bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Li Tao , Li Yinghao , Zhang Linmin , Pang Long , Tang Xin , Zhu Jing
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To summarize the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis methods, prophylaxis methods, and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Methods

Literature on VTE after arthroscopic shoulder surgeries was summarized, and all primary full-text articles reporting at least 1 case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) after arthroscopic shoulder surgeries were included. Articles were critically appraised and systematically analyzed to determine the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and management of VTE following arthroscopic shoulder surgeries.

Results

This study included 42 articles in which the incidence of VTE ranges from 0 to 5.71% and the overall incidence was 0.26%. Most VTE events took place between the operation day and the 14th day after the operation (35/51). Possible risk factors included advanced age (> 70 years), obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), diabetes mellitus, thrombophilia, history of VTE, prolonged operation time, hormone use, and immobilization after surgery. The most common prophylaxis method was mechanical prophylaxis (13/15). No statistical difference was detected when chemoprophylaxis was applied. The management included heparinization followed by oral warfarin, warfarin alone and rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant.

Conclusion

Based on the included studies, the incidence rate of VTE after arthroscopic shoulder surgeries is relatively low. The risk factors for VTE are still unclear. CT/CTA and ultrasound were the mainstream diagnosis methods for PE and DVT, respectively. Current evidence shows that chemical prophylaxis did not deliver significant benefits, since none of the existing studies reported statistically different results. High-quality studies focusing on the prophylaxis and management of VTE population undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgeries should be done in the future.
Changes in epidemiological characteristics of knee arthroplasty in eastern, northern and central China between 2011 and 2020
Authors: Sun Weiyi , Yuwen Peizhi , Yang Xuemei , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze
Published: February 2023

Objective

To explore changes in the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty (KA) over a 10-year period in China.

Methods

Medical records of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), who underwent primary unilateral KA in 5 level I center hospitals in China between January 2011 and December 2020, were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. To more clearly define changes over the years, patients were divided into two groups according to time of admission at 5-year intervals. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) classification, comorbid diseases, surgical procedures, hospital stay, and hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 23,610 patients with KOA (5400 male and 18,210 females; mean age: 65.7 ± 7.6 years) who underwent primary unilateral KA were included. The number of KAs increased in recent years (group A, n = 7606 vs. group B, n = 16,004). Significant differences were noted in age, sex, BMI, K–L classification, comorbidities, surgical procedures, hospital stay, and hospitalization costs between the two periods (P < 0.05). More than three-quarters of KA cases involved females, and the age at surgery tended to be younger than that reported in foreign countries. In group B, the proportion of overweight and grade III, number of comorbidities, and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty patients increased compared to that in group A; however, hospitalization costs and length of hospital stay decreased.

Conclusions

Results suggested that the epidemiological characteristics of patients undergoing KA have changed over time. An analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of patients undergoing KA treatment may provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of KOA.
Influence of ursodeoxycholic acid on blood glucose, insulin and GLP-1 in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation
Authors: Bai Xiu-Ping , Du Wen-Jin , Xing Hua-Bing , Yang Guo-Hua , Bai Rui
Published: February 2023

Background

The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes is much higher in people with cirrhosis than that in the general population. However, there are inadequate concrete guidelines for the management of diabetes in these patients, particularly in the early stage. Bile aids (BAs) have been found to exert hormone-like functions in the control of lipid and glucose metabolism. We studied the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on glucose levels in rats with cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).

Methods

SD rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (Group A); BDL (Group B), and UDCA plus BDL (Group C). After 4 weeks, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Serum biochemical parameters and the levels of glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were measured. Histopathology of the liver and islet was observed. The gene expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroylase (CYP7A1), microsomal oxysterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) in the liver, and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor-5 (TGR5) in the intestine was determined by real-time PCR.

Results

Compared with Group A, fasting glucose and 1-h and 2-h postprandial glucose levels increased slightly (all P > 0.05), 2-h postprandial insulin levels increased significantly (P < 0.05), 15 min postprandial GLP-1 levels decreased (P < 0.05) in Group B. Compared with Group B, fasting glucose and 1-h postprandial glucose levels decreased (all P < 0.05), 2-h postprandial insulin levels decreased (P < 0.01), and 15 min postprandial GLP-1 levels increased (P < 0.05) in Group C. After UDCA intervention, liver fibrosis induced by BDL was alleviated, and the islet areas were increased (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A, the mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 in the liver increased, and the mRNA expression of TGR5 in the intestine decreased in Group B (all P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, the mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 in the liver decreased, and TGR5 in the intestine increased in Group C (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

After 4 weeks of BDL, the rats developed liver fibrosis and abnormal glucose metabolism. UDCA administration improved liver fibrosis, increased islet area, decreased glucose levels, inhibited genes in BA synthesis, enhanced TGR5 gene expression in the intestine, and further improved islet function.
Overexpression of FoxM1 optimizes the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Luo Yuling , Ge Shanhui , Chen Qingui , Lin Shan , He Wanmei , Zeng Mian
Published: February 2023

Background

Injury of alveolar epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells is crucial in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for ALI/ARDS treatment. Overexpression of Fork head box protein M1 (FoxM1) facilitates MSC differentiation into alveolar type II (AT II) cells in vitro. Moreover, FoxM1 has been shown to repair the endothelial barrier. Therefore, this study explored whether overexpression of FoxM1 promotes the therapeutic effect of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) on ARDS by differentiation of BMSCs into AT II cells or a paracrine mechanism.

Methods

A septic ALI model was established in mice by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide. The protective effect of BMSCs-FoxM1 on ALI was explored by detecting pathological variations in the lung, total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), wet/dry (W/D) lung weight ratio, oxidative stress levels, cytokine levels, and retention of BMSCs in the lung. In addition, we assessed whether FoxM1 overexpression promoted the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on ALI/ARDS by differentiating into AT II cells using SPC−/− mice. Furthermore, the protective effect of BMSCs-FoxM1 on lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial cell (EC) injury was explored by detecting EC proliferation, apoptosis, scratch wounds, tube formation, permeability, and oxidative stress, and analyzing whether the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to the regulatory mechanism in vitro using a pathway inhibitor.

Results

Compared with BMSCs-Vector, treatment with BMSCs-FoxM1 significantly decreased the W/D lung weight ratio, total BALF protein level, lung injury score, oxidative stress, and cytokine levels. With the detected track of BMSCs-FoxM1, we observed a low residency rate and short duration of residency in the lung. Notably, SPC was not expressed in SPC−/− mice injected with BMSCs-FoxM1. Furthermore, BMSCs-FoxM1 enhanced EC proliferation, migration, and tube formation; inhibited EC apoptosis and inflammation; and maintained vascular integrity through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which was partially reversed by XAV-939.

Conclusion

Overexpression of FoxM1 enhanced the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on ARDS, possibly through a paracrine mechanism rather than by promoting BMSC differentiation into AT II cells in vivo, and prevented LPS-induced EC barrier disruption partially through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro.
Sirtuin 3 regulation: a target to alleviate β-hydroxybutyric acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in bovine granulosa cells
Authors: Zhao Shanjiang , Gong Jianfei , Wang Yi , Heng Nuo , Wang Huan , Hu Zhihui , Wang Haoyu , Zhang Haobo , Zhu Huabin
Published: February 2023

Background

During the transition period, the insufficient dry matter intake and a sharply increased in energy consumption to produce large quantities of milk, high yielding cows would enter a negative energy balance (NEB) that causes an increase in ketone bodies (KBs) and decrease in reproduction efficiency. The excess concentrations of circulating KBs, represented by β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), could lead to oxidative damage, which potentially cause injury to follicular granulosa cells (fGCs) and delayed follicular development. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) regulates mitochondria reactive oxygen species (mitoROS) homeostasis in a beneficial manner; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its involvement in the BHBA-induced injury of fGCs is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the protection effects and underlying mechanisms of Sirt3 against BHBA overload-induced damage of fGCs.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that 2.4 mmol/L of BHBA stress increased the levels of mitoROS in bovine fGCs. Further investigations identified the subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction, including an increased abnormal rate of mitochondrial architecture, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, reductions in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and Ca2+ release; these dysfunctions then triggered the caspase cascade reaction of apoptosis in fGCs. Notably, the overexpression of Sirt3 prior to treatment enhanced mitochondrial autophagy by increasing the expression levels of Beclin-1, thus preventing BHBA-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in fGCs. Furthermore, our data suggested that the AMPK-mTOR-Beclin-1 pathway may be involved in the protective mechanism of Sirt3 against cellular injury triggered by BHBA stimulation.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Sirt3 protects fGCs from BHBA-triggered injury by enhancing autophagy, attenuating oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. This study provides new strategies to mitigate the fGCs injury caused by excessive BHBA stress in dairy cows with ketosis.
Chemical constituents and biological activities of different extracts from ginger plant (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Shalaby Emad A. , Shanab Sanaa M. M. , Hafez Rehab M. , El-Ansary Abeer E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Ginger is widely used in traditional food and folk medicine. It was known to contain monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds and its derivatives as well as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters. The current work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of different extracts from ginger peels and residues.

Methods

Ginger samples were collected from local market and extracted using water and ethanol solvent. Four different antioxidant assays were used (DPPH, ABTS, potassium permanganate and methylene blue), the anticancer activity was determined using HepG2 cell line and the active ingredients for the promising extract were identified using HPLC/UV.

Results

The obtained results recorded that hot water extract of ginger peels was the promising extract exhibiting promising antioxidant activity. Fractionation of this promising extract was achieved by silica gel column chromatography with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate as mobile phase. Six fractions were produced. Thin layer chromatography (TLCF254) was used for separation of active compounds and bioautography confirmed their antioxidant efficiency. Higher antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line was recorded by fraction No. 4. Cold water extract of ginger peels exhibited comparatively higher antioxidant efficiency while both aqueous peel extracts showed antibacterial efficiency against four Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains using well diffusion assay.

Conclusion

Ginger peels hot water extract is the promising extract as antioxidant, antiradical, antibacterial and anticancer.

Graphical Abstract
Psychological distress 12 years following injury in New Zealand: findings from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study-10 years on (POIS-10)
Authors: Owen Helen E. , Samaranayaka Ari , Wyeth Emma H. , Derrett Sarah
Published: February 2023

Background

Injuries can have detrimental impacts on mental health, even after physical recovery. In our Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (POIS), 25% of participants experienced psychological distress (assessed using the Kessler 6) three months after a sentinel injury event (SIE), declining to 16% at 24 months post-SIE. Internationally, studies of hospitalised patients found distress persisted beyond 24 months post-injury and remained higher than the general population. However, most studies only assessed distress at one timepoint, relied on long-term recall, or were limited to small samples or specific injury types. Therefore, we aim to describe the prevalence of psychological distress 12 years post-SIE and to investigate pre-injury, injury-related and early post-injury characteristics associated with long-term distress.

Methods

POIS is a longitudinal cohort study of 2856 New Zealanders injured between 2007 and 2009, who were on the national injury insurer, Accident Compensation Corporation entitlement claims’ register. Of these, 2068 POIS participants completed an interview at 24 months and agreed to further contact. They were invited to a follow-up interview 12 years post-SIE which included the Kessler-6 (K6), the psychological distress outcome of interest. Data about a range of pre-injury, injury-related and early (3 months) post-injury characteristics were collected via earlier interviews or administrative data sources (e.g. hospital discharge data).

Results

Twelve years post-SIE, 1543 (75%) people were re-interviewed and 1526 completed the K6; n = 177 (12%) reported psychological distress. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models found pre-injury characteristics were associated with an increased risk of clinically relevant distress at 12 years, i.e. having inadequate income, identifying as Māori, Pacific or Asian and having one mental health condition. Early post-injury psychological distress and dissatisfaction with social relationships also increased risk. However, being older was associated with a reduced risk of distress.

Conclusion

Clinically relevant distress persists long-term post-injury among adults with varying injury severity, types and causes, and at higher prevalence than in the general population. Early identification of injured people at risk of long-term psychological distress provides opportunities for timely interventions to reduce psychological distress.
Timing and delivery route effects of cecal microbiome transplants on Salmonella Typhimurium infections in chickens: potential for in-hatchery delivery of microbial interventions
Authors: Pottenger Sian , Watts Amyleigh , Wedley Amy , Jopson Sue , Darby Alistair C. , Wigley Paul
Published: February 2023

Background

Exposure to microbes early in life has long-lasting effects on microbial community structure and function of the microbiome. However, in commercial poultry settings chicks are reared as a single-age cohort with no exposure to adult birds which can have profound effects on microbiota development and subsequent pathogen challenge. Microbiota manipulation is a proven and promising strategy to help reduce pathogen load and transmission within broiler flocks. However, administration of microbiota transplant products in a hatchery setting may prove challenging. Effective administration strategies are dependent on key factors, such as; the age of chicks receiving interventions and mode of delivery. This study aimed to assess these two aspects to provide supporting evidence towards microbiome manipulation strategies for use in commercial hatcheries.

Results

Manipulation of the microbiota between 4 and 72 h of hatch markedly reduced faecal shedding and colonisation with the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST4/74). Administration of transplant material via spray or gel drop delivery systems had minimal effect on the protection conferred with fewer birds in transplant groups shown to shed ST4/74 in the faeces compared to PBS-gavaged control birds. Analysis of the microbiome following transplantation demonstrated that all transplant groups had higher diversity and species richness than non-transplant groups during the first week of life and the early stages of infection with ST47/4.The relative abundance of the bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was significantly higher in CMT groups compared to PBS controls. The presence of F. prausnitzii was also shown to increase in PBS-challenged birds compared to unchallenged birds potentially indicating a role of this bacterium in limiting Salmonella infections.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that administration of microbiome transplants, using methods that would align with hatchery practices, effectively reduced colonisation and shedding of Salmonella in chickens. Age of chicks at microbiome administration had limited effect on the diversity and composition of the microbiome and conferred protection against Salmonella infections. Traditional hatchery delivery systems, such as spray or gel-drop, are sufficient to transfer donor material, alter the microbiome and confer protection against Salmonella. This study helps highlight the opportunity for use of microbiome modification methods within the hatchery.
Brain volumetric and white matter structural connectivity alterations in autistic children: case–control study
Authors: Shehata Laila A. O. , Ibrahim Omneya , El-Kammash Tarek H. , Gad Azza A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes a large heterogeneous constellation of disorders with overlapping symptoms and clinical features. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical symptoms meeting DSM-5 criteria with no radiologic or laboratory diagnostic investigations available yet. The specific neuropathologic aberrations occurring in ASD are still under investigation. This study aimed at providing a preliminary database for better understanding of the neuropathologic aspects of ASD, regarding both macrostructure and microstructure of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging. This case–control study included total of 40 children, 20 cases (diagnosed with ASD) and 20 control (Typically Developing Children, TDC) aged 2–18 years. 3D-T1 and Diffusion Tensor Images (DTI) were acquired. 3D-T1 images were uploaded to Volbrain and brain segmentation was done using Volbrain 2.0 pipeline. DTI data were analyzed using FSL where Tract-Based Spatial Statistics analysis was carried out and mean fractional anisotropy values obtained. Independent samples t test was used to compare means of both groups.

Results

ASD group displayed statistically significant larger intracranial cavity, brain, white matter, grey matter and cerebrospinal fluid volumes (p < 0.001 for all except CSF volumep = 0.01) with the white matter occupying higher percentage of intracranial volume in ASD compared to TDC group (p < 0.001). The cortical thickness showed statistically significant larger volume in entorhinal cortex in ASD group compared to TDC group at both sides (p < 0.001 at right side,p = 0.003 at left side). Widespread statistically significant (p < 0.001) higher mean FA value was observed at multiple white matter tracts.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the main pathology of ASD is within the white matter. It also supports the hypothesis that autistic brain undergoes period of precocious growth in early years of life. Further studies with age and clinical severity stratification are needed to investigate temporal changes and severity related macrostructure and microstructure changes in autistic brains.
Influential nodes identification in complex networks: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Ait Rai Khaoula , Machkour Mustapha , Antari Jilali
Published: February 2023

Researchers have paid a lot of attention to complex networks in recent decades. Due to their rapid evolution, they turn into a major scientific and innovative field. Several studies on complex networks are carried out, and other subjects are evolving every day such as the challenge of detecting influential nodes. In this study, we provide a brief overview of complex networks, as well as several concepts key related to measurements, the structure of complex network and social influence, an important state of the art on complex networks including basic metrics on complex networks, the evolution of their topology over the years as well as the dynamic of networks. A detailed literature about influential finding approaches is also provided to indicate their strength and shortcomings. We aim that our contribution of literature can be an interesting base of information for beginners’ scientists in this field. At the end of this paper, some conclusions are drawn and some future perspectives are mentioned to be studied as new directions in the future. More detailed references are provided to go further and deep in this area.
Clinicogenomic Landscape of Metastatic Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Ardeshir-Larijani Fatemeh , Schneider Bryan P. , Althouse Sandra K. , Radovich Milan , Masood Ashiq , Perna Fabiana , Salman Huda , Loehrer Patrick J.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Despite favorable clinical outcomes, a subset of patients with thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) develop metastasis. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides genomic data on primary TETs (pTETs). This study assessed the molecular alterations and uncovered targetable pathways in metastatic TETs (mTETs).

METHODS

From 2015 to 2020, 49 patients with stage IV TETs underwent Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–based sequencing using whole-exome sequencing (n = 33), panel-based testing (n = 12), and/or liquid biopsy (n = 24). Specimens were obtained from a metastatic organ (n = 36) or relapsed primary mediastinal mass (n = 10), whereas four patients underwent a liquid biopsy only. Data on pTETs were derived from the TCGA.

RESULTS

Compared with the pTET data set, patients with mTETs were younger (54 years v 60.5 years, P = .009) and had more aggressive histologies, with the most common tumor type being thymic carcinoma (n = 22, 40.7%) and B3 thymoma (n = 15, 27.8%). GTF2I was the most altered gene in primary thymomas (48.80%, n = 60). In metastatic thymoma and thymic carcinoma, TP53 was the most common genetic alteration (31% and 36%, respectively). In mTETs, the genomic alteration occurred in the TP53/CDK, EGFR/RAS, and PI3K/mTOR pathways. Biopsies obtained from distant metastasis were more commonly found to contain targetable mutations. There was an overlap of 61% (22 of 36) between tissue and liquid biopsy genomic alterations.

CONCLUSION

Clinically actionable genomic alterations are frequently observed in mTETs, indicating a value of repeat biopsy (preferably from a metastatic site of TETs for sequencing at the time of recurrence (TCGA data).
The Latinx Guide to Graduate School
Authors: Negrón-Gonzales Genevieve , Barrera Magdalena L.
Published: February 2023

In The Latinx Guide to Graduate School Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales and Magdalena L. Barrera provide prospective and current Latinx graduate students in the humanities and social sciences fields with a roadmap for surviving and thriving in advanced-degree programs. They document the unwritten rules of graduate education that impact Latinx students, demystifying and clarifying the essential requirements for navigating graduate school that Latinx students may not know because they are often the first in their families to walk that path. Topics range from identifying the purpose of graduate research, finding the right program, and putting together a strong application to developing a graduate student identity, cultivating professional and personal relationships, and mapping out a post--graduate school career. The book also includes resources for undocumented students. Equal parts how-to guide, personal reflection, manifesto, and academic musing, this book gives a culturally resonant perspective that speaks to the unique Latinx graduate student experience.
Real Stiffness and Vividness Reproduction of Anatomic Structures Into the 3D Printed Models Contributes to Improved Simulation and Training in Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Watanabe Nobuyuki , Watanabe Kentaro , Fujimura Soichiro , Karagiozov Kostadin L. , Mori Ryosuke , Ishii Takuya , Murayama Yuichi , Akasaki Yasuharu
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Despite the advancement of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology with medical application, its neurosurgical utility value has been limited to understanding the anatomy of bones, lesions, and their surroundings in the neurosurgical field.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop a 3D printed model simulating the surgical technique applied in skull base surgery (SBS), especially to reproduce visually the surgical field together with the mechanical properties of tissues as perceived by the surgeon through procedures performance on a model.

METHODS:

The Young modulus representing the degree of stiffness was measured for the tissues of anesthetized animals and printing materials. The stiffness and vividness of models were adjusted appropriately for each structure. Empty spaces were produced inside the models of brains, venous sinuses, and tumors. The 3D printed models were created in 7 cases of SBS planned patients and were used for surgical simulation.

RESULTS:

The Young modulus of pig's brain ranged from 5.56 to 11.01 kPa and goat's brain from 4.51 to 13.69 kPa, and the dura of pig and goat values were 14.00 and 24.62 kPa, respectively. Although the softest printing material had about 20 times of Young modulus compared with animal brain, the hollow structure of brain model gave a soft sensation resembling the real organ and was helpful for bridging the gap between Young moduli values. A dura/tentorium-containing model was practical to simulate the real maneuverability at surgery.

CONCLUSION:

The stiffness/vividness modulated 3D printed model provides an advanced realistic environment for training and simulation of a wide range of SBS procedures.
Lifestyle Strategies after Intentional Weight Loss: Results from the MAINTAIN-pc Randomized Trial
Authors: Halliday Tanya M. , McFadden Molly , Cedillo Maribel , Gibbs Bethany Barone , Hess Rachel , Bryce Cindy , Fischer Gary S. , Huber Kimberly , McTigue Kathleen M. , Conroy Molly B.
Published: February 2023

Introduction/Purpose

Weight maintenance after intentional weight loss is challenging and often unsuccessful. Physical activity and self-monitoring are strategies associated with successful weight loss maintenance. However, less is known about the type and number of lifestyle strategies used after intentional weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the types and amounts of strategies associated with successful long-term weight loss maintenance.

Methods

Data from the 24-month Maintaining Activity and Nutrition Through Technology-Assisted Innovation in Primary Care (MAINTAIN-pc) trial were analyzed. MAINTAIN-pc recruited adults (n = 194; 53.4 ± 12.2 yr of age; body mass index, 30.4 ± 5.9 kg·m−2; 74% female) with recent intentional weight loss of ≥5%, randomized to tracking tools plus coaching (i.e., coaching group) or tracking tools without coaching (i.e., tracking-only group). At baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months, participants reported lifestyle strategies used in the past 6 months, including self-monitoring, group support, behavioral skills, and professional support. General linear models evaluated changes in the number of strategies over time between groups and the consistency of strategies used over the 24-month intervention.

Results

At baseline, 100% used behavioral skills, 73% used group support, 69% used self-monitoring, and 68% used professional support in the past 6 months; at 24 months, these rates were 98%, 60%, 75%, and 61%, respectively. Although the number of participants utilizing individual strategies did not change significantly over time, the overall number of strategies participants reported decreased. More strategies were used at baseline and 6 months compared with 12- and 24-month follow-ups. The coaching group used more strategies at months 6 and 12 than the tracking-only group. Consistent use of professional support strategies over the 24-month study period was associated with less weight regain.

Conclusion

Weight loss maintenance interventions that incorporate continued follow-up and support from healthcare professionals are likely to prevent weight regain after intentional weight loss.
Plataforma de monitoramento das empresas para a sustentabilidade
Authors: Rozman Gabriela , Oliveira Jaqueline
Published: February 2023

O Observatório 2030 foi criado pela Rede Brasil do Pacto Global para acompanhar e cobrar das empresas alinhamento com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável – e já mostra a necessidade de aumentar o ritmo da mudança.
Como gerenciar os riscos de inteligência artificial
Authors: Eduardo Brandão Carlos , Luiz Becker João
Published: February 2023

Estudo propõe framework para que empresas enfrentem os novos desafios trazidos pelos algoritmos de inteligência artificial e façam uso dessas tecnologias de forma ética, responsável, confiável e segura.
Mulheres negras rumo à liderança
Authors: Campos Dilma
Published: February 2023

Pesquisa com executivas negras mostra que há ainda muitos obstáculos para aumentar sua participação nas posições de topo das organizações e aponta recomendações para que a inclusão seja consistente.
Evaluation of additive manufacturing processes in the production of oculo-palpebral prosthesis
Authors: Eyzaguirre Diego , Salazar-Gamarra Rodrigo , Binasco Lengua Salvatore , Lauria Dib Luciano
Published: February 2023

Background: Within the broad spectrum of rehabilitation, maxillofacial prostheses are those that are made to restore the appearance of a person who has suffered facial deformation due to cancer, accidents, congenital diseases, among others. Although these are not made to restore functionality, they have a major impact on restoring the patient's quality of life as it is an area so closely linked to their identity. For his reason, they have to be carefully tailored for each patient, which tends to increase cost and production time

Objectives: The purpose of this research is to compare different additive manufacturing mechanisms, to evaluate which of them achieves the best reproduction of the leather details and maintains the desired dimensional properties.

Methods: The manufacturing equipment will be selected comparing 7 different 3D printing of an oculo-palpebral model for a future maxillofacial prosthesis, obtained from the “Mais Identidade” Method. They were evaluated according to their economic, physical and aesthetic characteristics.

Results: The results of the evaluations show that: the highest score in the economic evaluation was obtained by PhotonS; in the physical evaluation it was obtained by PhotonS, Phrozen Suffle XL and PRO95; and in the aesthetic evaluation it was obtained by PRO95 and Objet500. Finally, according to the multi-criteria evaluation, the highest score was obtained by the Photon S and PRO95.
​Levels and Forms of Political Participation in Selected Youth Organisations Operating in Poland
Authors: Cuprjak Magdalena , Czech-Włodarczyk Celina
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the paper is to present the results of research concerning contemporary levels and forms of political participation of young people involved in selected youth organisations operating in Poland. The research was qualitative. Data collection involved a search of secondary data sources. All the available documents posted on the websites of the investigated organisations, including their statutes, rules and regulations, and reports and accounts covering activities and operations, as well as social media (FB) posts, were analysed. An induction method was used to provide an analysis of the content of the data for the “participation” category. Our results show that the main forms of political participation that the youth organisations demonstrate in the analysed documents are social and educational campaigns, demonstrations and notifications of important dates with different intensities on the local, national, and international levels.
Program kształcenia językowego na kierunku studia polskie – język, kultura, społeczeństwo
Authors: Janowska Iwona
Published: February 2023

With the dynamic development of China’s economic policy since 2013, there has been a growing demand in the labour market of the People’s Republic of China for people fluent in Polish. In response to these needs, Chinese and Polish universities are proposing new majors that prepare students to function in the new reality. The aim of this article is to present a new major proposed a few years ago at the Jagiellonian University, and more specifically to characterise and analyse the curriculum responding to the needs of learners from the Middle Kingdom.
„Aby język giętki powiedział wszystko, co pomyśli głowa”. O nauczaniu gramatyki na kierunku studia polskie – język, kultura, społeczeństwo słów kilka
Authors: Machowska Joanna
Published: February 2023

In the article an author describes the experiences in teaching Polish as a foreign language to Chinese students, who graduated Polish Studies – The Language, Culture and the Society. The author is focused mostly on different methods of teaching grammar – induction and deduction grammar, showing that the first one brings better results. In this entry some inflectional errors, that are being committed by learning Chinese on level B1+/B2, have been discussed and described. Most of these issues are coming from lower levels, however tests and automating grammar exercises are being done by students without any mistakes. The author claims that the number of automation exercises does not lead to the correctness of oral and written statements in the production phase, also known as a transfer during language classes. According to the author, while teaching each subsystem and efficiency, it is necessary to create as many situations as possible in which Chinese students would have the opportunity to express their own opinion, including constructive feedback, analyse the material, ask questions and draw conclusions. Only by following these types of the classes students may avoid basic inflectional errors that occur on lower levels, e.g. below B2.
Strategic Competition and Self-Confidence
Authors: Brilon Stefanie , Grassi Simona , Grieder Manuel , Schulz Jonathan F.
Published: February 2023

This study tests the hypothesis that competitive strategic interactions foster overconfidence. We experimentally compare a strategic environment in which players have an incentive to overstate their own ability to deter competitors and avoid competition with a nonstrategic environment in which these incentives are removed. Subsequently, we measure the participants’ confidence. Overconfidence persists in the former environment but vanishes in the latter. We provide evidence for three mechanisms that contribute to the persistence of overconfidence. First, participants who win uncontested update their confidence as if they had won in an actual competition. Second, by contrast, participants who do not compete do not update their confidence, thus creating an asymmetry in updating. Third, inflated ability messages are “contagious” because they affect positively how their receivers update their confidence. We provide empirical evidence on the role of these mechanisms to explain the Dunning–Kruger effect and gender differences in confidence.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4688 .
How secure is your organisation?
Authors: Masters Helen
Published: February 2023

The threats facing organisations go beyond the cyber realm. We're heading into a tough economic climate and organisations must overcome a range of challenges. This could lead to cyber security slipping down the list of priorities. But this is no time to drop your guard. The fact is, in this environment you can't afford a cyber security incident.
Rethinking security with cloud native in mind
Authors: Osnat Rani
Published: February 2023

The cloud native application protection platform (CNAPP) is a response to growing threats against cloud-native architectures. But it's not a simple matter of picking an off-the-shelf solution. Organisations looking to reap the benefits of cloud-native applications need to carefully consider their security requirements too.
What outcomes have been reported on patients following open lower limb fracture, and how have they been measured?
Authors: Aquilina Alexander L. , Claireaux Henry , Aquilina Christian O. , Tutton Elizabeth , Fitzpatrick Raymond , Costa Matthew L. , Griffin Xavier L.
Published: February 2023

Aims

Open lower limb fracture is a life-changing injury affecting 11.5 per 100,000 adults each year, and causes significant morbidity and resource demand on trauma infrastructures. This study aims to identify what, and how, outcomes have been reported for people following open lower limb fracture over ten years.

Methods

Systematic literature searches identified all clinical studies reporting outcomes for adults following open lower limb fracture between January 2009 and July 2019. All outcomes and outcome measurement instruments were extracted verbatim. An iterative process was used to group outcome terms under standardized outcome headings categorized using an outcome taxonomy.

Results

A total of 532 eligible studies were identified, reporting 1,803 outcomes with 786 unique outcome terms, which collapsed to 82 standardized outcome headings. Overall 479 individual outcome measurement instruments were identified, including 298 outcome definitions, 27 patient- and 18 clinician-reported outcome measures, and six physical performance measures. The most-reported outcome was ‘bone union/healing’ reported in over 50% of included studies, while health-related quality of life was only measured in 6% of included studies.

Conclusion

Outcomes reported for people recovering from open lower limb fracture are heterogeneous, liable to outcome reporting bias, and vary widely in the definitions and the measurement tools used to collect them. Outcomes likely to be important to patients, such as quality of life and measures of physical functioning, have been neglected. This systematic review identifies the need to unify outcome measures reported on patients recovering from open lower limb fracture; this may be addressed by creating a core outcome set.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(2):138–146.
The Critique of the Gotha Program on capitalism vs communism: An Analysis and Commentary
Authors: Kliman Andrew
Published: February 2023

Karl Marx’s Critique of the Gotha Program is largely about the differences between capitalism and communism, and the changes that will be needed to effect a revolutionary transformation of capitalism into communism. Because the author believes that these aspects of the Critique are still not widely understood or internalized, the paper undertakes a close reading of them. The reading is informed by Marx’s conception of the relation between a society’s economic basis and its political and legal superstructure, and it calls attention to ways in which his critique draws on his concepts of directly and indirectly social labor and his value theory.
Contrast Enhancement by Edge Effect Corrections in Frequency-domain Optical Mammography
Authors: Fantini Sergio , Franceschini Maria Angela , Gaida Gerhard , Jess Helge , Erdl Helmut , Mantulin William W. , Gratton Enrico , Moesta K. Thomas , Schlag Peter M. , Kaschke Michael
Published: February 2023

The planar tandem scan of light source and optical detector in a transmission geometry produces 2-D projection images of the human breast. This approach to near-infrared optical mammography suffers from the strong influence of edge effects: breast thickness variability, lateral photon losses, and variability in the optical coupling with breast tissue. Taking advantage of the information content of frequency-domain data, we have developed an algorithm for the correction of edge effects which is based on data at a single wavelength. We compare the images yielded by this single-wavelength algorithm with those provided by the ratio of the ac amplitudes at two wavelengths. The edge correction is excellent in both cases. However, the tumor detectability in the optical mammogram of a human breast affected by cancer is significantly better in the single-wavelength edge corrected image. We attribute this result to the similar effect caused by the tumor on the ac signal at the two wavelengths employed in this study (685 and 825 nm).
Optical detection of abnormally absorbing regions in tissue
Authors: Gandjbakhche Amir H. , Chernomordik Victor , Bonner Robert F. , Nossal Ralph , Weiss George H. , Hebden Jeremy
Published: February 2023

Random walk theory is used to calculate a time-dependent contrast function to interpret data obtained from time-resolved transillumination detection of abnormally absorbing regions in tissue. The contrast function depends on the optical properties of the normal tissue as well as the absorptivity, size and location of the abnormal target. Results of the theory are applied to estimate the absorption coefficient of a cylinder target embedded in a tissue-like phantom. Extrapolation of the time-dependent contrast function to short times enables one to enhance the contrast and resolvability of the abnormal region.
Phase Statistics in Random Media
Authors: Sebbah P. , Legrand O. , Genack A.Z.
Published: February 2023

Because the ensemble average of the field transmitted through a random medium tends to zero as the sample length increases, studies of wave propagation in random media have focused upon the field amplitude or its square, the intensity, whose statistical properties have been extensively investigated. In this paper, we show that, beyond the random phase approximation, the phase remains a rich statistical quantity which is central to the understanding of wave transport in random systems. We define the cumulative phase φ and present measurements of the frequency dependence of its average, its probability distribution and the correlation function of the phase derivative for microwave radiation transmitted through random collections of polystyrene spheres. Static field measurements are made using a network analyzer. The phase and amplitude of the wave as a function of frequency is obtained for an ensemble of samples by rotating the sample after each spectrum is taken. The probability distribution is calculated using the phase measurement at each frequency for every configuration and is found to reduce to a single gaussian in terms of the variable (φ-<φ>)/σ, where σ = (var(φ))½. We show that this is a direct result of the rapid decay of the frequency correlation function of phase derivative found at any frequency. We compare the dwell time Δτ(ν), which is the time for a gaussian pulse with carrier frequency ν to traverse the sample, with phase derivative dφ/dω(ν), where ω = 2πν. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that these two quantities are identical if the frequency width of the gaussian pulse is narrow enough (Fig. 1). Finally we outline some of the ways in which φ reflects wave dynamics and relate the phase derivative with the density of states.
Photon Paths in Turbid Media: From Smooth to Random
Authors: Perelman Lev T. , Wu Jun , Chen Kun , Itzkan Irving , Dasari Ramachandra R. , Feld Michael S.
Published: February 2023

The path integral formalism is applied to photon migration in turbid media. Our solution spans the range from low diffusive to highly diffusive photons.
Validity of The Diffusion For Small Heterogeneities
Authors: Durduran T. , Boas D.A. , Chance B. , Yodh A. G.
Published: February 2023

The validity of photon diffusion for infinite, homogeneous media is investigated by Monte Carlo methods. The photon diffusion coefficient (D) is found to be independent of absorption, i.e

D
=

v

3

μ
s
'

. The validity of the diffusion approximation for heterogeneous media with spherical tumors of order 1/μ
s
′ around the source is investigated by comparing diffusion theory with Monte Carlo simulations for various parameters.
Intensity and Phase Distributions in the Transition from Ballistic to Diffusive Wave Propagation
Authors: Chabanov A. , Stoytchev M. , Garcia N. , Genack A.Z.
Published: February 2023

We report measurements of the intensity and phase distributions of microwave radiation transmitted through random media. Changes in the statistics of the field as propagation varies from being predominantly ballistic to diffusive are studied.
Analytical Description of Snake Photons
Authors: Borovoi A. G.
Published: February 2023

The snake photons are shown to obey the parabolic instead of the more general Maxwell As a result, the snake photons are described by the well-known small-angle approximation of the radiative transfer having a rather simple analytical solutions. Some applications of the solutions for retrieving the parameters of highly scattering media (density inhomogeneities, particle size distributions, etc.) are discussed.
Phase Screen Effects in Enhanced Backscattering
Authors: Dogariu Aristide , Boreman Glenn D.
Published: February 2023

The enhanced backscattering (EBS) phenomenon is investigated in the complex case of structures modeled as ensembles of random phase screens, lenses, and volume-scattering media. Effects on the peak shape and magnitude are discussed and possible solutions to problems encountered in using EBS to characterize random media are suggested.