bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographics, aetiology and outcome of paediatric acute liver failure in Singapore
Authors: Chiou Fang Kuan , Logarajah Veena , Ho Christopher Wen Wei , Goh Lynette Suk-Hui , Karthik Sivaramakrishnan Venkatesh , Aw Marion Margaret , Phua Kong Boo
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

The aetiology of paediatric acute liver failure (PALF) varies widely according to age, and geographic and socioeconomic factors. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology, aetiology and outcome of PALF in Singapore at a single centre.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients aged 0–18 years who were diagnosed with PALF from 2007 to 2019. PALF was defined by: absence of chronic liver disease; biochemical evidence of acute liver injury; and coagulopathy, non-correctible by vitamin K, defined as prothrombin time (PT) ≥20 seconds or international normalised ratio (INR) ≥2.0 regardless of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) or PT ≥15 seconds or INR ≥1.5 in the presence of HE.

Results:

34 patients were included. Median age at diagnosis was 10 months (range 7 days to 156 months). The top three causes of PALF were indeterminate (41.2%), metabolic (26.5%) and infectious (26.5%) aetiologies. A metabolic disorder was the most frequent aetiology in infants <12 months (38.9%), whereas an indeterminate cause was the most common in children >12 months (50%). No cases of viral hepatitis A or B presenting with PALF were detected. Overall spontaneous recovery rate (survival without liver transplantation [LT]) was 38.2%, and overall mortality rate was 47.1%. Six patients underwent living-donor LT, and the post-transplant survival at one year was 83.3%.

Conclusion:

The aetiologic spectrum of PALF in Singapore is similar to that in developed Western countries, with indeterminate aetiology accounting for the majority. PALF is associated with poor overall survival; hence, timely LT for suitable candidates is critical to improve survival outcomes.
Aloe ×selmarii (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a new nothospecies from South Africa, with A. davyana var. davyana and A. parvibracteata as parents
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , KLOPPER RONELL R.
Published: October 2021

Aloe ×selmarii (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a hybrid between A. davyana var. davyana and A. parvibracteata, is described. Although the natural distribution ranges of the parent species do not overlap, this nothospecies is often encountered as a result of the cultivation of A. parvibracteata outside its natural range, in areas where A. davyana var. davyana occurs naturally.
Redescription of the brackish water crab Ptychognathus glaber Stimpson, 1858 based on the topotypic material from the Ogasawara Islands and new record of P. lipkei N.K. Ng, 2010 from Japan (Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , MAENOSONO TADAFUMI , SAEKI TOSHIFUMI , NARUSE TOHRU
Published: October 2021

Examination of material from various Japanese localities clarified that the estuarine crab Ptychognathus glaber Stimpson, 1858 is possibly restricted to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. Specimens from the Ryukyu Islands, thought to represent P. glaber, actually represent P. lipkei N.K. Ng, 2010 instead, previously known only from Cebu, the Philippines. Ptychognathus glaber is redescribed in detail, and differentiating characters between it and P. lipkei are reassessed. Previous literature records of P. glaber are reviewed in the light of our findings. Genetic analysis using partial sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene suggests that P. glaber is genetically closer to P. ishii Sakai, 1939 than to P. lipkei, and thus P. ishii is also compared morphologically with P. glaber.
Using DNA barcoding to identify host-parasite interactions between cryptic species of goby (Coryphopterus: Gobiidae, Perciformes) and parasitic copepods (Pharodes tortugensis: Chondracanthidae, Cyclopoida)
Authors: FORRESTER GRAHAM E. , MCCAFFREY MALACHY T. , TERPIS KRISTINA X. , LANE CHRISTOPHER E.
Published: October 2021

Previous work, using morphological characters, identified a generalist copepod parasite (Pharodes tortugensis) at high prevalence on two common gobies (Coryphopterus glaucofraenum and C. dicrus) in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). DNA barcoding subsequently revealed C. glaucofraenum to be three morphologically similar species (C. glaucofraenum, C. venezuelae and C. tortugae), casting doubt on host identities in the BVI and the classification of the parasite as a single species. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data from 67 gobies in the BVI showed that, in addition to C. dicrus, host gobies were a mix of C. glaucofraenum and C. venezuelae, while C. tortugae was unexpectedly absent from the study area. COI data (n = 70) indicated that the copepod infecting all three hosts was a single species, almost certainly P. tortugensis. The pharodes-coryphopterus interaction has a strong impact on host dynamics in the BVI, and a revised understanding of these dynamics must account for any differences among the three newly confirmed hosts in transmission of, and susceptibility to, the shared parasite. No other infected hosts were discovered at our sites, but P. tortugensis is reportedly widespread and infects 12 additional host species elsewhere. Further DNA barcoding is thus needed to test whether P. tortugensis is truly a widespread generalist, or instead represents a group of more specialized cryptic species.
A new species of Mycterothrips Trybom (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from India with new record of the genus Paithrips Nonaka & Jangvitaya
Authors: SINGHA DEVKANT , PATIDAR ABHISHEK , KUMAR VIKAS , TYAGI KAOMUD
Published: October 2021

Mycterothrips nainiae sp. n. (Thripinae) is described and illustrated from India, and one genus and species, Paithrips circularis Nonaka and Jangvitaya, is newly recorded from India. A key to species of Mycterothrips from India is also provided. The DNA barcode data using partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) from the holotype also five sequences of Paithrips circularis were generated.
Farmers’ Perception and Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Central Mali
Authors: Amadou Traoré , Falconnier Gatien N. , Mamoutou Kouressy , Georges Serpantié , Alassane B. A. , François Affholder , Michel Giner , Benjamin Sultan
Published: October 2021

Adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change is crucial to avoid food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Farmers’ perception of climate change is a crucial element in adaptation process. The aim of this study was (i) to compare farmers’ perception of climate change with actual weather data recorded in central Mali, (ii) to identify changes in agricultural practices implemented by farmers to adapt to climate change, and (iii) to investigate the link between farmers’ perception of climate change and implementation of adaptation practices. Focus group discussions and individual surveys were conducted to identify climate-related changes perceived by farmers and agricultural adaptation strategies they consider relevant to cope with these changes. A majority (>50%) of farmers perceived an increase in temperature, decrease in rainfall, shortening of growing season, early cessation of rainfall, and increase in the frequency of dry spells at the beginning of the growing season. In line with farmers’ perception, analysis of climate data indicated (i) an increase in mean annual temperature and minimum growing season temperature and (ii) a decrease in total rainfall. Farmers’ perception of early cessation of rainfall and more-frequent drought periods were not detected by climate data analysis. To cope with the decrease in rainfall and late start of the growing season, farmers used drought-tolerant cultivars and implemented water-saving technologies. Despite a perceived warming, no specific adaptation to heat stress was mentioned by farmers. We found evidence of a link between farmers’ perception of climate change and the implementation of some adaptation options. Our study highlights the need for a dialogue between farmers and researchers to develop new strategies to compensate for the expected negative impacts of heat stress on agricultural productivity.
Tornado Warning Guidance and Graphics: Implications of the Inclusion of Protective Action Information on Perceptions and Efficacy
Authors: Sutton Jeannette , Fischer Laura , Wood Michele M.
Published: October 2021

Effective warning messages should tell people what they should do, how they should do it, and how to maximize their health and safety. Guidance essentially delivers two types of information: 1) information that instructs people about the actions to take in response to a threat, and 2) information about how and why these recommended protective actions will reduce harm. However, recent research reported that while automated tornado warnings, sent by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center via the account @NWStornado on Twitter, included useful information about the location of the threat, the potential impacts, and populations at risk, it failed to provide content that would contribute to successful protective actions. In this experimental study we investigate how the inclusion and presentation of protective action guidance affects participant perceptions of a tornado warning message and their perceived ability to act upon the information (i.e., self- and response-efficacy). We find that the inclusion of protective action guidance results an increase in the participants’ understanding of the message, their ability to decide what to do, and their perceived self- and response-efficacy. Knowing how to take action to protect oneself, and believing the actions will make oneself safe, are key motivators to taking action when faced with a significant threat. Future warning research should draw from other persuasive messaging and health behavior theories, and should include self- and response- efficacy as important causal factors. It should also look across additional hazards to determine if these outcomes differ by the length of forewarning and hazard type.
Community responses to LGBT+ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 confinement in Madrid
Authors: Platero R Lucas , López-Sáez Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2021

A group of 50 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) as well as diverse sexualities and gender identities in Madrid participated in a feminist community-based project, which supported them through the first wave of the pandemic. Facilitated by professionals, the project offered online meetings twice a month, helping them to articulate their needs and promote their agency over their choices and experiences. Based on their demands, participants chose the topics they wanted to discuss, proposed activities, and were the center of the program, while facilitators set up and maintained the online space, helping with participation and access to information and resources. Through this transformative experience, the members of the group developed friendship networks and started their activism, making public appearances in video campaigns and mainstream newspapers to make their needs visible to peers, families, social workers, policy makers, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This research is part of a larger project that tackles the psychosocial factors that affected Spanish people with sexual and gender diversity during the first wave of the pandemic.
A Cross-Sectional Survey of Risky Travel and Leisure Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Maddock Jay E. , Suess Courtney
Published: October 2021

Purpose

COVID-19 is largely spread through close contact with infected people in indoor spaces. Avoiding these spaces is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread. This study assessed who had engaged in risky travel and leisure behaviors before the availability of vaccines.

Design

National cross-sectional on-line survey collected in November and December 2020. Setting: United States; Participants: 2589 adults representative by gender and race/ethnicity to the US population; Measures: The survey assessed if people had resumed 11 risky behaviors during the pandemic, prior to vaccines. Independent variables included age, race/ethnicity, region of the country, education, income, preexisting conditions, perceived severity and susceptibility, positive COVID diagnosis, and political ideology.

Analysis

Univariate analysis and logistic regressions were used to assess demographic and psychological factors of those resuming these behaviors. Results: Most (60.3%) of people had resumed at least 1 behavior with eating inside of restaurants (33.2%) and visiting family and friends (37.5%) being the most prevalent. In the multivariate analyses, perceived susceptibility was significant across all behaviors. Young people, fiscal conservatives, and people with higher perceived severity were more likely to perform several of the behaviors. Preexisting conditions did not predict any of the behaviors.

Conclusions

Travel and leisure behaviors vary by type of risk and may need specific tailored, prevention messages to promote risk reduction during future pandemics.
Strength characteristics of frozen coal–rock interface for rock crosscut coal uncovering
Authors: Zhu Chuanqu , Ma Heyi , Zhao Pengtao , Yue Jiwei , Wang Binbin
Published: October 2021

During a freezing method for rock crosscut coal uncovering (RCCU), the mechanical properties of the frozen coal–rock interface have a significant impact on coal-body stability. To investigate characteristic and development mechanism of freezing strength of frozen coal–rock interface, a series of direct shear tests were conducted on frozen coal–rock interface under various testing temperatures, moisture contents in coal and normal stresses. The test results showed that the strength of the frozen coal–rock interface was affected by the moisture content in coal. The larger the moisture content was, the greater strength of the interface was. When the testing temperature was −10°C, the freezing strength increased from 75.46 to 267.42 kPa with the moisture content increasing from 3% to 9%. The ice cementing strength at the interface also increased with testing temperature decreasing. It increased from 6.44 to 73.34 kPa with the testing temperature decreasing from −2°C to −10°C when the moisture content was 5% and the normal stress was 200 kPa. With the increase of normal stress, the residual strength of the frozen coal–rock interface increased. When the moisture content in coal was 9% and the testing temperature was −10°C, the residual strength of the interface increased from 40.68 to 132.28 kPa with the normal stress increasing from 100 to 400 kPa. The testing temperature had no obvious influence on the friction coefficient and the cohesion of residual strength. When the moisture content in coal was 5%, the cohesion of residual strength increased from 23.39 to 98.7 kPa and the friction coefficient of residual strength fluctuated between 0.49 and 0.63 with the testing temperature decreasing from −2°C to −10°C. The relationship between the shear strength and the normal stress followed the Mohr–Coulomb law.
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Issac Thomas Gregor , Ramesh Abhishek , Reddy Shiv Shanker , Sivakumar Palanimuthu T. , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2021

Background:

The sociocultural changes associated with globalization and development have weakened the traditional values and family support systems for senior citizens (age 60 years and above). There is an increase in the prevalence of elder abuse and difficulties in getting appropriate care and support. This has mandated legal measures to protect the rights of the senior citizens and provide them care and support by the family and other stakeholders. Consequent to being the signatory for the “Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002,” several countries, including India, have introduced legislation for the social protection of senior citizens. “The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens(MWP) Act, 2007” is an important legislation in India to safeguard the elderly from exploitation and abuse.

Methods:

This article critically evaluates the implementation of the MWP Act, 2007, and the related challenges in protecting senior citizens from abuse. The article will also highlight the proposed amendments in the Act to strengthen the effective implementation of legal protection for senior citizens and ensure their well-being and dignity.

Conclusions:

The MWP act is an important legal measure to ensure mainatinence and welfare of senior citizens and protect them from abuse and neglect. There is an immediate need to incorporate the necessary amendments so that the act gets more pragmatic value and becomes and important tool for elderly care and protection and reduce vulnerabilities and ensure holistic care with support in various bio-psycho-social domains.
Interscholastic inclusion: Local and National News Framing of High School Transgender Athletes
Authors: Buzzelli Nicholas R. , Towery Nathan A.
Published: October 2021

Debates of who is and is not permitted to participate in sport have been magnified in regard to those whose gender identity deviates from traditional heteronormative standards. Former high school transgender athletes Mack Beggs and Andraya Yearwood, in states with different stances toward trans participation, were thrust into media spotlights. A content analysis examined local and national newspaper reporting about the individuals and their states’ policies. Newspapers did not uphold perceived hegemonic ideals associated with sport by negatively depicting each marginalized athlete. Journalists applauded both for driving conversations toward equal opportunity in high school athletics.
Workplace Bullying and Intensification of Labour Controls in the Clothing Supply Chain: Post-Rana Plaza Disaster
Authors: Ahmed Md Shoaib , Uddin Shahzad
Published: October 2021

This article examines workplace bullying and the intensification of labour controls in the clothing supply chain. It appears that extreme forms of bullying are deployed to intensify labour controls, including locking workers in, frequent wage cuts, setting moveable targets and carrying out intense observations. The context of this study is surplus value-starved clothing factories in Bangladesh. Global supply chains’ production regimes and the absence of state protections and trade unions enable factory managers to systematically deploy bullying tactics to achieve production targets. Drawing on Burawoy’s works, this article advances the debate of how workplace bullying is impacted by wider structural conditions with managerial strategies of coercion in factories. It is argued here that when the state intervenes in the factory only to protect and preserve capitalists’ interests, explicitly and implicitly, coercive strategies of control turn into extreme bullying on the shopfloor.
Fabrication and characterization of Al6063/SiC composites using electromagnetic stir casting process
Authors: Shamim Farhan A , Dvivedi Akshay , Kumar Pradeep
Published: October 2021

In this work, metal matrix composites were fabricated using the electromagnetic stir casting process by adding 5 and 10 wt% silicon carbide in Al6063 alloy. Hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength of the developed Al6063/SiC/5p metal matrix composites have been improved by 17%, 18%, and 37%, respectively, in comparison with Al6063 alloy. Further, an improvement of 25%, 37%, and 71% in hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength, respectively, have been noted for Al6063/SiC/10p metal matrix composite in comparison with the Al6063 alloy. Results revealed that the hardness and strength of metal matrix composites were increased with silicon carbide addition in Al6063 alloy. The presence of different elements in metal matrix composites was identified by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used for elemental mapping observation of the metal matrix composites. Uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in the matrix with improved mechanical properties of metal matrix composites proved the adequacy of the electromagnetic stir casting process. The presence of facets and dimples in fractographs indicated the mixed mode of fracture. The average percentage porosity presented in Al6063/silicon carbide/5p and Al6063/SiC/10p metal matrix composites was found to be 4.68% and 5.22%, respectively.
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy With Weekly Low-Dose Cisplatin for Japanese Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shinohara Shogo , Takebayashi Shinji , Hamaguchi Kiyomi , Michida Tetsuhiko , Tobe Yota , Ikenaga Tadashi , Yasumoto Mami , Hamamoto Ayami , Imagumbai Toshiyuki , Mitsuyoshi Takamasa , Ashida Ryo , Iwai Takahiro , Okabayashi Shun
Published: October 2021

Background:

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with tri-weekly high-dose cisplatin (HDC) is considered the standard regimen. However, due to significant toxicity, various weekly low-dose schedules have been increasingly used. We investigated the tolerability and survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who underwent CCRT with low-dose weekly cisplatin (LDC) for Japanese population.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted among patients with HNSCC who were treated with CCRT/LDC in our institute. Ninety-five patients who met the criteria were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the cycle and cumulative cisplatin dose, completion rate of radiotherapy, adverse events, and survival outcome.

Results:

The mean cycles and cumulative cisplatin dose were 4.7 cycles and 187 mg/m2. All patients completed planned dose of radiation without prolonged breaks. Leucopoenia was the most frequent dose-limiting factor and 44% patients developed grade 3 or 4 toxicity. The 2-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 93% and 74%, respectively. The significant differences of survival outcomes between the patients with total cisplatin dose (⩾200 mg and <200 mg) or among age distribution (35-55, 56-75, and ⩾76) were not observed.

Conclusions:

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy/LDC can be safely administered with acceptable toxicity and survival outcome even if the patients with higher age, lower eGFR, and so on.
Tribological study of multi-scale textured parallel sliding contacts by considering a mixed lubrication regime and mass conservation condition
Authors: Annadi Ramana Reddy , Syed Ismail
Published: October 2021

Surface texturing is a viable technique to enhance the tribological performance of sliding interacting contacts. Single-scaled surface textures exhibit better tribological performance only at hydrodynamic lubrication regime (fluid film pressure) but not in mixed lubrication regime where fluid film pressure and asperity contact pressure co-exists. In most of the machinery with the increase in load and/or decrease in speed, there is a shift of lubrication regime from hydrodynamic to mixed lubrication. To address this, the present work proposed a multi-scale (a combination of shallow and deep) textures concept. A numerical model is developed to study its effect on the tribological characteristics of parallel sliding contacts by considering mixed lubrication regime and mass-conservative cavitation condition. It has been observed that multi-scaled textures exhibit superior results in comparison with single-scaled textures. Moreover, improved tribological characteristics are observed when shallow surface textures are placed first towards the fluid inlet flow.
Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill patients: A narrative review of past, present, and future steps
Authors: Smit Marije , van Meurs Matijs , Zijlstra Jan G.
Published: October 2021

Background and objective:

Intra-abdominal hypertension is frequently present in critically ill patients and is an independent predictor for mortality. In this narrative review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current insights into intra-abdominal pressure monitoring, intra-abdominal hypertension, and abdominal compartment syndrome. The focus of this review is on the pathophysiology, risk factors and outcome of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome, and on therapeutic strategies, such as non-operative management, surgical decompression, and management of the open abdomen. Finally, future steps are discussed, including propositions of what a future guideline should focus on.

Conclusions:

Pathological intra-abdominal pressure is a continuum ranging from mild intra-abdominal pressure elevation without clinically significant adverse effects to substantial increase in intra-abdominal pressure with serious consequences to all organ systems. Intra-abdominal pressure monitoring should be performed in all patients at risk of intra-abdominal hypertension. Although continuous intra-abdominal pressure monitoring is feasible, this is currently not standard practice. There are a number of effective non-operative medical interventions that may be performed early in the patient’s course to reduce intra-abdominal pressure and decrease the need for surgical decompression. Abdominal decompression can be life-saving when abdominal compartment syndrome is refractory to non-operative treatment and should be performed expeditiously. The objectives of open abdomen management are to prevent fistula and to achieve delayed fascial closure at the earliest possible time. There is still a lot to learn and change. The 2013 World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome guidelines should be updated and multicentre studies should evaluate the effect of intra-abdominal hypertension treatment on patient outcome.
A personalized dementia care intervention for family carers from minority ethnic groups in Denmark: A pilot study
Authors: Nielsen T. Rune , Nielsen Dorthe S , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: October 2021

Background

There is a growing number of people with dementia in minority ethnic groups in Denmark. Support for the increasing number of family carers from minority ethnic groups is crucial, as caring for a relative with dementia may negatively affect the carer’s health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a personalized intervention for family carers from minority ethnic groups. The intervention was a modified version of a culturally sensitive case-management program developed in Australia which had been shown to improve carers’ sense of competence in managing dementia and their mental well-being.

Methods

A small pilot trial was used to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the intervention. Feasibility indicators included data on recruitment, retention, adherence, and fidelity. Acceptability and suitability of the intervention was explored in post-intervention interviews with family carers, and baseline and follow-up scores for outcome measures were examined.

Results

Ten (30%) of 33 eligible family carers consented to participate in the study, but three were lost to follow-up and seven (70%) family carers completed the trial. Intervention fidelity, acceptance, and satisfaction were high. Results for outcome measures indicated that the intervention may improve family carers’ sense of competence by helping them cope better with challenges relating to caring and managing dementia and improved their satisfaction with primary care services.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the intervention is feasible and worth exploring for family carers of people with dementia from minority ethnic groups in Denmark.
Key Considerations and Recommended Strategies for Conducting a School-Based Longitudinal RE-AIM Evaluation: Insights From a 28-School Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Marhefka Stephanie L. , Noble Charlotte A. , Walsh-Buhi Eric R. , Turner DeAnne , Mahony Helen , Singleton Ashley , DeBate Rita , Daley Ellen M.
Published: October 2021

RE-AIM is an implementation science framework that provides a structure to promote data collection and analysis in the domains of Reach, Efficacy/ Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. The RE-AIM approach promotes more data collection and reporting than typical evaluations so potential adopters can determine the potential program fit for their setting. RE-AIM has been used to evaluate a variety of programs; however, there are few resources that provide strategies for conducting a RE-AIM evaluation in the school setting. The purpose of this article is to inform future studies by elucidating experiences conducting a large, complex, multisite, longitudinal RE-AIM evaluation in schools in partnership with the state’s Departments of Education and Health, and to share strategies for overcoming obstacles. With the long-term goal of facilitating the translation of school-based intervention research into practice, we provide key considerations and recommend strategies for school-based RE-AIM evaluation success.
If Adorno Met Intersectionality Theory: Reconceiving the Method of Negative Case Analysis
Authors: Lane Jennifer
Published: October 2021

This article endeavors to present a methodological innovation that is described here as Adornian negative case analysis (ANCA). The method of negative case analysis is theoretically expanded upon using Adornian and Intersectional lenses and in doing so, it provides a means by which equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) can be substantiated in research design. ANCA is inclusive of underrepresented perspectives so that points of comparison can be created with the intent of challenging assumptions that have historically negated the experiences of diverse and equity-seeking groups. Understanding that negative case data require saturation, identities can be appreciated as irreducibly complex, but subsequently explored in relation to the universalizing social categories that work to sustain imbalanced power relations. To demonstrate how ANCA can be practically applied, the author will describe how it was used in her doctoral research study. Beginning with recruitment and following through to data analysis, this article provides a summary of how the substantiation of EDI in the design of a Constructivist Grounded Theory study transpired through ANCA.
Two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after total elbow arthroplasty
Authors: Martinez-Catalan Natalia , Nguyen Ngoc Tram V , Morrey Mark E , O’Driscoll Shawn W , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquín
Published: October 2021

Background

Persistent infection rate after 2-stage reimplantation complicating elbow arthroplasty has been reported to be as high as 25%. The purposes of this retrospective study were to determine the infection eradication rates, complications and outcomes in a cohort of patients treated with two-stage reimplantation for deep periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and to determine possible associated risk factors for treatment failure.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2017, 52 elbows underwent a two-stage reimplantation for PJI after TEA. There were 22 males and 30 females with a mean age of 61 (range, 25–82) years. The most common bacterium was Staphylococcus epidermidis (28 elbows). Mayo Elbow Performance Scores were calculated at the latest follow-up. Mean follow-up time was 6 years (range, 2–14 years).

Results

PJI was eradicated in 36 elbows (69%). The remaining 16 elbows were considered treatment failures secondary to recurrent infection. The risk of persistent infection was 3.3 times higher in elbows with retained cement (p 0.04), and 3.5 times higher when the infecting organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (p 0.06).

Conclusion

Two-stage reimplantation for PJI after TEA was successful in eradicating deep infection in 69% of cases. The eradication of PJI after TEA still needs to be improved substantially.
Correlation of dual energy computed tomography electron density measurements with cerebral glioma grade
Authors: Chakrabarti Ritwik , Gupta Vivek , Vyas Sameer , Gupta Kirti , Singh Vikram
Published: October 2021

Objective

To correlate dual energy computed tomography electron density measurements with histopathological cerebral glioma grading to determine whether it can be used as a non-invasive predictor of cerebral glioma grade.

Materials and methods

Fifty patients with suspected cerebral gliomas on imaging scheduled to undergo resection were included. We tested our hypothesis that with increasing glioma grade, increased tumor cellularity should translate into increased electron density and if a statistically significant difference between electron density of low-grade gliomas and high-grade gliomas is seen, we may have a clinical use of dual energy computed tomography as a non-invasive tool to predict cerebral glioma grade. A pre-operative dual energy computed tomography scan of the brain was performed, and electron density measurements calculated from the solid part of the tumor. Obtaining a ratio with electron density of contralateral normal brain parenchyma normalized these values. The minimum, maximum and mean electron density and their normalized values recorded between high-grade gliomas and low-grade gliomas were compared for presence of statistical significance.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between all six parameters recorded (minimum electron density and normalized values, mean electron density and normalized values, maximum electron density and normalized values) between low-grade gliomas and high-grade gliomas. The predictivity ranged from 75% (for minimum electron density and maximum normalized values) to 81.25% (for mean normalized values). All six parameters were found to have statistically significant positive correlation with Ki-67 index.

Conclusion

Dual energy computed tomography electron density measurements in cerebral gliomas are predictive of pre-operative differentiation of low-grade gliomas from high-grade gliomas and show a linear, statistically significant positive correlation with Ki-67 index.
Neurophysiological Characteristics of Allgrove (Triple A) Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Weiman Daniel I. , Gillespie Meredith K. , Hartley Taila , Osmond Matthew , Ito Yoko ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Boycott Kym M. , Kernohan Kristin D. , Lines Matthew , McMillan Hugh J.
Published: October 2021

Allgrove or “Triple A” syndrome is characterized by alacrima, achalasia, and adrenocorticotropic hormone-resistant adrenal insufficiency, as well as central and peripheral nervous system involvement. Patients demonstrate heterogeneity with regard to their age of symptom onset, disease severity, and nature of clinical symptoms. Neurophysiological testing has also shown variability ranging from: motor neuron disease with prominent bulbar involvement, motor-predominant neuropathy, or sensorimotor polyneuropathy with axonal or mixed axonal and demyelinating features. We report an 11-year-old boy who presented with neurological symptoms of progressive spasticity and peripheral neuropathy. His neurophysiological testing confirmed a sensorimotor polyneuropathy with axonal and demyelinating features. Exome sequencing identified compound heterozygote variants in the AAAS gene. We summarize the neurophysiological findings in him and 29 other patients with Allgrove syndrome where nerve conduction study findings were available thereby providing a review of the heterogeneity in neurophysiological findings that have been reported in this rare disorder.
Current Status of Cardiac Transplantation in the 21st Century
Authors: Arora Sonali , Attawar Sandeep
Published: October 2021

Advanced heart failure is an entity where irreversible structural heart disease is associated with persistent, refractory symptoms and quantitative decrease in cardiopulmonary capacity. Despite advanced and comprehensive medical therapy, patients are at high risk of death due to cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Heart transplantation was developed as a surgical intervention to replace the failing recipient heart with a healthy heart from a recently deceased donor. In this article, we discuss the current state of cardiac transplantation, more than 5 decades after the first human cardiac transplantation was performed. Apart from an historical overview of the development of surgical techniques, we focus on appropriate patient selection, pretransplant evaluation, and recognition and treatment of post-transplant complications.
Substitution Mapping of Two Closely Linked QTLs on Chromosome 8 Controlling Grain Chalkiness in Rice
Authors: Yang Weifeng , Xiong Liang , Liang Jiayan , Hao Qingwen , Luan Xin , Tan Quanya , Lin Shiwan , Zhu Haitao , Liu Guifu , Liu Zupei , Bu Suhong , Wang Shaokui , Zhang Guiquan
Published: October 2021

Rice varieties are required to have high yield and good grain quality. Grain chalkiness and grain shape are two important traits of rice grain quality. Low chalkiness slender grains are preferred by most rice consumers. Here, we dissected two closely linked quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain chalkiness and grain shape on rice chromosome 8 by substitution mapping. Two closely linked QTLs controlling grain chalkiness and grain shape were identified using single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs). The two QTLs were then dissected on rice chromosome 8 by secondary substitution mapping. qPGC8.1 was located in an interval of 1382.6 kb and qPGC8.2 was mapped in a 2057.1 kb region. The maximum distance of the two QTLs was 4.37 Mb and the space distance of two QTL intervals was 0.72 Mb. qPGC8.1 controlled grain chalkiness and grain width. qPGC8.2 was responsible for grain chalkiness, grain length and width. The additive effects of qPGC8.1 and qPGC8.2 on grain chalkiness were not affected by higher temperature. Two closely linked QTLs qPGC8.1 and qPGC8.2 were dissected on rice chromosome 8. They controlled the phenotypes of grain chalkiness and grain shape. The two QTLs were insensitive to higher temperature.
LPI-deepGBDT: a multiple-layer deep framework based on gradient boosting decision trees for lncRNA–protein interaction identification
Authors: Zhou Liqian , Wang Zhao , Tian Xiongfei , Peng Lihong
Published: October 2021

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological and pathological processes. Discovery of lncRNA–protein interactions (LPIs) contributes to understand the biological functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs. Although wet experiments find a few interactions between lncRNAs and proteins, experimental techniques are costly and time-consuming. Therefore, computational methods are increasingly exploited to uncover the possible associations. However, existing computational methods have several limitations. First, majority of them were measured based on one simple dataset, which may result in the prediction bias. Second, few of them are applied to identify relevant data for new lncRNAs (or proteins). Finally, they failed to utilize diverse biological information of lncRNAs and proteins.

Results

Under the feed-forward deep architecture based on gradient boosting decision trees (LPI-deepGBDT), this work focuses on classify unobserved LPIs. First, three human LPI datasets and two plant LPI datasets are arranged. Second, the biological features of lncRNAs and proteins are extracted by Pyfeat and BioProt, respectively. Thirdly, the features are dimensionally reduced and concatenated as a vector to represent an lncRNA–protein pair. Finally, a deep architecture composed of forward mappings and inverse mappings is developed to predict underlying linkages between lncRNAs and proteins. LPI-deepGBDT is compared with five classical LPI prediction models (LPI-BLS, LPI-CatBoost, PLIPCOM, LPI-SKF, and LPI-HNM) under three cross validations on lncRNAs, proteins, lncRNA–protein pairs, respectively. It obtains the best average AUC and AUPR values under the majority of situations, significantly outperforming other five LPI identification methods. That is, AUCs computed by LPI-deepGBDT are 0.8321, 0.6815, and 0.9073, respectively and AUPRs are 0.8095, 0.6771, and 0.8849, respectively. The results demonstrate the powerful classification ability of LPI-deepGBDT. Case study analyses show that there may be interactions between GAS5 and Q15717, RAB30-AS1 and O00425, and LINC-01572 and P35637.

Conclusions

Integrating ensemble learning and hierarchical distributed representations and building a multiple-layered deep architecture, this work improves LPI prediction performance as well as effectively probes interaction data for new lncRNAs/proteins.
The mitochondrial genome of Faughnia haani (Stomatopoda): novel organization of the control region and phylogenetic position of the superfamily Parasquilloidea
Authors: Hwang Hee-seung , Jung Jongwoo , Baeza Juan Antonio
Published: October 2021

Background

Stomatopod crustaceans are aggressive marine predators featuring complex compound eyes and powerful raptorial appendages used for “smashing” or “spearing” prey and/or competitors. Among them, parasquilloids (superfamily Parasquilloidea) possess eyes with 2-3 midband rows of hexagonal ommatidia and spearing appendages. Here, we assembled and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the parasquilloid Faughnia haani and explored family- and superfamily-level phylogenetic relationships within the Stomatopoda based on mitochondrial protein coding genes (PCGs).

Results

The mitochondrial genome of F. haani is 16,089 bp in length and encodes 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region that is relatively well organized, containing 2 GA-blocks, 4 poly-T stretches, various [TA(A)]n-blocks, and 2 hairpin structures. This organized control region is likely a synapomorphic characteristic in the Stomatopoda. Comparison of the control region among superfamilies shows that parasquilloid species are more similar to gonodactyloids than to squilloids and lysiosquilloids given the presence of various  poly-T stretches between the hairpin structures and [TA(A)]n-blocks. Synteny is identical to that reported for other stomatopods and corresponds to the Pancrustacea ground pattern. A maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree based on PCGs revealed that Parasquilloidea is sister to Lysiosquilloidea and Gonodactyloidea and not to Squilloidea, contradicting previous phylogenetic studies.

Conclusions

The novel phylogenetic position of Parasquilloidea revealed by our study indicates that ‘spearing’ raptorial appendages are plesiomorphic and that the ‘smashing’ type is either derived (as reported in previous studies) or apomorphic. Our results raise the possibility that the spearing raptorial claw may have independently evolved twice. The superfamily Parasquilloidea exhibits a closer relationship with other stomatopod superfamilies with a different raptorial claw type and with dissimilar numbers of midband rows of hexagonal ommatidia. Additional studies focusing on the assembly of mitochondrial genomes from species belonging to different genera, families, and superfamilies within the order Stomatopoda are warranted to reach a robust conclusion regarding the evolutionary history of this iconic clade based on mitochondrial PCGs.
The effect of ArcA on the growth, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence of Plesiomonas shigelloides
Authors: Yan Junxiang , Li Yuehua , Guo Xueqian , Wang Xiaochen , Liu Fenxia , Li Ang , Cao Boyang
Published: October 2021

Background

The anoxic redox control binary system plays an important role in the response to oxygen as a signal in the environment. In particular, phosphorylated ArcA, as a global transcription factor, binds to the promoter regions of its target genes to regulate the expression of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism genes. However, the function of ArcA in Plesiomonas shigelloides is unknown.

Results

In the present study, P. shigelloides was used as the research object. The differences in growth, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence between the WT strain and the ΔarcA isogenic deletion mutant strain were compared. The data showed that the absence of arcA not only caused growth retardation of P. shigelloides in the log phase, but also greatly reduced the glucose utilization in M9 medium before the stationary phase. The motility of the ΔarcA mutant strain was either greatly reduced when grown in swim agar, or basically lost when grown in swarm agar. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay results showed that ArcA bound to the promoter regions of the flaK, rpoN, and cheV genes, indicating that ArcA directly regulates the expression of these three motility-related genes in P. shigelloides. Meanwhile, the ability of the ΔarcA strain to infect Caco-2 cells was reduced by 40%; on the contrary, its biofilm formation was enhanced. Furthermore, the complementation of the WT arcA gene from pBAD33-arcA+ was constructed and all of the above features of the pBAD33-arcA+ complemented strain were restored to the WT level.

Conclusions

We showed the effect of ArcA on the growth, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence of Plesiomonas shigelloides, and demonstrated that ArcA functions as a positive regulator controls the motility of P. shigelloides by directly regulating the expression of flaK, rpoN and cheV genes.
Gut microbiota changes in preeclampsia, abnormal placental growth and healthy pregnant women
Authors: Huang Lihui , Cai Min , Li Li , Zhang Xin , Xu Yang , Xiao Jianhua , Huang Qian , Luo Guijuan , Zeng Zhaoyang , Jin Cuiyuan , Jin Yuanxiang , He Jun , Yang Weitao
Published: October 2021

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a condition of high blood pressure that is usually concurrent with proteinuria in pregnancy. PE complicates the management of both maternal and fetal health and contributes to most adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the mechanism underlying the development of PE remains unclear. In this study, we performed a case-control study to compare the gut microbiota of PE (n = 26), abnormal placental growth (APG, n = 25) and healthy pregnant women (n = 28) and analyzed the potential pathogenic role of gut microbiota in PE progression.

Results

The clinical pathophysiological state did not affect the bacterial diversity, while the compositions of the gut microbiota were significantly altered in both the PE and APG groups compared with healthy pregnant women. At the phylum level, TM7 was significantly increased in women with APG. Heterogeneity was observed at the genus level, especially in genera with positive LDA scores, suggesting the stage-dependent effect of gut microbiota on the development of PE. The beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus was markedly depleted in the PE and APG groups but was only correlated with blood pressure (BP) and proteinuria levels in the PE group. Two different bacterial taxa belonged to Lactobacillus showed different correlations (OTU255 and OTU784 were significantly related to PE and APG, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that shifts in the gut microbiota might occur from the early stages of the development of PE, which is of possible etiological and therapeutic importance.