bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasons for Non-Attendance in the German National Mammography Screening Program: Which Barriers Can Be Overcome Using Telephone Counseling?—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fochler Sebastian , Weitmann Kerstin , Domin Martin , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Germany has established a national mammography screening program (MSP). Despite extensive awareness campaigns, the participation rate is only 54%, which is considerably below the European guidelines’ recommendation of at least 70%. Several reasons why women do not participate are already known. Telephone consultations along with invitation letters have improved the participation rate. Here, we analyzed the reasons for non-participation and offered barrier-specific counseling to examine which impediments can be overcome to improve participation. Study Design: In a randomized controlled trial, women who had not attended their proposed screening appointment in the MSP after a written invitation were contacted by telephone and asked why they did not attend. Barrier-specific counseling via telephone was then offered. Participation in the MSP was rechecked 3 months after counseling. Setting: 1772 women, aged 50–69 years, who had not scheduled a mammography screening after a written invitation were contacted by telephone and asked for their reasons for non-participation. Intervention: The reasons were recorded by the calling consultant and categorized either during the call or later based on their recorded statements. Afterward, the women received counseling specific to their statements and were given general information about the MSP. Main outcome measures: We categorized the reasons given, calculated their frequency, and analyzed the probabilities to which they could be successfully addressed in individual counseling. Participation rates were determined post-consultation according to the reason(s) indicated. Results: The data were analyzed in 2022. After exclusions, 1494 records were analyzed. Allowing for multiple reasons to be stated by every individual 3280 reasons for not attending were abstracted. The most frequent reason was participation in “gray screening” (51.5%), which included various breast cancer prevention measures outside the national MSP. Time problems (26.6%) and health reasons (17.3%) were also important. Counseling was most effective when women had not participated for scheduling reasons. Conclusion: Several reasons prevented women from participating in the MSP. Some reasons, such as time-related issues, could be overcome by telephone counseling, but others, like barriers resulting from fear of the examination procedure or its result, could not.
The CFHealthHub Learning Health System: Using Real-Time Adherence Data to Support a Community of Practice to Deliver Continuous Improvement in an Archetypal Long-Term Condition
Authors: Sandler Robert D. , Wildman Martin J.
Published: December 2022

CFHealthHub is a learning health system active in over 50% of adult CF Centres in England, supporting people with CF to develop habits of self-care around adherence to preventative inhaled therapy. This is achieved through the delivery of a behaviour change intervention, alongside collection of objective adherence data. As is common to long-term conditions, adherence to prescribed therapy is low, despite clear evidence of beneficial long-term impact on outcomes. This article explains how CFHealthHub is underpinned by coherent conceptual frameworks. We discuss how application of implementation and quality improvement strategies has facilitated CFHealthHub’s progression from a pilot study to a large, randomised control trial and now to a learning health system, becoming embedded within routine care. CFHealthHub is now able to support real-time health technology assessments, quality improvement and research trials and is in the process of being implemented in routine clinical care across participating centres.
Audit and Feedback in the Hospitals of the Emergency Networks in the Lazio Region, Italy: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the State of Implementation
Authors: Angioletti Carmen , Pinnarelli Luigi , Colais Paola , Angelici Laura , de Mattia Egidio , Davoli Marina , de Belvis Antonio Giulio , Agabiti Nera , Acampora Anna
Published: December 2022

Audit and Feedback (A&F) is an effective multidimensional strategy for improving the quality of care. The optimal methods for its implementation remain unclear. This study aimed to map the state of art of A&F strategies in the hospitals involved in a time-dependent emergency network. For these purposes, a structured questionnaire was defined and discussed within the research group. This consists of 29 questions in three sections: (1) characteristics of the structure, (2) internal feedback systems, and (3) external feedback systems. All structures involved in the network were invited to participate in the e-survey by indicating a Health Management representative and a clinical representative for the Cardiovascular (CaV) and/or for the Cerebrovascular area (CeV). Of 20 structures invited, a total of 13 (65%) responded to the survey, 11 for the CaV area and 8 for the CeV area. A total of 10 of 11 (91%) facilities for the CaV area and 8/11 (75%) for the CeV area reported that they perform A&F activities. All facilities perform at least one of the activities defined as “assimilating A&F procedures.” The most frequent is the presentation and discussion of clinical cases (82% CaV and 88% CeV) and the least is the identification of responsible for improvement actions (45% CaV and 38% CeV). In 4/10 (40%) facilities for the CaV area and 4/8 (50%) for the CEV area, corrective actions are suggested or planned when the feedback is returned. These results confirm the need to define, in a synergistic way with the relevant stakeholders, an effective and agreed A&F intervention to improve the level of implementation of A&F strategies.
Epidemiologic Study of Intensive Care Unit Admission in South Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Oh Tak-Kyu , Kim Hyeong-Geun , Song In-Ae
Published: December 2022

We aimed to investigate the trends of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in South Korea from 2010 to 2019. We included all adult patients (≥20 years old) who were admitted to the ICU during hospitalization from 2010 to 2019 in South Korea. There were 3,517,423 ICU admissions of 2,461,848 adult patients. Of the ICU admission cases, 66.8% (2,347,976/3,517,423) were surgery-associated admissions, and the rate of in-hospital mortality after ICU admission was 12.0% (422,155 patients). The most common diagnoses were diseases of the circulatory system (36.8%) and pneumonia (4%). The 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 16.0%, 23.6%, and 33.3% in 2010, and these values slightly decreased by 2019 to 14.7%, 22.1%, and 31.7%, respectively. The proportions of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) use and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support were 2.0% and 0.3% in 2010, and these values gradually increased by 2019 to 4.7% and 0.8%, respectively. Although the age and cost of hospitalization among critically ill patients who were admitted to the ICU increased from 2010 to 2019, the mortality rate decreased slightly. Moreover, the proportions of ECMO support and CRRT use had increased in our South Korean cohort.
Ulvan as a Reducing Agent for the Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Novel Mouthwash
Authors: Mohandoss Suganya , Murugaboopathy Vikneshan , Haricharan Praveen Bhoopathi , Hebbal Mamata Iranna , Saadaldin Selma , Soliman Mai , Eldwakhly Elzahraa
Published: December 2022

The antibacterial activity of an Ulvan-based silver nanoparticle (AgNP) system was evaluated in the current study. The green synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles was conducted using Ulvan, a sulphated polysaccharide extracted from Ulva lactuca. A novel mouthwash containing AgNPs was prepared, and tested for its efficacy and safety. AgNPs were confirmed with spectrophotometric analysis (UV–A visible spectrophotometer), and the characterisation was established with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The AgNPs were spherical, and their average size was 8–33 nm, as shown via TEM. The antioxidant assay was conducted via DDPH assay, wherein the AgNPs, at a concentration of 50 μL/mL, showed 93.15% inhibition. Furthermore, anticancer activity was tested by evaluating the cell viability utilising the method of an MTT assay on the 3T3-L1 cell lines. AgNPs, at 30 µL/mL, showed maximal cell viability, denoting no cytotoxic effect. The silver-nanoparticle-based mouthrinse, at a concentration of 100 µL/mL, demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans. This study shows that mouthwash prepared from the Ulvan-silver nanoparticle system could be a nontoxic and effective oral antimicrobial agent.
Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and Its Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Subclinical Target Organ Damage
Authors: Antelo-Pais Paula , Prieto-Díaz Miguel Ángel , Micó-Pérez Rafael M. , Pallarés-Carratalá Vicente , Velilla-Zancada Sonsoles , Polo-García José , Barquilla-García Alfonso , Ginel-Mendoza Leovigildo , Segura-Fragoso Antonio , Vitelli-Storelli Facundo , Martín-Sánchez Vicente , Hermida-Ameijerias Álvaro , Cinza-Sanjurjo Sergio
Published: December 2022

The role of uric acid levels in the cardiovascular continuum is not clear. Our objective is to analyze the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HU) and its association with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), subclinical target organ damage (sTOD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We evaluated the prevalence of HU in 6.927 patients included in the baseline visit of the IBERICAN study. HU was defined as uric acid levels above 6 mg/dL in women, and 7 mg/dL in men. Using adjusted logistic regression models, the odds ratios were estimated according to CVRF, sTOD, and CVD. The prevalence of HU was 16.3%. The risk of HU was higher in patients with pathological glomerular filtration rate (aOR: 2.92), heart failure (HF) (aOR: 1.91), abdominal obesity (aOR: 1.80), hypertension (HTN) (aOR: 1.65), use of thiazides (aOR: 1.54), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (aOR: 1.36), atrial fibrillation (AFIB) (aOR: 1.29), and albuminuria (aOR: 1.27). On the other hand, being female (aOR: 0.82) showed a reduced risk. The prevalence of HU was higher in men, in patients presenting CVRF such as HTN and abdominal obesity, and with co-existence of LVH, atrial fibrillation (AFIB), HF, and any form of kidney injury. These associations raise the possibility that HU forms part of the early stages of the cardiovascular continuum. This may influence its management in Primary Healthcare because the presence of HU could mean an increased CV risk in the patients.
Blood Pressure Signal Entropy as a Novel Marker of Physical Frailty: Results from the FRAILMatics Clinical Cohort
Authors: Knight Silvin P. , Duggan Eoin , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: December 2022

In this study we investigated the association between information entropy in short length blood pressure signals and physical frailty status, in a group of patients aged 50+ recruited from the Falls and Syncope Unit at the Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing in St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. This work is an external clinical validation of findings previously derived in a population-based cohort from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). The hypothesis under investigation was that dysregulation (as quantified by entropy) in continuous non-invasive blood pressure signals could provide a clinically useful marker of physical frailty status. We found that in the 100 patients investigated, higher entropy in continuously measured resting state diastolic blood pressure was associated with worse physical frailty score, as measured by the Frailty Instrument for primary care of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE-FI). Since physical frailty is defined as a pre-disability state and hence it can be difficult for clinicians to identify at an early stage, the quantification of entropy in short length cardiovascular signals could provide a clinically useful marker of the physiological dysregulations that underlie physical frailty, potentially aiding in identifying individuals at higher risk of adverse health outcomes.
Repair of Traumatic Urethral Strictures: La Paz University Hospital Experience
Authors: Ballesteros Ruiz Cristina , Toribio-Vázquez Carlos , Fernández-Pascual Esaú , Ríos Emilio , Rodríguez Serrano Andrea , Alonso Dorrego J. M. , Girón de Francisco Manuel , Moreno J. A. , Cárcamo Valor Paloma , Martínez-Piñeiro Luis
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The management of traumatic urethral strictures remains a challenge for urologists. Alteration of the pelvic anatomy and the significant fibrosis generated by the trauma make surgical repair complex. In most cases, the existing defect between the urethral ends is small, and the ideal treatment is end-to-end perineal urethroplasty. Cases of extensive strictures that are left with long gap defects may require the use of different sequential maneuvers to achieve a tension-free anastomosis. Objective: To describe the experience at our center with urethral strictures induced by closed perineal trauma. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 116 patients who underwent urethroplasty for urethral stricture after blunt perineal trauma at our center between 1965 and 2020 was conducted. Demographic data, date, mechanism of action of the trauma, emergency management, previous urethral interventions, surgical technique carried out in our center, complications, presence of erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence were collected. Results: 82 patients (70.7%) presented with pelvic fractures. The most frequent etiology of trauma was traffic accidents (68%), followed by crushing injuries (24%). Suprapubic cystostomy was placed in 50.2% of patients, and urethral realignment was performed in 25.3%. The mean stricture length was 2.2 cm, affecting mostly the membranous urethra (67%). During surgery, it was necessary to perform crural separation in 61.5% and partial pubectomy in 18.8% of the cases. Erectile dysfunction developed after trauma in 40.5% of cases, while new erectile dysfunction was noted in 4.3% of patients after surgery. Surgery was successful in 91.3% of cases, with a median follow-up of 16 (6–47) months. Conclusion: Delayed anastomotic urethroplasty offers a high success rate in traumatic urethral strictures.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis, but Not Hypothyroidism Due to Other Causes, Is Associated with Lower Phase Angle Score in Adult Women: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Polak-Szczybyło Ewelina , Stępień Agnieszka Ewa , Zielińska Magdalena , Dąbrowski Mariusz
Published: December 2022

Purpose: In recent years, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) has become one of the commonest autoimmune diseases. Its clinical symptoms include systemic manifestations related mainly, but not solely, to thyroid hormone deficiency. The bioimpedance phase angle (PhA) is a reliable indicator of nutritional as well as cellular health status. PhA is decreased not only in malnutrition, but also in many inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between HT and PhA score. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we compared the anthropometric, laboratory and body composition parameters of 49 women with HT and 98 propensity-score-matched women without thyroid disease. Results: Females with HT had significantly lower PhA scores (5.78 ± 0.43) compared to women without a thyroid disorder (5.98 ± 0.49, p = 0.017). Regarding TSH levels, although they were within the normal range in all study participants, in women with HT, they were slightly but significantly higher. Women with HT treated with L-thyroxin had significantly higher PhA compared to their non-treated counterparts. No differences between women with non-HT hypothyroidism and the control group were found. Conclusions: Decreased PhA scores in patients with HT may indicate that the inflammatory process in this autoimmune disease has an influence on cellular health and on the function of the entire body. Such an association was not found in women with non-HT hypothyroidism.
Corin—The Early Marker of Preeclampsia in Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Boroń Daniel , Kornacki Jakub , Gutaj Paweł , Mantaj Urszula , Wirstlein Przemysław , Wender-Ozegowska Ewa
Published: December 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in pregnant women. Pregestational diabetes (PGDM) patients are prone to vascular complications and preeclampsia, whereas vascular exposure to hyperglycemia induces inflammation, vascular remodeling, and arterial stiffness. Corin is a serine protease, converting inactive pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP) into an active form. It also promotes salt and water excretion by activating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and significantly increases trophoblast invasion. The study aimed to determine whether corin may be a predictor of PE in a high-risk group—women with long-term PGDM. The nested case-control prospective study involved 63 patients with long-term pregestational type 1 diabetes (PGDM). In total, 17 patients developed preeclampsia (the study group), whereas 43 patients without PE constituted the control group. To assess corin concentration, blood samples were collected at two time points: between 18th–22nd week of gestation and 28th–32nd week of gestation. PE patients presented significantly higher mid-gestation corin levels, urine protein loss in each trimester, serum creatinine in the third trimester, and lower creatinine clearance in the third trimester. The results of our study indicate that serum corin assessment may play a role in predicting preeclampsia. Thus, it may be included in the PE risk calculator, initially in high-risk groups, such as patients with PGDM.
The Effect of Exercise Training on Irisin Secretion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vecchiato Marco , Zanardo Emanuele , Battista Francesca , Quinto Giulia , Bergia Chiara , Palermi Stefano , Duregon Federica , Ermolao Andrea , Neunhaeuserer Daniel
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Irisin is a myokine considered to be a potential mediator of exercise-induced energy metabolism and its secretion is known to promote the browning of beige fat cells in white adipose tissue. However, it is currently not known which exercise protocol is the best to enhance irisin concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Objective: The purpose of this study is to provide a review investigating the irisin response to different exercise training modalities and intensities in T2D. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in May 2022. Results: After the selection process from 938 articles, six studies were included. Selected papers presented different exercise training interventions regarding intensity and modality. One study reported no significant differences in serum irisin levels after exercise training, whereas the other five showed a higher increase in serum irisin levels after exercise training with higher differences in irisin secretion after high-intensity training (HIT). No consideration was possible on exercise modalities. Conclusions: The impact of training intensity and modality was found to be partly discordant but data seem to suggest that HIT promotes greater irisin secretion. Despite the limited evidence, HIT, both in interval and continuous modalities, could be suggested as valid exercise training to increase circulating irisin in patients with T2D.
Telerehabilitation Approaches for People with Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Isernia Sara , Pagliari Chiara , Morici Nuccia , Toccafondi Anastasia , Banfi Paolo Innocente , Rossetto Federica , Borgnis Francesca , Tavanelli Monica , Brambilla Lorenzo , Baglio Francesca
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Telerehabilitation (TR) for chronic heart failure (CHF) allows for overcoming distance barriers and reducing exacerbations. However, little is known about TR descriptors, components, and efficacy in CHF. Methods: This work systematically reviewed the TR strategies of randomized controlled trials in people with CHF. A meta-analysis was run to test its effect on exercise capacity and quality of life compared to no rehabilitation (NI) and conventional intervention (CI). Results: Out of 6168 studies, 11 were eligible for the systematic review, and 8 for the meta-analysis. TR intervention was individual and multidimensional, with a frequency varying from 2 to 5 times per 8–12 weeks. The TR components mainly included an asynchronous model, monitoring/assessment, decision, and offline feedback. A few studies provided a comprehensive technological kit. Minimal adverse events and high adherence were reported. A large effect of TR compared to NI and a non-inferiority effect compared to CI was registered on exercise capacity, but no effects of TR compared to NI and CI on quality of life were observed. Conclusions: TR for people with CHF adopted established effective strategies. Future interventions may identify the precise TR dose for CHF, technological requirements, and engagement components affecting the patient’s quality of life.
Improving Assessment of Cognitive Impairment after Spinal Cord Injury: Methods to Reduce the Risk of Reporting False Positives
Authors: Sandalic Danielle , Tran Yvonne , Arora Mohit , Middleton James , McBain Candice , Myles Daniel , Pozzato Ilaria , Craig Ashley
Published: December 2022

Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) are reported to have heightened risk of cognitive impairment, notably mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Reports of increased risk of MCI are almost exclusively based on cross-sectional assessments of cognitive function using norm-referenced scores. Norm-referenced single-point assessments do not reflect cognitive decline at the individual level but rather represent between group differences in cognitive function. The practice of relying solely on norm-referenced assessment to study MCI after SCI is therefore problematic as it lends to potential misclassification of MCI. Premorbid intelligence estimates permit comparison of people’s actual versus expected cognitive function and thereby can be used to validate the presence of genuine cognitive decline. These are not utilized in the assessment of MCI after SCI. This study simulated data for 500,000 adults with SCI to compare norm-referenced and premorbid-intelligence methods of screening for MCI to examine the potential extent of MCI misclassification after SCI resulting from the overreliance on norm-referenced methods and exclusion of premorbid intelligence methods. One in five to one in 13 simulated adults with SCI were potentially misclassified as having MCI showing that measures of premorbid cognitive function must be included in assessment of cognitive function after SCI.
Detectable Bias between Vascular Ultrasound Echo-Tracking Systems: Relevance Depends on Application
Authors: Malik Afrah E. F. , Giudici Alessandro , van der Laan Koen W. F. , Op ’t Roodt Jos , Mess Werner H. , Delhaas Tammo , Spronck Bart , Reesink Koen D.
Published: December 2022

The Esaote MyLab70 ultrasound system has been extensively used to evaluate arterial properties. Since it is reaching end-of-service-life, ongoing studies are forced to seek an alternative, with some opting for the Esaote MyLabOne. Biases might exist between the two systems, which, if uncorrected, could potentially lead to the misinterpretation of results. This study aims to evaluate a potential bias between the two devices. Moreover, by comparing two identical MyLabOne systems, this study also aims to investigate whether biases estimated between the MyLabOne and MyLab70 employed in this study could be generalized to any other pair of similar scanners. Using a phantom set-up, we performed n = 60 measurements to compare MyLab70 to MyLabOne and n = 40 measurements to compare the two MyLabOne systems. Comparisons were performed to measure diameter, wall thickness, and distension. Both comparisons led to significant biases for the diameter (relative bias: −0.27% and −0.30% for the inter- and intra-scanner model, respectively, p < 0.05) and wall thickness (relative bias: 0.38% and −1.23% for inter- and intra-scanner model, respectively p < 0.05), but not for distension (relative bias: 0.48% and −0.12% for inter- and intra-scanner model, respectively, p > 0.05). The biases estimated here cannot be generalized to any other pair of similar scanners. Therefore, longitudinal studies with large sample sizes switching between scanners should perform a preliminary comparison to evaluate potential biases between their devices. Furthermore, caution is warranted when using biases reported in similar comparative studies. Further work should evaluate the presence and relevance of similar biases in human data.
Dynamic Morphology of the Ascending Aorta and Its Implications for Proximal Landing in Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Skrypnik Denis , Ante Marius , Meisenbacher Katrin , Kronsteiner Dorothea , Hagedorn Matthias , Rengier Fabian , Andre Florian , Frey Norbert , Böckler Dittmar , Bischoff Moritz S.
Published: December 2022

In this study, we assessed the dynamic segmental anatomy of the entire ascending aorta (AA), enabling the determination of a favorable proximal landing zone and appropriate aortic sizing for the most proximal thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Methods: Patients with a non-operated AA (diameter < 40 mm) underwent electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography angiography (ECG-CTA) of the entire AA in the systolic and diastolic phases. For each plane of each segment, the maximum and minimum diameters in the systole and diastole phases were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare aortic size values. Results: A total of 100 patients were enrolled (53% male; median age 82.1 years; age range 76.8–85.1). Analysis of the dynamic plane dimensions of the AA during the cardiac cycle showed significantly higher systolic values than diastolic values (p < 0.001). Analysis of the proximal AA segment showed greater distal plane values than proximal plane values (p < 0.001), showing a reversed funnel form. At the mid-ascending segment, the dynamic values did not notably differ between the distal plane and the proximal segmental plane, demonstrating a cylindrical form. At the distal segment of the AA, the proximal plane values were larger than the distal segmental plane values (p < 0.001), thus generating a funnel form. Conclusions: The entire AA showed greater systolic than diastolic aortic dimensions throughout the cardiac cycle. The mid-ascending and distal-ascending segments showed favorable forms for TEVAR using a regular cylindrical endograft design. The most proximal segment of the AA showed a pronounced conical form; therefore, a specific endograft design should be considered.
Spheno-Orbital Meningioma and Vision Impairment—Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wierzbowska Joanna , Zegadło Arkadiusz , Patyk Michał , Rękas Marek
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Spheno-orbital meningioma (SOM) is a very rare subtype of meningioma which arises from the sphenoid ridge with an orbital extension. It exhibits intraosseous tumor growth with hyperostosis and a widespread soft-tissue growth at the dura. The intra-orbital invasion results in painless proptosis and slowly progressing visual impairment. (2) Methods: We present a case of a 46-year-old woman with SOM and compressive optic nerve neuropathy related to it. Her corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was decreased to 20/100, she had extensive visual field (VF) scotoma, dyschromatopsia, impaired pattern-reversal visual-evoked potential (PVEP), and decreased thicknesses of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC), measured with the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and a pale optic nerve disc in her left eye. Brain CT and MRI showed a lesion at the base of the anterior cranial fossa, involving the sphenoid wing and orbit. Pterional craniotomy and a partial removal of the tumor at the base of the skull and in the left orbit with the resection of the lesional dura mater and bony defect reconstruction were performed. (3) Results: The histological examination revealed meningothelial meningioma (WHO G1). Decreased CDVA and VF defects completely recovered, and the color vision score and PVEP improved following the surgery, but RNFL and GCC remained impaired. No tumor recurrence was observed at a follow-up of 78 months. (4) Conclusions: Optic nerve dysfunction has the capacity to improve once the compression has been relieved despite the presence of the structural features of optic nerve atrophy.
Cardiovascular Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients without Standard Modifiable Risk Factors (SMuRF-Less): The Intermountain Healthcare Experience
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey L. , Knight Stacey , May Heidi T. , Le Viet T. , Almajed Jawad , Bair Tami L. , Knowlton Kirk U. , Muhlestein Joseph B.
Published: December 2022

Studies primarily outside the United States have reported that SMuRF-less STEMI patients are surprisingly common (14–27%) and have a worse in-hospital/short-term prognosis. Given potential demographic and management differences over time and in the US, we aimed to identify the proportion and outcomes of SMuRF-less STEMI patients in a large US healthcare population. Patients with a first STEMI presenting to Intermountain Healthcare catheterization laboratories between 2001–2021 were included. SMuRF included a clinical diagnosis of, or treatment for, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking. Follow-up MACE were defined as death, MI, and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) by 60 days and long-term. Qualifying STEMI patients totaled 3510, 26.2% (919) with no SMuRF. SMuRF-less patients were younger, more frequently male, and had fewer comorbidities. Neither total MACE (adj HR 0.95, p = 0.72) nor death (adj HR 1.06, p = 0.69) differed by SMuRF status at 60 days. Long-term outcomes were more frequent in SMuRF patients, which remained significant for total MACE (adj HR 0.83, p = 0.02) and HFH (HR 0.36, p = 0.0005) after adjustment for baseline differences other than SMuRF. Results were consistent through subgroup and sensitivity analyses. In this moderately large US healthcare population, SMuRF-less STEMI presentation was confirmed to be common (26.2%). However, unlike earlier, mostly non-US reports, adjusted short-term outcomes were similar, and long-term outcomes were more favorable. Further studies to increase understanding, recognition, and treatment of risk factors in SMuRF-less subjects and to optimize STEMI management are indicated.
Impact of Frailty Risk on Oral Intake and Length of Hospital Stay in Older Patients with Pneumonia: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Hori Shinsuke , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Ushida Kenta , Shirai Yuka , Shimizu Miho , Kato Yuki , Shimizu Akio , Momosaki Ryo
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the association between frailty risk and outcomes in older patients with pneumonia. For this purpose, the JMDC multi-center database was used, and a historical cohort study was conducted to examine the association between the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) and oral intake prognosis and length of hospital stay in older patients hospitalized with pneumonia. Patients were classified into low-risk (HFRS < 5), intermediate-risk (HFRS = 5–15), and high-risk (HFRS > 15) groups based on their HFRS scores, and outcomes were defined as the number of days from admission to the start of oral intake and length of hospital stay. A total of 98,420 patients with pneumonia (mean age 82.2 ± 7.2) were finally included. Of these patients, 72,207 (73.4%) were in the low-risk group, 23,136 (23.5%) were in the intermediate-risk group, and 3077 (3.1%) were in the high-risk group. The intermediate- and high-risk groups had a higher number of days to the start of oral intake than the low-risk group (intermediate-risk group: coefficient 0.705, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.642–0.769; high-risk group: coefficient 0.889, 95% CI 0.740–1.038). In addition, the intermediate- and high-risk groups also had longer hospital stays than the low-risk group (intermediate-risk group: coefficient 5.743, 95% CI 5.305–6.180; high-risk group: coefficient 7.738, 95% CI 6.709–8.766). Overall, we found that HFRS is associated with delayed initiation of oral intake and prolonged hospital stay in older patients with pneumonia. Therefore, evaluation based on HFRS could be helpful in making clinical decisions regarding the selection of feeding strategies and when to discharge older patients with pneumonia.
Effect of Flow Rate on Regular Patterns of Pressure Load Distribution on Helico-Axial Pump Impeller Blade Surface
Authors: Huang Zongliu , Shi Guangtai , Wen Haigang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the k-ω SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model is employed to study the effect of flow rate on regular patterns of pressure load distribution characteristics on the helico-axial pump impeller blade surface. The results show that all the curves of pressure load distribution of helico-axial pump impeller blade surface at different blade heights under different flow rates show a similar trend of increasing first and decreasing then. At the impeller blade inlet area, with the increase of flow rate, the range of negative blade pressure load in this area gradually increases. When the pump runs under small flow rate conditions, within the range of relative position from 0 to 0.2 of the hub, the work capacity of the hub is obviously stronger than that of other areas of the impeller, while within the range of relative position from 0.2 to 1, the work capacity from hub to rim gradually enhances. With the increase in flow rate, the area with a strong work capacity of the hub gradually expands while the area with a strong work capacity of the rim gradually narrows. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for the optimization design of pump supercharging performance.
Identifying the Most Probable Human Errors Influencing Maritime Safety
Authors: Ma Xiaofei , Shi Guoyou , Li Weifeng , Shi Jiahui
Published: December 2022

In the traditional and extended shipboard operation human reliability analysis (SOHRA) model, the error-producing condition (EPC) is critical. The weight and proportion of each EPC in one specific task are often determined by the experts’ judgments, including most of the modified versions. Due to this subjectivity, the result and recommended safety measures may not be as accurate as they should be. This study attempts to narrow the gap by proposing a novel approach, a combination of SOHRA, entropy weight method, and the TOPSIS model. The entropy weight and TOPSIS method are employed to decide the weight of each EPC based on the foundation of the SOHRA model. A cargo-loading operation from a container ship is analyzed to verify this model. The results suggest that the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method can effectively determine the weights of EPCs, and the eight most probable human errors are identified.
MoSnf5 Regulates Fungal Virulence, Growth, and Conidiation in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Xu Xiao-Wen , Zhao Rui , Xu Xiao-Zhou , Tang Liu , Shi Wei , Chen Deng , Peng Jun-Bo , Bhadauria Vijai , Zhao Wen-Sheng , Yang Jun , Peng You-Liang
Published: December 2022

Snf5 (sucrose nonfermenting) is a core component of the SWI/SNF complexes and regulates diverse cellular processes in model eukaryotes. In plant pathogenic fungi, its biological function and underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated the biological roles of MoSnf5 in plant infection and fungal development in the rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. The gene deletion mutants of MoSNF5 exhibited slower vegetative hyphal growth, severe defects in conidiogenesis, and impaired virulence and galactose utilization capacities. Domain dissection assays showed that the Snf5 domain and the N- and C-termini of MoSnf5 were all required for its full functions. Co-immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid assays showed that MoSnf5 physically interacts with four proteins, including a transcription initiation factor MoTaf14. Interestingly, the ∆MoTaf14 mutants showed similar phenotypes as the ∆Mosnf5 mutants on fungal virulence and development. Moreover, assays on GFP-MoAtg8 expression and localization showed that both the ∆Mosnf5 and ∆MoTaf14 mutants were defective in autophagy. Taken together, MoSnf5 regulates fungal virulence, growth, and conidiation, possibly through regulating galactose utilization and autophagy in M. oryzae.
Predicting Tumor Mutation Burden and EGFR Mutation Using Clinical and Radiomic Features in Patients with Malignant Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Yin Wenda , Wang Wei , Zou Chong , Li Ming , Chen Hao , Meng Fanchen , Dong Guozhang , Wang Jie , Yu Qian , Sun Mengting , Xu Lin , Lv Yang , Wang Xiaoxiao , Yin Rong
Published: December 2022

Pulmonary nodules (PNs) shown as persistent or growing ground-glass opacities (GGOs) are usually lung adenocarcinomas or their preinvasive lesions. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) and somatic mutations are important determinants for the choice of strategy in patients with lung cancer during therapy. A total of 93 post-operative patients with 108 malignant PNs were enrolled for analysis (75 cases in the training cohort and 33 cases in the validation cohort). Radiomics features were extracted from preoperative non-contrast computed tomography (CT) images of the entire tumor. Using commercial next generation sequencing, we detected TMB status and somatic mutations of all FFPE samples. Here, 870 quantitative radiomics features were extracted from the segmentations of PNs, and pathological and clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. The LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression and stepwise logistic regressions were performed to establish the predictive model. For the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, the AUCs of the clinical model and the integrative model validated by the validation set were 0.6726 (0.4755–0.8697) and 0.7421 (0.5698–0.9144). For the TMB status, the ROCs showed that AUCs of the clinical model and the integrative model validated by the validation set were 0.7808 (0.6231–0.9384) and 0.8462 (0.7132–0.9791). The quantitative radiomics signatures showed potential value in predicting the EGFR mutant and TMB status in GGOs. Moreover, the integrative model provided sufficient information for the selection of therapy and deserves further analysis.
Impact of Climate Change on the Ground Thermal Regime in the Lower Lena Region, Arctic Central Siberia
Authors: Konstantinov Pavel , Basharin Nikolai , Fedorov Alexander , Iijima Yoshihiro , Andreeva Varvara , Semenov Valerii , Vasiliev Nikolai
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the results of 30 years of permafrost thermal monitoring in the Tiksi area in the eastern Russian Arctic. At a stone ridge site, the mean annual temperatures in the upper 30 m of the ground have increased by 1–2.4 °C compared to the first years of observations, with trends of °C/yr. At the same time, its change was uneven. In the last 20 years, the rate of increase has increased compared with the first decade of observations. At wet tundra sites in the foothill plain, the mean annual temperatures at the top of permafrost have increased by 2.4–2.6 °C between 2005 and 2022 at rates of 0.11–0.15 °C/yr, and the active layer thicknesses have increased at rates of 0.05–0.41 cm/yr.
Stress Recovery Effects of Viewing Simulated Urban Parks: Landscape Types, Depressive Symptoms, and Gender Differences
Authors: Jin Ziliang , Wang Jiangping , Liu Xu , Han Xu , Qi Jiaojiao , Wang Jingyong
Published: December 2022

Previous studies may have overstated the restorative benefits of natural environments by comparing them to low-quality urban environments. Few studies have compared the stress recovery effects across various park settings. Moreover, it is unclear how depressive symptoms affect these benefits. Depressive symptoms may lessen or boost the restorative effects of viewing nature. A total of 125 participants engaged in the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) to induce stress and were then randomly assigned to view one of five 10 min video presentations depicting greened streets, lawns, plazas, forests, or watersides. Depressive symptoms experienced over the last month were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The analysis revealed that, while greened streets had a physio-psychological stress-relieving effect, they were not as effective as the four park settings. The skin conductance level (SCL) declined significantly in the forest group’s first and second halves of the recovery period. However, the difference between the four park settings was insignificant at the end of recovery. Subjects viewing the four park conditions (vs. the greened street) reported that perceived stress remained stable as individual depressive symptoms increased; subjects with higher depressive symptoms reported lower perceived stress under lawn conditions. However, the SCL did not show the same trend. Our findings may support the hypothesis that natural interventions may be especially beneficial for people suffering from subclinical depressive symptoms. We also found gender differences in perceived stress and SCL reduction across all five settings, which may be due to the differences in women’s and men’s perceptions and use of restorative environments, or their responses to stressors.
Profitability Analysis and Input Use Efficiency of Maize Cultivation in Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Rumana , Molla Md. Mosharraf Uddin , Faisal-E-Alam Md. , Zonayet Md. , Castanho Rui Alexandre
Published: December 2022

Maize farmers in Bangladesh are unaware of the benefits of maize cultivation due to a lack of information and concept generation. The objectives of this study were to estimate the cost and return of maize cultivation; assess the input use efficiency of maize cultivation for marginal, small, and medium maize production to address the problems; and suggest policy recommendations. The study was conducted in six villages in the Chuadanga district in Bangladesh. Data were collected by using an interview schedule from the purposively selected 80 respondents during 1–30 June 2018. After analyzing the data, the total cost of production was Tk. 124,495, Tk. 134,335, and Tk. 140,579 for marginal, small, and medium maize production, respectively. Per hectare gross return was Tk. 213,997, Tk. 204,972, and Tk. 197,163, and per hectare gross margin was Tk. 120,478, Tk. 104,748, and Tk. 92,516. Net return was calculated by deducting the gross cost from the gross return, and these were Tk. 89,502, Tk. 70,637, and Tk. 56,584. The benefit–cost ratio was 1.72, 1.53, and 1.40 for marginal, small, and medium maize production, respectively. From Cobb–Douglas production function analysis, it was observed that the coefficients of land preparation cost, irrigation cost, urea, and MoP cost were significant at different levels of probability for marginal, small, and medium maize production, and the coefficients of human labor cost, seed and pesticide used was not significant while the coefficients of TSP was negative and significant. This study also identified some of the problems associated with maize production. The findings revealed that the high price of inputs was the most acute problem, followed by a lack of technical knowledge and shortage of human labor at the critical stage, and declining soil fertility was the last obstacle that stood in the way of maize production in the study area.
Eugenol Induces Apoptosis in Tongue Squamous Carcinoma Cells by Mediating the Expression of Bcl-2 Family
Authors: Surducan Dan-Alexandru , Racea Robert Cosmin , Cabuta Madalina , Olariu Iustin , Macasoi Ioana , Rusu Laura Cristina , Chiriac Sorin Dan , Chioran Doina , Dinu Stefania , Pricop Marius Octavian
Published: December 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is highly aggressive type of cancer for which the available treatment often causes patients severe side effects. Eugenol (Eug) is the major active constituent of clove essential oil and is known to possess antitumor properties. The present study aimed to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of eugenol in SCC-4, tongue squamous carcinoma cells, and also in HGF, human gingival fibroblasts. Both cell lines were treated with five concentrations of Eug (0.1–1 mM) for 72 h. Cellular viability was assessed, followed by cellular morphological evaluation and by staining of the nuclei and cytoskeleton. RT-PCR was conducted in order to find the effect eugenol had on the expression on Bad, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes. Eugenol induced a dose-dependent decrease in viability in both cell lines, with the SCC-4 cells being significantly more affected. HGF cells detached from the plate at the highest concentrations used, while SCC-4 cells changed their morphology in a dose-dependent manner, with rounding, floating cells, and confluency loss being observed. Apoptotic-like signs such as chromatin and actin filaments condensation were clearly seen in SCC-4 cells, while RT-PCR revealed a significantly increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and Bad. Therefore, eugenol exerts its cytotoxic effect in tongue squamous cell carcinoma through inducing apoptosis.
Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine: A New Frontier for the Treatment of Brain Tumors
Authors: Philip Anil , Samuel Betty , Bhatia Saurabh , Khalifa Shaden , El-Seedi Hesham
Published: December 2022

Brain tumors are a widespread and serious neurological phenomenon that can be life- threatening. The computing field has allowed for the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which can mimic the neural network of the human brain. One use of this technology has been to help researchers capture hidden, high-dimensional images of brain tumors. These images can provide new insights into the nature of brain tumors and help to improve treatment options. AI and precision medicine (PM) are converging to revolutionize healthcare. AI has the potential to improve cancer imaging interpretation in several ways, including more accurate tumor genotyping, more precise delineation of tumor volume, and better prediction of clinical outcomes. AI-assisted brain surgery can be an effective and safe option for treating brain tumors. This review discusses various AI and PM techniques that can be used in brain tumor treatment. These new techniques for the treatment of brain tumors, i.e., genomic profiling, microRNA panels, quantitative imaging, and radiomics, hold great promise for the future. However, there are challenges that must be overcome for these technologies to reach their full potential and improve healthcare.
Low Friction Achieved on Plasma Electrolytic Oxidized TC4 Alloy in the Presence of PAO Base Oil Containing MoDTC
Authors: Sun Huilai , Zhou Shengrui , Shao Lupeng , Luan Junji , Wan Yong , Wang Chao
Published: December 2022

Surface engineering is required to improve the poor lubrication performance of titanium alloys in many applications. In this study, an oxide coating with high-hardness was created on TC4 titanium alloy by using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). The composition and structure of the PEO coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The tribological properties of the PEO-treated TC4 were investigated in the presence of a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil with addition of molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC). The results show that the PEO-treated TC4 exhibits excellent lubrication performance in the presence of MoDTC. The oxide coating on the PEO-treated TC4 sample shows a tribo-induced catalysis effect enabling the decomposition of MoDTC to forms an effective lubricating film containing MoS2, resulting in reduced friction and wear.