bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of plasma and neuroimaging biomarkers to predict cognitive decline in non-demented memory clinic patients
Authors: Mendes Augusto J. , Ribaldi Federica , Lathuiliere Aurelien , Ashton Nicholas J. , Zetterberg Henrik , Abramowicz Marc , Scheffler Max , Assal Frédéric , Garibotto Valentina , Blennow Kaj , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: May 2024

Background

Plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation are ideally suited for secondary prevention programs in self-sufficient persons at-risk of dementia. Plasma biomarkers have been shown to be highly correlated with traditional imaging biomarkers. However, their comparative predictive value versus traditional AD biomarkers is still unclear in cognitively unimpaired (CU) subjects and with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Plasma (Aβ42/40, p-tau181, p-tau231, NfL, and GFAP) and neuroimaging (hippocampal volume, centiloid of amyloid-PET, and tau-SUVR of tau-PET) biomarkers were assessed at baseline in 218 non-demented subjects (CU = 140; MCI = 78) from the Geneva Memory Center. Global cognition (MMSE) was evaluated at baseline and at follow-ups up to 5.7 years. We used linear mixed-effects models and Cox proportional-hazards regression to assess the association between biomarkers and cognitive decline. Lastly, sample size calculations using the linear mixed-effects models were performed on subjects positive for amyloid-PET combined with tau-PET and plasma biomarker positivity.

Results

Cognitive decline was significantly predicted in MCI by baseline plasma NfL (β=-0.55), GFAP (β=-0.36), hippocampal volume (β = 0.44), centiloid (β=-0.38), and tau-SUVR (β=-0.66) (all p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis with amyloid-positive MCI participants also showed that only NfL and GFAP were the only significant predictors of cognitive decline among plasma biomarkers. Overall, NfL and tau-SUVR showed the highest prognostic values (hazard ratios of 7.3 and 5.9). Lastly, we demonstrated that adding NfL to the inclusion criteria could reduce the sample sizes of future AD clinical trials by up to one-fourth in subjects with amyloid-PET positivity or by half in subjects with amyloid-PET and tau-PET positivity.

Conclusions

Plasma NfL and GFAP predict cognitive decline in a similar manner to traditional imaging techniques in amyloid-positive MCI patients. Hence, even though they are non-specific biomarkers of AD, both can be implemented in memory clinic workups as important prognostic biomarkers. Likewise, future clinical trials might employ plasma biomarkers as additional inclusion criteria to stratify patients at higher risk of cognitive decline to reduce sample sizes and enhance effectiveness.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict postoperative delirium in older patients after major abdominal surgery: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Luo Yun-Gen , Wu Xiao-Dong , Song Yu-Xiang , Wang Xiao-Lin , Liu Kai , Shi Chun-Ting , Wang Zi-Lin , Ma Yu-Long , Li Hao , Liu Yan-Hong , Mi Wei-Dong , Lou Jing-Sheng , Cao Jiang-Bei
Published: May 2024

Background

Postoperative delirium is a common complication in older patients, with poor long-term outcomes. This study aimed to investigate risk factors and develop a predictive model for postoperative delirium in older patients after major abdominal surgery.

Methods

This study retrospectively recruited 7577 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent major abdominal surgery between January 2014 and December 2018 in a single hospital in Beijing, China. Patients were divided into a training cohort (n = 5303) and a validation cohort (n = 2224) for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and to build a nomogram. Data were collected for 43 perioperative variables, including demographics, medical history, preoperative laboratory results, imaging, and anesthesia information.

Results

Age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, white blood cell count, glucose, total protein, creatinine, emergency surgery, and anesthesia time were associated with postoperative delirium in multivariate analysis. We developed a nomogram based on the above 8 variables. The nomogram achieved areas under the curve of 0.731 and 0.735 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The discriminatory ability of the nomogram was further assessed by dividing the cases into three risk groups (low-risk, nomogram score < 175; medium-risk, nomogram score 175~199; high-risk, nomogram score > 199; P < 0.001). Decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram provided a good net clinical benefit.

Conclusions

We developed a nomogram that could predict postoperative delirium with high accuracy and stability in older patients after major abdominal surgery.
Moving between positions: a qualitative study of mentoring relationships in chronic eating disorders
Authors: Elran-Barak Roni , Elmalah-Alon Shiran
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Eating disorders (ED) are chronic and challenging-to-treat conditions, often persisting over extended periods. Some patients with EDs require prolonged intensive rehabilitation services, which may include weekly home visits by paraprofessional mentors serving as support persons, providing guidelines, emotional care, and assistance. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the nature of the relationship formed between mentors and patients with EDs.

Design & Methods

Fifteen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with patients and paraprofessional mentors. Interviews were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach by two researchers to enhance reliability.

Findings

Qualitative analysis highlighted that mentors play a crucial role in patients’ rehabilitation. Mentors adapt two positions (investigative and embracing) to address the encountered difficulties, including conflicts, tension, and confusion associated with (in)equality and reciprocity in the mentoring relationship.

Practice Implications

Paraprofessional mentors can assist people with ED in their rehabilitation process. To support patients with EDs effectively, it is crucial to train and supervise the mentors in navigating between roles and dealing with boundaries, secrets, lies, and exposure to various aspects of the rehabilitation process. Additionally, we recommend further research using quantitative and empirical tools to complement the qualitative findings presented.
Participation, motivation, and emotional states in the course of VET teacher training: results of an 18-months longitudinal study
Authors: Bottling Matthias , Weiß Julia Katharina , Kärner Tobias
Published: May 2024

Background

Our study aims to investigate inter- and intraindividual effects of trainee teachers’ perceived opportunities of participation in vocational education and training teacher training on their emotional states. Additionally, it is examined whether the subjective reason for action as in intrinsic and extrinsic motivation affects the relationship between perceived participation and emotional states. In this respect, control-value theory constitutes the guiding conceptual framework in our study.

Methods

On the basis of a longitudinal design with a total of 75 trainee teachers in Germany and a maximum of 58 survey time points during 18-months of teacher training (in total 1790 individual measurements), we traced the perception of participatory opportunities, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as well as weekly emotional states. Multilevel modeling allowed us to examine both between- as well as within-person effects of perceived participation.

Results

The results of our multilevel models indicate, among other findings, statistically significant within- and between-person effects of perceived participation opportunities on enjoyment, hope, pride, as well as anger, anxiety, shame, and hopelessness. Furthermore, the attributed subjective reason for action, i.e., the intrinsic or extrinsic motivation, moderates the relationship between perceived opportunities to participate and emotional states.

Discussion

The findings, which are consistent across different emotions of the same valence and for the two different types of motivation, indicate that those trainee teachers who report low values for intrinsic motivation (or high values for extrinsic motivation) in a given week react more responsively to changes with regard to opportunities for participatory influence.
Hyperoside mitigates photoreceptor degeneration in part by targeting cGAS and suppressing DNA-induced microglial activation
Authors: Li Daijin , Chang Jie , Wang Yujue , Du Xiaoye , Xu Jing , Cui Jingang , Zhang Teng , Chen Yu
Published: May 2024

Activated microglia play an important role in driving photoreceptor degeneration-associated neuroinflammation in the retina. Controlling pro-inflammatory activation of microglia holds promise for mitigating the progression of photoreceptor degeneration. Our previous study has demonstrated that pre-light damage treatment of hyperoside, a naturally occurring flavonol glycoside with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, prevents photooxidative stress-induced photoreceptor degeneration and neuroinflammatory responses in the retina. However, the direct impact of hyperoside on microglia-mediated neuroinflammation during photoreceptor degeneration remains unknown. Upon verifying the anti-inflammatory effects of hyperoside in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells, our results here further demonstrated that post-light damage hyperoside treatment mitigated the loss of photoreceptors and attenuated the functional decline of the retina. Meanwhile, post-light damage hyperoside treatment lowered neuroinflammatory responses and dampened microglial activation in the illuminated retinas. With respect to microglial activation, hyperoside mitigated the pro-inflammatory responses in DNA-stimulated BV-2 cells and lowered DNA-stimulated production of 2′3′-cGAMP in BV-2 cells. Moreover, hyperoside was shown to directly interact with cGAS and suppress the enzymatic activity of cGAS in a cell-free system. In conclusion, the current study suggests for the first time that the DNA sensor cGAS is a direct target of hyperoside. Hyperoside is effective at mitigating DNA-stimulated cGAS-mediated pro-inflammatory activation of microglia, which likely contributes to the therapeutic effects of hyperoside at curtailing neuroinflammation and alleviating neuroinflammation-instigated photoreceptor degeneration.
Impacts of WWII bomb explosions on weathering damage of architectural heritage: Bath, England
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Mol Lisa , Tucker Maurice , Blenkinsop Tom , Gilbert Oscar , Campbell Oliver
Published: May 2024

The effects of bomb impacts, including the explosive force and combustion associated with these impacts, are preserved in only a few cities across the UK. In particular, World War Two (WWII) has left scars across a wide range of structures as a result of air raids. On immovable heritage, such as architectural structures, these impacts commonly take the form of craters, fractures and fire damage to stonework. This instantaneous damage is subsequently exposed to environmental stresses, such as moisture cycling, thermal stress and the movement of soluble elements and can thus lead to further deterioration of the stone. In this study, Rock Surface Hardness (RSH) measurements, permeametry measurements and microscopic observations were selected to capture stone deterioration data from 80-year-old bomb impacts on two walls of the Labour Exchange in Bath (UK) for spatial distribution analysis (Kriging) in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results show that the weathering forms that were found on the two walls can be attributed to nine different types. They can provide quantitative assessment of damage caused by bomb explosions and combustion in the war. The increase in permeability of walls and craters is shown to be primarily caused by the bomb explosion and combustion, whereas the decrease of hardness is associated with subsequent stone deterioration processes. This indicates that the interplay of initial damage likely accelerates subsequent response to environmental stress, extending the initial damage patterns from the impact crater to larger areas of stonework.
A case of abdominal aortic aneurysm presenting as symptomatic disseminated intravascular coagulation treated with endovascular aneurysm repair and postoperative administration of Nafamostat mesylate
Authors: Tanaka Shinichi , Ohmine Takahiro
Published: May 2024

Background

Cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm discovered as purpura on the extremities with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are rare. The number of currently established strategies for the control of DIC with aortic aneurysm is limited.

Case presentation

An 85-year-old woman was referred to the hematology department because of purpura on her shoulder and thigh. Enhanced fibrinolytic-type DIC was diagnosed by a blood test. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed 60-mm abdominal aortic and 42-mm right common iliac aneurysms. We performed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and coiling of the right internal iliac artery with postoperative administration of Nafamostat mesylate. The patient promptly recovered from DIC, and the purpura gradually disappeared.

Conclusions

We safely performed EVAR with postoperative administration of Nafamostat mesylate for an abdominal aortic aneurysms that presented as symptomatic DIC.
Exploring sustainable forensics: silica nanoparticle powder derived from rice husk waste for aged fingermark development and the chemistry of surface interactions
Authors: Rajan Revathi , Zakaria Yusmazura , Shamsuddin Shaharum , Nik Hassan Nik Fakhuruddin
Published: May 2024

Background

Powder-based fingermark ridge visibility enhancement is a common technique employed in crime scenes due to ease of application and robustness of the application method. Pigmented powders created a contrast between the surfaces and developed ridgelines and are generally metals or metal oxides based. Previous research showed the successful development of fresh latent fingermarks using rice husk-derived silica nanoparticles on various surfaces. Nevertheless, there has been less previous evidence for the efficiency of the silica nanoparticle powder on aged fingermark development. Therefore, the aim here is to investigate the efficacy of the powder on aged fingermarks relative to commercial formulation to gauge the feasibility of having naturally derived powder as a possible alternative for field application and commercialisation.

Results

Rigorous testing over a range of non- and semi-porous surfaces at varied ageing conditions revealed a minimal disparity in the performance of both powders on most surfaces. Still, silica nanoparticles exhibited superiority in terms of selectivity on silica-based surfaces. Close up analysis of developed fingermarks using electron microscope exposed clear demarcation between fingermark ridges and valleys using silica nanoparticles.

Conclusions

Findings revealed that the interaction chemistry between powder particles and surface material either enhances or lowers the fingermark development capacity depending on the type of surface tested.
Cannabis and cancer: unveiling the potential of a green ally in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer
Authors: ALSalamat Husam A. , Abuarab Sara Feras , Salamah Hazem Mohamed , Ishqair Anas Hasan , Dwikat Mohammad Fuad , Nourelden Anas Zakarya , Qandil Aseel N. , Barakat Yasmeen , Barakat Muna
Published: May 2024

Cancer comes in second place on the list of causes of death worldwide. In 2018, the 5-year prevalence of breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PC), and colorectal cancer (CRC) were 30%, 12.3%, and 10.9%, respectively. Cannabinoids are chemicals derived from the Cannabis sativa plant; the most investigated cannabinoids are cannabinol, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and cannabidiol. In humans, the endogenous endocannabinoid system consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoids receptors (CBs), and enzymes that degrade the endocannabinoids. In this review, we will review the most recent literature for evidence that discusses the role of cannabis in the treatment of the three types of neoplasms mentioned. Studies have proved that BC cells express CB receptors; many in-vivo studies showed that cannabinoids cause apoptosis and inhibit proliferation and migration. Also, researchers found that treating BC mice with THC and JWH-133 (CB2 receptor agonist) slowed the tumor growth. Regarding CRC, cannabidiol was found to decrease the viability of chemotherapy-resistant CRC cells and inhibit metastasis by antagonizing the G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55; a novel cannabinoid receptor) necessary for metastasis. Moreover, cannabidiol had anti-angiogenetic effects by reducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in addition to anti-inflammatory effects. Finally, studies demonstrated that PC cells highly express CB1 and CB2 receptors and that cannabinoids are capable of inhibiting the release of exosomes and microvesicles related to cancer progression. Cannabinoids also have antiproliferative, anti-invasive, anti-fibroblastic, cell cycle arrest, and proapoptotic effects on PC cells.
Automated high-precision alignment of geologic maps with well orientation
Authors: Ma Yue , Li Yubing , Ali Abdulmohsen M. , AlBinHassan Nasher , Luo Yi
Published: May 2024

The 3D reflection seismic interpretation entails the creation of structure maps of subsurface horizons across extensive areas, often spanning tens of thousands of square kilometers within sedimentary basins. To be correlated with well measurements, maps made from 3D reflection seismic are routinely assigned the correct depth at well control points. However, integrating orientation information measured from wells remains a challenge due to the absence of upscaling guidelines. We address the scale-dependent nature of geologic structure and well orientation information in subsurface mapping, particularly focusing on integrating kilometer-scale seismic interpretation with centimeter-scale well-measured dip and azimuth data. Our pioneering methodology streamlines this integration process through three essential steps: first, transforming well dip and azimuth into a gradient representation; second, smoothly extending gradient differences between the map and well within a user-defined radius of influence; and third, constructing an updated horizon map by bicubic spline interpolation to ensure automated and high-precision alignment. In addition, a structure-oriented interpolation technique is introduced to preserve faults and local structures during orientation correction. Application of the methodology to a 3D reflection seismic horizon demonstrates its effectiveness in automating the complex task of tying subsurface maps to well orientation information. This not only reduces the need for manual interventions but also introduces a new perspective on subsurface mapping. It provides a robust framework that enhances the accuracy and reliability of geologic interpretation, offering significant advancements beyond previous efforts in the literature.
John Perceval's account of his psychosis, 1830–1832
Authors: Oyebode Femi
Published: May 2024

John Thomas Perceval (1803–1876) was confined first to Dr Fox's private madhouse (asylum) in 1830 and transferred to Mr Newington's madhouse at Ticehurst, Sussex, in 1832 until his release in 1834. His account of his incarceration and treatment was published in two versions, the first in 1838 and the second in 1840. In this article I describe Perceval's psychosis, his treatment and management at Dr Fox's madhouse and his reforming and advocating contributions to psychiatry in the period following his release.
Facing Death, Choosing Life: Pose's Positive Historiography
Authors: Washington Henry
Published: May 2024

From the museum heist cast members perform in its first episode to the series finale, Pose (FX, 2018–2021) endeavors to complicate the dominant historical narrative of queer and trans of color life and death at the height of the AIDS pandemic. By focalizing the vitality of the community's social life despite the disease's deathliness, the show attempts to humanize its “real” history. This article explicates the ethical dilemmas that haunt this positive historiography despite its significant value. The show's attention to the robustness of the community's social relations—particularly in its depiction of ballroom culture and the work house mothers do to make chosen families—usefully reorients viewers’ attention away from dominant historiography's pathologizing gestures. Yet simultaneously, this push for the positive threatens to obscure the structural neglect that enabled the pandemic's death toll along with the complex and often tragic reality of black and brown queer life more generally, particularly insofar as it implicitly links success to performances of homo- and transnormativity. This article tarries with rather than attempts to overcome this tension—between the structural critique and historiographic intervention modeled by the cast's theft, transport, and refashioning of the museum's historical objects and the logic of toxic positivity that takes shape in many of the show's other representations. Rather than argue for the wholesale embrace or refusal of the representational logic that inheres Pose's historiographic intervention, the article uses the show's range of historical representations as a starting point for thinking through what it means to face death and choose life amid conditions of extraordinary violence.
Foraging behaviour and habitat use during chick-rearing in the Australian endemic black-faced cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens)
Authors: Cansse Thomas , Lens Luc , Sutton Grace J. , Botha Jonathan A. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: May 2024

Despite its wide distribution, relatively little is known of the foraging ecology and habitat use of the black-faced cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens), an Australian endemic seabird. Such information is urgently required in view of the rapid oceanic warming of south-eastern Australia, the stronghold of the species. The present study used a combination of opportunistically collected regurgitates and GPS/dive behaviour data loggers to investigate diet, foraging behaviour and habitat-use of black-faced cormorants during four chick-rearing periods (2020-2023) on Notch Island, northern Bass Strait. Observed prey species were almost exclusively benthic (95%), which is consistent with the predominantly benthic diving behaviour recorded. Males foraged at deeper depths than females (median depth males: 18 m; median depth females: 8 m), presumably due to a greater physiological diving capacity derived from their larger body size. This difference in dive depths was associated with sexual segregation of foraging locations, with females predominantly frequenting shallower areas closer to the coastline. These findings have strong implications for the management of the species, as impacts of environmental change may disproportionally affect the foraging range of one sex and, thereby, reproductive success.
Η επίδραση διαφορετικών πρωτοκόλλων επαναπροθέρμανσης με εργοποδήλατο στη διατήρηση των φυσικών ικανοτήτων καλαθοσφαιριστών μετά από 15 λεπτά αδράνειας
Authors: Κουτσουρίδης Χρήστος
Published: May 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν ο έλεγχος της αποτελεσματικότητας τριών πρωτοκόλλων επαναπροθέρμανσης (RWU) με εργοποδήλατο στην αναστροφή των αρνητικών συνεπειών της αδράνειας στις φυσικές ικανότητες καλαθοσφαιριστών. Χρησιμοποιώντας τυχαιοποιημένο και αντισταθμισμένο σχεδιασμό με εναλλαγή ομάδων για επαναλαμβανόμενες μετρήσεις, 13 ημιεπαγγελματίες καλαθοσφαιριστές εκτέλεσαν τέσσερα πρωτόκολλα σε τέσσερις ξεχωριστές ημέρες. Η διαδικασία περιλάμβανε μία τυπική προθέρμανση, μετρήσεις postWU, ένα πρωτόκολλο 15 ́ και μετρήσεις postRWU. Τα πρωτόκολλα ήταν: α) 15 λεπτά παθητική ξεκούραση (Control), β) 11’ rest, 3’ στο 40% VO2max και 1’ rest (RWU40), γ) 13’ rest, 1’ στο 80% VO2max και 1’ rest (RWU80) και δ) 13,5’ rest, 3 x (5” μέγιστης προσπάθειας με φορτίο 7,5% της σωματικής μάζας και 25” rest) και 1’ rest (RWUint). Στους συμμετέχοντες αξιολογήθηκαν η αντιληπτή κόπωση και ετοιμότητα, η καρδιακή συχνότητα (ΚΣ), η θερμοκρασία σώματος, το Countermovement Jump (CMJ) και το Modified Agility T-test (MAT). Από τα αποτελέσματα φάνηκε ότι μεταξύ postRWU και postWU μετρήσεων, τo RWU40 εμφάνισε τους καλύτερους υποκειμενικούς δείκτες. Η ετοιμότητα έδειξε τη μεγαλύτερη αναστροφή (p=,700), ενώ η κόπωση δεν επηρεάστηκε (p=1,000). Η ΚΣ δεν εμφάνισε σημαντικές διαφορές στο RWU80 (3,59%, p=.303) και στο RWUint (-4,28%, p=.327), ενώ στο Control (-24,51%, p<,001) και στο RWU40 (- 9,12%, p=,017) μειώθηκε σημαντικά. Η Control συνθήκη επέφερε σημαντική μείωση θερμοκρασίας (1,48%, p<,001), ενώ το RWU40 ελάττωσε την απώλεια αυτή (0,33%, p=,375). Η απόδοση των αθλητών μειώθηκε επίσης σημαντικά μετά το Control (CMJ: -5,10%, p<,001· MAT: 3,13%, p=,030). Τη μεγαλύτερη μείωση απωλειών πέτυχε το RWU40, με τις διαφορές μεταξύ postRWU και postWU να είναι στατιστικά μη σημαντικές (CMJ: -1,72%, p=,167· MAT: 0,48%, p=,634). Συμπερασματικά, τα 15’ αδράνειας έχουν αρνητική επίδραση στη διατήρηση της απόδοσης, των φυσιολογικών προσαρμογών και της υποκειμενικής αντίληψης των καλαθοσφαιριστών. Ωστόσο, και τα τρία πρωτόκολλα RWU ανέτρεψαν έως ένα βαθμό τις αρνητικές επιπτώσεις της αδράνειας, με το RWU40 να εμφανίζει τη μεγαλύτερη αποτελεσματικότητα.
Diagnostic and therapeutic process of respiratory disorders during sleep
Authors: Maliszewska Karolina , Oleksak Izabela , Welian-Polus Iwona , Gendek Karolina , Wilanowska Wiktoria , Babkiewicz-Jahn Kamila , Matuszewska Justyna
Published: May 2024

Introduction and purpose
Sleep apnea is a disturbance of sleep that affects about 10% of adult population and is not easily detected due to unspecific symptoms. The aim of this literature review is to present, respectively, obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea symptoms and integrate the available data in the literature regarding the pathogenesis and treatment methods.
Materials and methods
A review of literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar database. The search criteria included keywords such as sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea treatment, central sleep apnea treatment.
State of knowledge
Sleep disturbances that involve breathing can be categorized as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. First one is associated with the obstruction of the upper airways and the second one – with malfunctioning breathing generator in the pontomedullary breathing pacemaker. Symptoms are unspecific which makes diagnostic process difficult. However, the right diagnosis and treatment may prevent patients from developing many cardiovascular diseases. Treatment options for OSA include: CPAP, reducing body weight, changing sleep position, braces and surgeries; for CSA: CPAP and acetazolamide.
Conclusions
OSA and CSA need to be further investigated in order to find more precise ways of diagnosis and treatment, as these diseases remain underreported. It is worth noting, that these conditions predispose to serious diseases, e.g. stroke. Therefore, developing new treatment techniques would beneficial for the health of population.
LONG-TERM CLINICAL RESULTS OF HALLUX VARUS CORRECTION BY A REVERSED ABDUCTOR HALLUCIS TRANSFER
Authors: Schwagten K.
Published: May 2024

Background

Iatrogenic hallux varus is a rare complication after hallux valgus surgery. Operative treatment comprises a wide variety of techniques, of which the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis tendon is the most recent described technique.

Methods

This paper will present the long-term clinical results of the reversed transfer of the abductor hallucis longus. Therefore, we performed a prospective clinical observational study on 16 female patients. Our hypothesis is that the tendon transfer will persist in a good alignment and patient satisfaction on long term. There is a 100% follow-up rate with a range from 10 to 101 months. Patients were subjected to a clinical examination, three questionnaires and their general satisfaction.

Results

Out of 16 patients, at time of follow-up, we found a positive correlation between the subjective outcome score and alignment (r = 0.59), and between the general satisfaction and alignment (r = 0.77). Based on the general satisfaction we achieved a success satisfaction rate of 69% (11 patients). The other 31% (5 patients) patient group was only satisfied with major reservations or not satisfied at all. The two most invalidating complications were a coronal or sagittal malalignment or the combination of both.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the reverse abductor hallucis tendon transfer is a good technique to treat a supple iatrogenic hallux varus with an observed success satisfaction rate of 69% at a mean follow-up time of 48 (range 10–101) months. However, patients should be informed that on the long-term loss of correction is possible.
PATIENTS' EXPECTATIONS VERSUS THEIR FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AFTER HALLUX VALGUS CORRECTIVE SURGERY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Yousaf S. , Jeong S. , Hamilton P. , Sott A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To explore the relationship in terms of time scale between pre-operative expectations and postoperative outcomes and satisfaction after Hallux valgus surgery.

Methods

A patient derived questionnaire was developed and 30 patients aged 19 to 67 were included undergoing primary hallux valgus correction with a first metatarsal osteotomy and distal soft tissue release. Patients were asked pre-operatively to quantify their expected time scale for improvement in pain, ability to walk unaided, ability to drive, routine foot wear and foot feeling normal at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months following surgery, and to indicate their confidence in achieving this result. Patients recorded postoperative outcomes achieved at number of weeks. Ordinal logistic regression multivariate modelling was used to examine predictors of postoperative satisfaction.

Results

90% of the patients were able to walk unaided and drive before or around the expected time scale at an average of five weeks' time. Persistent pain subsided at an average of two weeks post operatively which led to high satisfaction Although differences between patients' expectation and achievement were minimal at 6 weeks post-operatively, there was some discrepancy at 3 months, with patient expectations far exceeding achievement. The least satisfactory outcome was normal feeling of foot at six months follow up. There were significant correlations between failure to achieve expectations and the importance patients attached to recovery.

Conclusions

This study underlines the importance of taking preoperative expectations into account to obtain an informed choice on the basis of the patient's preferences. Patients' pre-operative expectations of surgical outcome exceed their functional achievement but satisfaction remains high if pain control and ability to walk unaided is achieved early after hallux valgus corrective surgery.
EARLY MOTION AND DIRECTED EXERCISE (EMADE) VERSUS USUAL-CARE POST-ANKLE FRACTURE FIXATION: 12- AND 24-WEEK RESULTS FROM A PRAGMATIC RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Matthews P. , Scammell B. , Ali A. , Nightingale J. , Coughlin T. , Khan T. , Ollivere B.
Published: May 2024

Background

Ankle fractures are extremely common but unfortunately, over 20% fail to obtain good to excellent recovery. For those requiring surgical fixation, usual-care post-surgery has included six-weeks cast immobilisation and non-weightbearing. Disuse atrophy and joint stiffness are detrimental sequelae of this management. While rehabilitation, starting at two-weeks post-surgery is viewed as safe, the literature contains methodological flaws and a lack of focus on early exercise, perpetuating the controversy over the effectiveness of early exercise interventions.

Objectives

Our objectives were to determine if following operative fixation for Weber B fracture, the physiotherapy intervention, early motion and directed exercise (EMADE), applied in the clinical setting, were superior to Usual-care at 12-weeks (primary outcome) and 24-weeks.

Design and Methods

We undertook a pragmatic-RCT, recruiting 157 surgically fixed Weber B ankle fracture patients, to establish if EMADE was superior to the Usual-care of 6-weeks immobilisation. The EMADE physiotherapy intervention (between week-2 and 4 post-surgery) utilised a removable cast and combined non-weightbearing progressive home exercises with manual therapy, advice and education. The primary outcome measure was the OMAS at 12-weeks.

Results

130 participants returned their 12-weeks post-surgery data, exceeding the 60/group threshold set by the a-priory power calculation. Group OMAS means were; 62.0 and 48.8 (SD 21, 22.5) EMADE, Usual-care respectively, yielding a clinically meaningful mean difference of 13.2 on the OMAS and a statistical difference (95% CI p< 0.001, 5.66 to 20.73). Both clinically meaningful and statistically significant findings were maintained at week-24. There were no intervention related or unexpected adverse events, including instability.

Conclusions

This clinic set pragmatic-RCT yielded both clinical and statistical outcomes at week-12 in favour of the EMADE physiotherapy intervention over the Usual-care of 6-weeks immobilisation, in surgically fixed Weber B ankle fracture patients. These positive findings were maintained at week-24 and justify EMADE physiotherapy as a viable treatment option.
AUTOLOGOUS OSTEOCHONDRAL TRANSPLANTATION FOR LARGE OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS OF THE TALUS IS A VIABLE OPTION IN AN ATHLETIC POPULATION
Authors: McMenemy L. , Nguyen A. , Ramasamy A. , Walsh M. , Calder J.
Published: May 2024

Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is an effective treatment for large Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLT), however little is reported on an athletic population, who are likely to place higher demands on the reconstruction. The aim is to report the outcomes of large OLT (>150mm2) within an athletic population. The study population was limited to professional or amateur athletes (Tegner score >6) with an OLT of size 150mm2 or greater. The surgical intervention was AOT with a donor site from the lateral femoral condyle. Clinical outcomes at a minimum of 24 months included Return to Sport, VAS and FAOS Scores. In addition, graft incorporation was evaluated by MRI using MOCART scores at 12 months post-surgery. 38 athletes including 11 professional athletes were assessed. Mean follow-up was 46 months. Mean lesion size was 249mm2. 33 patients returned to sport at their previous level and one did not return to sport (mean return to play 8.2 months). Visual analogue scores improved from 4.53 pre-operatively to 0.63 post-operatively (p=0.002). FAOS Scores improved significantly in all domains (p< 0.001). Two patients developed knee donor site pain, and both had three osteochondral plugs harvested. Univariant analysis demonstrated no association between pre-operative patient or lesion characteristics and ability to return to sport. However, there was a strong correlation between MOCART scores and ability to return to sport (AUC=0.89). Our study suggests that AOT is a viable option in the management of large osteochondral talar defects in an athletic population, with favourable return to sport levels, patient satisfaction, and FAOS/VAS scores. The ability to return to sport is predicated upon good graft incorporation and further research is required to optimise this technique. Our data also suggests that patients should be aware of the increased risk of developing knee donor site pain when three osteochondral plugs are harvested.
Long-term ultraviolet B irradiation at 297 nm with light-emitting diode improves bone health via vitamin D regulation
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Wang Ying , Qiu Haixia , Chen Defu , Wu Shengnan , Ji Quanbo , Chang Biao , Li Yunqi , Zhao Hongyou , Tan Yizhou , Gu Ying
Published: May 2024

Ultraviolet radiation is the primary determinant for vitamin D synthesis. Sunlight is inefficient and poses a risk, particularly for long-term exposure. In this study, we screened the most favorable wavelength for vitamin D synthesis among four types of narrowband light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and then irradiated osteoporosis rats with the optimal wavelength for 3–12 months. The 297 nm narrowband LED was the most efficient. Long-term radiation increased vitamin D levels in all osteoporotic rats and improved bone health. No skin damage was observed during irradiation. Our findings provide an efficient and safe method of vitamin D supplementation.
High dynamic range spatial heterodyne one-dimensional imaging spectroscopy based on a digital micromirror device
Authors: Wang Qiansheng , Luo Haiyan , Li Zhiwei , Ding Yi , Xiong Wei
Published: May 2024

Spatial heterodyne one-dimensional imaging spectrometer (SHIS) can simultaneously acquire hyperspectral information from different fields of view (FOVs). However, the dynamic range of SHIS is limited by the detector's performance. We propose a high dynamic range spatial heterodyne one-dimensional imaging spectroscopy (HD-SHIS) based on a digital micromirror device (DMD), which can control the exposure time of each FOV signal by adjusting the flip time of micromirrors on an M-bit DMD, realizing the simultaneous detection of strong and weak signals in FOVs with a theoretical improvement of the dynamic range by dB. Meanwhile, HD-SHIS utilizes a DMD to realize the Hadamard modulation of interference data in the spectral dimension, which can be used with the linear array detector to complete the detection of the imaging spectrum. We have built an HD-SHIS principle prototype and carried out dynamic range experiments. The experimental results show that HD-SHIS can achieve 48 dB dynamic range improvement by utilizing an 8-bit display width DMD.
Recovery of angular scattering profiles through a flexible multimode fiber
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Jelly Evan T. , Miller David A. , Wax Adam
Published: May 2024

Endoscopic angle-resolved light scattering methods have been developed for early cancer detection but they typically require multi-element coherent fiber optic bundles to recover scattering distributions from tissues. Recent work has focused on using a single multimode fiber (MMF) to measure angle resolved scattering but this approach has practical limitations to overcome before clinical translation. Here we address these limitations by proposing an MMF-based endoscope capable of measuring angular scattering patterns suitable for determining structure. Significantly, this approach implements a spectrally resolved detection scheme to reduce speckle and leverages the azimuthal symmetry of the angular scattering patterns to enable measurements that are robust to fiber bending. This results in a unique method that does not require matrix inversion or machine learning to measure a transmitted scattering distribution. The MMF utilized here is 1000 mm in length with a 200 µm core and is demonstrated to recover angular scattering distributions even with bending displacements of up to 30 cm. This advance has a significant impact on the clinical translation of biomedical endoscopic diagnostic techniques that use angular scattering to determine the size of cell nuclei to detect early cancer.
Two distinct regulatory systems control pulcherrimin biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Fernandez Nicolas L. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: May 2024

Regulation of transcription is a fundamental process that allows bacteria to respond to external stimuli with appropriate timing and magnitude of response. In the soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis, transcriptional regulation is at the core of developmental processes needed for cell survival. Gene expression in cells transitioning from exponential phase to stationary phase is under the control of a group of transcription factors called transition state regulators (TSRs). TSRs influence numerous developmental processes including the decision between biofilm formation and motility, genetic competence, and sporulation, but the extent to which TSRs influence bacterial physiology remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate two TSRs, ScoC and AbrB, along with the MarR-family transcription factor PchR negatively regulate production of the iron chelator pulcherrimin in B. subtilis. Genetic analysis of the relationship between the three transcription factors indicate that all are necessary to limit pulcherrimin production during exponential phase and influence the rate and total amount of pulcherrimin produced. Similarly, expression of the pulcherrimin biosynthesis gene yvmC was found to be under control of ScoC, AbrB, and PchR and correlated with the amount of pulcherrimin produced by each background. Lastly, our in vitro data indicate a weak direct role for ScoC in controlling pulcherrimin production along with AbrB and PchR. The layered regulation by two distinct regulatory systems underscores the important role for pulcherrimin in B. subtilis physiology.
Intimate partner violence and its correlates in middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country secondary analysis
Authors: Chang Gwendolyn , Tucker Joseph D. , Walker Kate , Chu Claire , Miall Naomi , Tan Rayner K. J. , Wu Dan
Published: May 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Middle-aged and older adults, ages 45 years or older, are at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality and social isolation. However, most studies on IPV during the pandemic do not focus on this important subpopulation. Informed by the social-ecological theory, this study examines individual, household, community, and country-level correlates of IPV among middle-aged and older adults in multiple countries using a cross-sectional online survey. Data from 2867 participants aged 45 or older in the International Sexual Health and Reproductive Health (I-SHARE) survey from July 2020 to February 2021 were described using univariate analysis. IPV was defined using four validated WHO measures. Individual characteristics included self-isolation and food security. At the country-level, we examined social distancing stringency. Logistic regression models with a random intercept for country were conducted to explore IPV correlates among 1730 eligible individuals from 20 countries with complete data. Most participants were heterosexual (2469/2867), cisgender (2531/2867) females (1589/2867) between the ages of 45–54 (1539/2867). 12.1% (346/2867) of participants experienced IPV during social distancing measures. After adjustment, participants who self-isolated experienced 1.4 (95% CI 1.0, 2.0, p = 0.04) times the odds of IPV compared to those who had not isolated. Those who reported an increase in food insecurity compared to pre-pandemic experienced 2.2 times the odds (95% CI 1.6, 3.0, p<0.0001) of IPV compared to those who did not report increased food insecurity. People in countries with more stringent social distancing policies were less likely to experience IPV compared to people in countries with lower levels of stringency (aOR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4, 0.9, p = 0.04). IPV was common among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data suggest the need for further crisis management and social protection measures for middle-aged and older adults who have intersecting vulnerabilities to IPV to mitigate COVID-19 impact.
Semi-automated protocol to quantify and characterize fluorescent three-dimensional vascular images
Authors: Xie Danny F. , Crouzet Christian , LoPresti Krystal , Wang Yuke , Robinson Christopher , Jones William , Muqolli Fjolla , Fang Chuo , Cribbs David H. , Fisher Mark , Choi Bernard
Published: May 2024

The microvasculature facilitates gas exchange, provides nutrients to cells, and regulates blood flow in response to stimuli. Vascular abnormalities are an indicator of pathology for various conditions, such as compromised vessel integrity in small vessel disease and angiogenesis in tumors. Traditional immunohistochemistry enables the visualization of tissue cross-sections containing exogenously labeled vasculature. Although this approach can be utilized to quantify vascular changes within small fields of view, it is not a practical way to study the vasculature on the scale of whole organs. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging presents a more appropriate method to visualize the vascular architecture in tissue. Here we describe the complete protocol that we use to characterize the vasculature of different organs in mice encompassing the methods to fluorescently label vessels, optically clear tissue, collect 3D vascular images, and quantify these vascular images with a semi-automated approach. To validate the automated segmentation of vascular images, one user manually segmented one hundred random regions of interest across different vascular images. The automated segmentation results had an average sensitivity of 83±11% and an average specificity of 91±6% when compared to manual segmentation. Applying this procedure of image analysis presents a method to reliably quantify and characterize vascular networks in a timely fashion. This procedure is also applicable to other methods of tissue clearing and vascular labels that generate 3D images of microvasculature.
Gender differences in PTSD severity and pain outcomes: Baseline results from the LAMP trial
Authors: Friedman Jessica K. , Taylor Brent C. , Campbell Emily Hagel , Allen Kelli , Bangerter Ann , Branson Mariah , Bronfort Gert , Calvert Collin , Cross Lee J. S. , Driscoll Mary A. , Evans Ronni , Ferguson John E. , Haley Alex , Hennessy Sierra , Meis Laura A. , Burgess Diana J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain are highly prevalent comorbid conditions. Veterans dually burdened by PTSD and chronic pain experience more severe outcomes compared to either disorder alone. Few studies have enrolled enough women Veterans to test gender differences in pain outcomes [catastrophizing, intensity, interference] by the severity of PTSD symptoms.

Aim

Examine gender differences in the association between PTSD symptoms and pain outcomes among Veterans enrolled in a chronic pain clinical trial.

Methods

Participants were 421 men and 386 women Veterans with chronic pain who provided complete data on PTSD symptoms and pain outcomes. We used hierarchical linear regression models to examine gender differences in pain outcomes by PTSD symptoms.

Results

Adjusted multivariable models indicated that PTSD symptoms were associated with higher levels of pain catastrophizing (0.57, 95% CI [0.51, 0.63]), pain intensity (0.30, 95% CI [0.24, 0.37]), and pain interference (0.46, 95% CI [0.39, 0.52]). No evidence suggesting gender differences in this association were found in either the crude or adjusted models (all interaction p-values<0.05).

Conclusion

These findings may reflect the underlying mutual maintenance of these conditions whereby the sensation of pain could trigger PTSD symptoms, particularly if the trauma and pain are associated with the same event. Clinical implications and opportunities testing relevant treatments that may benefit both chronic pain and PTSD are discussed.