bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role and Clinical Utility of Cancer/Testis Antigens in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Sharon Chanshan , Munger Karl
Published: October 2021

Cancer/testis (CT) antigens exhibit selective expression predominantly in immunoprivileged tissues in non-pathological contexts but are aberrantly expressed in diverse cancers. Because of their expression pattern, they have historically been attractive targets for immunotherapies. The investigation of mechanistic roles of CT antigens in promoting oncogenesis has historically been a prominent research question, and a growing number of studies implicate CT antigens in promoting almost all the hallmarks of cancer. This suggests that CT antigens may act as cancer drivers. CT antigens are expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, although their role in the pathogenesis, prognostication, and treatment for this family of cancers remains poorly studied. Given that CT antigens hold intriguing potential as therapeutic targets and as biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic response and that they can provide novel insights into oncogenic mechanisms, their further study in the context of head and squamous cell carcinoma is warranted.
The Effects of Physical Activity on Physeal and Skeletal Development
Authors: Carsen Sasha , Grammatopoulos George , Zaltz Ira , Ward Leanne , Smit Kevin , Beaulé Paul E.
Published: October 2021

» There is increasing evidence in the literature regarding the important health impact of and risk factors for injury in youth sport.

» Increasing pediatric and adolescent activity intensity, such as is seen in earlier single-sport focus and specialization, may be associated with morphological changes in the growing skeleton.

» Chronic subacute injury to the developing physes in the active child can lead to stress on the growth plate and surrounding tissues that induces developmental morphological changes in the joint.

» There is evidence to suggest that frequent participation in sports that place particular stress across the physes of the proximal humerus, the proximal femur, and the distal radius can be associated with an increased risk of inducing developmental and morphological changes that could lead to future joint dysfunction and premature degeneration.

» Additional research is necessary to better define the pathoetiology of activity-mediated morphological changes, as well as to create and validate parameters for safe involvement in competitive physical activities.
Efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Compared to Nystatin Therapy in reducing Candida Colony Count in Patients with Candida-Associated Denture Stomatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Firoozi Parsa , Farshidfar Nima , Fekrazad Reza
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) compared to conventional nystatin therapy (NYT) in reducing Candida colony count in patients with Candida-Associated Denture Stomatitis (CADS) and critically appraised the available literature.Methods: This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) updated guidelines. A literature search was performed in four electronic databases to identify relevant articles up to 15 August 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy of aPDT compared to NYT in reducing Candida colony count in patients with CADS were investigated. The weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval were calculated. The I2 statistic was used to determine heterogeneity at the level of α= 0.10. The Cochrane risk of bias (RoB 2) tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Certainty of the evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) ranking system.Results: Only 3 eligible RCTs with 141 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on the pooled results, NYT compared to aPDT, generally performed better in reducing Candida colony count (Log10 CFU/mL) in patients’ palate and patients’ denture. The included studies had a moderate risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence was low.Conclusion: Although still inconclusive, based on the current evidence aPDT may be effective in reducing Candida colony count, and treating CADS. Nonetheless, it does not appear to be more effective than conventional NYT in this regard. According to the limited number of included studies, more well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes and standardized methodology should be conducted to validate this conclusion.
Custodiol HTK Versus Plegisol: in-Vitro Comparison With The Use of Immature (H9C2) and Mature (HCM) Cardiomyocytes Cultures
Authors: Nowicki Rafał , Berezowski Mikołaj , Kulbacka Julita , Bieżuńska-Kusiak Katarzyna , Jasiński Marek , Saczko Jolanta
Published: October 2021

Background: Although cardioplegia is used since the ‘70s of the last century, debate on cardioprotection during cardio-surgical procedures is still actual. The selection of a particular method depends mainly on the preferences and experience of a specific center or even surgeon. Crystalloid cardioplegia is an aqueous ion solution similar to intracellular (Custodiol HTK) or extracellular (Plegisol) fluid. Numerous publications compare different types of cardioplegic solutions, but only a few used cultured cells in laboratory conditions. Methods: In this study, the authors compare two crystalloid solutions using an in-vitro model simulating cardioplegic arrest. The efficacy of myocardial protection during ischemia was investigated with susceptible indicators like the appearance of the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress markers. Incubated human cardiomyocytes and rat cardiomyoblasts H9C2 in cardioplegia for 4h were examined for expression of oxidative stress markers (MnSOD, iNOS, HSP27), cardioplegic solutions cytotoxicity, and peroxidation damage of the cell’s lipids and proteins. All tests were performed after 0.5h, 1h, 2h, and 4h in identical physical and biological conditions, which is difficult to achieve in clinical trials. Results: The tests performed on matured cells of human cardiomyocytes showed the superiority of Custodiol HTK. Differences between solutions on immature cells H9C2 were not relevant. Both Plegisol and Custodiol HTK produced a similar expression of MnSOD and iNOS. There was no significant advantage of Custodiol over Plegisol in the cytotoxicity test. However, Custodiol induced a higher level of lipid peroxidation. Conclusions: Considering proceeded examinations on cultured cardiomyocytes, Custodiol HTK appears to be safer than Plegisol.
Exploring The Relationship Between Support, Confidence, Coping Skills and Burnout in Residential Aged Care Staff
Authors: Low Yin Siu (Jane) , Bhar Sunil , Chen Won Sun (Sharon)
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: Staff working in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) face unique challenges and stressors in their workplaces which increase their risk for occupational burnout. Burnout in this workforce results in low job satisfaction, increased levels of absenteeism and poor retention rates. Given Australia’s ageing population and the demand for residential aged care (RAC) staff, it is imperative to explore predictors of burnout in this cohort in order to help staff prevent and manage burnout.Research Design and Methods: This study examined the extent to which support, confidence and adaptive coping skills predicted burnout among RAC staff, after controlling for staff demographics, organisational climate and work patterns. One hundred and thirty three RAC staff across Australia were surveyed using online questionnaires measuring levels of support, confidence, adaptive coping skills and burnout. Results: Regression analyses indicated that, overall, support, confidence, and adaptive coping predicted each dimension of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment). After controlling for covariates and other predictors: confidence significantly predicted all three dimensions; support significantly predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and adaptive coping significantly predicted emotional exhaustion.Discussion and Implications: These findings suggest that support, confidence and adaptive coping skills need to be addressed to prevent and manage occupational burnout for RAC staff in Australia.
Induction, identification, and characterization of autoallo-dodecaploid barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) using in vitro colchicine treatment
Authors: Yang Xiaolu , Wang Wei , Zhou Xiaoling , Feng Ziyi , Lv Pincang , Wang Jie , Zhang Xianhua , Zhu Wangwen , He Yuchi , Song Zhaojian , Cai Detian
Published: October 2021

Polyploidization is a major trend in plant evolution that has many advantages over diploid. Barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) has many good characteristics, but has not been fully utilized until now. In this study, we report for the first time the in vitro induction of autoallo-dodecaploid E. crus-galli by colchicine treatment. Calli derived from young panicles were transferred to liquid medium containing different concentrations of colchicine (0.01, 0.05, or 0.1% w/v) and incubated for 24, 48, or 72 h. Treatment with 0.05% colchicine for 48 h was the most effective condition for producing polyploid plants, yielding 42.9% dodecaploids. The relative DNA content of the induced dodecaploids was twice that of wild-type hexaploids. The chromosome number of dodecaploids was 2n = 12x = 108, whereas that of hexaploids was 2n = 6x = 54. Compared with the hexaploids, the dodecaploids had larger individual stomata, but a lower stomatal density. There were significant differences between dodecaploid and hexaploid plants in terms of morphological variables, such as plant height, leaf length, panicle length, and grain size. Dodecaploid plants showed the obvious “gigas” effects of polyploid organs, as well as significantly reduced seed set. The nutritional concentrations of crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, and nitrogen-free extract in the dodecaploid were higher than those in the hexaploid, whereas the concentration of crude fiber in the dodecaploid was lower. Compared with the hexaploid, the concentrations of calcium, iron and some free amino acids in dodecaploid plants were significantly higher than in hexaploids. The dodecaploid E. crus-galli had been obtained successfully by treating calli with colchicine. And E. crus-galli has the potential to be developed as a new type of high quality forage crop for cultivation under stress conditions, especially the dodecaploid with its greater nutritional value.
Transcriptional Expressions of SCNs Family Correlates With Overall Survival in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Peng Wenxing , Shi Xiujin , Zhang Yi , Zhao Honglei , Zhang Yunnan , Han Jialun , Qiao Huanyu , Lin Yang
Published: October 2021

Background: Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels encoded by SCNs are heteromeric protein complexes containing pore-forming α subunits together with non-pore-forming β subunits. Ion channels play an important role in the regulation of many cellular processes during normal physiology, and increasingly recognized for their contribution to pathophysiology, including cancers. Numerous studies in the last years have reported the expression of SCNs in metastatic cells of many cancers and their upregulation have been evident in promoting migration, invasion and metastasis, whereas it remains unclear whether distinct SCNs family members play an important role in the development and progression of BC. Results: The study investigated the roles of SCNs in the prognosis of BC using ONCOMINE, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, GEPIA, Metascape, LinkedOmics databases. The results showed that transcriptional and proteinic expressions of 9 SCNs were downregulated in patients with BC, including SCN1A~4A, 7A, 9A and SCN2B~4B. low expressions of 11 SCNs members were found to be significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in BC patients (P＜0.01), including SCN2A, 3A, 5A, 7A, 9A~11A and SCN1B~4B. Moreover, prognostic value of mRNA expression of SCNs could only be seen in HER2-negative BC patients when we performed subgroup analysis. Conclusions: These results indicated that SCNs could be prognostic biomarkers for survivals of BC patients. Some medicines that regulate SCNs might provide new targets for BC treatment.
Silicon Changes C:N:P Stoichiometry and Favors Pre-Sprouted Seedling Growth, Yield and the Technological Quality of Sugarcane.
Authors: Albiasetti Tálisson , Júnior Jonas Pereira Souza , Prado Renato Mello , Frazão Joaquim José , Piccolo Marisa de Cássia
Published: October 2021

The importance of silicon (Si) in sugarcane is well known, but its effects on changing C:N:P stoichiometry enough to increase pre-sprouted seedling (PSS) and sugarcane development in the field remains unknown. To that end, the present study aimed to assess whether Si fertigation favors its absorption enough to change elemental stoichiometry (C:N:P), physiological attributes and PSS growth, as well as the growth, stem yield and juice quality of sugarcane. Two field experiments were conducted in the PSS formation stage and another in the sugarcane plant development phase. Experiment 1 was carried out in a greenhouse with PSSs under two treatments: in the absence and presence of Si (2 mmol L−1) fertigation. Experiment 2 was performed in the field in red-yellow argisol with the sugarcane plant undergoing the following treatments: absence of Si (No Si); Si supplied by fertigation during the PSS formation and sugarcane plant development phases (Si–C); and Si supplied during the PSS formation and sugarcane plant development phases (Si–M+C). The following were assessed in experiment I: growth, leaf green color index (GCI), chlorophyll fluorescence, C, N, P, and Si content, and C:Si, C:N and C:P stoichiometric ratios. In experiment II, the same stoichiometric ratios were assessed, as well as sugarcane growth, stem yield and juice quality. Si reduced the C:Si, C:N and C:P stoichiometric ratios in PSS. The C:Si ratio in the leaves and stems declined with the supply of Si, while the C:N and C:P ratio in the leaves and stem was higher in plants that received Si in the Si-M+C treatment. Applying Si fertigation in PSS formation to promote changes in C:N:P stoichiometry favored photosynthetic efficiency and growth. The Si–M+C treatment stood out, since it also caused enough C:N:P stoichiometric changes to increase sugarcane growth, yield and juice quality.
Magnetically tightened form-stable phase change materials with modular assembly and geometric conformality features
Authors: Lu Yongyu , Yu Dehai , Dong Haoxuan , Lv Jinran , Wang Lichen , Zhou He , Liu Jing , He Zhi-Zhu
Published: October 2021

Recently, phase change materials (PCMs) have attracted significant attention due to their promising applications in many fields like solar energy and chip cooling. However, the present PCMs seriously suffer inevitable leakage and low thermal conduction. Magnetism can produce invisible field effects in the surrounding space. If there exist magnetic particles within this region, the effects will act on them emerging various fascinating phenomena. Inspired by this, we introduce hard magnetic particles (which can keep the effect after removing the magnetic field) to PCMs synthesizing an unprecedented magnetically tightened form-stable PCMs (MTPCMs), achieving multifunctions of leakage-proof, dynamic assembly and morphological reconfiguration, superior high thermal (increasing of 1400%~1600%) and electrical (>104 S/m) conductivity, and prominent compressive strength. Novel free-standing temperature control and high-performance thermal and electric conversion systems based on MTPCMs are furthermore developed. This work is a significant step toward exploiting a smart PCM for electronics and low-temperature energy storage.
Electroencephalography in Delirium Assessment. A Scoping Review
Authors: Wiegand Tim , Rémi Jan , Dimitriadis Konstantinos
Published: October 2021

BackgroundDelirium is a common disorder affecting up to 82% of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Delirium assessment scores such as the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) are time-consuming, they cannot differentiate between different types of delirium and their etiologies, and they may have low sensitivities in the clinical setting. While today, electroencephalography (EEG) is increasingly being applied to delirious patients in the ICU, a lack of clear cut EEG signs, leads to inconsistent assessments. MethodsWe therefore conducted a scoping review on EEG findings in delirium. 1236 articles identified through database search on PubMed and Embase were reviewed. Finally, 33 original articles were included in the synthesis. ResultsEEG seems to offer manifold possibilities in diagnosing delirium. All 33 studies showed a certain degree of qualitative or quantitative EEG alterations in delirium. Thus, normal routine (rEEG) and continuous EEG (cEEG) make presence of delirium very unlikely. All 33 studies used different research protocols to at least some extent. These include differences in time points, duration, conditions, and recording methods of EEG, as well as different patient populations, and diagnostic methods for delirium. Thus, a quantitative synthesis and common recommendations are so far elusive. ConclusionFuture studies should compare the different methods of EEG recording and evaluation to identify robust parameters for everyday use. Evidence for quantitative bi-electrode delirium detection based on increased relative delta power and decreased beta power is growing and should be further pursued. Additionally, EEG studies on the evolution of a delirium including patient outcomes are needed.
MEMSORN: Self-organization of an inhomogeneous memristive hardware for sequence learning
Authors: Payvand Melika , Moro Filippo , Nomura Kumiko , Dalgaty Thomas , Vianello Elisa , Nishi Yoshifumi , Indiveri Giacomo
Published: October 2021

Learning is a fundamental component for creating intelligent machines. Biological intelligence orchestrates synaptic and
neuronal learning at multiple time-scales to self-organize populations of neurons for solving complex tasks. Inspired by this, we design and experimentally demonstrate an adaptive hardware architecture Memristive Self-organizing Spiking Recurrent Neural
Network (MEMSORN). MEMSORN incorporates resistive memory (RRAM) in its synapses and neurons which configure their
state based on Hebbian and Homeostatic plasticity respectively. For the first time, we derive these plasticity rules directly
from the statistical measurements of our fabricated RRAM-based neurons and synapses. These “technologically plausible”
learning rules exploit the intrinsic variability of the devices and improve the accuracy of the network on a sequence learning
task by 30%. Finally, we compare the performance of MEMSORN to a fully-randomly set-up recurrent network on the same
task, showing that self-organization improves the accuracy by more than 15%. This work demonstrates the importance of the
device-circuit-algorithm co-design approach for implementing brain-inspired computing hardware.
The Course and Anatomical Characteristics of Sciatic and Femoral Nerves in Unilateral Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Song Ping , Kong Xiangpeng , Yang Minzhi , Chai Wei
Published: October 2021

Background
This study aims to investigate the course and anatomical characteristics of sciatic and femoral nerves in unilateral Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) patients.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective own-control study of patients with unilateral Crowe type IV DDH. Bilateral hips’ CTs of 21 female patients were reviewed in our institute from February 2018 to February 2020. The distances between nerves and bony landmarks were measured in different CT sections (anterior superior iliac spine, acetabular inner wall, teardrop, and ischial tuberosity) to analyze the anatomical position and course of sciatic and femoral nerves between bilateral hips.
Results
In the section of acetabular inner wall, the distance between femoral nerve and acetabular anterior wall in affected hip (13.20±3.59 mm) was significantly smaller than that in healthy hip (16.58±5.12mm) (p=0.000). In other sections, the distances between nerves and bony landmarks in affected hips were significantly larger than or equal to those in healthy hips.
Conclusion
In female patients with unilateral Crowe type IV DDH, the femoral nerve in affected hip runs closer to anterior acetabular wall than that in healthy hip.
Integration of Oncology and Palliation Benefits Patients with Advanced Cancer and Unmet Needs: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Bye Asta , Bjerkeset Ellen , Stensheim Hanne , Loge Jon Håvard , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Klepstad Pål , Habberstad Ragnhild , Kaasa Stein , Aass Nina
Published: October 2021

Background: Patients with advanced cancer and bone metastases may have unmet palliative care needs that go unnoticed during clinical oncological practice. This observational study describes palliative care needs and interventions identified because of participation in a clinical study. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer and painful bone metastases included in the Palliative Radiotherapy and Inflammation Study (PRAIS) aiming to predict the response of radiotherapy (RT) were eligible. All patients met with the palliative care (PC) study team prior to start of RT, after they had completed patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Symptoms prompting interventions by the study team were documented in the patient charts and reviewed.Results: One hundred-and thirty-three patients were reviewed; 63% males, mean age 65 and mean Karnofsky score (KPS) 73. Interventions were initiated in 50% (n=67) of the patients. Most common were changed opioid management (69%), treatment of constipation (43%) and nausea (24%) and nutritional advices (21%). Patients receiving interventions had lower mean KPS (70 vs 77 p <0.001), shorter survival time after study inclusion (median 28 vs. 57.5 weeks p = 0.005) and were more often opioid naïve (12% vs 39% p <.001) compared with the non-intervention group. Conclusions: Adverse symptoms are often not identified in routine oncological consultations prior to RT for cancer pain. Special attention should be directed to frail patients. These findings call for an early and systematic integration of palliative care in patients with advanced cancer.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02107664
Evaluation of C-terminal p7 (NC)-p6 Gag genetic variants among HIV-1 non-B subtypes in a subset of Cameroonian patients
Authors: Teto Georges , Nka Alex Durand , Fokam Joseph , Bouba Yagai , Takou Désiré , Fabeni Lavinia , Carioti Luca , Armenia Daniele , Semengue Ezéchiel Ngoufack Jagni , Dambaya Béatrice , Sosso Samuel Martin , Colizzi Vittorio , Perno Carlo-Federico , Ceccherini-Silberstein Francesca , Santoro Maria Mercedes , Ndjolo Alexis
Published: October 2021

Response to ritonavir-boosted-protease inhibitors (PI/r)-based regimen is associated with some Gag mutations among HIV-1 B-clade. There is limited data on Gag variants and their covariation with mutations in protease among HIV-1 non-B-clades at PI/r-based treatment failure. Thus, we characterized Gag variants present in isolates from HIV-1 infected individuals treated to a PI/r-regimen (n=143) and compared them to those obtained from individuals not treated to PI/r (ART-naïve [n=101] or RTI-treated [n=118]). The most frequent HIV-1 subtypes were CRF02_AG (54.69%), A (13.53%), D (6.35%) and G (4.69%). Eighteen Gag variants (distributed in three groups) showed a significantly higher prevalence in PI/r-treated isolates compared to ART-naïve (p<0.05): Group 1 (prevalence <1% in drug-naïve): L449F, D480N, L483Q, Y484P, T487V; group 2 (prevalence 1%-5% in drug-naïve): S462L, I479G, I479K, D480E; group 3 (prevalence ≥5% in drug-naïve): P453L, E460A, R464G, S465F, V467E, Q474P, I479R, E482G, T487A. Five Gag variants (L449F, P453L, D480E, S465F, Y484P) positively correlated (Phi ≥0.2, p<0.05) with protease-resistance mutations. At PI/r-failure, no significant difference was observed between patients with and without these associated Gag variants in term of viremia or CD4 count. This analysis suggests that some Gag variants are significantly associated with an increased frequency at PI/r failure among HIV-1 non-B clades.
Coding and Noncoding RNA Expression Profiles of Spleen CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Mice With Echinococcosis
Authors: Yang Songhao , Du Xiancai , Wang Chan , Zhang Tingrui , Xu Shimei , Zhu Yazhou , Lv Yongxue , Zhao Yinqi , Zhu Mingxing , zhao wei
Published: October 2021

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe and neglected zoonotic disease, which is caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and poses health and socioeconomic hazards. RNA molecules play important roles in genetic coding, translation, regulation, and gene expression and are classified into noncoding RNAs, such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), miRNAs, and circular RNAs (circRNAs), and coding RNAs (mRNAs) based on whether they encode proteins.Methods: Peripheral blood serum from E. granulosus-infected and uninfected female BALB/c mice was used to measure IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α levels using the cytometric bead array mouse Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine kit. mRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA profiles were analyzed in spleen CD4+ T cells from the two groups of mice using high-throughput sequencing.Results: The results showed that the levels of serum IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α were significantly higher in the CE mice than in the control group (P < 0. 01). A total of 1,758 known mRNAs, 37 miRNAs, 175 lncRNAs, and 22 circRNAs were differentially expressed between infected and uninfected mice (|fold change| ≥ 0.585, P < 0.05). These differentially expressed molecules were closely related to the JAK/STAT, mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, cell cycle, and metabolic pathways.Conclusions: E. granulosus infection caused significant increases in the IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α levels in the peripheral blood of mice, as well as significant changes in the expression levels of a variety of coding and noncoding RNAs. A further study of these trends and pathways may help clarify the pathogenesis of CE and provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of this infection.
Rates and Risk Factors of Intrapedicular Accuracy and Cranial Facet Joint Violation Among Robot- Assisted, Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous, and Freehand Techniques in Pedicle Screw Fixation of Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Ren-Jie , Zhou Lu-Ping , Zhang Hua-Qing , Ge Peng , Jia Chong-Yu , Shen Cai-Liang
Published: October 2021

Background Robot-assisted (RA) technique has been increasingly applied in clinical practice, providing promising outcomes of inserting accuracy and cranial facet joint protection. However, studies comparing this novel method with other assisted methods are rare, and the controversy of the superiority between the insertion techniques remains. Thus, we compare the rates and risk factors of intrapedicular accuracy and cranial facet joint violation (FJV) of RA, fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous (FP), and freehand (FH) techniques in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures. Methods A total of 90 patients with thoracolumbar fractures requiring pedicle screw instruments were retrospectively included and divided into RA, FP, and FH groups at 1:1:1 ratio from June 2016 to May 2020. The primary outcomes were the intrapedicular accuracy and cranial FJV. The factors that affected the intrapedicular accuracy and cranial FJV were assessed using multivariate analyses.Results The optimal intrapedicular accuracy of pedicle screw placement (Grade A) in the RA, FP, and FH groups was 94.3%, 79.3%, and 88.7%, respectively. This finding indicates no significant differences between RA and FH techniques (P =0.062), but significantly higher accuracies of RA over FP (P＜0.001), and FH over FP (P= 0.013). In addition, the rates of proximal FJV in RA, FP, and FH groups were 13.9%, 29.3%, and 22.7%, respectively. The RA had a significantly greater proportion of intact facet joints than the FP (P= 0.001) and FH (P= 0.035). However, FP and FH showed significantly similar outcomes with respect to the proximal FJV (P= 0.149). The logistic regression analysis showed that FP technique (OR= 2.791), pedicle angle (OR= 0.916), and L3 insertion (OR= 0.081) were independently associated with insertion accuracy. Meanwhile, the age (OR= 0.966), pedicle angle (OR= 0.940), mild facet joint osteoarthritis (OR= 5.906), moderate facet joint osteoarthritis (OR= 5.906), severe facet joint osteoarthritis (OR= 9.991), and distance from skin to insertion point (OR= 0.575) were independently associated with cranial FJV.Conclusion RA technique showed higher rate of intrapedicular accuracy and lower rate of cranial FJV than FH and FP techniques, and it might be a safe method for pedicle screw placement in thoracolumbar surgery.
Emotional distress in COVID-19 patients in Maldives
Authors: Dey Rajib Kumar , Mansoor Shanooha , Hilmy Abdullah Isneen , Moosa Sheena , Rahman Shiraany Abdul , Latheef Raishan , Rasheed Nihla , Hassan Fathimath Guraishaa , Zaadhee Ali , Ibrahim Afa , Usman Sofoora Kawsar
Published: October 2021

Background and objectives: Researchers are exploring the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, vaccination and the challenges faced by healthcare authorities. However less focus is being paid towards the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the patients. This study is a cross-sectional study, measuring the prevalence of emotional distress among patients with COVID-19 in the Maldivian population.Methods: This study was conducted in Maldivian nations above 18 of age with COVID-19 who were admitted in isolation facilities. Patients who were on treatment for any other chronic medical conditions, severe and critical COVID-19 disease were excluded. This study was conducted over a period of 2months by administering a local translated version of DASS21 questionnaire.Results: The total of 195 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 40 (CI at 95% 38 - 42) years. The respondents were 48.7% men and 51.3% women. Overall, 9% of patients with COVID-19 had depression while 23% of patients had anxiety and 12% of the patients had stress. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and depression, anxiety and stress (p<0.01). Symptomatic cases had a significantly higher level of stress than asymptomatic patients (p<0.05), but no significant association was observed with symptomatic status and anxiety or depression.Interpretations & conclusion: The management of patients with COVID-19 should be multi-disciplinary with special focus on the mental wellbeing of our patients. We should aim to establish proper communication with the patients in order to identify emotional distress and provide appropriate mental health care.
The Association Between Geographic Information System-Based Neighborhood Built Environmental Factors and Accelerometer-Derived Light-Intensity Physical Activity Across the Lifespan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Compernolle Sofie , Mertens Lieze , Cauwenberg Jelle Van , Maes Iris , Dyck Delfien Van
Published: October 2021

Background. Evidence on correlates of accelerometer-derived light-intensity physical activity (LPA) is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine associations between Geographic Information System (GIS)-based neighborhood built environmental factors and accelerometer-derived LPA, and to investigate the moderating effect of age group (adolescents, adults, older adults) on these associations. Methods. Objective data were used from three similar observational studies conducted in Ghent (Belgium) between 2007 and 2015. Accelerometer data were collected from 1652 participants, and GIS-based neighborhood built environmental factors (residential density, intersection density, park density, public transport density, entropy index) were calculated using sausage buffers of 500 m and 1000 m around the home addresses of all participants. Linear mixed models were performed to estimate the associations. Results. A small but significant association was observed between residential density (500 m buffer) and LPA in the total sample (B=-0.002; SE=0.0001; p=0.04), demonstrating that every decrease of 1000 dwellings per surface buffer was associated with a two minute increase in LPA. Intersection density, park density, public transport density and entropy index were not related to LPA, and moderating effects of age group were absent. Conclusions. The small association, in combination with other non-significant associations suggests that the neighborhood built environment, as classically measured in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity research, is of limited importance for LPA. More research is needed to unravel how accelerometer-derived LPA is accumulated, and to gain insight into its determinants.
Performance Evaluation of GAA Nanosheet FET with Varied Geometrical and Process Parameters
Authors: Neelam Aruna Kumari , P Prithvi
Published: October 2021

Nanosheet Field Effect Transistor (NSFET) is a viable contender for future scaling in sub-7-nm technology. This paper provides insights into the variations of DC FOMs for different geometrical configurations of the NSFET. In this script, DC performance of 3D GAA NSFET is analyzed by varying the width, thickness of the device. Moreover, the gate length is scaled from 20 nm to 5 nm to check for the device suitability in logic applications. The thickness and width of each nanosheet are varied in the range of 5 to 9 nm, and 10 to 50 nm respectively to analyse the performance dependency on the geometry of the device. The impact of geometry of NSFET on various DC performance metrics like transfer characteristics, sub-threshold swing (SS), on current (ION), off current (IOFF), switching ratio (ION/IOFF), threshold voltage (Vth) and drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) are studied. On top of that, the device’s electrical characteristics are analyzed for a wide range of temperatures from -43oC to 127oC to identify the temperature compensation point and is observed at VGS = 0.55 V and ID = 3.86 × 10−6 A. Furthermore, the important process parameter, work function variations on transfer characteristics of the device is analyzed. Moreover, the analyses tell that, for sub -7 nm, the NSFET is a potential device for high performance and good logic applications.
Upregulated heme biosynthesis increases obstructive sleep apnea severity: a pathway-based mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Heming , Kurniansyah Nuzulul , Cade Brian E. , Goodman Matthew O. , Chen Han , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Gharib Sina A. , Purcell Shaun M. , Lin Xihong , Saxena Richa , Zhu Xiaofeng , Durda Peter , Tracy Russel , Liu Yongmei , Taylor Kent D. , Johnson W. Craig , Gabriel Stacey , Smith Joshua D. , Aguet François , Ardlie Kirstin , Redline Susan , Sofer Tamar , Blackwell Tom , Reiner Alexander P , Rotter Jerome , Rich Stephen S
Published: October 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Iron and heme metabolism, implicated in ventilatory control and OSA comorbidities, was associated with OSA phenotypes in recent admixture mapping and gene enrichment analyses. However, its causal contribution was unclear. In this study, we performed pathway-level transcriptional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal relationships between iron and heme related pathways and OSA. In primary analysis, we examined the expression level of four iron/heme Reactome pathways as exposures and four OSA traits as outcomes using cross-tissue cis-eQTLs from the Genotype-Tissue Expression portal and published genome-wide summary statistics of OSA. We identify a significant putative causal association between up-regulated heme biosynthesis pathway with higher sleep time percentage of hypoxemia (p=6.14×10−3). This association is supported by consistency of point estimates in one-sample MR in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis using high coverage DNA and RNA sequencing data generated by the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine project. Secondary analysis for 37 additional iron/heme Gene Ontology pathways did not reveal any significant causal associations. This study suggests a causal association between increased heme biosynthesis and OSA severity.
Characteristics of supination-external rotation Salter-Harris II ankle fractures in computed tomography
Authors: Zhen Yunfang
Published: October 2021

Background: Recent literature has shown that Salter-Harris (S-H)Ⅱfractures are the most common ankle fractures and carry a higher rate of growth disturbance. Recent literature has shown that Salter-Harris (S-H) Ⅱ fractures are the most common ankle fractures. CT characteristics of S-H Ⅱ ankle fractures are not well depicted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate supination-external rotation (SER) S-HⅡankle fractures by CT and to analyze the features of the associated fibular fracture to further determine the injury mechanism.Methods: The radiographs and CT with S-H Ⅱankle fractures were reviewed. Patients suffered from SER injury were included. The medial tibial cortex (MTC) of the distal tibia broken or intact, the metaphyseal fracture angle (MFA) 5-10mm proximal to the physis was documented in axial CT. The length of the metaphyseal fragment was measured in saggital CT. The correlation of the upper limits between fibular fracture and metaphyseal fragment was analyzed. In presence of the fibular fracture, the fracture pattern was classified based on the location and morphology of the fracture line.Results: Seventy-nine SER S-HⅡankle fractures were identified. Stage 1 was present in 35 and stage 2 in 44. In axial CT, the mean MFA was 11.2 degrees. MTC was fully broken in one case and 20, in stage 1 and stage 2, respectively (P=0.001). In saggital CT, the mean length of metaphyseal fragment was 35.3mm. The length of this fragment was 35.0mm, 35.5mm, in stage 1 and stage 2, respectively (P=0.868). The upper part of the fibular fracture line was located at the same level or higher than that of metaphyseal fragment. In 44 cases with associated fibular fracture, forty were in distal metaphysis with oblique fracture line for which 4 types were demonstrated with plantar flexion. Other 4 were in distal diaphysis with spiral fracture line.Conclusions: For SER S-H Ⅱ ankle fractures, MTC and orientation of the fracture plane can be shown in CT to help to make an appropriate preoperative plan. In addition to SER, majority of the concurrent fibular fracture was in the distal metaphysis with oblique fracture line and plantar flexion.
Akciókutatások és pedagógiai kísérletek párhuzamai és különbözőségei
Authors: Csíkos Csaba
Published: October 2021

Tanulmányunkban két neveléstudományi kutatási módszer, az akciókutatás és a pedagógiai kísérlet összehasonlítására vállalkozunk. A közös kiinduló alap: a nevelés-oktatás folyamatában egy tervezett hatás implementációja és elemzése. A hasonlóságok és a párhuzamok mellett elemzésünk szerint az egyik legszembetűnőbb különbség az alap- és az alkalmazott kutatási kiindulópontban keresendő, míg a másik lényeges eltérést az akciókutatások több ciklusú munkamenete adja. A tanulmány bemutatja a hazai és a nemzetközi publikációs színtér jellemzőit, és javaslatot fogalmaz meg az akciókutatások lehetséges felhasználására a pedagógusképzésben.
Vezető profilú mesterpedagógusok reflektivitása és vezetői szerepértelmezése
Authors: Szivák Judit , Verderber Éva
Published: October 2021

A hazai életpályamodell mesterpedagógus fokozata négy profil mentén rendezi a pedagógusok tevékenységeit. A vezetői profil megalkotása a hazai köznevelés rendszerébe újfajta vezetői professzióképet vezetett be. Jelen kutatás a pilot minősítésben fokozatot szerzett vezető profilú mesterpedagógusok reflektivitásának feltárására és vezetői szerepértelmezésük megértésére fókuszál. Kutatásunkban másodelemzésre került 813 mesterpedagógus pályázati dokumentációjának két eleméből (általános és részterv) tartalomelemzéssel készült adatbázis, valamint tartalomelemzéssel tártuk fel 119 vezető profilt választó narratív és reflektív írását. Eredményeink tükrében megállapítható, hogy a vezető profilú mesterpedagógusok reflektivitása nem járul hozzá pedagógiai vagy vezetői kultúrájuk megváltozásához, nem azonosítható kognitív stratégiaként esetükben. Reflexióik többnyire a mindennapok feladatainak megoldását segítik, és nem a hosszú távú, változásokhoz való adaptív alkalmazkodást lehetővé tevő stratégiák megalkotásában támogatják őket. Vezetői szerepértelmezésükhöz kapcsolódóan három jellemző vezetőtípust azonosítottunk, melyek közül a végrehajtó vezető típusa dominál.
Pedagógusok a problémáikról, a hibákról
Authors: Vámos Ágnes
Published: October 2021

A problémák nagyobb részét a pedagógusok saját maguk oldják meg. Ennek oka a probléma hibaként, s a hiba saját szakmai bizonytalanságként való értelmezése. A pedagógus azt tanulja meg a szervezetben, hogy a probléma a kez – dő, a tapasztalattal még nem rendelkező jellemzője. Megoldáskereséskor nem a mély reflektivitás, a gyakorlatközösségek működése a jellemző tanult gyakorlat, hanem a problémamegoldás magasabb pozícióhoz hárítása, a felelősség átruházása.
Marketing a felsőoktatásban
Authors: Misley Helga , Vámos Ágnes
Published: October 2021

A felsőfokú képzést biztosító intézményekről napjainkban a legtöbb információt az Interneten keresik. Az egyetemi és főiskolai weboldalak nem csupán információ forrásként szolgálnak, hanem önreprezentációs és marketing célú kommunikációs szerepük is van. A szerkezetük és a hangvételük meghatározza, hogy a felhasználók mit gondolnak az adott intézményről (Middleton, McConnell & Davidson, 1998; Kent & Taylor, 2002; McAllister-Spooner, 2009). A kapcsolat a felsőoktatási intézetek és a felhasználók között két funkciót tölt be: lehetőség az intézményeknek, valamint alapvető elvárás a felhasználók szempontjából. Irodalmi áttekintésünk célja, hogy feltárjuk a meghatározó megközelítési módokat, amelyeket a nemzetközi és hazai felsőoktatási intézmények weboldalainak elemzési kutatásaiban használnak. A kutatás többfókuszú voltát bizonyítja a tény, hogy a téma kutatói különböző egységeket vizgálva értékelték az egyes weboldalakat, ezáltal különféle modelleket, követelmény-rendszereket és sémákat hoztak létre. Miután áttekintettük a kutatást, amely a weboldalak legfontosabb értékelési szempontjain alapult, létrehoztunk egy piaci alapú kritérium rendszert – hitelesség, interaktivitás, tartalom, információ, attraktivitás és kivitelezés – egységesítve az “Egyetemi Weboldal Minőségének Konceptuális Kerete” – “Conceptual Framework of University Website Quality (WEBQUAL)” rendszerével, amelyet Khawaja és Bokhari jelentettek meg 2010-ben. Ezt egy olyan modellben foglaltuk össze, amely a felsőoktatási intézmények marketing elemeit tartalmazza. Egy téma alapú kutatási trendeket vizsgáló értékelésre alapozva meg lehet határozni azt, hogy vajon az a felület, amellyel a felhasználó találkozik, elősegíti vagy akadályozza (a) az egyik oldalon a termék, vagyis a képzés “eladhatóságát”, (b) a másik oldalon pedig a “be – szerezhetőségét”. Ennek az összetett rendszernek a felépítése, a működési hatékonysága és a lehetőség arra, hogy alkalmazkodjon a külső és belső változásokhoz, határozhatja meg az intézmény népszerűségét a diákok körében, elérve azt, hogy úgy érezzék, megtiszteltetés ehhez a közösséghez tartozniuk.
Does the use of betahistine dihydrochloride affect positional nystagmus?
Authors: ASLAN Beyza , DEMİRHAN Hasan , YASAK İlknur , YİĞİT Özgür , BAYAZIT Yıldırım
Published: October 2021

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of betahistine dihydrochloride (BD) use on positional nystagmus as an objective criterion for the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).Methods: The retrospective study included 59 patients (15 males, 44 females) who were aged between 18 and 80 years and referred with suspected BPPV to the otorhinolaryngology clinic of the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital. Only patients who had no central pathology on oculomotor tests were included. Of the patients included, those not using BD were classified as Group I and those using BD medication (24 mg/day) within the last 48 hours as Group II. The positional nystagmus latency, duration, and slow-phase velocity (SPV) values were compared using videonystagmography.Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of oculomotor gains (p>0.05). While there was no difference between the two groups in terms of positional nystagmus latency and SPV values, nystagmus duration was found to be significantly longer in Group II. Conclusion: Although the BD use appears to prolong the duration of nystagmus in BPPV, it does not affect the other parameters of nystagmus, including SPV, and the prolonged duration is still within normal limits. Positional nystagmus can be investigated in patients with a history of suspected BPPV and BD prescription.
Startup ecosystem: the experience of Israel
Authors: Savina N. P. , Karpova E. A.
Published: October 2021

Israel is one of the most favorable countries for conducting entrepreneurial and innovative activities with the largest number of startups per capita. The article analyzes the culture of creating startups that has developed in Israel as a result of the state policy aimed at developing venture capital and attracting foreign TNCs to the country. Within the framework of this culture, startup projects are in most cases created with the aim of actively attracting funds and selling them to foreign companies as soon as possible to make a profit. However, this model poses a threat to the stability of the economy in the long term. There is a shortage of large stable companies in the country that are able to carry out domestic investments. Moreover, there is a leakage of the most popular and progressive technologies from the country, attention is paid more to the number of new startups and their capitalization, rather than rooting within the country. As a result, Israel is characterized by one of the lowest indicators of the level of technology development among developed countries. To ensure the long-term competitiveness of the country, reforms are needed aimed at retaining intellectual property within the country and its implementation in the branches of the national economy.
Prevalence of Alexithymia in Patients with Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study in Egypt
Authors: Rady Ahmed , Alamrawy Roa Gamal , Ramadan Ismail , El Raouf Mervat Abd
Published: October 2021

Background:

There is a high incidence of alexithymia in people who report medically unexplained symptoms. There have been limited studies on the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) in various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Objective:

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alexithymia in patients with MUPS and examine their socio-demographic data.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 196 patients with MUPS were recruited from tertiary care internal medicine and neuropsychiatry clinics during the first quarter of 2019. Patients completed a structured interview; socio-demographic and medical history data were collected. Somatic symptom severity was assessed using the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). Alexithymia was assessed using the Arabic version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale.

Results:

General fatigue was the most common complaint observed, followed by headache and dyspepsia. In addition, 73.5% of patients had a high Patient Health Questionnaire score, 17.9% had somatic symptoms of medium severity, while 8% and 0.5% had low and marginal somatic symptoms, respectively. Alexithymia was presented in 49.5%, 22.9% had no alexithymia, and 27.6% had borderline/intermediate alexithymia.A weak positive correlation (r<0.4) was found between somatic symptom severity and alexithymic psychopathology (r=0.277;p<0.05). Only the ‘difficulty identifying feelings’ dimension of alexithymic psychopathology was positively correlated with the severity of somatic symptoms (r=0.271;p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Alexithymia is associated with the development of MUPS.