bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and future trends in wearable closed-loop neuromodulation to efficiently treat methamphetamine addiction
Authors: Chen Yun-Hsuan , Yang Jie , Wu Hemmings , Beier Kevin T. , Sawan Mohamad
Published: February 2023

Achieving abstinence from drugs is a long journey and can be particularly challenging in the case of methamphetamine, which has a higher relapse rate than other drugs. Therefore, real-time monitoring of patients’ physiological conditions before and when cravings arise to reduce the chance of relapse might help to improve clinical outcomes. Conventional treatments, such as behavior therapy and peer support, often cannot provide timely intervention, reducing the efficiency of these therapies. To more effectively treat methamphetamine addiction in real-time, we propose an intelligent closed-loop transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) neuromodulation system based on multimodal electroencephalogram–functional near-infrared spectroscopy (EEG-fNIRS) measurements. This review summarizes the essential modules required for a wearable system to treat addiction efficiently. First, the advantages of neuroimaging over conventional techniques such as analysis of sweat, saliva, or urine for addiction detection are discussed. The knowledge to implement wearable, compact, and user-friendly closed-loop systems with EEG and fNIRS are reviewed. The features of EEG and fNIRS signals in patients with methamphetamine use disorder are summarized. EEG biomarkers are categorized into frequency and time domain and topography-related parameters, whereas for fNIRS, hemoglobin concentration variation and functional connectivity of cortices are described. Following this, the applications of two commonly used neuromodulation technologies, transcranial direct current stimulation and TMS, in patients with methamphetamine use disorder are introduced. The challenges of implementing intelligent closed-loop TMS modulation based on multimodal EEG-fNIRS are summarized, followed by a discussion of potential research directions and the promising future of this approach, including potential applications to other substance use disorders.
Effects of electroacupuncture on perioperative anxiety and stress response in patients undergoing surgery for gastric or colorectal cancer: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hou Yuchao , Lu Jiajing , Xie Jing , Zhu Runjia , Wu Mengdie , Wang Ke , Zhou Jia , Li Jing
Published: February 2023

Background

Perioperative anxiety is one of the main psychological stresses experienced by patients who undergo cancer surgery. The surgery itself inevitably causes a stress response characterized by activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Both the perioperative anxiety and surgical stress response lead to increased levels of catecholamines and prostaglandins, which may be related to perioperative suppression of antimetastatic immunity and tumor-promoting alterations in the microenvironment. Hence, we designed this clinical trial to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture in reducing perioperative anxiety and surgical stress response.

Methods

This is a randomized, single-center, parallel, and controlled clinical trial. Seventy-eight participants between the ages of 35 and 85 with gastric or colorectal cancer who plan to undergo tumorectomy will be randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group and a control group. The primary outcome will be the six-item short form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score. The secondary outcomes will be the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale score; levels of plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α; first exhaust time after surgery; postoperative quality of the recovery-15 score, numeric rating scale for pain score; and dosage of postoperative analgesics.

Discussion

Cumulative studies revealed the efficacy of various types of acupuncture therapy with regard to reducing the anxiety and stress response caused by surgery. We expect that the results of this trial will provide high-quality clinical evidence for the choice of perioperative acupuncture for patients undergoing cancer surgery.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR200003 7127.
Childhood adverse events and BDNF promoter methylation in later-life
Authors: Zhou Aoshuang , Ancelin Marie-Laure , Ritchie Karen , Ryan Joanne
Published: February 2023

Studies have shown that the effects of early-life stress and trauma can be enduring, with long-term negative effects on health. Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, have been implicated as a potential mechanism for these effects. Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) is a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, and altered BDNF promoter methylation measured in peripheral tissue has been found with early-life stress. However, whether such methylation differences remain stable into later life, is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association between childhood adversity and BDNF promoter methylation in adults aged 65 years and over. Data came from a large study of older community-dwelling individuals in France (ESPRIT). Information on three major childhood adverse events, namely abuse/maltreatment, war/natural disaster, and financial difficulties/poverty, was obtained by retrospective reporting from participants of ESPRIT study. BDNF promoter I and IV methylation was assessed in blood and buccal tissue. Linear regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, sex, education, depression, and morbidity. Among 927 participants, there was no strong evidence that childhood abuse/maltreatment or financial difficulties/poverty were associated with BDNF methylation in older individuals. For war/natural disaster, differential methylation at four of twenty-nine CpG sites was observed, however, these would not have remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Together, these findings do not support a long-term association between adverse childhood events and BDNF methylation in older age, but further large prospective studies are needed, which do not target specific genes, but consider DNA methylation across the genome.
Investigating predictors of problematic alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use among legal users of all three substances
Authors: Shephard Aaron , Dölek Şimal , Barrett Sean P.
Published: February 2023

Background

The three most used substances—alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine—are frequently concurrently. Use of each substance has been connected to an increased probability of use of the other substances, and the problematic use of each substance has been linked to demographic factors, substance use factors, and personality. However, little is known about which risk factors are most important for consumers of all three substances. This study examined the extent to which various factors are associated with dependence on alcohol, cannabis, and/or nicotine in users of all three substances.

Methods

516 Canadian adults with past month use of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine completed online surveys querying their demographics, personality, substance use history, and levels substance dependence. Hierarchical linear regressions were used to determine which factors best predicted levels of dependence on each substance.

Results

Alcohol dependence was associated with levels of cannabis and nicotine dependence, and impulsivity, with 44.9% of variance explained. Cannabis dependence was predicted by alcohol and nicotine dependence levels, impulsivity, and the age of onset of cannabis use, with 47.6% of variance explained. Nicotine dependence was best predicted by alcohol and cannabis dependence levels, impulsivity, and dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with 19.9% of variance explained.

Conclusions

Alcohol dependence, cannabis dependence, and impulsivity were the strongest predictors for dependence on each of the substances. A strong relationship between alcohol and cannabis dependence was evident, warranting further research.
A low-threshold sleep intervention for improving sleep quality and well-being
Authors: Eigl Esther-Sevil , Urban-Ferreira Laura Krystin , Schabus Manuel
Published: February 2023

Background

Approximately one-third of the healthy population suffer from sleep problems, but only a small proportion of those affected receive professional help. Therefore, there is an urgent need for easily accessible, affordable, and efficacious sleep interventions.

Objective

A randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of a low-threshold sleep intervention consisting of either (i) sleep data feedback plus sleep education or (ii) sleep data feedback alone in comparison with (iii) no intervention.

Material and methods

A total of 100 employees of the University of Salzburg (age: 39.51 ± 11.43 years, range: 22–62 years) were randomly assigned to one of the three groups. During the 2-week study period, objective sleep parameters were assessed via actigraphy. In addition, an online questionnaire and a daily digital diary were used to record subjective sleep parameters, work-related factors, as well as mood and well-being. After 1 week, a personal appointment was conducted with participants of both experimental group 1 (EG1) and experimental group 2 (EG2). While the EG2 only received feedback about their sleep data from week 1, the EG1 additionally received a 45-min sleep education intervention containing sleep hygiene rules and recommendations regarding stimulus control. A waiting-list control group (CG) did not receive any feedback until the end of the study.

Results

Results indicate positive effects on sleep and well-being following sleep monitoring over the course of 2 weeks and minimal intervention with a single in-person appointment including sleep data feedback. Improvements are seen in sleep quality, mood, vitality, and actigraphy-measured sleep efficiency (SE; EG1), as well as in well-being and sleep onset latency (SOL) in EG2. The inactive CG did not improve in any parameter.

Conclusion

Results suggest small and beneficial effects on sleep and well-being in people being continuously monitored and receiving (actigraphy-based) sleep feedback when paired with a single-time personal intervention.
The role of faith in parenting; considerations when implementing family skills interventions with families affected by armed conflict or displacement
Authors: El-Khani Aala , Calam Rachel , Maalouf Wadih
Published: February 2023

Religious beliefs and practices are fundamental to shaping family functioning in many countries and cultures around the world. They are often associated with a strong influence on parenting, and a potential resource for parents. While nurturing caregiving can act as a protective shield, buffering against the negative effects on children’s well-being, armed conflict and displacement often compromises parental well-being and positive parenting practices. Making interventions available to families affected by conflict and displacement that help to develop the quality of parenting is now seen as an important component in the care of war-affected children, causing a rise in family skills interventions for humanitarian contexts. Accordingly, there are certain considerations that need to be taken to achieve cultural sensitivity and acceptability, that account for the influence of religion. Here we share our United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) experience in the case of implementing “Strong Families,” a UNODC family skills programme implemented in over 30 countries, providing key recommendations. (1) Appreciate and account for common religious beliefs and practices in your target populations; (2) ensure programme material acceptability and sensitivity; (3) avoid initiation of direct discussions, on religious beliefs or practices; and (4) facilitator need to be trained and prepared to respond to questions about faith. Though these considerations are presented considering the implementation of family skills programmes, they are also relevant to a range of other programming in which direct social (or other) contact is made with families in challenged contexts, aiming to reduce any perceived gaps between trainers and the families they are working with, and give families a sense that their religious beliefs, values, and priorities are understood.
Effect of the chronic medication use on outcome measures of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Evidence from big data
Authors: Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Shojaee Ali , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Namazi Shabestari Alireza , Effatpanah Mohammad , Nasehi Mohammadmehdi , Rezaei Mehdi , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: February 2023

Background

Concerns about the role of chronically used medications in the clinical outcomes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have remarkable potential for the breakdown of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) management by imposing ambivalence toward medication continuation. This study aimed to investigate the association of single or combinations of chronically used medications in NCDs with clinical outcomes of COVID-19.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on the intersection of two databases, the Iranian COVID-19 registry and Iran Health Insurance Organization. The primary outcome was death due to COVID-19 hospitalization, and secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and ventilation therapy. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system was used for medication grouping. The frequent pattern growth algorithm was utilized to investigate the effect of medication combinations on COVID-19 outcomes.

Findings

Aspirin with chronic use in 10.8% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients was the most frequently used medication, followed by Atorvastatin (9.2%) and Losartan (8.0%). Adrenergics in combination with corticosteroids inhalants (ACIs) with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.68–0.92) were the most associated medications with less chance of ventilation therapy. Oxicams had the least OR of 0.80 (0.73–0.87) for COVID-19 death, followed by ACIs [0.85 (0.77–0.95)] and Biguanides [0.86 (0.82–0.91)].

Conclusion

The chronic use of most frequently used medications for NCDs management was not associated with poor COVID-19 outcomes. Thus, when indicated, physicians need to discourage patients with NCDs from discontinuing their medications for fear of possible adverse effects on COVID-19 prognosis.
From the national to the local: Issues of trust and a model for community-academic-engagement
Authors: Chinekezi Olufunmilayo , Andress Lauri , Agonafer Etsemaye P. , Massick Susan , Piepenbrink Sarah , Sutton Karey M. , Alberti Philip M. , de la Torre Desiree , Guillot-Wright Shannon , Lee Marshala
Published: February 2023

Inequities in health and health care in the United States have persisted for decades, and the impacts on equity from the COVID-19 pandemic were no exception. In addition to the disproportionate burden of the disease across various populations, the pandemic posed several challenges, which exacerbated these existing inequities. This has undoubtedly contributed to deeply rooted public mistrust in medical research and healthcare delivery, particularly among historically and structurally oppressed populations. In the summer of 2020, given the series of social injustices posed by the pandemic and highly publicized incidents of police brutality, notably the murder of George Floyd, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) enlisted the help of a national collaborative, the AAMC Collaborative for Health Equity: Act, Research, Generate Evidence (CHARGE)1 to establish a three-way partnership that would gather and prioritize community perspectives and lived experiences from multiple regions across the US on the role of academic medicals centers (AMCs) in advancing health and social justice. Given physical gathering constraints posed by the pandemic, virtual interviews were conducted with 30 racially and ethnically diverse community members across the country who expressed their views on how medical education, clinical care, and research could or did impact their health experiences. These interviews were framed within the context of the relationship between historically oppressed groups and the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials underway. From the three-way partnership formed with the AAMC, AAMC CHARGE participants, and 30 community members from racially and ethnically diverse groups, qualitative methods provided lived experiences supporting other literature on the lack of trust between oppressed communities and AMCs. This led to the development of the Principles of Trustworthiness (PoT) Toolkit, which features ten principles inspired by community members' insights into how AMCs can demonstrate they are worthy of their community's trust2. In the end, the three-way partnership serves as a successful model for other national medical and health organizations to establish community engaged processes that elicit and prioritize lived experiences describing relationships between AMCs and oppressed communities.
Prevalence of suicide ideation among HIV/AIDS patients in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Shiming , Yu Shui , Yang Queping , Yin Jieyun , Zhu Haohao , Jiang Ying , Ji Yingying
Published: February 2023

Objective

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the prevalence of suicide ideation among HIV/AIDS patients in China.

Methods

Systematic search of CNKI, Wanfang, China biology medicine database, Weipu, EMBASE, Web of science and PubMed for studies related to the suicide ideation of HIV/AIDS patients. The incidence of suicide ideation of HIV / AIDS patients in China was investigated by meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 16 studies were included (n = 6,174). The incidence of suicidal ideation in HIV/AIDS patients was 30.6% (95%CI: 21.4–39.9%). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of suicidal ideation in male was 36.1%, which was higher than that in female (32.8%), homosexual patients (39.7%) higher than heterosexual patients (27.1%), 2013–2021 survey (35.2%) higher than 2003–2012 survey (26.5%), the unmarried patients (39.6%) were higher than the married patients (34.5%), the patients diagnosed >1 year (28.4%) were higher than the patients diagnosed <1 year (27.6%), and the depression patients (34.3%) were higher than patients without depression (20.5%) and CD4 cell counts ≤200 cells/ul group (20.6%) were higher than those in >400 cells/ul group (19.8%).

Conclusion

The incidence of suicide ideation in HIV/AIDS patients in China is relatively high.
Development and validation of the diabetic self-management scale based on information-motivation-behavioral skills theory
Authors: Dai Zhenwei , Jing Shu , Liu Xiaoyang , Zhang Haoran , Wu Yijin , Wang Hao , Xiao Weijun , Huang Yiman , Fu Jiaqi , Chen Xu , Gao Lei , Su Xiaoyou
Published: February 2023

Background

Self-management is important for the blood sugar control of middle-aged and elderly Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, of which diet, exercise, and drug compliance are the most common components. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model (IMB) has been widely used in health behavior management and intervention.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Diabetic Self-Management Scale (DSMS) based on the IMB model.

Methods

Self-report survey data was collected from middle-aged and elderly T2DM patients in Zhongmu City, Henan Province, China in November 2021 using convenience sampling. The original DSMS was developed through a literature review and summary of previous similar scales using an inductive approach. Item modification was finished by a panel of specialists. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate the reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion validity of DSMS.

Results

Four hundred and sixty nine T2DM patients completed the questionnaire survey. The final DSMS consists of 22 items with three dimensions, including information (five items), motivation (eight items), and behavior skills (nine items). The results of simple factor analysis showed that the KMO value was 0.839, Bartlett spherical test 2 = 3254.872, P < 0.001. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that 2/df = 2.261, RMSEA = 0.073, CFI = 0.937, TLI = 0.930, and SRMR = 0.096. The standardized factor loadings of 22 DSMS items were all above 0.6, and the CR values of 3 dimensions were all higher than 0.9. In addition, DSMS also showed good discriminant and criterion validity.

Conclusion

The 22-item DSMS has good reliability and validity, and can be used to make diabetic self-management assessment regarding diet, physical activity, and medication among middle-aged and elderly Chinese T2DM patients. DSMS is of moderate length and easy to understand. It can be promoted in China in the future to understand the self-management status of middle-aged and elderly T2DM patients in China.
Evidence of mental health-related morbidities and its association with socio-economic status among previously hospitalized patients with symptoms of COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Anik Asibul Islam , Ahmed Tanvir , Nandonik Ahmed Jojan , Parvez Anwar , Das Pooja Shangjucta , Kabir Zarina Nahar
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health, particularly in relation to socio-economic vulnerabilities, has received little attention. This study reports the prevalence of mental health-related symptoms among previously hospitalized patients after recovery from COVID-19, and its association with socio-economic status (SES).

Methods

Data collection of this cross-sectional study was conducted during February–April 2021, among previously hospitalized patients with COVID-19 like symptoms, on average six months after their discharge from the hospital. Using DASS-21, a validated scale to document symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, information on mental health-related symptoms were recorded from 481 respondents along with sociodemographic and economic information through telephone interviews. Chi-square tests were performed to identify significant group differences. Multinomial logistic regression analyzed the association between the changes in socioeconomic characteristics and mental health-related symptoms. Relative index of inequality (RII), slope index of inequality (SII), and concentration index (CIX) were applied to capture relevant inequalities in relation to mental health-related symptoms.

Results

Eleven percent of the respondents reported changes in employment status, nearly half changes in income and expenditure. Forty-five percent reported symptoms of depression, anxiety and/or stress, and 12% reported coexistence of all three symptoms. Women [Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR: 2.95; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.39–5.68], and those who reported changes in occupation [AOR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.01–9.08] and expenditure [AOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.12–5.37] were more likely to report all three mental health-related symptoms compared to men and those without changes in occupation and expenditure. The older age group was less likely [AOR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.93–0.99] to report coexistence of all three symptoms compared to their younger counterparts. Negative values of concentration index (CIX) indicate that any one mental health-related symptom was significantly concentrated among those with lower expenditure and poor SES.

Conclusion

This study will help in addressing mental health-related challenges after recovery from COVID-19 among the identified vulnerable groups through relevant community-based and clinical response, including counseling services, in Bangladesh and similar LMIC contexts.
The effect of a virtual reality based intervention on processing speed and working memory in individuals with ADHD—A pilot-study
Authors: Cunha Filipa , Campos Sara , Simões-Silva Vitor , Brugada-Ramentol Victòria , Sá-Moura Bebiana , Jalali Hossein , Bozorgzadeh Amir , Trigueiro Maria João
Published: February 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality based intervention in processing speed and working memory in students with ADHD symptomatology.

Methods: A randomized experimental study was conducted, with a sample consisting of 25 adult participants recruited from the Escola Superior de Saúde do Politécnico do Porto. The participants were allocated into two groups: a passive control group and an intervention group that completed 10 sessions using virtual reality-based games from the Enhance VR app. The intervention included 6 games: Whack-a-mole, Shuffled, Assembly, React, Memory Wall, and Maestro. The participants underwent pre- and post-intervention evaluations using the Southwestern Assessment of Processing Speed (SWAPS) and the Sequence of Letters and Numbers and Spatial Location of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - 3rd Edition - WAIS-III. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and a mixed ANOVA was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results: There was an improvement in the results of processing speed in the group exposed to the intervention (p < 0.001) and the value of the interaction between intervention and time was also significant (p = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences between the participants’ working memory in the different variables under study, except for the values of the Spatial location test in the experimental group that improved relative to the initial assessment (p = 0.034).

Discussion: A virtual reality cognitive training intervention resulted in improvements in the processing speed measures, which were not found in the control group. Although we cannot make the same conclusions regarding working memory, these results suggest that the VR intervention resulted in progress in the experimental group, possibly influenced by the intervention, which should be verified in future studies with longer interventions.
Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: Which one should we choose between laser navigation and 3D navigation mold?
Authors: Yuan Zhengbo , Wang Qingbo , Sun Qikai , Li Chenglong , Xiong Fengzhen , Li Zefu
Published: February 2023

Background

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is a severe life-threatening disease, and its incidence has gradually increased in recent years. Due to the particularity and diversity of its bleeding sites, the early treatment of hematoma needs to be more meticulous and accurate, and minimally invasive surgery is often one of the measures that are commonly adopted now. The lower hematoma debridement and the navigation template created by 3D printing technology were compared in the external drainage of a hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. Then the effect and feasibility of the two operations were explicitly evaluated.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all eligible patients with HICH who underwent laser-guided hematoma evacuation or hematoma puncture under 3D-navigated molds at the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University from January 2019 to January 2021. A total of 43 patients were treated. Twenty-three patients were treated with laser navigation-guided hematoma evacuation (group A); 20 patients were treated with 3D navigation minimally invasive surgery (group B). A comparative study was conducted between the two groups to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative conditions.

Results

The preoperative preparation time of the laser navigation group was significantly shorter than that of the 3D printing group. The operation time of the 3D printing group was better than that of the laser navigation group (0.73 ± 0.26 h vs. 1.03 ± 0.27 h P = 0.00070). In the improvement in the short-term postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference between the laser navigation group and the 3D printing group (Median hematoma evacuation rate P = 0.14); And in the three-month follow-up NIHESS score, there was no significant difference between the two (P = 0.82).

Conclusion

Laser-guided hematoma removal is more suitable for emergency operations, with real-time navigation and shortened preoperative preparation time; hematoma puncture under a 3D navigation mold is more personalized and shortens the intraoperative time course. There was no significant difference in therapeutic effect between the two groups.
Establishment of clinical predictive model based on the study of influence factors in patients with colorectal polyps
Authors: Huang Yu , Liu Yating , Yin Xu , Zhang Tianpeng , Hao Yaoguang , Zhang Pengfei , Yang Yang , Gao Zhihan , Liu Siyu , Yu Suyang , Li Hongyan , Wang Guiying
Published: February 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy and is generally thought to be caused by the transformation of colorectal polyps. It has been shown that early detection and removal of colorectal polyps may reduce the mortality and morbidity of colorectal cancer.

Objective

Based on the risk factors associated with colorectal polyps, an individualized clinical prediction model was built to predict and evaluate the possibility of developing colorectal polyp.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from 475 patients who underwent colonoscopy at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2020 to 2021. All clinical data were then divided into training sets and validation sets by using R software (7:3). A multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with colorectal polyps according to the training set, and a predictive nomogram was created by R software based on the multivariate analysis. The results were internally validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and externally validated by validation sets.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 1.047, 95% CI = 1.029–1.065), history of cystic polyp (OR = 7.596, 95% CI = 0.976–59.129), and history of colorectal diverticulums (OR = 2.548, 95% CI = 1.209–5.366) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps. History of constipation (OR = 0.457, 95% CI = 0.268–0.799) and fruit consumption (OR = 0.613, 95% CI 0.350–1.037) were protective factors for colorectal polyps. The nomogram demonstrated good accuracy for predicting colorectal polyps, with both C index and AUC being 0.747 (95% CI = 0.692–0.801). The calibration curves showed good agreement between the predicted risk by the nomogram and real outcomes. Both internal and external validation of the model showed good results.

Conclusion

In our study, the nomogram prediction model is reliable and accurate, which can help early clinical screening of patients with high-risk colorectal polyps, improve polyp detection rate, and reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Improvements over time for patients following liver trauma: A 17-year observational study
Authors: Brooks Adam , Joyce Danielle , La Valle Angelo , Reilly John-Joe , Blackburn Lauren , Kitchen Samuel , Morris Louise , Naumann David N
Published: February 2023

Background

Centralisation of trauma care has been shown to be associated with improved patient outcomes. The establishment of Major Trauma Centres (MTC) and networks in England in 2012 allowed for centralisation of trauma services and specialties including hepatobiliary surgery. We aimed to investigate the outcomes for patients with hepatic injury over the last 17 years at a large MTC in England in relation to the MTC status of the centre.

Methods

All patients who sustained liver trauma between 2005 and 2022 were identified using the Trauma Audit and Research Network database for a single MTC in the East Midlands. Mortality and complications were compared between patients before and after establishment of MTC status. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for complications according to MTC status, accounting for the potentially confounding variables of age, sex, severity of injuries and comorbidities for all patients, and the subgroup with severe liver trauma (AAST Grade IV and V).

Results

There were 600 patients; the median age was 33 (IQR 22–52) years and 406/600 (68%) were male. There were no significant differences in 90-day mortality or length of stay between the pre- and post-MTC patients. Multivariable logistic regression models showed both lower overall complications [OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.14, 0.39); p < 0.001] and lower liver-specific complications [OR 0.21 (95% CI 0.11, 0.39); p < 0.001] in the post-MTC period. This was also the case in the severe liver injury subgroup (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002 respectively).

Conclusions

Outcomes for liver trauma were superior in the post-MTC period even when adjusted for patient and injury characteristics. This was the case even though patients in this period were older with more comorbidities. These data support the centralisation of trauma services for those with liver injuries.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of positive long-term effects after intra-articular administration of orthobiologic therapeutics in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis
Authors: Mayet Anna , Zablotski Yury , Roth Susanne Pauline , Brehm Walter , Troillet Antonia
Published: February 2023

Equine veterinarians face challenges in treating horses with osteoarthritic joint pain in routine veterinary practice. All common treatment options aim to reduce the clinical consequences of osteoarthritis (OA) characterized by persistent synovitis and progressive degradation of articular cartilage. A range of joint-associated cell types and extracellular matrices are involved in the not yet entirely understood chronic inflammatory process. Regeneration of articular tissues to re-establish joint hemostasis is the future perspective when fundamental healing of OA is the long-term goal. The use of intra-articular applied biologic therapeutics derived from blood or mesenchymal stroma cell (MSC) sources is nowadays a well-accepted treatment option. Although this group of therapeutics is not totally consistent due to the lack of clear definitions and compositions, they all share a potential regenerative effect on articular tissues as described in in vivo and in vitro studies. However, the current stage of science in regenerative medicine needs to be supported by clinical reports as in fact, in vitro studies as well as studies using induced OA models still represent a fragment of the complex pathomechanism of naturally occurring OA. This systemic review aims to determine the long-term effect of orthobiologic therapeutics in horses suffering naturally occurring OA. Thereby, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is conducted to describe the efficiency and safety of intra-articular applied orthobiologics in terms of lameness reduction in the long-term. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the systemic review. Four of those studies have further been evaluated by the meta-analysis comparing the long-term effect in lameness reduction. Each study was examined for risk of bias. For data evaluation, a random-effects model was used, describing the overall outcome in a forest plot. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Results indicate, that orthobiologic therapies represent an effective long-term and safe OA treatment option. Due to the inhomogeneity of included studies, no statements are provided addressing specific orthobiologic therapies, affected joints, OA stage and horse's intended use. Future clinical trials should follow standardized study designs to provide comparable data.
Enhancing Innovation Performance in the Hotel Industry: The Role of Employee Empowerment and Quality Management Practices
Authors: Al-Sabi Samer M. , Al-Ababneh Mukhles M. , Masadeh Mousa A. , Elshaer Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2023

This research investigates employee empowerment’s role in the relationship between quality management practices (QMPs) and innovation performance at five-star hotels in Jordan. A total of 400 workers who work in five-star hotels in Jordan were given a questionnaire with 29 questions that measured QMPs, employee empowerment, and innovation performance. The obtained data were analyzed by PLS-SEM. The results show that quality policy (QP) has an insignificant influence on employee empowerment and innovation performance, while quality commitment (QC) and quality education and training (QET) have a positive and significant influence on employee empowerment and innovation performance. The results also reveal that employee empowerment has a positive influence on innovation performance. Finally, employee empowerment as a mediator variable was not working on the relationship between QP and innovation performance but showed a significant role as a partial mediator between QC and innovation performance as well as QET and innovation performance. Discussion, theoretical and managerial implications for future research, and limitations are presented.
Decision Science Driven Selection of High-Temperature Conventional Ti Alloys for Aeroengines
Authors: Canumalla Ramachandra , Jayaraman Tanjore V.
Published: February 2023

Near-α Ti alloys find themselves in advanced aeroengines for applications of up to 600 °C, mainly as compressor components owing to their superior combination of ambient- and elevated-temperature mechanical properties and oxidation resistance. We evaluated, ranked, and selected near-α Ti alloys in the current literature for high-temperature applications in aeroengines driven by decision science by integrating multiple attribute decision making (MADM) and principal component analysis (PCA). A combination of 12 MADM methods ranked a list of 105 alloy variants based on the thermomechanical processing (TMP) conditions of 19 distinct near-α Ti alloys. PCA consolidated the ranks from various MADMs and identified top-ranked alloys for the intended applications as: Ti-6.7Al-1.9Sn-3.9Zr-4.6Mo-0.96W-0.23Si, Ti-4.8Al-2.2Sn-4.1Zr-2Mo-1.1Ge, Ti-6.6Al-1.75Sn-4.12Zr-1.91Mo-0.32W-0.1Si, Ti-4.9Al-2.3Sn-4.1Zr-2Mo-0.1Si-0.8Ge, Ti-4.8Al-2.3Sn-4.2Zr-2Mo, Ti-6.5Al-3Sn-4Hf-0.2Nb-0.4Mo-0.4Si-0.1B, Ti-5.8Al-4Sn-3.5Zr-0.7Mo-0.35Si-0.7Nb-0.06C, and Ti-6Al-3.5Sn-4.5Zr-2.0Ta-0.7Nb-0.5Mo-0.4Si. The alloys have the following metallurgical characteristics: bimodal matrix, aluminum equivalent preferably ~8, and nanocrystalline precipitates of Ti3Al, germanides, or silicides. The analyses, driven by decision science, make metallurgical sense and provide guidelines for developing next-generation commercial near-α Ti alloys. The investigation not only suggests potential replacement or substitute for existing alloys but also provides directions for improvement and development of titanium alloys over the current ones to push out some of the heavier alloys and thus help reduce the engine’s weight to gain advantage.
Characteristics of Soil DOM and Its Effect on the Transformation of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) Forms under Organic Fertilizer Return Conditions
Authors: Pan Hongwei , Shi Lili , Liu Xin , Lei Hongjun , Yu Jie , Yang Guang
Published: February 2023

In order to explore the effects of the composition and structure of soil’s dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its electron transfer capacity (ETC) on the bioavailability of the potential toxic elements chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) after the application of decomposed pig manure organic fertilizer, three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEMs), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and electrochemical methods were used to analyze the composition characteristics of DOM in soil solution and the changes in the ETC, and the dynamic relationship between the relative content of DOM, ETC and various forms of potential toxic elements was explored by means of a Pearson correlation analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA). Among them, Cr, Pb and Cd were the elements with significant biological toxicity in farmland soil. The results indicated the following: (1) The soil DOM before and after returning the organic fertilizer to the field contained four components: UV and UVA humic-like (C1), tryptophan-like and UVA humic-like (C2), Exogenous and visible humic-like (C3) and tyrosine-like (C4). Humus-like was the main component. (2) After applying organic fertilizer, the relative contents of the DOM humus and tyrosine-like components in the soil increased by 8% and 8.73%, respectively. In this process, the DOM electron-accepting capacity (EAC) and electron-donating capacity (EDC) increased by 39.98% and 27.91%, respectively. (3) The humic-like fraction showed a highly significant positive correlation with ETC (p < 0.01), and the tyrosine-like fraction showed a significant negative correlation with ETC (p < 0.05). (4) The humus-like substance and ETC were positively correlated with the total amount, reducible state and oxidizable state of the potential toxic elements and negatively correlated with the weak acid extracted state and residue state; this showed that the humus-like components and ETC were more helpful for the transformation of the weak acid extracted state to the reducible state, oxidizable state and residue state in the interaction between the DOM components and Cr, Pb and Cd. In summary, the reasonable application of organic fertilizer could improve the relative content of DOM and ETC in soil, inhibit the biological toxicity of potential toxic elements in soil and provide a theoretical basis for the safe use of organic fertilizer.
Nutritional Characteristics of Corn Silage Produced in Campania Region Estimated by Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
Authors: Zicarelli Fabio , Sarubbi Fiorella , Iommelli Piera , Grossi Micaela , Lotito Daria , Tudisco Raffaella , Infascelli Federico , Musco Nadia , Lombardi Pietro
Published: February 2023

In formulating balanced rations for ruminants, knowing the chemical composition of forage and feeds in general is crucial to create adequate nutritional plans that meet animals’ feed requirements. From July to December of 2020, a total of 175 samples of corn silage hybrid PR31Y43 grown (135 days of maturity class) in three sites (Piana del Sele, Vallo di Diano and Caserta) of the Campania region (South Italy) were collected and analysed by using a portable Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The area of cultivation/storage of corn silage highly (p < 0.05) affected the nutritional characteristics of the analysed samples. The silages produced in the Vallo di Diano showed the significantly highest (p < 0.05) DM content compared to those from the other sites (349.3 vs. 323.4 and 328.1 g/kg as feed from Caserta and Piana del Sele, respectively). The structural carbohydrates were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Piana del Sele feed than those in both Caserta and Vallo di Diano feeds (420.1 vs. 396.7 and 397.6 g/kg as feed), whereas the non-fibrous carbohydrates were significantly higher in Caserta and Vallo di Diano feeds (p < 0.05; 469.6 and 471.8 g/kg as feed); intermediate values were registered in the corn silages produced in Piana del Sele (446.6 g/kg as feed). No differences were detected for protein levels. The NIRS technology could be useful to obtain fast and accurate picture of silage quality. The knowledge of the nutritional characteristics of silages can improve the formulation of balanced rations, contributing to guarantee animal welfare and good productive performances.
Effect of Dietary Organic Acids and Botanicals on Metabolic Status and Milk Parameters in Mid–Late Lactating Goats
Authors: Giorgino Andrea , Raspa Federica , Valle Emanuela , Bergero Domenico , Cavallini Damiano , Gariglio Marta , Bongiorno Valentina , Bussone Giorgia , Bergagna Stefania , Cimino Francesca , Dellepiane Lucrezia , Mancin Gilberto , Paratte Richard , Maza-Escolà Víctor Sáinz de la , Forte Claudio
Published: February 2023

The microencapsulated mixture of organic acids and pure botanicals (OA/PB) has never been evaluated in goats. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis to mid–late lactating dairy goats, evaluating the effects of OA/PB supplementation on the metabolic status, milk bacteriological and composition characteristics, and milk yield. Eighty mid–late lactating Saanen goats were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was fed the basal total balanced ration (TMR) (CRT; n = 40) and the other was fed a diet that was TMR supplemented with 10 g/head of OA/PB (TRT; n = 40) for 54 days during the summer period. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was recorded hourly. On days T0, T27, and T54, the milk yield was recorded, and blood and milk samples were collected during the morning milking. A linear mixed model was used, considering the fixed effects: diet, time, and their interaction. The THI data (mean ± SD: 73.5 ± 3.83) show that the goats did not endure heat stress. The blood parameters fell within the normal range, confirming that their metabolic status was not negatively influenced by OA/PB supplementation. OA/PB increased the milk fat content (p = 0.04) and milk coagulation index (p = 0.03), which are effects that are looked on as favorable by the dairy industry in relation to cheese production.
Effects of Dietary Wheat Bran on Ileal and Hindgut Digestibility of Nutrient in Pigs and Influences of Ileal Digesta Collection on Proceeding Fecal Nutrient Digestibility
Authors: Son Ah Reum , Son Jeonghyeon , Kim Beob Gyun
Published: February 2023

The objectives were to determine the effects of graded inclusion rates of wheat bran (WB) on apparent ileal (AID), apparent total tract (ATTD), and hindgut digestibility of nutrients and tested the influence of ileal digesta collection on proceeding fecal nutrient digestibility in pigs. Six barrows with an initial mean body weight of 70.7 ± 5.7 kg fitted with an ileal T-cannula were used. The animals were assigned to a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three diets and three periods. A basal diet was based mainly on wheat, soybean meal, and cornstarch. Two additional diets were formulated to contain 20 or 40% of WB at the expense of cornstarch. Each experimental period consisted of a seven-day adaptation period and a four-day collection period. After the adaptation period, fecal samples were collected on day 8, and ileal digesta were collected on days 9 and 10. Another set of fecal samples was collected on day 11 to determine the influence of ileal digesta collection on proceeding total tract nutrient digestibility. The AID of energy, dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, and phosphorus linearly decreased (p < 0.05) with an increasing inclusion rate of WB from 0 to 40%. The ATTD of energy, DM, OM, crude protein, ether extract, and phosphorus linearly decreased (p < 0.01) as the inclusion rate of WB increased. Hindgut digestibility of DM, OM, and ether extract linearly increased (p < 0.05) with an increasing inclusion rate of WB. The ATTD of GE and most nutrients did not differ between the two fecal collection periods of before and after ileal digesta collection. Taken together, the inclusion of a fiber-rich ingredient reduced ileal and fecal digestibility of nutrients but increased hindgut digestibility of some nutrients, and total tract digestibility of nutrients did not differ whether the fecal samples were collected before or after two days of ileal digesta collection in pigs.