bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of HIPK2 Attenuates Angiotensin II–Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Xu Feng , Mao Bingbing , Li Yan , Zhao Yang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract:
Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2), a member of an evolutionary conserved family of serine/threonine kinases, has been observed to be involved in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. However, its role in cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of HIPK2 on cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) in response to angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation. The results indicated that HIPK2 expression was significantly increased in Ang II–induced CFs in a dose-dependent manner. Then, HIPK2 was knocked down in CFs to evaluate the roles of HIPK2. Knockdown of HIPK2 suppressed cell proliferation and migration in Ang II–induced CFs. The Ang II–caused increase in expression of α-smooth muscle actin, a hallmark of myofibroblast differentiation, was decreased by knockdown of HIPK2. HIPK2 knockdown also reduced extracellular matrix production including type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor. Furthermore, knockdown of HIPK2 blocked the activation of TGF-β1/Smad pathway in Ang II–induced CFs. These data suggested that HIPK2 knockdown prevented the Ang II–induced activation of CFs through inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad pathway, indicating HIPK2 might be an antifibrosis target for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
The Rising Status of Phenobarbital
Authors: Hilbert Morgan T. , Henkel Nicholas D. , Spetz Samantha L. , Malaiyandi Deepa P. 
Published: May 2022

Introduction:
Up to 48% of patients who have had a stroke will experience poststroke delirium (PSD) that can be hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed. Literature on treatment of the hyperactive subtype is specifically lacking. This case report describes the rapid resolution of severe refractory hyperactive PSD with phenobarbital.

Case Report:
A 58-year-old man with a left middle cerebral artery stroke presented with severe hyperactive PSD of 12 days duration, refractory to antipsychotics, alpha-2 agonists, gabapentin, therapeutic valproic acid, benzodiazepines, and ketamine infusion. An oral dose of phenobarbital 30.4 mg, followed by oral maintenance therapy was initiated on day 13 of admission with dramatic improvement. As his Richmond Agitation-Sedation score trended downwards to 0, he was able to cooperate with therapies. This allowed for discharge to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation and subsequently home 2 weeks later.

Conclusion:
Hyperactive PSD is a common complication of stroke with little evidence to guide treatment strategies. This report suggests that phenobarbital, because of its varied mechanisms of action and unique neurochemistry, may be an unrecognized potential therapy.
A 12-Year Review of Clinical Practice Patterns in Dupuytren Contracture Based on Continuous Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Authors: Yuksel Selcen S. , Shah Nikhil D. , Sasson Daniel C. , Kearney Aaron M. , Dzwierzynski William , Gosain Arun K. 
Published: May 2022

Background:
The American Board of Plastic Surgery collects data on 20 common plastic surgery operations as part of the Continuous Certification process. The goal of this study was to describe clinical trends in Dupuytren contracture repair since 2008 as they relate to evidence-based medicine articles published in this timeframe.

Methods:
Cumulative tracer data for Dupuytren contracture were reviewed for the period from February of 2008 to March of 2020 and compared with evidence-based medicine articles published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Topics were categorized as (1) pearls, addressed in both the tracer data and evidence-based medicine articles, (2) topics only addressed in tracer data, and (3) topics only addressed in evidence-based medicine articles.

Results:
As of March of 2020, 230 cases of Dupuytren contracture had been entered. The median age at time of surgery was 65 years (range, 38 to 91 years). Practice patterns from 2008 through 2014 were compared with those between 2015 and 2020. The most common surgical technique was limited fasciectomy (62 percent of cases). Differences in practice between these time periods included decrease in the use of radical fasciectomy (34 percent versus 16 percent, p = 0.002), increase in percutaneous cordotomy (0 percent versus 13 percent), and increase in the use of collagenase injections (0 percent versus 9 percent, p = 0.001). Use of Bier blocks increased (1 percent versus 7 percent), and tourniquet use decreased (97 percent versus 80 percent). Significant changes were also noted in postoperative management.

Conclusion:
By examining American Board of Plastic Surgery tracer data, the authors have described national trends in presentation and surgical techniques for Dupuytren contracture repair over a 14-year period.
HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake and Continuation Among Key Populations in Cameroon: Lessons Learned From the CHAMP Program
Authors: Ndenkeh Jackson Jr Nforbewing , Bowring Anna L. , Njindam Iliassou Mfochive , Folem Romeo Dongfack , Fako Guy Christian Hendji , Ngueguim Florent Gnintedem , Gayou Oscar Leyou , Lepawa Kelly , Minka Christine Minka , Batoum Christine Manyo , Georges Sandra , Temgoua Edith , Nzima Valery , Kob David Anouar , Akiy Zacheus Zeh , Philbrick William , Levitt Daniel , Curry Dora , Baral Stefan 
Published: May 2022

Introduction:
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is proven to be a highly effective HIV prevention method for key populations. However, its scale-up in resource-limited settings remains suboptimal. This paper seeks to describe PrEP initiation and continuation among key populations in Cameroon.

Methodology:
From June 2019 through October 2020, we collected routine program data on PrEP uptake and continuation among female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Continuum of prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS with Most-at-risk Populations (CHAMP) program in Cameroon. PrEP was offered to clients who tested negative for HIV and were assessed to potentially benefit from PrEP. Using survival analysis, we identified factors associated with PrEP discontinuation over time with significance set at 5%.

Results:
Overall, 27,750 clients were sensitized for PrEP of whom 3,138 persons were eligible to start PrEP and 1,409 (45%; FSW: 691 and MSM: 718) initiated PrEP. The PrEP continuation rate was 37% at 3 months, 28% at 6 months and 19% at 12 months. PrEP discontinuation was significantly higher among FSW than MSM [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.9)] in Yaounde [aHR 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.9)] and Bafoussam/Bertoua [aHR 3.1 (2.2–4.5)] relative to Douala. Discontinuation was lower among those with moderate [aHR 0.3 (0.3–0.4)] or good adherence [aHR 0.4 (0.3–0.6)] compared with poor adherence (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Differentiated approaches to deliver PrEP, create demand, and provide more intensive support for adherence and continuation may support scale-up of PrEP in Cameroon for equitable and prolonged impact on HIV prevention.
Pass or Fail? Postoperative Active Voiding Trials in an Enhanced Recovery Program
Authors: Trowbridge Elisa R. , Buchanan Lauren E. , Evans Sarah L. , Allen Monica N. , Chacon Hannah L. , Hullfish Kathie L. 
Published: May 2022

Importance
Pelvic reconstructive surgery is often associated with transient postoperative voiding dysfunction.

Objective
This study aimed to compare postoperative active voiding trial (AVT) outcomes before and after implementation of an enhanced recovery program (ERP) for women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery. In addition, risk factors for postoperative urinary retention were identified.

Study Design
We retrospectively identified patients undergoing inpatient vaginal or robotic pelvic reconstructive surgery before and after implementation of an ERP at our institution. Demographics, operative and postoperative details, and AVT outcomes were collected. Primary outcome was AVT failure. Variables associated with increased risk of AVT failure were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results
Three hundred seventeen patients were included—75 pre-ERP and 242 ERP. There was no difference in AVT failures between pre-ERP and ERP groups (21.3% vs 21.9%, P = 0.92). The AVT failures were highest among those with abnormal preoperative postvoid residual volume (PVR ≥100 mL, 25.9% vs 12.2%, P = 0.01) and those who underwent an incontinence procedure (midurethral sling or Kelly plication, 30.4% vs 16.9%, P = 0.01). Compared with a reference procedure (total vaginal hysterectomy [TVH]), the following procedures were associated with statistically significant higher odds ratios (ORs) of AVT failure: TVH with incontinence procedure (OR, 15.0; confidence interval [CI], 4.58–48.9; P < 0.001), TVH with anterior repair (OR, 4.98; CI, 1.93–12.9; P = 0.001), and robotic sacrocolpopexy (OR, 3.6; CI, 1.18–11.2; P = 0.02).

Conclusions
Postoperative AVT failure incidence did not differ pre- and post-ERP intervention. Abnormal preoperative PVR was associated with failed postoperative voiding trial. Concomitant incontinence procedures and/or anterior colporrhaphy were associated with increased incidence of voiding trial failure regardless of ERP cohort.
Complications Reported to the Food and Drug Administration: A Cross-sectional Comparison of Urogynecologic Meshes
Authors: Artsen Amanda M. , Sassani Jessica C. , Moalli Pamela A. , Bradley Megan S. 
Published: May 2022

Importance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration uses the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database to evaluate the safety of urogynecologic meshes; however, reports on individual meshes have not been characterized.

Objective
The aim of the study was to compare complications among available urogynecologic meshes reported to the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database.

Study Design
This study is a cross-sectional analysis of medical device reports (MDRs) of urogynecologic mesh from January 2004 to March 2019, using the Reed Tech Navigator (LexisNexis), which codes MDRs. The percentage of reports containing specific complaints (not an adverse event rate) were compared with χ2 tests with Dunn-Sidak correction. Correlations with time on market, mesh weight, stiffness, and porosity were determined.

Results
The 34,485 reports examined included 6 transvaginal meshes, 4 sacrocolpopexy meshes, and 10 midurethral slings. Most reported events were pain, erosion, and infection. For transvaginal prolapse, less than 10% of Uphold Lite (Boston Scientific) reports contained pain or erosion versus greater than 90% of Prolift/Prolift+M (Ethicon, P < 0.001). For sacrocolpopexy mesh, greater than 90% of Gynemesh (Ethicon; Prolift in vaginal form) reports included erosion and pain versus less than 60% for Artisyn (Ethicon), Restorelle (Colpoplast), and Upsylon (Boston Scientific, P < 0.0001). For slings, Gynecare TVT Obturator had the highest proportion of erosion and pain complaints. Heavier sling meshes had more reports. When Ascend (Caldera Medical), an outlier with only 5 reports, was excluded, transvaginal mesh stiffness correlated strongly with number of reports. For transvaginal meshes, number of reports correlated with time on market (ρ = 0.8, P = 0.04).

Conclusions
Individual meshes have different properties with different complication profiles, which should inform mesh development and use. Gynemesh MDRs included pain and erosion more frequently than others. Comprehensive registries are needed.
Relationship Between Opioid Prescriptions and Number of Chronic Pain Conditions in Women With Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Duncan Jordann-Mishael , Hong Christopher X. , Harvie Heidi S. , Brown Lily A. , Arya Lily A. , Kim Edward K. 
Published: May 2022

Objectives
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between opioid prescriptions and number of chronic pain conditions in women with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study. Women diagnosed with IC based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision codes over an 11-year period (2010–2020) were identified from electronic medical records. Data on comorbidities and ambulatory opioid prescriptions were also extracted. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between opioid prescriptions and the number and type of coexisting chronic pain conditions.

Results
Of the 1,219 women with IC, 207 (17%) had received at least 1 opioid prescription. The proportions of women with opioid prescriptions for no, 1, 2, and 3 or more coexisting chronic pain conditions were 13%, 20%, 28%, and 32%, respectively. On univariable analysis, factors significantly associated with opioid use were higher body mass index (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), sleep disorder (P < 0.001), endometriosis (P < 0.05), chronic pelvic pain (P < 0.001), fibromyalgia (P < 0.05), joint pain (P < 0.001), and number of coexisting chronic pain diagnoses (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, opioid prescriptions remained significantly associated with the number of coexisting chronic pain diagnoses: 1 diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.7), 2 diagnoses (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.6–4.3), 3 or more diagnoses (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1–5.5), diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain (aOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3–3.5), endometriosis (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4–4.3), chronic joint pain (aOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9), and sleep disorders (aOR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6–3.6).

Conclusion
The likelihood of opioid prescriptions in women with IC increases with the number and type of coexisting chronic pain conditions and sleep disorders.
Immunological findings in a group of individuals who were non-responders to standard two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Yang Xue , Gao Qi , Lin Biao-yang , Li Yong-zhe , Huang Gang , Xu Yang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCoronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic. The virus has infected more than 505 million people and caused more than 6 million deaths. However, data on non-responders to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general population are limited. The objective of the study is to comprehensively compare the immunological characteristics of non-responders to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the 18-59 years with that in the 60 years and older using internationally recognized cutoff values. Participants included 627 individuals who received physical examinations and volunteered to participate in COVID-19 vaccination from the general population. The main outcome was an effective seroconversion characterized by anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG level of at least 4-fold increase from baseline. Profiling of naive immune cells was analyzed prior to vaccination to demonstrate baseline immunity. Outcomes of effective seroconversion in the 18-59 years with that in the 60 years and older were compared. The quantitative level of the anti-spike IgG was significantly lower in the 60 years and older and in men among the 18-59 years. There were 7.5% of non-responders among the 18-59 years and 11.7% of non-responders in the 60 years and older using the 4-fold increase parameter. The effective seroconversion rate was significantly related to the level of certain immune cells before vaccination, such as CD4 cells, CD8 cells and B cells and the age. An individual with a titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG that is below 50 BAU/mL might be considered a non-responder between 14-90 days after the last vaccine dose. Booster vaccination or additional protective measures should be recommended for non-responders as soon as possible to reduce disease severity and mortality.
European novel food, patents and brokers of knowledge
Authors: Grimsby Sveinung , Gulbrandsen Magnus 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to study how public regulation promotes or hinders openness in the food industry, specifically how European novel food regulation has affected external ties among novel food pioneers seen through patents and their inventors.Design/methodology/approachA multiphase mixed-methods design was used to combine data as follows: Worldwide patents originating from Norwegian novel food pioneers 2004–2019, downloaded through the European Patent Office database. Application data and interviews were analysed together with substantial information on 88 patents.FindingsFirms use patenting and novel food applications as part of a wider intellectual property rights strategy to guard against unintended spillovers and to shape external collaboration. Examinations of patents indicate a pattern of selective partnership with research and development (R&D) providers.Practical implicationsFood industry actors can combine property rights strategies to maintain a pattern of openness and external collaboration. R&D providers should consider the food industry's flag-planting strategies by integrating these into contractual regulations.Originality/valueLittle is known earlier about how novel food pioneers collaborate with suppliers, research actors, governmental actors, distributors and customers regarding new product development.
Combating terrorist financing in Switzerland in the light of current changes in Afghanistan
Authors: Teichmann Fabian , Boticiu Sonia Ruxandra 
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the current situation in Afghanistan after the rapid withdrawal of US troops and the Taliban takeover of the country, and how this has shed new light on the financing of terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach
Informal interviews were conducted with alleged perpetrators as well as formal interviews with compliance experts to further investigate the subject of terrorist financing in the wake of the latest changes in Afghanistan and terrorist financing through hawala banking. The interviewees were analysed through a qualitative analysis.

Findings
Based on the interviews, it was concluded that both illegal and legal sources of income could be used by terrorist financiers. This study also shows why hawala represents a significant challenge for counter-terrorist financing policies.

Originality/value
While existing literature sufficiently links parallel banking systems, such as hawala, to terrorist financing, this study shows the implications for Switzerland’s perceived commitment against financial crime in light of current changes in Afghanistan, and in addition, certain dogmatic weaknesses of Article 260quinquies of the Swiss Penal Code are critically analysed.
Small-series supply network configuration priorities and challenges in the EU textile and apparel industry
Authors: Harper Sara , Pal Rudrajeet 
Published: May 2022

PurposeTechnology and market pressures are encouraging localized and small-series production in customer-driven industries. The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the supply chain-, product- and process-design factors for small-series production in EU's textile and apparel industry, to understand configuration decisions, priorities and challenges.Design/methodology/approachAn interview study was undertaken with ten companies that represent diverse small-series production models and value chain roles. Interview data was analysed to identify supply network configuration characteristics, decision priorities and challenges.FindingsThree small-series production models emerged from the analysis, differing with respect to adoption of process postponement and customization. The findings confirm and extend past research regarding diverse decision priorities and product, process, supply chain structure/relationship configurations. Challenges identified relate to planning (priorities) and implementation (configuration). Whereas competence availability and digital technology challenges are common, several difficulties are linked to production model like tensions related to priorities and small volumes, which are not found with customization.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research can make comparisons with other industry and location contexts; adopt dynamic approaches to distinguish between design and reconfiguration processes; and address indicated paradoxical-tensions.Practical implicationsThe study findings can provide guidance for companies regarding identification of priorities and management of (planning/implementation) challenges impacting small-series production in T&A.Originality/valueThe paper brings a configuration perspective at the supply chain level to the problem of small-series production implementation, which demands holistic and context-specific understanding.
Effects of interface layout design on mobile learning efficiency: a comparison of interface layouts for mobile learning platform
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Hou Guanhua , Chen Yeh-Cheng 
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the impact of mobile learning platforms on users' study efficiency and develop cognitive indicators to evaluate users' study efficiency on mobile learning platforms.Design/methodology/approachLayout style was the only independent factor that was investigated. A between-group experimental design was employed. Eye movement data were recorded during the experiment, following which participants were asked to complete an after-scenario questionnaire. This study evaluated the usability of the proposed new design using both subjective and objective data. The computer system usability questionnaire V3 (CSUQ) was used to measure subjective data. For the eye-tracking measure, gaze entropy, the proportion of fixation count and duration of each AOI were calculated. Gaze entropy reflects the complexity of information organization. Fixation counts and AOI duration represent the difficulty of information processing and attention distribution, respectively during the task.FindingsThe results indicated that interface layout presents significant effects on user's learning efficiency, usability and cognitive load. Sequential layout improved efficiency and satisfaction among participants and reduced information complexity. The results provided useful insights for designers whose goal is to improve user's learning efficiency under mobile learning scheme.Originality/valueThis study investigated the effects of interface layout on usability, user performance and cognitive load using subjective ratings and eye-tracking technology. Gaze entropy was used to measure the complexity of information organized by the interface design. Fixation count and duration proportion were used to identify the difficulty of information processing and distinguish users' distribution of cognitive resources. The results indicated that a vertical layout panel design was more efficient than a horizontal layout panel design. The design implications of the eye tracking indicators and research results were then summarized. This study is expected to encourage designers to optimize their design proposals using eye tracking testing.