bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Vulvar Superficial Angiomyxoma: A Case Report With Clinical, Radiological, and Anatomopathological Characterization and a Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Ros Briones Raquel , Arredondo Montero Javier , Bronte Anaut Mónica , Hernández-Martín Sara , Guarch Troyas Rosa
Published: December 2022

Superficial angiomyxoma is characterized as a benign, slow-growing vascular cutaneous myxoma. A 6-year-old Arab girl with no medical history presented with a vulvar tumor located on the left labia majora. The lesion was present since birth, but it had significantly increased over the last 6 months. She did not have any associated symptoms. Physical examination revealed an exophytic tumor of the left labia majora, which measured 5 cm in its major axis. Doppler ultrasound study showed a mass with abundant arterial and venous vascularization, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a highly vascular contrast-enhanced mass with well-delimited margins, which depended on the labia majora. A macroscopically complete resection was performed, achieving a tension-free primary closure. Histologically, the lesion was characterized as a well-demarcated superficial tumor with thin-walled vessels and myxoid stroma, S100 (−), CD34 (+), vimentin (+), and actin (+). The final histopathological diagnosis was superficial angiomyxoma. The literature review of this entity in the pediatric population shows a predominance of this lesion in the vulvar location. Local recurrence has been described. Loss of PRKAR1A expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of superficial angiomyxoma.
Study of chattering suppression for the sliding mode controller of an electromagnetic levitation system
Authors: ZHANG Weiwei , WU Han , ZENG Xiaohui , LIU Mengjuan
Published: December 2022

Due to the inherent non-linearity and open-loop instability of maglev systems, their high-quality control performance is critical in the development stage. Sliding mode control has great potential in the field of maglev vehicle control because of its superior control performance, robustness and interference resistance. In practical applications of sliding mode control, however, the limitations of the hardware physical properties and time delay of the control units of maglev systems can cause chattering, thereby significantly reducing the stability of maglev vehicles. In order to suppress chattering, a modified sliding mode controller that combines the exponential reaching law and continuous control laws is proposed in this study. A single-point levitation experimental platform and corresponding co-simulation model were built, and a parameter influence analysis of the modified sliding mode controller was conducted. This paper presents an adaptive correction method for the sliding mode control parameters based on the aforementioned chattering study. The actual levitation experiments were used to validate the control performance of the proposed controllers. Overall, the conducted research revealed that the modified controllers could effectively suppress chattering and possess excellent robustness.
Clinical differences in enterococcal bacteriuria compared with other bacteriuria in cats
Authors: Seidel Emily J , Hess Rebecka S , Cole Stephen J , McClosky Megan E
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The clinical differences between Enterococcus species bacteriuria compared with other bacteria has been reported in a small number of cats. The objective of this study was to compare a large number of cats with Enterococcus species bacteriuria to cats with other bacteriuria and determine the clinical differences. It was hypothesized that enterococcal bacteriuria would be associated with subclinical bacteriuria and polymicrobial infections more than other bacteriuria, and that when local or systemic comorbidities were present, enterococcal bacteriuria would be more common.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study compared case cats with enterococcal bacteriuria to control cats with other bacteriuria. Cats with enterococcal bacteriuria were age, year and weight matched with 1–2 control cats with any other bacteriuria.

Results

Lower urinary tract clinical signs were statistically significantly more common in controls (n = 38/77 [49%]) compared with Enterococcus cases (n = 12/47 [25%]; P = 0.01). Specifically, control cats (n = 20/77 [26%]) were statistically significantly more likely to have gross hematuria compared with Enterococcus case cats (n = 3/47 [6%]; P = 0.01). Enterococcus cases were statistically significantly more likely to have a polymicrobial infection compared with controls (odds ratio 5.84, 95% confidence interval 1.33–34.70; P = 0.01).

Conclusions and relevance

Enterococcus species are associated with subclinical bacteriuria and polymicrobial urinary tract infections in cats vs other bacteriuria.
Safety analysis of road vehicles overtake on cables-Stayed bridge under crosswinds
Authors: Chen Ning , Wang Xiaoqian , Li Shouke , Xiang Huoyue
Published: December 2022

It is inevitably to encounter overtaking events as vehicles pass through long-span bridges under crosswinds. The effects of the aerodynamic interference on the dynamic responses of the overtaking vehicles should be taken into account in the analysis of the driving safety of vehicles under crosswinds. The time-varying aerodynamic coefficients of the overtaking vehicles are obtained by scale model wind tunnel tests. A vehicle dynamic model is established for the analysis of the dynamic responses of articulated lorry. Based on the coupling vibration framework of the wind-vehicle-bridge system, an improved dynamic analysis system is constructed to solve the transient aerodynamic responses of the overtaking vehicle. It investigates the effects of the overtaking events on the driving safety of vehicles on bridge deck under crosswinds. The results show that the interference aerodynamic forces produced during the overtaking process have significant influences on the dynamic responses of vehicles. The maximum load transfer ratio and side-slip factor of vehicles in consideration of the effects of overtaking event are much greater than the case taking no account of the interference aerodynamic forces. Although the overtaking event do not play a decisive role in the driving safety of vehicles crossing the bridge, it is necessary to consider the combined adverse effects of the overtaking event and crosswinds on the safety of vehicles.
Do Environmental Cues to Discovery Influence the Likelihood to Rape?
Authors: Hahnel-Peeters Rebecka K. , Goetz Aaron T. , Goetz Cari D.
Published: December 2022

Research on men's sexual exploitation of women has documented that men's psychology tracks cues associated with the ease of women's exploitability. In the current studies, we examined a different class of cues hypothesized to aid men's use of sexually exploitative strategies: environmental cues to the likelihood of discovery. We defined likelihood of discovery as the perceived probability of identification when engaging in exploitative behavior (e.g., presence of others). We test the hypothesis that men's likelihood to rape increases when their perception of the likelihood of discovery is low in three studies. In Study 1, we conducted a content analysis of individuals’ responses ( N = 1,881) when asked what one would do if they could stop time or be invisible. Besides the “other” category whereby there were no specific category for nominated behaviors, the most nominated category included sexually exploitative behavior—representing 15.3% of reported behaviors. Both Studies 2 ( N = 672) and 3 ( N = 614) were preregistered manipulations of likelihood of discovery surreptitiously testing men's rape likelihood to rape across varying levels of discovery. We found men, compared to women, reported a statistically higher likelihood to rape in both Studies 2 and 3: 48% compared to 39.7% and 19% compared to 6.8%, respectively. Across Studies 2 and 3, we found no statistical effect of the likelihood of discovery on participants’ likelihood to rape. We discuss how the presence of one's peers may provide social protection against the costs of using an exploitative sexual strategy if a perpetrator is caught.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following coronary angiography
Authors: Paul Aritra , Bhaumik Sanjay , Das Sankha Subhra , Das Uday Sankar , Pramanick Gobinda , Banerjee Suvro
Published: December 2022

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a relatively rare neurotoxic disorder. A 56-year-old male underwent elective coronary angiography. A Few hours postprocedure, the patient developed bilateral painless vision loss, headache, vomiting and hypertension and was subsequently diagnosed with PRES. Possible trigger factors could be contrast agent used, or hypertension. Contrast agent–induced PRES in hypertensive patients is benign and reversible, and a high-grade suspicion about this possibility is critical for precise management. Our patient was successfully treated with supportive management and was doing well on follow-up.
Establishment of Rapid and Accurate Screening System for Molecular Target Therapy of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sasa Keita , Saito Tsuyoshi , Kurihara Taisei , Hasegawa Nobuhiko , Sano Kei , Kubota Daisuke , Akaike Keisuke , Okubo Taketo , Hayashi Takuo , Takagi Tatsuya , Ishijima Muneaki , Suehara Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2022

Introduction Comprehensive analyses using clinical sequences subcategorized osteosarcoma (OS) into several groups according to the activated signaling pathways. Mutually exclusive co-occurrences of gene amplification ( PDGFRA/KIT/KDR, VEGFA/CCND3, and MDM2/CDK4) have been identified in approximately 40% of OS, representing candidate subsets for clinical evaluation of additional therapeutic options. Thus, it would be desirable to evaluate the specific gene amplification before starting therapy in patients with OS. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study. We examined 13 cases of clinical OS samples using NanoString-based copy number variation (CNV) analysis. Decalcification and chemotherapeutic effects on this analysis were also assessed. Results First, the accuracy of this system was validated by showing that amplification/deletion data obtained from this system using various types of cancer cell lines almost perfectly matched to that from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE). We identified potentially actionable alterations in CDK4/MDM2 amplification in 10% of samples and potential additional therapeutic targets ( PDGFRA/KIT/KDR and VEGFA/CCND3) in 20% of samples, which is consistent with the reported frequencies. Furthermore, this assay could identify these potential therapeutic targets regardless of the sample status (frozen vs formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded [FFPE] tissues). Conclusion We established a NanoString-based rapid and cost-effective method with a short turnaround time (TAT) to examine gene amplification status in OS. This CNV analysis using FFPE samples is recommended where the histological evaluation of viable tumor cells is possible, especially for tumors after chemotherapy with higher chemotherapeutic effects.
scAnalyzeR: A Comprehensive Software Package With Graphical User Interface for Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis and its Application on Liver Cancer
Authors: Chuwdhury GS , Ng Irene Oi-Lin , Ho Daniel Wai-Hung
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The application of single-cell RNA sequencing to delineate tissue heterogeneity and complexity has become increasingly popular. Given its tremendous resolution and high-dimensional capacity for in-depth investigation, single-cell RNA sequencing offers an unprecedented research power. Although some popular software packages are available for single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis and visualization, it is still a big challenge for their usage, as they provide only a command-line interface and require significant level of bioinformatics skills. Methods: We have developed scAnalyzeR, which is a single-cell RNA sequencing analysis pipeline with an interactive and user-friendly graphical interface for analyzing and visualizing single-cell RNA sequencing data. It accepts single-cell RNA sequencing data from various technology platforms and different model organisms (human and mouse) and allows flexibility in input file format. It provides functionalities for data preprocessing, quality control, basic summary statistics, dimension reduction, unsupervised clustering, differential gene expression, gene set enrichment analysis, correlation analysis, pseudotime cell trajectory inference, and various visualization plots. It also provides default parameters for easy usage and allows a wide range of flexibility and optimization by accepting user-defined options. It has been developed as a docker image that can be run in any docker-supported environment including Linux, Mac, and Windows, without installing any dependencies. Results: We compared the performance of scAnalyzeR with 2 other graphical tools that are popular for analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data. The comparison was based on the comprehensiveness of functionalities, ease of usage and flexibility, and execution time. In general, scAnalyzeR outperformed the other tested counterparts in various aspects, demonstrating its superior overall performance. To illustrate the usefulness of scAnalyzeR in cancer research, we have analyzed the in-house liver cancer single-cell RNA sequencing dataset. Liver cancer tumor cells were revealed to have multiple subpopulations with distinctive gene expression signatures. Conclusion: scAnalyzeR has comprehensive functionalities and demonstrated usability. We anticipate more functionalities to be adopted in the future development.
Machine Learning Radiomics Model for External and Internal Respiratory Motion Correlation Prediction in Lung Tumor
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Song Xinyu , Li Guangjun , Duan Lian , Wang Guangyu , Dai Guyu , Song Ying , Li Jing , Bai Sen
Published: December 2022

Objectives: The complexity and specificity of lung tumor motion render it necessary to determine the external and internal correlation individually before applying indirect tumor tracking. However, the correlation cannot be determined from patient respiratory and tumor clinical characteristics before treatment. The purpose of this study is to present a machine learning model for an external/internal correlation prediction that is based on computed tomography (CT) radiomic features. Methods: 4-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) images of 67 patients were collected retrospectively, and the external/internal correlation of lung tumor was calculated based on Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Radiomic features were extracted from average intensity projection and the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM)-based cross-validation (the recursive elimination method) was used for feature selection. The LightGBM framework forecasting models with classification thresholds 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 are established using stratified 5-fold cross-validation. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristics, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: There were 16, 18, and 13 features selected for models 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9, respectively. Texture features are of great importance in external/internal correlation prediction compared to other features in all models. The sensitivities of the predictions in models 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 were 0.800 ± 0.126, 0.829 ± 0.140, and 0.864 ± 0.086, respectively. The specificities were 0.771 ± 0.114, 0.936 ± 0.0581, and 0.839 ± 0.101, whereas the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.837, 0.946, and 0.877, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that radiomics is an effective tool for respiratory motion correlation prediction, which can extract tumor motion characteristics. We proposed a machine learning framework for correlation prediction in the motion management strategy for lung tumor patients.
Protecting the Vulnerable and Including the Under-Represented: IRB Practices and Attitudes
Authors: Gelinas Luke , Strauss David H , Chen Ying , Ahmed Hayat R. , Kirby Aaron , Friesen Phoebe , Bierer Barbara E.
Published: December 2022

Since their inception, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) have been charged with protecting the vulnerable in research. More recently, attention has turned to whether IRBs also have a role to play in ensuring representative study samples and promoting the inclusion of historically under-represented groups. These two aims—protecting the vulnerable and including the under-represented—can pull in different directions, given the potential for overlap between the vulnerable and the under-represented. We conducted a pilot, online national survey of IRB Chairs to gauge attitudes and practices with regard to protecting the vulnerable and including the under-represented in research. We found that IRBs extend the concept of vulnerability to different groups across various contexts, are confident that they effectively protect vulnerable individuals in research, and believe that IRBs have a role to play in ensuring representative samples and the inclusion of under-represented groups.
The Burden of Postoperative Delirium After Shoulder Arthroplasty and Modifiable Pharmacological Perioperative Risk Factors: A Retrospective Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kiani Sara N. , Maron Samuel Z. , Rao Manasa G. , Zubizarreta Nicole , Mazumdar Madhu , Galatz Leesa M. , Poeran Jashvant , Cagle Paul J.
Published: December 2022

Background: Increasing demand for shoulder arthroplasty and an aging population may increase the rate of complications associated with advanced age such as postoperative delirium, but little is known on its burden in this cohort. Purpose: We sought to answer the following questions: (1) What is the epidemiology of postoperative delirium after shoulder arthroplasty? (2) What modifiable risk factors can be identified for postoperative delirium after shoulder arthroplasty? (3) Do risk factors differ in those younger than and in those older than 70 years of age? Methods: In a retrospective nationwide cohort study, we extracted data from the Premier Healthcare database on inpatient total and reverse shoulder arthroplasties from 2006 to 2016. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium; modifiable risk factors of interest were perioperative opioid use (high, medium, or low), peripheral nerve block use, and perioperative prescription medications. Mixed-effects models assessed associations between risk factors and postoperative delirium. Odds ratios and confidence intervals are reported. We applied a cutoff of 70 years of age because it was the median age of the cohort, as well as the age at which we observed that delirium prevalence increased. Results: A total of 92,429 total and reverse shoulder arthroplasties were identified (age range: 14–89 years). Overall delirium prevalence was 3.1% ( n = 2909). Age-specific prevalence of postoperative delirium was lower in patients aged 50 to 70 years and higher in those aged 70 years and older, up to 8% among those older than 88 years. After adjusting for relevant covariates, only long-acting and combined short-acting and long-acting benzodiazepines (compared with no benzodiazepines) were associated with increased odds of postoperative delirium. Corticosteroids were associated with decreased odds of postoperative delirium. Conclusion: Our retrospective cohort study demonstrated that benzodiazepine use and older patient age were significantly associated with postoperative delirium in shoulder arthroplasty patients. The relationship between benzodiazepine use and delirium was particularly notable among those 70 years of age and older. Further investigation is indicated, given the known adverse effects of benzodiazepines in older adults and our findings of higher than expected use of these medications in this surgical cohort.
Perceptions of pharmacy technician students of the CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract) e-module introduced as part of vaccine injection training
Authors: Taddio Anna , Gerges Sandra , Rocchi Marie , Gudzak Victoria , Ilersich Angelo L.
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

The scope of practice for pharmacy technicians is expanding to include vaccine administration in some provinces. Vaccine training courses and programs currently do not include education about mitigating immunization stress-related responses (ISRR) and improving the vaccination experience. We obtained feedback from pharmacy technician students about a new e-module that addresses this identified knowledge gap, whereby learners are educated about CARD (Comfort Ask Relax Distract), a vaccine delivery framework that reduces ISRR and improves the vaccination experience.

Methods:

Mixed-methods design including second-year pharmacy technician students who elected to take an accredited vaccine injection training program. Students were given access to the CARD e-module after completing mandatory vaccine education components. Eight students answered a quantitative survey and 4 (50%) additionally participated in a focus group. Qualitative data were analyzed deductively using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results:

The study was conducted between April 28 and June 12, 2022. Students reported positive attitudes about the CARD e-module across quantitative and qualitative measures. Qualitative feedback spanned 4 CFIR constructs: intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting and individual characteristics. Students reported the e-module was well designed and that the content was relevant. They believed CARD facilitated provision of vaccinations using a person-centred approach that promotes vaccination. They felt that CARD could potentially add time to the vaccination appointment and that it would need to be acceptable to pharmacy leaders because of implications for training and vaccination delivery. They suggested that CARD education should be mandatory. CARD improved their confidence in delivering vaccinations, and they planned to integrate CARD into their practice.

Conclusion:

The CARD e-module was well received by pharmacy technician students when coupled with usual vaccine injection training.
Verbal deception in picture naming
Authors: Navarrete Eduardo , De Pedis Marta , Lorenzoni Anna
Published: December 2022

Telling a lie requires several cognitive processes. We investigated three cognitive processes involved in verbal deception: the decision to deceive, the suppression of the true statement, and the construction of the false statement. In a standard picture-naming task, participants were instructed to commit true and false naming statements. Critically, participants could freely decide to name the picture (i.e., true naming events) or to commit a verbal deception and use a different name (i.e., false naming events). Different types of analysis were performed with the aim of exploring the influence of semantic, lexical, and phonological information of the target picture in the decision, suppression, and construction processes. The first type of analysis revealed that participants decided to lie more often when the target picture was less typical or less familiar. The second and third types of analysis focused on the false naming events. False naming latencies turned out to be faster when the name of the target picture was a highly frequent or an earlier-acquired name, suggesting an influence of lexical variables in the suppression of the true statement. The third analysis type explored the phonological relationship between the word that participants uttered in the false statements and the target picture name. No phonological influences emerged in this last analysis. These findings demonstrate that verbal deception is tied to semantic and lexical variables corresponding to true statements.
Genetic landscape of colorectal cancer patients manifesting tumor shrinkage during SARS-Cov-2 infection
Authors: Ottaiano Alessandro , Santorsola Mariachiara , Circelli Luisa , Cascella Marco , Petrillo Nadia , Perri Francesco , Casillo Marika , Granata Vincenza , Ianniello Monica , Izzo Francesco , Picone Carmine , Correra Marco , Petrillo Antonella , Sirica Roberto , Misso Gabriella , Delrio Paolo , Nasti Guglielmo , Savarese Giovanni , Caraglia Michele
Published: December 2022

We previously described three patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who experienced spontaneous tumour shrinkage during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Thereafter, the patients were closely monitored and no systemic treatments were applied. Here, we report follow-up clinical information about these patients as well as genetic characterization of their primary tumours through the TruSigt™Oncology 500 Next Generation Sequencing test targeting 523 cancer-relevant genes. An Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform was used to perform sequencing. Time-to-progression was 23 and 2 months, respectively, in Patients 2 and 3 while it was not reached in Patient 1. Patients 1 and 2 had the greatest anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titres. Assessment of genetic landscapes evidenced common mutation in BARD1 gene (p.Val507Met) in Patients 1 and 2. Although our report is descriptive in its nature, we suggest that complex and unexplored interactions between genetic background and components of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection could be responsible of unexpected rare mCRC shrinkage.
A Machine Learning Model for Prediction of Amputation in Diabetics
Authors: Stefanopoulos Stavros , Qiu Qiong , Ren Gang , Ahmed Ayman , Osman Mohamed , Brunicardi F. Charles , Nazzal Munier
Published: December 2022

Background:

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and the resulting lower extremity amputation are associated with a poor survival prognosis. The objective of this study is to generate a model for predicting the probability of major amputation in hospitalized patients with DFU.

Methods:

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2008 to 2014 was used to select patients with DFU, who were then further divided by major amputation status. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification ( ICD-9-CM) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) comorbidity codes were used to compare patient characteristics. For the descriptive statistics, the Student t test, the χ2 test, and the Spearman correlation were utilized. The five most predictive variables were identified. A decision tree model (CTREE) based on conditional inference framework algorithm and a random forest model were used to develop the algorithm.

Results:

A total of 326 853 inpatients with DFU were identified, and 5.9% underwent major amputation. The top five contributory variables (all with P < .001) were gangrene (odds ratio [OR] = 11.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.5-12.2), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.8-3.0), weight loss (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 2.5-2.8), systemic infection (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.4-2.53), and osteomyelitis (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.6-1.73). The model performance of the training data was 77.7% (76.1% sensitivity and 79.3% specificity) and of the testing data was 77.8% (76.2% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity). The model was further validated with boosting and random forest models which demonstrated similar performance and area under the curve (AUC) (0.84, 95% CI = 0.83-0.85).

Conclusion:

Utilizing machine learning methods, we have developed a clinical algorithm that predicts the risk of major lower extremity amputation for inpatients with diabetes with 77.8% accuracy.
The burden of surgical site infections and related antibiotic resistance in two geographic regions of Sierra Leone: a prospective study
Authors: Lakoh Sulaiman , Yi Le , Russell James B.W. , Zhang Juling , Sevalie Stephen , Zhao Yongkun , Kanu Joseph Sam , Liu Peng , Conteh Sarah K. , Williams Christine Ellen Elleanor , Barrie Umu , Sheku Mohamed Gbessay , Jalloh Mohamed Boie , Adekanmbi Olukemi , Jiba Darlinda F. , Kamara Matilda N. , Deen Gibrilla F. , Okeibunor Joseph Chukwudi , Yendewa George A. , Guo Xuejun , Firima Emmanuel
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Despite the prolongation of hospitalization, increase in morbidity, mortality and cost of care associated with both surgical site infections (SSIs) and antibiotic resistance, there are limited data on SSIs and antibiotic resistance to guide prevention strategies in Sierra Leone.

Methods:

This study assessed the burden of SSIs and related antibiotic resistance in the 34 Military Hospital (MH) and Makeni Government Hospital (MGH) located in two geographic regions of Sierra Leone using a prospective study design to collect data from adults aged 18 years or older.

Results:

Of the 417 patients, 233 (55.9%) were enrolled in MGH. Most were women 294 (70.5%). The incidence rate of SSI was 5.5 per 1000 patient-days, and the cumulative incidence of SSI was 8.2%. Common bacteria isolated in MH were Escherichia coli (6,33.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3,16.7%) and in MGH were P. aeruginosa (3,42.9%) and Proteus mirabilis (2,28.9%). Of the gram-negative bacteria, 40% were Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, 33% were Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa and 10% were carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Conclusion:

Although the incidence of SSIs in our study is lower than previously reported, the rate of antibiotic resistance reported in this study is high. Urgent action is needed to invest in the microbiology infrastructure to support SSI surveillance and prevention strategies.
Depression Literacy: An Analysis of the Stigmatization of Depression in Thailand
Authors: Pruksarungruang Jidapa , Rhein Douglas
Published: December 2022

This article summarizes an investigation of the stigmatization of depression in Thailand to determine whether there is a relationship between depression literacy and personal stigma and perceived stigma. This mixed-method study utilized two questionnaires, the Depression Literacy Questionnaire and the Depression Stigma Scale, by Griffiths et al. and subsequently asked participants for their opinions of depression and stigmatization within the Thai context. About 914 online surveys were processed using correlational and descriptive analysis. Results indicate that the depression literacy score was moderate to average. Personal stigma, on average, was low to moderate. Perceived stigma, on average, was moderate to high. The correlation between depression literacy and personal stigma was a strong negative correlation, unlike in depression literacy and perceived stigma. The correlation between personal stigma and perceived stigma was a moderate positive correlation. The level of negative stigma was lower than the perceived stigma. This research indicated that depression literacy had a significant negative correlation with personal stigma but no correlation with perceived stigma. Other factors such as sex, level of education, religion, and prior experiences with people with depression play a moderate role in the level of depression literacy and personal stigma.
State and Nation: Shall the Twain Ever Meet?
Authors: Chatterjee Partha
Published: December 2022

This article traces the separate trajectories of the Indian state and the Indian nation since independence. The state machinery, largely inherited from colonial times, retained its imperial character, which facilitated the integration of the princely states. The negotiated transfer of power also created the myth that the state was prior to the nation whose sovereign people gave itself a new constitution. The Indian nation, on the other hand, was imagined differently in each regional language. Thus, while there was certainly the concept of an Indian nation, it looked different from each linguistic perspective. Further, the idea of the Indian nation was also contested in each region. This article surveys the political process by which these two trajectories were sought to be united, first in the period of Congress dominance until 1967, then under the authoritarian leadership of Indira Gandhi, followed by the relative loosening of the federal structure in the 1990s, and culminating in the present attempt to impose the Hindu majoritarian conception of the nation, nurtured in particular in the Hindi language, on the Indian nation state. Looking at the forces that oppose this hegemonic attempt, the article argues that only a genuinely federal conception of the nation in which each part is given equal respect can effectively challenge Hindutva hegemony.
What Lies Beneath the Successes of Hindutva: Reading the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022
Authors: Trivedi Prashant K. , Singh Shilp Shikha
Published: December 2022

What explains the success of the Bhartiya Janta Party in the 18th Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha election? Hindutva gets the due credit but the socio-political dynamics beneath Hindutva is often sidelined in political discussions. What makes Hindutva appealing? Is Hindutva a fixed ideology or an ever-evolving one? How does Hindutva correspond with the lived realities of people? How does Hindutva plug the alternative discourse of Social Justice? How does Hindutva redefine Dalit politics? While exploring these questions, the article seeks to shift the discourse from the site of culture-identity-ideology to the site of social and political-economic changes. While tracking the trajectory and nature of Hindutva politics, the article also indicates some of the trends that emerged during this election. Based on qualitative data, the article argues that it was essentially the dynamic nature of Hindutva that outwitted social justice politics.
A Peculiar Peritoneum: A Case of Tuberculosis in a Male Without Known Risk Factors
Authors: Wynne Joshua , Chew Kimberline , Kothari Pooja , Bressman Maxwell , Tow Clara
Published: December 2022

Peritoneal tuberculosis is an uncommon diagnosis in developed countries and most commonly presents in patients with known risk factors for tuberculosis. We report a case of a patient without tuberculosis risk factors who presented with 4 years of intermittent fevers, several weeks of increasing abdominal distention, and newly discovered elevated liver tests. The diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis was confirmed following an extensive workup with a positive ascitic fluid culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient’s fevers resolved with antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic therapy was subsequently de-escalated based on the susceptibility profile.
Acute Complications of Sickle Cell Disease in Children Under 5 Years at a Level II Hospital
Authors: Lage Joana , Monteiro Bernardo , Costa Adriana , Mendes Inês Filipa , Ferreira Teresa , Loureiro Helena Cristina
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to characterize the acute complications that required hospitalization in children under 5 years with Sickle Cell Disease. The population included 70 patients, 64% of African ascendency and 95.7% homozygotic for the HbS. We analyzed data from 337 hospitalizations. The first hospitalization occurred before 12 months in 38.6% and the average hospital admission per child was 3.92. The mean duration per hospitalization was 5.36 days. The most common diagnosis was vaso-occlusive crisis (36.8%) followed by fever, upper airway infections, bacterial pneumonia and splenic sequestration. Hemoglobin values at admission were between 6 and 7 g/dL in 22.3%, with 44.2% requiring at least 1 blood transfusion. There are several acute complications of SCD, being vaso-occlusive crisis the most common. Splenic sequestration generally occurs during the first 2 years and is associated with the need of transfusion. They represent a significant burden, with each child spending approximately 3 weeks hospitalized.
Bridging the polarization gap: Maximizing diffusion among dissimilar communities
Authors: Waniek Marcin , Hidalgo César A
Published: December 2022

Polarized networks, composed of weakly connected and self-reinforcing groups, can limit the diffusion of ideas, behaviors, and innovations. Here, we use a complex contagion model, in which diffusion depends on both the connectivity and the similarity of individuals, to ask how to optimally build bridges and enhance diffusion in networks characterized by fragmentation and homophily. First, we show that the problem is NP-hard. Then, we explore the space of solutions using heuristics, finding that connecting high degree nodes, or hubs, is an ineffective strategy to accelerate diffusion in fragmented and homophilous networks. We show that in these networks, diffusion is more effectively accelerated by connecting similar but low degree nodes. These results tell us that, in the presence of homophily and polarization, connecting communities through their most central actors may impede rather than facilitate diffusion. Instead, strategies to accelerate the diffusion of innovation, behaviors, and ideas should focus on creating links among the most similar members of different communities. These findings shed light on the diffusion of ideas and innovations in polarized networks.

CCS Concepts: • Mathematics of computing → Network optimization; • Information systems → Social networks
Role of digital health in pulmonary rehabilitation and beyond: shaping the future
Authors: Pimenta Sara , Hansen Henrik , Demeyer Heleen , Slevin Patrick , Cruz Joana
Published: December 2022

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cost-effective intervention with well-known benefits to exercise capacity, symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Despite the compelling evidence of its benefits, PR implementation is still suboptimal, and maintenance of PR benefits is challenging. To overcome these pitfalls, there has been a growing interest in developing novel models for PR delivery. Digital health is a promising solution, as it has the potential to address some of the most reported barriers to PR uptake and adherence (such as accessibility issues), help maintain the positive results following a PR programme and promote patients’ adherence to a more active lifestyle through physical activity (tele)coaching. Despite the accelerated use of digital health to deliver PR during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there are still several factors that contribute to the resistance to the adoption of digital health, such as the lack of evidence on its effectiveness, low acceptability by patients and healthcare professionals, concerns about implementation and maintenance costs, inequalities in access to the internet and technological devices, and data protection issues. Nevertheless, the trend towards reducing technology costs and the higher availability of digital devices, as well as the greater ease and simplicity of use of devices, enhance the opportunities for future development of digitally enabled PR interventions. This narrative review aims to examine the current evidence on the role of digital health in the context of PR, including strengths and weaknesses, and to determine possible threats and opportunities, as well as areas for future work.
Rheological Behavior of SAE50 Oil–SnO2–CeO2 Hybrid Nanofluid: Experimental Investigation and Modeling Utilizing Response Surface Method and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Sepehrnia Mojtaba , Lotfalipour Mohammad , Malekiyan Mahdi , Karimi Mahsa , Farahani Somayeh Davoodabadi
Published: December 2022

In this study, for the first time, the effects of temperature and nanopowder volume fraction (NPSVF) on the viscosity and the rheological behavior of SAE50–SnO2–CeO2 hybrid nanofluid have been studied experimentally. Nanofluids in NPSVFs of 0.25% to 1.5% have been made by a two-step method. Experiments have been performed at temperatures of 25 to 67 °C and shear rates (SRs) of 1333 to 2932.6 s−1. The results revealed that for base fluid and nanofluid, shear stress increases with increasing SR and decreasing temperature. By increasing the temperature to about 42 °C at a NPSVF of 1.5%, about 89.36% reduction in viscosity is observed. The viscosity increases with increasing NPSVF about 37.18% at 25 °C. In all states, a non-Newtonian pseudo-plastic behavior has been observed for the base fluid and nanofluid. The highest relative viscosity occurs for NPSVF = 1.5%, temperature = 25 °C and SR = 2932.6 s−1, which increases the viscosity by 37.18% compared to the base fluid. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the highest sensitivity is related to temperature and the lowest sensitivity is related to SR. Response surface method, curve fitting method, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and Gaussian process regression (GPR) have been used to predict the dynamic viscosity. Based on the results, all four models can predict the dynamic viscosity. However, the GPR model has better performance than the other models.
Effect of oral alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dong Liang , Yang Fang , Li Junjun , Li Yulin , Yu Xujun , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: December 2022

Background

Male fertility has gradually become a worldwide problem with limitations in the treatment. Alpha-lipoic acid, has been applied to improve the quality of sperm in clinical practice. However, there was currently no high quality of systematic review to evaluate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid on sperm parameters.

Material and methods

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Clinicaltrials.org, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Biology Medicine Database, etc., were retrieved. Related randomized controlled trials had be collected and selected up to March 10, 2022. English literature and Chinese literature were searched using terms including “male infertility”, “semen”, “sperm”, “alpha-lipoid acid”, “α-lipoid acid”, “alpha lipoid acid”, “thioctic acid”. All statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3.

Results

A total of 133 participants in three studies included. Compared with sham therapy, treated with alpha-lipoic acid has significant improvement in the following sperm parameters, including abnormal sperm forms (mean difference[MD] = -1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.29–0.84, p < 0.00001), sperm concentration (MD = 3.98, 95%CI = 2.28–5.67, p < 0.00001), sperm total motility (grade a+b+c) (MD = 6.68, 95%CI = 4.88–8.48, p < 0.00001) and progressive motility(grade a+b) (MD = 6.90, 95%CI = 5.62–8.17, p < 0.00001) and semen volume(MD = -0.17, 95%CI = -0.31–0.02, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials, compared with other treatments, alpha-lipoic acid could improve normal sperm forms, sperm concentration, sperm total motility and progressive motility, but more stringent randomized controlled trials must be conducted.
Exosomal microRNAs in the DLK1-DIO3 imprinted region derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promote progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting hedgehog interacting protein
Authors: Jin An-Li , Ding Lin , Yang Wen-Jing , Liu Te , Chen Wei , Li Tong , Zhang Chun-Yan , Pan Bai-Shen , Qiu Shuang-Jian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Guo Wei , Yang Xin-Rong , Wang Bei-Li
Published: December 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. Exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs-exo) can promote tumor progression in various human cancers. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism controlling how CAFs-exo can promote HCC progression remains poorly understood.

Methods

CAFs and para-cancer fibroblasts (PAFs) were isolated from HCC tissues and corresponding para-cancer tissues, then were cultured in vitro. CAFs and PAFs were characterized by immunofluorescence and western blot (WB) assays. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoflow cytometry, and WB assay. The internalization of exosomes by HCC cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used for migration and invasion experiments. RT-PCR assay was used to examine differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes and HCC cells. The TargetScan database was used to predict miRNA target genes. Hedgehog interacting protein (HHIP) expression analysis, prognostic analysis, and enrichment analysis of HHIP-related co-expressed genes were performed using the TIMER, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter, and LinkedOmics databases.

Results

CAFs-exo were internalized by HCC cells. CAFs-exo contributed to the aggressive phenotype of HCC cells, while inhibiting exosome secretion reversed these effects. Mechanistically, miRNAs in the DLK1-DIO3 imprinted region (miR-329-3p, miR-380-3p, miR-410-5p, miR-431-5p) were increased in HCC cells co-cultured with CAFs-exo compared with PAFs-exo. Expression of HHIP, a possible miR-431-5p target gene, was significantly downregulated in HCC cells. Low HHIP expression level in tumor tissues could predict poor prognosis in HCC patients. HHIP-related co-expressed genes were mainly associated with cell adhesion molecules.

Conclusions

CAFs-exo can promote HCC progression by delivering miRNAs in the DLK1-DIO3 imprinted region to HCC cells, subsequently inhibiting HHIP expression. HHIP is a potential prognostic biomarker in HCC.
Perception of social inequities in the access to the kidney transplant waiting list by nephrology trainees: a national survey
Authors: Paris Lucile , Calvar Eve , Morello Rémy , Lecouf Angélique , Beaumier Mathilde , Lobbedez Thierry , Châtelet Valérie
Published: December 2022

Background

Social inequalities in health are responsible for disparities in access to the kidney transplant waiting list (KTWL). The perception of disparities by nephrologists has consequences for the registration on the KTWL. The purposes of our study were to assess the perception of the factors implicated in the disparities in access to the KTWL by nephrology trainees and to assess the quality of the questionnaire.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed to assess the perception of the determinants of the inequities in access to waitlisting. Continuous variables were described by median, 1st and 3rd quartiles. Categorical variables were described by frequencies and percentages. A principal component analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis were performed to approach the correlation between the variables. A scree plot and a factor analysis were performed to determine the dimensions of the questionnaire. The internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach’s coefficient.

Results

The response rate was 98/110 (89%). The determinants of inequities in the access to KTWL not perceived by the nephrology trainees were “female sex”, “income level” and “the centre provision to adapt the information to all of the patients” (18,3%, 36,7, 47% respectively). “Age”, “being born abroad”, “place of living”, “education level”, “transplant centre”, “the health care provider” were determinants of disparities perceived by most of the trainees (85,7%, 75,5%, 82,6%, 78,6%, 73,5% et 78,5% respectively). Items related to the transplant centre were positively correlated, as well as “being born abroad”, “education level” and “income level”. The Cronbach’s coefficient was 0,60.

Conclusion

Social inequalities in health are partially perceived by nephrology trainees. A teaching session could raise nephrologists’ awareness of this issue and could help reduce the impact of these disparities on the course of ESKD (end-stage kidney disease) patients.