bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-creation of health-enabling initiatives in food retail: academic perspectives
Authors: Vargas Carmen , Brimblecombe Julie , Allender Steven , Whelan Jillian
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Co-creation of healthy food retail comprises the systematic collaboration between retailers, academics and other stakeholders to improve the healthiness of food retail environments. Research into the co-creation of healthy food retail is in its early stages. Knowledge of the roles and motivations of stakeholders in intervention design, implementation and evaluation can inform successful co-creation initiatives. This study presents academic experiences of stakeholder roles and motivations in the co-creation of healthy food retail environments.

Methods

Purposive sampling of academics with research experience in the co-creation of healthy food retail initiatives. Semi-structured interviews conducted between October and December 2021 gathered participants’ experiences of multi-stakeholder collaborative research. Thematic analysis identified enablers, barriers, motivations, lessons and considerations for future co-creation of healthy food retail.

Results

Nine interviewees provided diverse views and applications of co-creation research in food retail environments. Ten themes were grouped into three overarching areas: (i) identification of stakeholders required for changes to healthier food retail; (ii) motivations and interactions, which included the intrinsic desire to build healthier communities along with recognition of their work; and (iii) barriers and enablers included adequate resourcing, effective and trusting working relationships and open communications.

Conclusion

This study provides insights that could help future co-creation in healthy food retail environments. Trusting and respectful relationships and reciprocal acknowledgement between stakeholders are key practices in the co-creation process. These constructs should be considered in developing and testing a model that helps to systematically co-create healthy food retail initiatives that ensure all parties meet their needs while also delivering research outcomes.
Feasibility evaluation of the induced membrane technique with structural autologous strip bone graft management of phalangeal and metacarpal segmental defects using radiography
Authors: Fang Jie , Shi Rongjian , Qi Weiya , Zheng Dawei , Zhu Hui
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and evaluate the clinical outcomes of treatment for phalangeal and metacarpal segmental defects with the induced membrane technique and autologous structural bone grafting.

Methods

Sixteen patients who sustained phalangeal or metacarpal bone segmental defects were treated by the induced membrane technique and autologous structural bone grafting from June 2020 to June 2021 at our center.

Results

The average follow-up was 24 weeks (range, 12–40 weeks). Radiography demonstrated union of all bone grafts after an average of 8.6 weeks (range, 8–12 weeks). All incisions at donor and recipient sites demonstrated primary heal without infection complications. The mean visual analog scale score of the donor site was 1.8 (range, 0–5), with a good score in 13 cases and a fair score in 3. The mean total active motion of the fingers was 179.9°.

Conclusions

The feasibility of the induced membrane technique and structural treatment with a cylindrical bone graft for segmental bone defects of the metacarpal or phalanx is demonstrated by follow-up radiography results. The bone graft provided much more stability and structural support in the bone defects, and the bone healing time and bone union rate were ideal.
Effects of tracer position on screw placement technique in robot-assisted posterior spine surgery: a case–control study
Authors: Yi Meng , Song Jipeng , Zhang Yao , Lin Wancheng , Yao Mingtao , Fan Yuyu , Ding Lixiang
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Robot-assisted spine surgery is increasingly used in clinical work, and the installation of tracers as a key step in robotic surgery has rarely been studied.

Objective

To explore the potential effects of tracers on surgical outcomes in robot-assisted posterior spine surgery.

Methods

We reviewed all patients who underwent robotic-assisted posterior spine surgery at Beijing Shijitan Hospital over a 2-year period from September 2020 to September 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the location of the tracer (iliac spine or vertebral spinous process) during robotic surgery and a case–control study was conducted to determine the potential impact of tracer location on the surgical procedure. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.25 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois).

Results

A total of 525 pedicle screws placed in 92 robot-assisted surgeries were analyzed. The rate of perfect screw positioning was 94.9% in all patients who underwent robot-assisted spine surgery (498/525). After grouping studies based on the location of tracers, we found there was no significant difference in age, sex, height and body weight between the two groups. The screw accuracy (p < 0.01)was significantly higher in the spinous process group compared to the iliac group (97.5% versus 92.6%), but the operation time (p = 0.09) was longer in comparison.

Conclusion

Placing the tracer on the spinous process as opposed to the iliac spine may result in longer procedure duration or increased bleeding, but enhanced satisfaction of screw placement.
Angulation error assessment for the trajectory in the anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic views during percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy
Authors: Huang Xin , Hou Xiangyu , Li Shuiqing , Zhu Bin , Li Yan , Liu Kaixi , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: May 2023

Background

Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral fluoroscopies are often used to evaluate the intraoperative location and angulation of the trajectory in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD). Although the location of the trajectory shown in fluoroscopy is absolutely accurate, the angulation is not always reliable. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the angle shown in the AP and lateral fluoroscopic views.

Methods

A technical study was performed to assess the angulation errors of PETLD trajectories shown in AP and lateral fluoroscopic views. After reconstructing a lumbar CT image, a virtual trajectory was placed into the intervertebral foramen with gradient-changing coronal angulations of the cephalad angle plane (CACAP). For each angulation, virtual AP and lateral fluoroscopies were taken, and the cephalad angles (CA) of the trajectory shown in the AP and lateral fluoroscopic views, which indicated the coronal CA and the sagittal CA, respectively, were measured. The angular relationships among the real CA, CACAP, coronal CA, and sagittal CA were further demonstrated with formulae.

Results

In PETLD, the coronal CA is approximately equal to the real CA, with a small angle difference and percentage error, whereas the sagittal CA shows a rather large angle difference and percentage error.

Conclusion

The AP view is more reliable than the lateral view in determining the CA of the PETLD trajectory.
Detecting representative characteristics of different genders using intraoral photographs: a deep learning model with interpretation of gradient-weighted class activation mapping
Authors: Zhou Yimei , Jiang Fulin , Cheng Fangyuan , Li Juan
Published: May 2023

Background

Sexual dimorphism is obvious not only in the overall architecture of human body, but also in intraoral details. Many studies have found a correlation between gender and morphometric features of teeth, such as mesio-distal diameter, buccal-lingual diameter and height. However, it’s still difficult to detect gender through the observation of intraoral photographs, with accuracy around 50%. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of automatically telling gender from intraoral photographs by deep neural network, and to provide a novel angle for individual oral treatment.

Methods

A deep learning model based on R-net was proposed, using the largest dataset (10,000 intraoral images) to support the automatic detection of gender. In order to reverse analyze the classification basis of neural network, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was used in the second step, exploring anatomical factors associated with gender recognizability. The simulated modification of images based on features suggested was then conducted to verify the importance of characteristics between two genders. Precision (specificity), recall (sensitivity) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the performance of our network. Chi-square test was used to evaluate intergroup difference. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The deep learning model showed a strong ability to learn features from intraoral images compared with human experts, with an accuracy of 86.5% and 82.5% in uncropped image data group and cropped image data group respectively. Compared with hard tissue exposed in the mouth, gender difference in areas covered by soft tissue was easier to identify, and more significant in mandibular region than in maxillary region. For photographs with simulated removal of lips and basal bone along with overlapping gingiva, mandibular anterior teeth had similar importance for sex determination as maxillary anterior teeth.

Conclusions

Deep learning method could detect gender from intraoral photographs with high efficiency and accuracy. With assistance of Grad-CAM, the classification basis of neural network was deciphered, which provided a more precise entry point for individualization of prosthodontic, periodontal and orthodontic treatments.
Relationship between dental anxiety levels and oral health among dental patients in Turkey: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Saba Zafer , Katirci Gunseli
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to determine the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health in adult patients who applied to the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry at Suleyman Demirel University.

Methods

The study included 500 subjects. The dental anxiety levels of the patients were determined using a modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS). Information on sociodemographic details, oral hygiene and nutritional habits were recorded. Intraoral examinations of the subjects were performed. Caries prevalence of individuals was determined using the decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing, or filled surfaces (DMFS) indices. Gingival health was evaluated using the gingival index (GI). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square tests and Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

The ages of the 276 female and 224 male participants ranged from 18–84 years. The median MDAS value was 9.00. The median DMFT and DMFS values were 10.00 and 23.00, respectively. The median MDAS values ​​of women were higher than those of men. Individuals who postponed their appointment had a higher MDAS median value than those who did not (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between dental anxiety level (MDAS) and GI, DMFT and DMFS index scores (Spearman correlation analysis, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The MDAS values of individuals who did not remember the reason for their dental visit were higher than those who visited the dentist for routine control. Based on the findings of this study, further research on the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health is necessary to determine the factors that pose a risk for dental anxiety and to ensure the regular benefits of dental services.
Awareness and perceptions of Filipino obstetrician-gynecologists on fertility preservation: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: de Guzman Glaiza S. , Manalo Eileen M. , Banal-Silao Maria Jesusa B.
Published: May 2023

Background

The demand for fertility preservation has increased substantially over the past decade as more women wish to delay childbearing and with improved survival outcomes of various medical conditions. This study evaluated the awareness and perceptions of Filipino obstetrician-gynecologists on fertility preservation.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among diplomates and fellows of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society from September to December 2021. A self-administered questionnaire with 24 items was distributed online. Univariate descriptive statistics were reported as means for continuous variables and frequencies with percentage for categorical variables. Differences in responses were tested using the chi-square test.

Results

A total of 215 respondents completed the survey. Majority of the respondents were female, general obstetrician-gynecologists practicing in the National Capital Region. There was an overall positive perception of fertility preservation, with 98.60% agreeing that discussions about childbearing intentions should be initiated. Most participants (98.60%) were aware of fertility preservation but had varying levels of awareness of the different techniques. Fifty-nine percent of the respondents were unaware of regulations on fertility preservation. Setting up dedicated centers for fertility preservation and offering it as a public service were viewed as necessary by the respondents.

Conclusions

This study underscored the need to increase awareness of fertility preservation techniques among Filipino obstetrician-gynecologists. Meeting the need for comprehensive guidelines and centers is essential to promote fertility preservation in the country. Efficient referral systems and multidisciplinary approaches should be established for holistic care.
Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) questionnaire tested on infertile couples in Jordan
Authors: Al Obeisat Salwa , Hayajneh Audai , Hweidi Issa , Abujilban Sanaa , Mrayan Lina , Alfar Rana , Nashwan Abdulqadir , Hweidi Lama I.
Published: May 2023

Background

The Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) questionnaire assesses the quality of life of people with fertility problems. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the FertiQoL in infertile couples in Jordan.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design among 212 participants with infertility problems. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to investigate the underlying structure of the novel Arabic version of the FertiQoL tool.

Results

The Cronbach’s alpha values for the FertiQoL core domain, the FertiQoL treatment domain, and the total FertiQoL scale were 0.93, 0.74, and 0.92, respectively. The EFA indicated a two-domain model, with the first factor having 24 items and measuring "Core QoL". The second factor has 10 items and measures "Treatment QoL" in the context of infertility. The EFA and the CFA supported a two-factor model whereby the two factors explained 48% of the shared covariance between the analyzed quality of life indicators. The indices of goodness-of-fit of the model showed acceptable fit as follows: the chi-squared test (χ2) = 7.943, the comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.999, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.001, and the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.989.

Conclusion

The study's findings demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the FertiQoL for assessing the quality of life of infertile couples or those in Jordan with no pregnancy or childlessness.
Factors influencing the complex problem-solving skills in reflective learning: results from partial least square structural equation modeling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Xu Ze-Ling , Lou Jia-Yao , Chen Ke-Da
Published: May 2023

Background

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development emphasizes the importance of complex problem-solving (CPS) skills in the 21st century. CPS skills have been linked to academic performance, career development, and job competency training. Reflective learning, which includes journal writing, peer reflection, selfreflection, and group discussion, has been explored to improve critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The development of various thinking modes and abilities, such as algorithmic thinking, creativity, and empathic concern, all affect problem-solving skills. However, there is a lack of an overall theory to relate variables to each other, which means that different theories need to be integrated to focus on how CPS skills can be effectively trained and improved.

Methods

Data from 136 medical students were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLSSEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). A hypothesized model examining the associations between the CPS skills and influence factors was constructed.

Results

The evaluation of the structural model showed that some variables had significant influences on CPS skills, while others did not. After deleting the insignificant pathways, a structural model was built, which showed that mediating effects of empathic concern and critical thinking were observed, while personal distress only had a direct effect on CPS skills. The results of necessity showed that only cooperativity and creativity are necessary conditions for critical thinking. The fsQCA analysis provided clues for each different pathway to the result, with all consistency values being higher than 0.8, and most coverage values being between 0.240 and 0.839. The fsQCA confirmed the validity of the model and provided configurations that enhanced the CPS skills.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that reflective learning based on multi-dimensional empathy theory and 21 stcentury skills theory can improve CPS skills in medical students. These results have practical implications for learning and suggest that educators should consider incorporating reflective learning strategies that focus on empathy and 21 stcentury skills to enhance CPS skills in their curricula.
What do patients think about the Hungarian health care system and medical students’ learning outcomes? A cross-sectional study on the patients’ perspective in Hungary
Authors: Varga Zsuzsanna , Pótó Zsuzsanna , Csathó Árpád , Füzesi Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2023

Background

The doctor-patient relationship has changed a lot in the 21st century and the varying expectations of the patients play an important role in future professional medical care. The knowledge of patients’ needs is crucial in determining the learning outcomes in medical education. The objective of this study was to examine the expectations of the patients regarding professional and soft skills (e.g. communicational skills, empathy) of doctors and to get a deeper view.

Methods

Face-to face data collection through self-reported questionnaire in accredited health care institutions (GPs, hospitals, outpatient care) in Hungary was carried out in 2019. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, k-means cluster and gap matrices were performed to analyze the data.

Results

In total 1115 patients (male-female: 50–50%, age groups: between 18 and 30: 20%, between 31 and 60: 40% above 60: 40%) participated in the survey. They rated sixteen learning outcomes along with two dimensions: importance and satisfaction. Except for one learning outcome, patients rated the outcomes more important than they were satisfied with them (negative gap). Positive gap was registered only in the case of respecting individual specialty during patient care.

Conclusions

The results suggest the importance of learning outcomes in relation to the rate of satisfaction from the patients’ perspectives. In addition, the results support that patients’ need are not met in medical care. Patients’ ratings also make an emphasis on the fact that besides professional knowledge other learning outcomes are also important in health care which should have been emphasized as a basis in medical education.
Socioeconomic inequities in specialized health services use following COVID-19 in individuals from Southern Brazil
Authors: Vieira Yohana Pereira , Rocha Juliana Quadros Santos , Dutra Rinelly Pazinato , Nunes Lorrany da Silva , Duro Suele Manjourany Silva , Saes Mirelle de Oliveira
Published: May 2023

Background

Evidence on inequalities in the health services use is important for public policy formulation, even more so in a pandemic context. The aim of this study was to evaluate socioeconomic inequities in the specialized health use services according to health insurance and income, following COVID-19 in individuals residing in Southern Brazil.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional telephone survey with individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with symptomatic COVID-19 using the RT-PCR test between December 2020 and March 2021. Questions were asked about attendance at a health care facility following COVID-19, the facilities used, health insurance and income. Inequalities were assessed by the following measures: Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index (CIX). Adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment using the Stata 16.1 statistical package.

Results

2,919 people (76.4% of those eligible) were interviewed. Of these, 24.7% (95%CI 23.2; 36.3) used at least one specialized health service and 20.3% (95%CI 18.9; 21.8) had at least one consultation with specialist doctors after diagnosis of COVID-19. Individuals with health insurance were more likely to use specialized services. The probability of using specialized services was up to three times higher among the richest compared to the poorest.

Conclusions

There are socioeconomic inequalities in the specialized services use by individuals following COVID-19 in the far south of Brazil. It is necessary to reduce the difficulty in accessing and using specialized services and to extrapolate the logic that purchasing power transposes health needs. The strengthening of the public health system is essential to guarantee the population’s right to health.
Comparing reproductive intentions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Amiri-Farahani Leila , Haghani Shima , Pezaro Sally , Behmanesh Fereshteh
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Reproductive behaviors and intentions are affected by several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing the intention to reproduce and its causes in Iran during the period prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This descriptive-comparative study included 425 cisgender women from 6 urban health centers and 10 rural centers in Babol city, Mazandaran province, Iran. Urban and rural health centers were selected using a multi-stage approach with proportional allocation. A questionnaire was used to collect data in relation to individual characteristics and reproductive intentions.

Results

Most participants aged between 20 and 29 years had a diploma level of education, were housewives and lived in the city. The intention to reproduce decreased from 11.4% before the pandemic to 5.4% during the pandemic (p = 0.006). The most common reason for wanting to have children prior to the pandemic was not having children (54.2%). During the pandemic, a desire to reach the ideal number of children was the most common reason to want to have children (59.1%), though no statistically significant difference was observed between the two periods (p = 0.303). The most common reason for not wanting to have children in both periods was having enough children already (45.2% before and 40.9% during the pandemic). The reasons for not wanting to have children had a statistically significant difference between the two periods (p < 0.001). Reproductive intentions had a statistically significant relationship with the variables of age (p < 0.001), the education level of both participants (p < 0.001) and spouses (p = 0.006), occupation (p = 0.004), and socio-economic status (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite restrictions and lockdowns, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on people’s desire to reproduce in this context. Economic problems caused by the sanctions which increased during the COVID-19 crisis may be one of the reasons for a reduction in people’s intentions to become parents. Future research could usefully investigate whether this decrease in the desire to reproduce will lead to significant changes in population level and future birth rates.
Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 associated vasculopathic diseases
Authors: Greistorfer Thiemo , Jud Philipp
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has shown to be an infectious disease affecting not only of the respiratory system, but also cardiovascular system leading to different COVID-19-associated vasculopathies. Venous and arterial thromboembolic events have been frequently described among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and inflammatory vasculopathic changes have also been observed. Several of the reported COVID-19 associated vasculopathies exhibit differences on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcome compared to non-COVID-19 types. This review focuses on the epidemiology, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics as well as outcome data of COVID-19 associated thromboembolic events and inflammatory vasculopathies, elaborating similarities and differences with non-COVID-19 cohorts.
System identification: a feasible, reliable and valid way to quantify upper limb motor impairments
Authors: van de Ruit Mark , van der Velden Levinia L. , Onneweer Bram , Benner Joyce L. , Haarman Claudia J. W. , Ribbers Gerard M. , Selles Ruud W.
Published: May 2023

Background

Upper limb impairments in a hemiparetic arm are clinically quantified by well-established clinical scales, known to suffer poor validity, reliability, and sensitivity. Alternatively, robotics can assess motor impairments by characterizing joint dynamics through system identification. In this study, we establish the merits of quantifying abnormal synergy, spasticity, and changes in joint viscoelasticity using system identification, evaluating (1) feasibility and quality of parametric estimates, (2) test–retest reliability, (3) differences between healthy controls and patients with upper limb impairments, and (4) construct validity.

Methods

Forty-five healthy controls, twenty-nine stroke patients, and twenty cerebral palsy patients participated. Participants were seated with the affected arm immobilized in the Shoulder-Elbow-Perturbator (SEP). The SEP is a one-degree-of-freedom perturbator that enables applying torque perturbations to the elbow while providing varying amounts of weight support to the human arm. Participants performed either a ‘do not intervene’ or a resist task. Elbow joint admittance was quantified and used to extract elbow viscosity and stiffness. Fifty-four of the participants performed two sessions to establish the test–retest reliability of the parameters. Construct validity was assessed by correlating system identification parameters to parameters extracted using a SEP protocol that objectifies current clinical scales (Re-Arm protocol).

Results

Feasibility was confirmed by all participants successfully completing the study protocol within ~ 25 min without reporting pain or burden. The parametric estimates were good with a variance-accounted-for of ~ 80%. A fair to excellent test–retest reliability was found ($$ICC = 0.46-0.98$$

I
C
C
=
0.46
-
0.98

) for patients, except for elbow stiffness with full weight support ($$ICC = 0.35$$

I
C
C
=
0.35

). Compared to healthy controls, patients had a higher elbow viscosity and stiffness during the ‘do not intervene’ task and lower viscosity and stiffness during the resist task. Construct validity was confirmed by a significant (all $$p<0.03$$

p
<
0.03

) but weak to moderate ($$r = 0.36-0.50$$

r
=
0.36
-
0.50

) correlation with parameters from the Re-Arm protocol.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that system identification is feasible and reliable for quantifying upper limb motor impairments. Validity was confirmed by differences between patients and controls and correlations with other measurements, but further work is required to optimize the experimental protocol and establish clinical value.
Intra-hippocampal cis-P tau microinjection induces long-term changes in behavior and synaptic plasticity in mice
Authors: Fatemeh Bakhtiarzadeh , Koorosh Shahpasand , Amir Shojaei , Yaghoub Fathollahi , Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh
Published: May 2023

Background

Alzheimer's disease is accompanied by an abnormal high accumulation of cis-P tau. However, the long-term changes in behavior following tau accumulation remains under debate. The present study investigated the long-term effects of tauopathy on learning and memory, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampal cell numbers.

Results

Cis-P tau was microinjected into the dorsal hippocampus to generate Alzheimer’s like-disease model in C57BL/6 mice. Cis-P tau injected animals showed a significant impairment in learning and memory in Y-maze and Barnes maze tests. In another group of animals, the generation of long-term potentiation (LTP) was evaluated in hippocampal slices 7 months after cis-P tau injection. LTP induction was disrupted only in the dorsal but not ventral hippocampal slices. The basal synaptic transmission was also reduced in dorsal hippocampal slices. In addition, hippocampal sampling was done, and the number of cells was assessed by Nissl staining. Obtained results indicated that the number of survived cells was significantly reduced in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus of cis P-tau injected animals compared to the animals in control group. However, the decrement of cell number was higher in the dorsal compared to the ventral hippocampus.

Conclusions

In conclusion, intra-hippocampal cis-P tau injection produced learning and memory impairment at 7 months after its injection. This impairment might result from LTP disruption and a significant decrease in the number of neurons in the dorsal hippocampus.

Graphical Abstract
Complication, fusion, and revision rate in the lumbar cortical bone trajectory and pedicle screw fixation techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yixi , Kahaer Alafate , Maimaiti Abulikemu , Guo Hailong , Rexiti Paerhati
Published: May 2023

Background

To obtain the complication rate, fusion rate, and revision rate of the lumbar cortical bone trajectory technique and pedicle screw fixation technique in lumbar interbody fusion surgery by single-arm meta-analysis and lay a basis for orthopedic surgeons to select the fixation techniques and perioperative management.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched comprehensively. Data extraction, content analysis, and quality assessment of the literature were performed by two independent reviewers according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines using R and STATA software for single-arm meta-analysis.

Results

The total complication rate of the lumbar cortical bone trajectory technique was 6%, including a hardware complication rate of 2%, ASD (adjacent segment degeneration) rate of 1%, wound infection rate of 1%, dural damage rate of 1%, hematoma rate tending to 0%, fusion rate of 94%, and revision rate of 1%. Lumbar pedicle screw fixation techniques had a total complication rate of 9%, with a hardware complication rate of 2%, ASD rate of 3%, wound infection rate of 2%, dural damage rate of 1%, hematoma rate tending to 0%, fusion rate of 94%, and revision rate of 5%. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022354550.

Conclusion

Lumbar cortical bone trajectory was associated with a lower total complication rate, ASD rate, wound infection rate, and revision rate than pedicle screw fixation. The cortical bone trajectory technique reduces the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and can be an alternative in lumbar interbody fusion surgery.
The effects of cold compress and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the pain associated with chest tube removal among patients with coronary bypass grafting
Authors: Hatefi Fatemeh , Kazemi Majid , Manglian Parvin , Shahi Moridi Dadullah , Heydari Shahin , Hasani Hadi
Published: May 2023

Background and aim

Chest tube removal (CTR) can cause severe acute pain which is usually described by patients as a painful experience. This study compared the effects of cold compress, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and combined cold compress-TENS on CTR-associated pain among patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2018–2019 using a double-blind four-group design. Participants were 120 patients with CABG selected from Shafa hospital, Kerman, Iran, and randomly allocated to a cold compress, a TENS, a combined cold compress-TENS, and a placebo group (compress with room temperature) and TENS with an off TENS device. Each participant received the intervention for 15 min immediately before CTR. CTR-associated pain was assessed before, during, immediately after, and 15 min after CTR. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program (v. 22.0) at a significance level of less than 0.05.

Results

The data of 29 participants in the placebo group, 26 in the TENS group, 30 in the cold compress group, and 26 in the combined cold compress-TENS group was gathered. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics and pain intensity scores of participants had no statistically significant differences among all four groups (P > 0.05). The mean score of pain intensity in all groups was at its highest level during CTR and gradually decreased afterwards, but this pain intensity reduction in the compress-TENS group was significantly greater than other groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Combined cold compress-TENS is more effective than separate cold compress and TENS in reducing CTR-associated pain among patients with CABG. Therefore, non-pharmacological methods such as combined cold compress-TENS are recommended for managing CTR-associated pain.
Role of breath-hold lung PET in stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cheng Zhaoping , Chen Li , Wang Ximing , Wang Ying , Zhao Minjie , Zan Keyu , Liu Wen , Cui Xiao , Chai Leiying , Ge Min , Li Kun , Duan Yanhua
Published: May 2023

Background

Respiratory motion during PET acquisition may result in image blurring and resolution loss, reduced measurement of radiotracer uptake, and consequently, inaccurate lesion quantification and description. With the introduction of the total-body PET system, short-time PET acquisition is feasible due to its high sensitivity and spatial resolution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the additional value of 20-s breath-hold (BH) lung PET in patients with stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Forty-seven patients with confirmed stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a 300-s FB whole-body PET, followed by a BH lung PET. The SUVmax, TBR of the lesions and the percentage difference in nodule SUVmax (%ΔSUVmax) and TBR (%ΔTBR) between the two acquisitions was also calculated. The lesions were further divided by distance from pleura for subgroup analysis. The lesion detectability on PET images was the percentage of FDG-positive lesions.

Results

Among 47 patients, the BH lung PET images identified all lung nodules, and there was a significant difference in overall nodule SUVmax and TBR between BH PET and FB PET (both p < 0.01). The %ΔSUVmax and %ΔTBR were significantly higher in nodules adjacent to pleura (≤ 10 mm in distance) than those away from pleura (both p < 0.05). The lesion detectability of BH lung PET was significantly higher than that of FB PET (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

BH PET acquisition is a practical way to minimize motion artifacts in PET which has the potential to improve lesion detection for stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Critical relevance statement

BH PET acquisition is a practical way to minimize motion artifacts in PET which has the potential to improve lesion detection for stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Graphical Abstract
Cell therapy in end-stage liver disease: replace and remodel
Authors: Hu Xin-Hao , Chen Lan , Wu Hao , Tang Yang-Bo , Zheng Qiu-Min , Wei Xu-Yong , Wei Qiang , Huang Qi , Chen Jian , Xu Xiao
Published: May 2023

Liver disease is prevalent worldwide. When it reaches the end stage, mortality rises to 50% or more. Although liver transplantation has emerged as the most efficient treatment for end-stage liver disease, its application has been limited by the scarcity of donor livers. The lack of acceptable donor organs implies that patients are at high risk while waiting for suitable livers. In this scenario, cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment approach. Most of the time, transplanted cells can replace host hepatocytes and remodel the hepatic microenvironment. For instance, hepatocytes derived from donor livers or stem cells colonize and proliferate in the liver, can replace host hepatocytes, and restore liver function. Other cellular therapy candidates, such as macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells, can remodel the hepatic microenvironment, thereby repairing the damaged liver. In recent years, cell therapy has transitioned from animal research to early human studies. In this review, we will discuss cell therapy in end-stage liver disease treatment, especially focusing on various cell types utilized for cell transplantation, and elucidate the processes involved. Furthermore, we will also summarize the practical obstacles of cell therapy and offer potential solutions.
Ionospheric disturbances over South America related to Tonga volcanic eruption
Authors: Takahashi H. , Figueiredo C. A. O. B. , Barros D. , Wrasse C. M. , Giongo G. A. , Honda R. H. , Vital L. F. R. , Resende L. C. A. , Nyassor P. K. , Ayorinde T. T. , Carmo C. S. , Padua M. B. , Otsuka Y.
Published: May 2023

On January 15, 2022, we observed various unusual atmospheric wave events over South America: Atmospheric pressure waves (Lamb mode) around 12:30 to 17:30 UT, tsunamis along the Chilean coast at around 17:00 to 19:00 UT, and ionospheric disturbances between 11:30 and 20:00 UT. We understand that these events were generated by the Tonga volcanic eruption that occurred at (20.55°S, 175.39°W) in South Pacific Ocean at 04:15 UT. Several traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), the horizontal wavelengths of 330 to 1174 km and the phase speed of 275–544 m/s were observed before and after the Lamb wave passed over the continent and the arrival of the tsunami on the Chile coast. The observed TID characteristics suggest us that these waves might be generated by the two atmospheric events, Lamb wave and gravity waves induced by the tsunamis. This is the first time to report the signature of ionospheric disturbances over the South American continent generated by the huge volcanic eruption.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence and characteristics of benign cartilaginous tumours of the knee joint as identified on MRI scans
Authors: Woltsche Johannes Nikolaus , Smolle Maria Anna , Szolar Dieter , Bergovec Marko , Leithner Andreas
Published: May 2023

Background

Enchondromas (EC) and atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACT) of the knee joint represent benign/intermediate chondromatous neoplasms of the bone that are most commonly discovered incidentally. Based on small to intermediate-sized cohorts, the prevalence of cartilaginous tumours of the knee as visible in MRI is estimated at 0.2–2.9%. This study aimed at verifying/challenging these numbers via retrospective examination of a larger, uniform patient cohort.

Methods

Between 01.01.2007 and 01.03.2020, 44,762 patients had received an MRI of the knee for any indication at a radiologic centre. Of these, 697 patients presented with MRI reports positive for cartilaginous lesions. In a three-step workflow, 46 patients were excluded by a trained co-author, a radiologist and an orthopaedic oncologist, as wrongly being diagnosed for a cartilage tumour.

Results

Of 44,762 patients, 651 presented with at least one EC/ACT indicating a prevalence of 1.45% for benign/intermediate cartilaginous tumours of the knee joint (EC: 1.4%; ACTs: 0.05%). As 21 patients showed 2 chondromatous lesions, altogether 672 tumours (650 ECs [96.7%] and 22 ACTs [3.3%]) could be analysed in terms of tumour characteristics: With a mean size of 1.6 ± 1.1 cm, most lesions were located in the distal femur (72.9%), in the metaphysis of the respective bone (58.9%) and centrally in the medullary canal (57.4%).

Conclusions

This study revealed an overall prevalence of 1.45% for cartilage lesions around the knee joint. Whilst a constant increase in prevalence was found for ECs over 13.2 years, prevalence remained constant for ACTs.
Unhealthy food consumption and its associated factors among infants and young children in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross sectional study
Authors: Jemere Deresegne Fentie , Alemayehu Mekonnen Sisay , Belew Aysheshim Kassahun
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Many low- and middle-income countries are now shifting toward diets that are higher in added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, and refined carbohydrates. Childhood obesity and chronic diseases have all been linked to unhealthy food consumption. Despite this, the majority of Ethiopian infants and children consume unhealthy food. There is also a scarcity of evidence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of unhealthy food consumption and its associated factors among children ages 6–23 months in Gondar City, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 30 to July 21, 2022, in Gondar city. Multistage sampling was used to select 811 mother-child pairs. Food consumption was measured through a 24-hour recall. Data were entered into EpI Data 3.1 before being exported to STATA 14 for further analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the factors associated with unhealthy food consumption. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength of the association, while a P-value of 0.05 was used to declare the significance of the association.

Results

The percentage of children with unhealthy food consumption was 63.7% (95% CI: 60.4%, 67.2%). Maternal education [AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.05, 3.69], living in an urban residence [AOR = 4.55, 95% CI = 3.61, 7.78], GMP service [AOR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.48, 3.18], age of the child 18–23 months [AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.34, 0.74], and family size of more than four [AOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.78] were significantly associated with unhealthy food consumption.

Conclusion

In Gondar City, nearly two thirds of infants and children received unhealthy food. Maternal education, urban residence, GMP service, child age, and family size were all significant predictors of unhealthy food consumption. Thus, improving the uptake of GMP services and family planning services is critical to reducing unhealthy food consumption.
Thromboelastography with platelet mapping to guide anesthetic management of emergency cesarean delivery in a patient with thrombasthenia: a case report
Authors: Akinaga Chieko , Kawashima Shingo , Suzuki Yuji , Matsumoto Masako , Nakajima Yoshiki
Published: May 2023

Background

Perinatal management of congenital platelet dysfunction represents a challenge. One of the major concerns is whether neuraxial anesthesia can be applicable for cesarean delivery. We present a patient with thrombasthenia who underwent emergency cesarean delivery.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old primipara was diagnosed with autosomal dominant thrombasthenia, which was not classified as any known type. A thorough examination revealed that adenosine diphosphate aggregation and collagen aggregation were suppressed. Platelet mapping of viscoelastic testing was used to observe the trajectory of platelet function during pregnancy, which was found to be normal to hypercoagulable until 38 weeks of gestation. On the basis of the results of testing and physiological status, we commenced spinal anesthesia and avoided prophylactic platelet transfusion.

Conclusion

The platelet mapping of viscoelastic testing was rapid and simple, allowing repeated examinations. We could choose the appropriate anesthesia method and determine the necessity of blood transfusion for a pregnant patient with thrombasthenia.
Shall we have another? Effects of daycare benefits on fertility, a case study in a region in Northeastern Italy
Authors: Dimai Matteo
Published: May 2023

Policy attempts in Italy to raise fertility place considerable importance on subsidizing daycare. The aim of this paper is to determine whether receiving a daycare subsidy for one child increases the probability of having a subsequent child in the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region in Italy. A novel approach is used combining administrative data on the means test certification (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente or ISEE) needed to access various benefits, matched with the actual subsidy requests. Propensity score matching is applied to the resulting longitudinal data set and the matched data are analyzed with an event history analysis model. Results suggest that besides a positive impact of daycare subsidies and family wealth, non-monetary factors have a larger effect, with female employment having a possible postponement effect on subsequent births.
Epidemiology of anxiety disorders: global burden and sociodemographic associations
Authors: Javaid Syed Fahad , Hashim Ibrahim Jawad , Hashim Muhammad Jawad , Stip Emmanuel , Samad Mohammed Abdul , Ahbabi Alia Al
Published: May 2023

Background

Anxiety disorders comprise some of the most common mental health conditions. This study examined the global and regional burden of anxiety disorders over the last three decades. The study was designed to help accurately target preventative and management efforts by highlighting trends and high-risk groups. Epidemiological data relating to anxiety disorders from the latest Global Burden of Disease dataset were analyzed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) rates from 1990 to 2019 for 204 countries and regions.

Results

An estimated 4.05% of the global population has an anxiety disorder, translating to 301 million people. The number of persons affected has increased by more than 55% from 1990 to 2019. Anxiety disorder metrics show a continuous increase in prevalence, incidence, and DALY rates. Portugal has the highest prevalence (8,671 cases per 100,000), followed by Brazil, Iran, and New Zealand. The prevalence is higher in high-income regions. Women are 1.66 times more likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men. Age-standardized rates have remained stable, indicating the possible stability of risk factors.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anxiety disorders has been rising over the last three decades. The prevalence of anxiety appears to increase with socioeconomic development, a higher dependent older population, and urbanization. Future research on this topic could include the development of more accurate cross-cultural metrics to assess anxiety and its correlates, as well as population-based studies to assess trends in anxiety over time.