bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Has Better Stimulating Effects on Tenocyte Proliferation Compared With Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors: Lin Keng-Yi , Chen Poyu , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu , Chan Yi-Sheng , Lei Kin Fong , Chiu Chih-Hao
Published: March 2022

Background:

Rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been frequently used in clinical scenarios, but its efficacy remains inconsistent.

Purpose:

To investigate the different responses of human tenocytes from torn RCs to leukocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) and leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) in a 2-chamber coculture device.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

PRP was prepared using different platelet and leukocyte concentrations according to 5 groups: (1) LR-PRP with 5000 platelets/µL, (2) LR-PRP with 10,000 platelets/µL, (3) LP-PRP with 5000 platelets/µL, (4) LP-PRP with 10,000 platelets/µL, and (5) control with only culture medium supplementation and without PRP stimulation. Platelet-derived growth factor–AB (PDGF-AB) and transforming growth factor–β1 (TGF-β1) were measured in LR-PRP and LP-PRP via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Microscopy, water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the morphology, proliferation, and gene expression of RC tenocytes exposed to different PRP formulations. Data were collected from at least 3 independent measurements. The results were analyzed via 1-way analysis of variance, followed by the post hoc Bonferroni test.

Results:

The ratio of leukocytes to 5000 platelets/µL was 29.5 times higher in LR-PRP than in LP-PRP ( P < .05). In the 5000 platelets/µL groups, the levels of TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB were both significantly higher in LR-PRP versus LP-PRP (TGF-β1: 367.0 ± 16.5 vs 308.6 ± 30.3 pg/mL, respectively [ P = .043]; PDGF-AB: 172.1 ± 1.8 vs 94.1 ± 4.2 pg/mL, respectively [ P < .001]). Compared with the control group, RC tenocyte proliferation was 1.42 ± 0.01 and 1.41 ± 0.03 times higher in the LR-PRP groups with 5000 platelets/µL and 10,000 platelets/µL, respectively ( P < .05). The expression of tenocyte-related genes was higher in tenocytes cultured in LR-PRP.

Conclusion:

Both the LR-PRP groups with 5000 platelets/µL and 10,000 platelets/µL induced more growth factor release and increased RC tenocyte proliferation than did the LP-PRP groups.

Clinical Relevance:

In RC repair, LR-PRP may be better than LP-PRP for increasing the proliferation of tenocytes.
Venous Sinus Thrombosis due to Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT): A Case Report
Authors: Ramrakhiani Neetu , Mamodia Palak , Sharma Devang , Agarwal Nitesh
Published: March 2022

Patient, 19-year-old male, presented with fever, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting presented after vaccination with ChAdOx1 CoV-19 (AstraZeneca, University of Oxford, and Serum Institute of India, and adenoviral-based vaccine) with alteration in sensorium and thrombocytopenia. He was diagnosed to have extensive venous sinus thrombosis with mass effect, midline shift, and underwent decompressive hemicraniotomy. He had a good outcome.
Arthroscopic Cortical-Button Latarjet Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability With Glenoid Bone Loss
Authors: Bonnevialle Nicolas , Massin Valentin , Girard Mathieu , Dalmas Yoann
Published: March 2022

Background:

The Latarjet procedure is a common treatment of anterior shoulder instability associated with glenoid bone loss. Advanced arthroscopic technique provided a safe cortical-button fixation of the coracoid process transferred onto the glenoid neck combined with a Bankart repair.

Indications:

This is an 18-year old woman, complaining of recurrent right shoulder dislocation and subluxation, which made her unable to play handball at competitive level. Physical examination confirmed anterior apprehension without hyperlaxity. Computed tomography (CT) scan identified a Hill-Sachs lesion and a glenoid bone loss of 11%. Instability Severity Index Score was calculated at 7 points.

Technique Description:

Patient was placed in a beach-chair position under general anesthesia combined with an interscalene nerve block. A 70° scope and specifically designed instruments were used. The technique required 5 steps: (1) coracoid preparation: pectoralis minor and coracoacromial ligament release, flattening of the undersurface, positioning of the peg button, and osteotomy of the coracoid; (2) glenoid preparation: flattening of the neck of the scapula, insertion of 2 anchors (3 and 6 o’clock), and glenoid drilling with a specific guide; (3) subscapularis split: use of an intra-articular and extra-articular spreader splitting the subscapularis muscle at the level of the glenoid wire (shoulder in neutral rotation) and opening of a “safe window”; (4) fixation step: transfer of the coracoid through the subscapularis split with shuttle suture and permanent fixation with a posterior cortical button (compression controlled at 100 Newtons with a dynamometer); and (5) Bankart repair. The shoulder was protected in a sling 4 weeks, and external rotation recovery was allowed at 6 weeks.

Results:

Favorable outcomes were reported at 6 months of follow-up without any complication. Full range of motion with limited external rotation deficit was obtained and a negative apprehension test. Radiologic assessment confirmed graft incorporation at 6 months, allowing return to overhead sports at a competitive level.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Arthroscopic cortical-button Latarjet procedure is a safe option to treat anterior shoulder instability associated with glenoid bone loss in patient with high demand sports. The procedure is safe and combine bone graft and Bankart repair. Using a cortical button fixation avoids screw related complications.
Concrete-Representational-Abstract–Integrated as a Tier 2 Instruction to Teach Addition
Authors: Hinton Vanessa , Flores Margaret
Published: March 2022

Mathematics is crucial to the educational and vocational success of students. The concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) approach is a method to teach students mathematical concepts. The CRA involves instruction with manipulatives, representations, and numbers only in different lessons (i.e., concrete lessons include manipulatives but not pictures or numbers only). Researchers are exploring integrating the phases of CRA, referred to as concrete-representational-abstract–integrated (CRA-I), because it may be a more efficient method of instruction. The CRA-I integrates all phases starting with the first lesson (e.g., Lesson 1 includes manipulatives, pictures, and numbers only) and then fades concrete and representational instruction. The purpose of this article is to provide information about a CRA-I Tier 2 mathematics intervention on additive reasoning for second-grade students in a rural school in the southeastern United States. The researchers describe CRA-I, the lessons implemented, and implications for teacher use.
CCCH Zinc finger genes in Barley: genome-wide identification, evolution, expression and haplotype analysis
Authors: Ai Qi , Pan Wenqiu , Zeng Yan , Li Yihan , Cui Licao
Published: March 2022

Background

CCCH transcription factors are important zinc finger transcription factors involved in the response to biotic and abiotic stress and physiological and developmental processes. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is an agriculturally important cereal crop with multiple uses, such as brewing production, animal feed, and human food. The identification and assessment of new functional genes are important for the molecular breeding of barley.

Results

In this study, a total of 53 protein-encoding CCCH genes unevenly dispersed on seven different chromosomes were identified in barley. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the barley CCCH genes (HvC3Hs) into eleven subfamilies according to their distinct features, and this classification was supported by intron–exon structure and conserved motif analysis. Both segmental and tandem duplication contributed to the expansion of CCCH gene family in barley. Genetic variation of HvC3Hs was characterized using publicly available exome-capture sequencing datasets. Clear genetic divergence was observed between wild and landrace barley populations in HvC3H genes. For most HvC3Hs, nucleotide diversity and the number of haplotype polymorphisms decreased during barley domestication. Furthermore, the HvC3H genes displayed distinct expression profiles for different developmental processes and in response to various types of stresses. The HvC3H1, HvC3H2 and HvC3H13 of arginine-rich tandem CCCH zinc finger (RR-TZF) genes were significantly induced by multiple types of abiotic stress and/or phytohormone treatment, which might make them as excellent targets for the molecular breeding of barley.

Conclusions

Overall, our study provides a comprehensive characterization of barley CCCH transcription factors, their diversity, and their biological functions.
Metabolomics analysis of three Artemisia species in the Tibet autonomous region of China
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wang Jinglong , Huang Enxia , Li Bo , Zhang Shuhang , Wang Weina , Guo Ziyu , Wu Kexin , Zhang Yunhao , Zhao Baoyu , Lu Hao
Published: March 2022

Background

The Artemisia species are widely distributed around the world, and have found important usage in traditional medicinal practice. This study was designed to investigate the metabolites of Tibetan Artemisia species and understand the metabolic pathways.

Methods

The metabolites from three Artemisia species in Tibet, were analyzed using LC–MS/MS. The differential metabolites were classified and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares analysis and hierarchical clustering. KEGG Pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify the key metabolic pathways involved in the differential metabolites of three Artemisia species.

Result

The metabolites of three Artemisia species were analyzed. Under the positive ion mode in LC–MS/MS, 262 distinct metabolites were differentially detected from Artemisia sieversiana and Artemisia annua, 312 differential metabolites were detected from Artemisia wellbyi and Artemisia sieversiana, 306 differential metabolites were screened from Artemisia wellbyi and Artemisia annua. With the negative ion mode, 106 differential metabolites were identified from Artemisia sieversiana and Artemisia annua, 131 differential metabolites were identified from Artemisia wellbyi and Artemisia sieversiana,133 differential metabolites were differentially detected from Artemisia wellbyi and Artemisia annua. The selected differential metabolites were mainly organic acids and their derivatives, ketones, phenols, alcohols and coumarins. Among these natural compounds, artemisinin, has the highest relative content in Artemisia annua.

Conclusions

This is the first reported attempt to comparatively determine the types of the metabolites of the three widely distributed Artemisia species in Tibet. The information should help medicinal research and facilitate comprehensive development and utilization of Artemisia species in Tibet.
An evaluation of the quality of online perinatal depression information
Authors: Hardman Madison P. , Reynolds Kristin A. , Petty Sarah K. , Pryor Teaghan A. M. , Pierce Shayna K. , Bernstein Matthew T. , Furer Patricia
Published: March 2022

Background

During the perinatal period (including pregnancy and up to 12 months after childbirth), expectant and new mothers are at an elevated risk of developing depression. Inadequate knowledge about perinatal depression and treatment options may contribute to the low help-seeking rates exhibited by perinatal people. The Internet can be an accessible source of information about perinatal depression; however, the quality of this information remains to be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of perinatal depression information websites.

Methods

After review, 37 websites were included in our sample. To assess overall website quality, we rated websites based on their reading level (Simple Measure of Gobbledegook; SMOG), information quality (DISCERN), usability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool; PEMAT), and visual design (Visual Aesthetics of Website Inventory; VisAWI).

Results

Websites often exceeded the National Institute of Health's recommended reading level of grades 6–8, with scores ranging from 6.8 to 13.5. Website information quality ratings ranged from 1.8 to 4.3 out of 5, with websites often containing insufficient information about treatment choices. Website usability ratings were negatively impacted by the lack of information summaries, visual aids, and tangible tools. Visual design ratings ranged from 3.2 to 6.6 out of 7, with a need for more creative design elements to enhance user engagement.

Conclusions

This study outlines the characteristics of high-quality perinatal depression information websites. Our findings illustrate that perinatal depression websites are not meeting the needs of users in terms of reading level, information quality, usability, and visual design. Our results may be helpful in guiding healthcare providers to reliable, evidence-based online resources for their perinatal patients.
Recurrent brain metastases: the role of resection of in a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment setting
Authors: Heßler Nadine , Jünger Stephanie T. , Meissner Anna-Katharina , Kocher Martin , Goldbrunner Roland , Grau Stefan
Published: March 2022

Background

Treatment decision for recurrent symptomatic brain metastases (BM) is challenging with scarce data regarding surgical resection. We therefore evaluated the efficacy of surgery for pretreated, recurrent BM in a comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment setting.

Methods

In a retrospective single center study, patients were analyzed, who underwent surgical resection of recurrent BM between 2007 and 2019. Intracranial event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Maier and Cox regression analysis.

Results

We included 107 patients with different primary tumor entities and individual previous treatment for BM. Primary tumors comprised non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (37.4%), breast cancer (19.6%), melanoma (13.1%), gastro-intestinal cancer (10.3%) and other, rare entities (19.6%). The number of previous treatments of BM ranged from one to four; the adjuvant treatment modalities comprised: none, focal or whole brain radiotherapy, brachytherapy and radiosurgery. The median pre-operative Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) was 70% (range 40–100) and improved to 80% (range 0-100) after surgery. The complication rate was 26.2% and two patients died during the perioperative period. Sixty-seven (62.6%) patients received postoperative local radio-oncologic and/or systemic therapy. Median postoperative EFS and OS were 7.1 (95%CI 5.8–8.2) and 11.1 (95%CI 8.4–13.6) months, respectively. The clinical status (postoperative KPS ≥ 70 (HR 0.27 95%CI 0.16–0.46; p < 0.001) remained the only independent factor for survival in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Surgical resection of recurrent BM may improve the clinical status and thus OS but is associated with a high complication rate; therefore a very careful patient selection is crucial.
Short-course radiotherapy combined with CAPOX and Toripalimab for the total neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced rectal cancer: a randomized, prospective, multicentre, double-arm, phase II trial (TORCH)
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Shen Lijun , Wan Juefeng , Zhang Hui , Wu Ruiyan , Wang Jingwen , Wang Yan , Xu Ye , Cai Sanjun , Zhang Zhen , Xia Fan
Published: March 2022

Background

For patients with locally advanced (T3-4/N +) rectal cancer (LARC), the standard treatment is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with total mesorectal resection, which greatly decreases local recurrence but does not improve overall survival. For patients who achieve a complete clinical response (cCR) after nCRT, a “Watch & Wait” (W&W) approach can be received to improve quality of life. Currently, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) has been demonstrated to increase the complete response rate and achieve early control of distant metastasis. Recent studies have shown promising synergistic effects of the combination of immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies) and radiotherapy. Thus, for LARC patients, the combination of immunotherapy and TNT is likely to further improve the rate of complete response and prognosis. The disparities between induction therapy and consolidation therapy need to be investigated.

Methods

TORCH is a randomized, prospective, multicentre, double-arm, phase II trial of short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in LARC. 130 LARC patients will be treated with the TNT approach and assigned to the consolidation arm and induction arm. The consolidation arm will receive SCRT, followed by 6 cycles of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CAPOX) and Toripalimab. The induction arm will first receive 2 cycles of CAPOX and Toripalimab, then receive SCRT, followed by 4 cycles of CAPOX and Toripalimab. Both groups will receive curative surgery or the W&W strategy. The primary endpoint is the complete response rate (rate of pCR plus cCR). The secondary endpoints include the grade 3–4 acute adverse effects rate, 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate, 3-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate, 3-year OS rate, rate of surgical complications and quality of life (QoL) scores. The “pick the winner” method is used to investigate the better treatment regimen. The trial was opened on 13th April 2021, and the first patient was recruited on 6th May 2021.

Discussion

TORCH will investigate whether SCRT combined with chemotherapy and Toripalimab can achieve better complete response rates, good tolerance and prognosis in LARC patients. This is the first clinical trial to compare the efficacy of induced immunotherapy and consolidative immunotherapy based on the TNT strategy.

Trial registration

Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04518280, August 15, 2020.
Mendelian randomization study of circulating lipids and biliary tract cancer among East Asians
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhuge Jinke , Feng Dongxu , Zhang Bo , Xu Jianying , Zhao Dongkang , Fei Zhewei , Huang Xia , Shi Wenjie
Published: March 2022

Background

Associations of High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol (CHL), and triglyceride (TRG) concentrations with risk of biliary tract cancer (BtC) were conflicting in observational studies. We aim to investigate the causal link between circulating lipids and BtC using genetic information.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the four circulating lipids (n = 34,421) and BtC (418 cases and 159,201 controls) were retrieved from two independent GWAS studies performed in East Asian populations. Two-sample univariate and multivariate Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to determine the causal link between circulating lipids and BtC.

Results

No significant horizontal pleiotropy was detected for all circulating lipids according to the MR-PRESSO global test (P = 0.458, 0.368, 0.522, and 0.587 for HDL, LDL, CHL, and TRG, respectively). No significant evidence of heterogeneity and directional pleiotropy was detected by the Cochran’s Q test and MR-Egger regression. Univariate MR estimates from inverse variance weighting method suggested that one standard deviation (1-SD) increase of inverse-normal transformed HDL (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 0.98–1.94), LDL (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.96–2.23), and CHL (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 0.83–2.16) were not significantly associated with BtC risk. Whereas 1-SD increase of inverse-normal transformed TRG showed a significantly negative association with BtC risk (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31–0.74). In multivariate MR analyses including all the four lipid traits, we found that 1-SD increase of LDL and TRG was significantly associated with elevated (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04–2.01) and decreased (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.42–0.68) risk of BtC, respectively.

Conclusion

Circulating lipids, particularly LDL and TRG, may have roles in the development of BtC. However, the results of this study should be replicated in MR with larger GWAS sample sizes for BtC.
Emotional distress in COVID-19 patients in Maldives
Authors: Dey Rajib Kumar , Mansoor Shanooha , Hilmy Abdullah Isneen , Moosa Sheena , Rahman Shiraany Abdul , Latheef Raishan , Rasheed Nihla , Hassan Fathimath Guraishaa , Zaadhee Ali , Ibrahim Afa , Usman Sofoora Kawsar
Published: March 2022

Background and objectives

Researchers are exploring the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, vaccination and the challenges faced by healthcare authorities. However less focus is being paid towards the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the patients. This study is a cross-sectional study, measuring the prevalence of emotional distress among patients with COVID-19 in the Maldivian population.

Methods

This study was conducted in Maldivian nations above 18 of age with COVID-19 who were admitted in isolation facilities. Patients who were on treatment for any other chronic medical conditions, severe and critical COVID-19 disease were excluded. This study was conducted over a period of 2 months by administering a local translated version of DASS21 questionnaire.

Results

The total of 195 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 40 (CI at 95% 38–42) years. The respondents were 48.7% men and 51.3% women. Overall, 9% of patients with COVID-19 had depression while 23% of patients had anxiety and 12% of the patients had stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and depression, anxiety and stress (p < 0.01). Symptomatic cases had a significantly higher level of stress than asymptomatic patients (p < 0.05), but no significant association was observed with symptomatic status and anxiety or depression.

Conclusion

The management of patients with COVID-19 should be multi-disciplinary with special focus on the mental wellbeing of our patients. We should aim to establish proper communication with the patients in order to identify emotional distress and provide appropriate mental health care.
Impact of the first national COVID-19 lockdown on referral of women experiencing domestic violence and abuse in England and Wales
Authors: Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Szilassy Eszter , Johnson Medina , Dixon Sharon , De Simoni Anna , Wileman Vari , Dowrick Anna , Emsley Elizabeth , Griffiths Chris , Barbosa Estela Capelas , Feder Gene
Published: March 2022

Background

The lockdown periods to curb COVID-19 transmission have made it harder for survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) to disclose abuse and access support services. Our study describes the impact of the first COVID-19 wave and the associated national lockdown in England and Wales on the referrals from general practice to the Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS) DVA programme. We compare this to the change in referrals in the same months in the previous year, during the school holidays in the 3 years preceding the pandemic and the period just after the first COVID-19 wave. School holiday periods were chosen as a comparator, since families, including the perpetrator, are together, affecting access to services.

Methods

We used anonymised data on daily referrals received by the IRIS DVA service in 33 areas from general practices over the period April 2017–September 2020. Interrupted-time series and non-linear regression were used to quantify the impact of the first national lockdown in March–June 2020 comparing analogous months the year before, and the impact of school holidays (01/04/2017–30/09/2020) on number of referrals, reporting Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR), 95% confidence intervals and p-values.

Results

The first national lockdown in 2020 led to reduced number of referrals to DVA services (27%, 95%CI = (21,34%)) compared to the period before and after, and 19% fewer referrals compared to the same period in the year before. A reduction in the number of referrals was also evident during the school holidays with the highest reduction in referrals during the winter 2019 pre-pandemic school holiday (44%, 95%CI = (32,54%)) followed by the effect from the summer of 2020 school holidays (20%, 95%CI = (10,30%)). There was also a smaller reduction (13–15%) in referrals during the longer summer holidays 2017–2019; and some reduction (5–16%) during the shorter spring holidays 2017–2019.

Conclusions

We show that the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 led to decline in referrals to DVA services. Our findings suggest an association between decline in referrals to DVA services for women experiencing DVA and prolonged periods of systemic closure proxied here by both the first COVID-19 national lockdown or school holidays. This highlights the need for future planning to provide adequate access and support for people experiencing DVA during future national lockdowns and during the school holidays.
Exploring perceived risk for COVID-19 and its role in protective behavior and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: a qualitative study after the first wave
Authors: Patterson Naomi J. , Paz-Soldan Valerie A. , Oberhelman Richard , Moses Lina , Madkour Aubrey , Miles Thomas T.
Published: March 2022

Background

The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had severe impacts on morbidity and mortality globally.

Methods

This study was set in rural central Kentucky and included participants recruited from public spaces. Fifteen qualitative interviews about personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were conducted by phone from July 3 to July 24, 2020. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Participants who perceived COVID-19 to be a severe risk tended to have personal health concerns and therefore reported taking protective measures for themselves. A slightly smaller proportion of participants reported taking measures to protect others (particularly family). A minority of participants had an ambivalent attitude towards the risk and only took measures if required. COVID-19 vaccine acceptability was low with most participants expressing concerns regarding their need for a vaccine, safety of this vaccine, the value of personal rights, or future vaccine supply.

Conclusions

Most participants perceived some risk of COVID-19 and took steps to prevent infections in themselves and others. Mandates for mask use in certain locations were additionally useful for those who had an ambivalent attitude towards the risk of illness. There was surprisingly little connection between perceiving COVID-19 risk and a desire for the COVID-19 vaccine. In this setting, vaccine acceptability was low, with vaccine concerns outweighing perceived potential benefits. In conclusion, because the risk was often constructed in terms of worries for themselves and others, the framing of health education materials for protective behaviors in these terms may be effective. Furthermore, future COVID-19 vaccine education should address vaccine knowledge and concerns, such as the need for a vaccine and its safety, and emphasize how a vaccination would reduce their chances of severe disease if they were to get sick.
Association between smokeless tobacco use and cigarette smoking amount by age
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Kim Min-Hee , Lee Yejin , Kwon Young Dae , Kim Kyoung-Beom , Lee Hae-Jeung , Yoo Ki-Bong
Published: March 2022

Background

The use of smokeless tobacco has increased worldwide among young people. This study aimed to investigate the association between smokeless tobacco use and cigarette smoking amount in adult smoker groups stratified by age.

Method

2013–2015 National Health Interview Survey was used. A total of 19,635 subjects were included in our analysis. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for selection and any other bias. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the association between smokeless tobacco use and cigarette smoking amount by age.

Results

All 580 smokeless tobacco users were matched to 2,900 non-smokeless tobacco users. Among those who were aged under 30, smokeless tobacco use was positively associated with the number of cigarettes used per day. Smokeless tobacco users who were aged under 30 and tried quitting smoking used more cigarettes than those who did non-smokeless tobacco users.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that among those who were aged under 30, smokeless tobacco use was positively associated with the number of cigarettes used per day. This study could contribute to understand the behaviors and tendencies of smoking in young adulthood and to establish effective smoking cessation methods for their age.
The effect of smartphones on the self-rated health levels of the elderly
Authors: Liang Xian , Xiong Feixue , Xie Fangting
Published: March 2022

Background

Due to the penetration of Internet use and the popularity of “Internet + elderly care” among seniors in recent years, the elderly are gradually integrating into the information society. This study examined the impact of smartphones on the self-rated health levels of the elderly.

Methods

We studied 3042 elderly people over 55 years of age in Jiangxi, China in 2018. The effect of smartphones was measured from three aspects: smartphone usage, smartphone usage ability, and smartphone usage purpose, and the multivariate ordered logistic model was applied. Furthermore, considering the potential endogeneity of the smartphone usage of elderly people, the propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to analyze the net effect of smartphones on the health levels of the elderly.

Results

(1) The use of smartphones had a significant positive impact on the self-rated health levels of the elderly, with its significance being at the level of 1%. Smartphone usage ability, and using smartphone to learn or search for health information, had significant positive impacts (at the level of 5%) on the self-rated health levels of the elderly. (2) The k-nearest neighbor matching, kernel matching and radius matching methods were used to calculate the net effect of smartphone usage on the self-rated health levels of the elderly. The results were 13.26, 15.33 and 14.80%, respectively. (3) The age of the participants significantly (at the level of 1%) negatively affected their self-rated health levels. Other characteristics of the elderly, including income, education level, living with children or spouse and children’s living conditions, significantly (all at the level of 1%) positively affected their self-rated health levels.

Conclusions

Smartphone usage, smartphone usage ability, and smartphone usage purposes all improved the self-rated health of the elderly. The Internet factor should be focused on in the process of active aging. We should improve the Internet use ability of the elderly through voluntary training or public lectures.
Patients with combined pelvic and spinal injuries have worse clinical and operative outcomes than patients with isolated pelvic injuries analysis of the German Pelvic Registry
Authors: Navas Luis , Mengis Natalie , Zimmerer Alexander , Rippke Jules-Nikolaus , Schmidt Sebastian , Brunner Alexander , Wagner Moritz , Höch Andreas , Histing Tina , Herath Steven C. , Küper Markus A. , Ulmar Benjamin
Published: March 2022

Background

Pelvic fractures are often associated with spine injury in polytrauma patients. This study aimed to determine whether concomitant spine injury influence the surgical outcome of pelvic fracture.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of data of patients registered in the German Pelvic Registry between January 2003 and December 2017. Clinical characteristics, surgical parameters, and outcomes were compared between patients with isolated pelvic fracture (group A) and patients with pelvic fracture plus spine injury (group B). We also compared apart patients with isolated acetabular fracture (group C) versus patients with acetabular fracture plus spine injury (group D).

Results

Surgery for pelvic fracture was significantly more common in group B than in group A (38.3% vs. 36.6%;p = 0.0002), as also emergency pelvic stabilizations (9.5% vs. 6.7%;p < 0.0001). The mean time to emergency stabilization was longer in group B (137 ± 106 min vs. 113 ± 97 min;p < 0.0001), as well as the mean time until definitive stabilization of the pelvic fracture (7.3 ± 4 days vs. 5.4 ± 8.0 days;p = 0.147). The mean duration of treatment and the morbidity and mortality rates were all significantly higher in group B (p < 0.0001). Operation time was significantly shorter in group C than in group D (176 ± 81 min vs. 203 ± 119 min,p < 0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the two groups with acetabular injuries. Although preoperative acetabular fracture dislocation was slightly less common in group D, postoperative fracture dislocation was slightly more common. The distribution of Matta grades was significantly different between the two groups. Patients with isolated acetabular injuries were significantly less likely to have neurological deficit at discharge (94.5%;p < 0.0001). In-hospital complications were more common in patients with combined spine plus pelvic injuries (groups B and D) than in patients with isolated pelvic and acetabular injury (groups A and C).

Conclusions

Delaying definitive surgical treatment of pelvic fractures due to spinal cord injury appears to have a negative impact on the outcome of pelvic fractures, especially on the quality of reduction of acetabular fractures.
Effect of loading history on material properties of human heel pad: an in-vivo pilot investigation during gait
Authors: Teng Zhao-lin , Yang Xiong-gang , Geng Xiang , Gu Yan-jie , Huang Ran , Chen Wen-ming , Wang Chen , Chen Li , Zhang Chao , Helili Maimaitirexiati , Huang Jia-zhang , Wang Xu , Ma Xin
Published: March 2022

Background

This study was aimed to develop a novel dynamic measurement technique for testing the material properties and investigating the effect of continuous compression load on the structural and mechanical properties of human heel pad during actual gait.

Methods

The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and dynamic foot-ground contact pressure-test plate were used for measuring the material properties, including primary thickness, peak strain, peak stress, elastic modulus, viscous modulus and energy dissipation rate (EDR), both at time zero and following continuous loading. Ten healthy pilot subjects, aged from 23 to 72 (average: 46.5 ± 17.6), were enrolled. A “three-step gait cycle” is performed for all subjects, with the second step striking at a marked position on the force plate with the heel to maintain the location of the tested foot to be in the view of fluoroscopes. The subjects were measured at both relaxed (time-zero group) and fatigue (continuous-loading group) statuses, and the left and right heels were measured using the identical procedures.

Results

The peak strain, peak stress, elastic modulus, and EDR are similar before and after continuous load, while the viscous modulus was significantly decreased (median: 43.9 vs. 20.37 kPa•s;p < 0.001) as well as primary thicknesses (median: 15.99 vs. 15.72 mm;p < 0.001). Age is demonstrated to be moderately correlated with the primary thicknesses both at time zero (R = -0.507) and following continuous load (R = -0.607). The peak stress was significantly correlated with the elastic modulus before (R = 0.741) and after continuous load (R = 0.802). The peak strain was correlated with the elastic modulus before (R = -0.765) and after continuous load (R = -0.801). The correlations between the viscous modulus and peak stress/ peak strain are similar to above(R = 0.643, 0.577, − 0.586 and − 0.717 respectively). The viscous modulus is positively correlated with the elastic modulus before (R = 0.821) and after continuous load (R = 0.784).

Conclusions

By using dynamic fluoroscopy combined with the plantar pressure plate, the in vivo viscoelastic properties and other data of the heel pad in the actual gait can be obtained. Age was negatively correlated with the primary thickness of heel pad and peak strain, and was positively correlated with viscous modulus. Repetitive loading could decrease the primary thickness of heel pad and viscous modulus.
Study of occlusal acoustic parameters in assessing masticatory performance
Authors: Xia Yue , Wang Lu
Published: March 2022

Background

Previous masticatory studies have focused on a variety of measurements of foods and boluses or kinematic parameters and sound during mastication. To date, the masticatory sound research of has been limited due to the difficulties of sound collection and accurate analysis. Therefore, significant progress in masticatory sound has not been made. Meanwhile, the correlation between acoustic parameters and mastication performance remains unclear. For the purpose of exploring the acoustic parameters in measuring mastication performance, the bone-conduction techniques and sound analysis were used, and a statistical analysis of acoustic and occlusal parameters were conducted.

Methods

The gnathosonic and chewing sounds of fifty-six volunteers with healthy dentate were recorded by a bone-conduction microphone and further analyzed by Praat 5.4.04 when intercuspally occluding natural foods (peanuts) were consumed. The granulometry of the expectorated boluses from the peanuts was characterized by the median particle size of the whole chewing sequence (D50a) and the median particle size during the fixed chewing strokes (D50b). The chewing time of the whole chewing sequence (CTa), the chewing time of the fixed chewing strokes (CTb), the chewing cycles (CC), and the chewing frequency (CF) were recorded and analyzed by the acoustic software. The acoustic parameters, including gnathosonic pitch, gnathosonic intensity, mastication sound pitch of the whole chewing sequence (MPa), mastication sound pitch of the fixed chewing strokes (MPb), mastication sound intensity of the whole chewing sequence (MIa) and mastication sound intensity of the fixed chewing strokes (MIb), were analyzed. Independent sample t-test, Spearman and Pearson correlation analyses were used where applicable.

Results

Significant difference in parameters CC, MIa, CF and D50a were found by sex (t-test, p < 0.01). The masticatory degree of the test foods was higher in women (CC, 24.25 ± 5.23; CF, 1.70 ± 0.21 s−1; D50a, 1655.07 ± 346.21 μm) than in men (CC, 18.14 ± 6.38; CF, 1.48 ± 0.18 s−1; D50a, 2159.21 ± 441.26 μm). In the whole chewing sequence study, a highly negative correlation was found between MIa and D50a, and a highly positive correlation was found between MIa and CF (r =  − 0.94, r = 0.82, respectively, p < 0.01). No significant correlation was found between the remaining acoustic parameters and mastication parameters. In the fixed chewing strokes study, a highly negative correlation was found between MIb and D50b (r =  − 0.85, p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the rest of the acoustic parameters and the mastication parameters.

Conclusions

Mastication sound intensity may be a valuable indicator for assessing mastication. Acoustic analysis can provide a more convenient and quick method of assessing mastication performance.
Anticancer potential of Phoenix dactylifera L. seed extract in human cancer cells and pro-apoptotic effects mediated through caspase-3 dependent pathway in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells: an in vitro and in silico investigation
Authors: Khan Mohsin Ali , Singh Romila , Siddiqui Sahabjada , Ahmad Imran , Ahmad Rumana , Upadhyay Shivbrat , Barkat Md. Abul , Ali Ahmed Mahmoud Abdelhaleem , Zia Qamar , Srivastava Aditi , Trivedi Anchal , Husain Ishrat , Srivastava Anand Narain , Mishra Durga Prasad
Published: March 2022

Background

Phoenix dactyliferaL. has a diverse set of pharmacological properties due to its distinct phytochemical profile. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anticancer potential ofPhoenix dactyliferaseed extract (PDSE) in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, as well as liver cancer HepG2 cells, and to investigate the anticancer efficacy in triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells, followed by in silico validation of the molecular interaction between active components of PDSE and caspase-3, an apoptosis executioner protein .

Methods

In this study, human cancer cell lines were cultured and subsequently treated with 10 to 100 μg/mL of PDSE. MTT test was performed to determine the cell viability, MMP was measured using fluorescent probe JC-1, nuclear condensation was determined by Hoechst 33258 dye, Annexin V-FITC & PI staining and cell cycle analysis were evaluated through flow cytometer, and apoptotic markers were detected using western blotting. The bioactive agents in PDSE were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The binding affinity was validated using molecular docking tools AutoDock Vina and iGEMDOCK v2.1.

Results

Cell viability data indicated that PDSE inhibited cell proliferation in both breast cancer cells and liver cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 cells showed maximum growth inhibition with an IC50value of 85.86 μg/mL for PDSE. However, PDSE did not show any significant toxicity against the normal Vero cell line. PDSE induced MMP loss and formation of apoptotic bodies, enhanced late apoptosis at high doses and arrested cells in the S phase of cell cycle. PDSE activated the enzymatic activity of cleaved caspase-3 and caused the cleavage of poly-ADB ribose polymerase (PARP) protein. PDSE upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax protein markedly but  no significant effect on tumor suppressor protein p53, while it downregulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression. HPLC analysis showed the presence of rutin and quercetin bioactive flavonols in ethanolic extract of PDS. Interestingly, both active components revealed a strong binding interaction with amino acid residues of caspase-3 (PDB ID: 2XYP; Hetero 4-mer - A2B2) protein.

Conclusion

PDS could serve as a potential medicinal source for apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer cells and, thus, could be used as a promising and crucial candidate in anticancer drug development. This study warrants further in vivo research, followed by clinical investigation.
The usability, feasibility and fidelity of the Ethics Quarter e-learning intervention for nurse managers
Authors: Laukkanen Laura , Suhonen Riitta , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: March 2022

Background

Nurse managers (NMs) expect support to carry out their ethical activities in a complex health care environment. In this study, the Ethics Quarter (EQ) is suggested as a new educational ethics e-learning intervention for nurse managers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability, feasibility and fidelity of the EQ. The goal was to create a new way to support NMs’ ethical activity profile (developing one’s own ethics knowledge, influencing ethical issues, conducting or implementing ethics research, identifying and solving ethical problems) for the use of healthcare organizations.

Methods

The EQ was developed under guidance of the criteria for complex interventions in health care (CReDECI2) guideline. A cross-sectional survey was conducted within the intervention group after a randomized controlled trial (the main study is registered inClinicalTrials.govwith the identifier: 04234503). The participants were NM members of the Union of Health and Social Care Professionals in Finland (n = 95).

Results

A system usability scale (SUS) assessed the overall usability of EQ as good (a mean SUS score of 85.40 out of 100). Positive feedback about the EQ’s feasibility was reported in structured and open questions (a good, necessary and practical research knowledge-based e-learning intervention for all nurse managers)and recommendations for further development (intervention contents could be even more challenging and interactive) were highlighted. Fidelity, measured with Google Analytics, reported shorter time used by NMs on the EQ education than estimated.

Conclusions

The findings support the high usability, feasibility and average fidelity of the EQ intervention and its potential while also providing evidence for the development of future ethics education. Health care organizations would benefit from adopting the EQ to support the ethical activities and ethical activity profile of NMs. Additionally, this study provides an example of ethics intervention development and evaluation in nursing research.
Nurses’ experiences of blood sample collection from children: a qualitative study from Swedish paediatric hospital care
Authors: Hjelmgren Henrik , Ygge Britt-Marie , Nordlund Björn , Andersson Nina
Published: March 2022

Background

Nurses play an active role in supporting the children with the blood sampling experience. Unfortunately, the blood sampling collection procedure is often affected by pre-analytical errors, leading to consequences such as delayed diagnosis as well as repeated sampling. Moreover, children state that needle procedures are the worst experience of their hospital stay. The nurses’ experiences of errors occurring during blood sample collection is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study therefore was to describe paediatric nurses’ experiences of blood sampling collections from children.

Method

We used a qualitative study design with a (reflexive) thematic analysis (TA) method described by Braun and Clarke. Three focus group interviews were conducted, with 19 nurses collected by purposeful sampling from Sweden working at two different paediatric hospitals, focusing on their experiences of the blood sample collection procedure.

Results

From the three focus group interviews we analysed patterns and meanings of the following main theme Paediatric blood sampling is a challenge for the nurses and the four subthemes Nurses’ feelings of frustration with unsuccessful samplings, Nurses believe in team work, Venous blood sampling was experienced as the best option, and Nurses’ thoughts and needs regarding skills development in paediatric blood sampling.

Conclusion

The narrative results of this study illustrate that nurses working in paediatric hospital care face a big challenge in blood sampling collection from children. The nurses felt frustrated due to unsuccessful blood samplings and frequently could not understand why pre-analytical errors occurred. Nevertheless, they felt strengthened by colleagues in their team and shared feelings of responsibility to help each other with this complex procedure. The implications of this study are that paediatric hospital care needs to focus on improving guidelines for and increasing competence in blood sampling children and helping nurses to understand why samplings may be unsuccessful and how this can be avoided.