bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of posterior dislocated hip prosthesis using a modified lateral position maneuver: a retrospective, clinical comparative, and follow-up study
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Haoyang , Yang Jing , Shen Bin , Zhou Zongke , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2022

Background

Posterior dislocation (PD) is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA), and the Allis maneuver is the most widely used method for reduction. However, this classic maneuver has some disadvantages. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a modified lateral position (MLP) reduction maneuver provides an easier and safer method for PD reduction than the Allis maneuver.

Methods

Between August 2019 and September 2021, a series of 88 consecutive PD patients who underwent THA were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into the MLP reduction group and Allis reduction group according to the electronic health medical record. The success rate of closed reduction, Harris hip score (HHS), and radiographic outcomes were determined. Satisfaction scores, doctor safety events and complications were also determined and compared between the groups. The mean follow-up period was 1.66 ± 0.88 years.

Results

The success rate of reduction in the MLP group was significantly 12.5% higher than that in the Allis group (P = 0.024). Periprosthetic fracture and implant loosening were retrospectively identified in 2 hips and 1 hip, which all occurred in the Allis group. The mean doctor and patient SAPS scores in the MLP group were 84.00 points and 76.97 points, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the Allis group (72.12, P = 0.008 and 63.28 points, P = 0.001). Four adverse events were reported in the Allis group, compared with 0 in the MLP group.

Conclusions

For PD after THA, the MLP reduction maneuver can effectively increase the reduction success rate, satisfaction, and doctor safety without increasing the risk of complications compared with the traditional Allis supine reduction maneuver.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100054562) in December 19th 2021.
Repeatability assessment of sodium (23Na) MRI at 7.0 T in healthy human calf muscle and preliminary results on tissue sodium concentrations in subjects with Addison’s disease
Authors: Zaric Olgica , Beiglböck Hannes , Janacova Veronika , Szomolanyi Pavol , Wolf Peter , Krebs Michael , Trattnig Siegfried , Krššák Martin , Juras Vladimir
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To determine the relaxation times of the sodium nucleus, and to investigate the repeatability of quantitative, in vivo TSC measurements using sodium magnetic resonance imaging (23Na-MRI) in human skeletal muscle and explore the discriminatory value of the method by comparing TSCs between healthy subjects and patients with Addison’s disease.

Materials and methods

In this prospective study, ten healthy subjects and five patients with Addison’s disease were involved. 23Na-MRI data sets were acquired using a density-adapted, three-dimensional radial projection reconstruction pulse sequence (DA-3DPR) with a modification for the relaxation times measurements. Differences in TSC between muscle groups and between healthy participants were analysed using a nonparametric Friedman ANOVA test. An interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used as the repeatability index. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for evaluation of differences in TSC between study participants.

Results

The mean T1 in the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), the tibialis anterior (TA), and the soleus (S) was 25.9 ± 2.0 ms, 27.6 ± 2.0 ms, and 28.2 ± 2.0 ms, respectively. The mean short component of T2*, T2*short were GM: 3.6 ± 2.0 ms; TA: 3.2 ± 0.5 ms; and S: 3.0 ± 1.0 ms, and the mean long component of T2*, T2*long, were GM: 12.9 ± 0.9 ms; TA: 12.8 ± 0.7 ms; and S: 12.9 ± 2.0 ms, respectively. In healthy volunteers, TSC values in the GM were 19.9 ±0.1  mmol/L, 13.8 ±0.2 mmol/L in TA, and 12.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L in S, and were significantly different (p = 0.0005). The ICCs for GM, TA and S were 0.784, 0.818, 0.807, respectively. In patients with Addison’s disease, TSC in GC, TA, and S were 10.2 ± 1.0 mmol/L, 8.4 ± 0.6 mmol/L, and 7.2 ± 0.1 mmol/L, respectively.

Conclusions

TSC quantification in a healthy subject’s calf at 7.0 T is reliable; the technique is able to distinguish sodium level differences between muscles and between healthy subjects and Addison’s disease patients.
Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery in the prone split-leg position versus Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position for the management of partial staghorn calculi
Authors: Abouelgreed Tamer A. , Abdelaal Mohamed A. , Amin Moamen M. , Elatreisy Adel , Shalkamy Osama , Abdrabuh Abdrabuh M. , Ghoneimy Osama M. , Aboutaleb Hamdy
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To evaluate and compare the outcome of ECIRS in the treatment of partial staghorn renal calculi in both prone split-leg positions versus GMSV positions with regard to; technical aspects, success rate, operative time, complications, safety, and effectiveness of both approaches.

Patients and methods:

Between October 2018 and August 2021, 66 patients with partial staghorn calculi were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. Patients were randomly divided according to a 1:1 ratio into two groups. Group A included 33 patients who were treated by (ECIRS) in the prone split-leg position, and group B included 33 patients who were treated by (ECIRS) in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) position.

Results:

No significant statistical difference between both groups regarding the mean age (p = 0.448), mean body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.137), mean stone burden (p = 0.435), mean operative time (p = 0.541) and the number of calyces located in branched stones (p = 0.628). The mean hospital stay was 6.71 ± 1.12 days for group A and 6.66 ± 1.10 days for group B patients (p = 0.724). The final SFR was achieved in (29)87.87% and (30)90.9% of group A & B patients, respectively (p = 0.694). No significant difference was detected between both groups in perioperative complication rates.

Conclusion:

ECIRS is safe and effective in treating partial staghorn calculi either in the prone split-leg position or in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position, with comparable outcomes and no statistically significant difference between both positions.
Costs incurred by patients with tuberculosis co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus in Bhavnagar, western India: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research
Authors: Rupani Mihir P. , Vyas Sheetal
Published: October 2022

Background

India reports the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) and second-highest number of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally. We hypothesize that HIV might increase the existing financial burden of care among patients with TB. We conducted this study to estimate the costs incurred by patients with TB co-infected with HIV and to explore the perspectives of patients as well as program functionaries for reducing the costs.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 234 co-infected TB-HIV patients notified in the Bhavnagar region of western India from 2017 to 2020 to estimate the costs incurred, followed by in-depth interviews among program functionaries and patients to explore the solutions for reducing the costs. Costs were estimated in Indian rupees (INR) and expressed as median (interquartile range IQR). The World Health Organization defines catastrophic costs as when the total costs incurred by patients exceed 20% of annual household income. The in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed as codes grouped into categories.

Results

Among the 234 TB-HIV co-infected patients, 78% were male, 18% were sole earners in the family, and their median (IQR) monthly family income was INR 9000 (7500–11,000) [~US$ 132 (110–162)]. The total median (IQR) costs incurred for TB were INR 4613 (2541–7429) [~US$ 69 (37–109)], which increased to INR 7355 (4337–11,657) [~US$ 108 (64–171)] on adding the costs due to HIV. The catastrophic costs at a 20% cut-off of annual household income for TB were 4% (95% CI 2–8%), which increased to 12% (95% CI 8–16%) on adding the costs due to HIV. Strengthening health systems, cash benefits, reducing costs through timely referral, awareness generation, and improvements in caregiving were some of the solutions provided by program functionaries and the patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that catastrophic costs due to TB-HIV co-infection were higher than that due to TB alone in our study setting. Bringing care closer to the patients would reduce their costs. Strengthening town-level healthcare facilities for diagnostics as well as treatment might shift the healthcare-seeking of patients from the private sector towards the government and thereby reduce the costs incurred.
The value of combining the simple anthropometric obesity parameters, Body Mass Index (BMI) and a Body Shape Index (ABSI), to assess the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kuang Maobin , Sheng Guotai , Hu Chong , Lu Song , Peng Nan , Zou Yang
Published: October 2022

Background

Body mass index (BMI) and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) are current independent risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to explore the value of combining these two most common obesity indexes in identifying NAFLD.

Methods

The subjects in this study were 14,251 individuals from the NAfld in the Gifu Area, Longitudinal Analysis (NAGALA) cohort who underwent routine health examination. We integrated BMI with WC and with ABSI to construct 6 combined obesity indicators—obesity phenotypes, the combined anthropometric risk index (ARI) for BMI and ABSI, optimal proportional combination OBMI+WC and OBMI+ABSI, and multiplicative combination BMI*WC and BMI*ABSI. Several multivariable logistic regression models were established to evaluate the relationship between BMI, WC, ABSI, and the above six combined indicators and NAFLD; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to compare the ability of each obesity indicator to identify NAFLD.

Results

A total of 2,507 (17.59%) subjects were diagnosed with NAFLD. BMI, WC, ABSI, and all other combined obesity indicators were significantly and positively associated with NAFLD in the current study, with BMI*WC having the strongest correlation with NAFLD in female subjects (OR per SD increase: 3.13) and BMI*ABSI having the strongest correlation in male subjects (OR per SD increase: 2.97). ROC analysis showed that ARI and OBMI+ABSI had the best diagnostic performance in both sexes, followed by BMI*WC (area under the curve: female 0.8912; male 0.8270). After further age stratification, it was found that ARI and multiplicative indicators (BMI*WC, BMI*ABSI) and optimal proportional combination indicators (OBMI+WC, OBMI+ABSI) significantly improved the NAFLD risk identification ability of the basic anthropometric parameters in middle-aged females and young and middle-aged males.

Conclusion

In the general population, BMI combined with ABSI best identified obesity-related NAFLD risk and was significantly better than BMI or WC, or ABSI. We find that ARI and the multiplicative combined indicators BMI*WC and BMI*ABSI further improved risk prediction and may be proposed for possible use in clinical practice.
Prognosis-Related Nutritional Score for Cancer Patients (PRNS): a clinical nutritional score derived from a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Bingdong , Li Yuerui , Chen Yongbing
Published: October 2022

Background

Nutritional assessment and quality of life (QOL) have become important indices for therapeutic efficacy in patients with malignancies. We aim to develop and validate an easy-to-use questionnaire with prognostic value to assess nutritional status in hospitalized cancer patients.

Methods

A comprehensive survey focused on patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 Chinese version) was performed in a cohort of 22,776 patients derived from the INSCOC study. Among them, 1948 patients were followed for 3 years after admission. An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in accordance with TRIPOD statement. Breiman's random forest model was applied to calculate variable importance (VIMP) for items in PG-SGA and EORTC QLQ-C30 (Chinese version) for nutritional recommendation. Cox regression model was employed to construct Prognosis-Related Nutritional Score for Cancer Patients (PRNS). Kaplan–Meier Survival curve, ROC and DCA were calculated to evaluate prognostic value of nutritional status categorized by PRNS, and compared with PG-SGA.

Results

Nutritional status was classified into 4 levels by PRNS scores: well nourished (≤ 4.5 points), mild malnourished (5–7.5 points), moderate malnourished (8–14.5 points), and severe malnourished (≥ 15 points). Significant median overall survival differences were found among nutritional status groups stratified by the PRNS (all Ps < 0.05). Compared with PG-SGA, PRNS had better prognostic value for survival stratified by nutritional status. The external, internal validity, test–retest reliability and rater reliability were satisfactory.

Conclusions

We systematically developed and validated PRNS as a nutrition screening tool for cancer patients. Compared with PG-SGA, PRNS has better prognostic value and simpler operation.

Trial registration

Investigation on Nutrition Status and its Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers, ChiCTR1800020329. Registered 24 December 2018—Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=31813
Prenatal ultrasonographic features and follow-up outcomes of 19 cases of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunts diagnosed during the foetal period
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Wu Haifang , Cong Xiang , Li Shizhen , Li Qi , Dong Xiangyi , Tao Guowei
Published: October 2022

Background

To investigate the prenatal ultrasonographic features and case characteristics of the congenital intrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt (IHPSS) diagnosed during the foetal period and analyse its prognosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with IHPSS between 2016 and 2021. IHPSS was defined as an abnormal connection between the foetal intrahepatic portal and the hepatic veins.

Results

In this study, 19 foetuses were identified, including 12 cases of single shunt and 7 cases of multiple shunts, with a gestational age of 33.8 ± 4.5 (range 25–40) weeks at diagnosis. In the single-shunt group, the origin position of the shunts was all from the left branch of the portal vein (LPV), whereas in the multiple-shunt group, the origin position of the shunts was from the LPV in six cases. Common concomitant intrauterine abnormalities of IHPSS include foetal growth restriction (47.4%) and foetal cardiac enlargement (21.1%). The postnatal manifestations of IHPSS include biochemical abnormalities (increased gamma-glutamyl transferase and bilirubin levels), neonatal hypoglycaemia, neonatal hyperammonaemia, pulmonary hypertension, multiple intrahepatic hyperechoic nodules, and cutaneous haemangiomas. Spontaneous closure of shunts occurred in ten cases, and the mean time to shunt closure was 8.1 months (1–28 months).

Conclusions

Most IHPSS found during the foetal period is located in the left branch of the portal vein, and the gestational age at diagnosis is usually in the late second or third trimester. Spontaneous closure of shunts can occur in most live births, and the prognosis is good.
Cloud-based blockchain technology to identify counterfeits
Authors: Mani Vinodhini , Prakash M. , Lai Wen Cheng
Published: October 2022

Multi-stakeholder and organizational involvement is an integral part of the medicine supply chain. Keeping track of the activities associated with medical products is difficult when the system is complex. Their complexity limits transparency and data provenance. Deficiencies within existing supply chains result in the counterfeiting of drugs, illegal imports, and inefficient operations. Due to these limitations, product integrity is compromised, resulting in product wastage. Visibility of the entire product supply chain is crucial for the pharmaceutical industry in terms of product safety and reduction of manufacturing costs. The Cloud-based Blockchain-powered architecture of the system provides a platform for addressing the need of pharma-material traceability, data storage, privacy of data, and quality assurance. This framework comprises of the identification of activities through tagging, information sharing in a secure environment; cloud-based storage using an off-chain Interplanetary File System (IPFS) and an on-chain couch DB; and access to this information that is controlled by the system's regulator. Electronic drug records will be accessed via a smart contract in Hyperledger Blockchain. The system assists in identifying false and cross-border products through the manufacturer and country of origin. A scan will identify counterfeit medications, showing that they are unauthorized products which may pose a risk to patients. Our experiments demonstrated the efficiency and usability of the design platform. Finally, we benchmarked the system using Hyperledger Caliper.
Susceptibility of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), larvae to un-irradiated and gamma-irradiated entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Sayed R. M. , Ibrahim S. S. , El-Gepaly H. M. K. H.
Published: October 2022

Background

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an endemic destructive pest for several cultivars in America and recently in Africa and Asia. Due to the development of pesticide resistance as well as environmental contamination, chemical control of the fall armyworm is ineffective. Alternatively, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) provide a successful biological control tool sustainably. This study was designed to estimate the virulence of 2 isolates (Steinernema carpocapsae (All) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HP88)) on 3rd and 5th larval instars of FAW under laboratory conditions. As well, the effect of gamma radiation (with 2 Gy) on the nematodes’ pathogenicity was studied.

Results

The results revealed that S. frugiperda larvae were sensitive to the 2 tested nematodes which were more apparent to S. carpocapsae. The mortality rates presented a significant elevation with the increase in un-irradiated and irradiated nematode concentrations. The highest recorded mortality for the 3rd and 5th larval instars was 100% after 3 and 4 days of treatment at concentration (80 IJs/ml) irradiated S. carpocapsae and the recorded death rate for un-irradiated S. carpocapsae was 72.2 and 77.8% for the two treated larval instars, respectively, after 4 days of the treatment with the same concentration. However, H. bacteriophora caused mortality of 88.9 and 61.1% at irradiated concentration (80 IJs/ml) and 66.7 and 50% at un-irradiated concentration (80 IJs/ml) for the 3rd and 5th larval instars, respectively, after 6 days of treatment. Based on the LC50 values, the 3rd instar larvae was more susceptible than the 5th instar larvae. In addition, juveniles’ irradiation increased their virulence.

Conclusions

Laboratory studies indicated that S. carpocapsae had a high potency among S. frugiperda larvae, especially the irradiated juveniles. Therefore, they have the potential to be developed as a biological control agent for S. frugiperda after further field studies.
The Connelly House approach: occupational therapists facilitating the self-administration of medication in a psychiatric rehabilitation in-patient ward
Authors: McCarthy James , Hawkins Martine , Andrews Sane
Published: October 2022

This paper explores the potential for occupational therapists (OTs) to manage medicines and support patients in an in-patient psychiatric ward to effectively and safely self-administer their medication. Connelly House is an occupational therapy-led six-bed, open psychiatric rehabilitation in-patient ward supporting people transitioning from being in-patients to living in the community. Policy, process, governance and training needs are identified and discussed. Positive feedback was received from patients and staff involved with the service development, opening the door for OTs to manage medicines and support the self-administration of medication on other psychiatric rehabilitation in-patient wards using focused occupational interventions.
Tumor Fraction Correlates With Detection of Actionable Variants Across > 23,000 Circulating Tumor DNA Samples
Authors: Husain Hatim , Pavlick Dean C. , Fendler Bernard J. , Madison Russell W. , Decker Brennan , Gjoerup Ole , Parachoniak Christine A. , McLaughlin-Drubin Molly , Erlich Rachel L. , Schrock Alexa B. , Frampton Garrett M. , Das Thakur Meghna , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Tukachinsky Hanna
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

Profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is increasingly adopted in the management of solid tumors, concurrent with increased availability of more comprehensive ctDNA panels. However, variable ctDNA shed can result in variable assay sensitivity. We studied the relationship between ctDNA tumor fraction (TF) and detection of actionable alterations across cancer types.

METHODS

A total of 23,482 liquid biopsies (LBx) submitted between September 2020 and October 2021 were sequenced using a hybrid capture panel that reports genomic alterations (GAs) and genomic biomarkers across 324 cancer-related genes. The primary end points were the prevalence of targetable GAs by cancer type and detection in relationship to ctDNA TF. Sensitivity of detection in LBx was assessed in 1,289 patients with available tissue results.

RESULTS

94% (n = 22,130) of LBx had detectable ctDNA, with a median TF of 2.2%. LBx profiling detected GAs in National Comprehensive Cancer Network category 1 genes in 37% of lung, 30% of prostate, 36% of breast, and 51% of colon cancer cases. Potential germline GAs flagged on clinical reports were detected in genes including BRCA1/2, PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM. Polyclonal mutations in genes associated with resistance such as AR, ESR1, RB1, and NF1 were detected. The sensitivity of LBx to detect driver alterations identified in tissue biopsy from the same patient ranged from 58% to 86% but was consistently at or near 100% in cases with TF ≥ 10%.

CONCLUSION

Elevated ctDNA shed is associated with both high sensitivity and negative predictive value for detection of actionable GAs. The presence of elevated TF suggests adequate tumor profiling and may reduce the value of subsequent reflex to confirmatory tissue testing in patients with negative LBx results.
Parental Preferences Surrounding Timing and Content of Consent Conversations for Clinical Germline Genetic Testing Following a Child's New Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Mandrell Belinda N. , Johnson Liza Marie , Caples Mary , Gattuso Jami , Maciaszek Jamie L. , Mostafavi Roya , Sharp Katianne M. Howard , Nichols Kim E.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

Clinical genomic testing is increasingly being used to direct pediatric cancer care. Many centers are interested in offering testing of tumors and paired germline tissues at or near the time of cancer diagnosis. We conducted this study to better understand parent preferences surrounding timing and content of consent conversations for clinical germline genetic testing of their children with cancer as a part of real-time cancer care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A seven-question survey developed by the Division of Cancer Predisposition and collaborators at St Jude Children's Research Hospital (St Jude) was distributed to members of the St Jude Patient Family Advisory Council, which included parents of childhood cancer survivors and bereaved parents whose children with cancer had died. Parents were asked to provide free text comments after each question. Qualitative methods were used to derive codes from parent comments, and survey results were depicted using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 172 parents. Ninety-three (54%) endorsed an approach for consent conversations ≥ 1 month after cancer diagnosis, whereas 58 (34%) endorsed an approach at 1-2 weeks and 21 (12%) at 1-2 days. Needing time to adjust to a new or relapsed cancer diagnosis and feeling overwhelmed were frequent themes; however, parents acknowledged the urgency and importance of testing. Parents desired testing of as many cancer-related genes as possible, with clinical utility the most important factor for proceeding with testing. Most parents (75%) desired germline results to be disclosed in person, preferably by a genetic counselor.

CONCLUSION

Parents described urgency and benefits associated with germline testing, but desired flexibility in timing to allow for initial adjustment after their child's cancer diagnosis.
Is “Gender Ideology” Western Colonialism?
Authors: Evang Jenny Andrine Madsen
Published: October 2022

How should we interrogate and oppose the current anti-gender misappropriation of postcolonial thought and struggles? Recently, we have seen a resurgence of organized anti-gender sentiments across Europe and the globe. A specific anti-gender rhetoric of victimization defines so-called Western genderists as a common enemy and colonizing force against “the people.” By focusing on some key European anti-gender actors, this article analyzes the strategic significance of the specific anti-gender assertion that gender is a neocolonial imposition. Beyond examining how the European anti-gender takeover of postcolonial framing is hypocritical—as anti-gender thinkers are themselves invested in the cisheterosexist myth that is perhaps the most colonial of all—the article argues that the misappropriation reveals something central about the racialized imaginary underpinning their rhetoric. They reproduce a racialized hierarchy of biological plasticity that positions white Europeans as both the ultimate saviors and the most vulnerable victims in the face of “genderism.” By unpacking the politics through which European anti-gender actors use the “non-Western” world as a rhetorical ruse to further Western supremacy, the article also shows the danger of the impulse to suspend postcolonial feminist critique in an effort to distance oneself from the anti-gender misappropriation of such theory and to unite around a common liberal front. Instead, it proposes that postcolonial thought is more vital than ever if we are to counter current anti-gender movements, their Islamophobia, and their transphobia.
GID as an Acceptable Minority; or, The Alliance between Moral Conservatives and “Gender Critical” Feminists in Japan
Authors: Yamada Hidenobu
Published: October 2022

This essay articulates how feminist, queer, and trans politics in the early aughts have become a precondition for the rise of feminist transphobia in Japan now. On the one hand, mainstream feminists in that period overlooked transphobia in the gender backlash from moral conservatives. On the other hand, a 2003 law on gender recognition for people with GID (gender identity disorder) endorsed the patriarchal system in which only some transsexual people would be recognized. The author argues that these backgrounds allow “gender critical” feminists to oppose what they see as the transgender ideology, forging an implicit alliance with moral conservatives while portraying themselves as being tolerant of people with GID.
Μελέτη δεικτών παραμόρφωσης της αριστερής κοιλίας κατά τη διάρκεια της κύησης
Authors: Τρύφου Έλση
Published: October 2022

Εισαγωγή: Η εγκυμοσύνη προκαλεί μια σειρά αιμοδυναμικών και μορφολογικών αλλαγών που σκοπό έχουν να βελτιώσουν τη συστολική λειτουργία της αριστερής κοιλίας (ΑΚ) . Παρόλ’ αυτά με την χρήση της κλασσικής υπερηχοκαρδιογραφίας δεν αποκαλύπτεται μεταβολή της μυοκαρδιακής συσταλτικότητας, βελτίωση ή επιδείνωση. Η δύο διαστάσεων speckle tracking υπερηχοκαρδιογραφία (2D-STE) μπορεί να αποκαλύψει υποκλινική μυοκαρδιακή δυσλειτουργία ακόμα και στις περιπτώσεις που το κλάσμα εξώθησης (ΚΕ) της ΑΚ παραμένει φυσιολογικό.Στόχος: Στόχος της διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν να εκτιμήσει αν η συστολική λειτουργία της ΑΚ επηρεάζεται κατά τη διάρκεια μιας χαμηλού κινδύνου εγκυμοσύνης με τη χρήση τόσο της κλασσικής υπερηχοκαρδιογραφίας όσο και της 2D-STE σε γυναίκες με διατηρημένο ΚΕ.Μέθοδοι: 112 συνεχόμενες χαμηλού κινδύνου έγκυες χωρίς δομική καρδιοπάθεια υποβλήθηκαν σε πλήρη υπερηχογραφική μελέτη και 2DSTE σε κάθε τρίμηνο της κύησης (1ο: 8η-12η εβδομάδα, 2ο: 22η-26η εβδομάδα και 3ο: 32η-36η εβδομάδα) καθώς και στους πρώτους 6 μήνες της λοχείας. Μετρήθηκε το 2D-KE, τo 3D-KE, το συστολικό κύμα S από το ιστικό doppler, το συνολικό επίμηκες strain της αριστερής κοιλίας (LVGLS), το συνολικό κυκλοτερές strain της ΑΚ (LVGCS) και η στρέψη της ΑΚ (LV-Twist).Αποτελέσματα: Ανάμεσα στα τρίμηνα της κύησης, στη λοχεία και τους μάρτυρες δεν διαπιστώθηκε σημαντική διαφορά όσον αφορά το 2D-ΚΕ, το 3D-ΚΕ και το κύμα S. Το LVGLS μειώθηκε προοδευτικά στην εγκυμοσύνη (1ο:21.71±2.13%, 2ο: 21.20±2.30%, 3ο: 19.82±2.10%, 4ο: 21.81±2.05%, c: 21.71±2.2%, overall p<0,001) και επανήλθε στις φυσιολογικές τιμές στη λοχεία. Καμία σημαντική μεταβολή δεν παρατηρήθηκε όσον αφορά το LVGCS (1ο: 18.08±5.54%, 2ο: 18.57±3.41%, 3ο:18.20±3.33%, 4ο: 17.95±3.39%, c: 18.8±2.2% , p>0.3). To LV-Twist ήταν σημαντικά μεγαλύτερο στο 1ο τρίμηνο σε σύγκριση με τους μάρτυρες (p= 0,04) και παρέμεινε συνεχώς αυξημένο κατά τη διάρκεια της υπόλοιπης κύησης και της λοχείας(1ο:13.80±5.09°, 2ο:13.46±5.35°, 3ο:13.58±4.32°, 4ο:13.37±4.26°, c: 11.5±4.3°).Συμπέρασμα: Σε άτομα χαμηλού κινδύνου με φυσιολογική εγκυμοσύνη φαίνεται να συμβαίνει μια ανακατανομή δυνάμεων στο μυοκάρδιο της ΑΚ ειδικά κατά τη διάρκεια του τρίτου τριμήνου. Το επίμηκες strain μειώνεται, ενώ η στροφική κίνηση της καρδιάς βελτιώνεται εξισορροπώντας με αυτό τον τρόπο την παροδική επιδείνωση της επιμήκους συστολικής μυοκαρδιακής λειτουργίας. Αυτές οι αλλαγές είναι πιθανό να αντανακλούν τις παθοφυσιολογικές μεταβολές που σχετίζονται με την εγκυμοσύνη.
Eligibility rates and representativeness of the General Medical Services scheme population in Ireland 2017-2021: A methodological report
Authors: Mattsson Molly , Flood Michelle , Wallace Emma , Boland Fiona , Moriarty Frank
Published: October 2022

Background: In Ireland, the means tested General Medical Services (GMS) scheme provides access to a range of healthcare services at no or low cost to approximately one third of the population. Individuals eligible for the GMS scheme are often a focus of research, as a population that account for a large proportion of healthcare services use. The aim of this study is to describe the eligibility rates and representativeness of the GMS scheme population over time, with respect to age group, sex, and geographical area in Ireland.

Methods: Population data was obtained from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), using 2016 Census figures and projected population figures for 2017-2021. GMS eligibility figures for 2016-2021 were obtained from the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS). GMS eligibility rates and relative rates of eligibility were calculated for 2016-2021 by age group and sex. Additionally, 2016 eligibility rates were calculated by geographical area.

Results: The crude eligibility rate decreased from 36.4% in 2016 to 31.2% in 2020, with a slight increase to 31.6% in 2021. In the 75+ years age group, 78.2% of the total population were eligible for the GMS scheme in 2021. The age group with the lowest rate of eligible individuals was the 25-34 age group, with 19.5% eligible in 2021. The eligibility rate was higher among females compared to males throughout the study period. The highest eligibility rate was seen in Donegal, with a crude rate of 52.8%. Dublin had the lowest rate, with a crude rate of 29.3%.

Conclusions: GMS eligibility varies greatly depending on age, sex, and geographical area, and decreased between 2016 and 2021. This study uses the most up-to-date data available to provide age group, sex and area-based figures for GMS eligibility which may inform planning and conduct of research focusing on GMS-eligible individuals.
Ultrastructure and stability of cellular nanoparticles isolated from Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Dunaliella tertiolecta conditioned media
Authors: Božič Darja , Hočevar Matej , Jeran Marko , Kisovec Matic , Bedina Zavec Apolonija , Romolo Anna , Škufca David , Podobnik Marjetka , Kogej Ksenija , Iglič Aleš , Touzet Nicolas , Manno Mauro , Pocsfalvi Gabriella , Bongiovanni Antonella , Kralj Iglič Veronika
Published: October 2022

Background: Cells in general secrete nanoparticles (NPs) which are believed to mediate intercellular communication. Recently, great efforts have been made to utilize them as delivery vectors. We aimed to harvest and identify NPs from liquid cultures of two marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta and Phaeodactyum tricornutum.

Methods: NPs were isolated from the culture conditioned media by differential ultracentrifugation by the protocol used for the isolation of extracellular vesicles. Microalgae and isolated NPs were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while isolated NPs were examined also by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The Triton X-100 detergent and temperature sensitivity of NPs was assessed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) through monitoring the intensity of the scattered light (I) and the distribution of hydrodynamic radii of NPs (Rh).

Results: Two mechanisms of formation of NPs with average Rh 200 nm were observed in the D. tertiolecta culture: a disintegration of tubular protrusions, and cell decay. A part of the imaged D. tertiolecta NPs were membrane-enclosed vesicles, but the isolates also contained electron-dense NPs and nanofilaments. P. tricornutum NPs in the culture and in the isolate were homogeneous in size and shape. Their average Rh was 104 nm. The addition of surfactant to isolates resulted in a change in Rh distribution and a decrease of I in samples from both species, indicating decay of a part of NPs. Changes in the width of the I(Rh) peaks were observed at temperatures above 45 °C. Conclusions: A part of NPs found in isolates from microalgae D. tertiolecta and P. tricornutum were membrane-enclosed vesicles. However, the isolates obtained by a standard protocol for extracellular vesicle isolation by ultracentrifugation contained also a significant amount of other similar-sized nanoparticles. The isolates were partly susceptible to the addition of detergent and to temperature up to 80 degrees.
Knowledge Management in Projects Using Agile Methodologies
Authors: Galkina A.
Published: October 2022

With the introduction of agile project management methodologies, knowledge management plays an important role. This article examines the features of using knowledge management tools in companies with agile project management approach. The purpose of the work is to determine the most and least popular tools used in companies of various industry areas, the application features, as well as to make recommendations for the implementation of these tools. The work employs the methods as a survey and an interview.
The Possible Reasons of Unwillingness of a Part of Employees to Be in Project-Based Organizations and Possible Negative Impact on Project Success Due to This Factor
Authors: Morozov Sergey
Published: October 2022

The goal of this article is to raise interest to the problem of identifying the reasons for unwillingness to work in project-type organizations. The article addresses the following issues: whether there are employees in projects, program and portfolio who do not want to work in such type of the organizations initially (before being involved in the project), or perhaps unwillingness to participate/work in some projects has appeared during execution of some project processes. Reasons, or the vital necessity due to which such kind of category of personnel is in the temporary project organization are considered, for example: availability, or lack of project management standards, financial needs, there is no other work for this period, etc. Also, in this article we make an attempt to determine what is the percentage of employees in projects who has the necessity to work in projects for any reasons; does this part of employees negatively impact the success of projects and, as a consequence, on the programs and portfolios. So, the main focus of this work is directed to those category of employees who do not want to participate in project sphere and the impact of the personnel group on processes, elements and results of any project.
Kobieca emigracja intelektualna: „Czarodziejskie miasto” Aurelii Wyleżyńskiej
Authors: Walęciuk-Dejneka Beata
Published: October 2022

Artykuł jest literaturoznawczym spojrzeniem na twórczość albo zapomnianej, albo wręcz nieznanej pisarki i publicystki, utalentowanej działaczki propolskości – Aurelii Wyleżyńskiej. Ta przedstawicielka emigracji intelektualnej w Paryżu aktywnie uczestniczyła w wydarzeniach literackich, kulturalnych, skupionych w ośrodkach polonocentrycznych we Francji, wiele z nich sama organizując. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na nieobecną w lekturze czytelniczej powieść Aurelii Wyleżyńskiej Czarodziejskie miasto, z wyraźnymi akcentami autobiograficznymi. Tytułowe czarodziejskie miasto to oczywiście Paryż początku XX wieku, do którego ucieka główna bohaterka Maria (prototyp autorki), młoda kobieta, pragnąca uwolnić się od wspomnień, miłości i tęsknoty za ukochanym mężczyzną.
Optimization Under Rational Expectations: A Framework of Fully Coupled Forward-Backward Stochastic Linear Quadratic Systems
Authors: Hu Mingshang , Ji Shaolin , Xue Xiaole
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we propose a general modeling framework for optimal control of stochastic fully coupled forward-backward linear quadratic (FBLQ) problems with indefinite control weight costs that stem from rational expectations models. We propose a new decoupling technique to obtain the optimal feedback control, which is accompanied by one kind of non-Riccati-type ordinary differential equation (ODE). By applying the completion-of-squares method, we prove the existence of the solutions for the obtained ODEs. The obtained results make it possible to compute the control and value function. For this FBLQ problem, the optimal control should depend on the entire trajectory of the state process. Several examples are given to illustrate our results.

Funding: M. Hu’s research was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) [Grant 11671231] and the Young Scholars Program of Shandong University [Grant 2016WLJH10]. S. Ji’s research was supported by the NSF [Grant 11571203]. X. Xue’s research was supported by “The Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University,” the NSF [Grants 12001316 and 61907022], and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province [Grant ZR2019BF015].
Temporal and spatial features of the palace building space of Qinghai’s Kumbum Monastery and its evolution
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ren Yunying , An Xiaofan
Published: October 2022

Kumbum Monastery is the centre of Tibetan Buddhism and religious culture in Qinghai. Its palace buildings are the typical examples of Tibetan Buddhist monastery buildings and living fossils of Tibetan social history. This study selected 12 palace buildings of Kumbum Monastery as the study objects, used typological approaches and numerical method to analyse their spatial features, classified these features into four types (the ring road surrounding Dugang-style palace space, single-sided eaves of the Duguang-style palace space, three-stage palace space with cloisters connecting to Dugang, and other variants) according to their spatial structures, and discussed the temporal evolution of the spatial features from spatial and temporal perspectives to obtain the development process for the palace buildings of Kumbum Monastery. The analysis showed that: 1) Because the Han people migrated to Qinghai, the architectural space of the monastery followed the practices of Tibet in the same period and began to adopt the practices of the Han people under the effect of religious indoctrination and sociopolitical influence of the Ming dynasty. 2) Due to the influence of religious development facilitated by the political environment in the Qing dynasty, all the palace buildings of Kumbum Monastery adopted the practice of monasteries in Lhasa. After being implicated by the political rebellion, the monastery initiated to add the spatial layout elements of the buildings in Qinghai. Therefore, the monastery was obtaining the cues from the Han culture. 3) The dominance of religious significance over the spatial designing of the palace buildings of Kumbum Monastery gradually shifted to the political dominance. This paper revealed the spatial and temporal features and evolution of the palace building space, explored the generation process of the palace buildings space of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Qinghai, and provided a reference for the static conservation and dynamic development of Tibetan Buddhist monastery buildings in Qinghai.
Modifications to student quarantine policies in K–12 schools implementing multiple COVID-19 prevention strategies restores in-person education without increasing SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk, January-March 2021
Authors: Dawson Patrick , Worrell Mary Claire , Malone Sara , Fritz Stephanie A. , McLaughlin Heather P. , Montgomery Brock K. , Boyle Mary , Gomel Ashley , Hayes Samantha , Maricque Brett , Lai Albert M. , Neidich Julie A. , Tinker Sarah C. , Lee Justin S. , Tong Suxiang ,   COVID-19 Response Fieldwork Laboratory Teams, Orscheln Rachel C. , Charney Rachel , Rebmann Terri ,   Missouri School District Data Coordination Group, Mooney Jon , Rains Catherine , Yoon Nancy , Petit Machelle , Towns Katie , Goddard Clay , Schmidt Spring , Barrios Lisa C. , Neatherlin John C. , Salzer Johanna S. , Newland Jason G.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To determine whether modified K–12 student quarantine policies that allow some students to continue in-person education during their quarantine period increase schoolwide SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk following the increase in cases in winter 2020–2021.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of COVID-19 cases and close contacts among students and staff (n = 65,621) in 103 Missouri public schools. Participants were offered free, saliva-based RT-PCR testing. The projected number of school-based transmission events among untested close contacts was extrapolated from the percentage of events detected among tested asymptomatic close contacts and summed with the number of detected events for a projected total. An adjusted Cox regression model compared hazard rates of school-based SARS-CoV-2 infections between schools with a modified versus standard quarantine policy.

Results

From January–March 2021, a projected 23 (1%) school-based transmission events occurred among 1,636 school close contacts. There was no difference in the adjusted hazard rates of school-based SARS-CoV-2 infections between schools with a modified versus standard quarantine policy (hazard ratio = 1.00; 95% confidence interval: 0.97–1.03).

Discussion

School-based SARS-CoV-2 transmission was rare in 103 K–12 schools implementing multiple COVID-19 prevention strategies. Modified student quarantine policies were not associated with increased school incidence of COVID-19. Modifications to student quarantine policies may be a useful strategy for K–12 schools to safely reduce disruptions to in-person education during times of increased COVID-19 community incidence.
Molecular and clinicopathological differences between depressed and protruded T2 colorectal cancer
Authors: Mochizuki Kenichi , Kudo Shin-ei , Kato Kazuki , Kudo Koki , Ogawa Yushi , Kouyama Yuta , Takashina Yuki , Ichimasa Katsuro , Tobo Taro , Toshima Takeo , Hisamatsu Yuichi , Yonemura Yusuke , Masuda Takaaki , Miyachi Hideyuki , Ishida Fumio , Nemoto Tetsuo , Mimori Koshi
Published: October 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be classified into four consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) according to genomic aberrations and gene expression profiles. CMS is expected to be useful in predicting prognosis and selecting chemotherapy regimens. However, there are still no reports on the relationship between the morphology and CMS.

Methods

This retrospective study included 55 subjects with T2 CRC undergoing surgical resection, of whom 30 had the depressed type and 25 the protruded type. In the classification of the CMS, we first defined cases with deficient mismatch repair as CMS1. And then, CMS2/3 and CMS4 were classified using an online classifier developed by Trinh et al. The staining intensity of CDX2, HTR2B, FRMD6, ZEB1, and KER and the percentage contents of CDX2, FRMD6, and KER are input into the classifier to obtain automatic output classifying the specimen as CMS2/3 or CMS4.

Results

According to the results yielded by the online classifier, of the 30 depressed-type cases, 15 (50%) were classified as CMS2/3 and 15 (50%) as CMS4. Of the 25 protruded-type cases, 3 (12%) were classified as CMS1 and 22 (88%) as CMS2/3. All of the T2 CRCs classified as CMS4 were depressed CRCs. More malignant pathological findings such as lymphatic invasion were associated with the depressed rather than protruded T2 CRC cases.

Conclusions

Depressed-type T2 CRC had a significant association with CMS4, showing more malignant pathological findings such as lymphatic invasion than the protruded-type, which could explain the reported association between CMS4 CRC and poor prognosis.
Study on the Pakistan stock market using a new stock crisis prediction method
Authors: Javid Irfan , Ghazali Rozaida , Syed Irteza , Zulqarnain Muhammad , Husaini Noor Aida
Published: October 2022

A Stock market collapse occurs when stock prices drop by more than 10% across all main indexes. Predicting a stock market crisis is difficult because of the increased volatility in the stock market. Stock price drops can be triggered by a variety of factors, including corporate results, geopolitical tensions, financial crises, and pandemic events. For scholars and investors, predicting a crisis is a difficult endeavor. We developed a model for the prediction of stock crisis using Hybridized Feature Selection (HFS) approach. Firstly, we went for the suggestion of the HFS method for the removal of stock’s unnecessary financial attributes. The Naïve Bayes approach, on the other hand, is used for the classification of strong fundamental stocks. In the third step, Stochastic Relative Strength Index (StochRSI) is employed to identify a stock price bubble. In the fourth step, we identified the stock market crisis point in stock prices through moving average statistics. The fifth is the prediction of stock crises by using deep learning algorithms such as Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM). Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) are implemented for assessing the performance of the models. The HFS-based GRU technique outperformed the HFS-based LSTM method to anticipate the stock crisis. To complete the task, the experiments used Pakistan datasets. The researchers can look at additional technical factors to forecast when a crisis would occur in the future. With a new optimizer, the GRU approach may be improved and fine-tuned even more.