bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of motor symptom improvement by long-term Tai Chi training in Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Li Gen , Huang Pei , Cui Shi-Shuang , Tan Yu-Yan , He Ya-Chao , Shen Xin , Jiang Qin-Ying , Huang Ping , He Gui-Ying , Li Bin-Yin , Li Yu-Xin , Xu Jin , Wang Zheng , Chen Sheng-Di
Published: February 2022

Background

Tai Chi has been shown to improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its long-term effects and the related mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term Tai Chi training on motor symptoms in PD and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Ninety-five early-stage PD patients were enrolled and randomly divided into Tai Chi (n = 32), brisk walking (n = 31) and no-exercise (n = 32) groups. At baseline, 6 months and 12 months during one-year intervention, all participants underwent motor symptom evaluation by Berg balance scale (BBS), Unified PD rating-scale (UPDRS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and 3D gait analysis, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), plasma cytokine and metabolomics analysis, and blood Huntingtin interaction protein 2 (HIP2) mRNA level analysis. Longitudinal self-changes were calculated using repeated measures ANOVA. GEE (generalized estimating equations) was used to assess factors associated with the longitudinal data of rating scales. Switch rates were used for fMRI analysis. False discovery rate correction was used for multiple correction.

Results

Participants in the Tai Chi group had better performance in BBS, UPDRS, TUG and step width. Besides, Tai Chi was advantageous over brisk walking in improving BBS and step width. The improved BBS was correlated with enhanced visual network function and downregulation of interleukin-1β. The improvements in UPDRS were associated with enhanced default mode network function, decreased L-malic acid and 3-phosphoglyceric acid, and increased adenosine and HIP2 mRNA levels. In addition, arginine biosynthesis, urea cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle and beta oxidation of very-long-chain fatty acids were also improved by Tai Chi training.

Conclusions

Long-term Tai Chi training improves motor function, especially gait and balance, in PD. The underlying mechanisms may include enhanced brain network function, reduced inflammation, improved amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism and neurotransmitter metabolism, and decreased vulnerability to dopaminergic degeneration.

Trial registration This study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2000036036; Registration date: August 22, 2020).
The crewed journey to Mars and its implications for the human microbiome
Authors: Kuehnast Torben , Abbott Carmel , Pausan Manuela R. , Pearce David A. , Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Mahnert Alexander
Published: February 2022

A human spaceflight to Mars is scheduled for the next decade. In preparation for this unmatched endeavor, a plethora of challenges must be faced prior to the actual journey to Mars. Mission success will depend on the health of its crew and its working capacity. Hence, the journey to Mars will also depend on the microbiome and its far-reaching effects on individual crew health, the spaceship’s integrity, and food supply. As human beings rely on their microbiome, these microbes are essential and should be managed to ensure their beneficial effects outweigh potential risks. In this commentary, we focus on the current state of knowledge regarding a healthy (gut) microbiome of space travelers based on research from the International Space Station and simulation experiments on Earth. We further indicate essential knowledge gaps of microbial conditions during long-term space missions in isolated confined space habitats or outposts and give detailed recommendations for microbial monitoring during pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight. Finally, the conclusion outlines open questions and aspects of space traveler’s health beyond the scope of this commentary.
Clustering students’ writing behaviors using keystroke logging: a learning analytic approach in EFL writing
Authors: Talebinamvar Mobina , Zarrabi Forooq
Published: February 2022

Feedback is an essential component of learning environments. However, providing feedback in populated classes can be challenging for teachers. On the one hand, it is unlikely that a single kind of feedback works for all students considering the heterogeneous nature of their needs. On the other hand, delivering personalized feedback is infeasible and time-consuming. Available automated feedback systems have helped solve the problem to some extent. However, they can provide personalized feedback only after a draft is submitted. To help struggling students during the writing process, we can use machine learning to cluster students who benefit the same from feedback using keystroke logs. We can apply the results in automated feedback systems that provide process feedback. In this study, we aim to find homogeneous student profiles based on their writing process indicators. We use fourteen process indicators to find clusters in the data set. We used these measures in a four-stage analysis, including (a) data preprocessing, (b) dimensionality reduction, (c) clustering, and (d) the analysis of the writing quality. Clustering techniques identified five different profiles: Strategic planners, Rapid writers, Emerging planners, Average writers, and Low-performing writers. We further validated the emerged profiles by comparing them concerning students' writing quality. The present work broadens our knowledge of how students interact with writing tasks and addresses how variations in writing behaviors lead to qualitatively different products. We discuss the theoretical underpinnings and potentials of finding profiles of students during writing in higher education.
A strategic reset: micro-credentials for higher education leaders
Authors: McGreal Rory , Olcott Don
Published: February 2022

This article provides university leaders an introduction to the emerging micro-credentials field, including a snapshot of the global landscape. Despite the accelerated interest in micro-credentials, this article also raises a fundamental strategic question for leaders at the outset: Are micro-credentials right for our university? Part I discusses the basic elements of mcro-credentials, definitions, types of micro-credentials, and affordances and barriers and various providers of micro-credentials. Part II presents a snapshot of what is happening on the global playing field and the challenges inherent in trying to standardise micro-credentials globally. The final section of the article provides some general observations by the authors, lessons from practice, and brief example of how institutions may implement a strategic reset using micro-credentials. The authors close by emphasising micro-credentials are not a panacea for resolving institutional challenges and they are unlikely to become a major revenue enhancement. They may provide strategic value in their integration with other major institutional initiatives.
Enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair in a patient with incisional hernia after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a case report
Authors: Honma Shusaku , Tanino Keisuke , Kumode Takashi , Mizuno Ryosuke , Matsui Yugo , Yao Siyuan , Murakami Teppei , Kan Takatsugu , Nakajima Sanae , Harada Takehisa
Published: February 2022

Background

Although laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, especially laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh, is a widely used technique, it can cause serious complications, including mesh erosion, adhesive bowel obstruction, and chronic pain. The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique has been reported to prevent such complications by placing the mesh in the retrorectus space. Here, we report the case of a patient with post-robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) incisional hernia repaired using the eTEP technique.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man, who underwent RARP for prostate cancer 4 years ago developed an incisional hernia. Abdominal computed tomography showed the presence of an epigastric incisional hernia measuring 4 cm long and 3.7 cm wide. We performed an eTEP repair. We closed the hernia defect using a 0 barbed suture and placed a self-gripping mesh measuring 20 cm long and 15 cm wide in the developed retrorectus space with no fixation. There were no postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2.

Conclusions

eTEP repair is considered an extremely effective surgical treatment option for incisional hernias because of its few resulting postoperative mesh-and-tacker-related complications.
Rare monomorphic epithelial intestinal T-cell lymphoma of the stomach with a giant gastric perforation rescued by liver-covering sutures followed by a total gastrectomy and lateral hepatectomy: a case report
Authors: Muramoto Keiji , Kaida Sachiko , Miyake Toru , Nishimura Rie , Kito Katsuyuki , Shiohara Masanori , Kushima Ryoji , Shimizu Tomoharu , Tani Masaji
Published: February 2022

Background

Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL), a type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, rarely involves the stomach as the primary organ. Advanced MEITL, for which there is currently no established treatment, causes gastrointestinal perforations and is characterized by a poor response to chemotherapy.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man had undergone chemotherapy for MEITL of the whole stomach. He subsequently developed acute abdominal pain, and computed tomography revealed a giant perforation in the anterior gastric wall adjacent to the lateral segment of the liver. The perforation was rescued through closure with liver-covering sutures. Thereafter, a total gastrectomy and a left hepatectomy were performed and he recovered enough to tolerate oral intake. However, despite ongoing chemotherapy, the patient died 83 days after the gastric perforation (10 months after being diagnosed with the lymphoma) owing to rapid progression of the MEITL.

Conclusion

In the rare case of a giant gastric perforation after chemotherapy for gastric MEITL, rescue is possible through liver-covering sutures followed by a total gastrectomy and lateral hepatectomy.
Joint association of meal frequency and diet quality with metabolic syndrome in Iranian adults
Authors: Azizi Neda , Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Bazshahi Elham , Lesani Azadeh , Javanbakht Mohammad Hassan , Djafarian Kurosh
Published: February 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common complication that has been shown in various studies to be related to the frequency and timing of eating. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between meal timing and frequency with diet quality and prevalence of MetS.

Study design

Cross-sectional.

Methods

We analyzed data from 850 adults (20 to 59 years) and divided the participants into different categories in terms of frequency of eating occasions (EO) (5 ≥ , 6–7 and 7 <), meal (2 ≥ and 3) and snack (2 ≥ , 3 and 4 ≤) in a day. Daily food consumption was assessed using the structured three 24-h recalls. The quality of diet we calculated using the food quality score (FQS). Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the guidelines of the national cholesterol education program adult treatment panel III (ATP III). The covariates-adjusted relationships between exposures and outcomes were investigated using a logistic regression test and two-way ANOVA.

Results

The overall prevalence of MetS in participants was 34.2%. The average FQS was 28.0. Increased frequency of EOs and snacks was related to the higher prevalence of MetS ((OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.24, 2.37;P < 0.01) and (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.07, 1.68; P, 0.01), respectively). The adjusted mean of FQS was not significantly different between the EO as well as meals and snack categories. The joint association of EO frequency and snack frequency with diet quality showed a higher chance of having MetS ( (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.19, 4.66; P, 0.01 and (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.06, 2.68; P,0.02), respectively). Also, we observed a higher mean of high density level cholesterol in people with the highest FQS and lowest EO frequency (P,0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the EO and snack frequency may be associated with the higher chance of MetS. We also found when the frequency of EO increases, the beneficial associations of the diet quality were overshadowed. To confirm our findings, well designed randomised clinical trials are needed.
Identification of a chromatin regulator signature and potential candidate drugs for bladder cancer
Authors: Zhu Ke , Liu Xiaoqiang , Deng Wen , Wang Gongxian , Fu Bin
Published: February 2022

Background

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a malignant tumor with a dismay outcome. Increasing evidence has confirmed that chromatin regulators (CRs) are involved in cancer progression. Therefore, we aimed to explore the function and prognostic value of CRs in BLCA patients.

Methods

Chromatin regulators (CRs) were acquired from the previous top research. The mRNA expression and clinical information were downloaded from TCGA and GEO datasets. Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were performed to select the prognostic gene and construct the risk model for predicting outcome in BLCA. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the prognosis between high- and low-risk groups. We also investigated the drug sensitivity difference between high- and low-risk groups. CMAP dataset was performed to screen the small molecule drugs for treatment.

Results

We successfully constructed and validated an 11 CRs-based model for predicting the prognosis of patients with BLCA. Moreover, we also found 11 CRs-based model was an independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis suggested that CRs were mainly enriched in cancer-related signaling pathways. The CR-based model was also correlated with immune cells infiltration and immune checkpoint. Patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to several drugs, such as mitomycin C, gemcitabine, cisplatin. Eight small molecule drugs could be beneficial to treatment for BLCA patients.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our study provided novel insights into the function of CRs in BLCA. We identified a reliable prognostic biomarker for the survival of patients with BLCA.
Forensic evaluation of pedestrian injuries by FORTIS system and its significance for technical analysis of traffic accidents performed using simulation programs
Authors: Morochovič Radoslav , Mandelík Ján , Vémola Aleš , Obrátilová Alena
Published: February 2022

Background

Currently, simulation programs are used for a technical analysis of accidents including pedestrians as they provide a great amount of data on the physical parameters of the pedestrian’s body movement and its contacts with the vehicle or the road. In order to be able to make use of the presented options, it is necessary to obtain additional information about detected injuries from forensic doctors in a way utilizable for technical experts.

Methods

This study includes the results of 250 traffic accidents and approximately 200 real accidents, as well as 255 simulations. The evaluations were based on the investigation of circumstances, accompanying documentation, autopsy findings, photo documentation, and the results of additional expert examinations. We further proceeded in line with the complete autopsy findings in accordance with the requirements of the international classification of diseases.

Results

Previous practice has shown that the modified forensic system FORTIS, due to its capability to parametrize through localization using the PC Fortis © program, is an important tool to supplement verbal descriptions and localizations of injuries that have been used so far.

Conclusions

The FORTIS system is a usable and universal means of supplementing verbal medical descriptions for the needs of traffic accident analysts with a scoring system of a high informative value. This, in combination with a video simulation of contacts with a pedestrian’s body during a collision and with values of physical parameters from simulation programs, makes it possible to significantly increase the value of evidence for the needs of the police and courts.
Proptosis secondary to a solitary plasmacytoma of the sphenoid bone: a case report on a rare skull base tumour
Authors: Seetahal-Maraj Panduranga , Knight Patrick , Ramnarine Narindra
Published: February 2022

Background

Plasmacytomas of the skull base are not commonly encountered in clinical practice, with few reported cases in the literature. They form part of the spectrum of plasma cell neoplasms and are classified as a solitary bone plasmacytoma if arising from the sphenoid bone. Its radiographic appearance can lead to misdiagnosis as one of the tumours that are more frequently seen in the skull base, especially meningiomas. Due to the risk of evolution into multiple myeloma, accurate diagnosis is essential.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old male presented to the emergency department with rapid proptosis and worsening vision in his right eye for one week’s duration. Imaging studies revealed an extra-axial right sphenoid bone tumour with invasion into the temporalis muscle and orbit, leading to significant proptosis. Tumour debulking was done, but there was no improvement in vision postoperatively. Final histology was consistent with a plasmacytoma. The patient was referred to the oncologist for radiation therapy, but subsequently developed further lesions consistent with multiple myeloma.

Conclusions

Plasmacytomas need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of skull base tumours. Due to their excellent response to radiation, these patients should have early oncology intervention to prevent irreversible neurological deficits.
320 cardiac MDCT angiography in preoperative assessment of TOF and its variants: Does it worth it?
Authors: Elreweny Eman Abdel Sadek Taha , Dawoud Mohammed Mahmoud , Mahmoud Alaa Basiouni Said , Amin Mohamed A. , Zaitoun Hossam Mohammed Abdel Hafiz
Published: February 2022

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease encountering a large spectrum of anatomical presentations with differing surgical approaches, and long-term outcomes ranging from ventricular septal defect with limited aortic overriding and mild pulmonary obstruction to a critical form of VSD and pulmonary atresia. TOF variants include PA/VSD, TOF/CAVC, TOF/DORV and TOF with absent pulmonary valve. Also, it may be accompanied with many associated intracardiac and extracardiac anomalies that may be of value when imaging and planning the surgical procedure.

Results

Our study included 22 cases of classic TOF, 18 with PA/VSD (12 were of type A, 5 were of type B and 1 was of type C), 3 with TOF/CAVC and 7 TOF/DORV. Sub-valvular RVOTO was detected in 94% of patients. A statistically significant difference was depicted between Echocardiography and MDCT in detecting supravalvular RVOTO, however no statistically significant difference was found in sub-valvular and valvular RVOTO detection. MDCT could efficiently characterize pulmonary arterial tree with statistically significant difference between both Echocardiography and MDCT in assessment of main, right and left pulmonary arteries with P value = 0.036,0.014 and 0.023 respectively. With calculation of Mc-Goon ratio in all patients, it was favorable (> 1.2) in 33 patients (66%). MDCT entailed 19 patients with PDA versus 15 depicted by Echocardiography and 25 MAPCAs per 11patients compared 8 MAPCAs per 7 patients detected by Echocardiography. Right sided aortic arch was found in 10 patients and 24 patients showed abnormal branching pattern. Coronary artery abnormalities were identified in eight patients. MDCT showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity in depicting aortic, coronary and other associated extracardiac vascular anomalies.

Conclusion

MDCT offers comprehensive anatomical assessment of TOF, and its variants providing superiority over echocardiography and comparable results to cardiac catherization with 100% sensitivity and specificity in evaluation of associated extracardiac vascular anomalies as well as pulmonary arteries characterization. It is worth using MDCT routinely in combination with echocardiography for the preoperative assessment of TOF and its variants representing a less invasive option than conventional catherization with lower radiation exposure.
Resting state fMRI brain mapping in pediatric supratentorial brain tumors
Authors: Anwar Ahmed , Radwan Ahmed , Zaky Iman , El Ayadi Moatasem , Youssef Ayda
Published: February 2022

Background

Functional mapping of eloquent brain areas is crucial for preoperative planning in patients with brain tumors. Resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) allows the localization of functional brain areas without the need for task performance, making it well-suited for the pediatric population. In this study the independent component analysis (ICA) rs-fMRI functional mapping results are reported in a group of 22 pediatric patients with supratentorial brain tumors. Additionally, the functional connectivity (FC) maps of the sensori-motor network (SMN) obtained using ICA and seed-based analysis (SBA) are compared.

Results

Different resting state networks (RSNs) were extracted using ICA with varying levels of sensitivity, notably, the SMN was identified in 100% of patients, followed by the Default mode network (DMN) (91%) and Language networks (80%). Additionally, FC maps of the SMN extracted by SBA were more extensive (mean volume = 25,288.36 mm3, standard deviation = 13,364.36 mm3) than those found on ICA (mean volume = 13,403.27 mm3, standard deviation = 9755.661 mm3). This was confirmed by statistical analysis using a Wilcoxon signed rank t test at p < 0.01.

Conclusions

Results clearly demonstrate the successful applicability of rs-fMRI for localizing different functional brain networks in the preoperative assessment of brain areas, and thus represent a further step in the integration of computational radiology research in a clinical setting.
Image encryption using spatial nonlinear optics
Authors: Hou Junfeng , Situ Guohai
Published: February 2022

Optical technologies have been widely used in information security owing to its parallel and high-speed processing capability. However, the most critical problem with current optical encryption techniques is that the cyphertext is linearly related with the plaintext, leading to the possibility that one can crack the system by solving a set of linear equations with only two cyphertext from the same encryption machine. Many efforts have been taken in the last decade to resolve the linearity issue, but none of these offers a true nonlinear solution. Inspired by the recent advance in spatial nonlinear optics, here we demonstrate a true nonlinear optical encryption technique. We show that, owing to the self-phase modulation effect of the photorefractive crystal, the proposed nonlinear optical image encryption technique is robust against the known plaintext attack based on phase retrieval. This opens up a new avenue for optical encryption in the spatial nonlinear domain.
Effects of the WRITE Symptoms Interventions on Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Cancers: An NRG Oncology/GOG Study (GOG-0259)
Authors: Donovan Heidi S. , Sereika Susan M. , Wenzel Lari B. , Edwards Robert P. , Knapp Judith E. , Hughes Susan H. , Roberge Mary C. , Thomas Teresa H. , Klein Sara Jo , Spring Michael B. , Nolte Susan , Landrum Lisa M. , Casey A. Catherine , Mutch David G. , DeBernardo Robert L. , Muller Carolyn Y. , Sullivan Stephanie A. , Ward Sandra E.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

GOG-259 was a 3-arm randomized controlled trial of two web-based symptom management interventions for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Primary aims were to compare the efficacy of the nurse-guided (Nurse-WRITE) and self-directed (SD-WRITE) interventions to Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) in improving symptoms (burden and controllability) and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

Patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian, fallopian, or primary peritoneal cancer with 3+ symptoms were eligible for the study. Participants completed baseline (BL) surveys (symptom burden and controllability and QOL) before random assignment. WRITE interventions lasted 8 weeks to develop symptom management plans for three target symptoms. All women received EUC: monthly online symptom assessment with provider reports; online resources; and every 2-week e-mails. Outcomes were evaluated at 8 and 12 weeks after BL. Repeated-measures modeling with linear contrasts evaluated group by time effects on symptom burden, controllability, and QOL, controlling for key covariates.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 497) reported mean age of 59.3 ± 9.2 years. At BL, 84% were receiving chemotherapy and reported a mean of 14.2 ± 4.9 concurrent symptoms, most commonly fatigue, constipation, and peripheral neuropathy. Symptom burden and QOL improved significantly over time ( P < .001) for all three groups. A group by time interaction ( P < .001) for symptom controllability was noted whereby both WRITE intervention groups had similar improvements from BL to 8 and 12 weeks, whereas EUC did not improve over time.

CONCLUSION

Both WRITE Intervention groups showed significantly greater improvements in symptom controllability from BL to 8 and BL to 12 weeks compared with EUC. There were no significant differences between Nurse-WRITE and SD-WRITE. SD-WRITE has potential as a scalable intervention for a future implementation study.
Pulmonary Delivery of Aerosolized Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine to Treat COVID-19: In Vitro Experimentation to Human Dosing Predictions
Authors: Kolli Aditya R. , Semren Tanja Zivkovic , Bovard David , Majeed Shoaib , van der Toorn Marco , Scheuner Sophie , Guy Philippe A. , Kuczaj Arkadiusz , Mazurov Anatoly , Frentzel Stefan , Calvino-Martin Florian , Ivanov Nikolai V. , O’Mullane John , Peitsch Manuel C. , Hoeng Julia
Published: February 2022

In vitro screening for pharmacological activity of existing drugs showed chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to be effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Oral administration of these compounds to obtain desired pulmonary exposures resulted in dose-limiting systemic toxicity in humans. However, pulmonary drug delivery enables direct and rapid administration to obtain higher local tissue concentrations in target tissue. In this work, inhalable formulations for thermal aerosolization of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine were developed, and their physicochemical properties were characterized. Thermal aerosolization of 40 mg/mL chloroquine and 100 mg/mL hydroxychloroquine formulations delivered respirable aerosol particle sizes with 0.15 and 0.33 mg per 55 mL puff, respectively. In vitro toxicity was evaluated by exposing primary human bronchial epithelial cells to aerosol generated from Vitrocell. An in vitro exposure to 7.24 μg of chloroquine or 7.99 μg hydroxychloroquine showed no significant changes in cilia beating, transepithelial electrical resistance, and cell viability. The pharmacokinetics of inhaled aerosols was predicted by developing a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model that included a detailed species-specific respiratory tract physiology and lysosomal trapping. Based on the model predictions, inhaling emitted doses comprising 1.5 mg of chloroquine or 3.3 mg hydroxychloroquine three times a day may yield therapeutically effective concentrations in the lung. Inhalation of higher doses further increased effective concentrations in the lung while maintaining lower systemic concentrations. Given the theoretically favorable risk/benefit ratio, the clinical significance for pulmonary delivery of aerosolized chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 needs to be established in rigorous safety and efficacy studies.
Effect of Lidocaine 2% Versus Bupivacaine 0.5% and 1 Versus 2 Dual Separate Injections on Onset and Duration of Ultrasound-Guided Wrist Blocks: A Blinded 2 × 2 Factorial Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Van Boxstael Sam , Lopez Ana M. , Balocco Angela Lucia , Vandepitte Catherine , Meex Ingrid , Duerinckx Joris , Kuroda Maxine M. , Mesotten Dieter , Van Herreweghe Imre , Hadzic Admir
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Local anesthetics are often selected or mixed to accomplish faster onset of anesthesia. However, with ultrasound guidance, local anesthetics are delivered with greater precision, which may shorten the onset time with all classes of local anesthetics. In this study, we compared onset time and duration of ultrasound-guided wrist blocks with a fast onset versus a longer lasting local anesthetic administered via single or dual (spatially separate) injections at the level of the midforearm.

METHODS:

In this randomized clinical trial, 36 subjects scheduled for carpal tunnel release were randomly assigned to receive ultrasound-guided median and ulnar nerve blocks with lidocaine 2% or bupivacaine 0.5% via single or dual injections (n = 9 in each group). Subjects fulfilled the study requirements. The main outcome variables were onset and duration of sensory blockade, which were tested separately in 2 (drug) × 2 (injection) analysis of variances (ANOVAs) with interaction terms.

RESULTS:

Sensory block onset time did not differ significantly between subjects given lidocaine 2% (9.2 ± 3.4 minutes) or bupivacaine 0.5% (9.5 ± 3.1 minutes) (P = .76; mean difference, −0.3 ± 1.1 minutes [95% confidence interval {CI}, −2.5 to 1.9]) or between the single- (9.6 ± 2.8 minutes) and dual- (9.1 ± 3.6 minutes) injection groups (P = .69; mean difference, −0.4 ± 1.1 minutes [95% CI, −1.8 to 2.6]). Sensory duration was longer for subjects in the bupivacaine 0.5% group (27.3 ± 11.6 hours) than for subjects in the lidocaine 2% group (8.4 ± 4.1 hours) (P < .001; 95% CI, 12.7–25.1). However, sensory duration in the single- (15.7 ± 12.5 hours) and dual- (19.4 ± 13.1 hours) injection groups did not differ significantly (P = .28; mean difference, −3.7 ± 4.3 hours [95% CI, −12.6 to 5.1]).

CONCLUSIONS:

No significant effect was found for onset time between lidocaine 2% and bupivacaine 0.5% used in ultrasound-guided wrist blocks. Dual injections did not shorten onset time. Since mean nerve block duration was longer with bupivacaine 0.5%, our results suggest that the selection of local anesthetic for the median and ulnar nerves at the level of the midforearm should be based on the desired duration of the block and not on its speed of onset.
What Would It Take to Desegregate U.S. Metropolitan Areas? Pathways to Residential Desegregation by Race
Authors: Kucheva Yana
Published: February 2022

Patterns of household mobility across neighborhoods reproduce patterns of racial segregation at the metropolitan level. Substantial literature across the social sciences has explored the scale and predictors of household mobility as well as changes in metropolitan residential segregation over time. This study unifies these two strands of inquiry by connecting the sorting of households across neighborhoods to aggregate changes in segregation levels. Using discrete choice models of intrametropolitan mobility and restricted decennial census and American Community Survey data for 1960–2014, I model the correlates of household mobility and identify the counterfactual scenarios under which lower segregation levels can be achieved. The results show that even though the mobility flows of the White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations across census tracts have become more similar over time, U.S. metropolitan areas are far from experiencing large drops in segregation.
Microinjection-based CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in the decapoda crustaceans Neocaridina heteropoda and Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Li Ran , Meng Qinghao , Qi Jiachen , Hu Lezhen , Huang Jinwei , Zhang Yichen , Yang Jiale , Sun Jinsheng
Published: February 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been applied to many arthropods. However, application of this technology to crustaceans remains limited because of the unique characteristics of embryos. Our group has developed a microinjection system to introduce the CRISPR/Cas9 system into Neocaridina heteropoda embryos (one-cell stage). Using the developed method, we mutated the target gene Nh-scarlet (N. heteropoda scarlet), which functions in eye development and pigmentation. The results showed that both eye color and shape were altered in individuals in which Nh-scarlet was knocked out. Furthermore, this system was also successfully applied to another decapod crustacean, Eriocheir sinensis. DNA sequencing revealed that the zoeae with red eyes had an edited version of Es-scarlet. This study provides a stable microinjection method for freshwater crustaceans, and will contribute to functional genomics studies in various decapods.
Optical Properties of Epsilon Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Millimeter- and Terahertz-Wave Regions
Authors: Tokoro Hiroko , Nakabayashi Koji , Nagashima Shuntaro , Song Qinyu , Yoshikiyo Marie , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi
Published: February 2022

Epsilon iron oxide (ε-Fe2O3) is attracting global attention as a magnetic material with a large magnetic anisotropy. In this article, the optical properties of ε-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the metal-substituted series of ε-MxFe2−xO3 (M = Ga, In, and Al) are studied over a wide frequency range from the millimeter-wave to terahertz-wave region, 30 GHz–30 THz, using terahertz time-domain, far-infrared, and Raman spectroscopies. To understand the spectroscopic data, first-principles calculations of the electronic structure and phonon modes are performed. First, an ε-Fe2O3 bar magnet is introduced and its atomic movements are calculated by phonon mode calculations. Second, the phonon modes of Ga-substituted ε-Fe2O3 are calculated. Far-IR, mid-IR, and Raman spectroscopies confirm that the calculated and observed spectra show good agreement. Third, the influences of In-substitution on the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and millimeter-wave absorption are described. In high-frequency millimeter-wave absorption due to magnon, the resonance frequency decreased with In-substitution. Finally, the millimeter-wave absorption property of ε-AlxFe2−xO3 is described. An absorption peak due to the natural resonance occurs at 100 GHz. The rotation data of the transmitted millimeter wave are determined by millimeter-wave–polarization-plane measurements.
Μελέτη χρωμοσωμικών ατυπιών και γονιδιακών πολυμορφισμών NFKB1, RANKL, NKX2-S και GATA4 σε παιδιά με συγγενείς καρδιοπάθειες από τη Β. Ελλάδα
Authors: Αϊδινίδου Λουΐζα
Published: February 2022

Ως συγγενείς καρδιοπάθειες (ΣΚ) ορίζονται οι διαμαρτίες διάπλασης της καρδιάς και των μεγάλων αγγείων αποτελώντας μια από τις αιτίες θανάτου στα βρέφη και σε μεγαλύτερα παιδιά. Η αιτιολογία τους είναι πολυπαραγοντική καθώς οφείλονται σε γενετικούς και περιβαλλοντικούς παράγοντες. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, τέσσερις γονιδιακοί πολυμορφισμοί μελετήθηκαν για πρώτη φορά σε παιδιά με ΣΚ στον ελληνικό πληθυσμό. Οι γονιδιακοί πολυμορφισμοί της μελέτης είναι οι ακόλουθοι: ο NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion ATTG (rs28362491), ο NKX2-5 (rs2277923), ο GATA4 (rs11785481) και ο RANKL (rs4531631). Η γονοτύπηση των πολυμορφισμών πραγματοποιήθηκε με τη μέθοδο PCR-RFLP. Συνολικά 43 ανήλικοι ασθενείς με ΣΚ και 100 υγιείς ενήλικες συμπεριελήφθησαν στην στατιστική ανάλυση. Επιπλέον, ελέγχθηκαν με τον κλασικό καρυότυπο 15 παιδιά τα οποία εμφάνιζαν συνδρομική εικόνα προκειμένου να εντοπισθούν πιθανές χρωμοσωμικές ατυπίες σε ασθενείς με ΣΚ. Στα αποτελέσματά μας βρέθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά του γονιδιακού πολυμορφισμού rs2277923 του γονιδίου NKX2-5 στους ασθενείς με ΣΚ σε σχέση με την ομάδα ελέγχου. Επιπρόσθετα, ο γονιδιακός πολυμορφισμός rs28362491 του γονιδίου NFKB1 σχετίζεται με μειωμένο κίνδυνο εμφάνισης ΣΚ και πιο συγκεκριμένα τα άτομα που φέρουν το αλληλόμορφο D (DD/ID), διατρέχουν αυξημένο κίνδυνο να αναπτύξουν συγγενείς διαμαρτίες της καρδιάς συγκριτικά με όσους δεν τον φέρουν (II γονότυπος), σύμφωνα με τα έξι γενετικά μοντέλα ανάλυσης. Οι διαφορές στην κατανομή των πολυμορφισμών rs4531631του γονιδίου RANKL και rs11785481 του γονιδίου GATA4 δεν έδειξαν στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων. Τέλος, από τη μελέτη των χρωμοσωμικών ατυπιών βρέθηκαν 8 παιδιά με παθολογικό καρυότυπο εκ των οποίων τα 4 είχαν σύνδρομο Down. Από τις υπόλοιπες περιπτώσεις, δύο παιδιά βρέθηκαν να έχουν σύνδρομο Turner (45, X), ένα σύνδρομο Klinefelter (47, XXY) και ένα 48, XXXY καρυότυπο.
Patients and family members perspectives on the use of bedside whiteboards and its implication to treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction: A pilot survey in general and tertiary hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Nafea Ayman , Alshargi Omer , Algethami Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Background: Effective communication between the members of the healthcare team and the patient and families are essential components for patient-centered care. It improves patient outcomes. Likewise, poor communication between healthcare team members and the patient and families is associated with poor patient outcomes. Due to several communication challenges, the use of visual tools such as bedside whiteboards to enhance communication has been widely implemented; however, the exact benefit of its use from the patient perspective is still understudied. Thus, this study aims to determine the impact of bedside whiteboard use in facilitating patient’s involvement in achieving the day’s goal, adherence to pain medication schedule and use, tests, and procedures schedule, patients and family engagement with the healthcare team, and discharge planning.

Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 335 patients and/or family members admitted in six hospitals in Makkah city: Al Noor hospital, Hera hospital, King Abdul-Aziz hospital, King Abdullah Medical City, King Faisal specialist hospital, and Maternity and Children hospital. The survey questionnaire used was adapted from previous studies and revalidated to ensure its suitability to the study subjects. Data collection was performed from August 1 to 31, 2020, and data analysis was done with SPSS software.

Results: Of the 335 participants, the majority were satisfied with bedside whiteboards for their use (4.36), and they recommended it to be used in hospitals because they perceived that through this medium of communication, their connection with the healthcare team would be easier (4.35). In regression analysis, the day’s goal and patient and/or family engagement are found to be significant predictors of patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: Whiteboards are a valuable tool to help patients achieve their daily goals and improve their engagement with the healthcare team, impacting patient satisfaction.
Knowledge about kitchen hygiene and associated factors in caregivers in a peri-urban area of Lima
Authors: Lozada-Urbano Michelle , Miranda Doris , Huamán Franklin , Chirinos-Cáceres Jesus , Rivera-Lozada Oriana
Published: February 2022

Background: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with caregivers’ knowledge of kitchen hygiene in San Juan de Lurigancho (SJL).

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. We surveyed 250 mothers at comedores populares (a sort of community kitchens which are very popular in Lima) and who were part of mothers' clubs in the areas of Huascar V and San Pablo, in SJL in Lima. The sample was selected through non-probability convenience sampling. A questionnaire with three dimensions (cleanliness, storage and contamination of children) was administered.

Results: On average, in Huascar and San Pablo, most caregivers were the children’s mothers (93.2%); most of the caregivers were between 21 and 30 years old (54%); they had secondary level of education (70.4%); they were living in free union with their partners (69.2%); they were mainly housewives (80.4%); their houses were constructed with materials different from brick and cement (68.4%); and their houses had a bare floor (70.0%). They did not have drinking water in the kitchen (88.4%); they did not use a gas stove (88.4%), a refrigerator (50.0%), a radio (82.0%), or a microwave (16.4%). A good level of knowledge of food hygiene was found in 63.2% of caregivers. No predictive capacity of the assessed sociodemographic characteristics on the level of knowledge of kitchen hygiene was identified.

Conclusions: This study determined that the assessed sociodemographic variables were not significantly associated with the level of knowledge about kitchen hygiene. It is necessary to improve mothers' knowledge about the handling and consumption of spoiled food and their effect on children's health.
LANGUAGE REPRESENTATION OF VALUES IN LITERARY TEXT AS A REFLECTION OF THE WRITER’S WORLD PICTURE
Authors: Vasileva Svetlana S. , Vorobieva Svetlana Yu. , Ovechkina Elena A.
Published: February 2022

The article describes the originality of the writer’s picture of the world and the peculiarities of the representation of the value system in а literary text.

The purpose of the study is to reconstruct the system of value orientations presented in a work of art.

The subject of the study is the system of values and axiological guidelines of the writer, indirectly or directly represented in the text.

The object of the study is the axiological system of Nina Gorlanova, presented in the collection of stories Svetlaya proza.

Research material – stories from Svetlaya proza by Nina Gorlanova.

Research methods are determined by the research objectives and include general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, a combination of linguistic (descriptive, statistical, semantic methods) and literary (problem-thematic method) methods; an axiological approach is used to analyze a literary text.

The novelty of the study is due to its interdisciplinary nature. In this work, an attempt is made to integrate the knowledge of linguistics, literary criticism and axiology.

Research results. This paper makes an attempt to demonstrate the axiological guidelines of the writer and their hierarchical structure, which made it possible to include value dominants in the interpretation of the writer’s artistic world. Practical implications.

The results of this work can be used in the study of disciplines such as text stylistics, poetics of a work of art, as well as in the analysis of fiction speech.
Logica Dominans vs. Logica Serviens
Authors: Peregrin Jaroslav , Svoboda Vladimír
Published: February 2022

Logic is usually presented as a tool of rational inquiry; however, many logicians in fact treat logic so that it does not serve us, but rather governs us – as rational beings we are subordinated to the logical laws we aspire to disclose. We denote the view that logic primarily serves us as logica serviens, while denoting the thesis that it primarily governs our reasoning as logica dominans. We argue that treating logic as logica dominans is misguided, for it leads to the idea of a “genuine” logic within a “genuine” language. Instead of this, we offer a naturalistic picture, according to which the only languages that exist are the natural languages and the artificial languages logicians have built. There is, we argue, no language beyond these, especially none that would be a wholesome vehicle of reasoning like the natural languages and yet be transparently rigorous like the artificial ones. Logic is a matter of using the artificial languages as idealized models of the natural ones, whereby we pinpoint the laws of logic by means of zooming in on a reflective equilibrium.
Adding a Tri-sector Lens to Maximize the Impact of Tampa’s Connect & Propel Tampa 2019 Summit
Authors: Sutton Sherri , Goddard Kris , Molbak Jens , Clarke Kelle
Published: February 2022

Have you ever wondered what might be possible if you activated the power of the private (business), the public (government) and social (nonprofit) sectors with your Appreciative Inquiry work? Connect & Propel Tampa 2019 was curious and partnered with NewImpact to discover what was possible.
Divided Past, Divided Future: From Cape to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Authors: Krige Leon
Published: February 2022

From the early history of Homo sapiens, survival of the fittest depends on co-operation. Humans formed settlements where the hunter-gatherers became warriors, while agrarians became farmers. This created a mutual relationship, where the warriors offered protection in exchange for produce. Later colonial settlements were established by explorers, from Europe, as hunter-gatherers, but they muted into farmer-producers for expansion and then back to warriors for survival. Colonial explorers annexed new terrain using Western forms of contract and title deeds unknown to those who roamed these lands before. The colonizers used addictive substance such as alcohol and tobacco which was almost unknown to indigenous tribes, weakening their morale and opening the door for exploitation.In Africa, as in other colonized terrain, these events left a bitter tension between colonizers and indigenous inhabitants, with a history of slavery, war and racial divide as the long term damage. Legal systems were used to manipulate and control, from the Cape to Johannesburg and in between. This history and its outfall is summarized with reflection on the current status quo which has moved from racial to economic inequality, described in Soweto and Alexandra, two prominent townships of Johannesburg.
Fragmentos urbanos de Guerra Fría en el “tercer mundo”
Authors: Quintana Francisco , Salazar Bárbara , Bier Melinka
Published: February 2022

En 1949, en el discurso inaugural para su segundo período presidencial, Harry S. Truman proclamó una agenda de colaboración entre los Estados Unidos y las áreas subdesarrolladas del mundo, con el objetivo de reducir la pobreza a través de un desarrollo impulsado por los conocimientos y avances tecnológicos de su país. En 1973, Robert McNamara, presidente del Banco Mundial, instaba a erradicar la pobreza absoluta promoviendo estrategias que lograsen una distribución más equitativa de los beneficios del crecimiento económico. En ambas agendas internacionales se incluyeron políticas habitacionales para alcanzar sus objetivos. El artículo explora el rol que cumplieron la arquitectura y el diseño urbano en estos programas, a través de la revisión de conjuntos de vivienda construidos en ciudades y paisajes de FRAGMENTOS URBANOS DE GUERRA FRÍA EN EL TERCER MUNDO Francisco Quintana1 ; Bárbara Salazar2 ; Melinka Bier3 Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Arquitectura, Santiago, Chile, 1. fjquinta@uc.cl, 2. bbsalazar@uc.cl, 3. mgbier@uc.cl ASTRÁGALO. Cultura de la Arquitectura y de la Ciudad, 29 (2021). ISSNe: 2469-0503 Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Article https://dx.doi.org/10.12795/astragalo.2021.i29.11 América Latina, África y Asia, en el contexto de la Guerra Fría. En ambos momentos históricos se utilizó la estrategia de autoconstrucción asistida para llegar a la población con menos recursos económicos. Por una parte, entre las múltiples críticas que recibieron estas operaciones, estuvo la segregación social que producirían. Por otra, veremos cómo estos conjuntos se articularían como fragmentos urbanos que, a través de su diseño y equipamiento comunitario, apoyarían el desarrollo social de los pobladores. El primer momento que revisaremos corresponde a los inicios de la promoción internacional de políticas de autoconstrucción por parte de instituciones estadounidenses; el segundo, es el instante en que el Banco Mundial expande esta agenda globalmente incorporando, por primera vez, el problema habitacional urbano entre sus proyectos. En estos dos períodos la vivienda fue incluida para promover un crecimiento económico, así como para extender las fronteras geopolíticas del primer mundo –liderado por Estados Unidos– hacia los países del tercer mundo.