bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving a Representative Sample of Asian Americans in Biomedical Research Through Community-Based Approaches: Comparing Demographic Data in the All of Us Research Program With the American Community Survey
Authors: Randal Fornessa T. , Lozano Paula , Qi Siya , Maene Chieko , Shah Sameep , Mo Yicklun , Ratsimbazafy Francis , Boerwinkle Eric , Cicek Mine , Clark Cheryl R. , Cohn Elizabeth , Gebo Kelly , Loperena Roxana , Mayo Kelsey , Mockrin Stephen , Ohno-Machado Lucila , Schully Sheri , Ramirez Andrea H. , Aschebrook-Kilfoy Briseis , Ahsan Habibul , Lam Helen , Kim Karen E.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Underrepresented persons are often not included in biomedical research. It is unknown if the general Asian American population is being represented in All of Us. The purpose of this study was to compare the Asian demographic data in the All of Us cohort with the Asian nationally representative data from the American Community Survey.

Method:

Demographic characteristics and health literacy of Asians in All of Us were examined. Findings were qualitatively compared with the Asian data in the 2019 American Community Survey 1-year estimate.

Results:

Compared with the national composition of Asians, less All of Us participants were born outside the United States (64% vs 79%), were younger, and had higher levels of education (76% vs 52%). Over 60% of All of Us participants reported high levels of health literacy.

Conclusion:

This study had implications for the development of strategies that ensure diverse populations are represented in biomedical research.
COVID-19 Concerns, Perceived Stress, and Increased Alcohol Use Among Adult Women in the United States
Authors: Grigsby Timothy J. , Howard Krista , Howard Jeffrey T. , Perrotte Jessica
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to assess the direct and indirect (via perceived stress) effects of different types of pandemic-related concerns and increased alcohol use among adult women in the United States (US). We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from April 2020 for adult females in the US who use alcohol ( n = 1,089). The indirect effect model accounted for 19% of the variance in perceived stress and 8% of the variance in reporting increased alcohol use compared to no change or decreased use. Path analysis results indicated that concerns about isolation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.013–1.046), job/finances (OR = 1.025, 95% CI = 1.007–1.065), basic needs (OR = 1.021, 95% CI = 1.008–1.047), and concerns about government (OR = 1.038, 95% CI = 1.014–1.179]) were significantly related to reporting increased alcohol use through perceived stress. These findings can inform timely public health interventions to minimize alcohol-related harm among women.
Deflection assessment of prestressed steel-concrete–steel sandwich panel: experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Yan Meng , Wang Lianguang , Chen Bailing , Gao Haiyang
Published: November 2022

A steel-concrete-steel sandwich panel with prestressed reinforcement was developed, named prestressed steel-concrete–steel sandwich panel. Nine specimens where the loading mode, top steel plate thickness, spacing of connectors and prestressed reinforcement arrangement were varied were experimentally tested to explore the failure mode, ultimate strength, ductility and deflection of the structure. The results show that prestressing enhanced the ultimate strength and ductility of the structure. Finite element analysis predictions were consistent with test results in terms of crack characteristics, load-displacement curve and ultimate strength. Deflection prediction analysis of the prestressed panels was also developed based on variational theory which provided good agreement with the finite element results.
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model to predict drug concentrations and intraocular pressure lowering effect for a bimatoprost six-month slow-release system
Authors: Kompella Rohini , Patil Madhoosudan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Ophthalmic drug product development and dosing regimen selection depend on animal eye drug concentration-effect relationships since human eye tissues cannot be sampled for drug quantification. This study hypothesized that a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) mathematical model developed based on dog studies can be applied to the human eye of different ages, based on physiological parameter adjustment, to predict drug concentrations and effects in response to a new 6-month slow-release, intracameral, intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering, anti-glaucoma bimatoprost implant.

Methods

Using previously reported dog concentration-effect relationship data at various doses, and the physiological parameters of dog eye, a PK-PD model was designed to predict dog aqueous humor drug concentrations and IOP lowering effects simultaneously for a given dose. After validating the model using the dog IOP data, it was applied to the human eye.

Results

Using a drug release rate constant of 0.0002 h−1, the model predicted the dog IOP lowering effect with an error less than 6% or less at various doses (Observed = 0.91*Predicted + 2.35; R2 = 0.98). Considering literature reported aqueous humor volumes and flow rates in old (over 60 years) and young (20 to 30 years) humans, aqueous humor elimination rate constant was estimated to be 0.9 and 0.68 h−1, respectively. The model when modified using the older human eye parameters, predicted the IOP lowering effects reported in a clinical trial with 63-year-old adults, with an error of 6.2% or less. The model, when used for young adult eye not previously tested in clinical trials, predicted lower drug concentrations and effects, possibly due to 54% higher aqueous humor volume relative to older adults. The model predicted an IOP reduction of 26.3 and 30.6%, at 10 and 15 microgram doses, respectively, in young adults.

Conclusions

The PK-PD model developed is useful for product design and patient dosing by predicting eye drug concentration and effect time-courses in response to implant administration at various doses, frequencies, and release rates.
Field experimental tests and analyses of suspension frame vibration of low-medium speed maglev train
Authors: Ou Fengyu , Liao Xiaokang , Yi Cai , Chen Zili , Lin Jianhui
Published: November 2022

Pushed by social demands, China has continuously developed its low-medium speed maglev transportation systems in recent decades. However, with the increase of the running mileage of the train, high frequency vibration of suspension frame gradually appears. In this paper, a method to analyze the high frequency vibration of suspension frame by detecting the current of traction motor is proposed. Field measurements of suspension frame vibration and traction motor current of low-medium maglev train were conducted on a maglev line that has been commercially put into operation. The test results show that the speed of the measured maglev train was closely correlated with vibration accelerations of the suspension frame in three directions, but as the speed increased, the influence it imposed on the suspension frame vibration waned. The dominant frequency of traction motor resultant current was consistent with the dominant frequency of the suspension frame vibration acceleration. The switching frequency of traction inverter was the main cause of high frequency vibration of suspension frame.
Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aorta Floating Thrombus in a Patient with Recurrent Peripheral Embolization and COVID-19
Authors: Giannetta Matteo , Mazzaccaro Daniela , Righini Paolo , Nano Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To present stent-graft treatment of floating thrombus in the abdominal aorta. A review of the literature about aortic floating thrombus (AFT) was also performed.

Case report

A 56-year-old female with no risk factors for vascular disease but with history of a mild COVID-19 infection in the previous month, for which she had started anticoagulant therapy at a prophylactic dosage, developed an acute ischemia of the lower limbs and was diagnosed with floating thrombosis of the abdominal aorta. The thrombus was excluded from the aortic blood flow by deployment of a stent-graft in the abdominal aorta. At 12 months, the patient was well, and the thrombus in the abdominal aorta appears to be completely excluded by the stent-graft. A review of the available literature from 1980 to 2022 showed 74 cases of AFT located in the aortic arch, in the descending thoracic and in the abdominal aorta. In most cases the AFT involved the aortic arch (38/74, 51.3%) and/or the descending thoracic aorta (30/74, 40.5%), while the abdominal aorta was involved in 6 cases. In 2 of these 6 cases, the patients had a COVID-19 infection. The AFT was mostly approached either medically with anticoagulation/systemic thrombolysis (32/74, 43.2%) or with surgical removal (31/74, 41.9%), while endovascular coverage of the thrombus with an endograft was performed in 6 cases of AFT located in the aortic arch and in the descending thoracic aorta (3 cases each).

Conclusion

There is no consensus about the optimal treatment of AFT. In selected cases, abdominal stent-grafts may be used for stabilization and exclusion of symptomatic abdominal aorta floating thrombosis to prevent progression and recurrent embolization.
A Pilot Machine Learning Study Using Trauma Admission Data to Identify Risk for High Length of Stay
Authors: Stonko David P. , Weller Jennine H. , Gonzalez Salazar Andres J. , Abdou Hossam , Edwards Joseph , Hinson Jeremiah , Levin Scott , Byrne James P. , Sakran Joseph V. , Hicks Caitlin W. , Haut Elliott R. , Morrison Jonathan J , Kent Alistair J.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Trauma patients have diverse resource needs due to variable mechanisms and injury patterns. The aim of this study was to build a tool that uses only data available at time of admission to predict prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods

Data was collected from the trauma registry at an urban level one adult trauma center and included patients from 1/1/2014 to 3/31/2019. Trauma patients with one or fewer days LOS were excluded. Single layer and deep artificial neural networks were trained to identify patients in the top quartile of LOS and optimized on area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC). The predictive performance of the model was assessed on a separate test set using binary classification measures of accuracy, precision, and error.

Results

2953 admitted trauma patients with more than one-day LOS were included in this study. They were 70% male, 60% white, and averaged 47 years-old (SD: 21). 28% were penetrating trauma. Median length of stay was 5 days (IQR 3-9). For prediction of prolonged LOS, the deep neural network achieved an AUROC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.786-0.814) specificity was 0.95, sensitivity was 0.32, with an overall accuracy of 0.79.

Conclusion

Machine learning can predict, with excellent specificity, trauma patients who will have prolonged length of stay with only physiologic and demographic data available at the time of admission. These patients may benefit from additional resources with respect to disposition planning at the time of admission.
Chinese Gold-Farming in the 2000s: Worker Empowerment and Local Development Through Video Games-Based Digital Labor
Authors: Chew Matthew Ming-tak
Published: November 2022

This study investigates how gold-farming contributed to worker empowerment and local development in China in the 2000s. Adopting a critical development studies perspective, I appraise the positive social impact of gold-farming but also explicate how it is constrained by the capitalist economic and authoritarian political contexts. I find that gold-farming offered workers informational mobility and low-overhead entrepreneurship opportunities and that it created employment and enhanced social order in marginalized localities. But it provided only slightly better wages and work conditions than the average Chinese factory. A major reason was exploitation by global capitalist corporations and local officials. My primary dataset was collected between 2005 and 2008 from participant observation and interviewing in three gold farms, multiple and in-depth interviews of over 40 insiders, and online documentary sources.
The ability of triangular prism drill collar BHA to prevent and correct deviation in drilling
Authors: Yin Hu , Yin WenFeng , Li Qian
Published: November 2022

A new bottom hole assembly (BHA) with a triangular prism drill collar and a flexible joint was developed to enhance the BHA’s ability of deviation prevention and correction in drilling. The deformation of the conventional BHA and the triangular prism drill collar BHA under working loads were simulated by finite element method. The result showed that the ability of the triangular prism drill collar BHA to prevent deviation in vertical well was superior to that of the conventional BHA and the triangular prism drill collar BHA had some certain ability to correct deviation in deviated well. The flexible joint length had an effect on the performance of the triangular prism drill collar BHA: when the length of the flexible joint was less than 6 m, the shorter the flexible joint length, the better the deviation prevention ability in vertical well, when the length of the flexible joint was within the range of 9–12 m, the longer the flexible joint length, the better the deviation correction ability in deviated well. Different kinds of BHAs were used in single well and adjacent well for field contrast test. The result showed that in anti-deflection fast drilling, the triangular prism drill collar BHA had excellent deviation prevention ability and it was helpful to get straight and smooth well track.
Accomplishing Reality Media: The Affective Lure of Online Crime Discussions
Authors: Hannerz Erik , Burcar Alm Veronika , Wästerfors David
Published: November 2022

Drawing from interviews with posters and an analysis of a dozen discussion threads on the Swedish online discussion forum Flashback, this article sets out to investigate the dramatization of crime news from the point of view of the participants themselves. Analyzing both the online discussions and the articulated motivations and activities of the posters, this article focuses on how participants in these crime discussion threads come together around an epistemic quest for the truth, but also how discussions are ritualized so as to give rise to a collective effervescence and unity when the epistemic drama is perceived to have been resolved, and the truth is revealed to the wider public. Accordingly, this article seeks to remedy a gap in the previous research on online crime discussions by focusing less on the investigative aspects of such work – for example, how participants collaborate to solve crimes – and more on the symbolic and affective aspects of the dramatization of these discussions of crime. What is at the forefront is thus how participants make sense of their engagement and experience of these online discussions, rather than the actual criminal case. To refer to this as an epistemic drama is to highlight how activities, ideals and identities are ordered and sequenced through a ritualization of collective online participation, but also how it involves the establishment of (1) a particular predicament, (2) a collective objective, and (3) ultimately some sort of perceived emotional climax related to solving this predicament through the collective objective.
Impact of Infusion Set Materials and Designs on the Subcutaneous Response in People With Diabetes: A Rapid Review of the Literature
Authors: Hendel Kristoffer , Stumpe Tobias , Ozer Kerem
Published: November 2022

Insulin infusion sets (IISs) are an integral and intricate part of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for subjects with type 1 diabetes, infusing insulin from pump to the subcutaneous space. Insulin infusion sets interface with the skin surface, the dermis, and the subcutaneous space and may be the cause of infusion failure due to biological events or mechanical problems. Novel IISs with extended wear time and anti-inflammatory properties to mitigate these issues are described in the literature although material-tissue interactions are poorly understood. This rapid review focuses on the impact of IIS materials and designs on the subcutaneous response in people with diabetes and includes literature identified in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Twenty-one studies were identified for qualitative synthesis that encompassed a limited and heterogenic body of evidence including 10 clinical reports, six reviews, one case report, two abstracts, and two communications. Two clinical reports were randomized crossover studies. Reports on materials mostly compared steel versus polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) cannulas and suggested no substantial difference in tissue response to these materials. Reports on designs focused mostly on the angle of cannula insertion. To drive and improve research on extended wear and nonimmunogenic IISs, future studies should focus on material-tissue interaction as dedicated outcome measures, quantified with punch biopsy and imaging techniques such as ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and confocal reflectance microscopy. Original studies are required to further a field too young for a systematic meta-analysis.
Sacral schwannoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cuesta Juan Pablo , Rodríguez Laura Cristina , Bastidas Nicolás , Hernández Michel
Published: November 2022

Schwannomas are tumors of the macroglia cells, most frequently localized to the brain, in the pontocerebellar angle. We present the case of a 53 year-old female patient who presented multiple times with diffuse abdominal pain and was initially diagnosed as having a complex right adnexal mass. Exploratory laparotomy found a retroperitoneal mass and later on, the presence of a sacral schwannoma was found, suspected initially on contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, and confirmed by means of lesional biopsy and histopathology. This is a rare and unusual presentation accounting for only 5% of this tumor location and poses a challenge for imaging diagnosis, directly impacting the approach to the patient and any future interventions. There are few reports in the literature about giant sacral schwannomas, but these tumors have been found to extend within the spinal space towards the vertebral space, even occupying part of the abdomen. Hence, the importance of recognizing the presence of this tumor as well as its imaging features.
eHealth literacy of patients attending a primary care clinic in Malaysia and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wong Swee Shiuan , Lim Hooi Min , Chin Adrian Jian Zhi , Chang Felicia Wen Si , Yip Kah Chun , Teo Chin Hai , Abdullah Adina , Ng Chirk Jenn
Published: November 2022

Background

People are overloaded with online health information (OHI) of variable quality. eHealth literacy is important for people to acquire and appraise reliable information to make health-related decisions. While eHealth literacy is widely studied in developed countries, few studies have been conducted among patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objective

We aimed to determine the level of eHealth literacy in patients attending a primary care clinic in Malaysia and its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in an urban primary care clinic. We used a systematic random sampling method to select patients aged 18 years and above who attended the clinic. The eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS) was used to measure eHealth literacy.

Results

A total of 381 participants were included. The mean eHEALS was 24.4 ± 7.6. The eHEALS statements related to skills in appraising OHI were scored lower than statements related to looking for online resources. Higher education level of attending upper secondary school (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.05–6.11), tertiary education (AOR 4.05, 95% CI 1.60–10.25), higher monthly household income of >US$470 (AOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.07–3.56), and those who had sought OHI in the past month (AOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.13–3.36) were associated with a higher eHealth literacy level.

Conclusions

This study found a low eHealth literacy level among primary care patients in Malaysia. While the patients were confident in searching for OHI, they lacked skills in appraising them. Our findings inform the interventions for improving eHealth literacy in LMICs, especially educating the public about OHI appraisal.
Clinical Outcome of Sacroiliac Rod Fixation for Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis Rommens and Hoffman Classification Type IVb: Case Series
Authors: Gamada Hisanori , Yanagisawa Yohei , Teruya Shotaro , Eda Yusuke , Nakagawa Tsukasa , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP), generally involving Rommens and Hoffman classification type IVb (H-shaped) requires spinopelvic fixation (SPF). We report the clinical outcome of sacroiliac rod fixation (SIRF) for FFP type IVb in a case series.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective observational study, six patients (mean age, 80.3 years; range, 74-85 years) with FFP type IVb who underwent SIRF since October 2019 and could be followed up for ≥1 year postoperatively were included. All patients were injured in low-energy falls, a patient had a femoral neck fracture, and other had a humeral neck fracture and distal radius fracture.

Results

The mean (range) operative time was 135 (98-200) min, and mean blood loss was 103 (80-130) g. All patients achieved bone union in an average of 4.3 months. No implant failure or surgical site infection requiring reoperation occurred. No patient complained of iliac screw irritation or requested removal. One patient developed a T12 vertebral fracture at 3 weeks postoperatively. The mean final follow-up period was 17.8 months (13-22 months) and mean final modified Majeed Score (maximum 76 points as the items “work” and “sexual intercourse” were omitted for this study) was 71.7 (56-76).

Conclusions

SIRF is a less invasive surgical technique than SPF that uses only an S1 pedicle screw and iliac screw. SIRF using the “within ring” concept showed good clinical outcome in FFP type IVb.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Anti-Asian Racism & Violence in the 21st Century
Authors: Lim Hyeyoung , Lee Claire Seungeun , Kim Chunrye
Published: November 2022

Since the beginning of the 21st century, we have experienced major pandemics and epidemics. However, we believe the COVID-19 pandemic was the first time a certain racial/ethnic group or nationality was blamed for the pandemic/epidemic. Anti-Asian racism and violence worldwide are not new, but they are on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the crimes against Asians during the pandemic received substantial media attention, there has been a paucity of empirical research in social science that addresses xenophobic sentiments, racism, and violence against Asians. To bridge the gap, the Korean Society of Criminology in America (KOSCA) invited papers to address the current global issue of anti-Asian racism and violence in mid2021. It was challenging to conduct empirical research because of the lack of data availability, time restrictions, and the narrowed research scope (e.g., Asians). This editorial introduction introduces six articles in this Special Issue of Race and Justice, “Anti-Asian Racism & Violence.” We call for further, continuous attention to anti-Asian racism and violence, and we hope this special issue creates more scholarly discussion on this understudied, often-neglected topic.
Comparative analysis of core and perfusion lesion volumes between commercially available computed tomography perfusion software
Authors: Suomalainen Olli P , Martinez-Majander Nicolas , Sibolt Gerli , Bäcklund Katariina , Järveläinen Juha , Korvenoja Antti , Tiainen Marjaana , Forss Nina , Curtze Sami
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging has become an important tool in evaluating acute recanalization treatment candidates. Large clinical trials have successfully used RAPID automated imaging analysis software for quantifying ischemic core and penumbra, yet other commercially available software vendors are also on the market. We evaluated the possible difference in ischemic core and perfusion lesion volumes and the agreement rate of target mismatch between OLEA, MIStar, and Syngo.Via versus RAPID software in acute recanalization treatment candidates.

Patients and methods:

All consecutive stroke-code patients with baseline CTP RAPID imaging at Helsinki University Hospital during 8/2018–9/2021 were included. Ischemic core was defined as cerebral blood flow <30% than the contralateral hemisphere and within the area of delay time (DT) >3s with MIStar. Perfusion lesion volume was defined as DT > 3 s (MIStar) and Tmax > 6 s with all other software. A perfusion mismatch ratio of ⩾1.8, a perfusion lesion volume of ⩾15 mL, and ischemic core <70 mL was defined as target mismatch. The mean pairwise differences of the core and perfusion lesion volumes between software were calculated using the Bland-Altman method and the agreement of target mismatch between software using the Pearson correlation.

Results:

A total of 1606 patients had RAPID perfusion maps, 1222 of which had MIStar, 596 patients had OLEA, and 349 patients had Syngo.Via perfusion maps available. Each software was compared with simultaneously analyzed RAPID software. MIStar showed the smallest core difference compared with RAPID (−2 mL, confidence interval (CI) from −26 to 22), followed by OLEA (2 mL, CI from −33 to 38). Perfusion lesion volume differed least with MIStar (4 mL, CI from −62 to 71) in comparison with RAPID, followed by Syngo.Via (6 mL, CI from −94 to 106). MIStar had the best agreement rate with target mismatch of RAPID followed by OLEA and Syngo.Via.

Discussion and conclusion:

Comparison of RAPID with three other automated imaging analysis software showed variance in ischemic core and perfusion lesion volumes and in target mismatch.
Factors Related to the Inconstancy of Sustentaculum Tali Fragments in Intra-Articular Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Park Chul-Hyun , Choi Hongjoon , Park Jeongjin
Published: November 2022

Category:

Trauma

Introduction/Purpose:

Since intra-articular fractures are common in calcaneus fractures, anatomical reduction is important. Several ligaments such as spring ligament and deltoid ligament are attached to the Sustentaculum tali (ST). It is known that ST fragment is constant in calcaneus fracture. However, few studies have been reported to prove this. Therefore, we studied to establish criteria for the inconstancy of ST fragments through the analysis of computed tomography (CT) of the unaffected calcaneus, to confirm the prevalence of ST fragment inconstancy by applying these criteria, and to analyze the factors related to the inconstancy of the ST fragment.

Methods:

From 2012 to 2020, CT scans of calcaneus fractures of 122 patients (101 men and 21 women) were taken, and angulation and diastasis of ST fragment were measured in the semi-coronal plane. As a control, angulation and diastasis were measured in 62 unaffected calcaneus. After establishing criteria for the inconstancy of ST fragments, we evaluated the prevalence of ST fragment inconstancy. After, we analyzed related factors. Patient factors included age, BMI, smoking, and diabetes. Radiographic factors included the degree of comminution of the posterior facet, location of the outermost fracture line of the posterior facet, presence of an intra-articular fracture of the ST, and width of the ST fragment.

Results:

The upper limit of the 95% CI of angulation and diastasis was 7.58° and 2.51 mm, respectively. Based on these criteria, the inconstancy of the ST fragment was observed in 34.5%. The width of the ST fragment was significantly smaller in the inconstant group. Severe comminution of the posterior facet, intra-articular fracture of the ST, and diabetes were significantly higher in the inconstant group. The inconstancy of the ST fragment was significantly associated with the width of the ST fragment (p < 0.001) (Table 1). Cut-off values for the inconstancy of the ST fragment were 20.5 mm for the width of the ST fragment.

Conclusion:

In intra-articular calcaneal fractures, ST fragment inconstancy was observed in 34.5%. The width of the ST fragment was significantly associated with the inconstancy of the ST fragment.
Outcomes of Bone Graft for Periprosthetic Osteolysis after Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Park Kwang Hwan , Yoon Yeokwon , Park Jae Han , Han Seung Hwan , Lee Jin Woo
Published: November 2022

Category:

Ankle Arthritis

Introduction/Purpose:

Periprosthetic osteolysis after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a substantial problem. It has potential to affect implant survival. To prevent implant failure, it is important to decide an appropriate timing of surgical intervention such as bone graft. We report our outcomes of bone graft for osteolysis after TAA.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated our consecutive series of 470 primary TAAs performed between May 2004 and August 2019 and identified those who received operative management for periprosthetic osteolysis. A total of 43 bone graft procedures were performed. Location of osteolytic lesion, bone grafting method, histologic findings and clinical outcome parameters using visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) pain and disability score were evaluated. Mean follow-up period was 52.9 months (range, 24 to 120).

Results:

Total 61 osteolytic lesion were observed. 31 tibial cysts (50.8%), 24 talar cyst (39.3%) and 6 fibular cyst (9.8%) were treated and 17 ankles (39.5%) had multiple lesions. Autogenous iliac bone graft with polyethylene inlay exchange was performed in most of patients. All clinical scores improved significantly at the last follow-up (p<0.05) after operation. Five patients needed a repetitive bone graft procedure and one patient needed bone graft and additional bone cementation twice. There was one implant failure and overall survival rate after bone graft was 97.7%.

Conclusion:

Bone graft for periprosthetic osteolysis could improve clinical outcomes and implant survivorship. However, further study is needed for demonstrating etiology of newly developed osteolysis even after the bone graft.
Minimally Invasive Intra-Calcaneal Fractures vs Conservative Treatment: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Series
Authors: Reichert Ines , Ahluwalia Raju S. , Musabahi Omar , Lyle Shirley
Published: November 2022

Category:

Trauma; Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

We prospectively assessed the impact of minimally invasive internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) results in better health outcomes up to 2 years post- injury than non-operative management.

Methods:

All isolated calcaneal fractures were reviewed and the decision to treat was made by a multidisciplinary meeting. Operative-treatment protocol involved sinus-tarsi approach or per-cutaneous reduction & internal fixation under the care of a fellowship-trained-foot and ankle surgeon. Non-operative protocol involved symptomatic management with no attempt at closed reduction. All fractures were classified, and the MOXFQ/EQ5D-L scores were used to assess general and disease-specific outcomes respectively. Secondary outcome measures included return to work and return to leisure activity levels. Statistical analysis was performed to assess normality of data (Shapiro Wilk test/Q-Q plots). Propensity matching was conducted using nearest neighbour matching, followed by regression analysis and modelling to compare baseline covariates between the two different groups.

Results:

Between 2015-2019 total of 93 patients met the inclusion criteria. After propensity score matching 44 patients were found in the surgical/ treatment group. The mean age was 40 (vs. 43.3) in the surgical group, no significant difference in age, sex, peripheral vascular disease, smoking status, laterality, and baseline Bohlers and Guisane angle in the propensity score matched sample. The surgically treated group had a higher Sanders class(p<0.05), higher MOXFQ at 12 months (p<0.05) and EQ-5DL scores at 24 months(p<0.05) and were more likely to return to work at 12m (95% vs 77%)(p<0.05), and physical activity levels at 12m (57% vs 36%)(p=0.054). The wound complication rate was 14.8%, no patients required further surgery; whilst non-operative- treatment mandated surgery for arthritis (6), and or/an injection (7 vs.3).

Conclusion:

Both non-operative and operative treatments are valid in DIACF. MIS-surgery offers better functional outcomes for severer injury patterns, and a less-likely need for arthritis intervention at 2yrs.
“It’s all about the beaches”: Sargassum algae, tourism, and coastal transformations along the Mexican Caribbean
Authors: McAdam-Otto Laura K
Published: November 2022

Coastal zones have become particularly endangered in the Anthropocene. The Mexican Caribbean faces severe change through the massive arrival of sargassum algae. Since 2011, it has begun arriving in vast amounts in the Caribbean; with its arrival beginning on Mexican shores in 2015. The algae bring about several threats to the coastal ecosystem, namely, beach degradation, the release of hydrogen sulfite, and it hinders underwater plants from photosynthesis. In addition, it challenges notions of “beach paradise” as it covers the white sand, colours the water brown, stinks, and threatens the tourism sector. Based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out since 2019, I demonstrate how the arrival of sargassum transforms coastal relations on site. On the one hand, the coast and its integrity have received more attention since the algae have begun appearing. On the other hand, attention for the coast is decreasing mainly due to a reorientation of tourists further inland. Coastal villages that do not live from tourism remain vastly overlooked in addressing the problem, while touristified areas invest in algae removal. The coastal transformations analysed here allow for the argument that tourism must be understood as enabling both environmental problems and environmental protection, thereby demonstrating the multiple and ambivalent effects of coastal tourism in the Anthropocene.
Inhibition of platelet activation suppresses reactive enteric glia and mitigates intestinal barrier dysfunction during sepsis
Authors: Cheng Bo , Du Mengyu , He Shuxuan , Yang Lan , Wang Xi , Gao Hui , Chang Haiqing , Gao Wei , Li Yan , Wang Qiang , Li Yansong
Published: November 2022

Background

Intestinal barrier dysfunction, which is associated with reactive enteric glia cells (EGCs), is not only a result of early sepsis but also a cause of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Inhibition of platelet activation has been proposed as a potential treatment for septic patients because of its efficacy in ameliorating the organ damage and barrier dysfunction. During platelet activation, CD40L is translocated from α granules to the platelet surface, serving as a biomarker of platelet activation a reliable predictor of sepsis prognosis. Given that more than 95% of the circulating CD40L originate from activated platelets, the present study aimed to investigate if inhibiting platelet activation mitigates intestinal barrier dysfunction is associated with suppressing reactive EGCs and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed to establish the sepsis model. 24 h after CLP, the proportion of activated platelets, the level of sCD40L, the expression of tight-junction proteins, the intestinal barrier function and histological damage of septic mice were analyzed. In vitro, primary cultured EGCs were stimulated by CD40L and LPS for 24 h and EGCs-conditioned medium were collected for Caco-2 cells treatment. The expression of tight-junction proteins and transepithelial electrical resistance of Caco-2 cell were evaluated.

Results

In vivo, inhibiting platelet activation with cilostazol mitigated the intestinal barrier dysfunction, increased the expression of ZO-1 and occludin and improved the survival rate of septic mice. The efficacy was associated with reduced CD40L+platelets proportion, decreased sCD40L concentration, and suppressed the activation of EGCs. Comparable results were observed upon treatment with compound 6877002, a blocker of CD40L-CD40-TRAF6 signaling pathway. Also,S-nitrosoglutathione supplement reduced intestinal damage both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, CD40L increased release of TNF-α and IL-1β while suppressed the release ofS-nitrosoglutathione from EGCs. These EGCs-conditioned medium reduced the expression of ZO-1 and occludin on Caco-2 cells and their transepithelial electrical resistance, which could be reversed by CD40-siRNA and TRAF6-siRNA transfection on EGCs.

Conclusions

The inhibition of platelet activation is related to the suppression of CD40L-CD40-TRAF6 signaling pathway and the reduction of EGCs activation, which promotes intestinal barrier function and survival in sepsis mice. These results might provide a potential therapeutic strategy and a promising target for sepsis.
Development and Control of a Magnetorheological Damper-Based Brake Pedal Simulator for Vehicle Brake-by-Wire Systems
Authors: Wang Daoming , Wang Biao , Zi Bin , Bai Xianxu , Chen Wuwei
Published: November 2022

Recent developments have demonstrated that the brake pedal simulator (BPS) is becoming an indispensable apparatus for the break-by-wire systems in future electric vehicles. Its main function is to provide the driver with a comfortable pedal feel to improve braking safety and comfort. This paper presents the development and control of an adjustable BPS, using a disk-type magnetorheological (MR) damper as the passive braking reaction generator to simulate the traditional pedal feel. A detailed description of the mechanical design of the MR damper-based BSP (MRDBBPS) is presented in this paper. Several basic performance experiments on the MRDBBPS prototype are conducted. A return-to-zero (RTZ) algorithm is proposed to avoid hysteresis and improve the repeatability of the pedal force. In addition, an RTZ algorithm-based real-time current-tracking controller (RTZRC) is designed in consideration of the response lag of the coil circuit. Finally, an experimental system is established by integrating the MRDBBPS prototype into a self-developed automotive MR braking test bench (AMRBTB), and several control and braking experiments are performed. This research proposes a RTZRC control algorithm which can significantly increase the tracking accuracy of the brake pedal characteristic curve, particularly at a high pedal velocity. Additionally, the designed MRDBBPS prototype can achieve an effective and favorable control of the AMRBTB with a good repeatability.
tRF-3013b inhibits gallbladder cancer proliferation by targeting TPRG1L
Authors: Zou Lu , Yang Yang , Zhou Biyu , Li Weijian , Liu Ke , Li Guoqiang , Miao Huijie , Song Xiaoling , Yang Jiahua , Geng Yajun , Li Maolan , Bao Runfa , Liu Yingbin
Published: November 2022

Background

tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are newly discovered noncoding RNAs and regulate tumor progression via diverse molecular mechanisms. However, the expression and biofunction of tRFs in gallbladder cancer (GBC) have not been reported yet.

Methods

The expression of tRFs in GBC was detected by tRF and tiRNA sequencing in GBC tissues and adjacent tissues. The biological function of tRFs was investigated by cell proliferation assay, clonal formation assay, cell cycle assay, and xenotransplantation model in GBC cell lines. The molecular mechanism was discovered and verified by transcriptome sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), target gene site prediction, and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP).

Results

tRF-3013b was significantly downregulated in GBC compared with para-cancer tissues. Decreased expression of tRF-3013b in GBC patients was correlated with poor overall survival. Dicer regulated the production of tRF-3013b, and its expression was positively correlated with tRF-3013b in GBC tissues. Functional experiments demonstrated that tRF-3013b inhibited GBC cell proliferation and induced cell-cycle arrest. Mechanically, tRF-3013b exerted RNA silencing effect on TPRG1L by binding to AGO3, and then inhibited NF-κB. TPRG1L overexpression could rescue the effects of tRF-3013b on GBC cell proliferation.

Conclusions

This study indicated that Dicer-induced tRF-3013b inhibited GBC proliferation by targeting TPRG1L and repressed NF-κB, pointing to tRF-3013b as a novel potential therapeutic target of GBC.
Association of lactate to albumin ratio and bicarbonate with short-term mortality risk in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhu Jia-Liang , Liu Hui , Wang Li-Li , Lu Xue-Hao , Yin Hai-Yan , Lyu Jun , Wei Jian-Rui
Published: November 2022

Background

Previous studies have indicated that the ratio of lactate/albumin (L/A) has predictive value for the prognosis of critically ill patients with heart failure. Some studies have also indicated that a low serum bicarbonate concentration is inversely related to the mortality risk of patients with cardiogenic shock. However, the value of bicarbonate and the L/A ratio for predicting the mortality risk of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still unclear. We therefore conducted a retrospective study to research this problem.

Methods

The subjects of this study were patients with AMI, and the data source was the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality after admission. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the predictive value of L/A ratio, lactate and albumin for end-point events. The effects of different L/A ratio levels and different bicarbonate concentrations on 7-day and 30-day all-cause mortality were compared using Kaplan–Meier (K-M) curves. Hazard ratios for different L/A ratio and different bicarbonate concentrations were investigated using COX proportional hazards models.

Results

The Area Under Curve (AUC) of L/A ratio, lactate, and albumin were 0.736, 0.718, and 0.620, respectively. (1) L/A ratio: The patients were divided into three groups according to their L/A ratio: tertile T1 (L/A ratio ≤ 0.47), tertile T2 (L/A ratio ≤ 0.97), and tertile T3 (L/A ratio > 0.97). The T2 and T3 groups had higher 30-day all-cause mortality risks than the T1 group. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model indicated that there was a nonlinear relationship between L/A ratio and 30-day mortality (P < 0.05). (2) Bicarbonate concentration: The patients were also divided into three groups based on their bicarbonate concentration: G1 (22–27 mmol/L), G2 (< 22 mmol/L), and G3 (> 27 mmol/L). The G2 and G3 groups had higher 30-day all-cause mortality risks than the G1 group. The RCS model indicated that there was a nonlinear relationship between bicarbonate concentration and 30-day mortality (P < 0.05). The RCS model indicated that there was a nonlinear relationship between hemoglobin level and 30-day all-cause mortality (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

L/A ratio and bicarbonate concentration and hemoglobin level have predictive value for predicting 30-day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Incorporating human dynamic populations in models of infectious disease transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Møgelmose Signe , Neels Karel , Hens Niel
Published: November 2022

Background

An increasing number of infectious disease models consider demographic change in the host population, but the demographic methods and assumptions vary considerably. We carry out a systematic review of the methods and assumptions used to incorporate dynamic populations in infectious disease models.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for articles on infectious disease transmission in dynamic host populations. We screened the articles and extracted data in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Results

We identified 46 articles containing 53 infectious disease models with dynamic populations. Population dynamics were modelled explicitly in 71% of the disease transmission models using cohort-component-based models (CCBMs) or individual-based models (IBMs), while 29% used population prospects as an external input. Fertility and mortality were in most cases age- or age-sex-specific, but several models used crude fertility rates (40%). Households were incorporated in 15% of the models, which were IBMs except for one model using external population prospects. Finally, 17% of the infectious disease models included demographic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

We find that most studies model fertility, mortality and migration explicitly. Moreover, population-level modelling was more common than IBMs. Demographic characteristics beyond age and sex are cumbersome to implement in population-level models and were for that reason only incorporated in IBMs. Several IBMs included households and networks, but the granularity of the underlying demographic processes was often similar to that of CCBMs. We describe the implications of the most common assumptions and discuss possible extensions.
Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in defining dentate line in anal fistula
Authors: Liu Xiuxiang , Wang Zhenchang , Ren Hua , Wang Zheng , Li Jing
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To retrospectively assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in defining dentate line in anal fistula.

Materials and methods

Seventy patients with anal fistulas were assessed by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. The distance from the dentate line to the anal verge for all patients was measured by MRI. To mitigate interference, 35 patients with anal fistulas whose internal openings were located on the dentate line were excluded from this study. Two observers independently judged the positional relationship between the internal opening and the MRI-defined dentate line, and compared with the results observed by surgeon to assess the accuracy.

Results

The distance between the MRI-defined dentate line and the anal verge depended on the location of the internal opening and the morphology of the anal canal mucosa. The distance based on the location the internal opening and the morphology of the anal canal mucosa was 18.2 ± 8.1 mm and 20.0 ± 5.3 mm on oblique coronal T2WI, respectively. Compared with the results observed by the surgeon, the accuracy of evaluating the positional relationship between the internal opening and the dentate line from the morphology of the anal canal mucosa on MRI exceeded 89.9%. Taking 18.2–20.0 mm as the distance between the dentate line and the anal verge on the MRI image, the accuracy of evaluating the relationship between the position of the internal opening and the dentate line was over 85.7%. Considering both the dentate line and the anal canal mucosa, the accuracy of evaluating the relationship between the internal opening and the dentate line was over 91.5%. The results of MRI-defined dentate line were in good agreement with the results of intraoperative surgeon evaluation, and the κ values were 0.70, 0.63, and 0.78, respectively.

Conclusion

MRI has high accuracy in defining the dentate line in anal fistulas.