bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated ZNF704 expression is associated with poor prognosis of uveal melanoma and promotes cancer cell growth by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling
Authors: Luo Jingting , Li Haowen , Xiu Jingying , Zeng Jingyao , Feng Zhaoxun , Zhao Hanqing , Li Yang , Wei Wenbin
Published: April 2023

Background

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults, with a poor survival prognosis. To date, limited understanding of UM’s molecular mechanisms constitutes an obstacle to developing effective therapy. In this study, we examined key regulators mediating UM progression and their clinical relevance.

Methods

Transcriptomics of UM patients and cells were analyzed via RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. Zinc finger protein 704 (ZNF704) was identified as prognosis-related biomarker for UM based on clinical characteristics and RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene expression was knocked down by specific shRNAs/siRNAs and overexpressed by transfection with plasmids inserted with investigated gene cDNA. Cell proliferation, viability and invasion abilities were determined by CCK8, colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. For cell cycle and apoptosis, cells were PI or PI/Annexin V-APC stained and analyzed by flow cytometry. Standard immunoblotting and quantitative RT-PCR were employed to assess the mRNA and protein abundance. To determine tumor growth in vivo, 4-week-old BALB/c-nu immune-deficient nude mice were inoculated with tumor cells.

Results

Analysis of differential expressed genes (DEGs) and survival analysis identified ZNF704 as a novel biomarker of UM. Prognostic analysis indicated ZNF704 as an independent predictor of UM overall survival. Expression of ZNF704 is elevated in UM tissues relative to adjacent normal choroid tissues. Knockdown of ZNF704 suppressed the growth and migration of UM cells and vice versa. In addition, expression of ZNF704 arrest UM cells at G0/G1 phase and inhibit cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that SORBS3 were dysregulated after ZNF704 downregulation. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that upon ZNF704 knowndown, genes related with PI3K/AKT/mTOR, EMT and metastasis are enriched. Mechanistically, ZNF704 activates AKT/mTOR/glycolysis signaling pathway in UM cells. Moreover, expression of SORBS3 is downregulated by ZNF704 and knockdown of SORBS3 restored tumor cell viability in ZNF704 silenced cells.

Conclusions

ZNF704 predicts poor prognosis of UM and exhibit pro-oncogenic effect in UM progression in vivo and in vitro, mediated through AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and suppression of SORBS3 expression.
In-orbit recalibration of Longwave Infrared Camera onboard Akatsuki
Authors: Taguchi Makoto , Kouyama Toru , Sugawa Temma , Murakami Shin-ya , Futaguchi Masahiko
Published: April 2023

Akatsuki has been in operation since Venus orbit insertion-revenge 1 (VOI-R1) in December 2015 and has been making observations of Venus’ cloud-top temperature with Longwave Infrared Camera (LIR) since the start of nominal observations in April 2016. LIR was originally designed to maintain its performance for at least 4 years after the VOI originally planned in December 2010. Although the operation time of LIR has exceeded its designed lifetime as of August 2022, it is still functioning normally. The mechanical shutter plate has been kept at a normal temperature and used as a hot reference in determining the brightness temperature of objects when in the closed position. Since the observed temperature of the background deep space is merely a value representing the output for no radiation input, it should be the same in any observation. This was around 180 K just after the launch of Akatsuki in May 2010; however, it has gradually increased to approximately 200 K by February 2022. Average Venus disk temperatures also show a slight increasing trend. The increases of the background and Venus’ disk temperatures are most likely due to degradation of the sensitivity of the bolometer array used in LIR as an image sensor. These temperatures have apparently been increasing since LIR was activated in October 2016. While LIR is activated, the bolometer temperature is kept at 40 °C and a moderate baking effect may have accelerated degassing in the bolometer package, and the resulting increase of thermal conductivity or decrease of transmittance of the window contaminated by evaporated components may have degraded the sensitivity of the bolometer. A sensitivity degradation of 5% from October 2016 to February 2022 is estimated from the increasing trend of the background temperature. A correction has been made to the LIR data to keep the background temperature constant. The corrected data show no increasing trend in either the background or Venus’ disk temperature. The corrected data are open to the public as a more reliable dataset for investigating the long-term variability of thermal condition at cloud-top altitudes.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of strong and weak stratospheric polar vortices on geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tides
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Siddiqui Tarique A. , Stolle Claudia , Pedatella Nicholas M. , Pallamraju Duggirala
Published: April 2023

The impact of strong and weak stratospheric polar vortices on geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tides is investigated during Northern Hemisphere (NH) winters using ground-based magnetic field observations at the Huancayo (12.05° S, 284.67° E; magnetic latitude: 0.6° S) equatorial observatory. We analyze the periods between December 15 and March 1 for 34 NH winters between 1980 and 2020 and find that the response of semidiurnal solar and lunar tides as seen in geomagnetic field depends on the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex. During weak polar vortex events, geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tidal amplitudes show an average enhancement by ~ 25% and ~ 50%, respectively, which is consistent with the known results during sudden stratospheric warmings. When the stratospheric polar vortex is strong, geomagnetic semidiurnal solar and lunar tidal amplitudes decline on an average by ~ 15% and ~ 25%, respectively, during weak polar vortex events. Our results also reveal that the response of the geomagnetic semidiurnal solar tidal variations to strong and weak polar vortex conditions is delayed by approximately 10 days while the response of geomagnetic semidiurnal lunar tidal variations do not show a time delay. These results provide observational evidence that along with weak polar vortices in the Northern Hemisphere, the strong stratospheric polar vortices also have pronounced effects on the equatorial ionosphere.

Graphical Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging to assess the brain response to fasting in glioblastoma-bearing rats as a model of cancer anorexia
Authors: Guadilla Irene , González Sara , Cerdán Sebastián , Lizarbe Blanca , López-Larrubia Pilar
Published: April 2023

Background

Global energy balance is a vital process tightly regulated by the brain that frequently becomes dysregulated during the development of cancer. Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most investigated malignancies, but its appetite-related disorders, like anorexia/cachexia symptoms, remain poorly understood.

Methods

We performed manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) and subsequent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), in adult male GBM-bearing (n = 13) or control Wistar rats (n = 12). A generalized linear model approach was used to assess the effects of fasting in different brain regions involved in the regulation of the global energy metabolism: cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and thalamus. The regions were selected on the contralateral side in tumor-bearing animals, and on the left hemisphere in control rats. An additional DTI-only experiment was completed in two additional GBM (n = 5) or healthy cohorts (n = 6) to assess the effects of manganese infusion on diffusion measurements.

Results

MEMRI results showed lower T1 values in the cortex (p-value < 0.001) and thalamus (p-value < 0.05) of the fed ad libitum GBM animals, as compared to the control cohort, consistent with increased Mn2+ accumulation. No MEMRI-detectable differences were reported between fed or fasting rats, either in control or in the GBM group. In the MnCl2-infused cohorts, DTI studies showed no mean diffusivity (MD) variations from the fed to the fasted state in any animal cohort. However, the DTI-only set of acquisitions yielded remarkably decreased MD values after fasting only in the healthy control rats (p-value < 0.001), and in all regions, but thalamus, of GBM compared to control animals in the fed state (p-value < 0.01). Fractional anisotropy (FA) decreased in tumor-bearing rats due to the infiltrate nature of the tumor, which was detected in both diffusion sets, with (p-value < 0.01) and without Mn2+ administration (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results revealed that an altered physiological brain response to fasting occurred in hunger related regions in GBM animals, detectable with DTI, but not with MEMRI acquisitions. Furthermore, the present results showed that Mn2+ induces neurotoxic inflammation, which interferes with diffusion MRI to detect appetite-induced responses through MD changes.
Cellular infiltration in an injectable sulfated cellulose nanocrystal hydrogel and efficient angiogenesis by VEGF loading
Authors: Min Kiyoon , Tae Giyoong
Published: April 2023

Background

Cellular infiltration and angiogenesis into implanted biomaterial scaffolds are crucial for successful host tissue integration and tissue regeneration. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a nano-sized cellulose derivative, which can form an injectable physical gel with salts. Sulfate groups of sulfated CNC (CNC-S) can act as a binding domain to various growth factors and cytokines with a heparin-binding domain for sustained release of them. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can promote the proliferation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis. In this study, VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel was evaluated as an injectable scaffold that can induce cellular infiltration and angiogenesis.

Methods

CNC-S was hydrolyzed to get desulfated CNC (CNC-DS), which was used as a negative control group against CNC-S. Both CNC-S and CNC-DS hydrogels were prepared and compared in terms of biocompatibility and VEGF release. The hydrogels with or without VEGF loading were subcutaneously injected into mice to evaluate the biocompatibility, cellular infiltration, and angiogenesis induction of the hydrogels.

Results

Both hydrogels possessed similar stability and shear-thinning behavior to be applicable as injectable hydrogels. However, CNC-S hydrogel showed sustained release (until 8 weeks) of VEGF whereas CNC-DS showed a very fast release of VEGF with a large burst. Subcutaneously injected CNC-S hydrogel showed much enhanced cellular infiltration as well as better biocompatibility with milder foreign body response than CNC-DS hydrogel. Furthermore, VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel induced significant angiogenesis inside the hydrogel whereas VEGF-loaded CNC-DS did not.

Conclusion

CNC-S possesses good properties as a biomaterial including injectability, biocompatibility, and allowing cellular infiltration and sustained release of growth factors. VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel exhibited efficient angiogenesis inside the hydrogel. The sulfate group of CNC-S was a key for good biocompatibility and the biological activities of VEGF-loaded CNC hydrogel.
Comparative ultrasound-guided assessment of gastric volume between diabetic and non-diabetic patients posted for elective surgery—a prospective, observational, correlation study
Authors: Khan Saad Aslam , Sahoo Tapan Kumar , Trivedi Saurabh
Published: April 2023

Background

Perioperative aspiration of gastric contents is a serious complication and its severity depends upon the gastric volume and nature of the aspirate. Diabetic patients are more prone for aspiration because of delayed gastric emptying. USG-guided gastric examination can help in aspiration risk assessment by identifying the nature and volume of the gastric contents. This prospective observational study compared, USG-guided gastric contents and volume in fasting diabetic and non-diabetic patients posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Based on the history of diabetes mellitus (DM), 50 patients were divided into two groups, i.e., group A (diabetic for > 5 years, n = 25) and group B (non-diabetic, n = 25). After standard fasting period of 8 h, bedside ultrasound was conducted to assess gastric antral cross-sectional area, gastric volume and contents.

Results

The mean gastric antral cross-sectional area (3.96 ± 2.07 versus 2.96 ± 1.88, P value 0.08), mean gastric volume (17.88 ± 19.48 versus 9.72 ± 12.29, P value 0.083) and the mean gastric volume per kg body weight (0.16 ± 0.374 versus 0.04 ± 0.20, P value 0.164) after 8 h fasting were higher in diabetics as compared to non-diabetics, but were statistically insignificant.

Conclusions

Diabetic patients had comparatively slower gastric emptying and hence higher mean effecting gastric volume and gastric volume/kg body weight, after fixed hours of fasting. However, no patient had gastric volume/kg body weight > 1.5 ml/kg or presence of any solid food was visualized in any of the groups. Hence, the fixed 8 h fasting guarantees the safety from the risk of aspiration in diabetic and non-diabetic adult population.
Prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Egypt (2010–2022): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azzam Ahmed , Elkafas Hoda , Khaled Heba , Ashraf Ahmed , Yousef Mohammed , Elkashef Aya Awny
Published: April 2023

Background

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) represent a critical medical and public health concerns due to their association with serious nosocomial infections and a high risk of mortality. We aimed to reveal the pooled prevalence of VRE and antimicrobial resistance profiles among enterococci clinical isolates in Egypt.

Methods

A PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science literature search was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Only published studies documenting the prevalence of VRE between 2010 and 2022 were included. Using the random effects model and the 95% confidence intervals, the pooled estimate of VRE was calculated by MedCalc Version 20.113. Cochran’s Q and I2 tests were used to evaluate the degree of heterogeneity, and publication bias was examined by visually examining the funnel plot and its associated tests (Begg’s and Egger’s tests).

Results

The pooled prevalence of VRE among enterococci clinical isolates in Egypt was estimated to be 26% (95% CI 16.9 to 36.3). E. faecalis had a greater pooled prevalence than E. faecium, with 61.22% (95% CI 53.65 to 68.53) and 32.47% (95% CI 27 to 38.2), respectively. The VanA gene is more frequent than the VanB gene among VRE, with a pooled prevalence of 63.3% (95% CI 52.1 to 73.7) and 17.95% (95% CI 7.8 to 31), respectively. The pooled resistance rate of linezolid was substantially lower than that of ampicillin and high-level gentamicin (HLG) 5.54% (95% CI 2.33 to 10%), 65.7% (95% CI 50.8 to 79.2%), and 61.1% (95% CI 47.4 to 73.9), respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of VRE is alarmingly high in Egypt. It is imperative that antimicrobial stewardship activities and infection control programs are strictly adhered to and implemented to prevent further escalation of the problem.
An update on applications and limitations of direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Wei Sharon , Sawhney Aanchal , Khandait Harshwardhan , Meda Amit , Gupta Vasu , Jain Rohit
Published: April 2023

A major advancement in the field of medicine has been the introduction and usage of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). DOACs have been increasing in popularity for mainstay anticoagulation pharmacotherapy and are being preferred by physicians over warfarin due to their rapid onset, fewer drug and food interactions, and lack of frequent blood monitoring. DOACs have been indicated in the management of thromboembolic conditions and have been extensively researched in various medical trials and studies before the approval of dabigatran (Pradaxa) in 2010 by the FDA. DOACs, like warfarin, are associated with a risk of bleeding, requiring clearance of the drug from the bloodstream or administration of reversal agents. It is important for physicians to familiarize themselves with the various types of DOACs and their dosages, along with their advantages and disadvantages in comparison to other non-DAOC classes of medications before incorporating them into their patient management plans.
Pneumatocele after lung transplantation
Authors: Furukawa Masashi , Chan Ernest G. , Coster Jenalee N. , Sanchez Pablo G.
Published: April 2023

Pneumatoceles are a known complication of pneumonia or trauma, especially in young children. A 44-year-old male with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary hypertension underwent double lung transplantation with cardiopulmonary support. The patient had experienced severe primary graft dysfunction and bilateral lower lobe pneumonia. Posttransplant bronchoalveolar lavage fluid identified Staphylococcus aureus and Burkholderia cepacia. We started trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, meropenem, and minocycline. We also switched him to a prone position every 12 h for 3 days. The respiratory condition gradually improved with systemic therapy, prone position, oxygenation with ventilator, and venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Pneumatocele developed at the site of pneumonia. Although the pneumatocele was gradually increasing the size, we decided to continue conservative treatment. The pneumatocele spontaneously ruptured, and asymptomatic pneumothorax developed. We performed percutaneous drainage for pneumothorax, and the pneumatocele resolved. After he was discharged from the hospital, that pneumatocele shrank and disappeared. Pneumatocele can occur at the site of pneumonia after lung transplantation. It may be curable with conservative treatment, but the possibility of sudden rupture and pneumothorax should be considered.
ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Exertional Heat Illness: Recognition, Management, and Return to Activity
Authors: Roberts William O. , Armstrong Lawrence E. , Sawka Michael N. , Yeargin Susan W. , Heled Yuval , O’Connor Francis G.
Published: April 2023

Exertional heat stroke is a true medical emergency with potential for organ injury and death. This consensus statement emphasizes that optimal exertional heat illness management is promoted by a synchronized chain of survival that promotes rapid recognition and management, as well as communication between care teams. Health care providers should be confident in the definitions, etiologies, and nuances of exertional heat exhaustion, exertional heat injury, and exertional heat stroke. Identifying the athlete with suspected exertional heat stroke early in the course, stopping activity (body heat generation), and providing rapid total body cooling are essential for survival, and like any critical life-threatening situation (cardiac arrest, brain stroke, sepsis), time is tissue. Recovery from exertional heat stroke is variable and outcomes are likely related to the duration of severe hyperthermia. Most exertional heat illnesses can be prevented with the recognition and modification of well-described risk factors ideally addressed through leadership, policy, and on-site health care.
Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of northwestern and western Crete (Greece) in early July, with the finding of new larval host plant for Lampides boeticus
Authors: Šturm Luka
Published: April 2023

During the summer of 2021 northwestern and western areas of the Greek island of Crete were surveyed, in order to confirm certain observations of the diurnal butterfly fauna of the island. Research was focused especially on the unsurveyed north-western parts of the island, as well as surveying the species that are extending their areal (Cacyreus marshalli (Butler), Lampides boeticus (L.)). From 47 species reported from the island, 23 were observed. The surveys were all carried out during an especially hot and dry weather period (30-37 °C), between 30th of June and 6th of July. Additionally, a new larval host plant for L. boeticus was confirmed, as oviposition of females on Campsis radicans (Seem.) was observed on several occasions.
First occurrence of the black field earwig, Nala lividipes (Dermaptera: Labiduridae) in Greece
Authors: Koutsoukos Evangelos , Demetriou Jakovos , Kalaentzis Konstantinos , Kazilas Christos
Published: April 2023

The cosmopolitan black field earwig, Nala lividipes (Dufour, 1820) (Dermaptera: Labiduridae) is observed for the first time in Greece. A photographic record was obtained by the first author in 2016, from Salamis Island followed by a photographic citizen-science observation from Rhodes in 2021. Despite frequent inspections and efforts to raise public awareness, no additional samples or observations have been recovered. The poor study of Dermaptera in Greece and the absence of early warning systems for alien insects, may have delayed the detection of this alien species in the country. However, given the agricultural significance of N. lividipes, a short description is given to assist further data collection and monitoring. Finally, the potential establishment of the earwig in Greece, along with the impacts on the native flora and fauna are discussed.
The fiftieth anniversary of the article that shook up psychiatry
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz
Published: April 2023

W styczniu 2023 roku mija 50 rocznica ukazania się w prestiżowym czasopiśmie naukowym „Science” artykułu Davida Rosenhana „On being sane in insane places”. Publikacja ta stała się jedną z najbardziej wpływowych prac psychiatrycznych drugiej połowy XX wieku, osiągając do połowy 2022 roku 1276 cytowań. W artykule opisano 8 zdrowych osób, które zgłosiły się do szpitali psychiatrycznych w USA podając doznawanie omamów słuchowych. Wszystkie zostały przyjęte do oddziału psychiatrycznego, głównie z podejrzeniem schizofrenii i zalecono im leczenie farmakologiczne. Ich pobyt trwał średnio 19 (7-52) dni mimo, że od chwili przyjęcia nie potwierdzały tych objawów. Artykuł zwrócił uwagę na niezasadne rozpoznanie choroby psychicznej skutkujące hospitalizacją psychiatryczną w nieprzyjaznych warunkach. Miał on wielorakie konsekwencje. Wzmocnił proces deinstytucjonalizacji psychiatrycznej i stanowił pożywkę dla ruchów antypsychiatrycznych oraz psychiatrii nazywanej „humanistyczną”. Przyśpieszył natomiast powstanie obiektywnego systemu diagnostyki psychiatrycznej, jakim stała się III edycja amerykańskiego podręcznika Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) wydana w 1980 roku. Publikacja w 2019 roku książki Susannah Cahalan pt. The great pretender (Wielki mistyfikator) podważa rzetelność artykułu. Autorka na podstawie wielu rozmów i mając wgląd do notatek Rosenhana wykazała liczne nieścisłości w opisie eksperymentu. Nie była również w stanie retrospektywnie potwierdzić tożsamości większości osób biorących w nim udział, ani uzyskać istotnych danych odnośnie tej publikacji od redakcji „Science”. W 50-lecie artykułu zwraca się uwagę zarówno na jego aspekt poznawczy dotyczący obiektywnego rozpoznania choroby psychicznej i roli hospitalizacji psychiatrycznych, ale również na negatywne konsekwencje drastycznego zmniejszenia łóżek psychiatrycznych w USA.
Comparisons of Online Assessment Platforms for Action Naming Tests in Healthy Young and Middle-aged Adults
Authors: Shin Junyoung , Kim Jueun , Song Jisu , Cho Jae-Eun , Choi Sujin , Lee Youngmee , Sung Jee Eun
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of action naming tests when using a chatbot-based online platform. The performance of healthy young adults and healthy middle-aged adults on action naming tests was compared between online assessment platforms.Methods: A total of 81 participants were included in this study (40 young adults, 41 middle-aged adults). Participants were divided into two groups according to the online assessment platforms, 40 individuals (20 young adults, 20 middle-aged adults) receiving the action naming tests via Zoom and 41 individuals (20 young adults, 21 middle-aged adults) via chatbot.Results: The results indicated that there was no significant difference in action naming performance across online assessment platforms. In addition, young adults showed statistically higher performance compared to the middle-aged adults. There was a significant main effect of verb argument structure on action naming performance, with one- and two-place verbs having a higher correct response rate than three-place verbs.Conclusion: Although the younger group performed better than the middle-aged group, there were no significant differences in action naming performance between chatbot and Zoom groups, suggesting that chatbot-based action naming tests can be used interchangeably with the established online platforms. Accordingly, it is expected that we will be able to provide appropriate online language assessment services for each client in a future clinical setting.
Irony Comprehension in High-Function Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Choi Younjung , Baik Kyungrang , Kim Young Tae
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Irony is a type of figurative language that conveys the opposite meaning of what is said, and it is known to cause difficulty for those with autism spectrum disorder because the expression of spoken language and the non-verbal context are inconsistent. However, there is no difference in the understanding of irony between the those with typical development and those with high-functional autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD) with normal language and intelligence, so there is no consensus on irony understanding. Through meta-analysis, this study analyzed the difficulty of understanding irony between a HF-ASD group and compared the results with a typical group.Methods: 17 studies that met the research selection criteria were selected by searching international databases for papers published from 2000 to April 2022, and meta-analysis was performed with R studio version 4.1.3 program.Results: The irony understanding of the HF-ASD group showed a small effect size when compared with the typical group, and analysis revealed that the results were statistically significant. A moderation effect analysis showed that there was a significant difference in task type, but no significant difference in age and question type.Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the understanding of irony between the HF-ASD group and the typical group, and this suggests that the HF-ASD group could understand irony through continuous training. Therefore, training to understand other people’s emotions and thoughts and to interpret non-verbal characteristics should be provided to the HF-ASD group to improve their ability to understand irony.
Phonological Change Error Patterns according to Type of Tasks (Reading, Writing) of Students with Dyslexia
Authors: Jeon Ye Ji , Kang Minkyung , Yeon Seok Jeong
Published: April 2023

Objectives: This study compared 3rd and 4th grade students with dyslexia with typically developing children who were matched according to decoding ability, confirmed the characteristics of students with dyslexia according to reading and writing tasks the phonological change, and analyzed the types of errors.Methods: 12 students with dyslexia in the 3rd and 4th grade of elementary school who scored between 70 and 90 points in the KOLRA decoding standard score, and 12 typically developing children whose decoding raw score was ± 5 points of the students with dyslexia were asked to read and write sentences in which phonological changes occured.Results: First, there was no significant difference in reading and writing accuracy between the two groups, and the two groups had significantly lower writing accuracy compared with reading. Second, the interaction effect between task type and phonological change was confirmed. Third, in the reading task, the two groups both showed the most errors in the phonological change error type ①, and students with dyslexia had a higher rate of semantical errors than typically developing children. In the writing task, students with dyslexia showed a higher number of phonological change errors ① than typically developing children, those being the most common type of errors in students with dyslexia.Conclusion: This study confirmed that typically developing children and students with dyslexia with similar decoding abilities show similar developmental patterns; and by analyzing the types of errors in students with dyslexia, an intervention plan for students with dyslexia that focuses on phonological change rules can be established.
Meta-analytic Findings on Early Vocabulary Acquisition Differences between Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary in Toddlers with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Yang Yoonhee , Yim Dongsun
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in early vocabulary acquisition between toddlers with cochlear implants (CI) and toddlers with normal hearing (NH) , and to identify the differences in early vocabulary acquisition according to CI activation period (< 12 months vs. ≥ 12 months) within CI group. In areas in which the difference between groups was significant, we attempted to determine whether the ‘age at implantation’ of the CI group played a role as a moderator.Methods: Nine papers were selected by applying inclusion and exclusion criteria among papers published for about 15 years (2007-2022) and found through searching three databases (Academic Search Complete, PubMed, Google Scholar).Results: There was no significant difference in receptive vocabulary measured by the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDI) in CI and NH children, but there was a significant difference in expressive vocabulary. In addition, within the CI group, there was a significant difference in expressive vocabulary according to CI activation period (< 12 months vs. ≥ 12 months).Conclusion: This study confirmed that the expressive vocabulary measured by the MB-CDI may be limited in very young children with CI when compared to their NH peers. In addition, children with CI showed significant changes in expressive vocabulary acquisition despite a relatively short CI activation period of about a year.
The Relationship between Morphological Awareness and Composition for 3rd and 5th Grade School-aged Children
Authors: Jung Kyunghee
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between composition and morphological awareness of typical school-aged children in the 3rd to 5th grades.Methods: To this end, a total of 44 children’s (24 in 3rd grade, 20 in 5th grade) ‘My Dream’ writing samples were analyzed into single words and 3 complex words (inflection, derivation, and compound). This study found a correlation between morphological awareness used in the composition and measurements of individual morphological awareness. The effect on composition was investigated through regression analysis.Results: First, the single words and the three types of complex words used in the compositions increased significantly as the grade went up. In addition, the difference by word types was also significant and the interaction effect between grade and word types was shown. Second, the number of single words and subtypes of complex words also increased according to the grade, and the difference between the types was significant. Third, there was a significant correlation between all morphological awareness variables except compound complex words. The result of regression analysis indicated that derivative morphological awareness and derived complex words are significant predictors for the composition.Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that the use of morphological awareness in composition contributes to the improvement of the quality of the composition. This suggests that morphological awareness needs to be considered in composition evaluation and intervention.
Comparison of Automatic Speech Recognition System for School-aged Children’s Narratives: Naver Clova Speech and Google Speech-to-Text
Authors: Yang Hui Jae , Oh Eun-Byel , Kim Jung-Mee
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Language sample analysis (LSA) is a critical component of child language assessment. However, most clinicians consider LSA to be time consuming work. In particular, transcription is seen as an overwhelming task. Due to rapid technological advances, various automatic speech recognition systems have been developed. This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and the characteristics of two automatic speech recognition programs, Naver Clova Speech (Naver Clova) and Google Speech-to-Text (STT).Methods: A total of 40 school-aged children with typical development (TD) and children with language learning disabilities (LLD) participated in the study. Each child was asked to generate two fictional narratives. In total, 72 narratives produced by 36 children were used. To examine the accuracy of Naver Clova and Google STT, syllable error rate was analyzed and compared to reference transcripts. For the detailed analysis, types of error such as substitution, deletion and insertion were examined.Results: Results showed that Naver Clova was significantly lower than Google STT in error rate of transcription. But the transcription error rate of the two child groups was not significantly different. Additionally, the Naver Clova error rate was higher in substitution, deletion, and insertion respectively. The Google STT error rate, on the other hand, was higher in deletion, substitution and insertion respectively.Conclusion: Naver Clova were more accurate than Google STT in transcribing children’s narratives. But the transcription accuracy of two child groups was not different. This suggests that recently developed automatic speech recognition systems have clinical utility. These systems can reduce clinician’s workload in regards to LSA and this would contribute to qualitatively enhanced language assessment.
Writing Skills in 1st to 2nd Graders with Language Difficulties, Typical Development, and Dyslexia with/without Language Difficulties
Authors: Jang Woojeong , Pae Soyeong
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of writing ability and writing related variables such as executive functioning (syntactic ability, sentence construction, planning ability) and working memory. Additionally, this study tried to find out the variables that can discriminate between the four groups.Methods: Fourteen 1st to 2nd graders in each group (dyslexia (DY), dyslexia with language difficulty (LRD), language difficulty without dyslexia (LD), and typical development (TD)) participated in four writing tasks and four writing related tasks.Results: First, there were three performance groups in word writing and sentence writing (TD > LD > DY = LRD), while there were two different groups were observed in short text writing and handwriting (TD = LD > DY = LRD). Secondly, there were three performance groups in syntactic skills and sentence construction (TD> DY> LD= LRD) and in planning skills (TD> DY= LD> LRD), while there were two performance groups in copying (TD= LD> DY= LRD). Thirdly, discriminant analysis showed a 94.6% hit ratio; and word writing, syntactic ability, sentence construction, and sentence writing were good discriminators for the four groups.Conclusion: This study was meaningful in including four groups of children considering language and decoding abilities. For 1st to 2nd graders, sentence writing and word writing assessment and intervention considering executive functions seem to play the key role for each student’s school adaptation with language and/or reading difficulties.
The junior doctor shadow board
Authors: Home Joe , Bidgood Amy , Kalipershad Sujala
Published: April 2023

Before 2020, North Manchester General Hospital had a history of poor feedback from junior doctors, regarding both their overall experience and access to non-clinical development opportunities. The circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the medical leadership team giving junior doctors the opportunity to lead the reorganisation of services and redeployment. The aim of this was to increase engagement, representation and development opportunities. This led to the formation of the Junior Doctor Leaders Group, using similar principles as the ‘shadow boards’ seen in the corporate sector. This article reviews the impact of the group. Analysis was conducted using internal key performance indicators, identifying improvement initiatives generated by the Junior Doctor Leaders Group and surveying group members. Initial results suggest that junior doctors felt their voices had gained recognition in the organisation, with 95% of group members stating that it increased junior doctor representation and 90% agreeing that the group made them feel more confident representing and advocating for their colleagues. Increased transparency and trust between junior and senior staff facilitated escalation of concerns to higher management, and the design and implementation of solutions. Members of the Junior Doctor Leaders Group also reported improvements to their work and educational experiences. In the first year after the group was established, members led or co-led a total of 14 organisation-wide improvement projects. Results from the General Medical Council training survey showed improvement across almost all indicators. Therefore, the authors believe that the Junior Doctor Leaders Group offers a novel approach to improving junior doctor engagement and experience, and can be beneficial to both the cohort of junior doctors and the wider organisation.
Fat Embolism in Long Bone Fracture Patients and its Complications: A Prospective Study
Authors: Attarde Dheeraj , Patil Atul , Pradhan Chetan , Puram Chetan , Kota Adarsh , Sancheti Parag , Shyam Ashok
Published: April 2023

Background: Incidence of fat embolism after long bone fracture in Indian scenario is not studied much. In our study we try to analyse data over 2 years to find incidence and its complications. Materials and Methods: Two hundred FES (fat embolism syndrome ) suspected patients secondary to long bone fractures admitted over a 1 year period included. Patients satisfying the clinical criteria proposed by Gurd and Wilson, and Schonfeld were included in the study. Clinical features, risk factors, complications and any sequelae were noted. Results: Out of 200 patient’s majority were male patients. Maximum (85.5%) cases were used immobilizers to stabilize case. Isolated fractures (97%) were more compare to multiple fracture (3%). Associated features included features of altered sensoriam (n = 14, 7%), petechial rash (6%), tachycardia (16.5%) and fever (14.5%). Hypoxemia was demonstrable in 25.5% (51patients) cases. Fat embolism was found in 2% (4 cases) study population. Hypoxia @ 72 hours more in multiple fractures (50%) compare to isolated fractures (4.6%). This association was statistically significant. (P<0.05) No long-term sequelae were observed. Conclusion: We conclude that in our representative population the incidence of fat embolism is slightly higher compared to other population. This amounts to 2% of people with long bone fractures of lower limb. Fat embolism was more in femur fractures compared to tibia fractures and the chance of fat embolism was more in multiple fractures when compared to isolated fractures. The incidence of fat embolism was more in closed fractures as compared to open fractures. Other salient features of the study were the increased incidence of fat embolism noted in fractures which were not immobilized. Key Words: Accidents; ARDS; Fat embolism syndrome; Fracture.
Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty by Using Cemented Calcar Replacement Stem for Unstable Inter-trochanteric Fractures in Old Age
Authors: Yemul Shriniwas R , Lonikar Rushikesh
Published: April 2023

Background: Internal fixation of unstable inter-trochanteric is challenging and most of the morbidity is associated with prolonged immobilization and implant cut outs. Aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in old age patients with unstable inter-trochanteric fractures by using cemented calcar replacement stem. Methods: 80 hips of inter-trochanteric fractures (AO/OTA type 31-A2.2 and 31-A2.3) in 80 patients, 49 females and 31 male patients from Aug 2016 to Sept 2019. All the patients were operated by posterolateral approach, and hemi-replacement done using cemented modular calcar replacement stem, greater trochanter also reconstructed in all the patients. Patients were followed at 6 wks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Primary outcome included Harris hip score and secondary outcome includes functional walking ability (kovals), thigh pain, dislocation, trendelenberg test and infection, mortality. Results: No dislocation, No e/o infection, only two patients complained of anterior thigh pain. One patient developed pulmonary embolism treated and recovered, limb length discrepancy seen in 4 patients (lengthening 4, no shortening) range 0-20 mm, Perioperative mortality during hospitalization is seen in two patients due to cardiac complications. 5 patients died from discharge to within one year. 3 patients lost to follow up. Fifty five patients (78.57%) regained preinjury ambulation status at final follow up. At final follow up, Average Harris hip score (HSS) was 80 (Range 70 to 95) , poor (<70)-3, fair(70-79)-12, Good (80-89)-50, Excellent (90-100)-5. Conclusion: Hemiarthroplasty using calcar replacement stem in unstable inter-trochanteric fracture in old age patients helps in early mobilization of patients and early regaining of preinjury ambulation status. keyword: Unstable inter-tochanteric fracture; Cemented bipolar; Calcar stem bipolar. Level of evidence: Therapeutic level II.
A Rare Case of Atraumatic Unilateral Isolated Compartment Syndrome of the Peroneal Compartment Leading to Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy
Authors: Tan Jun Guang Kendric , Gunaratne Rajitha , Cooper Geoff
Published: April 2023

Acute Compartment syndrome (ACS) is an orthopaedic surgical emergency with very poor prognosis when left untreated. The majority of cases are preceded by trauma, but importantly there is a small percentage of patients presenting with non-traumatic causes. Although rare with only two other case reports describing non-traumatic, spontaneous compartment syndrome of the peroneal compartment, the complications are equally devastating. We report a 67-year-old female with a history of Factor V Leiden, pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was seen by orthopaedic surgery six weeks after acute onset right leg pain with associated foot-drop. Her symptoms were initially managed by a medical team as she had no history of trauma and no fractures were evident on plain radiographs. This was on a background of severe bilateral knee osteoarthritis, chronic bilateral lower leg pain and neurogenic claudication for the preceding six months. Given her atypical presentation with confounding comorbidities, she was admitted under the medical team for further investigations instead of urgent fasciotomy. As orthopaedics was not involved in the acute phase of her symptoms, a non-surgical approach was taken. MRI right knee and calf six weeks after onset of symptoms were suggestive of sequela of compartment syndrome isolated to the peroneal compartment. This scan showed myonecrosis in this compartment as well as denervation myopathy of the anterior compartment. Over the next twelve months, there was resolution of leg pain and gradual progression of a positive tinel’s sign from the fibular head to anterior shin with associated return of some ankle range of movement and power. Given the atraumatic presentation and patient risk factors, we believe she suffered a venous thrombotic event at the popliteal trifurcation leading to a subacute compartment syndrome of the peroneal compartment. Swelling of the compartment led to compression of the deep peroneal nerve, causing denervation of the anterior compartment. This is of interest given the rarity of such presentations, and will serve as a timely reminder for non-traumatic causes of ACS. Keywords: Compartment syndrome, non-traumatic, Factor V Leiden, common peroneal nerve palsy.
Outcomes of Cephalomedullary Nailing in The Treatment of Extracapsular Proximal Femur Fractures and Factors Affecting it
Authors: Sodhai Vivek , Holambe Meghraj , Pradhan Chetan , Patil Atul , Puram Chetan , Sancheti Parag , Shyam Ashok
Published: April 2023

Indroduction: Cephalomedullary nailing (CMN) has become popular in treatment of extracapsular proximal femur fractures due to its mechanical advantages. This study aims to analyse the functional outcomes of the same and factors affecting it. Material and Methods: 140 prospective cases of extracapsular proximal femur fractures were treated with CMN between October 2016 and October 2017 with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Patients were clinically assessed with range of motion, weight bearing status, Harris hip score (HHS) and Short form (SF)-36 score. Radiologically, fracture reduction, change in neck shaft angle (NSA) and neck length ratio in comparison to unaffected hip. Results: 140 patients, 52 had excellent while 88 had good HHS. Patient in age group 20-40 had an average HHS of 87.79, 40-60 age group had an average HHS of 87.41, while patients in age group > 60 years had an average HHS of 87.63. Patients achieved average full weight bearing at 9.94 ± 2.76 weeks (p-value 0.578). Change in the neck shaft angle (NSA) was statistically significant in the immediate post-operative and at 1-year radiographs (p-value <0.001). Comparison of neck length ratio between affected and unaffected hip showed no statistical difference. There was no significant difference in function, range of motion and HHS in males (88.51 ± 2.72) compared with females (87.61 ± 2.98) (p-value 0.082). There was no significant association between occurrence of limp with change in NSA and neck length ratio (all p values >0.05). 6 complications occurred (1 peri-implant fracture, 2 surgical site infections and 3 cases of helical blade migration). Conclusion: CMN gives excellent functional outcomes in all AO types A1, A2, A3 irrespective of age and sex with early mobilisation, full weight bearing and better functional range of movement. Limp occurred independant of change in NSA and neck length ratio. Keywords: Extracapsular proximal femur fractures; Cephalomedullary nailing; Unstable intertrochanteric fractures; Reverse oblique fractures..