bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous and Early Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness after Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: 5-Year Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Yamamoto Yu , Okawa Masakazu , Suzuki Keita , Tateya Ichiro , Yoshimura Michio , Fushimi Yasutaka , Kato Eri Toda , Yoshida Kazumichi , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis (RI-CS) is known as one of long-term side effects of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). However, the clinical time course after irradiation has been poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the natural history of radiation-induced carotid atherosclerosis, comparing the patients who received radiotherapy for HNC with the patients who were treated without radiotherapy. Methods: The patients who received treatment of HNC at Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of Kyoto University Hospital, from November 2012 to July 2015 were enrolled. The patients were assigned into the RT group and the control group, depending on whether radiotherapy was planned or not. Annual carotid ultrasound was performed from the enrollment to 5 years. The increase of mean intima-media thickness (IMT) at common carotid artery from the enrollment (Δmean IMT) was evaluated. Results: Fifty-six patients in the RT group and 25 patients in the control group were enrolled. From 5-year follow-up data, the significant higher increase of Δmean IMT was consistently observed in the RT group than in the control group after 2 years. The RT group presented a 7.8-fold increase of mean IMT compared to the control group (0.060 mm per year in the RT group and 0.008 mm per year in the control group). Cumulative incidence curves obtained from the analysis of all vessels revealed that the RT group presented higher incidence of Δmean IMT ≥0.25 mm than the control group (p < 0.01). In the RT group, the patients with mean IMT ≥1.0 mm at enrollment exhibited significantly higher incidence of Δmean IMT ≥0.25 mm than the patients with mean IMT <1.0 mm (p < 0.01). Discussion: Radiotherapy for HNC induces continuous carotid mean IMT progression. The irradiated carotid arteries with mean IMT ≥1.0 mm before radiotherapy presented earlier IMT progression than those with mean IMT <1.0 mm.
Studies in Zebrafish and Rat Models Support Dual Blockade of EP2 and EP4 (Prostaglandin E
2
Receptors Type 2 and 4) for Renoprotection in Glomerular Hyperfiltration and Albuminuria
Authors: Kourpa Aikaterini , Schulz Angela , Mangelsen Eva , Kaiser-Graf Debora , Koppers Nils , Stoll Monika , Rothe Michael , Bader Michael , Purfürst Bettina , Kunz Severine , Gladytz Thomas , Niendorf Thoralf , Bachmann Sebastian , Mutig Kerim , Bolbrinker Juliane , Panáková Daniela , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: January 2023

Background:

Glomerular hyperfiltration (GH) is an important mechanism in the development of albuminuria in hypertension. Upregulation of COX2 (cyclooxygenase 2) and prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
) was linked to podocyte damage in GH. We explored the potential renoprotective effects of either separate or combined pharmacological blockade of EP2 (PGE
2
receptor type 2) and EP4 (PGE
2
receptor type 4) in GH.

Methods:

We conducted in vivo studies in a transgenic zebrafish model (
Tg[fabp10a:gc-EGFP]
) suitable for analysis of glomerular filtration barrier function and a genetic rat model with GH, albuminuria, and upregulation of PGE
2
. Similar pharmacological interventions and primary outcome analysis on albuminuria phenotype development were conducted in both model systems.

Results:

Stimulation of zebrafish embryos with PGE
2
induced an albuminuria-like phenotype, thus mimicking the suggested PGE
2
effects on glomerular filtration barrier dysfunction. Both separate and combined blockade of EP2 and EP4 reduced albuminuria phenotypes in zebrafish and rat models. A significant correlation between albuminuria and podocyte damage in electron microscopy imaging was identified in the rat model. Dual blockade of both receptors showed a pronounced synergistic suppression of albuminuria. Importantly, this occurred without changes in arterial blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, or tissue oxygenation in magnetic resonance imaging, while RNA sequencing analysis implicated a potential role of circadian clock genes.

Conclusions:

Our findings confirm a role of PGE
2
in the development of albuminuria in GH and support the renoprotective potential of combined pharmacological blockade of EP2 and EP4 receptors. These data support further translational research to explore this therapeutic option and a possible role of circadian clock genes.
Theologies of Illness, Now and Then: Reading Psalm 6 in Light of Personalistic Medicine Systems
Authors: Van De Wiele Tarah
Published: January 2023

This essay offers a reading of Psalm 6 and of its theology of illness that aims to be both faithful to the text and helpful to readers that use the psalm in faith settings. It identifies one’s underlying assumptions about the nature of illness as a major interpretive issue and contends that modern interpreters have been unnecessarily influenced by naturalistic medicine systems in their understanding of this psalm. It is the major claim of this essay that a theological reading that remains faithful to the text of Psalm 6 is possible when the reader adopts the perception of illness held by personalistic medicine systems.
Amuric Hydronyms in Manchuria and the Puyŏ Connection of Ghilyak
Authors: Janhunen Juha A.
Published: January 2023

This paper examines the possibility that the earlier homeland of the Ghilyak language(s), collectively identified as the Amuric language family and today spoken in the Lower Amur basin and on the island of Sakhalin, was located further south in Central Manchuria. It may be assumed that the Amuric linguistic lineage moved northwards along the Sungari-Amur basin under the pressure of the Tungusic languages spreading from the south along the same route. It is possible that traces of the former presence of Amuric in Central Manchuria are preserved in the names of the large rivers of the region, notably the Sungari and Ussuri. It is also possible to postulate a political context for the linguistic expansions of both Amuric and Tungusic in the framework of protohistorical Manchuria. In this framework, the origins of the Amuric language family may with some likelihood be linked to Puyŏ, the first historically known political state in the region.
Pre-Proto-Yukaghir Consonant Clusters
Authors: Zhivlov Mikhail
Published: January 2023

This paper analyses a number of morphophonological alternations in the Yukaghir languages with the aim of the internal reconstruction of pre-Proto-Yukaghir. The main focus is on the simplification of complex consonant clusters arising on morphological boundaries between consonant-final root allomorphs and derivational suffixes. The paper also contains a new reconstruction of Proto-Yukaghir and pre-Proto-
Yukaghir consonantism.
A new facultatively cavernicolous planthopper species from Hainan Island, China (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae)
Authors: LYU TIANLANG , WEBB MICHAEL D.
Published: January 2023

A new facultatively cavernicolous planthopper species Borysthenes hainanensis sp. n., from Hainan Island, China, is described and illustrated. Specimens collected from lava tubes and above ground were found to be the same species but males of the former have smaller eyes. Distribution maps of the new and other species are given together with a checklist to all Borysthenes species and a key to Chinese ones. Type images of most Borysthenes species are also provided including Borysthenes dilectus (Walker), comb. n.
On the microphthalmous Lathrobium Gravenhorst species of Turkey IV. Redescription of the male Lathrobium brignolii Bordoni, with description of a new species, and an updated key for the microphthalmous Lathrobium species of Turkey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae)
Authors: ANLAŞ SİNAN
Published: January 2023

In this study, a new microphthalmous species of the genus Lathrobium s. str. from central northern Anatolia, Turkey is described and illustrated: Lathrobium orduense sp. n. (Ordu province). Taxonomy of Lathrobium brignolii Bordoni, 1980 is revised. Additional records of four Lathrobium species are reported. Distributions of the microphthalmous Lathrobium species in Anatolia are mapped. A supplement to a recently published key to the Turkish microphthalmous representatives of the genus Lathrobium is provided. A total of 11 microphthalmous species are now known from Turkey.
Coluber korros Lesson, 1831 and Coluber korros Schlegel, 1837 (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae): there is a korros too many in the family
Authors: DAVID PATRICK , LESCURE JEAN , SAVAGE JAY M. , DAS INDRANEIL , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , VOGEL GERNOT , ZIEGLER THOMAS
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to solve an overlooked nomenclatural problem involving two taxa of Colubridae, both described as Coluber korros. The first one is Coluber korros Schlegel, 1837, now Ptyas korros, a well-known and widespread species in south-east Asia. Its senior homonym is Coluber korros Lesson, 1831, a long forgotten taxon. Furthermore, these taxa are undoubtedly non-conspecific. We tentatively identify the holotype of this latter taxon as a large specimen of Coelognathus radiatus (F. Boie, 1827) and we specify its type locality as “Region of Kolkata, West Bengal State, eastern India” (the same specification of type-locality can hence be applied to the elapid Naja kaouthia Lesson, 1831). Nevertheless, following the strict principle of priority, Coluber korros Lesson, 1831 has priority over Coluber korros Schlegel, 1837. Based on the Code, we use Article 23.9 on reversal of precedence in order to preserve the use of the well-known taxon Coluber korros Schlegel, 1837 (now Ptyas korros) against its senior primary homonym Coluber korros Lesson, 1831. Finally, we consider Coluber boncorage Lesson, 1831 to be a nomen dubium.
A new species of the genus Enoploderes Faldermann (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lepturinae)
Authors: LEE SEUNGHYUN , SEUNG JINBAE , LEE MINHYEUK , LEE SEUNGHWAN
Published: January 2023

A new species of the genus Enoploderes Faldermann from South Korea, Enoploderes breviantennatus (이른봄꽃하늘소, i-reun-bom-kkot-ha-neul-so) is described. Full descriptions of both sexes with male genitalia and diagnosable characters comparing to its closest congener, Enoploderes bicolor Ohbayashi, 1941 are provided. Biological notes including photograph of eggs and larvae in nature are also provided.
2-Hydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone inhibits homologous recombination repair in osteosarcoma through the MYC-CHK1-RAD51 axis
Authors: Jing Doudou , Chen Xuanzuo , Zhang Zhenhao , Chen Fengxia , Huang Fuhua , Zhang Zhicai , Wu Wei , Shao Zengwu , Pu Feifei
Published: January 2023

Background

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor that usually affects adolescents aged 15–19 y. The DNA damage response (DDR) is significantly enhanced in osteosarcoma, impairing the effect of systemic chemotherapy. Targeting the DDR process was considered a feasible strategy benefitting osteosarcoma patients. However, the clinical application of DDR inhibitors is not impressive because of their side effects. Chinese herbal medicines with high anti-tumor effects and low toxicity in the human body have gradually gained attention. 2-Hydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone (HMA), a Chinese medicine monomer found in the extract of Oldenlandia diffusa, exerts significant inhibitory effects on various tumors. However, its anti-osteosarcoma effects and defined molecular mechanisms have not been reported.

Methods

After HMA treatment, the proliferation and metastasis capacity of osteosarcoma cells was detected by CCK-8, colony formation, transwell assays and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining. RNA-sequence, plasmid infection, RNA interference, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to investigate the molecular mechanism and effects of HMA inhibiting osteosarcoma. Rescue assay and CHIP assay was used to further verified the relationship between MYC, CHK1 and RAD51.

Results

HMA regulate MYC to inhibit osteosarcoma proliferation and DNA damage repair through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The results of RNA-seq, IHC, Western boltting etc. showed relationship between MYC, CHK1 and RAD51. Rescue assay and CHIP assay further verified HMA can impair homologous recombination repair through the MYC-CHK1-RAD51 pathway.

Conclusion

HMA significantly inhibits osteosarcoma proliferation and homologous recombination repair through the MYC-CHK1-RAD51 pathway, which is mediated by the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study investigated the exact mechanism of the anti-osteosarcoma effect of HMA and provided a potential feasible strategy for the clinical treatment of human osteosarcoma.

Graphical Abstract
Iron acetate solution prepared from steel wool and vinegar for ebonizing wood
Authors: Thompson Robert Q.
Published: January 2023

Woodworkers darken wood by reacting iron in solution with tannins in the wood to form blue–black phenolate complexes, a process called ebonizing. According to the literature, the darkness and color are controlled by the tannin concentration (higher, darker) and the counterion of iron (acetate, darker). Iron acetate is not readily available, so woodworkers prepare it in the woodshop by reacting steel wool and vinegar. This reaction was studied. Products were ferrous acetate Fe(CH3COO)2.4H2O (and H2) and subsequently basic iron acetate [Fe3O(C2H3O2) 6(H2O)3](CH3COO) by air oxidation, giving a red-colored solution. Both inorganic phosphate and air (O2) were required for maximal reaction rate. A volume of 85 mL of distilled white vinegar per gram of super fine (#0000) aged steel wool provided a final reaction mixture with fully dissolved steel and no precipitated products. Maximal darkening of cherry and red oak wood with minimal application of iron solution was attained by applying a 0.125 M iron acetate solution at a rate of 1 mL per 125 cm2 of wood surface. A protocol for creating and using an iron acetate ebonizing solution is described and was demonstrated to be a much-improved version of the one currently promoted in the woodworking literature.
A therapeutic target for CKD: activin A facilitates TGFβ1 profibrotic signaling
Authors: Soomro Asfia , Khajehei Mohammad , Li Renzhong , O’Neil Kian , Zhang Dan , Gao Bo , MacDonald Melissa , Kakoki Masao , Krepinsky Joan C.
Published: January 2023

Background

TGFβ1 is a major profibrotic mediator in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Its direct inhibition, however, is limited by adverse effects. Inhibition of activins, also members of the TGFβ superfamily, blocks TGFβ1 profibrotic effects, but the mechanism underlying this and the specific activin(s) involved are unknown.

Methods

Cells were treated with TGFβ1 or activins A/B. Activins were inhibited generally with follistatin, or specifically with neutralizing antibodies or type I receptor downregulation. Cytokine levels, signaling and profibrotic responses were assessed with ELISA, immunofluorescence, immunoblotting and promoter luciferase reporters. Wild-type or TGFβ1-overexpressing mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were treated with an activin A neutralizing antibody.

Results

In primary mesangial cells, TGFβ1 induces secretion primarily of activin A, which enables longer-term profibrotic effects by enhancing Smad3 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. This results from lack of cell refractoriness to activin A, unlike that for TGFβ1, and promotion of TGFβ type II receptor expression. Activin A also supports transcription through regulating non-canonical MRTF-A activation. TGFβ1 additionally induces secretion of activin A, but not B, from tubular cells, and activin A neutralization prevents the TGFβ1 profibrotic response in renal fibroblasts. Fibrosis induced by UUO is inhibited by activin A neutralization in wild-type mice. Worsened fibrosis in TGFβ1-overexpressing mice is associated with increased renal activin A expression and is inhibited to wild-type levels with activin A neutralization.

Conclusions

Activin A facilitates TGFβ1 profibrotic effects through regulation of both canonical (Smad3) and non-canonical (MRTF-A) signaling, suggesting it may be a novel therapeutic target for preventing fibrosis in CKD.
A systematic review of OCT and OCT angiography in retinal vasculitis
Authors: Dhirachaikulpanich Dhanach , Chanthongdee Kanat , Zheng Yalin , Beare Nicholas A. V.
Published: January 2023

Background

Retinal vasculitis is a component of uveitis for which the Standardisation of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) working group has no standard diagnostic criteria or severity grading. Fluorescein angiography is the gold standard test to assess retinal vasculitis, but is invasive and time-consuming. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides non-invasive detailed imaging of retinal structures and abnormalities, including blood vessel architecture and flow with OCT angiography (OCT-A). However, use of OCT in retinal vasculitis beyond assessing macular oedema, is not well established. We conducted a systematic review to understand the features of retinal vasculitis in OCT, Enhanced-depth imaging OCT (OCT-EDI) and OCT-A imaging.

Methods

The systematic search was done in March 2022 and updated in January 2023, through PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science database for studies related to OCT, OCT-EDI and OCT-A findings and retinal vasculitis. Bias assessment was assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist, and any findings associated with retinal vasculitis were extracted by qualitative analysis.

Results

We identified 20 studies, including 8 articles on OCT, 6 on OCT-EDI and 6 on OCT-A. The studies included analytical retrospective studies, case-series, and a case–control study. Five OCT studies reported secondary complications could be detected, and four reported retinal thickness alteration in retinal vasculitis. Five studies explored choroidal thickness alteration in OCT-EDI, and four explored capillary density alterations in retinal vasculitis using OCT-A. The heterogeneity in the studies’ analysis and design precluded a meta-analysis.

Discussion

There were no clear OCT, OCT-EDI or OCT-A findings that demonstrated potential to supersede fluorescein angiography for assessing retinal vasculitis. Some signs of macular structural effects secondary to retinal vasculitis may help prognostication for vision. The OCT signs of inflamed retinal vessels and perivascular tissue is an unexplored area.
Pre-anesthesia ultrasound monitoring of subclavian vein diameter changes induced by modified passive leg raising can predict the occurrence of hypotension after general anesthesia: a prospective observational study
Authors: Yang Lijun , Long Bo , Zhou Min , Yu Xiaofang , Xue Xiaoying , Xie Min , Zhang Li , Guan Jinsheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Perioperative hypotension increases postoperative complication rates and prolongs postoperative recovery time. Whether Passive Leg Raising test (PLR) and Subclavian Vein Diameter (DSCV) can effectively predict post-anesthesia hypotension remains to be tested. This study aimed to identify specific predictors of General Anesthesia (GA)induced hypotension by measuring DSCV in the supine versus PLR position.

Methods

A total of 110 patients who underwent elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled in this study. Before anesthesia, DSCV and theCollapsibility Index of DSCV(DSCV-CI) were measured by ultrasound, and the difference in maximal values of DSCV between supine and PLR positions was calculated, expressed as ΔDSCV. Hypotension was defined as Mean Blood Pressure (MBP) below 60mmhg or more than 30% below the baseline. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (Group H) or absence (Group N) of postanesthesia hypotension. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictability of DSCV and other parameters for predicting preincision hypotension.

Results

Three patients were excluded due to unclear ultrasound scans, resulting in a total of 107 patients studied. Twenty-seven (25.2%) patients experienced hypotension. Area under the ROC curve of ΔDSCV was 0.75 (P < 0.001) with 95% confidence interval (0.63–0.87), while DSCV and DSCV-CI were less than 0.7. The odds ratio (OR)of ΔDSCV was 1.18 (P < 0.001, 95%CI 1.09–1.27) for predicting the development of hypotension. ΔDSCV is predictive of hypotension following induction of general anesthesia.

Conclusions

ΔDSCV has predictive value for hypotension after general anesthesia.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 04/10/2021.
Convolutional neural network for detecting rib fractures on chest radiographs: a feasibility study
Authors: Wu Jiangfen , Liu Nijun , Li Xianjun , Fan Qianrui , Li Zhihao , Shang Jin , Wang Fei , Chen Bowei , Shen Yuanwang , Cao Pan , Liu Zhe , Li Miaoling , Qian Jiayao , Yang Jian , Sun Qinli
Published: January 2023

Background

Chest radiography is the standard investigation for identifying rib fractures. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) for detecting rib fractures on chest radiographs is limited by image quality control and multilesion screening. To our knowledge, few studies have developed and verified the performance of an AI model for detecting rib fractures by using multi-center radiographs. And existing studies using chest radiographs for multiple rib fracture detection have used more complex and slower detection algorithms, so we aimed to create a multiple rib fracture detection model by using a convolutional neural network (CNN), based on multi-center and quality-normalised chest radiographs.

Methods

A total of 1080 radiographs with rib fractures were obtained and randomly divided into the training set (918 radiographs, 85%) and the testing set (162 radiographs, 15%). An object detection CNN, You Only Look Once v3 (YOLOv3), was adopted to build the detection model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and free-response ROC (FROC) were used to evaluate the model’s performance. A joint testing group of 162 radiographs with rib fractures and 233 radiographs without rib fractures was used as the internal testing set. Furthermore, an additional 201 radiographs, 121 with rib fractures and 80 without rib fractures, were independently validated to compare the CNN model performance with the diagnostic efficiency of radiologists.

Results

The sensitivity of the model in the training and testing sets was 92.0% and 91.1%, respectively, and the precision was 68.0% and 81.6%, respectively. FROC in the testing set showed that the sensitivity for whole-lesion detection reached 91.3% when the false-positive of each case was 0.56. In the joint testing group, the case-level accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 85.1%, 93.2%, 79.4%, and 0.92, respectively. At the fracture level and the case level in the independent validation set, the accuracy and sensitivity of the CNN model were always higher or close to radiologists’ readings.

Conclusions

The CNN model, based on YOLOv3, was sensitive for detecting rib fractures on chest radiographs and showed great potential in the preliminary screening of rib fractures, which indicated that CNN can help reduce missed diagnoses and relieve radiologists’ workload. In this study, we developed and verified the performance of a novel CNN model for rib fracture detection by using radiography.
Adverse perinatal outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to protease-inhibitor-based versus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based antiretroviral combinations in pregnant women with HIV infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saint-Lary Laura , Benevent Justine , Damase-Michel Christine , Vayssière Christophe , Leroy Valériane , Sommet Agnès
Published: January 2023

Background

About 1.3 million pregnant women lived with HIV and were eligible to receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) worldwide in 2021. The World Health Organization recommends protease inhibitors (PI)-based regimen as second or third-line during pregnancy. With remaining pregnant women exposed to PIs, there is still an interest to assess whether this treatment affects perinatal outcomes. Adverse perinatal outcomes after prenatal exposure to PI-based ART remain conflicting: some studies report an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low-birth-weight (LBW), while others do not find these results. We assessed adverse perinatal outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to PI-based compared with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NNRTI)-based ART.

Methods

We performed a systematic review searching PubMed, Reprotox, Clinical Trial Registry (clinicaltrials.gov) and abstracts of HIV conferences between 01/01/2002 and 29/10/2021. We used Oxford and Newcastle-Ottawa scales to assess the methodological quality. Studied perinatal outcomes were spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, PTB (< 37 weeks of gestation), very preterm birth (VPTB, < 32 weeks of gestation), LBW (< 2500 grs), very low-birth-weight (VLBW, < 1500 g), small for gestational age (SGA) and very small for gestational age (VSGA). The association between prenatal exposure to PI-based compared to NNRTI-based ART was measured for each adverse perinatal outcome using random-effect meta-analysis to estimate pooled relative risks (RR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Pre-specified analyses were stratified according to country income and study quality assessment, and summarized when homogeneous.

Results

Out of the 49,171 citations identified, our systematic review included 32 published studies, assessing 45,427 pregnant women. There was no significant association between prenatal exposure to PIs compared to NNRTIs for VPTB, LBW, SGA, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities. However, it was inconclusive for PTB, and PI-based ART is significantly associated with an increased risk of VSGA (sRR 1.41 [1.08-1.84]; I2 = 0%) compared to NNRTIs.

Conclusions

We did not report any significant association between prenatal exposure to PIs vs NNRTIs-based regimens for most of the adverse perinatal outcomes, except for VSGA significantly increased (+ 41%). The evaluation of antiretroviral exposure on pregnancy outcomes remains crucial to fully assess the benefice-risk balance, when prescribing ART in women of reproductive potential with HIV.

PROSPERO number

CRD42022306896.
Corneal biomechanical characteristics following small incision lenticule extraction for myopia and astigmatism with 3 different cap thicknesses
Authors: Lv Xiaotong , Zhang Fengju , Song Yanzheng , Zhai Changbin , Guo Ning , Lai Lingbo , Xu Yushan
Published: January 2023

Background

The design of cap thickness for small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) plays a role in post-laser vision correction (post-LVC) corneal biomechanics. This study aimed to compare the corneal biomechanical characteristics following SMILE with different cap thicknesses of 110 μm, 120 μm, and 130 μm for myopia and myopic astigmatism correction.

Methods

Seventy-five patients (146 eyes) who underwent SMILE with designed cap thickness of 110 μm, 120 μm, and 130 μm were recruited at the Eye Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital between August 2020 and November 2021. Visual acuity, refraction, and corneal biomechanical parameters were measured preoperatively, 1 week and 1, 3, 6 months postoperatively. One-way analysis of variances (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction or Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the parameters among different groups. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction or Friedman test was applied for comparing the parameters within different follow-up times.

Results

Uncorrected distance visual acuity of 110-μm group was better only at 1-week and 1-month postoperatively (P = 0.012, 0.037). There were no significant differences in spherical equivalent, nor in Corvis biomechanical index-laser vision correction (CBI-LVC). All the parameters reached stability at 3-month postoperatively. Integrated radius (IR) and deformation amplitude ratio 2 mm (DA ratio 2 mm) in 120-μm and 130-μm groups were higher than 110-μm group at 1-month postoperatively (P = 0.019, 0.002). So was Ambrósio relational thickness (ARTh) at 6-month postoperatively (P = 0.011). Stiffness parameter at applanation A1 (SP-A1), stress-strain index (SSI), biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were highest in 130-μm group, followed by 120-μm group, then 110-μm group at 3-month (P<0.001, P = 0.030, P = 0.027, P = 0.008) and 6-month (P<0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.0023, P = 0.001) postoperatively.

Conclusions

The corneal stiffness following SMILE was greatest with 130-μm cap, followed by 120-μm cap, then 110-μm cap. 130-μm cap might have advantages in terms of corneal biomechanics and retreatment option. The SMILE-designed protocol should be customized in practice.
Finding positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in cerebrospinal fluid of two pediatric patients with severe COVID-19: a brief case report
Authors: Sinaei Reza , Nejadbiglari Habibeh , Sinaei Roya , Zeinaly Maziar , Pezeshki Sara , Jafari Maedeh
Published: January 2023

Background

There is growing evidence of nervous system involvement and related complaints in children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, it seems that attempts to track of the virus in the nervous system have so far been unsuccessful.

Case presentation

Here we describe two pediatric cases of severe COVID-19 who had positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2). A 36-month-old girl who presented with fever, diarrhea, mild left ventricular dysfunction and bizarre movements, and a five-month-old boy who presented with fever, watery diarrhea, severe dehydration, mottling, and two episodes of seizure. Their CSF analyses and cultures were normal. They admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) for near four days and discharged after ten days without any complaint.

Conclusion

This is one of the first reports of the presence of coronavirus in the central nervous system in COVID-19 pediatric patients, emphasizing the neurotropism and neuroinvasion characteristics of the virus.
Patellar development after patella instability and early reduction in growing rabbits
Authors: Li Weifeng , Wang Qian , Wang Haiying , Zhang Zipeng , Wang Shunyi
Published: January 2023

Background

Patella-shaped disorder has been considered as a predisposing factor for patella instability. But the influence of early patella reduction for patellar development remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether early operation in patella instability could improve patella morphology in growing rabbits.

Methods

Fifty rabbits (1-month-old) were included in the study. The control group underwent no surgical procedures. The two experimental groups (reduction group and non-reduced group), underwent medial soft tissue restraint release surgery. The reduction group, rabbits underwent the medial soft tissue sutura surgery in order to stabilize the patella 2 months after release surgery. The non-reduced group, rabbits did not undergo suture surgery. Computed Tomography (CT) scans analysis in two experimental endpoints (2, 5 months after release surgery) were selected to evaluate the transverse diameter, thickness, Wiberg index and Wiberg angle. Gross observation was conducted to assess morphological changes of the patella.

Results

CT scans showed significant difference in the mean transverse diameter, Wiberg angle between the two experimental groups and the control group 2 months after release surgery. 5 months after release surgery, the indices of patella were found no statistically difference in the reduction group versus the control group. However, the transverse diameter, Wiberg angle in the non-reduced group were significantly differences than that in the reduction group (P < 0.05). Gross observation showed a flattened articular surface of the patella in the non-reduced group.

Conclusions

The results indicated that patella instability may lead to patella-shaped disorder, showing a flattened morphology. Early patella reduction can improve the patella morphology in growing rabbits.
Examining clinician choice to follow-up (or not) on automated notifications of medication non-adherence by clinical decision support systems
Authors: Thorpe Dan , Strobel Jörg , Bidargaddi Niranjan
Published: January 2023

Background

Maintaining medication adherence can be challenging for people living with mental ill-health. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) based on automated detection of problematic patterns in Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have the potential to enable early intervention into non-adherence events (“flags”) through suggesting evidence-based courses of action. However, extant literature shows multiple barriers—perceived lack of benefit in following up low-risk cases, veracity of data, human-centric design concerns, etc.—to clinician follow-up in real-world settings. This study examined patterns in clinician decision making behaviour related to follow-up of non-adherence prompts within a community mental health clinic.

Methods

The prompts for follow-up, and the recording of clinician responses, were enabled by CDSS software (AI2). De-identified clinician notes recorded after reviewing a prompt were analysed using a thematic synthesis approach—starting with descriptions of clinician comments, then sorting into analytical themes related to design and, in parallel, a priori categories describing follow-up behaviours. Hypotheses derived from the literature about the follow-up categories’ relationships with client and medication-subtype characteristics were tested.

Results

The majority of clients were Not Followed-up (n = 260; 78%; Followed-up: n = 71; 22%). The analytical themes emerging from the decision notes suggested contextual factors—the clients’ environment, their clinical relationships, and medical needs—mediated how clinicians interacted with the CDSS flags. Significant differences were found between medication subtypes and follow-up, with Anti-depressants less likely to be followed up than Anti-Psychotics and Anxiolytics (χ2 = 35.196, 44.825; p < 0.001; v = 0.389, 0.499); and between the time taken to action Followed-up0 and Not-followed up1 flags (M0 = 31.78; M1 = 45.55; U = 12,119; p < 0.001; η2 = .05).

Conclusion

These analyses encourage actively incorporating the input of consumers and carers, non-EHR data streams, and better incorporation of data from parallel health systems and other clinicians into CDSS designs to encourage follow-up.
Translation and evaluation of psychometric properties of the Amharic pediatric quality of life inventory 4.0 generic core scale for children with cancer
Authors: Melesse Tenaw Gualu , Chau Janita Pak Chun , Li William Ho Cheung , Choi Kai Chow , Yimer Mulugeta Ayalew , Gidey Abdulkadir Mohamed Said
Published: January 2023

Background

Childhood cancer negatively impacts a child's physical, mental, and behavioural health and significantly affects their health-related quality of life. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale (PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS) is one of the most commonly used measures of the quality of life in children. However, the Amharic version of PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS has not been validated in a paediatric oncology population. This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Amharic PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A)) for Ethiopian children with cancer.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 8–18 years with any type of cancer across the cancer trajectory. Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient were computed to determine the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the scale. The convergent validity was established by examining the correlation of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) with the Amharic version of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25(A)). Factorial validity was evaluated by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The study included 142 participants with childhood cancer. PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) had good validity and reliability. It demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96 for the scale and 0.82–0.95 for the subscales. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the scale was 0.9 and that for the subscales was 0.76–0.90. The PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) was highly correlated with RCADS-25 (A) (r = − 0.97,p < 0.001), supporting its convergent validity. The four-factor structure of the model fitted the data satisfactorily (χ2/df = 1.28; CFI = 0.97; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.05), supporting the factorial validity of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A).

Conclusion

The PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A) demonstrates desirable psychometric properties for assessing quality of life among Ethiopian children with cancer. The scale can be used in clinical settings for assessing and evaluating quality of life in children with cancer. The use of parent-report versions and studies in those with different health conditions and healthy populations are necessary to further establish the psychometric properties of the PedsQL™ 4.0 GCS (A).
Semaphorin 7A interacts with nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 via integrin β1 and mediates inflammation
Authors: Li Xuan , Xie Wanlu , Pan Qiong , Zhang Xiaoxun , Zhang Liangjun , Zhao Nan , Xie Qiaoling , Ding Jingjing , Chai Jin
Published: January 2023

Semaphorin7a (SEMA7A), a membrane-anchored member of the semaphorin protein family, could be involved in a diverse range of immune responses via its receptor integrin β1. Recently, we reported that the SEMA7AR148W mutation (a gain-of-function mutation, Sema7aR145W in mice) is a risk factor for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via upregulated membrane localization. In this study, we demonstrated that integrin β1 is a membrane receptor for nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 (NF-κB p105) and a critical mediator of inflammation. Integrin β1 could interact with the C-terminal domain of NF-κB p105 to promote p50 generation and stimulate the NF-κB p50/p65 signalling pathway, upregulate TNF-α and IL-1β levels, and subsequently render hepatocytes more susceptible to inflammation. The induction of integrin β1 depends on elevated Sema7a membrane localization. Moreover, we revealed elevated levels of Sema7aWT (SEMA7AWT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and an HCC mouse model. In line with our findings, the NF-κB p50/p65 pathway could also be activated by high Sema7a expression and repressed by integrin β1 silencing. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the Sema7aR145W (SEMA7AR148W) mutation and high Sema7aWT (SEMA7AWT) expression both activate the NF-κB p50/p65 pathway via integrin β1 and play a crucial role in inflammatory responses.
Longitudinal study of pregnancy intention and its association with pregnancy occurrence among female sex workers in Benin and Mali
Authors: Perrault Sullivan Gentiane , Guédou Fernand Aimé , Tounkara Fatoumata Korika , Béhanzin Luc , Camara Nana , Aza-Gnandji Marlène , Keita Bintou Dembele , Azonnadou Odette , Thera Ismaila , Avery Lisa , Alary Michel
Published: January 2023

Background

The intention of becoming pregnant has an evident impact on the prenatal and postnatal period. For female sex workers (FSWs) in West Africa, among whom pregnancies are frequent as are HIV and sexually transmitted infections, a better understanding of their pregnancy intention and its influence on pregnancy occurrence could help prevent unwanted pregnancies and adverse effects on wanted pregnancies.

Methods

We recruited 330 FSWs in Benin and 322 in Mali and followed them for 12 months. We evaluated their pregnancy intention at recruitment and 6-month follow-up, using a multidimensional prospective measure that we developed. We assessed pregnancy occurrence with a pregnancy test and a retrospective questionnaire at 6 and 12 months. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the association between intention and pregnancy. We carried out an analysis to take losses to follow-up into account using the inverse of probability of censoring weights and a cluster analysis to corroborate that the multidimensional measure of pregnancy intention fitted the data.

Results

407 FSWs were included in the first 6-month analysis and 284 at 12 months. Mean age was 30.9 years. The pregnancy intention distribution was similar between the two periods: 15.2% in the first period and 16.3% in the second had a positive intention. One out of four were ambivalent and almost 60% (57.7% and 56.3%) had a negative intention. For 38.2% of the FSWs, the intention changed between the two periods. The global incidence rate (to first event) was 19.1 pregnancies per 100 person-years. There was a borderline significant trend (p = 0.0529) of decreased pregnancy incidence with decreasing intention. Compared to positive intention, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for ambivalent and negative intentions were 0.71 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.32–1.60] and 0.46 (95% CI 0.21–1.01), respectively.

Conclusion

The level of pregnancy intention influences its occurrence among FSWs and nearly one out of six wants a baby despite working in the sex trade. Programmatically, early identification of these women could facilitate provision of quality antenatal and postnatal care. Given other health risks associated with sex work this care may decrease potential risks of adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes.
The-state-of-the-art of soft robotics to assist mobility: a review of physiotherapist and patient identified limitations of current lower-limb exoskeletons and the potential soft-robotic solutions
Authors: Morris Leah , Diteesawat Richard S. , Rahman Nahian , Turton Ailie , Cramp Mary , Rossiter Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Background

Soft, wearable, powered exoskeletons are novel devices that may assist rehabilitation, allowing users to walk further or carry out activities of daily living. However, soft robotic exoskeletons, and the more commonly used rigid exoskeletons, are not widely adopted clinically. The available evidence highlights a disconnect between the needs of exoskeleton users and the engineers designing devices. This review aimed to explore the literature on physiotherapist and patient perspectives of the longer-standing, and therefore greater evidenced, rigid exoskeleton limitations. It then offered potential solutions to these limitations, including soft robotics, from an engineering standpoint.

Methods

A state-of-the-art review was carried out which included both qualitative and quantitative research papers regarding patient and/or physiotherapist perspectives of rigid exoskeletons. Papers were themed and themes formed the review’s framework.

Results

Six main themes regarding the limitations of soft exoskeletons were important to physiotherapists and patients: safety; a one-size-fits approach; ease of device use; weight and placement of device; cost of device; and, specific to patients only, appearance of the device. Potential soft-robotics solutions to address these limitations were offered, including compliant actuators, sensors, suit attachments fitting to user’s body, and the use of control algorithms.

Conclusions

It is evident that current exoskeletons are not meeting the needs of their users. Solutions to the limitations offered may inform device development. However, the solutions are not infallible and thus further research and development is required.
Development of an accurate low cost NDVI imaging system for assessing plant health
Authors: Stamford John D. , Vialet-Chabrand Silvere , Cameron Iain , Lawson Tracy
Published: January 2023

Background

Spectral imaging is a key method for high throughput phenotyping that can be related to a large variety of biological parameters. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), uses specific wavelengths to compare crop health and performance. Increasing the accessibility of spectral imaging systems through the development of small, low cost, and easy to use platforms will generalise its use for precision agriculture. We describe a method for using a dual camera system connected to a Raspberry Pi to produce NDVI imagery, referred to as NDVIpi. Spectral reference targets were used to calibrate images into values of reflectance, that are then used to calculated NDVI with improved accuracy compared with systems that use single references/standards.

Results

NDVIpi imagery showed strong performance against standard spectrometry, as an accurate measurement of leaf NDVI. The NDVIpi was also compared to a relatively more expensive commercial camera (Micasense RedEdge), with both cameras having a comparable performance in measuring NDVI. There were differences between the NDVI values of the NDVIpi and the RedEdge, which could be attributed to the measurement of different wavelengths for use in the NDVI calculation by each camera. Subsequently, the wavelengths used by the NDVIpi show greater sensitivity to changes in chlorophyll content than the RedEdge.

Conclusion

We present a methodology for a Raspberry Pi based NDVI imaging system that utilizes low cost, off-the-shelf components, and a robust multi-reference calibration protocols that provides accurate NDVI measurements. When compared with a commercial system, comparable NDVI values were obtained, despite the fact that our system was a fraction of the cost. Our results also highlight the importance of the choice of red wavelengths in the calculation of NDVI, which resulted in differences in sensitivity between camera systems.
Epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury in Wuhan, China
Authors: Khadour Fater A. , Khadour Younes A. , Meng Ling , Lixin Cui , Xu Tao
Published: January 2023

Background

Spinal cord injuries are extremely debilitating and fatal injuries. There is currently little research focusing on traumatic spinal cord injuries, and there is little information available about the epidemiological characteristics of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

Objective

To describe the epidemiological features of traumatic spinal cord injury in Wuhan, China.

Design

A retrospective hospital-based study.

Setting

Rehabilitation department of Wuhan's Tongji Hospital.

Participants

People who had been diagnosed with a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) were admitted to Tongji Hospital from 2016 to 2021 (n = 463).

Interventions

Not applicable. Outcome measures: Epidemiological features such as sex, age, marital status, etiology, occupation, neurological level of injury, and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale on admission, hospitalization, and concomitant injuries were collected.

Results

The mean age of patients with TSCI was 39.4 ± 14.3 years, and the male/female ratio was 3:1. The leading causes of TSCIs were traffic accidents (38.4%), followed by falls (low falls 24.0%, high falls 13.2%). The most common injury site was the cervical spinal cord, followed by the thoracolumbar level. Of all patients, 463 patients (67.2%) had complications and other injuries. During the hospitalization period, a total of 217 patients experienced complications, with a percentage of 46.9%. Urinary tract infection was the most common (15.6%), followed by pulmonary infection (14.0%).

Conclusion

The results found that the proportion of males was greater, and the first two main reasons were falls and traffic accidents. Farmers and workers are the occupations most vulnerable to SCI. We need to pay more attention to the elderly's risk of falling. These findings suggested that preventive strategies should be based on the features of different types of TSCI patients. Finally, the importance of SCI rehabilitation must be highlighted.