bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can COVID-19 Lockdown Reduce Crimes Against Women? A District- Level Analysis from India
Authors: Goel Prarthna Agarwal , Chowdhury Joyita Roy , Parida Yashobanta
Published: July 2022

In response to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government implemented a nationwide lockdown on 24 March 2020. We study the effect of lockdown on crimes against women. Using district-level panel data from 457 districts in India for five months (before, during and post-lockdown), we examine the interaction effect of COVID-19 containment zones and lockdown on crimes against women. Results suggest a differential impact of the lockdown on crime across different containment zones. Compared to the most COVID-19 affected zone, the less affected zones show a larger fall in crimes against women due to the imposition of a lockdown.

JEL Codes: C33, J16, J78
West German Defence Cooperation and Secret Arms Exports to Pakistan in the 1960s
Authors: Jain Rajendra K.
Published: July 2022

Based almost entirely on declassified government documents, this article seeks to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive evaluation of the Federal Republic of Germany’s (FRG) defence cooperation and the transfer of small arms, ammunition and missiles under a 1962 secret defence agreement as well as the saga of the clandestine transfer of aircraft and (unsuccessful) export of tanks to Pakistan in the 1960s. West Germany was well aware that the real motivation behind the Pakistani acquisition of arms and ammunition was to use them in a fratricidal conflict with India. An ‘influential’ Pakistani lobby, working assiduously in the West German Federal Foreign Office and West German Federal Ministry of Defence, was responsible for the sale of the F-86s. The FRG’s refusal of large-scale deliveries to Pakistan was largely because of apprehensions that an Indian recognition of the German Democratic Republic’s actions would have a cascading effect on developing countries.
EPA (aka A-Traktor) Girl Greasers in Sweden: Girlhood in Motion?
Authors: Alemir Sara , Nygren Katarina Giritli , Nyhlén Sara
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on girlhood in one of the youth subcultures of rural Sweden, EPA greasers. The EPA, a car that Swedes aged 15 and older can legally drive, is at the centre of EPA culture. In this uniquely and previously male Swedish youth greaser culture, there has been a recent increase in the number of Swedish girls driving EPAs. Previous research has shown how EPA culture and EPA girlhood are shaped through distancing from hegemonic urban and middle-class norms and ideology. In this article, we seek to develop an understanding of EPA culture, specifically the ways in which it has been adopted by girls. Starting out from their online performances, we will explore how place, femininity and resistance intersect. The findings demonstrate how EPA girls use a playful way of troubling norms in their online performances, understood here as space and outlet to resist and mess around with dominant discourses and prejudice. This can also be understood as a way of talking back to masculinity, the majority society and urbanity.
Self-efficacy and Emotion Regulation as Moderators in the Relationship Between Learning Strategies of Students and Academic Performance: Evidence from India
Authors: Rajagopalan Malini , Sathar Meharaj Banu Abdul , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: July 2022

This study aims to explore the learning strategies employed by students in response to web-based teaching during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Data collected from 373 students from the southern part of India were analysed using the Hayes’ PROCESS macros. The results suggest that learning strategies significantly predict (a) academic performance and (b) growth mindset. The findings also indicate the positive relationship between students’ growth mindset and academic performance. Most importantly, students’ self-efficacy has strengthened the positive association between learning strategies and a growth mindset. As the global pandemic has created stressful situations for the students by suddenly switching to web-based teaching, the study found that emotion regulation is an essential moderator in the relationship between learning strategies and a growth mindset. The conceptual model developed, based on the achievement goal theory, was tested in the Indian context. The theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.
Transparency as a Predictor of Loyalty in the Banking Sector: A SEM-ANN Approach
Authors: Tiwari Pankaj
Published: July 2022

The current competitive environment in the banking sector aims to increase customer loyalty (CL). Therefore, this study aims to look at how transparency (TR) influences CL through the interaction of trust (TU) and customer satisfaction (CS). In this study, structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to 510 samples of public sector banks. The results showed that transparency, trust and satisfaction interact with CL. The study found that the relationships between transparency and CL are non-compensatory and nonlinear. The contribution of the study is that SEM predictors were used as a neural layer in an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict loyalty. The results showed that the independent variables significantly influence dependent variables when the normalized significance was calculated based on the multilayered observations using the ANN method. Our study’ ANN model can predict customers’ loyalty with 75.5% accuracy. In addition, we have highlighted several useful theoretical implications of transparency on CL.
Metabolomic predictors of phenotypic traits can replace and complement measured clinical variables in population-scale expression profiling studies
Authors: Niehues Anna , Bizzarri Daniele , Reinders Marcel J.T. , Slagboom P. Eline , van Gool Alain J. , van den Akker Erik B. ,   BBMRI-NL BIOS consortium,   BBMRI-NL Metabolomics consortium, ’t Hoen Peter A.C.
Published: July 2022

Population-scale expression profiling studies can provide valuable insights into biological and disease-underlying mechanisms. The availability of phenotypic traits is essential for studying clinical effects. Therefore, missing, incomplete, or inaccurate phenotypic information can make analyses challenging and prevent RNA-seq or other omics data to be reused. A possible solution are predictors that infer clinical or behavioral phenotypic traits from molecular data. While such predictors have been developed based on different omics data types and are being applied in various studies, metabolomics-based surrogates are less commonly used than predictors based on DNA methylation profiles.In this study, we inferred 17 traits, including diabetes status and exposure to lipid medication, using previously trained metabolomic predictors. We evaluated whether these metabolomic surrogates can be used as an alternative to reported information for studying the respective phenotypes using expression profiling data of four population cohorts. For the majority of the 17 traits, the metabolomic surrogates performed similarly to the reported phenotypes in terms of effect sizes, number of significant associations, replication rates, and significantly enriched pathways.The application of metabolomics-derived surrogate outcomes opens new possibilities for reuse of multi-omics data sets. In studies where availability of clinical metadata is limited, missing or incomplete information can be complemented by these surrogates, thereby increasing the size of available data sets. Additionally, the availability of such surrogates could be used to correct for potential biological confounding. In the future, it would be interesting to further investigate the use of molecular predictors across different omics types and cohorts.
The blood microbiome and its association to cardiovascular disease mortality: case-cohort study
Authors: Lawrence Graeme , Midtervoll Ingvild , Samuelsen Sven Ove , Kristoffersen Anne Karin , Enersen Morten , Håheim Lise Lund
Published: July 2022

Background

Little is known about the association between bacterial DNA in human blood and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Methods

A case-cohort study was performed based on a 9 ½ year follow-up of the Oslo II study from 2000. Eligible for this analysis were men born in 1923 and from 1926 to 1932. The cases were men (n = 227) who had died from CVD, and the controls were randomly selected participants from the same cohort (n = 178). Analysis of the bacterial microbiome was performed on stored frozen blood samples for both cases and controls. Association analyses for CVD mortality were performed by Cox proportional hazard regression adapted to the case-cohort design. We used the Bonferroni correction due to the many bacterial genera that were identified.

Results

Bacterial DNA was identified in 372 (82%) of the blood samples and included 78 bacterial genera from six phyla. Three genera were significantly associated with CVD mortality. The generaKocuria(adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 8.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.05, 17.84)) andEnhydrobacter(HR 3.30 (2.01, 5.57)) indicate an association with CVD mortality with increasing levels. The generaParacoccus(HR 0.29 (0.15, 0.57)) was inversely related. Significant predictors of CVD mortality were: the feeling of bad health; and the consumption of more than three cups of coffee per day. The following registered factors were borderline significant, namely: a history of heart failure; increased systolic blood pressure; and currently taking antihypertensive drugs now, versus previously.

Conclusions

The increasing levels of two bacterial generaKocuria(skin and oral) andEnhydrobacter(skin) and low levels ofParacoccus(soil) were associated with CVD mortality independent of known risk factors for CVD.
Nomogram for predicting rebleeding after initial endoscopic epinephrine injection monotherapy hemostasis in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: He Shan , Liu Linlin , Ouyang Liu , Wang Jingsong , Lv Nonghua , Chen Youxiang , Shu Xu , Zhu Zhenhua
Published: July 2022

Background

Although the current guidelines recommend endoscopic combination therapy, endoscopic epinephrine injection (EI) monotherapy is still a simple, common and effective modality for treating peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). However, the rebleeding risk after EI monotherapy is still high, and identifying rebleeding patients after EI monotherapy is unclear, which is highly important in clinical practice. This study aimed to identify risk factors and constructed a predictive nomogram related to rebleeding after EI monotherapy.

Methods

We consecutively and retrospectively analyzed 360 PUB patients who underwent EI monotherapy between March 2014 and July 2021 in our center. Then we identified independent risk factors associated with rebleeding after initial endoscopic EI monotherapy by multivariate logistic regression. A predictive nomogram was developed and validated based on the above predictors.

Results

Among all PUB patients enrolled, 51 (14.2%) had recurrent hemorrhage within 30 days after endoscopic EI monotherapy. After multivariate logistic regression, shock [odds ratio (OR) = 12.691, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.129–31.399, p < 0.001], Rockall score (OR = 1.877, 95% CI 1.250–2.820, p = 0.002), tachycardia (heart rate > 100 beats/min) (OR = 2.610, 95% CI 1.098–6.203, p = 0.030), prolonged prothrombin time (PT > 13 s) (OR = 2.387, 95% CI 1.019–5.588, p = 0.045) and gastric ulcer (OR = 2.258, 95% CI 1.003–5.084, p = 0.049) were associated with an increased risk of rebleeding after an initial EI monotherapy treatment. A nomogram incorporating these independent high-risk factors showed good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.876 (95% CI 0.817–0.934) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We developed a predictive nomogram of rebleeding after EI monotherapy, which had excellent prediction accuracy. This predictive nomogram can be conveniently used to identify low-risk rebleeding patients after EI monotherapy, allowing for decision-making in a clinical setting.
Relationship between family-related factors and functional constipation among Chinese preschoolers: a case–control study
Authors: Niu Yushuo , Liu Ting , Ran Ni , Li Kuinan , Sun Yaru , Wang Xin , Guo Kun , Yang Xiuling
Published: July 2022

Background

Constipation is one of the common symptoms in childhood. The prevalence of FC is about 0.5% to 32% and still on the rise according to global statistics. The aim of this study is to explore the associations between family-related factors (e.g., parental conflict, parenting style, and parent–child relationship) and functional constipation of preschool children based on family system theory.

Methods

The study is a case–control survey of preschoolers in China. In total, 108 preschoolers with functional constipation diagnosed with pediatric Rome IV criteria and 324 healthy examination preschoolers without functional constipation were enrolled in the study. Parents completed the following 5 instruments: General information questionnaire, the Parental Conflict Scale, the Parenting Style Questionnaire, the Child-parent Relationship Scale and the Children’s Emotional Adjustment Scale-Preschool Version.

Results

Nine categories of factors which significantly predicted functional constipation in preschoolers were retained in the final logistic regression model: Second child in birth order (OR = 0.456; 95% CI, 0.229 to 0.910), children picky eating (OR = 2.936; 95% CI, 1.133 to 7.611), bad bowel habits (OR = 2.896; 95% CI, 1.391 to 6.028), parental history of constipation (OR = 3.259; 95% CI, 1.600 to 6.639), parents blaming the child for having a bad bowel movement (OR = 3.788; 95% CI, 1.391 to 10.318), more than 3 h of fathers-child interaction time per day (OR = 0.137; 95% CI, 0.024 to 0.778), parental conflict (OR = 1.981; 95% CI, 0.950 to 3.831), doting or authoritarian parenting style (OR = 1.644; 95% CI, 1.067 to 2.534, OR = 2.481; 95% CI, 1.362 to 4.519), and anxiety control or temper control in children (OR = 0.492; 95% CI, 0.303 to 0.799, OR = 0.189; 95% CI, 0.103 to 0.348).

Conclusions

This study identified the significant associations between family-related factors and functional constipation in preschool children, which provide implications for healthcare professionals to address functional constipation in early childhood using a preventive lens.
Clinical predictors of lung function in patients recovering from mild COVID-19
Authors: Cortes-Telles Arturo , Figueroa-Hurtado Esperanza , Ortiz-Farias Diana Lizbeth , Zavorsky Gerald Stanley
Published: July 2022

Background

Few studies have assessed lung function in Hispanic subjects recovering from mild COVID-19. Therefore, we examined the prevalence of impaired pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) as defined by values below the lower limit of normal (< LLN, < 5th percentile) or less than 80% of predicted in Hispanics recovering from mild COVID-19. We also examined the prevalence of a restrictive spirometric pattern as defined by the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) being ≥ LLN with the FVC being < LLN. Finally, we evaluated previous studies to find factors correlated to impaired DLCO post-COVID-19.

Methods

In this observational study, adult patients (n = 146) with mild COVID-19 were recruited from a long-term follow-up COVID-19 clinic in Yucatan, Mexico, between March and August 2021. Spirometry, DLCO, and self-reported signs/symptoms were recorded 34 ± 4 days after diagnosis.

Results

At post-evaluation, 20% and 30% of patients recovering from COVID-19 were classified as having a restrictive spirometric pattern and impaired DLCO, respectively; 13% had both. The most prevalent reported symptoms were fatigue (73%), a persistent cough (43%), shortness of breath (42%) and a blocked/runny nose (36%). Increased age and a restrictive spirometric pattern increased the probability of having an impaired DLCO while having a blocked nose and excessive sweating decreased the likelihood. The proportion of patients with previous mild COVID-19 and impaired DLCO increased by 13% when the definition of impaired DLCO was < 80% predicted instead of below the LLN. When comparing previous studies, having severe COVID-19 increased the proportion of those with impaired DLCO by 21% compared to those with mild COVID-19.

Conclusions

One-third of patients with mild COVID-19 have impaired DLCO thirty-four days post-diagnosis. The criteria that define impaired DLCO and the severity of COVID-19 disease affects the proportion of those with impaired DLCO at follow-up. One-fifth of patients have a restrictive spirometric pattern.
Effect of stomach size on organs at risk in pancreatic stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Tanaka Osamu , Taniguchi Takuya , Adachi Kousei , Nakaya Shuto , Kiryu Takuji , Ukai Akira , Makita Chiyoko , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: July 2022

Background

In clinical practice, the organs at risk (OARs) should be carefully determined when performing pancreatic stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). We conducted a simulation study to examine the effect of the stomach size on the radiation dose to the OARs when performing pancreatic SBRT.

Methods

Twenty-five cases were included in this study. Pancreatic head and body tumors were 2-cm-sized pseudotumors, which were included as gross target volume (GTV) contours. The stomach, pancreas, small intestine, liver, kidneys, and spinal cord were considered as the OARs. The prescription dose for planning target volume (PTV) was 40 Gy/5fx, and the dose limit for the OARs was determined. The dose to X% of the OAR volume at X values of 0.1, 5.0, and 10.0 cc (DX) and the percentage of the OAR volume that received more than X Gy were recorded.

Results

In terms of the radiation dose to the pancreatic body tumors, the stomach size was positively correlated with a dose of D10cc [correlation coefficient (r) = 0.5516) to the stomach. The r value between the radiation dose to the pancreatic head tumor and the stomach size was 0.3499. The stomach size and radiation dose to the head and body of the pancreas were positively correlated (pancreatic head D10cc: r = 0.3979, pancreatic body D10cc: r = 0.3209). The larger the stomach, the larger the radiation dose to the healthy portion of the pancreas outside the PTV.

Conclusions

When performing pancreatic SBRT, the dose to the OARs depends on the stomach size. Reducing the dose to the stomach and pancreas can be achieved by shrinking the stomach.
Capnodynamic monitoring of lung volume and blood flow in response to increased positive end-expiratory pressure in moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia: an observational study
Authors: Schulz Luis , Stewart Antony , O’Regan William , McCanny Peter , Austin Danielle , Hallback Magnus , Wallin Mats , Aneman Anders
Published: July 2022

Background

The optimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia remains debated and should ideally be guided by responses in both lung volume and perfusion. Capnodynamic monitoring allows both end-expiratory lung volume ($${\text{EELV}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$

EELV

CO
2

) and effective pulmonary blood flow (EPBF) to be determined at the bedside with ongoing ventilation.

Methods

Patients with COVID-19-related moderate to severe respiratory failure underwent capnodynamic monitoring of $${\text{EELV}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$

EELV

CO
2

and EPBF during a step increase in PEEP by 50% above the baseline (PEEPlow to PEEPhigh). The primary outcome was a > 20 mm Hg increase in arterial oxygen tension to inspired fraction of oxygen (P/F) ratio to define responders versus non-responders. Secondary outcomes included changes in physiological dead space and correlations with independently determined recruited lung volume and the recruitment-to-inflation ratio at an instantaneous, single breath decrease in PEEP. Mixed factor ANOVA for group mean differences and correlations by Pearson’s correlation coefficient are reported including their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Of 27 patients studied, 15 responders increased the P/F ratio by 55 [24–86] mm Hg compared to 12 non-responders (p < 0.01) as PEEPlow (11 ± 2.7 cm H2O) was increased to PEEPhigh (18 ± 3.0 cm H2O). The $${\text{EELV}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$

EELV

CO
2

was 461 [82–839] ml less in responders at PEEPlow (p = 0.02) but not statistically different between groups at PEEPhigh. Responders increased both $${\text{EELV}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$

EELV

CO
2

and EPBF at PEEPhigh (r = 0.56 [0.18–0.83], p = 0.03). In contrast, non-responders demonstrated a negative correlation (r = − 0.65 [− 0.12 to − 0.89], p = 0.02) with increased lung volume associated with decreased pulmonary perfusion. Decreased (− 0.06 [− 0.02 to − 0.09] %, p < 0.01) dead space was observed in responders. The change in $${\text{EELV}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{2} }}$$

EELV

CO
2

correlated with both the recruited lung volume (r = 0.85 [0.69–0.93], p < 0.01) and the recruitment-to-inflation ratio (r = 0.87 [0.74–0.94], p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In mechanically ventilated patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 respiratory failure, improved oxygenation in response to increased PEEP was associated with increased end-expiratory lung volume and pulmonary perfusion. The change in end-expiratory lung volume was positively correlated with the lung volume recruited and the recruitment-to-inflation ratio. This study demonstrates the feasibility of capnodynamic monitoring to assess physiological responses to PEEP at the bedside to facilitate an individualised setting of PEEP.

Trial registration: NCT05082168 (18th October 2021).
Design, synthesis, and molecular docking studies of diphenylquinoxaline-6-carbohydrazide hybrids as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Pedrood Keyvan , Rezaei Zahra , Khavaninzadeh Kimia , Larijani Bagher , Iraji Aida , Hosseini Samanesadat , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Dianatpour Mehdi , Rastegar Hossein , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Hamedifar Haleh , Hajimiri Mir Hamed , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: July 2022

A novel series of diphenylquinoxaline-6-carbohydrazide hybrids 7a–o were rationally designed and synthesized as anti-diabetic agents. All synthesized compounds 7a–o were screened as possible α-glucosidase inhibitors and exhibited good inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the range of 110.6 ± 6.0 to 453.0 ± 4.7 µM in comparison with acarbose as the positive control (750.0 ± 10.5 µM). An exception in this trend came back to a compound 7k with IC50 value > 750 µM. Furthermore, the most potent derivative 7e bearing 3-fluorophenyl moiety was further explored by kinetic studies and showed the competitive type of inhibition. Additionally, the molecular docking of all derivatives was performed to get an insight into the binding mode of these derivatives within the active site of the enzyme. In silico assessments exhibited that 7e was well occupied in the binding pocket of the enzyme through favorable interactions with residues, correlating to the experimental results.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy Does not Improve Cancer-specific Survival in Hürthle Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Zheng Xun , Zhu Jingqiang , Li Zhihui , Wei Tao
Published: July 2022

Context

It is unclear whether radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy could improve cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) of the thyroid.

Objective

To investigate the effect of RAI on CSS in HCC patients.

Methods

HCC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2000 and 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate CSS. Propensity score–matched (PSM) analyses were performed to control the influence of potential confounders.

Results

A total of 2279 patients were identified. RAI treatment was not significantly associated with improved CSS in overall or PSM cohort. Subgroup analyses indicated similar results, even in patients with aggressive features such as age 55 years or older, tumor size greater than 40 mm, distant disease in SEER staging, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastases (all P > .05).

Conclusion

RAI has no statistically significant influence on the CSS in HCC patients. This information may aid in decision-making for RAI therapy in these patients.
The Importance of Continuous Glucose Monitoring-derived Metrics Beyond HbA1c for Optimal Individualized Glycemic Control
Authors: Yoshii Hidenori , Mita Tomoya , Katakami Naoto , Okada Yosuke , Osonoi Takeshi , Aso Katsumi , Kurozumi Akira , Wakasugi Satomi , Sato Fumiya , Ishii Ryota , Gosho Masahiko , Shimomura Iichiro , Watada Hirotaka
Published: July 2022

Context

Current guidelines recommend assessing glycemic control using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement.

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of patients who might benefit from CGM metrics in addition to HbA1c monitoring.

Methods

CGM metrics, specifically time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR), and time above range (TAR), were determined in 999 outpatients with type 2 diabetes and compared between HbA1c categories (HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol [7.0%, HbA1c <  53], HbA1c 53-63 mmol/mol [7.0-7.9%, HbA1c 53-63], HbA1c 64-74 mmol/mol [8.0-8.9%, HbA1c 64-74], and HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol [9.0%, HbA1c ≥  75]) and between patients with identical HbA1c categories who were stratified by age, types of antidiabetic agents, and renal function.

Results

For HbA1c <  53 category, patients aged ≥ 65 years had a significantly higher nocturnal TBR than those aged < 65 years. For HbA1c <  53 and HbA1c 53-63 categories, patients receiving insulin and/or sulfonylureas had a significantly higher TAR and TBR, and a lower TIR than those not receiving these drugs, and for HbA1c 64-74 category, they had a significantly higher TBR. For HbA1c <  53, HbA1c 53-63, and HbA1c 64-74 categories, patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 had a significantly higher TBR during some periods than those with an eGFR ≥ 60.

Conclusion

Higher HbA1c levels do not always protect against hypoglycemic episodes. Our data demonstrate that using CGM metrics to complement HbA1c monitoring is beneficial, especially in older people, users of insulin and/or sulfonylureas, and patients with chronic kidney disease.
Risk Prediction Models of Natural Menopause Onset: A Systematic Review
Authors: Raeisi-Dehkordi Hamidreza , Kummer Stefanie , Francis Raguindin Peter , Dejanovic Gordana , Eylul Taneri Petek , Cardona Isabel , Kastrati Lum , Minder Beatrice , Voortman Trudy , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Dhana Klodian , Glisic Marija , Muka Taulant
Published: July 2022

Context

Predicting the onset of menopause is important for family planning and to ensure prompt intervention in women at risk of developing menopause-related diseases.

Objective

We aimed to summarize risk prediction models of natural menopause onset and their performance.

Methods

Five bibliographic databases were searched up to March 2022. We included prospective studies on perimenopausal women or women in menopausal transition that reported either a univariable or multivariable model for risk prediction of natural menopause onset. Two authors independently extracted data according to the CHARMS (critical appraisal and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modelling studies) checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using a prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST).

Results

Of 8132 references identified, we included 14 articles based on 8 unique studies comprising 9588 women (mainly Caucasian) and 3289 natural menopause events. All included studies used onset of natural menopause (ONM) as outcome, while 4 studies also predicted early ONM. Overall, there were 180 risk prediction models investigated, with age, anti-Müllerian hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone being the most investigated predictors. Estimated C-statistic for the prediction models ranged from 0.62 to 0.95. Although all studies were rated at high risk of bias mainly due to the methodological concerns related to the statistical analysis, their applicability was satisfactory.

Conclusion

Predictive performance and generalizability of current prediction models on ONM is limited given that these models were generated from studies at high risk of bias and from specific populations/ethnicities. Although in certain settings such models may be useful, efforts to improve their performance are needed as use becomes more widespread.
N/C Interactions Are Dispensable for Normal In Vivo Functioning of the Androgen Receptor in Male Mice
Authors: El Kharraz Sarah , Dubois Vanessa , Launonen Kaisa-Mari , Helminen Laura , Palvimo Jorma J , Libert Claude , Smeets Elien , Moris Lisa , Eerlings Roy , Vanderschueren Dirk , Helsen Christine , Claessens Frank
Published: July 2022

The androgen receptor (AR) plays a central role in the development and maintenance of the male phenotype. The binding of androgens to the receptor induces interactions between the carboxyterminal ligand-binding domain and the highly conserved 23FQNLF27 motif in the aminoterminal domain. The role of these so-called N/C interactions in AR functioning is debated. In vitro assays show that mutating the AR in the 23FQNLF27 motif (called ARNoC) attenuates the AR transactivation of reporter genes, has no effect on ligand binding, but does affect protein-protein interactions with several AR coregulators. To test the in vivo relevance of the N/C interaction, we analyzed the consequences of the genomic introduction of the ARNoC mutation in mice. Surprisingly, the ARNoC/Y mice show a normal male development, with unaffected male anogenital distance and normal accessory sex glands, male circulating androgen levels, body composition, and fertility. The responsiveness of androgen target genes in kidney, prostate, and testes was also unaffected. We thus conclude that the N/C interactions in the AR are not essential for the development of a male phenotype under normal physiological conditions.
Public knowledge of blood cancers
Authors: Gieniec Weronika , Gucwa Magdalena , Galus Adrian , Jurkiewicz Beata
Published: July 2022

Introduction. Blood cancers are a group of conditions that develop in the bone marrow and/or lymphatic system and include cancers of the hematopoietic system and cancers of the lymphatic system. The key test for blood cancers diagnosing is complete blood count.

The aim of the study was to assess the level of public knowledge about blood cancers and their treatment. The study was conducted in March 2022 by a diagnostic survey method using a proprietary survey questionnaire made available online via Google Forms. The analysis included 311 correctly completed questionnaires.

Results and conclusions. The respondents' level of knowledge about blood cancers and their treatment methods is very low. Nearly half of the respondents perform blood counts too infrequently (every two years or less often). Those with any knowledge of blood cancers (defined as minimal in the knowledge test) performed a blood count every six months, and not less often than once a year. Nearly 1/3 of the respondents do not want to donate bone marrow because they are afraid of the procedure. Of those registered or those who attempted registration, most presented a level of knowledge defined as minimal. The vast majority of respondents would like to see more events to promote blood cancer awareness.
Pain treatment in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Gras-Ozimek Jordi , Kozinska Urszula
Published: July 2022

Chronic pain is reported by 40% -79% of patients with cirrhosis, which is one of the most neglected symptoms among this population. Chronic pain management in patients with cirrhosis remains a difficult clinical issue since a significant number of analgesics are metabolized in the liver and potential side effects are more frequent and involve significant clinical risk. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the available pain management options in patients with cirrhosis based on an analysis of published articles. The following article is based on the literature found in the pubmed database. There are still no precise pain management guidelines in this group of patients. Treatment should include pharmacological, non-pharmacological methods and treatment of comorbidities and patients require careful observation. More research is needed in this area.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Marya Shivan , Tambe Anant D. , Millner Peter A. , Tsirikos Athanasios I.
Published: July 2022

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), defined by an age at presentation of 11 to 18 years, has a prevalence of 0.47% and accounts for approximately 90% of all cases of idiopathic scoliosis. Despite decades of research, the exact aetiology of AIS remains unknown. It is becoming evident that it is the result of a complex interplay of genetic, internal, and environmental factors. It has been hypothesized that genetic variants act as the initial trigger that allow epigenetic factors to propagate AIS, which could also explain the wide phenotypic variation in the presentation of the disorder. A better understanding of the underlying aetiological mechanisms could help to establish the diagnosis earlier and allow a more accurate prediction of deformity progression. This, in turn, would prompt imaging and therapeutic intervention at the appropriate time, thereby achieving the best clinical outcome for this group of patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):915–921.
Epidemiology and characteristics of femoral periprosthetic fractures
Authors:   The COMPOSE Study Team
Published: July 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the demographic details of patients who sustain a femoral periprosthetic fracture (PPF), the epidemiology of PPFs, PPF characteristics, and the predictors of PPF types in the UK population.

Methods

This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study including adult patients presenting to hospital with a new PPF between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Data collected included: patient characteristics, comorbidities, anticoagulant use, social circumstances, level of mobility, fracture characteristics, Unified Classification System (UCS) type, and details of the original implant. Descriptive analysis by fracture location was performed, and predictors of PPF type were assessed using mixed-effects logistic regression models.

Results

In total, 720 femoral PPFs from 27 NHS sites were included. PPF patients were typically elderly (mean 79.9 years (SD 10.6)), female (n = 455; 63.2%), had at least one comorbidity (n = 670; 93.1%), and were reliant on walking aids or bed-/chair-bound prior to admission (n = 419; 61.7%). The study population included 539 (74.9%) hip PPFs, 151 (21.0%) knee PPFs, and 30 (4.2%) dividing type PPFs. For hip (n = 407; 75.5%) and knee (n = 88; 58.3%) arthroplasty UCS B type fractures were most common. Overall, 556 (86.2%) were treated in the presenting hospital and 89 (13.8%) required transfer for treatment. Female sex was the only significant predictor of fracture type (A/B1/C type versus B2/B3) for femoral hip PPFs (odds ratio 0.61 (95% confidence interval 0.41 to 0.91); p = 0.014). Sex, residence type, primary versus revision implant PPF, implant fixation, and time between arthroplasty and PPF were not found to predict fracture type for hip PPFs.

Conclusion

This multicentre analysis describes patient and injury factors for patients presenting with femoral PPFs to centres across the UK. These patients are generally elderly and frail, comparable to those sustaining a hip fracture. These data can be useful in planning future services and clinical trials. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):987–996 .
Absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for the Krackow suture repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Young H. , Kim Woon , Choi Jung W. , Kim Hak J.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Although absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) have been attracting attention, the rationale for their use remains insufficient. This study prospectively compared the outcomes of absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR.

Methods

A total of 40 patients were randomly assigned to either braided absorbable polyglactin suture or braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate suture groups. ATR was then repaired using the Krackow suture method. At three and six months after surgery, the isokinetic muscle strength of ankle plantar flexion was measured using a computer-based Cybex dynamometer. At six and 12 months after surgery, patient-reported outcomes were measured using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS pain), and EuroQoL five-dimension health questionnaire (EQ-5D).

Results

Overall, 37 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. No difference was observed between the two groups in terms of isokinetic plantar flexion strength, ATRS, VAS pain, or EQ-5D. No re-rupture was observed in either group.

Conclusion

The use of absorbable sutures for the repair of acute ATR was not inferior to that of nonabsorbable sutures. This finding suggests that absorbable sutures can be considered for the repair of acute ATRs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):938–945.
One-year outcome of surgery compared with immobilization in a cast for adults with an undisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid fracture
Authors: Johnson Nick A. , Fairhurst Caroline , Brealey Stephen D. , Cook Elizabeth , Stirling Euan , Costa Matt , Divall Pip , Hodgson Stephen , Rangan Amar , Dias Joseph J.
Published: July 2022

Aims

There has been an increasing use of early operative fixation for scaphoid fractures, despite uncertain evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate up-to-date evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the effectiveness of the operative and nonoperative treatment of undisplaced and minimally displaced (≤ 2 mm displacement) scaphoid fractures.

Methods

A systematic review of seven databases was performed from the dates of their inception until the end of March 2021 to identify eligible RCTs. Reference lists of the included studies were screened. No language restrictions were applied. The primary outcome was the patient-reported outcome measure of wrist function at 12 months after injury. A meta-analysis was performed for function, pain, range of motion, grip strength, and union. Complications were reported narratively.

Results

Seven RCTs were included. There was no significant difference in function between the groups at 12 months (Hedges’ g 0.15 (95% confidence interval -0.02 to 0.32); p = 0.082). The complication rate was higher in the operative group and involved more serious complications.

Conclusion

We found no difference in functional outcome at 12 months for fractures of the waist of the scaphoid with ≤ 2 mm displacement treated operatively or nonoperatively. The complication rate was higher with operative treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):953–962.
A new prognostic nomogram for heterotopic ossification formation after elbow trauma
Authors: Sun Ziyang , Liu Weixuan , Liu Hang , Li Juehong , Hu Yuehao , Tu Bing , Wang Wei , Fan Cunyi
Published: July 2022

Aims

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow trauma and can cause severe upper limb disability. Although multiple prognostic factors have been reported to be associated with the development of post-traumatic HO, no model has yet been able to combine these predictors more succinctly to convey prognostic information and medical measures to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prognostic factors leading to the formation of HO after surgery for elbow trauma, and to establish and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of HO formation in such particular injuries.

Methods

This multicentre case-control study comprised 200 patients with post-traumatic elbow HO and 229 patients who had elbow trauma but without HO formation between July 2019 and December 2020. Features possibly associated with HO formation were obtained. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to optimize feature selection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build the new nomogram: the Shanghai post-Traumatic Elbow Heterotopic Ossification Prediction model (STEHOP). STEHOP was validated by concordance index (C-index) and calibration plot. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping validation.

Results

Male sex, obesity, open wound, dislocations, late definitive surgical treatment, and lack of use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were identified as adverse predictors and incorporated to construct the STEHOP model. It displayed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.75 to 0.84). A high C-index value of 0.77 could still be reached in the internal validation. The calibration plot showed good agreement between nomogram prediction and observed outcomes.

Conclusion

The newly developed STEHOP model is a valid and convenient instrument to predict HO formation after surgery for elbow trauma. It could assist clinicians in counselling patients regarding treatment expectations and therapeutic choices. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):963–971.
La perspectiva de las familias acerca de la eficacia del programa Play Time/Social Time para el desarrollo de la competencia social en niños/as con DID
Authors: Ivern Ignasi
Published: July 2022

La calidad de la interacción del niño con sus iguales es el mejor indicador de competencia social (CS) y viene determinada por el uso de estrategias sociales efectivas y adecuadas. Sin embargo, los niños con discapacidad intelectual y del desarrollo (DID) muestran dificultades significativas en la adquisición de la CS y, por tanto, en su aceptación y plena inclusión. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar la valoración que las familias hacen de la aplicación del programa Play Time/Social Time para la promoción de estrategias sociales eficaces tanto en casa como en la escuela. Han participado un total de nueve familias, con hijos entre 3 y 5 años con DID escolarizados en parvularios ordinarios de tres CCAA diferentes. Los instrumentos usados han sido grupos focales, un cuestionario para evaluar la validez social del programa y diarios de campo elaborados por las propias familias. Los resultados se analizan y discuten en términos tanto de aportaciones del programa a la CS del niño y a las competencias parentales como también de propuestas de mejora.
Underlying dimensions in attitude towards technology in a sample of Spanish, German and Indian women
Authors: Vall-llovera Montse , Merma-Linares Cinthya Camila , Feliu Joel , Gil-Juarez Adriana
Published: July 2022

Background: the underrepresentation of women in the field of technology, their progressive disappearance from scientific and technological careers, as well as the disaffection towards technology by women continues to prevail despite, the efforts that are being made. This article is an analysis of the early results of a study on women's attitudes towards technology. Method: we prepared a questionnaire about attitudes towards technology building on previous investigations. By means of a convenience sampling, followed by a snowball sampling strategy, we presented a questionnaire to 497 women (Spanish, German and Indian). Results: By means of a Principal Components Analysis, we have identified two dimensions: 1) attitude related to the experience with technology entrenched in gender stereotypes; 2) attitude to the ability to teach and learn ICT. Conclusions: similarities have been shown among the groups of women of different nationalities, in terms of the interpretation of these dimensions, but not for the set of items summarized in each one of them. In addition, a third dimension was obtained in the group of women from India: attitude related to the role of gender in relation to technology
Comportamiento Visual y Engaño: Una revisión sistematizada
Authors: Carvajal Builes Juan Camilo
Published: July 2022

El engaño es un comportamiento presente en todas las sociedades y seres humanos, ya que tiene un propósito adaptativo, sin embargo, en contextos legales, su discriminación efectiva es necesaria debido al impacto que puede generar en las decisiones judiciales. Existen diferentes instrumentos psicofisiológicos para la detección del engaño, entre los cuales se encuentra el eye tracker. Este instrumento ha mostrado tasas de discriminación superiores al 90% que lo convierten en una alternativa tentadora para su aplicación en entornos forenses. Esta revisión sistematizada recuperó y analizó documentos empíricos publicados entre 2007 y 2018 sobre el uso del eye tracker para discriminar en el engaño. Los resultados muestran que estas investigaciones se centran en identificar el reconocimiento de estímulos más no en procedimientos que estén dirigidos a la detección del engaño, además de enfatizar la evaluación de testigos sospechosos. Este escenario genera la necesidad de procedimientos validados que incluyen la evaluación del engaño y la identificación de estímulos teniendo en cuenta las diferencias psicológicas entre los diferentes tipos de testigos en un proceso legal.
Exploring food and physical activities between grandparents and their grandchildren. Explorando comidas y actividades físicas entre abuelos y sus nietos.
Authors: Castañeda-García Pedro Javier , Luis-Díaz Aryana , González-Rodríguez Jandir , Gutiérrez-Barroso Josué
Published: July 2022

Abstract. Given the growing influence of grandparents on their grandchildren’s upbringing, this study analyzes two key health variables shared by these two generations: diet and physical activity. Interviews were conducted with 114 Spanish grandparents with no physical or cognitive limitations. Questions covered sociodemographic characteristics, the types of foods they serve their grandchildren, and the physical activities that they share with them. The foods were categorized by glycemic index according to whether they were more or less likely to favor overweight and obesity, and the physical activities were categorized as dynamic/sedentary and outdoor/indoor. The data were analyzed using Student’s t-test for independent samples and ANOVAS. The results showed that some of the grandparents’ sociodemographic variables—age, educational level, health status, time spent with grandchildren, and distance from their grandchildren—were significantly correlated with the types of foods served and physical activities shared. Grandchildren’s food consumption and level of physical activity can be directly influenced by their grandparents. Family interventions should take into account the fact that certain sociodemographic variables in grandparents may favor either more or less healthy dietary habits and physical behavior. Resumen. Ante la creciente influencia de los abuelos en la crianza de los nietos, en este trabajo se analiza dos variables de salud claves compartidas entre ellos: la alimentación y la actividad física. Se entrevistó a 114 abuelos españoles, sin limitaciones físicas ni cognitivas, y se les preguntó por sus características sociodemográficas, las comidas que proporcionan a sus nietos y las actividades físicas compartidas. Los alimentos correspondían a índices glucémicos que favorecen más el sobrepeso y la obesidad, y lo contrario; y las actividades físicas dinámicas y sedentarias, de exterior e interior. Los datos se analizaron con la prueba t de Student para muestras independientes y con ANOVAS. Los resultados mostraron que algunas variables sociodemográficas de los abuelos como la edad, el nivel educativo, la salud, las horas juntos y la distancia con sus nietos están relacionadas significativamente tanto con los tipos de comida como la actividad física que comparten. Como conclusión, la comida y las actividades físicas de los nietos pueden estar influidas directamente por sus abuelos. Cualquier intervención familiar debería tener en cuenta que ciertas características sociodemográficas de los abuelos podrían favorecer tanto unos tipos de conducta alimentaria y física más saludables, como todo lo contrario.