bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 36-year-old lady with type three female genital mutilation (Infibulation) – its long-term complications: a case report and literature review
Authors: Jidha Tafese Dejene , Feyissa Abdi Kebede
Published: May 2023

Background

Female genital mutilation comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of female external genitalia or other injury to the female external organs, whether for religious, cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. The impact of female genital mutilation is diverse, including physical, social and psychological impact. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with type three female genital mutilation who did not seek medical treatment due to lack of awareness that there was treatment for it, and use this case as an entry point to comprehensively review literature regarding long-term complications associated with female genital mutilation and its impact on women’s quality of life.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 36-year-old single nulligravida lady with type three female genital mutilation who had presented with difficulty with urination since childhood. She had difficulty with menstruation since her menarche, and she had never had sexual intercourse. She never sought treatment, but recently went to hospital after she heard of a young lady who had the same problem in her neighborhood who was treated surgically and got married. On external genitalia examination, there was no clitoris, no labia minora, and labia majora were fused to each other with a healed old scar between them. There was a 0.5 cm by 0.5 cm opening below the fused labia majora near to the anus through which urine was dribbling. De-infibulation was done. Six months after the procedure, she was married and at that moment she was pregnant.

Conclusion

The physical, sexual, obstetrics and psychosocial consequences of female genital mutilation are neglected issues. The improvement of women’s socio-cultural status in combination with planning programs to enhance their information and awareness as well as trying to change the cultural and religious leaders’ viewpoints regarding this procedure is essential to reducing female genital mutilation and its burden on women’s health.
Overcoming the monster! Perceptions of physiotherapy students regarding the use of stroke master plots for building therapeutic relationships; a vignette study
Authors: Alawafi Rana , Rosewilliam Sheeba , Soundy Andrew
Published: May 2023

Background

Narrative master plots identify illness stories which are recognisable within clinical settings. Responses to different master plots by physiotherapy students can lack empathy and need to be understood further. One narrative master plot for people with stroke that has not been well studied is called ‘overcoming the monster’. Research is needed to understand physiotherapy students’ reactions to this master plot.

Objective

To examine the responses of physiotherapy students to three variations of the master plot called ‘overcoming the monster’ generated from patients who have had a stroke.

Methods

A qualitative narrative vignette study was undertaken. A university in the West Midlands (England) was used to access physiotherapy students on the pre-registration programs. A purposive sample of students volunteered to complete a single vignette questionnaire at one time point. The vignette provided three unique examples of the master plot overcoming the monster as told by people with stroke. Students responded to each by asking specific questions that captured demographic information and questions that captured reactions to the different versions of the master plot. Categorical-content narrative analysis was undertaken.

Results

Thirty-two first year (BSc) students, thirty-nine first year (pre-registration) MSc students and nineteen third year (BSc) students participated in this study. Neither first year groups had undertaken any clinical placement hours. All third-year students had finished the required clinical placement hours for the physiotherapy course. Students consistently demonstrated empathy towards this master plot. Students often valued the variant of the story which illustrated how difficulties following stroke could be experienced as an ‘adventure’. Students also valued and were motivated by the story variant that considered a family member as a source of motivation and encouragement. The story variant which focused on the shortcomings of the health care system was more often related to by the final year BSc students and MSc students. However, first year students, particularly BSc students, reported being more emotionally affected by the vignette.

Conclusion

All variants of the master plot overcoming the monster appeared to generate empathetic responses. This is important because it highlights the value of students’ understanding the patients’ story and challenges or ‘monsters’ faced. Therapeutic relationships will benefit from training physiotherapy students on the importance of listening and exploring challenges people with stroke face.
The development and phase 1 evaluation of a Decision Aid for elective egg freezing
Authors: Sandhu Sherine , Hickey Martha , Lew Raelia , Hammarberg Karin , Braat Sabine , Agresta Franca , Parle Anna , Allingham Catherine ,   the Eggsurance Collaborative Group, Ledger William , Fisher Jane , Johnson Louise , Michelmore Janet , Summers Fiona , Hart Roger , Norman Robert J , Lieberman Devora , Anderson Richard A , Peate Michelle
Published: May 2023

Background

Elective egg freezing decisions are complex. We developed a Decision Aid for elective egg freezing and conducted a phase 1 study to evaluate its acceptability and utility for decision-making.

Methods

The online Decision Aid was developed according to International Patient Decision Aid Standards and evaluated using a pre/post survey design. Twenty-six Australian women aged 18–45 years, interested in receiving elective egg freezing information, proficient in English, and with access to the internet were recruited using social media and university newsletters. Main outcomes were: acceptability of the Decision Aid; feedback on the Decision Aid design and content; concern raised by the Decision Aid, and; utility of the Decision Aid as measured by scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale and on a study-specific scale assessing knowledge about egg freezing and age-related infertility.

Results

Most participants found the Decision Aid acceptable (23/25), balanced (21/26), useful for explaining their options (23/26), and for reaching a decision (18/26). Almost all reported satisfaction with the Decision Aid (25/26) and the level of guidance  it provided (25/26). No participant reported serious concerns about the Decision Aid, and most would recommend it to other women considering elective egg freezing (22/26). Median Decisional Conflict Scale score decreased from 65/100 (Interquartile range: 45–80) pre-Decision Aid to 7.5/100 (Interquartile range: 0–37.5) post-Decision Aid review (p < 0.001). Median knowledge score increased from 8.5/14 (Interquartile range: 7–11) pre-Decision Aid to 11/14 (Interquartile range: 10–12) post-Decision Aid review (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This elective egg freezing Decision Aid appears acceptable and useful for decision-making. It improved knowledge, reduced decisional conflict and did not raise serious concerns. The Decision Aid will be further evaluated using a prospective randomised control trial.

Study registration

ACTRN12618001685202 (retrospectively registered: 12 October 2018).
Causes of stress and poor wellbeing among paramedic students in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom: a cross-cultural qualitative study
Authors: Alzahrani Adnan , Keyworth Chris , Wilson Caitlin , Johnson Judith
Published: May 2023

Background

Paramedicine presents students with numerous challenges, including factors threatening their wellbeing. Over the last two decades studies have illustrated that paramedics and paramedic students are more likely to have mental disorders than the general population. These findings suggest that course-related factors could be important in contributing to poorer mental health. However, few studies have examined factors related to stress in paramedic students, and none of these have included paramedic students from cross-culture. To address this, the present study (1) explored paramedicine students’ training experiences and other education-related factors that could affect their wellbeing, and (2) illustrated the possible differences and similarities between two cultures (Saudi Arabia and the UK) to determine whether the students’ cultural environment influenced factors related to their wellbeing.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory research design was used. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with paramedicine students from the United Kingdom and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (ten participants from each country). Reflexive thematic analysis was employed as the analytical approach in this study.

Results

Four major themes were identified which captured the contributors to paramedic students’ stress levels: (1) exposure to potentially traumatic events, (2) relationships and communication, illustrating the student’s personal and professional experiences with others, (3) programme atmosphere, demonstrating the challenges and support students encounter during their coursework and training, and (4) career, elucidating the pressure of future career expectations and predictions.

Conclusion

The study revealed contributors to stress were similar in both countries. Better preparation can help to reduce the negative impacts of the possible traumatic events encountered on placements and supportive relationships, especially with proctors, can boost student wellbeing. Universities are able to address both these factors and help foster a positive environment for paramedicine students. As such, these results should help educators and policymakers when identifying and delivering interventions to support paramedic students.
Changing word meanings in biomedical literature reveal pandemics and new technologies
Authors: Nicholson David N. , Alquaddoomi Faisal , Rubinetti Vincent , Greene Casey S.
Published: May 2023

While we often think of words as having a fixed meaning that we use to describe a changing world, words are also dynamic and changing. Scientific research can also be remarkably fast-moving, with new concepts or approaches rapidly gaining mind share. We examined scientific writing, both preprint and pre-publication peer-reviewed text, to identify terms that have changed and examine their use. One particular challenge that we faced was that the shift from closed to open access publishing meant that the size of available corpora changed by over an order of magnitude in the last two decades. We developed an approach to evaluate semantic shift by accounting for both intra- and inter-year variability using multiple integrated models. This analysis revealed thousands of change points in both corpora, including for terms such as ‘cas9’, ‘pandemic’, and ‘sars’. We found that the consistent change-points between pre-publication peer-reviewed and preprinted text are largely related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also created a web app for exploration that allows users to investigate individual terms (https://greenelab.github.io/word-lapse/). To our knowledge, our research is the first to examine semantic shift in biomedical preprints and pre-publication peer-reviewed text, and provides a foundation for future work to understand how terms acquire new meanings and how peer review affects this process.
Orexin antagonism and substance-P: Effects and interactions on polycystic ovary syndrome in the wistar rats
Authors: Kouhetsani Somayeh , Khazali Homayoun , Rajabi-Maham Hassan
Published: May 2023

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder without definitive treatments. Orexin and Substance-P (SP) neuropeptides can affect the ovarian steroidogenesis. Moreover, there are limited studies about the role of these neuropeptides in PCOS. We aimed here to clarify the effects of orexins and SP in PCOS as well as any possible interactions between them.

Methods

For this purpose, the animals (n = five rats per group) received intraperitoneally a single dose of SB-334,867-A (orexin-1 receptor antagonist; OX1Ra), JNJ-10,397,049 (orexin-2 receptor antagonist; OX2Ra), and CP-96,345 (neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist; NK1Ra), alone or in combination with each other after two months of PCOS induction. The blocking of orexin and SP receptors was studied in terms of ovarian histology, hormonal changes, and gene expression of ovarian steroidogenic enzymes.

Results

The antagonists’ treatment did not significantly affect the formation of ovarian cysts. In the PCOS groups, the co-administration of OX1Ra and OX2Ra as well as their simultaneous injections with NK1Ra significantly reversed testosterone levels and Cyp19a1 gene expression when compared to the PCOS control group. There were no significant interactions between the PCOS groups that received NK1Ra together with one or both OX1R- and OX2R-antagonists.

Conclusion

The blocking of the orexin receptors modulates abnormal ovarian steroidogenesis in the PCOS model of rats. This suggests that the binding of orexin-A and -B to their receptors reduces Cyp19a1 gene expression while increasing testosterone levels.
Modeling group heteroscedasticity in single-cell RNA-seq pseudo-bulk data
Authors: You Yue , Dong Xueyi , Wee Yong Kiat , Maxwell Mhairi J. , Alhamdoosh Monther , Smyth Gordon K. , Hickey Peter F. , Ritchie Matthew E. , Law Charity W.
Published: May 2023

Group heteroscedasticity is commonly observed in pseudo-bulk single-cell RNA-seq datasets and its presence can hamper the detection of differentially expressed genes. Since most bulk RNA-seq methods assume equal group variances, we introduce two new approaches that account for heteroscedastic groups, namely voomByGroup and voomWithQualityWeights using a blocked design (voomQWB). Compared to current gold-standard methods that do not account for group heteroscedasticity, we show results from simulations and various experiments that demonstrate the superior performance of voomByGroup and voomQWB in terms of error control and power when group variances in pseudo-bulk single-cell RNA-seq data are unequal.
DDM1-mediated gene body DNA methylation is associated with inducible activation of defense-related genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Seungchul , Choi Jaemyung , Park Jihwan , Hong Chang Pyo , Choi Daeseok , Han Soeun , Choi Kyuha , Roh Tae-Young , Hwang Daehee , Hwang Ildoo
Published: May 2023

Background

Plants memorize previous pathogen attacks and are “primed” to produce a faster and stronger defense response, which is critical for defense against pathogens. In plants, cytosines in transposons and gene bodies are reported to be frequently methylated. Demethylation of transposons can affect disease resistance by regulating the transcription of nearby genes during defense response, but the role of gene body methylation (GBM) in defense responses remains unclear.

Results

Here, we find that loss of the chromatin remodeler decrease in DNA methylation 1 (ddm1) synergistically enhances resistance to a biotrophic pathogen under mild chemical priming. DDM1 mediates gene body methylation at a subset of stress-responsive genes with distinct chromatin properties from conventional gene body methylated genes. Decreased gene body methylation in loss ofddm1mutant is associated with hyperactivation of these gene body methylated genes. Knockout of glyoxysomal protein kinase 1 (gpk1), a hypomethylated gene inddm1loss-of-function mutant, impairs priming of defense response to pathogen infection inArabidopsis. We also find that DDM1-mediated gene body methylation is prone to epigenetic variation among naturalArabidopsispopulations, andGPK1expression is hyperactivated in natural variants with demethylatedGPK1.

Conclusions

Based on our collective results, we propose that DDM1-mediated GBM provides a possible regulatory axis for plants to modulate the inducibility of the immune response.
Totally laparoscopic associating simultaneous bile duct and portal vein ligation for planned hepatectomy for primary liver cancer: a case report
Authors: Jinghan Wang , Jianyang Ao , Wencong Ma , Chen Liu
Published: May 2023

Background

Some patients with liver cancer lose the chance to have surgical treatment due to insufficient future remnant liver. To address this problem, individual or occlusion of both the portal vein and the bile duct was used to achieve quick hypertrophy. This is the first study reported in which simultaneous ligation of the portal vein and the bile duct was applied as the first step of planned hepatectomy of primary liver cancer.

Case presentation

Here we report a case of a 38-year-old Asian male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in the right anterior branch of the portal vein. Right hemihepatectomy can be curative, but patients face a high risk of liver failure because of the small volume of the remaining left liver lobe. Hence we developed a two-step liver resection strategy in which the patient underwent laparoscopic simultaneous bile duct and portal vein ligation of the right hepatic lobe prior to right hemihepatectomy under laparoscopy. Using this procedure, we achieved fast hypertrophy of the left liver lobe and successfully reversed the primary unresectability.

Conclusion

This case report demonstrates that simultaneous bile duct and portal vein ligation may be a feasible option for those patients with liver cancer who cannot get surgical treatment due to insufficient future remnant liver.
Global prevalence of self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Huan , Wang Di , Wang Lu , Zou Haiou , Qu Yanhua
Published: May 2023

Background

COVID-19 and its transmission mitigation measures have caused widespread mental health problems. Previous studies have suggested that psychological, economic, behavioral, and psychosocial problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a rise in self-harm. However, little is known about the prevalence of self-harm worldwide during COVID-19. Therefore, a quantitative synthesis is needed to reach an overall conclusion regarding the prevalence of self-harm during the pandemic.

Methods

By using permutations of COVID-19, self-harm or relevant search terms, we searched the following electronic databases from November 2019 to January 2022: Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and systematically reviewed the evidence according to MOOSE guidelines. We employed Cochran’s chi-squared test (Cochran’s Q), I2test and subgroup analysis to assess and address the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by eliminating each included study individually and then combining the effects.

Results

Sixteen studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified, with sample sizes ranging from 228 to 49,227. The methodological quality of the included studies was mostly at the medium level. By using a random effect model, the pooled prevalence of self-harm was 15.8% (95% CI 13.3–18.3). Based on subgroup analysis, the following characteristics of the included studies were more likely to have a higher prevalence of self-harm: studies conducted in Asia or prior to July 2020, cross-sectional studies, samples recruited in hospitals or schools, adolescents, females, the purpose of self-harm (NSSI), mental symptoms and restriction experiences.

Conclusions

We provided the first meta-analytic estimated prevalence of self-harm based on a large sample from different countries and populations. The prevalence of self-harm during COVID-19 was not encouraging and requires attention and intervention. Further high-quality and prospective research are needed in order to determine the prevalence of self-harm with greater accuracy because to the clear heterogeneity across the included studies. In addition, this study also provides new directions for future research, including the identification of high-risk groups for self-harm, the formulation and implementation of prevention and intervention programs, and the long-term impact of COVID-19 on self-harm.
Propofol inhibits myocardial injury induced by microvesicles derived from hypoxia-reoxygenated endothelial cells via lncCCT4-2/CCT4 signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Wang Changsen , Xu Hao , Cai Shuyun , Liu Keyu , Li Simeng , Chen Linming , Shen Siman , Gu Xiaoxia , Tang Jing , Xia Zhengyuan , Hu Zhe , Ma Xiaotang , Zhang Liangqing
Published: May 2023

Background

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induces increased release of extracellular vesicles in the heart and exacerbates myocardial IR injury. We have previously shown that propofol attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR)-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and that microvesicles derived from propofol-treated HUVECs inhibit oxidative stress in endothelial cells. However, the role of microvesicles derived from propofol post-treated HUVECs ((HR + P)-EMVs) in IR-injured cardiomyocytes is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of (HR + P)-EMVs in cardiac IR injury compared to microvesicles derived from hypoxic/reoxygenated HUVECs (HR-EMVs) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) models of HUVECs and AC16 cells and a mouse cardiac IR model were established. Microvesicles from HR-injured HUVECs, DMSO post-treated HUVECs and propofol post-treated HUVECs were extracted by ultra-high speed centrifugation, respectively. The above EMVs were co-cultured with HR-injured AC16 cells or injected intracardially into IR mice. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to determine the levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Apoptosis related proteins were detected by Western blot. Echocardiography for cardiac function and Evans blue-TTC staining for myocardial infarct size. Expression of lncCCT4-2 in EMVs and AC16 cells was analysed by whole transcriptome sequencing of EMVs and RT-qPCR. The molecular mechanism of inhibition of myocardial injury by (HR + P)-EMVs was elucidated by lentiviral knockdown of lncCCT4-2, plasmid overexpression or knockdown of CCT4, and actinomycin D assay.

Results

In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that HR-EMVs exacerbated oxidative stress and apoptosis in IR-injured cardiomyocytes, leading to increased infarct size and worsened cardiac function. Notably, (HR + P)-EMVs induced significantly less oxidative stress and apoptosis in IR-injured cardiomyocytes compared to HR-EMVs. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing of EMVs and RT-qPCR showed that lncCCT4-2 was significantly upregulated in (HR + P)-EMVs and cardiomyocytes co-cultured with (HR + P)-EMVs. Reduction of lncCCT4-2 in (HR + P)-EMVs enhanced oxidative stress and apoptosis in IR-injured cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the anti-apoptotic activity of lncCCT4-2 from (HR + P)-EMVs was achieved by increasing the stability of CCT4 mRNA and promoting the expression of CCT4 protein in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

Our study showed that (HR + P)-EMVs uptake by IR-injured cardiomyocytes upregulated lncCCT4-2 in cardiomyocytes and promoted CCT4 expression, thereby inhibiting HR-EMVs induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Financial decision-making behaviors of Ethnic Tibetan Households based on mental accounting
Authors: Zang DunGang , Paudel Krishna P. , Liu Yan , Liu Dan , He Yating
Published: May 2023

Ethnic Tibetans (ETs) typically reside in the remote plateaus of China and possess strong cultural and spiritual values. Their financial decision-making is influenced by economic and physical factors, unique culture, social norms, and psychological motivators. We conducted an in-person survey of 480 randomly selected ET households across four provinces in rural China. The survey data was analyzed using three different econometric models—probit, ordered probit, and ranked ordered logit—to examine the choice of borrowing from formal or informal credit sources, the number of sources borrowed from, and repayment priority. Our findings indicate that mental accounting plays a significant role in the financial decision-making process of ET households. Additionally, we find that the informal credit source is strongly associated with the financial decisions of ET households. The majority of loans from formal financial institutions are used to meet daily needs, as opposed to purchasing productive inputs. Our results also suggest that strong social relationships and religious beliefs prevent households from defaulting, and that loans from formal financial sources receive repayment priority. China would benefit from promoting inclusive finance and encouraging the adoption of improved agricultural practices to support the prosperity of ET and other minority communities.
Inflammatory biomarkers in overweight and obese Iranian women are associated with polyphenol intake
Authors: Shiraseb Farideh , Hosseininasab Dorsa , Noori Sahar , Ebrahimi Sara , Asjodi Foad , Ghaffarian-Ensaf Rasool , Carnauba Renata A. , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: May 2023

Background

The evidence shows that obesity is associated with chronic inflammation in obese subjects. Polyphenols are a complex group of plant secondary metabolites that may play a role in reducing the risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases. Given the scarcity of evidence on the association between inflammatory markers and dietary polyphenols intake in overweight/obese Iranian women, the current study aims to investigate this link.

Method

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese Iranian women aged 18–48 years (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2). A 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake, as well as anthropometric indices including weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) and biochemistry parameters including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (Chole), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), galactin-3 (Gal-3), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin-1 beta (IL_1β), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PA-I), serum leptin concentrations, and C-reactive protein of high sensitivity (hs-CRP) in all participants. The inflammatory markers were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Result

The findings revealed a significant negative association between flavonoids intake and MCP-1 (P = 0.024), lignans intake and MCP-1 (P = 0.017), and Gal-3 (P = 0.032). These significant associations were observed between other polyphenols intake and IL_1β (P = 0.014). There was also a significant positive association between other polyphenol intake and TGF-β (P = 0.008) and between phenolic acid intake and TGF-β (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a high polyphenol intake may help individuals to reduce systemic inflammation. Further large studies involving participants of different ages and genders are highly warranted.
Comparative study of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) against traditional forensic autopsy findings in fatal road traffic accidents — a pilot analysis
Authors: K. Karthi Vignesh Raj , Khan Anam , Yadav Abhishek , Jana Manisha , Gupta Sudhir K. , A. Varun Chandran , D. Balaji , Simon Alex Eldo , Chauhan Aditya Pratap Singh
Published: May 2023

Background

Virtopsy is “a virtual alternative to the traditional autopsy, conducted with scanning and imaging technology,” mainly with the use of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT). It is still in the budding stage in India. The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, is the first center in the country that has established a facility for virtual autopsy. This facility aims to supplement the traditional autopsy findings and also to replace/curtail internal dissection in autopsy in the future, for which there has always been an aversion in relatives of the deceased due to emotional and religious reasons. The PMCT being a noninvasive, preservative, and objective procedure would be preferred by relatives than traditional autopsy. So, in this regard, this pilot study was conducted with the objective for comparison of PMCT vs traditional autopsy findings in fatal road traffic accidents to analyze its advantages and limitations in order to replace/augment the traditional autopsy with PMCT in the near future in road traffic accident cases.

Results

The authors evaluated 10 cases of road traffic accident victims. In each case, an autopsy was preceded by a PMCT examination using a 16-slice Multi-Slice CT spiral scanner. The fractures of the skull, facial bones, clavicle, scapula, and vertebra were located more precisely as compared to traditional autopsy. Interpretation of the ventricular hemorrhages of the brain is much better in PMCT. PMCT should be the investigation of choice for pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, pneumocephalus, and hemosiuns, while it needs further exploration to detect injuries of soft tissues as out of 14 injuries only 2 were identified by PMCT.

Conclusions

The procedure of whole-body PMCT followed by region-wise CT can be studied for a better PMCT acquisition to detect soft tissue injury findings more precisely. However, the PMCT in this study was able to conclude the cause of death in a more scientific way than the traditional autopsy.
Intelligent safety assessment method for demolition construction of closure segment of long-span continuous rigid frame bridges
Authors: Wang Qiusheng , Xian Jianping , Xiao Jun , Wang Xing
Published: May 2023

In order to clarify the risk of demolition construction of large-span continuous rigid structure bridge and put forward an intelligent safety assessment method to ensure the safety of demolition construction of the closure segment. Taking a concrete continuous rigid bridge as an example, this paper uses the combination of finite element analysis, theoretical calculation and actual measurement verification to study the influencing parameters and construction safety assessment methods of the long-span continuous rigid bridge in the demolition construction stage of the closure segment. The results show that the parameters that have a great influence on the stress state of box girder and pier during the demolition stage of the closure segment are mainly the self-weight of the structure, tendon prestress state and construction temperature difference. Through the influence envelope analysis of each parameter, it is clear that the ultimate failure mode caused by the most unfavorable parameter combination in the demolition stage of the closure segment is the crushing of the bottom plate of the box girder in the middle span, and the cracking of the piers on the side span at the top and the variable section. In order to further accurately evaluate the construction safety in the demolition stage of the closure segment, based on the long-term down-warping state inversion analysis of the box girder, the identification method of cross-section damage and prestress loss of the box girder and the calculation results of engineering examples are given. Finally, a safety assessment method of the most unfavorable section based on the principle of influence matrix is proposed. Through the analysis of an example, the safety of the closure segment demolition construction is clarified, and the correctness of the analysis is verified by intelligent monitoring means.
DMM Outstanding Paper Prize 2022 winners: Tamihiro Kamata, Jennifer K. Sargent and Mark A. Warner
Authors: Hackett Rachel
Published: May 2023

Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) is delighted to announce that the winners of the DMM Outstanding Paper Prize 2022 are Tamihiro Kamata for their Research Article (titled ‘ Statins mediate anti- and pro-tumourigenic functions by remodelling the tumour microenvironment’), and Jennifer K. Sargent and Mark A. Warner for their Resource Article (titled ‘ Genetically diverse mouse platform to xenograft cancer cells’). The two prizes of £1000 are awarded to the first author(s) of the papers that are judged by the journal's Editors to be the most outstanding contribution to the journal that year.
Wheel Running Exacerbates Joint Damage after Meniscal Injury in Mice, but Does Not Alter Gait or Physical Activity Levels
Authors: CHAN KIARA M. , GRIFFITH JACOB L. , PACHECO YAN CARLOS , ALLEN KYLE D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Exercise and physical activity are recommended to reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, exercise has dose effects, with excessive exercise accelerating OA development and sedentary behaviors also promoting OA development. Prior work evaluating exercise in preclinical models has typically used prescribed exercise regimens; however, in-cage voluntary wheel running creates opportunities to evaluate how OA progression affects self-selected physical activity levels. This study aimed to evaluate how voluntary wheel running after a surgically induced meniscal injury affects gait characteristics and joint remodeling in C57Bl/6 mice. We hypothesize that injured mice will reduce physical activity levels as OA develops after meniscal injury and will engage in wheel running to a lesser extent than the uninjured animals.

Methods

Seventy-two C57Bl/6 mice were divided into experimental groups based on sex, lifestyle (physically active vs sedentary), and surgery (meniscal injury or sham control). Voluntary wheel running data were continuously collected throughout the study, and gait data were collected at 3, 7, 11, and 15 wk after surgery. At end point, joints were processed for histology to assess cartilage damage.

Results

After meniscal injury, physically active mice showed more severe joint damage relative to sedentary mice. Nevertheless, injured mice engaged in voluntary wheel running at the same rates and distances as mice with sham surgery. In addition, physically active mice and sedentary mice both developed a limp as meniscal injury progressed, yet exercise did not further exacerbate gait changes in the physically active mice, despite worsened joint damage.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data indicate a discordance between structural joint damage and joint function. Although wheel running after meniscal injury did worsen OA-related joint damage, physical activity did not necessarily inhibit or worsen OA-related joint dysfunction or pain in mice.
A 2-Year Randomized Controlled Trial on Creatine Supplementation during Exercise for Postmenopausal Bone Health
Authors: Chilibeck Philip D. , Candow Darren G. , Gordon Julianne J. , Duff Whitney R.D. , Mason Riley , Shaw Keely , Taylor-Gjevre Regina , Nair Bindu , Zello Gordon A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Our purpose was to examine the effects of 2 years of creatine monohydrate supplementation and exercise on bone health in postmenopausal women.

Methods

237 postmenopausal women (mean age 59y) were randomized to receive creatine (0.14 g·kg -1·day -1) or placebo during a resistance training (3d/wk) and walking (6d/wk) program for 2 years. Our primary outcome was femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), with lumbar spine BMD, and proximal femur geometric properties as secondary outcomes.

Results

Compared to placebo, creatine supplementation had no effect on BMD of the femoral neck (creatine: 0.725 ± 0.110 to 0.712 ± 0.100; placebo: 0.721 ± 0.102 to 0.706 ± 0.097 g/cm2), total hip (creatine: 0.879 ± 0.118 to 0.872 ± 0.114; placebo: 0.881 ± 0.111 to 0.873 ± 0.109 g/cm2), or lumbar spine (creatine: 0.932 ± 0.133 to 0.925 ± 0.131; placebo: 0.923 ± 0.145 to 0.915 ± 0.143 g/cm2). Creatine significantly maintained section modulus (1.35 ± 0.29 to 1.34 ± 0.26 vs. placebo 1.34 ± 0.25 to 1.28 ± 0.23 cm3, p = 0.0011), predictive of bone bending strength, and buckling ratio (10.8 ± 2.6 to 11.1 ± 2.2 vs. placebo 11.0 ± 2.6 to 11.6 ± 2.7; p = 0.011), predictive of reduced cortical bending under compressive loads, at the narrow part of the femoral neck. Creatine reduced walking time over 80 meters (48.6 ± 5.6 to 47.1 ± 5.4 vs. placebo 48.3 ± 4.5 to 48.2 ± 4.9 s; p = 0.0008), but had no effect on muscular strength (i.e., 1RM) during the bench press (32.1 ± 12.7 to 42.6 ± 14.1 vs. placebo 30.6 ± 10.9 to 41.4 ± 14 kg) and hack squat (57.6 ± 21.6 to 84.4 ± 28.1 vs. placebo 56.6 ± 24.0 to 82.7 ± 25.0 kg). In sub-analysis of valid completers, creatine increased lean tissue mass compared to placebo (40.8 ± 5.7 to 43.1 ± 5.9 vs. placebo 40.4 ± 5.3 to 42.0 ± 5.2 kg; p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Two years of creatine supplementation and exercise in postmenopausal women had no effect on bone mineral density, yet improved some bone geometric properties at the proximal femur.
Situations of work-related diseases and injuries among agriculturists in the upper northeast regions of Thailand
Authors: Chaiklieng Sunisa , Chagkornburee Chuthamas , Suggaravetsiri Pornnapa
Published: May 2023

Background: Agriculturists exposed to health hazards are affected by increased occupational disease. This retrospective study aimed to investigate situations of work-related diseases and injuries among agriculturists in upper northeast Thailand.

Methods: The secondary data of international classification of diseases 10 th revision (ICD-10) case reports of occupational disease among farmers, from the database of the Health Data Center (HDC), were used. The registered farmers’ data was collected as a dataset from the provincial agricultural office and the data of the ICD-10 code, which was utilized from the hospital information system (HIS) of healthcare services in Udon Thani and Roi-Et provinces, was extracted for cases of work-related diseases and injuries of registered agriculturists. The annual morbidity rate of occupational diseases was analyzed and presented as a rate per 100,000 farmers.

Results: Among diseases of farmers in the HDC database, lung disease, which was not reported as an occupational disease of the HDC database, was the highest ranking of all diseases, followed by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), noise- and heat-related diseases, and pesticide toxicity, respectively, while the injury rate was as high as that of WMSDs. Those morbidity rates of Roi-Et and Udon Thani provinces were representative of the morbidity ranking of diseases of the nation and had increasing trends from 2014 to 2016. The number of farmers in the HDC database did not consistently reflect the number of registered farmers in the agricultural database.

Conclusions: Situations of work-related diseases and injuries discovered among registered farmers reflect the health problems of Thai agriculturists, and the underestimation in the reported disease rate in the health database is explained by big data analysis, which showed that work-related cases with an identifying code of Y96 had rarely been reported among agriculturists. Therefore, the agriculturists should be supported in registration for occupational diseases and injuries surveillance.
The development of the infrastructure of outpatient-polyclinic institutions that provide cardiological aid and factors of their success
Authors: Ivanyuk A.
Published: May 2023

The purpose. To identify the key success factors in the development of the infrastructure of outpatient polyclinic institutions (OPPIs) that provide cardiac care. The conditions of their development based on the principles of public-private partnership (PPP) are taken into account. Materials and methods. The research was conducted according to the program based on general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation of scientific data, as well as systemic and structural-functional approaches. Results. Significant problems in OPPIs that provide cardiac care infrastructure organization and management were identified. The data obtained showed the need to take measures for financing, organization of a high-tech production process, implementation of modern economic mechanisms in their work are necessary. This determined the search of mechanisms for the joint functioning of the state and business, the development of PPP in health care. The main mechanisms of PPP functioning were highlighted, namely organizational-legal, financial-investment, technical-organizational aspects. The benefits of cooperation for the state and the private partner are determined. A conceptual model of the key factors for achieving success in the development of OPPIs infrastructure based on PPP principles has been developed. Their role in the activities of OPPIs is indicated. Conclusions. The model of key factors for achieving success in the modernization of OPPIs infrastructure proposed in the article is a promising direction in the development of medical establishments that provide cardiac care. PPP is a promising direction in the development of the infrastructure of health care institutions in Ukraine.
Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Potential dangers associated with long-term therapy of proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Wolanin Izabela , Zielonka Bartłomiej , Dengler Barbara , Madej Karolina , Wolanin Marta , Stachyra Bartłomiej , Stawikowski Cezary , Osińska Aleksandra , Kowalczyk Ilona , Krasa Aleksandra
Published: May 2023

Introduction:Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most popular and also one of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. In many conditions associated with excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, they are the first-line treatment. When they are used in a balanced manner in strict indications, they have a high level of efficacy and a favorable safety profile. The low rate of side effects refers mainly to their short-term use.  With the over-the-counter availability of PPIs, increasing dangerous trend of their abuse has provided new evidence suggesting the presence of numerous, more serious side effects of long-term PPI therapy.

Purpose:The purpose of this review is to summarize current reports regarding the potential risks and causal relationship of adverse effects occurring as a consequence of long-term use of proton pump inhibitors.

Material and methods:This literature review based on the available scientific literature, published between 2015 and 2023 in the Pubmed database, searched using the terms, listed under "keywords”.

Conclusion:PPIs are relatively safe drugs. However, they are not completely free of side effects. There are a lot of reports suggesting a potential connection between their long-term use and the development of complications, such as: various infections, decreased absorption of nutrients, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, musculoskeletal disease, nervous system disease, cardiovascular disease, dementia, hypergastrinemia and even cancer. However, some of them are fraught with errors, and another often provide contradictory results. More precisely designed studies are needed to draw clear conclusions, especially in view of the ever-increasing abuse of PPIs worldwide. It is worth noting that patients with strictly defined indications for long-term PPI therapy, may benefit significantly outweighing the potential dangers.
La sociedad y la composición arquitectónica, desde la participación ciudadana.
Authors: Díaz-García Vicente
Published: May 2023

Tradicionalmente, historia, teoría y crítica son los tres campos en los que se ha movido el área de composición arquitectónica en paralelo al proyecto arquitectónico como práctica compositiva1 . En este artículo se propone la inclusión de un cuarto campo, la sociedad, no específico del área de composición, pero si pendiente de consolidación respecto a su relevancia en arquitectura y urbanismo, por lo que su inclusión desde el ámbito teórico conceptual de la composición se considera clave. Se plantea su introducción en el área de composición arquitectónica desde la traducción2 , entendida como proceso mediador en términos comunicativos y de transmisión de la información y relacionada con la participación ciudadana específicamente, como elemento que caracteriza el ámbito o la intervención compositiva. Abordándola también de una manera amplia, rica y extensa culturalmente, vinculada al campo de las artes tales como la pintura, escultura o la música y en la que el arquitecto, como compositor, vincula y establece relaciones entre partes de una manera compleja, que garantiza una propuesta de mayor riqueza teórico conceptual así como espacial y perceptiva, que el conjunto de las partes. La complejidad del momento actual, los requerimientos sociales o las mayores exigencias a las que se enfrentan la arquitectura y el urbanismo, hacen necesario complementar la disciplina con nuevas propuestas que tienen sus implicaciones tanto en términos de dimensión pedagógica, como institucional o disciplinar y profesional. En este sentido, se plantea la creación de nuevos perfiles profesionales que, complementando los existentes, sean capaces de abordar requerimientos como la multidisciplinariedad, o la mediación. Se muestran tres ejemplos que abordan la participación ciudadana desde tres perspectivas: la académico/educativa, la institucional/ disciplinar y la profesional. En todos ellos se requiere la figura del arquitecto como compositor o traductor, jugando un papel de mediación, complementario al del arquitecto dedicado a la historia, la teoría o la crítica e incluyendo la dimensión vinculada a la sociedad.
Cultura editorial literaria en Colombia. Una historia de editores y editoriales en el siglo XX
Authors: Pérez Álvarez Sergio
Published: May 2023

Este libro construye una cartografía de editores y editoriales que participaron en la publicación de libros literarios en Colombia en el siglo xx. Su hilo argumental intenta demostrar la importancia de estos agentes y sus proyectos de edición en la consolidación de una cultura de la lectura y la escritura de textos literarios en los géneros modernos (novela, cuento, poesía o ensayo).Asimismo, el texto indaga sobre algunos aspectos relacionados con la producción e impresión de libros, las ferias y la comercialización, los derechos de autor, las instituciones alrededor del libro y de la lectura, entre otros, que permiten entender cómo se fue creando un sistema cultural en torno a la producción, la circulación y la recepción del libro literario. Desde esta perspectiva, a partir de una robusta revisión bibliográfica y del análisis delos propios catálogos editoriales, se advierte un recorrido en muchos sentidos inédito sobre los procesos de institucionalización y desarrollo de la literatura en Colombia en el siglo pasado.
Move Fast and Break Things? The Contingent Nature of Product Acceleration in Nascent Markets
Authors: Lu Xuege (Cathy) , Lee Hyeonsuh , Coles Ryan
Published: May 2023

Acceleration allows firms to lock in early success upon entering a nascent market, but whether it enables firms to sustain competitive advantage after the entry is unclear. Using a granular data set on the U.S. LED lightbulb market 2010–2017, we apply an abductive approach to examine the relationship between postentry product acceleration and market acceptance. We find that, although acceleration is slightly more beneficial for firms that have accumulated greater pioneering experience, incumbents with more recognizable brands are able to achieve even greater market acceptance by slowing down their product iterations. Meanwhile, deceleration seems to be a better strategy among firms striving to build legitimacy via regulatory engagement, whereas acceleration could be more beneficial for firms competing in subproduct markets with greater technological uncertainties. We contribute to the nascent market literature by showing that the extent to which firms gain market acceptance through postentry product acceleration hinges on their abilities to assess, learn from, and shape both market and nonmarket stakeholders.

Funding: This research is supported by grants from the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Research Grant provided by Cornell University’s Johnson College of Business and Daigle Labs at the University of Connecticut, School of Business.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2023.0192 .