bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodialysis patients’ satisfaction with dialysis care: a cross-sectional prospective study conducted in a non-profitable care facility, Minia Egypt
Authors: Helmy Noha H. , Hussein Amal , Kamal Marwa , Minshawy Osama El , Wahsh Engy A.
Published: December 2022

Background

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is increasing continuously as a result of the dramatic growth in the prevalence of two main causes of ESKD which are diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension, hence, ESKD represents a global concern. Based on the sixth annual report of the Egyptian society of nephrology, the prevalence of ESKD in Egypt is estimated to be 375 per 1000,000. Meanwhile, other studies estimated the prevalence in El-Minia governorate to be around 308 per 1000,000. Hemodialysis (HD) represents the main modality of Kidney replacement therapy (KRT) for sufferers of ESKD in El-Minia governorate. Patients treated with in-center HD attend dialysis care usually three times per week for several hours each time, hence, their experiences during dialysis care will likely have a major impact on living with chronic illness. Hence, measuring patient satisfaction is very important as it is not only an outcome but also a contributor to other outcomes and objectives, it can provide valuable information about problem areas that can be modified to improve patient experience and outcomes.

Methods

A single-center cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in the HD unit, Minia nephrology and urology university hospital. Demographic data were obtained through face-to-face interviews, Patients received a questionnaire to assess satisfaction with medical staff interactions, as well as care before, during, and after dialysis. An observational checklist of healthcare staff and equipment in the dialysis unit was also given to the patients.

Results

One hundred nineteen patients participated in the study; patients were generally satisfied with the care provided in the dialysis unit (mean = 2.64), patients were most satisfied with aspects of care related to nurses, while they were neutral about aspects related to physicians, and were dissatisfied with nutritional care.

Conclusion

There are multiple problem areas in the HD unit affecting patients’ experience, and further improvement in the care provided in the dialysis unit is required.
Efficacy and effectiveness of anti-VEGF or steroids monotherapy versus combination treatment for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Wuyue , Liu Yuan , Sang Aimin
Published: December 2022

Background

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the main cause of retinal vascular blindness. Laser photocoagulation therapy is the regarded as the standard treatment for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in the guidelines, but it is not effective for macular edema (ME) secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). As anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) or steroids monotherapy has been used to treat RVO, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraocular injection of anti-VEGF combined with steroids versus anti-VEGF or steroids monotherapy for ME secondary to RVO.

Methods

We systematically searched trials on Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for RCTs (random clinical trials) or non-RCTs, comparing anti-VEGF or steroids monotherapy to their combination. The primary outcomes were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and intraocular pressure (IOP). The pooled data was analyzed by random effects model.

Findings

A total of 10 studies selected from 366 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our results favored anti-VEGF with steroids combination therapy in comparison with anti-VEGF {pooled SMD (standardized mean difference), 95% CI, -0.16 [-0.28, -0.04], P = 0.01} or steroids (pooled SMD, 95% CI, -0.56 [-0.73, -0.40], P < 0.00001) alone on changes of BCVA. Compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy group, the combination therapy also had a better effect {pooled MD (mean difference), 95% CI, -9.62 [-17.31, -1.93], P = 0.01)} at improvements on CMT. On the changes of IOP, assessment favored that combination therapy was associated with a better relief of IOP compared to steroids monotherapy group (pooled MD, 95% CI, -5.93 [-7.87, -3.99],P < 0.00001). What’s more, the incidence of ocular hypertension was lower in the combined treatment group compared with control group treated with steroids alone (Odds Ratio, 95% CI, 0.21 [0.06, 0.77], P = 0.02). Results also showed that the combination group can prolong the average time to first anti-VEGF reinjection (MD, 95% CI, 1.74 [0.57, 2.90], P = 0.003) compared to control group treated with anti-VEGF alone.

Conclusion

Anti-VEGF with steroids combination treatment can enable a better achievement of improving BCVA, CMT, reducing the risk of increased IOP and improving patient prognosis compared to anti-VEGF or steroids therapy alone, lengthening the average time to anti-VEGF reinjection with reducing the injections during follow-up.
Visual outcomes of macula-involving rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in patients with and without age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Paulk P. Barrett , Eloubeidi Dala , Johnson Mark , Swain Thomas , Mason John O. , Curcio Christine A. , Crosson Jason N.
Published: December 2022

Background

The prognosis for patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and concomitant age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not well known. The purpose of this study is to compare visual outcomes in macula-off RRD in eyes with AMD versus a group of comparison eyes without AMD.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of 1149 patients. A total of 191 eyes met study criteria, 162 non-AMD eyes (controls), and 29 AMD eyes. The main outcome measure was postoperative visual acuity following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckle (SB), or combined PPV/SB in control eyes versus AMD eyes. This was compared using Fisher’s exact test.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative visual acuity by AMD status, with those without AMD having a worse visual outcome overall (p = 0.0048). A similar percentage of AMD versus non-AMD eyes achieved vision better than 20/40. More patients in the non-AMD group achieved a final visual acuity between 20/40 and 20/200. Of patients with AMD, more had vision worse than 20/200 though 58% maintained functional vision (better than 20/200). Those without AMD had a higher frequency of Count Fingers (CF), Hand Motion (HM), Light Perception (LP), or No Light Perception (NLP) vision (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Though postoperative visual acuity was worse overall in the non-AMD group with a higher frequency of patients having final vision of CF, HM, LP, or NLP, this is likely a function of the difference in sample size and composition between the two groups. Importantly, this study suggests AMD patients can expect similar outcomes to non-AMD patients after RRD repair. We conclude that AMD patients can achieve functional vision after RRD surgery, similar to those without AMD.
Weight changes and the incidence of depressive symptom in the middle-aged and older adults: findings from the Chinese nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Jin-long , Guo Lei-lei , Xu Guang , Yang Liu , Wang Congzhi , Yuan Ting , Zhang Dongmei , Li Jing , Lei Yunxiao , Sun Lu , Li Xiaoping , Hua Ying , Che Hengying , Liu Haiyang
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies, predominantly in Western individuals, have reported weight gain or weight loss are related to the increased depressive symptoms at all ages, but no study of depressive symptoms has examined its relation to actual (not just self-reported) weight changes in the middle-aged and older adults. Evidence of the relationship in older Asian individuals remains sparse. The study aimed to examine the relationship between weight changes and incidence of depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older Asians.

Method

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which included 17,284 adults aged 45 years. Participants were followed every two years using a face-to-face, computer-aided personal interview (CAPI) and structured questionnaire. We excluded participants with no follow-up data. The numbers of individuals who completed both the baseline and follow-up surveys were 3118 for the short-term (two years from 2011–2013) and the long-term (four years from 2011–2015). Additionally, to associate weight change with subsequent depressive symptoms, we also included 2472 participants without depressive symptom in 2013 and observed the incidence of depressive symptom in 2015 (subsequent term from 2013–2015). Finally, weight changes were classified as loss > -3%, stable-3–3%, gain3-6%, gain6-9%, and gain > 9%. Multivariable-adjusted cox regression in the study were used to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) of each weight change category.

Results

The incidence of depressive symptoms was 20.72% in the 2011–2013, 27.04% in the 2011–2015, and 23.02% in 2013–2015. Weight loss > 3% for all intervals was associated with higher depressive symptoms than stable weight during the 2011–2013 [1.305(1.031,1.651)] among the total populations. When stratified by sex, the results in males and females were different from those in the total population [females:1.389(0.997, 1.935); males:1.263(0.902, 1.767)]. Weight loss > 3% for intervals was associated with higher depressive symptoms than stable weight during the 2013–2015[1.643(1.140, 2.368)] among the males and its effect was also stronger for the total in 2011–2013. Moreover, there was no significant association between weight gain and incident depressive symptom, and no significant interaction effect in terms of the sex*weight changes.

Conclusion

Our findings could inform health promotion interventions to body-weight management aimed at improving the health of the middle-aged and older adults, particularly in the total people with short-term weight loss and males with subsequent term weight loss.
Increased short- and long-term mortality amongst patients with early periprosthetic knee joint infection
Authors: Thompson Olof , W-Dahl Annette , Stefánsdóttir Anna
Published: December 2022

Background

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a severe complication in terms of disability, morbidity, and cost. We performed a study to investigate whether early PJI (within 90 days of primary TKA) is associated with increased mortality. Secondary aims were to compare mortality rates over time and between surgical treatment methods.

Methods

Patients with suspected PJI were identified by linkage of the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR) and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR) in 2007–2008 and 2012–2013. Medical records of patients receiving more than 4 weeks of continuous antibiotic therapy were subsequently reviewed to verify the PJI diagnosis. Information on mortality was obtained through the SKAR which is updated daily from the tax agency and patients with PJI were compared to patients without PJI.

Results

Four hundred sixty-six patients were diagnosed with PJI within 90 days and compared to 40,362 patients without PJI. Mortality rates were significantly higher for PJI patients in both short- and long term: 2.6% vs. 0.8% at 1 year, 4.9% vs. 1.9% at 2 years, 15.7% vs. 7.1% at 5 years, and 38% vs. 21.4% at 10 years. The difference in mortality rate remained after adjusting for sex, age, diagnosis, and time period for surgery with Hazard Ratio 1.8 (95% CI:1.6–2.1). Mortality rates did not differ between time periods, and we found no correlation to surgical treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with early PJI after primary TKA have an increased mortality rate compared to TKA patients without PJI. Improvements in surgical treatment strategy has not resulted in better survival. Long term difference in mortality rates indicates that PJI is not the sole reason for mortality suggesting a general frailty in PJI patients.
Essential maternal health service disruptions in Ethiopia during COVID 19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Zewdie Amare , Mose Ayenew , Yimer Ali , Melis Tamirat , Muhamed Ahmed Nuru , Jemal Abdurezak Kemal
Published: December 2022

Introduction

COVID 19 pandemic has challenged the resilience of the most effective health systems in the world. The Ethiopian Ministry of health tried to ensure the continuation of essential maternal health services during the pandemic. Despite several individual studies conducted on the impact of COVID 19 on maternal health services, no evidence can summarize the extent of impact as a nation and which essential maternal health service is most affected.

Method

A systematic review was conducted to summarize the extent of disruption of essential maternal health services and identify the most affected service in the era of the COVID pandemic in Ethiopia. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed. Comprehensive literature was searched using international databases PubMed, Google scholar, and African Online Journal to retrieve related articles. Descriptive analysis was made to answer the review objective.

Result

Overall, 498 articles were retrieved using our search strategy and finally 8 articles were included in the review. We found, ANC (26.35%), skilled birth attendance (23.46%), PNC (30%), family planning (14%), and abortion care (23.7%) maximum disruption of service utilization due to the pandemic. PNC service was the most significantly affected service unit followed by the ANC unit.

Conclusion

Essential maternal health services have been significantly disrupted due to COVID 19 pandemic in Ethiopia. It is expected from all stakeholders to prioritize safe and accessible maternity care during the pandemic and the aftermath and take lesson to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bioactive compounds in Penyanqing preparation in THP-1 inflammatory cells induced by Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Gong Linna , Miao Zhishuo , Zhang Li , Shi Birui , Xiao Zuoqi , Qiu Panzi , Liu Menghua , Zou Wei
Published: December 2022

Background

Penyanqing (PYQ), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a good clinical efficacy for the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Previously, researches on its anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism in vitro, in silico, and in vivo have been reported by our team. However, the interrelationship between the anti-inflammatory activity and the active compounds in PYQ are not clear. Here, the pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) study was carried out for more proper clinical use.

Methods

The plasma concentrations of salvianolic acid B (SAB), protocatechualdehyde (PRO), paeoniflorin (PE), astilbin (AST), ferulic acid (FE), and chlorogenic acid (CH) in SD rats after PYQ administration were determined by a selective and rapid HPLC–MS/MS method. In addition, the PK-PD on cell model was used to explore the relationship between the plasma concentration and inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-1β).

Results

The results of this study showed that the six components could reach the peak blood concentration within 0.29 h, indicating the rapid absorption of it. The eliminations of AST, CH, FE, PE, and PRO were relatively fast due to their mean residence times (MRTs) within 3 h, while the elimination of SAB was slower (MRT 5.67 ± 0.66 h). Combined with a THP-1 cell model, there was a significant correlation between inflammatory factors and component plasma concentrations with correlation coefficients in the range of -0.9—-0.746. Correspondingly, the drug-containing plasma obtained at 0.25 h point exhibited the best inhibition effect on production of IL-1β and TNF-α in LPS-induced THP-1 cells.

Conclusion

The six main components in PYQ could be quickly absorbed, and there was a potential good correlation between their pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of PYQ.
Ideational factors associated with consistent use of insecticide-treated nets: a multi-country, multilevel analysis
Authors: Babalola Stella , Kumoji Kuor , Awantang Grace N. , Oyenubi Olamide A. , Toso Michael , Tsang Samantha , Bleu Therese , Achu Dorothy , Hedge Judith , Schnabel David C. , Cash Shelby , Van Lith Lynn M. , McCartney-Melstad Anna C. , Nkomou Yannick , Dosso Abdul , Lahai Wani , Hunter Gabrielle C.
Published: December 2022

Background

Malaria remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) every night, year-round is critical to maximize protection against malaria. This study describes sociodemographic, psychosocial, and household factors associated with consistent ITN use in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone.

Methods

Cross-sectional household surveys employed similar sampling procedures, data collection tools, and methods in three countries. The survey sample was nationally representative in Côte d’Ivoire, representative of the North and Far North regions in Cameroon, and representative of Bo and Port Loko districts in Sierra Leone. Analysis used multilevel logistic regression and sociodemographic, ideational, and household independent variables among households with at least one ITN to identify correlates of consistent ITN use, defined as sleeping under an ITN every night the preceding week.

Findings

Consistent ITN use in Côte d’Ivoire was 65.4%, 72.6% in Cameroon, and 77.1% in Sierra Leone. While several sociodemographic and ideational variables were correlated with consistent ITN use, these varied across countries. Multilevel logistic regression results showed perceived self-efficacy to use ITNs and positive attitudes towards ITN use were variables associated with consistent use in all three countries. The perception of ITN use as a community norm was positively linked with consistent use in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire but was not significant in Sierra Leone. Perceived vulnerability to malaria was positively linked with consistent use in Cameroon and Sierra Leone but negatively correlated with the outcome in Côte d’Ivoire. Household net sufficiency was strongly and positively associated with consistent use in all three countries. Finally, the findings revealed strong clustering at the household and enumeration area (EA) levels, suggesting similarities in net use among respondents of the same EA and in the same household.

Conclusions

There are similarities and differences in the variables associated with consistent ITN use across the three countries and several ideational variables are significant. The findings suggest that a social and behaviour change strategy based on the ideation model is relevant for increasing consistent ITN use and can inform specific strategies for each context. Finally, ensuring household net sufficiency is essential.
TRIM56 promotes malignant progression of glioblastoma by stabilizing cIAP1 protein
Authors: Yang Xu , Zhang Yan , Xue Zhiwei , Hu Yaotian , Zhou Wenjing , Xue Zhiyi , Liu Xuemeng , Liu Guowei , Li Wenjie , Liu Xiaofei , Li Xingang , Han Mingzhi , Wang Jian
Published: December 2022

Background

The tripartite motif (TRIM) family of proteins plays a key role in the developmental growth and therapeutic resistance of many tumors. However, the regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of TRIM proteins in human glioblastoma (GBM) are not yet fully understood. In this study, we focused on TRIM56, which emerged as the most differentially expressed TRIM family member with increased expression in GBM.

Methods

Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to study the expression levels of TRIM56 and cIAP1 in GBM cell lines. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was used to explore the specific binding between target proteins and TRIM56. A xenograft animal model was used to verify the tumor promoting effect of TRIM56 on glioma in vivo.

Results

We observed elevated expression of TRIM56 in malignant gliomas and revealed that TRIM56 promoted glioma progression in vitro and in a GBM xenograft model in nude mice. Analysis of the Human Ubiquitin Array and co-IPs showed that cIAP1 is a protein downstream of TRIM56. TRIM56 deubiquitinated cIAP1, mainly through the zinc finger domain (amino acids 21–205) of TRIM56, thereby reducing the degradation of cIAP1 and thus increasing its expression. TRIM56 also showed prognostic significance in overall survival of glioma patients.

Conclusions

TRIM56-regulated post-translational modifications may contribute to glioma development through stabilization of cIAP1. Furthermore, TRIM56 may serve as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic molecular target for GBM.
Extended-release of doxorubicin through green surface modification of gold nanoparticles: in vitro and in ovo assessment
Authors: Asariha Maryam , Kiaie Seyed Hossein , Izadi Sepideh , H. Pirhayati Faezeh , Fouladi Mehdi , Gholamhosseinpour Maryam
Published: December 2022

In the present study, a green surface modification of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) using chondroitin sulfate (CHS) and chitosan (CS) to deliver an extended-release of doxorubicin (DOX) was proposed. Following synthesis of each step of unconjugated counterpart, including CHS-GNPs, DOX–CHS–GNP, and conjugated construct DOX–CHS–GNP-CS, physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by FT-IR, DLS, and TEM analyses, and the release of DOX was determined by using UV–Vis spectrometry. Then, NPs were effectively taken up by MDA-MB-468, βTC-3, and human fibroblast (HFb) cell lines with high release percent and without significant cytotoxicity. The DOX–CHS–GNPs and DOX–CHS–GNP-CS NPs showed a mean size of 175.8 ± 1.94 and 208.9 ± 2.08 nm; furthermore, a zeta potential of − 34 ± 5.6 and − 25.7 ± 5.9 mV, respectively. The highest release of DOX was 73.37% after 45 h, while in the absence of CS, the release of DOX was 76.05% for 24 h. Compared to CHS-GNPs, the presence of CS decreased the rate of sustained release of DOX and improved the drug release efficiency. The results demonstrated an excellent release and negligible cytotoxicity at high concentrations of CHS-GNP-CS. Consequently, in ovo assessment corroborated the efficacy of the green fabricated NPs proposed effective targeted delivery of DOX for anti-tumor therapy in vitro.

Graphical Abstract
Prospects of thermotolerant Kluyveromyces marxianus for high solids ethanol fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Sengupta Priya , Mohan Ramya , Wheeldon Ian , Kisailus David , Wyman Charles E. , Cai Charles M.
Published: December 2022

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is effective for minimizing sugar inhibition during high solids fermentation of biomass solids to ethanol. However, fungal enzymes used during SSF are optimal between 50 and 60 °C, whereas most fermentative yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, do not tolerate temperatures above 37 °C. Kluyveromyces marxianus variant CBS 6556 is a thermotolerant eukaryote that thrives at 43 °C, thus potentially serving as a promising new host for SSF operation in biorefineries. Here, we attempt to leverage the thermotolerance of the strain to demonstrate the application of CBS 6556 in a high solids (up to 20 wt% insoluble solid loading) SSF configuration to understand its capabilities and limitations as compared to a proven SSF strain, S. cerevisiae D5A. For this study, we first pretreated hardwood poplar chips using Co-Solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) to remove lignin and hemicellulose and to produce cellulose-enriched pretreated solids for SSF. Our results demonstrate that although CBS 6556 could not directly outperform D5A, it demonstrated similar tolerance to high gravity sugar solutions, superior growth rates at higher temperatures and higher early stage ethanol productivity. We discovered that CBS 6556’s membrane was particularly sensitive to higher ethanol concentrations causing it to suffer earlier fermentation arrest than D5A. Cross-examination of metabolite data between CBS 6556 and D5A and cell surface imaging suggests that the combined stresses of high ethanol concentrations and temperature to CBS 6556’s cell membrane was a primary factor limiting its ethanol productivity. Hence, we believe K. marxianus to be an excellent host for future genetic engineering efforts to improve membrane robustness especially at high temperatures in order to achieve higher ethanol productivity and titers, serving as a viable alternative to D5A.
Supporting dialysis policy for end stage renal disease (ESRD) in Indonesia: an updated cost-effectiveness model
Authors: Putri Septiara , Nugraha Ryan R. , Pujiyanti Eka , Thabrany Hasbullah , Hasnur Hanifah , Istanti Novita D. , Evasari Diah , Afiatin
Published: December 2022

Objective

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD) are main modalities for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and those have been covered by National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme since 2014 in Indonesia. This study aims to update the cost-effectiveness model of CAPD versus HD in Indonesia setting.

Results

Compared to HD, CAPD provides good value for money among ESRD patients in Indonesia. Using societal perspective, the total costs were IDR 1,348,612,118 (USD 95,504) and IDR 1,368,447,750 (USD 96,908), for CAPD and HD, respectively. The QALY was slightly different between two modalities, 4.79 for CAPD versus 4.22 for HD. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) yields savings of IDR 34,723,527/QALY (USD 2460).
Improving the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke on non-contrast CT using deep learning: a multicenter study
Authors: Chen Weidao , Wu Jiangfen , Wei Ren , Wu Shuang , Xia Chen , Wang Dawei , Liu Daliang , Zheng Longmei , Zou Tianyu , Li Ruijiang , Qi Xianrong , Zhang Xiaotong
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) model to improve the diagnostic performance of EIC and ASPECTS in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

Acute ischemic stroke patients were retrospectively enrolled from 5 hospitals. We proposed a deep learning model to simultaneously segment the infarct and estimate ASPECTS automatically using baseline CT. The model performance of segmentation and ASPECTS scoring was evaluated using dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and ROC, respectively. Four raters participated in the multi-reader and multicenter (MRMC) experiment to fulfill the region-based ASPECTS reading under the assistance of the model or not. At last, sensitivity, specificity, interpretation time and interrater agreement were used to evaluate the raters’ reading performance.

Results

In total, 1391 patients were enrolled for model development and 85 patients for external validation with onset to CT scanning time of 176.4 ± 93.6 min and NIHSS of 5 (IQR 2–10). The model achieved a DSC of 0.600 and 0.762 and an AUC of 0.876 (CI 0.846–0.907) and 0.729 (CI 0.679–0.779), in the internal and external validation set, respectively. The assistance of the DL model improved the raters’ average sensitivities and specificities from 0.254 (CI 0.22–0.26) and 0.896 (CI 0.884–0.907), to 0.333 (CI 0.301–0.345) and 0.915 (CI 0.904–0.926), respectively. The average interpretation time of the raters was reduced from 219.0 to 175.7 s (p = 0.035). Meanwhile, the interrater agreement increased from 0.741 to 0.980.

Conclusions

With the assistance of our proposed DL model, radiologists got better performance in the detection of AIS lesions on NCCT.
On the reciprocal products of generalized Fibonacci sequences
Authors: Du Tingting , Wu Zhengang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we use the properties of error estimation and the analytic method to study the reciprocal products of the bi-periodic Fibonacci sequence, the bi-periodic Lucas sequence, and themth-order linear recursive sequence.
What evidence exists of crop plants response to exposure to static magnetic and electromagnetic fields? A systematic map protocol
Authors: Pawełek Agnieszka , Owusu Samuel Acheaw , Cecchetti Daniele , Zielińska Adrianna , Wyszkowska Joanna
Published: December 2022

Background

Increasing demand for food and concerns over the environmental impact of agriculture has prompted the search for alternatives to many conventional farming practices. Reports on exposing seeds and plants at various developmental stages to static magnetic field (SMF) and non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a form of priming indicate some positive effects on seed germinability, growth rate, resistance to stress conditions, and improved yield. However, there exist some inconsistent reported treatment protocols and contradictory study outcomes that make it difficult to draw objective conclusions on the potential use of SMF and EMF as sustainable alternatives to improving crop growth and yield. It is equally essential to understand any adverse effects of exposing plants to SMF and EMF considering the abundance of their sources in the environment. In order to provide a more coherent overview of how plants respond to exposure to SMF and EMF not only in their observed effects of agronomic importance but also in the mechanisms of action of SMF and EMF in plant cells, we prepare a systematic map.

Methods

Literature will be identified by searching six bibliographic databases and three web-based search engines using terms obtained from the population, exposure, and outcome parameters of the research question. Primary research published in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature will be the source for the evidence map. Studies eligible for inclusion may involve: food crops and related research model plants exposed to SMF or non-ionizing EMF; treatment at all plant developmental stages excluding post-harvest improvement of food crops; and the presence of control groups. Eligible literature will be screened at the title, abstract, and full text levels. The validity of studies will not be critically appraised for the evidence map. A process of double extraction and coding of relevant information from eligible literature will be conducted. Within the evidence map, relevant data will be presented in the forms of text, graphs, tables, and figures. This will illustrate research trends, bring clarity to the evidence base concerning clusters of sufficient findings and areas of significant gaps, and inform stakeholders in decisions concerning research planning and policy formulation.
Infection prevention and control policies in hospitals and prevalence of highly resistant microorganisms: an international comparative study
Authors: van Dijk Manon D. , Voor in ’t holt Anne F. , Alp Emine , Hell Markus , Petrosillo Nicola , Presterl Elisabeth , Tsakris Athanasios , Severin Juliëtte A. , Vos Margreet C. ,   on behalf of the ESCMID Study Group for Nosocomial Infections (ESGNI)
Published: December 2022

Background

There are differences in infection prevention and control (IPC) policies to prevent transmission of highly resistant microorganisms (HRMO). The aim of this study is to give an overview of the IPC policy of six European hospitals and their HRMO prevalence, to compare the IPC policies of these hospitals with international guidelines, and to investigate the hospitals’ adherence to their own IPC policy.

Methods

The participating hospitals were located in Salzburg (Austria), Vienna (Austria), Kayseri (Turkey), Piraeus (Greece), Rome (Italy) and Rotterdam (The Netherlands). Data were collected via an online survey. Questions were aimed at prevalence rates in the years 2014, 2015, 2016 of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPK), carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CPPA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) and hospitals’ IPC policies of 2017. Implemented IPC measures (i.e. with a self-reported adherence of > 90%) were counted (26 points maximal).

Results

The self-reported prevalence of CPK per year was low in the Austrian and Dutch hospitals and high in the Turkish and Greek hospitals. CPPA was highly prevalent in the Turkish hospital only, while the prevalence of VRE in four hospitals, except the Austrian hospitals which reported lower prevalence numbers, was more evenly distributed. The Dutch hospital had implemented the most IPC measures (n = 21), the Turkish and Greek hospitals the least (n = 14 and 7, respectively).

Conclusion

Hospitals with the highest self-reported prevalence of CPK and CPPA reported the least implemented IPC measures. Also, hospitals with a higher prevalence often reported a lower adherence to own IPC policy.
Transport equipment network analysis: the value-added contribution
Authors: Hernández García Luis Gerardo
Published: December 2022

Emerging in the twenty-first century, Network Science provides practical measures to interpret a system’s interactions between the components and their links. Literature has focused on countries’ interconnections on the final goods, but its application on the value-added from a network perspective in trade is still imitated. This paper applies network science properties and a multi-regional input–output analysis by using the UNCTAD-Eora Global Value Chain Database on the Transport Equipment value added on 2017 to unwrap the specific structural characteristics of the industry. Results show that the industry is highly centralized. The center of the network is dominated by developed countries, mainly from Europe, the United States, and Japan. Emerging countries such as China, Mexico, Thailand, and Poland also have an important position. In addition, the structure reveals two sub-hubs located in East Europe and North America. By extending to community detection, the network consists of three different communities led by Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, associated with more significant value-added flows. The study concludes that flows are not always consistent with the economy’s geographical location as usually final goods analysis suggests, and highlight the need to continue using the complex network to reveal the world trade structure.
Tadalafil increases the antitumor activity of 5-FU through inhibiting PRMT5-mediated glycolysis and cell proliferation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Shen Yao , Zhao Pan , Dong Kewei , Wang Jiajia , Li Huichen , Li Mengyang , Li Ruikai , Chen Suning , Shen Yuxia , Liu Zhiyu , Xie Mianjiao , Shen Peng , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2022

Background

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is upregulated in multiple tumors and plays a pivotal role in cancer cell proliferation. However, the role of PRMT5 in colorectal cancer remains poorly understood.

Methods

We detected the expression level of PRMT5 and glycolytic enzymes using online databases and colorectal cancer cell lines by immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting. And MTT and colony formation assays were conducted to investigate cell proliferation. Then, we evaluated ECAR and OCR levels using a biological energy analyzer to investigate the energy status of colorectal cancer, and the transcriptional regulation was detected by dual luciferase reporter assay and ChIP assay. Finally, the efficacy of combined treatment of tadalafil and 5-FU was verified.

Results

PRMT5 was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues compared with their normal counterparts and correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Then, we demonstrated that PRMT5 knockdown or loss of function attenuated the viability of CRC cells, while overexpression of PRMT5 promoted cell proliferation. Mechanistically, PRMT5 enhanced glycolysis through transcriptionally activating LDHA expression. In addition, the PRMT5 inhibitor, tadalafil, rendered CRC cells sensitive to antitumor agent 5-FU in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our data indicates that PRMT5 promoted colorectal cancer proliferation partially through activating glycolysis and may be a potential target for colorectal cancer therapy.
Developing a framework for culture-based interventions for well-being in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Authors: Cacovean Claudia-Maria , Dascăl Marina-Denisa , Zbranca Maria-Rarița
Published: December 2022

The article discusses the context and conditions for implementing culture-based interventions for health and well-being in an urban setting. Specifically, the article presents the case study of a cultural intervention aimed at reducing burnout-related symptoms in adults, describing the context of the intervention, the project design, implementation, and the impact assessment. Following the assessment of the implementation, the next steps in order to scale up the piloted intervention for other people confronting burnout have been identified. Further on, the article analyses the factors that future policies and programmes should take into account for enabling local communities to draw most benefits from the contribution of arts and culture for health and well-being, by proposing possible avenues for scaling up the pilot initiative.
Feasibility study using longitudinal bioelectrical impedance analysis to evaluate body water status during fluid resuscitation in a swine sepsis model
Authors: Jeong Hwain , Park Inwon , Lee Jae Hyuk , Kim Dongsung , Baek Sumin , Kim Seonghye , Jo You Hwan
Published: December 2022

Fluid resuscitation is crucial in the initial management of sepsis; however, little is known about the serial changes and overall distribution of fluids administered into the body. To identify the feasibility of longitudinal bioelectrical impedance analysis during fluid treatment, a preclinical porcine model of Escherichia coli-induced sepsis was used. After sepsis induction, pigs were treated with fluid and vasopressors and monitored for up to 12 h after bacterial infusion or until death. Bipolar electrodes for bioelectrical impedance analysis were attached to the left extremities and measurements were performed every 10 min. Among the 12 subjects, 7 pigs expired during the experiment, and the median survival was 9.5 h. As sepsis progressed with an increase in cumulative fluid balance, R0 [∝ 1/extracellular water (ECW)] decreased, while Ri [∝ 1/intracellular water (ICW)] and ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW/TBW) increased. The phase angle constantly decreased throughout the monitoring period, and all non-survivors died when the phase angle decreased by more than 10%. Among the variables, ΔR0 and Δphase angle showed moderate negative correlations, and ΔECW/TBW showed a moderate positive correlation with the hourly fluid balance. Compared to survivors, a greater increase in ΔECW/TBW and a decrease in phase angle were observed in non-survivors over time, with an increase in cumulative fluid balance. Differences in ΔECW/TBW and phase angle emerged at 240 min when the difference in cumulative fluid balance between the two groups (survivors vs non-survivors) exceeded 1000 mL. In conclusion, continuous measurements of bioelectrical impedance analysis in a porcine sepsis model are feasible and may reflect changes in the body water profile during fluid resuscitation.
Machine learning identifies prominent factors associated with cardiovascular disease: findings from two million adults in the Kashgar Prospective Cohort Study (KPCS)
Authors: Li Jia-Xin , Li Li , Zhong Xuemei , Fan Shu-Jun , Cen Tao , Wang Jianquan , He Chuanjiang , Zhang Zhoubin , Luo Ya-Na , Liu Xiao-Xuan , Hu Li-Xin , Zhang Yi-Dan , Qiu Hui-Ling , Dong Guang-Hui , Zou Xiao-Guang , Yang Bo-Yi
Published: December 2022

Background

Identifying factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is critical for its prevention, but this topic is scarcely investigated in Kashgar prefecture, Xinjiang, northwestern China. We thus explored the CVD epidemiology and identified prominent factors associated with CVD in this region.

Methods

A total of 1,887,710 adults at baseline (in 2017) of the Kashgar Prospective Cohort Study were included in the analysis. Sixteen candidate factors, including seven demographic factors, 4 lifestyle factors, and 5 clinical factors, were collected from a questionnaire and health examination records. CVD was defined according to International Clinical Diagnosis (ICD-10) codes. We first used logistic regression models to investigate the association between each of the candidate factors and CVD. Then, we employed 3 machine learning methods—Random Forest, Random Ferns, and Extreme Gradient Boosting—to rank and identify prominent factors associated with CVD. Stratification analyses by sex, ethnicity, education level, economic status, and residential setting were also performed to test the consistency of the ranking.

Results

The prevalence of CVD in Kashgar prefecture was 8.1%. All the 16 candidate factors were confirmed to be significantly associated with CVD (odds ratios ranged from 1.03 to 2.99, all p values < 0.05) in logistic regression models. Further machine learning-based analysis suggested that age, occupation, hypertension, exercise frequency, and dietary pattern were the five most prominent factors associated with CVD. The ranking of relative importance for prominent factors in stratification analyses showed that the factor importance generally followed the same pattern as that in the overall sample.

Conclusions

CVD is a major public health concern in Kashgar prefecture. Age, occupation, hypertension, exercise frequency, and dietary pattern might be the prominent factors associated with CVD in this region.In the future, these factors should be given priority in preventing CVD in future.
Trichoblastomas derived from the facial skin with tactile hair in aged house musk shrews (Suncus murinus)
Authors: Kimura Tohru
Published: December 2022

Background

Benign hair follicle tumors are relatively rare cutaneous neoplasms arising from hair follicle differentiation. These tumors are slow-growing solitary papules or nodules in the head, face or neck. The aim of this study was to describe 2 cases of trichoblastomas in tactile hair skin incidentally encountered in aged house musk shrews (Suncus murinus). In addition, this case report clarifies whether the characteristics in the tactile hair skin of Suncus murinus are different from those in humans and other animals.

Case presentation

The animals were investigated the characteristics of the clinical findings, hematological and serum biochemical profiles (particularly, serum amyloid A levels (vSAA)), and histopathological results. Suncus murinus with the facial tumor showed weight loss and coarse fur. Hematological examinations indicated microcytic and normochromic anemia. Although few apparent changes were serum biochemically found in Suncus murinus, vSAA levels moderately increased and revealed inflammatory reactions. These lesions histopathologically showed the basaloid islands comprising peripheral palisading and dilated microcysts containing variable admixtures of free-floating cells such as neoplasm cells, giant cells, clear cells, mononuclear cells and erythrocytes.

Conclusions

The author concluded that trichoblastomas in Suncus murinus revealed growth and morphological characteristics that recapitulate part of embryological development in the tactile hair follicles. In the histological structure, their trichoblastomas in the tactile hair skin were different from those found in humans and animals such as cats, dogs and other wildlife.
Ischial screw fixation can prevent cup migration in 3D-printed custom acetabular components for complex hip reconstruction
Authors: Madanipour Suroosh , Lemanu Daniel , Jayadev Chethan , Aston Will , Donaldson James , Miles Jonathan , Carrington Richard , McCulloch Robert , Skinner John
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Custom acetabular components have become an established method of treating massive acetabular bone defects in hip arthroplasty. Complication rates, however, remain high and migration of the cup is still reported. Ischial screw fixation (IF) has been demonstrated to improve mechanical stability for non-custom, revision arthroplasty cup fixation. We hypothesize that ischial fixation through the flange of a custom acetabular component aids in anti-rotational stability and prevention of cup migration.

Methods

Electronic patient records were used to identify a consecutive series of 49 custom implants in 46 patients from 2016 to 2022 in a unit specializing in complex joint reconstruction. IF was defined as a minimum of one screw inserted into the ischium passing through a hole in a flange on the custom cup.

The mean follow-up time was 30 months. IF was used in 36 cups. There was no IF in 13 cups. No difference was found between groups in age (68.9 vs. 66.3, P = 0.48), BMI (32.3 vs. 28.2, P = 0.11) or number of consecutively implanted cups (3.2 vs. 3.6, P = 0.43). Aseptic loosening with massive bone loss was the primary indication for revision. There existed no difference in Paprosky grade between the groups (P = 0.1). 14.2% of hips underwent revision and 22.4% had at least one dislocation event.

Results

No ischial fixation was associated with a higher risk of cup migration (6/13 vs. 2/36, X2 = 11.5, P = 0.0007). Cup migration was associated with an increased risk for all cause revision (4/8 vs. 3/38, X2 = 9.96, P = 0.0016, but not with dislocation (3/8 vs. 8/41, X2 = 1.2, P = 0.26).

Conclusion

The results suggest that failure to achieve adequate ischial fixation, with screws passing through the flange of the custom component into the ischium, increases the risk of cup migration, which, in turn, is a risk factor for revision.
Extended drug-resistant Salmonella typhi osteomyelitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Irshad Memoona , Mahmood Syed Faisal
Published: December 2022

Background

Salmonella typhi infection commonly results in gastroenteritis, bacteremia with or without secondary seeding, or asymptomatic carrier stage. Few cases of Salmonella typhi bacteremia later result in seeding and ultimately lead to further complications including osteomyelitis and rarely vertebral osteomyelitis.

Case presentation

We are discussing a case of a 38-year-old Asian male patient, with no known comorbids. He presented with fever and backache for 4 weeks. Based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the spine and positive blood cultures, a diagnosis of XDR Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) osteomyelitis (OM) was made. Patient was started on intravenous therapy as per culture report which was later modified according to treatment response.

Conclusion

S. typhi has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations including osteomyelitis however to the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of XDR S. typhi vertebral osteomyelitis. We describe the clinical course of the patient and review the literature regarding the treatment of S.typhi vertebral osteomyelitis with a special focus on XDR S. typhi. Treatment course and complications in view of this new resistant strain have to be reported in order to devise general guidelines for the management in such particular cases.