bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Representation Among Major Plastic Surgery Society Achievement Award Recipients
Authors: Ni Tiffany , Cebron Urska , Zuo Kevin J. , Stefaniuk Stephanie , Snell Laura , Dengler Jana
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Professional achievement awards are an important factor in recruitment, promotion, and faculty review within academic institutions. Studies have shown that subconscious, gender-based assumptions of individuals and their work in traditionally male-dominated fields lead to more positive evaluations of men than women, a phenomenon present among scientific and medical award committees. This study examined gender representation among recipients of major North American plastic surgery society awards over the last 50 years. Methods: Recipient lists of major achievement awards bestowed by ten American and Canadian plastic surgery societies between 1970 and 2020 were accessed online or by direct contact with the society. Awardee gender, institution affiliation, graduation year, fellowship status, and additional major awards received were recorded. Comparisons were made between gender representation among society presidents, board membership, general society memberships, attending physicians, and plastic surgery residency enrolment. Results: Thirty-two major awards given by ten plastic surgery societies were included. Six hundred and twenty-five awards were conferred, of which 47 recipients were female (7.5%). Of the 121 individuals that received multiple major awards, 8 were female. Two-thirds of female awardees (72%) were clinical plastic surgeons and the remainder were scientists. Over the past 50 years, there has been a gradual increase in the proportion of female award winners. Conclusions: Despite a gradual increase in the proportion of female awardees in major plastic surgery societies, female plastic surgeons remain underrepresented among awardees, with less than 10% of major awards conferred to females.
French Translation and Validation of the OSTRC-H2 Questionnaire on Overuse Injuries and Health Problems in Elite Athletes
Authors: Beaudart Charlotte , Galvanin Margaux , Hauspy Rosalie , Clarsen Benjamin Matthew , Demoulin Christophe , Bornheim Stephen , Van Beveren Julien , Kaux Jean-François
Published: June 2023

Background:

To evaluate the burden of overuse injuries, the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) questionnaire on health problems (OSTRC-H2) was developed in English in 2013.

Purpose:

To translate and culturally adapt the OSTRC-H2 into French and investigate the reliability and validity of this new version.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The OSTRC-H2 was translated from English to French according to international guidelines. A total of 80 elite athletes were then invited to complete the OSTRC-H2 weekly for 3 months. Potential ceiling effects, construct validity, and reliability were investigated. Convergent validity was measured using Pearson correlations for continuous items and kappa coefficients for binary items; internal consistency was measured using the Cronbach alpha coefficient; and test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Separate analyses were performed on the entire cohort of athletes (population 1 [P1]) and on athletes who reported a health problem during the follow-up (P2).

Results:

A total of 80 elite athletes took part in this study. The response rate was very high, with 909 of 960 questionnaires returned (95%). The mean weekly prevalence of health problems was 19.6% during the follow-up period. Nineteen participants reported a health problem during the follow-up (P2). The OSTRC-H2 showed very good test-retest reliability for both populations (ICC, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.77-0.90] for P1; ICC, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.68-0.98] for P2). Internal consistency was very good for P2 (Cronbach α = .94). The OSTRC-H2 demonstrated high concordance with the visual analog scale of symptom intensity ( r = 0.52; P < .05), and low concordance with the overtraining questions from the Questionnaire de la Société Française de Médecine du Sport (κ from –0.01 to 0.12; P > .05).

Conclusion:

The French version of the OSTRC-H2 was found to be valid and reliable when applied to French-speaking elite athletes.
Temporal trends in results of endovascular treatment of anterior intracranial large cerebral vessel occlusion: A 7-year study
Authors: Bourcier Romain , Consoli Arturo , Desilles Jean-Philippe , Labreuche Julien , Kyheng Maeva , Desal Hubert , Alias Quentin , Gory Benjamin , Dargazanli Cyril , Janot Kévin , Zhu François , Lapergue Bertrand , Marnat Gaultier
Published: June 2023

Background:

Technical improvements in devices, changes in angiographic grading scales and various confounding factors have made difficult the detection of the temporal evolution of angiographic and clinical results after endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic Stroke (AIS). We analyzed this evolution in time using the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry.

Materials and Methods:

We analyzed the efficacy outcomes of EVT performed from January 2015 to January 2022, and modelized the temporal trends using mixed logistic regression models, further adjusted for age, intravenous thrombolysis prior to EVT, general anesthesia, occlusion site, balloon catheter use and the type of first-line EVT strategy. We assessed heterogeneity in temporal trends according to occlusion site, balloon catheter use, cardio embolic etiology, age (<80 years vs ⩾80 years) and first-line EVT strategy.

Results:

Among 6104 patients treated from 2015 to 2021, the rates of successful reperfusion (71.1%–89.6%) and of complete first pass effect (FPE) (4.6%–28.9%) increase, whereas the rates of patients with >3 EVT device passes (43.1%–17.5%) and favorable outcome (35.8%–28.9%) decrease significantly over time. A significant heterogeneity in temporal trends in successful reperfusion according to the first-line EVT strategy was found (p-het = 0.018). The temporal trend of increasing successful reperfusion rate was only significant in patients treated with contact aspiration in first-line (adjusted overall effect p = 0.010).

Conclusion:

In this 7-year-old large registry of ischemic stroke cases treated with EVT, we observed a significant increase with time in the rate of recanalization whereas there was a tendency toward a decrease in the rate of favorable outcome over the same period.
Hundred Years of Chargola Exodus: Changes and Continuity in the Tea Plantations in Eastern India
Authors: Das Bikash
Published: June 2023

The introduction of tea plantations was a colonial capitalist venture in eastern India. The tea plantations turned into social enclaves and hotspots of labour migration. The tribal labourers had to work in a bondage labour system with low wages, strict surveillance and harsh working conditions. The Chargola Exodus of 1921 was one of the first organized and articulated labour protests against colonial oppression and the bondage labour system in tea plantations. The plantation labourers revolted against the colonial oppression and decided to return to their homeland to quit from bondage system in the tea plantations. This article examines the changes and continuity in the tea plantations in the last hundred years since the Chargola Exodus. It argues the bondage labour system can still be sensed as the colonial structure in the plantations remained unchanged. However, the forms of labour bondage have been changed, and it has become ‘unannounced’. Therefore, the servitude of the labourers in the tea plantations has continued since the colonial period, even after the independence of the country. At present, the tribal communities in the tea plantations are living in extreme poverty, chronic hunger, low literacy, unsanitary living conditions and poor health status. The tea plantations have turned into a hotspot of human trafficking, forced out-migration and hunger deaths.
“Double Myocardial Infarct Syndrome” resulting from Simultaneous Occlusion of Dual Coronary Arteries: A Double Jeopardy
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Kulkarni Gururaj Pramod , Misra Krushna Chandra , Jaishetwar Ganesh
Published: June 2023

Angiographic evidence of thrombosis in more than one coronary artery at the same time is uncommon in patients with acute myocardial infarction, and this is hard to identify with routine electrocardiography. Patients may manifest with high-degree atrioventricular block, cardiogenic shock, or sudden cardiac arrest, all of which are potentially fatal outcomes. This case study focuses on a patient who experienced cardiogenic shock, high-degree atrioventricular block secondary to acute anterior-inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. During the coronary angiogram, thrombotic occlusions of the left anterior descending and right coronary arteries were observed. A patient was salvaged by the use of mechanical circulatory assistance in conjunction with prompt percutaneous coronary intervention of both the culprit arteries. Our case report emphasizes the importance of completing revascularization as soon as possible by opening the culprit arteries and ensuring appropriate mechanical circulatory support to the patient.
Pragmatic prospection, the matrix of maybe, uncertainty, and human agency
Authors: Baumeister Roy F
Published: June 2023

The human agent exists in a world consisting not only of facts and stimuli but also of possibilities. The multiplicity of possibilities is most readily apparent in the future. Pragmatic prospection theory proposes that people think about the future to predict possibilities (e.g. choice points requiring decision) rather than final outcomes. This process can be analyzed into two heuristic steps. The first one envisions a desirable outcome and therefore is optimistically biased. The second step considers how to reach that outcome, including noting obstacles and difficulties, and is therefore less subject to optimistic bias. Many psychological processes are adapted for an environment in which uncertainty is a frequent aspect, and the psychology of dealing with uncertainty mixes simple, crude responses (e.g. conserve resources, be alert to all information) with complex and sometimes irrational ones. The advanced human form of agency, sometimes called free will, involves complex processes including mental simulation of future alternatives, integration across time, and application of meaningful categories and principles to the causation of behavior.
Reconsidering the real estate state
Authors: Tapp Renee
Published: June 2023

In response to Wilson and Wyly's paper, I argue that urban planners, policymakers, and theorists need an alternative understanding of “the real estate state.” This approach involves recovering the productive capabilities of publicly owned property. Starting with the fact that governments often are the largest property owners in a city, I argue that urban planning has shied away from its mandate to manage real estate for the public's benefit. Urban theory, education, and practice that shun real estate finance furthers inequality. To combat this, scholars and practitioners need to place the state and its vast real estate portfolio at the center of critical analysis and bold civic policies.
Principles in Project Portfolio Management: Building Upon What We Know to Prepare for the Future
Authors: Hansen Lars Kristian , Svejvig Per
Published: June 2023

Since the 1950s, project portfolio management (PPM) has offered principles helping us to act in PPM-related situations. Our study integrates what we know by reviewing seven decades of PPM research. We identify 17 PPM principles in four categories that have shaped our thinking and show how these are embedded in a semantical hierarchy. By doing so we shed light on the thoughts, intentions, and practices behind the principles, which support practitioners in becoming knowledgeable agents. By reflecting on the deficits of the identified principles’ underlying assumptions, we propose a path for future research.
Capillary carbon dioxide tension increases in hospital staff wearing filtering facepiece masks: a prospective crossover study
Authors: Roeder Georg , Bilir Aylin , Graf Alexandra , Baron David M.
Published: June 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed worldwide hygiene practices. In particular, the use of filtering face piece (FFP) masks markedly increased. Concerns have been raised regarding possible negative respiratory effects of wearing FFP masks. The aim of this study was to investigate gas exchange and subjective breathing effort in hospital personnel wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks.

Methods

In this prospective, single-centre, crossover study, 200 hospital workers were assigned to alternately wear FFP2 or FFP3 masks for 1 h during routine activities. Capillary blood gas analysis was performed to evaluate gas exchange while wearing the FFP masks. The primary end-point was the change in capillary partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PcCO2). In addition, capillary partial pressure of oxygen (PcO2), respiratory rate and subjective breathing effort were assessed at the end of each hour. Changes between time points and study groups were estimated using univariate and multivariate models.

Results

PcCO2increased from 36.8±3.5 to 37.2±3.3 mmHg (p=0.047) and 37.4±3.2 mmHg (p=0.003) in individuals wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks, respectively. Age (p=0.021) and male sex (p<0.001) were significantly associated with increasedPcCO2. Similarly, thePcO2increased from 70.7±8.4 to 73.4±8.8 mmHg (p<0.001) and 72.8±8.5 mmHg (p=0.004) in individuals wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks, respectively. Respiratory rate and subjective breathing effort increased significantly while wearing FFP2 and FFP3 masks (p<0.001 for all analyses). The order of wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusions

An hour of wearing FFP2 or FFP3 masks increasedPcCO2values, respiratory rate and subjective breathing effort in healthcare personnel performing routine activities.
Ancient DNA: the past for the future
Authors: Chen Ningbo , Nedoluzhko Artem
Published: June 2023

The last decade has seen advancements in sequencing technologies and laboratory preparation protocols for ancient DNA (aDNA) that have rapidly been applied in multiple research areas thus enabling large-scale scientific research. Future research could also refine our understanding of the evolution of humans, non-human animals, plants, invertebrate specimens, and microorganisms.
Complete chloroplast genomes of five Cuscuta species and their evolutionary significance in the Cuscuta genus
Authors: Pan Hangkai , Zagorchev Lyuben , Chen Luxi , Tao Yutian , Cai Chaonan , Jiang Ming , Sun Zhongshuai , Li Junmin
Published: June 2023

Background

Cuscuta, a parasitic plant species in the Convolvulaceae family, grows in many countries and regions. However, the relationship between some species is still unclear. Therefore, more studies are needed to assess the variation of the chloroplast (cp) genome in Cuscuta species and their relationship with subgenera or sections, thus, providing important information on the evolution of Cuscuta species.

Results

In the present study, we identified the whole cp genomes of C. epithymum, C. europaea, C. gronovii, C. chinensis and C. japonica, and then constructed a phylogenetic tree of 23 Cuscuta species based on the complete genome sequences and protein-coding genes. The complete cp genome sequences of C. epithymum and C. europaea were 96,292 and 97,661 bp long, respectively, and lacked an inverted repeat region. Most cp genomes of Cuscuta spp. have tetragonal and circular structures except for C. epithymum, C. europaea, C. pedicellata and C. approximata. Based on the number of genes and the structure of cp genome and the patterns of gene reduction, we found that C. epithymum and C. europaea belonged to subgenus Cuscuta. Most of the cp genomes of the 23 Cuscuta species had single nucleotide repeats of A and T. The inverted repeat region boundaries among species were similar in the same subgenera. Several cp genes were lost. In addition, the numbers and types of the lost genes in the same subgenus were similar. Most of the lost genes were related to photosynthesis (ndh, rpo, psa, psb, pet, and rbcL), which could have gradually caused the plants to lose the ability to photosynthesize.

Conclusion

Our results enrich the data on cp. genomes of genus Cuscuta. This study provides new insights into understanding the phylogenetic relationships and variations in the cp genome of Cuscuta species.
Formation mechanism of glandular trichomes involved in the synthesis and storage of terpenoids in lavender
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Wang Di , Li Hui , Bai Hongtong , Sun Meiyu , Shi Lei
Published: June 2023

Background

Lavender (genus Lavandula, family Lamiaceae) is an aromatic plant widely grown as an ornamental plant. The chemical composition of lavender is characterized by monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and other compounds, which are primarily synthesized and stored in epidermal secretory structures called glandular trichomes (GTs). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are responsible for the aroma characteristics of plant oil that drive consumer preference. Aroma is usually regarded as a characteristic trait for the classification of aromatic plants. Interestingly, VOCs are synthesized and stored in GTs. Lamiaceae species such as purple perilla, peppermint, basil, thyme, and oregano usually possess two types of GTs: peltate glandular trichomes (PGTs) and capitate glandular trichomes (CGTs). But the development process of PGTs in lavender has been reported in only a few studies to date.

Results

In this study, we identified and quantified the VOCs in four lavender cultivars by headspace-solid phase micro extraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS–SPME–GC–MS). A total of 66 VOCs were identified in these four cultivars, the most prominent of which were linalyl acetate and linalool, and flowers were the main site of accumulation of these VOCs. Here, we examined the developmental process of PGTs, including the formation of their base, body, and apex. The apex cells contained secretory cavities, which produced VOCs. Based on the reference genome sequence of the lavender cultivar ‘Jingxun 2’, several R2R3-MYB subfamily genes related to GT formation were identified. These results will guide the engineering of GTs and molecular breeding of lavender for improving the VOC content.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified the VOCs in four lavender cultivars. We analyzed the formation of GTs, and compared the number and diameter size of PGTs among four lavender cultivars. Additionally, we identified four candidate genes belonging to the R2R3-MYB family.
The effects of the administration sequence and the type of hypnotics on the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Yu Jin , Kim Yesull , Lee Chanhong , Kim Dong-Chan , Doo Aram
Published: June 2023

Background

Research on remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity is limited. Furthermore, its incidence is unknown, and the clinical factors influencing its development remain unclear. This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of the administration sequence of hypnotics and remifentanil as well as the type of hypnotic administered on the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity.

Methods

A total of 125 older patients aged $$\ge$$
≥
65 years, who were scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups; Thio-Remi, Pro-Remi, Remi-Thio, or Remi-Pro. After confirming the loss of consciousness and achieving a target effect-site concentration of 3 ng/mL remifentanil, the development of remifentanil-induced chest wall rigidity was evaluated.

Results

The incidence of chest wall rigidity was significantly higher in the remifentanil-hypnotic group than in the hypnotic-remifentanil (opposite sequence) group (55.0% vs. 21.7%, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that remifentanil-hypnotic administration was a significant predictor of the development of chest wall rigidity (crude odds ratio 4.42, 95% confidence interval 1.99; 9.81, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pretreatment with hypnotics potentially reduces the development of chest wall rigidity during the induction of balanced anesthesia with remifentanil in older patients.

Trial registration

This article was registered at WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Trial number: KCT0006542).
Pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection: a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome in the third trimester
Authors: Vongbunyong Kenny , Chua Frederick , Ghashghaei Roxana
Published: June 2023

Background

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death that is mostly seen in younger patients without significant cardiac risk factors. The mechanism by which SCAD causes an acute coronary event is related to the compromise of the coronary artery lumen as a result of hematoma within the vessel wall. In comparison to their non-pregnant counterparts, when SCAD is associated with pregnancy, it has been associated with an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and death. The underlying mechanism behind SCAD is not yet fully understood, and despite the condition’s high mortality rate, it remains underdiagnosed.

Case Presentation

Our case features a 38-year-old woman at 29 weeks of gestation presenting with chest pain that persisted despite initial management. Coronary angiography revealed a Type 2a spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery. Given the risks of percutaneous coronary intervention in SCAD management and overall clinical stability, the patient was treated with conservative management.

Conclusion

SCADs are a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome that can be found in patients without any prior cardiac risk factors. It is important to have a high index of suspicion when diagnosing SCADs given, they can cause life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and death. This case highlights considerations that must be taken into account when treating P-SCAD, as opposed to SCAD in the postpartum period.
Clinical characteristics, prognosis, and surgical outcomes of patients with non-HBV and non-HCV related hepatocellular carcinoma: three-decade observational study
Authors: Yasukawa Koya , Shimizu Akira , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Hosoda Kiyotaka , Hayashi Hikaru , Soejima Yuji
Published: June 2023

Background

The incidence of non-hepatitis B virus, non-hepatitis C virus hepatocellular carcinoma (non-B non-C-HCC) is increasing worldwide. We assessed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of non-B non-C-HCC, versus hepatitis B (HBV-HCC) and hepatitis C (HCV-HCC).

Methods

Etiologies, fibrosis stages, and survival outcomes were analyzed of 789 consecutive patients who underwent surgery from 1990 to 2020 (HBV-HCC, n = 149; HCV-HCC, n = 424; non-B non-C-HCC, n = 216).

Results

The incidence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in patients with NON-B NON-C-HCC than in those with HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC. Significantly more advanced tumor stages were observed in patients with non-B non-C-HCC; however, better liver function and lower fibrosis stages were observed. Patients with non-B non-C-HCC had significantly worse 5-year overall survival than patients with HBV-HCC; overall survival was comparable between patients with non-B non-C-HCC and HCV-HCC. Patients with HCV-HCC had significantly worse 5-year recurrence-free survival than patients with HBV-HCC and non-B non-C-HCC. In patients with non-B non-C-HCC, overall survival was comparable among three periods (1990–2000, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020) despite significant improvement in patients with HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC.

Conclusion

The prognosis of non-B non-C-HCC was similar to that of HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC regardless of tumor progression at surgery. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia require careful systematic follow-up and treatment.
Epidemiology, validation, and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease: the ABIS birth cohort study
Authors: Östensson Malin , Björkqvist Olle , Guo Annie , Størdal Ketil , Halfvarson Jonas , Mårild Karl , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: June 2023

Background

Birth cohort studies with linked register-based data on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provide opportunities to prospectively study early-life determinants of the disease. However, register-based data often lack information on clinical characteristics and rely on diagnostic algorithms. Within the All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) cohort, we examined the validity of a register-based definition of IBD, its incidence, and clinical and therapeutic characteristics at diagnosis.

Methods

We followed 16,223 children from birth (1997–1999) until the end of 2020 for the diagnosis of IBD as defined by a minimum of two diagnostic codes for IBD in the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR). We described the incidence and cumulative incidence of IBD. Through a medical record review of cases diagnosed by the end of 2017, we examined the positive predictive value (PPV) for IBD and described its clinical characteristics and treatment.

Results

By 2020, at an average age of 22.2 years, 113 participants (0.74%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61–0.89) had a register-based diagnosis of IBD, corresponding to an incidence of 31.3 per 100,000 person-years of follow-up; the incidence for Crohn’s disease (CD) was 11.1 per 100,000 person-years and 15.8 for ulcerative colitis (UC). Of 77 participants with a register-based definition of IBD by the end of 2017, medical records were identified for 61 participants, of whom 57 had true IBD (PPV = 93%; 95%CI = 0.87–1.00). While oral 5-aminosalicylic acid treatment was equally common in newly diagnosed CD and UC patients, biologics were more often used for newly diagnosed CD. The median faecal calprotectin levels were 1206 mg/kg at diagnosis and 93 mg/kg at the last follow-up (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this population-based sample of Swedish children and young adults the cumulative IBD incidence was 0.74. The validity of register-based definition of IBD was high and supports using such data to identify IBD patients in cohort studies.
Histogram analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to predict extramural venous invasion in rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Ke-xin , Yu Jing , Xu Qing
Published: June 2023

Background

To explore the potential of histogram analysis (HA) of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the identification of extramural venous invasion (EMVI) in rectal cancer patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included preoperative images of 194 rectal cancer patients at our hospital between May 2019 and April 2022. The postoperative histopathological examination served as the reference standard. The mean values of DCE-MRI quantitative perfusion parameters (Ktrans, Kep and Ve) and other HA features calculated from these parameters were compared between the pathological EMVI-positive and EMVI-negative groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the prediction model for pathological EMVI-positive status. Diagnostic performance was assessed and compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The clinical usefulness of the best prediction model was further measured with patients with indeterminate MRI-defined EMVI (mrEMVI) score 2(possibly negative) and score 3 (probably positive).

Results

The mean values of Ktrans and Ve in the EMVI-positive group were significantly higher than those in the EMVI-negative group (P = 0.013 and 0.025, respectively). Significant differences in Ktrans skewness, Ktrans entropy, Ktrans kurtosis, and Ve maximum were observed between the two groups (P = 0.001,0.002, 0.000, and 0.033, respectively). The Ktrans kurtosis and Ktrans entropy were identified as independent predictors for pathological EMVI. The combined prediction model had the highest area under the curve (AUC) at 0.926 for predicting pathological EMVI status and further reached the AUC of 0.867 in subpopulations with indeterminate mrEMVI scores.

Conclusions

Histogram Analysis of DCE-MRI Ktrans maps may be useful in preoperative identification of EMVI in rectal cancer, particularly in patients with indeterminate mrEMVI scores.
Circulating Galectin-3 levels and Diabetic Nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Yong , Li Ling , Hu Shanbiao
Published: June 2023

Aims

Changes of serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) is associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, current literature indicates that the given results remain debatable and inconsistent. Hence, the aim of this present meta-analysis was to focus on the predictive role of serum Gal-3 in patients with DN.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies that reported the relationship between Gal-3 levels and DN risk, from the inception of each database to March, 2023. The literature we selected for inclusion based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The standard mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to investigate the association. WhenI2value exceeding 50%, we will consider it has the presence of a higher level of heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to seek the potential sources of heterogeneity. The quality assessment was performed using according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The data analysis was conducted using STATA version 13.0 software.

Results

We ultimately enrolled 9 studies enrolling a total of 3137 patients in the final analysis. The SMD of serum Gal-3 was higher in patients with DN group (SMD 1.10 ng/mL [0.63, 1.57];I2: 96.1%). Upon removal of a study in sensitivity analysis, patients with DN had higher serum Gal-3 levels compared to control patients (SMD 1.03 ng/mL [0.52, 1.54],I2: 94.4%). Further subgroup analysis was performed based on the region. No matter in Asia, Europe or Africa, the serum Gal-3 level of DN patients is significantly higher than that of the control population (SMD: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.87 for Asian; SMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.48 to 1.10 for Europe; SMD: 3.15; 95% CI: 2.73 to 3.56 for Africa).

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results suggested that higher serum Gal-3 may increase the risk of DN. More fundamental studies are necessary to clarify the exact physiopathological basis mechanisms of Gal-3 effects. In addition, further research, especially emphasis on the cut-off value should be given, and is best to predict their actual importance as well as the diagnostic accuracy.
Pregnancy feasibility in women with mild pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Ruilin , Gao Hui , Cui Jianjian , Shi Haoran , Yang Zejun , Jin Zhishan , Liu Xiaoxia , Wu Di , Liu Weifang , Zheng Yanfang , Zhao Yin
Published: June 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy feasibility of women with mild pulmonary hypertension according to pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the differences in maternal and fetal outcomes between mild and moderate-to-severe pulmonary hypertension. Relevant English and Chinese literature were searched in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (COCHRANE), CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP databases between January 1st, 1990 and April 18th, 2023, and the references of the included articles and relevant systematic reviews were reviewed to determine whether studies were missed. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled and observational studies (including case-control studies and cohort studies) examining maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes with pulmonary hypertension. Conference abstracts, case reports, case series reports, non-comparative studies, and review articles were excluded.

Results

This meta-analysis included 32 studies. In this study, maternal and fetal outcomes were better in the mild pulmonary hypertension group than in the moderate-to-severe group. Regarding maternal mortality, the mild group was much lower than the moderate to severe group. We found a significant decrease in maternal mortality in the mild group after 2010. However, no significant difference in maternal mortality before and after 2010 was observed in the moderate to severe group. Cardiac complications, ICU admission, neonatal preterm birth, small for gestational age infants, low birth weight infants, neonatal asphyxia, and neonatal mortality were significantly lower in the mild pulmonary hypertension group than in the moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension group. The cesarean section rates of the two groups were similar. However, the vaginal delivery rate in the mild pulmonary hypertension group was significantly higher than that in the moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension group.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis confirmed that pregnancies with mild pulmonary hypertension had significantly better maternal and fetal outcomes than those with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension. For patients with mild pulmonary hypertension and good cardiac function, continued pregnancy or even delivery should be considered under multidisciplinary monitoring. However, maternal and fetal complications with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension significantly increase. Hence, it is essential to evaluate pregnancy risk and terminate it in time.
Analyzing molecular typing and clinical application of immunogenic cell death-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Cai-Feng , Chen Zhi-Wen , Kang Feng-Ping , Hu Jian-Fei , Huang Long , Liao Cheng-Yu , Lai Jian-Lin , Huang Yi , Wang Zu-Wei , Tian Yi-Feng , Chen Shi
Published: June 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered one of the most common cancers, characterized by low early detection and high mortality rates, and is a global health challenge. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is defined as a specific type of regulated cell death (RCD) capable of reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment by releasing danger signals that trigger immune responses, which would contribute to immunotherapy.

Methods

The ICD gene sets were collected from the literature. We collected expression data and clinical information from public databases for the HCC samples in our study. Data processing and mapping were performed using R software to analyze the differences in biological characteristics between different subgroups. The expression of the ICD representative gene in clinical specimens was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the role of the representative gene in HCC was evaluated by various in vitro assays, including qRT-PCR, colony formation, and CCK8 assay. Lasso-Cox regression was used to screen prognosis-related genes, and an ICD-related risk model (ICDRM) was constructed. To improve the clinical value of ICDRM, Nomograms and calibration curves were created to predict survival probabilities. Finally, the critical gene of ICDRM was further investigated through pan-cancer analysis and single-cell analysis.

Results

We identified two ICD clusters that differed significantly in terms of survival, biological function, and immune infiltration. As well as assessing the immune microenvironment of tumors in HCC patients, we demonstrate that ICDRM can differentiate ICD clusters and predict the prognosis and effectiveness of therapy. High-risk subpopulations are characterized by high TMB, suppressed immunity, and poor survival and response to immunotherapy, whereas the opposite is true for low-risk subpopulations.

Conclusions

This study reveals the potential impact of ICDRM on the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune infiltration, and prognosis of HCC patients, but also a potential tool for predicting prognosis.
Shifting from an individual to an organizational perspective in work environment management – a process evaluation of a six-year intervention program within the Swedish public sector
Authors: Dahlqvist I , Ståhl C , Severin J , Akerstrom Magnus
Published: June 2023

Background

Working systematically with the work environment, particularly the organizational and psychosocial work environment entails several challenges for employers. There is a lack of knowledge on how to best undertake this work. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the process of a six-year organizational-level intervention program where workplaces could apply for additional funds to implement preventive intervention measures, with the intention of improving working conditions and reducing sickness absence within the Swedish public sector.

Methods

The program management process was studied using a mixed-method approach combining qualitative document and content analyses based on process documentation produced between 2017 and 2022 (n = 135), interviews with internal occupational health services professionals in 2021 (n = 9) and quantitative descriptive analyses of submitted applications with decisions from 2017 to 2022 (n = 621).

Results

Qualitative analyses of the process documentation revealed concerns from the project group regarding access to sufficient competence and resources among stakeholders and participating workplaces, and role conflicts and ambiguities between the program and everyday operations. To address these challenges, the application process was developed over time using the knowledge gained from previous years. A change in the mental models in work environment management, from an individual to an organizational perspective, was seen among the project group and the internal occupational health services responsible for implementing most of the granted intervention measures. In addition, the proportion of granted intervention measures on an organizational level increased throughout the years from 39% in 2017 to 89% in 2022. The changes in the application process were believed to be the main contributor to the change among the applying workplaces.

Conclusions

Results indicate that a long-term organizational-level workplace intervention program may be used, by the employer, as a tool for shifting from an individual- to an organizational perspective in the work environment management. However, additional measures on multiple levels need to be implemented to secure a sustainable shift in perspective within the organization.
Caesarean-section delivery and caries risk of 3-year-old Chinese children: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ge Xin , Lyu Xiaolin , Zhou Zhifei , Mi Yang , He Tongqiang , Wu Buling , Liu Fen
Published: June 2023

Background

Caesarean-section (C-section) may influence children’s long-term health by affecting bacterial colonization. However, few studies have focused on the association between C-section delivery (CSD) and dental caries, and previous conclusions have been conflicting. This study aimed to explore whether CSD would increase the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children in China.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study. Three-year-old children with full primary dentition were included through the medical records system. Children in the nonexposure group were vaginally delivered (VD), while children in the exposure group were delivered through C-section. The outcome was the occurrence of ECC. After agreeing to participate in this study, guardians of included children completed a structured questionnaire on maternal sociodemographic factors, children’s oral hygiene and feeding habits. The chi-square test was used to determine differences in the prevalence and severity of ECC between the CSD and VD groups and to analyse the prevalence of ECC according to sample characteristics. Subsequently, potential risk factors for ECC were preliminarily identified through univariate analysis, and the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were further calculated through multiple logistic regression analysis after controlling for confounding factors.

Results

The VD group included 2115 participants while CSD group included 2996 participants. The prevalence of ECC was higher in CSD children than in VD children (27.6% vs. 20.9%, P < 0.05), and the severity of ECC in CSD children was higher (mean number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, dmft: 2.1 vs. 1.7, P < 0.05). CSD was a risk factor for ECC in 3-year-old children (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.10–2.83). In addition, irregular tooth brushing and always prechewing children’s food were risk factors for ECC (P < 0.05). Low maternal educational attainment (high school or below) or socioeconomic status (SES-5) may also increase the prevalence of ECC in preschool children and CSD children (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

CSD would increase the risk of ECC in 3-year-old Chinese children. Paediatric dentists should devote more attention to the development of caries in CSD children. Obstetricians should also prevent excessive and unnecessary CSD.
Are oral health behaviors associated with metabolic syndrome in the Azar cohort population?
Authors: Esfanjani MohammadAmin Tarighat , Gilani Neda , Esfanjani Ali Tarighat , Nourizadeh Amir Mohammad , Faramarzi Elnaz , Hekmatfar Somayeh
Published: June 2023

Objective

Considering the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), this study aimed to investigate the relationship between MetS and its components with oral and dental health in the adult population of the Azar cohort.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study oral health care behaviors, DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index, and demographic data related to 15,006 patients (5112 in the MetS group and 9894 in the healthy group) of the Azar Cohort population aging from 35 to 70 were collected using appropriate questionnaires. The definition of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Then, the risk factors of MetS related to oral health behaviors were determined by proper statistical analysis.

Results

The majority of MetS patients were female (66%) and uneducated (23%) (P < 0.001). In the MetS group, the DMFT index (22.15 ± 8.89) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher (20.81 ± 8.94) than the no MetS group. Not brushing at all was associated with increased odds of MetS (unadjusted OR = 1.12, adjusted OR = 1.18). Flossing less than once a day was associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity (unadjusted OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.03–1.32) and hyperglycemia (unadjusted OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.61–2.20).

Conclusions

This study showed that in MetS patients of the Azar cohort study, oral hygiene was worse compared to that in the no MetS group. Further studies are suggested to encourage oral hygiene among the general population which has more beneficiary effects than has been known before.
Elian granules alleviate precancerous lesions of gastric cancer in rats by suppressing M2-type polarization of tumor-associated macrophages through NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Yi Zhirong , Jia Qingling , Wang Yujiao , Zhang Yuqin , Xie Tianyi , Ling Jianghong
Published: June 2023

Background

Precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) refer to a kind of histopathological changes in the gastric mucosa that can progress to gastric cancer. Elian granules (ELG), a Chinese medicinal prescription, have achieved satisfactory results in the treatment of PLGC. However, the exact mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of ELG remains unclear. Here, this study aims to explore the mechanism of ELG alleviating PLGC in rats.

Methods

The chemical ingredients of ELG were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Specific Pathogen Free SD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: the control, model, and ELG groups. The 1-Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) integrated modeling method was adopted to construct the PLGC rat model in groups except for the control group. Meanwhile, normal saline was used as an intervention for the control and model groups, and ELG aqueous solution for the ELG group, lasting 40 weeks. Subsequently, the stomach of rats was harvested for further analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the gastric tissue was conducted to assess the pathological changes. Immunofluorescence was carried out for the expression of CD68, and CD206 proteins. Real-time quantitative PCR combined with Western blot was conducted to analyze the expression of arginase-1(Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), p65, p-p65, nuclear factor inhibitor protein-α (IκBα), and p-IκBα in gastric antrum tissue.

Results

Five chemical ingredients including Curcumol, Curzerenone, Berberine, Ferulic Acid, and 2-Hydroxy-3-Methylanthraquine were identified in ELG. The gastric mucosal glands of rats treated with ELG were orderly arranged, with no intestinal metaplasia and no dysplasia. Furthermore, ELG decreased the percentage of M2-type TAMs marked with CD68 and CD206 proteins, and the ratio of Arg-1 to iNOS in the gastric antrum tissue of rats with PLGC. In addition, ELG could also down-regulate the protein and mRNA expression of p-p65, p65, and p-IκBα, but up-regulate the expression of IκBα mRNA in rats with PLGC.

Conclusions

The results showed that ELG attenuates PLGC in rats by suppressing the M2-type polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) through NF-κB signaling pathway.
Safety profile of colocasia esculenta tuber extracts in benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Tusubira Deusdedit , Aja Patrick M. , Munezero Jonasi , Ssedyabane Frank , Namale Nathim , Ifie Josiah E. , Agu Peter C. , Ajayi Clement O. , Okoboi Joash
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study was motivated by the increasing global incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the promising potential of nutraceuticals as complementary therapies in ameliorating its burden. We report the safety profile ofC. esculentatuber extracts, a novel nutraceutical in benign prostate hyperplasia in a rat model.

Methods

In this study, forty-five male albino rats were randomly assigned to 9 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (normal control) received olive oil and normal saline. Group 2 (BPH untreated group) received 3 mg/kg of testosterone propionate (TP) and normal saline, and group 3 (positive control) received 3 mg/kg of TP and 5 mg/kg of finasteride. Treatment groups 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 received 3 mg/kg of TP and a middle dose (200 mg/kg) of LD50 of ethanol crude tuber extract ofC. esculenta(ECTECE) or hexane, dichloromethane, butanone, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of ECTECE respectively for a period of 28 days.

Results

The negative controls showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean relative prostate weight (approximately 5 times) as well as a reduction in relative testes weight (approximately 1.4 times less). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the mean relative weights of most vital organs: liver, kidneys, and heart. This was also observed in hematological parameters: RBC, hemoglobin, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelets counts. In general, we note that the effects of the well-established drug finasteride on the biochemical parameters and histology of selected organs are comparable to those ofC. esculentafractions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that C. esculenta tuber extracts provide potentially safe nutraceutical if applied in the management of benign prostate hyperplasia based on a rat model.