bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes in the United States in the late 2010s: results from four national population-based studies
Authors: Kim Yeonwoo , Vazquez Christian , Cubbin Catherine
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the importance of monitoring health disparities by multiple socioeconomic categories, there have been no recent updates on the prevalence of general health indicators by socioeconomic categories. The present study aims to update the prevalence estimates of health indicators by education and income categories across three age groups (children, young and middle-aged adults, and older adults) in the late 2010s by using four nationally representative data sources. We also examine socioeconomic differences in health by race/ethnicity subgroups.

Methods

Data were obtained from four nationally representative data sources from the U.S.: The National Health Interview Survey (2015–2018); the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES (2017–2020); the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2016–2020); and the Health & Retirement Study (2016). Respondent-rated health and obesity were selected as the health indicators of interest. Socioeconomic factors included percentages of the federal poverty level and years of educational attainment. We conducted logistic regression analyses to calculate adjusted prevalence rates of respondent-rated (or measured, in the case of obesity in NHANES) poor health and obesity by income and education categories after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The complex sampling designs were accounted for in all analyses.

Results

Prevalence rates across racial/ethnic groups and age groups demonstrated clear and consistent socioeconomic gradients in respondent-rated poor health, with the highest rates among those in the lowest income and education categories, and decreased rates as income and education levels increased. On the other hand, there were less evident socioeconomic differences in obesity rates across all data sources, racial/ethnic groups, and age groups.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed earlier, persistent evidence indicating socioeconomic disparities in respondent-rated poor health across all age and race/ethnicity groups by using four nationally representative datasets. In comparison to a decade earlier, socioeconomic disparities in poor health appeared to shrink while they emerged or increased for obesity. The results suggest an urgent need for action to alleviate pervasive health disparities by socioeconomic status. Further research is needed to investigate potentially modifiable factors underlying socioeconomic disparities in health, which may help design targeted health promotion programs.
Medications for opioid use disorder during incarceration and post-release outcomes
Authors: Cates Lara , Brown Aaron R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Continuation or initiation of MOUDs during incarceration could improve post-release outcomes by preventing return to opioid use and reducing risk of overdose. People with OUD involved in the criminal legal system are a vulnerable population, yet little research has comprehensively examined post-release outcomes associated with receiving MOUDs in jail and prison settings.

Methods

The authors conducted a review of published peer-reviewed literature on post-release outcomes associated with the use of MOUDs in correctional settings to determine implications for further research and policy.

Results

Results showed compelling evidence supporting the use of MOUDs for currently incarcerated populations, with almost all studies showing that MOUDs provided during incarceration increased community-based treatment engagement post-release. There is also evidence that initiating or continuing MOUDs during incarceration is associated with decreased opioid use and overdoses post-release, without increasing criminal involvement.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that forcing tapering and withdrawal during incarceration can have dire consequences upon release into the community. Initiating or continuing MOUDs during incarceration reduces the risk for opioid use and overdose upon release by maintaining opioid tolerance and increasing community treatment engagement.
Factors associated with anxiety and depression in patients with erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiao Yang , Xie Tongjin , Peng Jingxuan , Zhou Xun , Long Jinsong , Yang Mohan , Zhu Haiyan , Yang Jianfu
Published: February 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated factors associated with anxiety and depression among patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to investigate associated factors and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in this special group in China.

Methods

Data from 511 patients with ED aged 18–60 years were collected between July 2021 and April 2022. The 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to evaluate erectile function, anxiety and depression, respectively. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to explore the associated factors of depression and anxiety.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety and depression among ED patients was 38.16% and 64.97%, respectively. The mean anxiety index score was 47.37 ± 6.69 points, and the mean depression index was 54.72 ± 9.10 points. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that worse ED, low education level, and smoking were positively associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression. In addition, younger age, longer onset time, and irregular sleep were positively associated with high risk of anxiety, and irregular exercise was associated with severe depression.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in ED patients is high, and the severity of ED, age, education level, smoking, onset time, regular sleep, and exercise were associated with anxiety or depression. Reversible risk factors should be avoided and individualized psychological support services are necessary for ED patients.
Self-assembled, hemin-functionalized peptide nanotubes: an innovative strategy for detecting glutathione and glucose molecules with peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Xiang Song , Long Xincheng , Tu Qiuxia , Feng Jian , Zhang Xiaohe , Feng Guangwei , Lei Li
Published: February 2023

Accurately detecting dynamic changes in bioactive small molecules in real-time is very challenging. In this study, a hemin-based peptide assembly was rationally designed for the colorimetric detection of active small molecules. Hemin-functionalized peptide nanotubes were obtained through the direct incubation of hemin (hemin@PNTs) and peptide nanotubes (PNTs) or were coassembled with the heptapeptide Ac-KLVFFAL-NH2 via electrostatic, π–π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions (hemin-PNTs). This new substance is significant because it exhibits the benefits of both hemin and PNTs as well as some special qualities. First, hemin-PNTs exhibited higher intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which, in the presence of H2O2, could catalyze the oxidation of the substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to yield a typical blue solution after 10 min at 25 ℃. Second, hemin-PNTs showed significantly higher activity than that of hemin, PNTs alone, or hemin@PNTs. Hemin-PNTs with a 20.0% hemin content may cooperate to improve catalytic activity. The catalytic activity was dependent on the reaction temperature, pH, reaction time, and H2O2 concentration. The nature of the TMB-catalyzed reaction may arise from the production of hydroxyl radicals. Fluorescence analysis was used to demonstrate the catalytic mechanism. According to this investigation, a new highly selective and sensitive colorimetric technique for detecting glutathione (GSH), L-cysteine, and glucose was established. The strategy demonstrated excellent sensitivity for GSH in the range of 1 to 30 μM with a 0.51 μM detection limit. Importantly, this glucose detection technique, which employs glucose oxidase and hemin-PNTs, is simple and inexpensive, with a 0.1 μM to 1.0 mM linear range and a 15.2 μM detection limit. Because of their low cost and high catalytic activity, hemin-PNTs are an excellent choice for biocatalysts in a diverse range of potential applications, including applications in clinical diagnostics, environmental chemistry, and biotechnology.
Spontaneous healing of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament: a case series and literature review
Authors: Previ Leonardo , Monaco Edoardo , Carrozzo Alessandro , Fedeli Gianluca , Annibaldi Alessandro , Cantagalli Matteo Romano , Rossi Giorgio , Ferretti Andrea
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The anterior cruciate ligament is probably one of the ligaments with the lowest healing potential. Many authors have reported cases of spontaneous healing but nowadays it is difficult to predict successful healing of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and, even more, residual functionality and capability to return to sport. The aim of this study was to investigate cases of spontaneous healing in a population that received non‐surgical treatment after anterior cruciate ligament rupture and to perform an updated review of contemporary literature.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed patients who suffered from an acute complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture and underwent non‐surgical treatment. No specific rehabilitation protocol was prescribed. A new magnetic resonance imaging study was conducted 6 months after the injury for all patients. A literature review was conducted regarding spontaneous healing of the anterior cruciate ligament. The papers included in the analysis were reports of any level of evidence, written in English, Italian, or French languages; articles were excluded if they reported non‐human studies, histological studies, studies conducted without magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopic second look, or partial anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Results

Case series: Six patients were enrolled in the study. All patients had a proximal anterior cruciate ligament lesion. The minimum follow‐up was 13 months (range 6–20 months). At the last follow‐up the mean score on the Lysholm scale was 97, the mean IKDC score was 94, and the mean KOOS score was 96. All patients returned to their own sport activities; no one reported significant differences. The magnetic resonance imaging study at 6 months revealed an end‐to‐end continuous anterior cruciate ligament with homogeneous signal. No one had any new knee injury at last follow‐up. Literature review: A search of comprehensive databases retrieved 1057 articles; 8 full‐text articles met the eligibility criteria. The studies were heterogeneous regarding the populations analysed, sport activity level, treatment applied, healing definition, and follow‐up. The failure rate of non‐surgical management ranged among the papers from 0 to 73%.

Conclusions

The study findings show that spontaneous anterior cruciate ligament healing is possible and there are chances of clinical recovery for patients not suitable for surgery. However, there is still a lack of evidence about predictors, clinical outcomes, and adequate rehabilitation protocols.
Reduced contrast sensitivity function correlated with superficial retinal capillary plexus impairment in early stage of dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Tu Yunhai , Jin Haochen , Xu Mingna , Liu Weijie , Hu Xiaozhou , Wang Mengting , Ye Jie , Liu Zihui , Gao Mengyuan , Hou Fang , Lu Zhong-Lin , Wu Wencan
Published: February 2023

Background

To assess the accuracy of contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in detecting dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) at an early stage in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients and to examine potential factors that may be linked to early visual impairments in these individuals.

Methods

A total of 81 TAO patients (50 non-DON and 31 DON), and 24 control subjects participated in the study. CSF was measured with the quick CSF (qCSF) method. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images of the ganglion cell complex layer (GCCL), superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses (SRCP and DRCP) in a 3 mm diameter area around the macula were evaluated.

Results

Compared with the controls, the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) and SRCP density were significantly reduced in non-DON and DON patients (all P < 0.05). The GCCL thickness of the DON patients was thinner than that of the controls and non-DON patients (all P < 0.05). The AULCSF was significantly correlated with spherical equivalent refractive error, muscle index, SRCP density and GCCL thickness in TAO patients, respectively (all P < 0.05). However, stepwise multi-regression analysis showed that the AULCSF was only significantly correlated with SRCP density (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the AULCSF produced the most accurate discrimination between non-DON and DON patients from the controls (AUC = 0.831, 0.987, respectively; all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

CSF change in the early stage of DON is related to SRCP density. It can be an early indicator of visual impairments associated with DON in TAO patients.
Analysis of spatial distribution of landslides triggered by the Ms 6.8 Luding earthquake in China on September 5, 2022
Authors: Xiao Zikang , Xu Chong , Huang Yuandong , He Xiangli , Shao Xiaoyi , Chen Zhaoning , Xie Chenchen , Li Tao , Xu Xiwei
Published: February 2023

Background

On September 5, 2022, an Ms 6.8 earthquake occurred in Luding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China. The casualties and economic losses caused by the earthquake are huge. Most of the landslides triggered by this earthquake are small and medium-sized rock collapses and destructive debris flows, with a small number of large-scale landslides.

Results

There are 5007 coseismic landslides in the Luding earthquake VII-degree area and above, with a total area of 17.36 km2. The landslides are generally distributed along the NW-SE direction. The highest landslide area density is 13.8%, and the highest point density of the landslide is 35.73 km2. High-density area is mainly concentrated in the IX-degree area and the northeast side of the seismogenic fault. Coseismic landslides are more likely to develop in the area with the slope more than 40°, the slope direction of 67.5-112.5 degree, and vegetation coverage of 40–50%. More landslides are developed in granite areas and forest areas. The closer distance to active faults, the more the coseismic landslides develop. The correlation between coseismic landslide development and the distance from the active faults is better than that between coseismic landslide development and the distance from the seismogenic faults.

Conclusion

The landslide database used in this paper is the most perfect at present, and the research results have also been verified by fieldwork. This is also the first applied study of this landslide inventory, which indirectly confirmed the accuracy of the inventory. The results obtained in the manuscript will provide an important guideline for future
disaster prevention and mitigation in southwest China.
Effects and Optimal Dose of Exercise on Endothelial Function in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fuertes-Kenneally Laura , Manresa-Rocamora Agustín , Blasco-Peris Carles , Ribeiro Fernando , Sempere-Ruiz Noemí , Sarabia José Manuel , Climent-Paya Vicente
Published: February 2023

Background

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is considered an effective treatment for enhancing endothelial function in patients with heart failure (HF). However, recent studies have been published and the optimal “dose” of exercise required to increase the benefits of exercise-based CR programmes on endothelial function is still unknown.

Objectives

(a) To estimate the effect of exercise-based CR on endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in patients with HF; (b) to determine whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is better than moderate-intensity training (MIT) for improving FMD; and (c) to investigate the influence of exercise modality (i.e. resistance exercise vs. aerobic exercise and combined exercise vs. aerobic exercise) on the improvement of endothelial function.

Methods

Electronic searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus up to February 2022. Random-effects models of between-group mean differences were estimated. Heterogeneity analyses were performed by means of the chi-square test and I2 index. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were used to test the influence of potential moderator variables on the effect of exercise.

Results

We found a FMD increase of 3.09% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01, 4.17) in favour of aerobic-based CR programmes compared with control groups in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the results of included studies were inconsistent (p < .001; I2 = 95.2%). Higher FMD improvement was found in studies which were randomised, reported radial FMD, or performed higher number of training sessions a week. Moreover, HIIT enhanced FMD to a greater extent than MIT (2.35% [95% CI = 0.49, 4.22]) in patients with HFrEF. Insufficient data prevented pooled analyses for the effect of exercise in patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction and the influence of exercise modality on the improvement of endothelial function.

Conclusion

Aerobic-based CR is a non-pharmacological treatment for enhancing endothelial function in patients with HFrEF. However, higher training frequency and HIIT induce greater adaptation of endothelial function in these patients, which should betaken into consideration when designing exercise-based CR programmes.

Trial registration The protocol was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022304687).
Then there were seven: a commentary on creating a public involvement strategy group for a policy research unit in behavioural science
Authors: Green Dave , Bryant Val , Edwards Stuart , Kemp Caroline , McKenzie Maisie , Shah Sudhir , Soulsby Irene
Published: February 2023

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Unit in Behavioural Science (PRU-BS) was funded to inform government on the application of behavioural science in health and social care policy. What makes this unit different to other topic specific ones, was the wide range of its brief. Because of this, the PPI group would need to include a wide range of experience and expertise and be prepared to learn. We were a different type of public group for a different type of task. This paper deals with how we approached this. In this paper we outline how the PPI plan in the funding proposal for the PRU-BS was adapted to real world challenges. We describe the stages in the formation of the PPI Strategy Group and how a virtual platform was created to ensure good communication. We discuss our pragmatic approach of developing Terms of Reference and a PPI strategy document. Given the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic we explain how we tackled PPI SG member induction sessions, meetings and training sessions. To illustrate how the group operates we provide an example of our involvement in a PRU-BS project. Central to our paper is the lessons we learned. We hope the challenges we met in forming the unique PPI SG, how these were overcome, and our recommendations will help others faced with a similar task.
Gut microbiome diversity and composition is associated with exploratory behavior in a wild-caught songbird
Authors: Florkowski Melanie R. , Yorzinski Jessica L.
Published: February 2023

Background

The gut microbiome influences its host in a myriad of ways, from immune system development to nutrient utilization. However, our understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiome and behavior, especially in wild species, is still poor. One behavior that potentially interacts with the gut microbiome is exploratory behavior, which animals use to acquire new information from the environment. We hypothesized that diversity of the gut microbiome will be correlated with exploratory behavior in a wild-caught bird species. To test this hypothesis, we captured wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and collected fecal samples to measure the diversity of their gut microbiomes. We then introduced individuals to a novel environment and measured their exploratory behavior.

Results

We found that birds with higher alpha diversity of the gut microbiome exhibited higher exploratory behavior. These results suggest that high exploratory birds encounter more types of environmental microbes that contribute to their diverse gut microbiome compared with less exploratory birds. Alternatively, increased gut microbiome diversity may contribute to increased exploratory behavior. We also found differences in beta diversity when comparing high and low exploring birds, indicating differences in microbiome community structure. When comparing predicted functional pathways of the birds’ microbiomes, we found that the microbiomes of high explorers contained more pathways involved in biofilm formation and xenobiotic degradation than those of low explorers.

Conclusions

Overall, we found that the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiome is correlated with exploratory behavior of house sparrows. The predicted functions of the gut microbiome from high explorers differs from that of low explorers. Our study highlights the importance of considering the gut microbiome when investigating animal behavior.
The fecal bacterial microbiome of the Kuhl’s pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) reflects landscape anthropogenic pressure
Authors: Lobato-Bailón Lourdes , García-Ulloa Manuel , Santos Andrés , Guixé David , Camprodon Jordi , Florensa-Rius Xavier , Molleda Raúl , Manzano Robert , P. Ribas Maria , Espunyes Johan , Dias-Alves Andrea , Marco Ignasi , Migura-Garcia Lourdes , Martínez-Urtaza Jaime , Cabezón Oscar
Published: February 2023

Background

Anthropogenic disturbance has the potential to negatively affect wildlife health by altering food availability and diet composition, increasing the exposure to agrochemicals, and intensifying the contact with humans, domestic animals, and their pathogens. However, the impact of these factors on the fecal microbiome composition of wildlife hosts and its link to host health modulation remains barely explored. Here we investigated the composition of the fecal bacterial microbiome of the insectivorous bat Kuhl’s pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) dwelling in four environmental contexts with different levels of anthropogenic pressure. We analyzed their microbiome composition, structure and diversity through full-length 16S rRNA metabarcoding using the nanopore long-read sequencer MinION™. We hypothesized that the bacterial community structure of fecal samples would vary across the different scenarios, showing a decreased diversity and richness in samples from disturbed ecosystems.

Results

The fecal microbiomes of 31 bats from 4 scenarios were sequenced. A total of 4,829,302 reads were obtained with a taxonomic assignment percentage of 99.9% at genus level. Most abundant genera across all scenarios were Enterococcus, Escherichia/Shigella, Bacillus and Enterobacter. Alpha diversity varied significantly between the four scenarios (p < 0.05), showing the lowest Shannon index in bats from urban and intensive agriculture landscapes, while the highest alpha diversity value was found in near pristine landscapes. Beta diversity obtained by Bray–Curtis distance showed weak statistical differentiation of bacterial taxonomic profiles among scenarios. Furthermore, core community analysis showed that 1,293 genera were shared among localities. Differential abundance analyses showed that the highest differentially abundant taxa were found in near pristine landscapes, with the exception of the family Alcaligenaceae, which was also overrepresented in urban and intensive agriculture landscapes.

Conclusions

This study suggests that near pristine and undisturbed landscapes could promote a more resilient gut microbiome in wild populations of P. kuhlii. These results highlight the potential of the fecal microbiome as a non-invasive bioindicator to assess insectivorous bats’ health and as a key element of landscape conservation strategies.
Erdheim-Chester disease associated with an aggressive form of sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Stone Mary S. , Macfarlane Donald E. , Bellizzi Andrew M. , Koneru Gopala
Published: February 2023

Background

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytic disorder recently recognized as a neoplasm due to the discovery of activating MAPK pathway mutations. Hepatic involvement by ECD is extremely rare.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with pruritis, weight loss, and cholestatic liver function tests. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen showed beaded appearance of the intrahepatic biliary tree. A liver biopsy was suggestive of primary or secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed perinephric and periaortic soft tissue stranding suggestive of ECD. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission/computerized tomography scan showed a mediastinal hilar mass which turned out to be follicular lymphoma. Histopathology of molluscum-like skin lesions showed CD68 + , Factor XIIIa + , and CD1a-foamy histiocytes with multiple giant cells suggestive of ECD. The patient developed recurrent episodes of ascending cholangitis and his hyperbilirubinemia continued to worsen despite stenting of a common hepatic duct stricture found on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Conclusions

The absence of associated inflammatory bowel disease and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, as well as the rapidity of disease progression, makes us consider the possibility of hepatic involvement by ECD or an overlap syndrome. We want to highlight that negative histopathology should not delay the diagnosis of ECD as effective and potentially lifesaving therapies with BRAF or MEK pathway inhibitors are now available for these patients.
Brown Theory: A Storied Manifest of Our World
Authors: Patterson Christopher B.
Published: February 2023

This article conceives of a transpacific brownness in relation to other forms of brown to produce a storied manifest for brown theory. By activating “the brown transpacific” as an epistemological paradigm that navigates the disciplinary logics of colonial encounters, this article attempts to untangle a story of how some people in Asia went from resembling a wild and uncontainable threat to a form of brownness that became necessary for the reproduction of the Global North. As the last “color” term to be used by racial scientists, “brownness” has delineated racial hierarchies between blackness and whiteness that, to colonial powers, have emphasized the possible degradation of whiteness, or, to the colonized, have promised future induction into whiteness. The varied formations of transpacific brownness explored showcase the impossibility of its own capture—rather than reveal a bounded history, brownness arrives as a concept that cannot be grasped or produced into knowledge. This article thus shifts in its second half from its focus on the “brown transpacific” to a theoretical triptych that reflects on brownness as (1) a site for the ungovernable “brown mass,” (2) peoples marked for domestication through strategies of colonial containment, and (3) the complex “shades” that reveal troubling histories and shameful intimacies.
Deleuze and East Asia: Toward a Comparative Methodology of the Gap
Authors: Hetrick Jay
Published: February 2023

This article discusses the significance of Gilles Deleuze's almost passing references to East Asian thought. Even though Deleuze comes to these ideas through the work of other European thinkers—most notably Friedrich Nietzsche, Sergei Eisenstein, François Jullien, and Alan Watts—the article argues that there are ultimately deep resonances between Deleuze's philosophy, especially in its Bergso-Leibnizian articulations, and specific East Asian ideas. The article begins by cataloging and commenting upon Deleuze's various references to Chinese and Japanese thought generally before discussing how one particular concept—that of the gap (écart)—not only lies at the heart of his metaphysics but also forms the very basis for developing an adequate methodology for negotiating his encounter with East Asia. Finally, by also considering some of Jullien's recent ideas, the article examines the ways in which this methodology of the gap may be more adequate than other attempts to characterize contemporary comparative philosophy.
Paris in Korean Cinema: Fraudulence and the Female Form in Hong Sang-soo's Night and Day and Kim Ki-duk's Wild Animals
Authors: Choe Youngmin
Published: February 2023

This article explores how and why fraudulence and deception get coded as feminine in Korean politics and popular culture. Focusing on the processes whereby deception gets conflated with the female body, it examines filmic articulations of physical and rhetorical attacks—ranging from subtle to overt—against works of art about the female body, in which aesthetic judgments take on a moral character. The article begins with a discussion of Kim Soyoung's new woman: her first song (2004), which locates the possibilities for subject formation that the figure of the new Korean woman exemplifies in deformations, ruptures and breakages. The article then turns to a pair of films, Hong Sang-soo's Night and Day (2007) and Kim Ki-duk's Wild Animals (1997), which explore the threat and possibilities that such a model of feminine subjectivity offers. The article then closes by way of reference to Jeon Soo-il's A Korean in Paris (2015), in which the possibility of formless subjectivity becomes disavowed within a paranoid vision of the new Korean woman as a fraud. In all of these films, the misogynist tendencies within contemporary Korean society are specifically displaced onto the distant location of Paris, which is not coincidentally regarded as the origin point of the new Korean woman. Generally, in Korean cinema, Paris has been featured both as a site of authenticity and formal experimentation in art and also as the scene of sexual awakening for women. The films discussed in this article foreground questions of aesthetic style around the figure of the female body, and in the process, the female subject's engagement to art becomes conflated with and assessed by questions of morality, becoming divorced from the more relevant aesthetic contexts.
Risk factors of previously undiagnosed and known untreated hypertension among patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Noor Wasif , Baig Mirza Muhammad Ayub
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To find the risk factors of previously undiagnosed and known untreated hypertension among patients with Type- 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Diabetes Clinic of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore during Oct–Dec 2021. Total 153 known diabetics were enrolled using convenience sampling. Patients (n=24) with ischemic heart disease, hepatitis or missing information excluded. Data from 129 cases of Type-2 diabetes presenting with and without hypertension analyzed using SPSS. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios.

Results: Mean age of all diabetics (n=129) was 49.0±10.7 years. The participation of females was higher than males (65.1% vs. 34.9%). The frequency of hypertension, previously undiagnosed hypertension and known untreated hypertension was 58.1%, 25.3% and 19.6%, respectively. Among risk factors, frequency of high intake of salt was 67.4%, sedentary lifestyle was 65.1%, obesity was 37.2%, and poor glycemic control was 58.9%. Young age [aOR=2.01, 95.0% CI 0.53–7.61], low family income <20000 PKR/month [aOR=2.70, 95.0% CI 0.92–7.96], high intake of salt [aOR=3.22, 95.0% CI 0.98–10.61], elevated total cholesterol [aOR=3.68, 95.0% CI 0.85–15.85], poor glycemic control [aOR=3.28, 95.0% CI 0.51–21.13], and overweight/ obesity [aOR=9.07, 95.0% CI 1.6–51.39] had higher risk of previously undiagnosed or known untreated HTN.

Conclusions: Prevalence of previously undiagnosed and known untreated hypertension is high among Type-2 diabetics. Strict compliance to diabetes care guidelines is much needed to minimize the risk of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6329

How to cite this: Adnan M, Noor W, Baig MMA. Risk factors of previously undiagnosed and known untreated hypertension among patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6329

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Therapeutic effects of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and partial laryngectomy for glottis cancer: A comparative study
Authors: Zhu Kaiquan , Lin Renyu
Published: February 2023

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and partial laryngectomy in the treatment of early glottis carcinoma.

Methods: Clinical data of 80 patients with early glottis carcinoma treated in our hospital from June 2019 to January 2021 were analyzed. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups based on the type of intervention. Forty patients received partial laryngectomy (Control group) and 40 patients received low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation (Observation group). Surgical indexes, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and visual analog scale (VAS) score of postoperative pain of patients in the two groups were compared. Postoperative stress response indexes, clinical efficacy, and postoperative recovery in two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results: The operation time, hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding, and the incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the Control group (P<0.05). The postoperative pain VAS scores, Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while the level of nitro tyrosine (3-NT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After a one-year follow-up, the excellent and good rate of pronunciation function in the observation group (95%) was significantly higher than control group (75%) (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of early glottis carcinoma is associated with less trauma, short operation time, less bleeding, short hospital stay and low postoperative stress reaction rate. Compared with partial laryngectomy, it has higher safety and better postoperative vocal cord function recovery.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6847

How to cite this: Zhu K, Lin R. Therapeutic effects of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and partial laryngectomy for glottis cancer: A comparative study. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6847

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical effects of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration combined with hemoperfusion for the treatment of multiple myeloma complicated with acute kidney injury
Authors: Huang Jing , Qiu Fengping , Zhang Huiqi , Shen Xiangli , Lin Xia
Published: February 2023

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) combined with hemoperfusion for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) complicated with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods: Medical records of 73 patients with MM complicated with AKI admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Huzhou from January 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment records, 35 patients received simple chemotherapy (control group), and 38 patients received CVVH combined with HP on the basis of chemotherapy (observation group). We compared the clinical efficacies, renal function indexes, and the serum globulin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values between the two groups.

Results: After the treatment, the total efficacy of the observation group was significantly higher (81.58%) than that in the control group (57.14%; p <0.05). Serum cystatin C (CysC), urea nitrogen (BUN), β2 macroglobulin (β2-MG) and creatinine (SCr) levels were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (p <0.05). Serum globulin level and ESR values in the observation group after the treatment were also significantly lower than in the control group (p <0.05).

Conclusions: The outcomes of patients with MM complicated with AKI treated with CVVH and hemoperfusion differ significantly from those of the patients treated only with CVVH. Combining CVVH and hemoperfusion helps to improve the efficacy of the treatment, promotes renal function recovery, and improves the levels of serum globulin and ESR.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6966

How to cite this: Huang J, Qiu F, Zhang H, Shen X, Lin X. Clinical effects of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration combined with hemoperfusion for the treatment of multiple myeloma complicated with acute kidney injury. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6966

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Effect of low skeletal muscle mass on long-term mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Junjing , Xia Yanfen , Liu Yi , Zhu Huifang
Published: February 2023

Objective: This meta-analysis was designed to assess if pre-operative low skeletal muscle mass impacts mortality rates of patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

Methods: Datasets of PubMed, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from 1st January 1980 to 15th December 2021 for studies assessing the role of low skeletal muscle mass on mortality rates of AAA repair. Studies measuring skeletal muscle mass on computed tomography scans and reporting long-term mortality (>1 year) were included. Multivariable adjusted ratios were combined in a random-effects model.

Results: Fifteen studies with 3776 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with low skeletal muscle mass (HR: 2.07 95% CI: 1.56, 2.74 I2=65% p<0.00001) as compared to normal muscle mass patients. Pooled data indicated that low skeletal muscle mass was associated with statistically significant increased risk of mortality in studies on endovascular repair (HR: 2.86 95% CI: 1.95, 4.20 I2=58% p<0.00001) as well as those including a mixed group of patients (HR: 1.39 95% CI: 1.06, 1.82 I2=31% p=0.02).

Conclusion: Low skeletal muscle mass in AAA patients undergoing surgical repair is associated with increased risk of long-term mortality. Current evidence is limited by the retrospective nature of data and variability in defining and measuring low skeletal muscle mass. There is a need for future prospective studies defining the optimal cut-off of low skeletal muscle mass in different populations.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7366

How to cite this: Chen J, Xia Y, Liu Y, Zhu H. Effect of low skeletal muscle mass on long-term mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7366

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Phenomenological foundations of utopian discourse. Russian utopia as a sociocultural phenomenon
Authors:   Far Eastern State Institute of Arts, Mitina N.
Published: February 2023

Монография рассматривает возможность применения феноменологического подхода к исследованию утопического дискурса. В процессе исследования были выделены механизмы функционирования жизненного мира, которые участвуют в формировании утопического дискурса. Анализ концепции жизненного мира позволил определить место генерации утопических идей, раскрыть механизмы трансформации повседневности. Эвристичность феноменологического метода дает возможность автору рассмотреть процесс формирования дискурса будущего. Раскрывается содержание и различие подходов к понятию «утопия». Основное внимание уделено выявлению специфических черт, присущих русской утопии и механизмам регенерации утопии в России. Кроме особенностей русской философии, в монографии выделен и ряд черт, объединяющих западную и русскую утопии. Адресована специалистам в области философии, культурологии, социологии, аспирантам и студентам вузов, а также широкому кругу читателей, интересующихся феноменом утопии.
Assessment of nutrition and lifestyle of truck drivers
Authors: Mikulec Anna , Zborowski Marek , Cisoń-Apanasewicz Urszula , Miczołek Sonia , Plata Artur , Mastalerz Karolina
Published: February 2023

Introduction
Man's lifestyle is of great importance for his health. Failure to comply with the rules of care for the physical and psychological sphere may be a risk factor for the development of lifestyle diseases. Drivers are a professional group that is particularly vulnerable to the influence of factors inconsistent with the principles of a healthy lifestyle, the most common of which are: improper habits and eating habits, the use of stimulants, insufficient physical activity, sedentary work, etc.
Aim
The aim of the study was to assess the diet and lifestyle of truck drivers.
Material and methods
The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of open-ended and choice questions concerning issues related to eating behaviors, regularity and frequency of eating meals, specific product groups, and health status. Based on the data provided by the drivers, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated.
Results
The respondents were dominated by men. Data analysis showed that some of them are overweight. Most of the respondents are characterized by proper eating habits related to the frequency and quality of the meals they eat. The most common ailments resulting from and related to the specificity of the work performed are back pain, nervousness, and sleep disorders.
Conclusions
There is a need to promote a healthy lifestyle among drivers, taking into account in particular the change and shaping of correct eating habits. The research can be the basis for further activities aimed at educating this professional group.
Vaccinations against COVID-19 in the opinion of medical services workers and the general social opinion
Authors: Rafa Elżbieta , Majoch Monika , Siekierczak Sylwia , Węgrzyn Izabella , Wenecka-Lipka Beata
Published: February 2023

Introduction
This study was devoted to getting to know the public opinion, including representatives of medical professions, regarding the presented views on vaccination against Covid-19, allowing to determine the most important issues related to the lack of acceptance of this preparation.
Aim
The aim of this study was to find out the social opinion regarding vaccination against Covid-19 (including the aspect of vaccination obligation, incidence of adverse post-vaccination reactions, vaccination among children and pregnant women) as well as the reasons for the attitude towards the fact of accepting the vaccine or rejecting the possibility of being vaccinated.
Material and methods
The study was conducted in a group of 510 people - practicing the medical profession and not related to the health service, who were over 18 years old. The method of a diagnostic survey was used with the use of a proprietary questionnaire containing single and multiple choice questions, the survey was conducted on-line using a Google form in October 2022.
Results
In the study group, the vaccination rate was 62.2%, women and medical professionals were more likely to be vaccinated. The decision to be vaccinated was mainly based on the desire to protect themselves against the severe course of a possible illness - 30.4% of respondents and to protect themselves and others against Covid-19 - 26.5%. In the represented group, unvaccinated persons accounted for 37.8% respectively, they did not decide to vaccinate mainly because of the belief that they were not protected against the disease - 19.8% of respondents, perceiving COVID-19 as a seasonal infection - 19.0%, and fear of long-term complications - 18.6%. The decision to vaccinate was accompanied by i.a. feelings such as: slight fear (36.3%), fear/anxiety (10.4%), strong fear/anxiety (3.7%). The study group was also asked about adverse post-vaccination reactions, 25.1% of the surveyed experienced complications, most of them did not report adverse post-vaccination reactions, and the percentage of reported cases was 1.6%. The vast majority of respondents - 74.5% were in favor of the lack of obligation to vaccinate. Opinions expressed about the safety of vaccinations: rather yes - 24%, rather not - 22% and definitely not - 21%, a significant part had no opinion - 24.3%.
Conclusions
This study confirms the significant problem of skepticism towards Covid-19 vaccination, as well as the high percentage of people expressing opposition to the obligation to vaccinate and the perception of the media campaign as propaganda, which confirms the existence of a significant social division regarding the acceptance of vaccination. The perception of vaccine safety is related to the knowledge of adverse post-vaccination reactions, but the problem observed among respondents is the fact that the number of reported adverse reactions is negligible.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle of students of the State University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sącz
Authors: Zborowski Marek , Mikulec Anna , Cisoń-Apanasewicz Urszula , Kowalski Stanisław
Published: February 2023

Introduction
A properly balanced diet and physical activity guarantee health and good psychophysical condition. The timing of the pandemic is associated with numerous limitations affecting food preferences and physical activity.
Aim
The study aimed was to determine the impact of pandemic isolation on student activity and dietary habits during COVID-19 isolation.
Material and methods
The study group consisted of students (n = 526) of the State University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sacz. The research was an online survey (Google Forms). The questions included in the questionnaire concerning dietary habits and physical activity. Based on the data provided by the students, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated before and during the pandemic.
Results
Young women (n = 388) living in rural areas dominated among the respondents. A significantly higher mean BMI value was observed in men compared to women (p <0.05). However, no significant changes in the value of BMI were observed before and during the pandemic, both in women and men. On the other hand, its higher average value was observed for men and women living in the city compared to those living in the countryside. The impact of the pandemic on the reduction of physical activity was observed by all respondents, especially those living in the city. Women noted a greater impact of the pandemic on eating behavior, compared to men.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the dietary habits and physical activity of students at the State University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sacz.