bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of multiple chronic disease characteristics in South Koreans by age groups using association rules analysis
Authors: Roh Eul Hee
Published: January 2022

The prevalence of MCD (multiple chronic disease) is increasing due to increased life expectancies and aging populations. Individual and socioeconomic burdens of MCD are also increasing. To reduce these burdens, it is necessary to establish policies to prevent MCD; therefore, it is important to understand the characteristics of MCD in the current population. In this study, the combinations of MCD that affect hypertension, which has the highest prevalence, were examined according to different age groups. The combinations of diseases were identified utilizing association rules analysis, using the Community Health Survey as the raw data. Two association rules were determined in young adult group, 18 in the middle-aged group, and 30 in the senior group, showing that the number of rules increases with age. Association rules of this study mean that combined chronic diseases are highly associated with hypertension. Then logistic regression analysis was performed on the MCD combinations with highest lift value in each age group to identify relationships between health behavior and MCD combinations. Especially, alcohol consumption was found to be a common factor affecting MCD prevalence in three combinations. On the contrary, sleep habit did not have a statistically significant influence on any combination.
Moisture barrier layer with supplemental chemical and biological protective functionality for firefighting clothing applications
Authors: Meena Mahipal , Kerketta Anjlina , Tripathi Manorama , Roy Prasun , Jacob Josemon
Published: January 2022

One of the primary constituent layers of fire protective clothing is a flame-retardant, waterproof and breathable moisture barrier, which permits the outward transfer of perspiration from the firefighter’s body, while barring the inward entry of water. The introduction of a chemical and biological resistant functionality can greatly enhance the overall applicability of fire protective clothing. In the present work, a chemical & biological resistant waterproof breathable flame retardant moisture barrier fabric was prepared by laminating a biaxially stretched microporous expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) membrane with Activated Carbon Fabric using a hot melt reactive breathable polyurethane adhesive. The developed laminate was found to exhibit an excellent balance of waterproofness (23 kPa) and breathability, which was quantified in terms of water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) and water vapour resistance (Ret). High values of WVTR, 1.1025 × 104 ± 9.8×101 g/m2/day complimented with exceptionally low values of Ret, 2.9 m2Pa/W are indicative of its high degree of breathability. Vertical flammability tests clearly revealed the exceptional flame resistance offered by the laminate, where after-flame, after-glow or melt-dripping was not observed and the char length was ∼4.2 cm. Further, the laminate exhibited requisite degree of protection against biological and chemical warfare (CW) agent with no breakthrough of the CW agent being perceived within the time frame of 24 h. The excellent combination of flame retardancy, breathability, waterproofness, chemical and biological protection, bestows the laminate excellent potential for usage as moisture barrier in fire protective clothing applications.
A Rapid Cytological Screening as pre-Endoscopy Screening for Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Lesions: A Prospective Pilot Study from a Chinese Academic Center
Authors: Feng Yadong , Liang Yan , Yao Bin , Xu Jiajia , Zang Juncai , Zhang Youyu , Zhang Jiong , Xu Guangpeng , Wei Bo , Yao Xiangyi , Huang Peilin , Shi Ruihua
Published: January 2022

Background: Cytological detection of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains challenging. Therefore, we introduced a rapid cytological screening method and evaluated its efficacy as a pre-endoscopy screening for early ESCC and precursor lesions. Methods: This method consisted of a sponge sample retrieval, automatic liquid-based cytological treatment and slides preparation, computer-assisted screening and manual diagnosis. Efficacy for detection of early ESCC and precursor lesions was evaluated. Also, diagnostic efficiency was compared with manual diagnosis. Results: Eighty-three patients with early ESCC and precursor lesions and 2,090 asymptomatic participants with high risks of ESCC were enrolled. Whole procedure was accomplished within two working days. Abnormal cells were detected in all 83 patients, and in 272 (13.01%) subjects among 2,090 asymptomatic participants. Early ESCC, high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia, low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and reflux esophagitis and normal endoscopic findings were detected in 8, 13, 11, 187 and 53 participants with abnormal cells, respectively. The calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for detection of early ESCC and precursor lesions were 100%, 88.34%, 11.76%, and 100%, respectively. Compared with manual diagnosis, this method was accomplished in a shorter time duration (5.4 ± 0.45 min vs 320.2 ± 132.4 min, p < 0.001), a higher diagnostic accuracy (96.7% vs74.4%, p = 0.015) and a better inter-observer agreement (93.3% vs66.7%, K = 0.286, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study provides a promising methodology as pre-endoscopy screening for early ESCC and precursor lesions.
Reassessing Diabetes and APOE Genotype as Potential Interacting Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ravipati Kaushik , Chen Yunxiao , Manns Joseph R.
Published: January 2022

Objective: To assess whether diabetes alone or in association with Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 33,456 participants from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database. Results: Participants with one or two APOE ε4 alleles had 2.71 (CI:2.55–2.88) and 9.37 (CI:8.14–10.78) times higher odds of AD diagnosis, respectively, relative to those with zero ε4 alleles. In contrast, diabetic participants showed 1.07 (CI:0.96–1.18) times higher odds of AD relative to nondiabetics. Diabetes did not exacerbate the odds of AD in APOE ε4 carriers. APOE ε4 carriage was correlated with declines in long-term memory and verbal fluency, which were strongly correlated with conversion to AD. However, diabetes was correlated with working memory decline, which had a relatively weak correlation with AD. Conclusions: Unlike APOE ε4, there was little evidence that diabetes was a risk factor for AD.
Pharmacological Evaluation of Mentha piperita Against Urolithiasis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Jamshed Ayesha , Jabeen Qaiser
Published: January 2022

Background: Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) is one of the most widely consumed medicinal herbs that has gained attention from food and pharmaceutical industries due to its distinct aroma and taste. Purpose: Present study was aimed to rationalize the traditional use of peppermint in urolithiasis and to explore its possible underlying mechanism. Research Design: The aqueous methanolic crude extract of Mentha piperita (Mp.Cr) was assessed for phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity. In vitro crystallization assays were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of Mp.Cr against crystal nucleation, aggregation and growth. In vivo urolithiasis model was developed in rats by the administration of ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol in drinking water. The antiurolithic effects of Mp.Cr were evaluated by analyzing kidney homogenate, biochemical and histological parameters. Results: HPLC analysis showed the presence of epicatechin, quercetin, gallic acid, syringic acid, kaempferol, caffeic acid and coumaric acid. The maximum quantity of quercetin equivalent flavonoid and gallic acid equivalent phenolic content was found to be 63.73 ± .24 mg QE/g and 43.76 ± .6 mg GAE/g of Mp.Cr, respectively. Mp.Cr significantly normalized urinary and serum biochemistry, similar to the standard cystone treatment. Conclusions: The current study validated the preventive and curative potential of Mp.Cr against urolithiasis and justified its traditional use in kidney stone disease.
Digital Competences for Improving Digital Inclusion in E-Government Services: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Morte-Nadal Tamara , Esteban-Navarro Miguel Angel
Published: January 2022

The e-government requires citizens that have a certain level of digital skills. Contact restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of Public Administration in most countries and has increased the social digital divide. Therefore, the training of citizens in digital competences is one of the main challenges of the knowledge society. This mixed-methods systematic review protocol aims to synthesize quantitative and qualitative findings about conditioning factors of digital inclusion, in a multidimensional perspective, related with the education, healthcare and welfare sectors and the political actions involved to improve the digital competences of citizenship for allowing and enhancing their interactions with these online public services. The protocol has been written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Nine databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Educational Resources Information Center Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), ProQuest, MEDLINE, PubMed, SocINDEX and Cairn.info will be searched for peer-reviewed empirical studies published from 2011 or later. Grey literature and citation chaining will be undertaken. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies will be included. Data items will be extracted and coded in a standardized format. A convergent segregated approach to synthesis and integration will be used. The results will be of interest to educational policymakers who want to take into account citizens’ digital skills in the design of online services and lifelong learning programs.
Protamine use in transcarotid arterial revascularization
Authors: Kanitra John J , Bjorklund Rebekah L , Clausen David J , Hayward R David , Paxton Renee A , Haouilou Jimmy C
Published: January 2022

Objective

The literature suggests that heparin reversal with protamine in transcarotid arterial revascularization (TCAR) decreases postoperative bleeding complications without an increase in stroke or death. However, the dosing of protamine in TCAR has not yet been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate our experience with intraoperative heparin reversal with protamine.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study that evaluated the heparin and protamine doses used during TCAR. All adult patients who underwent TCAR between 9/1/2019 and 4/2/2021 were included. Demographic data was obtained from the Vascular Quality Initiative and protamine/heparin doses were obtained from a chart review. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the protamine/heparin dose ratio and other variables.

Results

Sixty-two patients were included. The average protamine/heparin dose ratio used was 0.96 ± 0.12 mg/U; seven had a ratio less than 0.8 mg/U, and one was greater than 1.2 mg/U. Two patients experienced bleeding complications, which were managed non-operatively. No patient with a protamine/heparin ratio greater than 0.8 mg/U had postoperative bleeding. Postoperative bradycardia was observed in 32.3% of patients and hypotension in 35%, with 19% requiring vasopressors. No relationship was identified between the protamine/heparin ratio and bleeding, bradycardia, or hypotension. No 30-day myocardial infarction, stroke or death occurred.

Conclusions

We identified a near 1:1 ratio of a protamine/heparin dosing regimen for the reversal of heparin during TCAR, with postoperative bleeding complications similar to those reported in the literature. However, patients who received a lower protamine/heparin ratio did not experience bleeding complications. In the era of protamine shortages, a future larger-scale study is needed to evaluate the impact of a lower protamine dose on postoperative complications.
Location and model reconstruction algorithm for overlapped and sheltered spherical fruits based on geometry
Authors: Li Li , Ouyang Zhikang , Tian Wenqian , Sun Wei
Published: January 2022

For fruit picking robot, it is an essential prerequisite for achieving fruit picking using machine vision technology to accurately identify the fruits growing in the natural environment. This article presents a vision system of fruit picking robot to perform fruit location and three-dimensional model reconstruction. Firstly, combining the features of color and shape of fruit to reconstruct the actual contour of overlapped and sheltered fruits. Secondly, the least square method was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of each fruit according to the spatial coordinates corresponding to image location. Finally, fruit picking experiments in the laboratory environment are used to verify the feasibility of the proposed vision system. Three parameters including Segmentation Error, Intersection Over Union, and False Negative Rate are used to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. The average Segmentation Error, Intersection Over Union, and False Negative Rate of the fruit location algorithm based on geometry were 6.36%, 87.9%, and 6.72%, respectively. The experimental results showed that the average computation time of the algorithm is 3.2 s and the reconstructed three-dimensional model matched the size and position of fruits in the actual scene. The research results can be applied to the vision system of fruit picking robot.
Revisiting Metchnikoff's work in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cavaillon Jean-Marc , Levin Jack
Published: January 2022

Revisiting Metchnikoff's work in light of the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how much this amazing scientist was a polymath, and one could speculate how much he would have been fascinated and most interested in following the course of the pandemic. Since he coined the word “gerontology”, he would have been intrigued by the high mortality among the elderly, and by the concepts of immunosenescence and inflammaging that characterize the SARS-CoV-2 infection. While Metchnikoff's work is mainly associated with the discovery of the phagocytes and the birth of cellular innate immunity, he regularly invited his closest collaborators to investigate humoral immunity, and it was in his laboratory that Jules Bordet made his major discovery of the complement system. While Metchnikoff and his team investigated many infectious diseases, he also contributed to studies linked to vaccination, such as those on typhoid fever performed in chimpanzees, illustrating that non-human primates can provide animal models which are potentially helpful for understanding the pathophysiology of the COVID-19 virus. In the present review, we illustrate how much his own work and the investigations of his trainees were pertinent to this new disease.
An implementation framework for vision-based bat-like inverted perching with bi-directionalthrust quadrotor
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Wong KC
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an implementation framework to perform a vision-guided, bat-like inverted perching maneuver with a bi-directional thrust quadrotor platform. The framework consists of several distinct modules (guidance, motion planning, control, state estimation) that can be easily be individually customized in the future to meet specific research requirements. The main contribution of this paper lies in the whole framework pipeline with a modular structure developed for implementing a generalized framework for an agile quadrotor to achieve inverted perching. A computationally-light guidance module has been developed as an example to demonstrate the capability while being independent of accurate pre-known target information, and does not require the state estimation of the quadrotor to be provided by an external motion capture system as in our previous work. A motion planning module based on an optimization method has been introduced to generate a two-stage inverted perching trajectory aiming at minimizing altitude loss during the half-flip maneuver. A control module has been developed to enable a bi-directional quadrotor to fly in both upright and inverted states and closely follow the intended trajectory. The compensation strategy used in the control module is key to minimizing the transition time between the upright and inverted states. Finally, an experimental flight platform has been developed to demonstrate the capabilities of the framework. During testing, the proposed framework has achieved an 80 % success rate. To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first time a quadrotor has achieved the inverted perching maneuver using onboard vision guidance.
A prospective randomised comparative study of dynamic, static progressive and serial static proximal interphalangeal joint extension orthoses
Authors: Glasgow Celeste , Ballard Emma
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Many different types of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint extension orthoses exist, yet evidence guiding orthosis choice is largely theoretical. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of three different PIP joint extension orthoses, over 4 weeks of treatment. Secondly, we aimed to explore the relationship between an abbreviated version of the Weeks test (WT) assessment of joint stiffness, and treatment outcome. Lastly, we wished to better understand participants’ satisfaction with orthotic treatment.

Methods

Using a randomised comparative study design, 61 participants were allocated to a serial static, dynamic or static progressive orthosis, 50 had follow-up data. Blinded assessment of function was completed before and after 4 weeks of orthotic intervention and a standardised therapy program. Participants were blinded to alternative groups.

Results

Baseline active PIP extension ranged from 14° to 65°. The average improvement in active PIP extension was −9.1° (95% CI −11.0°, −7.1°). There were no statistically significant differences in outcome between the three orthoses groups. However, a trend was observed with greater improvement in active extension for those in the dynamic Capener (−11.5°) compared to the static progressive belly gutter (−7.3°) or serial cast (−8.7°) groups, with less total end range time required. The abbreviated WT was significantly associated with improvement in active extension ( p = 0.001). Participants reported a high degree of satisfaction with their orthosis regardless of type.

Conclusions

No single orthosis demonstrated statistically greater effectiveness, although the dynamic Capener orthosis appeared more efficient. The abbreviated WT is associated with treatment outcome.
“All things must pass” - Cutaneous migration of an endobronchial valve
Authors: Lee Michelle , Baranowski Ralitsa , Gammon David , Hargrave Joanne , Waller David
Published: January 2022

Summary

The Zephyr (PulmonX Inc., Redwood, CA) endobronchial valve (EBV), predominantly designed for lung volume reduction in emphysema, can also be used to close a spontaneous or post-operative prolonged air leak (PAL). We describe a previously unreported complication of cutaneous migration of an EBV, inserted for management of a PAL from a postoperative bronchopleural fistula (BPF), in a 62-year-old male following a right upper lobe posterior-apical (S1,2) segmentectomy. His PAL resulted in a chronic empyema which failed to respond to surgical debridement, anterior cavernostomy and pectoral myoplasty. Bronchoscopic closure of the air leak by EBV insertion resulted in clinical improvement but there was a residual chronic wound sinus through which the patient reported protrusion of a foreign body that was causing irritation. It was the EBV. We hypothesise that the BPF healed beneath the EBV causing it to dislodge but its route to the skin remains a mystery.
Connecting During a Government Shutdown: Networked Care and the Temporal Aspects of Social Media Activism
Authors: Cronin Jane , Mao Yuping , Menchen-Trevino Ericka
Published: January 2022

Social media activism is often valued for its role in mobilizing physical protests, effecting social change, and raising awareness. We propose that networked care is another valuable aspect of online social movements, and that definitions of connective action should be expanded to include it. In addition, we show that when activism occurs in a response to a social crisis, it follows a temporal framework which aligns with existing social crisis schemata. This is explored through analyzing #ShutdownStories movement that sprang up on Twitter in response to the 2018–2019 government shutdown. We take a multi-methods approach, combining text mining approaches with manual content analysis, and using established social support frameworks to show how networked care manifests within digital activism. Through this we broaden and diversify what is considered political action worthy of study within the field of communication.
A Model for Sleep Apnea Management in Underserved Patient Populations
Authors: Henry Olivia , Brito Alexandra , Lloyd Marguerite Cooper , Miller Robert , Weaver Eleanor , Upender Raghu
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition in the United States that is strongly linked to metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality. Uninsured populations experience sleep health disparities, including delayed recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA due to barriers accessing and affording care. Partnerships between primary care clinics and sleep medicine specialists for sleep apnea management have the potential to increase screening, testing, and treatment among underserved populations. Here, we present an integrated and cost-effective model that is easier to navigate for patients while maintaining high quality care.

Methods:

We designed and implemented a specialty sleep clinic at Shade Tree Clinic, Vanderbilt’s student-run, free primary care clinic. Patients with signs and symptoms of OSA were identified at primary care appointments and screened using the STOP-BANG questionnaire. Clinic visits took place over telehealth with a medical student and sleep specialist. Patients were diagnosed using a home sleep test, and if indicated, were prescribed and given a CPAP device for treatment. CPAP adherence was monitored using a cloud-based remote monitoring system.

Results:

From December 2020 through August 2021, we hosted 6 telehealth Sleep Clinics, seeing a total of 28 patients across these visits. We have received a total of 37 referrals and have coordinated sleep evaluations and diagnostic testing for 18 of these patients so far. Prior to initiation of the sleep clinic, there were 17 patients on our primary care panel at Shade Tree with a diagnosis of OSA. These patients were using donated equipment and many had been lost to follow-up or had broken parts. We were able to replace 10 of these patient’s CPAP devices and plan to replace the remaining seven.

Conclusions:

We have created a model of integrated specialty care that is efficient and cost-effective. This paradigm can be replicated for the many specialties that are typically overlooked and undertreated when working with uninsured patients. As awareness of this sleep medicine program becomes more widespread at Shade Tree Clinic, we anticipate reaching more primary care patients with signs and symptoms of sleep apnea through student education, cost-effective diagnostics, and partnership with sleep specialists.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma 18 Years After Bilateral Lacrimal Gland IgG4-Related Disease: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Tanaka Takehiro , Notohara Kenji , Okada Kazuya
Published: January 2022

IgG4-related disease is a recently established clinical entity. The disease might serve as the background for later development of systemic lymphoma. This study aims to confirm the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease by re-staining lacrimal gland lesions diagnosed previously with low-grade lymphoma in a patient who developed systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) 18 years later. A 53-year-old man developed bilateral lacrimal gland swelling and right submandibular gland swelling and was diagnosed by excision as low-grade lymphoma. In follow-up, positron emission tomography showed high uptake in the median hyoid 11 years later but no malignancy was detected by laryngeal submucosal biopsy. He was well with no treatment until 18 years later when he had palatal swelling and was diagnosed with DLBCL by oral floor biopsy. He had systemic lymphadenopathy, infiltration in paranasal sinuses, hypopharynx, small intestine, kidney, and prostate. He underwent 8 courses of R-CHOP and 3 courses of high-dose methotrexate and achieved complete remission with no relapse for 1 year thereafter. Re-immunostaining of paraffin blocks of bilateral lacrimal gland lesions showed IgG and IgG4-positive lymphocytes and plasma cells among lymphoid follicles separated by fibrous bundles, with 10 or more IgG4-positive cells in high-power field. The IgG4/IgG-positive cell ratio was 100% and the number of κ chain-positive cells and λ chain-positive cells was the same. The bilateral lacrimal lesions were thus re-diagnosed as IgG4-related disease. In conclusion, systemic DLBCL occurred approximately 20 years after lacrimal gland IgG4-related disease. Literature review revealed 12 patients with IgG4-related disease, including the present patient, who later developed lymphoma in the other organs.
Adolescent Athletes Demonstrate Inferior Objective Profiles at the Time of Return to Sport After ACLR Compared With Healthy Controls
Authors: Robinson John D. , Hannon Joseph , Goto Shiho , Singleton Steven B. , Garrison J. Craig
Published: January 2022

Background:

Athletes display persistent muscle deficits and altered limb-loading mechanics at the time of return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Purpose:

To compare an objective profile of adolescent athletes at RTS after ACLR to matched healthy controls.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 124 participants; 62 patients who underwent ACLR (15.4 ± 1.7 years) and 62 healthy controls (15.3 ± 1.7 years). Motion capture and force plates were used to capture joint motions during jump landing (JL) and single-limb squat (SLS) tasks. Energy absorption contribution (EAC) was calculated, and repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess for EAC differences between groups. Participants completed an International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, and isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength testing was performed on each limb. Independent t tests were run to examine age, height, weight, and IKDC scores as well as compare differences between groups for quadriceps and hamstring strength.

Results:

A significant group × joint interaction was found for JL ( P < .001) and SLS ( P < .001). For JL, patients who underwent ACLR utilized significantly greater hip ( P < .001) and significantly less knee ( P < .001) EAC on the surgical limb compared with controls. During SLS, patients who underwent ACLR utilized significantly greater hip ( P < .001) and significantly less knee ( P < .001) EAC on the surgical limb compared with controls. The ACLR cohort demonstrated lower IKDC scores ( P < .001) and significantly lower quadriceps strength on the surgical limb ( P < .001) than controls. There were no differences in surgical limb hamstring strength between the ACLR cohort and healthy controls ( P = .701).

Conclusion:

Compared with matched healthy controls, the participants who underwent ACLR in this study demonstrated an inferior objective profile at RTS, consisting of deficits in surgical limb loading, self-reported outcomes, and strength.
Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety After ACL Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Piussi Ramana , Berghdal Tora , Sundemo David , Grassi Alberto , Zaffagnini Stefano , Sansone Mikael , Samuelsson Kristian , Senorski Eric Hamrin
Published: January 2022

Background:

Depression and anxiety symptoms can occur in patients following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and the presence of these symptoms has been associated with poorer self-reported knee function in this type of injury.

Purpose:

To investigate the prevalence and severity of self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety following an ACL injury.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, and PEDro databases were searched using a combination of keywords relating to ACL, depression, anxiety, and their synonyms. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies written in English that reported on patients with an injured and/or reconstructed ACL and assessed symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 authors. Data synthesis was performed using an emergent synthesis approach. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies or the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results:

After abstract screening, 37 studies were assessed in full text, of which 16 were included. The studies comprised 682 patients (417 male [61%]). The depression symptoms appeared to be more severe in elite athletes compared with recreational athletes. Symptoms decreased over time from moment of ACL reconstruction to up to 2 years postoperatively. The prevalence of self-reported symptoms of anxiety after an ACL injury was reported in 1 study (2%). There were no differences in anxiety symptoms between professional and amateur athletes or between adolescents and adults. The overall quality of the studies was low or very low.

Conclusion:

Patients who sustain an ACL injury can suffer from symptoms of depression, especially during the first 6 weeks after ACL reconstruction. Depressive symptoms are more common among professional versus nonprofessional athletes. Levels of anxiety symptoms were not above the cutoffs for a diagnosis of anxiety after an ACL injury.
The Language of Optimism in Corporate Sustainability Reports: A Computerized Content Analysis
Authors: Laskin Alexander V. , Mikhailovna Nesova Natalya
Published: January 2022

The discussion of sustainability reporting rarely addresses the inherent paradox within this concept—tremendous costs associated with sustainability efforts and lack of direct return on these investments. This study contributes to the discussion on sustainability by studying this paradox from the linguistic standpoint in order to answer a simple question: Why are sustainability reports produced? The study’s main contribution is evaluation of the place of sustainability reporting in the corporate communication genre: whether sustainability reporting is a vehicle of fair and objective sustainability disclosure or whether sustainability reporting belongs with marketing and promotional communication.
Visualizing Intergenerational Immigrant Assimilation at Work
Authors: Hermansen Are Skeie
Published: January 2022

The extent to which successive immigrant generations experience economic progress is a fundamental yardstick of assimilation and future ethnic stratification in the increasingly diverse societies of the rich West. In this regard, measuring how immigrants and local-born adult descendants of immigrants are distributed across different labor market segments provides clues about their relative assimilation into the mainstream economy. Drawing on linked employer-employee administrative data from Norway, the author uses heat plots to visualize differences in ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics of workplace contexts by immigrant background. The visualization reveals a striking overall pattern of intergenerational assimilation, whereby immigrant descendants are employed in workplaces that are more like those of nonmigrant natives in terms of immigrant concentration and, in particular, coworkers’ salaries, education, and occupational task profiles compared with the immigrant generation. However, less-successful members of the second generation found in workplaces with less prestigious job characteristics still experience disproportionate levels of ethnic workplace segregation.
Disentangling barrier effects of transport infrastructure: synthesising research for the practice of impact assessment
Authors: van Eldijk Job , Gil Jorge , Marcus Lars
Published: January 2022

Transport infrastructure such as railways, motorways and arterial roads increases regional accessibility for motorised transport but simultaneously can create barriers in local street networks that can decrease accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. Although several tools for an objective assessment of these barrier effects have been developed, their use in practice is limited; impact assessments are instead based on subjective descriptions. This article reviews the literature on barrier effects of the last 60 years and aims to offer guidance for the use of objective methods of assessment of barrier effects. The first contribution is a conceptual model for the barrier effects of transport infrastructure and their determinants. The second contribution is an overview of tools for the assessment of barrier effects. We conclude that a multi-disciplinary approach is required, supported by the conceptual model and the overview of assessment tools. Investments in transport infrastructure can then be based on broader decision support involving not only the benefits of increasing regional accessibility but also the cost of reducing local accessibility.
N6-Methyladenosine-Related lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for predicting prognoses and immune responses in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang He , Kong Weimin , Zhao Xiaoling , Han Chao , Liu Tingting , Li Jing , Song Dan
Published: January 2022

Background

Several recent studies have confirmed epigenetic regulation of the immune response. However, the potential role of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in cervical cancer and tumour microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration remain unclear.

Results

We evaluated and analysed m6A modification patterns in 307 cervical cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset based on 13 m6A regulators. Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify lncRNAs associated with m6A, followed by univariate Cox regression analysis to screen their prognostic role in cervical cancer patients. We also correlated TME cell infiltration characteristics with modification patterns. We screened six m6A-associated lncRNAs as prognostic lncRNAs and established the prognostic profile of m6A-associated lncRNAs by least absolute shrinkage and choice of operator (LASSO) Cox regression. The corresponding risk scores of the patients were derived based on their prognostic features, and the correlation between this feature model and disease prognosis was analysed. The prognostic model constructed based on the TCGA-CESC (The Cancer Genome Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma) dataset showed strong prognostic power in the stratified analysis and was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicator for predicting the overall survival of patients with CESC. Enrichment analysis showed that biological processes, pathways, and markers associated with malignancy were more common in the high-risk subgroup. Risk scores were strongly correlated with the tumour grade. ECM receptor interactions and pathways in cancer were enriched in Cluster 2, while oxidative phosphorylation and other biological processes were enriched in Cluster 1. The expression of immune checkpoint molecules, including programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), was significantly increased in the high-risk subgroup, suggesting that this prognostic model could be a predictor of immunotherapy.

Conclusions

This study reveals that m6A modifications play an integral role in the diversity and complexity of TME formation. Assessing the m6A modification patterns of individual tumours will help improve our understanding of TME infiltration characteristics and thus guide immunotherapy more effectively. We also developed an independent prognostic model based on m6A-associated lncRNAs as a predictor of overall survival, which can also be used as a predictor of immunotherapy.
The inconsistency between two major aneuploidy-screening platforms—single-nucleotide polymorphism array and next-generation sequencing—in the detection of embryo mosaicism
Authors: Chen Dongjia , Xu Yan , Ding Chenhui , Wang Yali , Fu Yu , Cai Bing , Wang Jing , Li Rong , Guo Jing , Pan Jiafu , Zeng Yanhong , Zhong Yiping , Shen Xiaoting , Zhou Canquan
Published: January 2022

Background

In preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), appropriate evaluation of mosaic embryos is important because of the adverse implications of transferring embryos with high-level mosaicism or discarding those with low-level mosaicism. Despite the availability of multiple reliable techniques for PGT-A, data comparing the detection of mosaicism using these techniques are scarce. To address this gap in the literature, we compared the detection ability of the two most commonly used PGT-A platforms, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, for mosaic embryos.

Results

We retrospectively reviewed the data of PGT-A or preimplantation genetic testing for chromosomal structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) conducted at our center from January 2018 to October 2020, and selected blastocysts that underwent aneuploidy screening with both an SNP array and NGS. Trophectoderm biopsy, multiple displacement amplification (MDA), and aneuploidy screening with an SNP array were conducted on the enrolled blastocysts. When the SNP array indicated mosaicism, NGS was performed on the corresponding MDA product for verification. Among the 105 blastocysts diagnosed with mosaicism with the SNP array, 80 (76.19%) showed mosaicism in NGS, with complete and partial concordance rates of 47.62% (50/105) and 18.10% (19/105), respectively. The complete discordance rate of the two platforms was 34.29% (36/105). That is, 10.48% (11/105) of the blastocysts were diagnosed with completely different types of mosaicism with the two platforms, while 13.33% (14/105) and 10.48% (11/105) of the embryos diagnosed as showing mosaicism with SNP were detected as showing aneuploidy and euploidy with NGS, respectively.

Conclusions

The consistency of NGS and the SNP array in the diagnosis of embryo mosaicism is extremely low, indicating the need for larger and well-designed studies to determine which platform is more accurate in detecting mosaic embryos.
Thymol improves salinity tolerance of tobacco by increasing the sodium ion efflux and enhancing the content of nitric oxide and glutathione
Authors: Xu Liang , Song Jia-Qian , Wang Yue-Lin , Liu Xiao-Han , Li Xue-Li , Zhang Bo , Li Ai-Jie , Ye Xie-Feng , Wang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: January 2022

Background and objective

Salt stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses affecting the yield and quality of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Thymol (a natural medicine) has been widely used in medical research because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the influence of thymol on the root growth of tobacco is not fully elucidated. In this study, the regulatory effects of different concentrations of thymol were investigated.

Methodology

Here, histochemical staining and biochemical methods, non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT), and qPCR assay were performed to investigate the effect of thymol and mechanism of it improving salinity tolerance in tobacco seedlings.

Results

In this study, our results showed that thymol rescued root growth from salt stress by ameliorating ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Furthermore, thymol enhanced contents of NO and GSH to repress ROS accumulation, further protecting the stability of the cell membrane. And, thymol improved Na+ efflux and the expression of SOS1, HKT1, and NHX1, thus protecting the stability of Na+ and K+.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the protecting effect of thymol in tobacco under salt stress, and we also identified the mechanism of it, involving dynamic regulation of antioxidant system and the maintenance of Na+ homeostasis. It can be a new method to improve salinity tolerance in plants.
Etiologies of fever of unknown origin in HIV/AIDS patients, Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu Kim , Nguyen Yen Hai , Nguyen Hao Thi , Khong Quang Minh , Tran Ngoc Kim
Published: January 2022

Background

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a challenge for clinicians treating patients with HIV/AIDS. CD4 counts can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to determine several common etiologies of FUO stratified by CD4 count levels in HIV/AIDS patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study was conducted in 195 HIV/AIDS patients with FUO admitted to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases from January 2016 to June 2019. Clinical parameters, immune status, and etiologies for each patient were recorded. Odds ratios were calculated to compare the distributions of common etiologies in groups with two different CD4 count levels: < 50 cells/mm3 and ≥ 50 cells/mm3.

Results

The proportions of opportunistic infections and noninfectious etiologies were 93.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Tuberculosis was the most common opportunistic infection (46.7%), followed by talaromycosis (29.2%) and Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) infection (20.5%). Tuberculosis was predominant in all CD4 level groups. Most patients with talaromycosis had CD4 counts below 50 cells/mm3. In total, 53.8% of the patients were infected by one pathogen. The risks of tuberculosis and talaromycosis in FUO-HIV patients were high when their CD4 counts were below 50 cells/mm3.

Conclusions

Opportunistic infections, especially tuberculosis, are still the leading cause of FUO in HIV/AIDS patients. Tuberculosis and Talaromyces marneffei (TM) infection should be considered in patients with CD4 cell counts < 50 cells/mm3. This study implies that guidelines for appropriate testing to identify the etiology of FUO in HIV/AIDS patient based on the CD4 cell count should be developed, thereby reducing resource waste.
Acute hepatitis E virus superinfection increases mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Choi Jung Woo , Son Ho Jin , Lee Sang Soo , Jeon Hankyu , Cho Jin-Kyu , Kim Hee Jin , Cha Ra Ri , Lee Jae Min , Kim Hyun Jin , Jung Woon Tae , Lee Ok-Jae
Published: January 2022

Background

Although acute hepatitis E is not fatal in healthy individuals, it is unclear whether hepatitis E superinfection increases the mortality in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Thus, we investigated the prognosis of patients with acute hepatitis E according to their cirrhosis diagnosis, and the prognosis according to the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease (CLD).

Methods

This study included 74 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis E between January 2007 and December 2019. Of them, 39 patients without CLD, 13 patients with non-cirrhotic CLD, and 22 patients with cirrhotic CLD were analyzed.

Results

Among the 74 patients with HEV infection, 7 (9.5%) died within 180 days: 5 with underlying cirrhosis (71.4%) and 2 without cirrhosis (28.6%). The 180-day mortality was significant higher for patients with cirrhosis than for patients without cirrhosis (22.7% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.013). The age- and sex-adjusted proportional-hazard model revealed an approximately eightfold increase in the 180-day mortality risk in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis. In addition, development of hepatitis E virus-related ACLF due to acute liver function deterioration in patients with pre-existing CLD or cirrhosis worsened the 180-day mortality rate.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the acute hepatitis E mortality rate was low in healthy individuals but higher in patients with cirrhosis, and especially high in those with ACLF.
Does previous stroke modify the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and clinical endpoints in CKD patients?
Authors: Tollitt James , Allan Stuart M. , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Odudu Aghogho , Hoadley Margaret , Smith Craig , Kalra Philip A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for stroke. Stroke is also an independent risk factor for worse CKD outcomes and inflammation may contribute to this bidirectional relationship. This study aims to investigate inflammatory biomarkers in patients with non-dialysis CKD (ND-CKD) with and without stroke.

Methods

A propensity matched sample from > 3000 Salford Kidney Study (SKS) patients, differentiated by previous stroke at study recruitment, had stored plasma analyzed for interleukin- 6 (IL-6), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Multivariable cox regression analysis investigated associations between inflammation and death, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and future non-fatal cardiovascular events (NFCVE).

Results

A total of 157 previous stroke patients were compared against 162 non-stroke patients. There were no significant differences in inflammatory biomarkers between the two groups. Previous stroke was associated with greater mortality risk, hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) was 1.45 (1.07–1.97). Higher inflammatory biomarker concentrations were independently associated with death but not ESRD or NFCVE in the total population. For each 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in log IL-6, VWF and CRP, the HR for all-cause mortality were 1.35 (1.10–1.70), 1.26 (1.05–1.51) and 1.34 (1.12–1.61), respectively. CRP retained its independent association (HR 1.47 (1.15–1.87)) with death in the stroke population.

Conclusion

Previous stroke is an important determinant of mortality. However, the adverse combination of stroke and ND-CKD does not seem to be driven by higher levels of inflammation detected after the stroke event. Biomarkers of inflammation were associated with worse outcome in both stroke and non-stroke ND-CKD patients.

Trial registration

15/NW/0818.