bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and acceptability of at-home play kits for middle school physical activity promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kroshus Emily , Hafferty Kiana , Garrett Kimberly , Johnson Ashleigh M. , Webb Leighla , Bloom Andrew , Sullivan Erin , Senturia Kirsten , Tandon Pooja S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Schools are central to providing opportunities for youth physical activity (PA), however such opportunities were limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying feasible, acceptable, and effective approaches for school-based PA promotion amid pandemic-related barriers can inform resource allocation efforts in future circumstances necessitating remote instruction. The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the pragmatic, stakeholder-engaged and theory-informed approach employed to adapt one school’s PA promotion efforts to pandemic restrictions, leading to the creation of at-home “play kits” for students, and (2) assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of this intervention.

Methods

Intervention activities occurred in one middle school (enrollment: 847) located in a Federal Opportunity Zone in the Seattle, WA area, with control data from a nearby middle school (enrollment: 640). Students at the intervention school were eligible to receive a play kit during the quarter they were enrolled in physical education (PE) class. Student surveys were completed across the school year (n = 1076), with a primary outcome of days/week that the student engaged in ≥ 60 min of PA. Qualitative interviews (n = 25) were conducted with students, staff, parents, and community partners, and focused on play kit acceptability and feasibility.

Results

During remote learning play kits were received by 58% of eligible students. Among students at the intervention school only, students actively enrolled in PE (versus not enrolled) reported significantly more days with ≥ 60 min of PA in the previous week, however the comparison between schools was not statistically significant. In qualitative interviews, most students reported the play kit motivated them to participate in PA, gave them activity ideas, and made virtual PE more enjoyable. Student-reported barriers to using play kits included space (indoors and outdoors), requirements to be quiet at home, necessary but unavailable adult supervision, lack of companions to play outdoors, and inclement weather.

Conclusions

A pre-existing community organization-school partnership lent itself to a rapid response to meet student needs at a time when school staff and resources were highly constrained. The intervention developed through this collaborative response—play kits—has potential to support middle school PA during future pandemics or other conditions that necessitate remote schooling, however modifications to the intervention concept and implementation strategy may be needed to improve reach and effectiveness.
Neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and loneliness: the contribution of green space quantity and quality
Authors: Jamalishahni Tara , Turrell Gavin , Foster Sarah , Davern Melanie , Villanueva Karen
Published: March 2023

Disadvantaged areas experience higher levels of loneliness than advantaged areas, though studies rarely identify environmental determinants of neighbourhood inequity in loneliness. We studied the contribution of the quantity and quality of green space to neighbourhood inequity in loneliness in three buffer sizes (400 m, 800 m, 1600 m), using cross-sectional data from 3778 individuals aged 48–77 years old living in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Levels of loneliness were significantly higher in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and these neighbourhoods had less green space and less access to quality green space. However, there was no evidence that neighbourhood disparities in green space contributed to the association between neighbourhood disadvantage and loneliness. Possible methodological and substantive reasons for this result are discussed.
Exploring the health and sociodemographic characteristics of people seeking advice with claiming universal credit: a cross-sectional analysis of UK citizens advice data, 2017–2021
Authors: Brown Heather , Xiang Huasheng , Cheetham Mandy , Morris Steph , Gibson Marcia , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Munford Luke Aaron , Taylor-Robinson David , Finney Hannah , Bartle Victoria , Baxter Andrew J , Wickham Sophie , Craig Peter , Bambra Clare
Published: March 2023

Background

The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers Universal Credit (UC) – the main UK benefit for people in- and out-of-work. UC is being rolled out nationally from 2013 to 2024. Citizens Advice (CA) is an independent charity that provides advice and support to people making a claim for UC. The aim of this study is to understand who is seeking advice from CA when making a UC claim and how the types of people seeking advice are changing as the rollout of UC continues.

Methods

Co-developed with Citizens Advice Newcastle and Citizens Advice Northumberland we performed longitudinal analysis of national data from Citizens Advice for England and Wales on the health (mental health and limiting long term conditions) and socio-demographic of 1,003,411 observations for people seeking advice with claiming UC over four financial years (2017/18 to 2020/21). We summarised population characteristics and estimated the differences between the four financial years using population-weighted t-tests. Findings were discussed with three people with lived experience of seeking advice to claim UC to help frame our interpretation and policy recommendations.

Results

When comparing 2017/18 to 2018/19, there was a significantly higher proportion of people with limiting long term conditions seeking advice with claiming UC than those without (+ 2.40%, 95%CI: 1.31-3.50%). However, as the rollout continued between 2018/29 and 2019/20 (-6.75%, 95%CI: -9.62%--3.88%) and between 2019/20 and 2020/21 (-2.09%, 95%CI: -2.54%--1.64%), there were significantly higher proportions of those without a limiting long term condition seeking advice than with. When comparing 2018/19 to 2019/20 and 2019/20 to 2020/21, there was a significant increase in the proportion of self-employed compared to unemployed people seeking advice with claiming UC (5.64%, 95%CI: 3.79-7.49%) and (2.26%, 95%CI: 1.29-3.23%) respectively.

Conclusion

As the rollout for UC continues, it is important to understand how changes in eligibility for UC may impact on those who need help with applying for UC. Ensuring that the advice process and application process is responsive to a range of people with different needs can help to reduce the likelihood that the process of claiming UC will exacerbate health inequalities.
The indications for core decompression surgery in patients with ARCO stage I-II osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a new, comprehensive prediction system
Authors: Wei Congcong , Yang Meng , Chu Kun , Huo Jia , Chen Xiao , Liu Bo , Li Huijie
Published: March 2023

Background

Core decompression (CD) is considered the most popular treatment method for patients with Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage I-II osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, the definitive indication for CD is currently not well established.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who were diagnosed with ARCO stage I-II ONFH and who underwent CD were included. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into two groups: collapse of the femoral head after CD and noncollapse of the femoral head. Independent risk factors for the failure of CD treatment were identified. Subsequently, a new scoring system that included all these risk factors was built to help estimate the individual risk of CD failure in patients who were planning to undergo CD.

Results

The study included 1537 hips after decompression surgery. The overall failure rate of CD surgery was 52.44%. Seven independent prognostic factors for failed CD surgery were identified, such as male sex (HR = 75.449; 95% confidence interval (CI), 42.863-132.807), Aetiology (Idiopathic HR = 2.762; 95% CI, 2.016–3.788, Steroid-induced HR = 2.543; 95% CI, 1.852–3.685), if the patient had a seated occupation (HR = 3.937; 95% CI, 2.712–5.716), age (HR = 1.045; 95% CI, 1.032–1.058), haemoglobin level (HR = 0.909; 95% CI, 0.897–0.922), disease duration (HR = 1.217; 95% CI, 1.169–1.267) and the combined necrosis angle (HR = 1.025; 95% CI, 1.022–1.028). The final scoring system included these seven risk factors, and the area under the curve of this scoring system was 0.935 (95% confidential interval = 0.922–0.948).

Conclusion

This new scoring system might provide evidence-based medical proof for determining whether a patient with ARCO stage I - II ONFH might benefit from CD surgery. This scoring system is crucial for making clinical decisions. Consequently, this scoring system is recommended before CD surgery, which could help determine the potential prognosis of patients.
Short-term outcomes of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for total gastrectomy: a single-institute experience
Authors: Teng Wenhao , Liu Jingfu , Liu Wenju , Jiang Jianping , Chen Meimei , Zang Weidong
Published: March 2023

Background

The efficacy of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RLS) for total gastrectomy remains unclear. This study focused on evaluating the short-term outcomes of RLS compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for total gastrectomy.

Methods

One hundred and ten patients who underwent completed laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer between September 2018 and June 2022 were retrospectively collected and classified into two groups (65 CLS and 45 RLS) according to different operation approach. Twenty-four RLS cases underwent single-incision plus two ports laparoscopic surgery (SILS + 2) and twenty-one underwent single-incision plus one port laparoscopic surgery (SILS + 1). Surgical outcomes, pain intensity, cosmetic and postoperative morbidity, and mortality were compared between groups.

Results

The overall incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the CLS group and the RLS group (16.9% vs. 8.9%, P = 0.270). It was also comparable in the Clavien-Dindo classification (P = 0.774). However, compared with the CLS group, the RLS group had a significantly shorter total length of incision (5.6 ± 1.0 cm vs. 7.1 ± 0.7 cm, P = 0.000); shorter time to first ambulation (24.9 ± 5.9 h vs. 27.6 ± 5.0 h, P = 0.009), flatus (3.0 ± 0.8 d vs. 3.5 ± 1.0 d, P = 0.022) and oral intake (4.0 ± 1.6 d vs. 6.1 ± 5.1 d, P = 0.011); lower white blood cell count on the third day after the operation (9.8 ± 4.0*109/L vs. 11.6 ± 4.7*109/L, P = 0.037); and lower visual analogue scale score on postoperative days 1 and 3(3.0 ± 0.7 vs. 3.3 ± 0.7, P = 0.044 and 0.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.6 ± 0.6, P = 0.000 respectively). On the other hand, it didn’t find any difference in short-term outcomes between the SILS + 2 group and the SILS + 1 group (P > 0.05). But the proximal resection margin was longer in the SILS + 2 group than in the SILS + 1 group (2.6 ± 0.7 cm vs. 1.5 ± 0.9 cm, P = 0.046) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

Conclusions

RLS for total gastrectomy is a feasible and safe technique when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Moreover, compared with SILS + 1, SILS + 2 might have some advantages in AEG patients.
Design and implementation characteristics of research training for rural health professionals: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Quilliam Claire , Wong Shee Anna , Corboy Denise , Glenister Kristen , King Olivia , Mc Namara Kevin , Alston Laura , Aras Drew , Beauchamp Alison , McKinstry Carol
Published: March 2023

Background

Research capacity and capability of rural health professionals is essential to the delivery of evidence-based care and for informing strategies to address rural health inequities. Effective implementation of research education and training is fundamental to building rural health professional research capacity and capability. A lack of overarching guidance to inform the delivery of research education and training in rural health services can contribute to gaps in capacity-building approaches. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of the design and implementation of current research training for rural health professionals in Victoria, Australia, to inform a future model for rural health professional research capacity and capability building.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken. Key informants, with extensive knowledge of research education and training in rural health services in Victoria, were invited to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews via snowballing recruitment methods. Interview transcripts were analysed inductively, with themes and codes mapped to the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

Of the 40 key informants approached, 20 agreed to participate including 11 regional health service managers, five rural health academics and four university managers. Participants suggested that research training varied in quality and relevance to rural health professionals. Training costs and lack of tailoring to the rural context were key barriers, whereas experiential learning and flexible modes of delivery enabled training uptake. Health service and government policies, structures, and processes both enabled or stifled implementation opportunities, with rural health professional networks from different regions offering capacity for research training development, and government departmental structures hampering training coordination. Tension between research activities and clinical practice, and health professional knowledge and beliefs, shaped the delivery of training programs. Strategically planned and evaluated research training programs and education via co-design with rural health professionals and use of research champions were strongly recommended by participants.

Conclusions

To optimise research training for rural health professionals and increase the quality and quantity of relevant rural health research, a systematically planned, implemented, and resourced region-wide research training model is required.
Generational effect on nurses’ work values, engagement, and satisfaction in an acute hospital
Authors: Tan Si Hui Evangeline , Chin Guey Fong
Published: March 2023

Background

The present nursing workforce comprises four generational of nurses working side–by–side. While such a generation blend adds invaluable diversity to the workforce, it also brings added complexity. The study aimed to describe and summarise work values and attitudes of four nursing generations, namely Baby boomers, Generation X, Y and Z.

Method

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was adopted. A total of 778 nurses from an acute hospital in Singapore completed the online questionnaire. The Work Value and Attitude scale measuring seven constructs (Work Centrality, Non-compliance, Technology Challenge, Work life balance, leadership, Power, and Recognition) was employed for data collection.

Results

The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.714 for the overall instrument. Statistically significant differences amongst the four generations of nurses emerged in the Work Value and Attitude scale in the construct of non-compliance (p = 0.007), technology challenge (p = 0.027), work-life balance (p < 0.001), and recognition (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were noted for the rest of the constructs.

Discussion and conclusion

The findings of this study highlight that differences in work values and attitudes exist among nurses of different generations. Generation X are less likely to challenge the conventional norm and supervisors. Generation Y and Z are the most tech-savvy generations and can adapt quickly to new technology. There is also a greater emphasis on work-life balance as the generation gets younger. Generation Y and Z nurses perceived that younger nurses do not get due respect and recognition from their colleagues. Acknowledging the generational differences in work values and attitudes can facilitate nursing management to tailor strategies to improve individual and organisation performance while creating a work environment that enhances intergeneration harmony and teamwork.
Prevention of invasive ventilation (PRiVENT)—a prospective, mixed-methods interventional, multicentre study with a parallel comparison group: study protocol
Authors: Michels Julia D. , Meis Jan , Sturm Noemi , Bornitz Florian , von Schumann Selina , Weis Aline , Neetz Benjamin , Bentner Martina , Forstner Johanna , Litke Nicola , Wensing Michel , Erdmann Stella , Grobe Thomas , Frerk Timm , Kempa Axel , Neurohr Claus , Schneider Armin , Müller Michael , Herth Felix J. F. , Szecsenyi Joachim , Trudzinski Franziska C. ,   the PRiVENT-Study Group, Trudzinski Franziska Christina , Iberl Gabriele , Müller Beatrice , Biehler Elena , Fleischhhauer Thomas , Fuchs Gerhard , Qreini Markus , Schubert-Haack Janina , Klingenberg Anja , Kempa Alex , Joves Biljana , Rheinhold Andreas , Ghiani Alessandro , Lutz Nina , Walcher Swenja , Tsitouras Konstantinos , Paderewska Joanna , Briese Selina , Andritschky Christoph , Gehrig Patrick , Sugg Joachim , Hirschmann Susanne , Britsch Simone , Straub Christa , Jabbour Claude , Hahn Michael , Krebs Jörg , Graf Peter-Tobias , Denzer Petra , Fiedler Mascha O. , Bomeken Miriane , Stier Sebastian , Terboven Tom , Merle Uta , Regula Jens , Müller Jens , Oltmanns Ute , Hennersdorf Marcus , Satir Neslihan , Borst Mathias , Mayer Brigitte , Reikow Wolfgang , Kredel Markus , Frey Konstantin , Wolff Holger , Seidlitz Florian , Bientzle Stefanie , Nohé Boris , Allgäuer Sebastian , Schöpp Alexej , Schlegel Christoph , Hübner Imke , Kuzniar Andrezj , Häberle Helene , Riessen Reimer , Schempf Benjamin , Rebenschütz Ingo , Straub Andreas , Kollum Marc , Winter Markus , Hartveg Paul , Junginger Andreas , Beck Helmut , Vogel Mathias
Published: March 2023

Background

Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a standard therapy for intensive care patients with respiratory failure. With increasing population age and multimorbidity, the number of patients who cannot be weaned from IMV increases, resulting in impaired quality of life and high costs. In addition, human resources are tied up in the care of these patients.

Methods

The PRiVENT intervention is a prospective, mixed-methods interventional, multicentre study with a parallel comparison group selected from insurance claims data of the health insurer Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse Baden-Württemberg (AOK-BW) conducted in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, over 24 months. Four weaning centres supervise 40 intensive care units (ICUs), that are responsible for patient recruitment. The primary outcome, successful weaning from IMV, will be evaluated using a mixed logistic regression model. Secondary outcomes will be evaluated using mixed regression models.

Discussion

The overall objective of the PRiVENT project is the evaluation of strategies to prevent long-term IMV. Additional objectives aim to improve weaning expertise in and cooperation with the adjacent Intensive Care Units.

Trial registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05260853).
Mesenchymal stromal cells modulate infection and inflammation in the uterus and mammary gland
Authors: Schouten Iftach , Bernys-Karolys Andrés , Schneider Peleg , Dror Tal , Ofer Lior , Shimoni Chen , Nissim-Eliraz Einat , Shpigel Nahum Y. , Schlesinger Sharon
Published: March 2023

The use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is emerging as an efficacious and safe treatment for many infectious and non-infectious inflammatory diseases in human and veterinary medicine. Such use could be done to treat mastitis and metritis, which are the most common disease conditions affecting dairy cows leading to considerable economic losses and reduced animal welfare. Currently, both disease conditions are commonly treated using local and systemic administration of antibiotics. However, this strategy has many disadvantages including low cure rates and the public health hazards. Looking for alternative approaches, we investigated the properties of MSCs using in-vitro mammary and endometrial cell systems and in-vivo mastitis and metritis murine model systems. In-vitro, co-culture of mammary and uterus epithelial cells constructed with NF-kB reporter system, the master regulator of inflammation, demonstrated their anti-inflammatory effects in response to.LPS. In vivo, we challenge animals with field strains of mammary and utero pathogenic Escherichia coli and evaluated the effects of local and systemic application of MSC in the animal models. Disease outcome was evaluated using histological analysis, bacterial counts and gene expression of inflammatory markers. We show that MSC treatment reduced bacterial load in metritis and significantly modulated the inflammatory response of the uterus and mammary gland to bacterial infection. Most notably are the immune modulatory effects of remotely engrafted intravenous MSCs, which open new avenues to the development of MSC-based cell-free therapies.
AVPR2 is a potential prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mao Linwei , Pan Zhiyong , Chen Wenzhi , Hu Weiqun , Chen Xiufen , Dai Huiting
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To explore the potential of AVPR2 in the immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), thus providing insights into a novel antitumour strategy.

Methods

In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the AVPR2 gene in HNSCC using public datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. We explored the potential molecular mechanism of HNSCC in clinical prognosis and tumour immunity from the aspects of gene expression, prognosis, immune subtypes, and immune infiltration.

Results

AVPR2 expression was significantly downregulated in primary HNSCC tissue compared with normal tissue. HNSCC patients with high AVPR2 expression had a better prognosis. Moreover, the results of GSEA showed that immune subtype surface AVPR2 is involved in immune modulation. Furthermore, significant strong correlations between AVPR2 expression and infiltrating immune cells existed in HNSCC, and marker genes of infiltrating immune cells were also significantly related to AVPR2 expression in HNSCC. These results suggest that AVPR2 expression can influence the infiltration of tumour immune cells. Finally, we found that only high levels of B-cell infiltration, rather than those of other immune cells, can predict a longer overall survival in patients with HNSCC. Future studies are needed to explore the role of AVPR2 and tumour-infiltrating B cells in HNSCC.

Conclusions

The AVPR2 gene may be a prognostic biomarker of HNSCC. Moreover, AVPR2 may play a role in HNSCC immune modulation, and the regulation of tumour-infiltrating B cells by AVPR2 may be a key link.
Barriers to cancer treatment and care for people experiencing structural vulnerability: a secondary analysis of ethnographic data
Authors: Bourgeois Amber , Horrill Tara C. , Mollison Ashley , Lambert Leah K. , Stajduhar Kelli I.
Published: March 2023

Background

A key pillar of Canada’s healthcare system is universal access, yet significant barriers to cancer services remain for people impacted by structural vulnerability (e.g., poverty, homelessness, racism). For this reason, cancer is diagnosed at a later stage, resulting in worse patient outcomes, a reduced quality of life, and at a higher cost to the healthcare system. Those who face significant barriers to access are under-represented in cancer control services Consequently, these inequities result in people dying from cancers that are highly treatable and preventable, however; little is known about their treatment and care course. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to accessing cancer treatment among people experiencing structural vulnerability within a Canadian context.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of ethnographic data informed by critical theoretical perspectives of equity and social justice. The original research draws from 30 months of repeated interviews (n = 147) and 300 h of observational fieldwork with people experiencing health and social inequities at the end-of-life, their support persons, and service providers.

Results

Our analysis identified four themes presenting as ‘modifiable’ barriers to inequitable access to cancer treatment: (1) housing as a key determinant for cancer treatment (2) impact of lower health literacy (3) addressing social care needs is a pre-requisite for treatment (4) intersecting and compounding barriers reinforce exclusion from cancer care. These inter-related themes point to how people impacted by health and social inequities are at times ‘dropped’ out of the cancer system and therefore unable to access cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Findings make visible the contextual and structural factors contributing to inequitable access to cancer treatment within a publically funded healthcare system. Identifying people who experience structural vulnerability, and approaches to delivering cancer services that are explicitly equity-oriented are urgently needed.
SARS-CoV-2 viral protein Nsp2 stimulates translation under normal and hypoxic conditions
Authors: Korneeva Nadejda , Khalil Md Imtiaz , Ghosh Ishita , Fan Ruping , Arnold Thomas , De Benedetti Arrigo
Published: March 2023

When viruses like SARS-CoV-2 infect cells, they reprogram the repertoire of cellular and viral transcripts that are being translated to optimize their strategy of replication, often targeting host translation initiation factors, particularly eIF4F complex consisting of eIF4E, eIF4G and eIF4A. A proteomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2/human proteins interaction revealed viral Nsp2 and initiation factor eIF4E2, but a role of Nsp2 in regulating translation is still controversial. HEK293T cells stably expressing Nsp2 were tested for protein synthesis rates of synthetic and endogenous mRNAs known to be translated via cap- or IRES-dependent mechanism under normal and hypoxic conditions. Both cap- and IRES-dependent translation were increased in Nsp2-expressing cells under normal and hypoxic conditions, especially mRNAs that require high levels of eIF4F. This could be exploited by the virus to maintain high translation rates of both viral and cellular proteins, particularly in hypoxic conditions as may arise in SARS-CoV-2 patients with poor lung functioning.
Cotton plant part 3D segmentation and architectural trait extraction using point voxel convolutional neural networks
Authors: Saeed Farah , Sun Shangpeng , Rodriguez-Sanchez Javier , Snider John , Liu Tianming , Li Changying
Published: March 2023

Background

Plant architecture can influence crop yield and quality. Manual extraction of architectural traits is, however, time-consuming, tedious, and error prone. The trait estimation from 3D data addresses occlusion issues with the availability of depth information while deep learning approaches enable learning features without manual design. The goal of this study was to develop a data processing workflow by leveraging 3D deep learning models and a novel 3D data annotation tool to segment cotton plant parts and derive important architectural traits.

Results

The Point Voxel Convolutional Neural Network (PVCNN) combining both point- and voxel-based representations of 3D data shows less time consumption and better segmentation performance than point-based networks. Results indicate that the best mIoU (89.12%) and accuracy (96.19%) with average inference time of 0.88 s were achieved through PVCNN, compared to Pointnet and Pointnet++. On the seven derived architectural traits from segmented parts, an R2 value of more than 0.8 and mean absolute percentage error of less than 10% were attained.

Conclusion

This plant part segmentation method based on 3D deep learning enables effective and efficient architectural trait measurement from point clouds, which could be useful to advance plant breeding programs and characterization of in-season developmental traits. The plant part segmentation code is available at https://github.com/UGA-BSAIL/plant_3d_deep_learning.
A modified hybrid transport technique combined with a retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis nail for the management of distal tibial periarticular osteomyelitis and associated defects
Authors: Wang ChaoFeng , Ma Teng , Li Zhao , Wang Qian , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Huang Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

This paper aimed to propose a modified technique of bone transport. An annular frame combined with a retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis nail was used in this novel technique for treating large distal tibial periarticular osteomyelitis and associated defects.

Methods

Our team conducted a retrospective research. Forty-three patients with large distal tibial periarticular bone loss were involved in this study. Sixteen patients were treated using the modified hybrid transport technique (MHT group) while 27 were subjected to traditional bone transport (BT group). The mean bone loss was 7.8 ± 2.4 cm in the MHT group and 7.6 ± 2.6 cm in the BT group. The external fixation index, time in transport frame, self-rating anxiety scale, bone healing results and postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

The mean time in frame for the MHT group was 3.6 ± 1.5 months, while that of the BT group was 10.3 ± 2.7 months (p < 0.05). The mean external fixation index of MHT group was 0.46 ± 0.08 months/cm versus 1.38 ± 0.24 months/cm of the BT group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference for the bone healing results between the MHT and BT groups (p = 0.856). The self-rating anxiety scale and total complication incidence of the MHT group were significantly lower than that of BT patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to the traditional BT technique, our modified hybrid transport technique showed better clinical outcomes for treating large distal tibial periarticular bone loss, including less time in transport frame, lower external fixation index and complication incidence. Therefore, this modified technique should be further promoted and developed.
Percutaneous mesh-container-plasty versus percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of Kümmell's disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yimin , Qian Yunfan , Shen Guangjie , Tang Chengxuan , Zhong Xiqiang , He Shaoqi
Published: March 2023

Background

Both percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) and percutaneous mesh-container-plasty (PMCP) were important procedures for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of PKP and PMCP for the treatment of Kümmell's disease.

Methods

This study included patients with Kümmell's disease treated at our center between January 2016 and December 2019. A total of 256 patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical treatment they received. Clinical, radiological, epidemiological, and surgical data were compared between the two groups. Cement leakage, height restoration, deformity correction, and distribution were evaluated. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and short-form 36 health survey domains “role-physical” (SF-36 rp) and “bodily pain” (SF-36 bp) were calculated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 1-year postoperatively.

Results

The VAS and ODI scores improved in the PKP [preoperative: 6 (6–7), 68.75 ± 6.64; postoperative: 2 (2–3), 23.25 ± 3.50, respectively] (p < 0.05) and the PMCP [preoperative: 6 (5–7), 67.70 ± 6.50; postoperative: 2 (2–2), 22.24 ± 3.55, respectively] groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups. The mean cost in the PKP group was lower than that in the PMCP group (3697 ± 461 vs. 5255 ± 262 USD, p < 0.05). The cement distribution in the PMCP group was significantly higher than that in the PKP group (41.81 ± 8.82% vs. 33.65 ± 9.24%, p < 0.001). Cement leakage was lower in the PMCP group (23/134) than in the PKP group (35/122) (p < 0.05). The anterior vertebral body height ratio (AVBHr) and Cobb’s angle improved in the PKP (preoperative: 70.85 ± 16.62% and 17.29 ± 9.78°; postoperative: 80.28 ± 13.02% and 13.05 ± 8.40°, respectively) and PMCP (preoperative: 70.96 ± 18.01% and 17.01 ± 10.53°; postoperative: 84.81 ± 12.96% and 10.76 ± 9.23°, respectively) groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in vertebral body height recovery and segmental kyphosis improvement between the two groups.

Conclusions

PMCP had advantages over PKP in terms of pain relief and functional recovery for the treatment of Kümmell's disease. Moreover, PMCP is more effective than PKP in preventing cement leakage, increasing cement distribution, and improving vertebral height and segmental kyphosis, despite its higher cost.
Work-family interface and children's mental health: a systematic review
Authors: Bilodeau Jaunathan , Mikutra-Cencora Maya , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and the public health measures adopted to contain it have highlighted the centrality of the work-family interface in the etiology of mental health among the employed population. However, while the impact on the mental health of workers has been well documented, the relationship with the mental health of children of those workers remains to be clarified.

A systematic review was conducted through the identification of peer-reviewed studies on the association between parental work-family interface (e.g. work-family conflict and/or work-family enrichment) and children’s mental health. This method is based on the consultation of 7 databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SocIndex, Embase, and Scopus), considering all studies published through June 2022 (PROSPERO: CRD42022336058). Methodology and findings are reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. 25 of the 4146 identified studies met our inclusion criteria. Quality appraisal was performed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Most studies investigated only work-family conflict, ignoring work-family enrichment. Child mental health outcomes evaluated included internalizing behaviours (n = 11), externalizing behaviours (n = 10), overall mental health (n = 13), and problematic Internet usage (n = 1). Results of the review are summarized qualitatively. Our analysis shows equivocal evidence for the direct relationships between the work-family interface and children’s mental health, as a large proportion of associations did not reach statistical significance. We can, however, posit that work-family conflict seems to be more associated with children’s mental health problems while work-family enrichment was more related to children’s positive mental health. A greater proportion of significant associations are observed for internalizing behaviors compared to externalizing behaviors. Almost all the studies that test for a mediating effect found that parental characteristics and parental mental health are significant mediators.

Our research provides insight into the complex association between work-family interface and child mental health, showing both beneficial and detrimental consequences that may even occur simultaneously. This highlights the far-reaching effects of contexts affecting the work-family interface, including the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude with the need for research adopting more standardized and nuanced measures of the work-family interface to further validate these conclusions.
Protein disulfide-isomerase A4 confers glioblastoma angiogenesis promotion capacity and resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy
Authors: Tu Zewei , Wang Chong , Hu Qing , Tao Chuming , Fang Zhansheng , Lin Li , Lei Kunjian , Luo Min , Sheng Yilei , Long Xiaoyan , Li Jingying , Wu Lei , Huang Kai , Zhu Xingen
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Increasing evidence has revealed the key activity of protein disulfide isomerase A4 (PDIA4) in the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) response. However, the role of PDIA4 in regulating glioblastoma (GBM)-specific pro-angiogenesis is still unknown.

Methods

The expression and prognostic role of PDIA4 were analyzed using a bioinformatics approach and were validated in 32 clinical samples and follow-up data. RNA-sequencing was used to search for PDIA4-associated biological processes in GBM cells, and proteomic mass spectrum (MS) analysis was used to screen for potential PDIA4 substrates. Western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure the levels of the involved factors. Cell migration and tube formation assays determined the pro-angiogenesis activity of PDIA4 in vitro. An intracranial U87 xenograft GBM animal model was constructed to evaluate the pro-angiogenesis role of PDIA4 in vivo.

Results

Aberrant overexpression of PDIA4 was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with GBM, although PDIA4 could also functionally regulate intrinsic GBM secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) through its active domains of Cys-X-X-Cys (CXXC) oxidoreductase. Functionally, PDIA4 exhibits pro-angiogenesis activity both in vitro and in vivo, and can be upregulated by ERS through transcriptional regulation of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). The XBP1/PDIA4/VEGFA axis partially supports the mechanism underlying GBM cell survival under ER stress. Further, GBM cells with higher expression of PDIA4 showed resistance to antiangiogenic therapy in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed the pro-angiogenesis role of PDIA4 in GBM progression and its potential impact on GBM survival under a harsh microenvironment. Targeting PDIA4 might help to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in patients with GBM.
Impact of the route of adrenaline administration in patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on 30-day survival with good neurological outcome (ETIVIO study)
Authors: Monaco Tobias , Fischer Matthias , Michael Mark , Hubar Iryna , Westenfeld Ralf , Rauch Stefan , Gräsner Jan-Thorsten , Bernhard Michael
Published: March 2023

Background

Over the past decades, international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have changed the recommendation for alternative routes for drug administration. Until now, evidence for the substantial superiority of one route with respect to treatment outcome after CPR has been lacking. The present study compares the effects of intravenous (IV), intraosseous (IO) and endotracheal (ET) adrenaline application during CPR in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) on clinical outcomes within the database of the German Resuscitation Registry (GRR).

Methods

This registry analysis was based on the GRR cohort of 212,228 OHCA patients between 1989 and 2020. Inclusion criteria were: OHCA, application of adrenaline, and out-of-hospital CPR. Excluded from the study were patients younger than 18 years, those who had trauma or bleeding as suspected causes of cardiac arrest, and incomplete data sets. The clinical endpoint was hospital discharge with good neurological outcome [cerebral performance category (CPC) 1/2]. Four routes of adrenaline administration were compared: IV, IO, IO + IV, ET + IV. Group comparisons were done using matched-pair analysis and binary logistic regression.

Results

In matched-pair group comparisons of the primary clinical outcome hospital discharge with CPC 1/2, the IV group (n = 2416) showed better results compared to IO (n = 1208), [odds ratio (OR): 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54–3.84, p < 0.01] and when comparing IV (n = 8706) to IO + IV (n = 4353), [OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.12–1.59, p < 0.01]. In contrast, no significant difference was found between IV (n = 532) and ET + IV (n = 266), [OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.55–2.90, p = 0.59]. Concurrently, binary logistic regression yielded a highly significant effect of vascular access type (χ² = 67.744(3), p < 0.001) on hospital discharge with CPC1/2, with negative effects for IO (regression coefficient (r.c.) = − 0.766, p = 0.001) and IO + IV (r.c. = − 0.201, p = 0,028) and no significant effect for ET + IV (r.c. = 0.117, p = 0.770) compared to IV.

Conclusions

The GRR data, collected over a period of 31 years, seem to emphasize the relevance of an IV access during out-of-hospital CPR, in the event that adrenaline had to be administered. IO administration of adrenaline might be less effective. ET application, though removed in 2010 from international guidelines, could gain importance as an alternative route again.
Impact on the ability of healthcare professionals to correctly identify patient-ventilator asynchronies of the simultaneous visualization of estimated muscle pressure curves on the ventilator display: a randomized study (Pmus study)
Authors: Silva Daniel Oliveira , de Souza Patrícia Nery , de Araujo Sousa Mayson Laercio , Morais Caio Cesar Araujo , Ferreira Juliana Carvalho , Holanda Marcelo Alcantara , Yamaguti Wellington Pereira , Junior Laerte Pastore , Costa Eduardo Leite Vieira
Published: March 2023

Background

Patient-ventilator asynchronies are usually detected by visual inspection of ventilator waveforms but with low sensitivity, even when performed by experts in the field. Recently, estimation of the inspiratory muscle pressure (Pmus) waveforms through artificial intelligence algorithm has been proposed (Magnamed®, São Paulo, Brazil). We hypothesized that the display of these waveforms could help healthcare providers identify patient-ventilator asynchronies.

Methods

A prospective single-center randomized study with parallel assignment was conducted to assess whether the display of the estimated Pmus waveform would improve the correct identification of asynchronies in simulated clinical scenarios. The primary outcome was the mean asynchrony detection rate (sensitivity). Physicians and respiratory therapists who work in intensive care units were randomized to control or intervention group. In both groups, participants analyzed pressure and flow waveforms of 49 different scenarios elaborated using the ASL-5000 lung simulator. In the intervention group the estimated Pmus waveform was displayed in addition to pressure and flow waveforms.

Results

A total of 98 participants were included, 49 per group. The sensitivity per participant in identifying asynchronies was significantly higher in the Pmus group (65.8 ± 16.2 vs. 52.94 ± 8.42, p < 0.001). This effect remained when stratifying asynchronies by type.

Conclusions

We showed that the display of the Pmus waveform improved the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize patient-ventilator asynchronies by visual inspection of ventilator tracings. These findings require clinical validation.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NTC05144607. Retrospectively registered 3 December 2021.
Different effects of cardiometabolic syndrome on brain age in relation to gender and ethnicity
Authors: Kang Sung Hoon , Liu Mengting , Park Gilsoon , Kim Sharon Y. , Lee Hyejoo , Matloff William , Zhao Lu , Yoo Heejin , Kim Jun Pyo , Jang Hyemin , Kim Hee Jin , Jahanshad Neda , Oh Kyumgmi , Koh Seong-Beom , Na Duk L. , Gallacher John , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Seo Sang Won , Kim Hosung
Published: March 2023

Background

A growing body of evidence shows differences in the prevalence of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) and dementia based on gender and ethnicity. However, there is a paucity of information about ethnic- and gender-specific CMS effects on brain age. We investigated the different effects of CMS on brain age by gender in Korean and British cognitively unimpaired (CU) populations. We also determined whether the gender-specific difference in the effects of CMS on brain age changes depending on ethnicity.

Methods

These analyses used de-identified, cross-sectional data on CU populations from Korea and United Kingdom (UK) that underwent brain MRI. After propensity score matching to balance the age and gender between the Korean and UK populations, 5759 Korean individuals (3042 males and 2717 females) and 9903 individuals from the UK (4736 males and 5167 females) were included in this study. Brain age index (BAI), calculated by the difference between the predicted brain age by the algorithm and the chronological age, was considered as main outcome and presence of CMS, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, obesity, and underweight was considered as a predictor. Gender (males and females) and ethnicity (Korean and UK) were considered as effect modifiers.

Results

The presence of T2DM and hypertension was associated with a higher BAI regardless of gender and ethnicity (p < 0.001), except for hypertension in Korean males (p = 0.309). Among Koreans, there were interaction effects of gender and the presence of T2DM (p for T2DM*gender = 0.035) and hypertension (p for hypertension*gender = 0.046) on BAI in Koreans, suggesting that T2DM and hypertension are each associated with a higher BAI in females than in males. In contrast, among individuals from the UK, there were no differences in the effects of T2DM (p for T2DM*gender = 0.098) and hypertension (p for hypertension*gender = 0.203) on BAI between males and females.

Conclusions

Our results highlight gender and ethnic differences as important factors in mediating the effects of CMS on brain age. Furthermore, these results suggest that ethnic- and gender-specific prevention strategies may be needed to protect against accelerated brain aging.
PSMD2 contributes to the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by repressing autophagy
Authors: Liu Yachen , Wu Meng , Xu Shuxiang , Niu Xiangjie , Liu Weiling , Miao Chuanwang , Lin Ai , Xu Yang , Yu Lili
Published: March 2023

Background

The ubiquitin–proteasome and autophagy-lysosomal systems collaborate in regulating the levels of intracellular proteins. Dysregulation of protein homeostasis is a central feature of malignancy. The gene encoding 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 (PSMD2) of the ubiquitin–proteasome system is an oncogene in various types of cancer. However, the detailed role of PSMD2 in autophagy and its relationship to tumorigenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unknown. In the present study, we have investigated the tumor-promoting roles of PSMD2 in the context of autophagy in ESCC.

Methods

Molecular approaches including DAPgreen staining, 5-Ethynyl-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (EdU), cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), colony formation, transwell assays, and cell transfection, xenograft model, immunoblotting and Immunohistochemical analysis were used to investigate the roles of PSMD2 in ESCC cells. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantification proteomics analysis and rescue experiments were used to study the roles of PSMD2 in ESCC cells.

Results

We demonstrate that the overexpression of PSMD2 promotes ESCC cell growth by inhibiting autophagy and is correlated with tumor progression and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. DIA quantification proteomics analysis shows a significant positive correlation between argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) and PSMD2 levels in ESCC tumors. Further studies indicate that PSMD2 activates the mTOR pathway by upregulating ASS1 to inhibit autophagy.

Conclusions

PSMD2 plays an important role in repressing autophagy in ESCC, and represents a promising biomarker to predict prognosis and a therapeutic target of ESCC patients.