bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threshold Effect of Industry Heterogeneity on Green Innovation Efficiency: Evidence From China
Authors: Huo Congjia , Chen Lingming , Dong Peipei
Published: June 2022

We scientifically evaluate the efficiency of green innovation in the industry, analyze its changes and development, and study the impact of industry heterogeneity on it. Which will help us grasp the efficiency of green innovation at the industry level, also provides a scientific basis for formulating relevant environmental regulations. Based on industry heterogeneity and green innovation efficiency, this first analyzes industry panel data from 2005 to 2014 in China for 35 industries. It then uses the entropy weight method to calculate the industry heterogeneity and green innovation efficiency of the industry in China. Then, environmental regulations are taken as threshold variables to empirically analyze the correlation between industry heterogeneity and green innovation efficiency. The study found a significant twofold threshold effect that links industry heterogeneity and green innovation efficiency, showing an “inverted N-type” result. Industry heterogeneity negatively impacts green innovation efficiency when the environmental regulation strength is at a higher interval rank and a lower level. However, industry heterogeneity negatively affects the intermediate level of green innovation efficiency.
The Impact of Extreme Response Style on the Mean Comparison of Two Independent Samples
Authors: Zhang Yingbin , Yang Zhaoxi , Wang Yehui
Published: June 2022

Extreme response style (ERS) is prevalent in survey research using rating scales. It may cause biased results in group comparisons. This research conducted two sets of simulation studies to explore the magnitude of the ERS impact on mean comparisons between two independent samples. Data were generated from a multidimensional nominal response model. Study 1 examined the influence of ERS on the estimate of group differences in the variable of interest. The results indicated that ERS led to biased estimates, especially when these groups differed significantly in ERS. The correlation between ERS and the variable of interest also moderated the ERS impact. The results were illustrated with an empirical example. Study 2 investigated the impact of ERS on the type I error and type II error in the independent t-test based on scale scores. When the variable of interest had no true difference between groups, ERS inflated the type I error rate. When the difference existed, ERS inflated the type II error rate. Two groups’ true difference in ERS and the variable of interest, unequal ERS variances, the correlation between ERS and the variable of interest, and the number of items moderated the impact of ERS on type I and II error rates. The implications for practices and further research are discussed.
Organizational Bias in Gender-Based Violence Research
Authors: Weiss Benjamin R. , Shulman Mahala
Published: June 2022

Relatively few victims of gender-based violence (GBV) seek help from nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, or law enforcement agencies, choosing instead to disclose to friends and family or to nobody at all. This article presents a systematic review of GBV research in sociology showing that, despite low rates of formal service utilization, 68% of published articles use data from organizations including social service providers, hospitals, and police stations and courts. While data from organizations are essential for understanding the experiences of people who report to them, they may not be generalizable to victims broadly. Victims who seek formal help may differ from those who do not in their relative social advantage—along lines of race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and more—and in their understandings of and responses to violence. We discuss how more non-organizational research might broaden our understanding of violence experienced by society’s most marginalized, elucidate ways to make formal organizational responses more inclusive, and sensitize stakeholders in the anti-GBV movement to interventions outside of the therapeutic and carceral state.
Cops on Campus: The Racial Patterning of Police in Schools
Authors: Gleit Rebecca D.
Published: June 2022

This article describes how the use of sworn law enforcement in American schools is patterned by school racial composition. Three distinct measures are constructed using data from the Civil Rights Data Collection and the School Survey on Crime and Safety: police prevalence, the degree of exposure that students have to police officers within their schools, and the roles of officers within those schools. Results show that police have become increasingly prevalent in schools with the largest shares of white students, especially at the elementary level. Yet youth in schools with the most Black, Latinx, and Native American students experience the highest exposure to police, and police in these schools are more frequently directed to carry out punitive tasks such as discipline. Student exposure to police is also relatively common in the whitest schools, but officers in these settings are more often used for tasks unrelated to punishment, such as teaching.
Resection of Giant Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma of Jaws by Intraoral Approach—A Case Report and Review
Authors: VE Kanna Shanthosh , Hariram  , Sharma Shivani , Agrawal Amiya , Gupta Richa , Chourasia Nirmal
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

The World Health Organization in 1971 first classified fibro-osseous lesions (FOLs) as cementum forming tumors of jaws as ossifying fibroma (OF), cement-osseous dysplasia, and fibrous dysplasia. Various theories have been put forward regarding the origin of cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) but current interests are oriented toward traumatic and developmental etiologies. The COFs are a slow-growing osteoexpansile tumor which grows to a considerable size. The tumor usually arises from tooth bearing and periodontal ligament region basically of odontogenic origin.

Background:

An inordinate, bony hard swelling, present united in both the jaws showing radiopaque-radiolucent mass, corticated margins, with expansion of buccal as well as lingual cortex gives a delusional image for the provisional diagnosis for surgeon, particularly to decide the surgical approach. These traits showing similarity with FOLs, more particularly cemento-OF, owing to its odontogenic or periodontal origin.

Case Report:

In this case, a 42-year-old female presented with abovementioned features was first taken for biopsy and then planned for simultaneous surgical resection of pathology for both jaws, from an intraoral approach giving a scar-free result. Preclusion of immediate complications was dealt with reconstruction of mandible with 2.5-mm titanium reconstruction plate.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of cement-OF is based on clinical-radiographic-histopathologic evaluation. If remain untreated, these tumor can grow up to an average size of 80 mm, therefore, demanding an early surgical intervention. In our case, intraoral approach leads to almost no residual fibrosed tissue. The patient is further being planned for rehabilitation with either free fibula graft or 3-dimensional mandibular prosthesis.
Toxicological effects of 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the skeletal muscle of mice during the perinatal period: a metabolomics study
Authors: Lam Gideon , Juricek Ludmila , Dayal Hiranya , Laserna Anna Karen Carrasco , Hichor Medhi , Blanc Etienne , Chauvet Caroline , Noirez Phillipe , Coumoul Xavier , Li Sam Fong Yau
Published: June 2022

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulate in the organisms due to their hydrophobicity and resistance to xenobiotic metabolism. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is one of most representative POPs. Its pathophysiological effects have been extensively studied on many types of tissues but not on muscles. In this study, female C57BL/6J mouse model was used to analyze the long-term effects of maternal exposure to TCDD during gestation and lactation on the skeletal muscles (soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius) of the progeny during adulthood. The effects of re-exposure to TCDD in mice exposed during their development were also characterized. Female C57BL/6J mice were maternally exposed to TCDD or its vehicle (n-nonane in corn oil) and then re-exposed to TCDD or its vehicle at 9 weeks of age. The metabolites in the skeletal muscles were analyzed by gas chromatography–quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry (GC–qTOF-MS). Univariate analysis showed significant effects in certain metabolites in the skeletal muscle. It also showed that TCDD exerts a more significant impact on exposure to TCDD at 9 weeks of age than during maternal exposure for the soleus. On the other hand, TCDD exerts a more significant impact on mice maternally exposed to TCDD than at 9 weeks of age for the gastrocnemius. Multivariate analysis showed clear discrimination between the TCDD-exposed mice and the control. This study demonstrates the effects of TCDD observed following maternal exposure; some of them can be reinforced or attenuated by a re-exposure at the adult age, suggesting that the POP which mainly acts through the activation of the AhR leads to metabolic adaptation in the skeletal muscles. The period of exposure was a key factor in our study with TCDD playing a crucial role during the maternal period, as compared to when they were exposed at 9 weeks of age. It was inferred that disruption in amino acid metabolism might lead to a loss in muscle mass which may result in muscular atrophy. Our results also show that the metabolite profiles after perinatal exposure are different in different types of muscles even though they are all classified as skeletal muscles. Therefore, TCDD may affect the organism (specifically different skeletal muscles) in a non-homogenous manner.
A virus–target host proteins recognition method based on integrated complexes data and seed extension
Authors: Xia Shengrong , Xia Yingchun , Xiang Chulei , Wang Hui , Wang Chao , He Jin , Shi Guolong , Gu Lichuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Target drugs play an important role in the clinical treatment of virus diseases. Virus-encoded proteins are widely used as targets for target drugs. However, they cannot cope with the drug resistance caused by a mutated virus and ignore the importance of host proteins for virus replication. Some methods use interactions between viruses and their host proteins to predict potential virus–target host proteins, which are less susceptible to mutated viruses. However, these methods only consider the network topology between the virus and the host proteins, ignoring the influences of protein complexes. Therefore, we introduce protein complexes that are less susceptible to drug resistance of mutated viruses, which helps recognize the unknown virus–target host proteins and reduce the cost of disease treatment.

Results

Since protein complexes contain virus–target host proteins, it is reasonable to predict virus–target human proteins from the perspective of the protein complexes. We propose a coverage clustering-core-subsidiary protein complex recognition method named CCA-SE that integrates the known virus–target host proteins, the human protein–protein interaction network, and the known human protein complexes. The proposed method aims to obtain the potential unknown virus–target human host proteins. We list part of the targets after proving our results effectively in enrichment experiments.

Conclusions

Our proposed CCA-SE method consists of two parts: one is CCA, which is to recognize protein complexes, and the other is SE, which is to select seed nodes as the core of protein complexes by using seed expansion. The experimental results validate that CCA-SE achieves efficient recognition of the virus–target host proteins.
eQTLs are key players in the integration of genomic and transcriptomic data for phenotype prediction
Authors: Wade Abdou Rahmane , Duruflé Harold , Sanchez Leopoldo , Segura Vincent
Published: June 2022

Background

Multi-omics represent a promising link between phenotypes and genome variation. Few studies yet address their integration to understand genetic architecture and improve predictability.

Results

Our study used 241 poplar genotypes, phenotyped in two common gardens, with xylem and cambium RNA sequenced at one site, yielding large phenotypic, genomic (SNP), and transcriptomic datasets. Prediction models for each trait were built separately for SNPs and transcripts, and compared to a third model integrated by concatenation of both omics. The advantage of integration varied across traits and, to understand such differences, an eQTL analysis was performed to characterize the interplay between the genome and transcriptome and classify the predicting features into cis or trans relationships. A strong, significant negative correlation was found between the change in predictability and the change in predictor ranking for trans eQTLs for traits evaluated in the site of transcriptomic sampling.

Conclusions

Consequently, beneficial integration happens when the redundancy of predictors is decreased, likely leaving the stage to other less prominent but complementary predictors. An additional gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis appeared to corroborate such statistical output. To our knowledge, this is a novel finding delineating a promising method to explore data integration.
Genome-scale metabolic network model of Eriocheir sinensis icrab4665 and nutritional requirement analysis
Authors: Li Jingjing , Gou Yifei , Yang Jiarui , Zhao Lingxuan , Wang Bin , Hao Tong , Sun Jinsheng
Published: June 2022

Background

Genome-scale metabolic network models (GEMs) provide an efficient platform for the comprehensive analysis the physical and biochemical functions of organisms due to their systematic perspective on the study of metabolic processes. Eriocheir sinensis is an important economic species cultivated on a large scale because it is delicious and nutritious and has a high economic value. Feed improvement is one of the important methods to improve the yield of E. sinensis and control water pollution caused by the inadequate absorption of feed.

Results

In this study, a GEM of E. sinensis, icrab4665, was reconstructed based on the transcriptome sequencing, combined with KEGG database, literature and experimental data. The icrab4665 comprised 4665 unigenes, 2060 reactions and 1891 metabolites, which were distributed in 12 metabolic subsystems and 113 metabolic pathways. The model was used to predict the optimal nutrient requirements of E. sinensis in feed, and suggestions for feed improvement were put forward based on the simulation results. The simulation results showed that arginine, methionine, isoleucine and phenylalanine had more active metabolism in E. sinensis. It was suggested that the amount of these essential amino acids should be proportionally higher than that of other amino acids in the feed to ensure the amino acid metabolism of E. sinensis. On the basis of the simulation results, we further suggested increasing the amount of linoleic acid, EPA and DHA in the feed to ensure the intake of essential fatty acids for the growth of E. sinensis and promote the accumulation of cell substances. In addition, the amounts of zinc and selenium in the feed were also suggested to be properly increased to ensure the basic metabolism and growth demand of E. sinensis.

Conclusion

The largest GEM of E. sinensis was reconstructed and suggestions were provide for the improvement of feed contents based on the model simulation. This study promoted the exploration of feed optimization for aquatic crustaceans from in vivo and in silico. The results provided guidance for improving the feed proportion for E. sinensis, which is of great significance to improve its yield and economic value.
A novel simulation-based approach to training for recruitment of older adults to clinical trials
Authors: Fisher Harriet , Zabar Sondra , Chodosh Joshua , Langford Aisha , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Sherman Scott , Altshuler Lisa
Published: June 2022

Background

The need to engage adults, age 65 and older, in clinical trials of conditions typical in older populations, (e.g. hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia) is exponentially increasing. Older adults have been markedly underrepresented in clinical trials, often exacerbated by exclusionary study criteria as well as functional dependencies that preclude participation. Such dependencies may further exacerbate communication challenges. Consequently, the evidence of what works in subject recruitment is less generalizable to older populations, even more so for those from racial and ethnic minority and low-income communities.

Methods

To support capacity of research staff, we developed a virtual, three station simulation (Group Objective Structured Clinical Experience—GOSCE) to teach research staff communication skills. This 2-h course included a discussion of challenges in recruiting older adults; skills practice with Standardized Participants (SPs) and faculty observer who provided immediate feedback; and debrief to highlight best practices. Each learner had opportunities for active learning and observational learning. Learners completed a retrospective pre-post survey about the experience. SP completed an 11-item communication checklist evaluating the learner on a series of established behaviorally anchored communication skills (29).

Results

In the research staff survey, 92% reported the overall activity taught them something new; 98% reported it provided valuable feedback; 100% said they would like to participate again. In the SP evaluation there was significant variation: the percent well-done of items by case ranged from 25–85%.

Conclusions

Results from this pilot suggest that GOSCEs are a (1) acceptable; (2) low cost; and (3) differentiating mechanism for training and assessing research staff in communication skills and structural competency necessary for participant research recruitment.
Osteosarcopenic obesity and its components—osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity—are associated with blood cell count-derived inflammation indices in older Chinese people
Authors: Nie Yi-zhen , Yan Zhao-qi , Yin Hui , Shan Ling-han , Wang Jia-hui , Wu Qun-hong
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) and its components with complete blood cell count-derived inflammation indices.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data of 648 participants aged ≥60 years (men/women: 232/416, mean age: 67.21 ± 6.40 years) were collected from January 2018 to December 2020. Areal bone mineral density and body fat percentage were used to define osteopenia/osteoporosis and obesity, respectively. The criteria of the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia were used to diagnose sarcopenia. Based on the number of these conditions, participants were divided into four groups: OSO/0, OSO/1, OSO/2, and OSO/3. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associations between blood cell count-derived inflammation indices and the number of disorders with abnormal body composition.

Results

Systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), white blood cells, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), aggregate inflammation systemic index (AISI), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) showed statistically significant differences among the four groups (P < 0.05). Unlike in the OSO/0 group, in all other groups, AISI, SIRI, PLR, and NLR were significantly associated with increased likelihood of having multiple disorders with abnormal body composition after adjustment for confounders (P < 0.0001 for all). However, LMR showed an inverse correlation with the number of these conditions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher SIRI, AISI, NLR, and PLR values and lower LMR values are closely associated with OSO and its individual components—osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity—in older adults, suggesting that the value of these indices in the evaluation of OSO warrants further investigation.
Genetic characterization of two G8P[8] rotavirus strains isolated in Guangzhou, China, in 2020/21: evidence of genome reassortment
Authors: Wang Si-Jie , Chen Li-Na , Wang Song-Mei , Zhou Hong-Lu , Qiu Chao , Jiang Baoming , Qiu Tian-Yi , Chen Sheng-Li , von Seidlein Lorenz , Wang Xuan-Yi
Published: June 2022

Background

The G8 rotavirus genotype has been detected frequently in children in many countries and even became the predominant strain in sub-Saharan African countries, while there are currently no reports from China. In this study we described the genetic characteristics and evolutionary relationship between rotavirus strains from Guangzhou in China and the epidemic rotavirus strains derived from GenBank, 2020–2021.

Methods

Virus isolation and subsequent next-generation sequencing were performed for confirmed G8P[8] specimens. The genetic characteristics and evolutionary relationship were analyzed in comparison with epidemic rotavirus sequences obtained from GenBank.

Results

The two Guangzhou G8 strains were DS-1-like with the closest genetic distance to strains circulating in Southeast Asia. The VP7 genes of the two strains were derived from a human, not an animal G8 rotavirus. Large genetic distances in several genes suggested that the Guangzhou strains may not have been transmitted directly from Southeast Asian countries, but have emerged following reassortment events.

Conclusions

We report the whole genome sequence information of G8P[8] rotaviruses recently detected in China; their clinical and epidemiological significance remains to be explored further.
High expression level of CXCL1/GROα is linked to advanced stage and worse survival in uterine cervical cancer and facilitates tumor cell malignant processes
Authors: Man Xiaxia , Yang Xiaolin , Wei Zhentong , Tan Yuying , Li Wanying , Jin Hongjuan , Wang Baogang
Published: June 2022

Background

CXCL1 belongs to a member of the ELR + CXC chemokine subgroups that also known as GRO-alpha. It has been recognized that several types of human cancers constitutively express CXCL1, which may serve as a crucial mediator involved in cancer development and metastasis via an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion. However, the expression pattern and clinical significance of CXCL1 in human uterine cervix cancer (UCC), as well as its roles and mechanisms in UCC tumor biology remains entirely unclear.

Methods

The expression and clinical significance of CXCL1 in UCC tissues was explored using immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics analyses. The expression and effects of CXCL1 in HeLa UCC cells were assessed using ELISA, CCK-8 and transwell assays. Western blotting experiments were performed to evaluate the potential mechanism of CXCL1 on malignant behaviors of HeLa UCC cells.

Results

The current study demonstrated that CXCL1 was expressed in HeLa UCC cells, PHM1-41 human immortalized cervical stromal cells, as well as cervical tissues, with UCC tissues having an evidently high level of CXCL1. This high level of CXCL1 in cancer tissues was notably related to poor clinical stages and worse survival probability, rather than tumor infiltration and patient age. In addition, CXCL1 expression was extremely correlated with CCL20, CXCL8 and CXCL3 cancer-associated chemokines expression. In vitro, the growth and migration abilities of HeLa cells were significantly enhanced in the presence of exogenous CXCL1. Gain-function assay revealed that CXCL1 overexpression significantly promoted growth and migration response in HeLa cells in both autocrine and paracrine manners. Finally, we found that CXCL1 overexpression in HeLa cells influenced the expression of ERK signal-related genes, and HeLa cell malignant behaviors derived from CXCL1 overexpression were further interrupted in the presence of the ERK1/2 blocker.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the potential roles of CXCL1 as a promoter and a novel understanding of the functional relationship between CXCL1 and the ERK signaling pathway in UCC.
Non-invasive diagnosis strategy of hepatocellular carcinoma in low-risk population
Authors: Xie Zonglin , Peng Zhenpeng , Zou Yujian , Xiao Han , Li Bin , Zhou Qian , Chen Shuling , Xu Lixia , Shen Jingxian , Mo Yunxian , Peng Sui , Kuang Ming , Long Jianting , Feng Shi-Ting
Published: June 2022

Aims

With prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in low-risk population (LRP), establishing a non-invasive diagnostic strategy becomes increasingly urgent to spare unnecessary biopsies in this population. The purposes of this study were to find characterisics of HCC and to establish a proper non-invasive method to diagnose HCC in LRP.

Methods

A total of 681 patients in LRP (defined as the population without cirrhosis, chronic HBV infection or HCC history) were collected from 2 institutions. The images of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were manually analysed. We divided the patients into the training cohort (n = 324) and the internal validating cohort (n = 139) by admission time in the first institution. The cohort in the second institution was viewed as the external validation (n = 218). A multivariate logistic regression model incorporating both imaging and clinical independent risk predictors was developed. C-statistics was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.

Results

Besides the major imaging features of HCC (non-rim enhancement, washout and enhancing capsule), tumor necrosis or severe ischemia (TNSI) on imaging and two clinical characteristics (gender and alpha fetoprotein) were also independently associated with HCC diagnosis (all P < 0.01). A clinical model (including 3 major features, TNSI, gender and AFP) was built to diagnose HCC and achieved good diagnostic performance (area under curve values were 0.954 in the training cohort, 0.931 in the internal validation cohort and 0.902 in the external cohort).

Conclusions

The clinical model in this study developed a satisfied non-invasive diagnostic performance for HCC in LRP.
CMV retinitis and subsequent acute cystoid macular oedema after treatment with vitreous ganciclovir injection: a case report
Authors: Liu Mengyun , He Hengqian , Lu Qinkang , Zhang Juntao
Published: June 2022

Background

To report a very rare acute cystoid macular oedema following ganciclovir injection in patients receiving allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old male patient experienced vision loss in his left eye eight months after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Ophthalmologic examination showed posterior retinopathy with retinal haemorrhage, a yellow necrotic border, and a vascular white sheath involved in the superior temporal retina but not the posterior pole. Cytomegalovirus DNA results in both plasma and ocular fluid were positive. All tests combined with the patient’s medical history suggested that his ocular disease was cytomegalovirus retinitis. Consequently, he received a weekly ganciclovir vitreous injection. The disease was visibly controlled, and the fundus condition improved after the first three treatments. However, the patient had severe vision loss in his left eye and acute cystic oedema in the macula, while the original lesion was stable two hours after the fourth treatment. The macular oedema subsided significantly on the first day. Over the next week, daily OCT findings indicated that the patient's macular oedema gradually subsided and resolved completely by the second week, and his left eye vision partially improved.

Conclusion

Macular oedema may occur in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis, but it rarely occurs during treatment. In this case, the patient's macular oedema appeared and resolved quickly. Macular oedema in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis receiving vitreous cavity injections of ganciclovir needs to be further studied and discussed.
Reduced blood flow by laser speckle flowgraphy after 125I-plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma
Authors: Tamplin Michelle R. , Wang Jui-Kai , Vitale Anthony H. , Hashimoto Ryuya , Garvin Mona K. , Binkley Elaine M. , Hyer Daniel E. , Buatti John M. , Boldt H. Culver , Kardon Randy H. , Grumbach Isabella M.
Published: June 2022

Background

To determine whether reductions in retinal and choroidal blood flow measured by laser speckle flowgraphy are detected after 125I-plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, retinal and choroidal blood flow were measured using laser speckle flowgraphy in 25 patients after treatment with 125I-plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma. Flow was analyzed in the peripapillary region by mean blur rate as well as in the entire image area with a novel superpixel-based method. Relationships between measures were determined by Spearman correlation.

Results

Significant decreases in laser speckle blood flow were observed in both the retinal and choroidal vascular beds of irradiated, but not fellow, eyes. Overall, 24 of 25 patients had decreased blood flow compared to their fellow eye, including 5 of the 6 patients imaged within the first 6 months following brachytherapy. A significant negative correlation between blood flow and time from therapy was present.

Conclusions

Decreases in retinal and choroidal blood flow by laser speckle flowgraphy were detected within the first 6 months following brachytherapy. Reduced retinal and choroidal blood flow may be an early indicator of microangiographic response to radiation therapy.
Psychological reactions to the coronavirus pandemic: a comparative study of Holocaust survivors and other older adults in Israel
Authors: Carmel Sara , Bachner Yaacov G. , Cohn-Schwartz Ella
Published: June 2022

Background

The current study examines psychological reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults living in Israel. Based on the ‘life events, stress, coping and health theory,’ we hypothesized that due to their traumatic early life history and dearth of emotional and physical coping resources, Holocaust survivors would be more vulnerable than other older adults to the negative effects of this difficult and prolonged life event on their mental health.

Methods

Based on structured questionnaires with closed questions, we interviewed 306 Holocaust survivors and non-survivors aged 75 + during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Univariate data analysis showed that Holocaust survivors had fewer coping resources in terms of health status and educational level than non-survivors. As expected, Holocaust survivors also reported a greater extent of COVID-19-related anxiety, and more depression, which worsened during the pandemic. However, both groups did not differ in their will to live, which is an indicator of general well-being and commitment to continue living. In multivariate analyses conducted to explain COVID-19 anxiety in the entire sample and separately on each of the two groups, the best explanatory variables were other psychological variables especially increased depression.

Conclusions

It seems that Holocaust survivors are more emotionally vulnerable to the pandemic’s negative effects than other older adults, in support of the ‘life events, stress, coping and health theory,’ but despite this, they show resilience in their will to continue living. Policy makers and practitioners are recommended to identify Holocaust survivors and other vulnerable older people and investigate their specific needs. Interventions should include practices for maintaining and boosting resilience and well-being by increasing appropriate emotional and cognitive internal and external coping resources, especially during prolonged periods of hardship.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and eosinophil count in induced sputum to guide the management of children with asthma: a cost-utility analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero Patiño Diana , Sánchez Caraballo Jorge Mario
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Previous evidence has shown that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and eosinophil count in induced sputum (EO) are cost-effective relative to standard of care in guiding the management of children with persistent asthma. There is some doubt as if there are differences between these two biomarkers in terms of costs and benefits. Clarifying this doubt would allow prioritization of the design of clinical practice guidelines. The study aimed to compare in terms of costs and benefits these biomarkers in patients with asthma between 4 and 18 years of age.

Methods

A Markov model was used to estimate the cost-utility of asthma management using FeNO and EO in patients between 4 and 18 years of age. Transition probabilities, cost and utilities were estimated from previously published local studies, while relative risks were obtained from the systematic review of published randomized clinical trials. The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective.

Results

The expected annual cost per patient with EO was US $1376 (CI 95% US $1376–US $1377) and for FeNO was US $1934 (CI 95% US $1333–US $1334), with a difference of US $42.3 between these strategies. The Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per person estimated with EO was 0.95 (CI 95% 0.951–0.952) and for FeNO was 0.94 (CI 95% 0.930–0.940), with a difference of 0.01 between these strategies. The NMB with EO was US $4902 (CI 95% 4900–4904) and for FeNO was US $4841 (CI 95% 4839–4843). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EO was $3566 per QALY gained regarding FeNO.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that induced sputum-guided management is a strategy cost-effective over FeNO and standard asthma management in Colombia. This evidence should encourage the adoption of any of these techniques to objectively guide the management of children with asthma in routine clinical practice in low-resource settings.
Major clinical benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II–III non-small cell lung cancer patients aged 75 years or older: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Blasi Miriam , Eichhorn Martin E. , Christopoulos Petros , Winter Hauke , Heußel Claus Peter , Herth Felix J. , El Shafie Rami , Kriegsmann Katharina , Kriegsmann Mark , Stenzinger Albrecht , Bischoff Helge , Thomas Michael , Kuon Jonas
Published: June 2022

Background

Data are currently insufficient to support the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after surgical resection for stage II or III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients aged ≥ 75 years. In this study we evaluated efficacy and safety profile of ACT in this population.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 140 patients ≥ 75 years who underwent curative surgical resection for stage II–III NSCLC from 2010 to 2018 with an indication to ACT according to current guidelines. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to avoid cofounding biases.

Results

Thirty of 140 patients (21%) received ACT. Most patients (n = 24, 80%) received carboplatin in combination with vinorelbine, while 5 patients (17%) received cisplatin plus vinorelbine and one patient (3%) carboplatin plus gemcitabine. The occurrence of adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 8 (27%) cases, while 19 (63%) patients completed 4 chemotherapy cycles. Common reported adverse events with ACT were anemia (n = 20, 67%), neutropenia (n = 18, 60%), thrombocytopenia (n = 9, 30%), renal impairment (n = 4, 13%) and transaminase elevation (n = 4, 13%). No toxic deaths occurred. The median follow-up was 67 months (IQR: 53–87). ACT was associated with a significant benefit in both relapse-free survival (median 36 vs. 18.5 months, p = 0.049) and overall survival (median not reached [NR] vs. 33.5 months, p = 0.023) in a propensity score-matched analysis which controlled for cofounders.

Conclusion

ACT confers a survival benefit after curative resection of stage II–III NSCLC in selected patients aged 75 years or older with a manageable toxicity profile.
A finite element analysis on different bone cement forms and injection volumes injected into lumbar vertebral body in percutaneous kyphoplasty
Authors: Zhang Xun , Chen Tiantian , Meng Fanchao , Li Shiwen , Xu Gongping , Yan Jinglong , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2022

Background

To investigate the stress changes between different bone cement forms and injection volumes in adjacent vertebrae after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) by establishing a three-dimensional finite element model of osteoporosis.

Methods

A male healthy volunteer was selected. CT of scans L1 to L3 vertebrae were imported into Mimics 21.0 software.The vertebral model of osteoporosiswas established based on previous literature reference. The models were divided into three groups: unilateral, bilateral integration and bilateral separation groups, with each group injecting 2 ml, 4,ml and 6 ml of bone cement, respectively. In all models, a vertical compressive load of 500 N, anterior flexion/posterior extension, left/right bending, and left/right rotation were applied with a moment of 7.5 N/m, of which 85% was applied to the anterior mid-column and 15% to the posterior column. The stress changes between adjacent vertebrae under different conditions were calculated.

Results

After percutaneous kyphoplasty was applied to the L2 vertebral body, some differences can be found between the effects of different cement injection volumes and cement morphology on adjacent structures. There was no major difference between the groups when the bone cement injection volume was 2 ml. When the amount of bone cement injected was 4 ml, the bone cement morphology of the bilateral integration group (BIG) produced less stress between adjacent vertebral bodies. The minimum stress was 14.95 MPa in the L3 vertebral body in posterior extension. Whereas the stress levels on adjacent intervertebral structures, BIG shaped bone cement shows some superiority. In addition, the adjacent vertebrae and intervertebral structures are subjected to less stress during left and right rotation.

Conclusions

The present finite element study suggested that bilateral integration bone cement is a suitable form of cement injection, and when the injection volume is 4 ml, reduces stress on adjacent segments by approximately 15% while maintaining the stability of the injected vertebral body.
Metal Artefact Reduction Sequences (MARS) in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
Authors: Busch André , Jäger Marcus , Beck Sascha , Wegner Alexander , Portegys Erik , Wassenaar Dennis , Theysohn Jens , Haubold Johannes
Published: June 2022

Background

In the past, radiographic imaging was of minor relevance in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Since metal artefact reduction sequences (MARS) are available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become a promising diagnostic tool for the evaluation of hip arthroplasty implants. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of MARS-MRI in comparison to established diagnostic tools to distinguish between aseptic failure and PJI.

Methods

From July 2018 to September 2019, 33 patients classified as having an aseptic joint effusion were recruited into the study. The group included 22 women and 11 men with a mean age of 70.4 ± 13.7 (42–88) years. In the same period, 12 patients were classified as having a PJI. The group consisted of 9 women and 3 men with a mean age of 72.5 ± 10.6 (54–88) years. MARS-MRI was conducted using the optimized parameters at 1.5 T in a coronal and axial STIR (short-tau-inversion recovery), a non-fat-saturated T2 in coronal view and a non-fat-saturated T1 in transverse view in 45 patients with painful hip after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Normally distributed continuous data were shown as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and compared using student's t-test. Non-normally distributed continuous data were shown as mean and compared using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Synovial layering and muscle edema were significant features of periprosthetic joint infection, with sensitivities of 100% and specifities of 63.0—75.0%. The combined specifity and sensitivity levels of synovial layering and muscular edema was 88.0% and 90.0%. Granulomatous synovitis was a significant feature for aseptic failure, with 90.0% sensitivity and 57.0% specifity.

Conclusion

MARS-MRI is as suitable as standard diagnostic tools to distinguish between aseptic failure and PJI in patients with THA. Further studies with larger patient numbers have to prove whether MARS-MRI could be integral part of PJI diagnostic.
A comparative study of one-stage posterior unilateral limited laminectomy vs. bilateral laminectomy debridement and bone grafting fusion combined with internal fixation for the treatment of aged patients with single-segment spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Jiang Liyuan , Sheng Xiaolong , Deng Zhansheng , Gao Qile , Liu Shaohua
Published: June 2022

Study design

This is a retrospective study.

Background

To assess and compare the clinical outcomes of posterior unilateral limited laminectomy (ULL) or bilateral laminectomy (BL) debridement and bone grafting fusion combined with internal fixation among aged patients with single-segment thoracic and lumbar tuberculosis (SST/LTB).

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective study on aged patients (age > 65 years old) with SST/LTB from January 2010 to October 2018. We reviewed 36 aged patients who were treated with BL and 31 aged patients treated with ULL. All participants had undergone and finished a three-year follow-up. The outcomes were evaluated by the improvement of neurological function, correction Cobb angle, bone fusion time, and back pain, as well as operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Results

The operative time, blood loss volume, and incidence of complications in group B were significantly less than those in group A (P < 0.01). The postoperative kyphotic angle in both groups was reduced significantly compared to the preoperative status (P < 0.01). The percentage of neurological improvement was 92.9% in group A and 90.9% in group B. All patients achieved solid bone fusion after surgery. At three-year follow-up, the angle loss in group B was significantly less than that in group A (P < 0.01); Furthermore, patients in group B had a lower average visual analog scale score of back pain and Oswestry Disability Index score than patients in group A (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

For aged patients with SST/LTB, ULL is a safer and more effective surgical treatment than BL.
Validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry: REALD-29 PT
Authors: Costa Helder , Amaral Odete , Duarte João , Correia Maria José , Veiga Nélio Jorge , López-Marcos Joaquin Francisco
Published: June 2022

Background

Health literacy is a main factor in health for its improvement, allowing the individuals to have a greater capacity to engage and participate in collective health promotion actions. The evaluation of functional health literacy is essential to determine the ability that each individual has to understand basic health information. The present study aimed to perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-30 to the Portuguese language and test the reliability and validity of this version.

Methods

After translation and cultural adaptation, the instrument was applied to a group of individuals that participate in the program Atividade Senior, developed by the municipality of Viseu, Portugal. The final sample was composed by 206 participants that accepted responding to the translated version of the instrument. Statistical validation was accomplished to complete the process and obtain the final instrument. One question was removed for the creation of the final instrument with 29 questions, therefore being named Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-29 PT.

Results

The Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-29 PT presented good internal reliability. Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.89 to 0.90 when words were deleted individually. The analysis of test–retest reliability revealed excellent reproducibility. We can verify that the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry-29 PT scale for assessment of oral health literacy among older adults presents an acceptable internal consistency, with a global Cronbach´s alpha of 0.894.

Conclusions

The new scale can be applied to assess oral health literacy among older Portuguese adults, presenting an acceptable internal consistency and is validated to assess oral health literacy and is crucial in epidemiological studies.
Explaining the challenges and adaptation strategies of nurses in caring for patients with COVID-19: a qualitative study in Iran
Authors: Irandoost Seyed Fahim , Yoosefi Lebni Javad , Safari Hossein , Khorami Farhad , Ahmadi Sina , Soofizad Goli , Ebadi Fard Azar Farbod
Published: June 2022

Background

Nurses, as the primary human resource in the fight against COVID-19, encounter several obstacles and concerns. As a result, the current study used a qualitative method to describe the problems and adaptation techniques of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients.

Methods

The current study used a qualitative conventional content analysis technique with 30 nurses working in COVID-19 wards in Tehran hospitals. Purposive sampling, snowball sampling, and semi-structured interviews were used to get access to participants and gather data. The data was examined using conventional qualitative content analysis and the MAXQDA-18 program. To assess the quality of study findings, Guba and Lincoln’s trustworthiness criteria were fulfilled.

Results

The data analysis revealed two main categories and sixteen subcategories: (1) experiences and challenges (lack of protective equipment, high work pressure, marginalized physical health, problems related to the use of protective equipment, being excluded, a lack of a supportive work environment, problems related to patients, psychological problems, fear, marginalized personal and family life, and the challenge of communicating with patients’ families); and (2) adaptation strategies for work conditions (performing religious-spiritual activities, creating an empathetic atmosphere in the workplace, spiritualizing their work, trying to convince the family and gaining their support, and strengthening their sense of self-worth and responsibility).

Conclusion

Nurses’ working conditions can be improved by providing adequate protective equipment, a suitable work environment, and more social and financial support; paying more attention to nurses’ physical and mental health; and considering appropriate communication mechanisms for nurses to communicate with their families and patients’ families.