bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of LHCGR in Pheochromocytomas Unveils an Endocrine Mechanism Connecting Pregnancy and Epinephrine Overproduction
Authors: Lopez Antoine-Guy , Duparc Céline , Renouf Sylvie , Machevin Elise , Le Guillou Vincent , Sabourin Jean-Christophe , Defortescu Guillaume , Buffet Alexandre , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Dubessy Christophe , Louiset Estelle , Lefebvre Hervé
Published: February 2022

Background:

The mechanisms by which pregnancy may unmask pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are not totally understood. We hypothesized that gestational hormones may participate in the pathophysiology of catecholamine excess during pregnancy. We report a case of silent pheochromocytoma revealed in a pregnant woman by life-threatening adrenergic myocarditis.

Methods:

In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the effect of estradiol and the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) on epinephrine secretion by cultured cells derived from the patient’s tumor. Expression of LHCG (luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin) receptor was searched for in the patient’s tumor, and a series of 12 additional pheochromocytomas by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.
LHCGR
expression was also analyzed in silico in the pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas cohorts of the
Cortico et Médullosurrénale: les Tumeurs Endocrines
and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases.

Results:

hCG stimulated epinephrine secretion by cultured cells derived from the patient’s pheochromocytoma. The patient’s tumor expressed the LHCG receptor, which was colocalized with catecholamine-producing enzymes. A similar expression pattern of the LHCG receptor was also observed in 5 out of our series of pheochromocytomas. Moreover, in silico studies revealed that pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas display the highest expression levels of LHCG receptor mRNA among the 32 solid tumor types of The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort.

Conclusions:

Pregnancy may thus favor surges in plasma catecholamine and hypertensive crises through hCG-induced stimulation of epinephrine production by pheochromocytomas.
Social Isolation and Incident Heart Failure Hospitalization in Older Women: Women’s Health Initiative Study Findings
Authors: Cené Crystal W. , Leng Xiaoyan Iris , Faraz Khushnood , Allison Matthew , Breathett Khadijah , Bird Chloe , Coday Mace , Corbie‐Smith Giselle , Foraker Randi , Ijioma Nkechinyere N. , Rosal Milagros C. , Sealy‐Jefferson Shawnita , Shippee Tetyana P. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Rossouw Jacques , Ludlam Shari , McGowan Joan , Ford Leslie , Geller Nancy , Anderson Garnet , Prentice Ross , LaCroix Andrea , Kooperberg Charles , Manson JoAnn E. , Howard Barbara V. , Stefanick Marcia L. , Jackson Rebecca , Thomson Cynthia A. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Limacher Marian , Robinson Jennifer , Kuller Lewis , Shumaker Sally , Brunner Robert
Published: February 2022

Background

The association of social isolation or lack of social network ties in older adults is unknown. This knowledge gap is important since the risk of heart failure (HF) and social isolation increase with age. The study examines whether social isolation is associated with incident HF in older women, and examines depressive symptoms as a potential mediator and age and race and ethnicity as effect modifiers.

Methods and Results

This study included 44 174 postmenopausal women of diverse race and ethnicity from the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) study who underwent annual assessment for HF adjudication from baseline enrollment (1993–1998) through 2018. We conducted a mediation analysis to examine depressive symptoms as a potential mediator and further examined effect modification by age and race and ethnicity. Incident HF requiring hospitalization was the main outcome. Social isolation was a composite variable based on marital/partner status, religious ties, and community ties. Depressive symptoms were assessed using CES‐D (Center for Epidemiology Studies‐Depression). Over a median follow‐up of 15.0 years, we analyzed data from 36 457 women, and 2364 (6.5%) incident HF cases occurred; 2510 (6.9%) participants were socially isolated. In multivariable analyses adjusted for sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and general health/functioning; socially isolated women had a higher risk of incident HF than nonisolated women (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08–1.41). Adding depressive symptoms in the model did not change this association (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07–1.40). Neither race and ethnicity nor age moderated the association between social isolation and incident HF.

Conclusions

Socially isolated older women are at increased risk for developing HF, independent of traditional HF risk factors.

Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00000611.
In‐Hospital Complications in Pregnancies Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Wu Pensée , Sharma Garima V. , Mehta Laxmi S. , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Lundberg Gina P. , Nerenberg Kara A. , Graham Michelle M. , Chappell Lucy C. , Kadam Umesh T. , Jordan Kelvin P. , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has emerged as a common treatment option for infertility, a problem that affects an estimated 48 million couples worldwide. Advancing maternal age with increasing prepregnancy cardiovascular risk factors, such as chronic hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, has raised concerns about pregnancy complications associated with ART. However, in‐hospital complications following pregnancies conceived by ART are poorly described.

Methods and Results

To assess the patient characteristics, obstetric outcomes, vascular complications and temporal trends of pregnancies conceived by ART, we analyzed hospital deliveries conceived with or without ART between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016, from the United States National Inpatient Sample database. We included 106 248 deliveries conceived with ART and 34 167 246 deliveries conceived without ART. Women who conceived with ART were older (35 versus 28 years;
P
<0.0001) and had more comorbidities. ART‐conceived pregnancies were independently associated with vascular complications (acute kidney injury: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.52; 95% CI 1.99–3.19; and arrhythmia: aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.46–1.86), and adverse obstetric outcomes (placental abruption: aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.41–1.74; cesarean delivery: aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.33–1.43; and preterm birth: aOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.20–1.32), including in subgroups without cardiovascular disease risk factors or without multifetal pregnancies. Higher hospital charges ($18 705 versus $11 983;
P
<0.0001) were incurred compared with women who conceived without ART.

Conclusions

Pregnancies conceived by ART have higher risks of adverse obstetric outcomes and vascular complications compared with spontaneous conception. Clinicians should have detailed discussions on the associated complications of ART in women during prepregnancy counseling.
Sex Differences in Recovery and Device Replacement After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation as Destination Therapy
Authors: Maukel Lisa‐Marie , Weidner Gerdi , Beyersmann Jan , Spaderna Heike
Published: February 2022

Background

The relevance of sex and preimplant factors for clinical outcomes among patients with left ventricular assist devices intended for destination therapy is unclear.

Methods and Results

INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) data (2006‐2017) from 6771 men and 1690 women with left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy were analyzed to evaluate the contribution of preimplant clinical, demographic, and clinically judged psychosocial characteristics to time until death, heart transplant, device explant due to recovery, or complication‐related device replacement. Associations of sex with time until each competing outcome were evaluated using cumulative incidence functions and event‐specific Cox proportional hazards models. Women were younger, more likely to have nonischemic diagnoses, and reported less substance abuse but were more likely to be unmarried, not working for an income, overweight, and depressed than men. After 2 years, women had higher probabilities for recovery (3.7% versus 1.6%,
P
<0.001) and device replacement (12.1% versus 10%,
P
=0.019) than men but not for death and transplant (
P
>0.12). The sex differences remained after controlling for covariates (adjusted hazard ratio [HR
adj
] recovery, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.30–2.70;
P
<0.001; HR
adj
device replacement, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04–1.33;
P
=0.015). Female‐specific diagnoses (eg, postpartum heart failure) contributed to women’s enhanced rate of recovery. Demographic and psychosocial factors were unrelated to women’s increased event rates.

Conclusions

In destination therapy, women have higher rates of device replacement and recovery than men. The latter was partly explained by female‐specific diagnoses. Standardized assessments of psychosocial characteristics are needed to elucidate their association with sex differences in outcomes.
Psychosocial Well‐Being and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Midlife Women
Authors: Janssen Imke , Powell Lynda H. , Everson‐Rose Susan A. , Hollenberg Steven M. , El Khoudary Samar R. , Matthews Karen A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a public health priority. The combination of physical activity, a healthy diet, and abstaining from tobacco plays an important role in prevention whereas aspects of psychosocial well‐being have largely been examined separately with conflicting results. This study evaluated whether the combination of indices of psychosocial well‐being was associated with less progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Methods and Results

Participants were 312 women (mean age 50.8) from the SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) ancillary Heart Study, free of clinical CVD at baseline. A composite psychosocial well‐being score was created from 6 validated psychosocial questionnaires assessing optimism, vitality, life engagement, life satisfaction, rewarding multiple roles, and positive affect. Subclinical CAC progression was defined as an increase of ≥10 Agatston units over 2.3 years measured using electron beam tomography. Relative risk (RR) regression models examined the effect of well‐being on CAC progression, progressively adjusting for sociodemographic factors, depression, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and standard CVD risk factors. At baseline, 42.9% had a CAC score >0, and progression was observed in 17.6%. Well‐being was associated with less progression (RR, 0.909; 95% CI, 0.843−0.979;
P
=0.012), which remained significant with adjustment for potential confounders, depression, and health behaviors. Further adjustment for standard CVD risk factors weakened the association for the total sample (RR, 0.943; 95% CI, 0.871−1.020;
P
=0.142) but remained significant for the 134 women with baseline CAC>0 (RR, 0.921; 95% CI, 0.852−0.995;
P
=0.037).

Conclusions

Optimum early prevention of CVD in women may result from including the mind side of the mind‐heart‐body continuum.
Can the quality of published academic journal articles be assessed with machine learning?
Authors: Thelwall Mike
Published: February 2022

Formal assessments of the quality of the research produced by departments and universities are now conducted by many countries to monitor achievements and allocate performance-related funding. These evaluations are hugely time consuming if conducted by postpublication peer review and are simplistic if based on citations or journal impact factors. I investigate whether machine learning could help reduce the burden of peer review by using citations and metadata to learn how to score articles from a sample assessed by peer review. An experiment is used to underpin the discussion, attempting to predict journal citation thirds, as a proxy for article quality scores, for all Scopus narrow fields from 2014 to 2020. The results show that these proxy quality thirds can be predicted with above baseline accuracy in all 326 narrow fields, with Gradient Boosting Classifier, Random Forest Classifier, or Multinomial Naïve Bayes being the most accurate in nearly all cases. Nevertheless, the results partly leverage journal writing styles and topics, which are unwanted for some practical applications and cause substantial shifts in average scores between countries and between institutions within a country. There may be scope for predicting articles’ scores when the predictions have the highest probability.
Four new species of Herpothallon (Arthoniaceae, Arthoniales, Arthoniomycetes, Ascomycota) from China
Authors: CHEN PENGFEI , LIU LINLIN , XIE CONGMIAO , ZHANG LULU
Published: February 2022

Four new species of Herpothallon: H. capilliferum, H. polyisidiatum, H. subglobosum and H. viridi-isidiatum are described from southern China. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, ecological and chemical characters, and illustrations are provided for the new species. A key to all known Chinese Herpothallon species is also provided.
Typification of two names in the genus Hordeum (Poaceae, Triticeae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO P. PABLO , FABADO JAVIER
Published: February 2022

The typification of the name Hordeum marinum Hudson (Poaceae) is discussed. The name is lectotypified using an original illustration from Morison’s Plantarum historiae universalis Oxoniensis, and an epitype is also selected. The type of the name H. gussoneanum is also discussed, and a specimen preserved at FI is designated as second step lectotype.
Machine Learning–Based Hurricane Wind Reconstruction
Authors: Yang Qidong , Lee Chia-Ying , Tippett Michael K. , Chavas Daniel R. , Knutson Thomas R.
Published: February 2022

Here we present a machine learning–based wind reconstruction model. The model reconstructs hurricane surface winds with XGBoost, which is a decision-tree-based ensemble predictive algorithm. The model treats the symmetric and asymmetric wind fields separately. The symmetric wind field is approximated by a parametric wind profile model and two Bessel function series. The asymmetric field, accounting for asymmetries induced by the storm and its ambient environment, is represented using a small number of Laplacian eigenfunctions. The coefficients associated with Bessel functions and eigenfunctions are predicted by XGBoost based on storm and environmental features taken from NHC best-track and ERA-Interim data, respectively. We use HWIND for the observed wind fields. Three parametric wind profile models are tested in the symmetric wind model. The wind reconstruction model’s performance is insensitive to the choice of the profile model because the Bessel function series correct biases of the parametric profiles. The mean square error of the reconstructed surface winds is smaller than the climatological variance, indicating skillful reconstruction. Storm center location, eyewall size, and translation speed play important roles in controlling the magnitude of the leading asymmetries, while the phase of the asymmetries is mainly affected by storm translation direction. Vertical wind shear impacts the asymmetry phase to a lesser degree. Intended applications of this model include assessing hurricane risk using synthetic storm event sets generated by statistical–dynamical downscaling hurricane models.
Clinico-demographics of people with younger-onset dementia and neuropsychiatric symptoms referred to an Australian dementia support service: A comparison study with older-onset dementia
Authors: Loi Samantha M , Atee Mustafa , Morris Thomas , Whiting Daniel , Macfarlane Stephen , Cunningham Colm , Velakoulis Dennis
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Younger-onset dementia accounts for about 5–10% of all dementias in Australia. Little data is available on neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with younger-onset dementia compared to those with older-onset dementia. This study aims to compare the types of neuropsychiatric symptoms and their clinico-demographic characteristics of people with younger-onset dementia and older-onset dementia who are referred to a specific dementia support service.

Methods:

A 2-year retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis was undertaken on referrals with neuropsychiatric symptoms from Dementia Support Australia programmes. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total severity scores and distress scores. Contributing factors to neuropsychiatric symptoms for dementia groups were examined. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between individual neuropsychiatric symptoms and having older-onset dementia vs younger-onset dementia.

Results:

Of the 15,952 referrals, about 5% ( n = 729, mean age: 60.7 years, standard deviation = 5.4) were individuals with younger-onset dementia. Referrals with older-onset dementia were more likely to be female (56%), whereas referrals with younger-onset dementia were more likely to be male (54%). There was a four times greater rate of frontotemporal dementia for those with younger-onset dementia (16.0%, n = 117) compared to those with older-onset dementia (2.8%, n = 427), χ2 (1)  = 366.2, p < 0.001. Referrals with younger-onset dementia were more likely to be referred from community settings and those with older-onset dementia were more likely to be from residential aged care. Overall, there was no difference in the severity and distress of neuropsychiatric symptoms between the two groups. Contributing factors to neuropsychiatric symptoms were different between the groups, with pain being more frequently endorsed for individuals with older-onset dementia whereas communication difficulties were more commonly identified for those with younger-onset dementia.

Conclusion:

Clinico-demographics of referrals with younger-onset dementia differ from those with older-onset dementia. There were some differences in the characteristics of neuropsychiatric symptoms between younger-onset dementia and older-onset dementia. Our findings have implications for service provision and support for people with dementia at different ages.
We Need More Praxis: A Case for Praxis Assignments in Psychology Courses
Authors: Rosales Christine E. , Majzler Robert D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This paper explores what praxis is and its importance for catalyzing social justice.

Statement of the Problem

At times, psychologists have articulated the importance of bridging the researcher-activist divide via praxis, but progress in creating these bridges has been slow.

Literature Review

We examine how praxis can be rooted in decolonial pedagogical approaches and a tool that can bridge scholarship and activism. Building on previous work by teachers of psychology, we review small, medium, and large-scale praxis assignments that have been used in university courses.

Teaching Implications

We discuss our own versions of praxis assignments used in four different psychology courses (three of which took place during the pandemic). We reflect on the ways we see students motivated by an assignment with relevance to the real world and potential for creating social change, the ways that students are able to integrate course material more deeply through action, and some of the challenges with these assignments.

Conclusion

We conclude by providing recommendations for educators interested in assigning praxis projects in their psychology courses.
Of vigils and vigilantes: Notes on the white witness
Authors: Bedecarré Kathryn
Published: February 2022

This ethnographic study examines what happens when white allies bear witness to Black suffering. Through participant observation of Black Lives Matter Austin vigils for African Americans killed by police (2016–2018), I found that, while bearing witness, white and non-Black allies at times centered our own pain; criminalized insurgent forms of Black dissent; and engaged in a metaphorical slipping-on of blackface, in which activists imagine ourselves occupying the Black body. My findings suggest that allies’ gestures of solidarity may lead to the unintended consolidation of anti-Blackness. I offer the framework of vigilante racial justice for considering the tenuousness of bearing witness as a practice of allyship.
Significantly improving mechanical properties of epoxy resin-based carbon fiber-reinforced plastic composites via introducing oxazolidinone segments
Authors: Yiwen Ye , Beijun Liu , Li Peng
Published: February 2022

Herein, the oxazolidinone (OX) segments have been successfully introduced into carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites via the bulk polymerization of the isocyanate and epoxy (EP) groups to significantly promote the mechanical properties. Through the bulk polymerization, the OX segments in epoxy resin (OX epoxy resin) have been formed, verified via the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Afterward, in order to obtain the cured OX epoxies, the as-prepared OX epoxy resin has been mixed with the pure EP resin for further curing. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) have shown that the cured OX epoxies have exhibited improved thermal resistance and higher Tg than the cured neat epoxies. After introducing OX segments, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of the cured OX epoxies have been promoted by 30.1%, 12.1%, and 82.9%, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical properties of CFRP composites, fabricated from OX epoxy resin and T1100 carbon fibers, have been improved as well and in particular, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, interlaminar shear strength, and compressive strength after the impact of the composites have been improved by 25.9%, 8.4%, 23.6%, 35.5%, and 23.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the impact damage of the composite laminates has been analyzed via Ultrasonic C-scan.
Polyurethane polystyrene based smart interpenetrating network with quick shape recovery through thermal actuation
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Atif Muhammad , Ahmed Nisar , Iftikhar Fatima , Nauman Saad , Niaz Basit
Published: February 2022

Polyurethane (PU), designed with pre-polymer method involving polyol as cross-linker, has been utilized for shape memory applications. Neat PU or PU-PS (polystyrene) interpenetrating network (IPN) samples have been prepared. Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) have been utilized as reinforcements. PU composites have been studied for shape recovery time and found better than neat PU. 1wt% incorporation of FMWCNTs in PU has reduced shape recovery time to 22 s for 100% shape recovery, in comparison to neat PU with 62 s of 100% shape recovery. PU-PS IPN has reduced 100% shape recovery time to 17s. Superior hydrogen bonding in neat PU has been suggested as per longer shape recovery time against thermal actuation, in comparison to PU composite and IPNs with FMWCNTs. Decreased thermal stability has been observed with FMWCNTs incorporation, indicating enhanced heat dissipation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses confirmed the difference of morphologies in neat PU, PU composite, and IPNs. A distinctive filler-matrix interaction in IPNs has been observed. XRD confirmed the presence of amorphous component. Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis have been utilized for analyses. Shape recovery study has been made by a simple experimental set up prepared in lab.
Trust-building interventions to home-dwelling persons with dementia who resist care
Authors: Gjellestad Åshild , Oksholm Trine , Alvsvåg Herdis , Bruvik Frøydis
Published: February 2022

Background:

Providing care for a home-dwelling person with dementia who resists care is an ethical and practical complex and challenging task. Faced with a growing number of persons with dementia, the healthcare professional’s understanding of how to best care for and prevent unnecessary use of coercion with persons with dementia is of key importance.

Research aim:

The aim of this study was to explore the use of trust-building interventions in home-dwelling persons with dementia resisting care, as described by health professionals in documents of decisions of forced treatment and care.

Research design:

A qualitative thematic document analysis inspired by critical realism was conducted.

Participants and research context:

Descriptions of trust-building interventions were extracted from 88 documents of forced treatment and care for home-dwelling persons with dementia, receiving home healthcare, in 2015 and 2016.

Ethical considerations:

Approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, reference number 2017/788, and controlled by the Norwegian Centre for Research Data, reference number 54897. The study adhered to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Findings:

We found that “balancing safe care with the person’s integrity” was an overarching theme that permeated the descriptions of trust-building interventions in the study. Three main themes were identified when the data were analyzed: safeguarding care, protecting integrity, and optimizing the environment.

Discussion and conclusion:

Health professionals balanced on a thin line between care and integrity when met with resistance from person with dementia. However, the trust-building interventions used in the most challenging situations did not differ from the interventions used in general in dementia care. Two knowledge gaps were identified: how to perform appropriate assessments of situations of home-dwelling persons with dementia when met with resistance to care, and whether environmental initiatives may also benefit home-dwelling persons with dementia who are not easily cared for.
Laboratories of Politics: There is Bottom-up Diffusion of Policy Attention in the American Federal System
Authors: Garlick Alex
Published: February 2022

A persistent question in the study of American federalism is if the states actually serve as “laboratories of democracy” for the country as a whole. I argue that political attention to policy areas can diffuse upwards, from state legislatures to Congress. National and state legislators share a party brand and can learn from policy debates in other levels. In particular, we should expect to see the diffusion of messaging legislation, or bills that were introduced without the intention of becoming law, after members of Congress observe their political effects in the states. Using an original dataset of introduced bills in all 50 state legislatures in 22 policy areas since 1991 drawn from LexisNexis, I show a positive association between changes in the number of state legislative bills introduced in 12 policy areas and the number of Congressional bills introduced in the next session, which is taken as evidence of “bottom-up” diffusion. This relationship is more prevalent between Republican state legislators and members of Congress, within state delegations, and in issue areas where the interest group community lobbies before both the states and national government. To the extent that states are laboratories for the nation, they may be political laboratories.
Experiencing Meaningful Work as a Lower Socioeconomic Status Worker: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Shim Yerin , Dik Bryan J. , Banning James H.
Published: February 2022

Meta-analytic evidence suggests that experiencing one’s work as meaningful is associated with many psychological benefits. The experience of meaningful work in people with lower socioeconomic status (LSES), however, is underrepresented in the literature. This study examines how LSES individuals describe their experience of meaningful work (MW) in their unique contexts through an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Eight LSES workers in the Western United States from diverse backgrounds were interviewed. Data analysis resulted in five domains and 17 nested super-ordinate themes which captured participants’ definitions and experiences of MW, psychosocial and contextual conditions that support or hinder MW, and the impact of MW in their personal lives. LSES individuals navigated their own way to experience MW in their unique contexts despite socioeconomic barriers. Implications for future research and practice for LSES workers are discussed.
Disability and fieldwork: A personal reflection
Authors: Clark Janine Natalya
Published: February 2022

This short Note offers a personal reflection about disability and fieldwork. It is not about how my disability, a long-term neurological condition, has affected my fieldwork. Rather, it is a series of thoughts about how my mobility issues might impact on my future fieldwork, but not only in a negative sense. The Note primarily discusses some of the ways that, potentially, my disability – which has changed how I interact with the world around me – might actually enhance my research and help to take it in new directions. I wrote the Note primarily for myself and for other researchers with disabilities, whether visible or hidden.
Social Networks May Shape Visually Impaired Older Adults’ Occupational Engagement: A Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Kang Ji Won , McGrath Colleen , Laliberte Rudman Debbie , Hand Carri
Published: February 2022

Age-related vision loss (ARVL) has been shown to interfere with older adults’ occupational engagement. The primary purpose was to examine the role social networks play in facilitating/constraining engagement in desired occupations for older adults with ARVL. This study adopted a constructivist narrative methodology. Five older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL, participated in three virtual interviews, which were coded using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) Diverse Social Networks Fulfill Different Occupational and Psychosocial Needs, (b) Retaining a Sense of Independence through Seeking Reciprocity in Social Relationships, and (c) Community Mobility and Technology Support as Essential for Preserving Social Relationships. Findings broaden understandings of how informal/formal social networks are involved in shaping visually-impaired older adults’ adaptation to ARVL and related occupational changes. Findings may help improve the quality and delivery of low-vision rehabilitation services to optimize their contribution to occupational engagement.
Effect of pore size on tissue ingrowth and osteoconductivity in biodegradable Mg alloy scaffolds
Authors: Augustin Julia , Feichtner Franziska , Waselau Anja-Christina , Julmi Stefan , Klose Christian , Wriggers Peter , Maier Hans Jürgen , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: February 2022

Magnesium has mechanical properties similar to those of bone and is being considered as a potential bone substitute. In the present study, two different pore sized scaffolds of the Mg alloy LAE442, coated with magnesium fluoride, were compared. The scaffolds had interconnecting pores of either 400 (p400) or 500 µm (p500). ß-TCP served as control. Ten scaffolds per time group (6, 12, 24, 36 weeks) were implanted in the trochanter major of rabbits. Histological analyses, µCT scans, and SEM/EDX were performed. The scaffolds showed slow volume decreases (week 36 p400: 9.9%; p500: 7.5%), which were accompanied by uncritical gas releases. In contrast, ß-TCP showed accelerated resorption (78.5%) and significantly more new bone inside (18.19 ± 1.47 mm3). Bone fragments grew into p400 (0.17 ± 0.19 mm3) and p500 (0.36 ± 0.26 mm3), reaching the centrally located pores within p500 more frequently. In particular, p400 displayed a more uneven and progressively larger surface area (week 36 p400: 253.22 ± 19.44; p500: 219.19 ± 4.76 mm2). A better osseointegration of p500 was indicated by significantly more trabecular contacts and a 200 µm wide bone matrix being in the process of mineralization and in permanent contact with the scaffold. The number of macrophages and foreign body giant cells were at an acceptable level concerning resorbable biomaterials. In terms of ingrown bone and integrative properties, LAE442 scaffolds could not achieve the results of ß-TCP. In this long-term study, p500 appears to be a biocompatible and more osteoconductive pore size for the Mg alloy LAE442.
Association Between Preseason Fitness Level and Risk of Injury or Illness in Male Elite Ice Hockey Players: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nordstrøm Anine , Bahr Roald , Clarsen Ben , Talsnes Ove
Published: February 2022

Background:

Little is known about the association between physical fitness and the risk of injury or illness in ice hockey. The least-fit players may be more prone to injury and illness.

Purpose:

To examine the association between preseason fitness level and injury or illness risk among elite ice hockey players during the regular season.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 133 male ice hockey players in the GET League (the premier professional league in Norway) completed 8 different exercises (40-m sprint, countermovement jump, 3000-m run, squat, bench press, chin-ups, brutal bench, and box jump) at the annual 1-day preseason testing combine. During the 2017-2018 competitive season, the players reported all health problems (acute injuries, overuse injuries, and illnesses) weekly (31 weeks) using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems.

Results:

Overall, the players reported 191 acute injuries, 82 overuse injuries, and 132 illnesses. The least-fit tercile of players did not report more health problems (mean, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-3.8) compared with the most-fit (mean, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.6-4.2) or the medium-fit (mean, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.9-3.5) players. The most-fit players reported more substantial health problems (mean, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.5) compared with the medium-fit (mean, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8 -1.8) and least-fit (mean, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3) ( P = .02) players. There was no association between low physical fitness and number of health problems when comparing the least-fit tercile of the players with the rest of the cohort ( P > .05); however, there was an association between low physical fitness and greater severity of all health problems when comparing the least-fit tercile of players to the rest of the cohort after adjusting for time on ice per game, playing position, and age ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

Low physical fitness was not associated with increased rate of injury or illness but was associated with greater severity of all health problems after adjusting for time on ice per game, playing position, and age.
Enhancer retargeting of CDX2 and UBTF::ATXN7L3 define a subtype of high-risk B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kimura Shunsuke , Montefiori Lindsey , Iacobucci Ilaria , Zhao Yaqi , Gao Qingsong , Paietta Elisabeth M. , Haferlach Claudia , Laird A. Douglas , Mead Paul E. , Gu Zhaohui , Stock Wendy , Litzow Mark , Rowe Jacob M. , Luger Selina M. , Hunger Stephen P. , Ryland Georgina L. , Schmidt Breon , Ekert Paul G. , Oshlack Alicia , Grimmond Sean M. , Rehn Jacqueline , Breen James , Yeung David , White Deborah L. , Aldoss Ibrahim , Jabbour Elias J. , Pui Ching-Hon , Meggendorfer Manja , Walter Wencke , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Torsten , Brady Samuel , Zhang Jinghui , Roberts Kathryn G. , Blombery Piers , Mullighan Charles G.
Published: February 2022

Transcriptome sequencing has identified multiple subtypes of B-progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) of prognostic significance, but a minority of cases lack a known genetic driver. Here, we used integrated whole-genome (WGS) and -transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), enhancer mapping, and chromatin topology analysis to identify previously unrecognized genomic drivers in B-ALL. Newly diagnosed (n = 3221) and relapsed (n = 177) B-ALL cases with tumor RNA-seq were studied. WGS was performed to detect mutations, structural variants, and copy number alterations. Integrated analysis of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation and chromatin looping was performed using HiChIP. We identified a subset of 17 newly diagnosed and 5 relapsed B-ALL cases with a distinct gene expression profile and 2 universal and unique genomic alterations resulting from aberrant recombination-activating gene activation: a focal deletion downstream of PAN3 at 13q12.2 resulting in CDX2 deregulation by the PAN3 enhancer and a focal deletion of exons 18-21 of UBTF at 17q21.31 resulting in a chimeric fusion, UBTF::ATXN7L3. A subset of cases also had rearrangement and increased expression of the PAX5 gene, which is otherwise uncommon in B-ALL. Patients were more commonly female and young adult with median age 35 (range,12-70 years). The immunophenotype was characterized by CD10 negativity and immunoglobulin M positivity. Among 16 patients with known clinical response, 9 (56.3%) had high-risk features including relapse (n = 4) or minimal residual disease >1% at the end of remission induction (n = 5). CDX2-deregulated, UBTF::ATXN7L3 rearranged (CDX2/UBTF) B-ALL is a high-risk subtype of leukemia in young adults for which novel therapeutic approaches are required.
Deep Drawing Process Using a Tractrix Die for Manufacturing Liners for a CNG High-Pressure Vessel (Type II)
Authors: Park Gun-Young , Kwak Hyo-Seo , Jang Hyo-Seong , Kim Chul
Published: February 2022

The liner of a CNG pressure vessel is manufactured by a DDI (deep drawing and ironing) process for the cylinder part, which is a continuous process that includes a drawing process to reduce the diameter of the billet and a subsequent ironing process to reduce the thickness of the billet. A tractrix die used in the 1st deep drawing allows the blank to flow smoothly by decreasing the punch load and radial tensile stress occurring in the workpiece. It also increases the draw ratio compared to conventional dies, but it causes forming defects. In this study, a shape coefficient (Sc) is proposed for the tractrix die using the blank diameter (D0), inflow diameter of the workpiece (di), and inflow angle of the workpiece ($$\theta$$
θ
) for design of the tractrix die. The effects of the thickness and inflow angle of the workpiece on wrinkling and folding were investigated through FEA. Also, a discriminant is proposed for the relative radial stress ($$\tilde{\sigma }$$

σ
~

) generated during the deep drawing process using the tractirx die and used to predict fracture. Based on the results, the blank thickness, the draw ratio, and the inflow of the workpiece angle in the 1st deep drawing process are suggested, and the number of operations in the DDI process was reduced from 6 to 4. This improves the productivity and reduces the manufacturing cost.
Patients’ preferences for telemedicine versus in-clinic consultation in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mozes I. , Mossinson D. , Schilder H. , Dvir D. , Baron-Epel O. , Heymann A.
Published: February 2022

Background

The Hybrid Patient Care system integrates telehealth and in-clinic consultation. While COVID-19 increased telehealth use, healthcare providers are still seeking the best combination of virtual and in-clinic consultation. Understanding patients’ tele-consultation-related preferences is vital for achieving optimal implementation. The discrete choice experiment (DCE) is the stated preference technique for eliciting individual preferences and is increasingly being used in health-related applications.

The study purpose was to evaluate attributes and levels of the DCE regarding patients’ preferences for telemedicine versus traditional, in-clinic consultation in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to facilitate successful implementation.

Methods

A three-phase structure was used in the qualitative stage of the DCE: (1) a literature review and preparation of interview guides; (2) Eight focus group interviews comprised of 26 patients and 33 physicians; and (3) Attribute selection: a ranking exercise among 48 patients. The Think Aloud technique, in which respondents are asked to verbalize their thoughts, was used in the focus groups. Interview data were analyzed by thematic analysis.

Results

Eight attributes were proposed by the patients in the focus groups. The four most important attributes were then selected in pre-testing, and are described in this study: Availability, time until the appointment, severity of the medical problem, patient-physician relationship, and flexible reception hours.

Conclusions

This study has a theoretical contribution in post-COVID-19 patients’ preferences in Hybrid Medicine patient care. This provides a foundation to assess the rigors of this stage and provide additional evidence to the limited existing literature on attributes development for DCE patient preferences.
Clinical implications and molecular mechanisms of Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wei Zhong-liu , Zhou Xin , Lan Chen-lu , Huang Hua-sheng , Liao Xi-wen , Mo Shu-tian , Wei Yong-guang , Peng Tao
Published: February 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was frequently considered as a kind of malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 was considered to be cell-cycle-related CDK gene. In this study, we explored the clinical significance of CDK4 in HCC patients.

Methods

Data of HCC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression model were performed to calculate median survival time (MST) and the hazard ration (HR), respectively. The joint-effect analysis and prognostic risk score model were constructed to demonstrate significance of prognosis-related genes. The differential expression of prognostic genes was further validated using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) of 58 pairs of HCC samples.

Results

CDK1 and CDK4 were considered prognostic genes in TCGA and GSE14520 cohort. The result of joint-effect model indicated patients in CDK1 and CDK4 low expression groups had a better prognosis in TCGA (adjusted HR = 0.491; adjusted P = 0.003) and GSE14520 cohort (adjusted HR = 0.431; adjusted P = 0.002). Regarding Kaplan–Meier analysis, high expression of CDK1 and CDK4 was related to poor prognosis in both the TCGA (P < 0.001 and = 0.001 for CDK1 and CDK4, respectively) and the GSE14520 cohort (P = 0.006 and = 0.033 for CDK1 and CDK4, respectively). However, only CDK4 (P = 0.042) was validated in RT-qPCR experiment, while CDK1 (P = 0.075) was not.

Conclusion

HCC patients with high CDK4 expression have poor prognosis, and CDK4 could be a potential candidate diagnostic biomarker for HCC.
Trends and biopsychosocial correlates of physical disabilities among older men and women in Taiwan: examination based on ADL, IADL, mobility, and frailty
Authors: Chiu Ching-Ju , Li Meng-Ling , Chou Chieh-Ying
Published: February 2022

Background

This study examines correlates of disabilities related to ADL, IADL, mobility, and frailty in men and women with a nationally representative sample of older adults living in the community.

Methods

A total of 10,898 noninstitutionalized Taiwanese nationals aged 65 years and older enrolled in the 2001 (N = 2,064), 2005 (N = 2,727), 2009 (N = 2,904), and 2013 (N = 3,203) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed.

Results

The prevalence of mobility disabilities and frailty in older adults in Taiwan decreased during the past decade ($${\chi }_{Mobility}^{2}= -5.4$$χMobility2=-5.4,$${\chi }_{Frailty}^{2}= -6.2$$χFrailty2=-6.2). Exercise, social engagement, and tea and coffee intake were found to be associated with lower levels of all types of disabilities in both men and women. In addition, a diet based on carbohydrates, falls, depressive symptomatology, lung and metabolic diseases were risks for most of the disabilities under consideration. Gender-specific independent correlates included: being married (OR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.40–0.98), eggs/beans/fish/meat consumption (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.16–0.80); depressive symptoms, obesity and cataracts, which were associated with higher IADL (OR = 3.61, 1.63, and 1.18, respectively) and frailty limitations (OR = 10.89, 1.27, and 1.20, respectively) in women. Cognitive impairment was found to be an important correlate for ADL limitations in men (OR = 3.64, 95%CI: 2.38–5.57).

Conclusions

Exercise, social participation and diet (more tea and coffee intake and lower carbohydrates) were correlates for lower levels of disability. Some gender-specific correlates were also identified, including associations of disability with depressive symptoms, obesity, and cataracts that were more distinct in women, and lower levels of disability which were especially significant in men who were married, eat more eggs, beans, fish, and meat, and those free from cognitive impairment.
Spinal cysticercosis: a rare cause of myelopathy
Authors: Yang Chenlong , Liu Tie , Wu Jian , Xie Jingcheng , Yu Tao , Jia Wenqing , Yang Jun , Xu Yulun
Published: February 2022

Background

Neurocysticercosis is a neuroinfectious disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Taenia solium. Isolated spinal cysticercosis is rare, with limited cases having been reported in the literature. This entity poses great diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Methods

This retrospective study included seven patients pathologically diagnosed with spinal cysticercosis. The clinical manifestations, radiological features on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatment, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

This case series consisted of four male and three female patients, with an average age of 34.9 ± 10.9 years. Clinically, six patients manifested with localization-related myelopathy. There were four solid lesions, one cystic-solid lesion, and three cystic lesions. The solid and cystic-solid lesions showed characteristic MRI features: 1) within the lesion, there was a mural nodule with isointensity on T1WI and iso- to hyperintensity on T2WI; 2) the signals at the periphery of the mural nodule were variable, ranging from hypointense to hyperintense on T2WI; and 3) ring-like or cyst wall enhancement could be present, and dot-like enhancement could be noted in the mural nodule. Complete resection of the responsible lesion was achieved in all patients, and oral albendazole was administered in a patient with one more suspected homologous lesion. After a mean follow-up period of 56.7 ± 35.1 months, the patient’s symptoms mostly regressed.

Conclusion

Spinal cysticercosis is an extremely rare cause of myelopathy. Characteristic MRI features can facilitate preoperative diagnosis. Clinicians should be aware of this entity, and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of myelopathy.
Does COVID-19 increase the long-term relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis clinical activity? A cohort study
Authors: Etemadifar Masoud , Abhari Amir Parsa , Nouri Hosein , Salari Mehri , Maleki Shiva , Amin Alireza , Sedaghat Nahad
Published: February 2022

Background

Some current evidence is pointing towards an association between COVID-19 and worsening of multiple sclerosis (MS), stressing the importance of preventing COVID-19 among people with MS (pwMS). However, population-based evidence regarding the long-term post-COVID-19 course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) was limited when this study was initiated.

Objective

To detect possible changes in MS clinical disease activity after COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted an observational study from July 2020 until July 2021 in the Isfahan MS clinic, comparing the trends of probable disability progression (PDP) – defined as a three-month sustained increase in expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score – and relapses before and after probable/definitive COVID-19 diagnosis in a cohort of people with RRMS (pwRRMS).

Results

Ninety pwRRMS were identified with definitive COVID-19, 53 of which were included in the final analysis. The PDP rate was significantly (0.06 vs 0.19, P = 0.04), and the relapse rate was insignificantly (0.21 vs 0.30, P = 0.30) lower post-COVID-19, compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The results were maintained after offsetting by follow-up period in the matched binary logistic model. Survival analysis did not indicate significant difference in PDP-free (Hazard Ratio [HR] [95% CI]: 0.46 [0.12, 1.73], P = 0.25) and relapse-free (HR [95% CI]: 0.69 [0.31, 1.53], P = 0.36) survivals between the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Sensitivity analysis resulted similar measurements, although statistical significance was not achieved.

Conclusion

While subject to replication in future research settings, our results did not confirm any increase in the long-term clinical disease activity measures after COVID-19 contraction among pwRRMS.