bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights of Clinical Significance From 109 695 Solid Tumor Tissue-Based Comprehensive Genomic Profiles
Authors: Heilmann Andreas M , Riess Jonathan W , McLaughlin-Drubin Margaret , Huang Richard S P , Hjulstrom Meghann , Creeden James , Alexander Brian M , Erlich Rachel L
Published: September 2023

Background

FoundationOneCDx is approved in the US and Japan as a companion diagnostic test to identify patients with cancer who may benefit from treatment with 30 drug therapies in the US and 23 in Japan. Tumor profiling with FoundationOneCDx also detects genomic findings with evidence of clinical significance that may inform clinical care decisions beyond companion diagnostic claims. This observational study reports the breadth and impact of clinical decision insights from FoundationOneCDx solid tumor profiles.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive test result reports for patients with solid tumor diagnoses (n = 109 695) were retrospectively analyzed for clinically significant predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic genomic alterations and signatures, determined in accordance with professional guidelines. Interventional clinical trials with targeted therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors were matched to tumor profiles based on evidence that the genomic finding may be an actionable, investigational, or hypothetical target in the patient’s tumor type.

Results

In 14 predefined cancer types (80.7% of analyzed solid tumors), predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic markers were reported in 47.6%, 13.2%, and 4.5% of samples, respectively, accounting for a total of 51.2% of tumor profiles. Pan-cancer predictive markers of tumor mutational burden (TMB) of 10 or more mutations per megabase, high microsatellite instability (MSI), or NTRK1/2/3 fusions were observed in 15.6%, 2.0%, and 0.1% of solid tumors, respectively. Most solid tumor profiles (89.2%) had genomic results that could theoretically inform decisions on the selection of immunotherapy and targeted therapy clinical trials.

Conclusion

For this real-world population of patients with FoundationOneCDx solid tumor profiles in the routine course of clinical care, clinically significant findings were reported for approximately half of patients with genomic results.
Visual predators and diurnal nest predation provide support for the Skutch Hypothesis and explain evolved incubation behaviors in a montane tropical bird community
Authors: Şahin Arslan Necmiye , Martin Thomas E
Published: September 2023

The Skutch (1949) Hypothesis that nest predation risk constrains parental nest activity has important implications for the evolution of parental care strategies, but the required conditions for the hypothesis to operate have been questioned. We found the necessary conditions existed in a montane tropical bird community where 95.4% of predation events (n = 456) occurred during daylight hours and almost all predators (n = 224) were visually oriented. Moreover, incubation strategies for 21 passerine species were explained by nest predation rates as proposed by the Skutch Hypothesis. Hourly rates of visits to the nest were lower among species with higher nest predation rates, and achieved in part by longer on- and off-bouts. Incubation attentiveness (percent of time incubating) does not necessarily affect parental nest activity and was not related to nest predation rates. Nest predation rates were greater in enclosed- than open-nesting species, counter to long-standing views. Moreover, nest predation was usually higher in the nestling period when parents were more actively visiting nests than during incubation for enclosed- but not open-nesting species. This increase in nest predation in the nestling period for enclosed-nesting species might indicate proximate predation responses to parental nest activity that underlie the evolutionary patterns. Adult mortality also can exert selection on evolved strategies. Following life history theory, annual adult mortality probability explained residual variation in incubation behaviors, while accounting for nest predation, with longer-lived species exhibiting lower nest activity and attentiveness. Ultimately, the conditions for the Skutch Hypothesis were clear and evolved behaviors suggest an important influence of natural selection by nest predation in this montane tropical bird community. At the same time, different patterns of nest predation between open- and enclosed-nesting species emphasize a need for further research into how parental nest activity interacts with nest type to affect predator detection of nests.
The role of lipid-modified proteins in cell wall synthesis and signaling
Authors: Quinn Oliver , Kumar Manoj , Turner Simon
Published: September 2023

The plant cell wall is a complex and dynamic extracellular matrix. Plant primary cell walls are the first line of defense against pathogens and regulate cell expansion. Specialized cells deposit a secondary cell wall that provides support and permits water transport. The composition and organization of the cell wall varies between cell types and species, contributing to the extensibility, stiffness, and hydrophobicity required for its proper function. Recently, many of the proteins involved in the biosynthesis, maintenance, and remodeling of the cell wall have been identified as being post-translationally modified with lipids. These modifications exhibit diverse structures and attach to proteins at different sites, which defines the specific role played by each lipid modification. The introduction of relatively hydrophobic lipid moieties promotes the interaction of proteins with membranes and can act as sorting signals, allowing targeted delivery to the plasma membrane regions and secretion into the apoplast. Disruption of lipid modification results in aberrant deposition of cell wall components and defective cell wall remodeling in response to stresses, demonstrating the essential nature of these modifications. Although much is known about which proteins bear lipid modifications, many questions remain regarding the contribution of lipid-driven membrane domain localization and lipid heterogeneity to protein function in cell wall metabolism. In this update, we highlight the contribution of lipid modifications to proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of plant cell walls, with a focus on the addition of glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors, N-myristoylation, prenylation, and S-acylation.
Floor-to-Stand Performance Among People Following Stroke
Authors: Davis Angela F , Klima Dennis W , Leonard Amanda , Miller Stephanie A
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Studies have examined floor-to-stand performance in varied adult populations both quantitatively and qualitatively. Despite an elevated risk of falls and inability to independently return to stand after a fall, few have examined the ability to stand from the floor in patients recovering from stroke. There were 2 objectives of the study: to identify the relationships between floor-to-stand performance using a timed supine-to-stand test (TSS) and physical performance measures of gait, balance, and balance confidence among persons in the subacute phase after stroke; and to analyze descriptive strategies used in the completion of the TSS.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was implemented. Fifty-eight adults (mean age = 59.2 [standard deviation (SD) = 13.9] years; 34 [58.6%] men) who were in the subacute phase after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and who could stand from the floor with no more than supervision completed the TSS and physical performance assessments.

Results

The median time to complete the TSS in our sample was 13.0 (interquartile range = 15.5) seconds. TSS time was significantly correlated with physical performance tests, including the Timed “Up & Go” Test (ρ = 0.70), gait speed (ρ = −0.67), Dynamic Gait Index (ρ = −0.52), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ρ = −0.43). Thirty-two percent of the variance in TSS time was attributed to Timed “Up & Go” Test time and the use of the quadruped position to transition to standing. Participants who used a gait device were more likely to use a chair during rise to stand.

Conclusion

The TSS demonstrates concurrent validity with physical performance measures.

Impact

Findings serve to improve functional mobility examination after stroke and to formulate effective treatment interventions to improve floor-to-stand performance.
Cancer mortality associated with low education in Italy
Authors: Pizzato Margherita , di Maso Matteo , Collatuzzo Giulia , Pelucchi Claudio , Turati Federica , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo , Boffetta Paolo , Alicandro Gianfranco
Published: September 2023

Background

This study provides a nationwide representative quantification of the impact of educational inequalities on cancer mortality in Italy.

Methods

The study is based on prevalence data and mortality rate ratios according to levels of education obtained from the Italian 2011 census cohort, including >35 million individuals aged 30–74. We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) and the number of cancer deaths associated with low education (below university degree) in Italy by sex.

Results

PAFs for low levels of education were 29.1% among men and 13.3% among women, corresponding to 22,271 cancer deaths associated with low education in men and 7456 in women in 2019. PAFs by cancer site in men were: 53.0% for upper aerodigestive tract (UADT), 44.6% for liver, 41.3% for stomach, 41.3% for lung, 37.0% for bladder, 18.5% for colorectal, 9.8% for prostate and 9.1% for pancreatic cancers. PAFs in women were: 44.5% for cervical, 36.1% for UADT, 34.9% for stomach and 13.9% for colorectal cancers. The cancer sites with the highest number of deaths associated with low education were lung among men (7902/22,271, 35.5%) and colorectum among women (780/7456, 10.5%).

Conclusions

About a quarter of cancer deaths in 2019 in Italy may be prevented by reducing the socioeconomic determinants that contribute to educational disparities in cancer mortality.
Common Venture Capital Investors and Startup Growth
Authors: Eldar Ofer , Grennan Jillian
Published: September 2023

We exploit the staggered introduction of liability waivers when investors hold stakes in conflicting business opportunities as a shock to venture capital (VC) investment and director networks. After the law changes, we find increases in within-industry VC investment and common directors serving on startup boards. Despite the potential for rent extraction, same-industry startups inside VC portfolios benefit by raising more capital, failing less, and exiting more successfully. VC directors serving on other startup boards are the primary mechanism associated with positive outcomes, consistent with common VC investment facilitating informational exchanges in VC portfolios.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Characteristics of Botrytis cinerea Field Isolate Resistance to Pyrisoxazole in Liaoning Province
Authors: Chen Le , Sun Bai-xin , Zhao Yang , Miao Ze-yan
Published: September 2023

Botrytis cinerea is a broad-host-range necrotrophic phytopathogen responsible for serious diseases in leading crops worldwide. The novel sterol 14α-demethylase inhibitor (DMI) pyrisoxazole was recently registered for the control of tomato gray mold caused by B. cinerea in China. One hundred fifty-seven isolates of B. cinerea were collected from tomato greenhouses in 14 cities of Liaoning Province from 2016 to 2021 and examined for sensitivity to pyrisoxazole, with a mean EC50 value of 0.151 μg/ml. Three highly resistant isolates, XD-5, DG-4, and GQ-3, were screened, and the EC50 values were 0.734, 0.606, and 0.639 μg/ml with corresponding resistance factors of 12.88, 10.63, and 11.21, respectively. Compared with field-sensitive strains, the highly resistant isolate XD-5 exhibited fitness defects in traits, including mycelial growth, conidial production, and pathogenicity, but DG-4 and GQ-3 did not experience fitness costs. Positive cross-resistance was observed only between pyrisoxazole and the DMIs tebuconazole and prochloraz but not between pyrisoxazole and the non-DMIs iprodione, procymidone, pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, fluazinam, and fluopyram. Sequence alignment of the CYP51 gene indicated that three point mutations were observed in the highly resistant mutant, namely, V24I in XD-5, G461S in GQ-3, and R464K in DG-4. When exposed to pyrisoxazole, the induced expression levels of the ABC transporter AtrD and MFS transporter Mfs1 increased in the resistant isolates compared with those in the sensitive isolates, whereas the expression level of the CYP51 gene did not change significantly. Molecular docking suggested that the G461S and R464K mutations both led to a decrease in the binding energy between CYP51 and pyrisoxazole, whereas no change was found with the V24I mutation. Thus, two point mutations in the CYP51 protein combined with induced expression of the Mfs1 and AtrD genes appeared to mediate the pyrisoxazole resistance of the highly resistant mutants DG-4 and GQ-3, while the overexpression of the Mfs1 and AtrD genes was responsible for the highly resistant mutant XD-5.
Pregnancies in women with antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody associated vasculitis
Authors: Pecher Ann-Christin , Henes Melanie , Henes Joerg C.
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) usually manifests after age fifty, thus making it very rare during reproductive age. Although rare, AAV, particularly eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, can manifest at a younger age. AAV can also appear for the first time during pregnancy.

Recent findings

Data from pregnant patients with AAV mostly derive from case reports or retrospective studies, with an absolute number of <100 published cases. Therefore, numbers of results of pregnancy outcome vary widely.

As with other chronic autoimmune diseases, patients and infants seem to be at a higher risk for preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and preeclampsia. Possible treatment for AAV in pregnancy depends upon gestational age and include glucocorticosteroids, azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulins, and in severe cases rituximab and even cyclophosphamide. Plasma exchange might be an option in selected patients. Aside from cyclophosphamide these medications can also be used during breastfeeding. Acetylsalicylic-acid 100–150 mg/day reduces the risk of preeclampsia, also in this population. Patients should be counseled prior to conception and medication that is suitable for pregnancy should be established early on. During pregnancy, we recommend close monitoring of disease activity, blood pressure and ideally to co-consult with a gynecologist in an interdisciplinary approach.
Unveiling the enigma of the blood–brain barrier in glioblastoma: current advances from preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed H. , Canney Michael , Carpentier Alexandre , Thanou Maya , Idbaih Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most prevalent primary brain malignancy in adults, poses significant challenges in terms of treatment. Current therapeutic strategies for GBM patients involve maximal safe resection, followed by radiotherapy with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide. However, despite this multimodal approach for GBM, the prognosis of GBM patients remains dismal because of their inherent primary and secondary resistances to treatments.

Recent findings

Several molecular and cellular mechanisms, including the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), contribute to these resistances. The BBB, comprising multiple layers surrounding brain vessels, acts as a barrier limiting effective drug delivery to the brain. Invasive and noninvasive tools to deliver drugs and pharmaceutical formulations locally or systemically are continuously evolving to overcome the BBB in GBM toward improving drug bioavailability in the brain and reducing systemic toxicities.

Preliminary studies utilizing these approaches have demonstrated promising results in terms of safety and signals of efficacy during early-phase clinical trials. However, further work through additional clinical trials is necessary to evaluate the potential clinical benefits for GBM patients.
Chin Reduction Made Simpler
Authors: Shah Mardan Qutaiba N.M. , Almonaie Shahd , Al Qurashi Abdullah A. , Mrad Mohamed A.
Published: September 2023

Deformities of the chin, including both macrogenia or microgenia, can alter facial aesthetics and harmony. Various reliable approaches to correct chin abnormalities are present. Nonetheless, in this article, we propose our surgical approach to reduce the chin with a 5-mm cutting burr, without the need for osteotomy. The ultimate goal of this new procedure is to provide optimum outcomes, ensure maximum safety, reduce the complication risk, and present a simple and fast option for chin reduction.
Elevated blood pressure accelerates white matter brain aging among late middle-aged women: a Mendelian Randomization study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Feng Li , Ye Zhenyao , Mo Chen , Wang Jingtao , Liu Song , Gao Si , Ke Hongjie , Canida Travis A. , Pan Yezhi , Greevenbroek Marleen M.J. van , Houben Alfons J.H.M. , Wang Kai , Hatch Kathryn S. , Ma Yizhou , Lei David K.Y. , Chen Chixiang , Mitchell Braxton D. , Hong L. Elliot , Kochunov Peter , Chen Shuo , Ma Tianzhou
Published: September 2023

Background:

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a modifiable risk factor associated with cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the causal effect of BP on white matter brain aging remains unclear.

Methods:

In this study, we focused on N = 228 473 individuals of European ancestry who had genotype data and clinical BP measurements available (103 929 men and 124 544 women, mean age = 56.49, including 16 901 participants with neuroimaging data available) collected from UK Biobank (UKB). We first established a machine learning model to compute the outcome variable brain age gap (BAG) based on white matter microstructure integrity measured by fractional anisotropy derived from diffusion tensor imaging data. We then performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate the causal effect of BP on white matter BAG in the whole population and subgroups stratified by sex and age brackets using two nonoverlapping data sets.

Results:

The hypertension group is on average 0.31 years (95% CI = 0.13–0.49; P < 0.0001) older in white matter brain age than the nonhypertension group. Women are on average 0.81 years (95% CI = 0.68–0.95; P < 0.0001) younger in white matter brain age than men. The Mendelian randomization analyses showed an overall significant positive causal effect of DBP on white matter BAG (0.37 years/10 mmHg, 95% CI 0.034–0.71, P = 0.0311). In stratified analysis, the causal effect was found most prominent among women aged 50–59 and aged 60–69.

Conclusion:

High BP can accelerate white matter brain aging among late middle-aged women, providing insights on planning effective control of BP for women in this age group.
Prevalence and Persistence of Hypertransmission Defects of Various Sizes in Eyes with Intermediate Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Nanegrungsunk Onnisa , Corradetti Giulia , Phinyo Phichayut , Choovuthayakorn Janejit , Sadda Srinivas R.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To determine the prevalence and rate of persistence over two years of various-sized hypertransmission defects (hyperTDs) in eyes with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) data from consecutive iAMD patients. Choroidal en face OCT images were evaluated for the presence and number of hyperTDs of three different sizes based on greatest linear dimension (small, 63-124 µm; medium, 125-249 µm; large, ≥250 µm) at baseline and at 2-years follow-up. Interreader agreement was determined by Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC). Disagreements between graders were resolved by the senior investigator to yield a single consensus for all cases.

Results:

From 273 iAMD eyes (247 patients), 72 and 76 hyperTD lesions were independently identified by two graders at baseline and overall AC was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.93). After adjudication by the senior grader, the final consensus yielded 78 hyperTD lesions from 46 eyes (16.8%) of 42 patients (17.0%) in this study cohort. Among eyes with follow-up OCT, 32 of 45 hyperTD lesions (71.1%) persisted. The rates of persistence were 100.0%, 72.7% and 53.3% in large, medium and small hyperTD sizes, respectively.

Conclusion:

HyperTDs were present in a significant proportion of iAMD eyes. Acceptable interreader agreement was demonstrated in identifying hyperTD. Larger hyperTD lesions were more likely to persist over two years.
Implications of Complete Posterior Vitreous Detachment in Eyes with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Zheng Yuxi , Woodward Richmond , Feng Henry L , Lee Terry , Zhang Xinxin , Pant Praruj , Thomas Akshay S. , Fekrat Sharon
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the status of the posterior vitreous hyaloid on presenting optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the macula and its relationship to clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in eyes with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods:

This is a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of consecutive patients with acute, treatment-naïve CRVO diagnosed between 2009-2021 who had at least 12 months of follow-up. Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes were analyzed between eyes stratified based on presence or absence of a complete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) on OCT at presentation.

Results:

Of 102 acute, treatment-naïve CRVOs identified, 52 (51%) had complete PVD at presentation, and 50 (49%) did not. Central subfield thickness (CST) was significantly lower in those with complete PVD (12 months: 284.9 ± 122.9 μm vs 426.8 ± 286.4 μm, p<0.001; last follow-up: (278 ± 127.9 vs 372.8 ± 191.0 μm, p=0.022). One-year intravitreal injection burden was significantly less for those with a complete PVD than those without (5.1 ± 3.6 injections vs 6.7 ± 3.3 injections, p=0.013).

Conclusion:

CRVO with complete PVD on presentation had significantly lower CST and 1-year injection burden. Assessment of the vitreomacular interface in CRVO may serve as a prognostic imaging biomarker.
Bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles on video laryngoscope from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Shiao Chih-Chung , Wu Jui-Teng , Chu Ya-Chun , Tang Yu-Hsuan , Huang Lawrence , Lai Hsien-Yung
Published: September 2023

Background:

The popularity of video laryngoscope (VL) has increased rapidly since its introduction in the late 1990s. However, a comprehensive overview of VLs evolution and impact is lacking, which merits further investigation.

Methods:

We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most-cited articles on VL (Top100VL) published between 2011 and 2022 and retrieved from the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Using social network analysis, we identified the subject terms and subject categories of the Top100VL and compared their citation counts across individual subject terms and categories via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Then, we employed the Medical Query Expert software to assess the practical applications of VL.

Results:

The Top100VL included 65 subjects across nine subject categories, with “anesthesiology” being the most frequently represented category and “coronavirus infections” with the highest impact factor. The citation counts inferred by subject categories significantly correlated with the actual citation counts (Pearson’s R = 0.4; p < 0.01). For enhanced visualization, we employed network visualization and Sankey diagrams to display the article characteristics. We highlighted the clinical advantages of VL, including its usefulness in difficult intubations, wider angle of view, and management of pediatric emergencies, as well as its teaching benefits, such as facilitating training programs and a lower learning curve.

Conclusion:

By using bibliometric analysis and natural language processing methods, we effectively summarized the applications of VL in both clinical and teaching settings, particularly in reducing the risk of cross-infection during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic.
Assessment of the detection accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test in children and adolescents: An updated meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chieh , Lee Mei-Hui , Chen Shih-Yen , Lu Shou-Cheng , Bai Chyi-Huey , Ko Yu-Ling , Wang Chien-Ying , Wang Yuan-Hung
Published: September 2023

Background:

Real-time and appropriate antigen tests play a pivotal role in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, a previous meta-analysis reported that the antigen test had lower sensitivity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in children. To provide a comprehensive evaluation of diagnostic efficiency, we performed an updated meta-analysis to assess the detection accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests stratified by days after symptom onset and specimen type in children and adolescents.

Methods:

We comprehensively searched for appropriate studies in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies on the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents were included. The relevant data of the included studies were extracted to construct a 2 × 2 table on a per-patient basis. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests were estimated using a bivariate random-effects model.

Results:

Seventeen studies enrolling 10 912 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. For the detection accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests, the meta-analysis generated a pooled sensitivity of 77.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.3%-85.8%) and a pooled specificity of 99.6% (95% CI: 98.9%-99.8%). The subgroup analysis of studies that examined antigen tests in symptomatic participants ≦7 days after symptom onset generated a pooled sensitivity of 79.4% (95% CI: 47.6%-94.2%) and a pooled specificity of 99.4% (95% CI: 98.2%-99.8%). Another subgroup analysis of studies that evaluated nasal swab specimens demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 80.1% (95% CI: 65.0%-89.7%) and a pooled specificity of 98.5% (95% CI: 97.3%-9.2%).

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrated that the antigen test performed using nasal swab specimens exhibited high sensitivity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 within 7 days after symptom onset. Therefore, antigen testing using nasal swabs may be effective in blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission in children.
Outcomes of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder
Authors: LeBlanc Taylor , Cromer Pamela , Gilliam Stephen , Johnson Aaron , Garvin Jane
Published: September 2023

Background:

With increasing rates of opioid overdose deaths throughout the United States, there is an urgent need to implement interventions to mitigate this trend. Psychosocial interventions are reported to improve retention rates in rehabilitation centers with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for opioid use.

Local problem:

In 2020, 14% (187 of 1,309) of opioid overdose deaths in Georgia were in Dougherty County where an intensive outpatient MAT program had historically used twice weekly group therapy plus individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with an inconsistent duration and frequency.

Method:

Using existing clinical data, a quality-improvement project was designed and implemented to determine whether 60 min of CBT every other week, in addition to weekly group therapy, and prescription medication would result in higher opioid use disorder treatment retention rates.

Intervention:

A 6-month data analysis of monthly MAT reports compared program retention rates from the 3 months before to 3 months after the policy change.

Results:

The retention rate significantly increased from 8% to 56% (χ2 = 8.93, p = .01) following the policy change, adding consistent (98%) individual CBT every other week.

Conclusions:

Implementing a policy with a consistent 60 min of individual CBT every other week in addition to the group counseling twice a week and the prescribed medication was associated with an increased retention rate among patients engaged in MAT for opioid use.
A meta-analysis for the efficacy and safety of icotinib combined with radiotherapy in treating brain metastases of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Bo
Published: September 2023

Background:

Currently, the therapies for brain metastases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) mainly include whole brain radiotherapy and icotinib. For exploring the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy and icotinib, a meta-analysis was performed based on a series of data.

Method:

A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Database. The search time was set from the database establishment to December, 2022. All randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of whole brain radiotherapy alone or in combination with icotinib for whole brain metastases of NSCLC were included in our meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes and adverse reactions were analyzed using Stata17.0 software.

Results:

Finally, 10 clinical studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 717 patients. Briefly, compared with radiotherapy alone, icotinib combined with radiotherapy increased response rate [relative ratio (RR) = 1.240; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.141, 1.348); P < .001] and disease control rate (RR = 1.240, 95% CI [1.141,1.348], P < .001). Besides, according to the outcomes of adverse reaction assessment exhibited, there were no significant differences between the 2 group patients in the incidence of rash (RR = 1.536, 95% CI [0.694, 3.402], P = .290), adverse reaction in gastrointestinal tract (RR = 1.060, 95% CI [0.792, 1.419], P = 1.419), hepatic injury (RR = 1.541, 95% CI [0.798,2.975], P = .198) and leukopenia (RR = 1.182, 95% CI [0.787, 1.777], P = .421). However, the patients receiving combination treatment showed much longer progression free survival than those receiving radiotherapy alone (standardized mean difference = 1.559; 95% CI [0.699, 2.419]; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Icotinib combined with radiotherapy can significantly short-term and long-term efficacy of NSCLC patients with brain metastases but not increase adverse reactions.
Pharmacological effect and mechanism of orlistat in anti-tumor therapy: A review
Authors: Hao Xiaoqing , Zhu Xiaodi , Tian Huiqun , Lai Guanxi , Zhang Wei , Zhou Honghao , Liu Song
Published: September 2023

Research has demonstrated that obesity is an important risk factor for cancer progression. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor with promising therapeutic effects on obesity. In addition to being regarded as a slimming drug, a growing number of studies in recent years have suggested that orlistat has anti-tumor activities, while the underlying mechanism is still not well elucidated. This paper reviewed recent pharmacological effects and mechanisms of orlistat against tumors and found that orlistat can target cancer cells through activation or suppression of multiple signaling pathways. It can induce tumor cells apoptosis or death, interfere with tumor cells’ cycles controlling, suppress fatty acid synthase activity, increase ferroptosis, inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and improve tumor cells glycolytic. Thus, this review may shed new light on anti-tumor mechanism and drug repurposing of orlistat, and anti-tumor drug development.
Single-use flexible ureteroscope provides an alternative treatment for upper urinary calculi: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Fulin , Xu Jinbin , Liang Hui
Published: September 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-use flexible ureteroscope and reusable flexible ureteroscope for upper urinary calculi.

Methods:

We conducted a meta-analysis that had a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and WanFang databases from 2000/01/01 to 2023/06/01 for available randomized controlled trials. “Ureteroscopes,” “Flexible Ureteroscope,” “Single-use,” and “Upper Urinary Calculi” were used as the major keywords for the search. Review Manager 5.0 and STATA 12.0 were used for calculation and statistical analysis.

Results:

A total of 9 randomized controlled trials comprising 1293 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Single use-FURS had better results in stone-free rate (relative risk: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: [1.02, 1.15], P = .02) and postoperative infection (relative risk: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: [0.23, 0.72], P = .002). Operative time, hemoglobin decline, postoperative serum creatinine, postoperative hospital stay, and overall complication after surgery showed no significant differences between the 2 procedures (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Single-use flexible ureteroscope provides a valuable alternative to reusable flexible ureteroscope in upper urinary calculi with its better visual field performance and manipulation, opening a new technological revolution for kidney stone treatment.
Association of serum albumin levels and stroke risk in adults over 40 years: A population-based study
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhuang Yangping , Huang Hanlin , Ke Jun , Lin Shirong , Chen Feng
Published: September 2023

This study assessed the relationship between serum albumin levels and adult stroke risk. From the 2009 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we performed a cross-sectional study with 17,303 participants who were 40 years of age or higher. A multivariate logistic regression model investigated serum albumin levels and stroke. To investigate apparent nonlinear connections, smoothed curve fitting was used. When a nonlinear relationship was discovered, the inflection point was determined using a recursive method. Serum albumin levels were significantly and inversely linked with the risk of stroke after controlling for possible variables [odds ratio 0.02, 95% confidence interval (0.00, 0.18), P = .0003]. An examination of subgroups revealed that the inverse relationship between serum albumin levels and risk of stroke was statistically significant in men, participants under 60 years old, non-diabetic participants, and hypertensive participants. Serum albumin levels and the risk of stroke were negatively correlated. An increased risk of stroke was linked to lower serum albumin levels.
Are ABO/Rh blood groups A risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Dogan Ozlem
Published: September 2023

This study goaled to evaluate the ABO/Rh blood group distribution and its relationship with clinical and biochemical factors in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. ABO/Rh blood group distribution of the patients and the healthy individuals were compared. In addition, the features of clinical and biochemical factors were compared according to the ABO/Rh blood groups. Two hundred and sixty-five patients were involved in the study. At the time of diagnosis, hirsutism (86%) and oligomenorrhea (80.9%) were the most prevalent symptoms. There were 166 (62.6%) patients with baseline ultrasonography results consistent with PCOS. In 111 (41.9%) patients, insulin resistance was found. ABO blood group distributions in the patient (42.6% A, 17% B, 9.4% AB, 30.9% O) and control (42% A, 16% B, 8% AB, 34% O) groups were found to be similar (P = .9). There was no difference between oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, hair loss, acne, obesity, high androgen level, insulin resistance, and ultrasound characteristics according to ABO/Rh blood groups. In this study, ABO/Rh blood group distribution in individuals with PCOS was found to be similar to healthy individuals, and it was determined that ABO/Rh blood group was not a risk factor for PCOS. In addition, no correlation was found between the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the patients at the time of diagnosis and the ABO/Rh blood group.
Bibliometric review on biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease between 2000 and 2023
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Qu Huiling
Published: September 2023

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common cause of dementia and frailty. Therefore, it is important to develop biomarkers that can diagnose these changes to improve the likelihood of monitoring and treating potential causes. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between biomarkers and AD, identify journal publications and collaborators, and analyze keywords and research trends using a bibliometric method.

Methods:

We systematically searched for papers published in the Web of Science Core Collection database on biomarkers and AD. The search strategy was as follows: (TS) = (Alzheimer’s OR Alzheimer’s OR Alzheimer OR “Alzheimer’s disease” OR “Alzheimer disease”) AND TS = (biomarker OR biomarkers). Only articles and reviews were included as document types, with English as the primary language. The CiteSpace software was used to analyze the retrieved data on countries/regions, institutions, authors, published journals, and keywords. Simultaneously, the co-occurrence of the keywords was constructed.

Results:

There were 2625 articles on biomarkers and AD research published by 51 institutions located in 41 countries in 75 journals; the number of articles has shown an increasing trend over the past 20 years. Keywords analysis showed that Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrospinal fluid, mild cognitive impairment, amyloid beta, and tau were also highly influential.

Conclusion:

This was the first study to provide an overview of the current status of development, hot spots of study, and future trends in biomarkers for AD. These findings will provide useful information for researchers to explore trends and gaps in the field of biomarkers and AD.
The ambiguous “internal carotid artery”–Ultrasound diagnosis of congenital absence of the internal carotid artery: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ning Jing , Zhong Gang , Long Xiangdang , Xie Juanjuan , Ao Kun , Liu Fang , Huang Mengyi , Zhuo Yu , Li Qiaorong , Wen Qiongli , Di Qiuyi
Published: September 2023

Rationale:

Congenital anatomical variation of internal carotid artery (ICA) rarely occurs, and congenital absence of the ICA is even rarer. Few reports are available on the diagnosis of congenital absence of the ICA by carotid doppler ultrasound (CDUS), and most cases have been identified by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Patient concerns:

A 61-year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to dizziness for more than half a month. He was hypertensive and had been drinking and smoking for many years.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed by carotid doppler ultrasound with congenital absence of the right ICA, confirmed by CTA and DSA. A nodular aneurysm in the anterior communicating artery was observed by CTA and DSA.

Interventions:

After relevant preoperative examinations were performed, the patient underwent right craniotomy and clipping of the aneurysm under general anesthesia 8 days after admission.

Outcomes:

The patient recovered well after surgery and no relapses has been observed.

Lessons:

Congenital absence of the ICA is rare and usually diagnosed by CTA or DSA in clinical practice. If radiologists do not have adequate knowledge about the associated ultrasonic characteristics, a missed diagnosis may occur. As a noninvasive and rapid screening tool for cervical vascular diseases, carotid doppler ultrasound offers a new approach for the diagnosis of congenital absence of the ICA.
The role of computed tomography in enterolith causing small bowel obstruction: A case series
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xie Ping , Liu Kefu
Published: September 2023

Intestinal obstruction caused by enteroliths is an uncommon medical condition. Timely detection of the presence of enteroliths and identification of their origin can guide clinical treatment. This study aimed to present the Computed Tomography (CT) features of enterolithic ileus confirmed by surgery in 7 patients. Seven patients with surgically confirmed enterolithic ileus who were admitted to our hospital between December 2013 and December 2022 were continuously enrolled, and an abdominopelvic CT examination was performed before surgery. The imaging characteristics were then analyzed. In the transition zone of all patients with intestinal obstruction, the sharply defined intraluminal masses were found. Three of them had gallstones and 4 had primary enteroliths. All 5 enteroliths in the 4 patients with primary enteroliths were in the proximal small intestine and were low-density with gas. Additionally, 3 gallstones were present in the distal small bowel, and calcifications were observed. Simultaneously, cholecystitis and secondary cholecystoduodenal fistula were observed in all 3 patients with gallstones. Compared to gallstones, primary enteroliths tend to be higher positioned, less dense, and accompanied by gas. CT examination is very important, as it allows accurate identification, location, diagnosis, and identification of complications of the different types of enteroliths to provide a basis for surgery.
Preoperative ALBI grade predicts mortality in patients undergoing curative surgery for pancreatic head cancer
Authors: Azili Cem , Tamam Selim , Benk Mehmet Sah , Deryol Riza , Culcu Serdar , Unal Ali Ekrem
Published: September 2023

The clinical significance of the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade in patients with pancreatic head cancer (PHC) undergoing surgery is unknown. Preoperative ALBI grade is believed to be influenced by tumor burden. This study aimed to develop and validate the ALBI grade as a preoperative prognostic model for predicting the survival of patients with PHC. This is a retrospective study of Whipple procedures performed on PHC patients between January 2013 and December 2022. ALBI grade was compared to age, gender, type of operation, presence of complications, type of complications, Clavien-Dindo classification, total bilirubin levels, and albumin levels. Of the series, 46 (41.1%) of the 112 patients were female, while 66 (58.9%) were male. The rate of complications following Whipple procedures was 36.6% (n = 41). The overall mortality hazard ratio increased significantly with increasing ALBI grades (HR: 1538, hazard ratio mean: −1602). Hospital mortality increased 2.84 times as the ALBI grade increased. The model’s accuracy of 88.4% showed that the ALBI grade directly affected both the overall mortality rate and the hospital rate. But there was no statistically significant difference between the ALBI grade and other variables. Multivariate regression analysis identified the preoperative ALBI grade as an independent predictor of mortality (P = .006). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify preoperative ALBI grade as an independent predictor of survival in PHC. It was found that the ALBI grade of −1602 was a new grading system that would be more predictive of mortality in PHC.
Integrated network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and molecular docking to explore the mechanisms of berberine regulating autophagy in breast cancer
Authors: Huang Bowan , Wen Gengzhi , Li Rujia , Wu Minhua , Zou Zhenning
Published: September 2023

Berberine exhibits anticancer efficacy against a variety of malignancies, including breast cancer (BRCA). However, the underlying mechanism is ambiguous. This study sought to explore the targets and the probable mechanism of berberine regulating autophagy in BRCA through network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and molecular docking.

The targets of berberine and autophagy-modulated genes were derived from online databases, and the Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to identify the differentially expressed genes of BRCA. Then, through intersections, the autophagy-modulated genes regulated by berberine (AMGRBs) in BRCA were obtained. Next, we established a protein–protein interaction network using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database. Afterward, gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses were employed to explore the targets’ biological functions. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding ability of berberine to the targets. Finally, to determine the prognostic value of AMGRBs in BRCA, we performed overall survival analyses.

We identified 29 AMGRBs in BRCA, including CASP3, MTOR, AKT1, GSK3B, PIK3CA, and others. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the AMGRBs in BRCA were associated with autophagy regulation, negative regulation of catabolic process, macroautophagy, and other biological processes. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analyses indicated that AMGRBs in BRCA were involved in epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and others. Molecular docking results proved that berberine had strong binding affinities with AMGRBs in BRCA. Survival analyses indicated that ATM, HTR2B, LRRK2, PIK3CA, CDK5, and IFNG were associated with the prognosis of BRCA.

This study identified the targets and pathways of berberine for regulating autophagy in BRCA, which contributed to a better understanding of berberine’s function in BRCA and serve as a foundation and reference for further study and therapeutic application of berberine.
Efficacy and safety of short-term high dosage dual antiplatelet therapy after 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen Jing , Lin Yanchen , Li Jingjing , Zhang Peilan , Wang Yuxin , Chen Yan , Zhang Chenhao , Li Chenhua
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term high-dose of dual antiplatelet therapy after 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods:

All 208 patients with AIS were randomized into group 1 (103 cases, after 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA, 300 mg of oral aspirin(ASP) q.d. and 225 mg of oral clopidogrel (CLO) q.d. for for 5 days, then 100 mg of oral ASP q.d. for the next 85 days and 75 mg of oral CLO q.d. for the next 16 days) and group 2 (105 cases, after 0.9 mg/kg rt-PA, 100 mg of oral ASP q.d. for 90 days and 75 mg of oral CLO q.d. for 21 days).The efficacy index was the mRS score, NIHSS score and recurrence risk of stroke, while the safety index was the incidence of bleeding events and mortality. All parameters were evaluated at 30 and 90 days after thrombolysis. Patients whose characteristics may provide the best treatment benefit were further analyzed using the logistic regression model in group 1.

Results:

The proportion of mRS scores between 0 and 1 in group 1 was higher than that in group 2 at both 30 days (44.7% vs 32.4%, P < .05) and 90 days (50.5% vs 35.2%, P < .05). Compared to group 2, the proportion of NIHSS scores less than 4 was significantly higher in group 1 at both 30 days (37.9% vs 25.7%, P < .05) and 90 days (46.6% vs 30.5%, P < .05). At 90 days, Group 1 had a lower stroke recurrence risk than Group 2 (3.9% vs 10.5%, P < .05). The incidence of SICH was significantly different between the 2 groups at both 30 days (2.9% vs 9.5%, P < .05) and 90 days (2.9% vs 10.5%, P < .05). However, other bleeding events and mortality rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The lower the baseline NIHSS score and the shorter the OTT, the more favorable the outcomes obtained at 90 days.

Conclusions:

Compared to standard doses, short term high-dose dual antiplatelet therapy after 0.6 mg/kg rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis may be a good choice for AIS patients.