bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment Outcomes and Roles of Transplantation and Maintenance Rituximab in Patients With Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Results From Large Real-World Cohorts
Authors: Martin Peter , Cohen Jonathon B. , Wang Michael , Kumar Anita , Hill Brian , Villa Diego , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Kahl Brad , Maddocks Kami , Grover Natalie S. , Qi Keqin , Parisi Lori , Daly Katherine , Zhu Angeline , Salles Gilles
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

Commonly used first-line (1L) treatments for mantle cell lymphoma include high-dose cytarabine-based induction followed by autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) for younger patients and several chemoimmunotherapy regimens for older patients. Continuous debates exist on the role of ASCT in younger patients and maintenance rituximab (MR) after bendamustine plus rituximab (BR).

METHODS

Retrospective data from 4,216 patients with mantle cell lymphoma in the Flatiron Health electronic record-derived deidentified database diagnosed between 2011 and 2021, mostly in US community oncology settings, were evaluated for treatment patterns and outcomes. The efficacy findings with ASCT and MR were validated in an independent cohort of 1,168 patients from 12 academic centers.

RESULTS

Among 3,614 patients with documented 1L treatment, BR was the most used. Among 1,265 patients age < 65 years, 30.5% received cytarabine-based induction and 23.5% received ASCT. There was no significant association between ASCT and real-world time to next treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.03; P = .10) or overall survival (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.18; P = .4) among ASCT-eligible patients. Among MR-eligible patients, MR after BR versus BR alone was associated with a longer real-world time to next treatment (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.38; P < .001) and overall survival (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.92; P < .001). The efficacy findings were consistent in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of patients treated primarily in the US community setting, only one in four young patients received cytarabine or ASCT consolidation, suggesting the need to develop treatments that can be delivered effectively in routine clinical practice. Together with the validation cohort, data support future clinical trials exploring regimens without ASCT consolidation in young patients, whereas MR should be considered for patients after 1L BR and rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.
Development of a Novel Accelerometry-Based Performance Fatigability Measure for Older Adults
Authors: QIAO YUJIA (SUSANNA) , HAREZLAK JAROSLAW , MOORED KYLE D. , URBANEK JACEK K. , BOUDREAU ROBERT M. , TOTO PAMELA E. , HAWKINS MARQUIS , SANTANASTO ADAM J. , SCHRACK JENNIFER A. , SIMONSICK ELEANOR M. , GLYNN NANCY W.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Efforts to study performance fatigability have been limited because of measurement constrains. Accelerometry and advanced statistical methods may enable us to quantify performance fatigability more granularly via objective detection of performance decline. Thus, we developed the Pittsburgh Performance Fatigability Index (PPFI) using triaxial raw accelerations from wrist-worn accelerometer from two in-laboratory 400-m walks.

Methods

Sixty-three older adults from our cross-sectional study (mean age, 78 yr; 56% women; 88% White) completed fast-paced (n = 59) and/or usual-paced 400-m walks (n = 56) with valid accelerometer data. Participants wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers (The ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL) on nondominant wrist during the walking task. Triaxial raw accelerations from accelerometers were used to compute PPFI, which quantifies percentage of area under the observed gait cadence-versus-time trajectory during a 400-m walk to a hypothetical area that would be produced if the participant sustained maximal cadence throughout the entire walk.

Results

Higher PPFI scores (higher score = greater fatigability) correlated with worse physical function, slower chair stands speed and gait speed, worse cardiorespiratory fitness and mobility, and lower leg peak power (|ρ| = 0.36–0.61 from fast-paced and |ρ| = 0.28–0.67 from usual-paced walks, all P < 0.05). PPFI scores from both walks remained associated with chair stands speed, gait speed, fitness, and mobility, after adjustment for sex, age, race, weight, height, and smoking status; PPFI scores from the fast-paced walk were associated with leg peak power.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that the objective PPFI is a sensitive measure of performance fatigability for older adults and can serve as a risk assessment tool or outcome measure in future studies and clinical practice.
Effect of field of view (FOV) positioning and shielding on radiation dose in paediatric CBCT
Authors: Vogiatzi Theodosia , Menz Roman , Verna Carlalberta , Bornstein Michael M. , Dagassan-Berndt Dorothea
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To investigate the effect of two different large field of view (FOV) positions in the vertical dimension and shielding (thyroid collar and eyeglasses) on the effective dose and the local doses of various sites of the craniofacial complex.

Methods:

Organ doses and effective doses were calculated based on the measured doses using 27 pairs of thermoluminescent dosemeters in a paediatric tissue-equivalent of a 10-year-old anthropomorphic phantom. The large FOV of the 3D Accuitomo F170 CBCT scanner was used to image parts of the craniofacial complex. Six protocols were performed: (A) cranial position without shielding; (B) cranial position with shielding; (C) caudal position without shielding; (D) caudal position with shielding, (E) similar to C with 3600rotation and (F) similar to D with 360° rotation. Measurements were obtained in duplicate, and the relative δ value (%) was applied to compare the average doses between the protocols.

Results:

Changing the FOV position from cranial to caudal without using shielding resulted in an increase of the effective dose of 18.8%. Use of shielding in the caudal position reduced the dose by 31.6%. Local absorbed dose of the thyroid had the most relevant impact on calculation of the effective dose, followed by oesophagus, bone marrow and bone surfaces, especially when comparing the different protocols.

Conclusions:

Application of shielding devices for thyroid in combination with a most caudal positioning of FOV led to the lowest local absorbed doses as well as the effective dose in a child phantom model.
Prevalence and predictors of eating disorders: A cross-sectional survey of medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah
Authors: Ghamri Ranya A. , Alahmari Asma M , Alghamdi Lama S , Barashid Mada M , Alamoudi Sarah F
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are psychiatric and public health issues that are prevalent among medical students, especially females. This study’s objective was to examine the epidemiology of eating disorders, specifically their associated risk factors, such as body mass index (BMI), gender, academic year of studies, and socio-demographic factors among medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 417 medical students (138 males; 279 females) was conducted at King Abdul-Aziz University between January and April 2021. Participants were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. The survey, which consisted of questions from the 26-item Eating Attitudes Test was distributed online using WhatsApp. Binomial logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) was used to identify the influencing factors on eating attitudes.

Results: Among the 417 medical students, the prevalence of eating disorders was 32.1%. Participants’ average age was 21.65±1.51 years. The BMIs of 54.4% of the students were within normal limits; 14.6 % of them were underweight, 19.2 % were overweight, and 11.8 % were obese. Female medical students (P=0.038, OR=1.62) and pre-clinical stage (P=0.007, OR=1.77) were significantly more likely to be associated with high risk on the EAT-26. A significant association was also found between overweight and obesity in the high-risk students (P=0.016, OR=1.69), but no significant association was found between ED risk and age (OR=0.65). The multivariate logistic regression models showed the most common predictors of EDs among the medical students were female gender and being overweight or obese (OR=2.02, OR=2.10, and OR=2.69, respectively).

Conclusion: Eating disorders are common among medical students. The strongest predictors of eating disorders among the study group were female gender in the pre-clinical stage and being overweight or obese. This study highlights an underrated health problem among Saudi medical students. The implementation of eating disorders preventive program during medical schools that target females may be helpful. Further research is needed to address the best preventive and treatment strategies for EDs among medical students.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5033

How to cite this:Ghamri RA, Alahmari AM, Alghamdi LS, Alamoudi SF, Barashid MM. Prevalence and predictors of eating disorders:A cross-sectional survey of medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5033

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A randomized controlled trial of bedside ultrasound RUSH process to improve the quality of anesthesia for elderly emergency surgery patients
Authors: Liu Dawei , Chen Kun , Yao Yanfeng , Sun Jingfei
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The rapid ultrasound in shock examination (RUSH process) is an assessment of patient’s heart function, volume status, and vasculature, which can help anesthesiologist understand the patient’s physical condition. In this study, the RUSH process was applied to elderly emergency surgery patients to evaluate whether it is beneficial to maintain the patient’s vital signs stable during the operation.

Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical study one hundred elderly patients who needed general anesthesia and emergency surgery from January 2021 to July 2021 were randomly divided into RUSH group (Group-A, n=52) and control group (Group-B, n=48). The main result include the area under the intraoperative blood pressure curve (AUC), liquid input, urine output, lactic acid levels, number of vasoactive drugs used.

Results: There were no significant differences in patients’ basic information, preoperative blood pressure, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluid input, intraoperative blood transfusion, and urine output. Intraoperative systolic blood pressure less than 90mmHg AUC of Group-A is less than Group-B(P<0.05), diastolic blood pressure less than 60mmHg AUC of Group-A is less than Group-B(P<0.05). After the operation, the blood gas analysis lactic acid level in Group-A was lower than that in Group-B(P<0.05). Group-A used more vasoactive drugs than Group-B(P<0.05).

Conclusion: The bedside ultrasound RUSH process is of great significance for anesthesiologist to understand the preoperative physical condition of elderly emergency surgery patients, and is beneficial to maintain the stability of intraoperative vital signs.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5104

How to cite this:Liu D, Chen K, Yao Y, Sun J. A randomized controlled trial of bedside ultrasound RUSH process to improve the quality of anesthesia for elderly emergency surgery patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5104

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
COVID19 vaccination choice among Iraqi students at Al-Zahraa University for women
Authors: Hadi Al Kazzaz Hassan
Published: June 2022

Background:  COVID19 vaccine rejection is a global issue that most developing countries face. A study of COVID-19 vaccine preference among Al-Zahraa University female students will pave the way to resolving the issue of vaccine rejection among students. Vaccine hesitation refers to a delay in accepting or refusing immunization despite the fact that vaccination services are readily available. Students' preferences and refusals of the COVID19 vaccine were evaluated to determine the reasons for their decisions. 

Methods: This study involved 198 students from Al-Zahraa University for women. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, to find out which Health and Medical Technology students preferred the COVID19 vaccine. Tests based on statistics made use of frequency and rate data. 

Results: Most students (95%) were over the age of 19. The COVID-19 vaccine was rejected by 138 people (70.4%).  A total of 43 students (28.5%) believed that the COVID19 vaccine may not be completely safe. 49.3% of students were not aware of the differences between the various types of vaccines.  Pfizer was the most preferred by 64 (34.8%), AstraZeneca by 17 (9.2%), and Chinse-Sinovac by only 11 (6%). 20 students (16.4%) believed that with the vaccine they could return to life as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 vaccine acceptance among Al-Zahara University students may be low in part because of myths, and partly because of the fear of side-effects associated with the vaccine. 

Conclusion:  Information about COVID-19 vaccines should be transparently communicated to the media by health authorities to help the public make informed decisions.
Voces De Mujeres Migrantes. Enfoque De Género En El Análisis Migratorio
Authors: Terrón-Caro Teresa , Cárdenas-Rodríguez Rocío , Ortega-de-Mora Fabiola
Published: June 2022

: La creciente llegada de población migrante al contexto europeo se ha convertido en uno de los ejes centrales de debate a nivel político y social, dada la repercusión que tiene esta realidad tanto en las sociedades de origen, como en tránsito y en destino. Las mujeres representan aproximadamente la mitad de esta población, debiéndose atender este fenómeno desde una perspectiva de género. En este contexto surge el proyecto Voices of Immigrant Women (VIW) (2020-1- ES01-KA203-082364) que tiene como finalidad abordar desde el ámbito socioeducativo el importante desafío que representan las migraciones femeninas en Europa. El presente artículo tiene como objetivos contextualizar el proyecto VIW; evidenciar su estado actual y el diseño metodológico, así como presentar algunos de los resultados obtenidos durante el trabajo de campo realizado en España. El método utilizado ha sido el Estudio de Casos Múltiple, a través de la implementación de una metodología de enfoque mixto, aplicándose una gran diversidad de técnicas. Entre los Abstract: The growing arrival of the migrant population in the European context has become one of the central axes of debate at a political and social level, given the repercussion that this reality has on the societies of origin as well as in transit and destination. Women represent approximately half of this population, and this phenomenon must be addressed from a gender perspective. In this context, the project Voices of Immigrant Women (VIW) (2020-1-ES01-KA203- 082364) arises, whose purpose is to address from the sicio-educational field the important challenge that female migration represents in Europe. This article aims to contextualize the VIW project; to show its current state and the methodological design, as well as to present some of the results obtained during the field work carried out in Spain. The method used has been the Multiple Case Study, through the implementation of a mixed approach methodology, applying a great diversity of techniques. Among the results presented, the legal, health, sociocultural, educational, labor/economic spheres have been analyzed and how these influence the integration process Recibido: 07/03/2022 | Revisado: 08/03/2022 | Aceptado: 09/05/2022 | Online First: 08/06/2022 | Publicado: 30/06/2022 Cuestiones Pedagógicas, 1(31), 2022, 3-20, ISSN 0213-7771 - e-ISSN 2443-9991 https://doi.org/10.12795/10.12795/CP.2022.i31.v1.01 Teresa Terrón-Caro | Rocío Cárdenas-Rodríguez | Fabiola Ortega-de-Mora 4 resultados presentados se han analizado los ámbitos jurídico, sanitario, sociocultural, educativo, laboral/económico y cómo estos influyen en el proceso de integración de las mujeres migrantes que residen en España. Se concluye reflejando la importancia que tiene formar a los y las diferentes agentes que intervienen en el proceso de integración de las mujeres migrantes para asegurar una adecuada gestión y atención de las migraciones.
Género y movilidad humana: mujeres migrantes en Italia entre desafíos y oportunidades
Authors: Mancaniello Maria Rita , Lapov Zoran , Di Gripoli Antonio Raimono
Published: June 2022

El contenido de este artículo se basa en los resultados de la investigación desarrollada en el marco del Proyecto internacional VIW (Voices of Immigrant Women), interesado en la movilidad humana transnacional con particular referencia a migraciones femeninas y a cuestiones de género en Europa. Al mismo tiempo que se abordan algunas de las principales categorías surgidas de la investigación empírica realizada con mujeres migrantes, especial atención se presta al conjunto de desafíos, oportunidades y posibles soluciones a las que se encuentran las mujeres migrantes durante su experiencia migratoria. El artículo quiere destacar el importante papel de las redes, por un lado, y de las estrategias de inclusión social que las mujeres migrantes ponen en práctica, por otro, en los procesos de superación de los desafíos enfrentados y de identificación de las oportunidades que ofrece el contexto social en el que se encuentran viviendo en la emigración.
Mujeres inmigrantes en Francia: contradicciones y paradojas
Authors: Patience Biligha , Guo Wenjing , Selim Monique , Kassia Aleksic
Published: June 2022

Este artículo se basa en entrevistas cualitativas realizadas en el marco del proyecto de la UE "Voices of Immigrant Women". Su objetivo es reconstruir el viaje migratorio de las distintas mujeres. En la primera parte de este artículo, presentamos las contradicciones de las medidas de integración nacionales, regionales y locales de Francia para las mujeres inmigrantes. En la segunda parte, a través de las historias de vida de cinco mujeres, mostramos cómo se promueve la llamada integración de las mujeres inmigrantes. Sus perfiles abarcan diferentes generaciones, países, estatus de documentada/indocumentada, altamente cualificada/poco cualificada, y participación política. En esta parte se analizan las estrategias individuales adoptadas por las mujeres inmigrantes volviendo a centrarse en la cuestión del mercado laboral. Se destaca la alta educación como herramienta de integración, los servicios sociales y las competencias profesionales como elementos indispensables para el mercado laboral, el compromiso político en el activismo sindical y de derechos humanos como salida al trabajo forzoso. Cuestionamos el marco político epistemológico que construye los criterios de "éxito" de la integración sobre criterios individuales. Por último, examinamos que las mujeres inmigrantes en Francia están sujetas a una serie de mandatos paradójicos, y las normas a las que deben ajustarse revelan múltiples contradicciones relacionadas con sus orígenes, religiones, género, colores de piel, etc. Especialmente en el contexto político actual, en el que las mujeres migrantes son la figura ideal para ilustrar las tensiones en torno a la cuestión de la migración y el papel de la mujer.
Not Ready for Prime Time: Financial Reporting Quality After SPAC Mergers
Authors: Kim Jaewoo , Park Seyoung , Peterson Kyle , Wilson Ryan
Published: June 2022

We examine the financial reporting quality of special purpose acquisition corporations (SPACs) following a successful merger. We compare a sample of SPACs with completed mergers from 2006 to 2020 to initial public offering (IPO) firms in the same industry covering the same period. Compared with similar IPO firms, SPACs are more likely to restate their financial statements and have internal control weaknesses. We also find that SPACs are more likely to file untimely financial statements, amend previously issued filings, and have comment letters that go more rounds with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This lower reporting quality also results in less informative earnings to investors. Our evidence corroborates concerns from the media, accounting firms, and regulators that SPACs exhibit low financial reporting quality in comparison with IPOs.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Multiple Small Bowel Intussusceptions Detected by Diagnostic Laparoscopy in an Adult Patient with Previously Undiagnosed Coeliac Disease
Authors: Saliu Valon , Ulusoy Cemal , Nikolovski Andrej
Published: June 2022

Enteric intussusception in adults is usually associated with the presence of a lead point seen on abdominal computerized tomography. However, as intussusception in coeliac disease may not have a lead point, a surgical procedure is often indicated in order to exclude small bowel tumour. We present the case of a male patient who presented with asymptomatic small bowel intussusception. During exploratory laparoscopy, five enteric intussusceptions were detected and a suspicion for coeliac disease was raised. Postoperative duodenal biopsy and CD3 immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of coeliac disease, Marsh type 1.
New treatments for old problems?
Authors: Harding K.
Published: June 2022

For some years great excitement has been generated by scientific research enabling new biological treatments to be developed for wound healing. Unfortunately, despite the glamour of this high-tech approach, results from clinical trial in some area have been disappointing. The lack of dramatic improvement in healing of skin graft donor sites1 and the varying success of a variety of growth factors in a number of chronic wound situations has led to an apparent fall from favour of this technology. Will this be sustained and the initial promise ever be fulfilled?
Evaluation: Use of a fibrous dressing in exuding leg ulcers
Authors: Armstrong S.H. , Ruckley C.V
Published: June 2022

In a multicentre, prospective, randomised trial of 44 patients with exuding leg ulcers, a new hydrofibre dressing was compared with an alginate dressing in terms of dressing performance, patient comfort, safety and cost-effectiveness. The groups were well matched with regard to sex and age. A statistically significant difference between treatment groups was observed in mean wear time, with a longer wear time of four days observed in the hydrofibre dressing group compared to three days in the alginate group. The hydrofibre dressing group therefore demonstrated a significantly lower frequency of dressing changes required per week. Significantly more patients achieved a seven-day wear time with the hydrofibre dressing than with the alginate dressing. There was no difference with regard to percentage change in ulcer area. Cost-effectiveness was based on the cost of dressings, compression therapy and nursing time to achieve a healed wound. However, because of small patient numbers, it was difficult to make an accurate comparison. This study suggests that the hydrofibre dressing may have clinical benefits that merit further investigation with larger patient numbers.
Update: Assessment and management of wound exudate
Authors: Thomas S.
Published: June 2022

A review of the role of wound fluids in the healing process and the selection of appropriate dressings for successful management
A burn management education programme
Authors: Barnden L.
Published: June 2022

A review of some of the issues related to the treatment of burn patients in geographically isolated areas and a multidisciplinary educational programme designed to address these problems
Ulcer management in medieval England
Authors: Kirkpatrick J.J.R. , Naylor I.L.
Published: June 2022

A review of a recently discovered 15th century manuscript
Clinical study on recurrent Bell’s palsy: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Kim Min Ju , Choi Hyeon Kyu , Cha Hyun Ji , Lee Young Rok , Jang Hyun jin , Kim So jeong , Jeon Ju Hyun , Kim Young Il
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This study is designed to statistically analyze characteristics, treatment effect and prognosis of patients who were treated for the recurrent Bell’s palsyMethods: This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records and telephone questionnaire of 82 patients treated with the recurrent Bell’s palsy at the OO Korean Medicine hospital from August 01, 2018 to July 31, 2021.Results: The lower the EQ-VAS® and HB scale before and after treatment, the higher the satisfaction with the treatment. The average of the number of days and duration of outpatient treatment for male was longer than that for female. The average number of days and duration of outpatient treatment in the group that received combined treatment was longer than that of patients who received Korean Medicine only. The higher the satisfaction of treatment, the higher the willingness to receive treatment in the event of recurrent facial palsy. HB scale after treatment was the lowest in their 40s, and the average value of HB scale after treatment tended to increase as age increased except for those in their 40s.Conclusion: This study showed that the lower the HB scale after treatment, the lower the EQ-VAS®, the higher the treatment satisfaction, and the higher the probability receiving treatment if the facial paralysis recurs. Those in their 10s to 40s showed excellent results after treatment. Comparatively, those in their 50s and above showed a little effect after treatment. Gender, affected side, history of facial palsy, season of onset, age, hypertension and diabetes had no statistically significance with recurrent Bell’s palsy prognosis.
Effect of Bi-/Unilateral Masticatory Training on Memory and Concentration - Assessor-blind, Cross-over, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Bae Jun-hyeong , Kim Hyungsuk , Kang Do Young , Kim Hyeji , Kim Jongyeon , Kim Koh-Woon , Cho Jae-Heung , Song Mi-yeon , Chung Won-Seok
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the short-term effects of bilateral masticatory training using an intraoral device on memory and concentration, which is an advanced form of Gochi, compared to the unilateral form with gum.Methods: Thirty young healthy participants (age, 16–30 years) were screened and randomly assigned to one of two sequences in a crossover design. The participants assigned to sequence A (n=15) performed bilateral mastication using an intraoral device with a total of 300 taps, followed by unilateral mastication using gum with the same number of repetitions and frequency, separated by a 7-day washout period. A reverse order was used for sequence B. The primary and secondary outcomes were the digit span test result and the symbol digit modality test and the word list recallresults, respectively, which were conducted before and after each intervention.Results: Symbol digit modality test scores increased by 12.03±8.33 with bilateral mastication, which was significantly higher than that obtained with chewing gum (5.17 points;95% confidence interval: 0.99, 9.34; p<0.05). Changes in the digit span test and word list recall scores were not significantly different between the two groups. In the digit span test forward, symbol digit modality test, and word list recall test, bilateral mastication was not inferior to unilateral mastication in improving memory and concentration.Conclusions: Bilateral masticatory exercises using an intraoral device are not inferior to unilateral mastication with gum for improving memory in healthy young individuals. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of bilateral masticatory training on cognitive function.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Electoacupunture Efficacy on Acute Gout
Authors: Hwang Ji Hye , Song Aejin , Song Ho-Sueb
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study was to appraise the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of acute gout.Methods: Since no suitable study could be found in the domestic database, we performed a literature search up to the end of December 2020 using four international electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of EA in the treatment of acute gout were included. The risk of bias was evaluated from the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results: Eight appropriate RCTs were included and analyzed. Three evaluation tools were mainly used: Total Effective Rate (TER), Uric acid (UA), and Pain score (VAS). In the case of TER, in all eight cases, electroacupuncture alone and combined treatment showed a statistically significant level of improvement compared to Western medicine treatment. In the case of VAS score, electroacupuncture alone and combined treatment showed a more significant effect than Western medicine treatment. In the case of UA level, electroacupuncture combined treatment showed a more significant effect than western medicine treatment. Although not all three evaluation tools were used in all studies, the majority of studies showed that electroacupuncture was effective for acute gout patients.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that EA treatment may be effective for acute gout. It should be noted, however, that the studies included in this study were geographically biased, small in number, and mostly at high risk of bias. More well-designed studies are needed in the future.
Single-shot blind deconvolution with coded aperture
Authors: Muneta Hideyuki , Horisaki Ryoichi , Nishizaki Yohei , Naruse Makoto , Tanida Jun
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present a method for single-shot blind deconvolution incorporating a coded aperture (CA). In this method, we utilize the CA, inserted on the pupil plane, as support constraints in blind deconvolution. Not only an object is estimated, but also a point spread function of turbulence from a single captured image by a reconstruction algorithm with CA support. The proposed method is demonstrated by simulation and an experiment in which point sources are recovered under severe turbulence.
Design of an all-optical insulator-metal-insulator and metal-insulator-metal Feynman logic gates
Authors: Abbasi Mahmoud , Sadeghi Mojtaba , Adelpour Zahra
Published: June 2022

In this paper, two Feynman logic gates based on insulator-metal-insulator (IMI) and metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides are proposed. The gates are modeled using the finite-difference time-domain method. The IMI-based Feynman gate shows high extinction ratio (ER) values of 11.06 dB and 7.61 dB for the output bits

P

and

Q

, respectively. The ER values of the MIM-based Feynman gate are also 12.83 dB and 7.29 dB for the output bits

P

and

Q

, respectively. The footprint of the gates is less than

2

µ

m

2

. The proposed gates benefit from high ERs in the wavelength range of 1.5–1.6 µm (band C), ultra-compact footprints, and CMOS-compatible structures, which make them potential candidates for use in integrated photonic circuits.
Horizontally and vertically sensitive schlieren and shadowgraph system
Authors: Martinez-Gonzalez A. , Hernandez D. Moreno
Published: June 2022

Visualizing and quantifying certain variables are essential in fluid flow studies. If we add that these tasks should be achieved in great detail, it would be beneficial to implement optical techniques that would reveal these characteristics. Based on this premise, we present a z-schlieren setup that allows simultaneous recording of horizontal and vertical sensitivity schlieren images and shadowgraph images. These two visualization techniques complement each other since each method has its own strengths and weaknesses. The optical system employs two ultra-thin filters, an RGB light-emitting diode (LED), and a color digital camera. As a result, the data obtained are significantly improved over the existing standard schlieren methods. Furthermore, the fluid flow is better analyzed by combining the schlieren and shadowgraph techniques since a straightforward optical system gathers helpful information. The performance of the optical system is demonstrated by visualizing the convective fluid flow of a candle flame and measuring the temperature fields of the flow of a heated rectangular plate.
Rare-earth doped transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramics: processing is the key [Invited]
Authors: Cruz María Eugenia , Sedano Mercedes , Castro Yolanda , Pascual María Jesús , Fernández Joaquín , Balda Rolindes , Durán Alicia
Published: June 2022

Oxyfluoride glass-ceramics (OxGCs) are transparent materials composed by an oxide glass matrix with homogeneously distributed fluoride nanocrystals. In particular, OxGCs with RE-doped lanthanide-fluoride nanocrystals are of special interest for photonic applications. More than 600 publications including several review papers were indexed on Scopus related to “glass-ceramics” revealing the importance of the topic. Melt-quenching followed by thermal treatment, is the most used preparation method, which allows materials in bulk and fibre form to be obtained, being also a scalable industrial process. Spark plasma sintering from glass powders is showing promising results. The sol-gel process has appeared as an alternative method to avoid some of the drawbacks of the melting process such as the high temperature. It also permits to process materials with different shapes such as thin films, nano-sized powders or bulk materials at very low temperature. This paper reviews the different aspects involved in the preparation of OxGC materials by melt-quenching, spark plasma sintering and sol-gel and how the processing parameters directly affect the glass-ceramics properties from results of the GlaSS research group from CSIC. A comparison of the thermal, structural and optical properties is discussed along with some perspectives for preparing other advanced materials within this field.
Flat-field superoscillation metalens
Authors: Liao Dingpeng , Dong Fengliang , Zhang Kun , Zhou Yi , Liang Gaofeng , Zhang Zhihai , Wen Zhongquan , Shang Zhengguo , Chen Gang , Dai Luru , Chu Weiguo
Published: June 2022

Superoscillation metalenses have demonstrated promising prospects in breaking the theoretical diffraction limitations on the resolution of optical devices and systems. However, most reported superoscillation metalenses have a very small field of view of several tenths of a degree, which greatly limits their applications in imaging and microscopy. Therefore, it is of critical importance to achieve absolute high resolution by increasing the numerical apertures (NAs) of optical devices and systems. Unfortunately, similar to the case in traditional optics, it is challenging to realize a large field of view at high NA, especially in the superoscillation regime. To date, no attempt has been made to achieve flat-field focusing in the superoscillation regime, to our knowledge. Here, we demonstrate a high-NA superoscillation metalens with an entrance aperture stop, which is optimized for superoscillation performance with a comparatively large field of view. The proposed flat-field superoscillation metalens has an effective NA as large as 0.89 and achieves superoscillation focusing within a field of view of 9°. Such a superoscillation metalens may offer a promising way toward superoscillation imaging and fast-scanning label-free far-field superoscillation microscopy.
Loss of the cleaved-protamine 2 domain leads to incomplete histone-to-protamine exchange and infertility in mice
Authors: Arévalo Lena , Merges Gina Esther , Schneider Simon , Oben Franka Enow , Neumann Isabelle Sophie , Schorle Hubert
Published: June 2022

Protamines are unique sperm-specific proteins that package and protect paternal chromatin until fertilization. A subset of mammalian species expresses two protamines (PRM1 and PRM2), while in others PRM1 is sufficient for sperm chromatin packaging. Alterations of the species-specific ratio between PRM1 and PRM2 are associated with infertility. Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is generated as a precursor protein consisting of a highly conserved N-terminal domain, termed cleaved PRM2 (cP2), which is consecutively trimmed off during chromatin condensation. The carboxyterminal part, called mature PRM2 (mP2), interacts with DNA and together with PRM1, mediates chromatin-hypercondensation. The removal of the cP2 domain is believed to be imperative for proper chromatin condensation, yet, the role of cP2 is not yet understood. We generated mice lacking the cP2 domain while the mP2 is still expressed. We show that the cP2 domain is indispensable for complete sperm chromatin protamination and male mouse fertility. cP2 deficient sperm show incomplete protamine incorporation and a severely altered protamine ratio, retention of transition proteins and aberrant retention of the testis specific histone variant H2A.L.2. During epididymal transit, cP2 deficient sperm seem to undergo ROS mediated degradation leading to complete DNA fragmentation. The cP2 domain therefore seems to be a key aspect in the complex crosstalk between histones, transition proteins and protamines during sperm chromatin condensation. Overall, we present the first step towards understanding the role of the cP2 domain in paternal chromatin packaging and open up avenues for further research.
Aging and hypertension among the global poor—Panel data evidence from Malawi
Authors: Kohler Iliana V. , Sudharsanan Nikkil , Bandawe Chiwoza , Kohler Hans-Peter
Published: June 2022

Hypertension is a rapidly growing disease burden among older persons in low-income countries (LICs) that is often inadequately diagnosed and treated. Yet, most LIC research on hypertension is based on cross-sectional data that does not allow inferences about the onset or persistence of hypertension, its correlates, and changes in hypertension as individuals become older. The Mature Adults Cohort of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH-MAC) is used to provide among the first panel analyses of hypertension for older individuals in a sub-Saharan LIC using blood pressure measurements obtained in 2013 and 2017. We find that high blood pressure is very common among mature adults aged 45+, and hypertension is more prevalent among older as compared to middle-aged respondents. Yet, in panel analyses for 2013–17, we find no increase in the prevalence of hypertension as individuals become older. Hypertension often persists over time, and the onset of hypertension is predicted by factors such as being overweight/obese, or being in poor physical health. Otherwise, however, hypertension has few socioeconomic predictors. There is also no gender differences in the level, onset or persistence in hypertension. While hypertension is associated with several negative health or socioeconomic consequences in longitudinal analyses, cascade-of-care analyses document significant gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Overall, our findings indicate that hypertension and related high cardiovascular risks are widespread, persistent, and often not diagnosed or treated in this rural sub-Saharan population of older individuals. Prevalence, onset and persistence of hypertension are common across all subgroups—including, importantly, both women and men. While age is an important predictor of hypertension risk, even in middle ages 45–55 years, hypertension is already widespread. Hypertension among adults aged 45+ in Malawi is thus more similar to a “generalized epidemic” than in high-income countries where cardiovascular risk has strong socioeconomic gradients.
Transcriptomic and small RNA response to Mayaro virus infection in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes
Authors: Henderson Cory , Brustolin Marco , Hegde Shivanand , Dayama Gargi , Lau Nelson , Hughes Grant L. , Bergey Christina , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: June 2022

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arboviral pathogen in the genus Alphavirus that is circulating in South America with potential to spread to naïve regions. MAYV is also one of the few viruses with the ability to be transmitted by mosquitoes in the genus Anopheles, as well as the typical arboviral transmitting mosquitoes in the genus Aedes. Few studies have investigated the infection response of Anopheles mosquitoes. In this study we detail the transcriptomic and small RNA responses of An. stephensi to infection with MAYV via infectious bloodmeal at 2, 7, and 14 days post infection (dpi). 487 unique transcripts were significantly regulated, 78 putative novel miRNAs were identified, and an siRNA response is observed targeting the MAYV genome. Gene ontology analysis of transcripts regulated at each timepoint shows a number of proteases regulated at 2 and 7 dpi, potentially representative of Toll or melanization pathway activation, and repression of pathways related to autophagy and apoptosis at 14 dpi. These findings provide a basic understanding of the infection response of An. stephensi to MAYV and help to identify host factors which might be useful to target to inhibit viral replication in Anopheles mosquitoes.
Chemical composition of snakes
Authors: Kölle Petra , Böswald Linda F. , Brenner Annita , Kienzle Ellen
Published: June 2022

The present study was carried out to provide insight into the body composition of snakes, which is an important basis for determination of nutrient requirement and physiological processes. Carcasses of 86 captive snakes (31 pythons, 32 colubrids and 23 boas) were available for analysis. Skins and vertebrae bones of 11 snakes and livers of 64 snakes were analysed separately from the carcasses. Crude nutrients, major minerals and trace elements were investigated. The content of crude nutrients of the whole body was similar to those of mammals and birds. Relatively high contents of copper, zinc and especially of iron (up to 23,973 mg/kg dry matter) were found in the body, particularly in the liver. There was an increase of the iron content of the whole body over age.
Comparative analysis of dCas9-VP64 variants and multiplexed guide RNAs mediating CRISPR activation
Authors: Omachi Kohei , Miner Jeffrey H.
Published: June 2022

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated transcriptional activation (CRISPRa) is a powerful tool for investigating complex biological phenomena. Although CRISPRa approaches based on the VP64 transcriptional activator have been widely studied in both cultured cells and in animal models and exhibit great versatility for various cell types and developmental stages in vivo, different dCas9-VP64 versions have not been rigorously compared. Here, we compared different dCas9-VP64 constructs in identical contexts, including the cell lines used and the transfection conditions, for their ability to activate endogenous and exogenous genes. Moreover, we investigated the optimal approach for VP64 addition to VP64- and p300-based constructs. We found that MS2-MCP-scaffolded VP64 enhanced basal dCas9-VP64 and dCas9-p300 activity better than did direct VP64 fusion to the N-terminus of dCas9. dCas9-VP64+MCP-VP64 and dCas9-p300+MCP-VP64 were superior to VP64-dCas9-VP64 for all target genes tested. Furthermore, multiplexing gRNA expression with dCas9-VP64+MCP-VP64 or dCas9-p300+MCP-VP64 significantly enhanced endogenous gene activation to a level comparable to CRISPRa-SAM with a single gRNA. Our findings demonstrate improvement of the dCas9-VP64 CRISPRa system and contribute to development of a versatile, efficient CRISPRa platform.
Ecological security assessment at different spatial scales in central Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Jinliang , Kurbanov Eldar , Thomas Abraham , Sha Jinming , Jiao Yuanmei , Zhou Jingchun
Published: June 2022

Healthy ecosystems are the basis of social and economic development. It is of great significance to conduct ecological security assessments in rapidly urbanization areas. Based on the driving forces, pressure, state, impact, and response (DPSIR) model, five years (1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015) of remote sensing images, social and economic statistics, and field survey data were used to establish an ecological security assessment index system. The ecological security assessment of central Yunnan Province (CYP) urban agglomeration was conducted at the 1 km × 1 km pixel scale and at the county scale based on the multilevel weighted comprehensive index method. The results showed that: (1) With 2005 as the turning point, the ecological security situation in CYP first decreased and then increased. (2) The ecological security at the county scale was mainly categorized as unsafe. At the pixel scale, ecologically unsafe and relatively unsafe areas were mainly distributed in central, northern, and western CYP. (3) The ecological security deterioration and strengthened spatial distribution differences were caused by habitat fragmentation, different physical geographical conditions, and population agglomeration. These results can provide a basis for the coordination and sustainability of economic development and environmental protection in urban agglomerations with rapid urbanization.
Engagement in HIV services over time among young women who sell sex in Zimbabwe
Authors: Napierala Sue , Chabata Sungai T. , Davey Calum , Fearon Elizabeth , Busza Joanna , Mushati Phillis , Mugurungi Owen , Hatzold Karin , Cambiano Valentina , Phillips Andrew , Hargreaves James R. , Cowan Frances M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Young female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV. Zimbabwe data show higher HIV incidence and lower engagement in services compared to older FSW. Utilizing data from a combination HIV prevention and treatment intervention, we describe engagement in the HIV services over time among FSW 18–24 years, compared to those ≥25 years of age.

Materials and methods

Data were collected via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) surveys in 14 communities in 2013 and 2016, with >2500 FSW per survey. They included blood samples for HIV and viral load testing. As the intervention had no significant impact on HIV care cascade outcomes, data were aggregated across study arms. Analyses used RDS-II estimation.

Results

Mean age in 2013 and 2016 was 31 and 33 years, with 27% and 17% aged 18–24 years. Overall HIV prevalence was 59% at each timepoint, and 35% and 36% among younger FSW. From 2013 to 2016 there was an increase in young HIV-positive FSW knowing their status (38% vs 60%, OR = 2.51, p<0.01). Outcomes for all FSW improved significantly over time at all steps of the cascade, and the relative change over time was similar among older versus younger FSW for most cascade variables.

Discussion

Young FSW had improvements in care cascade outcomes, and proportionate improvements similar to older FSW, yet they remain less engaged in services overall. This implies that the dedicated FSW services in Zimbabwe are having a comparably positive impact across age groups, however more is likely required to address young FSW’s unique vulnerabilities and needs.