bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Degarelix Administration on Bone Health in Prostate Cancer Patients Without Bone Metastases. The Blade Study
Authors: Palumbo Carlotta , Dalla Volta Alberto , Zamboni Stefania , Mazziotti Gherardo , Zamparini Manuel , Triggiani Luca , Borghetti Paolo , Maffezzoni Filippo , Bresciani Roberto , Rinaudo Luca , Valcamonico Francesca , Farina Davide , Magrini Stefano Maria , Antonelli Alessandro , Simeone Claudio , Berruti Alfredo
Published: August 2022

Context

As patients are now living with prostate cancer for longer, the long-term impact of hormonal treatment on bone health is an increasingly debated subject.

Objective

To characterize the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers after degarelix administration in prostate cancer patients without bone metastases. To explore the predictive role of body composition on treatment induced bone loss.

Methods

BMD and body composition (lean body mass, fat body mass, and appendicular mass index [ALMI]) were assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry on study entry and after 12 months of degarelix therapy. Alkaline phosphate (ALP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were assessed at baseline, and 6 and 12 months.

Results

Twenty-nine patients entered the study. Degarelix administration was associated with a significant decrease in BMD after 12 months (2.4% reduction from baseline at lumbar spine). Serum CTX and ALP increased significantly (median increase from baseline 99% and 19.3%, respectively). An inverse correlation was observed between ALMI and CTX, but not ALP, at both baseline (Pearson r = –0.62, P < .0001) and month 12 (Pearson r = –0.41, P = .032). Moreover, a significant inverse correlation between changes in ALMI and CTX at 12 months (Pearson r = –0.43, P = .019) and a direct relationship between changes of ALMI and ALP (Pearson r = 0.44, P = .016) during degarelix therapy were observed.

Conclusion

Degarelix administration is associated with a significant decrease in BMD and increase in bone turnover markers. ALMI is a promising predictor of bone loss in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy, and ALMI changes during therapy are associated with bone turnover derangement favoring bone quality alterations.
Factors Affecting Stiffness-Related Functional Disability After Long Segmental Fusion for Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Lee Chong-Suh , Kang Byeong-Jik , Raj Aditya , Shin Tae-Soo , Park Jin-Sung
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

In general, stiffness-related functional disability (SRFD) is expected to increase as longer fusion length, but there have been no studies on factors affecting SRFD besides fusion length.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the factors affecting SRFD after long segmental fusion in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD).

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the patients who underwent ≥4-segment fusion including sacrum for ASD. The severity of SRFD was evaluated using the Specific Functional Disability Index (SFDI) consisting of 12 items with 4 categories as follows: sitting on the floor, sanitation activity, lower body activity, and moving activity. Each category contains 3 items which was given a maximum of 4 points. The presumed factors affecting SFDI were analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of 148 patients were included in the study with their mean age of 67.3 years. The mean fusion length was 6.4 segments. The mean score of each SFDI category was highest in sitting on the floor (9.9), followed by lower body activities (7.6), sanitation activities (6.0), and moving activities (5.9). The total sum was 29.3 points. In multivariate analysis, total sum of SFDI was significantly higher in female sex, patients with higher American Society of Anesthesiology grade, and longer fusion length. However, the sagittal parameters did not show a significant correlation with SRFD, except pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis which correlated with only one category (lower body activities).

CONCLUSION:

This study showed that female sex, higher American Society of Anesthesiology grades, and longer fusion length influenced SRFD after long segmental fusion for ASD. Sagittal parameters related to the degree of deformity correction did not significantly affect SRFD.
Initial Experience With the NICO Myriad Device for Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Evacuation of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Song Rui , Ali Muhammad , Smith Colton , Jankowitz Brian , Hom Danny , Mocco J , Kellner Christopher P.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke for which there is no consensus treatment. Although open craniotomy has been explored as a surgical treatment option, multiple minimally invasive (MIS) techniques have been developed including endoscopic evacuation. An adjunctive aspiration device can be used through the working channel to provide an additional degree of freedom and increased functionality regarding clot manipulation and morcellation.

OBJECTIVE:

To report our single-center technical experience with the Myriad device used as an adjunctive aspiration device during endoscopic ICH evacuation in an exploratory case series.

METHODS:

Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were collected on patients who underwent MIS endoscopic ICH evacuation using the Myriad aspiration device from December 2018 to March 2019.

RESULTS:

Eight patients underwent ICH evacuation with the Myriad aspiration device. Bleeding was confined to the cortex in 4 patients, subcortical region in 2 patients, and the cerebellum in 2 patients. One of the cerebellar cases also underwent suboccipital craniotomy. The mean preoperative hematoma volume was 65.1 ± 68.9 mL, and the median postoperative volume was 7.6 ± 9.0 mL, for an average evacuation percentage of 88.1% ± 12.1%. In 75% of the cases, a bleeding vessel was identified and treated with either cautery or irrigation alone. There was no hemorrhagic recurrence or mortality within 30 days.

CONCLUSION:

Data from this initial experience suggest that MIS endoscopic ICH evacuation with the NICO Myriad aspiration device is feasible and technically effective. Multicenter exposure is necessary to verify broader applicability.
Surgery for Epilepsy Involving Rolandic and Perirolandic Cortex: A Case Series Assessing Complications and Efficacy
Authors: Jiang Shize , Lang Liqin , Sun Bing , Wu Dongyan , Feng Rui , He Juanjuan , Chen Liang , Hu Jie , Mao Ying
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Surgical removal of lesions around the rolandic cortex remains a challenge for neurosurgeons owing to the high risk of neurological deficits. Evaluating the risk factors associated with motor deficits after surgery in this region may help reduce the occurrence of motor deficits.

OBJECTIVE:

To report our surgical experience in treating epileptic lesions involving the rolandic and perirolandic cortices.

METHODS:

We performed a single-center retrospective review of patients undergoing epilepsy surgeries with lesions located in the rolandic and perirolandic cortices. Patients with detailed follow-up information were included. The lesion locations, resected regions, and invasive exploration techniques were studied to assess their relationship with postoperative motor deficits.

RESULTS:

Forty-one patients were included. Twenty-three patients suffered from a transient motor deficit, and 2 had permanent disabilities after surgery. Six patients with lesions at the posterior bank of the precentral sulcus underwent resection, and 5 experienced short-term motor deficits. Two patients with lesions adjacent to the anterior part of the precentral gyrus, in whom the adjacent precentral gyrus was removed, experienced permanent motor deficits. Lesions located at the bottom of the central sulcus and invading the anterior bank of the central sulcus were observed in 3 patients. The patients did not experience permanent motor deficits after surgery.

CONCLUSION:

The anterior bank of the central sulcus is indispensable for motor function, and destruction of this region would inevitably cause motor deficits. The anterior bank of the precentral gyrus can also be removed without motor impairment if there is a preexisting epileptogenic lesion.
The serine/threonine kinase MINK1 directly regulates the function of promigratory proteins
Authors: Daulat Avais M. , Wagner Mônica S. , Audebert Stéphane , Kowalczewska Malgorzata , Ariey-Bonnet Jeremy , Finetti Pascal , Bertucci François , Camoin Luc , Borg Jean-Paul
Published: August 2022

Upregulation of the developmental Wnt planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) pathway is observed in many cancers and is associated with cancer development. We have recently shown that PRICKLE1, a core Wnt/PCP pathway component, is a marker of poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). PRICKLE1 is phosphorylated by the serine/threonine kinase MINK1 and contributes to TNBC cell motility and invasiveness. However, the identity of the substrates of MINK1 and the role of MINK1 enzymatic activity in this process remain to be addressed. We used a phosphoproteomic strategy to identify MINK1 substrates, including LL5β (also known as PHLDB2). LL5β anchors microtubules at the cell cortex through its association with CLASP proteins to trigger focal adhesion disassembly. LL5β is phosphorylated by MINK1, promoting its interaction with CLASP proteins. Using a kinase inhibitor, we demonstrate that the enzymatic activity of MINK1 is involved in PRICKLE1–LL5β complex assembly and localization, as well as in cell migration. Analysis of gene expression data reveals that the concomitant upregulation of levels of mRNA encoding PRICKLE1 and LL5β, which are MINK1 substrates, is associated with poor metastasis-free survival in TNBC patients. Taken together, our results suggest that MINK1 may represent a potential target for treatment of TNBC.
Rerouting trafficking circuits through posttranslational SNARE modifications
Authors: Warner Harry , Mahajan Shweta , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: August 2022

Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are membrane-associated trafficking proteins that confer identity to lipid membranes and facilitate membrane fusion. These functions are achieved through the complexing of Q-SNAREs with a specific cognate target R-SNARE, leading to the fusion of their associated membranes. These SNARE complexes then dissociate so that the Q-SNAREs and R-SNAREs can repeat this cycle. Whilst the basic function of SNAREs has been long appreciated, it is becoming increasingly clear that the cell can control the localisation and function of SNARE proteins through posttranslational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Whilst numerous proteomic methods have shown that SNARE proteins are subject to these modifications, little is known about how these modifications regulate SNARE function. However, it is clear that these PTMs provide cells with an incredible functional plasticity; SNARE PTMs enable cells to respond to an ever-changing extracellular environment through the rerouting of membrane traffic. In this Review, we summarise key findings regarding SNARE regulation by PTMs and discuss how these modifications reprogramme membrane trafficking pathways.
circRAB3IP modulates cell proliferation by reorganizing gene expression and mRNA processing in a paracrine manner
Authors: Josipovic Natasa , Ebbesen Karoline K. , Zirkel Anne , Danieli-Mackay Adi , Dieterich Christoph , Kurian Leo , Hansen Thomas B. , Papantonis Argyris
Published: August 2022

Circular RNAs are an endogenous long-lived and abundant noncoding species. Despite their prevalence, only a few circRNAs have been dissected mechanistically to date. Here, we cataloged nascent RNA-enriched circRNAs from primary human cells and functionally assigned a role to circRAB3IP in sustaining cellular homeostasis. We combined “omics” and functional experiments to show how circRAB3IP depletion deregulates hundreds of genes, suppresses cell cycle progression, and induces senescence-associated gene expression changes. Conversely, excess circRAB3IP delivered to endothelial cells via extracellular vesicles suffices for accelerating their division. We attribute these effects to an interplay between circRAB3IP and the general splicing factor SF3B1, which can affect transcript variant expression levels of cell cycle–related genes. Together, our findings link the maintenance of cell homeostasis to the presence of a single circRNA.
Notes on the distribution of Dalmatinella simonae (Gastropoda: Hydrobiidae) in Croatia and the utility of barcoding in its determination
Authors: Beran Luboš , Jaszczyńska Aleksandra , Hofman Sebastian
Published: August 2022

Dalmatinella simonae is a recently described species from Lake Sladinac and the river Cetina (Croatia). New findings from the rivers Cetina, Neretva and Ruda indicate a wider distribution of this species especially in comparison with its relative D. fluviatilis, known only from a short section of the river Zrmanja. Its occurrence is also probable in the river Neretva in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Barcoding analysis, using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), confirmed the occurrence of this species in new sites, and the nearly complete lack of genetic divergence.
What Happens to Public Service Delivery under a Weak Civil Society? Evidence from India
Authors: Dutta Sujoy
Published: August 2022

This paper argues the performance of public service delivery under weak civil society. Drawing on information from the world largest workfare programme, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), it is argued that in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP) benefits of NREGA hardly reaches the poor. This is due to the presence of weak civil society organisations (CSOs), which is riddled with corruption and factionalism, and operates at the cost of social expense. The ruling elites who hold the key to these institutions have made it difficult for citizens to voice their concerns and negotiate their entitlements.
An alliance between lipid transfer proteins and scramblases for membrane expansion
Authors: Holthuis Joost C M , Jahn Helene , Menon Anant K , Mizushima Noboru
Published: August 2022

Membrane growth requires lipid supply, which is usually accomplished by lipid synthesis or vesicular trafficking. In the case of autophagosomes, these principles do not apply. Ghanbarpour et al. postulate that autophagosome expansion relies on non-vesicular lipid delivery from the ER, whereby the activity of a lipid transfer protein (LTP) is directly coupled to scramblase activities in the donor and acceptor bilayers [1]. This new concept opens the possibility that lipid traffic is controlled by scramblases that provide not only specific docking sites for LTPs, thereby directing lipid flow, but also support their activity by overcoming barriers for lipid extraction and deposition.
Cross-Trained Fire-Medics Respond to Medical Calls and Fire Incidents: A Fast Algorithm for a Three-State Spatial Queuing Problem
Authors: Hua Cheng , Swersey Arthur J.
Published: August 2022

Problem definition: We focus on modeling and evaluating an emergency service system in which cross-trained fire-medics are pooled and respond to both fire calls and medical emergencies. Academic/practical relevance: Fire demand in the United States has decreased dramatically in the last nearly four decades, whereas emergency medical calls have surged. With this changing landscape, cities are under pressure to reduce their budgets by closing fire stations. We evaluate the alternative of implementing a fire-medic system in terms of cost savings and response time performance. Methodology: A cross-trained fire-medic unit may be in one of three states: available, busy at an emergency medical incident, or busy at a fire call. An exact model for the fire-medic system has exponential complexity. We develop a fast approximation algorithm that has linear complexity and can be used to solve three-state problems of any size. Results: Our approximation algorithm yields accurate predictions of response times and unit workloads and provides rapid solution times. We apply our model to the fire-medic system in St. Paul, MN, and find close agreement between predicted and actual average response times. A traditional system would require 33% more personnel to achieve about the same average response times. In sensitivity analyses, we show that the fire-medic system outperforms a traditional system over a wide range of values for call rates and number of joint units. Managerial implications: The fire-medic system in St. Paul, MN, saves more than three million dollars annually. The greatest benefit of the fire-medic system is in reducing response times to medical emergencies. We also show that in a fire-medic system that includes separate engine units, it is advantageous to convert the separate engines to fire-medic units. Our fast approximation algorithm can be applied even in the largest cities that implement fire-medic systems to improve resource deployment and reduce costs.

Funding: This work was supported by the Shanghai Science and Technology Development Foundation [Grant 21YF1420200].

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1140 .
Partial Recovery in the Graph Alignment Problem
Authors: Hall Georgina , Massoulié Laurent
Published: August 2022

Partially Recovering a Graph Alignment in the Correlated Erdös–Renyi Model

Given two graphs, how can we partially recover a one-to-one mapping between nodes that maximizes edge overlap? This problem, known as the graph alignment problem, appears in settings such as social network deanonymization and cellular biology. In “Partial Recovery in the Graph Alignment Problem,” G. Hall and L. Massoulié consider a stylized mathematical model of problems of this type: they assume that the input graphs are generated via a probabilistic model, namely, the correlated Erdös–Renyi model with parameters (n, q, s). They provide both necessary and sufficient conditions on (n, q, s) under which partial recovery can be achieved. In particular, they show that partial recovery can be achieved in the nqs = Ɵ(1) regime under certain additional assumptions.
Reconfigurable unidirectional propagation of electromagnetic waves in photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Zhao Lingzhong , Wen Guangfeng , Zhang Lin , Tong Junxia , You Yuchun , Ba Qingtao , Luo Qilin , Liu Shiyang
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate reconfigurable unidirectional propagation of electromagnetic waves in waveguide channels sandwiched by two dielectric photonic crystal (PC) slabs or magnetic PC (MPC) slabs, where the extrinsic and intrinsic responses emerge in two kinds of systems. Concretely, the unidirectionality of the MPC system originates from the time-reversal symmetry breaking nature of magnetic material, while in the dielectric PC system, the unidirectionality is achieved by active control of two separated line sources. The results indicate that in the MPC based system, not only the amplitude but also the directionality of the guiding electromagnetic waves is flexibly regulated by controlling the separation and phase difference of two active line sources. However, the directionality in the MPC based system is determined by the magnetization due to the intrinsic unidirectionality of the magnetic system, but for the dielectric PC based system, directionality is controlled by active sources. The introduction of a second line source in the MPC based system can result in two remarkably different consequences. On one hand, the directionality can be switched from forward to backward propagation by reversing magnetization. On the other hand, the same operation results in the transition from unidirectional propagation to localization of the electromagnetic waves by dynamically controlling two active sources. The functionality and flexibility in the present systems might find potential applications in microwave photonics and integrated photonics.
Parametric effects in color-difference evaluation
Authors: Xu Qiang , Shi Keyu , Luo Ming Ronnier
Published: August 2022

An experiment was conducted to investigate three parameters affecting color-difference evaluation on a display: 4 sample sizes (2°, 4°, 10°, and 20°), 2 color-difference magnitudes (4 and 8 CIELAB units), and 2 separations (inclusion or exclusion of the separation line between two colors in a pair). Sample pairs surrounding 5 CIE recommended color centers were prepared. In total, 1120 sample pairs of colors were assessed 20 times using the grey-scale method. The experimental results were used to reveal various parametric effects and to verify the performance of different color matching functions (CMFs) and four color difference formulae and uniform color spaces. It was found that there was little difference in terms ofΔEvalues calculated using different CMFs for all the color models tested. A parametric formula was proposed to predict three parametric effects for sample pairs having no-separation line: 1) differences in sample size, 2) media (surface and self-luminous colors), and 3) color-difference magnitudes.
Fabrication of ultra-high aspect ratio silicon grating using an alignment method based on a scanning beam interference lithography system
Authors: Chen Xingshuo , Jiang Shan , Li Yubo , Jiang Yanxiu , Wang Wei , Bayanheshig
Published: August 2022

The high-aspect-ratio silicon grating (HARSG) is an important X-ray optical device that is widely used in X-ray imaging and spectrum detection systems. In this paper, we propose a high-precision alignment method based on the scanning beam interference lithography (SBIL) system to realize precise alignment between the <111> orientation on the (110) wafer plane and the grating lines direction, which is an essential step in HARSG manufacture to obtain the high-aspect-ratio grating structure. After the location of the <111> orientation through fan-shaped mask etching and reference grating fabrication, a two-step method that combines static preliminary alignment and dynamic precision alignment is used to align the reference grating lines direction with the interference field fringes of the SBIL system through the interference of the diffracted light from the reference grating near the normal direction, which can realize a minimal alignment error of 0.001°. Through the overall alignment process, HARSGs with groove densities of 500 gr/mm, 1800 gr/mm, and 3600 gr/mm were fabricated through anisotropic wet etching in KOH solution, producing ultra-high aspect ratios and etch rate ratios greater than 200.
Lensless computational imaging with a hybrid framework of holographic propagation and deep learning
Authors: Tian Zhiming , Ming Zhao , Qi Aobing , Li Fengqiang , Yu Xining , Song Yongxin
Published: August 2022

Lensless imaging has attracted attention as it avoids the bulky optical lens. Lensless holographic imaging is a type of a lensless imaging technique. Recently, deep learning has also shown tremendous potential in lensless holographic imaging. A labeled complex field including real and imaginary components of the samples is usually used as a training dataset. However, obtaining such a holographic dataset is challenging. In this Letter, we propose a lensless computational imaging technique with a hybrid framework of holographic propagation and deep learning. The proposed framework takes recorded holograms as input instead of complex fields, and compares the input and regenerated holograms. Compared to previous supervised learning schemes with a labeled complex field, our method does not require this supervision. Furthermore, we use the generative adversarial network to constrain the proposed framework and tackle the trivial solution. We demonstrate high-quality reconstruction with the proposed framework compared to previous deep learning methods.
Constraints on the evolution of toxin-resistant Na,K-ATPases have limited dependence on sequence divergence
Authors: Mohammadi Shabnam , Herrera-Álvarez Santiago , Yang Lu , Rodríguez-Ordoñez María del Pilar , Zhang Karen , Storz Jay F. , Dobler Susanne , Crawford Andrew J. , Andolfatto Peter
Published: August 2022

A growing body of theoretical and experimental evidence suggests that intramolecular epistasis is a major determinant of rates and patterns of protein evolution and imposes a substantial constraint on the evolution of novel protein functions. Here, we examine the role of intramolecular epistasis in the recurrent evolution of resistance to cardiotonic steroids (CTS) across tetrapods, which occurs via specific amino acid substitutions to the α-subunit family of Na,K-ATPases (ATP1A). After identifying a series of recurrent substitutions at two key sites of ATP1A that are predicted to confer CTS resistance in diverse tetrapods, we then performed protein engineering experiments to test the functional consequences of introducing these substitutions onto divergent species backgrounds. In line with previous results, we find that substitutions at these sites can have substantial background-dependent effects on CTS resistance. Globally, however, these substitutions also have pleiotropic effects that are consistent with additive rather than background-dependent effects. Moreover, the magnitude of a substitution’s effect on activity does not depend on the overall extent of ATP1A sequence divergence between species. Our results suggest that epistatic constraints on the evolution of CTS-resistant forms of Na,K-ATPase likely depend on a small number of sites, with little dependence on overall levels of protein divergence. We propose that dependence on a limited number sites may account for the observation of convergent CTS resistance substitutions observed among taxa with highly divergent Na,K-ATPases (See S1 Text for Spanish translation).
Effect of WHO-SCC based intra-department mentoring program on quality of intrapartum care in public sector secondary hospitals in Andhra Pradesh, India: Pre-post mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Singh Samiksha , Kannuri Nanda Kishore , Mishra Aparajita , Gaikwad Leena , Shukla Rajan , Tyagi Mukta , Chamarthy Swecha
Published: August 2022

Quality of intrapartum care is essential for improving pregnancy outcomes; several models for improving performance are tested, globally. Dakshata is one such WHO SCC-based national program—improving resources, providers’ competence, and accountability—in public sector secondary care hospitals of India. Andhra Pradesh state devised strategy of mentoring by the handpicked member from within the obstetric team, supported by external technical partner. We evaluated the effectiveness and assessed contextual factors to success of the program. We conducted pre and post mentoring mixed-method surveys to evaluate the change in evidence-based intrapartum and newborn care practices and stillbirth rates, across 23 of 38 eligible hospitals. We directly observed obstetric assessments and childbirth, extracted data from casesheets and registers, interviewed beneficiaries and conducted facility surveys. We in-depth interviewed stakeholders from state, district and facility managers, mentors and obstetric staff, and external managers for theory-driven qualitative assessment. After one year we found, average adherence to practices sustained high during admission (81%, 81%); improved during childbirth (78%, 86%; p = 0.016); moderate within one hour of birth (72%, 71%), and poor postpartum care before discharge (46% to 43%). Stillbirths reduced from 11(95% CI, 9–13) to 4(3–5) per 1000 births (p<0.001). Some practices did not improve even after sustained reinforcement. Commitment from state, engaging district officers, monitoring and feedback by external managers enabled supportive setting. The structured training and mentoring package, and periodic assessments delivered under supervision ensured the standards of mentoring. The mentoring model is acceptable, effective, less costly and scalable; appears sustainable if state commits to institutionalising a long-term mentoring with adequate monitoring. We conclude that the SCC-based mentoring and skill building program showed improvement in practices during childbirth while it sustained high levels of care during admission, but no improvement in postpartum care. The state needs to monitor and ensure continuous mentoring with required infrastructural support.
Determinants predicting the electronic medical record adoption in healthcare: A SEM-Artificial Neural Network approach
Authors: Almarzouqi Amina , Aburayya Ahmad , Salloum Said A.
Published: August 2022

An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) has the capability of promoting knowledge and awareness regarding healthcare in both healthcare providers and patients to enhance interconnectivity within various government bodies, and quality healthcare services. This study aims at investigating aspects that predict and explain an EMR system adoption in the healthcare system in the UAE through an integrated approach of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) using various external factors. The collection of data was through a cross-section design and survey questionnaires as the tool for data collection among 259 participants from 15 healthcare facilities in Dubai. The study further utilised the Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) algorithm and the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in the analysis of the data collected. The study’s data proved that the intention of using an EMR system was the most influential and predictor of the actual use of the system. It was also found that TAM construct was directly influenced by anxiety, innovativeness, self-efficacy, and trust. The behavioural intention of an individual regarding EMR was also proved to positively influence the use of an EMR system. This study proves to be useful practically by providing healthcare decision-makers with a guide on factors to consider and what to avoid when implementing strategies and policies.
Eco-friendly fashion among generation Z: Mixed-methods study on price value image, customer fulfillment, and pro-environmental behavior
Authors: Tran Khoa , Nguyen Tuyet , Tran Yen , Nguyen Anh , Luu Khang , Nguyen Y.
Published: August 2022

Raising environmental awareness and product development are two separate and costly investments that many small and medium-sized fashion businesses cannot afford to achieve sustainability. Therefore, there is a need to determine which factors exert a more significant impact on consumer loyalty and purchase intention toward eco-friendly fashions. Thus, this study employs a mixed-methods approach with thematic analysis and the SEM-PLS technique to research how Vietnamese Gen Z’s perceptions of product-service quality, environmental awareness, and pro-environmental behavior influence their purchase intention and loyalty toward eco-friendly fashion products. Most interviewees acknowledged that they primarily gained knowledge about eco-friendly fashion through social media platforms. The qualitative results further showed that their knowledge of and attitudes toward eco-friendly fashion practices were insufficient to convince young customers to afford eco-friendly fashion products. The SEM-PLS results of 313 participants show that while customers’ perceived behavioral control plays a more significant role in stimulating purchase intention, only product-service quality factors impact loyalty. Hence, this study suggests that businesses should prioritize improving service and product quality rather than funding green marketing when targeting Vietnamese Gen Z in case of financial constraints. Government should prioritize financial and technological support for fashion firms to develop high-quality eco-friendly fashion to ensure the product availability.
Application of the SCAI classification to admission of patients with cardiogenic shock: Analysis of a tertiary care center in a middle-income country
Authors: González-Pacheco Héctor , Gopar-Nieto Rodrigo , Araiza-Garaygordobil Diego , Briseño-Cruz José Luis , Eid-Lidt Guering , Ortega-Hernandez Jorge Arturo , Sierra-Lara Daniel , Altamirano-Castillo Alfredo , Mendoza-García Salvador , Manzur-Sandoval Daniel , Aguilar-Montaño Klayder Melissa , Ontiveros-Mercado Heriberto , García-Espinosa Jorge Iván , Pérez-Pinetta Pablo Esteban , Arias-Mendoza Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Aims

The Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock stages have been applied and validated in high-income countries with access to advanced therapies. We applied the SCAI scheme at the time of admission in order to improve the risk stratification for 30-day mortality in a retrospective cohort of patients with STEMI in a middle-income country hospital at admission.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 7,143 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. At admission, patients were stratified by the SCAI shock stages. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the association between SCAI shock stages to 30-day mortality.

Results

The distribution of the patients across SCAI shock stages was 82.2%, 9.3%, 1.2%, 1.5%, and 0.8% to A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. Patients with SCAI stages C, D, and E were more likely to have high-risk features. There was a stepwise significant increase in unadjusted 30-day mortality across the SCAI shock stages (6.3%, 8.4%, 62.4%, 75.2% and 88.3% for A, B, C, D and E, respectively; P < 0.0001, C-statistic, 0.64). A trend toward a lower 30-day survival probability was observed in the patients with advanced CS (30.3, 15.4%, and 8.3%, SCAI shock stages C, D, and E, respectively, Log-rank P-value <0.0001). After multivariable adjustment, SCAI shock stages C, D, and E were independently associated with an increased risk of 30-day death (hazard ratio 1.42 [P = 0.02], 2.30 [P<0.0001], and 3.44 [P<0.0001], respectively).

Conclusion

The SCAI shock stages applied in patients con STEMI at the time of admission, is a useful tool for risk stratification in patients across the full spectrum of CS and is a predictor of 30-day mortality.
Indoor ozone removal and deposition using unactivated solid and liquid coffee
Authors: Jiang En-Ying , Wen Tsrong-Yi
Published: August 2022

Managing indoor ozone levels is important because ozone is a hazardous pollutant that has adverse effects on human health. Coffee is a popular daily beverage, and thus, coffee beans and spent coffee grounds are common in many places such as offices, homes, aircraft, cafeterias, and such. The most common material used to remove ozone is activated carbon which can be made from coffee beans or spent coffee grounds with proper activation processes. This paper presents a novel idea: to remove ozone at the level of an indoor environment using unactivated coffee products. This paper examines the ozone removal efficiency and the ozone deposition velocity at 130 ppb ozone for two types of coffee: solid coffee (powder) and liquid coffee (beverage). The activated carbon, the deionized water, and the seawater are also included for comparison and validation purposes. The tests show that the fine coffee powder has a removal efficiency of 58.5% and a deposition velocity of 0.62 cm/s. The liquid coffee has a removal efficiency of 34.4% and a deposition velocity of 0.23 cm/s. The chemical inspections indicate that the oxidation reactions with the carbohydrates in solid coffee and the metal/mineral elements in liquid coffee are responsible for ozone removal. These results have confirmed that ozone removal via coffee is effective, controlling indoor air quality by coffee products is thus becoming possible.
Impacts of temperature and hydraulic regime on discolouration and biofilm fouling in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Fish Katherine E. , Sharpe Rebecca L. , Biggs Catherine A. , Boxall Joby B.
Published: August 2022

Discolouration is the greatest cause of customer dissatisfaction with drinking water quality, potentially masking other failures, including microbial issues, which can impact public health and well-being. The theorised association between biofilms (complex microbial communities) and discolouration within drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) was explored, whilst studying the impact and interactions of seasonal temperature variations and hydraulic regime. Transferability of findings to operational DWDS was ensured by using a temperature controlled, full-scale distribution experimental facility. This allowed isolation of the factors of interest, with integration of physical, chemical and microbial analyses. Greater discolouration and biofilm cell accumulation was observed under warmer (summer, 16°C) temperatures compared to cooler (winter, 8°C), evidence of microbiology being an important driver in DWDS discolouration behaviour. Temperature was generally more influential upon discolouration and biofilm cell volumes than the shear stress imposed by the hydraulic regimes, which included three steady state and two varied flow patterns. However, the trends were complex, indicating interactions between the two parameters in governing microbial accumulation and discolouration. These results are important in informing sustainable management of our ageing DWDS infrastructure to deliver safe high quality drinking water. By providing new evidence that discolouration is a biofilm/microbiologically-mediated process, we can better understand the importance of targeting interventions to hotter seasons, and manipulating hydraulic conditions (which we can control), to minimise the long-term impacts of impending changing climates on water quality.
Use of a Cirrhosis Admission Order Set Improves Adherence to Quality Metrics and May Decrease Hospital Length of Stay
Authors: Bhavsar-Burke Indira , Guardiola John J. , Hamade Nour , Gerke Steven , Burke Sean M. , Merrill Katherine , Mulvey Karalea D. , Orman Eric S. , Fayad Nabil
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Quality metrics for inpatient cirrhosis management have been created to improve processes of care. We aimed to improve adherence to quality metrics by creating a novel clinical decision support (CDS) tool in the electronic health record (EHR).

METHODS:

We developed and piloted an alert system in the EHR that directs providers to a cirrhosis order set for patients who have a known diagnosis of cirrhosis or are likely to have cirrhosis. Adherence to process measures and outcomes when the CDS was used were compared with baseline performance before the implementation of the CDS.

RESULTS:

The use of the order set resulted in a significant increase in adherence to process measures such as diagnostic paracentesis (29.6%–51.1%), low-sodium diet (34.3%–77.8%), and social work involvement (36.6%–88.9%) (P < 0.001 for all). There were also significant decreases in both intensive care and hospital lengths of stay (P < 0.001) as well as in-hospital development of infection (P = 0.002). There was no difference in hospital readmissions at 30 or 90 days between the groups (P = 0.897, P = 0.640).

DISCUSSION:

The use of CDS in EHR-based interventions improves adherence to quality metrics for patients with cirrhosis and could easily be shared by institutions through EHR platforms. Further studies and larger sample sizes are needed to better understand its impact on additional outcome measures.
Low Prevalence of Endoscopic Screening for Barrett's Esophagus in a Screening-Eligible Primary Care Population
Authors: Eluri Swathi , Reddy Sumana , Ketchem Corey C. , Tappata Manaswita , Nettles Hanna G , Watts Ariel E. , Cotton Cary C. , Dellon Evan S. , Shaheen Nicholas J.
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Despite societal recommendations supporting Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening, it is unknown what proportion of eligible patients is screened in primary care. We assessed the proportion of BE screening- eligible patients evaluated in the primary care setting receiving upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and identified factors associated with undergoing EGD.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective study of BE screening-eligible patients, as defined by the American College of Gastroenterology's BE guidelines, in a multipractice healthcare network consisting of 64 internal medicine practices and 94 family medicine (FM) practices. The proportion undergoing EGD, prevalence of BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in this group, and patient and provider factors associated with undergoing EGD were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of undergoing EGD.

RESULTS:

Of 1,127 screening-eligible patients, the mean age was 65.2 ± 8.6 years; 45% were obese; and 61% were smokers. Seventy-three percent were seeing FM; 94% were on proton pump inhibitors; and 44% took ≥1 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medication. Only 39% of patients (n = 436) had undergone EGD. The overall prevalence of BE or EAC was 9.9%. Of 39 (9%) referred for BE screening as the primary indication, BE/EAC prevalence was 35.1%. Factors associated with increased odds of having EGD were symptomatic GERD despite treatment (odds ratio [OR] 12.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.1‐16.3), being on ≥1 GERD medication (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0‐1.9), and being an FM patient (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1‐2.1).

DISCUSSION:

In this large, primary care population, only 39% of screening-eligible patients underwent EGD. Most of the examinations were triggered by refractory symptoms rather than screening referrals, highlighting a need for improved dissemination and implementation of BE screening.
Long-Term Outcomes of the Six-Food Elimination Diet and Food Reintroduction in a Large Cohort of Adults With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Zalewski Angelika , Doerfler Bethany , Krause Amanda , Hirano Ikuo , Gonsalves Nirmala
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition with tissue eosinophilia resulting in esophageal dysfunction. The six-food elimination diet (SFED) is an EoE treatment approach that removes milk, wheat, soy, eggs, tree nuts/peanuts, and fish/shellfish. After histologic remission, food reintroduction occurs to identify a food trigger. Outcomes from large series of adults undergoing SFED and food reintroduction as clinical care are not known.

METHODS:

A retrospective review (2006–2021) of adult patients with EoE from an academic center was completed. Patients were classified as full responders (<15 eos/hpf) after SFED. If reintroduction was pursued, food triggers identified were recorded.

RESULTS:

Two hundred thirteen patients completed SFED. One hundred fifteen patients (54%) had response <15 eos/hpf after SFED. Seventy-seven percent of responders had symptom improvement. Thirty-two percent of initial nonresponders underwent repeat dietary elimination. Fifty-eight percent of patients (n = 123) achieved <15 eos/hpf after either initial or extended SFED. Seventy-eight percent of responders underwent food reintroduction. Sixty-nine percent had 1 food trigger identified, 24% had 2 allergens identified, and 4% had 3 allergens identified. The most common food triggers identified were milk, wheat, and soy.

DISCUSSION:

This study describes the largest cohort reported of adult patients with EoE completing SFED with food reintroduction. The overall SFED histologic response was 54%, which increased to 58% with 1 additional round of dietary therapy, suggesting that 31% may respond in a second attempt. Most patients who completed food reintroduction had a single food trigger identified. Dietary elimination with specific food trigger identification is a feasible alternative to medical therapy for adults with EoE.
Intrapancreatic, Liver, and Skeletal Muscle Fat Depositions in First Attack of Acute Pancreatitis Versus Health
Authors: Ko Juyeon , Al-Ani Zena , Long Kieran , Tarrant Conor , Skudder-Hill Loren , Petrov Maxim S.
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Increased intrapancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) has emerged as a harbinger of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. Although it is well recognized that diseases of the exocrine pancreas often lie on a continuum (with acute pancreatitis preceding the development of chronic pancreatitis and/or pancreatic cancer), whether increased IPFD predisposes to acute pancreatitis is unknown. This study aimed to compare fat depositions in the pancreas (as well as the liver and skeletal muscle) between individuals who developed first attack of acute pancreatitis and healthy individuals.

METHODS:

This was a matched case-control study nested into population-based cohort. MRI on a single 3 T scanner was used to quantify intrapancreatic, liver, and skeletal muscle fat depositions using the same protocols in all study participants. Binary logistic regression with adjustment for body mass index and other possible confounders was performed.

RESULTS:

Fifty individuals with first attack of nonnecrotizing acute pancreatitis comprised the case group and 100 healthy individuals comprised the control group. A 1% increase in IPFD (but not the other fat depositions) was significantly associated with a more than 30% higher chance of developing first attack of acute pancreatitis, consistently in both the unadjusted (P = 0.004) and all adjusted models. Furthermore, a 1% increase in IPFD (but not the other fat depositions) was significantly associated with up to a 27% higher chance of developing first attack of acute pancreatitis in individuals with normotriglyceridemia, consistently in both the unadjusted (P = 0.030) and all adjusted models.

DISCUSSION:

Increased IPFD may predispose to the development of acute pancreatitis. This opens up opportunities for reducing the burden of acute pancreatitis by means of primary prevention.
La metodología utilizada en la búsqueda de la definición de virtud en Ética nicomáquea II de Aristóteles
Authors: Berrón Manuel , Kogel Matías
Published: August 2022

El objetivo del trabajo consiste en realizar una lectura pormenorizada de Ética nicomáquea II con el propósito de esclarecer cuál es la metodología que utilizó en su escritura el Estagirita. En el marco de la polémica acerca de si sus escritos son de carácter dialéctico, tal como opinó la visión preponderante desde los años 1960, o si respetan los lineamientos metodológicos de los Segundos Analíticos, defendemos una interpretación integracionista que contempla la presencia de aspectos de la dialéctica así como del método de los Analíticos.
Hacia una interpretación conectada de la experiencia en la filosofía de David Hume
Authors: Calvente Sofía
Published: August 2022

En este trabajo nos proponemos hacer un aporte para esclarecer el sentido y la función de la experiencia en el marco de la teoría del conocimiento de Hume. Para ello examinaremos dos interpretaciones que pueden reconstruirse en la literatura secundaria: la que la entiende como impresiones simples de sensación y la que la concibe como patrones de percepciones conectadas. Consideramos que la primera perspectiva no es adecuada para comprender el rol epistémico de la experiencia, lo que nos inclina hacia la segunda interpretación. Sin embargo, esta última no ha sido lo suficientemente desarrollada por los autores que la sugieren. Nuestro propósito es llevar a cabo esa tarea pendiente, ofreciendo una serie de precisiones que la hacen más robusta a los fines de elucidar por qué para Hume la experiencia es la piedra de toque en el conocimiento sobre cuestiones de hecho. Así, mostraremos que el sentido que adquiere la experiencia en las inferencias causales es el de casos que recogemos mediante la observación y organizamos en colecciones o patrones, los que funcionan como evidencia para establecer o justificar enunciados epistémicos. Por último, para comprender la especificidad de su función en este tipo de inferencias, distinguiremos la experiencia de las impresiones y del hábito.
Serenidad ante la muerte en medio de la era técnica: una propuesta desde la filosofía de Heidegger
Authors: Gajardo Jaña Paolo Humberto
Published: August 2022

En la filosofía de Heidegger se encuentra un diagnóstico de nuestro tiempo problemático que él llamó das Gestell, es decir, la esencia de la era técnica. Esta esencia es una peligrosa destinación del Ser porque implica olvidar nuestra condición de mortales. Frente a ello, Heidegger tiene una propuesta: serenidad. Por medio de esta actitud se consigue recordar nuestra mortalidad olvidada y recuperar nuestra posición en otra destinación del Ser: das Geviert, es decir, la cuaternidad. En esta destinación necesitamos dejarnos ser lo que esencialmente somos y habitar como mortales sobre la tierra.