bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting rakali in the spotlight: innovative methods for detecting an elusive semi-aquatic mammal
Authors: Sanders Emmalie , Nimmo Dale G. , Turner James M. , Wassens Skye , Michael Damian R.
Published: May 2024

Context Freshwater ecosystems rank among the most threatened environments on Earth. Monitoring aquatic and semi-aquatic species is vital to informing conservation of freshwater ecosystems. However, many semi-aquatic mammals can be difficult to detect with conventional survey methods. Aims We aimed to identify the most effective survey method for detecting an Australian semi-aquatic mammal, the rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster). Methods We compared rakali detection rates among camera-trapping, live-trapping and visual surveys, and tested the influence of camera angle, trap proximity to water and time of survey, across the Yanco Creek system in southern New South Wales. Key results Nocturnal spotlight surveys were the most effective method for detecting rakali, with most observations occurring while individuals were foraging or swimming in the water. Camera traps facing a floating platform and cage traps mounted on floating platforms performed better than those deployed on land. Downward-facing camera traps detected rakali three times more often than did forward-facing cameras. Trapping rakali was unreliable, with the species detected at fewer than half of the sites where presence was confirmed via visual observation and camera traps. For species absence to be determined with 95% confidence, 2–4 weeks of nightly trapping is required, compared with six nights of visual surveys or 12 nights for a platform-facing camera. Morning visual surveys were largely ineffective because of predominantly nocturnal rakali activity and difficulty in detecting signs in creek environments. Conclusions The likelihood of detecting rakali can be maximised through the use of nightly spotlighting and deployment of baited camera traps focussed on platforms or natural resting areas within a water body. Implications Understanding the effectiveness of each method is essential for developing species-appropriate protocols for population monitoring. Our findings present suitable options to be further explored among the 100-plus small (<1 kg) semi-aquatic mammals worldwide that share similar behaviours and characteristics to the rakali, many of which are threatened or data deficient.
School, age, and exposure effects in the child heritage language acquisition of the Spanish volitional
subjunctive
Authors: Thane Patrick D.
Published: May 2024

The present study investigated the production and receptive knowledge of the Spanish subjunctive mood in
volitional clauses by 57 English-dominant heritage speakers in fifth, seventh, and eighth grades (ages 10–14), some of whom were
enrolled in a dual-language immersion program. Children’s self-reported frequency of use of Spanish affected command of this
structure, and participants showed more consistent selection of the subjunctive than production of this form. There were no
differences in production or selection between children in the dual-language immersion and monolingual English schools, but older
children produced and selected the subjunctive more than younger participants. The lexical frequency of individual subordinate
verbs did not affect subjunctive use. The role for frequency of use and asymmetrical performance between tasks support Putnam and Sánchez’s (2013) activation approach to heritage language acquisition.
However, the absence of an effect for bilingual schooling or lexical frequency and the increased use of subjunctive mood with age
do not strictly align with theories of a reassembly of features in heritage language acquisition, and argue for a protracted
development of subjunctive mood in heritage Spanish.
The Idea of Puritan Literature
Authors: Rivers Isabel
Published: May 2024

The introductory chapter explores a range of topics to help the reader understand the complexity of the subject. These are: different interpretations and uses of the labels ‘Puritan’, ‘nonconformist’, and ‘dissenter’ in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century lectures and historical works, demonstrating the different perspectives of their Congregational, General Baptist, and Particular Baptist authors; narrative accounts of key figures in eighteenth-century biographical dictionaries by Church of England and Presbyterian authors; abridged editions and lives in popular small formats of the principal seventeenth-century authors in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; and substantial scholarly editions, series, and biographies in the nineteenth century. The label ‘Puritan’, which had been largely dropped in the eighteenth century, began to replace ‘nonconformist’. The chapter concludes with an account and selected bibliography of N. H. Keeble’s work.
‘What need has she to think of Heaven upon her Wedding-day?’
Authors: Hobby Elaine
Published: May 2024

This chapter, in its unlikely pairing of Aphra Behn and Richard Baxter, is focused on the work and perspective of a leading Tory literary writer, seeking in part to show how the concerns of the emergent Puritan tradition looked from—and had an impact on—that culturally mainstream position. It also suggests what Behn’s religious perspective might have been, and how her probable Anglicanism inflects her Tory position and sheds light on her career. Reference is made to a variety of plays by Behn, and to her ‘A Paraphrase on the Lord’s Prayer’, as well as to works by Baxter and the Book of Common Prayer.
Analyzing the Persian Gulf Naming Dispute from International Law Perspective
Authors: Omidi Ali
Published: May 2024

Name disputes regarding geographical areas can be analysed from various perspectives. In international law, the legal determination of the names of geographic entities, including water bodies, mainly relies on four criteria. These criteria encompass historical reasoning and the application of the ‘critical date theory’, judicial precedence exemplified by the Macedonia v Greece case, the practices of international organizations, and legal obligations stemming from relevant treaties. By employing deductive and historical methodologies, this article concludes that the Persian Gulf naming dispute can be effectively examined by focusing on the year 1957 and, more broadly, the 1960s as the critical date. Historical documents from the period preceding this critical period substantiate the usage of the term ‘Persian Gulf’. Furthermore, the procedures and practices of international organizations generally favour the use of the name ‘Persian Gulf’. Inferences drawn from both customary and treaty law, including the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and bilateral agreements, among others, underscore the preference for the term ‘Persian Gulf’. It is worth noting that the International Court of Justice, in the 2011 Macedonia v Greece case, upheld the principle of ‘prior in tempore potior in jure’, which recognizes established practices or conflicting legal claims. This authentication by the court further emphasizes the significance of historical precedence.
Visualization of Bacillus subtilis spore structure and germination using quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy
Authors: Jalil Kiran , Tahara Yuhei O , Miyata Makoto
Published: May 2024

Bacterial spores, known for their complex and resilient structures, have been the focus of visualization using various methodologies. In this study, we applied quick-freeze and replica electron microscopy techniques, allowing observation of Bacillus subtilis spores in high-contrast and three-dimensional detail. This method facilitated visualization of the spore structure with enhanced resolution and provided new insights into the spores and their germination processes. We identified and described five distinct structures: (i) hair-like structures on the spore surface, (ii) spike formation on the surface of lysozyme-treated spores, (iii) the fractured appearance of the spore cortex during germination, (iv) potential connections between small vesicles and the core membrane and (v) the evolving surface structure of nascent vegetative cells during germination.
Utility of Anaerobic Blood Cultures in Neonatal Sepsis Evaluation
Authors: Gottschalk Amanda , Coggins Sarah , Dhudasia Miren B , Flannery Dustin D , Healy Tracy , Puopolo Karen M , Gerber Jeffrey , Mukhopadhyay Sagori
Published: May 2024

Background

Clinicians variably obtain anaerobic blood cultures as part of sepsis evaluations in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our objective was to determine if anaerobic blood culture bottles yielded clinically relevant information by either recovering pathogens exclusively or more rapidly than the concurrently obtained aerobic culture bottle in the NICU.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of blood cultures obtained from infants admitted to the NICU from August 01, 2015 to August 31, 2023. Standard practice was to inoculate 2 mL of blood divided equally between an aerobic and an anaerobic culture bottle. We analyzed positive blood cultures where both aerobic and anaerobic bottles were obtained and compared pathogen recovery and time to positivity between the bottles.

Results

During the study period, 4599 blood cultures were obtained from 3665 infants, and 265 (5.8%) were positive. Of these, 182 cultures were sent as aerobic–anaerobic pairs and recovered pathogenic organisms. Organisms were recovered exclusively from the anaerobic bottle in 32 (17.6%) cultures. Three organisms were obligate anaerobes; the rest were facultative anaerobes including Coagulase-negative staphylococci (40.6%), Escherichia coli (15.6%), and Staphylococcus aureus (15.6%). Cultures with exclusive recovery in the anaerobic bottle were more frequently obtained ≤3 days after birth, compared to other cultures (31.3% vs 15.3%, P = .03). When both bottles recovered the pathogen (n = 113), the anaerobic bottle had a shorter time to positivity in 76 (67.3%) cultures.

Conclusions

Including anaerobic culture bottles could lead to the identification of pathogens not recovered in the aerobic bottle, as well as earlier identification of pathogens.
Spinal cord ischemia following laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery: a case report
Authors: Latiff-Maldonado Mario , Sarzosa Fernando A , Mancera-Perez Juliana , Pelaez-Arango Mauricio
Published: May 2024

We present a 20-year-old patient with subglottic and tracheal stenosis was taken for a tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. The patient’s neck was positioned in hyperflexion using chin stitches to minimize tension at the anastomosis. On post-operative period, the patient developed paresthesias in upper and lower extremities associated with motor weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed showing lesions compromising ventral spinal cord at the level of C4–C5 and C6–C7. Chin stitches were removed and neck flexion was reduced. The patient remained in the intensive care unit with vasopressors, physical therapy and intravenous fluid-therapy to maintain mean arterial pressure above 90 mmHg. After 3 weeks, the patient was discharged with no neurologic deficit. There are few cases reported of acute ischemic spinal injury following tracheal reconstruction. If this complication arises, neck posture should be corrected, maintenance of MAP above 90 mmHg and implementation of early physical therapy is key to improve neurologic outcomes.
Health implications of mass gatherings: Kumbh Mela in India 2025
Authors: Kanaujiya Ashok Kumar , Tiwari Vineet
Published: May 2024

In 2019, around 240 million pilgrims across the world participated in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in India and this number is likely to increase in the next Kumbh Mela in 2025. The huge gathering poses challenges by various pollutants and facilitates the easy transmission of infectious diseases.
Les soins aux enfants et aux adolescents ayant la paralysie cérébrale (aux niveaux III à V du GMFCS)
Authors: McLeod Scott , Makino Amber , Kawamura Anne
Published: May 2024

La paralysie cérébrale (PC) est l’incapacité physique la plus fréquente chez les enfants canadiens. Les soins complets des enfants ayant la PC, qui sont capables de marcher et qui fonctionnent aux niveaux I et II du système de classification de la fonction motrice globale (GMFCS) sont déjà exposés dans un point de pratique. Le présent document complémentaire traite des soins aux enfants ayant la PC qui fonctionnent aux niveaux III à V du GMFCS. Ceux qui fonctionnent aux niveaux III et IV du GMFCS utilisent des dispositifs d’assistance comme des déambulateurs, des cannes ou des aides à la mobilité motorisées, tandis que ceux qui fonctionnent au niveau V du GMFCS ont besoin d’assistance à la mobilité comme un fauteuil roulant manuel. Le présent document contient un aperçu des principaux concepts relatifs à la détection précoce, aux services de réadaptation et aux possibilités de traitement pour les enfants présentant ces niveaux de PC, conjointement avec des ressources pratiques pour contribuer à la surveillance de la santé assurée par les pédiatres qui s’occupent de cette population.
Umbilical cord blood-derived therapy for preterm lung injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Purcell Elisha , Shah Jainam , Powell Cameron , Nguyen Timothy , Zhou Lindsay , McDonald Courtney A , Allison Beth J , Malhotra Atul
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Lung injuries, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), remain a major complication of preterm birth, with limited therapeutic options. One potential emerging therapy is umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived therapy.

Objectives

To systematically assess the safety and efficacy of UCB-derived therapy for preterm lung injury in preclinical and clinical studies.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO International Trials Registry Platform was performed. A meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager (5.4.1) using a random effects model. Data was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) for preclinical data and pooled relative risk (RR) for clinical data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential effect modifiers were investigated via subgroup analysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.

Results

Twenty-three preclinical studies and six clinical studies met eligibility criteria. Statistically significant improvements were seen across several preclinical outcomes, including alveolarization (SMD, 1.32, 95%CI [0.99, 1.65]), angiogenesis (SMD, 1.53, 95%CI [0.87, 2.18]), and anti-inflammatory cytokines (SMD, 1.68, 95%CI [1.03, 2.34]). In clinical studies, 103 preterm infants have received UCB-derived therapy for preterm lung injury and no significant difference was observed in the development of BPD (RR, 0.93, 95%CI [0.73, 1.18]). Across both preclinical and clinical studies, administration of UCB-derived therapy appeared safe. Certainty of evidence was assessed as “low.”

Conclusions

Administration of UCB-derived therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements across several lung injury markers in preclinical studies. Early clinical studies demonstrated the administration of UCB-derived therapy as safe and feasible but lacked data regarding efficacy.
Characterization of Lumbar Lordosis
Authors: Baumann Charles A. , Pazooki Parsa , McNamara Kyle P. , Jeffs Alexander D. , Perlewitz Madeline A. , Visco Zachary R. , Scott Stephen M. , Lim Moe R. , Weinberg Douglas S.
Published: May 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective radiographic review.

Objective:

The objectives of the study were to determine the contributions to lumbar lordosis (LL) through both the vertebrae and the intervertebral disc (IVD), and to investigate the relationships between lumbar sagittal spine measurements and age and gender.

Summary of Background Data:

A small body of literature exists on the relative contributions of vertebral body and IVD morphology to LL, the effects of L4-S1 on overall LL, and the relationships/correlations between lumbar sagittal spine measurements.

Methods:

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively evaluated. Measurements included LL, pelvic incidence (PI), and % contributions of vertebral body wedging/IVD wedging/L4-S1 to LL. Patients were separated into groups by age and sex, demographic data were collected, and statistical analysis was completed.

Results:

LL decreased with age, although PI remained similar. Females demonstrated increased LL and vertebral body wedging % than males. Males demonstrated increased L4-S1% than females. Despite a decrease in LL with age, patients maintained L4-S1% and IVD wedging %. There was a significant negative relationship between PI and IVD wedging, PI and L4-S1%, and LL and L4-S1%.

Conclusions:

During aging, the lumbar spine loses LL linearly. This occurs in the IVD and vertebral bodies. Females have increased LL compared with males, because of an increase in vertebral body wedging and IVD/vertebral wedging cranial to L4. In patients with high PI or LL, increased LL occurs from cranial to L4 and from vertebral body wedging.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for 1-Year Mortality in Patients With a Hematologic Malignancy Admitted to the ICU
Authors: Boldingh Jan-Willem H.L. , Arbous M. Sesmu , Biemond Bart J. , Blijlevens Nicole M.A. , van Bommel Jasper , Hilkens Murielle G.E.C. , Kusadasi Nuray , Muller Marcella C.A. , de Vries Vera A. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , van den Bergh Walter M. ,   on behalf of the Hematologic Malignancy Admitted on the ICU (HEMA-ICU) Study Group
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To develop and validate a prediction model for 1-year mortality in patients with a hematologic malignancy acutely admitted to the ICU.

DESIGN:

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Five university hospitals in the Netherlands between 2002 and 2015.

PATIENTS:

A total of 1097 consecutive patients with a hematologic malignancy were acutely admitted to the ICU for at least 24 h.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We created a 13-variable model from 22 potential predictors. Key predictors included active disease, age, previous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, mechanical ventilation, lowest platelet count, acute kidney injury, maximum heart rate, and type of malignancy. A bootstrap procedure reduced overfitting and improved the model’s generalizability. This involved estimating the optimism in the initial model and shrinking the regression coefficients accordingly in the final model. We assessed performance using internal–external cross-validation by center and compared it with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II model. Additionally, we evaluated clinical usefulness through decision curve analysis. The overall 1-year mortality rate observed in the study was 62% (95% CI, 59–65). Our 13-variable prediction model demonstrated acceptable calibration and discrimination at internal–external validation across centers (C-statistic 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.77), outperforming the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II model (C-statistic 0.61; 95% CI, 0.57–0.65). Decision curve analysis indicated overall net benefit within a clinically relevant threshold probability range of 60–100% predicted 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our newly developed 13-variable prediction model predicts 1-year mortality in hematologic malignancy patients admitted to the ICU more accurately than the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II model. This model may aid in shared decision-making regarding the continuation of ICU care and end-of-life considerations.
Impact research of pain nursing combined with hospice care on quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Yuan Ting , Zhou Yan , Wang Ting , Li Yan , Wang Yanli
Published: May 2024

This study aims to evaluate the impact of integrating pain nursing with hospice care on the quality of life among patients with advanced lung cancer. This study involving 60 advanced lung cancer patients admitted from January 2022 to January 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the observation group received a combination of pain nursing and hospice care, while the control group received standard nursing care. The study assessed changes in the numeric rating scale for pain, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), cancer fatigue scale (CFS), death attitude, and various quality of life dimensions as measured by the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30. Post-intervention, both groups exhibited reductions in numeric rating scale, SAS, SDS, and CFS scores compared to baseline, with more significant improvements observed in the observation group (P < .05). Additionally, post-intervention scores for death attitude and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 domains (physical, cognitive, social, role, and emotional functioning, as well as overall health) increased in both groups, with the observation group showing greater improvements than the control group (P < .05). The combination of pain nursing and hospice care significantly reduces pain, anxiety, and depression, decreases cancer-related fatigue, and improves the quality of life and death attitudes in patients with advanced lung cancer, highlighting the benefits of this integrative approach in palliative care settings.
Gut microbiota metabolites and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khan Qaisar Ali , Asad Muhammad , Ali Abdul Hannan , Farrukh Ameer Mustafa , Naseem Usama , Semakieh Bader , Levin Carrion Yaxel , Afzal Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Gut microbial metabolites such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors, namely betaine, L-carnitine, and choline, have been implicated as risk factors for cardiovascular events and mortality development. Therefore, we aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the validity of these associations.

Methods:

MEDLINE and Scopus were queried from their inception to August 2023 to identify studies that quantified estimates of the associations of TMAO with the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or death. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool unadjusted or multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals. The primary endpoint was the risk of MACE and all-cause death.

Results:

30 prospective observational studies (n = 48 968) were included in the analysis. Elevated TMAO levels were associated with a significantly greater risk of MACE and all-cause death compared to low TMAO levels (HR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.2–1.54, P < .00001, I
2 = 43%) and (HR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.37–1.75, P < .00001, I
2 = 46%), respectively. Furthermore, high levels of either L-carnitine or choline were found to significantly increase the risk of MACE. However, no significant difference was seen in MACE in either high or low levels of betaine.

Conclusion:

Elevated concentrations of TMAO were associated with increased risks of MACE and all-cause mortality. High levels of L-carnitine/choline were also significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE. However, no significant difference was found between high or low levels of betaine for the outcome of MACE.
Clinical efficacy of refined nursing strategies on early rehabilitation training for postoperative patients with cervical spondylosis
Authors: Cai Pinyun , Wu Lijun , Dai Liqun , Yan Qingqing , Lan Qing
Published: May 2024

To investigate the effects of refined nursing strategies on postoperative quality of life, pain level, psychological condition, and other rehabilitation training of patients with cervical spondylosis. This study is a retrospective study, and 500 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the study objects. They were divided into a control group (250 cases) and an experimental group (250 cases) according to whether they received personalized intensive care. The control group received standard nursing care, while the experimental group was given personalized, high-quality nursing care. The refined nursing strategy comprises individualized rehabilitation training plans, psychological support, nutritional counseling, and pain management. Indicators such as pain level, cervical spine function, quality of life, complication statistics, and nursing satisfaction were employed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 2 nursing methods. In the pain assessment, patients in the experimental and control groups had pain scores of (1.98 ± 0.84) and (5.78 ± 0.63), respectively, after the nursing intervention. The reduction in pain for patients in the experimental group was highly significant (P < .05) compared to pre-nursing care. Six months after the commencement of healthcare, the cervical spine function scores of the experimental and control groups were (93.36 ± 4.74) and (82.68 ± 5.42), respectively. Moreover, the cervical spine function recovery of the experimental group was deemed significant. The experimental group exhibited a lower probability of complications compared to the control group. Additionally, the quality of life was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < .05). Improvement time and healing time were significantly shorter in the patients of the experimental group in comparison to the control group. In terms of nursing satisfaction, the experimental group had a significantly higher satisfaction rate of 87.57% than the control group (P < .05). The refined nursing strategy significantly improved the speed and quality of patients’ functional recovery. Additionally, the implementation of personalized and comprehensive nursing techniques during postoperative treatment for cervical spondylosis resulted in a significant improvement in patient’s quality of life and satisfaction with the treatment process.
The efficacy and safety of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract in outpatients with COVID-19: A randomized double-blind placebo-control clinical trial
Authors: Ameri Ali , Farashahinejad Mehdi , Davoodian Parivash , Safa Omid , Hassaniazad Mehdi , Parsaii Mohsen , Heidari Behnoosh , Hassanipour Soheil , Akhlaghi Boshra , Fathalipour Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Ginger, a potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant remedy, is a potential therapeutic option for COVID-19. However, there was not enough clinical evidence about ginger and COVID-19. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ginger on clinical and paraclinical features in outpatients with COVID-19.

Methods:

In this randomized controlled trial, the outpatients with confirmed COVID-19 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ginger (1000 mg 3 times a day for 7 days) or placebo. The primary outcome was viral clearance after the end of the intervention. Oxygen saturation (SPO2), body temperature, respiratory rate (RR), hospital admission, and the incidence of adverse events were also assessed.

Results:

A total of 84 patients (42 in the ginger and 42 in the control groups) were randomized. The viral clearance was not statistically improved in the ginger group (41.6%) compared to the placebo group (42.8%). The findings indicated that SPO2, body temperature, and RR had no significant difference between the groups at the end of the intervention. The imaging finding indicated pulmonary infiltrate significantly reduced on the 7th day of the intervention in the ginger group. The percentage of patients with SPO2 <96% in the ginger group decreased over the study compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the need for hospital admission and the incidence of adverse drug events were not different between the groups over the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

Ginger had no significant impact on the clinical and paraclinical parameters of patients. However, this intervention demonstrated a safe profile of adverse events and reduced pulmonary infiltrate.

Trial registration:

The trial was registered as IRCT20200506047323N1.
Snare device retrieval of occluder embolized in patent foramen ovale closure: A case report
Authors: Hou Huijuan , Zhang Qiang , Dong Hongwei
Published: May 2024

Rationale:

Transcatheter interventional closure therapy is the main treatment method for patent foramen ovale (PFO). However, occluder abscission is a serious complication in PFO interventional therapy. Thus, timely and effective management of the occluder detachment is crucial for improving patient prognosis.

Patient concerns:

A 52-year-old female patient was admitted to the Department of Neurology mainly due to “right upper limb weakness for two days, which aggravated for eight hours.” The patient had no history of any other diseases.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (foramen ovale type) and cerebral infarction.

Interventions and outcomes:

The occluder abscission was successfully removed after several attempts with the help of the snare device.

Lessons:

When the PFO occlusion device is detached, interventional treatment would lead to minimal trauma, fast postoperative recovery, and a definite therapeutic effect. Based on mastering the indications and standardizing the operational process, this is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment method.
Factors associated with loss of vertebral height and kyphosis correction after intermediate screws in short segment pedicular fixation for type-A fractures of the thoracolumbar spine: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Junchao , Ye Zhou , Mao Yi
Published: May 2024

In this article, we attempted to identify risk factors affecting the loss of vertebral height and kyphosis correction on type A thoracolumbar fractures. Patients with type A thoracolumbar fractures who underwent short segments with intermediate screws at the fracture level management between 2017 and 2022 were included in this study. Clinical factors including patients’ demographic characteristics (age, sex), history (smoking, hypertension and/or diabetes), value of height/kyphosis correction, the thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS), the load sharing classification (LSC) scores and bone mineral density were collected. Correlation coefficient, simple linear regression analysis and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify the clinical factors associated with the loss of vertebral height/kyphosis correction. Finally, 166 patients were included in this study. The mean height and kyphosis correction were 21.8% ± 7.5% and 9.9° ± 3.8°, respectively, the values of the loss were 6.5% ± 4.0% and 3.9° ± 1.9°, respectively. Simple linear regression analysis and multivariate regression analysis showed that age, value of height correction, LSC scores and bone mineral density were significantly associated with the loss of vertebral height and kyphosis correction (P < .01) We could draw the conclusion that patients with older age, lower bone mineral density, higher LSC scores and diabetes are at higher risk of vertebral height and kyphosis correction loss increase. For these patients, appropriate clinical measures such as long segment fixation, control of blood glucose, and increase of bone density must be taken to reduce the loss of correction.
The causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm: Evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhou Jianwei , Wang Yafeng
Published: May 2024

The potential role of smoking as a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysm is still a subject of debate. Therefore, it is important to systematically investigate the causal relationship between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm using Mendelian randomization methods. Genetic data were obtained from genome-wide association studies using the inverse variance weighting method as the primary approach. A thorough sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the reliability of the findings. Instrumental variables were assessed using the F statistic, and meta-analysis was employed to assess the average genetic predictive effect between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm. Our Mendelian randomization study found a positive association between smoking and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The odds ratios (OR) in the inverse variance weighting method were OR = 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.51; P = .053) and OR = 2.07 (95% CI = 1.10–3.91; P = .024). Furthermore, meta-analyses consistently demonstrated a positive causal relationship between ferritin and myocardial infarction, although statistical significance was not observed. The analysis results did not indicate any horizontal pleiotropy. Despite the presence of heterogeneity, the Mendelian randomization analysis still yielded significant results. This study employed Mendelian randomization to establish a positive association between smoking levels and the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysm. The genetic evidence reveals a causal relationship between the two, offering new insights for future interventions targeting thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Impact of examined lymph node count on survival outcomes in patients with stage T1-2N0M0 small cell lung cancer undergoing surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wan Xin-Biao , Liang Huan-Wei , Liu Yang , Huang Wei , Pan Xin-Bin
Published: May 2024

To explore the relationship between the count of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) and survival outcomes in patients with stage T1-2N0M0 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) after surgical treatment. We analyzed data from patients with SCLC in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The study focused on examining the correlation between the ELN count and both cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). This relationship was investigated using restricted cubic spline curves within the framework of multivariable Cox regression models. The cutoff value for both CSS and OS was 7 ELN counts. Patients with ELN < 7 had a median CSS of 64 months, significantly lower than 123 months of patients with ELN ≥ 7 (P = .012). Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that ELN ≥ 7 was an independent prognostic factor for CSS (hazard ratio = 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.30–0.83; P = .007). Similarly, Patients with ELN < 7 had a median OS of 41 months for patients with ELN < 7, compared to 103 months for those with ELN ≥ 7 (P = .004). Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that ELN ≥ 7 was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.81; P = .003). ELN ≥ 7 is recommended as the threshold for evaluating the quality of postoperative lymph node examination and for prognostic stratification in patients with stage T1-2N0M0 SCLC undergoing surgery.
Chaperonin-containing TCP-1 subunit genes are potential prognostic biomarkers and are correlated with Th2 cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma: An observational study
Authors: Du Ruijuan , Zhou Zijun , Huang Yunlong , Li Kai , Guo Kelei , Han Li , Bian Hua
Published: May 2024

A family of molecular chaperone complexes called chaperonin-containing T-complex protein 1 (TCP-1) subunit genes (CCTs) aids in the folding of numerous proteins. With regard to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), this study provided a thorough understanding of the diagnostic and prognostic use of CCTs. The expression of CCTs in LUAD was evaluated by using databases including UALCAN and the Gene Expression Omnibus. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted to validate the expression of CCTs in LUAD. The mutation in the CCTs was identified through the cBioPortal database, while promoter methylation was measured by the UALCAN database. The prognostic value of CCTs was evaluated using the PrognoScan analysis. The GEPIA2.0 database was used to measure the prognostic value of CCTs and associated Hub genes. Correlation analysis between CCTs expression in LUAD was based on the GEPIA2.0 database. The ROC curves, clinical correlation analysis, gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and then analyzed and visualized using the R language. The STRING database was used for protein–protein interaction analysis. Upregulation of CCTs expression in patients with LUAD indicated advanced diseases and a poor prognosis. ROC curve analysis revealed that the CCTs may serve as diagnostic indicators. The functional enrichment analysis showed that CCTs were involved in the mitosis-mediated cell cycle process. Additionally, 10 hub genes associated with CCTs that were linked to LUAD prognosis and tumor progression were identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that CCTs expression in tumor tissues tends to be related to T helper type 2 cell infiltration. This study revealed that CCTs may serve as valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of LUAD.
Efficacy of hydrodistension for frozen shoulder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Tianpeng , Li Wei , Zhong Yong , Chen Tianle , Shi Xiaolin
Published: May 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive and reliable evidence for the treatment of pain and motor function in patients with frozen shoulder (FS) with hydrodistension

Methods:

The research including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for FS that compared hydrodistension with routine treatments to controls was searched and screened in the PubMed, Library of congress, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Science and Technology Journal Database. Constant-Murley score (CMS) for shoulder function and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain must be assessed. RevMan 5.3 software was used to evaluate the bias and quality of the included studies.

Results:

We found that analgesic effects (MD: −1.07; 95% CI: −1.94 to −0.20; P < .00001; I
2 = 99%) and function (MD: 8.54; 95% CI: 3.35 to 13.71; P < .00001; I
2 = 97%) were better in the groups where hydrodistension plus routine treatments were used to treat FS compared to other interventions.

Conclusion:

The result suggests that hydrodistension is of great clinical significance in alleviating pain and improving function to patients with FS.
Barriers and incentives influencing the use of partograph in Nigeria: A comprehensive review
Authors: Elendu Chukwuka , Davidson George , Wali John N. , Sampson Godstime U. , Eneyo Ucheawaji S. , Ebosie Philip E. , Opara Paschal C. , Davidson Prince N. , Davidson Darlington U. , Davidson Junior
Published: May 2024

This comprehensive review examines the barriers and incentives influencing the use of partographs in maternal healthcare within Nigeria. Maternal mortality remains a critical concern in the country, making it imperative to evaluate the factors that shape the adoption of essential tools like the partograph. The literature review underscores the global significance of partograph utilization, emphasizing its role in improving maternal outcomes. A particular focus is placed on existing studies and findings relevant to Nigeria, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare providers. The article delves into the barriers hindering the widespread adoption of partographs in Nigeria, including issues related to training, resource availability, and cultural considerations. Additionally, it explores the incentives that can positively influence healthcare practitioners and facilities to integrate partographs into their maternal care protocols. Government policies and initiatives in Nigeria related to maternal healthcare and partograph use are also analyzed, shedding light on the broader contextual factors impacting implementation. Through examining case studies, the review presents real-world examples that illustrate successful and challenging instances of partograph implementation. The article concludes with actionable recommendations to overcome identified barriers and enhance incentives for effectively integrating partographs into maternal healthcare practices in Nigeria. This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on improving maternal healthcare, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in the Nigerian context.
A global bibliometric and visual analysis of research on premature ovarian failure: Based on the perspective of stem cells
Authors: Xu Zhiguo , Zhu Yi , Liu Lefeng , Liu Chao , Dong Zhilong
Published: May 2024

Premature ovarian failure (POF), a condition influenced by genetic and immune factors, remains incurable despite years of intensive research and significant efforts. This persisting challenge underscores the urgency to address this escalating health concern. Fortunately, stem cell regenerative medicine has emerged as a promising avenue for developing therapeutic strategies and innovative treatments for POF. Bibliometric analysis, renowned for its objectivity, systematic approach, and comprehensive coverage of a given field, has yet to be applied to the study of stem cell research in POF. This study used CiteSpace software to assess contributions and co-occurrence relationships among various countries/regions, institutes, journals, and authors. This approach also allowed us to identify research hotspots and promising future trends within this field. Additionally, we generated visualizing maps utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) and PubMed publications. By providing valuable information and references, we aim to enhance the understanding of the challenges involved in translating stem cell regeneration into clinical therapeutic potential for POF. Furthermore, our analysis and findings guide researchers and clinicians, facilitating future collaborative research and clinical intervention efforts.
Genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis of 23 STR in Chinese Han population from Hainan, Southern China
Authors: Zou Xing , Nie Qianyun , Li Wenhui , Chen Yinyu , Song Tao , Zhang Peng
Published: May 2024

The forensic characteristics and genetic relationships of Hainan Han population are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the forensic features and genetic variations of 23 short tandem repeat (STR) included in the HuaxiaTM Platinum system in Hainan Han and analyze the population genetic relationships between Hainan Han and other adjacent Chinese populations. The genetic polymorphisms of 23 STR loci included in the HuaxiaTM Platinum kit were evaluated from 2971 Hainan Han individuals. Comprehensive comparisons were conducted based on genetic distance, phylogenetic tree, multidimensional scaling and principal component analysis (PCA) to explore inter-population genetic relationship. The combined power of discrimination (CPD) and the combined power of exclusion (CPE) of the 23 STR loci was 0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 999 819 and 0.999 999 999 625 408, respectively. The investigated Hainan Han population has high genetic similarity with geographically close Han populations, while great genetic difference with other ethnic minorities, prominently in Yunnan Miao, Xinjiang Uygurs, Xinjiang Kazakh, and Tibetans. Our study found the 23 STR loci were highly polymorphic and suitable for forensic personal identification and paternity testing in Hainan Han population. Genetic similarity widely existed among Han populations from different regions, and significant genetic divergence existed between Han populations and some ethnic minorities. The populations genetic diversity and similarity were closely associated with ethnic origin and geographical distribution.
Research status and hotspots in the field of endoplasmic reticulum stress and liver disease: A bibliometric study
Authors: Wang Ruiyu , Huang Shu , Wang Ping , Tang Xiaowei , Xu Huan , Zhang Wei , Shi Lei , Zhong Xiaolin , Lü Muhan , Zhou Xian , Shi Xiaomin
Published: May 2024

Recently, the study of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and liver disease has attracted much attention, but bibliometric analysis on this field is scarce. Therefore, to address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to explore the research status, hotspots, and trends in this field. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications on ERS and liver disease from 2007 to 2022. Bibliometric online analysis platform, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to perform bibliometric analysis. Two thousand seven hundred fifty-one publications were retrieved form the Web of Science Core Collection database. The USA was the most productive and influential country. Seoul National University, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Kaufman RJ were the most productive institution, journal, and author. “Endoplasmic reticulum stress,” “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,” “inflammation,” “oxidative stress” and “insulin resistance” were the high-frequency keywords, “necrosis factor alpha” was the keywords with the strongest citation bursts, and “nonalcoholic fatty liver,” “fibrosis” and “lipid droplet” were the keywords that were still bursting in 2022. The number of publications on ERS and liver disease has increased over the past years. The USA was the most productive and influential country. China has become the country with the largest number of annual publications, but it still needs to work on the quality. ERS and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, especially the insulin resistance and lipotoxicity in hepatocytes may be the research hotspots and trends in this field of ERS and liver disease.
Association of the COVID-19 lockdown with health risk behaviors in South Korean adolescents
Authors: Han Chang Hoon , Lee Sujin , Chung Jae Ho
Published: May 2024

Since there is no certainty about when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown will be affected by health risk behaviors, so we investigate the effect of COVID-19-related health risk behavior changes using school-based self-reported data from a nationally representative South Korean adolescent population. We analyzed web-based self-reported data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey in 111,878 participants (57,069 in COVID-19 prepandemic); 54,809 in during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included 12 to 18-year-olds. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess socioeconomic status, health risk behaviors, and psychological factors. Health risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption, substance use, and sexual experience significantly decreased in COVID-19 pandemic than in COVID-19 prepandemic. Psychosomatic changes such as stress levels, violence experience, depression, suicidal ideation, suicidal plans, and suicide attempts were significantly lower in COVID-19 pandemic compared to COVID-19 prepandemic (P < .001). After adjusting for multiple confounding variables, less alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.88–0.93), less exercise (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89–0.94), less sexual experience (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.77–0.86), less violence experience (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.55–0.67), less stress (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.84–0.88), less depression (OR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.83–0.88), less suicidal ideation (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.89–0.97), plans (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.76–0.88), attempts (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.71–0.85) were significantly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic compared to COVID-19 prepandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in health risk behaviors among Korean adolescents, resulting in alcohol drinking, sexual experience, drug use, violence experience, and suicidal behaviors (idea, plan, and attempts) being decreased during the lockdown period.