bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial natriuretic peptide in primary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Morice AH , Pepke-Zaba J , Brown MJ , Thomas PS , Higenbottam TW
Published: December 2022

Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were determined during cardiac catheterization in nine patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and the effect of prostacyclin infusion via a right heart catheter studied. The role of hypoxia on the release of ANP was investigated in a control group of six normal subjects who underwent an acute hypoxic challenge. Patients showed the typical haemodynamic changes of primary pulmonary hypertension with elevation of mean (SD) pulmonary artery pressure, 71.3 (13.8) mmHg, and low cardiac index, 1.9 (0.5) l.min-1.m-2. Plasma ANP was also elevated; mean pulmonary artery plasma ANP was 96.3 (77.6) pmol.l-1 in PPH patients compared with mean venous plasma ANP of 8.9 (5.6) pmol.l-1 in normal subjects. Prostacyclin infusion in PPH patients and hypoxic challenge in normal subjects did not significantly alter plasma ANP levels. The elevated levels of ANP in PPH are due to the altered haemodynamics secondary to increased pulmonary vascular resistance and may be responsible for the lack of peripheral oedema seen in this condition.
Vimentin, carcinoembryonic antigen and keratin in the diagnosis of mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma and reactive pleural lesions
Authors: al-Saffar N , Hasleton PS
Published: December 2022

An immunohistochemical study of reactive pleural lesions, adenocarcinomas and mesotheliomas using carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin and vimentin was carried out. All the specimens were obtained at surgery except for 11 mesotheliomas found at necropsy. Vimentin was positive in 23 of 27 mesotheliomas and negative in all the adenocarcinomas and 4 of 17 reactive mesothelial lesions. Conversely, CEA was positive in all the adenocarcinomas but negative in all mesotheliomas. Immunoreactivity for vimentin was seen in only 3 of 11 post-mortem mesotheliomas. Vimentin is a useful adjunct to the tissue diagnosis of mesothelioma especially when CEA is negative and cytokeratin positive. Its use appears largely confirmed to well fixed surgically derived tissues.
Adult-onset Still's disease revealed by a pleuropericarditis
Authors: Liote H , Liote F , Lenique F , Milleron BJ , Kuntz D , Akoun GM
Published: December 2022

We report a case of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) revealed by pleuropericardial manifestations. A 40 yr old black woman was admitted for flu-like syndrome with pharyngitis, hectic fever, polymorphonuclear hyperleucocytosis and pleuropericarditis. The diagnosis of AOSD was supported by 3 major and 3 minor criteria after exclusion of infectious, haematological and connective tissue diseases. Pulmonary involvement is infrequent in AOSD, and consists of transient pulmonary infiltrates and chronic restrictive pattern. However, pleuritis, like pericarditis, is present in 25% of cases. Initial onset of pleuritis, associated with fever and hyperleucocytosis preceding articular manifestations could be responsible for a delay in diagnosis and a subsequent worsening in the prognosis of the disease. A rapid improvement is usually observed under nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or corticosteroid treatment.
Precise diagnosis of airflow obstruction - does it matter for treatment? An international questionnaire survey and its implications
Authors: Vermeire P
Published: December 2022

As emphasised by the recent international questionnaire survey, the absence of an agreed terminology in chronic non-specific lung diseases leads to much confusion and undoubtedly impairs communication between physicians. In each patient within the scope of CNSLD, the presence and combination of a number of basic features should be identified. The term bronchial asthma should be used when a number of features are present which are sufficiently characteristic to differentiate it from other forms of permanent airway obstruction. In non-asthmatic obstructive disease the term 'COLD' (or COPD), followed by some qualifying labels, seems preferable. Use of the term 'chronic bronchitis' should be restricted to refer as 'chronic mucus hypersecretion' or be abandoned.
Sodium thiophene carboxylate does not facilitate expectoration
Authors: Streit E , Medici TC
Published: December 2022

A randomised double-blind crossover study compared the clinical effectiveness of a 21-day treatment with 600 mg per day of sodium thiophene carboxylate and placebo in 33 patients with stable chronic bronchial disease. During the seven week trial, subjective symptoms and findings were recorded, pulmonary function tests performed and sputum physical characteristics determined. Side-effects were closely monitored. Both subjective assessment of overall clinical efficacy and statistical analysis of the above mentioned factors failed to show any significant advantage of sodium thiophene carboxylate to placebo. Sodium thiophene carboxylate appears to be an expectorant and mucoregulatory drug, lacking evidence of clinical effectiveness in the treatment of patients with stable chronic bronchitis.
Within-breath variations of forced oscillation resistance in healthy subjects
Authors: Peslin R , Ying Y , Gallina C , Duvivier C
Published: December 2022

Respiratory resistance (Rrs) was measured by the forced oscillation technique at 10, 20 and 30 Hz in 54 healthy subjects. The sinusoidal pressure oscillations were applied around the head, rather than at the mouth, so as to minimize transmural pressure across extrathoracic airway walls and the corresponding artefact (Peslin et al., J Appl Physiol, 1985, 59, 1790-1795). The flow (V') and volume (V) dependences of Rrs during the respiratory cycle were analysed by least square regression according to: Rrs = K1 + 2.K2.[V']#- K3.V, where K1 and K2 are Rohrer's constants, and where K3 expresses the (negative) volume dependence of Rrs. The analysis was made separately on the inspiratory and expiratory phases. A good fit was usually found between the data and the model, with a root-mean-square error averaging 15% of the mean Rrs at 10 Hz. At all frequencies K2 and K3 were substantially and significantly larger, and K1 slightly lower during expiration than during inspiration. Rrs, K1 and K3 were minimum at 20 Hz, while K2 exhibited a strong positive frequency dependence. The decrease of Rrs from 10 to 20 Hz was entirely explained by the variations of its linear component, and its increase from 20 to 30 Hz was largely due to its flow dependent component. Both the phasic variations and the frequency dependence of the coefficients suggest that the model is purely descriptive and that coefficients K2 and K3 reflect a number of phenomena, including the variations in glottic aperture during the respiratory cycle.
Do maternal albumin levels affect post-operative complications after cesarean delivery?
Authors: Yagur Yael , Ribak Rachel , Ben Ezry Emili , Cohen Ido , Or Madar Libby , Kovo Michal , Biron-Shental Tal
Published: December 2022

Background

This study explored the correlation between maternal serum albumin levels prior to elective cesarean delivery (CD) and postoperative complications.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included women admitted for elective CD at term to our tertiary referral center, during the years 2016–2018. Blood samples were collected during the preoperative admission. Information collected included maternal demographics, pregnancy and postoperative complications. Data between patients with preoperative serum albumin levels < 3.3 g/dL or ≥ 3.3 g/dL were compared.

Results

Among 796 women admitted for an elective CD, 537 met the inclusion criteria. There were 250 (46.6%) women in the low albumin level group (< 3.3 g/dL) and 287 (53.4%) with serum albumin level ≥ 3.3 g/dL. Patients with serum albumin ≥ 3.3 g/dL had increased rates of surgical site infection (SSI) (5.6% vs. 1.6% respectively; p = 0.02), need for antibiotics during the post-partum period (10.8% vs 3.2%, respectively; p = 0.001), surgical intervention (2.1% vs. 0%, respectively; p = 0.03) and higher rate of rehospitalization (5.2% vs. 0.4%, respectively; p = 0.001). Multivariant analysis showed that albumin level ≥ 3.3 g/dL was independently associated with composite postoperative adverse maternal outcome.

Conclusions

High serum albumin levels among women undergoing CD, might be associated with abnormal postoperative outcomes. Larger prospective studies, with a heterogenous population are needed to validate these observations.
Association between cardiorrespiratory fitness and cognitive control: is somatic maturity an important mediator?
Authors: Weber Vinícius Muller Reis , da Costa Julio Cesar , Volpato Leonardo Alex , Romanzini Marcelo , Castro-Piñero Jose , Ronque Enio Ricardo Vaz
Published: December 2022

Background

Recently some articles presented information related to the possible effect of maturity over the cognitive control and cardiorespiratory fitness, however little is known about the real effects of maturity in the relation of these variables. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of somatic maturity on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cognitive control.

Methods

This three-year longitudinal research comprises two data collection groups: a baseline conducted in 2016 with 394 adolescents (aged 11.7 ± 0.6 years) and a follow-up in 2019 with 134 adolescents (aged 14.9 ± 0.7 years). Anthropometry data, 20-m shuttle run test and peak height velocity (PHV) to determine the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and somatic maturity, respectively, were collected at both sampling times. In parallel, the Sociodemographic and cognitive control function variables were included in the follow-up to evaluate the inhibitory control (by the Stroop test) and the visuo-spatial working memory (by the Corsi block-tapping test). Associations between CRF and cognitive functions were computed by multiple linear regression, with mediation as a function of PHV.

Results

CRF exhibited transversal associations with reaction time in congruent (β = -0.004; p = 0.001) and incongruent (β = -0.005; p = 0.004) stimulus-responses. Meanwhile, the variation in VO2max over the three year-study had a significant impact on the reaction time of congruent (β = -0.006; p = 0.001) and incongruent (β = -0.006; p = 0.012) responses at follow-up. However, PHV did not show a significant association with the cognitive functions, indicating no mediating role.

Conclusions

Although the associations between CRF and the cognitive functions exhibited great transversal and longitudinal impacts, somatic maturity did not affect the cognitive control functions, associating exclusively with CRF.
OM-85 BV in pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: a cost-utility analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Patiño Diana Guerrero , Lindarte Erika Fernanda
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite the growing evidence on efficacy, little is known regarding the cost-utility of Vaxom/Imocur (OM-85 BV) supplementation to decrease the probability of recurrent respiratory tract infections in OM-85 BV to reduce the incidence of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children.

Methods

A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of OM-85 BV in a patient aged 1–6 with a history of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the model. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the willingness-to-pay defined for Colombia of US$5180 per QALY. The time horizon defined was six months. Costs were estimated from a societal perspective.

Results

The expected annual cost per patient with OM-85 BV was US$843 and with placebo was US$1167. The QALYs per person estimated with OM-85 BV was 0.91 and with placebo was 0.89.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study shows that OM-85 BV is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. Our study provides evidence that should be used by decision-makers to improve clinical practice guidelines.
Clinical manifestations and prognosis of unexpected uterine sarcoma of uterine fibroids in Tianjin China
Authors: Cheng Guangyan , Hu Yuanjing , Gong Yingying
Published: December 2022

Background

Uterine sarcoma is a rare malignancy of women and fewer uterine sarcomas are detected preoperatively. The reported incidence of preoperatively diagnosed uterine sarcoma (PDUS) was 0.07%. This study aims to identify the prevalence of unexpected uterine sarcoma (UUS) after operation for presumed leiomyoma and compare clinical outcomes after primary therapy.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed evaluating all uterine sarcoma diagnosed in Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics between May 2011 and July 2016.We used the χ2 and T tests to assess the incidence and clinical features of patients. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate disease-related survival.

Results

The study retrospectively analyzed 6625 patients with uterine fibroids and found 45 UUS patients and 21 patients of PDUS. The incidence of UUS is (45/6625) 0.67%. The incidence of UUS in patients undergoing total hysterectomy was higher undergoing tumor resection (P < 0.001); the age of UUS is younger than PDUS (P = 0.046); the differences in menopausal status and primary complaints between the two groups are not statistically significant. The PDUS group had more patients with Stage II and III sarcomas than the UUS group (P < 0.001); the duration of symptoms in the PDUS group was longer than in the UUS group (P = 0.033). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the UUS group (77.7%) is higher than the PDUS group (46.3%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of UUS is low. UUS has a younger age of onset, shorter history of the disease, earlier clinical stage, and better prognosis.
Women’s empowerment indicators and short- and long-acting contraceptive method use: evidence from DHS from 11 countries
Authors: Adde Kenneth Setorwu , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Paintsil Jones Arkoh , Oladimeji Olanrewaju , Yaya Sanni
Published: December 2022

Background

With a population of about 1.1 billion, sub-Saharan Africa is projected to overtake Eastern, Southern and Central Asia to become the most populous region by 2060. One effective approach for slowing this rapid population growth is the use of modern contraception and this may be short-acting or long acting. Previous studies have explored the association between women empowerment indicators contraception use, however, there is limited evidence on how women empowerment indicators associate with type of contraception. Hence the present study investigated the association between women empowerment indicators and type of contraception used by women in 11 sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods

We utilised Demographic and Health Survey data of 22,637 women from 11 countries, collected between 2018 and 2021. The outcome variable was type of contraception used. Descriptive and inferential analyses were executed. The descriptive analysis reflected women empowerment indicators and the proportion of women using contraceptives. Multinomial logistic regression was considered for the inferential analysis. The results for the multinomial logistic regression were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) along with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) signifying precision. The sample weight (wt) was used to account for the complex survey (svy) design. All the analyses were done with Stata version 13 and SPSS version 25.

Results

The study showed that on the average, 15.95% of the women do not use modern contraceptives, whilst 30.67% and 53.38% use long-acting and short-acting contraceptives respectively. The adjusted models showed that women who were working had higher odds of using long-acting (aOR = 1.44, CI 1.28–1.62) and short-acting (aOR = 2.00, CI 1.79–2.24) methods compared with those who were not working. The analysis revealed higher likelihood of long-acting method use among women with high decision-making capacity (aOR = 1.27, CI 1.09–1.47) compared with women with low decision-making capacity. Women with medium knowledge level had a higher likelihood (aOR = 1.54, 1.09–2.17) of using long-acting methods than their counterparts with low knowledge level.

Conclusion

Our findings show that most women in the 11 countries use modern contraceptives, however, different empowerment indicators align with different contraceptive type. It therefore behoves governments of the studied countries to review current interventions and embrace new ones that are more responsive to the peculiar contraception needs of empowered and non-empowered women.
Enzyme-treated chicory for cosmetics: application assessment and techno-economic analysis
Authors: Häkkinen Suvi Tuulikki , Cankar Katarina , Nohynek Liisa , Suomalainen Marjut , van Arkel Jeroen , Siika-Aho Matti , Twarogowska Anna , Van Droogenbroeck Bart , Oksman-Caldentey Kirsi-Marja
Published: December 2022

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is an important industrial crop that produces large quantities of the dietary fiber inulin in its roots. Following inulin extraction, the bagasse is typically used as animal feed, but it contains numerous bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in healthcare and cosmetic products. Here we assessed the antimicrobial properties of chicory biomass pre-treated with various enzymes alone and in combination to release the bioactive compounds and increase their bioavailability. We found that pre-treatment significantly increased the antimicrobial activity of this industrial by-product, yielding an extract that inhibited typical skin pathogens in a cosmetic formula challenge test. We also evaluated the valorization of chicory biomass as a bioactive cosmetic ingredient. Economic feasibility was estimated by combining our experimental results with a conceptual techno-economic analysis. Our results suggest that chicory biomass can be utilized for the sustainable production of efficacious cosmetic ingredients.
The causal relationship between white blood cell counts and hepatocellular carcinoma: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Pan Guo-Qiang , Yang Chun-Cheng , Shang Xiao-ling , Dong Zhao-Ru , Li Tao
Published: December 2022

Background

Most of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises on the background of chronic inflammation. The presence of infiltrating inflammatory cells is associated with tumour initiation, progression and clinical response to treatment. The influence of white blood cell (WBC) subtype counts on HCC progression remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study with the validation of two datasets. The summary data for WBC counts were extracted from a recent large GWAS of individuals of European ancestry. The GWAS data related to HCC were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKB). Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were used to identify risk factors genetically associated with HCC risks.

Results

In the discovery dataset, multivariable MR analysis revealed that sum basophil neutrophil counts had an independent causal effect on the occurrence of HCC, with the sum basophil neutrophil counts as follows: (OR = 0.437, P = 0.003, CI 0.252–0.757). Similarly, in the validation dataset, total basophil neutrophil counts were also been identified as an independent risk factor for HCC. The sum basophil neutrophil counts were as follows: (OR = 0.574, P = 0.021, CI 0.358–0.920).

Conclusion

In the European population, genetically predicted lower total basophil neutrophil counts might be an independent risk factor for HCC.
Building capacity in quantitative research and data storytelling to enhance knowledge translation: a training curriculum for peer researchers
Authors: Lo Hog Tian Jason M. , Watson James R. , Deyman Megan , Tran Billy , Kerber Paul , Nanami Kajiko , Norris Deborah , Samson Kim , Cioppa Lynne , Murphy Michael , Mcgee A. , Ajiboye Monisola , Chambers Lori A. , Worthington Catherine , Rourke Sean B.
Published: December 2022

Background

Many community-based HIV research studies incorporate principles of greater involvement and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV (GIPA/MEPA) by training people with HIV as peer researchers. Unfortunately, there are still some aspects of research (e.g., quantitative data analysis and interpretation) where many projects fall short in realizing GIPA/MEPA principles. To address these gaps, we developed an eight-week training course that aimed to build the capacity of peer researchers around the understanding and interpretation of quantitative data and incorporating lived experience to increase the impact of the knowledge transfer and exchange phase of a study.

Methods

Peer researchers (n = 8) participated from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario and lessons learned from the training were implemented throughout the dissemination of research findings from the People Living with HIV Stigma Index study. This paper presents the curriculum and main training components, course evaluation results, and challenges and lessons learned. The manuscript was created in collaboration with and includes the perspectives of both the peer researchers involved in the training, as well the course facilitators.

Results

Throughout the course, peer researchers’ self-assessed knowledge and understanding of quantitative research and data storytelling improved and, through interactive activities and practice, they gained the confidence to deliver a full research presentation. This improved their understanding of research findings, which was beneficial for discussing results with community partners and study participants. The peer researchers also agreed that learning about integrating lived experience with quantitative data has helped them to make research findings more relatable and convey key messages in a more meaningful way.

Conclusions

Our training curriculum provides a template for research teams to build capacity in areas of research where peer researchers and community members are less often engaged. In doing so, we continue to uphold the principles of GIPA/MEPA and enhance the translation of research knowledge in communities most greatly affected.
Evaluation of interleukin 10, interleukin 1-beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphisms in patients with periodontitis and healthy controls
Authors: Saremi Leila , Shafizadeh Marziyeh , Ghaffari Mohammad Ebrahim , Aliniagerdroudbari Ehsan , Amid Reza , Kadkhodazadeh Mahdi
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a prevalent infectious disease caused by an interplay between pathogens and immune responses. Gene polymorphisms are among the factors that affect susceptibility to CP. This study aimed to assess the association between CP and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes.

Methods

A total of 87 patients with CP and 89 healthy controls were included in this study. Venous blood samples were obtained, and DNA was extracted and purified. Segments containing the relevant genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Electrophoresis was performed after restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to determine genotype and allele frequencies.

Results

The CP group showed significantly different allele and genotype frequencies for three out of five SNPs: IL-10 ─ 592 C/A, IL-10 ─ 819 C/T, and IL-1ß + 3954 C/T (p < 0.05). Additionally, the frequency of the TNF-α ─ 857 AA genotype was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (p = 0.034); however, no significant differences were found in allele frequencies (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that carriers of IL-10 ─ 592 A allele and IL-1ß + 3954 T allele are at higher risk of CP (p < 0.001). Allele and genotype frequencies for TNF-α ─ 308 G/A did not differ significantly between patients and controls (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed specific genotypes of IL-10 ─ 592 C/A, IL-10 ─ 819 C/T, IL-1ß + 3954 C/T, and TNF-α ─ 857 G/A SNPs may be associated with an increased risk of CP development.
Cardiac imaging findings in anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery; narrative review of the literature
Authors: Ajam Ali , Rahnamoun Zahra , Sahebjam Mohammad , Sattartabar Babak , Razminia Yasaman , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Hossein , Hosseini Kaveh
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA) is a rare coronary artery malformation with an incidence of 0.002% in patients undergoing coronary angiography. It can lead to an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death, even in asymptomatic patients.

Methods

We conducted a review of published cases of ARCAPA using PubMed and Scopus databases and included patients over 18 years old with adequate echocardiographic data.

Results

We evaluated 28 patients with ARCAPA with a mean age of 42.8 from 1979 to 2021. Patients were diagnosed mostly by angiography and echocardiography, the most performed treatment was reimplantation (15, 53.6%) and the main echocardiographic findings were dilated coronary arteries (9, 32.1%), coronary collaterals (8, 28.6%), and retrograde flow from right coronary arteries to main pulmonary trunk (7, 25%).

Conclusion

Although ARCAPA is rare and not as deadly as the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) still there is a chance of serious outcomes, therefore surgical treatment should be performed upon diagnosis. Angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis, but echocardiography can be a convenient, non-invasive, and most reliable method as the primary step whenever ARCAPA is suspected.
Understanding the Impact of Medicaid-Serving Primary Care Team Functioning and Clinical Context on Cancer Care Treatment Quality: Implications for Addressing Structural Inequities
Authors: O'Malley Denalee M. , Doose Michelle , Howard Jenna , Cantor Joel C. , Crabtree Benjamin F. , Tsui Jennifer
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE:

Primary care factors related to Medicaid enrollees' receipt of guideline concordant cancer treatment is understudied; however, team structure and processes likely affect care disparities. We explore Medicaid-serving primary care teams functioning within multiteam systems to understand performance variations in quality of breast and colorectal cancer care.

METHODS:

We conducted a comparative case study, using critical case sampling of primary care clinics in New Jersey, to provide maximum variation on clinic-level care performance rates (Medicaid enrollees' receipt of guideline-concordant treatment). Site evaluations, conducted from 2019 to 2020, included observation (2-3 days) and interviews. Using a multistep analytic process, we explored contextual factors within primary care that may contribute to cancer care performance variations.

RESULTS:

We identified performance variations stemming from adaptations of multiteam system inputs and processes on the basis of contextual factors (ie, business model, clinic culture). Team 1 (average performer), part of a multisite safety-net clinic system, mainly teamed outside their organization, relying on designated roles, protocol-based care, and quality improvement informed by within-team metrics. Team 2 (high performer), part of a for-profit health system, remained mission-driven to improve urban health, teamed exclusively with internal teams through electronically enabled information exchange and health system–wide quality improvement efforts. Team 3 (low performer), a physician-owned private practice with minimal teaming, accepted Medicaid enrollees to diversify their payer mix and relied on referral-based care with limited consideration of social barriers.

CONCLUSION:

Primary care team structures and processes variations may (in part) explain performance variations. Future research aiming to improve care quality for Medicaid populations should consider primary care teams' capacity and context in relation to composite teams to support care quality improvements in subsequent prospective trials.
jüngerlatènezeitliche Zentralsiedlung Basel-Gasfabrik im Fokus
Authors: Brönnimann David , Rissanen Hannele , Spichtig Norbert , Wimmer Johannes
Published: December 2022

Vor 110 Jahren wurde die spätkeltische Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik in der Nähe des heutigen Voltaplatzes bei Aushubarbeiten zum damaligen Gaswerk entdeckt. Seither fanden in unterschiedlichen Intensitäten mehr als 400 archäologische Rettungsgrabungen statt, die immer in Zusammenhang mit Bauprojekten standen. Mit dem Auslaufen der Feldarbeiten konnten zwei grosse, multidisziplinär konzipierte Auswertungsvorhaben mit den Titeln «Über die Toten zu den Lebenden» (Umgang mit sterblichen Überresten) und «Über den Grubenrand geschaut» (Siedlung) durchgeführt werden. Der wissenschaftliche Bericht beleuchtet schlaglichtartig Resultate der beiden Forschungsprojekte.
Gefässkeramik aus Basel (Text)
Authors: Keller Christine
Published: December 2022

Christine Keller untersucht und vergleicht spätmittelalterliche und frühneuzeitliche Gefässkeramik aus Basel. Damit schlägt sie eine Brücke vom 13. ins 17. Jahrhundert. Nebst der typologischen Einordnung der Gefässe werden Aspekte zur Herstellungstechnik, zur Funktion und zum Hafnerhandwerk aufgegriffen. Grundlage der Auswertung bildet das Fundmaterial von rund 13 Fundorten aus der Stadt Basel. Dem Textband liegt ein umfangreicher Katalog bei.
Band A: Text
Band B: Katalog
The genome sequence of the setaceous Hebrew character, Xestia c-nigrum, (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. , Boyes Douglas ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Xestia c-nigrum (the setaceous Hebrew character; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 760 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length.
Abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescence - three cases of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)
Authors: Zajdel Dominika , Jankowska Paula
Published: December 2022

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is profuse, acyclic bleeding from the genital tract, with or without clots, usually lasting more than 10 days. They are the most common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescence. The following are used in the treatment: iron preparations, antifibrinolytic drugs, NSAIDs, estrogen-progestagen therapy or progestagen therapy. In cases where the Hb concentration is <7-8 g/dl, red blood cells preparation should be transfused. In the article we present a description of three cases of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) who were treated in the Pediatric Department of the Independent Public Provincial Specialist Hospital in Chełm.
Hair loss following COVID-19 infection - the state of current knowledge and treatment approaches.
Authors: Rudziński Gracjan , Kusak Natalia , Brzuszkiewicz Kinga , Łozowski Borys , Grunwald Arkadiusz , Dalmata Weronika
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Telogen effluvium is a non-scarring hair loss that can occur after COVID-19 infection. It usually occurs after about 3 months, causes diffused hair loss and lasts up to 6 months. The purpose of this narrative review is to collect and summarize the effects of potential methods to promote hair regrowth in patients after COVID-19 infection.

Material and method: The article reviews available in PubMed and ResearchGate databases, studies on telogen effluvium and SARS-CoV-2. Due to the limited literature, articles on telogenetic hair loss progressing independently of COVID-19 were also included in the review.

Results:  Hair loss after COVID-19 infection occurs in almost 30% of patients. This is likely related to pro-inflammatory cytokines released during infection and the pro-thrombotic effect of the virus. Telogen effluvium is the most common type of alopecia occurring after COIVD-19 infection - about 86% of all cases. It affects women more often than men.  It seems that its severity may correlate with the severity of the infection. Other than female gender and a history of chronic disease, it is unlikely to find any other contributing factors. Effective treatments seem to include the use of oral supplements such as vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids and zinc. In addition, topical application of minoxidil and high-platelet plasma treatments have shown good outcomes.

Conclusions:  Given the fairly common occurrence of hair loss after COVID-19 infection, it seems reasonable to seek the most effective strategies for its treatment. At present, it appears that the best results are obtained by combining different treatment approaches.
KELOĞLAN’DAN KÖSE DEĞİRMENCİYE: KAMİL ERKEKLİĞİN İNŞASI
Authors: DEMİRALP Seda
Published: December 2022

Bu çalışma Jungiyen bir yaklaşımla Keloğlan masallarının kamil erkekliğin inşaası hakkında bize neler söylediğini inceleyecektir. Makalede “Keloğlan ve Dev Anası” ve “Keloğlan ve Köse Değirmenci” masalları Jungiyen metotla analiz edilecektir. Bu masallar bir tekamülü ya da Jungiyen tabirle bir bireyleşme sürecini betimlemektedir. Bir arada incelendiğinde masallar Keloğlan tarafından temsil edilen eril egonun bastırılmış psişik içeriği bilince getirmek ve entegre etmek suretiyle nasıl geliştiğini ve güçlendiğini aşamalarıyla ortaya koymaktadır. Jungiyen perspektife göre masallar boyunca karşılaştığımız karakterlerin tümü tek bir psişenin parçalarını oluştururlar ve bu parçaların bireyleşme sürecindeki değişimlerini temsil ederler. Bu süreç sonunda ortaya çıkan ve aslında eril egonun gelişmiş halini temsil eden “oyunbaz” arketipi, ilk bakışta olumsuz gibi görünse de işin aslı öyle değildir. “Köse değirmenci” karakteriyle en tipik formda karşımıza çıkan oyunbaz arketipi aslında espirili, spontan, pratik ve demokrat bir kişiliktir. Oyunlarının ve dalaverelerinin ardında farklı, fakat kendi içinde tutarlı bir ahlaki duruş vardır. Bu haliyle “oyunbaz” arketipi geleneksel, korkusuz, kahraman ve savaşçı erkek tipinden farklı bir erkeklik sembolüdür, fakat pek çok açıdan ondan daha üstündür. Masalın sonunda Keloğlan da başta bir düşman gibi gördüğü, kaçmaya çalıştığı ama kaçamadığı, bir türlü baş edemediği oyunbaz köse değirmenciyle dost olur. Artık tekamül tamamlanmıştır. Bu şekilde Keloğlan bize alternatif, mütevazı ama güçlü bir erkeklik modeli sunar. Aynı zamanda, Anadolu topraklarında “üst” kültürde ataerkil bir anlayış hüküm sürse de, “alt” kültürlerde ataerkil olmayan bir erilliğin yüzyıllar öncesinden beri var olduğunu göstermek suretiyle bize daha açık ve daha esnek bir Anadolu kültürünün de pencerelerini aralar.
High-bandwidth image-based predictive laser stabilization via optimized Fourier filters
Authors: Natal Joseph , Barber Samuel , Isono Fumika , Berger Curtis , Gonsalves Anthony J. , Fuchs Matthias , van Tilborg Jeroen
Published: December 2022

Controlling the delivery of kHz-class pulsed lasers is of interest in a
variety of industrial and scientific applications, from
next-generation laser-plasma acceleration to laser-based x-ray
emission and high-precision manufacturing. The transverse position of
the laser pulse train on the application target is often subject to
fluctuations by external drivers (e.g., room cooling and
heating systems, motorized optics stages and mounts, vacuum systems,
chillers, and/or ground vibrations). For typical situations where the
disturbance spectrum exhibits discrete peaks on top of a
broad-bandwidth lower-frequency background, traditional PID
(proportional-integral-derivative) controllers may struggle, since as
a general rule PID controllers can be used to suppress vibrations up
to only about 5%–10% of the sampling frequency. Here, a predictive
feed-forward algorithm is presented that significantly enhances the
stabilization bandwidth in such laser systems (up to the Nyquist limit
at half the sampling frequency) by online identification and filtering
of one or a few discrete frequencies using optimized Fourier filters.
Furthermore, the system architecture demonstrated here uses
off-the-shelf CMOS cameras and piezo-electric actuated mirrors
connected to a standard PC to process the alignment images and
implement the algorithm. To avoid high-end, high-cost components, a
machine-learning-based model of the piezo mirror’s dynamics was
integrated into the system, which enables high-precision positioning
by compensating for hysteresis and other hardware-induced effects. A
successful demonstration of the method was performed on a 1 kHz laser
pulse train, where externally-induced vibrations of up to 400 Hz were
attenuated by a factor of five, far exceeding what could be done with
a standard PID scheme.
Fabrication of biconvex spherical and aspherical lenses using 3D printing
Authors: Aguirre-Aguirre Daniel , Gonzalez-Utrera Dulce , Villalobos-Mendoza Brenda , Díaz-Uribe Rufino
Published: December 2022

In this work, we present the methods of fabrication and characterization of biconvex spherical and aspherical lenses with 25 and 50 mm diameters that have been created via additive technology using a Formlabs Form 3 stereolithography 3D printer. After the prototypes are postprocessed, fabrication errors

≤

2.47

%

for the radius of curvature, the optical power, and the focal length are obtained. We show eye fundus images captured with an indirect ophthalmoscope using the printed biconvex aspherical prototypes, proving the functionality of both the fabricated lenses and the proposed method, which is fast and low-cost.
Full-field x-ray fluorescence imaging using a Fresnel zone plate coded aperture
Authors: Soltau Jakob , Meyer Paul , Hartmann Robert , Strüder Lothar , Soltau Heike , Salditt Tim
Published: December 2022

We present an approach to full-field x-ray fluorescence imaging that uses a Fresnel zone plate as a coded aperture positioned between the object and detector. For this particular coded aperture, the incoherent image formation is identical to the coherent propagation image (inline hologram) of an equivalent absorption object. In the first experiment, we show that prior knowledge of the coded aperture structure and position is no longer required. Fast and robust reconstruction algorithms well known from coherent imaging can be applied. We demonstrate the approach using x-ray fluorescence excited by a collimated Cu-

K
α

beam at an ordinary laboratory x-ray source. Images are recorded with a field of view of

1

m
m

2

and resolution of 35 µm. The simple and efficient imaging scheme is well suited for further dissemination of x-ray fluorescence imaging and translation to a broader user community, which could take advantage of full-field imaging with chemical contrast. More generally, the scheme also enables full-field imaging of other incoherent radiation processes for which lenses are either not available at all or not with sufficient numerical apertures. Examples include Compton imaging, imaging of inelastic neutron scattering, or

γ

-ray imaging in nuclear medicine.
Snapshot multi-dimensional computational imaging through a liquid crystal diffuser
Authors: Lei Yunsong , Zhang Qi , Guo Yinghui , Pu Mingbo , Zou Fang , Li Xiong , Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Xiangang
Published: December 2022

Multi-dimensional optical imaging systems that simultaneously gather intensity, depth, polarimetric, and spectral information have numerous applications in medical sciences, robotics, and surveillance. Nevertheless, most current approaches require mechanical moving parts or multiple modulation processes and thus suffer from long acquisition time, high system complexity, or low sampling resolution. Here, a methodology to build snapshot multi-dimensional lensless imaging is proposed by combining planar-optics and computational technology, benefiting from sufficient flexibilities in optical engineering and robust information reconstructions. Specifically, a liquid crystal diffuser based on geometric phase modulation is designed to simultaneously encode the spatial, spectral, and polarization information of an object into a snapshot detected speckle pattern. At the same time, a post-processing algorithm acts as a special decoder to recover the hidden information in the speckle with the independent and unique point spread function related to the position, wavelength, and chirality. With the merits of snapshot acquisition, multi-dimensional perception ability, simple optical configuration, and compact device size, our approach can find broad potential applications in object recognition and classification.
Comparison of neural mobilization and conservative treatment on pain, range of motion, and disability in cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rafiq Shazia , Zafar Hamayun , Gillani Syed Amir , Waqas Muhammad Sharif , Zia Amna , Liaqat Sidrah , Rafiq Yasir
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of neural mobilization technique with conservative treatment on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and disability.

Methods

It was a randomized clinical trial; data was collected from Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Eighty-eight patients fulfilling the sample selection criteria were randomly assigned into group 1 (neural mobilization) and group 2 (conventional treatment). Pain intensity was measured on a numeric pain rating scale, range of motion with an inclinometer, and functional status with neck disability index (NDI). Data were analyzed using SPSS, repeated measure ANOVA for cervical ranges and the Friedman test for NPRS and NDI were used for within-group analysis. Independent samples t-test for cervical ranges and Mann-Whitney U test for NPRS and NDI were used for between-group comparisons.

Results

There was a significant improvement in pain, disability, and cervical range of motion after the treatment in both groups compared to the pre-treatment status (p < 0.001), and when both groups were compared neural mobilization was more effective than conventional treatment in reducing pain and neck disability (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference present in the mean score of cervical range of motion between both groups. (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The present study concluded that both neural mobilization and conservative treatment were effective as an exercise program for patients with cervical radiculopathy, however, neural mobilization was more effective in reducing pain and neck disability in cervical radiculopathy.

Trial registration

RCT20190325043109N1.
Litter eco-hydrological function characteristics of three typical plant communities in the area of Karst peak-cluster depressions from Guizhou, China
Authors: Zhang Jianli , Zhang Ting , Pu Lihua , Yan Lingbin , Cai Guojun , Chen Pengli , Yang Tao , Zhang Chen
Published: December 2022

Litter is an important component of forest ecosystems and plays an important eco-hydrological function. Many studies have been carried out on litter at present, but less research has been carried out on the eco-hydrological service functions of litter in different plant communities in Karst, especially in the area of Karst peak-cluster depressions in southwest China. To reveal the characteristics of the hydrological function of the litter layer of the plant community in the area of Karst peak-cluster depressions around FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), three typical plant community litter layers of the broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, and shrub were selected as research objects, and the hydrological function of the litter layer of different plant community types was studied using the immersion method. The results indicated: 1) The litter layer of the broad-leaved forest plant community has the strongest function of intercepting and regulating precipitation (Mlmax= 24.17±0.33 t/ha,Msv= 19.93±0.21 t/ha), and its hydrological service function is the best. 2) The higher the decomposition degree of litter, the stronger the interception function. 3) The fitted equations for both the litter water-absorption capacity (Qct) and time (t) for plant communities wereQct= b + alnt, and the fitted equations for both the litter water-release capacity (Qst) and time (t) wereQst= a tb. 4) The fitted equations for both the water absorption and release rates (vcandvs) and time (t) of the litter werev = a t-b. The water absorption rates of litter were the fastest within 5 min (15529.01~22634.43 g/kg·h), with the greatest interception and storage function for short-term rainfall.
Breaking ourselves open: Recovery and survival in the short form
Authors: Durneen Lucy Dawes
Published: December 2022

Lucy Dawes Durneen introduces the second of two Special Issues of Short Fiction in Theory and Practice dedicated to the theme of ‘the health of the short story’. She reflects on the process of editing and arranging articles that speak to and across the individual issues, and the way in which this itself mirrors the short story’s trifold ability to diagnose, observe and potentially suture together resolutions for the challenges of the human condition, both within the boundaries of the text, and as a discrete tool for personal recovery.
Pandemics as the great levellers? Class, community and capital in US-American short stories
Authors: Birkle Carmen
Published: December 2022

This article focuses on literature’s potential for healing – both medical and sociopolitical – in times of severe crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Affect is an important literary tool to make people aware of social inequalities, in particular reading or writing short stories with the experience of a simultaneous real-life pandemic. Reading is an embodied act through which the reader enters into a dialogue with both the author and the text. Emotions emerge that are often more deeply stored in memory than the words as such, and that changes our perception of the world. This effect is also encapsulated in Siri Hustvedt’s analysis of reading practices, Sara Ahmed’s affect theory and Rita Felski’s four ways of engaging with texts. I analyse John O’Hara’s short story ‘The Doctor’s Son’ (1935), situated in rural Pennsylvania at the time of the 1918 Influenza, and Victor LaValle’s ‘Recognition’ (2020), resonating with the COVID-19 pandemic in an isolated apartment building in New York City. Both stories question the concept of pandemics as the great levellers by pointing out social injustice due to class and ethnic hierarchies. Taking Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ (1842) and Poe’s emphasis on the preconceived and single effect of fear and subsequent horror caused by the ‘Red/Black Death’, as a starting point, the article presents O’Hara’s story as a manifestation of the medical, social and ethnic phenomena at work in 1918: social distancing, facial masks, closed public institutions, people’s resistance to these measures and medical treatment along ethnic and class lines. LaValle’s ‘Recognition’ allows readers a glimpse into the relationship between an unnamed African American woman, who is also the narrator, and Pilar, a Colombian American woman, who dies of the virus. As part of a contemporary Decameron project, ‘Recognition’ stresses the human need for community, communication and, thus mutual human recognition, giving the dead – whether rich or poor – a name and demanding to undo systemic social inequalities. In that sense, literature can heal the nation.