bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Dry Immersion on the Characteristics of Cyclic Precise Hand Movements
Authors: Lyakhovetskii V. A. , Zelenskaya I. S. , Karpinskaya V. Yu. , Bekreneva M. P. , Zelenskiy K. A. , Tomilovskaya E. S.
Published: December 2022

The characteristics of precise hand movements in Dry Immersion (DI) have been studied. Motor tasks were cyclic single-joint hand movements corresponding to the length and orientation of the presented horizontal or vertical segment and carried out for 5 s with or without visual feedback. The studies were carried out with the participation of 35 test healthy volunteers divided into three groups: control (n = 10), 6-hour DI (n = 11), and 5-day DI (n = 14). In the control group, the test was carried out three times, lying on the couch, imitating the cyclogram of a 6-hour DI—once before DI, in the morning on the day of DI, and in the evening 2 h after the end of exposure. In the 5-day DI, tests were performed once before the start of the DI, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days of the DI, and also once after its completion. It is shown that the accuracy of movements in the control group does not depend on the measurement number, while in the experimental groups on the first day of DI there is an increase in the overestimation of the length of horizontal segments and an increase in the error in estimating the direction of vertical segments. The data indicate that DI affects the hand movement control system and can be considered as a suitable Earth model for studying fine movement disorders observed in microgravity.
Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord mimicking meningioma
Authors: Ansari Ayesha Arif , Korde Paresh , Iratwar Sandeep W , Anjankar Ashish
Published: December 2022

Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord is an extremely rare central nervous system tuberculosis manifestation. It is even rarer in patients who have no history of primary tuberculosis. A total of five cases, including the present case of intradural extramedullary tuberculoma without a history of primary tuberculosis, have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a male patient in his 20s who came with progressive weakness in his lower limbs, urinary incontinence and MRI features suggestive of meningioma. The patient underwent a D9–11 laminectomy with total debulking of the tumour. The histopathological examination revealed Langhans-type giant cells, confirming the diagnosis of a tuberculoma. The patient was advised an antitubercular therapy for 18 months. On a follow-up after 1 month, the patient could walk without support and had no urinary incontinence, indicating the importance of prompt surgical resection and adequate antitubercular therapy for a better outcome.
Patients’ and family members’ knowledge, attitudes and perceived family support for SMBG in type 2 diabetes: a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Zhao Qian , Yu Xinying , Feng Yuheng , Zhao Yuxi , Lu Jun , Guo Ying , Li Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Aims and objectives

To examine the combined effects of the patient’s and family members’ knowledge, attitudes and perceived family support on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) behaviour of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Design

A cross-sectional design using the framework of knowledge–attitude–behaviour (KAB) combined with family support.

Setting

Shanghai, China.

Participants

Seventy type 2 diabetes patient–family member dyads recruited from 26 residential committees in Shanghai were investigated. Twenty-three health providers were interviewed.

Primary outcome measures

The knowledge, attitudes and perceived family support of patients’ and their family members’ data were measured through scales. Combined effects were analysed by a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) using fsQCA V.3.0. Other analyses and calculations were performed by STATA V.14.0.

Results

SMBG was very poor (20%), and behaviour was characterised by ‘multiple complications,’ and ‘all paths lead to the same destination’ for patients. There were two solution paths toward patients’ SMBG (solution coverage=0.4239, solution consistency=0.7604). One path was the combination of ‘patients with low risk perception, the patients’ and family members’ perceived negative support’, the other was the combination of ‘patients with high risk perception, the patients’ perceived negative support’. In both paths, basic knowledge serves as an auxiliary condition.

Conclusion

The study revealed that for patients with high and low risk perceptions that are relatively difficult to change, we could strengthen family support to achieve the desired SMBG behaviour. Knowledge is not a prerequisite to achieving SMBG. Moreover, negative family support plays a crucial role. Perceived family support by patients is more important than perceived family support by family members, which suggests that family members should improve support for patients so that the patients can perceive more family support.
Utilisation willingness for institutional care by the disabled elderly and its influencing factors based on Andersen’s model: a cross-sectional survey of Henan, China
Authors: Yang Guangmei , Wan Leping , Dong Haiying , Liang Xiaoxiao , He Yan
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the factors that influence institutional care for the disabled elderly in China and the key factors that influence individuals based on the Andersen model.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

The research was conducted in 18 cities in Henan Province, China.

Main outcome measures

A multistage, stratified sampling design was employed. The χ2test was used to compare the differences in basic information of the disabled elderly. A binary Logit model was used to examine the factors influencing the willingness to institutionalise elderly people with disabilities. The determinants of willingness to care in an institution were also explored in a stratified study by gender, age and region to identify the key differences affecting institutionalisation. The Andersen model was used as the theoretical framework to infer the impact strength of each model.

Results

Of the 2810 disabled elderly people in Henan, China, 7.4% of the elderly had a willingness for institutional care. In the binary logistic regression analysis, whether living alone (OR (95% CI)=0.596 (0.388 to 0.916)), medical payment method (basic medical insurance for urban employees: OR (95% CI)=2.185 (1.091 to 4.377)), having mental illness (OR (95% CI)=2.078 (1.044 to 4.137)) had a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) on the impact on the willingness of the disabled elderly to receive institutional care. Validation of the fitted coefficients of the model revealed that the needs factor had the most significant effect on the enabling variable, while the predisposing factor had more minerally effect.

Conclusions

Several factors influence the willingness of the disabled elderly to institutionalise. Therefore, it is recommended that relevant authorities take targeted measures to focus on the disabled elderly to identify more precise elderly care services to deal with the ageing crisis.
National survey of mental health and life satisfaction of gig workers: the role of loneliness and financial precarity
Authors: Wang Senhu , Li Lambert Zixin , Coutts Adam
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To compare the mental health and life satisfaction of those employed in the gig work and contingent work with those in full-time or part-time work and the unemployed in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. To explore the possible mechanisms of latent and manifest benefits of employment, such as financial precarity and loneliness.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Participants

A representative sample of 17 722 employed and unemployed British adults, including 429 gig workers. People with disability, retirees and full-time students are not included in the sample.

Main outcome measures

Mental health (General Health Questionnaire-12 score) and life satisfaction (a direct question from UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS)) as outcomes. Self-reported loneliness (four widely used questions from UKHLS) and financial precarity (a direct question from UKHLS) as mediators.

Results

Gig workers reported mental health and life satisfaction worse than those employed full time and part time, but better than the unemployed. Mediation analyses showed that gig workers’ worse mental health and life satisfaction than other workers were explained by their higher levels of loneliness and financial precarity, while gig workers’ better mental health and life satisfaction than the unemployed were explained by their less financial precarity.

Conclusions

Informal and freelance economy provided manifest benefits of employment to gig workers compared with unemployment but lacked latent benefits of employment. Public policies should provide social support to freelance and contingent workers to reduce their loneliness and improve their psychological well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Surgical-PEARL protocol: a multicentre prospective cohort study exploring aetiology, management and outcomes for patients with congenital anomalies potentially requiring surgical intervention
Authors: Mires Stuart , de Jesus Samantha E , Bamber Andrew R , Mumford Andrew , Power Beverley , Bradshaw Catherine , Lawlor Deborah , Gill Hannah , Luyt Karen , Baquedano Mai , Overton Tim , Caputo Massimo , Skerritt Clare
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Congenital anomalies affect over 2% of pregnancies. Surgical advances have reduced mortality and improved survival for patients with congenital anomalies potentially requiring surgical (CAPRS) intervention. However, our understanding of aetiology, diagnostic methods, optimal management, outcomes and prognostication is limited. Existing birth cohorts have low numbers of individual heterogenous CAPRS. The Surgical Paediatric congEnital Anomalies Registry with Long term follow-up (Surgical-PEARL) study aims to establish a multicentre prospective fetal, child and biological parent cohort of CAPRS.

Methods and analysis

From 2022 to 2027, Surgical-PEARL aims to recruit 2500 patients with CAPRS alongside their biological mothers and fathers from up to 15 UK centres. Recruitment will be antenatal or postnatal dependent on diagnosis timing and presentation to a recruitment site. Routine clinical data including antenatal scans and records, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) records, diagnostic and surgical data and hospital episode statistics will be collected. A detailed biobank of samples will include: parents’ blood and urine samples; amniotic fluid if available; children’s blood and urine samples on admission to NICU, perioperatively or if the child has care withdrawn or is transferred for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; stool samples; and surplus surgical tissue. Parents will complete questionnaires including sociodemographic and health data. Follow-up outcome and questionnaire data will be collected for 5 years. Once established we will explore the potential of comparing findings in Surgical-PEARL to general population cohorts born in the same years and centres.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical and health research authority approvals have been granted (IRAS Project ID: 302251; REC reference number 22/SS/0004). Surgical-PEARL is adopted onto the National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network portfolio. Findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and through patient organisations and newsletters.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12557586.
Role of immunosuppression in an antibiotic stewardship intervention and its association with clinical outcomes and antibiotic use: protocol for an observational study (RISC-sepsis)
Authors: Scott Jonathan , Trevi Loredana , McNeil Hannah , Ewen Tom , Mawson Phil , McDonald David , Filby Andrew , Lall Ranjit , Booth Katie , Boschman Gert , Melkebeek Vesna , Perkins Gavin , McMullan Ronan , McAuley Daniel F , McCullagh Iain J , Walsh Timothy , Rostron Anthony , Shankar-Hari Manu , Dark Paul , Simpson A John , Conway Morris Andrew , Hellyer Thomas P
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Sepsis is characterised by a dysregulated immune response to infection, with exaggerated pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. A predominant immunosuppressive profile affecting both innate and adaptive immune responses is associated with increased hospital-acquired infection and reduced infection-free survival. While hospital-acquired infection leads to additional antibiotic use, the role of the immunosuppressive phenotype in guiding complex decisions, such as those affecting antibiotic stewardship, is uncertain. This study is a mechanistic substudy embedded within a multicentre clinical and cost-effectiveness trial of biomarker-guided antibiotic stewardship. This mechanistic study aims to determine the effect of sepsis-associated immunosuppression on the trial outcome measures.

Methods and analysis

RISC-sepsis is a prospective, multicentre, exploratory, observational study embedded within the ADAPT-sepsis trial. A subgroup of 180 participants with antibiotics commenced for suspected sepsis, enrolled in the ADAPT-sepsis trial, will be recruited. Blood samples will be collected on alternate days until day 7. At each time point, blood will be collected for flow cytometric analysis into cell preservation tubes. Immunophenotyping will be performed at a central testing hub by flow cytometry. The primary outcome measures are monocyte human leucocyte antigen-DR; neutrophil CD88; programmed cell death-1 on monocytes, neutrophils and T lymphocytes and the percentage of regulatory T cells. Secondary outcome measures will link to trial outcomes from the ADAPT-sepsis trial including antibiotic days; occurrence of hospital-acquired infection and length of ICU-stay and hospital-stay.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted (IRAS 209815) and RISC-sepsis is registered with the ISRCTN (86837685). Study results will be disseminated by peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific meetings and via patient and public participation groups and social media.
Alcohol and cannabis use in traffic-related injuries in Mexico City
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Orozco Ricardo
Published: December 2022

Bacterkground

There is debate on whether cannabis affects road traffic injuries (RTIs) separately from the effects of alcohol. Our goals are to report the possible increase in risk of an RTI among alcohol and cannabis users by type of exposure (biological, self-reported and combined) and the possible interaction of alcohol and cannabis in patients with an RTI in an emergency department in Mexico City.

Methods

A case–crossover study with 433 cases of RTI (as a pedestrian, driver or passenger) during the period January–April 2022. A breath sample, an oral sample for cannabis detection and self-reported alcohol and cannabis use 6 hours prior to the RTI and in two control periods were used. We report ORs and 95% CIs from conditional logistic regressions for the case–crossover estimates.

Results

Alcohol alone increased the risk of an RTI (OR=6.02, 95% CI 3.29 to 10.99) for most RTIs, regardless of whether we used information from self-reports or a breath sample in the hazard period. Conversely, cannabis only increased the RTI when we added information in the hazard period from self-reports or oral samples. Nevertheless, this increase in risk disappeared (OR=2.06, 95% CI 0.90 to 4.70) among those who only used cannabis. We also found no evidence of interaction between alcohol and cannabis in the risk of an RTI.

Conclusions

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Mexico and a high-risk factor for RTI in Mexico City. Although cannabis alone was not associated with an RTI, continuous monitoring of its effects is required.
Coupling between DBI dark energy model and f(Q) gravity and its effect on condensed body mass accretion
Authors: Kar Alokananda , Sadhukhan Shouvik , Debnath Ujjal
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we have studied the reconstruction formalism of the Dirac–Born–Infeld (DBI)-essence scalar field model in the background of non-metric gravity or [Formula: see text] gravity which is controlled by the deformation or non-metricity scale [Formula: see text]. The deformation is caused by the fifth dimension of wrapped compact spaces in brane cosmology. The fifth dimension of that wrapped space is controlled by the D-Brane tension [Formula: see text]. Hence, we have reconstructed the formalism of DBI scalar field energy densities and pressures using the coupling of deformation geometry and brane scalar fields, i.e. [Formula: see text] and DBI-Scalar fields. The accretion of dark energy onto black holes and wormholes and its critical analysis had been studied with this reconstructed model. The validity of energy conditions has been studied. We have assumed four types of singularity resolutions of the scale factor to investigate the nature of the black hole and wormhole masses due to accretion. Graphically, the physical quantities like mass, kinetic and potential energies have been analyzed for DBI-essence model in the background of [Formula: see text] gravity.
On the diameter of the zero-divisor graph over skew PBW extensions
Authors: Abdi M. , Talebi Y.
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to investigate the interplay between the algebraic properties of a skew Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt extesion ring [Formula: see text] and the graph-theoretic properties of its zero-divisor graph. We are interested in studying the diameter of the zero-divisor graph of skew PBW extension rings. Among other results, we give a complete characterization of the possible diameters of [Formula: see text] in terms of the diameter of [Formula: see text].
A digital microfluidic single-cell manipulation system optimized by extending-depth-of-field device
Authors: Chen Qiushu , Meng Qi , Liu Yuzhe , Long Xiangan , Kong Yawei , Yao Longfang , Chen Liwen , Wu Chuanyong , Chu Kaiqin , Mi Lan , Ma Jiong
Published: December 2022

Microfluidic systems have been widely utilized in high-throughput biology analysis, but the difficulties in liquid manipulation and cell cultivation limit its application. This work has developed a new digital microfluidic (DMF) system for on-demand droplet control. By adopting an extending-depth-of-field (EDoF) phase modulator to the optical system, the entire depth of the microfluidic channel can be covered in one image without any refocusing process, ensuring that 95% of the particles in the droplet are captured within three shots together with shaking processes. With this system, suspension droplets are generated and droplets containing only one yeast cell can be recognized, then each single cell is cultured in the array of the chip. By observing their growth in cell numbers and the green fluorescence protein (GFP) production via fluorescence imaging, the single cell with the highest production can be identified. The results have proved the heterogeneity of yeast cells, and showed that the combined system can be applied for rapid single-cell sorting, cultivation, and analysis.
Size-dependent magnetic and magnetoresistance properties of Co2 FeGa nanowires
Authors: Wei Heng , Kou Xinli
Published: December 2022

Co2FeGa Heusler alloy nanowires with diameters of about 30, 60 and 110 nm were prepared using a template-assisted electrochemical deposition method. We observe the different angular dependences of coercivity and remanence ratio for these samples. Magneto-transport measurements show that the 30 nm diameter Co2FeGa nanowires has a large magnetoresistance up to −56%, which is much higher than 60 and 110 nm diameter Co2FeGa nanowires. This is the first time that the magnetoresistance properties of Co2FeGa nanowires were presented.
Computational Study on D-π-A-Based Metal-Free Donor-Tuned Molecules for Efficient Organic Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Aadheeswari S. , Anbarasan P. M. , Arunkumar A. , Shkir Mohd
Published: December 2022

In this paper, newly metal-free four donor-[Formula: see text]-acceptor (D-[Formula: see text]-A) molecules (C1D1–C1D4) were designed and used for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) application, based on literature C1-1. Tetrahydroquinoline, thiophene, and 2-cyanoacrylic acid act as the electron-D, spacer, and electron-A/anchoring groups for all dyes, respectively, while the donor part was tuned and the effect was examined. The density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) have been used on the electronic transitions, geometric structures, absorption properties, electron injection ([Formula: see text]), dye regeneration ([Formula: see text]), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), ground and excited states of dipole moments ([Formula: see text]), open-circuit photovoltage ([Formula: see text]), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and Mulliken population analysis (MPA) of the dyes. The TD-DFT method using different functionals with exchange-correlational (XC) and long-range correlated (LC) was calculated to obtain literature data. The computational outcomes have displayed that the Coulomb-attenuating method (CAM-B3LYP) in conjunction with a 6-31G(d,p) basis set was proficient in calculating the UV-Vis spectra of the molecules. The frontier molecular orbitals’ (FMOs) contribution of the HOMOs and LUMOs of C1D1-C1D4 molecules can be confirming positive consequences on the regeneration and electron injection processes. In particular, C1D4 (N(CH3)2) molecule shows a smaller energy gap ([Formula: see text]), longer wavelength, high [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. To conclude, these outcomes display that the calculated C1D1–C1D4 molecules are capable applicants to deliver better performance of the DSSCs.
Long duration of benthic ecological recovery from the early Toarcian (Early Jurassic) mass extinction event in the Cleveland Basin, UK
Authors: Atkinson Jed W. , Little Crispin T. S. , Dunhill Alexander M.
Published: December 2022

The Cleveland Basin of Yorkshire, UK hosts one of the most iconic Lower Jurassic rock successions for studying the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event and the associated mass extinction, yet our understanding of the subsequent ecological recovery is limited. This study documents for the first time the full extent and nature of benthic macrofaunal recovery from the early Toarcian mass extinction event within the Cleveland Basin. Benthic oxygen levels remained low following the extinction event, allowing specialist communities that were tolerant to low oxygen levels to dominate. Recovery began properly once the seafloor ventilation had begun to improve and was first expressed by an expanded ecological tiering structure. Recovery progressed slowly thereafter with the possible return to oxygen-restricted environments. As sea-levels fell and sand-dominated deposition again occurred within the basin, the recovery accelerated, with ecological and species richness being reattained and even exceeding pre-extinction levels. Full recovery occurred, at the latest,
c.
7 myr after the extinction event; this duration is on par with estimates of recovery rates from the largest mass extinction event of the Phanerozoic (the end-Permian mass extinction event). Recovery within the Cleveland Basin was likely to have been strongly influenced by local sea-levels and the continuation of challenging environmental conditions after the extinction event.

Supplementary material:
Benthic fossil occurrence data are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6332986
Appendix. Microfossil taxa author citations
Authors: Copestake Philip
Published: December 2022

This appendix provides lists and publication references for all microfossil taxa cited in the memoir. These species, subspecies and varieties are the most important taxa in the definition of biozones and in the biostratigraphic characterization of the defined J sequences.
Fermiology of Topological Metals
Authors: Alexandradinata A. , Glazman Leonid
Published: December 2022

The modern scope of fermiology encompasses not just the classical geometry of Fermi surfaces but also the geometry of quantum wave functions over the Fermi surface. This enlarged scope is motivated by the advent of topological metals—metals whose Fermi surfaces are characterized by a robustly nontrivial Berry phase. We review the extent to which topological metals can be diagnosed from magnetic-field-induced quantum oscillations of transport and thermodynamic quantities. A holistic analysis of the oscillatory wave form is proposed, in which different characteristics of the wave form (e.g., phase offset, high-harmonic amplitudes, temperature-dependent frequency) encode different aspects of a topologically nontrivial Fermi surface. Which characteristic to focus on depends on ( a) the orientation of the magnetic field relative to certain crystallographic axes, ( b) the symmetry class of the topological metal, and ( c) the separation of Fermi-surface pockets in quasimomentum [Formula: see text] space. Closely proximate pockets arise when (1) spin–split pockets are nearly overlapping due to a weak spin–orbit force or when (2) two pockets touch at an isolated [Formula: see text] point, which can be a topological band-touching point or a saddlepoint in the energy-momentum dispersion. The emergence of a pseudospin degree of freedom (in case 1) and the implications of magnetic breakdown (in case 2) are reviewed, with emphasis on new aspects originating from the (nonabelian) Berry connection of the Fermi surface. Future extensions of topofermiology are suggested in the directions of interaction-induced Fermi-liquid instabilities and two-dimensional electron liquids.
Drivers of Lexical Processing and Implications for Early Learning
Authors: Borovsky Arielle
Published: December 2022

Understanding words in unfolding speech requires the coordination of many skills to support successful and rapid comprehension of word meanings. This multifaceted ability emerges before our first birthday, matures over a protracted period of development, varies widely between individuals, forecasts future learning outcomes, and is influenced by immediate context, prior knowledge, and lifetime experience. This article highlights drivers of early lexical processing abilities while exploring questions regarding how learners begin to acquire, represent, and activate meaning in language. The review additionally explores how lexical processing and representation are connected while reflecting on how network science approaches can support richly detailed insights into this connection in young learners. Future research avenues are considered that focus on addressing how language processing and other cognitive skills are connected.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) for Tobacco Withdrawal: A Case Report
Authors: Weleff Jeremy , Dore Samyukta , Anand Akhil , Barnett Brian S.
Published: December 2022

Tobacco use continues to be one of humanity’s most significant public health concerns, causing more than 8-million deaths annually. Existing treatments for tobacco use disorder are limited in efficacy and there is a strong need for identifying effective novel treatments. Small clinical trials indicate that black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil may be helpful for treating nicotine withdrawal and craving. However, we are unaware of any cases reporting the use of black pepper for these purposes in nonresearch settings. Here we present the case of a patient who inhaled combusted black pepper to self-medicate nicotine withdrawal when lacking access to tobacco cigarettes while incarcerated. Based on our patient’s report, inhalation of combusted black pepper may have alleviated his tobacco withdrawal and cravings by reducing his automatic motor urge to smoke, quelling withdrawal-associated anxiety, and mimicking the sensorimotor experience of smoking tobacco cigarettes. Notably, our patient reported that inhalation of combusted black pepper for treatment of nicotine craving and withdrawal was common in his correctional facility. Though combusted black pepper is highly unlikely to be an appealing treatment outside of a correctional setting, this case suggests that further investigation of vaporized black pepper essential oil for tobacco cessation may be warranted.
Continuous Positive Linear Association between the Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Yaqing , Dan Haijun , Bai Long , Jia Limei , Lu Baojin , Gu Guoqiang , Cui Wei
Published: December 2022

Background. Hypertension poses a major threat to human health, and inflammation is associated with hypertension. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) represents a new inflammatory indicator. However, the relationship between the MHR and hypertension remains unclear. The present study investigated the association of MHR with hypertension. Method. For this cross-sectional study, we continuously collected data from the Physical Examination Centre of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University (N = 6632). The data included patients’ demographic information and clinical information including blood pressure, blood biochemical measurements, and MHR. The relationship between the MHR and hypertension was examined using different methods in univariate and multivariate logistic analysis, smooth function analysis, the threshold saturation effect analysis and subgroup analysis. Results. The results showed that MHR was positively associated with hypertension without adjustment (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.12,

P
<
0.001

). The positive association still existed in minimally and fully adjusted models (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06–1.10,

P
<
0.001

; OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10,

P
<
0.001

). Smooth function analysis of a generalized additive model revealed a continuous positive linear association between the MHR and hypertension throughout all MHR data (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.10,

P
<
0.001

). Subgroups analysis showed the homogeneity of the positive association among different subgroups. Conclusions. A continuous positive linear association was found between the MHR and hypertension in a health examination population.
Effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract on the Hormones, Serum Biochemicals, and Hematological Parameters in Dogs with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Azadeh Fatemeh , Gharib Fatemeh Zahra , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate disorder in non-neutered dogs and is often caused by androgenic stimulation or changes in the ratio of androgen to estrogen. Also, it is commonly seen in neutered older dogs. Clinical signs may not be presented, but persistent or intermittent hematuria, hemospermia, or a primary hemorrhagic discharge are usually reported. In this research, ethanolic extract of licorice root (EELR) was used as the treatment, which has various antioxidant and healing properties and can reduce lesions by establishing an antioxidant balance and reducing inflammation. For this experiment, 30 dogs of approximately the same age and weight were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 each. The treatment groups received the EELR at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg separately, while the control group received no medications. At the end of the 9-week treatment period, biochemical and hormonal factors were measured and analyzed by blood sampling. The results showed that the EELR has multiple positive effects on the serum biochemical indices and also positively affects hormone levels, while it can decrease the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in BPH dogs. In conclusion, the EELR can effectively reduce BPH-induced lesions without any side effects.
The Association between Spatial–Temporal Distribution of Prostate Cancer and Environmental Factors in Mainland China
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Dai Xuchao , Chen Gang , Liu Yanlong , Wu Zhigang , Ding Cheng , Chang Yanxiang , Huang Hong
Published: December 2022

Background:

In China, the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer are increasing. In this study, we analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in China and explored the potential associations of socioeconomic, ecological, and meteorologic conditions.

Methods:

Spatial-temporal scan statistics were used to analyze the spatial-temporal patterns of prostate cancer in China from 2012 to 2016. Spatial regression models and the Geodetector method were used to explore the potential associations of anthropogenic and natural factors with prostate cancer.

Results:

The incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China from 2012 to 2016 rapidly increased. The high incidence and mortality clusters were concentrated in the economically developed Yangtze River Delta region along the southeast coast. Among the 14 selected environmental factors, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, population density, comprehensive index of environmental pollution discharge, accessibility of health care resources, urbanization rate, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) had significant positive correlations with prostate cancer incidence and mortality. GDP per capita, urbanization rate, and population density had high explanatory power.

Conclusions:

The high-concentration areas for prostate cancer are located in more economically developed cities. The index of environmental pollution discharge, NO2, and prostate cancer incidence and mortality were positively correlated. The government should advocate increasing the use of clean energy while strengthening the regulation of industrial production to reduce pollutant emissions.

Impact:

To inform the development of prevention and control strategies for prostate cancer in China.
Oral Ibuprofen Is More Effective than Intravenous Ibuprofen for Closure of a Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Can Pharmacokinetic Modeling Help Us to Understand Why?
Authors: Smit Cornelis , Engbers Aline G.J. , Samiee-Zafarghandy Samira , van Donge Tamara , Simons Sinno H.P. , Flint Robert B. , Pfister Marc , Knibbe Catherijne A.J. , van den Anker John N.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Oral ibuprofen is more effective than intravenous (IV) ibuprofen for closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This study explored whether higher concentrations of the biologically active S-enantiomer or increased R- to S-conversion following oral dosing could explain this finding. Methods: Two datasets containing 370 S- and R-ibuprofen concentrations from 95 neonates with PDA treated with oral (n = 27, 28%) or IV ibuprofen were analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Concentration-time profiles in typical neonates were explored and compared in different dosing or R- to S-conversion scenarios. Results: Postnatal age (PNA), gestational age (GA), and being small for GA impacted S- and R-ibuprofen clearance. Upon oral dosing, S-ibuprofen concentrations were lower compared to IV ibuprofen for a large part of the dosing interval. We could show that R- to S-conversion will not exceed 45%. Exploration of a 30% presystemic R- to S-conversion resulted in a 25–32% increase in S-ibuprofen exposure following oral administration with AUC72h values varying between 700–2,213 mg*h/L (oral) and 531–1,762 (IV) for the standard or 1,704–2,893 (oral) and 1,295–2,271 mg*h/L (IV) for PNA-based dosing. Discussion: The absence of higher S-ibuprofen concentrations does not support a beneficial concentration-time profile after oral dosing. While a fraction of up to 45% presystemic R- to S-conversion could not be ruled out, the impact of such a low conversion might be only relevant for the standard but not high dosing regimens, considering reported exposure-response targets. Perhaps, the lack of high peak concentrations observed following IV dosing may play a role in the observed effects upon oral dosing.
Association between Mucosal Healing and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yagi Sen , Furukawa Shinya , Miyake Teruki , Shiraishi Kana , Tange Kazuhiro , Hashimoto Yu , Kitahata Shogo , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shibata Naozumi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Tomida Hideomi , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Recent meta-analysis showed that ulcerative colitis (UC) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dyslipidemia is a well-established risk factor for CVD. However, evidence regarding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including UC and lipid profiles, is limited. Additionally, no study has assessed the association between endoscopic activity and lipid profiles in patients with IBD. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the association between mucosal healing (MH) and lipid profiles in patients with UC. Methods: A total of 221 Japanese patients with UC were enrolled in this analysis. Total cholesterol (T-chol), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were divided into tertiles (high, moderate, and low) based on the distributions, respectively. Self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding medication for dyslipidemia. Complete MH and MH are based on Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 and 0–1, respectively. Results: The percentage of complete MH was 30.8%. In patients without medication for dyslipidemia, high HDL-C (>66 mg/dL) was significantly positively associated with complete MH (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% CI: 1.04–6.64, p for trend = 0.037). In patients with nonproctitis, a positive association between HDL-C and complete MH was found (adjusted OR 3.54, 95% CI: 1.22–11.01, p for trend = 0.020). T-chol and TG were not associated with MH, regardless of medication for dyslipidemia. Conclusions: Complete MH was significantly positively associated with HDL-C in UC patients without medication for lipid. The disease extent might affect the association between complete MH and HDL-C.
Psychological Interventions for Adult Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Are Effective Irrespective of Concurrent Psychotropic Medication Intake: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hoppen Thole H. , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: December 2022

Background: Participants are allowed to stay on their prescribed psychotropic medication in most trials examining psychological interventions for adult post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives: We aimed to conduct the first meta-analysis investigating the potential influence of such concurrent medication on efficacy. Method: To this end, we searched Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and PTSDpubs from inception to April 21, 2022, for trials meeting the following criteria: (1) randomized controlled trial (RCT), (2) PTSD as primary treatment focus, (3) interview-based PTSD baseline rate ≥70%, (4) N ≥ 20, (5) mean age ≥18 years. Trials were excluded when intake of psychotropics was not (sufficiently) reported. Results: Most published trials did not report on the intake of psychotropic medication. A total of 75 RCTs (N = 4,901 patients) met inclusion criteria. Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) was the most well-researched intervention. Short-term efficacy of psychological treatments did not differ by the proportion of participants taking concurrent psychotropic medication during psychological treatment in all but one analysis. In trials comparing TF-CBT and active control conditions at posttreatment, TF-CBT was more effective when most participants were concurrently medicated (g = 0.87, 95% CI 0.53–1.22) rather than unmedicated (g = 0.27; 95% CI 0.01–0.54, p = 0.017), with younger age (b1 = −0.04, p = 0.008) and higher proportion of females (b1 = 0.01, p = 0.014) being associated with higher efficacy only in trials with high proportions of medicated participants. No differences in efficacy by proportions of participants taking concurrent psychotropic medication were found at follow-up. Conclusions: Results suggest that psychological interventions are effective for PTSD irrespective of concurrent intake of psychotropics.
Quantitative Evaluation of Changes in Three-Dimensional CT Density Distributions in Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis after GM-CSF Inhalation
Authors: Oda Miku , Yamaura Kentaro , Ishii Haruyuki , Kitamura Nobutaka , Tazawa Ryushi , Abe Mitsuhiro , Tatsumi Koichiro , Eda Ryosuke , Kondoh Shotaro , Morimoto Konosuke , Tanaka Takeshi , Yamaguchi Etsuro , Takahashi Ayumu , Izumi Shinyu , Sugiyama Haruhito , Nakagawa Atsushi , Tomii Keisuke , Suzuki Masaru , Konno Satoshi , Ohkouchi Shinya , Tode Naoki , Handa Tomohiro , Hirai Toyohiro , Inoue Yoshikazu , Arai Toru , Asakawa Katsuaki , Tanaka Takahiro , Takada Toshinori , Nonaka Hirofumi , Nakata Koh
Published: December 2022

Background: A previous clinical trial for autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (APAP) demonstrated that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhalation reduced the mean density of the lung field on computed tomography (CT) across 18 axial slice planes at a two-dimensional level. In contrast, in this study, we challenged three-dimensional analysis for changes in CT density distribution using the same datasets. Methods: As a sub-study of the trial, CT data of 31 and 27 patients who received GM-CSF and placebo, respectively, were analyzed. To overcome the difference between various shooting conditions, a newly developed automatic lung field segmentation algorithm was applied to CT data to extract the whole lung volume, and the accuracy of the segmentation was evaluated by five pulmonary physicians independently. For normalization, the percent pixel (PP) in a certain density range was calculated as a percentage of the total number of pixels from −1,000 to 0 HU. Results: The automatically segmented images revealed that the lung field was accurately extracted except for 7 patients with minor deletion or addition. Using the change in PP from baseline to week 25 (ΔPP) as the vertical axis, we created a histogram with 143 HU bins set for each patient. The most significant difference in ΔPP between GM-CSF and placebo groups was observed in two ranges: from −1,000 to −857 and −143 to 0 HU. Conclusion: Whole lung extraction followed by density histogram analysis of ΔPP may be an appropriate evaluation method for assessing CT improvement in APAP.
Proposal for a New Classification of Solutes of Interest in Uremia and Hemodialysis
Authors: Kashani Kianoush , Cozzolino Mario G. , Massy Ziad A. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Stenvinkel Peter , Rosner Mitchell H. , Ronco Claudio
Published: December 2022

Uremic toxins contribute to clinical manifestations of kidney dysfunction. These toxins include organic and inorganic elements or compounds. While the kidney typically clears uremic toxins, gut dysbiosis, and tissue inflammation could lead to increased production of substances that can further the clinical manifestations of uremia. The uremic toxins are quantitatively measurable in biological fluids and have an established relationship with azotemia signs and symptoms. Their elimination is associated with mitigated uremic manifestations, while their administration to the uremic levels leads to uremic signs in animal or human models or in vitro studies. Besides, the uremic toxins have an established and plausible pathophysiologic relationship with uremic manifestations. The previous classification of uremic toxins was mainly focused on the physicochemical characteristics of these substances to divide them into three categories, (1) free water-soluble low-molecular-weight (<500 Da) solutes, (2) protein-bound, water-soluble, low molecular weight (<500 Da), (3) middle molecular weight (>500 Da and <12,000 Da), and (4) high molecular weight (>12,000 Da). Unfortunately, the classification named above was not centered around patient outcomes and quality of life among those with severe kidney failure. Therefore, a panel of experts convened virtually to provide additional insights into the current state and propose a new uremic toxin classification. This article describes the group’s consensus recommendations regarding the new classification of uremic toxins into more clinically oriented categories.
Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin during Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients with Venous Thromboembolism Aged 75 Years or Older: A Nationwide Inpatient Database Study
Authors: Iwai Chikako , Jo Taisuke , Konishi Takaaki , Kumazawa Ryosuke , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication occurring in cancer patients. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin are widely prescribed for treating cancer-associated VTE. However, data are sparse as to the effectiveness and bleeding complications associated with these medications in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to compare effectiveness and safety profiles between DOACs and warfarin in elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database, we retrospectively identified cancer patients aged ≥75 years who developed VTE during chemotherapy (n = 4,278, January 2016 to March 2020). Eligible patients were divided into those receiving warfarin (n = 557) and DOACs (n = 3,721). We conducted a 1:4 propensity score matching analysis to adjust for measured confounders. The primary outcome was VTE recurrence requiring hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were major bleeding requiring hospitalization and inhospital death from all causes within 6 months. Results: The propensity-matched cohort included 557 patients in the warfarin group and 2,278 patients in the DOACs group. The proportion of VTE recurrence requiring hospitalization was lower in the DOACs group (5.3% vs. 7.5%; odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–0.98). The proportion of recurrent deep vein thrombosis was 6.3% and 4.4%, while that of recurrent pulmonary emboli was 1.3% and 1.3% in the warfarin and DOACs groups, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of major bleeding events requiring hospitalization (1.6% vs. 1.1%; OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.62–3.50) or all-cause inhospital mortality (11.1% vs. 9.9%; OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.84–1.56) between the DOACs and warfarin groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that DOACs may be more effective than warfarin in terms of VTE recurrence requiring hospitalization and that these medications may be equivalent in terms of safety.