Initial References Research Articles

Design of lateral dynamic control objectives for multi-wheeled distributed drive electric vehicles

The lateral dynamic control system for electric vehicles aims to improve vehicle performance, making it critical to propose reasonable lateral dynamic control objectives. Therefore, in this study, a novel lateral dynamic control objectives is proposed for multi-wheeled distributed drive electric vehicles. Initially, utilizing the classical two-degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) vehicle model, two initial yaw rate references were established for handling characteristics of manoeuvrability and stability, respectively. The yaw rate references consider the vehicle velocity, steering wheel angle and road friction coefficient limitations. Considering the vital role of the sideslip angle in ensuring vehicle stability, a sophisticated weighting factor was developed based on a detailed analysis of the vehicle dynamics within the sideslip angle-sideslip angle rate phase plane. The weighting factor was determined based on the position of the vehicle state in the phase plane. This factor was adeptly applied to harmonise our dual control objectives, culminating in an integrated control aim that encapsulates the individual benefits of each. Finally, the lateral dynamic control objective was realised using a direct yaw moment control (DYC) system. The effectiveness of the proposed control objective was validated through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.

A Model-Free Control Scheme for Rehabilitation Robots: Integrating Real-Time Observations with a Deep Neural Network for Enhanced Control and Reliability

Effective control of rehabilitation robots is of paramount importance and requires increased attention to achieve a fully reliable, automated system for practical applications. As the domain of robotic rehabilitation progresses rapidly, the imperative for precise and dependable control mechanisms grows. In this study, we present an innovative control scheme integrating state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms with traditional control techniques. Our approach offers enhanced adaptability to patient-specific needs while ensuring safety and effectiveness. We introduce a model-free feedback linearization control method underpinned by deep neural networks and online observation. While our controller is model-free, and system dynamics are learned during training phases, we employ an online observer to robustly estimate uncertainties that the systems may face in real-time, beyond their training. The proposed technique was tested through different simulations with varying initial conditions and step references, demonstrating the controller’s robustness and adaptability. These simulations, combined with Lyapunov’s stability verification, validate the efficacy of our proposed scheme in effectively controlling the system under diverse conditions.

Tomographic evaluation of the glands and lymph nodes of the cervical region in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

The present study aimed to determine references of normality of computed tomographic (CT) images of mandibular and parotid salivary glands (PSGs), medial retropharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes and thyroid gland of 10 clinically healthy crab-eating foxes, Cerdocyon thous. The location, shape, homogeneity of the parenchyma, and length, height, width and pre- and post-contrast attenuation values were evaluated. The anatomical structures in the crab-eating foxes studied here presented anatomical landmarks similar to those described for domestic dogs, and showed a regular shape and homogenous parenchyma, except for the PSGs, that showed predominantly heterogeneous parenchyma. The thyroid gland topography in the crab-eating fox, though very similar, is not identical to the domestic dog and the presence of isthmus between the lobes was not detected. The values obtained from crab-eating foxes are within the normal range, although in the upper limits of dogs. There was a significant difference in the attenuation values between the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland, being greater in the left thyroid lobe. CT attenuation values ranges for this neotropical canid can be incorporated into routine staging procedures in the veterinary care of the crab-eating foxes. Furthermore, the CT images obtained were similar to those of healthy dogs, and the information obtained can be considered as initial tomographic references of normality in the cervical structures of the crab-eating fox, in order to aid in the diagnosis of future diseases that can affect this neotropical canid.

Sport Organizations in World Literature: Status and Systematic Determinants

The economic significance and development of sports have led to the determination of sports organizations as a research subject in the scientific world. From the perspective of sustainability, the continuity of sports and their innovative aspects have consistently influenced the ongoing development of sports. This research aims to systematically examine 1572 scientific studies conducted on sports organizations between 2012 and 2023 using bibliometric analysis techniques with various software programs such as R Studio and R Shiny. During the literature review, data were accessed through analyses of scientific production, average citations, journals, authors, countries, and keyword analysis. The analyses have shown that the journals in which the top researchers publish have a significant impact on the ranking of countries. This, in turn, has resulted in the emergence of a cause-and-effect relationship throughout the study. The research has highlighted the most influential countries, journals, authors, and the impact factors of authors in the field. This study reinforces the findings in the realm of sports organizations and serves as one of the initial references for future studies in the field.

Understanding the Impact of EU Prostitution Policies on Sex Workers: A Mixed Study Systematic Review

IntroductionThere is a growing interest in legislation and policies regarding sex work in the European Union and a debate between two opposite perspectives: prostitution is a form of gender violence or a work lacking legal and social recognition. This review aims to develop an integrative synthesis of literature regarding the impact of prostitution policies on sex workers’ health, safety, and living and working conditions across EU member states.MethodsA search conducted at the end of 2020 in bibliographic databases for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods peer-reviewed research, and grey literature published between 2000 and 2020 resulted in 1195 initial references eligible for inclusion. After applying the selection criteria, 30 records were included in the review. A basic convergent qualitative meta-integration approach to synthesis and integration was used. The systematic review is registered through PROSPERO (CRD42021236624).ResultsResearch shows multiple impacts on the health, safety, and living and working conditions of sex workers across the EU.ConclusionsEvidence demonstrates that criminalisation and regulation of any form of sex work had negative consequences on sex workers who live in the EU in terms of healthcare, prevalence and risk of contracting HIV and STIs, stigmatisation and discrimination, physical and sexual victimisation, and marginalisation due to marked social inequalities, for both nationals and migrants from outside the EU.Policy ImplicationsThe evidence available makes a strong case for removing any criminal laws and other forms of sanctioning sex workers, clients, and third parties, which are prevalent in the EU, and for decriminalisation. There is a need for structural changes in policing and legislation that focus on labour and legal rights, social and financial inequities, human rights, and stigma and discrimination to protect cis and transgender sex workers and ethnical minorities in greater commitment to reduce sex workers’ social inequalities, exclusion, and lack of institutional support. These measures could also positively impact reducing and monitoring human trafficking and exploitation.

Lucia by Bernard Minier

Reviewed by: Lucia by Bernard Minier Nathalie G. Cornelius Minier, Bernard. Lucia. XO, 2022. ISBN 978-2-37448-406-8. Pp. 480. Like Minier's earlier works, this well-researched procedural thriller opens with a shocking prologue. Lieutenant Lucia Guerrero, a member of l'UCO, the elite unit of the Spanish Guardia Civil, discovers her naked colleague brutally stabbed, and glued to a cross in the hills outside Madrid under a pouring rain. As her name implies, this tough female lead is a powerhouse of energy and determination with a knack for tracking down elusive violent criminals (Lucia derived from "light" and Guerrero means "warrior" in Spanish). This new heroine's grit and rebellious nature is well-suited to the demands of the case despite her clichéd backstory as a crimefighter whose past traumas have pushed her to sacrifice her marriage and custody of her young son for her career. In parallel with Lucia's investigation of her partner's gruesome murder, a group of criminology students guided by professor Salomón Borges of the University of Salamanca discovers that DIMAS, their algorithmic crime-analysis database, has found correlations between a 1989 unsolved double-murder and two more recent cold-cases involving killings of couples in various parts of Spain. All victims were enigmatically posed, their bodies glued into place. Guerrero and Borges join forces in this entertaining, well-paced mystery complete with red herrings, false clues, exciting chase scenes, and atmospherically creepy locations. The readers find themselves transported to Spain, whose geographical contrasts highlight the collision between historic traditions and the country's status in the contemporary European Union. Unfortunately, this conflict between old and modern is not explored in any depth although vivid descriptions of cityscapes and references to famous writers and philosophers through the characters' names provided for that opportunity. The plot is also formulaic, lacking the creativity of some of Minier's earlier novels. Consequently, the murderer's identity is poorly obscured by the thinly developed storyline. Intriguing side-stories are all too brief and initial references to more unusual psychological disorders merited further attention rather than being subsequently ignored in favor of general platitudes on mental illness and childhood trauma. The noteworthy highlight of the novel is the exploration of violence in Ovid's Metamorphoses as the source and signature of the criminal act. The cause of Ovid's exile itself is a secondary mystery on which Minier briefly speculates, and the disturbing themes of the Renaissance and Baroque paintings inspired by Ovid's work are as unsettling as the murders Lucia must solve. Minier has voiced his intent to bring back Lucia Guerrero in the future. If so, perhaps she will return having moved beyond her prototypical characteristics and with a more challenging case to solve. In the meantime, Minier's M, le bord de l'abîme (2019) (FR 94.1) which also features a female detective while exploring the potential of intelligent technology, immerses the reader into Japanese culture and is superior on all levels to Lucia. [End Page 240] Nathalie G. Cornelius Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Copyright © 2023 American Association of Teachers of French

Toponimi Nama-Nama Desa Di Kecamatan Bangun Purba Kabupaten Deli Serdang: Kajian

Toponymy is a science that has an object of study about toponyms in general and about geographical names in particular. The purpose of this study was to find out the toponym or origin of village names in the Bangun Purau subdistrict, Deli Regency, Serdang, for anthropolinguistic studies. The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method. Source of data In this study, the source of data used a snowball approach (Snowball Sample), namely the determination of informants based on initial informant references. The data analysis technique is to collect data directly from the results of interviews by informants which are then analyzed based on toponymy aspects according to Surdayat's theory. The results of the analysis carried out can draw the conclusion that there is a toponymy of village names in the Bangun ancient sub-district, Deli district, Serdang anthropolinguistic studies.

The enduring gap in educational attainment in schizophrenia according to the past 50 years of published research: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Educational attainment is associated with wellbeing and health, but patients with schizophrenia achieve lower levels of education than people without. Several effective interventions can ameliorate this situation. However, the magnitude of the education gap in schizophrenia and its change over time are unclear. We aimed to reconstruct the trajectories of educational attainment in patients with schizophrenia and, if reported, their healthy comparator controls. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis including all studies reporting on patients with schizophrenia (of mean age ≥18 years) and describing the number of years of education of the participants, with or without healthy controls. There were no other design constraints on studies. We excluded studies that included only patients with other schizophrenia spectrum disorders and studies that did not specify the number of years of education of the participants. 22 reviewers participated in retrieving data from a search in PubMed and PsycINFO (Jan 1, 1970, to Nov 24, 2020). We estimated the birth date of participants from their mean age and publication date, and meta-analysed these data using random-effects models, focusing on educational attainment, the education gap, and changes over time. The primary outcome was years of education. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020220546). From 32 593 initial references, we included 3321 studies reporting on 318 632 patients alongside 138 675 healthy controls (170 941 women and 275 821 men from studies describing sex or gender; data on ethnicity were not collected). Patients' educational attainment increased over time, mirroring that of controls. However, patients with schizophrenia in high-income countries had 19 months less education than controls (-1·59 years, 95% CI -1·66 to -1·53; p<0·0001), which is equivalent to a Cohen's d of -0·56 (95% CI -0·58 to -0·54) and implies an odds ratio of 2·58 for not completing 12 years of education (ie, not completing secondary education) for patients compared with controls. This gap remained stable throughout the decades; the rate of change in number of total years of education in time was not significant (annual change: 0·0047 years, 95% CI -0·0005 to 0·0099; p=0·078). For patients in low-income and middle-income countries, the education gap was significantly smaller than in high-income countries (smaller by 0·72 years, 0·85 to 0·59; p<0·0001), yet there was evidence that this gap was widening over the years, approaching that of high-income countries (annual change: -0·024 years, -0·037 to -0·011; p=0·0002). Patients with schizophrenia have faced persistent inequality in educational attainment in the last century, despite advances in psychosocial and pharmacological treatment. Reducing this gap should become a priority to improve their functional outcomes. Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo (CYTED) to the Latin American Network for the Study of Early Psychosis (ANDES).

An ANALYSIS OF CONTRACTOR'S KNOWLEDGE LEVEL ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BUDGET PLAN COMPONENTS (CASE STUDY: CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN PADANG CITY)

Work accident prevention is cheaper than responding responsively after an accident. Common problems are weakness and a lack of predicted levels of risk for a job that could potentially be a work accident. Risk Control is undoubtedly something that must be designed before the work is done. This control must be supported by costs to run a Construction Safety Management System (SMKK) system. This section takes knowledge and understanding of what items are included in the cost. The initial observations and references that have been conducted and collected indicate the problem that the financing does not appear in the Budget Plan of the contractors in several construction projects when participating in the tender auction at the research site, namely: The City of Padang. The obligation of contractors to hold this financing payment point when the auction has actually been arranged and required three years ago through the Regulation of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of Indonesia. However, the limitations of information media, socialization, and implementation instructions become challenges in running it. This fundamental problem gave rise to an idea to carry out research. This research has been conducted to explore the problem of the level of knowledge of contractors about the financing of smkk. The data in this study was obtained by survey, in detail, disseminating questionnaires online to samples, namely: contractors in the city of Padang. The questionnaire has been analyzed using an analysis of the respondent's achievement level. The analysis results showed that the level of knowledge of this contractor is quite good in the level of knowledge about the components of the budget plan smkk cost. In conclusion, there is no problem with the contractor's knowledge of SMKK financing. Indications, the problem of readiness and planning of these contractors.

The relationship between chikungunya virus and the kidneys: A scoping review.

Several atypical forms of chikungunya fever (CHIK) have been described, including neurological, cardiac and renal involvement. These forms may be related to high morbidity and mortality rates. This scoping review based on the PubMed, Scopus, and WOS databases aims to identify and summarise all the available evidence regarding the clinical and histopathological presentations and risk factors associated with kidney injury related to CHIK, as well as the clinical impact. Thus, a total of 54 papers were selected from 1606 initial references after applying the defined inclusion criteria. Data on the association between kidney injury and CHIK are scarce, with studies only conducted in the acute phase of the disease, lacking further characterisation. Kidney injury incidence in hospitalised patients using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria varies from 21% to 45%, being higher among patients with atypical and severe manifestations. Although acute kidney injury does not seem to be related to viraemia, it may be related to higher mortality. Few studies have described the renal histopathological changes in the acute phase of CHIK, with prevalent findings of acute interstitial nephritis with mononuclear infiltrate, glomerular congestion and nephrosclerosis. Only one study assessed the kidney function of patients in the subacute and chronic phases of CHIK. Additionally, individuals with comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease, may be among those with a greater risk of presenting worse outcomes when affected by CHIK. The results described herein may contribute to better understand the relationship between the kidneys and chikungunya virus.

Risk and Protective Factors for Personality Disorders: An Umbrella Review of Published Meta-Analyses of Case-Control and Cohort Studies.

The putative risk/protective factors for several personality disorders remain unclear. The vast majority of published studies has assessed personality characteristics/traits rather than disorders. Thus, the current umbrella review of meta-analyses (MAs) aims to systematically assess risk or protective factors associated with personality disorders. We searched PubMed–MEDLINE/PsycInfo databases, up to August 31, 2020. Quality of MAs was assessed with AMSTAR-2, while the credibility of evidence for each association was assessed through standard quantitative criteria. Out of 571 initial references, five meta-analyses met inclusion criteria, encompassing 56 associations of 26 potential environmental factors for antisocial, dependent, borderline personality disorder, with a median of five studies per association, and median 214 cases per association. Overall, 35 (62.5%) of the associations were nominally significant. Six associations met class II (i.e., highly suggestive) evidence for borderline personality disorder, with large effect sizes involving childhood emotional abuse (OR = 28.15, 95% CI 14.76–53.68), childhood emotional neglect (OR = 22.86, 95% CI 11.55–45.22), childhood any adversities (OR = 14.32, 95% CI 10.80–18.98), childhood physical abuse (OR = 9.30, 95% CI 6.57–13.17), childhood sexual abuse (OR = 7.95, 95% CI 6.21–10.17), and childhood physical neglect (OR = 5.73, 95% CI 3.21–10.21), plus 16 further associations supported by class IV evidence. No risk factor for antisocial or dependent personality disorder was supported by class I, II, and III, but six and seven met class IV evidence, respectively. Quality of included meta-analyses was rated as moderate in two, critically low in three. The large effect sizes found for a broad range of childhood adversities suggest that prevention of personality disorders should target childhood-related risk factors. However, larger cohort studies assessing multidimensional risk factors are needed in the field.

Relapsed ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: Though patients with partially platinum-sensitive diseases (PFI, 6-12 months) experience a relatively low response rate to platinum in the platinum-sensitive population, there is uncertainty whether prolonging the PFI by introducing non-platinum treatment could improve the outcome of patients with partially platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. The objective of our meta-analysis is to identify whether platinum-free chemotherapy could improve overall survival in partially platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer than platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods: We systematically searched for studies about treatments of relapsed ovarian cancer published between 2000 and 2020 in online databases Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Studies reporting the use of platinum-free and platinum-based chemotherapies in partially platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer, as well as corresponding overall survivals, were selected. Statistical meta-analysis was performed with the ‘meta’ package in R studio software. Results: Of 2,387 initial references, four studies were involved, including 1,167 partially platinum-sensitive patients with relapsed ovarian cancer, among whom 530 patients (45.4%) received platinum-free chemotherapy. Meanwhile, the remaining 637 patients (54.6%) received platinum-based chemotherapy. Three studies involving four comparable groups showed trends towards longer median overall survivals in patients with platinum versus no platinum, while the study, INOVATYON showed similar overall survival between trabectedin/pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and PLD/carboplatin treated groups. Two studies both reported diminished quality of life in the platinum-free chemotherapy arm versus platinum-based chemotherapy arm. Finally, the meta-analysis showed that progression-free survival is significantly shorter in platinum-free chemotherapy groups compared to platinum-based chemotherapy (hazard ratio, HR, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.62-0.89, P Download : Download high-res image (94KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Compared to platinum-based chemotherapy, overall survival was not improved by a platinum-free counterpart in partially platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer, and even there appears to be a trend towards favouring platinum. Platinum-based therapy still benefits partially platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer, and platinum-based therapy should be compared with maintenance therapy in this population in the future.

Active commuting and the risk of obesity, hypertension and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Active commuting may hold a potential for preventing adverse health outcomes. However, evidence of the association of active commuting and the risk of health outcomes remains debatable. The current study...

Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and ObjectivesBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. It imposes a huge disease burden and a significant impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Our study focused on HRQoL of patients with BC in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We conducted a systematic review to identify relevant articles published between 2008 and August 2018. We conducted several meta‐analyses and subgroup analyses by country, disease stage, and instrument used (Prospective Register Of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42018106835).ResultsFrom 2,265 initial references, we finally included 75 articles (8,806 participants) that assessed HRQoL. The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and B23 modules (34 studies; 8 countries; 4,866 participants) were the most used instruments, followed by the Short Form 36‐item, the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast instrument. Only four studies reported specific HRQoL data of patients with metastatic disease. Half the studies were rated as having moderate quality (38/75), and 38% (29/75) as high quality. We identified substantial heterogeneity. As expected, the meta‐analyses revealed that patients with metastatic disease reported lower HRQoL values and high symptom burden compared with patients at earlier stages. Similar results can be observed when we compared patients with early breast cancer in active treatment phases versus those in follow‐up.ConclusionThis study provides a synthesis of breast cancer HRQoL reported in LAC and exposes existing evidence gaps. Patients with BC in active treatment or with metastatic disease had worse HRQoL compared with survivors during the follow‐up period.Implications for PracticeThis systematic review provides an exhaustive synthesis of breast cancer health‐related quality of life in women in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Patients with breast cancer in active treatment or with metastatic disease had worse health‐related quality of life compared with survivors during the different follow‐up periods. This study also shows important evidence and methods gaps that can help inform future research.

The 100 most cited articles in the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease

ObjectivePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent disease that places major lifestyle limitations and mortality risk on affected individuals. As the understanding of the disease has grown in the medical community, it is unknown which literature has made the greatest impact on the knowledge of PAD. We performed a bibliometric analysis using the number of citations as an indication of impact to analyze the top 100 most influential articles on PAD management. MethodsA retrospective search of the Web of Science (Thomson Reuters, New York, NY) database for English-only publications was conducted in November 2020. We identified initial references from the database using the search terms “Peripheral Arterial Disease,” “Peripheral Vascular Disease,” “Claudication,” “Critical Limb Ischemia,” “Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia,” “Rest Pain,” “Ischemic Ulcer,” “Toe Gangrene,” “Ankle Brachial Index,” and “Leg Ischemia” in Web of Science Core Collections. Articles were ranked based on the number of citations and then analyzed based on citation count and average number of citations per year. Additional metrics included the overall average number of publications per year, the journals, journal discipline, author (including degree and gender), institution, country, topic area, and the level of evidence. ResultsThe most popular articles were published between 1959 and 2017, with 46,716 citations in total (average 27.26 citations/y). The most popular article had 2225 citations in total and was Rutherford's “Recommended standards for reports dealing with lower extremity ischemia: Revised version.” Peak years of citations were 2016, 2014, and 2018 (2753, 2674, and 2639 citations, respectively). Top journals for the most cited publications were Circulation, Journal of Vascular Surgery, and the Lancet with 21, 13, and 7 articles, respectively. A majority of articles originated from the United States (58 articles), followed by the United Kingdom (15 articles) and Germany (13 articles). Major topic areas of interest and trends in the progressive understanding of PAD were noted. Top areas of focus included surgical interventions (29%), therapeutic angiogenesis (15%), epidemiological studies in PAD (14%), and diagnosis and evaluation (13%). In the top cited literature, 48% (14/29) of surgical articles investigated endovascular interventions for PAD. ConclusionsOverall, PAD research has evolved from basic epidemiological studies to advanced management with continued investigation toward future, improved treatments for PAD.

Uso de PCM para edificações em região de clima quente

O consumo mundial de energia continua a crescer e tem se mostrado crítico quanto ao uso de sistemas de refrigeração em países de clima quente. O desempenho térmico da envoltória do edifício exerce considerável influência nas condições ambientais internas e no conforto do usuário. Esse artigo tem como objetivo identificar, selecionar, avaliar e sintetizar informações sobre o uso de PCMs (materiais de mudança de fase) em edificações em países de clima quente como estratégia para um bom desempenho térmico, por meio de uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL). Enfatiza-se os tipos de materiais, seus critérios de seleção e formas de incorporação e aplicação, assim como, identifica-se lacunas e tendências de pesquisa. A escolha do tema deve-se à observância de uma tendência de pesquisas internacionais voltadas para o uso de PCM em edificações por meio de uma análise prévia de artigos. Os artigos mapeados pela RSL demonstraram o grande potencial que os PCMs têm na redução do consumo energético das edificações em países de clima quente. A partir das discussões é possível reforçar a ideia de que os parâmetros climáticos e as propriedades termofísicas do PCM são essenciais nas escolhas de projeto, entretanto ênfase igual deve ser dada a estratégias passivas que podem atuar em conjunto, além da disponibilidade do material e dos recursos financeiros, bem como os objetivos de interesse. Reforça-se o princípio de que cada projeto é único, mas que os resultados podem servir como referência inicial para outras análises.

Fish protein: nutrition and innovation

Introduction: initial references of products made with surimi date back in Japan to the 12th century. The technological process was developed in 1972. It is essential to use fresh fish to preserve the nutritional and technological quality of its myofibrillar protein. The highest quality species for elaborating surimi is Alaska pollock, belonging to the cod family. The best part of the fish regarding quality are its fillets or loins. Objectives: to evaluate the protein quality of surimi and its omega-3 fatty acid content, and to review the scientific evidence for the role of surimi in relation to health. Results: the amino acid score pattern of surimi is above 100 for the 9 essential amino acids, showing good assimilation and digestibility, even higher than that of homologous products such as meat, fish, and eggs. Surimi contributes considerably to the intake of omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA). Different studies link surimi consumption with positive effects on body composition: increase in skeletal muscle and reduction in white adipose tissue, as well as a tendency to improved muscle motor function. EPA and DHA have a function on both cardiovascular and cognitive parameters. Conclusions: one of the main reasons to consume surimi is its excellent protein quality, highlighting its easy assimilation and digestibility. Likewise, surimi's natural content in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA is of great nutritional interest. These components are related to functional effects on body composition, metabolic syndrome parameters, and cognitive level.

The Occurrence Rate of Swallowing Disorders After Stroke Patients in Asia: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundSwallowing disorders (dysphagia) is common in stroke patients. However, the epidemiology of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is poorly described. We herein synthesize the data of eligible studies on occurrence rate of dysphagia in Asian populations with stroke. MethodsWe searched the electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) to collect the studies on the prevalence of PSD. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) to estimate the quality of studies. The pooled dysphagia occurrence rate was obtained in Asian stroke patients. Results40 studies (including 43 observations) from 2318 initial references were selected in the synthetic analysis. The pooled occurrence rate of dysphagia in post-stroke patients was 36.3% (95% CI, 33.3%–39.3%). Meta-regression analysis showed that the “country” and “developing level” may influence the pooled occurrence rate of PSD. ConclusionDysphagia is common in Asian post-stroke patients. Our meta-analysis may raise concern about evaluating and managing dysphagia in stroke patients.

Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and patient-reported outcomes in axial SpA: a systematic review and a call for action.

This paper is to assess the efficacy of different biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) on several patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in randomized controlled trials (RCT) in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed. MEDLINE (May 1, 2018) was used with the filters "published in the last 10 years" and "humans." The PICO criteria used were Patients: adults with radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) or non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA); Intervention: any bDMARD; Compararator: placebo (PBO)/any different drug; Outcome: the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL), the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), the Short Form 36 Health Survey physical component summary (SF36-PCS), the Short Form 36 Health Survey mental component summary (SF36-MCS), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F). After screening 84 initial references and manually selecting other 9, 24 publications, assessing TNF inhibitors (TNFi) or IL17A inhibitors (IL17Ai) were selected. Four RCTs quantified the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) between treatment arms. Most of the RCTs compared the mean difference of PROs between different timepoints. Overall, the treatment arm was superior to the comparator. PROs were often underreported or highly heterogeneously presented. MCID was seldom mentioned. There is a need to raise the standard of care on SpA by aiming at remission and PRO associated improvements. In order to achieve this goal, the target must be clearly defined, reported, and tested.

Complications after surgical management of proximal humeral fractures: a systematic review of event terms and definitions

BackgroundThe most frequently used surgical procedures for treating a proximal humeral fracture (PHF) are plate osteosynthesis, nail osteosynthesis and arthroplasty. Evidence-based recommendations for an appropriate surgical procedure after PHF requires transparent and valid safety data. We performed a systematic review to examine reported terms and definitions of complications after surgically-treated PHFs.MethodsA literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus and WorldCat to identify clinical articles and book chapters on complications of PHF published from 2010 to 2017. Complication terms and definitions were extracted from each selected article independently by two reviewers and grouped according to a predefined scheme.ResultsFrom 1376 initial references, we selected 470 articles, of which 103 were reviewed in reverse chronological order until no further information was gained. Twelve book chapters were reviewed. We found 667 local event terms associated with complications after surgical treatment of PHFs. The most frequently used event terms were infection (52 references), nonunion (n = 42), malunion (n = 35), avascular necrosis (n = 27) and pain (n = 25). Overall, 345, 177, 257 and 102 local event terms were related to plating, nailing, arthroplasty and other surgical techniques, respectively. Radiological assessment was the basis for the majority of event terms and complication definitions. Thirty-six event definitions were extracted, mostly defining the terms “secondary fracture displacement”, “screw perforation/cutout”, “malunion”, “delayed healing” and “notching”.ConclusionScientific literature on surgically-managed PHF uses different terms to describe complications and without approved definitions, which highlights a lack of agreement on adverse event terminology for PHFs. Defined event terms are mostly based on radiological observations. Consensus among shoulder surgeons on a core event set is indispensable to support the standardization of safety reporting for surgically-treated PHFs.