bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enactychism: Enacting chance in creative material engagement
Authors: Malafouris Lambros
Published: June 2023

This paper reflects on the meaning of chance and the impact that the occurrence of ‘accidents’ have in the creative process. I draw insights from two main sources: material engagement theory and the art of ceramics. In particular, based on observations from my comparative anthropological study of creativity in pottery making I present a process-oriented enactivist vision of chance as a meaningful coincidence where flow and form diverge from the norm and give rise to creative gesture. First, I introduce the notion of enactychism (blending ‘enactivism’ and the Peircean concept of ‘tychism’ from the Greek word ‘tyche’ for ‘chance’) as a means to conceptualise the relationship between chance, agency and materiality. Then, I explore the relationship between chance and creative gesture and propose ways for tracking the operation of chance in action.
Immune effector cell–associated hematotoxicity: EHA/EBMT consensus grading and best practice recommendations
Authors: Rejeski Kai , Subklewe Marion , Aljurf Mahmoud , Bachy Emmanuel , Balduzzi Adriana , Barba Pere , Bruno Benedetto , Benjamin Reuben , Carrabba Matteo G. , Chabannon Christian , Ciceri Fabio , Corradini Paolo , Delgado Julio , Di Blasi Roberta , Greco Raffaella , Houot Roch , Iacoboni Gloria , Jäger Ulrich , Kersten Marie José , Mielke Stephan , Nagler Arnon , Onida Francesco , Peric Zinaida , Roddie Claire , Ruggeri Annalisa , Sánchez-Guijo Fermín , Sánchez-Ortega Isabel , Schneidawind Dominik , Schubert Maria-Luisa , Snowden John A. , Thieblemont Catherine , Topp Max , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Gribben John G. , Bonini Chiara , Sureda Anna , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

Hematological toxicity is the most common adverse event after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Cytopenias can be profound and long-lasting and can predispose for severe infectious complications. In a recent worldwide survey, we demonstrated that there remains considerable heterogeneity in regard to current practice patterns. Here, we sought to build consensus on the grading and management of immune effector cell–associated hematotoxicity (ICAHT) after CAR T-cell therapy. For this purpose, a joint effort between the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the European Hematology Association (EHA) involved an international panel of 36 CAR T-cell experts who met in a series of virtual conferences, culminating in a 2-day meeting in Lille, France. On the basis of these deliberations, best practice recommendations were developed. For the grading of ICAHT, a classification system based on depth and duration of neutropenia was developed for early (day 0-30) and late (after day +30) cytopenia. Detailed recommendations on risk factors, available preinfusion scoring systems (eg, CAR-HEMATOTOX score), and diagnostic workup are provided. A further section focuses on identifying hemophagocytosis in the context of severe hematotoxicity. Finally, we review current evidence and provide consensus recommendations for the management of ICAHT, including growth factor support, anti-infectious prophylaxis, transfusions, autologous hematopoietic stem cell boost, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. In conclusion, we propose ICAHT as a novel toxicity category after immune effector cell therapy, provide a framework for its grading, review literature on risk factors, and outline expert recommendations for the diagnostic workup and short- and long-term management.
GhPYL9-5D and GhPYR1-3 A positively regulate Arabidopsis and cotton responses to ABA, drought, high salinity and osmotic stress
Authors: Wang Yibin , Zhang Gaofeng , Zhou Huimin , Yin Shanshan , Li Yunxiang , Ma Caixia , Chen Pengyun , Sun Lirong , Hao Fushun
Published: June 2023

Background

Abscisic acid (ABA) receptor pyrabactin resistance 1/PYR1-like/regulatory components of ABA receptor proteins (PYR/PYL/RCARs) have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in ABA signaling and in response to diverse environmental stimuli including drought, salinity and osmotic stress in Arabidopsis. However, whether and how GhPYL9-5D and GhPYR1-3A, the homologues of Arabidopsis PYL9 and PYR1 in cotton, function in responding to ABA and abiotic stresses are still unclear.

Results

GhPYL9-5D and GhPYR1-3A were targeted to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Overexpression of GhPYL9-5D and GhPYR1-3A in Arabidopsis wild type and sextuple mutant pyr1pyl1pyl2pyl4pyl5pyl8 plants resulted in ABA hypersensitivity in terms of seed germination, root growth and stomatal closure, as well as seedling tolerance to water deficit, salt and osmotic stress. Moreover, the VIGS (Virus-induced gene silencing) cotton plants, in which GhPYL9-5D or GhPYR1-3A were knocked down, showed clearly reduced tolerance to polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG)-induced drought, salinity and osmotic stresses compared with the controls. Additionally, transcriptomic data revealed that GhPYL9-5D was highly expressed in the root, and GhPYR1-3A was strongly expressed in the fiber and stem. GhPYL9-5D, GhPYR1-3A and their homologs in cotton were highly expressed after treatment with PEG or NaCl, and the two genes were co-expressed with redox signaling components, transcription factors and auxin signal components. These results suggest that GhPYL9-5D and GhPYR1-3A may serve important roles through interplaying with hormone and other signaling components in cotton adaptation to salt or osmotic stress.

Conclusions

GhPYL9-5D and GhPYR1-3A positively regulate ABA-mediated seed germination, primary root growth and stomatal closure, as well as tolerance to drought, salt and osmotic stresses likely through affecting the expression of multiple downstream stress-associated genes in Arabidopsis and cotton.
Correction of vaccine effectiveness derived from test-negative case–control studies
Authors: Habibzadeh Farrokh
Published: June 2023

Background

Determining the vaccine effectiveness (VE) is an important part of studying every new vaccine. Test-negative case–control (TNCC) studies have recently been used to determine the VE. However, the estimated VE derived from a TNCC design depends on the test sensitivity and specificity. Herein, a method for correction of the value of VE derived from a TNCC study is presented.

Methods

An analytical method is presented to compute the corrected VE based on the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test utilized. To show the application of the method proposed, a hypothetical TNCC study is presented. In this in silico study, 100 000 individuals referring to a healthcare system for COVID-19-like illness were tested with diagnostic tests with sensitivities of 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0, and specificities ranging from 0.85 to 1.00. A vaccination coverage of 60%, an attack rate of 0.05 for COVID-19 in unvaccinated group, and a true VE of 0.70, were assumed. In this simulation, a COVID-19-like illness with an attack rate of 0.30 could also affect all the studied population regardless of their vaccination status.

Results

The observed VE ranged from 0.11 (computed for a test sensitivity of 0.60 and specificity of 0.85) to 0.71 (computed for a test sensitivity and specificity of 1.0). The mean computed corrected VE derived from the proposed method was 0.71 (the standard deviation of 0.02).

Conclusions

The observed VE derived from TNCC studies can be corrected easily. An acceptable estimate for VE can be computed regardless of the diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity used in the study.
Incidence, risk factors, and predictive modeling of stoma site incisional hernia after enterostomy closure: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mao Yonghuan , Xi Ling , Lu Chen , Miao Ji , Li Qiang , Shen Xiaofei , Yu Chunzhao
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Stoma site incisional hernia (SSIH) is a common complication, but its incidence and risk factors are not well known. The objective of this study is to explore the incidence and risk factors of SSIH and build a predictive model.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis on the patients who underwent enterostomy closure from January 2018 to August 2020. Patient's general condition, perioperative, intraoperative, and follow-up information was collected. The patients were divided into control group (no occurrence) and observation group (occurrence) according to whether SSIH occurred. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the risk factors of SSIH, following which we constructed a nomogram for SSIH prediction.

Results

One hundred fifty-six patients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of SSIH was 24.4% (38 cases), of which 14 were treated with hernia mesh repair, and the others were treated with conservative treatment. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 68 years (OR 1.045, 95% CI 1.002 ~ 1.089, P = 0.038), colostomy (OR 2.913, 95% CI 1.035 ~ 8.202, P = 0.043), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 1.181, 95% CI 1.010 ~ 1.382, P = 0.037), malignant tumor (OR 4.838, 95% CI 1.508 ~ 15.517, P = 0.008) and emergency surgery (OR 5.327, 95% CI 1.996 ~ 14.434, P = 0.001) are the independent risk factors for SSIH.

Conclusions

Based on the results, a predictive model for the occurrence of SSIH was constructed to screen high-risk groups of SSIH. For patients at high risk for SSIH, how to deal with the follow-up and prevent the occurrence of SSIH is worth further exploration.
Experience in prenatal genetic testing and reproductive decision-making for monogenic disorders from a single tertiary care genetics clinic in a low-middle income country
Authors: Hanif Amna , Akbar Fizza , Kirmani Salman , Jaffarali Amyna , Zainab Ghulam , Malik Ayesha , Ansar Zeeshan , Afroze Bushra
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Explore health-care seeking behaviour among couples with pregnancies at-risk of monogenic disorders and compare time duration for obtaining Prenatal Genetic Test (PGT) results based on (i) amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (ii) in-house testing and out-sourced testing. Report the spectrum of monogenic disorders in our cohort.

Methods

Medical records of women consulting prenatal genetic counselling clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from December-2015 to March-2021 with history of miscarriage or a monogenic disorder in previous children were reviewed.

Results

Forty-three pregnancies in 40 couples were evaluated, 37(93%) were consanguineous. Twenty-five (63%) couples consulted before and 15(37%) after conception. Thirty-one (71%) pregnancies underwent CVS at the mean gestational age of 13-weeks and 6-days ± 1-week and 3-days and amniocentesis at 16-weeks and 2-days ± 1-week and 4-days. PGT for 30 (70%) pregnancies was outsourced. The mean number of days for in-house PGT was 16.92 ± 7.80 days whereas for outsourced was 25.45 ± 7.7 days. Mean duration from procedure to PGT result was 20.55 days after CVS compared to 28.75 days after amniocentesis. Eight (18%) fetuses were homozygous for disease-causing variant for whom couples opted for termination of pregnancy (TOP). Twenty-six monogenetic disorders were identified in 40 families.

Conclusion

Proactive health-care seeking behaviour and TOP acceptance is present amongst couples who have experienced a genetic disorder.
Adult breast, lung, pancreatic, upper and lower gastrointestinal cancer patients with hospitalized venous thromboembolism in the national French hospital discharge database
Authors: Couturaud F. , Mahé I. , Schmidt J. , Gleize J-C. , Lafon T. , Saighi A. , Sedjelmaci F. , Bertoletti L. , Mismetti P.
Published: June 2023

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and cancer are strongly associated. In France, evidence on patients with pancreatic, upper GI [gastrointestinal], lower GI, lung, or breast cancer-associated VTE and their hospital management is limited. The aims of this study were to provide data on the number of hospitalized VTE events among cancer patients, the patients’ characteristics, and their hospital management to estimate the burden of disease and the hospital burden of cancer-related VTE and to provide guidance on research.

Methods

This longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study was based on the comprehensive hospital discharge database (PMSI). Adult patients (≥ 18 years old) hospitalized with a cancer of interest in 2016 and hospitalized (within 2 years with VTE (captured a as a principal, related, or significant associated diagnosis) were included in the study.

Results

We identified 340,946 cancer patients, of which 7.2% (24,433 patients) were hospitalized with VTE. The proportions of hospitalized VTE were 14.6% (3,237) for patients with pancreatic cancer, 11.2% (8,339) for lung cancer, 9.9% (2,232) for upper GI cancer, 6.7% (7,011) for lower GI cancer, and 3.1% (3,614) for breast cancer. Around two thirds of cancer patients with a hospitalized VTE had active cancer (with metastases and/or receiving chemotherapy during the six months prior to the index date): from 62% of patients with pancreatic cancer to 72% with breast cancer.

Around a third of patients were admitted to the hospital through the emergency room, up to 3% of patients stayed in an intensive care unit. The average length of stay ranged from 10 (breast cancer) to 15 days (upper GI cancer). Nine (lower GI cancer) to 18% (pancreatic cancer) of patients died during the VTE hospital stay.

Conclusions

The burden of cancer-associated VTE is substantial, both in terms of the number of patients affected and in the hospital use. These findings offer guidance on future research on VTE prophylaxis in a very high-risk population, particularly in patients with active cancer.
Ethnic minority women’s experiences of accessing antenatal care in high income European countries: a systematic review
Authors: Sharma Esther , Tseng Pei-Ching , Harden Angela , Li Leah , Puthussery Shuby
Published: June 2023

Background

Women from ethnic minority backgrounds are at greater risk of adverse maternal outcomes. Antenatal care plays a crucial role in reducing risks of poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify, appraise, and synthesise the recent qualitative evidence on ethnic minority women’s experiences of accessing antenatal care in high-income European countries, and to develop a novel conceptual framework for access based on women’s perspectives.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of seven electronic databases in addition to manual searches to identify all qualitative studies published between January 2010 and May 2021. Identified articles were screened in two stages against the inclusion criteria with titles and abstracts screened first followed by full-text screening. Included studies were quality appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and extracted data were synthesised using a ‘best fit’ framework, based on an existing theoretical model of health care access.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included in this review. Women’s experiences covered two overarching themes: ‘provision of antenatal care’ and ‘women's uptake of antenatal care’. The ‘provision of antenatal care’ theme included five sub-themes: promotion of antenatal care importance, making contact and getting to antenatal care, costs of antenatal care, interactions with antenatal care providers and models of antenatal care provision. The ‘women's uptake of antenatal care’ theme included seven sub-themes: delaying initiation of antenatal care, seeking antenatal care, help from others in accessing antenatal care, engaging with antenatal care, previous experiences of interacting with maternity services, ability to communicate, and immigration status. A novel conceptual model was developed from these themes.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrated the multifaceted and cyclical nature of initial and ongoing access to antenatal care for ethnic minority women. Structural and organisational factors played a significant role in women’s ability to access antenatal care. Participants in majority of the included studies were women newly arrived in the host country, highlighting the need for research to be conducted across different generations of ethnic minority women taking into account the duration of stay in the host country where they accessed antenatal care.

Protocol and registration

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (reference number CRD42021238115).
Icosapent ethyl therapy for very high triglyceride levels: a 12-week, multi-center, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded, phase III clinical trial in China
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Xin , Qu Yanling , Zhang Shuyang , Chen Yundai , Chen Xiaoping , Qi Xin , Liu Peijing , Liu Shuqin , Jiang Shan , Man Ronghai , He Liping , Wu Ling , Li Zhanquan , Shang Yijun , Qiu Zhaohui , Liu Feng , Xu Chenhong , Lai Chunlin , Ge Junbo
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Eicosapentaenoic acid in its ethyl ester form is the single active component of icosapent ethyl (IPE). This study was a phase III, multi-center trial assessing the safety and efficiency of IPE for treating very high triglyceride (TG) in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

Patients having TG levels (5.6–22.6 mmol/L) were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive a treatment of oral intake of 4 g or 2 g/day of IPE, or placebo. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, TG levels were assessed and the median was calculated to determine the change between the baseline and week 12. In addition to examining TG levels, the impact of such treatments on other lipid changes was also investigated. The official Drug Clinical Trial Information Management Platform has registered this study (CTR20170362).

Results

Random assignments were performed on 373 patients (mean age 48.9 years; 75.1% male). IPE (4 g/day) lowered TG levels by an average of 28.4% from baseline and by an average of 19.9% after correction for placebo (95% CI: 29.8%-10.0%, P < 0.001). In addition, plasma concentration of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and VLDL-TG remarkedly reduced after IPE (4 g/day) treatment by a median of 14.6%, 27.9%, and 25.2%, respectively compared with participants in placebo group. Compared to the placebo, neither 4 nor 2 g of IPE daily elevated LDL-C levels with statistical significance. IPE was well tolerated by all the treatment groups.

Conclusions

IPE at 4 g/day dramatically lowered other atherogenic lipids without a noticeable increase in LDL-C, thereby decreasing TG levels in an exceptionally high-TG Chinese population.
Plasma proteome of Long-COVID patients indicates HIF-mediated vasculo-proliferative disease with impact on brain and heart function
Authors: Iosef Cristiana , Knauer Michael J. , Nicholson Michael , Van Nynatten Logan R. , Cepinskas Gediminas , Draghici Sorin , Han Victor K. M. , Fraser Douglas D.
Published: June 2023

Aims

Long-COVID occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and results in diverse, prolonged symptoms. The present study aimed to unveil potential mechanisms, and to inform prognosis and treatment.

Methods

Plasma proteome from Long-COVID outpatients was analyzed in comparison to matched acutely ill COVID-19 (mild and severe) inpatients and healthy control subjects. The expression of 3072 protein biomarkers was determined with proximity extension assays and then deconvoluted with multiple bioinformatics tools into both cell types and signaling mechanisms, as well as organ specificity.

Results

Compared to age- and sex-matched acutely ill COVID-19 inpatients and healthy control subjects, Long-COVID outpatients showed natural killer cell redistribution with a dominant resting phenotype, as opposed to active, and neutrophils that formed extracellular traps. This potential resetting of cell phenotypes was reflected in prospective vascular events mediated by both angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1) and vascular-endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA). Several markers (ANGPT1, VEGFA, CCR7, CD56, citrullinated histone 3, elastase) were validated by serological methods in additional patient cohorts. Signaling of transforming growth factor-β1 with probable connections to elevated EP/p300 suggested vascular inflammation and tumor necrosis factor-α driven pathways. In addition, a vascular proliferative state associated with hypoxia inducible factor 1 pathway suggested progression from acute COVID-19 to Long-COVID. The vasculo-proliferative process predicted in Long-COVID might contribute to changes in the organ-specific proteome reflective of neurologic and cardiometabolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings point to a vasculo-proliferative process in Long-COVID that is likely initiated either prior hypoxia (localized or systemic) and/or stimulatory factors (i.e., cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, angiotensin, etc). Analyses of the plasma proteome, used as a surrogate for cellular signaling, unveiled potential organ-specific prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Molecular profiling and prognostic biomarkers in chinese non-small cell lung cancer cohort
Authors: Shen Fangfang , Guo Wei , Song Xia , Wang Bei
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Comprehensive information about the genome analysis and its prognostic values of NSCLC patients in Chinese population are still needed.

Patients

A total of 117 Chinese patients with NSCLC were enrolled in this study. Tumor tissues or blood were collected and sequenced by targeted next-generation sequencing of 556 cancer related genes. The associations between clinical outcomes and clinical characteristics, TMB, mutated genes, treatment therapies were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods and further evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

A total of 899 mutations were identified by targeted NGS. The most frequently mutations included EGFR (47%), TP53 (46%), KRAS (18%), LRP1B (12%) and SPTA1 (10%). Patients with mutant TP53, PREX2, ARID1A, PTPRT and PIK3CG had lower median overall survival (OS) than those patients with wild-type (P = 0.0056, P < 0.001, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.036, respectively). Using a multivariate Cox regression model, PREX2 (P < 0.001), ARID1A (P < 0.001) and PIK3CG (P = 0.04) were independent prognostic factors in NSCLC. In the patients received chemotherapy, squamous patients had a significantly longer median OS than adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.011). In the patients received targeted therapy, adenocarcinoma patients had a significantly longer survival period than squamous patients (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study provided comprehensive genomic alterations in a cohort of Chinese NSCLC. We also identified new prognostic biomarkers, which could provide potential clues for targeted therapies.
SIRT4 is an independent prognostic factor in bladder cancer and inhibits bladder cancer growth by suppressing autophagy
Authors: Yin Jie , Cai Guohao , Wang Huaiwen , Chen Weijia , Liu Shan , Huang Guoyu
Published: June 2023

Background

Nucleosome-localized sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) was found to function as an oncogene and tumor suppressor gene in different tumors. However, the clinical significance of SIRT4 in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) has not been assessed, nor has the function of SIRT4 in BLCA been analyzed.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the levels of SIRT4 protein in BLCA tissues and its association with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival time of BLCA patients by immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays containing 59 BLCA patients. Then, we constructed BLCA cell lines (T24) with overexpression or interference of SIRT4 by lentiviral infection. The effects of SIRT4 on the proliferation, migration and invasive ability of T24 cells were investigated using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, wound healing assays, and migration and invasion assays. Moreover, we also investigated the effect of SIRT4 on the cell cycle and apoptosis of T24 cells. Mechanistically, we explored the relationship between SIRT4 and autophagy and its role in the inhibition of BLCA.

Results

We found by immunohistochemistry that SIRT4 protein levels were reduced in BLCA and that lower SIRT4 levels were associated with larger tumor volumes, later T-staging and later AJCC staging in BLCA patients and were an independent prognostic factor in BLCA patients. Overexpression of SIRT4 significantly inhibited the proliferative viability, scratch healing capacity, migratory capacity, and invasive capacity of T24 cells, while interference with SIRT4 had the opposite effect. Moreover, overexpression of SIRT4 significantly inhibited the cell cycle and increased the apoptosis rate of T24 cells. Mechanistically, SIRT4 inhibits BLCA growth by suppressing autophagic flow.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that SIRT4 is an independent prognostic factor for BLCA and that SIRT4 plays a tumor suppressor role in BLCA. This suggests a potential target for SIRT4 in the diagnosis and treatment of BLCA.
High tibial osteotomy for acute correction and subsequent gradual tensioning of the posterolateral knee ligament complex in treating genu varum combined with a lateral thrust using the Ilizarov technique in adults: surgical technique and early results
Authors: Hussein Mohamed Abdelaal , Khalifa Ahmed A. , Hosny Gamal Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Objective

To report the early results of using the Ilizarov technique in performing medial wedge opening high tibial osteotomy (MWOHTO) combined with gradual tensioning of the posterolateral corner in adult patients presenting with genu varum (GV) and lateral thrust.

Methods

A prospective case series study included 12 adult patients with a mean age of 25.2 ± 8.1 years who presented with GV deformity associated with lateral thrust. They were evaluated clinically using the “hospital for special surgery” (HSS) knee scoring system. Radiological evaluation was performed using long film from hip to knee to ankle (HKA) radiographs; the overall mechanical alignment was measured as the HKA angle, the upper tibial deformity was measured as the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) was measured. Surgical technique included using Ilizarov for MWOHTO below the level of the tibial tubercle, acute correction of the GV deformity, fibular osteotomy, and gradual distalization of the proximal fibula.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 26.3 ± 6.4 months, all osteotomies were united. All patients achieved fibular osteotomy site bony union except two with a fibrous union. The HSS score showed improvement from a mean preoperative score of 88.7 ± 7.6 to a postoperative 97.3 ± 3.9 (P < 0.05). The overall mechanical lower limb alignment improved significantly from a mean preoperative HKA of 164.5 ± 3.2 to a postoperative 178.9 ± 1.6 (P < 0.05). The MPTA improved significantly from 74.6 ± 4.1 to 88.9 ± 2.3, as well as the JLCA from 12.17 ± 1.9 to 2.3 ± 1.7 (P < 0.05). Grade 1 pin tract infection was developed in four patients and was treated conservatively. In two patients, mild pain over the fibular osteotomy site was relieved over time. The lateral thrust reoccurred at the last follow-up evaluation in the two poliomyelitis patients.

Conclusion

MWOHTO, concomitant with tensioning the knee lateral soft tissue structure at the same setting through applying an Ilizarov apparatus, showed promising functional and radiological outcomes.
Whole-blood ribonucleic acid sequencing analysis in methemoglobinemia: a case report
Authors: Mitsuhara Chikai , Togami Yuki , Hirose Tomoya , Nakao Shunichiro , Ito Hiroshi , Matsumoto Hisatake , Ogura Hiroshi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Oda Jun
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Methemoglobinemia is a condition in which methemoglobin is increased and the oxygen carrying capacity of tissues is decreased, causing a lack of oxygen to the whole body. RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing technologies have made it possible to systematically examine how the human transcriptome responds to invasive pathologies. To our knowledge, no previous studies have reported the results of RNA sequencing in a patient with methemoglobinemia. We describe the analysis of RNAs from the whole blood of a patient with methemoglobinemia.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old Japanese man was brought to our hospital with symptoms of dyspnea due to inhalation of gas from an acetic acid phosphonitrate storage tank at a factory. The nitrogen oxide concentration measured around the storage tank was over 2500 ppm, and he witnessed orange–brown smoke at that time. After entering the area and taking a few breaths, he suddenly became unwell, with dyspnea and numbness in his extremities. He was evacuated from the area within a few minutes, at which time he was suffering from whole-body cyanosis and was still aware of the above symptoms. On arrival at the hospital, his respiration rate was 18 breaths/minute, and his SpO2ranged from 80% to 85% on 15 L/minute of oxygen by mask (2.5 hours postexposure). Arterial blood gas testing revealed a methemoglobin level of 23.1%. After the administration of methylene blue, the patient’s methemoglobin level normalized and his symptoms improved. Chest X-ray and chest computed tomography showed no evidence of pulmonary edema or interstitial pneumonia, and no other abnormal findings were observed. RNA sequencing was performed on the blood samples obtained at the time of the visit, with the blood sample collected on day 5 used as a control. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to describe the analysis of RNAs from the whole blood of a patient with methemoglobinemia. The RNA sequencing analysis showed that an activated “hydrogen peroxide catabolic process” may be associated with the pathogenesis of methemoglobinemia.

Conclusion

The results reported in the present study may explain the pathogenesis of methemoglobinemia.
Distributed MMSE-based uplink receive combining, downlink transmit precoding and optimal power allocation in cell-free massive MIMO systems
Authors: Van Rompaey Robbe , Moonen Marc
Published: June 2023

In cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output systems, a large number of distributed wireless access points (AP) simultaneously serve a number of user equipments (UEs). This setup has recently been introduced as a promising alternative for the current 5G cellular networks. The setup has the ability to offer a good quality of service, especially for the UEs on the cell edges, be it that there is still a need for low-complexity signal processing algorithms. In this paper, the problem of optimal power allocation combined with uplink receive combining and downlink transmit precoding is tackled by providing efficient distributed MMSE-based algorithms. The necessary fronthaul communications to estimate the combining/precoding vectors and the necessary large-scale channel statistics are reduced to a minimum and rely on in-network summation that can be accomplished whenever the APs can be arranged into a tree-topology. Non-weighted max-sum and max–min are used as utilities for the power allocation, but the algorithms are not limited to these cases. Simulations show that the proposed algorithms outperform heuristic power allocation methods, both in uplink and downlink.
Residential fuel consumption and technology choices: an application of FGNLS and random effects binary logit model
Authors: Juhar Nuredin , Köhlin Gunnar , Mekonnen Alemu
Published: June 2023

In this study, Ethiopian households’ residential fuel usage and technological preferences are analyzed. For 2524 urban families, we use panel data from two waves of the Ethiopian Socioeconomic Survey (ESS). Households’ technology choices and short-run energy consumption behavior are modeled jointly. To estimate the short-run residential fuel consumption behavior, feasible generalized nonlinear least squares (FGNLS) are iterated. Random effects binary logit models are used to predict technology choice. The effective price elasticity of firewood, charcoal, and electricity was found to be negative and less than unity. The effective price of electricity for baking and cooking has a detrimental and considerable impact on technology choice. The choice of traditional baking oven was positively and significantly affected by effective cost of firewood. Traditional cooking stove was also positively and significantly influenced by effective price of charcoal. Technology choice for baking appliance was significantly affected by the dwelling size, and the type of kitchen. Since decisions to choose electric appliances over those that use charcoal and firewood are heavily influenced by housing-related difficulties, energy prices and efficiency of appliances, policy interventions should include house infrastructure installations and efficiency of appliances.
The comparison of the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and Kinesio Taping on ankle swelling in athletes with lateral ankle sprain
Authors: Mazloum Vahid , Akbari Hadi , Gholampour Anis
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Ankle swelling (AS) is one of the main complaints in athletes with a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) in the acute phase. Reducing AS may help the athlete to return to training faster. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Kinesio Taping® (KT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in reducing AS in athletes with a LAS.

Methods

Thirty‐one athletes with a unilateral ankle sprain from various sports were allocated to either KT (N = 16; mean age of 24.1 years) or NMES (N = 15; mean age of 26.4 years) groups. KT was applied over the medial and lateral ankle surfaces in the Fan cut pattern for five consecutive days; however, NMES was applied to the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles for 30 min. Outcome measures to assess the extent of AS included volumetry, perimetry, relative volumetry, and the difference in both ankles’ volumetry and perimetry at baseline, after the interventions, and 15 days following the treatment completion.

Results

The results of the mixed model repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups in mean changes in outcomes over pre‐ and post‐interventions as well as follow‐up periods (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

None of the KT and NMES methods could reduce acute AS in athletes with LAS. Further studies are needed in this area of research that consider changes in treatment protocol given the variety of NMES approaches and KT applications that can be used in recovery from an ankle sprain.
Obesity, Hyperfiltration, and Early Kidney Damage: A New Formula for the Estimation of Creatinine Clearance
Authors: Basolo Alessio , Salvetti Guido , Giannese Domenico , Genzano Susanna Bechi , Ceccarini Giovanni , Giannini Riccardo , Sotgia Gianluca , Fierabracci Paola , Piaggi Paolo , Santini Ferruccio
Published: June 2023

Context

Glomerular hyperfiltration may represent a direct pathogenetic link between obesity and kidney disease. The most widely used methods to estimate creatine clearance such as Cockroft–Gault (CG), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) have not been validated in subjects with obesity.

Objective

The performance of prediction formulas was compared with measured creatinine clearance (mCrCl) in subjects with obesity.

Methods

The study population included 342 patients with obesity (mean BMI 47.6 kg/m2) without primary kidney disease. A urine collection was performed over 24 hours for measurement of CrCl.

Results

mCrCl increased with body weight. The CG formula showed an overestimation at high CrCl, whereas an underestimation resulted from CKD-EPI and MDRD. To improve the accuracy of estimated CrCl (eCrCl), a new CG-based formula was developed:53+0.7×(140−Age)×Weight/(96xSCr)×(0.85iffemale)A cut-off point for BMI of 32 kg/m2 was identified, at which the new formula may be applied to improve eCrCl.

Conclusion

In patients with obesity the glomerular filtration rate increases with body weight, and it is associated with the presence of albuminuria, suggesting an early kidney injury. We propose a novel formula that improves the accuracy of eCrCl to avoid missed diagnoses of hyperfiltration in patients with obesity.
The Presence and Severity of NAFLD are Associated With Cognitive Impairment and Hippocampal Damage
Authors: Miao Yingwen , Zhang Bing , Sun Xitai , Ma Xuelin , Fang Da , Zhang Wen , Wu Tianyu , Xu Xiang , Yu Congcong , Hou Yinjiao , Ding Qun , Yang Sijue , Fu Linqing , Zhang Zhou , Bi Yan
Published: June 2023

Context

Although cognitive impairment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has received attention in recent years, little is known about detailed cognitive functions in histologically diagnosed individuals.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of liver pathological changes with cognitive features and further explore the underlying brain manifestations.

Methods and Patients

We performed a cross-sectional study in 320 subjects who underwent liver biopsy. Among the enrolled participants, 225 underwent assessments of global cognition and cognitive subdomains. Furthermore, 70 individuals received functional magnetic resonance imaging scans for neuroimaging evaluations. The associations among liver histological features, brain alterations, and cognitive functions were evaluated using structural equation model.

Results

Compared with controls, patients with NAFLD had poorer immediate memory and delayed memory. Severe liver steatosis (odds ratio, 2.189; 95% CI, 1.020-4.699) and ballooning (OR, 3.655; 95% CI, 1.419-9.414) were related to a higher proportion of memory impairment. Structural magnetic resonance imaging showed that patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis exhibited volume loss in left hippocampus and its subregions of subiculum and presubiculum. Task-based magnetic resonance imaging showed that patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis had decreased left hippocampal activation. Path analysis demonstrated that higher NAFLD activity scores were associated with lower subiculum volume and reduced hippocampal activation, and such hippocampal damage contributed to lower delayed memory scores.

Conclusions

We are the first to report the presence and severity of NAFLD to be associated with an increased risk of memory impairment and hippocampal structural and functional abnormalities. These findings stress the significance of early cognitive evaluation in patients with NAFLD.
Estimation of wound surface area: an evaluation of medical professionals' assessment in a plastic surgery unit
Authors: Bovis Joanna L , Walsh Karl , King Ian CC , Hallam Marc-James , Gilbert Philip M
Published: June 2023

The percentage of skin graft take following the resurfacing of burn injuries is routinely calculated in a subjective fashion, in order to make management decisions. Given the gravity of decisions made based on this clinical assessment of graft check, it is notable that limited research has been carried out on this subject. No standardised subjective assessment tools exist to measure surface area of graft take in a manner similar to that of Wallace's Rule of Nines or Lund and Browder. This study set out to examine the accuracy of visual assessments of graft take within the multidisciplinary team regularly making assessments of newly grafted burn wounds. A total of 15 digitally drawn images were used to assess 36 staff members' estimations of percentage of surface area. The results showed a wide variation in estimation in all staff types, including senior burns surgeons, who were found to underestimate surface area by as much as 30%. The British Burns Association has removed ‘healing time’ as an outcome measurement from its guidance, as it recognises how hard it is to make a standardised assessment of wound healing. This study demonstrates the difficulty in subjectively assessing surface area and makes some suggestions for further research and clinical applications of technology to aid assessment.
The effects of educational intervention on patient participation in pressure injury prevention: a pilot study
Authors: Chegini Zahra , Kolawole Ifeoluwapo Oluwafunke , Behforoz Ali
Published: June 2023

Objective:

Patients' roles in reducing pressure injuries (PIs) are emphasised in clinical guidelines, although patients' preferences are undetermined. This study evaluated the effects of a pilot six-month educational intervention on patient participation in PI prevention.

Method:

A convenience sampling method was used to select patients admitted to medical-surgical wards at one of the teaching hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. This is a one-group pre-test and post-test interventional study, conducted via quasi-experimental design. Using a pamphlet, patients received education in preventing PIs. Data collected before and after intervention through a questionnaire were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (McNemar and paired t-tests) in SPSS software (IBM Corp., US).

Results:

The study cohort consisted of 153 patients. Findings revealed that the knowledge of the patients about PIs, patients' ability to talk with the nurses, information received about PIs, and patients' ability to participate in decisions related to PI prevention had significantly increased following the intervention (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Educating patients can improve their knowledge to enable them to participate in PI prevention. The findings of this study suggests further research is necessary on factors influencing patients' participation in such self-care behaviours.
Drug Breakdown: Fosfomycin
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: June 2023

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #fosfomycin
A brief history of handwashing
Authors: Winter George
Published: June 2023

George Winter looks at the finer points of handwashing in healthcare, and the extent to which a professional's sense of responsibility to their patients, their colleagues and to themselves may influence their behaviour
Nullities of cycle-spliced bipartite graphs
Authors: Chang Sarula , Li Jianxi , Zheng Yirong
Published: June 2023

For a simple graph $G$, let $\eta(G)$ and $c(G)$ be the nullity and the cyclomatic number of $G$, respectively. A cycle-spliced bipartite graph is a connected graph in which every block is an even cycle. It was shown by Wong et al. (2022) that for every cycle-spliced bipartite graph $G$, $0\leq\eta(G)\leq c(G)+1$. Moreover, the extremal graphs with $\eta(G) = c(G)+1$ and $\eta(G) =0$, respectively, have been characterized. In this paper, we prove that there is no cycle-spliced bipartite graphs $G$ of any order with nullity $\eta(G)=c(G)$. Furthermore, we also provide a structural characterization on cycle-spliced bipartite graphs $G$ with nullity $\eta(G)=c(G)-1$.
Promoting Resilience in Direct Support Professionals of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Desroches Melissa L. , Tyo Mirinda
Published: June 2023

The direct support professional (DSP) workforce shortage crisis has reached untenable levels during the COVID-19 pandemic as DSPs rapidly exit the workforce. To gain a better understanding of factors that contribute to DSP resilience during stressful and challenging times, we interviewed 10 DSPs identified by colleagues as resilient to elicit strategies to promote DSP resilience. Our content analysis revealed nine distinct strategies: (a) communication; (b) self-worth and recognition; (c) authentic, equitable relationships; (d) embracing change and learning; (e) establishing and maintaining boundaries; (f) cultivating an intentional mindset; (g) self-care; (h) spirituality/“the bigger picture”; and (i) a daily practice of humor and fun.
High-quality amorphous Silicon Carbide for hybrid photonic integration deposited at low temperature
Authors: Rodriguez Bruno , van der Kolk Bruno , Aggarwal Samarth , Sharma Naresh , Li zizheng , van der Plaats Daniel , Scholte Thomas , Chang Jin , Pereira Silvania , Gröblacher Simon , Bhaskaran Harish , Zadeh Iman Esmaeil
Published: June 2023

Integrated photonic platforms have proliferated in recent years, each demonstrating its own unique strengths and shortcomings. Given the processing incompatibilities of different platforms, a formidable challenge in the field of integrated photonics still remains for combining the strength of different optical materials in one hybrid integrated platform. Silicon carbide is a material of great interest because of its high refractive index, strong second and third-order non-linearities and broad transparency window in the visible and near infrared. However, integrating SiC has been difficult, and current approaches rely on transfer bonding techniques, that are time consuming, expensive and lacking precision in layer thickness. Here, we demonstrate high index Amorphous Silicon Carbide (a-SiC) films deposited at 150°C and verify the high performance of the platform by fabricating standard photonic waveguides and ring resonators. The intrinsic quality factors of single-mode ring resonators were in the range of (4.7-5.7)x10^5 corresponding to optical losses between 0.78-1.06 dB/cm. We then demonstrate the potential of this platform for future heterogeneous integration with ultralow loss thin SiN and LiNbO3 platforms.
WAVE-BASED SIGNAL SECURITY AND PRIVACY STUDIES USING AUTOMATIC HIGH-BIT-RATE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHIC
Authors: Allimuthu Udayakumar , Balasundaram Sathiyaprasad , K Mahalakshmi , T Ponsindhu
Published: June 2023

The information transfer through the fibers, which converts the electronic signals into light and employs the light emitting and the light source which enables the information transfer, is known as optical communications. Noise reduction is needed for information transfer. More noise is transferred in the optical fiber, which is the main problem with the information transfer. Then the communication multiplies the bandwidth, and the optical communication can be enabled. The high modulation method and quantum cryptographic system manage the modulation method to reduce noise from information transmission. The guided waves for many communication purposes, multi-rate communication, and non-moderate communication can be used in this research. The application of the quantum cryptographic system and the modulation for analog signal processing keep the noise reduction, bandwidth, and optical communication can be improved by up to 97% of noise can be released in the fiber optic for the mortification of the communication system. The noise reduction can be made with optical communication. Up to 80% of noise can be removed in the modulation and the quantum cryptographic. Automatic improvement of the high bit rate communication using the quantum cryptographic and the system to reduce the multiplication and bandwidth using the quantum cryptographic system.
After Dobbs: The Partisan and Gender Dynamics of Legislating on Abortion in Congress
Authors: Swers Michele L.
Published: June 2023

I examine the partisan and gender dynamics that shape Congressional policymaking on abortion since the early 1990s. I demonstrate how the movement of abortion from an issue that split the parties to a litmus test that defines what it means to be a Democrat or Republican has impacted policymaking. I highlight the increasingly central role female lawmakers play in crafting policy and shaping party messaging. Throughout this period, Democratic women are the most aggressive proponents for abortion rights and have expanded their influence over the party’s agenda. Meanwhile, Republican women were divided on the issue through the early 2000s and had limited influence on the party’s decision making. Since the Tea Party wave of 2010 brought more pro-life women to office, Republican women are pivotal players and will influence the direction of party strategy and legislating in the Post-Roe environment.
Crystal structure of (E)-2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(((2-fluorophenyl)imino) methyl)phenol, C21H26FNO
Authors: Zhao Wen-Ze , Tian Huan
Published: June 2023

C21H26FNO, orthorhombic, Pna21 (no. 33), a = 12.329(3) Å, b = 9.048(3) Å, c = 16.881(5) Å, β = 90°, V = 1883.2(9) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0500, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1184, T = 273(2) K.