bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What might decoloniality look like in praxis?
Authors: Winkler Tanja
Published: March 2023

Decoloniality—which encompasses conceptual frameworks of grounded normativity, grounded relationality, re-earthing, and meta ethical enquiries—yields radically different opportunities for planning theory: opportunities that are explicitly de-linked from occidental systems of thought. Yet, some planning scholars question decoloniality’s transferability into practice. The aim of this article is to demonstrate decoloniality’s political and spatial outcomes from the vantagepoint of one geopolitical region by exploring communal landholdings in southern Africa where traditional leaders remain custodians of lands, cultures, languages, and nonhuman actants, and where residents continue to engage with pre-colonial land laws. Findings reveal not only optimistic possibilities but also sobering concerns.
Toitū te Tiriti: A Tiriti o Waitangi-led Approach to Public Health Curriculum Development
Authors: Severinsen Christina , Erueti Bevan , Murray Linda , Phibbs Suzanne , Roseveare Christine , Egwuba Charles
Published: March 2023

At Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey University), Aotearoa New Zealand, we have declared our stance as a Te Tiriti o Waitangi-led institution. This necessitates the embodiment and enactment of the principles and provisions of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the embedding of Indigenous Māori knowledge, values and belief systems in curriculum design and implementation. This article outlines the beginning of our journey toward indigenizing our postgraduate public health curriculum at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa. We describe the redevelopment of the Master of Public Health curriculum that embeds mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), te reo Māori (Māori language), tikanga Māori (Māori values and belief systems), and Māori pedagogy (culturally sustaining teaching and learning practices). Here, we focus on how curriculum redevelopment and pedagogy have enabled the utility of Māori knowledge and processes to be reflected at every level of the program and give life and relevancy to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Te Tiriti o Waitangi guides our teaching practice and ensures that students can safely develop their confidence in Māori ways of knowing, being, and doing to effectively partner with Māori as Tangata Whenua. Our program aims to produce agentic graduates who are champions and advocates for Māori aspirations in health.
Comparative Analysis of Endovascular Repair of Single-Branched Stent-Graft and Hybrid Procedure for Patients With Type B Acute Aortic Dissection Involving the Left Subclavian Artery
Authors: Cheng Zhang , Liu Yongmin , Ma Xiaohai
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization has been used in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD), with inadequate proximal landing zone (PLZ). The outcomes of comparisons between TEVAR and hybrid procedure on patients with TBAD, with inadequate PLZ, are rarely reported. This study sought to compare and clarify the early and midterm outcomes between TEVAR and hybrid procedure in patients with TBAD, with inadequate PLZ.

Materials and Methods:

Between January 2019 and December 2021, 93 patients with TBAD, with inadequate PLZ, who underwent TEVAR or hybrid procedure, were retrospectively evaluated in Beijing Anzhen hospital. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative imaging features, periprocedural details, and follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Survival was analyzed according to Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

TEVAR procedures were performed on 41 patients (TEVAR group) and hybrid procedures on 52 patients (hybrid group). Early events, 30 day mortality, and all-cause mortality, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, patients receiving TEVAR had significantly shorter procedure time (p<0.001), hospital stay (p<0.001), and intensive care unit (ICU) stay (p=0.001) compared with those in the hybrid group. Patients receiving TEVAR had significantly lower midterm events (p=0.014) and re-intervention (p=0.015) compared with those in the hybrid group.

Conclusion:

The study indicated that TEVAR with LSA revascularization for TBAD with inadequate PLZ is associated with a trend toward lower rates of midterm events, while the early and midterm mortalities were comparable with those in hybrid procedure.

Clinical Impact

This study is novel as it compared the outcomes between thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and hybrid procedure in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD), with inadequate proximal landing zone, which has been rarely reported previously. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it is clinically relevant as it demonstrated that TEVAR with left subclavian artery (LSA) revascularization for TBAD with inadequate proximal landing zone is associated with a trend toward lower rates of mid-term events, while the early and mid-term mortalities were comparable with those in the hybrid procedure.
New Device of Neonatal Ostomy: To Effectively Reduce the Postoperative Complications of Neonatal Ostomy
Authors: Wang Kun , Cai Jing , Yu Jia Kang , Li Xiao Wei , Zhai Guo Min , Wu Gang Quan
Published: March 2023

Background need. Complications frequently occur after neonatal enterostomy. Enterostomy formation is a common outcome following emergency neonatal laparotomy. We introduce a new method for improving proximal enterostomy in newborns.

Methodlogy and device description. We added a simple drainage device on the proximal enterostomy.The simple drainage device consists of several materials: a foreskin cerclage staple (Chong Qing BORN Biological Technology Co. Ltd., Sichuan, China), a condom,and 0- Mersilk Silk braided nonabsorbable suture (ETHICON 15 × 60 cm).

Preliminary results. A total of 20 cases participated in the study. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. The cases only occurred one case of prolapse of the intestinal, one case of premature surgery due to excessive orifice flow, and one case of periostomy dermatitis, Other patients not experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Current status. Based on our preliminary observations, the simple drainage device is a safe and effective operation device that can reduce the risk of stoma-related complications.
Determining flow stasis zones in the intracranial aneurysms and the relation between these zones and aneurysms’ aspect ratios after flow diversions
Authors: Altındağ Batı , Bahadır Olcay Ali , Furkan Tercanlı Muhammed , Bilgin Cem , Hakyemez Bahattin
Published: March 2023

Background

Flow diverter stents (FDSs) are widely used to treat aneurysms in the clinic. However, even the same flow diverter (FD) use on different patients’ aneurysm sites can cause unexpected hemodynamics at the aneurysm region yielding low success rates for the overall treatment. Therefore, the present study aims to unfold why FDs do not work as they are supposed to for some patients and propose empirical correlation along with a contingency table analysis to estimate the flow stasis zones in the aneurysm sacs.

Methods

The present work numerically evaluated the use of FRED4518 FDS on six patients’ intracranial aneurysms based on patient-specific aneurysm geometries. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results were further processed to identify the time evolution of weightless blood particles for six patients’ aneurysms.

Results

Stagnation zone formation, incoming and outgoing blood flow at the aneurysm neck, and statistical analysis of six patients indicated that FRED4518 showed a large flow stasis zone for an aspect ratio larger than 0.75. However, FRED4518, used for aneurysms with an aspect ratio of less than 0.65, caused small stagnant flow zones based on the number of blood particles that stayed in the aneurysm sac.

Conclusion

A patient-specific empirical equation is derived considering aneurysms’ morphological characteristics to determine the amount of stagnated fluid flow zones and magnitude of the mean aneurysm velocity in the aneurysm sac for FRED4518 based on weightless fluid particle results for the first time in the literature. As a result, numerical simulation results and patient data-driven equation can help perceive stagnated fluid zone amount before FRED4518 placement by shedding light on neuro-interventional surgeons and radiologists.
Likelihood of spontaneous closure of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas based on clinical and radiological findings
Authors: Tan Roy , van den Berg René , Brandsen Rajani P. , Saeed Peerooz
Published: March 2023

Background

Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF) is a rare condition that radiologists would encounter in their careers. We aim to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of this condition, and to provide a management workflow.

Methods

In our retrospective study, we studied 27 patients with CSDAVF from January 2007 to August 2020. Patients with direct cavernous sinus AVFs and patients with incomplete date were excluded. Clinical and radiological data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Fourteen patients were conservatively treated with spontaneous resolution while 13 patients had endovascular intervention performed. In the intervention group, seven patients had intra-cranial reflux seen on radiological imaging and six patients had clinical deterioration, hence requiring intervention. Clinically, among our patients, 21 had proptosis, 20 had conjunctiva hyperaemia, 18 had extraocular movement limitation, 13 had raised intraocular pressure, 11 had chemosis, ten had ocular pain, nine had ocular bruit, eight had headache and six had worsening visual acuity. Radiologically, a concurrence was seen between superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis and spontaneous resolution of the CSDAVF, as compared to those who underwent intervention. A paradoxical increase of ocular symptoms was seen despite a decrease of flow or stagnation of contrast in radiological imaging of CSDAVF.

Conclusions

In our study, 52% of CSDAVF closed spontaneously. As deterioration of ocular symptoms in patients with CSDAVF might also reflect spontaneous progressive occlusion, it warrants dynamic vascular imaging to check the status of venous outflow. Patients with CSDAVF with corticovenous reflux or deterioration of visual acuity need more urgent (endovascular) treatment.
Improvement and optimization of slicing algorithm for rapid prototyping manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Zihua , Zhu Zhenjiang , Feng Yongbing , Li Ran
Published: March 2023

To overcome the inefficiency of slicing process of rapid prototyping based on STL models, an improved slicing algorithm is proposed. The method builds integral topology of STL models in advance using a Hash table, which enables to get contours directly, and then reduces the search range in slicing by establishing the slicing relation matrix, which can effectively reduce the time cost of slicing. It has been demonstrated that the algorithm has nearly linear time complexity. The method is proved to be effective and efficient through application cases, and the results show better performance than other existing algorithms, especially when the STL model is complex or large.
CRNDE, an enhancer RNA of prognostic value in glioma, correlates with immune infiltration: A pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Huo Zheng , Guo LiShuo , Shao Wei , Ding Qian , Guo Yue , Xu Qian
Published: March 2023

Background: Recent evidence has emerged regarding the modification of the relationship between the enhancer RNA (eRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) and the prognosis of patients with cancer. Nevertheless, the role of CRNDE in pan-cancer and tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) remains largely unexplored.

Methods: Multiple bioinformatic methods were employed to unravel the role of elncRNA CRNDE in a wide range of cancers from the perspective of the expression patterns, prognosis, tumour immunity, and the association between CRNDE and its target gene IRX5 based on the public database. A nomogram was created by integrating independent factors. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to determine the potential signalling pathway mechanisms. Molecular biology experiments including RT-qPCR, MTT, Transwell, and wound-healing analyses were performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Finally, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyse the expression and function of CRNDE in gliomas of different grades. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the potential effects of CRNDE knockdown in glioblastoma tissues.

Results: CRNDE was dysregulated and associated with clinical features in 15 of the 33 cancer types. The survival analysis showed that high CRNDE expression might lead to a worsened prognosis among the six cancer types. CRNDE might be involved in immune regulation in multiple cancer types. CRNDE correlated with multiple tumours and immune-related pathways. Additionally, CRNDE knockdown inhibited glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Nissl staining confirmed that CRNDE siRNA notably decreased tumour growth. A stronger correlation between immune cells and CRNDE/IRX5 in lower-grade glioma than in glioblastoma multiforme tissues, and an association with IRX5 and immune checkpoint gene NRP1 were observed.

Conclusions: An Enhancer RNA CRNDE may serve as a biomarker for cancer immunologic infiltration and poor prognosis, providing a new approach for cancer treatment.
Design and implementation of a training programme on ultrasound-guided lower limb peripheral nerve blockade: An Advanced Clinical Practitioner’s personal journey
Authors: Soobhug Shailen
Published: March 2023

Increased demand in services, workforce pressures and continued financial constraints has resulted in a significant expansion in advanced clinical practice roles in the United Kingdom. This article will describe the personal experience of a perioperative Advanced Clinical Practitioner in the design and implementation of a training programme to achieve competence in ultrasound-guided lower limb peripheral nerve blockade. Three specific lower limb peripheral nerve blockade were included in the training programme, namely sciatic nerve block at the popliteal fossa, saphenous nerve block, and femoral nerve block. Key service drivers underpinning development, rationale for Advanced Clinical Practitioner involvement in lower limb peripheral nerve blockade and governance will also be discussed.
Effects of Heavy Metals on the Yield of Essential Oil From Vetiver Grass Cultivated in Mine Tailings Amended With EDTA and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Kereeditse Tsotlhe Trinity , Pheko-Ofitlhile Tshepo , Ultra Venecio Uy , Dinake Pogisego
Published: March 2023

Background/Objective: Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash. Syn. Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty; family Poaceae) is well-known for producing essential oil that is commonly used in premier perfumery, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The quality of essential oil produced should be assessed before application in production of various products. Methods/Results: In this study, the yield of essential oil extracted from vetiver grass found in Botswana was assessed after cultivation in mine tailings. The respective influence of chelating agents and microbes such as ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the yield of essential oils was also evaluated. Results obtained showed that vetiver grass grown in mine tailings produced more essential oils compared to unpolluted soils. Vetiver grass grown on sterilized soils yielded only 0.26% of essential oils compared to 0.86% of that cultivated in mine tailings. Furthermore, essential oil yield was increased in soil amended with EDTA (0.95%) and after inoculation with AMF (0.89%). Addition of EDTA and AMF enhanced the uptake of heavy metals by vetiver grass and increased heavy metal stress and thereby making vetiver grass release secondary metabolites in the form of essential oils. It is important to note that even though the mine tailings accumulated high concentrations of heavy metals (As: 47.31 ± 1.40, Cu: 1632.24 ± 38.20, Mn: 402.68 ± 18.21, Ni: 728.26 ± 46.20, Pb: 41.26 ± 5.38, and Zn: 103.97 ± 5.34), very low concentrations of metals were detected in essential oils extracts. Conclusion: This study indicates the ability of vetiver grass to produce more essential oil under heavy metal stress making it useful for both essential oil production and important candidate for phytoremediation.
Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk in High-risk and Low-risk Older Adults
Authors: Estep Amanda , Morrison Steven , Caswell Shane V. , Ambegaonkar Jatin P. , Vaz João R , Cortes Nelson
Published: March 2023

Background:

Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis:

Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design:

Cohort study

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the falls risk score from the Physiological Profile Assessment. High risk was defined as having a preintervention falls risk score >1, whereas low risk was defined as having a preintervention falls risk score <1. Both groups had the same 10-week intervention. A multivariate analysis of covariance was used to compare differences pre- and postintervention, using preintervention falls risk score as covariate.

Results:

Results showed that regardless of preintervention falls risk, participants showed significant improvements in right and left knee extensor strength and sit-to-stand after participation in the 10-week SAIL program. Also, noteworthy is that 15 participants who were considered at high risk for falling preintervention were considered low risk for falling postintervention.

Conclusion:

The positive outcomes noted on modifiable risk factors suggest SAIL can be beneficial for decreasing falls risk in older adults, regardless of risk of falling, using a multifactorial exercise intervention. Our results also showed that it was possible for participants not only to improve falls risk but to improve to such a degree that they change from high risk to low risk of falling.

Clinical Relevance:

Our results demonstrated that SAIL was effective in improving overall fall risk after a 10-week intervention. Targeted community-based interventions for the aging population can bring physical health benefits that can decrease falls risk.
Strongman – At Home
Authors: Peters Steven R.
Published: March 2023

A neurologist reflects on the unintended heartlessness of keeping a patient with terminal cancer in hospital for further tests at a time when families are not permitted to visit. Peripherally involved in a patient’s care, he witnesses the suffering brought about by pandemic-related visitation restrictions in the final weeks of a patient’s life. In reviewing the course of events with the patient’s widow, the physician has many of his assumptions overturned and more completely grasps the consequences of visitation restrictions on hospitalized patients.
Inpatient Mortality in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Phillips Oliver W. , Kunicki Zachary , Jones Richard , Belanger Emmanuelle , Shireman Theresa I. , Friedman Joseph H. , Kim Duk Soo , Kluger Benzi , Akbar Umer
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Although a majority of the American public prefer to die at home, a large percentage of Parkinson’s disease patients die in acute care hospitals. We examine trends in the clinical and demographic characteristics of Parkinson’s disease patients who die in a hospital to identify populations potentially vulnerable to unwanted inpatient mortality.

Methods

Patients with Parkinson’s disease admitted to a hospital from 2002-2016 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample (n = 710,013) along with their associated clinical and demographic characteristics. The main outcome examined was mortality during inpatient admission. From these data, logistic regression models were estimated to obtain the odds ratios of inpatient mortality among clinical and demographic attributes, and their change over time.

Results

Characteristics significantly associated with increased odds of inpatient mortality included increased age (OR = 1.70 for 55-65, 2.52 for 66-75, 3.99 for 76-85, 5.72 for 86+, all P < 0.001), length of stay ≤5 days (reference; 6 + days OR = 0.37, P < 0.001), white race or ethnicity (reference; Black OR = .84 P < .001, Hispanic OR = 0.91 P = 0.01), male (reference; female OR = 0.93 P < 0.001), hospitalization in Northeast (reference; Midwest OR = 0.78, South 0.84, West OR = 0.82; all P < 0.001), higher severity of illness (moderate OR = 1.50, major OR = 2.32, extreme OR = 5.57; all P < 0.001), and mortality risk (moderate OR = 2.88, major OR = 10.92, extreme OR = 52.30; all P < 0.001). Fitted probabilities overall declined over time.

Conclusion

Differences exist among PD patient populations regarding likelihood of in-hospital mortality that are changing with time. Insight into which PD patients are most at risk for inpatient mortality may enable clinicians to better meet end-of-life care needs.
Self-Efficacy and Teaching Effectiveness
Authors: Barnes Gail V.
Published: March 2023

Interpreting changing levels of self-efficacy while improving effective teaching behaviors can be one goal of teacher education programs. Undergraduate education majors often begin their teacher education programs with high levels of self-efficacy (a belief in one's capabilities). These levels of self-efficacy frequently decline as preservice teachers progress through their curriculum and make the transition to in-service teaching. A slight decline in these levels can be interpreted as a novice teacher's greater understanding of the complexity of the teaching process.

Eighteen preservice string teachers evaluated their levels of self-efficacy with the Teacher Efficacy Scale (Guskey and Passaro, 1994) three times during an academic year. The preservice teachers were videotaped three times during regular teaching assignments at a community music program. They self-evaluated the teaching episodes by the means of a Music Teaching Observation Form (Kelly, 1984). Experienced educators also evaluated the tapes.

Group and individual means indicated that ratings of teaching effectiveness by both preservice teachers and experienced educators increased while levels of self-efficacy decreased slightly. Several specific items from the Teacher Efficacy Scale and Music Teaching Teaching Observation Form had significant changes. Changing levels in self-efficacy did not have an influence on increased teaching effectiveness scores for this specific group of preservice teachers.
A Review of Literature Pertaining to Factors that Contribute to the Process of Starting a Curricular String Program
Authors: Moss Kirk D.
Published: March 2023

While anecdotal information on how to improve a string program is available via the testimonials of string teachers who lead recognized programs, how those same string programs actually started has not been systematically researched. At some point in every school orchestra program's history, a local school board, for some reason, appointed the first string teacher. This review of literature explores factors that lead a school district from having no string program and no string teacher to having the first string teacher under contract through a study of advocacy, new string program development and model building. Findings reveal that the process is complex and political.
Factors Contributing to Perceived Tuning Independence among Middle School and High School String Players
Authors: Hamann Donald L. , Frost Robert , Wieters Melissa A.H.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors contributed to bowed string students’ perceived tuning independence or perceived ability to tune their instrument without assistance. Eight hundred and twenty-six 6th through 12th grade string students participated in the study. Subjects were administered the Tuning Study survey form. Based on the findings from this study, it was found that grade level and/or years of study, intonation confidence, individual and class tuning procedures, type of reference pitch provided in tuning procedures, and private lesson study, contributed to students’ perceived tuning independence. In order to foster tuning independence, it is recommended that teacher intervention and feedback be provided to help develop students’ confidence in their ability to hear when a string is out of tuned, to provide procedures to help students develop pitch discrimination when tuning strings individually, that a reference pitch be provided from a student instrument and not one from a piano or electronic tuner, and that students be encouraged to study privately.
Attitudes toward Curricular String instruction among South Georgia's Public School Superintendents
Authors: Moss Kirk D.
Published: March 2023

This study seeks to answer the question: What are the attitudes of South Georgia public school superintendents toward curricular string instruction? A10-item questionnaire was developed and sent to 44 rural public school superintendents. Eighty-four percent of the superintendents (N = 37) responded to the questionnaire. The primary findings of this survey regarding the respondents’ school district music curriculum indicated that 89.2% of the districts did not offer curricular string instruction. The primary findings regarding the respondents’ thoughts about string instruction indicated that if money were not a factor, 78.4% of the respondents would like their school board to hire a string teacher.
String Music Educators’ Job Satisfaction: Underlying Structures and Relationships with Various Factors
Authors: Russell Joshua A.
Published: March 2023

The purposes of this paper were to explore the factors that are fundamental to the overall job satisfaction of string music educators and explore possible relationships between various factors and job satisfaction. Two-hundred and Thirty-eight members of the American String Teachers Association who indicated that their primary occupation was teaching strings in a K-12 setting responded to a 44 item questionnaire designed to elicit demographic data and levels of satisfaction with multiple aspects of their teaching position. In order to examine the underlying structures of the job satisfaction of string music educators, a factor analysis was conducted on each of the satisfaction variables included in the questionnaire. Results from this study suggest that there are five major components underlying string teacher job satisfaction – professional climate, student quality, interpersonal relationships, teaching responsibilities, and external career factors. Factors found to be significantly related to job satisfaction included number of students with special needs, number of minority students, commitment to teaching, and occupational identity.
An interpretative analysis of the European ne bis in idem principle through the lens of ECHR, CFR and CISA provisions: Are three streams flowing in the same channel?
Authors: Coffey Ger
Published: March 2023

The ne bis in idem principle (procedural defence) proscribes multiple criminal proceedings and punishments for the same criminal offence/conduct, which is predicated on a final verdict of acquittal or conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction. Incorporated as a fundamental human right through Article 4 of Protocol No. 7 annexed to the ECHR and fundamental right safeguarded through Article 50 CFR, the principle is conjoined with the right to free movement of persons through Article 54 CISA. An evaluation of the characteristics, substance, rationale, scope, and limitations associated with the autonomous procedural defence reveals corresponding purposes. CJEU and ECtHR jurisprudence have delineated the scope and limitations of the procedural defence and the two European courts have reciprocally influenced their respective case law. Definitive and practical judicial guidelines on the application of the principle facilitate consistency of approach by diverse national legal systems consistent with the principle of legality. The article provides an interpretative analysis of the procedural defence and associated jurisprudence of the two European courts that aim to ensure consistency of approach by national legal systems notwithstanding the applicability of the margin of appreciation and the principle of subsidiarity. The article concludes with an evaluation of the narrow same criminal offence criterion ( idem crimen) commensurate with broader proscribed conduct ( idem factum) criterion that is pivotal to the application of the procedural defence and evidently the most litigated aspect of the ne bis in idem principle. The main issue causing tensions between the different streams of case law seems to be the question of the combination of distinct types of proceedings (administrative and criminal), and there is a reciprocal influence of the ECHR and CJEU on this issue.
A solvent-free process to design low density polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: De Carvalho Eva , Chebil Mohamed , Fay Fabienne , Renard Estelle , Langlois Valérie
Published: March 2023

The polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biobased, biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters. To enhance their biodegradability and flexibility, we develop low density PHAs by an emulsion-templated method without organic solvent. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and castor oil are required to improve the flexibility and to generate the porosity, respectively. To overcome the well-known lack of compatibility between PHA and PCL, pluronic is introduced to improve the miscibility of these polyesters The densities of native PHA and PCL are 1.2 g.cm−3 and the densities decreased to 0.49 g.cm−3 in presence of castor oil (40 wt%). Different PHAs were studied: polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBHV) and polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx). The porous PHBHHx based material showed the best colonization by Pseudomonas, followed by the PHBHV and PHB. This colonization only occurred in the surface and no bacterial diffusion was observed inside the material. The biodegradability study in presence of lipase showed that after 8 days, the weight losses are, respectively, 20% and 75% when the densities decreased from 0.82 g.cm−3 to 0.49 g.cm−3. These results showed the importance of the porosity on the biodegradation of PHAs.
Clinical prediction rule for bacterial arthritis: Chi-squared automatic interaction detector decision tree analysis model
Authors: Kushiro Seiko , Fukui Sayato , Inui Akihiro , Kobayashi Daiki , Saita Mizue , Naito Toshio
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Differences in demographic factors, symptoms, and laboratory data between bacterial and non-bacterial arthritis have not been defined. We aimed to identify predictors of bacterial arthritis, excluding synovial testing.

Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional survey was performed at a university hospital. All patients included received arthrocentesis from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2020. Clinical information was gathered from medical charts from the time of synovial fluid sample collection. Factors potentially predictive of bacterial arthritis were analyzed using the Student’s t-test or chi-squared test, and the chi-squared automatic interaction detector decision tree analysis. The resulting subgroups were divided into three groups according to the risk of bacterial arthritis: low-risk, intermediate-risk, or high-risk groups.

Results:

A total of 460 patients (male/female = 229/231; mean ± standard deviation age, 70.26 ± 17.66 years) were included, of whom 68 patients (14.8%) had bacterial arthritis. The chi-squared automatic interaction detector decision tree analysis revealed that patients with C-reactive protein > 21.09 mg/dL (incidence of septic arthritis: 48.7%) and C-reactive protein ⩽ 21.09 mg/dL plus 27.70 < platelet count ⩽ 30.70 × 104/μL (incidence: 36.1%) were high-risk groups.

Conclusions:

Our results emphasize that patients categorized as high risk of bacterial arthritis, and appropriate treatment could be initiated as soon as possible.
An unusual case of a toddler with Canavan disease with frequent intractable seizures: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Irilouzadian Rana , Goudarzi Ali , Hesami Hamed , Sarmadian Roham , Biglari Habibe Nejad , Gilani Abolfazl
Published: March 2023

Canavan disease is a rare fetal inherited leukodystrophy, caused by accumulation of N-acetyl-aspartate in the brain. Here, we report a child presented with frequent intractable seizures and visual impairment. A 14-month-old female infant with a complaint of the absence of neck holding and generalized tonic-clonic seizures was referred to our hospital. Macrocephaly, setting sun eyes, tremor, and hypotonia were observed. Funduscopy showed optic atrophy. Our patient’s flash visual evoked potential showed blindness. Her brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse white matter in subcortical, basal ganglia, and dorsal pons. Electroencephalography showed diffuse slow and sharp waves. The genetic study detected a hemizygous mutation in the aspartoacylase gene. Our patient was diagnosed with Canavan disease and began anticonvulsant treatment. However, seizures were not under control. Then, her medications were discontinued, and clobazam and primidone were administered. In conclusion, starting clobazam and primidone may help prevent frequently intractable seizures in Canavan disease patients.
Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau successfully treated with bimekizumab: A case report
Authors: Cirone Katrina D , Lovegrove Fiona E
Published: March 2023

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau is a rare variant of localized pustular psoriasis characterized by the recurrent eruption of sterile pustules involving the distal portions of the fingers and toes that can lead to the destruction of the nail apparatus. Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau is a chronic, relapsing condition that is resistant to most topical and systemic psoriasis therapies, making it notoriously difficult to manage. Interleukin-36 and interleukin-17 are thought to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of pustular psoriasis, and evidence suggests that interleukin-17 inhibition can be an effective therapy for pustular psoriasis variants, including acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau. Bimekizumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the interleukin-17 pathway, may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau. We present the first documented case of a patient with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau of the bilateral thumbnails who experienced an excellent response to bimekizumab treatment.
Hypertensive crisis merging with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia after dezocine injection during cesarean delivery: A case report
Authors: Huang Liping , Yan Xi , Yi Mingliang
Published: March 2023

Hypertensive crisis and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia are serious adverse reactions that can lead to fatal consequences. We reported a 28-year-old woman who underwent emergency cesarean section of her first fetus due to pelvic outlet stenosis and had a hypertensive crisis, merging with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia after dezocine was administrated during the procedure. Her symptoms returned to normal after esmolol and urapidil were administrated. In order to rule out hypertension crisis caused by other diseases, the anesthesiologist immediately accessed the thyroid function, myocardial enzymes, catecholamines, and arterial blood gas analysis of the patient. No obvious abnormality was found in all the test results. We infer the conclusion that the symptoms of this patient during the operation were most likely related to dezocine administration. This case highlights the need to pay attention to possible malignant adverse reactions while using dezocine during cesarean section, and we recommend the immediate use of α-receptor blockers and/or β-receptor blockers in situations like to avoid serious complications caused by supraventricular tachycardia.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma developing in surgical scars post cardiac surgery: A case study
Authors: Touyz Sarah J , Ghazawi Feras M , Netchiporouk Elena , Popradi Gizelle , Michel René P , Skamene Sonia , Lambert Christine , Hijal Tarek , Litvinov Ivan V
Published: March 2023

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are a class of non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by the infiltration of malignant T cells into the skin. Their precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, but persistent and specific antigen stimulation of skin-homing CD4+ memory T cells by external or internal factors, combined with an inflammatory cytokine-rich tissue microenvironment, may be critical in the development of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. We present herein a case of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma arising in two surgical scars that developed 6 months post-operatively and were successfully treated with external beam radiotherapy. This case highlights the notion that primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can develop locally at the site of injury/foreign body within a relatively short time post trauma/surgery. This work contributes to the literature of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas arising after a trauma, surgery, or a foreign body.
Sexual Health and HIV Prevention for Youth: A Survey of School Counselors’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Professional Behaviors
Authors: Joe J. Richelle , Shillingford M. Ann , Aaron Sheldon , Pharaoh Tianka , Gonner Justin
Published: March 2023

Through an exploratory descriptive study, we examined school counselors’ attitudes and beliefs about their role in HIV prevention, and their professional behaviors in addressing HIV in their schools. Participants reported strong support of youth’s sexual health rights, moderate agreement with school counselors’ role in HIV prevention, moderate to high comfort addressing HIV, and low engagement in HIV prevention behaviors. We discuss implications for school counselor training, supervision, and advocacy.
Association Between Dental Infection and Increased Incidence of Complications in Sickle Cell Disease Children: A Cross-sectional Study in Jeddah City
Authors: Felemban Osama , Alhalees Lama , Alattas Logain , Baghlaf Khlood , Aldajani Mariam
Published: March 2023

Aim:

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are prone to many complications. However, little is known about oral infectious. This study aimed to assess the oral health status of pediatric patients with SCD and explore the associations between oral health conditions and clinical complications of SCD.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in children with SCD admitted to the pediatric wards of two government hospitals in Jeddah city. The children were examined for dental caries, gingival diseases, oral lesions, and dental infections. Oral findings were compared between children who were hospitalized for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) or had a history of VOC in the last 6 or 12 months and those who were admitted for other reasons such as blood transfusion or other complications or had no history of VOC in the last 6 or 12 months.

Results:

A total of 107 children with SCD were included, with a mean age of 9.82 ± 3.82 years, of which 51 (47.7%) were females. Of the total, 58 (54.2%) were admitted because of VOC. There was a significant relationship between VOC and dental attrition ( P = 0.038), osteomyelitis, and dental abscesses ( P = 0.004). A significant association was found between the presence of dental abscesses and a history of osteomyelitis or avascular necrosis of long bones in the previous 12 months ( P = 0.001 and P = 0.041, respectively).

Conclusion:

Dental abscesses and non-carious lesions are likely to be associated with VOC; however, further prospective cohort studies are warranted to confirm this association and establish a causal relationship.
Health Conditions and Tooth Loss in the Population of Brazil: National Health Survey (2013 and 2019)
Authors: Lima Erica Nobre , Araújo Larissa Fortunato , Florêncio Caroline Mary Gurgel Dias
Published: March 2023

Aim:

Certain systemic risk factors associated with tooth loss are much more common. However, population-based studies that have investigated the impact of these diseases on tooth loss and age groups are not found. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship and change in effect by age in systemic diseases with the loss of 13 or more teeth in adults and elderly people in Brazil, comparing two periods, 2013 and 2019.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 49,553 participants aged 18 years or older from the National Health Survey in 2013 and 77,862 in 2019 were used. Data was sorted out into five different age groups. Using a Poisson Regression model, the magnitudes of associations were analysed with sequential adjustment (95% CI).

Results:

All diseases (Arterial hypertension, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Depression and Hypercholesterolemia) were associated with tooth loss (statistically significant magnitudes of associations) in the total population in 2013 and 2019. The magnitudes of associations were decreasing in older age groups and it was only statistically significant with cardiovascular diseases and tooth loss in ≥ 65-year age group (1.10 (95% CI:1.05–1.15)).

Conclusion:

More than 13 teeth loss were associated with Arthritis/rheumatism, Depression, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypercholesterolemia, Systemic Arterial Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, especially among younger age groups, which suggests a focus on the prevention and control of such systemic diseases and primary dental care.
Factors Associated With Changes in Alcohol Use During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Transition Among People With HIV in South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Stanton Amelia M. , Hornstein Benjamin D. , Musinguzi Nicholas , Dolotina Brett , Orrell Catherine , Amanyire Gideon , Asiimwe Stephen , Cross Anna , Psaros Christina , Bangsberg David , Hahn Judith A. , Haberer Jessica E. , Matthews Lynn T. ,   For the META Study Team
Published: March 2023

Identifying factors associated with alcohol use changes during pregnancy is important for developing interventions for people with HIV (PWH). Pregnant PWH (n = 202) initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda and South Africa completed two assessments, 6 months apart (T1, T2). Categories were derived based on AUDIT-C scores: “no use” (AUDIT-C = 0 at T1 and T2), “new use” (AUDIT-C = 0 at T1, >0 at T2), “quit” (AUDIT-C > 0 at T1, =0 at T2), and “continued use” (AUDIT-C > 0, T1 and T2). Factors associated with these categories were assessed. Most participants had “no use” (68%), followed by “continued use” (12%), “quit” (11%), and “new use” (9%). Cohabitating with a partner was associated with lower relative risk of “continued use.” Borderline significant associations between food insecurity and higher risk of “new use” and between stigma and reduced likelihood of “quitting” also emerged. Alcohol use interventions that address partnership, food security, and stigma could benefit pregnant and postpartum PWH.
Health-Related Quality of Life in People Living With HIV With Cognitive Symptoms: Assessing Relevant Domains and Associations
Authors: Alford Kate , Banerjee Sube , Daley Stephanie , Hamlyn Elizabeth , Trotman Daniel , Vera Jaime H.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to validate and assess a comprehensive set of illness-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) domains in people living with HIV (PLWH) with cognitive symptoms. One hundred and three HIV patients with cognitive symptoms ( n = 93 male, 90.3%) were identified from two UK HIV clinics and complete a series of validated scales measuring seven HRQL domains identified as important to HRQL by PLWH with cognitive impairment. These included: physical functioning, cognition, social connectedness, self-concept, HIV stigma, acceptance of and perceived control over cognitive health, and physical and mental health and wellbeing. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed that domain total scores loaded onto one main factor, representing HRQL. Scale cut-off scores revealed a significant proportion of patients scored outside the normal range on single domains (between 26.2% and 79.6%), and many patients on multiple domains (40.8% on 4 or more domains). We found evidence of poor HRQL across domains in the majority of PLWH with cognitive symptoms and identified domains driving these experiences. This provides targets for intervention development and clinical action to maintain or improve HRQL in PLWH with cognitive symptoms or impairment.
Biomedical and Psychosocial Determinants of Early Neurodevelopment After Preterm Birth
Authors: Kvaratskhelia Natia , Rurua Nana , Vadachkoria Surab G.
Published: March 2023

Prematurity and them related conditions are subject of scientific discussion. From the point of view optimization of postpartum processes, timely assessment of individual biomedical and psychosocial conditions and management of preventive intervention is very important, because of its linkage to issues of preterm infants and their families in long-term perspectives. The goal of the literature review is to bring together existing body of knowledge on biomedical, psychological, and social issues of premature infants related to early neurodevelopment in order to achieve better systemic vision. For this goal scientific articles related to neurological development delay of premature children and the possibilities of their timely identification were processed using electronic scientific search systems. Diagnostic tools to identify at-risk children and early intervention programs discussed in the article, significantly improve the chances of premature child development. In the article Introduced materials are to support: Clinicians to make correct decisions regarding important components of premature infants; Healthcare policy makers to plan targeted programs and activities; Public to better understand prematurity issues, especially in case of prematurely-born family members.
Book review: Dhanasree Jayaram, Climate Diplomacy and Emerging Economies: India as a Case Study
Authors: Patil Uday
Published: March 2023

Dhanasree Jayaram, Climate Diplomacy and Emerging Economies: India as a Case Study. Abington: Routledge, 2021, 154 pp., ISBN 978-0-367-63402-5.
Book review: Kanti Bajpai, India versus China: Why They Are Not Friends
Authors: Alam Javed
Published: March 2023

Kanti Bajpai, India versus China: Why They Are Not Friends. New Delhi: Juggernaut Books, 2021, 284 pp., ₹599 (Hardbound). ISBN 978-93-9116-508-6.