bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors Associated With Early-Onset Esophageal Cancer in Tanzania
Authors: Buckle Geoffrey C. , Mmbaga Elia J. , Paciorek Alan , Akoko Larry , Deardorff Katrina , Mgisha William , Mushi Beatrice P. , Mwaiselage Julius , Hiatt Robert A. , Zhang Li , Van Loon Katherine
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

Eastern Africa is one of several regions affected by high incidence rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A unique epidemiologic feature of ESCC in Eastern Africa is the high incidence in young people, with one-third of cases diagnosed at age < 45 years. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for early-onset ESCC in Tanzania through a secondary analysis of a matched case-control study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2013 to 2015, ESCC cases were recruited at Muhimbili National Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Hospital controls were identified from patients with nonmalignant conditions and matched 1:1 for sex and age (± 10 years). Questionnaires were used to assess sociodemographic characteristics and environmental, dietary, and lifestyle risk exposures. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate age-specific odds ratios of ESCC for exposures among participants age 30-44 and ≥ 45 years.

RESULTS

A total of 471 cases and 471 controls were enrolled. Among cases, 100 (21%) were < 45 years. Multiple exposures were identified as risk factors for early-onset ESCC, several of which were unique to this age group, including infrequent teeth cleaning, secondhand tobacco smoke exposure, and pest infestation of grain and/or nuts. Lower socioeconomic status, family history of ESCC, tobacco smoking, home-brewed alcohol consumption, home storage of grain and/or nuts, and use of firewood for cooking were associated in the older but not the younger age group. Hot beverage intake was associated with increased ESCC risk in both age groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ESCC risk factors in Tanzania vary between age groups. With the data currently available, environmental and behavioral risk factors appear to play an important role in the high incidence of ESCC among young people.
Analysis of Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Website Content and Diversity Representation
Authors: Muthiah Arun , Aggarwal Vanya , Muthiah Chandrasekar , Wei Chapman , Ollila Thomas , Quesenberry Matthew I. , Dizon Don S.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

Hematology and oncology (HO) lags behind all medicine subspecialties in fellows under-represented in medicine (URM) despite a growing minority patient population. Websites have been effectively used in URM recruitment. We evaluated all US HO program websites to facilitate a more informed and URM-considerate recruitment. We also performed a stratified analysis on programs affiliated with National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Cancer Centers, National Comprehensive Cancer Center Network (NCCN) member institutions, and ranked as a top 50 cancer hospital by US News, given their stated commitment to outreach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Websites of all 2019-2020 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited HO programs were assessed for 28 informational and three diversity categories. Websites with > 70% of categories were comprehensive. Affiliation with NCI, NCCN, and US News was noted.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifty-six websites were analyzed: 20% were comprehensive and 22% had any diversity information. Inclusion of diversity content and being comprehensive were significantly associated ( P = .001). NCI, NCCN, and US News ranking were significantly associated with inclusion of more information in univariate analyses ( P < .001, P = .008, and P < .001, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that US News ranking was significantly associated with more information ( P = .005). Diversity-related univariate and multivariate analyses showed a significant association with US News ranking ( P = .006 and P = .029, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

Most HO fellowship websites are not comprehensive and lack diversity content. Given COVID-19 travel restrictions limit in-person interviews, digital program presence remains an important opportunity. HO programs should offer comprehensive and inclusive websites to better inform applicants, including URM. This may increase institutional diversity and potentially improve URM representation in the HO workforce.
Procedure-Specific Relationships Between Postoperative Troponin T and a Composite of Mortality and Low Cardiac Output Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Zhou Shan , Diehl Rachel , Sessler Daniel I. , Liang Chen , Mascha Edward J. , Soltesz Edward G. , Duncan Andra E.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Myocardial injury after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is defined as troponin concentrations >10 times 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) according to the Fourth Universal Definition. However, troponin concentrations after non-CABG cardiac surgery which indicate greater-than-expected myocardial injury and increased risk for complications remain unclear. Our goal was to assess procedure-specific relationships between troponin T and a composite outcome of low cardiac output syndrome and in-hospital mortality in cardiac surgical patients.

METHODS:

Patients having cardiac surgery between January 2010 and December 2017 were categorized into 4 groups by procedure: (1) CABG; (2) mitral valve repair; (3) aortic valve repair/replacement (AVR); (4) mitral valve replacement (MVR) or CABG + valve surgeries. Exclusion criteria were elevated preoperative troponin T, preoperative kidney failure, circulatory arrest, or preoperative/planned mechanical circulatory support. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between troponin T and composite outcome, both overall and by procedure, including assessment of the interaction between procedure and troponin T on outcome.

RESULTS:

Among 10,253 patients, 37 (0.4%) died and 393 (3.8%) developed the primary outcome. Troponin T concentrations differed by procedure (P < .001). Compared to CABG, AVR had 0.53 (99.2% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.56; unadjusted P < .001) times lower troponin T concentrations, while MVR/CABG + valve were 1.54 (99.2% CI, 1.45–1.62, unadjusted P < .001) times higher. There were linear relationships between log2 troponin T concentration and log odds mortality/low cardiac output syndrome. The (unadjusted) relationships were parallel for various types of surgery (interaction P = .59), but at different levels of the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

The relative increase in odds for mortality/low cardiac output syndrome per a similar increase in troponin T concentrations did not differ among cardiac surgical procedures, but the absolute troponin T concentrations did. Troponin concentrations should thus be interpreted in context of surgical procedure.
Situational Awareness of Opioid Consumption: The Missing Link to Reducing Dependence After Surgery?
Authors: Engelman Daniel T. , Crisafi Cheryl , Hodle Taylor , Stiles John , Nathanson Brian H. , Zarbock Alexander , Grant Michael C.
Published: February 2022

A tool for collecting and analyzing morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) can be used to overcome barriers to situational awareness around opioid utilization in the setting of multimodal pain management. Our software application (App) has facilitated data collection, analysis, and benchmarking in a manner that is not logistically feasible using manual methods. Real-time postoperative tracking of MME over the course of an episode of care can be prohibitively labor-intensive, and teams must have practical strategies to overcome this obstacle. In view of the link between the magnitude of opioid prescriptions at discharge and persistent opioid use after cardiac surgery, we believe that improving situational awareness among the patient care team is a vital first step in reducing opioid dependence after cardiac surgery.
The Richmond Acute Subdural Hematoma Score: A Validated Grading Scale to Predict Postoperative Mortality
Authors: Dincer Alper , Stanton Amanda N. , Parham Kevin J. , Carr Matthew T. , Opalak Charles F. , Valadka Alex B. , Broaddus William C.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Traumatic acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs) are common, life-threatening injuries often requiring emergency surgery.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop and validate the Richmond acute subdural hematoma (RASH) score to stratify patients by risk of mortality after aSDH evacuation.

METHODS:

The 2016 National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) was queried to identify adult patients with traumatic aSDHs who underwent craniectomy or craniotomy within 4 h of arrival to an emergency department. Multivariate logistic regression modeling identified risk factors independently associated with mortality. The RASH score was developed based on a factor's strength and level of association with mortality. The model was validated using the 2017 NTDB and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS:

A total of 2516 cases met study criteria. The patients were 69.3% male with a mean age of 55.7 yr and overall mortality rate of 36.4%. Factors associated with mortality included age between 61 and 79 yr (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, P < .001), age ≥80 yr (OR = 6.3, P < .001), loss of consciousness (OR = 2.3, P < .001), Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤8 (OR = 2.6, P < .001), unilateral (OR = 2.8, P < .001) or bilateral (OR = 3.9, P < .001) unresponsive pupils, and midline shift >5 mm (OR = 1.7, P < .001). Using these risk factors, the RASH score predicted progressively increasing mortality ranging from 0% to 94% for scores of 0 to 8, respectively (AUC = 0.72). Application of the RASH score to 3091 cases from 2017 resulted in similar accuracy (AUC = 0.74).

CONCLUSION:

The RASH score is a simple and validated grading scale that uses easily accessible preoperative factors to predict estimated mortality rates in patients with traumatic aSDHs who undergo surgical evacuation.
Transitions in development – an interview with Margot Kossmann Williams
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: February 2022

Margot Kossmann Williams is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, USA. Margot uses zebrafish genetics, live imaging and embryonic explants to investigate how cell movements, such as those underlying axis elongation, are coordinated. We met Margot over Teams for a chat about careers, mentors and starting a new group just before a pandemic.
An enriched environment re-establishes metabolic homeostasis by reducing obesity-induced inflammation
Authors: Díaz de León-Guerrero Sol , Salazar-León Jonathan , Meza-Sosa Karla F. , Valle-Garcia David , Aguilar-León Diana , Pedraza-Alva Gustavo , Pérez-Martínez Leonor
Published: February 2022

Obesity can lead to chronic inflammation in different tissues, generating insulin and leptin resistance and alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, favoring the development of degenerative diseases, including type II diabetes. Congruently, the inflammatory signaling inhibition prevents the development of obesity and restores insulin sensitivity. Via the enhancement of central nervous system activity, an enriched environment (EE) has beneficial effects on learning and memory as well as on immune cell functions and inflammation in different disease models. Here, we explored whether an EE can restore energy balance in obese mice that previously presented metabolic alterations. We discovered that an EE improved glucose metabolism, increased insulin signaling in liver, and reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, and increased lipolysis and browning in the white adipose tissue of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Finally, we found reduced inflammatory signaling and increased anorexigenic signaling in the hypothalamus of HFD-fed mice exposed to an EE. These data indicate that an EE is able to restore the metabolic imbalance caused by HFD feeding. Thus, we propose EE as a novel therapeutic approach for treating obesity-related metabolic alterations.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Sexual inactivation induced by the mucus that covers land snail love darts: sexual selection and evolution of allohormones in hermaphrodites
Authors: Shibuya Kaito , Chiba Satoshi , Kimura Kazuki
Published: February 2022

The transfer of male accessory gland secretions is a well-investigated reproductive strategy for winning in sexual selection. An example of such a strategy is the conspicuous mating behaviour of simultaneously hermaphroditic land snails, the so-called shooting of love darts, whereby a snail drives a love dart(s) into the body of its mating partner. In the land snail Euhadra quaesita, it has been shown that a specific mucus which coats the love dart is transferred into the partner's haemolymph and that it suppresses subsequent matings in the darted individual. However, how the mucus of the love dart suppresses rematings remains unclear. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that by injection of the dart mucus, love-dart shooters manipulate the physiology of a dart recipient and make the individual sexually inactive. In an experiment in which snails were provided with opportunities to encounter a potential mating partner, we found that the latency period to achieve sexual arousal was longer in snails injected with the dart mucus than in snails of the control treatments. This finding indicates that the dart mucus delays sexual arousal in injected snails. This delay in arousal is a novel example of the effects of the mucus in simultaneously hermaphroditic land snails. The remating suppression effect of the dart mucus is likely to occur through sexual inactivation.
Segmentation of metastatic cervical lymph nodes from CT images of oral cancers using deep-learning technology
Authors: Ariji Yoshiko , Kise Yoshitaka , Fukuda Motoki , Kuwada Chiaki , Ariji Eiichiro
Published: February 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to establish a deep-learning model for segmenting the cervical lymph nodes of oral cancer patients and diagnosing metastatic or non-metastatic lymph nodes from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods:

CT images of 158 metastatic and 514 non-metastatic lymph nodes were prepared. CT images were assigned to training, validation, and test datasets. The colored images with lymph nodes were prepared together with the original images for the training and validation datasets. Learning was performed for 200 epochs using the neural network U-net. Performance in segmenting lymph nodes and diagnosing metastasis were obtained.

Results:

Performance in segmenting metastatic lymph nodes showed recall of 0.742, precision of 0.942, and F1 score of 0.831. The recall of metastatic lymph nodes at level II was 0.875, which was the highest value. The diagnostic performance of identifying metastasis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.950, which was significantly higher than that of radiologists (0.896).

Conclusions:

A deep-learning model was created to automatically segment the cervical lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinomas. Segmentation performances should still be improved, but the segmented lymph nodes were more accurately diagnosed for metastases compared with evaluation by humans.
Human Proteinase 3, an important autoantigen of c-ANCA associated vasculitis, shares cross-reactive epitopes with serine protease allergens from mites: an in silico analysis
Authors: Buendía Emiro , Marlon Múnera , Parra Orlando , Sánchez María , Sánchez Andrés , Sánchez Jorge , Viasus Diego
Published: February 2022

Background: In autoimmune vasculitis, autoantibodies to Human Proteinase 3 (PR3), a human serine protease, seems to have a role on the inception of c-ANCA associated vasculitis. The origin of this autoreactive response remains unclear. However, for several autoreactive responses, molecular mimicry between environmental antigens and human proteins is key to trigger autoantibodies and finally autoimmunity manifestations. Considering that PR3 is a serine protease and house dust mite (HDM) group 3 allergens share this biochemical activity, the aim of this study was to identify cross-reactive epitopes between serine proteases from human and mites using an in silico approach.

Methods: Multi alignment among amino acid sequences of PR3 and HDM group 3 allergens was performed to explore identity and structural homology. ElliPro and BepiPred in silico tools were used to predict B and T cell epitopes. Consurf tool was used to conduct identification of conserved regions in serine proteases family.

Results: PR3 and HDM group 3 allergens shared moderate identity and structural homology (root mean square deviation < 1). One B cell cross reactive epitope among serine proteases was identified (29I, 30V, 31G, 32G, 34E, 36K, 37A, 38L, 39A and 54C) and two T cell epitopes.

Conclusions: PR3 have structural homology and share cross reactive epitopes with HDM group 3 allergens.
Food supplements to complement brain functioning: the benefits of a combination of magnesium, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E
Authors: Businaro Rita
Published: February 2022

Diet and nutrition play a fundamental role not only in human body composition and in physiology, but have also relevant effects on mood, mental well-being and cognitive performance. In particular, the preservation of mental well-being through a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet and, in case, through the intake of specific food supplements, is of particular relevance in the perspective of global human ageing, as the brain is affected significantly by a persistent presence of stress factors. Due to the increasing burden of mental and neurological disorders and to the universality of food as a modifiable risk factor, even limited improvements in nutritional habits may translate to a considerable rise of well-being and mental health in the global population. Moreover, the use of targeted, well-balanced food supplements aiming to support the mental health and well-being will probably represent a relevant tool in future decades, together with an increased awareness of the importance of nutrition, also considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the related stressful events and limitations we are still experiencing at global level. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental and clinical data reported in the literature concerning the beneficial effects of a subset of micro- and macronutrients contained both in food and in supplements, namely magnesium, folic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and alpha-tocopherol, on a series of disorders, including stress, anxiety, low sleep quality, and low cognitive performance.
Polio health economics: assessing the benefits and costs of polio, non-polio, and integrated activities of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Kalkowska Dominika A. , Badizadegan Kamran
Published: February 2022

Background: Investments made by countries and donors to support polio eradication and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) over the past 35 years provided financial support for significant health interventions beyond the prevention of polio. Prior economic analyses that sought to quantify the economic benefits of some interventions encountered insufficient data and evidence associated with non-polio-specific activities. The 2022-2026 GPEI Strategic Plan explicitly identified integration and gender equity as funded mandates that must move forward in parallel with polio eradication, but these goals remain vaguely defined from a health economic perspective.

Methods: To ensure unambiguous and full accounting for all financial investments in the GPEI, polio eradication, and other desirable objectives, we identify the health economic analysis methods and inputs needed to ensure transparent financial accountability and cost-effective use of funds.

Results: Sufficient inputs and methods exist to characterize the health and economic benefits of polio-specific activities, but we identified the need for additional information and method development for some non-polio-specific and cost-sharing activities. Donors who seek to support non-polio-specific objectives as part of the GPEI may want to provide dedicated support financing for which it may be difficult to apply typical health economic criteria and to expect net health and/or net economic benefits.

Conclusions: Given the mixture of funding sources provided to the GPEI, which includes support by governments and private donors, we recommend that the GPEI separately account for financial needs that represent necessities for polio eradication from those used for other stated objectives. An added layer of specificity that identifies all funds according to each activity, the accountable party and/or parties, and the associated measurable health or other outcome(s), will enable improved health economic analyses and reporting to donors who seek to track returns on their investments.
Siluetas en el cielo: murciélagos en mi ciudad
Authors: Espinal-Palomino Román , Ibarra-Cerdeña Carlos N.
Published: February 2022

¿Durante la noche has visto siluetas volar sobre tu cabeza? ¡No te asustes!, son murciélagos que habitan con nosotros, mamíferos voladores que han logrado aprovechar los espacios urbanos en las ciudades grandes y en las no tan grandes.
Investigating progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery in pre-eclampsia treatment
Authors: Puspitasari Yenny , Santoso Budi , Nursalam Nursalam , Sulistyono Agus
Published: February 2022

Background

Progressive muscle relaxation with guided imagery may positively reduce clinical symptoms in individuals with pre-eclampsia. However, these relationships require clarification. This study aimed to examine the effects of progressive muscular relaxation and guided imagery on blood pressure and urine protein during conservative treatment for pre-eclampsia.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental study of women receiving conservative treatment for pre-eclampsia. Participants received either progressive muscular relaxation and guided imagery alongside standard care (n=30) or only standard care (n=30). Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse the differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and proteinuria between baseline and after 3 and 7 days.

Results

Respondents showed significant declines in systolic pressure and proteinuria after 3 and 7 days. All respondents showed significant declines in diastolic pressure after 7 days. The differences in systolic and diastolic pressure and proteinuria between groups after 7 days was statistically significant (P<0.001, P=0.008, P<0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

A 7-day progressive muscular relaxation intervention and guided imagery combination can effectively lower blood pressure and proteinuria during conservative treatment for preeclampsia.
How professional quality of life is influenced by perceptions of empowerment in midwives
Authors: Hajiesmaello Maryam , Hajian Sepideh , Riazi Hedyeh , Majd Hamid Alavi , Yavarian Roya
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Professional quality of life is affected by various factors, such as people's perception of professional empowerment. This study aimed to investigate the role of midwives' personal perception of empowerment in their professional quality of life.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 midwives providing maternal and neonatal care services across five provinces of Iran. Data were collected using virtual platforms and analysed using descriptive and analytical tests including regression analysis.

Results

The mean professional quality of life was high (59.7%) in most participants. Midwives' personal perception of empowerment alone predicted 17% of professional quality of life.

Conclusions

Given midwives' role in maintaining and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, it is important to devise policies and plans to enhance midwives' perception of empowerment, especially with regards to autonomous practice and management.
Osteoarthritis in small animals: tools for diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: McCarthy Jessica
Published: February 2022

A diagnosis of osteoarthritis is frequently presumptive, based on history, clinical signs and orthopaedic examination. One of the most useful and underused tools for a more thorough assessment of the patient's condition is a client metrology instrument. There are many validated client metrology instruments available for use in canine patients. Client metrology instrument options for felines that have been rigorously tested for their ability to assess chronic pain and osteoarthritis in cats include the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index and the use of client-specific outcome measurements. Although definitive diagnostic cut-offs have not yet been established for most of these questionnaires, just as clinicians gain experience with interpretation of clinical examination findings, by using these client metrology instruments frequently, clinicians will gain experience in their interpretation. Most importantly, these instruments provide accurate data on patient outcomes and therefore improve patient welfare.
Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis in dogs
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: February 2022

Dogs commonly ingest tremorgenic mycotoxins because of their indiscriminate eating habits. Common sources are mouldy food, compost and rotten, fallen fruits and nuts. The mycotoxins penitrem A and roquefortine are produced by species of the mould Penicillium. Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis is characterised by rapid onset whole-body muscle tremors, vomiting, pyrexia, convulsions, ataxia, twitching and hyperaesthesia. Dogs are also at risk of aspiration. Treatment is aimed at decontamination and control of increased muscle activity and seizures to prevent complications from prolonged seizure activity. This will involve gut decontamination (depending on the condition of the dog), repeat doses of activated charcoal (as the mycotoxins undergo enterohepatic recirculation) and administration of sedatives, anticonvulsants and/or anaesthetics. Lipid emulsion should also be considered in severe cases. Prognosis is typically good in dogs with mild signs or controlled seizures, but more guarded where there is uncontrolled seizure activity or aspiration pneumonitis.
The natural approach
Authors: Alcraft Tom
Published: February 2022

Tom Alcraft explores the role of homeopathy in oral healthcare
Rehabilitation of a young girl with acute transverse myelitis and prolonged lower motor neuron features: a longitudinal case report over 12 months
Authors: Hossain K M Amran , Sakel Mohamed , Saunders Karen , Kabir M Feroz , Hasnat M Abu Khayer
Published: February 2022

Background

This report describes an effective rehabilitation programme for a 13-year-old girl, diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, as an example of best clinical practice.

Case description

Miss A was admitted to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka, where she was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, in September 2018. She was discharged and referred for intensive rehabilitation over 3 months as an outpatient at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Bangladesh. The therapy team conducted a baseline assessment before starting treatment, which included the following outcome measures: the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury Scale; Spinal Cord Independence Measure; and the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory. After 3 months, Miss A was discharged home to continue with a home exercise programme supported by her parents. Outcome measurements were repeated at 3-, 6- and 12-month time points.

Results

Miss A regained muscle power in her legs and normal sensation in S4/5 dermatomes, in addition to regaining voluntary anal muscle contraction. Her mobility and transfers improved so that she was able to transfer in and out of her wheelchair independently and use two elbow crutches to walk short distances outdoors.

Conclusions

This report shows that it is possible for a child who had been severely disabled by acute transverse myelitis to make substantial physical improvements up to 12 months after diagnosis when provided with effective rehabilitation. It also identifies that rehabilitation can provide multiple benefits and value for the individual patient, family, community and society.
Community reintegration of people with traumatic brain injury in south India: role of a comprehensive transdisciplinary rehabilitation programme
Authors: Samuelkamaleshkumar Selvaraj , Reethajanetsureka Stephen , Elango Arumugam , Padankatti Sanjeev M , John Judy Ann , George Jacob , Thomas Raji
Published: February 2022

Background/aims

Successful community reintegration is the ultimate goal of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and care. The aim of this study was to explore the community reintegration of people with a traumatic brain injury living in south India who had completed a comprehensive holistic rehabilitation programme. The level of community reintegration based on the demographic variables of the patients was also investigated.

Methods

A total of 104 community-dwelling people with a traumatic brain injury, and a minimum of 1 year post injury, received treatment from a rehabilitation team in a therapeutic centre for 7 hours a day, 6 days a week for a maximum of 16 weeks. A usual care, transdisciplinary service delivery model was implemented, and the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique was used to quantify the main outcome measures.

Results

The mean and standard deviation scores for each Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique domain were physical independence (91 ± 23), social integration (87 ± 20), cognitive independence (70 ± 33), economic self-sufficiency (67 ± 40), occupation (66 ± 40) and mobility (63 ± 29). The participants who had gone back to work after their traumatic brain injury showed significantly higher scores in all the domains of the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique than those who were unemployed. Only the occupation and mobility domain scores were influenced by the severity of the traumatic brain injury. The economic self-sufficiency, occupation and mobility domain scores were higher among married patients compared to those who were unmarried.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of the participants were able to return to work and reintegrate into community life through this service delivery model. This comprehensive, holistic approach, which targets physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs and then provides adequate vocational rehabilitation, can result in good outcomes in people with a traumatic brain injury.
Effect of session frequency of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gastrocnemius muscle spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a double-blinded, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Wardhani Rizky Kusuma , Wahyuni Luh Karunia , Laksmitasari Budiati , Lakmudin Alvin
Published: February 2022

Background/aims

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been effective in reducing spasticity in patients with spastic cerebral palsy, but there has yet to be a recommended guideline for the treatment of spasticity in children using extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of session frequency of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on gastrocnemius muscle spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Methods

This was a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial consisting of 14 patients with spastic cerebral palsy (8 boys and 6 girls), aged 5 to 12 years, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 received five true radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions. Group 2 received three true radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions and two sham extracorporeal shockwave therapy sessions. The Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale was measured at nine time points: 1) pre-extracorporeal shockwave therapy, 2–6) immediately after each radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy session, 7) 4 weeks after the fifth radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy session, 8) 8 weeks after the fifth radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy session, and 9) 12 weeks after the fifth radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy session.

Results

Both groups had a significant reduction in degree of resistance to passive movements of ankle plantar-flexor muscles measured using the Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale at all time points, relative to baseline. The mean ankle Australian Spasticity Assessment Scale in the two groups were not significantly different after the fifth extracorporeal shockwave therapy treatment (group 1: 1.13 ± 0.62; group 2: 1.50 ± 0.90, P=0.28), 4 weeks after the fifth radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy treatment (group 1: 1.12 ± 0.66; Group 2: 1.50 ± 0.90, P=0.40), 8 weeks after the fifth radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy treatment (group 1: 1.25 ± 0.68; group 2: 1.50 ± 0.90, P=0.54) and 12 weeks after the fifth radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy treatment (group 1: 1.19 ± 0.75; Group 2: 1.58 ± 0.90, P=0.28).

Conclusions:

The effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on spastic gastrocnemius in children with spastic cerebral palsy is not dependent on session frequency. There has yet to be a recommended guideline and research showing the factors that affect the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on spastic gastrocnemius muscles in children with spastic cerebral palsy.
Recommended best practice in insuring non-surgical aesthetic practitioners
Authors: Sines David , Hooker Eddie
Published: February 2022

Professor David Sines and Eddie Hooker explore the issue of insurance in the aesthetics sector
Job Satisfaction as the Mediator Between a Learning Organization and Organizational Commitment Among Lecturers
Authors: Wang Gui-Xia , Rashid Abdullah Mat
Published: February 2022

The higher educational institution needs a group of dedicated and committed lecturers to endure the institution during these turbulent times. As the organizational commitment reflects the self-identification of an employee with the organization, it has far-reaching implications on multifarious aspects in the organization. This present study investigated whether job satisfaction could mediate the relationship between learning organization and organizational commitment. A total of 452 lecturers from Heilongjiang province in China participated in this study. Structural equation modelling showed that job satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between the dimensions of learning organization and organization, specifically on the effect of continuous learning, connection, and strategic leadership. Job satisfaction is also found to be a stronger predictor of organizational commitment than learning organization. These findings are discussed thoroughly and recommended a holistic plan to be devised that could strengthen learning organization and job satisfaction of lecturers in various aspects of the organization.
Why a New Journal on Regenerative Medicine?
Authors: Moya Daniel
Published: February 2022

Why a New Journal on Regenerative Medicine? “Strange times are these in which we live, when old and young are taught falsehoods in school. And the person that dares to tell the truth is called at once a lunatic and fool.” It sounds current, however, it was stated by Plato almost 2400 years ago. Obviously, the collision between old and new ideas, different points of view, and scientific approaches has always been conflictive. In our times this situation is exacerbated by the enormous generation of information and by the indiscriminate access to it. Educational offer includes scientific societies, universities, predatory editors, industry, and even beginners, who simply by having access to social media become opinion makers. The tenuous limits between scientific information, marketing, and entertainment have their maximum expression in the field of social media. What can we do? The answer also comes from the golden age of Greece: The scientific method. Its basis is the search for truth. The truth cannot be modified by biases. The findings of observation and experimentation should be disseminated. Despite isolated initiatives, there has not been a coordinated effort or an editorial forum dedicated to techniques such as the use of mechanical waves in non-invasive regenerative medicine. That is the reason of this publication. This Journal will also include information on minimally invasive, and invasive techniques as long as they are related to tissue regeneration. Any applied treatment has no value if it is not based on a precise diagnosis, so it will also be of interest to this Journal to include not only therapeutic concepts but also the discussion of the diagnostic criteria and the most commonly used complementary tests. The heart and soul of a publication are the authors. I will be eternally grateful to them for trusting in this project and enthusiastically joining this first issue. The circuit will be completed with readers, their opinion and contribution will be valued. We will develop a section dedicated to this. Interaction with the readers will surely give the publication more dynamics and enrich it. It would have been impossible to make this initiative a reality without the encouragement and trust of Dr. Ashok Shyham Pasi, the technical and scientific contribution of The Indian Orthopedic Research Group, the support of the Ibero Latin American Federation of Shockwaves and Tissue Engineering, and the editing input of Ms. Kajal Mandalia. If we manage to improve the practice of a colleague or benefit the quality of life of a patient anywhere in the world, our mission will be fulfilled. Dr. Daniel Moya, MD
Ultrasound Intervention Techniques in Patellar Tendinopathy: A Review
Authors: Terán Paul German , Lozada Estefania Anabel , Giraldo Juan Felipe
Published: February 2022

Patellar tendinopathy is a very common, yet very difficult pathology to treat. Its’ frequency in elite athletes, especially in jumping sports, can go as high as 14%. Recently it has been suggested that chronic tendinopathy may be an active process of ongoing tendon degeneration bearing close relation with inflammation-mediated responses, the intensity of pain in patellar tendinopathy appears to have a stronger relation with the number of newly formed blood vessels observed on Doppler ultrasound. This article is a descriptive review of the available information which was obtained during a 1-month period (September 2021) and the following search keywords were used: interventional ultrasonography; patellar ligament; tendinopathy. Based on the information obtained, a total of 787 articles were revied, mainly published in the last 10 years in Pubmed, Medline, and SciELO databases; out of these, a total of 15 articles were used as citations. Even though conservative treatment is preferred as a first-line treatment, if, during a 6-month period it fails, then surgical treatment is proposed; however, recovery time is a crucial issue for elite athletes. Treatment by ultrasound-guided interventionism is presented as an effective alternative and allows athletes to return to their regular activities in less time, with optimal results. In the literature there are not many articles that describe the various techniques of ultrasound-guided interventionism for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy, thus, we have carried out this bibliographic review. Keywords: Interventional ultrasonography, Patellar ligament, Tendinopathy.
Case Report: Focused Shock Waves as a Treatment Option in Failed Rotator Cuff Calcification Surgery
Authors: Moya Daniel
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Focused extracorporeal shock wave treatment has emerged as an alternative therapy before invasive procedures when conservative treatment has failed in rotator cuff calcifications. It can also be used when surgery has failed. Case Report: We report a case of failed surgery in which focused shock waves were used for treatment. We applied three sessions of focused electromagnetic waves (Dornier Compact Alpha) with an energy level of 0.20 mJ/mm2, 2000 pulses per sesión, every 2 weeks. The pain gradually disappeared and mobility was regaining. The radiographic control 2 months after the last session showed the total disappearance of the calcification. The end result was the complete disappearance of the symptoms. Conclusion: The effectiveness of shock waves, their non-invasiveness, safety, and cost efficiency justify their use both as an option before an invasive technique and when surgery has failed in the treatment of rotator cuff calcifications. Keywords: Rotator cuff calcifications, Shock waves, Failed surgery.
Condensing optical system design using a light guide–cylindrical hybrid
lens
Authors: An Kyong-Il , Kang Myong-Song , Kim Yong-Chol , Ro Sok-Bong
Published: February 2022

We present a novel lens model, to the best of our knowledge, that
redistributes the light flux from an LED and generates the required
shape of illumination. A cylindrical lens is widely applied as a
condensing optical element in non-imaging optical systems. In this
work, a light guide is introduced into the design of a cylindrical
lens. Different from the universal cylindrical lens, this one is
divided into a light guide surface and a cylindrical surface. The
light guide surface leads rays from an LED to a cylindrical surface,
making it possible to decrease substantially the width of the lens in
comparison with a universal cylindrical lens. That is, the lens model
acts as a light guide to lead light rays in the transversal direction
and acts as a cylindrical lens in the longitudinal direction. This
lens is much easier and more economical to design and manufacture in
comparison with conventional cylindrical surface lenses or freeform
surface lenses used to produce elongated irradiance distribution. The
simulation run by the optical software LightTools shows that the lens
designed in the new method has a much smaller size than the
conventional cylindrical lens, and the uniformity of illumination and
efficiency of energy are also quite good. Results show that the
efficiency of an elongated lighting area reaches 83.3%.
On the surface impedance modeling of metasurfaces composed of graphene-coated spherical nanoparticles
Authors: Hayati Raad Shiva , Atlasbaf Zahra , Monti Alessio , Toscano Alessandro , Bilotti Filiberto
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we discuss the electromagnetic homogenization of graphene-based nanoparticle arrays using the surface impedance approach. For this purpose, we first investigate the contribution of the different harmonics to the equivalent surface impedance of the array. We conclude that the size of the nanoparticles is small compared to the operating wavelength, and the higher-order modes have a negligible impact on the overall response of the array. Then, the accuracy of the homogenization method to describe the macroscopic response of graphene-coated spherical particle arrays is discussed. In particular, it is demonstrated that the surface-impedance modeling provides reliable results when the level of coupling between the nanoparticles is moderate and the model accuracy can be slightly improved by considering the Floquet expansion-based interaction coefficient. Finally, approximate formulas for the array surface impedance, as well as an equivalent circuit model of the metasurface, are extracted.
Observation and control of pseudospin switching in a finite-width topological photonic crystal
Authors: Yang Yuting , Qian Xinyue , Shi Liwei , Shen Xiaopeng , Wang Yifan , Hang Zhi Hong
Published: February 2022

Finite-size effect plays a significant role in topology photonics not to mention in reality all experimental setups are in finite-size. A photonic bandgap is opened in the topological edge state dispersion if a topological photonic crystal with finite width is considered, and the bandgap size relies on the finite-size effect. Pseudospin-preserving and pseudospin-flipping processes can be realized when a selectively switch of the pseudospin of edge states are customized by our designs. Our microwave experiments also successfully demonstrate pseudospin switch-on and -off behaviors in a finite-width photonic crystal. By combining photonic crystals with finite widths, a multi-tunneling proposal of topological photonic crystals can also be achieved. Our study of the finite-size effect will provide new approaches and thoughts to improve the development of topological photonic devices in the future.
Numerical methods for generation and characterization of disordered aperiodic photonic lattices
Authors: Timotijević Dejan V. , Vasiljević Jadranka M. , Jović Savić Dragana M.
Published: February 2022

We introduce numerical modeling of two different methods for the deterministic randomization of two-dimensional aperiodic photonic lattices based on Mathieu beams, optically induced in a photorefractive media. For both methods we compare light transport and localization in such lattices along the propagation, for various disorder strengths. A disorder-enhanced light transport is observed for all disorder strengths. With increasing disorder strength light transport becomes diffusive-like and with further increase of disorder strength the Anderson localization is observed. This trend is more noticeable for longer propagation distances. The influence of input lattice intensity on the localization effects is studied. The difference in light transport between two randomization methods is attributed to various levels of input lattice intensity. We observe more pronounced localization for one of the methods. Localization lengths differ along different directions, due to the crystal and lattice anisotropy. We analyze localization effects comparing uniform and on-site probe beam excitation positions and different probe beam widths.
Advances in integrated ultra-wideband electro-optic modulators [Invited]
Authors: Xu Mengyue , Cai Xinlun
Published: February 2022

Increasing data traffic and bandwidth-hungry applications require electro-optic modulators with ultra-wide modulation bandwidth for cost-efficient optical networks. Thus far, integrated solutions have emerged to provide high bandwidth and low energy consumption in compact sizes. Here, we review the design guidelines and delicate structures for higher bandwidth, applying them to lumped-element and traveling-wave electrodes. Additionally, we focus on candidate material platforms with the potential for ultra-wideband optical systems. By comparing the superiority and mechanism limitations of different integrated modulators, we design a future roadmap based on the recent advances.
Impact of compression grating phase modulations on beam over-intensities and downstream optics on PETAL facility
Authors: Le Camus Arthur , Coic Hervé , Blanchot Nathalie , Bouillet Stéphane , Lavastre Eric , Mangeant Mélanie , Rouyer Claude , Néauport Jérôme
Published: February 2022

Chirped pulse amplification has been widely implemented in high power laser chains. It consists of a set of diffraction gratings used to stretch and compress short laser pulses. In the case of high power laser chains, the compression stage is followed by the transport mirror in order to carry the laser beam to its final target. In such laser chains, laser beams propagate over a complex set of optical components and understanding the propagation of phase noise turns out to be of crucial importance. Phase modulation can induce laser damage on the final optical components. Here, we study the impact of phase modulation induced by the different diffraction gratings of the Petawatt Aquitaine Laser (PETAL) compressor on the downstream over-intensities, in particular on the transport mirror. This work allows us to quantify the impact of phase modulation for every single grating element in the compression stage, and to estimate the quantity of laser induced damage sites on transport optics for a specific laser shot.