bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 16 Randomized Controlled Trials of Clinical Outcomes of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Yao Huibao , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Hongquan , Sun Fengze , Tang Gonglin , Bao Xingjun , Wu Jitao , Zhou Zhongbao , Ma Jian
Published: March 2022

We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). From July 2011 to June 2021, we finally selected 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1,064 participants to evaluate the efficacy of LI-ESWT in the treatment of ED from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The data are analyzed by Review Manager Version 5.4. Fifteen articles mentioned International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), in the follow-up of 1 month (mean difference [MD] = 3.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.38, 4.98], p = .0005), 3 months (MD = 3.01, 95% CI = [2.04, 3.98], p < .00001), and 6 months (MD = 3.20, 95% CI = [2.49, 3.92], p < .00001). After treatment, the improvement of IIEF in the LI-ESWT group was better than that in the control group. Besides, eight of the 16 trials provided data on the proportion of patients with baseline Erectile Hardness Score (EHS) ≤ 2 improved to EHS ≥ 3. The LI-ESWT group was also significantly better than the placebo group (odds ratio [OR] = 5.07, 95% CI = [1.78, 14.44], p = .002). The positive response rate of Questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) was not statistically significant (SEP2: OR = 1.27, 95% CI = [0.70, 2.30], p = .43; SEP3: OR = 4.24, 95% CI = [0.67, 26.83], p = .13). The results of this meta-analysis suggest that treatment plans with an energy density of 0.09 mJ/mm2 and pulses number of 1,500 to 2,000 are more beneficial to IIEF in ED patients. In addition, IIEF improvement was more pronounced in patients with moderate ED after extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
Research on the effect of micron-groove orifices on the static characteristics of aerostatic journal bearings under high gas supply pressures based on the SST k-ω turbulence model
Authors: Shusen Li , Wei Cui
Published: March 2022

To improve the static characteristics of orifice-compensated aerostatic journal bearings (OCAJBs) under high gas supply pressures, governing equations considering inertial forces are established based on the shear stress transport (SST) k- ω turbulence model, and a double-row gas supply micron-groove orifice aerostatic journal bearing (MGOAJB) is designed. The influences of the structural parameters of the micron-groove orifice (MGO), such as the groove cross-sectional shape, dimensional parameters and layout, on the static characteristics under high gas supply pressures are studied. The SST k- ω turbulence model can accurately simulate the pressure distribution of a gas film flow field under high gas supply pressures, and the MGO can effectively improve static bearing characteristics such as the load capacity and stiffness. The influences of the groove cross-sectional shape, groove depth, and groove width of the MGO are not significant, but the groove length, orifice diameter, and MGO layout have obvious impacts on the load capacity and stiffness of a bearing. Structural parameters should be reasonably selected in the bearing design process.
Line heating process parameter forecasting method based on optimization concept
Authors: Zhou Hong-gen , Wang Zhao , Li Lei , Xu Binjiang
Published: March 2022

In ship construction, line heating is a necessary process for forming ship plates with complex curvature. The determination of line heating process parameters has a significant impact on the accuracy of the process and the efficiency of shipbuilding. However, previous studies on this subject only stay at the level of predicting deformation, which has not meet the actual processing production requirements. In this paper, a new idea of forecasting line heating parameters proposed. Firstly, an Radial Basis Function (RBF) proxy model between processing parameters and deformation was constructed based on experimental data, and then the reliability of the proxy model is verified. The optimization objective for proxy model was set as the minimum difference between the final deformation and the target deformation. Meanwhile, an improved Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) method was employed to search the optimal-set of processing parameters with non-dominated solutions. The performance of the optimized parameter set was ranked by using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and the processing parameters combination ranking first was selected as the parameter forecasting result. The results showed that the predicted processing parameters have some reference for the practical engineering.
An adaptive approach-based ensemble for 1 day-ahead production prediction of solar PV systems
Authors: Al-Dahidi Sameer , Muhsen Hani , Sari Ma’en S , Alrbai Mohammad , Louzazni Mohamed , Omran Nahed
Published: March 2022

The world is becoming more reliant on renewable energy sources to satisfy its growing energy demand. The primary disadvantage of such sources is their significant uncertainty in power production. As appropriate energy production planning and scheduling necessitate a solid and confident assessment of renewable power production, the necessity for developing reliable prediction models grows by the day. This paper proposes an adaptive approach-based ensemble for 1-day ahead production prediction of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Different ensembles of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) prediction models are established, whose architectures (number of the ANNs that comprise the ensembles) and configurations (number of hidden nodes required by the ANNs models of the ensembles) change adaptively at each hour h, h∈ [1, 24] of a day, for accommodating the hour seasonality in the solar PV data and, thus, enhancing the 1 day-ahead predictions accuracy. The suggested approach is tested on a 264 kW solar PV system installed at Applied Science Private University, Jordan. Its prediction performance is evaluated, particularly for different weather conditions (seasons) experienced by the concerned PV system, using standard performance metrics. Results show the effectiveness of the suggested approach in predicting solar PV power production and its superiority compared to another prediction approach of the literature that uses single ANNs at each hour h of the day. Specifically, for 1-day ahead prediction, the obtained enhanced accuracy, on average, was around 8%–10% on the test “unseen” datasets.
Effects of a community-based chronic disease self-management programme on chronic disease patients in Singapore
Authors: Hoong Jian Ming , Koh Hui An , Wong Karen , Lee Hee Hoon
Published: March 2022

Objective

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) is a small-group intervention attended by people with chronic diseases and aims to promote self-efficacy and improve health. We adopted this programme to improve population health in the Western region of Singapore. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the CDSMP with various health outcomes for people with chronic disease living in the community.

Methods

Validated instruments were used to measure various health outcomes. Participants completed baseline questionnaires before the programme. Post-intervention questionnaires were administered 6 months after programme. Primary outcome measures include self-efficacy and self-rated health status while secondary outcomes include several other self-management behaviours and healthcare utilisation.

Results

461 participants attended the baseline questionnaire and 265 participants returned for the post-intervention questionnaire from November 2014 to August 2020. Post intervention, participants had statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy, self-rated health score, self-management behaviours and symptoms. The proportion of participants with depression and medication adherence also improved. There were no statistically significant changes in cognitive symptom management and healthcare utilisation.

Conclusion

CDSMP in the community can improve health outcomes and should be standard care for people with chronic disease. It can be an effective way for sustainable chronic disease management in Singapore.
Outcome prediction in large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke with or without endovascular stroke treatment: THRIVE-EVT
Authors: Flint Alexander C , Chan Sheila L , Edwards Nancy J , Rao Vivek A , Klingman Jeffrey G , Nguyen-Huynh Mai N , Yan Bernard , Mitchell Peter J , Davis Stephen M. , Campbell Bruce CV , Dippel Diederik W , Roos Yvo BWEM , van Zwam Wim H , Saver Jeffrey L , Kidwell Chelsea S , Hill Michael D , Goyal Mayank , Demchuk Andrew M , Bracard Serge , Bendszus Martin , Donnan Geoffrey A
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

The THRIVE score and the THRIVE-c calculation are validated ischemic stroke outcome prediction tools based on patient variables that are readily available at initial presentation. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) for many patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), and pooled data from these trials allow for adaptation of the THRIVE-c calculation for use in shared clinical decision making regarding EVT.

Methods:

To extend THRIVE-c for use in the context of EVT, we extracted data from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) from 7 RCTs of EVT. Models were built in a randomly selected development cohort using logistic regression that included the predictors from THRIVE-c: age, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and/or atrial fibrillation, as well as randomization to EVT and, where available, the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS).

Results:

Good outcome was achieved in 366/787 (46.5%) of subjects randomized to EVT and in 236/795 (29.7%) of subjects randomized to control (P < 0.001), and the improvement in outcome with EVT was seen across age, NIHSS, and THRIVE-c good outcome prediction. Models to predict outcome using THRIVE elements (age, NIHSS, and comorbidities) together with EVT, with or without ASPECTS, had similar performance by ROC analysis in the development and validation cohorts (THRIVE-EVT ROC area under the curve (AUC) = 0.716 in development, 0.727 in validation, P = 0.30; THRIVE-EVT + ASPECTS ROC AUC = 0.718 in development, 0.735 in validation, P = 0.12).

Conclusion:

THRIVE-EVT may be used alongside the original THRIVE-c calculation to improve outcome probability estimation for patients with acute ischemic stroke, including patients with or without LVO, and to model the potential improvement in outcomes with EVT for an individual patient based on variables that are available at initial presentation. Online calculators for THRIVE-c estimation are available at www.thrivescore.org and www.mdcalc.com/thrive-score-for-stroke-outcome .
“Exploring a task-based English learning and teaching practice: An integrated approach”
Authors: Zheng Chunxian
Published: March 2022

This ethnographic study attempts to find, reveal, and understand the quality of life in a College English classroom for non-English majors in China, where a task-based language learning and teaching practice is conducted under the guide of the principles of Exploratory Practice, aiming at exploring the viability of the practice in this specific instructional context. It takes the perspective of a practitioner’s and researcher’s, and that of an anthropologist’s, to conduct qualitatively the study of the task process. By inspiring students to free themselves from the rationality of instrumental curriculum, and encouraging them to exercise their agency and creativity, through the joint four-stage activities of the task, the study witnesses a harmonious classroom life, in which the students, in the direction of their teacher, engage actively in the activities, creating not only language learning opportunities, but also social and cultural ones, and critical thinking chances. The study confirms the positive effect of this context-sensitive instructional practice which prioritizes quality of life in the task-based language learning and teaching classroom.
Successful treatment of hypodipsic/adipsic hypernatremia in a cat with lobar holoprosencephaly using oral desmopressin
Authors: Akashi Yoriko , Park Young Tae , Oetelaar Garrett S , Murakami Masahiro
Published: March 2022

Case summary

A 2-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented with a history of collapse, possible hypodipsia/adipsia, severe dehydration and hypernatremia. MRI of the brain revealed a failure of separation of the cerebral hemispheres as characterized by an absence of the rostral part of the corpus callosum, fornix and septum pellucidum and the presence of a single fused lateral ventricle. A diagnosis of hypodipsic/adipsic hypernatremia with lobar holoprosencephaly was made. Dietary management of the cat’s condition was attempted by increasing oral water intake, but the cat’s hypernatremia and azotemia persisted. Plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) analysis revealed a low concentration of circulating AVP (2.3 pg/ml), prompting therapy with oral desmopressin in addition to the dietary management. This combined therapy decreased water consumption of the cat from 200 ml/day (85 ml/kg/day) to 100 ml/day (30 ml/kg/day), normalized plasma sodium concentration and resolved the azotemia.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the second case report of an MRI diagnosis of lobar holoprosencephaly with hypodipsic/adipsic hypernatremia in a cat and the first case report of the successful management of this condition using oral desmopressin. This case report emphasizes that holoprosencephaly should be suspected in cats presented with hypodipsic/adipsic hypernatremia and highlights the utility of MRI in establishing the diagnosis. Measurements of plasma osmolality and AVP concentration corroborate the pathophysiology and support the use of oral desmopressin in addition to dietary management to resolve the hypernatremia.
A Retrospective Evaluation of Pre-Pandemic Online Teacher Learning Experiences
Authors: Özgür Küfi Elmaziye
Published: March 2022

Teachers are expected to encourage students to be active in the learning process in line with social-constructivist principles. However, when it comes to their own learning, they are obliged to attend activities organized by their institution. Triggered by this dilemma, this study introduced Computer-Mediated Communication as an alternative to the top-down delivery of trainer-fronted professional development and explored teachers’ uptake of Web 2.0 in the pre-pandemic era. To obtain comprehensive insights into teachers’ perceptions related to the use of Web 2.0 for their own learning, the study employed qualitative and quantitative methodology. Study results revealed that teacher development cannot be promoted with the use of Web 2.0 per se as it is very much dependent on teacher awareness, autonomy, beliefs, contextual realities but most significantly student learning. Despite limitations, this study highlights the principle of learner-centeredness as the key for promoting teacher development and the need to make prospective teacher learning practices an integral part of student-focused activity. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that the multi-dimensional nature of teacher learning and contextual realities at multiple levels are considered in the design of post-pandemic teacher development schemes, significantly in institutions with low-autonomy cultures in order to turn top-down teacher development practices which teachers are used to into teacher initiated bottom-up learning processes.
The Interactive Influence of Life Stressor and Sleep Disturbance on Depression: A Cross-Sectional Examination on Chinese and Japanese University Students
Authors: Matsuda Eiko , Kikutani Mariko
Published: March 2022

The present study investigated how life stressors and sleep disturbances interactively affect depressive symptoms among university students. Based on a hypothesis that sleep disturbance can be a cause of depression, a statistical model is established which expects that life stressors impact depressive symptoms indirectly rather than directly by increasing sleep disturbances, while sleep disturbances directly work to increase depressive symptoms. Three groups of university students, Japanese ( N = 784) and Chinese ( N = 311) students in their native countries and Chinese students living in Japan ( N = 82), were tested to reveal whether the model fits to all of them and whether there are cultural differences on life stressors and sleep disturbance. The participants responded to a set of questionnaires measuring the extent of depressive symptoms (BDI-II), sleep disturbance symptoms (insomnia, hypersomnia, and nightmare), and experience of life stressors. Japanese students reported more severe depressive symptoms than both groups of Chinese, but the Chinese have had experienced more life stressors than Japanese. Also, Japanese students reported severe hypersomnia symptoms than both groups of Chinese but the trend was reversed for nightmare. The statistical model of depression fitted well for all participant groups. Although experience of life stressors showed direct impact on depression, its indirect effect via sleep disturbance was stronger than its direct effect. This suggests that addressing sleep disturbance symptoms at earliest opportunity is an effective procedure to prevent onset of depression for university students. Implementing sleep education programs could be especially effective for this population.
Consistent Condom Utilization and its Associated Factors among Sexually Active Female Anti-Retro Viral Treatment Users in Finoteselam District Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Aynalem Getie Lake , Badi Marta Berta , Solomon Abayneh Aklilu
Published: March 2022

Consistent condom utilization is the key strategy to prevent new HIV strain transmissions among ART users. There are limited evidences on consistent condom utilization among women who are on ART in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among sexually active female ART users from June to August, 2018. Data were collected using a systematic random sampling data collection method. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors for the outcome Results: study indicated that 137(34.2%) women reported that they were using condom for the last three months, of whom 81 (59.1% (n = 137)) used condoms consistently. Respondents` age group from 21-30 (AOR = 4.381, 95%CI = 1.05, 18.331), Counseling about condom utilization (ARO = 9.442, 95% CI = 4.387, 20.32) and husbands` educational status “diploma and above” (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.007, 13.227) were significantly associated with condom utilization.
Tipping the Scales Toward Equity Equilibrium
Authors: Oji Nnaoma M.
Published: March 2022

A third year medical student shares his approach for translating personal experiences with racial bias into teaching moments that enrich the learning environment.
Shoulder Arthroplasty Options for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis in Young and Active Patients (<60 Years Old): A Systematic Review
Authors: Fonte Hélder , Amorim-Barbosa Tiago , Diniz Sara , Barros Luís , Ramos Joaquim , Claro Rui
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aims to describe the shoulder arthroplasty options for young and active patients (<60 years old) with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching on Pubmed database. Studies that reported outcomes of patients with glenohumeral arthritis, younger than 60 years, that underwent shoulder arthroplasty [(Hemiarthroplasty (HA), Hemiarthroplasty with biological resurfacing (HABR), Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), Reversed total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA)] were included. Data include patient characteristics, surgical technique, range of motion, pain relief, outcome scores, functional improvement, complications, need for and time to revision.

Results

A total of 1591 shoulders met the inclusion criteria. Shoulder arthroplasty provided improvements in terms of ROM on the 3 plains, forward flexion (FF), abduction (Abd) and external rotation (ER), in different proportions for each type of implant. Patients submitted to RSA had lower preoperative FF (p = 0.011), and the highest improvement (Δ) in Abd, but the worst in terms of ER (vsTSA, p = 0.05). HA had better ER postoperative values (vsRSA p = 0.049). Pain scores improved in all groups but no difference between them (p = 0.642). TSA and RSA groups had the best CS Δ (p = 0.012). HA group had higher complication rates (21.7%), RSA (19.4%, p = 0.034) and TSA (19.4%, p = 0.629) groups the lowest, and HABR had the highest rate of revisions (34.5%).

Conclusions

HA had the highest rate of complications and HABR unacceptable rates of revision. These implants have been replaced by modern TSAs, with RSA reserved for complex cases. Surgeons should be aware of the common pitfalls of each option.
Combined photorefractive keratectomy and corneal collagen cross-linking for treatment of keratoconus: a 2-year follow-up study
Authors: De Rosa Giuseppe , Rossi Settimio , Santamaria Carmine , Boccia Rosa , De Rosa Luigi , D’Alterio Francesco Maria , Simonelli Francesca
Published: March 2022

Background:

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is considered an effective procedure for slowing down or eliminating the progression of keratoconus. New techniques, in combination with CXL, have been proposed to stop the evolution of keratoconus and improve the visual function.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of combined photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with mitomycin-C (MMC) application and CXL in the management of grade 1–2 keratoconus over a 2-year follow-up.

Methods:

Fifteen eyes underwent topography-guided PRK with 0.02% MMC application immediately followed by standard CXL.

Results:

Best corrected visual acuity improved from 0.15 ± 0.11 logMAR to 0.08 ± 0.09 logMAR at 24 months ( p < 0.0001) in treated eyes. Mean steepest meridian keratometry reduced from 48.79 ± 3.22 D at baseline to 46.16 ± 3.11 D at 24 months ( p < 0.0001). Mean flattest meridian keratometry reduced from 45.18 ± 2.17 D preoperatively to 44.35 ± 2.19 D at 24 months ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Simultaneous topography-guided PRK with MMC 0.02% application and standard CXL is a safe, promising and effective procedure in the treatment of mild and moderate keratoconus.
“I’m a sociologist too, right?” Cinema and the representation of contemporary violence in Spain
Authors: Sorogoyen Rodrigo , Ferret Jérôme
Published: March 2022

The Spanish director’s oeuvre offers a unique vision of the various forms of violence at work in contemporary Spanish society. This study aims to encourage social scientists to reflect on their own practice and identify potential blind spots in their work. More broadly, the young Spanish director’s output can be viewed as the product of a particular socialization (both familial and academic) and his belonging to a generation uninhibited by the codes of classic Spanish politics. In this sense, his is a “post 15-M1 cinema,” part of a “second transition.” These are the factors that must inform a sociological interpretation of three of his most representative works, and the reading of the interview that follows.
Engaging Multitasking Performance Ensembles Through World Music Pedagogies
Authors: Le Xinyue
Published: March 2022

In world music ensembles such as African and African Caribbean percussion ensembles, the Gamelan ensemble, and the Latin marimba ensemble, members may sing a song, play instruments, and dance simultaneously. This practice is known as music multitasking. For musicians in Western art music traditions, music multitasking can be a challenge. This article discusses four teaching strategies for helping beginning learners or musicians who are new to music multitasking ensembles. The four teaching strategies are movement and dancing, rote learning, switching performance roles, and embodying the intended aesthetic and performance practice of the music and the style.
A single-arm pilot study of a mobile health exercise intervention (GO-EXCAP) in older patients with myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Loh Kah Poh , Sanapala Chandrika , Watson Erin Elizabeth , Jensen-Battaglia Marielle , Janelsins Michelle C. , Klepin Heidi D. , Schnall Rebecca , Culakova Eva , Vertino Paula , Susiarjo Martha , Lin Po-Ju , Mendler Jason H. , Liesveld Jane L. , Huselton Eric J. , Taberner Kathryn , Mohile Supriya G. , Mustian Karen
Published: March 2022

Many older patients with myeloid neoplasms experience treatment-related toxicities. We previously demonstrated that a home-based, progressive aerobic walking and resistance exercise program (EXCAP) improved physical and psychological outcomes in patients with cancer. However, older patients have more difficulty adhering to exercise than younger patients. Reasons may include low motivation, difficulty with transportation, and limited access to exercise professionals. To improve exercise adherence, we integrated a mobile app with EXCAP (GO-EXCAP) and assessed its feasibility and usability in a single-arm pilot study among older patients with myeloid neoplasms undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. GO-EXCAP intervention lasts for 2 cycles of treatment, and the primary feasibility metric was data reporting on the app. Usability was evaluated via the system usability scale (SUS). Patients were interviewed at mid and postintervention to elicit their feedback, and deductive thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts. Twenty-five patients (mean age, 72 years) were recruited. Recruitment and retention rates were 64% and 88%, respectively. Eighty-two percent (18/22) of patients entered some exercise data on the app at least half of the study days, excluding hospitalization (a priori, we considered 70% as feasible). Averaged daily steps were 2848 and 3184 at baseline and after intervention, respectively. Patients also performed resistance exercises 26.2 minutes per day, 2.9 days per week at low intensity (rate of perceived exertion 3.8/10). Usability was above average (SUS, 70.3). In qualitative analyses, 3 themes were identified, including positive experience with the intervention, social interactions, and flexibility. The GO-EXCAP intervention is feasible and usable for older patients with myeloid neoplasms undergoing outpatient chemotherapy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04035499.
Disease burden associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: systematic and structured literature reviews
Authors: Miravitlles Marc , Herepath Mike , Priyendu Asim , Sharma Sheetal , Vilchez Tatiana , Vit Oliver , Haensel Michaela , Lepage Virginie , Gens Helena , Greulich Timm
Published: March 2022

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a rare genetic disorder characterised by reduced levels of circulating alpha-1 antitrypsin and an increased risk of lung and liver disease. Recent reviews of AATD have focused on diagnosis, epidemiology and clinical management; comprehensive reviews examining disease burden are lacking. Therefore, we conducted literature reviews to investigate the AATD disease burden for patients, caregivers and healthcare systems. Embase, PubMed and Cochrane libraries were searched for AATD publications from database inception to June 2021, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Most published AATD studies were small and short in duration, with variations in populations, designs, measures and outcomes, complicating cross-study comparisons. AATD was associated with significant pulmonary and hepatic morbidity. COPD, emphysema and bronchiectasis were common lung morbidities, where smoking was a key risk factor. Fibrosis and steatosis were the most common liver complications reported in patients with aPiZallele. Health status analyses suggested a poorer quality of life for AATD patients diagnosed with COPDversusthose with non-AATD-associated COPD. The burden for caregivers included loss of personal time due to caring responsibilities, stress and anxiety. AATD was also associated with high direct medical costs and healthcare resource utilisation.
RAD6 Positively Affects Tumorigenesis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating Histone Ubiquitination of CCNB1
Authors: Deng Yu , Li Yujiang , Wu Tiantong , Chen Xuyuan , Li Xiang , Cai Kaican , Wu Xu
Published: March 2022

Objective Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is deadly cancer worldwide with unknown etiology. This study aimed to investigate the impact and mechanism of RAD6 on the development of Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Expressions of RAD6A and RAD6B in ESCA were investigated from TCGA dataset and their expressions in tissue sample of ESCA patients and cells were determined. Functional experiments were conducted to explore the impact of RAD6A and RAD6B on malignant characteristics of several kinds of ESCC cells. Animal experiment was established and injected with RAD6A and RAD6B shRNA to evaluate the effect on tumor growth.

RAD6A and RAD6B were up-regulated in ESCC cells and tissues. Overexpressed RAD6A and RAD6B similarly increased ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration and silencing of RAD6 exerted opposite effects. Knockdown of RAD6A suppressed tumor growth and decreased the level of H2B, as data demonstrated positive correlation between RAD6A and CCNB1 in ESCC tissues.

Collectively, this study elucidates that RAD6 is up-regulated in ESCC and promotes the progression of ESCC through up-regulation of CCNB1 to enhance H2B ubiquitination. These evidence provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of ESCC and might contribute to the development of targeted therapy.
Cardiorespiratory impact of intrathoracic pressure overshoot during artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Ren Yunqin , Zhu Xing , Yan Hong , Chen Liyong , Mao Qingxiang
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate cardiovascular and respiratory effects of intrathoracic pressure overshoot (higher than insufflation pressure) in patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophagectomy procedures with carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumothorax.

Methods

This prospective research included 200 patients who were scheduled for esophagectomy from August 2016 to July 2020. The patients were randomly divided into the Stryker insufflator (STR) group and the Storz insufflator (STO) group. We recorded the changes of intrathoracic pressure, peak airway pressure, blood pressure, heart rate and central venous pressure (CVP) during artificial pneumothorax. The differences in blood gas analysis, the administration of vasopressors and the recovery time were compared between the two groups.

Results

We found that during the artificial pneumothorax, intrathoracic pressure overshoot occurred in both the STR group (8.9 mmHg, 38 times per hour) and the STO group (9.8 mmHg, 32 times per hour). The recorded maximum intrathoracic pressures were up to 58 mmHg in the STR group and 51 mmHg in the STO group. The average duration of intrathoracic pressure overshoot was significantly longer in the STR group (5.3 ± 0.86 s) vs. the STO group (1.2 ± 0.31 s, P < 0.01). During intrathoracic pressure overshoot, a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (5.6 mmHg vs. 1.1 mmHg, P < 0.01), a higher elevation in airway peak pressure (4.8 ± 1.17 cmH2O vs. 0.9 ± 0.41 cmH2O, P < 0.01), and a larger increase in CVP (8.2 ± 2.86 cmH2O vs. 4.9 ± 2.35 cmH2O, P < 0.01) were observed in the STR group than in the STO group. Vasopressors were also applied more frequently in the STR group than in the STO group (68% vs. 43%, P < 0.01). The reduction of SBP caused by thoracic pressure overshoot was significantly correlated with the duration of overshoot (R = 0.76). No obvious correlation was found between the SBP reduction and the maximum pressure overshoot.

Conclusions

Intrathoracic pressure overshoot can occur during thoracoscopic surgery with artificial CO2 pneumothorax and may lead to cardiovascular adverse effects which highly depends on the duration of the pressure overshoot.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02330536; December 24, 2014).
How may cultural and political ideals cause moral distress in acute psychiatry? A qualitative study
Authors: Jansen Trine-Lise , Danbolt Lars Johan , Hanssen Ingrid , Hem Marit Helene
Published: March 2022

Background

There is growing public criticism of the use of restraints or coercion. Demands for strengthened patient participation and prevention of coercive measures in mental health care has become a priority for care professionals, researchers, and policymakers in Norway, as in many other countries. We have studied in what ways this current ideal of reducing the use of restraints or coercion and attempting to practice in a least restrictive manner may raise morals issues and create experiences of moral distress in nurses working in acute psychiatric contexts.

Methods

Qualitative interview study, individual and focus group interviews, with altogether 30 nurses working in acute psychiatric wards in two mental health hospitals in Norway. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A thematic analytic approach was chosen.

Results

While nurses sense a strong expectation to minimise the use of restraints/coercion, patients on acute psychiatric wards are being increasingly ill with a greater tendency to violence. This creates moral doubt and dilemmas regarding how much nurses should endure on their own and their patients’ behalf and may expose patients and healthcare personnel to greater risk of violence. Nurses worry that new legislation and ideals may prevent acutely mentally ill and vulnerable patients from receiving the treatment they need as well as their ability to create a psychological safe climate on the ward. Furthermore, persuading the patient to stay on the ward can cause guilt and uneasiness. Inadequate resources function as external constraints that may frustrate nurses from realising the treatment ideals set before them.

Conclusions

Mental health nurses working in acute psychiatric care are involved in a complex interplay between political and professional ideals to reduce the use of coercion while being responsible for the safety of both patients and staff as well as creating a therapeutic atmosphere. External constraints like inadequate resources may furthermore hinder the healthcare workers/nurses from realising the treatment ideals set before them. Caught in the middle nurses may experience moral distress that may lead to physical discomfort, uneasiness and feelings of guilt, shame, and defeat.

Pressure on nurses and care providers to reduce or eliminate the use of coercion and reduction of health care spending are incompatible demands.
Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on substance use patterns and service access of street involved individuals in Kingston, Ontario: a qualitative study
Authors: McCann Victoria , Allen Rachael , Purkey Eva
Published: March 2022

This study aims to understand the experiences of street-involved individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding substance use patterns and service access. With the collision of the COVID-19 pandemic and Canadian opioid epidemic came an increase in opioid related overdoses and increased barriers in accessing essential services since March 2020. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in June and July 2021, with 30 street-involved individuals in Kingston, Ontario. Analysis followed a phenomenological approach to qualitative research. Themes were coded by two independent researchers using NVIVO12. COVID-19 had detrimental effects on the lives of street-involved folks who use substances. Increased substance use to combat feelings of isolation and hopelessness related to loss of income and housing was commonly described. Increased fentanyl usage was considered the major contributor to the rise in overdoses over the pandemic. Restrictions on public access to businesses and services disproportionately impacted individuals with limited means. Harm reduction services and mental health support were considered extremely important throughout the pandemic. The coinciding COVID-19 pandemic and opioid epidemic place street-involved individuals who use substances in a uniquely dangerous position. As such, it is imperative that public policy decision-makers consider the differential needs of street-involved community members to provide safe, relevant, and compassionate solutions in future public health emergencies.
Providing laypeople with results from dynamic infectious disease modelling studies affects their allocation preference for scarce medical resources—a factorial experiment
Authors: Rübsamen Nicole , Garcia Voges Benno , Castell Stefanie , Klett-Tammen Carolina Judith , Oppliger Jérôme , Krütli Pius , Smieszek Timo , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Karch André
Published: March 2022

Background

Allocation of scarce medical resources can be based on different principles. It has not yet been investigated which allocation schemes are preferred by medical laypeople in a particular situation of medical scarcity like an emerging infectious disease and how the choices are affected by providing information about expected population-level effects of the allocation scheme based on modelling studies. We investigated the potential benefit of strategic communication of infectious disease modelling results.

Methods

In a two-way factorial experiment (n = 878 participants), we investigated if prognosis of the disease or information about expected effects on mortality at population-level (based on dynamic infectious disease modelling studies) influenced the choice of preferred allocation schemes for prevention and treatment of an unspecified sexually transmitted infection. A qualitative analysis of the reasons for choosing specific allocation schemes supplements our results.

Results

Presence of the factor “information about the population-level effects of the allocation scheme” substantially increased the probability of choosing a resource allocation system that minimized overall harm among the population, while prognosis did not affect allocation choices. The main reasons for choosing an allocation scheme differed among schemes, but did not differ among those who received additional model-based information on expected population-level effects and those who did not.

Conclusions

Providing information on the expected population-level effects from dynamic infectious disease modelling studies resulted in a substantially different choice of allocation schemes. This finding supports the importance of incorporating model-based information in decision-making processes and communication strategies.
Does musculoskeletal pain interfere with motor learning in a gait adaptation task? A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Dupuis Frédérique , Pairot de Fontenay Benoit , Bouffard Jason , Bouchard Marc , Bouyer Laurent J. , Mercier Catherine , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: March 2022

Background

Experimental pain during gait has been shown to interfere with learning a new locomotor task. However, very few studies have investigated the impact of clinical pain on motor learning due to the challenges associated with clinical populations.

Objective

The first objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine the feasibility to obtain two groups of participants with chronic ankle pathology with or without residual pain while walking. The second objective was to evaluate the impact of clinical musculoskeletal pain on motor learning during gait.

Methods

Participants with chronic isolated ankle pathology were recruited and their personal and clinical characteristics were collected (functional performance, dorsiflexion maximal strength, range of motion). To assess motor acquisition (Day 1) and retention (Day 2), participants performed an adaptation task on two consecutive days that consisted of walking while experiencing a perturbing force applied to the ankle. The level of pain during the task was measured, and participants who reported pain were attributed to the Pain group and participants without pain to the No Pain group. Learning performance was assessed by measuring ankle kinematics (Mean plantarflexion absolute error) and learning strategy was assessed by measuring the Relative timing of error and the tibialis anterior (TA) electromyographic activity.

Results

Twenty-five participants took part in the experiment. Eight (32%) were excluded because they could not be included in either the Pain or No Pain group due to the intermittent pain, leaving eight participants in the Pain group and nine in the No Pain group. Both groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Musculoskeletal pain had no influence on learning performance, but the learning strategy were different between the two groups. The No Pain group showed a TA activity reduction before perturbation between the days, while the Pain group did not.

Conclusion

Some barriers were identified in studying musculoskeletal pain including the high rates of participants’ exclusion, leading to a small sample size. However, we showed that it is feasible to investigate clinical pain and motor learning. From the results of this study, musculoskeletal pain has no influence on motor learning performance but influences the learning strategy.
Acute pulmonary embolism and severe post thrombolysis renal bleeding, two deadly complications following mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a rare case report
Authors: Wang Feng-Qi , Liu Wan-Zhang , Yuan He-Sheng , Huang Ting , Wang Zheng-Yi , Pan Jin-Feng , Yan Ze-Jun , Cheng Yue
Published: March 2022

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism and severe renal bleeding are two lethal postoperative complications, but there has been no report that involves both of them after mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with extremely severe hydronephrosis and multiple right renal calculi. After thorough examination, she received prone-position mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy under spinal anaesthesia. Three days postoperatively, the patient complained of chest pain and dyspnea. Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) showed multiple embolisms in the left pulmonary artery and its branches. Symptoms were relieved after anticoagulant and thrombolysis therapy. On the 6th postoperative day, the patient developed shortness of breath, computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed massive hemorrhage in the right kidney, diffused contrast medium in the middle and lower part of the right kidney was seen during digital substraction angiography (DSA). Superselective right renal artery embolization (SRAE) was then applied using coil to occlude the responsible artery. The patient generally recovered under conscientious care and was approved to be discharged 26 days postoperatively.

Conclusions

This is the first case that involved both acute pulmonary embolism and severe post thrombolysis renal bleeding. The importance of D-dimer in the prediction and early detection of pulmonary embolism should be noted. For post thrombolysis renal bleeding, SRAE is considered as a reliable treatment.
Deleterious oral habits related to vertical, transverse and sagittal dental malocclusion in pediatric patients
Authors: Rodríguez-Olivos Lourdes Hilda Gabriela , Chacón-Uscamaita Pamela Roxana , Quinto-Argote Antony Germán , Pumahualcca Graciela , Pérez-Vargas Luis Fernando
Published: March 2022

Background

Malocclusion is highly reported among mixed dentition cases. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship of dental malocclusions in the vertical, transverse, sagittal planes with deleterious habits in pediatric patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out on 155 children aged 6–12 years attended at the clinic of the School of Dentistry of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in 2017.

Results

Among 155 evaluated patients, 45.3% had vertical malocclusion, 52.0% had sagittal malocclusion and 13.6% had transverse malocclusion. The most frequent type of malocclusion in the vertical plane was anterior deep bite (22.2%), in the transverse plane, the edge-to-edge bite (7.1%) and the anterior crossbite (6.5%) were less frequent. Finally, in the sagittal plane, Class II Div 1 (20%) and Class III (20.7%) were the most frequent. Among the most common deleterious habits, anteroposition (58.7%) and mixed breathing (51.0%) were observed in contrast to the habit of retroposition, lip sucking and mouth breathing, which were the least frequent. Considering age and sex, children who have an atypical swallowing habit are more likely to have malocclusion in all three planes of space.

Conclusions

It is concluded that there is an association between the deleterious habits with the different types of malocclusions in the different planes of the space, being the atypical swallowing a habit that should be early diagnosed and treated interdisciplinary.
Menstrual hygiene management practice among adolescent girls: an urban–rural comparative study in Rajshahi division, Bangladesh
Authors: Ha Md. Abu Tal , Alam Md. Zakiul
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical period characterized by significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes, including the monthly occurrence of menstruation of adolescent girls. Despite being an inevitable natural event, most societies consider menstruation and menstrual blood as taboos and impure. Such consideration prevents many adolescent girls from proper health education and information related to menstrual health, which forces them to develop their ways of managing the event. This study attempted to explore the pattern, the urban–rural differences, and the determinants of menstrual hygiene management practices (MHMP) among adolescent girls in the Rajshahi division, Bangladesh.

Methodology

Using a cross-sectional study design with multistage random sampling, we collected data from 586 adolescent girls (aged 14–19 years) from the Rajshahi division of Bangladesh. The MHMP was measured using eight binary items, where the value from zero to five as ‘bad,’ six as ‘fair,’ and seven-eight as ‘good’ practices. Finally, we employed bivariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Findings

Only 37.7% continuously used sanitary pads. Among the cloth users, nearly three-fourths reused cloths, and about 57% used water and soap to wash them. About 49% changed menstrual absorbent, and 44% washed their genitalia three times daily. About 41% used water only to wash genitalia, and 55% buried sanitary materials under the soil. Around 36.9% of the girls practiced bad, 33.4% fair, and 29.7% good menstrual management. We found significant differences in MHMP among adolescent girls between urban and rural areas (32.3% vs. 27.7% good users,p ≤ 0.05). Multinomial logistic regression found that place of residence, age, family size, parental education, and age at first menstruation were the significant determinants of MHMP.

Conclusion

Although there are some cases of sanitary pad use, still menstrual hygiene management is unhealthy in most cases. The continuous supply of sanitary pads at affordable cost, change in existing social norms about menstruation, proper education, information, and services are essential for achieving health-related SDG goals in both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh.