bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomaterial mediated immunomodulation: An interplay of material environment interaction for ameliorating wound regeneration
Authors: Dixit Krishna , Bora Hema , Lakshmi Parimi Jhansi , Mukherjee Gayatri , Dhara Santanu
Published: February 2023

Chronic wounds are the outcome of an imbalanced inflammatory response caused by sustenance of immune microenvironment. In this context, tissue engineered graft played great role in healing wounds but faced difficulty in scar remodelling, immune rejection and poor vascularization. All the limitations faced are somewhere linked with the immune cells involved in healing. In this consideration, immunomodulatory biomaterials bridge a large gap with the delivery of modulating factors for triggering key inflammatory cells responsible towards interplay in the wound micro-environment. Inherent physico-chemical properties of biomaterials substantially determine the nature of cell-materials interaction thereby facilitating differential cytokine gradient involved in activation or suppression of inflammatory signalling pathways, and followed by surface marker expression. This review aims to systematically describe the interplay of immune cells involved in different phases in the wound microenvironment and biomaterials. Additionally, it also focuses on modulating innate immune cell responses in the context of triggering the halted phase of the wound healing, i.e., inflammatory phase. The various strategies are highlighted for modulation of wound microenvironment towards wound regeneration including stem cells, cytokines, growth factors, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory agents to induce interactive ability of biomaterials with immune cells. The last section focuses on prospective approaches and current potential strategies for wound regeneration. This includes the development of different models to bridge the gap between mouse models and human patients. Emerging new tools to study inflammatory response owing to biomaterials and novel strategies for modulation of monocyte and macrophage behaviour in the wound environment are also discussed.
An efficient process for macro geometry optimization of helical gear pairs considering static transmission error
Authors: Kim Suchul , Lee Geunho , Moon Sanggon , Kim Jaeseung , Choi Jaehoon , Choi Chan-ho , Ahn Houngjong , Sohn Jonghyeon
Published: February 2023

Loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) adopted to obtain the static transmission error for the gear optimization affects significantly the computation time and results. This paper is to study an efficient process of macro geometry optimization of helical gear pairs with LTCA. An analytical LTCA model was proposed and verified with the measured transmission error. To find an efficient LTCA method, the proposed model was divided into three types (based on whether the slice stiffness and extended contact were included) by adjusting the fidelity. When extended contact was included in LTCA, the increased computation time was very short, but the accuracy of the results improved significantly. Optimization processes were designed based on the analysis results, and it was most efficient when starting with the model considering only the extended contact and ending 5%−10% of the entire generation with the highest fidelity model. In the process, the computational effort was significantly reduced compared to when the optimization process was configured with only the highest fidelity model, and the level of optimization was almost equal.
Fault-tolerant attitude control for liquid-filled flexible spacecraft without angular velocity measurements based on disturbance observer
Authors: Song Xiaojuan , Li Xuesong , Lu Shufeng , Song Xiaowen
Published: February 2023

The problem of robust, angular velocity-free control and fault-tolerant control for liquid-filled flexible spacecraft attitude maneuver subject to unknown external disturbances is investigated. Moreover, state variables measurement uncertainty and actuator failures are explored. The liquid sloshing effect of spacecraft fuel is equivalent to a two-order spring-mass model, and the flexible attachments are equivalent to the Euler–Bernoulli beams. The external disturbance, multiple failures of the output actuator, and the coupled interference caused by liquid sloshing and vibrations of flexible attachments are distinguished as continuous and percussive disturbances. First, a fault-tolerant control method against the percussive disturbances is proposed, and the robustness performance and characteristics of this method are analyzed. Then, both continuous and percussive disturbances are considered to propose a new fault-tolerant control method based on a nonlinear disturbance observer, which is used to estimate the integrated disturbance. The Lyapunov stability theory proves that the proposed control strategy can make the state variables converge to a small neighborhood of the origin in finite time. Finally, the numerical simulation is used to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control strategy.
Explaining Risk Factors for Successful Family Supervision Orders: Families with Intellectual Disabilities in Child Protection in the Netherlands
Authors: Sterenborg Tessel , van Nieuwenhuijzen Maroesjka , Wissink (Inge) I. B. , Zijlstra Annick , Stams (Geert Jan) G. J. J. M.
Published: February 2023

Families with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID) are overrepresented in child protection, and are at higher risk for long and unsuccessful family supervision orders (FSOs). This is worrisome, as many children apparently are exposed to unsafe parenting situations for longer periods of time. Therefore, the present study examined which child and parental factors and child maltreatment are related to the duration and success of an FSO in families with MBID in the Netherlands. Casefile data were analysed of 140 children with an ended FSO. Results from binary logistic regression analyses showed that in families with MBID, young children, children with psychiatric problems, and children with MBID were at higher risk for a longer duration of FSOs. Furthermore, young children, children with MBID and children who were sexually abused had a lower chance of a successful FSO. Unexpectedly, children who witnessed domestic violence or whose parents were divorced, had a higher chance of a successful FSO. The discussion focuses on implications of these results for treatment and care of families with MBID from the perspective of child protection.
The importance of being diverse: Exploring the journey from Brexit to Belonging
Authors: Vencatasamy Davina
Published: February 2023

In this position paper, I use auto-ethnographic approaches and case studies to explore the findings from the 2020 British Association for Music Therapy Diversity Report which highlighted the disturbing gaps in the diversity of music therapy in the United Kingdom. I focus specifically on racial issues in music therapy and the impact of Brexit as a cultural demarcation landmark in the political landscape of the United Kingdom. Throughout this article, challenging terminology and language are used to explore the systemic nature of prejudice and oppression. In the clinical examples, I attempt to denote when elements of therapeutic intervention framed by a prejudicial, Western lens can result in therapy which can be damaging. This article involves the critical discussion and use of some offensive language, including the explicit spelling of derogatory terms.
Incidental collocation learning from reading-while-listening and captioned TV viewing and predictors of learning gains
Authors: Vu Duy Van , Noreillie Ann-Sophie , Peters Elke
Published: February 2023

Although a number of previous studies have shown that TV viewing can lead to incidental vocabulary learning, most of them focused on single words. Little research has examined the effect of captioned TV viewing on incidental collocation learning compared with other modes of input. In addition, research on the factors that affect incidental collocation from different input modes is still relatively scarce and has produced inconclusive findings. To fill those research gaps, the present study investigates the effects of reading-while-listening and captioned TV viewing on incidental collocation learning and predictors of learning gains. Eighty Vietnamese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group encountered 24 target collocations in two stories in two modes of input (reading-while-listening and viewing videos with second language captions) in a counterbalanced fashion over four weeks. Learning was assessed at the level of form recall. The findings indicated that both modes of input resulted in equally significant gains of collocational knowledge. In addition, learners’ prior vocabulary knowledge and collocational congruency were significant predictors of learning gains. Learners with larger vocabulary knowledge picked up significantly more collocations in reading-while-listening but fewer collocations in captioned TV viewing than learners with smaller vocabulary knowledge.
Europeanisation in Teacher Education: A Comparative Case Study of Teacher Education Policies and Practices, Review essay
Authors: Ertem Ece Cihan
Published: February 2023

This essay is a review on the book titled Europeanisation in Teacher Education: A Comparative Case Study of Teacher Education Policies and Practices, by Vasileios Symeonidis, which is a valuable contribution to the field of international and comparative education investigating the interaction between local and general, in this sense “European” trajectories in teacher education.
Sleep and delinquency: The context of self-control, social support, and sex differences among French adolescents
Authors: Semenza Daniel C. , Gentina Elodie
Published: February 2023

Prior research demonstrates that poor sleep is an important predictor of delinquent behavior among adolescents. Engagement in delinquency is linked to a range of negative mental and physical health outcomes over the life course, underscoring a critical need to address adolescent sleep problems to reduce delinquency. However, little scholarly attention has been paid to how the broader context of social support influences the sleep–delinquency relationship. In this study, we analyze a series of structural equation models using a sample of 447 French adolescents to examine how parental and peer support correspond to three related aspects of sleep among adolescents (quantity, quality, and the frequency of sleep disturbance) with implications for delinquency. Furthermore, we assess how sex differences moderate the relationship between social support and sleep. First, we find that all three indicators of sleep are associated with delinquency, significantly mediated by reductions in self-control. Second, both peer and parental support correspond to sleep outcomes with full sequential mediation evident for sleep quality and delinquency. Finally, we find significant differences in the relationship between social support and all sleep indicators for boys and girls. Peer support is more strongly associated with sleep among boys, whereas parental support is more strongly associated with sleep among girls. We discuss the implications of these findings for improving adolescent sleep to reduce delinquency as well as opportunities for future research.
Effects of health qigong exercise on sleep and life quality in patients with drug abuse
Authors: Huang Xuetong , Wang Xiaojun , Shao Yongcong , Lin Anna , Zhang Zhuolin , Qi Huanhuan , Sun Chao , Yang Hui
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Health Qigong (HQ) exercise on the subjective and objective sleep quality and the quality of life in male patients with drug abuse who received treatment at a mandatory drug rehabilitation residential institution.

Methods

Ninety male patients (mean age, 36.85 ± 8.72 y) were included and randomly divided into the Health Qigong (HQ) group, aerobic exercise (AE) group, or control group. The participants in the HQ and AE groups exercised four times a week for 1 hour per session for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their original lifestyle. The following parameters were recorded before and after exercise: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); SF-36; and total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep latency, deep sleep time, deep sleep rate, light sleep time, and light sleep rate using actigraphy.

Results

Health Qigong improved the subjective sleep quality, objective sleep quality, and quality of life after a 12-week intervention. Considering the subjective sleep quality, Health Qigong helped improve several aspects of the PSQI, including the overall sleep quality ( p < 0.01), sleep latency ( p < 0.01), sleep duration ( p < 0.01), sleep latency ( p < 0.01), sleep disturbance ( p < 0.01), and day dysfunction ( p < 0.01). In relation to the objective sleep quality, Health Qigong improved the total sleep time ( p < 0.01), sleep efficiency ( p < 0.01), sleep latency ( p < 0.01), deep and light sleep rate ( p < 0.01). Considering the quality of life, Health Qigong helped improve the role-physical ( p < 0.01), general health ( p < 0.01), bodily pain ( p < 0.01), and mental health ( p < 0.01) aspects of SF-36.

Conclusion

Health Qigong may be an effective approach to improve the subjective and objective quality of sleep and life quality of patients with drug abuse.
Person-centred management of upper limb complex regional pain syndrome: an integrative review of non-pharmacological treatment
Authors: Griffiths Grace S , Thompson Bronwyn L , Snell Deborah L , Dunn Jennifer A
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is most common in the upper limb and associated with high disability. The purpose of this review was to critically appraise and synthesise literature exploring non-pharmacological treatment for upper limb CRPS, to guide upper-limb-specific management.

Methods

Using an integrative review methodology, 13 databases were searched to identify all published studies on non-pharmacological management of upper limb CRPS. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used to provide quality ratings for included studies, and analysis employed a qualitative descriptive approach.

Results

From 236 abstracts reviewed, 113 full texts were read, and 38 articles selected for data extraction. Designs included single case ( n = 14), randomised controlled trial ( n = 8), prospective cohort ( n = 8), case series ( n = 4), retrospective ( n = 3), and mixed methods ( n = 1). Interventions were categorised as sensory retraining ( n = 13), kinesiotherapy ( n = 7), manual therapies ( n = 7), physical modalities ( n = 6), and interdisciplinary treatment programmes ( n = 5). All studies measured pain intensity, and most ( n = 24) measured physical parameters such as strength, movement, or perceptual abilities. Few measured patient-rated function ( n = 13) or psychological factors ( n = 4). Quality ratings ranged from 30% to 93%, with a median of 60%.

Conclusion

Methodological quality of non-pharmacological treatment approaches for upper limb CRPS is overall poor. Movement, desensitisation, and graded functional activity remain the mainstays of intervention. However, despite the impact of CRPS on wellbeing and function, psychological factors and functional outcomes are infrequently addressed. Further robust research is required to determine which aspects of treatment have the greatest influence on which symptoms, and when and how these should be introduced and progressed.
Influence of Musical Activity on the Embitterment and Psychological Well-Being of Nurses
Authors: Choi Jin Ho , Choo Sang Hee
Published: February 2023

The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of frontline medical staff complaining of problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, thereby requiring urgent psychological support. Nurses are particularly exposed to various stressors and difficult environments, witnessing patients’ pain, frustration, and death, while helping them recover. Music is known to be effective in inducing psychological stability by activating brain waves, relaxing the body, and alleviating negative reactions. This study examines how musical activities affect embitterment and psychological well-being among nurses and nursing students who suffer from various psychological difficulties. This study finds that musical activity helps nurses’ psychological stability by lowering their embitterment index and increasing their psychological well-being. Further, the greater the music listening time is, the higher is the psychological well-being, indicating the necessity of increasing the music listening time and encouraging more musical activities for the psychological stability of nurses in the future.
The Insidious Influence of Stress: An Integrated Model of Stress, Executive Control, and Psychopathology
Authors: Quinn Meghan E. , Shields Grant S.
Published: February 2023

Although exposure to acute stress undoubtedly contributes to psychopathology, most individuals do not develop psychopathology following stress exposure. To explain this, scholars have implicated biological, emotional, and cognitive responses to stress, but individual differences in executive control (i.e., top-down control of cognition and behavior) measured in response to stress has only recently emerged as a potential factor contributing to psychopathology. In this review, we introduce a model—the integrated model of stress, executive control, and psychopathology—positing that the impairing effects of acute stress on executive control can contribute to psychopathology. We link to research on biological, emotional, and cognitive processes, all of which can be impacted by executive control, to propose a framework for how poorer executive control under conditions of acute stress can contribute to psychopathology. This integrated model is intended to further our understanding of who is more susceptible to the negative consequences of stress.
Investigating the Reliability of Pupillometry as a Measure of Individualized Listening Effort
Authors: Neagu Mihaela-Beatrice , Kressner Abigail A. , Relaño-Iborra Helia , Bækgaard Per , Dau Torsten , Wendt Dorothea
Published: February 2023

Recordings of the pupillary response have been used in numerous studies to assess listening effort during a speech-in-noise task. Most studies focused on averaged responses across listeners, whereas less is known about pupil dilation as an indicator of the individuals’ listening effort. The present study investigated the reliability of several pupil features as potential indicators of individual listening effort and the impact of different normalization procedures on the reliability. The pupil diameters of 31 normal-hearing listeners were recorded during multiple visits while performing a speech-in-noise task. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the stimuli ranged from [Formula: see text]12 dB to [Formula: see text]4 dB. All listeners were measured twice at separate visits, and 11 were re-tested at a third visit. To examine the reliability of the pupil responses across visits, the intraclass correlation coefficient was applied to the peak and mean pupil dilation and to the temporal features of the pupil response, extracted using growth curve analysis. The reliability of the pupillary response was assessed in relation to SNR and different normalization procedures over multiple visits. The most reliable pupil features were the traditional mean and peak pupil dilation. The highest reliability results were obtained when the data were baseline-corrected and normalized to the individual pupil response range across all visits. Moreover, the present study results showed only a minor impact of the SNR and the number of visits on the reliability of the pupil response. Overall, the results may provide an important basis for developing a standardized test for pupillometry in the clinic.
A clustering-based approach to quantifying socio-demographic impacts on urban mobility patterns
Authors: Yang Yang , Samaranayake Samitha , Dogan Timur
Published: February 2023

This paper uses a generalizable clustering approach to investigate the effects of socio-demographic features on aggregate urban mobility patterns, including activity distribution and travel modal split. We use K-means via principal component analysis to identify eight representative traveler clusters from the 2017 U.S. National Household Travel Survey. Based on the cluster centroids and the cluster percentages within a neighborhood, we can estimate a Temporal Mobility Choice Matrix ( TM) that describes the neighborhood-level aggregate mobility choice pattern. The estimation accuracy is assessed in a case study in LA City. It is found that the neighborhood-level temporal mobility patterns are well-replicated, with an average R2 of 65.47%, 53.15%, and 72.04% among all analyzed neighborhoods in the city. However, we find a moderate to low accuracy in estimating the spatial differences in the mobility patterns across neighborhoods. This could be because factors other than socio-demographics, such as physical and built environment factors like terrain, street quality, or amenity densities, are contributing to the spatial differences but have not been considered in this study. Overall, we show that socio-demographic features alone can approximate the average temporal mobility choice patterns of a given population. Our method and result can serve as the baseline and benchmark for future mobility studies that take the socio-demographics of the traveler population into consideration in modeling.
Barriers to pursing postgraduate research study among final year undergraduate minority ethnic students at a post-1992 UK university
Authors: Badrie Rami , MacDonnell Joanna , Patel Bhavik Anil
Published: February 2023

Minority ethnic students are well represented in undergraduate and postgraduate taught study, but over a sustained period, representation in postgraduate research (PGR) study has been significantly lower. Various barriers to participation in PGR study have been suggested, however, it is not clear if these barriers are similar across different hierarchies of higher education institution within the UK. Our study explored specifically the perceived barriers that may exist towards PGR study for minority ethnic students at a post-1992 university. Our findings showed that one third of minority ethnic students did not learn about PGR study. To gain more insight into PGR study, minority ethnic students would approach academic staff. The perceived key barriers to participation in PGR study were associated with understanding the application process and feeling if they would not be selected by a research-intensive university. To address these barriers, the solutions that were proposed where to have PGR role models which can provide mentorship on the application process and highlight the career benefits of conducting PGR study. Our findings provide vital insight into key challenges faced by minority ethnic students at a post-1992 university and help identify approaches which can be implemented to address these barriers.
Aseptic revisions and pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures with cemented and cementless hemiarthroplasty in Germany: an analysis from the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD)
Authors: Szymski Dominik , Walter Nike , Krull Paula , Melsheimer Oliver , Grimberg Alexander , Alt Volker , Steinbrück Arnd , Rupp Markus
Published: February 2023

Background

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are among the most common fractures in Germany and are often treated by hemiarthroplasty (HA). The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of aseptic revisions after cemented and uncemented HA for the treatment of FNF. Secondly, the rate of pulmonary embolism was investigated.

Methods

Data collection for this study was performed using the German Arthroplasty Registry (EPRD). HAs after FNF were divided into subgroups stratified by stem fixation (cemented vs uncemented) and paired according to age, sex, BMI, and the Elixhauser score using Mahalanobis distance matching.

Results

Examination of 18,180 matched cases showed a significantly increased rate of aseptic revisions in uncemented HA (p < 0.0001). After 1 month 2.5% of HAs with uncemented stems required an aseptic revision, while 1.5% were reported in cemented HA. After 1 and 3 years’ follow-up 3.9% and 4.5% of uncemented HA and 2.2% and 2.5% of cemented HA needed aseptic revision surgery. In particular, the proportion of periprosthetic fractures was increased in cementless implanted HA (p < 0.0001). During in-patient stays, pulmonary emboli occurred more frequently after cemented HA [0.81% vs 0.53% in cementless HA (OR: 1.53; p = 0.057)].

Conclusion

For uncemented hemiarthroplasties a statistically significantly increased rate of aseptic revisions and periprosthetic fractures was evident within a time period of 5 years after implantation. During the in-hospital stay, patients with cemented HA experienced an increased rate of pulmonary embolism, but without statistically significant results. Based on the present results, with knowledge of prevention measurements and correct cementation technique, cemented HA should be preferred when using HA in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

Trail registration: The study design of the German Arthroplasty Registry was approved by the University of Kiel (ID: D 473/11).

Level of Evidence: Level III, Prognostic.
Normalized L3-based link prediction in protein–protein interaction networks
Authors: Yuen Ho Yin , Jansson Jesper
Published: February 2023

Background

Protein–protein interaction (PPI) data is an important type of data used in functional genomics. However, high-throughput experiments are often insufficient to complete the PPI interactome of different organisms. Computational techniques are thus used to infer missing data, with link prediction being one such approach that uses the structure of the network of PPIs known so far to identify non-edges whose addition to the network would make it more sound, according to some underlying assumptions. Recently, a new idea called the L3 principle introduced biological motivation into PPI link predictions, yielding predictors that are superior to general-purpose link predictors for complex networks. Interestingly, the L3 principle can be interpreted in another way, so that other signatures of PPI networks can also be characterized for PPI predictions. This alternative interpretation uncovers candidate PPIs that the current L3-based link predictors may not be able to fully capture, underutilizing the L3 principle.

Results

In this article, we propose a formulation of link predictors that we call NormalizedL3 (L3N) which addresses certain missing elements within L3 predictors in the perspective of network modeling. Our computational validations show that the L3N predictors are able to find missing PPIs more accurately (in terms of true positives among the predicted PPIs) than the previously proposed methods on several datasets from the literature, including BioGRID, STRING, MINT, and HuRI, at the cost of using more computation time in some of the cases. In addition, we found that L3-based link predictors (including L3N) ranked a different pool of PPIs higher than the general-purpose link predictors did. This suggests that different types of PPIs can be predicted based on different topological assumptions, and that even better PPI link predictors may be obtained in the future by improved network modeling.
Genome-wide identification and expression pattern analysis of R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene family involved in puerarin biosynthesis and response to hormone in Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii
Authors: Wu Zhengdan , Zeng Wendan , Li Changfu , Wang Jihua , Shang Xiaohong , Xiao Liang , Cao Sheng , Zhang Yansheng , Xu Shiqiang , Yan Huabing
Published: February 2023

Background

R2R3-MYB transcription factors regulate secondary metabolism, stress responses and development in various plants. Puerarin is a bioactive ingredient and most abundant secondary metabolite isolated from Pueraria lobata. The biosynthesis of puerarin proceeds via the phenylpropanoid pathway and isoflavonoids pathway, in which 9 key enzymes are involved. The expression of these structural genes is under control of specific PtR2R3-MYB genes in different plant tissues. However, how PtR2R3-MYB genes regulates structural genes in puerarin biosynthesis remains elusive. This study mined the PtR2R3-MYB genes involved in puerarin biosynthesis and response to hormone in Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii.

Results

A total of 209 PtR2R3-MYB proteins were identified, in which classified into 34 subgroups based on the phylogenetic topology and the classification of the R2R3-MYB superfamily in Arabidopsis thaliana. Furtherly physical and chemical characteristics, gene structure, and conserved motif analysis were also used to further analyze PtR2R3-MYBs. Combining puerarin content and RNA-seq data, speculated on the regulated puerarin biosynthesis of PtR2R3-MYB genes and structural genes, thus 21 PtR2R3-MYB genes and 25 structural genes were selected for validation gene expression and further explore its response to MeJA and GSH treatment by using qRT-PCR analysis technique. Correlation analysis and cis-acting element analysis revealed that 6 PtR2R3-MYB genes (PtMYB039, PtMYB057, PtMYB080, PtMYB109, PtMYB115 and PtMYB138) and 7 structural genes (PtHID2, PtHID9, PtIFS3, PtUGT069, PtUGT188, PtUGT286 and PtUGT297) were directly or indirectly regulation of puerarin biosynthesis in ZG11. It is worth noting that after MeJA and GSH treatment for 12–24 h, the expression changes of most candidate genes were consistent with the correlation of puerarin biosynthesis, which also shows that MeJA and GSH have the potential to mediate puerarin biosynthesis by regulating gene expression in ZG11.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the PtR2R3-MYB and will paves the way to reveal the transcriptional regulation of puerarin biosynthesis and response to phytohormone of PtR2R3-MYB genes in Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii.
Hemodynamic responses to 1 MAC desflurane inhalation during anesthesia induction with propofol bolus and remifentanil continuous infusion: a prospective randomized single-blind clinical investigation
Authors: Lee Jong Wha , Kim Mi Kyeong , Kim Ji Young
Published: February 2023

Background

Desflurane is not recommended during anesthesia induction because of its sympathetic stimulation effect, particularly in patients with myocardial ischemic disease. To date, the hemodynamic response to 1 MAC desflurane inhalation in combination with remifentanil infusion during anesthesia induction has rarely been reported.

Methods

This investigation was designed to compare hemodynamic responses to 1 MAC desflurane (group D, n = 200) with sevoflurane (group S, n = 200) during anesthesia induction and endotracheal intubation in adult patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Subgroup analysis of the different age subgroups was also performed. With continuous infusion of remifentanil 0.1 μg/kg/min, anesthesia was induced with propofol bolus, and endotracheal intubation was performed after muscle relaxation. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured every minute for 5 min after anesthesia induction (T1-5) and after endotracheal intubation (T6-10).

Results

HR was significantly higher in group D (n = 182) than in group S (n = 173) at T3-10 except at T6 (1 min after intubation) (all P < 0.05). In the age-based subgroup analyses, which subdivided the group D and S into four subgroups based on patient’s age, the changes in HR from baseline values were significantly different between the coeval subgroups of patients in their 20–29 years and 30–39 years of age (all P < 0.05). MAP was reduced from baseline value, irrespective of group and age.

Conclusion

Inhalation of 1 MAC desflurane during anesthesia induction with propofol bolus and remifentanil continuous infusion and during endotracheal intubation was more likely to induce elevations in HR more likely than 1 MAC sevoflurane, especially in younger patients.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS, http://cris.nih.go.kr) of the Republic of Korea on Feb 12, 2016 (Registration No. KCT 0,001,813).
Fibrinolytic therapy use for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and long-term outcomes in China: 2-year results from the China Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Wu Chao , Li Ling , Wang Shuqing , Zeng Jianping , Yang Jingang , Xu Haiyan , Zhao Yanyan , Wang Yang , Li Wei , Jin Chen , Gao Xiaojin , Yang Yuejin , Qiao Shubin
Published: February 2023

Background

Data on fibrinolytic therapy use for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and long-term clinical outcomes in developing countries are limited. We aimed to investigate the management and 2-year mortality of fibrinolytic-treated patients in China.

Methods

A total of 19,112 patients with STEMI from 108 hospitals participated in the China Acute Myocardial Infarction registry between January 2013 and September 2014. We investigated the 2-year all-cause mortality among patients treated with fibrinolysis. Non-invasive clinical indexes were used to diagnose successful fibrinolysis or not.

Results

Only 1823 patients (9.5%) enrolled in the registry underwent fibrinolysis and 679 (37.2%) could be treated within 3 h after symptom onset. The overall use of rescue percutaneous coronary intervention was 8.9%. Successful fibrinolysis, which could be achieved in 1428 patients (78.3%), was related to types of fibrinolytic agents, symptom to needle time, infarction site, and Killip class. Follow-up data were available for 1745 patients (95.7%). After multivariate adjustment, successful fibrinolysis was strongly associated with a decreased risk of death compared with failed fibrinolysis at 2 years (8.5% vs. 29.0%, hazard ratio: 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.35).

Conclusion

Within a minority of STEMI patients in the CAMI registry underwent fibrinolysis, most of them could achieve successful clinical reperfusion, presenting a much benign 2-year survival outcome than those with failed fibrinolysis. Quality improvement initiatives focusing on fibrinolysis are warranted to achieve its promise fully.

Trial registration: URL: https//www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01874691. Registered 11/06/2013.
Identification and verification of a BMPs-related gene signature for osteosarcoma prognosis prediction
Authors: Xie Long , Zeng Jiaxing , He Maolin
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to get a deeper insight into new osteosarcoma (OS) signature based on bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)-related genes and to confirm the prognostic pattern to speculate on the overall survival among OS patients.

Methods

Firstly, pathway analyses using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were managed to search for possible prognostic mechanisms attached to the OS-specific differentially expressed BMPs-related genes (DEBRGs). Secondly, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis was executed to filter the prognostic DEBRGs and establish the polygenic model for risk prediction in OS patients with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve weighed the model’s accuracy. Thirdly, the GEO database (GSE21257) was operated for independent validation. The nomogram was initiated using multivariable Cox regression. Immune infiltration of the OS sample was calculated. Finally, the three discovered hallmark genes’ mRNA and protein expressions were verified.

Results

A total of 46 DEBRGs were found in the OS and control samples, and three prognostic DEBRGs (DLX2, TERT, and EVX1) were screened under the LASSO regression analyses. Multivariate and univariate Cox regression analysis were devised to forge the OS risk model. Both the TARGET training and validation sets indicated that the prognostic biomarker-based risk score model performed well based on ROC curves. In high- and low-risk groups, immune cells, including memory B, activated mast, resting mast, plasma, and activated memory CD4 + T cells, and the immune, stromal, and ESTIMATE scores showed significant differences. The nomogram that predicts survival was established with good performance according to clinical features of OS patients and risk scores. Finally, the expression of three crucial BMP-related genes in OS cell lines was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB).

Conclusion

The new BMP-related prognostic signature linked to OS can be a new tool to identify biomarkers to detect the disease early and a potential candidate to better treat OS in the future.
Cross-sectional study of factors affecting the receipt of mental health education in older migrants in China
Authors: Wang Wanchen , Song Jia , Fan Chengxin , Li Qiusha , Ma Dongping , Yin Wenqiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Population migration in China has increasingly included middle-aged and older populations. Relatedly, the lack of mental health education among China’s older migrants is still an important but neglected problem. This study aimed to understand the current situation of mental health education received by the older migrant population in China and to explore related influencing factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 5729 older migrants who participated in the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey. The independent variables included four components: demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, migration factors, public health service utilization, and social integration factors. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test for single factors and a binary logistic regression model for multiple factors.

Results

A total of 1749 older migrants received mental health education, for a receipt rate of 30.53%. Regression analysis showed that older migrant individuals who had an average monthly household income > 3000 CNY, self-rated their health as healthy, had chronic diseases, had heard of National Basic Public Health Services, had established health records, received ≥2 types of health education were willing to integrate into the local population, and were highly involved in the community were more likely to receive mental health education. Older migrants who were ≥ 70 years old, had an elementary school education or below, had difficulties in the local community, had migrated ≥11 years prior, moved for their offspring, and moved across provinces were less likely to receive mental health education.

Conclusions

The older migrant population does not receive sufficient mental health education. Mental health interventions should be tailored to the characteristics of older migrants to increase their mental health literacy and meet their psychological needs.
Evaluation of a transbronchial cryoprobe for the ablation of pulmonary nodules: an in vitro pilot study
Authors: Hammer Dániel , Büdi Lilla , Nagy Ádám , Varga Rita , Horváth Péter
Published: February 2023

Background

Ablation of malignant pulmonary nodules is a novel therapeutic option for patients who cannot undergo surgery. Current transthoracic approaches cause pneumothorax and/or bleeding in a significant number of cases.

Objective

Our purpose with this study was to evaluate cryoablation under in vitro conditions with a commercially available cryosurgery system.

Methods

We used ballistic gelatin to model the thermal conduction of lung tissue. The cryoprobe was inserted in the ballistic gelatin with two thermal sensors, they were placed 0.5 cm and 1.0. cm from the probe, respectively, temperature was measured on both sides. We used single-, double- and triple-freeze protocols to see if we could freeze it to -20 °C.

Results

We achieved − 18.6 ± 3.26 °C on the closer sensor (sensor 1) and − 3.7 ± 4.61 °C on the sensor further away (sensor 2) after 15 min using the single-freeze protocol. Using the dual-freeze protocol, we achieved − 23.2 ± 2,23 °C on sensor 1 and − 16.5 ± 2.82 °C on sensor 2. With the triple-freeze protocol we obtained − 23.5 ± 2.38 °C on sensor 1 and − 19.05 ± 3.22 °C on sensor 2.

Conclusion

With dual-freeze, values above − 20 °C were achieved using nearer sensor data, but a plateau phase occurred as with continuous freezing. Using triple freeze, we reached − 20 °C at a distance of 0.5 cm from the probe, but not at 1 cm; therefore, we did not expand the diameter of the predicted necrosis zone.
Clinical outcome and MRI appearance in a group of chronic low back pain patients more than 10 years after discography evaluation and consideration for surgery
Authors: Hebelka Hanna , Gunterberg Veronica , Lagerstrand Kerstin , Brisby Helena
Published: February 2023

Background

It is an ongoing debate whether fusion surgery is superior to non-operative treatment for non-specific low back pain (LBP) in terms of patient outcome. Further, the evidence for how signs of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlate with patient outcome is insufficient. Longitudinal studies of low back pain (LBP) patients are thus of interest for increased knowledge. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term MRI appearance in LBP patients 11–14 years after discography.

Methods

In 2021, 30 LBP patients who had same-day discography and MRI in 2007–2010 were asked to undergo MRI (Th12/L1–L5/S1), complete visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ5D) questionnaires. Patients who had fusion surgery before the follow-up were compared with those without such surgery. MRIs were evaluated on Pfirrmann grade, endplate classification score (EPS), and High Intensity Zones (HIZ). For each disk it was noted if injected at baseline or not.

Results

Of 17 participants (6 male;mean age 58.5 years, range 49–72), 10 (27 disks) had undergone fusion surgery before the follow-up. No differences in VAS, ODI, or EQ5D scores were found between patients with and without surgery (mean 51/32/0.54 vs. 50/37/0.40, respectively; 0.77 > p < 0.65). Other than more segments with EPS ≥ 4 in the surgery group (p < 0.05), no between-group differences were found in longitudinal change in MRI parameters. Of 75 non-fused disks, 30 were injected at baseline. Differences were found between injected and non-injected disks at both baseline and follow-up for Pfirrmann grade and HIZ, and at follow-up for EPS (0.04 > p < 0.001), but none for progression over time (0.09 > p < 0.82).

Conclusions

Other than more endplate changes in the surgery group, no differences in longitudinal change of MRI parameters were established between LBP patients treated with or without fusion surgery in the studied cohort. The study also highlights the limited progress of degenerative changes, which may be seen over a decade, despite needle puncture and chronic LBP.
Public attitudes towards the use of novel technologies in their future healthcare: a UK survey
Authors: Sauchelli Sarah , Pickles Tim , Voinescu Alexandra , Choi Heungjae , Sherlock Ben , Zhang Jingjing , Colyer Steffi , Grant Sabrina , Sundari Sethu , Lasseter Gemma
Published: February 2023

Background

Innovation in healthcare technologies can result in more convenient and effective treatment that is less costly, but a persistent challenge to widespread adoption in health and social care is end user acceptability. The purpose of this study was to capture UK public opinions and attitudes to novel healthcare technologies (NHTs), and to better understand the factors that contribute to acceptance and future use.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to the UK public between April and May 2020. Respondents received brief information about four novel healthcare technologies (NHTs) in development: a laser-based tool for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, a virtual reality tool to support diabetes self-management, a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor using microwave signals, a mobile app for patient reported monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis. They were queried on their general familiarity and attitudes to technology, and their willingness to accept each NHT in their future care. Responses were analysed using summary statistics and content analysis.

Results

Knowledge about NHTs was diverse, with respondents being more aware about the health applications of mobile apps (66%), followed by laser-based technology (63.8%), microwave signalling (28%), and virtual reality (18.3%). Increasing age and the presence of a self-reported medical condition favoured acceptability for some NHTs, whereas self-reported understanding of how the NHT works resulted in elevated acceptance scores across all NHTs presented. Common contributors to hesitancy were safety and risks from use. Respondents wanted more information and evidence to help inform their decisions, ideally provided verbally by a general practitioner or health professional. Other concerns, such as privacy, were NHT-specific but equally important in decision-making.

Conclusions

Early insight into the knowledge and preconceptions of the public about NHTs in development can assist their design and prospectively mitigate obstacles to acceptance and adoption.
Self-healing hybrid hydrogels with sustained bioactive components release for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Li Weichang , Kong Mengjie , Li Zongtai , Yang Tao , Wang Qinmei , Teng Wei
Published: February 2023

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is widely used in treating oral bone defects to exclude the influence of non-osteogenic tissue on the bone healing process. The traditional method of GBR with a titanium mesh to treat large-area bone defects is limited by the deficiency of increased trauma and costs to patients. Herein, a bi-layered scaffold for GBR composed of a fiber barrier layer and a self-healing hydrogel repair layer is successfully fabricated. The barrier layer is a fibrous membrane material with specific porosity constructed by electrospinning, while the functional layer is a self-healing hydrogel material formed by multiple dynamic covalent bonds. The system can provide an osteogenic microenvironment by preventing the infiltration of connective tissue to bone defects, maintain the stability of the osteogenic space through the self-healing property, and regulate the release of bioactive substances in the dynamic physical condition, which is beneficial to osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and bone regeneration. This study focused on exploring the effects of different crosslinkers and bonding methods on the comprehensive properties of hydrogels. and proved that the hybrid scaffold system has good biocompatibility, cell barrier function and can enhance bone regeneration activity. Thereby it could be a promising clinical strategy for bone regeneration.