bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Governmental Tax Reliefs for Investment Lead to Investment Efficiency and Sustainability for SMEs? Evidence From South Korea
Authors: Cho Hyeongtae , Yoon SungMan
Published: February 2023

Tax credits for investment in productivity enhancement facilities, R&D facilities, and employment-creating initiatives are available to corporate taxpayers in Korea. These incentives are intended to motivate corporations to invest by providing financial support to improve their efficiency and help sustain their survival. This study aims to analyze whether corporations that claim investment tax credits (ITCs) in Korea actually achieve investment efficiency and increase corporate value. This study’s results are as follows. First, based on the statistical analysis of samples from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and all corporations, we find empirical evidence that investments through claimed tax credits are inefficient from the standpoint of Tobin’s Q. This finding may be interpreted to mean that corporate taxpayers, including SMEs, consider tax savings more than investment efficiency in claiming ITCs. Second, in testing the investment efficiency for each ITC, we find that SMEs’ investment via employment-creating ITCs is more efficient than other investments with tax credits. This finding implies that SMEs should not only invest in physical facilities, but also retain human resources for sustainability. These results provide policy implications that employment creation should be considered when granting ITCs for SMEs’ efficient investments.
Is Minimally Invasive Bipolar Technique a Better Alternative to Long Fusion for Adult Neuromuscular Scoliosis?
Authors: Wolff Stéphane , Moreau Pierre-Emmanuel , Miladi Lotfi , Riouallon Guillaume
Published: February 2023

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Objectives

To report the results for an alternative technique based on minimally invasive fusion-less surgery. This approach is original in that it corrects deformities by proximal and distal fixation, with reliable pelvic fixation through the use of iliosacral screws on osteoporotic bones.

Methods

Adult cerebral palsy patients requiring spinal correction surgery were included prospectively between 2015 and 2019. The technique involved the use of a double-rod construct anchored proximally by four clawed hooks and distally by iliosacral screws, in a minimally invasive approach. Cobb angle and pelvic obliquity were measured before and after initial surgery and at final follow-up. Complications and functional results were reviewed. This group (P) was compared with a second group (R) of patients who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2015, for whom data were collected retrospectively.

Results

Thirty-one patients were included in group P, and 15 in group R. The two groups were comparable for demographic data and deformity. At most recent follow-up (3 years for group P [2-6] and 5 years for group R [2-16]), neither correction nor surgical complications differed between the two groups. However, group P had 50% less blood loss and a lower medical complication rate than group R.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the effectiveness of this minimally invasive technique for neuromuscular scoliosis in adults. The results were similar to those obtained with the usual techniques, but with fewer medical complications. Confirmation of these results is now required for a longer follow-up period.
Altered In Vivo Knee Kinematics and Lateral Compartment Contact Position During the Single-Leg Lunge After Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Zheng Nan , Dai Huiyong , Zou Diyang , Dimitriou Dimitris , Wang Qi , Tsai Tsung-Yuan
Published: February 2023

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) progression in the lateral compartment is the most common reason for revision after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Altered contact kinematics in the lateral compartment may be related to the pathogenesis of OA.

Purpose:

To quantify the in vivo 6 degrees of freedom (6-DOF) knee kinematics and contact points in the lateral compartment during a single-leg lunge in knees after medial UKA and compare them with the contralateral native knee.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Included were 13 patients (3 male, 10 female; mean age, 64.7 ± 6.2 years) who had undergone unilateral medial UKA. All patients underwent computed tomography preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and bilateral knee posture was tracked using dual fluoroscopic imaging system during a single-leg deep lunge to evaluate the in vivo 6-DOF kinematics. The closest points between the surface models of the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau were determined to locate the lateral compartment contact positions. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare knee kinematics and lateral contact position between the UKA and native knees. Spearman correlation was used to test the associations of bilateral 6-DOF range difference and lateral compartment contact excursion difference with bilateral limb alignment difference and functional scores.

Results:

Compared with native knees, UKA knees had an increased anterior femoral translation of 2.0 ± 0.3 mm during the entire lunge ( P < .05). The lateral contact position in UKA knees was located 2.0 ± 0.9 mm posteriorly and with 3.3 ± 4.0 mm less range of contact excursion than native knees ( P < .05). Decreased range of lateral compartment contact excursion in the anterior-posterior direction was significantly associated with increased hip-knee-ankle angle in the UKA side ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

The current study revealed altered knee 6-DOF kinematics and the reduced contact excursion range during single-leg lunge after unilateral medial UKA.

Clinical Relevance:

The altered contact kinematics and reduced range of contact excursion in UKA knees could lead to excessive cumulative articular surface contact stress, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of OA.
Preoperative Loss of Knee Extension Affects Knee Extension Deficit in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Yasui Junichiro , Ota Susumu , Kurokouchi Kazutoshi , Takahashi Shigeo
Published: February 2023

Background:

Loss of knee extension (LOE) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with limited knee joint function and increased risk for knee osteoarthritis.

Hypothesis:

Preoperative LOE will affect postoperative LOE for up to 12 months after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Included were patients who underwent anatomic ACLR between June 2014 and December 2018. In all patients, the postoperative rehabilitation protocol was the same. A heel height difference (HHD) ≥2 cm between the affected and the contralateral leg was used as a measure of LOE. Based on preoperative HHD, patients were divided into LOE and no-LOE groups. The HHD was reevaluated at 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Proportional hazards analysis was used, with the dependent variable being whether a postoperative HHD <2 cm was achieved; the independent variables being the presence or absence of preoperative LOE; and the adjusted variables being age, sex, time to surgery, and presence of meniscal sutures.

Results:

A total of 389 patients (208 female, 181 male; median age, 21.0 years) were included in the study. There were 55 patients in the LOE group and 334 patients in the no-LOE group. The incidence of LOE at 12 months after ACLR was 13.8% in the no-LOE group and 38.2% in the LOE group ( P < .001), with an absolute risk difference of 24.4%. The hazard ratio for achieving postoperative HHD <2 cm was 2.79 for the LOE group versus the no-LOE group ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Patients with preoperative LOE were nearly 3 times more likely than those without LOE to have LOE at 12 months after ACLR.
Non-Pharmacological Pain Management Practice and Associated Factors Among Nurses Working at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals
Authors: Tsegaye Dejen , Yazew Asrat , Gedfew Mihretie , Yilak Gizachew , Yalew Zemen Mengesha
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Non-pharmacological pain management practices are very important for the successful treatment of pain. It has an impact on the patient’s quality of life and the family’s financial situation owing to missed workdays, direct medical expenses, and incapacity from pain.

Objective

Therefore, this study is intended to assess non-pharmacological pain management practice and associated factors among nurses working at comprehensive specialized hospitals in northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from May 30 to June 30, 2022. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 322 study participants. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with non-pharmacological pain management practice. Variables with a P-value less than .25 in the bi-variable analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis and a P-value of less than .05 was considered as having a statistically significant association.

Results

A total of 322 nurses participated, with a response rate of 98.8%. It was found that 48.1% (95% CI: 42.65, 53.62) of nurses had good practice in non-pharmacological pain management. Pain assessment tool availability (AOR = 1.68 [95% CI: 1.02, 2.75]) ( P = .04), good pain assessment practice (AOR = 1.74 [95% CI: 1.03, 2.84]) ( P = .03), favorable attitude (AOR = 1.71 [95% CI: 1.03, 2.95]) ( P = .03), and age (26–35) (AOR = 4.46 [95% CI: 1.24, 16.18]) ( P = .02) were factors significantly related to non-pharmacological pain management practice.

Conclusion

According to this work, the prevalence of non-pharmacological pain management practices was found to be low. Good pain assessment practices, availability of pain assessment tools, favorable attitude, and age (26–35) years were significant factors of non-pharmacological pain management practice. Hospitals are better give training on non-pharmacological pain management methods for nurses as they are important to treat pain holistically, increase patient satisfaction, and are cost-effective.
The Surgical Treatment of Hallux Valgus Utilization Minimally Invasive and Percutaneous Techniques with a Shannon Burr: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gonzalez Tyler , Encinas Rodrigo , Jackson J. Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Category:

Midfoot/Forefoot; Bunion

Introduction/ Purpose:

Recently there has been an increase in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for the correction of hallux valgus deformity. This systematic review aims to evaluate and present the current literature on MIS hallux valgus correction in studies reporting the use of the Shannon burr with distal metatarsal osteotomies to help establish evidence-based guidelines for surgeons utilizing this technique.

Methods:

Two independent authors performed a systematic literature search using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol and the Cochrane Handbook guidelines were followed. All studies included were published from 2008 to 2022 and included the use of the Shannon burr during distal metatarsal osteotomies minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus and at least 12-month follow-up. The MINORS score criteria was utilized to evaluate the strength and quality of 17 studies by three authors. Statistical analysis and meta-analysis were not performed due to the heterogeneity of the included studies and the data being descriptive.

Results:

A total of 17 studies were reviewed. A total of 911 subjects were included, and 1088 MIS procedures were performed. The average follow-up was 23.8 (12-59.1) months. AOFAS and VAS scores improved from 52.1 (41-62.5) to 90.3 (83.3-97.1) and 4.9 (3-8.2) to 0.8 (0-1.9). Satisfaction rates were very high among the studies that reported it. The HVA, IMA and DMAA angle improved from 31.4 (23.5-44.1) to 11.1 (7-17.2).), 13.4 (8.1-18.6) to 7.3 (4.2-10.3), and 12.3 (9-16.3) to 4.1 (1-6.7). Complication rate was 16.6%. Recurrence was 2.2%. Nonunion 0.4%, infections 1.1%, nerve injury 2.2%, avascular necrosis 0%, hallux varus 0.09%, transfer metatarsalgia 0.1% and hardware removal 6.2%.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of hallux valgus utilizing the Shannon burr appears to be a safe and effective therapy with appropriate correction of the hallux valgus deformity, improvement in functional outcomes, high patient satisfaction, low recurrence, and acceptable complication rates.
Determining Bias in Ankle Replacement Studies Conducted by Design versus Non-design Surgeons
Authors: Nadeau Elizabeth K. , Hoch Caroline , Morris Jesse , Morningstar Joshua , Scott Daniel , Ottofaro Trevor D. , Gross Christopher
Published: February 2023

Category:

Ankle; Ankle Arthritis

Introduction/ Purpose:

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an alternative to ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of end-stage arthritis while maintaining greater ankle motion and functionality. Early generation implants had unacceptably high complication rates. Increasing experience of foot and ankle surgeons with the procedure and newer third-generation designs have the potential to offer better outcomes; however, the literature has shown that articles written by design surgeons presents biased results. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the reported outcomes between studies conducted by design and non-design surgeons.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE for all articles published between 1996 and 2021 was conducted with a minimum two-year follow-up. Two reviewers evaluated each study to determine whether it was eligible for inclusion and abstracted the data of interest. Meta-analytic pooling of group results across studies was performed, including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (i.e., AOFAS, FFI, SF-36). Fifty-two implant groups met inclusion criteria, of which eight were authored by a design surgeon. In total, 4,693 subjects were included with a mean age of 59.89 years and mean BMI of 27.77 kg/m2. Statistical analysis between articles of design and non-design surgeons was performed using two-tailed Student t-test.

Results:

Overall, at mean follow-up of 68.91 months, the reoperation rate was 25.2% (design=23.5%, non-design=25.5%; p=.843), revision rate was 9.3% (design=9.0%, non-design=9.4%; p=.935), and conversion to arthrodesis rate was 5.0% (design=2.5%, non- design=5.5%; p=.243). According to the COFAS Reoperations Coding System (CROCS), the majority of reoperations were not around the ankle (Code 1: 76.65%). Mean postoperative plantarflexion (p=.007) and mean preoperative dorsiflexion (p=.006) were significantly greater among non-design surgeons’ reports. There was no difference in any pre- or postoperative PROM between groups. The implant survival rate at one, two, five, and ten years was 97.7% (design=98.5%, non-design=97.6%, p=.732), 96.5% (design=97.0%, non-design=96.4%, p=.865), 92.1% (design=96.4%, non-design=91.3%, p=.865), and 79.2% (design=87.9%, non- design=76.3%, p=.070), respectively.

Conclusion:

In the reporting of TAAs, design surgeons do not appear to be biased. Although reoperation, revision, and conversion to arthrodesis rates were worse among non-design surgeons, this was not significant. Similarly, implant survival was reportedly better for design surgeons, but this was not significant either. However, there was greater implant survival in the design surgeon group at ten years, as compared to non-design surgeons, with a p-value approaching statistical significance. Overall, there was no obvious evidence of bias in TAA implant studies when comparing design vs non-design surgeons.
Can sural nerve injuries be prevented in posterior leg approaches? Stage 1: Ultrasound evaluation of a new method based on surface anatomical landmarks and sural nerve pathway
Authors: Ruiz Pablo , Poggio Daniel , Sala-Blanch Xavier , Cuellar Daniel , Baduell Albert , Garcia-Elvira Rubén , Testa Enrique Adrián
Published: February 2023

Category:

Other; Other

Introduction/ Purpose:

The risk of sural nerve intersection with posterior leg approaches, and its potential risk of injury in some surgeries can range from 60% to 100%. Several authors have described methods to predict the path of the sural nerve through metric units of non-proportional distances, however these distances are altered by patient's height, leg length and body mass index (BMI); none has proposed a reproducible method, proportional to each person based on anatomical references. The aim is to describe ultrasonographically the distance and crossing zone between a new method, proportional to each person, based on a surface reference line and the position of the sural nerve.

Methods:

Descriptive cross-sectional study, performed between January to April 2022 in patients requiring foot surgery who met inclusion criteria. We located and marked by ultrasound the course of the sural nerve in the posterior aspect of the leg. Landmarks were drawn and marked with a straight line from the posterior aspect of the medial femoral condyle to the tip of the fibula. This line was divided into two equal segments and the distal half was subdivided into 4 zones, this way, we studied areas based on simple anatomical proportions for each patient. The distance between the references and the ultrasound position of the nerve was measured in these 4 zones, creating intersection points and safety areas. Location and distances of the sural nerve from the proposed landmarks were assessed. A size of 96 lower limbs (48 patients) was determined with 95% confidence interval and 80% power to SN concordance between the two legs greater than 15% of that reported in the literature.

Results:

100 lower limbs (50 left; 50 right) assessed in 50 patients were included. Forty-four percent female (44/100) and 56% male (56/100). The median age was 45 (range: 22 - 74) years. The median height was 164 (range: 150 - 180) cm with a median BMI of 23.3 (range: 17.7 - 39.7) kg/cm2. The shortest median distance of the nerve passage was 2.9 mm from Point 2. The sural nerve intersection was 59% in Zone B, 19% in Zone C and 20% in Zone A. Safety zones were established. Average 80% of coincidence in sural nerve localization, in the distal half of the leg, in relation to the surface reference line when comparing both legs of each patient.

Conclusion:

This study proposes a simple, reproducible, non-invasive, and for the first time, person-proportional method that describes the distance and location of the main areas of intersection of the sural nerve with points and areas determined by a line guided by superficial anatomical landmarks.
Towards an Object-Oriented Organization Theory: The Role of Entrepreneurial Objects in Organizational Emergence
Authors: Laine Lauri , Kibler Ewald
Published: February 2023

Avant-garde entrepreneurship studies have contributed to organization theory through a strong process ontology on the creation of new potentialities for organizing; however, this has also further diminished scholarly attention to organizations as objects. It follows that the core entities of organization theory—real organizations—matter very little for theorizing organizational emergence. Based on Graham Harman’s object-oriented ontology (OOO), we develop the argument that objects, not unlike processes, can be entrepreneurial. Laying the ground for an object-oriented organization theory (OOOT), we posit that increased attention to viewing entrepreneurship as a quality invites organization theory into the weird reality of organizations as emergent autonomy-seeking objects. This becomes possible by way of a non-literal knowledge sustained by the commitment of another object that is neither reduceable to its components (including process itself) nor actions (including all forms of the relational determination of organizations). We close by discussing the uniqueness of OOOT through the example of Sun Ra and the Arkestra.
Theorizing Gets Personal: Management Academia in the Mirror of Independent Work
Authors: Petriglieri Gianpiero , Ashford Susan J.
Published: February 2023

With the rise of a global marketplace for research ideas, and the increased precarity of teaching positions, academic labor occurs more so than ever in conditions that resemble those faced by independent workers. We came to this realization in the process of bridging these two worlds, so dissimilar institutionally and yet so resonant existentially. The freedom that must be coped with, the personal investment work, and the precariousness experienced, for both independent workers and academics, contribute to an obsession with productivity as a way to manage strong and conflicting emotions attendant to work. This essay offers a lens to interpret that obsession, and some advice for countering it and crafting a viable and vital working life, by cultivating connections to significant people, a specific and evocative place to work, soothing routines, and an overarching purpose. We must examine the experience of those who theorize for a living, this essay argues, if we aspire to bring theories to life. Focusing on the personal, existential experience of “being” an academic, the essay complements work on the social and institutional challenges of “doing” academia, and contends that sustaining personal investment in work is essential to developing more pluralistic and potent theories about the contemporary world of work.
Parameters Calibration of the GISSMO Failure Model for SUS301L-MT
Authors: Zhu Tao , Ding Haoxu , Wang Chao , Liu Yuxin , Xiao Shoune , Yang Guangwu , Yang Bing
Published: February 2023

With the development of the rail transit industry, more attention has been paid to the passive safety of rail vehicles. Structural damage is one of the main failure behaviors in a rail vehicle collision, but it has been paid little attention to in past research. In this paper, the quasi-static fracture experiments of SUS301L-MT under different stress states were carried out. The mechanical fracture properties of this material were studied, and the corresponding finite element simulation accuracy was improved to guide the design of vehicle crashworthiness. Through the tests, the fracture behavior of materials with wide stress triaxiality was obtained, and each specimen's fracture locations and fracture strains were determined. Parameters of a generalized incremental stress state dependent damage model (GISSMO) of the material were calibrated, and the model's accuracy was verified with test results from a 45° shear specimen. The GISSMO failure model accurately reflected the fracture characteristics of the material. The mesh dependency of this model was modified and discussed. The results show that the simulation agrees well with experimental data for the force-displacement curve after correction, but the strain distribution needs to be further studied and improved.
Screening germplasm and detecting QTLs for mesocotyl elongation trait in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by association mapping
Authors: Edzesi Wisdom Mawuli , Dang Xiaojing , Liu Erbao , Bandoh William Kwame Nuako , Gakpetor Patience Mansa , Ofori Daniel Aninagyei , Hong Delin
Published: February 2023

Background

Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world and mainly cultivated in paddy field by transplanting seedlings. However, increasing water scarcity due to climate change, labor cost for transplanting, and competition from urbanization is making this traditional method of rice production unsustainable in the long term. In the present study, we mined favorable alleles for mesocotyl elongation length (MEL) by combining the phenotypic data of 543 rice accessions with genotypic data of 262 SSR markers through association mapping method.

Results

Among the 543 rice accessions studied, we found 130 accessions could elongate mesocotyl length under dark germination condition. A marker-trait association analysis based on a mixed linear model revealed eleven SSR markers were associated with MEL trait with p-value less than 0.01. Among the 11 association loci, seven were novel. In total, 30 favorable marker alleles for MEL were mined, and RM265-140 bp showed the highest phenotypic effect value of 1.8 cm with Yuedao46 as the carrier accession. The long MEL group of rice accessions had higher seedling emergence rate than the short MEL group in the field. The correlation coefficient (rGCC−FSC = 0.485**) between growth chamber condition (GCC) and field soil condition (FSC) showed positive relationship and highly significant (P < 0.01) indicating that the result obtained in GCC could basically represent that obtained under FSC.

Conclusion

Not every genotype of the rice possesses the ability to elongate its mesocotyl length under dark or deep sowing condition. Mesocotyl elongation length is a quantitative trait controlled by many gene loci, and can be improved by pyramiding favorable alleles dispersed at different loci in different germplasm into a single genotype.
Optimized workflow to modify microRNA expression in primary human intravascular cells
Authors: Caglayan Safak , Hansen John-Bjarne , Snir Omri
Published: February 2023

Background

A comprehensive dissection of the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in gene regulation and subsequent cell functions requires a specific and efficient knockdown or overexpression of the miRNA of interest; these are achieved by transfecting the cell of interest with a miRNA inhibitor or a miRNA mimic, respectively. Inhibitors and mimics of miRNAs with a unique chemistry and/or structural modifications are available commercially and require different transfection conditions. Here, we aimed to investigate how various conditions affect the transfection efficacy of two miRNAs with high and low endogenous expression, miR-15a-5p and miR-20b-5p respectively, in human primary cells.

Results

MiRNA inhibitors and mimics from two commonly used commercial vendors were employed, i.e., mirVana (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and locked nucleic acid (LNA) miRNA (Qiagen). We systematically examined and optimized the transfection conditions of such miRNA inhibitors and mimics to primary endothelial cells and monocytes using either a lipid-based carrier (lipofectamine) for delivery or an unassisted uptake. Transfection of LNA inhibitors with either phosphodiester (PE)- or phosphorothioate (PS)-modified nucleotide bonds, delivered using a lipid-based carrier, efficiently downregulated the expression levels of miR-15a-5p already 24 h following transfection. MirVana miR-15a-5p inhibitor displayed a less efficient inhibitory effect, which was not improved 48 h following a single transfection or two consecutive transfections. Interestingly, LNA-PS miR-15a-5p inhibitor efficiently reduced the levels of miR-15a-5p when delivered without a lipid-based carrier in both ECs and monocytes. When using a carrier, mirVana and LNA miR-15a-5p and miR-20b-5p mimics showed similar efficiency 48 h following transfection to ECs and monocytes. None of the miRNA mimics effectively induced overexpression of the respective miRNA when given to primary cells without a carrier.

Conclusion

LNA miRNA inhibitors efficiently downregulated the cellular expression of miRNA, such as miR-15a-5p. Furthermore, our findings suggest that LNA-PS miRNA inhibitors can be delivered in the absence of a lipid-based carrier, whereas miRNA mimics need the aid of a lipid-based carrier to achieve sufficient cellular uptake.
Serum hsCRP in early pregnancy and preterm delivery in twin gestations: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yang-yang , Zhou Yu-bo , Yang Jing , Hua Yu-meng , Yuan Peng-bo , Liu Ai-ping , Wei Yuan
Published: February 2023

Background

Systemic inflammation during pregnancy may be associated with preterm delivery (PTD), but data for twin gestations are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the association of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a marker of inflammation, in early pregnancy of twin gestations with risk of PTD, including spontaneous (sPTD) and medical-induced preterm delivery (mPTD).

Methods

A prospective cohort study involved 618 twin gestations was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, from 2017 to 2020. Serum samples collected in early pregnancy were analyzed for hsCRP using particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric method. Unadjusted and adjusted geometric means (GM) of hsCRP were estimated using linear regression, and compared between PTD before 37 weeks of gestation and term delivery at 37 or more weeks of gestation using Mann–Whitney rank sum test. The association between hsCRP tertiles and PTDs was estimated using logistic regression, and further converted overestimated odds ratios into relative risks (RR).

Results

A total of 302 (48.87%) women were classified as PTD, with 166 sPTD and 136 mPTD. The adjusted GM of serum hsCRP was higher in PTDs (2.13 mg/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.09 –2.16) compared to term deliveries (1.84 mg/L, 95% CI 1.80 –1.88) (P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest tertile of hsCRP, the highest tertile was associated with increased risk of PTD (adjusted relative risks [ARR] 1.42; 95% CI: 1.08–1.78). Among twin pregnancies, the adjusted association between high values of serum hsCRP in early pregnancy and preterm delivery was only observed in the subgroup of spontaneous preterm deliveries (ARR 1.49, 95%CI:1.08–1.93).

Conclusions

Elevated hsCRP in early pregnancy was associated with increased risk of PTD, particular the risk of sPTD in twin gestations.
Is prior cancer history a hindrance for non-small cell lung cancer patients to participate in clinical trials?
Authors: Cai Jing-Sheng , Li Yun , Wang Xun
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to explore the effect of a prior cancer history on the survivals of resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Methods

Kaplan–Meier method with a log-rank test was used to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to reduce bias. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-penalized Cox multivariable analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 4,102 eligible cases were included in this study. The rate of patients with a prior cancer was 8.2% (338/4,102). Patients with a prior cancer tended to be younger and have early-stage tumors when compared with those without prior cancer. Before PSM, the survivals of the patients with a prior cancer were similar to those of the patients without prior cancer (OS: P = 0.591; DFS: P = 0.847). After PSM, patients with a prior cancer and those without prior cancer still had comparable survival rates (OS: P = 0.126; DFS: P = 0.054). The LASSO-penalized multivariable Cox analysis further confirmed that a prior cancer history was not a prognostic factor for both OS and DFS.

Conclusions

A prior cancer history was not associated with resected NSCLC patients’ survivals, and we proposed that it might be reasonable for clinical trials to enroll the NSCLC patients with a prior cancer.
Biochemical and pathophysiological improvements in rats with thioacetamide induced-hepatocellular carcinoma using aspirin plus vitamin C
Authors: El Sadda Rana R. , Elshahawy Zahraa R. , Saad Entsar A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, so we should be concerned and look for effective/less-harmful treatments than chemotherapeutics already clinically in application. Aspirin works well ''in conjunction'' with other therapies for HCC since aspirin can boost the sensitivity of anti-cancer activity. Vitamin C also was shown to have antitumor effects. In this study, we examined the anti-HCC activities of synergistic combination (aspirin and vitamin C) vs. doxorubicin on HCC-bearing rats and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cells.

Methods

In vitro, we evaluated IC50 and selectivity index (SI) using HepG-2 and human lung fibroblast (WI-38) cell lines. In vivo, four rat groups were used: Normal, HCC (intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered 200 mg thioacetamide/kg/twice a week), HCC + DOXO (HCC-bearing rats i.p. administered 0.72 mg doxorubicin (DOXO)/rat/once a week), and HCC + Aspirin + Vit. C (i.p. administered vitamin C (Vit. C) 4 g/kg/day after day concomitant with aspirin 60 mg/kg/orally day after day). We evaluated biochemical factors [aminotransferases (ALT and AST), albumin, and bilirubin (TBIL) spectrophotometrically, caspase 8 (CASP8), p53, Bcl2 associated X protein (BAX), caspase 3 (CASP3), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), cancer antigen 19.9 (CA19.9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) using ELISA], and liver histopathologically.

Results

HCC induction was accompanied by significant time-dependent elevations in all measured biochemical parameters except the p53 level significantly declined. Liver tissue architecture organization appeared disturbed with cellular infiltration, trabeculae, fibrosis, and neovascularization. Following drug medication, all biochemical levels significantly reversed toward normal, with fewer signs of carcinogenicity in liver tissues. Compared to doxorubicin, aspirin & vitamin C therapy ameliorations were more appreciated. In vitro, combination therapy (aspirin & vitamin C) exhibited potent cytotoxicity (HepG-2 IC50 of 17.41 ± 1.4 µg/mL) and more excellent safety with a SI of 3.663.

Conclusions

Based on our results, aspirin plus vitamin C can be considered reliable, accessible, and efficient synergistic anti-HCC medication.
Associations of parental feeding practices with children’s eating behaviors and food preferences: a Chinese cross-sectional study
Authors: Qiu Chao , Hatton Rosalind , Li Qian , Xv Jiale , Li Jiaqin , Tian Jiahe , Yuan Shenghao , Hou Min
Published: February 2023

Background

Childhood inadequate eating behaviors contribute to the epidemic of obesity. Previous research suggests that parental feeding practices are partially associated with development of eating behaviors among children, but the results are inconsistent. The present study was to investigate whether parental feeding practices were associated with eating behaviors and food preferences among Chinese children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 242 children (ages 7–12) in six-primary schools in Shanghai, China. A series of questionnaires including parental feeding practices and children’s eating behaviors have been validated, and were completed by one of parent who has responded for child’s daily diet and living. In addition, researchers instructed children to complete the questionnaire of food preference. After adjustment for children’s age, sex and BMI status, as well as parental education and family income, the linear regression analysis was used to evaluate relationships of parental feeding practices with children’s eating behaviors and food preferences.

Results

Parents with boys had higher level of control overeating practice than those with girls. Mothers who responded to child’s daily diet and living and completed feeding practices questionnaire used a greater level of emotional feeding practices than fathers. Boys had higher levels of food responsiveness, emotional overeating, enjoyment of food and desire to drink than girls. Boys had different preferences for meat, processed meat products, fast foods, dairy foods, eggs, and snacks and starchy staples & beans from girls. In addition, scores of instrumental feeding practice and preference for meat significantly differed among children with different weight status. Furthermore, parental emotional feeding practice was positively associated with children’s emotional undereating (β 0.54, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.92). There were also positive associations of parental encouragement to eat with children’s preference for the processed meat (β 0.43, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.77). Moreover, instrumental feeding practice was negatively associated with children’s fish liking (β -0.47, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.01).

Conclusion

The current findings support associations of emotional feeding practice with some children’s emotional undereating, as well as parental encouragement to eat and instrumental feeding practice related to preference for processed meat and fish, respectively. Further studies should continue to ascertain these associations using longitudinal designs, and to evaluate efficacy of parental feeding practices impacting developments of healthy eating behaviors and preferences for healthy foods among children by interventional studies.
Economic burden of locoregional and metastatic relapses in resectable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer in Spain
Authors: De Castro Javier , Insa Amelia , Collado-Borrell Roberto , Escudero-Vilaplana Vicente , Martínez Alex , Fernandez Elena , Sullivan Ivana , Arrabal Natalia , Carcedo David , Manzaneque Alba
Published: February 2023

Background

There are scarce data of the costs of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) recurrence in Spain. The objective of this study is to assess the economic burden of disease recurrence, for both locoregional and/or metastatic relapses, after appropriate early-stage NSCLC treatment in Spain.

Materials and methods

A two-round consensus panel of Spanish oncologists and hospital pharmacists was conducted to collect information on patient’s flow, treatments, use of healthcare resources and sick leaves in patients with relapsed NSCLC. A decision-tree model was developed to calculate the economic burden of disease recurrence after appropriate early-stage NSCLC. Both direct and indirect costs were considered. Direct costs included drug acquisition and healthcare resources costs. Indirect costs were estimated using the human-capital approach. Unit costs were obtained from national databases (euros of 2022). A multi-way sensitivity analysis was performed to provide a range to the mean values.

Results

Among a cohort of 100 patients with relapsed NSCLC, 45 patients would have locoregional relapse (36.3 would eventually progress to metastasis and 8.7 would be considered in remission) and 55 patients would have metastatic relapse. Over time, 91.3 patients would experience a metastatic relapse (55 as first relapse and 36.6 after previous locoregional relapse). The overall cost incurred by the 100-patients cohort is €10,095,846 (€9,336,782 direct costs, €795,064 indirect costs). The average cost of a locoregional relapse is €25,194 (€19,658 direct costs, €5536 indirect costs), while the average cost a patient with metastasis who receives up to 4 lines of treatment is €127,167 (€117,328 direct, €9839 indirect).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study that specifically quantifies the cost of relapse in NSCLC in Spain. Our findings shown that the overall cost of a relapse after appropriate treatment of early-stage NSCLC patients is substantial, and it increases considerably in the metastatic relapse setting, mainly due to the high cost and long duration of first-line treatments.
Correlation between supine flexibility and postoperative correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Mingzheng , Chen Wenxuan , Wang Shengru , Du You , Zhang Jianguo , Pu Fang
Published: February 2023

Background

The preoperative flexibility of the scoliotic spine is a key aspect of surgical planning, as it provides information on the rigidity of the curve, the extent of structural changes, the levels to be fused and the amount of correction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether supine flexibility can be used to predict postoperative correction in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by determining the correlation between these two characteristics.

Methods

A total of 41 AIS patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled for analysis. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs and preoperative CT images of the entire spine were collected and used to measure supine flexibility and the postoperative correction rate. T tests were used to analyse the differences in supine flexibility and postoperative correction rate between groups. Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis was performed, and regression models were established to determine the correlation between supine flexibility and postoperative correction. Thoracic curves and lumbar curves were analysed independently.

Results

Supine flexibility was found to be significantly lower than the correction rate but showed a strong correlation with the postoperative correction rate, with r values of 0.68 for the thoracic curve group and 0.76 for the lumbar curve group. The relationship between supine flexibility and postoperative correction rate could be expressed by linear regression models.

Conclusion

Supine flexibility can be used to predict postoperative correction in AIS patients. In clinical practice, supine radiographs may be used in place of existing flexibility test techniques.
Encapsulation of Polygonum bistorta root phenolic compounds as a novel phytobiotic and its protective effects in the mouse model of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection
Authors: Mezerji Zahra kadkhoda , Boshrouyeh Reza , Razavi Seyedehfarnaz Hafezian , Ghajari Shaghayegh , Hajiha Hasti , Shafaei Negin , Karimi Ehsan , Oskoueian Ehsan
Published: February 2023

Background

Microencapsulation technology is the fundamental delivery system for encapsulating the natural bioactive compounds especially phenolic in order to developing bioavailability, stability and controlling release. This study was conducted to determine the antibacterial and health-promoting potential of the phenolic rich extract (PRE)-loaded microcapsules obtained from Polygonum bistorta root as a dietary phytobiotic in mice challenged by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Method

The PRE was obtained from Polygonum bistorta root using fractionation by different polarity solvents and the highest PRE was encapsulated by the combination of modified starch, maltodextrin, and whey protein concentrate as wall materials using a spray dryer. Then, the physicochemical characterization (particle size, zeta potential, Morphology and polydispersity index) of microcapsules have been assessed. For the invivo study, 30 mice at five treatment were designed and antibacterial properties were analyzed. Furthermore, relative fold changes in the ileum population of E. coli was investigated using Real time PCR.

Results

The encapsulation of PRE resulted in the production of phenolic enriched extract-loaded microcapsules (PRE-LM) with a mean diameter of 330 nm and relatively high entrapment efficiency (87.2% w/v). The dietary supplementation of PRE-LM improved weight gain, liver enzymes, gene expression, morphometric characteristics of the ileum and decreased the population of E. coli present in the ileum significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our funding suggested PRE-LM as a promising phytobiotic against E. coli infection in mice.
Profiling health professionals’ personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence: a systematic review
Authors: Louwen C. , Reidlinger D. , Milne N.
Published: February 2023

Background

Non-cognitive traits have been theorised to predict characteristics, career choice and outcomes of health professionals and could represent a homogenous group. This study aims to profile and compare personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence of health practitioners across a variety of professions.

Methods

Empirical literature was systematically reviewed. A two-concept search strategy was applied to four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, ProQuest). Title/abstract and full text articles were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data was synthesised narratively and meta-aggregated where feasible.

Results

Three hundred twenty-one studies representing 153 assessment tools of personality (n = 83 studies), behaviour (n = 8), and emotional intelligence (n = 62) were included. Most studies (n = 171) explored personality (medicine, nursing, nursing assistants, dentistry, allied health, paramedics), revealing variation in traits across professions. Behaviour styles were least measured with only ten studies exploring these across four health professions (nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, psychology). Emotional intelligence (n = 146 studies) varied amongst professions (medicine, nursing, dentistry, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiology) with all exhibiting average to above-average scores.

Conclusion

Personality traits, behaviour styles and emotional intelligence are all key characteristics of health professionals reported in the literature. There is both heterogeneity and homogeneity within and between professional groups. The characterisation and understanding of these non-cognitive traits will aid health professionals to understand their own non-cognitive features and how these might be useful in predicting performance with potential to adapt these to enhance success within their chosen profession.
Facilitators for developing an interprofessional learning culture in nursing homes: a scoping review
Authors: Verbeek Frank H. O. , van Lierop Merel E. A. , Meijers Judith M. M. , van Rossum Erik , Zwakhalen Sandra M. G. , Laurant Miranda G. H. , van Vught Anneke J. A. H.
Published: February 2023

Background

Healthcare professionals in nursing homes face complex care demands and nursing staff shortages. As a result, nursing homes are transforming into home-like personalised facilities that deliver person-centred care. These challenges and changes require an interprofessional learning culture in nursing homes, but there is little understanding of the facilitators that contribute to developing such a culture. This scoping review aims to identify those facilitators.

Methods

A scoping review was performed in accordance with the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis (2020). The search was carried out in 2020–2021 in seven international databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science). Two researchers independently extracted reported facilitators that contribute to an interprofessional learning culture in nursing homes. Then the researchers inductively clustered the extracted facilitators into categories.

Results

In total, 5,747 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and screening titles, abstracts and full texts, 13 studies that matched the inclusion criteria were included in this scoping review. We identified 40 facilitators and clustered them into eight categories: (1) shared language, (2) shared goals, (3) clear tasks and responsibilities, (4) learning and sharing knowledge, (5) work approaches, (6) facilitating and supporting change and creativity by the frontline manager, (7) an open attitude, and (8) a safe, respectful and transparent environment.

Conclusion

We found facilitators that could be used to discuss the current interprofessional learning culture in nursing homes and identify where improvements are required. Further research is needed to discover how to operationalise facilitators that develop an interprofessional learning culture in nursing homes and to gain insights into what works, for whom, to what extent and in what context.