bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of telerehabilitation for patients after hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tsuge Takahiro , Yamamoto Norio , Taito Shunsuke , Miura Takanori , Shiratsuchi Daijo , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of telerehabilitation for patients after hip fracture surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched in August 2022. The primary outcomes were mobility outcomes, activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes, and all adverse events, whereas the secondary outcomes were pain, health-related quality of life, and fall efficacy scale score.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials were eligible for this study. The evidence regarding the effect of telerehabilitation on mobility outcomes (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.39 to 0.48) and all adverse events (risk ratio: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.62 to 2.21) was very uncertain. A clinically irrelevant but significant mean difference (MD) in ADL outcomes was found (MD: 4.82, 95% CI: 2.63 to 7.01). Telerehabilitation may result in a slight increase in fall efficacy scale score (SMD: 0.26, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.54) and little to no difference in pain (MD: −1.0, 95% CI: −18.31 to 16.31).

Conclusions

The efficacy of telerehabilitation for patients after hip fracture surgery was uncertain with respect to the mobility outcomes, all adverse events, and pain, with no clinically meaningful differences in ADL outcomes. Telerehabilitation may be necessary to be considered for patients after hip fracture surgery to improve their confidence in their ability to perform daily activities without falling. Therefore, medical staff may consider telerehabilitation for hip fractures.
Implications for a mindfulness-enhanced positive affect induction: A brief commentary toward acute pain management
Authors: Goerlitz Dustin , Hong Amanda , Bailey Valeria , Wachholtz Amy
Published: July 2023

Over the past decade research has increased on dynamics between mindfulness, positive affect, and pain. While there have been studies examining the direct use of positive psychology for pain management, few have examined the use of a specific mindfulness-enhanced positive affect induction (i.e. a singular brief technique engendering mindfulness and strong positive affect) toward acute pain and pain flare management. This topical commentary discusses the need for such a technique toward bolstered gold-standard interventions, related studies, and possible future directions for acute and post-surgical pain management. Future research is encouraged to build from prior research on loving-kindness meditation and examine novel, brief mindfulness-enhanced positive affect inductions for acute pain management.
High art on a mug: Art merchandise in China’s contemporary art market
Authors: Kharchenkova Svetlana
Published: July 2023

This article investigates the interplay between art, commerce and democratization in the contemporary art market. It studies the roles of art merchandise, such as mugs decorated with images of high art, in the contemporary art market in China. Relying on interviews, observations and other qualitative data, this article demonstrates that the merchandising of contemporary art is legitimate in China. The generation of income and promotion of artists and contemporary art generally emerged as important roles that China’s art world participants assign to art merchandise. Art merchandise is fitting for these roles in a consumer society. The prevalence of art merchandising in China stems from a lack of state support for contemporary art, and a specific cultural and historical context that makes people more attuned to accept multiples. This article contributes to the sociology of art, the literature on the democratization of art and arts marketing literature.
Analysis of an innovative combustion chamber with the wall guided fuel injection in a small diesel engine
Authors: Temizer İlker , Öncüoğlu Öncel , Cihan Ömer
Published: July 2023

This paper has included the effects of different bowl geometries which has the wall guided fuel injection. Bowl geometries, which affect in-cylinder air flows, have a great influence on the change of mixture formation. Also, the region where the fuel hits in the bowl affects all engine parameters. In this presented numeric study, the standard combustion chamber geometry of a single-cylinder, air-cooled, and direct-injection diesel engine is compared with the designed new combustion chamber. Four different rotation angles (0°, 7.5°, 10°, and 15°) were determined for the new combustion chamber geometry and compared with the standard geometry. The three-dimensionally modeled bowl geometries in 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation were examined in terms of in-cylinder pressure and temperature, instantaneous and cumulative heat release rate, exhaust emissions (NO, soot, CO, and CO2), temperature/spray, and equivalence ratio/spray at different CA’s. The effects of the different rotation angles of the designed new bowl geometry on both the air movement and the region where the fuel hits were investigated for the engine parameters. When the results obtained are examined, maximum in-cylinder pressures for standard combustion chamber, new combustion chamber 1, new combustion chamber 2, new combustion chamber 3, and new combustion chamber 4 geometries were obtained 79.5, 75.2, 78, 78.1, and 78 bar respectively, and the maximum in-cylinder temperatures were found 1766, 1742, 1805, 1817, and 1818 K, respectively. According to the results obtained from the numerical analysis, CO, CO2, and soot emissions decreased while NO emissions increased in the new combustion chamber, compared to the standard combustion chamber. Examined the spray distributions in bowl, it was seen that the fuel sprays distributed more homogeneously and flame propagates which is spread throughout the chamber in the new combustion chamber type, which improved the mixture formation. The wall guided fuel flow in the novel designed chamber geometries beneficial to turbulence kinetic energy, spray distribution, emissions.
Harmonic spectral correlated kurtosis and an adaptive matching extraction strategy of multi-fault features for rotating machinery
Authors: Yi Cai , Ran Le , Tang Jiayin , Zhou Qiuyang , Zhou Lu
Published: July 2023

Rotating machinery is an important and easily damaged component in large-scale equipment. Under the coupling action of system components, the occurrence rate of compound faults is very high, which seriously endangers equipment safety. The vibration signals of the damaged rotating machine include equipment operation vibration information, periodic impacts, environmental noise, and even accidental impacts. To effectively extract multi-fault features from compound fault signals, a multi-period pulse detection indicator called harmonic spectrum correlation kurtosis (HSCK) is proposed in this paper. Based on this, an adaptive matching extraction strategy for multiple fault features is proposed. By introducing variational mode decomposition, an adaptive plane paving method for signal components is designed, and an enhanced cyclic frequency estimation method is proposed to pre-determine the fault characteristic frequency as a prior parameter of HSCK, so as to obtain the optimal center frequency and bandwidth of multiple resonance bands. The implementation of this strategy can obtain more periodic pulse information with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Simulation results show that the strategy is accurate and effective. The data of wheel-bearing compound fault and bearing multi-element compound fault indicate that the proposed strategy can be used for compound fault diagnosis of rotating machinery.
Balloon assisted Woven endobridge deployment (BAWD): A safety and efficacy study
Authors: Trimboli Anthony , Wenderoth Jason D , Cheung Andrew K , Whitley Justin , McQuinn Alex , Williams Cameron , Phillips Timothy J , Fairhall Jacob , Sheridan Mark , Manning Nathan W
Published: July 2023

Background

Balloon-assisted deployment/remodelling is a proven adjunctive technique for coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, and it may be a helpful adjunct in delivering the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device.

Objective

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of balloon-assisted WEB deployment in both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in both typical and atypical locations.

Methods

Patients who underwent treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms with the BAWD technique were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database at two neurointerventional centres. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, technical procedure details, clinical and imaging outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Thirty-three aneurysms (23 women) were identified with a median age of 58 years. There were 15 (45.5%) ruptured aneurysms, 25 (64.3%) in the anterior circulation and 12 (36.4%) aneurysms having an atypical location for WEB treatment. The average aneurysm size was 6.8 mm (greatest dimension), 4.6 mm (height) and 4.5 mm (width), and 25 (75.8%) aneurysms had a wide neck morphology. One patient died (3.0%) secondary to a procedure-related complication, and there was no procedure-related permanent morbidity. Complete and adequate aneurysm occlusion on mid-term follow-up DSA was 85.2% and 92%, respectively.

Conclusion

Balloon-assisted WEB deployment appears to be a safe and effective technique that may increase the utility of the WEB device. Further prospective studies on BAWD should be considered.
Comparison of Anterior Ankle Translation With and Without Ankle Braces
Authors: Gulick Dawn T. , Everett Todd S , Palombaro Kerstin M
Published: July 2023

Background

Lateral ankle sprains are a common musculoskeletal injury. Ankle braces are frequently used to prevent ankle injuries.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the anterior translation of the talocrural joint of 2 ankle braces relative to a control.

Methods

Ankle mobility was assessed with the Mobil-Aider arthrometer in 3 conditions: TayCo ankle brace, Aircast ankle brace, and control. Three measures were recorded for each condition.

Results

Thirty participants (9 male and 21 female patients) participated. Friedman’s analysis of variance found significant between-group differences for the trial with the largest translation. Wilcoxon signed-ranks post hoc testing found significant between-group differences between the control and TayCo (P < .001) and the control and Aircast conditions (P < .001). Post hoc power analysis revealed a Kendall’s W of 0.804.

Clinical application

The TayCo brace is unique in that it is worn on the outside of the athletic shoe, whereas the Aircast is composed of lateral constraints worn inside the shoe. Both braces provided significant constraint over anterior talus translation when compared to control. The TayCo brace (51%-52% of control) was also significantly better than the Aircast (58%-59% of control) with less anterior translation permitted. This may be instrumental in preventing ankle injuries.

Level of Evidence:

2b
An exploratory analysis of the effect size of the mobile mental health Application, mindLAMP
Authors: Chang Sarah , Alon Noy , Torous John
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Despite the proliferation of mobile mental health apps, evidence of their efficacy around anxiety or depression is inadequate as most studies lack appropriate control groups. Given that apps are designed to be scalable and reusable tools, insights concerning their efficacy can also be assessed uniquely through comparing different implementations of the same app. This exploratory analysis investigates the potential to report a preliminary effect size of an open-source smartphone mental health app, mindLAMP, on the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms by comparing a control implementation of the app focused on self-assessment to an intervention implementation of the same app focused on CBT skills.

Methods

A total of 328 participants were eligible and completed the study under the control implementation and 156 completed the study under the intervention implementation of the mindLAMP app. Both use cases offered access to the same in-app self-assessments and therapeutic interventions. Multiple imputations were utilized to impute the missing Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 survey scores of the control implementation.

Results

Post hoc analysis revealed small effect sizes of Hedge's g = 0.34 for Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Hedge's g = 0.21 for Patient Health Questionnaire-9 between the two groups.

Conclusions

mindLAMP shows promising results in improving anxiety and depression outcomes in participants. Though our results mirror the current literature in assessing mental health apps’ efficacy, they remain preliminary and will be used to inform a larger, well-powered study to further elucidate the efficacy of mindLAMP.
Public Expenditure on Education in India: Centre–State Allocations
Authors: Motkuri Venkatanarayana , Revathi Ellanki
Published: July 2023

Education, as a public good, necessitates state expenditure. As a concurrent subject, it requires co-sharing of financial, regulatory and developmental functions in a federal polity. Public expenditure on education in India is around 4% of GDP. However, analysis shows that only 1% is borne by the Union while 3% is borne by the states together. The long pending goal of spending 6% of GDP on education, needs to be equally shared by both the central and the state governments lest the development of education remain a lofty ideal.
Land Question in Contemporary Kerala, India: Conflict over Plantation Land at Chengara
Authors: Vipitha V
Published: July 2023

The article broadly discusses significant debates around the Kerala Model of Development. The question of land redistribution and the significance of land as a vital resource ensuring upward mobility has been widely discussed since the land reform. The land reform of Kerala was reduced merely to a tenancy reform in which the dalits were offered not agricultural land but only homestead land for their mere survival. Landless people, often under the banner of dalit and adivasi organizations, conducted several important land struggles, effectively rejecting the solution of responsibilized welfare proffered by Panchayati Raj institutions. In this debate, the question of the inability of Kerala’s celebrated land reforms to redistribute hugely—concentrated plantation land came into prominence. Some of the most spectacular land struggles, such as those at Chengara and Aralam involved direct action by squatters to occupy plantation land. There were either struggle for access to land or struggle against forced dispossession. These struggles are mostly outside the formal sphere of politics and often regarded with hostility by entrenched political forces, at least in the initial phases. The article looks at the Chengara land struggle in which the squatter poor (landless) and the plantation workers were pitted against each other when the landless started illegally and forcefully settling in the plantation land of Harrisons Malayalam. The marginalization and exploitation faced by the two groups, their sharing and differences in various ways are analysed in this article. The work also questions certain characterizations of plantation workers, which portrayed them as enjoying considerable well-being. The broad framework of compromises—class compromise and caste compromise—is applied in analysing the opposition of the two groups to each other.
Predictors and nomogram of in-hospital mortality in sepsis-induced myocardial injury: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Kai-Zhi , Xu Ping , li Juan-Juan , Zuo A-Fang , Wang Shu-Bao , Han Fang
Published: July 2023

Background

Sepsis-induced myocardial injury (SIMI) is a common organ dysfunction and is associated with higher mortality in patients with sepsis. We aim to construct a nomogram prediction model to assess the 28-day mortality in patients with SIMI. .

Method

We retrospectively extracted data from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) open-source clinical database. SIMI was defined by Troponin T (higher than the 99th percentile of upper reference limit value) and patients with cardiovascular disease were excluded. A prediction model was constructed in the training cohort by backward stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model. The concordance index (C-index), area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), calibration plotting and decision-curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram.

Results

1312 patients with sepsis were included in this study and 1037 (79%) of them presented with SIMI. The multivariate Cox regression analysis in all septic patients revealed that SIMI was independently associated with 28-day mortality of septic patients. The risk factors of diabetes, Apache II score, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive support, Troponin T and creatinine were included in the model and a nomogram was constructed based on the model. The C-index, AUC, NRI, IDI, calibration plotting and DCA showed that the performance of the nomogram was better than the single SOFA score and Troponin T.

Conclusion

SIMI is related to the 28-day mortality of septic patients. The nomogram is a well-performed tool to predict accurately the 28-day mortality in patients with SIMI.
A data-driven approach to categorizing early life adversity exposure in the ABCD Study
Authors: Orendain Natalia , Anderson Ariana , Galván Adriana , Bookheimer Susan , Chung Paul J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Adversity occurring during development is associated with detrimental health and quality of life outcomes, not just following exposure but throughout the lifespan. Despite increased research, there exists both overlapping and distinct definitions of early life adversity exposure captured by over 30 different empirically validated tools. A data-driven approach to defining and cataloging exposure is needed to better understand associated outcomes and advance the field.

Methods

We utilized baseline data on 11,566 youth enrolled in the ABCD Study to catalog youth and caregiver-reported early life adversity exposure captured across 14 different measures. We employed an exploratory factor analysis to identify the factor domains of early life adversity exposure and conducted a series of regression analyses to examine its association with problematic behavioral outcomes.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis yielded a 6-factor solution corresponding to the following distinct domains: 1) physical and sexual violence; 2) parental psychopathology; 3) neighborhood threat; 4) prenatal substance exposure; 5) scarcity; and 6) household dysfunction. The prevalence of exposure among 9-and 10-year-old youth was largely driven by the incidence of parental psychopathology. Sociodemographic characteristics significantly differed between youth with adversity exposure and controls, depicting a higher incidence of exposure among racial and ethnic minoritized youth, and among those identifying with low socioeconomic status. Adversity exposure was significantly associated with greater problematic behaviors and largely driven by the incidence of parental psychopathology, household dysfunction and neighborhood threat. Certain types of early life adversity exposure were more significantly associated with internalizing as opposed to externalizing problematic behaviors.

Conclusions

We recommend a data-driven approach to define and catalog early life adversity exposure and suggest the incorporation of more versus less data to capture the nuances of exposure, e.g., type, age of onset, frequency, duration. The broad categorizations of early life adversity exposure into two domains, such as abuse and neglect, or threat and deprivation, fail to account for the routine co-occurrence of exposures and the duality of some forms of adversity. The development and use of a data-driven definition of early life adversity exposure is a crucial step to lessening barriers to evidence-based treatments and interventions for youth.
The association between neuropeptide oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders after orthopedic surgery stress in older patients
Authors: Dong Wanru , Ding Zengbo , Wu Xiao , Wan Ran , Liu Ying , Pei Liubao , Zhu Weili
Published: July 2023

Background

The health outcomes of geriatric patients exposed to surgery were found to be enhanced by social support and stress management. The aim of this study was to characterise the relationship between oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders after surgery.

Methods

A total of 132 geriatric patients aged ≥ 60 years received orthopedic surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (Harbin, China) were enrolled in the present study. The salivary levels of stress hormone cortisol and oxytocin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the screening of the stress state and oxytocin function. Moreover, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were conducted to identify the severity of anxiety and depression. The association between oxytocin and mental health was performed by linear regression analyses in older patients receiving orthopedic surgery. Finally, the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI) was selected to measure the social support and the potential link to mental outcomes.

Results

The scores from questionnaires showed that female patients with higher social support and higher levels of oxytocin demonstrated better stress-reducing responses as reflected by lower cortisol and decreased anxiety and depression symptoms. Regression analyses revealed that there was a significant association between oxytocin and scores in DASS, GAI, GDS, MADRS and DSSI, suggesting a potential link between peripheral oxytocin function and mood outcomes after orthopedic surgery.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that oxytocin enhances the stress-protective effects of social support and reduces anxiety and depression states under stressful circumstances, particularly in older women receiving orthopedic surgery.
Effectiveness of intra-thecal methotrexate in refractory Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Hommady Raid , Alsohibani Abdullah , Alayed Ruba , Alshehri Abdulaziz , AbuMelha Ahlam , Aljomah Lama , Hundallah Khalid , Almuqbil Mohammed , Altuwaijri Waleed , Alrumayyan Ahmad , Alrifai Muhammad Talal , Baarmah Duaa Mohammed
Published: July 2023

Background

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate “anti-NMDA” receptor encephalitis is one of the most common autoimmune encephalitis for which first- and second-line therapies have been recommended following international consensus. However, some refractory cases do not respond to the first- and second-line therapy and require further immune-modulatory therapies such as intra-thecal methotrexate. In this study, we reviewed six confirmed cases of refractory anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis from two tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia that required escalation of treatment and received a six-month course of intra-thecal methotrexate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intra-thecal methotrexate as immunomodulatory therapy for refractory anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated six confirmed cases of refractory anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis who did not improve after first- and second-line therapy and received monthly intra-thecal methotrexate treatment course for six consecutive months. We reviewed patient demography, underlying etiologies, and compared their modified Rankin score prior to receiving intra-thecal methotrexate and six months after completing the treatment.

Results

Three of the six patients showed a marked response to intra-thecal methotrexate with a modified Rankin scale of 0–1 at 6-month follow-up. None of the patients experienced any side effects during or after intra-thecal methotrexate treatment, and no flareups were observed.

Conclusion

Intra-thecal methotrexate may be a potentially effective and relatively safe escalation option for immunomodulatory therapy of refractory anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Future studies on intra-thecal methotrexate -specific treatment regimens may further support its utility, efficacy, and safety in treating refractory anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.
Mental health, sleep quality, and hormonal circadian rhythms in pregnant women with threatened preterm labor: a prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Xiao-Juan , Li Xiao-Ting , Chen Na , Huang Long , Huang Shui-Xiu , Chen Ting-Ting , Liu Gui-Hua , Hu Rong-Fang
Published: July 2023

Background

Threatened preterm labor (TPL) is an important obstetrical challenge. Pregnant women with TPL may develop psychological and physical problems such as mental health disorders, sleep disturbance, and hormonal circadian rhythm disruption. This study aimed to investigate the current state of mental health, sleep quality, and circadian rhythms of cortisol and melatonin secretion in pregnant women with TPL and normal pregnant women (NPW).

Methods

A prospective observational clinical study was conducted at a maternal and child health hospital in Fuzhou, China, between June and July 2022. A total of 50 women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (TPL group, n = 20; NPW group, n = 30) were recruited. Data on anxiety symptom (Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale, SAS), depression symptom (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and objective sleep outcomes (measured by actigraphy) of the pregnant women were collected at the time of enrolment. Salivary samples were collected once every 6 h (i.e., at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 00:00) during 2 consecutive days to measure the circadian rhythm of hormone (cortisol and melatonin).

Results

There were no differences found in the total scores of SAS, EPDS scores, subjective sleep quality between the TPL and NPW groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, significant differences were found in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, wake time after sleep onset, and average awakening time between the groups (P < 0.05). The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion was disrupted in the TPL group (P = 0.350); however, it was maintained in the NPW group (P = 0.044). The circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion was disrupted in both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

In the third trimester of pregnancy, women with TPL suffer from poorer sleep quality and disruption of circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion compared with NPW. Nevertheless, there were no differences found in mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression) and circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion. Large-scale studies should be conducted to evaluate these changes in women with TPL.

Trial registration

The study was registered from Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Number: ChiCTR2200060674) on 07/06/2022.
Second eyes to develop neovascular age-related macular degeneration have fewer symptoms and better one-year visual outcomes
Authors: Akkan Aydoğmuş F. Sema , Onwuka Oluchukwu , Saddemi Jackson , Lasalle Claudia C. , Ramsey David J.
Published: July 2023

Background

This study compares the visual and anatomical outcomes for the eyes of patients who developed sequential neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), both at the time of diagnosis and at one year after treatment.

Methods

The study comprised a retrospective case series of 52 patients whose eyes were diagnosed sequentially with nAMD. All eyes were treated with three monthly loading doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, followed by further intravitreal injections, as required. Baseline characteristics and outcomes at one year after diagnosis and initial treatment were compared between first and second eyes and included visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height on optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging.

Results

VA at diagnosis was better for second eyes compared with first eyes to develop nAMD (logMAR 0.68 ± 0.51 versus logMAR 0.41 ± 0.34, P = 0.002) and remained so at one year (logMAR 0.61 ± 0.60 versus logMAR 0.42 ± 0.37, P = 0.041). Similarly, PED height at diagnosis was higher in first eyes (225 ± 176 μm versus 155 ± 144 μm, P = 0.003) and also at one year (188 ± 137 μm versus 140 ± 112 μm, P = 0.019). Whereas most patients reported symptoms at first eye diagnosis (71.2%), half as many second eyes were symptomatic (28.8%, P < 0.001). Significantly more symptomatic first eyes experienced visual distortions (32.4% versus 13.3%) or scotomas (29.4% versus 6.7%), compared with a less specific visual complaint of blurry vision (38.2% versus 80.0%, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Compared with first eyes to develop nAMD, second eyes tended to have better vision, smaller PED heights, and fewer symptoms likely because monitoring permitted earlier diagnosis.
Distribution of fresh foods in food pantries: challenges and opportunities in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Huang Jiayi , Acevedo Stephanie , Bejster Mallory , Kownacki Caitlin , Kehr Dale , McCaffrey Jennifer , Nguyen Cassandra J.
Published: July 2023

Background

The charitable food system distributes free food to clients across the U.S., but many nutrition and health-focused efforts encounter barriers to success, which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the current study was to understand barriers and facilitators to distributing nutritious, fresh foods in food pantries across Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Forty-nine pantry representatives participated in focus groups in October 2021. A codebook was created based on relevant literature, stakeholder interests, and an initial review of the recordings. Transcripts of each group were coded and analyzed using a basic interpretive approach.

Results

Pantries distribution of fresh foods was impacted by community partners, food bank policies and practices, and the quality of the donated fresh foods. Physical constraints of pantries limit fresh food storage capacity. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified stressors in the charitable food system which highlighted how community partners might improve fresh food distribution.

Conclusion

Focus groups with food pantry representatives across Illinois provided key insights that can inform future efforts to facilitate fresh food distribution in the charitable food system. Future studies should evaluate the effects of the suggested initiatives and changes at the food pantry, food bank, and policy levels.
Longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of mental disorders in preadolescents and adolescents
Authors: Matsumoto Naomi , Kadowaki Tomoka , Takanaga Satoe , Shigeyasu Yoshie , Okada Ayumi , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: July 2023

Background

School closures and social distancing may have affected mental health among preadolescent and adolescent children, who are in a social developmental stage. Rates of anxiety, depression, and stress have been reported to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic among teenagers worldwide. However, most studies have measured children's mental health in cross-sectional studies or short-term comparisons before and after lockdowns and school closures, and few studies have tracked the long-term effects on mental health among children and adolescents, despite the pandemic lasting more than 2 years.

Methods

An interrupted time-series analysis was performed for longitudinal changes in the monthly number of new mental disorders (eating disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and somatoform disorders). Using a nationwide multicenter electronic health records database in Japan, we analyzed data of patients aged 9 to 18 years from 45 facilities that provided complete data throughout the study period. The study period covered January 2017 to May 2021, defining a national school closure as an intervention event. We modeled the monthly new diagnoses of each mental disorder using a segmented Poisson regression model.

Results

The number of new diagnoses throughout the study period was 362 for eating disorders, 1104 for schizophrenia, 926 for mood disorders, and 1836 for somatoform disorders. The slope of the regression line in monthly number of new diagnoses increased in the post-pandemic period for all targeted mental disorders (change in slope for eating disorders 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.11; schizophrenia 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07; mood disorders 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07; and somatoform disorders 1.04 95% CI 1.02–1.07). The number of new diagnoses for schizophrenia and mood disorders increased early after school closure; while eating disorders showed an increasing trend several months later. Somatoform disorders showed a decreasing trend followed by an increasing trend. Time trends by sex and age also differed for each mental disorder.

Conclusions

In the post-pandemic period, the number of new cases increased over time for eating disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and somatoform disorders. The timing of increase and trends by sex and age differed for each mental disorder.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes between dusting and fragmentation in retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Wen Zhi , Wang Li , Liu Yang , Huang Jing , Chen Cai-Xia , Wang Chong-Jian , Chen Lin-Lin , Yang Xue-song
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Comparing stone-free rates and associated outcome measures between two surgical modalities of lithotripsy fragmentation and removal or spontaneous passage of dust during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).

Methods

In March 2023, we conducted a literature search in several widely used databases worldwide, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. We only considered English articles and excluded pediatric patients. Reviews and protocols without any published data were excluded. We also excluded articles with conference abstracts and irrelevant content. We used the Cochran-Mantel–Haenszel method and random-effects models to assess inverse variances and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mean differences in categorical variables. The results were reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Our final meta-analysis included nine articles, comprising two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and seven cohort studies. The total number of patients included in these studies was 1326, and all studies used holmium laser lithotripsy. The pooled analysis of the dust and fragmentation groups showed that the fragmentation group had a higher stone-free rate (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.41 – 0.89; p = 0.01); the dust group had a shorter operative time (WMD – 11.6 min; 95% CI – 19.56 – –3.63; p = 0.004); and the dust group had a higher retreatment rate (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.31 – 3.13; p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay, overall complications, or postoperative fever.

Conclusions

Our results showed that both procedures could be safely and effectively used for upper ureteral and renal calculi lithotripsy, the dust group had potential advantages over the fragmentation group in terms of the operation time, and the fragmentation group had certain advantages in terms of stone-free rate and retreatment rate.
Association of apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ulloque-Badaracco Juan R. , Al-kassab-Córdova Ali , Hernandez-Bustamante Enrique A. , Alarcon-Braga Esteban A. , Huayta-Cortez Miguel , Carballo-Tello Ximena L. , Seminario-Amez Rosa A. , Herrera-Añazco Percy , Benites-Zapata Vicente A.
Published: July 2023

Background & aims

Apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) are associated with various cardiometabolic diseases, including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, among others. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of these markers with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

We ran a systematic search through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science on March 15, 2023. No language or date restrictions were applied. The only synthesised effect measure reported was the odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We utilised the random-effects model for the quantitative synthesis.

Results

We analysed 50 studies (n = 150 519) with different definitions for MetS. Increased ApoB values were associated with MetS (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 2.44–3.22; p < 0.01, I2 = 99%). Decreased ApoA1 values were associated with MetS (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.38–0.47; p < 0.01, I2 = 99%). Increased values of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were associated with MetS (OR = 4.97; 95% CI: 3.83–6.44; p < 0.01, I2 = 97%). Decreased values of Lp(a) were associated with MetS (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82–0.96; p < 0.01; I2 = 92%).

Conclusions

Increased values of ApoB and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio are associated with MetS, while decreased values of ApoA1 and Lp(a) are associated with MetS. These findings suggest that these lipid markers may serve as potential indicators for identifying subjects at risk of developing MetS. However, further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these associations.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A pH/enzyme dual responsive PMB spatiotemporal release hydrogel promoting chronic wound repair
Authors: Dong Lanlan , Huang Can , Zhao Baohua , Hu Guangyun , Huang Yong , Zhang Xiaorong , Hu Xiaohong , Wang Ying , XiaoyanSun  , Qian Wei , Luo Gaoxing
Published: July 2023

Suppressing persistent multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections and excessive inflammation is the key for treating chronic wounds. Therefore, developing a microenvironment-responsive material with good biodegradability, drug-loading, anti-infection, and anti-inflammatory properties is desired to boost the chronic wounds healing process; however, using ordinary assembly remains a defect. Herein, we propose a pH/enzyme dual-responsive polymyxin B (PMB) spatiotemporal-release hydrogel (GelMA/OSSA/PMB), namely, the amount of OSSA and PMB released from GelMA/OSSA/PMB was closely related the wound pH and the enzyme concentration changing. The GelMA/OSSA/PMB showed better biosafety than equivalent free PMB, owing to the controlled release of PMB, which helped kill planktonic bacteria and inhibit biofilm activity in vitro. In addition, the GelMA/OSSA/PMB exhibited excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused infection was effectively resolved by the GelMA/OSSA/PMB hydrogel in vivo, thereby significantly boosting wound closure during the inflammatory phase. Furthermore, GelMA/OSSA/PMB accelerated the sequential phases of wound repair.
Targeting lymph node delivery with nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions
Authors: Li Yueyi , Li Shen , Jiang Zedong , Tan Keqin , Meng Yuanling , Zhang Dingyi , Ma Xuelei
Published: July 2023

Although cancer immunotherapy is a compelling approach against cancer, its effectiveness is hindered by the challenge of generating a robust and durable immune response against metastatic cancer cells. Nanovaccines, specifically engineered to transport cancer antigens and immune-stimulating agents to the lymph nodes, hold promise in overcoming these limitations and eliciting a potent and sustained immune response against metastatic cancer cells. This manuscript provides an in-depth exploration of the lymphatic system’s background, emphasizing its role in immune surveillance and tumor metastasis. Furthermore, it delves into the design principles of nanovaccines and their unique capability to target lymph node metastasis. The primary objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in nanovaccine design for targeting lymph node metastasis, while also discussing their potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy. By summarizing the state-of-the-art in nanovaccine development, this review aims to shed light on the promising prospects of harnessing nanotechnology to potentiate cancer immunotherapy and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
The relationship between changes in neighborhood physical environment and changes in physical activity among children: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Acciai Francesco , DeWeese Robin S , Lloyd Kristen , Yedidia Michael J , Kennedy Michelle , DiSantis Katherine Isselmann , Tulloch David , Ohri-Vachaspati Punam
Published: July 2023

Background

Physical activity (PA) is associated with positive health outcomes over the entire life course. Many community-based interventions that promote PA focus on implementing incremental changes to existing facilities and infrastructure. The objective of this study was to determine if such upgrades were associated with increases in children’s PA.

Methods

Two cohorts of 3- to 15-year-old children (n = 599) living in 4 low-income New Jersey cities were followed during 2- to 5-year periods from 2009 to 2017. Data on children’s PA were collected at 2 time points (T1 and T2) from each cohort using telephone survey of parents; data on changes to existing PA facilities were collected yearly from 2009 to 2017 using Open Public Records Act requests, publicly available data sources, and interviews with key stakeholders. PA changes were categorized into six domains (PA facility, park, trail, complete street, sidewalk, or bike lane) and coded as new opportunity, renovated opportunity, or amenity. A scale variable capturing all street-related upgrades (complete street, sidewalk, and bike lane) was constructed. PA was measured as the number of days per week the child engaged in at least 60 min of PA. The association between change in PA between T1 and T2, ranging from − 7 to + 7, and changes to the PA environment was modeled using weighted linear regression controlling for PA at T1, child age, sex, race, as well as household and neighborhood demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Results

While most measures of the changes to the PA environment were not associated with change in PA between T1 and T2, the street-related upgrades were positively associated with the change in PA; specifically, for each additional standard deviation in street upgrades within a 1-mile radius of their homes, the change in PA was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.82; p = 0.039) additional days. This corresponds to an 11% increase over the mean baseline value (3.8 days).

Conclusions

The current study supports funding of projects aimed at improving streets and sidewalks in cities, as it was shown that incremental improvements to the PA environment near children’s homes will likely result in increased PA among children.
Harnessing the potential of CAR-T cell therapy: progress, challenges, and future directions in hematological and solid tumor treatments
Authors: Dagar Gunjan , Gupta Ashna , Masoodi Tariq , Nisar Sabah , Merhi Maysaloun , Hashem Sheema , Chauhan Ravi , Dagar Manisha , Mirza Sameer , Bagga Puneet , Kumar Rakesh , Akil Ammira S. Al-Shabeeb , Macha Muzafar A. , Haris Mohammad , Uddin Shahab , Singh Mayank , Bhat Ajaz A.
Published: July 2023

Traditional cancer treatments use nonspecific drugs and monoclonal antibodies to target tumor cells. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, however, leverages the immune system's T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. T-cells are isolated from patients and modified to target tumor-associated antigens. CAR-T therapy has achieved FDA approval for treating blood cancers like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, large B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma by targeting CD-19 and B-cell maturation antigens. Bi-specific chimeric antigen receptors may contribute to mitigating tumor antigen escape, but their efficacy could be limited in cases where certain tumor cells do not express the targeted antigens. Despite success in blood cancers, CAR-T technology faces challenges in solid tumors, including lack of reliable tumor-associated antigens, hypoxic cores, immunosuppressive tumor environments, enhanced reactive oxygen species, and decreased T-cell infiltration. To overcome these challenges, current research aims to identify reliable tumor-associated antigens and develop cost-effective, tumor microenvironment-specific CAR-T cells. This review covers the evolution of CAR-T therapy against various tumors, including hematological and solid tumors, highlights challenges faced by CAR-T cell therapy, and suggests strategies to overcome these obstacles, such as utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and artificial intelligence to optimize clinical-grade CAR-T cells.
Change in activity patterns in the prefrontal cortex in different phases during the dual-task walking in older adults
Authors: Baek Chang Yoon , Kim Hyeong Dong , Yoo Dong Yup , Kang Kyoung Yee , Lee Jang Woo
Published: July 2023

Background

Studies using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) have shown that dual-task walking leads to greater prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation compared to the single-task walking task. However, evidence on age-related changes in PFC activity patterns is inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the changes in the activation patterns of PFC subregions in different activation phases (early and late phases) during both single-task and dual-task walking in both older and younger adults.

Methods

Overall, 20 older and 15 younger adults performed a walking task with and without a cognitive task. The activity of the PFC subregions in different phases (early and late phases) and task performance (gait and cognitive task) were evaluated using fNIRS and a gait analyzer.

Results

The gait (slower speed and lower cadence) and cognitive performance (lower total response, correct response and accuracy rate, and higher error rate) of older adults was poorer during the dual task than that of younger adults. Right dorsolateral PFC activity in the early period in older adults was higher than that in younger adults, which declined precipitously during the late period. Conversely, the activity level of the right orbitofrontal cortex in the dual-task for older adults was lower than for younger adults.

Conclusions

These altered PFC subregion-specific activation patterns in older adults would indicate a decline in dual-task performance with aging.
Real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy in the diagnosis of ovarian metastasis of gallbladder carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Yanjun , Sang Liang , Wan Weina
Published: July 2023

Background

Multiple-organ primary tumors can invade the ovary through lymphatic and hematogenous routes, presenting as ovarian Krukenberg tumors, but these rarely originate from the gallbladder. Krukenberg tumors can present similar to primary ovarian tumors; however, their treatments are completely different.

Patient concerns

A 62-year-old Chinese woman presented with abdominal distension for six months and weight loss of five kilograms for two months.

Diagnoses

Based on multiple imaging examinations, the patient was preliminarily diagnosed with a malignant tumor of unknown origin with multiple metastases (omentum). To identify the origin of the malignancy, the patient underwent real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy. The results revealed a perihepatic hypoechoic lesion and right adnexal mass that were both metastatic adenocarcinomas from the gallbladder.

Interventions

The patient initially received chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin instead of surgery. However, the tumor increased in size on re-examination after two cycles, so the treatment was shifted to a combination regimen with durvalumab for six cycles.

Outcomes

The treatment proceeded smoothly, with no recurrence or obvious progression of the cancer during follow-up.

Conclusions

Differentiating between primary and metastatic ovarian tumors is important. Early diagnosis and effective treatment options are essential for patient survival. CEUS-guided percutaneous biopsy is a valuable procedure for patients with multiple metastases who cannot tolerate surgery.