bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Side of Sleep: A Systematic Review of the Longitudinal Associations between Peer Relationships and Sleep Quality
Authors: De Lise Francesca , Bacaro Valeria , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: January 2023

In adolescence, peer relationships become crucial since youths start to rely on their peers for support. Thus, multiple facets of adolescents’ well-being are affected by their peer relationships. In this vein, one of the central well-being aspects that could be affected by the peer relationships of adolescents is sleep quality. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how multiple peer relationship factors (i.e., positive, negative, emotional, and behavioral issues related to peer relationships) are intertwined with adolescents’ sleep quality. For this reason, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to summarize longitudinal studies to uncover how the interplay between peer relationship factors and adolescents’ sleep quality unfolds over time. Nineteen longitudinal studies involving a total of 21,232 adolescents were included. Overall, findings from this review showed that (a) positive peer relationships and sleep quality were not associated over time; (b) negative peer relationships and sleep quality were bidirectionally associated over time; (c) few studies evaluated the bidirectional relations between emotional and behavioral issues and sleep quality, showing links with sleep schedule and duration, but not with sleep quality. Meta-analytic results were discussed, considering their implications.
Enabling Transformational Leadership to Foster Disaster-Resilient Hospitals
Authors: Mohtady Ali Heba , Ranse Jamie , Roiko Anne , Desha Cheryl
Published: January 2023

Hospitals’ operational performance during disasters varies from failing, to being responsive and resilient, to dealing with disruption and surprise. Transformational leaders enable continuously learning hospitals that are resilient in the face of disasters by adapting regeneratively and evolving beyond undertaking conventional lesson-learning after each disaster. However, learning from successful transformational leaders in healthcare is still ad hoc with a lack of guidance on how to develop such leaders. Hence, this study sought to identify key competencies of transformational leaders by exploring hospital leaders’ actions in dealing with disasters, considering the disaster cycle of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR). A qualitative case-study design was adopted comprising in-depth semi-structured interviews with twelve senior hospital staff with operational leadership experience with disasters. Three significant categories (themes) and seven key component competencies (sub-themes, in brackets) of transformational leaders were revealed through the analysis of transcripts: (1) ‘Governance and leadership’ (‘transformative agency’ and ‘decisive accountability’); (2) ‘Planning and risk assessment’ (‘risk navigation’, ‘disaster attunement’, and ‘planning agility’); and (3) ‘Communication and network engagement’ (‘communication accelerator’ and ‘collaboration innovator’). The authors propose a transformational leadership model for hospital disaster resilience and an assessment checklist for leaders’ self-reflection to support hospitals in their transition to resilient operations.
Gender Inequalities in Publications about COVID-19 in Spain: Authorship and Sex-Disaggregated Data
Authors: Carrillo Marta Jiménez , Martín Unai , Bacigalupe Amaia
Published: January 2023

Gender inequalities in biomedical literature have been widely reported in authorship as well as the scarcity of results that are stratified by sex in the studies. We conducted a bibliometric review of articles on COVID-19 published in the main Spanish medical journals between April 2020 and May 2021. The purpose of this study was to analyse differences in authorship order and composition by sex and their evolution over time, as well as the frequency of sex-disaggregated empirical results and its relationship with the author sex in articles on COVID-19 in the main Spanish biomedical journals. We identified 914 articles and 4921 authors, 57.5% men and 42.5% women. Women accounted for 36.7% of first authors and for 33.7% of last authors. Monthly variation in authorship over the course of the pandemic indicates that women were always less likely to publish as first authors. Only 1.0% of the articles broke down empirical results by sex. Disaggregation of results by sex was significantly more frequent when women were first authors and when women were the majority in the authorship. It is important to make gender inequalities visible in scientific dissemination and to promote gender-sensitive research, which can help to reduce gender bias in clinical studies as well as to design public policies for post-pandemic recovery that are more gender-equitable.
Association between Shift Work Schedules and Cardiovascular Events in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort
Authors: Dicom Andrew Roshan , Huang Xiangyuan , Hilal Saima
Published: January 2023

Background: Shift work is known to increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and mortality. We investigate the relationship between shift work schedules and cardiometabolic risk factors (smoking, hypertension, and obesity) and their association with cardiometabolic diseases (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) in a multi-ethnic population from Singapore. Methods: 2469 participants from the Singapore-based Multi-Ethnic Cohort underwent physical and clinical assessments. Shift work schedules (morning, evening, night, and mixed) were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results: Among shift workers, night shift workers had a significantly higher prevalence of smoking (54.5%), diabetes (27.3%), and cardiovascular events (14.1%). Compared to non-shift workers, workers in the night (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.26–3.41) and mixed (OR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.22–2.48) shift groups were more likely to be current smokers. A significant association between shift duration and smoking (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00–1.03) was also observed, with longer shift duration (in years) leading to an increase in smoking behavior. No significant associations were found between shift work schedules and hypertension, obesity (BMI), diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as other cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases. Conclusion: This study found that shift schedules and shift duration were most strongly associated with smoking status after covariate adjustments (age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and work arrangement), with night and mixed shift types being strongly associated with current smoker status. As smoking is a modifiable risk factor for cardiometabolic disease, employers of shift workers should increase work-based health interventions to control smoking and promote a healthier workforce.
Potential Clinical Applications of Ozone Therapy in Dental Specialties—A Literature Review, Supported by Own Observations
Authors: Barczyk Izabela , Masłyk Diana , Walczuk Natalia , Kijak Karina , Skomro Piotr , Gronwald Helena , Pawlak Maria , Rusińska Angelika , Sadowska Natalia , Gronwald Barbara , Garstka Adam Andrzej , Lietz-Kijak Danuta
Published: January 2023

Apart from conventional treatment, dentists are increasingly relying on physical therapy modalities in their clinical practice. The aim of this literature review is to analyze the clinical relevance and potential uses of ozone in modern dentistry. The research question is geared towards detailing the multiple potential applications of ozone therapy in a range of dental specialties. Based on the available literature, accessed via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCO databases, a detailed search of the electronic literature was performed for 2001–2022. Eligible studies were chosen according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, using keywords: ozone, ozone therapy, therapeutic applications, oxidants, dental disinfectants, oral medicine, physical therapy in dentistry. Out of 834 manuscripts, 273 studies were curated. A total of 70 publications were used in the final consideration. After assessing their quality, they were analyzed to determine the relevance and potential use of ozone in the various aspects of modern dentistry. Ozone therapy is used mainly as an adjunct to the primary clinical or pharmacological treatment. In some cases of oral mucosal disease, it has proven effective as a primary therapy. During the literature analysis, it was noted that ozone therapy in dentistry is a subject of ongoing research, and the results are not always consistent. The multitude of studies in the literature on the applications of ozone in dentistry reflects the search for its undiscovered physical therapeutic potential.
Learning Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy: Are We Facing an Emerging Situation?
Authors: Moufawad Graziella , Laganà Antonio Simone , Habib Nassir , Chiantera Vito , Giannini Andrea , Ferrari Federico , Vitagliano Amerigo , Della Corte Luigi , Bifulco Giuseppe , Sleiman Zaki
Published: January 2023

Despite wide screening campaigns and early detection, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women. Radical hysterectomy, whether by open, laparoscopic or by robotic-assisted techniques, is the mainstay treatment. However, for adequate surgical results and good oncological prognosis, a gynecological surgeon should be trained to perform those procedures. The learning curve of radical hysterectomy, especially by laparoscopy, is influenced by several factors. The LACC trial, the decrease in cervical cancer incidence and radical hysterectomy procedures have widely reduced the learning curve for surgeons. This article mainly discusses the learning curve of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancers, and how several factors are influencing it negatively, with the need to have medical authorities reset specific surgical training programs and allocate them to special oncological centers.
Factors Associated with the Lifestyle of Pediatric Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coutinho Milena Oliveira , Cavalcante Neto Jorge Lopes , Souza Luiz Humberto Rodrigues , Mercês Magno Conceição das , Fernandes Denise Vasconcelos , Leite Carla César Fontes , Portella Daniel Deivson Alves , Draghi Tatiane Targino Gomes , Santos Klaus Araújo , Costa Laura Emmanuela Lima , Macêdo Lívia Leite da Silva , Correia Larissa de Souza , Barbosa Caroline da Silva , Santana Amália Ivine Costa , Oliveira Lucinete Sena de , Nascimento Mônica Maria do , Silva Rodrigo Alves dos Santos , Calheiros David dos Santos , Mendonça Victor Artur Barros de , Mussi Ricardo Franklin de Freitas , Santos Rafaela Gomes dos , Souza Márcio Costa de , Junqueira Maria Elizângela Ramos , Rodrigues Valdinei de Freitas , Oliveira Ravena Araújo de , Souza Raiane Dourado de , Lima Uiliam dos Santos
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between sociodemographic and occupational variables with the lifestyle of health professionals in pediatric units during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 407 health professionals working in four pediatric health units in the State of Bahia, northeast Brazil. The Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire and a questionnaire with sociodemographic and employment variables self-applied via Google Forms were used. The final binary logistic regression models revealed significant associations between those who received 3 to 5 minimum wages, without a marital relationship and with more than one employment relationship. Data suggest that these sociodemographic and occupational profiles are more exposed to risky lifestyle behaviors. The findings of this study demonstrated the need for greater attention to the health of health professionals in the pediatric field, as well as the promotion of initiatives that seek to value the work of these professionals and reduce the damage caused to their lifestyle, especially in a pandemic scenario.
Spatial Accessibility and Equity Evaluation of Medical Facilities Based on Improved 2SFCA: A Case Study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Liu Linggui , Zhao Yi , Lyu Han , Chen Sining , Tu Yuheng , Huang Shuyun
Published: January 2023

Accurate evaluation of the accessibility of medical facilities is a prerequisite for the reasonable allocation of medical resources in a city. The accessibility of medical facilities depends not only on the distance to the supply and demand points, but also on the time spent in the process, and the supply capacity of the supply points. Taking Xi’an City of Shaanxi Province as an example, this paper comprehensively considers the facility supply capacity and introduces the selection probability function based on the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method. In addition, in order to approximate the residents’ acceptance of different types of hospitals for long-distance medical treatment in real situations, different levels of search radius were set for the different levels of hospitals, and ArcGIS was used to measure the accessibility and evaluate the spatial layout of medical facilities in the main urban area of Xi’an. The results show that there is a significant difference in the accessibility of medical facilities in the main urban area of Xi’an, and the accessibility tends to decrease gradually from the central city to the periphery. The inequity in the allocation of medical facilities in the main urban area of Xi’an is more obvious, with about 81.64% of people having access to 54.88% of medical resources. The accessibility evaluation model established by the improved 2SFCA method can obtain more accurate and objective evaluation results. This study can provide a reference basis for urban medical facilities’ planning and rational spatial layout.
Scale Abbreviation with Recursive Feature Elimination and Genetic Algorithms: An Illustration with the Test Emotions Questionnaire
Authors: Kilmen Sevilay , Bulut Okan
Published: January 2023

Psychological scales play a key role in the assessment, screening, and diagnosis of latent variables, such as emotions, mental health, and well-being. In practice, researchers need shorter scales of psychological traits to save administration time and cost. Thus, a variety of optimization algorithms have been proposed to abbreviate lengthy psychological scales into shorter instruments efficiently. The main goal of this application is to form an abbreviated scale with fewer items while maintaining reliability, relationships among the subscales, and model fit for the full scale. In this study, we use an optimization algorithm (genetic algorithm) and a feature selection algorithm (recursive feature elimination) to abbreviate a psychological scale automatically. Although both algorithms search for an optimal subset of features within a large pool of features, the search mechanism underlying each algorithm is quite different. The genetic algorithm employs a systematic but computationally-expensive sampling process to find the optimal features, whereas recursive feature elimination removes the least important features iteratively until a desired number of features are retained. In this study, we use a 77-item measure of test emotions (Test Emotions Questionnaire) to demonstrate how these algorithms can be used for scale abbreviation. We generate a 40-item short form using each algorithm and compare the quality of the selected items against the full-length scale. The results indicate that both methods can provide researchers and practitioners with a systematic procedure for creating psychometrically sound, shorter versions of lengthy psychological instruments.
Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Quantitative Analysis of Fat and Fatty Acid Content in Living Tenebrio molitor Larvae to Detect the Influence of Substrate on Larval Composition
Authors: Kröncke Nina , Neumeister Monique , Benning Rainer
Published: January 2023

Several studies have shown that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.) could provide animals and humans with valuable nutrients. Tenebrio molitor larvae were studied to determine whether their rearing diets affected their fat and fatty acid content and to ascertain if it is possible to detect the changes in the larval fat composition using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). For this reason, a standard control diet (100% wheat bran) and an experimental diet, consisting of wheat bran and the supplementation of a different substrate (coconut flour, flaxseed flour, pea protein flour, rose hip hulls, grape pomace, or hemp protein flour) were used. The results showed lesser weight gain and slower growth rates for larvae raised on diets with a high fat content. A total of eight fatty acids were identified and quantified, where palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were the most prevalent and showed a correlation between larval content and their content in the rearing diets. There was a high content of lauric acid (3.2–4.6%), myristic acid (11.4–12.9%), and α-linolenic acid 8.4–13.0%) in mealworm larvae as a result of the high dietary content of these fatty acids. NIR spectra were also influenced by the fat and fatty acid composition, as larval absorbance values differed greatly. The coefficient of the determination of prediction (R2P) was over 0.97, with an RPD value of 8.3 for the fat content, which indicates the high predictive accuracy of the NIR model. Furthermore, it was possible to develop calibration models with great predictive efficiency (R2P = 0.81–0.95, RPD = 2.6–5.6) for all fatty acids, except palmitoleic and stearic acids which had a low predictive power (R2P < 0.5, RPD < 2.0). The detection of fat and fatty acids using NIRS can help insect producers to quickly and easily analyze the nutritional composition of mealworm larvae during the rearing process.
Does Gender Influence the Indication of Treatment and Long-Term Prognosis in Severe Aortic Stenosis?
Authors: Gil Llopis Celia , Valls Serral Amparo , Roldán Torres Ildefonso , Contreras Tornero Maria Belén , Cuevas Vilaplana Ana , Sorribes Alonso Adrian , Escribano Escribano Pablo , Gimeno Tio Pau , Galiana Talavera Esther , Geraldo Martínez Juan , Gramage Sanchis Paula , Mateos Alberto Hidalgo , Mora Llabata Vicente
Published: January 2023

Introduction: It is a matter of controversy whether the therapeutic strategy for severe aortic stenosis (AS) differs according to gender. Methods: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with severe AS (transvalvular mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg and/or aortic valvular area < 1 cm2) between 2009 and 2019. Our aim was to assess the association of sex on AVR or medical management and outcomes in patients with severe AS. Results: 452 patients were included. Women (51.1%) were older than men (80 ± 8.4 vs. 75.8 ± 9.9 years; p < 0.001). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed less frequently in women (43.4% vs. 53.2%; p = 0.03), but multivariate analyses showed that sex was not an independent predictor factor for AVR. Age, Charlson index and symptoms were predictive factors (OR 0.81 [0.82–0.89], OR 0.81 [0.71–0.93], OR 22.02 [6.77–71.64]). Survival analysis revealed no significant association of sex within all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities (log-rank p = 0.63 and p = 0.07). Cox proportional hazards analyses showed AVR (HR: 0.1 [0.06–0.15]), Charlson index (HR: 1.13 [1.06–1.21]) and reduced LVEF (HR: 1.9 [1.32–2.73]) to be independent cardiovascular mortality predictors. Conclusions: Gender is not associated with AVR or long-term prognosis. Cardiovascular mortality was associated with older age, more comorbidity and worse LVEF.
What Strain Analysis Adds to Diagnosis and Prognosis in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Pastorini Guido , Anastasio Fabio , Feola Mauro
Published: January 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a common disease that requires appropriate tools to correctly predict cardiovascular outcomes. Echocardiography represents the most commonly used method for assessing left ventricular ejection fraction and a cornerstone in the detection of HF, but it fails to procure an optimal level of inter-observer variability, leading to unsatisfactory prediction of cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we discuss emerging clinical tools (global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle, the right ventricle, and the left atrium) that permitted an improvement in the diagnosis and ameliorated the risk stratification across different HF phenotypes. The review analyzes the speckle-tracking contributions to the field, discussing the limitations and advantages in clinical practice.
Reduced- or Half-Dose Rivaroxaban Following Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Feasible Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients at High Risk of Bleeding?
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Dong , Chen Qin-Fen , Lin Fang , Wang Liangguo , Chen Yihe , Liang Dongjie , Huang Weijian , Xiao Fangyi
Published: January 2023

The optimal antithrombotic strategy after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has not yet been established. The advisability of administering low-dose direct oral anticoagulation after LAAC to patients at high risk of bleeding is uncertain. Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of reduced-(15 mg) or half-dose rivaroxaban (10 mg) versus warfarin regarding real-world risks of thromboembolism, bleeding, and device-related thrombosis (DRT) after LAAC. Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and HASBLED ≥ 3 who had undergone successful LAAC device implantation from October 2014 to April 2020 were screened and those who had received 10 mg or 15 mg rivaroxaban or warfarin therapy were enrolled. The patients were followed up 45 days and 6 months after LAAC to evaluate outcomes, including death, thromboembolism, major bleeding, and DRT. Of 457 patients with HASBLED ≥ 3 who had undergone LAAC, 115 had received warfarin and 342 rivaroxaban (15 mg: N = 164; 10 mg: N = 178). There were no significant differences in the incidence of thromboembolism or DRT between the warfarin and both doses of rivaroxaban groups (all p > 0.05). The incidence of major bleeding was significantly higher in the warfarin group than in either the reduced- or half-dose rivaroxaban groups (warfarin vs. rivaroxaban 15 mg: 2.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.030; warfarin vs. rivaroxaban 10 mg: 2.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.038). Either reduced- or half-dose rivaroxaban may be an effective and safe alternative to warfarin therapy in patients with LAAC and who are at high risk of bleeding, the risk of thromboembolism being similar and of major bleeding lower for both doses of rivaroxaban.
Factors Influencing the Duration of Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly with Mifepristone in Combination with Misoprostol
Authors: Reischer Theresa , Limbach Iris , Catic Anja , Niedermaier Katrin , Falcone Veronica , Yerlikaya-Schatten Gülen
Published: January 2023

This study’s aim was to determine relevant factors that influence the time interval between first induction and fetal expulsion in late termination of pregnancy (TOP) and TOP after previous feticide for severe fetal malformation with a mifepristone–misoprostol regime. This retrospective study included 913 TOPs from a single tertiary care referral center. In 197 out of 913 TOPs, a previous feticide had been performed due to advanced gestational age (after 22 + 0 weeks of gestation). Induction was accomplished using 600 mg mifepristone followed by 400 μg misoprostol. The interval between first induction with misoprostol and fetal expulsion was examined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to predict an induction interval of 12 h or less. The median gestational age at induction of labor was 18.9 weeks of pregnancy. In 487 (53.3%) cases women delivered within 12 h; in 344 (37.7%) cases the induction interval was between 12 h and 36 h. In 82 (9%) cases induction took longer than 36 h. Factors that were significantly associated with a delivery duration of <12 h were a lower gestational age at induction (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.84–0.89; p < 0.001) and a history of at least one previous vaginal delivery (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.20–2.05; p < 0.001). Factors that had no impact included previous cesarean section, performing feticide before induction and maternal age. Maternal BMI showed a non-significant trend.
Treatment of Reticular Oral Lichen Planus with Photodynamic Therapy: A Case Series
Authors: Sulewska Magdalena Ewa , Tomaszuk Jagoda , Sajewicz Eugeniusz , Pietruski Jan , Starzyńska Anna , Pietruska Małgorzata
Published: January 2023

Objectives: The aim of the study was to clinically evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy in treatment of the reticular form of oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and Methods: Twenty patients aged 40–76, with 40 confirmed OLP lesions in total, underwent photodynamic therapy (PDT) following the authors’ own protocol, which used 5% 5-aminolevulinic acid as a photosensitizer applied two hours prior to illumination with a diode lamp emitting light at 630 nm and 300 mW. The therapy comprised of 10 weekly illumination sessions and was clinically evaluated between its completion and the end of a 12-month follow-up. Results: While the baseline mean size of all 40 lesions was 2.74 ± 3.03 cm2, it was 2.97 ± 3.4 cm2 for the 30 lesions on the buccal mucosa and 2.02 ± 1.32 cm2 for the remaining 10 on the gingiva and tongue. On completion of the therapy, 37 sites improved, including 14 showing complete remission. From that point, the mean size reduction of 56.2% (1.2 ± 1.4 cm2) rose to 67.88% (0.88 ± 1.3 cm2) 12 months later. Conclusions: The results suggest that ALA-mediated photodynamic therapy was effective for the reticular form of OLP and may become an optional or complementary treatment.
Multidisciplinary Management of Opioid Use–Related Infective Endocarditis: Treatment, QTc Values, and Cardiac Arrests due to Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Rosenfeld Lynda E. , Jain Shashank , Amabile Andrea , Geirsson Arnar , Krane Markus , Weimer Melissa B.
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: The opioid epidemic has led to an increase in cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis (IE-CS) related to injection use of opioids (OUD) and other substances and a call for a coordinated approach to initiate substance use disorder treatment, including medication for OUD (MOUD), during IE-CS hospitalizations. We sought to determine the effects of the initiation of a multi-disciplinary endocarditis evaluation team (MEET) on MOUD use, electrocardiographic QTc measurements and cardiac arrests due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with OUD. (2) Methods and Results: A historical group undergoing IE-CS at Yale-New Haven Hospital prior to MEET initiation, Group I (43 episodes of IE-CS, 38 patients) was compared to 24 patients undergoing IE-CS after MEET involvement (Group II). Compared to Group l, Group II patients were more likely to receive MOUD (41.9 vs. 95.8%, p < 0.0001), predominantly methadone (41.9 vs. 79.2%, p = 0.0035) at discharge. Both groups had similar QTcs: approximately 30% of reviewed electrocardiograms had QTcs ≥ 470 ms and 17%, QTcs ≥ 500 ms. Cardiac arrests due to VF were not uncommon: Group I: 9.3% vs. Group II: 8.3%, p = 0.8914. Half occurred in the 1–2 months after surgery and were contributed to by pacemaker malfunction/ management and half were related to opioid use. (3) Conclusions: MEET was associated with increased MOUD (predominantly methadone) use during IE-CS hospitalizations without an increase in QTc prolongation or cardiac arrest due to VF compared to Group I, but events occurred in both groups. These arrests were associated with pacemaker issues or a return to opioid use. Robust follow-up of IE-CS patients is essential, as is further research to clarify the longer-term effects of MEET on outcomes.
Metal-on-Metal Hips: Ten-Year Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of the ADEPT Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing and Modular Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mancino Fabio , Finsterwald Michael A. , Jones Christopher W. , Prosser Gareth H. , Yates Piers J.
Published: January 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to update the 10-year follow-up survivorship and metal ions levels of a cohort of metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing (HR) and large-diameter-head (LDH) total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data that compared the outcomes of 24 MoM HR (21 patients) and 15 (11 patients) modular LHD MoM THA at >10 years follow-up. Baseline characteristics as well as intraoperative and postoperative information were collected, including complications, revisions, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and serum metal ions level (Cobalt, Chromium). Metal ion levels were compared using a two-tailed unpaired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test (jamovi v2.3.3.0, Sydney, NSW, AU). Results: No significant differences were detected in gender, BMI, and ASA score between the two groups. Patients in the modular THA group were significantly older (57 years vs. 46 years; p < 0.05). The HR overall survivorship was 91.7% (22 of 24 hips) with survivorship from implant failure and/or aseptic loosening and/or metal debris related 100% of problems. The modular THA overall survivorship was 86.7% (13 of 15 hips) with survivorship from implant aseptic loosening and metal ions complications of 93.4% (14 of 15 hips). No significant difference was noted when comparing clinical outcomes. Metal ions were significantly lower in the HR group (Co 25.8 nmol/L vs. 89 nmol/L; p < 0.001–Cr 33.5 nmol/L vs. 55.2 nmol/L; p = 0.026). Conclusion: Both implants reported excellent and comparable clinical outcomes at >10 years follow-up. The Adept HR reported remarkable survivorship, in line with the registry data, proving once again its reliability in young active males. The modular LDH THA, despite being discontinued, presented higher reliability and a lower failure rate when compared with similar withdrawn MoM implants. Trunnionosis did not appear to be a significant problem in this particular modular design.
Advances in the Pathophysiology of Thrombosis in Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling through Lipid Rafts
Authors: Capozzi Antonella , Manganelli Valeria , Riitano Gloria , Caissutti Daniela , Longo Agostina , Garofalo Tina , Sorice Maurizio , Misasi Roberta
Published: January 2023

The pathological features of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are related to the activity of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) associated with vascular thrombosis and obstetric complications. Indeed, aPLs are not only disease markers, but also play a determining pathogenetic role in APS and exert their effects through the activation of cells and coagulation factors and inflammatory mediators for the materialization of the thromboinflammatory pathogenetic mechanism. Cellular activation in APS necessarily involves the interaction of aPLs with target receptors on the cell membrane, capable of triggering the signal transduction pathway(s). This interaction occurs at specific microdomains of the cell plasma membrane called lipid rafts. In this review, we focus on the key role of lipid rafts as signaling platforms in the pathogenesis of APS, and propose this pathogenetic step as a strategic target of new therapies in order to improve classical anti-thrombotic approaches with “new” immunomodulatory drugs.
THEFIS Test Simulation to Validate a Freezing Model of ASTERIA-SFR Core Disruptive Accident Analysis Code
Authors: Ishizu Tomoko , Sonoda Hiroki , Fujita Satoshi
Published: January 2023

The mechanical consequences of core disruptive accidents (CDAs) are a major safety concern in sodium-cooled fast reactors. Once core disruption occurs, liquefied core materials rapidly disperse vertically and radially. The dispersed materials penetrate the pin bundles and control rod guide tubes (CRGTs) before freezing at the edge of the penetration zone as heat is transferred to surrounding structures. Such freezing phenomena can suppress the negative reactivity feedback of fuel dispersion. The discharge of core materials can be impeded, resulting in a molten core pool formation when tight blockages occur inside CRGTs due to frozen material. Accordingly, freezing phenomena of core materials play a key role in governing the mechanical consequences of a CDA. To validate a freezing model implemented in our CDA analysis code, ASTERIA-SFR, a preliminary simulation of the THEFIS RUN#1 test, was performed. The calculation results show that freezing on the structural wall and crust formation were key phenomena affecting the penetration behavior, and the structural heat transfer is an important parameter. A remarkable reduction of the heat transfer coefficient was required to reproduce the penetration length observed in the experiment. This suggests that the momentum exchange and flow regime at the leading edge as well as heat transfer should be well modeled to predict the freezing phenomena in rapidly evolving CDAs.
Immunomodulatory Potency of Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj) Leaf Extract in Heteropneustes fossilis against Oomycete Pathogen, Aphanomyces invadans
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Das Basanta Kumar , Swain Himanshu Sekhar , Chowdhury Hemanta , Roy Suvra , Bera Asit Kumar , Malick Ramesh Chandra , Behera Bijay Kumar
Published: January 2023

Aphanomyces invadans is an aquatic oomycete pathogen and the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in fresh and brackish water fish, which is responsible for severe mortalities and economic losses in aquaculture. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop anti-infective strategies to control EUS. An Oomycetes, a fungus-like eukaryotic microorganism, and a susceptible species, i.e., Heteropneustes fossilis, are used to establish whether an Eclipta alba leaf extract is effective against the EUS-causing A. invadans. We found that treatment with methanolic leaf extract, at concentrations between 50–100 ppm (T4–T6), protects the H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. These optimum concentrations induced anti-stress and antioxidative response in fish, marked by a significant decrease in cortisol and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in treated animals, as compared with the controls. We further demonstrated that the A. invadans-protective effect of methanolic leaf extract was caused by its immunomodulatory effect and is linked to the enhanced survival of fingerlings. The analysis of non-specific and specific immune factors confirms that methanolic leaf extract-induced HSP70, HSP90 and IgM levels mediate the survival of H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. Taken together, our study provides evidence that the generation of anti-stress and antioxidative responses, as well as humoral immunity, may play a role in protecting H. fossilis fingerlings against A. invadans infection. It is probable that E. alba methanolic leaf extract treatment might become part of a holistic strategy to control EUS in fish species.
FgAP1σ Is Critical for Vegetative Growth, Conidiation, Virulence, and DON Biosynthesis in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Wu Congxian , Chen Huilin , Yuan Mingyue , Zhang Meiru , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Chen Xin , Zhong Haoming , Zheng Wenhui , Zheng Huawei , Zhou Jie
Published: January 2023

The AP1 complex is a highly conserved clathrin adaptor that plays important roles in regulating cargo protein sorting and intracellular vesicle trafficking in eukaryotes. However, the functions of the AP1 complex in the plant pathogenic fungi including the devastating wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the biological functions of FgAP1σ, a subunit of the AP1 complex in F. graminearum. Disruption of FgAP1σ causes seriously impaired fungal vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, sexual development, pathogenesis, and deoxynivalenol (DON) production. The ΔFgap1σ mutants were found to be less sensitive to KCl- and sorbitol-induced osmotic stresses but more sensitive to SDS-induced stress than the wild-type PH-1. Although the growth inhibition rate of the ΔFgap1σ mutants was not significantly changed under calcofluor white (CFW) and Congo red (CR) stresses, the protoplasts released from ΔFgap1σ hyphae were decreased compared with the wild-type PH-1, suggesting that FgAP1σ is necessary for cell wall integrity and osmotic stresses in F. graminearum. Subcellular localization assays showed that FgAP1σ was predominantly localized to endosomes and the Golgi apparatus. In addition, FgAP1β-GFP, FgAP1γ-GFP, and FgAP1μ-GFP also localize to the Golgi apparatus. FgAP1β interacts with FgAP1σ, FgAP1γ, and FgAP1μ, while FgAP1σ regulates the expression of FgAP1β, FgAP1γ, and FgAP1μ in F. graminearum. Furthermore, the loss of FgAP1σ blocks the transportation of the v-SNARE protein FgSnc1 from the Golgi to the plasma membrane and delays the internalization of FM4-64 dye into the vacuole. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FgAP1σ plays vital roles in vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, sexual reproduction, DON production, pathogenicity, cell wall integrity, osmotic stress, exocytosis, and endocytosis in F. graminearum. These findings unveil the functions of the AP1 complex in filamentous fungi, most notably in F. graminearum, and lay solid foundations for effective prevention and control of Fusarium head blight (FHB).
Complementation of an Eisosomal Yeast pil1 Mutant and Characteristics of Eisosomal Distribution in Hyphae of Neurospora crassa Germinating from Two Different Spore Types
Authors: Kollath-Leiß Krisztina , Yang Qin , Winter Hannes , Kempken Frank
Published: January 2023

Eisosomes are plasma-membrane-associated protein complexes of fungi and algae involved in various cellular processes. The eisosome composition of the budding yeast is well described, but there is a limited number of studies only about eisosomes in filamentous fungi. In our study, we examined the Neurospora crassa LSP-1 protein (NcLSP1). By complementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Δpil1 mutant strain with nclsp1, we show the functional homology of the NcLSP1 to yeast PIL1 rather than to yeast LSP1 and hereby confirm that the NcLSP1 is an eisosomal core protein and suitable eisosomal marker. The subsequent cloning and expression of the nclsp1::trfp reporter gene construct in N. crassa allowed for a systematical investigation of the characteristics of eisosome formation and distribution in different developmental stages. In N. crassa, the hyphae germinating from sexual and asexual spores are morphologically identical and have been historically recognized as the same type of cells. Here, we demonstrate the structural differences on the cellular level between the hyphae germinating from sexual and asexual spores.
Additions to Rhytidhysteron (Hysteriales, Dothideomycetes) in China
Authors: Du Tian-Ye , Dai Dong-Qin , Mapook Ausana , Lu Li , Stephenson Steven L. , Suwannarach Nakarin , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Al-Rejaie Salim , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Tibpromma Saowaluck
Published: January 2023

In this study, twelve terrestrial hysteriaceous saprobic fungi growing on different pieces of dead wood were collected from Yunnan Province, China. All hysteriaceous strains isolated in this study tallied with the general characteristics associated with Rhytidhysteron. Detailed morphological characteristics and combined multigene phylogeny of LSU, ITS, SSU, and TEF showed that the twelve hysteriaceous fungi strains represent four distinct new species, and seven new host or geographical records of Rhytidhysteron. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, the four new species (Rhytidhysteron bannaense sp. nov., R. coffeae sp. nov., R. mengziense sp. nov., and R. yunnanense sp. nov.) expand the number of species of Rhytidhysteron from thirty-three to thirty-seven, while seven new geographical records expand the records of Rhytidhysteron in China from six to thirteen. In addition, 10 new Rhytidhysteron host records are reported for the first time, thus expanding the known hosts for Rhytidhysteron from 52 to 62. Full descriptions, images of the morphology, and phylogenetic analyses to show the position of the Rhytidhysteron taxa are provided. In addition, the present study summarizes the main morphological characteristics, host associations, and locations of this genus.
The Relationship between Preoperative Urine Culture and Post-Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Hongmin , Xie Tiancheng , Gao Yuchen , Yao Xudong , Xu Yunfei
Published: January 2023

Background: To predict the occurrence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after percutaneous nephrostrolithotomy(PCNL), preoperative urine culture is a popular method, but the debate about its predictive value is ongoing. In order to better evaluate the value of urine culture before percutaneous nephrolithotomy, we conducted a single-center retrospective study. Methods: A total of 273 patients who received PCNL in Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Urine culture results, bacterial profiles, and other clinical information were collected. The primary outcome observed was the occurrence of SIRS after PCNL. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of SIRS after PCNL. A nomogram was constructed using the predictive factors, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration plot were drawn. Results: Our results showed that there was a significant correlation between positive preoperative urine cultures and the occurrence of postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Meanwhile, diabetes, staghorn calculi, and operation time were also risk factors for postoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Our results suggest that among the positive bacteria in urine culture before percutaneous nephrolithotomy, Enterococcus faecalis has become the dominant strain. Conclusion: Urine culture is still an important method of preoperative evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation of multiple risk factors should be undertaken and heeded to before percutaneous nephrostrolithotomy. In addition, the impact of changes in bacterial drug resistance is also worthy of attention.
Anesthetic Technique and Functional Outcomes in Modified Montgomery Thyroplasty
Authors: Granell Manuel , Martín Ana , Oishi Natsuki , Gimeno Coret Mar , Zapater Enrique
Published: January 2023

Background: Montgomery thyroplasty type I is a surgical technique indicated in vocal cord paralysis which consists of the paralyzed cord medialization, improving the voice quality. The objective of the study is to describe in detail the anesthetic method to obtain optimal post-medialization voice results. Methodology: Retrospective case series study including patients who underwent medialization thyroplasty using the modified Montgomery technique at the General University Hospital of Valencia between 2011 and 2021. The anesthetic technique consisted of general anesthesia with neuromuscular relaxation and a laryngeal mask. Pre- and post-surgical vocal functional data of maximum phonation times (MPT), G score, and Voice Handicap Index-30 (VHI-30) were evaluated. Results: All the patients presented an improvement in voice results, increasing MPT after surgery and a decrease in VHI-30 and G score postoperatively, with statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-surgical results (p-value < 0.05). There were no complications related to anesthesia or surgery. Conclusions: The use of general anesthesia with muscle relaxation in modified Montgomery thyroplasty may be a good option to consider. The use of a laryngeal mask for ventilation combined with a fiberoptic check allows direct visualization of the vocal cords intraoperatively, providing good functional voice results.
Assessment of Attractiveness of the Baltic States for Foreign Direct Investment: The TOPSIS Approach
Authors: Činčikaitė Renata , Meidute-Kavaliauskiene Ieva
Published: January 2023

Foreign investment is one of the driving forces of a country’s economy. The global foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in 2020 amounted to USD 1 trillion, but FDI distribution varies from country to country. Here, the questions arise as to what determines the choice of foreign investors, what the countries can do/are doing to attract FDI, and which Baltic states are the most attractive for FDI. Based on the scientific literature analysis, the definitions of FDI and the attractiveness for FDI, as referred to in the empirical study, are reviewed; the factors affecting FDI are singled out, and the methods/models that are applicable for assessing FDI are investigated. The major purpose of the article is to assess the attractiveness of the Baltic states for foreign direct investment. Research methods: comparative analysis of the concepts and methods available in the scientific literature, secondary data analysis, statistical data processing, and multi-criteria evaluation methods. The results of the assessment of the attractiveness of the Baltic states for foreign direct investment that were determined by applying the TOPSIS multi-criteria evaluation method helped to determine a country’s position in relation to its neighbors and revealed the criteria that weaken or strengthen this position. The results of the research can help the leaders of the states to select the relevant measures to improve their state’s FDI attractiveness in relation to other states.
Loitering Detection Using Spatial-Temporal Information for Intelligent Surveillance Systems on a Vision Sensor
Authors: Wahyono  , Harjoko Agus , Dharmawan Andi , Adhinata Faisal Dharma , Kosala Gamma , Jo Kang-Hyun
Published: January 2023

As one of the essential modules in intelligent surveillance systems, loitering detection plays an important role in reducing theft incidents by analyzing human behavior. This paper introduces a novel strategy for detecting the loitering activities of humans in the monitoring area for an intelligent surveillance system based on a vision sensor. The proposed approach combines spatial and temporal information in the feature extraction stage to decide whether the human movement can be regarded as loitering. This movement has been previously tracked using human detectors and particle filter tracking. The proposed method has been evaluated using our dataset consisting of 20 videos. The experimental results show that the proposed method could achieve a relatively good accuracy of 85% when utilizing the random forest classifier in the decision stage. Thus, it could be integrated as one of the modules in an intelligent surveillance system.
An Investigation on Impact of Online Review Keywords on Consumers’ Product Consideration of Clothing
Authors: Lu Benjiang , Ma Baojun , Cheng Dong , Yang Jianyu
Published: January 2023

Consumers need external information to support their product evaluation, especially with regard to experiencing the product during online shopping. Review keywords provide aggregated information of online reviews for consumers. However, whether and how review keywords affect consumers’ product consideration is still unelucidated. Considering clothing as the research target, we built a model to depict the impacts of website-generated quality- and fit-related review keywords on consumers’ consideration of clothing by bridging cue diagnosticity frameworks and product uncertainty theory. The hypotheses were verified by analyzing the objective data collected from e-commerce platforms and experiments. Results indicate that quality-related review keywords have a more salient positive impact on clothing consideration compared with fit-related keywords. Meanwhile, further complementary analysis based on self-generated review keywords suggests that presenting consumers with social-related keywords and consumer buyback keywords can improve clothing consideration significantly. The research contributes to the literature of product consideration and online review keywords, and related findings can help the platforms and e-merchants to better leverage the advantages of online review keywords.