bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect after Intracardiac Echocardiography-Guided Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Incidence, Size, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ma Yibo , Guo Lanyan , Li Jie , Liu Haitao , Xu Jian , Du Hui , Wang Yi , Li Huihui , Yi Fu
Published: December 2022

Background: The data on iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), especially intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)-guided LAAC, are limited. Compared with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)- or digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-guided LAAC, the transseptal puncture (TP) ICE-guided LAAC is more complicated. Whether or not ICE-guided TP increases the chances of iASD is controversial. We investigate the incidence, size, and clinical outcomes of iASD after ICE-guided LAAC. Methods: A total of 177 patients who underwent LAAC were enrolled in this study and were assigned to the ICE-guided group (group 1) and the TEE- or DSA-guided group (group 2). Echocardiography results and clinical performances at months 2 and 12 post-procedure were collected from the electronic outpatient records. Results: A total of 112 and 65 patients were assigned to group 1 and group 2, respectively. The incidence of iASD at follow-up (FU) month 2 was comparable between the groups (21.4% in group 1 vs. 15.4% in group 2, p = 0.429). At month 12 of FU, the closure rate of iASD was comparable to that of group 2 (70.6% vs. 71.4%, p = 1.000). No right-to-left (RL) shunt was observed among the iASD patients during the FU. Numerically larger iASD were observed in group 1 patients at month 2 of FU (2.8 ± 0.9 mm vs. 2.2 ± 0.8 mm, p = 0.065). No new-onset of pulmonary hypertension and iASD-related adverse events were observed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that ICE-guided LAAC was not associated with the development of iASD (adjusted OR = 1.681; 95%CI, 0.634–4.455; p = 0.296). Conclusions: The ICE-guided LAAC procedure does not increase the risk of iASD. Despite the numerically large size of the iASD, it did not increase the risk of developing adverse complications.
Anlotinib Suppressed Ovarian Cancer Progression via Inducing G2/M Phase Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Yanghui , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Zhaoyang , Zhou Lingyan , Di Xiangjie , Fan Ping , He Zhiyao
Published: December 2022

Ovarian cancer remains the most common gynecologic malignancy, because of its chemotherapy resistance and relapse. Anlotinib, a new oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown encouraging antitumor activity in several preclinical and clinical trials, while its effect on ovarian cancer has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity and underlying mechanism of anlotinib in ovarian cancer. Cell viability was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Migration was measured by wound-healing assay. The cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis rate were detected by flow cytometry. In vivo antitumor effect was analyzed in mouse ovarian carcinoma peritoneal metastasis model. We found that anlotinib inhibited the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner by inducing G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, anlotinib upregulated the the phosphorylation of Histone H3, and expression of p21 protein in vitro. In addition, anlotinib inhibited the migration of ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, anlotinib inhibited tumor growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and suppressing ovarian cancer angiogenesis in vivo. This study demonstrated the extraordinary anti-ovarian cancer effect of anlotinib, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer.
Age-Related Variation of Pulpal Oxygen Saturation in Healthy Primary and Permanent Teeth in Children: A Clinical Study
Authors: Igna Andreea , Rusu Darian , Ogodescu Emilia , Dinu Ștefania , Boariu Marius , Voicu Adrian , Stratul Ștefan-Ioan
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Pulse oximetry (PO) is an effective method of dental pulp status monitorization but still lacks practical implementation in dentistry, as well as clear reference values for different tooth types. The study’s aim was to investigate the age-related variation of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) from the dental pulp during different stages of tooth development in all types of primary and permanent teeth of children. (2) Methods: The pulps of 600 healthy primary and permanent teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, and molars) of patients aged 2–15 years were tested with an adapted PO device, and the results were statistically analyzed; (3) Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between open-apex and closed-apex teeth and between the canines and other tooth types in both primary and permanent dentitions. (4) Conclusions: Values of SpO2 tended to decrease with age progression in both primary and permanent dentitions. Enamel and dentine thickness and their optical properties and the shape and volume of coronal pulp, which differed among tooth types, seemed to have some influence on the reading as well. The study indicates that factors such as the root development and the tooth type must be taken into account when establishing reference SpO2 values for the dental pulp.
Reply to Li, A.-H.; Chiu, Y.-L. Drug–Drug Interactions, Medication Adherence, and Stroke Should Be Considered When Approaching the Impact of Acid Suppression Therapy on Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. Comment on “Chen et al. Impact of Acid Suppression Therapy on Renal and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Taiwanese Nationwide Cohort Study. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 5612”
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , Yu Ben-Hui , Chiou Wen-Yen
Published: December 2022

We thank Li and colleagues for their insightful comments [...]
A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Induction of Labour with the Propess Vaginal System to the Prostin Vaginal Tablet in Premature Rupture of Membranes at Term
Authors: Anzeljc Veronika , Mujezinović Faris
Published: December 2022

Aim: To compare the perinatal outcome and delivery intervals after the induction of labour with the Prostin vaginal tablet versus the Propess vaginal system in pregnant women with term-PROM. Design: One centre paralleled randomised controlled trial with a computer-generated table to allocate treatments. Setting: University Medical Centre in Slovenia. Participants: A total of 205 singleton healthy pregnant women with term-PROM. Intervention: Induction of labour with the Propess vaginal system (intervention group) versus Prostin tablets (control group). Main outcomes: The rate of failed inductions, complications in labour, time intervals between the PROM, induction, the beginning of the active phase, and delivery. Results: A total of 104 patients received Prostin, and 101 patients received Propess. Induction failure rates in the Prostin and the Propess groups were 8/104 (7.7%) and 5/101 (5.0%), respectively (p = 0.80). Delivery abnormalities were uncommon and comparable across the groups. The rates of caesarean sections in the Prostin and Propess groups were 4/96 (4.2%) and 6/96 (6.3%), respectively. The delivery intervals were comparable across the groups. Conclusions: In term-PROM pregnancies, the Propess vaginal system is a safe and effective option for inducing labour.
Functional and Radiographic Results of Arthroscopy-Assisted Lateral Open-Wedge Distal Femur Osteotomy for Lateral Compartment Osteoarthritis with Valgus Knee
Authors: Chien Ruei-Shyuan , Yang Cheng-Pang , Chaung Chun-Ran , Ho Chin-Shan , Chan Yi-Sheng
Published: December 2022

Treating lower extremity malalignment-related knee osteoarthritis, especially valgus alignment, is a challenge. A high revision rate was observed with patients who underwent unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, so distal femur osteotomy has regained its popularity. This research aimed to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes of arthroscopy-assisted lateral open-wedge distal femur osteotomy (LOWDFO) for patients with lateral compartment osteoarthritis and valgus knees with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Our study retrospectively included isolated lateral osteoarthritis (Outerbridge grade 3 and grade 4) of the knee related to valgus alignment and a young age (<65 y/o) with the demand for a high-impact activity event. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic and functional outcomes were evaluated. Significant pre-operative and postoperative mechanical correction was observed with mechanical axis deviation (preop/postop: −28.77 ± 12.98/−9.45 ± 7.36, p < 0.001), hip-knee angle (preop/postop: 7.64 ± 3.62/2.68 ± 2.04, p < 0.001), and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA, preop/postop: 10.9 ± 4.14/5.66 ± 3.71, p < 0.001). The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score also showed improvement after the operation (preop/postop: 57.36 ± 11.98/79.02 ± 4.58, p = 0.002). In conclusion, lateral open-wedge distal femur osteotomy is effective in treating patients with lateral compartment osteoarthritis and valgus knees with a low complication rate and excellent outcome.
Application of Logistic Regression and Artificial Intelligence in the Risk Prediction of Acute Aortic Dissection Rupture
Authors: Lin Yanya , Hu Jianxiong , Xu Rongbin , Wu Shaocong , Ma Fei , Liu Hui , Xie Ying , Li Xin
Published: December 2022

Logistic regression (LR) and artificial intelligence algorithms were used to analyze the risk factors for the early rupture of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). Data from electronic medical records of 200 patients diagnosed with ATAAD from the Department of Emergency of Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2012 to March 2017 were collected. Logistic regression and artificial intelligence algorithms were used to establish prediction models, and the prediction effects of four models were analyzed. According to the LR models, we elucidated independent risk factors for ATAAD rupture, which included age > 63 years (odds ratio (OR) = 1.69), female sex (OR = 1.77), ventilator assisted ventilation (OR = 3.05), AST > 80 U/L (OR = 1.59), no distortion of the inner membrane (OR = 1.57), the diameter of the aortic sinus > 41 mm (OR = 0.92), maximum aortic diameter > 48 mm (OR = 1.32), the ratio of false lumen area to true lumen area > 2.12 (OR = 1.94), lactates > 1.9 mmol/L (OR = 2.28), and white blood cell > 14.2 × 109 /L (OR = 1.23). The highest sensitivity and accuracy were found with the convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Its sensitivity was 0.93, specificity was 0.90, and accuracy was 0.90. In this present study, we found that age, sex, select biomarkers, and select morphological parameters of the aorta are independent predictors for the rupture of ATAAD. In terms of predicting the risk of ATAAD, the performance of random forests and CNN is significantly better than LR, but the performance of the support vector machine (SVM) is worse than LR.
Co-Design of an Intervention to Increase the Participation in Leisure Activities Including Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy with GMFCS Levels IV and V: A Study Protocol
Authors: Palomo-Carrión Rocío , De Araújo Ferreira Jesus Caline Cristine , Santana Camila Araújo Santos , Lindquist Raquel , Alencar Roselene , Romay-Barrero Helena , Contell-Gonzalo Elena , Monteiro Karolinne Souza , Pinero-Pinto Elena , Longo Egmar
Published: December 2022

The participation of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) within the community is reduced compared to their peers and is a barrier to their socialization, self-determination and quality of life. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) is a key strategy for successful interventions, especially when involvement of the stakeholders takes place at all stages of the research. Co-design can be crucial for success as researchers, patients with CP and their families work together to bring the necessary elements to the interventions to be designed. The objectives will be: (1) To co-design an intervention aimed at improving the participation of adolescents with significant motor disabilities within the community in partnership with adolescents with CP, families and rehabilitation professionals. (2) To assess the feasibility of the co-design process in partnership with interested parties. The study will be based on Participatory Action Research (PAR) and will be held in Spain and Brazil. In both countries, the study will be carried out remotely with nine adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV–V, their families and six health professionals (physiotherapists and occupational therapists). Different dialogue groups will be created to involve adolescents, families and health professionals to the research’s project. To manage their involvement in the co-design process, the Involvement Matrix (IM) will be used, and according to the IM phases, four steps will be included in the research: (1) Preparation; (2) Co-design; (3) Analysis: results of the intervention protocol and the study’s feasibility and (4) Dissemination of results. Partnering with the public to design an intervention to improve participation can bring better results compared to protocols designed only by health professionals. In addition, it will allow for knowing the needs of adolescents with CP in terms of participation within the community. The study will also explore which roles were chosen by all participants and how they felt while actively participating in the process of co-designing an intervention protocol and their own perspectives on the use of the involvement matrix.
Using the First-Eye Back-Calculated Effective Lens Position to Improve Refractive Outcome of the Second Eye
Authors: Mechleb Nicole , Debellemanière Guillaume , Gauvin Mathieu , Wallerstein Avi , Saad Alain , Gatinel Damien
Published: December 2022

The present study is a retrospective, monocentric case series that aims to compare the second-eye IOL power calculation precision using the back-calculated lens position (LP) as a lens position predictor versus using a predetermined correction factor (CF) for thin- and thick-lens IOL calculation formulas. A set of 878 eyes from 439 patients implanted with Finevision IOLs (BVI PhysIOL, Liège, Belgium) with both operated eyes was used as a training set to create Haigis-LP and PEARL-LP formulas, using the back-calculated lens position of the contralateral eye as an effective lens position (ELP) predictor. Haigis-CF, Barrett-CF, and PEARL-CF formulas using an optimized correction factor based on the prediction error of the first eye were also designed. A different set of 1500 eyes from 1500 patients operated in the same center was used to compare the basal and enhanced formula performances. The IOL power calculation for the second eye was significantly enhanced by adapting the formulas using the back-calculated ELP of the first eye or by using a correction factor based on the prediction error of the first eye, the latter giving slightly higher precision. A decrease in the mean absolute error of 0.043D was observed between the basal PEARL and the PEARL-CF formula (p < 0.001). The optimal correction factor was close to 60% of the first-eye prediction error for every formula. A fixed correction factor of 60% of the postoperative refractive error of the first operated eye improves the second-eye refractive outcome better than the methods based on the first eye’s effective lens position back-calculation. A significant interocular biometric dissimilarity precludes the enhancement of the second-eye IOL power calculation according to the first-eye results.
Increase in Search Interest for “Suicide” and “Depression” for Particular Days of the Week and Times of Day: Analysis Based on Google Trends
Authors: Stańdo Jacek , Fechner Żywilla , Gmitrowicz Agnieszka , Andriessen Karl , Krysinska Karolina , Czabański Adam
Published: December 2022

Depression is the most common disorder in people who attempt suicide or die by suicide. Research review indicate that therapy of depression (including psychoeducation) is one of the main factors in the prevention of suicidal behavior. In this paper we examine the intensification of search interest for the terms “depression” and “suicide” in Google search engine with regard to the time of day and day of the week in Poland, Germany, Great Britain and Italy. The goal of the study was to determine if there are any days of the week or hours when search for “suicide” and “depression” particularly increases. Numerous studies focusing not only on the seasonality of suicidal behavior, but also on the days of the week and hours, indicate that it is most often undertaken on Mondays in the night and early morning hours. The results of the research being the basis of this paper show a certain time coincidence: first, the increase in search interest for “suicide” and “depression” and then undertaking suicidal behavior (suicide and suicide attempts). Searching for terms “suicide” and “depression” usually took place (except in Italy) at weekends and most often in the late evening hours and at night. The conclusions from the research can be used in suicide prevention activities, for example in determining the hours of operation of individual helpline numbers.
A Frail Hairy Cell Leukemia Patient Successfully Treated with Pegylated Interferon-α-2A
Authors: De Novellis Danilo , Giudice Valentina , Ciccone Vincenzo , Erra Paola , De Vita Alba , Picone Francesca , Serio Bianca , Selleri Carmine
Published: December 2022

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) treatment in elderly, frail subjects is still unsatisfactory, and interferons, old-fashioned therapies, can be effectively used in this subset of patients. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time an old, frail HCL patient effectively and safely treated with pegylated interferon-α-2a in monotherapy as a first-line treatment. At diagnosis, the patient arrived in a life-threating condition due to severe neutropenia and splenomegaly with high risk of splenic rupture. However, splenectomy was proposed and refused by the patient; therefore, a therapy with pegylated interferon-α-2a was initiated. After six months of therapy, the patient displayed the disappearance of palpable splenomegaly and of peripheral hairy cells at morphological examination without any drug-related adverse event. Our case report supports the use of pegylated interferon-α-2a in monotherapy as an effective and safe alternative therapeutic option in frail, elderly patients not eligible for purine analogous or targeted therapies.
The Effect of a Single Intravenous Corticosteroid Administration on Pain after Knee Arthroscopy: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Non-Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hamdan Mohammad , Haddad Bassem I. , Isleem Ula , Yasin Mohamad , Alrabayah Mustafa , Al Hawamdeh Hashem , Almasaid Sharifeh , Jibrin Dayana , Daas Mohammad , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Ali Alshrouf Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background: Knee arthroscopy is a standard surgical procedure that is nowadays widely performed as day-case surgery. The aim of the study was to observe the effect of a single dose of intravenous corticosteroid on pain after undergoing knee arthroscopy for non-bony procedures. Methods: A prospective, double-blind study design was adopted. Patients undergoing knee arthroscopy for non-bony procedures were prospectively assigned into two equal groups: control (those who were not given steroids) and treatment (those who were given eight milligrams of dexamethasone intravenously 15 min prior to the inflation of the tourniquet). The pain was assessed pre-operatively on admission and on the first post-operative day during the morning round in five different movements using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the pre-and post-operatively scores between both groups. The treatment group experienced a significant reduction in post-operative morphine requirements, with 80% of patients who did not receive dexamethasone requiring post-operative morphine compared to only 53.3% of patients who did (p = 0.027). Conclusions: Pre-operative intravenous administration of a single dose of dexamethasone may decrease opioid requirements for adequate pain control after knee arthroscopy.
Robotic Off-Clamp Simple Enucleation Single-Layer Renorrhaphy Partial Nephrectomy (ROSS): Surgical Insights after an Initial Experience
Authors: Bertolo Riccardo , Cipriani Chiara , Vittori Matteo , Campi Riccardo , Garisto Juan , Di Dio Michele , Annino Filippo , Bove Pierluigi
Published: December 2022

Robotic technology allows the beginner surgeon to approach minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy (PN) avoiding the otherwise long learning curve of pure laparoscopy. The present video-article reported the surgical technique and the outcomes of the first 11 cases performed by a young surgeon starting with the experience of robotic PN. Transperitoneal robotic PN, with an off-clamp approach, a simple enucleation technique, and a single-layer medullar renorrhaphy was performed uneventfully in all cases but one, with comparable outcomes to the available literature. With the present experience, we are trying to give the reader a different point of view of the current knowledge. In our series, off-clamp robotic PN was not chosen while looking for a better functional outcome, but rather as a “forced” choice within the specific “in training” setting the interventions were performed in. We underline how the off-clamp approach was the way to cut out the potential for vascular complications derived from the application/removal of the clamp itself on the renal artery. Indeed, when Scanlan bulldogs are not available, one of the limits of robotic PN is that the first surgeon is not autonomous in placing/removing the clamp. We found that tumour enucleation resection technique had the perfect synergistic effect in maximizing the perioperative vision, and thus the safety, notwithstanding the clampless approach.
Roles for the RNA-Binding Protein Caper in Reproductive Output in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Tixtha Erika J. , Super Meg K. , Titus M. Brandon , Bono Jeremy M. , Olesnicky Eugenia C.
Published: December 2022

RNA binding proteins (RBPs) play a fundamental role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression within the germline and nervous system. This is underscored by the prevalence of mutations within RBP-encoding genes being implicated in infertility and neurological disease. We previously described roles for the highly conserved RBP Caper in neurite morphogenesis in the Drosophila larval peripheral system and in locomotor behavior. However, caper function has not been investigated outside the nervous system, although it is widely expressed in many different tissue types during embryogenesis. Here, we describe novel roles for Caper in fertility and mating behavior. We find that Caper is expressed in ovarian follicles throughout oogenesis but is dispensable for proper patterning of the egg chamber. Additionally, reduced caper function, through either a genetic lesion or RNA interference-mediated knockdown of caper in the female germline, results in females laying significantly fewer eggs than their control counterparts. Moreover, this phenotype is exacerbated with age. caper dysfunction also results in partial embryonic and larval lethality. Given that caper is highly conserved across metazoa, these findings may also be relevant to vertebrates.
Metals Biotribology and Oral Microbiota Biocorrosion Mechanisms
Authors: Contuzzi Nicola , Casalino Giuseppe , Boccaccio Antonio , Ballini Andrea , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Bottalico Lucrezia , Santacroce Luigi
Published: December 2022

During the last decades, metal-based biomaterials have been extensively explored to be used as biocompatible metals for biomedical applications, owing to their superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Consequently, for long-term implanted medical devices, to assure the biomaterials’ reliability, functionality, and biocompatibility, studying the various bio-tribological damage mechanisms to obtain the optimum properties is one of the most important goals. In this review, we consider the most important metal-based biomaterials such as stainless steel, alloys of titanium (Ti), cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr), and Nichel-Titatium (Ni-Ti), as well Magnesium (Mg) alloys and with Tantalum (Ta), emphasizing their characteristics, clinical applications, and deterioration over time. The influence of metal elements on biological safety, including significant effects of metal-based biomaterials in dentistry were discussed, considering the perspectives of surface, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviors, including interactions, bio-mechanisms with tissues, and oral environments. In addition, the role of the oral microbiota was explored due to its role in this erosion condition, in order to further understand the mechanism of metal-based biomaterials implanted on the microflora balance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in an oral environment.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: Cytology Diagnosis with Implications for Treatment
Authors: Hrizat Alaa , Brachtel Elena
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer is among the most frequent malignancies in women worldwide. While early detection and effective treatment provide many women with a cure and prevent their cancer from spreading, metastases to distant sites still occur in around 20% of women suffering from breast cancer. These relapses occur in many forms and locations and are as varied as the primary breast tumors. Metastatic spread makes a cancer incurable and potentially lethal, but new, targeted treatments can offer control of the cancer cells if the features of new targets are unlocked by advanced diagnostic testing. The article offers an overview of the pathomechanisms of metastatic progression and describes the types of metastases, such as hormone-receptor-positive and -negative breast cancers, and HER2-overexpressing or triple-negative types. Once distant metastatic spread occurs, cytology allows a precise diagnosis to confirm the breast origin. Other molecular targets include ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations, MSI, NTRK fusion, PD-L1 expression and others, which can be obtained also from cytology material and used to determine eligibility for emerging targeted therapeutic options. We outline the diagnostic features of metastatic breast cancer in cytology samples, together with validated and emergent biomarkers that may provide new, targeted treatment options.
Development and Testing of a High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Seismic Detection System for Gas Hydrate
Authors: Liu Chenguang , Zhao Qingxian , Liu Zhen , Lian Yanhong , Pei Yanliang , Liu Baohua , Li Xishuang , Zhou Qingjie , Yan Keping , Chen Zili
Published: December 2022

As a novel type of mineral resource, gas hydrate has received a considerable amount of attention worldwide. This seismic detection method can detect abnormal phenomena such as the BSR, blank zones, velocity anomalies and polarity inversion of gas hydrate and become an important method of gas hydrate detection. The occurrence area of gas hydrate in the South China Sea is usually buried deep beneath the seabed. The current method cannot meet the needs of the shape and structure detection of gas hydrate deposits. With the support of the National Key R&D Program of China, some key technologies have led to developmental breakthroughs, such as ultra-high-energy plasma sources, small-group-interval high-resolution seismic streamers, and distributed three-dimensional seismic acquisition. The seismic profile obtained north of the South China Sea shows that the stratum penetration depth reaches nearly 1000 m at a depth of 1500 m, and the vertical resolution is better than 1.5 m. This system can serve the needs of high-resolution exploration of gas hydrate resources.
Angular Spectrum of Acoustic Pulses at Long Ranges
Authors: Makarov Denis V. , Kon’kov Leonid E.
Published: December 2022

Long-range propagation of sound pulses in the deep ocean is considered. A new method for the estimation of the pulse angular spectrum is presented. The method is based on the Husimi transform of a wave field and can be realized with a short vertical array of nondirectional hydrophones. As a result, one obtains a diagram of the arrival pattern in the time–angle plane. The method is applied to a model of the underwater sound channel in the Sea of Japan. Special attention is paid to sound scattering on a cold synoptic eddy along the waveguide. It is shown that the synoptic eddy leads to a splitting of the individual ray’s arrivals into clusters with close angles and times. The random sound-speed perturbation induced by internal waves blurs these clusters into a fuzzy background and simultaneously broaden the angular spectrum of pulses. Nevertheless, it is found that the latter effect is relatively weak for short vertical arrays. In particular, it is shown that increasing the array length from 10 to 30 m results in the separation of the arrivals with opposite angles.
Relation between Cytokine Levels and Pulmonary Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: El Kazafy Salma A. , Fouad Yasser M. , Said Azza F. , Assal Hebatallah H. , Ahmed Amr E. , El Askary Ahmad , Ali Tarek M. , Ahmed Osama M.
Published: December 2022

Aim: The study aimed to assess the relationships between serum cytokine levels and pulmonary dysfunctions in individuals with COVID-19. These correlations may help to suggest strategies for prevention and therapies of coronavirus disease. Patients and methods: Fifty healthy participants and one hundred COVID-19 patients participated in this study. COVID-19 participants were subdivided into moderate and severe groups based on the severity of their symptoms. In both patients and healthy controls, white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes counts and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and IL-35 levels were estimated. All the patients were examined by chest computed tomography (CT) and the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) score was assessed. Results: All COVID-19 patients had increased WBCs count and CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and IL-35 serum levels than healthy controls. Whereas WBCs, CRP, and cytokines like IL-6 showed significantly higher levels in the severe group as compared to moderate patients, IL-4, IL-35, and IL-18 showed comparable levels in both disease groups. Lymphocytes count in all patient groups exhibited a significant decrease as compared to the heathy controls and it was significantly lower in severe COVID-19 than moderate. Furthermore, CO-RADS score was positively connected with WBCs count as well as CRP and cytokine (IL-35, IL-18, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-1β) levels in both groups. CO-RADS score, also demonstrated a positive correlation with lymphocytes count in the moderate COVID-19 patients, whereas it demonstrated a negative correlation in the severe patients. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that IL-1β, IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35 were fair (acceptable) predictors for COVID-19 in moderate cases. Whereas IL-6 was good predictor of COVID-19 in severe cases (AUC > 0.800), IL-18 and IL-35 were fair. Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients, compared to individuals with moderate illness and healthy controls, had lower lymphocyte counts and increased CRP with greater WBCs counts. In contrast to moderate COVID-19 patients, severe COVID-19 patients had higher levels of IL-6, but IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35 between both illness categories were at close levels. IL-6 level was the most potent predictor of COVID-19 progress and severity. CO-RADS 5 was the most frequent category in both moderate and severe cases. Patients with a typical CO-RADS involvement had a higher CRP and cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-18, and IL-35) levels and WBCs count with a lower lymphocyte number than the others. Cytokine and CRP levels as well as WBCs and lymphocyte counts were considered surrogate markers of severe lung affection and pneumonia in COVID 19 patients.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Violates the Law of Burmester—A Biomechanical Investigation
Authors: Maderbacher Günther , Keshmiri Armin , Springorum Hans Robert , Mösenbacher Andreas , Grifka Joachim , Baier Clemens
Published: December 2022

Background: Kinematic patterns of knees after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are different from those of healthy knees. We hypothesised that these changes cause a relevant shift in the medial and lateral epicondyles and, consequently, the insertion sites of the collateral ligaments. Any alterations, however, violate the law of Burmester, which states a close relation between the course of the collateral and cruciate ligaments, and the articular surfaces. Methods: Ten healthy knees of whole body cadavers were investigated. The positions of the medial and lateral epicondyles in relation to the tibia were compared before and after cruciate retaining fixed bearing TKA between 0 and 90° of flexion using a navigational device. Results: After TKA, the medial and lateral epicondyles significantly shifted laterally (~3–5mm) between 0° and 40° of flexion. Additionally, the lateral epicondyle was located significantly more dorsal (~3–5mm) during 0° and 20° of flexion and significantly shifted proximally (~2.5–3mm) between 0° and 30° of flexion. Conclusions: By changing the epicondylar positions relative to the articular surfaces, the law of Burmester is violated in the present study setting. This might explain the impairment in motion, instability, or mid-flexion instability and the persistent pain in the knees after TKA.
Web-Based Dynamic Nomograms for Predicting Overall Survival and Cancer-Specific Survival in Breast Cancer Patients with Lung Metastases
Authors: Wang Kangtao , Li Yuqiang , Wang Dan , Zhou Zhongyi
Published: December 2022

Background: 60–70% of patients who die from breast cancer have lung metastases. However, there is a lack of readily available tools for accurate risk stratification in patients with breast cancer lung metastases (BCLM). Therefore, a web-based dynamic nomogram was developed for BCLM to quickly, accurately, and intuitively assess overall and cancer-specific survival rates. Methods: Patients diagnosed with BCLM between 2004 and 2016 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Final Results (SEER) database. After excluding incomplete data, all patients were randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts (2:1). Patients’ basic clinical information, detailed pathological staging and treatment information, and sociological information were included in further analysis. Nomograms were constructed following the evaluations of the Cox regression model and verified using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Web-based dynamic nomograms were published online. Results: 3916 breast cancer patients with lung metastases were identified from the SEER database. Based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) are significantly correlated with 13 variables: age, marital status, race, grade, T stage, surgery, chemotherapy, bone metastatic, brain metastatic, liver metastatic, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). These are included in the construction of the nomogram of OS and CSS. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, decision curve analysis, consistency index, and calibration curve prove the distinct advantages of the nomogram. Conclusions: Our web-based dynamic nomogram effectively integrates patient molecular subtype and sociodemographic characteristics with clinical characteristics and guidance and can be easily used. ER-Negative should receive attention in diagnosing and treating BCLM.
Macrophage-like Cells Are Increased in Retinal Vein Occlusion and Correlate with More Intravitreal Injections and Worse Visual Acuity Outcomes
Authors: Rangwani Sean M. , Hawn Stephen , Sklar Nathan C. , Mirza Rukhsana G. , Lavine Jeremy A.
Published: December 2022

Macrophage-like cells (MLCs) are an emerging retinal biomarker. MLCs are increased in retinal vein occlusion (RVO) eyes, but their predictive value is unknown. This study investigated if MLCs can predict meaningful clinical outcomes. This prospective, cross-sectional study involved 46 eyes from 23 patients with unilateral RVO. Patients’ unaffected eyes were used as matched controls. MLCs were quantified to determine MLC density and percent image area. We collected demographic, clinical, ocular, and imaging characteristics at the time of MLC imaging. We additionally recorded best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and number of intravitreal injections at 6 months and 12 months post-imaging. MLC density and percent area increased by 1.86 (p = 0.0266)- and 1.94 (p = 0.0415)-fold in RVO compared to control eyes. We found no significant correlation between MLC parameters and any baseline characteristic. MLC density was positively correlated with the number of intravitreal injections at 6 months (n = 12, r = 0.62, p = 0.03) and 12 months (n = 9, r = 0.80, p = 0.009) post-imaging. MLC percent area was correlated with LogMAR BCVA change over 12 months (n = 17, r = 0.57, p = 0.02). High MLC counts correlated with more future intravitreal injections and worse visual acuity outcomes, suggesting that MLCs are a biomarker for treatment resistant RVO eyes.
Personalized Brain–Computer Interface and Its Applications
Authors: Ma Yixin , Gong Anmin , Nan Wenya , Ding Peng , Wang Fan , Fu Yunfa
Published: December 2022

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) are a new technology that subverts traditional human–computer interaction, where the control signal source comes directly from the user’s brain. When a general BCI is used for practical applications, it is difficult for it to meet the needs of different individuals because of the differences among individual users in physiological and mental states, sensations, perceptions, imageries, cognitive thinking activities, and brain structures and functions. For this reason, it is necessary to customize personalized BCIs for specific users. So far, few studies have elaborated on the key scientific and technical issues involved in personalized BCIs. In this study, we will focus on personalized BCIs, give the definition of personalized BCIs, and detail their design, development, evaluation methods and applications. Finally, the challenges and future directions of personalized BCIs are discussed. It is expected that this study will provide some useful ideas for innovative studies and practical applications of personalized BCIs.
Results of Treating Mild to Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis with Autologous Conditioned Adipose Tissue and Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Molnar Vilim , Pavelić Eduard , Jeleč Željko , Brlek Petar , Matišić Vid , Borić Igor , Hudetz Damir , Rod Eduard , Vidović Dinko , Starčević Neven , Čemerin Martin , Karli David C. , Primorac Dragan
Published: December 2022

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Much progress has been made in regenerative medicine for the symptomatic treatment of KOA, including products containing stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological findings after the application of autologous conditioned adipose tissue (ACA) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) in patients with mild to moderate KOA. A total of 16 patients (eight male and eight female) with changes related to KOA on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but without severe osteophytosis, full-thickness cartilage loss, or subchondral bone involvement were included in this study. Patients received an intraarticular, ultrasound-guided injection of ACA and LP-PRP. Clinical scores, including a visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were evaluated at baseline and at the three and six month follow-ups showing a statistically significant improvements at three and six months post-intervention. Furthermore, the delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the cartilage (dGEMRIC) indices were evaluated at baseline and at the three and six month follow-ups showing no significant changes after treatment with ACA and LP-PRP, which were actually equal to the dGEMRIC indices measured in the control group (hyaluronic acid applied in contralateral knees without osteoarthritis). ACA with LP-PRP presents a viable minimally invasive therapeutic option for the clinical improvement of mild to moderate KOA. However, MFAT produced by different systems is likely to differ in cellular content, which can directly affect the paracrine effect (cytokine secretion) of mesenchymal stem cells and consequently the regeneration process.
Serum LH Level on the Day of hCG Administration as a Predictor of the Reproductive Outcomes in Ovulation Induction Cycle Frozen–Thawed Embryo Transfer
Authors: Shi Qingqing , Jiang Yue , Kong Na , Huang Chenyang , Liu Jingyu , Shen Xiaoyue , Sun Yanxin , Lu Feifei , Mei Jie , Zhou Jianjun
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical utility of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) level in predicting frozen embryo transfer (FET) outcomes among the patients with an ovulation induction (OI) cycle. Methods: A total of 250 patients who underwent OI cycle frozen–thawed embryo transfer from January 2018 to June 2020 in Drum Tower Hospital affiliated with Nanjing University Medical School were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and the live birth rate. Results: The results showed that a significant difference in Serum LH level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration was observed between the clinical pregnancy group and no clinical pregnancy group (p = 0.002), while there was no significant difference between the live birth group and no live birth group (p = 0.06). Multiple logistic regression analysis of factors related to clinical pregnancy showed serum LH level on the day of hCG administration was related to improved clinical pregnancy rate (OR was 1.02, 95% CI: 1.0–1.03, p = 0.02), while serum LH level had no significant effect on live birth rate. The ROC curves revealed the serum LH level was significantly correlated with clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate; the cut-off point of serum LH level on the day of hCG administration was 8.46 miu/mL for clinical pregnancy rate (AUC 0.609, p = 0.003). Conclusion: In patients with OI FET, serum LH level on the day of hCG administration might be a biomarker for the prediction of clinical pregnancy. The prediction that patients who underwent OI cycle frozen–thawed embryo transfer with serum LH levels below 8.46 mIU /mL might be pregnant appeared to be meaningful.
Reliability of the Garden Alignment Index and Valgus Tilt Measurement for Nondisplaced Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Yamakawa Yasuaki , Yamamoto Norio , Tomita Yosuke , Okuda Ryuichiro , Masada Yasutaka , Shiroshita Akihiro , Matsumoto Toshiyuki
Published: December 2022

Anteroposterior (AP) alignment assessment for nondisplaced femoral neck fractures is important for determining the treatment strategy and predicting postoperative outcomes. AP alignment is generally measured using the Garden alignment index (GAI). However, its reliability remains unknown. We compared the reliability of GAI and a new AP alignment measurement (valgus tilt measurement [VTM]) using preoperative AP radiographs of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures. The study was designed as an intra- and inter-rater reliability analysis. The raters were four trauma surgeons who assessed 50 images twice. The main outcome was the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To calculate intra- and inter-rater reliability, we used a mixed-effects model considering rater, patient, and time. The overall ICC (95% CI) of GAI and VTM for intra-rater reliability was 0.92 (0.89–0.94) and 0.86 (0.82–0.89), respectively. The overall ICC of GAI and VTM for inter-rater reliability was 0.92 (0.89–0.95), and 0.85 (0.81–0.88), respectively. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of GAI was higher in patients aged <80 years than in patients aged ≥80 years. Our results showed that GAI is a more reliable measurement method than VTM, although both are reliable. Variations in patient age should be considered in GAI measurements.
A European Empirical Study of Institutional Differences in IPOs Anomalies
Authors: Álvarez-Otero Susana
Published: December 2022

The present research shows the influence of institutional differences on the performance of initial public offerings (IPOs), both at the level of initial underpricing and at the level of 1-, 3- and 5-year performance. Our results represent a relevant empirical contribution to the international evidence because they allow us to test the influence of institutional differences on initial and long-term performance in a large database consisting of IPOs from 18 European countries, given that the European framework has been less analysed than the U.S. institutional environment. The main novelty and contribution of this research in relation to previous investigations is that those existing to date only analyse the institutional effect on the anomaly that occurs on the first day of IPO listing, i.e., underpricing, whereas this study is more ambitious; it considers the institutional effect on both underpricing and the long-term performance of the IPOs considered, which makes it possible to cover subsequent returns of up to 5 years after the start of the stock market listing. It is therefore, to our knowledge, the most comprehensive study to date on the effect of institutional factors on the two IPO anomalies: short and long term.
Editorial: Special Issue “Risk in Sports and Challenges for Sports Organizations”
Authors: Barth Michael , Schnitzer Martin , Winner Hannes
Published: December 2022

Most people will agree that skiing down the Streif—one of the world’s most dangerous alpine downhill ski slopes—at nearly 90 miles per hour is quite a risky business [...]
Measuring Collaborative Synergies with Advanced Real Options: MNEs’ Sequential Acquisitions of International Ventures
Authors: Čirjevskis Andrejs
Published: December 2022

This paper aims to extend the real options theory valuing strategic collaborative synergies by advanced real options with changing volatility and contributes to the international business literature on MNEs’ sequential acquisitions of international ventures. The proposition is that collaborative synergies can be valued with advanced real options with changing volatility when an MNE is pursuing the sequential acquisition of an international venture and the MNE’s stock volatility is changing at the time of deciding on a full takeover. The paper discusses how recombining and non-recombining lattices with constant and changing volatilities can be employed to value the collaborative synergies of sequential international acquisitions. The theoretical proposition has been justified with the explanatory case study: Natura Cosméticos S.A.’s (Brazil) sequential acquisition of the Aesop brand (Australia). In conclusion, the paper discusses its findings, contributions, limitations, and future work.
In the Midst of the Coronavirus and Geopolitical Crises—Inventory Efficiency and Challenges Faced in Finland
Authors: Hilmola Olli-Pekka
Published: December 2022

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the world lived through loose monetary policy and low interest rates. These were further reinforced in 2020, and product-based demand increased throughout the world. Due to these, as well as the suddenly developing geopolitical crisis in Ukraine, inflation started to accelerate (both consumer and producer), and this was especially the case in Europe. Therefore, there is a need for descriptive analysis on how trade and manufacturing companies have reacted to the existing multifaced crisis. This research used data of Finnish publicly traded companies. On the basis of the results, inventories increased in the longer term, especially in 2021 and 2022 (the first half of the year). Content analysis revealed reasons for inventory build-up in 2021–2022, with these being the result of many different causes. In some cases, business expansion or decline was said to be the reason, while in others, it was availability issues faced and purchasing price increases experienced. Interestingly, Russia was directly mentioned as a reason by only a few companies.