bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controversy. On pump or off pump: what will I do when I grow up? A narrative systematic review
Authors: Calafiore Antonio Maria , Torregrossa Gianluca , Salerno Tomas A , Prapas Sotirios , Benetti Federico , Angelini Gianni D , Lima Ricardo De Carvalho , Di Mauro Michele , Taggart David , Gaudino Mario , Puskas John D
Published: June 2024

The transition from the second to the third millennium happened to be a turning point in the history of myocardial revascularization on a beating heart, which moved from technical development to critical evaluation. This article describes how the initial acceptance and spread of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) was followed by the general perception that the technique could not fulfill the expectations placed in it and provides some insight on what should we do with the know-how of OPCABG in the present and the future of coronary surgical revascularization.
Modeling the evolution of Schizosaccharomyces pombe populations with multiple killer meiotic drivers
Authors: López Hernández José Fabricio , Rubinstein Boris Y , Unckless Robert L , Zanders Sarah E
Published: June 2024

Meiotic drivers are selfish genetic loci that can be transmitted to more than half of the viable gametes produced by a heterozygote. This biased transmission gives meiotic drivers an evolutionary advantage that can allow them to spread over generations until all members of a population carry the driver. This evolutionary power can also be exploited to modify natural populations using synthetic drivers known as “gene drives.” Recently, it has become clear that natural drivers can spread within genomes to birth multicopy gene families. To understand intragenomic spread of drivers, we model the evolution of 2 or more distinct meiotic drivers in a population. We employ the wtf killer meiotic drivers from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which are multicopy in all sequenced isolates, as models. We find that a duplicate wtf driver identical to the parent gene can spread in a population unless, or until, the original driver is fixed. When the duplicate driver diverges to be distinct from the parent gene, we find that both drivers spread to fixation under most conditions, but both drivers can be lost under some conditions. Finally, we show that stronger drivers make weaker drivers go extinct in most, but not all, polymorphic populations with absolutely linked drivers. These results reveal the strong potential for natural meiotic drive loci to duplicate and diverge within genomes. Our findings also highlight duplication potential as a factor to consider in the design of synthetic gene drives.
Hereditary nature of death-feigning frequency in a parasitoid wasp Heterospilus prosopidis using sib analysis
Authors: Fujioka Haruna , Miyatake Takahisa , Ohkubo Yusaku , Shimada Masakazu
Published: June 2024

Death feigning, a state of immobility observed in many animals in response to external stimuli, is an anti-predator behaviour. Although previous studies showed that death-feigning behaviours are quantitative genetic traits, the knowledge of the heritable basis of death-feigning behaviour is lacking. To investigate the heritable basis of death-feigning behaviour, we used 3 laboratory strains of a braconid parasitoid wasp, Heterospilus prosopidis. The heritable basis using half-sib analysis, and the effects of different geographical backgrounds, rearing conditions in the laboratory, and host age were evaluated. The results of the half-sib analysis showed that the frequency of death feigning varied among sires, suggesting a certain extent of additive genetic variance. Also, the frequency of death feigning varied between geographical backgrounds and among strains. Death-feigning frequency was not affected by the age of the host. Our findings highlight the importance of genetic factors underlying the basis of the death-feigning behaviour and provide support for the genetic alterations of traits from the perspective of evolution in various animal species.
Complementing UN Human Rights Efforts Through Universal Periodic Review
Authors: Shah Sangeeta , Sivakumaran Sandesh
Published: June 2024

The UN undertakes numerous human rights activities. Various UN entities have been established solely to promote and protect human rights, such as the Human Rights Council and the human rights treaty bodies. Others, such as the Security Council, have mandates intrinsically connected to human rights. Furthermore, a variety of UN specialized agencies, programmes and funds work in areas associated with human rights. However, the work these entities undertake lacks coordination. In his 2020 Call to Action, UN Secretary-General António Guterres spoke of the need to enhance ‘synergies between human rights and all pillars of the work of the United Nations’ and encouraged the use of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process as a way of doing so. Furthermore, one of the ‘principles’ of UPR is that it should ‘complement and not duplicate other human rights mechanisms’. There has been little exploration of the extent to which UPR does, in fact, complement the UN’s other work in human rights. This article seeks to fill that gap. Drawing on data from the first three cycles of UPR, it demonstrates the extent to which states have complemented UN efforts to protect and promote human rights in UPR recommendations. Building on these empirical observations, it explores how UPR recommendations could be used to further coordinate and reinforce the UN’s human rights work by avoiding generic references to the UN, expanding their focus beyond the ‘core’ UN human rights bodies to engage with the work of all UN entities, and encouraging engagement with all aspects of a particular entity’s mandate.
New Threats to Sacred Sites and Religious Property
Authors: Reidy, C.S.C. Patrick E
Published: June 2024

Over the last 40 years, Native American faith communities have struggled to protect their sacred sites using religious liberty law. Because Native American religious claimants lack an explicit ownership interest in their sacred sites, courts can—and do, consistently—decide in favour of the government as landowner, regardless of anticipated or actual burdens on Indians’ free exercise of religion. In cases involving religious property, competing notions of ownership can enable, or inhibit, religious practice. New threats to Native American sacred sites often follow valuable natural resources that lie above, below, and around tribes’ ancestral lands. Even where faith communities own their sacred sites, religious liberty protections may prove limited. Courts often make judgments about religious property based on their own determinations of what counts as ‘essential’ for faith communities’ free exercise of religion. How legal institutions comprehend religion when evaluating property claims brought by faith communities will often dictate whether, and how extensively, religious liberty protects religious property. Such judicial theologizing can further threaten sacred sites.
Identifying when thresholds from the Paris Agreement are breached: the minmax average, a novel smoothing approach
Authors: Van Vyve Mathieu
Published: June 2024

Identifying when a given threshold has been breached in the global temperature record has become of crucial importance since the Paris Agreement. However there is no formally agreed methodology for this. In this work we show why local smoothing methodologies like the moving average and other climate modeling based approaches are fundamentally ill-suited for this specific purpose, and propose a better one, that we call the minmax average. It has strong links with the isotonic regression, is conceptually simple and is arguably closer to the intuitive meaning of “breaching the threshold” in the climate discourse, all favorable features for acceptability. When applied to the global mean surface temperature anomaly (GMSTA) record from Berkeley Earth, we obtain the following conclusions. First, the rate of increase has been ∼+0.25°C per decade since 1995. Second, based on this new estimate alone, we should plausibly expect the GMSTA to reach 1.49°C in 2023 and not go below that on average in the medium-term future. When taking into account the record temperatures of the second half of 2023, not having breached the 1.5°C threshold already in July 2023 is only possible with record long and/or deep La Niña in the following years.
Assessment of sexual function in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors
Authors: Vitorino Caroline Nakano , Omodei Michelle Sako , de Souza Rafaela Caroline , Nahas Georgia Petri , de Araujo Brito Buttros Daniel , Carvalho-Pessoa Eduardo , Vespoli Heloisa De Luca , Nahas Eliana Aguiar Petri
Published: June 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is considered a risk factor for sexual dysfunction, which may be associated with the diagnosis itself or with oncological treatments. However, sexual dysfunction often remains underdiagnosed and unaddressed among BC survivors.

Aim

The study sought to evaluate the sexual function of postmenopausal BC survivors compared with postmenopausal women without BC.

Methods

This case-control study included 178 postmenopausal BC survivors (stages I-III), 45 to 70 years of age, with amenorrhea for ≥12 months and sexually active. They were compared with 178 women without BC, matched (±2 years) for age and time since menopause in a 1:1 ratio. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which consists of 6 domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), with a total score ≤26.5 indicating risk of sexual dysfunction. Statistical analysis included Student’s t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]).

Outcomes

Evaluation of sexual function in postmenopausal women treated for BC.

Results

Postmenopausal BC survivors showed poorer sexual function in the desire domain (P = .002). No significant differences were observed between groups in the other FSFI domains and total score (P > .05). Postmenopausal BC survivors had a higher prevalence of risk of sexual dysfunction (64.6% with a total score ≤26.5) compared with the control group (51.6%) (P = .010). Adjusted risk analysis for age and time since menopause revealed a higher risk of sexual dysfunction in BC survivors compared with women without cancer (OR, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.96; P = .007). Among BC survivors, the use of hormone therapy was associated with a higher risk of sexual dysfunction (OR, 3.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-7.51; P = .002).

Clinical Implications

Postmenopausal BC survivors should be regularly assessed before and throughout treatment to enable the early detection and diagnosis of sexual dysfunction.

Strength and Limitations

The main strength is that this study might contribute to a better understanding of sexual function in postmenopausal BC survivors compared with women without BC. The main limitation is that while the FSFI is a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation of female sexual function, it does not allow a comprehensive diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, as it is not applicable to partners.

Conclusion

Compared with postmenopausal women without BC, postmenopausal BC survivors face a higher risk of sexual dysfunction, especially when treated with adjuvant hormone therapy.
Bactericidal human monoclonal antibody 1B1 shows specificity for meningococcal factor H binding protein variant 2 and displaces human factor H
Authors: Veggi Daniele , Chesterman Chelsy C. , Santini Laura , Huang Ying , Pacchiani Nicola , Sierra Jeannette , Chen Lynn , Laliberte Jason , Bianchi Federica , Cozzi Roberta , Frigimelica Elisabetta , Maione Domenico , Finco Oretta , Bottomley Matthew J.
Published: June 2024

Thousands of disease cases and hundreds of deaths occur globally each year due to invasive meningococcal disease. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB) is the leading cause of such disease in developed countries. Two vaccines, 4CMenB and MenB‐fHbp, that protect against MenB are available and include one or two forms respectively of factor H binding protein (fHbp), a key protective antigen. Studies of circulating meningococci have identified over 1380 different fHbp amino acid sequences, which form three immunologically distinct clusters, termed variants 1, 2, and 3. Neither of the current vaccines contains a variant 2 antigen, which is less well characterized than fHbp variants 1 and 3. We characterized the interaction of fHbp variant 2 with humAb 1B1 using biochemical methods and live meningococcal assays. Further, we determined the crystal structure of the complex at 2.4 Å resolution, clearly revealing the epitope and providing the first detailed report of an antibody with distinct specificity for fHbp variant 2. Extensive mutagenesis and binding studies elucidated key hotspots in the interface. This combination of structural and functional studies provides a molecular explanation for the bactericidal potency and specificity of humAb 1B1 for fHbp variant 2. Our studies, focused on fHbp variant 2, expand the understanding of this previously under characterized group of the vast family of variants of fHbp, a virulence factor present on all meningococci. Moreover, the definition of a protective conformational epitope on fHbp variant 2 may support the design and development of novel variant 2‐containing MenB vaccines affording greater breadth of protection.
How to Reduce Delayed Gastric Emptying After Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rebelo Artur , Kresse Randi , Sunami Yoshiaki , Ronellenfitsch Ulrich , Kleeff Jörg , Klose Johannes
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

The occurrence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following pancreatoduodenectomy is of high clinical relevance. Despite the pivotal nature of this topic, the existing evidence is limited and often conflicting. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of various interventions, such as the type of surgical reconstruction (specifically pylorus resection or preservation), enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), epidural anesthesia (EA), as well as strategies involving nasogastric decompression on DGE.

Methods:

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted. Studies that compared patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy regarding one of the following interventions were included: pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (ppPD) versus pylorus-resecting pancreaticoduodenectomy (prPD), ERAS versus no ERAS, epidural anesthesia EA versus no EA, nasogastric decompression versus no nasogastric decompression and jejunostomy/nasojejunal feeding tube placement (J/NJF) versus no J/NJF.

Results:

The analysis included 5930 patients from 29 studies. Patients undergoing ppPD exhibited a higher incidence of DGE compared with those undergoing prPD (logOR, −0.95; 95% CI = −1.57 to −0.34; P = 0.002). Additionally, patients in the ERAS group showed reduced rates of DGE (logOR, −0.712; 95% CI = −1.242 to −0.183; P = 0.008). Lower rates of DGE were observed in patients without a J/NJF (logOR, −0.618; 95% CI, 0.39–0.84; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In summary, our meta-analysis reveals that pylorus resection, adherence to ERAS protocols, and the absence of a J/NJF are associated with lower rates of DGE after pancreatoduodenectomy. Although these results are partially based on observational studies, they contribute valuable insights to the current understanding of interventions impacting DGE in these complex procedures.
Overwrapping Bivalved Casts: Does the Material Matter?
Authors: Karkenny Alexa J. , Morris Allyn , Smith Cameron , Xavier Jorden , Seref-Ferlengez Zeynep , Mehraban Alvandi Leila , Levy I. Martin
Published: June 2024

Background:

Circumferential integrity of bivalved casts (cut twice longitudinally) can be restored by overwrapping with different materials. This study compared the mechanical properties of solid casts and bivalved casts overwrapped with semirigid fiberglass (SF), elastic bandages (EB), and rigid fiberglass (RF) using an overwrapped-bivalved cast-bone fracture (OBCBF) model.

Methods:

This study used an MTS Bionix Servohydraulic system to test properties of OBCBF models in 4 conditions: intact Control made of RF (not bivalved or overwrapped), a Rigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with RF, a Semirigid overwrapped model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with SF, and an Elastic model made of a Control bivalved and overwrapped with EB. Constructs were tested in 4-point bending. Force-displacement curves (FDC) were generated to calculate load-at-critical-failure (LCF, angulation > 10 degrees = 6.6 mm vertical deformation) and stiffness.

Results:

Five controls and 30 OBCBF models with 3 overwrapped cast types were tested, with each overwrapped cast type tested with 2 orientations of the initial cast bivalve axis, yielding 7 conditions (Control, Rigid 0 degrees, Rigid 90 degrees, Semirigid 0 degrees, Semirigid 90 degrees, Elastic 0 degrees, Elastic 90 degrees). Mean LCF was: Rigid 90 degrees > Rigid 0 degrees > Control > Semirigid 0 degrees > Semirigid 90 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees (P<0.0001). Mean stiffness was: Rigid 0 degrees > Rigid 90 degrees > Control > Semirigid 90 degrees > Semirigid 0 degrees > Elastic 0 degrees > Elastic 90 degrees (P<0.0001). Multiple comparisons indicated no significant difference between LCF and stiffness for Semirigid 0 degrees/90 degrees casts compared with Controls.

Conclusions:

Mechanical properties of overwrapped bivalved casts change depending on the materials used to overwrap, with higher LCF and stiffness when overwrapping with RF > SF > EB; however, mean comparisons indicate that rigid bivalved casts overwrapped with SF did not have significantly different mean stiffness and LCF from controls and other cast models.

Clinical Relevance:

This study compares the bending properties of a bivalved cast-construct overwrapped with different materials, providing basic science evidence for orthopaedic surgeons who have several choices of materials to overwrap bivalved casts.
Prediction Model for Lumbar Curve Correction After Selective Thoracic Fusion in Lenke 1 and 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Cai Zhenning , Liu Wanyou , Dai Yutong , Shi Benlong , Zhu Zezhang , Qiu Yong
Published: June 2024

Study design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

To identify independent risk factors and construct a prediction model for lumbar curve correction (LCC) after selective thoracic fusion (STF) in patients with Lenke 1 and 2 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary of Background Data.

STF has been widely applied to Lenke 1 and 2 AIS patients. However, LCC after STF is still controversial.

Methods.

One hundred twenty-eight patients undergoing STF with at least 2 years of follow-up were included. Cases were divided into a high-LCC group and a low-LCC group according to a rounded-up median of 65%. Forty-nine variables were taken into account. Logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictive factors. A prediction model was established by backward stepwise regression, and its evaluation was implemented on R.

Results.

Five parameters showed independent predictive value for low LCC: right shoulder higher before surgery (right shoulder higher versus balanced: odds ratio [OR]=0.244, P=0.014), postoperative Cobb angle of lumbar curve (LC) (OR=1.415, P=0.001, cutoff value=11°), lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) distal to end vertebra (no vs. yes: OR=4.587, P=0.013), postoperative LIV tilt (OR=0.686, P=0.010, cutoff value=6.85°) and postoperative LIV+1 tilt (OR=1.522, P=0.005, cutoff value=6.25°). The prediction model included 6 variables: lumbar modifier, preoperative shoulder balance, postoperative Cobb angle of LC, LIV position, postoperative LIV tilt, and postoperative LIV+1 tilt. The model evaluation demonstrated satisfactory capability and stability (area under curve=0.890, 10-fold cross-validation accuracy=0.782).

Conclusion.

Preoperative shoulder balance, Cobb angle of LC, LIV position, postoperative LIV and LIV+1 tilt could be used to prognosticate LCC after STF. A model with solid prediction ability was established, which could further our understanding of LCC and assist in making clinical decisions.
Two-Year Clinical Outcomes of the PAUL Glaucoma Implant in White Patients With Refractory Glaucoma
Authors: Weber Constance , Hundertmark Sarah , Stasik Isabel , Holz Frank G. , Mercieca Karl
Published: June 2024

Précis:

This prospectively collected case series of 56 eyes having PAUL glaucoma implant (PGI) surgery is the first to demonstrate its medium-term safety and effectiveness in what is essentially an exclusively Caucasian population.

Background:

To report 2-year outcomes from a single-center cohort undergoing PGI surgery.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data on patients undergoing PGI surgery at the University Eye Hospital Bonn, Germany, from April 2021 to September 2021.

Results:

Of 53 patients, 56 eyes were included. Complete and qualified success rates (95% CI) were 52% (37–66) and 89% (80–96) for criterion A ( intraocular pressure [IOP]≤21 mm Hg), 48% (36–61) and 79% (67–88) for criterion B (IOP≤18 mm Hg), 45% (32–57) and 64% (52–77%) for criterion C (IOP≤15 mm Hg) and 27% (16–40) and 38% (25–50) for criterion D (IOP≤12 mm Hg), respectively. Mean IOP decreased from 25.43 mm Hg (7–48 mm Hg) to 11.25 mm Hg (3–24 mm Hg) (reduction of 50%) after 24 months with a reduction of IOP-lowering agents from 3.50 (1–5) to 0.46 (0–3). One eye needed an injection of viscoelastic due to significant hypotony with AC shallowing; 3 eyes received a Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty because of persistent corneal decompensation; 9 eyes developed tube exposure which required conjunctival revision with additional pericardial patch graft, with 5 of these eyes eventually needing tube explantation. An intraluminal prolene stent was removed in 24 eyes (42.9%) after a mean time period of 5.67 months (2–15 m). Mean IOP before removal was 21.4 mm Hg (12–40 mm Hg) and decreased to 11.15 mm Hg (6–20 mm Hg).

Conclusions:

PGI surgery is an effective procedure for reducing IOP and pressure-lowering therapy. The use of an intraluminal prolene stent impedes hypotony in the early postoperative phase and enables further noninvasive IOP lowering during the postoperative course.
Corneal sensitivity and ocular surface health in patients undergoing femtosecond LASIK retreatment for residual refraction
Authors: Cinar Esat , Yuce Berna , Aslan Fatih
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

To assess corneal sensitivity and the ocular surface in patients undergoing primary femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and those undergoing FS-LASIK retreatment under the same flap due to residual refractive error.

Setting:

Ekol Eye Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.

Design:

Prospective case series.

Methods:

19 patients with previous FS-LASIK who had myopic and astigmatic refractive error were included in the study group, and 19 age-matched and sex-matched patients undergoing FS-LASIK for the first time as the control group. Corneal sensitivity, Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Oxford grading scheme for ocular surface staining, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results:

The mean refractive correction in the study and control groups, respectively, was 2.18 ± 0.78 diopters (D) (range: 1.00 to 3.50) and 2.76 ± 1.20 D (range: 1.00 to 4.50; P = .07). Corneal esthesiometry results in the study and control groups, respectively, were 6.10 ± 12.55 vs 9.90 ± 11.50 mm at 1 week (P = .001), 41.95 ± 6.98 vs 45.09 ± 5.88 mm at 1 month (P = .004), 56.09 ± 3.37 vs 56.19 ± 2.52 mm at 3 months (P = .8), and 58.60 ± 2.01 vs 58.80 ± 1.39 mm at 6 months (P = .5). Significant difference between the 2 groups in Schirmer test score that disappeared at postoperative 3 months and in TBUT and ocular surface staining that disappeared at 6 months, whereas the statistically significant difference in OSDI score persisted at 6 months (P = .03) was detected.

Conclusions:

Corneal surface sensitivity and ocular surface health are more impaired in patients undergoing FS-LASIK retreatment due to residual refractive error.
Learning Gain During a Fast Self-driven Bronchoscopy Simulation Training
Authors: Milesi Jules , Tronchetti Julie , Lovato Jean-Baptiste , Nguyen Ngoc Anh Thu , Dutau Hervé , Astoul Philippe
Published: June 2024

Background:

Nowadays, there is a growing need for competence in bronchoscopy. However, traditional mentorship-based training presents limitations in learning consistency, subjective evaluation, and patient safety concerns. Simulation-based training has gained attention for its potential to enhance skill acquisition and objective assessment. This study explores the effectiveness of self-driven bronchoscopy simulation training using high-fidelity (HFM) and low-fidelity (LFM) models on novice medical students.

Methods:

Medical students without prior bronchoscopy experience were randomly assigned to a self-learn using either HFM or LFM for 4 hours. Pre and posttests were conducted to evaluate the students' knowledge and skill gains with a modified Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool. After their test results, students were asked to answer a questionnaire based on a Likert Scale to assess their satisfaction with self-learning.

Results:

The results revealed significant progression in both groups, but the HFM group outperformed the LFM group in terms of total score, knowledge, skills, and procedure duration. Participant satisfaction with the educational process was generally high in both groups. However, this study has certain limitations, such as a small sample size, a short training period, and the absence of real evaluation in patients.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the efficacy of self-driven bronchoscopy simulation training using HFM and LFM of bronchoscopy, with HFM offering superior gain for skill and knowledge. Larger-scale and long-term studies are recommended to further investigate the effectiveness of this self-learning and retention of the bronchoscopy knowledge.
Clinical application and effect evaluation of acupoint thread embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine treatment based on menstrual cycle characteristics in the management of breast hyperplasia: An observational study
Authors: Tao Fan , Hao Yaming , Wang Dan , Zhang Weichen , Wang Feng
Published: June 2024

To evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment regimen in improving clinical symptoms, promoting tumor regression, controlling adverse reactions and complications, and enhancing patient satisfaction by comparing and analyzing the clinical data of 120 breast tumor patients. One hundred twenty patients with breast cancer were divided into a treatment group (60 cases) and a control group (60 cases) according to different treatment plans. Patients in the treatment group received a combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment based on different time points of the menstrual cycle. Including the proportion of reduction in the number of breast masses, the proportion of reduction in mass size, changes in pain severity scores, tumor regression rate, regression time, incidence of adverse reactions and complications, and patient satisfaction. Statistical software was used to analyze the data to evaluate differences between the 2 groups. In terms of clinical symptoms, the proportion of reduction in the number of breast masses in the treatment group averaged 50%, significantly higher than the 25% in the control group; the proportion of reduction in mass size averaged 40%, also higher than the 15% in the control group; and the improvement in pain severity scores was also superior to the control group. Regarding tumor regression, the tumor regression rate in the treatment group reached 85%, with an average regression time of 6.2 weeks, both significantly better than the 55% and 9.8 weeks in the control group. In terms of adverse reactions and complications, the incidence rate in the treatment group was relatively low, and no serious adverse events occurred. Patient satisfaction surveys showed that the treatment group had significantly higher satisfaction with treatment effectiveness, treatment process, and physician service attitude compared to the control group. Based on clinical data from 120 breast tumor patients, the results of this study indicate that breast tumor patients treated with a specific treatment regimen have significant advantages in improving clinical symptoms, tumor regression, controlling adverse reactions and complications, and patient satisfaction. This treatment regimen has high clinical application value and deserves further promotion.
Global research trends on systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroid cancers (1964–2023): A scientometric and visualized study
Authors: Alemi Hediyeh , Khavandgar Naghmeh , Menbari Oskouie Iman , Mardani-Fard Heydar Ali , Rostami Tahereh , AleTaha Azadeh , Peykari Niloofar , Alikhani Majid , Sajjadi-Jazi Sayed Mahmoud , Kasaeian Amir , Djalalinia Shirin , Soltani Akbar
Published: June 2024

Over the past 3 decades numerous studies have reported an association between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and thyroid cancers. However, there has been no scientometric analysis in this area of research. To perform a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the global literature published on the association between SLE and thyroid cancers. The data on publications within thyroid cancers in SLE patients were retrieved from the Scopus database using a defined search strategy from its first publication in 1964 to 2023. To conduct a collaboration mapping analysis among keywords, authors, journals, and territories, VOSviewer was utilized. Our final research resulted in 246 scientific publications with 8072 citations, which were published in 198 journals affiliated to 48 countries. A global upward trend has been observed in the last 20 years, with the highest number of publications in the year 2022 (n = 28; 11.4%). The United States led the global productivity ranking with 74 publications (30.1%), followed by China with 25 publications (10.2%). The most popular journals in this field were “Arthritis Research and Therapy” and “Frontiers in Endocrinology,” while the most co-cited journal was “Autoimmunity Reviews.” The top 3 most prolific authors were Bernatsky, S., Clarke, A.E., and Ramsey-Goldman, R with 9 publications each. This first scientometric study comprehensively offered an overview of the status of thyroid cancers in SLE patients, assessing scholarly productivity in this domain over a period of 50 years.
Two-sample Mendelian randomization studies revealed a causal relationship between insulin use and osteoporosis: An observational study
Authors: Wang Zhan , Zhou Yu-bo , Wang Long , Wang Lei , Wang Zhenbin , Chen Ping-bo
Published: June 2024

Objective:

To investigate causal associations between diabetes, insulin treatment and osteoporosis using LDSC analysis with a 2-way Mendelian randomization study.

Methods:

LDSC analysis was used to estimate the likelihood-scale heritability of the genome-wide association study used with genetic correlation between the 2 genome-wide association study used. Then a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study was performed using 3 methods including inverse variance weighted, MR Egger, and weighted median.

Results:

The genetic correlation between diabetes, insulin treatment (h2_Z = 3.70, P = 2.16e−4), osteoporosis (h2_Z = 4.93, h2_p = 8.13e−7) and genes was significant. There was a significant genetic correlation (rg = 0.122, P = 0.0211). There was a causal association between diabetes, insulin treatment and osteoporosis [P = 0.003754, OR (95%CI) = 0.998876 (0.998116−0.999636)], while no causal association existed between osteoporosis and insulin use (P = 0.998116–0.999636) causal association existed (P = 0.333244).

Conclusion:

There was a strong genetic correlation between diabetes, insulin treatment and osteoporosis, a causal association between diabetes, insulin treatment and osteoporosis, and no causal association between osteoporosis and diabetes, insulin treatment.
Dissecting the causal role of immunophenotypes in primary sclerosing cholangitis risk: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wang Haitao , Xu Yixin , Liu Zhilin
Published: June 2024

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a chronic cholestatic liver condition, is frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Specific immune cells have been implicated in PSC pathogenesis with the emergence of the “microbiota” and “gut lymphocyte homing” hypotheses, albeit their identities remain controversial. The first genome-wide association analysis leveraged nonoverlapping data from 3757 Europeans to evaluate 731 immunophenotypes. A genome-wide association analysis comprising 2871 cases and 12,019 controls yielded summary statistics for PSC. An inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis was performed to identify immunophenotypes causally related to PSC, and the results were validated using weighted mode, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the robustness, heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy of the results. IVW analysis revealed 26 immune traits exhibiting causal associations with PSC. CD3 on HLA-DR+ CD4+ (IVW odds ratio [OR]: 0.904; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.828–0.986, P = .023) and CD3 on secreting Treg (IVW OR: 0.893; 95% CI: 0.823–0.969, P = .007) were negatively associated with PSC susceptibility and demonstrated high consistency across the 3 validation methods. Moreover, 7 other immune traits, including CD39+ resting Treg absolute cell (IVW OR = 1.083, 95% CI: 1.013–1.157, P = .019), CD39+ secreting Treg absolute cell (IVW OR = 1.063, 95% CI: 1.012–1.118, P = .015), CD3 on naive CD8br (IVW OR = 0.907, 95% CI: 0.835–0.986, P = .022), CD3 on CD39+ activated Treg (IVW OR = 0.927, 95% CI: 0.864–0.994, P = .034), CD28 on resting Treg (IVW OR = 0.724, 95% CI: 0.630–0.833, P = 5.95E-06), and CD39 on CD39+ CD4+ (IVW OR = 1.055, 95% CI: 1.001–1.112, P = .044) exhibited consistent results in the Weighted Median and Weighted Mode validation methods. Moreover, no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed across the single nucleotide polymorphisms. The leave-one-out results revealed that sequentially eliminating each single nucleotide polymorphism had no significant influence on model effect estimates or qualitative inference. This study evaluated potential causal links between 731 immune traits and PSC susceptibility. Twenty-six immune traits were identified using the IVW method. Verification across multiple methods revealed 9 immune traits with a plausible causal connection to PSC. These findings may uncover mechanistic pathways and novel therapeutic approaches.
Detection and assessment of immune and stromal related risk genes to predict preeclampsia: A bioinformatics analysis with dataset
Authors: Qin Hong
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate immune score and stromal score-related signatures associated with preeclampsia (PE) and identify key genes for diagnosing PE using bioinformatics analysis. Four microarray datasets, GSE75010, GSE25906, GSE44711, and GSE10588 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. GSE75010 was utilized for differential expressed gene (DEGs) analysis. Subsequently, bioinformatic tools such as gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, weighted gene correlation network analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to functionally characterize candidate target genes involved in the pathogenesis of PE. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression approach was employed to identify crucial genes and develop a predictive model. This method also facilitated the creation of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, enabling the evaluation of the model’s precision. Furthermore, the model underwent external validation through the other three datasets. A total of 3286 DEGs were identified between normal and PE tissues. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses revealed enrichments in functions related to cell chemotaxis, cytokine binding, and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. weighted gene correlation network analysis identified 2 color modules strongly correlated with immune and stromal scores. After intersecting DEGs with immune and stromal-related genes, 13 genes were selected and added to the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Ultimately, 7 genes were screened out to establish the risk model for discriminating preeclampsia from controls, with each gene having an area under the ROC curve >0.70. The constructed risk model demonstrated that the area under the ROC curves in internal and the other three external datasets were all greater than 0.80. A 7-gene risk signature was identified to build a potential diagnostic model and performed well in the external validation group for PE patients. These findings illustrated that immune and stromal cells played essential roles in PE during its progression.
Feasibility and effect of cognitive-based board game and multi-component exercise interventions on older adults with dementia
Authors: Chang Hui-Wen , Wu Guey-Hau
Published: June 2024

Background:

Taiwan is an aging society, and the number of people with dementia is rapidly increasing. Due to a decline in cognitive and physical function, older adults with dementia not only gradually lose the ability to complete daily living tasks on their own, but are also at a higher risk of falls and injurious falls. It is important to develop interventions that combine cognitive and exercise training for older adults with dementia to promote or maintain their cognitive and physical functions and reduce their risk of falls. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effect of cognitive-based board games and multi-component exercise interventions on cognitive function, physical fitness, and fall risk in older adults with dementia.

Methods:

This was a quasi-experimental study with a single-group pretest and post-test design. The study participants were 41 community-dwelling older adults with mild to moderate dementia. They received cognitive-based board games and multi-component exercise interventions once a week for 12 weeks. The interventions included 1 hour of exercise training and 1 hour of cognitive training. Scores for the Taiwan version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-T), physical fitness, and the St. Thomas Risk Assessment Tool for Falling Elderly Inpatients (STRATIFY) were measured as outcome indicators at baseline and after the 12-week period.

Results:

The overall MoCA-T score increased significantly (effect size = 0.402), with participants with mild dementia showing a greater increase (effect size = 0.522) than those with moderate dementia (effect size = 0.310). Participants’ physical fitness performance improved. Female participants exhibited significant improvements in the 30-second chair stand test (effect size = 0.483) and 8-foot up-and-go test (effect size = 0.437). The fall risk score decreased by 0.05 points, the change was not significant.

Conclusion:

The cognitive-based board game and multi-component exercise interventions used in this study are beneficial for improving cognitive function and physical fitness in older adults with dementia. These interventions are feasible and suitable for promotion among community-dwelling and institution-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia to delay the decline in cognitive and physical function.
Sigmoido-ovarian fistula complicating ovarian carcinosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Siala Rakia , Mseddi Mohamed A. , Yaakoubi Chaima , Kassar Alia Z. , Guizeni Rami , Slima Mohamed B.
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer. Ovarian carcinosarcomas represent a rare, aggressive entity with a poor prognosis. Spontaneous fistulization of ovarian cancer into the digestive tract is a rare phenomenon.

Presentation of case:

A 67-year-old woman with a significant history of cardiac rhythm disorders was consulted for abdominal pain. Examination revealed tachycardia and abdominal guarding. Biology pictured elevated inflammatory markers and low prothrombin time. The abdominal computed tomography scan suggested a perforated sigmoid tumor with a peri-colonic abscess and pneumoperitoneum. She was rushed to the operating theater. Upon exploration, it was an ovarian tumor fistulized to sigmoid with peritonitis. She had an en-bloc resection with a terminal stoma. Control radiological study revealed diffuse lymph node metastasis. She was scheduled for chemotherapy.

Discussion:

This complication worsens the prognosis. The fistulous communication in the digestive lumen leads to the overflow of its microbial deposit. The tumor, therefore, becomes superinfected and may result in pelvic peritonitis in case of secondary rupture. On the other hand, the patient is deprived of the benefit of undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which will decrease the chances of complete macroscopic cytoreduction. Through a literature review, we aim to shed light on this rare entity in order to clarify its pathophysiological consequences and make adequate therapeutic measures.

Conclusion:

Fistulization to the large intestine worsens the prognosis of ovarian carcinosarcomas. Surgery is mandatory and should comply with oncological requirements. Adjuvant therapy is mostly needed, although more studies should be conducted to delineate the regimen accurately.
Minimally invasive spleen-preserving surgery to treat primary splenic hydatidosis: short and long-term outcomes: a cohort study
Authors: Aljaiuossi Anas , Ba-shammakh Saleh A. , Bani Hani Mohammad , Al-A’athal Musab S. , Elsobuh Yazeed M. , Abu Sarhan Hashem , Ennab Raed Mahmoud , Al-Zubi Mohammad , Alhwari Mohammad J. , Al Omari Laith G. , Mohammad Feras M. , AL lami Mohamed S. , Zeitoon Hammam B. , Alomari Saad A. , Ababneh Salman M.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Primary splenic hydatidosis, a rare manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection, presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study compares spleen-preserving surgeries with total splenectomy for treating primary splenic hydatid cysts, focusing on short- and long-term outcomes in the Jordanian context, a region particularly affected by this condition.

Methods:

This retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients diagnosed with primary splenic hydatid cysts at two Jordanian hospitals from January 2015 to June 2021. Selection criteria included confirmed diagnosis and complete medical records. Surgical approaches, including laparoscopic partial splenectomy, cystectomy, and cyst deroofing, supplemented by albendazole therapy, were compared based on patient demographics, symptoms, surgical details, complications, and recurrence rates.

Results:

The study group was composed of (n=7, 38.9%) male and (n=11, 61.1%) female patients, with an average age of 33.7 years. Most presented with left upper quadrant pain. Postoperative complications occurred in 22% of patients, with an 11% recurrence rate during follow-up. No significant statistical difference in recurrence rates was observed between spleen-preserving surgeries and total splenectomy. These findings highlight the efficacy of less invasive, spleen-preserving techniques in managing primary splenic hydatidosis, showing comparable outcomes to total splenectomy with minimal impact on recurrence rates.

Conclusion:

Spleen-preserving surgery offers a viable alternative to total splenectomy in treating primary splenic hydatid cysts. This approach maintains immune functionality and reduces septic risks, especially in pediatric patients. The study underscores the importance of individualized treatment approaches and suggests further research with larger cohorts for more comprehensive insights into managing this rare condition. The limitations of this study include its small sample size and retrospective nature.
Pediatric Facial Fracture Associated Craniofacial and Cervical Spine Injury
Authors: Harrison Lucas M. , Dragun Anthony J. , Prezelski Kayla , Hallac Rami R. , Seaward James R. , Kane Alex A.
Published: June 2024

Management of pediatric facial fractures depends on location and severity, age, and associated injuries. Accurate diagnosis of associated injuries is crucial for effective treatment. This study evaluates the incidence of associated injuries and seeks to determine the influencing factors to provide imaging guidance. A retrospective review of pediatric facial fractures from the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank from 2017 to 2021 was completed. Associated cervical spine (c-spine), skull fracture, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and intracranial bleeding were evaluated. Demographics, fracture patterns, mechanisms, protective devices, and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were reviewed. A total of 44,781 pediatric patients with 65,613 facial fractures were identified. Of the total, 5.47% had a c-spine injury, 21.86% had a skull fracture, 18.82% had TBI, and 5.76% had intracranial bleeding. Multiple fractures significantly increased the rate of all associated cranial and c-spine injuries. Single midface fractures had the highest c-spine, TBI, and intracranial bleeding rates. With increasing age, there was a significant increase in c-spine injury and TBI, while there was a decrease in skull fractures. Motor vehicle accidents and GCS <13 were associated with significantly increased rates of all injuries. Among pediatric patients with facial fractures, 5.47% had a c-spine injury, 21.86% had a skull fracture, 18.82% had TBI, and 5.76% had intracranial bleeding. The authors’ findings recommend c-spine imaging in older age and cranial imaging in younger patients. Multiple facial fractures, fractures of the midface, decreased GCS, and motor vehicle accidents increase the need for both c-spine and cranial imaging.
Periorbital Lumps After the Injection of Hyaluronic Acid of Forehead: A Complication of Facial Fillers
Authors: Jin Ming-jia , Gao Yang
Published: June 2024

With the increasing application of hyaluronic acid injection, the complications are gradually increasing. Fillers are implants, and essentially foreign bodies, and filler injection is a blind procedure in which the physician is unable to see exactly where the material is placed. With these characteristics, injectable fillers have the potential for a myriad of complications. During this case, we found that with the correct diagnosis of filler migration and hypersensitivity reactions and injecting hyaluronidase immediately, good clinical results can be obtained.