bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making and breaking coalitions for a more ‘Social Europe’: The path towards the revision of the posted workers directive
Authors: Kyriazi Anna
Published: January 2023

The article traces the passage of the legislative amendment that changed the rules of the intra-EU posting of workers, proposed by the Juncker Commission in 2016. Using data gathered from the news media and 11 interviews, it reconstructs the policy-making process, finding that this was shaped by means of intergovernmental interactions between executives of (groups of) member states. A key turning point occurred in August 2017, when the then newly elected French President, Emmanuel Macron, embarked on a highly publicized tour in a select group of eastern European states, with the stated aim of building support for the amending Directive. Eventually, the coalition of Eastern European member states that had initially challenged the Commission’s proposal was dismantled, clearing the way for its adoption. Extra-institutional intergovernmental negotiations propel contested policy initiatives forward by limiting the range of actors involved in the policy process, by relaxing the complex decision-making rules characteristic of the EU, and by providing opportunities to instrumentalize media attention.
What you need to know about migraine in Hughes syndrome patients
Authors: Schofield JR , Hassell KL
Published: January 2023

Background

Headache, often migrainous, is common in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies, whether or not they meet Sydney criteria for a definite diagnosis of Hughes syndrome. Migraine may be a harbinger of stroke in this patient population and even refractory migraine may be highly responsive to antithrombotic therapy in this clinical context.

Purpose

To summarize what is known to date about managing this important manifestation of the immune-mediated hypercoagulable Hughes syndrome.

Results

We provide a suggested management algorithm for refractory headache in this unique patient population.

Conclusion

Most neurologists don’t see or recognize many aPL-positive patients in their practice, so hematologists and rheumatologists who see these patients should recognize that refractory headache may be a manifestation of their immune-mediated hypercoagulable disorder and understand that the potential risks of not addressing this issue may be high.
Damage-healing analysis of microencapsulated self-healing concrete subjected to tensile loading using a 2D micromechanical model
Authors: Han Kaihang , Ju J Woody , Lv Le-Yang , Yan Zhiguo , Chen Xiangsheng , Jin Yin-fu
Published: January 2023

Self-healing concrete that employs microencapsulated healing agents has been proven to be an effective method for microcrack repairment in the concrete structure. However, there is a lack of efficient tools to evaluate the effect of the parameters of microcapsules on the mechanical behavior of the self-healing concrete. In this paper, the evolution of the damage-healing process of microencapsulated self-healing concrete subjected to tensile loading is numerically analyzed from a microscopic perspective by using a 2D micromechanical model. Based on the deformation and propagation evolution mechanism of microcracks, the contribution of microcracks to the total compliance tensor of microencapsulated self-healing concrete under tensile loading is deduced at various stages. According to the calculated total compliance tensor, the stress-strain and compliance-strain relations of microencapsulated self-healing concrete are discussed with special attention to the stress dropping and strain softening stages. Finally, parametric analysis was conducted using the constructed model to investigate the influence of size and content of microcapsules, the types of healing agent and the initial damage of the concrete on the mechanical behaviors of microencapsulated self-healing concrete. The constructed 2D model is significantly useful for the reasonable selection of the optimal parameters of microencapsulated self-healing concrete.
A Reexamination of Drinking Motives in Young Adults: The Development and Initial Validation of the Young Adult Alcohol Motives Scale
Authors: King Scott E. , Skrzynski Carillon J. , Bachrach Rachel L. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Creswell Kasey G.
Published: January 2023

This study reexamined the factor structure of drinking motives using 205 unique items from 18 drinking motives scales with the inclusion of social tension reduction motives, which have been largely neglected in the literature. A new scale was created and compared with the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R) to predict alcohol use/problems. Young adults ( N = 1,049) completed questionnaires assessing drinking motives and alcohol use/problems. A subset ( N = 368) of participants completed a 6-month follow-up. Hierarchical factor analyses informed the creation of a four-factor (i.e., coping, social, enhancement, and social tension reduction) scale (i.e., the Young Adult Alcohol Motives Scale [YAAMS]). In general, the YAAMS performed similarly to the DMQ-R in predicting concurrent and prospective alcohol consumption (i.e., typical drinking quantity and frequency) and alcohol problems (i.e., Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test [AUDIT] and Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire [B-YAACQ] scores), but there were some notable differences, including that the novel social tension reduction scale of the YAAMS was particularly relevant in predicting drinking frequency in those with social anxiety. Results suggest that drinking motives can be described by multiple factor structures and predict alcohol-related outcomes.
Bearing fault diagnosis method based on variational mode decomposition optimized by CS-PSO
Authors: Liu Ruijie , Wang Xueren , Su Changwei , Kang Zhijie , Li Yuedi , Yu Shuang , Zhang Haifeng
Published: January 2023

In order to solve the problem that bearing vibration signal fault feature is difficult to extract effectively under noise, a fault diagnosis method based on Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) optimized by Cuckoo Search (CS) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is proposed. The effect of VMD is affected by the number of modes and the penalty parameter. The Levy flight strategy and elimination mechanism of the CS algorithm is added to PSO algorithm and the position updating process is optimized. According to the correlation coefficient and envelope entropy of the Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF), the objective function is constructed to search for the optimal combination of VMD mode number and penalty parameter. The bearing fault type is determined by analyzing the IMF envelope spectrum of the optimal objective function. The fault diagnosis classification task upon the bearing sample data from Case Western Reserve University demonstrates that the proposed CS-PSO algorithm improves the model’s classification performance by 5%, which is on average 7.3% higher than other state-of-the-art models. This model can provide an important reference for the accuracy of bearing fault diagnosis.
The Greener, the Better? Probing Green Innovation in Pilgrimage Tourism Destinations
Authors: Senbeto Dagnachew Leta
Published: January 2023

This study examines the importance of pilgrimage tourism to green innovation and assesses the factors that influence pilgrimage tourism efforts and implementation to ensure green innovation. The results of semi-structured, in-depth interviews with religious figures and pilgrims, supplemented by secondary sources, show that linking pilgrimage capabilities and religious organizations is critical to sustaining green innovation rather than focusing on the dispersed state of consciousness. The findings underscore the importance of a practice-based teaching approach and the necessity of spiritual adherence to green innovative behavior. It is argued that the intersection between pilgrims and religious organizations supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 in less developed nations, such as in Africa. The study is helpful for destination management organizations, policymakers, and tourism stakeholders, to promote green innovation through pilgrimage tourism.
Analysis of predictive factors of thrombosis in autogenous arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Zhang Yu-Meng , Chen Wen , Wei Hai-Lang , Tang Xian-Hu , Xie Fu-Hua , Wang Run-Xiu
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

To investigate the predictors of early diagnosis of thrombus of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (aAVF).

Methods:

The included patients were divided into the thrombus group with aAVF failure or thrombosis and the control group with good internal fistula function. The general data of the patients, including age, sex, diabetes mellitus, were collected. Platelets (PLT), platelet crit (P-LCR), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), homocysteine (HCY), and other biochemical data were collected. The predictors of thrombus of aAVF were obtained by the t test and logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compare the area under the ROC curve (AUC) between the combined predictors and the original indicators. The optimal critical value was determined when the Youden index reached its maximum value, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, diagnostic index, and so on were calculated. Finally, prediction was performed by substituting each value in individually.

Results:

PLT, PDW, P-LCR, MPV, and HCY showed significant differences between two groups ( p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, for PLT (OR = 1.014, 95% CI 1.006–1.022, p = 0.01), PDW (OR = 1.295, 95% CI 1.009–1.661, p = 0.042), P-LCR (OR = 1.230, 95% CI 1.089–1.389, p = 0.001), MPV (OR = 1.696, 95% CI 1.101–2.613, p = 0.017), and HCY (OR = 1.332, 95% CI 1.182–1.502, p = 0.01), the difference was significant; PLT, PDW, P-LCR, MPV, and HCY were positively correlated with thrombogenesis ( p < 0.05). By logistic regression, a group of the five predictors of PLT, PDW, P-LCR, MPV, and HCY was obtained, and the combined predictors were 0.014*PLT + 0.258*PDW + 0.207*P-LCR + 0.528*MPV + 0.287*HCY. The area under the curve of the combined predictor was 0.933, the sensitivity was 92.4%, the specificity was 81.2%, the maximum diagnostic index was 0.736, the diagnostic cutoff point was 21.790, and the accuracy rate was 87%.

Conclusion:

PLT, PDW, P-LCR, MPV, and HCY are predictors of thrombus of aAVF. They can better predict thrombus of aAVF, and the combination of these five indicators is better than a single indicator.
XperCT facilitates sharp recanalization for the treatment of chronic thoracic venous occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Chen Bin , Lin Run , Dai Haitao , Tang Keyu , Zhang Guiyuan , Yang Jianyong , Xiang Xianhong , Huang Yonghui
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility of XperCT combined fluoroscopy to guide sharp recanalization for the treatment of chronic thoracic venous occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients.

Methods:

The records of hemodialysis patients with chronic thoracic venous occlusive disease who received endovascular sharp recanalization after conventional techniques failed were retrospectively reviewed. The sharp devices used for recanalization included the stiff end of a guidewire, Chiba biopsy needle, RUPS-100 set, and transseptal needle. The needle was advanced toward a target placed at the opposite end of the occlusion and was guided by fluoroscopy and/or XperCT. While the guidewire crossed the occlusion, endovascular procedures such as percutaneous angioplasty were performed for the treatment of the occlusion.

Results:

The analysis included 32 sharp thoracic vein recanalization procedures in 29 patients. Two attempts in one patient failed, and in one patient the first attempt failed but the second attempt was successful. In one patient, two separate successful procedures were performed, and the other 26 procedures in 26 patients were successful. The overall technical success rate of sharp recanalization was 90%. The mean number of puncture attempts in the combined group was less than that of the fluoroscopy-guided alone group (2 vs 5, p < 0.05). The success rate of sharp recanalization in the combined group was higher (100% vs 86%), and the recanalization time (28.5 min vs 36 min, p > 0.05) was no different. There was no statistical difference in procedure-related complications between the groups.

Conclusion:

XperCT can facilitate sharp recanalization for the treatment of chronic thoracic venous occlusive disease in hemodialysis patients.
Carriage of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: Implications for Food Safety
Authors: Vicar Ezekiel Kofi , Alo Desmond Baakibe , Koyiri Valentine Cheba , Opare-Asamoah Kwame , Obeng-Bempong Mauvina , Mensah Gloria Ivy
Published: January 2023

Background:

Bacteria pathogens constitute a significant proportion of diarrhoea-causing food contaminants. Transmission of antibiotic resistant foodborne pathogens to humans is a major threat to food safety, especially in developing countries where quality hygiene and sanitation facilities are lacking. Factors related to antibiotic use, sanitation and hand hygiene have been associated with the spread of infectious diseases as well as antibiotic resistant bacteria. Proper food handling ensures that food is not contaminated with potential pathogenic bacteria. This study assessed the carriage of antibiotic resistant bacteria and associated factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers who sell ready to eat food in the Tamale metropolis of the Northern Region of Ghana. Food vending stations with huge customer base were randomly selected and the food handlers recruited using written informed consent. Structured questionnaires were used to collect participants sociodemographic details and information on sanitation, hand hygiene practice and antibiotic use. Sterile cotton swabs soaked in phosphate buffered saline was used to swab the palms of participating food handlers for bacteria isolation. All identified bacteria were tested for susceptibility to 12 antibiotics.

Results:

In all, 406 food handlers participated in this study, the mean (SD) age was 26.5 (2.64) years. Bacteria isolated were predominantly Staphylococci 60 (14.8%) and Escherichia coli 54 (13.3%). All the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic tested. The isolates showed high resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin (40.0%-75.0%), tetracycline (40.0%-80.0%), amoxiclav (20.0%-80.0%) and chloramphenicol (7.7%-50.0%). Logistic regression model revealed that the carriage of antibiotic resistant bacteria by food handlers was significantly associated with age, educational level, years on the job, training in food preparation, hygiene practice, water source, type of toilet facility used and antibiotic use.

Conclusion:

Street food handlers could be potential sources of food-borne transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Cardiothyreosis: Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic approach
Authors: Mouna Elleuch , Molka Ben Bnina , Sawssan Ben teber , Dhoha Ben salah , Khouloud Boujelbene , Nadia Charfi , Fatma Mnif , Fatma Mnif , Mouna Mnif , Nabila Rekik , Faten Hadj Kacem , Mohamed Abid
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Cardiothyreosis corresponds to the cellular effects of free thyroid hormones on the vascular wall and the myocardium. We aim to describe the clinical, para-clinical and therapeutic aspects of cardiothyreosis and to detail prognostic factors.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive retrospective study at the Endocrinology-Diabetology Department of the Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax-Tunisia. We collected medical records of 100 patients with cardiothyreosis between January 1999 and December 2019. We included patients with cardiothyreosis who underwent adequate cardiac evaluation. We excluded patients with cardiac abnormalities related to conditions other than hyperthyroidism, patients who died and patients without cardiothyreosis.

Results:

We included 100 adult patients (43 men and 57 women). The mean age was 49.3 ±12.9 years (20-79 years). The diagnosis of cardiothyreosis was concomitant with that of hyperthyroidism in 72% of cases. Weight loss and palpitations were the two most frequently reported signs in 91% of cases each. Hypertension was systolic in 15 patients. The average heart rate was 103.1 beats/min (52-182 bpm). The mean TSH and FT4 levels were 0.042 μIU/ml and 59.6 pmol/l, respectively. Rhythm disorders and heart failure were the most common cardiac complications with 81 and 56 cases, respectively. Cardiac ultrasound showed dilatation of the left atrium in 28.3% of patients. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was present in 43% of cases. 57 patients had been treated with benzylthiouracil at a mean dose of 157.45 mg/day. Radical treatment with radioactive iodine was indicated in 81 patients. The evolution of cardiothyreosis was favourable in 58 patients.

Conclusion:

Cardiothyreosis is a serious complication of hyperthyroidism. Future prospective studies will be of great help to better characterise and manage cardiothyreosis.
‘Thin labourism’: Ideological and policy comparisons between the Australian, British, and New Zealand labour parties
Authors: Manwaring Rob , Duncan Grant , Lees Charlie
Published: January 2023

Centre–left political parties are undergoing an identity crisis. This article is a comparative analysis of how the three sister labour parties in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand are refurbishing their agendas. We integrate Barrientos and Powell’s framework, with Freeden’s concept of ideological morphology, to systematically map the three parties across three main domains: their discourse and values, their political economy, and their social policy agendas. We then apply four different analytical frames to better understand the ideological and policy trajectories of our cases. These frames comprise ‘values, not ideology’, ‘quietism’, ‘third way’, and ‘thin labourism’. We argue that the frame of ‘thin labourism’ best captures the recent developments of these modern labour parties. In sum, the parties are still rooted in a recognisable centre–left tradition, but they operating from a narrower base of core values.
It’s not an encyclopedia, it’s a market of agendas: Decentralized agenda networks between Wikipedia and global news media from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Ren Ruqin , Xu Jian
Published: January 2023

Many innovative forms of media entered the online mediascape and can potentially set public agendas. This study drew on peer-produced news content on Wikipedia and theorized its unprecedented agenda building power within a network of diverse media sources. Adopting the network agenda-setting model, this study collected comprehensive global news coverage and Wikipedia coverage of top US political news events from 2015 to 2020. Time series analysis found that none of the media types (Wikipedia, elite media, and non-elite media) exhibited dominant agenda-setting power, while each of them can lead the agenda in certain circumstances. Wikipedia was a critical agenda setter for other media entities, and it also reflected the public’s collective evaluation of existing news agendas from multiple sources. This article proposed a multi-agent and multidirectional network architecture to describe agenda-setting relationships. We also highlighted four unique characteristics of Wikipedia that matter for digital journalism.
Some relationships between build strategy and shipbuilding time in European shipbuilding
Authors: Semini Marco , Patek Clara , Brett Per Olaf , Agis Jose Jorge Garcia , Strandhagen Jan Ola , Vatn Jørn
Published: January 2023

The build strategy of a ship specifies what is to be produced how, when, where and with what resources. Although it has been emphasised to play an important role in determining shipbuilding time and cost, scientific research on build strategy is limited. In this study, we focus on three interrelated build strategic factors of particular importance in European shipbuilding: hull production offshoring, pre-erection outfitting and the overlap between engineering and production. The study investigates how each of these three factors relates to physical ship production time and to total ship delivery time from contract signing to delivery. We use multiple linear regression on data about European shipyards and the ships they have built, which were obtained from a questionnaire and ship databases. The sample consists of 76 specialised ships, predominantly offshore support vessels, fishing vessels, ferries and other non-cargo carrying vessels, built at 24 European yards. The results provide evidence that yards practicing hull production offshoring have shorter ship production and delivery times than yards building the hulls at their own premises, even though the practice of offshoring itself is likely to have an adverse effect on shipbuilding time. The study also found a significant relationship between the level of pre-erection outfitting and physical production time. On the other hand, overlapping engineering and production only seems to have a limited impact on the production and the delivery time. Several of our results challenge established thinking and provide new insights into the factors affecting production and delivery time in European shipbuilding.
DeepLux: A data-driven method and benchmark for 3D illuminance maps estimation
Authors: Tsesmelis T , Carissimi N , Del Bue A
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we propose a pipeline and benchmark, called DeepLux, for predicting illuminance on 3D point clouds. Classic algorithms for computing photometrically accurate illumination are based on numerical and analytical models which are generally computationally expensive, especially in scenarios with complex geometries. Unlike existing approaches, our algorithm is the first learning-based method that is able to predict accurate illuminance map information that could be used for real-time smart lighting applications. We also evaluate our approach on two complementary tasks, that is, light position and intensity estimation, which are important aspects in the field of lighting design. Additionally, we provide an extensive novel photometrically correct dataset, which we use for training and evaluating our approach. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm produces results on par with or even better than the state of the art (+8% average error in real tests) while achieving faster simulation timings than its analytical counterpart, especially in complex synthetic and real-world scenarios.
Unique case of abdominal aortic aneurysm causing obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction
Authors: Ur Rahman Adnan , Joseph Cameron , Green John , Ellis Owen Rwth , Gazal Khairy
Published: January 2023

Obstruction of the duodenum by an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (aortoduodenal syndrome) has rarely been reported. It presents with symptoms of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract obstruction. Obstructive jaundice caused by an AAA is also extremely rare and requires high clinical suspicion. We present a unique case with informed consent of an elderly gentleman who presented with both rare presentations over a course of few months. After extensive literature search, we have found case reports of patients showing either of the two unusual presentations, but none were found to show them together.
Multi-omics Analysis of the Role of PHGDH in Colon Cancer
Authors: Dai Zhihui , Chen Lin , Pan KaiLing , Zhao XiaoYa , Xu WenXia , Du JinLin , Xing Chungen
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Serine metabolism is essential for tumor cells. Endogenous serine arises from de novo synthesis pathways. As the rate-limiting enzyme of this pathway, PHGDH is highly expressed in a variety of tumors including colon cancer. Therefore, targeted inhibition of PHGDH is an important strategy for anti-tumor therapy research. However, the specific gene expression and metabolic pathways regulated by PHGDH in colon cancer are still unclear. Our study was aimed to clarified the role of PHGDH in serine metabolism in colon cancer to provide new knowledge for in-depth understanding of serine metabolism and PHGDH function in colon cancer. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the gene expression and metabolic remodeling process of colon cancer cells (SW620) after targeted inhibition of PHGDH by gene transcriptomics and metabolomics. LC-MS analysis was performed in 293T cells to PHGDH gene transcription and protein post-translational modification under depriving exogenous serine. Results: We found that amino acid transporters, amino acid metabolism, lipid synthesis related pathways compensation and other processes are involved in the response process after PHGDH inhibition. And ATF4 mediated the transcriptional expression of PHGDH under exogenous serine deficiency conditions. While LC-MS analysis of post-translational modification revealed that PHGDH produced changes in acetylation sites after serine deprivation that the K289 site was lost, and a new acetylation site K21was produced. Conclusion: Our study performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis by inhibiting PHGDH, thus clarifying the role of PHGDH in gene transcription and metabolism in colon cancer cells. The mechanism of high PHGDH expression in colon cancer cells and the acetylation modification that occurs in PHGDH protein were also clarified by serine deprivation. In our study, the role of PHGDH in serine metabolism in colon cancer was clarified by multi-omics analysis to provide new knowledge for in-depth understanding of serine metabolism and PHGDH function in colon cancer.
Iliac Endovascular Intervention Without Procedural Anticoagulation
Authors: Turan Burak , Uğur Murat , Çelik Osman Muhsin , Erkol Ayhan
Published: January 2023

Background

Adequate antithrombotic therapy is essential to prevent thrombus formation during percutaneous endovascular interventions (PVI). We hypothesize that interventions for non-complex lesions of iliac arteries do not need procedural anticoagulation if patients are under dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Methods

Iliac PVIs performed without procedural anticoagulation were retrospectively screened between 2017 and 2021. Baseline characteristics of patients, in-hospital events and 30-day follow-ups were obtained from hospital records. Each PVI was reviewed for procedural details. Primary safety outcome was thromboembolic events during intervention. Secondary safety outcome was adverse vascular events at 30-day follow-up. Procedure times of iliac interventions were compared to peripheral angiography procedures of patients with similar demographic characteristics.

Results

We identified 108 iliac interventions without procedural anticoagulation, median age of 62 (interquartile range 56-68) years, 9 (8.3%) females. Median lesion length was 30 (19-50) mm. We observed a thrombotic finding in 4 (3.7%) procedures. Visible luminal thrombus was observed in 2 (1.9%) and introducer sheath thrombosis in 2 procedures (1.9%), all of which were in patients with in-stent lesions. No distal embolization was observed in final angiography of these procedures. At 30-day follow-up, acute limb ischemia was not observed and clinically driven target vessel revascularization was not required in any of the patients. Procedure time of iliac interventions was similar to that of lower extremity diagnostic procedures [18 (11-24) vs 18 (14-24) min, respectively, P = .364]. No major bleeding event was observed after iliac interventions.

Conclusion

Non-complex lesions of iliac arteries can be managed within a time frame similar to that of lower extremity diagnostic procedures. These interventions can be performed safely without procedural anticoagulation, provided patient receives DAPT. Intervention of in-stent lesions should ideally be avoided without procedural anticoagulation.
Bias in assessment of co-occurring mental disorder in individuals with intellectual disabilities: Theoretical perspectives and implications for clinical practice
Authors: Kildahl Arvid Nikolai , Oddli Hanne Weie , Helverschou Sissel Berge
Published: January 2023

Influence from bias is unavoidable in clinical decision-making, and mental health assessment seems particularly vulnerable. Individuals with intellectual disabilities have increased risk of developing co-occurring mental disorder. Due to the inherent difficulties associated with intellectual disabilities, assessment of mental health in this population often relies on a different set of strategies, and it is unclear how these may affect risk of bias. In this theoretical paper, we apply recent conceptualisations of bias in clinical decision-making to the specific challenges and strategies in mental health assessment in intellectual disabilities. We suggest that clinical decision-making in these assessments is particularly vulnerable to bias, including sources of bias present in mental health assessment in the general population, as well as potential sources of bias which may be specific to assessments in this population. It follows that to manage potential bias, triangulating information from multi-informant, multi-method, interdisciplinary assessment strategies is likely to be necessary.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of urolithin derivatives as potential phosphodiesterase II inhibitors
Authors: Wang Hecheng , Tang Long , Di Wanhui , Yan Feng , Huang Xianfeng , Feng Xiaoqing , Song Guoqiang
Published: January 2023

Urolithins are the gut microbiota metabolites of ellagitannins which are found in natural plants such as pomegranate, strawberry, and raspberry, and in nuts. Recently, several reports have clarified the underlying mechanism of urolithins in central nervous system inflammation. Therefore, urolithins have become potential therapeutic drug candidate molecules for central nervous system diseases. Derivatives 1–1d, 1–1f, 3–2a, and 3–2b of urolithin A, urolithin B, and methoxyurolithin A were found to have had significant inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase II with IC50 values of 35.42, 39.96, 25.58, and 13.84 μM, respectively. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of urolithin derivatives along with a biological evaluation of their activity against phosphodiesterase II.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of a lanthanum doped CoFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposite for photodegradation of methylene blue organic dye
Authors: Dang Hue TM , Nguyen Mai TT , Tran Luyen T , Tran Hoang V , Huynh Chinh D
Published: January 2023

In this study, a 0.2CoFe2O4/0.8TiO2-5%La nanocomposite was synthesized by a co-precipitation and a hydrothermal method and then was applied as a high activity photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. The 0.2CoFe2O4/0.8TiO2-5%La material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscope/transmission electron microscope and UV-Vis techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the material was initially investigated through the decomposition of methylene blue. The synthetic 0.2 CoFe2O4/0.8 TiO2-5% La showed excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. Methylene blue could be degraded by more than 99.14% after only 50 min.
Analyze periodic inspection and replacement policy of a shock and wear model with phase-type inter-shock arrival times using roots method
Authors: Yu Miaomiao , Tang Yinghui
Published: January 2023

We consider a shock and wear model in which the inter-shock arrival process is a phase-type (PH) renewal process, and the system’s lifetime is generally distributed. The system has two competing failure modes. One failure mode is due to random shocks, which cause failure by overloading the system. The other failure mode is owning to wear-out failures, which usually happen after the system has run for many cycles. System failure is not self-announcing and remains undiscovered unless an inspection is performed. The intervals between successive inspections are identical and equal to T time units. If a system failure is detected, the corrective repair or replacement is conducted immediately. If the system is found working at inspection, preventive maintenance will be carried out to prolong its useful life. Furthermore, to model the occurrence of events with an underlying monotonic trend, the extended geometric process (EGP) is employed to account for the impact of different types of failures on the system’s degradation. Moreover, for establishing the cost rate function in our model, the counting process generated from a PH renewal shock process is studied in detail using the roots method and formula for calculating residues. Based on these results, the survival function and other characteristics of the system are further investigated. Finally, numerical examples that determine the optimal inspection period T[Formula: see text] and the optimal replacement policy N[Formula: see text], which minimizes the long-run average cost rate, are presented.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: Imaging, instability concept, and criteria
Authors: Accadbled Franck , Turati Marco , Kocher Mininder S
Published: January 2023

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is an idiopathic, focal, subchondral-bone abnormality that can cause instability or detachment of a bone fragment and overlying articular cartilage, with subsequent progression to osteoarthritis. The degree of lesion instability is best assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Unstable lesions require operative management with fragment fixation.

Level of evidence: V.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: Epidemiology, etiology, and natural history
Authors: Turati Marco , Anghilieri Filippo Maria , Bigoni Marco , Rigamonti Luca , Tercier Stephane , Nicolaou Nicolas , Accadbled Franck
Published: January 2023

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is a disease that typically affects skeletally immature patients. Clinically manifested with knee pain, limping, and joint disfunction, this condition has remained misunderstood and undervalued for a long period. Although being a rare condition, its awareness is of utmost clinical interest because of the possible severe consequences it can bring when misrecognized or inadequately treated. Its etiology remains unclear and is still debated. Many theories have been proposed, including inflammation, local ischemia, subchondral ossification abnormalities, genetic factors, and repetitive mechanical microtrauma, with a likely interplay of the same. This review article aims to deliver and discuss current and up-to-date concepts on epidemiology, etiology, and natural history of this pediatric condition.

Level of evidence: level V.
Closing remarks
Authors: Vervaele John AE
Published: January 2023

highlighting the main outcome of the conference in line with the general title dedicated to the challenges of the EPPO: “towards resolving complexity” and “bringing added value”.
Chondromyxoid fibroma: A rare benign tumor with potential for local recurrence
Authors: Lodhia Jay , Goodluck Gregory , Amsi Patrick , Mremi Alex
Published: January 2023

Chondromyxoid fibroma is one of the rarest benign cartilaginous tumors accounting for less than 0.5% of bone tumors and mostly found in the metaphysis of long bones. Diagnosis is by histology showing lobular pattern with stellate-shaped cells in a myxoid or chondroid background. Often they can be misdiagnosed as chondrosarcomas. Recommended treatment approach is surgically excision due to the high risk of malignancy. Although benign, local recurrence is common as presented from this case report.
Meropenem resistant Lactobacillus endocarditis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: DeMarco Elizabeth , DePetrillo John , Qadeer Farhan
Published: January 2023

Lactobacilli are gram-positive bacteria usually found in the normal flora and are commonly used as probiotic treatments for vaginal candidiasis. Lactobacilli are normally considered non-pathogenic; however, certain risk factors can make a patient susceptible to severe infections. This case describes an immunocompetent 61-year-old female with an automated intracardiac defibrillator who presented with a 10-day history of nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, diagnostic tests, including a transesophageal echocardiography, revealed a large vegetation, and blood cultures were consistently positive for Lactobacillus. The patient was treated with intravenous penicillin and gentamicin, along with removal of the automated intracardiac defibrillator. In patients with significant underlying conditions, physicians should consider Lactobacillus as a causative organism to avoid delays in treatment.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV2 Infections in Health Care Personnel in a Long-Term Care Institution After the First Wave of the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bautista Balbás Luis Alfredo , Sandino Gómez Rosa , Gil Conesa Mario , Velasco Guijarro Olga , Rodríguez Caravaca Gil , Jou Rivera Fernando , Navasquillo Lorda María Ángeles , Martín Carmena Enrique
Published: January 2023

Background:

At the time of our study, occupational health evidence specific for long-term care employees was mostly lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of positive cases in employees after the first COVID-19 wave in May 2020. We also determined the prevalence of asymptomatic cases.

Method:

The study population included all health care workers (HCW) employed at one mid-size long-term hospital in Spain (May 2020). A cross-sectional study design included an interviewer-administered self-reported questionnaire (including sociodemographic questions, risk factors for COVID-19 complications such as hypertension or diabetes, and previous polymerase chain reaction [PCR] results) and antibody determination (Biozek rapid test). Data were analyzed using Student’s t, Fisher, and chi-square tests. Two multivariate logistic models were created to evaluate exposure factors and symptoms separately on the outcome of having had COVID-19.

Findings:

Of the 97% of workers who participated (580/596), 300 (51.7%) suffered symptoms of COVID-19, 161 (27.8%) of the rapid antibody tests were positive for IgM and/or IgG, 160 (27.6%) workers had at least one risk factor, and 32 (19.0%) of the 168 SARS-CoV-2-positive cases were asymptomatic. The proportion of negative or unavailable PCRs, with positive antibody, was 11.7% (56/477). Casual contact without protection (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–3.4), doctor occupation (OR 3.3, 95% CI: 1.1–10.2), and nursing assistant occupation (OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.8) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion:

Physicians and nursing assistants in a long-term care setting were at a higher risk of SARS-COV-2 infection over other occupations in the first wave of the pandemic, especially when in contact with patients without protection. Almost one-fifth of the workers with a positive PCR test for SARS-COV-2 were asymptomatic and seroprevalence (27.8%) was well below the approximated herd immunity cutoff (60–70%). Essential workers in long-term care must be monitored frequently by Employee Health Service and should be required to wear personal protective equipment including a fit-tested N-95 while in close contact with patients and coworkers.
Exploring University and Healthcare Workers’ Physical Activity, Diet, and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gilbert Amanda , Eyler Amy , Cesarone Gabriella , Harris Jenine , Hayibor Lisa , Evanoff Bradley
Published: January 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic affected well-being and health behaviors, especially among healthcare workers and employees in other fields. This is of public health concern because health behaviors and well-being influence long-term negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore health behaviors and well-being among university and medical center staff during COVID-19.

Methods:

EMPOWER (Employee Well-being during Epidemic Response) was a three-wave observational study (wave 1: 1,994; wave 2: 1,426; wave 3: 1,363) measuring health behaviors and well-being of university and medical center staff. Surveys were disseminated online to all employees between April and September 2020. Descriptive statistics explored trends across waves for health behaviors (physical activity [PA], diet), and well-being (mental well-being [MWB], depression, anxiety, and stress). Logistic regressions explored associations between health behaviors and well-being factors adjusting for demographics and clinical role. Interactions explored moderation by clinical role.

Results:

Most participants reported same/healthier changes in PA (54–65%) and diet (57–73%) and decreased MWB across waves (62%–69%). Nonclinical workers were less likely than clinical workers to experience worse MWB and moderate/severe anxiety and stress (odds ratios [ORs] ranged from 0.38 to 0.58 across waves and well-being outcomes). Participants who maintained/increased PA and diet were less likely to experience worse well-being (ORs ranged from 0.44 to 0.69 across waves and well-being outcomes). Interactions by clinical role were not significant.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

Maintaining/increasing health behaviors during COVID-19 may be protective of mental health/well-being in some healthcare workers. These findings support health promotion efforts focused on maintaining or improving diet and PA.
Vomiting and Abdominal Pain in a 5-Year-Old Male
Authors: Williamson Jonathan K. , Passarello Sarah , Kwong Ryan C.
Published: January 2023

This case describes small bowel obstruction secondary to a Meckel’s Diverticulum in a 5-year-old male patient with a chief complain of abdominal pain and vomiting. We review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Meckel’s Diverticulum. This case report highlights the importance of considering a broad differential diagnosis during a clinical workup.
Short-term Results of Hemiarthroplasty of the Ankle Joint for Talar-Sided Cartilage Loss
Authors: Pellegrini Manuel J. , Mombello Franco , Cortes Aaron , Chaparro Felipe , Ortiz Cristian , Carcuro Giovanni
Published: January 2023

Background:

Ankle hemiarthroplasty is a 1-piece implant system replacing the talar side of the tibiotalar joint. Hemiarthroplasty offers limited bone resection and may provide easier revision options than joint-ablating procedures.

Methods:

Prospective, multicenter, noncomparative, nonrandomized clinical study with short term follow-up on patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the ankle. Radiologic and functional outcomes (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score FAOS, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM], Short Form–36 Health Survey [SF-36], Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment [SMFA], and visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores) were obtained at 3 and 12 months and the last follow-up (mean 31.9 months).

Results:

Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. Three were converted to total ankle replacement at 14, 16, and 18 months. Pain VAS scores improved on average from 6.8 to 4.8 ( P = .044) of the remaining 7 at a mean of 31.9 months’ follow-up. For these 7 in the Survival Group, we found that SF-36 physical health component improved from 25.03 to 42.25 ( P = .030), SMFA dysfunction and bother indexes improved from 46.36 to 32.28 ( P = .001), and from 55.21 to 30.14 ( P = .002) in the Survival Group, and FAAM sports improved from 12.5 to 34.5 ( P = .023).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty of the ankle joint for talar-sided lesions had a 30% failure rate by 18 months. Those who did not have an early failure exhibited modest pain reduction, functional improvements, and better quality of life in short-term follow-up. This procedure offers a possible alternative for isolated talar ankle cartilage cases.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, prospective case series.
Cogs of inequity: How structural inequities impeded school efforts to support students and families at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Supovitz Jonathan A , Hemphill Annie A , Manghani Om , Watson Chanteliese
Published: January 2023

Equality of opportunity is the aspiration of a just society, but the reality is that inequities remain entrenched in many aspects of America today. Structural inequities are deeply rooted conditions that are codified into the organization of social systems and produce disadvantages to some groups based on their intrinsic qualities or capabilities (Noguera & Alicia, 2020). The experience of schools in their transition to online learning in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic in the spring of 2020 illuminated many of the structural inequities that plague the education system. In this paper, we use the literature on structural inequities to identify and analyze seven inequities that schools faced during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exercise based reduction of falls in communitydwelling older adults: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Wiedenmann Tim , Held Steffen , Rappelt Ludwig , Grauduszus Martin , Spickermann Sofie , Donath Lars
Published: January 2023

Background

Traditional meta-analyses with pairwise direct comparison revealed that a variety of exercise-based training interventions can prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults. This network meta-analysis adds value by comparing and ranking different exercise training strategies based on their effects on fall risk reductions determined by analysis of direct and indirect comparisons.

Methods

The studies included in this network meta-analysis were identified through a comprehensive search in five biomedical databases (PubMed, SportDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science and EMBASE). We included (randomized) controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the occurance of fall events in older adults who received different interventional treatments.

Results

Seventy six comparisons from 66 RCTs with 47.420 (61% male / 39% female) participants aged 77 ± 4 (68 – 88) years were included in this network meta-analysis. The network model revealed low heterogeneity (I2 = 28.0, 95%CI 1.0 to 47.7%) and inconsistency (Q between designs = 15.1, p = 0.37). Postural control training was found to be most effective in preventing falls (Postural Control Training: (home): Risk Ratio (RR) = 0.66, 95%-CI [0.49; 0.88], P-score = 0.97;Postural Control Training: RR = 0.82, 95%-CI [0.75; 0.91], P-score = 0.82). Combined and multifactorial interventions also display a robust but smaller effect (RR = 0.88–0.93, P-score = 0.65–0.47).

Conclusion

Physical activity that includes balance training presents itself to be the most effective. Multifactorial approaches are well investigated but could be slightly less effective than isolated postural control training.
GM-lncLoc: LncRNAs subcellular localization prediction based on graph neural network with meta-learning
Authors: Cai Junzhe , Wang Ting , Deng Xi , Tang Lin , Liu Lin
Published: January 2023

In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that the subcellular localization of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can bring crucial information to the recognition of lncRNAs function. Therefore, it is of great significance to establish a computational method to accurately predict the subcellular localization of lncRNA. Previous prediction models are based on low-level sequences information and are troubled by the few samples problem. In this study, we propose a new prediction model, GM-lncLoc, which is based on the initial information extracted from the lncRNA sequence, and also combines the graph structure information to extract high level features of lncRNA. In addition, the training mode of meta-learning is introduced to obtain meta-parameters by training a series of tasks. With the meta-parameters, the final parameters of other similar tasks can be learned quickly, so as to solve the problem of few samples in lncRNA subcellular localization. Compared with the previous methods, GM-lncLoc achieved the best results with an accuracy of 93.4 and 94.2% in the benchmark datasets of 5 and 4 subcellular compartments, respectively. Furthermore, the prediction performance of GM-lncLoc was also better on the independent dataset. It shows the effectiveness and great potential of our proposed method for lncRNA subcellular localization prediction. The datasets and source code are freely available athttps://github.com/JunzheCai/GM-lncLoc.