bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Outcomes of arteriovenous fistulae cannulation in the first 6 weeks of use: A retrospective multicenter observational study”
Authors: Hill Kathleen , Xu Qunyan , Jaensch Ashleigh , Esterman Adrian , Le Leu Richard , Childs Jessie , Juneja Rajiv , Jesudason Shilpanjali
Published: September 2020

Background:

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) management for haemodialysis (HD) is one of the most challenging aspects of clinical care. A successful cannulation outcome when an AVF or arteriovenous graft (AVG) is used for the first time can be influenced by many factors, including access maturity, staff skill, and patient factors. This study examined AVF/AVG outcomes at initiation of HD across two major metropolitan public hospitals.

Methods:

Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect data retrospectively for a cohort of all newly commencing ESRD HD starts during 2018 to identify cannulation outcomes in the first 6 weeks.

Results:

Of the 117 patients included, AVG use was low (5%). Twenty-four percent of patients required a surgical intervention to salvage a poorly functioning AVF prior to commencing HD. About 32.5% of the cohort had an uneventful start with all successful cannulations. For the remainder of the cohort the number of treatments with unsuccessful cannulation ranged from 1 to 4 or more. About 36% required a surgical intervention for a poorly functioning AVF after commencing HD. Commencing HD with a CVC is associated with a lower likelihood of subsequent successful cannulation ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Even in experienced centres, a subset of patients experienced complicated cannulation in the first 6 weeks of HD. Several areas of improvement could be considered for these patients; timely referral for access creation, post-operative surveillance to ensure AVF maturation inclusive of duplex ultrasonography, gentle induction using small gauge needles and low blood flows, and consideration of a single needle HD initiation pathway.
Outcomes of Staged Excision With Circumferential en Face Margin Control for Lentigo Maligna of the Head and Neck
Authors: Liu Annie , Botkin Alexis , Murray Christian , Solish Nowell , Kitchen Jessica , Chan An-Wen
Published: September 2020

Background

Treatment practices vary for lentigo maligna (LM). Staged excision with circumferential margin control (SECMC) has the potential to achieve low recurrence rates.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of SECMC using permanent, paraffin-embedded sections and delayed reconstruction.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, uncontrolled, observational cohort study involving patients who underwent staged excision for LM of the head and neck at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, Canada, from September 2010 to March 2013. Recurrence and infection rates were ascertained from patient charts and postal surveys.

Results

One hundred and two patients (45 female, 57 male) were included with a median follow-up time of 1410.5 (IQR 260-1756) days. The median age was 69 (IQR 61-79) years. Approximately one-fifth (21%, 21/102) of patients required greater than 0.5 cm margins to achieve histological clearance. One patient (1/102) upstaged to invasive melanoma based on the initial stage of excision. The infection rate was 6% (6/102) and the 5-year cumulative recurrence rate was 1.4% (95% CI 0.2-9.6%).

Conclusion

SECMC using permanent sections and delayed reconstruction appears to be a safe and effective treatment method for LM on the head and neck. Randomized trials are needed to help define the optimal treatment.
Incorporating project-based language learning into distance learning: Creating a homepage during computer-mediated learning sessions
Authors: Kato Fumie , Spring Ryan , Mori Chikako
Published: September 2020

This quasi-experimental study reports on the outcomes of a video-synchronous learning program in which an element of project-based foreign language learning was integrated. The project chosen was to cooperatively create a homepage. American students learning Japanese in the United States and Japanese students learning English in Japan made pairs and communicated in both their native and target languages via Skype to complete the project. The goals of this educational program were to increase intrinsic motivation in learners and improve their target language oral abilities, and identify challenges and problems with implementation. The program was conducted during the spring semester in 2017 and evaluated both quantitatively (via pre- and posttests) and qualitatively (via surveys and reflection papers). The results show that both groups of students had improved their mean length of utterance in their target language, a strong indicator of increased speaking ability. Furthermore, qualitative analysis showed their motivation levels increased as compared to previous similar programs. Although the majority of the students were interested in creating a homepage, there were some technical problems with the homepage creation software.
Synchronous VCMC with TalkAbroad: Exploring noticing, transcription, and learner perceptions in Spanish foreign-language pedagogy
Authors: Kessler Matt , Loewen Shawn , Trego Daniel
Published: September 2020

This mixed-methods study investigates the use of synchronous video computer-mediated communication (SVCMC) in a U.S. university’s Spanish-as-a-foreign-language curriculum. Using the SVCMC platform TalkAbroad, the university’s Spanish program required second-year students to participate in five, 30-minute, SVCMC conversations with Spanish first language (L1) speakers. Students then reflected on their SVCMC conversations by replaying the recorded audio from those sessions and transcribing passages of their conversations. Using an interactionist perspective, this research explores the utility of: (1) the SVCMC conversations, and (2) the subsequent listening/transcription activity by examining students’ reported noticing of linguistic items (e.g. L1 speaker vocabulary, grammar, etc.). Additionally, we report students’ general perceptions of engaging in SVCMC with TalkAbroad. Students’ noticing and perceptions were investigated using a combination of two questionnaires ( N = 35) that were administered following (1) the SVCMC, and (2) the listening/transcription activity, along with semi-structured interviews ( n = 10). Findings suggest both the SVCMC and listening/transcription activities are effective in promoting the noticing of vocabulary and content, but not grammar. Finally, students generally reported positive perceptions of engaging in SVCMC for the purposes of L2 learning. Related implications for pedagogy and curriculum design are discussed.
Battyboy must die! Dancehall, class and religion in Jamaican homophobia
Authors: Chunnu Winsome Marcia
Published: September 2020

Homophobia is ingrained in Jamaica, and homophobic violence is rampant. This study, developed from 30 interviews with gay Jamaicans, unravels the nation’s complex ideological issues surrounding political and social discrimination. Few empirical researchers have explored homophobia in Jamaica. This study is the first that includes interviews exclusively from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and asexual communities. These interviews, combined with an examination of media reporting and cultural phenomena, reveal the deep interconnections between three predictors of homophobic sentiment: dancehall music, gender and religiosity. Since dancehall culture so thoroughly implicates the other predictive factors, I use it as the primary object of analysis in this essay. Furthermore, since all three predictive factors – religiosity, dancehall music and even masculine identity – are cultural phenomena articulated through social conventions and texts, this essay examines them through a cultural studies lens.
Reading Kindleberger in Beijing: Xi Jinping’s China as a provider of global public goods
Authors: Freeman Carla P.
Published: September 2020

In 2017, scholar Joseph Nye postulated that a rising China that failed to deliver global public goods could result in a ‘Kindleberger Trap’, failing, like the then rising United States about a century ago, to supply global public goods at a time of need. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has made expanding China’s role in global public goods provision a hallmark of his foreign policy. This study assesses Xi-led China’s commitment to supplying global public goods using guideposts from historical examples of countries that made the shift from consumers to suppliers of global public goods. It finds that China seeks to enlarge its role in providing global public goods. However, Beijing is supplying those global public goods that it sees as maximising its interests, while simultaneously reshaping existing or constructing new modalities for their delivery. This behaviour, associated with systemic challengers, weakens confidence in China’s role as a stabiliser in future global crises.
Online electronic healthcare records: Comparing the views of cancer patients and others
Authors: Rexhepi Hanife , Moll Jonas , Huvila Isto
Published: September 2020

This study investigates differences in attitudes towards, and experiences with, online electronic health records between cancer patients and patients with other conditions, highlighting what is characteristic to cancer patients. A national patient survey on online access to electronic health records was conducted, where cancer patients were compared with all other respondents. Overall, 2587 patients completed the survey (response rate 0.61%). A total of 347 respondents (13.4%) indicated that they suffered from cancer. Results showed that cancer patients are less likely than other patients to use online electronic health records due to general interest (p < 0.001), but more likely for getting an overview of their health history (p = 0.001) and to prepare for visits (p < 0.001). Moreover, cancer patients rate benefits of accessing their electronic health records online higher than other patients and see larger positive effects regarding improved communication with and involvement in healthcare.
The Development and Validation of the Islamic Knowledge of Living Organ Donation Knowledge Scale for Measuring Organ Donation Knowledge Among Muslim Communities
Authors: Padela Aasim I. , Duivenbode Rosie , Quinn Michael
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Studies around the world demonstrate that Muslim attitudes toward organ donation are closely tied to religion, but also that Muslim publics suffer from a lack of detailed knowledge about the Islamic perspectives on organ donation. Consequently, organ donation professionals and stakeholders are increasingly addressing knowledge gaps in the Muslim community through educational interventions. Yet, a measurement of Islamic knowledge of organ donation, and thereby the efficacy of such education, is not available.

Research Question:

To present the development and psychometric evaluation of the Islamic Knowledge of Living Organ Donation scale, designed to measure knowledge of the Islamic ethicolegal stances, and their underlying rationale, regarding living organ donation.

Methods:

Items were developed based on a review of Islamic juridical perspectives on organ donation, addressed knowledge gaps pervading Muslim communities, and pilot tested. The scale was statistically validated and psychometrically analyzed with a sample of 158 mosque-going Muslims in the United States.

Results:

The 9-item Islamic Knowledge of Living Organ Donation scale was found to be reliable (Cronbach α: 0.86), unidimensional, independent of religiosity, and predictive of social attitudes toward organ donation.

Discussion:

The survey can be used to validly assess Islamic knowledge of living organ donation among Muslim communities in research, educational, and clinical settings.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Using SystemCHANGE™ Approach to Increase Physical Activity in Older Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: O’Brien Tara , Russell Cynthia L. , Tan Alai , Mion Lorraine , Rose Karen , Focht Brian , Daloul Reem , Hathaway Donna
Published: September 2020

Background:

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in kidney transplant recipients. Physical activity after transplant is the most modifiable nonpharmacological factor for improving cardiovascular outcomes. Few studies have tested walking interventions to enhance daily steps and health outcomes in older kidney recipients.

Methods:

Using a pilot feasibility randomized clinical trial design, we tested the feasibility and efficacy of a 6-month SystemCHANGE™ (Change Habits by Applying New Goals and Experience) + Activity Tracker intervention for recruitment, retention, daily steps, and health outcomes (blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, waist circumference, and physical function). The SystemCHANGE™ + Activity Tracker intervention taught participants to use a multicomponent intervention that connects person-centered systems solutions combined with visual feedback from a mobile activity tracker to achieve daily step goals.

Results:

Fifty-three participants (mean age 65 years, 66% male, and 57% white) participated with 27 in the intervention and 26 in the control group. The study protocol was feasible to deliver with high adherence to the protocol in both groups. The intervention group increased daily steps at 3 months (mean difference, 608; standard error = 283, P = .03) compared to the control group. The secondary outcome of heart rate decreased for the intervention group (baseline [mean] 74.4+ 10.8 [standard deviation, SD;] vs 6 months [mean] 67.6+ 11.3 [SD]; P = .002) compared to the control group (baseline [mean] 70.67+ 10.4 [SD]; vs 6 months [mean] 70.2 + 11.1 [SD]; P = .83).

Conclusions:

SystemCHANGE™ + Activity Tracker intervention appears to be feasible and efficacious for increasing daily steps in older kidney recipients.
MiR-887 Promotes the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Targeting VHL
Authors: Zou Wei , Cheng Jun
Published: September 2020

Background:

MiR-887 has been proved to promote the tumorigenesis in diverse cancers, but its function and downstream mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma remain obscure.

Methods:

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-887 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cell lines. MiR-887 mimics and miR-887 inhibitor were transfected into Huh7 and MHCC97H to establish miR-887 overexpression or inhibition models. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation experiment were conducted to monitor cell proliferation. Subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model and tail vein injection model in mice were also established to further verify the effect of miR-887 on hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo. The targeting relationship between miR-887 and von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results:

miR-887 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was significantly upregulated. Compared with the control cells, the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells were enhanced by miR-887 mimics and suppressed by miR-887 inhibitor. Compared with control mice, the volume and weight of subcutaneous tumors of mice in the miR-887 mimics group were significantly elevated, and the significant increase was found in the occurrence of lung metastasis. Moreover, bioinformatics tools showed that miR-887 and VHL had 2 binding sites. Luciferase activity assay demonstrated that miR-887 can inhibit the luciferase activity of VHL, and miR-887 mimics could reduce the expressions of VHL at both messenger RNA and protein levels to increase hypoxia-inducible factor α expression.

Conclusion:

The upregulation of miR-887 could facilitate the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting VHL.
Preparation and In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Effects of VEGF Targeting Micelles
Authors: Chang Jing , Yang Zhe , Li Junfeng , Jin Yufen , Gao Yihang , Sun Yanwen , Li Hainan , Yu Ting
Published: September 2020

Background:

Doxorubicin (DOX) has antitumor effects mediated by cell viability inhibition and by inducing cellular apoptosis. However, it has limited use in clinical applications due to various factors such as hydrophobicity, dose-dependent toxicity effects on normal tissues, short cycle retention time, and low targeting ability. This study aims at enhancing hydrophilicity of DOX to restrict its toxic effects to within or around the tumor sites and also to improve its targeting ability to enhance antitumor efficiency.

Methods:

Micelles composed of biodegradable poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (lactic acid) copolymers (PEG-PLA) were employed to deliver DOX via a self-assembly method and were coupled to VEGF antibodies. The morphology, size, and physical stability of PEG-PLA-DOX targeting VEGF micelles (VEGF-PEG-PLA-DOX micelles) were assessed. Then, the release ability of DOX from these micelles was monitored, and their drug loading capacity was calculated. MTT assay revealed the in vitro antitumor effect of VEGF-PEG-PLA-DOX micelles. Moreover, ROS release was measured to evaluate apoptotic effects of these nanoparticle micelles. In vivo therapeutic efficiencies of VEGF-PEG-PLA-DOX micelles on a lung cancer nude mouse model was evaluated.

Results:

DOX-loaded micelles were obtained with a drug loading capacity of 12.2% and were monodisperse with 220 nm average diameter and a controlled in vitro DOX release for extended periods. In addition, VEGF-PEG-PLA-DOX micelles displayed a larger cell viability inhibitory effect as measured via MTT assays and greater cell apoptosis induction through in vitro ROS levels compared with PEG-PLA-DOX micelles or free DOX. Furthermore, VEGF-PEG-PLA-DOX micelles could improve in vivo antitumor effects of DOX by reducing tumor volume and weight.

Conclusions:

VEGF-PEG-PLA-DOX micelles displayed a larger anti-tumor effect both in in vitro A549 cells and in an in vivo lung cancer nude mouse model compared with PEG-PLA-DOX micelles or free DOX, and hence they have potential clinical applications in human lung cancer therapy.
Endovascular Stenting in a Rare Case of Multiple Spontaneous Visceral Arterial Dissections
Authors: Moran Jacxelyn , Galla Naveen , Ranade Mona
Published: September 2020

Spontaneous dissection of abdominal aortic branches is rare. Prior reports discuss incidents of isolated renal artery dissections and isolated splanchnic artery dissections; however, these types of dissections almost never occur simultaneously. Based on literature review, only one other case report has described spontaneous dissections of multiple visceral arteries. This brief report presents the successful endovascular treatment of a previously healthy man with spontaneous dissection of the proximal celiac artery and bilateral renal arteries. Due to the patient’s acute presentation and renal injury, stenting of bilateral renal arteries was undertaken with successful medical outcomes on postprocedural follow up.
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Self-Silencing, Trauma, and Mental Health Among Juvenile Legal System-Involved Youth
Authors: Granski Megan , Javdani Shabnam , Sichel Corianna E. , Rentko Morgan
Published: September 2020

The current study investigates the impact of trauma exposure on adolescent girls’ and boys’ self-silencing and the impact of self-silencing on and internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms. Results are informed by data from 206 legal system-involved youth ages 12 to 18 in short-term detention facilities. Hierarchical regression analyses with gender modeled as a moderator revealed that girls with greater trauma exposure were less likely to self-silence, and girls with lower levels of self-silencing were at increased risk for depressive and anxious symptoms. This study has implications for trauma-informed approaches in juvenile legal settings, which may inadvertently reward emotional restriction.
Academic Rhinologists’ Online Rating and Perception, Scholarly Productivity, and Industry Payments
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Lehrich Brandon M. , Abouzari Mehdi , Bazyani Dariush , Abiri Arash , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The emergence of popular online rating websites, social media platforms, and public databases for industry payments and scholarly outputs provide a complete physician online presence which may guide choice and satisfaction.

Methods

Websites of all U.S. otolaryngology academic institutions were queried for fellowship-trained rhinologists. Additional well-known and academically active rhinologists were identified by the senior author. Online ratings and comments were collected from Google, Healthgrades, Vitals, and RateMD websites, and weighted rating scores (RS) were calculated on a 1–5 scale.

Results

A total of 210 rhinologists with 16 ± 9 years of practice were included, where 6901 online ratings (33 ± 47 per rhinologist) provided an average RS of 4.3 ± 0.6. RS was not different according to gender ( p = 0.58), geographic quartile ( p = 0.48), social media presence ( p = 0.41), or attending top-ranked medical school ( p = 0.86) or residency programs ( p = 0.89). Years of practice negatively correlated with RS (R = –0.22, p<0.01), and academic ranking significantly influenced RS, with professors, associate professors, and assistant professors scoring 4.1 ± 0.6, 4.3 ± 0.4, and 4.4 ± 0.6, respectively ( p = 0.03). Of the 3,304 narrative comments analyzed (3.1 ± 11.6 per rhinologist), 76% (positive) and 7% (negative) had elements of clinical knowledge/outcomes, 56% (positive) and 7% (negative) of communication/bedside manner, and 9% (positive) and 7% (negative) of office staff, cost, and wait-time. All negative comment categories had moderate negative correlation with RS, while positive comment categories regarding knowledge/competence and bedside manner weakly correlated with higher RS. Number of publications (48 ± 54) positively correlated with 2018 industry payments ($11,384 ± $19,025) among those receiving industry compensation >$300 (n = 113). Attending a top-ranked medical school was associated with higher industry payments ( p<0.01) and H-index ( p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Academic rhinologists’ online RS was not associated with gender, geographic location, or attending a top-ranked training program, and their scholarly productivity was significantly correlated with total industry payments.
Impact of tacrolimus versus cyclosporine on one-year renal transplant outcomes: A single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ong Pei Wen , Kee Terence , Ho Quan Yao
Published: September 2020

Background:

Calcineurin inhibitors are the cornerstone of maintenance immunosuppression after kidney transplant. While studies on predominantly Caucasian populations recommend tacrolimus over cyclosporine, the effects on Singapore’s local population remain unclear.

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the impact of tacrolimus against cyclosporine on post-transplant outcomes in our local kidney transplant population.

Methods:

A single-centre retrospective chart review was conducted on ABO- and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-compatible kidney transplantations between 1 January 2011 and 15 August 2018. Patients who received basiliximab induction, prednisolone, mycophenolate and either tacrolimus or cyclosporine were included and followed up for at least one year. Recipients of transplantations at other institutions or other immunosuppressive regimens were excluded. Patient and graft outcomes and adverse effects were collected.

Results:

Overall, 120 patients on tacrolimus and 49 on cyclosporine were included. Patients on tacrolimus were older. This group had more deceased donor transplants, a higher proportion with donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) present and more HLA mismatches. There were no differences in patient and graft survival, graft function and acute rejections at one year, despite adjusting for age, transplant type, presence of DSAs and total HLA mismatches. The tacrolimus group had more infectious admissions (odds ratio=0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.098–0.73, p=0.01) after adjusting for age, transplant type, HLA mismatches, presence of DSAs and acute rejections, with increased severity and more opportunistic infections. More patients on cyclosporine required a change to alternative immunosuppressants (p=0.003).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated comparable short-term post-transplant outcomes between cyclosporine and tacrolimus. Tacrolimus appears more tolerable but may be associated with infection risks.
Optimism and social support moderate the indirect relationship between self-efficacy and happiness through mental health in the elderly
Authors: Lara Raquel , Vázquez Mª Luisa , Ogallar Adelaida , Godoy-Izquierdo Débora
Published: September 2020

We examined the role of self-efficacy, social support, optimism, and mental health in the prediction of happiness in the elderly. Moderated mediation analyses confirmed a full mediation in which self-efficacy, through perceived mental health and moderated by social support, predicts happiness moderated, in turn, by optimism. When an elder is self-efficacious, his or her mental well-being seems more likely to be improved and translated into enhanced happiness when social support and optimism are moderate to high. We provide preliminary results on the interplay of these psychosocial resources in improving subjective well-being that may help in designing tailored interventions for promoting happiness in late adulthood.
Suicidal behaviors and depression “among adolescents in Hanoi, Vietnam: A multilevel analysis of data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2019
Authors: Nguyen Thi Khanh Huyen , Nguyen Thanh Luong , Pham Quoc Thanh , Pham Viet Cuong , Duong Minh Duc , Le Thi Kim Anh
Published: September 2020

This study described the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and depression among adolescents in Hanoi, Vietnam, and examines the associated factors. In 2019, a school-based survey was conducted in three high schools in Hanoi and 661 high students were included into the study. We found that the prevalence of 12-month suicidal thoughts, suicide plans, and suicide attempts were 14.2%, 5.5%, and 3.0% respectively. Notably, the depression score mean was 16.1±4.9, among major predictors of suicidal ideation. Therefore, developing psychological care services in school is imperative to the early detection of mental disorders and the prevention of suicidal behaviors for the students.
Mobilization and calibration of the HTC VIVE for virtual reality physical therapy
Authors: Hemphill Sydney , Nguyen Alan , Rodriguez Samuel T , Menendez Maria , Wang Ellen , Lawrence Kiley , Caruso Thomas J
Published: September 2020

Aims

The HTC VIVE virtual reality (VR) system is a potential tool for collecting kinematic data during inpatient and outpatient physical therapy (PT). When validated against research-grade systems, the VIVE has a reported translational error between 1.7 mm–2.0 cm. Our purpose was to portabilize the VIVE for room to room PT and validate the motion tracking software.

Methods

The VIVE was configured on a mobile cart. To validate the motion tracking software, the VIVE sensors (motion tracker, controller, headset) were mounted on a rigid linear track and driven through 10, one-meter translations in the X, Y, and Z axes.

Results

The mean translational error for all three sensors was below 4.9 cm. While error is greater than that reported for research-grade systems, motion tracking software on the portable VIVE unit appears to be a valid means of tracking aggregate movement.

Conclusion

Some therapy may require more precise measurements, however, the advantages of portability and accessibility to patients may outweigh the limitation of reduced precision.
Dimensions of Sense of Membership in a Sport Fan Community: Factors, Outcomes, and Social Capital Implications
Authors: Mastromartino Brandon , Wang Jerred J. , Suggs D. Welch , Hollenbeck Candice R. , Zhang James J.
Published: September 2020

Through developing the Sport Fan Sense of Community (SFSC) scale, this study examined the factors that would constitute a sense of membership in a sport fan community, the impact of these factors on behavioral and psychological outcomes of membership, and their influence on the creation and maintenance of social capital through membership in the sport fan community. Sport fans ( N = 525) were surveyed and data were analyzed through a two-step confirmatory factor analysis and subsequent structural equation model analyses. A total of 17 items under five key factors were resulted for the SFSC scale, including Collective Unity, Positivity, Inclusivity, Social Opportunities, and Knowledgeable Members. These factors significantly ( p < .05) contributed to the psychological outcomes related to cognitive and affective benefits, as well as behavioral outcomes of increased game attendance, merchandise sales, and positive word of mouth. An individual’s sense of membership in the fan community also contributed to his/her bridging and bonding of social capital. This study built on previous conceptualizations of sport fan communities and developed the SFSC scale to delineate, specify, and measure one’s sense of membership in a fan community. The findings help further the theoretical understanding of sport fan communities and also provide evidence for sport organizations to identify operational areas in which they can communicate with consumers in order to create, channel, and sustain stronger communities.
Taegeuk Warriors with Blue Eyes: A Media Discourse Analysis of the South Korean Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team and Its Naturalized Athletes
Authors: Shin NaRi , Park DooJae , Peachey Jon Welty
Published: September 2020

This study examines media discourses of the naturalized athletes of the South Korean men’s national ice hockey team. Building on the conceptual frameworks of imagined community, ethnic nationalism, and previous studies on athlete migration and naturalization, we further an understanding of the process of deconstruction and reconstruction of South Korean ethnic and national identity. We use Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis to explore how South Korean media legitimized the naturalization of foreign athletes without Korean ancestry and suggest three themes found from the discourses. First, the discourses highlighted the significance of the South Korean team’s Olympic success, which provided a legitimate reason for the recruitment of foreign athletes. Second, the naturalized athletes were described as “saviors” who possessed superior careers, physicality, and playing skills. Lastly, the media complimented the naturalized athletes’ acculturation to Korean culture by emphasizing their commitment to the nation. We argue that by forming and distributing discourses that favored the naturalization of athletes, Koreans have expanded the boundary of Koreanness. We discuss, then, the expansion of Koreanness in relation to the notion of flexible citizenship in the era of neoliberal globalization.
Paroxysmal Orthostatic Ventricular Tachycardia in a Patient With Supine Hypertension and Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Kanjwal Khalil , Jamal Shakeel M. , McComb David W. , Mughal Majid , Kichloo Asim
Published: September 2020

Supine orthostatic hypertension with orthostatic hypotension is an autonomic dysfunction where the patients present with hypertension when supine and with decrease in blood pressure while bearing an upright posture. We report on a 74-year-old male who was admitted with dizziness and was found to have profound orthostatic hypotension with supine hypertension. The patient also developed orthostatic paroxysmal premature ventricular beats as well as nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. In this report, we attempt to present the possible mechanism of orthostatic ventricular tachycardia in our patient and the overview of the treatment strategies used in management of patients with supine hypertension and orthostatic hypotension.
Seipin-Mediated Contacts as Gatekeepers of Lipid Flux at the Endoplasmic Reticulum–Lipid Droplet Nexus
Authors: Salo Veijo T. , Hölttä-Vuori Maarit , Ikonen Elina
Published: September 2020

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic cellular hubs of lipid metabolism. While LDs contact a plethora of organelles, they have the most intimate relationship with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Indeed, LDs are initially assembled at specialized ER subdomains, and recent work has unraveled an increasing array of proteins regulating ER-LD contacts. Among these, seipin, a highly conserved lipodystrophy protein critical for LD growth and adipogenesis, deserves special attention. Here, we review recent insights into the role of seipin in LD biogenesis and as a regulator of ER-LD contacts. These studies have also highlighted the evolving concept of ER and LDs as a functional continuum for lipid partitioning and pinpointed a role for seipin at the ER-LD nexus in controlling lipid flux between these compartments.
Paternal DNA Methylation May Be Associated With Gestational Age at Birth
Authors: Luo Rui , Mukherjee Nandini , Chen Su , Jiang Yu , Arshad S Hasan , Holloway John W , Hedman Anna , Gruzieva Olena , Andolf Ellika , Pershagen Goran , Almqvist Catarina , Karmaus Wilfried JJ
Published: September 2020

Background:

How epigenetic modifications of DNA are associated with gestational age at birth is not fully understood. We investigated potential effects of differential paternal DNA methylation (DNAm) on offspring gestational age at birth by conducting an epigenome-wide search for cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites.

Methods:

Study participants in this study consist of male cohort members or partners of the F1-generation of the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (IoWBC). DNAm levels in peripheral blood from F1-fathers (n = 92) collected around pregnancy of their spouses were analyzed using the Illumina 450K array. A 5-step statistical analysis was performed. First, a training-testing screening approach was applied to select CpG sites that are potentially associated with gestational age at birth. Second, functional enrichment analysis was employed to identify biological processes. Third, by centralizing on biologically informative genes, Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the hazard ratios of individual paternal CpGs on gestational age adjusting for confounders. Fourth, to assess the validity of our results, we compared our CpG-gestational age correlations within a Born into Life Study in Sweden (n = 15). Finally, we investigated the correlation between the detected CpGs and differential gene expression in F2 cord blood in the IoWBC.

Results:

Analysis of DNAm of fathers collected around their partner’s pregnancy identified 216 CpG sites significantly associated with gestational age at birth. Functional enrichment pathways analyses of the annotated genes revealed 2 biological pathways significantly related to cell-cell membrane adhesion molecules. Differential methylation of 9 cell membrane adhesion pathway-related CpGs were significantly associated with gestational age at birth after adjustment for confounders. The replication sample showed correlation coefficients of 2 pathway-related CpGs with gestational age at birth within 95% confidence intervals of correlation coefficients in IoWBC. Finally, CpG sites of protocadherin ( PCDH) gene clusters were associated with gene expression of PCDH in F2 cord blood.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that differential paternal DNAm may affect gestational age at birth through cell-cell membrane adhesion molecules. The results are novel but require future replication in a larger cohort.
A novel algorithm comprehensively characterizes human RH genes using whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Chang Ti-Cheng , Haupfear Kelly M. , Yu Jing , Rampersaud Evadnie , Sheehan Vivien A. , Flanagan Jonathan M. , Hankins Jane S. , Weiss Mitchell J. , Wu Gang , Vege Sunitha , Westhoff Connie M. , Chou Stella T. , Zheng Yan
Published: September 2020

RHD and RHCE genes encode Rh blood group antigens and exhibit extensive single-nucleotide polymorphisms and chromosome structural changes in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). RH variation can drive loss of antigen epitopes or expression of new epitopes, predisposing patients with SCD to Rh alloimmunization. Serologic antigen typing is limited to common Rh antigens, necessitating a genetic approach to detect variant antigen expression. We developed a novel algorithm termed RHtyper for RH genotyping from existing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. RHtyper determined RH genotypes in an average of 3.4 and 3.3 minutes per sample for RHD and RHCE, respectively. In a validation cohort consisting of 57 patients with SCD, RHtyper achieved 100% accuracy for RHD and 98.2% accuracy for RHCE, when compared with genotypes obtained by RH BeadChip and targeted molecular assays and after verification by Sanger sequencing and independent next-generation sequencing assays. RHtyper was next applied to WGS data from an additional 827 patients with SCD. In the total cohort of 884 patients, RHtyper identified 38 RHD and 28 RHCE distinct alleles, including a novel RHD DAU allele, RHD* 602G, 733C, 744T 1136T. RHtyper provides comprehensive and high-throughput RH genotyping from WGS data, facilitating deconvolution of the extensive RH genetic variation among patients with SCD. We have implemented RHtyper as a cloud-based public access application in DNAnexus (https://platform.dnanexus.com/app/RHtyper), enabling clinicians and researchers to perform RH genotyping with next-generation sequencing data.
Stable HLA antibodies following sustained CD19+ cell depletion implicate a long-lived plasma cell source
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Schuster Stephen J. , Lacey Simon F. , Milone Michael C. , Monos Dimitri , Bhoj Vijay G.
Published: September 2020

Key Points

HLA-specific alloantibodies can be maintained despite profound CD19+ cell aplasia, likely due to production by CD19− plasma cells.
Hot Extrusion Processing of Al–Li Alloy Profiles and Related Issues: A Review
Authors: Wang Yongxiao , Zhao Guoqun
Published: September 2020

Al–Li alloy is a new structural material with the advantages of lightweight and high strength. The extrusion profiles of Al–Li alloy are widely used in aerospace and other fields, which can significantly reduce the weight of the aerospace equipment and improve their carrying capacity and service performance. Particular service conditions of structural components in aeronautical and space areas put forward strict requirements on microstructure, mechanical properties, and dimensional precision of Al–Li alloy profiles. Therefore, it places higher requirements on the shape forming and microstructure controlling of the Al–Li alloy profiles. The manufacturing process of the profiles involves billet homogenization, hot extrusion, solution and quenching treatments, artificial aging, and others. The parameters of each process as well as the die structure have important effects on the final performance of the profiles. This article summarizes the main applications and key mechanical properties of Al–Li alloy extrusion profiles. The technologies related to the manufacturing process of the extrusion profiles are summarized and analyzed. The related studies about the evolutions of the microstructure and mechanical properties during homogenization and extrusion processes are reviewed. The developments of the solid solution and quenching treatments as well as the aging strengthening technology for extruded Al–Li alloy profiles are also introduced. The scientific problems and key technologies that need to be solved in the manufacturing of Al–Li alloy extrusion profiles are presented, and the prospect for future development trends in these fields is given.
Effects of graphene oxide on PCR amplification for microbial community survey
Authors: Li Shuzhen , Wang Zhujun , Wang Yuanyuan , Song Maoyong , Lu Guangxin , Dang Ning , Yin Huaqun , Qu Yuanyuan , Deng Ye
Published: September 2020

Background

Graphene oxide (GO) has been suggested as an efficient assistant additive to eliminate non-specific amplification of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although many studies have focused on exploring its molecular mechanism, the practice of GO on the quantitation of microbial community has not been implemented yet. In this study, GO was added in PCR system to explore the changes on removing typical amplification errors, such as chimera and mismatches on two kinds of mock communities (an evenly mixed and a staggered mock communities) and environmental samples.

Results

High-throughput sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities, based on 16S rRNA genes and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) respectively, showed that GO could significantly increase large segmental error (chimeric sequence) in PCR procedure while had no specific effect on point error (mismatched sequence). Besides, GO reduced the α-diversity of community, and changed the composition of fungal community more obviously than bacterial community.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first quantitative data on microbial community level to prove the negative effect of GO, and also indicates that there may be a more complex interaction between GO and comprehensive DNA fragments in PCR process.
The effects of different lookback periods on the sociodemographic structure of the study population and on the estimation of incidence rates: analyses with German claims data
Authors: Epping Jelena , Geyer Siegfried , Tetzlaff Juliane
Published: September 2020

Background

Defining incident cases has always been a challenging issue for researchers working with routine data. Lookback periods should enable researchers to identify and exclude recurrent cases and increase the accuracy of the incidence estimation. There are different recommendations for lookback periods depending on a disease entity of up to 10 years. Well-known drawbacks of the application of lookback periods are shorter remaining observation period in the dataset or smaller number of cases. The problem of selectivity of the remaining population after introducing lookback periods has not been considered in the literature until now.

Methods

The analyses were performed with pseudonymized claims data of a German statutory health insurance fund with annual case numbers of about 2,1 million insured persons. Proportions of study population excluded due to the application of lookback periods are shown according to age, occupational qualification and income. Myocardial infarction and stroke were used to demonstrate changes in incidence rates after applying lookback periods of up to 5 years.

Results

Younger individuals show substantial dropouts after the application of lookback periods. Furthermore, there are selectivities regarding occupational qualification and income, which cannot be handled by age standardization. Due to selective dropouts of younger individuals, crude incidence rates of myocardial infarction and stroke increase after applying lookback periods. Depending on the income group, age-standardized incidence rates changed differentially, leading to a decrease and possible underestimation of the social gradient after applying lookback periods.

Conclusions

Selectivity analyses regarding age and sociodemographic structure should be performed for the study population after applying lookback periods since the selectivity can affect the outcome especially in health care research. The selectivity effects might occur not only in claims data of one health insurance fund, but also in other longitudinal data with left- or right-censoring not covering the whole population. The effects may also apply to health care systems with a mix of public and private health insurance. A trade-off has to be considered between selectivity effects and eliminating recurrent events for more accuracy in the definition of incidence.
Establishment of a pediatric COVID-19 biorepository: unique considerations and opportunities for studying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children
Authors: Lima Rosiane , Gootkind Elizabeth F. , De la Flor Denis , Yockey Laura J. , Bordt Evan A. , D’Avino Paolo , Ning Shen , Heath Katerina , Harding Katherine , Zois Jaclyn , Park Grace , Hardcastle Margot , Grinke Kathleen A. , Grimmel Sheila , Davidson Susan P. , Forde Pamela J. , Hall Kathryn E. , Neilan Anne M. , Matute Juan D. , Lerou Paul H. , Fasano Alessio , Shui Jessica E. , Edlow Andrea G. , Yonker Lael M.
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID-19, the disease caused by the highly infectious and transmissible coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has quickly become a morbid global pandemic. Although the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is less clinically apparent, collecting high-quality biospecimens from infants, children, and adolescents in a standardized manner during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to establish a biologic understanding of the disease in the pediatric population. This biorepository enables pediatric centers world-wide to collect samples uniformly to drive forward our understanding of COVID-19 by addressing specific pediatric and neonatal COVID-19-related questions.

Methods

A COVID-19 biospecimen collection study was implemented with strategic enrollment guidelines to include patients seen in urgent care clinics and hospital settings, neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers, and asymptomatic children. The methodology described here, details the importance of establishing collaborations between the clinical and research teams to harmonize protocols for patient recruitment and sample collection, processing and storage. It also details modifications required for biobanking during a surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Considerations and challenges facing enrollment of neonatal and pediatric cohorts are described. A roadmap is laid out for successful collection, processing, storage and database management of multiple pediatric samples such as blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, saliva, tracheal aspirates, stool, and urine. Using this methodology, we enrolled 327 participants, who provided a total of 972 biospecimens.

Conclusions

Pediatric biospecimens will be key in answering questions relating to viral transmission by children, differences between pediatric and adult viral susceptibility and immune responses, the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal development, and factors driving the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The specimens in this biorepository will allow necessary comparative studies between children and adults, help determine the accuracy of current pediatric viral testing techniques, in addition to, understanding neonatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease abnormalities. The successful establishment of a pediatric biorepository is critical to provide insight into disease pathogenesis, and subsequently, develop future treatment and vaccination strategies.