bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Prior Cheilectomy on Outcomes of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion for Treatment of Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Rajan Lavan , Kim Jaeyoung , An Tonya , Mizher Rami , Srikumar Syian , Fuller Robert , Zhu Jiaqi , Ellis Scott J.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Patients with hallux rigidus who do not experience significant pain relief after cheilectomy often require a conversion to metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion. However, it is unclear whether the previous cheilectomy affects outcomes of the subsequent fusion. The aim of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and complications in patients undergoing MTP fusion for hallux rigidus between patients with a history of cheilectomy and those undergoing a fusion as a primary procedure.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent MTP fusion who had preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Patients were divided into a “primary MTP fusion” cohort and a “prior cheilectomy” cohort based on their history of a previous cheilectomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and improvement in PROMIS scores, along with rates of complications including nonunion, infection, interphalangeal (IP) joint pain, and removal of hardware were compared between groups.

Results:

The prior cheilectomy group had significantly lower preoperative physical function scores than the primary MTP fusion group ( P < .05). Postoperatively, the prior cheilectomy group had worse physical function ( P < .017) and global physical health ( P < .017) scores. However, there were no significant differences in pre- to postoperative change in PROMIS scores. There were no significant differences in rates of nonunion ( P = .99), infection ( P = .99), or hardware removal ( P = .99). More patients in the prior cheilectomy group had IP joint pain ( P = .034).

Conclusion:

This study found that a prior cheilectomy may not affect serious complication rates of a subsequent fusion, but it may be associated with worse baseline function. Overall, our results suggest that a prior failed cheilectomy does not influence the amount of improvement in function and pain from MTP fusion.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Full-Thickness Chondral Defect Utilizing BioUni Technique
Authors: Campbell Michael P. , Sonnier John Hayden , Freedman Kevin B.
Published: August 2022

Background:

There are several techniques to treat chondral defects. Osteochondral allograft transplantation is an excellent option, and for elongated lesions, there are 2 techniques—the Snowman technique and the BioUni technique.

Indications:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is indicated for active individuals with isolated, symptomatic full-thickness chondral defects without concomitant ligamentous injury or malalignment.

Technique Description:

The lesion on the native condyle is sized. A plug is then harvested from the allograft using a cutting block and sagittal saw. The recipient site is then prepared with an overlapping reamer system with a cutting block. Graft is then implanted in a press-fit manner.

Results:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation leads to improved patient-reported outcomes. The literature has demonstrated survival rates between 70% and 80% at 10 years.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a restorative cartilage treatment that has good clinical outcomes. The BioUni system is a good option for irregular or elongated lesions.
Is the dolphin a fish? ERP evidence for the impact of typicality during early visual processing in ultra-rapid semantic categorization in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Beck Ann-Kathrin , Czernochowski Daniela , Lachmann Thomas , Barahona-Correa Bernardo , Carmo Joana C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Neurotypical individuals categorize items even during ultra-rapid presentations (20 ms; see Thorpe et al. Nature 381: 520, 1996). In cognitively able autistic adults, these semantic categorization processes may be impaired and/or may require additional time, specifically for the categorization of atypical compared to typical items. Here, we investigated how typicality structures influence ultra-rapid categorization in cognitively able autistic and neurotypical male adults.

Methods

Images representing typical or atypical exemplars of two different categories (food/animals) were presented for 23.5 vs. 82.3 ms (short/long). We analyzed detection rates, reaction times, and the event-related potential components dN150, N1, P2, N2, and P3 for each group.

Results

Behavioral results suggest slower and less correct responses to atypical compared to typical images. This typicality effect was larger for the category with less distinct boundaries (food) and observed in both groups. However, electrophysiological data indicate a different time course of typicality effects, suggesting that neurotypical adults categorize atypical images based on simple features (P2), whereas cognitively able autistic adults categorize later, based on arbitrary features of atypical images (P3).

Conclusions

We found evidence that all three factors under investigation — category, typicality, and presentation time — modulated specific aspects of semantic categorization. Additionally, we observed a qualitatively different pattern in the autistic adults, which suggests that they relied on different cognitive processes to complete the task.
Stakeholders’ perspectives of mobile x-ray services in support of healthcare-in-place in residential aged care facilities: a qualitative study
Authors: Dollard Joanne , Edwards Jane , Yadav Lalit , Gaget Virginie , Tivey David , Inacio Maria , Maddern Guy , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: August 2022

Background

There is interest in reducing avoidable emergency department presentations from residential aged care facilities (RACF). Mobile x-ray services may enable the delivery of healthcare in residential aged care facilities. Accordingly, the Australian Government in November 2019 introduced a Medicare Benefit Schedule rebate providing for a ‘call-out’ fee payable to radiology service providers.

This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the benefits of mobile x-ray services and the factors influencing their adoption by RACFs.

Design, setting, participants

Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 with a range of stakeholders involved in healthcare delivery to residents: a) general practitioners; b) emergency department clinicians; c) paramedic clinicians; d) a hospital avoidance clinician; e) radiology clinicians and managers; and f) aged care clinicians and managers. Thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Mobile x-ray services were considered valuable for RACF residents. Lack of timely general practitioner in-person assessment and referral, as well as staffing deficits in residential aged care facilities, reduces optimal use of mobile x-ray services and results in potentially unnecessary hospital transfers.

Conclusions

The use of mobile x-ray services, as a hospital avoidance strategy, depends on the capacity of RACFs to provide more complex healthcare-in-place. However, this requires greater access to general practitioners for in-person assessment and referral, adequate staffing numbers and appropriately skilled nursing staff within residential aged care facilities.
A cross-sectional study to assess pragmatic strengths and weaknesses in healthy ageing
Authors: Hilviu Dize , Gabbatore Ilaria , Parola Alberto , Bosco Francesca M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Ageing refers to the natural and physiological changes that individuals experience over the years. This process also involves modifications in terms of communicative-pragmatics, namely the ability to convey meanings in social contexts and to interact with other people using various expressive means, such as linguistic, extralinguistic and paralinguistic aspects of communication. Very few studies have provided a complete assessment of communicative-pragmatic performance in healthy ageing.

Methods

The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess communicative-pragmatic ability in three samples of 20 (N= 60) healthy adults, each belonging to a different age range (20–40, 65–75, 76–86 years old) and to compare their performance in order to observe any potential changes in their ability to communicate. We also explored the potential role of education and sex on the communicative-pragmatic abilities observed. The three age groups were evaluated with a between-study design by means of the Assessment Battery for Communication (ABaCo), a validated assessment tool characterised by five scales: linguistic, extralinguistic, paralinguistic, contextual and conversational.

Results

The results indicated that the pragmatic ability assessed by the ABaCo is poorer in older participants when compared to the younger ones (main effect of age group:F(2,56) = 9.097;p < .001). Specifically, significant differences were detected in tasks on the extralinguistic, paralinguistic and contextual scales. Whereas the data highlighted a significant role of education (F(1,56) = 4.713;p = .034), no sex-related differences were detected.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the ageing process may also affect communicative-pragmatic ability and a comprehensive assessment of the components of such ability may help to better identify difficulties often experienced by older individuals in their daily life activities.
Experiences of family caregivers of persons living with dementia with and without a smart- clothes assisted home nursing program during the heightened COVID-19 alert
Authors: Sung Ya-Li , Huang Huei-Ling , Lin Chung-Chih , Kröger Teppo , Hsu Wen-Chuin , Hsu Jung-Lung , Lin Yueh-E. , Shyu Yea-Ing L.
Published: August 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has required restrictions of daily activities, which has been found to impact the lives of persons living with dementia (PLWDs) and their family caregivers, who have multiple care demands. The lack of relevant studies in Taiwan emphasized the need to explore the experiences of family caregivers of older PLWDs faced with the intensified restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19, and the impact of the availability of a smart-clothes home nursing program.

Methods

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of older PLWDs. Participants were recruited from dementia clinics of a medical center in northern Taiwan from a subset of a sample from a larger study on smart-clothes assisted home nursing care. A total of 12 family caregivers who participated in the original study were interviewed during the follow-up period; seven family caregivers of a PLWD wearing a smart-vest, which transmitted information to a home care nurse; five caregivers of a PLWD not wearing a smart-vest. Interviews were conducted by telephone because the conditions of the pandemic prevented face-to-face interviews. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Interview data showed family caregivers’ felt the care recipient’s health was compromised and functional conditions intensified as Covid-19-related pandemic restrictions increased. Specific concerns included a lack social interactions, decreased daily activity levels, loss of interest and lack of motivation for activities, increased mood and behavioral problems, a decline in physical function and an increase in health problems. Family caregivers were also impacted by these restrictions, with significant increases in severity of caregiver role strain, including feeling trapped, a lack of in-home support, profound powerlessness, and worries about the PLWD contracting the coronavirus. The smart-clothes assisted home nursing care program offered supplementary support to family caregivers by providing on-time interactions, helping them manage health problems, enhancing predictability of the care recipient’s behaviors, and providing caregivers with emotional support.

Conclusions

The findings of this study support alternative care such as implementation of technology-assisted home health services to meet caregiver needs to facilitate family caregiving of PLWDs during the necessary restrictions in activities implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record NCT05063045.
Clinical features and imaging markers of small vessel disease in symptomatic acute subcortical cerebral microinfarcts
Authors: Tao Wendan , Cheng Yajun , Guo Wen , Kwapong William Robert , Ye Chen , Wu Bo , Zhang Shuting , Liu Ming
Published: August 2022

Background

As currently defined, recent small subcortical infarcts (RSSI) do not have a lower size boundary, and the smallest diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) infarcts, which we term acute subcortical cerebral microinfarcts (As-CMI) with lesion diameter less than 5 mm, might have clinical implications distinct from RSSI. We aimed to investigate the distinct characteristics of As-CMI as compared to the larger size of RSSI regarding vascular risk factors, clinical manifestation, radiological markers of SVD distribution, and outcomes.

Methods

In a consecutive cohort, patients were selected with a magnetic resonance DWI-confirmed RSSI between January 2010 and November 2020. We measured axial infarct diameter and classified patients into two groups: The As-CMI group (diameter < 5 mm) versus the Larger RSSI group (diameter 5-20 mm). Clinical variables, including vascular risk factors, clinical symptoms/signs, lesion locations, and radiological markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on MRI were analyzed between the two groups. Patients were followed up for 12 months and functional outcomes were measured by the modified ranking scale (mRS).

Results

In a total of 584 patients with RSSI, 23 (3.9%) were defined as As-CMI. The most common neurological deficits with As-CMI were hemiparalysis (n = 20), followed by central facial/lingual palsy (n = 10) and hemidysesthesia (n = 10). Most As-CMIs were located in the basal ganglia (n = 11), followed by the thalamus (n = 5) and centrum semiovale (n = 4). No different regional distributions and symptoms/signs frequencies were found between the two groups except for a lower percentage of dysarthria in the As-CMI group (p = 0.008). In a multivariate analysis, patients with As-CMI were independently associated with the presence of lacunes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–6.84), multiple lacunes (aOR 3.5, CI 1.29–9.48) and higher total SVD burden (aOR 1.68, CI 1.11–2.53). Patients with As-CMI did not show a better functional outcome after 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients with As-CMI had a non-specific clinical profile but a higher burden of SVD, indicating As-CMI might be s sign of more severe small vascular injury. Whether its vascular features are associated with worse cognitive outcomes requires further investigation.
Integrating tick density and park visitor behaviors to assess the risk of tick exposure in urban parks on Staten Island, New York
Authors: Hassett Erin , Diuk-Wasser Maria , Harrington Laura , Fernandez Pilar
Published: August 2022

Background

Public green spaces are important for human health, but they may expose visitors to ticks and tick-borne pathogens. We sought to understand, for the first time, visitors’ exposure risk and drivers of tick-preventative behavior in three popular parks on Staten Island, New York City, NY, USA, by integrating tick hazard and park visitors’ behaviors, risk perceptions and knowledge.

Methods

We conducted tick sampling in three parks, across three site types (open spaces, the edge of open spaces, and trails) and three within-park habitats (maintained grass, unmaintained herbaceous, and leaf litter) to estimate tick density during May-August 2019. Human behavior was assessed by observations of time spent and activity type in each site. We integrated the time spent in each location by park visitors and the tick density to estimate the probability of human-tick encounter. To assess visitors’ tick prevention behaviors, a knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) survey was administered.

Results

Three tick species (Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum and Haemaphysalis longicornis) were collected. For all species, the density of nymphs was greatest in unmaintained herbaceous habitats and trails, however, the fewest people entered these hazardous locations. The KAP survey revealed that most respondents (N = 190) identified parks as the main location for tick exposure, but most believed they had minimal risk for tick encounter. Consequently, many visitors did not conduct tick checks. People were most likely to practice tick checks if they knew multiple prevention methods and perceived a high likelihood of tick encounter.

Conclusions

By integrating acarological indices with park visitor behaviors, we found a mismatch between areas with higher tick densities and areas more frequently used by park visitors. However, this exposure risk varied among demographic groups, the type of activities and parks, with a higher probability of human-tick encounters in trails compared to open spaces. Furthermore, we showed that people’s KAP did not change across parks even if parks represented different exposure risks. Our research is a first step towards identifying visitor risk, attitudes, and practices that could be targeted by optimized messaging strategies for tick bite prevention among park visitors.
Possible long COVID healthcare pathways: a scoping review
Authors: Wolf Sarah , Zechmeister-Koss Ingrid , Erdös Judit
Published: August 2022

Background

Individuals of all ages and with all degrees of severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID) can suffer from persisting or reappearing symptoms called long COVID. Long COVID involves various symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or organ damage. The growing number of long COVID cases places a burden on the patients and the broader economy and, hence, has gained more weight in political decisions. This scoping review aimed to give an overview of recommendations about possible long COVID healthcare pathways and requirements regarding decision-making and communication for healthcare professionals.

Methods

A systematic search in four databases and biweekly update-hand searches were conducted. In addition to guidelines and reviews, expert opinions in consensus statements or clinical perspectives were also considered. Data were systematically extracted and subsequently narratively and graphically summarised.

Results

Fourteen references, five guidelines, four reviews, one consensus paper, and four clinical perspectives were included. The evidence recommended that most long COVID-related healthcare should be in primary care. Patients with complex symptoms should be referred to specialized long COVID outpatient assessment clinics. In contrast, patients with one dominant symptom should be directed to the respective specialist for a second assessment. Depending on the patients’ needs, further referral options include, e.g. rehabilitation or non-medical health services. Self-management and good communication between healthcare professionals and patients are crucial aspects of the long COVID management recommendations.

Conclusions

The quality of the included guidelines and reviews is limited in the methods applied due to the novelty of this topic and the associated urgency for research. Hence, an update review with more rigorous data is recommended. Furthermore, the systematic collection of real-world data on long COVID surveillance needs to be set up soon to gather further information on the duration and severity of long COVID and thereby facilitate long COVID care planning.
Association of the cumulative triglyceride-glucose index with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tai Shi , Fu Liyao , Zhang Ningjie , Yang Rukai , Zhou Yuying , Xing Zhenhua , Wang Yongjun , Zhou Shenghua
Published: August 2022

Background

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable surrogate marker of insulin resistance and is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the long-term effect of the TyG index on the incidence of MACEs remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between the cumulative TyG index and the risk of MACEs in patients with T2DM.

Methods

This post-hoc analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial assessed patients’ (T2DM > 3 months) cumulative TyG index and MACE data from the study database. Five fasting blood glucose and triglyceride measurements, at baseline and the first four visits, were taken from 5695 participants who had not experienced MACEs. Cumulative exposure to the TyG index was calculated as the weighted sum of the mean TyG index value for each time interval (value × time). Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to determine the association between the cumulative TyG index and MACEs. The incremental predictive value of the cumulative TyG index was further assessed.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 5.09 years, 673 (11.82%) MACEs occurred, including 256 (4.50%) cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths, 288 (5.06%) non-fatal myocardial infarctions (MIs), and 197 (3.46%) strokes. The risk of developing MACEs increased with the cumulative TyG index quartile. After adjusting for multiple potential confounders, the hazard ratios for the very high cumulative TyG index group versus the low group were 1.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–2.16), 1.97 (95% CI 1.19–3.26), and 1.66 (95% CI 1.02–2.70) for overall MACEs, CVD death, and non-fatal MI, respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis also showed a cumulative increase in the risk of MACEs with an increase in the magnitude of the cumulative TyG index. The addition of the cumulative TyG index to a conventional risk model for MACEs improved the C-statistics, net reclassification improvement value, and integrated discrimination improvement value.

Conclusions

In patients with T2DM, the cumulative TyG index independently predicts the incidence of MACEs, and monitoring the long-term TyG index may assist with optimized-for-risk stratification and outcome prediction for MACEs.

Trial registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00000620.
Antitumor immunity and therapeutic properties of marine seaweeds-derived extracts in the treatment of cancer
Authors: El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Nassef Mohamed , Bases Eman , Shafay Shimaa El , El-shenody Rania
Published: August 2022

Marine seaweeds are important sources of drugs with several pharmacological characteristics. The present study aims to evaluate the antitumor and antitumor immunological potentials of the extracts from the brown alga Padinapavonica and the red alga Janiarubens, inhibiting the Egyptian marine coasts. Hep-G2 cell lines were used for assessment of the antitumor efficacy of Padinapavonica and Janiarubens extracts in vitro, while Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were applied to gain more antitumor immunity and antitumor insights of P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts in vivo. In vitro antitumor potentials of P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts were analyzed against human liver cancer Hep-G2 cells by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. In vivo antitumor immunological potentials of P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses were analyzed by blood counting and flow cytometry in mice challenged with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. In vitro results revealed that P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts caused significant decreases in the number and viability of Hep-G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner as compared to untreated Hep-G2 cells or Cisplatin®-treated Hep-G2 cells. In vivo findings showed that P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses significantly reduced the number and viability of EAC tumor cells accompanied by increases in EAC apoptosis compared to naïve EAC mouse. Additionally, P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at low and prophylactic doses remarkably increased both the total WBC count and the relative numbers of lymphocytes and decreased the relative numbers of neutrophils and monocytes. Flow cytometric analysis showed that P.pavonica and J.rubens extracts at the treatment and the prophylactic doses resulted in a significant increase in the phenotypic expressions of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and CD335 cells compared to naïve EAC mouse. Overall, both extracts P.pavonica and J.rubens possess potential antitumor and antitumor immunological effects with less toxicity, opening new approaches for further studies of the chemical and biological mechanisms behind these effects.
ITGAL infers adverse prognosis and correlates with immunity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Li Ran , Wu Xiaolu , Xue Kai , Li Junmin
Published: August 2022

Integrin subunit alpha L (ITGAL) was found aberrantly expressed in multiple cancer types, suggesting its essential role in tumorigenesis. Hence, we aimed to explore its definite role in acute myeloid leukemia and emphasize its associations with immunity. Here, we found ITGAL was highly expressed in AML patients and elevated expression was associated with poor prognosis. ITGAL was associated with age and cytogenetic risk classifications, but not relevant to AML driver gene mutations. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses determined ITGAL as an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram integrating ITGAL and clinicopathologic variables was constructed to predict 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS). Functional analyses revealed that ITGAL was mainly responsible for the production and metabolic process of cytokine. As for immunity, ITGAL was positively associated with MDSCs including iDCs, and macrophages in the TCGA-LAML cohort. We also found that ITGAL was positively associated with most immune checkpoint genes and cytokines. In addition, we found that ITGAL knockdown caused substantial inhibition of cell growth and significant induction of early apoptosis in AML cells. The xenograft study indicated that ITGAL knockdown prolonged the survival of recipient mice. Overall, ITGAL is an independent prognostic factor and is closely related to the number of MDSCs and cytokine production.
The resource availability hypothesis (RAH) and cross-cultural patterns: which one explains West African Cochlospermum species’ uses in Benin?
Authors: Favi Gnimansou Abraham , Dassou Gbèwonmèdéa Hospice , Djidohokpin Donald , Ouachinou Jéronime Marie-Ange Sènamie , Kpétikou Chabi Ghyslain , Gbedolo Eutiche , Anagonou Alain , Hidalgo-Triana Noelia , Adomou Aristide Cossi
Published: August 2022

Background

Cochlospermum tinctorium and C. planchonii are two wide edible plants of sub-Saharan countries, e.g., Benin, widely used as food, medicine, dye, handicraft, etc. Unfortunately, the uncontrolled harvest of their rootstocks exposes them to local extension risk. To enhance knowledge on the determinants of their uses in Benin, this study aimed to (i) assess the use forms, use values, abundance and perceived spatiotemporal dynamics, (ii) determine how does local abundance or cultural patterns affect the use of Cochlospermum species, and (iii) assess local harvesting modes and conservation management practices.

Methods

In total, 756 Dialog Partners through 27 ethnic groups were questioned countrywide using semi-structured interviews. Questions refer to local taxonomy, specific uses, organs sought, harvesting modes and local conservation strategies; afterward, local abundance of each species was assessed. Ethnobotanical indicators were analyzed through citation frequencies to obtain quantitative data. Comparison tests and statistical analyses were performed using R program.

Results

C. tinctorium and C. planchonii are locally well known and involved into 83 specific uses, grouped into ten categories of which medicinal use was the main. The use values of C. planchonii (0.10 ± 0.19) and C. tinctorium (0.23 ± 0.20) varied significantly between the ethnic groups, and only C. tinctorium showed index of commercially value above 75% for some ethnic groups. The current abundance, about 84 and 97 tufts.ha−1, respectively, for C. planchonii and C. tinctorium was perceived with a decline of 81.09% (C. tinctorium) and 73.7% (C. planchonii) of informants. Moreover, the Spearman’s correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests performed revealed that the use values of C. tinctorium and C. planchonii were significantly correlated on the one hand with their local abundance and on the other hand with the investigated ethnic groups. About 42.3% of women produced the powder as principal activity, while more than 57% produced it mainly at the end of farm work. However, the conservation management was practiced by very few informants and consisted of partial harvesting of rootstocks (41.8%, only in southern Benin), and fallowing of harvesting areas (3.97%, only in northern Benin).

Conclusion

Facing the declining abundance and increasing market demand for rootstock powder of Cochlospermum species, existing local conservation strategies should be promoted and the domestication process should be initiated for sustainable management of these important wild edible plants before these important resources disappear completely in the wild.
Development of a "Scissor-Tip-Separator" for adjustment of scissor blade separation and prevention of scissor blade damage during steam sterilization
Authors: Chiannilkulchai Natthacha , Bhumisirikul Peinjit
Published: August 2022

Background

Reprocess reusable surgical instruments during steam sterilization; damage occurs to sharp scissor blades in close position, so steam cannot reach the blades. Surgical instruments' management requires standards to ensure patient safety and prevent harmful pathogens, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic. Although various devices can separate scissor blades, they do not prevent damage to cutting edges. To address the above problem, we developed a new scissor protector, the "Scissor-Tip-Separator," and evaluated its efficacy.

Methods

The "Scissor-Tip-Separator" design follows the steam sterilization guideline that instrument tips must be separated. The locking handles and V groove mechanism keep the scissor blades separated while preventing damage to the cutting edges. For efficacy assessment, purposive sampling was performed to select 44 Thai perioperative nurses at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, to evaluate the "Scissor-Tip-Separators" in 450 sterile instrument containers. All participants evaluated surgical scissors placed in the "Scissor-Tip-Separators" during instrument setup, following a problem record checklist. At the end of the fifth use, participants were asked to complete the "Scissor-Tip-Separator" Effectiveness Scale, which was used to test the structural design of the "Scissor-Tip-Separator" in terms of function, usability, and safety. The Adenosine Triphosphate surface test was also used to validate the "Scissor-Tip-Separator" cleanliness. Data were collected from August 2020 to November 2020, then analyzed via descriptive statistics.

Results

The "Scissor-Tip-Separator" met the cleaning validation criteria, and in 44 uses, the physical property remained the same. The scissor shank was discovered loose from the handle before it had been unlocked (0.2–0.4%) at the 45th use. Based on participants' opinions, the overall instrument effectiveness was high in terms of function, usability, and safety.

Conclusion

The "Scissor-Tip-Separator" regulates scissor blade separation under sterilization guidelines; it prevents damage to cutting edges, thus ensuring patient safety. It protects against losses in a sterile field and can prevent hand injuries.
A pan-Zea genome map for enhancing maize improvement
Authors: Gui Songtao , Wei Wenjie , Jiang Chenglin , Luo Jingyun , Chen Lu , Wu Shenshen , Li Wenqiang , Wang Yuebin , Li Shuyan , Yang Ning , Li Qing , Fernie Alisdair R. , Yan Jianbing
Published: August 2022

Background

Maize (Zea maysL.) is at the vanguard facing the upcoming breeding challenges. However, both a super pan-genome for theZeagenus and a comprehensive genetic variation map for maize breeding are still lacking.

Results

Here, we construct an approximately 6.71-Gb pan-Zeagenome that contains around 4.57-Gb non-B73 reference sequences from fragmented de novo assemblies of 721 pan-Zeaindividuals. We annotate a total of 58,944 pan-Zeagenes and find around 44.34% of them are dispensable in the pan-Zeapopulation. Moreover, 255,821 common structural variations are identified and genotyped in a maize association mapping panel. Further analyses reveal gene presence/absence variants and their potential roles during domestication of maize. Combining genetic analyses with multi-omics data, we demonstrate how structural variants are associated with complex agronomic traits.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the underexplored role of the pan-Zeagenome and structural variations to further understand domestication of maize and explore their potential utilization in crop improvement.
Neither low social support nor low decision latitude at work is associated with disease remission among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Swedish EIRA study
Authors: Hedenstierna Louise , Hedström Anna Karin , Klareskog Lars , Di Giuseppe Daniela , Alfredsson Lars , Askling Johan , Ernestam Sofia , Saevarsdottir Saedis , Ljung Lotta
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the association between psychosocial vulnerability, defined as either low social support or low decision latitude at work, and disease remission at 3, 12, and 60 months in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

This cohort study included all patients enrolled in both the Swedish Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (EIRA) 1996–2015 and the Swedish Rheumatology Quality Register (SRQ, n = 2820). Information on social support and decision latitude at work at RA diagnosis were identified from the EIRA questionnaire. Indexes for levels of social support and decision latitude at work, respectively, were calculated based on the questionnaire. Low social support and low decision latitude at work, respectively, were identified by a score in the lowest quartile and compared with the three other quartiles (not low). Disease-activity parameters were retrieved from SRQ at 3, 12, and 60 months. The associations between social support or decision latitude at work, respectively, and Disease Activity Score 28 joint count with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) remission were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking habits, alcohol habits, symptom duration, and educational level.

Results

Having low social support (n = 591) was not associated with DAS28-CRP remission at 3 (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.74–1.16), 12 (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.75–1.23), or 60 (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.72–1.10) months compared to not low social support (n = 2209). No association was observed for low (n = 212) versus not low (n = 635) decision latitude at work and DAS28-CRP remission at 3 (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.54–1.31), 12 (OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.56–1.16), or 60 (OR 1.37, 95%CI 0.94–2.01) months.

Conclusion

In a country with general access to healthcare, psychosocial vulnerability does not influence the likelihood of achieving remission in early RA.
The effect of berberine and fenugreek seed co-supplementation on inflammatory factor, lipid and glycemic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial
Authors: Nematollahi Shima , Pishdad Gholam Reza , Zakerkish Mehrnoosh , Namjoyan Foroogh , Ahmadi Angali Kambiz , Borazjani Fatemeh
Published: August 2022

Background

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and has many complications. Due to the importance of using alternative therapies in managing symptoms of this disease, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate the effect of co-supplementation of berberine and fenugreek in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomized in the intervention group, which received 3 capsules/day of 500 mg (300 mg of berberine + 200 mg of fenugreek seed powder) or placebo for 12 weeks. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were measured at the beginning and end of the study.

Results

We observed that fasting insulin, HbA1C, and hs-CRP significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the baseline. The mean difference in insulin resistance (-0.32 vs. 0.15), fasting blood sugar (-14.40 vs. 1.68), and fasting insulin (- 2.18 vs. 1.34) were clinically significant in comparison to the control group. Almost all domains of SF-12 scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the placebo group.

Conclusions

The combination of berberine and fenugreek seed can improve cardio-metabolic status in patients with diabetes and support the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory role of herb in the improvement of quality of life.
Efficacy of lorlatinib after alectinib-induced interstitial lung disease in a patient with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer: a case report
Authors: Kashizaki Fumihiro , Tanaka Arihito , Sekido Yasutomo
Published: August 2022

Background

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors are standard therapeutic agents prescribed for anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive non-small cell lung cancer, and treatment with these agents has been shown to contribute to long-term survival in patients. However, there is no consensus regarding the course of treatment after the onset of anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors related drug-induced interstitial lung disease.

Here, we present a case of successful lorlatinib treatment after the onset of drug-induced interstitial lung disease caused by alectinib.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with stage IVB non-small cell lung cancer by bronchoscopy, but gene mutation testing could not be performed because of the small amount of specimen. After diagnosis, first-line therapy with cisplatin/pemetrexed was initiated, but the patient developed renal dysfunction. Bronchoscopy was performed again to guide further treatment, and the non-small cell lung cancer was found to be anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive. Alectinib was started after the onset of progressive disease, but it resulted in drug-induced interstitial lung disease, necessitating alternative treatments. He subsequently received nanoparticle albumin bound paclitaxel, which was halted in view of the renal dysfunction. Thereafter, lorlatinib was administered, which was continued without drug-induced interstitial lung disease relapse.

Conclusion

Since alectinib can occasionally cause drug-induced interstitial lung disease, as in the present case, lorlatinib may be an option to continue treatment in patients without other treatment alternatives.
Grid-Based coverage path planning with NFZ avoidance for UAV using parallel self-adaptive ant colony optimization algorithm in cloud IoT
Authors: Gong Yiguang , Chen Kai , Niu Tianyu , Liu Yunping
Published: August 2022

In recent years, with the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Cloud Internet-of-Things (Cloud IoT) technology, data collection using UAVs has become a new technology hotspot for many Cloud IoT applications. Due to constraints such as the limited power life, weak computing power of UAV and no-fly zones restrictions in the environment, it is necessary to use cloud server with powerful computing power in the Internet of Things to plan the path for UAV. This paper proposes a coverage path planning algorithm called Parallel Self-Adaptive Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm (PSAACO). In the proposed algorithm, we apply grid technique to map the area, adopt inversion and insertion operators to modify paths, use self-adaptive parameter setting to tune the pattern, and employ parallel computing to improve performance. This work also addresses an additional challenge of using the dynamic Floyd algorithm to avoid no-fly zones. The proposal is extensively evaluated. Some experiments show that the performance of the PSAACO algorithm is significantly improved by using parallel computing and self-adaptive parameter configuration. Especially, the algorithm has greater advantages when the areas are large or the no-fly zones are complex. Other experiments, in comparison with other algorithms and existing works, show that the path planned by PSAACO has the least energy consumption and the shortest completion time.
Telerehabilitation for upper limb disabilities: a scoping review on functions, outcomes, and evaluation methods
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Sheikhtaheri Abbas , Nezhad Mansour Shahabi , Haghdoost AliAkbar , Gheysari Mohammad , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: August 2022

Background

Upper limb (UL) disabilities have attracted worldwide attention due to the high economic costs of health care and the negative effects on the quality of life of patients with these disabilities. Telerehabilitation technologies are one of the most important ways to reduce rehabilitation costs and increase the quality of life of patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of telerehabilitation in improving the health status of patients with upper limb disabilities.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted by searching the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus until July 30, 2021. We used a data extraction form with 18 fields to extract data from primary studies. The selection of articles and data extraction was made by four researchers using a data collection form based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved through consultation with the fifth and sixth researchers.Inclusion criteria were studies published in English, studies on upper limb disability, and telerehabilitation based on any technology (synchronous telerehabilitation, asynchronous, or both). Exclusion criteria were articles that did not focus on telerehabilitation and upper limb disabilities. Also, books, book chapters, letters to the editor, and conference abstracts were also removed.

Results

A total of 458 articles were retrieved, and after removing irrelevant and duplicate articles, 29 articles were finally included in this review. Most telerehabilitation was performed for patients with stroke (65%). Among the 15 different services provided with telerehabilitation technologies, "Evaluation of exercises and also a musculoskeletal function of patients by the therapist","Recording of patients' rehabilitation exercises and sending them to the therapist” and "Prescribing new rehabilitation exercises by the therapist" were the most widely used services, respectively. Virtual reality technologies, smart wearables, and robots were used to provide telerehabilitation services. Among the 13 types of evaluation used for telerehabilitation systems, “Evaluation and measurement of upper limb function” was the most used evaluation in the studies. "Improvement in musculoskeletal functions”, "Increasing patients' interest and motivation to perform rehabilitation exercises", and "Increasing adherence to rehabilitation exercises and greater participation in treatment processes" were the most important outcomes, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that telerehabilitation provides individuals with equitable access to rehabilitation services, improves musculoskeletal function, and empowers individuals by providing a variety of rehabilitation capabilities.
A framework from point clouds to workpieces
Authors: Shen Li-Yong , Wang Meng-Xing , Ma Hong-Yu , Feng Yi-Fei , Yuan Chun-Ming
Published: August 2022

Combining computer-aided design and computer numerical control (CNC) with global technical connections have become interesting topics in the manufacturing industry. A framework was implemented that includes point clouds to workpieces and consists of a mesh generation from geometric data, optimal surface segmentation for CNC, and tool path planning with a certified scallop height. The latest methods were introduced into the mesh generation with implicit geometric regularization and total generalized variation. Once the mesh model was obtained, a fast and robust optimal surface segmentation method is provided by establishing a weighted graph and searching for the minimum spanning tree of the graph for extraordinary points. This method is easy to implement, and the number of segmented patches can be controlled while preserving the sharp features of the workpiece. Finally, a contour parallel tool-path with a confined scallop height is generated on each patch based on B-spline fitting. Experimental results show that the proposed framework is effective and robust.
Understanding Homeostatic Regulation: The Role of Relationships and Conditions in Feedback Loop Reasoning
Authors: Kiesewetter Andrea , Schmiemann Philipp
Published: August 2022

By applying established systems thinking theories, this study explores skills necessary to understand homeostatic regulation in life science education. It examines the influence of conditions and relationships on the requirement of homeostatic tasks. Item response theory models are applied to provide measures of item difficulty.
A systematic literature review on cybercrime legislation
Authors: Khan Shereen , Saleh Tajneen , Dorasamy Magiswary , Khan Nasreen , Tan Swee Leng Olivia , Gale Vergara Rossanne
Published: August 2022

Background: Cybercrime is a fast-growing digital crime and legislation falling behind with the fast-moving advancement of technology. One important factor projected by literature in combating cybercrime is legislation. In order to combat cybercrime, the role of cybercrime legislation is a challenge that has not been clearly studied before. This paper thus aims to recapitulate the literature on cybercrime legislation in combating cybercrime. The literature in this context emphasises on existing studies relating to cybercrime legislation and addressing the importance of adequate and efficient responses in place in order to combat cybercrime efficiently.

Methods: This paper finds an extensive literature review using the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” method based on legislation to combat cybercrime and explains a systematic analysis of the legislation in most advanced countries in both technology and legal framework. The study was done by selecting keywords, validated by the experts to discover research trends of cybercrime legislation. A search was then run across seven academic databases, including the ACM Digital Library, Emerald, Hein Online, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Westlaw Asia. Initially, five hundred and forty-eight articles were retrieved and out of which seventy-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed.

Results: The findings of the study revealed that comprehensive cybercrime legislation plays a vital role in combating cybercrime and cybercrime legislation should be strengthened, enhanced, and made up to date with the rapid advancement of technology in order to address the rising number of cybercrime.

Discussion: This systematic review is timely and highlights future research directions to improve a comprehensive legal framework to combat the rising of cybercrime effectively. To fill the research gap, the findings also have fundamental practical implications for the policy makers, in enacting an up to date cybercrime legislation by highlighting the role of legislation in combating cybercrime.