bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simplistic and Cost-Effective Design for Real-World Development of an Ambient Assisted Living System for Fall Detection and Indoor Localization: Proof-of-Concept
Authors: Thakur Nirmalya , Han Chia Y.
Published: August 2022

Falls, highly common in the constantly increasing global aging population, can have a variety of negative effects on their health, well-being, and quality of life, including restricting their capabilities to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs), which are crucial for one’s sustenance. Timely assistance during falls is highly necessary, which involves tracking the indoor location of the elderly during their diverse navigational patterns associated with different activities to detect the precise location of a fall. With the decreasing caregiver population on a global scale, it is important that the future of intelligent living environments can detect falls during ADLs while being able to track the indoor location of the elderly in the real world. Prior works in these fields have several limitations, such as the lack of functionalities to detect falls and indoor locations in a simultaneous manner, high cost of implementation, complicated design, the requirement of multiple hardware components for deployment, and the necessity to develop new hardware for implementation, which make the wide-scale deployment of such technologies challenging. To address these challenges, this work proposes a cost-effective and simplistic design paradigm for an ambient assisted living system that can capture multimodal components of user behaviors during ADLs that are necessary for performing fall detection and indoor localization in a simultaneous manner in the real-world. Proof-of-concept results from real-world experiments are presented to uphold the effective working of the system. The findings from two comparative studies with prior works in this field are also presented to uphold the novelty of this work. The first comparative study shows how the proposed system outperforms prior works in the areas of indoor localization and fall detection in terms of the effectiveness of its software design and hardware design. The second comparative study shows that the cost of the development of this system is the lowest as compared to prior works in these fields, which involved real-world development of the underlining systems, thereby upholding its cost-effective nature.
New Cretaceous Bugs from Northeastern China Imply the Systematic Position of Pachymeridiidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: Dai Rui , Du Sile , Ren Dong , Yao Yunzhi
Published: August 2022

Varicapitatus sinuolatus gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Yixian Formation of Northeastern China. Based on the new specimens, this study discusses the morphological characteristics and taxonomic position of Pachymeridiidae: Pachymeridiidae belongs to Pentatomomorpha and is more closely related to Lygaeoidea. In Heteroptera, the costal fracture of the forewing is a homoplastic characteristic, already evolved independently several times among most taxa before the Early Cretaceous. The pulvillus under the claw in Pentatomomorpha is also a homoplastic characteristic. In Pachymeridiidae, the forewing costal fracture and absence of pulvillus can be recognized as an independent evolution or convergence, implying that pachymeridiids may have different flight and crawling behaviors distinct from other Pentatomomorpha groups.
First Member of ‘Higher Endomychidae’ (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea) from the Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Myanmar and New Insights into the Time of Origin of the Handsome Fungus Beetles
Authors: Tomaszewska Wioletta , Szawaryn Karol , Arriaga-Varela Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

A new genus and species of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea): Cretostenotarsus striatus Tomaszewska, Szawaryn and Arriaga-Varela gen. et sp. nov. are described, diagnosed and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. To test the systematic placement of the new extinct genus and species within the family, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. A dataset of 38 morphological characters scored for 29 species (including the new fossil taxon), members of Endomychidae sensu stricto and representatives of Coccinelloidea as outgroups were analyzed using maximum parsimony. The results of the analysis indicate unequivocally that Cretostenotarsus striatus is a member of the Stenotarsus clade within a monophyletic ‘endomychine complex’ sensu Robertson et al. (2015), which corresponds to ‘Higher Endomychidae’ sensu Tomaszewska (2005). The present discovery confirms at least the Jurassic origin of Coccinelloidea and indicates a much older origin of Endomychidae than previously hypothesized.
Imaging in Hip Arthroplasty Management Part 2: Postoperative Diagnostic Imaging Strategy
Authors: Lombard Charles , Gillet Pierre , Germain Edouard , Boubaker Fatma , Blum Alain , Gondim Teixeira Pedro Augusto , Gillet Romain
Published: August 2022

Hip arthroplasty (HA) is a frequently used procedure with high success rates, but 7% to 27% of the patients complain of persistent postsurgical pain 1 to 4 years post-operation. HA complications depend on the post-operative delay, the type of material used, the patient’s characteristics, and the surgical approach. Radiographs are still the first imaging modality used for routine follow-up, in asymptomatic and painful cases. CT and MRI used to suffer from metallic artifacts but are nowadays central in HA complications diagnosis, both having their advantages and drawbacks. Additionally, there is no consensus on the optimal imaging workup for HA complication diagnosis, which may have an impact on patient management. After a brief reminder about the different types of prostheses, this article reviews their normal and pathologic appearance, according to each imaging modality, keeping in mind that few abnormalities might be present, not anyone requiring treatment, depending on the clinical scenario. A diagnostic imaging workup is also discussed, to aid the therapist in his imaging studies prescription and the radiologist in their practical aspects.
Time to Surgery Does Not Affect Overall or Disease-Free Survival of Patients with Primary Resectable PDAC
Authors: Jacobsen Anne , Hobbs Mirianna , Merkel Susanne , Mittelstädt Anke , Czubayko Franziska , Krautz Christian , Weber Georg F. , Grützmann Robert , Brunner Maximilian
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Delay in therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may contribute to a worse outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of time from diagnosis to surgery in patients undergoing upfront surgery for primarily resectable pancreatic carcinoma. (2) Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 214 patients who underwent primary resection of PDAC from January 2000 to December 2018 at University Hospital Erlangen. Using a minimum p-value approach, patients were stratified according to time to surgery (TtS) into two groups: TtS ≤ 23 days and TtS > 23 days. Postoperative outcome and long-term survival were compared. (3) Results: Median TtS was 25 days. The best cut-off for TtS was determined as 23 days. There were no differences regarding postoperative outcome or overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (OS: 23.8 vs. 20.4 months, p = 0.210, respectively, and DFS: 15.8 vs. 13.6 months, p = 0.187). Multivariate analysis revealed age, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation and resection status as significant independent prognostic predictors for OS and DFS. (4) Conclusions: A delay of surgery > 23 days after first diagnosis does not affect overall or disease-free survival of patients with primary resectable PDAC. However, the psychological impact of a delay to patients waiting for surgery should not be underestimated.
Different Cryotherapy Modalities Demonstrate Similar Effects on Muscle Performance, Soreness, and Damage in Healthy Individuals and Athletes: A Systematic Review with Metanalysis
Authors: Azevedo Klaus Porto , Bastos Júlia Aguillar Ivo , de Sousa Neto Ivo Vieira , Pastre Carlos Marcelo , Durigan Joao Luiz Quagliotti
Published: August 2022

Background: There are extensive studies focusing on non-invasive modalities to recover physiological systems after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and Partial-body cryotherapy (PBC) have been recommended for recovery after EIMD. However, to date, no systematic reviews have been performed to compare their effects on muscle performance and muscle recovery markers. Methods: This systematic review with metanalysis compared the effects of WBC and PBC on muscle performance, muscle soreness (DOMS), and markers of muscular damage following EIMD. We used Pubmed, Embase, PEDro, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as data sources. Two independent reviewers verified the methodological quality of the studies. The studies were selected if they used WBC and PBC modalities as treatment and included muscle performance and muscle soreness (DOMS) as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were creatine kinase and heart rate variability. Results: Six studies with a pooled sample of 120 patients were included. The methodological quality of the studies was moderate, with an average of 4.3 on a 0–10 scale (PEDro). Results: Both cryotherapy modalities induce similar effects without difference between them. Conclusion: WBC and PBC modalities have similar global responses on muscle performance, soreness, and markers of muscle damage.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Pediatric Conditions: An Update of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Posadzki Pawel , Kyaw Bhone Myint , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Ernst Edzard
Published: August 2022

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) continues to be used for a range of diseases in children. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to update our previous systematic review (SR) initially published in 2013 by critically evaluating the evidence for or against this treatment. Methods: Eleven databases were searched (January 2012 to November 2021). Study selection and data extraction: Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of OMT in pediatric patients compared with any type of controls were considered. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used. In addition, the quality of the evidence was rated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: Thirteen trials met the eligibility criteria, of which four could be subjected to a meta-analysis. The findings show that, in preterm infants, OMT has little or no effect on reducing the length of hospital stay (standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.44 to 0.39; very low certainty of evidence) when compared with usual care alone. Only one study (8.3%) was judged to have a low risk of bias and showed no effects of OMT on improving exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month. The methodological quality of RCTs published since 2013 has improved. However, adverse effects remain poorly reported. Conclusions: The quality of the primary trials of OMT has improved during recent years. However, the quality of the totality of the evidence remains low or very low. Therefore, the effectiveness of OMT for selected pediatric populations remains unproven.
Oral Manifestations of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Their Prevalence and Association with Disease Severity
Authors: Binmadi Nada O. , Aljohani Suad , Alsharif Maha T. , Almazrooa Soulafa A. , Sindi Amal M.
Published: August 2022

Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has impacted the world in an unprecedented way since December 2019. SARS-CoV-2 was found in the saliva of patients, and entry points for the virus may have been through the numerous angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors in the oral cavity. Oral manifestations of COVID-19 could contribute to the burden of oral disease. Objective: To determine the prevalence of oral manifestations of COVID-19 in patients and their association with disease severity. Methods: Interviews were conducted with adult participants diagnosed with COVID-19 between October 2021 and March 2022 to document their demographic and health status data, symptoms, and the presence of oral manifestations of COVID-19. Chi-square and the Fisher’s exact test were used to compare data on the presence or absence of oral manifestations of COVID-19. Results: Of 195 participants interviewed, 33% were 18 to 24 years old, 33% were 25 to 34 years old, and 75% were female. A total of 57 (29%) had oral manifestations; the most common were taste disorders (60%), xerostomia (42%), and oral ulcers (11%). There was no relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and the presence of the oral manifestations. Conclusion: Oral manifestations of COVID-19 were common among female patients and linked to certain general COVID-19 symptoms regarding frequency and extent.
Catheter-Associated Urinary Infections and Consequences of Using Coated versus Non-Coated Urethral Catheters—Outcomes of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Gauhar Vineet , Castellani Daniele , Teoh Jeremy , Nedbal Carlotta , Chiacchio Giuseppe , Gabrielson Andrew , Heldwein Flavio , Wroclawski Marcelo , de la Rosette Jean , Donalisio da Silva Rodrigo , Galosi Andrea , Somani Bhaskar
Published: August 2022

Coated urethral catheters were introduced in clinical practice to reduce the risk of catheter-acquired urinary tract infection (CAUTI). We aimed to systematically review the incidence of CAUTI and adverse effects in randomized clinical trials of patients requiring indwelling bladder catheterization by comparing coated vs. non-coated catheters. This review was performed according to the 2020 PRISMA framework. The incidence of CAUTI and catheter-related adverse events was evaluated using the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel method with a random-effects model and reported as the risk ratio (RR), 95% CI, and p-values. Significance was set at p < 0.05 and a 95% CI. Twelve studies including 36,783 patients were included for meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in the CAUTI rate between coated and non-coated catheters (RR 0.87 95% CI 0.75–1.00, p = 0.06). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the risk of CAUTI was significantly lower in the coated group compared with the non-coated group among patients requiring long-term catheterization (>14 days) (RR 0.82 95% CI 0.68–0.99, p = 0.04). There was no difference between the two groups in the incidence of the need for catheter exchange or the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms after catheter removal. The benefit of coated catheters in reducing CAUTI risk among patients requiring long-term catheterization should be balanced against the increased direct costs to health care systems when compared to non-coated catheters.
Metformin, Statin Use, and Female Colorectal Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Shu-Hua , Syu De-Kai , Wang Yu-Chiao , Liu Chih-Kuang , Chen Ming-Chih
Published: August 2022

In the last few years, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in women has gradually increased. However, epidemiological studies on the relationship between type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and female CRC and the effect of metformin or statins on female CRC are insufficient. To determine their association, we conducted a population-based cohort study on women in Taiwan. We collected data on a total of 396,521 women aged 40 to 64 years old from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. We followed up on all participants in the cohort until the occurrence of CRC, the date for all death, or 31 December 2015. Full development of CRC was identified using the International Classification of Disease (ICD), 9th Revision, code 153. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Cox proportional hazards model. Both metformin (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.934–1.335, p = 0.227) and statin (aHR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.906–1.172, p = 0.645) use showed no association with female CRC in a multivariate analysis. The findings indicate that metformin and statin use showed no protective effect against female colorectal cancer (CRC). An additional randomized trial is necessary to investigate the effect of metformin and statin use in CRC prevention.
How Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Pediatric Patients with Intussusception Treated by Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Enema Reduction?
Authors: Yang Min , Gou Ze-Hui , Wang Jun , Liu Ju-Xian , Xiang Bo
Published: August 2022

Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly influenced the epidemiology of intussusception. Nevertheless, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation of ultrasound-guided hydrostatic enema reduction (USGHER) for intussusception have been largely unknown. Methods: The data of pediatric patients with intussusception who were treated by USGHER from January to March of 2019 (Control Group), 2020 (Study Group 1), and 2021 (Study Group 2) in a large Chinese medical institution were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: We enrolled 246 patients, including 90 cases in Control Group, 70 in Study Group 1, and 86 in Study Group 2 (p = 0.042). The time from the onset of symptoms to the hospital visit and the time from the hospital visit to performing the ultrasound in Study Group 1 was significantly longer than that in Control Group and Study Group 2 (p = 0.036, p = 0.031, respectively). The number of patients with bloody stool and the longest invaginated length of intussusception in Study Group 1 increased significantly compared with patients in the other two groups (p = 0.007, p = 0.042, respectively). Comparisons of neither the pressure of enema nor the time of duration when performing USGHER present statistical significance among the three groups (p = 0.091, p = 0.085, respectively). For all enrolled pediatric patients, there was no perforation case involved, and recurrence of intussusception occurred in few cases. Conclusions: Besides the negative impacts on the incidence of intussusception, the COVID-19 pandemic might have led to the diagnostic delay of intussusception and the deterioration of patients’ clinical manifestations, but it did not significantly affect the operation of USGHER and patients’ clinical outcome.
Effect of Ethylene-1-Butene as a Compatibilizer for the Optimization of Wood Flour and Ground Tyre Rubber in Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Mosia Lefika , Phiri Mohau Justice , Garde Kathy , Hlangothi Shanganyane Percy
Published: August 2022

The use of waste materials to make eco-friendly wood-polymer composites has been explored by many researchers for academic and industrial purposes due to the low cost, biodegradability, and availability of waste wood flour. Polypropylene (PP)/ground tyre rubber (GTR)/wood flour (WF) composites were prepared using an internal batch mixer at a temperature of 165 °C for 8 min, and the samples were injection-moulded at 190 °C with a pressure of 6 MPa. The design of the experimental approach was used to determine and optimize the proportions of each component in the composites. The morphology of the untreated composites showed more voids and the agglomeration of fillers, namely WF and GTR, in the PP matrix. Fewer voids, as well as improved distribution, were observed in the compatibilized composites. The incorporation of ethylene-1-butene as a compatibilizer improved the thermal stability and elongation at the break of the composites. The addition of WF increased the elongation at break and decreased the tensile strength of the composites. Overall, the use of statistically designed experiments has aided in attaining the optimum formulations of the wood flour–polymer composites.
Angiogenic Potential of Co-Cultured Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells and Adipose Stromal Cells in Customizable 3D Engineered Collagen Sheets
Authors: Nessbach Philipp , Schwarz Sascha , Becke Tanja D. , Clausen-Schaumann Hauke , Machens Hans-Guenther , Sudhop Stefanie
Published: August 2022

The wound healing process is much more complex than just the four phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. Three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds made of biopolymers or ECM molecules using bioprinting can be used to promote the wound healing process, especially for complex 3D tissue lesions like chronic wounds. Here, a 3D-printed mold has been designed to produce customizable collagen type-I sheets containing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and adipose stromal cells (ASCs) for the first time. In these 3D collagen sheets, the cellular activity leads to a restructuring of the collagen matrix. The upregulation of the growth factors Serpin E1 and TIMP-1 could be demonstrated in the 3D scaffolds with ACSs and HUVECs in co-culture. Both growth factors play a key role in the wound healing process. The capillary-like tube formation of HUVECs treated with supernatant from the collagen sheets revealed the secretion of angiogenic growth factors. Altogether, this demonstrates that collagen type I combined with the co-cultivation of HUVECs and ACSs has the potential to accelerate the process of angiogenesis and, thereby, might promote wound healing.
Measuring Indirect Radiation-Induced Perfusion Change in Fed Vasculature Using Dynamic Contrast CT
Authors: Wuschner Antonia E. , Flakus Mattison J. , Wallat Eric M. , Reinhardt Joseph M. , Shanmuganayagam Dhanansayan , Christensen Gary E. , Bayouth John E.
Published: August 2022

Recent functional lung imaging studies have presented evidence of an “indirect effect” on perfusion damage, where regions that are unirradiated or lowly irradiated but that are supplied by highly irradiated regions observe perfusion damage post-radiation therapy (RT). The purpose of this work was to investigate this effect using a contrast-enhanced dynamic CT protocol to measure perfusion change in five novel swine subjects. A cohort of five Wisconsin Miniature Swine (WMS) were given a research course of 60 Gy in five fractions delivered locally to a vessel in the lung using an Accuray Radixact tomotherapy system with Synchrony motion tracking to increase delivery accuracy. Imaging was performed prior to delivering RT and 3 months post-RT to yield a 28–36 frame image series showing contrast flowing in and out of the vasculature. Using MIM software, contours were placed in six vessels on each animal to yield a contrast flow curve for each vessel. The contours were placed as follows: one at the point of max dose, one low-irradiated (5–20 Gy) branching from the max dose vessel, one low-irradiated (5–20 Gy) not branching from the max dose vessel, one unirradiated (<5 Gy) branching from the max dose vessel, one unirradiated (<5 Gy) not branching from the max dose vessel, and one in the contralateral lung. Seven measurements (baseline-to-baseline time and difference, slope up and down, max rise and value, and area under the curve) were acquired for each vessel’s contrast flow curve in each subject. Paired Student t-tests showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) reductions in the area under the curve in the max dose, and both fed contours indicating an overall reduction in contrast in these regions. Additionally, there were statistically significant reductions observed when comparing pre- and post-RT in slope up and down in the max dose, low-dose fed, and no-dose fed contours but not the low-dose not-fed, no-dose not-fed, or contralateral contours. These findings suggest an indirect damage effect where irradiation of the vasculature causes a reduction in perfusion in irradiated regions as well as regions fed by the irradiated vasculature.
Management of the Two-Week Wait Pathway for Skin Cancer Patients, before and during the Pandemic: Is Virtual Consultation an Option?
Authors: Chiru Maria-Roxana , Hindocha Sandip , Burova Ekaterina , Bejan Gabriel-Cristian , Manea Laura-Maria , Ghilencea Liviu-Nicolae
Published: August 2022

Background: Although telemedicine emerged more than 100 years ago, the recent pandemic underlined the role of remote assessment of different diseases. The diagnoses of cutaneous conditions, especially malignant lesions, have placed significant stress on the fast-track pathway for general practitioners (GPs), dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. The aim of the study was to compare (pre- and during the pandemic) the ability of professionals to face the challenge. Methods: The study was composed of 1943 consecutive patients (mean age 61.9 ± 18.3, 53.8% female) assessed by GPs, face-to-face (988 patients, 50.8%, between October 2019 and March 2020) and by virtual (video/photo) visits (955 patients, 49.2%, between March 2020 and October 2020) for skin lesions, and referred to secondary care via the two-week wait pathway for suspected skin malignancy. Results: The two groups had similar primary skin malignancies identification rates (24.3% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.25). The virtual visits identified squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) better than face-to-face consultations (p = 0.04), but identified basal cell carcinoma less-well (BCC, p = 0.02), whereas malignant melanoma (MM) was equally identified in the two groups (p = 0.13). There was no difference in the median breach time (days) of the two-week wait pathway (12, IQR = 6 vs. 12, IQR = 5, p = 0.16) in the two groups. Virtual assessments (by GPs) of skin lesions suspected of malignancy, and referred via the two-week wait pathway, increased the probability of diagnosing SCC by 42.9% (p = 0.03), while for malignant melanomas, face-to-face and virtual consultations were alike (p = 0.12). Conclusions: The equivalent outcomes in the management of skin cancers (SCC, MM) via the two-week pathway through virtual consultations and face-to-face appointments underline the role of telemedicine as a reliable alternative to face-to-face assessments.
The Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on the Flow in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients—Geometry in Focus
Authors: Racz Agnes Orsolya , Racz Ildiko , Szabo Gabor Tamas , Uveges Aron , Koszegi Zsolt , Penczu Bence , Kolozsvari Rudolf
Published: August 2022

Evaluation of the effect of three dimensional (3D) coronary plaque characteristics derived from two dimensional (2D) invasive angiography images (ICA) on coronary flow determined by TIMI frame count (TFC) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been thoroughly investigated. A total of 71 patients with STEMI, and 73 with NSTEMI were enrolled after primary angioplasty. Pre- and post-PCI TFCs were obtained. From 2D images, 3D reconstruction was performed of the culprit vessel, and multiple plaque parameters were measured. In STEMI, the average post-PCI frame count decreased significantly, resulting in better flow. With regards to 2/3D parameters, no differences were found between the STEMI and NSTEMI groups. The 3D parameters in the subgroup with an increase with at least three frames resulting in worsening post-PCI flow were compared to parameters of the patients with improved or significantly not change flow (delta frame count < 3), and greater minimal luminal diameter and area was found in the worsening (increased) frame group. In STEMI 2/3D, parameters showed no correlation with worsening flow, whereas in NSTEMI, greater minimal luminal diameter and area correlated with decreased flow. We can conclude that certain 2/3D parameters can predict slower flow in ACS, resulting in the use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blocker.
Pharmacogenomics of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lim Sung Ho , Kim Khangyoo , Choi Chang-Ik
Published: August 2022

Precision medicine refers to a highly individualized and personalized approach to patient care. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual’s genomic profile affects their drug response, enabling stable and effective drug selection, minimizing side effects, and maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. It mainly starts in peripheral joints, such as the hands and feet, and progresses to large joints, which causes joint deformation and bone damage due to inflammation of the synovial membrane. Here, we review various pharmacogenetic studies investigating the association between clinical response to monoclonal antibody therapy and their target genetic polymorphisms. Numerous papers have reported that some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are related to the therapeutic response of several monoclonal antibody drugs including adalimumab, infliximab, rituximab, and tocilizumab, which target tumor necrosis factor (TNF), CD20 of B-cells, and interleukin (IL)-6. Additionally, there are some pharmacogenomic studies reporting on the association between the clinical response of monoclonal antibodies having various mechanisms, such as IL-1, IL-17, IL-23, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANK) inhibition. Biological therapies are currently prescribed on a “trial and error” basis for RA patients. If appropriate drug treatment is not started early, joints may deform, and long-term treatment outcomes may worsen. Pharmacogenomic approaches that predict therapeutic responses for RA patients have the potential to significantly improve patient quality of life and reduce treatment costs.
The False Dawn of Polygenic Risk Scores for Human Disease Prediction
Authors: Herzig Anthony F. , Clerget-Darpoux Françoise , Génin Emmanuelle
Published: August 2022

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are being constructed for many diseases and are presented today as a promising avenue in the field of human genetics. These scores aim at predicting the risk of developing a disease by leveraging the many genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted during the two last decades. Important investments are being made to improve score estimates by increasing GWAS sample sizes, by developing more sophisticated methods, and by proposing different corrections for potential biases. PRSs have entered the market with direct-to-consumer companies proposing to compute them from saliva samples and even recently to help parents select the healthiest embryos. In this paper, we recall how PRSs arose and question the credit they are given by revisiting underlying assumptions in light of the history of human genetics and by comparing them with estimated breeding values (EBVs) used for selection in livestock.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions on Pain and Range of Joint Movement Associated with Burn Injuries
Authors: Garrido-Ardila Elisa María , Santos-Domínguez María , Rodríguez-Mansilla Juan , Torres-Piles Silvia Teresa , Rodríguez-Domínguez María Trinidad , González-Sánchez Blanca , Jiménez-Palomares María
Published: August 2022

Background: Burns are mild or severe lesions produced in living tissue, due to the action of different agents. This pathology is considered the third cause of accidental death in the world by the World Health Organization. Among the most disabling sequelae in these patients, pain and range of motion have the greatest impact. A recommended tool to complement the treatment or management of the symptoms associated with burns is virtual reality. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of virtual-reality therapy for pain relief and the improvement of the range of joint movement in patients who have suffered burns. Methodology: This study is a systematic review conducted following the PRISMA statements. An electronic literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Dialnet, Scopus and Science Direct. The inclusion criteria were: participants with burns in any part of the body, interventions with virtual reality with or without complementary treatment, studies in both Spanish and English, and outcome measures of pain and range of motion. Results: Finally, 10 studies were included in the review. The sample consisted of one pilot study, three randomized controlled clinical trials, one prospective randomized controlled clinical trial, one control group and treatment group trial, one interventional clinical trial and three comparative studies. The most commonly used assessment tools for pain were the graphic rating scale (GRS) and for range of motion the goniometer. The use of virtual-reality games significantly reduced pain scores during physiotherapy and occupational therapy treatments as well as in nursing care. The range of motion improved significantly during virtual-reality exercises performed during a physiotherapy treatment in 33% of studies included in this review. Conclusion: The results of the studies analysed in this systematic review suggest that the use of virtual reality for the management of pain and range of movement limitations associated with burn injuries could control these symptoms and decrease their negative consequences on the person.
Social Capital in Neighbourhood Renewal: A Holistic and State of the Art Literature Review
Authors: Li Kaijian , Huang Ruopeng , Liu Guiwen , Shrestha Asheem , Fu Xinyue
Published: August 2022

In the new era of sustainable urban development, neighbourhood renewal has received increasing attention. Social capital, which can be defined as the value embedded in the relationship between residents, plays a significant role in the process of neighbourhood renewal. However, within the current neighbourhood renewal knowledge domain, there is a lack of clear and systematic understanding of the various components that make up social capital, how they are formed, and how they impact neighbourhood renewal. With the rise in neighbourhood renewal projects worldwide, it has become increasingly important to facilitate better knowledge in this area. To this end, this study focuses on filling this knowledge gap. First, based on the review of 84 journal papers related to social capital in neighbourhood renewal, a research framework is developed for analysing social capital in the context of neighbour renewal. Using this framework as a lens, a critical review of the literature is then conducted. Finally, through an in-depth discussion, this study presents the main concepts of social capital, its formulation and its association with neighbourhood renewal. This review paper can be used as an important reference for researchers globally interested in the topic of social capital in neighbourhood renewal.
Docking and Molecular Dynamics Study to Identify Novel Phytobiologics from Dracaena trifasciata against Metabolic Reprogramming in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ahmed Shanzay , John Peter , Paracha Rehan Zafar , Bhatti Attya , Guma Monica
Published: August 2022

Enhancement of glycolysis and glutaminolysis are the two most common modalities associated with metabolic reprogramming in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This enhancement is concomitant to the upregulation of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and glutaminase 1 (GLS1). Hence, the current study was undertaken to identify potential phytobiological inhibitors against HK2 and GLS1, from Dracaena (Sansevieria) trifasciata, an indigenous ethnomedicinal plant found in Pakistan, using computational analysis. Phytobiologics from Dracaena trifasciata were assessed for their ability to co-inhibit HK2 and GLS1 via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The results underscored seven phytobiologics with promising binding affinities for both HK2 and GLS1. Molecular dynamics simulations further elucidated that all seven identified phytobiologics inhibited HK2 by forming stable complexes but only five amongst the seven had the potential to form stable complexes with GLS1 in real time, thereby implying the potential of co-inhibition for these five compounds. Compound 28MS exhibited an equally strong binding profile for both HK2 (−8.19 kcal/mol) and GLS1 (−8.99 kcal/mol). Furthermore, it exhibited a similar trend in stability during simulation for both targets. Our results serve as a primer for a more lucid understanding towards co-inhibition of HK2 and GLS1 using multiple computational approaches. The identified phytobiologics should undergo in-vitro and in-vivo validation to corroborate their therapeutic potential in RA.
Regulation of Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal
Authors: Chen Guofang , Yin Shasha , Zeng Hongliang , Li Haisen , Wan Xiaoping
Published: August 2022

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are a type of cells capable of self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation. The self-renewal of ESCs is regulated by factors including signaling pathway proteins, transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, cytokines, and small molecular compounds. Similarly, non-coding RNAs, small RNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) also play an important role in the process. Functionally, the core transcription factors interact with helper transcription factors to activate the expression of genes that contribute to maintaining pluripotency, while suppressing the expression of differentiation-related genes. Additionally, cytokines such as leukemia suppressor factor (LIF) stimulate downstream signaling pathways and promote self-renewal of ESCs. Particularly, LIF binds to its receptor (LIFR/gp130) to trigger the downstream Jak-Stat3 signaling pathway. BMP4 activates the downstream pathway and acts in combination with Jak-Stat3 to promote pluripotency of ESCs in the absence of serum. In addition, activation of the Wnt-FDZ signaling pathway has been observed to facilitate the self-renewal of ESCs. Small molecule modulator proteins of the pathway mentioned above are widely used in in vitro culture of stem cells. Multiple epigenetic regulators are involved in the maintenance of ESCs self-renewal, making the epigenetic status of ESCs a crucial factor in this process. Similarly, non-coding RNAs and cellular energetics have been described to promote the maintenance of the ESC’s self-renewal. These factors regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of ESCs by forming signaling networks. This review focused on the role of major transcription factors, signaling pathways, small molecular compounds, epigenetic regulators, non-coding RNAs, and cellular energetics in ESC’s self-renewal.
The Role of Mitochondrial Mutations in Chronification of Inflammation: Hypothesis and Overview of Own Data
Authors: Orekhov Alexander N. , Nikiforov Nikita G. , Omelchenko Andrey V. , Sinyov Vasily V. , Sobenin Igor A. , Vinokurov Andrey Y. , Orekhova Varvara A.
Published: August 2022

Chronic human diseases, especially age-related disorders, are often associated with chronic inflammation. It is currently not entirely clear what factors are responsible for the sterile inflammatory process becoming chronic in affected tissues. This process implies impairment of the normal resolution of the inflammatory response, when pro-inflammatory cytokine production ceases and tissue repair process begins. The important role of the mitochondria in the correct functioning of innate immune cells is currently well recognized, with mitochondrial signals being an important component of the inflammatory response regulation. In this work, we propose a hypothesis according to which mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations may play a key role in rendering certain cells prone to prolonged pro-inflammatory activation, therefore contributing to chronification of inflammation. The affected cells become sites of constant pro-inflammatory stimulation. The study of the distribution of atherosclerotic lesions on the surface of the arterial wall samples obtained from deceased patients revealed a focal distribution of lesions corresponding to the distribution of cells with altered morphology that are affected by mtDNA mutations. These observations support the proposed hypothesis and encourage further studies.
The Outcome of Surgical Treatment for the Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Lesions—A Single-Center Study
Authors: Bobirca Florin , Smarandache Catalin Gabriel , Bobirca Anca , Alexandru Cristina , Dumitrescu Dan , Stoian Anca Pantea , Bica Cristina , Brinduse Lacramioara Aurelia , Musetescu Anca , Gheoca-Mutu Daniela-Elena , Isac Sebastian , Ancuta Ioan
Published: August 2022

The prevalence of diabetic foot complications is continuously increasing as diabetes has become one of the most important “epidemics” of our time. The main objective of this study was to describe the appropriate surgical intervention for the complicated neuropathic diabetic foot; the secondary goal was to find the risk factors associated with minor/major amputation and good or adverse surgical outcomes. This is an observational, retrospective study conducted between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2019, which included 251 patients from the General Surgery Department at the Dr I. Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital in Bucharest with type II diabetes mellitus and neuropathic diabetic foot complications. The surgical conditions identified at admission were the following: osteitis (38.6%), infected foot ulcer (27.5%), gangrene (20.7%), infected Charcot foot (3.6%), non-healing wound (3.6%), necrosis (3.2%), and granulated wound (2.8%). We found that a minor surgical procedure (transmetatarsal amputation of the toe and debridement) was performed in 85.8% of cases, and only 14.2% needed major amputations. Osteitis was mainly associated with minor surgery (p = 0.001), while the gangrene and the infected Charcot foot were predictable for major amputation, with OR = 2.230, 95% CI (1.024–4.857) and OR = 5.316, 95% CI (1.354–20.877), respectively. Admission anemia and diabetic nephropathy were predictive of a major therapeutical approach, with p = 0.011, OR = 2.975, 95% CI (1.244–8.116) and p = 0.001, OR = 3.565, 95% CI (1.623–7.832), respectively. All the major amputations had a good outcome, while only several minor surgeries were interpreted as the adverse outcome (n = 24). Osteitis (45.8%) and admission anemia (79.2%) were more frequently associated with adverse outcomes, with p = 0.447 and p = 0.054, respectively. The complicated neuropathic diabetic foot requires a surgical procedure mainly associated with a good outcome.
eHealthResp, a Digital Intervention to Improve Antibiotic Prescribing in Respiratory Infections: A Pilot Study
Authors: Silva Tânia Magalhães , Estrela Marta , Magalhães Sandra , Simões Catarina , Cachim Afonso , Costa Tainá , Crexinski Gabriella , Almeida Margarida Pisco , Figueiras Adolfo , Roque Fátima , Herdeiro Maria Teresa
Published: August 2022

The emergence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the most serious public health threats worldwide. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is considered the main determinant for the increase and development of ABR, contributing to a greater risk of therapeutic ineffectiveness, particularly within primary care context. Therefore, this pilot study aims to raise awareness and promote an adequate antibiotic use among physicians, through the evaluation of the eHealthResp platform, a digital intervention composed by an online course and a mobile application, to aid in the management of respiratory tract infections. The global validation of the eHealthResp platform was carried out by 12 physicians who explored and performed a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the contents of the online course and mobile app. The global evaluation of the analyzed parameters was very positive, with the highest median scores being attributed to adequacy, correction, format, and trust of the eHealthResp platform. The qualitative feedback enhanced the contents’ relevance, clarity, and consolidation, as well as the effectiveness of the educational intervention against ABR. Overall, this study revealed that the eHealthResp may be regarded as an important e-health tool for the management of respiratory tract infections and improvement of antibiotic prescription practices among physicians.
Comment on Eschweiler et al. Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Loads of the Wrist Joint. Life 2022, 12, 188
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Afonso Jose
Published: August 2022

We have read ‘Anatomy, biomechanics and loads of the wrist joint’ [...]
Drug Delivery Systems with a “Tumor-Triggered” Targeting or Intracellular Drug Release Property Based on DePEGylation
Authors: Ren Zhe , Liao Tao , Li Cao , Kuang Ying
Published: August 2022

Coating nanosized anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs) with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the so-called PEGylation, has been proven an effective method to enhance hydrophilicity, aqueous dispersivity, and stability of DDSs. What is more, as PEG has the lowest level of protein absorption of any known polymer, PEGylation can reduce the clearance of DDSs by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) and prolong their blood circulation time in vivo. However, the “stealthy” characteristic of PEG also diminishes the uptake of DDSs by cancer cells, which may reduce drug utilization. Therefore, dynamic protection strategies have been widely researched in the past years. Coating DDSs with PEG through dynamic covalent or noncovalent bonds that are stable in blood and normal tissues, but can be broken in the tumor microenvironment (TME), can achieve a DePEGylation-based “tumor-triggered” targeting or intracellular drug release, which can effectively improve the utilization of drugs and reduce their side effects. In this review, the stimuli and methods of “tumor-triggered” targeting or intracellular drug release, based on DePEGylation, are summarized. Additionally, the targeting and intracellular controlled release behaviors of the DDSs are briefly introduced.
High-Torque Electric Machines: State of the Art and Comparison
Authors: Alibeik Maryam , dos Santos Euzeli C.
Published: August 2022

The state of the art of high-torque electric motors has been reviewed in this paper. This paper presents a literature review of high-torque density electric machines based on their airgap classifications, which brings a unique consideration to new design ideas to increase torque density. Electric machines are classified into three main groups based on their airgap configuration, i.e., (1) machines with a constant airgap, (2) machines with a variable airgap, and (3) machines with an eccentric airgap. This paper also presents the modeling of a high-torque airgap-less electric motor based on the concept of eccentric airgap. The torque density of this motor has been compared to motors available in the literature review. Among electrical motors with no permanent-magnet, airgap-less electric motors take the lead in terms of torque density, which is almost five times greater than the next motor, “in-wheel for electric vehicle”.