bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire reaction and post-fire impact properties of flax fibre reinforced composites containing intumescent flame retardants
Authors: Kim NK , Bhattacharyya D
Published: February 2023

The current research aims at investigating the fire reaction and post-fire impact characteristics of flax fibre reinforced composites based on different polymer matrices, such as epoxy resin and polypropylene (PP). The effects of stacking sequences of polymer sheets and flax fabrics within the composites are explored by a cone calorimeter. Heat release and smoke production results indicate that a top surface and number of flame-retardant polymer layers played significant roles in determining the fire reaction properties. Furthermore, post-fire impact properties of flax-epoxy and flax-PP composites depending on burning periods are analysed in this study at the first time. A fully instrumented drop-weight impact testing demonstrates that an increase in heat exposure time led a gradual decrease in impact properties of the composites due to fire-induced damages on fibres and polymers. However, pre-melting and re-consolidation of PP are beneficial to have higher impact energy and force of the flax-PP composite over those of the flax-epoxy counterpart. In addition, the char formation of composites due to intumescent flame retardant enhances the fire reaction properties of composites, whereas there is no significant influence on the post-fire impact characteristics due to highly brittle nature of carbonaceous char.
When and Where Do Home Values Increase in Response to Planned Light Rail Construction?
Authors: Peng Qiong , Knaap Gerrit
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the effects of an investment in light rail transit on single-family property values in Montgomery County, Maryland, with a focus on when and where such capitalization takes place and with intent to inform efforts to promote equitable transit-oriented development. We employ both hedonic price and repeat-sales estimation techniques to assure the results are robust. The findings indicate that housing prices, after the light rail transit went into the engineering phase, rose with proximity to anticipated new rail stations but not with proximity to existing metro stations. For planners and policymakers and advocates in Montgomery County, the results provide critical information about where and when value capture and anti-displacement policies are most needed and potentially effective.
Expanding Sanctuary: The City of Sanctuary Movement in London
Authors: Paul Oska
Published: February 2023

The City of Sanctuary (CoS) in the United Kingdom aims to create a culture of welcome for asylum seekers and refugees. This is a politically limited approach because it overlooks the effects of other hostile immigration policies. The emergence of the sanctuary movement as ‘Boroughs of Sanctuary’ (BoS) in London brings these shortcomings into sharp focus, as many residents have other precarious immigration statuses. This article examines the extent to which the Lewisham and Southwark BoS initiatives have successfully negotiated and reconfigured sanctuary at a local level to address this urban complexity. In doing so, it engages with different actors, institutions and factions involved in building sanctuary. While the CoS’ exclusionary politics of asylum is still being reproduced in many ways, people with precarious immigration status are co-opting and reconfiguring the sanctuary framework in ways that expand the asylum-oriented focus of the movement and address the broader violence of the hostile environment.
Serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1 modulates mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocytes by regulating Hippo pathway via Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 4 type 2
Authors: Zou Zongyi , Zhao Tingting , Zeng Zhu , An Yuan
Published: February 2023

Doxorubicin (Dox) was reported to cause mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes, leading to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ultimately heart failure. Serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) participates in the progression of various cardiovascular diseases. Thus, we aimed to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of SGK1 in Dox-induced cardiomyocyte injury. The expression of SGK1 was evaluated in blood samples of heart failure children, and in myocardial tissues and blood samples of Dox-induced rats. Subsequently, we treated cardiomyocytes with Dox in vitro. A gain-of-function assay was performed to assess the effects of SGK1 on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in Dox-induced cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the modulation of SGK1 on Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 4 type 2 (NEDD4-2) expression and the subsequent Hippo pathway was validated. In our study, we found that SGK1 was downregulated in blood samples of heart failure children, as well as myocardial tissues and blood samples of Dox-induced rats. SGK1 overexpression alleviated the decreases of mitochondrial complex activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and ATP synthetase activity stimulated by Dox. Besides, SGK1 overexpression reversed the promoting effects of Dox on oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mechanistically, SGK1 overexpression inhibited the expression of NEDD4-2 and blocked the subsequent activation of Hippo pathway. NEDD4-2 overexpression or activation of Hippo reversed the protective effects of SGK1 overexpression on Dox-induced cardiomyocyte injury. In conclusion, our results revealed that SGK1 modulated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in Dox-induced cardiomyocytes by regulating Hippo pathway via NEDD4-2.
Clinical Outcomes by Consolidation of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Yinhao , Yang Ziying , Shao Lianbo , Shen Han , Teng Xiaomei , Chen Yihuan , Ding Yinglong , Fan Jiaming , Yu You , Shen Zhenya
Published: February 2023

Bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) transplantation during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is an innovative treatment for ischemic heart disease (IHD). We conduct a meta-analysis to examine whether patients with IHD presenting heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) can be beneficent from CABG with additional BMSC transplantation. Electronic searches were performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception to July 2021. The efficacy was based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi), left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi), and 6-min walk test (6MWT) change after treatment. Eight randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 350 patients. Results showed BMSC transplantation significantly improved the LVEF [mean difference (MD) = 6.23%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.22%–9.24%, P < 0.0001], LVEDVi (MD = −20.15 ml/m2, 95% CI: −30.49 to −9.82 ml/m2, P < 0.00001), and LVESVi (MD = −17.69 ml/m2, 95% CI: −25.24 to −10.14 ml/m2, P < 0.00001). There was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of LVEDD, LVEDV, and 6MWT between the cell transplantation group and control groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that the intervention for control group could affect the efficacy of BMSC transplantation. Sensitivity analysis found the conclusion of LVEDD, LVEDV, and 6MWT changes was not stable. Therefore, among patients with IHD presenting HFrEF, BMSC transplantation during CABG is promising to be beneficial for postoperative left ventricular (LV) function improvement. However, according to the unstable results of the sensitivity analysis, it cannot be concluded whether the extra step has a positive effect on left ventricular remodeling and exercise capacity. RCTs with larger cohorts and more strict protocols are needed to validate these conclusions.
Human Menstrual Blood–Derived Endometrial Stem Cells Promote Functional Recovery by Improving the Inflammatory Microenvironment in a Mouse Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Shi Yaping , Liu Yunfei , Zhang Bichao , Li Xiaoying , Lin Juntang , Yang Ciqing
Published: February 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury of the central nervous system. Because neurons are damaged and difficult to regenerate after SCI, its repair remains challenging. However, recent research on stem cell therapy have favored its use after SCI. In this study, based on the establishment of a mouse SCI model, human menstrual blood–derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) were intrathecally injected to explore the role and molecular mechanism of MenSCs in SCI. MenSCs were transplanted following SCI in the animal model, and behavioral evaluations showed that MenSC transplantation improved functional recovery. Therefore, samples were collected after 7 days, and transcriptome sequencing was performed. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that SCI is closely related to immune system processes. After transplantation of MenSCs, the immune response was significantly activated. In the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, MenSC transplantation was found to be closely related to Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell differentiation pathways. Neuronal damage and glial cell proliferation and activation in the different groups were detected by fluorescence immunohistochemistry and Western blotting 7 days after SCI. Simultaneously, the activation of different types of microglia was detected and the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors was quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that MenSC transplantation and sonic hedgehog (Shh)–induced MenSCs accelerated neuronal recovery at the injured site, inhibited the formation of glial cells and microglial activation at the injured site, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, and improved the inflammatory microenvironment to achieve functional recovery of SCI. This study provides an experimental basis for the study of the role and molecular mechanism of MenSCs in SCI repair, and a reference for the role of Shh-induced MenSCs in SCI repair.
The Role of Salivary C-Reactive Protein in Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Abed Neveen Tawfik , Behiry Eman Gamal , El-Aty Basima Fawzy Abd
Published: February 2023

Background

Neonatal sepsis remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among neonates.

Objective

to evaluate the role of salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) as a diagnostic marker in neonatal sepsis.

Methods

This case-control study was carried out on 90 neonates including 45 neonates with symptoms and signs suggestive of neonatal sepsis and 45 healthy neonates as controls. All neonates were subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations including complete blood count (CBC), serum CRP, blood culture, and salivary CRP.

Results

Septic neonates showed significantly higher salivary CRP compared to controls; it was significantly associated with positive serum CRP, blood culture, and hematological scoring system (HSS). It was significantly higher in neonates who died compared to those who survived. Twenty one cases with positive salivary CRP showed significant positive correlations with the length of the neonatal intensive care unit stay, total white blood cell (WBC) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR), serum CRP, HSS, significant negative correlations with gestational age, birth weight, APGAR at 1, 5 min, and platelet count. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for salivary CRP showed that at cut-off value of 0.135 mg/L, the sensitivity was (81.8%) and the specificity was (75.6%) for detecting neonatal sepsis.

Conclusion

Salivary CRP was significantly higher in the septic group, and was associated with positive serum CRP. Hence, salivary CRP could be considered a novel non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing neonatal sepsis.
Validation of a predictive model for hospital-acquired acute kidney injury with emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: McAdams Meredith C , Xu Pin , Li Michael , Gregg L Parker , Saleh Sameh N , Ostrosky-Frid Mauricio , Willett Duwayne L , Velasco Ferdinand , Lehmann Christoph U , Hedayati S Susan
Published: February 2023

We previously developed and validated a model to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and found that the variables with the highest importance included a history of chronic kidney disease and markers of inflammation. Here, we assessed model performance during periods when COVID-19 cases were attributable almost exclusively to individual variants. Electronic Health Record data were obtained from patients admitted to 19 hospitals. The outcome was hospital-acquired AKI. The model, previously built in an Inception Cohort, was evaluated in Delta and Omicron cohorts using model discrimination and calibration methods. A total of 9104 patients were included, with 5676 in the Inception Cohort, 2461 in the Delta cohort, and 967 in the Omicron cohort. The Delta Cohort was younger with fewer comorbidities, while Omicron patients had lower rates of intensive care compared with the other cohorts. AKI occurred in 13.7% of the Inception Cohort, compared with 13.8% of Delta and 14.4% of Omicron (Omnibus p = 0.84). Compared with the Inception Cohort (area under the curve (AUC): 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–0.80), the model showed stable discrimination in the Delta (AUC: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.75–0.80, p = 0.89) and Omicron (AUC: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.70–0.79, p = 0.37) cohorts. Estimated calibration index values were 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01–0.07) for Inception, 0.08 (95% CI: 0.05–0.17) for Delta, and 0.12 (95% CI: 0.04–0.47) for Omicron cohorts, p = 0.10 for both Delta and Omicron vs Inception. Our model for predicting hospital-acquired AKI remained accurate in different COVID-19 variants, suggesting that risk factors for AKI have not substantially evolved across variants.
Challenges and Lessons Learned Conducting a Formative Evaluation of a Multicomponent Care Delivery Intervention
Authors: Keith Rosalind E. , Heitkamp Shannon , Little Jasmine , Peebles Victoria , Sarwar Rumin , Petersen Dana M. , O’Malley Ann S.
Published: February 2023

Formative evaluation provides stakeholders with timely feedback to support an intervention's improvement during implementation to maximize its effectiveness. We describe the qualitative methods that guided one study within a formative evaluation of a multicomponent care delivery intervention. We then describe the challenges and lessons learned that emerged from this study, organizing them by the study's four overarching challenges: (1) addressing multiple research questions, (2) working with a large interdisciplinary team, (3) triangulating qualitative results with quantitative results, and (4) studying implementation in real-world delivery settings. Overall, the evaluation generated important findings to support improvement of the intervention during implementation. We hope that sharing the lessons learned will increase the rigor and efficiency with which formative evaluations of complex care delivery interventions are conducted and the likelihood that they will improve implementation in real time. We also hope the lessons learned will enhance the satisfaction of the researchers working on these evaluations.
Decolonizing Community Development Evaluation in Rakhine State, Myanmar
Authors: Kelly Leanne M. , Htwe Phyo Pyae Thida (aka Sophia)
Published: February 2023

This paper unpacks our efforts as external evaluators to work toward decolonizing our evaluation practice. Undertaking this writing exercise as a form of reflective practice demonstrated that decolonization is much more complex than simply translating materials, organizing locals to collect data, and building participants’ capacity around Western modalities. While this complexity is clear in the decolonization literature, practice-based examples that depict barriers and thought processes are rarely presented. Through this paper, we deconstruct our deeply held beliefs around what constitutes good evaluation to assess the effectiveness of our decolonizing approach. Through sharing our critical consciousness-raising dialoguing, this paper reports our progress thus far and provides information and provocations to support others attempting to decolonize their practice.
The economic burden of diseases in the Nordic countries: A systematic review
Authors: Mayntz Stephan Krog , Peronard Cecilie Rose Fossar , Søgaard Jes , Chang Angela Y.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Economic burden studies can provide insights into the drivers leading to increasing healthcare costs. It can also provide a more holistic view of how diseases impact the welfare of patients and their families. Having concrete estimates of the economic burden across multiple diseases can help policymakers determine which diseases are economically more burdensome. This study aimed to review and summarise comprehensively economic burden studies across multiple diseases in the Nordic countries between 2000 and 2020.

Methods:

According to the 2020 PRISMA statement, a systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Premier and Global Health databases using key terms related to the economic burden of any disease in Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Grey literature was also reviewed.

Results:

A total of 10,050 potential titles and abstracts were identified and screened, and 254 full-text papers that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated by two independent reviewers. Of these, 119 articles were included in a qualitative synthesis. Twenty-nine had clearly defined comparison groups, thus able to attribute the costs to the disease. Large variations concerning methodology and cost components were noted. Across diseases, the economic burden ranged from EUR 1668 per patient annually for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to EUR 93,041 for multiple sclerosis. However, estimates varied widely, even within each disease.

Conclusions:

Our review highlights the need for more comparable economic burden studies. Future studies should focus on applying robust methodology and homogeneous cost-reporting methods to inform policymakers about which diseases are economically more burdensome.
“For free and useless studies”: Critical reflections on the end of work and study
Authors: Marie Shippen Nichole
Published: February 2023

Revisiting Gorz’s Destroy the University (1970) offers an opportunity to analyze the community college as situated between the factory (vocational) and the prison (formal education’s “other”) in the United States. College administrators increasingly require economic rationality to justify the continued existence of liberal arts, humanities, and social science programs at community colleges or risk being eliminated as “useless.” Most community college students are first generation, full-time students, workers, and often parenting students. They face severe time constraints, which are under-theorized and under-politicized to their own detriment. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled most people, including students, to transform previously private spaces to public spaces to accommodate work, school, and care-giving responsibilities. As a result, spatial and temporal distinctions between these different modes of being collapsed, allowing economic rationality to inform the most intimate settings of home; a Gorzian nightmare. In this article, I bring Gorz’s “Destroy the University” into conversation with his Critique of Economic Reason to examine how economic rationality functions within the community college with special attention to the acceleration of study in relation to Complete College America’s “15 to Finish” program at LaGuardia Community College, CUNY.
Female Student Participation in Recreational Activities: A Study of Facilities Availability and Its Influencing Factors in Nigerian Northern University
Authors: Agbabiaka Hafeez Idowu , Doguwa Maryam Ayuba , Ukpong Edidiong
Published: February 2023

Bayero University is located in the northern region of the country, where the level of disparity between the male and female genders is high. Hence, this study examined female student participation in recreational activities. Data were obtained through questionnaire administration on female students. Information obtained from the center of information technology revealed 9,685 registered female students across 11 faculties. A total of 291 respondents were selected for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that recreation facilities are abundantly provided in the University, and most students are aware of their existence. The study further revealed that female students participate less in sporting activities except for jogging, walking, listening to music, and reading. The reason why female students participate in recreation includes: Getting exercise (SPI = 4.41), Keep physically fit (SPI = 4.39), Educational/research (SPI = 4.38), Improving physical, and emotional health (SPI = 4.29), Developing skill/ability (SPI = 4.08), Boredom (SPI = 3.99), and Minimize stress (SPI = 3.77). Based on further findings, the factors influencing female student participation in recreation include facility safety (accounting for 47% variance) and demographics (accounting for 44.2% variance).
A scheduling optimization method for stacker path in double-ended compact storage system
Authors: Yan Qing , Lu Jiansha , Shao Yiping , Xu Lili , Ren Chenhao
Published: February 2023

Given the low space usage rate of the traditional automated storage/retrieval system and the long aisle, it is easy for a stacker to take a long time to enter/leave the warehouse. Thus, a new type of double-ended compact storage system is proposed. This paper addresses the scheduling problem for the stacker to execute the single and dual commands mixed tasks in the system where the I/O ports are located at both ends of the aisle, and the power conveyor devices on the rack can meet the requirement of multi-depth storage and generate displacement. An improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm (ISFLA) is developed for the scheduling problem. In order to eliminate the disadvantages of local optimum and slow convergence in the standard shuffled frog leaping algorithm, a set of hybrid perturbation update methods are designed based on a role model learning strategy, and the feasibility of the improved algorithm is verified by a numerical simulation. The experimental results show that the solution quality and the convergence ability of the ISFLA are significantly improved, and it can effectively solve the stacker-scheduling problem in the double-ended compact storage system.
Trends in the incidence, surgical management and outcomes of type B aortic dissections in Australia over the last decade
Authors: Barry Ian P , Seto Khay , Norman Paul E , Ritter Jens C
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of surgical repair for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) in Australia.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Australasian Vascular Audit (AVA) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The former is a total practice audit mandated for all members of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery (ANZSVS) while the latter is an independent government agency which records all healthcare data in Australia. All cases of TBAD which underwent surgical intervention (endovascular or open repair) between 2010 and 2019 were identified using prospectively recorded data from the AVA (New Zealand data was excluded). The primary outcomes were temporal trends in procedures and hospital mortality; secondary outcomes were complications and risk factors for mortality. All admissions and procedures for, and hospital deaths from, TBAD in Australia were identified in AIHW datasets using the relevant diagnosis and procedure codes, with age-standardized rates calculated for the period 2000–01 to 2018–19.

Results

A total of 567 cases of TBAD underwent vascular surgical intervention (AVA data, Australia). Of these, 96.3% were treated by endovascular repair. There was an increase in the annual procedure number from 45 in 2010 to 88 in 2019. In-hospital mortality was 4.8% for endovascular repair and 19% for open repair ( p = 0.021). From 2000-01 to 2018-19, the age-standardized procedure rates for TBAD (Australia) doubled, the proportion of admitted patients undergoing a procedure rose from 28% to 43%, and in-hospital deaths fell by 25%.

Conclusion

There has been an increasing incidence of vascular surgical intervention for TBAD in Australia. The majority of patients received endovascular therapy while the mortality from surgically managed TBAD appears to be falling.
European artificial intelligence policy as digital single market making
Authors: Krarup Troels , Horst Maja
Published: February 2023

Rapid innovation in digital services relying on artificial intelligence (AI) challenges existing regulations across a wide array of policy fields. The European Union (EU) has pursued a position as global leader on ethical AI regulation in explicit contrast to US laissez-faire and Chinese state surveillance approaches. This article asks how the seemingly heterogeneous approaches of market making and ethical AI are woven together at a deeper level in EU regulation. Combining quantitative analysis of all official EU documents on AI with in-depth reading of key reports, communications, and legislative corpora, we demonstrate that single market integration constitutes a fundamental but overlooked engine and structuring principle of new AI regulation. Under the influence of this principle, removing barriers to competition and the free flow of data, on the one hand, and securing ethical and responsible AI, on the other hand, are seen as compatible and even mutually reinforcing.
The positive impact of gamification in imparting nutritional knowledge and combating childhood obesity: A systematic review on the recent solutions
Authors: Alghamdi Athir S , Bitar Hind H
Published: February 2023

Objective

This paper reviews the recent gamified interventions that focus on the dietary factor to explore the effectiveness of using gaming elements in combating the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Methods

Two electronic databases were searched (PubMed and ProQuest); to identify the relevant papers published between 2018 and 2021. The keywords that use to search the entire selected databases were gamification and obesity. There were no restrictions regarding the language. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and keywords for relevance.

Results

407 papers were identified initially, while only 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the included articles indicated the positive impact of gamification on changing children eating behaviors. This systematic review summarizes the theories followed in developing such interventions and suggests some other theories to use and follow. Moreover, we synthesized the main findings into six recommendations that would assist in combating the global concern regarding childhood obesity if IS/IT researchers and other implement them during the development of any IT intervention.

Conclusions

Using gamification and gaming elements in imparting nutritional knowledge to children and improving their eating habits and behaviors is considered effective generally. It provides them with the needed knowledge and promotes the acquisition of better habits within enjoyable environment.
Development and evaluation of an efficient training program to facilitate the adoption of a novel neurorehabilitation device
Authors: Judy Laura M , Morrow Corey , Seo Na Jin
Published: February 2023

Many rehabilitation devices are not adopted by therapists in practice. One major barrier is therapists’ limited time and resources to get training. The objective of this study was to develop/evaluate an efficient training program for a novel rehabilitation device. The program was developed based on structured interviews with seven therapists for training preference and composed of asynchronous and in-person trainings following efficient teaching methods. The training program was evaluated for six occupational therapy doctoral students and six licensed therapists in neurorehabilitation practice. Training effectiveness was evaluated in a simulated treatment session in which 3 trainees shifted their roles among therapist applying the device, client, and peer assessor. In results, 11 of the 12 trainees passed the assessment of using the device in simulated treatment sessions. One trainee did not pass because s/he did not plug in the device to charge at the end. The in-person training fit within 1-h lunch break. All trainees perceived that they could effectively use the device in their practice and both asynchronous and in-person training easily fit into their schedule. This project serves as an example for development of an efficient and effective training program for a novel rehabilitation device to facilitate clinical adoption.
A study of Chinese influence on Vietnamese word formation
Authors: Nguyễn Đình-Hiền , Nguyễn Tuấn-Cường
Published: February 2023

In its history of development, Vietnamese language was greatly influenced by Chinese language in phonetic and lexical aspects. Although lexical studies have revealed a number of findings, our understanding of the influence of Chinese language on Vietnamese language in terms of word formation is far from complete owing to the complexity of the issue as well as different conceptualizations and research methodologies. Based on the Chinese characters and the degree of Vietnamization, we divide the elements in Vietnamese language borrowed from Chinese language at the level of word formation into four types: semi-morphemes (which only have sound with unidentified meanings); semi-free morphemes 1 (which can only be combined with Sino-Vietnamese morphemes); semi-free morphemes 2 (which can be combined with Sino-Vietnamese and pure Vietnamese morphemes); and free morphemes. On that basis, the study conducted a survey on the specific number of each type of element, thereby giving a comprehensive evaluation of the influence of Chinese language on Vietnamese language at the level of word formation, as well as hints about Vietnamese-Chinese language exposure.
Ultrasound-Guided Isolated Recurrent Neck Nodal Interstitial Brachytherapy Following Radical Chemo Radiation of Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Mohanty Sarthak Kumar , Pradhan Debadipti , Madhani Nishant , Shah Chandni , Kantesaria Divya , Ashar Heena , Hothi Vimal , Varadhacharry Dhandapani , Gupta Vijay Kumar
Published: February 2023

Background

Therapeutic options are limited for unresectable isolated recurrent cervical lymph node (LN). There are different methods of salvaging the recurrent nodes such as surgery, reirradiation by fractionated external beam radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy, and interstitial brachytherapy. However, interstitial brachytherapy method is very less commonly used. We highlighted a treated case of oropharyngeal cancer with isolated recurrent neck node treated with interstitial brachytherapy under ultrasound guidance.

Methods and materials

One 60-year-old male patient diagnosed with case of squamous cell carcinoma vallecula with left level II LN, cT2N1M0, was given 70 Gy in conventional fractionation to the gross primary and node and 59 Gy and 56 Gy to the intermediate and low-risk volumes, respectively. Post chemoradiation, we achieved complete metabolic and morphological response of the primary and neck node as well. However, he developed a recurrent fluorodeoxyglucose avid level II LN of size 3×2 cm after 7 months which was fixed. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed a PET avid recurrent node abutting the great vessels in the left side. We treated by computed tomography (CT)-based high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy using Ir-192. High-risk clinical target volume was defined as 1.5 cm margin around the gross tumor volume, trying to achieve 100% volume with 95% dose prescribing 35 Gy/10 fractions @ 350cGy/# to HRCTV using Oncentra treatment planning system.

Result

He developed complete metabolic response after 3 month of nodal brachytherapy confirmed by PET CT and remained disease free for 30 months till the last follow-up.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography-guided interstitial nodal brachytherapy is a valid option and feasible in previously irradiated patients with isolated recurrent neck node of head and neck cancers. However, more number of patients needed to be done by similar fashion for adequate data generation and proper conclusion.
Primary headache epidemiology in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Onofri Agnese , Pensato Umberto , Rosignoli Chiara , Wells-Gatnik William , Stanyer Emily , Ornello Raffaele , Chen Hui Zhou , De Santis Federico , Torrente Angelo , Mikulenka Petr , Monte Gabriele , Marschollek Karol , Waliszewska-Prosół Marta , Wiels Wietse , Boucherie Deirdre M. , Onan Dilara , Farham Fatemeh , Al-Hassany Linda , Sacco Simona ,   the European Headache Federation School of Advanced Studies (EHF-SAS)
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Headache is the most prevalent neurological manifestation in adults and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In children and adolescents, headaches are arguably responsible for a remarkable impact on physical and psychological issues, yet high-quality evidence is scarce.

Material and methods

We searched cross-sectional and cohort studies in Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from January 1988 to June 2022 to identify the prevalence of headaches in 8–18 years old individuals. The risk of bias was examined with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scale. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of pediatric headache. Subgroup analyses based on headache subtypes were also conducted.

Results

Out of 5,486 papers retrieved electronically, we identified 48 studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of primary headaches was 11% for migraine overall [95%CI: 9–14%], 8% for migraine without aura (MwoA) [95%CI: 5–12%], 3% for migraine with aura (MwA) [95%CI:2–4%] and 17% for tension-type headache (TTH) [95% CI: 12–23%]. The pooled prevalence of overall primary headache in children and adolescents was 62% [95% CI: 53–70%], with prevalence in females and males of 38% [95% CI: 16–66%] and 27% [95% CI: 11–53%] respectively. After the removal of studies ranked as low-quality according to the JBI scale, prevalence rates were not substantially different. Epidemiological data on less common primary headaches, such as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, were lacking.

Conclusion

We found an overall remarkably high prevalence of primary headaches in children and adolescents, even if flawed by a high degree of heterogeneity. Further up-to-date studies are warranted to complete the picture of pediatric headache-related burden to enhance specific public interventions.
The relationship between headache-attributed disability and lost productivity: 3 Attack frequency is the dominating variable
Authors: Husøy Andreas , Katsarava Zaza , Steiner Timothy J.
Published: February 2023

Background

In an earlier paper, we examined the relationship between headache-attributed disability, measured as proportion of time in ictal state, and lost productivity. In a linear model, we found positive and significant associations with lost paid worktime, lost household worktime and total lost productivity (paid + household), but with high variance, which was increased when headache intensity was introduced as a factor. We speculated that analyses based on headache frequency alone as the independent variable, eliminating both the subjectivity of intensity estimates and the uncertainties of duration, might show stronger associations.

Methods

Focusing on migraine, we used individual participant data from 16 countries surveyed either in population-based studies or in the Eurolight project. These data included frequency (headache days/month), usual attack duration (hours), usual headache intensity (“not bad”, “quite bad”, “very bad”) and lost productivity from paid and household work according to enquiries using the Headache-Attributed Lost Time (HALT) questionnaire. We used multiple linear regressions, calculating regression equations along with unstandardized and standardized regression coefficients. We made line and bar charts to visualize relationships.

Results

Both frequency and intensity were significant predictors of lost productivity in all multiple linear regressions, but duration was a non-significant predictor in several of the regressions. Predicted productivity in paid work decreased among males by 0.75–0.85 days/3 months for each increase of 1 headache day/month, and among females by 0.34–0.53 days/3 months. In household chores, decreases in productivity for each added day/month of headache were more similar (0.67–0.87 days/3 months among males, 0.83–0.89 days/3 months among females). Visualizations showed that the impact of duration varied little across the range of 2–24 h. The standardized regression coefficients demonstrated that frequency was a much better predictor of lost productivity than intensity or duration.

Conclusion

In the relationship between migraine-attributed impairment (symptom burden) and lost productivity, frequency (migraine days/month) is the dominating variable – more important than headache intensity and far more important than episode duration. This has major implications for current practice in headache care and for health policy and health-resource investment. Preventative drugs, grossly underutilized in current practice, offer a high prospect of economic benefit (cost-saving), but new preventative drugs are needed with better efficacy and/or tolerability.
Comparison of microsatellite distribution in the genomes of Pteropus vampyrus and Miniopterus natalensis (Chiroptera)
Authors: Shao Weiwei , Cai Wei , Qiao Fen , Lin Zhihua , Wei Li
Published: February 2023

Background

Microsatellites are a ubiquitous occurrence in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. Microsatellites have become one of the most popular classes of genetic markers due to their high reproducibility, multi-allelic nature, co-dominant mode of inheritance, abundance and wide genome coverage. We characterised microsatellites in the genomes and genes of two bat species, Pteropus vampyrus and Miniopterus natalensis. This characterisation was used for gene ontology analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment of coding sequences (CDS).

Results

Compared to M. natalensis, the genome size of P. vampyrus is larger and contains more microsatellites, but the total diversity of both species is similar. Mononucleotide and dinucleotide repeats were the most diverse in the genome of the two species. In each bat species, the microsatellite bias was obvious. The microsatellites with the largest number of repeat motifs in P. vampyrus from mononucleotide to hexanucleotide were (A)n, (AC)n, (CAA)n, (AAAC)n, (AACAA)n and (AAACAA)n, with frequencies of 97.94%, 58.75%, 30.53%, 22.82%, 54.68% and 22.87%, respectively, while in M. natalensis were (A)n, (AC)n, (TAT)n, (TTTA)n, (AACAA)n and (GAGAGG)n, with of 92.00%, 34.08%, 40.36%, 21.83%, 25.42% and 12.79%, respectively. In both species, the diversity of microsatellites was highest in intergenic regions, followed by intronic, untranslated and exonic regions and lowest in coding regions. Location analysis indicated that microsatellites were mainly concentrated at both ends of the genes. Microsatellites in the CDS are thus subject to higher selective pressure. In the GO analysis, two unique GO terms were found only in P. vampyrus and M. natalensis, respectively. In KEGG enriched pathway, the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites and metabolism of other amino acids in metabolism pathways were present only in M. natalensis. The combined biological process, cellular components and molecular function ontology are reflected in the GO analysis and six functional enrichments in KEGG annotation, suggesting advantageous mutations during species evolution.

Conclusions

Our study gives a comparative characterization of the genomes of microsatellites composition in the two bat species. And also allow further study on the effect of microsatellites on gene function as well as provide an insight into the molecular basis for species adaptation to new and changing environments.
An interval of clinically silent gastrointestinal bleed in dysautonomic spinal cord injury: a case report
Authors: Margo Theodore E. , McMullin Preston R. , Kaddouh Firas
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) has high incidence in traumatic spinal cord injured (tSCI) patients and can frequently be life-threatening, especially early post-injury. Several risk factors often compound bleeding risk, some are unique to this patient population. Normally, clinical suspicion for GIB arises from symptoms like coffee-ground emesis, hematemesis, melena or even hematochezia. A hemoglobin drop may be a late sign. Due to tSCI, however, patients often experience neurogenic bowels and dysautonomia, which may delay symptom presentation and complicate timely diagnosis of GIB. We report a case of an almost clinically silent GI bleed in the context of acute cervical tSCI.

Case presentation

A 21-year-old female presented with cervical cord transection at C-7 in the setting of motor vehicle rollover, for which surgical decompression was performed. During the acute injury phase, she also received a 10-day course of dexamethasone for symptomatic COVID-19 pneumonia. Two weeks after injury, she underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement which demonstrated normal gastric and duodenal anatomy. One week later, a large spike (10x) in blood urea nitrogen: creatinine (BUN: Cr) ratio raised concern for GIB, but hemoglobin remained stable, and stool color remained unchanged. The following day, a gastroenterology consult was requested under increased suspicion of GIB from a sudden 3.5 g/dL hemoglobin drop. The patient received blood transfusion and pantoprazole. An upper endoscopy was performed, revealing three small duodenal ulcers. Melanotic stool ensued afterwards.

Conclusions

Due to dysautonomia, clinical presentation of GIB can be significantly delayed in the tSCI patient population, leaving them vulnerable to succumb to illness. This case illustrates the possibility of an interval in which the patient was bleeding, with the sole indicator being an elevated BUN. Our case calls for closer monitoring of and vigilance for tSCI patients, and possibly employment of different strategies to reduce the incidence and enhance early detection of GIB in tSCI patients to subsequently decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with it.
Analysis of salivary steroid hormones in boys with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: He Qing , Wang Ying , Liu Zhichao , Xia Jinrong , Yin Heng , Qiu Zhongqing , Wang Hui , Xu Wenming , Xu Zhe , Xie Jiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with high incidence rate and difficult diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to explore whether salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone can be used as biomarkers of ASD children.

Methods

The saliva samples of 55 boys with ASD were collected as the experimental group, and the saliva samples of 24 neurotypical boys were collected as the control group. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS) were used to assess the severity of symptoms in boys with ASD. Cortisol, DHEA and pregnenolone concentrations in saliva were measured using an ABSSCIEX QTRAP® 6500 + LC/MS/MS system. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Comparisons between the two groups which conform to normal distribution were performed by T-test, and those which don’t conform to normal distribution were performed by Mann–Whitney U test. Correlation analysis between two variables was performed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminatory sensitivity of each hormone between ASD and normal control groups. Logistic regression models were used to analyze whether DHEA and salivary pregnenolone can be used as a biomarker of ASD.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, and weight between the ASD group and the normal control group. The ABC, SRS, RBS and CBCL scale scores in the ASD group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group. The salivary DHEA and pregnenolone concentrations in the ASD group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group, but there was no significant difference in cortisol. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that only pregnenolone associated with ABC. Logistic regression model analysis suggested that pregnenolone in saliva was an independent predictor of ASD. ROC analysis found that pregnenolone had good discrimination sensitivity between ASD and normal controls.

Conclusion

Gave salivary preoperative a space for utilization as biomarker as number of cases are limited to this high expectation.
‘We are not the ones to blame’. Gamblers’ and providers’ appraisal of self-exclusion in Germany
Authors: Kraus Ludwig , Bickl Andreas , Sedlacek Lucia , Schwarzkopf Larissa , Örnberg Jenny Cisneros , Loy Johanna K.
Published: February 2023

Background

Given low utilization by individuals experiencing gambling problems the potential of self-exclusion (SE) might be not fully exploited in Germany. This paper aims to gain insight into different actors’ perceptions and reflections on the problems and difficulties in the process of self-exclusion to delineate which specific attitudes hamper a successful implementation of SE.

Methods

13 individual and four group interviews with individuals experiencing gambling problems and governmental or commercial gambling providers were examined. A Grounded Theory Approach was used to portray the opinions of these different actors on existing regulations of SE and to delineate potentially diverging interests between the distinct groups.

Results

The interviewees agreed on the usefulness of SE and consented that it is important to early recognize individuals experiencing gambling problems. They also considered the present practice insufficient but for different reasons. Individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers particularly disagreed on addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems. While individuals experiencing gambling problems stated that they had hardly ever been approached, providers argued that help offers were mostly rejected. Especially commercial providers also regarded insufficient German language skills and rapid fluctuation of guests as strong barriers to approaching individuals experiencing gambling problems. Interviewees from governmental venues furthermore suspected that commercial providers took addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems less seriously.

Conclusion

Our results emphasize the dilemma of conflicting interests in both individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers. Rather than acting against the economic interests of employers, venue staff blame individuals experiencing gambling problems for lack of problem recognition. Conversely, individuals experiencing gambling problems blame the providers for not offering help. To address individuals experiencing gambling problems appropriate staff training is required, and SE regulations need to be controlled by an independent body rather than by the providers themselves.