bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between ABO blood groups and TASC II classification in patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Günaydın Zeki Yüksel , Yılmaz Emre
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between blood groups and severity of peripheral artery disease (PAD) using TASC II classification.

Methods

The patients who were diagnosed with PAD were retrospectively analyzed. The patients with 50% or more stenosis in the aorto-iliac or femoro-popliteal region detected by conventional or CT angiography were included in the study. These patients were divided into TASC II A, B, C, and D groups considering the severity of PAD. All patients’ blood groups were recorded and compared between TASC II groups.

Results

While 38% of the study population was O blood group, 61% were non-O group. On the other hand, 90% of the entire study population were RH positive and 10% were RH negative. Non-O blood ratio was found to be significantly higher in patients with higher TASC II groups. (TASC IIA 51.6% vs. TASC IIB 57.9% vs. TASC IIC 61.3% vs. TASC IID 76.6%, p< .001) However, the frequencies of Rh types were similar in all groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for determining the predictors of severity and complexity of PAD (TASC II C and TASC II D lesions)

Conclusions

Our study results revealed a clear association between ABO blood groups and severity of peripheral arterial disease. Non-O blood group was found to be the independent predictor of severe and complex PAD.
Enhancing domestic violence advocates’ ability to discuss HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Feasibility and acceptability of an educational intervention
Authors: Willie Tiara C , Sharpless Laurel , Monger Mauda , Kershaw Trace S , Mahoney Wendy B , Stockman Jamila K
Published: January 2022

Background:

Survivors of intimate partner violence are at elevated risk for HIV acquisition, yet there is limited research on the best strategies to optimize biomedical HIV prevention, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis among this population. Domestic violence agencies are critical collaborating partners and function as potential entry points into HIV prevention services for survivors; however, limited knowledge regarding HIV prevention has been an important barrier to advocate-led discussions. This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate an HIV prevention intervention for domestic violence advocates.

Setting:

A nonrandomized, group-based intervention with pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and 3-month post-intervention periods were conducted with multiple domestic violence agencies in Mississippi.

Methods:

Overall, 25 domestic violence advocates participated in the two-session intervention. Surveys were administered to assess pre-exposure prophylaxis knowledge, self-efficacy, subjective norms, and willingness to provide HIV prevention services to intimate partner violence survivors. Generalized estimating equations were conducted to assess change in behavioral outcomes over time.

Results:

Compared to pre-intervention, there were significant increases at immediate and 3-month post-intervention in advocates’ intervention acceptability, pre-exposure prophylaxis knowledge, and self-efficacy to provide HIV prevention information, discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis eligibility criteria, assist pre-exposure prophylaxis-engaged clients, and initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis counseling.

Conclusion:

This group-based intervention enhanced domestic violence advocates’ acceptability, pre-exposure prophylaxis knowledge, and self-efficacy to offer HIV care information, discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis eligibility, assist pre-exposure prophylaxis-engaged survivors, and initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis counseling with intimate partner violence survivors. Efforts should focus on training domestic violence advocates in HIV prevention care for survivors and also include these agencies in collaborative strategies to reduce HIV incidence.
Confidence to manage menstruation among university students in Australia: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Munro Alana K , Keep Melanie , Hunter Erin C , Hossain Syeda Z
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

There has been increased attention to university students’ experiences of menstrual disorders, and access to menstrual products, in high-income countries. Less attention has been directed to other aspects of their menstrual experience, including confidence for menstrual management. This study aimed to understand the factors affecting university students’ confidence to manage menstruation at university.

Methods:

An online survey was completed by 410 participants (age range: 16–46 years, mean = 20.1 years) who menstruate and study at an Australian university. Participants reported demographic characteristics, confidence to manage menstruation at university, and personal, physical and environmental factors. A Mann–Whitney U-test analysed differences in confidence between groups of students. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and bivariate linear regressions determined associations between factors and confidence. Statistically significant associations were inputted into a multiple linear regression model. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

A minority of students (16.2%) felt completely confident to manage their menstruation at university. Menstrual knowledge, positive perceptions of menstruation and comfort to discuss menstruation with others positively predicted confidence. Physical menstrual symptoms, negative perceptions of menstruation, perceived stigma and using a menstrual cup or period underwear predicted lower confidence. In multiple regression, private and clean and sanitary university bathroom facilities, changing menstrual products at university, perceived stigma and negative perceptions of menstruation remained significant predictors.

Conclusion:

Most students did not have complete confidence to manage their menstruation at university. Several personal, physical and environmental factors were related to students’ confidence to manage menstruation. Assessment of these factors in future research with university students is recommended to enable a comprehensive understanding of their menstrual needs, and inform interventions aimed at improving their menstrual management confidence at university.
Knowledge about vertical transmission of HIV and associated factors among women living with HIV or AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy clinic, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Balis Bikila , Assefa Nega , Egata Gudina , Bekele Habtamu , Getachew Tamirat , Ayana Galana Mamo , Raru Temam Beshir , Taye Merga Bedasa
Published: January 2022

Background:

The United Nations Program on HIV or AIDS has committed to eliminating the vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. However, significant number of newborn and children are acquiring HIV every year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge of mother on vertical transmission of HIV and associated factors among non-pregnant women receiving antiretroviral therapy in the West Wollega, Western Ethiopia.

Methods:

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was used on a sample of 422 non-pregnant women attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in West Wollega from 26 February to 26 March 2019. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and telephone interview were used to collect the data. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the knowledge of mother on vertical transmission of HIV. Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value less than 0.05.

Result:

Out of total participants, 94.1% (95% confidence interval: (91.7%, 96.2%)) of them were knowledgeable about vertical transmission of HIV. Urban resident (adjusted odds ratio: 2.36, 95% confidence interval: (1.27, 4.39)), primary school (adjusted odds ratio: 2.94, 95% confidence interval: (1.11, 7.83)), secondary school (adjusted odds ratio: 3.39, 95% confidence interval: (1.53, 7.55)), being on antiretroviral therapy for greater than 2 years (adjusted odds ratio: 2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 6.99)), and having child living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio: 1.54, 95% confidence interval: (1.07, 3 .83)) were significantly associated with the knowledge of mother on vertical transmission of HIV.

Conclusion:

The study indicated that 5.9% of the women lack knowledge about vertical transmission of HIV. This knowledge associated with sociodemographic factors, such as residence, educational status, experiences of having child living with HIV, and being on antiretroviral therapy for greater than 2 years. Thus, interventions toward the elimination of new newborn HIV infections should consider these factors.
Are animates special? Exploring the effects of selective attention and animacy on visual statistical learning
Authors: Cox Jolene A , Cox Timothy W , Aimola Davies Anne M
Published: January 2022

Our visual system is built to extract regularities in how objects in our visual environment appear in relation to each other across time and space (“visual statistical learning”). Existing research indicates that visual statistical learning is modulated by selective attention. Our attentional system prioritises information that enables adaptive behaviour; for example, animates are prioritised over inanimates (the “animacy advantage”). The present study examined the effects of selective attention and animacy on visual statistical learning in young adults ( N = 284). We tested visual statistical learning of attended and unattended information across four animacy conditions: (1) living things that can self-initiate movement (animals); (2) living things that cannot self-initiate movement (fruits and vegetables); (3) non-living things that can generate movement (vehicles); and (4) non-living things that cannot generate movement (tools and kitchen utensils). We implemented a 4-point confidence rating scale as an assessment of participants’ awareness of the regularities in the visual statistical learning task. There were four key findings. First, selective attention plays a critical role by modulating visual statistical learning. Second, animacy does not play a special role in visual statistical learning. Third, visual statistical learning of attended information cannot be exclusively accounted for by unconscious knowledge. Fourth, performance on the visual statistical learning task is associated with the proportion of stimuli that were named or labelled. Our findings support the notion that visual statistical learning is a powerful mechanism by which our visual system resolves an abundance of sensory input over time.
Does physical weight alter the mental representation of the body? Evidence from motor imagery in obesity
Authors: Scarpina Federica , Paschino Clara , Scacchi Massimo , Mauro Alessandro , Sedda Anna
Published: January 2022

Obesity is a clinical condition that impacts severely the physical body. However, evidence related to the mental representation of the body in action is scarce. The few available studies only focus on avoiding obstacles, rather than participants imagining their own body. To advance knowledge in this field, we assessed the performance of 22 individuals with obesity compared with 30 individuals with a healthy weight in two tasks that implied different motor (more implicit vs. more explicit) imagery strategies. Two tasks were also administered to control for visual imagery skills, to rule out confounding factors. Moreover, we measured body uneasiness, through a standard questionnaire, as body image negativity could impact on other body representation components. Our findings do not show differences in the motor imagery tasks between individuals with obesity and individuals with healthy weight. On the other hand, some differences emerge in visual imagery skills. Crucially, individuals with obesity did report a higher level of body uneasiness. Despite a negative body image and visual imagery differences, obesity per se does not impact on the representation of the body in action. Importantly, this result is independent from the level of awareness required to access the mental representation of the body.
Performance reliability analysis of multi-state degraded system with improved Lz transform
Authors: Zheng Yubin , Song Jie , Zhang Yingzhi , Hou Shengdong , Zheng Jun
Published: January 2022

Universal Generating Functions and Lz transformations have been widely used in the reliability modeling of multi-state systems. In order to solve the problem of complex calculations due to the dense random combination of multi-state performance parameters in the Lz transformation, a screening function is defined before the Lz transformation, and the screening function is combined with the performance threshold to screening the state performance parameters in advance, and the process is simplified through the screen matrix and the screen block diagram, effectively reduce the combined dimensions and quantity, improve the efficiency of reliability analysis, and combine with specific examples for application verification.
Effect of the position of the interphalangeal joint on movements of the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb opposition
Authors: Kurumadani Hiroshi , Kurauchi Kazuya , Date Shota , Ishii Yosuke , Sunagawa Toru
Published: January 2022

The Kapandji test is a simple method to score thumb opposition; however, the position of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb during this test has not been described. We aimed to quantitatively examine the effect of the thumb interphalangeal joint position on movements of the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb opposition using the Kapandji test. The Kapandji test was carried out in 20 healthy participants during thumb interphalangeal joint extension and flexion. Movements of the joints and the activity of thenar muscles were recorded using motion capture and electromyography, respectively. We found that interphalangeal joint extension increased the trapeziometacarpal joint movement and thenar muscle activity compared with interphalangeal joint flexion, which contributed to thumb opposition at Kapandji Positions 0–6. These findings suggest the position of the thumb interphalangeal joint affects the trapeziometacarpal joint during thumb opposition, and assessment of thumb opposition using the Kapandji test is best done with the thumb interphalangeal joint in extension.
The consistency and reliability of six-strand and four-strand flexor tendon repairs: a comparative porcine cadaveric study
Authors: Kuronen Jaakko A. E. , Riski Benjamin , Leppänen Olli V. , Karjalainen Teemu , Linnanmäki Lasse
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the consistency and reliability of the six-strand Gan modification of the Lim-Tsai flexor tendon repair with the four-strand Adelaide repair, both with 3-0 sutures and with eight to ten runs of simple 5-0 running peripheral suture as well as the influence of the surgeons’ level of experience on the strength of the repair in a cadaveric animal setup. Thirty-nine surgeons repaired 78 porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons with either the Adelaide technique (39 tendons) or the modified Lim-Tsai technique (39 tendons). Each repaired tendon was tested in a material testing machine under a single cycle load-to-failure test. The forces were recorded when the gap between the two tendon stumps reached 1 and 2 mm and when irreversible elongation or total rupture occurred. We found no significant differences in gap formation force and yielding strength of the tendons between the two methods. The surgeon’s previous experience in tendon repairs did not improve the consistency, reliability or tensile strength of the repairs. We conclude that if a strong peripheral suture is added, the modified Lim-Tsai repair has the same technical reliability and consistency as the Adelaide repair in term of ultimate loading strength in this test setup.
Risk of tendon failure with repeated passage of Kirschner wires or hypodermic needles: an experimental study
Authors: Kiszely Alastair , Giddins Grey
Published: January 2022

During hand surgery, tendons may be at risk of damage. This biomechanical study aims to assess the risk of tendon rupture due to passage of Kirschner wires or hypodermic needles. Porcine extensor tendons were divided into four groups. Group 1: a control group was tested to ensure that repeated stress alone did not cause failure. Group 2a: 1.1-mm Kirschner wires were hand pushed through tendons 50 times and then stressed to 40 N, repeated until tendon failure. In Group 2b, K-wires were passed while rotating using a drill. Group 3: the experiment was repeated using a 20 G hypodermic needle. Group 2a tendons required a median of 2450 passes (1150–3500) to propagate failure, Group 2b a median of 2250 (1200–3850) and Group 3a median of 200 passes (150–450). The risk of tendon rupture from wires or hypodermic needles in procedures appears very low.
En bloc resection and vascularized ulnar pedicle graft reconstruction with plate fixation for giant cell tumour of the distal radius
Authors: Chobpenthai Thanapon , Intuwongs Chai-Sit , Suvithayasiri Siravich , Thanindratarn Pichaya , Phorkhar Termphong
Published: January 2022

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of ten patients (five men and five women) who were treated in our unit for Campanacci Grade III giant cell tumour of the distal radius between July 2017 and December 2019. Following en bloc resection of a giant cell tumour of the distal radius, the wrist was reconstructed by transposing a vascularized pedicle graft from the ipsilateral ulnar shaft. The graft was fixed to the radial shaft and proximal carpal row with plates. At a mean follow-up of 23.5 months (range 18 to 31), bony union was achieved in all cases and there were no tumour recurrences. All patients had a good range of pronation and supination, but flexion and extension of the wrist was limited. DASH scores ranged from 5 to 11. This reconstruction method is a safe and effective procedure that provides good aesthetic outcomes, removes the need for microvascular techniques and reduces donor site morbidity.

Level of evidence: IV
High-resolution ultrasound in the diagnosis of failed carpal tunnel decompression: a study of 35 cases
Authors: Carità Enrico , Donadelli A. , Laterza M. , Perazzini P. , Tamburin S. , Zanette G.
Published: January 2022

We used high-resolution ultrasound to examine 35 median nerves (35 patients) with failed carpal tunnel decompression to identify the cause of failure. The carpal tunnel was examined before revision surgery, and the results were correlated with surgical findings. The cross-sectional area was measured, and nerve morphology was analysed at the sites of compression. We found persistent median nerve compression in 30 out of 35 patients. In 20 patients, the compression was caused by a residual transverse carpal ligament, in four by perineural fibrosis, in five by both of these causes and in one by tenosynovitis. In four patients, evidence of median nerve injury with an epineural/fascicular lesion was detected; and in one, no abnormalities were found. Surgical findings were consistent with the ultrasound findings except in one patient where tenosynovitis was associated with a giant cell tumour, which was missed by ultrasound. High-resolution ultrasound can provide helpful information in preoperative diagnosis of failed carpal tunnel decompression with good correlation between the ultrasound and surgical findings.

Level of evidence: IV
Ulnar variance in distal radial fractures: assessment and interpretation
Authors: Johnson Nick A. , Dias Rachel , Dias Joseph J.
Published: January 2022

We explored patterns of shortening of the distal radius and investigated the effect of displacement on ‘ulnar variance’ in 250 patients with distal radial fractures. A small number of patients (5%) had a fracture that resulted in true shortening. Thirty-two per cent had fractures that appeared short, but lateral radiographs revealed that the articular surface was tilted, with either the anterior or dorsal rim of the articular surface being proximal to the distal ulna but the other rim was distal to it. We recommend initial assessment of variance on lateral radiographs. If the anterior and dorsal rims of the distal radial articular surface are proximal to the distal ulna, then true shortening is present and lengthening and stabilization, to hold the radius distracted, should be considered. If only one rim is proximal to the distal ulna, then correction of the tilt will lessen the apparent positive variance.

Level of evidence: IV
Quantitative analysis of efficacy and safety of LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations in the treatment of stable COPD
Authors: Gong Yiwen , Lv Yinghua , Liu Hongxia , Zheng Qingshan , Li Lujin
Published: January 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to quantitatively compare the efficacy and safety of long-acting β2-agonist (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) for the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in terms of their loss of efficacy in lung function.

Methods:

Randomized controlled clinical trials of LABA/LAMA FDCs for the treatment of stable COPD were comprehensively searched for in public databases. Pharmacodynamic models were established to describe the time course of the primary outcome [trough forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)]. Secondary outcomes [COPD exacerbations, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Transition Dyspnoea Index (TDI), and rescue medication use] and safety outcomes [mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), and withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs)] were also compared via a meta-analysis.

Results:

A total of 22 studies involving 16,486 participants were included in this study. The results showed that in terms of primary outcome (change from baseline in trough FEV1), the efficacy of vilanterol/umeclidinium was the highest, while the efficacy of formoterol/aclidinium was the lowest, with a maximum effect value (Emax) of 0.185 L [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.173–0.197 L] and 0.119 L (95% CI: 0.103–0.135 L), respectively. The efficacy of other drugs, such as formoterol/glycopyrronium, indacaterol/glycopyrronium, and olodaterol/tiotropium, were comparable, and their Emax values were 0.150–0.177 L. Except for vilanterol/umeclidinium, the other four LABA/LAMA FDCs showed a certain degree of loss of efficacy. Compared with the efficacy at 2 days, the trough FEV1 (L) relative to baseline at 24 weeks decreased by 0.029–0.041 L. In terms of secondary outcomes, the efficacy of different LABA/LAMA FDCs was similar in TDI and rescue medication use. However, formoterol/aclidinium was better in preventing the COPD exacerbations, while vilanterol/umeclidinium was the best in terms of SGRQ. In addition, different LABA/LAMA FDCs and placebo had similar safety outcomes.

Conclusion:

The present findings may provide necessary quantitative information for COPD medication guidelines.
History, philosophy, and value of mechanical models in sports science and engineering
Authors: Senner Veit
Published: January 2022

This article is giving an introduction to JSET’s special section on mechanical models. It explains why mechanical models represent essential tools in sports engineering, defines their potential application fields and proposes a possible categorization. Further two short examples of mechanical models with corresponding literature and an overview of the manuscripts included in this special section are given.
Interpreting the full blood count
Authors: Haywood Martin
Published: January 2022

The full blood count (FBC) is one of the most commonly requested blood tests in medical practice and can provide a wealth of useful information about a patient’s general state of health, as well as highlighting abnormalities which indicate systemic or sinister pathologies. This article seeks to explore the different parameters of the FBC, and how these relate to some more common clinical presentations, as well as their relation to morphological findings seen on the blood film. As with most investigations, differential diagnoses suggested by any individual laboratory tests are wide and are most valuable when combined with history and examination.
Hearing loss: Conductive versus sensorineural
Authors: Payne Thomas , Wong Gentle
Published: January 2022

Hearing loss has a significant impact on quality of life, and may even compromise an individual’s ability to work and their safety – we use our hearing to constantly detect and react to environmental hazards around us. Hearing loss can have a profound impact on a person’s life. This is especially true for certain patient groups. For instance, the elderly, and those with co-existing problems that affect their ability to communicate (such as dementia, cerebrovascular disease or psychiatric disorders). Even those without co-morbidities suffer the burden of disease where communication is impaired: the young who are developing their speech and language skills and adults with language barriers or other impediments to their speech. The hearing apparatus is made up of conductive and sensorineural pathways, which may be affected by pathology, leading to deafness. This article describes the aetiology of conductive and sensorineural deafness, details the relevant clinical assessment and outlines management strategies in community practice.
Bio-electrospraying assessment toward in situ chondrocyte-laden electrospun scaffold fabrication
Authors: Semitela Ângela , Ramalho Gonçalo , Capitão Ana , Sousa Cátia , Mendes Alexandrina F , AAP Marques Paula , Completo António
Published: January 2022

Electrospinning has been widely used to fabricate fibrous scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering, but their small pores severely restrict cell infiltration, resulting in an uneven distribution of cells across the scaffold, particularly in three-dimensional designs. If bio-electrospraying is applied, direct chondrocyte incorporation into the fibers during electrospinning may be a solution. However, before this approach can be effectively employed, it is critical to identify whether chondrocytes are adversely affected. Several electrospraying operating settings were tested to determine their effect on the survival and function of an immortalized human chondrocyte cell line. These chondrocytes survived through an electric field formed by low needle-to-collector distances and low voltage. No differences in chondrocyte viability, morphology, gene expression, or proliferation were found. Preliminary data of the combination of electrospraying and polymer electrospinning disclosed that chondrocyte integration was feasible using an alternated approach. The overall increase in chondrocyte viability over time indicated that the embedded cells retained their proliferative capacity. Besides the cell line, primary chondrocytes were also electrosprayed under the previously optimized operational conditions, revealing the higher sensitivity degree of these cells. Still, their post-electrosprayed viability remained considerably high. The data reported here further suggest that bio-electrospraying under the optimal operational conditions might be a promising alternative to the existent cell seeding techniques, promoting not only cells safe delivery to the scaffold, but also the development of cellularized cartilage tissue constructs.
COVID-19-related anxiety and knowledge toward its preventive measures among patients with chronic medical illness on follow-up in public hospitals of Bale, East Bale, and West Arsi zones, Ethiopia
Authors: Yasin Ahmed , Asefa Tesfaye , Takele Abule , Fikadu Genet , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Tura Birhanu , Gemmechu Addisu , Abduku Mohammed awel , Zenbaba Demisu , Tesa Edao , Tasew Alelign , Tekalign Yohannes , Abdulkadir Adem , Seyoum Kenbon , Morka Garoma , Esmael Adem , Ganfure Gemechu , Teferu Zinash , Nigussie Eshetu , Girma Alemu , Regasa Tadele , Bekele Kebebe , Tesema Abdi , Kemal Makida , Usman Heyder , Haile Gebisa , Negero Asfaw , Atlaw Daniel , Haji Safi , Mamma Mohammedaman , Solomon Damtew , Gezahegn Habtamu
Published: January 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as 2019-nCoV cluster of acute respiratory illness with unknown causes, which occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, in China, was first reported to World Health Organization country office as of December 30, 2019. People with medical illness are at a higher risk for coronavirus disease, and the pandemic influences mental health and causes psychological problems, particularly in those with chronic medical illness. Hence, this study aimed to assess coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety and the knowledge on its preventive measures among patients with medical illness on follow-up in public hospitals of Bale, East Bale, and Arsi zones

Objective:

To assess coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety and knowledge toward coronavirus disease 2019 preventive measures among patients with chronic medical illness on follow-up in public hospitals of Bale, East Bale, and West Arsi zones.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals of Bale and West Arsi zones, Southeast Ethiopia. A total of 633 study participants were included in this study, and data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A descriptive summary was computed. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the associated factors.

Results:

Overall, the prevalence of anxiety among chronic patients in this study was 6.3% (95% confidence interval: 4.6%–8.5%) and 420 (66.35%) had good knowledge on the preventive measures of coronavirus disease 2019. Factors significantly associated with anxiety among chronic patients were being educated (95% confidence interval: adjusted odds ratio = 0.26 (0.09–0.74)), being male (95% confidence interval: 2.69 (1.11–6.53)), and use of mask (95% confidence interval: 0.11 (0.05–0.26)).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety among chronic patients was high and being males, uneducated, and not using face mask was significantly associated with coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety.
The clinical course of a 79-year-old stroke survivor in the setting of a late-onset COVID-19 infection
Authors: Ahmeti Salih , Lokaj-Berisha Violeta , Gacaferri Lumezi Besa
Published: January 2022

Although several therapeutic agents have been evaluated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), no specific antiviral drug has been proven effective for the treatment of patients with severe complications. However, a nucleoside prodrug remdesivir (GS-5734) was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Preclinical data in animal models of coronavirus diseases have demonstrated that early treatment with remdesivir leads to improved survival and decreased lung injury. Recent clinical data have demonstrated the clinical activity of remdesivir in terms of shorter recovery period and higher odds of improved clinical status in patients with COVID-19. Here, the story of a 79-year-old patient, with 11-year-old left hemiparesis, concomitant cardiovascular disease, infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the clinical improvement after administration of remdesivir during his second hospitalization period is reported.
Case of persistent sciatic artery in a dialysis patient with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhito , Kumada Yoshitaka , Mori Akihiro , Kawai Norikazu , Ishida Narihiro
Published: January 2022

Persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital malformation (incidence rate, 0.03%–0.06%). We report the case of a 72-year-old male patient with persistent sciatic artery suffering from pain at rest and an ulcer on the left first toe. Angiography findings showed 90% stenosis in the distal persistent sciatic artery. Endovascular therapy was considered difficult because of a long stenotic lesion from the persistent sciatic artery to the popliteal artery and extremely high calcification of the whole body. Because of poor blood flow to the lower leg, vascular prosthesis would have increased the risk of thrombotic occlusion. Therefore, below-knee femoropopliteal bypass using the great saphenous vein graft was performed, which led to the healing of the ulcer on the left first toe. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the lower limbs was performed to confirm that the bypass blood flow was good. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5.
Acquired pyroglutamic acidaemia in a critically ill patient with chronic paracetamol use: A case report
Authors: Connolly Lee , Briggs Ed
Published: January 2022

Pyroglutamic acid is an endogenous organic acid and a metabolite in the γ-glutamyl cycle, involved in glutathione metabolism. Accumulation of pyroglutamic acid is a rare cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis. There are multiple risk factors for pyroglutamic acid accumulation, such as chronic paracetamol use and sepsis. In this case report, we discuss how we came to this diagnosis, how it was subsequently managed and why it is an important consideration for critically ill patients with risk factors who are likely to end up in an intensive care setting. Pyroglutamic acid recognition and treatment could benefit patients in the critically ill population as pyroglutamic acid is a rare cause of high anion gap metabolic acidosis, which is likely under-recognised and easily treated. Inappropriate management of metabolic disorders can contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the recognition and appropriate management of pyroglutamic acidaemia could benefit patients with risk factors for its development in a critical care setting.
A case of a 22-year-old man with primary synovial sarcoma of the parapharyngeal space with an AR somatic mutation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jiang He , Ma Ge , Nie Zunzhen , Zhu Jin , Yan Qingguo , Chen Hongzhang , Nan Haiyan , Guo Ying
Published: January 2022

This case report describes a 22-year-old man with a pharyngeal foreign body sensation arising from the left side of the postpharyngeal wall. Histological examination showed a biphasic pattern of epithelioid and spindle cells including glandular differentiation. The tumour was positive for vimentin and SS18-SSX, and the spindle cells were positive for bcl-2; in contrast, the epithelioid tumour cells were positive for pan-cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen and CD99. There was no INI-loss in tumour cells. Then, the presence of the SYT-SSX gene fusion was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In addition, androgen receptor gene somatic mutations were detected by next-generation sequencing. However, 6 months postoperatively, the patient had neither developed a recurrence nor received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Accurate diagnosis depends on morphological and immunohistochemical examination and a proper molecular analysis, and novel technologies can detect a wide variety of genetic alterations. Although androgen receptor somatic mutations cannot provide addition treatment at present, surgical resection with a clean margin and follow-up is an appropriate approach.
Successful treatment of phrenic nerve injury with diaphragmatic plication 5 years after onset: A case report
Authors: Ohashi Chihiro , Uchida Takahiro , Tanaka Yugo , Maniwa Yoshimasa
Published: January 2022

Diaphragmatic paralysis due to phrenic nerve injury is an occasional complication of cardiothoracic surgery. Although diaphragmatic plication is widely used to treat patients with severe irreversible symptoms, its surgical indication and timing remain controversial. Here, we present a rare case of diaphragmatic paralysis in a 65-year-old woman who underwent cardiac surgery and whose respiratory symptoms worsened despite >5 years of conservative management. Consequently, she underwent diaphragmatic plication using an endostapler to resect the redundant diaphragm, followed by over-suturing of all staple lines. She was discharged without any complications and her symptoms and chest radiography and spirometry results improved postoperatively.
A rare case of a middle ear glomangioma
Authors: Wieser Margaret E , Gilley David R , May Jason G , Rivera Arnaldo L
Published: January 2022

Glomus tumors are benign hyperplasia of glomus bodies, and they are rarely found in the head and neck. The middle ear is an exceptionally rare site for a true glomus tumor, and there are only three previously reported cases in this location. Glomus tumors are etiologically different than glomus tympanicum, which are paragangliomas of the middle ear that are often mistakenly referred to as “glomus tumors.” This is a common misconception due to the “glomus” misnomer. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with a middle ear glomangioma after initially presenting to our clinic with tinnitus and hearing loss. The mass was surgically removed through a transcanal approach with carbon dioxide laser and sharp dissection. Literature review is also reported and revealed similar presentations in patients with middle ear glomangiomas.
Determinants of SME’s Social Media Marketing Adoption: Competitive Industry as a Moderator
Authors: Ali Abbasi Ghazanfar , Abdul Rahim Noor Fareen , Wu Hongyan , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Keong Benjamin Ng Chee
Published: January 2022

In light of the growing role of social media marketing in the success of businesses and its low adoption rate among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), this study aims to identify determinants of SMEs’ social media marketing adoption by considering the competitive industry as a moderator. Data were collected from 214 SMEs in Malaysia. Unlike extant literature, this study proposed a dual-stage analysis involving partial least squares (PLS) technique and artificial intelligence named deep artificial neural network (ANN). The application of deep ANN architecture is used to predict 91% of accuracy for the proposed model. The results showed that perceived relative advantage, perceived cost, top management support, perceived competitor pressure, and perceived vendor pressure have a significant impact on social media marketing adoption. Furthermore, the competitive industry moderates the effects of competitive pressure and customer pressure on social media marketing adoption. The results of the study extend the literature on social media marketing by illustrating the influence of technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) factors on social media marketing adoption among SMEs concerning the extent of industry competition. The results of the study enable policymakers and managers of SMEs to understand the factors that influence social media marketing adoption in both competitive and non-competitive industries and invest effectively in digital marketing.
Teachers’ Time Use and Affect Before and After COVID-19 School Closures
Authors: Jones Nathan D. , Camburn Eric M. , Kelcey Benjamin , Quintero Esther
Published: January 2022

Several large-scale survey efforts have attempted to understand teachers’ experiences in the early months of the pandemic. Our study complements this literature by providing direct evidence of teachers’ work prior to and after the onset of COVID-19. We leverage unique longitudinal time use and affect data on 131 teachers from one district across the 2019–2020 school year. Specifically, we provide a full accounting of teachers’ instructional activities, their reports of their positive affect and negative affect while engaged in these activities, and the extent to which teachers’ work experiences changed post-COVID. Our results suggest a large reduction in teachers’ daily instructional minutes, which were replaced with increased planning, paperwork, and interactions with colleagues and parents. Teachers’ overall positive and negative affect did not change post-COVID. But teachers’ affective responses to specific work activities did. Post-COVID, we saw increases in teachers’ positive affect when with students.
Sensory Processing Abnormalities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Rhodus Elizabeth K. , Hunter Elizabeth G. , Rowles Graham D. , Bardach Shoshana H. , Parsons Kelly , Barber Justin , Thompson MaryEllen , Jicha Gregory A.
Published: January 2022

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia often leads to behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Sensory processing abnormalities may be associated with BPSD. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships among sensory processing, behavior, and environmental features within the homes of people with MCI or dementia. This project used mixed methods to assess participants’ sensory processing, care partner perspectives on behaviors, and in situ observations of the home environment. Nine participants with cognitive impairment (MCI n = 8, early dementia = 1) and their care partners were included. Seven participants with cognitive impairment were reported to have abnormal sensory processing. Findings suggest that unique environmental adaptations, tailored to personal and sensory preferences for each participant, were associated with a decreased level of behavioral disruption during the observation periods. Implementing sensory-based approaches to maximize environment adaptation may be beneficial in reducing disruptive behaviors for adults with cognitive impairment.
Efficacy of Video-Based Forearm Anatomy Model Instruction for a Virtual Education Environment
Authors: Dharamsi Miraal S. , Bastian D. Anthony , Balsiger Heather A. , Cramer Joel T. , Belmares Ricardo
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION

As virtual education becomes more widespread, particularly considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic, studies that assess the impact of online teaching strategies are vital. Current anatomy curriculum at Paul L. Foster School of Medicine consists of self-taught PowerPoint material, clinical vignette-centered team-based learning (dry lab), and prosection-based instruction (wet lab). This study examined the impact of video-based muscle model (VBMM) instruction using a student-designed forearm muscle model on anatomy quiz scores and student perceptions of its effectiveness with regards to learning outcomes.

METHODS

Students divided into Group 1 (54 students) and Group 2 (53 students) were assessed prior to and following a 3.5-minute video on anterior forearm compartment musculature using the muscle model. Group 1 began by completing a pretest, then received VBMM instruction, and then completed a posttest prior to participating in the standard dry lab and 1 hour wet lab. Group 2 completed the wet lab, then received the pretest, VBMM instruction, and posttest prior to participating in the dry lab. Both groups took an identical five-question quiz covering locations and functions of various anterior forearm muscles each time.

RESULTS

Mean scores were higher than no formal intervention with exposure to VBMM instruction alone (0.73 points, P = .01), wet lab alone (0.88 points, P = .002), and wet lab plus VBMM instruction (1.35 points, P= <.001). No significant difference in scores was found between instruction with VBMM versus wet lab alone ( P = 1.00), or between either instruction method alone compared to a combination of the two methods ( P = .34, .09). Student survey opinions on the VBMM instruction method were positive.

CONCLUSION

VBMM instruction is comparable to prosection-based lab with regards to score outcomes and was well received by students as both an independent learning tool and as a supplement to cadaveric lab. When compared to either instruction method alone, the supplementation of VBMM with cadaveric prosection instruction was best. VBMM instruction may be valuable for institutions without access to cadaveric specimens, or those looking to supplement their current anatomy curriculum.
Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid in Pediatric Craniofacial and Orthognathic Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al-Shaqsi Sultan Z. , Senkaiahliyan Senthujan , Forrest Christopher R. , Der Tara D. , Phillips John H.
Published: January 2022

Craniofacial and orthognathic surgery are high risk procedures for surgical blood loss. Significant blood loss leads to increased rates of blood product transfusion which may be associated with increased morbidity to the patient. The use of anti-fibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid has become popular in these procedures. However, the evidence to support its use in pediatric craniofacial and orthognathic surgery is sparse. This review analyzes the current randomized control trials assessing the use of tranexamic acid in craniofacial and orthognathic surgery. The study reviewed published literature up until December 20th, 2020. Six trials were included in this analysis. Pooled data showed that patients who received tranexamic acid during craniofacial or orthognathic surgery have less blood loss compared to those in control groups (mean difference—5.47 ml/kg [CI -7.02-3.82], P value <.05). Hence, rate of blood product transfusion in patients who received tranexamic acid is lower than control group by 2.01 ml/kg (CI 95%, 1.27-2.74, P value <.05). In summary, this review showed that craniofacial and orthognathic surgery patients who receive tranexamic acid might have lower estimated blood loss and receive less volume of blood products transfusion.
Toward an understanding of the chemical ecology of alternative reproductive tactics in the bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus robini)
Authors: Zeeman Adam N. , Smallegange Isabel M. , Steel Emily Burdfield , Groot Astrid T. , Stewart Kathryn A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Under strong sexual selection, certain species evolve distinct intrasexual, alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs). In many cases, ARTs can be viewed as environmentally-cued threshold traits, such that ARTs coexist if their relative fitness alternates over the environmental cue gradient. Surprisingly, the chemical ecology of ARTs has been underexplored in this context. To our knowledge, no prior study has directly quantified pheromone production for ARTs in a male-polymorphic species. Here, we used the bulb mite—in which males are either armed fighters that kill conspecifics, or unarmed scramblers (which have occasionally been observed to induce mating behavior in other males)—as a model system to gain insight into the role of pheromones in the evolutionary maintenance of ARTs. Given that scramblers forgo investment into weaponry, we tested whether scramblers produce higher quantities of the putative female sex-pheromone α-acaridial than fighters, which would improve the fitness of the scrambler phenotype through female mimicry by allowing avoidance of aggression from competitors. To this end, we sampled mites from a rich and a poor nutritional environment and quantified their production of α-acaridial through gas chromatography analysis.

Results

We found a positive relationship between pheromone production and body size, but males exhibited a steeper slope in pheromone production with increasing size than females. Females exhibited a higher average pheromone production than males. We found no significant difference in slope of pheromone production over body size between fighters and scramblers. However, scramblers reached larger body sizes and higher pheromone production than fighters, providing some evidence for a potential female mimic strategy adopted by large scramblers. Pheromone production was significantly higher in mites from the rich nutritional environment than the poor environment.

Conclusion

Further elucidation of pheromone functionality in bulb mites, and additional inter- and intrasexual comparisons of pheromone profiles are needed to determine if the observed intersexual and intrasexual differences in pheromone production are adaptive, if they are a by-product of allometric scaling, or diet-mediated pheromone production under weak selection. We argue chemical ecology offers a novel perspective for research on ARTs and other complex life-history traits.