapsed/refractory MM setting. Insights into the synergistic immunomodulatory effects of pomalidomide and other anti-myeloma agents and the mechanisms that overcome clonal resistance will potentially allow targeted use of triplet combinations at each relapse.
Prior percutaneous coronary intervention and outcomes in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting: a meta-analysis of 308,284 patients
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Zhao Zhenyan , Yao Jing , Zhao Jie , Hou Tao , Wang Moyang , Xu Yanlu , Wang Bincheng , Niu Guannan , Sui Yonggang , Song Guangyuan , Wu Yongjian
Published: May 2022

Background:

The association between prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and prognosis after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the aforementioned association in a meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane’s Library, and Embase databases were searched for potential studies. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Meta-regression was performed to evaluate the influence of study characteristics on the outcomes.

Results:

Thirty-six follow-up studies with 308,284 patients were included, and 40,892 (13.3%) patients had prior PCI. Pooled results showed that prior PCI was associated with higher risks of early (in-hospital or within 1 month) all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.44, p = 0.003; I2 = 64%] and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs; OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.66, p = 0.002, I2 = 79%), but not with late (follow-up durations from 1 to 13 years) mortality (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.95–1.13, p = 0.44, I2 = 46%) or MACEs (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.97–1.09, p = 0.38, I2 = 0%). Meta-regression showed that the study characteristics of patient number, age, sex, diabetic status, and proportion of patients with prior PCI did not affect the outcomes. Sensitivity analyses limited to multivariate studies excluding patients with acute PCI failure showed similar results (early mortality, OR: 1.25, p = 0.003; early MACE, OR: 1.50, p = 0.001; late mortality, OR: 1.03, p = 0.70).

Conclusion:

The current evidence, mostly from retrospective observational studies, suggests that prior PCI is related to poor early clinical outcomes, but not to late clinical outcomes, after CABG.
Cookups.com: An entrepreneurial initiative linking home kitchens to consumers
Authors: Ahmed Jashim U. , Talukdar Amreen , Faroque Anisur R. , Ahmed Asma
Published: May 2022

This case study is based on the company Cookups.com (hereafter Cookups), an initiative started by a woman who has changed the culinary dimension of business by bringing home cooks together under one platform. This case presents the institutional entrepreneurship journey of the first culinary platform of home cooks in Bangladesh, which benefits and facilitates female entrepreneurs who would otherwise be unemployed. Starting with the sociocultural aspects, the case study analyzes the various elements of the “cloud kitchen” and the factors that make this business model sustainable even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cookups has been a pioneering effort in the field of women’s empowerment in the country, ensuring that women of all social backgrounds and classes have access to a platform to generate income. The case study also aims to discover the various challenges a startup can face in its mode of operation and how to overcome them using technological solutions.
Gut microbiome in schizophrenia and antipsychotic-induced metabolic alterations: a scoping review
Authors: Singh Raghunath , Stogios Nicolette , Smith Emily , Lee Jiwon , Maksyutynsk Kateryna , Au Emily , Wright David C. , De Palma Giada , Graff-Guerrero Ariel , Gerretsen Philip , Müller Daniel J. , Remington Gary , Hahn Margaret , Agarwal Sri Mahavir
Published: May 2022

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental disorder with high morbidity and lifetime disability rates. Patients with SCZ have a higher risk of developing metabolic comorbidities such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, leading to increased mortality. Antipsychotics (APs), which are the mainstay in the treatment of SCZ, increase the risk of these metabolic perturbations. Despite extensive research, the mechanism underlying SCZ pathophysiology and associated metabolic comorbidities remains unclear. In recent years, gut microbiota (GMB) has been regarded as a ‘chamber of secrets’, particularly in the context of severe mental illnesses such as SCZ, depression, and bipolar disorder. In this scoping review, we aimed to investigate the underlying role of GMB in the pathophysiology of SCZ and metabolic alterations associated with APs. Furthermore, we also explored the therapeutic benefits of prebiotic and probiotic formulations in managing SCZ and AP-induced metabolic alterations. A systematic literature search yielded 46 studies from both preclinical and clinical settings that met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Preliminary evidence from preclinical and clinical studies indicates that GMB composition changes are associated with SCZ pathogenesis and AP-induced metabolic perturbations. Fecal microbiota transplantation from SCZ patients to mice has been shown to induce SCZ-like behavioral phenotypes, further supporting the plausible role of GMB in SCZ pathogenesis. This scoping review recapitulates the preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting the role of GMB in SCZ symptomatology and metabolic adverse effects associated with APs. Moreover, this scoping review also discusses the therapeutic potentials of prebiotic/probiotic formulations in improving SCZ symptoms and attenuating metabolic alterations related to APs.
The use of technology-based adherence monitoring in the treatment of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Adje Yeba H. , Brooks Kristina M. , Castillo-Mancilla Jose R. , Wyles David L. , Anderson Peter L. , Kiser Jennifer J.
Published: May 2022

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieve high hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure rates and are forgiving to missed doses, but adherence–efficacy relationships have not been well defined. Traditional adherence measures (e.g. pill counts, self-report and pharmacy refills) over-estimate medication adherence. Newer technology-based tools have been used to provide more objective adherence data. Herein, electronic medication diaries (e-diaries), medication events monitoring system (MEMS®) caps, electronic blister packs, electronic pill boxes, video-based directly observed therapy (vDOT), artificial intelligence platforms (AIPs), and ingestible sensor systems are described, and compared based on existing studies using DAA. Percent adherence, predictors of adherence, and HCV cure rates utilizing these technologies are included. DAA adherence with e-diaries was 95–96%, MEMS® caps and ingestible biosensors were between 95% and 97%, blister pack weekly dosing ranged 73–98%, and daily dosing 73–94%, whereas electronic pill boxes ranged between 39% and 89%, vDOT was 98% and AIP 91–96%. Despite a wide range of adherence, high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates (86–100%) were observed across all studies utilizing these different technology-based tools. Current data support the forgiveness of DAA therapies to missed doses using tools that provide more quantitative adherence measures compared with self-report and provide insight on adherence–efficacy relationships for contemporary DAA.
Cross-sectional relationship between pain intensity and subjective cognitive decline among middle-aged and older adults with arthritis or joint conditions: Results from a population-based study
Authors: Horgas Ann L , Elliott Amanda L , Yang Shuang , Guo Yi
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

We investigated cross-sectional relationships between arthritis or joint-related pain intensity and subjective cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults.

Methods:

The sample consisted of 30,150 adults ⩾age 45 years with self-reported arthritis or joint conditions who completed key variables in the 2015 wave of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Results:

Using weighted data, 94.2% of the sample reported experiencing joint pain in the last month (35.9% reported moderate pain and 30.6% reported severe pain) and 17.3% reported subjective cognitive decline. In logistic regression models, pain intensity was associated with significantly higher odds of reporting subjective cognitive decline, after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, sex, education, household income, cardiovascular health, mental health, and history of stroke. Those with moderate pain were two times as likely to report subjective cognitive decline and those with severe pain were more than three times as likely to report subjective cognitive decline relative to those without pain, adjusting for covariates.

Conclusion:

The results of this study highlight a significant relationship between pain intensity and subjective cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults with arthritis or joint conditions typically associated with joint pain. Moderate and severe joint pain is significantly associated with higher risk of subjective cognitive decline, after controlling for personal and health characteristics. Future studies with more comprehensive assessments of pain and cognition are warranted to further elucidate these relationships and their underlying mechanisms.
A Narrative Review of Current Concerns and Future Perspectives of the Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Effects on Exercise Performance
Authors: Painelli Vitor de Salles , Brietzke Cayque , Franco-Alvarenga Paulo Estevão , Canestri Raul , Vinícius Ítalo , Pires Flávio Oliveira
Published: May 2022

Previous systematic reviews have confirmed that carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse may boost physical exercise performance, despite some methodological aspects likely affecting its ergogenic effect. In this review, we discussed if the exercise mode, pre-exercise fasting status, CHO solutions concentration, CHO solutions temperature, mouth rinse duration, and CHO placebo effects may potentially reduce the CHO mouth rinse ergogenic effect, suggesting possible solutions to manage these potential confounders. The effectiveness of CHO mouth rinse as a performance booster is apparently related to the origin of the exercise-induced neuromuscular fatigue, as CHO mouth rinse unequivocally potentiates endurance rather than sprint and strength exercises performance. Furthermore, ergogenic effects have been greater in fasting than fed state, somehow explaining the varied magnitude of the CHO mouth rinse effects in exercise performance. In this regard, the CHO solution concentration and temperature, as well as the mouth rinse duration, may have increased the variability observed in CHO mouth rinse effects in fasting and fed state. Finally, placebo effects have challenged the potential of the CHO mouth rinse as an ergogenic aid. Therefore, we suggest that future studies should consider methodological controls such as sample size and sample homogeneity, proper familiarization with experimental procedures, and the use of alternative placebo designs to provide unbiased evidence regarding the potential of the CHO mouth rinse as an ergogenic aid.
Acute interstitial nephritis with Prothionamide
Authors: Asnake Molla , Henock Andualem , Abayneh Menigistu , Getu Shimelis , Hailemariam Shewangizaw , Endalkachew Biruk , Zerihun Dessalegn
Published: May 2022

Among drug-related complications, drug-related nephrotoxicity is the commonest. It is the cause for 7% of all drug-related toxicities among inpatients and accounts for 20% to 30% of acute renal failure. Acute interstitial nephritis is one of the drug-related adverse reactions and occurs due to a drug-related type 4 hypersensitivity reaction. In this case report, we reported acute interstitial nephritis that causes acute renal failure (acute kidney injury) in a patient taking Prothionamide therapy. This drug-related side effect had not been reported. In this case report, we report a patient who develops fatigability, rash, and intermittent fever after 14 days of taking the drug Prothionamide. The main aims of this case report are to use it as a pharmacovigilance report for drug-producing companies and to consider a further study on this side effect. It is also an alert for clinicians to consider this side effect when patients develop acute interstitial nephritis while taking Prothionamide.
Diffuse xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with complex spontaneous pyeloduodenal fistula: A case report
Authors: Tran Hong Phuong Dung , Nguyen Thanh Thao , Le Trong Khoan , Le Dinh Dam , Dang Cong Thuan , Le Trong Binh
Published: May 2022

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a rare and severe form of chronic pyelonephritis. Spontaneous pyeloduodenal fistula is an extremely rare complication of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. We present a rare case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis complicated by a complex pyeloduodenal and ureteromuscular fistulae with a cutaneous opening. A 57-year-old male patient presented with chronic right flank pain and cutaneous discharge at the right lower quadrant. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was suspected on preoperative computed tomographic urography owing to the presence of fat deposits and complex pyeloduodenal and ureteromuscular fistulae. Open nephrectomy and fistula closure were performed and the patient recovered uneventfully. Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis was confirmed pathologically.