bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in cardiometabolic health and disease in a cross-sectional observational obesity study
Authors: Strack Christina , Behrens Gundula , Sag Sabine , Mohr Margareta , Zeller Judith , Lahmann Claas , Hubauer Ute , Loew Thomas , Maier Lars , Fischer Marcus , Baessler Andrea
Published: March 2022

Background

Beyond the degree of adiposity, the pattern of fat distribution has a profound influence on cardiometabolic risk. It is unclear if sex differences in body fat distribution can potentially explain any sex differences in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and in individual cardiometabolic risk factors among obese men and women.

Methods

In this cross-sectional analysis, 432 persons from the ongoing Obesity Weight Reduction Study (n = 356 obese, ØBMI 41 ± 8 kg/m2, and 76 non-obese, ØBMI 25 ± 3 kg/m2), were included. The relations of sex to MetS prevalence and selected cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate adjusted regression models.

Results

In crude analyses, %fat mass and the fat mass/lean mass ratio were significantly higher in women than in men, regardless of increasing obesity categories, from normal weight to grade-3-obesity. In contrast, markers of abdominal obesity, such as waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were higher in men than in women, despite similar BMI. The prevalence of the MetS was higher in obese men than in women (67.6 vs. 45.0%, p < 0.0001), particularly in younger individuals < 40 years (72.5 vs. 36.8%, p < 0.0001), but “metabolically healthy obesity” (BMI ≥ 30, no other NCEP ATPIII MetS component) was more common in women than in men (15.6 vs. 4.1%, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, %body fat and height, sex differences were observed for HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001), triglycerides (p < 0.001), fasting glucose (p = 0.002), insulin and HOMA-IR levels (p < 0.001), ALAT (p < 0.001), adiponectin (p < 0.001), and sE-selectin (p = 0.005). In contrast, crude sex differences in other variables, such as leptin levels (68 ± 4 in obese women vs. 33 ± 2 µg/L in men, p < 0.0001), disappeared after accounting for differences in %body fat (least-squares means of leptin: 52 ± 4 vs. 55 ± 6 µg /L, p = 0.740). A logistic regression model adjusting for age and lifestyle factors revealed a lower risk of having MetS for women as compared to men (OR = 0.38[0.22–0.60]). That risk estimate did not materially alter after adding BMI to the model. In contrast, no statistically significant association between sex and MetS prevalence was observed after adding waist circumference and adiponectin to the model (OR = 1.41[0.59–3.36]).

Conclusions

Different body fat distribution patterns, particularly abdominal adiposity, adiponectin, and related biomarkers, may contribute to sex differences in cardiometabolic risk factors and to the prevalence of the MetS.
Immune mechanisms associated with sex-based differences in severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes
Authors: Arnold Cosby G. , Libby Anne , Vest Alexis , Hopkinson Andrew , Monte Andrew A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Although biological males and females are equally likely to become infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), evidence has mounted that males experience higher severity and fatality compared to females.

Main

The objective of this review is to examine the existing literature on biological mechanisms underlying sex-based differences that could contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection clinical outcomes. Sex-based differences in immunologic response and hormonal expression help explain the differences in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes observed in biological males and females. X inactivation facilitates a robust immune response to COVID-19 in females, who demonstrate a more profound antibody response and faster recovery when compared to males. Low testosterone levels also help explain the dysregulated inflammatory response and poor outcomes observed in some males with COVID-19. Gender differences in health expression and behaviors further compound these observed differences.

Conclusion

Understanding the biology of sex-based differences in COVID-19 severity and mortality could help inform preventative measures, treatment decisions, and development of personalized, sex-specific therapies.
Combined utilization of metabolic inhibitors to prevent synergistic multi-species biofilm formation
Authors: Kang Dingrong , Liu Wenzheng , Kakahi Fatemeh Bajoul , Delvigne Frank
Published: March 2022

Biofilm is ubiquitous in industrial water systems, causing biofouling and leading to heat transfer efficiency decreases. In particular, multi-species living in biofilms could boost biomass production and enhance treatment resistance. In this study, a total of 37 bacterial strains were isolated from a cooling tower biofilm where acetic acid and propionic acid were detected as the main carbon sources. These isolates mainly belonged to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, which occupied more than 80% of the total strains according to the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Four species (Acinetobacter sp. CTS3, Corynebacterium sp. CTS5, Providencia sp. CTS12, and Pseudomonas sp. CTS17) were observed co-existing in the synthetic medium. Quantitative comparison of biofilm biomass from mono- and multi-species showed a synergistic effect towards biofilm formation among these four species. Three metabolic inhibitors (sulfathiazole, 3-bromopyruvic acid, and 3-nitropropionic acid) were employed to prevent biofilm formation based on their inhibitory effect on corresponding metabolic pathways. All of them displayed evident inhibition profiles to biofilm formation. Notably, combining these three inhibitors possessed a remarkable ability to block the multi-species biofilm development with lower concentrations, suggesting an enhanced effect appeared in simultaneous use. This study demonstrates that combined utilization of metabolic inhibitors is an alternative strategy to prevent multi-species biofilm formation.
Enhancing financial performance of the banks: the role of customer response and operations management
Authors: Enad Osama Mohamed Ahmed , Gerinda Salah Murtada Abdelrahman
Published: March 2022

The current study investigates the relations between the following variables customer response, operations management, and financial performance. The questionnaires were distributed among the board of upper management, middle management, and first-line management in Al-Tadamon Islamic bank in Sudan. Then, the feedbacks were analyzed using SPSS, and the response rate was 77%. The outcomes displayed that, the customer response effect positively operations management and financial performance. Similarly, operations management influences financial performance, but operations management does not mediate the relations between customer response and financial performance.
Client-therapist dyads and therapy outcome: Does sex matching matters? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Schmalbach Ileana , Albani Cornelia , Petrowski Katja , Brähler Elmar
Published: March 2022

Matching clients and therapist based on demographic variables might enhance therapeutic outcomes. Even so, research in this field is still inconclusive and not much is known about same-gender client therapist dyads in the context of cognitive behavioral (CBT) and psychodynamic methods. For this purpose, we studied the therapy outcomes of N = 1.212 participants that had received therapy (3 months–6 years) in Germany. The results showed a trend for same-gender client therapist dyads in terms of symptom reduction and quality of life specific to psychodynamic approaches. The latter applied specifically to female client-therapist dyads. On the other hand, this trend was not fully evident for CBT-based therapies. In conclusion, despite the robust sample and observed trends, it is not clear whether matching same gender dyads is advantageous with regards to symptom reduction and quality of life. Regardless, these results are preliminary and further studies are needed in order to find out whether same gender client-therapist dyads enhance therapy outcomes or not.
Subjective perception of life stress events affects long-term pain: the role of resilience
Authors: Kascakova Natalia , Furstova Jana , Trnka Radek , Hasto Jozef , Geckova Andrea Madarasova , Tavel Peter
Published: March 2022

Objective

There is evidence that experiencing childhood trauma and life stressors across the lifespan together with lower resilience is associated with chronic pain-related conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the potential mediating role of resilience in the relationship between childhood trauma and long-term pain and to explore a possible moderating role of serious life stressors in the last year.

Methods

The participants, drawn from a representative sample of citizens of the Czech Republic (n = 1800, mean age: 46.6 years, 48.7% male), were asked to report various long-term pain conditions, childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ), life stressors (Life Stressor Checklist Revised, LSC-R) and resilience (Brief Resilience Scale, BRS) in a cross-sectional face-to-face study conducted in 2016. A conditional process SEM model of moderated mediation was performed.

Results

The occurrence of life stress events affecting the participant’s last year moderated the relationship between childhood trauma, resilience and health. In the group of participants who experienced at least one life stress event affecting their last year, resilience fully mediated the effect of past childhood trauma on long-term pain. In participants who did not experience life stressors with an impact on the last year, the direct path from childhood trauma to health through resilience lost its significance.

Conclusion

The subjective meaning of stress events on one’s life has an impact on the trajectory between childhood trauma and health and acts as a moderator. Resilience may buffer the negative effect of trauma on later long-term pain.
Mutational status may supersede tumor size in predicting the presence of aggressive pathologic features in well differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Semsar-Kazerooni Koorosh , Morand Grégoire B. , Payne Alexandra E. , da Silva Sabrina D. , Forest Véronique-Isabelle , Hier Michael P. , Pusztaszeri Marc P. , Tamilia Michael , Payne Richard J.
Published: March 2022

Background

In clinical practice, thyroid tumor size plays a critical role in the staging of thyroid malignancies and in the selection of nodules that should undergo ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. Thyroid tumor size is influenced by the elapsed time since the beginning of oncogenesis and by the presence of somatic mutations driving growth, such as BRAF V600E mutations, associated with aggressive phenotypes, and RAS-like mutations, associated with more indolent behavior. Although large nodules are often considered to be more alarming, the true impact of tumor size on prognosis remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between mutational status, tumor size and aggressiveness, with emphasis on BRAF V600E and RAS-like mutations.

Method

We conducted a multicentric retrospective chart review in Montréal, Canada, of all patients who underwent thyroid surgery between January 2016 and December 2020, with well-differentiated thyroid cancer on final pathology, and who had undergone molecular testing revealing the presence of BRAF V600E mutations or RAS-like mutations ( NRAS, HRAS or KRAS).

Results

We included 214 cases. There were 117 (54.7%) cases of BRAF V600E and 97 (45.3%) cases of RAS-like mutations. The BRAF V600E group was statistically associated with a smaller mean tumor size when compared with the RAS group of 1.55 cm and 2.04 cm, respectively. In a multivariate model, tumors with BRAF V600E mutations were also more likely to display aggressive pathological features, including extra-thyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, columnar cell features, tall cell histology, or hobnail histology (OR 26.69; 95% CI 11.15–70.81). In contrast, tumor size was not associated with pathologic aggressive features on multivariate analysis (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.54–1.22).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that thyroid tumors expressing BRAF V600E mutations correlate with aggressive pathologic features more than tumors expressing RAS-like mutations. When comparing tumors with BRAF V600E and RAS-like mutations, the former were found to be smaller. As a result of this finding, this study suggests that molecular alterations may better predict aggressive pathologic features than the size of the tumor.

Graphical Abstract
Inhibition of CK2 mitigates Alzheimer’s tau pathology by preventing NR2B synaptic mislocalization
Authors: Marshall Courtney A. , McBride Jennifer D. , Changolkar Lakshmi , Riddle Dawn M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Virginia M.-Y.
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that exhibits pathological changes in both tau and synaptic function. AD patients display increases in hyperphosphorylated tau and synaptic activity. Previous studies have individually identified the role of NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors in AD related synaptic dysfunction and aggregated tau without reconciling the conflicting differences and implications of NR2B expression. Inhibition of extrasynaptically located NR2B mitigates tau pathology in AD models, whereas the inhibition of synaptic NR2B replicates tau-associated hyperactivity. This suggests that a simultaneous increase in extrasynaptic NR2B and decrease in synaptic NR2B may be responsible for tau pathology and synaptic dysfunction, respectively. The synaptic location of NR2B is regulated by casein kinase 2 (CK2), which is highly expressed in AD patients. Here, we used patient brains diagnosed with AD, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy or Pick’s disease to characterize CK2 expression across these diverse tauopathies. Human derived material was also utilized in conjunction with cultured hippocampal neurons in order to investigate AD-induced changes in NR2B location. We further assessed the therapeutic effect of CK2 inhibition on NR2B synaptic distribution and tau pathology. We found that aberrant expression of CK2, and synaptically translocated NR2B, is unique to AD patients compared to other tauopathies. Increased CK2 was also observed in AD-tau treated neurons in addition to the mislocalization of NR2B receptors. Tau burden was alleviated in vitro by correcting synaptic:extrasynaptic NR2B function. Restoring NR2B physiological expression patterns with CK2 inhibition and inhibiting the function of excessive extrasynaptic NR2B with Memantine both mitigated tau accumulation in vitro. However, the combined pharmacological treatment promoted the aggregation of tau. Our data suggests that the synaptic:extrasynaptic balance of NR2B function regulates AD-tau pathogenesis, and that the inhibition of CK2, and concomitant prevention of NR2B mislocalization, may be a useful therapeutic tool for AD patients.
Hornerin deposits in neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease: direct identification of proteins with compositionally biased regions in inclusions
Authors: Park Hongsun , Yamanaka Tomoyuki , Toyama Yumiko , Fujita Atsushi , Doi Hiroshi , Nirasawa Takashi , Murayama Shigeo , Matsumoto Naomichi , Shimogori Tomomi , Ikegawa Masaya , Haltia Matti J. , Nukina Nobuyuki
Published: March 2022

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the presence of eosinophilic inclusions (NIIs) within nuclei of central and peripheral nervous system cells. This study aims to identify the components of NIIs, which have been difficult to analyze directly due to their insolubility. In order to establish a method to directly identify the components of NIIs, we first analyzed the huntingtin inclusion-rich fraction obtained from the brains of Huntington disease model mice. Although the sequence with expanded polyglutamine could not be identified by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry, amino acid analysis revealed that glutamine of the huntingtin inclusion-rich fraction increased significantly. This is compatible with the calculated amino acid content of the transgene product. Therefore, we applied this method to analyze the NIIs of diseased human brains, which may have proteins with compositionally biased regions, and identified a serine-rich protein called hornerin. Since the analyzed NII-rich fraction was also serine-rich, we suggested hornerin as a major component of the NIIs. A specific distribution of hornerin in NIID was also investigated by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence. Finally, we confirmed a variant of hornerin by whole-exome sequencing and DNA sequencing. This study suggests that hornerin may be related to the pathological process of this NIID, and the direct analysis of NIIs, especially by amino acid analysis using the NII-rich fractions, would contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease pathogenesis.
Preliminary fluid geochemical survey in Tete Province and prospective development of geothermics in Mozambique
Authors: Procesi M. , Marini L. , Cinti D. , Sciarra A. , Basile P. , Mazzoni T. , Zarlenga F.
Published: March 2022

An evaluation of the feasible development of geothermal energy in Mozambique is proposed based on some thermal springs geochemical characterization in the Tete region. Chemical and isotopic data suggest that the springs have a meteoric origin and do not show connection with any active magmatic system. The proposed circulation model suggests high depths infiltration of meteoric waters along faults and fractures in a system characterised by discrete permeability and reservoir temperature between 90 and 120 °C. These results, jointly with low salinity fluids and corrosive components absence suggest that the geothermal system may be conveniently exploited for direct and indirect uses.
Enhancement of equatorial OI(1D) emissions at midnight
Authors: Chiang Chih-Yu , Chang Tzu-Fang , Tam Sunny W. Y.
Published: March 2022

A number of recent studies have highlighted observational evidence of midnight brightness of the 630.0 nm nightglow, which is usually related to the midnight temperature maximum (MTM) effect. In this report, MTM-related enhancements of the 630.0 nm airglow around midnight are observed through images from the ISUAL/FORMOSAT-2 satellite. The data statistics are classified into three specific types (no-peak, single-peaked, and double-peaked events) and separated into the different seasons. In order to understand the influences of geomagnetic conditions, the statistical analyses are also separated into two regions. One is collected from the region whose geomagnetic equator is north of the geographic equator, and the other is collected from the region whose geomagnetic equator is south of the geographic equator. The results show that the single-peaked brightness often appears between the geographic equator and the geomagnetic equator. The double-peaked brightness appears simultaneously on the two sides of the region sandwiched by the two equators. Coupled with the summer-to-winter neutral wind generated by seasonal effects, one side of brightness could be enhanced or disappear due to the plasma moving along the field line. The no-peak events mainly occur close to May–July, which may be due to the effect of ionospheric annual anomalies. Overall, the statistical results for the occurrence rate show strong seasonal variations with different cycles at different longitudinal regions for all three types of events.

Graphical Abstract
Potential role of dental pulp stem cells conditioned medium for odontoblastic differentiation
Authors: Koh Benson , Ab Rahman Farynna Hana , Matlan Najwa Amira , Rajan Manissha , Musta’ain Aimi Yasmin , Mohd Jeffry Lee Mohamad Ridhwan , Ramli Roszalina , Mohd Yunus Siti Salmiah , Binti Hj Idrus Ruszymah , Yazid Muhammad Dain
Published: March 2022

Background

Functional bioengineered tooth regeneration using autologous or allogeneic alternative differentiated cells sources are thought to have a great potential in replacing conventional dentures. This study investigated the potential of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) conditioned medium for odontoblastic differentiation of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs). The DPSCs derived from healthy adult permanent first molars were cultured at high confluence prior to conditioned medium collection. The WJMSCs were cultured in six different treatments, with varying ratios of culture media to DPSCs-conditioned medium. MTT assay was used to measure the rate of proliferation of WJMSCs, while immunocytochemistry staining was utilised to detect the expression of dental matrix protein 1 (DMP-1). The deposited calcium was detected and analysed via Alizarin-Red Staining (ARS).

Results

It was found that the proliferation of WJMSCs cultured under the mixture of complete medium and DPSCs conditioned medium showed significantly lower than the control; presumably the cells started to exit proliferative state prior differentiation. In 14 days of induction, the cells in all treatments showed osteoblastic-like morphology, calcium compound deposits were observed at day 7, 10 and 14 of differentiation suggested that DPSCs conditioned medium could lead to osteoblastic/odontoblastic differentiation. However, the DMP-1 protein can be seen only expressed minimally at day 14 of conditioned medium induction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, DPSCs conditioned medium appeared as a potential odontoblastic induction approach for WJMSCs. To further investigate the stimulatory effects by DPSCs conditioned medium, specific signalling pathway need to be elucidated to enhance the differentiation efficiency.
A collagen membrane for periosteal expansion osteogenesis using a timed-release system in rabbit calvaria
Authors: Yamauchi Kensuke , Imoto Kazuhiro , Odajima Kenji , Morishima Hiromitsu , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Nogami Shinnosuke , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: March 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of resorbable membranes, combined with a shape memory alloy (SMA) mesh device, on bone formation using a timed-release system for periosteal expansion osteogenesis (TIME-PEO).

Materials and methods

Twelve Japanese white rabbits were used in this study. An SMA device was inserted under the forehead periosteum, pushed and bent for attachment to the bone surface, and then fixed using resorbable thread. The rabbits were divided into four groups: C1 (5 weeks postoperatively without membrane), C2 (8 weeks postoperatively without membrane), E1 (5 weeks postoperatively with membrane), and E2 (8 weeks postoperatively with membrane). The rabbits were killed 5 or 8 weeks after the operation and the newly formed bone was assessed histologically and radiographically.

Results

SMA devices, concealed under soft tissue until the time of euthanasia, did not cause active inflammation. The mean activation height, from the original bone surface to the midpoint of the mesh, was 3.1 ± 0.6 mm. Newly formed bone was observed, and most of the subperiosteal space underneath the device was occupied by fibrous tissue. Immature bone was present at the outer surface of the original skull bone in all groups. On histomorphometric analysis, there was no significant difference in the volume of the new bone between C1 and E1 (p = 0.885), and C2 and E2 (p = 0.545).

Conclusions

PEO using an SMA mesh device, which is based on guided bone regeneration (in atrophic alveolar bone), shows promise as an alternative for bone augmentation, irrespective of whether a resorbable membrane is used.
Strategies and tactics to perform safe pancreaticoduodenectomy for 94-year-old patient: report of a case
Authors: Suyama Yu , Haruki Koichiro , Hamura Ryoga , Tsunematsu Masashi , Shirai Yoshihiro , Taniai Tomohiko , Yanagaki Mitsuru , Furukawa Kenei , Onda Shinji , Shiba Hiroaki , Ikegami Toru
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite improvement of postoperative management, pancreatoduodenectomy still has a high rate of major complications. Therefore, careful assessment is critically important when we consider high risk surgery for extremely elderly patients.

Case presentation

A 94-year-old man, who suffered dark urine, epigastric pain, and loss of appetite, was diagnosed as bile duct cancer and underwent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. He has past history of hypertension and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Computed tomography (CT) showed a nodule in the lower bile duct, which was slowly enhanced by dynamic CT. The patient was evaluated whether he overcomes pancreatoduodenectomy by cardiac ultrasonography, brain magnetic resonance angiography, nutritional evaluation (rapid turnover proteins), and CT-based general assessment, including sarcopenia and osteopenia. The patient was independent in activities of daily living and has enough ejection fraction of 65%, and examinations revealed no impairment of cognitive function, sarcopenia, and osteopenia. With a diagnosis of bile duct cancer with no distant metastasis, the patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with lymph node dissection. Operation time was 299 min and estimated blood loss was 100 ml. Pathological examination revealed papillary adenocarcinoma of the bile duct (pT3N1M0 Stage IIIB). Enteral nutrition was given through jejunostomy and then the patient started oral intake after an evaluation of swallowing function. Postoperative course was uneventful and all drains including pancreatic duct stent, biliary stent, and jejunostomy were removed by 3 weeks after operation. The levels of rapid turnover proteins dropped at postoperative day 7, but recovered at 1 month after operation via appropriate nutrition and rehabilitation. He remains well with no evidence of tumor recurrence as of 1 year after resection.

Conclusions

We herein report successfully treated cases of bile duct cancer in 94-year-old patient by pancreatoduodenectomy with careful evaluation of osteopenia, sarcopenia and nutrition.
Exercise Training and Natural Killer Cells in Cancer Survivors: Current Evidence and Research Gaps Based on a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Valenzuela Pedro L. , Saco-Ledo Gonzalo , Santos-Lozano Alejandro , Morales Javier S. , Castillo-García Adrián , Simpson Richard J. , Lucia Alejandro , Fiuza-Luces Carmen
Published: March 2022

Background

Exercise training can positively impact the immune system and particularly natural killer (NK) cells, at least in healthy people. This effect would be of relevance in the context of cancer given the prominent role of these cells in antitumor immunity. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize current evidence on the effects of exercise training on the levels and function of NK cells in cancer survivors (i.e., from the time of diagnosis until the end of life).

Methods

Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (until January 11, 2022). Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of exercise training (i.e., non-acute) interventions vs usual care conducted in cancer survivors and assessing NK number and/or cytotoxic activity (NKCA) before and upon completion of the intervention were included. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the PEDro scale, and results were meta-analyzed using a random effects (Dersimoian and Laird) model.

Results

Thirteen RCT including 459 participants (mean age ranging 11–63 years) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of the studies was overall fair (median PEDro score = 5 out of 10). There was heterogeneity across studies regarding cancer types (breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and other solid tumors), treatment (e.g., receiving vs having received chemotherapy), exercise modes (aerobic or resistance exercise, Tai Chi, Yoga) and duration (2–24 weeks). No consistent effects were observed for NK number in blood (mean difference [MD]: 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.35 to 3.29, p = 0.113) or NKCA as assessed in vitro (MD: − 0.02, 95%CI − 0.17 to 0.14, p = 0.834). However, mixed results existed across studies, and some could not be meta-analyzed due to lack of information or methodological heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Current evidence does not support a significant effect of exercise training intervention on NK cells in blood or on their ‘static response’ (as assessed in vitro) in cancer survivors. Several methodological issues and research gaps are highlighted in this review, which should be considered in future studies to draw definite conclusions on this topic.
Equipping Physical Activity Leaders to Facilitate Behaviour Change: An Overview, Call to Action, and Roadmap for Future Research
Authors: Stevens Mark , Rees Tim , Cruwys Tegan , Olive Lisa
Published: March 2022

Addressing high and stagnant physical inactivity rates remains a pervasive challenge for researchers, and a priority for health organisations, governments, and physical activity practitioners. Leaders are a prevailing feature of numerous physical activity contexts and can fundamentally influence people’s physical activity behaviours and experiences. In line with this, fitness companies and organisations commonly claim that the leaders of their classes, groups, or sessions will motivate, inspire, and ensure exercisers achieve their goals. We argue, however, that there is insufficient evidence regarding how leaders can best facilitate positive behaviours among, and outcomes for, group members to be confident that these claims are translating into strong physical activity leadership on the ground. In this article, we therefore call for research that equips leaders with greater knowledge and practical guidelines for how to maximise their effectiveness. To facilitate such research, we provide an overview of research that has examined the most effective ways for physical activity leaders to promote health-enhancing behaviours (e.g. greater participation) and positive experiences that may lead to such behaviours (e.g. greater exercise enjoyment) among those they lead. Then, with the shortcomings of this extant research in mind, we outline four broad recommendations for future research: (a) conduct research in novel and varied contexts, (b) focus on insufficiently active populations, (c) utilise qualitative methods, and (d) focus on translation and implementation. Such research would, we believe, generate knowledge that enables physical activity leaders to capitalise on their potential to be powerful agents of behaviour change.
The Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA) tool: a feasibility pilot study
Authors: Oyedeji Charity I. , Hall Katherine , Luciano Alison , Morey Miriam C. , Strouse John J.
Published: March 2022

Background

The life expectancy for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) has greatly increased over the last 50 years. Adults with SCD experience multiple complications such as cardiopulmonary disease, strokes, and avascular necrosis that lead to limitations that geriatric populations often experience. There are no dedicated instruments to measure functional decline and functional age to determine risk of future adverse outcomes in older adults with SCD. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing the Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA).

Methods

We enrolled 40 adults with SCD (20 younger adults aged 18–49 years as a comparison group and 20 older adults aged 50 years and older) in a single-center prospective cohort study. Participants were recruited from a comprehensive sickle cell clinic in an academic center in the southeastern United States. We included measures validated in an oncology geriatric assessment enriched with additional physical performance measures: usual gait speed, seated grip strength, Timed Up and Go, six-minute walk test, and 30-second chair stand. We also included an additional cognitive measure, which was the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and additional patient-reported measures at the intersection of sickle cell disease and geriatrics. The primary outcome was the proportion completing the assessment. Secondary outcomes were the proportion consenting, duration of the assessment, acceptability, and adverse events.

Results

Eighty percent (44/55) of individuals approached consented, 91% (40/44) completed the SCD-FA in its entirety, and the median duration was 89 min (IQR 80–98). There were no identified adverse events. On the acceptability survey, 95% (38/40) reported the length as appropriate, 2.5% (1/40) reported a question as upsetting, and 5% (2/40) reported portions as difficult. Exploratory analyses of physical function showed 63% (25/40) had a slow usual gait speed (< 1.2 m/s).

Conclusion

The SCD-FA is feasible, acceptable, and safe and physical performance tests identified functional impairments in adults with SCD. These findings will inform the next phase of the study where we will assess the validity of the SCD-FA to predict patient-important outcomes in a larger sample of adults with SCD.
Modification of implant surfaces to stimulate mesenchymal cell activation
Authors: Robo Ilma , Heta Saimir , Papakozma Dhimitri , Ostreni Vera
Published: March 2022

Background

The process of osteointegration, as key point has the activation of mesenchymal cells at implant-bone interspace, their differentiation into osteoblasts and connection between the implant surface and the surrounding bone.

Main text

Implant surfaces composed by biocompatible, organism-friendly materials require changes in content and surface morphology; changes that may further stimulate mesenchymal cell activation.
The way the implant surfaces are affected with advantages and disadvantages, that typically bring each methodology, is also the purpose of this study. The study is of review type, based on finding articles about implant surface modification, with the aim of promoting the mesenchymal cell activation, utilizing keyword combination.

Conclusions

Implant success beyond the human element of the practicioner and the protocol element of implant treatment, also relies on the application of the right type of implant, at the right implant site, in accordance with oral and individual health status of the patient. Implant success does not depend on type of "coating" material of the implants. Based at this physiological process, the success or implant failure is not a process depending on the type of selected implant, because types of synthetic or natural materials that promote osteointegration are relatively in large number.
Surgical site infection after wound closure with staples versus sutures in elective knee and hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van de Kuit A. , Krishnan R. J. , Mallee W. H. , Goedhart L. M. , Lambert B. , Doornberg J. N. , Vervest T. M. J. S. , Martin J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study surgical site infection of wound closure using staples versus sutures in elective knee and hip arthroplasties.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed to search for randomized controlled trials that compared surgical site infection after wound closure using staplesversussutures in elective knee and hip arthroplasties. The primary outcome was surgical site infection. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The relative risk and 95% confidence interval with a random-effects model were assessed.

Results

Eight studies were included in this study, including 2 studies with a low risk of bias, 4 studies having ‘some concerns’, and 2 studies with high risk of bias. Significant difference was not found in the risk of SSI for patients with staples(n = 557)versussutures(n = 573) (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.94–3.08, I2 = 16%). The results were similar after excluding the studies with a high risk of bias (RR: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.91–3.07, I2 = 32%). Analysis of studies with low risk of bias revealed a significantly higher risk of surgical site infection in patients with staples (n = 331) compared to sutures (n = 331) (RR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.20–5.44, I2 = 0%). There was no difference between continuous and interrupted sutures (P > 0.05). In hip arthroplasty, stapling carried a significantly higher risk of surgical site infection than suturing (RR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.15–5.50, I2 = 0%), but there was no significant difference in knee arthroplasty (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.33–2.25, I2 = 22%;P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Stapling might carry a higher risk of surgical site infection than suturing in elective knee and hip arthroplasties, especially in hip arthroplasty.
Prognosis of COVID-19 in respiratory allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: El Shahawy Alia Abdelmonem , Oladimeji Kelechi Elizabeth , Hamdallah Aboalmagd , Saidani Amal , Abd-Rabu Rami , Dahman Nesrine Ben Hadj
Published: March 2022

Background

Do underlying allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma and rhinitis predispose to a severe coronavirus (COVID-19) infection? We conducted this systematic review to map out and synthesize evidence of published literature.

Main body of the abstract

We searched five bibliographic databases for articles published between 1 January and 15 November 2020 using keywords: “COVID” AND “Allergic disease,” “Prognosis and COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV-2,” “Asthma,” “Allergic rhinitis.” We synthesized 32 eligible articles from a total of 11,376 articles retrieved from the search process. The profile of allergic respiratory conditions was identified, and only seven studies reported on the treatment administered. No significant difference was observed concerning the prevalence of COVID-19 in individuals with allergic asthma and those with non-allergic asthma (RR = 0.61, p = 0.08). The mortality rate significantly decreased in COVID-19-infected patients with asthma than patients without asthma (RR = 0.63, p = 0.04).

Short conclusion

There is little evidence available on the role of asthma medications and risk factors influencing the prognostic outcomes for COVID-19 individuals with respiratory allergies, which invites further research.
A rapid review of emergency department interventions for children and young people presenting with suicidal ideation
Authors: Virk Farazi , Waine Julie , Berry Clio
Published: March 2022

Background

Suicidal ideation is an increasingly common presentation to the paediatric emergency department. The presence of suicidal ideation is linked to acute psychiatric hospital admission and increased risk of suicide. The paediatric emergency department plays a critical role in reducing risk of suicide, strengthening protective factors and encouraging patient engagement with ongoing care.

Aims

This rapid review aims to synthesise evidence on interventions that can be implemented in the paediatric emergency department for children and adolescents presenting with suicidal ideation.

Method

Six electronic databases were searched for studies published since January 2010: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane. Outcomes of interest included suicidal ideation, engagement with out-patient services, incidence of depressive symptoms, hopelessness, family empowerment, hospital admission and feasibility of interventions. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies.

Results

Six studies of paediatric emergency department-initiated family-based (n= 4) and motivational interviewing interventions (n= 2) were narratively reviewed. The studies were mainly small and of varying quality. The evidence synthesis suggests that both types of intervention, when initiated by the paediatric emergency department, reduce suicidal ideation and improve patient engagement with out-patient services. Family-based interventions also showed a reduction in suicidality and improvement in family empowerment, hopelessness and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Paediatric emergency department-initiated interventions are crucial to reduce suicidal ideation and risk of suicide, and to enhance ongoing engagement with out-patient services. Further research is needed; however, family-based and motivational interviewing interventions could be feasibly and effectively implemented in the paediatric emergency department setting.
HOLA COVID-19 Study: Evaluating the Impact of Caring for Patients With COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Latin America
Authors: Bernabe-Ramirez Carolina , Velazquez Ana I. , Olazagasti Coral , Decat Bergerot Cristiane , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , Corona Cruz Jose , Riano Ivy , Adaniel Christina , Ramirez Francisca , Anampa Jesus , Cajina Carmen , Mena Evelin , Gracia Elias , Menendez Alvaro , Idrovo Henry , Bezares Raimundo , Castillo Fernandez Omar Orlando , Duque Liseth , Corrales-Rodríguez Luis , Ramos Glenda , Kihn-Alarcón Alba J. , Schlam Ilana , Bruno Ximena , Umanzor Gerardo , Castro Jenny Lissette , Losco Federico , Ubillos Luis , Richardet Eduardo , Soto-Perez-de-Celis Enrique , Duma Narjust ,   HOLA COVID-19 Study Group
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

The HOLA COVID-19 study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on oncology practices across Latin America (LATAM), challenges faced by physicians, and how practices and physicians adapted while delivering care to patients with cancer.

METHODS

This international cross-sectional study of oncology physicians in LATAM included a 43-item anonymous online survey to evaluate changes and adaptations to clinical practice. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of caring for patients with COVID-19 and changes to clinical practice.

RESULTS

A total of 704 oncology physicians from 19 countries completed the survey. Among respondents, the most common specialty was general oncology (34%) and 56% of physicians had cared for patients with COVID-19. The majority of physicians (70%) noted a decrease in the number of new patients evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with prepandemic, and 73% reported adopting the use of telemedicine in their practice. More than half (58%) of physicians reported making changes to the treatments that they offered to patients with cancer. In adjusted models, physicians who had cared for patients with COVID-19 had higher odds of changing the type of chemotherapy or treatments that they offered (adjusted odds ratio 1.81; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.53) and of delaying chemotherapy start (adjusted odds ratio 2.05; 95% CI, 1.49 to 2.81). Physicians identified significant delays in access to radiation and surgical services, diagnostic tests, and supportive care.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global cancer care. Although changes to health care delivery are a necessary response to this global crisis, our study highlights the significant disruption and changes to the treatment plans of patients with cancer in LATAM resulting from the COVID-19 health care crisis.
The Vanishing Reality of the State: On Hans Blumenberg’s Political Theory
Authors: Bajohr Hannes
Published: March 2022

While many interpreters of Hans Blumenberg have searched The Legitimacy of the Modern Age or Work on Myth for hints of a political theory, there is still no in-depth discussion of the only essay published during his lifetime that deals directly with political theory, “The Concept of Reality and the Theory of the State,” which appeared in May 1968. This article reconstructs that essay’s main arguments and contextualizes it in the “historical phenomenology” Blumenberg developed in his middle period. Arguing that we are witnessing a slow dissolution of the state, he suggests that politics is supplanted by rhetoric and the state by supranational structures. Setting apart this historical approach from the anthropological one of his later work, the article argues for a break in Blumenberg’s oeuvre around 1968.
China in the World
Authors: Wang Ban
Published: March 2022

In China in the World, Ban Wang traces the evolution of modern China from the late nineteenth century to the present. With a focus on tensions and connections between national formation and international outlooks, Wang shows how ancient visions persist even as China has adopted and revised the Western nation-state form. The concept of tianxia, meaning “all under heaven,” has constantly been updated into modern outlooks that value unity, equality, and reciprocity as key to overcoming interstate conflict, social fragmentation, and ethnic divides. Instead of geopolitical dominance, China’s worldviews stem as much from the age-old desire for world unity as from absorbing the Western ideas of the Enlightenment, humanism, and socialism. Examining political writings, literature, and film, Wang presents a narrative of the country’s pursuits of decolonization, national independence, notions of national form, socialist internationalism, alternative development, and solidarity with Third World nations. Rather than national exceptionalism, Chinese worldviews aspire to a shared, integrated, and equal world.
Machine Learning for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality After Traumatic Brain Injury in Both High-Income and Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Warman Pranav I. , Seas Andreas , Satyadev Nihal , Adil Syed M. , Kolls Brad J. , Haglund Michael M. , Dunn Timothy W. , Fuller Anthony T.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Machine learning (ML) holds promise as a tool to guide clinical decision making by predicting in-hospital mortality for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous models such as the international mission for prognosis and clinical trials in TBI (IMPACT) and the corticosteroid randomization after significant head injury (CRASH) prognosis calculators can potentially be improved with expanded clinical features and newer ML approaches.

OBJECTIVE:

To develop ML models to predict in-hospital mortality for both the high-income country (HIC) and the low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings.

METHODS:

We used the Duke University Medical Center National Trauma Data Bank and Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) registry to predict in-hospital mortality for the HIC and LMIC settings, respectively. Six ML models were built on each data set, and the best model was chosen through nested cross-validation. The CRASH and IMPACT models were externally validated on the MNRH database.

RESULTS:

ML models built on National Trauma Data Bank (n = 5393, 84 predictors) demonstrated an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85-0.97) while models constructed on MNRH (n = 877, 31 predictors) demonstrated an AUROC of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81-0.97). Direct comparison with CRASH and IMPACT models showed significant improvement of the proposed LMIC models regarding AUROC (P = .038).

CONCLUSION:

We developed high-performing well-calibrated ML models for predicting in-hospital mortality for both the HIC and LMIC settings that have the potential to influence clinical management and traumatic brain injury patient trajectories.
Synthesis of photosensitizers and catalysts for solar energy conversion
Authors: Δρόσου Μαρία
Published: March 2022

Σε αυτή τη διατριβή μελετάμε την ανάπτυξη τεχνητών φωτοσυνθετικών συστημάτων για την παραγωγή ηλιακών καυσίμων μέσω της φωτοκαταλυτικής διάσπασης του νερού. Πειραματικές τεχνικές ηλεκτροχημείας μαζί με υπολογιστικές μεθόδους κβαντικής χημείας χρησιμοποιούνται για την επίλυση των μηχανισμών αναγωγής πρωτονίων μοριακών καταλυτών παραγωγής υδρογόνου που βασίζονται σε μέταλλα με υψηλή αφθονία στη Γη, χαλκό και νικέλιο, και φέρουν μη αθώους οργανικούς υποκαταστάτες που συμμετέχουν άμεσα στον καταλυτικό κύκλο, εμπνευσμένους από τους καταλύτες υδρογονάσης που υπάρχουν στη Φύση. Αξιοποιούμε τις ικανότητες πρωτοποριακών υπολογιστικών εργαλείων για την επίλυση θεμελιωδών μακροχρόνιων ερωτημάτων σχετικά με τις δομές των καταλυτικών ενδιάμεσων και τον μηχανισμό σχηματισμού οξυγόνου του συμπλόκου οξείδωσης του νερού του Φωτοσυστήματος ΙΙ. Παρουσιάζουμε ένα αξιόπιστο και αποτελεσματικό υπολογιστικό πρωτόκολλο βασισμένο σε ab initio μεθόδους κβαντικής χημείας για τον υπολογισμό της ενέργειας μεταβολής της κατάστασης spin συμπλόκων μετάλλων μετάπτωσης που μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί για την παροχή αποτελεσμάτων σε επίπεδο αναφοράς σε δύσκολα προβλήματα που περιλαμβάνουν δραστικότητα πολλαπλών καταστάσεων καταλυτικών ενδιαμέσων για καταλύτες με βάση μέταλλα μεταπτώσεως. Η ερμηνεία των σχέσεων δομής-δραστηριότητας αυτών των συστημάτων, παρέχει πληροφορίες για τις αρχές σχεδιασμού μελλοντικών καταλυτών για τη φωτοδιάσπαση του νερού.