bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remapping racial and ethnic inequities in severe maternal morbidity: The legacy of redlining in California
Authors: Gao Xing , Snowden Jonathan M. , Tucker Curisa M. , Allen Amani , Morello‐Frosch Rachel , Abrams Barbara , Carmichael Suzan L. , Mujahid Mahasin S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Historical mortgage redlining, a racially discriminatory policy designed to uphold structural racism, may have played a role in producing the persistently elevated rate of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among racialised birthing people.

Objective

This study examined associations between Home‐Owner Loan Corporation (HOLC) redlining grades and SMM in a racially and ethnically diverse birth cohort in California.

Methods

We leveraged a population‐based cohort of all live hospital births at ≥20 weeks of gestation between 1997 and 2017 in California. SMM was defined as having one of 21 procedures and diagnoses, per an index developed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We characterised census tract‐level redlining using HOLC's security maps for eight California cities. We assessed bivariate associations between HOLC grades and participant characteristics. Race and ethnicity‐stratified mixed effects logistic regression models assessed the risk of SMM associated with HOLC grades within non‐Hispanic Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Hispanic groups, adjusting for sociodemographic information, pregnancy‐related factors, co‐morbidities and neighbourhood deprivation index.

Results

The study sample included 2,020,194 births, with 24,579 cases of SMM (1.2%). Living in a census tract that was graded as “Hazardous,” compared to census tracts graded “Best” and “Still Desirable,” was associated with 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.29) and 1.17 (95% CI 1.09, 1.25) times the risk of SMM among Black and Hispanic birthing people, respectively, independent of sociodemographic factors. These associations persisted after adjusting for pregnancy‐related factors and neighbourhood deprivation index.

Conclusions

Historical redlining, a tool of structural racism that influenced the trajectory of neighbourhood social and material conditions, is associated with increased risk of experiencing SMM among Black and Hispanic birthing people in California. These findings demonstrate that addressing the enduring impact of macro‐level and systemic mechanisms that uphold structural racism is a vital step in achieving racial and ethnic equity in birthing people's health.
A school‐based physical activity intervention on psychosocial health outcomes among 11‐ and 12‐year‐olds – HOPP‐project
Authors: Tennfjord Merete Kolberg , Strand Martin Frank , Østby Nora , Harbø Kristin Margrethe Tange , Fredriksen Per Morten
Published: November 2022

The purpose was to investigate the effect of a school‐based physical activity (PA)‐intervention among 11‐ and 12‐year‐olds (6th‐ and 7th graders) across 4 years. Seven primary schools in Horten municipality in Norway received 45 min daily extra PA as part of the curriculum. The intervention started in 2015 with follow‐up in 2016–2019. The effect was measured after 1–4 years of participation, among the same children (6th to 7th grade) and among new children starting in 6th grade. Two control schools received no additional PA beyond the regular PA at school. The Self‐reported Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ‐S) focusing on internalizing and externalizing difficulties were administrated. A statistical model for repeated measurements was used and adjusted for parents' educational level, sex, age, and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). The significance level was p ≤ 0.01. In total, 1221 children completed the SDQ‐S. SDQ‐S scores were stable, and difficulties were relatively low. The control group had significantly lower SDQ‐S scores than the intervention group at start, indicating fewer difficulties. The adjusted effect within the intervention schools showed a borderline significant increase in total difficulty scores between 2018 and 2019 (mean difference: 1.02, 95% CI: −1.82, −0.23, p ≤ 0.01). Educational level showed a weak negative correlation with total difficulty score (r = −0.1). No significant change was reported within the control schools. Few psychosocial health problems among 11‐ and 12‐year‐olds were detected. The borderline increase in total difficulty score that was seen for the intervention schools, is believed to be of limited clinical relevance.
RAV1 mediates cytokinin signaling for regulating primary root growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mandal Drishti , Datta Saptarshi , Raveendar Giridhar , Mondal Pranab Kumar , Nag Chaudhuri Ronita
Published: November 2022

Root growth dynamics is an outcome of complex hormonal crosstalk. The primary root meristem size, for example, is determined by antagonizing actions of cytokinin and auxin. Here we show that RAV1, a member of the AP2/ERF family of transcription factors, mediates cytokinin signaling in roots to regulate meristem size. The rav1 mutants have prominently longer primary roots, with a meristem that is significantly enlarged and contains higher cell numbers, compared with wild‐type. The mutant phenotype could be restored on exogenous cytokinin application or by inhibiting auxin transport. At the transcript level, primary cytokinin‐responsive genes like ARR1, ARR12 were significantly downregulated in the mutant root, indicating impaired cytokinin signaling. In concurrence, cytokinin induced regulation of SHY2, an Aux/IAA gene, and auxin efflux carrier PIN1 was hindered in rav1, leading to altered auxin transport and distribution. This effectively altered root meristem size in the mutant. Notably, CRF1, another member of the AP2/ERF family implicated in cytokinin signaling, is transcriptionally repressed by RAV1 to promote cytokinin response in roots. Further associating RAV1 with cytokinin signaling, our results demonstrate that cytokinin upregulates RAV1 expression through ARR1, during post‐embryonic root development. Regulation of RAV1 expression is a part of secondary cytokinin response that eventually represses CRF1 to augment cytokinin signaling. To conclude, RAV1 functions in a branch pathway downstream to ARR1 that regulates CRF1 expression to enhance cytokinin action during primary root development in Arabidopsis.
Metabolic and microvascular function assessed using near‐infrared spectroscopy with vascular occlusion in women: age differences and reliability
Authors: Rogers Emily M. , Banks Nile F. , Jenkins Nathaniel D. M.
Published: November 2022

We investigated the test–retest reliability of, and age‐related differences in, markers of skeletal muscle metabolism and microvascular function derived from the near‐infrared spectroscopy with vascular occlusion test (NIRS‐VOT) in younger women (YW) and middle‐aged and older women (MAOW). Seventeen YW (age 23 ± 4 years) and 17 MAOW (age 59 ± 8 years) completed this study. Participants completed identical experimental visits separated by ∼4 weeks during which the NIRS‐VOT was used to quantify the occlusion slope, minimum and maximum tissue saturation, ischaemic index, reperfusion magnitude, the reperfusion and 10‐s reperfusion slopes (slope 2 and slope 210‐s), time to max tissue saturation, and area under the reperfusion curve using the local tissue oxygen saturation signal. Except for slope 210‐s (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.37; coefficient of variation (CV) = 31%), time to max tissue saturation (ICC = 0.21), and ischaemic index (ICC = 0.37) for MAOW, all of the NIRS variables demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability for the YW (ICCs = 0.74–0.86) and the MAOW (ICCs = 0.51–0.87), with CVs of 2–21% and 2–22%, respectively. The occlusion slope was significantly lower, indicating accelerated deoxygenation, while maximum tissue saturation, reperfusion magnitude, and ischaemic index were significantly higher in YW versus MAOW. No other group differences were found. In conclusion, our data support the use of the NIRS‐VOT as a simple, reliable, non‐invasive technique for the assessment of peripheral skeletal muscle metabolism and microvascular function in women, with the reliability being generally greater in YW versus MAOW. Further, our data suggest that ageing is associated with lower skeletal muscle metabolism and microvascular hyperaemic responsiveness in women.
Revisiting the ‘dual imperative’ of forced-migration studies – commentary to Refstie
Authors: Lyytinen Eveliina
Published: November 2022

From the perspective of forced-migration studies, the reflections article elaborates on the question Hilde Refstie posed in her keynote speech at Geography Days in 2021 – “what doing our part means in a progressive world of fast policymaking”. Discussing the nature of forced‑migration studies as a both policy-relevant and policy-critical field, then deliberating the issue of what ‘action’ may look like in action-oriented refugee research, this presentation of self-critical reflection on these issues is grounded in the Academy-of-Finland-funded research project Action-oriented Research on Asylum Seekers’ Deportability (ARADE, 2018–2022). The author concludes that, while research should be conducted in solidarity with refugees and those collaborating with them, such as activists, scholars must maintain reflexive criticism considering which actions and approaches are suitable and desired in particular contexts. There are no simple solutions for designing and implementing action‑oriented research for and with refugees.
The Meritocracy Trap and Kinesiology
Authors: Twietmeyer Gregg , Johnson Tyler G.
Published: November 2022

Meritocracy continues to dominate conventional thinking in the postmodern West. Yet, recently, an increasing number of critics have highlighted how meritocracy has gone wrong. One such critic is Daniel Markovits, author of The Meritocracy Trap. In this article, we highlight the major themes of Markovits’s book, identify how the ideology of meritocracy has infiltrated kinesiology and sport, and then propose how to reconceptualize and redirect kinesiology toward a more humane and morally sound discipline, which can avoid the pitfalls of the meritocracy trap. Most notably, we propose that kinesiology should (a) recognize the frailty and temporality of humans, (b) embrace the wide middle of human skill performance capabilities, (c) value mid-level jobs and occupations such as physical education teaching and YMCA and/or city recreation department positions, and (d) redefine what counts as success.
The future of engineered immune cell therapies
Authors: Irvine Darrell J. , Maus Marcela V. , Mooney David J. , Wong Wilson W.
Published: November 2022

Immune cells are being engineered to recognize and respond to disease states, acting as a “living drug” when transferred into patients. Therapies based on engineered immune cells are now a clinical reality, with multiple engineered T cell therapies approved for treatment of hematologic malignancies. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies are testing diverse strategies to modify the fate and function of immune cells for applications in cancer, infectious disease, and beyond. Here, we discuss current progress in treating human disease with immune cell therapeutics, emerging strategies for immune cell engineering, and challenges facing the field, with a particular emphasis on the treatment of cancer, where the most effort has been applied to date.
Putting heads together
Authors: Briggs Derek E. G. , Parry Luke A.
Published: November 2022

Cambrian fossils reveal ancestry of the segmented brain in arthropods
Endosomes, receptors, and viruses
Authors: Daly James L.
Published: November 2022

Mechanisms of infection are deciphered at the host-pathogen interface
Forage sorghum grown in a conventional wheat–grain sorghum–fallow rotation increased cropping system productivity and profitability
Authors: Holman Johnathon D. , Obour Augustine K. , Assefa Yared
Published: November 2022

Intensifying winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum)–grain sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow (W–GS–FL) crop rotation with annual forages can increase productivity and resource use efficiency. The objective of this research was to quantify the impact of increasing crop intensity by growing forages in a traditional W–GS–FL rotation on cropping system productivity, water use, precipitation use efficiency, and net income. The study was conducted at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Garden City, Kansas, from 2013 through 2020. Winter wheat (W), grain sorghum (GS), forage sorghum (FS), and forage oats (FO, Avena sativa L.) were used to generate six crop rotation treatments. These rotation treatments interspersed with fallow periods (FL) were W–GS–FL, W–FS–FL, W/FS–GS–FO, W/FS–FS–FO, W/FS–GS–FL, and W/FS–FS–FL. A W/FS indicates winter wheat double crop FS planted in the same year. The yield of FS was 45%–56% more with W/FS–FS–FO and W/FS–FS–FL compared with W–FS–FL. Available soil water at GS planting was 23%–30% less, and GS yield was 52%–60% smaller with W/FS–GS–FL compared to W–GS–FL. Water productivity and pre-season soil water storage were greatest with W/FS–FS–FL and W/FS–FS–FO. Inclusion of W/FS increased cost of production compared with W–GS(FS)–FL rotations. Gross return was greatest with W/FS–FS–FO and W/FS–FS–FL. The W/FS–FS–FO increased cropping intensity, productivity, resource use, and gross margin relative to other rotations in the semi-arid Great Plains. Producers should consider double-cropping of FS after wheat harvest, followed by a second year of FS in dryland cropping systems if there is sufficient forage demand.
Self-Super-Resolution of an MRI Image with Assistance of the DSTTD System
Authors: Vasanth Raj P. T. , Vijayaraj A. , Pradeep K. , Debrah Ebenezer Lartey
Published: November 2022

Motivation. In the modern world of information technology, the need for ensuring the safety of wireless transmissions while transiting through a given network is growing rapidly. The process of transmitting images via a wireless network is fraught with difficulty. There is a possibility that data may be corrupted while being transmitted, which would result in an image with low resolution. Both of these issues were investigated head-on in this research methodology using the aiding double space-time block coding (DSTTD) system and the self-super-resolution (SSR) method. Description. In recent times, medical image transmission over a wireless network has received a significant amount of attention, as a result of the sharing of medical images between patients and doctors. They would want to make sure that the image was sent in a risk-free and protected manner. Arnold cat map, often known as ACM, is a well-known and widely implemented method of image transmission encryption that has been in use for quite some time. At the receiver end, SSR is now being employed in order to view the transmitted medical image in the finest possible resolution. It is anticipated that in the near future, image transmission through wireless DSTTD will be technically feasible. This is performed in order to maximize the benefits that the system has to offer in terms of both spatial diversity and multiplexing as much as is possible. Conclusion. The SSR approach is used in order to represent the image in a document pertaining to human resources. ACM is used so that the image may be sent in a risk-free and protected way. The adoption of a DSTTD-based architecture for wireless communication is suggested. A comparison of the results is provided, and PSNR and SSIM values are detailed towards the results and discussion of the article.
Coordinated Compliance Control Method of Five-Axis Redundant Industrial Manipulator Based on Monocular Vision
Authors: Cen Hua
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the accuracy of the five-axis redundant industrial robot arm in grasping static objects and shorten the grasping time, a coordinated compliance control method based on a monocular vision for the five-axis redundant industrial robot arm is proposed in this paper. Using the monocular vision ranging method, the three-dimensional coordinates of the target object in a base coordinate system of the five-axis redundant industrial robotic arm are calculated and object target positioning is achieved. According to the acquired object target position, the traditional Euler angle is used to calculate the actuator posture impedance at the end of the robotic arm, thereby realizing the coordinated compliant control of the five-axis redundant industrial manipulator. The simulation experiment results show that the proposed coordinated compliance control method for a five-axis redundant industrial manipulator based on monocular vision can successfully grasp the target object in the shortest time and has high practical value.
Astragaloside IV Alleviates Atorvastatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity via AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway
Authors: Qin Lili , Wang Yanxia , Liang Yingying , Li Qiang , Xie Xuerong , Zhang Honglian
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Atorvastatin (ATO) is often used to reduce blood lipids and prevent atherosclerosis, but excessive use of ATO will lead to hepatotoxicity. This paper investigated the effects of astragaloside IV (AS IV), which has multiple biological functions, on ATO-induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying mechanism. Methods: ATO treatment induced a rat model of hepatotoxicity, followed by AS IV treatment. Colorimetric kits were used to detect rat liver function indexes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined by 2′, 7′-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate kit. The liver fibrosis and F4/80 expression were detected by Sirius red staining and immunochemistry. Mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I and complex IV activities were examined. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 staining. The inflammatory factor levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot detected apoptosis-related proteins and AMPK/SIRT1-related proteins. Results: ATO increased ALT, AST, MDA, and ROS levels and decreased GSH content but was subsequently reversed by AS IV. AS IV alleviated liver tissue damage caused by ATO. AS IV elevated complex I and complex IV activity and promoted MMP levels in ATO rats. ATO promoted inflammatory factor release in SD rats but was then suppressed by AS IV. AS IV inhibited Bax, cleaved caspase-3 but up-regulated Bcl-2 in ATO-induced rats. ATO inhibited SIRT1 expression and AMPK phosphorylation, which was subsequently promoted by AS IV. Conclusion: AS IV inhibits ATO-induced hepatotoxicity by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.
Acute Kidney Injury: Clinical Characteristics and Short-Term Outcomes in 1,519 Patients
Authors: Montgomerie Christina , Spaak Jonas , Evans Marie , Jacobson Stefan H.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Complex integrated information on disease mechanisms and in-hospital outcomes in mild to moderate acute kidney injury (AKI) is scarce. Methods: The Stockholm Prospective AKI Cohort Study (SAKIS) included all patients (≥18 years, n = 1,519) with community-acquired AKI (KDIGO criteria) admitted to the nephrology ward at Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, between 2009 and 2018. Detailed laboratory measures were registered. Odds ratio for hypo- and hyperkalemia, recovery of kidney function by 30% and 50%, and in-hospital mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Results: Factors independently associated with the presence of hyperkalemia at admission were high age, high serum creatinine (sCr), and low C-reactive protein (CRP). Signs of malnutrition, inflammation, and acidosis were seen in 31% of patients. Kidney recovery, defined as a reduction of sCr by 30% in-hospital (63% of all patients), was associated with higher age, female sex, lower body mass index (BMI), higher hemoglobin, and higher CRP. Factors independently associated with mortality (4.4% of patients) were high age, high BMI, and low albumin. Conclusion: This study provides a detailed description of community-acquired AKI and comprehensive analyses of integrated clinical and laboratory data associated with kidney recovery. Features related to anemia, albuminuria, malnutrition, inflammation, and acidosis associate with partial or moderate short-term recovery of kidney function, with disturbances in potassium homeostasis, and with in-hospital mortality. Future studies are warranted to analyze the long-term consequences of AKI in terms of risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality.
La lengua gallega en el sistema educativo: impacto en las competencias, prácticas y actitudes del estudiantado
Authors: Loredo Xaquín , Vázquez-Grandío Gabino
Published: November 2022

En la presente aportación se presentan los principales resultados y conclusiones del Mapa sociolingüístico escolar de Ames, elaborado por el Seminario de Sociolingüística de la Real Academia Galega. Los primeros se enmarcan en la situación sociolingüística general de Galicia, y las segundas en la evolución de la política lingüística de los gobiernos autónomos gallegos y, más en concreto, en lo relativo a la presencia del gallego en la educación. En el Mapa se estudió la realidad sociolingüística de los estudiantes del municipio de Ames desde las escuelas infantiles hasta el final de la enseñanza obligatoria, atendiendo a sus prácticas lingüísticas tanto en las aulas como fuera de estas. También se recogió información de las familias y el personal docente y además se estudiaron las competencias,  opiniones, preferencias y actitudes  lingüísticas. Finalmente, se ofrecen elementos de evaluación de los resultados de la política lingüística aplicada en el sistema educativo gallego.
A new species of Campsurus Eaton, 1868 (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae) from Brazil
Authors: CABRAL JENIFFER , SALLES FREDERICO F. , MARIANO RODOLFO
Published: November 2022

Campsurus is the most species-rich genus in Polymitarcyidae, and it is divided into four groups. A new species is described and illustrated here based on male imagos. Campsurus molinerii sp. nov. seems to be similar to C. nessimiani, C. dasilvai, and C. cuyuniensis because of the shape of penes and pedestal. The new species differs from them by the main penis lobe being expanded laterally and slightly curved ventrally, with the apex acute and curved ventrally outwards, the apical portion almost cylindrical with apex in ventral view pointed, secondary membranous lobe cylindrical and relatively long, and the outer projection of pedestal with apical condyle process-like projection.
Theoretical Design of Graphene-Based Bi-Functional Tunable Terahertz Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhao Xuzhe , Bi Yongxiang , Jiao Yuhan
Published: November 2022

Tunable multifunctional metasurface has wide application such as optical electromagnetics and material science. In this paper, a terahertz (THz) metasurface based on double graphene split-ring resonators (GSRRs) are theoretically demonstrated, integrating dual-band absorption and plasmon-induced
transparency (PIT) filtering effect. The structure is composed of a monolayer of graphene arrays with periodic patterns and a metal ground surface partitioned by a silicon dioxide dielectric layer. When the initial structure of unit cell is three-layer sandwich structure (bottom metal plate),
its dual-frequency absorption spectra appears two peaks at 2.50 THZ and 3.38 THz, which are 99.98% and 97.94%, respectively. Then the mechanism of double band absorption is explained by analyzing the distribution of surface current and electric intensity of the absorbent material. When the
initial arrangement of the cell is a double layer structure (without the bottom metal plate), the PIT effect will occur when the incident wave is y-polarized. And in a certain range to achieve more than 90% of the transmission. In addition, CST simulations demonstrate that the designed model
supports changing the operating frequency by adjusting the Fermi energy of graphene The dual-function terahertz metasurface proposed in this work has broad application prospects in broadband communication, terahertz imaging and industrial sensors.
Association between hypomagnesemia and coagulopathy in sepsis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Tonai Ken , Katayama Shinshu , Koyama Kansuke , Sata Naho , Tomioka Yoshihiro , Imahase Hisashi , Nunomiya Shin
Published: November 2022

Background

Hypomagnesemia reportedly has significant associations with poor clinical outcomes such as increased mortality and septic shock in patients with sepsis. Although the mechanism underlying these outcomes mostly remains unclear, some experimental data suggest that magnesium deficiency could potentiate coagulation activation in sepsis. However, in sepsis, the association between serum magnesium levels and coagulopathy, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum magnesium levels and coagulation status and the association between hypomagnesemia and DIC in patients with sepsis.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital from June 2011 to December 2017. Patients older than 19 years who met the Sepsis-3 definition were included. We categorized patients into three groups according to their serum magnesium levels: hypomagnesemia (< 1.6 mg/dL), normal serum magnesium level (1.6–2.4 mg/dL), and hypermagnesemia (> 2.4 mg/dL). We investigated the association between serum magnesium levels and overt DIC at the time of ICU admission according to the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Results

Among 753 patients included in this study, 181 had DIC, 105 had hypomagnesemia, 552 had normal serum magnesium levels, and 96 had hypermagnesemia. Patients with hypomagnesemia had a more activated coagulation status indicated by lower platelet counts, lower fibrinogen levels, higher prothrombin time-international normalized ratios, higher thrombin-antithrombin complex, and more frequent DIC than those with normal serum magnesium levels and hypermagnesemia (DIC: 41.9% vs. 20.6% vs. 24.0%, P < 0.001). The coagulation status in patients with hypomagnesemia was more augmented toward suppressed fibrinolysis than that in patients with normal serum magnesium levels and hypermagnesemia. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that hypomagnesemia was independently associated with DIC (odds ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–2.84; P = 0.048) after adjusting for several confounding variables.

Conclusions

Patients with hypomagnesemia had a significantly activated coagulation status and suppressed fibrinolysis. Hypomagnesemia was independently associated with DIC in patients with sepsis. Therefore, the treatment of hypomagnesemia may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of coagulopathy in sepsis.
Validation of the translated version of the EVAN-G scale in a Chinese-speaking population
Authors: Wang Xinting , Lin Wenjun , Liu Linwei , Wu Zhenyuan , Wu Yushan , Yao Yusheng
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aimed to translate the French version of a perioperative satisfaction questionnaire (EVAN-G) scale, a validated questionnaire for assessing perioperative patient satisfaction, into a Chinese version and validate it in Chinese-speaking patients.

Methods

We developed the Chinese version of the EVAN-G (EVAN-GC) scale based on the original French version of the EVAN-G. The EVAN-GC scale, the Short version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-STAI), and the McGill pain questionnaire (MGPQ) were administered on the WeChat mini program. We invited patients to complete these questionnaires within 4 to 24 h after surgery. The psychometric validation of the EVAN-GC scale included validity, reliability, and acceptability.

Results

Among 220 patients, 217 (98.6%) completed the EVAN-GC scale after surgery. The item-internal consistency revealed good construct validity. Compared with the total scores of the S-STAI and MGPQ, the EVAN-GC scale showed excellent convergent validity (ρ = − 0.32, P < 0.001; ρ = − 0.29, P < 0.001). The EVAN-GC scale could differentiate between groups, which showed good discriminate validity. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.85) of the translated scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency reliability, and a 36-patient subsample retest evidenced good test-retest reliability (ρ = 0.82, P < 0.001). In addition, the median [interquartile range] time of completing the EVAN-GC scale was 3.7 [2.9–4.9] min.

Conclusions

The EVAN-GC scale has good psychometric properties similar to those of the original French version. The EVAN-GC scale is a valid and reliable measurement to assess patient satisfaction in Chinese-speaking patients.

Trial registration

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100049555.
Improvement of postoperative quality of life in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: does tea consumption have a role?
Authors: Zhang Juwei , Liu Shuang , Song Jianyu , Zhou Jinsong , Zeng Qiaoyan , Lin Zheng , Yu Kaili , Zhang Suhong , Qiu Minglian , Chen Yuanmei , Hu Zhijian
Published: November 2022

Background

To investigate the effect of tea consumption on the improvement of postoperative quality of life in male patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The quality of life information of 290 male patients with ESCC was collected. The time to deterioration and the number of events in each area of quality of life was calculated by time-to-deterioration (TTD) model. The association between postoperative tea drinking and postoperative quality of life in male ESCC patients was investigated using the Cox proportional risk model.

Results

Postoperative tea-drinking patients experienced delayed TTD in multiple domains, including general health, physical, role, emotional, and cognitive function, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, eating problems, difficulty swallowing, choking while swallowing saliva, dry mouth, taste difficulties, coughing, and speech problems. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that drinking tea after surgery improved quality of life, including physical function (HR = 0.722, 95% CI: 0.559-0.933), role function (HR = 0.740, 95% CI: 0.557-0.983), eating problems (HR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.537-0.960), odynophagia (HR = 0.682, 95% CI: 0.492-0.945), trouble swallowing saliva (HR = 0.624, 95% CI: 0.444-0.877), coughing (HR = 0.627, 95% CI: 0.442-0.889) and speech problems (HR = 0.631, 95% CI: 0.441-0.903). Furthermore, the improvement was more significant in patients who drank tea before surgery and continued to drink tea after surgery.

Conclusions

Postoperative tea drinking had a positive effect on delay in clinical deterioration and improvements in multiple functions and symptoms associated with ESCC in men.
Two-dimensional shear wave elastography: a new tool for evaluating respiratory muscle stiffness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Chen Yongjian , Li Jingyun , Dong Bingtian , Zhu Zhixing , Lyu Guorong
Published: November 2022

Background

Impaired respiratory function caused by respiratory muscle dysfunction is one of the common consequences of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) was used to measure diaphragm stiffness (DS) and intercostal muscle stiffness (IMS) in patients with COPD; in addition, the value of 2D-SWE in evaluating respiratory function was determined.

Methods

In total, 219 consecutive patients with COPD and 20 healthy adults were included. 2D-SWE was used to measure the DS and IMS, and lung function was also measured. The correlation between respiratory muscle stiffness and lung function and the differences in respiratory muscle stiffness in COPD patients with different severities were analysed.

Results

2D-SWE measurements of the DS and IMS presented with high repeatability and consistency, with ICCs of 0.756 and 0.876, respectively, and average differences between physicians of 0.10 ± 1.61 and 0.07 ± 1.65, respectively. In patients with COPD, the DS and IMS increased with disease severity (F1 = 224.50, F2 = 84.63, P < 0.001). In patients with COPD, the correlation with the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC), predicted FEV1% value, residual volume (RV), total lung capacity (TLC), RV/TLC, functional residual capacity (FRC) and inspiratory capacity (IC) of DS (r1=-0.81, r2=-0.63, r3 = 0.65, r4 = 0.54, r5 = 0.60, r6 = 0.72 and r7=-0.41, respectively; P < 0.001) was stronger than that of IMS (r1=-0.76, r2=-0.57, r3 = 0.57, r4 = 0.47, r5 = 0.48, r6 = 0.60 and r7=-0.33, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

2D-SWE has potential for use in evaluating DS and IMS. A specific correlation was observed between respiratory muscle stiffness and lung function. With the worsening of the severity of COPD and the progression of lung function impairment, the DS and IMS gradually increased.
Translation and validation of the Dutch Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire (SOSGOQ2.0) to evaluate health-related quality of life in patients with symptomatic spinal metastases
Authors: Gal Roxanne , van der Velden Joanne M , Bach Daimy C , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Geuze Ruth E , Rutges Joost PHJ , Verkooijen Helena M , Versteeg Anne L
Published: November 2022

Background

The primary goal of palliative treatment of spinal metastases is to maintain or improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We translated and validated a Dutch version of The Spine Oncology Study Group Outcome Questionnaire (SOSGOQ2.0), a valid and reliable 20-item questionnaire to evaluate HRQOL in patients with spinal metastases.

Methods

After cross-cultural translation and adaptation, the questionnaire was pre-tested in fifteen patients referred for spine surgery and/or radiotherapy. This resulted in a final questionnaire that was sent to patients for assessment of internal consistency, construct (i.e., convergent and divergent) validity, discriminative power and test-retest reliability.

Results

Overall, 147 patients (mean age 65.6 years, SD = 10.4) completed the questionnaire after a median time of 45.4 months (IQR = 18.9–72.9) after spine surgery and/or radiotherapy. Internal consistency was good for the Physical function, Pain, and Mental health domains (α = 0.87, 0.86, 0.72), but not for Social function (α = 0.04). Good convergent validity was demonstrated except for Social function (rs = 0.37 95%CI = 0.21–0.51). Discriminative power between patients with ECOG performance scores of 0–1 and 2–4 was found on all domains and Neurological function items. Test-retest reliability was acceptable for Physical function, Pain and Mental health (ICC = 0.89 95%CI = 0.81–0.94, ICC = 0.88 95%CI = 0.78–0.93, ICC = 0.68 95%CI = 0.48–0.81), whereas ICC = 0.45 (95%CI = 0.17–0.66) for Social function was below threshold. After removing item 20 from the Social function domain, internal consistency improved, and convergent validity and test-retest reliability were good.

Conclusion

The Dutch version of the SOSGOQ2.0 questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to measure HRQOL in patients with spinal metastases. Item 20 was removed to retain psychometric properties.
Paraspinal muscle degeneration and lower bone mineral density as predictors of proximal junctional kyphosis in elderly patients with degenerative spinal diseases: a propensity score matched case–control analysis
Authors: Zhang Tong-tong , Ding Jun-zhe , Kong Chao , Zhu Wei-guo , Wang Shuai-kang , Lu Shi-bao
Published: November 2022

Study design

Retrospective case–control study.

Objectives

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a postoperative complication involving the proximal segments which is commonly seen in patients with degenerative spine diseases (DSD). The purpose of the present study was to identify predictive factors for postoperative PJK in elderly patients with DSD.

Methods

We reviewed elderly patients with DSD who underwent thoracolumbar fusion involving no less than 3 levels. Patients who developed PJK were propensity score-matched with patients with DSD who received the same procedure but did not develop PJK. Demographic characteristics, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), computed tomography (CT) value (Hounsfield unit), and paraspinal muscle parameters were compared between PJK and non-PJK groups.

Results

Eighty-three PJK and non-PJK patients were selected by propensity score matching for age, sex, history of smoking, body mass index, number of fused segments, and upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) location. SVA showed no significant difference between the two groups. In PJK group, fatty infiltration (FI) in erector spinae and multifidus was significantly greater, while the relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) of erector spinae was significantly smaller than that in non-PJK group. CT value was significantly lower in PJK group. Lower erector spinae rCSA and CT value of the UIV, higher erector spinae FI and multifidus FI were identified as predictors of postoperative PJK.

Conclusions

PJK is a common complication in older patients with DSD. Paraspinal muscle degeneration and low bone mineral density of the UIV are predictors of PJK. Protective measures targeting paraspinal muscles and the UIV may help prevent postoperative PJK.
Comparison of intermittent pneumatic compression device and compression stockings for workers with leg edema and pain after prolonged standing: a prospective crossover clinical trial
Authors: Kim Da-Sol , Won Yu Hui , Ko Myoung-Hwan
Published: November 2022

Background

During prolonged standing, insufficient calf muscle pumping accompanies venous stasis and hypertension in the lower legs, resulting in valve dysfunction, venous wall problems, and sub-sequent inflammation. Compression therapy, which includes medical compression stockings (MCS) and mechanical intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), is one of the most effective therapeutic interventions for treating chronic venous diseases. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effect among resting, IPC and MCS alone, and IPC with MCS in long-standing workers (> 8 h daily).

Methods

This crossover trial was conducted with 39 participants with complaints of leg edema and pain whose work involved standing for more than 8 h daily. Four treatment protocols were established for each visit as follows: protocol A (not wear MCS during work and rest without IPC after work), protocol B (wear MCS during work and rest without IPC after work), protocol C (not wear MCS during work and treat with IPC after work), and protocol D (wear MCS during work and treat with IPC after work). The primary outcome was the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for leg pain. The secondary outcomes were leg volume (mL), circumference (cm), extracellular fluid/total body fluid (ECF/TBF), and extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) through bioelectrical impedance analysis. Outcomes were assessed before work (T0), after work (T1), and 60 min after intervention (T2).

Results

All four protocols had significantly increased leg pain after work (T0-1) but improved 60 min after intervention (T1-2), particularly protocol C (decreased VAS by 1.9). When leg swelling was compared at T0 and T1, protocols A and C showed significant increases in leg volume and circumference, indicating significant work-induced edema, whereas protocols B and D showed no change or even a decrease. After interventions, leg volume and circumference significantly decreased in protocols A and C, although protocols B and C did not show significant improvement. The ECF/TBF and ECW/TBW of all protocols decreased after interventions.

Conclusions

Leg pain and edema after prolonged standing (T1-T2) in adults were safely and effectively improved by both IPC alone and IPC with MCS. Although the use of MCS during the workday did not show improvement in leg pain immediately after work (T0-T1), both MCS with resting and MCS with IPC decreased leg pain at T1-T2 and prevented leg edema at T0-T1.

Trial registration

This trial protocol was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0005383, the date of first registration: 08/09/2020).
The impact of Er:YAG laser combined with fluoride treatment on the supragingival plaque microbiome in children with multiple caries: a dynamic study
Authors: Wenyan Huang , Pujue Zheng , Yuhang Huang , Zhenni Liu , Yuejun Wu , Wenbin Wu , Ziling Li , Pathak Janak L. , Sujuan Zeng
Published: November 2022

Background

As a minimally invasive tool for caries prevention tool, the pulsed erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser is being used in a large number of studies. Microorganisms are extremely vital in the occurrence and development of dental caries. However, the impact of Er:YAG laser irradiation combined with fluoride on the dynamic microbial changes that occur in dental plaques is still uncertain. In this study, we examined the effect of an Er:YAG laser combined with fluorine on supragingival microbial composition and diversity in children with multiple caries.

Methods

In this study, dental plaque samples (n = 48) were collected from 12 children with over 8 filled teeth. Supragingival plaques from left mandibular molars before (CB) and after fluoride treatment (CA) and right mandibular molars before (EB) and after fluoride+Er:YAG laser treatment (EA) were collected from each patient. In CB and EB groups, the samples were collected just before the treatments. In CA and EA groups, the samples were collected 1 month after treatments. Then, all specimens were subjected to 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to investigate the changes in microbial composition and diversity in mandibular molar supragingival plaques before and after fluoride or fluoride+Er:YAG laser treatment.

Results

The dental plaque microbial diversity was higher in the EA group than in the EB group (baseline levels), and the microbial composition changed in EA group compared with EB group (P < 0.05). The levels of microorganisms associated with caries occurrence, including Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, declined, while the levels of Faecacterium, Fastidiosipila, Vibrio, and Shewanella increased in EA group compared with EB group. The declines in Firmicutes, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, and Veillonella levels were significantly lower in the EA group than in the CA group.

Conclusion

The combined application of the Er:YAG laser and fluoride may be more effective than using fluoride alone in reducing the proportion of cariogenic bacteria, increasing the diversity of plaque microorganisms, and further promoting the microecological balance.
Effects of occlusal splint and exercise therapy, respectively, for the painful temporomandibular disorder in patients seeking for orthodontic treatment: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Junjie , Ning Ruoyu , Lu Yanqin
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effect of hard stabilization splints (HSS), counselling and exercise therapies, respectively, for the painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in patients seeking for orthodontic treatment through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical examination.

Materials and methods

Eighty-seven TMD patients were divided into two groups according to their therapies: the HSS group (n = 43) comprising of patients treated with HSS, counselling and masticatory muscle exercises; the control group (n = 44) comprising of patients treated with counselling and masticatory muscle exercises alone. All patients had orthodontic therapies after the first treatment phase. The joint pain and clicking of all patients were recorded via clinical examination. MRIs of HSS groups were taken before (T0), after the first phase (T1), and after the orthodontic treatment (T2). Parameters indicating the condyles and articular discs were evaluated. Clinical symptom (pain and clicking) changes among T0, T1 and T2 time point were detected in the two groups respectively. The significant differences between HSS and control groups, as well as between male and female were tested at T1 and T2. Position changes of condyles and discs in HSS group among T0, T1 and T2 were detected in male and female respectively.

Results

After the first treatment phase, there was no difference in the decrease of facial pain between the two group, as well as between male and female in the two groups (P > 0.05). Clicking decreasing was not statistically significant. After the whole orthodontic periods, the TMJ pain relapsed in female of the control group, and the number of female’s pain joints was more than male’s (P < 0.05). In the HSS group, the posterosuperior movements of discs and the anteroposterior movements of condyles were recorded in closing position (P < 0.05). After the whole orthodontic periods, female’s disc-condyle angles increased, the discs to HRP distance decreased and condyles to VRP distance increased when compared with the data of T1 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

For the orthodontic patients with painful TMD, HSS combined with counselling and exercise therapies before orthodontic treatment could provide pain relief. HSS is helpful to improve the position and relation of discs and condyles. In addition, male's prognosis is better than female's in terms of stability.
Psychosocial distress and psychological adjustment in patients with ocular loss: a framework analysis
Authors: Chotprasert Natdhanai , Shrestha Binit , Thanasapburachot Patcharanin , Kanpiputana Rattakan , Sipiyaruk Kawin
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with ocular loss tend to have physical and psychosocial difficulties. Maxillofacial prosthetic specialists involved in the treatment should be trained with competence to manage psychological complications. However, due to the multifactorial origin of the psychosocial distress, designing such training activities can be challenging. This research aimed to construct a conceptual framework illustrating the effects of ocular loss on patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being and their coping strategies, to propose the learning content of training sessions.

Methods

A semi-structured interview and a topic guide were employed to explore the perceptions from patients who were receiving their first custom ocular prosthesis, fabricated by maxillofacial prosthodontists. The participants were selected using a purposeful sampling up until data saturation. The data were analyzed using framework analysis.

Results

Twelve patients participated in this research. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Impact of ocular loss, (2) Factors influencing psychosocial distress, (3) Psychological adjustment, and (4) Expected treatment outcomes. Each theme appeared to have influence on the other, rather than presenting itself independently. Although patients with ocular loss experienced both physical and psychosocial difficulties, psychological distress was greatly influenced by self-perceived disfigurement, etiology, and social status. Therefore, they needed to develop their coping strategies including rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis.

Conclusion

Various forms of psychological adjustments were necessary in these patients with ocular loss to resume their daily lives. The specialist involved in the treatment should also partake in patients’ psychological adjustment and should be competent in psychological management skills, such as supporting patients to meet their expectations.