bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging analysis of the biological parameters of the lens in patients with cortical age-related cataracts using ultrasound biomicroscopy
Authors: Yu Zhiying , Li Na , Wang Fenglei , Fu Jing , Xue Shasha , Wang Ling
Published: November 2023

Background

The spatial position of the lens in patients with cortical age-related cataract (CARC) is unclear. We investigated a basis for the assessment of visual quality after cataract surgery by analysing the ultrasound biomicroscopic characteristics of the biological parameters of the lens in patients with CARC.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 119 patients (50 males and 69 females, totalling 238 eyes) with CARC who underwent simple cataract surgery were selected. The lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens vault (LV), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), iris-lens angle (ILA), iris-lens contact distance (ILCD) were measured by A-scan ultrasound and ultrasound biomicroscopy. The corresponding lens position (LP) and relative lens position (RLP) were calculated.

Results

LP was greater in men than in women (P < 0.05), LV was smaller in men than in women (P = 0.002), ILA and ILCD were not statistically significant (P = 0.072 and P = 0.854, respectively). There were significant differences in TIA, ILA, and ILCD in the four quadrants (all P < 0.05), with a trend in the distribution of TIA: superior < inferior < nasal < temporal, ILA: nasal < inferior < temporal < superior, and ILCD: superior < temporal < inferior < nasal.

Conclusions

The lens protrudes more obviously in females than in males and the lens tilts to a certain extent with the increase of age and tends to be more upward and temporal in the supine position. Therefore, trends in lens-related parameters in patients with CARC should be taken seriously.
Computed tomography imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for children with tension pneumomediastinum: a case series
Authors: Hong Jun-Jie , Hong Song-Ming , Chen Xiu-Hua , Zhou Si-Jia , Chen Qiang , Huang Jin-Xi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare and dangerous complication in children that can be fatal, and timely detection and treatment are critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of computed tomography (CT) imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for tension pneumomediastinum in children.

Methods

From June 2018 to February 2023, we consecutively enrolled 19 children with tension pneumomediastinum in our institution. A pigtail catheter was inserted into the anterior mediastinum by a CT imaging-guided parasternal approach. The catheter was connected to a negative-pressure water seal bottle to drain the pneumomediastinum. Clinical data and outcomes were summarized.

Results

The mean age was 3.1 ± 3.4 years, the mean weight was 15 ± 9.1 kg, the mean procedure time was 11.8 ± 2.4 min, and the drainage time was 6.7 ± 3.4 days. No major complications were identified, such as haemothorax, catheter displacement, or mediastinal infection. Effective drainage was obtained in all patients as assessed by comparing images and ventilatory parameters, and no additional surgical treatment was needed. There was no recurrence during the follow-up, which was more than 2 months. In our data, two children with COVID-19 were discharged from the hospital after effective drainage and other clinical treatment.

Conclusion

CT-guided parasternal approach drainage is safe, minimally invasive, and effective for children with tension pneumomediastinum.
The effect of childhood trauma on suicide risk: the chain mediating effects of resilience and mental distress
Authors: Yao Kaimin , Chen Peiyi , Zhou Hui , Ruan Jiajia , Chen Dan , Yang Xueling , Zhou You
Published: November 2023

Background

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 years. A large number of studies have found that mental disorder in adulthood is closely related to childhood trauma, and the relationship between childhood trauma and suicide risk is influenced by resilience and mental distress. This study aimed to explore the effects of childhood trauma on suicide risk among young people and the potential roles of resilience and mental distress in the relationship between childhood trauma on suicide risk.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 742 young adults who were in graduate school stage from multiple provinces and cities in China. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-Short Form), Connor-Davison Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and Suicide Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) were used to measure young adults’ childhood trauma, resilience and suicide risk, respectively. 9-items Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and 7-items self-report Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used together to measure mental distress. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the initial relationships among the main variables. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to examine the chain mediating effects of resilience and mental distress in the relationship between childhood trauma and suicide risk.

Results

The structural equation modeling produced goodness of fit indices (χ2 /df = 3.668, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.060, NFI = 0.959, CFI = 0.969, GFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.955). Childhood trauma significantly predicted suicide risk (β = 0.232, p < 0.001) and mental distress (β = 0.181, p < 0.001), which had negative effect on resilience (β = -0.233, p < 0.001). Resilience negatively affected mental distress (β = -0.483, p < 0.001) and suicide risk (β = -0.142, p = 0.001), while mental distress positively associated with suicide risk (β = 0.219, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The current study revealed that resilience and mental distress played chain-mediating roles in the relationship between childhood trauma and suicide risk. This suggests that we should view the suicide risk of graduate students from a comprehensive perspective.
Perinatal health effects of herbicides exposures in the United States: the Heartland Study, a Midwestern birth cohort study
Authors: Freisthler Marlaina , Winchester Paul W. , Young Heather A. , Haas David M.
Published: November 2023

Background

The objective of the Heartland Study is to address major knowledge gaps concerning the health effects of herbicides on maternal and infant health. To achieve this goal, a two-phased, prospective longitudinal cohort study is being conducted. Phase 1 is designed to evaluate associations between biomarkers of herbicide concentration and pregnancy/childbirth outcomes. Phase 2 is designed to evaluate potential associations between herbicide biomarkers and early childhood neurological development.

Methods

People (target enrollment of 2,000) who are seeking prenatal care, are ages 18 or older, and are ≤ 20 + 6 weeks gestation will be eligible for recruitment. The Heartland Study will utilize a combination of questionnaire data and biospecimen collections to meet the study objectives. One prenatal urine and buccal sample will be collected per trimester to assess the impact of herbicide concentration levels on pregnancy outcomes. Infant buccal specimens will be collected post-delivery. All questionnaires will be collected by trained study staff and clinic staff will remain blinded to all individual level research data. All data will be stored in a secure REDCap database.

Hospitals in the agriculturally intensive states in the Midwestern region will be recruited as study sites. Currently participating clinical sites include Indiana University School of Medicine- affiliated Hospitals in Indianapolis, Indiana; Franciscan Health Center in Indianapolis, Indiana; Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. An anticipated 30% of the total enrollment will be recruited from rural areas to evaluate herbicide concentrations among those pregnant people residing in the rural Midwest.

Perinatal outcomes (e.g. birth outcomes, preterm birth, preeclampsia, etc.) will be extracted by trained study teams and analyzed for their relationship to herbicide concentration levels using appropriate multivariable models.

Discussion

Though decades of study have shown that environmental chemicals may have important impacts on the health of parents and infants, there is a paucity of prospective longitudinal data on reproductive impacts of herbicides. The recent, rapid increases in herbicide use across agricultural regions of the United States necessitate further research into the human health effects of these chemicals, particularly in pregnant people. The Heartland Study provides an invaluable opportunity to evaluate health impacts of herbicides during pregnancy and beyond.

Trial registration

The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05492708 with initial registration and release 05 August, 2022.
Determinants of oral health status: an ecological study in Iran
Authors: Tahani Bahareh , Baghban Alireza Akbarzadeh , Kazemian Ali
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The aim of this ecological study was to assess the association between behavioral, social position, circumstance factors, and caries experience in 35- to 44-year-old adults in Iran at a provincial level.

Materials and methods

The data from the 2011 Iranian Oral Health Survey were obtained from all 31 provinces across Iran on the population level. Oral health status was measured as the number of decayed, missing (MT), and filled (FT) teeth and the percentage of the population who were edentulous. Data were also gathered from each province on the percentage of smokers (Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors Surveillance Provincial Report 2009), per capita consumption of free sugars, concentration of fluoride in the drinking water (National and Sub-national Burden of Disease (NASBOD) Survey), number of dentists per 10,000 people, mean years of schooling of adults, expected years of schooling of children, life expectancy at birth and Gross National Income (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, Global Data Lab). The data were analyzed using simple and multiple linear regression (α = 0.05).

Results

Mean DMFT was positively associated with the percentage of smokers (B = 0.01 95%CI 0.01–0.14), and negatively with fluoride concentration (B =-2.6 95%CI -4.3- -0.96). The edentulousness percentage was positively associated with smoking (B = 0.2 (with 95%CI: 0.07–0.37) and negatively with mean years of education (B =-1.08 (with 95%CI: -2.04- -0.12). DT was associated with expected years of schooling (B =-0.6 (with 95%CI: -1.07- -0.17), negatively. Mt was negatively associated with life expectancy (B =-0.5 (with 95%CI: -1.1- -0.007), fluoride concentration (B =-3.4 (with 95%CI: -4.5- -1.5) and number of dentists per 10,000 people (B =-0.4 (with 95%CI: -0.8- -0.01). Mean Years of Schooling (B = 0.5 (with 95%CI: 0.2–0.8) and number of dentists per 10,000 people (B =-0.62 (with 95%CI: 0.51 − 0.48) were positively in associated with FT.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that there were differences in the oral health measures and their social determinants among the provinces of Iran. Regarding the limitations of the study especially the limitation of the number of independent variables, it seems, this discrepancy could be better explained by social variables of the provinces such as income than by environmental factors.
MDP-salts as an adhesion promoter with MDP-primers and self-adhesive resin cement for zirconia cementation
Authors: Abdou Ahmed , Hussein Nasser , Abd El-Sattar Nour E. A. , Takagaki Tomohiro , Kusumasari Citra , Rizk Amr , Abo-Alazm Emad A.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of zirconia priming with MDP-Salt before MDP containing primers and self-adhesive cement on the shear bond strength.

Materials and methods

Fully sintered high translucent zirconia specimens (n = 120) were assigned into 2 groups (n = 60 each): Control (No Pretreatment) and Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate salt (MDP-Salt) pretreated. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (n = 20) according to cementation protocol: 1) MDP + Silane primer and conventional resin cement, 2) MDP+ Bisphenyl dimethacrylate (BPDM) primer and conventional resin cement, and 3) MDP containing self-adhesive resin cement. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured after 10,000 thermocycling. Contact angle was measured for tested groups. Surface topography was assessed using a 3D confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Weibull analysis was performed for SBS and one-way ANOVA for contact angle and surface topography measurements (α = 0.05).

Results

The use of MDP-Salt significantly improved the SBS (p < .05) for all tested subgroups. Self-adhesive cement showed an insignificant difference with MDP + Silane group for both groups (p > .05). MDP + BPDM showed a significantly lower characteristic strength compared to self-adhesive resin cement when both were pretreated with MDP-Salt. No difference between all tested groups in the surface topographic measurements while MDP-Salt showed the highest contact angle.

Conclusion

MDP-Salt pretreatment can improve bonding performance between zirconia and MDP containing products.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on internal medicine training in the United States: results from a national survey
Authors: St-Pierre Frederique , Petrosyan Romela , Gupta Arjun , Hughes Stephen , Trickett John , Read Susan , Van Doren Vanessa , Zeveney Andrew , Shoushtari Christiana
Published: November 2023

Background

Internal medicine (IM) residency is a notoriously challenging time generally characterized by long work hours and adjustment to new roles and responsibilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to multiple emergent adjustments in training schedules to accommodate increasing needs in patient care. The physician training period, in itself, has been consistently shown to be associated with vulnerability with respect to mental well-being. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experience of IM trainees is not well established.

Objective

Characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trainee clinical education, finances, and well-being.

Methods

We developed a survey composed of 25 multiple choice questions, 6 of which had an optional short-answer component. The survey was distributed by the American College of Physicians (ACP) to 23,289 IM residents and subspecialty fellows. We received 1,128 complete surveys and an additional 269 partially completed surveys.

Results

The majority of respondents reported a disruption in their clinical schedule (76%) and a decrease in both didactic conferences (71%) and protected time for education (56%). A majority of respondents (81%) reported an impact on their well-being with an increase in their level of burnout and 41% of respondents reported a decrease in level of direct supervision. Despite these changes, the majority of trainee respondents (78%) felt well prepared for clinical practice after graduation.

Conclusions

These results outline the vulnerable position of internal medicine physicians in training. Preserving educational experiences, adequate supervision, and humane work hours are essential in protecting trainees from mental illness and burnout during global emergencies.
Longitudinal evolution of sleep disturbances in early multiple system atrophy: a 2‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Hou Yanbing , Li Chunyu , Wei Qianqian , Ou Ruwei , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Jiang Qirui , Zhao Bi , Shang Huifang
Published: November 2023

Background

The progression of sleep disturbances remains unclear in patients with early multiple system atrophy (MSA). We aimed to explore the frequency, severity, and coexistence of 2-year longitudinal changes of sleep disturbances including REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and Parkinson’s disease-related sleep problems (PD-SP) in early MSA.

Methods

MSA patients with a disease duration < 3 years were enrolled to complete a 2-year follow-up visit. Sleep disturbances including RBD, EDS, and PD-SP were assessed using the RBD Screening Questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale, and PD sleep scale-2, respectively.

Results

A total of 220 patients with MSA enrolled in the study and 90 patients completed the 2-year follow-up visit. The score of all three sleep disturbances significantly increased over the 2-year follow-up in MSA and MSA with the predominant parkinsonism group (all p < 0.05). The frequency of PD-SP (from 14.5 to 26.7%) and EDS (from 17.7 to 37.8%) was progressively increased (all p < 0.05) except for RBD (from 51.8 to 65.6%, p = 0.152) over the 2-year follow-up in MSA. The frequency of coexistence of two or three sleep disturbances also increased over time. The most common sleep disturbance was RBD, followed by EDS and PD-SP over the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the frequency of different types of sleep disturbances progressively increased except for RBD and the coexistence of two or three sleep disturbances became more common over time in early MSA. Our study suggested that the assessment and management of sleep disturbances should begin early in MSA.
Tumor-to-tumor spread: a case report and literature review of renal cell carcinoma metastasis into thyroid cancer
Authors: Gawlik Cassidy , Lane Jason , Horattas Mark
Published: November 2023

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis is a rare, yet important entity. Patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) may have tumor deposits to the thyroid gland preceding or following their initial cancer diagnosis for many years. The diagnosis can be challenging, and clinicians must remain suspicious of a newly found thyroid nodule in a patient with a history of RCC. In this review, we report a case of a patient with RCC who was incidentally found to have a thyroid nodule on surveillance imaging found to be consistent with tumor-to-tumor metastasis from RCC into papillary thyroid carcinoma. It is imperative to consider this diagnosis as the thyroid is the most common site of spread, and treatment with partial or total thyroidectomy has led to improved survival.
Histologic tumor type as a determinant of survival in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, pT1-3 invasive ductal and lobular breast cancer
Authors: Göker Menekse , Denys Hannelore , Hendrix An , De Wever Olivier , Van de Vijver Koen , Braems Geert
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the difference in survival between invasive ductal (IDC) and lobular carcinoma (ILC).

Methods

Data of patients (n = 1843) with a hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, pT1-3 IDC or ILC cancer without distant metastasis, treated at the Ghent University Hospital over the time period 2001–2015, were analyzed.

Results

ILC represented 13.9% of the tumors, had a higher percentage of pT3 and pN3 stages than IDC, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) was less present and Ki-67 was mostly low. 73.9% of ILCs were grade 2, whereas IDC had more grade 1 and grade 3 tumors. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank testing showed a significant worse DFS for ILC with pN ≥ 1 than for their IDC counterpart. In a multivariable Cox regression analysis the histologic tumor type, ductal or lobular, was a determinant of DFS over 120 months (IDC as reference; hazard ratio for ILC 1.77, 95% CI 1.08–2.90) just as the ER Allred score (hazard ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.78–0.91), LVSI (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.12–2.74) and pN3 (hazard ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.03–5.09). Determinants of OS over ten years were age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.07), LVSI (hazard ratio 3.62, 95% CI 1.92–6.82) and the ER Allred score (hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.73–0.89).

Conclusion

The histologic tumor type, ductal or lobular, determines DFS in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, pT1-3 breast cancer besides the ER Allred score, LVSI and pN3.
Irisin suppresses pancreatic β cell pyroptosis in T2DM by inhibiting the NLRP3-GSDMD pathway and activating the Nrf2-TrX/TXNIP signaling axis
Authors: Li Tianrong , Yang Jingjing , Tan Anjun , Chen Hewen
Published: November 2023

Background

Irisin plays a key role in metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the mechanism underlying the link between irisin and the development of T2DM, particularly in pancreatic islet β-cells, remains unknown.

Methods

In vitro, Min6 cells were treated with high glucose (HG) to generate T2DM cell models. GSDMD-N staining, Western blotting assays, and ELISA were performed to measure the expression levels of GSDMD, caspase 1, IL-1β, and IL-18. Next, the NLRP3 stimulator, ATP, was used to assess the effect of irisin on NLRP3 inflammasome. To evaluate the function of the Nrf2-TrX/TXNIP signaling axis, the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was used. For in vivo assessment, we first established T2DM model mice. Then, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe the islet morphology, and the immunofluorescence technique was used to examine the mass of α and β cells. To confirm the role of the Nrf2-TrX/TXNIP signaling axis, ML385 was injected into the mice. Immunofluorescence of Nrf2, caspase 1, and GSDMD was detected in the islet cells of the model mice to verify the results.

Results

We found that irisin treatment significantly decreased the expression of GSDMD-N (P31) and cleaved caspase-1 (p20), decreased caspase1 activity, and inhibited the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in HG-treated Min6 cells. We also found that irisin inhibited oxidative stress and NLRP3 expression by activating the Nrf2-TrX/TXNIP signaling axis. Additionally, in the T2DM model mice, irisin enhanced the function of islet cells, decreased insulin resistance, and preserved the morphology of pancreatic islets.

Conclusion

We showed in this study that irisin can be used for treating pyroptosis in HG-induced islet β-cells and T2DM model mice. We also found that irisin inhibits pyroptosis and oxidative stress by inhibiting the NLRP3-GSDMD pathway and activating the Nrf2-TrX/TXNIP signaling axis.
Toll-like receptor 7 and RIG-I-like receptors expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of naïve patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Gilanipour Atena , Teimoori Ali , Arabzadeh Seyed Alimohammad , Mollaie Hamid Reza , Mousavi Elham
Published: November 2023

Background

The proper function of Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) as a part of the host immune system can eliminate numerous pathogens from the body. However, some viruses can manipulate PRRs to escape the innate immune system. As there is controversy in the activation of PRRs in patients infected with HCV, we decided to evaluate the gene expression changes of PRRs in HCV cases compared to the healthy control.

Methods

In this study, the relative expression of Toll-like receptor 7, RIG-I, and MAD-5 in peripheral mononuclear blood cells of twenty HCV patients and twenty healthy controls of the same gender and age were analyzed by quantitative Real-time PCR.

Results

Our results showed that the expression of RIG-I and MAD-5 significantly increased in HCV-infected samples compared to the controls (P value:0.01; P value:0.05), while the expression of TLR7 was similar between the case and the control group (P value:0.1).

Conclusion

It seems in suppressing HCV, RIG-I and MAD-5 receptors are likely to be more activated than TRL7 in HCV patients. The lack of TLR7 gene expression might reflect the defect of the host in the stimulation of the innate immune system through the TLR7 pathway.
Quality of measurement properties of medication adherence instruments in cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Oliveira Henrique Ceretta , Hayashi Daisuke , Carvalho Samantha Dalbosco Lins , Barros Rita de Cássia Lopes de , Neves Mayza Luzia dos Santos , Andrechuk Carla Renata Silva , Alexandre Neusa Maria Costa , Ribeiro Paula Aver Bretanha , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus
Published: November 2023

Background

Medication adherence has a major impact on reducing mortality and healthcare costs related to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Selecting the best patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) among the many available for this kind of patient is extremely important. This study aims to critically assess, compare and synthesize the quality of the measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures to assess medication adherence among patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

This review followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The searches were performed in Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, PsycINFO, and ProQuest (gray literature).

Results

A total of 110 records encompassing 27 different PROMs were included in the review. The included records were published between 1986 and 2023, most of which reported studies conducted in the United States and were published in English. None of the PROMs were classified in the category “a”, thus being recommended for use due to the quality of its measurement properties. The PROMs that should not be recommended for use (category “c”) are the MTA, GMAS, DMAS-7, MALMAS, ARMS-D, and 5-item questionnaire. The remaining PROMs, e.g., MMAS-8, SMAQ, MEDS, MNPS, ARMS-12, MGT, MTA-OA, MTA-Insulin, LMAS-14, MARS-5, A-14, ARMS-10, IADMAS, MAQ, MMAS-5, ProMAS, ARMS‐7, 3-item questionnaire, AS, 12-item questionnaire, and Mascard were considered as having the potential to be recommended for use (category “b”).

Conclusion

None of the included PROMs met the criteria for being classified as trusted and recommended for use for patients with cardiovascular diseases and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, 21 PROMs have the potential to be recommended for use, but further studies are needed to ensure their quality based on the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of PROMs.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019129109
Severe-Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (SE-AN): a case series
Authors: Marcolini Federica , Ravaglia Alessandro , Tempia Valenta Silvia , Bosco Giovanna , Marconi Giorgia , Sanna Federica , Zilli Giulia , Magrini Enrico , Picone Flavia , De Ronchi Diana , Atti Anna Rita
Published: November 2023

Background

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) poses significant therapeutic challenges, especially in cases meeting the criteria for Severe and Enduring Anorexia Nervosa (SE-AN). This subset of AN is associated with severe medical complications, frequent use of services, and the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders.

Case presentation

In the present case series, 14 patients were selected from those currently or previously taken care of at the Eating Disorders Outpatients Unit of the Maggiore Hospital in Bologna between January 2012 and May 2023. This case series focuses on the effects of the disease, the treatment compliance, and the description of those variables that could help understand the great complexity of the disorder.

Conclusion

This case series highlights the relevant issue of resistance to treatment, as well as medical and psychological complications that mark the life course of SE-AN patients. The chronicity of these disorders is determined by the overlapping of the disorder's ego-syntonic nature, the health system's difficulty in recognizing the problem in its early stages, and the presence of occupational and social impairment.
Definitions and consequences of current alignment techniques and phenotypes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) – there is no winner yet
Authors: Karasavvidis Theofilos , Pagan Moldenhauer Cale A. , Lustig Sébastien , Vigdorchik Jonathan M. , Hirschmann Michael T.
Published: November 2023

Dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been extensively documented and it was attributed to numerous factors. In recent years, significant focus has been directed towards implant alignment and stability as potential causes and solutions to this issue. Surgeons are now exploring a more personalized approach to TKA, recognizing the importance of thoroughly understanding each individual patient’s anatomy and functional morphology. A more comprehensive preoperative analysis of alignment and knee morphology is essential to address the unresolved questions in knee arthroplasty effectively. The crucial task of determining the most appropriate alignment strategy for each patient arises, given the substantial variability in bone resection resulting from the interplay of phenotype and the alignment strategy chosen. This review aims to comprehensively present the definitions of different alignment techniques in all planes and discuss the consequences dependent on knee phenotypes.

Level of evidence V.
Global health collaborative research: beyond mandatory collaboration to mandatory authorship
Authors: Nyangulu Wongani John
Published: November 2023

Collaborative research between the global north and global south is common and growing in number. Due to inability of local governments to fund research, global north actors provide the bulk of research funding. While providing mutual benefits, global collaborative research projects are far from ideal. In this paper, we review the authorship discrepancies in global collaborative research, discuss preventive measures in place and their shortfalls, and recommend an intervention to address the problem. Malawi research guidelines recommend collaboration between foreign and local researchers in locally conducted research. However, there is no provision requiring joint authorship in final published papers. Journal recommendations on authorship criteria exist, but they can disadvantage low- and middle-income country researchers in collaborative projects because of exclusionary interpretations of guidelines. For example, the requirement for authors to make substantial contributions to conception or design of the work may favor research grant holders, often from the global north. Systematic and holistic changes proposed to address power asymmetries at the core of the problem have been proposed. However, these proposals may take a long time to produce change. Ad interim, local institutions can take more direct action to address inequalities by establishing offices of research integrity to enforce mandates to increase opportunities for authorship in collaborative research.
A narrative literature review of remaining male reproductive health concerns as an aspect of persistent/late-onset complications of COVID-19
Authors: Allahveisi Azra , Afradiasbagharani Parivash , Bazrafkan Mahshid , Kafaeinezhad Raheleh , Hosseini Elham
Published: November 2023

Background

Although COVID-19 infection has dropped across the world and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been developed, global concerns remain about the disease’s long-term health consequences. The purpose of this research was to review the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 on male health, particularly the reproductive system and the pathogenic mechanisms affecting male infertility. Improving knowledge on these issues may help in considering to which extent some of the remaining concerns should be addressed.

Results

The primary target of this disease is the pulmonary system, but reproductive organs may be targeted by the virus. To enter host cells, the virus utilizes both ACE2 and TMPRSS2, which are differentially expressed in the spermatogonial stem, Leydig, and Sertoli cells, thereby providing possible testicular vulnerability. COVID-19-related stress and psychological distress may also affect aspects of male reproductive health.

Conclusions

Since some pathological effects of COVID-19 infection and dysregulations are linked to infertility, more attention is needed to determine whether such dysregulations regress following infection decline.
Study protocol for a nationwide implementation of internet-based vestibular rehabilitation for patients with chronic vestibular symptoms (I-RECOVER)
Authors: Ngo Hà T. N. , Maarsingh Otto R. , van de Berg Raymond , Blanker Marco H. , Bruintjes Tjasse D. , Castien René , Dijkstra Rob , Rutgers Sandra , Slottje Pauline , Twisk Jos W. R. , Yardley Lucy , Bont Jettie , van Vugt Vincent A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Vestibular rehabilitation is a safe and effective exercise-based treatment for patients with chronic vestibular symptoms. However, it is underused in general practice. Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation (Vertigo Training), which has proven to be effective as well, was developed to increase uptake. We now aim to improve the quality of care for patients with vestibular symptoms by carrying out a nationwide implementation of Vertigo Training. We will evaluate the effect of this implementation on primary care.

Methods

Our implementation study consists of three successive phases:

1) We will perform a retrospective observational cohort study and a qualitative interview study to evaluate the current management of patients with vestibular symptoms in primary care, in particular anti-vertigo drug prescriptions, and identify areas for improvement. We will use the results of this phase to tailor our implementation strategy to the needs of general practitioners (GPs) and patients.

2) This phase entails the implementation of Vertigo Training using a multicomponent implementation strategy, containing: guideline adaptations; marketing strategy; pharmacotherapeutic audit and feedback meetings; education; clinical decision support; and local champions.

3) In this phase, we will evaluate the effect of the implementation in three ways.

a. Interrupted time series. We will use routine primary care data from adult patients with vestibular symptoms to compare the number of GP consultations for vestibular symptoms, referrals for vestibular rehabilitation, prescriptions for anti-vertigo drugs, and referrals to physiotherapy and secondary care before and after implementation.

b. Prospective observational cohort study. We will extract data from Vertigo Training to investigate the usage and the characteristics of participants. We will also determine whether these characteristics are associated with successful treatment.

c. Qualitative interview study. We will conduct interviews with GPs to explore their experiences with the implementation.

Discussion

This is one of the first studies to evaluate the effect of a nationwide implementation of an innovative treatment on Dutch primary care. Implementation strategies have been researched before, but it remains unclear which ones are the most effective and under what conditions. We therefore expect to gain relevant insights for future projects that aim to implement innovations in primary care.
Measuring the needs of dementia patients' caregivers: An assessment study from King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: almugti Hani , Alatram Hussain , Alkhaldi Amani , Fadhel Abdulaziz , Almalki Khalid , Aldhamen Khlood , Alghamdi Rokaya , Al Zhrani Somaya , Alenizi Athbi , Altamimi Ahoud , Baawad Faris , Bin Afif Waad , Mkrshy Ahmed , Al Suliman Amal , Alotaibi Arwa
Published: November 2023

Background Globally, dementia is estimated to become more prevalent as the population is aging. Patients with dementia are demanding on the long-term care from their caregivers. In order to maintain their well-being and minimize the impacts of long-term care, caregivers need comprehensive and supportive health services. This study aimed to improve and redesign the current healthcare service by assessing the needs of Saudi dementia patients’ caregivers using carers’ needs assessment for dementia (CNA-D). Methods Through a cross-sectional design and convenient sampling technique (non-probability Sampling), this study was carried out in two Saudi home care centers. The caregivers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (n=276) were enrolled in the study and completed the interview questionnaire. Data collection lasted for two months (September and October 2022). A Chi-square test was performed to determine the statistical significance between participants’ responses and their demographic data. Results The majority of caregivers were females (76%). Their mean age was 38 years, ranging from 21 to 67 years. Two-thirds of caregivers spent more than one year on direct caregiving. About 60% of patients were male, and half were grandparents. Most caregivers (71%) did not live with their patients in the same household. Although caregivers rated all the addressed 13 needs in the present study as important, knowing more about the diseases was most important among caregivers of high education level. Further, long-term care gave caregivers more experience and reduced the need for practical support services. Conclusion The results show that the principal caregiver in Saudi families were females, and a large proportion of dementia patients were males. There were variations in rating the importance of the addressed needs, which were associated with caregivers’ demographic characteristics. The findings of this survey demonstrate the importance of assessing the needs of family caregivers when developing social and healthcare services.
Reviewing stakeholders during the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush, Korea 2022: Qualitative content analysis
Authors: Ha Kyoo-Man
Published: November 2023

Background The issue of crowd crushes has been not only very complicated but also uncertain. This article aimed to evaluate how situations such as the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush in South Korea in 2022 can be better managed to reduce human loss. Methods Qualitative analysis was the key methodology used to compare emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events, focusing on four stakeholders, namely governments, businesses, voluntary organizations, and other local communities. Results The key finding was that all stakeholders would need to supplement emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events for the nation. They must embody cooperation, cutting-edge technologies, routinized updates, situation awareness, political rationality, training and exercise, and others, based on inclusion. Conclusions This is a pioneer study that examined the Itaewon crowd crush more comprehensively than others in particular by including many disaster management principles.
New records of Pantophthalmidae (Diptera: Brachycera) from Northeast Brazil
Authors: Soares Matheus Mickael Mota , Fachin Diego Aguilar , Machado Ronald de Andrade , Ale-Rocha Rosaly
Published: November 2023

Although Pantophthalmidae are widespread in the Neotropical Region, only three of 20 species of the family are known in the Northeast region of Brazil: Pantophthalmus planiventris (Wiedemann, 1821), Pantophthalmus tabaninus Thunberg, 1819, and Pantophthalmus vittatus (Wiedemann, 1828). In this paper, we record, for the first time, Pantophthalmus comptus Enderlein, 1912 from the state of Maranhão, in area of state covered by Amazon Forest biome, and Pantophthalmus pictus (Wiedemann, 1821) from the state of Pernambuco, near the coast, within the Atlantic Forest biome. These two species have been reported elsewhere from Brazil and now their distribution has expanded to the Northeast. Also, we provide images of a female specimen of P. planiventris, known, in the Northeast region of Brazil, from the state of Maranhão only, and of the male terminalia of P. comptus. This paper increases the number of known species of Pantophthalmidae from the Northeast Brazil to five species.
ESA LAAKSONEN, JAANA RÄSÄNEN (eds): PLAY+SPACE=PLAYCE: ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Authors: Louro Margarida
Published: November 2023

O tema da educação pela arquitetura, e mais especificamente a construção de uma consciência crítica acerca do espaço envolvente, tem assumido um caráter crescente na agenda contemporânea. A relevância de uma literacia espacial emerge nas políticas atuais enquanto resposta a questões prementes como a gestão dos recursos, a sustentabilidade, a preservação da paisagem e do património natural e edificado. O livro Play+space=playce - Architecture Education for Children and Young People, posiciona-se como um elemento fundamental no debate acerca da educação centrada na arquitetura. Resulta de uma iniciativa da rede Playce, criada em 2004 na Finlândia, com o apoio da Fundação Alvar Aalto e reúne uma série de apresentações proferidas num seminário realizado em 2005 onde se confronta e projeta o potencial da temática.
An fMRI Investigation of the Neurocognitive Processing of Measures and Strategic Objectives
Authors: Black Paul W. , Kirwan C. Brock , Meservy Thomas O. , Tayler William B. , Williams Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

A central feature of most organizations is the use of measures to represent key elements of performance across multiple strategic objectives. Prior research demonstrates a tendency for individuals to treat these measures as though they are the higher order strategic objectives the measures were intended to represent as opposed to imperfect representations of those strategic objectives—a phenomenon labeled “surrogation.” We employ an experiment to further understand this phenomenon. In this study, we capture neural activation when processing measures and when processing strategic objectives. We find that, in regions of the brain with greater (less) activation for concrete versus abstract words, brain activation is greater (less) when processing measure phrases versus when processing strategy phrases. We further find evidence that greater brain activity and longer response times are associated with less surrogation. This affirms the notion that increased cognitive involvement can reduce surrogation.

This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting.

Funding: This work was supported by Auburn University, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, and an IMA Research Foundation grant from the Institute of Management Accountants.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01405 .
A Decomposition of Conditional Risk Premia and Implications for Representative Agent Models
Authors: Chabi-Yo Fousseni , Loudis Johnathan A.
Published: November 2023

We develop a methodology to decompose the conditional market risk premium and risk premia on higher-order moments of excess market returns into risk premia related to contingent claims on down, up, and moderate market returns. The decomposition exploits information about the risk-neutral market return distribution embedded in option prices, but does not depend on assumptions about the functional form of investor preferences or about the market return distribution. The total market risk premium is highly time-varying, as are the contributions from downside, upside, and central risk. Time-series variation in risk premia associated with each region is primarily driven by variation in risk prices associated with the probability of entering each region at short horizons, but it is primarily driven by variation in risk quantities at longer horizons. Analogous decompositions implied by prominent representative agent models generally fail to match the dynamic risk premium behavior implied by the data. Our results provide a set of new empirical facts regarding the drivers of conditional risk premia and identify new challenges for representative agent models.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Supplemental Material: The internet appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01663 .
On the value-ladenness of evidence: a comment on ‘When is it justified to claim that a practice or policy is evidence-based? Reflections on evidence and preferences’ by Christian Gade
Authors: Thomas S. Joshua
Published: November 2023

This commentary responds to Gade in ‘When is it justified to claim that a practice or policy is evidence-based? Reflections on evidence and preferences’ (Evidence & Policy, 20(2): –253, DOI: 10.1332/174426421X16905606522863).
Angèle Delaunois: Author–Canada
Authors: Delaunois Angèle
Published: November 2023

Abstract: "Childhood is a time when we learn, we play, we awaken to wonders, and all sorts of problem too. I think what builds a personality is as much the difficulties as the joys."
Fina Casalderrey: Author–Spain
Authors: Casalderrey Fina
Published: November 2023

Abstract: "Sometimes, I feel like mixing my own experiences with dreams, with imagination, with fantasy … and create stories in my mind, which I write on paper only after thinking them over and over."
Franz Hohler: Author–Switzerland
Authors: Hohler Franz
Published: November 2023

Abstract: "I also think stories come more out of the curiosity to explore something unknown or to tell an aspect that you think is worth telling, that perhaps doesn't correspond to the usual view and experience."
Evaluating the Impact of a Mobile Integrated Health‒Community Paramedicine Program on Health-Related Social Needs and Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Miller Gabriella , Liang Yuanyuan , Stryckman Benoit , Seidl Kristin , Harris Erinn , Landi Colleen , Thomas Jessica , Marcozzi David , Gingold Daniel B.
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Objective. Evaluate a mobile integrated health–community paramedicine program's effect on addressing health-related social needs and their association with hospital readmissions. Methods. This observational study enrolled 1,003 patients from 5/4/2018–7/23/21. Descriptive statistics summarize social needs. A Poisson regression model examined the association of interventions for social needs with 30-day readmissions. Results. Patients who had their medication-related needs fully addressed had a 65% lower rate of total 30-day readmission compared with patients who had no such needs fully addressed (IRR=0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.68, P=.002). No variables reached statistical significance related to unplanned 30-day readmissions, aside from the HOSPITAL Score. Conclusions. Assisting patients with medication-related needs is associated with reductions in overall 30-day readmissions. Interventions within most domains were not associated with reductions in overall or unplanned 30-day readmissions. This program had greater success addressing needs with one-step interventions, suggesting additional time and resources may be necessary to address complex social needs.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Service Organizations in a Clinical-Community Collaboration
Authors: Evans Leigh , Garner Anna , Witgert Katharine , McClellan Sean
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Increasingly, interventions are being developed to promote collaboration across health care and social service (such as food, housing, and transportation) sectors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for social services grew while social service organizations' capacity declined due to constraints on staffing, funding, and operations. We used an organizational survey fielded from July through November 2020 and publicly available, county-level data to assess the pandemic's impact on 253 social service organizations in the Accountable Health Communities Model evaluation. Over half of surveyed organizations reported being severely impacted by the pandemic, and 92% reported being at least moderately impacted. Social service organizations without federal funding and those in counties with lower poverty (smaller proportion of residents in poverty) and higher COVID-19 case rates were most impacted by the pandemic. Understanding the pandemic's burden on social service organizations can inform planning for future collaborations across health care and social service sectors.
High-sensitivity optical fiber probe for simultaneous measurement of chloride ions and temperature
Authors: Li Xia , Li Yu , Wang Chenxiao , Jin Wa , Fu Guangwei , Fu Xinghu , Bi Weihong
Published: November 2023

A fiber optic probe for the simultaneous measurement of chloride ions and temperature is presented. The Ag/alginate composite film is used as the reflective surface of the Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) and is a sensitive film for the adsorption of chloride ions. The experimental results show that the Fabry–Perot (FP) response sensitivity is approximately 1.4689 nm/µM as the chloride ion concentration changes from 1 to 9 µM, but the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is insensitive to chloride ions. When the temperature is changed from 35°C to 80°C, the response sensitivities of the FP and the FBG are about 0.7 and 0.01115 nm/°C, respectively.