bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the potential for virtualizable care in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Osmanlliu Esli , Burstein Brett , Tamblyn Robyn , Buckeridge David L
Published: November 2022

Introduction

There is increasing interest for patient-to-provider telemedicine in pediatric acute care. The suitability of telemedicine (virtualizability) for visits in this setting has not been formally assessed. We estimated the proportion of in-person pediatric emergency department (PED) visits that were potentially virtualizable, and identified factors associated with virtualizable care.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of in-person visits at the PED of a Canadian tertiary pediatric hospital (02/2018–12/2019). Three definitions of virtualizable care were developed: (1) a definition based on “resource use” classifying visits as virtualizable if they resulted in a home discharge, no diagnostic testing, and no return visit within 72 h; (2) a “diagnostic definition” based on primary ED diagnosis; and (3) a stringent “combined definition” by which visits were classified as virtualizable if they met both the resource use and diagnostic definitions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with telemedicine suitability.

Results

There were 130,535 eligible visits from 80,727 individual patients during the study period. Using the most stringent combined definition of telemedicine suitability, 37.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.6%–38.2%) of in-person visits were virtualizable. Overnight visits (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.16–1.37), non-Canadian citizenship (aOR 1.10–1.18), ethnocultural vulnerability (aOR 1.14–1.22), and a consultation for head trauma (aOR 3.50–4.60) were associated with higher telemedicine suitability across definitions.

Discussion

There is a high potential for patient-to-provider telemedicine in the PED setting. Local patient and visit-level characteristics must be considered in the design of safe and inclusive telemedicine models for pediatric acute care.
Experimental study on local bond-slip constitutive model between steel and steel fiber reinforced concrete structure of circular cross-section
Authors: Wu Kai , Zheng Huiming , Zhou Yukai , Qian Shiyuan , Guo Fangzhou
Published: November 2022

The interface slip between shape steel and concrete is one of the biggest problems in numerical simulation of composite structures, this paper aims to investigate interfacial bond-slip behavior between steel and steel fiber reinforced concrete. For this purpose, a series of push-out tests on 15 circular section specimens which were designed and fabricated with different steel fiber ratio, interface embedded length and concrete cover thickness have been done. Experimental results show that average bond strength versus free end slip curves of each specimen is similar, and then a basic average bond strength-free end slip constitutive model was proposed in this paper. Meanwhile, considering the distribution regularities of steel strains, local bond strength and relative slip along the interface embedded length at different load levels were obtained through the mechanical derivation, the results show that the maximum local bond strength was located near the free end, and the local bond strength away from free end tended to be steady. Based on the basic average bond strength-free end slip constitutive model, two position functions were proposed to describe the local bond-slip constitutive model considering the variation of positions. Two position functions are of great significance for further research on SSFRC non-linear properties by FEM.
Who talks to whom? Using social network models to understand debate networks in the European Parliament
Authors: Walter Stefanie , Kinski Lucy , Boda Zsófia
Published: November 2022

Research into parliamentary speech making–behaviour of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) usually takes a static perspective. We offer an interactive and dynamic approach that understands parliamentary debates as a relational network phenomenon and investigates MEPs’ debate interactions. This allows us to uncover dynamics of inclusiveness and pluralism, self-reinforcing power relationships and transnational policy alliances. Analyzing 11,408 debate interactions between MEPs using a combination of text and dynamic network analysis, we find that male, senior and influential parliamentarians from powerful member states receive more attention with evidence for a self-reinforcing effect over time. Interestingly, seniority matters more for debate attention than leadership positions. Sharing the same nationality and a similar political leaning also shape debate coalitions with the former being more important than the latter.
Compelled by an Emotional Economy of Care: Explorations of the Youth Justice Student ‘Career’
Authors: Gee Ricky
Published: November 2022

This article provides insights into a project involving youth justice undergraduates learning a range of social theory to inform reflexive explorations of ‘career’. Such exploration involved scrutinising personal operationalisation of ‘career’ and sociological factors that influence career motivation both retrospectively and anticipatorily. The analysis finds that students feel compelled by an emotional economy of care towards youth justice work; the overcoming of turbulent life events that now requires an emotional return. Such findings provide useful insights for future policy, pedagogy and practice to aid a ‘children first’ approach to critical reflective practice.
The colonial governmentality of Cambridge Assessment International Education
Authors: Golding David , Kopsick Kyle
Published: November 2022

This study examines Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) as a global assemblage that instrumentalizes colonial governmentality. CAIE is a department of the University of Cambridge that has governed schools in British colonies and former colonies since the mid-19th century. These schools constitute a Cambridge School system with approximately 1 million students around the world who take Cambridge examinations. CAIE invisibilizes its thousands of schools in the global South by enclosing them within privatized discursive spaces it terms “Cambridge School Communities.” CAIE simultaneously assembles and visibilizes an ecology of expertise by connecting a global array of researchers, consultants, businesses, organizations, publication outlets, and conferences. Rather than taking an interest in the “low-performing jurisdictions” of Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, CAIE’s ecology of expertise positions British educational culture in relation to a pre-modern “East.” CAIE explains the East’s high performance in international comparative assessments with stereotypes in order to reassert the superiority of British-led international education. These technologies of colonial governmentality altogether enable CAIE’s global extraction of epistemic authority.
Microfoundations of sensing capabilities: From managerial cognition to team behavior
Authors: Harvey Jean-François
Published: November 2022

Scanning the environment for information about competitors, technology trends, or customer needs allows firms to sense opportunities and threats, which supports dynamic capabilities and helps firms remain competitive over time. There has been significant theoretical development on the cognitive antecedents of dynamic capabilities—so-called dynamic managerial capabilities. In this study, I propose a novel mechanism through which managerial cognition can scale to a collective level in support of sensing capabilities and consider how organizational design may influence this relationship. Specifically, I posit that high-construal managers engage in more environmental scanning than low-construal managers do, because their mental horizons are broader and encompass further alternatives, and that over time their behavior is modeled by their team. I also suggest that managers’ degree of task-related interdependence with peer managers across the firm influences the direction of this relationship, with low interdependence reversing it. I find support for my theory using multiple-source, time-lagged data gathered from 88 managers and their team, thereby offering key implications for theory and practice.
Azithromycin use prior to ICU admission is associated with a lower short-term mortality for critically ill acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Xuequn , Lin Hongsheng , Guo Donghao , Luo Qiu
Published: November 2022

Azithromycin was thought to prevent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPDs) by anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it′s value in the treatment of critically ill patients with AECOPD before ICU admission remains unclear. Our study aimed to find whether azithromycin use prior to ICU admission leads to better clinical outcomes for those individuals. 533 critically ill patients with AECOPD from the MIMIC-IV database were included. Univariate followed multivariate logistic regression was used to select risk factors for short-term mortality. The multivariable logistic regression models were implemented to investigate the association between azithromycin use before ICU admission and short-term mortality. Lower short-term mortality was observed in the azithromycin group ( p = .021), independent of differences in demographic data and other clinical outcomes ( p>.05). Azithromycin use before ICU admission was proved to have a decreased short-term mortality by multivariable logistic regression ( p<.05). The results remained consistent after being stratified by age, SOFA scores, pH, and cancer diagnosis. Azithromycin use prior to ICU admission was associated with lower short-term mortality for critically ill AECOPD patients.
Sphingosine kinase 2 regulates insulin receptor trafficking in hepatocytes
Authors: Aji Gulibositan , Jiang Sheng , Obulkasim Halmurat , Lu Zhiqiang , Wang Wei , Xia Pu
Published: November 2022

Disturbed insulin receptor (InsR) trafficking is associated with impaired insulin signaling and the development of diabetes. Sphingosine kinase (SphK), including SphK1 and SphK2, is a key enzyme of sphingolipid metabolism, which has been implicated in the regulation of membrane trafficking. More recently, we have reported that SphK2 is a key regulator of hepatic insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis. However, the role of SphK in InsR trafficking is still undefined. Huh7 cells were treated with specific SphK1 and SphK2 inhibitors or SphK1- and SphK2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the presence or absence of insulin. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays were carried out to investigate the role of SphK in InsR trafficking. InsR endocytosis, recycling, and insulin signaling were analyzed. Inhibition of SphK2, but not SphK1, by either specific pharmaceutic inhibitors or siRNA, significantly suppressed InsR endocytosis and recycling following insulin stimulation. Consequently, the insulin-stimulated Akt activation was significantly attenuated by SphK2 inhibition in hepatocytes. Moreover, the effect of SphK2 on InsR trafficking was mediated via the clathrin-dependent mechanism. Thus, our results show that SphK2 is able to regulate InsR trafficking. These findings suggest that SphK2 may impinge on hepatic insulin signaling by regulating InsR trafficking, providing further mechanistic evidence that SphK2 could serve as a potential intervention target against insulin resistance and T2D (type 2 diabetes).
Transmembrane serine protease 2 cleaves nidogen 1 and inhibits extrahepatic liver cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Ma Yong-Biao , Qiao Jian-Wen , Hu Xiao
Published: November 2022

We aimed to confirm whether transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) regulates nidogen 1 (NID1) expression in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. HCC cells, HUVEC cells, MRC-5 cells, HLE cells, MHCCLM3 cells, MHCC97L cells, H2P cells, H2M cells, as well as LO2 cells were cultured according to providers’ instruction and EV models were established by using BALB/cAnN-nu mice to facilitate the verifications. We found that TMPRSS2 expression was inversely correlated with the metastatic potential of HCC cell lines. The expression of TMPRSS2 decreased in a time-dependent manner in tumor-bearing model mice implanted with MHCCLM3 cells compared with uninoculated mice. TMPRSS2 overexpression in MHCCLM3 and MHCC97L cells led to the significant downregulation of NID1 expression in total cell lysates and isolated EVs. In contrast, TMPRSS2 silencing resulted in the elevation of NID1 expression in cells and EVs. Administration of EVs from MHCCLM3 and MHCC97L cells with overexpressed or silenced TMPRSS2 inhibited or strengthened, respectively, the invasion, proliferation, and migration of LO2 tumor cells. EVs derived from MHCCLM3 and MHCC97L cells with overexpressed or depleted TMPRSS2 also deactivated or activated fibroblasts, respectively. These EVs secrete inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylated p65, facilitate the colonization of fibroblasts, and augment fibroblast growth and motility. These findings provide evidence for a new candidate drug targeting tumorigenic EV-NID1 to treat HCC.
Simulated Driving Errors: Indicators of Real-World Driving Events in Returning Combat Veterans
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Wandenkolk Isabelle C. , Mason Justin , Stetten Nichole E. , Yarney Abraham , Winter Sandra
Published: November 2022

Motor vehicle crashes is a leading cause of death for Veterans. We quantified the efficacy of an Occupational Therapy Driving Intervention (OT-DI) and a Traffic Safety Education (TSE) intervention on real-world driving in combat Veterans. Via a randomized trial, we assessed 42 Veterans’ fitness-to-drive abilities using a CDS-250 driving simulator and driving records, to determine differences in simulated driving and real-world events pre- and post-interventions. The OT-DI group (vs. TSE) had fewer over-speeding errors ( p < .001) and total number of driving errors ( p = .002) post-intervention. At Post-Test 2, the OT-DI (vs. TSE) had a reduction in real-world speeding ( p = .05). While statistically not significant, both interventions showed reductions in real-world speeding, number of violations (OT-DI: 23% and TSE: 46% decrease) and crashes (OT-DI: 25% and TSE: 50% decrease). Veterans showed early evidence of efficacy in improving their real-world fitness-to-drive abilities via an OT-DI and TSE intervention.
Verification, validation, and accreditation for models and simulations in the Australian defence context: a review
Authors: Owen Kerryn R , Chakrabortty Ripon K
Published: November 2022

Building simulation models that are valid and credible is an enduring challenge in the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) context. Establishing validity and credibility can be achieved through the rigorous use of appropriate Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VVA) processes. Such processes are well-known in modeling and simulation (M&S) practice. However, these are generally not applied within the ADO, typically due to resourcing concerns and a lack of authoritative guidance. Even if there are any, due to security concerns and commercial reasons, the application of M&S within ADO is generally not published in open-access platforms. Depending on where in the M&S life-cycle VVA is started, it may also serve a secondary aim of risk reduction, assisting in the early discovery of possible problems or mistakes. This research reviews current VVA practices from academic literature and recommends processes that are appropriate for application to combat simulation tools within the ADO context. A scoping review has been conducted to gather insight into current VVA practice in the M&S community. The results of this review are presented in the form of charting relevant characteristics from selected references. The scoping review shows that executable validation of simulation results against referent data sourced from physical experiments is the most prevalent form of VVA, with referent data from comparative models being a prevalent alternative. Furthermore, there is evident reliance on graphical comparison of data; this could be enhanced with objective data comparators, such as aggregate error measures or statistical techniques. Finally, there is an evident gap in VVA references from Australia, which could be addressed through the propagation and reporting of prevalent VVA practices within the ADO context.
Physics of droplet impact on flexible materials: A review
Authors: Mohammad Karim Alireza
Published: November 2022

Droplet impact on a flexible substrate is a prevalent phenomenon in nature and various advanced technologies such as soft bio-printing, tissue engineering, smart biomaterials and flexible electronics. Recent rapid advancement in new functional surfaces, ultra-high-speed imaging, nanotechnology, deep learning, advanced computational strength and the relation between fluid dynamics and interfacial science have intensified the physical understanding of droplet impact on soft materials. Once a droplets impacts on a solid surface, it deposits, spreads, rebounds or splashes. Given the importance of the droplet impact onto soft substrates in biotechnology, medicine and advanced flexible electronics, a deep physical understanding of such complex phenomenon is vital. This review initially presents the liquid-solid interaction physics and relevant interfacial science. Next, this review discusses the physics of droplet impact on soft materials with different physical and interfacial characteristics. Moreover, this review presents advancements in droplet impact on elastic materials relevant to new technologies such as soft electronics, elastic smart biomaterials, tissue engineering and the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, this review lays out future research directions related to current problems in such complex physical phenomenon.
Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in high-risk stage II colon cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Lin-Lin , Xiang Zuo-Lin
Published: November 2022

Background:

The survival advantage of postoperative chemotherapy for high-risk stage II colon cancer (CC) patients remains unclear.

Objectives:

The purpose was to evaluate the survival of high-risk stage II CC cases treated with chemotherapy and to construct survival prediction models to predict the survival benefit from chemotherapy.

Design:

The study is a retrospective observational cohort study.

Methods:

Data on patients with stage II CC diagnosed from 2005 to 2019 who underwent radical surgery were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to obtain two cohorts, chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy. A chi-square analysis was used to assess the differences before and after PSM in the above two groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression were applied to investigate the 5- and 10-year overall survival (OS) and cancer cause-specific survival (CSS). The predictive power of the constructed models was assessed by the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves.

Results:

Of the 37,050 cases, 14,744 (39.8%) stage II CC were at high-risk and 29.2% of them received chemotherapy. Age, T stage, marital status, histologic grade, gender, and site independently influenced the reception of chemotherapy. The survival advantage of chemotherapy in the high-risk patients remained positive before and after PSM. The estimated 3, 5, and 10 years OS rates of chemotherapy group were 9.3, 10.7, and 15.6% higher than the nonchemotherapy group, respectively. Four nomograms predicting OS and CSS were established, with great discrimination (C-index between 0.627 and 0.691) and excellent calibration.

Conclusion:

Postoperative chemotherapy is beneficial for high-risk stage II CC patients, including the elderly patients (over 65 years of age). Our study developed nomograms to quantify the survival benefit of chemotherapy among high-risk stage II CC patients to develop personalized treatment recommendations and guide management decisions.
In a hyperconnected world, is the EU cybersecurity framework connected?
Authors: Tasheva Iva , Kunkel Ilana
Published: November 2022

This article sheds light on the fast-evolving and ever more complex EU cybersecurity policy. It shows that horizontal and sector-specific regulation are being developed simultaneously. It identifies the gaps and investigates to what extent the new Cyber Resilience Act and other policy instruments might address them. It first reviews the stock of existing EU legislation before examining the relevant industry standards for cybersecurity and the Internet of Things. It also reviews stakeholders’ expectations for the Cyber Resilience Act and identifies the need for horizontal legislation, setting flexible but binding rules. We argue for horizontal standards (process-based) that are complemented by sector-specific (vertical) standards. Finally, we propose a governance and enforcement model to make the cybersecurity framework better coordinated and more adequate for tackling the ever-evolving cybersecurity threat landscape.
Treatment of cerebral aneurysms with flow diversion or stent assisted coiling in patients on concurrent oral anticoagulation
Authors: Krishnakumar Hari , Mascitelli Justin , Hassan Ameer , Leary Jonathan , Son Colin
Published: November 2022

Background

Flow diversion and stent assisted coiling are increasingly utilized strategies in the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Ischemic and hemorrhagic complications play an important role in the outcome following such embolizations. Little is published regarding patients on concurrent oral anticoagulation and undergoing such embolizations and the rates of complications and patient outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective data for consecutive patients on concurrent oral anticoagulation undergoing flow diversion or stent assisted coiling for cerebral aneurysms was accessed from databases at the participating sites. Patient demographics, comorbidities, antiplatelet regimens, aneurysm characteristics, complications, and radiographic results were recorded and descriptive statistics reported.

Results

Eleven patients were identified undergoing embolization in the setting of preoperative anticoagulant use and included seven patients undergoing flow diversion and four patients undergoing stent assisted coiling. There was a wide range of antiplatelet and anticoagulant management strategies. There were four major complications in three patients (27.2%) to include two serious bleeding events in addition to ischemic strokes. Both serious bleeding events occurred in patients continued on oral anticoagulation with the addition of antiplatelets. At a mean follow-up of 9.6 months, three aneurysms had continued filling for a good radiographic outcome of 72.7%.

Conclusions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet use in the setting of flow diversion or stent assisted coiling may carry increased risks as compared to historical norms and, for flow diversion, offer decreased efficacy.
Monkeypox infection and resolution after treatment with tecovirimat in two patients with HIV disease
Authors: Beatty Norman L. , Small Coulter , Degener Tyler , Henao Martinez Andrés F.
Published: November 2022

The ongoing 2022 monkeypox virus outbreak has disproportionately impacted men who have sex with men and is associated with an increased frequency of atypical symptoms. The impetus for this outbreak is currently unknown. Experts suggest it may be related to the cessation of routine smallpox vaccination globally and biological changes in the monkeypox virus itself. Human monkeypox infection is classically associated with a fever prodrome followed by the eruption of small macules at the site of inoculation and when disseminating. The lesions then develop into a papule within 1–2 days and turn it a vesicle that pustulate with central umbilication within 5–7 days. They may ulcerate as they heal but will eventually begin to scab and new skin will form which often leaves a hyperpigmented or pitting scar. The overall process can take 2–3 weeks to heal entirely depending on the immune status of the host and other factors, such as antiviral treatment and previous vaccination. Primary inoculation of the monkeypox virus in the perianal region can lead to the development of single or multiple vesiculopustular lesions. They can appear similar to other sexually transmitted infections which could lead to a misdiagnosis. We present two separate cases of human monkeypox infection in men who have sex with men and concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease who both presented for anogenital lesions and proctitis who were successfully treated with tecovirimat. Treatment with tecovirimat has been shown to reduce symptoms and duration of illness. However, the unique features of the 2022 monkeypox virus outbreak necessitate further research to better understand the efficacy of this antiviral in the current monkeypox outbreak.
Hate Speech in a Telegram Conspiracy Channel During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Vergani Matteo , Martinez Arranz Alfonso , Scrivens Ryan , Orellana Liliana
Published: November 2022

Research has explored how the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a wave of conspiratorial thinking and online hate speech, but little is empirically known about how different phases of the pandemic are associated with hate speech against adversaries identified by online conspiracy communities. This study addresses this gap by combining observational methods with exploratory automated text analysis of content from an Italian-themed conspiracy channel on Telegram during the first year of the pandemic. We found that, before the first lockdown in early 2020, the primary target of hate was China, which was blamed for a new bioweapon. Yet over the course of 2020 and particularly after the beginning of the second lockdown, the primary targets became journalists and healthcare workers, who were blamed for exaggerating the threat of COVID-19. This study advances our understanding of the association between hate speech and a complex and protracted event like the COVID-19 pandemic, and it suggests that country-specific responses to the virus (e.g., lockdowns and re-openings) are associated with online hate speech against different adversaries depending on the social and political context.
Exploring the black box of French community supervision
Authors: Herzog-Evans Martine , Berjot Sophie , Keulen de Vos Marije
Published: November 2022

This article explores how probation officers (POs) in France employ evidence-based practice in the real world. Using 78 audio tapes of 11 POs and 33 offenders in 2 probations services, we assessed PO skills with an adapted version of the Jersey Checklist. Our results suggest that French probation officers generally possess good communication skills, and use – to a certain extent – core correctional practices. They do, however, underperform with regard to cognitive behavioural techniques.
Characterizing Sex Differences in Clinical and Functional Outcomes Among Military Veterans With a Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation: A Million Veteran Program Study
Authors: Merritt Victoria C. , Chanfreau-Coffinier Catherine , Sakamoto McKenna S. , Jak Amy J. , Delano-Wood Lisa
Published: November 2022

Using a diverse sample of military veterans enrolled in the Veteran Affairs (VA) Million Veteran Program ( N = 14,378; n = 1,361 females [9.5%]; all previously deployed), we examined sex differences on the Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Evaluation (CTBIE), a structured traumatic brain injury (TBI) interview routinely administered in VA health centers. Confirmed TBI diagnoses were more frequent among males than females (65% vs. 58%). In addition, compared with females, a greater proportion of males with CTBIE-confirmed TBI histories experienced blast-related injuries and were employed. In contrast, a greater proportion of females reported experiencing falls, sustaining a TBI since deployment, and having more severe neurobehavioral symptoms (particularly affective-related symptoms). Results indicate that males and females experience differential clinical and functional outcomes in the aftermath of military TBI. Findings underscore the need to increase female representation in TBI research to increase understanding of sex-specific experiences with TBI and to improve the clinical care targeted to this vulnerable population.
Linking Sleep and Aggression: Examining the Role of Response Inhibition and Emotional Processing
Authors: Bozzay Melanie L. , Verona Edelyn
Published: November 2022

Although sleep loss is theorized to increase aggression risk, knowledge regarding the sleep–aggression relationship or explanatory psychological processes is limited. In this study, we examined whether recent sleep duration predicted subsequent laboratory aggression and whether neurocognitive indices of attentional and motor inhibition and negative emotional processing explained the sleep–aggression relationship. Participants ( n = 141) wore Fitbit Flex devices and kept a sleep diary for 3 days. Event-related potentials were measured during an emotional-linguistic go/no-go task, followed by a laboratory aggression paradigm. Results of mixed-model repeated measures analyses of variance linked shorter sleep duration with reduced motor inhibition processing during negative and neutral word blocks and greater aggression. However, neurocognitive indices did not explain the sleep–aggression link. This is the first evidence that naturally occurring sleep loss predicts increases in laboratory aggression across the task and suggests that shorter sleepers are more vulnerable to rash action in negative and neutral contexts. Implications of these findings for understanding aggression are discussed.
Incremental value of the combined brain-cardiac CT protocol on prediction of atrial fibrillation after stroke
Authors: Braillon Alexandra , Bernard Angélique , Leclercq Thibault , Duloquin Gauthier , Pommier Thibaut , Benali Karim , Comby Pierre-Olivier , Loffroy Romaric , Midulla Marco , Ricolfi Frédéric , Béjot Yannick , Guenancia Charles
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common causes of ischemic stroke. It is essential to target patients at highest risk of AF detected after stroke (AFDAS), who should benefit from a prolonged rhythm screening strategy. Cardiac-CT angiography (CCTA) was added to the stroke protocol used in our institution in 2018. We sought to assess, for AFDAS, the predictive value of atrial cardiopathy markers by a CCTA performed on admission for acute ischemic stroke.

Patients and Methods:

From November 2018 to October 2019, consecutive stroke patients with no history of AF were included. Let atrial volume (LAV), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) attenuation and volume, and LAA characteristics were measured on CCTA. The primary endpoint was the presence of AFDAS at follow-up, diagnosed by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring, long-term external Holter monitoring during hospital stay, or implantable cardiac monitor (ICM).

Results:

Sixty of the 247 included patients developed AFDAS. Multivariable analysis shows independent predictors of AFDAS: age >80 years (HR 2.46; 95%CI (1.23–4.92), p = 0.011), indexed LAV >45 mL/m2 (HR 2.58; 95%CI (1.19–5.62), p = 0.017), EAT attenuation > −85HU (HR 2.16; 95%CI (1.13–4.15), p = 0.021) and LAA thrombus (HR 2.50; 95%CI (1.06–5.93), p = 0.037). Added consecutively to AFDAS prediction AS5F score (combining age and NIHSS >5), these markers had an incrementally better predictive value compared with the global Chi2 of the initial model ( p = 0.001, 0.035, and 0.015 respectively).

Discussion and conclusion:

Adding CCTA to the acute stroke protocol to assess markers of atrial cardiopathy associated with AFDAS may help to better stratify the AF screening strategy, including the use of an ICM.
The effects of Ziziphus Spina leaves’ Hydro-Alcoholic Extract Vaginal Cream and Clotrimazole on Candida albicans in Wistar Rats
Authors: Honarmandpour Azam , Fatahinia Mahnaz , Masoud Keshavarzzade Amir , Namjoyan Forogh , Maraghi Elham , Kamali Hossein
Published: November 2022

Background:

In vitro, Ziziphus Spina-Christi (ZSC) leaves have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects. This study aimed to examine the effects of Ziziphus Spina leaves hydro-alcoholic extracts with Clotrimazole against Candida albicans in female rats.

Methods:

Four groups of rats were infected vaginally with C. Albicans, and 1 group not infected was considered negative control. The infected groups received the following treatments: 2 groups were treated with vaginal 5%, or 10%, of Ziziphus Spina extract creams. One group received 1% clotrimazole, and 1 group did not receive any treatment considered a positive control.

Results:

The mean number of colony-forming units (CFUs) before the intervention was 195.83 ± 395.126 in the 5% ZSC group, 346.33 ± 396.719 in the 10% ZSC group, 345.17 ± 507.431 in the clotrimazole group, 212.20 ± 148.304 in the positive control group ( P = .604), and 0 in the negative control group ( P = .003). After 1 week, the average number of CFUs considerably dropped to 65.14 ± 36.03 in the 5% ZSC group, 1.43 ± 3.60 in the 10% ZSC group, and 0.43 ± 1.13 in the clotrimazole group. The number in the positive control group remained unchanged (212.20 ± 148.304) ( P = .005). After 2 weeks, the average number of CFUs was 0 in the 10% ZSC group, Clotrimazole and negative control groups and was 4.57 ± 23.99 in the 5% ZSC group ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated that the effectiveness of Vaginal creams containing 10% Ziziphus Spina is similar to Clotrimazole in eliminating C. Albicans.
Mineralogy of the scheelite-bearing ores of Monte Tamara, SW Sardinia: insights for the evolution of a Late Variscan W–Sn skarn system
Authors: Deidda Matteo L. , Naitza Stefano , Moroni Marilena , De Giudici Giovanni B. , Fancello Dario , Idini Alfredo , Risplendente Andrea
Published: November 2022

Southwestern Sardinia, Italy, hosts several skarn, W–Sn–Mo greisen and hydrothermal deposits related to a 289±1 Ma Late Variscan granite suite. Among them, the most representative scheelite-bearing skarns belong to the San Pietro and Sinibidraxiu localities, in the Monte Tamara area, Sulcis region. The San Pietro deposit is a typical calc-silicate skarn whereas Sinibidraxiu is a sharply bounded orebody hosted in a marble unit. Optical petrographic observations and compositional data of major and trace elements were obtained for samples from both localities. San Pietro data suggests evolution from an oxidising prograde skarn stage (andradite–diopside, hematite and scheelite), to progressively more reducing conditions from the early retrograde (magnetite–cassiterite) to the late sulfide stage (arsenopyrite, stannite, molybdenite, Bi sulfosalts and Zn–Cu–Pb–Fe sulfides); Sinibidraxiu has diffuse carbonate–quartz intergrowths pseudomorphic over an early mineral assemblage with fibrous habit, followed by abundant ore mineral precipitation under reducing conditions (scheelite, arsenopyrite and Pb–Zn–Cu–Fe sulfides). Geothermometers indicate a comprehensive temperature range of 460–270°C for the sulfide stages of both deposits. The differences between the two deposits might be controlled by the distance from the source intrusion coupled with the different reactivity of the host rocks. The San Pietro mineralogy represents a more proximal skarn, contrasting with more distal mineralogical and chemical features characterising the Sinibidraxiu orebody (lack of Mo–Sn–Bi phases; LREE–MREE–HREE signature of scheelite). This investigation contributes for the first time to the identification of a W–Sn skarn system in SW Sardinia, thereby suggesting the Monte Tamara area and its surroundings as favourable for further exploration.
Gysinite-(La), PbLa(CO3)2(OH)⋅H2O, a new rare earth mineral of the ancylite group from the Saima alkaline complex, Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Wu Bin , Gu Xiang-ping , Rao Can , Wang Ru-cheng , Xing Xing-qing , Wan Jian-jun , Zhong Fu-jun , Bonnetti Christophe
Published: November 2022

The new mineral, gysinite-(La), with the ideal formula PbLa(CO3)2(OH)⋅H2O, has been discovered in lujavrite from the Saima alkaline complex, Liaoning Province, China. It commonly occurs as subhedral to anhedral, granular and platy crystals of 5 to 50 μm in size, in interstices or enclosed in microcline, aegirine and nepheline. Associated minerals include nepheline, aegirine, microcline, natrolite, eudialyte, lamprophyllite, bastnäsite-(Ce), parasite-(Ce), ancylite-(La), ancylite-(Ce), bobtraillite, britholite-(Ce), thorite, calcite and galena. The crystallisation of gysinite-(La) may be related to the post-magmatic carbonation event. Gysinite-(La) crystals are generally transparent, colourless, or pale yellow, with a vitreous lustre and white streak. It is brittle with an uneven fracture, and the estimated Mohs hardness is 3½ to 4. The calculated density is 5.007 g/cm3. Optically, gysinite-(La) is biaxial (–), α= 1.832(2), β= 1.849(4), γ = 1.862(5) in white light and 2Vmeas = 81.6°. The empirical formula of gysinite-(La) is (La0.93Pb0.61Nd0.23Pr0.14Sr0.04Gd0.02Sm0.01Eu0.01Ca0.01)Σ2(CO3)2(OH)1.34⋅0.66H2O, which is calculated on the basis of general formula (REExM2+2–x)(CO3)2(OH)x⋅(2–x)H2O. The strongest eight lines of its powder X-ray diffraction pattern [d, Å (I, %) (hkl)] are: 5.596 (21) (011), 4.349 (100) (110), 3.732 (68) (111), 2.984 (61) (121), 2.667 (21) (031), 2.363 (48) (131), 2.090 (29) (221) and 2.028 (21) (212). Gysinite-(La) is orthorhombic, in the space group Pmcn, and unit-cell parameters refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data are: a = 5.0655(2) Å, b = 8.5990(3) Å, c = 7.3901(4) Å, V = 321.90(2) Å3 and Z = 2. It is a new member of the ancylite group and isostructural with gysinite-(Nd), but with La and Pb dominant in the metal cation sites in the structure.
Levofloxacin prophylaxis vs no prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia within an endemic country for carbapenem-resistant GNB
Authors: Clerici Daniela , Galli Laura , Greco Raffaella , Lugli Anna P. , Erbella Federico , Ripa Marco , Tassan Din Chiara , Nitti Rosamaria , Giglio Fabio , Mastaglio Sara , Lorentino Francesca , Xue Elisabetta , Farina Francesca , Liberatore Carmine , Poli Andrea , Carletti Silvia , Lupo Stanghellini Maria T. , Carrabba Matteo G. , Assanelli Andrea A. , Ruggeri Annalisa , Bernardi Massimo , Corti Consuelo , Peccatori Jacopo , Mancini Nicasio , Scarpellini Paolo , Ciceri Fabio , Castagna Antonella , Oltolini Chiara
Published: November 2022

Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis’s (FQ-P) usefulness in patients with neutropenia is controversial. In recent decades, Italian epidemiological data has shown worrisome rates of FQ resistance. A single-center cohort study on 136 autologous stem cell transplantations (ASCTs) and 223 allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (allo-HSCTs) was performed from January 2018 to December 2020. Piperacillin/tazobactam was the first-line therapy for febrile neutropenia (FN). Since February 2019, FQ-P has been omitted. We evaluated the day +30 posttransplant cumulative incidence function (CIF) of gram-negative bacteria pre-engraftment bloodstream infections (PE-BSIs) and any changes in antimicrobial resistance, FN, and infection-related mortality (IRM). In ASCTs, ≥1 FN episode occurred in 74.3% of transplants, without differences among groups (P = .66). CIF of gram-negative bacteria PE-BSI was 10.1%, with a significant difference according to FQ-P (0% [LEVO-group] vs 14.1% [NO-LEVO-group], P = .016). CIF of IRM was 0% in both groups. In allo-HSCTs, ≥1 FN episode occurred in 96.4% of transplants, without differences among groups (P = .72). CIF of gram-negative bacteria PE-BSI was 28%, significantly higher without FQ-P (14.7% [LEVO-group] vs 34.4% [NO-LEVO-group], P = .003). CIF of IRM was 5%, superimposable in both groups (P = .62). Comparing antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative bacteria of allo-HSCT setting, in the group without FQ-P, a significantly higher proportion of pathogens was susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam (71% vs 30%, P = .026), FQ (49% vs 10%, P = .03), and carbapenems (95% vs 50%, P = .001). FQ-P discontinuation increased gram-negative bacteria PE-BSI but did not impact IRM, both in the ASCT and allo-HSCT settings; importantly, it concurred to significantly decrease antimicrobial resistance in gram-negative bacteria.
Genome-wide analyses identify novel risk loci for cluster headache in Han Chinese residing in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Shih-Pin , Hsu Chia-Lin , Wang Yen-Feng , Yang Fu-Chi , Chen Ting-Huei , Huang Jia-Hsin , Pan Li-Ling Hope , Fuh Jong-Ling , Chang Hsueh-Chen , Lee Yi-Lun , Chang Hung-Ching , Lee Ko-Han , Chang Yu-Chuan , Fann Cathy Shen-Jang , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: November 2022

Background

Cluster headache is a highly debilitating neurological disorder with considerable inter-ethnic differences. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) recently identified replicable genomic loci for cluster headache in Europeans, but the genetic underpinnings for cluster headache in Asians remain unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic architecture and susceptibility loci of cluster headache in Han Chinese resided in Taiwan.

Methods

We conducted a two-stage genome-wide association study in a Taiwanese cohort enrolled from 2007 through 2022 to identify the genetic variants associated with cluster headache. Diagnosis of cluster headache was retrospectively ascertained with the criteria of International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition.

Control subjects were enrolled from the Taiwan Biobank. Genotyping was conducted with the Axiom Genome-Wide Array TWB chip, followed by whole genome imputation. A polygenic risk score was developed to differentiate patients from controls. Downstream analyses including gene-set and tissue enrichment, linkage disequilibrium score regression, and pathway analyses were performed.

Results

We enrolled 734 patients with cluster headache and 9,846 population-based controls. We identified three replicable loci, with the lead SNPs being rs1556780 in CAPN2 (odds ratio = 1.59, 95% CI 1.42‒1.78, p = 7.61 × 10–16), rs10188640 in MERTK (odds ratio = 1.52, 95% CI 1.33‒1.73, p = 8.58 × 10–13), and rs13028839 in STAB2 (odds ratio = 0.63, 95% CI 0.52‒0.78, p = 2.81 × 10–8), with the latter two replicating the findings in European populations. Several previously reported genes also showed significant associations with cluster headache in our samples. Polygenic risk score differentiated patients from controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77. Downstream analyses implicated circadian regulation and immunological processes in the pathogenesis of cluster headache.

Conclusions

This study revealed the genetic architecture and novel susceptible loci of cluster headache in Han Chinese residing in Taiwan. Our findings support the common genetic contributions of cluster headache across ethnicities and provide novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of cluster headache.
Gene expression profile of placentomes and clinical parameters in the cows with retained placenta
Authors: Moradi Mehdi , Zhandi Mahdi , Sharafi Mohsen , Akbari Arvand , Atrabi Mohammad Jafari , Totonchi Mehdi
Published: November 2022

Background

Retained placenta (RP) is a prevalent disorder in cattle with many health-related and economic costs for the farm owners. Its etiology has not been clarified yet and there is no definite therapy for this disorder. In this study we conducted RNA-seq, hematologic and histologic experiments to survey the causes of RP development.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 4 RP and 3 healthy cows during periparturtion period for hematological assessments followed by placentome sampling within 30 min after parturition. Cows were grouped as RP and control in case the placenta was retained or otherwise expelled, respectively. Total RNA was extracted from placentome samples followed by RNA-sequencing.

Results

We showed 240 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the RP and control groups. Enrichment analyzes indicated immune system and lipid metabolism as prominent over- and under-represented pathways in RP cows, respectively. Hormonal assessments showed that estradiol-17β (E2) was lower and cortisol tended to be higher in RP cows compared to controls at the day of parturition. Furthermore, histologic experiment showed that villi-crypt junctions remain tighter in RP cows compared to controls and the crypts layer seemed thicker in the placentome of RP cows. Complete blood cell (CBC) parameters were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Overall, DEGs derived from expression profiling and these genes contributed to enrichment of immune and lipid metabolism pathways. We suggested that E2 could be involved in development of RP and the concentrations of P4 and CBC counts periparturition might not be a determining factor.
Transversus abdominis plane block with different bupivacaine concentrations in children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a single-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Karadeniz Meltem Savran , Atasever Ayşe Gülşah , Salviz Emine Aysu , Bingül Emre Sertaç , Çiftçi Hayriye Şentürk , Dinçer Müşerref Beril , Sungur Mukadder Orhan
Published: November 2022

Background

Current knowledge on the ideal local anesthetic concentration for the ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in pediatrics is scarce. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of US-guided TAPB at two different concentrations of bupivacaine in pediatrics undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

After random allocation, 74 children aged 1–8 were randomized to receive US-guided TAPB by using 1 mg.kg− 1 bupivacaine as either 0,25% (0,4 ml.kg− 1) (Group 1) or 0,125% (0,8 ml.kg− 1) (Group 2) concentration. All blocks were performed under general anesthesia, immediately after the induction, unilaterally with a lateral approach. All subjects received intravenous 15 mg/kg paracetamol 0.15 mg/kg dexamethasone and 0.1 mg/kg ondansetron intraoperatively. The primary outcome was the efficacy which is assessed by postoperative FLACC behavioral pain assessment score at 15′, 30′, 45′, 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h. The secondary outcomes were to assess the total dose of rescue analgesic consumption, length of hospital stay, the incidence of side effects, complications and satisfaction levels of the patients’ parents and the surgeons.

Results

Sixty-four children were recruited for the study. Postoperative pain scores were equal between the two groups. There was no need for a rescue analgesic in any group after the postoperative 6thhour. No local or systemic complication or side effect related to anesthesia or surgery was reported.

Conclusion

TAPB using 1 mg.kg− 1 bupivacaine administered as either high volume/low concentration or low volume/high concentration was providing both adequate analgesia and no side effects.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrals.gov, NCT04202367.