bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pan-cancer integrative analysis of whole-genome De novo somatic point mutations reveals 17 cancer types
Authors: Ghareyazi Amin , Kazemi Amirreza , Hamidieh Kimia , Dashti Hamed , Tahaei Maedeh Sadat , Rabiee Hamid R. , Alinejad-Rokny Hamid , Dehzangi Iman
Published: July 2022

Background

The advent of high throughput sequencing has enabled researchers to systematically evaluate the genetic variations in cancer, identifying many cancer-associated genes. Although cancers in the same tissue are widely categorized in the same group, they demonstrate many differences concerning their mutational profiles. Hence, there is no definitive treatment for most cancer types. This reveals the importance of developing new pipelines to identify cancer-associated genes accurately and re-classify patients with similar mutational profiles. Classification of cancer patients with similar mutational profiles may help discover subtypes of cancer patients who might benefit from specific treatment types.

Results

In this study, we propose a new machine learning pipeline to identify protein-coding genes mutated in many samples to identify cancer subtypes. We apply our pipeline to 12,270 samples collected from the international cancer genome consortium, covering 19 cancer types. As a result, we identify 17 different cancer subtypes. Comprehensive phenotypic and genotypic analysis indicates distinguishable properties, including unique cancer-related signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This new subtyping approach offers a novel opportunity for cancer drug development based on the mutational profile of patients. Additionally, we analyze the mutational signatures for samples in each subtype, which provides important insight into their active molecular mechanisms. Some of the pathways we identified in most subtypes, including the cell cycle and the Axon guidance pathways, are frequently observed in cancer disease. Interestingly,we also identified several mutated genes and different rates of mutation in multiple cancer subtypes. In addition, our study on “gene-motif” suggests the importance of considering both the context of the mutations and mutational processes in identifying cancer-associated genes. The source codes for our proposed clustering pipeline and analysis are publicly available at:https://github.com/bcb-sut/Pan-Cancer.
Clinical characteristics and thrombotic risk of atrial fibrillation with obstructive sleep apnea: results from a multi-center atrial fibrillation registry study
Authors: Xu Wei , Yang Yan-min , Zhu Jun , Wu Shuang , Wang Juan , Zhang Han , Shao Xing-hui , Mo Ran , Tan Jiang-shan , Wang Jing-yang
Published: July 2022

Background

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) but it is underdiagnosed. Whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is correlated with thrombotic risk in AF remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and assess the thrombotic risk of AF with OSA.

Methods

In the present registry study,1990 consecutive patients with AF from 20 centers were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they presented with both AF and OSA. All the patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate the incidences of stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) embolism.

Results

Of the 1990 AF patients, 70 (3.5%) and 1920 (96.5%) patients were in the OSA group and non-OSA group, respectively. The results of the multivariate logistic model analysis showed that male sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and major bleeding history were independent risk factors for patients with AF and OSA. The comparison of the Kaplan–Meier curves using the log-rank test revealed that AF with OSA was correlated with an increased risk of non-CNS embolism (p < 0.01). After multivariate adjustments were performed, OSA remained an independent risk factor for non-CNS embolism (HR 5.42, 95% CI 1.34–22.01, p = 0.02), but was not correlated with the risk of stroke in patients with AF.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that male sex, high BMI values, smoking, and major bleeding history were independent risk factors for patients with AF and OSA. Moreover, OSA was an independent risk factor for non-CNS embolism in AF. Our results indicate that non-CNS embolism requires focus in patients with AF and OSA.
Predicting falls in older adults: an umbrella review of instruments assessing gait, balance, and functional mobility
Authors: Beck Jepsen D. , Robinson K. , Ogliari G. , Montero-Odasso M. , Kamkar N. , Ryg J. , Freiberger E. , Masud T.
Published: July 2022

Background

To review the validated instruments that assess gait, balance, and functional mobility to predict falls in older adults across different settings.

Methods

Umbrella review of narrative- and systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses of all study types. Reviews that focused on older adults in any settings and included validated instruments assessing gait, balance, and functional mobility were included. Medical and allied health professional databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched from inception to April 2022. Two reviewers undertook title, abstract, and full text screening independently. Review quality was assessed through the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (ROBIS). Data extraction was completed in duplicate using a standardised spreadsheet and a narrative synthesis presented for each assessment tool.

Results

Among 2736 articles initially identified, 31 reviews were included; 11 were meta-analyses. Reviews were primarily of low quality, thus at high risk of potential bias. The most frequently reported assessments were: Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, gait speed, dual task assessments, single leg stance, functional Reach Test, tandem gait and stance and the chair stand test. Findings on the predictive ability of these tests were inconsistent across the reviews.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we found that no single gait, balance or functional mobility assessment in isolation can be used to predict fall risk in older adults with high certainty. Moderate evidence suggests gait speed can be useful in predicting falls and might be included as part of a comprehensive evaluation for older adults.
Nonviral mcDNA-mediated bispecific CAR T cells kill tumor cells in an experimental mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hezhi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Ye Xueshuai , Ju Yi , Cao Nana , Wang Shuqi , Cai Jianhui
Published: July 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the adoptive immunotherapy of which is worth studying. CD133, a kind of cancer stem cell (CSC) antigen, together with glypican-3 (GPC3) has been proved to be highly expressed in HCC cells and both of them are used as targets to generate chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. But there are limitations like “off-target” toxicity, low transfection efficacy and weak antitumor ability in CAR T cells treatment.

Methods

The peripheral blood was acquired from healthy donors and T cells were separated by density-gradient centrifugation. We used an electroporation system to deliver anti-CD133 and anti-GPC3 single chain Fragment variable (scFv) structures as target genes into the T cells. The cell membrane was opened by the momentary electric current effect, and the target gene was delivered into the cell by non-viral minicircle DNA (mcDNA) vector. The flow cytometry and western blot assays were used to detect whether the two scFv were simultaneously transfected and the transfection efficacy of this bispecific CAR T cell generation method. We respectively detected the in vitro and in vivo tumor-suppression efficacy of CAR T cells through the CCK-8 assays and the HCC xenograft mice models. The CoG133-CAR T cells containing both CD133 and GPC3 antigen recognition sites were the effector cells. CD133-CAR T cells and GPC3-CAR T cells were defined as single-targeted control groups, normal T and mock T cells were defined as blank control groups.

Results

The mcDNA vector accommodated two target gene structures successfully transfected to generate bispecific CAR T cells. The detection methods on gene level and protein level confirmed that CoG133-CAR T cells had considerable transfection efficiency and exhibited both antigen-binding capacity of CD133 and GPC3. Compared to single-targeted CAR T cells or control T cells, CoG133-CAR T cells performed enhanced eliminated efficacy against CD133 and GPC3 double-positive HCC cell line in vitro and HCC xenograft mice in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining indicated no fatal “off-target” combination existed on CoG133-CAR T cells and major organs.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that it is with higher efficiency and more safety to prepare bispecific CAR T cells through non-viral mcDNA vectors. CoG133-CAR T cells have enhanced tumor-suppression capacity through dual antigen recognition and internal activation. It provides an innovative strategy for CAR T therapy of HCC, even solid tumors.
The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX) score is an independent prognostic factor in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Park Sungwoo , Go Se-Il , Lee Gyeong-Won
Published: July 2022

Background

The endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) score has been reported to predict overall survival (OS) in hematological cancers. However, it has not been validated as a prognostic marker for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to date.

Methods

The records of 265 patients who presented with DLBCL in the Republic of Korea between January 07, 2004, and March 05, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. For all included patients, EASIX scores were calculated using serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine levels and the platelet count measured at diagnosis as follows: LDH (U/L) × creatinine (mg/dL)/platelet count (109/L).

Results

The median age of the patients was 64 years. The optimal cutoff value of EASIX according to the receiver operating characteristic analysis for OS was 1.33. All the patients were treated with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone combined with rituximab. The 1-year OS and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were lower in the high-EASIX group than in the low EASIX group (63.8% vs. 84.4%, p < 0.001 and 54.0% vs. 79.6%, p < 0.001, respectively). A high EASIX was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS and PFS (hazard ratio, 1.606; 95% CI, 1.077–2.395; p = 0.020 and hazard ratio, 1.621; 95% CI, 1.066–2.464; p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

EASIX is a readily available and cheaply obtainable parameter in clinical studies and shows considerable potential as a new prognostic marker for patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL.
The relation between MIND diet with psychological disorders and psychological stress among Iranian adults
Authors: Barkhordari Roya , Namayandeh Mahdieh , Mirzaei Masoud , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: July 2022

Background

Given the role of dietary antioxidants in relieving depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as studies on the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean and Dash diets separately on these problems, in this study, we examine the relationship between the MIND index (Mediterranean- DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) as a combined indicator of the Mediterranean and DASH diet with psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychological stress among a large sample of the Iranian adult population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 7165 participants of the enrollment phase of Yazd Health Study (YaHS) and Yazd Nutrition Study (TAMYZ) a valid 178-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants’ food intake. The MIND diet score was calculated based on participants’ dietary intakes obtained from FFQ. Also, the valid Iranian version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) was used to assess psychological disorders and stress. In addition, the association between the MIND diet and psychological disorders and stress was assessed through logistic regression.

Results

The mean ± SD score was 3.33 ± 3.79 for depression, 2.99 ± 3.65 for anxiety, and 5.93 ± 4.70 for psychological stress. The mean score of MIND in this study was 7.56. After adjustment for after adjusting for age, gender, intake of energy, BMI, history of chronic disease, marital status, education level, smoking history, physical activity level, pregnancy or lactation, intakes of dietary EPA, DHA, and fiber, individuals in highest compared to the lowest quartile of MIND diet score had significantly lower odds of depression (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.40 – 0.96; P-trend = 0.02) and anxiety (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 – 0.91; P-trend = 0.01). However, no significant association was observed for psychological stress (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.28 – 1.14; P-trend = 0.83).

Conclusion

Therefore, it seems that following the MIND diet can prevent the possibility of these psychological problems. However, there is a need to design studies with more robust methodologies such as clinical trial studies.
Retraction Note: Factors associated with insomnia among frontline nurses during COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Nazari Nabi , Sadeghi Masoud , Samusenkov Vadim , Aligholipour Akram
Published: July 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-03690-z.
Categorize the existing clamps used for tensile test of human graft– a systematic review
Authors: Farago Denes , Kozma Blanka , Kiss Rita Maria
Published: July 2022

Background

The use of tendon allografts for orthopedic repair has gained wide acceptance in recent years, most notably in anterior cruciate tendon reconstruction. Multiple studies support the use of tendon allografts and the benefits of its use are well accepted and understood. One of the important criteria of the use of tendon allografts is statistically similar histological and biomechanical properties to autographs. The aim of this systematic literature review is to investigate and categorize existing clamps used in the determination of the biomechanical properties of tendons such as maximum load, maximum strength, modulus of elasticity, ultimate strain, and stiffness. A variety of clamps for use during the endurance test of tendons were categorized according to the temperature used during the measurement. The clamps are divided into three groups: room temperature, cooled and heated clamps. The second goal of our review is to overview of clamps on the following aspects: name of clamp, author and date, type of clamps, type of endurance test (static or dynamic), type preloading (dynamic or static), type of tendon and measured and calculated parameters, and summarize in Table 3, as a comprehensive catalogue.

Methods

This systematic review was carried out in keeping with the PRISMA 2020 E&E and the PRISMA-S guidelines and checklists. A search was conducted for publications dating between 1991 and February 28th 2022 through three electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed). We used Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist to check the quality of included articles.

Results

The database search and additional sources resulted in 1725 records. 1635 records eliminated during the screening for various reasons (case report, other languages, book chapter, unavailable text/conference abstract, unrelated topic). The number of articles used in the final synthesis was 90. A variety of clamps for use during the endurance test of tendons were identified and categorized according to the temperature used during the measurement. Based on this, the clamps are divided into three groups: room temperature, cooled or heated clamps.

Conclusions

On the basis of the systematic literature review, mechanical parameters determined by usage with cooled clamps proved to be more reliable than with those at room temperature and with heated clamps. The collected information from the articles included name of clamp, author and date, type of clamps, type of endurance test (static or dynamic), type preloading (dynamic or static), type of tendon and measured and calculated parameters given in Table 3. summarized. The main advantage of the cooled clamps is that there is no limit to the type and length of the tendon. This study provides an overview of clamps and does not represent the modernity of any method.
Short incision versus minimally invasive surgery with tool-kit for carpal tunnel syndrome release: a prospective randomized control trial to evaluate the anterior wrist pain and time to return to work or activities
Authors: Atthakomol Pichitchai , Kaensuk Sitthikorn , Manosroi Worapaka , Sangsin Apiruk , Buntragulpoontawee Montana , Tongprasert Siam
Published: July 2022

Trial design

The prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background

This study compares outcomes in terms of early postoperative anterior wrist pain and time to return to work or activities of daily living of patients who underwent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) release with short incision and those who had minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with CTS kits.

Methods

A total of 24 patients diagnosed with primary CTS confirmed with electrodiagnosis at an academic university hospital were randomly assigned into one of two groups of 12 patients each: a short incision group and an MIS with tool-kit group using computer-generated block randomization (block of four). Sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes were used in the allocation concealment process. In the short incision group, skin was incised longitudinally from Kaplan’s line to the area distal to transverse wrist crease (2.5–4.0 cm) while in the tool-kit group, an incision of less than 2.5 cm. was made using special MIS-CTS kits. Primary outcomes evaluated include visual analogue scale (VAS) measurement of pain intensity in the anterior carpal area both while at rest and while conducting daily activities at the 2nd week postoperatively as well as the time to return to activities of daily living and work. Improvement in the Michigan hand questionnaire (MHQ) score, a secondary outcome, was also measured at the 2nd week postoperatively. Patients, allocator and outcome assessor were blinded.

Results

Demographic data, including preoperative electrodiagnostic severity and occupation, were similar in the two groups. There were no significant differences in terms of VAS of the early postoperative anterior carpal area at rest (p > 0.99), while conducting daily activities (p = 0.89) and time to return to activities of daily living (p = 0.46) and work (p = 0.24). The MHQ score improvement at the 2nd week postoperatively showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.95). The MIS wound length in the tool-kit group was significantly shorter than in the short incision group (1.95 vs 2.92 cm, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

There is no difference in early postoperative anterior wrist pain, time to return to work or to activities of daily living between the surgical techniques. Short incision is recommended for benefit in term of cost-effectiveness, while MIS with tool-kit could be preferred in patients who concerned in cosmetic appearance between the surgical techniques.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.in.th (TCTR20200530003). Registered 30 May 2020.
A prognosis marker MUC1 correlates with metabolism and drug resistance in bladder cancer: a bioinformatics research
Authors: Qing Liangliang , Li Qingchao , Yang Yongjin , Xu Wenbo , Dong Zhilong
Published: July 2022

Background

MUC1 is a type I transmembrane protein that plays an important role in tumor cell signal transduction. Although current studies have shown that MUC1 is upregulated in bladder cancer (BC), the specific mechanism is still unclear.

Methods

We performed expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, survival analysis, immune infiltration analysis, drug sensitivity analysis, and metabolism-related gene expression analysis on TCGA-BLCA, GES31684 and GSE13507.

Results

The expression of MUC1 in the tumor and lymphatic metastasis positive samples was significantly increased. Genes related to MUC1 expression were significantly enriched in immune response, ribosomes, exosomes, and energy metabolism. The results of the immune infiltration analysis showed that M1 macrophages in BC with high MUC1 expression were significantly decreased. Expression of MUC1 increases drug resistance in BC patients. In addition, MUC1 increases glycolysis, glucose uptake, and lactate production by inducing metabolic reprogramming.

Conclusion

MUC1 has a significant effect on the metabolism and immune cell infiltration of BC, which may be the cause of increased drug resistance, and can be used as a molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of BC.
Prevalence of menstrual symptoms change and influencing factors among international female students studying in china during acculturation period
Authors: Alkhatib Asem , Zhou Qidi , Bajinka Ousman , Pakwan Suwal Ratee , Wiley James , Li Xianhong
Published: July 2022

Background

A number of previous studies have explored international students’ adaptation process with regards to language, lifestyle, food, and environment. However, there have yet been no studies conducted to address the menstrual symptoms challenges faced by international female students during the acculturation period. Thus, this study aims to describe the prevalence of menstrual symptoms change and to explore the influencing factors among international female students studying in China during the acculturation period.

Methods

An online cross sectional study was conducted among international female students studying in China during the acculturation period (defined as the first six months of living in the host country) in Hunan Province of China from March 2019 to July 2019. Menstrual symptoms questionnaire, sociocultural adaptation scale, China higher education student satisfaction scale, perceived stress scale, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index were used for data collection. Descriptive analysis, ANOVA, paired t-test, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regressions were used to analyze the data using SPSS 21.0 software.

Results

Three hundred and forty-five (97.18%, 345/355) female students from 45 countries fully completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was (26.59 ± 6.439) years. In total, 18.49% of participants had encountered menstrual symptoms change. There were significant differences in the menstrual symptoms score between before arrival and evaluation during the first six months of living in China (t = − 11.700, p = 0.000). The main menstrual symptoms change included cramps (17.68%), irritation (14.78%), abdominal pain (12.46%), fatigue (12.46%), and headaches (9.85%). Cultural adaptation level (β = 0.198, 95% CI: 0.934, 2.995), sleep quality (β = 0.166, 95% CI: 0.112, 0.496), perceived stress (β = 0.193, 95% CI: 0.123, 0.410), time spent in the host environment, (β = − 0.270, 95% CI: − 3.200, − 1.444) and experience of visiting foreign countries (β = 0.184, 95% CI: 1.134, 4.125) were significantly correlated with menstrual symptoms change.

Conclusion

The prevalence of menstrual symptoms change among international female students should not be overlooked when considering menstrual health in this population. Poorer cultural adaptation, poorer sleep quality, higher stress, and lack of overseas living experiences significantly influence the menstrual symptoms of international female students studying in China.
CRISPR/Cas9 system in breast cancer therapy: advancement, limitations and future scope
Authors: Karn Vamika , Sandhya Sandhya , Hsu Wayne , Parashar Deepak , Singh Himanshu Narayan , Jha Niraj Kumar , Gupta Saurabh , Dubey Navneet Kumar , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2022

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide, therefore it is considered a major health concern. Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer which affects women on a global scale. Various current treatment strategies have been implicated for breast cancer therapy that includes surgical removal, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted biological therapy. However, constant effort is being made to introduce novel therapies with minimal toxicity. Gene therapy is one of the promising tools, to rectify defective genes and cure various cancers. In recent years, a novel genome engineering technology, namely the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein-9 (Cas9) has emerged as a gene-editing tool and transformed genome-editing techniques in a wide range of biological domains including human cancer research and gene therapy. This could be attributed to its versatile characteristics such as high specificity, precision, time-saving and cost-effective methodologies with minimal risk. In the present review, we highlight the role of CRISPR/Cas9 as a targeted therapy to tackle drug resistance, improve immunotherapy for breast cancer.
Extensive fibrotic wrapping of the heart: a rare echocardiographic diagnosis
Authors: Jiang Wei , Xu Lili , Guo Xiaojuan , Li Yidan , Lv Xiuzhang
Published: July 2022

Background

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is considered a benign disease, but it can be fatal if progression leads to compression of the hilum of the lungs or invasion of the heart. Echocardiographic reports of this disease are very rare.

Case presentation

We present a 14-year-old male patient whose non-enhanced chest computed tomography showed unclear soft-tissue dense lesions in the anterior superior mediastinum. Echocardiography showed the heart was extensively wrapped by soft tissue lesions. The histology confirmed FM.

Conclusions

When FM affects the heart, echocardiography can help to characterize the disease and aid in the diagnosis. Echocardiography should be considered an important tool to follow the progression of this disease and guide the therapeutic approach.
A novel immune checkpoints-based signature to predict prognosis and response to immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Nan , Luo Yuejun , Zheng Bo , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Chaoqi , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Guochao , Tan Fengwei , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , He Jie
Published: July 2022

Background

Except for B7-CD28 family members, more novel immune checkpoints are being discovered. They are closely associated with tumor immune microenvironment and regulate the function of many immune cells. Various cancer therapeutic studies targeting these novel immune checkpoints are currently in full swing. However, studies concerning novel immune checkpoints phenotypes and clinical significance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still limited.

Methods

We enrolled 1883 LUAD cases from nine different cohorts. The samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used as a training set, whereas seven microarray data cohorts and an independent cohort with 102 qPCR data were used for validation. The immune profiles and potential mechanism of the system were also explored.

Results

After univariate Cox proportional hazards regression and stepwise multivariable Cox analysis, a novel immune checkpoints-based system (LTA, CD160, and CD40LG) were identified from the training set, which significantly stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with different survivals. Furthermore, this system has been well validated in different clinical subgroups and multiple validation cohorts. It also acted as an independent prognostic factor for patients with LAUD in different cohorts. Further exploration suggested that high-risk patients exhibited distinctive immune cells infiltration and suffered an immunosuppressive state. Additionally, this system is closely linked to various classical immunotherapy biomarkers.

Conclusion

we constructed a novel immune checkpoints-based system for LUAD, which predicts prognosis and immunotherapeutic implications. We believe that these findings will not only aid in clinical management but will also shed some light on screening appropriate patients for immunotherapy.
The value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in occupational diseases – a systematic review
Authors: Oțelea Marina Ruxandra , Fell Anne Kristin M. , Handra Claudia Mariana , Holm Mathias , Filon Francesca Larese , Mijakovski Dragan , Minov Jordan , Mutu Andreea , Stephanou Euripides , Stokholm Zara Ann , Stoleski Sasho , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: July 2022

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive biomarker of respiratory tract inflammation, originally designated to identify eosinophilic airway inflammation and to predict steroid response. The main field of application of this biomarker is asthma, but FeNO has also been used for other allergic and non-allergic pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease. A substantial part of respiratory diseases are related to work, and FeNO, a safe and easy measure to conduct, is a potential valid examination in an occupational setting.

This systematic review assesses the value of measuring FeNO related to three types of airborne exposures: allergens, irritants, and respiratory particles inhaled during occupational activities. The review covers results from longitudinal and observational clinical studies, and highlights the added value of this biomarker in monitoring effects of exposure and in the diagnostic criteria of occupational diseases. This review also covers the possible significance of FeNO as an indicator of the efficacy of interventions to prevent work-related respiratory diseases.

Initially, 246 articles were identified in PUBMED and SCOPUS. Duplicates and articles which covered results from the general population, symptoms (not disease) related to work, non-occupational diseases, and case reports were excluded. Finally, 39 articles contributed to this review, which led to the following conclusions:

a) For occupational asthma there is no consensus on the significant value of FeNO for diagnosis, or on the magnitude of change needed after specific inhalation test or occupational exposure at the workplace. There is some consensus for the optimal time to measure FeNO after exposure, mainly after 24 h, and FeNO proved to be more sensitive than spirometry in measuring the result of an intervention. b) For other occupational obstructive respiratory diseases, current data suggests performing the measurement after the work shift. c) For interstitial lung disease, the evaluation of the alveolar component of NO is probably the most suitable.
The LIFE TRIAD of emergency general surgery
Authors: Coccolini Federico , Sartelli Massimo , Kluger Yoram , Osipov Aleksei , Cui Yunfeng , Beka Solomon Gurmu , Kirkpatrick Andrew , Sall Ibrahima , Moore Ernest E. , Biffl Walter L. , Litvin Andrey , Pisano Michele , Magnone Stefano , Picetti Edoardo , de Angelis Nicola , Stahel Philip , Ansaloni Luca , Tan Edward , Abu-Zidan Fikri , Ceresoli Marco , Hecker Andreas , Chiara Osvaldo , Sganga Gabriele , Khokha Vladimir , di Saverio Salomone , Sakakushev Boris , Campanelli Giampiero , Fraga Gustavo , Wani Imtiaz , Broek Richard ten , Cicuttin Enrico , Cremonini Camilla , Tartaglia Dario , Soreide Kjetil , Galante Joseph , de Moya Marc , Koike Kaoru , De Simone Belinda , Balogh Zsolt , Amico Francesco , Shelat Vishal , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Di Carlo Isidoro , Bonavina Luigi , Leppaniemi Ari , Marzi Ingo , Ivatury Rao , Khan Jim , Maier Ronald V. , Hardcastle Timothy C. , Isik Arda , Podda Mauro , Tolonen Matti , Rasa Kemal , Navsaria Pradeep H. , Demetrashvili Zaza , Tarasconi Antonio , Carcoforo Paolo , Sibilla Maria Grazia , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Pararas Nikolaos , Weber Dieter , Chiarugi Massimo , Catena Fausto
Published: July 2022

Emergency General Surgery (EGS) was identified as multidisciplinary surgery performed for traumatic and non-traumatic acute conditions during the same admission in the hospital by general emergency surgeons and other specialists. It is the most diffused surgical discipline in the world. To live and grow strong EGS necessitates three fundamental parts: emergency and elective continuous surgical practice, evidence generation through clinical registries and data accrual, and indications and guidelines production: the LIFE TRIAD.
The mediating role of maladaptive cognitive schemas regarding the relationship between parenting styles and chronic pain in adolescents: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Salari Saghar , Shaygan Maryam , Setoodeh Giti
Published: July 2022

Background

Although there is a growing body of evidence linking parenting styles to health outcomes, little emphasis has been dedicated to how parenting styles affect chronic pain in adolescents. Given the high prevalence of chronic pain in adolescents and taking into consideration the complexity of chronic pain and the factors affecting it, further research is needed to better understand the processes through which parenting styles affect adolescents’ pain. The purpose of the present study was to explore the mediating role of maladaptive schemas in the association between different parenting styles and chronic pain.

Method

1302 adolescents aged 12 to 21 in Shiraz, Iran, were randomly selected to participate in this study. To identify adolescents with chronic pain, screening questions based on the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases were used. Buri’s Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), and Young’s Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF) were used to assess the parenting styles and maladaptive cognitive schemas, respectively. The structural equation modeling approach was carried out to evaluate the direct, indirect, and total effects of different parenting styles on chronic pain.

Results

The results in the SEM models revealed that disconnection/ rejection (β = − 0.043, 95%CI =  − 0.07 to  − 0.02), impaired autonomy/ performance (β =  − 0.01, 95%CI =  − 0.02 to -0.003), over-vigilance/inhibition (β =  − 0.007, 95%CI =  − 0.01 to  − 0.008), and impaired limits schemas (β =  − 0.004, 95%CI =  − 0.006 to  − 0.002) significantly mediated the protective effects of the authoritative parenting style on chronic pain. It was also found that the mediating effects of disconnection/ rejection (β = 0.01, 95%CI = 0.01 to 0.02), and over-vigilance/ inhibition (β = 0.002, 95%CI = 0.001 to 0.02) existed in the relationship between the authoritarian style and chronic pain. The permissive style may also affect chronic pain through disconnection/ rejection (β = 0.004, 95%CI = 0.001 to 0.01), other-directedness (β = 0.01, 95%CI = 0.005 to 0.015), and impaired limits schemas (β = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.04 to 0.06).

Discussion

The findings of the present study showed that maladaptive cognitive schemas play a mediating role in the relationship between parenting styles and chronic pain in adolescents. It seems that the interventions that target the effective communication between the parents and the adolescents can be considered as an important part in the chronic pain management in adolescents.
Dendrimer-based drug delivery systems: history, challenges, and latest developments
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Boxuan , Qiu Li , Qiao Xin , Yang Hu
Published: July 2022

Since the first dendrimer was reported in 1978 by Fritz Vögtle, dendrimer research has grown exponentially, from synthesis to application in the past four decades. The distinct structure characteristics of dendrimers include nanoscopic size, multi-functionalized surface, high branching, cavernous interior, and so on, making dendrimers themselves ideal drug delivery vehicles. This mini review article provides a brief overview of dendrimer’s history and properties and the latest developments of dendrimers as drug delivery systems. This review focuses on the latest progress in the applications of dendrimers as drug and gene carriers, including 1) active drug release strategies to dissociate drug/gene from dendrimer in response to stimuli; 2) size-adaptive and charge reversal dendrimer delivery systems that can better take advantage of the size and surface properties of dendrimer; 3) bulk and micro/nano dendrimer gel delivery systems. The recent advances in dendrimer formulations may lead to the generation of new drug and gene products and enable the development of novel combination therapies.
Advanced glycation end products and diabetes and other metabolic indicators
Authors: Jiang Tian , Zhang Yi , Dai Fang , Liu Chao , Hu Honglin , Zhang Qiu
Published: July 2022

Background

Diabetes is a global concern among adults. Previous studies have suggested an association between different screening methods and diabetes; however, increasing evidence has suggested the importance of early screening for diabetes mellitus (DM) and its influencing factors. In this study, we aimed to explore whether the non-invasive detection of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the early screening of DM in the Chinese community and whether body mass index (BMI) and metabolic indexes could moderate this relationship.

Methods

Three community health service centers in Hefei that signed the medical consortium agreement with the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were selected to screen the population aged 30–90 years in each community using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from January 2018 to January 2019. Univariate analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in general data, biochemical indexes, skin AGEs levels, and blood glucose among groups. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 912 patients with a community health physical examination and no history of diabetes were selected, excluding those with missing values > 5%. Finally, 906 samples were included in the study with an effective rate of 99.3%. The prevalence in the normal, impaired glucose tolerance, and DM groups were 79.8%, 10.0%, and 10.2%, respectively. By dividing AGE by quartile, AGE accumulation was classified as ≤ P25, P25–P50, P50–P75, and > P75. Higher AGE accumulation (χ2 = 37.95), BMI (χ2 = 12.20), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (χ2 = 8.46), triglyceride (TG) (χ2 = 6.23), and older age (χ2 = 20.11) were more likely to have a higher prevalence of fasting blood glucose (FBG). The analyses revealed significant correlations between AGE accumulation, BMI, TG, total cholesterol (TC), and FBG (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

As the findings indicate, priority should be given to the quality of metabolic-related indicators, such as BMI, TG, and TC, employed to effectively reduce the FBG of Chinese participants with high AGE accumulation. Skin autofluorescence may prove to be a rapid and non-invasive method for assessing the metabolic progression of all glucose level layers.
CT-based skeletal muscle loss for predicting poor survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma experiencing curative hepatectomy plus adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization: a preliminary retrospective study
Authors: Yang Siwei , Zhang Zhiyuan , Su Tianhao , Yu Jianan , Cao Shasha , Wang Haochen , Jin Long
Published: July 2022

Background

To evaluate the prognostic value of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and its change in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experiencing curative hepatectomy plus adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Materials and methods

A total of 62 patients with HCC who underwent adjuvant TACE after curative hepatectomy were analysed retrospectively. Skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar level was quantitated using computed tomography images and was normalized for height squared to obtain skeletal muscle index (SMI). Skeletal muscle loss (SML) over 6 months was computed with two SMIs before and after hepatectomy plus adjuvant TACE. Correlation analyses were preformed to investigate factors associated with SML. The curves of cause-specific survival (CSS) were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess prognostic factors.

Results

Low SMI was diagnosed in 23(37.1%) patients preoperatively. The median SML standardized by 6 months was − 1.6% in the entire cohort. Liver cirrhosis and microvascular invasion correlated negatively with SML, respectively (r = − 0.320,P = 0.002; r = − 0.243,P = 0.021). Higher SML (< − 2.42%) predicted a significant reduction in CSS (P = 0.001), whereas low SMI did not(P = 0.687). Following the multivariate analysis for CSS, AFP > 400 ng/ml (HR, 5.643; 95%CI, 3.608–17.833;P < 0.001) and SML < − 2.42%(HR, 6.586; 95%CI, 3.610–22.210;P < 0.001) were independent predictors for poor CSS.

Conclusions

Skeletal muscle loss during hepatectomy plus adjuvant TACE was remarkable. Higher SML was an independent risk factor for CSS in patients with HCC, especially those with liver cirrhosis.
“I was reaching out for help and they did not help me”: Mental healthcare in the carceral state
Authors: Preston Anna G. , Rosenberg Alana , Schlesinger Penelope , Blankenship Kim M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite the limitations the carceral environment may impose on mental wellness, mental healthcare is increasingly becoming a carceral endeavor. Over the course of the last several decades, prisons and jails have become the de facto mental healthcare provider for thousands of incarcerated individuals. Furthermore, practices like mandated mental healthcare for supervised individuals further broaden the population experiencing mental healthcare within the criminal legal system at large. This study examines the perspectives of nine individuals who experienced mental healthcare within the carceral state, whether in prison or on parole or probation, with a special focus on how attributes of the carceral state create ideological and functional barriers to effective mental healthcare.

Methods

Data for the parent study of this analysis was collected via in-depth, one-on-one interviews of about one hour’s length, conducted at six-month intervals over the course of 2 years. These interviews were analyzed using an iterative process of open-coding, thematic code development, and code application to participant interviews.

Results

The results showed a common perception of mental healthcare received within the carceral state as serving goals of the prison system, including control and punishment, rather than therapeutic goals of healing and empowerment. This often had negative implications for the quality of the treatment received, including patterns of diagnostic ambiguity, treatment that was ill-fitting to participants’ needs, and treatment that was undermined by the new trauma created by the prison environment. The results also highlighted racial disparities prevalent within the carceral system. Despite the barriers created by the subjection of therapeutic practices to carceral goals, participants demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity in engaging with these treatment modalities to reap benefits where possible.

Conclusions

Overall, these results highlight the inappropriateness of combining therapeutic and carceral spaces, the need for greater public attention to how carceral mechanisms disadvantage vulnerable populations, and the need for a cultural reconceptualization of mental illness such that it is met not with criminal punishment but appropriate care.
Comparative study of phytochemical profiles and morphological properties of some Damask roses from Iran
Authors: Omidi Mohammad , Khandan-Mirkohi Azizollah , Kafi Mohsen , Rasouli Omid , Shaghaghi Arezoo , Kiani Mahnaz , Zamani Zabihollah
Published: July 2022

Background

Rosa damascena is an aromatic rose species, which is cultivated for its essential oil, and is widely used in perfume, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries in the world. This experiment was conducted to evaluate essential oil and morphological variations of 26 Damask rose genotypes. For this purpose, the effect of harvest time, i.e., early morning or evening, and sampling type, i.e., fresh or dried petals, on oil content was evaluated. In addition, the composition of essential oil of the genotypes was determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Results

Results showed that early morning was the preferable time for flower collection based on oil content. Furthermore, the oil yield of fresh petals was higher than that of the dried petals. Twenty-five volatile compounds were found in the extracted oils. β-Damascenone, a key marker for the quality of rose oil, was found in 22 genotypes and was more than 1.5% concentration in G3, G6, and G11 genotypes. The highest components of the oil of Damask rose genotypes were nonadecane (42.51%), β-citronellol (40.82%), n-heneicosane (34.69%), geraniol (27.76%), and n-tricosane (14.2%). A wide variation in flower characteristics, such as petal color (from white to nearly red) and petal numbers from about 25 to 95, were also recorded. The G2, G5, and G15 genotypes, originated from Isfahan, Fars, and Kerman, respectively, were selected based on petal number, flower weight, and essential oil content in fresh and dried petals.

Conclusions

Results suggest that morphological and biochemical diversity of Damask rose genotypes can be used effectively to characterize genetic diversity between different genotypes and to select special traits in breeding programs.

Graphical Abstract
Geomorphological processes and their connectivity in hillslope, fluvial, and coastal areas in Bangladesh: A review
Authors: Faisal B. M. Refat , Hayakawa Yuichi S.
Published: July 2022

Geomorphological knowledge is critical in understanding watershed scale surface processes, including steep mountainous areas and flat lowlands, particularly if the mid- and downstream areas are densely populated and hazard assessments are highly required. However, our knowledge about such surface processes has relatively been limited in some areas in South Asia due likely to the lack of comprehensive studies of geomorphology and related fields. This article undertakes an overview of the geomorphological processes of the disaster-prone deltaic landscape of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna (GBM), particularly focusing on fluvial processes. The area locates in the downstream of the watershed system including Himalayan Mountains and highly connected with the upper basin morphodynamics, hydrology, and sediment flux. The previous studies are summarized at different geomorphic settings concerning hillslopes, fluvial plains, and coastal areas to provide clarity about the geomorphic processes linking erosion-prone upstream source areas to deposition-dominated downstream areas. The review found that most of the geomorphic researches in Bangladesh are exploring landslide inventory and susceptibility mapping in hilly areas; river channel or riverbank shifting, riverbank erosion and accretion in fluvial environments; watershed morphometric analysis and geomorphic unit identification in plain land; and coastline shifting or coastal erosion and accretion in coastal environments at a small scale. Then, we discuss the fluvial dynamics and sediment transport of the GBM river system to address the knowledge gap in the context of deltaic plain land in Bangladesh, where upstream fluvial sedimentation processes impact the geomorphic connectivity from Himalayan to the Bay of Bengal. Although some studies on the fluvial dynamics and sediment dispersal in the upstream GBM river basin are present, the fluvial processes in the downstream domain of Bangladesh are not fully understood with a limited number of research with field-based approaches. Some future perspectives of geomorphic research in Bangladesh are then mentioned to understand better the complex geomorphological settings in the entire GBM watershed and to strengthen the existing research capacity. This review will also develop a holistic understanding of fluvial geomorphic processes of the GBM River to the policymakers and may be helpful to improve the transboundary river basin management policies or strategies.