bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upstream–Downstream Asymmetry in Multiscale Interaction Underlying the Northern Hemisphere Atmospheric Blockings
Authors: Ma Jiwang , Liang X. San
Published: May 2023

The typical blockings over the Pacific, Atlantic, and Ural Mountain regions are investigated for an understanding of their dynamical interactions in a unified treatment with their respective basic flows and high-frequency processes, respectively. Thanks to the localized nature of the new methodology as used in this study, for the first time we identify a dipolar structure (for each of the three regions) in the map of the interscale energy transfer from the basic flow to the composite blocking, with a positive center upstream and a negative center downstream. This indicates the crucial role of the instability of the basic flow in the maintenance of blockings, which has been overlooked due to the bulk nature of the spatially integrated energetics (by summing the transfer over the whole blocking, the two centers essentially cancel out, leaving an insignificant bulk transfer). For the interaction between the blocking and the high-frequency storms, the well-known critical role of the upscale forcing in blocking development is confirmed. But, unexpectedly, except for that over the Atlantic where the forcing exists throughout, over the other two regions the forcing is found to occur mainly downstream. This is quite different from what the classical theory, e.g., the famous eddy strain mechanism of Shutts, would predict.
A CO2 and H2O Gas Analyzer with Reduced Error due to Platform Motion
Authors: Vandemark Douglas , Emond Marc , Miller Scott D. , Shellito Shawn , Bogoev Ivan , Covert Jason M.
Published: May 2023

One long-standing technical problem affecting the accuracy of eddy correlation air–sea CO2 flux estimates has been motion contamination of the CO2 mixing-ratio measurement. This sensor-related problem is well known but its source remains unresolved. This report details an attempt to identify and reduce motion-induced error and to improve the infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) design. The key finding is that a large fraction of the motion sensitivity is associated with the detection approach common to most closed- and open-path IRGA employed today for CO2 and H2O measurements. A new prototype sensor was developed to both investigate and remedy the issue. Results in laboratory and deep-water tank tests show marked improvement. The prototype shows a factor of 4–10 reduction in CO2 error under typical at-sea buoy pitch and roll tilts in comparison with an off-the-shelf IRGA system. A similar noise reduction factor of 2–8 is observed in water vapor measurements. The range of platform tilt motion testing also helps to document motion-induced error characteristics of standard analyzers. Study implications are discussed including findings relevant to past field measurements and the promise for improved future flux measurements using similarly modified IRGA on moving ocean observing and aircraft platforms.
Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with proximal lunate articular surface preservation for management of grade IIIA Kienböck’s disease: a prospective case series
Authors: Shams Ahmed , Samy Mohamed Ahmed , Mesregah Mohamed Kamal , Abosalem Ahmed Abdelazim
Published: May 2023

Background

Kienböck’s disease is idiopathic lunate avascular necrosis, which may lead to lunate collapse, abnormal carpal motion and wrist arthritis. The current study aimed to assess the outcomes of treating stage IIIA Kienböck’s disease by a novel technique of limited carpal fusion via partial lunate excision with preservation of the proximal lunate surface and scapho-luno-capitate (SLC) fusion.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective study of patients with grade IIIA Kienböck’s disease managed with a novel technique of limited carpal fusion comprising SLC fusion with preservation of the proximal lunate articular cartilage. Autologous iliac crest bone grafting and K-wires fixation were used to enhance the osteosynthesis of the SLC fusion. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. A visual analog scale (VAS) and the Mayo Wrist Score were utilized for the evaluation of patient residual pain and functional assessment, respectively. A digital Smedley dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength. The modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) was used for monitoring carpal collapse. The radioscaphoid angle, scapholunate angle, and the modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio were used for the assessment of carpal bones alignment and ulnar translocation of carpal bones.

Results

This study included 20 patients with a mean age of 27.9 ± 5.5 years. At the last follow-up, the mean range of flexion/extension range of motion (% of normal side) improved from 52.8 ± 5.4% to 65.7 ± 11.1%, P = 0.002, the mean grip strength (% of normal side) improved from 54.6 ± 11.8% to 88.3 ± 12.4%, P = 0.001, the mean Mayo Wrist Score improved from 41.5 ± 8.2 to 81 ± 9.2, P = 0.002, and the mean VAS score reduced from 6.1 ± 1.6 to 0.6 ± 0.4, P = 0.004. The mean follow-up MCHR improved from 1.46 ± 0.11 to 1.59 ± 0.34, P = 0.112. The mean radioscaphoid angle improved from 63 ± 10º to 49 ± 6º, P = 0.011. The mean scapholunate angle increased from 32 ± 6º to 47 ± 8º, P = 0.004. The mean modified carpal-ulnar distance ratio was preserved and none of the patients developed ulnar translocation of the carpal bones. Radiological union was achieved in all patients.

Conclusions

Scapho-luno-capitate fusion with partial lunate excision and preservation of the proximal lunate surface is a valuable option for treating stage IIIA Kienböck’s disease, with satisfactory outcomes.

Level of evidence Level IV.

Trial registration Not applicable.
Alterations of the gut microbiome and metabolic profile in CVB3-induced mice acute viral myocarditis
Authors: Kong Qing , Chen Lili , Zeng Xiaochun , Lu Feiyu , Huang Yanlan , Wu Weifeng
Published: May 2023

Background

Acute viral myocarditis (AVMC) is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium. Evidence indicates that dysbiosis of gut microbiome and related metabolites intimately associated with cardiovascular diseases through the gut-heart axis.

Methods

We built mouse models of AVMC, then applied 16 S rDNA gene sequencing and UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics to explore variations of gut microbiome and disturbances of cardiac metabolic profiles.

Results

Compared with Control group, analysis of gut microbiota showed lower diversity in AVMC, decreased relative abundance of genera mainly belonging to the phyla Bacteroidetes, and increased of phyla Proteobacteria. Metabolomics analysis showed disturbances of cardiac metabolomics, including 62 increased and 84 decreased metabolites, and mainly assigned to lipid, amino acid, carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism. The steroid hormone biosynthesis, cortisol synthesis and secretion pathway were particularly enriched in AVMC. Among them, such as estrone 3-sulfate, desoxycortone positively correlated with disturbed gut microbiome.

Conclusion

In summary, both the structure of the gut microbiome community and the cardiac metabolome were significantly changed in AVMC. Our findings suggest that gut microbiome may participate in the development of AVMC, the mechanism may be related to its role in dysregulated metabolites such as steroid hormone biosynthesis.
A postsurgical prognostic nomogram for patients with lymph node positive rectosigmoid junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yanlong Wu , Yunxiao Wu , Yibing Wang
Published: May 2023

Objective

The definition of rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) is still in debate. The treatment and prognosis of patients with rectosigmoid junction cancer (RSJC) and positive lymph nodes (PLN-RSJCs) are mostly based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Our study aims to assist clinicians in creating a more intuitive and accurate nomogram model for PLN-RSJCs for the prediction of patient overall survival (OS) after surgery.

Methods

Based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we extracted 3384 patients with PLN-RSJCs and randomly divided them into development (n = 2344) and validation (n = 1004) cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Using univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis, we identified independent risk factors associated with OS in PLN-RSJCs in the development cohort, which were further used to establish a nomogram model. To verify the accuracy of the model, the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and an internal validation cohort have been employed. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess the clinical applicability and benefits of the generated model. Survival curves of the low- and high-risk groups were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method together with the log-rank test.

Results

Age, marital, chemotherapy, AJCC stage, T and N stage of TNM system, tumor size, and regional lymph nodes were selected as independent risk factors and included in the nomogram model. The C-index of this nomogram in the development (0.751;0.737–0.765) and validation cohorts (0.750;0.764–0.736) were more significant than that of the AJCC 7th staging system (0.681; 0.665–0.697). The ROC curve with the calculated area under the curve (AUC) in the development cohort was 0.845,0.808 and 0.800 for 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS, AUC in the validation cohort was 0.815,0.833 and 0.814 for 1-year, 3-year and 5-year, respectively. The calibration plots of both cohorts for 1-year,3-year and 5-year OS all demonstrated good agreement between actual clinical observations and predicted outcomes. In the development cohort, the DCA showed that the nomogram prediction model is more advantageous for clinical application than the AJCC 7th staging system. Kaplan–Meier curves in the low and high groups showed significant difference in patient OS.

Conclusions

We established an accurate nomogram model for PLN-RSJCs, intended to support clinicians in the treatment and follow-up of patients.
LncRNA-PVT1 was identified as a key regulator for TMZ resistance and STAT-related pathway in glioma
Authors: Chen Yusheng , Ma Fengjin , Zhang Zhe , Guo Yang , Shen Hanwei , Chen Hang
Published: May 2023

Background

PVT1, a previously uncharacterized lncRNA, was identified as a critical regulator involved in multiple functions in tumor, including cell proliferation, cell motility, angiogenesis and so on. However, the clinical significance and underlying mechanism of PVT1 was not be fully explored in glioma.

Methods

In this study, 1210 glioma samples with transcriptome data from three independent databases (CGGA RNA-seq, TCGA RNA-seq and GSE16011 cohorts) were enrolled in this study. Clinical information and genomic profiles containing somatic mutations and DNA copy numbers were collected from TCGA cohort. The R software was performed for statistical calculations and graphics. Furthermore, we validated the function of PVT1 in vitro.

Results

The results indicated that higher PVT1 expression was associated with aggressive progression of glioma. Cases with higher PVT1 expression always accompanied by PTEN and EGFR alteration. In addition, functional analyses and western blot results suggested that PVT1 inhibited the sensitivity of TMZ chemotherapy via JAK/STAT signaling. Meanwhile, knockdown of PVT1 increased the sensitivity of TZM chemotherapy in vitro. Finally, high PVT1 expression was associated with reduced survival time and may serve as a strong prognostic indicator for gliomas.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that PVT1 expression strongly correlated with tumor progression and chemo-resistance. PVT1 may become a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment in glioma.
The role of cardiac power and lactate clearance as an indicator of resuscitation success among pediatric patients with shock in the intensive care unit of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital
Authors: Yuniar Irene , Fitriasari Reni , Prawira Yogi , Handryastuti Setyo , Kadim Muzal , Triratna Silvia , Djer Mulyadi M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Shock in children remains the primary cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Furthermore, its management outcome is improved using many hemodynamic parameters, such as cardiac power (CP) and lactate clearance (LC). Cardiac power is a contractility index based on the measurement of flow and pressure, and it is a relatively new hemodynamic parameter with limited studies. In contrast, LC has been proven useful as a target outcome in shock resuscitation. This study aims to explore the values of CP and LC in pediatric shock and their association with clinical outcomes.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted on children (1 month-18 years old) with shock at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia, from April to October 2021. We measured CP using ultrasonic cardiac output monitoring (USCOM®) and serum lactate levels at 0, 1, 6, and 24 h post-initial resuscitation. Subsequently, the variables were described and analyzed with the resuscitation success, length of stay, and mortality.

Results

A total of 44 children were analyzed. There were 27 (61.4%), 7 (15.9%), 4 (9.1%), 4 (9.1%), and 2 (4.5%) cases of septic, hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive, and obstructive shock, respectively. Within the first 24 h post-initial resuscitation, CP and LC had an increasing trend. Compared to children who had successful resuscitation, those who did not have successful resuscitation had similar CP at all time points (p > 0.05) and lower LC at 1 and 24 h post-initial resuscitation (p < 0.05). Lactate clearance was an acceptable predictor of resuscitation success (area under the curve: 0.795 [95% CI: 0.660–0.931]). An LC of 7.5% had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 75.00%, 87.5%, 96.43%, and 43.75%, respectively. Lactate clearance in the first hour post-initial resuscitation had a weak correlation (r=-0.362, p < 0.05) with hospital length of stay. We found no difference in CP and LC among survivors compared to nonsurvivors.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that CP was associated with resuscitation success, length of stay, or mortality. Meanwhile, higher LC was associated with successful resuscitation and shorter length of stay at the hospital, but not mortality.
Biomechanical comparative study of midline cortical vs. traditional pedicle screw trajectory in osteoporotic bone
Authors: Schleifenbaum Stefan , Vogl Ann-Cathrin , Heilmann Robin , von der Hoeh Nicolas Heinz , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Jarvers Jan-Sven
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In lumbar spinal stabilization pedicle screws are used as standard. However, especially in osteoporosis, screw anchorage is a problem. Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is an alternative technique designed to increase stability without the use of cement. In this regard, comparative studies showed biomechanical superiority of the MC (midline cortical bone trajectory) technique with longer cortical progression over the CBT technique. The aim of this biomechanical study was to comparatively investigate the MC technique against the not cemented pedicle screws (TT) in terms of their pullout forces and anchorage properties during sagittal cyclic loading according to the ASTM F1717 test.

Methods

Five cadavers (L1 to L5), whose mean age was 83.3 ± 9.9 years and mean T Score of -3.92 ± 0.38, were dissected and the vertebral bodies embedded in polyurethane casting resin. Then, one screw was randomly inserted into each vertebra using a template according to the MC technique and a second one was inserted by freehand technique with traditional trajectory (TT). The screws were quasi-static extracted from vertebrae L1 and L3, while for L2, L4 and L5 they were first tested dynamically according to ASTM standard F1717 (10,000 cycles at 1 Hz between 10 and 110 N) and then quasi-static extracted. In order to determine possible screw loosening, there movements were recorded during the dynamic tests using an optical measurement system.

Results

The pull-out tests show a higher pull-out strength for the MC technique of 555.4 ± 237.0 N compared to the TT technique 448.8 ± 303.2 N. During the dynamic tests (L2, L4, L5), 8 out of the 15 TT screws became loose before completing 10,000 cycles. In contrast, all 15 MC screws did not exceed the termination criterion and were thus able to complete the full test procedure. For the runners, the optical measurement showed greater relative movement of the TT variant compared to the MC variant. The pull-out tests also revealed that the MC variant had a higher pull-out strength, measuring at766.7 ± 385.4 N, while the TT variant measured 637.4 ± 435.6 N.

Conclusion

The highest pullout forces were achieved by the MC technique. The main difference between the techniques was observed in the dynamic measurements, where the MC technique exhibited superior primary stability compared to the conventional technique in terms of primary stability. Overall, the MC technique in combination with template-guided insertion represents the best alternative for anchoring screws in osteoporotic bone without cement.
Challenges to acquire similar learning outcomes across four parallel thematic learning communities in a medical undergraduate curriculum
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wieringa Thomas H. , Brouwer Jasperina , Diemers Agnes D. , Bos Nicolaas A.
Published: May 2023

Background

To train physicians who are able to meet the evolving requirements from health care, the University of Groningen Medical Center adopted in 2014 a new curriculum named G2020. This curriculum combines thematic learning communities with competency-based medical education and Problem-based learning. In the learning community program, different learning tasks were used to train general competencies. The challenge of this program was whether students acquire similar levels of learning outcomes within the different variations of the program.

Method

We used the assessment results of three cohorts for the first two bachelor years. We used progress tests and written tests to analyze knowledge development, and the assessment results of seven competencies to analyze competence development. Concerning knowledge, we used the cumulative deviation method to compare progress tests and used the Kruskal–Wallis H test to compare written test scores between programs. Descriptive statistics are used to present all assessments of the students’ competencies.

Results

We observed similarly high passing rates both for competency and knowledge assessments in all programs. However, we did observe some differences. The two programs that focused more on competencies development underperformed the other two programs on knowledge assessment but outperformed on competencies assessment.

Conclusion

This study indicates that it is possible to train students in different learning programs within one curriculum while having similar learning outcomes. There are however some differences in obtained levels between the different programs. The new curriculum still needs to improve by balancing variations in the programs and comparability of assessments across the programs.
Association between the insulin resistance marker TyG index and subsequent adverse long-term cardiovascular events in young and middle-aged US adults based on obesity status
Authors: Chen Weihua , Ding Shan , Tu Jiabin , Xiao Guitao , Chen Kaihong , Zhang Yanbin , Huang Rongchong , Liao Ying
Published: May 2023

Background

A lthough the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been shown to closely correlate with cardiometabolic outcomes and predict cardiovascular events in many groups, it remains unclear whether obese status in young and middle-aged adults is associated with long-term unfavorable cardiovascular events. This warrants further investigation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning the years 1999–2018, with follow-up for mortality status until December 31, 2019. To categorize participants based on the TyG level, the optimal critical value was determined through restricted cubic spline function analysis, dividing them into high and low TyG groups. The study assessed the relationship between TyG and cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in young and middle-aged adults stratified by obesity status. Kaplan‒Meier and Cox proportional risk models were used to analyze the data.

Results

During a follow-up period of 123 months, a high TyG index increased the risk of cardiovascular events by 63% (P = 0.040) and the risk of all-cause mortality by 32% (P = 0.010) in individuals after adjusting for all covariates. High TyG was shown to be linked to cardiovascular events in obese people (Model 3: HR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.13–5.12, P = 0.020); however, there was no significant difference in TyG groups for nonobese adults in Model 3 (P = 0.08).

Conclusions

TyG was independently associated with harmful long-term cardiovascular events in young and middle-aged US populations, with a stronger association observed in those who were obese.
Assessing association of dental caries with child oral impact on daily performance; a cross-sectional study of adolescents in Copperbelt province, Zambia
Authors: Anthony Severine N , Kahabuka Febronia K , Birungi Nancy , Åstrøm Anne N , Siziya Seter , Mbawalla Hawa S
Published: May 2023

Background

Dental caries and child oral impact on daily performance (C-OIDP) have been linked in several studies. However, the studies used caries indices, which limit the ability to examine how C-OIDP prevalence varies across various stages of the dental caries process. Furthermore, cross-cultural differences between Zambia and other African countries where the C-OIDP instrument has been widely used necessitate testing its pychometric properties. This study’s primary aim was to evaluate the association between dental caries and C-OIDP. Secondarily, the study reports the psychometric properties of the C-OIDP index among Zambian adolescents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2021 among grade 8–9 adolescents in Copperbelt province, Zambia. A multistage cluster sampling method was used to select participants. Using a pretested self-administered questionnaire, socio-demographics, oral health behaviors, self-reported oral health, and C-OIDP were evaluated. The test-retest and internal consistency reliability of the C-OIDP were evaluated. The Caries Assessment and Treatment Spectrum (CAST) was used to evaluate dental caries. Adjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to evaluate the association between dental caries and C-OIDP after adjusting for confounders identified by a directed acyclic graph.

Results

Among 1,794 participants, 54.0% were females, while 56.0% were aged 11–14 years. About a quarter (24.6%) had one or more teeth at the pre-morbidity stage, 15.2% at the morbidity, 6.4% at the severe morbidity and 2.7 at the mortality stage. The internal consistency reliability of the C-OIDP Cohen’s Kappa was 0.940, while the Kappa coefficients of the C-OIDP items ranged from 0.960 to 1.00. Participants with severe caries had a high prevalence of C-OIDP, with rates for morbidity, severe morbidity, and mortality stages being 49.3%, 65.3%, and 49.3%, respectively. Oral impacts were 2.6 times (AOR 2.6, 95% CI 2.1–3.4) more likely to be reported by participants with dental caries than those without caries.

Conclusions

Dental caries was associated with high reporting of C-OIDP, and C-OIDP prevalence was high among participants in the severe stages of the caries process. The English version of the C-OIDP demonstrated adequate psychometric characteristics for assessing OHRQoL among Zambian adolescents.
Advances in spatial transcriptomics and related data analysis strategies
Authors: Du Jun , Yang Yu-Chen , An Zhi-Jie , Zhang Ming-Hui , Fu Xue-Hang , Huang Zou-Fang , Yuan Ye , Hou Jian
Published: May 2023

Spatial transcriptomics technologies developed in recent years can provide various information including tissue heterogeneity, which is fundamental in biological and medical research, and have been making significant breakthroughs. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) cannot provide spatial information, while spatial transcriptomics technologies allow gene expression information to be obtained from intact tissue sections in the original physiological context at a spatial resolution. Various biological insights can be generated into tissue architecture and further the elucidation of the interaction between cells and the microenvironment. Thus, we can gain a general understanding of histogenesis processes and disease pathogenesis, etc. Furthermore, in silico methods involving the widely distributed R and Python packages for data analysis play essential roles in deriving indispensable bioinformation and eliminating technological limitations. In this review, we summarize available technologies of spatial transcriptomics, probe into several applications, discuss the computational strategies and raise future perspectives, highlighting the developmental potential.
Mitochondrial impairment and downregulation of Drp1 phosphorylation underlie the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of alantolactone on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Yafei , Yang Bingqian , Tu Chengwei , Ping Yifan , Chen Shuhong , Wu Tong , Zhao Zheyu , Mao Yixin , Yang Zhan , Cao Zelin , Li Jianmin , Huang Kate , Ding Xi , Wu Gang , Zou Peng , Deng Zhennan , Sun Xiaoyu
Published: May 2023

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent and fatal oral cancers. Mitochondria-targeting therapies represent promising strategies against various cancers, but their applications in treating OSCC are limited. Alantolactone (ALT) possesses anticancer properties and also regulates mitochondrial events. In this study, we explored the effects of ALT on OSCC and the related mechanisms.

Methods

The OSCC cells were treated with varying concentrations and duration of ALT and N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). The cell viability and colony formation were assessed. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. We used DCFH-DA and flow cytometry to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DAF-FM DA to investigate reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level. Mitochondrial function was reflected by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ATP levels. KEGG enrichment analyses determined the mitochondrial-related hub genes involved in OSCC progression. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) overexpression plasmids were further transfected into the cells to analyze the role of Drp1 in OSCC progression. Immunohistochemistry staining and western blot verified the expression of the protein.

Results

ALT exerted anti-proliferative and pro-apoptosis effects on OSCC cells. Mechanistically, ALT elicited cell injury by promoting ROS production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and ATP depletion, which were reversed by NAC. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Drp1 played a crucial role in OSCC progression. OSCC patients with low Drp1 expression had a higher survival rate. The OSCC cancer tissues presented higher phosphorylated-Drp1 and Drp1 levels than the normal tissues. The results further showed that ALT suppressed Drp1 phosphorylation in OSCC cells. Moreover, Drp1 overexpression abolished the reduced Drp1 phosphorylation by ALT and promoted the cell viability of ALT-treated cells. Drp1 overexpression also reversed the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ALT, with decreased ROS production, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP level.

Conclusions

ALT inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells via impairment of mitochondrial homeostasis and regulation of Drp1. The results provide a solid basis for ALT as a therapeutic candidate for treating OSCC, with Drp1 being a novel therapeutic target in treating OSCC.
Feasibility of fine needle aspiration for diagnosis of b-cell lymphoma of the thyroid: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Karabachev Alexander D. , Brundage William J. , Sajisevi Mirabelle B. , Ciolino Allison L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare cancer accounting for approximately 5% of thyroid malignancies. Historically, incisional biopsy has been the gold standard for definitive diagnosis of PTL, however, the use of cell block as an adjunct to fine needle aspiration (FNA) provides a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis and classification.

Methods

Three patients presented with a symptomatic enlarging thyroid mass. Patient 1 underwent incisional biopsy under general anesthesia, Patient 2 underwent core needle biopsy to avoid high risk intubation, and Patient 3 underwent fine needle aspiration alone with the use of cell block.

Results

All patients were diagnosed with a fully classified non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis.

Conclusions

FNA for diagnosis of some subtypes of PTL is feasible and preferred in cases that are particularly high risk for general anesthesia. This minimally invasive technique is safe and cost effective as it avoids expenses associated with operative intervention.
A suggested way forward for adoption of AI-Enabled digital pathology in low resource organizations in the developing world
Authors: Zehra Talat , Parwani Anil , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid , Ahmad Zubair
Published: May 2023

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) represent a big source of data not only for endemic diseases but also for neoplasms. Data is the fuel which drives the modern era. Data when stored in digital form can be used for constructing disease models, analyzing disease trends and predicting disease outcomes in various demographic regions of the world. Most labs in developing countries don’t have resources such as whole slide scanners or digital microscopes. Owing to severe financial constraints and lack of resources, they don’t have the capability to handle large amounts of data. Due to these issues, precious data cannot be saved and utilized properly. However, digital techniques can be adopted even in low resource settings with significant financial constraints. In this review article, we suggest some of the options available to pathologists in developing countries which can enable them to start their digital journey and move forward despite resource-poor health system.
Endovascular treatment of a traumatic thoracic pseudo-aneurysm in a pediatric patient: a case report with review of literature
Authors: Afzal Muniba , Abdulreda Najar Safaa , Baghazal Hassan , Alshahwani Noora
Published: May 2023

Blunt aortic injury (BAI) as a result of thoracic trauma is a rare entity in the adult and pediatric population. The endovascular approach has been the preferred method of management over operative repair in adults. However, data on pediatrics is limited to case reports and case series with no long-term follow-up. There are no current guidelines for management in the pediatric population. We are reporting a successful repair of a traumatic thoracic aortic aneurysm in a 13 year old boy with covered stents, with a review of relevant literature.
Challenges and lessons learned for REDD+ finance and its governance
Authors: Morita Kanako , Matsumoto Ken’ichi
Published: May 2023

Discussion on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries began at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties in 2005, and the agenda for “reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+)” was introduced under the UNFCCC. The REDD+ framework was developed with the expectation that it would significantly contribute to climate change mitigation at a relatively low cost and produce benefits for both developed and developing countries. Finance is a key element of REDD+ implementation, and many financial sources, approaches, and mechanisms have supported REDD+-related activities in various developing countries. However, the comprehensive challenges and lessons learned for REDD+ finance and its governance have not been fully explored. This paper reviews the relevant literature to understand the challenges for REDD+ finance and its governance in two areas—(1) REDD+ finance aligned with the UNFCCC and (2) REDD+-related finance outside the UNFCCC—which have developed differently and have different implications. This paper first identifies the six key elements of REDD+ finance and its governance across the two fields, and then reviews the related challenges and lessons learned with respect to public and private finance. The challenges for REDD+ finance and its governance aligned with the UNFCCC include enhancing the performance of REDD+ finance using mainly public finance, such as results-based finance and the jurisdictional approach. In contrast, the challenges regarding REDD+-related finance outside the UNFCCC include enhancing the engagement of the private sector in REDD+ finance, mainly targeting the project level, and the relationship between voluntary carbon markets and other investment and finance mechanisms. This paper also identifies the common challenges across REDD+ finance and its governance in the two fields. These challenges include the need to enhance linkages between REDD+ and other objectives, such as carbon neutrality/net-zero, deforestation-free supply chains, and nature-based solutions, as well as the need to develop learning systems for REDD+ finance.
Relationship between thyroid antibody levels and ovarian reserve function in infertile chinese women with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone
Authors: Sun Yue , Fang Yunyao , Xu Miaoyi , Liu Yaofang
Published: May 2023

Background

To analyze the relationship of thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroid globulin antibody levels with ovarian reserve function in infertile women.

Methods

The data of 721 infertile patients who visited the hospital from January 2019 to September 2022 and whose thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were in the normal range, were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two sets of three groups—the negative group, the 2.6 IU/ml ~ 100 IU/ml group and the TPOAb > 100 IU/ml group according to the TPOAb (thyroid peroxidase antibody) level, or the TgAb (anti-thyroglobulin antibody) negative group, the 14.58 IU/ml ~ 100 IU/ml group and the TgAb > 100 IU/ml group according to the TgAb level. They were compared for differences in ovarian reserve function index and thyroid hormone levels and analyzed for the relationship among thyroid antibody levels, ovarian reserve function, and thyroid hormone levels.

Results

When TSH > 2.5 mIU/L, the bFSH (basal follicle stimulating hormone) level in the TPOAb > 100 IU/ml group (9.10 ± 1.16 IU/L) was significantly higher than that in the TPOAb negative group (8.12 ± 1.97 IU/L) and the 2.6 IU/ml ~ 100 IU/ml group (7.90 ± 1.48 IU/L) (P < 0.05); when TSH ≤ 2.5 mIU/L, there were no statistically significant differences in the bFSH and AFC (antral follicle count) number at different TPOAb levels. Whether TSH ≤ 2.5 mIU/L or TSH > 2.5 mIU/L, there were no statistically significant differences in the bFSH and AFC number at different TgAb levels (P > 0.05). FT3/FT4 ratio in the TPOAb 2.6 IU/ml ~ 100 IU/ml group and the > 100 IU/ml group was significantly lower than in the negative group. FT3/FT4 ratio in the TgAb 14.58 ~ 100 IU/ml group and the > 100 IU/ml group was also significantly lower than in the TgAb negative group (P < 0.05). TSH level in the TPOAb > 100 IU/ml group was significantly higher than in the 2.6 ~ 100 IU/ml group and the TPOAb negative group, but there were no statistically significant differences among different TgAb groups.

Conclusions

When TPOAb > 100 IU/ml and TSH > 2.5 mIU/L, it may affect the ovarian reserve function in infertile patients, and the mechanism may be associated with increased TSH and the imbalance of FT3/FT4 ratio caused by the increase of TPOAb.
Plasma Levels of Branched Chain Amino Acids, Incident Hip Fractures, and Bone Mineral Density of the Hip and Spine
Authors: Carbone Laura , Bůžková Petra , Fink Howard A , Robbins John A , Barzilay Joshua I , Elam Rachel E , Isales Carlos , Connelly Margery A , Mukamal Kenneth J
Published: May 2023

Objective

Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are building blocks for protein, an essential component of bone. However, the association of plasma levels of BCAA with fractures in populations outside of Hong Kong or with hip fractures in particular is not known. The purpose of these analyses was to determine the relationship of BCAA including valine, leucine, and isoleucine and total BCAA (SD of the sum of Z-scores for each BCAA) with incident hip fractures and bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip and lumbar spine in older African American and Caucasian men and women in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Design

Longitudinal analyses of association of plasma levels of BCAA with incident hip fractures and cross-sectional BMD of the hip and lumbar spine from the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

A total of 1850 men (38% of cohort) and women; mean age 73 years.

Main Outcome Measures

Incident hip fractures and cross-sectional BMD of the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine.

Results

In fully adjusted models, over 12 years of follow-up, we observed no significant association between incident hip fracture and plasma values of valine, leucine, isoleucine, or total BCAA per 1 SD higher of each BCAA. Plasma values of leucine but not valine, isoleucine, or total BCAA, were positively and significantly associated with BMD of the total hip (P = .03) and femoral neck (P = .02), but not the lumbar spine (P = .07).

Conclusions

Plasma levels of the BCAA leucine may be associated with higher BMD in older men and women. However, given the lack of significant association with hip fracture risk, further information is needed to determine whether BCAAs would be novel targets for osteoporosis therapies.
Role of Primary Care Physicians in management of Schizophrenia in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC): A systematic review
Authors: Khan Muhammad Firaz , Ul-Haq Zia , Ul Haq Mian Mukhtar , Afridi Adil , Farooq Saeed
Published: May 2023

Many people with Schizophrenia lack the resources and access to mental health services especially in low and middle income countries. Integration of mental health into primary care services can be a cost effective way of reducing the disability associated with Schizophrenia. Our aim was to review the studies conducted on role of Primary care physicians in management of Schizophrenia in low and middle income countries. PRISMA guidelines were followed and we registered the study protocol at PROSPERO. Four Electronic Databases (Medline, Psycinfo, CINAHL and Embase) were searched in May 2022. Relevant articles after search were 504 of which 61 full text were examined. A total of 20 studies were included in the final review comprising of observational, experimental and qualitative studies. Most studies reported on abilities of Primary care physicians including their knowledge, perceptions, skills and competencies in identifying and management of Schizophrenia and related Psychosis. Findings suggest that there is considerable amount of stigma, lack of awareness and social support about people diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Significant improvement was observed in diagnosis and management of schizophrenia by Primary care physicians who received appropriate training by experts in the field. This review suggests that appropriate training of General practitioners in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia can help in reduction of huge Treatment Gap in Schizophrenia. They can also be utilised in delivering psycho social interventions to improve overall quality of patient care.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7286

How to cite this: Khan MF, Zia ul-Haq, Mukhtar-ul-Haq M, Afridi A, Farooq S. Role of Primary Care Physicians in management of Schizophrenia in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC): A systematic review. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.4.7286

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
THE FORMATION OF YOUNG ARMY CADETS’ PATRIOTIC CULTURE
Authors: Ponomarev Mikhail A. , Filipchenko Svetlana N.
Published: May 2023

Purpose. The article touches upon the current issues related to patriotic education and formation of patriotic culture of Young Army Cadets. The authors aim to consider the relationship between culture and patriotism in the younger generation upbringing as well as criteria for assessing the level of patriotic culture formation.

Research methods. The method of theoretical analysis of research issue literature, the method of studying and generalizing the existing experience are applied.

Results. Based on literate review the authors provide their definition of patriotic culture, reveal components of patriotic culture of Young Army Cadets, and determine criteria and indicators for its development assessment in the context of the events organized with participants of public movement “Unarmiya”. The authors note that the patriotism manifestations are a person’s responsibility, honour and dignity in relation to his or her Fatherland, self-realization and awareness of culture, history and achievements of native country. The results may be used in the activity of public organizations and youth movement.
In Memory of Professor Anatoly Schukin. Basic Life Milestones of the Teacher and Researcher
Authors: Yanchenko V. , Barsegyan K.
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted to the scientific heritage of Professor Anatoly Nikolaevich Shchukin (1932–2023), a methodologist, author of a number of modern linguodidactic and terminological dictionaries, textbooks, author of over 500 papers of linguodidactics, a deep researcher in the field of teaching of Russian as a foreign language, founder of a large research school. The works of A.N. Shchukin are widely known to specialists in Russia and beyond. He made a significant contribution to the development of the teaching methodology of the Russian Language and to the spread of the Russian language in the world. The biography of A.N. Shchukin is an example of devotion to the science, a role-model for researchers of the younger generation who start their journey.
Ideas of Humanism in European and Iranian Cultural Traditions (On the Example of Iranian Cinema)
Authors: Didenko Valeriy , Starovoytova I. , Solgi Tahereh
Published: May 2023

Cinema as a means of communication does not have sufficient direct interactivity, bright audiovisual means of cinema have a suggestive effect on the viewer, making cinema an influential means of promoting ideas and values. Postmodern culture is characterized by the rejection of authority, the denial of cultural norms and traditions. The problem of preserving traditional spiritual and moral values becomes relevant in the context of the global civilizational crisis. The article deals with insufficiently studied issues of the embodiment and evolution of the idea of humanism in the European and Iranian cultural traditions. It is shown that the Islamic concept of humanism, humanity is based on religiosity. The content and value aspects of the movies of the leading directors of modern Iranian cinema (M. Majidi, A. Farhadi, R. Mirkarimi) are analyzed in this context. The connection between the state policy in the field of culture and the vector direction in the development of Iranian cinematography, which is the dissemination of ideas and values of humanism, is traced. The article may be of interest to researchers of the history of cinema, culturologists, managers in the field of culture.
Diplomatic Etiquette in Professional Training of International Relations Students
Authors: Revkova E.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. The relevance of the research lies in the consideration of issues of diplomatic etiquette in the process of training future specialists in international relations for professional communication. Diplomatic etiquette includes aspects of future professional activity that international relations students need to know.

The hypothesis of the study includes the assumption that the mastery of diplomatic etiquette contributes to the formation of professionalism of future specialists in international relations.

The purpose of the study is to analyze pedagogical technologies for the formation of skills of diplomatic etiquette application by future specialists in the field of international relations in the context of professional communication.

Methodology and research methods. The research applies such theoretical methods as analysis, systematization and generalization of scientific literature on the research problem. It presents an overview of the works of Russian and foreign scientists on diplomatic etiquette and professional training of international relations students. Empirical methods include pedagogical observation of students’ participation in professionally oriented events related to diplomatic etiquette. The online-survey involved 54 students of the educational program 41.03.05 “International Relations” of Ryazan State University named for S.A. Yesenin.

Results. The article presents the description of pedagogical technologies for improving the knowledge of international relations students about diplomatic etiquette. It shows the analysis of students’ opinions on the importance of knowledge of diplomatic etiquette for future professional activity. The scientific novelty includes the proposed pedagogical technologies for teaching diplomatic etiquette to international relations students about such sections of diplomatic etiquette as diplomatic correspondence, rules of conduct, politically correct vocabulary, cultural differences. The analysis of the results of the online-survey shows that students understand the importance of mastering diplomatic etiquette for their future professional activities.

Practical significance. The proposed pedagogical technologies on diplomatic etiquette can be further used to form the professional identity of international relations students.

Conclusion and directions for further research. In the future, it is advisable to develop pedagogical technologies aimed at the formation of value orientations of specialists in international relations in the conditions of cultural transformation of the world.
Interaction with Media as an Important Component of a Lawyer’s Professional Communication
Authors: Nadeina T. , Chubina E.
Published: May 2023

The negative consequences of the legal sphere mediatization are considered. Concrete examples demonstrate the mistakes that journalists make when covering the legal professionals’ activities, including forensic experts, in the mass media, as well as the bias of reviewers while estimating forensic linguistic expertise. As one of the possible ways to overcome these problems, it is proposed to pay attention to the interaction of professional lawyers with journalists, as well as to use PR technologies with the involvement of IT tools in the study of media materials.