bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Submacular Hemorrhage during Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression on the Use of tPA and Anti-VEGFs
Authors: Veritti Daniele , Sarao Valentina , Martinuzzi Deborah , Menzio Sara , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: March 2024

Background: Submacular hemorrhage (SMH) associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) precipitates rapid visual decline and impacts quality of life. Treatments vary, but combined recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has gained prominence as a viable treatment option. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of tPA and anti-VEGF. Methods: We conducted a systematic review meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies examining tPA and anti-VEGF therapy in SMH secondary to nAMD. Outcomes measured were change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and success rate of SMH displacement. Meta-regression assessed the relative efficacy of intravitreal and subretinal delivery. Results: Out of 257 initial reports, 22 studies involving 29 patient populations met inclusion criteria. Our analysis showed significant improvement in BCVA and a high rate of successful SMH displacement with combined tPA and anti-VEGF therapy. No significant differences were found between subretinal and intravitreal tPA administration. Furthermore, when evaluating the effects of subretinal versus intravitreal anti-VEGF administration in patients treated with subretinal tPA, the results indicated similar efficacy. Conclusions: Combined tPA and anti-VEGF therapy is effective in managing SMH in nAMD patients, significantly improving visual acuity and SMH displacement. The location of tPA and anti-VEGF delivery did not significantly impact outcomes.
Circulating Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease: Unlocking the Diagnostic Potential in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Focusing on Africa
Authors: Nwamekang Belinga Luc , Espourteille Jeanne , Wepnyu Njamnshi Yembe , Zafack Zeukang Ariole , Rouaud Olivier , Kongnyu Njamnshi Alfred , Allali Gilles , Richetin Kevin
Published: March 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is emerging as a significant public health challenge in Africa, with predictions indicating a tripling in incidence by 2050. The diagnosis of AD on the African continent is notably difficult, leading to late detection that severely limits treatment options and significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and their families. Summary: This review focuses on the potential of high-sensitivity specific blood biomarkers as promising tools for improving AD diagnosis and management globally, particularly in Africa. These advances are particularly pertinent in the continent, where access to medical and technical resources is often limited. Key Messages: Identifying precise, sensitive, and specific blood biomarkers could contribute to the biological characterization and management of AD in Africa. Such advances promise to improve patient care and pave the way for new regional opportunities in pharmaceutical research and drug trials on the continent for AD.
Ambiente alimentar de terminais rodoviários da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Jesus Ana Carolina Castro de , Botelho Laís Vargas , Canella Daniela Silva , Tavares Letícia Ferreira , Castro Junior Paulo César Pereira de , Silva Isabela da Costa Gaspar da , Cardoso Letícia de Oliveira
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE: To describe and analyze the healthiness of formal and informal food establishments in bus terminals of the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. METHOD: An audit was conducted in 156 formal and 127 informal food establishments located in 14 bus terminals of the five most populous cities of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. Proportions of types of establishments and means (95%CI) of food availability indicators in formal and informal settings were calculated. For the formal setting, prices, proportions of accepted payment methods, days and hours of operation, and food categories with displayed advertising were described. RESULTS: The healthiness of food establishments in bus terminals was low (less than 36%). On average, ultra-processed food subgroups were 250% more available for purchase than fresh or minimally processed food. Purchasing food at these places was convenient because several forms of payment were available, and the opening hours of the establishments followed the peaks of movement. In addition, 73.3% of the advertising referred to ultra-processed drinks, and the cost-benefit of buying ultra-processed food was better than fresh or minimally processed food. CONCLUSION: The food environment of bus terminals in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro promotes unhealthy eating. Regulatory public policies should focus on initiatives to limit the wide availability and advertising of ultra-processed food in spaces of great circulation of people.
Evolution of adolescents’ dietary patterns in Northeast Brazil from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Machado Soraia Pinheiro , Bezerra Ilana Nogueira , Silva Mariane Alves , D’oran Maria Helena Lima , Cunha Diana Barbosa , Moreno Luis Alberto , Sichieri Rosely
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evolution of the dietary patterns of adolescents in the northeast region of Brazil. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from the Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF – Household Budget Surveys), collected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in the years 2008–2009 and 2017–2018. A total of 3,095 adolescents were evaluated in 2008–2009 and 3,015 in 2017–2018. Food consumption was assessed using two dietary records in 2008–2009 and two 24-hour recalls in 2017–2018, applied on non-consecutive days. Based on these data, principal components factor analysis (PCFA) was performed, followed by orthogonal rotation of the varimax type, to derive dietary patterns, stratified by sex. The results were described as means or percentage frequencies, with their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Three main dietary patterns were identified among adolescents from the northeast region of Brazil. Among boys, in 2008–2009, the patterns were called snacks, traditional Brazilian, and coffee; and in 2017–2018, traditional Brazilian, snacks, and mixed, in this order of representativeness of the group’s eating habits. Among female adolescents, in 2008–2009, the patterns were snacks, traditional Brazilian, and coffee; and in 2017–2018, traditional Brazilian, snacks, and processed meats. CONCLUSION: The dietary patterns identified in 2008–2009 and 2017–2018 were similar in both genders; however, the snacks pattern, which explained most of the data variability in 2008–2009, was replaced by the traditional Brazilian.
An Optimized Method for the Bioremediation of Se Pollution and the Biosynthesis of Se Nanoparticles with Sodium Selenite-Reducing Bacteria Stenotrophomonas sp. EGS12
Authors: Yuan Zhihui , Fang Yi , He Minhui , Wang Xin , Pan Fucheng
Published: March 2024

Selenium oxide, such as selenite is toxic at high concentrations for animals and humans. Stenotrophomonas sp. EGS12 was screened for the bioremediation of Se pollution by reducing selenite to red selenium nanoparticles. The reduction efficiency of sodium selenite with Stenotrophomonas
sp. EGS12 was optimized to obtain the best reaction conditions using a single factor test and response surface analysis. The results showed that the pH and temperature of the reaction mixture significantly (P <0.05) affected, and the rotating speed also significantly (P <0.01)
affected the reduction efficiency. The methodology of response surface prediction analysis and experimental verification demonstrated that the optimal conditions for synthesizing selenium (Se0) through the reduction of sodium selenite by Stenotrophomonas sp. EGS12 were with
a pH = 9, temperature= 35 °C, and rotation speed = 130 rpm, but these effects were relatively independent. The resulting red selenium particles (Se0) were separated and purified. Electron microscope scanning revealed that the size of the red nanoselenium particles ranged from
100–200 nm, and EDX analysis revealed that they contained five elements, C, Se, O, P, and S (32.3%, 61.7%, 4.52%, 1.01%, and 0.47%, respectively). These results may lay the foundation for further development applications of this strain.
Becoming a young radical right activist: Biographical pathways of the members of radical right organisations in Poland and Germany
Authors: Myrczik Janina , Kajta Justyna , Buckenleib Arthur , Karolak Mateusz , Liedtke Marius , Mrozowicki Adam , Trappmann Vera
Published: March 2024

With the increasing popularity of the radical right, much research has tried to explain the motives of voters. Less attention has been paid to the motives of people to become radical right activists – specifically young people, a group with a high tendency to join right-wing parties. Within the context of the internationalisation of the radical right, this article draws on 28 narrative interviews conducted between 2019 and 2021 with young radical right activists in Poland and Germany, two countries with considerably different political and discursive opportunity structures. We propose to recognise a new motive for becoming involved in political activism: career-oriented individual self-realisation in Germany, as opposed to fulfilling a duty to the nation in Poland. While we identify two different types of radical activism within the different contexts – the (nationalist) anti-establishment populist career type in Germany and the (nationalist) anti-political intellectualism/elitism type in Poland – they both point to the normalisation of the radical right in the two countries.
Fiscal Conundrum of the North-Eastern States of India
Authors: Rymbai Motika Sinha , Thangkhiew Darishisha W.
Published: March 2024

A smooth operation of the public budget requires simultaneous growth of macro-fiscal instruments. In this background, the study intends to estimate the macro-fiscal determinants of the public budget in the North-Eastern states (NES). The percentage estimation of fiscal capacity, fiscal dependency and revenue base depicts an overall fiscal conundrum in the NES. The empirical estimation procedure begins with the unit root test, followed by a Pedroni cointegration test, followed by the fully modified least square and the dynamic least square model to estimate the degree of relationship. Two series have been estimated to avoid multicollinearity. The results depict a cointegration between the macro-fiscal instruments (total government expenditure, state’s own revenue (SOR), gross state domestic product (GSDP), grants (GR), gross fiscal deficit (GFD) and revenue deficit (RD)). The results show that the SOR, GSDP and GR are the positive and significant determinants of government expenditure. On the other hand, GFD is a positive yet insignificant determinant of government expenditure. RD is a negative and significant determinant of government expenditure. This implies that a stronger revenue generation capacity could result in augmenting the public budget for the efficient provision of public services.

JEL Codes: E62, H1, H50, H62, H71, H72
High-Performance Dental Resins Containing a Starburst Monomer
Authors: Dai S.Q. , Zhou W. , Duan L.Y. , Tang K. , Yang Z.Y. , Cao R.J. , Tay F.R. , Niu L.N. , Chen J.H.
Published: March 2024

Dimethacrylate-based chemistries feature extensively as resin monomers in dental resin–based materials due to their distinguished overall performance. However, challenges endure, encompassing inadequate mechanical attributes, volumetric shrinkage, and estrogenicity. Herein, we first synthesized a novel resin monomer, 9-armed starburst polyurethane acrylate (NPUA), via the grafting-onto approach. Compared to the primary commercial dental monomer 2,2-bis [p-(2′-hydroxy-3′-methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA) (with a viscosity of 1,174 ± 3 Pa·s and volumetric shrinkage of 4.7% ± 0.1%), the NPUA monomer achieves the lower viscosity (158 ± 1 Pa·s), volumetric shrinkage (2.5% ± 0.1%), and cytotoxicity ( P < 0.05). The NPUA-based resins exhibit the higher flexural strength, flexural modulus, hardness, and hydrophobicity and lower volumetric shrinkage, water absorption, and solubility compared to the Bis-GMA (70 wt%)/TEGDMA (30 wt%) resins. The NPUA-based composites exhibit significantly higher flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness and lower volumetric shrinkage (171.4 ± 3.0 MPa, 12.6 ± 0.5 GPa, 2.0 ± 0.2 GPa, and 3.4% ± 0.2%, respectively) compared to the Bis-GMA group (120.3 ± 4.7 MPa, 9.4 ± 0.7 GPa, 1.5 ± 0.1 GPa, and 4.7% ± 0.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). This work presents a viable avenue for augmenting the physicochemical attributes of dental resins.
“Has Anyone Been There Now?”: An Interview Study on the Support Experiences and Unmet Needs of Informal Long-Distance Caregivers for Patients at the End of Life
Authors: Herbst Franziska A. , Stiel Stephanie
Published: March 2024

In the German context, research is lacking on the support experiences and unmet needs of informal caregivers in end-of-life situations who are geographically distanced from their ill relatives. The current study aimed at deepening our understanding of the specific end-of-life support experiences and needs of informal long-distance caregivers. The study employed an explorative design, applying qualitative interviews. Thirty-three long-distance family caregivers participated in the study (December 2021–October 2022). The results showed that long-distance caregivers relied on close exchange and cooperation with local family and non-kin caregivers. They also expressed the wish to be considered more proactively by professional caregivers, with respect to their specific geographic situations. They further recommended that local care networks be built to support patients. Hypotheses were deduced from long-distance caregivers’ recommendations for support interventions. The results may be useful for the development of an online information resource for long-distance caregivers in end-of-life situations.
Methodological Rigor in Management Research Reviews
Authors: Simsek Zeki , Fox Brian C , Heavey Ciaran , Liu Shuang
Published: March 2024

Review research in management, like other research traditions, demands a methodological compass to advance coherent and credible knowledge claims. Yet, the established landscape of review research lacks a common framework for guiding and assessing its methodological rigor. We conducted an exploratory scoping review, analyzing a large sample of review articles published in the Journal of Management. The review focuses on reported practices dealing with five themes embedded within all review articles: their purpose, type, design, execution, and internal alignment. By comprehensively examining manifest practices, the review reveals crucial insights into the progress and evolving methods employed in management research reviews. Synthesizing those insights with existing conceptions of rigor, we present a conceptual framework including promising research directions on the methodological rigor of review articles.
When multilingualism is more than three: On the nature of gender transfer in L3+ acquisition
Authors: Englert Charlotte , Venagli Ilaria , Kupisch Tanja
Published: March 2024

In this article we investigate transfer in the ab-initio acquisition of grammatical gender in two groups of multilingual learners. The first group knows two gender languages (German and French), which can potentially act as transfer sources; the second group knows three (German, French and Italian). Both groups had to assign gender to nouns in Franco-Provençal, a Romance language which is new to the learners, and which shares similarities with both French and Italian. Based on our data, we address the question whether there is a unique transfer source and what the respective roles of sub-lexical structural similarity, proficiency, and recency of use of the background languages are. The findings of this study reveal that learners of the first group use both French and German as transfer sources, whereas learners in the second group additionally transfer from Italian. We show that the amount of transfer increases with higher proficiency, more recent use of the source language(s), and increasing structural similarity between the source and target language. Finally, not only is the gender feature transferred but also orthographical cues.
In vivo research on 3D-printed composite PLGA and PDLLA-HA absorbable scaffolds for repairing radius defects in rabbits
Authors: Lv Shouyin , Liu Xu , Sui Jiang , Bai Congjia , Fan Boxi , Zhang Wenlong , Yuan Pingping , Zhu Jiwen , Li Jianbin , Shao Bo
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Despite being an important research topic in oral biomaterials, few studies have demonstrated the differences between poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)/hydroxyapatite (PLGA/HA) and poly(d,l-lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite (PDLLA/HA). In this study, PLGA/HA and PDLLA/HA scaffolds were prepared using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and implanted into radius defects in rabbits to assess their effects on bone regeneration.

Methods

In this study, 6 mm × 4 mm bone defects were generated in the bilateral radii of rabbits. 3D-printed PLGA/HA and PDLLA/HA scaffolds were implanted into the defects. X-ray imaging, micro-computed tomography, and hematoxylin–eosin staining were performed to observe the degradation of the materials, the presence of new bone, and bone remodeling in the bone defect area.

Results

The PLGA/HA scaffolds displayed complete degradation at 20 weeks, whereas PDLLA/HA scaffolds exhibited incomplete degradation. Active osteoblasts were detected in both groups. The formation of new bone, bone marrow cavity reconstruction, and cortical bone remodeling were better in the PLGA/HA group than in the PDLLA/HA group.

Conclusions

PLGA/HA scaffolds performed better than PDLLA/HA scaffolds in repairing bone defects, making the former scaffolds more suitable as bone substitutes at the same high molecular weight.
Aesthetic and surgical outcomes of the modified matrix rotation technique for upper inner quadrant breast tumors: a case series
Authors: Wijesinghe Kanchana , Jayarajah Umesh , De Silva Ajith
Published: March 2024

In patients with breast cancer, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery can achieve a good aesthetic outcome without compromising oncological outcomes. However, tumors located in the upper inner quadrant (UIQ) are challenging for surgeons because treatment gives rise to visible scars, glandular deformities, and deviation of the nipple–areolar complex. The present study was performed to analyze a modification of the matrix rotation technique for UIQ tumors and address the main drawback of this technique, which is a visible scar on the commonly exposed part of the breast. A prospective database of seven patients who presented with UIQ tumors and underwent the new modification technique was utilized for the analysis. All patients preferred the modified technique over the standard technique because of the absence of a scar in the UIQ (visible breast line). The postoperative patient-reported outcomes regarding breast shape, breast symmetry, and scar location were also satisfactory. No surgical complications were reported. This modified surgical technique results in a scarless UIQ and is an aesthetically acceptable procedure that can be considered for UIQ tumors.
Comparing Clinical Outcomes and Knee Stability in Remnant-Preserving ACL Reconstruction Versus Standard ACL Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Allende Felicitas , Allahabadi Sachin , Sachdev Divesh , Gopinatth Varun , Saad Berreta Rodrigo , LaPrade Robert F. , Chahla Jorge
Published: March 2024

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in sports medicine, and undesirable outcomes still may range from 3-18%. One technique that has been explored to improve outcomes is preservation of the ACL remnant tibial stump, as opposed to stump debridement, at the time of reconstruction.

Purpose:

To review current high-level evidence and compare remnant-preserving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) versus standard ACLR in terms of clinical outcomes and measures of knee stability.

Hypothesis:

ACLR with remnant preservation would result in improved clinical outcomes and knee stability measures.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing remnant-preserving ACLR with standard ACLR with a minimum level of evidence of 2 was performed. Extracted data were summarized as general information, surgical characteristics, postoperative clinical outcomes, knee stability, graft evaluation, tunnel assessment, and postoperative complications. When feasible, a meta-analysis was performed.

Results:

Seven RCTs and 5 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 518 patients underwent remnant-preserving ACLR and 604 patients underwent standard ACLR. Ten studies performed the reconstruction with hamstring tendon (HT) autografts, 1 study with HT and bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts, and 1 study with HT and tibialis anterior allografts. On meta-analysis, remnant-preserving ACLR provided comparable outcomes with respect to International Knee Documentation Committee grades or Tegner scores. Even though there was a significant improvement in Lysholm scores (mean difference, −1.9; 95% CI, −2.89 to −0.91; P = .0002) with the remnant-preserving technique, this did not exceed previously reported minimal clinically important difference values. Remnant-preserving ACLR demonstrated superior knee stability in terms of patients achieving negative pivot shift when compared with the control group (88.89% vs 79.92%; P = .006). Although there was a significant improvement in the side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation favoring remnant preservation ( P = .004), the mean difference was 0.51 mm.

Conclusion:

Remnant-preserving ACLR, primarily with HT autografts, results in comparable clinical outcome scores and significantly improved knee stability relative to standard ACLR without remnant preservation without increasing the complication rate. Further studies will help clarify if remnant-preserving ACLR also has benefits in terms of enhancing graft integration and maturation, improving proprioception, limiting tunnel enlargement, and reducing complications.
A Comparative Biomechanical Study of Alternative Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques
Authors: Shatrov Jobe , Bonacic Bartolin Petra , Holthof Sander R. , Ball Simon , Williams Andy , Amis Andrew A.
Published: March 2024

Background:

There is little evidence of the biomechanical performance of medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstructions for restoring stability to the MCL-deficient knee regarding valgus, external rotation (ER), and anteromedial rotatory instability (AMRI).

Hypothesis:

A short isometric reconstruction will better restore stability than a longer superficial MCL (sMCL) reconstruction, and an additional deep MCL (dMCL) graft will better control ER and AMRI than single-strand reconstructions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Nine cadaveric human knees were tested in a kinematics rig that allowed tibial loading while the knee was flexed-extended 0° to 100°. Optical markers were placed on the femur and tibia and displacements were measured using a stereo camera system. The knee was tested intact, and then after MCL (sMCL + dMCL) transection, and loaded in anterior tibial translation (ATT), ER, varus-valgus, and combined ATT + ER (AMRI loading). Five different isometric MCL reconstructions were tested: isolated long sMCL, a short construct, each with and without dMCL addition, and isolated dMCL reconstruction, using an 8 mm–wide synthetic graft.

Results:

MCL deficiency caused an increase in ER of 4° at 0° of flexion ( P = .271) up to 14° at 100° of flexion ( P = .002), and valgus laxity increased by 5° to 8° between 0° and 100° of flexion ( P < .024 at 0°-90°). ATT did not increase significantly in isolated MCL deficiency ( P > .999). All 5 reconstructions restored native stability across the arc of flexion apart from the isolated long sMCL, which demonstrated residual ER instability ( P≤ .047 vs other reconstructions).

Conclusion:

All tested techniques apart from the isolated long sMCL graft are satisfactory in the context of restoring the valgus, ER, and AMRI stability to the MCL-deficient knee in a cadaveric model.

Clinical Relevance:

Contemporary MCL reconstruction techniques fail to control ER and therefore AMRI as they use a long sMCL graft and do not address the dMCL. This study compares 5 MCL reconstruction techniques. Both long and short isometric constructs other than the long sMCL achieved native stability in valgus and ER/AMRI. Double-strand reconstructions (sMCL + dMCL) tended to provide more stability. This study shows which reconstructions demonstrate the best biomechanical performance, informs surgical reconstruction techniques for AMRI, and questions the efficacy of current popular techniques.
Rates of Subjective Failure After Both Isolated and Combined Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Study From the Norwegian Knee Ligament Registry 2004-2021
Authors: Moatshe Gilbert , LaPrade Christopher M. , Fenstad Anne Marie , Persson Andreas , LaPrade Matthew , Martin R. Kyle , Engebretsen Lars , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Outcomes after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction (PCLR) have been reported to be inferior to those of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Furthermore, combined ligament injuries have been reported to have inferior outcomes compared with isolated PCLR.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to report on PCLR outcomes and failure rates and compare these outcomes between isolated PCLR and multiligament knee surgery involving the PCL. The hypothesis was that combined PCL injury reconstruction would have higher rates of subjective failure and revision relative to isolated PCLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with primary PCLR with or without concomitant ligament injuries registered in the Norwegian Knee Ligament Registry between 2004 and 2021 were included. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) totals were collected preoperatively and at 2 years and 5 years postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was failure, defined as either a revision surgery or a KOOS Quality of Life (QoL) subscale score <44.

Results:

The sample included 631 primary PCLR procedures, with 185 (29%) isolated PCLR procedures and 446 (71%) combined reconstructions, with a median follow-up time of 7.3 and 7.9 years, respectively. The majority of patients had poor preoperative knee function as defined by a KOOS QoL score <44 (90.1% isolated PCLR, 85.7% combined PCL injuries; P = .24). Subjective outcomes improved significantly at 2- and 5-year follow-up compared with preoperative assessments in both groups ( P < .001); however, at 2 years, 49.5% and 46.5% had subjective failure (KOOS QoL <44) for isolated PCLR and combined PCLR, respectively ( P = .61). At 5 years, the subjective failure rates of isolated and combined PCLR were 46.7% and 34.2%, respectively ( P = .04). No significant difference was found in revision rates between the groups at 5 years (1.9% and 4.6%, respectively; P = .07).

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent PCLR had improved KOOS QoL scores relative to their preoperative state. However, the subjective failure rate was high for both isolated and multiligament PCLR. Within the first 2 years after surgery, patients who undergo isolated PCLR can be expected to have similar failure rates to patients who undergo combined ligament reconstructions.
Elderly and bladder cancer: The role of radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion
Authors: Bizzarri Francesco Pio , Scarciglia Eros , Russo Pierluigi , Marino Filippo , Presutti Simona , Moosavi Seyed Koosha , Ragonese Mauro , Campetella Marco , Gandi Carlo , Totaro Angelo , Palermo Giuseppe , Sacco Emilio , Racioppi Marco
Published: March 2024

The incidence of bladder cancer (BC) depends on advancing age and other risk factors, significantly impacting on surgical, functional and oncological outcomes. Radical cystectomy (RC) with urinary diversion is the gold standard therapy for muscle invasive bladder cancer; however, it remains a complex surgery and requires careful analysis of risk factors in order to potentially decrease post-surgical complication rates. Age in surgery is a limiting factor that can modify surgical and oncological outcomes, and is correlated with a high rate of post-dimssion hospital readmissions. The reconstruction of the bladder with the intestine represents a crucial point of radical cystectomy and the urinary derivation (UD) is at the center of many debates. A non-continent UD seems to be the best choice in elderly patients (>75 years old), while orthotopic neobladder (ON) is poorly practiced. We reviewed the literature to identify studies reporting outcomes, complications, patient- selection criteria, and quality-of-life data on elderly patients, who underwent ON following radical cystectomy. Reviewing the literature there is no clear evidence on the use of age as an exclusion criterion. Certainly, the elderly patient with multiple comorbidities is not eligible for ON, preferring other UD or rescue therapies. A careful preoperative selection of elderly patients could greatly improve clinical, surgical and oncological outcomes, giving the chance to selected patients to receive an ON.
A new biomarker panel for differential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma: Results from an exploratory analysis
Authors: Köhler Bruno , Bes Marta , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Esteban Juan Ignacio , Piratvisuth Teerha , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Tanwandee Tawesak , Thongsawat Satawat , Mang Anika , Morgenstern David , Swiatek-de Lange Magdalena , Dayyani Farshid
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) can be challenging due to unclear imaging criteria and difficulty obtaining adequate tissue biopsy. Although serum cancer antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen have been proposed as potential diagnostic aids, their use remains limited by insufficient sensitivity and specificity. This exploratory analysis aimed to identify individual- and combinations of serum biomarkers to distinguish CCA from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease (CLD) controls using samples from a published study.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, case-control study included patients aged ≥18 years at high-risk of HCC. Serum and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid-plasma samples were collected prior to any treatment and confirmed diagnosis of HCC or CCA. Fourteen biomarkers (measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) were subjected to univariate analysis and 13 included in a multivariate analysis (per selected combinations and exhaustive search).

Results

Overall, 55 CCA, 306 HCC, and 733 CLD control samples were analyzed. For distinguishing CCA from HCC, alpha-fetoprotein and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) showed the best individual performance (area under the curve (AUC) 86.6% and 84.4%, respectively); tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was most able to distinguish CCA from CLD (AUC 94.5%) and from HCC  +  CLD (AUC 88.6%). The combination of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 was the best-performing two-marker panel, with AUC >90% for all comparisons.

Conclusion

MMP-2 and TIMP-1 are promising biomarkers that could support differential diagnosis of CCA. Incorporating these assays into the diagnostic algorithm could provide additional diagnostic information in a non-invasive, rapid manner, and could supplement existing diagnostic methods.
UN peacekeeping presence and local food security outcomes
Authors: Lindberg Bromley Sara , von Uexkull Nina
Published: March 2024

A now extensive literature examines effects of international peacekeeping on conflict-affected countries’ war-to-peace transitions. Still, we know little about how impactful peacekeeping is in stemming a wider set of hardships affecting host communities, such as hunger. Addressing this gap, we theorize and empirically examine the relationship between local UN peacekeeping deployment and food security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Liberia. The results suggest an overall positive but substantively modest association between peacekeeping presence and more food secure communities—proxied by stunting rates in children—and point to context-specific variation. We conclude by discussing implications for future research.
Hybridations des relations homme-nature et changements de pratiques de consommation : une analyse au prisme des ontologies de Descola
Authors: Marchais Dorian , Roux Dominique , Arnould Eric
Published: March 2024

Résumé

Cette recherche examine comment les individus se connectent à la nature et comment différentes perceptions de continuité ou de discontinuité avec des non-humains influencent leurs habitudes de consommation. En s’appuyant sur la remise en question de la distinction traditionnelle entre nature et culture proposée par Descola en 2005, cette étude met à l’épreuve empiriquement le concept d’« hybridité ontologique » introduit par les auteurs. A l’aide de données qualitatives recueillies auprès de 25 consommateurs, l’analyse révèle le processus par lequel des ontologies non-naturalistes pénètrent l’ontologie dominante, qui sert d’arrière-plan critique à ces infiltrations. Sous l’impulsion d’événements déclencheurs, ces infiltrations produisent des ontologies hybrides à l’origine de changements dans les pratiques de consommation. Nous discutons les perspectives offertes par ces infiltrations ontologiques pour le marketing et la société dans son ensemble.
A lightweight improved residual neural network for bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Wang Huaqing , Fu Zhenbao , Lin Tianjiao , Han Changkun , Zhang Wenbo , Song Liuyang
Published: March 2024

Timely and accurate fault diagnosis is essential for modern industrial system reliability and safety. However, traditional bearing fault diagnosis using the residual neural network (ResNet) is limited by high parameters, computational costs, and low accuracy. To address this, a lightweight improved residual network (LIResNet) is proposed to enhance the ResNet structure. LIResNet introduces a parallel layer (PL) merging the discrete cosine transform convolutional layer (DCTConv) and the standard convolutional layer (Conv). This reduces trainable parameters, aiding feature extraction from input signals, with spectrograms preprocessed by CWT fed into the PL. Furthermore, integrating a self-attention mechanism enhances fault feature comprehension. The residual structure is refined using low-rank decomposition, reducing model complexity. This refinement, combined with a max-pooling layer and single convolutional layer, forms the downsampling residual module (DAM). The proposed batch-free normalization (BFN) and improved hard-swish activation function constitute the normalized activation module (NAM), ensuring model stability and nonlinear mapping in low-batch data situations. Experiments across bearing datasets reveal that the proposed method achieves a diagnostic accuracy of 99.8%, surpassing ResNet18′s 98.7%. Moreover, while ResNet comprises 11.18M parameters and 753.07M Flops, the proposed method uses 0.06M parameters and 49.49M Flops. These findings underscore the improved lightweight performance and diagnostic capability of our approach.
Book review: Ravinder Kaur and Nayanika Mathur (Eds). 2022. The People of India: New Indian Politics in the 21st Century
Authors: Tiwana Anupreet Singh , Nimsadkar Amol
Published: March 2024

Ravinder Kaur and Nayanika Mathur (Eds). 2022. The People of India: New Indian Politics in the 21st Century. Penguin Viking. ISBN 9780670096053; 248 pages; ₹799 (hardback).
Knowledge, Attitude and P erception Towards Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in University College Hospital, Ibadan
Authors: Bada Basirat Moboluwaduro , Ojewale Lucia Yetunde , Akingbade Oluwadamilare
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The International Diabetes Federation has identified the emergence of gestational diabetes mellitus (DM) (GDM) as an underappreciated threat to maternal and child health. Adequate knowledge, a positive attitude towards prevention, and a positive perception of its danger could motivate pregnant women to take preventive measures. However, there is a dearth of literature on these among women attending antenatal clinics at UCH. This study, therefore aimed to assess pregnant women’s knowledge about GDM, report their attitudes and determine their perception towards GDM.

Methods

A cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception towards GDM. A total of 300 pregnant women registered with and attending the antenatal clinic in University College Hospital (UCH), were selected using a random sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire using a GDM Knowledge Questionnaire and previous research questions on Perception and Attitude was used to collect data from participants. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0 and hypotheses were tested using chi-square at 0.05 level of significance.

Results

The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.60 ± 5.88 years. A little over one-fifth of the participants were knowledgeable about GDM. Three-quarters of the participants demonstrated a positive attitude while just a little over half had a positive perception of GDM. A significant association exists between participants’ knowledge about GDM and belief about screening for diabetes during pregnancy ( p = .006). There was a significant association between participants’ attitude and their perception of GDM ( p = .000). A direct significant association was also found between participants’ knowledge and their perceived risk of developing GDM ( p = .000).

Discussion

While most of the pregnant women had poor knowledge about GDM, more than half of the pregnant women had positive attitudes towards GDM. A little over average possesses a positive perception towards GDM. Healthcare providers should intensify efforts in formulating appropriate methods to increase awareness with emphasis on the risks associated with GDM.
An Empirical Analysis of the Nexus Between Inflation, Exchange Rate, Unemployment and Economic Growth in Ethiopia: A Granger Casualty Approach
Authors: Alemu Ferede Mengistie
Published: March 2024

High unemployment, volatile exchange rates and hyperinflation contest the steady economy of Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between inflation, unemployment, exchange rate and economic growth in the steady transition economy of Ethiopia. For this purpose, descriptive and econometric analyses with VAR and Granger causality estimations have been employed by using the annual time series data from 1980 to 2022. The descriptive results show that after 2010, in Ethiopia, stagnant economic growth, extreme volatile exchange rates and hyperinflation were observed. The VAR estimate is consistent with the results of the Granger causality test. It showed that in the long run, economic growth and currency depreciation are directly associated, but unemployment has a negative impact on inflation and economic growth. Economic growth and unemployment have an enlightened impact on the exchange rate devaluation, but they are not ultimately impacted by the rate of inflation. The study implied that between 1980 and 2022, in Ethiopia, there were high rates of unemployment, slow economic growth coupled with hyperinflation and a high exchange rate. The study suggested that boosting industry and agricultural productivity through the adoption of innovation, replacing foreign commodities with domestic commodities and expanding the supply of domestic commodities in international markets can resolve the inspected Ethiopian macroeconomic problems.
When Do Shareholder Agreements Add Value? Mitigating Superprincipal-Agency Conflicts in Family Firms
Authors: Jaskiewicz Peter , Belot François , Combs James G. , Boutron Emmanuel , Barrédy Céline
Published: March 2024

Researchers are divided on whether shareholder agreements (SAs) improve or hurt firm value. We offer family firms as a context where SAs add value and explain why; SAs limit “superprincipal” agency conflicts between family owners and other family members. A panel of French firms and a second study of French Initial Public Offerings show shareholders value SAs more in family than in nonfamily firms. Among family firms, SAs add greater value when weak governance undermines family owners’ resistance to other family members’ demands. Our study helps reconcile competing theory about SAs and distinguishes superprincipal conflicts from other family-firm agency problems.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Mexican Children and Adolescents with Non-Syndromic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Moreno-Villagómez Julieta , Castillo-Mimila Miguel , Yáñez-Téllez Guillermina , Prieto-Corona Belén , García-Méndez Antonio
Published: March 2024

Objective

Assess the Health-Related Quality of Life in children and adolescents with non-syndromic craniosynostosis and compare it with participants without craniosynostosis.

Design

Non-experimental, cross-sectional design.

Setting

The assessment was done remotely and the instrument was sent via chat or email.

Patients/Participants

Participants (ages 8–17) with non-syndromic craniosynostosis (n = 27) and without craniosynostosis (n = 26).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We used an adapted version for the Mexican population of the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents -KIDSCREEN-52.

Results

All scores were in the average clinical range and both groups scored similarly in all domains except those with craniosynostosis were significantly lower in the Social Support and Peers domain (rpb = 0.48).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with non-syndromic craniosynostosis reported similar Health-Related Quality of Life as the control group, except for the Social Support domain, which should be investigated in future studies.
Suppression by Mobilization: How Information Control Strategies Contain Political Criticism in Autocracies
Authors: Shao Li , Liu Dongshu , Wang Fangfei
Published: March 2024

Autocrats selectively tolerate political criticism, which may erode regime support. The literature suggests that regimes contain criticism by encouraging more supportive voices, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We theorize two mechanisms: winning more supporters (persuasion) or mobilizing existing supporters to speak out (mobilization). These mechanisms can be created by censoring evidence that supports criticism and adopting propaganda to arouse nationalism or promise material gains. We conducted two survey experiments in China with a novel measurement of supporter mobilization: respondents’ written defenses against criticism. We find evidence of a mobilization mechanism but not persuasion. Censoring facts strongly encourages supportive comments. Ideological propaganda’s effects are moderate, whereas propaganda on material benefits has no effect.
Development and Validation of the Positive Outcomes of Cannabis Use Scale (POCUS) Among Predominantly White Adults in the United States
Authors: Parnes Jamie E. , Prince Mark A. , Conner Bradley T.
Published: March 2024

Operant conditioning and social learning theories suggest that positive cannabis use–related outcomes are a primary contributor to maintained use and risk for dependence. However, currently there does not exist a reliable, validated measure of positive cannabis-related outcomes. This study sought to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Positive Outcomes of Cannabis Use Scale (POCUS). We collected three samples, college students ( N = 883), community adults ( N = 214), and college students ( N = 615), of predominantly White adults in the United States who completed an online survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses evaluated scale structure and identified four factors: social enhancement, mood enhancement, cognitive enhancement, and sexual enhancement. Positive outcomes were positively associated with recent use, controlling for expectancies and negative outcomes. Positive outcomes were also differentiated from positive expectancies and more influential in predicting typical use frequency. Findings indicate that the POCUS is psychometrically sound and clinically useful for measuring positive cannabis use–related outcomes among predominantly White adults in the United States.
New plasma LC-MS/MS assays for the quantitation of beta-amyloid peptides and identification of apolipoprotein E proteoforms for Alzheimer’s disease risk assessment
Authors: Weber Darren M , Kim Jueun C , Goldman Scott M , Clarke Nigel J , Racke Michael K
Published: March 2024

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents an unmet clinical need. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) plays an important role in AD pathology, and the Aβ42/40 peptide ratio is a good indicator for amyloid deposition. In addition, variants of the apolipoprotein E ( APOE) gene are associated with variable AD risk. Here, we describe the development and validation of high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assays for plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 quantitation, as well as apolipoprotein E (ApoE) proteotype determination as a surrogate for APOE genotype. Aβ40 and Aβ42 were simultaneously immunoprecipitated from plasma, proteolytically digested, and quantitated by LC-MS/MS. ApoE proteotype status was qualitatively assessed by targeting tryptic peptides from the ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4 proteoforms. Both assays were validated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Within-run precision was 1.8%–4.2% (Aβ40), 1.9%–7.2% (Aβ42), and 2.6%–8.3% (Aβ42/40 ratio). Between-run precision was 3.5%–5.9% (Aβ40), 3.8%–8.0% (Aβ42), and 3.3%–8.7% (Aβ42/40 ratio). Both Aβ40 and Aβ42 were linear from 10 to 2500 pg/mL. Identified ApoE proteotypes had 100% concordance with APOE genotypes. We have developed a precise, accurate, and sensitive high-throughput LC-MS/MS assay for plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and proteoforms of ApoE.
Year in Review 2023: Noteworthy Literature in Cardiothoracic Transplantation
Authors: Saleem Faiz , Liang Hong , Martin Archer Kilbourne
Published: March 2024

This review highlights key studies examining perioperative management of cardiothoracic transplantation published in 2023. Articles were manually screened after searching Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases for manuscripts related to cardiothoracic transplantation, which yielded 343 papers with 15 qualitatively selected as the most salient for readers. Overarching themes include differences in outcomes across the various etiologies of end-stage lung disease, novel developments to expand the donor pool, and multi-organ transplantation.