bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of the Vascular Smooth Muscle GLP-1/NCX1 Pathway Regulates Cytoplasmic Ca2+ Homeostasis and Improves Blood Pressure Variability in Hypertension
Authors: Xu Yi , Chen Chuan , Yang Yanpeng , Ai Shanmu , Ao Wei , Kong Lingwen , Zhang Ying , Li Jun , Xiao Jun
Published: March 2023

Background: Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease, and its main harmful effect is chronic damage to target organs. In some patients with well-controlled blood pressure, target organ damage still occurs. GLP-1 agonists have significant cardiovascular benefits, but their antihypertensive effect is limited. The cardiovascular protective effect of GLP-1 is worth studying. Methods: The ambulatory blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) was detected by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and the characteristics of blood pressure and the effect of subcutaneous intervention with a GLP-1R agonist on blood pressure were observed. To explore the mechanism of the cardiovascular benefit of GLP-1R agonists in SHRs, we evaluated the effects of GLP-1R agonists on vasomotor function and calcium homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro. Results: Although the blood pressure of SHRs was significantly higher than that of WKY rats, the blood pressure variability of SHRs was also significantly higher than that of the control group. The GLP-1R agonist significantly reduced blood pressure variability in SHRs, but the antihypertensive effect was not obvious. GLP-1R agonists can significantly improve the cytoplasmic calcium overload of VSMCs in SHRs by upregulating the expression of NCX1, improving the systolic and diastolic functions of arterioles, and reducing blood pressure variability. Conclusions: Taken together, these results provide evidence that GLP-1R agonists improved VSMC cytoplasmic Ca2+ homeostasis through upregulated NCX1 expression in SHRs, which plays a key role in blood pressure stability and broad cardiovascular benefits.
Diagnosis of Bone Marrow Necrosis following Severe Vaso-Occlusive Crisis in Patient with Compound Heterozygous Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Marco Daniel N. , Cid Joan , Garrote Marta , Cortés-Bullich Albert , Seguí Ferran , Lozano Miquel
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Bone marrow necrosis is a rare entity that can develop in context of a sickle cell disease vaso-occlusive crisis. Its physiopathology is related to an endothelial dysfunction taking place in bone marrow microvasculature. Case Presentation: A 30-year-old patient with history of compound heterozygous sickle cell disease was admitted following SARS-CoV-2 infection with fever and diarrhea. After initial favorable evolution, he developed a severe vaso-occlusive crisis with intense hemolysis and multi-organ ischemic complications. Patient then developed high fever and hypoxemia. With the suspicion of acute thoracic syndrome, a red blood cell exchange was performed. Respiratory symptoms ceased but patient persisted febrile with very high levels of acute phase reactants, persistent pancytopenia, and leucoerythroblastic reaction. An infectious cause was ruled out. Afterward, bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy showed a picture of bone marrow necrosis, which is an extremely rare complication of vaso-occlusive crisis but, paradoxically, more frequent in milder heterozygote cases of sickle cell disease. Ultimately, large deposits of complement membrane attack complex (particles C5b-9) were demonstrated after incubation of laboratory endothelial cells with activated plasma from the patient. Discussion: The clinical presentation and findings are consistent with a case of bone marrow necrosis. In this setting, the demonstration of complement as a potential cause of the endothelial dysfunction mimics the pattern of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and other microangiopathic anemias. This dysregulation may be a potential therapeutic target for new complement activation blockers.
Durable Response after Olaparib Treatment for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Germline BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Costa Bruno Almeida , Tallón de Lara Paulino , Park Wungki , Keane Fergus , Harding James J , Khalil Danny N.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Despite major advances in surveillance and management, advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) still carries a dismal prognosis. In recent years, several actionable genomic alterations in pancreatobiliary malignancies have been identified. For instance, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) has been considered a predictive biomarker of clinical response to platinum and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Case Report: A 53-year-old man with a stage 3 (T4N0M0) BRCA2-mutant CCA developed intolerable toxicity after 44 cycles of gemcitabine/cisplatin. In light of his HRD positivity, treatment was switched to single-agent olaparib. The patient showed a partial radiological response, which was maintained after 8 months of olaparib discontinuation (progression-free survival >36 months). Conclusion: Given the durable response observed, olaparib can be a valuable therapeutic tool in BRCA-mutant CCAs. Ongoing and future clinical trials are needed to confirm the role of PARP inhibition in similar patients and to define the clinicopathological and molecular profile of the individuals most likely to benefit.
Aura, gramática da performance e tecnicização: reflexão sobre obra e performance musical a partir dos pensamentos de Walter Benjamin, Nicholas Cook e Walter Wiora
Authors: Lima Patrick Moreira de Souza
Published: March 2023

Walter Benjamin é um dos mais influentes pensadores sobre o fenômeno artístico no século XX, tendo estabelecido importantes conceitos como aura e reprodutibilidade técnica. Nicholas Cook, por sua vez, é um dos mais importantes membros da chamada Nova Musicologia, que tem refletido sobre o fenômeno da obra musical reificada e a primazia desta sobre a performance musical. Com o intuito de se fazer uma leitura sobre uma história global da música, o musicólogo alemão Walter Wiora propôs a divisão da história em quatro eras, da pré-história à era das grandes inovações tecnológicas e da indústria cultural global. Este trabalho tem por objetivo, refletir sobre a performance musical no âmbito da música de concerto hoje, a partir do estabelecimento de uma relação entre os pensamentos destes três autores. Baseando-se nos Estudos da Performance, propõe-se aqui o entendimento da performance como obra e, a partir disso, uma análise sobre o estado da performance musical a partir da visão benjaminiana da obra na era da reprodutibilidade técnica. Relacionam-se assim a perda da aura benjaminiana na performance musical ao conceito de gramática da performance de Nicholas Cook e à leitura sobre a tecnicização e a artificialização que Walter Wiora faz sobre a música de vanguarda do século XX. Discutida a problemática da performance musical no contexto da obra musical reificada, faz-se, ainda, uma reflexão sobre o papel do músico oriundo de um país colonizado na manutenção dos paradigmas próprios da música de concerto.
Circulating MicroRNAs Identify Early Phenotypic Changes in Sarcomeric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sucharov Carmen C. , Neltner Bonnie , Pietra Ashley E. , Karimpour-Fard Anis , Patel Joshen , Ho Carolyn Y. , Miyamoto Shelley D.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiomyopathy. Pathogenic germline variation in genes encoding the sarcomere is the predominant cause of disease. However diagnostic features, including unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy, typically do not develop until late adolescence or after. The early stages of disease pathogenesis and the mechanisms underlying the transition to a clinically overt phenotype are not well understood. In this study, we investigated if circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) could stratify disease stage in sarcomeric HCM.

Methods:

We performed arrays for 381 miRNAs using serum from HCM sarcomere variant carriers with and without a diagnosis of HCM and healthy controls. To identify differentially expressed circulating miRNAs between groups, multiple approaches were used including random forest, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and logistic regression. The abundance of all miRNAs was normalized to miRNA-320.

Results:

Of 57 sarcomere variant carriers, 25 had clinical HCM and 32 had subclinical HCM with normal left ventricular wall thickness (21 with early phenotypic manifestations and 11 with no discernible phenotypic manifestations). Circulating miRNA profile differentiated healthy controls from sarcomere variant carriers with subclinical and clinical disease. Additionally, circulating miRNAs differentiated clinical HCM from subclinical HCM without early phenotypic changes; and subclinical HCM with and without early phenotypic changes. Circulating miRNA profiles did not differentiate clinical HCM from subclinical HCM with early phenotypic changes, suggesting biologic similarity between these groups.

Conclusions:

Circulating miRNAs may augment the clinical stratification of HCM and improve understanding of the transition from health to disease in sarcomere gene variant carriers.
An open data set of scholars on Twitter
Authors: Mongeon Philippe , Bowman Timothy D. , Costas Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

The role played by research scholars in the dissemination of scientific knowledge on social media has always been a central topic in social media metrics (altmetrics) research. Different approaches have been implemented to identify and characterize active scholars on social media platforms like Twitter. Some limitations of past approaches were their complexity and, most importantly, their reliance on licensed scientometric and altmetric data. The emergence of new open data sources such as OpenAlex or Crossref Event Data provides opportunities to identify scholars on social media using only open data. This paper presents a novel and simple approach to match authors from OpenAlex with Twitter users identified in Crossref Event Data. The matching procedure is described and validated with ORCID data. The new approach matches nearly 500,000 matched scholars with their Twitter accounts with a level of high precision and moderate recall. The data set of matched scholars is described and made openly available to the scientific community to empower more advanced studies of the interactions of research scholars on Twitter.
Neural Correlates of Audiovisual Speech Processing in Autistic and Non-Autistic Youth
Authors: Dunham Kacie , Zoltowski Alisa , Feldman Jacob I. , Davis Samona , Rogers Baxter , Failla Michelle D. , Wallace Mark T. , Cascio Carissa J. , Woynaroski Tiffany G.
Published: March 2023

Autistic youth demonstrate differences in processing multisensory information, particularly in temporal processing of multisensory speech. Extensive research has identified several key brain regions for multisensory speech processing in non-autistic adults, including the superior temporal sulcus (STS) and insula, but it is unclear to what extent these regions are involved in temporal processing of multisensory speech in autistic youth. As a first step in exploring the neural substrates of multisensory temporal processing in this clinical population, we employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with a simultaneity-judgment audiovisual speech task. Eighteen autistic youth and a comparison group of 20 non-autistic youth matched on chronological age, biological sex, and gender participated. Results extend prior findings from studies of non-autistic adults, with non-autistic youth demonstrating responses in several similar regions as previously implicated in adult temporal processing of multisensory speech. Autistic youth demonstrated responses in fewer of the multisensory regions identified in adult studies; responses were limited to visual and motor cortices. Group responses in the middle temporal gyrus significantly interacted with age; younger autistic individuals showed reduced MTG responses whereas older individuals showed comparable MTG responses relative to non-autistic controls. Across groups, responses in the precuneus covaried with task accuracy, and anterior temporal and insula responses covaried with nonverbal IQ. These preliminary findings suggest possible differences in neural mechanisms of audiovisual processing in autistic youth while highlighting the need to consider participant characteristics in future, larger-scale studies exploring the neural basis of multisensory function in autism.
Statistical Analysis of Aviation Turbulence in the Middle–Upper Troposphere over Japan
Authors: Miyamoto Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Ayako , Ito Soshi
Published: March 2023

This study examined the statistics of aviation turbulence that occurred in Japan between 2006 and 2018 by analyzing pilot reports (PIREP). In total, 81 639 turbulence events, with moderate or greater intensity, were reported over this period. The monthly number of turbulence cases has an annual periodic variation as observed in different regions by previous studies. The number of turbulence cases is high from March to June and low in July and August. Higher numbers of turbulence cases are experienced along the major flight routes in Japan, especially around Tokyo, for the active period between 0900 and 2000 local time. The number of cases of turbulence peaks when the flight reaches an altitude of 33 000 ft (FL330; 1000 ft ≈ 300 m), whereas it decreases when the flight altitude is above FL380 and below FL280. The statistical features are not largely different among the four seasons; however, there are some exceptions. For instance, the number of turbulence cases is large in high altitudes in summer and small in low altitudes in winter. Considering the number of flights, it is evident that the frequency of turbulence is higher in altitudes between FL200 and FL350, although the number of flights is low in this altitude region. The number of convectively induced turbulence cases is relatively large during the daytime in summer in comparison with the other seasons. A large amount of mountain-wave turbulence is observed around the mountainous region in autumn and winter when the jet stream flows over Japan.

Significance Statement

This study examines the statistics of aviation turbulence reported over Japan from 2008 to 2018.
Splenic Salvage: Is There a Role for Splenorrhaphy in the Management of Adult Splenic Trauma?
Authors: Atkins Kathryn , Schneider Andrew , Charles Anthony
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Nonoperative management of splenic injuries is recommended. Total splenectomy is the primary operative management, and the current role of splenorrhaphy in splenic salvage is not well delineated.

Methods

We reviewed the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2019) for adult splenic injuries. Operative splenic injury management were compared. We performed bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression to estimate the effect of surgical management on mortality.

Results

189,723 patients met the inclusion criteria. Splenic injury management was stable, with 18.2% undergoing a total splenectomy and 1.9% splenorrhaphy. Splenorrhaphy patients had lower crude mortality (2.7% vs 8.3%, P < .001) than total splenectomy patients. Failed splenorrhaphy patients had higher crude mortality (10.1% vs 8.3%, P < .001) than patients who underwent initial total splenectomy. Patients who underwent total splenectomy had an adjusted odd of 2.30 (95% CI 1.82-2.92, P < .001) for mortality compared to successful splenorrhaphy. Patients who failed splenorrhaphy had an adjusted odd of 2.36 (95% CI 1.19-4.67, P < .014) for mortality compared to successful splenorrhaphy.

Conclusion

Adults with splenic injuries requiring operative intervention have twice the odds of mortality when a total splenectomy is performed or when splenorrhaphy fails compared to successful splenorrhaphy.
Smoking and Carcinoma Trends in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Patients
Authors: Freeman Taylor , Erickson Ericka , Koch Brandon , Young Tyler , Allen David , Kim Brandon , deSilva Brad , Matrka Laura
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a chronic disease of the upper respiratory tract caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11. The disease course is characteristically unpredictable, ranging from spontaneous remission to aggressive, recurrent disease. Thus, management is often challenging and requires unique approaches tailored to each individual patient. While recent literature has described risk factors for more aggressive disease, few sources have investigated the impact of smoking on RRP disease course and risk for malignant transformation.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted for adult RRP patients evaluated at an academic tertiary care center between 2005 and 2020. A total of 188 patients were identified. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including smoking and alcohol history, HPV subtype, history of dysplasia and/or carcinoma, voice handicap index scores, Derkay scores, debulkings (in office and operating room), and days to papilloma recurrence.

Results:

Malignant degeneration in RRP occurred in 16.3% of smokers and 3.6% of nonsmokers. Smokers who developed carcinoma had less debulkings per years of evaluation than those not developing carcinoma (0.21 vs 0.92, P = .004). Additionally, patients that either presented with or developed carcinoma during their course had a higher pack-year smoking history (18.0 vs 12.21, P = .0002). No difference in days to recurrence or inter-surgical interval was demonstrated between smokers and nonsmokers.

Conclusions:

The report demonstrates that smoking can increase the risk of malignant transformation in RRP patients.
Association between cardiac conditions with venous leg ulcers in patients with chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Pizano Alejandro , Bequeaith Beau , Cifuentes Sebastian , Figueroa Valentin , Al Rustem Haider , Ray Hunter M , Coogan Sheila , Miller Charles , Ulloa Jorge H , Harlin Stuart A
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the final stage of chronic venous insufficiency. This study aims to characterize the association between cardiovascular diseases and VLU.

Methods

A multicentric case-control study analyzed 17,788 patients between 2015 and 2020. Cases were matched (1:2) by age and sex, and odds ratios (OR) were analyzed with conditional logistic regressions adjusted by risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of VLU was 15.2%. 2390 cases were analyzed. Diseases found to be associated with VLU were atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.21; 95% CI: 1.03–1.42), pulmonary hypertension (OR, 1.45; 95% CI: 1.06–2.00), right heart failure (OR, 1.27; 95% CI: 1.13–1.43), peripheral artery disease (OR, 2.21; 95% CI: 1.90–2.56), and history of pulmonary embolism (OR, 1.45; 95% CI: 1.06–2.00).

Conclusions

Certain cardiovascular conditions showed an association with VLU. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the effect that treating concomitant cardiovascular diseases might exert on the natural history of venous leg ulcers.
Classifying Pedestrian Maneuver Types Using the Advanced Language Model
Authors: Das Subasish , Oliaee Amir Hossein , Le Minh , Pratt Michael P. , Wu Jason
Published: March 2023

Pedestrians are the most vulnerable roadway user. While there is much emphasis on “green transportation,” a troubling fact emerges in the U.S.A.: pedestrian deaths are increasing significantly in comparison to motorist deaths, reaching nearly 6941 in 2020—the highest in over two decades. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool was developed to determine motorists and non-motorists’ actions before a crash to accurately define the sequence of events and precipitating actions leading to traffic crashes between motor vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists. Police report traffic crash data and crash narrative reports undoubtedly play a major role in decision-making for the safety engineers. Using crash data from three major cities in Texas (2018–2020), this study assessed the data quality of text narratives in police reports of pedestrian crashes. The objective of this study was to develop a framework for applying advanced language models to classify pedestrian maneuver types from unstructured textual content. The results show that although natural language processing models are promising as crash typing tools, narration inconsistency, data imbalance, and small sample sizes are holding back progress in this area. The framework demonstrated high accuracy for the binary classification task, but it was inconsistent for the more complex multiclass task. This framework provides the basis for applying advanced language models such as the bidirectional encoder representations from transformers model in identifying pedestrian maneuver types associated with pedestrian crashes.
Social and Spatial Equity/Equality in Relation to High-Speed Trains: Lessons from Turkey’s High-Speed Train Experience
Authors: Baş Ahmet , Delaplace Marie
Published: March 2023

In the twentieth century, high-speed trains (HSTs) were added to the choice of transportation modes in Japan and Europe, and in the twenty-first century HST networks in developing countries have been advanced. It is planned to enhance these networks further in the future. Developing countries are characterized by income inequalities and, thus, it is important to find out who uses HSTs. If they are only viable in the wealthiest regions, then this mode of transportation will induce spatial inequity. If HST travel is too expensive, then HSTs will induce social inequity. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between HSTs and equity, but they have mostly covered economically developed countries, with only a few studies being carried out in economically developing countries apart from China. As such, the aim of this article is to fill the gap in the literature by analyzing the case of Turkey’s HSTs. The study presents a review of the literature pertaining to HSTs and the issue of equity, then uses Turkey’s socioeconomic development index to make comparisons of HST service accessibility according to different social groups, ages, and occupations. Ticket price and accessibility indicators are used to work out how HSTs can be a tool for reducing accessibility inequalities. The results indicate that HSTs do not necessarily reinforce the existing accessibility inequalities in Turkey, but can be a tool for improving equity in three ways: their ticket pricing policy; their considerable range, in that they serve numerous cities all over the country; and the way they are used in relation to different groups.
Application of functionalized hyaluronic acid hydrogel with the activity of regulating the behaviors of stem cells in repairing rabbit knee articular cartilage
Authors: Teng Binhong , Zhang He , Zeng Ziqian , Chen Yang , Lu Hongye , Li Xiaoxia , Sun Taosheng , Wei Shicheng
Published: March 2023

Using injectable hydrogels loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to repair chondral defects is a new trend of cartilage tissue engineering in recent years. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels containing the system of sustained-release Kartogenin (KGN) and modified by RGD and HAV peptides were used to facilitate repair of cartilage defect in the knee joint of rabbits. Different groups of implants were injected into osteochondral defects, and samples were taken 4 weeks after operation. Through the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Micro-CT, it can be seen that both FH (unloaded cell group) and R + FH groups (allogeneic cell group) can repair osteochondral defects well, and the amount of bone formation is high, which is close to the intact cartilage groups. Macroscopic observation and histological staining analysis showed that except for the intact cartilage group, FH group obtained the highest score. The morphology of the cartilage tissue in the FH groups was more regular and continuous than that in R + FH and H + FH (xenogeneic cell group) groups, approaching that of native cartilage. Immunohistochemical staining of Collagen II (Col II) showed that the expression and morphology of Col II in FH groups were similar to those in intact cartilage tissue. Interestingly, through in vivo experiments, this functionalized hyaluronic acid hydrogel can effectively promote the rapid repair of rabbit knee cartilage defects within one month.
Charter Authorizing, Applications, and the Needs of Historically Marginalized Students: A Cross State Analysis
Authors: Bulkley Katrina , Lu Amanda , Meza Fernandez Kate , Gerry Alica
Published: March 2023

Charter school authorizers shape which charter schools open, where they open, and who they serve. We draw on principal agent theory to investigate how the priorities and practices of nine authorizers intersected with charter school applications’ attention to the needs of historically marginalized students. Using data from interviews and applications, we find authorizers vary in orientations toward equity and the ways in which they signal that orientation to charter applicants. Our analysis suggests a robust relationship between authorizer mission and the content found in charter applications, demonstrating the influence of authorizing practices on the contents of charter school applications.
Can Individuals with Power Distance Consume Luxury? A Model for Inclusion Through Social Capital and Social Approval
Authors: Bizarrias Flávio Santino , Cucato Jussara da Silva Teixeira , Strehlau Vivian Iara , Strehlau Suzane
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine to what extent social capital and social approval mediate the relationship between power distance and purchase intention of luxury brands when these brands are congruent with one’s self. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, linear regression to access mediating effects and latent class analysis to profile the sample. Results suggest that social capital and social approval together have a dual mediating effect on consumers’ intention to purchase luxury brands with a feeling of power distance. Three distinct perceived power distance profiles were revealed through respondent heterogeneity, impacting the other constructs. This is the first study to propose a model in the luxury market that includes low-status, underprivileged consumers as distant from power in society through the dual mechanisms of social approval and social capital. The study provides evidence that there is an opportunity to better understand including underprivileged individuals in the market and society.
The role of immune activation and antigen persistence in acute and long COVID
Authors: Opsteen Skye , Files Jacob K , Fram Tim , Erdmann Nathan
Published: March 2023

In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggered the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although most infections cause a self-limited syndrome comparable to other upper respiratory viral pathogens, a portion of individuals develop severe illness leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, an estimated 10%–20% of SARS-CoV-2 infections are followed by post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), or long COVID. Long COVID is associated with a wide variety of clinical manifestations including cardiopulmonary complications, persistent fatigue, and neurocognitive dysfunction. Severe acute COVID-19 is associated with hyperactivation and increased inflammation, which may be an underlying cause of long COVID in a subset of individuals. However, the immunologic mechanisms driving long COVID development are still under investigation. Early in the pandemic, our group and others observed immune dysregulation persisted into convalescence after acute COVID-19. We subsequently observed persistent immune dysregulation in a cohort of individuals experiencing long COVID. We demonstrated increased SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses and antibody affinity in patients experiencing long COVID symptoms. These data suggest a portion of long COVID symptoms may be due to chronic immune activation and the presence of persistent SARS-CoV-2 antigen. This review summarizes the COVID-19 literature to date detailing acute COVID-19 and convalescence and how these observations relate to the development of long COVID. In addition, we discuss recent findings in support of persistent antigen and the evidence that this phenomenon contributes to local and systemic inflammation and the heterogeneous nature of clinical manifestations seen in long COVID.
The politics of language: The case of national examinations in English in Russia
Authors: Piattoeva Nelli , Smirnova Valeriia , Santos Íris
Published: March 2023

This article analyses discussions in the Russian media of the proposal to introduce the Unified State Exam (USE) in English as a mandatory test in the last year of (high) school education 2010s. The decision not to implement the mandatory USE in English was taken in August 2020. In the aftermath of the decision, we investigate the decade-long media debates. Building methodologically on frame analysis, we examine the frames used in the online media to present the pros and cons of English testing, and the qualitative modifications of these frames over time. We argue that media coverage of English as a compulsory test parallelled changes in the politics of nation-building and language policies. First it reflected the idea of Russia as a global economic actor, striving to reap the benefits of a global economy, and framed the acquisition of English as part of the global economic and political community. However, as the state’s prerogatives changed, English began to be discussed as a threat to national unity, national security and the mastery of Russian. Moreover, the ‘national’ became associated, with separation from the rest of the world and its perceived threat.
Understanding Men’s Engagement and Disengagement When Seeking Support for Mental Health
Authors: Kwon Minjoo , Lawn Sharon , Kaine Christine
Published: March 2023

Men are less likely to utilize health care services compared with women. When it comes to mental health, men have been reported to hold more reluctant attitudes toward engaging with mental health services. Current studies have predominantly been quantitative and focused on understanding effective strategies to promote men’s engagement and why men may avoid help-seeking or may not seek help early; few studies exist of men’s disengagement from services. Much of this research has been undertaken from the services’ perspective. The study reported here attempts to gain better insight into the reasons men give for their disengagement from mental health services and what men say will reengage them back into the system. This research was a secondary analysis of data collected by a national survey conducted by Lived Experience Australia (LEA). Responses of 73 male consumers were gathered and analyzed. Analysis of the responses was split into two themes with associated subthemes: (1) Why men disengage: (1.1) Autonomy; (1.2) Professionalism; (1.3) Authenticity; and (1.4) Systemic Barriers; and (2) What will help men reengage: (2.1) Clinician-driven reconciliation, (2.2) Community and Peer Workers; and (2.3) Ease of reentry. Findings highlight strategies to prevent disengagement such as creating open and honest therapeutic environments and improving men’s mental health literacy while providing care. Evidence-based approaches to reengage male consumers are suggested along with an emphasis on men’s strong preferences for community-based mental health services and peer workers.
The K9-Teen Pandemic: When Good Boy Goes Bad. The Epidemiology, Management and Public Health Ramifications of Facial Dog Bite Injuries: Newcastle, Australia, Experience
Authors: Kelly Sophie K.M. , Hoffman Gary R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, pattern of injury and management of facial dog bite injuries.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study over a 5-year period of patients who sustained a facial dog bite injury. The study setting was an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at a level 1 trauma centre, servicing an estimated catchment population in excess of 950,000 people.

Results: In total, 171 patients were managed in the designated period from January 2017 to January 2022. The median age was 9 years (range 11 months to 77 years), with the highest incidence of a single age 4 years. The frequency was slightly greater amongst males (n = 93) than females (n = 78). The most common responsible breed were Pitbull types (n = 26). Overall, bites most often resulted from the family dog (n = 87), in the victim’s own home (n = 84) and whilst playing with the dog (n = 64). The primary sites involved were the lips (n = 70), cheek (n = 53) and nose, representing the so called ‘target area’. In 53 cases, the injuries were classified as severe. 138 patients required hospital admission, and of these, 130 required surgical management under general anaesthesia.

Conclusions: Facial dog bite injuries present a significant burden on the healthcare system and result in physical, functional and/or emotional distress for the patient. As the rates of dog ownership continue to rise, a consequential increase in these injuries is also likely. Further, public health intervention is essential, particularly as the most susceptible demographic remains young male children.
Vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS) score for identification of concussion in cases of non-severe head injury: A systematic review
Authors: Thomas Caroline E. , Thomas Stephen H. , Bloom Ben
Published: March 2023

Background

and importance Each year, 1.4 million patients attend a UK ED with a head injury. Mild traumatic brain injury affects up to 300/100 000 admitted patients/year and a greater number of non-admitted patients. Identifying those patients with a head injury that have concussion, and of those, which will have a prolonged recovery, is critical for discharge planning. The Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening test (VOMS) has been reported as a useful “sideline tool” to evaluate for sports-related concussion (SRC). VOMS has been assessed for utility primarily for predicting in head-injured, which cases will have concussion, and secondarily in predicting in concussed patients, which will have prolonged recovery. Originally described in 2014, VOMS has not been subject to systematic review or meta-analysis, with regard to its predictive performance for concussion.

Objective

To assess the state of VOMS evidence for dichotomously classifying concussion status in patients with non-severe head injury

Design

Systematic review.

Setting and participants

Studies comprising the review enrolled ambulatory head-injured adults and children, usually from sports-related settings, in Europe or the USA.

Exposure

VOMS.

Outcome measures

Presence of concussion, presence of prolonged recovery in concussed patients

Main results

The review identified 17 studies, characterized by a wide variety of specific approaches to administering and scoring VOMS. While VOMS showed promise as a screening tool for concussion, marked study heterogeneity precluded generation of a pooled effect estimate for VOMS performance.

Conclusion

VOMS is potentially useful as a concussion screening tool. Available evidence from the SRC arena suggests sensitivity ranging from 58–96%, with specificity 46−92%. Directions for future VOMS research should include evaluation of standardized administration and scoring, potentially of a simpler VOMS (with fewer components), in a general head-injured population. Further analysis of precisely defined VOMS application may be useful to determine the proper place of VOMS screening for the head-injured.
Complementary therapy for endometriosis related pelvic pain
Authors: Li Linda , Lou Kristie , Chu Amanda , O’Brien Emily , Molina Andrea , Riley Kristin
Published: March 2023

In the setting of a global pandemic, it is vastly important now more than ever that patients have agency and control over pain management when living with a debilitating chronic pain disease such as endometriosis. We present a review of the available literature on the most popular and easily accessible complementary pain management therapies for endometriosis including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulator (TENS) units, diets, Cannabidiol (CBD), turmeric, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture. These are worthwhile recommendations; however, the data for each is limited and more research is needed to further support each of its use.
Selective genotyping strategies for a sib test scheme of a broiler breeder program
Authors: de Hollander Charlie A. , Breen Vivian P. , Henshall John , Lopes Fernando B. , Calus Mario PL.
Published: March 2023

Background

In broiler breeding, genotype-by-environment interaction is known to result in a genetic correlation between body weight measured in bio-secure and commercial environments that is substantially less than 1. Thus, measuring body weights on sibs of selection candidates in a commercial environment and genotyping them could increase genetic progress. Using real data, the aim of this study was to evaluate which genotyping strategy and which proportion of sibs placed in the commercial environment should be genotyped to optimize a sib-testing breeding program in broilers. Phenotypic body weight and genomic information were collected on all sibs raised in a commercial environment, which allowed to retrospectively analyze different sampling strategies and genotyping proportions.

Results

Accuracies of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) obtained with the different genotyping strategies were assessed by computing their correlation with GEBV obtained when all sibs in the commercial environment were genotyped. Results showed that, compared to random sampling (RND), genotyping sibs with extreme phenotypes (EXT) resulted in higher GEBV accuracy across all genotyping proportions, especially for genotyping proportions of 12.5% or 25%, which resulted in correlations of 0.91 vs 0.88 for 12.5% and 0.94 vs 0.91 for 25% genotyped. Including pedigree on birds with phenotype in the commercial environment that were not genotyped increased accuracy at lower genotyping proportions, especially for the RND strategy (correlations of 0.88 vs 0.65 at 12.5% and 0.91 vs 0.80 at 25%), and a smaller but still substantial increase in accuracy for the EXT strategy (0.91 vs 0.79 for 12.5% and 0.94 vs 0.88 for 25% genotyped). Dispersion bias was virtually absent for RND if 25% or more birds were genotyped. However, GEBV were considerably inflated for EXT, especially when the proportion genotyped was low, which was further exacerbated if the pedigree of non-genotyped sibs was excluded.

Conclusions

When less than 75% of all animals placed in a commercial environment are genotyped, it is recommended to use the EXT strategy, because it yields the highest accuracy. However, caution should be taken when interpreting the resulting GEBV because they will be over-dispersed. When 75% or more of the animals are genotyped, random sampling is recommended because it yields virtually no bias of GEBV and results in similar accuracies as the EXT strategy.
Validation of the Thai version of the obstetric quality of recovery score (obsqor-10-Thai) after elective cesarean delivery
Authors: Dusitkasem Sasima , Jindapitak Jinda , Arnuntasupakul Vanlapa , Lekprasert Varinee , Bumrungphuet Sommart , Sukying Chakrit , Komonhirun Rojnarin , Sangkum Lisa
Published: March 2023

Background

The Obstetric Quality of Recovery score (ObsQoR-10) is a questionnaire used to assess recovery after cesarean delivery. However, the original ObsQoR-10 is in English and was mainly validated in the Western population. We therefore evaluated the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the ObsQoR-10-Thai in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.

Methods

The original ObsQoR-10 was translated into Thai, and psychometric validation was performed to evaluate the quality of post-cesarean recovery. The ObsQoR-10-Thai, activities of daily living checklist, and 100-mm visual analog scale of global health (VAS-GH) questionnaires were administered to the study participants before and 24 and 48-h postpartum. Validity, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility of the ObsQoR-10-Thai were assessed.

Results

We included 110 patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery. The mean ObsQoR-10-Thai score at baseline and 24 and 48-h postpartum was 83.35 ± 11.15, 56.75 ± 11.6, and 70.96 ± 13.65, respectively. The ObsQoR-10-Thai score differed significantly between the two groups divided based on the VAS-GH (≥ 70 vs. < 70): 75.58 ± 13.81 and 52.56 ± 10.61, respectively (P < 0.001). The convergent validity between the ObsQoR-10-Thai and VAS-GH was good (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). The ObsQoR-10-Thai displayed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87), split-half reliability (0.92), and test–retest reliability (0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99). The median time to complete the questionnaire was 2 (IQR, 1–6) min.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the ObsQoR-10-Thai is valid and has good reliability, with a high degree of responsiveness in terms of assessment of recovery after elective cesarean delivery.

Trial registration

This study was registered on the Thai Clinical Trials Registry, identifier TCTR20210204001, registered on 04/02/2021 (Prospectively registration).
Risk factors of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in COVID-19: a matched case–control study
Authors: Lee Se Ju , Kim Jinnam , Lee Ki Hyun , Lee Jung Ah , Kim Chang Hyup , Lee Su Hwan , Park Byung Jo , Kim Jung Ho , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Yeom Joon-Sup , Choi Jun Yong
Published: March 2023

Background

During the novel coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, a considerable number of pneumothorax (PNX)/pneumomediastinum (PNM) associated with COVID-19 have been reported, and the incidence is higher in critically ill patients. Despite using a protective ventilation strategy, PNX/PNM still occurs in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). This matched case–control study aims to identify the risk factors and clinical characteristics of PNX/PNM in COVID-19.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled adult patients with COVID-19, admitted to a critical care unit from March 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022. COVID-19 patients with PNX/PNM were compared, in a 1–2 ratio, to COVID-19 patients without PNX/PNM, matched for age, gender, and worst National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ordinal scale. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for PNX/PNM in COVID-19.

Results

427 patients with COVID-19 were admitted during the period, and 24 patients were diagnosed with PNX/PNM. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in the case group (22.8 kg/m2 and 24.7 kg/m2; P = 0.048). BMI was statistically significant risk factor for PNX/PNM in univariate conditional logistic regression analysis [odds ratio (OR), 0.85; confidence interval (CI), 0.72–0.996; P = 0.044]. For patients on IMV support, univariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed the statistical significance of the duration from symptom onset to intubation (OR, 1.14; CI, 1.006–1.293; P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Higher BMI tended to show a protective effect against PNX/PNM due to COVID-19 and delayed application of IMV might be a contributive factor for this complication.
Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy with a central high dose using CyberKnife for metastatic lung tumors
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Suzuki Osamu , Shiomi Hiroya , Ono Hitoshi , Setoguchi Akira , Nakai Masataka , Nakanishi Erina , Tatekawa Shotaro , Ose Naoko , Hirata Takero , Tamari Keisuke , Seo Yuji , Funaki Soichiro , Isohashi Fumiaki , Shimizu Shinichi , Shintani Yasushi , Ogawa Kazuhiko
Published: March 2023

Background

The CyberKnife system features a robotically-positioned linear accelerator to deliver real-time image-guided stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). It achieves steep dose gradients using irradiation from hundreds of different directions and increases the central dose of the gross tumor volume (GTV) without increasing the marginal dose to the planning target volume. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of SABR with a central high dose using CyberKnife for metastatic lung tumors.

Methods

A total of 73 patients with 112 metastatic lung tumors treated with CyberKnife were retrospectively analyzed. Local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The median age was 69.2 years. The most common primary sites were the uterus (n = 34), colorectum (n = 24), head and neck (n = 17), and esophagus (n = 16). For peripheral lung tumors, the median radiation dose was 52 Gy in 4 fractions, whereas for centrally located lung tumors, it was 60 Gy in 8–10 fractions. The dose prescription was defined as 99% of the solid tumor components of the GTV. The median maximum dose within the GTV was 61.0 Gy. The GTV and planning target volume were enclosed conformally by the 80% and 70% isodose lines of the maximum dose, respectively. The median follow-up period was extended to 24.7 months; it was 33.0 months for survivors.

Results

The 2-year local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 89.1%, 37.1%, and 71.3%, respectively. Toxicities of grade ≥ 2 were noted as grade 2 and 3 radiation pneumonitis in one patient each. The two patients with grade 2 or higher radiation pneumonitis had both received simultaneous irradiation at two or three metastatic lung tumor sites. No toxicity of grade ≥ 2 was observed in patients with metastasis in one lung only.

Conclusions

SABR with a central high dose using CyberKnife for metastatic lung tumors is effective with acceptable toxicity.

Trial registration

Number: 20557, Name: Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy using CyberKnife for metastatic lung tumor, URL: http://www.radonc.med.osaka-u.ac.jp/pdf/SBRT.pdf, Date of registration: April 1, 2021 (retrospectively registered), Date of enrollment: May 1, 2014.
First episode psychosis and beyond: much progress made but much more needed
Authors: Suetani Shuichi , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

First episode psychosis remains one of the most critical research areas in psychiatry. Much progress has been made, but more progress is required to translate the ideas and promises into reality. In this Editorial, we provide the context and invite contributions for our BMC Psychiatry Collection on First Episode Psychosis.
Time of leaving work pregnancy results during COVID-19 pandemic. The MOACC-19 cohort from Spain
Authors: Llorca Javier , Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad , Carrasco-Marín Eugenio , Guerra-Díez J Lorenzo , Lechosa-Muñiz Carolina , Paz-Zulueta María , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Cabero-Perez María J ,   the MOACC group
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way pregnancies have been controlled as well as working conditions. In countries with paid leave of work, leaving earlier has been a relevant measure for controlling the pandemic. No study has been published on factors associated with earlier leaving work in pregnancy and the consequences it could have on pregnancy outcomes.

Objective

We aimed to identify woman and pregnancy characteristics associated with leaving work earlier and its consequences on pregnancy results. Method: A cohort study was carried out in Cantabria, Northern Spain, including 760 women who were pregnant in 2020 and were working at the beginning of their pregnancy. Data on pregnancy characteristics and results were obtained from medical records and gestational age at leaving work was self-reported. In a logistic regression analysis, leaving work before 26th week of pregnancy was the main effect variable.

Results

Several factors were associated with lower probability of leaving work before 26th week, including university studies (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.68), having presential work (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.81), women born in non-European countries (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30, 1.01) and non-smokers (OR for smokers = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.87). Neither type of delivery, gestational age at delivery nor other pregnancy results were associated with the gestational age of leaving work.

Conclusion

Several pregnancy and women characteristics were associated with leaving work earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, although it was not associated with any pregnancy outcome.