bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The contributory role of grammar vs. vocabulary in L2 reading: An SEM approach
Authors: Raeisi‐Vanani Amin , Baleghizadeh Sasan
Published: March 2022

The present ex post facto correlational research is aimed at exploring the relationship between grammar and vocabulary knowledge components in L2 reading comprehension. The study focuses on two cohorts of EFL students with different proficiency levels: more proficient (\MP) and less proficient (LP). Two dimensions of grammar knowledge are measured: implicit, through timed grammaticality judgment tasks and explicit, through grammatical error correction tasks. Two facets of vocabulary, viz. depth and breadth, are also assessed by Word Associates Test (WAT) and Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT), respectively. Reading comprehension is also tapped by five indicators of vocabulary, detail and negative factual information, main idea and purpose, co‐reference and inference. The data were analyzed through multigroup structural equation modeling, running AMOS. It was revealed that in the MP group, vocabulary knowledge was a better predictor of reading. In the LP group, however, it was unveiled that the role of grammar seemed to be slightly more contributive in predicting reading comprehension juxtaposed with that of vocabulary. Some implications are also discussed at the end.
The experiences of men following recurrent miscarriage in an Irish tertiary hospital: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Harty Tommy , Trench Maria , Keegan Orla , O'Donoghue Keelin , Nuzum Daniel
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Miscarriage is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and recurrent miscarriage affects approximately 1% of couples. The psychological impact of early pregnancy loss on women has been well documented in the literature; however, the burden of miscarriage on men remains largely unexplored.

Methods

This qualitative research involved semi‐structured interviews with five men whose partners had experienced at least two consecutive miscarriages. Participants were recruited through an early pregnancy loss clinic in a large, tertiary maternity hospital. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

Recurrent miscarriage had a pronounced psychological impact on all the men interviewed, which worsened with each successive miscarriage. Three primary themes were developed from the data: (1) the deeply emotional experiences of men following recurrent miscarriage; (2) frustrations experienced during the provision of support following recurrent miscarriage; and (3) a sense of feeling unimportant. Lack of timely provision of information about miscarriage as well as lack of access to services were highlighted as deficiencies in the quality of care provided after recurrent miscarriage.

Conclusion

The experiences of men after recurrent miscarriage are based largely on their assumed role as the protector and supporter of their partner, which often results in neglect of their own psychological needs. The support required by men is similar to that required by women, and greater access to information and services is needed to improve the experiences of men following recurrent miscarriage.

Patient Contribution

Participants were recruited through the Pregnancy Loss Clinic at Cork University Maternity Hospital and were identified by specialist midwives. Participants were approached and interviewed by one of the researchers. Participation was voluntary and the men received no financial contribution for their time.
A novel low‐cost effective trap to capture sarcosaprophagous Diptera alive
Authors: Taleb Meriem , Djedouani Brahim
Published: March 2022

Carrion flies are trapped to study their succession pattern and record their diversity or establish laboratory colonies for various purposes. They are typically collected manually, which is not only challenging and time‐consuming, but may also result in incomplete or biased inventories. Passive trapping techniques commonly used damage the specimens and make them difficult to identify.

We describe the construction of a trap to capture sarcosaprophagous Diptera alive. We tested six traps using six rabbit carcasses (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) per trial over 1 year and recorded the diversity and succession of insects. We also established fly colonies of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) adults using captured individuals.

A total of 27,428 insects (i.e., 8669 specimens in spring, 7969 specimens in summer, 8417 specimens in autumn and 2373 specimens in winter) belonging to 21 families and 43 species were collected over a period of 23, 19, 24 and 30 days in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The catch consisted mainly of the order Diptera (98.55%), but also Hymenoptera (1.45%). We successfully started a fly colony with 107 individuals in spring and added wild‐type adults every season. The colonies were maintained for 1 year, during which the lifespan of the adult flies varied between 5 and 52 days.

The device is easy to manufacture, low‐cost, robust under field conditions, efficient and time‐saving. It enables large samples to be collected within a short period of time over the entire trial period without affecting its condition or performance.
Impact of diabetes and Krebs von den Lungen‐6 on coronavirus disease 2019 severity: A single‐center study from Japan
Authors: Yakushiji Yosuke , Motoyama Koka , Fukuda Mayu , Takahashi Hisako , Kimura Makiko , Tazoe Satoshi , Iida Hiromi , Tamai Anna , Sakura Takeshi , Isaka Yoshihiro , Fukumoto Mariko , Yamagami Keiko , Nakagawa Hidenori , Shirano Michinori , Hosoi Masayuki
Published: March 2022

Aims/Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is reported as a risk factor for increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity and mortality, but there have been few reports from Japan. Associations between diabetes mellitus and COVID‐19 severity and mortality were investigated in a single Japanese hospital.

Materials and Methods

Patients aged ≥20 years admitted to Osaka City General Hospital for COVID‐19 treatment between April 2020 and March 2021 were included in this retrospective, observational study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to examine whether diabetes mellitus contributes to COVID‐19‐related death and severity.

Results

Of the 262 patients included, 108 (41.2%) required invasive ventilation, and 34 (13.0%) died in hospital. The diabetes group (n = 92) was significantly older, more obese, had longer hospital stays, more severe illness and higher mortality than the non‐diabetes group (n = 170). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.054, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.023–1.086), body mass index (OR 1.111, 95% CI 1.028–1.201), history of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.429, 95% CI 1.152–5.123), neutrophil count (OR 1.222, 95% CI 1.077–1.385), C‐reactive protein (OR 1.096, 95% CI 1.030–1.166) and Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000–1.003) were predictors for COVID‐19 severity (R2 = 0.468). Meanwhile, age (OR 1.104, 95% CI 1.037–1.175) and Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.001–1.005) were predictors for COVID‐19‐related death (R2 = 0.475).

Conclusions

Diabetes mellitus was a definite risk factor for COVID‐19 severity in a single Japanese hospital treating moderately‐to‐severely ill patients.
Balbiani body formation and cytoplasmic zonation during early oocyte development in two Clupeiform fishes
Authors: Charitonidou Katerina , Panteris Emmanuel , Ganias Kostas
Published: March 2022

The Balbiani body (Bb) was examined in primary growth phase oocytes for the first time in two clupeoid fish species, the Mediterranean sardine, Sardina pilchardus, and the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus, which belong to different families, Clupeidae and Engraulidae, respectively. Cytoplasmic morphological changes of early secondary growth oocytes were also investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy, light and transmission electron microscopy. The ultrastructural observations showed that the two species develop a distinct spherical Bb. However, differences in the cytoplasm, mainly in the perinuclear area, were observed. Briefly, in sardine the Bb coexists with a thick perinuclear ring containing mitochondria, nuage, endoplasmic reticulum and small vesicles, while in anchovy this perinuclear ring is thinner, consisting of complexes of nuage and mitochondria. After the disassembly of the Bb, a prominent cytoplasmic zonation develops in the secondary growth oocytes of sardine and anchovy, although with different organelle distribution between the two species. Sardine oocytes exhibit a thick zone of endoplasmic reticulum around the nucleus, whereas in those of anchovy, a thick mitochondria‐rich ring surrounding the nucleus was observed. The cytoplasmic characteristics, such as the perinuclear ring in primary oocytes in sardine and the mitochondria‐rich ring of early secondary oocytes in anchovy, are also discernible in histological sections by standard procedures and could thus be used as indicators of maturity or imminent spawning period in routine light microscopy observations, providing a valuable tool for applied fisheries biology.
Type 1 diabetes youth with disordered eating: Is there a disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples?
Authors: Signal Dana Michelle , Hofman Paul Leslie
Published: March 2022

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus consistently have suboptimal glycaemic control and worse outcomes, and this is especially true for adolescents from indigenous communities and ethnic minorities. It is increasingly recognised that disordered eating is common in adolescents and likely causes a disproportionate impact on glycaemic outcomes and psychological morbidity. Eating disorders may be even more common in indigenous and ethnic minority populations and be another reason why it is harder to achieve recommended glycaemic targets in this group. In this viewpoint, we explore the issues around disordered eating in this vulnerable group, the difficulties in diagnosis and the challenges in management. We focus in particular on the outcomes in the more disadvantaged adolescents with type 1 diabetes, especially indigenous groups and ethnic minorities, an area where there have been few publications and generally less recognition to date.
3‐Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase represses tumour progression and predicts prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Meng , Song Xin , Jin Qi , Chen Yishu , Zhang Jie , Gao Jianguo , Cen Li , Lin Yiming , Xu Chengfu , He Xinjue , Li Youming , Yu Chaohui
Published: March 2022

Background and

Aims

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains dismal, and its molecular pathogenesis has not been completely defined. The enzyme 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) regulates endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biosynthesis. However, the role of MPST in HCC has never been intensively investigated.

Methods

MPST protein expression was analysed in HCC tumour tissues and matched adjacent tissues. The effect of MPST on HCC progression was studied in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The mRNA and protein expression of MPST was significantly downregulated in HCC samples compared with their paired nontumour counterparts. A low MPST expression was associated with larger tumour size and a worse overall survival. Overexpression of MPST in HCC cells inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. MPST overexpression also significantly suppressed the growth of tumour xenografts in nude mice, whereas silencing MPST by intratumour delivery of siRNA substantially promoted tumour growth. Moreover, diethylnitrosamine‐induced mouse HCC was aggravated by MPST gene knockout. Mechanistically, MPST suppressed the cell cycle associated with H2S production and inhibition of the AKT/FOXO3a/Rb signalling pathway in HCC development. In addition, MPST expression negatively correlated with that of pRb in HCC specimens and the combination of these two parameters is a more powerful predictor of poor prognosis.

Conclusions

MPST may function as a tumour suppressor gene that plays an essential role in HCC proliferation and liver tumorigenesis. It is a candidate predictor of clinical outcome in patients with HCC and may be used as a biomarker and intervention target for new therapeutic strategies.
Reliability of step vergence method for assessing fusional vergence in intermittent exotropia
Authors: Ma Martin Ming‐Leung , Kang Ying , Scheiman Mitchell , Chen Qiwen , Ye Xuelian , Chen Xiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the reliability of the step vergence method in measuring fusional vergence in subjects with intermittent exotropia.

Methods

Thirty‐two Chinese participants aged 7–20 years with intermittent exotropia (excluding the convergence insufficiency type) were enrolled in this prospective study. At the eligibility screening, visual acuity, cover test and the Office Control Score were performed. For eligible participants at study visit 1, negative and positive fusional vergence at distance and near, eye dominance and the fusion maintenance test were performed. All eligible participants returned for study visit 2 on the same day (2–4 h later), and the testing was repeated. The primary outcome measures were the intra‐class correlation coefficient, coefficient of repeatability and smallest detectable change in the break and recovery points of negative and positive fusional vergence between the two study visits.

Results

The intra‐class correlation coefficient for different vergence parameters ranged from 0.64 to 0.87. The coefficient of repeatability and the smallest detectable change for the distance positive fusional vergence break point were ±20.5 and 13.1 ∆, respectively. There was no significant difference in any vergence parameter between the first and second visits. The coefficient of repeatability and the smallest detectable change in all distance vergence parameters were high when compared to the mean value. The association between distance vergence parameters and the Office Control Score was significant only when including subjects who failed to fuse at the beginning of the test.

Conclusion

The data demonstrate that measurement of fusional vergence with a prism bar has low repeatability in subjects with intermittent exotropia. In these individuals, convergence ability at distance is compromised, whereas other vergence parameters are not adversely affected. While the step vergence method is a valuable test in daily practice, caution is warranted when using it in clinical research.
Dental sedation—Airing a concept
Authors: Chasma Farida , Chasma Tasneem , Irshad Hinna
Published: March 2022

Aim

To establish current practices and experiences of dental practitioners, who are carrying out procedures under sedation in primary care, relating to assessment and management of the airway. We also review current recommendations and consider a need for further clinical guidance to standardise practice.

Materials

The survey was created using Survey Monkey and distributed through social media channels such as WhatsApp, Facebook and via emailing a local sedation group.

Methods

A service evaluation was carried out in the form of an online survey. This was distributed via social media and by emailing previous and current attendees of Dental Sedation Courses. This link remained active for 3 months with a minimum target of 50 completed responses. During this period, a total of 64 responses were received.

Results

51 of 64 respondents stated they complete airway assessments, of which, less than half used a pro‐forma for this purpose. Within this cohort, 21.9% of respondents acknowledged a compromised airway incident requiring initial management, with the most favoured adjunct/manoeuvre being a head tilt chin lift of the patient.

Conclusion

As sedation operators, dentists carry the responsibility for the provision of dental treatment alongside the management of the airway. Conscious intravenous sedation is usually carried out using midazolam, a short acting and amnesic benzodiazepine. Whilst this is widely used, risks such as respiratory depression or loss of the airway remain. To prevent this, it is vital for an airway assessment to be carried out pre‐operatively as echoed by the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) and Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). This article highlights the need for guidance to support general dental practitioners in the pre‐operative assessment of airways to further streamline and improve patient care.
Safety of propranolol for infantile hemangioma in infants less than five weeks corrected age
Authors: Gatts Jorie E. , Rush Marie C. , Check Jennifer F. , Samelak Diane M. , McLean Thomas W.
Published: March 2022

Background/Objectives

Propranolol is used to treat problematic infantile hemangiomas (IHs), but its safety in infants <5 weeks corrected age has not been established. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of propranolol for treatment of IH in infants <5 weeks corrected age, or 45 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA).

Methods

We performed a single institution, retrospective review of patients treated with propranolol prior to the age of 6 months between 2017 and 2021. Patient characteristics, location of hemangioma(s), weight at initiation of treatment, dosing information, side effects, response, and duration of treatment were documented.

Results

Of 200 patients with IH treated with propranolol, 24 started treatment prior to 45 weeks CGA. Mean CGA at initiation of treatment was 42 weeks. Sixty‐seven percent were female and 75% were white, non‐Hispanic. Mean duration of treatment was 255 days. Twenty‐two patients (92%) had clear benefit from treatment at a dose of 1–3 mg/kg/day. The most common side effects were sleep disturbance (21%), irritability (17%), and cool hands/feet (13%). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

In this cohort of 24 patients with corrected age <5 weeks (CGA <45 weeks), propranolol was safe and effective for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. Larger, prospective studies are indicated to investigate propranolol in this age group.
Time of delivery among low‐risk women at 37–42 weeks of gestation and risks of stillbirth and infant mortality, and long‐term neurological morbidity
Authors: Razaz Neda , Muraca Giulia M. , Fink Katharina , Boutin Amélie , John Sid , Lisonkova Sarka , Stephansson Olof , Cnattingius Sven , Joseph K. S.
Published: March 2022

Background

The most important knowledge gap in connection with obstetric management for time of delivery in term low‐risk pregnancies relates to the absence of information on long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Objectives

We examined risks of stillbirth, infant mortality, cerebral palsy (CP) and epilepsy among low‐risk pregnancies.

Methods

In this population‐based Swedish study, we identified, from 1998 to 2019, 1,773,269 singleton infants born between 37 and 42 completed weeks in women with low‐risk pregnancies. Poisson log‐linear regression models were used to examine the association between gestational age at delivery and stillbirth, infant mortality, CP and epilepsy. Adjusted rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals expressing the effect of birth at a particular gestational week compared with birth at a later gestational week were estimated.

Results

Compared with those born at a later gestation, RRs for stillbirth and infant mortality were higher among births at 37 weeks' and 38 weeks' gestation. The RRs for infant mortality were approximately 20% and 25% lower among births at 40 or 41 weeks compared with those born at later gestation, respectively. Infants born at 37 and 38 weeks also had higher RRs for CP (vs infants born at ≥38 and ≥39 weeks, respectively), while those born at 39 gestation had similar RRs (vs infants born at ≥40 weeks); infants born at 40 and 41 weeks had lower RRs of CP (vs those born at ≥41 and 42 weeks, respectively). The RRs for epilepsy were higher in those born at 37 and 38 weeks compared with those born at later gestation.

Conclusions

Among low‐risk pregnancies, birth at 37 or 38 completed weeks' gestation is associated with increased risks of stillbirth, infant mortality and neurological morbidity, while birth at 39–40 completed weeks is associated with reduced risks compared with births at later gestation.
Maladaptive trained immunity and clonal hematopoiesis as potential mechanistic links between periodontitis and inflammatory comorbidities
Authors: Hajishengallis George , Li Xiaofei , Divaris Kimon , Chavakis Triantafyllos
Published: March 2022

Periodontitis is bidirectionally associated with systemic inflammatory disorders. The prevalence and severity of this oral disease and linked comorbidities increases with aging. Here, we review two newly emerged concepts, trained innate immunity (TII) and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which together support a potential hypothesis on how periodontitis affects and is affected by comorbidities and why the susceptibility to periodontitis and comorbidities increases with aging. Given that chronic diseases are largely triggered by the action of inflammatory immune cells, modulation of their bone marrow precursors, the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), may affect multiple disorders that emerge as comorbidities. Such alterations in HSPCs can be mediated by TII and/or CHIP, two non‐mutually exclusive processes sharing a bias for enhanced myelopoiesis and production of innate immune cells with heightened proinflammatory potential. TII is a state of elevated immune responsiveness based on innate immune (epigenetic) memory. Systemic inflammation can initiate TII in the bone marrow via sustained rewiring of HSPCs, which thereby display a skewing toward the myeloid lineage, resulting in generation of hyper‐reactive or “trained” myeloid cells. CHIP arises from aging‐related somatic mutations in HSPCs, which confer a survival and proliferation advantage to the mutant HSPCs and give rise to an outsized fraction of hyper‐inflammatory mutant myeloid cells in the circulation and tissues. This review discusses emerging evidence that supports the notion that TII and CHIP may underlie a causal and age‐related association between periodontitis and comorbidities. A holistic mechanistic understanding of the periodontitis‐systemic disease connection may offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for treating inflammatory comorbidities.
Association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Parsegian Karo , Randall David , Curtis Mike , Ioannidou Effie
Published: March 2022

Periodontitis and chronic kidney disease are chronic conditions with high community prevalence across the world. Patients with chronic kidney disease have been noted to have a high burden of periodontitis, and several shared risk factors have been associated with the prevalence and severity of both conditions. However, the precise relationship between the two conditions, and the extent to which each may contribute to the development of the other, remains a matter of debate. The goals of the present work were to: (a) provide the most current and relevant literature overview of the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease; (b) explore mechanisms underlying this association; and (c) determine if evidence exists for an independent association between these conditions. We also assessed whether improved oral hygiene and periodontal treatment could reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease and, if so, what protocols these strategies involve. Finally, we aimed to reveal gaps in our current knowledge to delineate the directions of future research. Although the exact relationship between these two conditions has not yet been defined, we highlight the importance of the interprofessional interaction between dental practitioners and the nephrology team and the importance of oral health assessment in the management of chronic kidney disease.
Improved immunologic response to COVID‐19 vaccine with prolonged dosing interval in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Haarhaus Mathias , Duhanes Monica , Leševic Nataša , Matei Bogdan , Ramsauer Bernd , Da Silva Rodrigues Rui , Su Jun , Haase Michael , Santos‐ Araújo Carla , Macario Fernando
Published: March 2022

Vaccination against 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) can reduce disease incidence and severity. Dialysis patients demonstrate a delayed immunologic response to vaccines. We determined factors affecting the immunologic response to COVID‐19 vaccines in haemodialysis patients. All patients within a Swedish haemodialysis network, vaccinated with two doses of COVID‐19 vaccine 2‐8 weeks before inclusion, were eligible for this cross‐sectional study. Severe adult respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike protein antibody levels were determined by EliA SARS‐CoV‐2‐Sp1 IgG test (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Phadia AB) and related to clinical and demographic parameters. Eighty‐nine patients were included. Patients were vaccinated with two doses of Comirnaty (BNT162b2, 73%) or Spikevax (mRNA‐1273, 23,6%). Three patients received combinations of different vaccines. Response rate (antibody titres >7 U/mL) was 89.9%, while 39.3% developed high antibody titres (>204 U/mL), 47 (43‐50) days after the second dose. A previous COVID‐19 infection associated with higher antibody titres (median (25th‐75th percentile) 1558.5 (814.5‐3,763.8) U/mL vs 87 (26‐268) U/mL, P = .002), while time between vaccine doses did not differ between groups (P = .7). Increasing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titres were independently associated with increasing time between vaccine doses (B 0.241, P = .02), decreasing serum calcium levels (B −0.233, P = .007) and previous COVID‐19 (B 1.078, P < .001). In conclusion, a longer interval between COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine doses, lower calcium and a previous COVID‐19 infection were independently associated with a stronger immunologic vaccination response in haemodialysis patients. While the response rate was good, only a minority developed high antibody titres, 47 (43‐50) days after the second vaccine dose.
Numerical Study on the Use of Emergency Cooling During the Process of Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway
Authors: Yuqi Huang , Kangbo Yang , Yinghao Wu , Binghe Liu
Published: March 2022

The thermal runaway process limits the development and wide application of lithium-ion batteries. More and more researchers are paying attention to how to suppress thermal runaway caused by thermal, electrical, mechanical, and other abuse conditions. Temperature is an important indicator in the process of battery thermal runaway. Using large heat dissipation flow to cool the battery to a safe temperature range can achieve a good thermal runaway suppression effect. This paper discusses the influence of heat dissipation flow on the thermal runaway through combining simulation and experiment. First, a simulation model is established and shows good agreement with the experiment. Both the simulated and experimental results found that an application with a short duration and large heat dissipation flow can achieve a better cooling effect at a suitable battery temperature. Then, we discussed the minimum heat dissipation coefficient required to suppress battery thermal runaway by applying emergency cooling at different battery temperatures. When the trigger temperature rises from 166 °C to 178 °C, the minimum heat dissipation flow required increases from 72 W/m2 to 1391 W/m2. At last, the relationship between trigger temperature and minimum heat dissipation flow was obtained. This provides a reference for emergency cooling of battery thermal runaway.
Radiation force on a bubble located near an interface
Authors: Maksimov A.
Published: March 2022

The presence of a boundary produces marked changes in the oscillation amplitudes and types of bubble distortion modes excited by an external acoustic field. In the majority of cases, the radiation force can be determined based on the linearized equations of motion. Bispherical coordinates are used to obtain an analytical description of linearized bubble dynamics at distances from the interface comparable to those of the bubble size. In the limit of weak dissipation, explicit formulas have been derived that describe the dependence of the radiation force on the separation distance between the bubble and the interface, the material parameters of the contacting media, and the angle of incidence of the incoming wave. The component of the radiation force directed to the interface has been shown to exhibit qualitative changes when the direction of the incoming field passes through the angle of the total internal reflection.
Shoulder Kinesio Taping Does Not Change Biomechanical Deficits Associated With Scapular Dyskinesis
Authors: Yeşilyaprak Sevgi Sevi , Yüksel Ertuğrul , Kalaycı Melike Gizem , Karabay Nuri , Michener Lori A.
Published: March 2022

Observable scapular dyskinesis is associated with biomechanical deficits. Preventative interventions aimed at correcting these deficits may aid in preventing the development and resolution of shoulder pain. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on common biomechanical deficits associated with scapular dyskinesis and shoulder pain. Participants (n = 51) with observable scapular dyskinesis, and without shoulder pain were randomized to KT, KT-placebo, or a no-treatment control group. Measurements taken before, immediately after taping, and 3 days later included pectoralis minor muscle length, lower trapezius muscle strength, scapular upward rotation angle at 0° to 120° in scapular plane humeral elevation and acromiohumeral distance. There were no changes in scapular upward rotation, lower trapezius strength, and acromiohumeral distance immediately after taping or 3 days later compared to baseline (P > .05). The pectoralis minor increased in length in the KT group on day 3 compared to directly after taping (P = .03), but no difference between groups or interaction between time and group were determined (P > .05). Scapular dyskinesis prevalence did not change over time in any group (P > .05). In people with scapular dyskinesis free from shoulder pain, KT applied to the shoulder cannot be recommended to ameliorate the biomechanical deficits associated with shoulder pain.
Supplemental Material: Groundwater age persistence in topography-driven groundwater flow over paleohydrogeologic time scales
Authors: Xie Yueqing , al. et
Published: March 2022

Description of the modeling approach, model setup, validation and simulated scenarios, as well as detailed simulation results of flow field and age patterns at various times for all the scenarios except the base case.
Supplemental Material: Can deepwater bottom currents generate clinothems? An example of a large, asymmetric mounded drift in Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous sediments from northwestern Australia
Authors: Mantilla Oswaldo , Hernandez Molina Javier , al. et
Published: March 2022

3-D seismic profiles, horizon slices (RMS attribute) and palaeoceanographic model of the India-Australia gateway.
Cardiac tamponade as a presentation of primary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Page Joseph William , Drinkwater Joshua , Furniss Guy , Sahebjalal Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Cardiac tamponade is an important and severe consequence of pericardial effusion. Patients with haemodynamically significant pericardial effusions present with signs and symptoms relating to the degree of their impaired cardiac function. Although autoimmune disease is a recognised cause of pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade as a clinical presentation of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is infrequently reported. We present a case of a woman, in her early 50s, who was admitted to the coronary care unit with cardiac tamponade caused by an acute adrenal crisis from unrecognised PAI. We hope to raise clinicians’ awareness of PAI as a rare but important cause of cardiac tamponade.
First trimester plasma microRNAs levels predict Matsuda Index-estimated insulin sensitivity between 24th and 29th week of pregnancy
Authors: Légaré Cécilia , Desgagné Véronique , Poirier Cédrik , Thibeault Kathrine , White Frédérique , Clément Andrée-Anne , Scott Michelle S , Jacques Pierre-Étienne , Perron Patrice , Guérin Renée , Hivert Marie-France , Bouchard Luigi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a consequence of an imbalance between insulin sensitivity (IS) and secretion during pregnancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small and secreted RNA molecules stable in blood and known to regulate physiological processes including glucose homeostasis. The aim of this study was to identify plasmatic miRNAs detectable in early pregnancy predicting IS at 24th-29th week of pregnancy.

Research design and methods

We quantified circulating miRNAs in 421 women in plasma collected at 9.6±2.2 weeks of pregnancy using next-generation sequencing.

Results

we detected 2170 miRNAs: 39 (35 positively and 4 negatively) were associated with IS as estimated by the Matsuda Index at 26.4±1.0 weeks of pregnancy. Lasso regression identified 18 miRNAs independently predicting Matsuda Index-estimated IS. Together with gestational age, maternal age and body mass index at first trimester, they explain 36% of IS variance in late second trimester of pregnancy. These miRNAs regulate fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism among other pathways.

Conclusions

In summary, we have identified first trimester plasmatic miRNAs predictive of Matsuda Index-estimated IS in late second trimester of pregnancy. These miRNAs could also contribute to initiate and support IS adaptation to pregnancy potentially through lipid metabolism regulation.
Impact of expansion of primary care in child health: a population-based panel study in municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Carneiro Vânia Cristina Campelo Barroso , Ribeiro de Oliveira Paulo de Tarso , Rassy Carneiro Saul , Cardoso Maciel Marinalva , Pedroso Janari da Silva
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Considering the expansion of primary care in areas of difficult access in the Brazilian territory in recent decades, the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) expansion on hospitalisations due to ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) and mortality in children under 5 years of age in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

A longitudinal analysis from 2008 to 2017 was conducted for data collected from the SUS’s database (DATASUS) using panel regression methods to determine the association between the expansion FHS coverage, ACSC rate, under 5 mortality rate and child mortality rate in municipalities of the state of Pará.

Results

There was an expansion of 40% of the population coverage of the FHS, in the same period there were 347 468.55 hospitalisations due to ASCSs of children under 5 years of age in the public health network in the state of Pará, which represented a reduction of almost 28% (p value <0001), and significant reduction of almost 57.67% in government hospital expenditures with hospitalisations between 2008 and 2017. In this period, there was also a significant decrease in the mortality rate in children under 5 years of age.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the importance of the public health protection for the child population and the positive impacts of FHS in the state of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. The government actions aimed at reducing regional health disparities and the effort to strengthen primary care can improve health indicators of children and be an important strategy to developing countries.
Four reasons why too many informed consents to clinical research are invalid: a critical analysis of current practices
Authors: Wisgalla Anne , Hasford Joerg
Published: March 2022

Objective

Informed consent (IC) is a central ethical and legal requirement for clinical research that aims to protect the autonomy of participants. To enable an autonomous decision and valid consent, adequate understanding must be ensured. However, a considerable proportion of participants do not understand the relevant aspects about participation in research, for example, approximately 45% could not name at least one risk. As such, the inadequate understanding of IC has been known for several decades, and it still constitutes a severe problem for the ethical conduct of research. Through delineating the most pressing deficits of current IC procedures that lead to insufficient understanding, we aim to encourage the discussion among stakeholders, for example, clinical researchers, and to provide the grounds for practical solutions.

Main arguments

(1) IC documents are too long to be read completely, thus, make it very difficult for potential participants to identify the material facts about the trial. (2) The low readability of the IC documents disadvantages persons with limited literacy. (3) The therapeutic misconception frequently prevents participants to realise that the primary purpose of clinical research is to benefit future patients. (4) Excessive risk disclosures, insufficient information about expected benefits and framing effects compromise a rational risk/benefit assessment.

Conclusion

Due to these deficits, practices of IC in clinical research too often preclude adequate understanding of prospective participants, thus, invalidating IC. The gap between the well-specified ethical norm to enable IC and its insufficient translation into practice can no longer be accepted, as participant rights and the public trust in responsible research are at stake. Hence, immediate action is needed to address the prevailing deficits.
Effect of health extension workers led home-based intervention on hypertension management in Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Teshome Destaw Fetene , Alemu Shitaye , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Atnafu Asmamaw , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Although hypertension is highly prevalent in Ethiopia, it is poorly diagnosed, treated and controlled. Poor access to care and a shortage of healthcare providers are major barriers. This study aims to evaluate the effects of health extension workers’ led home-based intervention on hypertension management in patients with hypertension in rural districts of northwest Ethiopia.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted among 456 hypertensive patients. Adults aged ≥25 years who have a diagnosis of hypertension both in the home-based hypertension screening study and at another measurement prior to recruitment will be eligible for the study. Randomisation will be done at the kebele level. In the intervention clusters, trained health extension workers will provide home-based intervention for hypertensive patients every 2 months for 9 months. The primary outcomes of the trial will be clinical linkage and blood pressure changes, whereas the secondary outcomes will be lifestyle modification, medication adherence and blood pressure control. Intention-to-treat analysis will be used for all primary analyses. A linear mixed-effect regression model will be used to model the change in blood pressure, while a mixed effect logistic regression model will be used to evaluate the intervention’s effect on the binary outcomes. Effect sizes such as mean difference for the continuous outcomes and relative risk, attributable risk and population attributable risk for binary outcomes will be used. All statistical analyses are two sided and a p<0.05 will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by institutional review board of the University of Gondar (Ref. No: V/P/RCS/05/2293/2020). The district’s health office will grant permission for cluster randomisation, and each participant will provide written informed consent for participation. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

PACTR202102729454417.
Prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking among adults in three Eastern Mediterranean countries: a cross-sectional household survey
Authors: Nakkash Rima , Khader Yousef , Chalak Ali , Abla Ruba , Abu-Rmeileh Niveen M E , Mostafa Aya , Jawad Mohammed , Lee Ji-Hyun , Salloum Ramzi G
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Tobacco smoking is on the rise in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In light of limited surveillance of smoking in the region, this study sought to understand the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking among adults and the factors associated with smoking in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine (West Bank only).

Design, setting and participants

Household surveys were conducted with participants over the age of 18 in Lebanon (n=1680), Jordan (n=1925) and Palestine (n=1679) between June and August 2019. A multistage cluster sampling approach with probability-proportional-to-size random selection method was followed in the three countries.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Gender-specific prevalence rates for cigarette and waterpipe smoking were estimated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with current cigarette and waterpipe tobacco smoking.

Results

The prevalence of cigarette smoking among males and females respectively was 48.6% and 21.5% in Lebanon, 50.4% and 9.1% in Jordan, and 53.4% and 3.1% in Palestine. The prevalence of waterpipe smoking among males and females respectively was 32.7% and 46.2% in Lebanon, 13.4% and 7.8% in Jordan, and 18.0% and 7.9% in Palestine. Cigarette smokers were significantly (p<0.05) more likely to be male, younger and with lower educational attainment across the three countries. Waterpipe smokers were more likely to be young adults across the three countries (p<0.001). They were more likely to be male in Jordan and Palestine, and more likely to be female in Lebanon.

Conclusions

The high prevalence rates of smoking in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine are concerning. Continued surveillance is key to monitor smoking patterns and inform stronger tobacco control measures.
Unplanned nursing home admission among discharged polymedicated older inpatients: a single-centre, registry-based study in Switzerland
Authors: Pereira Filipa , Verloo Henk , von Gunten Armin , del Río Carral María , Meyer-Massetti Carla , Martins Maria Manuela , Wernli Boris
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate patient characteristics and the available health and drug data associated with unplanned nursing home admission following an acute hospital admission or readmission.

Design

A population-based hospital registry study.

Setting

A public hospital in southern Switzerland (Valais Hospital).

Participants

We explored a population-based longitudinal dataset of 14 705 hospital admissions from 2015 to 2018.

Outcome measures

Sociodemographic, health and drug data, and their interactions predicting the risk of unplanned nursing home admission.

Results

The mean prevalence of unplanned nursing home admission after hospital discharge was 6.1% (n=903/N=14 705). Our predictive analysis revealed that the oldest adults (OR=1.07 for each additional year of age; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.08) presenting with impaired functional mobility (OR=3.22; 95% CI 2.67 to 3.87), dependency in the activities of daily living (OR=4.62; 95% CI 3.76 to 5.67), cognitive impairment (OR=3.75; 95% CI 3.06 to 4.59) and traumatic injuries (OR=1.58; 95% CI 1.25 to 2.01) had a higher probability of unplanned nursing home admission. The number of International Classification of Diseases, 10th version diagnoses had no significant impact on nursing home admissions, contrarily to the number of prescribed drugs (OR=1.17; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.19). Antiemetics/antinauseants (OR=2.53; 95% CI 1.21 to 5.30), digestives (OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.90), psycholeptics (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.60 to 1.93), antiepileptics (OR=1.49; 95% CI 1.25 to 1.79) and anti-Parkinson’s drugs (OR=1.40; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.75) were strongly linked to unplanned nursing home admission.

Conclusions

Numerous risk factors for unplanned nursing home admission were identified. To prevent the adverse health outcomes that precipitate acute hospitalisations and unplanned nursing home admissions, ambulatory care providers should consider these risk factors in their care planning for older adults before they reach a state requiring hospitalisation.
Evaluation of response to 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib: results from a phase 2 open-label extension study
Authors: Winthrop Kevin , Vargas Juan Ignacio , Drescher Edit , Garcia Conrado , Friedman Alan , Hendrickson Barbara , Li Yihan , Klaff Justin , Kivitz Alan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess the immunogenicity of pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccination (PCV-13) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving upadacitinib and background methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Eligible patients from the phase 2 open-label extension trial BALANCE-EXTEND (NCT02049138) receiving stable dosing of upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg once daily plus background MTX were given PCV-13. Antibody titres were collected prevaccination and 4 and 12 weeks postvaccination. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with satisfactory humoral response to PCV-13, defined as a ≥2-fold increase in ≥6 of 12 pneumococcal antigens at 4 weeks postvaccination.

Results

Of 111 patients (upadacitinib 15 mg, N=87; 30 mg, N=24), 85.6% were women, 97.3% used concomitant MTX and 44.1% used oral corticosteroids. At 4 weeks, 67.5% (95% CI 57.4 to 77.5) of patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg and 56.5% (36.3 to 76.8) receiving 30 mg had a satisfactory PCV-13 response. Responses were similar in patients who used or did not use concomitant corticosteroids. No deaths or serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Approximately two-thirds of patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg once daily achieved a satisfactory humoral response to PCV-13 despite receiving concomitant MTX. Concomitant corticosteroid use did not negatively affect PCV-13 response.
12W932-349 Soft red winter wheat
Authors: Tamburic-Ilincic Lily
Published: March 2022

12W932-349 is a soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It has high grain yield with good pastry quality and is moderately resistant to Fusarium head blight. 12W932-349 is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of Ontario.
A Comprehensive Review on Automatic Mobile Robots: Applications, Perception, Communication and Control
Authors: Ding Nian , Peng Chunrong , Lin Min , Wu Celimuge
Published: March 2022

In recent years, automatic mobile robots (AMRs) have been widely concerned in various fields, such as material handling, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cruise, automatic factories and so forth. Compared with traditional robots, an AMR system brings several challenges such as adaptation to the environment, stable communication and robust control. For example, in a complex environment, AMR has to observe the surrounding environment in real time to avoid obstacles, and track the target in real time to change its trajectory until the task is completed, based on an efficient integration of the perception, communication and control. AMR systems require support from various technologies including real-time positioning and navigation, trajectory planning, target tracking, multi-agent systems, robot monitoring and so forth. In order to enable more enhanced applications of AMRs, the geometric adaptability, design characteristics, mobility, flexibility, obstacle avoidance and fault-tolerant control should be further discussed. This paper provides a comprehensive elaboration on the four aspects of AMR systems, namely AMR applications, perception technologies, robot communications and control mechanisms. Future research directions are also pointed out.