bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinjury Anxiety and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cluster Analysis and Prospective Study Among 162 Athletes
Authors: Caumeil Benjamin , Laboute Eric , Verhaeghe Emmanuel , Pérez Sébastien , Décamps Greg
Published: March 2024

Background:

Recent studies have investigated the effect of psychological factors on return to sport (RTS), but none has tested the existence of psychological profiles linked to reinjury anxiety and its links with RTS and reinjury.

Purpose:

To assess the effect of different psychological profiles on RTS and reinjury.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The study screened patients who were involved in all types of sports for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (hamstring and patellar tendon autografts). All participants were included during the RTS phase (90-180 days after ACL reconstruction). Reinjury anxiety, fear of reinjury, kinesiophobia, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, knee confidence, self-esteem, optimism, coping, and pain were measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward method) and analysis of variance were performed. In the second year after surgery, patients were recontacted by telephone to follow-up. RTS and reinjury were compared by profile type.

Results:

A total of 162 athletes were initially included, of whom 123 responded regarding RTS and reinjury. Cluster analysis showed a 4-cluster solution (χ2[21] = 428.59; λ = .064; P < .001). Profile 1 (27.8%) was characterized by moderate reinjury anxiety and no depression. Profile 2 (22.8%) was characterized by moderate reinjury anxiety and minor anxious-depressive reaction. Profile 3 (30.9%) was characterized by no reinjury anxiety, no depression, and high confidence. Profile 4 (18.5%) was characterized by high anxiety, high depression, and low confidence. Profile 4 had the lowest self-esteem and optimism scores compared with profile 3 ( P < .001). In addition, a higher percentage of men was found in profile 3 as opposed to profile 4 (χ2[3] = 11.35; P < .01). Profile 4 had the highest rate of non-RTS with 54.2% (profile 1: 14.3%, P = .001; profile 2: 25.0%, P = .031; profile 3: 22.2%, P = .011). Finally, patients with profile 3 had a higher risk of reinjury (13.9%) than those with profile 4 (0%) ( P = .047), who had an extremely conservative RTS.

Conclusion:

The different profiles will affect RTS, but also the risk of reinjury exclusively for profiles 3 and 4. Rehabilitation management will probably require all stakeholders to understand psychological profiles of athletes to develop an on-demand rehabilitation plan.
Robot-assisted buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty for the treatment of proximal ureteral strictures
Authors: Tanese Flavio , Liguigli Salvatore , Torre Giuseppe , Minafra Paolo , Rella Luciano , Battaglia Michele , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Spilotros Marco , Ditonno Pasquale
Published: March 2024

The authors describe their initial experience with robot-assisted buccal mucosal graft (BMG) ureteroplasty for the management of proximal ureteral strictures.
Relationship between vitamin D receptors gene polymorphism and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Elshahid Ahmed Rashad , Zaky Amr Mohamed , Goda Yasser Mamdouh Hasanein , Ismail Nabil Fathy
Published: March 2024

Background:

Over the past few decades, a number of studies have linked vitamin-D deficiency with ED (Erectile dysfunction) risk factors. There is a clear correlation between VD (vitamin-D) levels and ED, according to observational and interventional researches that have been reported in the literature. This crucial information encouraged scientists to investigate the impact of VD on erectile function in greater detail. The fact that vitamin D is a component of a healthy penis that begins in early life has just come to light, however there haven’t been many research looking at the connection between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and erectile dysfunction.

Objective:

To evaluate the relationship between arteriogenic erectile dysfunction and the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism.

Subjects and Methods:

Between October 2022 and October 2023, at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, 40 patients with arteriogenic ED and 40 healthy controls underwent informed consent, a detailed history, a physical examination, a penile duplex ultrasound and the extraction of peripheral blood to determine the type of polymorphism for each of the vitamin D receptors: FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

There is no statistically significant association between arteriogenic erectile dysfunction and the vitamin D receptors (VDR) gene polymorphisms FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI.

Conclusion:

Since there is no statistically significant association between the polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction, it is advised to investigate other VDR gene polymorphisms as well as alternative clinical subtypes of erectile dysfunction.
Impact of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms on treatment response in HCV patients: A systematic review, a meta-analysis, and a meta-regression
Authors: Dhaouadi Tarak , Riahi Awatef , Ben Abdallah Taïeb , Gorgi Yousr , Sfar Imen
Published: March 2024

The impact of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene promoter polymorphisms (SNPs) on treatment response in HCV patients was dissimilarly estimated. Hence, the aim of this meta-analysis was to robustly assess the effect of IL-10 SNPs on treatment response in HCV patients. An electronic literature search was carried out through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, and Scopus databases. Studies assessing the association between IL-10 polymorphisms and treatment response in HCV patients were included. Studies were excluded if genotype frequencies are not consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) or in case of including patients with hepatitis B virus coinfection. Risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed for the influence of IL-10 gene promoter SNPs (rs1800896 (-1082 A/G), rs1800871 (-819 C/T), and rs1800872 (-592 C/T)) and haplotypes on treatment response in HCV patients. Subgroup analyses, meta-regressions, publication bias assessment, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Overall, 32 studies with a total of 5943 HCV cases and 2697 controls were included in the present study. The -1082*G allele was significantly associated with increased risk of non-response (NR) to treatment, OR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.1–1.51], p = .002. Besides, the rs1800872 -592*C allele was significantly associated with increased NR risk, OR [95% CI] = 1.22 [1.02–1.46], p = .03. Subgroup analysis showed that this association remained significant only in patients treated with PEG-IFN alone, p = .01. The -1082*G/-819*C/-592*C (GCC) haplotype was significantly associated with increased NR risk, OR [95% CI] = 1.62 [1.13–2.23], p = .009. Our results suggest that the IL-10 rs1800896 was associated with NR risk especially in North-African and Asian populations. Moreover, the IL-10 gene promoter -1082*G/-819*C/-592*C (GCC) haplotype which has been associated with higher production of IL-10, was significantly associated with increased NR risk.
Toward understanding the damage behavior during orthogonal cutting of 2.5D C/SiC composite based on multi-scale modeling and high-speed photography
Authors: Liu Chang , Hou Zhaoxin , Zhang Jintong , Yang Tao
Published: March 2024

2.5D C/SiC composite has been a critical high temperature material for aerospace filed due to its excellent wear, high temperature and oxidation resistance. Understanding the cutting damage behavior is crucial for achieving the high reliability application. This paper presents an in-depth study on damage behavior and material removal mechanism during orthogonal cutting of 2.5D C/SiC composite based on multi-scale modeling and high-speed photography. A three-dimensional numerical micro-macro multi-scale model is established considering the characteristics of the brittle SiC matrix, the isotropic carbon fiber reinforcement, and the pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer. The orthogonal cutting experiments of 2.5D C/SiC composite with high-speed photography technology is carried out. The results show that the proposed model can accurately predict the microscopic deformation and fracture of the fiber. Meanwhile, surface fiber spring-back phenomenon is found based on high-speed photography, and its mechanism is first explanation based on the stress evolution analysis of the multi-scale model. In addition, it indicates that the increase of the depth of cut has a significant impact on the chip shape evolution, transitioning from powdery, needle-like, to block-like or strip-like shape. The paper covers some new sights for low-damage cutting of 2.5D C/SiC composite materials.
An equivalent axisymmetric modeling approach for circumferential springs under large deformation based on mechanical anisotropy
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xiang Chong , Guo Fei , Zheng Maoqi , Jia Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

In high-temperature and high-pressure environments, spring-energized seals (SES) play a crucial role in the petroleum and energy chemical industries. The circumferential springs within SES are responsible for generating sealing forces to maintain their performance. However, the intricate nonlinear behavior of these springs poses significant challenges in modeling and simulation. While several simplified models have been proposed to enhance computational efficiency, they often fall short under conditions of substantial deformation. Consequently, this paper introduces an anisotropic equivalent modeling approach, which takes into account the mechanical anisotropy of the springs. By applying the principles of using the same structural dimensions and equivalent mechanical properties, the parameters of the springs are transformed into equivalent parameters on anisotropic materials. The efficacy of this new model is validated through finite element simulations and lateral compression experiments, where its advantages over existing models in terms of predictive accuracy and computational efficiency are discussed. The results indicate that this novel model significantly improves predictive accuracy under conditions of substantial deformation, accompanied by enhancements in computational efficiency. This approach offers a promising tool for designing and predicting the performance of circumferential springs and SES.
Prediction of multiple transverse cracks in a composite beam using hybrid RNN-mPSO technique
Authors: Parida Sarada Prasad , Sahoo Saritprava , Jena Pankaj Charan
Published: March 2024

The presence of faults is common in engineering composite structures. Precise detection of faults prior to failure has been the focal point for researchers working in this domain. Detection of damage from the modal characteristics is an age-old promising technique besides the artificial intelligence techniques such as neural network (NN), Artificial neural network (ANN), recurrent neural network (RNN), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods. However, multiple detection techniques combined can give better results. In this regard, recurrent neural networks (RNN) and modified particle swarm optimization (mPSO) are combined to detect damages in a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite cantilever beam. The proposed hybrid model consists of two stages; indices of relative natural frequencies applied to locate crack parameters (position and severity) by recurrent neural network technique and optimization of the results (position and severity) by mPSO. The results illustrate this method can be implemented to predict multiple transverse cracks and their parameters in a composite beam, manifested in the change of natural frequencies where the error is limited to 0.97% only.
Does Parental Out-migration Affect Nutritional Health Status and Morbidity Among Children? Evidence From India Human Development Survey Data for the Empowered Action Group States
Authors: Chakraborty Monalisha , Mukherjee Subrata
Published: March 2024

In India, despite having high economic growth, considerable inter-state inequality exists across states in terms of per capita income as well as employment opportunities. The eight Empowered Action Group (EAG) states, which have performed poorly on different accounts of social and physical infrastructure, are also characterised by large inter-state migration for employment. Parental out-migration from these states affects different aspects of child well-being. The present study tries to assess nutritional health status, morbidity and health care utilisation among children based on their parents’ migration status. The results show that parents’ migration status plays a vital role in influencing the prevalence of common childhood diseases and malnutrition among children in EAG states. Multi-prolonged and decentralised strategies are required towards developing and implementing comprehensive nutrition and nutrition-related education programme for the children in these states.
Resveratrol Suppresses “Metabolic Memory” by Inhibiting Inflammation and Apoptosis Through the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Gu Junxiang , Chang Qing
Published: March 2024

Aim

This research endeavored to explore the impact and underlying mechanisms of resveratrol on the phenomenon of “metabolic memory” in cultured human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs) under high-glucose (HG) conditions.

Materials and Methods

According to the glucose level and treatment, cultured HRVECs were divided into seven groups: normal glucose (NG), HG, high glucose followed by NG (HN), mannitol (Man), resveratrol, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)-small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC). The expression levels of TXNIP, nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, and Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, were measured. Cell apoptosis was assessed through a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results

In HRVECs from the HG group, expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, caspase-1, ICAM-1, and IL-1β were upregulated. However, in the HN group, the above upregulations were not reversed. After the administration of resveratrol, the expression levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, and other inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. Resveratrol mitigated the elevated ROS production induced by HG conditions. In the NAC group, the expression of TXNIP and inflammatory cytokines was downregulated. TXNIP-siRNA treatment showed similar effects. Resveratrol inhibited apoptosis as well as reversed the downregulation of BCL-2 and the upregulation of caspase-3 and BAX induced by HG conditions.

Conclusion

Resveratrol mitigated the HG-induced phenomenon of “metabolic memory” by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis via modulation of the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway in cultured HRVECs. Therefore, resveratrol may have therapeutic potential to treat diabetic retinopathy and related metabolic memory complications.
Predictors of U.S. Adults’ Opinion Toward an R-Rating Policy for Movies With Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Ahuja Nikhil , Mahmood Asos , Kedia Satish , Dillon Patrick J.
Published: March 2024

Recently, multiple health organizations and advocacy groups have pushed for giving an R-rating for movies depicting tobacco imagery. This study examined several predictors of U.S. adults’ opinion toward an R-rating policy for movies depicting cigarette smoking. We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (2020 cycle), for a nationally representative sample of 3,865 US adults (aged ≥ 18). The outcome variable was opinion toward an R-rating policy (support, neutral, and oppose) for movies depicting cigarette smoking. A weighted adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis with comparisons of support versus oppose, support versus neutral, and neutral versus oppose was performed. About 48.2% of respondents were supportive of, 31.1% were neutral toward, and 20.7% were opposed to an R-rating policy. Adults aged 50 to 64 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.28, p = .008) and ≥65 years (aOR = 4.54, p <.001) (vs. 18–34 years) were more likely to support the R-rating policy than oppose it. Non-Hispanic Black respondents (vs. non-Hispanic Whites) were 1.74 times more likely to support than oppose the policy (aOR = 1.74, p = .04), whereas adults with a household annual income of US$75,000 or more (vs. <$20,000) and those with moderate (vs. liberal) political viewpoints were more likely to be neutral than oppose the policy. Former and current e-cigarette users (vs. never users) were less likely to support than oppose the policy. Tailored messaging addressing the rationale behind R-rating policy should be directed towards communities based on age, race/ethnicity, household income, e-cigarette usage, and political ideologies.
An Officer-Level Examination of the Prevalence and Correlates of Police Body-Worn Camera Activation
Authors: Huff Jessica , White Michael D. , Malm Aili E. , Katz Charles M.
Published: March 2024

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are intended to promote transparency and accountability. However, officer failure to activate BWCs remains a concern. Research has identified types of incidents associated with activation failure, but has not examined activation as a measure of performance. We examine BWC activation as an officer-level decision-making process, assessing the influence of demographics, assignments, and performance (e.g., proactivity) on activation rates over time. Negative binominal and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyze data from 149 officers assigned to wear BWCs during a randomized-controlled trial. Activation rates ranged from 0–88% of calls-for-service. Group-based trajectory modeling identified three activation trends: decreased, increased then decreased, and increased and tapered off. Limited relationships between officer-level predictors and activation were identified. Findings suggest officer characteristics and performance are not primary drivers of BWC activation. Departments should use supervision, retraining, and policy intervention to ensure BWCs are implemented as intended.
The search for meaningful work under neo-bureaucracy: Work precarity in freelance TV
Authors: Morris Jon , Islam Gazi , Davies James
Published: March 2024

Drawing from a qualitative, empirical study of the working lives of freelance television workers, we explore the experience of ‘meaningful’ work where aesthetic considerations are attractants to the industry. Such aesthetic considerations – and the glamorous nature of the work – attracted both older and younger freelancers. However, whereas the older cohort had entered the industry in a previous era governed by bureaucratic forms, the younger cohort had entered an already fragmented workplace marked by neo-bureaucratic forms. This shift for freelance workers generally entailed precarious working conditions, long hours, sometimes unpaid and often uncertain jobs: the dark side of meaningful employment. While older freelancers had acquired social networks through their work with large broadcasters, the younger freelancers lacked such networks, making career entry more difficult and uncertain, particularly as neo bureaucratic forms became looser. Widespread exploitation/self-exploitation characterized both groups as they completed work ‘for the love of their art’. Our findings suggest that, theoretically, discussions of meaningful work should be nuanced based on an understanding of organizational form, such as transitions from bureaucratic to neo-bureaucratic governance that impact freelance workers.
Unleashing the anticipatory reasonable adjustment duty: University of Bristol v Abrahart (EHRC intervening) [2024] EWHC 299 (KB)
Authors: Burin Achas K , Atrey Shreya
Published: March 2024

On 14 February 2024, the High Court upheld the decision of the Bristol County Court in University of Bristol v Dr Robert Abrahart. Ms Abrahart, a physics undergraduate, took her own life in April 2018, the morning before she was meant to deliver an oral presentation. The claim brought by Ms Abrahart’s father was that in failing to remove or adjust the requirement for oral assessments, the University had discriminated against her on the basis of her disability. The High Court upheld the discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 while dismissing the claim in negligence on the basis that the University did not owe Ms Abrahart a common law duty of care. This note discusses the contrasting moves made by the High Court in, on the one hand, lowering the bar for finding a breach of the anticipatory reasonable adjustment duty, and on the other hand, raising the bar for finding an assessment method to be a ‘competence standard’ set by universities. Although arising in relation to the very specific facts of this case, the implications of the ruling in Abrahart are far reaching.
A national mental health cascade training programme for practitioners supporting unaccompanied minors in Greece
Authors: Vostanis Panos , Sofios Panagiotis , Petrali Alexandra , O’Reilly Michelle
Published: March 2024

Background

Practitioners who support unaccompanied minors (UAMs) come from different professional backgrounds and often are not appropriately trained to address children’s complex mental health needs. This gap informed a training programme across all accommodation centres in Greece.

Methods

The aim of the Train-of-Trainer (ToT) national programme was to upskill trainers from 17 organisations to cascade knowledge. Training was interprofessional, trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. A pilot implementation involved 199 practitioners from all disciplines. A sub-sample of 33 practitioners, nine managers and six trainers shared their experiences in focus group discussions, which were analysed through a thematic framework.

Results

Participants found that the programme was useful in generating knowledge relevant to children’s needs and their roles, addressing the emotional impact of trauma on staff, sharing learning across professional disciplines and being interactive, but systemic support should be put in place for benefits to be sustained.

Conclusions

Train-of-Trainer is a resource-effective approach to upskill mixed staff groups across many organisations. This should involve caregivers and staff with limited educational opportunities, while accommodating for different professional needs. Training should be integrated to service budgets, specifications and structures.
A Hybrid Approach That May Facilitate the Repair of Traumatic Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Vassiliou Areti , Peroulis Michail , Tatsis Vassilios , Alexiou Vangelis G.
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Traumatic popliteal pseudoaneurysms may occur in accidents or as an iatrogenic complication of a total knee arthroplasty. Complications often arise in open repair because of distorted anatomy. Up to 22% of the patients may suffer above-knee amputation. Endovascular treatment has proven to be an effective solution. However, the long-term performance of stents at the hinge point of the popliteal artery is questionable. We present a hybrid technique that was used successfully in 2 cases.

Technique:

Our approach takes advantage of both open and endovascular techniques. At first, we apply a stent graft at the side of the injury to cover the arterial trauma and stop blood leakage to the aneurysm sac. This allows for a safer dissection and open repair. We clamp the artery proximally and distally, open the sac, extract the stent graft, and extend to a longitudinal arteriotomy. We then reconstruct the entire area with a standard in lay end-to-end anastomosis using a vein graft. This hybrid technique may reduce the risk of uncontrollable bleeding and allow for a safer nerve decompression.

Conclusions:

Repair of such injuries is technically demanding. A hybrid approach may reduce the risk of complications and offer excellent long-term outcomes.

Clinical Impact

The hybrid approach to the treatment of traumatic popliteal pseudoaneurysms combines the advantages of both open and endovascular approaches. It may be possible to make an acute operation just as safe as an elective operation by implementing the proposed strategy. The procedure can be performed by surgeons of all levels, and patients may benefit from a safer surgical dissection with fewer complications and blood loss. This smart combination of standard techniques may prove invaluable in a hostile surgical environment where limb loss is likely.
The Social Prescription: Dispensing Wellness Beyond the Medication
Authors: Stang Victoria , Srivastava Sneha
Published: March 2024

In the realm of healthcare, the significance of social connections cannot be overstated. Beyond the traditional focus on pharmacological interventions and medical procedures, recognizing and nurturing positive social relationships has emerged as a fundamental aspect of lifestyle medicine. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of social connections and their profound impact on health outcomes, particularly in the context of chronic diseases like hypertension, mental health disorders, heart disease, and dementia. Moreover, it explores strategies for healthcare practitioners, with a special emphasis on pharmacists, to foster positive connections with patients, thereby enhancing shared decision-making, self-management, and overall well-being.
Fault diagnosis of reciprocating compressor using Teager-Kaiser energy operator and envelope spectral feature extraction
Authors: Hou Chin-Che , Pan Min-Chun
Published: March 2024

This paper proposed and implemented the Teager-Kaiser energy operator (TKEO) and envelope spectral analysis techniques for the fault detection of discharge valves of a reciprocating compressor. Based on the extraction of fault features, the instantaneous frequency and amplitude of the signals due to the discharged valve based on energy identification can be effectively characterized by the TKEO that was used to identify the characteristic fault signals accurately. The synthesized signal is processed by envelope spectral analysis and TKEO, which can extract the characteristic signal and eliminate the noise. The experimental design is verified experimentally through different reciprocating compressor gas valve conditions. The simulation results verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The experimental verification is carried out through the measurement signals of the six-cylinder reciprocating compressor under different valve operating conditions. TKEO can remove background noise to obtain reciprocating compressor fault feature signals. Feature extraction is based on TKEO and envelope spectra for fault detection of reciprocating compressors. It is expected to reduce the errors produced by traditional manual fault diagnosis methods and improve the accuracy and efficiency of fault diagnosis. The research results of vibration fault feature extraction using TKEO can be used as the basis for fault diagnosis of the reciprocating compressor system.
Impact of COVID-19 on patients undergoing scheduled procedures for chronic venous disease
Authors: Moore Ethan , Wohlauer Max V , Dorosh James , Kabeil Mahmood , Malgor Rafael D , O’Banion Leigh A , Lopez-Pena Gabriel , Gillette Riley , Colborn Kathryn , Cuff Robert F , Lucero Leah , Ali Amna , Koleilat Issam , Batarseh Paola , Talathi Sonia , Rivera Aksim , Humphries Misty D , Ly Kevin , Harroun Nikolai , Smith Brigitte K , Darelli-Anderson Anna M , Choudhry Asad , Hammond Eric , Costanza Michael , Khetarpaul Vipul , Cosentino Ashley , Watson Jacob , Afifi Rana , Mouawad Nicolas J , Tan Tze-Woei , Sharafuddin Mel , Quevedo Judith P , Nkansah Reggie , Shibale Palcah , Shalhub Sherene , Lin Judith C
Published: March 2024

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the medical landscape. Various strategies have been employed to preserve hospital beds, personal protective equipment, and other resources to accommodate the surges of COVID-19 positive patients, hospital overcapacities, and staffing shortages. This has had a dramatic effect on vascular surgical practice. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical delays and adverse outcomes for patients with chronic venous disease scheduled to undergo elective operations.

Methods

The Vascular Surgery COVID-19 Collaborative (VASCC) was founded in March 2020 to evaluate the outcomes of patients with vascular disease whose operations were delayed. Modules were developed by vascular surgeon working groups and tested before implementation. A data analysis of outcomes of patients with chronic venous disease whose surgeries were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 through February 2021 was performed for this study.

Results

A total of 150 patients from 12 institutions in the United States were included in the study. Indications for venous intervention were: 85.3% varicose veins, 10.7% varicose veins with venous ulceration, and 4.0% lipodermatosclerosis. One hundred two surgeries had successfully been completed at the time of data entry. The average length of the delay was 91 days, with a median of 78 days. Delays for venous ulceration procedures ranged from 38 to 208 days. No patients required an emergent intervention due to their venous disease, and no patients experienced major adverse events following their delayed surgeries.

Conclusions

Interventions may be safely delayed for patients with venous disease requiring elective surgical intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding supports the American College of Surgeons’ recommendations for the management of elective vascular surgical procedures. Office-based labs may be safe locations for continued treatment when resources are limited. Although the interventions can be safely postponed, the negative impact on quality of life warrants further investigation.
Patient journey in gastroesophageal reflux disease: real-world perspectives from Italian gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, and ENT specialists
Authors: Pasta Andrea , Pelizzaro Filippo , Marabotto Elisa , Calabrese Francesco , Formisano Elena , Djahandideh Sheijani Shirin , Brandimarte Giovanni , Manes Giampiero , Gravina Antonietta Gerarda , Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo
Published: March 2024

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a challenging condition that involves different physicians, such as general practitioners (GPs), gastroenterologists, and ears, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. A common approach consists of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) administration. Adjunctive pharmacological treatment may have a role in the management of non-responders to PPIs.

Objectives:

We aimed to survey GPs and different medical specialists to investigate the medical approaches to patients reporting GERD symptoms. In addition, we examined the use of adjunctive pharmacological treatments in patients with GERD symptoms who do not respond to PPIs.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Methods:

A survey was conducted among a large sample of gastroenterologists, GPs, and ENT specialists. Symptoms were divided into typical and extraesophageal, and their severity and impact on quality of life were explored with the GERD Impact Scale and with Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). All therapies administered usually for GERD were investigated.

Results:

A total of 6211 patients were analyzed in this survey. Patients with typical symptoms were 53.5%, while those with extraesophageal symptoms were 46.5%. The latter were more frequently reported by ENT patients (53.6%, p < 0.0001). The GSI was higher in patients followed by gastroenterologists (9 points) and GPs (9 points) than ENT specialists (8 points), but the RSI was higher in the ENT group (14.3 ± 6.93) than in GPs and gastroenterologist groups (10.36 ± 6.36 and 10.81 ± 7.30, p < 0.0001). Chest pain had the highest negative impact on quality of life ( p < 0.0001). Of the 3025 patients who used PPIs, non-responders showed a lower GSI when treated with a combination of adjunctive pharmacological treatments and bioadhesive compounds, than with single-component drugs.

Conclusion:

Patients with GERD referred to a gastroenterologist had more severe disease and poorer quality of life. The combination of adjunctive pharmacological treatments and bioadhesive compounds seems to be effective in the management of PPI refractory patients.
Treatment access and satisfaction on disease-modifying therapies of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients in China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Yu Yue , Zhong Mingkang , Quan Chao , Ma Chunlai
Published: March 2024

Background:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare and debilitating disease that has become more widely recognized in China. Legislative measures have been implemented by the government to improve treatment access for rare diseases.

Objectives:

To investigate the diagnostic journey, treatment status, treatment accessibility, and treatment satisfaction of the NMOSD patients on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in China.

Design:

A patient online survey.

Methods:

This cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023. Patients over 18 years old and diagnosed with NMOSD were included. The questionnaire consisted of five sections covering demographics, diagnostic and treatment experiences, DMTs availability, cost and affordability, and treatment satisfaction using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version II). Patient opinions and demands were also collected at the end of the survey.

Results:

A total of 375 patients diagnosed with NMOSD were recruited, of which 321 patients used DMTs. It required 1.22 ± 3.22 years and 3.58 ± 4.24 hospital visits for a definitive diagnosis. One-third of the patients still needed to travel for over 2 h to access DMTs. The total treatment expenditure was estimated to be CNY 59,827.00 (USD 8315.95) a year. Drug expenses alone accounted for 52.22% of the average annual household income. The most common challenges perceived were the inability to afford treatment and a lack of effective options. No significant difference was found in treatment satisfaction among DMTs, except that rituximab scored lowest in convenience compared to other DMTs. Patients’ age and travel time required to obtain medications were negatively associated with global treatment satisfaction.

Conclusion:

In China, patients with NMOSD face challenges in obtaining proper treatment due to diagnostic difficulties, distant medication access, and high costs. Policies should prioritize improving disease education and alleviating financial burdens for the patients.
Dental transpositions: An update for clinicians
Authors: Amin Nima , Parker Kate , Bacon Varlie , Stephens Sara , Chia Matthew
Published: March 2024

Transposition of teeth may present to the general dental practitioner and in some circumstances transposed teeth may present with other dental anomalies. Although dental transpositions are rare anomalies, management of transposed teeth can often be complex, requiring multidisciplinary management. It is therefore important for dentists to be familiar with the clinical and radiographic presentation of transpositions and understand the aetiology to aid early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Clinical relevance: Dentists are best placed to detect transposed teeth and should be familiar with the clinical and radiographic presentation, aetiology, and classification of transpositions in order to aid early diagnosis and their subsequent management.
It’s not just about the money: recruitment and retention of clinical staff in general dental practice – part 2: dental care professionals
Authors: Holloway Jessica A. , Chestnutt Ivor G.
Published: March 2024

As described in the first paper of this two-part series, increasing difficulties in recruitment and retention of dentists and dental care professionals (DCPs) in general dental practice in the UK is affecting delivery of NHS dental services. There is a significant risk to the future dental workforce supply which will affect access to dental care and worsen oral health inequalities. Understanding what factors contribute to job satisfaction and prevent job dissatisfaction of dental professionals would be useful in managing recruitment and retention issues. The aim of this literature review was to identify factors which contribute to job satisfaction of DCPs in general dental practice. Database searching was conducted systematically through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Ovid, and the National Grey Literature Collection. Eleven relevant articles were identified, which were qualitatively analysed using Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory as an analysis tool. Unfair remuneration is a major contributor to dissatisfaction of DCPs, but job satisfaction could be promoted through increased recognition, variety of work, and opportunities to progress. Dental contract reform in the UK should aim to minimise factors contributing to dissatisfaction and increase factors which increase satisfaction, including the development of an acceptable remuneration model for NHS dentistry that facilitates skill mix.
Mediation of the Association Between Physical Exercise and Depressive/Anxiety Symptoms by Pain and Sleep Problems Among Older Adults
Authors: Choi Namkee G. , Choi Bryan Y. , Marti C. Nathan
Published: March 2024

In this study, based on the 2022 National Health and Aging Trend Study ( N = 5,593, age 65+), we examined direct associations between moderate and vigorous physical exercise (PE) and depressive/anxiety symptoms as well as bothersome pain and sleep problems. We then examined if the association between PE and depressive/anxiety symptoms would be partially mediated by the effects of PE on bothersome pain and sleep problems. Results from a path model showed that controlling for sociodemographic and health statuses, PE was negatively associated with depressive/anxiety symptoms and bothersome pain, but it was not significantly associated with sleep problems. The mediation analysis showed that 10% of the total effects of PE on depressive/anxiety symptoms was indirect effects of PE on bothersome pain. This study is important as it examined the associations among PE, pain, sleep, and depression/anxiety in community-dwelling older adults in their natural environments. Healthcare and social service providers for older adults need to emphasize the importance and benefits of PE for older adults’ physical and mental health. Easy access to venues for PE is also important.
Quality Trumps Quantity: Exploring Relationships between Job Quality, Job Quantity, and Sleep
Authors: Guo Ya , Wang Senhu
Published: March 2024

Despite ample research on the relationship between work and sleep, little is known about the relative importance of each job quality dimension for sleep quality and whether the relationship in contingent on job quantity (i.e., working hours). Drawing on a unified analytic framework of job quality and job quantity, this study aims to investigate the interactive relationship between job quality and job quantity and their impact on sleep quality using the 2015 European Working Conditions Survey. Our findings suggest that whereas working hours have a weak association with sleep quality, job quality has a more significant impact on sleep quality, with different dimensions playing varying roles. Most favorable job characteristics (e.g., low work intensity, good physical environment, high working time quality) are linked to better sleep quality. In contrast, high skill and discretion is associated with poorer sleep quality. Furthermore, the importance of most job quality indices remains even when people work shorter hours, highlighting the continued importance of job quality for well-being in the global trend of a shorter working week.
Retinal Artery Reperfusion After Translumenal YAG Laser Embolysis in a Case of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion
Authors: Oh David , Mehra Ankur , Echegaray Jose , Sobol Warren
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To present a potential treatment for embolic branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Methods: A case and its findings were analyzed. Results: A 75-year-old man with a 5-day history of an acute superior visual field defect in the right eye was found to have a BRAO secondary to a Hollenhorst plaque and was treated with translumenal YAG laser embolysis. Reperfusion of the retinal artery was observed on dislodging the Hollenhorst plaque, and improvements were seen in the patient’s superior visual field defect. Conclusions: Translumenal YAG laser embolysis could potentially reverse ischemia secondary to embolic RAOs. This case report and the current literature cited suggest a rationale for treatment and supports further study of this technique.
Successes and pitfalls in orphan drug development for sickle cell disease
Authors: Costa Enrico , Isgrò Antonella , de Montalembert Mariane , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , Ware Russell E. , De Franceschi Lucia
Published: March 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary red cell disorder with a large disease burden at a global level. In the United States and Europe, medicines may qualify for orphan designation (OD), a regulatory status that provides incentives to boost development. We evaluated the development of new therapies for SCD using data for OD granted in the United States and Europe over the last 2 decades (2000-2021). We analyzed their characteristics, pathophysiological targets, trends, and OD sponsors. We then investigated the approval outcomes, including the phase success rate and reasons for discontinuation across different variables. We identified 57 ODs for SCD: 43 (75.4%) small molecules, 32 (56.1%) for oral administration, and 36 (63.1%) for chronic use to prevent SCD complications. At the end of the study (2021), development of 34 of 57 ODs was completed. Four ODs were approved with a success rate of 11.8%. Products targeting upstream causative events of SCD pathophysiology had a 1.8 higher success rate compared with products targeting disease consequences. Large companies showed a fourfold higher success rate compared with small-medium enterprises. Failures in clinical development were mainly seen in phase 3 for a lack of efficacy on vaso-occlusive crisis as the primary study end point, likely related to variable definitions and heterogeneity of pain scoring and treatment. Both advances in SCD knowledge and regulatory incentives paved the way for new therapies for SCD. Our finding of high failure rates in late-stage clinical development signals the need for better early-stage predictive models, also in the context of meaningful clinical end points.
Amplidiff: an optimized amplicon sequencing approach to estimating lineage abundances in viral metagenomes
Authors: Bemmelen Jasper van , Smyth Davida S. , Baaijens Jasmijn A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Metagenomic profiling algorithms commonly rely on genomic differences between lineages, strains, or species to infer the relative abundances of sequences present in a sample. This observation plays an important role in the analysis of diverse microbial communities, where targeted sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA, both well-known hypervariable genomic regions, have led to insights into microbial diversity and the discovery of novel organisms. However, the variable nature of discriminatory regions can also act as a double-edged sword, as the sought-after variability can make it difficult to design primers for their amplification through PCR. Moreover, the most variable regions are not necessarily the most informative regions for the purpose of differentiation; one should focus on regions that maximize the number of lineages that can be distinguished.

Results

Here we present AmpliDiff, a computational tool that simultaneously finds highly discriminatory genomic regions in viral genomes of a single species, as well as primers allowing for the amplification of these regions. We show that regions and primers found by AmpliDiff can be used to accurately estimate relative abundances of SARS-CoV-2 lineages, for example in wastewater sequencing data. We obtain errors that are comparable with using whole genome information to estimate relative abundances. Furthermore, our results show that AmpliDiff is robust against incomplete input data and that primers designed by AmpliDiff also bind to genomes sampled months after the primers were selected.

Conclusions

With AmpliDiff we provide an effective, cost-efficient alternative to whole genome sequencing for estimating lineage abundances in viral metagenomes.
Transcription factor expression landscape in Drosophila embryonic cell lines
Authors: Drewell Robert A. , Klonaros Daniel , Dresch Jacqueline M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Transcription factor (TF) proteins are a key component of the gene regulatory networks that control cellular fates and function. TFs bind DNA regulatory elements in a sequence-specific manner and modulate target gene expression through combinatorial interactions with each other, cofactors, and chromatin-modifying proteins. Large-scale studies over the last two decades have helped shed light on the complex network of TFs that regulate development in Drosophila melanogaster.

Results

Here, we present a detailed characterization of expression of all known and predicted Drosophila TFs in two well-established embryonic cell lines, Kc167 and S2 cells. Using deep coverage RNA sequencing approaches we investigate the transcriptional profile of all 707 TF coding genes in both cell types. Only 103 TFs have no detectable expression in either cell line and 493 TFs have a read count of 5 or greater in at least one of the cell lines. The 493 TFs belong to 54 different DNA-binding domain families, with significant enrichment of those in the zf-C2H2 family. We identified 123 differentially expressed genes, with 57 expressed at significantly higher levels in Kc167 cells than S2 cells, and 66 expressed at significantly lower levels in Kc167 cells than S2 cells. Network mapping reveals that many of these TFs are crucial components of regulatory networks involved in cell proliferation, cell–cell signaling pathways, and eye development.

Conclusions

We produced a reference TF coding gene expression dataset in the extensively studied Drosophila Kc167 and S2 embryonic cell lines, and gained insight into the TF regulatory networks that control the activity of these cells.
The role of strigolactone in alleviating salinity stress in chili pepper
Authors: Danish Subhan , Hareem Misbah , Dawar Khadim , Naz Tayyaba , Iqbal Muhammad Mazhar , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Salmen Saleh H. , Datta Rahul
Published: March 2024

Salinity stress can significantly delay plant growth. It can disrupt water and nutrient uptake, reducing crop yields and poor plant health. The use of strigolactone can be an effective technique to overcome this issue. Strigolactone enhances plant growth by promoting root development and improvement in physiological attributes. The current pot study used strigolactone to amend chili under no salinity and salinity stress environments. There were four treatments, i.e., 0, 10µM strigolactone, 20µM strigolactone and 30µM strigolactone. All treatments were applied in four replications following a completely randomized design (CRD). Results showed that 20µM strigolactone caused a significant increase in chili plant height (21.07%), dry weight (33.60%), fruit length (19.24%), fruit girth (35.37%), and fruit yield (60.74%) compared to control under salinity stress. Significant enhancement in chili chlorophyll a (18.65%), chlorophyll b (43.52%), and total chlorophyll (25.09%) under salinity stress validated the effectiveness of 20µM strigolactone application as treatment over control. Furthermore, improvement in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentration in leaves confirmed the efficient functioning of 20µM strigolactone compared to other concentrations under salinity stress. The study concluded that 20µM strigolactone is recommended for mitigating salinity stress in chili plants. Growers are advised to apply 20µM strigolactone to enhance their chili production under salinity stress.