bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-call work and depressive mood: A cross-sectional survey among rural migrant workers in China
Authors: Xu Qingqing , Wang Liyun , Zhang Yiwen , Jiang Xia
Published: January 2023

Introduction

With the rapid development of China’s “gig economy,” the on-call work model has grown increasingly prevalent in China and has attracted a large number of rural migrant workers with its low employment threshold. However, this irregular employment mode may negatively impact the mental health of workers.

Methods

This paper uses an ordinal logistic regression model to study the relationship between Chinese rural migrant workers’ on-call work and their depression.

Results

The results showed that after controlling for relevant variables, the odds ratio of depressive mood among rural migrant workers engaged in on-call work was 1.22 (95% CI 1.04–1.43) compared with rural migrant workers who did not need to be on call. In further heterogeneity research, we found that on-call work is more likely to aggravate the depression risk of rural migrant workers who are highly dependent on the internet and have low-wage incomes.

Discussion

This research suggests that appropriate measures should be taken to mitigate the negative impact of on-call work on the mental health of rural migrant workers, and more attention needs to be paid to the mental health of lower salaried and gig workers. This paper provides a valuable sample of Chinese rural migrant workers for theoretical research on the relationship between on-call work and mental health and confirms the relationship between the two. These results contribute new ideas to the theory and practice of psychological crisis intervention aimed at Chinese rural migrant workers.
How can artificial neural networks approximate the brain?
Authors: Shao Feng , Shen Zheng
Published: January 2023

The article reviews the history development of artificial neural networks (ANNs), then compares the differences between ANNs and brain networks in their constituent unit, network architecture, and dynamic principle. The authors offer five points of suggestion for ANNs development and ten questions to be investigated further for the interdisciplinary field of brain simulation. Even though brain is a super-complex system with 1011 neurons, its intelligence does depend rather on the neuronal type and their energy supply mode than the number of neurons. It might be possible for ANN development to follow a new direction that is a combination of multiple modules with different architecture principle and multiple computation, rather than very large scale of neural networks with much more uniformed units and hidden layers.
Impact of a cognitive stimulation program on the reading comprehension of children in primary education
Authors: Reina-Reina Claudia , Conesa Pedro J. , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: January 2023

Introduction

At present, numerous studies can be found in which influences and relationships between the principal executive functions, reading comprehension, and academic performance associated with reading are reported. However, there is still a lack of convergence regarding the impact of computerized cognitive training on children’s executive development and its transfer in academic reading performance and comprehension of written texts.

Methods

This study analyzes the effect of implementing a cognitive stimulation program on the performance of reading comprehension and academic performance in the subject of Spanish Language and Literature. To this end, a total sample of 196 children from 23 educational centers received the cognitive intervention for 8 weeks, with three weekly sessions of between 15 and 20 min each occurring on non-consecutive days. Pre-test and post-test measurements were collected and analyzed.

Results

The results demonstrate a significant increase in the reading comprehension scores. In addition, a significant impact of the training on the participants’ academic performance in the subject Spanish Language and Literature was found.

Discussion

These results highlight the usefulness of computerized cognitive stimulation programs for reading comprehension enhancement.
A pharmacovigilance approach for assessing the occurrence of suicide-related events induced by antiepileptic drugs using the Japanese adverse drug event report database
Authors: Koseki Takenao , Horie Mikako , Kumazawa Satomi , Nakabayashi Tetsuo , Yamada Shigeki
Published: January 2023

Increased suicidality after antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of suicide-related events (SREs) in Japan. SREs signals with AEDs used orally were evaluated by calculating reporting odds ratios (RORs) and information components (ICs) using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database from April 2004 to December 2021. Additionally, factors affecting the occurrence of SREs and time-to-onset from the initial AED treatment were analyzed. Of 22 AEDs, 12 (perampanel hydrate, nitrazepam, levetiracetam, clonazepam, clobazam, sodium valproate, phenobarbital, lamotrigine, lacosamide, gabapentin, zonisamide, and carbamazepine) showed signals of SREs. Patients in their 20 and 30 s, female sex, and concomitant use of multiple AEDs affected the occurrence of SREs. In six AEDs, the median time-to-onset of SREs in patients taking all AEDs was <100 days. The pharmacovigilance approach revealed that several AEDs displayed suicidality signals. Female patients, those in their 20 and 30 s, undergoing combination therapy with ≥2 AEDs, and patients early (<100 days from the initial treatment) in the course of AED therapy should be cautioned about SREs.
Markers of muscarinic deficit for individualized treatment in schizophrenia
Authors: Stuke Heiner
Published: January 2023

Recent clinical studies have shown that agonists at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors effectively reduce schizophrenia symptoms. It is thus conceivable that, for the first time, a second substance class of procholinergic antipsychotics could become established alongside the usual antidopaminergic antipsychotics. In addition, various basic science studies suggest that there may be a subgroup of schizophrenia in which hypofunction of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors is of etiological importance. This could represent a major opportunity for individualized treatment of schizophrenia if markers can be identified that predict response to procholinergic vs. antidopaminergic interventions. In this perspective, non-response to antidopaminergic antipsychotics, specific symptom patterns like visual hallucinations and strong disorganization, the presence of antimuscarinic antibodies, ERP markers such as mismatch negativity, and radiotracers are presented as possible in vivo markers of muscarinic deficit and thus potentially of response to procholinergic therapeutics. Finally, open questions and further research steps are outlined.
Digital health interventions and quality of home-based primary care for older adults: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Silva Ísis de Siqueira , Silva Cícera Renata Diniz Vieira , Lopes Rayssa Horácio , Araújo Aguinaldo José de , Figueirêdo Renan Cabral de , Bay Osvaldo de Goes , Lapão Luís Velez , Xavier Pedro Bezerra , Uchôa Severina Alice da Costa
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The use of digital health interventions has expanded, particularly in home-based primary care (HBPC), following the increase in the older adult population and the need to respond to the higher demand of chronic conditions, weakness and loss of autonomy of this population. There was an even greater demand with COVID-19 and subsequent isolation/social distancing measures for this risk group. The objective of this study is to map and identify the uses and types of digital health interventions and their reported impacts on the quality of HBPC for older adults worldwide.

Methods and analysis

This is a scoping review protocol which will enable a rigorous, transparent and reliable synthesis of knowledge. The review will be developed from the theoretical perspective of Arksey and O'malley, with updates by Levac and Peters and respective collaborators based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual, and guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Data from white literature will be extracted from multidisciplinary health databases such as: the Virtual Health Library, LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cinahl and Embase; while Google Scholar will be used for gray literature. No date limit or language restrictions will be determined. The quantitative data will be analyzed through descriptive statistics and qualitative data through thematic analysis. The results will be submitted to stakeholder consultation for preliminary sharing of the study and will later be disseminated through publication in open access scientific journals, scientific events and academic and community journals. The full scoping review report will present the main impacts, challenges, opportunities and gaps found in publications related to the use of digital technologies in primary home care.

Discussion

The organization of this protocol will increase the methodological rigor, quality, transparency and accuracy of scoping reviews, reducing the risk of bias.
A study on the factors influencing old age identity among the Chinese elderly
Authors: Yu Xiao , Wang Qihui
Published: January 2023

Background

Old age identity is the self-perception of when old age begins, reflects public age values and acceptance of aging. Not all elderly people aged 60 and above identify with their old age status. The aging society in the traditional sense may not be “aging”. Therefore, redefining old age is crucial. Different from Western countries, China is a country with a long-standing culture of respect for the elderly and filial piety norms, and the influence of the cultural background on the old age identity is worthy of attention.

Data and method

Data were drawn from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). A total of 7400 participants answered questions about old age identity. Based on old age identity, we obtained two other types of indicators of perceived old age: elderly group identity and aging degree. For the continuous variable old age identity and aging degree, an OLS linear regression model was established. A binary logistic regression model was established for the binary variable elderly group identity.

Result

The average old age identity of Chinese people aged 60 and above is 70 years. Health status, psychological status, behavior, socioeconomic status, and some demographic characteristics significantly affect the old age identity of the Chinese elderly.

Conclusion

The traditional Chinese cultural background of respect for the elderly and the norms of filial piety have an impact on the old age identity of the Chinese elderly through family intergenerational support. The various forms of support provided by children to the elderly can help them achieve a positive age identity—enter old age later, raise the likelihood of identification with non-elderly groups, and reduce aging degree. The number of children of the elderly, the children's economic conditions and care support for grandchildren have negative effects. A positive old age identity can help the elderly improve their self-esteem.
County level study of the interaction effect of PM2.5 and climate sustainability on mortality in China
Authors: Guo Yanan , Yang Linsheng , Li Hairong , Qiu Leijie , Wang Li , Zhang Lantian
Published: January 2023

Introduction

PM2.5 and climate change are two major public health concerns, with majority of the research on their interaction focused on the synergistic effect, particularly for extreme events such as hot or cold temperatures. The climate sustainability index (CLS) was introduced to comprehensively explore the impact of climate change and the interactive effect on human health with air pollution.

Methods

In this study, a county-level panel data in China was collected and used. The generalized additive model (GAM) and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) was used to explore the interactive and spatial effect on mortality between CLS and PM2.5.

Results and discussions

Individually, when CLS is higher than 150 or lower than 50, the mortality is higher. Moreover, when PM2.5 is more than 35 μg/m3, the influence on mortality is significantly increased as PM2.5 concentration rises; when PM2.5 is above 70 μg/m3, the trend is sharp. A nonlinear antagonistic effect between CLS and PM2.5 was found in this study, proving that the combined adverse health effects of climate change and air pollution, especially when CLS was lower (below 100) and PM2.5 was higher (above 35 μg/m3), the antagonistic effect was much stronger. From a spatial perspective, the impact of CLS and PM2.5 on mortality varies in different geographical regions. A negative and positive influence of CLS and PM2.5 was found in east China, especially in the northeastern and northern regions, -which were heavily polluted. This study illustrated that climate sustainability, at certain level, could mitigate the adverse health influence of air pollution, and provided a new perspective on health risk mitigation from pollution reduction and climate adaptation.
Effectiveness of the BBV-152 and AZD1222 vaccines among adult patients hospitalized in tertiary hospitals in Odisha with symptomatic respiratory diseases: A test-negative case–control study
Authors: Bhattacharya Debdutta , Kanungo Srikanta , Palo Subrata Kumar , Kshatri Jaya Singh , Pattnaik Matrujyoti , Ghosal Shishirendu , Mohapatra Pranab , Rao C. Mohan , Sahoo Avinav , Mishra Rudra Prasanna , Mishra Sanghamitra , Mohanta Amiya Ranjan , Doley Chinki , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: January 2023

Two vaccines, namely BBV-152 (COVAXIN®) and AZD1222 (COVISHIELD™), were deployed against SARS-CoV-2 in India from January 16, 2021. Frontline health care workers were vaccinated first, followed by the adult population. However, limited data on vaccine effectiveness are available for the population of India. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two doses of each of these two common vaccines against COVID-19 infection among hospitalized patients with pulmonary conditions. We adopted a test-negative case–control design and recruited a sample of adults who were admitted to one of six tertiary care hospitals in Odisha. All participants were hospitalized patients with COVID-19-like pulmonary signs and symptoms. Participants who tested positive for SARS CoV-2 via RT-PCR were treated as cases, and those who tested negative were treated as controls. Logistic regression, adjusted for participants' age, sex, and number of comorbidities, was used to calculate the effectiveness of the two vaccines, using the formula: 100*(1 – adjusted odds ratio). Between March and July of 2021, data were collected from 1,614 eligible adults (864 cases and 750 controls). Among all participants, 9.7% had received two doses of one of the two COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine effectiveness was 74.0% (50.5%−86.0%) for two doses of BBV-152 and 79.0% (65.4%−87.2%) for two doses of AZD1222. Thus, two doses of either BBV-152 or AZD1222 nCoV-19 vaccine were found to be substantially effective in protecting against COVID-19-related infection.
The compliance of free folic acid supplements among pregnant women in rural areas of Northwestern China: The role of related knowledge
Authors: Yang Jie , Reheman Zulihumaer , Liu Yunjie , Wang Yuan , Wang Nan , Ye Jinbiao , Li Yangyuan , Nie Jingchun
Published: January 2023

Background

High prevalence of neural tube defects remains one of the major threats to newborns in rural China. Folic acid supplementation before and during early pregnancy can effectively reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Despite the efforts of the free folic acid mass distribution, the actual usage of folic acid supplements was still suboptimal among rural pregnant women in China. The objective of this study is to investigate if and how knowledge can influence the picking up and intake of the free folic acid supplements distributed by the government.

Methods

We collected survey data from 821 pregnant women in rural areas of Shaanxi, China, in March and December of 2021. Face-to-face interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted with every participant. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to test the relationship between knowledge and dependent variables.

Results

Our study found that there were 76.4% of pregnant women would pick up folic acid supplements distributed by the government and only 44.5% of women would use folic acid before current pregnancy. Awareness of folic acid policy both affects the picking up (OR: 6.708, 95% CI: 4.672–9.632) and periconceptional intake (OR: 1.912, 95% CI:1.326–2.758) of folic acid supplements. Knowledge of health and nutrition in pregnancy showed no significant relationship with the picking up and periconceptional intake of folic acid supplements but was positively associated with the intake duration (Coefficient: 9.278, 95% CI: 2.966–15.591).

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high level of picking up, the actual folic acid usage was not ideal among pregnant women in rural areas of China. Folic acid policy awareness was positively associated with the picking up and intake of folic acid before and during conception. Knowledge of health and nutrition about pregnancy was related to a longer duration of folic acid intake but had no impact on the picking up rate and periconceptional intake of folic acid supplements.
Effects of ambient temperature on influenza-like illness: A multicity analysis in Shandong Province, China, 2014–2017
Authors: Yin Jia , Liu Ti , Tang Fang , Chen Dongzhen , Sun Lin , Song Shaoxia , Zhang Shengyang , Wu Julong , Li Zhong , Xing Weijia , Wang Xianjun , Ding Guoyong
Published: January 2023

Background

The associations between ambient temperature and influenza-like illness (ILI) have been investigated in previous studies. However, they have inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of ambient temperature on ILI in Shandong Province, China.

Methods

Weekly ILI surveillance and meteorological data over 2014–2017 of the Shandong Province were collected from the Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the China Meteorological Data Service Center, respectively. A distributed lag non-linear model was adopted to estimate the city-specific temperature–ILI relationships, which were used to pool the regional-level and provincial-level estimates through a multivariate meta-analysis.

Results

There were 911,743 ILI cases reported in the study area between 2014 and 2017. The risk of ILI increased with decreasing weekly ambient temperature at the provincial level, and the effect was statistically significant when the temperature was <-1.5°C (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00–1.54). We found that the relationship between temperature and ILI showed an L-shaped curve at the regional level, except for Southern Shandong (S-shaped). The risk of ILI was influenced by cold, with significant lags from 2.5 to 3 weeks, and no significant effect of heat on ILI was found.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that low temperatures significantly increased the risk of ILI in the study area. In addition, the cold effect of ambient temperature may cause more risk of ILI than the hot effect. The findings have significant implications for developing strategies to control ILI and respond to climate change.
Clinical effect of high-flow revascularization in microsurgery combined with endoscopic endonasal surgery for skull base tumors with intracranial and extracranial involvement
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Tong Xiao-Guang
Published: January 2023

Background

The objective of the study is to investigate the surgical methods and clinical effects of high-flow revascularization in microsurgery combined with endoscopic endonasal surgery for skull base tumors with intracranial and extracranial involvement.

Methods

The relationships between skull base tumors and internal carotid artery (ICA), tumor location and size, and the extent of tumor invasion were assessed. Preoperative CT perfusion (CTP), magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) (MR-PWI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were performed to evaluate collateral circulation and brain tissue perfusion. Then craniotomy through the fronto-orbitozygomatic approach was performed, based on which four cases received extended middle skull base approach+Dolenc approach + Fukushima bypass type I, and six cases received extended middle skull base approach+Fukushima bypass type III. After surgery, DSA, CT angiogram (CTA), and CTP/PWI were performed to evaluate the patency of the reconstructed vessels and cerebral perfusion, and contrast-enhanced MRI to evaluate the degree of tumor resection. All patients were followed up for 6–12 months.

Results

Among the 10 cases investigated, gross total resection was achieved in 8 cases, subtotal resection in 1 case, and partial resection in 1 case, as confirmed by CT and enhanced MRI. The patency of revascularization vessels was observed using fluorescein angiography during the operation in all patients and via DSA and CTA postoperatively in nine patients. One patient underwent ventilator-assisted ventilation because of respiratory failure and failed to undergo DSA and CTA. Regarding postoperative complications, one patient developed watershed cerebral infarction on the operated side but no sequelae after drug treatment, three patients developed facial numbness, which improved after 3 months, and two patients experienced worsened diplopia. After 6 to 12 months of follow-up on the nine evaluable patients, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was 4–5 after surgery. In addition, 6-month follow-up results showed that one patient with clival chondrosarcoma developed recurrence on contrast-enhanced MRI, while no relapse was observed in the other patients.

Conclusion

For skull base tumors with intracranial and extracranial invasion and involving the ICA, revascularization might improve the total resection rate and reduce the recurrence rate and risk of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ischemia.
Predictive value of neurophysiological monitoring during posterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping for postoperative neurological deficits
Authors: Tang Fengjiao , Li Shifang , Wang Juntao , Tang Wanzhong , Feng Yugong
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic effect of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in identifying intraoperative ischemic events and predicting postoperative neurological dysfunction during PCoA aneurysm clipping, as well as to explore the safe duration of intraoperative temporary clipping of the parent artery.

Methods

All 71 patients with PCoA aneurysm underwent craniotomy and aneurysm clipping. MEP and SSEP were used for monitoring during operation to evaluate the influence of MEP/SSEP changes on postoperative neurological function. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate optimal duration of intraoperative temporary clipping.

Results

Patients with intraoperative MEP/SSEP changes were more likely to develop short-term and long-term neurological deficits than those without MEP/SSEP changes (P < 0.05). From the ROC curve analysis, the safe time from the initiation of temporary clipping during the operation to the early warning of neurophysiological monitoring was 4.5 min (AUC = 0.735, 95%CI 0.5558-0.912). Taking 4.5 min as the dividing line, the incidence of short-term and long-term neurological dysfunction in patients with temporary clipping >4.5 min was significantly higher than that in patients with temporary clipping ≤4.5 min (P = 0.015, P = 0.018).

Conclusion

Intraoperative MEP/SSEP changes are significantly associated with postoperative neurological dysfunction in patients with PCoA aneurysms. The optimal duration of temporary clipping of the parent artery during posterior communicating aneurysm clipping was 4.5 min under neurophysiological monitoring.
Initial experience with robotic-assisted thoracic surgery for superior mediastinal masses
Authors: Yang Bo , Chen Ruiji , Li Chengrun , Fan Kaijie , Lin Yingxue , Liu Yang
Published: January 2023

Objective

Minimally invasive surgery is challenging for masses located in the superior mediastinum, especially for those close to the chest outlet. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) for these masses.

Methods

From June 2015 to January 2020, 35 patients (19 males, 16 females), with a mean age of 41.6 (range, 13–66) years, underwent RATS for the treatment of superior mediastinal masses. Data regarding the operation time, blood loss, pathology, conversion rate, morbidity, mortality, and cost were collected and analyzed.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) operation time, blood loss, chest tube use duration, and postoperative hospital day were 117 ± 45.2 (range, 60–270) min, 59.7 ± 94.4 (range, 10–500) ml, 4.1 ± 2.1 (range, 1–10) days, and 5.1 ± 2.1 (range, 2–11) days, respectively. The pathological diagnoses included schwannoma (26 cases), ganglioneuroma (4 cases), bronchogenic cysts (3 cases), ectopic nodular goiter (1 case), and cavernous hemangioma (1 case). The mean diameter of the resected tumor was 4.6 ± 2.0 (range, 2.5–10) cm. No conversion or mortality occurred. Postoperative complications included Horner’s syndrome (18 cases: 6 patients with preoperative Horner’s syndrome), weakened muscular power (2 cases), and chylothorax (2 cases). The mean cost was $ 8,868.7 (range, $ 4,951–15,883).

Conclusions

Our experience demonstrated that RATS is safe and feasible for superior mediastinal mass resection. However, the high incidence of postoperative Horner’s syndrome requires further research.
Identification of preoperative radiological risk factors for reoperation following percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression to treat degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Wang Aobo , Wang Tianyi , Zang Lei , Fan Ning , Yuan Shuo , Si Fangda , Du Peng
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aimed to identify radiological risk factors associated with reoperation after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression (PTED) for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS).

Methods

The preoperative clinical data of 527 consecutive patients with DLSS who underwent PTED were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 44 patients who underwent reoperation were matched for age, sex, body mass index, and surgical segment to 132 control patients with excellent or good clinical outcomes. Radiological characteristics were compared between the groups using independent sample t-tests and Pearson's chi-square tests. A predictive model was established based on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The analyses revealed significant differences in the presence of lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV, 43.2% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.001), the number of levels with senior-grade disc degeneration (2.57 vs. 1.96, p = 0.018) and facet degeneration (1.91 vs. 1.25 p = 0.002), and the skeletal muscle index (SMI, 849.7 mm2/m2 vs. 1008.7 mm2/m2, p < 0.001) between patients in the reoperation and control groups. The results of the logistic analysis demonstrated that LSTV (odds ratio [OR] = 2.734, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.222–6.117, p < 0.014), number of levels with senior-grade facet degeneration (OR = 1.622, 95% CI:1.137–2.315, p = 0.008), and SMI (OR = 0.997, 95% CI:0.995–0.999, p = 0.001) were associated with reoperation after PTED. The application of the nomogram based on these three factors showed good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.754, 95% CI 0.670–0.837) and good calibration.

Conclusion

LSTV, more levels with senior-grade facet degeneration, and severe paraspinal muscle atrophy are independent risk factors for reoperation after PTED. These factors can thus be used to predict reoperation risk and to help tailor treatment plans for patients with DLSS.
Intraoperative method of femoral head central measurement to prevent leg length discrepancy following hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Hu Hongxin , Lin Mei , Wu Xianwei , Lin Yujin , Lin Yijun , Chen Guoli
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to introduce and investigate the safety and efficiency of the intraoperative central measurement method of the femoral head (IM-CMFH) to prevent leg length discrepancies (LLD) after hemiarthroplasty.

Methods

Overall, 79 patients aged 75 to 85 years with femoral neck fractures who underwent hemiarthroplasty were divided into two groups: the Control group (n = 46) and the IM-CMFH group (n = 33). The two groups were compared for postoperative LLD and the proportions of patients with greater than 10 mm, 6–10 mm, and within 5 mm, postoperative femoral offset (FO) difference and the proportions of patients within 5 mm, incremental greater than 5 mm and reduction greater than 5 mm. Next, the vertical distance from the center of the femoral head to the tip of the greater trochanter on the anatomical axis of the femur (VD-CFH-TGTAAF), leg length, and FO on the operative and non-operative sides within the IM-CMFH group. Finally, operative time, hemoglobin loss, Harris scores 3 months after surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results

Compared with the control group, the postoperative LLD and FO differences were significantly lower in the IM-CMFH group (P = 0.031; P = 0.012), and the proportion of patients with postoperative LLD greater than 10 mm decreased significantly (P = 0.041), while the proportion of patients with FO difference of within 5 mm increased (P = 0.009). In addition, there was no significant difference in the operative time, hemoglobin loss, and Harris score at 3 months postoperatively and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in FO, leg-length, and VD-CFH-TGTAAF between the operative and non-operative sides within the IM-CMFH group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Satisfactory results can be achieved by using the IM-CMFH to prevent LLD following hemiarthroplasty, and there is no increase in operative time, hemoglobin loss, or postoperative complications. This technique is efficient for hemiarthroplasties and is both simple and convenient.
An alternative palliative surgical method for advanced malignant obstructive jaundice: Laparoscopic bridge choledochoduodenostomy
Authors: Lianyuan Tao , Hongsheng Xiao , Xuxiang Zou , Liancai Wang , Dazhao Lei , Deyu Li
Published: January 2023

Background

This study introduces an alternative palliative surgical procedure called laparoscopic bridge choledochoduodenostomy (LBCDD) for patients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice (AMOJ).

Methods

Patients with AMOJ who had LBCDD between January 2017 and August 2021 were identified from databases of two institutions in China.

Results

A total of 35 patients (male 12; female 23) with an average age of 64 years were enrolled. The average diameter of the tumor is 4.24 cm. All patients undertook LBCDD within an average operation time of 75 min with a mean blood loss of 32 ml. One patient had controlled bile leakage after the operation and two developed surgical site infection involving the epigastric orifices. All of them were solved by conservative treatment. All patients were discharged smoothly after an average hospital stay of 5.5 days, and no conversion to open surgery was required.

Conclusions

LBCDD is a safe and efficient palliative surgery, which has a good therapeutic effect on patients with AMOJ.
Advantage of laparoscopic surgery in patients with generalized obesity operated for colorectal malignancy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yu Yen-Lin , Hsu Yu-Jen , Liao Chun-Kai , Lin Yueh-Chen , You Jeng-Fu , Tsai Wen-Sy , Jong Bor-Kang , Chern Yih-Jong
Published: January 2023

Background

Because of the progression of minimally invasive surgery skills and obesity in colorectal surgery, we aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of colorectal cancer resections in patients with generalized obesity at a single teaching hospital with mature surgical techniques and training programs.

Methods

A total of 537 patients were diagnosed with CRC and had a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 between January 2009 and December 2019 at a single institution. 265 patients underwent open surgery and 272 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Data were analysed to explore the independent risk factors for postoperative complications.

Results

The laparoscopic group had less blood loss (73 ± 128 vs. 148 ± 290 ml, p < 0.001) and a shorter postoperative hospital stay (10.8 ± 17.1 vs. 11.7 ± 6.8 days, p < 0.001) than the open group. The number of harvested lymph nodes did not significantly differ between the two groups (30.9 ± 18.3 vs. 30.2 ± 15.3, p = 0.981). Although anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group (1.5% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.030), there were also similar overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates between the open and laparoscopic groups for CRC patients with generalized obesity who underwent surgery.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery can reduce blood loss, decrease the length of hospital stay, obtain a similar number of harvested lymph nodes, and achieve an acceptable conversion rate for CRC patients with generalized obesity. We suggest that laparoscopic surgery could become a standard method for CRC treatment in patients with generalized obesity.
Time correlation of success recanalization for endovascular recanalization of medically refractory non-acute intracranial arterial occlusions
Authors: Ji Zhiyong , Ling Yeping , Chen Pingbo , Meng Yuxiao , Xu Shancai , Wu Pei , Wang Chunlei , Ilyasova Tatiana , Sun Bowen , Shi Huaizhang
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

The management of patients with symptomatic non-acute atherosclerotic intracranial artery occlusion (sNAA-ICAO), which is a special subset with high morbidity and a high probability of recurrent serious ischemic events despite standard medical therapy, has been clinically challenging. A number of small-sample clinical studies have discussed endovascular recanalization for sNAA-ICAO and the lack of a uniform standard of operation time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the time correlation of successful recanalization.

Methods

From January 2013 to August 2021, 69 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular recanalization for sNAA-ICAO were analyzed retrospectively in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. The technical success rate, periprocedural complications, and rate of TIA/ischemic stroke during follow-up were evaluated.

Results

The overall technical success rate was 73.91% (51/69), and the rate of perioperative complications was 37.68% (26/69). The percentage of patients with perioperative symptoms was 27.53% (19/69). The rate of serious symptomatic perioperative complications was 8.70% (6/69). After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, the effect of the time from the last symptom to operation on successful recanalization was 0.42 (IQR, 0.20, 0.88, P = 0.021), before the inflection point (51 days).

Conclusions

Endovascular recanalization for sNAA-ICAO is technically feasible in reasonably selected patients. The perioperative safety is within the acceptable range. Before 51 days, the last symptoms to operation time, for every 10 days of delay, the probability of successful recanalization is reduced by 57%.
Isolated cryptococcosis of a lumbar vertebra in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jia Zhongxiong , Tang Min , Zhang Xiaojun , Xin Xiaojuan , Jiang Wei , Hao Jie
Published: January 2023

Background

Cryptococcus, a kind of fungus, can be found in soil, decayed wood, and avian excreta. Immunocompromised patients are prone to infection caused by Cryptococcus, and the lungs and central nervous system are the main target organs. Cryptococcosis rarely occurs in the lumbar vertebra or in immunocompetent patients.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old adult male with isolated lumbar vertebra cryptococcosis at the L4 vertebra underwent successful lesion removal surgery performed via the posterior approach and postoperative administration of an antifungal agent. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient's pain was relieved, and his motor function had improved. Isolated Cryptococcus vertebrae infection is a rare infectious disease.

Conclusions

A needle biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of Cryptococcus infection. When patients present with unbearable symptoms of nerve compression, posterior depuration combined with postoperative antifungal agents is a good option.
Correlation between tibial valgus deformity and aspect ratio of resected tibial surface in female Chinese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Yang Dejin , Wu Xiang-Dong , Zhou Yixin , Yin Xinghua , Huang Yong , Shao Hongyi , Tang Hao
Published: January 2023

Background

Morphology of the resected tibial surface is the reference for tibial component design, selection, and implantation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This comparative study sought to answer whether valgus deformity of the tibia would affect the morphology of the resected tibial surface in TKA.

Methods

Thirty-one female Chinese patients with valgus tibias were retrospectively and consecutively identified from a single-center registration database. Thirty-one patients with well-aligned tibias were matched in terms of gender, height, and weight. Weight-bearing full-length radiographs and computed tomography images of the whole lower limb were obtained for every case. Tibial resection was mimicked perpendicular to the mechanical axis of the tibia in the frontal plane with 3° of posterior slope and a cut level individualized by the actual intraoperative cut. On the resected surface, mediolateral dimension (MLD), medial anteroposterior dimensions (mAPD), and lateral anteroposterior dimensions (lAPD) were measured, and aspect ratios (AR) were calculated. We compared the AR between the two groups.

Results

The aspect ratio of resected tibial surface positively correlated with tibial valgus alignment. Patients with valgus tibias had significantly smaller AR (MLD/mAPD) for the medial plateau (1.50 ± 0.06 vs. 1.54 ± 0.07, P = 0.032). However, the AR for the lateral plateau was similar between the two groups (1.63 ± 0.08 vs. 1.65 ± 0.07, P = 0.328).

Conclusion

This difference in morphology of resected tibial surface between valgus and well-aligned tibias should be considered in tibial component design, as well as in the selection and placement of TKA implants for knees with valgus tibias.
Application value of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging three-dimensional reconstruction and digital subtraction angiography in percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage
Authors: Zhou Sheng-Li , Ji Ting-Ju , Zhou Xin-Yu , Xu Lei , Xin Yi , Huang Qiu-Ju
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aims to explore the application value of computed tomography (CT) three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 3D reconstruction, and conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) fluoroscopy in percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD).

Methods

The clinical data of 180 patients with obstructive jaundice requiring PTCD from December 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Following PTCD, CT 3D reconstruction, MRI 3D reconstruction, and conventional DSA fluoroscopy were conducted, after which the surgical success rates, liver function results, and postsurgical complications were compared.

Results

The puncture accuracies under CT 3D reconstruction, MRI 3D reconstruction, and conventional DSA fluoroscopy were 90.0% (54/60), 96.7% (58/60), and 80% (48/60), respectively. The degree of jaundice and epigastric discomfort was relieved in all three groups after surgery, while a significant reduction in the levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin was observed relative to the levels before surgery (P < 0.05). The incidences of complications in the CT 3D reconstruction, MRI 3D reconstruction, and conventional DSA fluoroscopy groups were 6.7% (4/60), 3.3% (2/60), and 13.3% (8/60), respectively, and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Conducting conventional enhanced CT and MRI scans in patients before surgery might be more practical than the conventional puncture method. Among the methods under study, MRI 3D reconstruction was found to be safer and more feasible than CT 3D reconstruction and conventional DSA fluoroscopy in PTCD. MRI 3D reconstruction could reduce the degree of jaundice, improve the success rate of surgery, reduce the incidence of complications due to surgery, and improve the patients’ tolerance to surgery.
Study of quality of life and its correlated factors in patients after lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease
Authors: Chen Meng , Peng Da-Yong , Hou Wen-Xiu , Li Yang , Li Jing-Kun , Zhang Hao-Xuan
Published: January 2023

Background

In the present work, we aimed to explore the correlated factors of quality of life in patients receiving lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) in China.

Methods

A total of 180 patients treated with lumbar fusion were included in the present study. Their general demographic characteristics, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (MOS SF-36) were collected and evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively.

Results

There were significant improvements in scores of VAS, JOA, and quality of life of patients from preoperation to 1-year postoperation after lumbar fusion. Marital status, with or without children, education level, economic pressure, and social support had significant predictive effects on the physical health of patients undergoing lumbar fusion. Marital status, education level, and economic pressure had significant predictive effects on the mental health of patients undergoing lumbar fusion.

Conclusions

Factors correlated with the physical health of patients after lumbar fusion included positive coping style, negative coping style, social support, age, education level (high school college), disease duration (5–10), suffering from other diseases (combined with two or more other disease) and the number of surgical segments (double and three or more). Factors correlated with the mental health included negative coping style, social support, age, education level (middle school and high school college) and the number of surgical segments (double and three or more). The results verify that these factors were correlated to the patient’s quality of life after lumbar fusion. Emphasizing and selectively intervening these correlated factors can further improve the quality of life in patients receiving lumbar fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Sero-prevalence of Newcastle disease and associated risk factors in chickens at backyard chicken production Kindo Koisha, Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wodajo Wondimu , Mohammed Nejib , Tora Ephrem , Seyoum Wasihun
Published: January 2023

Newcastle disease (ND) is a serious infectious disease of poultry caused by virulent strains of Avian Paramyxovirus-1 and has a substantial impact on villages where people's livelihood depends upon poultry farming in several developing countries including Ethiopia. In the district of the study area, no previous studies have been conducted. Thus, the aim of the present study was to estimate individual and household flock level seroprevalence and risk factors for ND in unvaccinated backyard chickens in Kindo Koisha district, Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was conducted. For the study, household flocks were sampled as a cluster, and backyard chickens within the cluster with an age of more than 3 months were sampled. A total of 598 blood samples were collected from 86 household flocks during the study period. Serum samples were tested for ND antibodies using an Indirect-Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. The overall seroprevalence of ND virus at individual and flock level was 17.06% (95% CI: 14.25–20.29%) and 73.26% (95% CI: 62.79–81.64%), respectively. The ND seropositivity and associated risk factors were assessed at the individual bird and flock level by using ordinary and mixed effect logistic regression, respectively. Ordinary logistic regression revealed that crossbreed chickens had significantly higher odds of ND seropositivity than local breeds, with an odds ratio of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.54–3.00; p < 0.001). The odds of ND seropositivity was significantly higher in backyard chickens which belongs flock size >9 in comparison to <9 with an odds ratio of 3.7 (95% CI: 1.12–12.30; p < 0.031). The potential flock level risk factors related to ND seropositivity in this study were flock size, chicken house cleaning frequency, water source for chickens, dead chicken disposal practice, and distance to the next neighbor household, mixing with wild birds and owning pets. In conclusion, the current study generates significant information on the seroprevalence and the potential risk factors associated with ND at individual and flock level in Kindo Koisha district, Wolaita zone. Consequently, ND vaccination campaigns should be launched, and effective extension programs should also be provided to raise awareness about the disease.
Case report: Relapsed/refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma nasal type with extensive central nervous system involvement
Authors: Dapkevičiūtė-Purlienė Austėja , Augustinavičius Vytautas , Žučenka Andrius
Published: January 2023

Background: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) is a rare subtype of mature T and natural killer cell lymphomas associated with Epstein-Barr virus.

Case: A 20-year-old presented with severe neurological symptoms and was diagnosed with stage IV ENKL, nasal type, with CNS involvement. Overall, the patient received nine treatment lines, including chemotherapy, craniospinal irradiation, allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT), donor lymphocyte infusions, and novel agents (Nivolumab, Daratumumab, Thalidomide, Lenalidomide, virus-specific T cells) combined with intrathecal chemotherapy. The treatment effect was evaluated in both blood and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid). First-line SMILE chemotherapy resulted in systemic and CNS remission. Later Cytarabine-based chemotherapy and Daratumumab combination helped to reinduce remission before alloSCT.

Conclusion: We show that efficacy monitoring should include both blood and CSF analysis. High-dose Cytarabine-based chemotherapy in combination with Daratumumab and intrathecal chemotherapy may be considered as salvage CNS-directed therapies. We add to existing limited data that Daratumumab penetrates the blood-brain barrier.