bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives on Community Implementation of Interventions Unfamiliar to Older Adults
Authors: Mao Hui-Fen , Tsai Athena Yi-Jung , Yeh Hsin-Chun , Chang Ling-Hui
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

There is an increasing push for broad implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) targeting older adults. Successful delivery of EBIs in communities requires therapists to adhere to protocols and to be responsive to contextual factors. This study explored the real-world implementation of an EBI, the Multiple-component Cognitive Intervention using Simulated Everyday Tasks (MCI-SET) in Taiwan from therapists’ perspectives on fidelity, challenges, and strategies for program delivery.

Research Design and Methods

We used a convergent mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from the 13-item Perceived Fidelity Questionnaire (PFQ), assessing the perceived importance, proficiency, and adherence to the essential skills of MCI-SET. Qualitative data were collected via 2 World Café discussions on implementation challenges and strategies, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative and qualitative findings were then compared and integrated to enrich the interpretation.

Results

47 occupational therapists completed the PFQ. They rated community-oriented skills as more important, demonstrated greater proficiency, and achieved higher adherence. Qualitative analysis revealed that therapists need to increase and sustain participation by strategically introducing the program, adapting the intervention protocol to make it engaging, relevant to everyday issues, and tailored to local needs, and building rapport. Both quantitative and qualitative findings highlighted the importance of community engagement skills and the adaptability of intervention to implementation and sustainability in communities.

Discussion and Implications

Real-world scale-up of EBIs requires tailored adaptations responsive to community contexts, especially when initially introducing an intervention unfamiliar to the community. This emphasizes the need for a dynamic fidelity concept.
Incorporating staffing instability in the nursing home Five-Star Staffing Composite
Authors: Mukamel Dana B , Saliba Debra , Ladd Heather , Konetzka R Tamara
Published: December 2024

Staffing is an important indicator of nursing home quality and resident health outcomes. The Five-Star staffing ratings in Nursing Home Care Compare, the report card published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is based on average hours per resident-day and turnover measures. Studies have shown that a new measure of staffing instability, capturing day-to-day staffing variation, is associated with resident outcomes and provides additional information about quality not reflected in the current Five-Star staffing ratings. In this paper we simulate the impact of including the new staffing instability measure on staffing ratings for 13 641 nursing homes nationwide, using data for the third quarter of 2023. We found that, under a conservative scenario, 21% of nursing homes perform well or poorly enough on instability that this addition would change their current staffing rating, providing consumers with additional information about quality for these facilities, with minimal disruptions to the rating system as a whole. We also demonstrate that the choice of weights for each of the measures included in the Five-Star ratings matters. These weights should reflect policy priorities. We conclude that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can and should add staffing instability to its Five-Star staffing ratings.
Major pathologic response predicts survival in resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer after neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Zhou Shihong , Zhang Ying , Wu Ziheng , Xia Pinghui , He Tianyu , Cao Jinlin , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES

Major pathologic response is more common in survival analyses than pathological complete response. Whether major pathologic response can predict survival of patients with resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer and whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy affect the prognosis of patients remains questionable.

METHODS

Patients with resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (≥2 cycles) with/without immunotherapy were enrolled and divided into two groups according to pathological response. Comparison between the two groups was through chi-square test. Univariate Cox regression analysis and log-rank test were made to identify predictive factors of overall survival and disease-free survival. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed to evaluate the prognostic impact of these factors.

RESULTS

Totally, 38 patients were enrolled. Significant difference was observed in overall survival (P = 0.005) and disease-free survival (P = 0.007) between patients with/without major pathologic response. For patients failing to reach major pathologic response, those who underwent ≥2 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy exhibited improved outcomes in overall survival (P = 0.021) and disease-free survival (P = 0.046). Notably, within this subgroup, patients receiving ≥ 2 cycles of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy showed a trend towards better overall survival (P = 0.076) and disease-free survival (P = 0.062).

CONCLUSIONS

Major pathologic response can predict survival of patients with resectable stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer. For patients potentially not achieving major pathologic response after two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, extended cycles of feasible neoadjuvant therapy are advisable for survival benefits.
Targeting IKZF1 via HDAC1: Combating Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Balaji Sathyanarayan , Anbarasu Suvitha , Ramaiah Sudha , Anbarasu Anand
Published: December 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for 1.3% of all cancers, with a limited survival of only 30%, and treating AML is a continuous challenge in medicine. IKZF1 is a DNA-binding protein that is highly mutated and undruggable but significant in causing AML. The current study aims to target its transcription factors (TFs) modulating IKZF1 activity. The TF network was constructed and analyzed which revealed a dense Markov cluster (MCL) cluster and five hub genes namely, HDAC1, EP300, CREBBP, TP53, and MYC; the first node clusters were generated for the hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis found AML pathway enriched in all the clusters. Gene ontology terms were majorly related to transcription regulation terms including RNA polymerase transcription regulation, DNA binding activity, DNA templated transcription, and transcription factor binding. Further, the mutation profile of all the TFs found HDAC1 with a very low mutation profile of 0.1% and the survival plot found HDAC1 with a hazard ratio of 1.17 with increased survival upon low expression. Also, among the hub genes, HDAC1 was the only first node interactor with IKZF1. Thus, HDAC1 could be a potential biomarker candidate as well as a key target in treating AML.

Insight Box The study has an integrated approach for identifying a potential target through network analysis, functional enrichment analysis, mutation profiling survival prognosis, and target screening. The study employs a better strategy for targeting IKZF1, a significantly upregulated gene in AML by regulating its transcription factors. The analysis revealed a network of TFs regulating IKZF1, among which HDAC1 emerged as a promising candidate due to its low mutation rate, association with better survival outcomes, and direct interaction with IKZF1. This suggests HDAC1 could be a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target for AML treatment.
Dengue and diabetes comorbidity: an emerging public health threat
Authors: Bisanzio Donal , Estofolete Cássia Fernanda , Reithinger Richard
Published: December 2024

Dengue is of growing global public health concern. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for severe dengue and dengue-related mortality. Countries with the highest number of reported dengue cases are projected to experience a substantial increase in diabetes by 2050. This likely will result in an increased incidence of dengue–diabetes comorbidity, and, hence, in severe dengue and dengue-related mortality. Countries that are or will be affected by a high burden for both diabetes and dengue should urgently design strategies to minimize the health and economic impact that a diabetes–dengue comorbidity could have on affected populations.
The selective estrogen receptor modulator clomiphene inhibits sterol biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Qing , De Vriese Kjell , Desmet Sandrien , Wang Ren , Luklová Markéta , Liu Qianqian , Pollier Jacob , Lu Qing , Schlag Sarah , Vetter Walter , Goossens Alain , Russinova Eugenia , Goeminne Geert , Geelen Danny , Beeckman Tom , Vanneste Steffen
Published: December 2024

Sterols are produced via complex, multistep biosynthetic pathways involving similar enzymatic conversions in plants, animals, and fungi, yielding a variety of sterol metabolites with slightly different chemical properties to exert diverse and specific functions. A tremendously diverse landscape of sterols, and sterol-derived compounds can be found across the plant kingdom, determining a wide spectrum of functions. Resolving the underlying biosynthetic pathways is thus instrumental to understanding the function and use of these molecules. In only a few plants, sterol biosynthesis has been studied using mutants. In non-model species, a pharmacological approach is required. However, this relies on only a few inhibitors. Here, we investigated a collection of inhibitors of mammalian cholesterol biosynthesis to identify new inhibitors of plant sterol biosynthesis. We showed that imidazole-type fungicides, bifonazole, clotrimazole, and econazole, inhibited the obtusifoliol 14α-demethylase CYP51 in plants. Moreover, we found that the selective estrogen receptor modulator, clomiphene, inhibited sterol biosynthesis in part by inhibiting the plant-specific cyclopropyl-cycloisomerase CPI1. These results demonstrate that rescreening of inhibitors of animal sterol biosynthesis is an easy approach for identifying novel inhibitors of plant sterol biosynthesis. The molecules used in this study expand the range of inhibitors for studying and manipulating sterol biosynthesis in the plant kingdom.
Ivosidenib for the treatment of IDH1-mutant glioma, grades 2–4: Tolerability, predictors of response, and outcomes
Authors: Lanman Tyler A , Youssef Gilbert , Huang Raymond , Rahman Rifaquat , DeSalvo Matthew , Flood Thomas , Hassanzadeh Elmira , Lang Min , Lauer Jason , Potter Christopher , Jiao Albert , Pan Ian , Cahill Daniel P , Lan Zhou , Ospina Juan Pablo , Nakhate Vihang , Stec Natalie E , Shi Diana , Bi Wenya Linda , McBrayer Samuel K , Arrillaga-Romany Isabel , Lee Eudocia Q , Chukwueke Ugonma N , Nayak Lakshmi , Forst Deborah A , Gerstner Elizabeth R , Jordan Justin T , Dietrich Jorg , Miller Julie , Batchelor Tracy T , Reardon David A , Wen Patrick Y , Gonzalez Castro L Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Background

Mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDHm) inhibitors represent a novel targeted approach for treating IDHm glioma patients, yet their optimal use in clinical practice outside of clinical trials remains undefined. This study describes the real-world utilization of the mutant IDH1 inhibitor (IDHi), ivosidenib, in patients with IDHm glioma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic data from patients with IDHm glioma treated with ivosidenib monotherapy from 2020 to 2024 at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Results

This cohort included 74 patients with a median age of 39. There were 35 astrocytomas and 39 oligodendrogliomas, with 49, 23, and 2, grade 2, 3, and 4 tumors, respectively. Nineteen patients (26%) experienced an adverse event, although only 1 patient discontinued ivosidenib for adverse events. Median progression-free survival was 31 months and median overall survival was not reached. Seven patients (9%) had partial response, 3 (4%) had minor response, 47 (64%) had stable disease, and 17 (23%) had progressive disease. The presence of enhancing disease at ivosidenib initiation was associated with lower disease control rates (DCR) whereas DCR differences were not detected based on grade (grade 2 vs. 3), tumor histology, or age. Subsequent-line ivosidenib use had lower DCR although this may have been explained by enrichment of patients with enhancing disease.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of IDHm glioma patients, ivosidenib was well tolerated. Our results support the use of IDHi therapy in patients with grade 2 or 3 astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma and highlight limited effectiveness in patients with enhancing disease.
Genome-informed real-time PCR for detection of Erwinia pyrifoliae, the causal agent of Asian pear blight
Authors: Yasuhara-Bell Jarred , Mavrodieva Vessela , Rivera Yazmin
Published: December 2024

Erwinia pyrifoliae causes blight symptoms on pears (Pyrus spp.), apple (Malus spp.) and strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), with up to 40% losses in strawberry observed during a 2013 outbreak in the Netherlands. These commodities are of economic importance in the United States (U.S.). Introduction and establishment of E. pyrifoliae could result in huge economic losses, thus creating a need for appropriate surveillance and disease management. The availability of validated diagnostic tools is the cornerstone of successful surveillance, quarantine, and eradication measures. In this study, assays based on two different E. pyrifoliae-specific targets were validated thoroughly. The hrpW target was described previously, while the hsvC target was established in this study. Both were duplexed with either a 16S rDNA (bacteria) or 18S rDNA (plant) internal control (IC) to accommodate different sample types and extractions. The hrpW and hsvC targets showed similar performance, with a limit of detection of ~5 genome equivalent copies (GEC) per reaction with 100% positivity, demonstrating high sensitivity. The assays also demonstrated 100% analytical and diagnostic specificity. Positive results were obtained for eight known E. pyrifoliae isolates, comprising Korean and Japanese isolates, and no cross-reactions were observed with other Erwinia spp. tested, including closely related E. amylovora, as well as 50 other pathogens and two biocontrol agents. Symptomatic strawberries were found in the U.S. and these assays were able to confirm the first report of E. pyrifoliae. These assays were deployed successfully and are beneficial tools that support efforts to protect U.S. agriculture and facilitate safe trade.
Draft Genome data including functional annotation of an emerging fungal pathogen Neodothiora populina causing a canker disease of trembling aspen in Interior Alaska
Authors: Schuette U. M. E. , Wages M. , Buechlein A. , Kovash J. P. , Wrenn D. C. , Smrhova T. , Zubrova A. , Rusch D. B. , Winton L. M. , Adams G. C. , Ruess R. W. , Leigh M. B. , Drown D. M.
Published: December 2024

Neodothiora populina is a black yeast-like fungus in the family of Dothioraceae. It causes an aggressive canker disease of trembling aspen that results in widespread mortality of aspen across the boreal forest of Interior Alaska. Here we report a high-quality draft genome including functional annotation of this emerging fungal pathogen based on Nanopore Technology longread sequences. Our initial genome assembly totaled 23,960,169 bp and contained 18 contigs and we identified 7,343 genes. This resource announcement provides new genomic data useful long-term to improve our understanding of forest health in Alaska.
The origin of fingerprint diagnosis in children from the perspective of acupuncture and moxibustion theory
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Tong , Yang Feng
Published: December 2024

Pediatric fingerprint diagnosis, as a characteristic meridian diagnosis method in pediatrics, is widely used in clinical practice, the therapeutic principles of which are explored by summarizing the historical and contemporary descriptions in this study. From the perspectives of the relationship between pediatric fingerprints with collaterals, meridians, and specific areas in the index finger, theoretical discussions are conducted to elucidate how acupuncture and moxibustion theory influence the formation of pediatric fingerprint diagnosis, which provides new ideas for clinical practice. On this basis, the recognition and application of collateral diagnosis in clinical acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as the guiding significance of theoretical construction for clinical practice, are dissected.
Does Variation in Hospital Density and Social Deprivation Across Small Geographic Areas Play a Role in Perceived Barriers to Care Among People With Traumatic Brain Injury?
Authors: Lequerica Anthony H. , Botticello Amanda L.
Published: December 2024

Objective: To examine the role of area-level variables (hospital density and social deprivation) in the experience of health care access and quality among individuals with traumatic brain injury. Setting: Online questionnaire of community dwelling individuals Participants: 300 individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness. Design: Cross-sectional observational survey. Main Measures: Barriers to Care Questionnaire, Social Deprivation Index, Hospital Density. Results: In an unadjusted regression model, less social deprivation and higher hospital density were associated with better perceived health care access and quality. After adjusting for personal factors of race, ethnicity, age, injury severity, food insecurity, and housing insecurity, the effect of social deprivation was fully attenuated whereas the effect of hospital density on health care access and quality remained significant. A model containing only the personal factors demonstrated reduced health care access and quality among individuals identifying as Hispanic. However, this effect was non-significant with the inclusion of the area-level contextual factors in a fully adjusted model. Conclusions: Higher area-level hospital density is associated with a reduction in perceived barriers to care among individuals with TBI. In addition, contextual, area-level data accounted for the reduced health care access and quality among Hispanic participants. Area-level data can provide explanatory value in the study of health disparities for people with TBI from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Experiencing pain: perspectives of Patrick D. Wall—founding editor of the journal PAIN
Authors: Devor Marshall
Published: December 2024

Pain is a sensory and emotional experience. How did Pat Wall, founding editor of the journal PAIN and recognized pain guru, view the relation between the brain and the experience of pain? He was certain what it is not. It is not impulses in peripheral nociceptors that light up neurons in a central pain nucleus. Rather, it is a complex “signature” of brain activity normally driven by sensory stimuli, but in the event of pathology also from ectopic sources in injured nerves and associated dorsal root ganglia. Pain signatures are modulated in many ways: suppressed by gate control and descending brain pathways, augmented by peripheral and central sensitization, and massaged by abundant central feedback and feedforward loops. Pain experience is a complex function of a conscious brain. Ultimately, to understand pain is to understand conscious perception.
Survival outcomes following liver retransplantation (reSOFT) score: A model predicting survival after adult liver retransplantation
Authors: Terry Vivian , Christmann Caroline , Kamepalli Spoorthi , Montgomery Ashley , Goss John , Rana Abbas
Published: December 2024

Recipient and donor risk factors impacting adult liver retransplantation remain inadequately described in the modern era of liver transplantation. Our study aimed to develop a risk model for 3-month recipient survival following liver retransplantation using data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network’s (OPTN) liver transplantation database. We conducted univariate and multivariable analyses on 6,660 adult patients who underwent liver retransplantation between 2002 and 2023. Multiple imputation was also conducted to account for missing variables. From our analysis, we identified 14 recipient factors, 1 donor factor (age), and 1 operative factor (cold ischemia time) that significantly impacted 3-month patient survival. Among the most significant risk factors was a functional status, measured by the Karnofsky Score, of 10% at retransplantation (OR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.44-2.24) and recipient albumin of less than 1.5 (OR: 1.76, CI: 1.12-2.77). The most significant protective factors included a functional status of 90% (OR 0.22, CI: 0.07-0.70) and recipients with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR 0.10, CI: 0.01-0.79). The reSOFT score was developed by assigning points to these factors proportional to their hazard ratios and divided into high-, moderate-, and low-risk groups that accurately predict 3-month survival post-retransplant. With a C-statistic of 0.73 (CI 0.71-0.75), this tool may serve to guide clinicians in identifying and better caring for high-risk re-transplant recipients.
An appraisal and comparative analysis of superb microvascular imaging with conventional ultrasound and MRI for greater trochanteric pain syndrome management
Authors: Şirolu Sabri , Hamid Rauf , Arman Gökçe Merve , Karagöz Seyfullah Halit , Salt Vefa , Alçiçek Merve Nur , Akgün Kenan , Kalyoncu Uçar Ayşe , Adaletli İbrahim
Published: December 2024

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of hip pain and is often associated with chronic lower back pain and lower extremity osteoarthritis. Its diagnosis is clinical; however, imaging has been shown to aid in the differential diagnosis of challenging cases. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is a new technique that may be more effective than power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) in the detection of inflammation-related vascularity in patients. In this study, we aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracies of SMI and PDUS in patients with GTPS and evaluate the usefulness of these techniques in clinical practice. We recruited 37 GTPS patients and 15 healthy volunteers for participation in this study. PDUS and SMI examinations were performed and we retrospectively reviewed the magnetic resonance imaging scans for tendinosis, tears, and edema. The PDUS and SMI were positive in 19 and 31 hips, respectively. Both techniques had low sensitivity but high specificity and positive predictive values, with SMI being slightly better. PDUS and SMI had accuracies of 75% and 82.7%, respectively, with a grade 1 vascularization threshold. Moreover, magnetic resonance imaging detected peritendinous edema with an accuracy of 60.5%, including tendinosis and partial tears but not complete tendon tears. Our study showed that PDUS is an underutilized modality in the diagnosis of GTPS and that SMI may further improve diagnostic accuracy. However, the low sensitivity of both techniques suggests that a clinical diagnosis remains essential.
Serum pentraxin-3 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in primary liver cancer: An observational study
Authors: Chen Li , Song Shifu , Chen Mao , Liu Qin , Zhou Hongchi
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine serum pentraxin 3 levels in patients with primary liver cancer and to assess its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Serum samples were obtained from 180 patients with primary liver cancer and 180 healthy control subjects. The concentration of PTX3 in these samples was measured using an ELISA kit. The study also investigated the correlation between PTX3 levels and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with primary liver cancer. The effectiveness of serum PTX3 in diagnosing primary liver cancer was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their corresponding areas under the curve (AUC). The prognostic significance of serum PTX3 in patients with primary liver cancer was assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Serum PTX3 levels were elevated in patients with primary liver cancer compared to those in healthy control subjects. These levels were significantly correlated with drinking history, TNM stage, BCLC stage, tumor size, tumor number, and vascular invasion. However, no significant correlations were observed between PTX3 levels and other factors, such as age, sex, BMI, liver cirrhosis, histological grade, and histological type. With a cut-off value of 5.1 ng/mL, PTX3 effectively differentiated patients with primary liver cancer from healthy control subjects, achieving an AUC of 0.734, a sensitivity of 73.24%, and a specificity of 84.78%. Patients with higher serum PTX3 levels had lower overall survival rates and recurrence-free survival rates than those with lower PTX3 levels. Serum PTX3 levels are elevated in patients with primary liver cancer and high serum PTX3 levels are associated with poor prognosis. This suggests that serum PTX3 has the potential to be a novel biomarker for both the diagnosis and prognosis of primary liver cancer. These findings may improve patient outcomes by enabling early detection and continuous monitoring.
The impact of the “treasure game” on geometric thinking and post-learning mood in first-grade children
Authors: Chikha Anis Ben , Hawani Aymen , Eken Özgür , Goumni Chiraz , Zoghlami Wael , Mrayeh Maher , Kurtoğlu Ahmet , Souissi Nizar , Aldhahi Monira I.
Published: December 2024

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the motor game “Treasure Game” (TG) on first-grade children’s level of geometric thinking and post-learning mood tracking (PLMT).

Methods:

The study employed 24 first-grade children aged 6.1 ± 0.7 years from a public primary school in Tunisia, all classified at Level 1 of van Hiele geometric thinking (GT). Participants were randomly in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design in 2 groups and engaged in both the TG during physical education sessions and the conventional geometry course (CGC) during mathematics sessions over a 3-week period, with sessions counterbalanced to avoid order effects. The Van Hiele geometry test was administered to assess GT, and a mood chart was used to track PLMT. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (Chicago), applying paired and independent samples t-tests to compare the effects of TG and CGC on GT and mood, with significance set at P < .05 and effect sizes calculated using Cohen D and Hedges g.

Results:

The results indicated that the TG had a significant positive impact on both GT and PLMT in first-grade children. In group 1, there was no significant difference in GT after the CGC compared to TG; however, group 2 showed a significant improvement in GT after TG compared to CGC, with a large effect size. Additionally, PLMT scores were significantly higher after TG than after CGC in both groups, with mood scores increasing when transitioning from CGC to TG and decreasing when transitioning from TG to CGC. Overall, the data demonstrate that TG significantly enhances both cognitive and emotional outcomes in young learners compared to traditional geometry instruction.

Conclusion:

The study confirms that participation in the TG significantly enhances GT and improves post-learning mood in first-grade children. This suggests that integrating motor activities like TG into the curriculum could be a viable strategy for enhancing early geometric education. Further research with larger sample sizes and considerations of gender differences is recommended.
Bibliometric analysis of research developments in oral and maxillofacial neuralgia from 2004 to 2023
Authors: Cai Yuhang , Liu Keyi , Xiang Junwei , Zheng Hu , Zhang Dezhi , Wang Yuanyin , Chen Ran
Published: December 2024

This study employs bibliometric techniques to dynamically represent the research landscape of oral and maxillofacial neuralgia. Its goal is to pinpoint research hotspots and delineate forthcoming trends. A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection was performed using targeted keywords to retrieve literature from January 2004 to December 2023. Citespace version 6.2.6 was utilized to analyze countries, institutions, authors, co-cited journals, and keywords. The analysis indicates an annual increase in research literature on oral and maxillofacial neuralgia, albeit with a decline observed in the past 2 years. In the last 5 years, a total of 279 publications have been produced, predominantly by developed countries. The average betweenness centrality exceeds 0.1. Analysis of co-cited literature revealed 100 nodes, with research frontiers closely associated with trigeminal neuralgia, gamma knife radiosurgery, percutaneous balloon compression, among others. Keyword clustering analysis generated 61 nodes, primarily concentrated on 3 research areas: gamma knife, microvascular decompression, and hemifacial spasm. The emergence of keywords closely correlates with trigeminal neuralgia. Research frontiers in the field of oral and maxillofacial neuralgia are primarily focused on trigeminal neuralgia, with major therapeutic approaches including gamma knife radiosurgery and percutaneous balloon compression. These areas, along with botulinum toxin, represent current hotpots and are likely to drive the future direction of research in treating oral and maxillofacial neuralgia.
Fractures of the quadrilateral plate treated with a reconstruction plate and trans-plate quadrilateral screws: An experimental study on cadaveric specimens and finite element analysis
Authors: Lan Shenghui , Meng Chengfei , Yuan Gongwu , Wang Guodong , Liu Ximing , Cai Xianhua
Published: December 2024

Quadrilateral plate fracture is one of the most complex and challenging pelvic lesions. Operative reduction and internal fixation are the gold standard management for displaced quadrilateral plate fractures. Traditional methods include various kinds of operative reduction and internal fixation through either anterior or posterior approaches using various combinations of plates and lag screws or acute total hip arthroplasty. Here we introduced a new fixation technique named reconstruction plate combined with trans-plate quadrilateral screws. We performed a cadaveric study to determine the biomechanical properties of this system comparing with conventional titanium plate combined with 1/3 tube titanium plate in a both-column acetabular fracture model in standing position. Besides, a finite element model of both-column acetabular fractures fixed by this system was developed and the mechanical properties of implants and acetabular fractures were analyzed. The biomechanical test showed the superiority of reconstruction plate combined with trans-plate quadrilateral screws over conventional titanium plate combined with 1/3 tube titanium plate in treating both-column quadrilateral plate fractures in standing position. Later finite element analysis confirmed the stabilities of the fractures under 1-legged stance. Thus, reconstruction plate combined with trans-plate quadrilateral screws provides an alternative method in treating quadrilateral plate fractures.
An assessment of the knowledge, perception, and willingness to use telepharmacy services among the general public in Riyadh
Authors: Imam Mohammad Tarique , AlAnazi Khaled , AlMakwini Amirah , Alahmadi Zyad , Ali Mohamed , AlQahtani Khaled , Alharbi Saleh , Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: December 2024

The studies concerning Saudis’ perceptions and awareness of telepharmacy, as well as their readiness to use this service, are critical for policymakers to devise measures to increase the acceptability of telepharmacy. The present study aimed to assess their knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to use telepharmacy services in Riyadh. The present study was a cross-sectional survey conducted between March 2024 and June 2024. The data were obtained from the public via an online questionnaire built with Google Forms. The survey was filled out by 405 participants. Most of them were males (66.17%), and the ages of 56.78% of them were between 18 and 25 years. More than half of the participants had a bachelor’s degree (66.17%). More than half of the respondents said that they had heard about telepharmacy (61.73%), but 80.74% of them hadn’t used telepharmacy services before. Most of the respondents (78.52%) said that they like using telepharmacy services wherever possible, and 81.98% of them agreed that telepharmacy improves medication adherence. The findings of this study demonstrated a fair knowledge, positive perception, and high willingness to use telepharmacy among the general population in Riyadh. Interventions to increase knowledge of telepharmacy in Riyadh need to target less educated people.
Primary health care professionals’ opinions regarding continuing medical education: A cross sectional study
Authors: Hassan Alshehri Hassan Mohammed , Alshehri Ali Mohammed Hassan , Alshehri Amer Mohammed Hassan , Alshehri Salem Mohammed Hassan , Al Zahib Yousef H. , Alahmari Ayedh A.A. , Alshaikhi Saleh Ahmed , Algarni Hassan Mohammed , Alasmari Fahad Saeed Nasser
Published: December 2024

Continuing medical education (CME) is the foremost among the learning strategies that enhance knowledge and skills within the medical profession. This study aimed to evaluate primary healthcare professionals’ CME in Abha City. A total of 267 primary health care (PHC) professionals. The researcher designed a data collection sheet that comprised personal characteristics and aspects of CME. About two-thirds of participants (65.5%) attended CME courses during the last year. The main criteria for attending CME courses were their topics (43.4%), convenience of time (41.2%), and interests (31.5%). About 16.1% of participants found that previously attended CME courses were not useful because of being a waste of time (12.7%), not obtaining any benefit (7.9%), and wasting of money (3.7%). On the other hand, 83.9% found that previously attended CME courses were useful because of their improved knowledge (68.9%) and skills (47.6%), while 30.7% stated that attending CME courses was to fulfill the required CME hours. Lectures were the most preferred educational method(48.3%). Hospital consultants were mostly preferred speakers (53.6%), followed by PHC physicians (34.1%) and university staff (25.8%). The main participants’ source of information (95.5%), followed by textbooks (25.1%) and their colleagues at PHC (12.4%). About 31.5% of participants had no or low improvement in their knowledge, 38.6% underwent intermediate improvement and 30% had high improvement. Regarding improved skills, 43.4% had no or low improvement, 45.3% had intermediate improvement and 11.2% had high improvement. The main barriers against attending CME courses were the lack of time (44.9%) and the high workload (41.2%). CME attendance differed significantly according to participants’ position (P = .023), with physicians being the most frequently attending (72.9%) and pharmacists being the least frequently attending (36.4%). Participants’ knowledge improvement due to CME attendance differed significantly according to their position, with the highest improvement among lab technicians. Participants’ skills improvement was highest among those aged > 40 years, among males, non-Saudis, those with Doctorate degrees, physicians, and those with > 10 years’ experience. PHC professionals find CME courses valuable for knowledge enhancement, with lectures, videos, and presentations preferred. Information sources include internet, textbooks, and colleagues, but time constraints and workloads hinder attendance.
Research of digital management on sport: An analysis of bibliometrics using CiteSpace Software
Authors: Xu Gang , Yang Qian , Li Qiang , Yu Hongli
Published: December 2024

Digital management on sport (DMS) has become a hot topic around sports management. However, a more comprehensive and in-depth investigation into the structure and progression of this field is necessary. We used CiteSpace software to conduct a bibliometric analysis, revealing dynamic patterns in the evolution of co-citation, collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence within this field. Data gathers from the Web of Science Core Collection, which includes Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Arts & Humanities Citation Index (A&HCI), Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) and Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), and SCOPUS. Published works in this field have shown a consistent upward trend since 2013. England institutions are leading the way in cooperation, while the US is the most collaborative region with different priorities for collaboration in various topics. The most influential author is the one who receives the most citations, but unfortunately, the most frequently co-cited author shows “ANONYMOUS.” Highly cited journals typically exert a substantial influence. Additionally, further study is expected to concentrate on efficacy and validation. Since 2018, the growth in publications on DMS reflects increasing academic interest. Australia’s institutions lead in collaboration, though international cooperation is limited. High co-citation authors hold significant influence and research focuses on management, social media, and physical activity.
A potential pathogenic mutation of LAMA4 in a Chinese family with dilated cardiomyopathy and conduction system disease
Authors: Wang Huaigen , Zhao Ronghui , Wang Jiaojiao , Han Xiu , Li Kaifeng , Gao Yafeng , Wang Ya , Ma Aiqun , Wang Tingzhong , Du Yuan
Published: December 2024

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by ventricular dilation and poor systolic function. Approximately half of idiopathic DCM cases are assigned to genetic causes in familial or apparently sporadic cases, and more than 50 genes are reported to cause DCM. However, genetic basis of most DCM patients still keeps unknown and require further study. Clinical data, family histories, and blood samples were collected from the proband and family members in a Chinese family presenting with DCM and conduction system disease. A genetic analysis was performed using next generation sequencing (NGS). Bioinformatic analysis was performed to predict the pathogenic consequence of gene mutation. A missense heterozygous mutation c.652G > A (p.G218R) in Laminin Subunit Alpha-4 (LAMA4) gene was identified in proband and his 2 brothers with relevant clinical symptoms. Individuals without carrying this mutation in this family had no symptoms or cardiac structural abnormality related to DCM or conduction system disease. The p.G218R mutation is located in a conservative area within the laminin epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain of LAMA4 with uncertain significance in ClinVar archive. Bioinformatic analysis predicted p.G218R mutation as deleterious and pathogenic damaging in DCM patients. Our results reported a potential pathogenic mutation associated with DCM, which may provide further insight into genetic contributions of LAMA4 gene mutations to DCM phenotypes.
Comprehensive review of patients with hypercoagulable state in rheumatoid arthritis and strategies to reduce readmission rates: A retrospective cohort study based on protective exploration of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Li Yang , Liu Jian , Hu Yuedi , Cong Chengzhi , Chen Yiming , Wang Fanfan
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention on the risk of readmission and laboratory indicators in patients with rheumatoid arthritis hypercoagulable state. In the retrospective cohort design, patients with RA hospitalized between June 2013 and June 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine were followed up by telephone. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance deviations in baseline information between patients in the hypercoagulable (HC) and non-hypercoagulable (Non-HC) groups, with exposure defined as receiving TCM treatment for ≥ 1 month. Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were employed to determine the factors influencing the readmission of RA-HC patients. Mantel test and association rule analysis was used to explore the relationship between the included factors and laboratory indicators. A total of 1169 cases were successfully followed up, including 831 RA-HC patients. 1:2 PSM yielded 311 patients in the non-HC group versus 535 patients in the HC group. We observed that the incidence of readmission and surgical treatment was significantly higher in the HC group than in the non-HC group, while the incidence of readmission, surgical treatment, and all-cause mortality was much lower in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group (all P < .05). Based on the Cox proportional risk model, we identified age above 60 years, Sjogren’s syndrome, neutrophil count, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as risk factors for readmission, with TCM playing a protective role. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves further showed that the risk of readmission in the high-exposure subgroup was markedly lower than that of the low-exposure subgroup. Furthermore, the Mantel test highlights an intrinsic correlation between coagulation markers and other markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and hypersensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which are dramatically influenced by gender, age, etc. In addition, association rule analysis revealed a strong correlation between TCM and non-readmission, as well as improvement in rheumatoid factor, hs-CRP, ESR, platelet count, and NLR in RA-HC patients. As a promising therapeutic strategy, TCM with sufficient intensity and duration interventions can effectively reduce the risk of readmission and relieve laboratory indicators in RA-HC patients.
Causal relationship between 41 inflammatory factors, circulating white blood cells, and pruritus: A 2-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zheng Kaiyuan , Wang Siyu , Zeng Lianlin , Li Yangan , Hu Kehui
Published: December 2024

The influence of circulating white blood cells and inflammatory factors on pruritus is gradually recognized by the public, but the specific causal relationship is still unknown. In this study, we included inflammatory cytokine profiles from 8293 healthy subjects, genetic data on blood cells from various ethnic and ancestry backgrounds, including 746,667 individuals, and 1370 patients of European descent with pruritus for a bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We employed several robust statistical methods, including the inverse variance weighted, weighted median, and the MR-Egger method. We further refined our analysis through a meticulous sensitivity assessment using the leave-one-out strategy, evaluated the heterogeneity of our findings using Cochran’s Q test, and addressed potential pleiotropic effects through the MR-Egger intercept test. Ultimately, a reverse MR analysis was conducted to assess the potential for reverse causation. Genetic prediction data indicate a positive correlation between eosinophil cell count and the risk of developing pruritus (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–1.55, P = .003). Furthermore, elevated levels of stromal-cell-derived factor 1 alpha (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.15–2.77, P = .009), monokine induced by gamma interferon (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.46, P = .015), and cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53, P = .043) are all associated with an increased risk of pruritus occurrence, respectively. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity was observed among the genetic variants (P > .05), and the leave-one-out analysis confirmed the stability and robustness of this association. The reverse MR analysis demonstrated the absence of reverse causality. Our research delineates the causal links between eosinophil cell count, stromal-cell-derived factor 1 alpha, monokine induced by gamma interferon, cutaneous T-cell-attracting chemokine levels, and pruritus susceptibility. These insights may present promising avenues for enhancing the management and therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from pruritus.
Causal relationship between immune cells and periodontitis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Bi Junlei , Chen Yuxin , Zhang Jie , Yan Jiaqi , Ge Aiyun , Ye Wenhao , Liu Changqing , Wen Hebao , Ma Caiyun
Published: December 2024

This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore potential causal relationships between 731 immune cell subtypes and periodontitis. Utilizing a 2-sample MR design, our study delved into the diverse landscape of immune cell interactions with periodontitis-associated factors. Multiple MR methods, including inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and MR-Egger tests, were employed to ensure reliability and mitigate potential pleiotropic effects. The study revealed significant causal effects (FDR < 0.15) between immune cells (B cells, maturation stages of T cells, Treg) and periodontitis. Notably, receptors like triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM-2) exhibited intricate roles, warranting further investigation. In conclusion, this MR analysis elucidates complex causal relationships between immune cell subtypes and periodontitis. The findings provide a foundation for understanding systemic implications, offering insights for clinical practice and highlighting avenues for future research.
Predictors of active and recurrent bleeding in upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia: Results from 10-year esophagogastroduodenoscopy of a tertiary center in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Meng-Chuan , Huang Tien-Yu , Chen Peng-Jen , Chen Hsuan-Wei , Yang Chih-Wei , Lin Jung-Chun , Huang Wei-Chen , Lin Hsuan-Hwai , Shih Yu-Lueng , Hsieh Tsai-Yuan , Chen Bao-Chung
Published: December 2024

Upper gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (UGIA) is a unique mucosal vascular lesion that causes acute or recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Despite the increasing incidence of UGIA, the risk factors for bleeding in this condition remain unclear. We investigated the predictors of active and recurrent bleeding among patients with UGIA. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 104,086 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at the Tri-Service General Hospital in Taiwan between October 2011 and September 2021. UGIA was diagnosed in 112 patients, and the data from these patients were comprehensively analyzed. EGD documented UGIA in 112 patients, which corresponded with an overall diagnostic yield of 1.1%. Active bleeding was documented in 28 (25%) patients. Patients in the active bleeding group were older than the patients in the asymptomatic group (71.6 ± 11.7-years vs 61.3 ± 18.5-years). Most of the UGIA lesions were singular and measured 2 to 5 mm. Nearly 1-quarter of the patients (24.1%) underwent endoscopic hemostasis, and rebleeding occurred in 6 (21.4%) patients during the follow-up period. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and lesions in the duodenum as significant risk factors for active bleeding (P = .019; P = .006; P = .004). Our cohort study provided real-world data on the clinical and endoscopic features of UGIA. DM, CKD, and lesions in the duodenum were independent predictors of active bleeding.