bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of concurrent training sequence on VO2max and lower limb strength performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Jiuxiang , Yu Liang
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training sequences on VO2max and lower limb strength performance to provide scientific guidance for training practice. We searched PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science (WOS), Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to December 2022. The included articles were randomized controlled trials that allowed us to compare the strength–endurance (S-E) sequence and endurance–strength (E-S) sequence on VO2max, maximum knee extension strength, maximum knee flexion strength, and lower limb power. The Cochrane bias risk tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature, and Stata 12.0 was used for the heterogeneity test, subgroup analysis, draw forest map, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias evaluation. The results have been presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) between treatments with 95% confidence intervals and calculations performed using random effects models. Significance was accepted when p < 0.05. The studies included 19 randomized controlled trials (285 males and 197 females), 242 subjects in S-E sequence, and 240 subjects in E-S sequence in the analyses. No difference changes between S-E and E-S sequences has been observed on VO2max in the overall analysis (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI: −0.21–0.25, p = 0.859). The S-E sequence shows a greater increase in lower limb strength performance than does the E-S sequence (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.02–0.37, p = 0.032), which was manifested in the elderly (p = 0.039) and women (p = 0.017); in training periods >8 weeks (p = 0.002) and training frequencies twice a week (p = 0.003); and with maximum knee flexion (p = 0.040) and knee extension strength (p = 0.026), while no difference was found in lower limb power (p = 0.523). In conclusion, the effect of VO2max will not change with different concurrent training sequences. The S-E sequence improves lower limb strength more significantly, mainly in the improvement of knee flexion and knee extension. This advantage is more related to factors such as age, gender, training period, and training frequency.
The effects of Tai Chi on physical function and safety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Wang Qiang , Wen Guowei , Wu Junhao , Wang Yiru
Published: January 2023

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of joints, connective tissues, muscle, tendons and fibrous tissue. Until now, there are no cure therapies.

Objective: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi (TC) on RA patients by meta-analysis.

Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing TC to control conditions for RA patients. Review Manager (Version 5.3) software was used to analyze outcomes of time to walk 50 feet, joint tenderness, number of swollen joints or tender joints, handgrip strength, pain, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and withdraws overall.

Results: A total of 351 patients with RA from six RCTs and three CCTs were included for meta-analysis. TC could also significantly decrease withdrawals overall in studies (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.67, p = 0.002). No significant treatment effects of physical function were identified of the other outcomes.

Conclusion: Our findings indicated that TC was safe to RA patients, but it cannot improve physical function and pain. However, there is still lack of more evidence.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=367498], identifier [CRD42022367498].
Collagen supplementation augments changes in patellar tendon properties in female soccer players
Authors: Lee Joonsung , Bridge Josh E. , Clark David R. , Stewart Claire E. , Erskine Robert M.
Published: January 2023

We investigated the effect of collagen hydrolysate supplementation on changes in patellar tendon (PT) properties after 10 weeks’ training in female soccer players from a Football Association Women’s Super League Under 21 s squad. We pair-matched n = 17 players (age: 17 ± 0.9 years; height: 1.66 ± 0.06 m; mass: 58.8 ± 8.1 kg) for baseline knee extension (KE) maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) torque, age, height, and body mass, and randomly assigned them to collagen (COL) or placebo (PLA) groups (COL n = 8, PLA n = 9). Participants consumed 30 g collagen hydrolysate supplementation or energy-matched PLA (36.5 g maltodextrin, 8.4 g fructose) and plus both groups consumed 500 mg vitamin C, after each training session, which comprised bodyweight strength-, plyometric- and/or pitch-based exercise 3 days/week for 10 weeks in-season. We assessed KE MIVC torque, vastus lateralis muscle thickness and PT properties using isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography before and after 10 weeks’ soccer training. KE MIVC torque, muscle thickness and tendon cross-sectional area did not change after training in either group. However, COL increased PT stiffness [COL, +18.0 ± 12.2% (d = 1.11) vs. PLA, +5.1 ± 10.4% (d = 0.23), p = 0.049] and Young’s modulus [COL, +17.3 ± 11.9% (d = 1.21) vs. PLA, +4.8 ± 10.3% (d = 0.23), p = 0.035] more than PLA. Thus, 10 weeks’ in-season soccer training with COL increased PT mechanical and material properties more than soccer training alone in high-level female soccer players. Future studies should investigate if collagen hydrolysate supplementation can improve specific aspects of female soccer performance requiring rapid transference of force, and if it can help mitigate injury risk in this under-researched population.
Detection of sarcopenia using deep learning-based artificial intelligence body part measure system (AIBMS)
Authors: Gu Shangzhi , Wang Lixue , Han Rong , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Yizhe , Chen Ting , Zheng Zhuozhao
Published: January 2023

Background: Sarcopenia is an aging syndrome that increases the risks of various adverse outcomes, including falls, fractures, physical disability, and death. Sarcopenia can be diagnosed through medical images-based body part analysis, which requires laborious and time-consuming outlining of irregular contours of abdominal body parts. Therefore, it is critical to develop an efficient computational method for automatically segmenting body parts and predicting diseases.

Methods: In this study, we designed an Artificial Intelligence Body Part Measure System (AIBMS) based on deep learning to automate body parts segmentation from abdominal CT scans and quantification of body part areas and volumes. The system was developed using three network models, including SEG-NET, U-NET, and Attention U-NET, and trained on abdominal CT plain scan data.

Results: This segmentation model was evaluated using multi-device developmental and independent test datasets and demonstrated a high level of accuracy with over 0.9 DSC score in segment body parts. Based on the characteristics of the three network models, we gave recommendations for the appropriate model selection in various clinical scenarios. We constructed a sarcopenia classification model based on cutoff values (Auto SMI model), which demonstrated high accuracy in predicting sarcopenia with an AUC of 0.874. We used Youden index to optimize the Auto SMI model and found a better threshold of 40.69.

Conclusion: We developed an AI system to segment body parts in abdominal CT images and constructed a model based on cutoff value to achieve the prediction of sarcopenia with high accuracy.
Insights into lipid metabolism and immune-inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia
Authors: Jiang Li , Wei Wei , Kang Sheng , Li Xiao-Lin , Luo Yu
Published: January 2023

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a rare finding that is associated with poor clinical outcomes (Kawsara et al. 2018), and disorders in lipid metabolism have been reported in CAE. Lipids constitute one of the three metabolite types that regulate bodily functions and are also powerful signaling molecules (Han 2016; Zhu et al. 2021) that affect immunoregulation and inflammatory responses via a series of transcription factors and signaling pathways (Barrera et al. 2013). Although abnormal lipid metabolism and immunoinflammatory responses have been reported in CAE, their roles in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying CAE are currently unclear.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure in relation to the kidneys: A review of current available literature
Authors: Liu Dongge , Yan Shuqi , Wang Pingwei , Chen Qianqian , Liu Yanping , Cui Jiajing , Liang Yujun , Ren Shuping , Gao Ying
Published: January 2023

Perfluorooctanoic acid is an artificial and non-degradable chemical. It is widely used due to its stable nature. It can enter the human body through food, drinking water, inhalation of household dust and contact with products containing perfluorooctanoic acid. It accumulates in the human body, causing potential harmful effects on human health. Based on the biodegradability and bioaccumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid in the human body, there are increasing concerns about the adverse effects of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure on kidneys. Research shows that kidney is the main accumulation organ of Perfluorooctanoic acid, and Perfluorooctanoic acid can cause nephrotoxicity and produce adverse effects on kidney function, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. In this review, we summarize the relationship between Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and kidney health, evaluate risks more clearly, and provide a theoretical basis for subsequent research.
Marker-trait association analyses revealed major novel QTLs for grain yield and related traits in durum wheat
Authors: Mulugeta Behailu , Tesfaye Kassahun , Ortiz Rodomiro , Johansson Eva , Hailesilassie Teklehaimanot , Hammenhag Cecilia , Hailu Faris , Geleta Mulatu
Published: January 2023

The growing global demand for wheat for food is rising due to the influence of population growth and climate change. The dissection of complex traits by employing a genome-wide association study (GWAS) allows the identification of DNA markers associated with complex traits to improve the productivity of crops. We used GWAS with 10,045 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to search for genomic regions associated with grain yield and related traits based on diverse panels of Ethiopian durum wheat. In Ethiopia, multi-environment trials of the genotypes were carried out at five locations. The genotyping was conducted using the 25k Illumina Wheat SNP array to explore population structure, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and marker-trait associations (MTAs). For GWAS, the multi-locus Fixed and Random Model Circulating Probability Unification (FarmCPU) model was applied. Broad-sense heritability estimates were high, ranging from 0.63 (for grain yield) to 0.97 (for thousand-kernel weight). The population structure based on principal component analysis, and model-based cluster analysis revealed two genetically distinct clusters with limited admixtures. The LD among SNPs declined within the range of 2.02–10.04 Mbp with an average of 4.28 Mbp. The GWAS scan based on the mean performance of the genotypes across the environments identified 44 significant MTAs across the chromosomes. Twenty-six of these MTAs are novel, whereas the remaining 18 were previously reported and confirmed in this study. We also identified candidate genes for the novel loci potentially regulating the traits. Hence, this study highlights the significance of the Ethiopian durum wheat gene pool for improving durum wheat globally. Furthermore, a breeding strategy focusing on accumulating favorable alleles at these loci could improve durum wheat production in the East African highlands and elsewhere.
Developing broad-spectrum resistance in cassava against viruses causing the cassava mosaic and the cassava brown streak diseases
Authors: Sheat Samar , Winter Stephan
Published: January 2023

Growing cassava in Africa requires resistance against the viruses causing cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and the viruses causing cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). A dominant CMD2 resistance gene from a West African cassava landrace provides strong resistance against the cassava mosaic viruses. However, resistance against cassava brown streak viruses is limited to cassava varieties that show tolerance to the disease. A recently identified cassava germplasm that cannot be infected with cassava brown streak viruses provides a new source of the resistance required to protect cassava from CBSD. We present a synopsis of the status of virus resistance in cassava and report on the research to combine resistance against CBSD and CMD. We improve the lengthy and erratic screening for CBSD resistance by proposing a virus infection and screening protocol for the viruses causing CBSD and CMD, which allows a rapid and precise assessment of cassava resistance under controlled conditions. Using this approach, we classified the virus responses of cassava lines from Africa and South America and identified truly virus-resistant clones that cannot be infected with any of the known viruses causing CBSD even under the most stringent virus infections. A modification of this protocol was used to test seedlings from cassava crosses for resistance against both diseases. A broad-spectrum resistance was identified in a workflow that lasted 9 months from seed germination to the identification of virus resistance. The workflow we propose dramatically reduces the evaluation and selection time required in a classical breeding workflow to reach the advanced field trial stage in only 9 months by conducting selections for virus resistance and plant multiplication in parallel. However, it does not bypass field evaluations; cassava resistance assessment prior to the field limits the evaluation to candidates with virus resistance defined as the absence of symptoms and the absence of the virus. The transfer of our virus screening workflow to cassava breeding programs enhances the efficiency by which resistance against viruses can be selected. It provides a precise definition of the plant’s resistance response and can be used as a model system to tackle resistance in cassava against other diseases.
Elevated CO2 and temperature under future climate change increase severity of rice sheath blight
Authors: Shen Min , Cai Chuang , Song Lian , Qiu Jiangbo , Ma Chuanqi , Wang Dongming , Gu Xinyue , Yang Xiong , Wei Wei , Tao Ye , Zhang Jishuang , Liu Gang , Zhu Chunwu
Published: January 2023

Sheath blight (ShB), caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the major threats to rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. However, it is not clear how the risk of rice ShB will respond to elevated CO2 and temperature under future climate change. Here, we conducted, field experiments of inoculated R. solani under combinations of two CO2 levels (ambient and enriched up to 590 μmol mol-1) and two temperature levels (ambient and increased by 2.0°C) in temperature by free-air CO2 enrichment (T-FACE) system for two cultivars (a susceptible cultivar, Lemont and a resistant cultivar, YSBR1). Results indicate that for the inoculation of plants with R. solani, the vertical length of ShB lesions for cv. Lemont was significantly longer than that for cv. YSBR1 under four CO2 and temperature treatments. The vertical length of ShB lesions was significantly increased by elevated temperature, but not by elevated CO2, for both cultivars. The vertical length of ShB lesions under the combination of elevated CO2 and elevated temperature was increased by 21–38% for cv. Lemont and by -1–6% for cv. YSBR1. A significant increase in MDA level was related to a significant increase in the vertical length of ShB lesions under the combination of elevated CO2 and elevated temperature. Elevated CO2 could not compensate for the negative effect of elevated temperature on yield of both cultivars under future climate change. Rice yield and biomass were further decreased by 2.0–2.5% and 2.9–4.2% by an increase in the severity of ShB under the combination of elevated CO2 and elevated temperature. Thus, reasonable agronomic management practices are required to improve both resistance to ShB disease and grain yield for rice under future climate change.
Decolonizing ethnography and Tribes in India: Toward an alternative methodology
Authors: Tripura Biswaranjan
Published: January 2023

This article unravels the many ways of doing ethnography within the area of Tribal studies in India. Historically (methodologically), studies concerning Tribes in India were dominated by colonial ethnographers and explorers. Subsequently, in post-colonial India, such studies became the field of a dominant male caste. From a similar perspective of dominance, these studies on Tribes in India viewed them as either backward or from the point of view that “civilization” could be achieved only through bringing them into the mainstream. Scholars who followed such frames of reference failed to reflect on their own dominant social positions in engaging in research projects with their Tribal subjects. Moreover, some of them even stated to have been inspired by the studies of Malinowski, whose methodology is considered to be uncritical, non-sensitive, and non-reflexive, especially while relating to Tribal studies. The Tribal people in India, therefore, continued to be framed within such a dominant caste perspective, without the slightest effort to treat them as non-caste societies or as equals within caste societies. Methodologically, by positioning myself against such frames of reference while engaging in research within the context of Tribes in India, I draw my research frameworks from those of indigenous methodologies to explore the possibilities of decolonizing ethnography by recognizing many ways of doing. Empirically, I base my engagement with a specific Tribal group (Tripura Tribe) in Tripura, Northeast India. As an indigenous community within the Indian state of Tripura, Tripura people's epistemology/worldviews differ from that of the majoritarian Savarna caste society. With an intent to decolonize ethnography from an indigenous context, in this article, I demonstrate the many ways of doing ethnography by innovatively engaging with three related methods, namely, the conversational method, engaged observation, and sitting around the fire. This article argues that for any researcher, when engaging in research within the context of Tribes, the methods and frame of reference employed must be congruent with indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing. Furthermore, it also insists that critical reflexivity, responsibility, and sensitivity are keys to Tribal studies in India.
Thinking without knowing: Psychological and behavioral consequences of unjustified confidence regarding blackjack strategy
Authors: Stone Eric R. , Parker Andrew M. , Hanks Ashley Rittmayer , Swiston Robert C.
Published: January 2023

In two studies, we explored potential psychological and behavioral consequences of unjustified confidence, including outcome expectations, anxiety, risk taking, and information search and consideration. Study 1 employed an individual-differences approach to examine how participants’ confidence regarding their knowledge of blackjack strategy, controlling for their actual knowledge, correlated with these hypothesized psychological and behavioral variables. Study 2 manipulated participants’ confidence levels to examine these effects. Across the two studies, greater unjustified confidence led to larger bets (a measure of risk taking) and reduced use of hints designed to improve play (information search and consideration). Unjustified confidence also increased participants’ outcome expectations and lowered anxiety levels. Implications of these findings, such as for educational interventions, are discussed.
The consequences of face-threatening feedback on innovators’ psychological safety, affect, and willingness to engage in future innovation projects
Authors: Daly John A. , Sætre Alf Steinar
Published: January 2023

While there is substantial research on how firms successfully end project initiatives deemed unsuitable for them very few studies focus on how leaders and managers communicate termination messages. Drawing from politeness theory and organizational support theory we explore the impact termination messages varying in face sensitivity have on innovators’ feelings of psychological safety, affect, and their willingness to continue to innovate We find that face-threatening messages significantly and negatively affect innovators’ psychological safety, affect, and willingness to further innovate. The negative effects are amplified when innovators feel high commitment to their projects.
Effects of dyadic-based physical activity intervention on cancer-related fatigue among cancer survivors: A scoping review
Authors: Song Dongyu , Liu Yuzhou , Lai Claudia K. Y. , Li Yuli
Published: January 2023

Objective

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common adverse reactions to cancer survivors, which has a significant impact on the daily life. As a traumatic event, cancer not only brings great physical and mental harm to patients, but also poses a threat to the physical and psychological health of caregivers. Current studies have shown that physical activity improves cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors. And studies have suggested that dyadic interventions are more effective in improving patient outcomes and may also provide some benefits to caregivers. But the literature on the effects of dyadic-based physical activity on improving cancer-related fatigue has not been synthesized. This scoping review described the scope and impact of studies on cancer-related fatigue with dyadic-based physical activity interventions.

Methods

Six databases which is PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL and Medline were searched for all studies of dyadic-based physical activity interventions with outcome measures including cancer-related fatigue published since the inception of the databases through May 2022. The search strategy was developed based on PICO principles.

Results

This article includes 6 pre and post-test designs and 2 randomized controlled trial design. The majority of participants were survivors with breast and lung cancer. The overall results showed that the effectiveness of dyadic-based physical activity interventions in improving cancer-related fatigue was unsatisfactory.

Conclusions

This scoping review suggests that current dyadic-based physical activity interventions are not well-researched among cancer survivors. In the future, more high-quality studies with more sophisticated and rigorous interventions are needed.
Talk of the Town mobile app platform: New method for engaging family in STEM learning and research in homes and communities
Authors: Kominsky Jonathan F. , Bascandziev Igor , Shafto Patrick , Bonawitz Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Children do not just learn in the classroom. They engage in “informal learning” every day just by spending time with their family and peers. However, while researchers know this occurs, less is known about the science of this learning—how this learning works. This is so because investigators lack access to those moments of informal learning. In this mini-review we present a technical solution: a mobile-based research platform called “Talk of the Town” that will provide a window into children’s informal learning. The tool will be open to all researchers and educators and is flexibly adaptable to these needs. It allows access to data that have never been studied before, providing a means for developing and testing vast educational interventions, and providing access to much more diverse samples than are typically studied in laboratories, homes, and science museums. The review details the promise and challenges associated with these new methods of data collection and family engagement in STEM learning sciences.
Developing fit-for-purpose funding models for rural settings: Lessons from the evaluation of a step-up/step-down service in regional Australia
Authors: Coleman Mathew , Cuesta-Briand Beatriz , Ngo Hanh , Bass Rachel , Mills-Edward Naomi , Ennals Priscilla
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Sub-acute mental health community services provide a bridging service between hospital and community care. There is limited understanding of the local factors that influence success, and of the funding implications of delivering services in rural areas.

Methods

This paper draws from quantitative and qualitative evaluation data from a regional Western Australian service to explore these issues.

Results

Consumers satisfaction with the service was high and, overall, admission to the service resulted in positive outcomes. High re-admission rates may be linked to limited community support services following discharge.

Discussion

Our results suggest that outcomes may be enhanced by implementing flexible approaches that address the resource limitations of the rural context, and that the current funding model for sub-acute mental health services in rural Australian may not be fit for purpose. More needs to be understood about how these services can be better integrated with existing support services, and how they can be better funded.
Differentiating people with schizophrenia from healthy controls in a developing Country: An evaluation of portable functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as an adjunct diagnostic tool
Authors: Tran Bach Xuan , Nguyen Tham Thi , Boyer Laurent , Fond Guillaume , Auquier Pascal , Nguyen Hao Si Anh , Tran Ha Thi Nhi , Nguyen Hung Manh , Choi Jongkwan , Le Huong Thi , Latkin Carl A. , Nathan Kalpana Isabel , Husain Syeda F. , McIntyre Roger S. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Zhang Melvyn W. B. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device as an adjunct diagnostic tool in Vietnam to assess hemodynamics when people with schizophrenia and healthy controls performed cognitive tasks.

Methods

One hundred fifty-seven participants were divided into schizophrenia (n = 110) and healthy controls group (n = 47), which were recruited by match of age, and gender. Hemodynamic responses in the frontal cortex were monitored with a 48-channel portable device during the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT) and Verbal Fluency Test (VFT). General linear model compared the differences in oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) levels between the two groups. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) graph was generated for each neuroanatomical area.

Results

People with schizophrenia did not show significant activation in the frontal lobe during the SCWT and VFT as compared to pre-task. During the VFT, the area under the ROC curve of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral orbitofrontal cortex, bilateral frontopolar prefrontal cortex, and bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex were greater than 0.7 (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the right orbitofrontal cortex was maximal during the VFT (AUC = 0.802, 95%CI = 0.731–0.872). The Youden’s index reached a peak (0.57) at the optimal cut-point value (HbO2 cutoff <0.209 μmol/ml for schizophrenia) in which the sensitivity was 85%; specificity was 72%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.88; negative predictive value (NPV) was 0.68 and correct classification rate was 76%.

Discussion

Assessing hemodynamics during VFT by portable fNIRS offers the potential as an adjunct diagnostic tool for schizophrenia in developing countries.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of capecitabine maintenance therapy plus best supportive care vs. best supportive care alone as first-line treatment of newly diagnosed metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Han Jiaqi , Lan Xiaomeng , Tian Kun , Shen Xi , He Jinlan , Chen Nianyong
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Maintenance therapy with capecitabine after induction chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) has been confirmed to be effective. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of capecitabine as maintenance therapy for patients with mNPC from the Chinese payers' perspective.

Methods

Markov model was conducted to simulate the disease progress and evaluated the economic and health outcomes of capecitabine maintenance plus best-supported care (CBSC) or best-supported care (BSC) alone for patients with mNPC. Survival data were derived from the NCT02460419 clinical trial. Costs and utilities were obtained from the standard fee database and published literature. Measured outcomes were total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), life-years (LYs), incremental cost-utility ratios (ICURs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), incremental net monetary benefit (INMB), and incremental net-health benefit (INHB). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess model robustness. Additional subgroup cost-effectiveness analyses were accomplished.

Results

Throughout the course of the disease, the CBSC group provide an incremental cost of $9 734 and additional 1.16 QALYs (1.56 LYs) compared with the BSC group, resulting in an ICUR of $8 391/QALY and ICER of $6 240/LY. Moreover, the INHB was 0.89 QALYs, and the INMB was $32 034 at the willingness-to-pay threshold of $36 007/QALY. Subgroup analyses revealed that CBSC presented a positive trend of gaining an INHB in all subgroups compared with the BSC group. The results of sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our model.

Conclusion

Compared with BSC, after induction chemotherapy, CBSC as a first-line treatment was cost-effective for newly diagnosed mNPC. These results suggest capecitabine maintenance therapy after induction chemotherapy as a new option for patients with newly diagnosed mNPC.
Effects of smoking on the severity and transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis: A hospital-based case control study
Authors: Feng Yanmei , Xu Yue , Yang Yuan , Yi Guangzhao , Su Huan , Chen Hong , Guo Rui , Jia Jinwei , Wang Pu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

There is a high incidence of both smoking and tuberculosis (TB) in China. This study examined the risk factors for severe pulmonary TB (PTB) and positive tubercle bacilli in sputum.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case-control study in a tertiary hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 (n = 917). The clinical and biological characteristics of patients were collected, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with smoking in terms of the severity and transmission of PTB.

Results

Positive tubercle bacilli in sputum and severe PTB were much higher in smoking patients. Together with nutrition status, heavy smoking exhibited a 284% greater risk in severe PTB. Positive tubercle bacilli in sputum was significantly associated with hypoproteinemia and smoking regardless of the status, duration, and degree.

Conclusion

Because cigarette smoking was strongly and inversely associated with hypoproteinemia, we conclude that smoking plays a critical role in the severity and transmission of PTB. Smoking cessation interventions should be employed to prevent severe PTB and decrease the transmission of PTB.
Study on the evolutionary game of the three parties in the combined medical and health-care PPP project
Authors: Zhang Min , Yao Ping
Published: January 2023

In the context of ageing, the combination of medical and health-care has become a major trend, and the introduction of the PPP model into combined medical and healthcare projects can solve the problem of lack of funds for the development of combined medical and health-care projects. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs a three-party evolutionary game model to study the strategy choice of each party in the game process, and also analyses the evolutionary equilibrium strategy and the impact of parameter adjustment on the evolutionary strategy under different situations. The results show that the optimal solution is for the private sector to choose to provide high quality services, for the government to choose to actively regulate and for the public to choose to actively monitor. For each player, the incentives and disincentives influence their behavioural strategies. Based on the above analysis, this paper suggests establishing an independent regulator, broadening public feedback channels, and improving PPP-related laws, as well as innovating project operation methods and improving enterprise operational capabilities.
Analysis of spatial and temporal characteristics of carbon emission efficiency of pig farming and the influencing factors in China
Authors: Guo Hongpeng , Li Shi , Pan Chulin , Xu Shuang , Lei Qingyong
Published: January 2023

Pig farming has been a crucial contribution to China's food security although intestinal fermentation and its excrement during pig breeding are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, we measured the carbon emission efficiency of pig farming in 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) from 2010 to 2020 by using the non-expected output Slack-Based Measure (SBM) model and analyzed the spatial characteristics of the carbon emission efficiency of pig farming in China. We also examined and analyzed the factors influencing the carbon emission efficiency of pig farming by using the limited dependent variable model (Tobit). The results show that: the carbon emission efficiency of pig farming in China shows an M-shaped upward trend over time by comparing the carbon emission efficiency longitudinally during the study period and the carbon emission efficiency of pig farming shows a decreasing trend in the east, central and west regions of China by comparing the carbon emission efficiency of different regions horizontally. It's also shown that regions with low- and extremely-low-efficiency transfer from the east to the central and west regions and the central and regions with high-efficiency transfer to the east. The regression analysis of the factors influencing the carbon emission efficiency of pig breeding shows that the comparative advantage of the pig industry and transportation accessibility is positively correlated with the carbon emission efficiency of pig breeding, whereas the proportion of food resources and market scale is negatively correlated with the carbon emission efficiency of pig breeding. At the same time, the production layout index has no significant influence on the carbon emission efficiency of pig breeding. The research results provide a theoretical basis for regional differentiation of carbon emission management from pig farming, optimizing the layout of the pig industry and reducing environmental pollution.
Effect of atropine 0.01% on myopia control in children aged 6–13 years during the 2022 lockdown in Shanghai
Authors: Yu Manrong , Jiang Lingli , Chen Minjie
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To compare the myopic progression in children treated with 0. 01% atropine and those who discontinued atropine during the 2022-home quarantine in Shanghai.

Methods

In this retrospective study, children aged 6–13 years with follow-up visits before (between January 2022 and February 2022) and after the lockdown (between July 2022 and August 2022) were included. Cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL) were measured at both visits. The atropine group had continuous medication during the lockdown while the control group discontinued. The 0.01% atropine eyedrops were administered daily before bedtime. The types of spectacle lens were recorded: single vision (SV) spectacles or defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses (DIMS).

Results

In total, 41 children (81 eyes) in the atropine group and 32 children (64 eyes) in the control group were enrolled. No significant difference was found in the demographic characteristics, spherical diopter, spherical equivalent (SE), AL, and follow-up time between the two groups before the lockdown in 2022 (all p > 0.1). After the home confinement, a greater myopia progression was observed in the control group (−0.46 ± 0.42 D) compared to atropine group (−0.26 ± 0.37 D; p = 0.0023). Axial elongation was also longer in the control group than that in children sustained with atropine (0.21 ± 0.17 vs. 0.13 ± 0.15 mm, p = 0.0035). Moreover, there was no significant change of spherical diopter and SE during lockdown in the atropine + DIMS combined subgroup (0.03 ± 0.033 D for spherical diopter, p = 0.7261 and 0.08 ± 0.27 D for SE, p = 0.2042, respectively). However, significant myopic shift was observed in the atropine + SV subgroup during the quarantine time (−0.31 ± 0.39 D for SE and 0.15 ± 0.16 mm for AL, both p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Children treated with 0.01% atropine had slower myopia progression during the lockdown period in Shanghai compared with children discontinued. Moreover, the effect of atropine on myopic prevention can be strengthened with DIMS lenses.
Implementing functional electrical stimulation clinical practice guidelines to support mobility: A stakeholder consultation
Authors: Brown Lisa , Street Tamsyn , Adonis Adine , Johnston Therese E. , Ferrante Simona , Burridge Jane H. , Bulley Catherine
Published: January 2023

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has been used to support mobility for people with upper motor neuron conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis for over 25 years. Recent development and publication of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide evidence to guide clinical decision making for application of FES to improve mobility. Understanding key barriers to the implementation of these CPGs is a critical initial step necessary to create tailored knowledge translation strategies. A public involvement and engagement consultation was conducted with international stakeholders including researchers, clinicians and engineers working with FES to inform implementation strategies for CPG use internationally. Reflexive thematic analysis of the consultation transcripts revealed themes including inconsistent use of CPGs, barriers to implementation such as limited access to FES and low clinician confidence, and the need for a tiered education approach with ongoing support. Insights derived from this consultation will inform the development of knowledge translation strategies to support the next steps to implementing FES use for mobility.
Telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, what are the determinants of satisfaction for chronic diseases? a retrospective study
Authors: Roy Anne laure , Duruflé Aurélie , Piette Patrice , Fraudet Bastien , Lofficial Vincent , Gallien Philippe
Published: January 2023

Background

During the Covid-19 health crisis, telerehabilitation provided a solution to ensure the continuity of care. Since then, it has been offered as an alternative to face-to-face rehabilitation in chronic conditions. Data measuring satisfaction are essential to adapt and increase the effectiveness of this type of programme.

Aim and scope

This research focused on determining the most significant determinants of participant satisfaction in a telerehabilitation programme.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study by analysing the satisfaction questionnaire used from the start of the programme.

Result

Two hundred and ten (210) participants completed the programme; 180 questionnaires were filled in and 175 analyzed of which 70 with chronic low back pain (CLBP), 59 for multiple sclerosis (MS) and 22 with parkinson's disease (PD). Satisfaction was high for all participants (scoring out of 10, mean = 8.22 sd = 1.53), but the determinants reported for the three main conditions involved in the programme differed. Main determinant was “benefice” for CLBP (p = 1.23e-05), “home exercises adapted” for MS (p = 0.000679) and “interest in staying at home” for PD (p = 1.84e-05).

Conclusion

Depending on the context of the condition/disease, the drivers of satisfaction were not identical. Knowledge of these determinants will allow us to further improve the programme. However, some unresolved questions remain regarding the place of therapists, their role and the skills required for a successful telerehabilitation programme. Further studies are required to understand the impact.
Energetic optimization of an autonomous mobile socially assistive robot for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Fuentes-Alvarez Ruben , Morfin-Santana Alejandro , Ibañez Karlo , Chairez Isaac , Salazar Sergio
Published: January 2023

The usage of socially assistive robots for autism therapies has increased in recent years. This novel therapeutic tool allows the specialist to keep track of the improvement in socially assistive tasks for autistic children, who hypothetically prefer object-based over human interactions. These kinds of tools also allow the collection of new information to early diagnose neurodevelopment disabilities. This work presents the integration of an output feedback adaptive controller for trajectory tracking and energetic autonomy of a mobile socially assistive robot for autism spectrum disorder under an event-driven control scheme. The proposed implementation integrates facial expression and emotion recognition algorithms to detect the emotions and identities of users (providing robustness to the algorithm since it automatically generates the missing input parameters, which allows it to complete the recognition) to detonate a set of adequate trajectories. The algorithmic implementation for the proposed socially assistive robot is presented and implemented in the Linux-based Robot Operating System. It is considered that the optimization of energetic consumption of the proposal is the main contribution of this work, as it will allow therapists to extend and adapt sessions with autistic children. The experiment that validates the energetic optimization of the proposed integration of an event-driven control scheme is presented.
Changes in nerve growth factor signaling in female mice with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis
Authors: Hsiang Harrison W. , Girard Beatrice M. , Vizzard Margaret A.
Published: January 2023

IC/BPS is a chronic inflammatory pelvic pain syndrome characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms including unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, or discomfort) in the suprapubic or bladder area, as well as increased urinary frequency and urgency, and decreased bladder capacity. While its etiology remains unknown, increasing evidence suggests a role for changes in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling. However, NGF signaling is complex and highly context dependent. NGF activates two receptors, TrkA and p75NTR, which activate distinct but overlapping signaling cascades. Dependent on their coexpression, p75NTR facilitates TrkA actions. Here, we show effects of CYP treatment and pharmacological inhibition of p75NTR (via LM11A-31) and TrkA (ARRY-954) on NGF signaling–related proteins: NGF, TrkA, phosphorylated (p)-TrkA, p75NTR, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK. Cystitis conditions were associated with increased urothelial NGF expression and decreased TrkA and p75NTR expression as well as altering their co-expression ratio; phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK were also altered. Both TrkA and p75NTR inhibition affected the activation of signaling pathways downstream of TrkA, supporting the hypothesis that NGF actions during cystitis are primarily TrkA-mediated. Our findings, in tandem with our recent companion paper demonstrating the effects of TrkA, TrkB, and p75NTR inhibition on bladder function in a mouse model of cystitis, highlight a variety of potent therapeutic targets and provide further insight into the involvement of NGF signaling in sustained conditions of bladder inflammation.
Willing to have, willing to help, or ready to own—Determinants of variants of stewardship social practices around Blue-Green Infrastructure in dense urban communities
Authors: Lamond Jessica , Everett Glyn
Published: January 2023

Introduction

There is increasing acceptance of the desirability of involving communities in stewardship activities around urban blue-green infrastructure (BGI) to generate acceptance, reduce vandalism and decrease the maintenance burden on authorities. However, little is yet known about the willingness of communities to engage in such stewardship, or the drivers to participate in activities.

Methods

This research adopted a practice lens and firstly defined three variants of BGI stewardship associated with passive acceptance, active care for and ownership of BGI. Secondly, the research conceptualized these practices within a complex of pro-environmental practices communities could perform. Through a face-to-face household survey in a dense UK urban area, the research sought to identify the prevalence of these variants of practice, their associations with other pro-environmental practices and the meanings, resources and competencies that drive a household's willingness to engage.

Results

The research found different willingness for the three variants with passive most popular and ownership least. Meanings associated with BGI stewardship practice appeared to differ in crucial respects from other pro-environmental practices and were most associated with water-management rather than climate concern, however some place-based motivations were also involved. Practical resource and competency considerations also affected willingness to perform active stewardship and ownership variants.

Discussion

The research concluded that promoting the water-management aspects of BGI for all variants, along with facilitation of engagement with more active variants, could increase interest in BGI stewardship participation.
Thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusion stroke: Combined vs. single-device techniques - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Loh Enver De Wei , Kwok Gabriel Yi Ren , Toh Keith Zhi Xian , Koh Ming Yi , Teo Yao Hao , Teo Yao Neng , Chan Bernard P. L. , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Ng Megan Bi-Jia , Lim Hui Shi , Soon Betsy , Gopinathan Anil , Yang Cunli , Sia Ching-Hui , Bhogal Pervinder , Brouwer Patrick A. , Meyer Lukas , Fiehler Jens , Andersson Tommy , Tan Benjamin Y. Q. , Yeo Leonard L. L.
Published: January 2023

Background

The optimal mechanical thrombectomy technique for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) caused by distal, medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) is uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety of first-line thrombectomy with combined techniques, which entail simultaneous use of a stent retriever and aspiration catheter, vs. single-device techniques, whether stent retriever or direct aspiration alone, for DMVO-AIS patients.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL databases from inception until 2 September 2022 for studies comparing combined and single-device techniques in DMVO-AIS patients. We adopted the Distal Thrombectomy Summit Group's definition of DMVO. Our outcomes were the modified first-pass effect [mFPE; modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3 at first-pass], first-pass effect (FPE; mTICI 2c-3 at first-pass), successful and complete final reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3 and 2c-3 at end of all procedures, respectively), 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin scale 0-2), 90-day mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Results

Nine studies were included, with 477 patients receiving combined techniques, and 670 patients receiving single-device thrombectomy. Combined techniques achieved significantly higher odds of mFPE [odds ratio (OR), 2.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–4.02; p = 0.021] and FPE (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.97–6.38; p < 0.001), with lower odds of sICH (OR, 0.23; 95% CI 0.06–0.93; p = 0.040). There were no significant differences in final reperfusion, functional independence (OR, 1.19; 95% CI 0.87–1.63; p = 0.658), or mortality (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.50–1.76; p = 0.850).

Conclusions

In DMVO-AIS patients, mechanical thrombectomy combining stent retrievers and aspiration catheters achieved higher odds of FPE and lower odds of sICH over single-device techniques. There were no differences in functional independence and mortality. Further trials are warranted to establish these findings.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_recor d.php?ID=CRD42022370160, identifier: CRD42022370160.