bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide on Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Wei Yangyan , Zhang Qian , Chi Honghui , Wang Ziyao , Chang Qing
Published: September 2022

Previous studies reported that the use of natriuretic peptides (NPs) can effectively decrease arrhythmias. However, there is a lack of clinical evidence that recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rh-BNP) inhibits postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). This cohort aims to assess the effect of rh-BNP on POAF. This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2018 to January 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they received rh-BNP therapy within 5 days after surgery. A total of 1153 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which 54 received rh-BNP therapy within 5 days. After propensity score matching, 53 patients were treated with rh-BNP, and 148 patients were not treated with rh-BNP. The incidence of POAF was lower in rh-BNP group than non-rh-BNP group (18.9% vs. 37.2%, odds ratio = 0.393, 95% confidence interval, 0.183–0.845, P = 0.017). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia (P = 0.4), hypotension (P = 0.763), and the risk of death (P = 0.14). rh-BNP could significantly reduce the occurrence of POAF after coronary artery bypass grafting, and rh-BNP did not increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, hypotension, and death. Accordingly, rh-BNP could be a potential safe medicine for preventing POAF.
Intraoperative optical coherence tomography observation with perfluorocarbon tamponade for subretinal membranes in proliferative vitreous retinopathy
Authors: Shiraki Akihiko , Sakimoto Susumu , Nishida Kohji
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

To report the efficacy of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) in locating proliferative membranes or strands subretinally or preretinally during pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) or old rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods:

After removing the vitreous and apparent epiretinal membranes, vitreous fluid was exchanged for perfluorocarbon. Lesions of the retinal folds or persistently detached retinas, suspected to be subretinal membrane lesions, were examined using iOCT in three eyes with PVR.

Results:

iOCT showed subretinal or preretinal structures in all three patients. A subretinal structure with underlying fluid was removed through an intentional hole in a patient. In another patient, a subretinal structure without underlying fluid was not removed. In the remaining patient, the preretinal membranes detected with iOCT could be peeled successfully.

Conclusion:

iOCT examination with perfluorocarbon tamponade effectively identified the correct location of proliferative membranes or strands, namely preretinal or subretinal. This imaging technique helps surgeons determine whether an intentional hole should be made to remove the subretinal structure during vitrectomy. iOCT, combined with perfluorocarbon tamponade, leads to safer and more effective surgery for PVR.
Consistent pattern between physical activity measures and chronic pain levels: the Tromsø Study 2015 to 2016
Authors: Fjeld Mats Kirkeby , Årnes Anders Pedersen , Engdahl Bo , Morseth Bente , Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter , Horsch Alexander , Stubhaug Audun , Strand Bjørn Heine , Nielsen Christopher Sivert , Steingrímsdóttir Ólöf Anna
Published: September 2022

Epidemiological literature on the relationship between physical activity and chronic pain is scarce and inconsistent. Hence, our aim was to assess the relationship applying comprehensive methodology, including self-reported and accelerometer measures of physical activity and different severity levels of chronic pain. We used data from the Tromsø Study (2015-2016). All residents in the municipality, aged 40 years and older were invited to participate (n = 32,591, 51% women). A total of 21,083 (53%) women reported on questionnaires. Additionally, 6778 participants (54% women) were invited to wear accelerometers (6125 with complete measurements). Our exposure measures were self-reported leisure time physical activity, exercise frequency, duration, and intensity and 2 accelerometer measures (steps per day and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day). Outcome measurements were chronic pain and moderate-to-severe chronic pain. We used Poisson regression to estimate chronic pain prevalence and prevalence ratios for each physical activity measure, with adjustments for sex, age, education level, smoking history, and occupational physical activity. Our main analyses showed an inverse dose–response relationship between all physical activity measures and both severity measures of chronic pain, except that the dose–response relationship with exercise duration was only found for moderate-to-severe pain. All findings were stronger for the moderate-to-severe pain outcomes than for chronic pain. Robustness analyses gave similar results as the main analyses. We conclude that an inverse dose-response association between physical activity and chronic pain is consistent across measures. To summarize, higher levels of physical activity is associated with less chronic pain and moderate-to-severe chronic pain.
Correlation of
PCSK1
with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a Han Chinese population: a case-control observational study
Authors: Yang Xiao , Yuan Fan , Wu Na , Ren Decheng , Liu Liangjie , Bi Yan , Ji Lei , Han Ke , Feng Mofan , Su Kai , Yang Fengping , Wu Xi , Lu Qing , Yue Siran , Jiang Fengyan , Wang Ruirui , He Guang , Liu Baocheng , Li Xingwang , Shi Yi
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of
PCSK1
(proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1) related to obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods:

In this case-control observational study, four candidate SNPs (rs6234, rs155971, rs6232, rs3811951) of
PCSK1
were genotyped in 732 NAFLD patients and 823 healthy control participants, all of whom were of ethnic Han Chinese descent. All participants came from Shanghai, China, and joined our study during 2015 to 2016. The frequencies of each allele and genotype, paired linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype were calculated on the SHEsis platform. In addition to SHEsis, five different genetic models (codominant, dominant, recessive, overdominant, and log-additive) were employed to identify the correlation between genotype frequency and NAFLD. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (approved No. 2017LCSY069).

Results:

In a comparison of NAFLD patients and healthy participants, none of the four
PCSK1
SNPs were significantly correlated with the occurrence of NAFLD (
P
>0.05), in either genotypic or allelic distribution. The recessive model of rs3811951 appeared to show a correlation (odds ratio=1.077; 95% confidence interval=0.924-1.256;
P
=0.04), but there was no statistical significance after Bonferroni correction (
P
corr
>0.0125).

Conclusions:

Four obesity-related
PCSK1
SNPs (rs6234, rs155971, rs6232, rs3811951) showed no significant correlation with the development of NAFLD in a Han Chinese population.
The timing of intravenous oxytocin administration is crucial to minimize perioperative blood loss during first-trimester suction curettage for missed abortion
Authors: Yang Szu-Ting , Chang Wen-Hsun , Chao Wei-Ting , Lai Ting-Jung , Lin Wei-Lin , Lim Hong-Ci , Liu Chia-Hao , Wang Peng-Hui
Published: September 2022

Background:

Oxytocin is commonly used to reduce blood loss during suction curettage for missed abortion. However, the potential of oxytocin to mitigate blood loss in early pregnancy remains controversial. Based on the hypothesis that the “timing” of oxytocin administration may be a critical factor, we investigated whether the timing of intravenous (IV) administration is associated with reduced perioperative blood loss during first-trimester suction curettage for missed abortion.

Methods:

The medical charts of 146 patients with ultrasound-confirmed first-trimester missed abortion who underwent suction curettage with IV oxytocin administration were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Among the patients, 67 received 10 IU of IV oxytocin before suction curettage (early-oxytocin administration group), while 79 patients received 10 IU of IV oxytocin after suction curettage (late-oxytocin administration group). The demographic features between the two groups did not significantly differ. However, there was a lower proportion of nulliparous patients in the early-oxytocin administration group than in the late-oxytocin administration group (38.8% vs 60.8%, p = 0.006). The perioperative blood loss amount was significantly lower in the early-oxytocin administration group than in the late-oxytocin administration group (60 [range: 50–100] vs 100 [range: 30–250] mL, p = 0.001). Moreover, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the early-oxytocin administration group had a lower risk for a perioperative blood loss amount of ≥100 mL than the late-oxytocin administration group (0.23 [range: 0.10–0.55], p = 0.001); a gestational age of 9–12 weeks (p = 0.009) was found to be associated with an increased risk for a perioperative blood loss amount of ≥100 mL.

Conclusion:

Compared with late-oxytocin administration, early-oxytocin administration could reduce perioperative blood loss during first-trimester suction curettage for missed abortion. However, the results require further investigation.
Influencing factors associated with lymph node status in patients with cutaneous melanoma: an Asian population study
Authors: Chu Po-Yu , Chen Yi-Fan , Li Cheng-Yuan , Wang Tien-Hsiang , Chiu Yu-Jen , Ma Hsu
Published: September 2022

Background:

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is the predominant prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with clinically localized melanoma. The significance of completion lymph node dissection in patients with SLN metastasis is debatable. Not many studies have been conducted on acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). This study aimed to characterize the prognostic factors of nodal positive ALM and confirm whether ALM patients can undergo the same treatment strategy as non-ALM patients in the Asian population.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for cutaneous melanoma (CM) at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between January, 1993 and December, 2019. We investigated the risk factors for lymph node status. The association between clinicopathological factors and lymph node status of ALM and non-ALM patients was analyzed. Outcomes of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) performed following sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the CM and ALM groups were compared.

Results:

A total of 197 patients were included in this study. ALM was the most common histological subtype, accounting for 66.5% of all the cases. Patients in the CM and ALM subgroups with metastatic SLN (p = 0.012) or lymph nodes (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001) exhibited higher mortality rate. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with clinical presentation of T4 category tumor (p = 0.012) and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.012) had a significantly higher risk of positive lymph nodes. The overall survival of patients with lymph nodes metastasis was not associated with the performance of CLND.

Conclusion:

Patients in the CM or ALM subgroups with metastatic SLNs or lymph nodes exhibited significantly poorer overall survival. Advanced Breslow thickness and lymphovascular invasion were independent predictive factors for CM and ALM patients with positive lymph node status. There was no significant difference in survival between CM and ALM patients following SLNB, regardless of CLND being performed.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Parameters and Genotoxic Effects in Patients With Work-Related Asthma and Silicosis
Authors: Kurt Ozlem Kar , Ergun Dilek , Anlar Hatice Gul , Hazar Merve , Aydin Dilsiz Sevtap , Karatas Mevlut , Basaran Nursen
Published: September 2022

Objective

To determine the mechanistic roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity parameters in patients with work-related asthma (WRA) and silicosis.

Methods

Thirty-eight healthy office workers, 27 employees with a history of exposure and no disease, 24 employees with WRA, and 23 employees with silicosis were included in this study. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, and interleukins (IL) 17, 23, and 27 levels were measured in the serum. Genotoxic damage was evaluated by calculating the frequency of micronuclei in swab samples and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in serum.

Results

Serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and IL-17, IL-23, and IL-27 levels were found to be statistically significantly higher in the exposure, WRA, and silicosis groups compared with the control group. The frequency of micronuclei in buccal epithelial cells of the patient group was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group.

Conclusion

These results may provide information for molecular mechanisms and early diagnosis of WRA and silicosis and will be a guide for taking precautions in the early period.
Telework Conditions, Ergonomic and Psychosocial Risks, and Musculoskeletal Problems in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: El Kadri Filho Fauzi , Lucca Sérgio Roberto de
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the association of telework conditions with ergonomic and psychosocial risks and with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems among employees of the Brazilian Labor Judiciary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 934 workers from August to October 2021. The data were collected via Web using a self-administrated questionnaire survey. Nonparametric tests and generalized linear regression analysis were used.

Results

Previous experience in telework was associated with a better evaluation of the home workstation, a lower increase in workload, a greater increase in productivity, and greater preference to continue teleworking after the pandemic. The lack of a place dedicated to telework was specially related to greater ergonomic and psychosocial risks and to the greater occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.

Conclusions

Companies should monitor telework conditions to reduce health risks among their employees.
Apathetic hyperthyroidism in an elderly patient presenting with psychomotor retardation
Authors: Delacroix Romuald , Umberger Julie Marie
Published: September 2022

Hyperthyroidism in the elderly population is often associated with atypical, blunted, or nonspecific signs and symptoms, also known as apathetic hyperthyroidism (AH). The absence of the classical hyperkinetic clinical presentation can be confused with the normal aging process, or other diseases, and often leads to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and negative outcomes for elderly patients. We provide a case study of an elderly patient to illustrate the atypical presentation of AH. The vignette also highlights a diagnostic and treatment approach based on geriatric medicine fundamentals and evidence-based research. We then review the multiple factors and pathogenetic mechanisms contributing to endocrine disruptors and the paucity of hyperadrenergic signs and symptoms in the elderly with hyperthyroidism. Additionally, the article contrasts the symptomatology and diagnostic profile between primary hyperthyroidism and AH. Finally, we provide an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to manage AH in the elderly population. We recommend that nurse practitioners cultivate illness script inclusive of atypical presentations to guide their clinical decision making. Psychomotor retardation with or without cardiovascular symptoms warrant a high degree of suspicion and the initiation of laboratory studies, including thyroid functions to confirm or rule out hyperthyroidism.
Molecular Features of Preinvasive and Invasive Vulvar Neoplasms
Authors: Deb Pratik Q. , Heller Debra S.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Neoplasms arising from the vulva are uncommon and comprise various subtypes. Given the recent advancements in the molecular aspects of oncologic pathology and how they have impacted cancer treatment, an understanding of recent innovations in the molecular features of vulvar lesions is important.

Materials and Methods

Systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for molecular and genetic characteristics of vulvar neoplasms. Peer-reviewed literature published in English is included.

Results

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precursors are the predominant neoplasm at this site. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of some of these lesions. Human papillomavirus–associated SCC follows the carcinogenic pathway driven by viral proteins E6 and E7 while HPV-independent SCC shows a high incidence of mutation of TP53 and CDKN2A genes. Mutations in the genes involving the PI3K-Akt pathway play an important role in the pathogenesis of both types of SCC. Among other vulvar malignancies, melanoma, and vulvar Paget disease (VPD) pose a significant clinical challenge and have unique molecular characteristics. Compared with dermal cutaneous melanoma, vulvar melanoma shows a higher rate of mutation of cKIT and NRAS genes and a lower rate of mutations in BRAF. Less than 20% of VPD shows amplification of ERBB2 and seldom shows mutation in genes involving the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Conclusions

Several potentially targetable molecular pathways have emerged as they have been shown to be involved in the tumorigenesis of SCC, melanoma, and VPD.
Effects of micronutrient and phytochemical supplementation on cardiovascular health in obese and overweight children: a narrative review
Authors: Vrech Massimiliano , Ferruzzi Alessandro , Pietrobelli Angelo
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

Cardiovascular damage could begin early in life. Our aim was to examine the current state of the art related to micronutrient supplementation on vascular health in obese and overweight children. We considered only the studies performed over the past few years.

Recent findings

Vitamin D supplementation in the obese pediatric population with vitamin D deficiency could improve the vascular health of these subjects. The evidence is less clear on supplementation with other micronutrients. Zinc supplementation is currently the most supported by the literature.

As of today, we can only speculate that supplementation with other micronutrients could improve the vascular health of obese and overweight children. Strong limitations are the different instrumental methods used to assess vascular health in obese children and adolescents under micronutrients supplementation. Actually, indirect indicators more reliable to evaluate vascular health seem to be lipid profile and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, there is a particular lack of studies in this area in recent years, especially in the pediatric population. Additional studies performed in this population should be pursued to clarify significant relationships between micronutrients and vascular health.
Updates on the diagnostic evaluation, genotype–phenotype correlation, and treatments of genetic epilepsies
Authors: Zimmern Vincent , Korff Christian
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

This article reviews the latest publications in genetic epilepsies, with an eye on publications that have had a translational impact. This review is both timely and relevant as translational discoveries in genetic epilepsies are becoming so frequent that it is difficult for the general pediatrician and even the general child neurologist to keep up.

Recent findings

We divide these publications from 2021 and 2022 into three categories: diagnostic testing, genotype–phenotype correlation, and therapies. We also summarize ongoing and upcoming clinical trials.

Two meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggest that exome and genome sequencing offer higher diagnostic yield than gene panels. Genotype–phenotype correlation studies continue to increase our knowledge of the clinical evolution of genetic epilepsy syndromes, particularly with regards to sudden death, auditory dysfunction, neonatal presentation, and magnetoencephalographic manifestations. Pyridoxine supplementation may be helpful in seizure management for various genetic epilepsies. There has been interest in using the neurosteroid ganaxolone for various genetic epilepsy syndromes, with clear efficacy in certain trials. Triheptanoin for epilepsy secondary to glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) deficiency syndrome is not clearly effective but further studies will be needed.
Histological patterns, subtypes and aspects of prostate cancer: different aspects, different outcomes
Authors: Wasinger Gabriel , Oszwald André , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Compérat Eva
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

The most common prostatic cancers (PCa) are acinary adenocarcinomas. Histological subtypes have been variably defined. The purpose of this review is to discuss unusual histological patterns and subtypes of acinar adenocarcinoma, as well as other types of PCa and their prognostic and therapeutic relevance.

Recent findings

The new term ‘subtype’ for morphologically defined tumor entities replaced the term ‘variant’ in the new 2022 classification of the WHO to allow for clear terminological distinction from genetic variants. The 2022 WHO classification mentions prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)-like carcinoma, signet-cell-like adenocarcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma and pleomorphic-giant-cell adenocarcinoma of the prostate as true subtypes of acinary PCa. Other forms of acinary PCa are termed unusual histological patterns and include atrophic, foamy-cell, microcystic, pseudohyperplastic and mucinous patterns. Nonacinar forms of prostate cancer include other glandular PCa, the ductal adenocarcinoma and the treatment-associated neuroendocrine carcinoma, and nonglandular PCa, the adenosquamous carcinoma, the squamous cell carcinoma and the adenoid cystic (basal cell) carcinoma of the prostate.

True subtypes of acinary PCa and other forms of glandular and nonglandular PCa show relevant differences in prognosis and treatment approach compared with classic acinary PCa. The relevance of unusual histological patterns mainly lies in their deceptive benign appearance and the need for pathologists to know about these entities for accurate and timely diagnosis.
Safety and Potential Efficacy of Escalating Dose of Ustekinumab in Pediatric Crohn Disease (the Speed-up Study): A Multicenter Study from the Pediatric IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN
Authors: Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Pujol-Muncunill Gemma , Martin-de-Carpi Javier , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Levine Arie , Olbjørn Christine , Granot Maya , Bramuzzo Matteo , Rolandsdotter Helena , Mouratidou Natalia , Hradsky Ondrej , Scarallo Luca , Matar Manar , Rimon Ramit Magen , Rinawi Firas , Shalem Tzippi , Najajra Hisham , de Meij Tim , Aloi Marina , Rodríguez-Belvís Marta Velasco , Alvisi Patrizia , Schneider Anna-Maria , van Rheenen Patrick , Navas-López Víctor Manuel , Kiparissi Fevronia , Barrio Josefa , Turner Dan , Cohen Shlomi
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Escalation of the ustekinumab (UST) maintenance dosage was effective in adults with Crohn disease (CD), but no data are available for children. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of dose escalation of UST in pediatric CD.

Methods:

This was a retrospective multicenter study from 25 centers affiliated with the IBD Interest and Porto groups of ESPGHAN. We included children with CD who initiated UST at a standard dosing and underwent either dose escalation to intervals shorter than 8 weeks or re-induction of UST due to active disease. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, imaging, and safety data were collected up to 12 months of follow-up.

Results:

Sixty-nine children were included (median age 15.8 years, interquartile range 13.8–16.9) with median disease duration of 4.3 years (2.9–6.3). Most children were biologic (98.6%)- and immunomodulator (86.8%)- experienced. Clinical response and remission were observed at 3 months after UST escalation in 46 (67%) and 29 (42%) children, respectively. The strongest predictor for clinical remission was lower weighted Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index (wPCDAI) at escalation (P= 0.001). The median C-reactive protein level decreased from 14 (3–28.03) to 5 (1.1–20.5) mg/L (P= 0.012), and the fecal calprotectin level from 1100 (500–2300) to 515 (250–1469) µg/g (P= 0.012) 3 months post-escalation. Endoscopic and transmural healing were achieved in 3 of 19 (16%) and 2 of 15 (13%) patients, respectively. Thirteen patients (18.8%) discontinued therapy due to active disease. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

Two-thirds of children with active CD responded to dose escalation of UST. Milder disease activity may predict a favorable outcome following UST dose escalation.
The Five-4-Life Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Bala-Kerr Ruth , Sullivan Brittany , Martin Shelley
Published: September 2022

Background:

Poor leadership and teamwork in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are associated with poor patient outcomes.

Problem:

Frontline nursing staff frequently identify patients in cardiac arrest but may not have the initial leadership and teamwork skills to organize their initial rescue response.

Approach:

The Five-4-Life Quality Improvement (QI) program was pilot tested in a pediatric unit within a 510-bed acute care hospital in 2 phases: first, an educational program focused on leadership, team dynamics, and CPR skills, followed by sustaining interventions in the unit. Video recordings of 12 mock codes (4 pre-, 4 post-, 4 follow-up) were analyzed by trained observers.

Outcomes:

Descriptive statistical tests indicated a significant improvement in leadership, teamwork, and task management scores pre- and post-program, and sustained after the program.

Conclusion:

Implementing the Five-4-Life QI program is feasible in improving leadership, teamwork, and task management of first responding frontline nurses.
Is leg-driven treadmill-based exoskeleton robot training beneficial to post-stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Ying-Hui , Ruan Ming , Yun Rui-Sheng , Zhong Ying-Xi , Zhang Yu-Xin , Wang Yong-Jun , Sun Yue-Li , Cui Jia-Wen
Published: September 2022

Objective

To systematically review the effects of leg-driven treadmill-based exoskeleton robot training on balance and walking ability in post-stroke patients.

Design

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to August 2021. The literature quality was evaluated using Cochrane Handbook. Primary outcomes include the functional ambulation category scale (FAC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and secondary outcomes include the 10-m time walking test (10TWT), 6-m walking test (6MWT), and gait assessment cadence were analyzed.

Results

Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review, 15 studies in meta-analysis. Primary outcomes showed no significant difference in the FAC score; subgroup with the exoskeleton robot + conventional therapy of the BBS score was significantly increased; secondary outcomes showed no significance in 6MWT or 10TWT. The cadence score increased for the subgroup with an onset of >6 months in the treatment group. The control group performed better than the subgroup with an onset of <6 months.

Conclusion

Leg-driven treadmill-based exoskeleton robot training can improve balance function in poststroke patients and is beneficial for patients with an onset of >6 months. However, there is no evidence to support the efficacy of walking ability.
De Novo Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of Thyroid Cartilage
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Pasricha Sunil , Ahmed Rayaz , Khoda Jeevitesh , Choudhury Partha Sarathi
Published: September 2022

Myeloma involving the laryngeal cartilage is rare, whereas extramedullary plasmacytoma involving only the thyroid cartilage is even rarer. No case of de novo extramedullary plasmacytoma involving thyroid cartilage has been published so far. Hence, it was a diagnostic challenge for clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists. Here, we presented a case of a 61-year-old man who had fixed right laryngeal swelling. After 18F-FDG PET/CT, biopsy, and myeloma workup, it was found to be plasmacytoma involving the right thyroid cartilage lamina. This case highlighted the rarity of this presentation and the importance of keeping in mind this differential to lead toward diagnosis.
Mesenteric Mesonephric Adenocarcinoma on 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT
Authors: Liu Huipan , Chen Yue
Published: September 2022

Mesenteric mesonephric adenocarcinoma is an uncommon mesenteric neoplasm, which was arising from the mesonephric remnant of the female reproductive tract. Herein, we report the68Ga-FAPI PET/CT findings in a 66-year-old woman with mesenteric mesonephric adenocarcinoma.
Feasible Removal of Facial Hemangiomas Under Local Anesthesia in Young Children
Authors: Hazkour Nissim , Palacios Jose , Othman Sammy , Smith Jacob D. , Goote Paige , Bastidas Nicholas
Published: September 2022

Background:

Facial Hemangiomas are often recommended to be removed exclusively in the operating room under general anesthesia, especially for children under the age of 4. Assumed parental and patient anxiety and possible blood loss pushes surgeons away from attempting excision under local anesthesia.

Methods:

A review was conducted to assess the outcomes of children who underwent excision of facial hemangiomas under local anesthesia alone by 1 plastic surgeon with a minimum of 3 months follow-up. Complications and hemangioma recurrence were recorded. A survey was given 3 to 6 months after treatment to assess parental satisfaction, anxiety, and thought process about anesthesia.

Results:

Eighteen children (9 males and 9 females) underwent in-office excision between 2020 and 2021. The mean age of this cohort was 12 months ( ranging 2–52 m). The average facial hemangioma size was 2.088 cm (ranging 1.0–3.2 cm). Ten patients experienced complete resolution (56%) at 12-month follow-up. There were no hospitalizations or cases of significant (>10 mL) blood loss, infection, dehiscence, hematoma, or scar hypertrophy. The average level of parental anxiety before the procedure was 3.3/10, and 1.6/10 after the procedure. Total 13/14 parents gave 4/4 ratings for satisfaction with the quality of care, team responsiveness, pain management, and management of expectations.

Conclusions:

Facial hemangioma removal under local anesthesia alone is a safe and feasible alternative treatment method for patients younger than 4 years of age.
Assessing the Nasal Midline in Rhinoplasty: How Good Are We?
Authors: DeSerres Joshua J. , Fishman Zachary , Whyne Cari M. , Kiss Alex , Fialkov Jeff A.
Published: September 2022

Background:

The challenge of assessing nasal alignment and asymmetry can contribute to high revision rates in rhinoplasty. Comparing to a validated computer algorithm for nasal alignment, the accuracy with which plastic surgeons can assess deviation of the nasal midline from the facial midline was measured.

Methods:

Using 20 faces from the Binghamton University 3-dimensional face database, deviation was evaluated from facial midline of the middorsal line for the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the nose. Surgeons were asked to assess extent of deviation from facial midline for each third of the nose using a linear analog scale. Spearman correlations were performed comparing the surgeons’ results to the algorithm measurements. Eleven residents and 9 consultant surgeons were tested.

Results:

Surgeons’ assessment of deviation correlated poorly with the algorithm in the upper third (r=0.32, P<0.0001) and moderately in the middle third (r=0.49, P<0.0001) and lower third (r=0.41, P<0.0001) of the nose. No difference in accuracy was found between trainee and consultant surgeons (P=0.51), and greater experience (>10 y performing nasal surgery) did not significantly affect performance (P=0.15). The effect of fatigue on the accuracy of assessment was found to be significant (P=0.0009).

Conclusions:

Surgeons have difficulty in visually assessing the 3-dimensional nasal midline irrespective of experience, and surgeon fatigue was found to be adversely affect the accuracy of assessments.
Simple circuit simulations of classical and quantum Turing machines
Authors: Gurevich Yuri , Blass Andreas
Published: September 2022

We construct reversible Boolean circuits efficiently simulating reversible Turing machines. Both the circuits and the simulation proof are rather simple. Then we give a fairly straightforward generalization of the circuits and the simulation proof to the quantum case.
The theory of scaled electromagnetism
Authors: Davey Keith , Sadeghi Hamed , Darvizeh Rooholamin
Published: September 2022

Scaled experimentation is an important experimental approach but is known to be limited by scale effects, which have the undesirable effect of changing the behaviour of a system with scale. Such behavioural changes with scale can on occasions be so marked as to make a scaled experiment almost worthless. Until very recently, there has been no universal solution to this problem with most scaled experiments founded on dimensional analysis and modified necessarily with ad hoc scaling rules. This article is concerned with the development and the application of a new approach to scaled experimentation called finite similitude for electro-magnetic systems. It is shown how the finite similitude theory can be applied to electromagnetism and the governing Maxwell equations in their macroscopic form. The ability of the theory to account for scale dependencies is investigated to reveal the benefits of performing two scaled experiments in describing system behaviour.
Immediate predation risk alters the relationship between potential and realised selection on male traits in the Trinidad guppyPoecilia reticulata
Authors: Glavaschi Alexandra , Cattelan Silvia , Devigili Alessandro , Pilastro Andrea
Published: September 2022

Imminent predation risk affects mating behaviours in prey individuals in a multitude of ways that can theoretically impact the strength of sexual selection, as well as its operation on traits. However, empirical studies of the effects of imminent predation risk on sexual selection dynamics are still scarce. Here we explore how perceived predation affects: (1) the relationship between the opportunity for selection and the actual strength of selection on male traits; and (2) which traits contribute to male fitness and the shape of selection on these traits. We simulate two consecutive reproductive episodes, under control conditions and perceived predation risk using experimental populations of Trinidad guppies. The opportunity for selection is higher under predation risk compared to the control condition, but realised selection on traits remains unaffected. Pre- and postcopulatory traits follow complex patterns of nonlinear selection in both conditions. Differences in selection gradients deviate from predictions based on evolutionary and non-lethal effects of predation, the most notable being strong disruptive selection on courtship rate under predation risk. Our results demonstrate that sexual selection is sensitive to imminent predation risk perception and reinforce the notion that both trait-based and variance-based metrics should be employed for an informative quantification.
The Most Cost-Efficient And Effective Set Of Covid-19 Policies To Reduce Monthly Covid-19 Case Increase Rates
Authors: Chen Charline
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The coronavirus is one of the most unprecedented pandemics in recent decades. Countries have been struggling to identify the appropriate policies to prevent COVID-19 spread efficiently. As coronavirus case and death numbers fluctuated among countries in the past two years, questions of which policies are most cost-efficient and effective in preventing coronavirus spread have yet to be answered. There are no worldwide agreed guidelines to follow, to the author’s best knowledge. Countries are prone to making policy and implementation errors that could cost lives and cause tremendous economic loss. Although much research on COVID-19 has been done and many focused on policy effectiveness, few focused on the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of COVID-19 policies. This research identifies the most Cost-Efficient and Effective Set of COVID-19 Policies to Reduce Monthly COVID-19 Case Increase Rates through a quantitative, big-data-driven, and machine-learning enabled approach. The research collected and analyzed 13 COVID-19 policies and associated daily COVID-19 case numbers across 180 countries from January 2020 to June 2021, developed Policy Cost Model, defined Policy Efficiency and Effectiveness Index, and developed a Fully-Automated Best Policy Group Finder Python Program to find the most cost efficient and effective policy group. This research found that 1) Before Vaccinations are available, the most cost-efficient and effective policy group includes Facial Covering, Testing Policy, and Contact Tracing. Its cost-efficiency is a 1% monthly case decrease rate per billion of dollars spent. Its effectiveness is a 37% monthly case decrease rate. It is 1474 times more cost-efficient, 11 times more effective, and costs around $5336.83 Billion less than implementing all 12 common COVID-19 policies as the U.S. and many other countries did before vaccinations were available; 2) After Vaccinations are available, the most cost-efficient and effective policy group includes Facial Coverings, Contact Tracing, and Vaccinations. Its cost-efficiency is a 2.7% monthly case decrease rate per billion of dollars spent. Its effectiveness is a 52% monthly case decrease rate. It is 3835 times more cost-efficient, 21.5 times more effective, and costs around $5350 Billion less than implementing all 13 common COVID-19 policies as the U.S. and many other countries did. The research results will help countries, especially underdeveloped ones with very limited budgets, to identify and implement the most cost-efficient and effective policies so they can spend much less but reduce monthly cases much more.
Activation of TrkB in Parvalbumin interneurons is required for the promotion of reversal learning in spatial and fear memory by antidepressants
Authors: Jetsonen Elias , Didio Giuliano , Winkel Frederike , Pou Maria Llach , Boj Chloe , Kuczynski-Noyau Laura , Võikar Vootele , Guirado Ramon , Taira Tomi , Lauri Sari E. , Castren Eero , Umemori Juzoh
Published: September 2022

Critical period-like plasticity (iPlasticity) can be reinstated in the adult brain by several interventions, including drugs and optogenetic modifications. We have demonstrated that a combination of iPlasticity with optimal training improves behaviors related to neuropsychiatric disorders. In this context, the activation of TrkB, a receptor for BDNF, in Parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons has a pivotal role in cortical network changes. However, it is unknown if the activation of TrkB in PV+ interneurons is important for other plasticity-related behaviors, especially for learning and memory. Here, using mice with heterozygous conditional TrkB deletion in PV+ interneurons (PV-TrkB hCKO) in Intellicage and fear erasure paradigms, we show that chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a widely prescribed antidepressant drug that is known to promote the activation of TrkB, enhances behavioral flexibility in spatial and fear memory, largely depending on the expression of the TrkB receptor in PV+ interneurons. In addition, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) was enhanced by chronic treatment with fluoxetine in wild-type mice, but not in PV-TrkB hCKO mice. Transcriptomic analysis of PV+ interneurons after fluoxetine treatment indicated intrinsic changes in synaptic formation and downregulation of enzymes involved in perineuronal net (PNN) formation. Consistently, immunohistochemistry has shown that the fluoxetine treatment alters PV expression and reduces PNNs in PV+ interneurons, and here we show that TrkB expression in PV+ interneurons is required for these effects. Together, our results provide molecular and network mechanisms for the induction of critical period-like plasticity in adulthood.
The thermoception task: a thermal-imaging based procedure for measuring awareness of changes in peripheral body temperature
Authors: Vabba Alisha , Panasiti Maria Serena , Scattolin Marina , Spitaleri Marco , Porciello Giuseppina , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: September 2022

Although thermal body signals provide crucial information about the state of an organism, and changes in body temperature may be a sign of affective states (e.g., stress, pain, sexual arousal), research on thermal awareness is limited. Here we developed a task measuring awareness of changes in peripheral body temperature (thermal interoception) and compared it to the classical heartbeat counting task (cardiac interoception). With an infrared lightbulb we delivered stimuli of different temperature intensities to the right hand of 31 healthy participants. Thermal interoceptive accuracy, i.e., the difference between participants’ real and perceived change in hand temperature, showed good inter-individual variability. We found that thermal interoception did not correlate with (and was generally higher than) cardiac interoception, suggesting that different interceptive channels provide separate contributions to awareness of bodily states. Moreover, the results hint at the great salience of thermal signals and the need for thermoregulation in day-to-day life. Finally, thermal interoceptive accuracy was associated with self-reported awareness of body temperature changes, and with the ability to regulate distress by focusing on body sensations. Our task has the potential to significantly increase current knowledge about the role of interoception in cognition and behavior, particularly in social and emotional contexts.
The Sw-5b NLR immune receptor induces earlier transcriptional changes in response to thrips-mediated inoculation of Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus compared to mechanical inoculation
Authors: Ordaz Norma A. , Nagalakshmi Ugrappa , Boiteux Leonardo S. , Atamian Hagop S. , Ullman Diane E. , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P.
Published: September 2022

The nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) class of immune receptor, Sw-5b confers resistance to Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV). Although Sw-5b is known to activate immunity upon recognition of the NSm of TSWV, we know very little about the downstream events that lead to resistance. Here, we investigated the early transcriptomic changes that occur in response to both mechanical and thrips-mediated inoculation of TSWV using near-isogenic resistant and susceptible tomato lines. Interestingly, the Sw-5b induces earlier transcriptional changes in response to thrips-mediated inoculation compared to mechanical inoculation of TSWV. A subset of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed at 12 and 24 hours post thrips-mediated inoculation of TSWV was only present at 72 hours post mechanical inoculation. Although some DEGs were shared between thrips and mechanical inoculation at 72 hours postinfection, many DEGs were specific to either thrips-mediated or mechanical inoculation of TSWV. In response to thrips-mediated inoculation, an NLR immune receptor, cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase, G-type lectin S-receptor-like kinases, and transcription factors such as the ethylene response factor 1 and the calmodulin-binding protein 60 were induced. Whereas, in response to mechanical inoculation, fatty acid desaturase 2-9, cell death genes, DCL2b, RIPK/PBL14-like, and transcription factors such as ERF017 and WRKY75 were differentially expressed. Our findings reveal novel insights into Sw-5b responses specific to the method of TSWV inoculation. Given that TSWV is transmitted in nature primarily by the thrips, the DEGs we have identified provide a foundation for understanding the mechanistic roles of these genes in the Sw-5b-mediated resistance.
Environmental profiles of urban living relate to regional brain volumes and symptom groups of mental illness through distinct genetic pathways
Authors: Xu Jiayuan , Liu Nana , Polemiti Elli , Mondragon Liliana Garcia , Tang Jie , Liu Xiaoxuan , Lett Tristram , Yu Le , Noethen Markus , Yu Chunshui , Marquand Andre , Schumann Gunter
Published: September 2022

The majority of people worldwide live in cities, yet how urban living affects brain and mental illness is scarcely understood. Urban lives are exposed to a a wide array of environmental factors that may combine and interact to influence mental health. While individual factors of the urban environment have been investigated in isolation, to date no attempt has been made to model how the complex, real life exposure to living in the city relates to brain and mental illness, and how it is moderated by genetic factors. Using data of over 150,000 participants of the UK Biobank, we carried out sparse canonical correlation analyses (sCCA) to investigate the relation of urban living environment with symptoms of mental illness. We found three mental health symptom groups, consisting of affective, anxiety and emotional instability symptoms, respectively. These groups were correlated with distinct profiles of urban environments defined by risk factors related to social deprivation, air pollution and urban density, and protective factors involving green spaces and generous land use. The relations between environment and symptoms of mental illness were mediated by the volume of brain regions involved in reward processing, emotional processing and executive control, and moderated by genes regulating stress response, neurotransmission, neural development and differentiation, as well as epigenetic modifications. Together, these findings indicate distinct biological pathways by which different environmental profiles of urban living may influence mental illness. Our results also provide a quantitative measure of the contribution of each environmental factor to brain volume and symptom group. They will aid in targeting and prioritizing important decisions for planning and public health interventions.
Fingolimod for treatment and or prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in humans?
Authors: Loprinzi Charles L. , Harlos Beth , Staff Nathan , Zahrieh David
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Substantial preclinical data support that fingolimod, a drug that dysregulates sphingolipid metabolism, could both prevent chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) and treat established chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

Methods

Two pilot-phase clinical trials were developed to evaluate whether fingolimod could 1) inhibit the development of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and 2) diminish established CIPN in humans.

Results

Unfortunately, both clinical trials were not able to fulfill planned accrual goals. One of the major accrual problems was the requirement for patients to be in the clinic for 8 hours following their first oral dose of fingolimod. The prevention of paclitaxel CIPN trial accrued 2 patients, one of whom did very well without any significant CIPN while the other patient developed CIPN that led to early paclitaxel dose cessation. The treatment of established CIPN trial accrued 7 of 10 planned patients. The results from the 6 patients who started daily treatment with fingolimod did not suggest that it substantially decreased CIPN over what might have been expected from a placebo effect.

Conclusion

Fingolimod is a clinically difficult treatment for patients to start and the limited clinical data from these protocols did not support that it was able to prevent CIPN or treat established CIPN.