bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast and global reorganization of the chloroplast protein biogenesis network during heat acclimation
Authors: Trösch Raphael , Ries Fabian , Westrich Lisa Désirée , Gao Yang , Herkt Claudia , Hoppstädter Julia , Heck-Roth Johannes , Mustas Matthieu , Scheuring David , Choquet Yves , Räschle Markus , Zoschke Reimo , Willmund Felix
Published: December 2021

Photosynthesis is a central determinant of plant biomass production, but its homeostasis is increasingly challenged by heat. Little is known about the sensitive regulatory principles involved in heat acclimation that underly the biogenesis and repair of chloroplast-encoded core subunits of photosynthetic complexes. Employing time-resolved ribosome and transcript profiling together with selective ribosome proteomics, we systematically deciphered these processes in chloroplasts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We revealed protein biosynthesis and altered translation elongation as central processes for heat acclimation and showed that these principles are conserved between the alga and the flowering plant Nicotiana tabacum. Short-term heat exposure resulted in specific translational repression of chlorophyll a-containing core antenna proteins of photosystems I and II. Furthermore, translocation of ribosome nascent chain complexes to thylakoid membranes was affected, as reflected by the increased accumulation of stromal cpSRP54-bound ribosomes. The successful recovery of synthesizing these proteins under prolonged acclimation of nonlethal heat conditions was associated with specific changes of the co-translational protein interaction network, including increased ribosome association of chlorophyll biogenesis enzymes and acclimation factors responsible for complex assembly. We hypothesize that co-translational cofactor binding and targeting might be bottlenecks under heat but become optimized upon heat acclimation to sustain correct co-translational protein complex assembly.
A bibliometric study on the R&D funding and academic research performance in Shenzhen
Authors: Zou Yawen
Published: December 2021

This study aims to shed light on how research and development (R&D) funding plays a role in producing academic articles in Shenzhen from 2008 to 2020. The metadata from the Web of Science database, various governmental documents, and relevant literature can help understand the structure of R&D spending, the publication of scholarly articles, the funding programs, recipient institutions, research categories, and how geographical factors play a role. The prosperous economy has enabled the increased input of municipal and national governmental funding. The majority of scholarly articles are now funded publicly rather than privately and are published by public universities and research institutes rather than private firms. Geography plays an important role in the cooperation of Shenzhen’s scientists and other domestic and worldwide scholars. To better understand the academic performance of Shenzhen, this article used a bibliometric method to compare its academic performance with that of Silicon Valley.
Hydraulic traits are coupled with plant anatomical traits under drought–rewatering cycles in Ginkgo biloba L.
Authors: Li Shan , Li Xin , Wang Jie , Chen Zhicheng , Lu Sen , Wan Xianchong , Sun Hongyan , Wang Li , Delzon Sylvain , Cochard Herve , Jiang Xiaomei , Shu Jianhua , Zheng Jingming , Yin Yafang
Published: December 2021

Investigating the responses of plant anatomical traits of trees to drought–rewatering cycles helps us to understand their responses to climate change; however, such work has not been adequately reported. In this study, Ginkgo biloba L. saplings were subjected to moderate, severe, extreme and lethal drought conditions by withholding water according to the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) and rewatering on a regular basis. Samples of phloem, cambium and xylem were collected to quantify their cellular properties including cambium and phloem cell vitality, xylem growth ring width, pit aspiration rates and pit membrane thickness using light microscopy and transmission microscopy. The results showed that the mortality rate of G. biloba saplings reached 90% at approximately P88 (xylem water potential inducing 88% loss of hydraulic conductivity). The onset of cambium and phloem cell mortality might be in accordance with that of xylem embolism. Close negative correlations between xylem water potential and PLC and between xylem water potential and cambium and phloem mortality suggested that xylem hydraulic traits are coupled with anatomical traits under declining xylem water potential. Cambium and phloem cell vitality as well as xylem growth ring width decreased significantly with increasing drought conditions. However, xylem pit membrane thickness, cambial zone width and cambial cell geometry were not affected by the drought–rewatering cycles. The tracheid radial diameter, intertracheid cell wall thickness and tracheid density decreased significantly during both drought conditions and rewatering conditions. In addition to hydraulic traits, cambium and phloem cell vitality can be used as anatomical traits to evaluate the mortality of G. biloba under drought. Future work is proposed to observe the dynamics of pit aspiration rates under drought–rewatering cycles in situ to deepen our understanding of the essential role of bordered pits in the ‘air-seeding’ mechanism.
De Novo Arginine Synthesis Is Required for Full Virulence of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis During Walnut Bacterial Blight Disease
Authors: Sagawa Cíntia H. D. , Assis Renata de A. B. , Zaini Paulo A. , Saxe Houston , Wilmarth Phillip A. , Salemi Michelle , Phinney Brett S. , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: December 2021

Walnut blight (WB) disease caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj) threatens orchards worldwide. Nitrogen metabolism in this bacterial pathogen is dependent on arginine, a nitrogen-enriched amino acid that can either be synthesized or provided by the plant host. The arginine biosynthetic pathway uses argininosuccinate synthase (argG), associated with increased bacterial virulence. We examined the effects of bacterial arginine and nitrogen metabolism on the plant response during WB by proteomic analysis of the mutant strain Xaj argG–. Phenotypically, the mutant strain produced 42% fewer symptoms and survived in the plant tissue with 2.5-fold reduced growth compared with wild type, while showing itself to be auxotrophic for arginine in vitro. Proteomic analysis of infected tissue enabled the profiling of 676 Xaj proteins and 3,296 walnut proteins using isobaric labeling in a data-dependent acquisition approach. Comparative analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed distinct plant responses. Xaj wild type (WT) triggered processes of catabolism and oxidative stress in the host under observed disease symptoms, while most of the host biosynthetic processes triggered by Xaj WT were inhibited during Xaj argG– infection. Overall, the Xaj proteins revealed a drastic shift in carbon and energy management induced by disruption of nitrogen metabolism while the top differentially expressed proteins included a Fis transcriptional regulator and a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase. Our results show the critical role of de novo arginine biosynthesis to sustain virulence and minimal growth during WB. This study is timely and critical as copper-based control methods are losing their effectiveness, and new sustainable methods are urgently needed in orchard environments.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Using War Language in a Pandemic: Rhetoric or Responsibility?
Authors: Birkholz Lorri
Published: December 2021

Frontline workers deserve protection and follow-up support.
The Top News Stories of 2021: COVID-19 Year 2: With Politicized Public Health, Geography Is Destiny
Authors: Molyneux Jacob
Published: December 2021

As some states approach endemic status, others face more misery.
New Indication for Cabozantinib
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: December 2021

Cabozantinib (Cabometyx) is now approved to treat locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer that has progressed following prior vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–targeted therapy.
Electrolyte Disorders Common in Thiazide Diuretic Users
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: December 2021

According to this study:

Hyponatremia and hypokalemia occur in approximately 20% of patients who take thiazide diuretics.
Epidural Analgesia Associated with Higher Rate of Neonatal Infection
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: December 2021

According to this study:

Epidural analgesia during labor was associated with a higher risk of neonatal infection in full-term neonates delivered vaginally.
Are Changes in Sleep Quality/Quantity or Baseline Sleep Parameters Related to Changes in Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain?
Authors: Chang Jeremy R. , Wang Xiaoyue , Lin Guohui , Samartzis Dino , Pinto Sabina M. , Wong Arnold Y.L.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Sleep disturbance is prevalent among patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the: (1) temporal relations between changes in sleep quality/quantity and the corresponding changes in pain and/or disability; and (2) role of baseline sleep quality/quantity in predicting future pain and/or disability in patients with CLBP.

Methods:

Four databases were searched from their inception to February 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the abstract and full text, extracted data, assessed the methodological quality of the included studies, and evaluated the quality of evidence of the findings using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results:

Of 1995 identified references, 6 articles involving 1641 participants with CLBP were included. Moderate-quality evidence substantiated that improvements in self-reported sleep quality and total sleep time were significantly correlated with the corresponding LBP reduction. Low-quality evidence showed that self-reported improvements in sleep quality were related to the corresponding improvements in CLBP-related disability. There was conflicting evidence regarding the relation between baseline sleep quality/quantity and future pain/disability in patients with CLBP.

Discussion:

This is the first systematic review to accentuate that improved self-reported sleep quality/quantity may be associated with improved pain/disability, although it remains unclear whether baseline sleep quality/quantity is a prognostic factor for CLBP. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying the relation between sleep and CLBP, which may inform the necessity of assessing or treating sleep disturbance in people with CLBP.
Mortality in Neuromuscular Early Onset Scoliosis Following Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroko , Fano Adam N. , Herman Elizabeth T. , Snyder Brian , Roye Benjamin D. , Cahill Patrick , Ramo Brandon , Sponseller Paul , Vitale Michael G. ,   Pediatric Spine Study Group
Published: December 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to report mortality and associated risk factors in neuromuscular early onset scoliosis following spinal deformity surgery.

Methods:

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with cerebral palsy (CP), spinal muscular atrophy, myelodysplasia, muscular dystrophy, or myopathy undergoing index spine surgery from 1994 to 2020. Mortality risk was calculated up to 10 years postoperatively. Proportional hazard modeling was utilized to investigate associations between risk factors and mortality rate.

Results:

A total of 808 patients [mean age 7.7 y; 439 (54.3%) female] were identified. Postoperative 30-day, 90-day, and 120-day mortality was 0%, 0.001%, and 0.01%, respectively. 1-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year mortality was 0.5%, 1.1%, 5.4%, and 17.4%, respectively. Factors associated with increased mortality rate: CP diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR): 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71; 5.79, P<0.001]; nonambulatory status (HR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.06; 8.5, P=0.04)]; need for respiratory assistance (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.00; 4.69, P=0.05).

Conclusions:

In neuromuscular patients with early onset scoliosis, mortality risk at 10 years following spine surgery was 17.4%. As mortality was 1.1% at 2 years, premature death was unlikely a direct result of spine surgery. Diagnosis (CP) and markers of disease severity (nonambulatory status, respiratory assistance) were associated with increased mortality rate.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic level II.
Evaluation of Intraoperative Triamcinolone Injection or Primary Lobe Tacking (Pexing) Sutures for Preventing Pincushioning in Bilobed Transposition Flaps
Authors: Boylan Conor T. , Salmon Paul J. M. , Mortimer Neil J.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Bilobed transposition flaps are prone to pincushioning (trapdooring), whereby contraction of the flap over the wound bed may produce an unsatisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome. There are several proposed methods to prevent this, but there is currently no clear consensus on the ideal technique.

OBJECTIVE

To compare primary lobe pexing sutures versus intraoperative triamcinolone (TAC) injection as methods to prevent pincushioning in bilobed transposition flaps.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of bilobed flap reconstructions identified from the Mohs micrographic surgery database at a single tertiary center in New Zealand.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-two patients met the inclusion criteria: 37 received pexing sutures, 42 intraoperative TAC, and 263 no additional intervention. The most defect common location was the nasal tip (43.6%), followed by the ala (20.8%). Ninety-three participants (27.2%) developed pincushioning at a median 35 days postoperatively. Participants receiving no intervention had a 30.8% pincushioning rate. The TAC group had a 23.8% pincushioning rate (p = .358), and the pexing group had a 5.5% pincushioning rate (p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Participants receiving primary lobe pexing sutures had a statistically significantly lower rate of pincushioning than those receiving no intervention. Intraoperative TAC injections appeared to have little impact on pincushioning.
Preterm Labor, a Syndrome Attributed to the Combination of External and Internal Factors
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Gao Lu
Published: December 2021

Preterm labor (before 37 weeks’ gestation) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, which can be divided into iatrogenic preterm labor, infectious preterm labor, and spontaneous preterm labor (sPTL). Up to now, there continue to be great difficulties in prediction and prevention of sPTL, owing to multiple risk factors, pathogenesis, and pathologic processes contributing to the event, which have not been fully clarified. Pregnancy maintenance and parturition is a complicated process with continuous maternal-fetal dialogue, in which both maternal and fetal factors participate and affect the outcome of pregnancy, including sPTL. Besides, external factors can also participate in sPTL, individually or through the interaction with internal factors. In this article, we summarize recent studies regarding sPTL from our and other groups, and discuss the risk factors and pathogenesis of preterm birth from both external and internal (maternal and fetal) aspects, so as to provide theoretical evidences for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of sPTL in the future.
Impaired Compensatory Vasodilatory Effect Mediated by Wolfram Syndrome 1 and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Family Peptides in 17α-Ethynylestradiol-Induced Intrahepatic Cholestasis Pregnant Rats When Under Additional Acute Hypoxia Stress
Authors: Xu Tingting , Chen Daijuan , Deng Xixi , Zhan Yongchi , Zhou Fan , Wang Xiaodong
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To investigate the possible regulatory mechanism of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin (UCN), and Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) in 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant rats and its ischemia reperfusion (IR) model.

Methods:

Pregnant rats (n = 60) were randomly divided into four experimental groups by random number table (Control, EE, IR, and EE-IR groups), and were studied on the 17th, 19th, and 21st gestational days (GD) (n = 5 in each group at the indicated time). Growth and development indicators of fetal rats among these four groups were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect CRH, UCN, and WFS1 levels in maternal sera. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to quantify placental protein and placental mRNA levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1. Multivariate analysis of variance and least significant difference test were used to establish the group and individual comparisons.

Results:

A significant difference was found in placenta weight (F = 8.10, P < 0.05), fetal rat weight (F = 40.86, P < 0.05), fetal rat length (F = 61.61, P < 0.05), and fetal rat tail length (F = 55.63, P < 0.05) among four groups on the 17th ,19th , and 21st GD.What's more, the overall differences of maternal serum UCN levels among Control, EE, IR, and EE-IR groups were significant (F = 2.48, P < 0.05). Expression of WFS1 mRNA in the EE-IR group was significantly increased and higher than Control (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.24 ± 0.09, P < 0.05), EE (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.17 ± 0.04, P > 0.05), and IR (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.22 ± 0.15, P > 0.05) groups at 19th GD, indicating that endoplasmic reticulum stress may be activated. However, the expression of CRH (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.58 ± 0.12, P < 0.05), UCN (0.43 ± 0.01 vs. 0.47 ± 0.16, P > 0.05), and WFS1 (0.57 ± 0.07 vs. 0.74 ± 0.12, P > 0.05) protein in the EE-IR group was subsided compared to the IR group at 17th GD.

Conclusion:

Fetal rat growth restriction was found in the EE-induced intrahepatic cholestasis model. This study revealed that significant changes in the maternal sera level of UCN , placental level of WFS1 mRNA and placental levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1 protein in chronic versus acute stress in a rat model of pregnancy. This suggests an impaired compensatory vasodilatory effect mediated by these factors at gene transcription and protein translation levels, following acute hypoxia stress in EE-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnant rats.
Changing treatments paradigms and role of immunotherapy in recurrent endometrial cancer
Authors: Chelariu-Raicu Anca , Mahdi Haider , Slomovitz Brian M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Over the past decade, the treatment of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer (EC) shifted away from the use of chemotherapy to more novel targeted therapy and immunotherapy approaches.

Recent findings

The Cancer Genome Atlas data demonstrated different subgroups within ECs, more specifically, it facilitated the identification of predictive biomarkers. In particular, immunotherapies (immuno-oncology (IO)) are active either as monotherapy or in combination with other agents, depending on the biomarker profile of the tumor.

In May 2017, pembrolizumab was approved for patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) EC. More recently, this approval was extended for patients harvesting tumors with a high tumor mutational burden status. Furthermore, in July 2021, the combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib was approved for patients who do not exhibit MSI-H disease. Given the wealth of targets in EC and different targetable mutations, the challenge will be to choose the proper treatment and the proper sequencing to derive the best outcome in the first-line setting and improve outcomes in subsequent settings. This review summarizes the current indications of immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced and recurrent EC. We outline the role of testing for uterine cancer and its implication in therapy management. Finally, we address new concepts for immunotherapy combinations with other therapies.
Triple negative breast cancer: any closer to cracking the code?
Authors: Peddi Parvin F.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Triple negative breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and has traditionally lacked targeted therapies leading to worse prognosis in most patients.

Recent findings

We will review new targeted therapies for triple negative breast cancer including immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and poly (adenosine diphosphate–ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors.

Immunotherapy is now a backbone of PD-L1 positive metastatic triple negative breast cancer in the front-line setting as well as part of neoadjuvant therapy for high risk localized triple negative breast cancer. PARP inhibitors and a new antibody-drug conjugate are additional new therapies that can be used to improve the outcome for localized and metastatic triple negative breast cancers. None of these treatments were available before the review period for this paper.
TRANSCORNEAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPY MAY HAVE A STABILIZATION EFFECT ON MULTIFOCAL ELECTRORETINOGRAPHY FOR PATIENTS WITH RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
Authors: Dizdar Yigit Didem , Sevik Mehmet Orkun , Şahin Özlem
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To assess the effects of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) on several measures of visual function in retinitis pigmentosa.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized, fellow-eye–controlled study includes 30 eyes of 15 patients with retinitis pigmentosa. Each patient's eyes were randomly selected as treatment (TE) and control eye (CE), and 30 minutes/week TES was applied for 6 months. Patient evaluations were performed before and after TES, including comprehensive ophthalmological examination, visual fields, full-field and multifocal electroretinography, microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography. All parameters were compared before and after TES and between TE and CE.

Results:

After TES, the mean signal amplitudes in multifocal electroretinography were stabilized in TE. The mean signal amplitudes in CE decreased in every ring, reaching significance in the fifth ring (847.15 ± 393.94 and 678.77 ± 282.66 nV, P = 0.039, before and after TES, respectively). The changes in the mean signal amplitudes of TE and CE were −0.38 ± 295.53 and −185.15 ± 332,62 nV in second (P = 0.046), 36.69 ± 326.4 and −143.38 ± 317,41 nV in fourth (P = 0.028), and −17.46 ± 333.07 and −168.38 ± 297,14 nV in fifth rings (P = 0.046), respectively. The decrease in the mean signal amplitudes between 2° and 20° midperipheral retina was significantly less in TE (−33.59 ± 225,1 nV) than CE (−205.56 ± 345.1 nV) (P = 0.011). There were no significant changes in other parameters.

Conclusion:

The progression in multifocal electroretinography might be stabilized with TES. Further studies with larger sample sizes and a longer follow-up are needed to conclude that TES reduces retinitis pigmentosa progression.
Interferon Gamma Release Assay Mitogen Responses in COVID-19
Authors: Coppock Dagan , Zurlo Claire E. , Meloni Jenna M. , Goss Sara L. , Zurlo John J. , Pettengill Matthew A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Elevated cytokine release and T cell exhaustion have been associated with COVID-19 disease severity. T cell activity may be indirectly measured through interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs), which use mitogen stimulation of T lymphocytes as a positive control. In our institution, an unexpectedly high rate of indeterminate IGRAs was noted in COVID-19–positive patients. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics associated with indeterminate IGRA results and the difference in mitogen responses between COVID-19–positive and COVID-19–negative patients.

Methods

We reviewed all patients, regardless of COVID status, who were admitted between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, and for whom an IGRA was collected. For COVID-19–positive individuals, we evaluated the statistical association of their IGRA results and clinical characteristics, including demographics, laboratory values, comorbidities, and hospitalization-related outcomes. For both COVID-19–positive and COVID-19–negative individuals, we evaluated IGRA mitogen control values relative to COVID-19 status as stratified by absolute lymphocyte count.

Results

In COVID-19–positive patients, indeterminate IGRA results were statistically associated with white blood cell count and other markers of inflammation. When comparing COVID-19–positive and COVID-19–negative patients, we noted a statistically significant difference in IGRA mitogen control values when stratified by absolute lymphocyte count.

Conclusions

Indeterminate IGRA results were associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers. Furthermore, when comparing mitogen responses between COVID-19–positive and COVID-19–negative patients, there was an observed difference in T cell reactivity between the groups. The mitogen response in IGRAs may serve as a surrogate for T cell function and a marker of disease severity in COVID-19.
Linezolid for infective endocarditis
Authors: Muñoz P. , De la Villa S. , Martínez-Sellés M. , Goenaga M.A. , Reviejo-Jaka K. , Revillas F. Arnáiz de las , García-Cuello L. , Hidalgo-Tenorio C. , Rodríguez-Esteban M.A. , Antorrena I. , Castelo-Corral L. , García-Vázquez E. , De la Torre J. , Bouza E.
Published: December 2021

Current data on the frequency and efficacy of linezolid (LNZ) in infective endocarditis (IE) are based on small retrospective series. We used a national database to evaluate the effectiveness of LNZ in IE.

This is a retrospective study of IE patients in the Spanish GAMES database who received LNZ. We defined 3 levels of therapeutic impact: LNZ < 7 days, LNZ high-impact (≥ 7 days, > 50% of the total treatment, and > 50% of the LNZ doses prescribed in the first weeks of treatment), and LNZ ≥ 7 days not fulfilling the high-impact criteria (LNZ-NHI). Effectiveness of LNZ was assessed using propensity score matching and multivariate analysis of high-impact cases in comparison to patients not treated with LNZ from the GAMES database matched for age-adjusted comorbidity Charlson index, heart failure, renal failure, prosthetic and intracardiac IE device, left-sided IE, and Staphylococcus aureus. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included IE complications and relapses.

From 3467 patients included in the GAMES database, 295 (8.5%) received LNZ. After excluding 3 patients, 292 were grouped as follows for the analyses: 99 (33.9%) patients in LNZ < 7 days, 11 (3.7%) in LNZ high-impact, and 178 (61%) in LNZ-NHI. In-hospital mortality was 51.5%, 54.4%, and 19.1% respectively. In the propensity analysis, LNZ high-impact group presented with respect to matched controls not treated with LNZ higher in-hospital mortality (54.5% vs 18.2%, P = .04). The multivariate analysis showed an independent relationship of LNZ use with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 9.06, 95% confidence interval 1.15--71.08, P = .03).

Treatment with LNZ is relatively frequent, but most cases do not fulfill our high-impact criteria. Our data suggest that the use of LNZ as definitive treatment in IE may be associated with higher in-hospital mortality.
Case report: pulsed radiofrequency surgery combined with platelet-rich plasma injection in the treatment of supraspinatus injury
Authors: Jin Hui , Gao Yao , Ji Youbo , Xu Rui , Zuo Hao , Wang Zhonghan
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

The shoulder joint is the most movable joint of the human body, and the incidence of aseptic inflammation of the muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint and acute and chronic muscle injuries is relatively high. Pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation technology is gradually being used in shoulder joint diseases. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a high-power platelet plasma solution obtained by centrifugation of autologous blood. Platelet cells contain many growth factors that promote tissue repair.

Patient concerns:

Shoulder soreness, limited movement of the shoulder joint, abduction of the upper limbs, and aggravation of pain during flat lifting. The pain radiates to the deltoid muscle stop and forearm.

Interventions:

In this study, radiofrequency pulses combined with PRP were used to treat supraspinatus muscle injury and explore new methods for the treatment of shoulder joint muscle and tendon injuries represented by supraspinatus muscle injury.

Diagnosis:

We reported 4 patients with supraspinatus injury who received radiofrequency pulse combined with PRP treatment in our hospital.

Outcomes:

After treatment, the patients were followed up at the first month, the third month, and the sixth month, and the Constant–Murley shoulder score and visual analog scale were used to comprehensively evaluate the postoperative improvement of the patients. There was no significant increase in postoperative pain, the Constant–Murley shoulder Score was significantly increased, the range of movement of the shoulder joint was significantly improved, and there were no postoperative complications.

Lessons:

The combined application of the 2 treatments can make full use of the analgesic effect of pulsed radiofrequency technology and the repairing effect of PRP, and can maximize the advantages of the 2 more advanced treatment methods in the field of minimally invasive.
Epigenetic modifications of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in joint cartilage tissue from osteoarthritis patients - CONSORT
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Ouyang Zhengxiao , song Xiaoxia , Zhu Wei , Tang Xinqiao , Liu Zhong , Chen Xiaoming
Published: December 2021

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) remains one of the most common osteopathy for centuries, which can be attributed to multiple risk factors including mechanical and biochemical ones. More and more studies verified that inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the progression of OA, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between epigenetic manifestations of TNF-? and the pathogenesis of OA.

Methods:

Totally, 37 OA patients’ cartilage was collected through the knee joint and 13 samples of articular cartilage as healthy control was collected through traumatic amputation. Real-time PCR, Western blot and ELISA analysis were performed to observe the expression of target genes and proteins in collected samples.

Results:

Compared with the healthy control group, TNF-? was over-expressing in cartilage which was collected from OA patients. DNA hypomethylation, histone hyperacetylation and histone methylation were observed in the TNF-? promoter in OA compared with normal patients, and we also studied series of enzymes associated with epigenetics. The results showed that by increasing DNA methylation and decreasing histone acetylation in the TNF-? promoter, and TNF-? over-expression in OA cartilage was suppressed, histone methylation has no significant correlation with OA.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the changes of epigenetic status regulate TNF-α expression in the cells, which are pivotal to the OA disease process. These results may give us a better understanding of OA and may provide new therapeutic options.
Comparison of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and laparoscopic total gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer with stage cT1–2
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Ke , Feng Xu , Jin Ren-an , Pan Yu , Cai Xiu-jun , Wang Xian-fa
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and nutritional benefits of laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy (LPG) with double-tract reconstruction (DTR) in comparison with laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG).

The demographic, clinical, and pathological data and postoperative nutritional status of patients undergoing LPG with DTR (n = 21) or LTG (n = 26) at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between January 2016 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed and compared.

The operative time in the LPG group was slightly longer than that in the LTG group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Blood loss was not significantly different between groups. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was higher in the LTG group than in the LPG group (P = .02). The time to first flatus, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were comparable between the groups. During the 3-year postoperative follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level was observed in the LTG group. There were no differences between the two groups of patients before and after the operation regarding albumin levels. The mean vitamin B12 level was higher in the LPG group than in the LTG group from 12 to 18 months postoperatively.

LPG with DTR is an acceptable procedure for patients with upper gastric cancer. LPG with DTR has numerous potential advantages in preserving the physiological and nutritional functions of the remnant stomach and the conservation of the gastric reservoir.
Sustained low efficiency dialysis is non-inferior to continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Dalbhi Sultan Al , Alorf Riyadh , Alotaibi Mohammad , Altheaby Abdulrahman , Alghamdi Yasser , Ghazal Hadeel , Almuzaini Hussam , Negm Helmy
Published: December 2021

Background:

Critically ill adults with acute kidney injury (AKI) experience considerable morbidity and mortality. This systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness of continuous renal replacement therapy (CCRT) versus sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) for individuals with AKI.

Methods:

We carried out a systematic search of existing databases according to standard methods and random effects models were used to generate the overall estimate. Heterogeneity coefficient was also calculated for each outcome measure.

Results:

Eleven studies having 1160 patients with AKI were included in the analyses. Meta-analysis results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between SLED versus continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in our primary outcomes, like mortality rate (rate ratio [RR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–1.00; P = .05), renal recovery (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.83–1.42; P = .56), and dialysis dependence (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.69–1.53; P = .89). Also, no statistically significant difference was observed for between SLED versus CRRT in the secondary outcomes: that is, length of intensive care unit stay (mean difference –0.16, 95% CI –0.56–0.22; P = .41) and fluid removal rate (mean difference –0.24, 95% CI –0.72–0.24; P = .32). The summary mean difference indicated that there was a significant difference in the serum phosphate clearance among patients treated with SLED and CRRT (mean difference –1.17, 95% CI –1.90 to –0.44, P = .002).

Conclusions:

The analysis indicate that there was no major advantage of using continuous renal replacement compared with sustained low efficiency dialysis in hemodynamically unstable AKI patients. Both modalities are equally safe and effective in treating AKI among critically ill patients.
Diagnostic value of exosome derived long noncoding RNA in gastric cancer in Chinese population
Authors: Zhu Kangle , Yang Jinxian , Zhu Huixia , Wang Qingqing
Published: December 2021

Background:

Objective to systematically evaluate the diagnostic value of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in gastric cancer (GC) in the Chinese population.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang Database were searched. According to the search strategy and inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 staff members screened the relevant kinds of literature from January 2010 to December 2020 and extracted the relevant data. Revman5.3, Meta-Disc1.4, and Stata15.1 software were used to analyze the relationship between lncRNA from exosomes and the diagnosis of GC. The combined values of sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value was calculated.

Results:

In 9 studies, 1314 samples were included, including 792 cases in the case group and 522 cases in the control group. The combined SEN was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77–0.86), the combined SPE was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.83), the combined positive likelihood ratio was 3.7 (95% CI: 2.9–4.6), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.18–0.29), and the DOR was 16 (95% CI: 12–23), AUC was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84–0.90). Subgroup analysis showed that the SEN, SPE, likelihood ratio, DOR, and AUC of plasma-derived lncRNA in the diagnosis of GC were better than those of serum.

Conclusions:

Exosome-derived lncRNA may be a new potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of GC.
Calcineurin inhibitor therapy in combination with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets for idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Gao Ying , Liu Yingying , Guo Zhaoan , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2021

To compare the efficacy and safety of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets (TWPs) in treating idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) with CNI and glucocorticoids (GCs).

Data of patients with IMN who were treated with CNI+TWPs (TWP group) or CNI+GCs (GC group) and followed up for more than 12 months at the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2017 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The 24-h urine protein (24hUP), serum albumin (ALB), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate transaminase levels on the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth months of treatment and phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) level before and after treatment were compared in both groups.

We recruited 64 patients who were assigned to either the GC group (n = 31) or TWP group (n = 33). No difference in baseline indicators between the two groups were observed (P > .05). After 12 months, the 24hUP levels of both groups significantly decreased compared with that at baseline (P < .01). At the end of the sixth month, 24hUP of the TWP group were less and reduced more quickly than those in the GC group (P < .05), but there is no difference at the other time point (P > .05). After treatment, the number of patients who up to the standard of TG and the ALB levels in both groups increased (P < .05), the LDL-C levels and the number of patients positive for PLA2R in both groups were reduced (P < .05), and no significant difference was observed in the overall changes of 24hUP, ALB and LDL-C levels, TG compliance rate, and PLA2R positive rate between both groups (P > .05). During treatment, no patient in either group had hepatorenal dysfunction, one case in the TWP group and two cases in the GC group experienced side effects, but no apparent difference in the side effects were observed between both groups (P > .05).

Two therapeutic schemes have the advantage of reducing urinary protein excretion in patients with IMN. Compared with CNI+GCs, CNI+TWPs have high efficiency and is widely applied, which might be considered as an optimum therapy in the future.
Impact of early mobilization on discharge disposition and functional status in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Okamura Masatsugu , Konishi Masaaki , Sagara Akiko , Shimizu Yasuo , Nakamura Takeshi
Published: December 2021

Whereas early rehabilitation improves the patients’ physical function in patients with cerebral infarction and hemorrhage, complications in the early stage are the main barriers in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, the clinical impact of early rehabilitation in patients with SAH is not well documented. We sought to investigate whether early mobilization is associated with favorable discharge disposition and functional status in patients with SAH.

Hospitalization data of 35 patients (65.7 ± 13.7 years, 37.1% men) were retrospectively reviewed. The early and delayed mobilization groups were defined as those who had and had not participated in walking rehabilitation on day 14, respectively. We investigated whether patients were discharged or transferred to another hospital and assessed their functional status using the Functional Ambulation Categories, Ambulation Index, Glasgow Outcome Scale, and modified Rankin Scale scores.

Nine patients (69.2%) in the early mobilization group and one patient (4.5%) in the delayed mobilization group were discharged home directly (P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, early mobilization was independently associated with home discharge after adjustment using the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (adjusted odds ratio = 30.20, 95% CI = 2.77–329.00, P < .01). Early mobilization was associated with favorable functional status at discharge through multivariate linear regression analysis (standardized beta = 0.64 with P < .001 for the Functional Ambulation Category and beta = -0.62 with P < .001 for the modified Rankin Scale, respectively).

Early mobilization was associated with home discharge and favorable functional status at discharge. Larger prospective studies are warranted.
Effectiveness and safety of acupotomy on lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Han Ji Hoon , Lee Hyun-Jong , Woo Sang Ha , Park Yu-kyeong , Choi Ga-Young , Heo Eun Sil , Kim Jae Soo , Lee Jung Hee , Park Chung A. , Lee Woo Dong , Yang Chang Sop , Kim Ae-Ran , Han Chang-Hyun
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a pathological condition that causes a variety of neurological symptoms due to narrowing of the anatomical structures; usually, conservative treatment is recommended, rather than surgical treatment. Acupotomy combines conventional acupuncture with small scalpels; the procedure can be considered minimally invasive, and has recently received considerable attention in clinical practice. Still, there is a lack of data and randomized controlled trials regarding acupotomy related to LSS. Additional studies are necessary, considering the low methodological quality and small size of the study.

Methods and analysis:

This is a pragmatic, pilot, randomized controlled trial. The trial comprises 8 weeks of treatment, with 16 visits and a 4-week follow-up period. Forty participants diagnosed with LSS will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups; both groups will receive acupuncture and interferential current therapy twice a week for 8 weeks, while the experimental group will receive an additional acupotomy intervention once a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be assessed using the visual analog scale; the secondary outcome will be measured by self-rated walking distance, Oswestry Disability Index, and short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Measurements will be obtained prior to the start of the clinical trial, 4 weeks after the interventional procedure, 8 weeks after the procedure, and 4 weeks after the end of the interventional procedure. Blood tests and adverse reactions will be performed to ensure safety of the treatments.

Conclusion:

We expect that this study will provide basic data for future large-scale acupotomy studies regarding LSS.
Combined Korean medicine therapies in children with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Chu Hongmin , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Lee Eunkoung , Moon Seunghwan
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the third most prevalent disease in early and middle adolescence in South Korea and one of the most common allergic diseases worldwide. Due to the ineffectiveness and frequent side effects of conventional medications for AR (such as antihistamines, corticosteroids) complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies have been in the spotlight. Although previous clinical trials conducted on AR with CAM showed efficacy and safety, these research results have limitations in that they did not estimate the effectiveness of combining multiple interventions. In this respect, this study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined Korean medicine therapy by establishing an observational registry study at 13 Korean medical clinics that specialize in treating pediatric rhinitis.

Methods:

This is a prospective, observational, registry study of adolescent patients with AR. After screening, eligible subjects will be allocated to the registry. The patients will undergo a 4-week treatment and a 4-week post-treatment follow-up. The primary outcome will be the change in the average total nasal symptom score evaluated from baseline to the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes will include the numerical range scale, quality of life questionnaire in Korean children with AR, and the Pediatric Allergic Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. KiFDA 3.0 will be measured for explanatory application on adolescents. Medical cost data and characteristics of patients such as weight, height, and sex will be collected by researchers.

Discussion:

This is the first multi-center observational registry study to compare combined Korean medicine treatment for AR. The results of this study will shed light on the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine treatments for the treatment of patients with AR.

Trial registration:

KCT0006625 (2021.09.30)/IRB approval: Kyung-hee University Institutional Review Board (approval number: KHSIRB-21-358-1 [NA]).

Trial Status: Protocol version 1.2(2021.09.16).
The limbus in developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Lee Soon Hyuck , Ahn Kyung-Sik , Jung Hae Woon , Jang Woo Young
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to describe the shape of the limbus arthroscopically and via arthrogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine whether it prevents concentric reduction of the femoral head in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Twelve patients (mean age, 10.2 months; range, 3–31 months) who underwent arthroscopic-assisted reduction for DDH were retrospectively reviewed. Limbus shapes were captured on arthrogram before reduction, after closed reduction, and after arthroscopic-assisted reduction and categorized according to the Miyake classification.

On arthrogram, the superior limbus was blocked in 2 hips, inverted in 2, intermediate in 5, and everted in 3 after attempted closed reduction. After arthroscopic-assisted reduction, the limbus was everted in 7 hips and normal in 5. On arthroscopy, in all cases, the limbus appeared as a whitish, cartilage-like ring with a variably blunted edge before reduction, without inversion or eversion. On postoperative MRI, 10 of 12 superior limbi showed hypertrophy or globular compression by the femoral head with intermediate or mixed MRI signal intensities and blunted edges. The remaining 2 hips had hypertrophied superior limbi with sharp edges. On transverse plane MRI, the posterior limbus of all hips showed sharp margins with low MRI signal intensity. Residual subluxation was observed in 7 of the 12 hips with interposition of the anteroinferior limbus.

The appearance of the limbus varied according to the femoral head position, and it was neither inverted nor everted. Interposed anteroinferior limbi with residual subluxation suggest impeded concentric reduction in DDH.