bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical meropenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam for adult patients with sepsis (EMPRESS) trial: Protocol
Authors: Granholm Anders , Munch Marie Warrer , Meier Nick , Sjövall Fredrik , Helleberg Marie , Hertz Frederik Boëtius , Kaas‐Hansen Benjamin Skov , Thorsen‐Meyer Hans‐Christian , Andersen Lars Wiuff , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Andersen Jakob Steen , Albertsen Trine Lynge , Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Jensen Aksel Karl Georg , Lange Theis , Perner Anders , Møller Morten Hylander
Published: May 2024

Background

Piperacillin/tazobactam may be associated with less favourable outcomes than carbapenems in patients with severe bacterial infections, but the certainty of evidence is low.

Methods

The Empirical Meropenem versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam for Adult Patients with Sepsis (EMPRESS) trial is an investigator‐initiated, international, parallel‐group, randomised, open‐label, adaptive clinical trial with an integrated feasibility phase. We will randomise adult, critically ill patients with sepsis to empirical treatment with meropenem or piperacillin/tazobactam for up to 30 days. The primary outcome is 30‐day all‐cause mortality. The secondary outcomes are serious adverse reactions within 30 days; isolation precautions due to resistant bacteria within 30 days; days alive without life support and days alive and out of hospital within 30 and 90 days; 90‐ and 180‐day all‐cause mortality and 180‐day health‐related quality of life. EMPRESS will use Bayesian statistical models with weak to somewhat sceptical neutral priors. Adaptive analyses will be conducted after follow‐up of the primary outcome for the first 400 participants concludes and after every 300 subsequent participants, with adaptive stopping for superiority/inferiority and practical equivalence (absolute risk difference <2.5%‐points) and response‐adaptive randomisation. The expected sample sizes in scenarios with no, small or large differences are 5189, 5859 and 2570 participants, with maximum 14,000 participants and ≥99% probability of conclusiveness across all scenarios.

Conclusions

EMPRESS will compare the effects of empirical meropenem against piperacillin/tazobactam in adult, critically ill patients with sepsis. Due to the pragmatic, adaptive design with high probability of conclusiveness, the trial results are expected to directly inform clinical practice.
Behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy for smokeless tobacco cessation in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siddiqui Faraz , Kanaan Mona , Croucher Ray , Bauld Linda , Fieroze Fariza , Kumar Prashant , Mazhar Laraib , Pandey Varsha , Jackson Cath , Huque Rumana , Iqbal Romaina , Siddiqi Kamran ,   ASTRA Global Health Research Group
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Smokeless tobacco (ST) use in South Asia is high, yet interventions to support its cessation are lacking. We tested the feasibility of delivering interventions for ST cessation in South Asia.

Design

We used a 2 × 2 factorial design, pilot randomized controlled trial with a duration of 26 weeks, including baseline and follow‐up (6, 12 and 26 weeks) assessments.

Setting

Two primary health‐care facilities each in Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Karachi (Pakistan) and a walk‐in cancer screening clinic in Noida (India) took part.

Participants

Adult daily ST users willing to make a quit attempt within 30 days. Of 392 screened, 264 participants [mean age: 35 years, standard deviation = 12.5, 140 (53%) male] were recruited between December 2020 and December 2021; 132 from Bangladesh, 44 from India and 88 from Pakistan.

Interventions

Participants were randomized to one of three treatment options [8‐week support through nicotine replacement therapy (NRT, n = 66), a behavioural intervention for smokeless tobacco cessation in adults (BISCA, n = 66) or their combination (n = 66)] or the control condition of very brief advice (VBA) to quit (n = 66).

Measurements

Recruitment and retention, data completeness and feasibility of intervention delivery were evaluated. Biochemically verified abstinence from tobacco, using salivary cotinine, was measured at 26 weeks.

Findings

Retention rates were 94.7% at 6 weeks, dropping to 89.4% at 26 weeks. Attendance in BISCA pre‐quit (100%) and quit sessions (86.3%) was high, but lower in post‐quit sessions (65.9%), with variability among countries. Adherence to NRT also varied (45.5% Bangladesh, 90% India). Data completion for key variables exceeded 93% among time‐points, except at 26 weeks for questions on nicotine dependence (90%), urges (89%) and saliva samples (62.7%). Among follow‐up time‐points, self‐reported abstinence was generally higher among participants receiving BISCA and/or NRT. At 26 weeks, biochemically verified abstinence was observed among 16 (12.1%) participants receiving BISCA and 13 (9.8%) participants receiving NRT.

Conclusions

This multi‐country pilot randomized controlled trial of tobacco cessation among adult smokeless tobacco users in South Asia demonstrated the ability to recruit and retain participants and report abstinence, suggesting that a future definitive smokeless tobacco cessation trial is viable.
Neoadjuvant therapy with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy combined with S‐1 for borderline‐resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Okamura Yusuke , Nishitai Ryuta , Sasaki Naoya , Ito Hitoshi , Sakamoto Takashi , Itokawa Yoshio , Kusumoto Masanori , Nakai Yoshitaka , Yamaoka Toshihide , Manaka Dai
Published: May 2024

Aim

We evaluated the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (NAC‐IMRT) in patients with borderline‐resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC).

Methods

BRPC patients were treated with IMRT (45 Gy/15fr) combined with two courses of S‐1 (40 mg/m2 bid) before surgery. Outcomes after NAC‐IMRT, surgery, and survival were then evaluated. This single‐center retrospective study assessed 26 consecutive patients.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (BR‐PV: 7, BR‐A: 19) with a median age of 73 years were enrolled from 2016 to 2021. Ten (38%) patients were 75‐years‐old and above. Twenty‐three patients completed NAC‐IMRT treatment. The median reductions in tumor size and cancer antigen 19‐9 level were 13.6% and 69%, respectively. All 26 patients underwent resection within a median time of 71 days after NAC‐IMRT initiation. R0 resection was achieved in 24 patients (92%). The median overall survival (OS) was 28.0 months, and the 1‐ and 3‐year OS rates were 100% and 34%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 12.5 months, and the 1‐ and 3‐year PFS rates were 50% and 32%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in OS between the patients under and over the age of 75 (29 vs. 20 months, p = 0.86). The 12 patients who completed NAC‐IMRT, resection, and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) exhibited a 3‐year survival rate of 73%, which was significantly better than that of the patients who did not receive or complete AC (median OS, not reached vs. 19 months, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

NAC‐IMRT showed outstanding clinical efficacy with acceptable tolerability in patients with BRPC, including geriatric patients.
Schwann cell TRPA1 elicits reserpine‐induced fibromyalgia pain in mice
Authors: Brum Evelyne Silva , Fialho Maria Fernanda Pessano , Souza Monteiro de Araújo Daniel , Landini Lorenzo , Marini Matilde , Titiz Mustafa , Kuhn Bruna Luiza , Frizzo Clarissa Piccinin , Araújo Pedro Henrique Silva , Guimarães Rafaela Mano , Cunha Thiago Mattar , Silva Cássia Regina , Trevisan Gabriela , Geppetti Pierangelo , Nassini Romina , De Logu Francesco , Oliveira Sara Marchesan
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Fibromyalgia is a complex clinical disorder with an unknown aetiology, characterized by generalized pain and co‐morbid symptoms such as anxiety and depression. An imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants is proposed to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia symptoms. However, the precise mechanisms by which oxidative stress contributes to fibromyalgia‐induced pain remain unclear. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, known as both a pain sensor and an oxidative stress sensor, has been implicated in various painful conditions.

Experimental Approach

The feed‐forward mechanism that implicates reactive oxygen species (ROS) driven by TRPA1 was investigated in a reserpine‐induced fibromyalgia model in C57BL/6J mice employing pharmacological interventions and genetic approaches.

Key Results

Reserpine‐treated mice developed pain‐like behaviours (mechanical/cold hypersensitivity) and early anxiety‐depressive‐like disorders, accompanied by increased levels of oxidative stress markers in the sciatic nerve tissues. These effects were not observed upon pharmacological blockade or global genetic deletion of the TRPA1 channel and macrophage depletion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that selective silencing of TRPA1 in Schwann cells reduced reserpine‐induced neuroinflammation (NADPH oxidase 1‐dependent ROS generation and macrophage increase in the sciatic nerve) and attenuated fibromyalgia‐like behaviours.

Conclusion and Implications

Activated Schwann cells expressing TRPA1 promote an intracellular pathway culminating in the release of ROS and recruitment of macrophages in the mouse sciatic nerve. These cellular and molecular events sustain mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in the reserpine‐evoked fibromyalgia model. Targeting TRPA1 channels on Schwann cells could offer a novel therapeutic approach for managing fibromyalgia‐related behaviours.
Extent of foetal exposure to maternal elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor during pregnancy
Authors: Li Danni , Donnelley Martin , Parsons David , Habgood Mark D. , Schneider‐Futschik Elena K.
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are living longer and healthier due to improved treatments, e.g. cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), with treatment possibly occurring in pregnancy. The risk of ETI to foetuses remain unknown. Thus the effect of maternally administered ETI on foetal genetic and structural development was investigated.

Experimental Approach

Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were orally treated with ETI (6.7 mg·kg−1·day−1 elexacaftor + 3.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 tezacaftor + 25 mg·kg−1·day−1 ivacaftor) for 7 days from E12 to E19. Tissue samples collected at E19 were analysed using histology and RNA sequencing. Histological changes and differentially expressed genes (DEG) were assessed.

Key Results

No overt structural abnormalities were found in foetal pancreas, liver, lung and small intestine after 7‐day ETI exposure. Very few non‐functionally associated DEG in foetal liver, lung and small intestine were identified using RNA‐seq. 29 DEG were identified in thymus (27 up‐regulated and two down‐regulated) and most were functionally linked to each other. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that multiple muscle‐related terms were significantly enriched. Many more DEG were identified in cortex (44 up‐regulated and four down‐regulated) and a group of these were involved in central nervous system and brain development.

Conclusion and Implication

Sub‐chronic ETI treatment in late pregnancy does not appear to pose a significant risk to the genetic and structural development of many foetal tissues. However, significant gene changes in foetal thymic myoid cells and cortical neuronal development requires future follow‐up studies to assess the risk to these organs.
Specialists' management of permanent dentition traumatic dental injuries in 7–16‐year‐olds: A qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Greig Daniel , Gallichan Nathalie , Haq Tauseef , Sumner Oliver , Albadri Sondos , Holmes Richard D. , Waterhouse Paula Jane
Published: May 2024

Background/Aim

Specialist paediatric dentists are integral to dental trauma care pathways. General dentists rely on specialist input, more so in complex cases. Little is known about specialists' role in these pathways or the perceived barriers they face. The aim is to explore specialists' role in managing traumatic dental injuries in the permanent dentition in children.

Material/Methods

Face‐to‐face (remote video) online semi‐structured interviews were undertaken. All UK specialists were invited by email. Purposeful sampling aimed to investigate representation from the devolved nations, presence/absence of working within a managed‐clinical network and level of care provision. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results

Data saturation was reached after nine interviews. Three main themes established were: inconsistent access to care; the need to formalise traumatic dental injuries care pathways; educationally upskilling general dentists.

Geographical variation in provision of specialist and out‐of‐hours/emergency department care meant patients risked not receiving care by the most appropriate individual. Formalizing care pathways by clearly defining the role of each stakeholder (specialist, dentist, medical professionals and parents) and developing a method to assess complexity was perceived to be essential to improving treatment outcomes. Upskilling general dentists in trauma management appeared essential. A potential lack of engagement was raised, with a suggestion that trauma management education should become core continuing‐professional development.

Conclusions

Specialist input should be available in the management of traumatic dental injuries. Current access to specialist care is inequitable across the UK. Formalizing care pathways and upskilling general dentists could ease inconsistencies.
Coherence‐based automatic short answer scoring using sentence embedding
Authors: Ramesh Dadi , Sanampudi Suresh Kumar
Published: May 2024

Automatic essay scoring (AES) is an essential educational application in natural language processing. This automated process will alleviate the burden by increasing the reliability and consistency of the assessment. With the advances in text embedding libraries and neural network models, AES systems achieved good results in terms of accuracy. However, the actual goals still need to be attained, like embedding essays into vectors with cohesion and coherence, and providing student feedback is still challenging. In this paper, we proposed coherence‐based embedding of an essay into vectors using sentence‐Bidirectional Encoder Representation for Transformers. We trained these vectors on Long short‐term memory and bidirectional long short‐term memory to capture sentence connectivity with other sentences' semantics. We used two datasets: standard ASAP Kaggle and a domain‐specific dataset with almost 2500 responses from 650 students. Our model performed well on both datasets, with an average quadratic weighted kappa score of 0.76. Furthermore, we achieved good results compared to other prescribed models, and we also tested our model on adversarial responses of both datasets and observed decent outcomes.
Frontex's expanding mandate: Has democratic control caught up?
Authors: Strik Tineke
Published: May 2024

This article analyses to what extend the rapid growth of Frontex has been accompanied by adequate democratic accountability, whereby the author draws on her experiences as a Member of Parliament. She elaborates on the safeguards in legislation but also on their application in practice, with a focus on the lessons the Parliament learned from its own inquiry on the role of Frontex in pushbacks. The contribution subsequently puts democratic control to a test on two relatively recent tasks of Frontex: return and external cooperation. Regarding the latter, the Parliament's role is highlighted in the negotiations on the Frontex status agreements between the EU and Mauritania/Senegal. The article answers the question of what obstacles must be overcome, through legislative amendments or changes in practice and culture, for the Parliament to exercise its role effectively. Two of these factors are dealt with more prominently: transparency and cooperation with national parliaments.
Systemic review for the use of biochar to mitigate soil degradation
Authors: Qi Shuai , Degen Allan , Wang Wenyin , Huang Mei , Li Dongmei , Luo Binyu , Xu Jianhui , Dang Zhiqiang , Guo Ruiying , Shang Zhanhuan
Published: May 2024

Biochar, a black carbon material produced by high‐temperature, low‐oxygen pyrolysis of organic solids, can improve soil properties and realize carbon neutrality. However, how to effectively produce and apply biochar in the face of the complex soil environment and intractable widespread land degradation is still uncertain. This review is based on 1073 sets of data in 316 publications to address this issue. Firstly, the impact of different process parameters, namely feedstocks, pyrolysis temperature and activation on physicochemical properties of biochar are systematically summarized. Secondly, the effect of biochar on different soil degradation problems are reviewed from the perspective of the interaction between the physicochemical properties of biochar and soil characteristics. The “matching” of biochar properties, level of degradation and environmental factors can be used to design the desired biochar. Finally, future research should focus on biochar aging and costs and benefits of using biochar. The concept of “artificial intelligence designed biochar” is discussed to improve the degree of automation in biochar production and the predictability and suitability of its application for specific cases.
Influence of flour extraction rate on static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion characteristics of wheat protein during conventional milling
Authors: Zhang Lingfang , Yang Shuzhen , Sun Binghua , Wang Xiaoxi , Ma Sen
Published: May 2024

The flour extraction rate determines the components of wheat flour. However, the correlation between variations in components resulting from flour extraction rate and the protein digestion characteristics remains to be clarified. In this study, digestion characteristic of wheat flour protein influenced by flour extraction rates was investigated. The results indicated that the degree of protein hydrolysis, the number of peptides at the intestinal stage and the digestive rate constant (k) at the gastric stage exhibited a significant increase as the flour extraction rate increased (35%–85%). Moreover, wheat flour with 85% extraction rate presented the highest protein hydrolysis degree (25.85%), the most peptides (n = 79) and the maximum intestinal digestion rate constant (k = 0.0285). Therefore, increasing the flour extraction rate from 75% to 85% can improve the wheat flour protein digestibility in conventional milling, thereby establishing a fundamental basis for nutritional control of flour products.
Varieties of work‐based higher education: France, Germany and the United States compared
Authors: Graf Lukas , Lohse Anna P. , Bernhard Nadine
Published: May 2024

In recent years, higher education systems worldwide have been marked by a considerable expansion of work‐based higher education (WBHE), with the institutional spheres of academia, industry and state increasingly coming together. We take the case of WBHE to analyse institutional arrangements in the different skill formation systems of France, Germany and the United States. We ask: Which factors drive the development of WBHE programmes and how does their governance compare across the three distinct country settings? The study finds that the growth of WBHE in all three countries indicates a reconfiguration of education and training governance of high skills. Nonetheless, actor constellations, organizational interests and especially the degree of state intervention surrounding WBHE remain anchored in long‐standing national skill formation patterns.
Novel AI‐based tool for primary tooth segmentation on CBCT using convolutional neural networks: A validation study
Authors: Elsonbaty Sara , Elgarba Bahaaeldeen M. , Fontenele Rocharles Cavalcante , Swaity Abdullah , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: May 2024

Background

Primary teeth segmentation on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans is essential for paediatric treatment planning. Conventional methods, however, are time‐consuming and necessitate advanced expertise.

Aim

The aim of this study was to validate an artificial intelligence (AI) cloud‐based platform for automated segmentation (AS) of primary teeth on CBCT. Its accuracy, time efficiency, and consistency were compared with manual segmentation (MS).

Design

A dataset comprising 402 primary teeth (37 CBCT scans) was retrospectively retrieved from two CBCT devices. Primary teeth were manually segmented using a cloud‐based platform representing the ground truth, whereas AS was performed on the same platform. To assess the AI tool's performance, voxel‐ and surface‐based metrics were employed to compare MS and AS methods. Additionally, segmentation time was recorded for each method, and intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed consistency between them.

Results

AS revealed high performance in segmenting primary teeth with high accuracy (98 ± 1%) and dice similarity coefficient (DSC; 95 ± 2%). Moreover, it was 35 times faster than the manual approach with an average time of 24 s. Both MS and AS demonstrated excellent consistency (ICC = 0.99 and 1, respectively).

Conclusion

The platform demonstrated expert‐level accuracy, and time‐efficient and consistent segmentation of primary teeth on CBCT scans, serving treatment planning in children.
Vein of Marshall chemical ablation decreases atrial fibrillation drivers detected by CARTOFINDER
Authors: Hasebe Hideyuki , Furuyashiki Yoshitaka , Yoshida Kentaro
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study sought to elucidate the impact of vein of Marshall (VOM) chemical ablation on atrial fibrillation (AF) drivers by investigating the changes in CARTOFINDER mappings before and after VOM chemical ablation in patients with persistent AF.

Methods

This study included 23 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for long‐persistent AF (>18 months). VOM chemical ablation was performed following pulmonary vein isolation. CARTOFINDER and AF cycle length (AFCL) maps were created in the left atrium (LA) before and after VOM chemical ablation. The LA was divided into 8 segments, and the number of focal activation points with 6 or more repetitions was counted in each segment.

Results

The number of focal activation points was largest in the LA appendage (LAA). After VOM chemical ablation, the number of focal activation points in the LA decreased significantly (37 [interquartile range, IQR: 19–55] vs. 15 [IQR: 7–21], p < .001), and median AFCL was significantly prolonged (159 [147–168] vs. 164 [150–173] ms, p < .001). In the assessment of each segment, significant decreases in focal activation points were observed in the inferior, lateral, and anterior segments and LAA. Among the focal activation points disappearing after chemical ablation, the number in the non‐ethanol‐affected area was significantly larger than that in the affected area (13 [8–25] vs. 4 [1–10], p < .001).

Conclusions

VOM chemical ablation decreases AF drivers detected by CARTOFINDER. Mechanisms other than direct myocardial damage are considered to contribute the attenuation of AF drivers.
The NF‐κB/FXR/TonEBP pathway protects renal medullary interstitial cells against hypertonic stress
Authors: Du Chunxiu , Hu Shuyuan , Li Yaqing , Xu Hu , Qiao Rongfang , Guan Youfei , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand‐activated transcription factor, plays an important role in maintaining water homeostasis by up‐regulating aquaporin 2 (AQP2) expression in renal medullary collecting ducts; however, its role in the survival of renal medullary interstitial cells (RMICs) under hypertonic conditions remains unclear. We cultured primary mouse RMICs and found that the FXR was expressed constitutively in RMICs, and that its expression was significantly up‐regulated at both mRNA and protein levels by hypertonic stress. Using luciferase and ChIP assays, we found a potential binding site of nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) located in the FXR gene promoter which can be bound and activated by NF‐κB. Moreover, hypertonic stress‐induced cell death in RMICs was significantly attenuated by FXR activation but worsened by FXR inhibition. Furthermore, FXR increased the expression and nuclear translocation of hypertonicity‐induced tonicity‐responsive enhance‐binding protein (TonEBP), the expressions of its downstream target gene sodium myo‐inositol transporter (SMIT), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). The present study demonstrates that the NF‐κB/FXR/TonEBP pathway protects RMICs against hypertonic stress.
Profiloplasty and facial contouring with injectables: A holistic, practical, and user‐friendly approach
Authors: Farollch‐Prats Lisandro , Braz André , Urdiales‐Gálvez Fernando , de la Guardia Carola , Nazari Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Background

Expansion of the aesthetic treatment armamentarium with novel injectable products has greatly improved our ability to reshape and enhance the facial profile. However, full‐face “profiloplasty” with injectables remain a nascent concept and is insufficiently considered in daily practice. While techniques have been widely published for treating the individual facial areas that constitute an attractive profile—including the forehead, nose, lips, jawline, and chin—the literature remains fragmented on more universal methods for profile improvement.

Aims

To collate disparate knowledge on profile optimization with injectables, and define a holistic, practical, and user‐friendly approach to profiloplasty and facial contouring.

Methods

Consideration is given to key anatomical aspects and the changes that occur with age; patient assessment parameters for planning profiloplasty; and the technical specifications, product selection, and essential safety considerations for minimizing the risk of complications and optimizing the effectiveness of treatment.

Results

Relevant case studies are presented.

Conclusions

Holistic approaches of this type are essential if we are to maximize the potential of full‐face treatment with injectables—both now and in the future.
Resolve and dissolve—An ultrasound‐guided investigation on the effects of hyaluronidase on different soft tissue fillers
Authors: Bravo Bruna S. F. , Cavalcante Thamires , Silveira Camila , Bravo Leonardo G. , Zafra Maria Carolina , Elias Mariana Calomeni
Published: May 2024

Background

Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, particularly the use of hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based soft tissue fillers, are becoming increasingly popular. This trend has catalyzed the development of a plethora of HA‐based products differing in product characteristics, thereby catering to an ever‐widening spectrum of aesthetic applications. However, complications rise concomitant with the increasing number of procedures. Among the strategies to manage such adverse events is the enzymatic breakdown with hyaluronidase.

Objective

To analyze the response of different HA‐based soft tissue filler materials to hyaluronidase injections.

Methods

A total of 11 different HA‐based soft tissue fillers were evaluated using noninvasive ultrasound imaging to assess their behavior in response to hyaluronidase injections. The HA‐based soft tissue fillers were categorized according to their product characteristics into a structuring, volumizing, and lip volumizing group. Standardized injections of 0.2 cc were performed in chicken breast to simulate human tissue. Ultrasound measurements of width, height, and calculated volume were performed immediately after filler injection, 1 h and 24 h following hyaluronidase injection.

Results

Regardless of the soft tissue filler analyzed, the most significant volume reduction occurred within the first h after applying hyaluronidase, with a 64.1% decrease from the initial volume. After 24 h, the total volume reduction reached 81.7%. No statistically significant differences were found when comparing the three groups at each follow‐up time period, except for the height measurement after 1 h. While width was statistically significant in all groups between the investigated follow‐up groups, the volume reduction was only statistically significant in the groups with the highest and second highest G' values (i.e., Group 1—structuring, Group 2—volumizing).

Conclusion

The effectiveness of hyaluronidase in dissolving HA‐based fillers is initially independent of product characteristics of HA‐based fillers such as G‐prime, with increased efficacy in fillers with higher G‐prime values, as evidenced by significant volume reductions in such groups.
Ideology and Education: Soviet Ideological Educational Practices in the Kyrgyz Territory (1924–1927)
Authors: Gül Yavuz Ercan
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the ideological propaganda applied by the Soviet Union in schools in Kyrgyzstan during 1924–1925. During these years, propaganda was used in its most widespread form in Kyrgyzstan and education became an ideological weapon. I use the document analysis technique for data collection and collected data by obtaining the necessary permissions from the Kyrgyzstan State Archive. The research focuses on the activities carried out by the Soviet Union to have the Soviet ideology adopted in the old tsarist schools and newly opened schools in Kyrgyzstan after the October Revolution. In addition, this study provides primary sources that are not found in the literature on the ideological educational practices of the Soviet administration in Kyrgyz schools. The Soviet administration prioritized the ideological training of teachers and trained them to transfer the Soviet values to students. The Soviet Union implemented a single educational program prepared by Soviet ideologues in schools throughout its territory. The educational content aimed to eliminate completely the national culture and old beliefs of societies. In addition to the education program, they renamed physical areas, such as school and street names, consistent with this ideology.
Two‐level Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion versus Posterior Open‐door Laminoplasty for the Treatment of Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Comparison of the Clinical Impact on the Occipito‐Atlantoaxial Complex
Authors: Li Junhu , Li Qiujiang , Wang Linnan , Deng Zhipeng , Zheng Shuxin , Wang Lei , Song Yueming
Published: May 2024

Objective

Both two‐level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (t‐ACCF) and posterior open‐door laminoplasty (ODLP) are effective surgical procedures for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Previous studies have identified different effects of different surgical procedures on the upper and subaxial cervical spine (UCS, SCS), however, there are no studies on the effects of t‐ACCF and ODLP on the occipito‐atlantoaxial complex. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the changes in sagittal parameters and range of motion (ROM) of the occipito‐atlantoaxial complex in OPLL patients treated with t‐ACCF and ODLP.

Methods

This was a retrospective study that included 74 patients who underwent t‐ACCF or ODLP for the treatment of OPLL from January 2012 to August 2022 at our institution. Preoperative, 3‐month, and 1‐year postoperative cervical neutral, flexion‐extension, and lateral flexion radiographs were taken. Sagittal parameters including Cobb angle of C2‐7, C0‐2, C0‐1, C1‐2, C2 slope, and the ROM were measured. The clinical outcome was assessed using the JOA, VAS, and NDI scores preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Multiple linear regression was employed to identify factors influencing changes in UCS.

Results

In the ODLP group, the SCS (C2‐7) Cobb angle was significantly reduced (12.85 ± 10.0 to 7.68 ± 11.27; p < 0.05), and the UCS (C0‐2) Cobb angle was significantly compensated for at 1 year postoperatively compared with the t‐ACCF group (3.05 ± 4.09 vs 0.79 ± 2.62; p < 0.01). The SCS and lateral flexion ROM of the ODLP group was better maintained than t‐ACCF (14.51 ± 6.00 vs 10.72 ± 3.79; 6.87 ± 4.56 vs 3.81 ± 1.67; p < 0.01). The compensatory increase in C0‐2, C0‐1, and C1‐2 ROM was pronounced in both groups, especially in the ODLP group. The results of multiple linear regression showed that only the surgical procedure was a significant factor influencing UCS.

Conclusion

The loss of the SCS Cobb angle was more pronounced in ODLP relative to t‐ACCF, resulting in a significant compensatory increase in UCS and atlantoaxial Cobb angle. The ROM of the UCS, atlantooccipital, and atlantoaxial joints was significantly increased in both groups, this may accelerate degenerative changes in the occipital‐atlantoaxial complex, may leading to poorer outcomes in the long‐term; of these, ODLP should receive more attention. In contrast, t‐ACCF better maintains normal curvature of the SCS and occipito‐atlantoaxial complex but loses more ROM.
Autonomic and cognitive control in memory: Investigating the psychophysiological link using heart rate variability biofeedback
Authors: Bögge Lukas , Colás‐Blanco Itsaso , Ferragu Juliette , Gaston‐Bellegarde Alexandre , La Corte Valentina , Piolino Pascale
Published: May 2024

Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) at resting state has been associated to cognitive functions dependent on cognitive control, such as memory. However, little is known about the phasic interaction between cognitive and autonomic control. In a pre‐registered within‐between‐subject designed experiment, the potential of vmHRV biofeedback to simultaneously stimulate vmHRV during memory processing and cognitive control over long‐term memory was tested, along with investigating psychophysiological association. 71 young healthy adults completed (twice) a false memory task in virtual reality. Immediately before memory encoding and retrieval, participants practiced either vmHRV biofeedback or a control breathing exercise. Cognitive control over long‐term memory was assessed as the confidence toward false memories and the capability to discriminate them from true memories. Resting‐state vmHRV before each test and phasic vmHRV during memory encoding and retrieval were measured as the root mean square differences (RMSSD) in the heart period. vmHRV biofeedback had neither an immediate effect on measures of cognitive control over long‐term memory nor on phasic RMSSD. Moreover, neither resting‐state nor phasic vmHRV correlated to the cognitive scores. Consequently, the utility of HRV biofeedback as a psychophysiological stimulation tool and a link between vmHRV and cognitive control over long‐term memory could not be verified. Exploratory analyses revealed that baseline shift in parasympathetic activity confounded the psychophysiological association. Future directions are provided that could shed light on the relationship between cognition and vmHRV.
Sunscreen compound benzophenone‐3 and its relationship with white blood cell counts
Authors: Sadr Nargiza , Qayyum Rehan
Published: May 2024

Background

Evidence from animal models suggests a role for the organic ultraviolet filter benzophenone‐3′s (BP‐3) on white blood cells (WBCs). However, BP‐3′s effect on WBCs in humans is unknown.

Materials and Methods

We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2003 to 2016. We included participants >6 years with data on urinary BP‐3, urinary creatinine, and WBC count. Quintiles of urinary creatinine‐normalized BP‐3 (CnBP‐3) levels were used in linear regression models adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education level, family income to poverty threshold ratio, survey cycle, and season.

Results

Of the 16 959 participants, 8564 (50.5%) were females, 6602 (38.9%) were White, and 3870 (22.8%) were Black. The mean (standard deviation) age was 37.6 (22.7) years, BMI was 26.8 (7.40) kg/m2, WBC count was 7.22 (2.53) × 109/L, neutrophil count was 4.15 (1.86) × 109/L, and lymphocyte count was 2.25 (1.33) × 109/L and median (interquartile range) of CnBP‐3 was 12.1 (44.9) µg/gm. The highest quintile of CnBP‐3 was associated with significantly lower WBC and neutrophil counts compared to the lowest quintile of CnBP‐3 (Δ quintiles = −137 × 106/L, 95% CI: −249 to −24, p = 0.02 and = −177 × 106/L, 95% CI: −323 to −30, p = 0.02, respectively). In contrast, we did not observe a difference in lymphocyte count between the lowest and highest quintiles of CnBP‐3 in unadjusted or adjusted analyses.

Conclusion

We found an inverse relationship between BP‐3 levels and WBC and neutrophil counts, and not with lymphocyte count. Further research is needed to confirm our findings.
Improving Sustainability in University Environment: The Stakeholders’ Viewpoints
Authors: Jimoh Richard , Lelle Hyluwa , Oyewobi Luqman , Bilau Abdulquadir , Sani Momoh
Published: May 2024

Improvements on practices and materials have made it reasonable to do what might have been unlikely just few years ago; however, much remains to be done in order to reduce the environmental impact of our structures so as to achieve sustainable built environment. The study therefore assessed the sustainable practices in a university environment in North East Nigeria with a view to developing strategies that will improve sustainable construction in the built environment. This was done through the interview of six stakeholders who played active roles in the design, construction and occupation of the buildings. In addition, document analysis was carried out on the design and change orders. Findings indicated that users’ need and sustainable resources were incorporated during the design stage; the use of locally sourced materials during construction stage was also evident. Several challenges were also encountered such as how to integrate sustainable and innovative materials and with the features that were obtainable in North-East Nigeria, incomplete design information and specifications because designers were United States based who had limited information on the terrain of the location. The strategies adopted were traceable to the design and construction stages of the buildings based on the lessons learnt from the 1st building. The study has been able to give several insights in terms of innovations adopted in the construction of two buildings using sustainable construction principles which could be leveraged on by other institutions of higher learning in terms of theoretical and practical perspectives for students and practitioners in the industry when they are engaged in similar projects.
Risk Perceptions among SME Developers: A Case Study of Thailand’s Real Estate Development Industry
Authors: Khumpaisal Sukulpat , Bunnag Katkate , Jamieson Isaac A.
Published: May 2024

Risks may be perceived as a multidimensional probability that impacts different people in different ways. Risks appear in most aspects of everyday life and in every type of business organisation. In the Thai real estate development domain, small and medium enterprise (SMEs) developers lacking appropriate specialist knowledge, competitive strategies and resources often have their projects greater exposed to a variety of risks. This paper aims to examine the SME developers’ perceptions towards risks internally originated within their organisations, and to assess the consequences and likelihood of such risks. In order to successfully achieve this objective, the authors distributed questionnaires to SME developers in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and analysed the data received from 200 SME respondents to that call. It can be suggested from the results obtained that SMEs consider the following as high impact risks: work not being finished as specified; use of wrong planning strategies; staff corruption or conflicts of interest; lack of financial liquidity; employees lacking appropriate work experience and skills; and project delays. Thus, this paper suggests that SME owners should respond to the aforementioned risks by reducing these key risk factors and/or finding new techniques to control and mitigate them to an acceptable level.
Impacts of Households’ Prior Experience on Current Housing Satisfaction: A Study of Selected Estates in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Afolayan Akintade Samuel
Published: May 2024

Researchers in housing satisfaction mostly limit selection of research variables to current on-site parameters of the housing environment. Thus, variables perceived as not having explicit relationships with overall housing satisfaction are often relegated. However, users’ current satisfaction ratings are usually influenced by such relegated background variables, including user’s prior-experience in erstwhile housing environments. This paper explores the prospects of users’ housing background experience in influencing the build-up to determining current levels of satisfaction. The survey utilised structured selfadministered questionnaires on a sample of 572 households in selected estates in the study area. The retrieved 283 were edited and analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Housing relative satisfaction indices were calculated for the respective estates first from mathematical formula and then compared with mean scores. A hypothesis was tested with Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation to establish a significant relationship between Satisfaction with Prior Housing Environment (SATPRIORHSE) and current Overall Housing Relative Satisfaction (OVERALLHRSAT). A further test with one-way ANOVA confirmed the outcome of the earlier test. The study revealed positive correlation of though, low coefficient of +0.281, between SATPRIORHSE and OVEARALLHRSAT. This was significant at the 0.01 (2-tailed) level. This analysis showed a significant relationship between the respondents’ prior housing and the recorded level of housing satisfaction in the current estates. The respondents who experienced various levels of low-satisfaction with their former housing recorded higher rates of satisfaction with current housing in the estates, than those who had better prior experiences. The research underscores the relevance of ‘prior experience’ variable in assessment of current housing satisfaction levels. When rigorous financial analysis is involved, an underplay of such variable could lead to wrong conclusions, with misapplication of research outcomes accompanied by serious financial implications. The user’s prior-experience determines the housing norms on which satisfaction is premised.
Institutional Problems of Spatial Policy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Polish Case
Authors: Mickiewicz Pawel , Nowak Maciej
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences have caused several repercussions in various spheres, including real estate management and spatial policy. In Poland, public authorities (the government) was triggered to develop the so-called "Anti-Crisis Shields", a legal act introducing transitional solutions to various spheres of life. Some provisions also covered the sphere related to spatial policy. Consequently, new dilemmas have arisen regarding the way of applying spatial policy tools in the new situation. The article aims to isolate and evaluate new conditions and dilemmas related to spatial policy tools in the Polish spatial management system. After a brief description of Poland's spatial management system and its main problems, attention was paid to: (1) the emerging dilemma of what is more important in the conditions of a pandemic: the speed of planning processes or protection of critical values in the spatial management system; (2) new directions of activities related to the use of spatial policy tools, especially in the context of ensuring social distance and more comprehensive health protection; and (3) new conditions for public participation.  Based on the analysis, a new direction of spatial policy changes caused by the pandemic crisis was proposed. The investigation covers a new problem of public authorities' inefficiency during a pandemic. From this perspective, we evaluated the spatial planning legislation introduced during the COVID-19 in detail.
Re-designing the Built Environment as a Strategic Tool for Anticipating Emergency Situations: The Greek Strategy for Dealing with COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Papadaki Kalliopi , Karma Sofia , Siountri Konstantina , Siti Maria , Vassi Avgi , Bakogiannis Efthimios
Published: May 2024

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase of hazards that may threat humanity in a global basis – depicting the correlation of climate crisis with the frequency and intensity of large-scale natural disasters recorded worldwide, like mega-fires, floods and hurricanes, with social, economic and environmental devastating consequences. However, apart from the aforementioned natural disasters and any possible technological hazards, humanity was recently threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, facing the most challenging sanitary crisis of the latest years. Cities on a global scale need to adapt directly to the new extraordinary conditions, in order to meet the various challenges and minimize losses. The sudden and severe crisis of COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid adaptive measures in order to increase societies’ coping capacity and strengthen urban resilience. In this paper, planning and re-designing of the existing built environment is proposed as a tool for anticipating a number of emergency situations that may arise in urban areas, including epidemic crises, whereby the case study presented concerns on Athens Metropolitan Area (AMA), in Greece. In this context, a number of pilot interventions have been proposed for the built environment in order to combat COVID-19 spreading, such as pop-up bike lanes, or pedestrian movement pathways, under the perspective of using less mass transportation means, supporting the “green transportation” of citizens, fostering well-being, securing undisrupted mobility of the supply chain, etc. All the above interventions could be seen as proposed good practices for cities’ adaption to extreme conditions, tailor-made to their specific needs. However, the challenge that remains is how to easily apply measures that could be proven useful in any type of emergencies in ensuring sustainable urban resilience, e.g. use a pop-up bike lane initially designed to anticipate a lockdown, as an emergency lane for ambulances in case that a mass casualty earthquake strikes, among others.