bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
J.M. Coetzee and Neoliberal Culture
Authors: Gibson Andrew
Published: November 2022

J.M. Coetzee is the leading English-language novelist today. He is also, in a characteristically low-key, understated way, a cultural heretic. This book presents his work as a complex, nuanced counterblast to contemporary, global, neoliberal economics and its societies. Not surprisingly, given his many years in South Africa and Australia, Coetzee’s counterblast comes from a ‘global-Southern’ perspective. A growing number of often brilliant critiques of neoliberalism have been appearing, and this book coincides with them. But there has so far been comparatively little sustained and incisive critique of neoliberal culture. Drawing on a wealth of literature, philosophy, and theory, the book helps to remedy that lack. On that basis, it reads Coetzee’s writings as a discreet, oblique but devastating engagement with neoliberal presumptions. It identifies and focuses on various key features of neoliberal culture: its obsession with self-enrichment, mastery, growth; its belief in plenitude, endless resources; its hubris and obsession with (self)-promotion; its desire for ease and easiness, ‘well-being’, euphoria; its fetishization of managerial reason and the culture of security; its unrelenting positivity, its belief in illusory goods and unconvincing progressivisms. By contrast, Coetzee’s writings explore the virtues of irony and self-reduction. He commits himself to difficulty, discomfort, patient and austere if bleak inquiry, rigorous questioning, and radical doubt. Destitution and failure come to look like a serious, dignified form of life and thought. The very tones of Coetzee’s books run counter to those of our neoliberal democracies. They point in a different direction to an insufficient age.
The Refusal of Theodicy
Authors: Gibson Andrew
Published: November 2022

Ours has been a theodicean age, persuaded that evil is a secondary phenomenon subordinated to a greater good. This chapter provides a brief history of theodicy from Irenaeus to Hegel, contrasting it with its opposite, the Augustinian tradition, and locating neoliberal culture within it. It then identifies various strains of present-day theodicy, focussing at length on cognitivism, neuroscience, and contemporary psychology. In contrast to the contemporary theodicies, Coetzee insists on particularity, responsibility, and gravity, attentiveness and sensitivity rather than anaesthesia; on lucidity, however likely to provoke incomprehension or worse. With reference to the two texts in which he especially focuses on the morality of the human-animal relation, the chapter shows how far Coetzee’s ‘imaginative reason’ entails an art of aporiae, enigmas, ambiguities, and complexities resistant to the bland categories and empty positivities of the modern Panglosses. This art harbours radical doubts about the meaning of humanity.
Afterword
Authors: Lutz Deborah
Published: November 2022

The Afterword comments briefly on the ways this book is a work of nostalgia, looking back on a time when these materialities were almost invisible because so present. Poised at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, Virginia Woolf sometimes felt bored by dusty old books with marginalia. But as this papery technology mostly disappears in the twenty first century, it shines newly as romantic and worthy of celebration and study. Thus has book history become especially fashionable in the last twenty to thirty years, as has the focus on new and old media.
Graphical models: from network reconstruction to Boltzmann machines
Authors: Cocco Simona , Monasson Rémi , Zamponi Francesco
Published: November 2022

Understanding how the many elementary components of a system, be they neurons, genes, species, … interact to produce a global behaviour is the central scope of data- driven modelling. A simple way to characterise these interactions is to look at the correlations between pairs of components. Yet, pairwise correlations are potentially misleading, as they can reflect indirect effects mediated via third-body components, rather than direct interactions. A more sensible estimate of interactions is provided by the graph of dependencies. Briefly speaking, the idea is to look at the conditional probabilities of a component, or variable, given the other variables. The graph of dependencies characterises how much the other variables condition the distribution of the tagged one. The question we will ask below is: how can this graph, or network, be reconstructed from a set of observations of the variables?
Hume and the ‘metaphysical argument a priori’
Authors: Stewart M. A.
Published: November 2022

Focuses on the a priori causal argument for God’s existence put forward by Demea in Part IX of the Dialogues concerning Natural Religion. Begins the chapter with a precise formulation of the argument, followed by an account and assessment of Cleanthes’s criticism of the argument, and an identification of an eighteenth-century source for precisely the kind of argumentation that Cleanthes deploys. Puts the Dialogues into historical context, and suggests that the encounter in the Dialogues between Demea and Cleanthes should be read as a portrayal on Hume’s part of a real-life disagreement between real-life figures from the Scotland of Hume’s day. Concludes by suggesting that a careful reading of the Dialogues as a whole shows Philo to be allied with Cleanthes against Demea, just as Hume himself was allied with Kames and the moderate Scottish divines against more orthodox Calvinists such as George Anderson.
Understanding European integration with bipartite networks of comparative advantage
Authors: Di Clemente Riccardo , Lengyel Balázs , Andersson Lars F , Eriksson Rikard
Published: November 2022

Core objectives of European common market integration are convergence and economic growth, but these are hampered by redundancy, and value chain asymmetries. The challenge is how to harmonize labor division to reach global competitiveness, meanwhile bridging productivity differences across the EU. We develop a bipartite network approach to trace pairwise co-specialization by applying the revealed comparative advantage method within and between the EU15 and Central and Eastern European (CEE). This approach assesses redundancies and the division of labor in the EU at the level of industries and countries. We find significant co-specialization among CEE countries but a diverging specialization between EU15 and CEE. Productivity increases in those CEE industries that have co-specialized with other CEE countries after EU accession, while co-specialization across CEE and EU15 countries is less related to productivity growth. These results show that a division of sectoral specialization can lead to productivity convergence between EU15 and CEE countries.
Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate physical activity-based fall prevention interventions in older adults with chronic conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Choma Elizabeth A , Treat-Jacobson Diane J , Keller-Ross Manda L , Wolfson Julian , Martin Lauren , McMahon Siobhan K
Published: November 2022

Falls are a serious public health problem, especially for older adults with chronic conditions. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the translational potential of physical activity-based balance interventions for older adults with common chronic conditions guided by the Reach, Effectiveness/Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Databases were searched (2011–2021) to identify studies with physical activity-based fall prevention interventions for older adults with chronic conditions. Data were collected using the RE-AIM coding guide and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for evidence quality. The search yielded 122 articles, of which 14 distinct studies were included. The most reported RE-AIM dimensions across the studies were Reach (46.2%) and Implementation (40.5%), with Effectiveness/Efficacy (29.4%), Adoption (2.0%), and Maintenance (5.4%) being the least reported. Studies were largely conducted in controlled research environments with minimal staff involvement and without long-term follow-up periods. While studies found that physical activity-based programs were effective in improving balance, information on representativeness and adoption/maintenance of programs was lacking. Studies included sufficient details about the intervention (content, dosage, progression). External validity RE-AIM indicators were reported less frequently than internal validity indicators. The studies were of moderate quality overall. Studies often lacked information on indicators critical for understanding how to implement these programs. This review signals the need to investigate the translation of these interventions from controlled research settings to clinical settings to improve the public impact of fall prevention for this population.
Assessing Pain in Older Adults
Authors: Horgas Ann L. , Bruckenthal Patricia , Chen Shaoshuai , Herr Keela A. , Young Heather M. , Fishman Scott
Published: November 2022

This article is part of a series, Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute. Results of focus groups, conducted as part of the AARP Public Policy Institute's No Longer Home Alone video project, supported evidence that family caregivers aren't given the information they need to manage the complex care regimens of family members. This series of articles and accompanying videos aims to help nurses provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their family member's health care at home.

This new group of articles provides practical information nurses can share with family caregivers of persons living with pain. To use this series, nurses should read the articles first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers. Then they can refer caregivers to the informational tear sheet—Information for Family Caregivers—and instructional videos, encouraging them to ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses.
Gratitude journals can improve nurses' mental well-being
Authors: Cumella Kelly
Published: November 2022

With nursing burnout on the rise, effective self-care interventions such as gratitude journals are needed to help nurses cope with symptoms of burnout. Gratitude journals can support nurses' emotional health by improving stress management and offering an opportunity for overall self-reflection.
Hereditary angioedema
Authors: Zacek Lisa
Published: November 2022

Hereditary angioedema is a rare and commonly misdiagnosed disease characterized by recurrent, painful, nonurticarial, and nonpruritic deep tissue swelling attacks, including potentially life-threatening asphyxiation. Nurses can assist in identifying disease hallmarks and provide emergency care, patient support, and education about injectable or infused medications.
Genetic Studies on a Case of Eruptive Disseminated Spitz Nevus and Review of Other 33 Cases
Authors: Fernandez-Flores Angel , Cassarino David
Published: November 2022

Eruptive disseminated Spitz nevus is an uncommon presentation of Spitz nevi. Only a few tens of cases have been published and only 6 of them have genetic studies. We present an additional case of a 29-year-old woman with dozens of Spitz nevi which had appeared since she was aged 10 years. The nevi were located on arms, inner thighs, legs, and buttocks. Nine of them were biopsied. Four presented severe atypia. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 5 of the biopsied specimens and was negative for PRAME, ROS-1, PDL-1, pan-TRK, and ALK. Molecular studies on the largest lesion demonstrated no NTRK1, NTRK2, or NTRK3 fusions. FISH study for PTEN showed no alteration in that same lesion. Next-generation sequencing was also negative for any detectable mutations in numerous genes analyzed. In conclusion, it seems reasonable to be cautious when evaluating atypia, even if severe, in cases of eruptive disseminated Spitz nevus.
Basal Cell Carcinomas After Radiotherapy Show More Frequent Follicular Differentiation Than Tumors From Sun-Exposed Areas: Immunohistochemical Study With a Special Focus on Infundibulocystic Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cardoso José Carlos , Alves Francisca , Carreira Isabel Marques , Tellechea Oscar
Published: November 2022

Patients submitted to radiotherapy for tinea capitis in childhood have an increased incidence of scalp basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) but also of other neoplasms, namely, follicular tumors. In a cohort of such patients, we also found a high incidence of infundibulocystic BCCs, an otherwise rare variant. We thus hypothesized that postradiotherapy BCCs could be more prone to display follicular differentiation. We compared the histological and immunohistochemical features of postradiotherapy BCCs [both conventional (16 cases) and infundibulocystic (16 cases)] with those of BCCs arising in sun-exposed areas (16 cases), using markers of follicular differentiation (PHLDA-1, CK15, CD34, β-catenin, and calretinin). Postradiotherapy BCCs showed slightly higher tendency for infundibular and/or trichilemmal differentiation than BCCs from sun-exposed areas (37.5% vs. 18.8%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, infundibulocystic BCCs showed more frequent expression of PHLDA-1 and stronger cytoplasmic expression of CK15 compared with the other lesions. In addition, CD34 highlighted a characteristic meshwork of stromal cells surrounding the epithelial component in all infundibulocystic BCCs, in contrast to the other postradiotherapy BCCs and UV-related BCCs, in which 78.1% were negative or only focally positive. In conclusion, our study suggests a tendency for more frequent follicular differentiation in postradiotherapy BCCs compared with BCCs from sun-exposed areas. In addition, the immunohistochemical study confirms previous data from the literature regarding infundibulocystic BCCs (higher CK15 and PHLDA-1 expression) and shows a distinctive stromal positivity for CD34 that has not been previously acknowledged in these tumors.
Clinical characteristics and factors associated with ICU mortality during the first year of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic in Romania
Authors: Bubenek-Turconi Şerban-Ion , Andrei Stefan , Văleanu Liana , Ştefan Mihai-Gabriel , Grigoraş Ioana , Copotoiu Sanda , Bodolea Constantin , Tomescu Dana , Popescu Mihai , Filipescu Daniela , Moldovan Horatiu , Rogobete Alexandru-Florin , Bălan Cosmin , Moroşanu Bianca , Săndesc Dorel , Arafat Raed
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be different worldwide. Despite similarities in medicine quality and formation, there are also significant differences concerning healthcare and ICU organisation, staffing, financial resources and population compliance and adherence. Large cohort data of critically ill patients from Central and Eastern Europe are also lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The study objectives were to describe the clinical characteristics of patients admitted to Romanian ICUs with SARS-CoV-2 infection and to identify the factors associated with ICU mortality.

DESIGN

Prospective, cohort, observational study.

SETTING

National recruitment, multicentre study, between March 2020 to March 2021.

PATIENTS

All patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to Romanian ICUs were eligible. There were no exclusion criteria.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

ICU mortality.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis included 9058 patients with definitive ICU outcome. The multivariable mixed effects logistic regression model found that age [odds ratio (OR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.23 to 1.31], male gender (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.4), medical history of neoplasia (OR 1.74; 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.22), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.88), type II diabetes (OR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.43), chronic heart failure (OR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.49), dyspnoea (OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.5), SpO2 less than 90% (OR 3; 95% CI, 2.5 to 3.5), admission SOFA score (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.09), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on ICU admission (OR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.63) and the need for noninvasive (OR 1.8, 95% CI, 1.5 to 1.22) or invasive ventilation (OR 28; 95% CI, 22 to 35) and neuromuscular blockade (OR 3.5; 95% CI, 2.6 to 4.8), were associated with larger ICU mortality.

Higher GCS on admission (OR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.83), treatment with hydroxychloroquine (OR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.95) and tocilizumab (OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.48 to 0.71) were inversely associated with ICU mortality.

CONCLUSION

The SARS-CoV-2 critically ill Romanian patients share common personal and clinical characteristics with published European cohorts. Public health measures and vaccination campaign should focus on patients at risk.
Cryptococcal Laryngitis
Authors: Myer Ashley B. , File Thomas M. , Kellermier Harry C. , Myers Joseph P.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Cryptococcus neoformans infects immunocompromised and occasionally noncompromised individuals. Cryptococcus neoformans can cause primary localized laryngitis often associated with inhaled corticosteroid therapy. We report a woman with cryptococcal laryngitis who presented with hoarseness and resultant difficulty singing in her church choir.

Case Description

A 75-year-old asthmatic woman had a 1-year history of hoarseness and difficulty singing in her church choir. The medications are as follows: inhaled mometasone/formoterol, inhaled montelukast, and pantoprazole. She cleans her gutters without mask protection. The examination showed only hoarseness of voice. Strobovideolaryngoscopy revealed nodule on right true vocal cord. Biopsy revealed budding yeasts with a mucicarmine-positive capsule compatible with Cryptococcus species. She was treated with oral fluconazole 400 mg daily and her voice dramatically improved at 6-week follow-up.

Discussion

Laryngeal cryptococcosis is a localized form of cryptococcal disease. It was first reported in 1975. This is the 33rd reported case of cryptococcal laryngitis. We herein review the literature.
Mycobacterium simiae Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Khajavinia Faezeh , Sheybani Fereshte , Nazeri Niloofar , Haddad Mahboubeh
Published: November 2022

Background

Globally, the overall incidence of infections due to nontuberculous mycobacteria and their burden of illness have been steadily increased during the last decade. Although a rare entity, Mycobacterium simiae is among the most common slow-growing species of nontuberculous mycobacteria in some geographic regions, including Iran.

Methods

We analyzed individuals who were diagnosed with pneumonia due to M. simiae between March 2004 and September 2019 in Mashhad, Iran. All patients were followed up for their survival until the end of the study. We described the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic features as well as long-term clinical outcomes of patients with pneumonia due to M. simiae.

Results

The mean age of patients with M. simiae infection was 63 years (interquartile range, 48–71 years), and 12 cases (71%) were female. The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 17.6 months. Sixteen patients (94%) were initially misdiagnosed as pneumonia due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Lung radiography revealed bronchiectasis in 14 (82%), nodules in 12 (71%), and cavities in 8 (47%), with bilateral involvement in 13 (77%) and upper and middle zones involvement in 5 (29%). All patients were treated with a 3-drug combination of clarithromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and ofloxacin or moxifloxacin. At a median period of 21-month follow-up, 5 patients (29%) had incomplete or lack of response to treatment, of whom 2 (13%) died.

Conclusions

Delayed diagnosis is common in M. simiae pulmonary disease due to frequent misdiagnosis with pulmonary tuberculosis. Treatment of M. simiae infection is associated with a high rate of treatment failure and poor outcomes. More extensive pulmonary disease at the time of diagnosis and pretreatment with antituberculous medication due to initial misdiagnosis might affect treatment outcome.
Reducing the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Across the Lifespan
Authors: Schaffner William
Published: November 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infections, which often involve mild, upper respiratory illness, but can cause severe morbidity and mortality across the lifespan. Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States and of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, among adults, RSV ranked second only to influenza as a cause of medically significant respiratory illnesses. The economic burden of RSV is substantial, with estimated annual costs for RSV-related hospitalizations exceeding $3 billion in young children and adults. Despite this burden, RSV remains an underappreciated public health concern. Diagnosis of RSV infection is limited by the absence of accurate, rapid, cost-effective, point-of-care tests for adults. In addition, there are currently no RSV vaccines or treatments approved for use across the lifespan. Strategies to reduce the burden of RSV infections may include: (1) increase RSV awareness and education, (2) strengthen RSV public health surveillance and related policies, and (3) increase support for RSV research and innovation. Surveillance systems are needed to understand the true burden of RSV in at-risk populations. The need for improved diagnostic tests and RSV prevention and treatment options remains great. Appropriate use of interventions will rely on raising awareness among health care professionals about the broad clinical spectrum and impact of RSV infection. Using these strategies can reduce the burden of RSV in communities, with a focus on protecting children and older adults who are at greatest risk for RSV infection.
Management of complicated parapneumonic effusions
Authors: Sultan Sahar , Gupta Ena , Benzaquen Sadia
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Approximately 36–57% of cases of pneumonia are associated with a parapneumonic effusion (PPE). It begins as sterile effusion, which can quickly evolve to a fibrinopurulent stage with evidence of infection called complicated parapneumonic effusions (CPPE). Marked fibrinous organization then follows. This study focuses on literature synthesis on management of CPPE.

Recent findings

Ultrasound has become an indispensable tool in the identification and treatment of CPPE. Prompt antibiotic administration remains the universal standard of care. Decision to drain the fluid is based on fluid staging, characterization and assessment of risk of poor outcomes vs. risk of complications. There is growing evidence to support use of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) in case of loculated effusions. Newer areas of research include antibodies against plasminogen activator inhibitors and stratification scores that can identify patients at an increased risk. Lastly, timing of surgical referral is an important area under study.

Evolution of medical therapy over recent years has increased treatment success rates. Use of IPFT in conjunction to thoracostomy is now the standard of care for loculated effusions. Understanding available therapeutic options, both medical and interventional, can ensure evidence-based practice and improve patient-centred outcomes.
Risk factors and mortality of pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 patients: Evidence based on fifty observational studies
Authors: Fu Zhaoliang , Bai Gengshen , Song Bingsheng , Wang Yongbing , Song Hui , Ma Ming , Zhu Junqiang , Zhang Zejun , Kang Qinghong
Published: November 2022

Background:

At present, many studies have described acute pulmonary embolism (PE) as a frequent and prognostically relevant complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Thus we performed the present analysis of 50 studies to evaluate the risk factors and mortality of PE in COVID-19 patients.

Method:

Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched to October, 2021. Odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD) or standard MD was used to evaluate the outcomes. The primary outcomes were the difference of mortality between PE and non-PE COVID-19 patients as well as relevant risk factors of PE in COVID-19 patients. All statistical analyses were performed using the standard statistical procedures provided in Review Manager 5.2.

Result:

A total of 50 studies including 10053 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Our results indicated that COVID-19 patients with PE experienced significantly higher mortality than non-PE patients (21.9% vs. 10.7%), with a pooled OR of 2.21 (95% CI 1.30 – 3.76; P = .003). In addition, COVID-19 patients with PE also experienced more mechanical ventilation (MV) (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.30 – 3.75; P = .003) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (OR 3.58; 95% CI 2.47 – 5.20; P < .0001) respectively. Univariate analysis (UVA) results indicated the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, time to deep venous thrombosis (DVT), nonintensive care unit (non-ICU) patients and no anticoagulation as risk factors of PE for COVID-19 patients. In addition, multivariate analysis also found that SOFA score, D-dimer, BMI > 30 kg/m2 and history of PE were risk factors of PE for COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

The present analysis indicated that PE increased the mortality of COVID-19 patients. Mechanical ventilation, especially invasive mechanical ventilation, is correlated with an increased incidence of PE in patients with COVID-19. The incidence of PE for COVID-19 patients may be multifactorial and further researches focused on risk factors were needed in the future.
Is early laparoscopic cholecystectomy after clearance of common bile duct stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography superior?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Kun , Xiao Linking , Xiang Jifeng , Huan Lu , Xie Wei
Published: November 2022

Background:

With medical advancement, common bile duct stones were treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), considered the standard treatment. However, ERCP might induce complications including pancreatitis and cholecystitis that could affect a subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), leading to conversion to open cholecystectomy perioperative complications. It is not yet known whether or not the time interval between ERCP and LC plays a role in increasing conversion rate and complications. Bides, in the traditional sense, after ERCP, for avoiding edema performing LC was several weeks later. Even no one study could definite whether early laparoscopic cholecystectomy after ERCP affected the prognosis or not clearly.

Objective:

Comparing some different surgical timings of LC after ERCP.

Method:

Searching databases consist of all kinds of searching tools, such as Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, etc. All the included studies should meet the demands of this meta-analysis. In all interest outcomes below, we took full advantage of RevMan5 and WinBUGS to assess; the main measure was odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence. Moreover, considering the inconsistency of the specific time points in different studies, we set a subgroup to analyze the timing of LC after ERCP. For this part, Bayesian network meta-analysis was done with WinBUGS.

Result:

In the pool of conversion rate, the result suggested that the early LC group was equal compared with late LC (OR = 0.68, I
2 = 0%, P = .23). Besides, regarding morbidity, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (OR = 0.74, I
2 = 0%, P = .26). However, early LC, especially for laparoscopic-endoscopic rendezvous that belonged to performing LC within 24 hours could reduce the post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR = 0.16, I
2 = 29%, P = .0003). Considering early LC included a wide time and was not precise enough, we set a subgroup by Bayesian network, and the result suggested that performing LC during 24 to 72 hours was the lowest conversion rate (rank 1: 0%).

Conclusion:

In the present study, LC within 24 to 72 hours conferred advantages in terms of the conversion rate, with no recurrence of acute cholecystitis episodes.
The anesthetic management of a patient undergoing simultaneous open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and coronary artery bypass grafting: A case report
Authors: Wang Xu’an , Ma Jun , Dong Xiuhua , Bai Yang , Zhang Dongni
Published: November 2022

Rationale:

Surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and concomitant severe coronary artery disease (CAD) is usually managed in a staged procedure. The anesthesia for concurrent surgery is rare and complex. In this report, we present an unusual case of undergoing simultaneous open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Patient concerns:

A 70-year-old male AAA patient with concurrent triple-vessel CAD underwent a simultaneous surgery.

Diagnosis:

The patient underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) and coronary angiography. He was diagnosed with AAA and triple-vessel CAD.

Interventions:

The patient underwent simultaneous surgery.

Outcomes:

The patient underwent anesthesia and surgery smoothly and was discharged on the 13th postoperative day.

Lessons:

The anesthetic management of simultaneous open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and coronary artery bypass grafting is rare and complicated. Reasonable operation and anesthesia protocols, close monitoring and management of hemodynamic changes, and appropriate cell salvage and hemostasis measures are of great significance to increase perioperative safety and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
A review of the mechanism of succinylation in cancer
Authors: Lu Keer , Han Dongwei
Published: November 2022

Lysine succinylation is a novel, broad-spectrum, dynamic, non-enzymatic protein post-translational modification (PTM). Succinylation is essential for the regulation of protein function and control of various signaling and regulatory pathways. It is involved in several life activities, including glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, ketone body synthesis, and reactive oxygen species clearance, by regulating protease activity and gene expression. The level of succinylation is mainly regulated by succinyl donor, succinyltransferase, and desuccinylase. Many studies have confirmed that succinylation plays a role in tumorigenesis by creating tissue heterogeneity, and can promote or inhibit various cancers via the regulation of different substrate targets or signaling pathways. The mechanism of action of some antineoplastic drugs is related to succinylation. To better understand the role of succinylation modification in cancer development and treatment, the present study reviewed the current research content and latest progress of succinylation modification in cancer, which might provide a new direction and target for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
The Hirsch-index in self-citation rates with articles in Medicine (Baltimore): Bibliometric analysis of publications in two stages from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Liu Mei-Yuan , Chien Tsair-Wei , Chou Willy
Published: November 2022

Background:

The Hirsch-index (h-index) is a measure of academic productivity that incorporates both the quantity and quality of an author’s output. However, it is still affected by self-citation behaviors. This study aims to determine the research output and self-citation rates (SCRs) in the Journal of Medicine (Baltimore), establishing a benchmark for bibliometrics, in addition to identifying significant differences between stages from 2018 to 2021.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed database to obtain 17,912 articles published between 2018 and 2021 in Medicine (Baltimore). Two parts were carried out to conduct this study: the categories were clustered according to the medical subject headings (denoted by midical subject headings [MeSH] terms) using social network analysis; 3 visualizations were used (choropleth map, forest plot, and Sankey diagram) to identify dominant entities (e.g., years, countries, regions, institutes, authors, categories, and document types); 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to differentiate outputs between entities and stages, and the SCR with articles in Medicine (Baltimore) was examined. SCR, as well as the proportion of self-citation (SC) in the previous 2 years in comparison to SC were computed.

Results:

We found that South Korea, Sichuan (China), and Beijing (China) accounted for the majority of articles in Medicine (Baltimore); ten categories were clustered and led by 3 MeSh terms: methods, drug therapy, and complications; and more articles (52%) were in the recent stage (2020–2021); no significant difference in counts was observed between the 2 stages based on the top ten entities using the forest plot (Z = 0.05, P = .962) and 2-way ANOVA (F = 0.09, P = .76); the SCR was 5.69% (<15%); the h-index did not differ between the 2 collections of self-citation inclusion and exclusion; and the SC in the previous 2 years accounted for 70% of the self-citation exclusion.

Conclusion:

By visualizing the characteristics of a given journal, a breakthrough was made. Subject categories can be classified using MeSH terms. Future bibliographical studies are recommended to perform the 2-way ANOVA and then compare the outputs from 2 stages as well as the changes in h-indexes between 2 sets of self-citation inclusion and exclusion.
Clinical observation of acupuncture combined with modern rehabilitation in the treatment of limb motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xie Hongyu , Gao Zhiqun , Fan Yinqiu , Shi Jie , Tang Youbin , Cha Bixiang , Shen Rong , Xu Pingping , Yuan Aihong
Published: November 2022

Background:

Motor dysfunction is a common sequela of ischemic stroke. This study aimed to explore the effective treatment of ischemic stroke by combining acupuncture and modern rehabilitation training.

Methods:

This study was a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 90 cases were finally included, divided into 45 cases each in the body acupuncture group and the head acupuncture group.

Interventions:

Both groups received basic drug treatment, modern rehabilitation training, and basic life care guidance; the body acupuncture group was treated with reference to acupuncture points from the classic textbook of acupuncture and moxibustion, and the head acupuncture group was given Zhu’s scalp acupuncture treatment based on the body acupuncture group. Primary outcome index: unassisted muscle strength grading scale; secondary outcome index: assessment of activities of daily living; simplified Fugl–Meyer motor function rating scale.

Results:

The Barthel scale score, Manual Muscle Testing scale score (upper and lower limbs), and simplified Fugl–Meyer scale score (upper and lower limbs) in the 2 groups were improved (P ≤ .05), and the efficacy of the head-acupuncture group was better than that of the body-acupuncture group (P ≤ .05); there was no significant improvement in the simplified Fugl–Meyer scale (hand) score in both groups (P ≥ .05). There was no significant improvement in these scores (P ≥ .05). The difference in efficiency between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P ≤ .05), and the apparent efficiency in the cephalic needle group was higher than that in the body needle group (P ≤ .05).

Conclusions:

Simultaneous treatment with Zhu’s scalp acupuncture and body acupuncture combined with modern rehabilitation training can significantly improve limb motor function in patients with ischemic stroke, and its efficacy is better than that of body acupuncture alone combined with modern rehabilitation training.
Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness during Omicron BA.2 pandemic in Shanghai: A cross-sectional study based on EMR
Authors: Xu Site , Sun Mu
Published: November 2022

Large-scale vaccination against the spread and mutation of COVID-19 is being implemented in many countries. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of certain vaccines (87.35% inactivated), mainly Sinovac – CoronaVac and Sinopharm (Beijing) – BBIBP-CorV, during the Omicron BA.2 pandemic by cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in a cabin hospital of Shanghai, China. A total of 1194 Covid-19 patients infected with Omicron BA.2 were enrolled and epidemiological survey information was collected from the subjects through electronic medical records and questionnaires, from March 23th to April 1st in 2022. Vaccine effectiveness was reflected by the occurrence of multi-dimensional symptoms while adjusting for confounding variables. In the unstandardized vaccinated group, the Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness of Omicron BA.2 in the male group was higher than in the female group (P = .0171). In the standardized vaccinated group, vaccine effectiveness in [20, 40) age group was higher than in other age groups (P = .0002). Adjusting for gender and age, Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness of Omicron BA.2 at the specific level was 87.42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72.35–94.28, P < .0001), and 62.65% (95% CI, 1.47–85.84, P = .047) in the unstandardized vaccinated and the standardized vaccinated group, respectively. Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness of Omicron BA.2 was not apparent at the general level but remained effective for the specific symptom. Further development for the Covid-19 vaccine is necessary.
Comparative analysis on the effect of the endoscopic versus conventional treatment for pilonidal sinus: A meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Chen Sihan , Dai Guangyao , Liu Peng , Zhao Xian , Zhang Jie , Yang Chengpeng , Xu Xin , Wang Liwei , Chen Wen , Wang Mingxiang , Zhang Dian
Published: November 2022

Background:

Pilonidal sinus is a common disease in the sacrococcygeal region. Although many treatments have been described in recent years, the recurrence of each method remains high. Surgeons did not reach a consensus on the preferred approach for pilonidal sinus. We carried out a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials comparing the outcomes of endoscopic treatment versus conventional treatment for pilonidal sinus disease in this study.

Methods:

We performed a systematic literature search, and we used electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library to search for the relevant literature comparing endoscopic management to other conventional treatments for pilonidal sinus disease. The primary outcome parameters were operative time, recurrence, postoperative complications and pain, and total healing time.

Results:

Six studies were included in the review. Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment had a lower overall complication rate than the conventional surgery group (risk ratio = 0.33 [0.19–0.58], P = .0001) and lower pain score with a weighted mean difference of −2.44 (95% confidence interval: (−3.96) to (−0.92), I
2 = 99%, P = .002). There was no significant difference in recurrence (risk ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [0.30–1.90],P = .55). Compared to the excision followed by the primary closure technique, the operation time, time to complete wound healing, and satisfaction were similar.

Conclusions:

Endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment is a unique and potential method of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease treatment. The foremost benefits of this technique are mild postoperative pain, lower complications rate, and return to routine for a shorter time. However, due to the limited number of articles, we need to conduct more rigorous large-sample prospective randomized controlled trials to clarify the efficiency of endoscopic treatment for pilonidal cysts.
Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Buzhong Yiqi decoction for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Kemeng , Yang Jingfan , Liu Weitong , Chen Limin , Hou Huiming , Zhou Xing , Li Jinlei
Published: November 2022

Background:

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a disorder of bone metabolism caused by estrogen deficiency in women after menopause, which manifests clinically as pain, spinal deformities, and even fragility fractures, affecting the quality of life of patients and possibly shortening their life span. Traditional Chinese medicine prescription Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (BZYQD) has been widely used in clinical practice and achieved good results. But there is no high-level evidence to support this result. The aim of this study is to evaluate BZYQD’s efficacy and safety in the management of PMOP.

Methods:

We will search articles in 7 electronic databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Chinese databases SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the publications, with no time restrictions, will be searched without any restriction on language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to September 2022. Two reviewers will independently assess the quality of the selected studies, NoteExpress and Excel software will be used to extract data, and the content will be stored in an electronic chart. Different researchers will separately screen the titles and abstracts of records acquired potential eligibility which comes from the electronic databases. Full-text screening and data extraction will be conducted afterward independently. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results:

This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of BZYQD in the treatment of PMOP, to provide high-quality, evidence-based clinical recommendations.

Conclusion:

The study provides a trustable clinical foundation for BZYQD in the treatment of PMOP.
Clinical interventions to increase vegetable intake in children
Authors: Beals Elizabeth , Deierlein Andrea , Katzow Michelle
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Eating behaviors and dietary patterns begin in early childhood and persist into adolescence and adulthood, affecting lifelong acute and chronic disease risk. Vegetables provide a high density of necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dietary intake data show that children of all ages consume below the recommended range for vegetables. Pediatric providers are optimally positioned to promote vegetable intake in childhood. This review seeks to summarize lessons learned from behavioral interventions useful in the pediatric primary care setting to improve vegetable intake.

Recent findings

Ten published studies tested behavioral interventions in primary care to increase child vegetable intake. Strategies tested include teaching healthy eating behaviors and role modeling to parents of infants, and motivational interviewing paired with frequent office visits and reminders for families of older children and adolescents. Some strategies suggested positive change, despite study quality being limited by underpowered samples, heterogeneity of outcome measures, and statistical analytic approach.

Increased vegetable intake was achieved in infants through parental role-modeling when providers emphasized healthy dietary choices in parents. Older children increased their vegetable intake with motivational interviewing and frequent reminders from providers. Despite the high prevalence of inadequate vegetable intake among children, at present, there is only a modest body of literature to help guide pediatric providers in implementing practice-based interventions to improve vegetable intake in childhood, highlighting a need for high-quality research in this area.
Emodin Alleviates Sodium Taurocholate–Induced Pancreatic Ductal Cell Damage by Inhibiting the S100A9/VNN1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Guo Fangyue , Zhou Qi , Wu Yu , Chen Mingming , Zhao Liang , Xiang Hong
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Because the pathogenesis of the disease is unclear, the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis, especially severe acute pancreatitis, is still a major challenge for clinicians. Emodin is an anthraquinone compound extracted from rhubarb that can alleviate the damage to pancreatic ductal epithelial cells induced by adenosine triphosphate, but whether it has a similar protective effect on sodium taurocholate (STC)–stimulated pancreatic ductal cells and the underlying mechanism has not yet been reported.

Methods

A model of STC-induced HPDE6-C7 human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell injury was established, and then apoptosis and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in the presence or absence of emodin pretreatment. S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9) and Vanin1 (VNN1) protein expression was also measured.

Results

Emodin significantly increased HPDE6-C7 cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and ROS release, and elevated glutathione levels and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity. Furthermore, emodin downregulated S100A9 and VNN1 protein expression and inhibited the production of inflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18.

Conclusions

Emodin attenuates STC-induced pancreatic ductal cell injury possibly by inhibiting S100A9/VNN1-mediated ROS release. This finding provides evidence for the future development of emodin as a therapeutic agent.
Prospective Cohort Real-World Study on Neuroendocrine Tumor Patient's Quality of Life During Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy With 177Lu-DOTATATE
Authors: Ramim Jayda Eiras , Matheos de Lima Beatriz Arruda , Bulzico Daniel Alves , Pujatti Priscilla Brunelli , Bergmann Anke
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to report lutetium-177 (177Lu)–DOTATATE radionuclide therapy from a patient perspective and their health-related quality of life.

Methods

This prospective cohort study, including adult patients treated with 177Lu-DOTATATE. At the beginning of the follow-up (T1), socioeconomic and clinical information was collected, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires C30-v3 and GI.NET21 were applied. Follow-up was performed at the third cycle (T2) and 3 months after the end of treatment (T3). Student t test for paired samples was used to compare quality of life at T1, T2, and T3.

Results

Thirty-eight patients with stage IV disease and mean age of 52.54 (standard deviation, 12.49) years were included. The most prevalent site was the gastrointestinal tract (39.7%). Global health improved between T2 and T3 (P = 0.022) and T1 and T3 (P = 0.038). Functional scales did not indicate significant changes between the periods. Regarding symptoms, significant improvements in nausea and vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms were observed between T2 and T3 (P = 0.012 and 0.029) and T1 and T3 (P = 0.012 and 0.011), respectively.

Conclusions

177Lu-DOTATATE therapy improved global health and reduced disease-related symptoms in NET patients, positively impacting health-related quality of life.