bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
24-hour movement behaviors and changes in quality of life over time among community-dwelling older adults: a compositional data analysis
Authors: Palmberg Lotta , Suorsa Kristin , Löppönen Antti , Karavirta Laura , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo
Published: November 2024

Background

Favorable movement behavior patterns, comprising more physical activity, less sedentary behavior, and sufficient sleep, may promote the maintenance of good quality of life (QoL) with advancing age. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether movement behaviors predict future changes in QoL among community-dwelling older adults over a four-year follow-up.

Methods

Participants were 75-, 80- and 85-year-old community-dwelling older adults (n = 203) followed up for 4 years. Participants wore thigh- and trunk-mounted accelerometers for 3–7 days at baseline. Proportion of time-use in physical activity, standing and sedentary behavior were assessed based on body posture and movement intensity. Time in bed was determined using an automated algorithm. QoL was assessed during a home interview using the short Older People’s Quality of Life Questionnaire at baseline and follow-up (range 13–65, higher scores indicate higher QoL). Compositional linear regression analysis was used to study whether baseline time-use composition predicts changes in QoL.

Results

Over the 4-year follow-up, QoL scores decreased by 5% on average. Higher physical activity in relation to the other movement behaviors was associated with increase in QoL over time (βilr 0.94, p = 0.013), but this association attenuated after adding baseline physical function into the model. Sedentary behavior, standing, and time in bed were not associated with changes in QoL. Theoretical reallocation of 30 min of physical activity into sedentary behavior, standing or time in bed was estimated to decrease QoL by 0.5 (CI 95% -0.6 to -0.4), 0.6 (-0.7 to -0.5) and 0.4 (-0.5 to -0.3) points, respectively.

Conclusions

Theoretical reallocation of physical activity into sedentary behavior, standing, and time in bed was found to be associated with prospective decline in QoL among older adults. Engaging more in physical activity and less in more passive activities may promote better QoL with advancing age.
Unraveling the role and mechanism of mitochondria in postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a narrative review
Authors: Zhang Zhenyong , Yang Wei , Wang Lanbo , Zhu Chengyao , Cui Shuyan , Wang Tian , Gu Xi , Liu Yang , Qiu Peng
Published: November 2024

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a frequent neurological complication encountered during the perioperative period with unclear mechanisms and no effective treatments. Recent research into the pathogenesis of POCD has primarily focused on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, changes in neural synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter imbalances. Given the high-energy metabolism of neurons and their critical dependency on mitochondria, mitochondrial dysfunction directly affects neuronal function. Additionally, as the primary organelles generating reactive oxygen species, mitochondria are closely linked to the pathological processes of neuroinflammation. Surgery and anesthesia can induce mitochondrial dysfunction, increase mitochondrial oxidative stress, and disrupt mitochondrial quality-control mechanisms via various pathways, hence serving as key initiators of the POCD pathological process. We conducted a review on the role and potential mechanisms of mitochondria in postoperative cognitive dysfunction by consulting relevant literature from the PubMed and EMBASE databases spanning the past 25 years. Our findings indicate that surgery and anesthesia can inhibit mitochondrial respiration, thereby reducing ATP production, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, promoting mitochondrial fission, inducing mitochondrial calcium buffering abnormalities and iron accumulation, inhibiting mitophagy, and increasing mitochondrial oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction and damage can ultimately lead to impaired neuronal function, abnormal synaptic transmission, impaired synthesis and release of neurotransmitters, and even neuronal death, resulting in cognitive dysfunction. Targeted mitochondrial therapies have shown positive outcomes, holding promise as a novel treatment for POCD.
Identification of a novel ST3GAL5 variant in a Chinese boy with GM3 synthase deficiency and literature review of variants in the ST3GAL5 gene
Authors: Mu Dan , Yang Yanting , Liu Yao , Shen Ying , Liu Hongqian , Wang Jing
Published: November 2024

Background

GM3 synthase deficiency (GM3SD) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the ST3GAL5 gene. It is characterized by intellectual disability, microcephaly, psychomotor and developmental delay, hearing and visual impairments, and changes in skin pigmentation. This study aims to broaden the genetic mutation spectrum of GM3SD through the report of a de novo mutation and a comprehensive summary of GM3SD phenotype to aid in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

Results

Compound heterozygous variants in ST3GAL5 (NM_003896.4: c.1000delC, p.Arg334Glufs*15 and c.207-1G > T, p.Cys70Glufs*81) were identified via trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) and confirmed pathogenic through functional experiments. Notably, c.207-1G > T was a newly discovered variant. Additionally, previously reported GM3SD mutations were classified into R288X and non-R288X, revealing that R288X mutations were more likely to manifest developmental, emotional abnormalities, and severe feeding difficulties.

Conclusions

This study reveals a novel mutation in ST3GAL5 and provides a comprehensive overview of GM3SD phenotype, aiding in the diagnosis and genetic counseling of GM3SD in clinical practice.
Ultrasound evaluation of kidney and liver involvement in Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Cetiner Metin , Finkelberg Ilja , Schiepek Felix , Pape Lars , Hirtz Raphael , Büscher Anja K.
Published: November 2024

Background

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal-recessive ciliopathy with pathogenic variants in 26 BBS genes. It affects multiple organs, including the kidney and liver, with varying degrees regarding extent and time of first manifestation. Structural renal anomalies are an early feature and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) cumulates to 25% in adulthood. Early-onset hyperphagia-associated obesity is another major symptom and contributes to liver pathology, presenting as steatosis/fibrosis. Aim of this study is the evaluation of high-end ultrasound (US) technologies in BBS patients regarding their potential to discriminate liver and kidney tissue pathology at an early stage.

Materials and methods

Patients with genetically proven BBS were recruited from the University Children’s Hospital of Essen and from BBS patient days hosted in Germany. Acute illness was an exclusion criterion. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from patients’ digital records or medical letters. High-resolution ultrasound (US) imaging was utilized, including attenuation imaging (ATI), shear wave elastography (SWE) and dispersion (SWD) of liver tissue.

Results

49 BBS patients (24/49 male; 1.1–51.0 years, mean 17.8 years) were included in the study. Mean body weight (SDS 2.13 ± 1.33) and BMI (SDS 2.64 ± 1.18) were increased. Structural kidney abnormalities (dysplasia, cysts) were present in 75% (36/48), and persistent fetal lobulation in 44% (21/48). Renal function was impaired in 27% (13/49) of whom 3 had ESKD (kidney transplantation (n = 2), hemodialysis (n = 1)). Elevation of liver enzymes was detected in 38% (16/42). In 51% (25/49) ATI of liver tissue was increased, indicating hepatic steatosis, and correlated with BMI SDS, liver size, and enzymes. SWE was elevated in 61% (30/49), suggesting hepatic fibrosis, and it correlated with BMI and GGT. Patients with pathogenic variants in BBS10 showed a tendency towards higher ATI, reduced GFR, and higher BMI SDS.

Conclusions

We detected kidney and liver abnormalities in a higher percentage of BBS patients than previously reported, indicating a high sensitivity and diagnostic yield of the evaluated high-end US applications. ATI detected liver pathology early (partially prior to liver enzymes) and revealed differences related to the affected genes. Evidence of tissue pathology at an early stage may improve diagnostics and the evaluation of therapeutic approaches.
Predictors of weaning failure in ventilated intensive care patients: a systematic evidence map
Authors: Sterr Fritz , Reintke Michael , Bauernfeind Lydia , Senyol Volkan , Rester Christian , Metzing Sabine , Palm Rebecca
Published: November 2024

Background

Ventilator weaning is of great importance for intensive care patients in order to avoid complications caused by prolonged ventilation. However, not all patients succeed in weaning immediately. Their spontaneous breathing may be insufficient, resulting in extubation failure and the subsequent need for reintubation. To identify patients at high risk for weaning failure, a variety of potential predictors has already been examined in individual studies and meta-analyses over the last decades. However, an overview of all the predictors investigated is missing.

Aim

To provide an overview of empirically investigated predictors for weaning failure.

Methods

A systematic evidence map was developed. To this end, we conducted a systematic search in the Medline, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases in December 2023 and added a citation search and a manual search in June 2024. Studies on predictors for weaning failure in adults ventilated in the intensive care unit were included. Studies on children, outpatients, non-invasive ventilation, or explanatory factors of weaning failure were excluded. Two reviewers performed the screening and data extraction independently. Data synthesis followed an inductive approach in which the predictors were thematically analyzed, sorted, and clustered.

Results

Of the 1388 records obtained, 140 studies were included in the analysis. The 112 prospective and 28 retrospective studies investigated a total of 145 predictors. These were assigned to the four central clusters ‘Imaging procedures’ (n = 22), ‘Physiological parameters’ (n = 61), ‘Scores and indices’ (n = 53), and ‘Machine learning models’ (n = 9). The most frequently investigated predictors are the rapid shallow breathing index, the diaphragm thickening fraction, the respiratory rate, the P/F ratio, and the diaphragm excursion.

Conclusion

Predictors for weaning failure are widely researched. To date, 145 predictors have been investigated with varying intensity in 140 studies that are in line with the current weaning definition. It is no longer just individual predictors that are investigated, but more comprehensive assessments, indices and machine learning models in the last decade. Future research should be conducted in line with international weaning definitions and further investigate poorly researched predictors.

Registration, Protocol: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2KDYU
Acute responses to a potentiation warm-up protocol on sprint and change of direction in female football players: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Zylberberg Tomás , Martins Ricardo , Pettersen Svein Arne , Afonso José , Matias Vale Baptista Ivan André
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the acute effect of exposure to a potentiation warm-up protocol compared to a usual warm-up program.

Design

Randomized parallel control trial.

Setting

Synthetic grass in the club’s facilities (Portugal).

Participants

Seventeen female football players (age: 23.9 ± 3.9 years), were randomly allocated to a control (n = 8) and an experimental group (n = 9). To allocate the players, a table was computer-generated by a research team member with no involvement in the trial.

Intervention

The control group performed their usual warm-up program, while the experimental group performed a potentiation warm-up protocol with jumps combined with sprints with change of direction.

Main outcomes measures

The players were tested pre- and post-intervention for a 40-m linear sprint and pre-planned change of direction using the T-test.

Statistical analysis

An intention-to-treat analysis was performed, with all the participants originally randomized being involved. The normal distribution was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The assumption of sphericity was analyzed. Effect sizes were calculated using partial eta squared.

Results

No significant pre-post differences in the T-test and in the 40-m sprint were detected for any group. However, in the T-test, large effect sizes in time increments were observed within the experimental (0.27 s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.176) and control groups (0.06 s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.176). Also, in the 40-m sprint, large effect sizes in time increments were observed within the experimental (0.05 s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.251) and control groups (0.09 s; p > 0.05, ηp2 = 0.251).

Conclusions

The performance-enhancing ability of the potentiation method performed at warm-up was not verified when applied to female football players. Thus, the potentiation methods may not improve sprint and COD ability for this population. However, the lack of statistical significance may have been due to reduced statistical power, as three of four effects suggest acute performance impairment after a supposed potentiation-oriented warm-up. Nevertheless, the presence of a statistical type 2 error cannot be ruled out.

Registration number (retrospectively registered)

NCT06555185; Project URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06555185.
Delayed drug-induced catatonia in an adolescent girl—clinical implications: a case report
Authors: Winerdal Max , Skordas Konstantinos , Lidehäll Anna Karin , Wilhelmsdotter Carin , Strömbergsson Helena
Published: November 2024

Background

Catatonia is a potentially life-threatening condition that is characterized by psychiatric and motor disturbances, such as negativism, hypomotility, bradykinesia, and unusual movements. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination and occurs in both pediatric and adult patients and is associated with an increased mortality. Catatonia is associated with psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, major depression, encephalitis, and bipolar disorder. The physiopathology of catatonia is complex and not fully understood. There is an ongoing debate in the medical community whether catatonia is an independent syndrome, or secondary to other mental illnesses. This case presentation is unique, as there are few reports describing cases of isolated catatonic syndrome in the absence of any other psychiatric or medical condition with a delayed onset caused by recreational drug abuse.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 17-year-old Caucasian athletic girl with no previous contact with child and adolescent psychiatry, nor any previous drug abuse. After recreational intake of drugs, there was a delay of approximately 7 days, before the patient searched care with symptoms that were at a later stage recognized as catatonia. Treatment with a high dose of lorazepam in combination with memantine and lithium resulted in a regression of the symptoms. After 6 weeks the patient could be discharged from the hospital almost fully recovered.

Conclusions

An acute onset of psychomotor symptoms without any previous history of mental illnesses must be addressed early as a potential catatonic syndrome. Delayed onset of catatonic symptoms after intake of drugs should not be overlooked, and we here suggest that mephedrone might be capable of inducing delayed catatonia. It is feasible to use memantine as an adjuvant to the treatment of catatonia in adolescents.
Modeling two-phase gas-solid flow in axisymmetric diffusers using cut cell technique: an Eulerian-Eulerian approach
Authors: Salem Khaled M. , Elreafay Adel M. , Abumandour Ramzy M. , Dawood A. S.
Published: November 2024

Axisymmetric diffusers find wide applications in various industrial processes, including combustion systems, pneumatic conveying, and fluidized bed reactors. Understanding and accurately modeling the behavior of two-phase flows in these devices are critical for optimizing their performance and efficiency. Various aspects of the two-phase gas-solid flow, including particle-particle and particle-wall interactions, interphase momentum transfer, and phase segregation, are investigated. Our currently developed technique, which uses a cut-cell technique, is an established new method to handle the inclined wall of an axisymmetric diffuser. The near-wall cells are treated as five faces for the new grid; one is the inclined wall. This helps treat the boundary condition at the wall in an accurate physical way. The code FORTRAN, developed in-house, was used to solve the axisymmetric diffuser using a cut-cell technique. The results of this study will provide valuable insights into the behavior of gas-solid two-phase flows in axisymmetric diffuser. A parametric study of the impact of particles diameters ($100,\ 200,\ \text{and} \ 300\mu m$
100
,

200
,

and

300
μ
m
), the solid volume loading ratios $(0.005,\ 0.008,\ 0.01)$
(
0.005
,

0.008
,

0.01
)
, and cant angle $(4.5^{\circ},\ 7^{\circ},\ 9.5^{\circ}) $
(

4.5
∘

,

7
∘

,

9.5
∘

)
effect of axisymmetric diffuser on the local skin friction, pressure, velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and separation zone.
Automatic reconstruction of semantic façade model of architectural heritage
Authors: Hou Jingwei , Zhou Ji , He Yonghong , Hou Bo , Li Jia
Published: November 2024

Façade elements, such as windows, doors, balconies, sculptures, and totems, in architectural heritage images with incomplete structures should be automatically reconstructed for applications in 3D analysis, 3D modeling, virtual tourism, city planning, and the protection and reconstruction of architectural heritage. This study segments façade elements of architectural heritage semantically using YOLOv9. A parameterized expression for the semantic façade model is designed. In addition, the façade layer graph (FLG) and element layer graph (ELG) algorithms are developed based on topological, geometric, and structural constraints to automatically reconstruct the semantic façade model for architectural heritages. The results showed that the average precision (AP) and mean intersection over union (MIoU) achieved using YOLOv9 + FLG-ELG are 86.91% and 85.63%, respectively, on the dataset concerning façade elements of architectural heritages. The AP values obtained from the proposed method are 98.5% on the ECP2011 dataset and 95.3% on the Graz2012 dataset. The YOLOv9 + FLG-ELG method automatically reconstructs regular, irregular, and complex façade layouts with high accuracy and robustness.
Enhancing authenticity in historic districts via soundscape design
Authors: Hu Yiming , Meng Qi , Li Mengmeng , Yang Da
Published: November 2024

Historic districts play an important role in urban planning and protection. While previous research on soundscapes has focused on acoustic comfort or preferences in these districts, the aspect of authenticity has been somewhat overlooked. Therefore, this study proposes a methodology for constructing soundscapes that enhance the authenticity of such districts. Using the grounded theory approach, we identified four key components for enhancing authenticity via soundscapes: the aim of soundscape design, physical and cultural characteristics of soundscapes, the effects of soundscapes, and the influence of spatial characteristics on soundscapes. A theoretical framework was developed to illustrate the enhancement of authenticity in historic districts via soundscapes. To verify the applicability and advancement of the proposed framework, it was compared with methodologies and steps obtained from previous soundscape research in historic districts. This study underscores the significance of soundscape design in creating authenticity in historic districts, thereby contributing to the development of soundscape design in historic districts and offering sustainable solutions for the protection and renewal of urban cultural heritage.
The method to identify invasive mechanical ventilation with Japanese claim data
Authors: Sakamoto Ayaka , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: November 2024

Dr. Ohbe et al. reported that only 40.4% of patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation were treated in intensive care units, with significant variations in intensive care unit admission rates observed between hospitals and regions using Japanese claims data. The issue of validation when using claim data has been reported in previous studies. The definition of invasive mechanical ventilation used by Dr. Ohbe et al. appears overly broad, encompassing non-invasive mechanical ventilations via nasal mask and manual ventilation. We discuss the limitation of their method in identifying invasive mechanical ventilation, which is critical for defining the study population.
Partial volume correction for Lu-177-PSMA SPECT
Authors: Liu Yibin , Lu Zhonglin , Chen Gefei , Shi Kuangyu , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: November 2024

Background

The limited spatial resolution in SPECT images leads to partial volume effect (PVE), degrading the subsequent dosimetric accuracy. We aim to quantitatively evaluate PVE and partial volume corrections (PVC), i.e., recovery coefficient (RC)-PVC (RC-PVC), reblurred Van-Cittert (RVC) and iterative Yang (IY), in 177Lu-PSMA-617 SPECT images.

Methods

We employed a geometrical cylindrical phantom containing five spheres (diameters ranging from 20 to 40 mm) and 40 XCAT phantoms with various anatomical variations and activity distributions. SIMIND Monte Carlo code was used to generate realistic noisy projections. In the clinical study, sequential quantitative SPECT/CT imaging at 4 time-points post 177Lu-PSMA-617 injections were analyzed for 10 patients. Iterative statistical reconstruction methods were used for reconstruction with attenuation, scatter and geometrical collimator detector response corrections, followed by post-filters. The RC-curves were fit based on the geometrical phantom study and applied for XCAT phantom and clinical study in RC-PVC. Matched and 0.5-2.0 voxels (2.54–10.16 mm) mismatched sphere masks were deployed in IY. The coefficient of variation (CoV) was measured on a uniform background on the geometrical phantom. RCs of spheres and mean absolute activity error (MAE) of kidneys and tumors were evaluated in simulation data, while the activity difference was evaluated in clinical data before and after PVC.

Results

In the simulation study, the spheres experienced significant PVE, i.e., 0.26 RC and 0.70 RC for the 20 mm and 40 mm spheres, respectively. RVC and IY improved the RC of the 20 mm sphere to 0.37 and 0.75 and RC of the 40 mm sphere to 0.96 and 1.04. Mismatch in mask increased the activity error for all spheres in IY. RVC increased noise and caused Gibbs ringing artifacts. For XCAT phantoms, both RVC and IY performed comparably and were superior to RC-PVC in reducing the MAE of the kidneys. However, IY and RC-PVC outperformed RVC for tumors. The XCAT phantom study and clinical study showed a similar trend in the kidney and tumor activity differences between non-PVC and PVC.

Conclusions

PVE greatly impacts activity quantification, especially for small objects. All PVC methods improve the quantification accuracy in 177Lu-PSMA SPECT.
Intervention development and optimisation of a multi-component digital intervention for the monitoring and management of hypertensive pregnancy: the My Pregnancy Care Intervention
Authors: Tucker Katherine , Rose Frances , Lavallee Layla , Roman Cristian , Goddard Lucy , McManus Richard J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect around 10% of pregnancies and remain a major cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Trials have shown that self-monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy is safe, but self-monitoring alone does not improve blood pressure control or pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to develop and optimise a multicomponent intervention to support blood pressure monitoring, hypertension management and urine testing within current care pathways.

Methods

Relevant literature, input from patient and public contributors (PPI) and stakeholder groups, and the researcher’s previous experience were used to develop an initial intervention. Think-aloud interviews and focus groups with women from diverse backgrounds with lived experience of hypertension in pregnancy and healthcare professionals provided feedback on the intervention prototype (n = 29). The MRC Framework for Developing Complex Interventions guided the processes to optimise the intervention’s acceptability and maximise engagement. A detailed tabulation of participants’ views and logic models was produced using the COM-B model of Behaviour Change.

Results

The prototype intervention was acceptable and viable to both pregnant women with experience of hypertensive pregnancy and healthcare professionals. Emerging themes centred on how the intervention could be optimised within current National Health Service care pathways and the lives of pregnant women to support behaviour change. Key target behaviours to support the intervention included increasing understanding of blood pressure management, engagement with the intervention, monitoring blood pressure and urine and taking appropriate actions based on those readings. This informed the development of recommendations involving clear action timelines for women and evidence-based guidance to support decision-making by healthcare professionals. The findings were used to produce the multi-component My Pregnancy Care intervention, consisting of a smartphone application and an information leaflet to support blood pressure self-monitoring and proteinuria self-testing, self-management of antihypertensive medication and smartphone application use.

Conclusions

This research provided comprehensive insight into the needs of pregnant women with hypertension and their healthcare teams regarding self-monitoring and management of blood pressure. This supported the development of a tailored multi-component digital intervention that addresses barriers to blood pressure self-management by being user-friendly, persuasive and acceptable. It is hoped that the intervention will support the monitoring and management process, collaboration between healthcare professionals and women, clinical action and improved clinical outcomes.
The epidemiological and histopathological factors for delayed local recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyosik , Lee Sang-Min , Ahn Kang-Min
Published: November 2024

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy in oral cancer. Approximately 26% of OSCC cases recur after initial curative treatment, with over 80% of these recurrences occurring within the first 2 years. Delayed local recurrence (DLR) occurring beyond the 2-year period in cases of OSCC is infrequent. The aim of this study is to investigate the histopathological characteristics associated with DLR.

Methods

This study included 197 patients diagnosed with OSCC who underwent primary surgery from 2006 to 2022. Epidemiological features, such as age and gender, and histopathological features, including primary tumor sites, TNM staging, histopathological grading, depth of invasion, the presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and the utilization of radiation therapy (RT) and neck dissection (ND) were analyzed.

Results

The mean interval until local recurrence was 22 ± 27 months. There were 10 cases of DLR (20.83%) among 51 patients with local recurrence. The epidemiological and histopathological analysis of these cases is as follows: 10 patients (3 males and 7 females) aged 51–80 years (median, 56.5 years). Primary tumor sites were tongue (n = 3), maxillary gingiva (n = 1), mandibular gingiva (n = 3), retromolar trigone (n = 1), and buccal mucosa (n = 2). Tumor size was advanced (T3/T4) in 5 cases, while a smaller size (T1/T2) was observed in 5 cases. No lymph node metastasis was 80.0%. Histopathological grading was well differentiated in 9 cases and moderately differentiated in 1 case, with no cases of poorly differentiated tumors. Depth of invasion > 5 mm was 70.0% of the cases (n = 7). Lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion were not present. Three patients received RT, and 8 patients underwent ND. There were 2 patients who consumed alcohol, and 2 patients who smoked tobacco. The results showed that histological differentiation had a significant relationship with the interval (p = 0.031).

Conclusions

DLR, occurring more than 2 years after the initial tumor resection surgery, is infrequent. Histological differentiation is associated with tumor recurrence intervals. Patients with a higher histological grading require more precise follow-up observation during the initial 2 years after surgery.
Early insights from the routine use of patient reported outcome measures in elective hip and knee arthroplasty at a public teaching hospital in South Australia
Authors: Goldsmith Samuel P. , Karayiannis Paul N. , Edwards Louisa M. , Toson Barbara , D’Mello Freeda , Jackman Emma , Wilson Christopher John , Samson Anthony
Published: November 2024

Introduction

For advanced osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, the most clinically effective treatment remains total-knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total-hip arthroplasty (THA). Success of these surgeries have traditionally been appraised by economic and volume-based measures. There has been a shift towards the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) to quantify success and guide treatment. The present study provides analysis of three PROMS which have been validated for use in orthopaedic settings; the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), and the EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) - a non-disease specific measure of health. PROMs were completed pre-operatively, 6-weeks, and 1-year after elective TKA and THA undertaken in 2018 in a public teaching hospital in South Australia. Post-operative satisfaction/dissatisfaction was measured using a 5-point Likert scale and was collected at the same 6-week and 1-year points.

Results

PROMs were collected from 285 eligible elective knee-arthroplasty, and 205 elective hip-arthroplasty patients. There was significant average improvement, greater than minimal clinical important differences between pre-operative and 1-year post-operative scores for all three PROMs tools. Inter-PROM correlation was strongest between FJS and OKS at 1-year post TKA (rs = 0.722), and between FJS and OHS in post-THA at the same interval (rs = 0.609). TKA patients with higher pre-surgical 10-year mortality were weakly associated with lower pre-operative OKS score (rs = 0.169). BMI was weakly negatively associated with pre-operative and 6-week post-operative EQ-VAS scores (rs = -0.291 and rs = -0.149 respectively). Post-TKA satisfaction was 77.2% at 1-year, and THA 88.5% at the same interval.

Conclusion

This study provides an early insight from the use of the OKS, OHS, the EQ-VAS and the FJS as PROMs in primary TKA and THA at our centre. All PROMs demonstrate significant increase (improvement) at both 6-week and 1-year post-operative intervals, relative to pre-operative scores. The FJS demonstrated good sensitivity. Pre-existing co-morbidities do not appear to have any significant relation with post-operative PROMs collected in this study.
Impact of fruits and vegetables consumption on metabolic health: a case–control study
Authors: Abd El-Shaheed Azza , Mahfouz Nermine N. , Abdel Hamid May M.
Published: November 2024

Background

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended to consume more than 400 grams of (fruits + vegetables) per day to enhance healthful lifestyle and to lower the incidence of metabolic illnesses. Their low glycemic index helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, consequently controlling hunger. Our aim was to study the reflection of the intake of fruits and that of vegetables on metabolic risks in obese children.

Results

A case–control research enrolled 90 Egyptian children (44 obese and 46 normal weight control children) aged from 5 to 11 years. Thirty-three out of 46 controls (71.7%) consumed vegetables on a daily basis compared to only 27 (61.4%) among cases. As regards fruits, the daily consumption was frequented more among the obese group 25 (58.1%) and less frequented among the control group 20 (43.5%). No significant associations were found between vegetables/fruits’ consumption and the specified metabolic markers of dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia.

Conclusion

The role of fruits and vegetables is still debatable. In our study, the daily intake of fruits and vegetables was not significantly associated with changes in blood sugar or lipid levels.
Does the clinical and radiologic outcomes following total knee arthroplasty using a new design cobalt-chrome tibial plate or predecessor different?
Authors: Kim Kang-Il , Kim Jun-Ho , Min Kyeonguk
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes for a new tibial component (Attune S +) and the previous design (Attune S) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients using ATTUNE® posterior stabilized (PS) prosthesis and also assessed related factors for the development of tibial radiolucent line(RLL).

Methods

This retrospective study included 362 knees (179 Attune S, 183 Attune S +) with an average 4 years (range, 2–8) follow-up. Clinical outcomes, radiologic parameters and the incidence of RLL around the tibial component were compared through the serial assessment. For the subgroup analysis, radiologic parameters were compared between patients with and without RLL.

Results

There was no significant difference in terms of clinical outcomes and radiologic parameters between two designs. The incidence of RLL was not different through the serial follow-up (P > 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, the preoperative medial proximal tibial angle (83.7° versus 85.0°, P = 0.01) was smaller and preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle (169.1° versus 171.8°, P = 0.01) has more varus in the group with RLL than those without.

Conclusions

The clinical and radiologic outcomes including the incidence of tibial RLL between new design and predecessor were not significantly different at average 4 years follow-up. The development of tibial RLL was associated with preoperative varus deformity of tibia and lower limb alignment.
Physiotherapists knowledge, attitudes, and practices about therapeutic interventions for cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Adeyemi Timothy , Daniel Abigail Sunnom , Abudu Funmilayo Rebbecca , Oluronke Possible Ireyimika , Ogunlana Michael Opeoluwa , Govender Pragashnie
Published: November 2024

Background and aim

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects brain functions, often leading to a range of cognitive and motor impairments, necessitating effective rehabilitation. It is expedient for physiotherapists to have adequate knowledge, an appropriate attitude, and practice towards managing cognitive and motor impairments in adults with TBI. This study assessed physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 75 physiotherapists recruited from 8 hospitals in South-West Nigeria via purposive sampling. A self-developed questionnaire administered via Google Forms® was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of physiotherapists towards cognitive and motor impairments in adult patients with TBI. Descriptive statistics of mean, median, range, percentages, and frequency distribution tables were used in summarizing the KAP, while the association/correlation between KAP scores and selected demographic/profession-related characteristics was also investigated using inferential statistics of the Man-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman ranked correlation. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 28.73 ± 7.093 years, predominantly female (53.3%), with a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy (78.7%), and specializing in neuro-physiotherapy. Most respondents demonstrated knowledge of cognitive 45 (60%) and motor 42 (56%) impairments in adult TBI patients. There was a (rho = 0.259) positive significant correlation (p = 0.025) between the age of the physiotherapist and their knowledge of the management of cognitive and motor impairment in adult patients with TBI.

Conclusion

Many physiotherapists in South-West Nigeria demonstrate good knowledge of TBI, with this knowledge increasing with age. This study underscores the importance of continuous educational training for physiotherapists, a consequence of which should be better rehabilitation and functional outcomes for people with TBI.
Functional outcomes of patients in the medical and trauma critical care units using the chelsea critical care physical assessment tool
Authors: Tjale Lebogang , Mshunqane Nombeko , Hanekom Silmara , Masenge Andries
Published: November 2024

Background

Outcome measures in clinical practice assist in establishing progress for effective quality of care. Physiotherapists in the intensive care unit (ICU) promote lung function and facilitate early mobilization to prevent ICU-related complications.

Objectives

To determine the physical functional outcomes in critically ill patients in the trauma and medical critical care units at three hospitals in the Tshwane District.

Method

This was a quantitative prospective observational cohort study. Adult patients admitted in the trauma, medical ICU, and high care (HC) units were recruited. Ethical clearance was obtained from the [Masked for blind review], the National Department of Health Research (NHRD), and the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the hospitals. Written consent was obtained from the recruited patients. Assessments were done on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays using the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment (CPAx) Tool until discharge from the units. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.

Results

Functional outcomes that improved quicker were respiratory function, cough reflex, rolling in the bed, and grip strength. An increase in CPAx scores correlated with improvement in the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) in both groups. Median and inter-quartile CPAx scores in the medical ICU for the initial assessments were 3(2–8) with an increase to 8(3.75–28.25) in the final assessment (p = 0.003). The median and interquartile CPAxs scores for initial assessments in the trauma ICU were 2(1–11.75) and 5(3.25–14) for the final assessments, with ap-value of 0.005 which showed statistical significance.

Conclusion

CPAx mean scores in the trauma ICU were higher than in the medical ICU. There were significant positive changes in the scoring of both populations but this was slightly better in the trauma ICU. Using the CPAx tool in a HC setting seemed feasible and patients showed higher scores compared to both trauma and medical ICU.

Clinical implications

The CPAX tool assists in the development of rehabilitation goals in the ICU and HC by physiotherapists. The tool can be adapted in the medical and trauma critical care units to assess functional outcomes.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202305860988637, Registered 7 May 2023-Retrospectively registered,https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25542.
Using AsianCrit Theory to Understand How Anti-Asian Hate Impacted Mental Health Among Asian Women in STEM Doctoral Programs
Authors: Anantharaman Aashika , Farra Aisha , Chang Eunhu , Wilkins-Yel Kerrie G.
Published: November 2024

Steeped in the AsianCrit theoretical framework, the current study examined how anti-Asian hate impacted the mental health of Asian and diasporic Asian doctoral women in STEM. Findings highlight the need for faculty to challenge institutional norms that perpetuate the erasure of the toll that anti-Asian hate levied on Asian doctoral women in STEM.
Addendum: Variable brane tension and dark energy
Authors: Kumar Naman
Published: November 2024

Original article:
EPL, 145 (2024) 39001.
Sequential Hemodynamic Analysis of Ruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms Treated With Coil Embolization and Delayed Flow Diversion
Authors: Ramirez-Velandia Felipe , Loly Vincenzo T. R. , Enriquez-Marulanda Alejandro , Young Michael , Tatit Rafael T. , Cintra Arthur , Baccin Carlos E. , Shutran Max , Taussky Philipp , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Computational fluid dynamics has advanced our knowledge of the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms and the dynamic changes observed after treatment. Herein, we analyze hemodynamic changes throughout the intervention stages for ruptured posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms, treated with acute coiling and delayed flow diversion (FD).

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective analysis of ruptured PComA aneurysms treated with the acute coiling and delayed FD strategy between June 2013 to November 2022, using 3-dimensional reconstructions of digital subtraction angiographies. Hemodynamic simulations using ANSYS® calculated aneurysmal and adjacent arteries' wall shear stress (WSS), aneurysmal low shear areas (LSA), and mean velocities in the distal arteries.

RESULTS:

Six of the 22 patients were selected for computational fluid dynamics analysis, including 4 females and 2 males with a median age of 60 years. The average aneurysm volume was 984.12 mm3, with an average surface area of 386.11 mm2; LSA was 22.90%, and the average WSS was 3.39 Pa. The 2 largest aneurysms also had the highest LSA values. After coiling, there was a reduction in the aneurysmal volume (−78.42%) and the average surface area (−55.28%), and aneurysmal WSS increased to 6.10 Pa (+79.90%). WSS values for the middle cerebral artery (MCA) increased to 10.76 Pa, while anterior cerebral artery (ACA) increased to 7.51 Pa. Complete occlusion was achieved with delayed FD at a median follow-up of 19.7 months. After FD, average WSS increased to 14.94 Pa for the MCA (+70.64%) and to 10.82 Pa for the ACA (+30.10%). The mean MCA velocity increased to 43.04 cm/s (+36.85%), and 3 cases showed an increase in ACA velocities.

CONCLUSION:

LSA may have triggered rupture for the PComA aneurysms analyzed. After coiling, average WSS increased in the aneurysm wall and downstream vessels in the majority of cases analyzed. Delayed FD caused hemodynamic disturbances distal to deployment, reflected in the sequential increase in the WSS and velocities in both the ACA and MCA.
Distinct effects of CDK8 module subunits on cellular growth and proliferation in Drosophila
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Mengmeng , Xing Yue , Niu Ye , Liu Tzu-Hao , Sun Jasmine L. , Liu Yanwu , Hemba-Waduge Rajitha-Udakara-Sampath , Ji Jun-Yuan
Published: November 2024

The Mediator complex plays a pivotal role in facilitating RNA polymerase II-dependent transcription in eukaryotes. Within this complex, the CDK8 kinase module (CKM), comprising CDK8, Cyclin C (CycC), Med12 and Med13, serves as a dissociable subcomplex that modulates the activity of the small Mediator complex. Genetic studies in Drosophila have revealed distinct phenotypes associated with mutations in CKM subunits, but the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Using Drosophila as a model, we generated transgenic strains to deplete individually or simultaneously the four CKM subunits in all possible combinations, uncovering unique phenotypes in the eyes and wings. Depletion of CDK8-CycC enhanced E2F1 target gene expression and promoted cell-cycle progression, whereas Med12-Med13 depletion had no significant impact on these processes. Instead, depleting Med12-Med13 altered the expression of ribosomal protein genes and fibrillarin, and reduced nascent protein synthesis, indicating a severe reduction in ribosome biogenesis and cellular growth compared to the loss of CDK8-CycC. These findings reveal distinct in vivo roles for CKM subunits, with Med12-Med13 disruption having a more pronounced effect on ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis than CDK8-CycC loss.
Ten-Year Outcome of a Randomized Trial: Cytoreduction and HIPEC with Mitomycin C Versus Oxaliplatin for Appendiceal Neoplasm with Peritoneal Dissemination
Authors: Levine Edward A. , Cos Heidy , Votanopoulos Konstantinos I. , Shen Perry , Russell Greg , Mansfield Paul , Fournier Keith , Bartlett David , Stewart John H.
Published: November 2024

Background

Appendiceal cancer is a rare disease that has proven difficult to study in prospectively. Our initial report of this trial showed minor hematologic toxicity with both mitomycin C and oxaliplatin and similar 3-year survival. We now report an update of the first prospective randomized trial for appendiceal cancer with 10-year follow up.

Patients and Methods

Patients with mucinous appendiceal neoplasms and evidence of peritoneal dissemination were enrolled in the Multicenter Randomized Trial to evaluating HIPEC for 120 min with oxaliplatin (200 mg/M2) or mitomycin C (40 mg). Overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated at 10 years and compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 121 patients were included in the study. The patients were 57% female, with a mean age of 55.3 years (range 22–82 years). The disease was low grade in 71% and high grade in 29%. The average peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score was 18 (SD 10) in the mitomycin C group and 17.9 (SD 9.4) in the oxaliplatin group (p = 0.94). The 10-year survival rate was 56.2% (SE 7.2) with mitomycin C and 47.5% (SE 8.4) with oxaliplatin, p = 0.83. The 10-year progression-free survival rate in the mitomycin C group was 45.2% (SE 8.4) compared with 50.4% (SE 6.7) in the oxaliplatin group, p = 0.95. Median survival was 9.1 years after HIPEC with oxaliplatin, and median not reached for the mitomycin C group (> 5.6 years).

Conclusions

Oxaliplatin and mitomycin C have similar long-term efficacy for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with appendiceal neoplasms and peritoneal dissemination. Long-term survival is experienced by most patients after cytoreduction surgery (CRS) and HIPEC for appendiceal neoplasms.