bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of 17 cases of mesenteric panniculitis in Zhengzhou Ninth People’s Hospital in China
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Zhao Zhenyu , Cao Qiucai , Ning Jing
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) represents the uncommon, benign and chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the mesenteric adipose tissues. Its etiology, diagnosis and treatment remain unnoticed. Our report focused on shedding more lights on this condition.

Patients and methods

Seventeen MP patients were identified by searching the electronic medical record system in the Zhengzhou Ninth People’s Hospital using the search terms “Mesenteric panniculitis” from October 2015 to March 2023. All cases were diagnosed with MP through computed tomography (CT). Their clinical features and treatments were analyzed.

Results

There were altogether 17 cases enrolled for this analysis. The male to female ratio was 8:9, and the median age at diagnosis was 64 (range: 37–96) years. There were 15 patients (88.2%) showing abdominal pain to varying degrees. The proportions of symptoms of nausea, vomiting and fever were 23.5%, 23.5% and 41.2%, respectively. Neoplastic disease was present in 3 patients (17.6%). Meanwhile, 9 patients (52.9%) had gallstones, 3 (17.6%) had cholecystitis and 1 (5.9%) had gallbladder polyps. Six patients (35.3%) received antibiotics treatment only and 1 (5.9%) received oral antibiotics and prednisone. One patient (5.9%) received antibiotics followed by prednisone treatment, because the symptoms were significantly relieved after antibiotic treatment, while the disease recurred soon after, and the symptoms improved again after prednisone treatment. The abdominal pain in 9 patients (52.9%) was relieved spontaneously. Two patients (11.8%) died, including one due to respiratory failure caused by pneumonia and the other one because of pancreatic cancer with lung and liver metastases.

Conclusion

MP is a poorly understood chronic inflammatory disease. Patients often have abdominal pain as the main symptom, accompanied by comorbidities in the gallbladder, and the prognosis is usually good after correct diagnosis and treatment, Therefore, the present report aims to promote the awareness among clinicians of patients with non-classic abdominal symptoms, so as to avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.
Cardiovascular disease and the risk of incident falls and mortality among adults aged ≥ 65 years presenting to the emergency department: a cohort study from national registry data in Denmark
Authors: O’Halloran Aisling M. , Cremers Jolien , Vrangbæk Karsten , Roe Lorna , Bourke Robert , Mortensen Laust H. , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: January 2024

Background

Falls cause 58% of injury-related Emergency Department (ED) attendances. Previous research has highlighted the potential role of cardiovascular risk factors for falls. This study investigated the impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk on three-year incident falls, with presentation to the ED, and mortality.

Methods

A matched cohort study design was employed using national registry data from 82,292 adults (33% male) aged ≥ 65 years living in Denmark who attended the ED in 2013. We compared age and gender matched ED attendees presenting with a fall versus another reason. The cohort was followed for three-year incident falls, with presentation to the ED, and mortality. The impact of falls-related CVDs was also examined.

Results

Three-year incident falls was twofold higher among age and gender matched ED attendees aged ≥ 65 years presenting with a fall versus another reason at baseline. A presentation of falls with hip fracture had the highest percentage of incident falls in the 65–74 age group (22%) and the highest percentage mortality in all age groups (27–62%). CVD was not a significant factor in presenting with a fall at the ED, nor did it contribute significantly to the prediction of three-year incident falls. CVD was strongly associated with mortality risk among the ED fall group (RR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.67–1.97) and showed interactions with both age and fall history.

Conclusion

In this large study of adults aged ≥ 65 years attending the ED utilising data from national administrative registers in Denmark, we confirm that older adults attending the ED with a fall, including those with hip fracture, were at greatest risk for future falls. While CVD did not predict incident falls, it increased the risk of mortality in the three-year follow up with advancing age. This may be informative for the provision of care pathways for older adults attending the ED due to a fall.
Virtual reality exposure therapy to decrease anxiety before surgical invasive procedures in hemodialysis patients: an interventional study
Authors: Hosseini Tahereh , Hooshmandja Manijeh , Noaparast Morteza , Mojtahedzadeh Rita , Mohammadi Aeen
Published: January 2024

Background

Hemodialysis patients are prone to anxiety and depression due to physiological changes and psychological tensions that leave irreversible effects on the patients. In this regard, the present study was an attempt to provide a simulated situation by using virtual reality on the anxiety level of dialysis patients before performing surgical procedures.

Methods

This non-equivalent groups pre-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2022 in a hemodialysis ward of Imam Khomeini General Hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The study population was patients suffering from kidney failure referred to this hospital. The participants were 30 patients selected from the study population, who were allocated into two groups (15 in each experimental and control group). The control group received routine training in the ward. The experimental group participants watched five educational virtual reality (VR) contents in addition to the routine training. They used head-mounted display VR (VR BOX headset 2.0 virtual reality glasses) to immerse in a virtual environment similar to the real world covering the experience of entering the operating room, during the surgery, and after surgery. The data gathering instrument was a valid and reliable anxiety inventory. The collected data was analyzed at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

The study findings indicated that the anxiety scores of the experimental and control groups had no significant difference before intervention. However, after the intervention of virtual reality, the state and trait anxiety of the experimental group participants were significantly lower than the control group (P-value < 0.01).

Conclusion

The application of VR for maintenance hemodialysis patients before invasive surgical procedures decreases patients’ anxiety. Considering the devastating and undeniable impacts of anxiety on the lives of patients referring to hemodialysis centers, the application of VR is suggested to decrease their anxiety.
Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironment between primary tumor and brain metastases in NSCLC
Authors: Liu Jin-Sheng , Cai Yu-Xiang , He Yong-Ze , Xu Jian , Tian Su-Fang , Li Zhi-Qiang
Published: January 2024

Background

Brain metastasis is a common outcome in non-small cell lung cancer, and despite aggressive treatment, its clinical outcome is still frustrating. In recent years, immunotherapy has been developing rapidly, however, its therapeutic outcomes for primary lung cancer and brain metastases are not the same, suggesting that there may be differences in the immune microenvironment of primary lung cancer and brain metastases, however, we currently know little about these differences.

Methods

Seventeen paired samples of NSCLC and their brain metastases and 45 other unpaired brain metastases samples were collected for the current study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on all samples for the following markers: immune checkpoints CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, B7-H3, B7-H4, IDO1, and EphA2; tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD20; tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs) CD68 and CD163; and tumor proliferation index Ki-67. The differences in expression of these markers were compared in 17 paired samples, and the effect of the expression level of these markers on the prognosis of patients was analyzed in lung adenocarcinoma brain metastases samples. Subsequently, multiplex immunofluorescence staining was performed in a typical lung-brain paired sample based on the aforementioned results. The multiplex immunofluorescence staining results revealed the difference in tumor immune microenvironment between primary NSCLC and brain metastases.

Results

In 17 paired lesions, the infiltration of CTLA-4+ (P = 0.461), PD-1+ (P = 0.106), CD3+ (P = 0.045), CD4+ (P = 0.037), CD8+ (P = 0.008), and CD20+ (P = 0.029) TILs in brain metastases were significantly decreased compared with primary tumors. No statistically significant difference was observed in the CD68 (P = 0.954) and CD163 (P = 0.654) TAM infiltration between primary NSCLC and paired brain metastases. In all the brain metastases lesions, the expression of PD-L1 is related to the time interval of brain metastases in NSCLC. In addition, the Cox proportional hazards regression models showed high expression of B7-H4 (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.276, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.335–8.041, P = 0.010) and CD68 TAM infiltration (HR = 3.775, 95% CI 1.419–10.044, P = 0.008) were independent prognosis factors for lung adenocarcinoma brain metastases patients.

Conclusions

Both temporal and spatial heterogeneity is present between the primary tumor and brain metastases of NCSLC. Brain metastases lesions exhibit a more immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment. B7-H4 and CD68+ TAMs may have potential therapeutic value for lung adenocarcinoma brain metastases patients.
Long-term outcomes with HLX01 (HanliKang®), a rituximab biosimilar, in previously untreated patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: 5-year follow-up results of the phase 3 HLX01-NHL03 study
Authors: Qin Yan , Song Yongping , Wang Dong , Bai Ou , Feng Jifeng , Sun Xiuhua , Qiu Lihua , Yang Jianmin , Yang Yu , Wang Zhao , Hu Jianda , Wang Huaqing , Su Hang , Jin Zhengming , Qian Wenbin , Jin Chuan , Zhang Mingzhi , Yu Ding , Liu Li , Chen Guoan , Li Yarong , Sun Tao , Jin Jie , Bao Huizheng , Du Xin , Zhou Hui , Fu Gan , Shi Yuankai
Published: January 2024

HLX01 (HanliKang®) is a rituximab biosimilar that showed bioequivalence to reference rituximab in untreated CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the phase 3 HLX01-NHL03 study. Here, we report the 5-year follow-up results from the open-label extension part. Patients were randomised to either rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or HLX01 plus CHOP (H-CHOP) every 21 days for up to six cycles. The primary efficacy endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary efficacy endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Of the 407 patients enrolled in HLX01-NHL03, 316 patients (H-CHOP = 157; R-CHOP = 159) were included in the 5-year follow-up for a median duration of 65.1 (range, 2.2–76.5) months. 96.5% of the patients had an International Prognostic Index (IPI) of 1 or 2, and 17.7% had bone marrow involvement. The 5-year OS rates were 81.0% (95% CI: 74.9–87.5%) and 75.4% (95% CI: 68.9–82.6%)( HR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.47–1.20; p = 0.23) while 5-year PFS rates were 77.7% (95% CI: 71.4–84.6%) and 73.0% (95% CI: 66.3–80.3%) (HR: 0.84, 95% CI 0.54–1.30; p = 0.43) in the H-CHOP and R-CHOP groups, respectively. Treatment outcomes did not differ between groups regardless of IPI score and were consistent with the primary analysis. H-CHOP and R-CHOP provided no significant difference in 5-year OS or PFS in previously untreated patients with low or low-intermediate risk DLBCL.
An update of clinical value of circulating tumor DNA in esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yaozhong , Du Huazhen , Wang Na , Wang Lei , Huang Yajie
Published: January 2024

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a deadly disease with limited therapeutic options. Although circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could be a promising tool in this regard, the availiable evidence is limited. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the clinical applicability of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technology on the ctDNA detection of the EC and listed the current challenges.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID), ISI Web of Science database and Cochrane Library from January, 2000 to April, 2023. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were set as primary outcome endpoints. Pathologic response was evaluated by tumor regression grade (TRG), according to the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). Major pathologic regression (MPR) was defined as TRG 1 and 2. The MPR was set as secondary endpoint. Hazard rate (HR) and associated 95% CI were used as the effect indicators the association between ctDNA and prognosis of EC. MPR rates were also calculated. Fixed-effect model (Inverse Variance) or random-effect model (Mantel-Haenszel method) was performed depending on the statistically heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty-two studies, containing 1144 patients with EC, were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that OS (HR = 3.87; 95% CI, 2.86–5.23) and PFS (HR = 4.28; 95% CI, 3.34–5.48) were shorter in ctDNA-positive patients. In the neoadjuvant therapy, the sensitivity analysis showed the clarified HR of ctDNA-positive was 1.13(95% CI, 1.01–1.28). We also found that TP53, NOTCH1, CCND1 and CNKN2A are the most frequent mutation genes.

Conclusions

Positive ctDNA is associated with poor prognosis, which demonstrated clinical value of ctDNA. Longitudinal ctDNA monitoring showed potential prognostic value in the neoadjuvant therapy. In an era of precision medicine, ctDNA could be a promising tool to individualize treatment planning and to improve outcomes in EC.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023412465.
Retinitis after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with multiple intraocular viral infections (cytomegalovirus, Epstein‒Barr virus and herpes simplex virus)- a case report
Authors: Liu Mengyun , He Hengqian , Zhang Juntao , Xin Shuanghua , Lu Qinkang , Zhang Lifang , Ren Weina
Published: January 2024

Background

To report a case of retinitis with multiple intraocular viral infections after second haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old female patient developed retinitis after a second haematopoietic stem cell transplant. Right eye was tested for three viral infections– cytomegalovirus, Epstein‒Barr virus and herpes simplex virus, while left was infected with cytomegalovirus. The patient was subsequently treated with vitreous cavity ganciclovir injections, and 1 week later both eyes tested negative for aqueous humour viruses.

Discussion and conclusion

CMV, EBV and HSV belong to the herpes virus family. They are all commonly observed in the body and represent opportunity infectious viruses. The retinitis they cause have different characteristics. But simultaneous infection of the eye by multiple viruses is quite rare. In this case, three viruses were detected in the patient’s eye, but whether the retina was caused by all three viruses at the same time could not be determined. A satisfactory outcome was achieved after treatment with vitreous cavity ganciclovir injection.
Effects of a physical education intervention on children’s physical activity and fitness: the PROFIT pilot study
Authors: Reis Luiza Naujorks , Reuter Cézane Priscila , Burns Ryan Donald , Martins Clarice Maria de Lucena , Mota Jorge , Gaya Adroaldo Cezar Araujo , Silveira João Francisco de Castro , Gaya Anelise Reis
Published: January 2024

Background

Physical education classes are widely accepted as one of the most effective settings for promoting physical activity and health and have often been used to implement physical activity interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children.

Methods

Participants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework.

Results

Physical fitness variables showed improvements after the intervention, specifically for agility (ATET = -0.67 s; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (ATET = 89.27 m; p = 0.045), lower limbs power (ATET = 4.47 centimeters; p = 0.025), and speed (ATET = -1.06 s; p < 0.001). For physical activity and SB levels, there were no improvements after intervention implementation.

Conclusion

The intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness to improve physical fitness of children, but not SB nor physical activity.
Food budget ratio as an equitable metric for food affordability and insecurity: a population-based cohort study of 121 remote Indigenous communities in Canada
Authors: Guan Jennifer , Wang Jeremy C.-H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Food insecurity is a public health issue for many regions globally, and especially Indigenous communities. We propose food budget ratio (FBR)—the ratio of food spending to after-tax income—as an affordability metric that better aligns with health equity over traditional price-focused metrics. Existing census and inflation monitoring programs render FBR an accessible tool for future affordability research.

Methods

Public census and food pricing datasets from 2011 to 2021 were analyzed to evaluate food affordability for a cohort of 121 remote Indigenous communities in Canada (n = 80,354 persons as of March 2021). Trends in population-weighted versus community-weighted averages, inflation-adjusted mean price of the Revised Northern Food Basket (RNFB), and distributions of FBR, per-capita price of food, and per-capita after-tax income were calculated and compared to Canada at large.

Results

Population-weighted versus community-weighted mean price of the RNFB differed by < 5% for most points in time, peaking at 17%. Mean raw price of the RNFB was relatively stable, while mean inflation-adjusted price of the RNFB decreased 19%. Mean and standard deviation in FBR trended downwards from (0.40; 0.21) in 2011 to (0.25; 0.10) in 2021, while the mean for Canada held stable at 0.10 ± 0.01. Mean and standard deviation in inflation-adjusted per-capita price of food fell from ($5,621; $493) to ($4,510; $243), while the Canada-wide mean rose from $2,189 to $2,567; values for per-capita after-tax income increased from ($17,384; $7,816) to ($21,661; $9,707), while the Canada-wide mean remained between $24,443 and $26,006. Current Nutrition North Canada (NNC) subsidy rates correlate closely with distance to nearest transportation hub (σXY = 0.68 to 0.70) whereas food pricing, after-tax income, and FBR correlate poorly with distance (σXY = -0.22 to 0.03).

Conclusions

The FBR approach yields greater insights on food affordability compared to price-based results, while using readily available public datasets. Whereas 19% reductions in RNFB per-capita food price were observed, FBR decreased 63% yet remained 2.5 times the Canada-wide FBR. The reduction in FBR was driven both by the reduced price of food and a 25% increase in after-tax income. It is recommended that NNC consider FBR for performance measurement and setting subsidy rates.
Pertussis seasonal variation in Northern Vietnam: the evidence from a tertiary hospital
Authors: Pham Nhung TH , Bui Quyen TT , Tran Dien M , Larsson Mattias , Pham Mai P , Olson Linus
Published: January 2024

Background

Pertussis is a highly contagious and dangerous respiratory disease that threatens children’s health in many countries, including Vietnam, despite vaccine coverage. From 2015 to 2018, Vietnam experienced an increasing number of pertussis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the trend and examine the seasonal variations of pertussis in North Vietnam.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records of all under-5-year-old inpatients admitted to the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam (VNCH) 2015–2018. A descriptive analysis was performed to describe the distribution of incident cases by year and season. Linear multivariable regression was conducted to investigate the association between the incidence of cases and seasonality adjusted by age and vaccination status.

Results

We identified 1063 laboratory-confirmed patients during 2015–2018, including 247 (23.2%) severe patients. The number of pertussis patients admitted to VNCH per 1000 hospitalizations was 3.2 in 2015, compared to 1.9, 3.1, and 2.1 in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. Outbreaks occurred biennially; however, there was no significant difference in the number of severe patients over this period. Most cases occurred in the hot season (509 patients, or nearly half of the study population). With the adjustment of the vaccination rate and average age, the risk of pertussis-associated hospitalization in the mild season and the hot season was 21% (95% CI [0.12; 0.3]) and 15% (95% CI [0.05; 0.25]) higher than that in the warm season, respectively. The rate of hospitalizations was high in the mild season (28.9%) and the warm season (30.8%), nearly twice as much as that in the hot season; nevertheless, the death rate was only striking high in the mild season, about 5–6 times as much as those in the other seasons.

Conclusion

The pertussis incidence in Northern Vietnam varied between seasons, peaking in the hot season (April-July). However, severe patients and deaths increased in the mild season (December-March). Interventions, for example, communication activities on pertussis and vaccination, are of immense importance in lowering the prevalence of pertussis. In addition, early diagnoses and early warnings performed by health professionals should be encouraged.
Association between living in the endemic area and level of knowledge of visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Moradi-Asl Eslam , Abbasi-Ghahramanloo Abbas , Adham Davoud , Saghafipour Abedin , Arzamani Kourosh , Soltani Aboozar , Nejati Jalil , Firozian Samira , Jalilian Ali , Kazempoor Samad , Darvishi Mohammad , Ozbaki Gorban Mohamad
Published: January 2024

Background

Iran is a country with a high prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and seven endemic provinces. In this study, we tried to identify unobserved classes of knowledge among Iranians toward VL and assess the predictors of each latent class.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected participants from endemic and non-endemic areas of VL in Iran in 2020 and 2021. The collected data included demographic characteristics and questions about knowledge, attitude, and practice toward VL. We performed latent class analysis using a procedure for latent class analysis (PROC LCA) in SAS to identify the class membership of knowledge of participants toward VL.

Results

Five latent classes were identified: very low (38.9%), low (15.5%), moderate (6.2%), high (14.1%), and very high (25.2%) knowledge about VL. Living in endemic areas significantly increased the odds of belonging to the low (adjusted OR (AOR = 7.23; 95% confidence interval (CI):4.52–11.58), high (AOR = 2.71; 95%CI: 1.73–4.23), and very high (AOR = 8.47; 95%CI: 5.78–12.41) classes compared to the very low class. Also, having academic education increased the odds of membership in the very high class (AOR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.61–3.47) compared to the very low class.

Conclusion

This study revealed that more than 50% of the participants fell into the latent classes of very low and low knowledge toward VL. Some educational workshops in the endemic areas could be effective in enhancing knowledge about VL.
Facilitator experiences and lessons learned from the Betel nut intervention trial (BENIT)
Authors: Rojas Gena A. , Erari Silvera , Paulino Yvette C. , Herzog Thaddeus A.
Published: January 2024

Background

The Betel Nut Intervention Trial (BENIT; ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT02942745) is the first known randomized intervention trial specifically designed for areca nut chewers in the western Pacific region who want to quit. The current study is a separate, exploratory study that examined the experiences of the BENIT facilitators during its implementation in Guam and Saipan of the Northern Mariana Islands and the extent to which the BENIT protocol was adapted to meet the participants’ and facilitators’ needs.

Methods

All six BENIT program facilitators completed an online survey consisting of quantitative (Likert scale) and qualitative (open-ended) questions. Survey items were grouped as follows: facilitator demographics, prior training and preparation, BENIT experience, beliefs about the program’s effectiveness, and beliefs about protocol adaptations.

Results

Most of the facilitators felt prepared to deliver the BENIT program after several weeks of moderately intensive training. Facilitators felt the BENIT program was generally effective and that the “trigger logs” and “self-monitoring logs” worked as intended. However, they also noted that more time and support would have been helpful to overcome some of the obstacles inherent to implementing a novel program.

Conclusion

The current findings can be used to inform, modify, and tailor subsequent areca nut cessation programs in Micronesian communities and to improve future versions of BENIT.
Influence of the intelligent knee osteoarthritis lifestyle app (iKOALA) on knee joint pain
Authors: Stevenson Richard D.M. , Chowdhury Enhad A. , Lobo Jesudas , Western Max J. , Bilzon James L.J.
Published: January 2024

Background

The intelligent knee osteoarthritis lifestyle app (iKOALA) has been co-developed with target users to extend the support for physical activity (PA) and musculoskeletal health, beyond short-term structured rehabilitation, using personalised PA guidance, education, and social support. The purpose of this study was to assess the preliminary effectiveness and usability of the iKOALA digital intervention on indices of musculoskeletal (MSK) health, symptoms, and physical activity levels in a broad range of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) over 12 weeks to inform the design of a larger randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Thirty-eight (33 female) participants living in the UK with a mean (SD) age of 58 (± 9) years diagnosed radiographically or clinically with KOA completed a 12-week user trial of the iKOALA. Participants completed an in-app physical activity questionnaire which intelligently recommended suitable strengthening and aerobic based activities to individuals. Throughout the trial, participants wore a physical activity monitor and were given access to functions within the app (physical activity (PA) reminders, information and education, symptom and PA tracking as well as social support forums) to support them in maintaining their PA plan. Participants completed a MSK questionnaire for chronic symptoms and quality of life (MSK-HQ) as well as an acute iKOALA symptoms questionnaire (confidence, fatigue, mood, pain during the day/night, sleep and ability to walk) in the week prior to starting and following completion of the trial.

Results

Physical activity levels were consistent over the 12 weeks with total daily steps of 9102 (± 3514) in week 1, 9576 (± 4214) in week 6 and 9596 (± 3694) in week 12. Group mean changes in all iKOALA MSK symptom scores and the total MSK-HQ (pre 33.1 (7.6) vs. post 40.2 (7.6)) score improved significantly (p < .001, 95% CI [-8.89, -5.16]) over the 12-week period.

Conclusions

Physical activity levels were maintained at a high level throughout the 12 weeks. Significant improvements in mean MSK symptom scores and the total MSK-HQ score were also observed. Efforts to ensure more generalised reach amongst sex and socioeconomic status of the digital intervention in a randomised controlled clinical trial are warranted.
Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty improves implant position and early functional recovery for the knee with severe varus/valgus deformity
Authors: Yang Yang , Jiang Lingjun , Zhou Xiaoxiao , Zhou Xiaobo , Chen Haixiao , Chen Zhongyi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (r-TKA) facilitates precise bone resection and lower limb alignment, yet accuracy and functional recovery for severe varus/valgus deformity is not well-documented. The aim of study was to investigate whether r-TKA improves implant alignment in the coronal and sagittal view and early functional recovery compared to conventional TKA(c-TKA).

Methods

This comparative study included 86 patients with symptomatic knee arthritis who underwent primary TKA at our institution between 1st May and 31th November 2021. Radiological parameters evaluated included hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), femoral varus-valgus angle (FVVA), tibial varus-valgus angle (TVVA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA), femoral sagittal angle (FSA), posterior condylar offset ratio, and Insall-Salvati index. Operative time, stay length, and complications were reviewed from patient records. The hospital for special surgery (HSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and knee joint motion range were evaluated at the six-month follow-up.

Results

The c-TKA and r-TKA groups had no significant differences in HKAA (179.73 ± 3.76°, range: 172.10-188.90° vs. 180.53 ± 2.91°, range: 173.30-188.32°, p = 0.277), FVVA (96.13 ± 2.61°, range: 90.27-101.52° vs. 96.38 ± 2.23°, range: 90.98-100.95°, p = 0.636), and TVVA (88.74 ± 2.03°, range: 83.75–92.74° vs. 89.43 ± 1.83°, range: 85.32–94.15°, p = 1.000). Outlier of mechanical alignment incidence (> 3°) was significantly lower in r-TKA compared with c-TKA, 17.50% (7/40) vs. 41.30% (19/46), (p = 0.017). PTSA of r-TKA remained significantly lower than c-TKA (p = 0.009) in mild-deformity patients. For severe varus/valgus deformity, r-TKA had a significantly lesser HKAA-outlier incidence (p = 0.025), PTSA-outlier incidence (p = 0.019), and lower PTSA (p < 0.001) compared with c-TKA. The r-TKA functional outcome was better than c-TKA regarding HSS (93.12 ± 1.97, range: 90–95, 95%CI:92.11–94.13 vs. 91.33 ± 2.50, range: 85–95, 95%CI:90.20-92.69, p = 0.036), and VAS (0.24 ± 0.44, range:0–1 vs. 0.72 ± 0.75, range:0–2, p = 0.026), knee joint flexion (118.53° ± 8.06, range: 105–130°, 95%CI:114.39-122.67° vs. 112.22 ± 8.09°, range: 100–130°, 95%CI:108.20-116.24° ,p = 0.027) for severe varus/valgus deformity.

Conclusion

r-TKA improved lower-limb coronal alignment, sagittal implant position, and early functional recovery for patients with severe varus/valgus deformity of the knee. r-TKA did not confer substantial advantages over c-TKA in both radiological and clinical outcomes for the mild varus/valgus deformity.
Sexual function index adaptation for breast cancer patients (FSFI-BC)- translation and psychometric properties of Persian version
Authors: Masjoudi Marzieh , Keshavarz Zohre , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Kashani Farah Lotfi , Nasiri Malihe , Mirzaei Hamid-Reza
Published: January 2024

Background

Effective interventions to improve sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors need screening of these dysfunctions with a suitable instrument. The aim of present study was translation and identifying psychometric properties of Female Sexual Function Index – Adapted for Breast Cancer (FSFI-BC) which has been specifically developed for breast cancer survivors.

Method

This methodological study was performed between February 2017 and October 2018. 200 breast cancer survivors in stage 1 or 2 who were selected through convenience sampling method, completed the questionnaire. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s alfa and test re-test analysis and construct validity was performed through confirmatory (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis( EFA).

Results

Six factors were extracted in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). These factors explained 74.6% of the total variance in in NSA group and 0.821 in SA group. Reliability evaluation indicated high internal consistency and good test re-test reliability. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in all areas of the tool was above 0.7 (the lowest and the highest measures were 0.885 and 0.945, respectively), which is a good indicator for reliability of an instrument. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fitness for seven factors of FSFI-BC questionnaire (Normed Fit Index or NFI = 0.9 for both groups, Comparative of Fit Index or CFI = 0.93 and 0.92, χ 2/df = 1.68 and 1.71 for SA(Sexually Active) and NSA(No Sexually Active) individuals, respectively) .

Conclusion

Study findings suggest that Persian version of FSFI-BC is a suitable instrument for sexual dysfunction screening in breast cancer survivors.
Investigating academic performance and perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology courses among undergraduate students of physical education at a Brazilian public university
Authors: Rodrigues Mila Alves Matos , Silva Rizia Rocha , Santos Douglas Assis Teles , de Freitas João Victor Rosa , Gentil Paulo , Vieira Carlos Alexandre , Rebelo Ana Cristina Silva , Andrade Marília Santos , Campos Mário Hebling , de Conti Teixeira Costa Gustavo , Knechtle Beat , Vancini Rodrigo Luiz , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To compare the academic performance of undergraduate students in physical education who studied exercise physiology before and after studying human physiology and investigate students’ perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology courses.

Methods

This study included 311 undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Participants were divided into two groups: those who had previously attended and completed the human physiology course (group 1, n = 212, 68.2%) and those who had not previously attended or had attended but failed the human physiology course (group 2, n = 99, 31.8%). The prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using a Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimator. The second aim comprised 67 students with bachelor’s degrees in physical education who completed an electronic questionnaire about their perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology curriculum.

Results

Compared with those who attended human physiology and passed, those who had not previously attended or had attended but failed the human physiology course have a higher PR of 2.37 (95% CI, 1.68–3.34) for failing exercise physiology. Regarding the students’ perceptions of human physiology and exercise physiology courses, most students reported that they were challenging (58.2% and 64.2%, respectively), but they also recognized the importance of these courses for professional practice (59.7% and 85.1%, respectively).

Conclusion

Human physiology should be considered a prerequisite for an undergraduate course leading to a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Furthermore, students considered human physiology and exercise physiology courses important yet challenging. Therefore, continuous student assessment is vital for improving the teaching–learning process.
Emerging roles of the Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) in the context of viral infections
Authors: Corda Pedro O. , Bollen Mathieu , Ribeiro Daniela , Fardilha Margarida
Published: January 2024

Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase in eukaryotes, participating in several cellular processes and metabolic pathways. Due to their low substrate specificity, PP1’s catalytic subunits do not exist as free entities but instead bind to Regulatory Interactors of Protein Phosphatase One (RIPPO), which regulate PP1’s substrate specificity and subcellular localization. Most RIPPOs bind to PP1 through combinations of short linear motifs (4–12 residues), forming highly specific PP1 holoenzymes. These PP1-binding motifs may, hence, represent attractive targets for the development of specific drugs that interfere with a subset of PP1 holoenzymes. Several viruses exploit the host cell protein (de)phosphorylation machinery to ensure efficient virus particle formation and propagation. While the role of many host cell kinases in viral life cycles has been extensively studied, the targeting of phosphatases by viral proteins has been studied in less detail. Here, we compile and review what is known concerning the role of PP1 in the context of viral infections and discuss how it may constitute a putative host-based target for the development of novel antiviral strategies.
SARS-CoV-2 neurovascular invasion supported by Mendelian randomization
Authors: Pan Yiji , Zhang Jun , He Tao
Published: January 2024

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known to affect vessels and nerves and can be easily visualized in the retina. However, the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on retinal morphology remains controversial. In the present research, we applied Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the association between SARS-CoV-2 and changes in the thickness of the inner retina.

Methods

Two-sample MR analysis was conducted using summary-level data from 3 open genome-wide association study databases concerning COVID-19 infection (2,942,817 participants) and COVID-19 hospitalization (2,401,372 participants); moreover, the dataset of inner retina thickness, including the macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL), included 31,434 optical coherence tomography (OCT) images derived from healthy UK Biobank participants. All the participants were of European ancestry. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) meta-analysis was used as our primary method. Various complementary MR approaches were established to provide robust causal estimates under different assumptions.

Results

According to our MR analysis, genetically predicted COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of mRNFL and mGCIPL thickness (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.20–2.52, P = 3.58 × 10–3; OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.49–3.96, P = 3.6 × 10–4). The other MR methods produced consistent results. However, genetically predicted COVID-19 hospitalization did not affect the thickness of the inner retina (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.90–1.37, P = 0.32; OR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.88–1.85, P = 0.19).

Conclusion

This work provides the first genetically predictive causal evidence between COVID-19 infection and inner retinal thickness in a European population. These findings will contribute to further understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and stimulate improvements in treatment modalities.
Erythroid variant evolving from chronic myeloid leukemia resistant to multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a rare case report
Authors: Lee Michelle Hyunju , Song Amy , Li Julie Y.
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of BCR::ABL1 fusion gene resulting from a reciprocal translocation, t(9;22)(q34;q11.2), leading to prominent granulocytic proliferation. The majority of patients initially present in chronic phase (CP), which may progress to advanced CML with predominantly granulocytic phenotypes in the absence of proper treatment or response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We present an exceptionally rare case in which an erythroid variant emerged from a CML patient resistant to multiple TKIs. This variant is characterized by the detection of t(9;22) BCR::ABL1 fusion in erythroid precursors at various maturation stages and the absence of granulocytic progenitor hyperplasia typically seen in classical CML.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old female with CP-CML had received multiple TKI therapies since her initial diagnosis in 2015. Due to intolerable side effects and inconsistent adherence, she exhibited an inadequate response and developed new-onset pancytopenia. Bone marrow (BM) biopsy specimen revealed a hypercellular marrow with significant erythroid hyperplasia (90% of marrow cellularity) and a reversed myeloid-to-erythroid (M: E) ratio of 1:10. Both erythroid and myeloid cells displayed progressive maturation without dysplasia or excess blasts. Chromosomal analysis identified t(9;22) (q34;q11.2) in 19 out of 20 metaphase cells. BCR::ABL1 fusion transcript (p210 isoform) was confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Notably, no additional pathogenic cytogenetic abnormalities or ABL1 kinase domain mutations were detected. Here, we report the first published case of an erythroid variant emerging in a CML patient resistant to multiple TKIs—a distinct entity from the erythroid blast crisis evolving from CML.

Conclusion

The erythroid variant of CML is distinguished by the presence of t(9;22) (q34;q11.2) BCR::ABL1 in predominant erythroid precursors at different stages of maturation. In a myeloid neoplasm showing predominant erythroid hyperplasia without typical CML features, it is vital to correlate morphology and t(9;22) BCR::ABL1 cytogenetic testing for accurate diagnosis, and to prevent confusion with PEL transformation in CML.
Improvement of germination rate and hybridization to facilitate breeding of an industrial oil crop, Euphorbia lagascae Spreng
Authors: Istaitieh Maram , Todd Jim F. , Van Acker Rene C. , Yoosefzadeh-Najafabadi Mohsen , Rajcan Istvan
Published: January 2024

Background

The potential of plant-based sources of vernolic acid to provide agricultural producers with a market diversification opportunity and industrial manufacturers with a renewable, environmentally friendly chemical feedstock is immense. The herbaceous wild spurge or caper spurge (Euphorbia lagascae Spreng) is the most promising source of vernolic acid, containing an average oil content of 50%, of which around 60% is vernolic acid. Its seed yield ranges between 500 and 2000 kg ha−1, and a theoretical yield of 180 kg ha−1 of pure vernolic acid is possible. The objective of this research was to characterize the flower and whole plant morphology so to allow for the development of a method to efficiently hybridize E. lagasce plants for breeding purposes.

Results

In this study, we have characterized the flower and whole plant morphology in detail, thereby, developing an efficient method for hybridization of E. lagasce to allow for its breeding and improvement as a novel oil crop. Such method was not described previously in the literature making it difficult to breed this crop. We believe that the method will be of great value to plant breeders working on optimizing the crop, particularly in terms of the development of non-shattering cultivars with enhanced germination potential.

Conclusions

The successful development of this crop through plant breeding could provide substantial economic benefits to farmers by offering them a new industrial oilseed crop. This research could prove invaluable in unlocking the potential of E. lagasce, and in turn, the potential of vernolic acid as a renewable, environmentally friendly source of chemical feedstock.
KAS-seq profiling captures transcription dynamics during oocyte maturation
Authors: An Huiqing , Wang Xiuwan , Li Jiashuo , Sun Hongzheng , Zhu Shuai , Ge Juan , Han Longsen , Shen Bin , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2024

In fully grown oocytes, the genome is considered to be globally transcriptionally silenced. However, this conclusion is primarily derived from the results obtained through immunofluorescence staining or inferred from the highly condensed state of chromosomes, lacking more direct evidence. Here, by using a kethoxal-assisted single-stranded DNA sequencing (KAS-seq) approach, we investigated the landscape of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) throughout the genome and provided a readout of the activity and dynamics of transcription during oocyte meiotic maturation. In non-surrounded nucleolus (NSN) oocytes, we observed a robust KAS-seq signal, indicating the high transcriptional activity. In surrounded nucleolus (SN) oocytes, the presence of ssDNA still persists although the KAS-seq signal was relatively weak, suggesting the presence of transcription. Accompanying with the meiotic resumption, the transcriptional activity gradually decreased, and global repression was detected in matured oocytes. Moreover, we preformed the integrative genomics analysis to dissect the transcriptional dynamics during mouse oocyte maturation. In sum, the present study delineates the detailed transcriptional activity during mammalian oocyte maturation.
Quartet metabolite reference materials for inter-laboratory proficiency test and data integration of metabolomics profiling
Authors: Zhang Naixin , Chen Qiaochu , Zhang Peipei , Zhou Kejun , Liu Yaqing , Wang Haiyan , Duan Shumeng , Xie Yongming , Yu Wenxiang , Kong Ziqing , Ren Luyao , Hou Wanwan , Yang Jingcheng , Gong Xiaoyun , Dong Lianhua , Fang Xiang , Shi Leming , Yu Ying , Zheng Yuanting
Published: January 2024

Background

Various laboratory-developed metabolomic methods lead to big challenges in inter-laboratory comparability and effective integration of diverse datasets.

Results

As part of the Quartet Project, we establish a publicly available suite of four metabolite reference materials derived from B lymphoblastoid cell lines from a family of parents and monozygotic twin daughters. We generate comprehensive LC–MS-based metabolomic data from the Quartet reference materials using targeted and untargeted strategies in different laboratories. The Quartet multi-sample-based signal-to-noise ratio enables objective assessment of the reliability of intra-batch and cross-batch metabolomics profiling in detecting intrinsic biological differences among the four groups of samples. Significant variations in the reliability of the metabolomics profiling are identified across laboratories. Importantly, ratio-based metabolomics profiling, by scaling the absolute values of a study sample relative to those of a common reference sample, enables cross-laboratory quantitative data integration. Thus, we construct the ratio-based high-confidence reference datasets between two reference samples, providing “ground truth” for inter-laboratory accuracy assessment, which enables objective evaluation of quantitative metabolomics profiling using various instruments and protocols.

Conclusions

Our study provides the community with rich resources and best practices for inter-laboratory proficiency tests and data integration, ensuring reliability of large-scale and longitudinal metabolomic studies.