bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of combination therapy of an immune checkpoint inhibitor with taxane plus platinum versus an immune checkpoint inhibitor with fluorouracil plus platinum in the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ying , Ji Yanyan , Shen Lin , Yin Xudong , Huang Tianyu , Deng Bin , Guo Hong , Wu Yunjiang , Chen Yong
Published: December 2022

Background

Chemotherapy combined with immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) has been established as a standard treatment for locally advanced, metastatic, or recurrent esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). However, the optimal chemotherapy regimen in combination therapy is still unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and adverse events of the fluorouracil plus platinum (FP) and taxane plus platinum (TP) regimens in ESCC patients receiving chemo-immunotherapy, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Potentially eligible studies were searched from Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Pooled rates of overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events were compared between ICIs+TP and ICIs+FP groups in ESCC patients receiving first-line chemo-immunotherapy.

Results

A total of 10 clinical trials were included, of which 5 were randomized controlled trials. Compared with chemotherapy alone, chemo-immunotherapy significantly improved the OS of ESCC patients (pooled HR=0.69; 95% CI, 0.63–0.76; p<0.01). Pooled analysis revealed that ESCC patients receiving ICIs+TP had significantly higher ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS rates than those receiving ICIs+FP. No statistically significant difference in the pooled incidence rate of treatment-related death was found (2.3% vs 0.9%, P=0.08). ICIs+TP had significantly higher rates of hematologic toxicity but lower rates of gastrointestinal toxicity than ICIs+FP.

Conclusions

Based on the current data, the first-line treatment using ICIs+TP may be a better option than ICIs+FP in advanced, metastatic, or recurrent ESCC.
Multiple colorectal adenomas in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Jain Ayushi , Alimirah Maryam , Hampel Heather , Pearlman Rachel , Ma Jianing , Peng Jing , Kalady Matthew F. , Stanich Peter P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Lynch syndrome has not traditionally been considered to have a high colorectal adenoma burden. However, with increasing adenoma detection rates in the general population, the incidence of adenoma detection in Lynch syndrome may also be increasing and leading to higher cumulative adenoma counts.

Aim

To clarify the prevalence and clinical impact of multiple colorectal adenomas (MCRA) in Lynch syndrome.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with Lynch syndrome at our institution was performed to assess for MCRA (defined as ≥10 cumulative adenomas).

Results

There were 222 patients with Lynch syndrome among whom 14 (6.3%) met MCRA criteria. These patients had increased incidence of advanced neoplasia (OR 10, 95% CI: 2.7-66.7).

Conclusions

MCRA is not unusual in Lynch syndrome and is associated with a significantly increased likelihood of advanced colon neoplasia. Consideration should be given to differentiating colonoscopy intervals based on the presence of polyposis in Lynch syndrome.
Serum soluble DR5 predicts mortality risk in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Jiaqi , Feng Ying , Liu Yao , Shi Ke , Zhou Guiqin , Liu Long , Liu Yaxin , Qiao Kexin , Liu Wen , Wang Xianbo
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Death receptor 5 (DR5) is significantly upregulated in various human tumor tissues; however, the relationship between serum levels of soluble DR5 (sDR5) and the mortality risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not understood. Our aim is to investigate the prognostic value of serum sDR5 in HCC patients.

Methods

A total of 170 patients with HBV-HCC were recruited, with 82 and 88 patients as derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. sDR5 levels were analyzed using ELISA. The predictive factors for mortality were selected using LASSO regression analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the independent factors affecting mortality in 2 years. A nomogram based on the interquartile range of the sDR5 values predicted mortality rates.

Results

Serum sDR5 level was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with HBV-HCC. The 2-year cumulative mortality rates of HBV-HCC were 10, 28.57, 38.10, and 95% across the sDR5 quartiles, respectively (p < 0.001). The sDR5 had an AUROC of 0.851 (95% CI: 0.755–0.920) in the derivation cohort. When the cut-off value was 30.06pg/mL, the AUROC of sDR5 was 0.778 (95% CI 0.677–0.860) in the validation cohort. The calibration curves fit well, and the decision curves showed that sDR5 had a high standardized net benefit. sDR5 predicted the prognosis of HBV-HCC patients most accurately. Further, serum sDR5 level was significantly positively associated with BCLC stage and the presence or absence of ascites.

Conclusion

sDR5 showed high predictive accuracy in patients with HBV-HCC; thus, it is considered a new serological biomarker.
Symptomatic bone marrow metastases in breast cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Ruohan , Jia Lin , Lu Guanyu , Lv Zheng , Cui Jiuwei
Published: December 2022

Objective

Breast cancer symptomatic bone marrow metastasis (BMM) is rare and has a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy is usually the primary treatment, but it has limited efficacy, resulting in dose reduction and a decrease in quality of life due to the adverse effects of the agent. Other than chemotherapy, there are no other treatment studies for BMM. This study aimed to explore the clinicopathological characteristics of BMM patients with breast cancer, the prognosis using different treatment modalities, and the risk factors that affect the prognosis.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with breast cancer BMM from January 2018 to January 2022 in the Cancer Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University. The analysis focused on the characteristics of the patients, the treatment regimen, and the prognosis.

Results

Of 733 patients with advanced breast cancer, 33 patients were identified with BMM. All patients showed a hemoglobin decrease, and 25 (75.75%) presented with a fever of unknown origin. As for the metastasis breast cancer subtype, 25 (75.75%) were hormone receptor (HR) positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative, three (9.09%) had HER2 overexpression, and five (15.15%) were triple negative. The BMM patients had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7 months (1–21 months) and a median overall survival (OS) of 18 months (2–108 months). Among 25 HR+/HER2− BMM patients treated with different modalities, the median OS of the endocrine therapy (ET) group was 23 months, compared with 5 months in the chemotherapy group. Cox proportional hazards models suggested that higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores and old age were associated with shorter survival.

Conclusion

When breast cancer patients present with anemia and fever of unknown origin, BMM should be considered. For HR+/HER2− patients with good physical status and can receive active treatment, CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with ET can be used to control disease progression, improve quality of life, and prolong survival.
TIGIT: A promising target to overcome the barrier of immunotherapy in hematological malignancies
Authors: Jin Shenhe , Zhang Ye , Zhou Fengping , Chen Xiaochang , Sheng Jianpeng , Zhang Jin
Published: December 2022

Immune evasion through up-regulating checkpoint inhibitory receptors on T cells plays an essential role in tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, has become a promising strategy for hematological malignancies. T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a novel checkpoint inhibitory receptor expressed on immune cells, including cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and NK cells. TIGIT participates in immune regulation via binding to its ligand CD155. Blockage of TIGIT has provided evidence of considerable efficacy in solid tumors in preclinical research and clinical trials, especially when combined with PD-1 inhibition. However, the mechanism and function of TIGIT in hematological malignancies have not been comprehensively studied. In this review, we focus on the role of TIGIT in hematological malignancies and discuss therapeutic strategies targeting TIGIT, which may provide a promising immunotherapy target for hematological malignancies.
Identification of cervical epidural space: A comparison study between contrast spread and loss of resistance techniques
Authors: Perper Yakov
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives

Early epidural space identification is critical to the efficacy and safety of cervical epidural steroid injections (CESI). Currently, the accepted method for epidural space recognition is the loss of resistance technique (LORT). I hypothesized that the contrast spread technique might recognize epidural space concurrently with or sooner than LORT and that smaller needles might be employed with the fluoroscopy only method but not with LORT. To test my hypotheses, I conducted a comparison study.

Methods

The study participants were patients from my practice with a clinical diagnosis of cervical radiculitis divided into two groups of 20 each, who underwent CESI with either an 18 G or a 25 G Tuohy needle. All CESIs were performed utilizing the fluoroscopy only method. Then, LOR was tested using an Epidrum device that was observed for 30 s; if the Epidrum deflated, the result was positive.

Results

LOR was positive in 12 out of 20 patients in the 18 G group and 2 out of 20 in the 25 G group. The 95% confidence interval test for proportion revealed a statistically significantly lower rate for epidural space detection by LORT in both groups: [0.385, 0.815] in the 18 G and [-0.031, 0.231] in the 25 G group. Statistical significance of the difference between groups in LOR accuracy rate (60% vs. 10%) was confirmed by z-test for independent proportions: z = 3.31 (p < 0.001), Cohen's h = 1.13.

Conclusion

Fluoroscopy only method might be a safer alternative to LORT as it employs a different concept, might recognize epidural space sooner, and favors smaller needles.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05260294.
UGT1A1*6 mutation associated with the occurrence and severity in infants with prolonged jaundice
Authors: Yang Zhe , Lin Fen , Xu Jia-Xin , Yang Hui , Wu Yong-Hao , Chen Zi-Kai , Xie He , Huang Bin , Lin Wei-Hao , Wu Jian-Peng , Ma Yu-Bin , Li Jian-Dong , Yang Li-Ye
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the influence of a variant of the UGT1A1 gene on the occurrence and severity of prolonged jaundice in Chinese infants at term.

Methods

175 infants with prolonged jaundice and 149 controls were used in this retrospective case-control study. The infants with prolonged jaundice were subdivided into the mild-medium and severe jaundice groups (TSB ≥ 342 µmol/L). The frequency and genotype distribution of the UGT1A1 and G6PD genes, and clinical parameters including sex, birth weight, delivery mode, gestational age, and feeding mode, were analyzed, and the differences in the parameters between the two groups were compared.

Results

The allele frequency of UGT1A1*6 in the prolonged jaundice group was higher than that in the control group. Similarly, it was also higher in the severe jaundice group than in the mild-medium jaundice group. Homozygous and heterozygous UGT1A1*6 were also found more frequently in the prolonged jaundice group than in the control group. Exclusive breastfeeding, homozygous and heterozygous forms of UGT1A1*6 were significant risk indicators for prolonged jaundice. Moreover, UGT1A1*6 was the best predictor of prolonged severe jaundice.

Conclusion

UGT1A1*6 appears to be a risk factor for prolonged jaundice with hyperbilirubinemia in term infants of Chinese ancestry who are exclusively breastfed.
An approach to data collection in compassionate use/managed access
Authors: Sarp Séverine , Reichenbach Ramona , Aliu Paul
Published: December 2022

Compassionate Use (CU)/Managed Access programs provide access to locally unapproved medicines. As these programs become more global and involve a broader range of products, determining whether patients derive benefit from treatment could provide insights into therapeutic use in a real-word setting with diverse pools of patients. CU primary purpose is to provide treatment and it is not targeting research. However, it is increasingly considered as a source of real-world data. In the absence of a harmonized framework on CU data collection, Novartis developed a company-wide guidance to collect baseline patient data and prospective follow-up information at product resupply. Although this approach has recently been implemented and utilization of this data has been mainly internal to the company so far, the prospective collection of key efficacy parameters in patients receiving therapies via CU could potentially be used as a supportive set of information collected in a real-world setting to be submitted in addition to clinical trial data, if not as a main source of data for regulatory submission.
A note on the slip effects of an Oldroyd 6-constant fluid: Optimal homotopy asymptotic method
Authors: Manzoor Tareq , Iqbal S. , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: December 2022

We study here the effectiveness of the optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) in solving non-linear differential equations of non-Newtonian fluids. To this consequence, we consider the Oldroyd 6-constant fluid when it demonstrates slippage between the plate and fluid generating non-linear boundary value problems. The problems of plane Couette flow, generalized Couette flow, and plane Poiseuille flow are considered. Graphs of the results are plotted to show the performance of the method in terms of velocity profile. It is observed that the method is quite easy to implement, having latent potential to handle such kinds of non-linear problems and yield accurate results at minimum to low computational work.
Kibble−Zurek scaling of the dynamical localization−skin effect phase transition in a non-Hermitian quasi-periodic system under the open boundary condition
Authors: Zhai Liang-Jun , Hou Li-Li , Gao Qi , Wang Huai-Yu
Published: December 2022

In the present study, the driven dynamics in a non-Hermitian Aubry–André (AA) model under the open boundary condition (OBC) are studied. For this model, non-Hermiticity is introduced by the non-reciprocal hopping, and this model undergoes a localization–skin effect phase transition depending on the strength of the quasi-periodic potential. Although the properties of non-Hermitian systems are very sensitive to the imposed boundary conditions, we find that the scaling behavior can also be described by the same set of the exponents under the periodic boundary condition (PBC). When the initial state is prepared deep in the localized phase and the potential strength is slowly driven through the critical point, we find that the driven dynamics of the localization length ξ and the inverse participation ratio (IPR) could be described by the Kibble–Zurek scaling (KZS). Then, we numerically verify these predictions for different initial states. Finally, the dynamical emergence of the skin effect state is found, and the dynamics can also be described by the Kibble−Zurek scaling with the same set of critical exponents.
Genome wide association studies for acid phosphatase activity at varying phosphorous levels in Brassica juncea L
Authors: Upadhyay Priyanka , Gupta Mehak , Sra Simarjeet Kaur , Sharda Rakesh , Sharma Sanjula , Sardana Virender K. , Akhatar Javed , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: December 2022

Acid phosphatases (Apases) are an important group of enzymes that hydrolyze soil and plant phosphoesters and anhydrides to release Pi (inorganic phosphate) for plant acquisition. Their activity is strongly correlated to the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of plants. Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern & Coss) is a major oilseed crop that also provides protein for the animal feed industry. It exhibits low PUE. Understanding the genetics of PUE and its component traits, especially Apase activity, will help to reduce Pi fertilizer application in the crop. In the present study, we evaluated 280 genotypes of the diversity fixed foundation set of Indian mustard for Apase activity in the root (RApase) and leaf (LApase) tissues at three- low (5µM), normal (250µM) and high (1mM) Pi levels in a hydroponic system. Substantial effects of genotype and Pi level were observed for Apase activity in both tissues of the evaluated lines. Low Pi stress induced higher mean RApase and LApase activities. However, mean LApase activity was relatively more than mean RApase at all three Pi levels. JM06016, IM70 and Kranti were identified as promising genotypes with higher LApase activity and increased R/S at low Pi. Genome-wide association study revealed 10 and 4 genomic regions associated with RApase and LApase, respectively. Annotation of genomic regions in the vicinity of peak associated SNPs allowed prediction of 15 candidates, including genes encoding different family members of the acid phosphatase such as PAP10 (purple acid phosphatase 10), PAP16, PNP (polynucleotide phosphorylase) and AT5G51260 (HAD superfamily gene, subfamily IIIB acid phosphatase) genes. Our studies provide an understanding of molecular mechanism of the Apase response of B. juncea at varying Pi levels. The identified SNPs and candidate genes will support marker-assisted breeding program for improving PUE in Indian mustard. This will redeem the crop with enhanced productivity under restricted Pi reserves and degrading agro-environments.
A study of factors influencing Chinese college students’ intention of using metaverse technology for basketball learning: Extending the technology acceptance model
Authors: Ren Longfei , Yang Fangfang , Gu Chao , Sun Jie , Liu Yunfeng
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Based on the expansion of flow constructs based on the TAM model, this study assesses the impact of metaverse technology in college basketball courses.

Methods

We surveyed 849 effective samples using an online questionnaire survey, verified our analysis using structural equation modeling, and examined the moderating effect of gender on the path relationship.

Results

The perceived ease of use, the flow experience, and the perceived usefulness of the product are important predictors of behavioral intention. According to the study, perceived usefulness, and flow experience influence attitudes significantly. A moderating effect of gender is observed on perceived ease of use on the path to behavioral intention, and the results extend the theoretical research on the use of metaverse technology for basketball instruction and TAM.

Discussion

A metaverse-based learning experience can enhance the flow experience of basketball learning, thus increasing the willingness to use and the effectiveness of learning.
DRAW.IN.G.: A tool to explore children’s representation of the preschool environment
Authors: Berti Sara , Cigala Ada
Published: December 2022

The use of drawing as a research tool has often been the subject of debate in the field of developmental psychology, especially for the exploration of children’s meanings on a specific topic. Methodological limitations do emerge when using drawing in research, especially in preschool age. One of the main critical aspects concerns the lack of systematic and standardized coding methods that include clear and operationalizable categories to analyze the content of the drawings, and that associate a brief interview with the children aimed at avoiding misinterpretations. To bridge this gap, the present contribution introduces a new methodological tool named DRAW.IN.G. (DRAWing and Interview Grid), consisting of a specific procedure and a coding system that allow for a systematic investigation of implicit and explicit levels of children’s representation emerging via drawings and interviews. The specific topic investigated by DRAW.IN.G. is children’s representation of the preschool environment; the scarcity of studies on this issue, despite the importance of including children’s point of view in the design processes of educational spaces makes the tool particularly current and relevant to fill some gaps in research in the educational field. The DRAW.IN.G. coding system, developed on the basis of existing literature on the analysis of drawings, includes five main dimensions of children’s representation of the educational environment: physical, behavioral, relational, emotional and motivational dimensions, articulated in 18 macro-categories and 90 categories that make up the scoring grid. To assess the validity of the method, a first application was conducted with a sample of 262 children (141 males, 121 females; mean age = 55.78 months; SD = 11.10; range 37–77 months) from five Italian preschools. Categorical inter-rater reliability of two independent raters showed good to excellent agreement for the categories of the grid, indicating their appropriateness and clarity. The validation study indicated the potential of the method, also revealing some critical aspects to be considered. Both methodological and practical implications are discussed.
The value of tourism public opinion management in social governance: A study on the impact of electronic word-of-mouth perception on people’s livelihood well-being
Authors: Li Xiuxiang , Wu Yingqi , Jiang Yi
Published: December 2022

In the process of tourism market upgrading and tourism iteration, tourism companies will face a more complex public opinion environment. Designing a socialized public opinion management method for tourism with social governance to improve people’s livelihood and well-being has become the primary concern of the tourism industry. Therefore, the existing literature has extensively focused on the role and influence of public opinion word of mouth from the perspective of tourist or consumer behavior. However, moderating role of individual tourist characteristics and environmental elements has not yet been deeply explored. Therefore, integrating with the background of the social media, this study examines how electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is related to the well-being of people’s livelihood, and explores the interaction between individual characteristics and eWOM perception in Study 1. Furthermore, in Study 2, we provided novel boundary conditions, namely environmental elements (i.e., physical, social and historical environment). We used mixed methods (i.e., quantitative and experimental designs) to reveal that tourists’ perceptions of eWOM have a significant positive effect on tourists’ well-being experience. The results show that tourists’ eWOM perception has a significant positive impact on their well-being experience. In addition, individual characteristics and environmental elements showed significant moderating effects between eWOM and well-being of people’s livelihood. This study discusses the theoretical and practical implications, exploring the value of tourism public opinion management in social governance centered on tourists’ eWOM perception, which helps tourism companies to effectively prevent and resolve risks affecting social harmony and stability in the field of cultural tourism and create a safe and stable cultural tourism market environment.
Psychometric properties, factor structure, and German population norms of the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20)
Authors: Westenberger Adrian , Nöhre Mariel , Brähler Elmar , Morfeld Matthias , de Zwaan Martina
Published: December 2022

Objective

The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) is commonly used, but its factor structure remains unclear. The MFI-20 consists of five subscales (general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue). This study investigates the psychometric properties, including the factor structure, of a general German population sample and tests group hypotheses on gender and age. Another objective is to provide normative data by gender and age groups.

Methods

Using data from a representative German sample (n=2,509), reliability and convergent validity measures, group hypothesis testing, and confirmatory/exploratory factor analyses were conducted.

Results

The MFI-20 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and showed adequate convergent validity with the SF-36. All subscales of the MFI-20 were significantly correlated (0.71–0.85). Physical fatigue exhibited the highest (0.42) and mental fatigue had the lowest (0.19) correlation with age. Fatigue scores were significantly higher for women and significantly increased with age. A five-factor structure showed poor model fit; using an exploratory factor analysis, a two-factor structure emerged (a general factor and a mental/motivational factor).

Conclusion

The MFI-20 is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring fatigue in the general population, but the five-factor structure is not supported. The subscale general fatigue or the MFI-20 total score might measure fatigue sufficiently. The provided norms can be used for further research and individual assessment.
The relationship between Hikikomori risk factors and social withdrawal tendencies among emerging adults—An exploratory study of Hikikomori in Singapore
Authors: Lin Patrick K. F. , Andrew  , Koh Alethea H. Q. , Liew Kongmeng
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Once a localized Japanese phenomenon, Hikikomori-type social withdrawal has since been observed globally in increasing numbers. However, there is a lack of research about Hikikomori in Singapore. Consequently, local variations of Hikikomori may differ from past research in Japan. Drawing on associations found in international and Japanese Hikikomori research, we explored some variables relevant and generalizable to the Singaporean context. Specifically, we examined the relationships between (1) Hikikomori risk factors, (2) social withdrawal tendencies, (3) depression and anxiety, (4) connections with family and friends, and (5) employment status.

Methods

In a cross-sectional survey study (N = 416; Mage = 24.90, SDage = 4.79; females = 236, males = 177, undisclosed = 3), participants were provided a Qualtrics link and asked to complete a questionnaire comprising the NHR scale, LSNS-6, DASS-21, ERQ, and HQ-25.

Results

We found that (a) Hikikomori risk factors positively correlated with social withdrawal tendencies and depression and anxiety but negatively correlated with support from family and friends, (b) high Hikikomori risk factors predicted high social withdrawal tendencies, (c) support from friends (one of the psychosocial factors) predicted social withdrawal tendencies together with the Hikikomori risk factors, and (d) social withdrawal tendencies moderated the relationship between Hikikomori risk factors and depression among the emerging adults in Singapore.

Conclusion

The current research findings serve as a basis for future Hikikomori research in Singapore.
A survey of systemic lupus erythematosus patients' attitudes toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in Southwest China
Authors: Chen Yanling , Chen Bo , Shen Xiaolin , Zhou Aiping , Liang Yan , Wang Ying , Chen Hong
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Vaccination is the most effective measure for prevention against infectious diseases in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, it is important to know SLE patients' attitudes toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. This study aimed to investigate the attitude toward influenza and pneumococcal vaccination among SLE patients in Southwest China and its influencing factors.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire was conducted to collect data regarding SLE patients' demographics, history of infections, medications, comorbidities, attitudes toward infection and vaccination, rates of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and role of health professionals in promoting vaccination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the vaccination willingness-associated factors.

Results

A total of 251 patients participated in the survey and 240 questionnaires were completed and statistically analyzed. The influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates were 8.3 and 1.7%, respectively. The top three reasons for non-vaccination were worrying about the SLE exacerbation or flare resulting from the vaccine or its adjuvants, being concerned about adverse events, and the lack of awareness of vaccine availability. More than half of the participants were willing to be vaccinated against influenza (56.2%) and pneumococcus (52.9%). Factors associated to the willingness to receive the influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine were being afraid of infection, believing in the efficacy of influenza vaccination, lower family income, less perceived care from family members, perceived susceptibility to pneumococcal infection, and perceiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccination as beneficial for health.

Conclusions

The influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates are low among SLE patients in Southwest China. The positive perspective of vaccination on health represented the most impacting factor on their willingness to undergo influenza and pneumococcal vaccination. Non-vaccinated patients were mainly concerned about exacerbation of the disease or adverse events caused by vaccines. It is important to improve the compliance with the guideline-recommended roles of health professionals and to promote the collaboration between rheumatology and primary care teams.
Utility estimations of different health states of patients with type I, II, and III spinal muscular atrophy in China: A mixed approach study with patient and proxy-reported data
Authors: Hu Jiahao , Zhu Lin , Bao Han , Liu Yuhan , Xing Huanping , Kang Qi , Jin Chunlin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disease. Health state utility values (HSUV) are used in health economic evaluation regarding the desirability of health outcomes such as a certain health state or change in health states over time. There is no utility data of Chinese patients with SMA.

Materials and methods

Vignettes were developed for 10 pediatric neurologists to value the utility of Chinese patients with Type I SMA. A mixed patient/proxy derived approach using EQ-5D-Y-3L, EQ-5D-3L, and CHU9D was adopted to estimate the HSUV data of patients with Type II and III SMA, including 112 patients and 301 caregivers.

Result

The utility of Type I SMA patients ranged from 0.19 to 0.72 with the health state improved from “permanent ventilation” to “walking”. The utility of children patients with Type II and III SMA derived from EQ-5D-Y-3L ranged from 0.33 to 0.82 while that derived from CHU9D ranged from 0.46 to 0.75. The utility of adult patients with Type II and III SMA measured by EQ-5D-3L ranged from 0.30 to 0.83.

Conclusion

The better health states the patients with SMA were in, the higher were the HSUV. The utilities derived from population with different age and disease subtypes were not statistically different when patients with SMA were in the same health states. We recommend further studies on the Chinese specific value set for EQ-5D-Y-3L and other PBMs for children to derive more robust utility data.
Ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in clinical physiotherapy
Authors: Fan L. J. , Liu S. , Jin T. , Gan J. G. , Wang F. Y. , Wang H. T. , Lin T.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to objectively quantify and evaluate the ergonomic risk of clinical physiotherapy practices and evaluate physiotherapists for work-related musculoskeletal disorders and pain.

Methods

Twenty-nine physiotherapists in the rehabilitation department of a large-scale tertiary hospital were recruited in this study. The sampling period lasted for 2 weeks for each physiotherapist and interval sampling was adopted to avoid duplication of cases. Therapist posture during physiotherapy was captured, tracked and analyzed in real time using structured light sensors with an automated assessment program. The quantification of ergonomic risk was based on REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and the RPE (perceived physical exertion) scores of the therapists were recorded before and after treatment, respectively.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-four clinical physiotherapy cases were recorded, of which 49.6% were high risk and 33% were very high risk, with none of the cases presenting negligible risk. The positioning (p < 0.001) of physiotherapist had a considerable impact on ergonomic risk and pediatric physiotherapy presented a higher risk to physiotherapists than adults (p < 0.001). The RPE score of physiotherapist after performing physiotherapy was greater than before physiotherapy and was positively correlated with the REBA distribution.

Conclusion

Our study creates an automatic tool to assess the ergonomic risk of physiotherapy practices and demonstrates unacceptable ergonomic risk in common practices. The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and pains recommends that rehabilitation assistance devices should be optimized and standard ergonomic courses should be included in physiotherapists' training plans.
The Effects of Dislocation Dipoles on the Failure Strength of Wrinkled Graphene from Atomistic Simulation
Authors: Akhunova Angelina Kh. , Galiakhmetova Leysan Kh. , Baimova Julia A.
Published: December 2022

This research paper studies the fracture and mechanical properties of rippled graphene containing dislocation dipoles. The atomistic simulation is performed to study the deformation behavior of pristine and defective wrinkled graphene. Graphene wrinkling considerably decreases the ultimate tensile strength of graphene with and without defects but increases the fracture strain. For graphene with the dislocation dipoles, temperature increase slightly affects mechanical properties, in contrast to graphene and graphene with Stone–Wales defect. The extremely similar slopes of the stress-strain curves for graphene with the dislocation dipoles with different arms imply that the distance between dislocations in the dipole does not have noticeable effects on the elastic modulus and strength of graphene. Defects in graphene can also affect its wrinkling; for example, preventing wrinkle formation.
Real-Time Tension Distribution Design for Cable-Driven Parallel Robot
Authors: Cao Sheng , Luo Zhiwei , Quan Changqin
Published: December 2022

In this study, we investigated dynamic control strategies for over-constrained cable-driven robots. In order to control a cable-driven robot, it is essential to address issues that arise from the restriction of cable tension, as well as to the redundancy issues that arise from an over-constrained cable-driven system. In contrast to previous research that required consideration of the relationship between tension constraints and computed control wrench in tension distribution problems, we developed a tension function that incorporates the hyperbolic tangent function, which allows tension to always satisfy tension constraints and eliminates the consideration of constraints at each step. The gradient descent method was applied to this tension function to determine an appropriate distribution of tension for the computed wrench. In order to manage tension distribution optimization for achieving objectives such as energy conservation, we provide a practical method to simultaneously realize the necessary wrench and the appropriate tension distribution. Compared with studies that focus on the complex analysis of the structure matrix to solve the tension distribution problem, the tension distribution issue is handled in a straightforward manner in our method, providing the solutions to other problems, such as discontinuity in the calculated wrench, and requirements of changing the cable’s force level during movement. The simulation results and results of comparison with other methods show the effectiveness of the method.
The Evaluation of Vehicle Vibrations Excited with a Test Plate during Technical Inspection of Vehicle Suspension
Authors: Szczypinski-Sala Wojciech , Kot Adam , Hankus Mateusz
Published: December 2022

The main aim of this article is to present the possibility of assessing the intensity of the impact of vibrations on vehicle users. During vehicle operation, many factors can have impacts on changes in the characteristics of car suspension, which can affect passenger comfort. This paper presents the results obtained from calculations based on a mathematical model, as well as from measurements during laboratory tests. The tests were performed on vehicles that differed in characteristics of damping suspension. The tests were carried out using a test stand for evaluating the effectiveness of shock absorbers in vehicles. During the tests, vibration propagations on the driver’s seat and the steering wheel were evaluated. An analysis of the amplitudes and frequencies of vibrations experienced by occupants was carried out. A method for assessing the impact of changes in the damping characteristics of a suspension system on vehicle users’ comfort during technical inspection was proposed.
Alcohol, Resistance Exercise, and mTOR Pathway Signaling: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review
Authors: Levitt Danielle , Luk Hui-Ying , Vingren Jakob
Published: December 2022

Skeletal muscle mass is determined by the balance between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and degradation. Several intracellular signaling pathways control this balance, including mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (C1). Activation of this pathway in skeletal muscle is controlled, in part, by nutrition (e.g., amino acids and alcohol) and exercise (e.g., resistance exercise (RE)). Acute and chronic alcohol use can result in myopathy, and evidence points to altered mTORC1 signaling as a contributing factor. Moreover, individuals who regularly perform RE or vigorous aerobic exercise are more likely to use alcohol frequently and in larger quantities. Therefore, alcohol may antagonize beneficial exercise-induced increases in mTORC1 pathway signaling. The purpose of this review is to synthesize up-to-date evidence regarding mTORC1 pathway signaling and the independent and combined effects of acute alcohol and RE on activation of the mTORC1 pathway. Overall, acute alcohol impairs and RE activates mTORC1 pathway signaling; however, effects vary by model, sex, feeding, training status, quantity, etc., such that anabolic stimuli may partially rescue the alcohol-mediated pathway inhibition. Likewise, the impact of alcohol on RE-induced mTORC1 pathway signaling appears dependent on several factors including nutrition and sex, although many questions remain unanswered. Accordingly, we identify gaps in the literature that remain to be elucidated to fully understand the independent and combined impacts of alcohol and RE on mTORC1 pathway signaling.
Patient-Derived Organoids: The Beginning of a New Era in Ovarian Cancer Disease Modeling and Drug Sensitivity Testing
Authors: Psilopatis Iason , Sykaras Alexandros G. , Mandrakis Georgios , Vrettou Kleio , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: December 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Despite great advances in treatment strategies, therapeutic resistance and the gap between preclinical data and actual clinical efficacy justify the necessity of developing novel models for investigating OC. Organoids represent revolutionary three-dimensional cell culture models, deriving from stem cells and reflecting the primary tissue’s biology and pathology. The aim of the current review is to study the current status of mouse- and patient-derived organoids, as well as their potential to model carcinogenesis and perform drug screenings for OC. Herein, we describe the role of organoids in the assessment of high-grade serous OC (HGSOC) cells-of-origin, illustrate their use as promising preclinical OC models and highlight the advantages of organoid technology in terms of disease modelling and drug sensitivity testing.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of Healthcare Access Measures among Women with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Akinyemiju Tomi , Joshi Ashwini , Deveaux April , Wilson Lauren E. , Chen Dandan , Meernik Clare , Bevel Malcolm , Gathings Jen , Fish Laura , Barrett Nadine , Worthy Valarie , Boyce Xiomara , Martin Keshia , Robinson Corre , Pisu Maria , Liang Margaret , Potosky Arnold , Huang Bin , Ward Kevin , Schymura Maria J. , Berchuck Andrew , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: December 2022

Several proposed theoretical frameworks have defined the complex nature of healthcare access (HCA) [...]
Mesoporous Carbon-Based Materials: A Review of Synthesis, Modification, and Applications
Authors: Mehdipour-Ataei Shahram , Aram Elham
Published: December 2022

Mesoporous carbon materials have attracted both academic and industrial interests because of their outstanding physical and chemical properties, such as high surface area, large pore-volume, good thermostability, improved mass transport, and diffusion. Mesoporous carbon materials with various pore sizes and pore structures can be synthesized via different methods. Their unique properties have made them a suitable choice for various applications, such as energy-storage batteries, supercapacitors, biosensors, fuel cells, adsorption/separation of various molecules, catalysts/catalyst support, enzyme immobilization, and drug delivery, in different fields. This review covers the fabrication techniques of mesoporous carbon structures and their typical applications in various fields and features a brief introduction of the functionalization and modification of mesoporous carbons.
Acute Coronary Syndrome: Unravelling the Biology to Identify New Therapies
Authors: Tucker Bradley , Patel Sanjay
Published: December 2022

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of presentations including unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) [...]
Multiplexed Detection of Human Papillomavirus Based on AzaBODIPY-Doped Silica-Coated Polystyrene Microparticles
Authors: Kubheka Gugu , Climent Estela , Tobias Charlie , Rurack Knut , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: December 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection can enable the early diagnosis of high-risk HPV types responsible for cervical cancer. HPV detection is also essential for investigating the clinical behavior and epidemiology of particular HPV types, characterization of study populations in HPV vaccination trials and monitoring the efficacy of HPV vaccines. In this study, two azaBODIPY dyes (1 and 2) were used as references and were doped into polystyrene particles (PS40), while a short HPV DNA single strand was used as a target molecule and was covalently bound to the silica shell. These particles were employed as optical probes in 1:1 hybridization assays, and their potential applicability as a tool for multiplex assays for the detection of different strands of HPV was evaluated using flow cytometry. A good separation in the fluorescence of the four different concentrations prepared for each dye was observed. To perform the hybridization assays, HPV18, HPV16, HPV11 and HPV6 single strands were attached to the particles through EDC-mediated coupling. The c-DNA-1-PS40 and c-DNA-2-PS40 particles exhibited low limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values for HPV11, and a narrow detection range was obtained. Multiplexed assay experiments were successfully performed for both particles, and the results proved that c-DNA-1-PS40 could potentially be used as a tool for multiplexing assays and merits further in-depth study in this context.
Entropy Interpretation of Hadamard Type Fractional Operators: Fractional Cumulative Entropy
Authors: Tarasov Vasily E.
Published: December 2022

Interpretations of Hadamard-type fractional integral and differential operators are proposed. The Hadamard-type fractional integrals of function with respect to another function are interpreted as an generalization of standard entropy, fractional entropies and cumulative entropies. A family of fractional cumulative entropies is proposed by using the Hadamard-type fractional operators.
Matter-Aggregating Low-Dimensional Nanostructures at the Edge of the Classical vs. Quantum Realm
Authors: Gadomski Adam , Kruszewska Natalia
Published: December 2022

This commentary tackles the subtle at-the-edge problem of passing locally by a mesoscopic matter-aggregating system from a classical stochastic to a quantum stochastic description. A d-dimensional entropy-productive aggregation of the matter is taken as the starting point. Then, a dimensional reduction towards a one-dimensional quantum-wire type matter-aggregation system is proposed, resulting in postponing surface-tension conditions for the effectively d = 1-dimensional quantum-wire type or nanorod-like cluster/polycrystal, which is qualitatively consistent with a physical-metallurgical (high-temperature) Louat’s grain growth model. A certain recuperative interplay based on maneuvering between subtle temperature rises applied to the system under study while maintaining its quantum character (the so-called Nelson’s quantum-stochastic procedure) within the limits of a vanishing Planck’s constant, involved in the diffusivity measure of the aggregation, is discussed. Certain applications towards the formation of d = 1-dimensional semiconductors and other nanostructures (possibly using soft materials or (bio)polymeric materials such as nanofibers) are envisioned. As a special example, one may propose a nanotechnological process which is termed the Van der Waals heteroepitaxy. The process itself contains the main quantum vs. classical crossover due to the involvement of weak repulsion (quantum) vs. attraction (treated classically) interactions, which are represented by a Lennard-Jones-type potential.
Relevance of the Uruguay and Doha Rounds in the Evolution of International Agricultural Trade: The Case Study of Latin American Countries and Continental Products
Authors: Castellano-Álvarez Francisco Javier , Robina Ramírez Rafael
Published: December 2022

This article describes the evolution of the regulation of agricultural trade and analyses key aspects of the negotiations of the Uruguay and Doha Rounds, in which the least developed countries managed to make the final outcome of the negotiations conditional on progress in the liberalisation of agricultural trade. Four Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay) participated in the lobbying groups set up in both Rounds with the aim of defending their interests against the agricultural and protectionist policies of developed countries. Using specialised databases on international trade, this paper describes the consequences of these negotiations for the foreign agricultural trade of the countries that actively participated in them, with particular reference to the evolution of European and Latin American trade balances. The results of the research show how Latin American countries have become one of the world’s main exporters of oilseeds and sugar, accounting for a third and a quarter of world exports, respectively. In contrast to the deterioration of the European trade balance, during the period analysed the aggregate trade surplus of Latin American countries increased from USD 4458.75 to 49,656.52 million.