bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education and Technology: Construction of a Distance Education System Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Marino-Jiménez Mauro , Rojas-Noa Fany , Sullón-Acosta Karina , Julca-Estrada Yolanda
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a multidimensional problem. Added to the health crisis was the lack of social interaction, which directly affected education. Therefore, a number of strategies were required to compensate for the lack of face-to-face learning, considering the fact that most institutions had regulations and practices of that kind. This experience has established the need to develop a systemic approach, in which social interaction mediated by technology is clearly promoted. This work seeks to establish the general lines of future distance education models, considering the adaptations and opportunities that derive from it.
Beyond Compliance-Based Governance: The Role of Social Intermediaries in Mitigating Forced Labour in Global Supply Chains
Authors: Wilhelm Miriam , Bhakoo Vikram , Soundararajan Vivek , Crane Andrew , Kadfak Alin
Published: February 2024

Forced labour poses a significant challenge within global supply chains, yet traditional compliance-based governance based on auditing has proven to be ineffective in addressing this issue. Non-government organizations and worker rights organizations can serve as crucial allies in supporting and safeguarding workers by assuming the role of a 'social intermediary' (SI) between supply chain firms and workers. However, these external organizations often hold limited power within these supply chains. In our paper, we examine the sources of power that SIs can cultivate and utilize to lead successful interventions against forced labour in supply chains. Through a comparative case study involving three SIs and their collaborative efforts with a global seafood brand, we explore various forms of non-mediated power and their underlying origins. By establishing these connections, we shed light on the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of interventions against forced labour. Our research makes three contributions. First, we contribute to ongoing research on forced labour in supply chains by emphasizing the constructive role that SIs can play to protect vulnerable workers. Second, we address a critical gap in the existing literature concerning power of SIs in supply chain relations. More specifically, we specify sources and types of non-mediated power that SI can leverage to design effective interventions against forced labour. Third, by comparing unique data on two worker groups vulnerable to forced labour – vessel workers and workers in seafood processing – we provide much-needed insights into how working conditions in non-factory settings can still be regulated.
Investigation of a perturbation-based model updating approach for structural health and event monitoring
Authors: von Coburg Fabio , Westbeld Julius , Buchmann Erhard , Höfer Philipp
Published: February 2024

With the intention to detect structural events, for example, occurrence of damage and assessing their severity under service, structural health and event monitoring proved itself as a reliable evaluation tool. While many algorithmic approaches exist, model-based monitoring offers the prominent advantage to enable extensive analysis of damage states based on a structural digital twin. In order to accurately replicate the dynamical behaviour of a real-world structure, inherent physical properties, for example, mass, stiffness and structural damping, of the digital twin might be corrected from nominal values. This can be achieved by numerical model updating procedures. In this study, the application of a model updating approach is presented to eliminate modal discrepancies. Based on the perturbated modal dynamic residual, an updating equation is formulated. Stiffness and mass correction terms with preserved orthogonality and symmetry conditions are determined by the method of least squares. A case study using computationally generated modal data is conducted, evaluating the numerical updating performance in terms of correction accuracy and reproduction of modal parameters. Finally, the transient structural response to an impulse excitation is compared between updated and reference model. The gathered results prove the method’s suitability as accurate and robust updating procedure, fostering its application in model-based monitoring frameworks.
Linear streaks associated with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Arrigo Alessandro , Aragona Emanuela , Pina Adelaide , Bandello Francesco
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To describe a phenotypical manifestation characterized by the identification of peripheral linear streaks associated with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Methods

Study design is a prospective observational case series. All consecutive patients affected by RP underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. The diagnosis of peripheral linear streaks was based on the identification of curvilinear atrophic streaks in the periphery of the retina.

Results

Overall, six out of 140 patients (4.2%) were affected by peripheral linear streaks associated with RP. A single patient showed also punched out chorioretinal lesions at the posterior pole, with macular neovascularization development over the follow-up, treated with ranibizumab injections.

Conclusions

RP phenotypical manifestation characterized by peripheral linear streaks is infrequent and may provide additional evidence to support the contribution of inflammation in the pathogenesis of RP.
Visibilizing invisible engagement behind students’ no-revision operation to written feedback
Authors: Fu Xiaoqiu , Yang Chenyu , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2024

Student engagement with written feedback (WF) in English as a second language (ESL) / English as a foreign language (EFL) learning has been widely researched from cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions. Students’ textual change is taken as the only indication of their behavioural engagement with feedback. Students’ no-revision operation or their unaction is usually considered as their disengagement or lack of engagement, or excluded from the examination of students’ WF engagement. How students have possibly engaged themselves with WF before they consequently disuptake (used in the context of feedback engagement, as an opposite to “uptake”) it is hardly touched upon in most studies. To visibilize students’ invisible engagement, we contextualized the study in a natural EFL writing class involving students’ writing and revisions after peer review and automatic writing evaluation (AWE). We used stimulated recalls and screen capturing to investigate students’ cognitive, affective and behavioural engagement with unactioned WF (hereafter UAWF). The findings show that 95.9% of the UAWF have been attended. The three participants, of different English proficiency levels, reported to have variably engaged themselves with their UAWF. Our findings also reveal feedback quality and students’ experience in using AWE system greatly influences their engagement with AWE feedback; student’s language proficiency has a stake in their engagement effectiveness; carefully designed peer review activities can make peer reviews more effective to benefit both feedback receivers and providers.
Affective capitalism and the (new) entrepreneurial mood: Slush as a field configuring event
Authors: Nikunen Minna , Kolehmainen Marjo
Published: February 2024

This article examines start-up entrepreneurialism and provides insights into the configurations of affective capitalism. The empirical case explored in this article is the Slush Conference, which promotes start-up entrepreneurialism. The data were gathered by ethnographic methods, including on-site observations, and complemented by diverse materials such as social media content and newspaper coverage of the event. Drawing upon our detailed analysis, we concluded that Slush comprises overlapping elements that constitute a novel kind of entrepreneurial enterprise: an emphasis on affective atmospheres, the articulation of an alleged affective morality and a view of affects as directly productive. These three aspects together further shed light on the nuanced operations of mood, which we consider an important manifestation of collective affects. In particular, mood plays a significant role in the shifting terrains of Nordic welfare states, where tensions between public expertise and private innovations can be identified. Furthermore, we argue that Slush is a field-configuring event that has a crucial impact on the evolution of start-up entrepreneurialism by constituting the Finnish landscape of affective capitalism.
Agonist relationships in the toddler classroom: Exploring the connection between conflict and care
Authors: Sorrells Cassie , Akpovo Samara Madrid
Published: February 2024

Dominant Western discourse in early childhood education frames conflict as a disruptive and damaging force that is antithetical to the “ideal” classroom environment. However, critical early childhood scholars have begun to reconceptualize the role of conflict in early childhood classroom dynamics, exploring its potential as a productive and necessary force that supports current and future political participation for young children. This paper draws from data collected during an eight-month ethnography of care practices in an infant/toddler classroom at a university laboratory school in the Southeastern United States. Using Chantal Mouffe's theories political conflict, we interpret one teacher's understandings of conflict in her classroom and the practices that she engaged in support of what Mouffe would term “agonist conflict” (i.e., friendly, rather than antagonistic, conflict). Findings demonstrate that this teacher views agonist conflict to be a productive process for young children—one that enables them to articulate their political subjectivities as members of their classroom community and one that will foster their engagement as citizens of a broader democratic society. As such, the emotional support and scaffolding she provided to support such engagement constitute a political form of care. This research holds implications for reconceptualized understandings of peer conflict in early childhood contexts and insight into how teachers can better support children's developing political engagement through agonist conflict with their peers.
Pandemic ethnography: Fieldwork in transformed social space
Authors: Weiner Davis Tadeo , Obertino-Norwood Hannah
Published: February 2024

This methodological analysis traces the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak on two ethnographic studies in Chicago: a neighborhood fight for affordable housing, and an effort to increase local participation in the 2020 U.S. Census. We attend to the relationship between space and visibility after the onset of the pandemic as methodological and political challenges. Drawing on Haraway's seminal description of situated knowledge, this article explores the changes that the pandemic brought to our situated and partial perspective as ethnographers of political process. To do so, we present fieldwork from both studies before and after they became fully virtual. Finally, we discuss shared emergent methodological implications with a focus on embodiment in fieldwork, the dynamics of access, and the formalization of participation in online venues.
Two-year diffusion capacity trajectory in COVID-19 pneumonia survivors
Authors: de Roos Marlise P , Heijnen Rick M , Dijkstra Nynke G , Brinkman Kees , Jonkman Nini H , Bresser Paul
Published: February 2024

Reduced diffusion capacity (DLCO) after COVID 19 pneumonia was reported in hospitalised patients after discharge. Here, we studied the restoration of DLCO over a 24 months period in COVID-19 pneumonia survivors ( n = 317), who were categorised into “moderate” cases (no oxygen supply; no need for hospitalisation), “severe” cases (respiratory frequency > 30/min and/or peripheral oxygen SpO2 < 93%), and “critical” cases (respiratory failure and admission into the intensive care unit). COVID-19 pneumonia survivors with a decreased DLCO (<80%) at 3 months ( n = 133) were invited for 6- and 24-months follow-up. At 3 months, impairment of DLCO was more severe in critical case ( p < .01). Over time, the subgroups showed a similar level of improvement; and, there was no difference in recovery over time between the subgroups. At 24 months, the DLCO did not differ between the subgroups, with a mean DLCO of 73% for all patients. At 24 months, 65% of patients still had a DLCO < 80%, and in 40% of patients DLCO was <70% of predicted. Regardless the initial disease severity, all COVID-19 survivors showed improvement in DLCO during follow-up; however, DLCO had not normalised in the majority of patients with a DLCO <80% 3 months after hospital discharge.
Mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of large vessel occlusion due to cancer-related cerebral embolism: A systematic review
Authors: Toruno Michelle , Al-Janabi Omar , Karaman Irem , Ghozy Sherief , Senol Yigit Can , Kobeissi Hassan , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Ashdown Boyd , Kallmes David F
Published: February 2024

Background

Cancer-related cerebral embolism due to direct tumor embolization results in a rare acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Despite the established status of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in LVO management, its effectiveness and safety remains inadequately explored in this specific patient group.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using the Nested Knowledge AutoLit software, encompassing databases like Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from their inception up to 9 May 2023.

Results

In the review of 35 studies encompassing 37 cases, mean patient age was 52 years, and 30% were female. Cardiac myxoma (29.7%), cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (16.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (8.1%) were the most frequent underlying cancers. The left middle cerebral artery was the most commonly affected occlusion site (24.3%). Of the patients, 67.5% underwent MT alone, while 32.5% received MT combined with intravenous thrombolysis. Successful reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b–3) was achieved in 89.1% of cases, with 59.4% reaching TICI 3. Functional independence was observed in 29.7% of patients.

Conclusion

While limitations exist, this comprehensive study highlights the potential benefits of MT in a patient group historically excluded from major trials, warranting further investigation.
Performance analysis of the teams that remained in the top-tier division of the Spanish LaLiga during eight consecutive seasons
Authors: Errekagorri Ibai , López-Del Campo Roberto , Resta Ricardo , Castellano Julen
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to analyse the performance of 2212 collective observations of the eight teams that remained in the Spanish men’s top professional football division (Spanish LaLiga) for eight consecutive seasons (from 2011–2012 to 2018–2019), intending to understand the reference values of these teams. The variables recorded were passes, successful passes, crosses, shots, goals, corners, fouls, width, length, height, distance from the goalkeeper to the nearest defender (GkDef) and total distance covered (TD). A linear mixed model was performed for each dependent variable ( p < 0.05). The main results were: (1) the eight teams, to a large extent, maintained a stable performance throughout the eight seasons analysed; (2) the length values decreased significantly from the fifth season (from 2015–2016 to 2018–2019); (3) the GkDef values decreased significantly from the fourth season (from 2014–2015 to 2018–2019); and 4) the TD values decreased significantly from the third season (from 2013–2014 to 2018–2019). The study concludes that within the framework of a performance stability, the teams over the seasons increased the density of players (e.g. less effective playing space), playing with the goalkeeper closer to the nearest defender of his team and covering less total distance.
Efficient generation of human cerebral organoids directly from adherent cultures of pluripotent stem cells
Authors: González-Sastre Rosa , Coronel Raquel , Bernabeu-Zornoza Adela , Mateos-Martínez Patricia , Rosca Andreea , López-Alonso Victoria , Liste Isabel
Published: February 2024

Human cerebral organoids (hCOs) offer the possibility of deepening the knowledge of human brain development, as well as the pathologies that affect it. The method developed here describes the efficient generation of hCOs by going directly from two-dimensional (2D) pluripotent stem cell (PSC) cultures to three-dimensional (3D) neuroepithelial tissue, avoiding dissociation and aggregation steps. This has been achieved by subjecting 2D cultures, from the beginning of the neural induction step, to dual-SMAD inhibition in combination with CHIR99021. This is a simple and reproducible protocol in which the hCOs generated develop properly presenting proliferative ventricular zones (VZs) formed by neural precursor and radial glia (RG) that differentiate to give rise to mature neurons and glial cells. The hCOs present additional cell types such as oligodendrocyte precursors, astrocytes, microglia-like cells, and endothelial-like cells. This new approach could help to overcome some of the existing limitations in the field of organoid biotechnology, facilitating its execution in any laboratory setting.
Biosubstitutes for dural closure: Unveiling research, application, and future prospects of dura mater alternatives
Authors: Khurana Dolphee , Suresh Ankitha , Nayak Raghavendra , Shetty Manjunath , Sarda Rohit Kumar , Knowles Jonathan C , Kim Hae-Won , Singh Rajendra K , Singh Bhisham Narayan
Published: February 2024

The dura mater, as the crucial outermost protective layer of the meninges, plays a vital role in safeguarding the underlying brain tissue. Neurosurgeons face significant challenges in dealing with trauma or large defects in the dura mater, as they must address the potential complications, such as wound infections, pseudomeningocele formation, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and cerebral herniation. Therefore, the development of dural substitutes for repairing or reconstructing the damaged dura mater holds clinical significance. In this review we highlight the progress in the development of dural substitutes, encompassing autologous, allogeneic, and xenogeneic replacements, as well as the polymeric-based dural substitutes fabricated through various scaffolding techniques. In particular, we explore the development of composite materials that exhibit improved physical and biological properties for advanced dural substitutes. Furthermore, we address the challenges and prospects associated with developing clinically relevant alternatives to the dura mater.
Something to Talk About! Testing the Antecedents and Consequences of Workplace Romance in Indian Hotel industry
Authors: Sethi Seep , Srivastava Shalini
Published: February 2024

The present study attempts to understand and establish the interplay between workplace romance and workplace gossip through the lens o McClelland’s theory of need in the context of the Indian hospitality industry. The data were collected from 216 hotel employees using a time-lagged design. PLS-SEM was used to test the hypothesized associations. The results indicated a positive association between workplace romance and workplace gossip. The study discusses several motives for people to engage in romance, resulting in increased gossip. Workplace romance emerged as a significant mediator between the antecedents (love, loneliness, career growth, organizational politics) and the consequence (workplace gossip). There is a dearth of studies empirically studying the linkages and antecedents of workplace gossip and workplace romance, especially in the context of the Indian hospitality sector. The present study attempts to address this gap by understanding the hypothesized associations.
Empowering Product Teams to Advance Inclusive Language and Mitigate Hateful Speech on Social Media Products
Authors: Smith Genevieve , Licata Gabriella , Rustagi Ishita
Published: February 2024

As social media use proliferates, so does hateful language on such platforms among users. How might product teams be empowered to tackle hateful speech and promote inclusive language proactively among users? We developed an intervention that targets the organizational culture of tech companies and their product teams as a driver for change. More specifically, the intervention aimed to advance inclusive language practices within product teams, while introducing product development frameworks for advancing inclusive language and mitigating hateful language among social media product users. For this study, we partnered with a large U.S.-headquartered tech firm that owns several social media products to develop and pilot the intervention. The intervention was implemented with 238 participants—representing employees of the firm across several global locations, with particular representation from the United States—in seven workshops. Forty participants were tracked semilongitudinally across three surveys—prior to the intervention, immediately after, and 4 months after. Two participants participated in in-depth interviews 6 months after the intervention. Survey data were submitted to ordinal regression models that examined difference in workshop attendees’ confidence levels across the three time periods. Findings reveal positive impacts over time among product teams in regard to enhanced agency in advancing inclusive language and mitigating hateful speech among users. More specifically, confidence levels to guide one’s team in preventing or mitigating harmful language among product users significantly increased by 13.6% ( p < .0001) from before the intervention to both postworkshop surveys. Confidence levels to guide one’s team in enhancing inclusive language among users significantly increased by 18.1% ( p < .0001) pre- to postworkshop. Positive correlations are present between the measures. Lastly, qualitative responses in the surveys and interviews express appreciation of learning gained in the workshops, but also the need to continue such interventions as an effort to maintain critical understandings of inclusive language practices.
Anxiety, Depression, and Associated Factors Among the Field Midwives During COVID-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka—A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pathirana JMP , Edirisinghe NP , Amarasekara AATD
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Field midwives (FMs) in Sri Lanka, who care for women and children, were challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. During COVID-19, the majority of research found that healthcare professionals experienced anxiety and depression.

Objective

This study examined anxiety, depression, and related factors among FMs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used with 145 FMs from randomly selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the Matara district. The data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire containing the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 tools. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression examined and presented the data.

Results

Among the participants, 54.5%, 31.0%, 8.3, and 6.2% experienced minimal, mild, moderate, and severe anxiety. Whereas 46.2%, 32.4%, 17.2%, 1.4%, and 2.8% of the participants had no or minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression. Being in a family of COVID-19-infected family members, relatives, or friends (OR = 0.33, p = 0.018) and being in a nuclear family (OR = 0.47, p = 0.033) were found to be risk factors against depression while having a history of chronic diseases (OR = 5.87, p = 0.002) and having a sufficient amount of personal protective equipment (OR = 2.52, p = 0.041) were found to be protective. Similarly, having a history of chronic diseases (OR = 4.89, p = 0.002) was found to be protective against anxiety.

Conclusion

The majority of FMs had minimal anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will be valuable in formulating policies to support the psychological health of FMs in Sri Lanka.
Procedure to Solve the One-Dimensional Radiative Transfer Equation (1D-RTE) of an Ionized Medium Using Spatial Discretization and an Iterative Process
Authors: Amamou Hssaïne , Bois André , Ferhat Belkacem
Published: February 2024

A new solution procedure for the one-dimensional radiation transfer equation, which describes the radiation propagation in semi-transparent media, is proposed. The resolution proposed, in this work for the first time, is based on spatial discretization and an iterative method. The emitter medium is subdivided into several layers and each layer is considered homogeneous and at the local thermodynamic equilibrium. The emission intensity of each layer is deduced from that of the previous layer. Comparisons are made between our method and other methods described in the literature. This solution is then used to model the line profiles of the Balmer Hα line emitted by a plasma created by the breakdown of a pulsed laser in water.
Enhancing cold resistance in Banana (Musa spp.) through EMS-induced mutagenesis, L-Hyp pressure selection: phenotypic alterations, biomass composition, and transcriptomic insights
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Li Yujia , Wang Anbang , Xu Zhuye , Li Chunfang , Wang Zuo , Guo Borui , Chen Yan , Tang Fenling , Li Jingyang
Published: February 2024

Background

The cultivation of bananas encounters substantial obstacles, particularly due to the detrimental effects of cold stress on their growth and productivity. A potential remedy that has gained attention is the utilization of ethyl mesylate (EMS)-induced mutagenesis technology, which enables the creation of a genetically varied group of banana mutants. This complex procedure entails subjecting the mutants to further stress screening utilizing L-Hyp in order to identify those exhibiting improved resistance to cold. This study conducted a comprehensive optimization of the screening conditions for EMS mutagenesis and L-Hyp, resulting in the identification of the mutant cm784, which exhibited remarkable cold resistance. Subsequent investigations further elucidated the physiological and transcriptomic responses of cm784 to low-temperature stress.

Results

EMS mutagenesis had a substantial effect on banana seedlings, resulting in modifications in shoot and root traits, wherein a majority of seedlings exhibited delayed differentiation and limited elongation. Notably, mutant leaves displayed altered biomass composition, with starch content exhibiting the most pronounced variation. The application of L-Hyp pressure selection aided in the identification of cold-resistant mutants among seedling-lethal phenotypes. The mutant cm784 demonstrated enhanced cold resistance, as evidenced by improved survival rates and reduced symptoms of chilling injury. Physiological analyses demonstrated heightened activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased proline production in cm784 when subjected to cold stress. Transcriptome analysis unveiled 946 genes that were differentially expressed in cm784, with a notable enrichment in categories related to ‘Carbohydrate transport and metabolism’ and ‘Secondary metabolites biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism’.

Conclusion

The present findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the heightened cold resistance observed in banana mutants. These mechanisms encompass enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis, thereby emphasizing the adaptive strategies employed to mitigate the detrimental effects induced by cold stress.
Combined rectus sheath block with transverse abdominis plane block by one puncture for analgesia after laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled prospective study
Authors: Yu Shan , Wen Yaling , Lin Jing , Yang Jinghao , He Yihang , Zuo Youbo
Published: February 2024

Background

Rectus sheath block (RSB) and transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) have been shown to reduce opioid consumption and decrease postoperative pain scores in abdominal surgeries. However, there are no reports about the one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB for perioperative pain management during laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery.

Methods

A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to the control group (C), the TAP group (T), and the one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB group (RT). The patients in group C did not receive any regional block. The patients in group T received ultrasound-guided subcostal TAPB with 30 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine on each side. The patients in the RT group received a combination of RSB and TAPB with 15 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine in each plane by one puncture technique. All patients received postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgeries. The range of blocks was recorded 20 min after the completion of the regional block. The postoperative opioid consumption, pain scores, and recovery data were recorded, including the incidence of emergence agitation (EA), the times of first exhaust and off-bed activity, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness.

Results

The range of the one-puncture technique in group RT covered all areas of surgical incisions. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the RT group is significantly lower at rest and during coughing compared to groups T and C at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery, respectively (P < 0.05). The consumption of sufentanil and the number of postoperative compressions of the analgesic pumps at 24 and 48 h in the RT group are significantly lower than those in groups T and C (P < 0.05). The incidence of EA in the RT group is significantly lower than that in groups T and C (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The one-puncture technique of RSB combined with TAPB provides effective postoperative analgesia for laparoscopic upper abdominal surgery, reduces the incidence of EA during PACU, and promotes early recovery.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2300067271. Registered 3 Jan 2023, http://www.chictr.org.cn.
Association of systemic inflammatory response index with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and degree of coronary stenosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guo Jiongchao , Huang Yating , Pang Lamei , Zhou Yuan , Yuan Jingjing , Zhou Bingfeng , Fu Minmin
Published: February 2024

Background

Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), a composite inflammatory marker encompassing neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes, has been recognized as a reliable marker of systemic inflammation. This article undertakes an analysis of clinical data from ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients, aiming to comprehensively assess the relationship between SIRI, STEMI, and the degree of coronary stenosis.

Methods

The study involved 1809 patients diagnosed with STEMI between the years 2020 and 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the risk factors for STEMI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine the predictive power of SIRI and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between SIRI, NLR, and the Gensini score (GS).

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the SIRI was the independent risk factor for STEMI (adjusted odds ratio (OR) in the highest quartile = 24.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 15.32–40.66, P < 0.001). In addition, there is a high correlation between SIRI and GS (β:28.54, 95% CI: 24.63–32.46, P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive ability of SIRI and NLR for STEMI patients. The area under the curve (AUC) for SIRI was 0.789. The AUC for NLR was 0.754. Regarding the prediction of STEMI in different gender groups, the AUC for SIRI in the male group was 0.771. The AUC for SIRI in the female group was 0.807. Spearman correlation analysis showed that SIRI exhibited a stronger correlation with GS, while NLR was lower (SIRI: r = 0.350, P < 0.001) (NLR: r = 0.313, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study reveals a strong correlation between the SIRI and STEMI as well as the degree of coronary artery stenosis. In comparison to NLR, SIRI shows potential in predicting acute myocardial infarction and the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Additionally, SIRI exhibits a stronger predictive capability for female STEMI patients compared to males.
Cholangitis with bacteremia due to Pseudomonas nitroreducens in a patient with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a case report
Authors: Itoh Naoya , Akazawa Nana , Yamaguchi Makoto , Murakami Hiromi , Ohkusu Kiyofumi
Published: February 2024

Background

Pseudomonas nitroreducens is a non-fermenting, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly inhabiting soil, particularly soil contaminated with oil brine. To our knowledge, no cases of human infection with P. nitroreducens have been previously reported. Here, we present the first documented case of cholangitis caused by P. nitroreducens in a patient with bacteremia.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Japanese man with an advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor was hospitalized with fever and chills. Four days before admission, the patient developed right upper abdominal pain. Two days later, he also experienced fever and chills. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed on the day of admission, and the patient was diagnosed as having cholangitis associated with stent dysfunction. Gram-negative rods were isolated from blood cultures, but attempts to identify the bacteria using VITEK2 and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) with VITEK MS ver. 4.7.1 (bioMérieux Japan Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) were unsuccessful. Finally, the organism was identified as P. nitroreducens using MALDI-TOF MS with a MALDI Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics Co., Ltd., Billerica, MA, USA) and 16 S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Despite thorough interviews with the patient, he denied any exposure to contaminated soil. The patient was treated with intravenous cefepime and oral ciprofloxacin for 16 days based on susceptibility results, achieving a good therapeutic outcome. At the outpatient follow-up on day 28, the patient was in good general condition.

Conclusions

This is the first reported human case of cholangitis with bloodstream infection caused by P. nitroreducens. This report provides clinicians with novel insights into the clinical manifestations and diagnostic methods necessary for the accurate diagnosis of P. nitroreducens, along with guidance on treatment.
Emotions and worries during 1.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic - how adults with and without mental health conditions coped with the crisis
Authors: Rothe Josefine , Brückner Greta , Ring Melanie , Roessner Veit , Wolff Nicole , Vetter Nora C.
Published: February 2024

Background

During the COVID 19 pandemic, there were social restrictions with severe mental stress for a long time. Most studies on mental health consequences of the pandemic focused primarily on the beginning of the pandemic. The present study on families of patients or study participants of a child and adolescent psychiatry aimed to examine long-term profiles of emotions and worries in adults with and without mental health condition (mhc) during the first 1.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We surveyed emotions and worries of 128 adults with (n = 32) and without (n = 96) pre-pandemic mhc over a 1.5-year study period from spring 2020 until summer/autumn 2021. Emotions and worries were captured at four time points: [i] pre-pandemic, [ii] spring 2020 (first lockdown was implemented), [iii] December 2020 (hard lockdown at Christmas time) and [iv] summer/autumn 2021 (considerable ease of regulations); [i] pre-pandemic and [iii] December 2020 were measured retrospectively). First, we run non-parametric tests to compare emotions and worries between adults with and without pre-pandemic mhc at the four time points. Next, we conducted latent profile analysis to identify subgroups from the total sample who share similar trajectories of emotions and worries. Finally, a logistic regression analysis was run to examine whether socio-demographic and psycho-social factors were related to identified trajectories of emotions and worries.

Results

Adults without pre-pandemic mhc reported a strong worsening of emotions and worries at the beginning of the pandemic and a lower worsening during the course, while adults with pre-pandemic mhc reported a constant worsening of emotions and worries. The latent profile analysis revealed three profiles of adults who show either i) an adaption, ii) no adaption or iii) a continuous high condition. With increasing age, higher perceived stress and pre-pandemic mhc, the likelihood of an adaption was increased.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggested that adults (both with and without pre-pandemic mhc) coped the crisis with different strategies and that most of them returned to their initial, pre-pandemic levels of emotions and worries when social restrictions were considerably eased or stopped.
Clinical characteristics of obese, fixed airway obstruction, exacerbation-prone phenotype and comorbidities among severe asthma patients: a single-center study
Authors: Zhu Guiping , Mo Yuqing , Ye Ling , Cai Hui , Zeng Yingying , Zhu Mengchan , Peng Wenjun , Gao Xin , Song Xixi , Yang Chengyu , Wang Jian , Chen Zhihong , Jin Meiling
Published: February 2024

Background

Severe asthma places a large burden on patients and society. The characteristics of patients with severe asthma in the Chinese population remain unclear.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted in patients with severe asthma. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Patients were grouped according to phenotypes in terms of exacerbations, body mass index (BMI) and fixed airway obstruction (FAO) status, and the characteristics of different groups were compared. Comorbidities, factors that influence asthma phenotypes, were also analyzed in the study.

Results

A total of 228 patients with severe asthma were included in our study. They were more likely to be overweight or obese. A total of 41.7% of the patients received GINA step 5 therapy, and 43.4% had a history of receiving regular or intermittent oral corticosteroids (OCS). Severe asthmatic patients with comorbidities were prone to have more asthma symptoms and decreased quality of life than patients without comorbidities. Patients with exacerbations were characterized by longer duration of asthma, poorer lung function, and worse asthma control. Overweight or obese patients tended to have more asthma symptoms, poorer lung function and more asthma-related comorbidities. Compared to patients without FAO, those in the FAO group were older, with longer duration of asthma and more exacerbations.

Conclusion

The existence of comorbidities in patients with severe asthma could result in more asthma symptoms and decreased quality of life. Patients with exacerbations or with overweight or obese phenotypes were characterized by poorer lung function and worse asthma control. Patients with FAO phenotype tended to have more exacerbations.
Novel radiologic indices for stem type decision in total hip arthroplasty in patients with metaphyseo-diaphyseal mismatched Dorr A proximal femur
Authors: Lee Han Jin , Kim Hong Seok , Yoo Jeong Joon
Published: February 2024

Background

In metaphyseo-diaphyseal (M-D) mismatched Dorr A femurs, it is difficult to achieve proper fixation with a type 1 stem. Proper interpretation of the geometry of the femur is integral at the preoperative stage in an M-D mismatched femur, but there has been a scarcity of studies on the radiologic indices. Therefore, we analyze the previous radiologic indices and suggest the novel ones for M-D mismatched femurs.

Methods

Our study was a retrospective review of preoperative radiographs of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with the smallest type 1 stem or with type 3 C stem at a single institution from July 2014 to March 2022. A Type 3 C stem was used when the smallest type 1 stem failed to achieve metaphyseal fixation. One hundred twenty-six patients were categorized into two main groups. Canal-flare index, canal-calcar ratio, modified morphological cortical index, and two novel indices (lesser trochanter-to-distal ratio-α and -β [LDR-α and -β]) were assessed on preoperative pelvic radiographs.

Results

Multivariate and ROC analysis demonstrated that high LDR-β (Exp[B]: 485.51, CI: 36.67-6427.97, p < 0.001) was associated with a more mismatched tendency group and had clinically acceptable discriminatory power (AUC: 0.765, CI: 0.675–0.855, p < 0.001) between the two cohorts.

Conclusion

Correct assessment of preoperative femoral morphology would be fundamental in the selection of a suitable stem. The ratio based on 3 cm below the lesser trochanter of the femur seemed crucial. We recommend evaluating the newly described radiological index preoperatively in M-D mismatched Dorr A femur for planning precisely and selecting a proper stem.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes promote osteoblast proliferation, migration and inhibit apoptosis by regulating KLF3-AS1/miR-338-3p
Authors: Liu Dacheng , Zhao Xuechao , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Fei , Tong Xiangyang
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on osteoblast function.

Methods

The expression of KLF3-AS1 and miR-338-3p in serum of fracture patients was detected by qRT-PCR. Exosomes from BMSCs were isolated by ultrafast centrifugation. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in vitro as experimental cells. Intracellular gene expression was regulated by transfection of si-KLF3-AS1 or miR-338-3p inhibitors. MTT assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell viability, migration, and apoptosis. The luciferase reporter gene was used to verify the targeting relationship between KLF3-AS1 and miR-338-3p. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the basic functions and possible enrichment pathways of miR-338-3p target genes.

Results

The expressions of KLF3-AS1 and miR-338-3p in the serum of fracture patients were down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively. The expression of KLF3-AS1 was increased in MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with BMSCs-Exo, while the viability and migration ability of MC3T3-E1 cells were enhanced, and the apoptosis ability was weakened. Further analysis revealed miR-338-3p was the target gene of KLF3-AS1. The expression of miR-338-3p was downregulated in MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with BMSCs-Exo. Inhibition of miR-338-3p in MC3T3-E1 cells enhanced the viability and migration ability of MC3T3-E1 cells when cultured with BMSCs-Exo, while suppressing apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the target genes of miR-338-3p were predominantly localized at the axon’s initiation site, involved in biological processes such as development and growth regulation, and mainly enriched in MAPK and ErbB signaling pathways.

Conclusion

In vitro, BMSCs-Exo exhibits the capacity to enhance proliferation and migration while inhibiting apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells, potentially achieved through modulation of KLF3-AS1 and miR-338-3p expression in MC3T3-E1 cells.
Efficacy of an experimental toothpaste containing sodium bicarbonate, sodium hyaluronate and sodium fluoride on gingivitis
Authors: Axe Alyson , Patel Nisha , Qaqish Jimmy , Ling Martin R. , Araga Mako , Parkinson Charlie , Goyal Chaju Ram
Published: February 2024

Background

Gingivitis is driven by plaque accumulation and, if left untreated, can progress to irreversible periodontitis. For many, the mechanical action of toothbrushing does not achieve adequate plaque control. The aim of this study was to investigate whether twice-daily use of a toothpaste containing 0.2% high molecular weight (HMW) sodium hyaluronate with 67% sodium bicarbonate and 0.221% sodium fluoride (experimental toothpaste) could improve gingival health compared with a regular fluoride toothpaste (negative control). The study also assessed whether the experimental toothpaste could provide additive gingival health benefit over a toothpaste containing only 67% sodium bicarbonate and 0.221% sodium fluoride (positive control).

Methods

This was a single-center, examiner-blinded, randomized, clinical study in healthy adults with mild-to-moderate gingivitis. At baseline, after abstaining from toothbrushing for 12 h, prospective participants underwent oral soft tissue (OST) and oral hard tissue examination followed by assessments for gingival inflammation (Modified Gingival Index [MGI]), gingival bleeding (Bleeding Index [BI]), and supra-gingival plaque (Turesky Plaque Index [TPI]). Eligible participants were stratified by gender and baseline number of bleeding sites (low: <45; high: ≥45 bleeding sites). Following randomization, participants underwent prophylactic dental treatment. Participants received a full OST examination, MGI, BI and TPI assessments after 3 days, 1, 2 and 6 weeks of product use.

Results

In total, 110 participants were screened for study entry and all were randomized to receive one of three toothpastes (experimental: sodium hyaluronate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium fluoride; positive control: sodium bicarbonate, sodium fluoride; negative control: regular fluoride toothpaste). For all measures, significant improvements were observed in participants receiving either sodium bicarbonate-containing toothpaste (experimental or positive control) compared with the regular fluoride toothpaste (negative control) at week 6. No significant difference was observed in any assessment or visit comparing the experimental toothpaste with the positive control.

Conclusions

Both the experimental and the positive control toothpastes demonstrated clinically relevant improvements in gingival health compared with a regular fluoride toothpaste (negative control). However, no additional gingival health improvement was observed for the experimental toothpaste compared with the positive control, therefore, no additional gingival health benefit can be attributed to the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate in this formulation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04737538 (04/02/2021).
The ebbs and flows of empathy: a qualitative study of surgical trainees in the UK
Authors: Yannamani Pranathi , Gale Nicola Kay
Published: February 2024

Background

Empathy is widely recognised as an important element of medical practice contributing to patient outcomes and satisfaction. It is also an important element of collaborative work in a healthcare team. However, there is evidence to suggest that empathy towards patients declines over time, particularly in surgical specialities. There is little qualitative research on this decline in surgical trainees, particularly in the UK. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how trainee surgeons experience empathy over the course of their career, both towards patients and colleagues and how they perceive it in others.

Methods

10 semi-structured interviews were carried out with surgical trainees of different grades and specialties in January and February 2022. Framework analysis was used to interpret the data.

Results

Participants experienced an evolution in empathy over their career as their personal and professional experience was added to. They drew a distinction between desensitisation and actual decline in empathy and identified more with experiencing the former in their careers. Participants also felt interprofessional relationships require empathy, and this could be improved upon. Finally, they highlighted specific impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic upon their training, including reduced theatre time.

Conclusions

Participants felt training could be improved in regard to accessing training opportunities and relationships with colleagues, although many felt empathy between colleagues is better than it has been in the past. This project highlighted areas for future research, such as with surgeons in later stages of their careers, or mixed-methods projects.