bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On cosmological bias due to the magnification of shear and position samples in modern weak lensing analyses
Authors: Duncan Christopher A J , Harnois-Déraps Joachim , Miller Lance , Langedijk Alexander
Published: June 2022

The magnification of galaxies in modern galaxy surveys induces additional correlations in the cosmic shear, galaxy–galaxy lensing, and clustering observables used in modern lensing ‘3 × 2 pt’ analyses, due to sample selection. In this paper, we emulate the magnification contribution to all three observables utilizing the SLICS simulations suite, and test the sensitivity of the cosmological model, galaxy bias, and redshift distribution calibration to un-modelled magnification in a Stage-IV-like survey using Monte Carlo sampling. We find that magnification cannot be ignored in any single or combined observable, with magnification inducing >1σ biases in the w0−σ8 plane, including for cosmic shear and 3 × 2 pt analyses. Significant cosmological biases exist in the 3 × 2 pt and cosmic shear from magnification of the shear sample alone. We show that magnification induces significant biases in the mean of the redshift distribution where a position sample is analysed, which may potentially be used to identify contamination by magnification.
De novo Mutations in Domestic Cat are Consistent with an Effect of Reproductive Longevity on Both the Rate and Spectrum of Mutations
Authors: Wang Richard J , Raveendran Muthuswamy , Harris R Alan , Murphy William J , Lyons Leslie A , Rogers Jeffrey , Hahn Matthew W
Published: June 2022

The mutation rate is a fundamental evolutionary parameter with direct and appreciable effects on the health and function of individuals. Here, we examine this important parameter in the domestic cat, a beloved companion animal as well as a valuable biomedical model. We estimate a mutation rate of 0.86 × 10−8 per bp per generation for the domestic cat (at an average parental age of 3.8 years). We find evidence for a significant paternal age effect, with more mutations transmitted by older sires. Our analyses suggest that the cat and the human have accrued similar numbers of mutations in the germline before reaching sexual maturity. The per-generation mutation rate in the cat is 28% lower than what has been observed in humans, but is consistent with the shorter generation time in the cat. Using a model of reproductive longevity, which takes into account differences in the reproductive age and time to sexual maturity, we are able to explain much of the difference in per-generation rates between species. We further apply our reproductive longevity model in a novel analysis of mutation spectra and find that the spectrum for the cat resembles the human mutation spectrum at a younger age of reproduction. Together, these results implicate changes in life-history as a driver of mutation rate evolution between species. As the first direct observation of the paternal age effect outside of rodents and primates, our results also suggest a phenomenon that may be universal among mammals.
A rhabdovirus accessory protein inhibits jasmonic acid signaling in plants to attract insect vectors
Authors: Gao Dong-Min , Zhang Zhen-Jia , Qiao Ji-Hui , Gao Qiang , Zang Ying , Xu Wen-Ya , Xie Liang , Fang Xiao-Dong , Ding Zhi-Hang , Yang Yi-Zhou , Wang Ying , Wang Xian-Bing
Published: June 2022

Plant rhabdoviruses heavily rely on insect vectors for transmission between sessile plants. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of insect attraction and transmission of plant rhabdoviruses. In this study, we used an arthropod-borne cytorhabdovirus, Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of a rhabdovirus accessory protein in improving plant attractiveness to insect vectors. Here, we found that BYSMV-infected barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants attracted more insect vectors than mock-treated plants. Interestingly, overexpression of BYSMV P6, an accessory protein, in transgenic wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants substantially increased host attractiveness to insect vectors through inhibiting the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. The BYSMV P6 protein interacted with the constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 signalosome subunit 5 (CSN5) of barley plants in vivo and in vitro, and negatively affected CSN5-mediated deRUBylation of cullin1 (CUL1). Consequently, the defective CUL1-based Skp1/Cullin1/F-box ubiquitin E3 ligases could not mediate degradation of jasmonate ZIM-domain proteins, resulting in compromised JA signaling and increased insect attraction. Overexpression of BYSMV P6 also inhibited JA signaling in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants to attract insects. Our results provide insight into how a plant cytorhabdovirus subverts plant JA signaling to attract insect vectors.
Estimating the effects of weather and climate change on agricultural productivity
Authors: O’Donnell Christopher J
Published: June 2022

Explaining changes in productivity involves explaining changes in output and input quantities. Several economic models can be used for this purpose. This paper considers a model that accounts for weather and output price uncertainty. Changes in productivity are then explained in two steps. First, a stochastic production frontier model is used to decompose a proper productivity index into measures of technical progress, environmental change, technical efficiency change, scale-and-mix efficiency change, and changes in statistical noise. Second, a system of input demand equations is used to further decompose the measure of scale-and-mix efficiency change into a measure of technical progress, a measure of input price change, various measures of changes in expectations, and a measure of changes in allocative efficiency and statistical noise. The methodology is applied to U.S. agricultural data. The effects of weather and climate change on agricultural productivity are found to be small relative to the effects of changes in input prices.
Japan’s Extreme Infrastructure: Fortress-ification, Resilience, and Extreme Nature
Authors: FISCH Michael
Published: June 2022

How have massive concrete walls become thinkable as resilient infrastructure for an extreme nature, and what will collective life become in the shadow of such concrete resilience? These questions hold increasing importance as cities and nations throughout the world contemplate the construction of giant concrete barriers to resist the forces of extreme weather and rising sea levels. This article turns to Japan’s ‘fortress-ification’ of its northeast coast with giant concrete seawalls in wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in order to explore the convergence of resilience thinking, concrete walls, and extreme nature. Treating fortress-ification as an empirical phenomenon and analytic, the argument tracks the emergence of fortress-ification as a manifestation of a kind of resilience thinking that derives from a synthesis of logics of disaster prevention and disaster reduction. Ultimately, the argument posits that the resilience thinking behind fortress-ification engenders adaptation to extreme nature without providing meaningful environmental mitigation. The result is disaster infrastructure with highly questionable efficacy that seals the population within an ecologically empty present while restricting access to better alternative ecological futures.
Nonefficacy of Postplant Nematicides in Vitis vinifera Wine Grapes in Georgia, U.S.A.
Authors: Martin K. , Brannen P. M. , Holladay T. , Severns P. M.
Published: June 2022

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are known to cause significant yield loss in vineyards across the world. Methods for PPN control are limited, and there is a need for development of treatments that provide long-term efficacy. Preplant fumigants provide ephemeral effects, so growers are searching for alternative, postplant nematicides to combat these pests. Two postplant nematicides, fluensulfone and spirotetramat, were evaluated for their efficacy on the three most abundant ectoparasitic PPN genera ( Helicotylenchus, Mesocriconema, Xiphinema) in a northern Georgia vineyard over a 2-year period. Nematode densities following treatment with either nematicide did not differ statistically from the untreated control. This strongly suggests that fluensulfone and spirotetramat are highly unlikely to provide useful levels of ectoparasitic PPN control on wine grapes in comparable Georgia soils.
Syndesmosis Malposition Assessed on Weight-Bearing CT Is Common After Operative Fixation of Intra-articular Distal Tibia Plafond Fracture
Authors: Rooney Patrick , Haller Justin , Kleweno Conor , Glass Natalie , Davison John , Miller Aspen , Anderson Donald D. , Marsh J. L. , Willey Michael
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate reliability of measurement techniques for syndesmosis position after operative fixation of distal tibia plafond fracture on weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT), identify risk factors for syndesmosis malposition, and determine if syndesmosis malposition is associated with higher pain and lower physical function.

Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Setting:

Three Level 1 trauma centers.

Participants:

Twenty-six subjects who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of distal tibia plafond fractures with bilateral ankle WBCT 1 year or greater after injury were included in the study.

Intervention:

Operative fixation of distal tibia plafond fracture.

Main Outcome Measurement:

Fibula position in the tibia incisura, injury characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes were the main outcome measurements.

Results:

Interrater reliability for syndesmosis position measurements were excellent for the Phisitkul technique on both injured and healthy ankles (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]: 0.93–0.98). The Nault technique demonstrated moderate-to-excellent interrater reliability (ICCs: 0.67–0.98), apart from the angle of rotation measurement (ICCs: 0.18–0.67). Sixteen of 26 subjects (62%) had syndesmosis malposition defined as >2 mm difference comparing the tibial–fibular relationship in injured and uninjured ankles using these 2 methods. Patients with syndesmosis malposition reported lower Foot and Ankle Ability Measure: Activities of Daily Living scores; other recorded patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different.

Conclusions:

Measurement techniques for syndesmosis position on WBCT were reliable after operative fixation of distal tibia plafond fracture. Syndesmosis malposition is common after these injuries and predicted impaired physical function.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Multipurpose Lens Care Systems and Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Wettability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Capote-Puente Raúl , Sánchez-González José-María , Bautista-Llamas María-José
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

To provide a relationship between materials developed for silicone hydrogel contact lenses and multipurpose care solutions to identify improvements in wettability, for prelens noninvasive break-up time and subjective score.

Methods:

This systematic review was completed according to the updated PRISMA 2020 statement recommendations and followed the explanation and elaboration guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus scientific literature databases were searched from January 2000 to November 2021.

Results:

A total of four clinical trials published between 2011 and 2017 were included in this investigation. All included studies were randomized clinical trials. The success of contact lenses is related to the comfort of their use and therefore to the stability of the tear film and the wettability of its surface. The relationship between these parameters and changes in the ocular surface and inflammatory and infectious processes has been demonstrated.

Conclusion:

Hyaluronan and propylene glycol multipurpose solution (MPS) wetting agents achieved slightly higher prelens noninvasive break-up times than poloxamine. Polyquaternium-1 achieved better wettability and patient comfort than polyhexamethylene biguanide in medium-term studies. Short-term studies did not demonstrate differences between MPSs in their effect on contact lens wettability.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction in Myopic Eyes With Corectopia After Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Liang Chen , Wang Shurong , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2022

We present a case of ametropia corrected by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in a corectopia eye after cataract surgery. The patient's optical zone, nomogram, and centration were carefully considered. The intended corrections were −6.60 − 1.25 × 175 OD and −6.85 − 0.50 × 10 OS. M-sized and S-sized cones were recorded in the right and left eye, respectively. The diameter of the right eye optical zone was 7.00 mm, whereas that of the left eye was 6.50 mm. The corneal vertex was determined using the film mark method as the scanning center. Three months after surgery, the uncorrected distance visual acuities were 20/20 OD and 20/13 OS. The effective optical zone was 6.5 and 5.5 mm in the right and left eyes, respectively. It is feasible to correct ametropia with SMILE in patients with corectopia after intraocular lens implantation. The large optical zone will compensate for the visual disturbance.
Stroke severity modified the effect of chronic atrial fibrillation on the outcome of thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Shao Rui , Wang Zengna , Shi Hongfeng , Li Yan , Zhuang Yingle , Xu Juan , Xu Min
Published: June 2022

There is conflicting information regarding the impact of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) on the outcomes of thrombolyzed patients with stroke. This study was designed to identify high-risk patients with chronic AF who had undergone thrombolysis treatment and to explore whether the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) could be used to distinguish poor clinical outcomes in thrombolyzed patients.

A total of 164 acute ischemic stroke patients with chronic AF were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized as having poor or favorable outcomes. A favorable 90-day outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2.

Our study showed that the baseline NIHSS score of patients with poor functional recovery (mRS >2) was significantly higher than that of patients with favorable outcomes (median 16 vs 12). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of mRS score showed that a baseline NIHSS score of 14 was the optimal threshold for predicting unfavorable outcomes in patients with chronic AF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline NIHSS score >14 was independently associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio = 4.182, 95% confidence interval 2.092–8.361).

Our study showed that stroke severity modified the effect of chronic AF on the outcome of thrombolytic therapy. The approach of stratifying stroke severity may be used to evaluate treatment strategies for decision making in intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke with chronic AF.
Predictive performances of 6 data mining techniques for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
Authors: Luo Miao , Feng Yuan , Luo Jingying , Li XiaoLin , Han JianFang , Li Taoping
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

This study compared the effects of 6 types of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) prediction models to develop a reference for selecting OSAHS data mining tools in clinical practice.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 401 cases. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: training (70%) and testing (30%). Logistic regression, a Bayesian network, an artificial neural network, a support vector learning machine, C5.0, and a classification and regression tree were each adopted to establish 6 prediction models. After training, the 6 models were used to test the remaining samples and calculate the correct and error rates of each model.

Results:

Twenty-one input variables for which the difference between the patient and nonpatient groups was statistically significant were considered. The models found the abdominal circumference, neck circumference, and nocturia ≥2 per night to be the most important variables. The support vector machine, neural network, and C5.0 models performed better than the classification and regression tree, Bayesian network, and logistic regression models.

Conclusions:

In terms of predicting the risk of OSAHS, the support vector machine, neural network, and C5.0 were superior to the classification and regression tree, Bayesian network, and logistic regression models. However, such results were obtained based on the data of a single center, so they need to be further validated by other institutions.
Prediction and validation of potential molecular targets for the combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis in the treatment of atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology
Authors: Wang Tianyue , Zhou Yaqiong , Wang Kaina , Jiang Xinyu , Wang Jingbo , Chen Jing
Published: June 2022

Since the 20th century, mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases has increased, posing a substantial economic burden on society. Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease that requires urgent and careful attention. This study was conducted to predict and validate the potential molecular targets and pathways of Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis (A&A) in the treatment of atherosclerosis using network pharmacology. The active ingredients of A&A were obtained using the TCMSP database, while the target genes of atherosclerosis were acquired using 2 databases, namely GeneCards and DrugBank. The disease-target-component model map and the core network were obtained using Cytoscape 3.8.2 and MCODE plug-in, respectively. The core network was then imported into the STRING database to obtain the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network diagram. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the HIPLOT online website. Finally, the small molecules related to key signaling pathways were molecularly docked and visualized. Under the screening conditions of oral bioavailability ≥ 30% and drug-likeness ≥ 0.18, 22 active ingredients were identified from A&A, and 174 relevant targets were obtained. Additionally, 54 active ingredients were found in the extracted core network. Interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway were selected as the main subjects through KEGG enrichment analysis. Core targets (RELA, IKBKB, CHUK, and MMP3) and active ingredients (kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin) were selected and validated using molecular docking. This study identified multiple molecular targets and pathways for A&A in the treatment of atherosclerosis. A&A has the potential to treat atherosclerosis through an antiinflammatory approach.
Logistic regression analyses of factors affecting the euploidy of blastocysts undergoing in vitro fertilization and preimplantation genetic testing
Authors: Zhang Zhiping , Zhang Lei , Wang Yaoqin , Bi Xingyu , Liang Lixia , Yuan Yuan , Su Dan , Wu Xueqing
Published: June 2022

Embryo chromosomal abnormalities are considered as the main cause of low pregnancy rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Recently, a new metric of success in assisted reproductive technology, that is, the ability to achieve at least 1 euploid blastocyst for transfer, has been brought into focus among clinicians. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of different factors on the euploidy of blastocysts undergoing IVF and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

This retrospective observational study included 493 cycles underwent IVF/intracytroplasmatic sperm injection intended to obtain trophectoderm biopsy for PGT from June 2016 to December 2019 at a single academic fertility center. Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the clinical characteristics and embryonic data related to the ability to achieve at least 1 euploid blastocyst for transfer.

The study took 1471 blastocysts from 493 cycles as samples for PGT. Among them, 149 cycles (30.22%) had no euploid blastocyst and 344 cycles (69.78%) had at least 1 euploid blastocyst. A multivariate logistic analysis suggested that maternal age >36, abnormal parental karyotype, nonfirst cycles and blastocysts number per cycle <3 were the risk factors for no euploid blastocyst.

The parental karyotype, maternal age, number of cycles, and number of blastocysts per cycle were the dominant factors affecting the ability to achieve at least 1 euploid blastocyst for transfer and therefore could be regarded as potential predictors for genetic counseling.
Association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in autophagy related 7 (ATG7) gene in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Sarosh Moomal , Nurulain Syed Muhammad , Shah Syed Tahir Abbas , Jadoon Khan Muhammad , Muneer Zahid , Bibi Nazia , Shah Syed Fawad Ali , Hussain Sabir
Published: June 2022

Recent experimental studies sparked the involvement of autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) in the development of atherosclerosis. However, the genetic variants and their association with coronary artery disease (CAD) are still to be unveiled. Therefore, we aimed to design a retrospective case-control study for the analysis of ATG7 gene polymorphisms and their association with CAD among the subjects originating from Pakistan.

The ATG7 noncoding polymorphisms (rs1375206; Chr3:11297643 C/G and rs550744886; Chr3:11272004 C/G) were examined in 600 subjects, including 300 individuals diagnosed with CAD. Arginase-1 (ARG1) and nitric oxide metabolites were measured by the colorimetric enzymatic assay. Genotyping of noncoding ATG7 polymorphisms was accomplished by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

A significant association of ATG7 (rs1375206 and rs550744886) was observed in individuals exhibiting CAD (P < .0001, for each single-nucleotide polymorphism). Moreover, variant allele G at both loci showed high occurrence and significant association with the disease phenotype as compared to the wild-type allele (odds ratio [OR] = 2.03, P < .0001 and OR = 2.08, P < .001, respectively). Variant genotypes at ATG7 rs1375206 and rs550744886 showed significant association with high concentrations of ARG1 and low nitric oxide metabolites among the patients (P < .0001 for each). A significant difference was noted in the distribution of the haplotype G-G, mapped at Chr3:11297643-11272004 between cases and controls (P < .0001).

The study concludes that ATG7 polymorphisms are among the risk factors for CAD in the subjects from Pakistan. The study thus highlights the novel risk factors for high incidents of the disease and reported for the first time to the best of our knowledge.
Risk factors of elevated blood ammonia level in epilepsy patients treated with lamotrigine
Authors: Chen Yiqian , Chen Jingzhen , Zhuang Xiaorong , Chen Xingyu , Zeng Jianqi , Wang Ru , Miao Jiayin
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the effect of lamotrigine (LTG) on blood ammonia level in patients with epilepsy and identify risk factors affecting blood ammonia level.

This study included 91 epilepsy patients who were treated with LTG at Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University from January 2011 to April 2016, and were followed up for 3 years. Blood samples were taken during the interictal state and analyzed for blood LTG and ammonia levels. Total of 46.1% of the samples exceeded the median blood ammonia level, and 2.1% of patients had hyperammonemia. Blood ammonia level was positively correlated with LTG blood concentration. LTG combined with valproic acid therapy, seizure within 1 year, and elevated neutrophils affected blood ammonia level. Blood ammonia level was significantly correlated with plasma concentration of LTG. LTG combined with valproic acid therapy, seizure within 1 year, and elevated neutrophils may be risk factors for elevated blood ammonia level in epilepsy patients treated with LTG.
High expression of N-type calcium channel indicates a favorable prognosis in gliomas
Authors: Li Guibin , Roy Bhaskar , Huang Xiaoqiang , Mu Yafei , Yuan Jiecheng , Xia Yang , Song Yue , Peng Ziyue
Published: June 2022

For the diagnosis and prognosis of glioma, the development of prognostic biomarkers is critical. The N-type calcium channel, whose predominant subunit is encoded by calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 B (CACNA1B), is mostly found in the nervous system and is closely associated with neurosensory functions. However, the link between the expression of CACNA1B and glioma remains unknown. We used ONCOMINE to explore the differences in CACNA1B expression among different cancers. We then conducted survival analysis and COX analysis using TCGA_LGG and TCGA_GBM datasets, which were divided into CACNA1B
high and CACNA1B
low based on the median. We examined the differences in other favorable prognostic markers or clinical characteristics between CACNA1B
high and CACNA1B
low using t tests. Differentially expressed genes were identified, and KEGG pathway enrichment was performed. We compared the expression of methyltransferases and analyzed the differentially methylated regions. Immunohistochemistry results were retrieved from the Human Protein Atlas database for validation purposes. CACNA1B was expressed at lower levels in gliomas, and, for the first time, we found that high expression of CACNA1B in gliomas predicts a good prognosis. Other favorable prognostic markers, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, 1p/19q codeletion, and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation, were increased in tandem with high expression of CACNA1B. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in multiple pathways related to cancer progression and aberrant epigenetic alterations were significantly associated with CACNA1B. High expression of N-type calcium channels indicates a favorable prognosis for gliomas. This study provides a better understanding of the link between gliomas and N-type calcium channels and may offer guidance for the future treatment of gliomas.
Incidence and characteristics of physical disabilities in patients with postconcussion syndromefollowing mTBI
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Choi Eun Bi , Lee Young Seo
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to examine the incidence and characteristics of physical disabilities in patients with postconcussion syndrome (PCS) after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Of 203 patients diagnosed with PCS after mTBI, 10 patients with definite physical disabilities (worse than moderate disability on the Glasgow outcome scale [GOS], <4 points and inability to walk independently on the Functional Ambulation Category [FAC], <3 points) were enrolled.

Ten of the 203 patients included in the analysis based on prespecified inclusion criteria were further evaluated. Seven patients had moderate disability on the GOS, whereas the remaining 3 showed severe disability. On the Modified Barthel Index, 5 patients were moderately dependent, and 2 patients were severely dependent. By the Motricity Index, 9 patients showed mild quadriparesis, and 1 had mild hemiparesis. All 10 patients could grasp-release their fingers as per the Modified Brunnstrom Classification. By contrast, 7 patients required verbal supervision for independent gait by the FAC, and the remaining 3 patients needed intermittent support from 1 person for independent gait.

Approximately 5% of patients with PCS after mTBI had a definite physical disability, and most of these patients showed mild quadriparesis. These results suggest that a definite physical disability can occur in patients with PCS after mTBI.
Monthly and seasonal variations in vestibular neuritis
Authors: Jeong Junhui , Nam Yunbin , Oh Jangwon , Choi Hyun Seung
Published: June 2022

Seasonal variations in vestibular neuritis (VN) could support the etiology of viral infection. However, several recent studies revealed no significant seasonal variations in VN. Further studies are necessary to determine the etiology of VN. We analyzed patients with VN to evaluate monthly and seasonal variations. Patients with VN who visited our otorhinolaryngology department or were referred to our department from the emergency department between March 2014 and February 2019 were included retrospectively in this study. Differences among the months and seasons of VN visits were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to sex and age (65 years or older and younger than 65 years). Differences among the months and seasons of VN visits were analyzed between groups. There were no significant differences in monthly and seasonal distributions in 248 patients with VN. There were also no significant differences in monthly and seasonal distributions in male and female patients or in older and younger patients. There were no significant differences in monthly or seasonal distributions of patients with VN. Factors other than viruses, such as vascular ischemia, should also be considered in the incidence of VN, especially in older patients.
Prevalence and factors associated with Internet gaming disorder among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alfaifi Amal J , Mahmoud Samy S , Elmahdy Mona H , Gosadi Ibrahim M
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and its associated factors among a sample of adolescents in the Faifa governorate in the south of Saudi Arabia.

This was a cross-sectional study targeting intermediate and secondary school adolescent students in the Faifa governorate. Multistage sampling was performed to reach the required sample, where 9 schools were randomly selected, followed by the distribution of the questionnaire to all students at all levels. IGD was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the 20-item IGD scale. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the presence of statistical differences between sample demographic data and IGD.

Four hundred and fifty students participated in the current study, where 132 (29.3%) of them were classified as having IGD. The prevalence of IGD was associated with gender, year of study, maternal education status, and the number of hours spent online and playing with friends (P values 0.05). Analysis of the IDG items among the current sample indicated that most were at the conflict stage of IGD.

The IGD level identified in our sample is high compared to the published literature. Faifa is a mountainous region and, due to its geographical nature, there are limited public entertainment areas. Adolescents tend to spend more time at home, where they may be more exposed to IGD. This suggests the need for strategies to ensure early identification of those at risk of IGD and to provide preventive and treatment options for these students.
A prospective study on sex differences in functional capacity, quality of life and prognosis in patients with heart failure
Authors: Ma Yiming , Shi Yunke , Ma Wenfang , Yang Dan , Hu Zhao , Wang Mingqiang , Cao Xingyu , Zhang Chaoyue , Luo Xiang , He Shulin , Zhang Min , Duan Yong , Cai Hongyan
Published: June 2022

Background:

Due to the lack of evidence and inconsistency of sex differences in Heart failure (HF) in the Chinese population, this study aimed to compare sex differences in functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) between women and men after standard HF medications therapies, and analyze whether sex differences were associated with the composite endpoints of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization and cardiac event-free survival rate in Chinese patients with HF.

Methods:

This was a 1-year longitudinal study. Participants included patients with HF from March 2017 to December 2018. At baseline and followed up at 1, 6, and 12 months later, functional capacity was assessed by 6-minute walk testing (6MWT), QoL was measured with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and EuroQoL five dimensions (EQ-5D). The Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine sex differences in subsequent outcomes. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for composite endpoints. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare survival.

Results:

All patients were assigned to either men group (n = 94) or women group (n = 60). Longitudinal follow-ups showed a continuously increasing in 6MWT, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall score, EQ-5D visual analogue scale, and EQ-5D Index score in both groups (all P < 0.001); however, women reported a lower level of all parameters at the 1, 6, and 12 months follow-ups (all P < 0.05). In addition, women had a higher risk of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization and a lower cardiac event-free survival rate than men (log-rank test, P = 0.027).

Conclusion:

Women reported worse functional capacity, QoL, and prognosis than men in a sample of Chinese patients with HF. Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to sex differences in HF.
Personalized treatment of malignant tumors during pregnancy
Authors: Ulrikh E. , Kalinina E. , Dikareva E. , Komlichenko E. , Li O. , Zhamborova O. , Rizhinashvili I. , Dzharbaeva A. , Govorov I. , Artemenko V. , Bezrukikh V. , Salogub G. , Pervunina T. , Urmancheeva A.
Published: June 2022

The combination of pregnancy and cancer is a challenge for the patient and a problematic clinical dilemma for the doctor. In this retrospective observational cohort study, we have tried to analyze our experience in the management of such patients.

This review includes 41 patients with malignant neoplasms detected during pregnancy who received treatment at the Almazov National Medical Research Centre from 2015-2021.

The majority of patients received treatment during pregnancy (n=26, 63.4%): chemotherapy – 19 (46.3%) (in 2 cases in combination with surgery), surgical treatment – 7 (17, 1%) patients. In most cases, delivery was at term (n=28, 68.3%). All children born at term were mature and had no growth restriction, regardless of whether the mothers received treatment during pregnancy or not.

When detecting cancer during pregnancy, an immediate follow-up examination is required to assess the extent of the tumor and current fetal state. If pregnancy prolongation is requested, the treatment should not be postponed, except for systemic chemotherapy in the first trimester of pregnancy, pelvic radiation at any term.
Clinicopathological and prognostic role of ROC1 in neoplasms: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Nirui , Wang Qingting , Qiu Yuanjie , Wang Yan , Li Danyang , Li Manxiang
Published: June 2022

Background:

Regulator of cullins 1 (ROC1) is frequently overexpressed in multiple tumors, and many pieces of research demonstrate that ROC1 is associated with the prognosis and development of a diversity of neoplasms and it is able to serve as a promising prognostic biomarker. Here we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of ROC1 in patients suffering from cancer.

Methods:

We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang database. The role of ROC1 in cancers was evaluated by pooled hazard ratios (HRs), odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

In total, 9 studies including 1002 patients were enrolled in this analysis. The pooled results showed that patients with high expression of ROC1 had poor overall survival (OS) (HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.48–2.60, P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR: 1.727, 95% CI: 0.965–2.488, P < 0.001). Additionally, elevated expression of ROC1 was significantly correlated with advanced clinical Tumor Node Metastasis stage (OR: 2.708, 95% CI: 1.856–3.951, P < 0.001), positive lymph node metastasis (OR: 1.968; 95% CI: 1.294–2.993, P = .002), large tumor size (OR: 1.522, 95% CI: 1.079–2.149, P = .017) and poor tumor differentiation (OR: 2.448, 95% CI: 1.793–3.344, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Elevated ROC1 expression predicted worse prognosis and advanced pathological parameters in various cancers. ROC1 was a significant prognostic biomarker for poor survival in human cancers.
The evaluation of urinary calprotectin levels for prediction of acute cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Koçak Gülay , Bilik Gamze , Yeşilova Aylia , Oyman Firat , Can Murat , Cihan Şener
Published: June 2022

Calprotectin is a protein molecule that is released from inflammatory cells. Measurement of calprotectin in various body fluids has recently gained significant importance for differentiating inflammatory and noninflammatory events. The subject has aroused interest in the field of nephrology and some renal pathologies in which urinary calprotectin levels have been studied. In this study, the measurement of urinary calprotectin level and its use for determining acute cisplatin nephrotoxicity in a group of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received cisplatin-based oncological treatments have been investigated.

The study included 41 patients who received cisplatin-based treatments for non-small cell lung cancer between January 2019 and January 2020. The patients were excluded from this study who were with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, serum creatinine (sCr) >1.5 mg/dL, a history of urinary tract infection, and nephrotoxic drug use in the past month. Baseline and 48-hour sCr values and baseline, 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour urinary calprotectin levels of all patients were measured.

Four of the 41 patients who received cisplatin treatment were excluded because their 48-hour sCr values could not be accessed. The control group included 29 patients. While there was no difference between the cisplatin group and the control group in terms of baseline sCr and eGFR values, the cisplatin group had significantly higher urinary calprotectin values. Of the 37 patients treated with cisplatin, 7 (18.9%) developed cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The comparison of groups with (group 1) and without cisplatin nephrotoxicity (group 2) showed comparable mean age and male sex ratio. Baseline sCr and eGFR values were similar in both groups. The cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity group had significantly higher 48-hour sCr and significantly lower 48-hour eGFR values. Baseline, 12-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour urinary calprotectin levels were similar in groups with and without cisplatin nephrotoxicity.

Recent studies have demonstrated that urinary calprotectin level measurement can be used to distinguish intrinsic acute kidney disease from prerenal kidney disease. However, the comparison of groups with and without cisplatin nephrotoxicity in our study showed no difference in urinary calprotectin levels. However, there is a need for large-scale studies using combined urinary biomarkers.
Allopurinol use and the risk of dementia: A meta-analysis of case–control studies
Authors: Lai Shih-Wei , Hwang Bing-Fang , Kuo Yu-Hung , Liu Chiu-Shong , Liao Kuan-Fu
Published: June 2022

Background.

This study aimed to compare the risk of dementia between exposed to allopurinol and not exposed to allopurinol in persons who had gout and/or hyperuricemia.

Methods.

The meta-analysis was conducted to select case–control research written in English through the help of PubMed and Web of Science. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval based on the fixed-effect model was applied to compare the allopurinol exposure among cases (subjects with dementia) and controls (subjects without dementia).

Results.

A total of 4 case–control studies relating the allopurinol exposure to the risk of dementia were identified. The study duration was from 9 to 14 years. The number of study persons was from 3148 to 137,640. The male percentage of study subjects was from 36.9 to 62.5. The mean age of study persons was from 72.3 to 78.7 years. Overall, the odds of the allopurinol exposure among cases were lower than the odds of the allopurinol exposure among control subjects (OR = 0.91, 95% confidence interval = 0.87–0.95, P < .001). The heterogeneity between these eligible studies was low (I² = 0%). The sensitivity analysis revealed that after excluding the studies with concern, the pooled OR did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions.

This is the first meta-analysis to report that there is a negative relationship between the allopurinol exposure and the risk of dementia. Although the results favor the hypothesis, currently it is unable to draw strong conclusions about the protective effect of allopurinol against dementia due to inclusion of only a few eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials are needed to explore the relationship between allopurinol exposure and the probability of dementia.
Incidence, characteristics, and treatments of traumatic open fractures in children and adolescents: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Yuan Hong , Liu Lu , Wu Deluo , Ou Lan , Li Changqing , Yu Hailong
Published: June 2022

We aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and treatments of open fractures in children and adolescents (≤18 years old).

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2418 children and adolescents who presented with traumatic fractures and were admitted to our university-affiliated hospitals, among which 206 patients (8.5%) presented with open fractures. The patients’ clinical and radiographic records were reviewed, and the age, gender, cause of injury, injury season, injury week, associated injuries and complications were collected.

This study enrolled 1789 males (74.0%) and 629 females (26.0%) with an average age of 11.2 ± 5.0 years. The patients were divided into an open fracture group (OF group, n = 206) and a group with no open fracture (No-OF group, n = 2212). There were 206 patients (8.5%) who presented with open fractures and the most common fracture sites were the tibia (31.1%, 64/206) and fibula (20.9%, 43/206). The patients in the OF group presented with higher frequency of emergency admission (P < 0.001), self-supporting medical insurance (P < 0.001), MVCs (P < 0.001), wounded by machine (P < 0.001), struck by object (P < 0.001), hurt/cut by others (P < 0.001), lower limb fractures (P < 0.001), multiple fractures (P = 0.010), associated injuries (P < 0.001) and wound infection (P = 0.003) then the patients in the No-OF group. The most common complication were wound infection (5.8%) and pneumonia (1.0%) in the OF group, wound infection (2.1%) and pressure sores (2.0%) in the No- OF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that mechanical trauma (OR = 64.229, P < 0.001), being hurt/cut by others (OR = 26.757, P < 0.001), and being struck by an object (OR = 15.345, P < 0.001) were stronger risk factors for open fracture than were low falls; additionally, lower limb fractures (OR = 5.970, P < 0.001), upper limb fractures (OR = 5.865, P < 0.001) and multiple fractures (OR = 5.414, P < 0.001) were stronger risk factors than craniofacial fractures for open fractures. The frequency of surgical treatment for the patients with traumatic open fractures (87.9%, 181/206) was significantly higher than those without open fractures (72.2%, 1596/2212) (P < 0.001). The hospital stays and fees for surgical treatment for the patients with traumatic open fractures were significantly higher than those without open fractures (P < 0.001).

Etiology (especially being injured by a machine or being hurt/cut by others) and the fracture site (including lower limb fractures and upper limb fractures) were independent risk factors for open fractures. Traumatic open fractures presented with higher surgical treatment rate, hospital stays and fees.
Changes in tibial nerve stiffness during ankle dorsiflexion according to in-vivo analysis with shear wave elastography
Authors: Kawanishi Kengo , Nariyama Yuki , Anegawa Keisuke , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Kudo Shintarou
Published: June 2022

A more detailed assessment of pathological changes in the tibial nerve (TN) is needed to better assess how physical therapy influences TN pathologies. The cross-sectional nerve area can be used for TN assessment but may be influenced by individual differences in parameters, such as body height, body weight, and foot length. Therefore, there are no known reliable noninvasive quantitative methods for assessing TN neuropathy. Although recent ultrasonographic studies reported that TN stiffness changes could be used to assess TN neuropathies of the foot, these studies did not consider the joint position, and peripheral nerve tension can change with joint movement. Therefore, we considered that TN stiffness assessment could be improved by analyzing the relationship between ankle joint position and TN stiffness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TN stiffness and ankle angle changes using shear wave elastography. We hypothesized that the TN shear wave velocity significantly increases with ankle dorsiflexion and that the total ankle range or maximum dorsiflexion range correlates with the shear wave velocity.

This cross-sectional study included 20 TNs of 20 healthy adults. Ultrasonography and shear wave elastography were used to evaluate the TN. TN stiffness was measured at 5 ankle positions as follows: maximum dorsiflexion (100% df), plantar flexion in the resting position (0% df), and 3 intermediate points (25% df, 50% df, and 75% df).

TN shear wave velocity increased with an increase in ankle df angle. While total ankle range was significantly and negatively correlated with TN stiffness in all ankle positions, the maximum ankle df angle was significantly and negatively correlated only at 75% and 100% df.

TN stiffness below 50% df may be affected by gliding or decreased nerve loosening, and TN stiffness above 75% df may be influenced by nerve tensioning. When measuring TN stiffness for diagnostic purposes, TN should be assessed at an ankle joint angle below 50% df.
Acupoint herbal patching for bronchitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jun Ji Hee , Kim Kyeong Han , Song Eunhye , Ang Lin , Park Sunju
Published: June 2022

Background:

Acupoint herbal patching (AHP) has long been used to treat patients with bronchitis in East Asia. This review assessed the efficacy and safety of AHP as a treatment for bronchitis.

Methods:

We performed a literature search using the 9 databases and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that used AHP for bronchitis. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook version 5.3, the risk of bias tool, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results:

Seven RCTs were included based on the inclusion criteria. All RCTs were published in China and had a high risk of bias. Three RCTs compared AHP with conventional drug therapy for the treatment of bronchitis. The meta-analysis also showed a significant improvement in treatment effectiveness (relative risk [RR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15, 1.42; P < .00001; I2 = 0%). Two RCTs investigated AHP combined with conventional drug therapy versus conventional drug therapy. The meta-analysis showed that AHP was significantly more effective than conventional therapy in terms of treatment effective rate (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03, 1.29; P = .01; I2 = 0%). Three RCTs reported adverse events, and none reported severe adverse events.

Conclusions:

AHP appears to be more effective than conventional drug therapy alone or a placebo. Furthermore, the AHP appears to be a safe treatment option. However, due to the small number of included trials and their poor methodological quality, future studies should include larger sample sizes and well-designed RCTs.

Trial registration number:

PROSPERO: CRD 42018110380.