bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposing a Motherhood Penalty in Sport: A Feminist Narrative Inquiry of Media Stories of Canadian Athlete Mothers’ Journeys to the 2020 Tokyo Games
Authors: McGannon Kerry R. , Kulkarni Shaantanu , Hladun Willa , Bundon Andrea , Pegoraro Ann
Published: July 2023

Coinciding with athlete mothers’ stories gaining media visibility, sport media researchers are studying media discourses to learn more about socially constructed motherhood and sport. The present study extends media research on elite athlete mothers, by using feminist narrative inquiry to interrogate discrimination meanings in sport. North American sport media stories were collected on Canadian athletes’ (i.e., boxer Mandy Bujold, basketball player Kim Gaucher) journeys to the 2020 Tokyo Games after being discriminated against due to their motherhood status. Thematic narrative analysis of 103 stories identified three narrative motifs (i.e., recurring concepts) in stories linked to discrimination meanings: last shots, forced to choose, and more than us. The first two motifs are discussed in relation to a motherhood penalty narrative linked to sexism and discrimination. The more than us motif is discussed in relation to the resolution to compete for both athletes, linked to maternal activism and social change. All three motifs exposed and challenged maternal discrimination in sport, using ‘feminist consciousness’ linked to a neoliberal feminist status quo. These findings show the pedagogical potential of media stories for athlete maternity rights awareness and structural change, while highlighting a need for intersectional feminist reform regarding athlete parents and post-pandemic recovery.
Bilateral Optic Neuritis and Hypophysitis With Diabetes Insipidus 1 Month After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Okubo Kohei , Mifune Hirofumi , Imao Takeshi
Published: July 2023

Either optic neuritis (neuropathy) or hypopituitarism has been known to occur separately after COVID-19 vaccination. In this report, we describe the rare combination of hypophysitis and optic neuritis which occurred after COVID-19 vaccination. A 74-year-old woman began to have thirst, polydipsia, and polyuria, and was diagnosed as central diabetes insipidus 1 month after the fourth COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed the thickened pituitary stalk and enlarged pituitary gland with high contrast enhancement as well as the absence of high-intensity signals in the posterior pituitary lobe on the T1-weighted image, leading to the diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis. She was well with desmopressin nasal spray until further 2 months later, when she developed bilateral optic neuritis, together with gait disturbance, intention tremor of the upper extremities, urinary retention, constipation, abnormal sensation in the distal part of the lower extremities, and moderate hemiplegia on the left side. Autoantibodies, including anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), were all negative. She showed multifocal spinal cord lesions on MRI and oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid obtained by spinal tap, and so underwent steroid pulse therapy with methylprednisolone in the tentative diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, resulting in visual acuity recovery and alleviation of neurological symptoms. In the literature review, the combination of optic neuritis and hypophysitis, mostly with diabetes insipidus, was reported in 15 patients as case reports before the years of COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccination would trigger the onset of hypophysitis and optic neuritis in this patient.
Does one size fit all? An update on chronic ventilatory support in different respiratory illnesses
Authors: Carlucci Annalisa , Patout Maxime , Winck João Carlos
Published: July 2023

Home noninvasive ventilation (HNIV) improves outcomes in different disease categories. In this article, we discuss indications for when and how to initiate HNIV in COPD, obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) and neuromuscular disorders (NMD). While in COPD, significant diurnal hypercapnia and high-intensity HNIV are essential ingredients for success, in NMD and OHS, early respiratory changes are best detected during sleep through oxy-capnography associated (or not) with respiratory polygraphy. In COPD and OHS, it is crucial to consider the coexistence of obstructive sleep apnoea because treatment with continuous positive airway pressure may be the simplest and most effective treatment that should be proposed even in hypercapnic patients as first-line therapy. In NMD, the need for continuous HNIV and eventual switching to tracheostomy ventilation makes this group's management more challenging. Achieving successful HNIV by improving quality of sleep, quality of life and keeping a good adherence to the therapy is a challenge, above all in COPD patients. In OHS patients, on top of HNIV, initiation of other interventions such as weight loss management is crucial. More resources should be invested in improving all these aspects. Telemonitoring represents a promising method to improve titration and follow-up of HNIV.
Whole-genome resequencing of the native sheep provides insights into the microevolution and identifies genes associated with reproduction traits
Authors: Zhu Mengting , Yang Yonglin , Yang Hua , Zhao Zongsheng , Zhang Hongmei , Blair Hugh T. , Zheng Wei , Wang Mingyuan , Fang Chenhui , Yu Qian , Zhou Huaqian , Qi Hangdong
Published: July 2023

Background

Sheep genomes undergo numerous genes losses, gains and mutation that generates genome variability among breeds of the same species after long time natural and artificial selection. However, the microevolution of native sheep in northwest China remains elusive. Our aim was to compare the genomes and relevant reproductive traits of four sheep breeds from different climatic environments, to unveil the selection challenges that this species cope with, and the microevolutionary differences in sheep genomes. Here, we resequenced the genomes of 4 representative sheep breeds in northwest China, including Kazakh sheep and Duolang sheep of native breeds, and Hu sheep and Suffolk sheep of exotic breeds with different reproductive characteristics.

Results

We found that these four breeds had a similar expansion experience from ~ 10,000 to 1,000,000 years ago. In the past 10,000 years, the selection intensity of the four breeds was inconsistent, resulting in differences in reproductive traits. We explored the sheep variome and selection signatures by FST and θπ. The genomic regions containing genes associated with different reproductive traits that may be potential targets for breeding and selection were detected. Furthermore, non-synonymous mutations in a set of plausible candidate genes and significant differences in their allele frequency distributions across breeds with different reproductive characteristics were found. We identified PAK1, CYP19A1 and PER1 as a likely causal gene for seasonal reproduction in native sheep through qPCR, Western blot and ELISA analyses. Also, the haplotype frequencies of 3 tested gene regions related to reproduction were significantly different among four sheep breeds.

Conclusions

Our results provide insights into the microevolution of native sheep and valuable genomic information for identifying genes associated with important reproductive traits in sheep.
Genetic fingerprint construction and genetic diversity analysis of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) germplasm resources
Authors: Luo Zhongxia , Yao Zhufang , Yang Yiling , Wang Zhangying , Zou Hongda , Zhang Xiongjian , Chen Jingyi , Fang Boping , Huang Lifei
Published: July 2023

Background

China is the largest producer of sweet potato in the world, accounting for 57.0% of the global output. Germplasm resources are the basis for promoting innovations in the seed industry and ensuring food security. Individual and accurate identification of sweet potato germplasm is an important part of conservation and efficient utilization.

Results

In this study, nine pairs of simple sequence repeat molecular markers and 16 morphological markers were used to construct genetic fingerprints for sweet potato individual identification. Combined with basic information, typical phenotypic photographs, genotype peak graphs, and a two-dimensional code for detection and identification were generated. Finally, a genetic fingerprint database containing 1021 sweet potato germplasm resources in the “National Germplasm Guangzhou Sweet Potato Nursery Genebank in China” was constructed. Genetic diversity analysis of the 1021 sweet potato genotypes using the nine pairs of simple sequence repeat markers revealed a narrow genetic variation range of Chinese native sweet potato germplasm resources, and Chinese germplasm was close to that from Japan and the United States, far from that from the Philippines and Thailand, and the furthest from that from Peru. Sweet potato germplasm resources from Peru had the richest genetic diversity, supporting the view that Peru is the center of origin and domestication of sweet potato varieties.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides scientific guidance for the conservation, identification, and utilization of sweet potato germplasm resources and offers a reference to facilitate the discovery of important genes to boost sweet potato breeding.
Association mapping in multiple yam species (Dioscorea spp.) of quantitative trait loci for yield-related traits
Authors: Adejumobi I.I. , Agre Paterne A. , Adewumi A.S. , Shonde T.E. , Cipriano I.M. , Komoy J.L. , Adheka J.G. , Onautshu D.O.
Published: July 2023

Background

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is multiple species with various ploidy level and considered as cash crop in many producing areas. Selection based phenotyping for yield and its related traits such as mosaic virus and anthracnose diseases resistance and plant vigor in multiple species of yam is lengthy however, marker information has proven to enhance selection efficiency.

Methodology

In this study, a panel of 182 yam accessions distributed across six yam species were assessed for diversity and marker-traits association study using SNP markers generated from Diversity Array Technology platform. For the traits association analysis, the relation matrix alongside the population structure were used as co-factor to avoid false discovery using Multiple random Mixed Linear Model (MrMLM) followed by gene annotation.

Results

Accessions performance were significantly different (p < 0.001) across all the traits with high broad-sense heritability (H2). Phenotypic and genotypic correlations showed positive relationships between yield and vigor but negative for yield and yam mosaic disease severity. Population structure revealed k = 6 as optimal clusters-based species. A total of 22 SNP markers were identified to be associated with yield, vigor, mosaic and anthracnose diseases resistance. Gene annotation for the significant SNP loci identified some putative genes associated with primary metabolism, pest and resistance to anthracnose disease, maintenance of NADPH in biosynthetic reaction especially those involving nitro-oxidative stress for resistance to mosaic virus, and seed development, photosynthesis, nutrition use efficiency, stress tolerance, vegetative and reproductive development for tuber yield.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the genetic control of plant vigor, anthracnose, mosaic virus resistance, and tuber yield in yam and thus, opens an avenue for developing additional genomic resources for markers-assisted selection focusing on multiple yam species.
In-hospital outcomes among older medical inpatients admitted to aged care wards after activation of a 2-tier rapid response system
Authors: Basic David , Ní Chróinín Danielle
Published: July 2023

Background

The outcomes of rapid response systems (RRS) are poorly established in older people. We examined the outcomes in older inpatients at a tertiary hospital that uses a 2-tier RRS, including the outcomes of each tier.

Methods

The 2-tier RRS comprised the clinical review call (CRC) (tier one) and the medical emergency team call (MET) (tier two). We compared the outcomes in four configurations of MET and CRC (MET with CRC; MET without CRC; CRC without MET; neither MET nor CRC). The primary outcome was in-hospital death, and secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and new residential facility placement. Statistical analyses were carried out using Fisher’s exact tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 433 METs and 1,395 CRCs occurred among 3,910 consecutive admissions of mean age 84 years. The effect of a MET on death was unaffected by the occurrence of a CRC. The rates of death for MET ± CRC, and CRC without MET, were 30.5% and 18.5%, respectively. Patients having one or more MET ± CRC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.96–5.52), and those having one or more CRC without MET (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.68–2.93), were more likely to die in adjusted analysis. Patients who required a MET ± CRC were more likely to be placed in a high-care residential facility (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03–2.24), as were patients who required a CRC without MET (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.22–2.14). The LOS of patients who required a MET ± CRC, and CRC without MET, was longer than that of patients who required neither (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Both MET and CRC were associated with increased likelihood of death and new residential facility placement, after adjusting for factors such as age, comorbidity, and frailty. These data are important for patient prognostication, discussions on goals of care, and discharge planning. The high death rate of patients requiring a CRC (without a MET) has not been previously reported, and may suggest that CRCs among older inpatients should be expediated and attended by senior medical personnel.
Using phenotypic data from the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to predict discharge
Authors: Bhatia Monisha C. , Wanderer Jonathan P. , Li Gen , Ehrenfeld Jesse M. , Vasilevskis Eduard E.
Published: July 2023

Background

Timely discharge to post-acute care (PAC) settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, requires early identification of eligible patients. We sought to develop and internally validate a model which predicts a patient’s likelihood of requiring PAC based on information obtained in the first 24 h of hospitalization.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study. We collected clinical data and commonly used nursing assessments from the electronic health record (EHR) for all adult inpatient admissions at our academic tertiary care center from September 1, 2017 to August 1, 2018. We performed a multivariable logistic regression to develop the model from the derivation cohort of the available records. We then evaluated the capability of the model to predict discharge destination on an internal validation cohort.

Results

Age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.04 [per year]; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.04), admission to the intensive care unit (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.79), admission from the emergency department (AOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.78), more home medication prescriptions (AOR, 1.06 [per medication count increase]; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.07), and higher Morse fall risk scores at admission (AOR, 1.03 [per unit increase]; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03) were independently associated with higher likelihood of being discharged to PAC facility. The c-statistic of the model derived from the primary analysis was 0.875, and the model predicted the correct discharge destination in 81.2% of the validation cases.

Conclusions

A model that utilizes baseline clinical factors and risk assessments has excellent model performance in predicting discharge to a PAC facility.
Home hemodialysis technique survival: insights and challenges
Authors: Tran Estelle , Karadjian Oliver , Chan Christopher T. , Trinh Emilie
Published: July 2023

Home hemodialysis (HHD) offers several clinical, quality of life and cost-saving benefits for patients with end-stage kidney disease. While uptake of this modality has increased in recent years, its prevalence remains low and high rates of discontinuation remain a challenge. This comprehensive narrative review aims to better understand what is currently known about technique survival in HHD patients, elucidate the clinical factors that contribute to attrition and expand on possible strategies to prevent discontinuation. With increasing efforts to encourage home modalities, it is imperative to better understand technique survival and find strategies to help maintain patients on the home therapy of their choosing. It is crucial to better target high-risk patients, examine ideal training practices and identify practices that are potentially modifiable to improve technique survival.
The hip joint mobilization with movement technique improves muscle activity, postural stability, functional and dynamic balance in hemiplegia secondary to chronic stroke: a blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arabzadeh Soudeh , Kamali Fahimeh , Bervis Soha , Razeghi Mohsen
Published: July 2023

Background

People with stroke generally experience abnormal muscle activity and develop balance disorder. Based on the important role of the proximal joints of the lower extremity in balance maintenance, hip joint mobilization with movement technique can be applied to enhance normal joint arthrokinematics. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hip joint mobilization with movement technique on stroke patients’ muscle activity and balance.

Methods

Twenty patients aged between 35 and 65 years old with chronic stroke were randomly assigned either to an experimental group (n = 10) or to a control group (n = 10). Both groups participated in a 30-minute conventional physiotherapy session 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The experimental group received an additional 30-minute’s session of hip joint mobilization with movement technique on the affected limb. The muscle activity, berg balance scale, time up and go, and postural stability were measured at baseline, 1-day and 2-week follow-up by a blinded assessor.

Results

The experimental group showed a significant improvement in berg balance scale, time up and go, and postural stability (p ≤ 0.05). The rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, and medial gastrocnemius muscles’ activations of the affected limb during static balance test markedly changed along with the biceps femoris, erector spine, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles during dynamic balance test after hip joint mobilization with movement technique. The mean onset time of rectus abdominus, erector Spine, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles activity significantly decreased in the affected limb after hip joint mobilization with movement technique compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that a combination of hip joint mobilization with movement technique and conventional physiotherapy could improve muscle activity and balance among chronic stroke patients.

Trial registration number

The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (No; IRCT20200613047759N1). Registration date: 2/08/2020.
Association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms in the US adult population, NHANES (2011–2016)
Authors: Huang Dong , Lai Shunkai , Zhong Shuming , Jia Yanbin
Published: July 2023

Background

Evidence suggests that alterations in serum trace element concentrations are closely associated with mental illness. However, ​studies on the relationship between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms are limited and with controversial results. We aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of these trace elements and depressive symptoms in US adults.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2016) were used in this cross-sectional study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9) was employed to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between the serum concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium and depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 4552 adults were included. Subjects with depressive symptoms had higher serum copper concentrations (123.88 ± 1.87) than those without depressive symptoms (116.99 ± 0.86) (p < 0.001). In Model 2, weighted logistic regression analysis showed that the second (Q2) quartile of zinc concentrations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.534, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.018 to 2.313) were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartiles of copper concentrations (Q3: OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 1.285 to 5.667; Q4: OR = 2.490, 95% CI: 1.026 to 6.046) were also positively associated with depressive symptoms in obese individuals after controlling for all confounders. However, no significant relationship between serum selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms was observed.

Conclusions

Obese US adults with high serum copper concentrations, as well as US adults in general with low serum zinc concentrations, were susceptible to depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the causal mechanisms underlying these relationships need to be further explored.
Effect of Latin dance on physical and mental health: a systematic review
Authors: Liu Xutao , Soh Kim Geok , Omar Dev Roxana Dev
Published: July 2023

Background

Latin dance is a well-liked physical activity. It has gained increasing attention as an exercise intervention for improving physical and mental health outcomes. This systematic review examines the effects of Latin dance on physical and mental health.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) were used to report the data for this review. To gather research from the literature, we used recognized academic and scientific databases such SportsDiscus with Full Text, PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The systematic review only included 22 studies out of the 1,463 that matched all inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale was used to rate each study’s quality. 22 research received scores between 3 and 7.

Results

Latin dance has been demonstrated to promote physical health by helping people lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and tone, and improve flexibility and balance. Furthermore, Latin dance can benefit mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, social connection, and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Finding from this systematic review provide substantial evidence that Latin dance has effect on physical and mental health. Latin dance has the potential to be a powerful and pleasurable public health intervention.

Systematic Review Registration

CRD42023387851, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero.
Plasma lipids, alcohol intake frequency and risk of Osteoarthritis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wen Ming-Tao , Liang Xue-Zhen , Luo Di , Li Jia-Cheng , Yan Bo-Zhao , Lu Bo-Wen , Xu Bo , Li Gang
Published: July 2023

Backgroud

Plasma lipids and alcohol intake frequency have been reported to be associated with the risk of osteoarthritis (OA). However, it remains inconclusive whether plasma lipids and alcohol intake frequency play a role in the development of OA.

Methods

The study employed a comprehensive genome-wide association database to identify independent genetic loci strongly linked to plasma lipids and alcohol intake frequency, which were used as instrumental variables. The causal association between plasma lipids, alcohol intake frequency, and the risk of OA was then analyzed using two-sample Mendelian randomization methods such as inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median estimator (WME), with odds ratios (ORs) as the evaluation criteria.

Results

A total of 392 SNPs were included as instrumental variables in this study, including 32 for total cholesterol (TC), 39 for triglycerides (TG), 170 for high-density lipoproteins (HDL), 60 for low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and 91 for alcohol intake frequency. Using the above two-sample Mendelian Randomization method to derive the causal association between exposure and outcome, with the IVW method as the primary analysis method and other MR analysis methods complementing IVW. The results of this study showed that four exposure factors were causally associated with the risk of OA. TC obtained a statistically significant result for IVW (OR = 1.207, 95% CI: 1.018–1.431, P = 0.031); TG obtained a statistically significant result for Simple mode (OR = 1.855, 95% CI: 1.107–3.109, P = 0.024); LDL obtained three statistically significant results for IVW, WME and Weighted mode (IVW: OR = 1.363, 95% CI: 1.043–1.781, P = 0.023; WME: OR = 1.583, 95% CI: 1.088–2.303, P = 0.016; Weighted mode: OR = 1.521, 95% CI: 1.062–2.178, P = 0.026). Three statistically significant results were obtained for alcohol intake frequency with IVW, WME and Weighted mode (IVW: OR = 1.326, 95% CI: 1.047–1.678, P = 0.019; WME: OR = 1.477, 95% CI: 1.059–2.061, P = 0.022; Weighted mode: OR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.060–2.541, P = 0.029). TC, TG, LDL, and alcohol intake frequency were all considered as risk factors for OA. The Cochran Q test for the IVW and MR-Egger methods indicated intergenic heterogeneity in the SNPs contained in TG, HDL, LDL, and alcohol intake frequency, and the test for pleiotropy indicated a weak likelihood of pleiotropy in all causal analyses.

Conclusions

The results of two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis showed that TC, TG, LDL, and alcohol intake frequency were risk factors for OA, and the risk of OA increased with their rise.
Comparison of remifentanil and esketamine in combination with propofol for patient sedation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy
Authors: Nie Jia , Chen Wei , Jia Yu , Zhang Yu , Wang Haiying
Published: July 2023

Background

Ideal sedation and analgesia strategies for fiberoptic bronchoscopy have not been found. At present, propofol based sedation strategy still has some defects, such as respiratory depression and blood pressure drop. It is difficult to meet the requirements of safety and effectiveness at the same time. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of propofol/remifentanil with propofol/esketamine for patient sedation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Method

Patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy were randomly assigned to propofol/ remifentanil (PR group; n = 42) or propofol/esketamine (PK group; n = 42) for sedation and analgesia. The primary outcome was the rate of transient hypoxia (oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 95%). The secondary outcomes are the intraoperative hemodynamics, including the changes in blood pressure, heart rate, the incidence of adverse reactions, the total amount of propofol usage were recorded, and the satisfaction level of patients and bronchoscopists.

Results

After sedation, the arterial pressure and heart rate of patients in the PK group were stable without significant decrease. Decreases in diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were observed in patients in the PR group (P < 0.05), although it was not of clinical relevance. The dosage of propofol in the PR group was significantly higher than that in the PK group (144 ± 38 mg vs. 125 ± 35 mg, P = 0.012). Patients in the PR group showed more transient hypoxia (SpO2 < 95%) during surgery (7 vs. 0, 0% versus 16.6%, P = 0.018), more intraoperative choking (28 vs. 7, P < 0.01), postoperative vomiting (22 vs. 13, P = 0.076) and vertigo (15 vs. 13, P = 0.003). Bronchoscopists in the PK group showed more satisfaction.

Conclusion

Compared with remifentanil, the combination of esketamine with propofol in fiberoptic bronchoscopy leaded to more stable intraoperative hemodynamics, lower dosage of propofol, lower transient hypoxia rate, fewer incidence of adverse events, and greater bronchoscopists satisfaction.
Height is a predictor of hamstring tendon length and ACL graft characteristics in adolescents
Authors: Dietvorst Martijn , van der Steen M. C. Marieke , van den Besselaar Marijn , Janssen Rob PA
Published: July 2023

Background

Knowing the potential hamstring tendon length is relevant for planning ligament reconstructions in children and adolescents, as it is not uncommon to encounter small hamstring tendons intraoperatively. The aim of this study is to predict semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length based on anthropometric values in children and adolescents. The secondary aim is to analyse hamstring tendon autograft characteristics in a closed socket anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions and to evaluate the relationship with anthropometric variables. The hypothesis of this study was that height is predictor of hamstring tendon length and thereby graft characteristics.

Methods

This observational study included two cohorts of adolescents undergoing ligament reconstructions between 2007–2014 and 2017–2020. Age, sex, height and weight were recorded preoperatively. Semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length and graft characteristics were measured intraoperatively. Regression analysis was performed on tendon length and anthropometric values. Subgroup analyses of the closed socket ACL reconstruction were performed and the relation between anthropometric values and graft characteristics were analysed.

Results

The population consisted of 171 adolescents from 13 to 17 years of age, with a median age of 16 years [IQR 16–17]. The median semitendinosus tendon length was 29 cm [IQR 26–30] and gracilis tendon length was 27 cm [IQR 25–29]. Height was a significant predictor of semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length. Subgroup analysis of the closed socket ACL reconstructions showed that in 75% of the procedure, the semitendinosus tendon alone was sufficient to create a graft with a minimum diameter of 8.0 mm.

Conclusions

Height is a significant predictor of semitendinosus and gracilis tendon length in adolescents between 13 and 17 years of age and outcomes are similar to data in adults. In 75% of the closed socket ACL reconstructions, the semitendinosus tendon alone is sufficient to create an adequate graft with a minimum diameter of 8 mm. Additional use of the gracilis tendon is more often necessary in females and shorter patients.

Level of evidence

3
Forecasting the daily demand for emergency medical ambulances in England and Wales: a benchmark model and external validation
Authors: Monks Thomas , Harper Alison , Allen Michael , Collins Lucy , Mayne Andrew
Published: July 2023

Background

We aimed to select and externally validate a benchmark method for emergency ambulance services to use to forecast the daily number of calls that result in the dispatch of one or more ambulances.

Methods

The study was conducted using standard methods known to the UK’s NHS to aid implementation in practice. We selected our benchmark model from a naive benchmark and 14 standard forecasting methods. Mean absolute scaled error and 80 and 95% prediction interval coverage over a 84 day horizon were evaluated using time series cross validation across eight time series from the South West of England. External validation was conducted by time series cross validation across 13 time series from London, Yorkshire and Welsh Ambulance Services.

Results

A model combining a simple average of Facebook’s prophet and regression with ARIMA errors (1, 1, 3)(1, 0, 1, 7) was selected. Benchmark MASE, 80 and 95% prediction intervals were 0.68 (95% CI 0.67 - 0.69), 0.847 (95% CI 0.843 - 0.851), and 0.965 (95% CI 0.949 - 0.977), respectively. Performance in the validation set was within expected ranges for MASE, 0.73 (95% CI 0.72 - 0.74) 80% coverage (0.833; 95% CI 0.828-0.838), and 95% coverage (0.965; 95% CI 0.963-0.967).

Conclusions

We provide a robust externally validated benchmark for future ambulance demand forecasting studies to improve on. Our benchmark forecasting model is high quality and usable by ambulance services. We provide a simple python framework to aid its implementation in practice. The results of this study were implemented in the South West of England.
The validation of the Arabic version of the resilience scale 14 (RS-14)
Authors: Honein-AbouHaidar Gladys , Bou-Hamad Imad , Dhaini Suzanne , Davidson Patricia , Reynolds Nancy R , Al-Zaru Ibtisam M , Gharaibeh Muntaha , Dumit Nuhad Yazbik
Published: July 2023

Background/Objectives

Nurses in Lebanon are facing multiple crises and the severity of the situation calls for an empirical examination of their resilience status. Evidence indicates that resilience can buffer the negative effect of workplace stressors on nurses and is associated with favorable patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Arabic Resilience Scale-14 that was utilized to measure resilience among Lebanese nurses,

Methods

Data was collected from nurses working in health care centers using a cross-sectional survey design. We estimated the confirmatory factor analysis using the Diagonally Weighted least Squares. Fit indices for the confirmatory factor analysis model included Model chi-square, root-mean squared error of approximation and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

1,488 nurses were included in the analysis. The squared multiple correlations values ranged from 0.60 to 0.97 thus supporting the construct validity of the originally hypothesized five factor model (self-reliance, purpose, equanimity, perseverance, and authenticity).

Conclusions

The Arabic version of the Resilience Scale 14 tool is considered a valid tool for measuring resilience in any situation involving Arabic speaking nurses.
Osteoarthritis related epigenetic variations in miRNA expression and DNA methylation
Authors: Jin Lingpeng , Ma Jun , Chen Zhen , Wang Fei , Li Zhikuan , Shang Ziqi , Dong Jiangtao
Published: July 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is chronic arthritis characterized by articular cartilage degradation. However, a comprehensive regulatory network for OA-related microRNAs and DNA methylation modifications has yet to be established. Thus, we aimed to identify epigenetic changes in microRNAs and DNA methylation and establish the regulatory network between miRNAs and DNA methylation. The mRNA, miRNA, and DNA methylation expression profiles of healthy or osteoarthritis articular cartilage samples were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including GSE169077, GSE175961, and GSE162484. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were analyzed by the online tool GEO2R. DAVID and STRING databases were applied for functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Potential therapeutic compounds for the treatment of OA were identified by Connectivity map (CMap) analysis. A total of 1424 up-regulated DEGs, 1558 down-regulated DEGs, 5 DEMs with high expression, 6 DEMs with low expression, 1436 hypermethylated genes, and 455 hypomethylated genes were selected. A total of 136 up-regulated and 65 downregulated genes were identified by overlapping DEGs and DEMs predicted target genes which were enriched in apoptosis and circadian rhythm. A total of 39 hypomethylated and 117 hypermethylated genes were obtained by overlapping DEGs and DMGs, which were associated with ECM receptor interactions and cellular metabolic processes, cell connectivity, and transcription. Moreover, The PPI network showed COL5A1, COL6A1, LAMA4, T3GAL6A, and TP53 were the most connective proteins. After overlapping of DEGs, DMGs and DEMs predicted targeted genes, 4 up-regulated genes and 11 down-regulated genes were enriched in the Axon guidance pathway. The top ten genes ranked by PPI network connectivity degree in the up-regulated and downregulated overlapping genes of DEGs and DMGs were further analyzed by the CMap database, and nine chemicals were predicted as potential drugs for the treatment of OA. In conclusion, TP53, COL5A1, COL6A1, LAMA4, and ST3GAL6 may play important roles in OA genesis and development.
Dietary intakes of branched-chain amino acids and plasma lipid profiles among filipino women in Korea: the Filipino Women’s Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL)
Authors: Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Lee Heejin , Provido Sherlyn Mae P. , Chung Grace H. , Hong Sangmo , Yu Sung Hoon , Lee Chang Beom , Lee Jung Eun
Published: July 2023

Background

The potential role of dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in metabolic health, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, is evolving, and it is yet to be understood if dietary BCAA intakes are associated with plasma lipid profiles or dyslipidaemia. This study tested the association of dietary BCAA intakes with plasma lipid profiles and dyslipidaemia among Filipino women in Korea.

Methods

Energy-adjusted dietary BCAA intakes (isoleucine, leucine, valine, and total BCAA) and fasting blood profiles of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined in a sample of 423 women enrolled in the Filipino Women’s Diet and Health Study (FiLWHEL). The generalized linear model was applied to estimate least-square (LS) means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and compare plasma TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C across tertile distribution of energy-adjusted dietary BCAA intakes at P < 0.05.

Results

Mean of energy-adjusted dietary total BCAA intake was 8.3 ± 3.9 g/d. Average plasma lipid profiles were 88.5 ± 47.4 mg/dl for TG, 179.7 ± 34.5 mg/dl for TC, 58.0 ± 13.7 mg/dl for HDL-C, and 104.0 ± 30.5 mg/dl for LDL-C. LS means, and 95% CIs across tertiles of energy-adjusted total BCAA intakes were 89.9 mg/dl, 88.8 mg/dl and 85.8 mg/dl (P-trend = 0.45) for TG, 179.1 mg/dl, 183.6 mg/dl and 176.5 mg/dl (P-trend = 0.48) for TC, 57.5 mg/dl, 59.6 mg/dl and 57.1 mg/dl (P-trend = 0.75) for HDL-C and 103.6 mg/dl, 106.2 mg/dl and 102.3 mg/dl (P-trend = 0.68) for LDL-C. Furthermore, the multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for dyslipidaemia across increasing tertile distribution of energy-adjusted total BCAA intake were; 1.00, 0.67 (0.40, 1.13) and 0.45 (0.16, 1.27; P-trend = 0.03) for the first, second and third tertile, respectively.

Conclusions

Higher dietary intakes of BCAA presented a statistically significant inverse trend with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia among Filipino women in this study and testing these associations in longitudinal studies may be necessary to confirm these findings.
Withdrawing biologics in non-systemic JIA: what matters to pediatric rheumatologists?
Authors: van Til Janine A. , Kip Michelle M. A. , Schatorjé Ellen J. H. , Currie Gillian , Twilt Marinka , Benseler Susanne M. , Swart Joost F. , Vastert Sebastiaan J. , Wulffraat Nico , Yeung Rae S. M. , Groothuis-Oudshoorn C. G. M. , Warta Sanne , Marshall Deborah A. , IJzerman Maarten J. ,   on behalf of the UCAN CAN-DU, UCAN CURE consortia
Published: July 2023

Objective

Approximately one third of children with JIA receive biologic therapy, but evidence on biologic therapy withdrawal is lacking. This study aims to increase our understanding of whether and when pediatric rheumatologists postpone a decision to withdraw biologic therapy in children with clinically inactive non-systemic JIA.

Methods

A survey containing questions about background characteristics, treatment patterns, minimum treatment time with biologic therapy, and 16 different patient vignettes, was distributed among 83 pediatric rheumatologists in Canada and the Netherlands. For each vignette, respondents were asked whether they would withdraw biologic therapy at their minimum treatment time, and if not, how long they would continue biologic therapy. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, logistic and interval regression analysis.

Results

Thirty-three pediatric rheumatologists completed the survey (40% response rate). Pediatric rheumatologists are most likely to postpone the decision to withdraw biologic therapy when the child and/or parents express a preference for continuation (OR 6.3; p < 0.001), in case of a flare in the current treatment period (OR 3.9; p = 0.001), and in case of uveitis in the current treatment period (OR 3.9; p < 0.001). On average, biologic therapy withdrawal is initiated 6.7 months later when the child or parent prefer to continue treatment.

Conclusion

Patient’s and parents' preferences were the strongest driver of a decision to postpone biologic therapy withdrawal in children with clinically inactive non-systemic JIA and prolongs treatment duration. These findings highlight the potential benefit of a tool to support pediatric rheumatologists, patients and parents in decision making, and can help inform its design.
Maternal mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: a content analysis study
Authors: Mokhtari Zanjani Pouran , Tehranian Najmeh , Changizi Nasrin , Mohammadi Eesa , Farzinrad Banafsheh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: July 2023

Background

As crises occur, attention to physical health usually becomes more than mental health, neglecting mental health, especially in some vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and new mothers, can have adverse consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and comprehend their mental health needs, particularly during critical situations such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explain the understanding and experience of mental health concerns faced by pregnant and postpartum women during this pandemic.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted from March 2021 to November 2021 in Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews to understand mental health concerns in pregnancy and the postpartum period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-five purposefully retrieved and participated in the study. Due to the prevalence of coronavirus, most of the participants preferred tele interviews. When data saturation was achieved, the data were codified manually and analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s approach 2004.

Results

Based on the content analysis of the interviews, 2 main themes, 8 categories 23 subcategories were identified. The identified themes were as follows: (1) Maternal mental health threats and (2) Inadequate access to the required information.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that the main concern and fear of pregnant and postpartum women in the COVID-19 pandemic was the fear of the possibility of death for themselves and/or their fetus/infant. The knowledge that was obtained from the understanding of pregnant women and new mothers about the mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic can help managers in planning to improve and promote women's mental health, especially in critical situations.
Medical viruses: diagnostic techniques
Authors: Harsh  , Tripathi Pratima
Published: July 2023

The recent epidemics and pandemics caused by different viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, monkey pox, H1N1, ebola virus etc. have been a cause of mass destruction in the human race, the biggest decline slope in the global economy and mental trauma. A number of viruses have been discovered that may cause serious problems and to overcome this problem, early diagnosis of the viruses and understanding their infection pattern is a must. Early detection of viruses inside the host provides timely management in a strategic manner. Scientists have developed some effective and efficient methods to detect the viruses. In this review, we have explained a few types of diagnostic techniques: Biosensor based, immunological-based, and molecular-based diagnostic techniques that are prominent methodologies to identify and detect the course of infection related to the medical viruses. In biosensor-based diagnostic technique, an analytical device consisting of biological elements and physicochemical component gives a signal upon detection of viral antigen. In immunological-based diagnostic techniques, enzyme-linked antibodies are utilized to find the particular antiviral antibody or viral antigen in human specimens, and nucleic acid-based diagnostic techniques are based on the principle of amplification of the viral genome.

Graphical abstract
Challenges and opportunities for silicosis prevention and control: need for a national health program on silicosis in India
Authors: Rupani Mihir P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Silicosis has been one of the most serious occupational public health problems worldwide for many decades. The global burden of silicosis is largely unknown, although it is thought to be more prevalent in low and medium-income countries. Individual studies among workers exposed to silica dust in various industries, however, reveal a high prevalence of silicosis in India. This paper is an updated review of the novel challenges and opportunities for silicosis prevention and control in India.

Main body

The unregulated informal sector employs workers on contractual appointment thereby insulating the employers from legislative provisions. Due to a lack of awareness of the serious health risks and low-income levels, symptomatic workers tend to disregard the symptoms and continue working in dusty environments. To prevent any future dust exposure, the workers must be moved to an alternative job in the same factory where they will not be exposed to silica dust. Government regulatory bodies, on the other hand, must guarantee that factory owners relocate workers to another vocation as soon as they exhibit signs of silicosis. Technological advances such as artificial intelligence and machine learning might assist industries in implementing effective and cost-saving dust control measures. A surveillance system needs to be established for the early detection and tracking of all patients with silicosis. A pneumoconiosis elimination program encompassing health promotion, personal protection, diagnostic criteria, preventive measures, symptomatic management, prevention of silica dust exposure, treatment, and rehabilitation is felt important for wider adoption.

Conclusion

Silica dust exposure and its consequences are fully preventable, with the benefits of prevention considerably outweighing the benefits of treating patients with silicosis. A comprehensive national health program on silicosis within the public health system would strengthen surveillance, notification, and management of workers exposed to silica dust in India.
Integrating plan complexity and dosiomics features with deep learning in patient-specific quality assurance for volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Han Ce , Zhang Ji , Yu Bing , Zheng Haoze , Wu Yibo , Lin Zhixi , Ning Boda , Yi Jinling , Xie Congying , Jin Xiance
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility and performance of deep learning (DL) models combined with plan complexity (PC) and dosiomics features in the patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) for patients underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods

Total of 201 VMAT plans with measured PSQA results were retrospectively enrolled and divided into training and testing sets randomly at 7:3. PC metrics were calculated using house-built algorithm based on Matlab. Dosiomics features were extracted and selected using Random Forest (RF) from planning target volume (PTV) and overlap regions with 3D dose distributions. The top 50 dosiomics and 5 PC features were selected based on feature importance screening. A DL DenseNet was adapted and trained for the PSQA prediction.

Results

The measured average gamma passing rate (GPR) of these VMAT plans was 97.94% ± 1.87%, 94.33% ± 3.22%, and 87.27% ± 4.81% at the criteria of 3%/3 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 2%/2 mm, respectively. Models with PC features alone demonstrated the lowest area under curve (AUC). The AUC and sensitivity of PC and dosiomics (D) combined model at 2%/2 mm were 0.915 and 0.833, respectively. The AUCs of DL models were improved from 0.943, 0.849, 0.841 to 0.948, 0.890, 0.942 in the combined models (PC + D + DL) at 3%/3 mm, 3%/2 mm and 2%/2 mm, respectively. A best AUC of 0.942 with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100%, 81.8%, and 83.6% was achieved with combined model (PC + D + DL) at 2%/2 mm.

Conclusions

Integrating DL with dosiomics and PC metrics is promising in the prediction of GPRs in PSQA for patients underwent VMAT.