bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pole, a Jew, a Mother, a Communist: Tonia Lechtman’s Biography between Home and Exile
Authors: Müller Anna
Published: October 2022

In this article, using the example of Tonia Lechtman, a Polish Jew, a Communist, and a mother, I look at the process of identity shifting. Throughout her life, Tonia Lechtman lived in multiple countries—Poland (1918–1935), Palestine (1935–1937), France (1937–1942), Switzerland (1942–1946), Poland (1946–1971), and Israel (1971–1996)—and in most of those places, she lived on the margins of society while either committed to working for the cause she believed in, Communism, or trying to create a safe space for her small children. The article looks at how her understanding of her own Jewishness and Polishness shifted while Poland remained a place that served as a model home, a project to complete while transforming it into a space of safety and personal growth. At the same time, Communism remained an idea, but also her social reality that framed the space for her shifting identities. The complexity of the intersections of these various roles and identities—their fluidity, on the one hand, and determinacy, on the other—defined how she experienced her life.
Psychosocial Effects of Physical Activity Interventions for Preschoolers, Children, and Adolescents: Role of Intervention Settings
Authors: Rastogi Somya , Cadmus-Bertram Lisa , Meyers Lauren
Published: October 2022

Objective

Physical activity interventions are potential strategies to enhance psychosocial health of children and adolescents. Interventions are performed at diverse settings (e.g., school, home, community), but little research has addressed whether and how the effectiveness of these programs vary by setting type. The aim of this review is to summarize the psychosocial effects of physical activity programs for preschoolers, children, and adolescents at various intervention settings.

Data Source

A systematic search of five electronic databases, MEDLINE-PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and Scopus was performed.

Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

Included studies had participants between 3-18 years, physical activity intervention duration of at least four weeks, experimental design, and at least one psychosocial health outcome.

Data Extraction

Data on participants, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and findings were extracted.

Data Synthesis

Data were synthesized by the intervention setting; school, home, and community.

Results

Of the thirty-five included studies, 74% were performed at schools. Although fewer studies used community (17%)- and home-based (9%) interventions, these were similarly effective in improving psychosocial health as school-based interventions.

Conclusions

Community- and home-based intervention settings may be underutilized despite being similarly effective as school-based settings. A large proportion of time is spent out of school during weekends and summer-break. Community- and home-based physical activity programs may be pragmatic strategies to deliver improvements in psychosocial health of preschoolers, children, and adolescents.
A European perspective on accrediting short learning programs: First experiences are out
Authors: Casadesus Marti , Huertas Esther , Edo Carme
Published: October 2022

In higher education, micro-credentials – that is, proof of the learning results a student has acquired after a short learning programme (SLP) – are gaining in importance. In general, SLPs are formative programs addressed to professionals in a specific area of knowledge. Despite the various characteristics of this type of training, delivered in a wide range of teaching centres and modalities, and therefore the difficulties in defining it, this article presents the first experience of a recognised external quality assurance agency of higher education in accrediting these programs under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESGs). This is a pioneering experience in Europe, which also has the active and direct participation of universities, the professional sector and government departments (specifically those responsible for university, continuous education and employment policies). From an initial assessment of 33 SLPs, organised by universities and aligned with the demands of the productive sector, different conclusions are drawn. The validity of the proposed evaluation methodology, focused on eight specific dimensions, is emphasised, but there are also difficulties inherent in this type of assessment, such as the qualifications of students who access the programs and the balance between the academic and professional characteristics of the teachers concerned.
Synthesis and microwave absorption studies on 2D graphitic carbon nitride loaded polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites
Authors: Kavitha Narayanasamy , Chandramohan Ayyavu , Sharma Devansh , Dinakaran Kannaiyan
Published: October 2022

A light weight electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and microwave absorbing composite films has been developed by loading varying weight content of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets and polyaniline (PANI) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The prepared PVA/PANI/g-C3N4 (1%, 3%, 5%) composites has been subjected to FTIR, X-Ray powder diffraction, SEM, Thermal studies, Dielectric studies and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) analysis. The PVA/PANI/g-C3N4 (1%, 3%, 5%) composites was discovered to have improved electrical conductivity, dielectric loss, and dielectric constant. It is observed from the SEM images that the sheet layers of g-C3N4 are wrapped by the polymer matrix and the morphology to PVA/PANI composite in the g-C3N4 indicates homogeneous blending of PVA/PANI without any phase separation and has porous in it. The PANI/g-C3N4 fractured surfaces present are smooth but irregular in appearance indicating good compatibility between the PVA and PANI matrices. The dielectric properties was found to increase on increasing the concentration of the g-C3N4 nanofiller and reached a maximum of 9.8 × 106 at 1 MHz for 3% g-C3N4 in PVA/PANI. The incorporation of g-C3N4 into PVA/PANI enhanced the conductivity and the 5% g-C3N4 loaded composite film exhibited a conductivity value of 0.043 S/cm at 1 MHz. The PVA/PANI/g-C3N4 (1%, 3%, 5%) composites exhibited potential EMI SE values ranging from 24 to 35 dB at 8.6 GHz and from 42 to 63 dB at 12.4 GHz, for instance the PVA/PANI/g-C3N4 5% composite showed highest value of 63 dB at 12.4 GHz. The PVA/PANI/g-C3N4 5% exhibits the maximum highest reflection loss 8 GHz–12 GHz in which the higher absorption of −36 dB is observed at 10.3 GHz of the X-band region.
Effect of dry sliding wear parameters on the specific wear rate of α-MnO2-epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Hussain Md. Zakir , Khan Sabah , Sarmah Pranjal
Published: October 2022

Wear parameter optimization is critical for the successful use of materials in load-bearing applications. This study examines the optimization of various wear parameters using the Taguchi technique for the determination of the specific wear rate of alpha-manganese dioxide (α-MnO2)-epoxy nanocomposites. Four factors viz. wt.% loading of α-MnO2, sliding distance, sliding velocity, and normal load, were selected as controllable factors and a suitable L16 orthogonal array was chosen for conducting experiments. An X-ray diffractometer and field emission scanning electron microscope were used to examine phase identification, surface morphology, and chemical composition. With the addition of α-MnO2 in the epoxy, the tensile stress is decreased, while the elastic modulus is increased. The Taguchi result shows that the wear test in optimal condition is carried out with a wt.% loading of α-MnO2 of 0.5%, a sliding distance of 500 m, a sliding velocity of 1.5 m/s, and an applied normal load of 5 N. Analysis of variance shows the wt.% loading of α-MnO2 has the most influential parameter on specific wear rate with a contribution of 87.94%. The analysis also shows that the general linear model accurately describes the effect of sliding wear parameters on specific wear rates. The Monte Carlo simulated model shows that the experimental signal-to-noise ratios are consistent with the simulated model values. The confirmation test result shows that the % error between the predicted and experimental values of the specific wear rate at the optimum level combination is 4.67%. The worm surfaces of different trial runs show that the material removal process is caused by crack propagation. High-resolution scanning electron microscopic images of fractured surfaces show the formation of a stable tribo-layer at 0.5 wt.% α-MnO2 loading resulted in a significant decrease in the specific wear rate of the sample.
Breaking the Silence: Men's Experience of Miscarriage. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: McGarva-Collins Suzanne , Summers S. J. , Caygill Lisa
Published: October 2022

This study explored men's experience of miscarriage. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten men with personal experience of miscarriage, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged: ‘This is happening…we’re pregnant!’ captures how men were invested in the pregnancy from either preconception or conception; ‘Left with empty arms, what now?’ uncovers what happened during and following miscarriage; and ‘men feel the loss too, you know’ demonstrates how men crave recognition and appreciation of the loss. Insights are given into the impact that miscarriage has on men and the planning of their families thereafter. We hope the findings enhance health professionals’ understanding of men and miscarriage and assist in challenging both the taboo nature of the topic and outdated, unhelpful stereotypes. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Recreational Drug Use During the Amsterdam Dance Event: Impact on Emergency Services
Authors: Gresnigt Femke MJ , Ghaem Maghami Pedram , van Exter Pieternel , Noordhoff Annelieke , van Dijk Tobias , van Litsenburg Ronald , Holleman Frits , Kramer Mark HH , Nanayakkara Prabath WB
Published: October 2022

Background:

Recreational drug use is common at large-scale dance events such as the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) and severe drug-related complications and deaths occur. Increasing concentrations of cocaine, amphetamine and MDMA have been observed in samples from dance events. Therefore, large dance events are expected to cause an increasing amount of recreational drug related complaints (RDRC) and an increased demand on emergency medical services.

Aim:

To evaluate the impact of recreational drug related complaints (RDRC) during ADE 2016, compared to regular weeks, and to evaluate the requirement for additional medical personnel.

Methods:

For this prospective, observational cohort study, patients >12 years old presenting with RDRC at first aid stations (FAS), ambulance service (AA) and ED during ADE, between October 19th and October 24th 2016 were included. From 2 EDs and AA, the RDRC 2 weeks before and after ADE were also collected.

Results:

An estimated 375.000 people attended ADE. The number of patients with RDRC was 459 at the FAS, 113 at AA and 81 at the ED, and increased significantly during ADE with 225% at AA and with 236% at OLVG ED. Eight patients were admitted. A higher percentage of poly-drug use among ED patients (58%) was found, compared to FAS patients (25%). Also, the proportion of tourists in ED’s (51%) was higher compared to FAS (30%).

Conclusions:

During ADE 2016, the number of intoxicated patients increased significantly. Eight patients were admitted to the hospital, without any deaths. The absolute number of patients stayed within normal range of emergency medical services capacity.
Cutting our own keys: New possibilities of neurodivergent storying in research
Authors: Bertilsdotter Rosqvist Hanna , Botha Monique , Hens Kristien , O’Donoghue Sarinah , Pearson Amy , Stenning Anna
Published: October 2022

Increasingly, neurodivergent people are sharing their own narratives and conducting their own research. Prominent individuals have integrated the ‘nothing about us without us’ slogan, used by neurodivergent and other disabled social activists, into academia. This article imagines a neuromixed academia. We consider how to work through challenges present in neuromixed encounters; to support cross-neurotype communication and pave the way for an ethos of community and collaboration. We explore how we might create a space in which neurodivergent experiences are seen as just one part of our complex and multifaceted identities. We do this through the process of ‘cutting our own keys’, to try out new possibilities of neurodivergent storying aimed at finding ourselves in our own stories about neurodivergence. This involves borrowing and developing methodological approaches formulated outside of research on different forms of neurodivergence, and to invent our own concepts based on our own embodied experiences and the social worlds we inhabit. Throughout, we mingle our own autoethnographic accounts in relation to research accounts and theories, as a way of illustrating the work with the text as a thinking about neurodivergence with each other in itself.

Lay abstract

A lot of people who do research are also neurodivergent (such as being autistic or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), but neurodivergent people do not always feel welcome in research spaces which are often shaped around neurotypical people. Some neurotypical researchers lack confidence in talking to neurodivergent people, and others feel like neurodivergent people might not be able to do good research about other people who are like them without being biased. We think it is important that all researchers are able to work well together, regardless of whether they are neurotypical, autistic, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (or any other neurotype) – in truly ‘neurodiverse’ teams. In this article we talk about how to create better spaces for all researchers, where we feel valued for who we are and take each others’ needs into account. We do this using some approaches from other areas of research and talking about how they relate to our personal experiences of being neurodivergent researchers with our own personal stories. This article adds to a growing work on how we can work with people who are different from us, in more respectful and kind ways.
Not who you think? Exposure and vulnerability to misinformation
Authors: Anspach Nicolas M , Carlson Taylor N
Published: October 2022

Is exposure to false information necessary for misbelief? In this article, we consider the possibility that certain individuals hold misinformed beliefs without encountering misinformation, thus questioning for whom exposure to “fake news” is most deleterious. Using a pre-registered experiment on a diverse sample of 1079 US respondents, we find that the young, those with low information literacy, and those with high trust in government tend to hold mistaken beliefs, even without exposure to misinformation. Because these groups are already misinformed, eventual exposure to fake news does little to influence their misperceptions. Instead, misinformation exposure affects the elderly, those with high information literacy, and those with low trust in mainstream media the most. These results suggest that research focused on correcting misperceptions should avoid studying how certain characteristics correlate with misbelief only in misinformation’s presence.
When courtships fail: The antecedents of failure in strategic alliances between startups and incumbents
Authors: Gan Dennis , Korsgaard Steffen
Published: October 2022

This study explores the antecedents of alliance failure between incumbents and startups by shedding light on the ex ante conditions that initiated the alliances, the in situ conditions that caused the alliance failures, and the ex post conditions of the outcomes. We conducted a qualitative, multiple case-study analysis of four failed alliances in a northern European context based on interviews with executives from the incumbents, startups, and incubators involved. Our findings indicate that the promise of resource complementarity between incumbents and startups does not warrant the success of strategic alliances. Finally, we explore the implications of our findings and propose how incumbents and startups can collaborate better in future alliances.
Training in Aging as a Diversity Factor: Education, Knowledge, and Attitudes Amongst Psychology Doctoral Students
Authors: Graham Kirsten L. , Moye Jennifer
Published: October 2022

The population of older adults is growing rapidly and there will be an increased need for psychological services for this population. Current estimates indicate a significant workforce gap such that all psychologists, regardless of specialty area, will likely be called upon to work with older adults. Education and experience in the care of older adults has been consistently connected with improved competence and interest in working with this population. Further, the APA requires that training programmes adequately cover aspects of individual diversity, though age-related education and training may be largely lacking and/or minimally addressed. The present study explores age-related training within a sample of psychology doctoral students. Participants ( n = 85) consisted of doctoral trainees recruited via email (listserv) to complete an anonymous online survey as part of a larger study. Results indicate that (1) training in aging varies and is inadequate in some programmes; (2) knowledge in aging varies and is associated with training opportunities; (3) training in aging is less than training in race/ ethnic diversity; and (4) attitudes toward older clients are most strongly predicted by extent of training in aging. The authors offer suggestions for expanding age-related aspects into generalist training.
Risk and Protective Factors for Violence Against Women and Girls Living in Conflict and Natural Disaster-Affected Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Murphy Maureen , Ellsberg Mary , Balogun Aminat , García-Moreno Claudia
Published: October 2022

This systematic review provides an overview of existing research on risk and protective factors associated with violence against women and girls (VAWG) in conflict and natural disaster settings. PubMed (Medline); PsycINFO; Scopus; and Cochrane Center trials registrar were searched as well as relevant internet repositories for VAWG research. The inclusion criteria covered studies that were published between January 1995 and December 2020, documented risk and/or protective factors for VAWG in conflict or natural disaster-affected settings and included primary or secondary data analysis. A total of 1,413 records were initially identified and 86 articles (covering 77 studies) were included in the final analysis. The findings show that many preexisting risk factors for VAWG are exacerbated in armed conflict and natural disaster-affected settings. Poverty and economic stress, men’s substance abuse, exposure to violence, changing gender roles in contexts of inequitable gender norms, and a lack of social support are some of the risk factors associated with male perpetration or female experience of violence. In addition, risk factors specific to experiences during armed conflict or in a natural disaster (e.g., displacement, insecurity or congestion in and around displacement camps, militarization of society, killing of family, destruction of property, etc.) are associated with higher prevalence of VAWG in these contexts.
Sorafenib, Lenvatinib, or Lenvatinib Combining PD-1 Inhibitors Plus TACE in Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhao Shu , Zhou Minhang , Wang Peng , Yang Jing , Zhang Dong , Yin Fan , Song Peng
Published: October 2022

Introduction: This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib and programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors versus transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib or sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Consecutive patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who received transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors, lenvatinib, or sorafenib were retrospectively identified in our institution between January 2018 and August 2020. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Results: A total of 84 patients were included in this analysis. The median overall survival was significantly improved in the transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitor group compared with the transarterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib group (26.7 months [95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6] vs 14.4 months [95% confidence interval 9.5-18.9]; hazard ratio 0.39 [95% confidence interval 0.17-0.72]; P  =  .007) or the transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib group (26.7 months [95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6] vs 17.9 [95% confidence interval 13.4-22.2] months; hazard ratio 0.45 [95% confidence interval 0.17-0.87]; P  =  .031). Transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitor also significantly prolonged median progression-free survival compared with transarterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib group (8.2 months [95% confidence interval 3.3-13.0] vs 6.0 months [95% confidence interval 4.2-7.8]; hazard ratio 0.47 [95% confidence interval 0.24-0.74]; P  =  .005) or the transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib group (8.2 months [95% confidence interval 3.3-13.0] vs 6.6 [95% confidence interval 4.3-7.9] months; hazard ratio 0.58 [95% confidence interval 0.31-0.96]; P  =  .047). No significant difference was seen between groups in the incidence of an adverse event or grade 3 or higher adverse event. Conclusion: Transarterial chemoembolization plus lenvatinib, and PD-1 inhibitor was associated with better survival benefits and acceptable toxicities, which may provide an additional therapeutic option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fixed compared to mobile imaging arms for transcarotid artery revascularization
Authors: Koh Ezra Y , Pineau Sylvestre H , Dias Christina G , Al Rstum Zain , Tanaka Akiko , Keyhani Arash , Keyhani Kourosh , Wang S Keisin
Published: October 2022

Objective

Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) is a new surgical option for carotid artery stenosis. While this procedure is optimally performed in hybrid operating rooms (OR), it is currently unclear whether it could be safely performed using portable, C-arm fluoroscopy with equivalent results. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are differences in intraoperative and perioperative outcomes stratified by imaging modality.

Methods

A retrospective review of all TCAR procedures attempted within our health system was performed, capturing all cases between September 2017 and May 2022. Procedures were divided into 2 cohorts, based on whether they were performed in a hybrid OR or with portable, C-arm in a standard OR. Patient demographics, intraoperative results, and postoperative outcomes were compared using univariate strategies.

Results

A total of 503 patients were included for review, of which 422 were performed in a hybrid OR (84%) and 81 were performed using a portable C-arm (16%). Intraoperatively, an increased estimated blood loss (47.7 ± 54.7 vs 26.1 ± 26.9 mLs, p < 0.01) and operative time was found in the cases performed in a hybrid OR. However, the fluoroscopy time was lower (4.0 ± 2.6 vs 5.2 ± 5.8 min, p = 0.01) in the setting of advanced intraoperative imaging. Postoperatively, we found no differences with respect to myocardial infarction (0.2% vs. 0%, p > 0.99), stroke (2.4% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.96), or death (0.7% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.15) between groups.

Conclusions

While there are some intraoperative variabilities between TCAR performed in hybrid versus standard ORs, postoperative outcomes are comparable. Therefore, the lack of a hybrid room should not be a deterrent to the adoption of TCAR.
A Case of a Seven-Year-old boy with Epilepsy with Myoclonic Absence: Importance of Seizure Semiology, Genetic Etiology, and Electroencephalogram Correlation for Timely Intervention
Authors: Frydson Ingrid , Avula Sreenivas , Ahmad Samiya Fatima
Published: October 2022

Epilepsy with myoclonic absence (EMA) is a rare disorder with a mean age of onset of 7 years. It is characterized clinically by rhythmic, myoclonic jerking of the head, extremities or both, with impairment of consciousness and an ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern of 3 Hz bilateral, synchronous and symmetrical spike and wave discharges. Prognosis is guarded and most patients are pharmaco-resistant. We present a case of EMA, found to have a FOXP1 gene pathogenic variation and a variance of unknown significance in the MBD5 gene, who was admitted to the intensive care unit in super-refractory status epilepticus. Given the overlap in symptoms of syndromes including myoclonic-astatic epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, a detailed seizure semiology with EEG correlation, cannot be over emphasized. In this case, the genetic etiology may lend an interesting insight to the severity and prognosis.
Rural Development Practice and History in Ghana and India: Some Comments
Authors: Kumar Ajit
Published: October 2022

This note offers some comments on Theophilus Nkansah’s article entitled, ‘The Role of Adult Literacy in Community Development in Ghana: Perceptions and Experiences of Two Rural Communities’, which was published in the previous issue of this journal (Vol. 4, Iss. 3, pp. 272–293). It aims to share some of the more interesting and insightful aspects of Nkansah’s article and draw attention to the commonalities between Ghana and India in their rural development practice and history.
Estimating the optimal linear combination of predictors using spherically constrained optimization
Authors: Das Priyam , De Debsurya , Maiti Raju , Kamal Mona , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Fuller Clifton D. , Chakraborty Bibhas , Peterson Christine B.
Published: October 2022

Background

In the context of a binary classification problem, the optimal linear combination of continuous predictors can be estimated by maximizing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. For ordinal responses, the optimal predictor combination can similarly be obtained by maximization of the hypervolume under the manifold (HUM). Since the empirical HUM is discontinuous, non-differentiable, and possibly multi-modal, solving this maximization problem requires a global optimization technique. Estimation of the optimal coefficient vector using existing global optimization techniques is computationally expensive, becoming prohibitive as the number of predictors and the number of outcome categories increases.

Results

We propose an efficient derivative-free black-box optimization technique based on pattern search to solve this problem, which we refer to as Spherically Constrained Optimization Routine (SCOR). Through extensive simulation studies, we demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better performance than existing methods including the step-down algorithm. Finally, we illustrate the proposed method to predict the severity of swallowing difficulty after radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer based on radiation dose to various structures in the head and neck.

Conclusions

Our proposed method addresses an important challenge in combining multiple biomarkers to predict an ordinal outcome. This problem is particularly relevant to medical research, where it may be of interest to diagnose a disease with various stages of progression or a toxicity with multiple grades of severity. We provide the implementation of our proposed SCOR method as an R package, available online at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=SCOR.
A map of cis-regulatory modules and constituent transcription factor binding sites in 80% of the mouse genome
Authors: Ni Pengyu , Wilson David , Su Zhengchang
Published: October 2022

Background

Mouse is probably the most important model organism to study mammal biology and human diseases. A better understanding of the mouse genome will help understand the human genome, biology and diseases. However, despite the recent progress, the characterization of the regulatory sequences in the mouse genome is still far from complete, limiting its use to understand the regulatory sequences in the human genome.

Results

Here, by integrating binding peaks in ~ 9,000 transcription factor (TF) ChIP-seq datasets that cover 79.9% of the mouse mappable genome using an efficient pipeline, we were able to partition these binding peak-covered genome regions into acis-regulatory module (CRM) candidate (CRMC) set and a non-CRMC set. The CRMCs contain 912,197 putative CRMs and 38,554,729 TF binding sites (TFBSs) islands, covering 55.5% and 24.4% of the mappable genome, respectively. The CRMCs tend to be under strong evolutionary constraints, indicating that they are likelycis-regulatory; while the non-CRMCs are largely selectively neutral, indicating that they are unlikelycis-regulatory. Based on evolutionary profiles of the genome positions, we further estimated that 63.8% and 27.4% of the mouse genome might code for CRMs and TFBSs, respectively.

Conclusions

Validation using experimental data suggests that at least most of the CRMCs are authentic. Thus, this unprecedentedly comprehensive map of CRMs and TFBSs can be a good resource to guide experimental studies of regulatory genomes in mice and humans.
Towards healthier and more sustainable diets in the Australian context: comparison of current diets with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet
Authors: Hendrie Gilly A. , Rebuli Megan A. , James-Martin Genevieve , Baird Danielle L. , Bogard Jessica R. , Lawrence Anita S. , Ridoutt Bradley
Published: October 2022

Background

There is increasing focus on moving populations towards healthier and more environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide dietary patterns that promote health and wellbeing. It is unclear how these guidelines align with the more recently published global recommendations of the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Reference Diet, and how Australian diets compare to both sets of recommendations.

Methods

Data from one 24-h recall collected for the 2011–13 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analysed for 5,920 adults aged 19–50 years. Subgroups of this population were identified by diet quality and lower or higher consumption of foods often considered to be environmentally intensive (higher animal meat and dairy foods) or associated with healthiness (higher vegetables and lower discretionary choices). Food group and nutrient composition of Australian diets were compared to diets modelled on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Planetary Health Reference Diet. The environmental impacts of diets were estimated using an index of combined metrics.

Results

Compared with the Planetary Health Reference Diet, the Australian Dietary Guidelines contained more servings of the vegetable, dairy and alternatives, fruit, and discretionary choices. The amount of meat and alternatives was higher in the Planetary Health Reference Diet than Australian Dietary Guidelines due to the inclusion of more plant-based meat alternatives. The average Australian diet contained two to almost four times the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Planetary Health Reference Diet maximum recommended intake of discretionary choices, and provided inadequate amounts of the vegetables, cereals, unsaturated fats and meats and alternatives food groups, primarily due to lower intakes of plant-based alternatives. The average Australian diet also contained less dairy and alternatives than the Australian Dietary Guidelines. In the average Australian diet, red meat and poultry contributed 73% to the total servings of meat and alternatives compared to 33% and 10% for the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Planetary Health Reference Diet respectively. The modelled Australian Dietary Guidelines diet met the relevant nutrient reference value for all 22 nutrients examined, whereas the Planetary Health Reference Diet contained an inadequate amount of calcium. The environmental impact scores of the Planetary Health Reference Diet and Australian Dietary Guidelines were 31% and 46% lower than the average Australian diet.

Conclusions

Significant changes are required for Australians’ dietary intake to align more closely with national and global dietary recommendations for health and environmental sustainability.
International medical students’ acculturation and self-rated health status in Hungary: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Umami Afriza , Paulik Edit , Molnár Regina
Published: October 2022

Background

Over the past few decades, the number of international students has increased dramatically. These students have to adjust to unfamiliar social, cultural, and educational environments. The concept of acculturation has been applied in multiple studies on various health outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between acculturation and self-rated health (SRH) among international medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among international medical students at the University of Szeged, Hungary between April and October 2021. A total of 326 participants filled out questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics, acculturation, and SRH. The modified Stephenson multigroup acculturation scale (SMAS) was used to assess the acculturation status; the scale defined acculturation as the degree of dominant society immersion (DSI, 12 items) and ethnic society immersion (ESI, 16 items). To measure SRH, participants were asked to rate their current general health and mental health. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and the multiple logistic regression model.

Results

32.5% of the students reported having poor general and 49.7% poor mental health. We have found that acculturation was associated with SRH in multivariable logistic regression models controlling for sociodemographic characteristic. Bidimensional acculturation, such as ESI and DSI significantly influenced SRH as the likelihood of poor general health decreased (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.31–0.81, P = 0.005), when the ESI was higher, whereas the likelihood of poor mental health decreased (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.35–0.79, P = 0.002) if students had a greater DSI.

Conclusion

Both types of immersion can affect the students’ SRH. If the student could integrate better into their own ethnic group, their general health was better, and if they could strongly integrate into the Hungarian society, their mental health was more favorable. Acculturation measures should be promoted by academics and public health professionals in order to better understand their role in the behaviors, health outcomes, and health care use of medical international students. These findings will help professionals shape culturally sensitive prevention and counselling strategies for international student populations.
Research on pharyngeal bacterial flora in transoral atlantoaxial operation and the postoperative follow-up study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Fu Suo-Chao , Wu You , Zhou Chu-Song , Ma Xiang-Yang
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To study the changes of bacterial flora after a series of preoperative oral disinfection and the postoperative recovery of nerve function of patients with craniovertebral junction disorders who were treated with transoral approach operations.

Methods

This research analyzed 20 cases collected from October 2009 to May 2010. All these patients were with CVJ disorders, including 8 males and 12 females, aged 2 to 66 (38.1 on average), and they were all treated with transoral approach operations. The mucosa samples of the posterior pharyngeal wall were sent for bacteria culture. These samples were collected by sterile cotton swabs at four crucial points, including 3 days before operation/before gargling, 3 days after continuous gargling/after anesthesia intubation on the day of operation, after intraoperative cleaning and washing of the mouth, and after intraoperative iodophor immersion. The microflora was stained by means of smear and further counted after an investigation by microscope. The neural function of patients was evaluated by the ASIA classification and the JOA scores. All patients but two with posterior stabilization performed respectively underwent transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate (TARP) fixation consecutively in the same sitting. A regular reexamination of cervical vertebra with lateral and open mouth X-ray, CT and MRI was conducted after operation to evaluate the reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation, internal fixation position, bone graft fusion, inflammatory lesions and tumor recurrence.

Results

This bacteriological research showed that the mucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall of all the patients was in a sterile state after a series of oral preoperative preparations and intraoperative iodophor disinfection, which was considered as type I incision. The bacterial culture results of the mucosa samples of the posterior pharyngeal wall collected at different time points showed significant differences (χ2 = 42.762,P = 0.000). All the patients had improvement in ASIA, and their neural functions were improved to different levels after operation. There was a significant difference in JOA scores before and after operation (t = 8.677,P = 0.000). Postoperative imaging examination showed that the atlantoaxial screw position was good and firm, and the CVJ disorders were treated appropriately.

Conclusion

It is safe and effective to cut the posterior pharyngeal muscle layer and implant internal fixation by means of transoral approach.
Complications of primary total hip arthroplasty among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and primary osteoarthritis
Authors: Lian Qiang , Lian Yun , Li Kangxian , Yang Qinfeng , Li Kunlian , Zheng Yiqiao , Liu Haibing , Shi Zhanjun , Wang Jian
Published: October 2022

Background

Limited information exists comparing the perioperative complications of the different inflammatory arthropathies (IAs) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our study was aimed to (1) compare perioperative complications and (2) determine the most common complications between the different IA subtypes compared with patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing primary THA and (3) find whether the difference in postoperative complications also exists between different IA after THA.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to identify patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and primary OA undergoing unilateral THA between 2005 and 2014. Preoperative diagnosis, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were determined using the International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification version 9 codes. The prevalence of perioperative complications was compared between patients with IA and primary OA and between patients with different IA.

Results

When compared with patients with primary OA, patients with RA had significantly more postoperative surgical and medical complications. Yet there are just several medical complications differences exist between PA and primary OA or AS and primary OA, including stroke and acute renal failure for psoriatic arthritis and urinary tract infection and pneumonia for AS. What is more, there were also several differences in perioperative medical complications seen in patients with different IA.

Conclusion

Except for patients with RA, the differences in perioperative complications was small between patients with IA and primary OA and between patients with different types of IA.
Clinical impact of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green on surgical treatment for hepatic masses in dogs
Authors: Sakurai Naoki , Ishigaki Kumiko , Terai Kazuyuki , Heishima Tatsuya , Okada Kazuki , Yoshida Orie , Kagawa Yumiko , Asano Kazushi
Published: October 2022

Background

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) is clinically applied to intraoperatively identify hepatic masses in humans. In addition, it is reported to be effective for assessing complete resection in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is limited information on ICG fluorescence imaging for canine HCC, and its clinical usefulness is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraoperative identification and status of surgical margin for canine hepatic masses using near-infrared ICG fluorescence imaging. This clinical study included 104 dogs with hepatic masses. Between 12 and 24 h prior to surgery, ICG solution was injected intravenously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. The fluorescence intensity and pattern of each hepatic mass was investigated using an infrared camera before resection. After resection, the fluorescence intensity of the resection margin was also investigated. The resected masses were histopathologically diagnosed and compared using ICG fluorescence imaging.

Results

One hundred and twenty-two masses obtained from 104 dogs included 76 HCCs, 16 hepatocellular adenomas, 12 focal nodular hyperplasias, and 18 other lesions. Of the 122 masses, 106 (94 partial, 9 whole, and 3 ring fluorescence patterns), 7, and 9 masses showed increased, the same, or decreased fluorescence compared to the normal liver tissue, respectively. The fluorescence intensity and pattern were not significantly related to the histopathological diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of the margin evaluation in the 47 dogs were 100% and 77.3%, respectively. The median survival times in cases of HCC with complete and incomplete resection were 914 and 254 days, respectively. The median survival time of patients with a complete resection was significantly longer than that of patients with a incomplete resection (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

ICG fluorescence imaging has potential clinical value for the identification and margin evaluation of canine hepatic masses. Although it is difficult to use fluorescence imaging for the differential diagnosis of liver tumours, it may be useful for assessing complete resection in cases of hepatic masses demonstrating increased fluorescence in dogs, and complete resection of HCC could have a survival benefit.
Acute mesenteric ischemia: updated guidelines of the World Society of Emergency Surgery
Authors: Bala Miklosh , Catena Fausto , Kashuk Jeffry , De Simone Belinda , Gomes Carlos Augusto , Weber Dieter , Sartelli Massimo , Coccolini Federico , Kluger Yoram , Abu-Zidan Fikri M. , Picetti Edoardo , Ansaloni Luca , Augustin Goran , Biffl Walter L. , Ceresoli Marco , Chiara Osvaldo , Chiarugi Massimo , Coimbra Raul , Cui Yunfeng , Damaskos Dimitris , Di Saverio Salomone , Galante Joseph M. , Khokha Vladimir , Kirkpatrick Andrew W. , Inaba Kenji , Leppäniemi Ari , Litvin Andrey , Peitzman Andrew B. , Shelat Vishal G. , Sugrue Michael , Tolonen Matti , Rizoli Sandro , Sall Ibrahima , Beka Solomon G. , Di Carlo Isidoro , Ten Broek Richard , Mircea Chirika , Tebala Giovanni , Pisano Michele , van Goor Harry , Maier Ronald V. , Jeekel Hans , Civil Ian , Hecker Andreas , Tan Edward , Soreide Kjetil , Lee Matthew J. , Wani Imtiaz , Bonavina Luigi , Malangoni Mark A. , Koike Kaoru , Velmahos George C. , Fraga Gustavo P. , Fette Andreas , de’Angelis Nicola , Balogh Zsolt J. , Scalea Thomas M. , Sganga Gabriele , Kelly Michael D. , Khan Jim , Stahel Philip F. , Moore Ernest E.
Published: October 2022

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a group of diseases characterized by an interruption of the blood supply to varying portions of the intestine, leading to ischemia and secondary inflammatory changes. If untreated, this process may progress to life-threatening intestinal necrosis. The incidence is low, estimated at 0.09–0.2% of all acute surgical admissions, but increases with age. Although the entity is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain, diligence is required because if untreated, mortality remains in the range of 50%. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are the cornerstones of modern treatment to reduce the high mortality associated with this entity. The advent of endovascular approaches in parallel with modern imaging techniques is evolving and provides new treatment options. Lastly, a focused multidisciplinary approach based on early diagnosis and individualized treatment is essential. Thus, we believe that updated guidelines from World Society of Emergency Surgery are warranted, in order to provide the most recent and practical recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of AMI.
Mitochondrial phylogenomics of Acanthocephala: nucleotide alignments produce long-branch attraction artefacts
Authors: Gao Jin-Wei , Yuan Xi-Ping , Wu Hao , Xiang Chuan-Yu , Xie Min , Song Rui , Chen Zhong-Yuan , Wu Yuan-An , Ou Dong-Sheng
Published: October 2022

Background

Classification of the Acanthocephala, a clade of obligate endoparasites, remains unresolved because of insufficiently strong resolution of morphological characters and scarcity of molecular data with a sufficient resolution. Mitochondrial genomes may be a suitable candidate, but they are available for a small number of species and their suitability for the task has not been tested thoroughly.

Methods

Herein, we sequenced the first mitogenome for the large family Rhadinorhynchidae: Micracanthorhynchina dakusuiensis. These are also the first molecular data generated for this entire genus. We conducted a series of phylogenetic analyses using concatenated nucleotides (NUC) and amino acids (AAs) of all 12 protein-coding genes, three different algorithms, and the entire available acanthocephalan mitogenomic dataset.

Results

We found evidence for strong compositional heterogeneity in the dataset, and Micracanthorhynchina dakusuiensis exhibited a disproportionately long branch in all analyses. This caused a long-branch attraction artefact (LBA) of M. dakusuiensis resolved at the base of the Echinorhynchida clade when the NUC dataset was used in combination with standard phylogenetic algorithms, maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI). Both the use of the AA dataset (BI-AAs and ML-AAs) and the CAT-GTR model designed for suppression of LBA (CAT-GTR-AAs and CAT-GTR-NUC) at least partially attenuated this LBA artefact. The results support Illiosentidae as the basal radiation of Echinorhynchida and Rhadinorhynchidae forming a clade with Echinorhynchidae and Pomporhynchidae. The questions of the monophyly of Rhadinorhynchidae and its sister lineage remain unresolved. The order Echinorhynchida was paraphyletic in all of our analyses.

Conclusions

Future studies should take care to attenuate compositional heterogeneity-driven LBA artefacts when applying mitogenomic data to resolve the phylogeny of Acanthocephala.

Graphical Abstract
High-resolution single-cell analysis paves the cellular path for brain regeneration in salamanders
Authors: Yin Binxu , Li Xinyun , Lin Gufa , Wang Heng
Published: October 2022

Salamanders are excellent models for studying vertebrate brain regeneration, with the promise of developing novel therapies for human brain lesions. Yet the molecular and cellular mechanism of salamander brain regeneration remains largely elusive. The insight into the evolution of complex brain structures that lead to advanced functions in the mammalian brain is also inadequate. With high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, three recent studies have reported the differentiation paths of cells in the salamander telencephalon in the journal Science, bringing both old and new cell types into the focus and shedding light on vertebrate brain evolution, development, and regeneration.