bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation Therapy on Reducing the Degree of Pain Experienced by Individuals with Low Back Pain
Authors: Choi Taeseok , Heo Seoyoon , Choi Wansuk , Lee Sangbin
Published: February 2023

Background: The concept of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation therapy for treating people with low back pain is of growing research interest. However, the effectiveness of such therapy for pain reduction in clinical settings remains controversial. Methods: The present study was conducted according to the reporting guidelines presented in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. We searched the PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and ProQuest databases for both published and unpublished papers. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 2) was used to evaluate the quality of the selected studies. GRADEprofiler software (version 3.6.4) was used to evaluate the level of evidence. We analyzed the included research results using RevMan software (version 5.4.1). Results: We included a total of 11 articles in the systematic review and meta-analysis, with a total of 1761 subjects. Having assessed the quality of these studies, the risk of bias was generally low with high heterogeneity. The results revealed a small to medium effect (standardized mean difference = ±0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.75 to 0) based on evidence of moderate overall quality. Conclusion: There is evidence that treatment using VR improves patients’ pain. The effect size was small to medium, with the studies presenting evidence of moderate overall quality. VR-based treatment can reduce pain; therefore, it may help in rehabilitation therapy.
A Blockchain-Inspired Attribute-Based Zero-Trust Access Control Model for IoT
Authors: Awan Samia Masood , Azad Muhammad Ajmal , Arshad Junaid , Waheed Urooj , Sharif Tahir
Published: February 2023

The connected or smart environment is the integration of smart devices (sensors, IoT devices, or actuator) into the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm, in which a large number of devices are connected, monitoring the physical environment and processes and transmitting into the centralized database for advanced analytics and analysis. This integrated and connected setup allows greater levels of automation of smart systems than is possible with just the Internet. While delivering services to the different processes and application within connected smart systems, these IoT devices perform an impeccably large number of device-to-device communications that allow them to access the selected subsets of device information and data. The sensitive and private nature of these data renders the smart infrastructure vulnerable to copious attacks which threat agents exploit for cyberattacks which not only affect critical services but probably bring threat to people’s lives. Hence, advanced measures need to be taken for securing smart environments, such as dynamic access control, advanced network screening, and monitoring behavioural anomalies. In this paper, we have discussed the essential cyberthreats and vulnerabilities in smart environments and proposed ZAIB (Zero-Trust and ABAC for IoT using Blockchain), a novel secure framework that monitors and facilitates device-to-device communications with different levels of access-controlled mechanisms based on environmental parameters and device behaviour. It is protected by zero-trust architecture and provides dynamic behavioural analysis of IoT devices by calculating device trust levels for each request. ZAIB enforces variable policies specifically generated for each scenario by using attribute-based access control (ABAC). We have used blockchain to ensure anonymous device and user registrations and immutable activity logs. All the attributes, trust level histories, and data generated by IoT devices are protected using IPFS. Finally, a security evaluation shows that ZAIB satisfies the needs of active defence and end-to-end security enforcement of data, users, and services involved in a smart grid network.
Carbon-Based Materials and Their Applications in Sensing by Electrochemical Voltammetry
Authors: Nguyen Trong Danh , Nguyen My Thi Ngoc , Lee Jun Seop
Published: February 2023

In recent years, society has paid great attention to health care and environmental safety. Thus, research on advanced sensors for detecting substances that can harm health and the environment has been developed rapidly. Another popular target for detection techniques is disease-expressing materials that can be collected from body fluids. Carbon, which has outstanding electrochemical properties, can come from a variety of sources and has many morphological shapes, is nevertheless an environmentally friendly material. While carbon nanomaterial has become one of the most common targets for high-tech development, electrochemical voltammetry has proven to be an effective measurement method. Herein, the paper proposes a currently developed carbon nanomaterial along with research on a modified carbon material. Moreover, four common voltammetry methods and related works are also introduced.
The Transcriptomic Response of the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), following Exposure to the Organophosphate Insecticide Malathion
Authors: Perkin Lindsey , Cohen Zachary , Carlson Jason , Suh Charles
Published: February 2023

Insecticide tolerance and resistance have evolved countless times in insect systems. Molecular drivers of resistance include mutations in the insecticide target site and/or gene duplication, and increased gene expression of detoxification enzymes. The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a pest of commercial cotton and has developed resistance in the field to several insecticides; however, the current organophosphate insecticide, malathion, used by USA eradication programs remains effective despite its long-term use. Here, we present findings from an RNA-seq experiment documenting gene expression post-exposure to field-relevant concentrations of malathion, which was used to provide insight on the boll weevil’s continued susceptibility to this insecticide. Additionally, we incorporated a large collection of boll weevil whole-genome resequencing data from nearly 200 individuals collected from three geographically distinct areas to determine SNP allele frequency of the malathion target site, as a proxy for directional selection in response to malathion exposure. No evidence was found in the gene expression data or SNP data consistent with a mechanism of enhanced tolerance or resistance adaptation to malathion in the boll weevil. Although this suggests continued effectiveness of malathion in the field, we identified important temporal and qualitative differences in gene expression between weevils exposed to two different concentrations of malathion. We also identified several tandem isoforms of the detoxifying esterase B1 and glutathione S-transferases, which are putatively associated with organophosphate resistance.
Design and Protocol for Beijing Hospital Takayasu Arteritis (BeTA) Biobank
Authors: Gao Shang , Wu Zhi-Yuan , Miao Yu-Qing , Lu Zhen-Bo , Tan Shu-Ping , Wang Ji-Yang , Lu Cheng-Ran , Xu Zheng-Xi , Li Peng , Lan Yong , Diao Yong-Peng , Chen Zuo-Guan , Li Yong-Jun
Published: February 2023

Background: Although hundreds of studies have been conducted, our understanding of the pathogenesis, indications for surgical intervention, and disease markers of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) are still limited. Collection of biological specimens, clinical data and imaging data will facilitate translational research and clinical studies. In this study, we aim to introduce the design and protocol for the Beijing Hospital Takayasu Arteritis (BeTA) Biobank. Methods: Based in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Beijing Hospital and Beijing Hospital Clinical Biological Sample Management Center, the BeTA Biobank is composed of clinical data and sample data from patients with TAK requiring surgical treatment. All clinical data of participants are collected, including demographic characteristics, laboratory tests, imaging results, operation information, perioperative complications, follow-up data, etc. Both blood samples including plasma, serum and cells, and vascular tissues or perivascular adipose tissue are collected and stored. These samples will promote the establishment of a multiomic database for TAK and help to identify disease markers and to explore potential targets for specific future drugs for TAK.
Current Treatment Landscape for Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Authors: Lee Jieun
Published: February 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15–20% of all breast cancers and is characterized by an aggressive nature and a high rate of recurrence despite neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Although novel agents are constantly being introduced for the treatment of breast cancer, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy based on anthracyclines and taxanes is the mainstay treatment option for TNBC. Based on CTNeoBC pooled analysis data, the achievement of pathologic CR (pCR) in TNBC is directly linked to improved survival outcomes. Therefore, the treatment paradigm for early TNBC has shifted to neoadjuvant treatment, and the escalation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to improve the pCR rate and the addition of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy to control the residual disease have been investigated. In this article, we review the current treatment landscape for early TNBC, from standard cytotoxic chemotherapy to recent data on immune checkpoint inhibitors, capecitabine, and olaparib.
Establishing the Minimum Clinically Significant Difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom Score (PASS) for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in Patients with Rotator Cuff Disease and Shoulder Prosthesis
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Papalia Rocco , De Salvatore Sergio , Marinozzi Andrea , Piergentili Ilaria , Lalli Alberto , Bandini Benedetta , Franceschetti Edoardo , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Insufficiently treated shoulder pain may cause mental disturbances, including depression and anxiety. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that aims to identify depression and anxiety in patients in nonpsychiatric wards. The aim of this study was to identify the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) scores for the HADS in a cohort of individuals with rotator cuff disease. Using the HADS, participants’ degrees of anxiety and depression were assessed at inception and at their final assessment 6 months after surgery. To calculate the MCID and the PASS, distribution and anchor approaches were employed. The MCID from inception to final assessment was 5.7 on the HADS, 3.8 on the HADS-A, and 3.3 on the HADS-D. A 5.7 amelioration on the HADS score, 3.8 on the HADS-A, and 3.3 on the HADS-D, from inception to final assessment, meant that patients had reached a clinically meaningful improvement in their symptom state. The PASS was 7 on the HADS, 3.5 on the HADS-A, and 3.5 on the HADS-D; therefore, for the majority of patients, a score of at least 7 on the HADS, 3.5 on the HADS-A, and 3.5 on the HADS-D at final evaluation was considered a satisfactory symptom state.
Impulse Oscillometry as a Diagnostic Test for Pulmonary Emphysema in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Klitgaard Allan , Løkke Anders , Hilberg Ole
Published: February 2023

Body plethysmography (BP) is the standard pulmonary function test (PFT) in pulmonary emphysema diagnosis, but not all patients can cooperate to this procedure. An alternative PFT, impulse oscillometry (IOS), has not been investigated in emphysema diagnosis. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of IOS in the diagnosis of emphysema. Eighty-eight patients from the pulmonary outpatient clinic at Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark, were included in this cross-sectional study. A BP and an IOS were performed in all patients. Computed tomography scan verified presence of emphysema in 20 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of BP and IOS for emphysema was evaluated with two multivariable logistic regression models: Model 1 (BP variables) and Model 2 (IOS variables). Model 1 had a cross-validated area under the ROC curve (CV-AUC) = 0.892 (95% CI: 0.654–0.943), a positive predictive value (PPV) = 59.3%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) = 95.0%. Model 2 had a CV-AUC = 0.839 (95% CI: 0.688–0.931), a PPV = 55.2%, and an NPV = 93.7%. We found no statistically significant difference between the AUC of the two models. IOS is quick and easy to perform, and it can be used as a reliable rule-out method for emphysema.
Identification of Key Factors Influencing the Choice of the Type of Vaginal Pessary for Women Presenting with Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Semi-Directive Interviews and Development of an Algorithm
Authors: Quoy Marie-Amélie Le , Cotelle Odile , Tayrac Renaud de , Happillon Florence , Pelhuche Antoine , Wenner-Vidal Valérie , Liagre Blandine , Cour Florence , Armengaud Camille , Chene Gautier , Cerutti Emilie , Doucet Fabienne , Pizzoferrato Anne-Cécile , Deffieux Xavier
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be managed using a vaginal pessary. However, the decision-making process whereby health professionals choose the right pessary is unclear. The objective of this study was to focus on the experience of experts in pessary use and to propose an algorithm. (2) Methods: A prospective study, based on face-to-face semi-directive interviews and group discussions, was conducted on a multidisciplinary panel of professional experts specialized in pessary prescriptions. A consensual algorithm was established, and its accuracy was assessed by expert and non-expert panels. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) were used. (3) Results: 17 semi-directive interviews were conducted. The parameters involved in the decision-making process regarding the choice of vaginal pessaries were: desire for self-management (65%), associated urinary stress incontinence (47%), POP type (41%), and POP stage (29%). The algorithm was developed step by step (4 iterations) using the Delphi technique. Most of the expert panel (76%) rated the relevance of the algorithm as 7 or more out of 10 on a visual analog scale according to their own experience (reference activity). Finally, most (81%) of the non-expert panel (n = 230) rated the usefulness of this algorithm as 7 or more out of 10 on a visual analog scale. (4) Conclusions: This study provides an expert panel-based algorithm that may help in the prescription of pessaries for POP.
A Referral Center Experience with Cerebral Protection Devices: Challenging Cardiac Thrombus in the EP Lab
Authors: Berg Jan , Preda Alberto , Fierro Nicolai , Marzi Alessandra , Radinovic Andrea , Della Bella Paolo , Mazzone Patrizio
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: Cerebral protection devices (CPD) are designed to prevent cardioembolic stroke and most evidence that exists relates to TAVR procedures. There are missing data on the benefits of CPD in patients that are considered high risk for stroke undergoing cardiac procedures like left atrial appendage (LAA) closure or catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) when cardiac thrombus is present. PURPOSE: This work aimed to examine the feasibility and safety of the routine use of CPD in patients with cardiac thrombus undergoing interventions in the electrophysiology (EP) lab of a large referral center. METHODS: The CPD was placed under fluoroscopic guidance in all procedures in the beginning of the intervention. Two different CPDs were used according to the physician’s discretion: (1) a capture device consisting of two filters for the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries placed over a 6F sheath from a radial artery; or (2) a deflection device covering all three supra-aortic vessels placed over an 8F femoral sheath. Retrospective periprocedural and safety data were obtained from procedural reports and discharge letters. Long-term safety data were obtained by clinical follow-up in our institution and telephone consultations. RESULTS: We identified 30 consecutive patients in our EP lab who underwent interventions (21 LAA closure, 9 VT ablation) with placement of a CPD due to cardiac thrombus. Mean age was 70 ± 10 years and 73% were male, while mean LVEF was 40 ± 14%. The location of the cardiac thrombus was the LAA in all 21 patients (100%) undergoing LAA-closure, whereas, in the 9 patients undergoing VT ablation, thrombus was present in the LAA in 5 cases (56%), left ventricle (n = 3, 33%) and aortic arch (n = 1, 11%). The capture device was used in 19 out of 30 (63%) and the deflection device in 11 out of 30 cases (37%). There were no periprocedural strokes or transitory ischemic attacks (TIA). CPD-related complications comprised the vascular access and were as follows: two cases of pseudoaneurysm of the femoral artery not requiring surgery (7%), 1 hematoma at the arterial puncture site (3%) and 1 venous thrombosis (3%) resolved by warfarin. At long-term follow-up, 1 TIA and 2 non-cardiovascular deaths occurred, with a mean follow-up time of 660 days. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of a cerebral protection device prior to LAA closure or VT ablation in patients with cardiac thrombus proved feasible, but possible vascular complications needed to be taken into account. A benefit in periprocedural stroke prevention for these interventions seemed plausible but has yet to be proven in larger and randomized trials.
Serum Intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Levels Are Negatively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Lee Wen-Teng , Fang Yu-Wei , Chen Mingchih , Liou Hung-Hsiang , Lee Chung-Jen , Tsai Ming-Hsien
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is predominantly secreted from bone and plays an important role in mineral balance in chronic kidney disease. However, the relationship between FGF23 and bone mineral density (BMD) in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients remains unclear. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study that involved 43 stable outpatients on CHD. A linear regression model was used to determine risk factors for BMD. Measurements included serum hemoglobin, intact FGF23 (iFGF23), C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23), sclerostin, Dickkopf-1, α-klotho, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone levels and dialysis profiles. (3) Results: Study participants had a mean age of 59.4 ± 12.3 years, and 65% were male. In the multivariable analysis, cFGF23 levels showed no significant associations with the BMD of the lumbar spine (p = 0.387) nor that of the femoral head (p = 0.430). However, iFGF23 levels showed a significant negative association with the BMD of the lumbar spine (p = 0.015) and that of the femoral neck (p = 0.037). (4) Conclusions: Among patients on CHD, higher serum iFGF23 levels, but not serum cFGF23 levels, were associated with lower BMD values of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. However, further research is required to validate our findings.
Corneal Optical Densitometry in the Evaluation of 2-Year Graft Function Following Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Piotrowiak-Słupska Ilona , Kałużny Bartłomiej J. , Malukiewicz Grażyna
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to assess clinical application of the Scheimpflug corneal tomography for objective evaluation of corneal optical density in eyes undergoing Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). In this prospective study, 39 pseudophakic eyes with bullous keratopathy were enrolled. All eyes underwent primary DSEK. Ophthalmic examination included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, biomicroscopy, Scheimpflug tomography, pachymetry, and endothelial cell count. All measurements were taken preoperatively and within a 2-year follow-up period. Gradual BCVA improvement was observed in all patients. After two years, the mean and median BCVA values were 0.18 logMAR. A decrease in central corneal thickness was noted only during the first 3 months postoperatively and was followed by a gradual increase. Corneal densitometry decreased constantly and most significantly in the first 3 months postoperatively. The consecutive decrease in endothelial cell count of the transplanted cornea was most significant during the first 6 months postoperatively. Six months postoperatively, the strongest correlation (Spearman’s r = −0.41) with BCVA was found for densitometry. This tendency was maintained throughout the entire follow-up period. Corneal densitometry is applicable for objective monitoring of early and late outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty, showing a higher correlation with visual acuity than pachymetry and endothelial cell density.
Elbow Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Radial Head Fractures: Surgical Technique and 10 Years of Follow Up Results Compared to Open Surgery
Authors: Guerra Enrico , Marinelli Alessandro , Tortorella Fabio , Flöter Michelle Dos Santos , Ritali Alice , Sessa Andrea , Carbone Giuseppe , Cavallo Marco
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to describe the ARIF (Arthroscopic Reduction Internal Fixation) technique for radial head fractures and to compare the results with ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) at mean 10 years. Methods: A total of 32 patients affected by Mason II or III fractures of the radial head who underwent ARIF or ORIF by screws fixation were retrospectively selected and evaluated. A total of 13 patients were treated (40.6%) by ARIF and 19 patients (59.4%) by ORIF. Mean follow-up was 10 years (7–15 years). All patients underwent MEPI and BMRS scores at follow-up, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: No statistical significance was reported in Surgical Time (p = 0.805) or BMRS (p = 0.181) values. Significative improvement was recorded in MEPI score (p = 0.036), and between ARIF (98.07, SD ± 4.34) and ORIF (91.57, SD ± 11.67). The ARIF group showed lower incidence of postoperative complications, especially regarding stiffness (15.4% with ORIF at 21.1%). Conclusions: The radial head ARIF surgical technique represents a reproducible and safe procedure. A long learning curve is required, but with proper experience, it represents a tool that might be beneficial for patients, as it allows a radial head fracture to be treated with minimal tissue damage, evaluation and treatment of the concomitant lesions, and with no limitation of the positioning of screws.
High-Throughput Sequencing of Oral Microbiota in Candida Carriage Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xing Haixia , Liu Hongwei , Pan Jie
Published: February 2023

Background: This study sought to characterize the saliva microbiota of Candida carriage Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) patients compared to oral candidiasis and healthy patients by high-throughput sequencing. Methods: Fifteen patients were included, with five Candida carriage SS patients (decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score 22), five oral candidiasis patients (DMFT score 17), and five caries active healthy patients (DMFT score 14). Bacterial 16S rRNA was extracted from rinsed whole saliva. PCR amplification generated DNA amplicons of the V3–V4 hypervariable region, which were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform and compared and aligned to the SILVA database. Taxonomy abundance and community structure diversity was analyzed using Mothur software v1.40.0. Results: A total of 1016/1298/1085 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained from SS patients/oral candidiasis patient/healthy patients. Treponema, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Selenomonas, and Veillonella were the primary genera in the three groups. The most abundant significantly mutative taxonomy (OTU001) was Veillonella parvula. Microbial diversity (alpha diversity and beta diversity) was significantly increased in SS patients. ANOSIM analyses revealed significantly different microbial compositional heterogeneity in SS patients compared to oral candidiasis and healthy patients. Conclusion: Microbial dysbiosis differs significantly in SS patients independent of oral Candida carriage and DMFT.
Combined Modality Bladder-Sparing Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: How (Should) We Do It? A Narrative Review
Authors: Lemiński Artur , Michalski Wojciech , Masojć Bartłomiej , Kaczmarek Krystian , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Kienitz Jakub , Zawisza-Lemińska Barbara , Falco Michał , Słojewski Marcin
Published: February 2023

Organ-sparing combined-modality treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer remains underutilized despite high-quality evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and preservation of quality of life. It may be offered to patients unwilling to undergo radical cystectomy, as well as those unfit for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The treatment plan should be tailored to each patient’s characteristics, with more intensive protocols offered to patients who are fit for surgery but opt for organ-sparing. After a thorough, debulking transurethral resection of the tumor and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the response evaluation should trigger further management with either chemoradiation or early cystectomy in non-responders. A hypofractionated, continuous radiotherapy regimen of 55 Gy in 20 fractions with concurrent radiosensitizing chemotherapy with gemcitabine, cisplatin, or 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C is currently preferred based on clinical trials. The response should be evaluated with repeated transurethral resections of the tumor bed and abdominopelvic-computed tomography after chemoradiation, with quarterly assessments during the first year. Salvage cystectomy should be offered to patients fit for surgery who failed to respond to treatment or developed a muscle-invasive recurrence. Non-muscle-invasive bladder recurrences and upper tract tumors should be treated in line with guidelines for respective primary tumors. Multiparametric magnetic resonance can be used for tumor staging and response monitoring, as it may distinguish disease recurrence from treatment-induced inflammation and fibrosis.
Smoking Habit and Respiratory Function Predict Patients’ Outcome after Surgery for Lung Cancer, Irrespective of Histotype and Disease Stage
Authors: Piloni Davide , Bertuccio Francesco R. , Primiceri Cristiano , Rinaldi Pietro , Chino Vittorio , Abbott David Michael , Sottotetti Federico , Bortolotto Chandra , Agustoni Francesco , Saddi Jessica , Stella Giulia M.
Published: February 2023

Background. Growing evidence suggests that sublobar resections offer more favorable outcomes than lobectomy in early-stage lung cancer surgery. However, a percentage of cases that cannot be ignored develops disease recurrence irrespective of the surgery performed with curative intent. The goal of this work is thus to compare different surgical approaches, namely, lobectomy and segmentectomy (typical and atypical) to derive prognostic and predictive markers. Patients and Methods. Here we analyzed a cohort of 153 NSCLC patients in clinical stage TNM I who underwent pulmonary resection surgery with a mediastinal hilar lymphadenectomy from January 2017 to December 2021, with an average follow-up of 25.5 months. Partition analysis was also applied to the dataset to detect outcome predictors. Results. The results of this work showed similar OS between lobectomy and typical and atypical segmentectomy for patients with stage I NSCLC. In contrast, lobectomy was associated with a significant improvement in DFS compared with typical segmentectomy in stage IA, while in stage IB and overall, the two treatments were similar. Atypical segmentectomy showed the worst performance, especially in 3-year DFS. Quite unexpectedly, outcome predictor ranking analysis suggests a prominent role of smoking habits and respiratory function, irrespective of the tumor histotype and the patient’s gender. Conclusions. Although the limited follow-up interval cannot allow conclusive remarks about prognosis, the results of this study suggest that both lung volumes and the degree of emphysema-related parenchymal damage are the strongest predictors of poor survival in lung cancer patients. Overall, these data point out that greater attention should be addressed to the therapeutic intervention for co-existing respiratory diseases to obtain optimal control of early lung cancer.
The Potential for Effect of a Six-Week Training Program for Gait Aid Use in Older People with Dementia with Unsteadiness of Gait: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Den-Ching A. , Burton Elissa , Meyer Claudia , Haines Terry P. , Hunter Susan , Dawes Helen , Suttanon Plaiwan , Fullarton Stephanie , Connelly Fiona , Stout Julie C. , Hill Keith D.
Published: February 2023

This study examined the potential for effect of a six-week gait aid training program for people with dementia on spatiotemporal gait outcomes, perception of use, and falls with gait aid use. The program utilised four 30-min physiotherapy home visits, scheduled at weeks 1/2/3/6, and was enhanced by carer-supervised practice. Falls and the physiotherapist’s clinical judgement of participants achieving safe gait aid use during and after the program were described. Perception ratings at each visit were measured using Likert scales which, along with the spatiotemporal outcomes using the gait aid (Time-Up-and-Go-Test, 4-m-walk-test, Figure-of-8-Walk-Test with/without a cognitive task) at weeks 1 and 6, and at weeks 6 and 12 (6-week post-program), were examined with ordinal logistic regression analyses. Twenty-four community-dwelling older people with dementia and their carers participated. Twenty-one (87.5%) older people achieved safe gait aid use. Twenty falls occurred, and only one faller was using their gait aid when they fell. Walking speed, step length, and cadence significantly improved when walking with the gait aid at week 6 compared with week 1. No significant improvements in spatiotemporal outcomes were retained at week 12. Physiotherapists were more likely to agree that gait aid use had improved walking safety among older people with dementia with subsequent training visits. Larger studies of the gait aid training program are needed for this clinical group.
Diagnosing and Treating Infertility via Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery versus Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Zhu Yiping , Sui Mengsong , Guan Xiaoming , Sun Jing
Published: February 2023

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in the treatment of female infertility. Materials and methods: This study includes 174 female patients with a history of long-standing female infertility. We retrospectively reviewed 41 patients who underwent hysterolaparoscopy (HL) via transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) and 133 patients who underwent laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Demographic data, operation records, and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analyzed. The deadline for postoperative follow-up was June 2022. All the included patients were followed up for at least 18 months after surgery. Results: Compared with the LESS group, the vNOTES group had a shorter postoperative bowel movement time and less pain at 4 and 12 h (p = 0.004 vs. 0.008); no differences were found in other perioperative indicators. The clinical pregnancy rates of the vNOTES and LESS groups were 87.80% and 74.43% (p = 0.073), respectively. Conclusions: vNOTES represents a new, less invasive approach for infertility diagnosis and treatment that is particularly suitable for women who have special esthetic requirements. vNOTES is safe and practical and may be an ideal choice for scarless infertility surgery.
Complement Activation Products in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Rudkowski Krzysztof , Waszczuk Katarzyna , Tyburski Ernest , Rek-Owodziń Katarzyna , Plichta Piotr , Podwalski Piotr , Bielecki Maksymilian , Mak Monika , Michalczyk Anna , Tarnowski Maciej , Sielatycka Katarzyna , Budkowska Marta , Łuczkowska Karolina , Dołęgowska Barbara , Ratajczak Mariusz , Samochowiec Jerzy , Kucharska-Mazur Jolanta , Sagan Leszek
Published: February 2023

Evidence suggests a role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of a number of mental conditions, including schizophrenia (SCH). In terms of physiology, aside from its crucial protective function, the complement cascade (CC) is a critical element of the regeneration processes, including neurogenesis. Few studies have attempted to define the function of the CC components in SCH. To shed more light on this topic, we compared the levels of complement activation products (CAP) (C3a, C5a and C5b-9) in the peripheral blood of 62 patients with chronic SCH and disease duration of ≥ 10 years with 25 healthy controls matched for age, sex, BMI and smoking status. Concentrations of all the investigated CAP were elevated in SCH patients. However, after controlling for potential confounding factors, significant correlations were observed between SCH and C3a (M = 724.98 ng/mL) and C5a (M = 6.06 ng/mL) levels. In addition, multivariate logistic regression showed that C3a and C5b-9 were significant predictors of SCH. There were no significant correlations between any CAP and SCH symptom severity or general psychopathology in SCH patients. However, two significant links emerged between C3a and C5b-9 and global functioning. Increased levels of both complement activation products in the patient group as compared to healthy controls raise questions concerning the role of the CC in the etiology of SCH and further demonstrate dysregulation of the immune system in SCH patients.
Cool-Clave—An Energy Efficient Autoclave
Authors: Chowdhury Indraneel R. , Summerscales John
Published: February 2023

Out-of-autoclave (OOA) manufacturing techniques for composites result in lower fibre volume fractions than for fully compressed laminates. The lower fibre volume fraction produces a higher resin volume fraction, which becomes resin-rich volumes (RRV). Textile reinforcements with clustered fibres and consequent RRV generally have low strength but high in-plane process permeability, whereas the opposite is true for uniformly distributed fibres. The inevitable increase in resin volume fraction of OOA composites often compromises composite performance and leads to relatively higher weight and fuel consumption in transport applications. The retention of autoclave processing is recommended for highest performance when compression press moulding is not appropriate (for example, for complex 3D components). The traditional autoclave processing of composites heats not only the component to be cured but also parasitic air and the vessel insulation. Subject to minor modifications of the pressure vessel, electrically heated tooling could be implemented. This approach would need to balance insulation of the heated tool surface (and any heater blanket on the counter-face) against the quenching effect during the introduction of the pressurised cool air. This process optimisation would significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, the laminate on the heated tool could be taken to the end of the dwell period before loading the autoclave, leading to significant reductions in cure cycle times. Components could be cured simultaneously at different temperatures provided that there are sufficient power and control circuits in the autoclave. While autoclave processing has usually involved vacuum-bagged pre-impregnated reinforcements, implementation of the cool-clave technique could also provide a scope for using the pressure vessel to cure vacuum-infused composites.
Experimental Study on Poisson’s Ratio of Silty-Fine Sand with Saturation
Authors: Yan Kai , Wang Yong , Lai Xianghua , Wang Yanli , Yang Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

The influence of saturation on the Poisson’s ratio v of reservoir sediments has an engineering significance in the field of oil and nature gas exploration. Based on a self-developed combined (BE-EE-RC) test system, under the dehydration path, the Poisson’s ratio variation of reservoir silty-fine sand in Hangzhou Bay, China, was investigated. Results show that the P- and S-wave velocities vary non-monotonically with decreasing saturation at different net stresses, and reach a maximum at the optimum saturation Sr(opt); Biot’s theory with respect to variation in Vp with Sr matches well with the measured e data. With a small amount of gas intrusion, Poisson’s ratio of saturated sand shows a sudden drop and gradually stabilizes; then, it attenuates slowly and reaches the minimum value at Sr(opt). Once the saturation degree decreases to the level lower than Sr(opt), it rapidly increases. Based on the soil–water characteristic curve (SWCC) and mesoscopic evolution of internal pore water morphology, the variation in Poisson’s ratio v can be divided into four segments of saturation: the boundary effect stage, the primary transition stage, the secondary transition stage, and the unsaturated residual stage. Ultimately, a prediction model for Poisson ratio’s v of the silty-fine sand was proposed to consider the saturation variation.
A Lightweight Network Model Based on an Attention Mechanism for Ship-Radiated Noise Classification
Authors: Yang Shuang , Xue Lingzhi , Hong Xi , Zeng Xiangyang
Published: February 2023

Recently, deep learning has been widely used in ship-radiated noise classification. To improve classification efficiency, avoiding high computational costs is an important research direction in ship-radiated noise classification. We propose a lightweight squeeze and excitation residual network 10 (LW-SEResNet10). In ablation experiments of LW-SEResNet10, the use of ResNet10 instead of ResNet18 reduced 56.1% of parameters, while the accuracy is equivalent to ResNet18. The improved accuracy indicates that the ReLU6 enhanced the model stability, and an attention mechanism captured the channel dependence. The ReLU6 activation function does not introduce additional parameters, and the number of parameters introduced by the attention mechanism accounts for 0.2‰ of the model parameters. The 3D dynamic MFCC feature performs better than MFCC, Mel-spectrogram, 3D dynamic Mel-spectrogram, and CQT. Moreover, the LW-SEResNet10 model is also compared with ResNet and two classic lightweight models. The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves higher classification accuracy and is lightweight in terms of not only the model parameters, but also the time consumption. LW-SEResNet10 also outperforms the state-of-the-art model CRNN-9 by 3.1% and ResNet by 3.4% and has the same accuracy as AudioSet pretrained STM, which achieves the trade-off between accuracy and model efficiency.
Small Signals Lead to Big Changes: The Potential of Peptide-Induced Resistance in Plants
Authors: Pastor-Fernández Julia , Sánchez-Bel Paloma , Flors Víctor , Cerezo Miguel , Pastor Victoria
Published: February 2023

The plant immunity system is being revisited more and more and new elements and roles are attributed to participating in the response to biotic stress. The new terminology is also applied in an attempt to identify different players in the whole scenario of immunity: Phytocytokines are one of those elements that are gaining more attention due to the characteristics of processing and perception, showing they are part of a big family of compounds that can amplify the immune response. This review aims to highlight the latest findings on the role of phytocytokines in the whole immune response to biotic stress, including basal and adaptive immunity, and expose the complexity of their action in plant perception and signaling events.
Special Issue “Personal Therapy for Blood Disorders”
Authors: Hernandez-Valladares Maria
Published: February 2023

This editorial of the Special Issue “Personal Therapy for Blood disorders” aims to draw more attention to blood cancer heterogeneity and personalized strategies for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic treatment [...]
Distal Nerve Transfers in High Peroneal Nerve Lesions: An Anatomical Feasibility Study
Authors: Salminger Stefan , Gstoettner Clemens , Hirtler Lena , Blumer Roland , Fuchssteiner Christoph , Laengle Gregor , Mayer Johannes A. , Bergmeister Konstantin D. , Weninger Wolfgang J. , Aszmann Oskar C.
Published: February 2023

The peroneal nerve is one of the most commonly injured nerves of the lower extremity. Nerve grafting has been shown to result in poor functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare anatomical feasibility as well as axon count of the tibial nerve motor branches and the tibialis anterior motor branch for a direct nerve transfer to reconstruct ankle dorsiflexion. In an anatomical study on 26 human body donors (52 extremities) the muscular branches to the lateral (GCL) and the medial head (GCM) of the gastrocnemius muscle, the soleus muscle (S) as well as the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) were dissected, and each nerve’s external diameter was measured. Nerve transfers from each of the three donor nerves (GCL, GCM, S) to the recipient nerve (TA) were performed and the distance between the achievable coaptation site and anatomic landmarks was measured. Additionally, nerve samples were taken from eight extremities, and antibody as well immunofluorescence staining were performed, primarily evaluating axon count. The average diameter of the nerve branches to the GCL was 1.49 ± 0.37, to GCM 1.5 ± 0.32, to S 1.94 ± 0.37 and to TA 1.97 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. The distance from the coaptation site to the TA muscle was 43.75 ± 12.1 using the branch to the GCL, 48.31 ± 11.32 for GCM, and 19.12 ± 11.68 mm for S, respectively. The axon count for TA was 1597.14 ± 325.94, while the donor nerves showed 297.5 ± 106.82 (GCL), 418.5 ± 62.44 (GCM), and 1101.86 ± 135.92 (S). Diameter and axon count were significantly higher for S compared to GCL as well as GCM, while regeneration distance was significantly lower. The soleus muscle branch exhibited the most appropriate axon count and nerve diameter in our study, while also reaching closest to the tibialis anterior muscle. These results indicate the soleus nerve transfer to be the favorable option for the reconstruction of ankle dorsiflexion, in comparison to the gastrocnemius muscle branches. This surgical approach can be used to achieve a biomechanically appropriate reconstruction, in contrast to tendon transfers which generally only achieve weak active dorsiflexion.
Better Not Forget: On the Memory of S&P 500 Survivor Stock Companies
Authors: Grobys Klaus , Han Yao , Kolari James W.
Published: February 2023

This study explores the dependency structure of S&P 500 survivor stocks. Using a hand-collected sample of stocks that survived in the S&P 500 since March 1957, we employ rescaled/range analysis to investigate survivors. First, we find nonlinearities in the return processes of survivor stocks due to Paretian tails. Second, the return processes of very long-lived outliers exhibit long-term memories with Hurst exponents that significantly exceed one half on average. Third, sample-split tests reveal that the memory on average has virtually not changed over time—that is, survivor stocks do not forget. Fourth, and last, the long-term memory of survivor stocks appears to be unrelated to their exposures to traditional asset pricing risk factors.
Development of the Financial Flow Model for the Sustainable Development of an Industrial Enterprise
Authors: Galimulina Farida , Shinkevich Marina , Barsegyan Naira
Published: February 2023

The review of modern methodological approaches to assessing the sustainable development of an industrial enterprise revealed the absence of generally accepted integral tools and the connection sustainable development trends with financial flows. To fill this gap this, taking into account the principle of balanced development economic, environmental and social components aimed. The purpose of the study is the development of a financial flow management model for the sustainable development of an industrial enterprise (using the example of a large Russian petrochemical enterprise). To achieve the goal of the purpose, the following methods implemented systematic approach, analysis and synthesis, comparative analysis, analysis of dynamics series, correlation analysis, regression analysis, solving the linear programming problem. As a result of the study, we came to conclusion about the shift of the enterprise’s focus on environmental issues; the growth of the integral indicator of sustainable development of an industrial enterprise; the negative impact of credit resources on the aggregate indicator. The novelty of the study lies in the development of a new methodological solution, which is the basis of the financial management model for the sustainable development of the enterprise: it is adequate to the level of microeconomic system; covers three ways of measuring sustainable development and the possibility of choosing the best quality; allows to implement a proactive approach to managing financial flows with the principles of sustainable development of the enterprise (existing approaches either represent only a set of indicators or addressed the diagnosis of a specific subsystem, either do not consider the relationship between financial flows and the aggregated indicator of sustainable development of the enterprise).
Complied by Belief Consistency: The Cognitive-Information Lens of User-Generated Persuasion
Authors: Shih Hung-Pin , Lai Kee-hung , Cheng T. C. E.
Published: February 2023

Confirmation biases make consumers feel comfortable because consistent beliefs simplify the processing of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM). Whether the helpfulness of eWOM is a belief of information underlying biased information, i.e., positive–negative asymmetry, or an illusion of overconfidence underlying biased judgment, i.e., belief consistency, is crucial to the foundation of theory and the advance of practice in user-generated persuasion. The questions challenge the literature that the helpfulness of product reviews relies on unbiased information and/or unbiased judgment. Drawing on the cognitive-information lens, we developed a research model to explain how belief consistency affects the helpfulness beliefs of eWOM, and examined the effects of positive–negative asymmetry. Using a scenario-based questionnaire survey, we collected 334 consumer samples to test the research model. According to the empirical results, the conflicts of influence between positive and negative confirmation indicated that perceived review helpfulness was a belief of information and constrained by the positive–negative review frame. Without using personal expertise, respondents’ consistent beliefs were significant to confirm positive reviews as useful and thereby perceive the review content as helpful, which is an illusion of overconfidence and constrained by belief consistency. Whether personal expertise reinforces the effect of belief consistency depends on the positive–negative asymmetry.