bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A City to Be Seen and to Be Heard
Authors: Magaldi Cristina
Published: June 2024

The chapter suggests that the period’s inclination for visual culture did not sum up the sociocultural complexity of late-19th-century urban life and thus explores Rio de Janeiro not only as city to be seen, but also a city to be heard. The chapter suggests that local flâneurs, such as Olavo Bilac, João do Rio, and Luis Edmundo, were also “aural flâneurs,” as they narrated the city’s many soundscapes, describing the many sounds that could be heard in the city, from barrel organs and the gramophone to pianists, singers, and wind bands scattered around the city’s private and public spaces. The chapter proposes that Rio de Janeiro’s soundscape fed from and fed into a cosmopolitan urban cultural network that connected its residents to people living in other cities through an eclectic mix of shared urban experiences.
Parliamentary questions to the House of Commons Commission: Accountability and parliamentary administration
Authors: Melhuish Francesca , Yong Ben
Published: June 2024

Parliamentary administration is integral to supporting the work of elected politicians. How is it held to account? This article focuses on parliamentary questions—one means of scrutinizing parliamentary administration. The article uses a qualitative analysis of written and oral questions MPs have asked the House of Commons Commission (the body responsible for parliamentary administration). It asks three sub-questions: (1) Who asks the questions?; (2) What questions are asked?; and (3) How are these questions answered? Interrogating these questions also provides a window into the internal governance challenges of the House of Commons.
Carbonatite Metasomatism in a Subvolcanic Setting: Breccia at the Badou Carbonatite in the North China Craton and Implications for Magmatic Evolution and Eruptive Style
Authors: Li Zhuoqi , Anenburg Michael , Wei Chun-Wan , Yuan Nongxin , Xu Cheng
Published: June 2024

The genesis and primary compositions of carbonatite melts are enigmatic owing to their reactivity and resulting contamination in the mantle and crust. This overprints earlier uncontaminated compositions and obscures their origins. The subvolcanic Badou carbonatite in the North China Craton is characterized by brecciated textures and comprises pristine clinopyroxene, mica, and apatite phenocrysts in a mixed, carbonate–silicate matrix. Here, we provide mineralogical, textural, and major and trace elemental results to reveal the mantle derivation of the Badou carbonatite melt, and its compositional modification during interaction with crustal materials. Clinopyroxene and apatite phenocrysts have initial Sr isotopes (0.70920–0.71037) similar to brecciated calcite (0.71028–0.71159) and the whole rock (0.70953–0.71061), indicating a common source. Rare Mg-rich clinopyroxene and mica contain high Cr and Ni contents, recording direct mantle derivation without immiscibility from silicate melts. Abundant feldspars and aegirine, occurring as both phenocrysts and fine-grained matrix, formed an antiskarn at relatively low temperatures indicating extensive silica contamination upon crustal emplacement. Silica contamination is further indicated by britholite-rich apatite rims and relict quartz cores in clinopyroxene. Zircon xenocrysts were partly assimilated, indicated by Zr and Hf enrichment in late-stage silicates, and partly underwent decomposition to baddeleyite in a decreasing silica activity environment. The assimilation process consumed the carbonate melt, forming refractory silicate minerals and CO2 vapor, leading to near-surface gas overpressure with a decrease in magma viscosity. This elevates the potential for explosive activity, which, in turn, provides a positive feedback mechanism for silica assimilation. The complex evolution of the carbonatite melt in the crust might be responsible for the compositional gap between the natural rocks and experimental outcomes, and results in different eruption styles.
Contribution of Majoron to Hubble Tension in Gauged U(1)Lμ – Lτ Model
Authors: Asai Kento , Asano Tomoya , Sato Joe , Yang Masaki J S
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we analyze parameter regions that can alleviate the Hubble tension in the U(1)$_{L_\mu - L_\tau }$ model with broken lepton number U(1)$_L$ symmetry. As new particles, this model has a U(1)$_{L_\mu - L_\tau }$ gauge boson $Z^{\prime }$ and a Majoron $\phi$, which can affect the early universe and the effective number of neutrino species $N_\textrm{eff}$. If $Z^{\prime }$ and $\phi$ simultaneously exist in the early universe, $Z^{\prime }\,$–$\, \phi$ direct reaction processes such as $Z^{\prime }\nu _\alpha \leftrightarrow \phi \bar{\nu }_\beta$ and $Z^{\prime } \phi \leftrightarrow \bar{\nu }_\alpha \bar{\nu }_\beta$ occur. The comparison of $N_\textrm{eff}$ between the cases with and without the $Z^{\prime }\,$–$\, \phi$ direct reaction processes shows that these processes make a small contribution of $\mathcal {O}(10^{-4})$ to $N_\textrm{eff}$, and it does not need to be considered for the alleviation of the Hubble tension. Based on these facts, we calculated $N_\textrm{eff}$ for various Majoron parameters without the $Z^{\prime }\,$–$\, \phi$ direct reaction processes to search for parameters that could alleviate the Hubble tension. As a result, we found that the U(1)$_{L_\mu - L_\tau }$ gauge boson and Majoron can alleviate the Hubble tension in some parameter regions, and there is a nontrivial indirect synergy contribution between $Z^{\prime }$ and $\phi$, although the contribution from $Z^{\prime }\,$–$\, \phi$ direct reaction processes is negligible.
D
*
s0(2317) and B*s0 as Molecular States
Authors: Kim Hee-Jin , Kim Hyun-Chul
Published: June 2024

We investigate the dynamical generation of the $D_{s0}^{*}(2317)$ and $B_{s0}^{*}$ mesons using a meson-exchange model with a coupled-channel formalism. Our primary focus is on the $D_s^+\pi ^0$ channel below the $DK$ threshold. First, we construct the invariant kernel amplitudes, incorporating effective Lagrangians based on heavy-quark symmetry, flavor SU(3) symmetry, and hidden local symmetry. Since the $D_{s0}^{*}(2317)$ state implies isospin symmetry breaking, we introduce $\pi ^0\!-\!\eta$ isospin mixing. We subsequently solve the coupled-channel integral equations, which include four different channels, i.e. $D_s^+\pi ^0$, $D^0 K^+$, $D^+ K^0$, and $D_s^+\eta$. We carefully analyze how the pole corresponding to the $D_{s0}^{*}(2317)$ state emerges from the coupled channels. Our findings reveal that the pole positions of the $D_{s0}^{*}(2317)$ meson are at $\sqrt{s_R}=(2317.9 - i 0.0593)$ MeV and those of the $\bar{B}_{s0}^{*}$ meson are at $(5756.43-i0.0215)$ MeV, respectively. We also discuss their decay widths and destructive interference of the two sources. In conclusion, our current results provide a clear indication supporting the interpretation of the $D_{s0}^{*}(2317)$ meson as a $DK$ molecular state within the present coupled-channel formalism. In addition, we discuss the possible existence of $\bar{B}_{s0}^{*}$.
Exponentially Many Graphs Are Determined By Their Spectrum
Authors: Koval Illya , Kwan Matthew
Published: June 2024

As a discrete analogue of Kac’s celebrated question on ‘hearing the shape of a drum’ and towards a practical graph isomorphism test, it is of interest to understand which graphs are determined up to isomorphism by their spectrum (of their adjacency matrix). A striking conjecture in this area, due to van Dam and Haemers, is that ‘almost all graphs are determined by their spectrum’, meaning that the fraction of unlabelled n-vertex graphs which are determined by their spectrum converges to 1 as $n\to\infty$.

In this paper, we make a step towards this conjecture, showing that there are exponentially many n-vertex graphs which are determined by their spectrum. This improves on previous bounds (of shape $\it{e}^{c\sqrt{n}}$). We also propose a number of further directions of research.
A machine learning-based prediction model for gout in hyperuricemics: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Brikman Shay , Serfaty Liel , Abuhasira Ran , Schlesinger Naomi , Bieber Amir , Rappoport Nadav
Published: June 2024

Objective

To develop a machine learning-based prediction model for identifying hyperuricemic participants at risk of developing gout.

Methods

A retrospective nationwide Israeli cohort study used the Clalit Health Insurance database of 473 124 individuals to identify adults 18 years or older with at least two serum urate measurements exceeding 6.8 mg/dl between January 2007 and December 2022. Patients with a prior gout diagnosis or on gout medications were excluded. Patients’ demographic characteristics, community and hospital diagnoses, routine medication prescriptions and laboratory results were used to train a risk prediction model. A machine learning model, XGBoost, was developed to predict the risk of gout. Feature selection methods were used to identify relevant variables. The model's performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) and precision-recall AUC. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of gout among hyperuricemic patients.

Results

Among the 301 385 participants with hyperuricemia included in the analysis, 15 055 (5%) were diagnosed with gout. The XGBoost model had a ROC-AUC of 0.781 (95% CI 0.78–0.784) and precision-recall AUC of 0.208 (95% CI 0.195–0.22). The most significant variables associated with gout diagnosis were serum uric acid levels, age, hyperlipidemia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretic purchases. A compact model using only these five variables yielded a ROC-AUC of 0.714 (95% CI 0.706–0.723) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95%.

Conclusions

The findings of this cohort study suggest that a machine learning-based prediction model had relatively good performance and high NPV for identifying hyperuricemic participants at risk of developing gout.
Human serum proteomics reveals a molecular signature after one night of sleep deprivation
Authors: Bjørkum Alvhild Alette , Griebel Leandra , Birkeland Even
Published: June 2024

Study Objectives

Sleep deprivation is highly prevalent and caused by conditions such as night shift work or illnesses like obstructive sleep apnea. Compromised sleep affects cardiovascular-, immune-, and neuronal systems. Recently, we published human serum proteome changes after a simulated night shift. This pilot proteomic study aimed to further explore changes in human blood serum after 6 hours of sleep deprivation at night.

Methods

Human blood serum samples from eight self-declared healthy females were analyzed using Orbitrap Eclipse mass spectrometry (MS-MS) and high-pressure liquid chromatography. We used a within-participant design, in which the samples were taken after 6 hours of sleep at night and after 6 hours of sleep deprivation the following night. Systems biological databases and bioinformatic software were used to analyze the data and comparative analysis were done with other published sleep-related proteomic datasets.

Results

Out of 494 proteins, 66 were found to be differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) after 6 hours of sleep deprivation. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the associations of these DEPs with several biological functions related to the altered regulation of cellular processes such as platelet degranulation and blood coagulation, as well as associations with different curated gene sets.

Conclusions

This study presents serum proteomic changes after 6 hours of sleep deprivation, supports previous findings showing that short sleep deprivation affects several biological processes, and reveals a molecular signature of proteins related to pathological conditions such as altered coagulation and platelet function, impaired lipid and immune function, and cell proliferation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD045729. This paper is part of the Genetic and other molecular underpinnings of sleep, sleep disorders, and circadian rhythms including translational approaches Collection.
Calcinean sponges (Porifera: Calcarea) from the shelf edge of the Great Australian Bight
Authors: Klautau Michelle , Lopes Matheus Vieira , Tavares Gabriela , Rizzieri Raisa , Sorokin Shirley , Fromont Jane , Goudie Lisa , Crowther Andrea , McCormack Samuel , George Anita Mary , Abdul Wahab Muhammad Azmi
Published: June 2024

The deep-water regions of eastern and central Great Australian Bight (GAB) are subject to hydrocarbon exploration; consequently, there are efforts to study their biodiversity. Australia has ~200 species of Calcarea, but none has been described taxonomically from the GAB, and most are known down to only 200 m depth. A characterization of deep benthic communities was performed in the GAB at depths ranging from 200 to 3000 m. Of sponge species collected, 16% were members of Calcarea, and 11 were members of subclass Calcinea, which is the focus group of this work. Morphological and molecular tools were used for identification. Calcinean sponges were not found deeper than 400 m. The most diverse genus was Ascoleucetta, which had four species. Nine species and two genera are new to science: Clathrina williamsi sp. nov., Leucascus boomerang sp. nov., Ascoleucetta gabensis sp. nov., Ascoleucetta globularis sp. nov., Ascoleucetta parallela sp. nov., Ascoleucetta plana sp. nov., Leucetta conspicua sp. nov., Robspongia vociva gen. nov., sp. nov., and Rappya australiensis gen. nov., sp. nov. Calcareous sponges represented 1.8% of overall sponge biomass, and site 181 had the highest species richness. Our results reveal a unique community of calcareous sponges hidden within the GAB, suggesting high endemism.
Morphology and systematics of a new fossil snake from the early Rupelian (Oligocene) White River Formation, Wyoming
Authors: Croghan Jasmine A , Palci Alessandro , Onary Silvio , Lee Michael S Y , Caldwell Michael W
Published: June 2024

Extinct snake taxa are recognized primarily from isolated vertebrae. A new specimen from the early Oligocene of Wyoming provides a rare opportunity to examine four nearly complete and articulated fossil snakes. Informally assigned previously to the ‘erycine’ vertebral form taxa Ogmophis and Calamagras, a detailed comparison reveals that this fossil snake exhibits vertebral differences from both taxa and is, furthermore, a new taxon, Hibernophis breithaupti gen. et sp. nov., based on a combination of apomorphies such as absence of basal tubera, low subrectangular prootic, low parasphenoid wings obscuring the anterior opening of the Vidian canal, and foramen for the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve posteriorly displaced inside the adductor fossa of the compound. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of combined morphological and molecular data from a broad selection of snakes places Hibernophis breithaupti as sister taxon to all other booids, distant from both Old and New World ‘erycines’. However, an alternative position close to New World ‘erycines’ and ungaliophiines cannot be rejected.
Slow and Steady: Using Inclusive Language to Enhance Academic Medicine’s Social Accountability
Authors: Ortega Pilar , Osman-Krinsky Maya , Silva Débora
Published: June 2024

Language is more than the use of words for pragmatic purposes, and language and thought are intertwined in complex ways. In medical contexts, the relational and dynamic nature of language requires that individuals pay close attention not only to the information communicated but also to how its delivery and reception impact inclusion. Adopting inclusive language principles can play a key role in those in academic medicine living up to the values of equity and inclusion, as they manifest in each of the 5 missions of academic medicine: scientific discovery, education, clinical care, collaboration with communities and partners, and standards of equity, professionalism, and ethics.

In this commentary, the authors explore inclusive language as it applies to 3 topics that have rapidly evolved in academic medicine: gender inclusivity, linguistic attributes, and trauma-informed language. For each of these topics, the authors describe practical examples of how inclusive language can be applied across multiple settings in academic medicine—including the patient–physician relationship, medical education, and scholarly writing—by centering the perspectives of those who have been marginalized or excluded. When holding scholars, physicians, and leaders in academic medicine accountable for their use of inclusive language, humility should be balanced with competence. Specifically, linguistic humility should be paired with skills-building efforts and an attitude of life-long learning, and reacting to mistakes should be coupled with restorative justice approaches to address harm and proactive strategies to maximize inclusivity. Inclusive language efforts must be like the slow and steady tortoise—to be effective and authentically rigorous, academic medicine must be intentional and consistent in driving equitable and inclusive practices that support sustained participation, engagement, belonging, and thriving.
Comparison of Length of Stay and Discharge Disposition after Short-Segment Lumbar Fusion Surgery at Tertiary Care and Non-Tertiary Care Hospitals
Authors: Narayanan Rajkishen , Opara Olivia A. , Kohring Adam , Lee Yunsoo , Carey Preston , Diejomaoh Rioke M , McCall Cordero , Lowitz Sean , Takagi-Stewart Julian , Bradley Evan , Kurd Mark F. , Kaye Ian D. , Mangan John J. , Canseco Jose A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher K. , Schroeder Gregory D.
Published: June 2024

Study Design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

To compare the perioperative and postoperative outcomes among lumbar fusion patients treated at an orthopaedic specialty hospital (OSH), a hybrid community hospital (HCH), and a conventional community hospital in comparison to a tertiary care hospital (TCH).

Summary of Background data.

In spine surgery, strategies to reduce length of stay (LOS) include a myriad of pre-, intra-, and postoperative strategies that require a multidisciplinary infrastructure. The sum of these efforts has led to the creation of orthopedic specialty hospitals and protocols that have been adopted by community hospitals as well. There is a notable lack of information regarding the results of these efforts across different healthcare institution models.

Methods.

This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing elective one or two-level lumbar fusion between 2017 and 2022 at a large urban TCH, an OSH, a HCH, and a conventional CH. Data was collected on patient characteristics, demographics, comorbidities, BMI, smoking status, surgical type, surgical levels, surgery duration, hospital length of stay, readmissions, reoperations, and discharge status within a year. Patients across the four surgical settings were matched based on age, BMI, CCI, type of procedure, and number of levels fused.

Results.

A total of 1435 patients met the inclusion criteria. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer at TCH compared to OSH, HCH, and CH by an average of 1-2 days (P<0.001). 90-day readmissions were higher at TCH compared to OSH (P=0.001). TCH patients also were less likely to be discharged home than OSH and HCH patients (P=0.001 and P=0.016, respectively). No significant differences were noted in 1-year reoperation rates across all hospital models.

Conclusion.

Shorter lengths of stays and more home discharges at the orthopaedic specialty hospital and community hospital settings did not compromise surgical quality or postoperative outcomes.
Application to Quantify Ulcer Areas and Track Their Progress
Authors: Tachi Kazufumi , Gonda Koichi
Published: June 2024

Chronic ulcer treatments, such as those for diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores, require prolonged treatment periods. Availability of effective objective indicators to determine treatment method efficacy is limited. Ulcer area is the agreed-upon indicator for ulcer healing because it contracts and/or undergoes epithelialization as healing occurs. Ulcer surface properties such as healthy or infected granulation and slough or necrotic tissue are also used. This study aimed to develop a user-friendly application automating the ulcer area measurement process and included a graphical time-series display of ulcer components manually classified by users. Images of ulcers photographed with adjacent circular 1.5-cm diameter stickers were prepared. In the application, users manually categorized and color-coded each image into five component types based on different ulcer characteristics. The application calculated the area of each component in pixels and then estimated the actual area using the sticker area as a reference. It also collated color-coded images and presented graphical illustrations of changes in area over time. The results indicated the application successfully automated area measurements of each ulcer component and graphical displays of changes in ulcer component areas over time. It enabled users to visually track quality changes and the chronic ulcer healing process. Historically, ulcer assessments are subjectively conducted via visual examination by physicians, creating less reproducible, objective data. Although ulcer properties still required manual entry by users, our application streamlined ulcer area measurement and time-course visualization and sets the groundwork for a fully automated artificial-intelligence–driven ulcer diagnosis system.
A novel experimental model of MetALD in male mice recapitulates key features of severe alcohol-associated hepatitis
Authors: Babuta Mrigya , Morel Caroline , de Carvalho Ribeiro Marcelle , Datta Aditi Ashish , Calenda Charles , Copeland Christopher , Nasser Imad , Szabo Gyongyi
Published: June 2024

Background:

The recent increase in the incidence of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) coincides with the obesity epidemic in the United States. However, current mouse models do not fully replicate the combined insults of obesity, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis, and alcohol. The aim of this study was to develop a new mouse model that recapitulates the robust inflammatory and fibrotic phenotype characteristic of human MetALD.

Methods:

Eight- to 10-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were fed chow or high fat-cholesterol-sugar diet (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis diet) and in each group, some received alcohol in drinking water (ad libitum) and weekly alcohol binges (EtOH) for 3 months. The liver was assessed for features of AH.

Results:

MetALD mice displayed increased liver damage indicated by highly elevated ALT and bilirubin levels compared to all other groups. Liver steatosis was significantly greater in the MetALD mice compared to all other experimental groups. The inflammatory phenotype of MetALD was also recapitulated, including increased IL-6 and IL-1β protein levels as well as increased CD68+ macrophages and Ly6G+ neutrophils in the liver. Sirius red staining and expression of collagen 1, alpha-smooth muscle actin indicated advanced fibrosis in the livers of MetALD mice. In addition, indicators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers were increased in MetALD mice compared to all other groups. Furthermore, we found increased ductular reaction, dysregulated hedgehog signaling, and decreased liver synthetic functions, consistent with severe AH.

Conclusions:

Alcohol administration in mice combined with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis diet recapitulates key characteristics of human AH including liver damage, steatosis, robust systemic inflammation, and liver immune cell infiltration. This model results in advanced liver fibrosis, ductular reaction, decreased synthetic function, and hepatocyte dedifferentiation, suggesting a robust model of MetALD in mice.
Effects of Laughter Yoga on Patients Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Li Ting , Soh Kim Lam , Zakaria Nor Fadhlina , Pang Yuanyue , Wang Pengpeng , Hu Niaona
Published: June 2024

When it comes to end-stage renal disease patients, hemodialysing is one of the most critical treatments they can receive. Even if they received hemodialysis (HD) treatment regularly, patients would experience many complications such as cardiovascular disease, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and a declining quality of life. Laughter Yoga has been reported to have many positive effects on patients with chronic illnesses. By removing or reducing stress, Laughter Yoga (LY) helps to improve patients’ quality of life, Thus, they have a longer chance of survival. However, the effect of Laughter Yoga on HD patients is generally inconclusive. Objective is to evaluate LY’s impact on HD patients. We searched electronic databases that included Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and clinical trial registries. The search period was from their inception to January 29, 2023. The search keywords included laughter therapy, laughter yoga, laugh, hemodialysis, dialysis, and renal dialysis. The systematic review included both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experiments studies. Three RCTs and three non-RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Laughter Yoga showed patients having improvement in several outcomes such as life quality, pain severity, sleep quality, subjective well-being, mood, depression, blood pressure, and vital capacity. A well-designed RCT will be developed to further test the potential benefits of LY for HD patients.
Examining the Attitudes of Hypertension Patients Toward Using Complementary Treatments
Authors: Ilter Sümeyra Mihrap , Ovayolu Özlem
Published: June 2024

The present study was conducted in a cross-sectional and descriptive design to examine the attitudes of hypertension patients toward using complementary treatments. The study was conducted with 173 patients who had the diagnosis of hypertension who applied to the Cardiology Clinics of a University Health Practice and Research Hospital between 15.12.2021 and 10.03.2022. Before starting the study, permission was obtained from the ethics committee, institution, and patients. The data of the study were collected through face-to-face interviews, a questionnaire, and the Attitude Scale Toward Using Complementary Treatments (ASUCT). The score to be obtained from the scale varies between 0 and 39 and a high score indicates a positive attitude toward complementary treatments. One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the homogeneity of the data. The Student t, Mann-Whitney U test, correlation, and ANOVA tests were also used to evaluate the data, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant. It was found that 55.0% of the patients were women, 31.2% were between the ages of 44 to 56, 63.0% had other chronic diseases, and 68.2% preferred herbal applications in the management of hypertension. It was also found that the mean ASUCT score of hypertensive individuals was 21.13 ± 2.99, and there was a statistically significant relationship between the mean ASUCT score of the patients and their gender, education level, and reasons for applying to herbal therapy (P < .05). Patients frequently preferred the consumption of pomegranate syrup (43.4%), garlic (36.4%), and quince leaf tea (30.8%) as non-drug applications in the management of hypertension. It was found that the attitudes of the hypertension patients toward using complementary treatments were at a “moderate” level and there was a relationship between their level of attitude toward using complementary treatments and gender, education, and the reasons for applying herbal therapy. In this respect, it is recommended to evaluate the attitudes of hypertension patients toward using complementary treatments, to learn the practices they prefer for disease management through patient-health care professional interaction, and to support patients for hypertension management.
Prognosticating Return-To-Play Time Following a Hamstring Strain Injury Using Early Flexibility Asymmetry and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Outcomes: An Exploratory Study Among Canadian University Football Players
Authors: Gendron Patrick , Lamontagne Martin , Fournier-Farley Camille , Gagnon Dany H.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Identify key flexibility and point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound (POCUS) measures for prognosticating return-to-play (RTP) following a first hamstring strain injury (HSI) and informing the clinical decision–making process.

Design:

Exploratory prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Sport medicine and rehabilitation clinic of a Canadian university.

Participants:

One hundred and sixty-seven elite Canadian university football athletes followed over 5 seasons.

Interventions:

Clinical and POCUS measures collected within 7 days after HSI and preseason clinical measures.

Main Outcome Measures:

Active knee extension (AKE) and Straight Leg Raise (SLR) to quantify hamstring flexibility, POCUS-related outcomes to characterize tissue alteration, and RTP until full sport resumption were documented (categorized as Early [1-40 days] or Late [>40 days] RTP).

Results:

A total of 19 and 14 athletes were included in the Early RTP (mean RTP = 28.84 ± 8.62 days) and Late RTP groups (mean 51.93 ± 10.54 days), respectively, after having been diagnosed with a first HSI. For the clinical results, height and a greater flexibility asymmetry measure with the AKE or SLR when compared with both ipsilateral preseason and acute contralateral values significantly increases the chance of facing a long delay before returning to play (ie, RTP). For the POCUS-related results, the Peetrons severity score, extent of the longitudinal fibrillary alteration, and novel score lead to similar results.

Conclusions:

Early hamstring flexibility asymmetry following acute HSI, particularly the AKE, along with some POCUS-related measures are valuable in prognosticating late RTP following among Canadian university football athletes.
Safety and Efficacy of Cryotherapy for the Treatment of Renal Angiomyolipoma Related to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: The Cryo-TSC Study
Authors: Kashiwagi Eiji , Hatano Takashi , Shimizu Kanichiro , Takamoto Atsushi , Tomita Koji , Osawa Takahiro , Sakuhara Yusuke , Hongo Fumiya , Hirota Tatsuya , Ushijima Yasuhiro , Asayama Yoshiki , Goto Shunsuke , Miki Jun , Matsukawa Akihiro , Kiyomi Fumiaki , Egawa Shin , Nasu Yasutomo , Shinohara Nobuo , Ukimura Osamu , Nakano Shuji , Arai Yasuaki , Eto Masatoshi
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease, in which approximately 60% to 80% of patients have bilateral angiomyolipoma (AML). There is a need for repeatable local treatments of TSC-AML. Cryotherapy is an option for renal tumors; however, its safety and efficacy for vascular tumors, such as TSC-AML, are unclear. The aim of this study was to establish the safety and efficacy of cryotherapy for TSC-AML.

Materials and Methods:

This was an open-label, single-arm, prospective phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cryotherapy for TSC-AML of ≤ 4 cm. Cryotherapy was performed using the CryoHit device with a percutaneous approach. Safety was assessed 1, 2, 6, and 9 months after cryotherapy, and efficacy was assessed 3 and 9 months after cryotherapy. The efficacy of cryotherapy was evaluated using the modified RECIST or RECIST criteria by independent central review. The primary end point was the disease control rate, and secondary end points were the overall response rate, safety, renal function, quality of life, and whether additional treatment was required.

Results:

The disease control rate was 100%, and the overall response rate was 93.3%. After 9 months of follow-up, the median estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased slightly (from 89.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 79.4 mL/min/1.73 m2). Quality of life was stable, and no additional treatment was needed. Three Grade 3 adverse events (hematuria, chronic kidney disease, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase) were observed in 3 patients, respectively, but no additional treatments were required.

Conclusions:

Cryotherapy for TSC-AML can be performed safely and efficiently. Cryotherapy can be a new therapeutic option for TSC-AML.

Trial Registration Number:

jRCTs072200039.
“Syphilitic Hepatitis”
Authors: Goyal Manjeet Kumar , Dhaliwal Kanwarpal Kaur , Agrawal Sangeeta
Published: June 2024

Syphilitic hepatitis is a very rare presentation of syphilis infection, characterized by inflammation of the liver due to the invasion of hepatic tissue by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This review article provides an in-depth analysis of the existing body of information pertaining to syphilitic hepatitis. The article primarily concentrates on key aspects such as the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic approaches associated with this condition. Despite its rarity, awareness of syphilitic hepatitis is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention. The clinical presentations frequently exhibit similarities with many liver illnesses, hence presenting difficulties in making an accurate diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. Diagnostic procedures encompass the use of serological assays, including rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS), in conjunction with imaging modalities to evaluate hepatic engagement. The primary therapeutic approach is the prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy, with a particular emphasis on penicillin, to eradicate the causative bacterial infection and facilitate the restoration of liver function. Failure to swiftly manage this condition may result in substantial morbidity. In summary, syphilitic hepatitis is a very uncommon but medically relevant manifestation of syphilis infection. The significance of increased clinical suspicion, precise diagnostic techniques, and prompt antibiotic administration is emphasized in this review since these are crucial in reducing the potentially severe outcomes associated with this illness.
Metalloptosis: metal ions-induced programmed cell death based on nanomaterials for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Shuren , Ma Ran , Mei Zi , Hou Yanglong
Published: June 2024

Programmed cell death (PCD) is defined as regulated cell death controlled by an intracellular program. While apoptosis was once thought to be the only kind of PCD, current understanding has expanded to include other forms such as pyroptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis. These processes, especially apoptosis and necroptosis, serve as natural defenses that restrict cancer cells from surviving and disseminating. However, cancer cells have evolved various strategies to evade PCD, including genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in key modulators of PCD pathways. With the continuous development of nanotechnology, emerging nanomaterials (NMs) are considered to break through this bottleneck due to their intrinsic physicochemical properties. Especially, new kinds of cell death induced by NMs, such as ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and calcium overload, show gratifying potential in cancer therapy, which is closely linked to the role of metal ions. Additionally, other metal ions-induced cell death such as sodium and zinc have also emerged in an endless stream. Hence, we propose the term “metalloptosis” to describe cell death induced by metal ions and summarize its application in cancer therapy through NMs. This review will delve into the critical design principles for engineering NMs involved in metalloptosis and provide a comprehensive summary of current metal ions-mediated cancer therapies, focusing on nanoplatforms and their mechanisms of action. We hope that this review will provide a new perspective on metal ions-mediated cancer therapy based on nanotechnology.
Therapeutic approaches for pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tuttle Marcelle , Sarnak Mark J. , Navaneethan Sankar D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

Pulmonary hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but therapeutic options are limited. We discuss the epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension in patients with CKD and review therapies for pulmonary hypertension with a focus on emerging treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Recent findings

The definition of pulmonary hypertension has been updated to a lower threshold of mean pulmonary artery pressures of more than 20 mmHg, potentially leading to more patients with CKD to qualify for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Endothelin receptor antagonists, a class of medications, which demonstrated efficacy in patients with PAH, have been shown to slow progression of CKD, but their efficacy in lowering pulmonary artery pressures and their effects on reducing cardiovascular mortality in this population remains unproven. Sotatercept, a novel activin signaling inhibitor, which was previously studied in dialysis patients has been shown to increase exercise capacity in patients with PAH. These studies may lead to new specific therapies for pulmonary hypertension in patients with CKD.

Pulmonary hypertension is common in patients with CKD. Although our understanding of factors leading to pulmonary hypertension in this population have evolved, evidence supporting disease-specific therapy in CKD is limited arguing for larger, long-term studies.
Sexual Behavior Among Emerging Adults in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chea Stevenson K. , Kagonya Vincent A. , Abdullahi Osman , Abubakar Amina A. , Abbeddou Souheila , Michielsen Kristien , Hassan Amin S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Estimates on sexual behavior (SB) among emerging adults (EmA) is varied in literature, which presents a challenge when designing targeted interventions. We aimed to summarize literature on prevalence and risk factors of SB among EmA in Africa.

Methods

A search for studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Psych Info by March 2023 was done. Studies involving EmA (18–25 years), conducted in Africa, and reporting 1 or more of 7 SBs were reviewed. Pooled prevalence estimates were summarized using forest plots. Heterogeneity in SB was explored. Risk factors were synthesized using a modified socioecological model.

Results

Overall, 143 studies were analyzed. Noncondom use had the highest pooled prevalence (47% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 42–51]), followed by study-defined SB (37% [95% CI, 25%–50%]) and concurrency (37% [95% CI, 21%–54%]), multiple sex partners (31% [95% CI, 25%–37%]), younger age at sexual debut (26% [95% CI, 20%–32%]), age-disparate relationships (24% [95% CI, 17%–32%]), and transactional sex (19% [95% CI, 13%–26%]). Heterogeneity was partially explained by sex, with female participants having higher pooled prevalence estimates compared with their male counterparts. In 4 of the 7 outcomes, alcohol/drug use was the most common risk factor.

Conclusions

Sexual behavior was common among EmA and differentially higher in emerging female adults. Noncondom use had the highest pooled prevalence, which may contribute to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Interventions targeting emerging female adults and alcohol/drug use may reduce SB, which may in turn mitigate transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among EmA in Africa.
The effect of stretching exercises before orthotic treatment on the immediate in-orthosis correction of the patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A pilot study
Authors: Luo Chang Liang , Wu Hui Dong , Beygi Babak Hassan , Liu Shan , Zou Yi Ying , Shang Lin Jing , Wong Man Sang
Published: June 2024

Background:

Stretching exercise is generally used for improving flexibility. However, its application to promote orthotic treatment for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains unknown.

Objective:

This study was to explore the effect of pre-orthosis stretching exercises on spinal flexibility and initial in-orthosis correction for the patients with AIS.

Study Design:

A pilot-controlled study.

Methods:

An experimental group (EG) of 13 subjects (10 girls and 3 boys) with AIS allocating to self-stretching exercises and a control group (CG) of 19 AIS subjects (14 girls and 5 boys) with no stretching before orthosis fitting were recruited. The spinal flexibility of the EG was evaluated with an ultrasound imaging system and physical measurements. The initial in-orthosis correction rates between the 2 groups were compared with the independent t test, and the correlation analysis between the spinal flexibility measured from ultrasound images and physical measurement was performed with the Pearson correlation test.

Results:

The initial Cobb angle of EG and CG were 25.70° ± 7.30° and 28.09° ± 5.58°, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the initial in-orthosis Cobb angle of EG (11.13° ± 6.80°) and CG (15.65° ± 9.10°) (p = 0.06). However, the spinal flexibility after stretching exercises was improved (p < 0.001), and the spinal flexibility changes measured with ultrasound and physical forward-bending method were significantly correlated (r = 0.57, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Stretching exercises before orthotic treatment could improve the spinal flexibility but did not cause a better in-orthosis correction. A study with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period should be conducted to investigate the long-term effect of stretching exercises.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Chronic Wounds
Authors: Li Wenbo , Zheng Jianghong
Published: June 2024

Chronic wounds, including those caused by venous and arterial insufficiency, diabetic complications, and pressure-induced ulcers, pose significant treatment challenges. Negative pressure wound therapy has been increasingly used for managing these wounds. This treatment aims to promote wound healing, prepare the wound bed for further surgical intervention, minimize the risk of infection, and potentially shorten the time to wound healing. Considering variances in techniques applied in different regions globally, there is an emerging need to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy on chronic wounds. Unfortunately, detailed descriptions of the techniques applied to achieve negative pressure are often lacking in existing literature abstracts, posing challenges for direct comparisons. This review aims to analyze the application of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds, summarize its advantages and disadvantages, and further explore the potential value and future research direction of negative pressure wound therapy in the repair of chronic wounds.
Global and Latest Hotspots of Female Genital Plastic Surgery in the Past 20 Years
Authors: Li Tian-Hao , Li Zi-Ming , Yu Nan-Ze , Huang Jiu-Zuo , Long Xiao
Published: June 2024

Background

An increasing number of surgical and nonsurgical interventions are available in the field of female genital plastic surgery. The rate of female genital plastic surgery has increased by nearly 220 percent over the past 5 years. Despite several studies on the topic, no relevant bibliometric analysis has been conducted.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for articles related to female genital plastic surgery. CiteSpace 6.1.R2 (Drexel University, USA) and VOSviewer 1.6.10.0 (Leiden University, the Netherlands) were used, and national distribution, institutions, journals, authors, and key words were analyzed and calculated.

Results

From 2003 to 2022, 1299 papers in the field of female genital plastic surgery were retrieved. There were more articles produced in the United States, and there were also two institutions in the Netherlands that were highly productive. A wide and close relationship has been established between researchers and institutions conducting female genital plastic surgery. Professor Bouman MB published the most articles on female genital plastic surgery in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Female genital plastic surgery dominated the top 10 references with the highest local citation score. There were four clusters of key words with the most citations, and the most recently trending key words were “vaginal agenesis,” “transgender,” and “congenital adrenal hyperplasia.”

Conclusions

The purpose of this article is to provide a summary of the current research status focusing on female genital plastic surgery. It is hoped that more efforts will be made to promote the development of female genital plastic surgery in the future.
A Case of Complex Giant Rhinophyma Treated With Cosmetic Surgery
Authors: Hou Yikang , Zhu Ming , Chen Qiang , Tang Jieying , Zhang Shihong , Wang Chuan , Chen Lujia , Liao Xueyin , Li Weiwei , Yang Jianmin
Published: June 2024

Rhinophyma leads to severe facial deformities and significant social pressure for patients. Patients often seek medical intervention due to cosmetic defects and functional impairments, such as nasal congestion and airway collapse. Currently, there are numerous treatment modalities for rhinophyma, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages, leading to a lack of consensus in nasal vegetation management. Severe thickening in the nasal area can obstruct breathing through external nasal valve blockage, necessitating appropriate management for relief. This article presents a case study involving severe rhinophyma with respiratory obstruction that was successfully treated using incomplete resection followed by reconstruction to restore normal nasal contour. This not only achieved an upright position for nasal columella but also improved nasal contour to achieve normal appearance levels while completely relieving respiratory tract obstruction and enhancing patients' ventilation function. This method is easily performed without requiring additional expensive equipment, making it economically feasible even in ordinary medical centers while enabling patients to achieve a high quality of life.
Precision Drug Repurposing
Authors: Chen Shuwei , Zeng Junhao , Saad Mariam , Lineaweaver William C. , Chen Zhiwei , Pan Yuyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder characterized by a localized darkening of the skin due to increased melanin production. When patients fail first line topical treatments, secondary treatments such as chemical peels and lasers are offered. However, these interventions are not devoid of risks and are associated with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. In the quest for novel therapeutic potentials, this study aims to investigate computational methods in the identification of new targeted therapies in the treatment of hyperpigmentation.

Methods

We used a comprehensive approach, which integrated text mining, interpreting gene lists through enrichment analysis and integration of diverse biological information (GeneCodis), protein-protein association networks and functional enrichment analyses (STRING), and plug-in network centrality parameters (Cytoscape) to pinpoint genes closely associated with hyperpigmentation. Subsequently, analysis of drug-gene interactions to identify potential drugs (Cortellis) was utilized to select drugs targeting these identified genes. Lastly, we used Deep Learning Based Drug Repurposing Toolkit (DeepPurpose) to conduct drug-target interaction predictions to ultimately identify candidate drugs with the most promising binding affinities.

Results

Thirty-four hyperpigmentation-related genes were identified by text mining. Eight key genes were highlighted by utilizing GeneCodis, STRING, Cytoscape, gene enrichment, and protein-protein interaction analysis. Thirty-five drugs targeting hyperpigmentation-associated genes were identified by Cortellis, and 29 drugs, including 16 M2PK1 inhibitors, 11 KRAS inhibitors, and 2 BRAF inhibitors were recommended by DeepPurpose.

Conclusions

The study highlights the promise of advanced computational methodology for identifying potential treatments for hyperpigmentation.