bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical, legal, and social implications of digital health: A needs assessment from the Society of Behavioral Medicine to inform capacity building for behavioral scientists
Authors: Goldstein Stephanie P , Nebeker Camille , Ellis Rebecca Bartlett , Oser Megan
Published: November 2023

The ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSIs) of digital health are important when researchers and practitioners are using technology to collect, process, or store personal health data. Evidence underscores a strong need for digital health ELSI training, yet little is known about the specific ELSI topic areas that researchers and practitioners would most benefit from learning. To identify ELSI educational needs, a needs assessment survey was administered to the members of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). We sought to identify areas of ELSI proficiency and training need, and also evaluate interest and expertise in ELSI topics by career level and prior ELSI training history. The 14-item survey distributed to SBM members utilized the Digital Health Checklist tool (see recode.health/tools) and included items drawn from the four-domain framework: data management, access and usability, privacy and risk to benefit assessment. Respondents (N = 66) were majority faculty (74.2%) from psychology or public health. Only 39.4% reported receiving “formal” ELSI training. ELSI topics of greatest interest included practices that supported participant engagement, and dissemination and implementation of digital tools beyond the research setting. Respondents were least experienced in managing “bystander” data, having discussions about ELSIs, and reviewing terms of service agreements and privacy policies with participants and patients. There is opportunity for formalized ELSI training across career levels. Findings serve as an evidence base for continuous and ongoing evaluation of ELSI training needs to support scientists in conducting ethical and impactful digital health research.
Preventive and Curative Effects of Treatments to Manage Strawberry Root and Crown Rot Caused by Neopestalotiopsis rosae
Authors: Acosta-González Uriel , Leyva-Mir Santos G. , Silva-Rojas Hilda V. , Rebollar-Alviter Angel
Published: November 2023

Strawberry root and crown rot caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis rosae is an emerging disease that has caused yield losses of up to 70% in Mexico and other regions worldwide. This research evaluated the effects of biological and chemical fungicides applied as preventive and curative applications for controlling root and crown rot caused by N. rosae in strawberries under greenhouse conditions. Treatments included these chemical fungicides: prochloraz, prochloraz + thiram, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, difenoconazole + azoxystrobin, iprodione, captan, thiram, pydiflumetofen + fludioxonil, fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin, and hymexazol; each was applied at commercial doses. Also tested were biological treatments based on Trichoderma koningiopsis, T. asperellum, Streptomyces sp., and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (B. velezensis). Disease incidence, severity, plant mortality, root length, and dry weight were determined. Results showed that overall, preventive applications of the fungicides pydiflumetofen + fludioxonil, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, and prochloraz resulted in the smallest area under the disease progress curve and the lowest final disease incidence, severity, and plant mortality. An intermediate group of effective treatments entailed hymexazol, iprodione, T. asperellum, and T. koningiopsis (50 to 75% efficacy). Treatments with greater efficacy (99 to 100%), pydiflumetofen + fludioxonil, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, and prochloraz, also had maximal total plant biomass vis-à-vis the untreated control. By contrast, each treatment’s efficacy was significantly reduced when applied curatively (0 to 37% treatment efficacy). These results suggest that certain treatments are useful for controlling strawberry root and crown rot caused by N. rosae when applied preventively (as root dipping). These results will contribute to designing more effective management programs for root and crown rot caused by N. rosae on strawberry.
Lysine‐372‐dependent SUMOylation inhibits the enzymatic activity of glutamine synthases
Authors: Ling Ting , Li Siyi , Chen Huan , Wang Qiuping , Shi Jing , Li Yirong , Bao Wenjun , Liang Kunming , Piao Hai‐long
Published: November 2023

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is a crucial enzyme involved in de novo synthesis of glutamine and participates in several biological processes, including nitrogen metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, and amino acid synthesis. Post‐translational modification makes GS more adaptable to the needs of cells, and acetylation modification of GS at double sites has attracted considerable attention. Despite very intensive research, how SUMOylation affects GS activity at a molecular level remains unclear. Here, we report that previously undiscovered GS SUMOylation which is deficient mutant K372R of GS exhibits more bluntness under glutamine starvation. Mechanistically, glutamine deprivation triggers the GS SUMOylation, and this SUMOylation impaired the protein stability of GS, within a concomitant decrease in enzymatic activity. In addition, we identified SAE1, Ubc9, and PIAS1 as the assembly enzymes of GS SUMOylation respectively. Furthermore, Senp1/2 functions as a SUMO‐specific protease to reverse the SUMOylation of GS. This study provides the first evidence that SUMOylation serves as a regulatory mechanism for determining the GS enzymatic activity, contributing to understanding the GS regulation roles in various cellular and pathophysiological processes.
Optimal Timing of Labor Induction After Prelabor Rupture of Membranes at Term: A Secondary Analysis of the TERMPROM Study
Authors: Melamed N. , Berghella V. , Ananth C.V. , Lipworth H. , Yoon E.W. , Barrett J.
Published: November 2023

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;228:326.e1–13)

The rupture of membranes prior to labor (PROM) can be associated with dangerous complications. It is theorized that consistent monitoring and early induction can improve the outcome of women with PROM. The Term Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (TERMPROM) study is a study conducted to assess the effects and treatments of PROM. This study aimed to analyze and compare the TERMPROM study with the use of induction of labor (IOL) during pregnancy to reduce PROM effects.
Genu Valgum in Pediatric Patients Presenting With Patellofemoral Instability
Authors: Kirby Julia C. , Jones Hunter , Johnson Benjamin L. , Brenner Madison E. , Wilson Philip L. , Ellis Henry B.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Lower extremity valgus is a commonly described factor associated with patellofemoral instability (PFI) and, if identified before skeletal maturity, can be treated with guided growth. The prevalence of valgus alignment in the pediatric and adolescent PFI population is largely unknown.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of valgus alignment in adolescent patients presenting with PFI; with secondary assessment of high-grade valgus (zone II or III), coronal asymmetry, and associations of these findings with body mass index (BMI).

Study design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

A total of 279 consecutive patients (349 knees) with a diagnosis of PFI presenting to a single orthopedic pediatric sport medicine surgeon were identified. A retrospective chart review was performed to collect demographic and clinical data, chronologic and bone age, sex, BMI, mechanism of injury, and the presence of osteochondral fracture. Full-length standing hip-to-ankle alignment radiographs were graded for knee alignment mechanical zone utilizing standard linear femoral head center to talar center assessment. In addition, mechanical axis deviation, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were also calculated.

Results:

Mean patient age was 14.0±2.5 years. There were 162 (58.1%) females and mean BMI was 24.3±6.4. Seventy patients (25.1%) had bilateral PFI. Standing alignment radiographs were available for 81.4% of knees (n=284). Valgus alignment was present in 172 knees with PFI (60.6%). High-grade valgus, defined as zone 2 or greater, was present in 66 knees (23.3%). Overall, 48.9% had asymmetry of coronal alignment (n=139). The mean mechanical lateral distal femoral angle was 85.4±2.8 and the mean MPTA was 88.2±2.6. There was a greater MPTA in female patients (88.8±2.4 vs. 87.5±2.7, P<0.001). A higher BMI (24.87±6.95, P=0.03) was associated with valgus alignment.

Conclusions:

There is a high (60%) prevalence of lower extremity valgus in adolescent patients presenting with PFI, with nearly 1 in 4 presenting with high-grade valgus. The treatment team should be aware of this association as it may be an important consideration in the pediatric and adolescent PFI populations.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
[11C]-PBR28 positron emission tomography signal as an imaging marker of joint inflammation in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Sandström Angelica , Torrado-Carvajal Angel , Morrissey Erin J. , Kim Minhae , Alshelh Zeynab , Zhu Yehui , Li Matthew D. , Chang Connie Y. , Jarraya Mohamed , Akeju Oluwaseun , Schrepf Andrew , Harris Richard E. , Kwon Young-Min , Bedair Hany , Chen Antonia F. , Mercaldo Nathaniel D. , Kettner Norman , Napadow Vitaly , Toschi Nicola , Edwards Robert R. , Loggia Marco L.
Published: November 2023

Although inflammation is known to play a role in knee osteoarthritis (KOA), inflammation-specific imaging is not routinely performed. In this article, we evaluate the role of joint inflammation, measured using [11C]-PBR28, a radioligand for the inflammatory marker 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), in KOA. Twenty-one KOA patients and 11 healthy controls (HC) underwent positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) knee imaging with the TSPO ligand [11C]-PBR28. Standardized uptake values were extracted from regions-of-interest (ROIs) semiautomatically segmented from MRI data, and compared across groups (HC, KOA) and subgroups (unilateral/bilateral KOA symptoms), across knees (most vs least painful), and against clinical variables (eg, pain and Kellgren–Lawrence [KL] grades). Overall, KOA patients demonstrated elevated [11C]-PBR28 binding across all knee ROIs, compared with HC (all P's < 0.005). Specifically, PET signal was significantly elevated in both knees in patients with bilateral KOA symptoms (both P's < 0.01), and in the symptomatic knee (P < 0.05), but not the asymptomatic knee (P = 0.95) of patients with unilateral KOA symptoms. Positron emission tomography signal was higher in the most vs least painful knee (P < 0.001), and the difference in pain ratings across knees was proportional to the difference in PET signal (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). Kellgren–Lawrence grades neither correlated with PET signal (left knee r = 0.32, P = 0.19; right knee r = 0.18, P = 0.45) nor pain (r = 0.39, P = 0.07). The current results support further exploration of [11C]-PBR28 PET signal as an imaging marker candidate for KOA and a link between joint inflammation and osteoarthritis-related pain severity.
School bullying and peer relationships in children with chronic pain
Authors: Solé Ester , Roman-Juan Josep , Sánchez-Rodríguez Elisabet , Castarlenas Elena , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi
Published: November 2023

Preliminary evidence suggests that there are significant associations between bullying and chronic pain, as well as between the quality of peer relationships and psychological function in youth with chronic pain. However, these findings have yet to be replicated, and the role that bullying plays in anxiety in children and adolescents with chronic pain has not yet been examined. This study sought to expand our understanding of the associations between measures of bullying and quality of peer relationships and pain-related function domains in a community sample of schoolchildren with chronic pain. One thousand one hundred fifteen schoolchildren participated in this study; 57% were girls, the mean age of the study sample was 11.67 years (SD = 2.47), and 46% reported having chronic pain. Participants completed measures of pain characteristics, pain interference, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, bullying (past and current), and quality of peer relationships. Youth with chronic pain reported a significantly higher percentage of being bullied in the past compared with youth without chronic pain. In the group of youth with chronic pain, the measures of past and current bullying, and quality of peer relationships, were not significantly associated with pain intensity, pain interference, or anxiety. However, having a history of being bullied and the quality of peer relationships were significantly associated with depressive symptom severity. The findings indicate that research to evaluate the potential causal role of bullying and the quality of peer relationships on pain-related function domains in youth with chronic pain is warranted.
Work Ability and Its Correlates With Workers Aging Among Blue-Collar Workers in a Manufacturing Company
Authors: Bacci Giulia , Viotti Sara , Guidetti Gloria , Sottimano Ilaria , Simondi Gianluca , Caligaris Monica , Converso Daniela
Published: November 2023

Objective

This article assesses work ability in a sample of blue-collar workers who often perform physically demanding tasks.

Method

The data collected resulted in 354 validly completed questionnaires from 426 participants (response rate: approximately 90%).

Results

In this sample, the average score on WAI of workers is 37.42 (SD = 6.62), indicating good work ability. Regression analyses revealed that work ability was significantly associated skill discretion (β = 0.365, P = 0.001), home-work conflict (β = −0.199, P = 0.001), and work-home conflict (β = −0.320, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Of the psychosocial factors examined in this study, skill discretion was the most important factor associated with work ability. Therefore, it is necessary to develop measures that support this component.
Long COVID Among Wisconsin Workers in the Workers’ Compensation System
Authors: Modji Komi K.S. , McCoy Katherine E. , Creswell Paul D. , Morris Collin R. , Tomasallo Carrie D.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This analysis aimed to determine the likelihood of developing long COVID among Wisconsin workers while adjusting for sociodemographics, COVID-19 vaccination, industry, and occupation.

Methods

This retrospective analysis determined the odds ratios of developing long COVID among Wisconsin workers who were compensated for COVID-19 lost time during March 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022.

Results

A total of 234 workers (11.7%) were determined to have long COVID. Factors associated with long COVID were age ≥40 years, non-White race, infection occurrence during the initial and Omicron variant dominant periods, and the absence of COVID-19 vaccination. Workers in manufacturing and public administration were more likely to develop long COVID compared with those in health care and social assistance.

Conclusions

Long COVID disproportionately affects some worker groups. This calls for more worker protection and preventative care to mitigate its impact.
Paraneoplastic anti-GAD65 extralimbic encephalitis presented with epilepsy: A case report
Authors: Xia Si-Qi , Fan Hao-Nan , Fan Lin-Feng , Xia Wu , Chen Gao
Published: November 2023

Rationale:

Autoimmunity targeting glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) is associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus as well as various neurological diseases. In the central nervous system, GAD65 autoimmunity usually presents with limbic encephalitis, whereas extralimbic encephalitis (ELE) has only been reported in a few cases. Moreover, anti-GAD65 ELE in the paraneoplastic context has not yet been reported.

Patient concerns:

A 60-year-old man presented with intermittent cough and sputum for 10 years, with no other diseases. The patient presented with recurrent seizures that were resistant to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Chest computed tomography and pathological results confirmed the diagnosis of small cell lung cancer. Paraneoplastic testing found a high level of GAD65 antibodies in his serum, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, indicating autoimmune encephalitis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multifocal T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensities in the extralimbic areas including the subcortex and deep white matter of the bilateral frontal lobe, parietal lobe, and insula lobes.

Diagnoses:

Finally, a diagnosis of anti-GAD65 autoimmune ELE with a paraneoplastic etiology from the small cell lung cancer was suspected.

Interventions:

The patient refused any tumor-suppressive treatment or immunotherapy for potential side effects and only received AEDs levetiracetam, sodium valproate, and diazepam.

Outcomes:

The epilepsy of the patient was resistant to AEDs, and the patient died a week after discharge due to disease progression.

Lessons:

Anti-GAD65 autoimmune encephalitis can be extralimbic, can present with isolated epilepsy, and extralimbic anti-GAD65 encephalitis can occur with an underlying malignancy.
Characteristics of Haemophilus influenzae carriage among healthy children in China: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Cui , Zhang Yutuo , Wang Hua
Published: November 2023

Background:

Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) commonly causes invasive and noninvasive bacterial infections. Nationwide investigation on the carriage characteristics of H influenzae in healthy children in China is lacking. We reviewed the prevalence of H influenzae infections in this population.

Methods:

PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of Hi among healthy children in China from inception to November 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0.

Results:

A total of 28 studies involving 14,301 children were included, among whom there were 2878 children with Hi. The pooled carriage rate of Hi was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.17–0.25). Subgroup analysis indicated no significant sex- or age-related differences. The proportion of Hi in winter (29%) was higher than that in other seasons. Results indicated significant differences among the provinces, with carriage proportions ranging from 0.11 to 0.60. The proportion of nontypeable H influenzae (NTHi) was higher than that of the capsular type. The proportion of Hib in the capsular type (2%) was higher than that in other serotypes.

Conclusions:

The carriage rate of Hi in healthy children in China was 21% with no sex-related age differences. The proportion of Hi in winter was high, and the proportions of Hi in different regions were significantly different. NTHi was the predominant serotype detected in children.
A study on the correlation between MTHFR and folic acid combined with trace elements for the prevention of fetal malformations in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Hong , Pan Juan , Jiang Haoyu , Xiong Xiaobo , Huang Lu , Liu Xin , Wangzi Wei Xin , Chen Lida
Published: November 2023

This study aims to elucidate and examine the intricate interrelation between 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), combined folic acid (FA), and trace element supplementation as a preventive strategy against fetal malformations during the inaugural trimester of pregnancy. Eighty pregnant women selected from our hospital’s early obstetrics department from May 2021 to August 2021. Pregnant women are divided into the MTHFR combined group, FA, and trace element group. Comparing the basic data of patients, analyzing adverse reactions in pregnant women, and total birth risk situation, detecting MTHFR gene polymorphisms, and analyzing the correlation between MTHFR and FA in the prevention of fetal malformations in early pregnancy. Compared with the north, the southern region is more prone to FA deficiency. MTHFR degree of the MTHFR combined group was positively correlated with fetal malformations. The deformity rate was negatively correlated with FA and trace elements. Pregnant women in the first trimester may have fetal malformations, and the malformation rate is negatively correlated with FA and positively correlated with MTHFR level. Importantly, the inverse relationship between FA supplementation and malformation incidence underscores its significance as a preventive measure.
Comparison of outcomes following intravenous magnesium compared with intravenous labetalol and oral nifedipine in 355 pregnant Han Chinese women with preeclampsia
Authors: Peng Zhouli , Zhang Jidong , Xiao Yuhui , Dong Weiyan
Published: November 2023

As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 2013, magnesium sulfate is the gold standard for the management of preeclampsia, but it has a short action time that does not provide stable maintenance of blood pressure. Labetalol is currently recommended as first-line treatment by the national UK guidance. This study included 355 pregnant Han Chinese women with preeclampsia and aimed to compare outcomes following intravenous magnesium compared with intravenous labetalol and oral nifedipine. Women received 4 g intravenous magnesium sulfate followed by the maintenance dose of 1 g/h intravenous magnesium sulfate (MS cohort, n = 104) or intravenous labetalol (LB cohort, n = 115), or oral nifedipine (NF cohort, n = 136). Therapy success: systolic blood pressure ~140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure ~90 mm Hg, therapy failure: persistent systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mm Hg after maximum dosage of therapy (EL). Women of all cohorts successfully decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures at EL as compared to them before therapy conditions (P < .001, for all). At EL, systolic and diastolic blood pressures of women of the LB cohort decreased more than those of women of the MS and NF cohorts (P < .05, for all). Therapy was more successful in women of the LB cohort than those of the NF cohort (107 [93%] vs 112 [82%], P = .0132). More numbers of women were reduced blood pressure after 1 day of therapy from the LB cohort than those of the NF (75 [65%] vs 21 [15%]) and MS (75 [65%] vs 35 [34%]) cohorts (P < .0001 for both). Labetalol-induced tachycardia, bradycardia, and intracranial hemorrhage in pregnant women and respiratory distress syndrome and hypoglycemia in neonates. Intravenous labetalol provides proper reduction of blood pressure in Han Chinese women with preeclampsia but has the risk of undesirable maternal and neonatal adverse effects (Level of Evidence: IV; Technical Efficacy: Stage 4).
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided CHIVA and traditional HLS in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities – a meta-analysis
Authors: Pei Yueying , Li Chuntao , Niu Shuai , Jia Kun , Ju Fei
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Systematic evaluation of the efficacy and safety of conservative hemodynamic cure for venous insufficiency (CHIVA) compared with high ligation and stripping (HLS) in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic literature search and compared the randomized controlled trial and retrospective cohort study of CHIVA and HLS in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities in several databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, cqvip datebase, PubMed, Cochrane library and EMBASE, to identify articles that might meet the criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 and Stata 13.0 software.

Results:

This Meta-analysis included a total of 14 research articles. This meta-analysis shows that CHIVA requires shorter operation time than HLS [mean difference (MD) = −13.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−21.05, −6.10), P = .0004]. There is less blood loss with CHIVA surgery [MD = −21.72, 95% CI (−30.35, −13.09), P < .00001]. The number of incisions made by the CHIVA technique is less [MD = −3.67, 95% CI (−4.03, −3.31), P < .00001]. Patients who underwent CHIVA had a shorter hospital stay [MD = −3.40, 95% CI (−4.72, −2.09), P < .00001]. The relapse rate was lower after CHIVA [OR = 0.36, 95% CI (0.18, 0.70), P = .003]. In terms of postoperative complications, CHIVA has a lower total complication rate [MD = 0.26, 95% CI (0.15, 0.46), P < .00001]. The incidence of deep vein thrombosis was lower after CHIVA [MD = 0.23, 95% CI (0.06, 0.92), P = .04]. CHIVA has a lower incidence of sensory disturbance than HLS [OR = 0.39, 95% CI (0.25, 0.60), P < .0001]. CHIVA technique has less nerve injury rate than HLS [OR = 0.11, 95% CI (0.02, 0.62), P = .01]. The incidence of hematoma was lower after CHIVA [OR = 0.48, 95% CI (0.27, 0.87), P = .02]. Among other metrics, the comparison results of the 2 techniques were similar.

Conclusion:

By comparison, it is found that CHIVA has shorter operation time, less blood loss, and fewer surgical incisions. Patients who underwent CHIVA surgery had shorter hospital stays and lower relapse rates. In terms of complications, the incidence of total complications after CHIVA is lower, and the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis, postoperative sensory, nerve injury, and postoperative hematoma is also lower than that of HLS.
Efficacy and safety of Duhuo-Jisheng decoction in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qu Pengda , Wang Haiyang , Wang Wei , Du Shiyu , Peng Zhaorong , Hu Qian , Tang Xiaohu
Published: November 2023

Background:

Duhuo-Jisheng decoction (DJD) is a Chinese herb formula. Previous studies have reported that the clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients could be improved by DJD. However, the existing evidence was not robust enough and controversial.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials of DJD for RA were retrieved from Chinese and English databases from their inception to April 16, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed by Stata 17 software. We used subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted from 6 aspects, including age, course of disease, course of treatment, interventions used in the experimental or control group, and random sequence generation. Galbraith plot was used to find studies with possible heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test and funnel plots when the number of relevant studies was greater than or equal to 10.

Results:

Forty-two studies were included, involving 3635 patients and 19 outcome indicators. Meta-analysis showed that, compared with the routine disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (rDMARDs), DJD could better improve the level of laboratory indicators, main symptoms and signs, and questionnaire scores of RA patients. The laboratory indicators included rheumatoid factor, T lymphocyte subpopulation (including CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+), and inflammatory biomarkers (including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 1). The main symptoms and signs included the duration of morning stiffness, the number of joint tenderness, the number of swollen joints, and the grip strength of both hands. The questionnaire included visual analogue scale, health assessment questionnaire, and disease activity score in 28 joints. In addition, the adverse events of DJD treatment were significantly lower than those of rDMARDs. However, the results of a few subgroup analyses differed from the overall results. Furthermore, the publication bias assessment showed that, out of 11 evaluated results, 4 had publication bias.

Conclusion:

DJD could be a satisfactory complementary and alternative therapy for RA. However, due to a small number of subgroup analysis results being different from the overall results, it should be verified by further studies.
Risk-factors for locally advanced rectal cancer relapse after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A single center experience
Authors: Stupar Dragana , Jungić Saša , Gojković Zdenka , Berendika Jelena , Janičić Živojin
Published: November 2023

The overall prognosis of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) remains unsatisfactory due to a high incidence of disease relapse. The present understanding of the factors that determine the likelihood of recurrence is limited or ineffective. We aimed to identify the main risk factors influencing tumor relapse in LARC patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and surgical treatment in a single center in Republika Srpska. Patients with stage II or stage III who received nCRT before surgery for primary rectal cancer at the Oncology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska from January 2017 and December 2022 were included in the study. We collected patient demographics, clinical stage and characteristics, neoadjuvant therapy, and surgical methods, along with the pathological response after treatment completion, and analyzed them to identify the risk factors for tumor relapse. Out of 109 patients diagnosed with LARC, 34 (31,2%) had tumor relapse. The median time to relapse was 54 months. Participants with clinical T4 stage had a significantly shorter relapse time compared to the patients with clinical T2/3 stage. Subjects with positive lymph nodes removed, perivascular and perineural invasion, intraoperative perforation and patients without ypN stage improvement had significantly shorter time to relapse. Subjects with T4 stage had more than 4 times higher risk of relapse than patients with clinical T2/3 stage. Higher clinical T stage was an essential risk factor for tumor relapse in LARC patients after nCRT and surgical treatment. Comprehensive understanding and identification of the risk factors for tumor relapse in LARC patients are crucial for improving their long-term outcomes.
Significance of LINC02082 and LOC105369812 in differentiating papillary thyroid cancer from benign nodules
Authors: Xu Jingya , Liu Wenya , Li Ruiqi , Wang Youmin
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To explore the significance of LINC02082 and LOC105369812 in the differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and benign nodules.

Methods:

Cancer tissues and benign nodules from 8 patients were sequenced and constructed using high-throughput sequencing. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) with significant differences were screened. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the mRNAs co-expressed by DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs. LncRNAs with significant differences, good consistency, and enrichment in the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway were selected as candidate lncRNAs, and the target lncRNAs were screened by correlation analysis. Target lncRNAs and co-expressed mRNAs enriched in the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway and microRNAs (miRNAs) interacting with each other were used to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Finally, the PTC-related gene set (GSE33630) was downloaded from the GEO database and the expression of the genes obtained by sequencing was compared. Differential expression was verified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of the target lncRNAs in diagnosis, when used alone or in combination.

Results:

A total of 1113 differential RNAs (DE RNAs) were identified, of which 338 were DElncRNAs and 775 were DEmRNAs. Three lncRNAs enriched in the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway, LINC02082, LOC105369812, and LOC105375170, were used as candidate lncRNAs. After correlation analysis with known biomarkers, LINC02082 and LOC105369812 were selected as the target lncRNAs. The qRT-PCR results showed that the target lncRNAs were significantly different among the 3 tissues. The ROC curve showed that LOC105369812 could be used to differentiate PTC from benign thyroid nodules, whereas LINC02082 and its combination had lower predictive value.

Conclusions:

LOC105369812 is valuable for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules, whereas LINC02082 has lower diagnostic value.
Fu’s subcutaneous needling as an adjunctive therapy for diaphragmatic dysfunction in a critically ill patient with severe neurologic disability: A case report
Authors: Li Hu , Yang Cong Cong , Bai Tianyu , Sun Jian , Fu Zhonghua , Chou Li-Wei
Published: November 2023

Rationale:

Diaphragmatic dysfunction is prevalent among intensive care unit patients. The use of Fu’s subcutaneous needling (FSN) for respiratory problems is a new issue and few study has been conducted so far.

Patient concerns:

Despite conventional treatments, the patient continued using noninvasive ventilation after discharge from the intensive care unit due to diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Diagnosis:

Diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Interventions:

After the myofascial trigger points were confirmed in the neck, chest, and abdomen area, FSN therapy was performed using disposable FSN needles. FSN needles were penetrated into the subcutaneous layer.

Outcomes:

The patient dyspnea and tachypnea improved, and noninvasive ventilation time dropped significantly. The patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator after 3 sessions of FSN therapy, and there was an increase in diaphragmatic excursion and tidal fraction of the diaphragm via the ultrasound imaging. We found no evidence of relapse 12 months after treatment.

Lessons:

FSN therapy has potential as an alternative strategy for patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction and severe neurologic disabilities who do not respond well to conventional therapies, but further research is still required to establish the effects of FSN on diaphragmatic function.
Comparison between self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle variations from 1st to 4th grade students of nursing in Tenerife, Spain
Authors: Palenzuela-Luis Natacha , Duarte-Clíments Gonzalo , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Rodríguez-Gómez José Ángel , Sánchez-Gómez María Begoña
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise, and lifestyle of students from 1st to 4th year of the Nursing university studies. Descriptive observational cross-sectional study with analytical components. The study sample consisted of 1st and 4th year undergraduate Nursing students. Five questionnaires were used: a sociodemographic survey, the RSES, the GHQ-12, the PAQ-A and the HBSC. The sample consisted of 197 subjects. 44.2% had a low self-concept and a perception of self-value that improved as they progressed academically, while confidence decreased. The PAQ-A showed that 65.5% performed moderate physical activity and 15.7% were sedentary, 58.9% reported a fair lifestyle and 20.8% of the subjects reported an inadequate diet. In the GHQ-12, the perception of self-value subscale showed an improvement with respect to the academic year. The SOC-13 data showed fair coping with traumatic situations, which worsened in the 4th year, being 88.9% in males and 84.6% in females. The study identified low self-concept, an adequate self-perception, moderate physical activity with a tendency towards sedentary lifestyles, and a fair lifestyle. It is significant that adolescents do not perceive the poor figures they obtain in self-concept, physical exercise, diet, sleep, and violence as reflected in their health. It is known that the changes adopted in adolescence will be perpetuated in adulthood. Therefore, influencing this population group, and even more so, if they are potential future health professionals, is deemed necessary.
Safety of low dose efavirenz regimen in Indian adults with HIV-1 infection: Insights from a phase 4 interventional randomised trial
Authors: Dravid Ameet N. , Pilawan Anant S. , Anuradha S. , Morkar Dnyanesh N. , Ramapuram John T. , Madhukarrao Kulkarni Milind , Naik K. Sunil , Bhrusundi Milind , Raveendra K.R. , Nageswaramma Siddabathuni , Kulkarni Vinay
Published: November 2023

Background:

A randomized interventional phase 4 study in the Indian population confirmed the non-inferiority of the combination tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TLE)-400 to TLE600. The current manuscript describes in detail the safety profile and patient-reported safety outcomes obtained from the phase 4 study.

Methods:

This investigation was part of a phase 4 non-inferiority study with a blinded assessment, conducted across 17 sites in India. The duration of the study was 24 weeks. Safety endpoints assessed included all the adverse events (AEs) related to the study treatment (TLE400 and TLE600). The depression anxiety stress 21-item scale questionnaire and efavirenz-related symptom questionnaire were also used to measure depression, anxiety, stress, and patient experience.

Results:

A total of 68 patients (52.3%) reported 261 AEs and 87 patients (64.9%) reported 379 AEs related to study treatment in TLE400 group and TLE600 group respectively, P = .037. The reported AEs associated with central nervous system disorders were lower in the TLE400 group with 41 patients (31.5%) to 61 patients (45.5%) in the TLE600 group. The change from mean baseline value for depression anxiety stress 21-item scale at week 28 in TLE400 group and TLE600 group was −5.1 and −6.2 respectively. Similarly, the mean change from baseline score of efavirenz-related symptoms at week 28 in TLE400 group and TLE600 group were −5.1 and −4.1 respectively.

Conclusion:

The low dose efavirenz (400 mg) in combination with tenofovir and lamivudine had a better safety and tolerability profile than the standard dose of efavirenz (600 mg) in combination with tenofovir and lamivudine. Thus, low dose efavirenz should be preferred over the standard dose.
Pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic significance and oncogenic role of GXYLT2
Authors: Song Yi-Bei , Bao Wen-Guang , Liu Deng-He , Wei Li-Qiang , Yang Shu-Ting , Miao Xue-Jing , Lin Chun-Yu , Li Hong-Jun , Lan Dong , He Hui-Min
Published: November 2023

Growing evidence supports an oncogenic role for glucoside xylosyltransferase 2 (GXYLT2) in a number of malignancies. To evaluate the prognostic value and oncogenic function of GXYLT2 in diverse cancer types, we analyzed sequencing data from public databases on 33 tumor tissues and their corresponding normal tissues. We found that GXYLT2 was overexpressed in a number of tumors, and that its expression was positively correlated with disease progression and mortality in several major cancer types including stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). GXYLT2 was also linked to tumor size, grade, and the immune and molecular subtypes of STAD. GO and KEGG pathway analyses of GXYLT2 co-expressed genes in STAD suggested that GXYLT2 possibly plays a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix production and degradation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, as well as in tumor inflammation, such as cytokine production and T cell activation. Finally, prognostic nomograms were created and validated for predicting 1, 3, and 5-year survival of patients with STAD. Our findings indicate that GXYLT2 may play a role in tumorigenesis and tumor immunity, and it may serve as a prognostic marker and potential immunotherapeutic target for STAD and some other types of cancer.
Life quality improvement of patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing targeted therapy: A case study of continuous care
Authors: Min Yonghua , Zhu Youcai , Ye Min , Zhu Qinya , Xu Yumei , Li Xiaofeng
Published: November 2023

To investigate the improvement effect of targeted therapy on non-small cell carcinoma patients life quality after the continuous nursing intervention. 104 non-small cell lung cancer patients in our hospital from July 2017 to November 2019 were allocated evenly and randomly into the control group (C) and the study group (S). By using clinical baseline data, quality of life questionnaire core 30 for cancer patients, evaluation of patient compliance behavior, the MOS item short-form health survey (SF-36), self rating depression scale (SDS), self rating anxiety scale (SAS), Overall Survival (OS) progression-free survival and adverse reaction symptoms were evaluated for the life quality of patients. There was comparability between the 2 sets of basic data. There was no significant difference in quality of life questionnaire core 30, SF-36, SAS, or SDS scores before treatment. After 3 months, there was a significant difference in the scores of various scales before treatment. At the same time, there was significant statistical significance before and after treatment in Group S. Their compliance rates were 84.62% and 98.08%. Adverse reactions incidence in Group S was lower. Taking a 2-year follow-up period as an example, significant statistical differences existed in OS and progression-free survival rates between adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma. SDS and SAS had high consistency in scoring with QLQ-30 and SF-36 scales. Targeted treatment for non-small cell carcinoma patients significantly improves their life quality and reduces the incidence of adverse reactions after continuous nursing intervention.
Knowledge, attitude, and ethical concepts of Sudanese medical students regarding stem cells and its application
Authors: Hemmeda Lina , Alfadul Esraa S.A. , Satti Mohamed , Ahmed Alaa S. , Elgadi Ammar , Emad Sara , Elfaki Lina , Fadelallah Eljack Mohammed Mahmmoud ,   Collaborators
Published: November 2023

One of the major challenges that stem cell transplantation faces is a lack of donors due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the importance of stem cell transplantation, this implies that health care providers should arm themselves with sufficient knowledge to contribute positively to raising awareness. This is an analytical cross-sectional study of 1040 medical students from 10 universities from various Sudanese states, through an online self-administered pre-tested and structured questionnaire formulated by the authors with a particular focus and/or reflection on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students. The median knowledge score among all students was 8.0 (6–9) with the majority of students confirming that stem cells are capable of dividing and can self-renew for a long period (88.6%). Regarding attitude, the median score among the participants was 23 (17–27) with (47.9%) agreeing that competency in stem cell knowledge is important for them as future health care providers. In terms of ethical attitude; the majority of the students (59, 2%) think there’s a need to obtain ethical approval before conducting research. Moreover, (45.9%) of students believe that health practitioners have the right to use stem cells in treatments if those treatments have been scientifically proven to be effective on animals and on human cells in the laboratory. It is important to promote educational programs that inform medical students about the full range of possibilities offered by stem cell research. Furthermore, more studies is required to determine how society and religion affect medical students’ attitudes toward stem cells.
Role of CCNB1, CENPF, and neutrophils in lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Tan Feixiang , Tang Yonglian , He Zhiyi
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate CCNB1, CENPF, and Neutrophils as diagnostic predictors of lung cancer and to explore their association with clinical prognosis. Clinical data were obtained for a total of 52 patients. In addition, we downloaded 555 lung cancer-related samples from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed genes were further screened. Immune cell infiltration and survival analysis were performed. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm gene expression. Peripheral blood analysis showed that neutrophil percentages were significantly reduced in patients with lung cancer. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate regression analysis revealed that CCNB1 and CENPF were lung cancer risk factors. Both CCNB1 and CENPF are overexpressed in lung cancer. The clinical diagnostic model constructed using CCNB1, CENPF, and neutrophils had a C-index of 0.994. This model area under the curve (AUC) and internal validation C-index values were 0.994 and 0.993, respectively. The elevated expression of CCNB1 and CENPF showed that the survival rate of lung cancer patients was reduced. CCNB1 and CENPF expression was positively correlated with the clinical stage of lung cancer. Further studies confirmed that CCNB1 and CENPF are overexpressed in lung cancer tissues. The clinically constructed model with high accuracy based on CCNB1, CENPF, and neutrophils demonstrated that these are crucial indicators for lung cancer diagnosis. High expression of CCNB1 and CENPF indicates a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer.
Traumatic brain injuries caused by knockout in Japanese amateur boxers: A questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Komatsu Taiki , Umeshita Shinsuke , Izumi Shigeki , Ishibashi Tsuyoshi , Sato Yoshihiro , Aramaki Yu , Nakayama Haruo , Koyama Yuzo
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study is to conduct a trauma and disability survey in amateur boxers and show the actual conditions of injuries based on the current situations. We have obtained 663 valid responses from male and female boxers. In the questionnaire survey who was carried out on a Web questionnaire form. The questions involve that Face Sheet (gender, height, weight, athletic experience, etc.) and prepared 10 questions about trauma and impairment, 7 questions with concussion or damage on head. and, set 11 self-evaluations, which the boxers assessed their boxing skills. The subjects include amateur boxers who are all high school students (15 years old) and retired boxers. We had analyzed relation between the skills and the injuries. And, main outcome was that make a measure to setting whether or not questionnaires have been knockout (KO) as a variable, we applied a method of multiple logistic regression analysis. Moreover, as for the group who got KO in the past, we have also applied multiple regression analysis by using stepwise regression to factors affecting numbers of symptoms. The number of hits they experienced was smaller in international tournament matches, and the odds rate for KO was 0.669. And, KO experience group was compared with non-KO experience group, and the factors influencing the number of severity symptoms were examined. As a result, 2 factors were selected what “Seriousness in practice” and “Fighting spirit in games”. It might be possible that the relation between the experience of being KO and self-assessment of boxing performance.