bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The long-term survival outcomes of gastric cancer patients with total intravenous anesthesia or inhalation anesthesia: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Wei-Wei , Zhang Wei-Han , Zhang Wei-Yi , Liu Kai , Chen Xin-Zu , Zhou Zong-Guang , Liu Jin , Zhu Tao , Hu Jian-Kun
Published: November 2021

Background

The relationship between the type of anesthesia and the survival outcomes of gastric cancer patients is uncertain. This study compared the overall outcome of gastric cancer patients after surgery with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) or inhalation anesthesia (IHA).

Methods

Clinicopathological variables of gastric cancer patients were retrieved from the database of the Surgical Gastric Cancer Patient Registry in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Patients were grouped according to whether they received TIVA or IHA during the operation. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to balance the baseline variables, and survival outcomes were compared between these two groups. In addition, studies comparing survival outcomes between TIVA and IHA used for gastric cancer surgery and published before April 20th, 2020, were identified, and their data were pooled.

Results

A total of 2827 patients who underwent surgical treatment from Jan 2009 to Dec 2016 were included. There were 323 patients in the TIVA group and 645 patients in the IHA group, with 1:2 PS matching. There was no significant difference in overall survival outcomes between the TIVA and IHA groups before matching the cohort (p = 0.566) or after matching the cohort (p = 0.679) by log-rank tests. In the Cox hazard regression model, there was no significant difference between the TIVA and IHA groups before (HR: 1.054, 95% CI: 0.881–1.262, p = 0.566) or after (HR: 0.957, 95% CI: 0.779–1.177, p = 0.679) PS matching. The meta-analysis of survival outcomes between the TIVA and IHA groups found critical statistical value in the before PS matching cohort (HR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.57–0.96 p < 0.01) and after PS matching cohort (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46–0.94, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Combined with the results of previous studies, total intravenous anesthesia has been shown to be superior to inhalation anesthesia in terms of overall survival for gastric cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. The selection of intravenous or inhalation anesthesia for gastric cancer surgery should take into account the long-term prognosis of the patient.
Design and pilot evaluation of an evidence-based worksheet and clinician guide to facilitate nutrition counselling for patients with severe mental illness
Authors: LaChance Laura , Aucoin Monique , Cooley Kieran
Published: November 2021

Background

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are severe, persistent mental illnesses resulting in considerable disability and premature mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that diet may be a modifiable risk factor in mental illness; however, use of nutritional counselling as a component of psychiatric clinical practice is limited. The objective of this project is the design and evaluate a worksheet and clinician guide for use in facilitating nutritional counseling in the context of existing mental health care.

Methods

The worksheet and clinician guide were developed based on the results of a recent scoping review on the relationship between diet and mental health symptoms among individuals with SSD. A feedback process involved a focus group with psychiatrists and interviews with individuals with lived experience with psychosis. Participants were asked a series of structured and open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed and data units were allocated to categories from an existing framework. The comments were used to guide modifications to the worksheet and clinician guide. A brief interview with all participants was completed to gather feedback on the final version.

Results

Five psychiatrist participants and six participants with lived experience completed interviews. Participants provided positive comments related to the worksheet design, complexity and inclusion of interactive components. A novel theme emerged relating to the lack of nutritional counselling in psychiatric training and clinical practice. Many constructive comments were provided which resulted in meaningful revisions and improvements to the worksheet and clinician guide design and content. All participants were satisfied with the final versions.

Conclusions

A worksheet and clinician guide designed to facilitate nutritional counselling with individuals with SSD was found to be acceptable to all participants following a process of feedback and revision. Further research and dissemination efforts aimed at increasing the use of nutritional counselling in psychiatric practice are warranted.
Development of a health literacy scale for preconception care: a study of the reproductive age population in Japan
Authors: Suto Maiko , Mitsunaga Haruhiko , Honda Yuka , Maeda Eri , Ota Erika , Arata Naoko
Published: November 2021

Background

Preconception care aims to improve both maternal and child health in the short as well as long term, along with providing health benefits to adolescents, women, and men, whether or not they plan to become parents. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions for improving preconception health in population-based settings. To accumulate evidence in this field, this study focused on the concept of health literacy, and aimed to develop a self-report health literacy scale in Japanese, focusing on preconception care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were recruited from December 2019 to February 2020 from the registered members of a web-based research company. Participants were Japanese men and women aged 16–49 (n = 2000). A factor analysis was conducted to select both factors and items for health-related behavior and skills (33 initial items were generated), along with an item response theory analysis to examine how the 16 items were related to people’s knowledge of preconception care.

Results

We developed a 6-factor (including “appropriate medical examinations,” “appropriate diet,” “stress coping,” “healthy weight,” “safe living environment,” and “vaccinations”), 25-item behavior and skills scale, as well as a 13-item knowledge scale, to evaluate participants’ health literacy around preconception care. A shortened version, consisting of 17 items, was also prepared from the 25 items. The reliability coefficients of total scores and each factor of the behavior and skills scale were comparatively high, with weak-to-moderate correlation between behavior and skills and knowledge.

Conclusions

The new scale will, ideally, provide information on the current state of preconception care health literacy of the general population. In addition, this scale, which consists of both behavioral/skills and knowledge dimensions, should help support the effective implementation of risk assessment programs and interventions aimed at promoting behavioral changes using a population-based approach. Future studies using different question/administration formats for diverse populations, and considering respondents’ opinions on health literacy scales should be effective in improving this scale.
Optimization of lipase production using fungal isolates from oily residues
Authors: Cesário Leticia Miranda , Pires Giovanna Pinto , Pereira Rafael Freitas Santos , Fantuzzi Elisabete , da Silva Xavier André , Cassini Servio Tulio Alves , de Oliveira Jairo Pinto
Published: November 2021

Lipases are triacylglycerol hydrolases that catalyze hydrolysis, esterification, interesterification, and transesterification reactions. These enzymes are targets of several industrial and biotech applications, such as catalysts, detergent production, food, biofuels, wastewater treatment, and others. Microbial enzymes are preferable for large scale production due to ease of production and extraction. Several studies have reported that lipases from filamentous fungi are predominantly extracellular and highly active. However, there are many factors that interfere with enzyme production (pH, temperature, medium composition, agitation, aeration, inducer type, and concentration, etc.), making control difficult and burdening the process. This work aimed to optimize the lipase production of four fungal isolates from oily residues (Penicilliumsp.,Aspergillus niger,Aspergillussp., andAspergillussp.). The lipase-producing fungi isolates were morphologically characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The optimal lipase production time curve was previously determined, and the response variable used was the amount of total protein in the medium after cultivation by submerged fermentation. A complete factorial design 32was performed, evaluating the temperatures (28 °C, 32 °C, and 36 °C) and soybean oil inducer concentration (2%, 6%, and 10%). Each lipase-producing isolate reacted differently to the conditions tested, theAspergillussp. F18 reached maximum lipase production, compared to others, under conditions of 32 °C and 2% of oil with a yield of 11,007 (µg mL−1).Penicilliumsp. F04 achieved better results at 36 °C and 6% oil, although forAspergillus nigerF16 was at 36 °C and 10% oil andAspergillussp. F21 at 32 °C and 2% oil. These results show that microorganisms isolated from oily residues derived from environmental sanitation can be a promising alternative for the large-scale production of lipases.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnostic performance of classification trees and hematological functions in hematologic disorders: an application of multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis
Authors: Rahim Fakher , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Jahangiri Mina , Malehi Amal Saki , Gohari Kimiya
Published: November 2021

Background

Several hematological indices have been already proposed to discriminate between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and β‐thalassemia trait (βTT). This study compared the diagnostic performance of different hematological discrimination indices with decision trees and support vector machines, so as to discriminate IDA from βTT using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. In addition, decision trees were used to determine the diagnostic classification scheme of patients.

Methods

Consisting of 1178 patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia (708 patients with βTT and 470 patients with IDA), this cross-sectional study compared the diagnostic performance of 43 hematological discrimination indices with classification tree algorithms and support vector machines in order to discriminate IDA from βTT. Moreover, multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were used to identify the homogeneous subgroups of discrimination methods with similar performance.

Results

All the classification tree algorithms except the LOTUS tree algorithm showed acceptable accuracy measures for discrimination between IDA and βTT in comparison with other hematological discrimination indices. The results indicated that the CRUISE and C5.0 tree algorithms had better diagnostic performance and efficiency among other discrimination methods. Moreover, the AUC of CRUISE and C5.0 tree algorithms indicated more precise classification with values of 0.940 and 0.999, indicating excellent diagnostic accuracy of such models. Moreover, the CRUISE and C5.0 tree algorithms showed that mean corpuscular volume can be considered as the main variable in discrimination between IDA and βTT.

Conclusions

CRUISE and C5.0 tree algorithms as powerful methods in data mining techniques can be used to develop accurate differential methods along with other laboratory parameters for the discrimination of IDA and βTT. In addition, the multidimensional scaling method and cluster analysis can be considered as the most appropriate techniques to determine the discrimination indices with similar performance for future hematological studies.
The prognostic role of RBP-4 and adiponectin in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing lower limb endovascular revascularization
Authors: Kadoglou Nikolaos P. E. , Korakas Emmanouil , Karkos Christos , Maratou Eirini , Kanonidis Ioannis , Plotas Panagiotis , Papanas Nikolaos , Moutsatsou Paraskevi , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Lambadiari Vaia
Published: November 2021

Background

RBP4 is an adipokine with an established role in atherosclerosis, while adiponectin has unique anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the association of RBP4 and adiponectin with the presence of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) and their possible prognostic role in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods

We enrolled 168 consecutive patients with symptomatic, established PAD, requiring revascularization by endovascular means of any or both of their lower limbs. 88 age- and sex-matched subjects with less than 2 classical cardiovascular risk factors served as controls. Clinical parameters, glycemic and lipid profile, RBP4 and adiponectin levels were assayed. The occurrence of MACE was recorded during the 6-month follow-up and patients were assigned to MACE and non-MACE subgroups.

Results

The presence of symptomatic PAD was significantly correlated with age, diabetes, hsCRP, RBP4 and low adiponectin levels (p < 0.05). After adjustment for age, RBP4 (β = 0.498, p < 0.001), and adiponectin (β = –0.288, p < 0.001) levels remained as independent predictors of PAD presence in the whole study cohort. At baseline, MACE subgroup appeared with higher RBP-4 and hsCRP serum levels than non-MACE subgroup (p < 0.001), but no differences were detected for adiponectin (p = 0.758). Serum RBP4 levels remained independent predictor of MACE (β = 0.455, p < 0.001) after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

High RBP4 and low adiponectin serum levels are independently associated with PAD presence. In addition, RBP4 is an independent predictor of MACE incidence in symptomatic PAD patients.
Differences of virulence factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility according to phylogenetic group in uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from Korean patients
Authors: Hyun Miri , Lee Ji Yeon , Kim Hyun ah
Published: November 2021

Background

Escherichia coli is among the most common uropathogens. Increased antibiotic resistance in Gram negative bacilli is global concern. Alternative therapeutic options including vaccines against uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) have been developed. In this study, we compared the genotypic characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of UPEC according to phylogenetic groups.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pyelonephritis patients with UPEC between February 2015 and June 2018. The study was conducted at a medical center in Korea. We compared the clinical and genotypic characteristics of UPEC according to phylogenetic groups. The phylogenetic groups and 29 virulence factors were identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Phylogenetic group analysis revealed that most uropathogenic E. coli belonged to groups B2 and D: B2 (276, 77.7%), D (62, 17.5%), B1 (12, 3.4%), and A (5, 1.4%). Among the virulence factors, fyuA, fimH, traT, iutA, papG allele II, and papC were the most frequently observed. Phylogenetic group B2 was more closely related to virulence factors, including fimH, sfa/focED, focG, hlyA, cnf1, fyuA, and PAI, than group D. Groups B2 and D showed similar clinical presentations and complications. Group B2 had mostly healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. Group D mostly had community-acquired infections. The K1 serotype was prevalent in group B2, and K5 was the most prevalent in group D.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic group B2 had more proportions and types of virulence factors than group D. Group B2 showed a high presentation of virulence factors related to adhesions and toxins. An increased presentation of antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections was also noted. Considering the genetic characteristics of UPEC, alternative therapeutic options targeting frequent virulence factors might be considered in addition to antibiotics.
m6A regulators as predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy benefit and potential therapeutic targets for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Chaoqi , Yang Zhaoyang , Zhang Guochao , Wu Peng , Luo Yuejun , Zeng Qingpeng , Wang Lide , Xue Qi , Zhang Yi , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: November 2021

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a devastating subtype of lung cancer with few therapeutic options. Despite the advent of immunotherapy, platinum-based chemotherapy is still the irreplaceable first-line therapy for SCLCs. However, drug resistance will invariably occur in most patients and the outcomes are heterogeneous. Therefore, clinically feasible classification strategies and potential therapeutic targets for overcoming chemotherapy resistance are urgently needed. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a novel epigenetic decisive factor that is involved in tumor progression and drug resistance. However, almost nothing is known about m6A modification in SCLC. Here, we assessed 200 SCLC samples from patients who underwent chemotherapy from three different cohorts, including a validation cohort containing 71 cases with qPCR data and an independent cohort containing 79 cases with immunohistochemistry data (quantified as H-score). We systematically characterized the predictive landscape of m6A regulators in SCLC patients following with chemotherapy. Using the LASSO Cox model, we built a seven-regulator-based (ZCCHC4, IGF2BP3, ALKBH5, YTHDF3, METTL5, G3BP1, and RBMX) chemotherapy benefit predictive classifier (m6A score) and subsequently validated the classifier in two other cohorts. Time-dependent ROC and C-index analyses showed that the m6A score to possessed superior predictive power for chemotherapy benefit in comparison with other clinicopathological parameters. A multicohort multivariate analysis revealed that the m6A score is an independent factor that affects survival benefit across multiple cohorts. Our in vitro experimental results revealed that three regulators—ZCCHC4, G3BP1, and RBMX—may serve as promising novel therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance in SCLCs. Our results, for the first time, demonstrate the predictive significance of m6A regulators for chemotherapy benefit, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in SCLC patients. The m6A score was found to be a reliable prognostic tool that may help guide chemotherapy decisions for patients with SCLC.
Metabolic syndrome and associated factors among severely ill psychiatric and non-psychiatric patients: a comparative cross-sectional study in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Fentie Dilnessa , Derese Tariku , Yazie Bekele , Getachew Yibeltal
Published: November 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome is a major public health challenge in both developed and developing countries. The burden of this disease is high, even in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, very little is known about the association between metabolic syndrome and psychiatric illness in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude of metabolic syndrome and its components among psychiatric clients.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was undertaken between psychiatric patients and age—and sex-matched non-psychiatric controls at the Dilchora referral hospital. The study included 192 study participants (96 psychiatric patients and 96 non- psychiatric controls from general medical and surgical patients). The National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to diagnose metabolic syndromes. The data were cleaned and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 21. All intergroup comparisons for continuous data were performed using an independent sample t-test, whereas categorical data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between metabolic syndrome and the associated variables.

Results

The magnitude of metabolic syndrome among psychiatric patients was 36.5% (95%CI: 27.6, 47.4) compared to non-psychiatric control patients, 21.9% (95%CI: 13.5, 30.3), p = 0.02. The prevalence of MetS components, such as waist circumference (25.0% vs. 14.3%), lower-high density lipoprotein level (35.4% vs. 20.8%), higher systolic blood pressure (41.7% vs. 29.2%) and higher fasting blood glucose (40.6% vs. 18.8%) showed statistically significant differences between the exposed and non-exposed groups. Age greater than 50 years (AOR: 2.8, CI: 1.14, 20.0, p < 0.05); being female (AOR: 7.4, CI: 2.0, 27.6, p < 0.05), being urban residence (AOR: 6.4, CI: 2.2, 20.6, p < 0.05), ever alcohol intake (AOR: 5.3, CI: 1.3, 21.2), being physically inactive (AOR: 3.52, CI: 1.1, 12.9, p < 0.05) and family history of hypertension (AOR: 2.52, CI: 1.1, 12.2, p < 0.05) were independent predictors of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is a high burden of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with severe psychiatric disorders. Therefore, screening and mitigation strategies for metabolic syndrome and their components should be implemented in the management of psychiatric disorders.
Proteins associated with incident metabolic syndrome in population-based cohorts
Authors: Lind Lars , Sundström Johan , Ärnlöv Johan
Published: November 2021

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) identifies persons with clustering of multiple cardiometabolic risk factors. The underlying pathology inducing this clustering is not fully known. We used a targeted proteomics assay to identify associations of circulating proteins with MetS and its components, cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

Methods

We explored and validated associations of 86 cardiovascular proteins, assessed using a proximity extension assay, with the MetS in two independent cohorts; the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS, n = 996) and Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM, n = 785). The analyses were adjusted for smoking, exercise habits, education, and energy and alcohol intake.

Results

Nine proteins were associated with all five components of the MetS in PIVUS using FDR < 0.05 in a cross-sectional analysis. Of those nine proteins, only Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (IL-1RA) was associated with all five components of the MetS in ULSAM using p < 0.05. IL-1RA levels were associated with incident MetS (n = 109) in PIVUS during a 5-year follow-up (HR 1.76 for a 1 SD change (95% CI 1.38, 2.24), p = 4.3*10–6). IL-1RA was however not causally related to MetS in a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using published data.

Conclusion

Circulating IL-1RA was related to all five components of the MetS in a cross-sectional analysis in two independent samples, as well as to incident MetS in a longitudinal analysis. However, Mendelian randomization analyses did not provide support for a causal role for IL-1RA in the development of MetS.
The role of pathological tau in synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s diseases
Authors: Wu Moxin , Zhang Manqing , Yin Xiaoping , Chen Kai , Hu Zhijian , Zhou Qin , Cao Xianming , Chen Zhiying , Liu Dan
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, accompanied by amyloid-β (Aβ) overload and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation in the brain. Synaptic dysfunction, an important pathological hallmark in AD, is recognized as the main cause of the cognitive impairments. Accumulating evidence suggests that synaptic dysfunction could be an early pathological event in AD. Pathological tau, which is detached from axonal microtubules and mislocalized into pre- and postsynaptic neuronal compartments, is suggested to induce synaptic dysfunction in several ways, including reducing mobility and release of presynaptic vesicles, decreasing glutamatergic receptors, impairing the maturation of dendritic spines at postsynaptic terminals, disrupting mitochondrial transport and function in synapses, and promoting the phagocytosis of synapses by microglia. Here, we review the current understanding of how pathological tau mediates synaptic dysfunction and contributes to cognitive decline in AD. We propose that elucidating the mechanism by which pathological tau impairs synaptic function is essential for exploring novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
MET amplification identified by next-generation sequencing and its clinical relevance for MET inhibitors
Authors: Peng Lun-Xi , Jie Guang-Ling , Li An-Na , Liu Si-Yang , Sun Hao , Zheng Mei-Mei , Zhou Jia-Ying , Zhang Jia-Tao , Zhang Xu-Chao , Zhou Qing , Zhong Wen-Zhao , Yang Jin-Ji , Tu Hai-Yan , Su Jian , Yan Hong-Hong , Wu Yi-Long
Published: November 2021

Background

METamplification plays an important role in the development of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) either de novo or in resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine–kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) settings. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the standard method forMETamplification. With more and more discoveries of oncogenic driver genes, next-generation sequencing (NGS) plays a significant role in precision oncology. Meanwhile, the role of NGS inMETamplification remains uncertain.

Methods

Forty patients diagnosed with advanced NSCLC were included. FISH and NGS were conducted prior to MET inhibitors treatment.METamplification by FISH was defined as a MET/CEP7 ratio of  >  2.0 and/or copy number (CN)  >  5.METamplification by NGS was defined as gene copy number (GCN)  ≥  5.

Results

The concordance rate among FISH and NGS was 62.5% (25/40).METamplification identified by FISH showed the optimal predictive value. The partial response (PR) rate was 68.0% (17/25 withMETamplification) vs. 6.7% (1/15 withoutMETamplification); the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.4 months versus 1.0 months (P  < 0.001).METamplification identified by NGS failed to distinguish significant clinical outcomes. The PR rate was 60.0% (6/10, withMETGCN  ≥ 5) vs. 40.0% (12/30, withMETGCN  < 5); the median PFS was 4.8 months vs. 2.2 months (P  = 0.357). The PR rate was 68.8% (11/16) and the median PFS was 4.8 months in patients with focal amplification by NGS.

Conclusions

METamplification identified by FISH remains the optimal biomarker to identify suitable candidates for MET-TKI therapy. In comparison, amplification identified by NGS seems not as robust to be effective predictive biomarker. Further exploration is needed regarding the focal amplification by NGS in predicting the efficacy.
Firework-related injuries treated at emergency departments in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2018–2019
Authors: Maassel Nathan , Saccary Abbie , Solomon Daniel , Stitelman David , Xu Yunshan , Li Fangyong , Christison-Lagay Emily , Dodington James
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite a national decrease in emergency department visits in the United States during the first 10 months of the pandemic, preliminary Consumer Product Safety Commission data indicate increased firework-related injuries. We hypothesized an increase in firework-related injuries during 2020 compared to years prior related to a corresponding increase in consumer firework sales.

Methods

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried from 2018 to 2020 for cases with product codes 1313 (firework injury) and narratives containing “fireworks”. Population-based national estimates were calculated using US Census data, then compared across the three years of study inclusion. Patient demographic and available injury information was also tracked and compared across the three years. Firework sales data obtained from the American Pyrotechnics Association were determined for the same time period to examine trends in consumption.

Results

There were 935 firework-related injuries reported to the NEISS from 2018 to 2020, 47% of which occurred during 2020. National estimates for monthly injuries per million were 1.6 times greater in 2020 compared to 2019 (p < 0.0001) with no difference between 2018 and 2019 (p = 0.38). The same results were found when the month of July was excluded. Firework consumption in 2020 was 1.5 times greater than 2019 or 2018, with a 55% increase in consumer fireworks and 22% decrease in professional fireworks sales.

Conclusions

Firework-related injures saw a substantial increase in 2020 compared to the two years prior, corroborated by a proportional increase in consumer firework sales. Increased incidence of firework-related injuries was detected even with the exclusion of the month of July, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted firework epidemiology more broadly than US Independence Day celebrations.
Injection-molded natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites–a review
Authors: Rabbi M. S. , Islam Tansirul , Islam G. M. Sadiqul
Published: November 2021

For the last couple of decades, researchers have been trying to explore eco-friendly materials which would significantly reduce the dependency on synthetic fibers and their composites. Natural fiber-based composites possess several excellent properties. They are biodegradable, non-abrasive, low cost, and lower density, which led to the growing interest in using these materials in industrial applications. However, the properties of composite materials depend on the chemical treatment of the fiber, matrix combination, and fabrication process. This study gives a bibliographic review on bio-composites specially fabricated by the injection-molding method. Technical information of injection-molded natural fiber reinforcement-based composites, especially their type and compounding process prior to molding, are discussed. A wide variety of injection-molding machines was used by the researchers for the composite manufacturing. Injection-molded composites contain natural fiber, including hemp, jute, sisal, flax, abaca, rice husk, kenaf, bamboo, and some miscellaneous kinds of fibers, are considered in this study.
Foot Strike Patterns During Overground Distance Running: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bovalino Stephen P. , Kingsley Michael I. C.
Published: November 2021

Background

Investigations of foot strike patterns during overground distance running have foci on prevalence, performance and change in foot strike pattern with increased distance. To date, synthesised analyses of these findings are scarce.

Objective

The key objectives of this review were to quantify the prevalence of foot strike patterns, assess the impact of increased running distance on foot strike pattern change and investigate the potential impact of foot strike pattern on performance.

Methods

Relevant peer-reviewed literature was obtained by searching EBSCOhost CINAHL, Ovid Medline, EMBASE and SPORTDiscus (inception-2021) for studies investigating foot strike patterns in overground distance running settings (> 10 km). Random effects meta-analyses of prevalence data were performed where possible.

Results

The initial search identified 2210 unique articles. After removal of duplicates and excluded articles, 12 articles were included in the review. Meta-analysis of prevalence data revealed that 79% of long-distance overground runners rearfoot strike early, with prevalence rising to 86% with increased distance. In total, 11% of runners changed foot strike pattern with increased distance and of those, the vast majority (84%) do so in one direction, being non-rearfoot strike to rearfoot strike. Analysis of the relationship between foot strike pattern and performance revealed that 5 studies reported a performance benefit to non-rearfoot strike, 1 study reported a performance benefit to non-rearfoot strike in women but not men, 4 studies reported no benefit to non-rearfoot strike or rearfoot strike, and no studies reported a performance benefit of rearfoot strike over non-rearfoot strike.

Conclusion

Most overground distance runners rearfoot strike early, and the prevalence of this pattern increases with distance. Of those that do change foot strike pattern, the majority transition from non-rearfoot to rearfoot. The current literature provides inconclusive evidence of a competitive advantage being associated with long-distance runners who use a non-rearfoot strike pattern in favour of a rearfoot strike pattern.
Shapley value cooperative game theory-based locational marginal price computation for loss and emission reduction
Authors: Veeramsetty Venkataramana
Published: November 2021

An iterative method based on Shapley Value Cooperative Game Theory is proposed for the calculation of local marginal price (LMP) for each Distributed Generator (DG) bus on a network. The LMP value is determined for each DG on the basis of its contribution to reduce loss and emission reduction, which is assessed using the Shapley Value approach. The proposed approach enables the Distribution Company (DISCO) decision-maker to operate the network optimally in terms of loss and emission. The proposed method is implemented in the Taiwan Power Company distribution network 7 warnings consisting of 84 buses and 11 feeders in the MATLAB environment. The results show that the proposed approach allows DISCO to operate the network on the basis of its priority between the reduction of active power loss and emission in the network
Glass fiber-reinforced composites in dentistry
Authors: Safwat Engie M. , Khater Ahmad G. A. , Abd-Elsatar Ahmed G. , Khater Gamal A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Enormous improvements in dental materials’ manufacturing for the aim of producing durable dental materials without compromising the aesthetic properties were developed. One of the approaches that fulfill this aim is the use of reinforcing glass fibers as fillers into dental materials, typically resin polymers, in order to obtain glass fiber-reinforced composites. Glass fiber-reinforced composite offered many advantages to the dental materials though some limitations were recorded in many literature.

Methods

In this review, a study of the glass fibers’ types, factors affecting the properties and the properties of glass fibers reinforced materials was carried out; in addition, research papers that experimentally studied their applications in dentistry were presented.

Conclusion

The success of glass fibers reinforced composites in dentistry depends on glass fibers’ composition, orientation, distribution, amount, length and adhesion; these factors once employed according to the required clinical situation would provide the essential reinforcement to the dental restorations and appliances.
Appropriate determination of the surgical transepicondylar axis can be achieved following distal femur resection in navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Song Sang Jun , Lee Hyun Woo , Kim Kang Il , Park Cheol Hee
Published: November 2021

Background

Many surgeons have determined the surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA) after distal femur resection in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, in most navigation systems, the registration of the sTEA precedes the distal femur resection. This sequential difference can influence the accuracy of intraoperative determination for sTEA when considering the proximal location of the anatomical references for sTEA and the arthritic environment. We compared the accuracy and precision in determinations of the sTEA between before and after distal femur resection during navigation-assisted TKA.

Methods

Ninety TKAs with Attune posterior-stabilized prostheses were performed under imageless navigation. The sTEA was registered before distal femur resection, then reassessed and adjusted after distal resection. The femoral component was implanted finally according to the sTEA determined after distal femur resection. Computed tomography (CT) was performed postoperatively to analyze the true sTEA (the line connecting the tip of the lateral femoral epicondyle to the lowest point of the medial femoral epicondylar sulcus on axial CT images) and femoral component rotation (FCR) axis. The FCR angle after distal femur resection (FCRA-aR) was defined as the angle between the FCR axis and true sTEA on CT images. The FCR angle before distal resection (FCRA-bR) could be presumed to be the value of FCRA-aR minus the difference between the intraoperatively determined sTEAs before and after distal resection as indicated by the navigation system. It was considered that the FCRA-bR or FCRA-aR represented the differences between the sTEA determined before or after distal femur resection and the true sTEA, respectively.

Results

The FCRA-bR was −1.3 ± 2.4° and FCRA-aR was 0.3 ± 1.7° (p < 0.001). The range of FCRA-bR was from −6.6° to 4.1° and that of FCRA-aR was from −2.7° to 3.3°. The proportion of appropriate FCRA (≤ ±3°) was significantly higher after distal femur resection than that before resection (91.1% versus 70%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The FCR was more appropriate when the sTEA was determined after distal femur resection than before resection in navigation-assisted TKA. The reassessment and adjusted registration of sTEA after distal femur resection could improve the rotational alignment of the femoral component in navigation-assisted TKA.

Level of evidence

IV.
Psychosocial support services provided for Syrian refugees with disabilities: a systematic review and thematic analysis
Authors: Alodat Ali M. , Alshagran Hanan I. , Al-Bakkar Al-Muatasem M.
Published: November 2021

This study systematically reviewed and thematically analyzed studies that investigated psychosocial support services provided to Syrian refugees with disabilities between 2011 and 2020. Nine studies published in the English language were identified from database searches (Google Scholar, PsychInfo, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and Scopus). Results showed that the forms of psychosocial support services provided to Syrian refugees with disabilities were varied based on the nature of the study and the disability type. The results also provided detailed information about methods, participants, and findings of the identified studies. The thematic analysis results identified six themes that represent the factors related to the psychosocial support services, which were assessment, mental health, psychological well-being, rehabilitation, social participation, and vulnerability. This study provided a set of recommendations that may improve the quality of mental health and psychosocial support services provided to Syrian refugees with disabilities and their families, which are professional development, researches, and policy reforming.
Studies on the radiation dose, image quality and low contrast detectability from MSCT abdomen by using low tube voltage
Authors: Mokhtar A. , Aabdelbary Z. A. , Sarhan A. , Gad H. M. , Ahmed M. T.
Published: November 2021

Background

To study radiation dose, image quality and low-contrast cylinder detectability from multislice CT (MSCT) abdomen by using low tube voltage using the American College of Radiology (ACR) phantom. The ACR phantom (low-contrast module) was scanned with 64 MSCT scanner (Brilliance, Philips Medical System, Eindhoven, Netherlands) with 80 and 120 KVP, utilizing different tube current time product (mAs) range from 50 to 380 mAs. The image noise (SD), signal to noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and scores of low contrast detectability were assessed for every image respectively.

Results

From images analyses, the noise essentially increased with the use of low tube voltage. The CNR was 0.94 ± 0.27 at 120 KVP, and CNR was 0.43 ± 0.22 at 80 KVP. However, with the same dose, there were no differences of statistical significance in scores of low-contrast detectability between 120 KVP at 300mAs and 80 KVP at (200–380) mAs (p > 0.05). At 300 mAs, the CTDIvol obtained at 80 KVP was about 29% of that at 120 KVP. The CTDIvol obtained at 80 KVP were decreased from 5% at 50 mAs, to 37% at 380 mAs.

Conclusions

There is a possibility to decrease exposure of radiation virtually by reducing KVP from 120 to 80 KVP in examination of abdominal CT when the high tube current is used, though increasing image noise at low tube voltage.
Urethral mobilization and advancement technique in distal types of hypospadias: short-term local experience
Authors: Edan Obay Abdul Aziz
Published: November 2021

Background

A prospective study was conducted on 65 cases with distal hypospadias operated using the urethral mobilization technique between July 2017 and December 2019. Patients with proximal hypospadias and those with distal hypospadias, but with a hypoplastic urethra, were excluded from the study. In this technique, the urethral tube was mobilized proximally in a ratio of 3–4:1 (the ratio of mobilized urethral length to the initial distance between the native meatus and the tip of the glans) then positioned distally after creating wide glans wings. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of the urethral mobilization technique in distal hypospadias in our center.

Results

The age of patients was ranged 9 months to 7 years old (mean 37.5 months); 17 (26%) cases were already circumcised. During the postoperative follow-up, 62 (95.4%) patients had a good caliber neomeatus with a good and straight urinary stream; the remaining 3 (4.6%) cases developed meatal stenosis which responded well to urethral dilatation. One (1.5%) patient had a minor retraction of neomeatus but remained within the glans and not requiring further intervention. Four (6%) cases developed minor hematoma which was resolved on conservative measures. Six (9.2%) patients developed minor wound infection which was treated with daily dressing and antibiotic coverage.

Conclusion

The urethral mobilization technique is a good choice for repairing distal hypospadias especially for boys who are previously circumcised as the preputial flap is not required in this technique. It provides good cosmetic and functional results, with a fewer complication rate.
Seismic low-frequency shadows and their application to detect CO2 anomalies on time-lapse seismic data: A case study from the Sleipner Field, North Sea
Authors: Anthony Emmanuel , Vedanti Nimisha
Published: November 2021

The detection and underlying mechanism of prospect-scale seismic low-frequency shadows (LFSs) has been an issue of debate. Even though the concept of LFS is widely accepted, the practical applicability of the method remains limited due to few real field case studies and little understanding of the underlying attenuation mechanism. To characterize the attenuation phenomenon responsible for the occurrence of LFS in CO2-saturated formations, we use the diffusivity and viscosity of the fluid-saturated medium to derive a complex velocity function that characterizes a high-frequency attenuation phenomenon responsible for the occurrence of LFS in a CO2-saturated formation. Synthetic seismic data sets representing pre- and post-CO2 injection scenarios are generated using 2D diffusive-viscous equations to model the LFS and understand its occurrence mechanism. Furthermore, to demonstrate the applicability of LFS in a real field, a spectral decomposition analysis of time-lapse 3D seismic data of the Sleipner Field, North Sea, is carried out using the continuous wavelet transform. The LFSs are clearly detected below the reservoir base at frequencies lower than 30 Hz in the post-CO2 injection surveys. It is shown that the seismic low-frequency shadows are not artifacts but occur due to attenuation of the high-frequency components of the propagating seismic waves in the CO2-saturated Utsira Formation. The attenuation of these frequencies is a result of the diffusivity and viscosity of the fluid-saturated medium. The LFSs are localized anomalies at the base of the formation; hence, with the present approach, these anomalies cannot be related to the migration of the CO2 plume in the Utsira Formation.
Alveolar progenitor differentiation and lactation depends on paracrine inhibition of Notch via ROBO1/CTNNB1/JAG1
Authors: Cazares Oscar , Chatterjee Sharmila , Lee Pinky , Strietzel Catherine , Bubolz J. W. , Harburg Gwyndolen , Howard Jon , Katzman Sol , Sanford Jeremy , Hinck Lindsay
Published: November 2021

In the mammary gland, how alveolar progenitor cells are recruited to fuel tissue growth with each estrus cycle and pregnancy remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a regulatory pathway that controls alveolar progenitor differentiation and lactation by governing Notch activation in mouse. Loss of Robo1 in the mammary gland epithelium activates Notch signaling, which expands the alveolar progenitor cell population at the expense of alveolar differentiation, resulting in compromised lactation. ROBO1 is expressed in both luminal and basal cells, but loss of Robo1 in basal cells results in the luminal differentiation defect. In the basal compartment, ROBO1 inhibits the expression of Notch ligand Jag1 by regulating β-catenin (CTNNB1), which binds the Jag1 promoter. Together, our studies reveal how ROBO1/CTTNB1/JAG1 signaling in the basal compartment exerts paracrine control of Notch signaling in the luminal compartment to regulate alveolar differentiation during pregnancy.
Selective internal radiation therapy for hepatic metastases of uveal melanoma: a systematic review
Authors: Alexander Harry , Wen Daniel , Chu Michael , Han Catherine , Hadden Peter , Thomas Robert , Bartlett Adam
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Uveal melanoma (UM) commonly metastasizes to the liver. Treatment usually consists of liver-directed therapies, such as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). This review aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of SIRT for hepatic metastases from UM.

Methods:

The study protocol is available at OSF (https://osf.io/vhyct/). EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched until July 2020, using terms related to SIRT and hepatic metastases from UM. Studies reporting outcomes of SIRT in patients with UM and at least one hepatic metastasis were included. Data on overall survival (OS), hepatic progression free survival (hPFS) or tumor response were collected. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess risk of bias.

Results:

11 studies were included, reporting outcomes for 268 patients with hepatic metastases from UM. Most studies (n = 9, 81.8%) were retrospective. Disease control was achieved in 170 patients (67.5%) and the median OS from time of SIRT was 12.3 months. Median hPFS was 5.4 months. Low-grade side-effects were common but serious complications were infrequent. There were two treatment-related deaths. The median NOS score was 6 (moderate risk of bias).

Conclusion:

SIRT appears to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from UM. The certainty of our results is unclear due to predominantly retrospective data with moderate risk of bias. Further prospective studies are required to explore the role of SIRT in UM.

Advances in knowledge:

SIRT appears to be a safe treatment for patients with unresectable hepatic metastases from UM. Further prospective work is required.