bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of osteopathologies in a single center cohort of survivors of childhood primary brain tumor
Authors: Schündeln Michael M. , Fritzemeier Sebastian , Goretzki Sarah C. , Hauffa Pia K. , Munteanu Martin , Kiewert Cordula , Hauffa Berthold P. , Fleischhack Gudrun , Tippelt Stephan , Grasemann Corinna
Published: July 2022

Background

Childhood primary brain tumors (CPBT) are the second largest group of childhood malignancies and associated with a high risk for endocrine late effects.

Objective

To assess endocrine late effects and their relevance for the development of osteopathologies in survivors.

Methods

This single center cross sectional study investigated data from 102 CPBT survivors with a mean age of 13.0 years and a mean age at diagnosis of 8.7 years. Clinical, biochemical, radiographic, and anamnestic data regarding endocrine and bone health were obtained at study visits. In addition, data regarding tumor stage and therapy was obtained by chart review. An expert opinion was applied to define presence of osteopathologies.

Results

Impaired bone health, defined by at least one pathological screening parameter, was present in 65% of patients. 27.5% were found to have overt osteopathologies per expert opinion. 37.8% displayed a severe vitamin D deficiency (25-OH vitamin D < 10 ng/ml) and 11% a secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients with osteopathologies had lower 25-OH vitamin D levels compared to patients without osteopathologies. Multiple endocrine late effects were present: diabetes insipidus in 10.8%, aberrant pubertal development in 13.7%, central hypocortisolism in 14.9%, thyroid dysfunction in 23.8% and growth hormone deficiency in 21.8%. A total of 31.3% of survivors displayed any endocrinopathy. Tumors located near hypothalamic structures and patients who received irradiation had a higher likelihood of endocrine morbidity.

Conclusion

This study indicates that endocrine deficiencies are common in pediatric survivors of CPBTs. Osteopathologies are present in this cohort. A prominent effect of hormonal deficiencies on bone health was not detected, possibly because patients were sufficiently treate for their endocrine conditions or indicating resilience of the childhood bone remodeling process. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent and should be treated as recommended.
An Italian Multicenter Study on the Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Hospitalized Children
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Matera Luigi , Licari Amelia , Manti Sara , Di Bella Gaia , Pierangeli Alessandra , Palamara Anna Teresa , Nosetti Luana , Leonardi Salvatore , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Midulla Fabio ,   ICHRIS Group
Published: July 2022

Since the beginning of 2020, a remarkably low incidence of respiratory virus hospitalizations has been reported worldwide. We prospectively evaluated 587 children, aged <12 years, admitted for respiratory tract infections from 1 September 2021 to 15 March 2022 in four Italian pediatric hospitals to assess the burden of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. At admission, a Clinical Respiratory Score was assigned and nasopharyngeal or nasal washing samples were collected and tested for respiratory viruses. Total admissions increased from the second half of October 2021 to the first half of December 2021 with a peak in early November 2021. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence curve coincided with the total hospitalizations curve, occurred earlier than in the pre-pandemic years, and showed an opposite trend with respect to the incidence rate of SARS-CoV-2. Our results demonstrated an early peak in pediatric hospitalizations for RSV. SARS-CoV-2 may exhibit a competitive pressure on other respiratory viruses, most notably RSV.
Frequencies, Modalities, Doses and Duration of Computerized Prescriptions for Sedative, Analgesic, Anesthetic and Paralytic Drugs in Neonates Requiring Intensive Care: A Prospective Pharmacoepidemiologic Cohort Study in 30 French NICUs From 2014 to 2020
Authors: Tauzin Manon , Gouyon Béatrice , Hirt Déborah , Carbajal Ricardo , Gouyon Jean-Bernard , Brunet Anne-Claire , Ortala Matthieu , Goro Seydou , Jung Camille , Durrmeyer Xavier
Published: July 2022

Objectives: No consensus exists about the doses of analgesics, sedatives, anesthetics, and paralytics used in critically ill neonates. Large-scale, detailed pharmacoepidemiologic studies of prescription practices are a prerequisite to future research. This study aimed to describe the detailed prescriptions of these drug classes in neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) from computerized prescription records and to compare prescriptions by gestational age.

Materials and Methods: We included all neonates requiring intensive care in 30 French level III units from 2014 through 2020 with a computerized prescription for an analgesic, sedative, anesthetic, or paralytic agent. We described frequencies of prescription, methods of administration, concomitant drug prescriptions, and dosing regimen, and compared them across gestational ages.

Results: Among 65,555 neonates, 29,340 (44.8%) were prescribed at least one analgesic (acetaminophen in 37.2% and opioids in 17.8%), sedative (9.8%), anesthetic (8.5%), and/or paralytic agent (1%). Among preterm infants born before 28 weeks, 3,771/4,283 (88.0%) were prescribed at least one of these agents: 69.7% opioids, 41.2% sedatives, 32.5% anesthetics, and 5.8% paralytics. The most frequently prescribed agents were sufentanil (in 10.3% of neonates) and morphine (in 8.0% of neonates) for opioids, midazolam (9.3%) for sedatives, ketamine (5.7%) and propofol (3.3%) for anesthetics. In most neonates, opioids and sedatives were prescribed as continuous infusion, whereas anesthetics were prescribed as single doses. Opioids, sedatives and paralytics were mostly prescribed in association with another agent. Doses varied significantly by gestational age but within a limited range. Gestational age was inversely related to the frequency, cumulative dose and duration of prescriptions. For example, morphine prescriptions showed median (IQR) cumulative doses of 2601 (848–6750) vs. 934 (434–2679) µg/kg and median (IQR) durations of 7 (3–15) vs. 3 (2–5) days in infants born <28 vs. ≥ 37 weeks of gestation, respectively (p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: The prescriptions of analgesic, sedative, anesthetic, or paralytic agent were frequent and often combined in the NICU. Lower gestational age was associated with higher frequencies, longer durations and higher cumulative doses of these prescriptions. Dose-finding studies to determine individualized dosing regimens and studies on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome according to received cumulative doses are required.
(±)-5-bromo-2-(5-fluoro-1-hydroxyamyl) Benzoate Protects Against Oxidative Stress Injury in PC12 Cells Exposed to H2O2 Through Activation of Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Qi Saidan , Zhang Xiaojiao , Fu Zhenzhen , Pi Anran , Shi Feiyan , Fan Yanan , Zhang Jiahua , Xiao Tingting , Shang Dong , Lin Meng , Gao Na , Chang Junbiao , Gao Yuan
Published: July 2022

Background: Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (±)-5-bromo-2-(5-fluoro-1-hydroxyamyl) benzoate (BFB) is a novel compound modified by dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP). Here, we hypothesized that BFB may protect the PC12 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury through activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Methods: We measured the cell viability and levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to determine the construction of the H2O2-induced models of oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Additionally, apoptotic cell death, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cellular morphology were examined to determine the effect of BFB on oxidative stress injury in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. The expression levels of Nrf2-related and autophagy-related genes and proteins were detected using real time quantative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western Blot, and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results: Our study showed that BFB treatment reduced the elevated levels of MDA, LDH, and ROS, and decreased cell viability and GSH in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. We also observed the elevated expression of Nrf2 pathway-related factors and intranuclear transitions and found that Nrf2 inhibitors (ML385) could block the protective effect of BFB. The inhibitory effect of BFB on oxidative stress may be partially regulated by Nrf2 activation, and the initiation and induction of autophagy.

Conclusion: BFB inhibited H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury in PC12 cells by activating the Nrf2 pathway, initiating and inducing autophagy, suggesting that BFB may be a promising therapeutic agent in treating neurological disorders like cerebral ischemia.
Challenges and Opportunities for Companies to Build HTA/Payer Perspectives Into Drug Development Through the Use of a Dynamic Target Product Profile
Authors: Wang Ting , McAuslane Neil , Goettsch Wim G. , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , De Bruin Marie L.
Published: July 2022

Background: The target product profile (TPP) outlines the desired profile of a target product aimed at a particular disease and is used by companies to plan clinical development. Considering the increasing importance of health technology assessment (HTA) in informing reimbursement decisions, a robust TPP needs to be built to address HTA needs, to guide an integrated evidence generation plan that will support HTA submissions. This study assessed current practices and experiences of companies in building HTA considerations into TPP development.

Methods: An opinion survey was designed and conducted in 2019, as a cross-sectional questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions. The questionnaire provided a qualitative assessment of companies’ strategies and experiences in building HTA considerations into the TPP. Eligible survey participants were the senior management of Global HTA/Market Access Departments at 18 top international pharmaceutical companies.

Results: 11 companies responded to the survey. All companies included HTA requirements in TPP development, but the timing and process varied. The key focus of HTA input related to health problems and treatment pathways, clinical efficacy/effectiveness, and safety. Variance of HTA methods and different value frameworks were identified as a challenge for development plans. Stakeholder engagement, such as HTA scientific advice, was used to pressure test the TPP.

Conclusion: This research provides insight into current practice and potential opportunities for value-based drug development. It demonstrates the evolution of the TPP to encompass HTA requirements and suggests that the TPP could have a role as an iterative communication tool for use with HTA agencies to enhance an integrated evidence generation plan.
Coupled Antibacterial Effects of Plasma-Activated Water and Pulsed Electric Field
Authors: Mentheour Robin , Machala Zdenko
Published: July 2022

In the biomedical applications of cold plasma, the dominant biological effect is most typically attributed to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), while the physical effect of electric fields is sometimes overlooked. Here, we investigated the antibacterial effect of RONS in plasma-activated water (PAW) on the inactivation of E. coli bacteria, coupled with a mild 200-nanosecond pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment. By using transient spark discharge plasma in open atmospheric air and closed air reactors, and by adding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the PAW, different chemical compositions of RONS were obtained. We measured the time evolution of the concentrations of key species in the PAW post-discharge: nitrites (NO2−) and H2O2. PAW rich in both NO2− and H2O2 showed an antibacterial effect, which was enhanced by the PEF, whereas PAW rich in NO2− and poor in H2O2 showed an enhancement of the antibacterial effect by the PEF only when H2O2 was externally added. The presence of sufficient concentrations of both NO2− and H2O2 optimized the formation of peroxynitrous acid (ONOOH), which caused a strong peroxidation of the cell membranes leading to the cell death, but it also made them more vulnerable to the PEF treatment. The results suggest that the interaction with radicals during the bacteria exposure to PAW leads to an antibacterial effect reinforced by the pulsed electric field, hence showing a synergy of the chemical and physical plasma agents. This opens new perspectives for applications both plasma and PEF areas of research.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Muscle Fatigue on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Running Kinetics in Female Recreational Runners
Authors: Jafarnezhadgero Amir Ali , Noroozi Raha , Fakhri Ehsan , Granacher Urs , Oliveira Anderson Souza
Published: July 2022

Background: There is evidence that fully recovered COVID-19 patients usually resume physical exercise, but do not perform at the same intensity level performed prior to infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection and recovery as well as muscle fatigue on cardiorespiratory fitness and running biomechanics in female recreational runners.

Methods: Twenty-eight females were divided into a group of hospitalized and recovered COVID-19 patients (COV, n = 14, at least 14 days following recovery) and a group of healthy age-matched controls (CTR, n = 14). Ground reaction forces from stepping on a force plate while barefoot overground running at 3.3 m/s was measured before and after a fatiguing protocol. The fatigue protocol consisted of incrementally increasing running speed until reaching a score of 13 on the 6–20 Borg scale, followed by steady-state running until exhaustion. The effects of group and fatigue were assessed for steady-state running duration, steady-state running speed, ground contact time, vertical instantaneous loading rate and peak propulsion force.

Results: COV runners completed only 56% of the running time achieved by the CTR (p < 0.0001), and at a 26% slower steady-state running speed (p < 0.0001). There were fatigue-related reductions in loading rate (p = 0.004) without group differences. Increased ground contact time (p = 0.002) and reduced peak propulsion force (p = 0.005) were found for COV when compared to CTR.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that female runners who recovered from COVID-19 showed compromised running endurance and altered running kinetics in the form of longer stance periods and weaker propulsion forces. More research is needed in this area using larger sample sizes to confirm our study findings.
Epigenetic regulation of ecotype-specific expression of the heat-activated transposon ONSEN
Authors: Nozawa Kosuke , Masuda Seiji , Saze Hidetoshi , Ikeda Yoko , Suzuki Takamasa , Takagi Hiroki , Tanaka Keisuke , Ohama Naohiko , Niu Xiaoying , Kato Atsushi , Ito Hidetaka
Published: July 2022

Transposable elements are present in a wide variety of organisms; however, our understanding of the diversity of mechanisms involved in their activation is incomplete. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional activation of the ONSEN retrotransposon, which is activated by high-temperature stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that its transcription is significantly higher in the Japanese ecotype Kyoto. Considering that transposons are epigenetically regulated, DNA methylation levels were analyzed, revealing that CHH methylation was reduced in Kyoto compared to the standard ecotype, Col-0. A mutation was also detected in the Kyoto CMT2 gene, encoding a CHH methyltransferase, suggesting that it may be responsible for increased expression of ONSEN. CHH methylation is controlled by histone modifications through a self-reinforcing loop between DNA methyltransferase and histone methyltransferase. Analysis of these modifications revealed that the level of H3K9me2, a repressive histone marker for gene expression, was lower in Kyoto than in Col-0. The level of another repressive histone marker, H3K27me1, was decreased in Kyoto; however, it was not impacted in a Col-0 cmt2 mutant. Therefore, in addition to the CMT2 mutation, other factors may reduce repressive histone modifications in Kyoto.
Testing the Functional and Phylogenetic Assembly of Plant Communities in Gobi Deserts of Northern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Jianming , Wang Yin , Qu Mengjun , Feng Yiming , Wu Bo , Lu Qi , He Nianpeng , Li Jingwen
Published: July 2022

The mechanism governing plant community assembly across large-scale Gobi deserts remains unclear. Here, we inferred the roles of different assembly processes in structuring plant communities in the Gobi deserts of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau by using a phylogenetic tree, and leaf and root traits. The functional and phylogenetic structures of 183 plant communities were assessed, and their distributions were linked with environmental gradients. Our results demonstrated that functional convergence was prevalent in most functional traits (75% of the traits) and accentuated when all traits were combined. The phylogenetic structure exhibited significant divergence. We observed the contrasting response of functional and phylogenetic assembly structures to environmental gradients. More importantly, we found that the shifts in the functional assembly along environmental gradients were trait-specific, with dominant roles of local factors, such as gravel coverage and soil attributes, in determining the distribution patterns of most traits. However, the distribution patterns of leaf P concentration (LPC), root N concentration (RNC), and root P concentration (RPC) were mainly driven by climatic factors. These results reveal that niche-based processes, such as abiotic filtering and weaker competitive exclusion, are the major drivers of species co-occurrence, which results in the widespread coexistence of phylogenetically distinct but functionally similar species within the Gobi plant community. Our findings could improve the understanding of plant community assembly processes and biodiversity maintenance in extremely harsh drylands.
Internalization of Appearance Ideals and Not Religiosity Indirectly Impacts the Relationship Between Acculturation and Disordered Eating Risk in South and Southeast Asian Women Living in the United States
Authors: Negi Sonakshi , Benau Erik M. , Strowger Megan , Grammer Anne Claire , Timko C. Alix
Published: July 2022

Objective

Studies that examine disordered eating in samples of Asian individuals living in the United States frequently combine all individuals of Asian descent into a single group, which can obscure important differences between groups and their experiences of acculturation. The goal of the present study was to establish the relation of acculturation, internalization of appearance ideals, and religiosity as predicting body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in women of South and Southeast Asian (SSEA) descent.

Method

Women of SSEA descent (N = 112) aged 18–51 years (M = 23.10, SD = 6.4) completed a battery of questionnaires that inquire about these variables. A path analysis was conducted with acculturation serving as the independent (exogenous) variable, religiosity and internalization of the thin ideal as mediators, and body dissatisfaction and disordered eating as dependent (endogenous) variables.

Results

Direct paths from acculturation to both body dissatisfaction and disordered eating were not significant. Thin ideal internalization completely accounted for the path from acculturation to both endogenous variables; whereas, religiosity did not significantly account for any indirect effect.

Discussion

For SSEA women, internalization of appearance ideals is a potentially greater risk factor for disordered eating than acculturation or religiosity. As this was an atemporal mediation analysis, more work needs to be done exploring predictors of internalization in this population and how that may impact the development of disordered eating.
Typology of Deflation-Corrected Estimators of Reliability
Authors: Metsämuuronen Jari
Published: July 2022

The reliability of a test score is discussed from the viewpoint of underestimation of and, specifically, deflation in estimates or reliability. Many widely used estimators are known to underestimate reliability. Empirical cases have shown that estimates by widely used estimators such as alpha, theta, omega, and rho may be deflated by up to 0.60 units of reliability or even more, with certain types of datasets. The reason for this radical deflation lies in the item–score correlation (Rit) embedded in the estimators: because the estimates by Rit are deflated when the number of categories in scales are far from each other, as is always the case with item and score, the estimates of reliability are deflated as well. A short-cut method to reach estimates closer to the true magnitude, new types of estimators, and deflation-corrected estimators of reliability (DCERs), are studied in the article. The empirical section is a study on the characteristics of combinations of DCERs formed by different bases for estimators (alpha, theta, omega, and rho), different alternative estimators of correlation as the linking factor between item and the score variable, and different conditions. Based on the simulation, an initial typology of the families of DCERs is presented: some estimators are better with binary items and some with polytomous items; some are better with small sample sizes and some with larger ones.
Are Executive Dysfunctions Relevant for the Autism-Specific Cognitive Profile?
Authors: Hemmers Julia , Baethge Christopher , Vogeley Kai , Falter-Wagner Christine M.
Published: July 2022

Executive functions (EF) have been shown to be important for the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but dysfunctions of EF are not autism-specific. The specific role of EF in ASD, its relationship to core autism characteristics, such as mentalizing, needs to be explored. Medline- and PsychINFO databases were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2020 that included measures of EF in ASD and typically developing control persons (TD) in combination with either Theory of Mind (ToM) or Weak Central Coherence (WCC) tasks. A pre-registered meta-analysis and cross-study regression was performed including a total of 42 studies (ASD n = 1,546, TD n = 1,206). Results were reported according to PRISMA guidelines. In all cognitive domains, the ASD group showed significantly reduced performance. Importantly, EF subdomains and ToM were not significantly correlated. This finding rules out a significant association between EF subdomains and ToM and questions the relevance of EF dysfunctions for the autism-specific feature of reduced mentalizing.
Optimizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) channels for schizophrenic identification during a verbal fluency task using metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Xia Dong , Quan Wenxiang , Wu Tongning
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to reduce the complexity of the 52-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system to facilitate its usage in discriminating schizophrenia during a verbal fluency task (VFT).

Methods

Oxygenated hemoglobin signals obtained using 52-channel fNIRS from 100 patients with schizophrenia and 100 healthy controls during a VFT were collected and processed. Three features frequently used in the analysis of fNIRS signals, namely time average, functional connectivity, and wavelet, were extracted and optimized using various metaheuristic operators, i.e., genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and their parallel and serial hybrid algorithms. Support vector machine (SVM) was used as the classifier, and the performance was evaluated by ten-fold cross-validation.

Results

GA and GA-dominant algorithms achieved higher accuracy compared to PSO and PSO-dominant algorithms. An optimal accuracy of 87.00% using 16 channels was obtained by GA and wavelet analysis. A parallel hybrid algorithm (the best 50% individuals assigned to GA) achieved an accuracy of 86.50% with 8 channels on the time-domain feature, comparable to the reported accuracy obtained using 52 channels.

Conclusion

The fNIRS system can be greatly simplified while retaining accuracy comparable to that of the 52-channel system, thus promoting its applications in the diagnosis of schizophrenia in low-resource environments. Evolutionary algorithm-dominant optimization of time-domain features is promising in this regard.
Mindfulness-Based Student Training Improves Vascular Variability Associated With Sustained Reductions in Physiological Stress Response
Authors: Voss Andreas , Bogdanski Martin , Walther Mario , Langohr Bernd , Albrecht Reyk , Seifert Georg , Sandbothe Mike
Published: July 2022

In today's fast-paced society, chronic stress has become an increasing problem, as it can lead to psycho-physiological health problems. University students are also faced with stress due to the demands of many courses and exams. The positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on stress management and self-regulation have already been studied. We have developed a new mindfulness intervention tailored for students—the Mindfulness-Based Student Training (MBST). In this study, we present longitudinal results of the MBST evaluation. Biosignal analysis methods, including pulse wave variability (PWV), heart rate variability, and respiratory activity, were used to assess participants' state of autonomic regulation during the 12-week intervention and at follow-up. The progress of the intervention group (IGR, N = 31) up to 3 months after the end of MBST was compared with that of a control group (CON, N = 34). In addition, the long-term effect for IGR up to 1 year after intervention was examined. The analysis showed significant positive changes in PWV exclusively for IGR. This positive effect, particularly on vascular function, persists 1 year after the end of MBST. These results suggest a physiologically reduced stress level in MBST participants and a beneficial preventive health care program for University students.
Compliance to Infection Prevention and Control Practices Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Nadia , Pahrol Muhammad Alfatih , Shaharudin Rafiza , Md Yazin Nik Khairol Reza , Osman Yelmizaitun , Toha Haidar Rizal , Mustapa Normazura , Mohamed Zuraida , Mohammad Azyyati , Ismail Rohaida
Published: July 2022

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in their workplace. Infection prevention guidelines and standard operating procedures were introduced to reduce risk of exposure and prevent transmission. Safe practices during interaction with patients with COVID-19 are crucial for infection prevention and control (IPC). This study aimed to assess HCWs' compliance to IPC and to determine its association with sociodemographic and organizational factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2021 at public healthcare facilities in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. HCWs who were involved with COVID-19-related works were invited to participate in the online survey. The questionnaire was adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) Interim Guidance: WHO Risk Assessment and Management of Exposure of Healthcare Workers in the Context of COVID-19. Respondents were categorized as compliant or non-compliant to IPC. A total of 600 HCWs involved in COVID-19-related works participated in the survey. Most of them (63.7%) were compliant to IPC as they responded to all items as “always, as recommended” during interaction with patients with COVID-19. The multivariate analysis showed that non-compliance was significantly associated with working in the emergency department (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.07–9.31), working as laboratory personnel (AOR = 15.13; 95% CI = 1.36–168.44), health attendant (AOR = 4.42; 95% CI = 1.74–11.24), and others (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI = 1.1–12.01), as well as work experience of more than 10 years (AOR = 4.71; 95% CI = 1.28–17.27). The odds of non-compliance among respondents without adequate new norms and personal protective equipment training were 2.02 (95% CI = 1.08–3.81) more than those with adequate training. Although most of the respondents complied to IPC protocols, compliance status differed according to department, work category, and years of service. Ensuring adequate training that will hopefully lead to behavioral change is crucial to prevent breach in IPC and thus minimize the risk of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare facilities.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Deep Learning and Radiomics in Lung Cancer Staging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiushan , He Bo , Hu Yunhai , Ren Min , Chen Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhiguang , Ma Jun , Ouyang Lanwei , Chu Hongmei , Gao Huan , He Wenjing , Liu Tianhu , Li Gang
Published: July 2022

Background

Artificial intelligence has far surpassed previous related technologies in image recognition and is increasingly used in medical image analysis. We aimed to explore the diagnostic accuracy of the models based on deep learning or radiomics for lung cancer staging.

Methods

Studies were systematically reviewed using literature searches from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Wanfang Database, according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies about the diagnostic accuracy of radiomics and deep learning, including the identifications of lung cancer, tumor types, malignant lung nodules and lymph node metastase, were included. After identifying the articles, the methodological quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 checklist. We extracted the characteristic of each study; the sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC for lung cancer diagnosis were summarized for subgroup analysis.

Results

The systematic review identified 19 eligible studies, of which 14 used radiomics models and 5 used deep learning models. The pooled AUROC of 7 studies to determine whether patients had lung cancer was 0.83 (95% CI 0.78–0.88). The pooled AUROC of 9 studies to determine whether patients had NSCLC was 0.78 (95% CI 0.73–0.83). The pooled AUROC of the 6 studies that determined patients had malignant lung nodules was 0.79 (95% CI 0.77–0.82). The pooled AUROC of the other 6 studies that determined whether patients had lymph node metastases was 0.74 (95% CI 0.66–0.82).

Conclusion

The models based on deep learning or radiomics have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy for lung cancer staging.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-3-0167/, identifier: INPLASY202230167.
Functional role of miR-34a in diabetes and frailty
Authors: Mone Pasquale , de Donato Antonio , Varzideh Fahimeh , Kansakar Urna , Jankauskas Stanislovas S. , Pansini Antonella , Santulli Gaetano
Published: July 2022

Emerging evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical role in the pathogenesis of several disorders. In the present minireview, we focus our attention on the functional role of a specific miRNA, namely miR-34a, in the pathophysiology of frailty and diabetes mellitus. Based on the current literature, we speculate that this miRNA may serve as a potential biomarker of frailty in diabetic older adults. Additionally, its actions on oxidative stress might represent a druggable target to obtain new potentials treatments.
Patient-tailored reproductive health care
Authors: Tesarik Jan , Mendoza-Tesarik Raquel
Published: July 2022

Patient-tailored reproductive health care represents an important challenge for the current practice of infertility prevention, diagnosis and treatment. This approach is based on the concept of precision medicine, taking into account genetic, epigenetic, metabolic and lifestyle characteristics of each individual patient. Even though this goal is still far from being wholly achieved, some aspects can already be put into practice nowadays. Personalization can be based on a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of the patients' personal and familial history, taking into account outcomes of previous assisted reproduction technique (ART) attempts, if available, and confronting these data with the past and the latest clinical and laboratory examination outcomes. As to the male fertility status, there is an urgent need for the inclusion of an accurate diagnostic workup of infertile men leading to the choice of the most adequate follow-up for each particular pathological condition. The follow-up of women who have become pregnant as a result of the ART attempt has also to be personalized. This should be done taking into account both the basic data extracted from the patient's file and those derived from the experience gathered during the latest attempt. Last but not least, the individual condition of each couple has to be taken into account when counseling the patients as to the urgency of the actions to be taken to resolve their fertility problem.
International Intercomparison of In Situ Chlorophyll-a Measurements for Data Quality Assurance of the Swedish Monitoring Program
Authors: Kratzer Susanne , Harvey E. Therese , Canuti Elisabetta
Published: July 2022

Chlorophyll-a is an essential climate variable. Chlorophyll-a in situ measurements are usually used for the validation of satellite images. Previous intercomparisons have shown that there can be substantial differences between in situ laboratories. In order to shed light on these differences, we arranged international chlorophyll-a intercomparisons with eight participating laboratories during 1–2 July 2021. We performed two dedicated transects through Bråviken bay (NW Baltic proper) and sampled four stations in each transect along a chlorophyll-a gradient. We took three surface replicates per laboratory and per station, i.e., 24 samples per laboratory. The samples were filtered through Whatman GF/F filters, and filters were frozen in liquid nitrogen and distributed in dry ice to all laboratories together with chlorophyll-a standards. The results between labs compared quite well. The mean normalized bias (MNB) of the standard measurements ranged between −23% and +19% for all laboratories and −7% to +19% for the Baltic Sea laboratories compared to high-performance liquid chromatography. The MNB of the two Bråviken transects ranged between −23 and +17% for all laboratories (compared to the median of all spectrophotometric and fluorometric measurements) and between −2 and +17% for the Baltic Sea laboratories. On average, the chlorophyll-a concentrations measured by the fluorometric method were about 13% higher than those measured by spectrophotometry, and fluorometry samples tended to have more scatter. The largest uncertainties seem to be caused by variable storage and extraction methods and are not fully captured in this intercomparison. This is demonstrated by analyzing historical comparisons revealing very large uncertainties (root mean square difference (RMSD) up to 109% and bias up to 68%), possibly due to too low filtration volumes and due to different extraction and storage methods. Our recommendation is to flash-freeze samples in liquid nitrogen and store them at −80°C. After storage, they should be extracted and measured at room temperature within 6–24 h. Our results also indicate that ethanol is much more efficient in extracting Chl-a than acetone. Last but not least, we would like to point out that the uncertainties in measuring chlorophyll-a by satellite are now within the range of in situ data, as shown here by comparing the in situ results from this study with published remote sensing results from the literature.
Evaluating Usability and User Experience of AR Applications in VR Simulation
Authors: Lacoche Jérémy , Villain Eric , Foulonneau Anthony
Published: July 2022

Validating an augmented reality application in a virtual reality simulation can offer many advantages compared to testing in real conditions and can speed up development processes. With such a simulation, developers and designers do not need to have constant physical access to the real place. They can save physical navigation, experiment with different kinds of devices and isolate testing parameters. While the validity of functional testing in virtual reality simulations is not particularly challenged, the validity of such simulations to evaluate user experience and usability, similarly as in real conditions, still needs to be assessed. We then conducted a user study to explore the validity of evaluating these criteria with a virtual reality simulation tool and the importance of simulation fidelity for that purpose. Indeed, we also seek to determine whether it is necessary to simulate the limited field of view of augmented reality glasses and if the simulation can take place in a virtual world that is not a replica of the real targeted environment. To do so, we have developed an augmented reality application for smart-homes where a user can interact with different connected objects. One group of users performed the experiment in the real place with augmented reality glasses and three other groups performed the same experiment in virtual reality with various simulation conditions (field of view and environment). Users’ subjective feedback and quantitative results only highlight very few differences between real-world conditions and simulation in virtual reality, whatever the simulation parameters used. These results suggest the interest in using virtual reality simulation to evaluate an augmented reality application but should be confirmed on other use cases and interaction tasks.
Planetary Nebulae and the Ionization of the Interstellar Medium in Galaxies
Authors: Stasińska Grażyna , Trevisan Marina , Vale Asari Natalia
Published: July 2022

We discuss the role of planetary nebulae and their progeny in galaxy context in terms of ionization of the galaxy interstellar medium. This regards ionized gas outside the disk of spiral galaxies, the diffuse ionized medium in spiral galaxies, and the weak line emission of elliptical galaxies.
Single-port laparoscopic sacrospinous ligament suspension via the natural vaginal cavity (SvNOTES) for pelvic prolapse: The first feasibility study
Authors: Lyu Yuanyuan , Ding Huafeng , Ding Jin , Luo Yonghong , Guan Xiaoming , Ni Guantai
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and short-term efficacy of single-port laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal natural cavity endoscopic sacrospinous ligament suspensions (SvNOTES).

Methods

A total of 30 patients diagnosed with anterior or/and middle pelvic organ prolapse Stages III and IV underwent natural vaginal cavity (SvNOTES), and 30 patients who underwent conventional sacrospinous ligament (SSLF) were used as a control group. The operation time, blood loss, postoperative POP-Q score, length of hospital stay, and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

The operation time for SvNOTE was (60 ± 13) min, which was longer than (30 ± 15) min for SSLF (P = 0.04). However, the bleeding amount in SvNOTE was 29.44 ± 2.56, significantly lower than that in the SSLF group (80 ± 10; P = 0.02), and the postoperative hospital stay in the SvNOTE group was (4 ± 2) days, longer than (3 ± 1) days in SSLF (P = 0.02). However, there were no intraoperative complications in the SvNOTE group, whereas one ureteral injury occurred in the SSLF group; in addition, the postoperative POP-Q score was significantly better in the SvNOTE group than that in the SSLF group with increasing time (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with SSLF, single-port laparoscopic sacrospinous ligament suspension via the natural vaginal cavity is visualized, greatly improving the success rate of sacrospinous ligament fixation, with less blood loss and fewer complications, arguably a safer and minimally invasive surgical approach.
Biomechanical investigation of the hybrid modified cortical bone screw–pedicle screw fixation technique: Finite-element analysis
Authors: Kahaer Alafate , Maimaiti Xieraili , Maitirouzi Julaiti , Wang Shuiquan , Shi Wenjie , Abuduwaili Nueraihemaiti , Zhou Zhihao , Liu Dongshan , Maimaiti Abulikemu , Rexiti Paerhati
Published: July 2022

Background

Hybrid fixation techniques including the both modified cortical bone trajectory (MCBT) and traditional trajectory (TT) at the L4 and L5 lumbar segment are firstly proposed by our team. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate and provide specific biomechanical data of the hybrid fixation techniques including the MCBT and TT.

Methods

Four human cadaveric specimens were from the anatomy laboratory of Xinjiang Medical University. Four finite-element (FE) models of the L4–L5 lumbar spine were generated. For each of them, four implanted models with the following fixations were established: TT-TT (TT screw at the cranial and caudal level), MCBT-MCBT (MCBT screw at the cranial and caudal level), hybrid MCBT-TT (MCBT screw at the cranial level and TT screw at the caudal level), and TT-MCBT (TT screw at the cranial level and MCBT screw at the caudal level). A 400-N compressive load with 7.5 N/m moments was applied to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation, respectively. The range of motion (ROM) of the L4–L5 segment and the posterior fixation, the von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc, and the posterior fixation were compared.

Results

Compared to the TT-TT group, the MCBT-TT showed a significant lower ROM of the L4–L5 segment (p ≤ 0.009), lower ROM of the posterior fixation (p < 0.001), lower intervertebral disc stress (p < 0.001), and lower posterior fixation stress (p ≤ 0.041). TT-MCBT groups showed a significant lower ROM of the L4–L5 segment (p ≤ 0.012), lower ROM of the posterior fixation (p < 0.001), lower intervertebral disc stress (p < 0.001), and lower posterior fixation stress (p ≤ 0.038).

Conclusions

The biomechanical properties of the hybrid MCBT-TT and TT-MCBT techniques at the L4–L5 segment are superior to that of stability MCBT-MCBT and TT-TT techniques, and feasibility needs further cadaveric study to verify.
A prospective study of specimen eversion to lateral rectum and valgus resection for low rectal cancer
Authors: Qian Long , Huang Xiaoxu , Xu Li , Chen Hao , Cao Tingting , Wang Song , Luo Can , Xia Yabin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a reverse puncture device (RPD) and specimen eversion of the rectum for resection in total laparoscopic proctectomy.

Methods

In a prospective study from August 2019 to March 2021, 40 patients underwent a procedure with an RPD and specimen eversion of the rectum for total laparoscopic low rectal cancer resection, that is natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES), were included in the NOSES group. Forty patients in the control group underwent conventional laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer and were included in the LAP group. Intraoperative- and postoperative-related indicators, recovery and inflammatory factors, quality of life (QOL) and mental health were compared.

Results

All operations were successfully completed. Compared with the LAP group, the NOSES group showed better short-term outcomes, such as time to eating, postoperative pain, and especially postoperative incision-related complications. At the same time, postoperative inflammatory factor levels, psychological trauma, life-related anxiety and depression scores, and QOL were better in the NOSES group than in the LAP group.

Conclusions

The application of an RPD and specimen eversion of the rectum for total laparoscopic low rectal cancer resection is a technically feasible and safe approach with a short-term curative effect.
Immediate direct-to-implant breast reconstruction: A single center comparison between different procedures
Authors: Klinger Francesco , Lisa Andrea , Testori Alberto , Vaccari Stefano , Bandi Valeria , Lorenzano Valerio , Klinger Marco , Tinterri Corrado , Vinci Valeriano
Published: July 2022

Background

The increased incidence of conservative mastectomy operations (nipple- and skin- sparing) has increased the frequency of immediate breast reconstructions (IBR). In order to guarantee patients the best possible aesthetic outcome, the least chance of complications and moreover, the least postoperative pain, the technique with prepectoral prosthetic pocket was recently reconsidered with the use of ADM. This is the first study using Fortiva® in prepectoral breast reconstruction, and it compares the outcomes of three different patient populations (undergoing retromuscular, prepectoral and prepectoral reconstruction with ADM). The authors suggest that prepectoral breast reconstruction with ADM may bring benefits compared to the current standard technique (retromuscular) as well as compared to the prepectoral reconstruction without ADM.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis of patients who underwent mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction with silicone implants (DTI), performed by a team of breast surgeons and plastic surgeons. Logistic factor regressions were performed in order to investigate the effects of the three different intervention techniques on the incidence of complications. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the differences in the occurrence of each complication. Mann Whitney test was used to compare the averages of referred pain. A p value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 67 patients underwent DTI reconstruction, of which 43 with retromuscular prosthesis, 13 prepectoral and 11 prepectoral with ADM. We found a significantly lower incidence of surgical complications with ADM, exclusively in comparison with retromuscular reconstruction (p = 0.028). It emerges prepectoral reconstruction with ADM involves significantly less visibility of the implant than both the prepectoral surgery without ADM (p = 0.013) and the retromuscular technique (p = 0.029). Finally, postoperative pain referred at twelfth month is significantly less relevant in the group with prepectoral prosthesis and ADM, both in the group with retromuscular (p < 0.001) and prepectoral without ADM (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction with ADM is a safe and reliable technique, able to exceed some type of limits imposed by prepectoral reconstruction. Moreover, it provides benefits if compared to the current standard technique. In the future, this technique could also be added to it, after a proper selection of patients in pre- and intraoperative time.
Relontouml: Development of a Model Based on Relational Model, Ontology and UML
Authors: Agárdi Anita
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a model that combines ontology, UML modeling, and a relational model. The ontology model (and the Ontology Web Language - OWL), UML, and relational model are first introduced in the article. After a review of the literature, the comparison and conversion of the systems are presented. The created model is then presented and a real ontology is modeled using the presented model.
Comparative Review of the Intrusion Detection Systems Based on Federated Learning: Advantages and Open Challenges
Authors: Fedorchenko Elena , Novikova Evgenia , Shulepov Anton
Published: July 2022

In order to provide an accurate and timely response to different types of the attacks, intrusion and anomaly detection systems collect and analyze a lot of data that may include personal and other sensitive data. These systems could be considered a source of privacy-aware risks. Application of the federated learning paradigm for training attack and anomaly detection models may significantly decrease such risks as the data generated locally are not transferred to any party, and training is performed mainly locally on data sources. Another benefit of the usage of federated learning for intrusion detection is its ability to support collaboration between entities that could not share their dataset for confidential or other reasons. While this approach is able to overcome the aforementioned challenges it is rather new and not well-researched. The challenges and research questions appear while using it to implement analytical systems. In this paper, the authors review existing solutions for intrusion and anomaly detection based on the federated learning, and study their advantages as well as open challenges still facing them. The paper analyzes the architecture of the proposed intrusion detection systems and the approaches used to model data partition across the clients. The paper ends with discussion and formulation of the open challenges.