bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEAT-RESPONSIVE PROTEIN regulates heat stress via fine-tuning ethylene/auxin signaling pathways in cotton
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad , Ahmad Furqan , Zang Yihao , Jin Shangkun , Ahmed Sulaiman , Li Jun , Islam Faisal , Ahmad Mudassar , Zhang Yaoyao , Hu Yan , Guan Xueying , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: November 2022

Plants sense and respond to fluctuating temperature and light conditions during the circadian cycle; however, the molecular mechanism underlying plant adaptability during daytime warm conditions remains poorly understood. In this study, we reveal that the ectopic regulation of a HEAT RESPONSIVE PROTEIN (GhHRP) controls the adaptation and survival of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) plants in response to warm conditions via modulating phytohormone signaling. Increased ambient temperature promptly enhanced the binding of the phytochrome interacting factor 4 (GhPIF4)/ethylene-insensitive 3 (GhEIN3) complex to the GhHRP promoter to increase its mRNA level. The ectopic expression of GhHRP promoted the temperature-dependent accumulation of GhPIF4 transcripts and hypocotyl elongation by triggering thermoresponsive growth-related genes. Notably, the upregulation of the GhHRP/GhPIF4 complex improved plant growth via modulating the abundance of Arabidopsis thaliana auxin biosynthetic gene YUCCA8 (AtYUC8)/1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 8 (AtACS8) for fine-tuning the auxin/ethylene interplay, ultimately resulting in decreased ethylene biosynthesis. GhHRP thus protects chloroplasts from photo-oxidative bursts via repressing AtACS8 and AtACS7 and upregulating AtYUC8 and the heat shock transcription factors (HSFA2), heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP20). Strikingly, the Δhrp disruption mutant exhibited compromised production of HSP/YUC8 that resulted in an opposite phenotype with the loss of the ability to respond to warm conditions. Our results show that GhHRP is a heat-responsive signaling component that assists plants in confronting the dark phase and modulates auxin signaling to rescue growth under temperature fluctuations.
Contemporary drug use and driving patterns: A qualitative approach to understanding drug-driving perceptions from the context of user patterns
Authors: Love Steven , Rowland Bevan , Stefanidis Kayla B , Davey Jeremy
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to identify the typologies of drug users and examine how they differed in drug-driving tendencies. A sample of drug users (N = 52) from Queensland, Australia, completed a telephone interview. Thematic analyses identified three unique user types: (a) sporadic recreational users, who used a variety of drugs and drug drove depending on situational variables; (b) frequent recreational users, who favoured cannabis and methamphetamine, and did not typically regulate their driving; and (c) frequent medicinal users, who used cannabis for a medical condition and were more responsible in regulating both their use and driving. While frequent recreational users may drug drive more often, sporadic users (who are proportionally larger in size) may be more at risk due to a low tolerance and an increased likelihood of poly-substance use. The findings of this study may inform the development of tailored police interventions but also inform current policy discussions.
Functionalized TiCu/TiCuN coating promotes osteoporotic fracture healing by upregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Tan Jia , Ren Ling , Xie Kai , Wang Lei , Jiang Wenbo , Guo Yu , Hao Yongqiang
Published: November 2022

Osteoporosis results in decreased bone mass and insufficient osteogenic function. Existing titanium alloy implants have insufficient osteoinductivity and delayed/incomplete fracture union can occur when used to treat osteoporotic fractures. Copper ions have good osteogenic activity, but their dose-dependent cytotoxicity limits their clinical use for bone implants. In this study, titanium alloy implants functionalized with a TiCu/TiCuN coating by arc ion plating achieved a controlled release of copper ions in vitro for 28 days. The coated alloy was co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and showed excellent biocompatibility and osteoinductivity in vitro. A further exploration of the underlying mechanism by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting revealed that the enhancement effects are related to the upregulation of genes and proteins (such as axin2, β-catenin, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, LEF1 and TCF1/TCF7) involved in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In vivo experiments showed that the TiCu/TiCuN coating significantly promoted osteoporotic fracture healing in a rat femur fracture model, and has good in vivo biocompatibility based on various staining results. Our study confirmed that TiCu/TiCuN-coated Ti promotes osteoporotic fracture healing associated with the Wnt pathway. Because the coating effectively accelerates the healing of osteoporotic fractures and improves bone quality, it has significant clinical application prospects.
Research impact as understood by two funders of agricultural research in South Africa
Authors: Esterhuyse Harrie , Boshoff Nelius
Published: November 2022

Impact literacy is the understanding of research impact in terms of a junction of three elements: ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘who’. ‘What’ refers to impact endpoints, that is, the medium- to long-term impacts or even short-term effects that occur during or immediately after research. ‘How’ refers to the understanding of how impact is created, in other words the interactions required. ‘Who’ focuses on which stakeholders need to be integrated into a network of interactions to contribute to impact. This study focused on the ‘what’ of impact, specifically on the understanding of research impact by two funders of agricultural research in South Africa. Members of specialist committees at the two funding organizations were asked, through a survey, to rate several structured items mapped on a research impact classification scheme. They could also provide their own ideas on what impact is. Committee members from both organizations viewed research impact primarily as an effect on the individuals and groups in the industry that they represent. They generally did not consider research impact as an effect on researchers, nor did they place specific emphasis on the societal effects of research. The ‘what’ of research impact was found to imply a series of effects, where the different effects build on each other. Linking these effects to the ‘how’ and ‘who’ of impact will require the construction of impact pathways. Funders should take responsibility for pushing research results to a distal level by planning ‘who’ will do the push, ‘how’ it will be done and managed, and to ‘what’ final aim.
Deltoid Ligament Reconstruction: An Arthroscopic-assisted, Limited Open Knotless Approach Utilizing Suture Tape Augmentation
Authors: Martin Kevin D. , Pettit David P.
Published: November 2022

The deltoid ligament is the primary medial stabilizer of the ankle and consists of superficial and deep components. Preoperative radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging finds help with surgical indications, but direct arthroscopic dynamic examination is paramount in the diagnosis. Traditionally, the deltoid has been allowed to heal indirectly by stabilizing the ankle syndesmosis. Failure to treat the deltoid results in instability, valgus collapse, and abnormal motion of the ankle. In this technique guide, we describe an arthroscopic-assisted diagnosis followed by a limited open deltoid reconstruction utilizing suture tape augmentation. This technique is for acute and chronic injuries of the deltoid ligament in association with unstable fibula fractures, or in isolated injury following dislocation.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V—expert opinion. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A novel mortality risk score for emphysematous pyelonephritis: A multicenter study of the Global Research in the Emphysematous Pyelonephritis group
Authors: Trujillo-Santamaría Hegel , Robles-Torres José Iván , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Tanidir Yiloren , Campos-Salcedo José Gadú , Bravo-Castro Edgar Iván , Wroclawski Marcelo Langer , Yeoh W. S. , Kumar Santosh , Sanchez-Nuñez Juan Eduardo , Espinoza-Aznar José Enrique , Ragoori Deepak , Hamri Saeed Bin , Aik Ong Teng , Tarot-Chocooj Cecil Paul , Shrestha Anil , Lakmichi Mohamed Amine , Cosentino-Bellote Mateus , Vázquez-Lavista Luis Gabriel , Kabre Boukary , Tiong Ho Yee , Arrambide-Herrera José Gustavo , Gómez-Guerra Lauro Salvador , Kutukoglu Umut , Alves-Barbosa Joao Arthur Brunhara , Jaspersen Jorge , Acevedo Christian , Virgen-Gutiérrez Francisco , Agrawal Sumit , Duarte-Santos Hugo Octaviano , Ann Chai Chu , Castellani Daniele , Gahuar Vineet
Published: November 2022

Background

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a necrotizing infection of the kidney and the surrounding tissues associated with considerable mortality. We aimed to formulate a score that classifies the risk of mortality in patients with EPN at hospital admission.

Materials and methods

Patients diagnosed with EPN between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively included. Data from 15 centers (70%) were used to develop the scoring system, and data from 7 centers (30%) were used to validate it. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors related to mortality. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to construct the scoring system and calculate the risk of mortality. A standardized regression coefficient was used to quantify the discriminating power of each factor to convert the individual coefficients into points. The area under the curve was used to quantify the scoring system performance. An 8-point scoring system for the mortality risk was created (range, 0–7).

Results

In total, 570 patients were included (400 in the test group and 170 in the validation group). Independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable logistic regression were included in the scoring system: quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score ≥2 (2 points), anemia, paranephric gas extension, leukocyte count >22,000/μL, thrombocytopenia, and hyperglycemia (1 point each). The mortality rate was <5% for scores ≤3, 83.3% for scores 6, and 100% for scores 7. The area under the curve was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.95) for test and 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.97) for the validation group.

Conclusions

Our score predicts the risk of mortality in patients with EPN at presentation and may help clinicians identify patients at a higher risk of death.
Impact of surgical management of upper tract urothelial cancer in octogenarians: A population-based study
Authors: Wang Shu , Phelan Michael , Siddiqui Mohummad Minhaj
Published: November 2022

Background

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is an aggressive disease with a high progression rate. The standardmanagement for this disease is nephroureterectomy. Nephron sparing nonradical surgery is an alternative therapeutic approach. In men with limited life expectancy, the potential harm of UTUC progression must be weighed against surgical morbidity and mortality, and thus, more conservative approaches may be selected. This study aims to investigate the comparative benefits of radical and conservative surgical management in patients older than 80 years with localized UTUC.

Materials and methods

A search was conducted in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for patients older than 80 years who were diagnosed with localized (T1–2N0M0) cancer in the renal pelvis or ureter as the only malignancy from 2004 to 2015. Patients were divided into 3 therapeutic groups: no surgery, local intervention (ie, local tumor excision or segmented ureterectomy), and radical surgery (nephroureterectomy). Demographic and cancer-related parameter data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate predictors for surgical treatment. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to analyze survival outcomes.

Results

Data from 774 patients were analyzed, including 205 in the no-surgery group, 181 in the local intervention group, and 388 in the radical surgery group. Older, African American patients with T1 stage disease were less likely to receive surgical treatment. Among surgically treated patients, renal pelvic tumors, and high-grade and T2 stage disease were associated with radical resection. Surgically treated patients had a longer median overall survival (OS) than in those treated nonsurgically (13, 35, and 47 months in no-surgery, local intervention, and radical surgery groups, respectively; p < 0.001). Although surgically treated patients demonstrated higher 5-year OS (8.8% [no surgery], 23.2% [local intervention], and 23.5% [radical surgery], p < 0.001) and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) (41.0%[no surgery], 69.1%[local intervention], and 72.9%[radical surgery]; p < 0.001) than in those treated nonsurgically, no significant differences were found between the local intervention and radical surgery groups (p > 0.05). Based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, surgical treatments, including both nonradical and radical resection, were independently associated with improved OS and DSS after controlling for age, marital status, tumor grade, and radiation status.

Conclusions

Patients older than 80 years with localized UTUC who undergo surgery demonstrate longer survival. Radical and nonradical resections seemto have similar OS and DSS outcomes. Thus, when clinically indicated in this population, a more conservative surgical approach may be reasonable.
Argument for Prompt Corneal Cross-Linking on Diagnosis of Keratoconus in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Henriquez Maria A.
Published: November 2022

Strong evidence suggests that corneal crosslinking is a safe procedure capable of stopping or slowing down the progression of keratoconus, avoiding visual loss associated with progression, and delaying or preventing the need for corneal transplantation. The progressive and chronic nature of the disease makes the option for prompt crosslinking upon keratoconus diagnosis in a pediatric patient valid.
Budd–Chiari syndrome associated to Behcet disease: An observational retrospective multicenter study in Morocco
Authors: Allaoui Abire , Echchilali Khadija , Fares Manal , Belabbes Fatim-Zahra , Jabbouri Rajaa , Naitlho Abdelhamid , Moudatir Mina , Alaoui Fatim Zohra , Elkabli Hassan
Published: November 2022

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is considered a rare but serious complication of Behçet’s disease (BD). This study was performed to define the prevalence, clinical and biological features, treatment, and clinical course of BSC associated with BD in a Moroccan population. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1578 patients fulfilling the international diagnostic criteria for BD, including those with BSC. Eighteen male and 3 female patients, with a mean age of 36 ± 8.6 years. The inferior vena cava was involved in 81% (n = 17) of cases. All forms of BCS were noted: the chronic form in 52.4% (n = 11), the subacute form in 38% (n = 8), and the fulminant form (2 cases). Ascites was the main clinical sign and was present in 62% of patients (n = 13). Other venous thromboses (superior vena cava and lower limbs) were associated with BSC in 52.4% of patients (n = 11). Arterial involvement was noted in 28.6% (n = 6). Cardiac manifestations were present in 19% (n = 4) of the patients. All the patients received anticoagulants associated with corticosteroids. Immunosuppressants were used in 95% (n = 20). One patient received infliximab. Severe complications were noted in 38% (n = 8) of patients (digestive bleeding, confusion, infections and liver failure). Four patients have died during the study period. BCS in patients with BD is not uncommon and can be life threatening. It is frequently associated with other vascular manifestations that can be difficult to treat, particularly in the presence of pulmonary artery aneurysms. Prognosis improved with the use of immunosuppressants. Biologics can be promising in the early stages.
A comparison of 3 productive authors’ research domains based on sources from articles, cited references and citing articles using social network analysis
Authors: Ho Sam Yu-Chieh , Chien Tsair-Wei , Huang Chien-Cheng , Tsai Kang-Ting
Published: November 2022

Background:

An individual’s research domain (RD) can be determined from objective publication data (e.g., medical subject headings and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms) by performing social network analysis. Bibliographic coupling (such as cocitation) is a similarity metric that relies on citation analysis to determine the similarity in RD between 2 articles. This study compared RD consistency between articles as well as their cited references and citing articles (ARCs).

Methods:

A total of 1388 abstracts were downloaded from PubMed and authored by 3 productive authors. Based on the top 3 clusters in social network analysis, similarity in RD was observed by comparing their consistency using the major MeSH terms in author articles, cited references and citing articles (ARC). Impact beam plots with La indices were drawn and compared for each of the 3 authors.

Results:

Sung-Ho Jang (South Korea), Chia-Hung Kao (Taiwan), and Chin-Hsiao Tseng (Taiwan) published 445, 780, and 163 articles, respectively. Dr Jang’s RD is physiology, and Dr Kao and Dr Tseng’s RDs are epidemiology. We confirmed the consistency of the RD terms by comparing the major MeSH terms in the ARC. Their La indexes were 5, 5, and 6, where a higher value indicates more extraordinary research achievement.

Conclusion:

RD consistency was confirmed by comparing the main MeSH terms in ARC. The 3 approaches of RD determination (based on author articles, the La index, and the impact beam plots) were recommended for bibliographical studies in the future.
Relationship between mean corpuscular volume and 30-day mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: Evidence from the MIMIC-III database
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yin Jiahui , Sun Haiyang , Li Jinling , Zhao Xuelian , Liu Yuanxiang , Yang Jiguo
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have shown that mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels are associated with the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between MCV levels and mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. Patients with ICH were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III database. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between MCV at admission and 30-day mortality in ICH patients. We enrolled 1100 patients with ICH. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that a 1 unit increase in MCV (fl) was associated with a 3% increase in 30-day mortality (HR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.05, P = .0015). High MCV (MCV ≥ 92 fl) compared with the low MCV group (MCV < 87 fl) showed a 46% increase of 30-day mortality (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.10‐1.92 P = .008). In subgroups analysis’s the results remained stable. We demonstrated that MCV at admission was positively associated with 30-day mortality. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) method was used to plot survival curves of three groups with different admission MCV levels.
Enhancement of fluoride release in glass ionomer cements modified with titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Morales-Valenzuela Adriana Alejandra , Scougall-Vilchis Rogelio José , Lara-Carrillo Edith , Garcia-Contreras Rene , Hegazy-Hassan Wael , Toral-Rizo Víctor Hugo , Salmerón-Valdés Elias Nahum
Published: November 2022

Background:

Several efforts have been made to improve the glass ionomer cements (GICs) properties with nanotechnology. Fluoride release in once of most beneficial properties of GICs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release, recharge, and cytotoxicity in GICs reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2N).

Objective:

Evaluate the fluoride release, recharge, and cytotoxicity in GICs reinforced with TiO2N.

Methods:

Four GICs, FUJI IX EXTRA (G1c), KETAC MOLAR (G2c), IONOFILL MOLAR (G3c), and FUJI IX (G4c) were combined with TiO2N (G1e, G2e, G3e, and G4e) and divided into blocks of 5-mm width and 1-mm thickness 10 each. A total of 80 samples were arranged as follows: GICs alone as negative control (n = 40) and GICs + TiO2N as experimental groups (n = 40). The fluoride release was determined for periods of 1, 2, 6, 10, 31, 90, 180, 240, and 300 days. On days 30 and 179, samples were recharged by submerging in 1 mL of 20,000 ppm sodium fluoride gel. Cytotoxic activity was carried out with gingival fibroblasts, using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cell viability assay.

Results:

The experimental groups obtained the highest and more constant fluoride released when compared to control groups. After the first recharge, experimental groups (G1e, G3e, and G4e) showed statistically significant results (P = .001, 0.010, and 0.001 respectively) enhancing their recharge ability regarding control groups. The second recharge showed better results in G1e concerning the rest of the groups. No cytotoxic activity was observed in all experimental groups, although significant differences were observed in G3e and G4e regarding control group.

Conclusion:

The incorporation of TiO2N enhance the fluoride release in glass ionomers with a noncytotoxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts.
Visuospatial representation in patients with mild cognitive impairment: Implication for rehabilitation
Authors: Derbie Abiot Y. , Dejenie Meseret A. , Zegeye Tsigie G.
Published: November 2022

Behavioral and neurophysiological experiments have demonstrated that distinct and common cognitive processes and associated neural substrates maintain allocentric and egocentric spatial representations. This review aimed to provide evidence from previous behavioral and neurophysiological studies on collating cognitive processes and associated neural substrates and linking them to the state of visuospatial representations in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Even though MCI patients showed impaired visuospatial attentional processing and working memory, previous neuropsychological experiments in MCI largely emphasized memory impairment and lacked substantiating evidence of whether memory impairment could be associated with how patients with MCI encode objects in space. The present review suggests that impaired memory capacity is linked to impaired allocentric representation in MCI patients. This review indicates that further research is needed to examine how the decline in visuospatial attentional resources during allocentric coding of space could be linked to working memory impairment.
Wound exudate reduction from retroperitoneum with facilitation of healing by triamcinolone injection: A case report
Authors: Tsunekawa Kazuhiro , Yuzuriha Shunsuke
Published: November 2022

Rationale:

Maintaining a moderately moist environment is important in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers. Excessive exudate inhibits wound healing, although it may be difficult to control. We report a case of successful treatment with triamcinolone to suppress retroperitoneal exudates and facilitate wound healing.

Patient concerns:

A 78-year-old man presented to our department with excessive exudative oozing from a chronic ulcer in the gluteal region. The retroperitoneum was exposed for a prolonged period after colon cancer surgery and developed chronic granulation.

Diagnoses:

The exposed retroperitoneum was covered using an island flap, with the left superior gluteal artery perforator providing the feeding vessels and skin graft, which covered part of the flap harvesting area. The flap and lower bed did not adhere because of the presence of an excessive retroperitoneal exudate. Skin grafts to the flap harvesting area were not accepted, and secondary healing did not proceed because of exudate leakage.

Intervention:

A single dose of 2.5-mg triamcinolone was injected inferiorly to the flap.

Outcomes:

After injection of triamcinolone, the exudate decreased, and secondary healing in the residual ulcer progressed satisfactorily.

Conclusion:

Injection of triamcinolone might be an option for controlling exudates to heal skin ulcers.
Comparing the accuracy of shear wave elastography and strain elastography in the diagnosis of breast tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Huayu , Wang Cong , An Qi , Qu Xiaomeng , Wu Xiaohang , Yan Yumei
Published: November 2022

Background:

Shear wave elastography (SWE) and strain elastography (SE) are 2 new ultrasonic technologies which have developed rapidly in recent years. Elastography transforms the elastic information of tissue into optical information for display, thus more intuitive display of tissue elasticity. Conflicting results have been obtained in different scholars’ studies on the accuracy comparison of the 2 elastography technologies in the diagnosis of breast tumors. This meta-analysis aims to compare the accuracy of the 2 elastography technologies in the diagnosis of breast tumors, and provide a reference for clinical decision making.

Methods:

We have searched Chinese and English literatures on the accuracy of SWE and SE in the diagnosis of breast tumors from PubMed, Web of Science, China national knowledge infrastructure and Wanfang databases, and the time was up to December30, 2020. Two literature reviewers screened the literatures according to the screening criteria, and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Study tool was used to evaluate the quality of included literatures. Meta Disc1.4 and Stata14.0 softwares were used to perform heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis and publication bias test.

Results:

Ten literatures included 1599 patients and 1709 breast lesions. The final results in the SWE as follow: The pooled sensitivity was 0.852 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.826–0.874]), the pooled specificity (Spe) was 0.799 (95% CI [0.776–0.820]), the pooled positive likelihood ratio was 4.758 (95% CI [3.443–6.576]), the pooled negative likelihood ratio was 0.192 (95% CI [0.147–0.250]), the pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 29.071 (95% CI [16.967–49.811]), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9159. The final results in the SE as follow: The pooled sensitivity was 0.843 (95% CI [0.817–0.866]), the pooled Spe was 0.766 (95% CI [0.743–0.789]), the pooled positive likelihood ratio was 4.387 (95% CI [3.088–6.233]), the pooled negative likelihood ratio was 0.216 (95% CI [0.179–0.261]), the pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 22.610 (95% CI [15.622–32.724]), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8987.

Conclusion:

The sensitivity and Spe of SWE were higher than those of SE, suggesting that SWE may have a higher accuracy in the diagnosis of breast tumors.

Register name:

PROSPERO. Registration number: CRD42021251110.
Diagnostic performance of mono-exponential DWI versus diffusion kurtosis imaging in breast lesions: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yewu , Jin Yumei , Li Mou , Zhang Jun , Wang Shaoyu , Zhang Huapeng , Song Bin
Published: November 2022

Background:

This meta-analysis aimed to explore the diagnostic value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) compared to mono-exponential diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods:

A systematic electronic literature search (up to September 2020) was conducted for published English-language studies comparing the diagnostic values of DKI and DWI for the detection of breast cancer. The data of mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity (MD), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were extracted to construct 2 × 2 contingency tables. The pooled sensitivities, specificities, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were compared between DKI and DWI in the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Results:

Eight studies were finally included, with a total of 771 patients in the same population. Pooled sensitivities were 82.0% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 78.2‐85.3%] for ADC, 87.3% (95% CI, 83.9‐90.1%) for MK, and 83.9% (95% CI, 80.2‐87.1%) for MD. Pooled specificities were 81.1% (95% CI, 76.7‐84.9%) for ADC, 85.1% (95% CI, 81.1‐88.5%) for MK, and 83.2% (95% CI, 79.0‐86.8%) for MD. According to the summary receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, the AUCwas 0.901 for ADC, 0.930 for MK, and 0.918 for MD (ADC vs MK, P = .353; ADC vs MD, P = .611). No notable publication bias was found, while significant heterogeneity was observed.

Conclusions:

Although DKI is feasible for identifying breast cancer, MD and MK offer similar diagnostic performance to ADC values. Thus, we recommend that DKI should not be included in the routine evaluation of breast lesions now.
Bridging the gap of knowledge and skills for diagnosis and treatment of painful neuropathy: Development and evaluation of pain education project for clinicians in primary care settings
Authors: Pinzon Rizaldy Taslim , Wijaya Vincent Ongko , Pramudita Esdras Ardi , Handayani Theressia , Buana Ranbebasa Bijak
Published: November 2022

The importance of pain education is widely accepted and recognized. This is a key part of educating the undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare workforce is an essential strategy for promoting effective pain practice. This study aims to evaluate the pain management module training courses for newly graduated doctors to address the knowledge gap between specialist care and primary care physicians. This was an observational study of an evaluation of a pain education project focused on neuropathic pain management core competency was provided. Multimodal teaching approaches such as didactic teaching and vignettes of cases discussion, video teaching, and learning module. A pretest survey was carried out to assess the baseline knowledge of the participants. Completion of the post-test and participant experience questionnaire were collected. Comparison of the pre-and post-test scores for all participants was undertaken using the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test with effect size calculated. The participant’s experience questionnaire scores were analyzed descriptively to produce mean and standard deviations from each question. A total of 274 participants completed all of the course sections from the average of 350 eligible participants. Of 274 participants, more than half were female (64.96%), with more than half participants being General Practitioner (54.38%) followed by a neurologist (35.04%). For all sessions, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test outlined that differences between all pre-and post-test scores were significant (P < .001). There was a marked improvement in the post-test as evidenced by statistically significant increases in mean scores differences. We developed an educational training courses for physicians to address the limitation in existing medical undergraduate training of neuropathic pain management. The training led to improvement in participant’s knowledge and skills with positive outcomes.
Transient asystole during balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube: A case report
Authors: Chung Mee Young , Shin Min Jung , Cha Seung Hee , Lee Ji Yung
Published: November 2022

Rationale:

Neurally mediated reflexes can induce cardiac arrest during head and neck surgery through mechanisms including direct vagal stimulation, trigeminocardiac reflex, and baroreceptor reflex. Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET) is a safe procedure without serious complications, including cardiac arrest.

Patient concerns:

Transient asystole developed during BDET under general anesthesia in a 33-year-old woman as soon as the balloon in the Eustachian tube (ET) was inflated.

Diagnoses:

Monitoring records were reviewed. The asystolic period was recorded on the patient monitor as an event, which we recalled and printed. The asystole lasted for 13 seconds.

Interventions:

The patient recovered sinus rhythm spontaneously after the balloon was deflated before resuscitation. The BDET was successfully performed after prophylaxis with vagolytic drugs.

Outcomes:

The patient recovered uneventfully after anesthesia.

Lessons:

BDET, previously known to be a relatively safe procedure, induces asystole via balloon dilation. It is thought to be a neurally mediated vagal reflex, and both anesthesiologists and otologic physicians should pay proper attention to monitoring during the procedure.
Secondary oxalate nephropathy and kidney transplantation
Authors: Aziz Fahad , Jorgenson Margaret , Garg Neetika
Published: November 2022

Purpose of review

Secondary hyperoxaluria is associated with poor kidney allograft outcomes after the kidney transplant. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition is common in early allograft biopsies leading to acute tubular necrosis and poor kidney allograft function. Though treatment options for secondary hyperoxaluria are limited, it is crucial to identify patients at increased risk of oxalate nephropathy after the transplant.

Recent findings

Recent data suggest that significant changes in renal replacement therapies and dietary modifications in high-risk patients can prevent kidney allograft damage from the calcium oxalate deposition leading to improve allograft outcomes.

The accurate and timely diagnosis of secondary oxalate nephropathy in kidney transplant recipients is paramount to preserving graft function in the long-term. This review will discuss the incidence, risk factors, prevention, and management of oxalate nephropathy in the kidney allograft.
18F-FDG PET/CT of Primary Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma of the Prostate
Authors: Guo Yue-Hong , Yang Min-Fu
Published: November 2022

Prostate Ewing sarcoma is rare. We report the 18F-FDG PET/CT finding of a 16-year-old adolescent boy who presented with dysuria and was confirmed to be extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma of the prostate by histopathologic findings.
Primary Aortic Epithelioid Angiosarcomas With Metastatic Disease Detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Guan Meichao , Liu Wei , Huang Jianmin , Wei Lingge , Xie Peng
Published: November 2022

Epithelioid angiosarcoma in the aortic arch with metastatic disease is extremely rare. We report a case of 63-year-old man with suspected bone metastases who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for seeking the potential primary tumor. PET/CT demonstrated intense FDG uptake in the aortic arch with multiple FDG-avid lesions involving the lung, lymph nodes, and bones. Finally, the diagnosis of primary aortic epithelioid angiosarcomas with metastatic disease was confirmed.
68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT Imaging in a Case of Radioactive Iodine–Induced Chronic Parotitis
Authors: Xu Tingting , Zhang Yan , Wu Ruilin , Ding Haoyuan , Chen Yue
Published: November 2022

68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 is a promising PET agent for tumor imaging. However, inflammatory lesions can also show increased FAPI uptake. Herein, we reported a 52-year-old woman who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid papillary carcinoma 1 year ago and underwent adjuvant radioiodine therapy 1 month later. After 131I therapy, she began to develop pain and swelling in bilateral cheeks, which developed into oral dryness. The patient was diagnosed with radioactive iodine–induced parotitis. 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT showed the density of bilateral parotid glands increased, and the volume decreased with intense tracer uptake. 99mTcO4
− salivary gland scintigraphy showed decreased tracer uptake in the bilateral parotid glands.
Robotic Approach for Lymphadenectomy in Biliary Tumors
Authors: Ratti Francesca , Cipriani Federica , Ingallinella Sara , Tudisco Antonella , Catena Marco , Aldrighetti Luca
Published: November 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the oncological adequacy of lymphadenectomy (LND) for biliary tumors and surgical outcomes of resections performed using robotic, laparoscopic, and open approaches and to compare the techniques within a weighted propensity score analysis.

Background:

The need to perform formal LND is considered a limit for the applicability of minimally invasive liver surgery.

Methods:

Overall, 25 robotic resections with LND (2021-2022) from a single-center constituted the study group (Rob group), matched by inverse probability treatment weighting with 97 laparoscopic (Lap group) and 113 open (Open group) procedures to address the primary endpoint. A “per-period” analysis was performed comparing the characteristics and outcomes of the Rob group with the first 25 consecutive laparoscopic liver resections with associated LND (LapInit group).

Results:

Minimally invasive techniques performed equally well regarding the number of harvested nodes, blood transfusions, functional recovery, length of stay, and major morbidity and provided a short-term benefit to patients when compared with the open technique. A better performance of the robotic approach over laparoscopic approach (and both approaches over the open technique) was recorded for patients achieving LND with retrieval of >6 nodes. The open approach reduced both the operative time and time for LND, and robotic surgery performed better than laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusions:

Minimally invasive techniques are excellent tools for the management of LND in patients with biliary tumors, showing feasibility, and oncological adequacy. Robotics could contribute to the large-scale diffusion of these procedures with a high profile of complexity.
Split-Tendon Medial Transposition of Lateral Rectus for Pediatric Complete Oculomotor Palsy
Authors: Zhang Kevin X. , Varma Hersh , Cao Yuying , Shah Veeral S.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Split-tendon medial transposition of lateral rectus (STMTLR) for complete oculomotor palsy can correct large angles of exotropia in adults, but outcomes are variable, and complications are frequent. Only a few pediatric cases have been reported, and further insight is needed to assess the child's alignment outcomes and ability for postsurgical gain of function. The aim of our study is to report the outcomes of this surgical procedure in pediatric cases of complete oculomotor palsy.

Methods:

A retrospective review of outcomes was conducted on 5 consecutive patients with complete oculomotor palsy treated with STMTLR by a single surgeon (V.S.S.) between 2015 and 2021 at tertiary referral centers. Primary outcome was postoperative horizontal alignment, and secondary outcome was demonstration of gain-of-function activity in the field of action of the paretic medial rectus muscle.

Results:

Five cases of pediatric complete oculomotor palsy underwent surgical treatment with STMTLR. Subjects averaged 5.3 years old (range 10 months-16 years). Two were female. Etiologies were heterogeneous, and all presented with unilateral (n = 2) or bilateral complete oculomotor palsy with exodeviations ranging from 45 to >120 prism diopters. Two subjects had bilateral disease secondary to military tuberculosis with CNS involvement. A third subject presented iatrogenically with complete bilateral third nerve palsies secondary to removal of a nongerminomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT) of the pineal gland. The 2 remaining subjects had monocular involvement in their right eye, 1 from compressive neuropathy after a cavernoma midbrain hemorrhage, and 1 from a congenital right oculomotor palsy. All patients were observed to have stable ocular alignment for a period of at least 6 months before surgery. Unilateral STMTLR was performed in all cases except the subject with NGGCT, in which bilateral STMTLR was performed. Measurement of alignment permanence out to 1–3 years postop resulted in an average correction of 40.83 prism diopters (range 37.5–45 prism diopters) per operated eye. Four of 5 subjects regained limited but active adduction eye movements, and the 2 unilateral cases demonstrated improved convergence. None of the subjects experienced significant complications.

Conclusions:

STMTLR was a safe and effective approach for the surgical correction of complete pediatric oculomotor palsy in our case series. In addition, pediatric patients may benefit from STMTLR with immediate gain-of-function activity in the transposed lateral rectus muscle, which supports the hypothesis that children have a dynamic and adaptive neuroplasticity of visual target selection that predominates established agonist/antagonist neural signaling.
Robust electron spin qubit control in a nanowire double quantum dot
Authors: Lu Runyu , Liu Kaipeng , Ban Yue
Published: November 2022

Robust and efficient manipulation of electron spin qubits in quantum dots is of great significance for the reliable realization of quantum computers and execution of quantum algorithms. In this paper, we study the robust control on a singlet-triplet qubit based on inverse engineering, one technique of shortcuts to adiabaticity (STA), in a nanowire double quantum dot in the presence of magnetic field and strong spin-orbit coupling. The optimization of STA with respect to the systematic errors, contributed from the control field and the perturbative interaction, is explored. Moreover, we also apply optimal control techniques combining with STA, referred to as robust inverse optimization, to design optimal control fields and optimal operation time.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Shortcuts to adiabaticity: theoretical, experimental and interdisciplinary perspectives’.
Quantum brachistochrone
Authors: Koike Tatsuhiko
Published: November 2022

Quantum brachistochrone (QB) is a quantum analogue of classical brachistochrone (shortest path). It is a solution to the following problem: How can we perform a desired quantum operation (or obtain a desired final quantum state) most quickly, by a time-dependent Hamiltonian subject to given constraints? Finding QB is a fundamental problem in quantum mechanics in its own right. Moreover, it will be useful in the study of quantum information and quantum engineering, such as quantum speed limits and implementations of quantum computers. A general framework for finding QBs, called QB formalism, has been developed. It is based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle. We review the basics of the QB formalism, give simple examples, and briefly discuss some related studies.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Shortcuts to adiabaticity: theoretical, experimental and interdisciplinary perspectives’.
Fast transport of Bose–Einstein condensates in anharmonic traps
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Xi , Ruschhaupt Andreas
Published: November 2022

We present a method to transport Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) in anharmonic traps and in the presence of atom–atom interactions in short times without residual excitation. Using a combination of a variational approach and inverse engineering methods, we derive a set of Ermakov-like equations that take into account the coupling between the centre of mass motion and the breathing mode. By an appropriate inverse engineering strategy of those equations, we then design the trap trajectory to achieve the desired boundary conditions. Numerical examples for cubic or quartic anharmonicities are provided for fast and high-fidelity transport of BECs. Potential applications are atom interferometry and quantum information processing.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Shortcuts to adiabaticity: theoretical, experimental and interdisciplinary perspectives’.
Interspecies killing activity of Pseudomonas syringae tailocins
Authors: Weaver Savannah L. , Zhu Libin , Ravishankar Sadhana , Clark Meara , Baltrus David A.
Published: November 2022

Tailocins are ribosomally synthesized bacteriocins, encoded by bacterial genomes, but originally derived from bacteriophage tails. As with both bacteriocins and phage, tailocins are largely thought to be species-specific with killing activity often assumed to be directed against closely related strains. Previous investigations into interactions between tailocin host range and sensitivity across phylogenetically diverse isolates of the phytopathogen

Pseudomonas syringae

have demonstrated that many strains possess intraspecific tailocin activity and that this activity is highly precise and specific against subsets of strains. However, here we demonstrate that at least one strain of P. syringae, USA011R, defies both expectations and current overarching dogma because tailocins from this strain possess broad killing activity against other agriculturally significant phytopathogens such as

Erwinia amylovora

and

Xanthomonas perforans

as well as against the clinical human pathogen

Salmonella enterica

serovar Choleraesuis. Moreover, we show that the full spectrum of this interspecific killing activity is not conserved across closely related strains with data suggesting that even if tailocins can target different species, they do so with different efficiencies. Our results reported herein highlight the potential for and phenotypic divergence of interspecific killing activity of

P. syringae

tailocins and establish a platform for further investigations into the evolution of tailocin host range and strain specificity.
Circulating Tumor DNA As A MRD Assessment And Recurrence Risk In Patients Undergoing Curative Intent Resection With Or Without Adjuvant Chemotherapy In Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chidharla Anusha , Rapoport Eliot , Agarwal Kriti , Madala Samragnyi , Linares Brenda , Sun Weijing , Chakrabarti Sakti , Kasi Anup
Published: November 2022

PURPOSE

Emerging data have suggested that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be a reliable biomarker for Minimal residual disease (MRD) in CRC patients. Recent studies have shown that the ability to detect MRD using ctDNA assay after curative-intent surgery will change how to assess recurrence risk and patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of post-operative ctDNA in Stage I-IV (oligometastatic) CRC patients after curative-intent resection. We included 23 studies representing 3,568 patients with evaluable ctDNA in CRC patients post-curative intent surgery. Data were extracted from each study to perform a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4. software. Subsequent subgroup analysis was performed for stages I-III and oligometastatic stage IV CRC patients.

RESULTS

The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence-free survival (RFS) in post-surgical ctDNA positive versus negative patients in all stages was 7.27 (95% CI 5.49-9.62) p <0.00001. Subgroup analysis revealed pooled HR of 8.14 (95% CI 5.60-11.82) and 4.83 (95% CI 3.64-6.39) for stage I-III and IV CRC, respectively. The pooled HR for RFS in post-adjuvant chemotherapy ctDNA positive versus negative patients in all stages was 10.59 (95% CI 5.59-20.06) p <0.00001. The subgroup analysis based on the ctDNA method showed a pooled HR of 8.66 (95% CI 6.38-11.75) and 3.76 (95% CI 2.58-5.48) for tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis emphasizes that post-operative ctDNA is a strong prognostic marker of RFS. Based on our results, ctDNA can be a significant and independent predictor of RFS. This real-time assessment of treatment benefits using ctDNA can be used as a surrogate endpoint for the development of novel drugs in the adjuvant setting.
Behavioral detectability of optogenetic stimulation of inferior temporal cortex varies with the size of concurrently viewed objects
Authors: Lafer-Sousa Rosa , Wang Karen , Azadi Reza , Lopez Emily , Bohn Simon , Afraz Arash
Published: November 2022

We have previously demonstrated that macaque monkeys can behaviorally detect a subtle optogenetic impulse delivered to their inferior temporal (IT) cortex. We have also shown that the ability to detect the cortical stimulation impulse varies depending on some characteristics of the visual images viewed at the time of brain stimulation, revealing the visual nature of the perceptual events induced by stimulation of the IT cortex. Here we systematically studied the effect of the size of viewed objects on behavioral detectability of optogenetic stimulation of the central IT cortex. Surprisingly, we found that behavioral detection of the same optogenetic impulse highly varies with the size of the viewed object images. Reduction of the object size in four steps from 8 to 1 degree of visual angle significantly decreased detection performance. These results show that identical stimulation impulses delivered to the same neural population induce variable perceptual events depending on the mere size of the objects viewed at the time of brain stimulation.