bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking School-Based Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs: A Realist Review
Authors: Lu Mengyao , Barlow Jane , Meinck Franziska , Neelakantan Lakshmi
Published: May 2022

Background: Existing efforts to understand school-based child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention programs mainly focus on the effectiveness of these programs in increasing participants’ CSA knowledge and self-protective skills. There are currently no reviews addressing the underpinning pathways leading to these outcomes. In order to increase our understanding about the underpinning causal and contextual factors and inform the further development of school-based CSA prevention programs, a realist review was conducted to synthesize existing evidence from a broad range of data. Methods: An iterative search of electronic databases and grey literature was conducted, supplemented with citation tracking to locate relevant literature. For quantitative evidence, we considered evaluation studies that focused on students aged 5–18 years, who were enrolled in primary or secondary schools; for other types/formats of studies/documents, no population restrictions were applied. We included school-based CSA prevention programs that focused on improving knowledge of CSA or self-protective skills. Outcomes of interest included knowledge of CSA or self-protective skills. We did not apply methodological filters in terms of the types of studies to be included. Thematic content analysis was conducted to synthesize data. Results: Sixty-two studies were included. Five themes and five overarching Context-Strategy-Mechanism-Outcome configurations (CSMOs) that contributed to the success of school-based CSA interventions were identified, including tailoring programs to participants’ cognitive developmental levels, repeated exposure of key concepts and skills, utilization of interactive delivery methods and positive feedback, delivery of positive information and application of the ‘train-the-trainer’ model. Implications: Findings from this realist review provide insights into the underlying program theory of school-based CSA prevention programs, which can aid in the development and implementation of these programs in the future.
Immune Stimulating Outcome of Chrysin and γ-Irradiation via Apoptotic Activation Against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma Bearing Mice
Authors: El Bakary Nermeen M. , Alsharkawy Asmaa Z. , Shouaib Zeinab A. , Barakat Emad M.S.
Published: May 2022

The rising interest in innovative methods of cancer immunotherapy has prompted research into the immunomodulatory mechanisms of natural and synthetic substances. The goal of this study was to assess chrysin immune-stimulating and pro-apoptotic effects on tumor growth and cell susceptibility to ionizing radiation in order to improve cancer therapy. Chrysin (20 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected to mice bearing 1 cm3 solid tumor of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) for 21 consecutive days. Mice were whole body exposed to 1 Gy of gamma radiation (2 fractionated dose 0.5 Gy each). Treatment with chrysin dramatically reduces tumor proliferation in EAC mice; furthermore, IFN-γ activity is significantly reduced when compared to EAC mice. When compared to EAC mice, the expression of TNF-α, free radicals, and nitric oxide (NO) levels were considerably reduced, along with improvements in apoptotic regulators (caspase-3 activity). Moreover, the histopathological investigation confirms the improvement exerted by chrysin even in the EAC mice group or the EAC + R group. What is more, exposure to gamma radiation sustained the modulatory effect of chrysin on tumor when compared with EAC + Ch mice. Hence, chrysin might represent a potential therapeutic strategy for increasing the radiation response of solid tumor.
Safety and effectiveness of vascular closure devices in interventional radiological procedures
Authors: Kim Esther , Sebastiao Bruno Goncalves , Lee Amy , Ande Sudharshan , Shankar Jai
Published: May 2022

Background

Although it is well known that vascular closure devices (VCD) are commonly used in therapeutic interventional radiological procedures, standard use in diagnostic procedures is not as well studied.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the real-world safety and effectiveness of the VCD in both diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiological procedures.

Materials and methods

A retrospective, single center study included all patients where VCDs were used for either a diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedure. Various demographic and clinical risk factors were recorded and examined for any significant association with successful deployment and complications.

Results

A total of 2072 patients were included. VCDs were successfully deployed in 95.2% of the patients with 4.8% of perioperative complications, which included minor oozing from the puncture site, small hematoma less than or equal to 5 cm, large hematoma greater than 5 cm, pain, and loss of vascular access. Therapeutic (vascular interventional radiology (VIR) and neuro-interventional radiology (NIR)) procedures (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.51–6.09, p = 0.002), use of Angioseal (OR 5.26, 95% CI 3.13–8.33), p < 0.001), and no use of antiplatelet medications (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22–0.97, p = 0.041) were independently associated with successful deployment of VCDs when controlled for other risk factors. Smoking (OR 3.50, 95% CI 2.00–6.05, p = <0.001), use of antiplatelet (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.04–3.87, p = 0.037) and use of heparin (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.10–2.86, p = 0.018) were independently associated with higher complication rates.

Conclusion

VCD's were successfully deployed in 95.2% of the patients with 4.8% of perioperative minor complications.
Under the Mango Tree: Photovoice With Primary School Children in Rural Sierra Leone
Authors: Samonova Elena , Devine Dympna , Luttrell Wendy
Published: May 2022

In recent decades, photovoice has become a popular method in research that involves children as active research participants. This paper focuses on the procedures and methods of gathering and interpretation of data from a photovoice project with children in rural Sierra Leone. Photovoice in this project was an integral part of a more wide ranging multi-modal study on gender, well-being and schooling of primary school children. The inclusion of photovoice as an additional method of data collection added another lens through which we could understand children’s everyday experiences and encourage their active involvement in the research process. The paper discusses the steps of analysis, showing the benefits of the combination of visual and textual methods and presents reflections on the work with relatively young primary school children with no prior experience with photography.
Lexical competition influences correct and incorrect visual word recognition
Authors: Gregg Julie , Inhoff Albrecht W , Li Xingshan
Published: May 2022

A growing body of research suggests that visual word recognition is error-prone, and that errors may contribute to inhibitory neighbour frequency effects in word identification and reading. The present study used the neighbourhood frequency effect to examine the relationship between lexical competition and error making during visual word recognition. A novel adaptation of the visual world paradigm (VWP) was used, in which participants selected a briefly presented printed target word from an array containing the target, its higher- or lower-frequency neighbour, an orthographic onset competitor, and an orthographically unrelated distractor word. Analyses of the visual inspection of the arrays suggested that lexical competition occurred when words were correctly identified, as competitors were preferentially viewed as a function of their orthographic similarity with the target, and higher-frequency neighbours were preferentially viewed over lower-frequency neighbours. Orthographic similarity and neighbour frequency also influenced error making. Targets were often mistaken for their neighbours, and these errors were more common for targets with higher-frequency neighbours. The time course of target and neighbour viewing for error trials also provided preliminary evidence for two kinds of errors: early-occurring, perceptual errors and later-occurring selection errors that resulted from unsuccessfully resolved lexical competition. Together, these findings suggest that neighbour frequency effects reflect the contribution of both general lexical competition and occasional errors.
Specialized knowledge: Understanding crime analyst’s roles and responsibilities and the impact of their work
Authors: Brown Emma , Ballucci Dale
Published: May 2022

Using qualitative interview data, this article examines the role of crime analysts in producing knowledge, as well as the challenges they face. Through the collection and organization of data outlining pertinent information about specific districts, analysts aid in the implementation of policing practices. As such, analysts regard themselves as possessing a specialized form of knowledge, which they incorporate and draw on in the outputs they produce. We conclude that analysts do not always employ rigorous, scientific methodologies, while producing their intelligence outputs, suggesting rather that they rely on their familiarity and specialized knowledge of offenders and crimes in their district. Our findings are important to evaluate and understand how ‘data-driven’ policing is occurring and identifying ways to improve and utilize crime analysis approaches within policing.
A novel method to create long capture volumes for video tracking
Authors: Lyu Bin , Smith Lloyd , Ward Jonathan , Kensrud Jeff
Published: May 2022

This study examined a novel method to create a long and narrow calibrated capture volume for tracking objects. The methodology relies on the reflection of parallel distance-measuring lasers. Images of a board, blocking the lasers as it is moved through the field of interest, were assembled into a virtual calibration fixture. The method accommodates large calibration volumes and can be used with multiple cameras, providing a consistent absolute positional reference that is difficult to achieve with large mechanical calibration boards. This study considered a 17.4 m long tracking volume. A 0.9 m long rod was tracked throughout the calibrated volume where its average tracked length was within 0.2% of its measured length. The speed of balls traveling through the calibrated volume were within 0.1% of independent speed sensors. The average residual error of a ball’s tracked trajectory and a polynomial fit was within 1.5 mm. The method shows promise as an efficient means of calibrating large calibration volumes with multiple camera pairs.
Association of endoscopic variceal treatment with portal venous system thrombosis in liver cirrhosis: a case–control study
Authors: Wang Le , Guo Xiaozhong , Shao Xiaodong , Xu Xiangbo , Zheng Kexin , Wang Ran , Chawla Saurabh , Basaranoglu Metin , Qi Xingshun
Published: May 2022

Background:

The association of endoscopic variceal treatment (EVT) with portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) in liver cirrhosis is still unclear.

Methods:

PVST was assessed by contrast-enhanced CT or MRI in 406 cirrhotic patients from our prospective database. Case and control groups, which are defined as patients with and without PVST, respectively, were matched at a ratio of 1:1 according to age, gender, Child-Pugh class, and MELD score. History of EVT was reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for PVST. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were further performed in terms of degree and location of PVST.

Results:

Overall, 109 patients each were included in case and control groups. The case group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who had undergone EVT than the control group (53.2% versus 18.3%; p < 0.001). In detail, the case group had significantly higher proportions of patients who had undergone EVT for controlling bleeding (45.9% versus 14.7%; p < 0.001), endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) alone (19.3% versus 9.2%; p = 0.033), and EVL combined with endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue injection (24.8% versus 5.5%; p < 0.001). EVT was independently associated with PVST (OR = 4.258; p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, EVT remained independently associated with partial PVST (OR = 10.063; p < 0.001), complete PVST/fibrotic cord (OR = 4.889; p = 0.008), thrombosis within main portal vein (OR = 5.985; p < 0.001), and thrombosis within superior mesenteric and splenic veins (OR = 5.747; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

EVT may lead to a higher risk of PVST, especially more severe PVST, in liver cirrhosis. Screening for and prophylaxis of PVST after EVT should be further explored.
Design optimization-under-uncertainty of a forward swept wing unmanned aerial vehicle using SAMURAI
Authors: Wauters Jolan
Published: May 2022

In this paper the design optimization-under-uncertainty of a forward swept wing (FSW) blended wing body (BWB) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is examined. Conventional BWBs are often tailless, which leads to a backward swept wing to ensure longitudinal static stability. This in turn can induce flow separation at the tip, leading to a loss of lift, controllability and the appearance of a nose-up pitching moment. A possible solution to this problem is a conceptual redesign by introducing a forward swept wing, which is inherently free of tip-stall, but needs a careful design in order to be controllable. However, fixed wing UAVs are often produced by means of direct injection expanded foam moulding, which is characterized by not negligible production tolerances. This lead to a reliability-based robust design optimization problem, for which a novel framework is employed: SAMURAI. Firstly, the method accounts for computational cost by means of surrogate modelling, an analytical treatment of the problem and an asynchronous updating scheme that balances design space exploration and objective exploitation. Secondly, the method treats the problem as a multi-objective problem, which leads to a Pareto front of robust and reliable designs. The result is a novel series of UAV designs that are inherently free of tip stall, perform robustly and meet the stability requirements with the target reliability obtained with a computationally feasible budget.
The role of family structure in health literacy in children and adolescents: a narrative review
Authors: Kanellopoulou Aikaterini , Notara Venetia , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: May 2022

Childhood and adolescence are the periods in which children shape their character and behavior. This is also the period for children to adopt good health behaviors and to gain health knowledge- to gain health literacy (HL). Several factors play an important role in this. Among them are the person’s characteristics, family and social environment, literacy in general, cultural influences, and technological advances. The present study reviews the recent scientific evidence on the role that the family structure plays in HL in children and adolescents. A literature search was performed, until July 2019, in PubMed and Scopus. Appropriate keywords, related to HL and family structure, were used. Titles and abstracts were screened independently, and full-text manuscripts meeting inclusion criteria were extracted. Ten studies were included in this literature review. Several aspects of family structure (e.g., marital status, members of family, parental educational level, etc.) seemed to play a positive role in children’s HL status in the sense that children improve their HL when raised in families whose members have better HL. Although there is good evidence that HL positively affects children’s and adolescents’ health behavior, the role of family structure in children’s HL has not been well studied and understood.
Short-step Synthesis of Cordytakaoamide B and Cordycepamide C via Intramolecular Regioselective Oxidation-Lactone Formation
Authors: Kasai Yusuke , Ogawa Takamitsu , Kawata Mao , Tanigawa Kana , Elshamy Abdelsamed I. , Yoneyama Tatsuro , Noji Masaaki , Umeyama Akemi , Imagawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

The ortho-tyrosinol derivative, as a key synthetic intermediate for alkaloidal metabolites of Cordyceps, was synthesized from L-phenylalanine methyl ester via condensation with crotonic acid and oxidative intramolecular lactone formation by using phenyliodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate). Subsequent elongation of the side chain involving a cross-metathesis reaction and deprotection yielded cordytakaoamide B and cordycepamide C in notably few synthetic steps. Furthermore, the S-configurations at the C-2 position of both cordytakaoamide B and cordycepamide C were confirmed by comparison with the sign of the optical rotation of the synthetic sample.
(K)not Mattering: Ethical (Re)considerations of Material, Methodological, and Pedagogical Responsibilities
Authors:   AmberBeckyCreative
Published: May 2022

While working on a recent interactive art installation, the authors of this paper began pondering the ethical implications for researching/writing about processes of artmaking, especially regarding what/who comes to (k)not matter, which they discuss in this paper. They also invite you (the readers) to engage with them in thinking-with and making-with materials (via braiding, tying, knotting) while (un)tangling ethical practices and responsibilities related to arts-based research and what/who comes to matter and why in educational research and beyond. Specifically, they invite creative responses to the questions: what/who (k)not matters? And how can we extend the ideas of (k)not mattering into other philosophies/ways of thinking, into our material engagement with/in the world, into our research inquiries/methodologies, and, importantly, into our pedagogies to make a difference?
Complex neurocysticercosis lesions on imaging: Explained through correlative histomorphology
Authors: Singh Paramjeet , Paramjit Ekta , Ahuja Chirag K , Modi Manish , Vyas Sameer , Goyal Manoj , Kumar Ajay , Bhatia Vikas , Prabhakar Anuj , Sharma Sudarshan K
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Neurocysticercosis, the commonest neuro-parasite, sometimes presents as complex ring enhancing lesion causing diagnostic dilemma. We aim to establish radio-histo-morphological equivalents of early events in degeneration of the parasite to explain such imaging phenotypes.

Methods

We compared patterns of degeneration in 23 randomly selected complex NCC on MRI with histo-morphology in 30 cysts obtained from an unrelated post mortem brain.

Results

The anatomy of the parasite and the degenerative patterns of the scolex (hydropic changes, calcification, evagination, and fragmentation) and the cyst wall (undulation, accessory loculi, and frank disruption) were well demonstrated on both. The intact scolex remarkably resembled head of intestinal Taenia. The complex lesions were conglomeration of multiple communicating cysts with a single parent cyst and multiple daughter cysts. The parent cysts contained a solitary variably degenerated scolex, had thicker walls and associated chronic inflammation. The remaining cysts of the lesion complex contained no scolex, had poorly organized walls, turbid contents, and florid perilesional enhancement with leakage of contrast. Three lesions assumed a multi-cystic pseudo-tumorous pattern, of which two resolved into solitary calcific remnants on follow up.

Conclusion

Complex lesion in NCC result from degeneration of solitary parasite with perilesional gliosis, surrounded by multiple non-larval daughter cysts inciting acute intra and perilesional inflammation due to enhanced antigenic challenge. Possibly, attempted abortive asexual reproduction by the cellulose cyst as a preterminal event results in a “limited Racemose like transition.” Correct interpretation has diagnostic and therapeutic implications as active lesions and their fibrocalcific residue may have greater epileptogenic potential.
Measurement of the cardiac time intervals of the fetal ECG utilising a computerised algorithm: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Chivers SC , Vasavan T , Nandi M , Hayes-Gill BR , Jayawardane IA , Simpson JM , Williamson C , Fifer WP , Lucchini M
Published: May 2022

Objective

Establish whether the reliable measurement of cardiac time intervals of the fetal ECG can be automated and to address whether this approach could be used to investigate large datasets.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Teaching hospitals in London UK, Nottingham UK and New York USA.

Participants

Singleton pregnancies with no known fetal abnormality.

Methods

Archived fetal ECG's performed using the MonicaAN24 monitor. A single ECG (PQRST) complex was generated from 5000 signal-averaged beats and electrical cardiac time intervals measured in an automated way and manually.

Main Outcome measure

Validation of a newly developed algorithm to measure the cardiac time intervals of the fetal ECG.

Results

188/236 (79.7%) subjects with fECGs of suitable signal:noise ratio were included for analysis comparing manual with automated measurement. PR interval was measured in 173/188 (92%), QRS complex in 170/188 (90%) and QT interval in 123/188 (65.4%). PR interval was 107.6 (12.07) ms [mean(SD)] manual vs 109.11 (14.7) ms algorithm. QRS duration was 54.72(6.35) ms manual vs 58.34(5.73) ms algorithm. QT-interval was 268.93 (21.59) ms manual vs 261.63 (36.16) ms algorithm. QTc was 407.5(32.71) ms manual vs 396.4 (54.78) ms algorithm. The QRS-duration increased with gestational age in both manual and algorithm measurements.

Conclusion

Accurate measurement of fetal ECG cardiac time intervals can be automated with potential application to interpretation of larger datasets.
Trichodysplasia spinulosa in a bone marrow transplant recipient: A case report
Authors: Rodriguez-Bolanos Fabian , Rosen Cheryl F , Saeed Kamil Zaid K
Published: May 2022

Trichodysplasia spinulosa is a rare skin condition seen in immunocompromised patients, especially in solid organ recipients. A recent review of the literature mentioned that there are 60 reported cases. We report a case in a patient with an allogenic bone marrow transplant. The patient developed white spiky protrusions on different areas of the face which improved after decreasing immunosuppression.
Carceral algorithms and the history of control: An analysis of the Pennsylvania additive classification tool
Authors: Massaro Vanessa A. , Dhar Swarup , Mir Darakhshan , Ryan Nathan C.
Published: May 2022

Scholars have focused on algorithms used during sentencing, bail, and parole, but little work explores what we term “carceral algorithms” that are used during incarceration. This paper is focused on the Pennsylvania Additive Classification Tool (PACT) used to classify prisoners’ custody levels while they are incarcerated. Algorithms that are used during incarceration warrant deeper attention by scholars because they have the power to enact the lived reality of the prisoner. The algorithm in this case determines the likelihood a person would endure additional disciplinary actions, can complete required programming, and gain experiences that, among other things, are distilled into variables feeding into the parole algorithm. Given such power, examining algorithms used on people currently incarcerated offers a unique analytic view to think about the dialectic relationship between data and algorithms. Our examination of the PACT is two-fold and complementary. First, our qualitative overview of the historical context surrounding PACT reveals that it is designed to prioritize incapacitation and control over rehabilitation. While it closely informs prisoner rehabilitation plans and parole considerations, it is rooted in population management for prison securitization. Second, on analyzing data for 146,793 incarcerated people in PA, along with associated metadata related to the PACT, we find it is replete with racial bias as well as errors, omissions, and inaccuracies. Our findings to date further caution against data-driven criminal justice reforms that rely on pre-existing data infrastructures and expansive, uncritical, data-collection routines.
In data we (don't) trust: The public adrift in data-driven public opinion models
Authors: Splichal Slavko
Published: May 2022

This article seeks to address current debates comparing polls and opinion mining as empirically based figuration models of public opinion in the light of in-depth intellectual debates on the role and nature of public opinion that began after the French Revolution and the controversy over public opinion spurred by the invention of polls. Issues of historical quantification and re-conceptualisation of public opinion are addressed in four parts. The first summarises the history of the rise and fall of the concept of public opinion. The second re-examines the key controversies in the debates on the theoretical, empirical and social implications and consequences of the invention of polling. The third part scrutinises the datafication of public opinion that started with polling industry and continues in the age of big data and data mining. The final section discusses the controversial potentials of opinion-mining technology and suggests ways in which social scientists could critically respond to the big data and opinion-mining challenges in order to reintegrate the ideas of publicness, the public and public sphere into public opinion research.
Developing data capability with non-profit organisations using participatory methods
Authors: McCosker Anthony , Yao Xiaofang , Albury Kath , Maddox Alexia , Farmer Jane , Stoyanovich Julia
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we explore the methodologies underpinning two participatory research collaborations with Australian non-profit organisations that aimed to build data capability and social benefit in data use. We suggest that studying and intervening in data practices in situ, that is, in organisational data settings expands opportunities for improving the social value of data. These situated and collaborative approaches not only address the ‘expertise lag’ for non-profits but also help to realign the potential social value of organisational data use. We explore the relationship between data literacy, data expertise and data capability to test the idea that collaborative work with non-profit organisations can be a practical step towards addressing data equity and generating data-driven social outcomes. Rather than adopting approaches to data literacy that focus on individuals – or ideal ‘data citizens’ – we target the organisation-wide data settings, goals and practices of the non-profit sector. We conclude that participatory methods can embed social value-generating data capability where it can be sustained at an organisational level, aligning with community needs to promote collaborative data action.
Telling China's story through reports on scientists: A comparative analysis of the reports on Tu Youyou in Chinese and Western media
Authors: Zhou Min , Song Jing , Liu Xuan
Published: May 2022

As the first native Chinese scientist to win a Nobel Prize in science, Tu Youyou, who is a researcher of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, is an iconic figure in the Chinese scientific community. Tu's story in Chinese and Western media reports has aroused heated discussion, creating a great opportunity for China to increase its voice in international communications. Through content analysis of relevant reports in Chinese and Western media, we found that, when reporting on the personal character of scientists, Western media politicize scientific and technological events. On the other hand, Chinese media tend to focus on the scientific research and stress a communal spirit among researchers, but the reports have the problem of similar contents and style. Based on this analysis, we proposed several suggestions on how to best tell China's story through reporting on scientists.
Ambidextrous Leadership and Service Recovery Performance Under B2B Selling Context: An Examination Through Service Innovation Capability
Authors: Ahmad Bilal , Liu Da , Asif Mirza Huzaifa , Ashfaq Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad
Published: May 2022

In order to build consistent service quality, managers should encourage salespeople to deal with customers and improve service errors for their overall benefit. Our study seeks to understand the role of ambidextrous leadership in promoting service innovation capability and service recovery performance (SRP) under a business-to-business (B2B) selling environment. The study evaluates 286 responses from pharmaceutical salespeople by using structural equation modeling. The results report a significant association between opening leader behavior and service recovery performance, whereas closing leader behavior is not significantly related to service recovery performance. In addition, opening and closing leader behaviors have a positive and significant impact on service innovation capability. Consequently, service innovation capability is positively and significantly related to value-based selling, adaptive selling, and service recovery performance. Finally, our results contribute to the previous research that has explored the significant mediation effect of service innovation capability between opening leader behavior and service recovery performance linkage.
Handgrip strength is associated with length of stay and functional outcomes at 1-year follow up in fragility hip fracture patients
Authors: Au Ivan Long Yin , Lau Nicole Yan Nok , Lee Shirley Ka Wai , Tiu Kwok Leung , Bong Lee Kin , Chan Andy Chi Ming
Published: May 2022

Background/Purpose

Fragility hip fracture (FHF) is the most prevalent fragility fracture, causing deterioration in ambulatory ability and disability. Early detection of patients who are at risk of prolonged hospitalization and functional decline after FHF is crucial as this facilitates post-operative management and healthcare resources allocation. Handgrip strength (HGS) is an easily-administered and cost-effective tool to assess whole body strength. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between pre-operative HGS, length of stay (LOS) and functional outcomes at 1-year follow up in patients with FHF in Hong Kong.

Methods

Patients aged 65 years old or above who were admitted to a local acute hospital from April 2017 to March 2020 due to FHF that were treated operatively, and subsequently attended the multidisciplinary fragility fracture clinic at 1-year follow up were evaluated. HGS measured at pre-operative physiotherapy initial assessment, post-fracture total LOS, Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) and Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) at 1-year follow up were retrieved for analysis. Correlation between HGS and LOS was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Correlations between HGS and MFAC, and HGS and EMS were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

One hundred and nineteen patients (mean age = 80.8 ± 7.3 years) (33 males, 86 females) were evaluated. Statistical significant negative correlation between HGS and LOS was found ( r = -0.245, p = 0.007), implying that the lower the HGS, the longer the period of hospitalization. HGS also showed statistical significant positive correlation with MFAC ( r = 0.358, p < 0.001) and EMS ( r = 0.507, p < 0.001), suggesting that the greater the HGS, the better the functional outcomes after 1 year. In short, pre-operative HGS measured by physiotherapists was shown to be associated with LOS and functional outcomes at 1-year follow up.

Conclusion

HGS is significantly associated with patient's LOS, MFAC and EMS after FHF. HGS is an easily-administered and cost-effective tool to facilitate frontline practitioners to determine and stratify patients’ rehabilitation potential and subsequently establish customized rehabilitation and discharge plan, such as intensive training, caregiver education and potential prediction of discharge destination.

Key Messages

HGS is significantly associated with patient's LOS, MFAC and EMS after FHF. HGS is an easily-administered and cost-effective tool to facilitate frontline practitioners to determine and stratify patients’ rehabilitation potential and subsequently establish customized rehabilitation and discharge plan.
Socio-ecological Dynamics Within Rural Settlements: Evidence from Mbire District in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chirisa Innocent , Nel Verna
Published: May 2022

Humans are a part, of and not separate from, nature, and as such policies that enhance the co-relationship of humans and nature while adaptive are a necessity now than before. This article investigates the socio-ecological dynamics within rural settlements in Mbire, Zimbabwe. It provides reasons for people’s migration to Mbire from some parts of Zimbabwe. It brings out the increase in school dropouts in Mbire and how teachers are understaffed. The study unravels the issues concerning black magic that was practised then, the school dropouts in Mbire, the history of people moving in search of salt, their communication with spirit mediums and cotton farming. Interviews and desktop research were used, with content analysis for data analysis and collection. The remedy for meeting challenges arising from socio-ecological changes is facilitating adaptive measures that meet the emerging needs of communities without compromising nature’s rights.
Evaluation of Tibial Fixation Devices for Quadrupled Hamstring ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Ammann Elias , Hecker Andreas , Bachmann Elias , Snedeker Jess G. , Fucentese Sandro F.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Shortcomings to tibial-side fixation have been reported as causes of failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Adjustable-loop suspensory devices have become popular; however, no comparison with hybrid fixation (ie, interference screw and cortical button) exists to our knowledge.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of adjustable loop devices (ALDs) in full-tunnel and closed-socket configurations in relation to hybrid fixation. We hypothesized that primary stability of fixation by a tibial ALD will not be inferior to hybrid fixation.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Tibial fixation of a quadrupled tendon graft was biomechanically investigated in a porcine tibia–bovine tendon model using 5 techniques (n = 6 specimens each). The tested constructs included hybrid fixation with a cortical fixation button and interference screw (group 1), single cortical fixation with the full-tunnel technique using an open-suture strand button (group 2) or an ALD (group 3), or closed-socket fixation using 2 different types of ALDs (groups 4 and 5). Each specimen was evaluated using a materials testing machine (1000 cycles from 50-250 N and pull to failure). Force at failure, cyclic displacement, stiffness, and ability to pretension the graft during insertion were compared among the groups.

Results:

No differences in ultimate load to failure were found between the ALD constructs (groups 3, 4, and 5) and hybrid fixation (group 1). Cyclic displacement was significantly higher in group 2 vs all other groups ( P < .001); however, no difference was observed in groups 3, 4, and 5 as compared with group 1. The remaining tension on the construct after fixation was significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 vs groups 1, 2, and 5 ( P < .02 for all comparisons), irrespective of whether a full-tunnel or closed-socket approach was used.

Conclusion:

Tibial anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation with knotless ALDs achieved comparable results with hybrid fixation in the full-tunnel and closed-socket techniques. The retention of graft tension appears to be biomechanically more relevant than tunnel type.

Clinical Relevance:

The study findings emphasize the importance of the tension at which fixation is performed.
Small Area Variation of Adherence to Clinical Recommendations: An Example from Switzerland
Authors: Gruebner Oliver , Wei Wenjia , Ulyte Agne , Wyl Viktor von , Dressel Holger , Brüngger Beat , Bähler Caroline , Blozik Eva , Schwenkglenks Matthias
Published: May 2022

Background

Unwarranted variation in healthcare utilization can only partly be explained by variation in the health care needs of the population, yet it is frequently found globally. This is the first cross-sectional study that systematically assessed geographic variation in the adherence to clinical recommendations in Switzerland. Specifically, we explored 1) the geographic variation of adherence to clinical recommendations across 24 health services at the sub-cantonal level, 2) assessed and mapped statistically significant spatial clusters, and 3) explored possible influencing factors for the observed geographic variation.

Methods

Exploratory spatial analysis using the Moran’s I statistic on multivariable multilevel model residuals to systematically identify small area variation of adherence to clinical recommendations across 24 health services.

Results

Although there was no overall spatial pattern in adherence to clinical recommendations across all health care services, we identified health services that exhibited statistically significant spatial dependence in adherence. For these, we provided evidence about the locations of local clusters.

Interpretation

We identified regions in Switzerland in which specific recommended or discouraged health care services are utilized less or more than elsewhere. Future studies are needed to investigate the place-based social determinants of health responsible for the sub-cantonal variation in adherence to clinical recommendations in Switzerland and elsewhere over time.
Aligning Student-Faculty Mentorship Expectations and Needs to Promote Professional Identity Formation in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Kusner Jonathan J. , Chen Jie Jane , Saldaña Fidencio , Potter Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Background

During professional identity formation, medical students integrate their newly developing professional identities with their longstanding personal identities. Longitudinal mentorship has been shown to aid students in this process. Lack of clear relationship expectations among students and faculty is a barrier to effective longitudinal mentorship relationships.

Methods

A cross-sectional, survey-based study collected information about experiences from both students (mentees) and faculty (mentors). Surveys focused on collecting participants’ attitudes and expectations regarding ideal and actual mentorship experiences. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test analyses were used to compare the responses within and between students and faculty.

Results

A total of 234 faculty and 181 medical students completed the survey. There were 187 faculty respondents (79.9%) who had previously mentored students. Faculty who had versus had not previously mentored students differed significantly in their responses on the importance of mentors discussing aspects of their personal lives (71.1% vs. 54.3%, respectively, p = 0.0491), a quality valued by the majority of student respondents. As students progressed through medical school, they expressed increasing needs for personal mentorship and conversations regarding work/life integration and wellness (M1: 12.2%, M2: 18.8%, M3: 29.3%, M4: 51.7%). A minority of students (27% of M3 and 14.8% of M4 students) reported meeting faculty mentors through their clinical year experiences.

Conclusions

Faculty mentoring experience may improve student-faculty value alignment, which may in turn help to address student-identified needs pertaining to personal development and professional identity formation in medical school. By contrasting student-identified mentorship expectations with those of faculty at various stages of mentorship experience, this study lays the groundwork for the formation of more effective longitudinal mentorship programs.
How does street space influence crash frequency? An analysis using segmented street view imagery
Authors: Stiles Jonathan , Li Yuchen , Miller Harvey J
Published: May 2022

Road crashes in metropolitan areas are challenging to prevent because they stem from the interactions of drivers and other system users in intricate built environments. Recent theories indicate that features of the built environment may induce unsafe driving by shaping users’ expectations and behaviors. The availability of street view imagery and methods of scene parsing create new possibilities for understanding how features of the built environment influence crash incidence. Most previous crash research using street imagery has applied manual processing methods. In this paper, we develop and apply automated machine parsed imagery in conjunction with self-explaining roads theory to consider how the street space visible to drivers influences crash frequency, using data from Columbus, Ohio, USA. While controlling for road network and area characteristics, we model the association of individual street elements with crash frequency. We then conduct a cluster analysis to define four types of street spaces, which are used in a subsequent model. We find that an Open Road type of metropolitan street space, characterized by more visible sky, roadway, and signage are associated with the greatest increase in crashes, and that the majority of these spaces exist on arterial or collector class road segments. We theorize that the visual similarity of this type of street space to highways promotes faster, less careful driving, which combines with their mixed land uses to make them the least safe. This points to the importance of traffic calming for such roads in high-activity areas, and the need to differentiate environments of non-highways from highways to promote careful driving.
Multiple Ways to Keep FFAT Under Control!
Authors: Kors Suzan , Schrader Michael , Costello Joseph L.
Published: May 2022

Peroxisomes and the ER are closely inter-connected organelles, which collaborate in the metabolism of lipids. In a recent research paper in the Journal of Cell Biology, we describe a novel mechanism by which peroxisome-ER membrane contact sites are regulated, via phosphorylation of the peroxisomal protein ACBD5. We found that the interaction between ACBD5 and the ER protein VAPB, which we have previously shown to form a tether complex at peroxisome-ER contacts, is controlled by phosphorylation of ACBD5 at two different sites of its FFAT motif – the VAPB binding site. We also identify the kinase GSK3-β as being responsible for direct phosphorylation of ACBD5 to negatively regulate interaction with VAPB, leading to reduced peroxisome-ER contacts. In this article we provide additional insights into how this work, in combination with other studies on phosphorylation of VAP interactors, suggests a complex system of both positive and negative regulation of the FFAT motif via phosphorylation.
Therapeutic targeting of LCK tyrosine kinase and mTOR signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Laukkanen Saara , Veloso Alexandra , Yan Chuan , Oksa Laura , Alpert Eric J. , Do Daniel , Hyvärinen Noora , McCarthy Karin , Adhikari Abhinav , Yang Qiqi , Iyer Sowmya , Garcia Sara P. , Pello Annukka , Ruokoranta Tanja , Moisio Sanni , Adhikari Sadiksha , Yoder Jeffrey A. , Gallagher Kayleigh , Whelton Lauren , Allen James R. , Jin Alex H. , Loontiens Siebe , Heinäniemi Merja , Kelliher Michelle , Heckman Caroline A. , Lohi Olli , Langenau David M.
Published: May 2022

Relapse and refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a poor prognosis, and new combination therapies are sorely needed. Here, we used an ex vivo high-throughput screening platform to identify drug combinations that kill zebrafish T-ALL and then validated top drug combinations for preclinical efficacy in human disease. This work uncovered potent drug synergies between AKT/mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) inhibitors and the general tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib. Importantly, these same drug combinations effectively killed a subset of relapse and dexamethasone-resistant zebrafish T-ALL. Clinical trials are currently underway using the combination of mTORC1 inhibitor temsirolimus and dasatinib in other pediatric cancer indications, leading us to prioritize this therapy for preclinical testing. This combination effectively curbed T-ALL growth in human cell lines and primary human T-ALL and was well tolerated and effective in suppressing leukemia growth in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) grown in mice. Mechanistically, dasatinib inhibited phosphorylation and activation of the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) to blunt the T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, and when complexed with mTORC1 inhibition, induced potent T-ALL cell killing through reducing MCL-1 protein expression. In total, our work uncovered unexpected roles for the LCK kinase and its regulation of downstream TCR signaling in suppressing apoptosis and driving continued leukemia growth. Analysis of a wide array of primary human T-ALLs and PDXs grown in mice suggest that combination of temsirolimus and dasatinib treatment will be efficacious for a large fraction of human T-ALLs.
Functional, structural, and molecular characterizations of the leukemogenic driver MEF2D-HNRNPUL1 fusion
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Hao , Li Zhihui , Bai Ling , Wang Qianqian , Li Jianfeng , Jiang Minghao , Xue Qing , Cheng Nuo , Zhang Weina , Mao Dongdong , Chen Zhiming , Huang Jinyan , Meng Guoyu , Chen Zhu , Chen Sai-Juan
Published: May 2022

Recurrent MEF2D fusions with poor prognosis have been identified in B-cell precursor ALL (BCP-ALL). The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenic function of MEF2D fusions are poorly understood. Here, we show that MEF2D-HNRNPUL1 (MH) knock-in mice developed a progressive disease from impaired B-cell development at the pre–pro-B stage to pre-leukemia over 10 to 12 months. When cooperating with NRASG12D, MH drove an outbreak of BCP-ALL, with a more aggressive phenotype than the NRASG12D-induced leukemia. RNA-sequencing identified key networks involved in disease mechanisms. In chromatin immunoprecipitation–sequencing experiments, MH acquired increased chromatin-binding ability, mostly through MEF2D-responsive element (MRE) motifs in target genes, compared with wild-type MEF2D. Using X-ray crystallography, the MEF2D-MRE complex was characterized in atomic resolution, whereas disrupting the MH-DNA interaction alleviated the aberrant target gene expression and the B-cell differentiation arrest. The C-terminal moiety (HNRNPUL1 part) of MH was proven to contribute to the fusion protein’s trans-regulatory activity, cofactor recruitment, and homodimerization. Furthermore, targeting MH-driven transactivation of the HDAC family by using the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat in combination with chemotherapy improved the overall survival of MH/NRASG12D BCP-ALL mice. Altogether, these results not only highlight MH as an important driver in leukemogenesis but also provoke targeted intervention against BCP-ALL with MEF2D fusions.
Brain region-specific effects of nearly fixed sapiens-derived alleles
Authors: Andirkó Alejandro , Boeckx Cedric
Published: May 2022

The availability of high-coverage genomes of our extinct relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, and the emergence of large, tissue-specific databases of modern human genetic variation, offer the possibility of probing the effects of modern-derived alleles in specific tissues, such as the brain, and its specific regions. While previous research has explored the effects of introgressed variants in gene expression, the effects of Homo sapiens-specific gene expression variability are still understudied. Here we identify derived, Homo sapiens-specific high-frequency (≥90%) alleles that are associated with differential gene expression across 15 brain structures derived from the GTEx database. We show that regulation by these derived variants targets regions under positive selection more often than expected by chance, and that high-frequency derived alleles lie in functional categories related to transcriptional regulation. Our results highlight the role of these variants in gene regulation in specific regions like the cerebellum and pituitary.