bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ordoliberals on Federalism and Europe
Authors: Slobodian Quinn
Published: October 2022

The chapter explores Ordoliberal ideas of federalism using the example of European integration. Through the cases of European competition policy, European Monetary Union and secessionism, it proposes the categories of Ordoliberal assessments, meaning the opinions of individual Ordoliberals vis-à-vis the evolution of European integration; Ordoliberal achievements, meaning the agency of Ordoliberals in shaping European institutions; and Ordoliberal affinities, meaning the proximity of institutions to putative Ordoliberal principles. Following specific Ordoliberals from the 1930s to the 2020s, this chapter shows that the Ordoliberal attitude to the federal project of Europe changed over time, from conditional approval in the 1950s and 1960s, especially related to the possibilities of competition law, to a growing scepticism in the 1990s around the shape taken by the European Monetary Union, to a reorientation in the 2000s from the central constitutional rules creation to the possibility of exit and even secession.
Ordoliberalism within the Historical Trajectory of Neoliberalism
Authors: Mirowski Philip
Published: October 2022

Thomas Biebricher (2017) has asked: What does it mean to say that Ordoliberalism was a variety of Neoliberalism? I attempt to answer this question by providing a very brief account of ‘schools of thought’ within the Mont Pelerin Society 1947–1980, and then describing the roles and functions performed by Ordoliberals within that context. My general thesis is that Ordoliberalism was central to the earliest attempts to construct neoliberal doctrine, but became sidelined by the 1980s due to very specific intellectual developments and personnel changes. Roughly, one would observe the torch being passed, initiating with the Ordoliberals, then to the Hayekians, and subsequently to the Chicago School. Hence, we observe that the quest for a single ‘ideal-type’ representative of neoliberal thought would be fated to disappointment, absent something like an historical understanding of its trajectory.
On Learning and Teaching for Conceptual Change
Authors: Lombardi Doug , Danielson Robert W.
Published: October 2022

Many people have conceptions about the natural or anthropogenic world that may be inconsistent with domain knowledge. These lay conceptions, often called misconceptions, may be robust to change, thus requiring special considerations for learning and teaching (i.e., requiring conceptual change). In this article, the authors highlight the nature of concepts and learning via conceptual change as theorized and empirically studied over the last several decades. The authors also feature four popular and/or promising instructional modes for facilitating conceptual change, including scaffolded approaches to cognitive dissonance, refutation, argumentation, and modeling, which hold promise in promoting deeper understanding of our world and society.
Analyses of historical solar eclipse records in Hokkaido Island in the 18–19th centuries
Authors: Hayakawa Hisashi , Sôma Mitsuru , Daigo Ryuma
Published: October 2022

Solar eclipses have been recorded throughout history and across various ethnic groups. Their records have benefitted scientific discussions on multiple topics. These astronomical spectacles have also been recorded in the Japanese archipelago, but little has been known of the historical observations in the northern end: Hokkaido Island (known as Ezo Island until 1869). Here, we analysed three such early eclipse accounts from Hokkaido Island, both philologically and astronomically. We first analysed Tokunai Mogami's eclipse account written in 1786 January, which has been associated with the earliest eclipse record in Hokkaido Island. Our analysis showed that this eclipse was a deep partial solar eclipse outside the annular totality path of a hybrid eclipse, whereas it had previously been associated with an annular solar eclipse. This eclipse was also witnessed in the Ryukyu Kingdom, probably as a deep partial eclipse. We also located eclipse sketches in Kan’ichiro Mozume's diary and confirmed the local visibility of the annular eclipse in Otaru in 1872 June. We further analysed John Batchelor's eclipse folklore and identified the reported eclipse with a total solar eclipse in 1824 June. This folklore reported “tongues of fire and lightning” from the side of the “black dead sun.” This description is morphologically consistent with that of solar coronal streamers around the solar minima. This eclipse is chronologically located around the minimum of Solar Cycles 6/7 and contrasts the Dalton Minimum with the Maunder Minimum, for which coronal streamers were reportedly missing, according to visual observations.
Fiction and Disinformation in Early Modern Europe: An Introduction
Authors: Claussen Emma , Zenobi Luca
Published: October 2022

This chapter introduces the reader to the world of fiction and disinformation in early modern Europe. It starts by placing fiction and disinformation in the context of wider trends and developments, while also drawing a parallel between present practices and concerns and those of the early modern period (Section I). The chapter then surveys existing scholarship on these themes, highlighting the novelty of recent research and the transformative potential of interdisciplinary work (Section II). Finally, it sets out the approach and methodology which underpin the rest of volume (Section III). It is argued that fiction and disinformation need to be studied in tandem, and that their study should be guided by a combination of literary and historical approaches. This method is exemplified by the volume’s nine chapters. They all conduct close readings of falsehoods and fictional writings, examining their rhetorical and linguistic qualities, including matters such as style, narrative and genre; and they also uncover how fiction and disinformation brought about change in society and in the lives of the people who wrote them as much as those who read them. This makes the Supplement as a whole a methodological intervention, further bridging the gap between historical analysis and cultural criticism, and a contribution to the social and cultural history of early modernity.
The trajectory in catalytic evolution of Rubisco inPosidoniaseagrass species differs from terrestrial plants
Authors: Capó-Bauçà Sebastià , Whitney Spencer , Iñiguez Concepción , Serrano Oscar , Rhodes Timothy , Galmés Jeroni
Published: October 2022

The CO2-fixing enzyme Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco) links the inorganic and organic phases of the global carbon cycle. In aquatic systems, the catalytic adaptation of algae Rubiscos has been more expansive and followed an evolutionary pathway that appears distinct to terrestrial plant Rubisco. Here, we extend this survey to differing seagrass species of the genus Posidonia to reveal how their disjunctive geographical distribution and diverged phylogeny, along with their CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) effectiveness, have impacted their Rubisco kinetic properties. The Rubisco from Posidonia species showed lower carboxylation efficiencies and lower sensitivity to O2 inhibition than those measured for terrestrial C3 and C4-plant Rubiscos. Compared with the Australian Posidonia species, Rubisco from the Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica had 1.5–2-fold lower carboxylation and oxygenation efficiencies, coinciding with effective CCMs and five Rubisco large subunit amino acid substitutions. Among the Australian Posidonia species, CCM effectiveness was higher in Posidonia sinuosa and lower in the deep-living Posidonia angustifolia, likely related to the 20%–35% lower Rubisco carboxylation efficiency in P. sinuosa and the two-fold higher Rubisco content in P. angustifolia. Our results suggest that the catalytic evolution of Posidonia Rubisco has been impacted by the low CO2 availability and gas exchange properties of marine environments, but with contrasting Rubisco kinetics according to the time of diversification among the species. As a result, the relationships between maximum carboxylation rate and CO2- and O2-affinities of Posidonia Rubiscos follow an alternative path to that characteristic of terrestrial angiosperm Rubiscos.
The unique sweet potato NAC transcription factor IbNAC3 modulates combined salt and drought stresses
Authors: Meng Xiaoqing , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Chengbin , He Junna , Ma Daifu , Wang Xin , Dong Tingting , Guo Fen , Cai Jing , Long Tiandan , Li Zongyun , Zhu Mingku
Published: October 2022

Plants often simultaneously experience combined stresses rather than a single stress, causing more serious damage, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we identified the stress-induced IbNAC3 from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as a nucleus-localized transcription activator. IbNAC3 contains a unique activation domain whose MKD sequence confers transactivation activities to multiple other TFs and is essential for the activated expression of downstream target genes. Ectopic expression of IbNAC3 conferred tolerance to single and combined salt and drought stresses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and a group of NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2 (NAC) TFs, including ANAC011, ANAC072, ANAC083, ANAC100, and NAP, interacted with IbNAC3, and the specific domains responsible for each interaction varied. Intriguingly, IbNAC3 repressed the interaction among the five NACs, and knockout or mutation of ANAC011 and ANAC072 dramatically impaired combined stress tolerance. IbNAC3-ANAC072 and IbNAC3-NAP modules synergistically activated the MICROTUBULE-RELATED E3 LIGASE57 (MREL57) gene. Consistently, mutation of MREL57 and overexpression of WAVE-DAM-PENED2-LIKE7, encoding a target protein of MREL57, both remarkably impaired combined stress tolerance. Moreover, transgenic plants displayed abscisic acid (ABA) hyposensitivity by directly promoting the transcription of ENHANCED RESPONSE TO ABA 1, a key negative regulator of ABA signaling. The data unravel the unique IbNAC3 TF functions as a pivotal component in combined stress tolerance by integrating multiple regulatory events and ubiquitin pathways, which is essential for developing high-tolerant plants in natural environments.
First demonstration of a roller-driven timestamp mechanism for long-duration observations with high time resolution using large-area emulsion films
Authors: Oda M , Aoki S , Azuma T , Kato T , Nagahara S , Takahashi S , Yamada K , Yamamoto T , Yamashita M
Published: October 2022

A multi-stage shifter allows timestamped measurements by emulsion films, which have a thin medium and high resolution (< 1μm). Using multiple layers of emulsion films that move at different speeds like hands of an analog clock, the shifter can create a unique positional displacement with respect to the time-track recorded. The time information of each track is obtained by reproducing each positional displacement by track reconstruction. We developed a new model of shifter with a lighter structure to enable a large aperture area and long-duration observation times by adding more layers. Operational testing suggested that the new shifter has a sub-second time resolution, which allows an emulsion gamma-ray telescope to obtain an imaging resolution within 1° (> 80 MeV), like previous balloon experiments. Furthermore, by adding a layer which move at 100 μm s-1, it achieved the 0.1 s time resolution required for high-resolution imaging above 1 GeV. We also found the possibilities of an almost three-fold improvement in the spatial resolutions in track reconstruction compared with the conventional model and of achieving time resolution on a scale of tens of milliseconds, which would enable phase resolution of a pulsar.
The Fit-for-Purpose Model: Conceptualizing and Managing Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain as an Information Problem
Authors: Wand Benedict M , Cashin Aidan G , McAuley James H , Bagg Matthew K , Orange Gemma M , Moseley G Lorimer
Published: October 2022

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multifaceted problem. The following Perspective piece tries to help make sense of this complexity by describing a model for the development and maintenance of persistent LBP that integrates modifiable factors across the biopsychosocial spectrum. The Fit-for-Purpose model posits the view that chronic nonspecific LBP represents a state in which the person in pain holds strong and relatively intransient internal models of an immutably damaged, fragile, and unhealthy back, and information that supports these models is more available and trustworthy than information that counters them. This Perspective proposes a corresponding treatment framework for persistent pain that aims to shift internal models of a fragile, damaged, unhealthy, and unchangeable self toward the formulation of the back as healthy, strong, adaptable, and fit for purpose and to provide the system with precise and trustworthy evidence that supports this supposition while minimizing information that works against it.
Regulatory Limits to Risk Management
Authors: Sen Ishita
Published: October 2022

Variable annuities, the largest liability of U.S. life insurers, are investment products containing long-dated minimum return guarantees. I show that guarantees with similar economic risks are treated differently by regulation and these differences impact insurers’ hedging behavior. When the regulatory regime recognizes certain risks, insurers start to hedge these risks in a substantial way. For some guarantees, this involves hedging both interest rate and equity market risks. However, for others, it involves hedging only equity market risk. As the regulatory regime still does not recognize the interest rate risk of all guarantees, insurers remain exposed to substantial interest rate risk.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Concordance and Discordance in the Phylogenomics of the Wrasses and Parrotfishes (Teleostei: Labridae)
Authors: Hughes Lily C , Nash Chloe M , White William T , Westneat Mark W
Published: October 2022

Phylogenomic analysis of large genome-wide sequence data sets can resolve phylogenetic tree topologies for large species groups, help test the accuracy of and improve resolution for earlier multi-locus studies and reveal the level of agreement or concordance within partitions of the genome for various tree topologies. Here we used a target-capture approach to sequence 1088 single-copy exons for more than 200 labrid fishes together with more than 100 outgroup taxa to generate a new data-rich phylogeny for the family Labridae. Our time-calibrated phylogenetic analysis of exon-capture data pushes the root node age of the family Labridae back into the Cretaceous to about 79 Ma years ago. The monotypic Centrogenys vaigiensis, and the order Uranoscopiformes (stargazers) are identified as the sister lineages of Labridae. The phylogenetic relationships among major labrid subfamilies and within these clades were largely congruent with prior analyses of select mitochondrial and nuclear datasets. However, the position of the tribe Cirrhilabrini (fairy and flame wrasses) showed discordance, resolving either as the sister to a crown julidine clade or alternatively sister to a group formed by the labrines, cheilines and scarines. Exploration of this pattern using multiple approaches leads to slightly higher support for this latter hypothesis, highlighting the importance of genome-level data sets for resolving short internodes at key phylogenetic positions in a large, economically important groups of coral reef fishes. More broadly, we demonstrate how accounting for sources of biological variability from incomplete lineage sorting and exploring systematic error at conflicting nodes can aid in evaluating alternative phylogenetic hypotheses. [coral reefs; divergence time estimation; exon-capture; fossil calibration; incomplete lineage sorting.]
First Report of Cucurbit Aphid-Borne Yellows Virus Infecting Groundnut in Kenya
Authors: Mabele Anthony S. , Muyekho Francis N. , Were Hassan K.
Published: October 2022

Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV, genus Polerovirus, family Luteoviridae) causing cucurbit aphid-borne yellows disease (CABYD) in groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea) is characterized by interveinal yellowing symptoms in leaves. CABYV is transmitted by Aphis gossypii,  Myzus persicae, and  Macrosiphum euphorbiae. CABYV causes up to 80% yield loss, but there is no information available on its occurrence and serological and molecular characteristics in groundnuts. Two disease diagnostic surveys were conducted during the short and long rains seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, and Siaya counties growing groundnut. Disease incidence and severity were scored, and collected data were analyzed using R software. Serological bioassays were performed using TAS-ELISA, and positive samples were pooled and processed with the transposon-based chemistry library preparation kit (Nextera XT, Illumina). Phylogenetic analyses and comparisons were performed using the MEGA X software. In the short rains season higher incidence (73.61%) was recorded than in the long rains season (42.65%). The CABYV isolates from Kenya clustered with other poleroviruses variedly. CABYV6-2 showed 94.5% nucleotide identity with CpPV2 isolate KX599164.1 from Burkina Faso and 83.4% identity with CABYV isolate MG257902.1 from Korea. This research provides evidence for the first report of CABYV infecting A. hypogaea relevant for development of better plant health management technologies for increased groundnut yield.
Is the Promise of PROMs Being Realized? Implementation Experience in a Large Orthopedic Practice
Authors: Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Grossman Elizabeth S. , Solberg Leif I. , Chrenka Ella A. , Werner Ann , Asche Stephen E. , Norton Christine K. , Nelson Andy , Reams Megan , Whitebird Robin R.
Published: October 2022

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), increasingly used for research and quality measurement, are lauded for their potential to improve patient-centered care, both through aggregate reporting and when integrated into clinical practice. However, there are few published studies of the resultant use of PROMs in clinical practice. This case study describes the implementation and use of PROMS in a Midwestern multispecialty medical group orthopedic practice among patients undergoing total knee and hip surgery. Specifically, rates of PROMs use by care teams are tracked over time once made available in the electronic health record. During this time, the orthopedics department achieved a patient PROMS survey response rate of 68% at baseline, 58% 3 months post-surgery, and 55% 12 months post-surgery. However, these data were only accessed by the care teams for fewer than 1% of associated clinical encounters. This suggests that making PROMs available for care team review in the electronic health record, even when coupled with relatively high response rates from patients and departmental leadership support is not enough to encourage integration of PROMs into clinical care for patients. Additional effort is required to identify barriers to PROMs use in clinical care and to test methods to enhance use.
Parent Perceptions of a Pretend Play Intervention for Their Children With Cancer
Authors: HÖGLUND Anna T. , WITT Stefanie , QUITMANN Julia H. , FRYGNER-HOLM Sara
Published: October 2022

Background

Although the rate of survival in childhood cancer today is close to 85%, a cancer diagnosis can still turn the world upside down for both children and parents. Often, children in oncology care are frustrated about their inability to control events and activities around them. Therapeutic pretend play has been suggested as a means to encourage children to express and handle emotions in a safe environment.

Purpose

This study was developed to describe and explore parents' experiences of a pretend play intervention that consisted of six to eight play sessions with a play facilitator administered to their children undergoing cancer treatment.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative method was used, including individual interviews with 15 parents.

Results

Three main categories were developed, including (a) experiences of joining the project, (b) perceptions of the play intervention, and (c) reflections on effects and implications, with subcategories evolved for each category. The parents experienced that the play sessions helped improve their children's communication skills and made them more capable of participating in their care. They appreciated that the intervention focused on the child's well-being and saw it as a positive break in their child's cancer treatment. It also helped them better reflect on their own situation.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

According to the parents' experiences, pretend play can be a helpful tool for improving children's participation in their cancer care that strengthens their autonomy, emotional repertoire, and communication skills. However, the results also highlighted that some of the children did not fully understand the information provided about this study, which weakened the validity of their consent to participate. Thus, more work is needed on developing age-appropriate information to obtain participation consent from children. In addition, more knowledge is needed regarding how to appropriately include children with cancer in research in an ethically acceptable way.
A Chinese female patient with LGI1 and mGluR5 antibodies: A case report
Authors: Huo Tiantian , Luo Xintong , Zhao Jingru , Wang Tianjun , Chen Jinghong
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Anti-LGI1 antibody encephalitis and anti-mGluR5 are both uncommon encephalitis, and we report the first case of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) with dual seropositive antibodies of leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) and mGluR5.

Patient concerns:

We present a case of AE with dual seropositive antibodies of LGI1 and mGluR5 in a 65-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset left faciobrachial dystonic seizures and unresponsive for 5 hours.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with anti-LGI1 AE and anti-mGluR5 AE mainly based on the clinical symptoms and further test of the antibody in serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).

Interventions and outcomes:

The patient was treated with glucocorticoid intravenous drip. We also gave her the therapy of immunoglobulin (25 g q.d) for 5 days and anti-epileptic therapy. She had no more convulsions on the left side of the face and limbs. She did not complain of any uncomfort until July 18.

Lessons:

Early recognition of AE is crucial. Specific autoantibodies are associated with corresponding syndromes. Our patient was initially diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Therefore, we should conduct further study on the related symptoms of AE.
Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of a fetus with Branchio-oto-renal syndrome: A case report
Authors: Tang Ping , Li Jiarui , Li Jun , Yang Juan , Zhu Jianjun
Published: October 2022

Background:

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by branchial arch anomalies, hearing loss, and kidney defects. Mutations in the human EYA1 gene have been reported associated with BOR syndrome. Here we identified that a novel variant, EYA1: NM_000503.4: c.827-1G > C (Intron 8, shear mutation) was associated with BOR in a fetus of a Chinese family.

Case presentation:

Prenatal ultrasound examination showed that both kidneys of the fetus were small and the echo of both kidneys was enhanced. The amount of amniotic fluid was normal, and no other structural abnormalities of the fetus were found. Fetal umbilical cord blood puncture was performed. No abnormality was found in karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) results. Thus, we performed a trio-based whole exome sequencing (WES), and found that the fetus carried a novel homozygous variant, EYA1: NM_000503.4: c.827-1G > C (Intron 8, shear mutation), but the parents do not have this mutation. The variation sites of fetus and parents were verified by Sanger sequencing to clarify the source of pathogenic variation.

Conclusion:

Combined with fetal imaging examination, the novel variation of EYA1: NM_000503.4: c.827-1G > C is the cause of fetal renal dysplasia. This case report indicates that the early use of appropriate technology can clarify the etiology of fetal disease and guide prognosis consultation.
A web-based self-learning system for ultrasound-guided vascular access
Authors: Sugiki Daisuke , Matsushima Hisao , Asao Takayuki , Tokumine Joho , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Kamisasanuki Toshirou , Suzuki Mitsuhiro , Gomei Sayaka
Published: October 2022

Ultrasound-guided vascular access is practiced widely. Optimal educational methods have not yet been established. We hypothesized that a step-by-step web-based learning system is effective for self-learning. In this study, we examined the potential of this system as a self-learning tool. This was an observational study at a single institution. Participants included residents, who were self-educated through the web-based system. Skill proficiency was measured after self-learning. The primary outcome was the extent to which self-learning enabled residents to acquire proficiency in the basic skills of ultrasound-guided vascular access: needle visualization, hand-eye coordination, and avoiding posterior wall penetration. A secondary outcome was the time required to achieve proficiency. Thirty-nine residents were enrolled in this study. Eleven residents (28%) passed the first skill assessment test. There was no significant difference in the number of days that the web-based system was accessed, the total number of screen views, or the total learning time between participants who passed and those who failed the first test. Skill assessment scores between those who passed and those who failed the first test were different, especially the score for hand-eye coordination, and the number of posterior wall penetrations. Self-learning with a web-based system enabled 28% of residents to pass the first skill assessment test. The remaining 72% failed the first skill assessment test but continued to learn using the web-based system and eventually passed the test. Hence, the web-based system needed formative testing to function as a self-learning system. Simulation education for vascular access is expected to increase in educational content and methods. Self-learning through a web-based learning system is a leading candidate for this growth.
Quality evaluation of endometriosis guidelines using AGREE II
Authors: Lei Yan , Du Xin , Chen Dejun , Gao Yue , Lian Hongmei
Published: October 2022

Background:

To systematically evaluate the guidelines for endometriosis published in the past decade, and to provide reference for the selection of guidelines for endometriosis through quality evaluation and comparison.

Methods:

PubMed database, Embase database, evidence-based medicine clinical practice guidelines (CPG) database and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the United Kingdom were searched by computer from December 2012 to December 2020 to retrieve published endometriosis CPG published by professional institutions or organizations. The search languages are English and Portuguese. Two researchers evaluated the quality of included CPG according to appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE II). The evaluation includes 6 areas: scope and purpose, participants, rigor of formulation, clarity of expression, applicability and independence. The recommendation level of CPG is determined by the distribution of standardized scores in the above 6 areas.

Results:

A total of 8 articles on endometriosis CPG were included, including 5 guidelines and 3 consensuses, covering 5 countries in 2 continents; the publication year was 2013 to 2020. The average standardized scores of the scope and purpose, participants, rigor, clarity, applicability and independence of CPG were 77.1%, 52.8%, 50.5%, 86.8%, 31.3%, and 36.5%, respectively. Among the 8 CPGs, 1 was grade A (recommended), 5 were grade B (recommended after improvement), and 2 were grade C (not recommended). Seven CPG recommendations were based on expert consensus, and one was developed through detailed literature retrieval, analysis and evidence rating evaluation. There was little difference between the guidelines in terms of treatment-related recommendations.

Conclusions:

The quality of endometriosis CPG released in 2013 to 2020 is quite different, and some CPGs are not ideal in terms of rigor, applicability and independence. The guidelines issued by NICE in 2017 are A-grade recommendations. The standardized scores in various fields are high, and the formation process of CPG is the most standardized, which is worth learning and reference.
The role of sarcopenia in treatment-related outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuxuan Li , Junchao Li , Wenya Liu
Published: October 2022

Background:

in recent years, more attention has been paid to the fuzzy relationship between skeletal muscle components and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study attempts to conduct a meta-analysis using all relevant research evidence to explore the impact of sarcopenia on the final survival and recurrence outcome of RCC patients and the change process of this impact after treatment.

Methods:

This systematic review and Meta-analysis study took “sarcopenia”, “kidney” and “tumor” and their synonyms as the main search terms, and comprehensively searched all relevant literatures published in PubMed, web of science, SpringerLink, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Ovid (Lww oup), Wiley, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases since February 2, 2022. Multivariate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), and progression free survival (PFS), as well as rough data of Kaplan–Meier survival curve, were combined as the main analysis results. Subgroup analyses based on cohort characteristics (treatment, ethnicity, and BMI factors) for each study were used as secondary outcomes. The combined effect was estimated by random effect model or fixed effect model, and the heterogeneity was evaluated by I
2 value. Because this study belongs to secondary literature, the medical ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University considers that ethical review is unnecessary.

Results:

Eighteen retrospective studies involving 3591 patients with RCC were analyzed, of which 71.5% were men and the median age of the cohort was 61.6. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 43% (38–48%). Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of OS (HR: 1.83, 95% CI = [1.41, 2.37]), and this prognostic value can also be reflected in Asian populations (HR: 2.59, 95% CI = [1.90, 3.54]) and drug treated patients (HR: 2.07, 95% CI = [1.07, 4.04]). Sarcopenia can also be used as an independent predictor of CSS (HR: 1.78, 95% CI = [1.34, 2.36]) and PFS (HR: 1.98, 95% CI = [1.34, 2.92]). The effect of low skeletal muscle mass on OS and CSS increased slowly from 1 to 5 years.

Conclusion:

Sarcopenia can be used as a comprehensive prognostic factor in RCC population, but the detailed effects from ethnic characteristics and treatment mechanism need to be further studied.
Cognitive-behaviour intervention for critical thinking disposition of religion and social science students
Authors: Ani Casmir , Asogwa Timothy E. , Nnamani Ogechi , Nyakuwa Robert , Areji Anthony C. , Inyiani Chidozie Christian , Ezeani Emmanuel O. , Ibenekwu Ikpe , Ejiofor Emeka , Eze Mathew , Chukwuemeka Ezurike , Agbigw Ifeanyichukwu B. , Sampson Monday , Onah Nkechi G. , Ugwu Collins I. , Ogbueghu Sylvester N. , Ejimonye Jovita C. , Onwuzuruike Uloma A. , Machebe Chioma H. , Onyeanusi Calista O. , Nji Ifeyinwa A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

The dispositions of students towards critical thinking (CT) no doubt improve their clinical practice and performance. Hence, efforts to explore ways to help students become aware and conscious of the need for CT are imperative for their self-actualization, development, and improved professional practice. It is worrisome that in spite of the limited intervention addressing CT disposition challenges, scholars are yet to study the problem, especially in developing countries.

Methods:

In view of that, we assessed how CT disposition can be improved among students enrolled in cognitive-behavioral reflective training programme (CBRT-P) using a group-randomized control study with three months follow-up. To achieve this, 163 students were allocated to different groups. The recruited participants were exposed to CBRT-P.

Results:

Repeated-measures analysis performed shows that at the posttest, the mean CT disposition scores of the participants enrolled in CBRT-programme (treatment group) were significantly greater compared to the counterpart group that is the comparison group. At the third assessment, the mean score of the dependent measure consistently remained higher in favor of the experimental group.

Conclusion:

Given the results, it is concluded that the treatment programme improves the CT disposition of students over time.
Serum amyloid A (SAA) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as the potential biomarkers for gastric cancer
Authors: Hou Yongwang , Zhao Weidong , Yang Zhicong , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2022

To explore serum amyloid A (SAA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as potential diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer (GCa) and the application value of the combined diagnosis of SAA, IL6, and Cancer embryonic antigen. Serum samples were collected before the initial surgery from 159 patients comprising samples from 122 patients with GCa and 37 patients with benign gastric disease. All patients were hospitalized at Beijing Aerospace General Hospital in China between 2018 and 2020. The IL-6 and SAA levels were assessed using standard laboratory protocols. The levels of SAA and IL-6 were significantly higher in patients with GCa than in controls. Compared with the healthy group, the concentration of SAA and IL-6 in FIGO III–IV group were significantly higher and the difference were statistically significant. In addition, significant differences were observed between the FIGO III–IV group and FIGO I–II groups. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the combined detection of SAA, IL-6, and Cancer embryonic antigen showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.948, sensitivity of 91.0%, and specificity of 89.2%. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated obvious correlations among the levels of serum SAA, IL-6, advanced FIGO stage, lymphatic invasion, and distant metastasis. AA and IL-6 may serve as useful biomarkers for poor prognosis of GCa. Clinical diagnosis combined with SAA and IL-6 may help assess therapeutic outcomes.
Comparative effectiveness of external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine and surgical treatments in pain management of postherpetic neuralgia: A protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Zhengqi , Huang Shijie , Ma Tingting , Yuan Rongli , Wang Mengjing , Luo Rui , Yu Maogui , Li Wuyu , Zhang Ao , Wu Jie
Published: October 2022

Background:

As the most common long-term complication of herpes zoster (HZ), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is characterized by chronic, persistent, and debilitating neuropathic pain. PHN seriously harms human health and currently becomes a topic of clinical importance. To date, the common methods of pain management in PHN include external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine and surgical treatments. However, there is no high-quality or direct evidence of their comparative effectiveness. This review aims to provide a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine and surgical treatments in the pain management of PHN.

Methods:

Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine Disc will be searched for relevant randomized controlled trials to obtain literatures on the treatment of PHN with external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine and surgical treatments, and clinical randomized controlled trials will be screened out from their inception to August 5, 2022. The participant intervention comparator outcomes of this study are as flowing: P, patients with PHN; I, external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine and surgical treatments; C, no treatment, pharmacological placebo, treatment as usual or sham acupuncture groups; O, primary outcome is pain intensity, and secondary outcomes are onset of pain relief time, quality of life, therapeutic effective rate and reverse effects. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used in assessing literature’s quality. Network meta-analyses will be conducted to generate estimates of comparative effectiveness of each intervention class and rankings of their effectiveness, in terms of pain management.

Result:

This systematic review and network meta-analysis will provide evidence of the efficacy of different therapeutic methods for pain management in PHN, to show which forms of therapy are more commonly used with higher effectiveness.

Discussion:

The results will systematically provide suggestions for medical practitioners to choose effective, time-saving and economical pain management method for PHN.
Acupuncture for metabolic syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Rongsheng , Zhang Xiaolin , Zheng Yi , Zhang Long , Guan Qifan , Cong Zhengri , Li Yiduo , Liu Mingjun
Published: October 2022

Background:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is showing an epidemic trend worldwide, and its annual incidence is increasing. Conventional treatment options have limitations and it is necessary to develop new management strategies for MS.

Methods:

Eligible randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were screened by searching multiple Chinese and English databases. References to the included literature, gray literature in OpenGrey, and other relevant literature, such as clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, were also manually searched. Relevant data were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using Reviewer Manager 5.4.

Results:

This study provides a high-quality review of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of MS, and provides a basis for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of MS.

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence of the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of MS.
Severe hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis in children with fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency
Authors: Zou Shanye , Luo Xiaoli , Huang Shiyong , Xiong Zihong , Zhang Ning , Wen Xing
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder with an extremely high mortality rate, if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Patient concerns:

Case 1 was a 2-year-old girl who was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit because of fever lasting for 1 day and shortness of breath lasting for 5 hours with a history of hunger prior to onset. Her medical history was unremarkable. Case 2 was a newborn child who was the brother of case 1 and had the same presentation.

Diagnoses:

Complete exon gene sequencing of the 2 patients revealed 2 mutation sites on the FBP1 gene, which were heterozygous variants c.778(exon6)G>A and c.977(exon7)T>C. The c.778(exon6)G>A variant was inherited from her father. The c.977(exon7)T>C variant was inherited from the mother and is a new mutation that has not yet been reported. The resulting fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inherited disease.

Interventions:

We provided treatment, such as respiratory support, correction of acidosis, and stabilization of the internal environment.

Outcomes:

The treatment results were remarkable, with no complications at the 3-month follow-up.

Lessons:

The 2 patients reported here are close siblings, and the maternal mutation c.977(exon7)T>C noted in these patients has not been reported before. In clinical practice, the possibility of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency should be considered for acute infection onset, severe metabolic acidosis, and hypoglycemia. Early gene sequencing can confirm the disease, and timely, proper treatment and long-term dietary control can prevent death, promote growth and development, and improve the quality of life of the affected children.
Whole-Exon Sequencing and Correlation Analysis of a 14-Month-Old Girl With Orofaciodigital Syndrome
Authors: Li Si L. , Li Kong Y. , Wang Yong Q.
Published: October 2022

Orofaciodigital syndrome type 1 (OFDS1) is a genetic disorder characterized by specific oral, facial, and limb malformations. A 14-month-old girl with congenital cleft palate, lower lip midline cleft, and digital anomalies admitted to our hospital was preliminarily diagnosed with OFDS1. Genetic analysis revealed that she carried a heterozygous variant of OFD1 at locus Xp22.2 on the X chromosome. Herein, we present the specific phenotype and genotype and the treatment modalities for this patient and references for diagnosing and treating OFDS.
Current Presurgical Infant Orthopedics Practices Among American Cleft Palate Association–Approved Cleft Teams in North America
Authors: Avinoam Shayna P. , Kowalski Haley R. , Chaya Bachar F. , Shetye Pradip R.
Published: October 2022

Presurgical infant orthopedic (PSIO) therapy has evolved in both its popularity and focus of treatment since its advent. Nasoalveolar molding, nasal elevators, the Latham appliance, lip taping, and passive plates are the modern treatment options offered by cleft teams. Many cleft surgeons also employ postsurgical nasal stenting (PSNS) after the primary lip repair procedure. The purpose of this study is to examine trends in current PSIO care as well as PSNS for the management of patients with cleft lip and palate. An electronic survey was distributed to cleft team coordinators listed by the American Cleft Palate Association. The survey reported on team setting, provider availability, PSIO offerings, contraindications, and use of PSNS. Descriptive statistics and analyses were performed using MS Excel and SPSS. A total of 102 survey responses were received. The majority of settings were children’s specialty hospitals (66%) or university hospitals (27%). Presurgical infant orthopedics was offered by 86% of cleft teams, and the majority of those (68%) provided nasoalveolar molding. Nasal elevators and lip taping are offered at 44% and 53% of centers, respectively. Latham and passive plates are both offered at 5.5% of centers. Most centers had an orthodontist providing treatment. The majority of centers use PSNS (86%). Nasoalveolar molding is the most popular PSIO technique in North American cleft centers followed by the nasal elevator, suggesting that the nasal molding component of PSIO is of critical influence on current treatment practices.
Reconstructing the New Aesthetic Mandibular Angle With Two-Crossed Ostectomy at the Inferior and Posterior Margin of the Mandible
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Tian , Zhang Qian , Li Chun-Cai , Qiu Li-Dong , Zhang Li-Tian
Published: October 2022

Background:

Several operative procedures have been introduced to reshape the aesthetic mandibular angle, but unaesthetic results have occurred now and then. Most studies focused only on the facial shape in frontal view but not on the new gonion angle and gonial position in lateral view. The authors describe a new and satisfactory surgical method of mandibular angle contouring to reconstruct the new aesthetic mandibular angle and reshape an oval face for the excessive prominence of the mandibular angle.

Patients and Methods:

The surgery was carried out with the two-crossed ostectomy at the inferior and posterior margin of the mandible, respectively. For 10 years from 2009 to 2019, the two-crossed ostectomy of mandibular angle has been performed in 1217 consecutive series of Chinese patients. The gonion angle degree, the facial width between the dual gonions, and the horizontal and vertical distances from the gonial point to auricular lobule were measured and recorded before and after an operation.

Results:

After the two-crossed ostectomy, the patient’s gonion angle significantly changed to 123 to 128 degrees in both women and men. The vertical distance from the horizontal line of the auricular lobule to the gonial point decreased by 2 to 2.5 cm markedly, and the gonial point became located at about 0.85 cm in front of the vertical line of the auricular lobule. The two-crossed ostectomy of the mandibular angle effectively reconstructed the new aesthetic gonion angle and gonial position, reshaped the oval face, and achieved a highly satisfactory result.

Conclusions:

For patients with excessively prominent mandibular angle, the two-crossed ostectomy at the mandibular ramus and the body could reconstruct the new aesthetic gonial angle and position, make the lower one third of the face attractive from the lateral and anterior perspectives, and deliver greater patient satisfaction and surgical safety.
Hemifacial Spasm Caused by Distal Neurovascular Compression Confirmed by Lateral Spread Response Monitoring
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Su Sheng , Cai Lingxin , Wang Linkai , Fan Haonan , Wu Chunlai , Chen Yili
Published: October 2022

Primary hemifacial spasm (HFS) is likely related to a vascular compression of the facial nerve at its distal cisternal portion root exit Zone that has been reported during recent years. Most of these cases were found during secondary surgery or intraoperative monitoring of lateral spread response (LSR). Here we reported 2 patients with typical HFS caused by distal neurovascular compression that were successfully treated with microvascular decompression. Magnetic resonance imaging in both cases suggested that there was a contact between the vessel in cisternal segment and the facial nerve. LSR immediately disappeared after decompression of distal neurovascular compression. Resolution of spasm after the operation was achieved in both of these cases, with a short duration of vertigo and mild facial paralysis in case 1. Reviewing the literature, the majority of cases of distal neurovascular compression are found under the following 2 conditions:(1) When patients underwent a second operation. (2) When surgeons explored the distal part, the cisternal portion, after exploring the traditional root exit Zone without LSR disappearing. Therefore, it is the distal neurovascular compression at cisternal segment that may also be the cause of HFS. As for this kind of special HFS, these patients may also present with cranial nerve symptoms of VIII. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging can provide some information about compression sites. When we perform microvascular decompression, we should carefully pay attention to having an entire-root-exploration with intraoperative electrophysiology to find and decompress the real neurovascular compression.