bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking public animosity toward professional journalism: A qualitative analysis of the differences between media distrust and cynicism
Authors: Markov Čedomir , Min Young
Published: August 2022

Amidst a widely discussed crisis in audience-media relations, this study argues for the importance of a more nuanced understanding of audience animosity toward professional journalism. Based on 20 in-depth interviews with diverse news audiences in Serbia, we explored how media distrust and cynicism can be empirically distinguished. While both perceptions entail negative expectations from journalism, our findings indicate that they diverge with respect to interviewees’ views on journalistic ideals and integrity, differentiation between media actors, and receptivity to journalistic performance. In the interviews, cynicism emerged as the deterministic and process-oriented perception that journalism serves no other purposes than financial profit and audience manipulation. In contrast, distrust was a more nuanced, probing, and outcome-oriented perception that may be open to correction in the presence of counter-evidence. These findings can help media researchers and educators to better diagnose and address negative media perceptions.
Wavelet sparsity enhancement for extracting transient vibration signatures of bearing structural damages
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Jiaxu , Wu Lei , Meng Fanshan , Wang Lei , Liu Zhiwen
Published: August 2022

Wavelet methods are widely used in mechanical transient vibration signature detection and fault diagnosis. Undesirable artifacts (e.g., spurious noise spikes and pseudo-Gibbs components) are serious issues for the mainstream methods, probably resulting in inaccurate analysis results. For this reason, a new wavelet sparsity enhancement methodology is proposed to achieve artifact-free extraction of bearing transient vibration signatures. The wavelet sparsity is enhanced through two aspects—that is, wavelet basis design and wavelet coefficient processing. Specifically, we use a new family of wavelets called fractional B-spline wavelets on bearing fault signal analysis and propose the adaptive undecimated fractional spline wavelet transform which addresses the shift-invariant problem and also permits to customize an optimal wavelet basis according to the signal itself adaptively. Meanwhile, we introduce a two-step wavelet processing method including a nonlinear operator and a generalized hard-thresholding (with symmetric or asymmetric thresholds determined automatically by wavelet coefficients at each level). Moreover, unlike the most existing wavelet methods, the approximation coefficients are also processed along with the detailed coefficients to remove the possible low-frequency noise. The final transient vibration signatures are reconstructed with the processed coefficients and would be sparser, more accurate, and almost free of artifacts. The validity of the methodology is verified with the analysis results of vibration signals measured from fault-injection experiment and industrial wind turbine transmission system. The comparisons highlight the advantages of the methodology over several common methods in suppressing artifacts and extracting the sparse transient vibration signatures of bearing structural damages.
The Influence of Different Ultrasonic Machines on Radiomics Models in Prediction Lymph Node Metastasis for Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yi Jinling , Lei Xiyao , Zhang Lei , Zheng Qiao , Jin Juebin , Xie Congying , Jin Xiance , Ai Yao
Published: August 2022

Objective To investigate the effects of different ultrasonic machines on the performance of radiomics models using ultrasound (US) images in the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) for patients with cervical cancer (CC) preoperatively. Methods A total of 536 CC patients with confirmed histological characteristics and lymph node status after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Radiomics features were extracted and selected with US images acquired with ATL HDI5000, Voluson E8, MyLab classC, ACUSON S2000, and HI VISION Preirus to build radiomics models for LNM prediction using support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression, respectively. Results There were 148 patients (training vs validation: 102:46) scanned in machine HDI5000, 75 patients (53:22) in machine Voluson E8, 100 patients (69:31) in machine MyLab classC, 110 patients (76:34) in machine ACUSON S2000, and 103 patients (73:30) in machine HI VISION Preirus, respectively. Few radiomics features were reproducible among different machines. The area under the curves (AUCs) ranged from 0.75 to 0.86, 0.73 to 0.86 in the training cohorts, and from 0.71 to 0.82, 0.70 to 0.80 in the validation cohorts for SVM and logistic regression models, respectively. The highest difference in AUCs for different machines reaches 17.8% and 15.5% in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Conclusions The performance of radiomics model is dependent on the type of scanner. The problem of scanner dependency on radiomics features should be considered, and their effects should be minimized in future studies for US images.
Protective effects of pentoxifylline on T-cell viability under inflammatory conditions
Authors: Park Sung-Joon , Choi Sung-Hyuk , Cho Young-Duck , Kim Jung-Youn , Cho Han-Jin , Kim Kyung-Hwan , Kim Won-Young
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Pentoxifylline (PTX) reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines; however, its effects on immune system is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PTX on T cells under inflammatory conditions in co-culture with THP-1-derived macrophages.

Methods: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were measured after addition of PTX to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated differentiated THP-1 cells. T cell viability and MIF levels were measured after PTX was added to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-stimulated Jurkat T-cell leukemia line. Co-culture was conducted to determine the effect of LPS-stimulated differentiated THP-1 cells that are affected by PTX on Jurkat cells. To prevent the direct effects of LPS and PTX on Jurkat cells, LPS and PTX were washed from THP-1 cells before co-culture. T cell viability and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels were determined in Jurkat cells. Results: Increase in the MIF concentration and TLR4 expression level in differentiated THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS were reversed after PTX addition. However, PTX did not improve T cell viability in PGE2–stimulated Jurkat cells. Co-culturing Jurkat cell and LPS-stimulated differentiated THP-1 cells resulted in a decreased viability of T cells. The addition of PTX restored T cell viability to normal control levels and IL-2 expression level in Jurkat cells. Conclusion: LPS-stimulated THP-1-derived macrophages reduced the T cell viability under inflammation. However, PTX restored T cells viability and IL-2 back to normal levels. Therefore, the immunomodulatory action of PTX may be mediated by macrophage-T cell interactions.
Oral corticosteroid-sparing effects of mepolizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma: evidence from randomized controlled trials and real-world studies
Authors: Casale Thomas B. , Burnette Autumn , Bourdin Arnaud , Howarth Peter , Hahn Beth , Stach-Klysh Alexandra , Khurana Sandhya
Published: August 2022

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) have long been a mainstay of treatment for asthma exacerbations and chronic severe asthma. However, it is increasingly recognized that both long-term and short-term OCS use are directly associated with a wide range of serious adverse effects, and as such OCS-sparing treatment alternatives are now widely recommended for patients with severe asthma. While several international guidelines recommend these treatments, guidance on OCS tapering, and which patients are most likely to tolerate OCS reduction and/or discontinuation, is still lacking. Several biologics have demonstrated efficacy in patients with OCS-dependent asthma. One OCS-sparing treatment is the anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody mepolizumab, which is approved for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. In addition to improved exacerbation rates, asthma control, quality of life, and lung function among patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, mepolizumab also has an OCS-sparing effect, which has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials and real-world studies. Both physicians and patients express concerns about the adverse effects of OCS, and additional data from the randomized, controlled SIRIUS trial (NCT01691508) highlight the high level of concern among patients regarding OCS-related burden. In this article, we discuss current guidance on OCS-sparing strategies for patients with severe asthma, provide a summary of the available evidence of the OCS-sparing effect of mepolizumab, and highlight patient and physician perspectives on the use of OCS and OCS-sparing treatments in severe asthma.
Managing inadequate response to initial anti-TNF therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: optimising treatment outcomes
Authors: Taylor Peter C. , Matucci Cerinic Marco , Alten Rieke , Avouac Jérôme , Westhovens Rene
Published: August 2022

Anti-tumour necrosis factors (anti-TNFs) are established as first-line biological therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with over two decades of accumulated clinical experience. Anti-TNFs have well established efficacy/safety profiles along with additional benefits on various comorbidities. However, up to 40% of patients may respond inadequately to an initial anti-TNF treatment because of primary non-response, loss of response, or intolerance. Following inadequate response (IR) to anti-TNF treatment, clinicians can consider switching to an alternative anti-TNF (cycling) or to another class of targeted drug with a different mechanism of action, such as Janus kinase inhibitors, interleukin-6 receptor blockers, B-cell depletion agents, and co-stimulation inhibitors (swapping). While European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for pharmacotherapeutic management of RA, published in 2020, are widely regarded as helpful guides to clinical practice, they do not provide any clear recommendations on therapeutic choices following an IR to first-line anti-TNF. This suggests that both cycling and swapping treatment strategies are of equal value, but that the treating physician must take the patient’s individual characteristics into account. This article considers which patient characteristics influence clinical decision-making processes, including the reason for treatment failure, previous therapies, comorbidities, extra-articular manifestations, pregnancy, patient preference and cost-effectiveness, and what evidence is available to support decisions made by the physician.
A National Cancer Database Analysis of Sinonasal Malignant Myoepithelial Carcinoma Outcomes
Authors: Eide Jacob G. , Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Brant Jason A. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) is a rare salivary gland tumor that can occur in the sinonasal cavity with poor outcomes. There are limited data on sinonasal outcomes to guide management. We sought to use the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to better define treatment outcomes in MECA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the NCDB from 2004 to 2016 for patients with MECA of the sinonasal cavity. Patient demographic, treatment, and survival information were extracted from the database. Unadjusted Kaplan–Meier estimates, log-rank tests, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were used to assess overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 38 patients were included. The average age was 60.7 ± 18.2 years and male patients represented 47.4% of the cohort. Most patients were White (n = 26, 68.4%) and the majority of patients had either private insurance (n = 20, 52.6%) or Medicare (n = 15, 39.5%). The primary site of most tumors was nasal cavity (n = 19, 50%), followed by maxillary sinus (n = 16, 42.1%). Most tumors were >4 cm (n = 17, 44.7%). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year OS was 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.7%−99.8%), 63.6% (95% CI: 49.4%−82%), and 46.4% (95% CI: 31%−69.5%), respectively. The median survival for the overall cohort was 85.8 months. Medicare insurance was associated with a decreased OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.2; 95% CI: 2.88−23.4, P < .001). Patients who underwent surgery had a significant survival benefit (HR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01−0.21, P < .001).

Discussion

MECA of the sinonasal cavity is a rare tumor with poorly understood behavior. Data from the NCDB suggests that it is a relatively aggressive tumor with surgical management associated with better outcomes. This analysis is limited by the small sample size and further research into optimal treatment regimens is needed.
Nutrition vs association: plant defenses are altered by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi association not by nutritional provisioning alone
Authors: Stratton Chase A. , Ray Swayamjit , Bradley Brosi A. , Kaye Jason P. , Ali Jared G. , Murrell Ebony G.
Published: August 2022

Background

While it is known that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve nutrient acquisition and herbivore resistance in crops, the mechanisms by which AMF influence plant defense remain unknown. Plants respond to herbivory with a cascade of gene expression and phytochemical biosynthesis. Given that the production of defensive phytochemicals requires nutrients, a commonly invoked hypothesis is that the improvement to plant defense when grown with AMF is simply due to an increased availability of nutrients. An alternative hypothesis is that the AMF effect on herbivory is due to changes in plant defense gene expression that are not simply due to nutrient availability. In this study, we tested whether changes in plant defenses are regulated by nutritional provisioning alone or the response of plant to AMF associations. Maize plants grown with or without AMF and with one of three fertilizer treatments (standard, 2 × nitrogen, or 2 × phosphorous) were infested with fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda; FAW) for 72 h. We measured general plant characteristics (e.g. height, number of leaves), relative gene expression (rtPCR) of three defensive genes (lox3, mpi, and pr5), total plant N and P nutrient content, and change in FAW mass per plant.

Results

We found that AMF drove the defense response of maize by increasing the expression of mpi and pr5. Furthermore, while AMF increased the total phosphorous content of maize it had no impact on maize nitrogen. Fertilization alone did not alter upregulation of any of the 3 induced defense genes tested, suggesting the mechanism through which AMF upregulate defenses is not solely via increased N or P plant nutrition.

Conclusion

This work supports that maize defense may be optimized by AMF associations alone, reducing the need for artificial inputs when managing FAW.
Left ventricular myocardial mass index associated with cardiovascular and renal prognosis in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Sági Balázs , Késői István , Vas Tibor , Csiky Botond , Nagy Judit , Kovács Tibor József
Published: August 2022

Introduction

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), like in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity are many times higher than in the general population, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for CV disease. This follow-up study investigated the association between left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and renal or cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

We examined 118 IgAN patients prospectively. LVMI and LV geometry was investigated using echocardiography. The primary combined endpoints were total mortality, major CV events, and end-stage renal disease. Secondary endpoints, i.e.—cardiovascular or renal endpoints,—were also examined separately.

Results

Sixty seven percent were males, mean age 53.5 ± 13.5. Mean follow-up time: 184 months. LVMI inversely correlated with eGFR (corr. coefficient: -0.365; p < 0.01). We divided the patients into two groups based on the LVMI cut-off suggested by the literature. The presence of LVH caused a worse prognosis in primary (p < 0.001), renal endpoints (p = 0.01), and also in CV endpoints (p = 0.001). The higher LVMI in men significantly worsened the prognosis in all endpoints. Concentric hypertrophy meant a worse prognosis. Independent predictors of LVMI were gender and eGFR in uni- and multivariate regression and hemoglobin levels only in logistic regression. Independent predictors of the primary endpoint were LVMI, eGFR, gender, obesity, HT, DM, and metabolic syndrome in Cox regression analysis.

Conclusion

Increased LVMI may predict the progression to end-stage renal disease and CV events in IgAN. Determining LVMI may be a useful parameter not only in CV risk but also in the stratification of renal risk in CKD.
Outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for paediatric patients with MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Bai Lu , Zhang Yong-zhan , Yan Chen-hua , Wang Yu , Xu Lan-ping , Zhang Xiao-hui , Zhang Le-ping , Huang Xiao-jun , Cheng Yi-fei
Published: August 2022

Background

The presence of mixed-lineage leukaemia rearrangement (MLL-r) in paediatric patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a poor prognostic predictor. Whether allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is beneficial in such cases remains unclear.

Methods

We evaluated the outcomes and prognostic factors of allo-HSCT in 44 paediatric patients with MLL-r AML in the first complete remission (CR1) between 2014 and 2019 at our institution.

Results

For all the 44 patients, the 3-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) were 74.5%, 64.1%, and 29.1%, respectively. Among them, 37 (84.1%) patients received haploidentical (haplo)-HSCT, and the 3-year OS, EFS, and CIR were 73.0%, 65.6%, and 26.4%, respectively. The 100-day cumulative incidence of grade II–IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) post-transplantation was 27.3%, and that of grade III–IV aGVHD was 15.9%. The overall 3-year cumulative incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) post-transplantation was 40.8%, and that of extensive cGVHD was 16.7%. Minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive (MRD +) status pre-HSCT was significantly associated with lower survival and higher risk of relapse. The 3-year OS, EFS, and CIR differed significantly between patients with MRD + pre-HSCT (n = 15; 48.5%, 34.3% and 59%) and those with MRD-pre-HSCT (n = 29; 89.7%, 81.4% and 11.7%). Pre-HSCT MRD + status was an independent risk factor in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Allo-HSCT (especially haplo-HSCT) can be a viable strategy in these patients, and pre-HSCT MRD status significantly affected the outcomes.
Prevalence of reduced visual acuity among adolescents in Jiaocheng County, Shanxi Province
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Chunhui , Gao Yan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence of reduced visual acuity among adolescents in Jiaocheng County, Shanxi Province.

Methods

Fourteen thousand fifty-one Jiaocheng County students aged 7 to 21 were chosen to engage in this research project in 2019. For uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) testing, a 5 m standard logarithmic visual sharpness E chart was utilized, and for diopter examination of those with reduced UCDVA, computerized optometry was used. The factors linked to reduced UCDVA in students were investigated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

In Jiaocheng County, Shanxi Province, the prevalence of reduced UCDVA among adolescents was 77.54% in 2019, with the highest rate of severely reduced UCDVA at 47.58% and myopia accounting for the highest proportion of reduced UCDVA, with myopia rates above 90% in all age groups. Girls, those who live in counties, those who are anxious about their studies, and those who dedicate more time to schoolwork are more prone to suffer from a decrease in UCDVA; those who spend more time outdoors and get adequate sleep are less likely to have reduced UCDVA, according to logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Adolescents in Jiaocheng County, Shanxi Province, have a high prevalence of reduced UCDVA, and interventions targeting key populations should be increased based on effective prevention and control of reduced UCDVA among local adolescents.
How public and private health insurance coverage mitigates catastrophic health expenditures in Republic of Korea
Authors: Jung Hyun Woo , Kwon Young Dae , Noh Jin-Won
Published: August 2022

Background

The private health insurance (PHI) market in Republic of Korea has instituted indemnity insurance plans that provide partial reimbursements for some medical services or costs that are not covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI). To date, no study has estimated the extent to which PHI coverage lowers the economic burden of households’ access to health care. The current study aims to evaluate the design of Korea’s PHI system in terms of coverage using a catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) indicator and compare it with NHI.

Methods

This study determined the difference between the number of households that were subscribed to PHI and those that received reimbursements from PHI. Additionally, it compared the effects of reduced CHE by NHI benefits with PHI reimbursements. Furthermore, it compared PHI reimbursements based on income class. Finally, it analyzed the contribution of NHI and PHI to CHE reduction through a two-part model with hierarchical regression.

Results

The results indicated that of the 5644 households examined, 3769 subscribed to PHI, but only 246 households received reimbursements. Notably, NHI reduced CHE incidence by 15.17%, whereas PHI only reduced CHE by 1.22%. The NHI scheme indicated reduced inequality as it provided more benefits to the low-income class for their used medical services, whereas PHI paid more reimbursements to the high-income class. Accordingly, NHI coverage has protected households from CHE and improved equality to some extent; however, PHI coverage has had a relatively low effect on relieving CHE and has increased inequality.

Conclusions

The indemnity health insurance plans of PHI companies in Korea only cover partial medical costs or services, and so, most patients do not receive reimbursements. Thus, Korea’s PHI system needs to improve to provide benefits to patients more generously and alleviate their financial burden.
The role, mechanism, and application of RNA methyltransferase METTL14 in gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Shi Bin , Liu Wei-Wei , Yang Ke , Jiang Guan-Min , Wang Hao
Published: August 2022

Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common human malignancy characterized by high lethality and poor prognosis. Emerging evidences indicate that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotes, exerts important roles in regulating mRNA metabolism including stability, decay, splicing, transport, and translation. As the key component of the m6A methyltransferase complex, methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) catalyzes m6A methylation on mRNA or non-coding RNA to regulate gene expression and cell phenotypes. Dysregulation of METTL14 was deemed to be involved in various aspects of gastrointestinal cancer, such as tumorigenesis, progression, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Plenty of findings have opened up new avenues for exploring the therapeutic potential of gastrointestinal cancer targeting METTL14. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances regarding the biological functions of METTL14 in gastrointestinal cancer, discuss its potential clinical applications and propose the research forecast.
Association between four nontraditional lipids and ischemic stroke: a cohort study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Tang Minhua , Zhao Qi , Yi Kangqi , Wu Yiling , Xiang Yu , Cui Shuheng , Su Xuyan , Yu Yuting , Zhao Genming , Jiang Yonggen
Published: August 2022

Background

The correlation between nontraditional lipids and ischemic stroke (IS) is inconsistent and controversial. This study aimed to examine the association of four nontraditional lipids with IS risk in Chinese adults.

Methods

This prospective community-based cohort study was performed in Songjiang District, Shanghai, China. The study began in 2016 and included 34,294 participants without stroke before the investigation. The association between nontraditional lipids (nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-C], total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [TC/HDL-C], triglyceride [TG]/HDL-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]/HDL-C) and IS was studied with multivariate Cox regression models. The dose–response associations between these four serum lipids and IS were explored using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis.

Results

There were a total of 458 IS cases with 166,380 person-years of follow-up. Compared with the lowest tertiles, the highest tertiles of the nontraditional blood lipids showed greater IS risk after controlling for potential confounders. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were as follows: TC/HDL-C, 1.63 (1.28–2.07); TG/HDL-C, 1.65 (1.28–2.13); LDL-C/HDL-C, 1.51 (1.18–1.92); and non-HDL-C, 1.43 (1.13–1.81). The fully adjusted RCS curves presented a nonlinear relationship, and the risk increased when the TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C levels were > 3.47, > 0.92, and > 1.98, respectively.

Conclusions

This community-based cohort study presents a positive association between the four nontraditional lipids and IS incidence. Maintaining relatively low lipid ratios can be beneficial for preventing stroke. Nontraditional lipids can be considered targets for managing blood lipids.
What do we actually know about a common cause of plantar heel pain? A scoping review of heel fat pad syndrome
Authors: Chang Alison H. , Rasmussen Steven Zartov , Jensen Asger Emil , Sørensen Thomas , Rathleff Michael Skovdal
Published: August 2022

Background

The heel fat pad is an important structure of the foot as it functions as a cushion to absorb shock and distribute plantar force during ambulation. Clinical practice guidelines or decision support platforms emphasize that heel fat pad syndrome (HFPS) is a distinct pathology contributing to plantar heel pain. We aimed to identify and synthesize the prevalence, etiology and diagnostic criteria, and conservative management of HFPS.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in May 2021 and updated in April 2022, using MEDLINE, Scopus, Cinahl, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and PEDro and ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) for pertinent registrations. We included all study types and designs describing the prevalence; etiology and diagnostic criteria; and non‐pharmacological, non‐surgical interventions for HFPS.

Results

We found a small body of original research for HFPS (n = 7). Many excluded full‐text articles were expert‐opinion articles or studies of heel fat pad in participants with plantar fasciitis/fasciopathy or unspecified heel pain. HFPS may be the second leading cause of plantar heel pain, based on two studies. A number of differentiating pain characteristics and behaviors may aid in diagnosing HFPS vs. plantar fasciopathy. Thinning heel fat pad confirmed by ultrasonography may provide imaging corroboration. Randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of viscoelastic heel cups or arch taping for managing HFPS do not exist.

Conclusions

The research literature for HFPS is sparse and sometimes lacking scientific rigor. We have identified a substantial knowledge gap for this condition, frequent inattention to distinguishing HFPS from plantar fasciopathy when describing plantar heel pain, and an absence of robust clinical trials to support the commonly recommended conservative management of HFPS.
Cardiac safety analysis of first-line chemotherapy drug pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Xin-Ru , Cheng Xing-Han , Zhang Guo-Nan , Wang Xiao-Xin , Huang Jian-Ming
Published: August 2022

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a nano-doxorubicin anticancer agent. It was used as early as 2014 to treat ovarian and breast cancer, multiple myeloma and Kaposi's sarcoma. The 2018 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines listed PLD as first-line chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. PLD has significant anticancer efficacy and good tolerance. Although PLD significantly reduces the cardiotoxicity of conventional doxorubicin, its cumulative-dose cardiotoxicity remains a clinical concern. This study summarizes the high-risk factors for PLD-induced cardiotoxicity, clinical dose thresholds, and cardiac function testing modalities. For patients with advanced, refractory, and recurrent malignant tumors, the use of PLD is still one of the most effective strategies in the absence of evidence of high risk such as cardiac dysfunction, and the lifetime treatment dose should be unlimited. Of course, they should also be comprehensively evaluated in combination with the high-risk factors of the patients themselves and indicators of cardiac function. This review can help guide better clinical use of PLD.
The effect of treadmill walk with abdominal bracing versus usual care on functional limitation and fear-avoidance behaviours in the management of non-specific low back pain—a randomized control study
Authors: Olowe Olajide , Sokunbi Oluwaleke , Salisu Abdulrafiq , Okafor Anita
Published: August 2022

Background

The use of a combined abdominal bracing technique concurrently with treadmill walking exercise seems not to have been widely investigated, The use of either abdominal bracing and treadmill walk as a single individual method of treatment has proven to be of immense benefit in athletic training and amelioration of pain and functional limitation among different age groups suffering from chronic low back pain. Thus, the need to investigate whether the combination of abdominal bracing and treadmill walking would produce greater benefits than when the exercises are carried out in isolation in the management of chronic low back pain patients.

Study design

The study was a randomized control.

Participants

Thirty-three participants who met the inclusion criteria with age from 18 to 65 participated in the study.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the effects of treadmill walk with and without abdominal bracing versus usual care on pain, functional limitation and fear-avoidance behaviours among patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Methods

Thirty-three non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) patients were randomized into three groups treadmill walk without abdominal bracing (TWW), treadmill walk with abdominal bracing (TWAB) and usual care (UC). Interventions were carried out for 6 weeks.

Outcome measure

Pre and post-intervention scores of pain intensity, functional limitation, and fear-avoidance belief were assessed with box numerical pain rating scales, Oswestry disability index and Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, respectively.

Results

Pre-intervention scores of pain intensity functional disability and fear-avoidance belief did not show significant differences among the groups (P >0.05). Within-group analysis with paired t-test showed that pain intensity and functional limitation were significantly reduced after 6 weeks of intervention among the 3 groups. Fear-avoidance belief recorded statistical reduction among the 2 treadmill procedures (TWAB and TWW) groups (P<0.05) but not in the usual care groups (P>0.05). Participants in the TWW group showed greater improvement than those in TWAB in terms of reduction in pain intensity (24.17±16.49), functional limitation (7.00±5.97, P = 0.001) and fear- avoidance (30.83±17.90, P = 0.003)

Conclusion

Treadmill walk with and without abdominal bracing as well as usual care could be effective in reducing pain. However, treadmill walk without abdominal bracing was more effective in improving back function in terms of reduction in pain intensity, functional limitation (as reported by the Oswestry scale) and reducing fear-avoidance behaviour (as reported by fear-avoidance belief scores).

Trial registration

PACTR, PACTR201910691645076. Registered on 22 October 2019.
King's Vibrato
Authors: Wallace Maurice O.
Published: August 2022

In King’s Vibrato Maurice O. Wallace explores the sonic character of Martin Luther King Jr.’s voice and its power to move the world. Providing a cultural history and critical theory of the black modernist soundscapes that helped inform King’s vocal timbre, Wallace shows how the qualities of King’s voice depended on a mix of ecclesial architecture and acoustics, musical instrumentation and sound technology, audience and song. He examines the acoustical architectures of the African American churches where King spoke and the centrality of the pipe organ in these churches, offers a black feminist critique of the influence of gospel on King, and outlines how variations in natural environments and sound amplifications made each of King’s three deliveries of the “I Have a Dream” speech unique. By mapping the vocal timbre of one of the most important figures of black hope and protest in American history, Wallace presents King as the embodiment of the sound of modern black thought.
Introduction of In Vivo Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy and Real-Time Telepathology for Remote Intraoperative Neurosurgery-Pathology Consultation
Authors: Park Marian T. , Abramov Irakliy , Gooldy Timothy C. , Smith Kris A. , Porter Randall W. , Little Andrew S. , Lawton Michael T. , Eschbacher Jennifer M. , Preul Mark C.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Precise communication between neurosurgeons and pathologists is crucial for optimizing patient care, especially for intraoperative diagnoses. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) combined with a telepathology software platform (TSP) provides a novel venue for neurosurgeons and pathologists to review CLE images and converse intraoperatively in real-time.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the feasibility of integrating CLE and a TSP in the surgical workflow for real-time review of in vivo digital fluorescence tissue imaging in 3 patients with intracranial tumors.

METHODS:

Although the neurosurgeon used the CLE probe to generate fluorescence images of histoarchitecture within the operative field that were displayed on monitors in the operating room, the pathologist simultaneously remotely viewed the CLE images. The neurosurgeon and pathologist discussed in real-time the histological structures of intraoperative imaging locations.

RESULTS:

The neurosurgeon placed the CLE probe at various locations on and around the tumor, in the surgical resection bed, and on surrounding brain tissue with communication through the TSP. The neurosurgeon oriented the pathologist to the location of the CLE, and the pathologist and neurosurgeon discussed the CLE images in real-time. The TSP and CLE were integrated successfully and rapidly in the operating room in all 3 cases. No patient had perioperative complications.

CONCLUSION:

Two novel digital neurosurgical cellular imaging technologies were combined with intraoperative neurosurgeon-pathologist communication to guide the identification of abnormal histoarchitectural tissue features in real-time. CLE with the TSP may allow rapid decision-making during tumor resection that may hold significant advantages over the frozen section process and surgical workflow in general.
Critical delay factors for construction projects in Central Aceh District, Indonesia
Authors: Rauzana Anita , Zahrah Aghnia , Dharma Wira
Published: August 2022

Background: Construction development in Indonesia is growing rapidly, especially in Central Aceh District. Construction projects have distinctive characteristics and are very complex, so that risk events can have a serious impact on the viability of the project. Project delays can result in cost overruns and project losses. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the factors causing project delays.The purpose of this study was to (1) identify the risk factors that cause delays in construction projects and (2) determine those particular risk factors that have a greater influence on construction projects. The location of this research was Central Aceh District.

Methods: The data in this study were primary data in the form of a questionnaire and secondary data obtained from the literature related to this particular type of research. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents, namely contractor companies located in the Central Aceh District. The questionnaires were distributed to determine respondents' opinions about the level of influence of risk factors causing project delays. We used a validity test, reliability test, and descriptive analysis for data processing.

Results: Based on the results of the study from 47 respondents, the “very high influence” category (Mode=5) for the tool malfunction factor, cost estimation inaccuracy, increased work costs, implementation of new technologies, details, accuracy and conformity to specifications that are not appropriate, worker quarrels, poor project planning and management, poor condition at locations and accessibility difficulty.

Conclusions: Of the 80 risk factors that caused project delays, eight risk factors were found to have a very high influence on the implementation of construction projects in Central Aceh District.

Practical implications: The results of this study provide knowledge to contractor companies about the delay factors that have the most influence on project implementation so that they are expected to be able to manage risks to avoid losses.
Cytotoxicity of Peruvian propolis and Psidium guajava on human gingival fibroblasts, PBMCs and HeLa cells
Authors: Millones-Gómez Pablo Alejandro , De la Garza-Ramos Myriam Angélica , Urrutia-Baca Victor Hugo , Hernandez-Martinez Humberto Carlos , Hernández Marín David Alejandro , Minchón Medina Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2022

It is indisputable that every day it is demonstrated that natural products present diverse therapeutic benefits, which has boosted their incorporation within various products for clinical use. However, this must be accompanied by knowledge of their effect on cell lines to ensure their use is safe. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of two ethanolic extracts based on Peruvian natural products, on three human cell lines. Cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa), human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 - ATCC CRL-2014) (HGF-1) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured and subsequently treated with preparations of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) and Psidium guajava (EEG) from a concentration of 50 mg/mL to 0.024 mg/mL, by the 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazole bromide reduction assay. At a concentration of 0.24 mg/mL EEG, viability of 99.7±1.24%, 99.8±2.2% and 99.7±2.7% was observed in HeLa, HGF-1 and PBMCs, respectively; >90% cell viability values were observed with EPP at 0.024 mg/mL, with HGF-1 showing the highest viability (96.9±1.15%). A dose-dependent effect was observed for both extracts with a decrease in cell viability as concentrations increased (up to 50 mg/mL). EEP and EEG extracts at low concentrations do not show cytotoxicity in human cell lines, these findings are an advance in the preclinical evaluation on their safety and open a continuity to further studies for their potential applications in dentistry and medicine.
Factors associated with health facility delivery in Kitui County: a cross sectional study
Authors: Mutiiria Mathew Munyamaara , Mbugua Gabriel Gatimu , Marwanga Doris
Published: August 2022

Background: High maternal mortality rate is a major public health concern in developing countries.  Skilled birth delivery is central to reducing maternal mortality, yet health facility delivery remains low in Kitui County, Kenya. Our study estimated prevalence of unskilled delivery and identified factors associated with health facility delivery in Kitui County.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted December 2017-February 2018. 245 women from five administrative wards were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Variables that had p value ≤0.05 in bivariate analysis were included in multivariable regression model to assess for confounders. Variables with a p value of ≤0.05 in multivariate analysis were considered statistically significant at 95% CI. 

Results: We interviewed 245 (240 analyzed) women from the five wards; the majority were 16-25 years age group (45.5%; 110/240).  Mean age was 27±6.6 years. Prevalence of health facility delivery was 50.4%. Distance from a health facility, number of children in a household, occupation of the respondent’s partner, number of antenatal clinic (ANC) visits and means of transport were significant factors for not delivering in a health facility. On multivariate analysis, women who lived >5km from health facility were less likely to deliver in a health facility (AOR =0.36; 95% CI 0.15- 0.86). Women who attended ≥ 4 ANC visits were 4 times more likely to deliver in a health facility (95% CI 2.01-8.79).

Conclusions: More than half of the respondents delivered in a health facility. A long distance from the health facility is a hindrance to accessing ANC services. Inadequate ANC visits was associated with home delivery. Improving accessibility of health care services and health education on family planning would increase delivery at a health facility. We recommend Kitui County introduce five satellite clinics/ambulatory services for expectant women to access ANC and maternal services.
Long-Term Changes in the Creation of New Cash Waqfs in Istanbul
Authors: ÖZVAR Erol , YILDIRIM Sadullah
Published: August 2022

In this paper, relying on information from almost 4,500 waqf deeds (vakfiye) available in Istanbul sharia court registers for the period 1550-1900, we study long-term changes in the creation of new cash waqfs including the periods of expansion, stagnation and crises. We also examine the participation of different groups—namely, officials (askeri), civilians (reaya), and women— as cash-waqf founders. We find that women were significant contributors to the waqf sector and that, contrary to a common assumption in the literature, officials’ participation as benefactors was proportional to that of other groups. Furthermore, we show that the relative shares of social groups as benefactors in the waqf sector f luctuated significantly over time. Thus, researchers should be cautious about making generalizations based on a single, set ratio of involvement as if it applies to all times and places.
Adam SPGD algorithm in freeform surface in-process interferometry
Authors: Wu Jinling , Hu Chengwen , Liu Renhu , Wu Shengyang , Cao Jiaquan , Cheng Zhongtao , Yu Benli , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2022

The adaptive interferometer has been recently proposed to realize the metrology of unknown freeform surfaces with several restructured algorithms for feedback control. The adaptive moment estimation (Adam) stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm is employed in this paper for fringes release. The proposed algorithm makes considerable progress in relieving conflict of the convergence rate, speed, and parameters intervention. Simulations and experiments show its 37% time saving and 99% convergence rate, with arbitrarily configured parameter increment, compared with the SPGD algorithm. It would have great potential in in-process tests in freeform surface fabrication or large-volume testing.
Fast non-line-of-sight imaging based on product-convolution expansions
Authors: Xu Weihao , Chen Songmao , Tian Yuyuan , Wang Dingjie , Su Xiuqin
Published: August 2022

Non-line-of-sight (NLoS) imaging reveals a hidden scene using indirect diffuse reflections. A common choice for analyzing the time-of-flight (ToF) data from a non-confocal system is an ellipsoid model whose operator is high-dimensional, leading to a computationally arduous task. In this Letter, the product-convolution expansions method is utilized to formulate the operator and its adjoint based on the observation of a shift-variant point spread function (PSF) in the ToF data. The operator and its adjoint are locally approximated as a convolution, which allows the forward and backward procedure to be computed efficiently through fast Fourier transform (FFT). Moreover, the low-rank approximation of the operator is obtained by matrix decompositions, further improving the computational efficiency. The proposed method is validated using publicly accessible datasets.
Asymptomatic malaria and nurturing factors in lowlands of Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mengesha Endale , Zerefa Meseret Dessalegne , Tola Habteyes Hailu
Published: August 2022

Although asymptomatic malaria cases are reservoirs of malaria parasites, there is limited evidence on the burden and nurturing factors in malaria endemic areas during dry season. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection and nurturing factors in endemic areas of Ethiopia during dry season.A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in malaria endemic areas in Ethiopia. Six villages with a total of 1,366 households from three malaria endemic regions of Ethiopia were selected by stratified random sampling method. One asymptomatic member of the household was randomly selected from each household. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and other factors. Finger prick blood samples for malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and blood film were collected and examined. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the nurturing factors with asymptomatic malaria infection. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection was 7.7% with both blood film microscopic examination and malaria RDT. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominantly observed type of malaria species (48.0%). The presence of bodies of water around the households (adjusted odds ratio (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI (2.7 ─ 9.7); p < 0.000), infrequent indoor residual spray (IRS) applied four to six months ago (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI (1.0─11.6); p = 0.045) and more than six months (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI (1.3─20.5); p = 0.019) and personal protection measure for malaria prevention (LLIN, repellent and clothing) (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI (0.2 ─ 0.9); p = 0.028) were associated significantly with asymptomatic malaria infection. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection during dry season was considerable. Strong interventions that target stagnant bodies of water, infrequent household IRS spray and personal protection measure for malaria prevention is required to decrease asymptomatic malaria infection during dry season.