bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsatisfactory post-operative trauma imaging is predictive of revision surgery
Authors: Atkin Ben , Choudri Mohammed , Nandra Rajpal , Fenton Paul , Hindle Paul
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the relationship between immediate post-operative imaging and the risk of revision surgery for mechanical failure, as well as to determine the effect of routine peer review of post-operative imaging on the rate of unsatisfactory radiological outcomes and revision surgery.

Methods

Two trauma fellowship-trained consultants reviewed all post-operative images prior to the department adopting a metalwork multidisciplinary team and judged whether the surgery was satisfactory or not. Trauma lists and imaging were reviewed for a 90-day follow-up period to determine if a patient had required revision surgery. Following analysis a daily review was introduced where a consensus decision was reached regarding the fixation. A further 90-day follow-up period was utilised to determine the subsequent rate of revision surgery.

Results

In the first cohort 977 cases were identified with an overall revision rate of 2.5%, 875 cases having satisfactory imaging (89.6%) and 102 unsatisfactory (10.4%). Revision rates were 0.5% and 19.6%, respectively. Following introduction of the daily peer review process 709 cases were identified with an overall revision rate of 1.6%, 664 cases had satisfactory imaging (93.7%) and 45 unsatisfactory (6.3%). Revision rates were 0.5% and 17.8%, respectively. Patients with unsatisfactory imaging were significantly more likely to require a revision ( p < 0.0001). There was a significant drop of 4% in the rate of unsatisfactory imaging between the two cohorts.

Conclusion

Unsatisfactory post-trauma imaging can be predictive of the need for revision surgery and peer review of imaging should form part of continuous clinical governance.
Towards high-precision data modeling of SHM measurements using an improved sparse Bayesian learning scheme with strong generalization ability
Authors: Wang Qi-Ang , Dai Yang , Ma Zhan-Guo , Wang Jun-Fang , Lin Jian-Fu , Ni Yi-Qing , Ren Wei-Xin , Jiang Jian , Yang Xuan , Yan Jia-Ru
Published: May 2023

Central to structural health monitoring (SHM) is data modeling, manipulation, and interpretation on the basis of a sophisticated SHM system. Despite continuous evolution of SHM technology, the precise modeling and forecasting of SHM measurements under various uncertainties to extract structural condition-relevant knowledge remains a challenge. Aiming to resolve this problem, a novel application of a fully probabilistic and high-precision data modeling method was proposed in the context of an improved Sparse Bayesian Learning (iSBL) scheme. The proposed iSBL data modeling framework features the following merits. It can remove the need to specify the number of terms in the data-fitting function, and automatize sparsity of the Bayesian model based on the features of SHM monitoring data, which will enhance the generalization ability and then improve the data prediction accuracy. Embedded in a Bayesian framework which exhibits built-in protection against over-fitting problems, the proposed iSBL scheme has high robustness to data noise, especially for data forecasting. The model is verified to be effective on SHM vibration field monitoring data collected from a real-world large-scale cable-stayed bridge. The recorded acceleration data with two different vibration patterns, that is, stationary ambient vibration data and non-stationary decay vibration data, are investigated, returning accurate probabilistic predictions in both the time and frequency domains.
Talking Lines: A Research Protocol Integrating Verbal and Visual Narratives to Understand the Experiences of People Affected by Rarer Forms of Dementia
Authors: Camic Paul M. , Rossi-Harries Sam , Harding Emma , Harrison Charles R. , Sullivan Mary Pat , Grillo Adetola , Brotherhood Emilie V. , Crutch Sebastian J.
Published: May 2023

People affected by rarer forms of dementia often have a long and difficult experience obtaining a diagnosis and appropriate support, impacting family, employment and social relationships, quality of life and wellbeing. For this population progressive cognitive symptoms affect skills other than memory and disproportionately occur under the age of 65 years, often resulting in misdiagnosis and lack of appropriate care pathways. The objective of this study will be to better understand the subjective experience of the time period from first noticing symptoms to obtaining a formal diagnosis, through to accessing support, and onward to the present time. Through the concurrent use of line drawings and video-recorded interviews we will collect the stories of people living with different rarer dementias and/or family members who are care partners in Canada and the United Kingdom. Narrative and visual analysis will be used in parallel to methodologically explore how line drawing and verbal discourse interact and inform each other to construct knowledge, and how the use of drawing lines might enrich research interviews and increase accessibility of research participation. This novel research approach may also have implications for clinical interviewing, support services, and public engagement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to retrospectively explore over time the experiences of people affected by rarer forms of dementia from initial symptoms—to diagnosis—to accessing support—to the present, using visual and verbal methodologies.
Role of ultrasonography for evaluation of nerve recovery in repaired median nerve lacerations
Authors: Toros Tulgar , Isin Beray Kelesoglu , Erol Kubilay , Cetinkol Erkin
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate whether ultrasonographic inspection of the repair site of median nerve lacerations may provide useful evidence about the functional outcome in the affected hand. Forty-three patients with complete transection of the median nerve at the distal forearm were examined at a median of 40.9 months after operation by detailed ultrasonographic imaging and clinical assessment of the affected hand by the Michigan Hand Questionnaire and Rosén-Lundborg Protocol to investigate the quality of nerve healing. The continuity of individual nerve fascicles was assessed and the cross-sectional area of the enlarged nerve at the repair site was measured and compared with the contralateral median nerve at the same level. An enlargement ratio for the repair site of each nerve was calculated and compared with the numeric results obtained from the two clinical tests. A statistically significant reverse correlation was observed between nerve enlargement and the functional results of the repaired nerve.

Level of evidence: IV
The effect of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and pyeloplasty on somatic growth during infancy
Authors: Kord Eyal , Neeman Binyamin B , Perez Dolev , Chertin Boris , Zisman Amnon , Neheman Amos
Published: May 2023

Background:

Evidence regarding the impact of perinatal ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and surgical correction during infancy, on somatic growth are scarce. Understanding these impacts could help advise parents and aid in treatment decision making.

Objectives:

To assess the impact of unilateral UPJO and surgical correction on somatic growth in infants diagnosed antenatally and treated during infancy.

Design:

A retrospective bi-institutional analysis of somatic growth in patients under 2 years who underwent dismembered pyeloplasty for the treatment of UPJO was conducted.

Methods:

We evaluated patients who were diagnosed with unilateral hydronephrosis during pre-natal ultrasound screening for detection of fetal anomalies between May 2015 and October 2020. The height and weight of patients who were diagnosed with UPJO were recorded at the age of 1 month, time of surgery, and 6 months after surgery. Standard deviation scores (SDSs) for height and weight were calculated and compared.

Results:

Forty-eight patients under the age of 2 years were included in the analysis. Median age and weight at pyeloplasty were 6.9 months and 7.5 kg. At 1 month, the median SDS for weight in the entire cohort was –0.30 [interquartile range (IQR): –1.0 to 0.63] and the median SDS for height was –0.26 (IQR: –1.08 to 0.52). In 22.9% of patients (11/48), weight and height were below –1 age-appropriate standard deviations, and 6.3% (3/48) were below –2 standard deviations, suggesting growth restriction. When comparing SDS for the entire cohort, there was no significant difference corelated to measurement time or effect of surgery. In the growth restricted cohort, we found a significant improvement in linear growth for height, which was demonstrated between birth and surgery as well as after surgery.

Conclusion:

Infants with unilateral UPJO diagnosed antenatally as a single anomaly may be at an increased risk of somatic growth restriction in comparison with the general population. In children with growth restriction at time of birth, height seems to improve regardless of surgical treatment. Pyeloplasty during infancy does not seem to negatively affect somatic growth. These findings can be used to counsel parents regarding the potential effects of UPJO and pyeloplasty.
Fingerprint and Chemometric Analysis of Arabinogalactan Derived From Lycium barbarum Fruit
Authors: Huang Wenqi , Sun Jing , Liu Tingting , Zhao Tong , Dong Xinling , Xu Xiaojing , Lu Yu , Lin Xiaoliang , Gong Guiping
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Arabinogalactan is the main active ingredient of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides, possessing various bioactivities. However, the physicochemical properties of arabinogalactans differ between fruit varieties, provenance, and harvest seasons. The study aimed at distinguishing these differences between the main active ingredient (arabinogalactans) of fruit varieties, provenance, and harvest seasons. Methods: We obtained 27 batches L. barbarum fruit arabinogalactans using hot water extraction, fractional precipitation, and their monosaccharide composition and molecular weight fingerprints were established. The similarity between multiple fingerprinting profiles was evaluated using chemometrics. Results: These results showed that the summer fruits (NQ1 and MQ1) from Xianfeng (Inner Mongolia), varieties NQ1 and NQ9 from Jingyuan (Gansu), varieties NQ7 and NQ9 from Zhongning (Ningxia), variety NQ1 from Nanliang farm, Yinchuan (Ningxia) and Guazhou (Gansu), as well as autumn fruits (NQ1, NQ7, and Xiao JianJiao) from Jinghe (Xinjiang) were similar to the summer fruits of variety NQ1 (Zhongning, Ningxia). The quality of L. barbarum fruit was related to locations and varieties. Conclusion: The preparation of the main active ingredient was the key for quality control analysis of L. barbarum fruit. This study provides a theoretical basis for the quality control of L. barbarum polysaccharides, and for the development and utilization of L. barbarum fruit.
Two New Sesquiterpene Glycosides from Fissistigma balansae Merr
Authors: Tham Pham T , Trang Do T , Tai Bui H , Kiem Phan V
Published: May 2023

Objective

Plants of Fissistigma balansae have been used for the treatment of stomachache in Vietnamese traditional medicinal remedies. This study reports 2 new sesquiterpene glycosides from the methanol extract of its branches.

Methods

The sample was extracted with MeOH and the crude extract obtained was suspended in H2O and extracted with EtOAc. This extract was fractionated by various chromatographic methods to yield 2 new sesquiterpene glycosides. The structures of the isolates were determined by NMR spectroscopy and HRESI mass spectra.

Results

From the methanol extract of F balansae branches, 2 new sesquiterpene glycosides, named fissbalanoside A (1) and fissbalanoside B (2), have been isolated and their chemical structures evaluated. Compounds 1 and 2 weakly inhibited NO production with IC50 values of 52.12  ±  1.78 and 65.27  ±  1.82 µM, respectively.
Does Headgear Prevent Sport-Related Concussion? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Including 6311 Players and 173,383 Exposure Hours
Authors: Al Attar Wesam Saleh A. , Mahmoud Hayam , Alfadel Abdulaziz , Faude Oliver
Published: May 2023

Context:

A sport-related concussion (SRC) is a traumatic brain injury that is caused by biomechanical stresses and results in a complex pathophysiological process in the brain. Some in the sporting community believe that headgear (HG) can prevent SRC, and several professional Australian sports organizations, including rugby, football, and soccer clubs, recommend its use.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to determine whether HG is effective in lowering the prevalence of SRC in sports.

Data Sources:

A systematic search for related studies published between 1985 and 2023 was conducted using the following databases: Cochrane Library, AMED, PubMed, Web of Science, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro).

Study Selection:

Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of HG in reducing SRC rate were included.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

Level of Evidence:

Level 1a.

Data Extraction:

Two researchers independently completed the title and abstract search and performed full-text reviews. A third reviewer was consulted to reach a consensus if any discrepancies were noted. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included RCTs. Data recorded from each study included authors, year of publication, type and number of players, study design, duration of the study, injury rate, compliance (%), sports/level, and exposure hours.

Results:

The pooled results of 6311 players and 173,383 exposure hours showed 0% SRC reduction per 1000 hours of exposure in the experimental group compared with the control group, with an injury risk ratio of 1.03 (95% CI, 0.82-1.30; P = 0.79).

Conclusion:

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that HG does not prevent SRC among soccer and rugby players, and therefore the findings from this meta-analysis do not currently support the use of HG to prevent SRC in soccer or rugby.
Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced 3D FLAIR sequence in acute optic neuritis
Authors: Panyaping Theeraphol , Tunlayadechanont Padcha , Jindahra Panitha , Cheecharoen Piyaphon
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence of the brain has the potential for detecting optic nerve abnormality. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of whole-brain contrast-enhanced three-dimensional FLAIR with fat suppression (CE 3D FLAIR FS) sequence in detecting acute optic neuritis to dedicated orbit MRI and clinical diagnosis.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-two patients with acute optic neuritis who underwent whole-brain CE-3D-FLAIR FS and dedicated orbit MRI were retrospectively included. The hypersignal FLAIR of the optic nerve on whole-brain CE-3D-FLAIR FS, enhancement, and hypersignal T2W on orbit images were assessed. The optic nerve to frontal white matter signal intensity ratio on CE-FLAIR FS was calculated as maximum signal intensity ratio (SIR) and mean SIR.

Results

Twenty-six hypersignals of optic nerves were found on CE-FLAIR FS from 30 pathologic nerves. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of CE FLAIR FS brain and dedicated orbital images for diagnosing acute optic neuritis were 77%, 93%, 96%, 65%, and 82% and 83%, 93%, 96%, 72%, and 86%, respectively. Optic nerve to frontal white matter SIR of the affected optic nerves was higher than that of normal optic nerves. Using a cutoff maximum SIR of 1.24 and cutoff mean SIR of 1.16, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 93%, 86%, 93%, 80%, and 89% and 93%, 86%, 93%, 86%, and 91%, respectively.

Conclusion

The hypersignal of the optic nerve on whole-brain CE 3D FLAIR FS sequence has qualitative and quantitative diagnostic potential in patients with acute optic neuritis.
To see, or not to see: Online job advertisement and EU non-discrimination law
Authors: Greif Elisabeth , Grosz Tessa
Published: May 2023

The recruitment process has largely moved online. Job advertisements which used to be bound to newspapers and other print media have become an online service as part of a growing trend towards a more digitalised hiring process. Alongside increased flexibility and cost-cutting, this trend brings so previously unseen challenges. The technology behind online job portals and social media allows job ads to be shown to targeted groups of people using machine learning techniques to filter through the available data and search for the most suitable audience. The correlations that are inferred by algorithms between content and audience, however, can lead to biased outcomes. This is a serious problem since the specific risk with online job ads is that jobseekers who are considered less suitable by the algorithm will not see the ad at all. Such a result effectively hinders access to the labour market and poses the risk of perpetuating existing biases and discrimination. Those discrimination risks raise questions about the legal framework of online job advertisements. This article examines the requirements of the new EU initiatives to regulate artificial intelligence and the digital market and EU non-discrimination law regarding online job advertisements. It also proposes a low-tech solution to the high-tech problems associated with online job advertisements by introducing a legal requirement to publicly tender job ads on an online noticeboard, thus ensuring transparency and effective access to employment.
New Zealand early childhood services: Reasons for use or non-use of tablet computers
Authors: Santamaria Luke , Cherrington Sue , Shuker Mary Jane
Published: May 2023

With the increasing use of tablets in early childhood education (ECE) services internationally, a sequential explanatory mixed-method doctoral study was undertaken to explore their use in New Zealand. The study surveyed four major service types: education and care, home-based, kindergarten, and playcentre. Qualitative data from one tablet user service and one tablet non-user service from each type were then collected. The findings revealed three main reasons for not using tablets: educational philosophy, funding, and company or service policy. The three main purposes for using tablets were for documentation and assessment, playing music, and using these devices for creative purposes. A collective case study identified that two non-users shifted from completely not using tablets to using them for specific purposes, suggesting that tablet computer adoption in ECE is not binary. The data suggest that teachers and educators play a key role in deciding when and how to use tablets in ECE services. Tablet computer use was not limited to a dichotomy of use and non-use; rather their use in New Zealand’s ECE services was spread along a spectrum that ranged from limited, to specialised, to comprehensive use. This study suggests that access to and use of tablet computers is not fixed but varies according to services’ goals and educational philosophies.
The possibilities of internationalism: Producing traveling geographies in a time of trouble
Authors: Cheng Han
Published: May 2023

This essay reflects on critical Chinese geographies in a fracturing world strongly shaped by the ‘new Cold War’ and post-pandemic politics. I argue that in any attempt to rethink geography for emerging global futures, the geopolitical entanglement of positionality and knowledge production must be a key element. After considering the limits to dialogue in a time of trouble, I map the possibilities of internationalism at different geographic scales and academic locations, all of which call for traveling geographies that cross physical, ontological, and epistemic borders.
Theory and explanation in geography revisited: Mid-range causal theories and explanatory conjuncturalism
Authors: Yeung Henry Wai-chung
Published: May 2023

This commentary takes on Jamie Peck’s conjunctural methodologies and reflects on the epistemological matter of theory and explanation in geography. Mapping onto several key elements of conjunctural analysis, I reframe its methodological examination in relation to mid-level concepts and theories (i.e. mid-range theory), the articulation of causality and causal co-determination (i.e. causal mechanisms), and situational analysis, historicisation, and thick theorisation as context-rich explanation (i.e. context-specificity). By way of a sympathetic critique, I focus on two potential ‘blind spots’ that might require further rethinking and perhaps remedies: the underdevelopment of practical adequacy and the role of normative theorising in conjunctural methodologies.
A Qualitative Investigation Into the Experiences of Refugee Adolescents’ Transition Into the Culture of the United States
Authors: Sampson Seth
Published: May 2023

Refugee adolescents have experiences that affect their abilities to acculturate successfully into a new society. This study highlights how the transition into a new culture might affect adolescent refugees’ abilities to form meaningful relationships. It was intended to be a catalyst for empowering this underserved population, to equip school counselors and researchers in the education and clinical fields to develop programs and interventions to support this population. Study results indicated a multitude of experiences from refugee adolescents’ perspectives. This article also discusses implications for school counselors and counselor educators.
Understanding the Narrative Style of Frederick Drew: The Description of Ladakh
Authors: Shaikh Ekta
Published: May 2023

Frederick Drew’s historical account is the most important primary source of nineteenth-century Ladakh. He covered the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir; however, the descriptive analysis in the present article covers only Ladakh. He moves from one territory to another while doing a geological survey, and along with it, he describes the social characteristics of the population. The article is an attempt to outline the narrative style of Drew that allowed him to develop an idea regarding Ladakh’s territories in the nineteenth century.
Invasive Aspergillosis in a Patient With Diabetes Mellitus as the Only Risk Factor: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fernández-Trujillo Liliana , Eraso Isabel , Morales Eliana I. , Sua Luz F.
Published: May 2023

Infection by Aspergillus covers a broad clinical spectrum, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and its disseminated extrapulmonary form, invasive aspergillosis (IA). It typically occurs in severely immunocompromised hosts, but it sometimes affects the immunocompetent population, especially patients with acute diseases being treated at the intensive care unit (ICU) and less often those with chronic conditions. In this article, we report the case of a 50-year-old male, with diabetes mellitus (DM) as the only risk factor, treated for IPA and IA with cardiac and central nervous system (CNS) involvement at a high complexity institution in Cali-Colombia. Clinical presentation and radiological findings are unspecific and require a high level of suspicion. To confirm the case, histological or cytological of the fungus is required; histopathological examination of lung tissue is the gold standard, but it is difficult to perform due to respiratory compromise and high risk of bleeding, so bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) plays an essential role in the diagnostic process. A diagnostic algorithm that includes risk assessment, symptoms, imaging findings, and isolation in cultures is essential to allow the diagnosis and initiation of treatment promptly, which includes a combination of surgery and antifungal medications for long periods, even life-long treatment.
Analysis of the 50 Most Cited Articles on Achilles Tendon Injury
Authors: Sgadari Arianna , Izzo Antonio , Smeraglia Francesco , Coviello Antonio , Patel Shelain , Mariconda Massimo , Bernasconi Alessio
Published: May 2023

Background:

Achilles tendon injuries represent one of the most common reasons for referral to orthopaedic surgeons.

Purpose:

To outline the characteristics, examine trends in publication, and evaluate the correlation between citations and study quality of the 50 most cited articles on Achilles tendon injury.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

After searching the Web of Science for articles published in orthopaedic journals, we identified the 50 most cited articles on Achilles tendon injury and abstracted their characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). Multiple bivariate analyses (Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient) were used to evaluate the association among number of citations, citation rate (citations/year), 2020 journal impact factor (JIF), year of publication, level of evidence (LoE), study type (tendon rupture or chronic tendinopathy), sample size, and mCMS.

Results:

The top 50 articles were cited 12,194 times. Each article had a mean ± SD 244 ± 88.8 citations (range, 157-657) and a citation rate of 12.6 ± 5.4 per year (range, 3-28). A total of 35 studies (70%) were published between 2000 and 2010. The citation rate of the 16 most recent studies was almost double that of the 16 oldest studies (17.5 vs 9.9; P < .001). Nineteen studies (49%) were classified as having poor quality (mCMS <50 points). The mean JIF of the 9 journals that published the studies was 5.1. The citation rate correlated with the number of citations ( r = 0.56; P < .001), publication year ( r = 0.60; P < .001), and LoE ( r = –0.44; P = .005). The publication year correlated with the LoE ( r = –0.40; P = .01). Study quality in terms of mCMS correlated with the JIF ( r = 0.35; P = .03) and LoE ( r = –0.48; P = .003) but not the citation rate ( P = .15).

Conclusion:

The mean LoE and the citation rate of the most cited articles on Achilles tendon injury both significantly increased over time. Although the JIF was positively correlated with study quality, almost half of the studies had poor-quality methodology.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Brand Value Co-creation and Consumer Engagement
Authors: Mujahid Simra , Khandai Sujata , Venkatesh Umashankar
Published: May 2023

Consumer engagement in brand value co-creation has been a prolific area of research in the last decade, and hence evidenced significant growth in literature in terms of both volume and diversity. However, despite substantial progress, the overall intellectual structure of brand value co-creation and consumer engagement research remains tenuous. This study examines extant research on brand value cocreation and consumer engagement through a bibliometric analysis of 398 articles extracted from the Scopus database. We incorporated citation, bibliographic coupling and keyword co-occurrence analysis to identify publication rankings and the major clusters with the help of VOS viewer software. Our findings highlight the contribution of key authors and journals and the state of knowledge and conceptualization of co-creation of brand value through consumer engagement. The results from this study will help researchers discover new areas for future research and will also provide valuable insights for marketers.
Poverty Alleviation and Policy: A Reflective Dialogue
Authors: Pawar Manohar , Tasse Abye
Published: May 2023

This is a recount of a brief encounter between Professor Manohar Pawar and Professor Abye Tasse and their reflective dialogue on poverty alleviation and policy. The dialogue brings out that the paths of poverty alleviation are obvious, but those paths are thwarted by the governance issues and a lack of political will. It also highlights the significance of culture and a social development perspective into social work curricula towards poverty alleviation.
Victimisation and fear of crime in Brazil: The effect on the desire to move
Authors: Plassa Wander , Bernardelli Luan V , Kortt Michael A
Published: May 2023

We examined the effect of victimisation and fear of crime in Brazil and its attendant influence on the desire to move. Data drawn from the 2012 National Victimisation Survey were used to model the relationship between victimisation and the desire to move, with fear of crime used as a mediator variable. Our results indicate that being a victim of crime leads to increased fear, which, in turn, increases the desire to move. However, the indirect effect is comparatively small (i.e., our mediator variable—fear of crime—only marginally attenuates the relationship between victimisation and the desire to move). We also found evidence that property victimisation, victimisation occurring close to an individual's home, and indirect victimisation (i.e., hearing about a crime committed against another person in the neighbourhood) were also predictors of an increased desire to move in Brazil. Lastly, our results also suggest the importance of distinguishing between victimisation that occurred in the last 12 months compared to victimisation that occurred more than 12 months ago. Thus, policies that reduce victimisation and fear of crime may minimise the desire to move and any related economic and social costs.
Indole-3-propionic acid alleviates sepsis-associated acute liver injury by activating pregnane X receptor
Authors: Wang Shuang , Xiong Liangzhi , Ruan Zhihua , Gong Xiaofang , Luo Yanrong , Wu Chengyi , Wang Yu , Shang Hui , Chen Jingyi
Published: May 2023

Background

The morbidity and mortality of sepsis are extremely high, which is a major problem plaguing human health. However, current drugs and measures for the prevention and treatment of sepsis have little effect. Sepsis-associated acute liver injury (SALI) is an independent risk factor for sepsis, which seriously affects the prognosis of sepsis. Studies have found that gut microbiota is closely related to SALI, and indole-3-propionic Acid (IPA) can activate Pregnane X receptor (PXR). However, the role of IPA and PXR in SALI has not been reported.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the association between IPA and SALI. The clinical data of SALI patients were collected and IPA level in feces was detected. The sepsis model was established in wild-type mice and PXR knockout mice to investigate the role of IPA and PXR signaling in SALI.

Results

We showed that the level of IPA in patients’ feces is closely related to SALI, and the level of IPA in feces has a good ability to identify and diagnose SALI. IPA pretreatment significantly attenuated septic injury and SALI in wild-type mice, but not found in knockout PXR gene mice.

Conclusions

IPA alleviates SALI by activating PXR, which reveals a new mechanism of SALI, and provides potentially effective drugs and targets for the prevention of SALI.
Influence of hemicellulose and lignin on intermolecular interaction between quinacridone and lignocellulosic fibers revealed by gel-state NMR and color measurements
Authors: Saito Yasuko , Sakakibara Keita , Tanaka Yuki , Hontama Naoya , Endo Takashi
Published: May 2023

Quinacridone, a π-conjugated planar molecule, and common red pigment in industrial and painting applications, easily aggregates to form large clusters of pigment particles, resulting in a reduction in color strength. Cotton-derived cellulose nanofiber (NF), which almost consists of cellulose without hemicellulose and lignin, has been found to adsorb quinacridone on the surface, which inhibits pigment aggregation. The aggregation inhibition property of cellulose NF was induced by the strong intermolecular interactions between cellulose and quinacridone. In this study, the properties of lignocellulosic fibers for suppressing the aggregation of quinacridone pigments were investigated to reveal the influence of hemicellulose and lignin on the intermolecular interactions between quinacridone and fibers. Two lignocellulosic fibers with different degrees of fibrillation were used as dispersants of the pigment. In the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the quinacridone–lignocellulose mixture, quinacridone particles were observed along the lignocellulose fiber, indicating that the quinacridone particles were well-adsorbed on the fiber surface. Consequently, the color of the aqueous suspension of quinacridone–lignocellulose mixture became increasingly vivid as the weight ratio of the lignocellulose fibers increased and as the fiber was fibrillated. The nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY)–nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum for quinacridone–lignocellulose suspension in d-dimethyl sulfoxide showed several NOE cross-peaks between quinacridone and cellulose/hemicellulose, whereas no cross-peaks between quinacridone and lignin were observed. It can be concluded that cellulose and hemicellulose promote the adsorption of quinacridone on the fiber surface, whereas lignin does not interact with quinacridone, even though both are aromatic molecules. This suggests that the intermolecular interactions based on hydrogen bonding and CH–π attraction are more dominant than the π–π attraction between quinacridone and lignocellulosic fibers.
A flavonol synthase (FLS) gene, GhFLS1, was screened out increasing salt resistance in cotton
Authors: Han Mingge , Cui Ruifeng , Cui Yupeng , Wang Junjuan , Wang Shuai , Jiang Tiantian , Huang Hui , Lei Yuqian , Liu Xiaoyu , Rui Cun , Fan Yapeng , Zhang Yuexin , Ni Kesong , Sun Liangqing , Chen Xiugui , Lu Xuke , Wang Delong , Yin Zujun , Chen Chao , Guo Lixue , Zhao Lanjie , Chen Quanjia , Ye Wuwei
Published: May 2023

Background

Flavonols play important roles in antioxidation and anticancer activities, longevity, and cardiovascular protection.Flavonol synthase(FLS) is a key enzyme for flavonol synthesis.

Result

Phenotypic, transcriptional and metabolic data were analyzed, which showed that there was a close relationship between salt stress and flavonoids, and flavonols were significantly upregulated under salt stress. Nine, seven, four, and fourFLSgenes were identified inGossypium hirsutum,Gossypium barbadense,Gossypium arboreum, andGossypium raimondii,respectively. The results of subcellular localization showed that FLS existed in the nucleus and cytoplasmic. Through phylogenetic analysis, 24FLSgenes were divided into three subfamilies. The results of the RNA sequencing showed that the expression ofGhFLSgenes was mainly induced by salt, drought, low temperature, and heat stress.GhFLSpromoter mainly comprised plant hormone response elements and abiotic stress elements, indicating that theGhFLSgene may play a key role in abiotic stress response. The proline contents of pYL156:GhFLS1 was reduced significantly compared to pYL156 under salt stress, thereby reducing the resistance of cotton to salt stress.

Conclusion

This study will lay a foundation for further study on the antioxidant regulation mechanism of theFLSgene under abiotic stress.
Gut microbiota in patients with kidney stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Tianhui , Xia Yuqi , Li Bojun , Yu Weimin , Rao Ting , Ye Zehua , Yan Xinzhou , Song Baofeng , Li Lei , Lin Fangyou , Cheng Fan
Published: May 2023

Background

Mounting evidence indicates that the gut microbiome (GMB) plays an essential role in kidney stone (KS) formation. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the composition of gut microbiota in kidney stone patients and healthy individuals, and further understand the role of gut microbiota in nephrolithiasis.

Results

Six databases were searched to find taxonomy-based comparison studies on the GMB until September 2022. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3 to estimate the overall relative abundance of gut microbiota in KS patients and healthy subjects. Eight studies were included with 356 nephrolithiasis patients and 347 healthy subjects. The meta-analysis suggested that KS patients had a higher abundance of Bacteroides (35.11% vs 21.25%, Z = 3.56, P = 0.0004) and Escherichia_Shigella (4.39% vs 1.78%, Z = 3.23, P = 0.001), and a lower abundance of Prevotella_9 (8.41% vs 10.65%, Z = 4.49, P < 0.00001). Qualitative analysis revealed that beta-diversity was different between the two groups (P < 0.05); Ten taxa (Bacteroides, Phascolarctobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Flavobacterium, Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Rhodobacter and Gordonia) helped the detection of kidney stones (P < 0.05); Genes or protein families of the GMB involved in oxalate degradation, glycan synthesis, and energy metabolism were altered in patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is a characteristic gut microbiota dysbiosis in kidney stone patients. Individualized therapies like microbial supplementation, probiotic or synbiotic preparations and adjusted diet patterns based on individual gut microbial characteristics of patients may be more effective in preventing stone formation and recurrence.
Delayed PCI is not beneficial for STEMI patients with impaired renal function: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lao Yi , Chen Kaitong , Feng Li , Yuan Yong , Zhang Jin , Zhang Liting , Huang Xuansheng , Li Mingxing , Wu Zidi , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin
Published: May 2023

Background

Preexisting impaired renal function (IRF) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are important prognostic parameters, but it is unknown whether delayed PCI is still beneficial for STEMI patients with IRF.

Methods

A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed in 164 patients who presented at least 12 h after symptom onset, and were diagnosed with STEMI and IRF. They were assigned to two groups to receive PCI plus optimal medical therapy (OMT) and OMT alone respectively. Clinical outcomes at 30 days and 1 year were compared between two groups, and hazard ratio for survival was analyzed using Cox regression model. A power analysis demanded 34 patients in each group to produce a power of 90% and a P value of 0.05.

Results

The 30-day mortality was significantly lower in PCI group (n = 126) than in non-PCI group (n = 38) (11.1% versus 28.9%, P = 0.018), while there was no significant difference in the 1-year mortality and incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities between the two groups. Cox regression analysis showed that patients with IRF didn’t benefit from receiving PCI on survival rate (P = 0.267).

Conclusions

Delayed PCI is not beneficial on one-year clinical outcomes for STEMI patients with IRF.
Goodness-of-fit two-phase sampling designs for time-to-event outcomes: a simulation study based on New York University Women’s Health Study for breast cancer
Authors: Lee Myeonggyun , Chen Jinbo , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Liu Mengling
Published: May 2023

Background

Sub-cohort sampling designs such as a case-cohort study play a key role in studying biomarker-disease associations due to their cost effectiveness. Time-to-event outcome is often the focus in cohort studies, and the research goal is to assess the association between the event risk and risk factors. In this paper, we propose a novel goodness-of-fit two-phase sampling design for time-to-event outcomes when some covariates (e.g., biomarkers) can only be measured on a subgroup of study subjects.

Methods

Assuming that an external model, which can be the well-established risk models such as the Gail model for breast cancer, Gleason score for prostate cancer, and Framingham risk models for heart diseases, or built from preliminary data, is available to relate the outcome and complete covariates, we propose to oversample subjects with worse goodness-of-fit (GOF) based on an external survival model and time-to-event. With the cases and controls sampled using the GOF two-phase design, the inverse sampling probability weighting method is used to estimate the log hazard ratio of both incomplete and complete covariates. We conducted extensive simulations to evaluate the efficiency gain of our proposed GOF two-phase sampling designs over case-cohort study designs.

Results

Through extensive simulations based on a dataset from the New York University Women’s Health Study, we showed that the proposed GOF two-phase sampling designs were unbiased and generally had higher efficiency compared to the standard case-cohort study designs.

Conclusion

In cohort studies with rare outcomes, an important design question is how to select informative subjects to reduce sampling costs while maintaining statistical efficiency. Our proposed goodness-of-fit two-phase design provides efficient alternatives to standard case-cohort designs for assessing the association between time-to-event outcome and risk factors. This method is conveniently implemented in standard software.
Investigation of ocular biometry in 4– to 9-year-old Chinese children
Authors: Zhao Ming-Hui , Song Yi , Liu Jia-li , Li Juan , Wang Ying , Hua Yan-jun , Wu Qiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate the distribution and changes in ocular biometry in 4-to to 9-year-old Chinese children and to compare the differences between age and genders in these parameters.

Methods

This was a school-based cross-sectional study. A total of 1,528 Chinese children, aged 4–9 years, from one primary school and 12 kindergartens, were included in the study. Axial length, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and corneal diameter were measured for each child.

Results

AL and anterior chamber depth gradually increased with age in both genders. No significant changes in corneal curvature or corneal diameter were detected at different ages in either genders group. The mean ALs of males and females were 22.94 ± 0.80 mm and 22.38 ± 0.79 mm, respectively. The mean corneal curvatures of males and females were 43.05 ± 1.37 D and 43.75 ± 1.48 D, respectively. The mean anterior chamber depth of males and females were 3.47 ± 0.24 mm and 3.38 ± 0.25 mm, respectively. The mean corneal diameter of males and females were 12.08 ± 0.43 mm and 11.94 ± 0.44 mm, respectively. Females had consistently shorter ALs, shorter anterior chamber depth, smaller corneal diameter, and steeper corneal curvatures than males at any age.

Conclusions

Boys had larger dimensions than girls for all ocular parameters except corneal curvature (flatter). Boys and girls showed similar trends for all parameters. Axial length and anterior chamber depth increased from 4 to 9 years of age, whereas corneal diameter and curvature did not change with age in either genders.
Sarcopenia parameters in active older adults – an eight-year longitudinal study
Authors: Teraž Kaja , Marusic Uros , Kalc Miloš , Šimunič Boštjan , Pori Primož , Grassi Bruno , Lazzer Stefano , Narici Marco Vicenzo , Blenkuš Mojca Gabrijelčič , di Prampero Pietro Enrico , Reggiani Carlo , Passaro Angelina , Biolo Gianni , Gasparini Mladen , Pišot Rado
Published: May 2023

Backgroud

Sarcopenia is a common skeletal muscle syndrome that is common in older adults but can be mitigated by adequate and regular physical activity. The development and severity of sarcopenia is favored by several factors, the most influential of which are a sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity. The aim of this observational longitudinal cohort study was to evaluate changes in sarcopenia parameters, based on the EWGSOP2 definition in a population of active older adults after eight years. It was hypothesized that selected active older adults would perform better on sarcopenia tests than the average population.

Methods

The 52 active older adults (22 men and 30 women, mean age: 68.4 ± 5.6 years at the time of their first evaluation) participated in the study at two time points eight-years apart. Three sarcopenia parameters were assessed at both time points: Muscle strength (handgrip test), skeletal muscle mass index, and physical performance (gait speed), these parameters were used to diagnose sarcop0enia according to the EWGSOP2 definition. Additional motor tests were also performed at follow-up measurements to assess participants’ overall fitness. Participants self-reported physical activity and sedentary behavior using General Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and at follow-up measurements.

Results

In the first measurements we did not detect signs of sarcopenia in any individual, but after 8 years, we detected signs of sarcopenia in 7 participants. After eight years, we detected decline in ; muscle strength (-10.2%; p < .001), muscle mass index (-5.4%; p < .001), and physical performance measured with gait speed (-28.6%; p < .001). Similarly, self-reported physical activity and sedentary behavior declined, too (-25.0%; p = .030 and − 48.5%; p < .001, respectively).

Conclusions

Despite expected lower scores on tests of sarcopenia parameters due to age-related decline, participants performed better on motor tests than reported in similar studies. Nevertheless, the prevalence of sarcopenia was consistent with most of the published literature.

Trial registration

The clinical trial protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04899531.
The influence of anti-smoking messages to Indonesian youth smoking behavior: the Indonesian 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)
Authors: Megatsari Hario , Damayanti Rita , Kusuma Dian , Warouw Tati Suryati , Nadhiroh Siti Rahayu , Astutik Erni , Dewi Desak Made Sintha Kurnia , Sebayang Susy Katikana
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Various anti-tobacco promotions have emerged in order to reduce the detrimental impacts of tobacco advertising on adolescents. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the exposure to anti-smoking messages and Indonesian youth smoking behavior.

Method

We used secondary data from the Indonesian 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). The participants were students from grades seven to twelve. We used multiple logistic regression to assess the relationship of anti-smoking messages exposure on the smoking behavior variable. We used complex samples process logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and controlling for relevant covariables.

Results

The percentage of the exposure to anti-smoking messages in all types were not more than 25% in each outcome variables. The results also showed that in the current smoker variables, adolescent who exposed to the two variables of anti-smoking messages increased the odds to become current smoker. The variables were anti smoking messages in media (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.15–1.73) and in school (AOR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06–1.50). On the other hand, in the smoking susceptibility variables, there were no variables of anti-smoking messages that had relation with it.

Conclusions

The study concluded that there were only two variables of the anti-smoking messages that had relation with the Indonesian youth smoking behavior, which were current smokers. Unfortunately those variables increased the odds of the respondents to become current smokers. Indonesia government should develop media following international best practices to convey the anti-smoking messages.