bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply Chain Management Practices Influence Supply Chain Performance With Mediation Role of Innovation and Moderation Role of Top Management Support
Authors: Xu Heyan , Zhao Changheng
Published: June 2022

The study focuses on supply chain management practices, innovation, top management commitment, and supply chain performance at companies. The study's main objective is to investigate the association between supply chain management practices and supply chain performance and the intervening effect of innovation, the interaction effect of top management commitment. In this study, a simple random sampling technique and the sample size selected with G* power software (N = 208). The readymade questionnaire was used to collect data from National Logistic Corporation (NLC), Food and Beverage Companies Groups (FMCG) at China. The data analyzed through Smart-PLS (SEM → small and medium enterprises) and SPSS software. Meanwhile, innovational significant and positively mediated the relationship between supply chain management five practices and organizational performance. The findings of this study will help managers of SMEs enhance their performance. The results showed that SCMP directly and significantly affected supply chain performance, and customer relationship management was insignificant with supply chain performance. Supplier and customer relationship management both have a significant impact on innovation. In addition, innovation is considered a significant positive predictor for supply chain performance with the intervening approach. But top management commitment proved insignificant for customer relationship management and supply chain performance. The study further concluded that supply chain management practices would not be productive for supply chain performance if the top management does not apply innovative technologies in the organizations.
Analyzing Risk Communication, Trust, Risk Perception, Negative Emotions, and Behavioral Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China Using a Structural Equation Model
Authors: Gu Junwang , He Rong , Wu Xuanhui , Tao Jing , Ye Wenhui , Wu Chunmei
Published: June 2022

Objective

Risk communication and the degree of trust are major factors that affect the public's behavioral coping strategies and play an important role in emergency risk management. However, the internal formation mechanism involved in the public's psychological behavior remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association among risk communication, trust, risk perception, negative emotions, and behavioral coping strategies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify and quantify the factors that influence public behavior.

Methods

We launched an online survey through social media from April to July 2020 in China. Relevant data were elicited using a self-designed questionnaire that mainly examined respondent characteristics, risk communication, trust, risk perception, negative emotions, protective coping behavior, and excessive coping behavior in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 735 valid responses were obtained. A structural equation model was then used to explore relationship pathways among the components.

Results

The higher the degree of risk communication (β = −0.10, p < 0.05) and trust (β = −0.22, p < 0.001), the lower the public risk perception. Risk communication and trust had a direct effect on public behavioral coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher the level of risk communication (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) or trust (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), the more likely it was that this would encourage the public to adopt protective coping behaviors, while the public was less likely to engage in excessive coping behaviors as the degree of trust increased (β = −0.12, p < 0.01). Risk perception influenced by poor risk communication and trust generated negative emotions (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and such negative emotions further positively influenced public behavioral coping strategies (whether protective [β = 0.09, p < 0.05] or excessive [β = 0.24, p < 0.001] behaviors).

Conclusion

Risk communication, trust, risk perception, and negative emotions were significantly directly or indirectly related to public behavior. The findings provide useful information for emergency risk management and a theoretical basis for follow-up research on public coping behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Depression in People With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Dan , Li Yuxin , Bai Xue , Wang Meijuan , Yan Jingzheng , Cao Yingjuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with cancer. Medical therapies are usually prescribed to alleviate anxiety and depression, but they are associated with a variety of adverse effects. Recently, aromatherapy showed potential as a complementary medicine to improve psychological health and wellbeing. However, its effectiveness on relieving anxiety and depression has not been established.

Objective

This study explored the beneficial effects of aromatherapy on psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression in people with cancer.

Methods

We searched international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Ebscohost, ProQuest and Scopus from inception to 31 May 2021. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative analysis was performed on the studies that met our inclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis was performed on the studies with available data by RevMan software.

Results

The quality of the literatures were assessed carefully by two researchers, a total of 17 studies were included in the systematic review and 10 articles were conducted in meta-analysis. The aromatherapy was effective in relieving anxiety (SMD = −0.49, p < 0.05) in people with cancer. Subgroup analysis suggested that most effective methods were aromatic massage (SMD = −0.70, p < 0.005), aromatherapy with lavender essential oils (SMD = −1.12, p < 0.01), short-time interventions (duration < 4weeks) (SMD = −0.87, p < 0.05) and studies in Asia (SMD = −0.83, p < 0.05). Regarding depression and psychological wellbeing, there were no difference between aromatherapy and control groups.

Conclusion

In cancer patients, the aromatherapy was effective for relieving anxiety. However, there was no beneficial effect on depression and psychological wellbeing.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021272465.
Correlates of Meeting the Muscle-Strengthening Exercise Guidelines in Children and Adolescent
Authors: Gu Jiayi , Hong Jin-Tao , Lin Youliang , Yan Jin , Chen Sitong
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to explore the potential correlates of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) in Chinese children and adolescents. A convenient sample (n = 3733) was recruited into this study. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect information on sex, grade, ethnicity, residence, family composition, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), family income, parent's education level and MSE in children and adolescents as well as their parent(s). The prevalence of meeting the MSE guidelines was 62.1%. Children and adolescents who were in primary or middle school were more likely to meet the MSE guidelines ([primary school] OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.16–4.68; [middle school] OR = 4.62, 95% CI: 2.27–9.39). Children and adolescents with Han ethnicity had a higher likelihood to meet the MSE guidelines (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.37–2.83). Children and adolescents meeting the MVPA recommendation were more likely to meet the MSE guidelines (OR = 5.41, 95% CI: 3.97–7.37). Relative to those who had a parent not meeting the MSE guidelines, those with either father or mother meeting the MSE guidelines were more likely to meet the MSE guidelines (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13–1.55). Our study may offer evidence for future MSE interventions in Chinese children and adolescents.
Construction of a Traceability System for Food Industry Chain Safety Information Based on Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Lin Siyuan , Shi Qi , Zhou Ning
Published: June 2022

The continuous development of the social economy, has stimulataed an increase in the satndard of living and increased the deman for consumption resulting in the demand for high-quality and safe food has continued to increase. The so-called food safety means that the food that people eat under certain conditions will not harm human health. Frequent food safety incidents have highlighted the seriousness of my country's food safety problems and exposed loopholes in my country's food safety supervision. This article aims to study the construction of the Internet of Things technology in the food industry chain safety information traceability system, research on the RFID technology, GPS technology, and sensor technology in the Internet of things technology, and also conduct some research on the modules of the food industry chain safety information traceability system. This paper proposes to integrate the Internet of Things technology into the construction of the food industry chain safety information traceability system. First, a detailed analysis of some of the technologies that may be used is carried out, and then through the investigation of people on food safety and other aspects, and the food traceability system satisfaction survey. The experimental results in this article show that 40% of women pay more attention to food safety. Of course, in the satisfaction survey of the food safety traceability system based on the Internet of Things technology, it has been recognized by more than 20% of the people.
The Effect of COVID-19 Diagnosis on the Physical, Social, and Psychological Well-Being of People in the United Arab Emirates: An Explorative Qualitative Study
Authors: AlKuwaiti Mouza , Hamada Bayan Abu , Aljneibi Noof , Paulo Marília Silva , Elbarazi Iffat
Published: June 2022

A positive COVID-19 infection may impact physical, mental, and social health. Different factors may influence these impacts on different levels due to personal circumstances. This study aimed to explore the impact of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis on the physical,mental, social, psychological health, and lifestyle practices of an individual in the United Arab Emirates. A sample of 28 participants was interviewed using online interviews. An interview guide was created based on the coping strategy model and conceptual framework of coping strategies. All interviews were recorded; then transcribed after obtaining written consent from participants. The NVivo software was used for thematic analysis based on both identified coping models. Major themes included the physical effects, social effects, psychological effects, spiritual effects, and lifestyle effects. Emerging themes include coping mechanisms, trust in authorities and the health care system, appreciation of the role of the government, conspiracy theories, and media roles. This study indicates that people diagnosed with COVID-19 have perceived very good support in terms of their physical health from the government and health authorities, but require social, psychological, and educational support during the infection period and post-recovery.
Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Pollutant Levels and Associated Reductions in Ischemic Stroke Incidence in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wu Han , Lu Zilong , Wei Jing , Zhang Bingyin , Liu Xue , Zhao Min , Liu Wenhui , Guo Xiaolei , Xi Bo
Published: June 2022

Background

Local governments in China took restrictive measures after the outbreak of COVID-19 to control its spread, which unintentionally resulted in reduced anthropogenic emission sources of air pollutants. In this study, we intended to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown policy on the concentration levels of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of ≤1 μm (PM1), ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), and ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) and the potential subsequent reductions in the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in Shandong Province, China.

Methods

A difference-in-difference model combining the daily incidence data for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and air pollutant data in 126 counties was used to estimate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on the air pollutant levels and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incident counts. The avoided ischemic stroke cases related to the changes in air pollutant exposure levels were further estimated using concentration-response functions from previous studies.

Results

The PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO levels significantly decreased by −30.2, −20.9, −13.5, −46.3, and −13.1%, respectively. The O3 level increased by 11.5% during the lockdown compared with that in the counterfactual lockdown phase of the past 2 years. There was a significant reduction in population-weighted ischemic stroke cases (−15,315, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −27,689, −2,942), representing a reduction of 27.6% (95% CI: −49.9%, −5.3%). The change in the number of hemorrhagic stroke cases was not statistically significant. The total avoided PM1-, PM2.5-, PM10-, NO2-, and CO–related ischemic stroke cases were 739 (95% CI: 641, 833), 509 (95% CI: 440, 575), 355 (95% CI: 304, 405), 1,132 (95% CI: 1,024, 1,240), and 289 (95% CI: 236, 340), respectively.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 lockdown indirectly reduced the concentration levels of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and CO and subsequently reduced the associated ischemic stroke incidence. The health benefits due to the lockdown are temporary, and long-term measures should be implemented to increase air quality and related health benefits in the post-COVID-19 period.
Restitution Through Equity-Focused Mentoring: A Solution to Diversify the Physician Workforce
Authors: Walker Valencia P. , Williams Dominique R.
Published: June 2022

Minoritized and marginalized physicians who identify as Black, Latino/a/x and Native American (BLNA) remain unacceptably underrepresented in medicine. Multiple studies provide a compelling argument for prioritizing racial/ethnic diversification of the physician workforce to improve racial/ethnic physician-patient concordance and assist in achieving more equitable health outcomes. Despite a growing awareness for the tangible benefits of a diversified physician workforce, the number of physicians from minoritized and marginalized groups remains relatively stagnant or worsening in certain demographics. The 5:1 ratio of Black students and trainees to Black faculty exemplifies and exacerbates the increased risk for harmful isolation particularly experienced by many BLNA mentees. They too need and deserve the benefits produced by concordant racial/ethnic faculty mentoring and support. However, these demands on time, resources and bandwidth can lead to negative consequences for BLNA faculty engaged in these efforts by contributing to their emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. Given the perpetual paucity of BLNA physicians in academic medicine, immediate interventions to prevent attrition of BLNA faculty, trainees and students journeying along the physician career pathway are urgently needed. Requiring the implementation of mentoring programs explicitly focused on increasing the number of physicians from groups underrepresented in medicine must happen at every point of the education and training process.
Hybrid HCNN-KNN Model Enhances Age Estimation Accuracy in Orthopantomography
Authors: Sharifonnasabi Fatemeh , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman , John Jacob , Obeidy Peyman , Band Shahab S. , Alinejad-Rokny Hamid , Baz Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Age estimation in dental radiographs Orthopantomography (OPG) is a medical imaging technique that physicians and pathologists utilize for disease identification and legal matters. For example, for estimating post-mortem interval, detecting child abuse, drug trafficking, and identifying an unknown body. Recent development in automated image processing models improved the age estimation's limited precision to an approximate range of +/- 1 year. While this estimation is often accepted as accurate measurement, age estimation should be as precise as possible in most serious matters, such as homicide. Current age estimation techniques are highly dependent on manual and time-consuming image processing. Age estimation is often a time-sensitive matter in which the image processing time is vital. Recent development in Machine learning-based data processing methods has decreased the imaging time processing; however, the accuracy of these techniques remains to be further improved. We proposed an ensemble method of image classifiers to enhance the accuracy of age estimation using OPGs from 1 year to a couple of months (1-3-6). This hybrid model is based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) and K nearest neighbors (KNN). The hybrid (HCNN-KNN) model was used to investigate 1,922 panoramic dental radiographs of patients aged 15 to 23. These OPGs were obtained from the various teaching institutes and private dental clinics in Malaysia. To minimize the chance of overfitting in our model, we used the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm and eliminated the features with high correlation. To further enhance the performance of our hybrid model, we performed systematic image pre-processing. We applied a series of classifications to train our model. We have successfully demonstrated that combining these innovative approaches has improved the classification and segmentation and thus the age-estimation outcome of the model. Our findings suggest that our innovative model, for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, successfully estimated the age in classified studies of 1 year old, 6 months, 3 months and 1-month-old cases with accuracies of 99.98, 99.96, 99.87, and 98.78 respectively.
Social Support, Sense of Belonging, and Communication Technology Use Among Paid and Unpaid Caregivers of Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Lee Shinduk , Ory Marcia G. , Dahlke Deborah Vollmer , Smith Matthew Lee
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe communication technology use among paid and unpaid middle-aged and older caregivers of adults 50 and older in a natural (non-experimental) setting; and (2) examine the association between communication technology use, perceived social support, and sense of belonging in this population.

Methods

Means and standard deviations, or frequencies and percentages, were used to describe study participants. Chi-square tests or independent sample t-tests were used to compare sociodemographic characteristics, communication technology use, perceived social support, and sense of belonging to the local community between paid and unpaid caregivers. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to predict each outcome (i.e., sense of belonging and social support) based on the use of texting or communication applications.

Results

The average age of participants was age 64.2 years, and the majority was female (74.8%) and non-Hispanic White (66.9%). Compared to paid caregivers, unpaid caregivers were older (64.5 vs. 62.2 years, p = 0.022) and a larger proportion were non-Hispanic White (70.8% vs. 47.7%, p < 0.001). Nearly 83% of the study participants reported using texting or communication applications (81.5% among paid caregivers and 83.1% among unpaid caregivers, p = 0.718). After adjusting for caregivers' age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education, a significantly higher sense of belonging was observed among paid caregivers than unpaid caregivers (b = 9.40, p = 0.009). After adjusting for caregivers' age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education, the use of texting or other communication applications significantly increased caregivers' perceived availability of social support (b = 0.35, p = 001).

Conclusions

These study results showed a greater sense of belonging to the local community among paid caregivers compared to unpaid caregivers. The use of communication technology was associated with an increased sense of belonging to their local community among paid caregivers, yet the use of communication technology did not contribute to feelings of belonging among unpaid caregivers. In an aging society, both paid and unpaid caregivers are essential elements of the care system. Research is needed to understand the social support needs of paid and unpaid caregivers and the types of interventions to promote social support and community engagement for both groups.
Co-creating Digital Stories With UK-Based Stroke Survivors With the Aim of Synthesizing Collective Lessons From Individual Experiences of Interacting With Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Hall Joseph , Kroll Thilo , van Wijck Frederike , Bassil-Morozow Helena
Published: June 2022

Background

Stroke survivor narratives can provide valuable insight into experiences of healthcare and beyond. There is need to further understand collective lessons from stroke survivor narratives, yet prior studies utilizing digital storytelling tend to not synthesize lessons from individual experiences. This study aims to develop a novel method to co-create digital stories with stroke survivors that will aim to synthesize and portray important collective lessons from individual stroke survivors' experiences of interacting with healthcare professionals.

Methods

This study follows-up a qualitative study conducted with 30 stroke survivors exploring factors that help or hinder survivors to positively reconfigure their identity post-stroke. Five co-creation workshops were conducted with a subset of UK-based stroke survivors from this previous study. Participants were invited to join through: online workshops, an online bulletin board, and as an advisor. A four-stage workshop framework was developed through the integration of UK Design Council's Double Diamond method, digital storytelling strategies and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework for developing behavioral change interventions.

Findings

Six online workshop participants (three male, three female; aged 33–63; time since stroke 2–16 years) co-created digital stories that share six collective lessons aimed at increasing empathy and encouraging behavior change in healthcare professionals (HCPs) working with stroke survivors. Online bulletin board participants (n= 1) and advisors (n= 5) supported the co-creation process. Collective lessons identified were: (1) Stroke has a variety of symptoms that must all be considered; (2) Stroke can affect anyone of any age and not just the elderly; (3) Assumptions should not be made about a survivor's lifestyle or habits; (4) It is important to acknowledge the person behind the stroke and ensure that they are communicated with and listened to; (5) Stroke survivors can often feel unprepared for the reality of life after stroke; (6) Adapting to life after stroke is a long-term process requiring long-term support.

Conclusion

Stroke survivor stories highlighted preconceptions, attitudes and behaviors embedded within healthcare that negatively impacted their experiences and recovery. The novel methodology employed in this study enabled these stories to be synthesized into collective lessons to bring about improvements in these behaviors in future.
Novelty Knows No Boundaries: Why a Proper Investigation of Novelty Effects Within SHRI Should Begin by Addressing the Scientific Plurality of the Field
Authors: Smedegaard Catharina V.
Published: June 2022

Research on psychological novelty effects within the fields of Social Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction (together: SHRI) so far has failed to gather the momentum it deserves. With the aid of exemplary descriptions of how psychological novelty is currently approached and researched across (certain main regions of) the larger scientific landscape, I argue that the treatment of novelty effects within the multidisciplinary SHRI reflects larger circumstances of fragmentation and heterogeneity in novelty research in general. I further propose that while the concept of novelty may currently function as a Boundary Object between the contributing domains of SHRI, a properly integrated, interdisciplinary concept of novelty is needed in order to capture and investigate the scope and scale of novelty effects within research on social human-robot interaction. Building on research on the New Ontological Category Hypothesis and related studies, I argue that the novelty of social robots can be understood as radical to the extent that their comprehension requires revisions of traditional core categories of being. In order to investigate the sui generis effects of such novelty, which should not be narrowly understood as mere “noise” in the data, it is paramount that the field of SHRI begin by working out a shared, integrative framework of psychological novelty and novelty effects.
Do High-Speed Rails Improve the Allocation Level of Medical Resources?
Authors: Wu Hong , Rong Xingbo , Zhao Mengfan
Published: June 2022

Transportation is an important factor that affects social public health and basic services. The opening of high-speed rails also has an impact on China's urban medical and other basic health services. Based on the panel data of 280 cities at the prefecture level and above in China from 2008 to 2018, this study uses a multi-period difference-in-difference model to explore the impact of opening high-speed rails on the level of urban medical resources, and uses the mediation effect model to analyze its path of influence. The empirical results show that opening high-speed rails has significantly increased the level of medical resources in the city, and the impact has a time lag of about 3 years. Second, government actions are one of the mechanisms by which the opening of high-speed rails affect the level of medical resources. Finally, there is regional heterogeneity in the impact of high-speed rails opening on medical resources. The opening of high-speed rails has a stronger role in promoting the level of medical resources in eastern cities and provincial capitals of China. The conclusion of this study has certain policy significance for improving the social and economic welfare of HSR and promoting the rational allocation of medical resources.
The Efficacy of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Combined With Triamcinolone Acetonide Aqueous Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Hao Zhongping , Gu Huaiyu , Li Wen
Published: June 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) combined with triamcinolone acetonide aqueous nasal spray (TAA AQ) for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

From December 2019 to June 2021, 109 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were classified into a control group (n = 50) and an experimental group (n = 59) according to the method of treatment. Subjects in the control group were treated with FESS while those in the experimental group were treated with FESS + TAA AQ. We then compared clinical indices, total effective rate, and the clinical symptoms of patients between the two groups. The pre- and postoperative serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were also determined. Before and 12 months after surgery, we analyzed the recovery of the nasal mucosa, olfactory function, and mucociliary transport rate of each patient. Postoperative complications were observed and recorded and the quality-of-life 12 months after surgery was ascertained.

Results

Clinical indices and total effective rate were higher in the experimental group. After treatment, the VAS score and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in the two groups both decreased, although the experimental group had lower VAS scores and inflammatory cytokine levels. Six months after treatment, olfactory function, and the recovery of nasal mucosa were improved, MTR had increased, and the total incidence of complications had reduced in the experimental group when compared with the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of quality-of-life (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of FESS and TAA AQ exerted a certain therapeutic effect on chronic rhinosinusitis.
Novel Application of an Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator for Endoscopic Modified Medial Maxillectomy
Authors: Takakura Hiromasa , Tachino Hirohiko , Oi Yutaro , Do Tram Anh , Shojaku Hideo
Published: June 2022

Background

Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy (EMMM) is a surgical technique developed to approach maxillary sinus lesions, such as papilloma and postoperative maxillary cyst, while preserving the postoperative nasal morphology and nasal function. In this technique, a diamond burr is used to remove the bone, which may damage adjacent soft tissue. We developed EMMM using an ultrasonic bone aspirator (UBA) instead of a conventional diamond burr. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of the UBA in EMMM in comparison to the conventional diamond burr technique in terms of operative time, intraoperative complications, postoperative symptoms, and recurrence.

Methods

The medical records of all patients who underwent EMMM at Toyama University Hospital between June 2014 and December 2021 were reviewed. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were separated into Group 1, in which the UBA was used for EMMM, and Group 2, in which a drill with a diamond burr was used. Data on patient demographics, operation time, frequency of intraoperative complications and postoperative symptoms, and recurrence were statistically compared between the two groups.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in the patient demographic data, operative time, postoperative symptoms, or frequency of recurrence. The frequency of intraoperative damage to adjacent soft tissues was significantly lower in patients who underwent EMMM with the UBA in comparison to those who underwent EMMM with a conventional diamond burr.

Conclusion

The application of the UBA to EMMM can improve surgical safety and facilitate surgical procedures.
Management of Posterior Fossa Tumors in Adults Based on the Predictors of Postoperative Hydrocephalus
Authors: Zhang Chengda , Zhang Tingbao , Ge Lingli , Li Zhengwei , Chen Jincao
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aims to identify the predictors of postoperative hydrocephalus in patients with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs) and guide the management of perioperative hydrocephalus.

Methods

We performed a single-institution, retrospective analysis of patients who underwent resection of PFTs in our department over a 10-year period (2011–2021). A total of 682 adult patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into either a prophylactic external ventricular drainage (EVD) group or a nonprophylactic-EVD group. We analyzed data for the nonprophylactic-EVD group by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of postoperative acute hydrocephalus. We also analyzed all cases by univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the predictors of postoperative ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement.

Results

Tumor infiltrating the midbrain aqueduct [P = 0.001; odds ratio (OR) = 9.8], postoperative hemorrhage (P < 0.001; OR = 66.7), and subtotal resection (P = 0.006; OR = 9.3) were independent risk factors for postoperative EVD. Tumor infiltrating the ventricular system (P < 0.001; OR = 58.5) and postoperative hemorrhage (P < 0.001; OR = 28.1) were independent risk factors for postoperative VP shunt placement.

Conclusions

These findings may help promote more aggressive monitoring and earlier interventions for postoperative hydrocephalus in patients with PFTs.
Nuss Technique for Pectus Excavatum in Adult Patients: Cosmetic Satisfaction and Improvement of Quality of Life in a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Viggiano Domenico , Bongiolatti Stefano , Borgianni Sara , Lo Piccolo Roberto , Voltolini Luca , Gonfiotti Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Since its introduction, the Nuss minimally invasive procedure for pectus excavatum (PE) repair (MIRPE) has become the method of choice. The current study describes our experience of PE correction in adults, with particular focus on postoperative outcomes, pain, quality of life, and patients’ satisfaction.

Methods

We enrolled for this observational study n = 93 adult patients from 2011 to 2018. The Haller index was used to quantify PE severity. Pulmonary function tests and cardiac examinations were performed preoperatively; we developed a standardized surgical technique and postoperative treatment, including follow-up at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery and 6 months after bar removal. We also evaluated the quality of life and the satisfaction with the cosmetic result after the procedure with standardized questionnaires.

Results

No operative or perioperative deaths occurred nor life-treating complications. Thirteen complications occurred in 12 patients, with a total complication rate of 14% (n = 13/93). Pain intensity decreased in the follow-up [pain score visual analog scale at 3 months: median 1 (0–8); 12 months: median 1 (0–5); and 24 months: median 1 (0–4)]. Better or much better quality of life after the Nuss procedure was observed: n = 79 (84.1%) at 3 months, n = 80 (86%) at 12 months, and n = 85 (91.4%) at 24 months. After 2 years of observation, more than 90% of patients described improvement in their quality of life and satisfaction with the cosmetic results. Only a very small group of patients suffered from pain in the follow-up.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the MIRPE procedure is safe and can be performed with excellent results in adults both for improvement of quality of life and for satisfaction with cosmetic results.
Application of 3D Simulation Software in Chemotherapy and Hepatoblastoma Surgery in Children
Authors: Liu Jie , Xiu Wenli , Duan Guangqi , Dong Qian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the clinical value of a computer-assisted surgery system (Hisense CAS) in hepatoblastoma (HB) surgery in children after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

The clinical medical records of children with HB treated after neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 21 children were enrolled in this study, including 13 boys and 8 girls. All cases successfully underwent three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the liver and tumor using Hisense CAS, simulated hepatectomy, and hepatectomy according to the preoperative operation plan. There were twelve cases of right hemihepatectomy, four cases of right trefoil hepatectomy, one case of left lobe hepatectomy, and three cases of middle lobe hepatectomy, and one case of V and VI segment hepatectomy. All children recovered well after the operation. The follow-up ranged from 5 months to 3 years. One child died of systemic metastasis 8 months after the operation. One child received one course of chemotherapy after the operation. Due to the serious reaction to the chemotherapy, the family refused further treatment and follow-up. The remaining 19 children had no complications or recurrence.

Conclusion

Hisense CAS can clearly and intuitively display the position and shape of the HB before and after chemotherapy and its relationship with the intrahepatic pipeline system and accurately evaluate the changes in tumor volume and the distance between important blood vessels, which is conducive to the operator selecting the best operation opportunity, timely formulating the best operation plan and implementing individualized and accurate liver tumor resection.
Effect of Driving Pressure-Oriented Ventilation on Patients Undergoing One-Lung Ventilation During Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xuan , Xue Wenqiang , Zhang Qinyu , Zhu Yuyang , Fang Yu , Huang Jie
Published: June 2022

Background

Hypoxemia and fluctuations in respiratory mechanics parameters are common during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in thoracic surgery. Additionally, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCS) in thoracic surgery is higher than that in other surgeries. Previous studies have demonstrated that driving pressure-oriented ventilation can reduce both mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the incidence of PPCS in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Our aim was to determine whether driving pressure-oriented ventilation improves intraoperative physiology and outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov and performed a meta-analysis to compare the effects of driving pressure-oriented ventilation with other ventilation strategies on patients undergoing OLV. The primary outcome was the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio) during OLV. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of PPCS during follow-up, compliance of the respiratory system during OLV, and mean arterial pressure during OLV.

Results

This review included seven studies, with a total of 640 patients. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was higher during OLV in the driving pressure-oriented ventilation group (mean difference [MD]: 44.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.22–65.70.32; I2: 58%; P < 0.0001). The incidence of PPCS was lower (OR: 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34–0.99; I2: 0%; P = 0.04) and the compliance of the respiratory system was higher (MD: 6.15; 95% CI, 3.97–8.32; I2: 57%; P < 0.00001) in the driving pressure-oriented group during OLV. We did not find a significant difference in the mean arterial pressure between the two groups.

Conclusion

Driving pressure-oriented ventilation during OLV in patients undergoing thoracic surgery was associated with better perioperative oxygenation, fewer PPCS, and improved compliance of the respiratory system.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021297063.
Transcroporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement With Closure of Corporal Bodies—A Long-Term Analysis of Functional Outcomes
Authors: Maurer Valentin , Dahlem Roland , Howaldt Marian , Riechardt Silke , Fisch Margit , Ludwig Tim A. , Engel Oliver
Published: June 2022

Objectives

An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard for postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The transcorporal AUS (TC) placement constitutes the main salvage option in high-risk patients suffering from SUI with fragile urethras. The literature analyzing long-term outcomes with respect to explantation rates, continence, and erectile function is scarce.

Methods and Patients

Retrospective data collection was performed in 2011. TC was applied according to a standardized protocol. TC was implanted after bulbar urethroplasty or double-cuff (DC) explantation. After TC placement, the tunica albuginea was closed in order to minimize the risk of postoperative bleedings and erectile dysfunction. Activation was performed 6 weeks postoperatively. Further follow-up (FU) was scheduled 6/24 months postoperatively and every 2 years thereafter. Primary/secondary endpoints were explantation/objective, subjective, and social continence rates. Objective or social continence was defined as the use of 0 pads/day or <2 pads/day, respectively. Thereupon, postoperative bleedings and erectile function were analyzed.

Results

A total of 39 high-risk patients were available for analysis. The median age was 72 years. In total, 84.6%, 10.3%, and 2.6% had a history of radical prostatectomy, TURP, and radical cystectomy, respectively. In total, 61.5% had a history of radiation therapy of the prostate, 41% had a history of urethral surgery, and 95% had a history of double cuff explantation. The median FU was 27 months. Objective, subjective, and social continence were 54.5%, 69.7%, and 78.8%, respectively. The median pad usage was 1 pad/day [1–2.5]. Only one patient suffered from a postoperative hematoma. In total, 15.4% of the patients were able to have an erection preoperatively, compared to 7.7% after TC placement. The estimated mean explantation-free survival of the TC was 83 months in the Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Conclusions

TC AUS implantation constitutes a viable salvage approach in high-risk SUI patients with a mean device survival of almost 7 years and high social continence rates of almost 80%. An intraoperative closure of the tunica albuginea after TC placement allows for very low rates of postoperative hematoma and supports postoperative erectile rigidity.
Investigation on Silver Modification of Different Shaped Filler on the Heat Conduction Performance Improvement for Silicone Elastomer
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhang Yuan , Liu Yicheng , Xie Huaqing , Yu Wei
Published: June 2022

The continuous miniaturization and multi-function of electronic devices have put forward high requirements for the effective removal of the heat generated in the system. Developing thermally conductive polymer composite-based thermal interface materials is becoming the research hotspot. In addition to the usually concerned intrinsic thermal conductivity of the filler itself, surface modification is one of the important ways to form an effective heat conduction pathway and improve the overall thermal conductivity of materials. In this work, we used silicon rubber as the polymer matrix and achieved the thermal conductivity increment via various fillers with different shapes. The adopted fillers are spherical aluminum oxide (Al2O3), linear carbon fiber and boron nitride sheets, which can be considered as zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), and two-dimensional (2D) fillers respectively. We also prepared the silver-modified fillers and investigated the influence on the formation of heat conduction pathways and interfacial thermal resistance of different shaped fillers. An obvious increment in thermal conductivity of the composite with silver-modified fillers was observed compared to the composite with pristine fillers. Furthermore, through the practical thermal management performance investigation, we found the thermal conductivity increment did improve the actual heat transfer performance of composite elastomers functioning as thermal interface materials
A Small Multihost Plasmid Carrying erm(T) Identified in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Li Xing-Yun , Yu Rui , Xu Chunyan , Shang Yanhong , Li Dexi , Du Xiang-Dang
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the mobile genetic elements involved in the horizontal transfer of erm(T) in Enterococcus faecalis, and its transmission ability in heterologous hosts. A total of 159 erythromycin-resistant enterococci isolates were screened for the presence of macrolide resistance genes by PCR. Whole genome sequencing for erm(T)-carrying E. faecalis E165 was performed. The transmission ability in heterologous hosts was explored by conjugation, transformation, and fitness cost. The erm(T) gene was detected only in an E. faecalis isolate E165 (1/159), which was located on a 4,244-bp small plasmid, designed pE165. Using E. faecalis OG1RF as the recipient strain, pE165 is transferable. Natural transformation experiments using Streptococcus suis P1/7 and Streptococcus mutans UA159 as the recipients indicated it is transmissible, which was also observed by electrotransformation using Staphylococcus aureus RN4220 as a recipient. The erm(T)-carrying pE165 can replicate in the heterologous host including E. faecalis OG1RF, S. suis P1/7, S. mutans UA159, and S. aureus RN4220 and conferred resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin to all hosts. Although there is no disadvantage of pE165 in the recipient strains in growth curve experiments, all the pE165-carrying recipients had a fitness cost compared to the corresponding original recipients in growth competition experiments. In brief, an erm(T)-carrying plasmid was for the first time described in E. faecalis and as transmissible to heterologous hosts.
Effect of Pinus taeda Hydrolyzed Lignin on Biochemical Profile, Oxidative Status, and Semen Quality of Healthy Dogs
Authors: Aiudi Giulio G. , Cicirelli Vincenzo , Maggiolino Aristide , Burgio Matteo , Bragaglio Andrea , Tateo Alessandra , De Palo Pasquale
Published: June 2022

Sub-fertility represents a frequent challenge in canine reproduction. The use of micronutrients and/or additives was investigated as an approach to improve sperm quality, which are the main constraints on reproduction in canine species. Although some information is available about the effect of daily supplementation with substances presenting antioxidant/antioxidative activity on semen quality, this study aimed to observe the effect of a polyphenolic mix of substances derived from hydroxylation ofPinus taedalignin (PTHL). For the trial, 40 male dogs were involved, 20 received PTHL for 90 days and 20 were left untreated, serving as a control group. Every 30 days, blood and semen samples were collected and analyzed. The biochemical profile of both groups was not affected by treatment and time (p> 0.05). Differently, dogs that received PTHL showed higher blood superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity (p< 0.01). Moreover, the dietary addition of PTHL can significantly increase the semen volume, concentration, and spermatozoa motility (p< 0.01) in healthy dogs. PTHL supplementation represents a good way to enhance the semen quality of dogs and improve the antioxidant status of animals.
Electrical Impedance Myography in Dogs With Degenerative Myelopathy
Authors: Kowal Joseph B. , Verga Sarah A. , Pandeya Sarbesh R. , Cochran Randall J. , Sabol Julianna C. , Rutkove Seward B. , Coates Joan R.
Published: June 2022

Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) leads to disuse and neurogenic muscle atrophy. Currently there is a lack of non-invasive quantitative measures of muscle health in dogs with DM. Muscle pathology has been previously quantified in other disorders using the technique of electrical impedance myography (EIM) but it has not been reported for DM. The objective of this study was to compare EIM between DM-affected and similar aged healthy dogs as well as assess EIM changes over time in DM-affected dogs. Multifrequency EIM was performed on DM affected dogs at baseline and during disease progression and on age-matched healthy dogs. Muscles evaluated in the pelvic limbs included the craniotibialis, gastrocnemius, gracilis, sartorius, and biceps femoris. The 100 kHz phase angle was extracted from the full frequency set for analysis. Phase values were lower in DM dogs as compared to healthy controls. Specifically, phase of the gastrocnemius was lower on the left (θ = 7.69, 13.06; p =0.002) and right (θ= 6.11, 11.72; p = 0.001) in DM vs. control dogs, respectively. The mean phase value of all measured muscles was also lower on the left (θ = 9.24, 11.62; p = 0.012) and right (θ = 9.18, 11.72; p = 0.021). Other individual muscles measured did not reach statistical significance, although values were consistently lower in DM-affected dogs. With disease progression, downward trends in phase values were detected in DM-affected dogs when monitored serially over time. This study demonstrates that EIM 100 kHz phase values are sensitive to muscle pathology in DM and that phase values are decreased in dogs with DM. Measurements from the gastrocnemius muscle show the greatest differences from similar aged healthy dogs suggesting it may be the preferred muscle for future EIM studies.