bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relevant research of adverse childhood experiences and “risky drinking” in children of alcoholics in China
Authors: Sun Guangqiang , Wu Tingfang , Huang Chengbing , Yu Mingchao , Guo Yan , Zhu Xihua , Yu Xin , Qiu Yujia
Published: January 2023

Objective

To determine whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) of children of alcoholics (COA) in male were associated with their current “risky drinking”.

Methods

This case–control study used the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT, cutoff is 7) to divide the participants into two groups, a “risky drinking” group (N = 53) and a "non-risky drinking” group (N = 97). Demographic data, Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used for assessment. The specific relationships between ACEs and “risky drinking” were explored.

Results

Respondents ranged in age from 29.70 ± 6.72 years; 74.5% were females; 94.7% were of Han nationality; 56.7% had a level of education above high school; 12% had no formal or stable job. There was difference in attitude to self-drinking between two groups (P < 0.001). The “risky drinking” group was more likely to have experienced a major depressive episode (P < 0.05), nonalcohol psychoactive substance use disorder (P < 0.01) and bulimia nervosa (P < 0.05), and they also experienced more physical abuse (P < 0.05), community violence (P < 0.001) and collective violence (P < 0.01). In a single factor logistic regression, physical abuse, community violence and collective violence were associated with a two to 11- fold increase in “risky drinking” in the adult COA, and in multiple factor logistic regression, community violence showed a graded relationship with “risky drinking”.

Conclusion

The childhood adverse experiences contribute to “risky drinking” in COA. This finding in the Chinese context have significant implications for prevention not only in China but in other cultures. There must be greater awareness of the role of ACEs in the perpetuation of alcoholism.
COVID-19, stigma, and habituation: evidence from mobility data
Authors: Kurita Kenichi , Katafuchi Yuya , Managi Shunsuke
Published: January 2023

Background

The Japanese government has restricted people’s going-out behavior by declaring a non-punitive state of emergency several times under COVID-19. This study aims to analyze how multiple policy interventions that impose non-legally binding restrictions on behavior associate with people’s going-out.

Theory

This study models the stigma model of self-restraint behavior under the pandemic with habituation effects. The theoretical result indicates that the state of emergency’s self-restraint effects weaken with the number of times.

Methods

The empirical analysis examines the impact of emergency declarations on going-out behavior using a prefecture-level daily panel dataset. The dataset includes Google’s going-out behavior data, the Japanese government’s policy interventions based on emergency declarations, and covariates that affect going-out behavior, such as weather and holidays.

Results

First, for multiple emergency declarations from the beginning of the pandemic to 2021, the negative association between emergency declarations and mobility was confirmed in a model that did not distinguish the number of emergency declarations. Second, in the model that considers the number of declarations, the negative association was found to decrease with the number of declarations.

Conclusion

These empirical analyses are consistent with the results of theoretical analyses, which show that the negative association between people’s going-out behavior and emergency declarations decreases in magnitude as the number of declarations increases.
Objective structured clinical examination in basic thoracic ultrasound: a European study of validity evidence
Authors: Pietersen Pia Iben , Bhatnagar Rahul , Andreasen Freja , Konge Lars , Laursen Christian Borbjerg , Rahman Najib , Nielsen Anders Bo
Published: January 2023

Background

Basic thoracic ultrasound is being used more frequently by clinicians in several settings due to its high diagnostic accuracy for many common causes of respiratory failure and dyspnoea. However, ultrasound examinations are operator-dependent, and sufficient competences are needed to obtain high sensitivity and specificity of examinations. Additionally, it is crucial for ultrasound operators to perceive the competence to interpret the images and integrate them into the patient history and other examinations. This study aims to explore and gather validity evidence for an objective structured clinical examination test of basic thoracic ultrasound competences and establish a pass/fail score.

Methods

An expert panel created the test which included two theoretical and five practical stations representing cases with different diagnoses that cause respiratory symptoms and which are possible to establish by basic thoracic ultrasound. Twenty-five participants with different levels of experience in basic thoracic ultrasound completed the test. Data of the test scores were used for item analysis, and exploring validity evidence was done according to Messick’s framework which is recommended. The contrasting groups' standard setting method was used to establish a pass/fail score.

Results

The summarised internal consistency reliability was high with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.87. The novice group (n = 4) had a mean test score of 42 ± 10.1 points, the intermediate group (n = 8) scored 79.1 ± 8.1 points, and the experienced group (n = 13) 89.0 ± 6.2 points (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). A pass/fail score of 71 points was thus derived (maximum test score = 105 points).

Conclusion

We developed a test for the assessment of clinical competences in basic thoracic ultrasound with solid validity evidence, and a pass/fail standard with no false positives or false negatives.
Modified fourth lumbar artery local perforator flap: an alternative for reconstruction of nonhealing lumbosacral spinal defects
Authors: Zhao Runlei , Zhang Xinling , Yang Xin , Zhao Zhenmin
Published: January 2023

Background

The reconstruction of nonhealing lumbosacral spinal defects remains a challenge, with limited options. The aim of this article was to review the authors’ technique and experience with the modified fourth lumbar artery local perforator (MFLALP) flap for the coverage of nonhealing lumbosacral defects after spinal surgery.

Methods

Between August 2012 and May 2021, we reviewed all MFLALP flaps performed for lumbosacral spinal defects. Patient demographics, wound aetiologies, surgical characteristics, and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 31 MFLALP flaps were performed on 24 patients during the research period. The median flap size was 152 cm2 (range, 84–441 cm2). All flaps survived successfully, although there were two cases of minor complications. One patient had a haematoma and required additional debridement and skin grafting at 1 week postoperatively. The other patient suffered wound dehiscence at the donor site at 2 weeks postoperatively and required reclosure. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 5 years.

Conclusions

The MFLALP flap has the advantages of a reliable blood supply, sufficient tissue bulk and low complication rate. This technique is an alternative option for the reconstruction of nonhealing lumbosacral spinal defects.
Effect of doctor allocation policies on the equitable distribution of doctors in Thailand
Authors: Noree Thinakorn , Pagaiya Nonglak , Nimnual Intira
Published: January 2023

Background

Equitable geographic distribution of doctors is crucial for the provision of an accessible and efficient health service system. This study aimed to assess the effects of doctor allocation by the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in relation to equity distribution.

Methods

This descriptive study compared secondary data on the number of doctors, gross provincial products (GPP), and populations of 76 Thai provinces for the years 2017 and 2021. The ratio of doctors to 1000 population was used to measure the spatial distribution of doctors by province. Lorenz curves and the Gini coefficient were used to determine the equity of doctor distribution.

Results

The results showed that the Gini coefficient decreased from 0.191 in 2017 to 0.03 in 2021 indicating that the equitable distribution of doctors improved after the MoPH commenced allocating newly graduated doctors according to health utilization in 2017. Compared to 2017, the percentage changes in the number of doctors were higher in provinces with lower doctor densities and in provinces with higher GPPs.

Conclusion

The equitable distribution of doctors in Thailand was affected by two main causes: the allocation of newly graduated doctors by the MoPH and the turnover rate of existing doctors.
Outcomes of the 2019 hydrocephalus association workshop, "Driving common pathways: extending insights from posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus"
Authors: Karimy Jason K. , Newville Jessie C. , Sadegh Cameron , Morris Jill A. , Monuki Edwin S. , Limbrick David D. , McAllister II James P. , Koschnitzky Jenna E. , Lehtinen Maria K. , Jantzie Lauren L.
Published: January 2023

The Hydrocephalus Association (HA) workshop, Driving Common Pathways: Extending Insights from Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus, was held on November 4 and 5, 2019 at Washington University in St. Louis. The workshop brought together a diverse group of basic, translational, and clinical scientists conducting research on multiple hydrocephalus etiologies with select outside researchers. The main goals of the workshop were to explore areas of potential overlap between hydrocephalus etiologies and identify drug targets that could positively impact various forms of hydrocephalus. This report details the major themes of the workshop and the research presented on three cell types that are targets for new hydrocephalus interventions: choroid plexus epithelial cells, ventricular ependymal cells, and immune cells (macrophages and microglia).
Differential diagnosis of uterine adenosarcoma: identification of JAZF1-BCORL1 rearrangement by comprehensive cancer genomic profiling
Authors: Hasegawa Chie , Washimi Kota , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Kasajima Rika , Kikuchi Keiji , Notomi Tsuguto , Kato Hisamori , Hiruma Toru , Sato Shinya , Okubo Yoichiro , Yoshioka Emi , Ono Kyoko , Miyagi Yohei , Yokose Tomoyuki
Published: January 2023

Background

Uterine adenosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor that accounts for 8% of all uterine sarcomas, and less than 0.2% of all uterine malignancies. However, it is frequently misdiagnosed in clinical examinations, including pathological diagnosis, and imaging studies owing to its rare and non-specific nature, which is further compounded by the lack of specific diagnostic markers.

Case presentation

We report a case of uterine adenosarcoma for which a comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) test provided a chance to reach the proper diagnosis. The patient, a woman in her 60s with a history of uterine leiomyoma was diagnosed with an intra-abdominal mass post presentation with abdominal distention and loss of appetite. She was suspected to have gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST); the laparotomically excised mass was found to comprise uniform spindle-shaped cells that grew in bundles with a herringbone architecture, and occasional myxomatous stroma. Immunostaining revealed no specific findings, and the tumor was diagnosed as a spindle cell tumor/suspicious adult fibrosarcoma. The tumor relapsed during postoperative follow-up, and showed size reduction with chemotherapy, prior to regrowth. CGP was performed to identify a possible treatment, which resulted in detection of a JAZF1-BCORL1 rearrangement. Since the rearrangement has been reported in uterine sarcomas, we reevaluated specimens of the preceding uterine leiomyoma, which revealed the presence of adenosarcoma components in the corpus uteri. Furthermore, both the uterine adenosarcoma and intra-abdominal mass were partially positive for CD10 and BCOR staining.

Conclusion

These results led to the conclusive identification of the abdominal tumor as a metastasis of the uterine adenosarcoma. The JAZF1-BCORL1 rearrangement is predominantly associated with uterine stromal sarcomas; thus far, ours is the second report of the same in an adenosarcoma. Adenosarcomas are rare and difficult to diagnose, especially in atypical cases with scarce glandular epithelial components. Identification of rearrangements involving BCOR or BCORL1, will encourage BCOR staining analysis, thereby potentially resulting in better diagnostic outcomes. Given that platinum-based chemotherapy was proposed as the treatment choice for this patient post diagnosis with adenosarcoma, CGP also indirectly contributed to the designing of the best-suited treatment protocol.
French national diagnosis and care protocol (PNDS, protocole national de diagnostic et de soins): cystic lymphatic malformations
Authors: Leboulanger Nicolas , Bisdorff Annouk , Boccara Olivia , Dompmartin Anne , Guibaud Laurent , Labreze Christine , Lagier Jacques , Lebrun-Vignes Bénédicte , Herbreteau Denis , Joly Aline , Malloizel-Delaunay Julie , Martel Arnaud , Munck Stéphane , Saint-Aubin Frédérique , Maruani Annabel
Published: January 2023

Cystic lymphatic malformations (LMs) are rare chronic conditions which management differs according to the type (macrocystic LMs, microcystic LMs or both). Studies are lacking due to rarity of the pathology. We aimed to establish a French National Diagnosis and Care Protocol (PNDS: Protocole National de Diagnostic et de Soins), to provide health professionals with free open access synthesis on optimal management and care of patients with LMs (https://www.has-sante.fr/upload/docs/application/pdf/2021-03/malformations_lymphatiques_kystiques_-_pnds.pdf). The process included a critical review of the literature and multidisciplinary expert consensus. LMs are congenital but are not always discovered at birth. Nearly 75% of them are located in the head and neck because of the highly dense lymphatic system in this region. Physical examination (showing painless masses with normal skin color and depressible consistency, or cutaneous/mucosal lymphangiectasia) and color Doppler ultrasonography, usually allow for diagnosis. MRI (involving T2 sequences with fat saturation in at least two spatial planes) is the tool of choice for evaluating anatomical extension, characterizing lesions (microcystic and macrocystic), and before considering therapeutic management. A biopsy, coupled to a blood sample, can also be used for molecular biology analyses, to search for activating mutations of thePIK3CAgene, particularly with LM integrating in a syndromic form (CLOVES or Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome) but also in certain isolated (or common) LMs. The spontaneous evolution of LMs, in particular microcystic forms, is often toward progressive aggravation, with an increase in the number of vesicles, thickening, increased oozing and bleeding, while pure macrocystic LMs may regress due to “natural sclerosis”, i.e. fibrosis secondary to an inflammatory reorganization after common infantile infections. In case of voluminous LMs or syndromic forms, functional and psychological repercussions can be major, deteriorating the patient’s quality of life. LMs must be treated by physicians integrated in multidisciplinary teams, and be personalized. Management is a life-long process that involves one or several of these therapies: conservative management, physical therapy (compression), sclerotherapy, surgery, drugs such as mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus), that has shown efficacy in decreasing the volume of LMs, and, more recently, PI3K-inhibitors in syndromic forms. Psychological and social support is necessary, taking into account the patient and his family.
High-throughput analysis of the transcriptional patterns of sexual genes in malaria
Authors: Cruz Camacho Abel , Kiper Edo , Oren Sonia , Zaharoni Nir , Nir Netta , Soffer Noam , Noy Yael , Ben David Bar , Rivkin Anna , Rotkopf Ron , Michael Dan , Carvalho Teresa G. , Regev-Rudzki Neta
Published: January 2023

Background

Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is the leading protozoan causing malaria, the most devastating parasitic disease. To ensure transmission, a small subset of Pf parasites differentiate into the sexual forms (gametocytes). Since the abundance of these essential parasitic forms is extremely low within the human host, little is currently known about the molecular regulation of their sexual differentiation, highlighting the need to develop tools to investigate Pf gene expression during this fundamental mechanism.

Methods

We developed a high-throughput quantitative Reverse-Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) platform to robustly monitor Pf transcriptional patterns, in particular, systematically profiling the transcriptional pattern of a large panel of gametocyte-related genes (GRG). Initially, we evaluated the technical performance of the systematic RT-qPCR platform to ensure it complies with the accepted quality standards for: (i) RNA extraction, (ii) cDNA synthesis and (iii) evaluation of gene expression through RT-qPCR. We then used this approach to monitor alterations in gene expression of a panel of GRG upon treatment with gametocytogenesis regulators.

Results

We thoroughly elucidated GRG expression profiles under treatment with the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin (DHA) or the metabolite choline over the course of a Pf blood cycle (48 h). We demonstrate that both significantly alter the expression pattern of PfAP2-G, the gametocytogenesis master regulator. However, they also markedly modify the developmental rate of the parasites and thus might bias the mRNA expression. Additionally, we screened the effect of the metabolites lactate and kynurenic acid, abundant in severe malaria, as potential regulators of gametocytogenesis.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that the high-throughput RT-qPCR method enables studying the immediate transcriptional response initiating gametocytogenesis of the parasites from a very low volume of malaria-infected RBC samples. The obtained data expand the current knowledge of the initial alterations in mRNA profiles of GRG upon treatment with reported regulators. In addition, using this method emphasizes that asexual parasite stage composition is a crucial element that must be considered when interpreting changes in GRG expression by RT-qPCR, specifically when screening for novel compounds that could regulate Pf sexual differentiation.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of atrial fibrillation on the cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Nakase Taizen , Tatewaki Yasuko , Thyreau Benjamin , Odagiri Hayato , Tomita Naoki , Yamamoto Shuzo , Takano Yumi , Muranaka Michiho , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: January 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a strong risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) independent of ischemic stroke. However, the clinicopathological impact of AF on the severity of AD has not been well elucidated. We aimed to investigate the clinical differences between dementia patients with AF and those without AF by means of imaging data.

Methods

Following approval from the institutional ethics committee, patients with newly diagnosed AD or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) were retrospectively screened (n = 170, 79.5 ± 7.4 years old). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Based on the MRI data, the cerebral volume, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), periventricular white matter lesions (WMLs), and deep WMLs were evaluated. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured using 123I-IMP SPECT.

Results

Of the patients, 14 (8.2%) and 156 (91.8%) had AF (AF group) and sinus rhythm (SR group), respectively. The AF group had significantly lower MMSE scores than the SR group (average [standard deviation (SD)]: 19.4 [4.4] and 22.0 [4.4], respectively; p = 0.0347). Cerebral volume and CMBs did not differ between the two groups. The periventricular WMLs, but not the deep WMLs, were significantly larger in the AF group than in the SR group (mean [SD] mL: 6.85 [3.78] and 4.37 [3.21], respectively; p = 0.0070). However, there was no significant difference in rCBF in the areas related to AD pathology between the two groups.

Conclusion

AD and aMCI patients with AF showed worse cognitive decline along with larger periventricular WMLs compared to those with SR, although the reduction of rCBF was not different between patients with AF and SR. The white matter lesions may be a more important pathology than the impairment of cerebral blood flow in dementia patients with AF. A larger study is needed to confirm our findings in the future.
Trained intensivist coverage and survival outcomes in critically ill patients: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Oh Tak Kyu , Song In-Ae
Published: January 2023

Background

The difference in survival outcomes between closed and open intensive care unit (ICU) designs with respect to trained intensivist coverage remains unknown. We aimed to investigate whether trained intensivist coverage is associated with mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU in South Korea.

Methods

This population-based cohort study used nationwide registration data from South Korea. This study enrolled all adult patients admitted to the ICU between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Patients, who were admitted ICU in a hospital that employed trained intensivists, were designated as the intensivist group.

Results

This study included 1,147,493 critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. The intensivist and non-intensivist groups consisted of 484,004 (42.2%) and 663,489 (57.8%) patients, respectively. Mixed effect logistic regression revealed a 22% lower in-hospital mortality rate (odds ratio: 0.78. 95% confidence interval: 0.74, 0.81; P < 0.001) than that in the non-intensivist group. Mixed effect Cox regression revealed a 15% lower 1-year mortality rate (hazard ratio: 0.85. 95% confidence interval: 0.83, 0.89; P < 0.001) in the intensivist group than that in the non-intensivist group. Moreover, the in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the intensivist group than that in the non-intensivist group, irrespective of age, Charlson comorbidity index, surgery or non-surgery associated admission, and invasive treatment during ICU stay.

Conclusions

A closed ICU design with trained intensivist coverage was associated with lower in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates. Our results suggest that hospitals should employ trained intensivists to improve both short-term and long-term survival outcomes of critically ill patients.
$L^{\infty}$-error estimate of a generalized parallel Schwarz algorithm for elliptic quasi-variational inequalities related to impulse control problem
Authors: Bouzoualegh Ikram , Saadi Samira
Published: January 2023

The generalized Schwarz algorithm for a class of elliptic quasi-variational inequalities related to impulse control problems is studied in this paper. The principal result is to prove the error estimate in $L^{\infty}$

L
∞

-norm for m subdomains with overlapping nonmatching grids. This approach combines the geometrical convergence and the uniform convergence.
α-Confluent-hyper-geometric stability of ξ-Hilfer impulsive nonlinear fractional Volterra integro-differential equation
Authors: Ghaemi Mohammad Bagher , Mottaghi Fatemeh , Saadati Reza
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this work is to investigate the necessary conditions for the existence and uniqueness of solutions, and to introduce a new idea of α-confluent-hyper-geometric stability of an impulsive fractional differential equation with ξ-Hilfer fractional derivative. We use the Diaz–Margolis fixed point theorem to achieve this and illustrate the result with an example.
Local YB-1, Epo, and EpoR concentrations in fractured bones: results from a porcine model of multiple trauma
Authors: Bläsius Felix Marius , Greven Johannes , Guo Weijun , Bolierakis Eftychios , He Zhizhen , Lübke Cavan , Simon Tim-Philipp , Hildebrand Frank , Horst Klemens
Published: January 2023

Little is known about the impact of multiple trauma (MT)-related systemic hypoxia on osseous protein concentration of the hypoxia transcriptome. To shed light on this issue, we investigated erythropoietin (Epo), erythropoietin receptor (EpoR), and Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) concentrations in the fracture zone in a porcine MT + traumatic hemorrhage (TH) model. Sixteen male domestic pigs were randomized into two groups: an MT + TH group and a sham group. A tibia fracture, lung contusion, and TH were induced in the MT + TH group. The total observation period was 72 h. YB-1 concentrations in bone marrow (BM) were significantly lower in the fracture zone of the MT + TH animals than in the sham animals. Significant downregulation of BM-localized EpoR concentration in both unfractured and fractured bones was observed in the MT + TH animals relative to the sham animals. In BM, Epo concentrations were higher in the fracture zone of the MT + TH animals compared with that in the sham animals. Significantly higher Epo concentrations were detected in the BM of fractured bone compared to that in cortical bone. Our results provide the first evidence that MT + TH alters hypoxia-related protein concentrations. The impacts of both the fracture and concomitant injuries on protein concentrations need to be studied in more detail to shed light on the hypoxia transcriptome in fractured and healthy bones after MT + TH.
CDCA8 induced by NF-YA promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the MEK/ERK pathway
Authors: Chen Erbao , He Yu , Jiang Jing , Yi Jing , Zou Zhilin , Song Qiuzi , Ren Qingqi , Lin Zewei , Lu Yi , Liu Jikui , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. Cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) is an important multifactorial regulator in cancers. However, its up and downstream targets and effects in HCC are still unclear.

Methods

A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (TCGA) to explore novel core oncogenes. We quantified CDCA8 levels in HCC tumors using qRT-PCR. HCC cell’s proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities were detected using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, clone formation, and a Transwell assay. An orthotopic tumor model and tail vein model were constructed to determine the effects of CDCA8 inhibition in vivo. The mechanism underlying CDCA8 was investigated using RNA sequencing. The prognostic value of CDCA8 was assessed with immunohistochemical staining of the tissue microarrays.

Results

CDCA8 was identified as a novel oncogene during HCC development. The high expression of CDCA8 was an independent predictor for worse HCC outcomes both in publicly available datasets and in our cohort. We found that CDCA8 knockdown inhibited HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration by suppressing the MEK/ERK pathway in vitro. Moreover, CDCA8 deficiency significantly inhibited tumorigenesis and metastasis. Next-generation sequencing and laboratory validation showed that CDCA8 silencing inhibited the expression of TPM3, NECAP2, and USP13. Furthermore, NA-YA overexpression upregulated the expression of CDCA8. CDCA8 knockdown could attenuate NF-YA-mediated cell invasion in vitro. The expression of NF-YA alone or in combined with CDCA8 were validated as significant independent risk factors for patient survival.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that the expression of CDCA8 alone or in combined with NF-YA contributed to cancer progression, and could serve as novel potential therapeutic targets for HCC patients.
Retraction Note: Factors associated with decision-making power on family planning utilization among HIV-positive women attending public health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Dejene Hiwot , Girma Derara , Adugna Leta , Tefera Bilisumamulifna
Published: January 2023

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-022-00175-y.
Effects of plasma-activated Ringer’s lactate solution on cancer cells: evaluation of genotoxicity
Authors: Liu Yang , Nakatsu Yoshimichi , Tanaka Hiromasa , Koga Kazunori , Ishikawa Kenji , Shiratani Masaharu , Hori Masaru
Published: January 2023

Background

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma technologies form the core of many scientific advances, including in the electronic, industrial, and biotechnological fields. The use of plasma as a cancer therapy has recently attracted significant attention due to its cancer cell killing activity. Plasma-activated Ringer’s lactate solution (PAL) exhibits such activity. In addition to ROS, PAL contains active compounds or species that cause cancer cell death, but the potential mutagenic risks of PAL have not been studied.

Results

PAL has a low pH value and a high concentration of H2O2. H2O2 was removed from PAL using catalase and catalase-treated PAL with a pH of 5.9 retained a killing effect on HeLa cells whereas this effect was not observed if the PAL was adjusted to pH 7.2. Catalase-treated PAL at pH 5.9 had no significant effect on mutation frequency, the expression of γH2AX, or G2 arrest in HeLa cells.

Conclusion

PAL contains one or more active compounds or species in addition to H2O2 that have a killing effect on HeLa cells. The compound(s) is active at lower pH conditions and apparently exhibits no genotoxicity. This study suggested that identification of the active compound(s) in PAL could lead to the development of novel anticancer drugs for future cancer therapy.
Update on obesity and assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Elnashar Aboubakr Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Background

The effect of obesity on IVF consequences is still debatable.

Main body

Obesity is linked to a greater likelihood of maternal and fetal complications all through gestation, including miscarriage, premature births, fetal demise, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. There was no increase in chromosomal abnormality percentages with increasing body mass index (BMI), implying that poor oocyte “performance” in obese patients could be caused by variables other than chromosomal expertise. Ribonucleic acid (RNA)-sequence research showed molecular changes in the oocytes of obese patients. Each 5-unit rise in female BMI is attributed with both a 5% and 7% reduction in hazard for CPR and LBR, in both, and a 9% rise in the comparative chance of miscarriage. There is no clinical or moral mandate for establishing a societal BMI limit for rejecting a client or couple direct exposure to infertility treatment. Assessment with an interdisciplinary approach prior to an IVF treatment should be done to assess the safety of oocyte retrieval under anesthesia, taking into account variables including body mass index and comorbid conditions. On LBR, there is no convincing evidence of the significance of lifestyle modification for losing weight. There is contradictory information on the impacts of weight loss surgery on pregnancy outcomes. IVF success rate was unaffected by weight loss surgery.

Conclusion

Obesity has been linked to anovulation, decreased ovarian response to ovulatory prescription medications, changed oocyte and endometrial activity, an elevated risk of fertility problems, and reduced rates of live birth following IVF.
Reduced percentage of inconclusive reports and need for repeated fine needle aspirations in ultrasound versus free-hand parotid cytology
Authors: Prades Eduardo , Garlea-Robu Irina , Harris Andrew Steven , Mehdi Muhammad Zain , Zeitoun Hisham , Arya Arvind Kumar
Published: January 2023

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology has been established as a minimally invasive, non-tumour seeding investigation of choice in the initial diagnostic pathway of parotid lesions. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology performed with and without ultrasound to determine whether one method should be preferred to the other. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing fine needle aspiration cytology with and without ultrasound for parotid masses in a large district general hospital between 2012 and 2016 was performed. Specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value, percentage of inconclusive fine needle aspiration cytology and percentage of second fine needle aspiration cytology were determined for each group.

Results

A total of 397 fine needle aspiration cytology results were available for analysis. The numbers performed with ultrasound guidance and free-hand were roughly equal (208 (52.3%) versus 189 (47.7%)). The number of inconclusive fine needle aspiration cytology reports was significantly higher in the free-hand group (65/189 (34.4%)) than the ultrasound group (25/208 (12%)) (p < 0.0001). A significantly higher number of repeated fine needle aspiration cytology were undertaken in the free-hand group vs ultrasound group (43 vs 15, p < 0.0001); overall 7.2% of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology required a second fine needle aspiration cytology, compared to 22.8% in the free-hand group. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were all higher in the ultrasound group versus the free-hand group.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology is superior to free-hand fine needle aspiration cytology in the investigation of parotid tumours. There is a significant benefit in reducing the number of inconclusive results and repeat fine needle aspiration cytology, and a potential benefit in improving the sensitivity and positive predictive value, when immediate cytology assessment of the sample quality is not performed.
Multidisciplinary patient-centred model of care for osteoarthritis: scoping review protocol—an initiative by the Egyptian Academy of Bone Health
Authors: El Miedany Yasser , Elwakil Walaa
Published: January 2023

Background

There is an evidence-practice gap in osteoarthritis (OA) management which has caused several patients living with the disease are receiving suboptimal medical care. Though there are several guidelines and treatment recommendations published, there is a real need to operationalise such evidence-based guidelines and facilitate their implementation by healthcare professionals in their local health systems

Main text

This work was carried out to outline a patient-centred multidisciplinary osteoarthritis care programme for knee and hip joint osteoarthritis that is applicable in standard clinical practice. A scoping review was conducted to identify an evidence-informed osteoarthritis management strategy, which outlines the optimal manner to treat patients living with osteoarthritis and can be implemented by healthcare professionals. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist was used to guide the reporting of this review. Based on this, a “Model of Care” based on a patient-centred approach with shared decision-making to enhance the timely consideration of all treatment options (including non-pharmacological, pharmacological therapies, psychotherapy, rehabilitation as well as surgery) has been developed aiming to optimise the outcomes. The goals and principles have been identified as well as the key performance indices. An algorithm for the multidisciplinary management of osteoarthritis has been developed.

Conclusion

The developed osteoarthritis care programme (OACP) provided a “Model of Care” for people living with OA which can be implemented in standard practice. The results will give insight into the features, performance, results, and outcome measures assessed. It will also guide future research towards how “Model of Care” can be patient-centred and tailored to the individual medical status.
Insight from Biology Program Learning Outcomes: Implications for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
Authors: Clark Noelle , Hsu Jeremy L.
Published: January 2023

Program learning outcomes (PLOs) play a critical role, informing curricula, teaching, and assessment. Undergraduate biology PLOs were collected and analyzed to provide insight into how institutions may be using PLOs and uncover what skills and competencies are most frequently listed. Implications for biology programs and instructors are discussed.
The association between Compulsory Community Treatment Order status and mortality in New Zealand
Authors: Beaglehole Ben , Newton-Howes Giles , Porter Richard , Frampton Chris
Published: January 2023

Background

Compulsory Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) enable psychiatric medication without the need for consent. Careful scrutiny of outcomes including mortality is required to ensure compulsory treatment is evidence-based and ethical.

Aims

To report mortality for patients placed on CTOs and analyse data according to CTO status, mortality cause and diagnosis.

Method

Data for all patients placed under CTOs between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018 was provided by the Ministry of Health, New Zealand. Data included diagnostic and demographic information, dates of CTOs, and any dates and causes of death. Deaths were categorised into suicides, accidents and assaults, and medical causes. Mortality data are reported according to CTO status and diagnosis.

Results

A total of 14 726 patients were placed on CTOs over the study period, during which there were 1328 deaths. The mortality rate was 2.97 on and 2.31 off CTOs (rate ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.14–1.45; P < 0.01). The mortality rate for accidents and assaults was 0.44 on and 0.25 off CTOs (rate ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.23–2.42; P < 0.01). The mortality rate for medical causes was 2.33 on and 1.90 off CTOs (rate ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.07–1.40; P < 0.01). The suicide rate was 0.20 on and 0.15 off of CTOs (rate ratio 1.33, 95% CI 0.81–2.12; P = 0.22).

Conclusions

Increased care and medication provided during compulsory treatment does not the modify the course of illness sufficiently to reduce mortality during CTOs. Higher mortality rates during CTO periods compared with non-CTO periods may reflect greater unwellness during CTOs.
Efficacy of sofpironium bromide gel on clozapine-induced hypersalivation in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: double-blind, controlled crossover study
Authors: Amano Yuhei , Mazda Jun , Amano Koichi , Ohi Kazutaka , Shioiri Toshiki
Published: January 2023

Background

Hypersalivation is a major side-effect of clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Aims

We investigated the efficacy of topical anticholinergic formulation sofpironium bromide gel for improving hypersalivation in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia receiving clozapine.

Method

A double-blind, controlled crossover study was conducted with sofpironium bromide gel and a placebo gel to treat clozapine-induced hypersalivation in 16 patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Patients were randomly divided between groups A and B (each n = 8). Group A was treated with sofpironium bromide gel for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period and 6 weeks of placebo gel, after which they were observed for another 2 weeks. In contrast, group B was treated with placebo gel for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period, 6 weeks of sofpironium bromide gel and a 2-week observation period. One-minute saliva volume, objective salivation ratings (Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale and Nocturnal Hypersalivation Rating Scale) and subjective salivation ratings (Visual Analogue Scale) were assessed every 2 weeks.

Results

All patients completed the trials. Three patients reported mild, spontaneously resolved skin itching. Compared with baseline values, the 1-min saliva volumes of both groups were significantly decreased by approximately 30% at the second week of sofpironium bromide gel treatment (P < 0.001), and significantly decreased by >40% at the fourth and sixth weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). The effects were maintained for over 2 weeks even after the treatment was discontinued.

Conclusions

We suggest that sofpironium bromide gel is effective in treating clozapine-induced hypersalivation in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal services and maternal mental health in the UK
Authors: Kasaven Lorraine S. , Raynaud Isabel , Jalmbrant Maria , Joash Karen , Jones Benjamin P.
Published: January 2023

Background

COVID-19 has created many challenges for women in the perinatal phase. This stems from prolonged periods of lockdowns, restricted support networks and media panic, alongside altered healthcare provision.

Aims

We aimed to review the evidence regarding the psychological impact on new and expecting mothers following changes to antenatal and postnatal service provision within the UK throughout the pandemic.

Method

We conducted a narrative literature search of major databases (PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar). The literature was critically reviewed by experts within the field of antenatal and perinatal mental health.

Results

Changes to service provision, including the introduction of telemedicine services, attendance of antenatal appointments without partners or loved ones, and lack of support during the intrapartum period, are associated with increased stress, depression and anxiety. Encouraging women and their partners to engage with aspects of positive psychology through newly introduced digital platforms and virtual service provision has the potential to improve access to holistic care and increase mental well-being. An online course, designed by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in response to changes to service provision, focuses on postnatal recovery inspiration and support for motherhood (PRISM) through a 5-week programme. So far, the course has received positive feedback.

Conclusions

The pandemic has contributed to increased rates of mental illness among pregnant and new mothers in the UK. Although the long-term implications are largely unpredictable, it is important to anticipate increased prevalence and complexity of symptoms, which could be hugely detrimental to an already overburdened National Health Service.
Key Clinical Principles in the Management of Glioblastoma
Authors: Kotecha Rupesh , Odia Yazmin , Khosla Atulya A. , Ahluwalia Manmeet S.
Published: January 2023

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in the adult population and leads to considerable morbidity and mortality. It has a dismal prognosis with average survival of 15-18 months, and the current standard-of-care treatment paradigm includes maximal surgical resection and postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and maintenance chemotherapy, with consideration of Tumor Treating Fields. There is a major emphasis to enroll patients onto ongoing clinical trials to further improve treatment outcomes, given the aggressive nature of the disease course and poor patient survival. Recent research efforts have focused on radiotherapy dose intensification, regulation of the tumor microenvironment, and exploration of immunotherapeutic approaches to overcome the barriers to treatment. This review article outlines the current evidence-based management principles as well as reviews recent clinical trial data and ongoing clinical studies evaluating novel therapeutic options.
The influence of the optimal velocity deviation on the traffic evolution process under lane change in two-lane lattice model
Authors: Li Xiaoqin , Jin Can , Peng Guanghan
Published: January 2023

In a real traffic environment, there is always a certain deviation between the real traffic information and the expected traffic information, which definitely has an important impact on traffic flow. Consequently, the optimal velocity deviation effect (OVDE) is taken into account to build a novel lattice model on two lanes. Moreover, the influence of OVDE on the linear stable condition is investigated, which shows that the OVDE plays a positive stable effect in two-lane traffic flow. Also, the OVDE can relieve more traffic congestion on two lanes via numerical simulations concerning the density and the hysteresis loop.
A Moral Duty to Uphold the Family Farm”: The Religious Response to the 1980s Farm Crisis
Authors: Anderson Wayne
Published: January 2023

The 1980s Farm Crisis began receiving national attention in the middle of the decade in large part because of Hollywood films such as Country and the star-studded Farm Aid concert. However, religious leaders and organizations had already started to warn of an impending crisis as early as 1978. They were motivated by a scriptural belief in land stewardship as well as empathy for their struggling rural parishioners. Throughout a series of noteworthy conferences, position statements, and protest actions coordinated by religious organizations across the denominational spectrum, Midwest-based leaders increasingly attempted to raise awareness, influence public policy, and bear witness to the escalating crisis. This article documents these ecumenical efforts during a pivotal time in America's rural history and provides a new angle on the farm crisis of the 1980s.
Expanding Educational Frontiers in Neurosurgery: Current and Future Uses of Augmented Reality
Authors: Olexa Joshua , Cohen Jonathan , Alexander Tyler , Brown Cole , Schwartzbauer Gary , Woodworth Graeme F.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

Augmented reality (AR) technology is a new and promising option to advance and expand neurosurgical training because of recent advances in computer vision technology, improved AR software and hardware, and growing acceptance of this technology in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the current status of AR use cases with the goal of envisioning future uses of AR in neurosurgical education.

METHODS:

Articles applying to AR technology use in neurosurgical education were identified using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were included for review based on applicable content related to neurosurgical or neuroanatomy training. Assessment of literature quality was completed using standardized MERSQI scoring.

RESULTS:

The systematic search identified 2648 unique articles. Of these, 12 studies met inclusion criteria after extensive review. The average MERSQI score was 10.2 (SD: 1.7). The most common AR platform identified in this study was the Microsoft Hololens. The primary goals of the studies were to improve technical skills and approaches to surgical planning or improve understanding of neuroanatomy.

CONCLUSION:

Augmented reality has emerged as a promising training tool in neurosurgery. This is demonstrated in the wide range of cases in technical training and anatomic education. It remains unclear how AR-based training compares directly with traditional training methods; however, AR shows great promise in the ability to further enhance and innovate neurosurgical education and training.