bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased Peli1 expression attenuates osteoarthritis by protecting chondrocytes and inhibiting M1-polarization of macrophages
Authors: Mo Haokun , Wang Zhenggang , He Zhiyi , Wan Junlai , Lu Rui , Wang Chenwen , Chen Anmin , Cheng Peng
Published: January 2023

Aims

Pellino1 (Peli1) has been reported to regulate various inflammatory diseases. This study aims to explore the role of Peli1 in the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis (OA), so as to find new targets for the treatment of OA.

Methods

After inhibiting Peli1 expression in chondrocytes with small interfering RNA (siRNA), interleukin (IL)-1β was used to simulate inflammation, and OA-related indicators such as synthesis, decomposition, inflammation, and apoptosis were detected. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway were detected. After inhibiting the expression of Peli1 in macrophages Raw 264.7 with siRNA and intervening with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the polarization index of macrophages was detected, and the supernatant of macrophage medium was extracted as conditioned medium to act on chondrocytes and detect the apoptosis index. The OA model of mice was established by destabilized medial meniscus (DMM) surgery, and adenovirus was injected into the knee cavity to reduce the expression of Peli1. The degree of cartilage destruction and synovitis were evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Safranin O/Fast Green staining, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

In chondrocytes, knockdown of Peli1 produced anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects by targeting the TLR and NF-κB signalling pathways. We found that in macrophages, knockdown of Peli1 can inhibit M1-type polarization of macrophages. In addition, the corresponding conditioned culture medium of macrophages applied to chondrocytes can also produce an anti-apoptotic effect. During in vivo experiments, the results have also shown that knockdown Peli1 reduces cartilage destruction and synovial inflammation.

Conclusion

Knockdown of Peli1 has a therapeutic effect on OA, which therefore makes it a potential therapeutic target for OA. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(2):121–132.
Proximal humerus fractures – epidemiology, comparison of mortality rates after surgical versus non-surgical treatment, and analysis of risk factors based on Medicare registry data
Authors: Walter Nike , Szymski Dominik , Kurtz Steven M. , Lowenberg David W. , Alt Volker , Lau Edmund , Rupp Markus
Published: January 2023

Aims

The optimal choice of management for proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) has been increasingly discussed in the literature, and this work aimed to answer the following questions: 1) what are the incidence rates of PHF in the geriatric population in the USA; 2) what is the mortality rate after PHF in the elderly population, specifically for distinct treatment procedures; and 3) what factors influence the mortality rate?

Methods

PHFs occurring between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 were identified from the Medicare physician service records. Incidence rates were determined, mortality rates were calculated, and semiparametric Cox regression was applied, incorporating 23 demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic covariates, to compare the mortality risk between treatments.

Results

From 2009 to 2019, the incidence decreased by 11.85% from 300.4 cases/100,000 enrollees to 266.3 cases/100,000 enrollees, although this was not statistically significant (z = -1.47, p = 0.142). In comparison to matched Medicare patients without a PHF, but of the same five-year age group and sex, a mean survival difference of -17.3% was observed. The one-year mortality rate was higher after nonoperative treatment with 16.4% compared to surgical treatment with 9.3% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23 to 1.36; p < 0.001) and to shoulder arthroplasty with 7.4% (HR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.58; p < 0.001). Statistically significant mortality risk factors after operative treatment included age older than 75 years, male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, a concomitant fracture, congestive heart failure, and osteoporotic fracture.

Conclusion

Mortality risk factors for distinct treatment modes after PHF in elderly patients could be identified, which may guide clinical decision-making. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(2):103–112.
Community Health by People’s Involvement: the Characteristics and Dilemma of Community Participation in Community Health Projects of the 1970-80s, Korea
Authors: JEONG Dahye
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to historically re-evaluate the issues surrounding resident participation in health care and its legacy by examining the community participation in health care. In the 1970s and 1980s, community participation was one of crucial trends and a controversial topic in the international health as well as the international aid. Throughout the 1970s, local participation was regarded as one of essential elements for the access to basic healthcare and primary health care in developing countries. Community health projects which aimed to apply primary health care were implemented in rural areas and some urban areas in the 1970s and 1980s. Village Health Workers(VHWs) were a symbolic example of community participation in these projects. They consisted of local women and led health activities with simple skills in their villages. They served as a bridge between the project team and the residents. Health professionals expected them to be health leaders for “self-help” in health of their communities. In the mid-1980s, however, as the number of health facilities and professional health care workers increased, the activities of VHSs were decreased. The mixed understanding of the responsibilities and roles of VHSs among the health professionals affected the skeptical view on the achievement and effects of community participation in health care. In the mid-1980s, as the government officially organized the VHWs, the dilemma surrounding community participation intensified. When the community health projects were ended, most of the VHW organizations were also disbanded. After the projects, the spirit of community participation was only inherited by some healthcare movement organizations, such as medical cooperatives.
Using speckle correlations for single-shot 3D imaging
Authors: Aarav Shaurya , Fleischer Jason W.
Published: January 2023

Recovery of a 3D object behind a scattering medium is an important
problem in many fields, including biomedical and defense applications.
Speckle correlation imaging can recover objects in a single shot but
contains no depth information. To date, its extension to 3D recovery
has relied on multiple measurements, multi-spectral light, or
pre-calibration of the speckle with a reference object. Here, we show
that the presence of a point source behind the scatterer enables
single-shot reconstruction of multiple objects at multiple depths. The
method relies on speckle scaling from the axial memory effect, in
addition to the transverse one, and recovers objects directly, without
the need for phase retrieval. We provide simulation and experimental
results to show object reconstructions at different depths with a
single-shot measurement. We also provide theoretical principles
describing the region where speckle scales with axial distance and its
effects on the depth of field. Our technique will be useful where a
natural point source exists, such as fluorescence imaging or car
headlights in fog.
Intensity and phase stacked analysis of a Φ-OTDR system using deep transfer learning and recurrent neural networks
Authors: Kayan Ceyhun Efe , Yuksel Aldogan Kivilcim , Gumus Abdurrahman
Published: January 2023

Distributed acoustic sensors (DAS) are effective apparatuses that are widely used in many application areas for recording signals of various events with very high spatial resolution along optical fibers. To properly detect and recognize the recorded events, advanced signal processing algorithms with high computational demands are crucial. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are highly capable tools to extract spatial information and are suitable for event recognition applications in DAS. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is an effective instrument to process sequential data. In this study, a two-stage feature extraction methodology that combines the capabilities of these neural network architectures with transfer learning is proposed to classify vibrations applied to an optical fiber by a piezoelectric transducer. First, the differential amplitude and phase information is extracted from the phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (Φ-OTDR) recordings and stored in a spatiotemporal data matrix. Then, a state-of-the-art pre-trained CNN without dense layers is used as a feature extractor in the first stage. In the second stage, LSTMs are used to further analyze the features extracted by the CNN. Finally, a dense layer is used to classify the extracted features. To observe the effect of different CNN architectures, the proposed model is tested with five state-of-the-art pre-trained models (VGG-16, ResNet-50, DenseNet-121, MobileNet, and Inception-v3). The results show that using the VGG-16 architecture in the proposed framework manages to obtain a 100% classification accuracy in 50 trainings and got the best results on the Φ-OTDR dataset. The results of this study indicate that pre-trained CNNs combined with LSTM are very suitable to analyze differential amplitude and phase information represented in a spatiotemporal data matrix, which is promising for event recognition operations in DAS applications.
High-precision detection method for an object edge based on a position-sensitive detector
Authors: Zhai Yusheng , Zhao Yiheng , Yan Saisai , Zhang Zhifeng , Geng Lijie , Zhang Ruiliang , Yang Kun , Kuang Cuifang
Published: January 2023

The paper proposed and verified a method of object edge detection based on the innovative defect spot working mode of the position-sensitive detector (PSD). With the output characteristics of the PSD in the defect spot mode and the size transformation properties of a focused beam, edge-detection sensitivity could be improved. Calibration experiments with the piezoelectric transducer (PZT) and object edge-detection experiments indicate that the object edge-detection sensitivity and accuracy of our method could reach 1 and 20 nm, respectively. Therefore, this method can be widely used in high-precision alignment, geometric parameters measurement, and other fields.
Smoothing tool design and performance during subaperture glass polishing
Authors: Suratwala T. , Tham G. , Steele R. , Wong L. , Menapace J. , Ray N. , Bauman B.
Published: January 2023

During subaperture tool grinding and polishing, overlaps of the tool
influence function can result in undesirable mid-spatial frequency
(MSF) errors in the form of surface ripples, which are often corrected
using a smoothing polishing step. In this study, flat multi-layer
smoothing polishing tools are designed and tested to simultaneously
(1) reduce or remove MSF errors, (2) minimize surface
figure degradation, and (3) maximize the material removal rate.
A time-dependent convergence model in which spatial material removal
varies with a workpiece-tool height mismatch, combined with a finite
element mechanical analysis to determine the interface contact
pressure distribution, was developed to evaluate various smoothing
tool designs as a function of tool material properties, thicknesses,
pad textures, and displacements. An improvement in smoothing tool
performance is achieved when the gap pressure constant, h¯ (which describes the inverse rate at
which the pressure drops with a workpiece-tool height mismatch), is
minimized for smaller spatial scale length surface features (namely,
MSF errors) and maximized for large spatial scale length features
(i.e., surface figure). Five specific smoothing tool designs
were experimentally evaluated. A two-layer smoothing tool using a
thin, grooved IC1000 polyurethane pad (with a high elastic modulus, Epad=360MPa), thicker blue foam (with an
intermediate modulus, Efoam=5.3MPa) underlayer, and an optimized
displacement (d
t
=1mm) provided the best overall
performance (namely, high MSF error convergence, minimal surface
figure degradation, and high material removal rate).
Experimental verification of fiber coupling characteristics for FSO downlinks from the International Space Station
Authors: Trinh Phuc V. , Kolev Dimitar R. , Shiratama Koichi , Carrasco-Casado Alberto , Munemasa Yasushi , Yamazoe Hiroaki , Komatsu Hiromitsu , Kamata Toshiaki , Nakao Takashi , Ohta Shinji , Iwamoto Kyohei , Fujiwara Mikio , Tsuji Hiroyuki , Toyoshima Morio
Published: January 2023

Free-space optical (FSO) systems are compulsory to realize high capacity and interference-free communication links from low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations as well as spacecraft and space stations to the Earth. To be integrated with high-capacity ground networks, the collected portion of the incident beam should be coupled into an optical fiber. To accurately evaluate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bit-error rate (BER) performance metrics, the probability density function (PDF) of fiber coupling efficiency (CE) must be determined. Previous studies have experimentally verified the CE PDF for a single-mode fiber, however, there is no such investigation for the CE PDF of a multi-mode fiber (MMF) in a LEO-to-ground FSO downlink. In this paper, for the first time, the CE PDF for a 200-μm MMF is experimentally investigated using data from an FSO downlink from the Small Optical Link for International Space Station (SOLISS) terminal to a 40-cm sub-aperture optical ground station (OGS) supported by a fine-tracking system. An average CE of 5.45 dB was also achieved given that the alignment between SOLISS and OGS was not optimal. In addition, using the angle-of-arrival (AoA) and received power data, the statistical characteristics such as channel coherence time, power spectral density, spectrogram, and PDFs of AoA, beam misalignments, and atmospheric turbulence-induced fluctuations are revealed and compared with the state-of-the-art theoretical background.
Efficient first-order quasi-phase-matched backward second-harmonic generation
Authors: Mutter Patrick , Mølster Kjell Martin , Zukauskas Andrius , Pasiskevicius Valdas , Canalias Carlota
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate first-order quasi-phase-matched backward second-harmonic generation (BSHG) with an efficiency of 18.7%. This represents an increase by two orders of magnitude from earlier experiments employing higher-order quasi-phase-matching. The efficient BSHG is demonstrated in bulk periodically poled Rb:KTiOPO4 with a poling period of 317 nm. Using these structures, the frequency doubling in the backward direction is achieved for the fundamental wavelength of 2309 nm. Here we report on the experimental investigation of the BSHG properties such as spectral bandwidth, temperature tuning, and temperature bandwidth by employing broadband and narrowband fundamental wavelength sources. The BSHG properties are compared with those of co-propagating second harmonic generation to reveal the BSHG potential for novel applications that were proposed theoretically but have not been realized in practice so far.
A worldwide perspective on large carnivore attacks on humans
Authors: Bombieri Giulia , Penteriani Vincenzo , Almasieh Kamran , Ambarlı Hüseyin , Ashrafzadeh Mohammad Reza , Das Chandan Surabhi , Dharaiya Nishith , Hoogesteijn Rafael , Hoogesteijn Almira , Ikanda Dennis , Jędrzejewski Włodzimierz , Kaboli Mohammad , Kirilyuk Anastasia , Jangid Ashish Kumar , Sharma Ravi Kumar , Kushnir Hadas , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Mohammadi Alireza , Monroy-Vilchis Octavio , Mukeka Joseph M. , Nikolaev Igor , Ohrens Omar , Packer Craig , Pedrini Paolo , Ratnayeke Shyamala , Seryodkin Ivan , Sharp Thomas , Palei Himanshu Shekhar , Smith Tom , Subedi Ashok , Tortato Fernando , Yamazaki Koji , Delgado Maria del Mar
Published: January 2023

Large carnivores have long fascinated human societies and have profound influences on ecosystems. However, their conservation represents one of the greatest challenges of our time, particularly where attacks on humans occur. Where human recreational and/or livelihood activities overlap with large carnivore ranges, conflicts can become particularly serious. Two different scenarios are responsible for such overlap: In some regions of the world, increasing human populations lead to extended encroachment into large carnivore ranges, which are subject to increasing contraction, fragmentation, and degradation. In other regions, human and large carnivore populations are expanding, thus exacerbating conflicts, especially in those areas where these species were extirpated and are now returning. We thus face the problem of learning how to live with species that can pose serious threats to humans. We collected a total of 5,440 large carnivore (Felidae, Canidae, and Ursidae; 12 species) attacks worldwide between 1950 and 2019. The number of reported attacks increased over time, especially in lower-income countries. Most attacks (68%) resulted in human injuries, whereas 32% were fatal. Although attack scenarios varied greatly within and among species, as well as in different areas of the world, factors triggering large carnivore attacks on humans largely depend on the socioeconomic context, with people being at risk mainly during recreational activities in high-income countries and during livelihood activities in low-income countries. The specific combination of local socioeconomic and ecological factors is thus a risky mix triggering large carnivore attacks on humans, whose circumstances and frequencies cannot only be ascribed to the animal species. This also implies that effective measures to reduce large carnivore attacks must also consider the diverse local ecological and social contexts.
Metacognitive therapy home-based self-help for anxiety and depression in cardiovascular disease patients in the UK: A single-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wells Adrian , Reeves David , Heal Calvin , Fisher Peter , Doherty Patrick , Davies Linda , Heagerty Anthony , Capobianco Lora
Published: January 2023

Background

Anxiety and depression in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are associated with greater morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Current psychological interventions within CR have small effects based on low-quality studies of clinic-based interventions with limited access to home-based psychological support. We tested the effectiveness of adding self-help metacognitive therapy (Home-MCT) to CR in reducing anxiety and depression in a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods and findings

We ran a single-blind, multi-centre, two-arm RCT. A total of 240 CR patients were recruited from 5 NHS-Trusts across North West England between April 20, 2017 and April 6, 2020. Patients were randomly allocated to Home-MCT+CR (n = 118, 49.2%) or usual CR alone (n = 122, 50.8%). Randomisation was 1:1 via randomised blocks within hospital site, balancing arms on sex and baseline Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. The primary outcome was the HADS total score at posttreatment (4-month follow-up). Follow-up data collection occurred between August 7, 2017 and July 20, 2020. Analysis was by intention to treat. The 4-month outcome favoured the MCT intervention group demonstrating significantly lower end of treatment scores (HADS total: adjusted mean difference = −2.64 [−4.49 to −0.78], p = 0.005, standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.38). Sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation (MI) of missing values supported these findings. Most secondary outcomes also favoured Home-MCT+CR, especially in reduction of post-traumatic stress symptoms (SMD = 0.51). There were 23 participants (19%) lost to follow-up in Home-MCT+CR and 4 participants (3%) lost to follow-up in CR alone. No serious adverse events were reported. The main limitation is the absence of longer term (e.g., 12-month) follow-up data.

Conclusion

Self-help home-based MCT was effective in reducing total anxiety/depression in patients undergoing CR. Improvement occurred across most psychological measures. Home-MCT was a promising addition to cardiac rehabilitation and may offer improved access to effective psychological treatment in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients.

Trial registration

NCT03999359.
Diagnostic performance of optical coherence tomography macular ganglion cell inner plexiform layer and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma suspect and early glaucoma patients at St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Addishiwot , W. Gessesse Girum
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate glaucoma diagnostic performance of ganglion cell inner plexiform layer and retinal nerve fiber layer parameters measured with cirrus HD optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Method

Total of 188 eyes were included in our study. 49 eyes of healthy controls, 70 glaucoma suspect eyes and 69 early glaucomatous eyes. Complete ophthalmic examination was done including visual field test (with Humphrey field analyzer) and OCT scanning of ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in different quadrants. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of each parameter was calculated to provide diagnostic ability between normal controls, glaucoma suspects or early glaucoma.

Result

GCIPL and RNFL parameters had strong power in discriminating early glaucoma from healthy controls with all having AUROC of above 0.76. Of all the GCIPL and RNFL parameters, the only variable that could discriminate between glaucoma suspect and healthy controls was the combined parameter by OR-logic approach. Of all the parameters, the average and nasal RNFL parameters had the strongest power in discriminating between the two with AUROC of 0.81. All parameters had an overall good diagnostic performance with excellent sensitivity but the specificity was relatively poor. The combined parameter had the best specificity (62.2%) with excellent sensitivity (93.5%).

Conclusion

Nasal RNFL parameters had the strongest power in discriminating between glaucoma suspect and healthy controls and the OR-logic combination of RNFL and GCIPL provides better diagnostic performance than single GCIPL, RNFL or ONH parameter.
The non-selective Rho-kinase inhibitors Y-27632 and Y-33075 decrease contraction but increase migration in murine and human hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Bachtler Nadine , Torres Sandra , Ortiz Cristina , Schierwagen Robert , Tyc Olaf , Hieber Christoph , Berres Marie-Luise , Meier Caroline , Kraus Nico , Zeuzem Stefan , Nijmeijer Bart , Pronk Sebas , Trebicka Jonel , Klein Sabine
Published: January 2023

Background

The Rho-kinase ROCK II plays a major role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which are the key profibrotic and contractile cells contributing to the development of chronic liver disease. Inhibition of ROCK II ultimately blocks the phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC) and thus inhibits stress fibre assembly and cell contraction. We investigated the effects of the ROCK inhibitors Y-33075 as well as Y-27632 in murine and human hepatic stellate cells.

Methods

Primary isolated HSC from FVB/NJ mice and the immortalized human HSC line TWNT-4 were culture-activated and incubated with Y-27632 and Y-33075 (10nM to 10μM) for 24h. Protein expression levels were analyzed by Western Blots and transcriptional levels of pro-fibrotic markers and proliferative markers were evaluated using real-time qPCR. Migration was investigated by wound-healing assay. Proliferation was assessed by BrdU assay. Contraction of HSC was measured using 3D collagen matrices after incubation with Y-27632 or Y-33075 in different doses.

Results

Both Rho-kinase inhibitors, Y-27632 and Y-33075, reduced contraction, fibrogenesis and proliferation in activated primary mouse HSC (FVB/NJ) and human HSC line (TWNT-4) significantly. Y-33075 demonstrated a 10-times increased potency compared to Y-27632. Surprisingly, both inhibitors mediated a substantial and unexpected increase in migration of HSC in FVB/NJ.

Conclusion

ROCK inhibition by the tested compounds decreased contraction but increased migration. Y-33075 proved more potent than Y27632 in the inhibition of contraction of HSCs and should be further evaluated in chronic liver disease.
Contribution of atrial myofiber architecture to atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kamali Roya , Kwan Eugene , Regouski Misha , Bunch T. Jared , Dosdall Derek J. , Hsu Ed , Macleod Rob S. , Polejaeva Irina , Ranjan Ravi
Published: January 2023

Background

The role of fiber orientation on a global chamber level in sustaining atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. The goal of this study was to correlate the fiber direction derived from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) with AF inducibility.

Methods

Transgenic goats with cardiac-specific overexpression of constitutively active TGF-β1 (n = 14) underwent AF inducibility testing by rapid pacing in the left atrium. We chose a minimum of 10 minutes of sustained AF as a cut-off for AF inducibility. Explanted hearts underwent DTI to determine the fiber direction. Using tractography data, we clustered, visualized, and quantified the fiber helix angles in 8 different regions of the left atrial wall using two reference vectors defined based on anatomical landmarks.

Results

Sustained AF was induced in 7 out of 14 goats. The mean helix fiber angles in 7 out of 8 selected regions were statistically different (P-Value < 0.05) in the AF inducible group. The average fractional anisotropy (FA) and the mean diffusivity (MD) were similar in the two groups with FA of 0.32±0.08 and MD of 8.54±1.72 mm2/s in the non-inducible group and FA of 0.31±0.05 (P-value = 0.90) and MD of 8.68±1.60 mm2/s (P-value = 0.88) in the inducible group.

Conclusions

DTI based fiber direction shows significant variability across subjects with a significant difference between animals that are AF inducible versus animals that are not inducible. Fiber direction might be contributing to the initiation and sustaining of AF, and its role needs to be investigated further.
Anemia biomarkers and mortality in hemodialysis patients with or without diabetes: A 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Asmar Jihane , Chelala Dania , El Hajj Chehade Razane , Azar Hiba , Finianos Serge , Aoun Mabel
Published: January 2023

Background

Many studies have assessed the association between anemia and mortality in hemodialysis but few compared patients with and without diabetes. Our study aims to investigate the impact of hemoglobin and iron parameters on mortality in hemodialysis patients with or without diabetes.

Methods

This is a two-center retrospective study that included all adult patients who started hemodialysis between February 2012 and February 2020, followed until January 2021. Averages of hemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin saturation of entire follow-up were recorded. Kaplan Meier survival, log rank test and cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between anemia biomarkers and mortality.

Results

A total of 214 patients were included. Mean age was 67.98 ±12.41 years, mean hemoglobin was 10.92 ±0.75 g/dL, mean ferritin was 504.43 ± 221.42 ng/mL and mean transferrin saturation was 26.23 ±7.77%. Log rank test showed an association between hemoglobin ≥11 g/dL and better survival in patients without diabetes (P = 0.028). Based on cox regression analysis, hemoglobin was associated with all-cause mortality in all patients (HR = 0.66; CI:0.49,0.89; P = 0.007). When comparing patients with and without diabetes, this association remained significant only in patients without diabetes (HR = 0.53; CI:0.37,0.77; P<0.001). Based on different multivariate models, hemoglobin, ferritin and age were independent factors associated with mortality in patients without diabetes.

Conclusions

This study showed that hemoglobin ≥11 g/dL is associated with better survival in hemodialysis patients without diabetes but not in those with diabetes. These differences need to be further explored in other countries and settings. An individualization of the hemoglobin target level might be necessary to improve patients’ outcomes.
Evolution of European bison image and its implications for current species conservation
Authors: Samojlik Tomasz , Daszkiewicz Piotr , Fedotova Anastasia , Ričkienė Aurika , Cielemęcka Olga , Szczygielska Marianna
Published: January 2023

Visual media are one of the fastest and most effective tools informing the public about conservation goals and convincing societies to support conservation actions. Similar mechanisms functioned in the past, only within a much longer time scale and different communication channels. We analyse the evolution of European bison’s depictions between 1500 and 1900 in the context of building public awareness of the species and its conservation needs. Experts evaluated the anatomical accuracy of thirty eight images of the species from the period analysed, and their conservation appeal was assessed by using an online survey of the general public. Existing knowledge and previous publications allowed authors to describe the development of the scientific knowledge about European bison in 1500–1900. By juxtaposing this with anatomical accuracy of depictions, a conclusion was reached that the accuracy of depictions was not directly linked to the state of knowledge about the species. In the survey, the public reception of the accuracy of historical pictures of European bison, as well as their potential to be used in conservation campaigns, was connected with subjective appeal of depicted animals. This lesson can be translated to modern conservation campaigns using mass media and global communication channels: popularization of knowledge on species of concern should be accompanied by appealing depictions of these species to strengthen public reception.
Protocol of a prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare
Authors: Williams Daryl Lindsay , Kave Benjamin , Bodas Charles , Begg Fiona , Roberts Megan , Ng Irene
Published: January 2023

Individuals who are unable to be clean shaven for religious, medical or cultural reasons are unable to wear a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR), as the respirator cannot provide adequate protection against aerosol-transmissible diseases. There is currently a paucity of validated techniques to ensure the safe inclusion of bearded healthcare workers in the pandemic workforce. We propose to undertake a healthcare-based multi-modal evaluation study on the elastic band beard cover for FFR technique, examining the quantitative fit test (QNFT) results, usability and skill level of participants with repeated assessments over time. This is a prospective study conducted through the Respiratory Protection Program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Healthcare workers are invited to participate if they require respiratory protection and cannot shave for religious, cultural or medical reasons. An online education package on the use of respiratory protective equipment and the elastic band beard cover for FFR technique is provided. This is followed by a face-to-face session, where the participant will receive: one-on-one training; undergo a skill assessment on their donning, doffing and user seal check techniques; complete QNFTs and a usability survey. Participants will be invited to repeat the assessment within 3 months of the first session and at 12 months. This study involves multimodal and repeated assessments of an elastic band beard cover for FFRs. The findings of this study will provide information on: whether this simple technique can provide safe, consistent and effective respiratory protection; whether it will interfere with occupational activities; and whether it is comfortable and tolerable for the duration of wear. This is of significant importance to the health workforce around the world, who cannot shave but require access to respiratory protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
222 nm far-UVC efficiently introduces nerve damage in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yoshiyama Kaoru Okamoto , Okamoto Norihiko L. , Hidema Jun , Higashitani Atsushi
Published: January 2023

Far-ultraviolet radiation C light (far-UVC; 222 nm wavelength) has received attention as a safer light for killing pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as no or little DNA damage is observed after irradiation in mammalian skin models. Far-UVC does not penetrate deeply into tissues; therefore, it cannot reach the underlying critical basal cells. However, it was unclear whether far-UVC (222-UVC) irradiation could cause more biological damage at shallower depths than the 254 nm UVC irradiation (254-UVC), which penetrates more deeply. This study investigated the biological effects of 222- and 254-UVC on the small and transparent model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. At the same energy level of irradiation, 222-UVC introduced slightly less cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer damage to naked DNA in solution than 254-UVC. The survival of eggs laid during 0–4 h after irradiation showed a marked decrease with 254-UVC but not 222-UVC. In addition, defect of chromosomal condensation was observed in a full-grown oocyte by 254-UVC irradiation. In contrast, 222-UVC had a significant effect on the loss of motility of C. elegans. The sensory nervous system, which includes dopamine CEP and PVD neurons on the body surface, was severely damaged by 222-UVC, but not by the same dose of 254-UVC. Interestingly, increasing 254-UVC irradiation by about 10-fold causes similar damage to CEP neurons. These results suggest that 222-UVC is less penetrating, so energy transfer occurs more effectively in tissues near the surface, causing more severe damage than 254-UVC.
Spectrum of human Pasteurella species infections in tropical Australia
Authors: Mahony Michelle , Menouhos Dimitrios , Hennessy Jann , Baird Robert W.
Published: January 2023

Background

Acquired zoonotic infections withPasteurellabacterial species have a wide clinical spectrum of disease from invasive infections to localised bite-wound infections.

Methods

This study reviewed the spectrum of the demographic, clinical, temporal, and microbiological trends of laboratory confirmedPasteurellaspecies infections presenting to a single-centre tropical tertiary hospital over a twenty-year period.

Results

195 episodes from 190 patients were included. 51.3% patients were female, and 20.5% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Crude incidence ofPasteurellaspp. infections increased from 1.5 per 100,000 population in 2000, to 11.4 per 100,000 population in 2021. There were 22 (11.3%) bloodstream infections, 22 (11.3%) invasive, 34 (17.4%) deep local, 98 (50.2%) superficial infections, and 19 (9.7%) other or unknown. Adults over 65 years of age accounted for the majority of bacteraemias (63.7%). More severe infections, including bacteraemia, invasive and deep local infections, were more common in lower limb infections and in those with underlying comorbidities. Animal contact with cats was more common in bloodstream infections (36.4%), but dog bites more common in invasive, deep local and superficial infections. 30-day all-cause mortality was low at 1.0%.Pasteurella multocidawas most commonly identified (61.1%), butP.canis,P.dagmatis, and otherPasteurellainfections were also noted. 67.7% of specimens were polymicrobial, with other significant organisms beingStaphylococcus aureus,Streptococcus pyogenes, Group G Streptococcus andPseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusion

Pasteurellaspecies remain clinically important pathogens, with the ability to cause severe and invasive infections with associated morbidity. Presentations to hospital are becoming more common, and the polymicrobial nature of bites wounds has implications for empiric antibiotic guidelines.
Associations between leukocyte count and lipid-related indices: Effect of age and confounding by habits of smoking and alcohol drinking
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro
Published: January 2023

Leukocyte count in peripheral blood is an acute-phase reactant and is associated with the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. Blood lipid profile, a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease, is known to be associated with leukocyte count, but it remains to be determined how this association is affected by other factors including lifestyle and age. The subjects were 11261 Japanese middle-aged men (30~65 years old) who had received health checkup examinations. The relationships of leukocyte count with lipid-related indices (ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol [LDL-C/HDL-C], ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol [TG/HDL-C] and cardiometabolic index [CMI]) were investigated. Leukocyte count, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and CMI were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, while leukocyte count and LDL-C/HDL-C were significantly lower in regular drinkers than in nondrinkers. Both in overall subjects and subjects without habits of smoking and drinking, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and CMI were significantly higher in the 2nd and 3rd tertiles for leukocyte count than in the 1st tertile and tended to be higher with an increase of the tertile. Odds ratios for high TG/HDL-C and high CMI of the 3rd vs. 1st tertiles for leukocyte count tended to be lower with an increase of age, and odds ratios for high TG/HDL-C and high CMI of the interaction term, consisting of age (60~65 vs. 30~39 years) and tertile (3rd vs. 1st tertiles for leukocyte count), were significantly lower than the reference level. In conclusion, leukocyte count is associated with lipid-related indices, and the associations are independent of smoking and alcohol drinking and tend to be weaker with an increase of age in Japanese middle-aged men.
Information, involvement, self-care and support—The needs of caregivers of people with stroke: A grounded theory approach
Authors: Lobo Elton H. , Frølich Anne , Abdelrazek Mohamed , Rasmussen Lene J. , Grundy John , Livingston Patricia M. , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Kensing Finn
Published: January 2023

Background

Globally, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with most care undertaken by caregivers who are generally family and friends without prior experience of care. The lack of experience or unpreparedness results in feelings of uncertainty, burnout, anxiety, burden, etc. Hence, it is necessary to identify the needs of caregivers to better support them in their caregiving journey and improve the quality of care delivered.

Methods

The study employed a grounded theory methodology that utilizes information gathered from literature reviews and social media to represent the needs and create a storyline visually. The storyline is further refined and evaluated using an online survey of 72 participants recruited through online stroke caregiving communities.

Results

The study identified four core categories of needs: (i) Information: sufficient information delivered in layman’s terms based on the individual situation of the caregiver and survivor through oral and hands-on demonstrations, (ii) Involvement: inclusion in the decision-making processes at different stages of recovery through face-to-face communication at the hospital, (iii) Self-care: ability to engage in work and leisure activities, (iv) Support: receive support in the form of resources, services and finances from different other stakeholders.

Conclusions

There is a need to create a caregiver-centered approach in stroke recovery to ensure limited obstruction to care and reduced uncertainty in stroke recovery. Moreover, through the inclusion of caregivers in stroke recovery, it may be possible to reduce the burden of care to the caregiver and ensure the satisfaction of the healthcare system throughout stroke recovery.
Reviews
Authors: Fallon Peter K.
Published: January 2023

Strate, Lance. Echoes and Reflections: On Media Ecology as a Field of Study. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 2006. 182 pp. Paperback $23.95, ISBN 1-57273-725-5.
Vaporwar and military contents fandom
Authors: Waysdorf Abby S.
Published: January 2023

This article investigates vaporwar – a kind of military fanvid where military footage is remixed, set to music and given a ‘vaporwave’ makeover through filters and editing. While a niche group, it is a growing one and loved by its fans. Why? Drawing on Turk and Johnson’s idea of looking at vidding as an ecology, this article suggests that these videos should be seen as part of a ‘contents fandom’ of the military. This term is adapted from ‘contents tourism’, where people travel to a location due to its association with different media depictions of the same subject, and here means that the fans who make and view these videos do so out of a fannish interest in all things military. These videos are thus part of a turn towards ‘participatory militainment’, media made by military fans for military fans, drawing on the internet vernacular of vaporwave to prove the genre’s coolness and validity. At the same time, they point to a sense of nostalgia and dissatisfaction in this fandom with current military trends, and an aestheticization of the military as a reason for its existence. What does it mean for the military to have fans?
‘I don’t want to be presented as some sort of freak-show … but you’re “one of us”’: Stigmatized groups and decisions to participate in insider/outsider research
Authors: Neville Lucy
Published: January 2023

Drawing on a piece of mixed-methods research (n = 488), this article uses thematic analysis to examine the responses of women who form part of a stigmatized group (fans of male/male [m/m] sexually explicit media) as to whether and how the investigator’s perceived status as a community insider affected decisions to take part in a wider research project. While there exists a substantial body of work on insider/outsider research, much of it is either reflexive or theoretical in nature, focusing on the nature of the research process and the integrity of the data; very little work systematically asks people taking part in qualitative research how their knowledge of the investigator’s insider/outsider status influenced their decision to take part. While participants in this study acknowledged the existence of both acceptable outsider researchers and unacceptable insider researchers, it is clear from the data presented here that researcher positionality can play a key role in successful recruitment. The results of this study highlight that we need to think not only about how our positionality affects participant responses in qualitative work but also how it affects decisions to take part in studies in the first place. This is of particular importance when we are investigating hard-to-reach, stigmatized or marginal populations with already limited participant pools.
Generating transition policy scenarios for university–industry collaboration in Iran using systems thinking
Authors: Edgar Gerry , Kharazmi Omid Ali
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to build a dynamic systems model (DSM) in order to construct scenarios for the future of university–industry collaboration (UIC) in Iran. A mixed research methodology was used and six stages of scenario development were followed. To identify the key variables (forces that contribute to the promotion of UIC), the relevant innovation systems theories and literature related to UIC considering macro and micro environment was explored. A questionnaire was designed to identify the scenario driving forces of UIC in Iran and 90 respondents participated from both university and industry side. In order to construct a DSM based on Iranian context, generating and interpreting scenarios, 25 interviews were conducted with the major players of UIC including university professors, industrial experts and also experts from government institution associated with two Iranian cluster industries (Automotive and Biotechnology). These experts were selected based on a snowball sampling technique. Theme analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data and generate scenarios. A set of evolved states (exploratory and future-backwards scenarios) served to illustrate the plausible futures of UIC in Iran, and therefore to inform an improvement agenda for UIC activities.
Lealtad dinástica y gobierno de la casa
Authors: Álvarez-Ossorio Alvariño Antonio
Published: January 2023

A partir de 1701 el conflicto por la sucesión de la corona de España y la consiguiente desmembración de la monarquía marcó la agenda militar y diplomática europea durante medio siglo. Los exiliados italianos en la corte de Felipe V se convirtieron en un grupo de poder al que se confío en parte la misión de recuperar Italia, ejerciendo destacados puestos ministeriales, diplomáticos y militares, así como un buen número de las jefaturas de las casas reales de Felipe V y de Isabel de Farnesio. En este estudio se profundiza en la configuración y trayectoria de estas redes de parentesco, así como en las complejas razones de la lealtad dinástica vinculadas con las jefaturas de las casas y linajes
Spatial mobilities and conceptual immobilities
Authors: Gaune Rafael , Montt Strabucchi Maria
Published: January 2023

Starting from the concepts, “proximities and immobilities”, we reflect upon and analyze the writing of two Italian missionaries who moved between the ‘Cinquecento’ and ‘Seicento’ where special mobility (territorial expansion of the Catholic orb) and conceptual immobility (fascination, suspicion and fear of the new) converge. We concentrate on the writings of Alessandro Valignano through his missionary manual and Matteo Ricci’s letters as they proceed to decipher alterities by means of the conceptualization of “the barbarian” and the language of “others”.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates derived from humans and animals in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Fitranda Mulya , Salasia Siti Isrina Oktavia , Sianipar Osman , Dewananda Dion Adiriesta , Arjana Adika Zhulhi , Aziz Fatkhanuddin , Wasissa Madarina , Lestari Fajar Budi , Santosa Christin Marganingsih
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim: The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a highly pathogenic strain in veterinary and human medicine is a growing global problem. This study aimed to evaluate MRSA isolates of human and animal origin against various antibiotics in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods: The susceptibility test was carried out by the disk diffusion method using Mueller-Hinton agar against nine antibiotic disks. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains were genetically confirmed through mecA gene detection encoding for methicillin resistance by polymerase chain reaction.

Results: All 240 S. aureus strains isolated from animals and humans were resistant to penicillin G (P) (100% and 99%, respectively), followed by ampicillin (AMP), amoxicillin (AML), oxacillin (OX), erythromycin (E), clindamycin (DA), tetracycline (TE), gentamicin (GEN), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). Eighty-three MRSA strains were resistant to OX (100%), P (100%), AMP (99.27%), AML (95.52%), E (87.77%), TE (71.33%), DA (63.24%), GEN (38.81%), and CIP (26.87%).

Conclusion: The antimicrobial resistance pattern of S. aureus human isolates was similar to their animal counterpart, with 77.20% of MRSA strains classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. These findings indicate an increase in MDR S. aureus strains of animal origin in Yogyakarta, thus raising public health concerns about MRSA zoonotic spread.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment in Infancy Through Young Adulthood
Authors: Rosen Rachel
Published: January 2023

Gastroesophageal reflux treatment varies greatly across the pediatric age spectrum. Infant reflux treatments rely heavily on nutritional interventions, whereas reflux in older children is treated more commonly with medications. However, because of the broad differential diagnosis, treatment nonresponse merits a re-evaluation of the diagnosis being treated and additional testing to provide a more precision-medicine approach to care.