bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of orthobiologics in the treatment of tendon pathologies: a systematic review of preclinical evidence
Authors: Viganò Marco , Ragni Enrico , Marmotti Antonio , de Girolamo Laura
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review is to explore the current available knowledge about tendon disorders and orthobiologics derived by preclinical experiments to evaluate their role and efficacy in the different stages and conditions related to the tendon healing processes.

Methods

The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Different electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE) were searched for studies investigating orthobiologics (PRP and cell-based products from adipose tissue or bone marrow) in animal models or veterinary clinical trials for tendon pathologies (complete/partial tendon ruptures, rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, enthesis-related injuries). Data regarding the specific product used, the treatment site/pathology, the host and the model were collected. The results were classified into the following categories: histological, biomechanical, molecular and imaging.

Results

A large pool of preclinical studies on tendon disorders have been found on platelet-rich plasma (PRP), while data about stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) are still limited and frequently focused on expanded cells, rather than orthobiologics prepared at the point of care.

The effect of PRP is related to an acceleration of the healing process, without improvements in the final structure and properties of repaired tendon. Cell-based products have been reported to produce more durable results, but the level of evidence is currently insufficient to draw clear indications.

Conclusions

The preclinical results about orthobiologics applications to tendon pathologies would support the rationale of their clinical use and encourage the performance of clinical trials aimed to confirm these data in human subjects.
Impact of mask use on face recognition: an eye-tracking study
Authors: Hsiao Janet Hui-wen , Liao Weiyan , Tso Ricky Van Yip
Published: April 2022

We examined how mask use affects performance and eye movements in face recognition and whether strategy change reflected in eye movements is associated with performance change. Eighty-eight participants performed face recognition with masked faces either during learning only, during recognition only, or during both learning and recognition. As compared with the baseline condition where faces were unmasked during both learning and recognition, participants had impaired performance in all three scenarios, with larger impairment when mask conditions during learning and recognition did not match. When recognizing unmasked faces, whether the faces were learned with or without a mask on did not change eye movement behavior. Nevertheless, when recognizing unmasked faces that were learned with a mask on, participants who adopted more eyes-focused patterns had less performance impairment as compared with the baseline condition. When recognizing masked faces, participants had more eyes-focused patterns and more consistent gaze transition behavior than recognizing unmasked faces regardless of whether the faces were learned with or without a mask on. Nevertheless, when recognizing masked faces that were learned without a mask, participants whose gaze transition behavior was more consistent had less performance impairment as compared with the baseline condition. Thus, although eye movements during recognition were mainly driven by the mask condition during recognition but not that during learning, those who adjusted their strategy according to the mask condition difference between learning and recognition had better performance. This finding has important implications for identifying populations vulnerable to the impact of mask use and potential remedial strategies.
Current practice for gastroschisis prenatal surveillance among society for maternal fetal medicine (SMFM) members
Authors: Lamoshi Abdulraouf
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect with potential devastating outcomes, including short bowel syndrome (SBS). The objective of this study is to define current practices in prenatal gastroschisis surveillance.

Methods

An online survey was circulated to the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) providers. Questions focused on timing, type, and frequency of surveillance, proposed interventions, and the impact of gastroschisis defect diameter on plan of care.

Results

Responses were obtained from 150/1104 (14%) SMFM providers. The majority of respondents worked in practices in an academic setting (61%) and more than half (58%) had been in maternal fetal medicine (MFM) practice for > 10 years. Antenatal testing began at 32 weeks for 78% of MFM providers. Surveillance was unanimously uniformly performed with ultrasound. About 40% of the providers would consider all abnormalities in the measured parameters to change their surveillance frequency. In non-complicated gastroschisis, 44% of the providers would recommend delivery at 37 weeks of gestational age, with the vast majority of them (96%) recommending vaginal delivery. Among the 23% who expressed their thoughts, 70% agreed that a smaller defect size correlated with the higher risk for development of SBS. Nevertheless, only 2% declared an absolute cutoff point (< 8 mm–3 cm) at which they would recommend delivery. Only one-fifth of the participants (21%) noted that the abdominal wall defect size has an impact on development of SBS. A higher percentage of SMFM providers (89%) with ≤ 10 years of experience started the antenatal testing at week 32 weeks compared to 66% of senior providers. Senior providers were more inclined (50%) to induce labor at 37 weeks compared to SMFM providers with > 10 years of experience (38%).

Conclusions

Gastroschisis management does not differ dramatically among SMFM providers, though noticeable differences in surveillance and timing of induction were identified based on years of experience as providers. The impact of gastroschisis defect dimensions on development of SBS may be under appreciated.
Assessment of Verbesina alternifolia and Mentha piperita oil extracts on Clinostomum phalacrocoracis metacercariae from Tilapia zillii
Authors: Mahdy Olfat A. , Abdel-Maogood Sahar Z. , Abdelrahman Hisham A. , Fathy Faten M. , Salem Mai A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Clinostomiasis (yellow grub disease) is a disease of freshwater fish caused by the encysted metacercariae (EMC) of Clinostomum spp. showing retarded growth, unusual host behavior, and even death in fishes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct an assessment of two selected plant extract: V. alternifolia and M. piperita oil extracts on tegument surface of C. phalacrocoracis metacercariae (MC) from T.zillii as utilisation of biodegradable, eco-friendly plant extracts in environmental remediation to avoid utilization of chemotherapy to control of parasitic diseases leading to potential long-term health risks on the environment and humans.

Results

The results of evaluation efficacy of plant oil extracts, namely V. alternifolia and M. piperita on C. phalacrocoracis MC infecting T. zillii, were dependent on dose and exposure time. The lethal concentrations caused by V. alternifolia extract were determined LC50 at (400 ppm/24 h), and contrarily, the worms from gp2 exposed to M. piperita extract at LC50 (1000 ppm/48 h) and did not cause complete mortality among the exposed worms. Statistically, mortality of C. phalacrocoracis caused by V. alternifolia was found to be a stronger effect significantly higher than that caused by M. piperita. The fine integument structures observed suffered stronger effect that appeared as severe damage and desquamation of worm’s teguments after exposure of V. alternifolia. In contrast, the M. piperita treatment exhibited edematous, swollen teguments, and blebs. Therefore, C. phalacrocoracis was an adequate model for evaluation of in vitro anthelmintic effects, contributing to the endeavors to identify suitable plant extracts, V. alternifolia and M. piperita.

Conclusions

This study highlights on assessment of selected two plant extracts; V. alternifolia and M. piperita revealed a stronger effect of V. alternifolia than M. piperita on tegumental surface of C. phalacrocoracis worms and, also, recommended the successful utilization of V. alternifolia on investigated worms as anthelmintic efficacy.
Oncology Fellows' Clinical Discussions, Perceived Knowledge, and Formal Training Regarding Medical Cannabis Use: A National Survey Study
Authors: Patell Rushad , Bindal Poorva , Dodge Laura , Elavalakanar Pavania , Freed Jason A. , Rangachari Deepa , Buss Mary , Schonberg Mara , Braun Ilana
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE:

Evidence suggests that patients with cancer frequently use cannabis with medicinal intent and desire clinical guidance from providers. We aimed to determine whether oncology training adequately prepares fellows to discuss medical cannabis.

METHODS:

A national survey study was conducted from January to March 2021. A questionnaire assessing oncology fellows' practices regarding cannabis recommendations in cancer care and their knowledge of its effectiveness and risks compared with conventional care for cancer-related symptoms was developed and sent to 155 US-based oncology training programs to distribute to trainees.

RESULTS:

Forty programs from 25 states participated; of the 462 trainees across these programs, 189 responded (response rate of 40%). Of the participants, 52% were female; 52% were White, 33% Asian, and 5% Hispanic. Fifty-seven percent reported that they discussed medical cannabis with more than five patients in the preceding year; however, only 13% felt sufficiently informed to issue cannabis-related clinical recommendations. Twenty-four percent reported having received formal training regarding medical cannabis. Oncology fellows who reported having received prior training in medical cannabis were significantly more likely to discuss cannabis with patients (risk ratio: 1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.75; P = .002) and feel sufficiently informed to discuss cannabis recommendations (risk ratio: 5.06; 95% CI, 2.33 to 10.99; P < .001). Many viewed the botanical as a useful adjunctive therapy that was at least as effective as conventional treatments for anorexia/cachexia (72%), nausea/vomiting (45%), and pain (41%).

CONCLUSION:

Most oncology trainees not only reported engaging in discussions regarding medical cannabis with patients but also considered themselves insufficiently informed to make cannabis-related clinical recommendations. The discrepancy between the frequency of cannabis inquiries/discussions at the patient level and comfort/knowledge at the trainee provider level represents an unmet curricular need with implications for both graduate medical education and patient care.
Management of Status Epilepticus, Refractory Status Epilepticus, and Super-refractory Status Epilepticus
Authors: Trinka Eugen , Leitinger Markus
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Status epilepticus is a serious condition caused by disorders and diseases that affect the central nervous system. In status epilepticus, hypersynchronous epileptic activity lasts longer than the usual duration of isolated self-limited seizures (time t1), which causes neuronal damage or alteration of neuronal networks at a certain time point (time t2), depending on the type of and duration of status epilepticus. The successful management of status epilepticus includes both the early termination of seizure activity and the earliest possible identification of a causative etiology, which may require independent acute treatment. In nonconvulsive status epilepticus, patients present only with subtle clinical signs or even without any visible clinical manifestations. In these cases, EEG allows for the assessment of cerebral function and identification of patterns in need of urgent treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2015, the International League Against Epilepsy proposed a new definition and classification of status epilepticus, encompassing four axes: symptomatology, etiology, EEG, and age. Various validation studies determined the practical usefulness of EEG criteria to identify nonconvulsive status epilepticus. The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society has incorporated these criteria into their most recent critical care EEG terminology in 2021. Etiology, age, symptomatology, and the metabolic demand associated with an increasing duration of status epilepticus are the most important determinants of prognosis. The consequences of status epilepticus can be visualized in vivo by MRI studies.

The current knowledge about status epilepticus allows for a more reliable diagnosis, earlier treatment, and improved cerebral imaging of its consequences. Outcome prediction is a soft tool for estimating the need for intensive care resources.
The Pennsylvania Postmarket Multicenter Experience With Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device
Authors: Salem Mohamed M. , Kvint Svetlana , Hendrix Philipp , Al Saiegh Fadi , Gajjar Avi A. , Choudhri Omar , Jankowitz Brian T. , Goren Oded , Gross Bradley A. , Jabbour Pascal , Lang Michael , Schirmer Clemens M. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

The flow redirection endoluminal device (FRED) is a novel self-expanding double-layer nitinol braided flow diverter that recently received FDA approval. However, early postmarket studies from the United States are lacking.

OBJECTIVE:

To report our short-term multicenter experience.

METHODS:

Series of consecutive patients undergoing FRED treatment for intracranial aneurysms were queried from prospectively maintained registries at 4 North-American Centers in Pennsylvania (February 2020-June 2021). The pertinent baseline demographics, aneurysmal characteristics, and procedural outcomes were collected and analyzed, with primary outcome of aneurysmal occlusion and secondary outcome of safety and complications.

RESULTS:

Sixty-one patients (median age 58 years, 82% female) underwent 65 FRED treatment procedures for 72 aneurysms. Most (86.1%) of the aneurysms were unruptured; 80.5% were saccular in morphology, and 87.5% were located along the internal carotid artery, with a median size of 7.1 mm (IQR 5.2-11.9 mm). Radiographic follow-up was available in 86.1% of the aneurysms, showing complete occlusion in 74.2% (80% in catheter angiography-only group), and near-complete occlusion in 11.3% of the cases (median 6.3 months), with 2.8% re-treated. Permanent ischemic complications were encountered in 2.8% of the cases, with no procedural mortality. A modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 was documented in 98.1% of the patients at the last clinical follow-up (median 6.1 months).

CONCLUSION:

The results of the early postmarket experience with the FRED device show reasonable safety and adequate aneurysmal occlusion rates comparable with other flow diverters. However, more extensive multicenter studies with more extended follow-up data are needed to assess the long-term safety and durability of the device.
Both entry to and exit from diapause arrest in Caenorhabditis elegans are regulated by a steroid hormone pathway
Authors: Zhang Mark G. , Sternberg Paul W.
Published: April 2022

Diapause arrest in animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans is tightly regulated so that animals make appropriate developmental decisions amidst environmental challenges. Fully understanding diapause requires mechanistic insight of both entry and exit from the arrested state. Although a steroid hormone pathway regulates the entry decision into C. elegans dauer diapause, its role in the exit decision is less clear. A complication to understanding steroid hormonal regulation of dauer has been the peculiar fact that steroid hormone mutants such as daf-9 form partial dauers under normal growth conditions. Here, we corroborate previous findings that daf-9 mutants remain capable of forming full dauers under unfavorable growth conditions and establish that the daf-9 partial dauer state is likely a partially exited dauer that has initiated but cannot complete the dauer exit process. We show that the steroid hormone pathway is both necessary for and promotes complete dauer exit, and that the spatiotemporal dynamics of steroid hormone regulation during dauer exit resembles that of dauer entry. Overall, dauer entry and dauer exit are distinct developmental decisions that are both controlled by steroid hormone signaling.
Human Performance and Injury Prevention in Cold Weather Environments
Authors: Bubnis Matthew A. , Hulsopple Chad
Published: April 2022

This article serves as a primer for those practitioners who serve as subject matter experts in cold weather medicine, whether it be medical planning for an outdoor event, making the determination “it is too cold to exercise,” or investigating why an athlete is struggling to compete in a frigid environment. Cold weather exercise physiology is reviewed, and medical conditions that may impact performance at cold temperatures are briefly examined. Guidelines for cold weather risk assessment, injury prevention, and performance optimization also are discussed.
Cold Weather Injuries: Initial Evaluation and Management
Authors: Vogel Kendall , Hulsopple Chad
Published: April 2022

As more people take to extreme sporting activities and hobbies, the sports medicine physician should be proficient in early identification and initial sideline or field management of cold weather injuries. There is significant mortality and morbidity associated with these conditions. The most severe of these are hypothermia and frostbite, which have limited evidence for their field management. Nonfreezing cold injuries and chilblains are much rarer, although appropriate prevention and treatment strategies can be used to minimize harm to athletes. This article will provide the most updated recommendations for field or sideline evaluation and initial management of hypothermia, frostbite, nonfreezing cold injury, and chilblains.
Το μάρκετινγκ και ο ψηφιακός μετασχηματισμός του στους δημόσιους οργανισμούς της Ελληνικής Τριτοβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Μακρυδάκης Νεκτάριος
Published: April 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα καταγράφει και αναλύει τις απόψεις, στάσεις και αντιλήψεις των διοικήσεων των ελληνικών δημόσιων ιδρυμάτων τριτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, σχετικά με την αναγκαιότητα του μάρκετινγκ και του ψηφιακού μετασχηματισμού του στο πλαίσιο της στρατηγικής εξωστρέφειας των πανεπιστημίων, της αξιοποίησης του Ψηφιακού Δαρβινισμού και της διασφάλισης της ποιότητας τους. Για την απάντηση του ερευνητικού ερωτήματος ως καταλληλότερη μέθοδος επελέγη η ποιοτική έρευνα με επικουρική ποσοτική. Επελέγη ένα αντιπροσωπευτικό μέγεθος δείγματος από δέκα (10) δημόσια ιδρύματα ενώ η συλλογή δεδομένων πραγματοποιήθηκε με ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις. Χρησιμοποιήθηκε η θεματική ανάλυση ως καταλληλότερη για να ανιχνευθούν «θέματα» εντός του συνόλου των δεδομένων με τελικό αποτέλεσμα τον σχηματισμό του θεματικού χάρτη με τις επικρατούσες αντιλήψεις και τη συσχέτιση με ψηφιακούς δείκτες απόδοσης. Το συμπέρασμα της έρευνας είναι ότι οι διοικήσεις στην πλειοψηφία τους έχουν αντιληφθεί σε σημαντικό βαθμό το ρόλο που μπορεί να διαδραματίσει το μάρκετινγκ τόσο στη στρατηγική εξωστρέφειας και διεθνοποίησης όσο και στη ενίσχυση της δημόσιας πληροφόρησης και της προβολής της ποιότητας της εκπαίδευσης. Η λειτουργία του μάρκετινγκ εφαρμόζεται σήμερα ερασιτεχνικά από τα δημόσια ιδρύματα και για πρώτη φορά αποτυπώνεται ότι η συντριπτική πλειοψηφία των δημόσιων ιδρυμάτων τοποθετούνται θετικά στην προοπτική δημιουργίας διοικητικής λειτουργίας μάρκετινγκ στο οργανόγραμμα του δημόσιου πανεπιστημίου, ενώ τα κύρια εμπόδια προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση είναι ο ψηφιακός αναλφαβητισμός, το θεσμικό πλαίσιο, η επικρατούσα οργανωσιακή κουλτούρα, τα στερεότυπα και οι αναχρονιστικές απόψεις, η εσωστρέφεια και η διοικητική δυσκαμψία. Ακόμα διαπιστώθηκε ότι υπάρχει θετική σχέση μεταξύ χαρακτηριστικών όπως η χρονική διάρκεια λειτουργίας και το μέγεθος ενός ιδρύματος και της στάσης απέναντι σε νέες λειτουργίες όπως το μάρκετινγκ καθώς και θετική σχέση μεταξύ ψηφιακών δεικτών απόδοσης μάρκετινγκ και της στάσης ως προς την υιοθέτηση του ψηφιακού μάρκετινγκ.
Brain-based learning in design and visual arts education: a bibliometric assessment of Scopus indexed literature
Authors: El-Wakeel Hala A. , Abdellatif Reham , Eldardiry Dalia Hussain , Al-Saleh Deema F. , Shukri Mai I. , Ansari Khadeeja M N
Published: April 2022

Background: This study aims to critically review, quantify, and assess research outcomes on brain-based learning with an evidence-based study on Scopus indexed literature, with a focus to understand the evolution structure and growth, detect trends, subject development, and most importantly, identify the gaps in the published body of literature that relates brain-based learning to design and visual arts education.

Methods: Various scientometric tools were used to map, visualize, and analyze 186 research publications, indexed in Scopus in a twenty-year timespan ‘2001-2021’. Annual publication trends, relevant sources, prolific authors, authorship patterns, productive organizations and countries, funding agencies, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and thematic evolution mapping on brain-based learning publications were examined in this study.

Results: Despite the significance to apply brain-based learning strategies in design and visual arts education to boost students’ knowledge and creative skills, the findings show a decline in quantities and growth patterns in brain-based learning research directed towards design disciplines in the past twenty years. Among the identified (186) documents published in (128) sources, with (1013) citations, the study detected only (57) research (30%) that were related to ‘design education,’ including those focusing on ‘instructional design, ‘and ‘syllabus design’ whereas only (3) articles were in ‘design and visual arts’ disciplines.

Conclusion: These rather small numbers reflect the big gap in the current body of literature that associates brain-based learning with creativity-based disciplines, specifically in design and visual arts education. This infers the necessity to direct the attention of academics, researchers, and educationalists in the fields of design and arts towards brain-based learning applications, research and pedagogy.
Overview of Geometric Ways to Increase the Constructions’ Specific Strength: Topological Optimization and Fractal Structures
Authors: Zhikharev L.
Published: April 2022

The paper is an overview of geometric methods for increasing the specific strength of parts and constructions. In the making of engineering knowledge it had been deduced by theoretical and empirical ways a number of rules for specifying the shape of bodies withstanding the loads applied to them. So, in construction, they prefer to use an I-beam instead of a beam with rectangular section, since the first one is able to withstand a large load with a similar mass and the same material, that is, with a certain loading scheme, the I-beam has a greater specific strength due to the features of its geometry. The basic principles of creating such a geometry have been considered in this paper.

With the development of the theory of strength of materials, as well as methods for automatization of design and strength calculations, it became possible to create the shape of parts optimized for specific loads. Computer generation of such a form is called topological optimization. A lot of modern research has been devoted to the development and improvement of algorithms for topological optimization (TO). In this paper have been described some of TO algorithms, and has been presented a general analysis of optimized forms, demonstrating their similarity to fractals.

Despite the rapid development of topological optimization, it has constraints, some of which can be circumvented by using fractal structures. In this study a new classification of fractals is presented, and the possibility of their use to create parts and constructions of increased specific strength is considered. Examples for successful application of fractal geometry in practice are also presented.

The combination of principles for designing strong parts and fractal shaping algorithms will make it possible in the future to develop the structure of strong elements applicable to increase the constructions’ specific strength. Further research will be devoted to this.
Polskie mogiły żołnierskie w Lewancie
Authors: Przybylak Michał
Published: April 2022

Podczas drugiej wojny światowej Polacy walczyli niemal na wszystkich frontach. Świadectwem tego są mogiły i cmentarze, na których spoczywają polscy żołnierze. Prezentowany artykuł ma na celu przedstawienie nekropolii znajdujących się w Lewancie – na terytorium obecnej Syrii, Libanu, Izraela i Autonomii Palestyńskiej. Ziemie tych państw są miejscem wiecznego odpoczynku niemal 400 żołnierzy Polskich Sił Zbrojnych. Ponadto spoczywają tu Polacy walczący w pierwszej i drugiej wojnie światowej w mundurach niemieckich i francuskich. Jak dotychczas cmentarze te nie były przedmiotem żadnego kompleksowego opracowania, poniższy artykuł jest więc próbą uzupełnienia tej luki.
Motivaciones y tiempo de uso de las redes sociales por parte de los jóvenes españoles: señales de adicción
Authors: Fernández-Rovira Cristina
Published: April 2022

La investigación presenta una descripción del tiempo de uso y las motivaciones que los jóvenes españoles manifiestan para pasar gran parte de su jornada diaria conectados a las redes sociales (rrss). El estudio partió de una encuesta realizada a 572 personas de entre 15 y 26 años en España y puso de manifiesto que los jóvenes pasan un promedio de 5,5 horas al día navegando por las rrss. Con respecto a las motivaciones que más expresan los encuestados, se encuentran las de compartir fotos o vídeos y ver qué hacen diariamente sus contactos. A pesar de que muchos usuarios califican su uso como adictivo, muestran muy poca voluntad para cambiar de hábitos. Además, los resultados del artículo también evidenciaron que la atención de los jóvenes se concentra en unas pocas plataformas, pertenecientes en su mayoría a Facebook Inc. (recientemente renombrado como Meta), lo que favorece una posición dominante de pocas grandes empresas tecnológicas que controlan el mercado de la atención.
Do Larger Audiences Generate Greater Revenues Under Pay What You Want? Evidence from a Live Streaming Platform
Authors: Lu Shijie , Yao Dai , Chen Xingyu , Grewal Rajdeep
Published: April 2022

This paper assesses the viability of pay what you want by examining the relationship between the popularity of a live streaming event and the revenue it generates under a pay-what-you-want scheme.
Guarantees in Fair Division: General or Monotone Preferences
Authors: Bogomolnaia Anna , Moulin Hervé
Published: April 2022

When dividing a “manna” Ω of private items (commodities, workloads, land, time slots) between n agents, the individual guarantee is the welfare each agent can secure in the worst case of other agents’ preferences and actions. If the manna is nonatomic and utilities are continuous (not necessarily monotone or convex) the minmax utility, that of our agent’s best share in the agent’s worst partition of the manna, is guaranteed by Kuhn’s generalization of divide and choose. The larger maxmin utility—of the agent’s worst share in the agent’s best partition—cannot be guaranteed even for two agents. If, for all agents, more manna is better than less (or less is better than more), the new bid and choose rules offer guarantees between minmax and maxmin by letting agents bid for the smallest (or largest) size of a share they find acceptable.

Funding: A. Bogomolnaia and H. Moulin acknowledge the support from the Basic Research Program of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. H. Moulin’s research was also supported by a Chaire Blaise Pascal of the Region Ile-de-France, 2020-21.
An introduction to treating rosacea
Authors: Charlson Paul
Published: April 2022

Rosacea is a fairly common condition, especially in fair-haired, blue-eyed people, that mainly affects the centre of the face, causing erythema and papules and pustules. It is a chronic condition and requires correct diagnosis and careful management to achieve optimal results. Gentle skincare is vital. Topical agents, such as azelaic acid, metronidazole, ivermectin and brimodinine tartrate are useful. Oral antibiotics, such as doxcycline and clarithromycin, as well as isotretinion, also play a role. Aesthetic clinics may see patients presenting for laser or intense pulsed light treatments for the telangectasia that is often present. This forms only part of the overall package of treatments.
Should conferences still show live demonstrations for injectable treatments and, if so, how should these be performed?
Authors: King Martyn
Published: April 2022

Dr Martyn King explains the precautions and steps that must be taken to ensure that live demonstrations can be performed safely
Coronal Resorption in Unerupted Anterior Permanent Teeth: Cases with Different Aetiologies? A Review
Authors: Makwana Meeral , Murray Alison
Published: April 2022

Two case reports are described along with differential diagnoses and management strategies from the literature for teeth discovered with intra-coronal resorption prior to their eruption. Our cases feature impacted maxillary anterior teeth. In both instances, significant coronal resorption presented itself mid-way through fixed appliance treatment, prior to full eruption of the involved teeth. This was detected radiographically and not through patient-reported symptoms. Once sufficiently erupted, root canal therapy was carried out in both cases and orthodontic treatment was successfully completed.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Orthodontists are often first to identify pathological lesions in unerupted teeth and should be equipped with differential diagnoses in order to manage and refer patients appropriately.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Sesamum Indicum L. Seed Extracts in Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Dayana Kunjumon , Manasa Megaravalli R
Published: April 2022

Background: Inflammation is a defensive mechanism that protects the body from noxious stimuli. Currently available anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with numerous adverse effects. Hence there is a need for novel anti-inflammatory agent with better safety profile. The current study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic and hexane extracts of Sesamum indicum L. seeds by carrageenan and formalin induced paw edema respectively in Wistar rats. Methods: The animals were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 was given normal saline orally and Group 2 Indomethacin. Groups 3-5 in Carrageenan model were administered ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum L. at three doses - 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg respectively, whereas in Formalin model, they were given hexane extract at the same doses orally. Anti-inflammatory potential was investigated by Carrageenan and Formalin induced models of inflammation. Results: Sesamum indicum L. ethanolic extract at 250 mg/kg exhibited a significant inhibition of paw edema at 4th hour while hexane extract at all doses caused significant inhibition of paw edema. The percentage inhibition of edema at 4th hour of hexane extract at 250 mg/kg was comparable to Indomethacin. Conclusion: The ethanolic and hexane extracts of Sesamum indicum L. seeds have anti-inflammatory potential. The activity of hexane extract is comparable to indomethacin.
The Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Oman
Authors: Al-rudaini Mazin S. , Anwar Sanam , Al Farsi Yousuf , Alhosni Asma , Ghaithi Salem Al Ghaithi
Published: April 2022

Musculoskeletal diseases are frequently seen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The link between low back pain and type 2 diabetes mellitus remains unclear. This study aimed to find the prevalence of low back pain among Omani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to determine patients’ disability related to low back pain. Methods: Two hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in this cross sectional study, who attended the diabetic clinic in Suhar polyclinic and Suhar hospital, North Batinah, Oman. Data collection tool was a pretested structured questionnaire, as well as the medical records collection for all the participants. The patients’ related disability to low back pain was assessed using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Results: Of the 200 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 60% (120) reported low back pain. From those who had low back pain, around half (50.8%) had a minimal disability and more than one third (37.6%) had a moderate disability related to low back pain. The low back pain was mostly present in females (65.9%), those with a family history of low back pain (87.6%) and those using insulin to control diabetes (100%), (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of low back pain is high among Omani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and significantly high among females, those with a family history of low back pain and those using insulin to control diabetes. A significant percentage of patients had minimal to moderate disabilities related to low back pain which necessitate an implantation of the preventative and educational measures to minimize the burden of the low back pain among diabetic patients.
Development and Validation of a Questionnaire for Assessing Medication Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India
Authors: Anuradha H. V Anuradha H. V , Prabhu P Sanjana
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Ensuring adherence to medications among patients treated for chronic illnesses is a challenge faced by healthcare providers around the world. The present study was performed to develop and validate a questionnaire for assessing medication adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients as this is one of the most prevalent chronic disease in India. Methods: The study included type 2 DM who were on antidiabetic a minimum duration of six months with or without co-morbidities, aged 18-65 years. Participants were asked 15 specifically designed questions. Items were validated using content validity and the internal consistency was assessed using coefficients of reliability such as Cronbach’s alpha and Spearson Brown correlation correction. Results: Of the 15 items in the questionnaire, one of the items was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale and was considered as a sub-item of another main item; 14 items with dichotomous answers were included to assess the internal consistency. Out of 14 items, 2 were excluded to provide a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.927 which is suggestive of a good internal consistency amongst the questionnaire items. Spearson brown correlation correction performed on these final 12 items yielded a value of 0.91 which suggests good inter-item reliability. Conclusion: Given the validity and reliability of this 12-items questionnaire and its ease of use, it could serve as a screening tool in the outpatient setting to identify patients who are poorly adherent and therefore at risk of developing uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Air resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization tagging velocimetry
Authors: Clark Aleksander , McCord Walker , Zhang Zhili
Published: April 2022

Air resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) tagging velocimetry (ART) was demonstrated in quiescent and supersonic flows. The ART velocimetry method utilizes a wavelength tunable laser beam to resonantly ionize molecular oxygen in air and generate additional avalanche-type ionization of molecular nitrogen. The fluorescence emissions from the first negative and first positive bands of molecular nitrogen are, thus, produced and used for flow tagging. Detailed characterization of ART was conducted, including the effects of oxygen resonance to fluoresce nitrogen, nitrogen fluorescence spectrum, laser energy deposition into quiescent flow showing minimal perturbations in flow, fluorescence lifetime study at various pressures, and line tagging without breakdown. Pointwise velocity measurements within a supersonic flow from a nominal Mach 1.5 nozzle have been conducted and characterized.
Maximizing the forward scattering of dielectric nanoantennas through surface impedance coatings
Authors: Monti Alessio , Raad Shiva Hayati , Atlasbaf Zahra , Toscano Alessandro , Bilotti Filiberto
Published: April 2022

In this Letter, we discuss a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach for designing passive nanoantennas with maximum forward and almost-zero backward scattering. The proposed approach is based on the use of high-index dielectric spheres supporting dipolar magnetic resonances, which are coated by ultra-thin surface impedance coatings. It is shown that, by properly engineering the radius of the coat and its surface reactance, it is possible to introduce an additional electric dipolar resonance and to make this overlap with the magnetic one sustained by the high-index dielectric sphere. A realistic design that is based on graphene and works in the low-THz range is also proposed and verified with full-wave simulations. Compared to earlier techniques based on the combination of multipoles or on the use of ellipsoidal particles, the proposed one is quite robust toward realistic ohmic losses and preserves the isotropic behavior of the nanoantenna.
A particle-based computational model to analyse remodelling of the red blood cell cytoskeleton during malaria infections
Authors: Jäger Julia , Patra Pintu , Sanchez Cecilia P. , Lanzer Michael , Schwarz Ulrich S.
Published: April 2022

Red blood cells can withstand the harsh mechanical conditions in the vasculature only because the bending rigidity of their plasma membrane is complemented by the shear elasticity of the underlying spectrin-actin network. During an infection by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite mines host actin from the junctional complexes and establishes a system of adhesive knobs, whose main structural component is the knob-associated histidine rich protein (KAHRP) secreted by the parasite. Here we aim at a mechanistic understanding of this dramatic transformation process. We have developed a particle-based computational model for the cytoskeleton of red blood cells and simulated it with Brownian dynamics to predict the mechanical changes resulting from actin mining and KAHRP-clustering. Our simulations include the three-dimensional conformations of the semi-flexible spectrin chains, the capping of the actin protofilaments and several established binding sites for KAHRP. For the healthy red blood cell, we find that incorporation of actin protofilaments leads to two regimes in the shear response. Actin mining decreases the shear modulus, but knob formation increases it. We show that dynamical changes in KAHRP binding affinities can explain the experimentally observed relocalization of KAHRP from ankyrin to actin complexes and demonstrate good qualitative agreement with experiments by measuring pair cross-correlations both in the computer simulations and in super-resolution imaging experiments.
Using topic modeling to detect cellular crosstalk in scRNA-seq
Authors: Pancheva Alexandrina , Wheadon Helen , Rogers Simon , Otto Thomas D.
Published: April 2022

Cell-cell interactions are vital for numerous biological processes including development, differentiation, and response to inflammation. Currently, most methods for studying interactions on scRNA-seq level are based on curated databases of ligands and receptors. While those methods are useful, they are limited to our current biological knowledge. Recent advances in single cell protocols have allowed for physically interacting cells to be captured, and as such we have the potential to study interactions in a complemantary way without relying on prior knowledge. We introduce a new method based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for detecting genes that change as a result of interaction. We apply our method to synthetic datasets to demonstrate its ability to detect genes that change in an interacting population compared to a reference population. Next, we apply our approach to two datasets of physically interacting cells to identify the genes that change as a result of interaction, examples include adhesion and co-stimulatory molecules which confirm physical interaction between cells. For each dataset we produce a ranking of genes that are changing in subpopulations of the interacting cells. In addition to the genes discussed in the original publications, we highlight further candidates for interaction in the top 100 and 300 ranked genes. Lastly, we apply our method to a dataset generated by a standard droplet-based protocol not designed to capture interacting cells, and discuss its suitability for analysing interactions. We present a method that streamlines detection of interactions and does not require prior clustering and generation of synthetic reference profiles to detect changes in expression.
Community-level trachoma ecological associations and the use of geospatial analysis methods: A systematic review
Authors: Burgert-Brucker Clara R. , Adams Molly W. , Mingkwan Pia , Flueckiger Rebecca , Ngondi Jeremiah M. , Solomon Anthony W. , Harding-Esch Emma M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Trachoma is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Understanding individual, household, or community-associated factors that may lead to continued transmission or risk of recrudescence in areas where elimination has previously been achieved, is essential in reaching and maintaining trachoma elimination. We aimed to identify climatic, demographic, environmental, infrastructural, and socioeconomic factors associated in the literature with trachoma at community-level and assess the strength of their association with trachoma. Because of the potential power of geospatial analysis to delineate the variables most strongly associated with differences in trachoma prevalence, we then looked in detail at geospatial analysis methods used in previous trachoma studies.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review using five databases: Medline, Embase, Global Health, Dissertations & Theses Global, and Web of Science, including publications from January 1950 to January 2021. The review protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020191718).

Results

Of 35 eligible studies, 29 included 59 different trachoma-associated factors, with eight studies also including spatial analysis methods. Six studies included spatial analysis methods only. Higher trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) prevalence was associated with areas that: had lower mean annual precipitation, lower mean annual temperatures, and lower altitudes; were rural, were less accessible, had fewer medical services, had fewer schools; and had lower access to water and sanitation. Higher trachomatous trichiasis (TT) prevalence was associated with higher aridity index and increased distance to stable nightlights. Of the 14 studies that included spatial methods, 11 used exploratory spatial data analysis methods, three used interpolation methods, and seven used spatial modelling methods.

Conclusion

Researchers and decision-makers should consider the inclusion and potential influence of trachoma-associated factors as part of both research activities and programmatic priorities. The use of geospatial methods in trachoma studies remains limited but offers the potential to define disease hotspots and areas of potential recrudescence to inform local, national, and global programmatic needs.
Two-stage lot quality assurance sampling framework for monitoring and evaluation of neglected tropical diseases, allowing for imperfect diagnostics and spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Kazienga Adama , Coffeng Luc E. , de Vlas Sake J. , Levecke Bruno
Published: April 2022

Background

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a key component of large-scale neglected tropical diseases (NTD) control programs. Diagnostic tests deployed in these M&E surveys are often imperfect, and it remains unclear how this affects the population-based program decision-making.

Methodology

We developed a 2-stage lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) framework for decision-making that allows for both imperfect diagnostics and spatial heterogeneity of infections. We applied the framework to M&E of soil-transmitted helminth control programs as a case study. For this, we explored the impact of the diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity), spatial heterogeneity (intra-cluster correlation), and survey design on program decision-making around the prevalence decisions thresholds recommended by WHO (2%, 10%, 20% and 50%) and the associated total survey costs.

Principal findings

The survey design currently recommended by WHO (5 clusters and 50 subjects per cluster) may lead to incorrect program decisions around the 2% and 10% prevalence thresholds, even when perfect diagnostic tests are deployed. To reduce the risk of incorrect decisions around the 2% prevalence threshold, including more clusters (≥10) and deploying highly specific diagnostic methods (≥98%) are the most-cost saving strategies when spatial heterogeneity is moderate-to-high (intra-cluster correlation >0.017). The higher cost and lower throughput of improved diagnostic tests are compensated by lower required sample sizes, though only when the cost per test is <6.50 US$ and sample throughput is ≥3 per hour.

Conclusion/Significance

Our framework provides a means to assess and update M&E guidelines and guide product development choices for NTD. Using soil-transmitted helminths as a case study, we show that current M&E guidelines may severely fall short, particularly in low-endemic and post-control settings. Furthermore, specificity rather than sensitivity is a critical parameter to consider. When the geographical distribution of an NTD within a district is highly heterogeneous, sampling more clusters (≥10) may be required.
Identifying systemic inequity in higher education and opportunities for improvement
Authors: Denaro Kameryn , Dennin Kimberly , Dennin Michael , Sato Brian
Published: April 2022

It is well established that there is a national problem surrounding the equitable participation in and completion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) higher education programs. Persons excluded because of their ethnicity or race (PEERs) experience lower course performance, major retention, sense of belonging, and degree completion. It is unclear though how pervasive these issues are across an institution, from the individual instructor, course, and discipline perspectives. Examining over six years of institutional data from a large-enrollment, research-intensive, minority-serving university, we present an analysis of racial opportunity gaps between PEERs and non-PEERs to identify the consistency of these issues. From this analysis, we find that there is considerable variability as to whether a given course section taught by a single instructor does or does not exhibit opportunity gaps, although encouragingly we did identify exemplar instructors, course-instructor pairs, courses, and departments that consistently had no significant gaps observed. We also identified significant variation across course-instructor pairs within a department, and found that certain STEM disciplines were much more likely to have courses that exhibited opportunity gaps relative to others. Across nearly all disciplines though, it is clear that these gaps are more pervasive in the lower division curriculum. This work highlights a means to identify the extent of inequity in STEM success across a university by leveraging institutional data. These findings also lay the groundwork for future studies that will enable the intentional design of STEM education reform by leveraging beneficial practices used by instructors and departments assigning equitable grades.