bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Risk Factors Are Associated With Disability Prevalence – Results From 17 States in the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Sharpe Jason A. , Miller Rachel , Cook Chad E. , Hastings Susan N. , Rethorn Timothy J. , Allen Kelli D. , Rethorn Zachary D.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Determine the association between incremental increases in the number of social risk factors and the prevalence of any disability and disability type.

Design

The cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from states whose surveys included items about social risk factors.

Setting

Respondents from 17 US states.

Subjects

Respondents included 136 432 adults.

Measures

Dichotomized social risk factors included food, housing, and financial insecurity, unsafe neighborhood, and healthcare access hardship.

Analysis

Weighted χ2 and logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic characteristics, measures of socioeconomic position, and comorbid health conditions were used to examine differences in the prevalence of disability by social risk factor and via a social risk index created by summing the social risk factors.

Results

Compared to those reporting 0 social risk factors, respondents reporting ≥4 had more than thrice the odds of reporting a cognition ((adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.37; 95%CI [2.75-4.13]), independent living (AOR=3.24 [2.52-4.15]), self-care (AOR=3.33 [2.55-4.34]), or any disability (AOR=3.90 [3.24-4.70]); more than twice the odds of reporting a vision (AOR=2.61 [1.93-3.52]) or mobility (AOR=2.72 [2.16-3.41]) disability; and more than 1.5 times the odds of reporting a hearing disability (AOR=1.59 [1.22-2.07]).

Conclusions

Incremental increases in the number of social risk factors were independently associated with higher odds of disability. Intervention efforts should address the social context of US adults with disabilities to improve health outcomes.
Approaches to Reduce Use and Duration of Anti-MRSA Agents for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: A Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Wang Ethan Y. , Girotto Jennifer E.
Published: October 2022

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have the potential to effectively deescalate unnecessary methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage. This review summarizes literature published from 2014 through 2021 describing contemporary ASP methods and their resulting effectiveness at reducing anti-MRSA agent use (ie vancomycin, linezolid, daptomycin, ceftaroline, and clindamycin). This review of the literature examined the following strategies, which had reports of success in either decreasing the use or duration of anti-MRSA agents: prospective review and feedback, antibiotic timeouts, health system or department protocol changes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid testing of patient samples. Most of the current literature continue to support most ASP interventions including antibiotic timeouts, pathways, and molecular testing including MRSA nasal PCRs and rapid diagnostic testing can be successful at reducing unnecessary anti-MRSA use.
A 13-Year Time-Lagged Description of General Cognitive and Functional Abilities in Older Men: A Cross-Lagged Panel Model
Authors: Martin Peter , Poon Leonard W. , Lee Gina , Obhi Hardeep K. , Kallianpur Kalpana J. , Willcox Bradley , Masaki Kamal
Published: October 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a cross-lagged panel model of general cognition and functional abilities over 13 years. The goal was to determine whether general cognitive abilities predict or precede functional decline versus functional abilities predicting cognitive decline. Methods: The sample included 3508 men (71–93 years of age at baseline) of the Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study who were tested repeatedly using a global cognitive test and an assessment of functional capacity. Education and age served as covariates. Cross-lagged models were tested, assessing stationarity of stability and cross-lags. Results: The overall model fit the data well. Cognitive scores had better stability than functional abilities and predicted functional abilities more strongly than functional abilities predicted cognitive scores over time. The strength of all cross-lags increased over time. Discussion: These longitudinal data show that cognitive scores predicted functional decline in a population-based study of older men.
Before reliable near infrared spectroscopic analysis - the critical sampling proviso. Part 2: Particular requirements for near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Esbensen Kim H , Abu-Khalaf Nawaf
Published: October 2022

Non-representative sampling of materials, lots and processes intended for NIR analysis is often fraught with hidden contributions to the full Measurement Uncertainty MUtotal = TSE + TAENIR. The Total Sampling Error (TSE) can dominate over the Total Analytical Error TAENIR by factors of 5 to 10 to even 25 times, depending on the degree of material heterogeneity and the specific sampling procedures employed to produce the minuscule aliquot, which is the only material actually analysed. Part 1 presented a brief of all sampling uncertainty elements in the “lot-to-aliquot” pathway, which must be identified and correctly managed (eliminated or reduced maximally), especially the sampling bias, as a prerequisite to achieve fully representative sampling. The key for this is the Theory of Sampling (TOS), which is presented in two parts in a novel compact fashion.

Part 2 introduces (i) application of TOS to process sampling, specifically addressing and illustrating how this manifests itself in the realm of PAT, Process Analytical Technology, and (ii) an empirical safeguard facility, termed the Replication Experiment (RE), with which to estimate the effective sampling-plus-analysis uncertainty level (MUtotal) associated with NIR analysis. The RE is a defence against compromising the analytical responsibilities. Ignorance, either caused by lack of awareness or training, or by wilful neglect, of the demand for TSE minimisation, is a breach of due diligence concerning analysis QC/QA. Part 2 ends with a special focus on: “What does all this TOS mean specifically for NIR analysis?”. The answer to this question will perhaps surprise many. There is nothing special that need worrying NIR analysts relative to professionals from all other analytical modalities; all that is needed is embedded in the general TOS framework. Still, this review concludes by answering a set of typical concerns from NIR practitioners.
Epidemiologic Risk Factors for Variation in Age at Natural Menopause: Shreds of Evidence from a Tribal Community in North-East India
Authors: Sharma Maitreyee
Published: October 2022

In the coming decades, the proportion of Indian women aged 45 years and above is anticipated to rise dramatically and, women could expect to spend nearly 30 years in the post-menopausal years. There is scanty menopausal research to identify the risk factors of early and late menopause in North-East India. This research was conducted in the rural parts of the flood-prone area of Dhemaji district of Assam in North-East India in 2017. Five hundred sixteen women aged 43–61 years were found eligible to participate in the study (response rate 93.48%). Women were categorized into four groups based on menopausal age: early menopausal (40–44 years), relatively early menopausal (45–49 years), 50–51 years (reference category), and 52 years and above as late menopausal. 15.12% women reported being early menopausal. In univariate analysis, statistically significant association was found between age at menopause and occupational status, age at sexual union, age at first and last childbirth, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) used, nulliparity, regular consumption of traditional rice beer, mother’s age at menopause, and high levels of chronic and routine stress. Multiple regression analysis revealed occupation, mother’s natural menopausal age, age at first sexual entry, regular consumption of traditional rice beer, moderate to high levels of routine and chronic stress, age at last birth, acceptance of OCPs for at least 5 years, and parity as potential epidemiologic risk factors of early and late menopause.
That Line in the Day: The Perceived Effect of Required Work From Home on Male Managers' Sense of Self and Wellbeing
Authors: Shanley Ian , Papps Fiona Ann
Published: October 2022

Experiences of required work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sense of self and wellbeing of men, especially managers, potentially shaped by positions that men take up within discourses of masculinity. Thematic decomposition applied to verbatim transcripts of semi-structured interviews with seven white collar managers living in Australia who identified as men revealed a challenge to the participants’ productivity and subscription to the traditional masculine subject position of the “ideal worker”; and dissolution of boundaries between home and work that prevented some participants from privileging their “breadwinner” subject position. The liminal space of the Home-Office needs to be negotiated to alleviate impacts on self, anxiety, and stress resulting from conflicting work and domestic roles.
Perceived Causes of Cancer and Corresponding Behavioral Changes: A Qualitative Study on Breast Cancer Survivors in Taiwan
Authors: Niu Jasmine , Chen Duan-Rung , Lo Chiao , Cheng Shao-Yi , Huang Chiun-Sheng
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Taiwan, and treatment and coping with the disease become prominent features in a survivor’s life. Here, we examined Taiwanese survivors’ perceived causes of breast cancer, the influence of support networks on their perceptions, and the behavioral changes they made to prevent recurrences.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we used an explanatory approach involving semi-structured in-depth interviews based on grounded theory. We recruited (via physician referrals) 29 survivors aged ≥20 who had received their initial diagnosis at least 6 months earlier.

Results

Although the participants had made behavioral changes in many areas of their lives after diagnosis, most still believed that “stress and emotions” were the most crucial factor in causing cancer. They strongly emphasized reducing stress levels to prevent recurrences. However, when maintaining healthy behaviors became stressful, they chose to level off healthy lifestyles for the sake of their emotional well-being. They made career changes to improve their quality of life yet continued to experience a deep fear of recurrence. Adopting behavioral changes leading to healthy lifestyles and following regular follow-ups helped to reduce their anxiety concerning recurrence.

Conclusion

The participants’ behavioral changes were strongly associated with the perceived causes of cancer. Health-promotion programs aimed at breast cancer prevention should focus on participants’ subjective perception of the cause of cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin Cancer Margin Classification From Digital Histopathology Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Wako Beshatu Debela , Dese Kokeb , Ulfata Roba Elala , Nigatu Tilahun Alemayehu , Turunbedu Solomon Kebede , Kwa Timothy
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Now a days, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) margin assessment is done by examining histopathology images and inspection of whole slide images (WSI) using a conventional microscope. This is time-consuming, tedious, and depends on experts’ experience which may lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatment plans. This study aims to develop a system for the automatic diagnosis of skin cancer margin for squamous cell carcinoma from histopathology microscopic images by applying deep learning techniques.

Methods

The system was trained, validated, and tested using histopathology images of SCC cancer locally acquired from Jimma Medical Center Pathology Department from seven different skin sites using an Olympus digital microscope. All images were preprocessed and trained with transfer learning pre-trained models by fine-tuning the hyper-parameter of the selected models.

Results

The overall best training accuracy of the models become 95.3%, 97.1%, 89.8%, and 89.9% on EffecientNetB0, MobileNetv2, ResNet50, VGG16 respectively. In addition to this, the best validation accuracy of the models was 94.7%, 91.8%, 87.8%, and 86.7% respectively. The best testing accuracy of the models at the same epoch was 95.2%, 91.5%, 87%, and 85.5% respectively. From these models, EfficientNetB0 showed the best average training and testing accuracy than the other models.

Conclusions

The system assists the pathologist during the margin assessment of SCC by decreasing the diagnosis time from an average of 25 minutes to less than a minute.
Comparison of envelope demodulation methods in the analysis of rolling bearing damage
Authors: Bauer Manuel , Balaratnam Netharasan , Weidenauer Julia , Wagner Fabian , Kley Markus
Published: October 2022

In rotating machinery, especially in rolling bearing diagnostics, early and effective fault diagnosis is essential to ensure the reliability of rolling bearings. The commonly used vibration analysis gathers large amounts of information about the dynamics and the general condition of the bearings by recording vibrations generated by a rolling bearing. Within the vibration analysis, the location of the damage can be determined by using envelope demodulation. This is done by identifying the damage frequency within a damaged bearing. Peak-, Root-Mean-Square (RMS)-, and Hilbert-envelopes are the conventional demodulation methods in this field, but each of these methods is different and thus more or less suitable for particular applications. This paper presents a comparative study of these three methods. The selected envelopes are compared and evaluated through experiments, the evaluation of measurement data and the establishment of quality characteristics regarding efficiency and quality. In the process, a decision tool is created to help in the selection of a suitable envelope demodulation technique. A formula for calculating an optimal window size of the Peak-envelope is established, as well as a recommendation for selecting a window size of the RMS-envelope.
Influence of biaxial interaction of hysteretic restoring base forces on wind-induced inelastic response of base-isolated tall buildings
Authors: Tian Jingying , Chen Xinzhong
Published: October 2022

This study addresses the influence of biaxial interaction of hysteretic restoring forces of base isolation system on wind-induced response of base-isolated tall buildings. Both buildings with and without eccentricity in center of resistance are considered. Response history analysis is carried out to characterize the coupled responses of a square-shaped base-isolated tall building. A comprehensive parameter study is presented which covers a wide range of yielding level, response ratio and correlation of alongwind and crosswind base displacements. The results demonstrate that the biaxial interaction leads to increase in low-frequency component and decrease in resonant component of lower inelastic base displacement. However, the increase of low-frequency component of base displacement does not affect the upper building response relative to base isolation system. As a result, the upper building response is reduced by the influence of biaxial interaction. The biaxal interaction also results in fast growth of time-varying mean alongwind base displacement. The increase of low-frequency component can be significant when the yielding level of higher response is significant and two translational base displacements are quite different in magnitude. The correlation of two translational base displacements enhances the influence of biaxial interaction. For the base-isolated building with eccentricity, the alongwind and crosswind base responses are closer in magnitudes thus are less influenced by the biaxial interaction.
Contribution analysis of vibration transmission path of planetary reducer box based on velocity involvement loss
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Liu Qinwen , Zhu Shixuan , Ai Sheng , Chen Weifang , Zhu Rupeng
Published: October 2022

Planetary reducer box undertakes the vibration transmitted from gear transmission system to bearing, and further transmits the vibration to the base. Research on the transmission path contribution of reducer box has an important guiding role in reducing vibration. This paper first analyzed the contribution of each vibration path of the gearbox based on the velocity intervention loss, so as to identify the main transmission path of the gearbox vibration; then the vibration test of the gearbox is carried out to verify the correctness of the transmission path model. The results show that the vibration transmission path of the right bearing of the gearbox is the main transmission path, and the established vibration transmission path dynamics model of the gearbox can well reveal the contribution law of the vibration transmission path of the gearbox.
Performing journalism. Making sense of ethical practice within local interloper media
Authors: Hujanen Jaana , Ruotsalainen Juho , Vaarala Viljami , Lehtisaari Katja , Grönlund Mikko
Published: October 2022

This paper explores the blurring boundaries between local journalism, strategic and marketing communications and civic information. The study at hand produces new knowledge regarding the conceptions and practices that are emerging in the middle ground between local journalism and communications. The data consist of 10 thematic in-depth interviews with writers, owners and other key personnel from Finnish local communications operations applying journalistic practices in their content production, conceptualised here as interloper media practitioners. By applying the concept of boundary work, the study sheds light on the discursive contest over the forms and vocabulary of journalism and news media. The study also explores the ethical guidelines interloper media apply and how their representatives reflect on their ethical code of practice. The results are condensed into five rationales the practitioners use to justify the legitimacy of the interloper media outlets and the use of journalistic methods in strategic or commercial communications and civic information. The practitioners experience the boundaries between journalism and various types of communications as blurring. They borrow and apply journalistic styles and ethical guidelines selectively to lend their media attractivity and credibility. They face ethical conflicts in their work particularly regarding their relationship to power holders and decision-makers. Yet a culture of profound ethical reflection is markedly absent from their accounts.
The Modified Five-Item Frailty Index to Predict Hand and Wrist Surgical Repair Postoperative Outcomes: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis of 11 369 Patients
Authors: Ibelli Taylor J. , Alerte Eric , Akhavan Arya , Liu Helen , Kuruvilla Annet , Katz Abigail , Etigunta Suhas , Taub Peter J.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hand and wrist injuries can cause painful, everyday obstacles for patients. Carefully indexing preoperative patient health conditions may better inform surgical care, leading to improved postoperative outcomes. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate if the Modified Five-Item Frailty Index (mFI-5) can accurately predict postoperative complications for hand and wrist surgical repair.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was conducted to investigate patients who underwent hand and wrist surgical repair from January 2013 to December 2019. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical logistics, and 30-day readmission due to postoperative complications were extracted. Surgical risk proxies including the mFI-5, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status within 1 year, the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI), comorbidities, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA class) were calculated.

Results:

A total of 11 369 patients were included. Thirty-day readmission for total postoperative complications (n = 258) was significantly associated with all surgical risk proxies. However, age, mFI-5 > 2, mCCI > 2, comorbidities > 1, and ASA class 2/3 had the highest statistical significance ( P = <.001). Thirty-day readmission rates for surgical site infections (n = 118) had the highest statistical significance with age, BMI, mFI-5 > 2, and ASA class 2/3 ( P = <.001). A Clavien-Dindo score > 1 (n = 224) had the highest statistical significance with age, mCCI > 2, comorbidity of 1, and an ASA class 3 ( P = <.001).

Conclusions:

The mFI-5 may have value in predicting 30-day readmission due to postoperative complications after surgical repair of hand and wrist injuries.
A qualitative study of factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among South Asians in London
Authors: Chandok Raj S. , Madar Poonam , Majeed Azeem
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This qualitative study sought to elicit the views and experiences of patients and health-care professionals to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among South Asians in London.

Design

In-depth semi-structured telephone and virtual interviews.

Setting

UK.

Participants

Convenience and purposive sample of 12 individuals including patients, clinicians, and a medical receptionist.

Main Outcome Measures

Our dataset identifies and explains the reasons for distinguishing between those individuals who are COVID-19 vaccine-hesitant, and those who are COVID-19 vaccine-anxious.

Results

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the decision on whether to - or not to – vaccinate against COVID-19 involves ongoing and unresolved inner conflict about COVID-19 vaccines. Our findings therefore suggest that some individuals may be existing in a state of inbetweeness; where they are neither pro nor anti vaccination, while simultaneously questioning the many ‘truths’ surrounding COVID-19 and not just one truth such as the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. We argue that this in-between state is intensified by technology and social media; culminating in the Rashomon Effect, whereby a combination of truths, fractured truths, subjective realities, and unreliable or contradictory sources impact on our perceptions of COVID-19.

Conclusions

Given the complexities arising from the multiple factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and scepticism, ‘quick fixes’ and ‘one size fits all’ solutions to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy will be ineffective. Therefore, promoting trust and prioritising good after-care as well as on-going care as a response to the effects of the pandemic is vital.
Quantitative bone SPECT/CT for evaluating treatment response in patient with sternoclavicular arthritis
Authors: Komoto Hisashi , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Azuma Naoto , Tamura Masao , Yokoyama Hiroyuki , Tsuchitani Tatsuya , Yamakado Koichiro
Published: October 2022

We report here a case of sternoclavicular arthritis due to SAPHO syndrome in a 60-year-old female in which quantitative values determined using bone SPECT/CT were useful to evaluate response. After celecoxib and alendronate sodium hydrate therapy, the chief complaints were well relieved and post-treatment Tc-99m HMDP bone SPECT/CT examination showed decreased uptake. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), peak SUV, mean SUV, metabolic bone volume, and total bone uptake of the untreated lesion were 18, 16, 10, 17 mL, and 180, respectively, which were decreased to 8, 7, 5, 15 mL, and 75, respectively, after the treatment. In comparison with pre-treatment situation, those parameters were decreased by −56%, −56%, −50%, −12%, and −58%, respectively, following celecoxib and alendronate sodium hydrate therapy, likely reflecting treatment response. Quantitative bone SPECT/CT may be useful to evaluate joint inflammatory activity and treatment response in a patient with osteoartritis.
Uncovering the Cognitive, Psychological, and Social Mechanisms Affecting TikTok’s Reuse Intention: Verifying the Role of Platform Characteristics, Psychological Distance, and Social Identity
Authors: Liang Ya Qing , Yoon Sungjoon
Published: October 2022

With the consumption of user generated online contents content increasing rapidly, the short clip market in China is fast growing. TikTok, a leading short clip platform, has achieved great business success. However, there is not much research done on TikTok platform from the current customers’ social and psychological viewpoints. Against this background, this study aims to verify the cognitive, emotional and behavioral pre-cursors of platform reuse decision by focusing on the platform’s informational contents, users’ network traits, user attachment, user engagement, psychological distance, and social identity. This way, this study extends the current understanding on the antecedent factors affecting users’ behavioral intention of TikTok through broader perspectives including social and psychological predictors. During October 2021, an online questionnaire survey was administered in China. On the subject of TikTok platform. Firstly, the study found that both information characteristics and social network traits significantly affect the user engagement as well as attachment. Secondly, both the user attachment and engagement have a significant impact on reuse intention. Thirdly, the psychological distance plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between bridging network and attachment. Finally, the social identity significantly moderates the relationship between bridging network and user engagement. The study result is expected to add to the current literature which has not examined the antecedent factors affecting users’ reuse intention of TikTok from broader aspects including social and psychological variables.
Becoming a Good Chinese Father – Reality TV in China and its Reception
Authors: Nauta Arjen , de Kloet Jeroen , Xu Qiong , Chow Yiu Fai
Published: October 2022

In 2013, Hunan Television, one of China’s most successful provincial satellite television stations, debuted a reality TV series featuring celebrity fathers and their children. A localized version of a Korean-developed format, Where Are We Going, Dad ( baba quna’er) brought dads and kids together to different locations in the countryside, usually very remote and exotic, to complete certain assignments. This inquiry takes Where Are We Going, Dad as its focus; it seeks to understand how and how far notions of fatherhood are being constructed and circulated in contemporary China. It does so by way of audiences. While the show was evidently configuring and promoting their versions of fatherhood, we wanted to find out what viewers thought of the show, and of fatherhood. Located in the juncture of fatherhood and reality show studies, this exploratory inquiry identifies three themes from the conversations of four families in urban China. First, they articulate the difficulty of being a good father in a rapidly changing China and the concomitant longing to a return of traditional Chinese fatherhood. A second recurring theme concerns the ways in which they accept this tension between tradition and modernity. Finally, they demonstrate savviness in their viewing of the show. We build on the three themes to argue that such reality shows do impact on Chinese families’ understanding of fatherhood, but their savvy viewership points to the limit of such media impact.
‘Your Strength Is Inspirational’: How Naomi Osaka’s Twitter Announcement Destigmatizes Mental Health Disclosures
Authors: Kumble Sushma , Diddi Pratiti , Bien-Aimé Steve
Published: October 2022

On May 31, 2021, Naomi Osaka, one of the top-ranked female tennis players, and one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world, announced her withdrawal from the French Open on her social media (Twitter) account, citing mental health issues. There exists a stigma around mental health; and people suffering from mental health conditions often experience “discrimination and stigma” (World Health Organization, 2019). Such disclosures by a noted sportsperson provide an opportunity to help combat the stigma. The present study uses unsupervised machine learning and qualitative thematic analysis to analyze 11,800 English language responses to her tweet. Results indicate that Osaka’s tweet mostly garnered a lot of support and encouragement. However, there also existed some negative comments. Additionally, 40% of the negative comments were disseminated by bot-like automated accounts. Practical implications for sports communication are also discussed.
Post-High School Military Enlistment and Long-Term Well-Being
Authors: Lucier-Greer Mallory , O’Neal Catherine W. , Peterson Clairee , Reed-Fitzke Kayla , Wickrama K.A.S.
Published: October 2022

Longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used to evaluate the impact of post-high school military enlistment during emerging adulthood. Comparisons were made between matched samples of emerging adults who enlisted in the military ( n = 576) and their civilian counterparts ( n = 576) on well-being over a decade later. Well-being was broadly conceptualized to reflect socioeconomic well-being, physical health, mental health, and risky lifestyle behaviors. Matching maximizes confidence that findings reflect differences due to enlistment, rather than pre-existing characteristics that contribute to both enlistment rates and well-being. No consistent differences emerged between the matched samples. Service members reported some indicators of better mental health (perceived stress, anxiety), yet higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, and civilians reported some indicators of better physical health. Strengths-based perspectives and models that account for the concurrent possibility that military service may positively and negatively impact well-being are needed in future research.
Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone Dowels
Authors: Ignozzi Anthony J. , MacLean Ian , Miller Mark
Published: October 2022

Background:

Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is technically challenging and may require the use of bone dowels in either 1 or 2 stages.

Indications:

The indications for bone dowels include tibial or femoral tunnel malposition or widening of the tunnels. In the patient case, the tibial tunnel aperture was positioned far medial to the native ACL insertion with a horizontal tunnel trajectory and the femoral tunnel was vertical. In addition, there was tunnel widening to 12 mm of both tibial and femoral tunnels.

Technique Description:

A bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft was harvested and diagnostic arthroscopy was performed. The previous tibial tunnel was sequentially reamed from 8 to 12 mm to adequately overdrill the previous widened tunnel. Next, the femoral tunnel was reamed to 12 mm in similar fashion. Using a tamp and guide pin, a 12 × 30-mm allograft bone dowel was then malleted into the femoral tunnel until it was flush with the medial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle. Another 12 × 30-mm bone dowel was then advanced into the tibial tunnel until it was just below the native articular margin. With the bone dowels securely in place, the ACL reconstruction using the harvested bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft was performed.

Results:

Werner et al reported a study of 12 patients who had excellent incorporation of femoral tunnel allograft bone dowels and comparable objective and subjective scoring to 2-stage techniques. Dragoo et al reported a study of 18 patients with tibial tunnel allograft bone dowels that demonstrated significant increases in patient-reported outcome measures and a significant decrease in tunnel widening.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Revision ACL reconstruction may require bone dowels if there are malpositioned tunnels or if there is tunnel widening. Overall, the literature demonstrates that 1-stage revision outcomes have been comparable to reported 2-stage revision outcomes, both of which are satisfactory.
Comprehensive collection of genes and comparative analysis of full-length transcriptome sequences from Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and Kuril larch (Larix gmelinii var. japonica)
Authors: Mishima Kentaro , Hirakawa Hideki , Iki Taiichi , Fukuda Yoko , Hirao Tomonori , Tamura Akira , Takahashi Makoto
Published: October 2022

Background

Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) is an economically important deciduous conifer species that grows in cool-temperate forests and is endemic to Japan. Kuril larch (L. gmelinii var. japonica) is a variety of Dahurian larch that is naturally distributed in the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin. The hybrid larch (L. gmelinii var. japonica × L. kaempferi) exhibits heterosis, which manifests as rapid juvenile growth and high resistance to vole grazing. Since these superior characteristics have been valued by forestry managers, the hybrid larch is one of the most important plantation species in Hokkaido. To accelerate molecular breeding in these species, we collected and compared full-length cDNA isoforms (Iso-Seq) and RNA-Seq short-read, and merged them to construct candidate gene as reference for both Larix species. To validate the results, candidate protein-coding genes (ORFs) related to some flowering signal-related genes ​were screened from the reference sequences, and the phylogenetic relationship with closely related species was elucidated.

Results

Using the isoform sequencing of PacBio RS ll and the de novo assembly of RNA-Seq short-read sequences, we identified 50,690 and 38,684 ORFs in Japanese larch and Kuril larch, respectively. BUSCO completeness values were 90.5% and 92.1% in the Japanese and Kuril larches, respectively. After comparing the collected ORFs from the two larch species, a total of 19,813 clusters, comprising 22,571 Japanese larch ORFs and 22,667 Kuril larch ORFs, were contained in the intersection of the Venn diagram. In addition, we screened several ORFs related to flowering signals (SUPPRESSER OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO1: SOC1, LEAFY: LFY, FLOWERING Locus T: FT, CONSTANCE: CO) from both reference sequences, and very similar found in other species.

Conclusions

The collected ORFs will be useful as reference sequences for molecular breeding of Japanese and Kuril larches, and also for clarifying the evolution of the conifer genome and investigating functional genomics.
Management of oesophageal foreign bodies in children: a 10-year retrospective analysis from a tertiary care center
Authors: Xu Guo , Chen Yong-chao , Chen Jing , Jia De-sheng , Wu Ze-bin , Li Lan
Published: October 2022

Objective

Oesophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) are a common emergency issue in paediatrics, and few studies have revealed its clinical features and treatment methods. We conducted this retrospective study to provide our 10-year clinical evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of EFB and reduce the incidence of complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all paediatric cases diagnosed with EFB from January 2012 to December 2021 at Shenzhen Children’s Hospital. The age and sex of the patients, types of foreign bodies (FBs), preoperative examination, location and duration of FB impaction, clinical symptoms, surgical methods, therapeutic effects and complications were analysed.

Results

Among the 1355 cases, 759 were boys and 596 were girls, with a median age of 2.9 years (4 months to 16 years). The shortest FB lodged time was 1 hour, while the longest time was 3 months. The types of foreign bodies included coins and blunt objects (812,59.9%), bones and sharp objects (278,20.5%), button batteries (86,6.3%), food impactions (84,6.2%), toys (51,3.8%) and plastic objects (44,3.2%). A total of 720 of 812 cases impacted by coins and blunt subjects were successfully treated with a Foley catheter without any complications. A total of 558 patients underwent rigid oesophageal endoscopy under general anaesthesia, and foreign bodies were successfully removed in 525 cases. No FB was found in 33 cases, and FBs pushed into the lower digestive tract during operation in 5 cases. Oesophageal injury was found in 130 cases (23.3%). Our study showed that the age of the patient, time of foreign body incarceration, type of foreign body, location of the lodged foreign body, and fever or cough were risk factors leading to oesophageal foreign body complications, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Children with EFB have a risk of complications, especially if the FB is a button battery. The appropriate surgical method should be selected through the analysis of the clinical characteristics of the foreign body in the oesophagus and the risk factors for complications to reduce the incidence of complications. Health education and effective care are the keys to the prevention of EFB.
Pathogen load and species monitored by droplet digital PCR in patients with bloodstream infections: A prospective case series study
Authors: Shao Ziqiang , Zhu Jingwen , Wei Yanyan , Jin Jun , Zheng Yang , Liu Jingquan , Zhang Run , Sun Renhua , Hu Bangchuan
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives:

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a life-threatening condition in critically ill patients, but pathogen quantification techniques during treatment are laborious. This study aimed to explore the impact of monitoring pathogen DNA load changes and polymicrobial infection in blood by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) on the prognosis of patients with BSIs.

Methods

This prospective case series study was conducted in the general intensive care unit of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital and included patients with BSIs from May 2020 to January 2021. Pathogens DNA load and presence of polymicrobial BSIs were dynamically monitored by ddPCR.

Results

Sixteen patients with BSIs proven by blood culture were recruited (87.5% men; mean age, 69.3 ± 13.7 years). All pathogens identified by blood culture were Gram-negative bacteria, among which seven were multidrug-resistant strains. The 28-day mortality rate was 62.5%. Compared to the 28-day survivors, the non-survivors were older (P = 0.04), had higher pathogen DNA load on the second (day 3–4) and third (day 6–7) ddPCR assay (P < 0.01 in both cases). In addition, the changes of pathogen DNA load in the 28-day survivors had a downward trend in the first three ddPCR assay, whereas stable load or an upward trend was observed in the 28-day non-survivors. Moreover, the number of pathogen species in patients with BSIs in the 28-day survivors decreased during the period of effective antibiotic treatment.

Conclusion

The changes of pathogen DNA load and species monitored in blood by ddPCR may be used to determine antibiotic efficacy and make a more accurate prognostic assessment in patients with BSIs.
Comparison of the prevalence and severity of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester between singleton pregnancies conceived from stimulated in vitro fertilization and frozen embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Wong Evelyn , Ko Jennifer KY , Li Raymond HW , Ng Ernest HY
Published: October 2022

Objective

The objective of this prospective study is to compare the prevalence and severity of nausea and vomiting in the first trimester between singleton pregnancies conceived from stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen embryo transfer cycles (FET).

Methods

All women were recruited at 6 weeks gestation and filled in the modified Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) to document whether they had any experience of nausea and vomiting weekly till 12 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was the prevalence of nausea and vomiting and the secondary outcomes included severity of nausea and vomiting and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 360 pregnant women were recruited and 171 were in the stimulated IVF group and 189 in the FET group. The overall return rate was 82.2% (81.8% in the stimulated IVF group and 82.5% in the FET group). Nausea and vomiting were worse in the FET group compared with the IVF group. There were significantly more women who felt nauseated or sick in the FET group (p value = 0.032 for week 11 and p value = 0.046 for week 12); significantly more women with a longer duration of nausea in the FET group (p value = 0.044 for week 7 and p value = 0.030 for week 8); significantly more women with more vomiting in a day in the FET group (p value = 0.042) and significantly more women with retching or dry heaves in the FET group (p value = 0.030 for week 8 and p value = 0.028 for week 11).

Conclusion

Nausea and vomiting were significantly more prevalent and severe in the FET group when compared with the stimulated IVF group.
Identification and validation of a fatty acid metabolism-related lncRNA signature as a predictor for prognosis and immunotherapy in patients with liver cancer
Authors: Chen Erbao , Yi Jing , Jiang Jing , Zou Zhilin , Mo Yuqian , Ren Qingqi , Lin Zewei , Lu Yi , Zhang Jian , Liu Jikui
Published: October 2022

Background

Fatty acid (FA) metabolism is considered the emerging cause of tumor development and metastasis, driving poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related to cancer progression and play important roles in FA metabolism. Thus, the discovery of FA metabolism-related lncRNA signatures to predict outcome and immunotherapy response is critical in improving the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

FA metabolism scores and a FA metabolism-related lncRNA signature were constructed using a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. “ConsensusClusterPlus” was used to screen molecular subtypes. Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were applied to explore the relationship between clinical, genomic mutation characteristics and subtypes. Transcription factor (TF) activity scores, cellular distributions, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy response were employed to investigate the functions of FA metabolism-related lncRNA signatures. FA metabolism microarray and western blot were performed to detect the biological function of candidate lncRNAs.

Results

A total of 70 lncRNAs that highly correlated with FA metabolism scores in two cohorts were used to construct two distinct clusters. Patients in cluster 2 had lower FA metabolism scores and worse survival than those in cluster 1. Patients in cluster 2 exhibited a high frequency of DNA damage, gene mutations, oncogenic signaling such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and a high degree of immune cell infiltration. Moreover, the lncRNA signature could predict the effects of immunotherapy in patients with HCC. Furthermore, three lncRNAs (SNHG1, LINC00261, and SNHG7) were identified that were highly correlated with FA metabolism. Additionally, SNHG1 and SNHG7 were found to regulate various FA metabolism-related genes and ferroptosis-related genes in vitro experiments. GSEA analysis revealed that SNHG1 and SNHG7 promote fatty acid beta-oxidation. SNHG1 and SNHG7 silencing dramatically reduced lipid droplets in HCC cells. Many immune-infiltration genes and TFs were overexpressed in HCC tissues with SNHG1 and SNHG7 high expression.

Conclusions

A novel molecular model of FA metabolism-related lncRNAs was developed, which has significantly prognostic potential in HCC diagnosis and aids in clinical decision making.
Knowledge and awareness about and use of iodised salt among students in Germany and Greece
Authors: Heimberg Katharina , Martin Annett , Ehlers Anke , Weißenborn Anke , Hirsch-Ernst Karen Ildico , Weikert Cornelia , Nagl Britta , Katsioulis Antonios , Kontopoulou Lamprini , Marakis Georgios
Published: October 2022

Background

Iodine is an essential trace element, which is important for human metabolism, growth and mental development. Iodine deficiency may still occur in Europe and the use of iodised salt is an effective measure to enhance iodine intake. Knowledge and awareness about the importance of iodine in nutrition and health can have a positive impact on the use of iodised salt. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about and use of iodised salt among university students in two European countries.

Method

Data from two countries (Germany and Greece) were extracted from a multi-centre cross-sectional survey, conducted among non-nutrition science/non-medical students from October 2018 to April 2019.

Results

Among the 359 participants in Germany (35% females, median age: 22 years) and the 403 participants in Greece (51% females, median age: 21 years), 41% and 37%, respectively, reported use of iodised salt at home. Users and non-users did not differ by age, gender and Body Mass Index or general interest in nutrition in both cohorts. However, those who had a better knowledge about iodine and (iodised) salt or had previously attended nutrition classes were more likely to report iodised salt usage.

Conclusion

The results suggest that strengthening the imparting of nutritional information and additional education of young adults are needed and may improve knowledge about and usage of iodised salt.
Community health worker intervention improves early childhood vaccination rates: results from a propensity-score matching evaluation
Authors: Wightman Patrick , McCue Kelly , Sabo Samantha , Annorbah Rebecca , Jiménez Dulce , Pilling Vern , Butler Matthew , Celaya Martín F. , Rumann Sara
Published: October 2022

Background

Arizona’s Health Start Program is a statewide community health worker (CHW) maternal and child health home visiting intervention. The objective of this study was to test if participation in Health Start during 2006–2016 improved early childhood vaccination completion rates.

Methods

This retrospective study used 11 years of administrative, birth certificate, and immunization records. Propensity score matching was used to identify control groups, based on demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic characteristics. Results are reported by historically disadvantaged subgroups and/or with a history of low vaccine uptake, including Hispanic/Latinx and American Indian children, and children of low socioeconomic status and from rural areas, children with teen mothers and first-born children. The average treatment-on-the-treated (ATT) effect estimated the impact of Health Start on timely completion of seven early childhood vaccine series: diphtheria/tetanus toxoids and acellular/whole-cell pertussis (DTaP/DTP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (Hep. B), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), poliovirus, and varicella.

Results

Vaccination completion rates (by age five) were 5.0% points higher for Health Start children as a group, and on average 5.0% points higher for several subgroups of mothers: women from rural border counties (ATT 5.8), Hispanic/Latinx women (ATT 4.8), American Indian women (ATT 4.8), women with less than high school education (ATT 5.0), teen mothers (ATT 6.1), and primipara women (ATT 4.5), compared to matched control groups (p-value ≤ 0.05). Time-to-event analyses show Health Start children complete vaccination sooner, with a hazard rate for full vaccination 13% higher than their matches.

Conclusion

A state-operated home visiting intervention with CHWs as the primary interventionist can effectively promote early childhood vaccine completion, which may reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and subsequently improve children’s health. Effects of CHW interventions on vaccination uptake is particularly relevant given the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases in the US and globally.

Trial registration

Approved by the University of Arizona Research Institutional Review Board (Protocol 1701128802), 25 January 2017.