bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary ligament rupture due to a bronchial artery aneurysm-induced hematoma: a case report
Authors: Tomioka Yasuaki , Yamada Eiji , Hyodo Tsuyoshi , Muro Masahiko
Published: January 2024

Background

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare vascular anomaly with the potential for serious complications, such as rupture leading to hemothorax or hemoptysis. Although bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is recognized as an effective intervention for ruptured BAA, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of associated hemothorax.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old woman presented with a mediastinal hematoma from a ruptured BAA, causing bilateral hemothorax. Emergency angiography revealed a saccular BAA that was successfully embolized using a microcatheter and coil. Subsequent computed tomography revealed an expanding hemothorax managed by VATS, with 1400 mL of blood drained. During VATS, thoracoscopy revealed pulmonary ligament rupture, which was attributed to increased intramediastinal pressure. The patient was discharged eight days postoperatively with no complications. This case highlights the use of BAE and VATS in the management of mediastinal BAA rupture and massive hemothorax.

Conclusions

BAE proved to be an effective strategy for the management of ruptured mediastinal BAAs. VATS is a valuable standby procedure for hematoma removal, but the indication should be carefully determined because of the risk of BAA re-rupture.
Research collaboration with older people as a matter of scientific quality and ethics: a focus group study with researchers in ageing and health
Authors: Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve , Berge Isak , Barenfeld Emmelie , Haak Maria , Lood Qarin
Published: January 2024

Background

Society is placing increasing demands on collaboration with actors outside the academia to be involved in the research process, and the responsibility for turning this into reality lies with the researchers. As research collaboration is a way to increase the societal relevance of research and since older people have the right to be actively involved in research that concerns them, this study is addressed to researchers who work with and for older people. The purpose of this article is to explore researchers’ experiences of research collaboration with the heterogeneous group of older people, from healthy to frail.

Methods

The focus group method was applied based on a qualitative approach that is based on a social constructivist research tradition. It differs from other qualitative methods, such as interviews, in that it encourages interaction between research participants and contributes to shedding light on a collective understanding of the world. A total of 14 researchers participated in four focus groups (three to five participants/group).

Results

The results provided support for the overall theme: “Good scientific quality and ethics are balanced against the needs and abilities of older people”. This means a balance between the researcher and the older people collaborating with them to receive the best possible scientific quality. This is highlighted in the core category “Positioning for research collaboration” with the subcategories “Involvement or not”, “Traditional or innovative thinking” and “Selectivity or representativeness”, and the core category “Research collaboration – an ethical issue of power” with the subcategories “Research collaboration a risk for freedom of research”, “Research collaboration a risk of abuse of power” and “Discriminatory academic power structures create ethical issues”.

Conclusions

Addressing the balancing act of collaborating with older people in research, the findings contribute with an understanding of the importance of researchers’ awareness of social and academic structures to minimise the risk of epistemic injustices in research on ageing and health. We want to highlight the researchers’ voice and clarify the role that researchers have in terms of the opportunities for older people to become part of the collective understanding of ageing and health and make their voices heard.
Virtual simulation in healthcare education: a multi-professional, pan-Canadian evaluation
Authors: Verkuyl Margaret , Violato Efrem , Harder Nicole , Southam Theresa , Lavoie-Tremblay Mélanie , Goldsworthy Sandra , Ellis Wendy , Campbell Suzanne H. , Atack Lynda
Published: January 2024

Background

As we experience a shortage of healthcare providers in Canada, it has become increasingly challenging for healthcare educators to secure quality clinical placements. We evaluated the impact of virtual simulations created for the virtual work-integrated learning (Virtu-WIL) program, a pan-Canadian project designed to develop, test, and offer virtual simulations to enrich healthcare clinical education in Canada. Evaluation was important since the virtual simulations are freely available through creative commons licensing, to the global healthcare community.

Methods

Students self-reported their experiences with the virtual simulations and the impact on their readiness for practice using a survey that included validated subscales. Open-ended items were included to provide insight into the students’ experiences.

Results

The evaluation included 1715 Nursing, Paramedicine and Medical Laboratory students enrolled in the Virtu-WIL program from 18 post-secondary universities, colleges, and institutions. Results showed most students found the virtual simulations engaging helped them learn and prepare for clinical practice. A key finding was that it is not sufficient to simply add virtual simulations to curriculum, careful planning and applying simulation pedagogy are essential.

Conclusion

Virtual simulation experiences are increasingly being used in healthcare education. Results from this rigorous, large-scale evaluation identified ways to enhance the quality of these experiences to increase learning and to potentially decrease the number of hours healthcare students need in clinical practice to meet professional competencies. Further research is needed regarding many aspects of virtual simulations and, in particular, curriculum integration and the timing or sequencing of virtual simulations to best prepare students for practice.
Early detection of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Fadel Ahmed W. , Nawar Amin E. , Elahwal Loai M. , Ghali Azza A. , Ragab Osama A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Early diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) can significantly improve the prognosis and help prevent severe complications. The aim of this work was to study clinical, radiological, laboratory and neurophysiological findings for early detection of peripheral neuropathy in T2DM.

Methods

A total of 60 diabetic patients were classified according to Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS) into: Group 1: 20 diabetic patients with no evident neuropathy. Group 2: 20 diabetic patients with mild neuropathy. Group 3: 20 diabetic patients with moderate and severe neuropathy. All patients underwent a neurological examination, nerve conduction studies and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Additionally, ELISA technique to measure serum interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Results

The analysis of gender and age distributions among the groups revealed no significant differences. There were statistically significant differences regarding disease duration, HBA1c, body mass index Systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Group 3 had such significant impairment that resulted in an inability to record the measurements of sural nerves. The study's statistical analysis results for OCT variables, and post hoc comparisons revealed significant differences between all three groups. The results demonstrated significant variations in Serum IL6 levels among the groups, with Group 3 having the highest IL6 levels. In groups 1, 2, and 3 the area under the curve for IL-6 and RNFL showed a good differentiation ability between groups.

Conclusion

We conclude that the total thickness RNFL and serum IL-6 levels are a potential biomarker in prediction the severity of DPN.
Use of Novel National Data Sets to Monitor Chemotherapy Use and Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Minhinnick Alice M. , Dunn Alexander H. , Arabnejad Vahid , Paddison Johanna S. , Jackson Chris G.C.A. , Pointer Simon M. , Gurney Jason K. , Cameron Laird B.
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Te Aho o Te Kahu, the New Zealand Cancer Control Agency, is establishing a systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) database (Anti-Cancer Therapy—Nationally Organized Workstream [ACT-NOW]) which can be linked to other national health data collections. In this article, we explore the application of ACT-NOW data in the monitoring of uptake and outcomes after the public funding of pemetrexed in Aotearoa New Zealand.

METHODS

We used the ACT-NOW collection to identify patients with advanced nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer, who were treated with first-line platinum-based doublet chemotherapy over an 8-year period. Data were extracted for a period of 4 years before and 4 years after the national funding of pemetrexed (November 1, 2017). Treatments were classified as historical platinum doublet (cisplatin or carboplatin with gemcitabine, vinorelbine, paclitaxel, or docetaxel) or platinum pemetrexed doublet (cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving each treatment type, before and after November 1, 2017. To prototype linkage to outcomes data, we evaluated hospitalization and 1-year overall survival (OS) rates by treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 331 patients were included from four cancer centers. All patients (116 of 116) who were treated with first-line platinum-based doublet chemotherapy between November 2013 and November 2017 received historical platinum doublet chemotherapy. After the introduction of pemetrexed, between November 2017 and November 2021, 94% (203 of 215) were treated with platinum pemetrexed doublet chemotherapy and 6% (12 of 215) with historical platinum doublet chemotherapy. Linkage to outcomes data for 1-year OS, hospitalization rates, and lengths of stay outcome data were achievable.

CONCLUSION

The ACT-NOW data set has the potential to facilitate evaluation of the impact of national-level SACT funding decisions on prescribing practice and specific patient outcomes. Our results support the use of these data to inform resource planning and quality improvement.
Distinct Reproductive Phenotypes Segregate With Differences in Body Weight in Adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Chen-Patterson Angie , Bernier Angelina , Burgert Tania , Davis Vanessa , Khan Tazeena , Geller David , Paprocki Emily , Shah Rachana , Witchel Selma F , Pereira-Eshraghi Camila , Sopher Aviva B , Cree Melanie G , Torchen Laura C
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous clinical syndrome defined by hyperandrogenism and irregular menses. In adult women with PCOS, discrete metabolic and reproductive subgroups have been identified. We hypothesize that distinct phenotypes can be distinguished between adolescent girls who are lean (LN-G) and girls with obesity (OB-G) at the time of PCOS diagnosis.

Methods

Data were extracted from the CALICO multisite PCOS database. Clinical data collected at the time of diagnosis were available in 354 patients (81% with obesity) from 7 academic centers. Patients with body mass index (BMI) < 85th percentile for age and sex were characterized as lean (LN-G) and those with BMI percentile ≥ 95th percentile as obese (OB-G). We compared metabolic and reproductive phenotypes in LN-G and OB-G.

Results

Reproductive phenotypes differed between the groups, with LN-G having higher total testosterone, androstenedione, and LH levels, while OB-G had lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and higher free testosterone. Metabolic profiles differed as expected, with OB-G having higher hemoglobin A1c, alanine aminotransferase, and serum triglycerides and more severe acanthosis nigricans.

Conclusion

LN-G with PCOS had a distinct reproductive phenotype characterized by increased LH, total testosterone, and androstenedione levels, suggesting neuroendocrine-mediated ovarian androgen production. In contrast, phenotypes in OB-G suggest hyperandrogenemia is primarily driven by insulin resistance with low SHBG levels. These observations support the existence of distinct metabolic and reproductive subtypes in adolescent PCOS characterized by unique mechanisms for hyperandrogenemia.
Prevalence of osteoporosis and risk factors in different age categories in adult women
Authors: Vizitiu Elena , Costea Andrei Ioan , Silișteanu Sînziana Călina
Published: January 2024

Background: Analysis of risk factors and prevalence of osteoporosis in an elderly population suggests a study focused on identifying and evaluating factors contributing to osteoporosis among them. (2) Methods: The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare the prevalence levels of osteoporosis in different age groups in adult women, focusing on the identification and assessment of relevant risk factors. Hypothesis of the work: There are assumed to be significant correlations between adult women age groups and osteoporosis prevalence, and these correlations are influenced by a number of risk factors, including older age, BMI, family history of fractures, and BMD bone mineral density levels. (3) Results: There is a tendency to increase the average weight with age up to the age group of 70-79 years. Mean BMI values indicate significant variation in participants weight status, with relatively high values across all age groups. Mean T-score and Z-score values at femoral neck BMD indicate reduced bone mineral density, possibly associated with osteoporosis or osteopenia, especially in older age groups. (4) Conclusions: There is an increase in average weight with age, and BMI values are relatively high across all age groups, indicating the importance of monitoring and managing body weight to prevent complications associated with osteoporosis.
Digital Medicine: from SPA to Medical Recovery
Authors: Miulescu Adrian , Kozma Andrei , Cucu Dana
Published: January 2024

Background: Digital medicine (eHealth) represents using information and communications technologies to support health and health-related fields with affordable and secure healthcare services, medical literature, education, and research. Methods: A literature search was conducted on Publons, the PubMed database, and dedicated websites starting in 1995. We included papers performed in different countries, using specific statistical methods and standardized questionnaires to quantify patients' and clinicians' opinions correctly.
Results: Traditionally, balneotherapy has a social value, but telehealth and telemedicine need to be adequately standardized in today's web society to empower travel behavior. The unmet need of older adults or persons with physical disabilities is a global problem, and physiotherapists work toward the same goals for improving rehabilitation services with the use of digital technology.
Conclusions: This review draws attention to several factors from the literature survey. Firstly, therapists and patients accept eHealth methods only combined with face-to-face appointments. Secondly, the platform's software and other approaches should be cost-efficient and easy to use. Digital methods applied in balneotherapy, rehabilitation, and health maintenance proved their effectiveness. Still, the essential message is that society and governments should put future efforts into increasing the population's access to digital systems and improving digital awareness and literacy.
La identificación del empleo atípico por la Organización Internacional del Trabajo y su impacto en el genérico reformado sistema de contratación laboral español de 2022.
Authors: Triguero Martínez Luis Ángel
Published: January 2024

Algunas de las modalidades y/o de los rasgos del empleo atípico que señala la Organización Internacional del Trabajo siguen estando presentes en el ordenamiento jurídico laboral español. El nuevo sistema de contratación nacido de la reforma laboral de 2022, no lo ha afrontado con la seriedad y profundidad que debiera. Hay flecos no firmados ni recogidos en la regulación que abren la posibilidad a producir relaciones laborales total o parcialmente atípicas
Trabajo atípico, desempleo y (des)protección social.
Authors: Carrizosa Prieto Esther , Jalil Naji Maiedah
Published: January 2024

El mercado de trabajo en España está sometido a constantes y profundos cambios, algunos derivados de factores externos y comunes a la generalidad de los países (digitalización, transición climática, flujos de población y mano de obra, etc.), otros internos, que derivan de las características sociales y culturales inmanentes en las prácticas sociales y en las normas que las regulan. Todos ellos han confluido en la emergencia de nuevas formas de trabajo, el empleo atípico, que viene a cuestionar la adecuación de los mecanismos de protección social para garantizar la suficiencia de recursos a estas personas trabajadoras en los periodos en que no realizan actividad. Ante estas circunstancias, la presente contribución tiene por objeto analizar, partiendo de las características del mercado de trabajo en España y de estas nuevas formas de empleo, el sistema de protección por desempleo vigente en España a efectos de detectar los principales inconvenientes o disfunciones para proveer protección social a este colectivo de personas trabajadoras. El análisis evidencia la existencia de un cúmulo de prestaciones estatales, contributivas y asistenciales, incapaces de abordar esta problemática, tanto por la exclusión endémica de colectivos que deberían obtener una atención prioritaria (jóvenes, discapacitados, mujeres, desempleados de larga duración, etc.) como por su resistencia a adaptarse a la realidad que presenta el mercado de trabajo español; y ello en un momento en que los Estados, y los ordenamientos jurídicos, deberían estar preparados para afrontar de forma ágil y equitativa las transformaciones sociales, económicas y laborales que nos afectan.
Filosofía para Niños. Un proyecto para aprender a filosofar.
Authors: Andrés Rojas Víctor , Echeverría Eugenio , Cázares Leslie , Garralaga Iñaki Andrés
Published: January 2024

El presente articulo destaca el lugar de la propuesta de Filosofía para Niños (FpN) de Matthew Lipman y Ann Margaret Sharp en la educación contemporánea subrayando los postulados centrales de la misma, su pertinencia y tradición filosófica, así como líneas sugerentes para quienes quieran hacer de esta práctica una manera concreta para el filosofar dentro y fuera del aula. Los autores, líderes de centros de Filosofía para Niños en México, España y Colombia proponen un análisis FpN desde cuatro perspectivas: la delimitación y alcance de la propuesta, su dimensión comunitaria y dialogal, la construcción sólida del pensamiento y el rol del docente facilitador en las prácticas de Filosofía para Niños. Dicha estructura pretende abrir una reflexión en la manera como esta propuesta puede comprenderse como una práctica de educación filosófica y además una invitación para quienes quieran conocer sus alcances filosóficos y pedagógicos. Una provocación para hacer del aula una comunidad de diálogo y de la comunidad de diálogo un estilo de vida que redunda en un modo de ciudadanía democrática en el cual el pensar crítico, creativo y cuidadoso es punto de partida.
The Risk of Expected Utility Under Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Lassance Nathan , Martín-Utrera Alberto , Simaan Majeed
Published: January 2024

We derive analytical expressions for the risk of an investor’s expected utility under parameter uncertainty. In particular, our analysis focuses on characterizing the out-of-sample utility variance of three portfolios: the classic mean-variance portfolio, the minimum-variance portfolio, and a shrinkage portfolio that combines both. We then use our analytical expressions to study a robustness measure that balances out-of-sample utility mean and volatility. We show that neither the sample mean-variance portfolio nor the sample minimum-variance portfolio exhibits maximal robustness individually, and one needs to combine both to optimize portfolio robustness. Accordingly, we introduce a robust shrinkage portfolio that delivers an optimal tradeoff between out-of-sample utility mean and volatility and is more resilient to estimation errors. Our results highlight the importance of considering out-of-sample performance risk in designing and evaluating investment strategies and stochastic discount factor models.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.

Funding: N. Lassance gratefully acknowledges financial support by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique [Grant J.0115.22].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.00178 .
Cost-effectiveness of ChloraSolv in treating hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers
Authors: Guest Julian F , Apelqvist Jan
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To estimate whether the topical, amino acid-buffered hypochlorite debriding gel ChloraSolv (RLS Global AB, Sweden) could potentially afford the UK's health services a cost-effective intervention for hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs).

Method:

A Markov model representing the management of hard-to-heal VLUs with ChloraSolv plus standard care (SC) or SC alone was populated with inputs from an indirect comparison of two propensity score-matched cohorts. The model estimated the relative cost-effectiveness of ChloraSolv in terms of the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained at 2021/2022 prices.

Results:

Addition of ChloraSolv to an SC protocol was found to increase the probability of healing by 36% (from 0.14 to 0.19) after 12 weeks, and by 79% (from 0.24 to 0.43) after 24 weeks. This led to a marginal increase in health-related quality of life. Treatment with ChloraSolv plus SC instead of SC alone reduced the total cost of wound management by 8% (£189 per VLU) at 12 weeks and by 18% (£796 per VLU) at 24 weeks. Use of ChloraSolv was estimated to improve health outcomes at reduced cost. Sensitivity analysis showed that use of ChloraSolv plus SC remained a cost-effective treatment with plausible variations in costs and effectiveness.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of the study, the addition of ChloraSolv to an SC protocol potentially affords a cost-effective treatment to the UK's health services for managing hard-to-heal VLUs.
Electroencephalogram findings in 10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy: A retrospective study
Authors: Wen Li-Min , Li Ran , Wang Yan-Ling , Kong Qing-Xia , Xia Min
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke epilepsy is a common and easily overlooked complication of acute cerebrovascular disease. Long-term seizures can seriously affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the simplest way to diagnose epilepsy, and plays an important role in predicting seizures and guiding medication.

AIM

To explore the EEG characteristics of patients with post-stroke epilepsy and improve the detection rate of inter-seizure epileptiform discharges.

METHODS

From January 2017 to June 2020, 10 patients with post-stroke epilepsy in our hospital were included. The clinical, imaging, and EEG characteristics were collected. The stroke location, seizure type, and ictal and interictal EEG manifestations of the patients with post-stroke epilepsy were then retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In all 10 patients, epileptiform waves occurred in the side opposite to the stroke lesion during the interictal stage; these manifested as sharp wave, sharp-wave complex, or spike discharges in the anterior head lead of the side opposite to the lesion.

CONCLUSION

In EEG, epileptiform waves can occur in the side opposite to the stroke lesion in patients with post-stroke epilepsy.
Utility of plasma D-dimer for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism after hepatectomy
Authors: Miyake Taiichiro , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Tsugawa Daisuke , Akita Masayuki , Asakura Riki , Arai Keisuke , Yoshida Toshihiko , So Shinichi , Ishida Jun , Urade Takeshi , Nanno Yoshihide , Fukushima Kenji , Gon Hidetoshi , Komatsu Shohei , Asari Sadaki , Toyama Hirochika , Kido Masahiro , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially fatal complication of hepatectomy. The use of postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients who have undergone hepatectomy is controversial because of the risk of postoperative bleeding. Therefore, we hypothesized that monitoring plasma D-dimer could be useful in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.

AIM

To evaluate the utility of monitoring plasma D-dimer levels in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they developed VTE after hepatectomy, as diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or ultrasonography of the lower extremities. Clinicopathological factors, including demographic data and perioperative D-dimer values, were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the D-dimer cutoff value. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors.

RESULTS

In total, 234 patients who underwent hepatectomy were, of whom (5.6%) were diagnosed with VTE following hepatectomy. A comparison between the two groups showed significant differences in operative time (529 vs 403 min, P = 0.0274) and blood loss (530 vs 138 mL, P = 0.0067). The D-dimer levels on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, 5, 7 were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the non-VTE group. In the multivariate analysis, intraoperative blood loss of > 275 mL [odds ratio (OR) = 5.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-27.0, P = 0.044] and plasma D-dimer levels on POD 5 ≥ 21 μg/mL (OR = 10.1, 95%CI: 2.04-50.1, P = 0.0046) were independent risk factors for VTE after hepatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Monitoring of plasma D-dimer levels after hepatectomy is useful for early diagnosis of VTE and may avoid routine prophylactic anticoagulation in the postoperative period.
Use of MLC901 in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: Three case reports
Authors: Arsovska Anita Ante , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is rare cause of cerebrovascular disease. The incidence is 0.5% of all stroke. The majority of affected patients are young adults (mean age: 35-40 years) with mild to moderate disabilities. Poor outcome with severe disability is seen in 13% of cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for good outcomes and preventing complications. Treatment options are limited and mostly based on consensus. NeuroAiD II™ (MLC901; Moleac Pte, Ltd, Singapore) has a potential beneficial role in post-stroke recovery, by aiding the natural brain recovery process.

CASE SUMMARY

MLC901 consists of nine natural herbal ingredients. Studies have shown its safety profile and aid in post stroke recovery. The aim of this case series was to demonstrate the potential role of MLC901 in stroke recovery of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) who received MLC901 in addition to standard of care. The prescribed dose of MLC901 is 400 mg/cap two capsules, three times a day. Data from these patients were prospectively collected at baseline and at monthly visits, for a duration of 3 mo. Outcome measures included adherence to therapy, side effects, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, modified Rankin Scale, and the Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test. MLC901 was well tolerated and no side effects were reported. All patients were stable with improved condition.

CONCLUSION

This case series highlights the potential therapeutic effects of MLC901 on CVST and provides support for further studies.
Asymptomatic low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm: A case report
Authors: Yao Min-Quan , Jiang Yu-Peng , Wang Yuan-Yu , Mou Yi-Ping , Fan Jin-Xing
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Low-grade appendiceal neoplasms (LAMN) are characterized by low incidence and atypical clinical presentations, often leading to misdiagnosis as acute or chronic appendicitis before surgery. The primary diagnostic tool for LAMN is abdominal computed tomography (CT) imaging. Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of LAMN management, necessitating en bloc tumor excision to minimize the risk of iatrogenic rupture. Laparoscopy, known for its minimal invasiveness, reduced postoperative discomfort, and expedited recovery, is a safe and reliable approach for LAMN treatment. Despite the possibility of pseudomyxoma peritonei development, appendectomy and partial appendectomy generally result in negative tumor margins and favorable outcomes, which can be attributed to the disease’s slow growth and lower malignancy.

CASE SUMMARY

A 71-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with a pelvic space-occupying lesion detected 1 mo prior. Physical examination showed a soft abdomen without tenderness or rebound and no palpable masses. No shifting dullness was noted, and digital rectal examination revealed no palpable mass. Enteroscopy revealed a raised, smooth-surfaced mass measuring 3.0 cm in the cecum. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed a markedly thickened and dilated appendix with visible cystic shadows. Laparoscopic surgery was performed and revealed a significantly dilated appendix, leading to laparoscopic resection of the appendix and part of the cecum. Post-surgical pathologic analysis confirmed LAMN. The patient received symptomatic and supportive post-operative care and was discharged on postoperative day 4 without complications such as abdominal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, or incision infection. No tumor recurrence was observed during a 7-mo follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

LAMN is a rare disease that lacks specific clinical manifestations. Abdominal CT plays a crucial role in diagnosing LAMN, and laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Three cancers in the renal pelvis, bladder, and colon: A case report
Authors: Chen Jing , Huang Hua-Yan , Zhou Hui-Chun , Liu Lin-Xiao , Kong Chuang-Fan , Zhou Quan , Fei Jian-Ming , Zhu Yuan-Ming , Liu Hu , Tang Ye-Chen , Zhou Cheng-Zhong
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Multiple primary cancers are rare occurrences that can involve either metachronous or synchronous development. It is particularly rare for an individual to have more than two primary cancers. In this report, we present a case study of an elderly man who was diagnosed with three heterochronous cancers in the renal pelvis, bladder, and colon.

CASE SUMMARY

On December 30, 2014, a 51-year-old Chinese man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of intermittent painless gross hematuria for the preceding week. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed wall thickening in the left ureter’s upper segment, while a CT urography revealed a left renal pelvis tumor. A successful laparoscopic radical resection of the left renal pelvis tumor was subsequently performed at Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital in January 2015. The pathological findings after the surgery revealed a low-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The final pathological tumor stage was pT1N0M0. After surgery, this patient received 6 cycles of intravenous chemotherapy with gemcitabine and carboplatin, as well as bladder infusion therapy with gemcitabine. On December 18, 2017, the patient was admitted once again to our hospital with a one-day history of painless gross hematuria. A CT scan showed the presence of a space-occupying lesion on the posterior wall of bladder. Cystoscopic examination revealed multiple tumors in the bladder and right cutaneous ureterostomy was performed under general anesthesia on December 29, 2017. The postoperative pathological findings disclosed multifocal papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (maximum size 3.7 cm × 2.6 cm). The bladder cancer was considered a metastasis of the renal pelvis cancer after surgery. The pathological tumor stage was pT1N0M1. The patient refused chemotherapy after surgery. After another six years, the patient returned on February 28, 2023, complaining of periumbilical pain that had lasted six days. This time, a CT scan of the abdomen showed a tumor in the ascending colon, but a subsequent colonoscopy examination indicated a tumor in the descending colon. On March 12, 2023, a subtotal colectomy and an ileosigmoidal anastomosis were carried out under general anesthesia. Postoperative pathological findings revealed that all three tumors were adenocarcinomas. The final pathological tumor stage was pT3N0M0. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged without complications.

CONCLUSION

The case of this elderly man presents a rare occurrence of metachronous primary cancers in the renal pelvis and colon. Bladder cancer is considered a metastasis of renal pelvis cancer after surgery. Optimal treatment can be implemented by evaluating the patient’s histological features, clinical history, and tumor distribution correctly.
Hybrid treatment of varied orthodontic appliances for a patient with skeletal class II and temporomandibular joint disorders: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Lu Tong , Mei Li , Li Bao-Chao , Huang Zi-Wei , Li Huang
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

The relation between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is under debate; the management of TMD during orthodontic treatment has always been a challenge. If TMD symptoms occur during orthodontic treatment, an immediate pause of orthodontic adjustments is recommended; the treatment can resume when the symptoms are managed and stabilized.

CASE SUMMARY

This case report presents a patient (26-year-old, female) with angle class I, skeletal class II and TMDs. The treatment was a hybrid of clear aligners, fixed appliances and temporary anchorage devices (TADs). After 3 mo resting and treatment on her TMD, the patient’s TMD symptom alleviated, but her anterior occlusion displayed deep overbite. Therefore, the fixed appliances with TAD were used to correct the anterior deep-bite and level maxillary and mandibular deep curves. After the levelling, the patient showed dual bite with centric relation and maximum intercuspation discrepancy on her occlusion. After careful examination of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) position, the stable bite splint and Invisible Mandibular Advancement appliance were used to reconstruct her occlusion. Eventually, the improved facial appearance and relatively stable occlusion were achieved. The 1-year follow-up records showed there was no obvious change in TMJ morphology, and her occlusion was stable.

CONCLUSION

TMD screening and monitoring is of great clinical importance in the TMD susceptible patients. Hybrid treatment with clear aligners and fixed appliances and TADs is an effective treatment modality for the complex cases.
Double-chambered left ventricle with a thrombus in an asymptomatic patient: A case report
Authors: Kim Narae , Yang In-Ho , Hwang Hui-Jeong , Sohn Il-Suk
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Double-chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is an extremely rare congenital disease in which the left ventricle (LV) is divided by abnormal muscle tissue. Due to its rarity, there is a lack of data on the disease, including its diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Accordingly, we report a case in which DCLV was diagnosed and followed up.

CASE SUMMARY

A 45-year-old man presented to our hospital due to abnormal findings on an electrocardiogram recorded during a health check. He had no specific cardiac symptoms, comorbidities or relevant past medical history. Echocardiography revealed that the LV was divided into two by muscle fibers. There were no findings of ischemia on coronary angiography and coronary computed tomography angiography performed to exclude differential diagnoses. After comprehensive analysis of the images, DCLV was diagnosed. As it seemed to be asymptomatic DCLV, we decided the patient was to be observed without administering any medication. However, follow-up echocardiography revealed a thrombus in the accessory chamber (AC). Anticoagulant medication was initiated, the thrombus resolved, and the patient is currently undergoing follow-up without any specific symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic, uncomplicated DCLV was diagnosed through multimodal imaging; however, a thrombus in the AC occurred during the follow-up. The findings highlight that multimodal imaging is essential in diagnosing DCLV, and that anticoagulation is important in its management.
Sex differences of NF-κB-targeted therapy for mitigating osteoporosis associated with chronic inflammation of bone
Authors: Toya Masakazu , Kushioka Junichi , Shen Huaishuang , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Hirata Hirohito , Tsubosaka Masanori , Gao Qi , Chow Simon K-H. , Zhang Ning , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: January 2024

Aims

Transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases in all organ systems. Despite its importance, NF-κB targeted drug therapy to mitigate chronic inflammation has had limited success in preclinical studies. We hypothesized that sex differences affect the response to NF-κB treatment during chronic inflammation in bone. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) during chronic inflammation in male and female mice.

Methods

We used a murine model of chronic inflammation induced by continuous intramedullary delivery of lipopolysaccharide-contaminated polyethylene particles (cPE) using an osmotic pump. Specimens were evaluated using micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses. Sex-specific osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation potentials were also investigated in vitro, including alkaline phosphatase, Alizarin Red, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and gene expression using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Local delivery of NF-κB decoy ODN in vivo increased osteogenesis in males, but not females, in the presence of chronic inflammation induced by cPE. Bone resorption activity was decreased in both sexes. In vitro osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation assays during inflammatory conditions did not reveal differences among the groups. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa Β ligand (Rankl) gene expression by osteoblasts was significantly decreased only in males when treated with ODN.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that NF-κB decoy ODN increased osteogenesis in male mice and decreased bone resorption activity in both sexes in preclinical models of chronic inflammation. NF-κB signalling could be a therapeutic target for chronic inflammatory diseases involving bone, especially in males.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(1):28–39.
War-time volunteering and population displacement: from spontaneous help to organised volunteering in post-2014 Ukraine
Authors: Mikheieva Oksana , Kuznetsova Irina
Published: January 2024

The paper reveals the role of volunteering in support of internally displaced people in a context with no or few regulations regarding volunteering and when the state and international organisations cannot fulfil the demands for assistance. It argues that ‘pure’ characteristics of volunteering are not applicable in such a context. The paper contributes to the literature by combining the understanding of volunteering as a hybrid phenomenon and a process model of volunteering. Drawing on empirical studies conducted by the authors, the paper explores volunteering in Ukraine through the lens of its individual and situational nature. Volunteering manifested itself in spontaneous actions at the beginning of the war and displacement in 2014 as a reaction to urgent needs for evacuation and humanitarian help, and later in the work of NGOs established to provide further support to internally displaced people (IDPs). The developed volunteering practices have a high capacity to support the post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.
Contacto, cambio multifactorial y dinámico en la zona andina: epistemicidad encubierta en construcciones con DECIR
Authors: Soto Rodríguez Mario , Dankel Philipp
Published: January 2024

El empleo de la construcción interrogativa ¿qué diciendo? en la región andina ha llamado la atención de diferentes autores por su singularidad. Considerado como un interrogativo de causa, se asume que el empleo se debe a un calco sintáctico del quechua. No obstante, los datos sugieren diferentes empleos formados en base a DECIR empleado con valores modales-epistémicos.

En esta contribución revisamos los empleos de la combinación decir + gerundio y su equivalente quechua niy + -spa en diferentes contextos sintácticos y funcionales en base a datos de la región andina. Los resultados dan cuenta de la confluencia de varios factores en los empleos de decir como recurso epistémico cognitivo y de procesos de gramaticalización del gerundio hacia empleos justificativos con carácter epistémico bajo el esquema cuotativo.
Nuevas tendencias en los estudios lingüísticos del español y del catalán
Authors: Rosková Magdalena , Cuní Díez Daniel , Aderdouch Derdouch Samia
Published: January 2024

En los últimos años, ha quedado demostrado que la irrupción de las nuevas tecnologías ha supuesto la apertura a nuevas perspectivas de estudio lingüístico. De este modo, con el presente monográfico, se darán a conocer los avances que se están llevando a cabo en la lingüística actual, prestando especial interés en la productividad, la sociolingüística y la lingüística histórica. Por ejemplo, en el seno de la Gramática de construcciones, en general, y de su vertiente diacrónica, en particular, resulta muy relevante la implementación de la noción de productividad (Bybee 1995, Barðdal 2008). En el ámbito internacional, este tipo de estudios están asentados en el debate bibliográfico. Por el contrario, en el terreno de la lingüística hispánica, se están empezando a desarrollar en los últimos años. Otro ejemplo se observa en el terreno de la sociolingüística, la cual, en las últimas décadas, ha experimentado avances tecnológicos significativos. En la misma línea, en la lingüística histórica, el desarrollo de las nuevas tecnologías ha posibilitado a los lingüistas el acceso a grandes cantidades de datos históricos.
Fedor Sologub in English-language anthologies 1950-2023
Authors: Merrill Jason
Published: January 2024

The works of the writer Fedor Sologub have appeared in English translation since 1913. Many of them were published in literary anthologies, a popular means for bringing aspects of a literature to readers who do not read the original language. Before 1950, Sologub was featured mostly in general collections, which usually portray him as Russia’s quintessential decadent author. After 1950, in connection with increased interest in the Russian language, a more diverse range of anthologies was published, many of which were created by scholars with a background in Russian literature. Their portrayal of Sologub, as a result, often was more detailed and nuanced and explored aspects of his poetics beyond his “decadence”. The anthologies themselves included many works that had not previously appeared in English, not only his poetry and prose, but also dramas and theoretical writings. Covering the years 1950-2023, this article discusses the major types of literary anthologies that feature Sologub and examines how they presented him to English-speaking audiences. Attached to the article are bibliographies of anthologies that include Sologub’s works and of the translations that appear in them.
El pueblo velado. Imaginarios y realidades en La tierra empezaba a arder. Último regreso a Siria de Cynthia Edul
Authors: Rios Marina
Published: January 2024

La tierra que empezaba a arder. Último regreso a Siria (2019) de Cynthia Edul configura una constelación de imágenes del pueblo sirio a partir de tres estrategias de representación: figuras espacio-temporales; la inclusión intermedial a partir de fotogramas y fotografías; y la trama familiar y personal que permite ampliar una escritura que se funde en la intersección entre ficción e investigación como modos para figurar un pueblo que a priori se presenta como inaprensible.
Elements of storytelling in student essays
Authors: Shatilov Andrei
Published: January 2024

Using the example of essays by first-year students of the Faculty of Sociology, SPbSU, written as part of the assignments in the course “Russian Language and Culture of Speech” in 2023, the author analyzes the elements of storytelling encountered in their work. It is noted that in general students have an idea of composition, plot, characters, development of action, etc., but often they do not clearly understand the specifics of the narrative, cannot always maintain a style, cannot create a structured and logically coherent text. Dramatic, even tragic situations are used to add greater expressiveness; characters move freely in time and space; most often an internal conflict is used to develop the action; less popular are the struggle of motives and the clash with their own conscience; external conflicts (confrontation with family) are isolated. A common shortcoming of many essays is the plot and structural incompleteness, when there is no logical or compositional point that would complete the narrative.
Literatura catalana traducida al chino
Authors: Sun Wei
Published: January 2024

Gracias a la traducción, la literatura catalana ha logrado difundirse por todo el mundo, y China no es una excepción. Los objetivos del presente trabajo son tres: presentar una panorámica de la literatura traducida al chino, identificar los retos de traducción de obras literarias catalanas al chino y proponer algunas sugerencias de mejora para promover la literatura catalana. A fin de conseguir el primer objetivo, hemos efectuado una revisión bibliográfica mediante la cual hemos llegado a la conclusión de que la literatura catalana ha sido poco traducida al chino. Para cumplir los dos últimos objetivos, siguiendo la propuesta de Peng (2020), hemos reflexionado sobre los factores que limitan la traducción al chino de la literatura catalana y hemos planteado posibles soluciones, de las cuales destaca la formación de talentos en lengua y cultura catalana.
Love declaration: from Ovid and Seneca to O’Neill
Authors: Nazemi Zahra , Maleki Nasser , Tafakkori Rezaei Shoja
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to explore the literary topos of the “declaration of love” by examining its origins in selected Roman texts and its reinvigoration in Eugene O’Neill’s modern play, Anna Christie (1921). The classical “declaration of love” is argued to encompass various stages, including admiration of the beloved, praising the lover, encouraging the pursuit of love and enjoyment of youth through marriage (carpe diem), expressing emotions, and extending an invitation to partnership. By analysing the recontextualization of this topos in O’Neill’s four-act play, it is established that while Anna Christie’s plot does not directly imitate any classical myth, the incorporation of the topos can be likened to the structure found in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, specifically the myth of Vertumnus and Pomona, as well as the ambiguous expression of love by Phaedra in Seneca’s tragedy. Consequently, the connection between these texts is based on the presence of a shared structure (classical topos) rather than direct influence or reception.