bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering Analysis of Multivariate Data: A Weighted Spatial Ranks-Based Approach
Authors: Baragilly Mohammed H. , Gabr Hend , Willis Brian H.
Published: October 2023

Determining the right number of clusters without any prior information about their numbers is a core problem in cluster analysis. In this paper, we propose a nonparametric clustering method based on different weighted spatial rank (WSR) functions. The main idea behind WSR is to define a dissimilarity measure locally based on a localized version of multivariate ranks. We consider a nonparametric Gaussian kernel weights function. We compare the performance of the method with other standard techniques and assess its misclassification rate. The method is completely data-driven, robust against distributional assumptions, and accurate for the purpose of intuitive visualization and can be used both to determine the number of clusters and assign each observation to its cluster.
Study of Drug Target Identification and Associated Molecular Mechanisms for the Therapeutic Activity and Hair Follicle Induction of Two Ashwagandha Extracts Having Differential Withanolide Constitutions
Authors: Cavaleri Franco , Chattopadhyay Sukalpa , Palsule Vrushalee , Kar Pradip Kumar , Chatterjee Ritam
Published: October 2023

Background. Ashwagandha extracts play a significant role in traditional Indian medicine to help treat a wide range of disorders from amnesia, erectile dysfunction, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stress, anxiety, and many more. Ashwagandha root is enriched with bioactive plant metabolites of which withanolides are the most important ones. The concentration and constitution of withanolides primarily determine ashwagandha’s potency and pharmacology. Various factors modulate the withanolide constitution in the plant-derived extracts, rendering inconsistent therapeutic efficacy. Standardisation of the extraction protocol and a better understanding of the pharmacology mechanism of different extracts with varied withanolide constitutions is therefore critical for developing reliable, repeatable, and effective ashwagandha-based treatment. Objectives. Here, we work toward defining indication mechanisms for two varieties of ashwagandha extract—ASHWITH (ASH-Ext1) and Regenolide (ASH-Ext2)—with different proprietary withanolide proportions. Methods. ASH-Ext1 was studied for antioxidant signaling modulation using HEK293, HeLa, and A549 cells, and ASH-Ext2 was studied for subcellular drug targets associated with the reactivation and longevity of human hair follicles, using primary human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). Results. Study findings support the antioxidant activity and Nrf2 signaling modulation by ASH-Ext1 in various cell models. Of note, ASH-Ext2 was found to increase β-catenin and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein expression levels in HFDPCs. Conclusion. The results of drug target modulation show us that the withanolide constitution associated with different extraction protocols influences the pharmacological potential of the extract significantly and points to the value of standardisation not only of total withanolide content but also of internal withanolide proportions.
A new species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Thai-Malay Peninsula and the independent evolution of cave ecomorphology on opposite sides of the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , PAWANGKHANANT PARINYA , IDIIATULLINA SABIRA S. , TROFIMETS ALEXEI V. , NAZAROV ROMAN A. , SUWANNAPOOM CHATMONGKON , POYARKOV NIKOLAY A.
Published: October 2023

An integrative taxonomic analysis recovers a distinctive new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 from Satun Province in extreme southern Thailand as the sister species to the Cyrtodactylus intermedius group of southern Indochina, approximately 600 km to the northeast across the Gulf of Thailand. Based on 1449 base pairs of the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and its flanking tRNAs, the new species, C. disjunctus sp. nov., bears a pairwise sequence divergence from the mean divergences of the intermedius group species ranging from 17.9–23.6%. Three different principal component analyses (PCA) and a multiple factor analysis (MFA) recover C. disjunctus sp. nov. as a highly distinctive karst cave-adapted species based on morphology and color pattern. Its sister species relationship to the intermedius group—to which it is added here—further underscores a growing body of analyses that have recovered a trans-Gulf of Thailand connection across the submerged Sunda Shelf between the southern Thai-Malay Peninsula and southern Indochina. Fragmented karstic archipelagos stretching across Indochina have served as foci for the independent evolution of nearly 25% of the species of Cyrtodactylus. The description of C. disjunctus sp. nov. continues to highlight the fact that karstic habitats support an ever-increasing number of threatened site-specific endemics that compose much of the reptile diversity of many Asian nations but, as of yet, most of these landscapes have no legal protection.
Exposures to humidifier disinfectant and various health conditions in Korean based on personal exposure assessment data of claimants for compensation
Authors: Hong Myeongjin , Ju Min Jae , Yoon Jeonggyo , Lee Wonyoung , Lee Seula , Jo Eun-kyung , Choi Seo-Youn , Yang Wonho , Choi Yoon-Hyeong
Published: October 2023

Background

Humidifier disinfectants (HDs) were commonly used household chemicals to prevent microbial growth in a humidifier water tank in South Korea. A growing body of evidence has indicated that its airborne exposure can induce severe lung injury. However, there has been low awareness of other health outcomes in HD users. This study aimed to evaluate health conditions appealed by claimants for compensation in relation with an increased exposure to HD.

Methods

From survey data of personal HD exposure assessment of claimants for compensation in Korea, we included a total of 4,179 subjects [cases in each dataset were defined by nine reported health conditions, i.e., pneumonia, asthma, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, otorhinolaryngologic disease, brain disease (including cerebrovascular disease), dermatological disease, lung cancer, and all cancers]. HD exposures was considered as the following exposure criteria: exposure duration, exposure proximity, exposure direction, chemical type, cumulative exposure time, indoor air concentration, and cumulative exposure level. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between HD exposure and health conditions.

Results

After adjusting for sociodemographic and health behavioral factors and other chemical exposures (households, environmental, and occupational exposures), an increase in cumulative HD exposure time was significantly associated with risks of all nine diseases (all p-trends < 0.05). An increase in HD exposure duration was associated with asthma, respiratory disease, otorhinolaryngologic disease, dermatological disease, all cancers, and lung cancer (p-trends < 0.05). Indoor HD concentration was associated with only pneumonia (p-trend = 0.015).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that cumulative exposures to airborne HD might potentially increase the risk of various reported health outcomes.
PCIF1, the only methyltransferase of N6,2-O-dimethyladenosine
Authors: Wu Yuting , Pu Xi , Wu Sihui , Zhang Yiran , Fu Shengqiao , Tang Haowen , Wang Xu , Xu Min
Published: October 2023

N6-methyladenosine(m6A), is the most abundant post-transcriptional modification of mRNA in biology. When the first nucleotide after the m7G cap is adenosine, it is methylated at the N6 position to form N6,2-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am). m6Am is a reversible modification located at the first transcribed nucleotide, which is present in about 30% of cellular mRNAs, thus m6Am can have a significant impact on gene expression in the transcriptome. Phosphorylated CTD interaction factor 1(PCIF1), the unique and specific methyltransferase of m6Am, has been shown to affect mRNA stability, transcription, and translation. Several studies have shown that PCIF1 is clearly associated with tumor, viral, and endocrine diseases. Moreover, PCIF1 may be related to the tumor microenvironment, immune cell typing, and programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) drug resistance. Here, we summarize the mechanism of PCIF1 involvement in mRNA modifications, and outline m6Am modifications and diseases in which PCIF1 is involved. We also summarized the role of PCIF1 in immune and immune checkpoint blockade(ICB) treatment, and predicted the possibility of PCIF1 as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Tyrosine kinase signaling-independent MET-targeting with CAR-T cells
Authors: Qin Anna , Qin Yuan , Lee Joseph , Musket Anna , Ying Mingyao , Krenciute Giedre , Marincola Francesco M. , Yao Zhi Q. , Musich Phillip R. , Xie Qian
Published: October 2023

Background

Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy encourages the expansion of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in solid tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Overexpression of MET receptor tyrosine kinase is common in HCC; however, MET inhibitors are effective only when MET is in an active form, making patient stratification difficult. Specific MET-targeting CAR-T cells hold the promise of targeting HCC with MET overexpression regardless of signaling pathway activity.

Methods

MET-specific CARs with CD28ζ or 4-1BBζ as co-stimulation domains were constructed. MET-CAR-T cells derived from healthy subjects (HS) and HCC patients were evaluated for their killing activity and cytokine release against HCC cells with various MET activations in vitro, and for their tumor growth inhibition in orthotopic xenograft models in vivo.

Results

MET-CAR.CD28ζ and MET-CAR.4-1BBζ T cells derived from both HS and HCC patients specifically killed MET-positive HCC cells. When stimulated with MET-positive HCC cells in vitro, MET-CAR.CD28ζ T cells demonstrated a higher level of cytokine release and expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) than MET-CAR.4-1BBζ T cells. When analyzed in vivo, MET-CAR.CD28ζ T cells more effectively inhibited HCC orthotopic tumor growth in mice when compared to MET-CAR.4-1BBζ T cells.

Conclusion

We generated and characterized MET-specific CAR-T cells for targeting HCC with MET overexpression regardless of MET activation. Compared with MET-CAR.4-1BBζ, MET-CAR.CD28ζ T cells showed a higher anti-HCC potency but also a higher level of T cell exhaustion. While MET-CAR.CD28ζ is preferred for further development, overcoming the exhaustion of MET-CAR-T cells is necessary to improve their therapeutic efficacy in vivo.
Thermal treatment enhances the resisting exercise fatigue effect of Phyllanthus emblica L.: novel evidence from tannin conversion in vitro, metabolomics, and gut microbiota community analysis
Authors: Zhang Dingkun , Deng Xuan , Li Mengqi , Qiu Min , Zhang Yifan , Li Gefei , Jiang Yurou , Tan Peng , Fan Sanhu , Zheng Youde , Lin Junzhi , Han Li , Huang Haozhou
Published: October 2023

Polyphenols are the main component of Phyllanthus emblica (PE). However, polyphenols are so easy to transform that it is unknown that how drying methods driven by heating affect the anti-fatigue effect of PE. This manuscript investigated the effects of five drying methods on the chemical composition transformation and anti-fatigue of PE, and discussed the action mechanism. The results suggested that the anti-fatigue effect of PE with hot-air-dried at 100 °C was the best, which was as 1.63 times as that with freeze-drying. Ellagic acid (EA) may be a key component of PE in anti-fatigue, and its mechanism of action may be related to regulating intestinal microbiota, protecting mitochondria, and regulating energy metabolism. This study first revealed the thermal transformation of polyphenols in PE, found the most effective strategy for enhancing the anti-fatigue function, and explores its action mechanism.
Duodenal plasmablastic lymphoma in an human immunodeficency virus-negative patient: a case report
Authors: Hussain Abbas Ali , Shah Aresha Masood , Kumar Sumeet
Published: October 2023

Background

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that generally presents an aggressive clinical course. It is strongly associated with human immunodeficency virus (HIV) infection, and the most common site of involvement is the oral cavity. Although extraoral PBL has been reported in several places, small intestine involvement is extremely rare.

Case presentation

Here, we describe an exceptionally rare case of a 24-year-old immunocompetent Asian Male patient with newly diagnosed plasmablastic lymphoma of the duodenum. The patient was admitted to our oncology facility due to the patient's clinical course, which included persistent vomiting, hematemesis, weight loss, and generalized weakness. Computed tomography of the abdomen (triphasic) of the patient showed thickness at the 2nd part of the duodenum measuring 2.6 cm in width and 16 cm in length blocking the pancreatic and common bile ducts by entering the second section of the duodenum. The biopsy specimen's pathological investigation indicated abnormal cells with plasmacytoid characteristics and a high proliferation index. The diagnosis of PBL was confirmed by immunohistochemical profiling. Supportive therapies like blood transfusions, antacids, and antiemetics were started to manage the patient's symptoms. Palliative radiation was also anticipated for the lesion site.

Conclusions

Duodenal involvement to the extent seen in our patient is exceptionally rare and, to the best of our knowledge, has hardly been described. The main goal of the article is to review the literature and report a case.
Measurement of ferric iron in Chang’e-5 impact glass beads
Authors: Gu Lixin , Lin Yangting , Chen Yongjin , Xu Yuchen , Tang Xu , Hu Sen , Mao Ho-kwang , Li Jinhua
Published: October 2023

The lunar surface and interior are highly reducing, resulting in the virtually absence of ferric ion. However, recent studies suggest the presence of ferric iron in lunar samples, and in most cases they were found in amorphous silicates (e.g., glass beads) measured by TEM–EELS. In this work, we conducted a systematic TEM–EELS analysis on the iron valence states of Chang’e-5 impact glass beads. The Fe3+/ΣFe ratio of each silicate glass sample was determined from integral intensity of Fe L3 and L2 edge. The measurements show a positive correlation between the dwell time and Fe3+/ΣFe ratio, which reveals that ferric iron can be significantly produced by electron beam bombardment under routine analytical condition. The calculated Fe3+/ΣFe with short dwell times (≤ 20 ms) in our Chang’e-5 impact glass beads show no detectable inherent ferric iron, suggesting that the ferric iron is not ubiquitous as previously reported. It is obvious that a careful control of experiment conditions is critical to determine the inherent redox state of other beam-sensitive terrestrial and extraterrestrial samples.

Graphical Abstract
Analysis of factors affecting pharmacists' ability to identify and solve problems
Authors: Watanabe Keigo , Sakai Takamasa , Ohtsu Fumiko
Published: October 2023

Background

Among Japanese pharmacists, there is a gap in their commitment to self-improvement and a possible gap in their ability to identify and solve problems. However, the factors causing this situation have not yet been clarified. This study was conducted to identify factors that influence the abilities of Japanese pharmacists to identify and solve problems, which are skills considered essential for this profession. A prior history of presenting at academic conferences was set as a surrogate outcome to clarify whether having this experience affects the factors.

Methods

A nationwide internet-based survey was conducted among 300 participating hospitals and 300 community pharmacists. The survey was discontinued when the sample size of each group reached 300. The respondents were categorized into two groups on the basis of their experience of presenting at academic conferences in the survey item “status of self-improvement after employment.” Their association with other survey items was determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The multivariate analysis revealed that 152 (50.7%) hospital pharmacists and 41 (13.7%) community pharmacists had presented at academic conferences. Among the hospital pharmacists, the experience of presenting at academic conferences was significantly associated with the “age 30 s (*references 20 s),” “presence of pharmacists to consult,” “experience supervising interns,” and “number of types of self-improvement” factors. For the community pharmacists, prior conference presentation experience was significantly associated with “age over 70 s,” “highest educational background (doctoral or master’s degree),” and “number of types of self-improvement.”

Conclusion

This pioneering study suggests that having prior experience of presenting at academic conferences as a surrogate outcome of pharmacists' problem-finding and problem-solving skills may be related to the support provided by human environmental factors at the facility, the status of self-improvement, and the highest educational background.
Developing and validating a mid-frequency word list for chemistry: a corpus-based approach using big data
Authors: Xodabande Ismail , Atai Mahmood Reza , Hashemi Mohammad R. , Thompson Paul
Published: October 2023

Given the importance of specialized vocabulary in scientific communication and academic discourse, there is a growing need to create wordlists to address the vocabulary-learning needs of university students and researchers in different subject areas. The current study analyzed a corpus of chemistry research articles (with 278 million running words) to establish a mid-frequency vocabulary list for this field. Using frequency, range, and dispersion criteria, the study identified 560 lemmas in the fourth to the ninth British National Corpus/Corpus of Contemporary American English (BNC/COCA) lists that provided 6.4% coverage of all words in the corpus. The list was validated using specialized and general corpora, and the results confirmed the value and relevance of the items for chemistry. Moreover, for using the list for pedagogical goals, the vocabulary items were divided into five bands based on their coverage and importance. The 100 words in the first band were the most important mid-frequent vocabulary in chemistry, as they provided 3.05% coverage. The study highlights the significant contribution of mid-frequency words in research articles and the findings have implications for using large corpora as a big data source in identifying specialized and field-specific vocabulary.
“So, if you ask whether fences work: they work”—the role of border fortifications for migration control and access to asylum. Comparing Hungary and the USA
Authors: Korte Kristina
Published: October 2023

This paper analyzes the role of border fortifications for migration control and access to asylum based on two case studies: the Hungarian–Serbian and U.S. American–Mexican borders. The research is based on qualitative interviews on both sides of the borders. It shows that despite other options for border control, fortifications still play an important role, especially for asylum seekers. Fences fulfill a material, a symbolic and a filtering function here. The three functions contribute in different ways to preventing asylum seekers from crossing the border, thus depriving refugees of the opportunity to apply for asylum. The paper shoes that fences fulfill functions that other forms of border control (such as shifting or smart borders) cannot accomplish in the same way and it thereby contributes to understanding the ‘puzzle’ of contemporary border fencing.
Relationship between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801133 SNP and serum homocysteine levels of Zhuang hypertensive patients in the central region of Guangxi
Authors: Hu Xi-Jiang , Su Mei-Ru , Cao Bao-Wei , Ou Fa-Bang , Yin Rui-Xing , Luo An-De
Published: October 2023

Background

The relationship between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels or H-type hypertension in different populations is inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the association between the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP and serum Hcy levels of Zhuang hypertensive patients in the central region of Guangxi.

Methods

A total of 606 Zhuang inpatients with essential hypertension were recruited in our hospital from August 2016 to December 2018. The patients were divided into H-type hypertension (Hcy > 10 µmol/L, n = 528) and non–H-type hypertension (Hcy ≤ 10 µmol/L, n = 78) groups. At the same time, an age- and sex-matched group of 379 subjects with normal physical examination in our hospital were selected as the control group. Blood biochemical measurements and genotyping of the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP were performed.

Results

The prevalence of H-type hypertension was 87.13%. The levels of serum Hcy in patients with hypertension were higher than those in control group (14.20 ± 5.78 μmol/L vs. 11.97 ± 5.39 μmol/L, P < 0.001), especially in patients with H-type hypertension (15.08 ± 5.65 μmol/L, P < 0.001). The frequencies of TT genotype (22.73%) and T allele (46.21%) in patients with H-type hypertension were significantly higher than those in control group (11.35% and 30.47%, respectively) and non–H-type hypertension group (10.26% and 28.85%, respectively; P < 0.001 for all). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that serum Hcy levels were significantly correlated with creatinine, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, endogenous creatinine clearance rate, and the MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes in control group, while serum Hcy levels were significantly correlated with creatinine, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, endogenous creatinine clearance rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, and the MTHFR rs1801133 genotypes in H-type hypertension group (P < 0.05–0.001). Serum Hcy levels in the T allele carriers were higher than those in the T allele noncarriers in both H-type hypertension and control groups.

Conclusions

There was closely related between the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP and serum Hcy levels in Zhuang patients with H-type hypertension in the central region of Guangxi. The MTHFR SNP may be an important reason for the increase of serum Hcy levels in Zhuang patients with H-type hypertension in this region.
The burden and management strategies of hypertensive crisis in adult patients presenting to emergency departments of district and regional hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kilindimo Said S. , Abdulkarim Ahmed , Simbila Alphonce N. , Harrison Raynald , Shirima Lucy , Abdallah Farida , Mukhtar Aliasghar G. , Mfinanga Juma , Saika Joseph , Kisanga Emanuel , Sawe Hendry R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hypertensive crisis is among the causes of morbidity and mortality in adult patients with hypertension in Sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to determine the burden, risk factors and describe the management strategies of hypertensive crisis among adult patients seen at emergency departments of district and regional hospitals in Tanzania.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter longitudinal study which included all 162 district and regional hospitals in Tanzania. It was part of the Tanzania Emergency Care Capacity Survey (TECCS), a large assessment of burden of acute illness and emergency care capacity in Tanzania. Adult patients who presented to emergency departments with blood pressure ≥ 180/110mmHg were enrolled. Demographics, clinical presentation, management, and 24-hours outcomes were recorded using a structured case report form. Descriptive statistics were summarized in frequency and median, while logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between risk factors and presence of hypertensive crisis.

Results

We screened 2700 patients and enrolled 169 adults, henceforth proportion of adult patients with hypertensive crisis was 63 per 1000. Median age was 62 years (IQR 50–70 years) and predominantly females, 112 (66.3%). Majority 151(89.3%) were self-referred with two-wheel motorcycle being the commonest 46 (27.2%) mode of arrival to the hospital. Hypertensive emergency was found in over half 96 (56.8%) of the patients with hypertensive crisis, with oral medications administered in more than half of them, 71 (74%) as means to control the high blood pressure, and one-third 33 (34.4%) were discharged home. On multivariate analysis increasing age (AOR 4.53, p < 0.001), use of illicit drug (AOR 4.14, p-0.04) and pre-existing hypertension (AOR 8.1, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for hypertensive crisis occurrence.

Conclusion

Hypertensive crisis among adult patients attending district and regional hospitals is common (63 patients per every 1000 patients). Increasing age, use of illicit drug and pre-existing hypertension are independent associated factors for developing hypertensive crisis.
Continuously non-malleable codes from block ciphers in split-state model
Authors: Ghosal Anit Kumar , Roychowdhury Dipanwita
Published: October 2023

Non-malleable code is an encoding scheme that is useful in situations where traditional error correction or detection is impossible to achieve. It ensures with high probability that decoded message is either completely unrelated or the original one, when tampering has no effect. Usually, standard version of non-malleable codes provide security against one time tampering attack. Block ciphers are successfully employed in the construction of non-malleable codes. Such construction fails to provide security when an adversary tampers the codeword more than once. Continuously non-malleable codes further allow an attacker to tamper the message for polynomial number of times. In this work, we propose continuous version of non-malleable codes from block ciphers in split-state model. Our construction provides security against polynomial number of tampering attacks and it preserves non-malleability. When the tampering experiment triggers self-destruct, the security of continuously non-malleable code reduces to security of the underlying leakage resilient storage.
The effect of body mass index and preoperative weight loss in people with obesity on postoperative outcomes to 6 months following total hip or knee arthroplasty: a retrospective study
Authors: Pavlovic Natalie , Harris Ian A. , Boland Robert , Brady Bernadette , Genel Furkan , Naylor Justine
Published: October 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated the association between obesity, preoperative weight loss and postoperative outcomes beyond 30- and 90-days post-arthroplasty. This study investigated whether body mass index (BMI) and preoperative weight loss in people with obesity predict postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes 6 months following total knee or hip arthroplasty.

Methods

Two independent, prospectively collected datasets of people undergoing primary total knee or hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis between January 2013 and June 2018 at two public hospitals were merged. First, the sample was grouped into BMI categories, < 35 kg/m2 and ≥ 35 kg/m2. Subgroup analysis was completed separately for hips and knees. Second, a sample of people with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was stratified into participants who did or did not lose ≥ 5% of their baseline weight preoperatively. The presence of postoperative complications, Oxford Hip Score, Oxford Knee Score, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale and patient-rated improvement 6 months post-surgery were compared using unadjusted and adjusted techniques.

Results

From 3,552 and 9,562 patients identified from the datasets, 1,337 were included in the analysis after merging. After adjustment for covariates, there was no difference in postoperative complication rate to 6 months post-surgery according to BMI category (OR 1.0, 95%CI 0.8–1.4, P = 0.8) or preoperative weight loss (OR 1.1, 95%CI 0.7–1.8, P = 0.7). There was no between-group difference according to BMI or preoperative weight change for any patient-reported outcomes 6 months post-surgery.

Conclusion

Preoperative BMI or a 5% reduction in preoperative BMI in people with obesity was not associated with postoperative outcomes to 6 months following total knee or hip arthroplasty.
Role of procalcitonin in predicting newborn hospital-acquired sepsis: a case–control study
Authors: Bhat Javeed Iqbal , Bhat Shaib Mohd , Tramboo Zubair Mushtaq , Charoo Bashir Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Background

Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of newborn mortality in the developing world. Most of the newborn babies admitted to a neonatal ICU for different reasons acquire hospital-acquired infections. Early and optimal management is pivotal for successful outcomes. However, most of the places lack advanced automated culture facilities. Procalcitonin could potentially be used for early diagnosis of such infection.

Objective

To study the diagnostic role of serum procalcitonin in newborn hospital-acquired sepsis.

Materials and methods

A case–control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

Results

Culture-positive nosocomial sepsis group consisted of 59 patients and the control group of 41 patients. Gram-negative organisms were the most commonly isolated organisms (91.5%). The baseline median and interquartile range (IQR) serum PCT of the study population was 0.3 (0.18–.44) ng/ml. The median (IQR) serum PCT values at the time of clinical deterioration in the nosocomial sepsis and the sepsis-like illness groups are 4 (6.5) ng/ml and 1.2 (1.6) ng/ml, respectively (p = 000). The area under the ROC curve for the prediction of bacterial infection for PCT was 0.864. On the ROC curve, the PCT level that combined the greatest sensitivity and comparatively good specificity was 1.95 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 88%, and specificity of 79%.

Conclusion

We conclude that serum procalcitonin is a reliable marker for the diagnosis of neonatal nosocomial sepsis.
Estimating species sensitivity distributions for microplastics by quantitatively considering particle characteristics using a recently created ecotoxicity database
Authors: Iwasaki Yuichi , Takeshita Kazutaka M. , Ueda Koji , Naito Wataru
Published: October 2023

Estimation of a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) by fitting a statistical distribution to ecotoxicity data is a promising approach to deriving “safe” concentrations for microplastics. However, most existing SSDs do not quantitatively consider the diverse characteristics of microplastics, such as particle size and shape. To address this issue, based on 38 mass-based chronic no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) obtained from a recently created database, we estimated SSDs that quantitatively consider the influences of three types of microplastic characteristics (particle length, shape, and polymer type) and habitat of the test species (freshwater vs. marine) by using Bayesian modeling. We selected the best SSD model among all possible models using the widely applicable information criterion. The best SSD model included particle length (range: 0.05–280 μm) and a binary dummy variable corresponding to the fiber shape. Lower chronic NOECs were associated with decreasing particle size and with toxicity tests that included fibers in this model. Combined with the fact that the null model (i.e., an SSD model with no predictor variable) was ranked 27th among the 64 candidate SSD models, our results support the need to incorporate particle characteristics such as length and shape (e.g., fiber) into estimations of SSDs for microplastics. The medians of the hazardous concentration of 5% of species (HC5) for microplastic spheres and fragments, estimated by the posterior distributions of individual parameters in the best SSD model, ranged from 0.02 to 2 µg/L, depending on the particle length (0.1–100 μm). For microplastic fibers, the HC5 values were estimated to be approximately 100 times lower than those for microplastic spheres and fragments with the same particle length. However, the 95% Bayesian credible intervals for HC5 estimates for fibers were considerable, expanded by up to five orders of magnitude. Despite many remaining challenges, the Bayesian SSD modeling utilized in this study provides unique opportunities to simultaneously investigate the influences of multiple microplastic characteristics on the NOECs of multiple species, which would otherwise be difficult to discern.
CROP FORMATION AND PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER WHEAT VARIETIES WHEN GROWN FOR PLANNED YIELD
Authors: Vasin Vasiliy , Vasin Vasiliy , Fadeeva Elena , Fadeev Sergey
Published: October 2023

The research was carried out in order to study the effect of fertilizers and micronutrients on crop formation and productivity of winter wheat varieties when grown on the planned yield in the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region. The work was carried out in 2021-2022 in Samara region. The scheme of the experiment provided for the study of the following options: doses of mineral fertilizers for the planned yield (factor A) – 4.5 t/ha, 6.5 t/ha; varieties of winter wheat (factor B) – Scepter, Moskovskaya 40, Svarog; systems for processing crops with MEGAMIX preparations (factor C): - without processing (control), the MEGAMIX system. The soil of the experimental site is ordinary residual carbonate medium-humus medium-thick heavy loamy chernozem. The content of humus is 6.4%, easily hydrolyzable nitrogen is 15.3 mg, mobile phosphorus is 8.6 mg and exchangeable potassium is 23.9 mg/100 g of soil. The volume mass of the soil layer 0-1.1 m is 1.27 g/cm3, pHsol.5.8 (according to the testing laboratory of Federal State University Samara Reference Center of Rosselkhoznadzor). Systematic processing of winter wheat plants by development phases ensures their safety for harvesting at the level of 64.5...88.7%, contributes to an increase in the number of productive stems up to 450 ...569 pcs. per 1 m2. The yield of the varieties turned out to be high 4.92...5.73 t/ha against the background of 1 (planned yield 4.5 t/ha) and 6.41...7.47 t/ha (planned yield 6.5 t/ha). The program for the planned yield is carried out in all variants. The maximum yield in the experiment was obtained on crops of Svarog variety – 5.98 t/ha (when applying fertilizers for a yield of 4.5 t/ha) and 7.72 t/ha (for a planned yield of 6.5 t/ha) with systematic treatment of crops with MEGAMIX preparations: MEGAMIX PROFI, MEGAMIX NITROGEN, MEGAMIX NITROGEN + MEGAMIX SULFUR.
Comorbity of eating disorders and depression in T1DM patients: challenges and tasks for dietetician - a pilot study
Authors: Krzyżowska Sabina , Cyranka Katarzyna , Matejko Bartłomiej , Juryk Andrzej , Chrobak Adrian , Cyganek Katarzyna , Witek Przemysław , Dudek Dominika , Małecki Maciej Tadeusz , Klupa Tomasz
Published: October 2023

Aim of the study

The aim was to assess the occurrence of eating disorders (ED) in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients being under regular diabetologist care, that qualify for a visit to a psychologist and to evaluate possible correlation of eating disorders with symptoms of depression and anxiety in this population.

Subject or material and methods

The study included a selected group of 27 adult patients (55.5%- women) with T1DM under the constant care at the diabetes clinic. The following tools were used: to assess depression and anxiety, used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Questionnaire (CES-D); EAT-26 assessed ED screening and Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) – other problems.

Results

Based on the overall assessment of the EAT-26 test as many as 7% of group was problem, which manifested a high level of concern about dieting, body weight or problematic eating behaviors. Additional the 25.9% people reported high depressive. We showed a relationship between ED and depression.

Discussion

There was a similar frequency of eating disorders ED eating disorders have elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), however, in our study, the mean HbA1c was 6.85% (51 mmol/mol) - fairly good glycemic control. In addition, a correlation between ED and depression has been noted, and patients with type 1 diabetes are very sensitive to both disorders.

Conclusions

People suffering from type 1 diabetes, due to the increased risk of eating disorders or depression, require comprehensive care of a therapeutic team, which should include a diabetologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, diabetes educator, nurse, nutritionist.
Mental Health Professionals’ Tendencies towards Seeking Personal Therapy
Authors: Mineo Roberta , El Rakhawy Moustapha , Rakhawy Mona Yahya , Deif Reem Mohamed , Youssef Ehab Ahmed , Ali Samah Osman , Ndungu Frashia
Published: October 2023

Aim of the study

This study assessed the tendencies of mental health professionals toward seeking personal therapy.

Subject or material and methods

A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 156 Egyptian mental health professionals through an online survey.

Results

Findings suggested that the experiences of personal therapy increased the therapist's practice and outcomes with their clients. Additionally, a statistically significant difference was found between professionals of Gestalt/person-centered orientation, whereas no statistically significant difference was found between professionals of psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, CBT, psychodrama, and other theoretical orientations.

Discussion

Personal therapy has a positive impact on therapists’ well-being and their practice. In their professional and personal development, it makes them excel in core and advanced skills and build appropriate relationships with their clients, which is required for effective practice.

Conclusions

Further quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to determine the generalizability of the current study’s findings.
Güney Arnavutluk halk müziğine Ethem Qerimaj ekseninden bakış ve bir kaba icrasının analizi
Authors: Pulake Altınbüken Aida , Özgen Öztürk Yelda
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışma, Güney Arnavutluk halk müziğinin eşsiz ve özgün özelliklerine odaklanarak, bu stilde keman icrasının zirve noktası olan ve "kaba" olarak anılan türün inceliklerine derin bir bakış sunmaktadır. Bu bölgenin müziği, İso-polifoni adı verilen, UNESCO tarafından kültürel miras olarak tanınmış vokal temelli çoksesli bir dokuya dayanmaktadır. Pentatonik dizinin modlarının kullanımıyla da karakterize olan bu yapı, Arnavutluk'un güneyinde "saze" adı verilen halk müziği çalgı topluluklarının icralarına kaynak olmuştur. Arnavutluk halk müziği konulu çalışmalarda kabanın müziksel yapısı nadiren tartışılmış, uygulanan çalım yöntemleri veya kabanın armonik-melodik yapısı üstüne detaylı analize yer verilmemiştir. raştırmanın amacı kemanın Güney Arnavutluk halk müziğinde kullanımına dair stil özelliklerini gözlemlemek için, "kaba" olarak adlandırılan icraya analitik bir bakış sağlamaktır. Transkripsiyonda konvansiyonel batı müziği notasyonu kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonucu, kaba icrasının konvansiyonel notasyon ile kağıda geçebileceği, serbest ritimde nota değerlerinin yaklaşık olarak notaya alınabileceği görülmüştür. Artikülasyonların kombine kullanımı, değişik gürlükler, farklı yay pozisyonları ve değişken yay baskısı sayesinde tınısal çeşitlilik ve dramatik etkiler sağlandığı gözlenmiştir. Temel ezgisel çerçeveyi pentatonik modlar meydana getirmekte, pentatonik dışı dereceler yardımcı ses olmakta, yapısal önemde kullanılmamaktadır. Pentatonik modlar arası geçişler, aynı donanımda yakın bir moda veya tam beşli yukarıdaki mod sistemine gidip dönerek yapılmaktadır. Bu, klasik armonideki dominanta modülasyon modelini anımsatmıştır. Melodik yüzey, küçük motifler ve bunların varyasyonları ile örülüdür. İncelenen kabada ezginin arka planında yine pentatonik temelli temel yapısal bir rota bulunduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Bu, literatürde önceden ortaya konmamış özgün bir bulgudur. İlerideki çalışmalarda bu bulguların başka kaba performanslarında geçerliliği araştırılabilir. Yaygınlıkla görülen unsurlar için alana özgü terminoloji önerilebilir.
Contemporary outcomes of tibial tubercle osteotomy for revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Cance Nicolas , Batailler Cécile , Shatrov Jobe , Canetti Robin , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien
Published: October 2023

Aims

Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) facilitates surgical exposure and protects the extensor mechanism during revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of bony union, complications, and reoperations following TTO during rTKA, to assess the functional outcomes of rTKA with TTO at two years’ minimum follow-up, and to identify the risk factors of failure.

Methods

Between January 2010 and September 2020, 695 rTKAs were performed and data were entered into a prospective database. Inclusion criteria were rTKAs with concomitant TTO, without extensor mechanism allograft, and a minimum of two years’ follow-up. A total of 135 rTKAs were included, with a mean age of 65 years (SD 9.0) and a mean BMI of 29.8 kg/m2 (SD 5.7). The most frequent indications for revision were infection (50%; 68/135), aseptic loosening (25%; 34/135), and stiffness (13%; 18/135). Patients had standardized follow-up at six weeks, three months, six months, and annually thereafter. Complications and revisions were evaluated at the last follow-up. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and range of motion.

Results

The mean follow-up was 51 months (SD 26; 24 to 121). Bony union was confirmed in 95% of patients (128/135) at a mean of 3.4 months (SD 2.7). The complication rate was 15% (20/135), consisting of nine tibial tubercle fracture displacements (6.7%), seven nonunions (5%), two delayed unions, one tibial fracture, and one wound dehiscence. Seven patients (5%) required eight revision procedures (6%): three bone grafts, three osteosyntheses, one extensor mechanism allograft, and one wound revision. The functional scores and flexion were significantly improved after surgery: mean KSS knee, 48.8 (SD 17) vs 79.6 (SD 20; p < 0.001); mean KSS function, 37.6 (SD 21) vs 70.2 (SD 30; p < 0.001); mean flexion, 81.5° (SD 33°) vs 93° (SD 29°; p = 0.004). Overall, 98% of patients (n = 132) had no extension deficit. The use of hinge implants was a significant risk factor for tibial tubercle fracture (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

TTO during rTKA was an efficient procedure to improve knee exposure with a high union rate, but had significant specific complications. Functional outcomes were improved at mid term.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1078–1085.
Vitamin E-diffused liners show less head penetration than cross-linked polyethylene liners in total hip arthroplasty: a ten-year multi-arm randomized trial
Authors: El-Sahoury Joseph A. N. , Kjærgaard Kristian , Ovesen Ole , Hofbauer Christian , Overgaard Søren , Ding Ming
Published: October 2023

Aims

The primary outcome was investigating differences in wear, as measured by femoral head penetration, between cross-linked vitamin E-diffused polyethylene (vE-PE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) acetabular component liners and between 32 and 36 mm head sizes at the ten-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included acetabular component migration and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Harris Hip Score, and University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale (UCLA).

Methods

A single-blinded, multi-arm, 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Patients were recruited between May 2009 and April 2011. Radiostereometric analyses (RSAs) were performed from baseline to ten years. Of the 220 eligible patients, 116 underwent randomization, and 82 remained at the ten-year follow-up. Eligible patients were randomized into one of four interventions: vE-PE acetabular liner with either 32 or 36 mm femoral head, and XLPE acetabular liner with either 32 or 36 mm femoral head. Parameters were otherwise identical except for acetabular liner material and femoral head size.

Results

A total of 116 patients participated, of whom 77 were male. The median ages of the vE-PE 32 mm and 36 mm groups were 65 (interquartile range (IQR) 57 to 67) and 63 years (IQR 56 to 66), respectively, and of the XLPE 32 mm and 36 mm groups were 64 (IQR 58 to 66) and 61 years (IQR 54 to 66), respectively. Mean total head penetration was significantly lower into vE-PE acetabular liner groups than into XLPE acetabular liner groups (-0.219 mm (95% confidence interval -0.348 to -0.090); p = 0.001). There were no differences in wear according to head size, acetabular component migration, or PROMs, except for UCLA. There were no cases of aseptic loosening or failures requiring revision at long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Significantly lower wear was observed in vE-PE acetabular liners than in XLPE acetabular liners. No difference in wear was observed between different head size or PROMs except for the UCLA at ten years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1052–1059.
Effectiveness and safety of arthroscopy combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy for osteochondritis of the talus: a prospective, single-centre, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Cao Jin , Zhang Changgui , Huang Heqin , Zhang Chengchang , Yang Liu , Duan Xiaojun
Published: October 2023

Aims

Arthroscopic microfracture is a conventional form of treatment for patients with osteochondritis of the talus, involving an area of < 1.5 cm2. However, some patients have persistent pain and limitation of movement in the early postoperative period. No studies have investigated the combined treatment of microfracture and shortwave treatment in these patients. The aim of this prospective single-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to compare the outcome in patients treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) and arthroscopic microfracture alone, in patients with ostechondritis of the talus.

Methods

Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups. At three weeks postoperatively, the rESWT group was given shockwave treatment, once every other day, for five treatments. In the control group the head of the device which delivered the treatment had no energy output. The two groups were evaluated before surgery and at six weeks and three, six and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Secondary outcome measures included a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain and the area of bone marrow oedema of the talus as identified on sagittal fat suppression sequence MRI scans.

Results

A total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into the two groups, with 20 in each. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics of the groups. No complications, such as wound infection or neurovascular injury, were found during follow-up of 12 months. The mean AOFAS scores in the rESWT group were significantly higher than those in the control group at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). The mean VAS pain scores in the rESWT group were also significantly lower than those in the control group at these times (p < 0.05). The mean area of bone marrow oedema in the rESWT group was significantly smaller at six and 12 months than in the control group at these times (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Local shockwave therapy was safe and effective in patients with osteochondiritis of the talus who were treated with a combination of arthroscopic surgery and rESWT. Preliminary results showed that, compared with arthroscopic microfracture alone, those treated with arthroscopic microfracture combined with rESWT had better relief of pain at three months postoperatively and improved weightbearing and motor function of the ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(10):1108–1114.