bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home-based intensive treatment of chronic radiation-associated dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivors (HIT-CRAD trial)
Authors: Massonet Hanne , Goeleven Ann , Van den Steen Leen , Vergauwen Alice , Baudelet Margot , Van Haesendonck Gilles , Vanderveken Olivier , Bollen Heleen , van der Molen Lisette , Duprez Fréderic , Tomassen Peter , Nuyts Sandra , Van Nuffelen Gwen
Published: October 2022

Background

Chronic radiation-associated dysphagia (C-RAD) is considered to be one of the most severe functional impairments in head and neck cancer survivors treated with radiation (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT). Given the major impact of these late toxicities on patients’ health and quality of life, there is a strong need for evidence-based dysphagia management. Although studies report the benefit of strengthening exercises, transference of changes in muscle strength to changes in swallowing function often remains limited. Therefore, combining isolated strengthening exercises with functional training in patients with C-RAD may lead to greater functional gains.

Methods

This 3-arm multicenter randomized trial aims to compare the efficacy and possible detraining effects of mere strengthening exercises (group 1) with a combination of strengthening exercises and functional swallowing therapy (group 2) and non-invasive brain stimulation added to that combination (group 3) in 105 patients with C-RAD. Patients will be evaluated before and during therapy and 4 weeks after the last therapy session by means of swallowing-related and strength measures and quality of life questionnaires.

Discussion

Overall, this innovative RCT is expected to provide new insights into the rehabilitation of C-RAD to optimize post-treatment swallowing function.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) registry ID ISRCTN57028065. Registration was accepted on 15 July 2021.
Brief internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural intervention for children and adolescents with symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Casella Caio Borba , Zuccolo Pedro Fonseca , Sugaya Luisa , de Souza Aline Santana , Otoch Luara , Alarcão Fernanda , Gurgel Wagner , Fatori Daniel , Polanczyk Guilherme V.
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had major impacts in many different spheres, including mental health. Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable because their central nervous system is still in development and they have fewer coping resources than do adults. Increases in the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptomatology have been reported worldwide. However, access to mental health care is limited, especially for the paediatric population and in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we developed a brief internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural intervention for children and adolescents with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The aim of this proposed study is to test the efficacy of the intervention.

Methods

We will conduct a two-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial involving children and adolescents (8–11 and 12–17 years of age, respectively) with symptoms of anxiety, depression or both, according to the 25-item Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (t-score > 70). A total of 280 participants will be randomised to the intervention group or the active control group, in a 1:1 ratio. Those in the intervention group will receive five weekly sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy via teleconference. The sessions will focus on stress responses, family communication, diaphragmatic breathing, emotions, anger management, behavioural activation and cognitive restructuring. Participants in both groups will have access to 15 videos covering the same topics. Participant-guardian pairs will be expected to attend the sessions (intervention group), watch the videos (control group) or both (intervention group only). A blinded assessor will collect data on symptoms of anxiety, depression and irritability, at baseline, at the end of the intervention and 30 days thereafter. Adolescents with access to a smartphone will also be invited to participate in an ecological momentary assessment of emotional problems in the week before and the week after the intervention, as well as in passive data collection from existing smartphone sensors throughout the study.

Discussion

Internet-delivered interventions play a major role in increasing access to mental health care. A brief, manualised, internet-delivered intervention might help children and adolescents with anxiety or depressive symptomatology, even outside the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05139433. Registered prospectively in November 2021. Minor amendments made in July 2022.
Synergistic effects of silybin and curcumin on virulence and carbapenemase genes expression in multidrug resistant Klebsiella oxytoca
Authors: Omer Farah H. , Al-Khafaji Noor S. K. , Al-Alaq Farah Tareq , Al-Dahmoshi Hussein O. M. , Memariani Mojtaba , Saki Morteza
Published: October 2022

Objective

Silybin and curcumin have potential antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic antimicrobial effects of silybin and curcumin on virulence and carbapenemase genes expression among multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella oxytoca.

Results

A total of 70 MDR K. oxytoca (carrying blaIMP and blaOXA-48-like genes) were included. The antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm production of isolates were determined. The silybin and curcumin at concentrations 10–500 mg/mL alone and in combination were exposed to bacterial isolates in Mueller Hinton broth medium for 24 h. The expression of blaIMP, blaOXA-48-like, mrkA, pilQ, matB and fimA genes was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of curcumin and silybin were 250 mg/mL and 500 mg/mL, respectively. The anti-virulent effect of 100 mg/mL of silybin and curcumin was shown by significant reduction in the expression of fimA (2.1-fold, P < 0.0001) and mrkA (2.1 fold, P < 0.0001) genes. Moreover, these compounds significantly decreased the expression of blaIMP1 (3.2-fold, P < 0.0001) gene. Notably, there was no significant effect on pilQ, matB and blaOXA-48-like genes. The results showed that silybin and curcumin can be candidate as natural way for control the MDR virulent strains of K. oxytoca.
Diagnostic reliability of serum active B12 (holo-transcobalamin) in true evaluation of vitamin B12 deficiency: Relevance in current perspective
Authors: Dastidar Rinini , Sikder Kunal
Published: October 2022

Objective

Measurement of total vitamin B12 (vit B12) concentration raised concerns over early detection of vit B12 deficiency due to its clinical unreliability. In this present article we aimed to assess the efficacy of holo-transcobolamin (active vit B12) for true evaluation of vit B12 deficiency.

Methods

This retrospective study included 100 participants referred for vit B12 assay. Serum total vit B12, active vit B12 and homocysteine were estimated.

Results

Our study showed 59% of the total participants with vit B12 deficiency (185 ± 64.62 pg/ml) and 18% with hyper-cobalaminemia (1666.9 ± 367.13 pg/ml) based on their total vit B12 concentrations. A comparative study on total vit B12 and active vit B12 was done which reflected a striking disparity in results. Active vit B12 reported 28.8% patients with vit B12 deficiency (19.8 ± 17.48 pg/ml) and only 16.6% patients with hyper-cobalaminemia (224.14 ± 10 pg/ml). Active vit B12 appeared to be more sensitive (82.35% vs 65%) and specific (46.6% vs. 43.8%) diagnostic marker compared to total vit B12. Pearson Correlation study indicated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.695 at p < 0.01) hence justified use of the two methods.

Conclusion

We claim that active vit B12 is a much more reliable biomarker than total vit B12 for early diagnosis of vit B12 deficiency.
Advances in sex disparities for cancer immunotherapy: unveiling the dilemma of Yin and Yang
Authors: Ma Junfu , Yao Yanxin , Tian Ye , Chen Kexin , Liu Ben
Published: October 2022

A wide sex disparity has been demonstrated in cancer incidence, tumor aggressiveness, prognosis, and treatment response of different types of cancer. The sex specificity of cancer appears to be a relevant issue in managing the disease, and studies investigating the role of sex and gender are becoming extremely urgent. Immunotherapy plays a leading role in cancer treatment, offering a new perspective on advanced malignancies. Gender has not been considered in standard cancer treatment, suggesting increasing the recognition of sex differences in cancer research and clinical management. This paper provides an overview of sex and gender disparities in cancer immunotherapy efficacy, anti-cancer immune response, predictive biomarkers, and so on. We focus on the molecular differences between male and female patients across a broad range of cancer types to arouse the attention and practice of clinicians and researchers in a sex perspective of new cancer treatment strategies.
Assessing real-world effectiveness of therapies: what is the impact of incretin-based treatments on hospital use for patients with type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Bussiere Clémence , Chauvin Pauline , Josselin Jean-Michel , Sevilla-Dedieu Christine
Published: October 2022

Background

Managing type 2 diabetes represents a major public health concern due to its important and increasing prevalence. Our study investigates the impact of taking incretin-based medication on the risk of being hospitalized and the length of hospital stay for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Method

We use claim panel data from 2011 to 2015 and provide difference-in-differences (DID) estimations combined with matching techniques to better ensure the treatment and control groups’ comparability. Our propensity score selects individuals according to their probability of taking an incretin-based treatment in 2013 (N = 2,116). The treatment group includes individuals benefiting from incretin-based treatments from 2013 to 2015 and is compared to individuals not benefiting from such a treatment but having a similar probability of taking it.

Results

After controlling for health-related and socio-economic variables, we show that benefiting from an incretin-based treatment does not significantly impact the probability of being hospitalized but does significantly decrease the annual number of days spent in the hospital by a factor rate of 0.621 compared with the length of hospital stays for patients not benefiting from such a treatment.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the potential implications for our health care system in case of widespread use of these drugs among patients with severe diabetes.
Bacterial communities in co-cultured fish intestines and rice field soil irrigated with aquaculture wastewater
Authors: Guan Weibing , Li Kui , Li Kejun
Published: October 2022

In some regions, integrated rice-fish farms have been developed to balance the needs of aquaculture wastewater discharge and rice field irrigation. In this type of aqua-agriculture system, soil is irrigated with aquaculture wastewater, and intestinal bacteria in cultured fish species likely impact soil bacteria through irrigation. However, little is known about the relationship between soil bacteria and intestinal bacteria in some carp species commonly co-cultured in some Asian regions. Therefore, we co-cultured five carp species in aquaculture ponds and used the aquaculture wastewater to irrigate rice fields for over 5 years, and then compared carp intestinal bacterial communities with rice field soil bacterial communities. The results from analysis of similarity and SourceTracker analysis showed that a low similarity (R = 0.7908, P = 0.001) and contribution (an average of 9.9% of bacterial genera) of intestinal bacteria to soil bacterial communities although 77.5% of soil bacterial genera were shared by intestinal bacteria. Our results also indicated that intestinal bacteria in the numerically dominant fish species in the co-culture system do not necessarily impact soil bacteria more significantly than those of less abundant carp species, and that intestinal bacterial communities in one single fish species may impact certain soil bacterial phyla more significantly than others. Our results provide a better understanding of the impact of aquaculture wastewater on rice fields and will be helpful for the development of this type of aqua-agriculture system.
Single-carrier transmission scheme for extracting characteristic parameters of 32-Point 6PolSK-QPSK
Authors: Li Yupeng , Zhang Yichao , Li Lei , Zhang Mingzhu , Wu Du , Li Qianqian , Ding Xiaoming , Wang Xiaocheng
Published: October 2022

Six polarization-shift keying quadrature phase shift keying (6PolSK-QPSK) signal modulation format is formed by different representations of QPSK. A variety of satisfactory single-carrier transmission schemes have been implemented in 24-Point 6PolSK-QPSK. As an extension of 24-Point 6PolSK-QPSK, it has been confirmed that 32-Point 6PolSK-QPSK has higher spectral efficiency (SE). Based on the method of extracting 24-Point 6PolSK-QPSK feature parameters, a 32-Point 6PolSK-QPSK signal transmission scheme is proposed and verified in 100 km single-mode fiber (SMF) with an aggregate transmission rate of 108-Gbps. Simulation results show that the original data could be recovered effectively with the proposed scheme, and the system bit error ratio (BER) could meet the requirement of the forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8e − 3.
AUC optimization for deep learning-based voice activity detection
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Lei , Xu Menglong
Published: October 2022

Voice activity detection (VAD) based on deep neural networks (DNN) have demonstrated good performance in adverse acoustic environments. Current DNN-based VAD optimizes a surrogate function, e.g., minimum cross-entropy or minimum squared error, at a given decision threshold. However, VAD usually works on-the-fly with a dynamic decision threshold, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a global evaluation metric for VAD at all possible decision thresholds. In this paper, we propose to maximize the area under the ROC curve (MaxAUC) by DNN, which can maximize the performance of VAD in terms of the entire ROC curve. However, the objective of the AUC maximization is nondifferentiable. To overcome this difficulty, we relax the nondifferentiable loss function to two differentiable approximation functions—sigmoid loss and hinge loss. To study the effectiveness of the proposed MaxAUC-DNN VAD, we take either a standard feedforward neural network or a bidirectional long short-term memory network as the DNN model with either the state-of-the-art multi-resolution cochleagram or short-term Fourier transform as the acoustic feature. We conducted noise-independent training to all comparison methods. Experimental results show that taking AUC as the optimization objective results in higher performance than the common objectives of the minimum squared error and minimum cross-entropy. The experimental conclusion is consistent across different DNN structures, acoustic features, noise scenarios, training sets, and languages.
Competitive tenders on analogue hospital pharmaceuticals in Denmark 2017–2020
Authors: Ehlers Lars Holger , Jensen Morten B. , Schack Henrik
Published: October 2022

Background

Competitive tenders on pharmaceuticals are one of the most effective cost-containment instruments in healthcare systems. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated, among other things, in markets for generic medicine and biosimilars. In Denmark, an internationally unique model for competitive tenders on analogue substitutable pharmaceuticals has been developed and implemented for all public hospitals.

Methods

We obtained data on all analogue competitive tenders carried out by the Danish Medicines Council from its foundation on January 1, 2017, to October 9, 2020. We calculated univariate descriptive statistics, pairwise correlations and made a multiple regression analysis on tender savings.

Results

Average annual saving on hospital pharmaceutical purchase prices was 44.1% ranging from 0.4% to 92.8% between therapeutic areas and areas of indication. There was a significant positive correlation between tender savings and the number of competitors participating in the tender, and a significant negative correlation between tender savings and the number of days since market authorization.

Conclusions

This study finds analogue tenders to be similar in effect and mechanism to competitive tenders in markets for generic medicine and biosimilars. It supports the increasing number of empirical findings that competitive tendering has a high potential to generate substantial savings on healthcare budgets.
Minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament with ipsilateral gracilis tendon: a kinematic in-vitro study
Authors: Muccioli Giulio Maria Marcheggiani , Rinaldi Vito Gaetano , Zappia Marcello , Lullini Giada , Bignozzi Simone , Zaffagnini Stefano , Trinchese Giovanni Felice
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) has been defined as a key stabilizer of internal tibial rotation at 35° or more of knee flexion, with a minimal primary or secondary stabilizing role in the AP direction. This study aimed to demonstrate that anatomical reconstruction of the ALL confers rotational stability equal to that of the uninjured knee. Hypothesis: anteroposterior (AP) and rotatory laxity will significantly vary after ALL tenotomy and ALL reconstruction with the author’s previously described technique.

Methods

After ultrasound (US) ALL identification, different kinematic measurements were performed with an image-less Computer-Assisted Navigation System with dedicated software for Laxity Analysis in 5 knee specimens. Anteroposterior (AP) translations and varus/valgus (VV) and Internal-External (IE) rotations were evaluated by two trained orthopedic surgeons before ALL section, after ALL section, and after ALL anatomical reconstruction with doubled ipsilateral autologous gracilis tendon.

Results

ALL resection significantly increased laxity in IE rotations with knee 90° flexed (IE90) and AP translation with tibia internally rotated and the knee 30° flexed (APlat) (p < 0.05). ALL reconstruction significantly reduced laxity in IE90 and APlat (p < 0.05) and reduced VV rotations at 30° of flexion (VV30) (p < 0.05).

There were no statistically significant elongation differences between native ALL and reconstructed ALL (graft) during laxity tests. The inter-operator repeatability of the tests was excellent for each measurement.

Conclusions

ALL acted as an important internal tibial rotation restrain at 90° and a significant (secondary) AP stabilizer at 30° of knee flexion. The presented ALL reconstruction technique significantly restored the increase of knee laxity produced by the ALL section.

Scientific level

Case-Controlled Laboratory Study, Level III.
Combinatorial strategies for production improvement of anti-tuberculosis antibiotics ilamycins E1/E2 from deep sea-derived Streptomyces atratus SCSIO ZH16 ΔilaR
Authors: Zhu Yunfei , Zheng Gaofan , Xin Xiujuan , Ma Junying , Ju Jianhua , An Faliang
Published: October 2022

Ilamycins E1/E2 are novel cyclic heptapeptides from Streptomyces atratus SCSIO ZH16, which have the MIC value of 9.8 nM against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. However, the lower fermentative titer of ilamycins E1/E2 cut off further development for novel anti-TB lead drugs. In order to break the obstacle, the combinatorial strategy of medium optimization, fermentative parameters optimization, exogenous addition of metal ions, precursors, and surfactants was developed to promoted the production of ilamycins E1/E2. Addition of 1 mM ZnCl2 at 0 h, 1 g/L tyrosine at 96 h, and 2 g/L shikimic acid at 48 h increased the production of ilamycins E1/E2 from 13.51 to 762.50 ± 23.15, 721.39 ± 19.13, and 693.83 ± 16.86 mg/L, respectively. qRT-PCR results showed that the transcription levels of key genes in Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway, hexose phosphate shunt pathway, and shikimic acid pathway were upregulated. In addition, the production of ilamycins E1/E2 reached 790.34 mg/L in a 5-L bioreactor by combinatorial strategy. Combinatorial strategies were used for improving ilamycins E1/E2 production in S. atratus ΔilaR and provided a sufficient basis on further clinic development.

Graphical Abstract
Dynamic changes in community structure and degradation performance of a bacterial consortium MMBC-1 during the subculturing revival reveal the potential decomposers of lignocellulose
Authors: Zhu Jingrong , Liu Jiawen , Li Weilin , Ru Yunrui , Sun Di , Liu Cong , Li Zongyun , Liu Weijie
Published: October 2022

Bacterial consortium is an important source of lignocellulolytic strains, but it is still a challenge to distinguish the direct decomposers of lignocellulose from other bacteria in such a complex community. This study aims at addressing this issue by focusing on the dynamic changes in community structure and degradation activity of MMBC-1, an established and stable lignocellulolytic bacterial consortium, during its subculturing revival. MMBC-1 was cryopreserved with glycerol as a protective agent and then inoculated for revival. Its enzyme activities for degradation recovered to the maximum level after two rounds of subculturing. Correspondingly, the cellulose and hemicellulose in lignocellulosic carbon source were gradually decomposed during the revival. Meanwhile, the initial dominant bacteria represented by genus Clostridium were replaced by the bacteria belonging to Lachnospira, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Haloimpatiens genera and family Lachnospiraceae. However, only three high-abundance (> 1%) operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (Lachnospira, Enterococcus and Haloimpatiens genera) were suggested to directly engage in lignocellulose degradation according to correlation analysis. By comparison, many low-abundance OTUs, such as the ones belonging to Flavonifractor and Anaerotruncus genera, may play an important role in degradation. These findings showed the dramatic changes in community structure that occurred during the subculturing revival, and paved the way for the discovery of direct decomposers in a stable consortium.

Graphical Abstract
Deep-sea bottom-water environment change caused by sediment resuspension on the continental slope off Sanriku, Japan, before and after the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Wakita Masahide , Watanabe Shuichi , Yoshino Jun , Oguri Kazumasa , Nomaki Hidetaka , Kawagucci Shinsuke , Ariyoshi Keisuke , Nagano Akira , Fujikura Katsunori
Published: October 2022

The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake occurred off southern Sanriku, Japan, on March 11 and generated strong shaking and huge tsunami along the entire eastern coast of Tohoku. The mainshock and numerous large aftershocks caused mass-wasting sedimentation events on the continental shelf, slope, and trench bottom. To investigate the impacts of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake on the deep-sea bottom-water environment off Sanriku, we conducted shipboard surveys up to ~ 2000 dbar during 2011–2018 and long-term monitoring of the seafloor on the continental slope using a deep-sea station (~ 1000 dbar) off Otsuchi Bay during 2012–2018. The high turbidity (maximum ~ 6%) was observed for the bottom water deeper than 500 dbar on the continental slope of the entire area off Sanriku during 2012–2018. This high turbidity was caused by sporadic sediment resuspension induced by frequent large aftershocks. Furthermore, dissolved oxygen concentrations in the bottom layer from 1000 to 1500 dbar dropped significantly by about 10% after the earthquake, while nutrients and dissolved inorganic carbon showed no significant changes but exhibited wide variations. The high turbidity was associated with the increase in the concentrations of phosphate, dissolved inorganic carbon, and methane, as well as the decrease in those of dissolved oxygen and nitrate. This suggests that remineralization of suspended organic matter resulting from the respiration and denitrification of microbial communities after the earthquake caused the chemical properties of the deep-sea bottom-water. The deep-sea bottom-water environment change was maintained by sporadic sediment resuspension due to continued large aftershocks and was likely caused by variations in dissolved inorganic carbon and phosphate. There are two peaks in the concentration and carbon isotope ratio of methane on the deeper slope from 1000 to 2000 dbar near the hypocenter, which were advected along isopycnal surfaces of 27.38σθ (1000 dbar) and 27.56σθ (1500 dbar). The source of the shallower peak of chemical input is considered to be the sediment resuspension from the shallow sediment on the continental slope induced by the mainshock and large aftershocks.

Graphical abstract
Soft Tissue Vibrations in Running: A Narrative Review
Authors: Play Marie-Caroline , Trama Robin , Millet Guillaume Y. , Hautier Christophe , Giandolini Marlène , Rossi Jérémy
Published: October 2022

During running, the human body is subjected to impacts generating repetitive soft tissue vibrations (STV). They have been frequently discussed to be harmful for the musculoskeletal system and may alter running gait. The aims of this narrative review were to: (1) provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on STV during running, especially why and how STV occurs; (2) present the various approaches and output parameters used for quantifying STV with their strengths and limitations; (3) summarise the factors that affect STV. A wide set of parameters are employed in the literature to characterise STV. Amplitude of STV used to quantify the mechanical stress should be completed by time–frequency approaches to better characterise neuromuscular adaptations. Regarding sports gear, compression apparels seem to be effective in reducing STV. In contrast, the effects of footwear are heterogeneous and responses to footwear interventions are highly individual. The creation of functional groups has recently been suggested as a promising way to better adapt the characteristics of the shoes to the runners’ anthropometrics. Finally, fatigue was found to increase vibration amplitude but should be investigated for prolonged running exercises and completed by an evaluation of neuromuscular fatigue. Future research needs to examine the individual responses, particularly in fatigued conditions, in order to better characterise neuromuscular adaptations to STV.
Seeing Effort: Assessing Coaches' Prediction of the Number of Repetitions in Reserve Before Task-Failure
Authors: Emanuel Aviv , Har-Nir Itai , Obolski Uri , Halperin Israel
Published: October 2022

Background

A key role of resistance training (RT) coaches is to personalize programs based on their trainees’ abilities and goals. Specifically, coaches often assess how many repetitions in reserve (RIR) their trainees have until task-failure. Coaches can then modify the number of repetitions assigned per set accordingly. However, coaches’ ability to predict the number of RIR is unknown.

Methods

Certified RT coaches (n = 259) were randomly assigned to watch a video of one of eight trainees. The trainees performed two sets of barbell squats and preacher biceps-curls, using 70% or 80% of their 1RM, to task-failure. The coaches predicted trainees’ RIR at 33%, 66%, and 90% of the total number of repetitions the trainees completed in each set. We fitted a linear mixed model with various predictors to the prediction errors as the outcomes (i.e., signed and unsigned values of the predicted minus actual repetitions to task-failure).

Results

The overall average number of repetitions completed by the trainees was 13.9. The average absolute errors were 4.8, 2.0, and 1.2 repetitions for the 33%, 66%, and 90% time-points, respectively. The absolute prediction error increased for the biceps-curl compared to the squat (1.43, 95% CI [1.13, 1.74]), but decreased for heavier loads (− 1.17, 95% CI [− 2.16, − 0.19]), and in the second set of each exercise (− 1.20, 95% CI [− 1.38, − 1.02]). Surprisingly, coaches’ years of experience had a negligible effect on the absolute error (− 0.020, 95% CI [− 0.039, − 0.0007]). Finally, coaches underpredicted the RIR at early time-points but reverted to slight overprediction at later time-points.

Conclusions

Prior coaching experience seems to play a minor role in RIR predictions. However, even short-term exposures to new trainees performing different exercises can substantially improve coaches’ RIR predictions.
Spectral domain oct for screening of macular diseases prior to multifocal intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Hinnig Rodrigo Braz , Martins Luiz Felipe Silva , Penha Fernando Marcondes
Published: October 2022

Background

Cataract surgery with multifocal IOLs could give patients good vision and great satisfaction, at the same time generating high expectations; therefore, its precise indication is essential if we are to reach our goal. The use of optical coherence tomography may be a valuable tool in the screening of macular diseases, which often cannot be detected in routine clinical examinations. This study evaluates the benefit of including spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in routine preoperative cataract surgery protocols for better case selection in multifocal IOLs.

Methods

Observational and retrospective clinical study that includes patients with an indication for multifocal IOL implantation who underwent retinal fundus exam and SD-OCT examination between 2018 and 2019. The clinical examination with ophthalmoscopy and SD-OCT imaging results were evaluated to observe their influence on the final choice of the lens implanted lens in cataract surgery.

Results

405 eyes from 207 patients with multifocal IOL indication were included. It was found that 220 (54.2%) of all indicated multifocal or trifocal IOLs were in fact implanted. The most important reason for not implanting the indicated IOL was financial, in 116 (59.46%) eyes. The second cause were retinal abnormalities detected by SD-OCT, 63 eyes (15.6%). Those abnormalities included dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (50.7%), neovascular AMD (3.1%), vitreomacular adhesion (11.1%), diabetic macular edema (3.1%), epiretinal membrane (ERM) (25.3%) and other macular abnormalities (6.3%). Of the 63 eyes with an abnormal SD-OCT result, 44 (69.8%) were also identified by fundus examination. Nineteen (30.2%) eyes had abnormalities detected only by SD-OCT imaging with a normal clinical exam.

Conclusions

Routine use of SD-OCT imaging may help diagnose pre-existing macular pathologies not identified by clinical exam, helping both physicians and patients choose the ideal IOL individually and has the potential to prevent unsatisfactory functional results.
Simulation-based skills training: a qualitative interview study exploring surgical trainees’ experience of stress
Authors: Tjønnås Maria Suong , Das Anita , Våpenstad Cecilie , Ose Solveig Osborg
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Stress can affect the ability to acquire technical skills. Simulation-based training (SBT) courses allow surgical trainees to train their technical skills away from stressful clinical environments. Trainees’ subjective experiences of stress during SBT courses on laparoscopic surgery remains understudied. Here, we explored the subjective stress experiences of surgical trainees during mandatory laparoscopic SBT courses. We aimed to obtain a broader understanding of which factors of the simulation training the trainees perceived as eliciting stress.

Methods

A qualitative study with semistructured individual interviews was undertaken to explore trainees’ subjective experiences of stress. Twenty surgical trainees participated while attending courses at a national training center for advanced laparoscopic surgery. Questions explored trainees’ stress experiences during the SBT courses with a focus on perceived stressors related to laparoscopic simulation training on two box-trainers and one virtual reality simulator. Interview data were analyzed using inductive, qualitative content analysis methods to identify codes, categories, and themes.

Results

Findings indicated that trainees have a variety of stress experiences during laparoscopic SBT. Three main themes were identified to be related to stress experiences: simulation task requirements, psychomotor skill levels and internal pressures, with subcategories such as task difficulty and time requirements, unrealistic haptic feedback and realism of graphics, inconsistent and poor technical performance, and self-imposed pressures and socio-evaluative threats.

Conclusions

Insights into surgical trainees’ experience of stress during laparoscopic SBT courses showed that some stress experiences were directly related to simulation training, while others were of psychological nature. The technical and efficiency requirements of simulation tasks elicited stress experiences among trainees with less laparoscopic experience and lower levels of psychomotor skills. Self-imposed pressures played an integral part in how trainees mobilized and performed during the courses, suggesting that levels of stress might enhance laparoscopic simulation performance. For course facilitators aiming at optimizing future laparoscopic SBT courses, attending to the realism, providing clarity about learning objectives, and having awareness of individual differences among trainees’ technical level when designing the simulation tasks, would be beneficial. Equally important to the laparoscopic SBT is to create a psychological safe learning space in order to reduce the internal pressures of trainees.
Patient and public involvement in implementation of evidence-based guidance for musculoskeletal conditions: a scoping review of current advances and gaps
Authors: Babatunde Opeyemi O. , Dawson Shoba , Brammar June , Parton Linda , Dziedzic Krysia , Adebajo Adewale O.
Published: October 2022

Advances in musculoskeletal (MSK) research have been successfully curated into widely endorsed evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. However, there continues to exist significant variations in care and quality of care, and the global health and socio-economic burdens associated with MSK conditions continues to increase. Limited accessibility, and applicability of guideline recommendations have been suggested as contributory factors to less than adequate guideline implementation. Since patient and public involvement (PPI) is being credited with increasing relevance, dissemination and uptake of MSK research, the success of guidelines implementation strategies may also be maximised through increasing opportunities for PPI input. We therefore conducted a scoping review of literature to explore PPI in implementation of evidence-based guidance for MSK conditions. A comprehensive search was used to identify relevant literature in three databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl) and two large repositories (WHO, G-IN), supplemented by grey literature search. Eligibility was determined with criteria established a priori and narrative synthesis was used to summarise PPI activities, contexts, and impact on implementation of MSK related evidence-based guidance across ten eligible studies (one from a low-and middle-income country LMIC). A prevalence of low-level PPI (mainly consultative activities) was found in the current literature and may partly account for current experiences of significant variations and quality of care for MSK patients. The success of PPI in MSK research may be lessened by the oversight of PPI in implementation. This has implications for both high- and low-resource healthcare systems, especially in LMICs where evidence is limited. Patient and public partnership for mobilising knowledge, maximising guideline uptake, and bridging the research-practice gap particularly in low resource settings remain important and should extend beyond PPI in research and guideline dissemination activities only. This review is a clarion call to stakeholders, and all involved, to transform PPI in MSK research into real world benefits through implementation approaches underpinned by patient and public partnerships. We anticipate that this will enhance and drive quality improvements in MSK care with patients and for patients across health and care settings.
Patient and public involvement in an international rheumatology translational research project: an evaluation
Authors: de Souza Savia , Johansson Eva C. , Karlfeldt Susanne , Raza Karim , Williams Ruth
Published: October 2022

Background

Rheuma Tolerance for Cure (RTCure) is a five-year international collaboration between academia, industry and patients/members of the public. It focuses on developing approaches to predict the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and designing clinical trials to reduce the risk of disease development through immune-tolerising and other treatments. We conducted a mid-term evaluation of patient and public involvement (PPI) within the project.

Methods

Two surveys on PPI were co-designed by the PPI Coordinator, Patient/Public Research Partners (PRPs) and a researcher. Both anonymous, electronic surveys were distributed to 61 researchers and 9 PRPs. Quantitative survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and free text responses underwent inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Researcher and Patient response rates were 33% and 78%, respectively. Quantitative Researcher Survey data highlighted that (i) responding researchers represented all seven Work Packages (WPs), (ii) 40% thought PRPs had made a large or extremely large contribution to their own WPs, (iii) 55% thought PPI has had a moderate or large impact on RTCure, (iv) 75% worked with PRPs in RTCure, and (v) 60% said PRPs had affected their research thinking. Quantitative PRP Survey data highlighted that (i) PRPs were most involved in four WPs, (ii) 43% thought they had made a minor contribution to their main WP, (iii) 57% thought PPI has had a small impact on RTCure, and (iv) 57% thought they received too little feedback on the outcome of their contribution to different tasks. Four main themes were identified in both surveys: ‘PRP contributions’, ‘Experiences of PPI’, ‘Impact of PPI on RTCure’, and ‘How PPI can be improved’. Two additional themes from the Researcher Survey were ‘Impact of PPI on researchers’ and ‘Influence on Future Projects’, and from the PRP Survey were ‘Impact of PPI on PRPs’ and ‘Engagement with PRPs’.

Conclusion

PPI seemed to have a significant impact on RTCure, however, PRPs were less aware. A focus on improving communication between PRPs and researchers (facilitated by the PPI Coordinator), and providing PPI training for researchers is likely to improve involvement. Complex legal agreements for PRPs should be avoided and careful attention paid to appropriate PRP compensation.
Canopies, the Final Frog-tier: exploring responses of a specialist treefrog to prescribed fire in a pyrogenic ecosystem
Authors: Biazzo Ian N. , Quintana-Ascencio Pedro F.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pine flatwoods of the southeastern United States were shaped by frequent fires. Land managers use prescribed fires to control fuels but also to restore historical fire dynamics. Broad outcomes of this practice are well-understood, but impacts on many organisms are still being explored. Frogs, for example, have upland and wetland requirements, limited mobility, and skin susceptible to desiccation. Treefrogs spend most of their lives in uplands away from water. When fire approaches, animals may escape to an unburned area, shelter in place, or be killed by the fire. We examined which of these mechanisms is the prevailing short-term response for a specialist treefrog in a pyrogenic flatwood system.

Results

We assessed the short-term impacts of prescribed fire on the dynamics of an upland flatwood specialist, the pinewoods treefrog Dryophytes femoralis, using a replicated before-after-control-impact field experiment. We set pipes as treefrog refugia at 3 m, 6 m, 9 m, and 9+ m in 12 pine trees spread evenly across two treatments: reference trees in units burned in 2020 and trees in units with 2021 prescribed fire. Prescribed fires occurred on 16 April and 21 July 2021. Every 2 weeks between 5 March and 5 September, we checked pipes for frogs and assigned them unique color marks. We observed 78 individuals with 199 additional recaptures. We modeled abundance (as raw counts), survival, and vertical movement using mark-recapture methods, multi-state, and mixed linear models with a Bayesian framework. Survival and recapture were comparable among prescribed fire treatments, but abundances and movement probability varied. Frogs in trees in areas burned during the study were more likely to stay in place and less likely to descend to lower heights. We observed more frogs in trees after a 2021 fire compared to reference trees.

Conclusions

The prevailing mechanism for resiliency to fire for pinewoods treefrogs was migration up large pines, then likely recolonization to lower vegetation layers when plants regreen post-fire. This substantiates conclusions from other works that the integrity of mature pines is key to sustaining native biodiversity. Future work and management should consider the three-dimensional structure of habitat when developing burn prescriptions and study designs.
A review on chemical precipitation in carbon capture, utilization and storage
Authors: Lin Jui-Yen , Garcia Erica A. , Ballesteros Florencio C. , Garcia-Segura Sergi , Lu Ming-Chun
Published: October 2022

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are being developed to address the increasing CO2 emissions, mitigating the global warming and climate change. In this context, chemical precipitation has been advanced to enhance the performance, energy-efficiency and profitability of CCUS. In this review, we first present the fundamentals of precipitation and dissolution, and then summarize the incorporation of precipitation in each aspect of CCUS. The controlled precipitation of CO2-rich solid during the capture of CO2 by regenerable solvents can reduce the energy demand. The mineral carbonation of silicate and industrial waste sequestrates CO2 as stable solids. The efficiency of mineral carbonation, either direct or indirect, is dictated by the dissolution of minerals and the precipitation of carbonates and silica. The precipitation of calcium carbonate can be controlled to produce various polymorphs and morphology, enabling its utilization for the enhancement of profitability and environmental benefits. Ultimately, the prospective for future research was proposed.
Hematological and histopathological impacts of nano-emamectin benzoate against the larvae of the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Amin Hassan Sayed Hassan , Ali Mohamed Sayed Salama , El-Sheikh Tarek Afifi Abd El-Hamed , El-Gohary El-Gohary El-Said Attia
Published: October 2022

Background

Insects withstand foreign substances and infection by expressing robust defense responses, which are mediated by hemocytes, fat body, midgut, and many other tissues. The Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval), is a polyphagous pest with considerable economic importance in Egypt and globally. Many control strategies were employed to control this pest. Nowadays, there is a trend to use nanotechnology tools in agricultural practices as they balance minimal concentration and maximum pest control, safe concentration, and reduce the cost of pest control. The present study aimed to evaluate the hematological and histopathological response of S. littoralis larvae post-treatment with sublethal concentrations of emamectin benzoate and its nanoform, besides the silver nanoparticles.

Results

The results revealed the high toxicity of emamectin benzoate and its nanoform (LC50 values were 0.0524 and 0.023 ppm, respectively). The results also showed that all tested compounds significantly influenced the mean number of laid eggs/female. The emamectin benzoate nanoform (837.3 ± 52.09) was the most efficient compound compared to the control (1999.3 ± 46.5). The hematological responses against the EMB + AgNP were lowered total hemocyte counting (22.41 ± 1.3) compared to the untreated larvae (38.08 ± 0.83). In addition, there were some histopathological changes in the midgut tissues. They were represented as destroying the integrity of the epithelial cells and the ciliated border. The columnar cells began to disintegrate, and the peritrophic membrane became vacuolized. In contrast, the cuticle layers were not affected by various treatments.

Conclusion

We can conclude that the employment of emamectin benzoate, either in its original form or as its nanoform, is considered a promising substitute for conventional insecticides. The nanoform of emamectin benzoate proved its high efficiency against the larvae of the cotton leafworm, which may allow the application of this formulation at low concentrations.
Case report on surgical removal of 3.5 kg benign mesenchymal tumor from the mandible region
Authors: Bakshi Jaimanti , Tiwana Harsimran , Prashant Shivji , Bahadur Donjon , John Jerry , Saini Jyoti , Goyal Atul Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background

Benign mesenchymal tumors are rare tumors accounting for 5% of all salivary gland tumors and less than 10% of submandibular or sublingual gland tumors.

Case presentation

The present case study represents a rare case of large-size benign mesenchymal tumors arising from the mandible region. The patient comes with the complaint of prominent swelling on the right side of the lower jaw. Clinical history revealed that the swelling appeared around 5 years ago and enhanced over time to form a large tumor. The patient presented with signs of anemia and hypoproteinemia, which were developed due to dysphagia and bleeding in the tumor. A worm infestation was also found during the clinical examination, and severe pain, foul smell, fungating tumor, frequent pus discharge, and bleeding were also reported. The patient was treated by surgical removal of tumors within 8 h of surgery. Right segmental mandibulectomy with wide local tumor excision was performed under general anesthesia and prophylactic tracheostomy to maintain a secure airway. A huge defect of 8 cm × 6 cm was generated on the right side of the face after tumor removal, which was repaired with the help of local advancement flap reconstruction. The tumor size was 30 cm × 20 cm with a weight of 3.5 kg.

Conclusion

To our best knowledge, the present study is the first in the literature that has reported such a large tumor in the mandible region. The success of surgery presented in the current case is very rare to achieve in developing countries. By reporting the detailed procedures, the present case study will help increase the misdiagnosis, improper treatment, treatment delays, or associated complications.