bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family director board governance index: An analysis of family directors and firm performance in Malaysia
Authors: Ling Lynn , Jong Ling , Law Wendy , Chieng Fayrene
Published: January 2023

This study constructs a family director board governance index (FBGI) and examines its impact on the firm performance. This motivation is prompted by the literature and theoretical gaps. Despite the pervasiveness of family firms around the world and their significant contribution to the economy, past studies have not developed a board governance index to address the Type II agency conflict in family firms. A panel data of 1105 firm-year observations based on 221 family firms from 2016 to 2020 is used in this study. Two-way fixed-effects estimation with cluster-robust standard errors is employed to examine the association between the proposed FBGI and firm performance. System generalized method of moments is adopted to validate the results. The statistical results report a significant negative association between FBGI and firm performance. The findings suggest that Malaysian family firms have the tendency to tailor the board composition, and such composition is detrimental to the firm performance. The proposed index may be useful for the policy-makers and regulators to assess the board composition and governance role of family directors in Malaysian family firms. Furthermore, the index may be of interest to the potential investors of family firms when evaluating the board governance and making investment decisions.
Prevalence and clinical features of hemicrania continua in clinic-based studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Khazali Haidar Muhsen , Al-Khazali Sarra , Iljazi Afrim , Christensen Rune Häckert , Ashina Sait , Lipton Richard Bruce , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Håkan
Published: January 2023

Objective

To estimate the relative frequencies of hemicrania continua and its clinical features in adult patients who were evaluated for headache in a clinic-based setting.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for observational, clinic-based studies published between 1 January 2004 and 1 February 2022, that reported on the relative frequencies of hemicrania continua and its clinical features. Two independent investigators (HMA and SA-K) screened titles, abstracts, and full text-articles. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate pooled relative frequencies of hemicrania continua and its clinical features across clinic-based studies.

Results

Eleven clinic-based studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Of these, eight studies reported on the relative frequency of hemicrania continua among adult patients (n = 9854) who were evaluated for headache in a tertiary care unit. The pooled relative frequency of hemicrania continua was found to be 1.8% (95% CI; 1.0–3.3). Considerable heterogeneity was noted across studies (I2 = 89.8%). The three most common symptoms associated with hemicrania continua were lacrimation (72.3%), conjunctival injection (69.8%), and restlessness/agitation (60.2%).

Conclusion

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that there is limited epidemiologic data on the relative frequencies of hemicrania continua and its clinical features. Standardized data acquisition and reporting are needed to estimate prevalence rates more accurately and to better understand epidemiologic patterns. This, in turn, should increase awareness of the impact that hemicrania continua has in clinical practice.
Pharmacokinetics of small hyperbranched polyglycerols as an osmotic agent for peritoneal dialysis: Plasma exposure, organ distribution and excretion in rats
Authors: Du Caigan , Jayo Roxana , Mendelson Asher A , Chafeeva Irina , Roza Gerald da , Liggins Richard , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N
Published: January 2023

Background:

Small hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) has been recently of interest for peritoneal dialysis, but its pharmacokinetics is barely understood. This study investigated the absorption, distribution and excretion of 1 and 3 kDa HPG.

Methods:

Rats (naive, 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) or bilateral nephrectomy (BNx)) received a single dose of 3H-labelled HPG-containing solutions intraperitoneally (IP) or intravenously (IV). Radioactivity in tissues, urine and faeces was counted using a scintillation counter. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using WinNonlin software.

Results:

During 8-h dwell with IP injected therapeutic dose of HPG-based hypertonic solutions, the plasma levels of 1 kDa HPG reached the peak at 2 h, followed by a decrease to the end, whereas 3 kDa HPG increased for the duration of the 8 h. At the experimental endpoint, the distribution of both sizes of HPG in major organs was minimal, whereas most of 1 kDa HPG was excreted via urine, and of 3 kDa remained in peritoneal cavity. The elimination of both 1 and 3 kDa HPG after either IP or IV administration was significantly delayed by 5/6 Nx or BNx as compared to naive controls. Further, 24-h faecal excretion of HPG (3 kDa) was <5% of injected dose that was not different between healthy and BNx rats.

Conclusion:

Data suggest size-dependent peritoneal absorption of osmotic HPG that are not specifically absorbed by any of the organs tested. The clearance of small HPG mainly depends on kidney excretion, implying the risk of HPG accumulation in patients with end-stage kidney disease who receive maintenance dialysis with HPG.
Cutting tool remaining useful life prediction based on robust empirical mode decomposition and Capsule-BiLSTM network
Authors: Sun Liangshi , Zhao Chengying , Huang Xianzhen , Ding Pengfei , Li Yuxiong
Published: January 2023

In industrial production, effectively predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of cutting tools can avoid overuse or underuse, which is of great significance for ensuring the processing quality of products and reducing enterprises’ production costs. This paper proposes a new method for RUL prediction of cutting tools based on robust empirical mode decomposition (REMD) and capsule bidirectional long short-term memory (Capsule-BiLSTM) network to improve accuracy. On one hand, new state features are extracted using REMD as the input of the deep learning network. On the other hand, a Capsule-BiLSTM network structure is designed to achieve RUL prediction of cutting tools by connecting the four layers. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a series of cutting tool life tests. Comparison with some mainstream methods indicates that the proposed method has more advantages in RUL prediction of cutting tools with the average accuracy reaching up to 93.97%.
Influence mechanism of vertical dynamic track irregularity on train operation stability of long-span suspension bridge
Authors: Wang Ming , Yang Chuan , Ning Botao , Li Xiaozhen , Wang Ping
Published: January 2023

The track needs to maintain sufficient foundation stiffness to ensure its smoothness and meet the operation stability requirements of high-speed trains. However, the train-induced deformation of flexible suspension railway bridge will inevitably induce the obvious vertical dynamic track irregularity and threaten train operation stability. Combined with a long-span suspension bridge with a main span of 1092 m, this paper provides a new analysis framework for evaluating the track smoothness on the long-span bridge from the perspective of train operation stability. The comprehensive train-track-bridge coupling vibration analysis is conducted to highlight the impact factors on train operation stability and identify the dynamic track irregularity. The simplified evaluation framework of dynamic track irregularity are then proposed to evaluate the track smoothness. The results show that the vertical dynamic track irregularity of long-span bridges is obviously affected by action of train, random track irregularity and overall temperature load. It is quite different from the static track irregularity in terms of alignment and spatial frequency. By separating the dynamic track irregularity according to the wavelength limit of 200 m, two alignment evaluation methods are proposed, namely the mid-chord measurement within 200 m wavelength and curvature method above 200 m wavelength, to reveal the different contributions of dynamic track irregularity component to the vertical car-body acceleration. The influence mechanism of dynamic track irregularity caused by different factors on the stability of train operation is finally identified from the perspectives of vibration acceleration and centrifugal acceleration.
Exploration of Malaysian Stakeholders View on Barriers to and Facilitators of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Older Population
Authors: Doraimuthu Sanpagavalli , Dahlui Maznah , Hoe Victor Chee Wai , Su Tin Tin
Published: January 2023

According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (MNCR), more than 70% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases in Malaysia are presented in the advanced stages of the disease, leading to poor survival rates while taxing the health care system. This study aims to explore the barriers to and facilitators of CRC screening uptake in the perspectives of the general population, health care providers, and policymakers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 purposively sampled respondents comprising general population above the age of 40, health care providers, and policymakers. Commonly reported barriers to CRC screening included psychological, poor knowledge and awareness, lack of physicians’ recommendation, and inadequate implementation of CRC-related campaigns at systemic level. Facilitating factors for CRC screening included family support and family history of CRC. A comprehensive understanding of barriers and facilitators is relevant for designing an effective intervention and policy to increase CRC screening rates in Malaysia.
Reliability of the bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester under random excitation
Authors: Dong Hao , Du Lin , Hu Rongchun , Zhang Shuo , Deng Zichen
Published: January 2023

The bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester can produce higher voltage and efficiency than traditional energy harvester. In this manuscript, the reliability of the bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester excited by Gaussian white noise is investigated. The equivalent uncoupled equation of system is deduced on the basis of the generalized harmonic transformation for the bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester original coupling system. The averaged stochastic differential equation for system energy of the equivalent uncoupled system is established using the stochastic averaging method. The conditional reliability function and the mean first-passage time are derived through the backward Kolmogorov equation and the generalized Pontryagin equation associated with the averaged stochastic differential equation. The influences of noise intensity, electromechanical coupling coefficient, and time constant ratio on the conditional reliability function and mean first-passage time are discussed. The analytical results are highly consistent with the numerical results that are obtained by the Monte Carlo numerical simulation.
A Novel Approach to Measurement-Based Care: Integrating Palliative Care Tools Into Geriatric Mental Health
Authors: Grief Cindy J. , Grossman Daphna , Grossman Yona , Gardner Sandra , Berall Anna
Published: January 2023

Background: Older adults cared for in a geriatric mental health program often have medical co-morbidities causing physical symptoms which may be under-recognized. We explore the utility of palliative care tools in this patient population to identify the burden of symptoms and impact on patient dignity. Methods: Participants were recruited from a geriatric mental health inpatient unit and outpatient day hospital. Mood and somatic symptoms were tracked with self-report rating scales, including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) used in psychiatry, as well as the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI) used in palliative care. Demographic characteristics were collected from a retrospective chart review. Exploratory longitudinal models were developed for the GDS and GAI outcomes to assess change over time after adjusting for ESAS and PDI item scores. Results: Data were obtained for 33 English speaking patients (inpatients N = 17, outpatients N = 16) with a mean age of 76.5 (SD = 6.1). At baseline, several ESAS symptom burdens were rated as moderate and the PDI often captured physically distressing symptoms. GDS scores declined over time but at a slower rate for those reporting higher levels of pain on the ESAS ( P = .04). GAI scores declined over time but at a slower rate for those identifying physically distressing symptoms on the PDI ( P = .04). Conclusions: This study demonstrates how using the ESAS and PDI in a mental health population can be helpful in tracking symptoms and how these symptoms are related to psychiatric outcomes.
Pretreatment Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase and Metastases Numbers as Potential Determinants of Anti-PD-1 Therapy Outcome in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Ali Wael A. S. , Huang Xinxin , Wu Yuehan , Ma Yuxiang , Pan Hui , Liao Jun , Yang Zhang , Hong Shaodong , Yang Yunpeng , Huang Yan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Fang Wenfeng , Zhao Hongyun , Zhang Li
Published: January 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the determinant factors of anti-PD-1 therapy outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 64 patients with recurrent/metastatic NPC. The association of patients’ characteristics, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) with survival benefit of anti-PD-1 therapy were analyzed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier analyses. Patients were divided based on the median value of CRP, NLR or LDH into different subgroups.

Results

At a median follow-up time of 11.4 months (range: 1-28 months), median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 1.9 months (95% CI, .18-3.6) and 15 months (95% CI, 10.9-19.1) months, respectively. Pretreatment metastases numbers was significant predictor of PFS (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.10-3.63; P = .024) and OS (HR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.36-5.61; P = .005). Baseline LDH level was independent predictor of OS (HR = 7.01; 95% CI 3.09-15.88; P < .001). Patients with LDH level >435 U/L at the baseline had significantly shorter PFS and OS compared to patients with LDH level ≤435 U/L (median PFS: 1.7 vs 3.5 months, P = .040; median OS: 3.7 vs 18.5 months, P < .001). Patients with non-durable clinical benefit (NDB) had significantly higher LDH level at the baseline compared to patients who achieved durable clinical benefit (DCB) ( P = .025). Post-treatment levels of CRP, LDH, and NLR were decreased compared to baseline in patients with DCB ( P = .030, P = .088, and P = .066, respectively), whereas, there was a significant increase in post-treatment level of LDH compared with baseline in patients with NDB ( P = .024).

Conclusions

LDH level at the baseline was an independent predictor of OS and pretreatment metastases numbers was a significant predictor of PFS and OS.
Development of novel heat-treated sausage with Pleurotus ostreatus: Low energy, enhanced bioactivity, reduced amount of meat and fat
Authors: Doğan Cemhan
Published: January 2023

The use of Pleurotus ostreatus to reduce calories and increase bioactivity in processed meat products is an increasingly common practice. In this study, a novel sausage containing P. ostreatus was developed based parameters like protein, antioxidants, total phenolic content, cohesiveness, energy, fat, ΔE, hardness, and gumminess values using a D-optimal mixture design. The results showed that over 20% of P. ostreatus could be used in sausage production. Moreover, it was concluded that the optimized sausages contain less fat (33.05%) and meat (18.6%) and therefore have a lower calorie value (19.03%). In addition, P. ostreatus added to the sausage formulation decreased the use of animal raw materials, increased the bioactive properties of the sausages, and did not cause a significant change in the amino acid profile.
Does Russian election interference damage support for US alliances? The case of Japan
Authors: Goldsmith Benjamin E. , Horiuchi Yusaku
Published: January 2023

Scholars and practitioners often argue that the United States’ identity as a democracy contributes to the effectiveness and endurance of US military alliances. One way to test this claim is to ask: what would happen if citizens of allied countries came to perceive US democracy as severely flawed or diminished? In the context of now well-documented Russian interference in recent US elections, we examine whether Russia’s election interference and its perceived impact on American democracy damage foreign public opinion about the United States. The results of our survey experiment fielded in Japan suggest that information about successful Russian election interference—that is, interference that had an impact on the election outcome—reduces foreign citizens’ faith in the United States as an ally. This pattern most clearly manifests in reduced belief in the US capacity to defend Japan. Our study sheds light on the connections between the image of the United States, both as a trustworthy and effective state, and the foreign public’s attitudes toward US alliances, with theoretical and practical implications.
Importance–performance analysis of olive oil tourism activities: Differences between national and international tourists
Authors: Vena-Oya Julio , Parrilla-González Juan Antonio
Published: January 2023

Olive oil tourism offers enormous potential in rural areas where extra virgin olive oil is produced. This sector is characterized by the high seasonality of its economic activity (from November to February), which generates huge inequalities between rural and urban areas, leading to high rates of unemployment and depopulation due to the lack of stable work throughout the year. The set of activities that revolve around olive oil tourism help to structure the offer and generate satisfaction with the service. This could generate a constant flow of income throughout the year and complement agricultural activity, thus reducing the seasonality problems mentioned above. In this respect, the configuration of these olive oil tourism activities represents a challenge from the supply-side perspective, especially if we take into account the differences that may arise between different groups of tourists. This article seeks to analyse and structure the main olive oil tourism activities using Importance-Performance (I-P) analysis in relation to national and international tourists’ satisfaction. The aim is to select and structure the key activities in the supply of olive oil tourism, and determine which need to be improved in order to offer a better service. These key activities differ between the two study target audiences, where a higher requirement is observed on the part of international tourists, so a series of strategies are recommended to help the management of these destinations.
The feasibility and preliminary effects of a pilot randomized controlled trial: Videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy in distressed family caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Han Areum , Yuen Hon K , Jenkins Jeremy
Published: January 2023

This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined preliminary effects of an 8-week videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program supplemented with psychoeducation materials on distressed family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) compared to the control group provided with psychoeducation materials only. Nineteen family caregivers of PLWD in the USA were randomly assigned to the ACT group or the control group. Data was collected at pretest, posttest, and 1-month follow-up (F/U). Compared to the control group, the ACT group showed a significantly larger reduction in grief at posttest, with a medium effect size. Small effects of ACT were found in anxiety, psychological quality of life, and engagement in meaningful activities at posttest and grief, engagement in meaningful activities, and psychological flexibility at F/U compared to the control group. These promising findings warrant a full-scale RCT with adequate power to measure the efficacy of videoconferencing ACT for caregivers of PLWD.
Beliefs about COVID-19 as a threat to values are related to preventive behaviors and fear of COVID-19
Authors: Iosifyan Marina , Arina Galina , Nikolaeva Valentina
Published: January 2023

We investigated factors related to preventive behaviors and fear of COVID-19: values and beliefs about threat to values because of COVID-19. In two studies, participants reported their own values and evaluated how COVID-19 may threaten values. They also reported their preventive behaviors (washing hands, wearing a facial mask, keeping social distance, and avoiding public places) and fear of COVID-19. COVID-19 is perceived as a threat to personal focused values (openness and self-enhancement values) rather than social focused values (conservation and self-transcendence values). Both value importance and perceived threats to values are related to preventive behaviors and fear of COVID-19. Greater importance of conservation values was related to engaging in preventive behaviors and increased fear of COVID-19. Perceived threats to personal focused values (self-enhancement and openness values) were also related to engaging in preventive behaviors and fear of COVID-19.
The effect of M technique massage on behavioral state and weight gain in preterm neonates: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alinejad-Naeini Mona , Heidari-Beni Farshad , Mohagheghi Parisa , Sohrabi Soroor
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of M technique massage on behavioral state and weight gain in preterm neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This was a randomized controlled trial study in which a total of 64 preterm neonates were randomly allocated to intervention and control group. Intervention group received M technique massage and control group received routine care. Neonatal weight and behavioral state were measured for two weeks. After intervention, no statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of neonatal weight (mean difference: 44.03, 95% CI [−180.66, 268.74]). At baseline, the mean score for behavioral state response was 5.84 ± 2.20 (mean ± SD) in control group and 5.68 ± 2.15 (mean ± SD) in intervention group and the difference was not significant (mean difference: 0.16, 95% CI [−1.21, 1.52]), but 2 weeks later, and also, after intervention, a statistically significant difference was found between groups (mean difference: 2.16, 95% CI [1.19, 3.17]) and (mean difference: 3.03, 95% CI [2.15, 3.91]), respectively, meaning that it was significantly lower in intervention group compared with control group. According to the findings, massage with M technique in premature neonates can have a positive effect on behavioral state, but no effect on their weight gain.
Harsh punisher or loving mother? A critical discursive psychological analysis of Marine Le Pen’s presidential Twitter campaign
Authors: Pettersson Katarina , Payotte Sofia , Sakki Inari
Published: January 2023

Marine Le Pen managed to mobilise a substantial share of the votes in the French 2022 presidential elections, ending up second after the winner Emmanuel Macron. This study aims to increase our understanding of the political appeal and mobilisation of women in far-right movements by exploring the identity management strategies Marine Le Pen deployed in her presidential Twitter campaign to construct her position as a female, right-wing populist political leader and rightful president of the nation. A corpus of 701 tweets (published between 4 July 2021 and 10 April 2022) from Le Pen’s official Twitter account were analysed through a critical discursive psychological approach. Through our analyses, we identified five subject positions that Le Pen constructed for herself in her discourse: the Protector, the Punisher, the Women’s Candidate, the Mother, and the Voice of Justice. Our findings show that through careful discursive negotiation between femininity and masculinity, Le Pen managed to engage in a dynamic positioning between a harsh candidate who punishes ‘the Other’ and a compassionate and loving mother candidate who takes care of the nation’s children. This flexible way in which Marine Le Pen claimed different positions for herself may have been a central factor that enabled her to appeal to millions of voters in the 2022 French presidential elections. The study contributes to the literature on identity politics and the discursive mobilisation of gender by female far right political leaders.
Why Normative Behaviourism Fails
Authors: Miller David
Published: January 2023

Starting from Jonathan Floyd’s contrast between ‘mentalism’ and ‘behaviourism’, I argue that, in general, we cannot make sense of a person’s behaviour without also understanding the thinking behind it. Floyd claims that ‘mentalist’ political philosophy is undercut by inconsistency and disagreement in people’s political judgements, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The public does not divide up into rival camps as philosophers do, but instead are mostly value pluralists. Conversely, it is unclear what justificatory role is played by the kinds of observed behaviour – insurrection and crime – singled out by Floyd. Failure to resist a political system cannot tell us whether people endorse the principles it embodies. So the system Floyd wishes to defend – ‘social-liberal-democracy’ – cannot be vindicated as ‘the people’s choice’ simply by producing evidence that it provokes less resistance than alternative systems, past and present.
Venous Reconstruction in Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma Is Not Essential
Authors: Kang Jihee , Choi Kwang Woo , Han Ahram , Min Sangil , Heo Seon-Hee , Yang Shin-Seok , Park Yang-Jin , Min Seung-Kee
Published: January 2023

Objective

Limb salvage is an important concern following complete oncologic resection for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Vascular reconstruction is essential for limb salvage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of vascular reconstruction in patients with extremity STS.

Methods

This is a retrospective, multi-center, case series of consecutive patients who underwent vascular reconstruction during extremity STS resection at 2 major centers in Korea. Demographics, reconstruction methods, type of conduit, surgical complications, graft patency, limb salvage rate, and patient survival were reviewed.

Results

From March 2005 to December 2020, 43 patients underwent vascular reconstructions during STS resection. Among the patients, 22 (51.2%) received arterial only, and 21 (48.8%) received simultaneous arterial and venous reconstructions. For the types of conduits, autologous saphenous veins (56.2%), artificial grafts (26.3%), and cryopreserved allografts (15.8%) were used. During a median follow-up of 23.8 months (interquartile range; 7.7-54.5), the overall primary patency of the reconstructed vessels was significantly higher in arteries than in veins (82.5% vs 56.3% at 12 months, P < .001). According to the type of conduit, the primary patency rate of autogenous vein seemed higher in venous reconstruction, however, there was no statistical significance in both arterial and venous reconstruction. There was no significant difference in primary arterial patency rate ( P = .132) or incidence of surgical complications including postoperative edema or wound problem whether or not simultaneous venous reconstruction was performed with arterial reconstruction. The overall limb salvage rate and patient survival were 97.4%, 95.1%, and 89.4% and 91.9%, 81.7%, and 65.4% at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Patency rates were poorer in venous reconstruction than in arterial reconstruction. In terms of arterial patency and postoperative complication, the role of simultaneous arterial and venous reconstruction seems not essential, however, it needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Comparison of Operative Time Between Robotic and Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Zhen , Yu Hua , Wu Huaping , Wang Pingxi , Zeng Fanwei
Published: January 2023

Background. Previous studies have shown that the robotic approach has better perioperative outcomes but longer operative time than the laparoscopic approach for patients undergoing low anterior resection. However, the impact of the learning curve on operative time is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate operative time and associated outcomes by comparing robotic low anterior resection (R-LAR) with laparoscopic low anterior resection (L-LAR). Methods. Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Web of Science, and CNKI databases were interrogated from the inception to April 2021. Two authors screened all records through full-text reading and extracted and synthesized the data using a structured table. A random-effect model was used to evaluate heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was implemented by R 4.1.1 meta-package. Results. Twelve studies (1684 patients) were included in the present review. R-LAR compare to L-LAR approach has significant differences in operative time (min) (MD = 23.14, 95% CI: 6.89-39.40, P < .01), blood loss (mL) (MD = −42.66, 95% CI: [−68.51, −16.81], P < .01), number of lymph nodes harvested (MD = 1.06, 95% CI: [.16; 1.97], P < .05). Sensitivity analysis of the number of lymph nodes harvested indicated that the overall effect might not be stable. Subgroup analysis showed that mean age and sample size of R-LAR were 2 important factors affecting the estimation. Conclusions. Our results presented a prolonged operative time with the robotic approach compared to laparoscopy, but this gap diminished as the sample size increased. It might be more timesaving once surgeons are familiar with surgical robots.
A Technical Solution to Solve the Operation Difficulties of Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgical Instruments
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Jin Haibo , Zhou Encheng , Fei Ting
Published: January 2023

Need

Mutual interference between the instruments and the lens is inevitable because lenses and instruments used in the surgical field are inserted through a small incision. This problem has seriously affected the popularization and application of single-port laparoscopic surgery.

Methodology and device description

The author used a self-developed single incision sealing device, the hard material operation panel supports the lens and equipment so that one can expose the operation field from any angle. The panel helps the assistant to expose and maintain a stable visual field with one hand holding the mirror and the other holding the plier. While the assistant maintains a stable surgical field, the operator can control the instrument from any angle during the main operation.

Preliminary results

The new approach guarantees the safety of the operation, so the indications for a single-port operation will be promoted.

Current status

The author presents a method that reduces the difficulty of single-port laparoscopic surgery and a more practical technical solution for the use of surgical instruments during a difficult single-port laparoscopic surgery.
A systematic review of authentic leadership literature in educational research from 1997 to 2021
Authors: Ahmed Eman I
Published: January 2023

Given the recent upsurge in publications investigating authentic leadership in education since 1997, this study was carried out to review scholarly publications on authentic leadership in educational research, drawing on a database of 91 studies published between 1997 and 2021. Descriptive methods were employed to identify the features of the related literature with respect to the volume of publication, journal and geographic distribution of the literature, types of studies, authorship trends, citation impact, measurement instruments, research methods, identified antecedents, mediators, moderators, and outcomes of authentic leadership in educational research. The results revealed that the published research consisted mostly of empirical studies. The analysis also revealed that more qualitative methods have been employed in recent years. Significant relationships were also found between authentic leadership and different outcomes (e.g. performance, satisfaction, trust in the leader). Recommendations were provided to improve the quality of the authentic leadership literature.
Reduction in cycle time for a rapid polymerase chain reaction diagnostic test at the point of care
Authors: Nanayakkara Lochana , Pettigrew Talia R , Overton Jenny , Ryan Paul L , Pawar Avaneet K , Midson Hebe M , Coldwell Mark J , Martin Joanne E
Published: January 2023

Background

Rapid testing facilitates safe and effective diagnosis, but the true speed of the process is the time from collection of a sample to delivery of an accurate and reliable test result – ‘end-to-end’ time. Transport, unpacking and relaying of information can extend this time considerably beyond the minimum laboratory turnaround times as stipulated by PCR testing protocols.

Aim/Objective

This study aimed to minimise time needed to ascertain SARS-CoV-2 status prior to treatment in a UK Dental Hospital using a novel, mobile, direct to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) workflow.

Methods

Process flow analysis and PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycles for rapid continuous improvement were employed in a service improvement programme. Primerdesign™ q16 rapid PCR instruments and PROmate® COVID-19 direct assays were used for molecular testing.

Findings/Results

We showed a reduction in real-world end-to-end time for a diagnostic test from 240 min to 85 min (65% reduction) over a 4-week period.

Discussion

New rapid technologies have become available that reduce analytical time to under 90 min, but the real-world clinical implementation of the test requires a fully integrated workflow from clinic to reporting.
Functional outcomes of COVID-19 patients who underwent acute inpatient rehabilitation and the exploration of the benefits of adjunct robotic therapy and the effects of frailty
Authors: Tay San San , Visperas Christine Alejandro , Zaw Ei Mon , Tan Mark MJ , Samsudin Fathiah , Koh Xuan Han
Published: January 2023

Objective

To describe the functional outcomes of post COVID-19 patients after inpatient rehabilitation and determine if patients who underwent adjunct daily robotic therapy with Andago had better functional outcomes than those who did not and if patients who were frail had worse functional outcomes than those who were pre-frail or not frail.

Design

Retrospective study of COVID-19 patients transferred for acute inpatient rehabilitation from 1 November 2021 to 31 December 2021.

Results

Post COVID-19 patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation had an improvement in the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (median 109 vs 82), Functional Ambulation Category(FAC) (median 3 vs 2), distance walked with physiotherapist (mean 143.5 vs 18.7 m), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) (mean 4.5 vs 7.8) from baseline. Robotic therapy may be associated with a shorter rehabilitation medicine length of stay (median 13 vs 19.5 days) and a higher FIM efficiency (mean 2.3 vs 1.2). Patients with a higher frailty score may have a slower 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT) speed at discharge (Spearman’s rho −0.542).

Conclusion

Post COVID-19 patients benefit from inpatient rehabilitation with a comprehensive rehabilitation program, and adjunct robotic therapy may be offered to further improve functional outcomes. Frailty may also be considered when establishing rehabilitation goals, as meaningful functional gains can still be achieved.
What Is the Evidence Surrounding the Cost-Effectiveness of Osteobiologic Use in ACDF Surgery? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Demetriades Andreas K. , Mavrovounis Georgios , Deml Moritz C. , Soe Kyaw Min , Buser Zorica , Meisel Hans Jörg ,   AO Spine Knowledge Forum Degenerative
Published: January 2023

Study design

This study constitutes a systematic review of the literature.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and present all available studies that report on the costs of osteobiologics used in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods

The literature was systematically reviewed to identify studies with specific inclusion criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials and observational studies, (2) in adult patients, (3) with herniated disc(s) or degenerative cervical spine disease, (4) reporting on either direct or indirect costs of using specific osteobiologics in an ACDF operation. (5) Only studies in English were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the MINORS and RoB 2.0 tools.

Results

Overall, 14 articles were included; one randomized controlled trial and 13 observational studies. The most commonly used osteobiologics other than autograft/iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) were allograft and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). None of the studies was reported to be industry-supported. There was considerable heterogeneity on the reported costs. Overall, most studies reported on surgery-related costs, such as anesthesia, operating room, surgical materials and surgeon’s fee. Only two studies, both using allograft, reported the exact cost of the osteobiologic used (450 GBP, $700). Some of the studies reported on the cost of care during hospitalization for the surgical operation, such as radiology studies, emergency room costs, cardiologic evaluation, laboratory studies, pharmacy costs, and room costs. Only a few studies reported on the cost of follow-up, reoperation, and physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Based on the data of this current systematic review, no recommendations can be made regarding the cost-effectiveness of using osteobiologics in ACDF. Given the high costs of osteobiologics, this remains a topic of importance. The design of future studies on the subject should include cost effectiveness.
A proteomic profile of the healthy human placenta
Authors: Manna Samprikta , Scheel Julia , Noone Aisling , McElwain Colm J. , Scaife Caitriona , Gupta Shailendra , English Jane , McCarthy Cathal , McCarthy Fergus P.
Published: January 2023

Background

The placenta remains one of the least studied organs within the human body. Yet, placental dysfunction has been associated with various pregnancy complications leading to both maternal and fetal death and long-term health consequences. The aim of this study was to characterise the protein networks of healthy term placental sub-anatomical regions using label free quantification mass spectrometry.

Methods

Three healthy placentae were sampled at five sample sites and each biopsy was dissected into maternal-, middle-, and fetal- sub-anatomical regions. Quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometer was used in data dependant analysis mode to identify 1859 unique proteins before detailed differential expression between regions.

Results

Protein profiling identified 1081, 1086, and 1101 proteins in maternal, middle, and fetal sub-anatomical regions respectively. Differentially expressed proteins were identified considering the effect between sample site location and sub-anatomical region on protein expression. Of these, 374 differentially expressed proteins (Two-way ANOVA adjusted p-value < 0.05, HSD Tukey adjusted p-value 0.05) were identified between sample site locations and sub-anatomical regions. The placenta specific disease map NaviCenta (https://www.sbi.uni-rostock.de/minerva/index.xhtml?id=NaviCenta) was used to focus functional analysis results to the placenta specific context. Subsequently, functional analysis with a focus on senescence, and mitochondrial function were performed. Significant differences were observed between sub-anatomical regions in protein intensity and composition. A decrease in anti-senescent proteins within the maternal sub-anatomical region, and an increase in proteins associated with a switch from ATP to fatty acid consumption as a source of energy between middle and fetal sub-anatomical regions were observed.

Conclusion

These results suggest that normal proteomic variations exist within the anatomical structure of the placenta, thus recommending serial sectioning methodology for consistent placental research.
Detection of urogenital pathogens in sterile pyuria samples by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Ahmed Omar B. , Bahwerth Fayez S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with sterile pyuria may be infected with sexually transmitted diseases or have renal tuberculosis. This study investigated the possibility of detecting sexually transmitted diseases and Mycobacterialtuberculosis in sterile pyuria samples with polymerase chain reaction.

Methods

Forty-four day-3 negative urine culture samples were investigated for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and Mycobacterialtuberculosis.

Results

Among the 44 samples, 61.4% were positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial DNA (either sexually transmitted diseases or Mycobacteria). Among the 27 positive samples, 37% were positive for Ureaplasmaurealyticum, 26% were positive for Chlamydiatrachomatis, 14.8% were positive for Neisseriagonorrhoeae, 11.1% were positive for Mycoplasmagenitalium, 7.4% were positive for Mycoplasmahominis, and only one sample (3.7%) was positive for Mycobacterialtuberculosis. No significant associations were found between PCR-positive urine samples and patient characteristics.

Conclusions

It was concluded that Ureaplasmaurealyticum was predominant in sterile pyuria followed by Chlamydiatrachomatis. There were no significant associations between PCR-positive samples and sex, symptomatic patients, or antibiotic use. PCR is an instant diagnostic tool for sexually transmitted diseases in sterile pyuria; hence, it is advised to be performed on negative culture samples as a routine laboratory screening test whenever possible.
Nanopore sequencing for detecting reciprocal translocation carrier status in preimplantation genetic testing
Authors: Xia Qiuping , Li Shenglan , Ding Taoli , Liu Zhen , Liu Jiaqi , Li Yanping , Zhu Huimin , Yao Zhongyuan
Published: January 2023

Background

Balanced reciprocal translocation (BRT) is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities that causes infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and birth defects. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is widely used to select euploid embryos for BRT carriers to increase the chance of a healthy live birth. Several strategies can be used to distinguish reciprocal translocation carrier embryos from those with a normal karyotype; however, these techniques are time-consuming and difficult to implement in clinical laboratories. In this study, nanopore sequencing was performed in two reciprocal translocation carriers, and the results were validated using the next-generation sequencing-based method named, “Mapping Allele with Resolved Carrier Status” (MaReCs).

Results

The translocation breakpoints in both reciprocal translocation carriers were accurately identified by nanopore sequencing and were in accordance with the results obtained using MaReCs. More than one euploid non-balanced translocation carrier embryo was identified in both patients. Amniocentesis results revealed normal karyotypes, consistent with the findings by MaReCs and nanopore sequencing.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that nanopore sequencing is a powerful strategy for accurately distinguishing non-translocation embryos from translocation carrier embryos and precisely localizing translocation breakpoints, which is essential for PGT and aids in reducing the propagation of reciprocal translocation in the population.
Brassinosteroids is involved in methane-induced adventitious root formation via inducing cell wall relaxation in marigold
Authors: Li Yihua , Hua Jun , Hou Xuemei , Qi Nana , Li Changxia , Wang Chunlei , Yao Yandong , Huang Dengjing , Zhang Hongsheng , Liao Weibiao
Published: January 2023

Background

Methane (CH4) and brassinosteroids (BRs) are important signaling molecules involved in a variety of biological processes in plants.

Results

Here, marigold (Tagetes erecta L. ‘Marvel’) was used to investigate the role and relationship between CH4 and BRs during adventitious root (AR) formation. The results showed a dose-dependent effect of CH4 and BRs on rooting, with the greatest biological effects of methane-rich water (MRW, CH4 donor) and 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBL) at 20% and 1 μmol L− 1, respectively. The positive effect of MRW on AR formation was blocked by brassinoazole (Brz, a synthetic inhibitor of EBL), indicating that BRs might be involved in MRW-regulated AR formation. MRW promoted EBL accumulation during rooting by up-regulating the content of campestanol (CN), cathasterone (CT), and castasterone (CS) and the activity of Steroid 5α-reductase (DET2), 22α-hydroxylase (DWF4), and BR-6-oxidase (BR6ox), indicating that CH4 could induce endogenous brassinolide (BR) production during rooting. Further results showed that MRW and EBL significantly down-regulated the content of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin during rooting and significantly up-regulated the hydrolase activity, i.e. cmcase, xylanase and laccase. In addition, MRW and EBL also significantly promoted the activity of two major cell wall relaxing factors, xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) and peroxidase, which in turn promoted AR formation. While, Brz inhibited the role of MRW on these substances.

Conclusions

BR might be involved in CH4-promoted AR formation by increasing cell wall relaxation.
Increasing pneumococcal vaccine uptake in older adults: a scoping review of interventions in high-income countries
Authors: Kirubarajan Abirami , Lynch Meghan , Nasreen Sharifa , Gebretekle Gebremedhin B. , Fadel Shaza A. , Crowcroft Natasha S. , Allin Sara
Published: January 2023

Background

There is low uptake of the pneumococcal vaccination in eligible older adults, even in high-income countries that offer routine and universal vaccination programs.

Objective

To systematically characterize interventions aimed at improving pneumococcal vaccine uptake in older adults.

Design

We conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-SCr guidelines of five interdisciplinary databases: Medline-Ovid, Embase, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Library. Databases were searched from January 2015 until April 2020. The interventions were summarized into three pillars according to the European Union Conceptional Framework for Action: information campaigns, prioritization of vaccination schemes, and primary care interventions.

Results

Our scoping review included 39 studies that summarized interventions related to pneumococcal vaccine uptake for older adults, encompassing 2,481,887 study participants (945 healthcare providers and 2,480,942 older adults) across seven countries. Examples of interventions that were associated with increased pneumococcal vaccination rate included periodic health examinations, reminders and decision-making tools built into electronic medical records, inpatient vaccination protocols, preventative health checklists, and multimodal educational interventions. When comparing the three pillars, prioiritization of vaccination schemes had the highest evidence for improved rates of vaccination (n = 14 studies), followed by primary care interventions (n = 8 studies), then information campaigns (n = 5 studies).

Conclusion

Several promising interventions were associated with improved outcomes related to vaccine uptake, although controlled study designs are needed to determine which interventions are most effective.