bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHST4 associates with high-abundance immune infiltration in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yansong , Hu Anbang , Shakila Suborna S , Cheng Weilun , Wang Ting , Zhang Jiarui , Yu Tianshui , Duan Yunqiang , Feng Jianyuan , Ding Yu , Zhang Hanyu , Li Yanling , Li Mingcui , Rong Zhiyuan , Shang Yuhang , Fang Zhengbo , Liu Jiangwei , Kong Fanjing , Guo Baoliang
Published: August 2024

Hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (HR+ BRCA) with high-risk factors such as lymph node metastasis has a relatively poor prognosis. However, the biological basis of tumor cell migration is still poorly understood, especially as some of the metastatic events occur at an early stage. Here, we identified that CHST4 (carbohydrate sulfotransferase 4), which has an important role in lymphocyte homing, was abnormally downregulated in HR+ BRCA and associated with lymph node metastasis. By enrichment analysis and immune infiltration evaluation, we predicted the potential ability of CHST4 to enhance immune cell infiltration. Then, immunohistochemical staining further demonstrated the contribution of CHST4 to the infiltration abundance of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells in HR+ BRCA. Immunohistochemical staining of MECA-79 further identified the correlation between CHST4 and sulfated peripheral node addressin. Finally, we demonstrated that CHST4 was connected to increased tumor-immune cell communication by analyzing single-cell sequencing data. In summary, our study provided novel insights into the regulation of HR+ BRCA immune infiltration by CHST4.
Predation risk for hoary marmots in Washington’s North Cascades Mountains
Authors: Whiles Logan , Shipley Lisa A , Akins Jocelyn R , Christophersen Roger G , Ransom Jason I , Levi Taal , Thornton Daniel H
Published: August 2024

Declines in populations of small mammals associated with high elevations, e.g., marmots (Marmota spp.) and pikas (Ochotona spp.), have been attributed to both direct and indirect effects of environmental changes caused by humans. For example, populations of Olympic marmots (M. olympus) and Vancouver Island marmots (M. vancouverensis) have declined in response to increased predator access to high-elevation marmot habitats. In the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (NOCA), observed mean abundance of hoary marmots (M. caligata) declined by 74% from 2007 to 2016. Although these declines have been linked to harsh winter conditions, the role of predation and its association with decreasing snowpack has yet to be explored in this system. We noninvasively examined these predator–prey dynamics by coupling behavioral surveys of hoary marmots with indices of predation risk. We conducted 145 vigilance samples and 39 flight initiation distance trials to measure Hoary Marmot antipredator behavior. We derived a risk index for each predator by weighting its probability of use estimates (the probability of a predator–prey encounter) with its observed proportion of Hoary Marmot predation (probability of prey death given an encounter). We used genetic metabarcoding of vertebrate DNA from 413 predator scat samples to quantify predation on hoary marmots. We surveyed 9,930 trap-nights using 130 remote cameras to model predator probability of use near Hoary Marmot colonies. From camera traps and scat DNA, we detected 10 predator species in the study area, and we detected hoary marmots in the scats of 5 of these species. The proportion of observed Hoary Marmot predation was highest for coyotes (Canis latrans) at 50%. To our knowledge, we also report the first record of hoary marmots being consumed by Pacific martens (Martes caurina), which were also significant predators (proportion of observed predation = 32%). We expected predators with low-elevation habits to use sites with lesser snow persistence; this prediction was supported for coyotes but not for other typically low-elevation predators. We found estimated risk experienced by hoary marmots was highest from Pacific martens and lowest from Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis). Contrary to our predictions and despite hoary marmots allocating >50% of their time to vigilance, neither estimates of predator risk nor human presence explained variation in marmot antipredator behavior. Based on the results from both our dietary and probability of use analyses, we expect coyotes to have an increasing effect on NOCA’s Hoary Marmot population as the climate warms and Coyote range continues to expand. Thus, our work highlights the need to better understand the effect of climate-driven shifts in predator–prey ecology in high-elevation systems.
My Two Teachers
Authors: Glaros Alexander K
Published: August 2024

He was a Warrior.

Every breath was his battlefield.
Rheumatoid arthritis associated vasculitis: a rare entity; case and review
Authors: Campos Ramos Marco A , Chao Zefr , Orozco Ronald , Reiter Kim , Glass Joseph , Vigil Anthony
Published: August 2024

We present a case of a 60-year-old male with known seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral vasculitis who presented to the emergency room with abrupt onset lower back and abdominal pain. The patient developed peritonitis which led to an abdominal laparotomy where jejunal ischemia, necrosis, and perforation were found, requiring bowel resection. On pathology examination, the patient had mesenteric vessel intramural inflammation indicative of vasculitis. He developed an anastomotic leak on postoperative Day 4 and elected hospice care. A high index of suspicion for mesenteric vasculitis should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal pain in the setting of known rheumatoid arthritis associated vasculitis, especially patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. The high mortality represented by gastrointestinal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis associated vasculitis warrants investigation in high-risk patients, despite its low prevalence. Treatment may consist of high-dose corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, biologic therapies that target the underlying autoimmune process, and in severe cases, bowel resection.
TOI-2379 b and TOI-2384 b: two super-Jupiter mass planets transiting low-mass host stars
Authors: Bryant Edward M , Bayliss Daniel , Hartman Joel D , Sedaghati Elyar , Hobson Melissa J , Jordán Andrés , Brahm Rafael , Bakos Gaspar Á , Almenara Jose Manuel , Barkaoui Khalid , Bonfils Xavier , Cointepas Marion , Collins Karen A , Dransfield Georgina , Evans Phil , Gillon Michaël , Jehin Emmanuël , Murgas Felipe , Pozuelos Francisco J , Schwarz Richard P , Timmermans Mathilde , Watkins Cristilyn N , Wünsche Anaël , Butler R Paul , Crane Jeffrey D , Shectman Steve , Teske Johanna K , Charbonneau David , Essack Zahra , Jenkins Jon M , Lewis Hannah M , Seager Sara , Ting Eric B , Winn Joshua N
Published: August 2024

Short-period gas giant planets have been shown to be significantly rarer for host stars less massive than the Sun. We report the discovery of two transiting giant planets – TOI-2379 b and TOI-2384 b – with low-mass (early M) host stars. Both planets were detected using Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite photometry and for both the transit signal was validated using ground-based photometric facilities. We confirm the planetary nature of these companions and measure their masses using radial velocity observations. We find that TOI-2379 b has an orbital period of 5.469 d and a mass and radius of $5.76\pm 0.20$ M$_{J}$ and $1.046\pm 0.023$ R$_{J}$ and TOI-2384 b has an orbital period of 2.136 d and a mass and radius of $1.966\pm 0.059$ M$_{J}$ and $1.025\pm 0.021$ R$_{J}$. TOI-2379 b and TOI-2384 b have the highest and third highest planet-to-star mass ratios, respectively, out of all transiting exoplanets with a low-mass host star, placing them uniquely among the population of known exoplanets and making them highly important pieces of the puzzle for understanding the extremes of giant planet formation.
Conflict as a cause of migration
Authors: Crippa Andrea , d’Agostino Giorgio , Dunne John Paul , Pieroni Luca
Published: August 2024

This article provides an empirical analysis of the relation between conflict and migration across a range of countries for which data are available and accounts both for the direct impact of conflict on migration and the indirect impact through its effect on economic opportunity. A model of migration is developed, where conflict affects wages and so migration decisions. The model is operationalized and estimated using data from the UN International Migration Stock and World Development Indicators and the International Country Risk Guide. This allows internal conflict to be measured as a continuous variable and its effect on net migration to be evaluated and the direct and indirect channels identified. A significant effect of conflict on net migration is found for low-income countries and it is shown to be robust to changes in the measurement of conflict and estimation methods.
Ethics of Mathematical Modeling in Public Health: The Case of Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in Africa
Authors: Rennie Stuart , Levintow Sara , Gilbertson Adam , Kavulani Luseno Winnie
Published: August 2024

Mathematical modelling has played an increasingly prominent role in public health responses, for example by offering estimates of how infectious disease incidence over time may be affected by the adoption of certain policies and interventions. In this paper, we call for greater research and reflection into the ethics of mathematical modeling in public health. First, we present some promising ways of framing the ethics of mathematical modeling that have been offered in the very few publications specifically devoted to this subject. Second, to draw out some issues that have not yet been sufficiently considered, we bring in the case of mathematical modeling in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) initiatives for HIV prevention in Africa. We argue that greater attention should be paid to ethical considerations in mathematical modeling, particularly as its use is becoming more widespread and its potential impacts are becoming greater in the ‘big data’ era, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emotion-enriched moral perception
Authors: Hutton James
Published: August 2024

This article provides a new account of how moral beliefs can be epistemically justified. I argue that we should take seriously the hypothesis that the human mind contains emotion-enriched moral perceptions, i.e. perceptual experiences as of moral properties, arising from cognitive penetration by emotions. Further, I argue that if this hypothesis is true, then such perceptual experiences can provide regress-stopping justification for moral beliefs. Emotion-enriched moral perceptions do exhibit a kind of epistemic dependence: they can only justify moral beliefs if the emotions from which they arise are themselves justified. However, to have a justified emotion, one only needs (1) to possess some non-moral information and (2) to respond fittingly to this information. Neither (1) nor (2) requires one to possess any justification for moral beliefs antecedently, so emotion-enriched moral perceptions can halt the regress of moral justification.
Social Signaling and Childhood Immunization: A Field Experiment in Sierra Leone
Authors: Karing Anne
Published: August 2024

This article explores the use of social signaling as a policy tool to sustainably affect childhood immunization. In a 26-month field experiment with public clinics in Sierra Leone, I introduce a verifiable signal—in the form of color-coded bracelets—given to children upon timely completion of the first four or all five required vaccinations. Signals increase parents’ belief in the visibility of their actions and knowledge of other children’s vaccine status. The impact of signals varies significantly with the cost and perceived benefits of the action. There are no discernible effects on timely and complete immunization when the signal is linked to an easier-to-complete vaccine with low perceived benefits, and large positive effects when the signal is linked to a costlier-to-achieve vaccine with high perceived benefits. Parents adjust their behavior nine months before realizing the social image benefit, demonstrating the motivational strength of signaling incentives. Of substantive policy importance, bracelets increase full immunization at one year of age by 9 percentage points, with impacts persisting at two years of age. At a marginal cost of US$24.7 per fully immunized child, social signals can be as cost-effective as financial or in-kind incentives.
Neurostructural, Neurofunctional, and Clinical Features of Chronic, Untreated Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tang Biqiu , Yao Li , Strawn Jeffrey R , Zhang Wenjing , Lui Su
Published: August 2024

Studies of individuals with chronic, untreated schizophrenia (CUS) can provide important insights into the natural course of schizophrenia and how antipsychotic pharmacotherapy affects neurobiological aspects of illness course and progression. We systematically review 17 studies on the neuroimaging, cognitive, and epidemiological aspects of CUS individuals. These studies were conducted at the Shanghai Mental Health Center, Institute of Mental Health at Peking University, and Huaxi MR Research Center between 2013 and 2021. CUS is associated with cognitive impairment, severe symptoms, and specific demographic characteristics and is different significantly from those observed in antipsychotic-treated individuals. Furthermore, CUS individuals have neurostructural and neurofunctional alterations in frontal and temporal regions, corpus callosum, subcortical, and visual processing areas, as well as default-mode and somatomotor networks. As the disease progresses, significant structural deteriorations occur, such as accelerated cortical thinning in frontal and temporal lobes, greater reduction in fractional anisotropy in the genu of corpus callosum, and decline in nodal metrics of gray mater network in thalamus, correlating with worsening cognitive deficits and clinical outcomes. In addition, striatal hypertrophy also occurs, independent of antipsychotic treatment. Contrasting with the negative neurostructural and neurofunctional effects of short-term antipsychotic treatment, long-term therapy frequently results in significant improvements. It notably enhances white matter integrity and the functions of key subcortical regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and striatum, potentially improving cognitive functions. This narrative review highlights the progressive neurobiological sequelae of CUS, the importance of early detection, and long-term treatment of schizophrenia, particularly because treatment may attenuate neurobiological deterioration and improve clinical outcomes.
Designing for data sharing: Considerations for advancing health equity in data management and dissemination
Authors: Rabin Borsika A , Smith Justin D , Dressler Emily V , Cohen Deborah J , Lee Rebekka M , Goodman Melody S , D’Angelo Heather , Norton Wynne E , Oh April Y
Published: August 2024

Data sharing, the act of making scientific research data available to others, can accelerate innovation and discoveries, and ultimately enhance public health. The National Cancer Institute Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control convened a diverse group of research scientists, practitioners, and community partners in three interactive workshops (May–June 2022) to identify and discuss factors that must be considered when designing research for equitable data sharing with a specific emphasis on implementation science and social, behavioral, and population health research. This group identified and operationalized a set of seven key considerations for equitable data sharing—conceptualized as an inclusive process that fairly includes the perspectives and priorities of all partners involved in and impacted by data sharing, with consideration of ethics, history, and benefits—that were integrated into a framework. Key data-sharing components particularly important for health equity included: elevating data sharing into a core research activity, incorporating diverse perspectives, and meaningfully engaging partners in data-sharing decisions throughout the project lifecycle. As the process of data sharing grows in research, it is critical to continue considering the potential positive and adverse impact of data sharing on diverse beneficiaries of health data and research.
Integrated Strategies to Support Diabetes Technology in Pregnancy
Authors: Nally Laura M. , Blanchette Julia E.
Published: August 2024

Managing diabetes in pregnancy can be overwhelming, with numerous dramatic physiologic changes taking place that require constant diligence and attention. Advances in diabetes technology have improved glycemic outcomes, well-being, and quality of life for people with type 1 diabetes of all ages. However, regulatory approval and access to diabetes technology in pregnancy has lagged behind these advancements, leaving many pregnant individuals without tools that could dramatically improve diabetes care before, during, and after gestation. Here, we review the benefits of continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin-delivery systems in pregnancy and highlight specific scientific and structural supports to help implement diabetes technology safely, effectively, and equitably in pregnancy.
HIV Symptom Clusters Among Sexual Minority Men in Ghana, West Africa: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Akyirem Samuel , Tong Guangyu , Aidoo-Frimpong Gloria , Abwoye Diana Namumbejja , López Daniel Jacobson , Wilton Leo , Nelson LaRon E.
Published: August 2024

The aims of this study were to determine if HIV symptoms among sexual minority men formed clusters and to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics that are associated with these clusters. We analyzed cross-sectional data from Ghanaian sexual minority men (N = 225) living with HIV. We used both principal component analysis and multivariable linear regression. Our findings indicate that sadness (64.0%) and headache (62.7%) were the most prevalent symptoms among our sample. Seven symptom clusters were identified: neurological symptoms, psychological symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, dermatological symptoms, self-concept/self-esteem, weight/diet-related symptoms, and sleepquality and potential disturbances. Late HIV diagnosis was significantly associated with higher distress scores for all symptom clusters except for the self-concept/self-esteem and gastrointestinal symptoms clusters. The findings emphasize the importance of early HIV symptom identification.
An analysis of the safety of Sevoflurane drugs: A disproportionality analysis based on Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Yang Xinxia , Shen Yiming , Chen Hang , Chen Dongdong
Published: August 2024

Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic that can tolerate inhalation induction and is widely used for inducing anesthesia due to its pleasant odor. As a drug that has been on the market for nearly 30 years, the vast majority of adverse reactions have been documented. This study aims to improve the adverse reactions related to Sevoflurane through the mining, organizing and analysis of Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database data. We collected, organized, and analyzed reports from the first quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2022. We performed disproportionality analysis algorithms, including reporting odds ratio, the proportional reporting ratio values, to quantify the signal values of different adverse events (AEs). A total of 1126 AEs and 27 system organ classes were identified by performing statistics analysis system software. By combining algorithm calculations, we create a forest map of the top 30 AEs of the reporting odds ratio signal. Based on the reviewing relevant literature, we found that the vast majority of AEs have been reported in relevant studies. However, there is currently no study revealing the correlation between atrial fibrillation and Sevoflurane, which means that atrial fibrillation may be an unreported AE of Sevoflurane. In the present study, we found that atrial fibrillation may be a new adverse reaction of Sevoflurane through the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database, which can function as a novel guideline to guide us in the more standardized use of Sevoflurane in clinical practice.
Severe sepsis induced by zoledronic acid: A case report
Authors: Liao Lankai , Zhang Ziyu
Published: August 2024

Rationale:

Zoledronic acid is one of the most commonly used intravenous, highly potent amino diphosphonate salts worldwide and is commonly used in patients with primary or secondary osteoporosis, most of whom are well tolerated. There are currently no reports of severe sepsis induced by zoledronic acid. Here we present the first case of severe sepsis induced by zoledronic acid. We reviewed the literature and found that there is currently a lack of reports on severe sepsis induced by zoledronic acid or other diphosphonates.

Patient concerns:

A 58-year-old woman with severe osteoporosis and Behcet disease developed severe sepsis after treatment with zoledronic acid.

Diagnosis:

Sepsis, septic shock, acute kidney injury, intestinal infection, Behcet disease.

Interventions:

The patient was given intensive care immediately after admission, and massive fluid infusion to expand blood volume could not maintain normal blood pressure. Metaraminol was added to maintain circulatory stability, piperacillin–tazobactam was used to strengthen anti-infection, and glucocorticoids were used for anti-inflammatory treatment.

Outcomes:

The patient was discharged with improvement and followed up in the outpatient clinic.

Lessons:

The inducing mechanism of zoledronic acid is not clear, but when the patient has immunosuppression, the use of zoledronic acid should be cautious and monitored. In conclusion, severe sepsis induced by zoledronic acid is a rare but serious complication, and physicians should be aware of this adverse event in time to avoid serious consequences.
Multimodal ischemic stroke recurrence prediction model based on the capsule neural network and support vector machine
Authors: Fan Daying , Miao Rui , Huang Hao , Wang Xianlin , Li Siyuan , Huang Qinghua , Yang Shan , Deng Renli
Published: August 2024

Ischemic stroke (IS) has a high recurrence rate. Machine learning (ML) models have been developed based on single-modal biochemical tests, and imaging data have been used to predict stroke recurrence. However, the prediction accuracy of these models is not sufficiently high. Therefore, this study aimed to collect biochemical detection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to establish a dataset and propose a high-performance heterogeneous multimodal IS recurrence prediction model based on deep learning. This is a retrospective cohort study. Data were retrospectively collected from 634 IS patients in Zhuhai, China, a 12-month follow-up was conducted to determine stroke recurrence. We propose the ischemic stroke multi-group learning (ISGL) model, an integrated model for predicting the recurrence risk of multimodal IS in patients, based on a capsule neural network and a linear support vector machine (SVM). Two capsule neural network prediction models based on T1 and T2 signals in the MRI data and a SVM prediction model based on biochemical test data were established. Finally, a vote was conducted on the final judgment of the integrated model. The ISGL model was compared with 6 classical ML and deep learning models: k-nearest neighbors, SVM, logistic regression, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and visual geometry group. The results revealed that the accuracy, specificity, sensitivity and the area under the curve of the ISGL model were 95%, 96%, 94%, and 95%, respectively. Among the comparison models, the visual geometry group method exhibited the best performance, but it much lower than those of the ISGL model. Analysis of the importance of biochemical test data revealed that low-density lipoprotein, smoking, and heart disease history were the positively correlated factors, and total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and diabetes were and the negatively correlated factors. This study proposes the ISGL model can be used simultaneously with MRI and biochemical data to predict IS recurrence. This combination resulted in higher rate of performance than that of the other ML models. Additionally, this study found related risk factors affected recurrence, which can be used to intervene in high-risk patients’ recurrence as early as possible and promote the development of secondary prevention of stroke.
Reducing door-to-wire time for ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention by multidisciplinary collaboration: An observational study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoru , Chen Ling , Jou Eric , Chandra Ayush , Ma Guanglong , Zheng Xiaodong , Tu Junrong , Liang Jianguang , Xie Shengde , Liu Jiachao , Roldan Francisco-Javier , Li Zhenzhang , Pan Wanling , Li Wanquan
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to reduce door-to-wire time for ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention through multidisciplinary collaboration. Patients over the age of 18who visited the Foshan Sanshui District People’s Hospital between 2018 and 2019 and were diagnosed with STEMI were included in this study. Analyses were performed with patients segregated into a pre-intervention interim period (2018) and a post-intervention period (2019) based on the date of admission. Intervention measures for reducing door to wire time were fully implemented towards the end of the interim period. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the 2 groups. Median door to puncture time was reduced from 57.5 minutes in the interim period to 46.0 minutes (P < .001) in the post-intervention period. Similarly, median door to wire time was shortened from 88.0 minutes to 63.5 minutes (P < .001). During the interim period, 24% of patients had a door to wire time of <60 minutes, compared to 40.67% of patients in the post-intervention period (P = .002). Multidisciplinary collaboration is an important strategy to reduce door to wire time for patients with STEMI, and may be implemented in suitable centers to improve patient care.
The combined application of pulsed electromagnetic fields and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of early-stage knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Xu Rong-da , Li Jia-hui , Zhang He , Liang Hai-rui , Duan Si-yu , Sun Ming , Wen Hang , Zhou Xue-ting , Liu Han-fei , Cai Zhen-cun
Published: August 2024

Background:

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of combined treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in improving pain and functional mobility among patients with early-stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We hypothesize that this combined therapy can yield superior treatment outcomes.

Methods:

Based on the different treatment regimens, we divided 48 patients diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grades I-III KOA into 3 groups: the PRP group, the PEMFs group, and the PRP + PEMFs group. Each subtype of KOA patients was randomly assigned to different treatment groups. In the PRP group, patients received intra-articular injections of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma once a month for 3 consecutive months. In the PEMFs group, patients receive low-frequency PEMFs irradiation therapy with a frequency of 30 Hz and intensity of 1.5 mT, once daily, 5 times a week, for a consecutive treatment period of 12 weeks. In the PRP + PEMFs group, patients receive both of the aforementioned treatment protocol. The treatment effects on patients are evaluated at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 post-treatment. Assessment parameters include visual analog scale for pain, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Lequesne Index score, and knee joint range of motion.

Results:

From the 4th to the 12th week of treatment, the visual analog scale scores, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, and Lequesne index scores of patients in all 3 groups gradually decreased, while knee joint mobility gradually increased (P < .05). At weeks 4, 8, and 12 after treatment, the PRP combined with PEMFs group showed significantly better scores compared to the PRP group and the PEMFs group, with statistically significant differences (P < .05). A total of 7 patients experienced adverse reactions such as knee joint swelling, low-grade fever, and worsening knee joint pain after treatment, all of which disappeared within 1 week after treatment. The incidence of complications did not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P = .67).

Conclusion:

PRP, PEMFs, and the combination of PRP and PEMFs therapy all effectively alleviate knee joint pain and improve joint function. However, compared to single treatment modalities, the combined therapy of PRP and PEMFs demonstrates more pronounced efficacy.
The effect of TCM triple rehabilitation and ear acupoint bean pressing on laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer
Authors: Ren Guangzhuo , Yang Liping
Published: August 2024

To explore the clinical value of the triple pre-rehabilitation nursing model in laparoscopic radical surgery for gastric cancer. Eighty-two gastric cancer patients admitted to a certain hospital from May 2020 to May 2023 are included in this study. Patients were divided into control group (CG) and treatment group according to different nursing methods. Comparisons were made by comparing perioperative indicators, immune indicators, sleep quality, nutritional indicators, and anxiety before and after patient care, as well as whether or not to utilize the acupoint patch combined with ear acupoint bean pressing burial in Chinese medicine care. Under the conditions of the triple pre-rehabilitation nursing model, the observation group (OG) patients had their first exhaust time, first bed activity time, first bowel movement time, and hospitalization time of 62.15 ± 5.93, 18.67 ± 7.55, 2.05 ± 0.58, and 7.21 ± 1.05, respectively. The postoperative values of ALB in the CG and OG were 31.59 ± 7.65 and 36.08 ± 8.27, respectively, while the postoperative values of prealbumin were 0.19 ± 0.05 and 0.27 ± 0.09, respectively. The sleep quality of the CG before nursing was 22.57 ± 3.66, and after nursing was 14.36 ± 3.72. The satisfaction rate of the OG was 56.10%, while that of the CG was 46.34%. Patients can better adapt to the treatment process, reduce anxiety, and improve the treatment effect and quality of life after the triple pre-rehabilitation nursing care model and acupoint paste combined with ear acupoint bean pressing burrowing in traditional Chinese medicine nursing.
Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network in renal cell carcinoma based on GEO database
Authors: Yang Tianci , Li Yixuan , Zheng Zhouhang , Qu Pei , Shao Zhiang , Wang Jufang , Ding Nan , Wang Wei
Published: August 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Despite extensive research, the precise etiology and progression of RCC remain incompletely elucidated. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been identified as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) capable of binding to microRNA (miRNA) sites, thereby modulating the expression of messenger RNAs (mRNA) and target genes. This regulatory network is known to exert a pivotal influence on cancer initiation and progression. However, the specific role and functional significance of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in RCC remain poorly understood. The RCC transcriptome data was obtained from the gene expression omnibus database. The identification of differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (DElncRNAs), differentially expressed miRNAs, and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) between RCC and corresponding paracancer tissues was performed using the “Limma” package in R 4.3.1 software. We employed a weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify the key DElncRNAs that are most relevant to RCC. Subsequently, we utilized the encyclopedia of RNA interactomes database to predict the interactions between these DElncRNAs and miRNAs, and the miRDB database to predict the interactions between miRNAs and mRNAs. Therefore, key DElncRNAs were obtained to verify the expression of their related genes in the The Cancer Genome Atlas database and to analyze the prognosis. The construction of RCC-specific lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was carried out using Cytoscape 3.7.0. A total of 286 DElncRNAs, 56 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 2065 DEmRNAs were identified in RCC. Seven key DElncRNAs (GAS6 antisense RNA 1, myocardial infarction associated transcript, long intergenic nonprotein coding RNA 921, MMP25 antisense RNA 1, Chromosome 22 Open Reading Frame 34, MIR34A host gene, MIR4435-2 host gene) were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis and encyclopedia of RNA interactomes databases. Subsequently, a network diagram comprising 217 nodes and 463 edges was constructed based on these key DElncRNAs. The functional analysis of DEmRNAs in the ceRNA network was conducted using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology. We constructed RCC-specific ceRNA networks and identified the crucial lncRNAs associated with RCC using bioinformatics analysis, which will help us further understand the pathogenesis of this disease.
Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations shed light on the mechanism behind Gynostemma pentaphyllum’s efficacy against osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Yange , Ji Peiyun , Xiao Xiangyu , Wang Jingshuai , Wan Zedong , Cao Haiying , Kong Lingwei , Jin Yu
Published: August 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common type of malignant bone tumor, that poses a serious threat to the lives and health of children and adolescents. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have gained attention for treating OS because of their potent anti-cancer effects and fewer side effects. It is commonly understood that Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GP) exhibits inhibitory effects on most tumors. However, the knowledge of the systematic mechanisms involved is limited. In this study, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) was searched to screen the effective ingredients and corresponding target genes of GP, and disease target databases were searched to identify relevant targets for OS. Venn analysis was used to visualize overlapping genes, which were further extracted using the protein-protein interaction network. R software was used to conduct gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation further validate the binding efficacy of potential therapeutic targets to compound molecules. In total, 161 and 1981 proteins were identified as target genes of GP and OS, respectively, and 104 overlapping genes were identified. Through analysis of the core subnetwork, 12 hub genes were identified, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was the most significant. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations show that a high affinity between quercetin and these targets, especially with the combination of TNF free energy (Δ Gbind) minimum, MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA is 42.85 kcal/mol, respectively, and 45.29 kcal/mol. The active ingredients Rhamnazin and Quercetin in Gypenoylum play a therapeutic role in OS through several key targets and pathways. This study provides ideas and references for further research on drug development.
Linguistic and cultural validation of symptom questionnaire for visual dysfunctions (SQVD) for psychometric analysis in the Chinese context
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Zhang Zizhong , Jiang Weiwei , Liu Hongai , Jia Xin , Yang Xianrong
Published: August 2024

The Spanish scale symptom questionnaire for visual dysfunctions (SQVD) was sinicized and tested for reliability and validity in the Chinese context, employing both classical measurement theory and item response theory. A meticulous translation was conducted using the modified Brislin translation model, with input from experts for cross-cultural debugging and in-depth review. Following a pre-survey study, the Chinese version of the SQVD was finalized. A convenience sampling method was used to select 270 patients from the target group and 252 valid questionnaires were successfully collected. The Rasch model was employed to assess response category functionality, fit statistics, unidimensionality, person and item reliability, separation, targeting, and differential item functioning. Classical test theory was applied to evaluate internal consistency and retest reliability, supplemented by correlation analysis. Job characteristic curves were also plotted to assess diagnostic accuracy. The Chinese SQVD conformed to a unidimensional structure with excellent reliability and validity. Person and item reliabilities were 0.85 and 0.99, respectively, indicating, high stability. Person and item separation indices were 2.37 and 11.54, respectively, signifying strong differentiation ability. Retest reliability was 0.917, further emphasizing the stability of the scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.908 (95% CI: 0.854, 0.962), with a cutoff value of 7.5 and Youden index of 0.733, highlighting the scale’s high diagnostic accuracy. The translated and culturally adapted Chinese SQVD demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. With streamlined items, short assessment time, and high efficiency, the scale is a stable and reliable clinical tool for detecting a variety of conditions related to refractive, regulatory, and binocular vision dysfunction.
Prognostic factor of patients with short bowel syndrome due to nonCrohn disease: A single institution observational study
Authors: Ito Shingo , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Amiki Manabu
Published: August 2024

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a severely disabling and potentially life-threatening condition. Survival data for patients with SBS are limited. This study aimed to investigate prognostic factors in patients with SBS undergoing surgery. We reviewed the medical records of 27 consecutive patients with SBS who were treated at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2022. SBS was defined as a remaining small bowel length <200 cm, excluding patients with Crohn disease. Of the 27 patients identified, 17 were males and 10 were females, with a median age of 77 (46–90) years and a total observation time of 137 (2–1628) days. All patients underwent surgery and received parenteral nutrition (PN) and follow-up in our hospital. Superior mesenteric artery stenosis (44.4%) and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (25.9%) most commonly caused SBS. The median residual small bowel length and postoperative hospital stay were 50 (5–150) cm and 48 (2–104) days, respectively. Jejunostomy was performed in 17 (62.9%) patients, and 4 (14.8%) patients were weaned off their PN. Death occurred in 14 (51.8%), and the median survival time was 209 days. The survival outcome was compared between the survival (n = 13) and the death groups (n = 14). Jejunostomy and PN rates were significantly higher in the death group (P < .01, P = .03, respectively). SBS is associated with significantly higher mortality rates. Jejunostomy and long PN duration are significantly associated with death in patients with SBS.
Research on the application of radiomics in breast cancer: A bibliometrics and visualization analysis
Authors: Yang Zhe , Liu Chenglong
Published: August 2024

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Therefore, improved disease detection has emerged as a focal point in clinical studies. At the forefront of innovation, radiomics has the capability to extract comprehensive insights from medical images, ultimately enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic procedures. There has been rapid growth in the field of radiomics research on breast cancer in the past few years. We explored pertinent research articles in the Web of Science Core Collection database to gain a thorough understanding of breast cancer radiomics. We used CiteSpace to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the annual distribution of different nations, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references in the field of breast cancer radiomics. GraphPad Prism software was used to examine and graph yearly and country-specific trends and the proportions of publications. The tools utilized for the visualization of science mapping included CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Of the 891 publications, most were original articles (731, 91.09%) and a few were reviews (160, 8.91%). Most academic research has been published in China and the United States. The study centers predominantly consisted of major academic institutions, such as Fudan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with some of their members being prominent figures in the field. Pinker, Katja has published the largest number of research papers. The majority of these studies have been published in medical journals focusing on radiology and oncology in recent years. In the realm of cutting-edge medical research, the top two keywords, magnetic resonance imaging and machine learning stand at the forefront as current areas of intense focus. Breast cancer radiomics is advancing rapidly, presenting numerous opportunities and obstacles. Our study of the literature in this academic area aimed to pinpoint the primary themes addressed in the studies and anticipate prospective avenues for research.
Fibromyalgia symptoms before and after septoplasty: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cilesizoglu Yavuz Nurce , Coluk Yonca
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of septoplasty on fibromyalgia symptoms in patients with septum deviation. Patients who were over 18 years of age, had been diagnosed with nasal septum deviation, and indicated for septoplasty were selected consecutively and included in the study. Patients were evaluated twice, at baseline and after septoplasty at 3 months. The patients’ widespread pain and symptom severity scores were calculated according to the American College of Rheumatology 2016 Revised Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria. A Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was filled out to evaluate the patients’ fibromyalgia symptoms. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess the sleep quality of patients. Thirty-five patients, 21 (60.0%) male and 14 (40.0%) female, were accepted to the study. Nine (25.9%) patients had fibromyalgia at the beginning, and none of the patients met the fibromyalgia criteria after the surgery. After septoplasty, a statistically significant decrease was detected in the patients’ widespread pain index, symptom severity scale, total score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores (P = .006, P = .004, P = .028, P = .014, and P < .001, respectively). As a result of the study, it was observed that fibromyalgia symptoms of patients with septum deviation improved after surgical correction of the deviation.
Rare entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremity: A narrative review
Authors: Drăghici Nicu Cătălin , Bolchis Roxana , Popa Livia Livinț , Văcăraș Vitalie , Iluț Silvina , Bashimov Atamyrat , Domnița Diana Maria , Dragoș Hanna Maria , Vlad Irina , Mureșanu Dafin Fior
Published: August 2024

Lower limb entrapment neuropathies comprise a wide range of disorders, including less common conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton neuroma, obturator nerve entrapment syndrome, superior gluteal nerve entrapment, and cluneal nerve entrapment syndrome. Despite being less prevalent, these syndromes are equally significant, presenting with symptoms such as pain, dysesthesia, muscular weakness, and distinct physical signs. Accurate diagnosis of these less common disorders is crucial for successful therapy and patient recovery, as they can sometimes be mistaken for lumbar plexopathies, radiculopathies, or musculotendinous diseases. This narrative review highlights the significance of identifying and diagnosing these particular neuropathies through a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical history, detailed physical examination, and the use of electrodiagnostic and/or ultrasound investigations. When the diagnosis is uncertain, advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance neurography or magnetic resonance imaging are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A positive diagnosis ensures prompt and targeted treatments, preventing further nerve impairments and muscle wasting. This article explores the epidemiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, and electrodiagnostic interpretation of lower limb entrapment neuropathies, highlighting the importance of precise diagnosis in achieving favorable patient outcomes.
Effects of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on renal function following acute myocardial infarction: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Shirasaki Keisuke , Minai Kosuke , Morimoto Satoshi , Tanaka Toshikazu D. , Ogawa Kazuo , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Ogawa Takayuki , Kawai Makoto , Yoshimura Michihiro
Published: August 2024

Increased platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which indicate accelerated thrombus formation and inflammatory response, potentially have prognostic implications. Given that cardiovascular disease and renal function exacerbate each other, an elevated PLR and NLR at admission for AMI may worsen renal function after AMI. However, only a few clinical studies have addressed this issue. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of PLR and NLR at AMI onset on renal function. This retrospective study analyzed data from 234 patients hospitalized for AMI. First, correlations between various parameters (age; sex; body mass index; hemoglobin level, albumin level, B-type natriuretic peptide level, C-reactive protein level, creatinine (Cr) level, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, PLR, and NLR at admission; contrast medium usage; and maximum creatine kinase) and Cr and BUN levels at discharge were examined using single and multiple regression analyses. Then, correlations between these parameters and the change in Cr (ΔCr) and BUN levels (ΔBUN) were investigated using single and multiple regression analysis, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant positive correlations between PLR at admission and Cr level at discharge (β = 0.135, P = .021), PLR at admission and BUN level at discharge (β = 0.218, P = .006), PLR at admission and ΔCr (β = 0.244, P = .019), and PLR at admission and ΔBUN (β = 0.312, P = .003). SEM results revealed significant positive correlations between PLR at admission and ΔCr (β = 0.260, P = .008) and PLR at admission and ΔBUN (β = 0.292, P = .003). Conversely, NLR demonstrated a minimal association with renal function at discharge compared to PLR. This study suggests that increased PLR at admission in AMI significantly affects and exacerbates renal function but does not increase NLR at admission. PLR is one of the predictors of renal dysfunction after AMI.