bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIGURE 5 from Immunologic Assessment of Tumors from a Race-matched Military Cohort Identifies Mast Cell Depletion as a Marker of Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Schafer Cara C. , Jiang Jiji , Elsamanoudi Sally , Nousome Darryl , Young Denise Y. , Song Yingjie , Sesterhenn Isabell A. , Chesnut Gregory T. , Tan Shyh-Han
Published: August 2023

BCR-free and metastasis-free survival probabilities for cell type ratios with clinical significance. Youden index is used to stratify high versus low abundances. BCR-free survival probabilities are plotted for high and low relative cell type scores for DC (A) versus TILs, mast cells versus TILs (B), cytotoxic cells versus TILs (C), and B cells versus TILs (D) based on log-rank P < 0.05. Metastasis-free survival probabilities are shown for high and low relative cell type scores for NK cells versus TILs (E), mast cells versus TILs (F), CD8 versus exhausted CD8 (G), and Th1 versus TILs (H) based on log-rank P < 0.05.
FIGURE 1 from Immunologic Assessment of Tumors from a Race-matched Military Cohort Identifies Mast Cell Depletion as a Marker of Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Schafer Cara C. , Jiang Jiji , Elsamanoudi Sally , Nousome Darryl , Young Denise Y. , Song Yingjie , Sesterhenn Isabell A. , Chesnut Gregory T. , Tan Shyh-Han
Published: August 2023

Differentially expressed immune-related genes in AA and CA tumors and pathway overrepresentation analysis. A, Volcano plot showing cutoffs for top differentially expressed genes in 26 AA tumors compared with 25 CA tumors as baseline. Red symbol genes in plot represent differentially expressed genes, with unadjusted P values < 0.05 and log2FC values either above 1 or below −1. FDR correction was applied, and only genes at or below Benjamini–Yekutieli adjusted P value of 1 are listed. Genes listed in blue text are significant following FDR correction at adjusted P value < 0.05. B, Dot plot highlighting top 10 relevant pathways detected by over representation analysis of 120 genes with differential expression P value < 0.05 using the MSigDb-C2 database.
Kaldor e Prebisch: reflexões sobre a industrialização e as economias de Brasil e Argentina
Authors: Thainan Francisco
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo abordará os pensamentos de Nicholas Kaldor e Raúl Prebisch acerca da dinâmica macroeconômica, enfatizando a importância da industrialização, a produção de produtos complexos e a relevância relativa da indústria para elevar os níveis de crescimento e redução do dreno atual de recursos na relação centro-periferia, trazendo como enfoque as economias de Argentina e Brasil. Para a execução deste trabalho, será feita uma revisão bibliográfica dos textos originais dos autores bem como de textos relevantes para a compreensão teórica do seu pensamento. Também se recorrerá a obras que versem sobre a dinâmica industrial dos dois países e seus respectivos dados empíricos sobre o tema. O desenvolvimento do trabalho permite a conclusão da relevância da construção teórica de ambos os autores na interpretação de problemas e determinantes para o crescimento das economias da Argentina e do Brasil.
Medical Management Versus Endovascular Treatment for Large-Vessel Occlusion Anterior Circulation Stroke With Low NIHSS
Authors: Safouris Apostolos , Palaiodimou Lina , Nardai Sándor , Kargiotis Odysseas , Magoufis George , Psychogios Klearchos , Matusevicius Marius , Feil Katharina , Ahmed Niaz , Kellert Lars , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Brountzos Elias , Szikora István , Sarraj Amrou , Goyal Nitin , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Strbian Daniel , Caso Valeria , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients presenting with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 0 to 5 is common in clinical practice but has not yet been proven safe and effective. Our objective is to assess whether EVT on top of best medical treatment (BMT) in AIS patients with large-vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation presenting with mild symptoms is beneficial compared with BMT.

METHODS:

We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and reference lists of retrieved articles published until December 28, 2022. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify clinical trials or observational cohort studies evaluating patients with AIS due to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 treated with EVT versus BMT alone. The primary outcome was excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–1) at 3 months. The protocol had been registered before data collection (PROSPERO).

RESULTS:

Eleven observational eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising a total of 2019 AIS patients with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 treated with EVT versus 3171 patients treated with BMT. EVT was not associated with excellent functional outcome (risk ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.93–1.31]). When stratified for different study design (per-protocol versus intention-to-treat), there were no significant subgroup differences. EVT was not associated with good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2; risk ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.89–1.16]) or reduced disability at 3 months (common odds ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.60–1.41]). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was more common in the patients receiving EVT (risk ratio, 3.53 [95% CI, 2.35–5.31]). No correlation was found between EVT and mortality at 3 months (risk ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 0.83–2.18]). The same overall associations were confirmed in the sensitivity analysis of studies that performed propensity score matching.

CONCLUSIONS:

EVT appears equivalent to BMT for patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion AIS with low baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, despite the increased risk for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
; Unique identifier: CRD42022334417.
Abū Manṣūr al-Ṯaʿālibī’s Ḫaṣāʾiṣ al-buldān: A Study of an adīb’s Geography, Stereotypes and Lists
Authors: Paredi Riccardo
Published: August 2023

This article focuses on al-Ṯaʿālibī’s (d. 429/1038) works and excerpts of his works dealing with ḫaṣāʾiṣ al-buldān, i.e. specificities of lands and cities. In the first part, I present al-Ṯaʿālibī’s numerous excerpts on ḫaṣāʾiṣ, and discuss the work entitled Ḫaṣāʾiṣ al-buldān, its textual history and attribution to al-Ṯaʿālibī. I then sketch al-Ṯaʿālibī’s travels, firsthand and secondhand geographical knowledge, and sources in order to analyse the contents and form of his ḫaṣāʾiṣ. The textual investigation aims at showing al-Ṯaʿālibī’s usage of common adab features such as intertextuality, lexicographical items and lists to support specific claims of his writing and to reinforce a certain representation of the world based on adab stereotypes and clichés.
A Taxonomic Revision of Arapatiella (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae): An Endemic and Threatened Genus from the Brazilian Coast
Authors: RODRIGUES ANA TEREZA NOVAES PARGA , FALCÃO MARCUS JOSÉ DE AZEVEDO , MANSANO VIDAL DE FREITAS
Published: August 2023

Arapatiella is a genus of Fabaceae (Leguminosae) of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae, endemic to the Atlantic Forest on the coast of the Brazilian state of Bahia. Popularly known in its region of occurrence due to the commercial use of its wood, Arapatiella is subject to strong influence of anthropic action. Currently, two species of trees are described for the genus: Arapatiella psilophylla and Arapatiella emarginata. However, the circumscription of these taxa is based on old works made with reduced sets of specimens, in need to be stronger delimited. Given this, we conducted a taxonomic and nomenclatural review of the genus based on an integrative species concept. We examined 125 gatherings from 26 national and international herbaria and living individuals collected during in situ expeditions. From the herbarium and field analyses, it was possible to state that the previous taxa circumscriptions do not fully correspond to the currently available specimen set and aren’t strong enough to delimit two species. Therefore, we chose to recombine the species as two varieties: Arapatiella psilophylla var. psilophylla and Arapatiella psilophylla var. emarginata, separated mainly by leaflet apex, stipule size, pubescence, and size of inflorescences and flowers. Distribution maps, taxonomic comments, an identification key, and a nomenclatural revision, including two new lectotypifications, are presented.
3. Business Models and Digitisation
Authors: Cöster Mathias , Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Gullberg Cecilia , Titlestad Gard , Westelius Alf , Wettergren Gunnar
Published: August 2023

Whilst digitisation is far from a new concept, many assume that simply introducing automation and information systems in various forms will be enough to make their organisation’s operations more efficient. This misconception can often lead to disarray and costly mistakes. Digital Transformation: Understanding Business Goals, Risks, Processes, and Decisions shows how to avoid such issues via careful consideration of what an enterprise really needs.

Unlike many other books on digital transformation, the authors do not dwell on database design or the details of implementing information systems. Instead, they emphasise the importance of a clear understanding of all aspects of an organisation in order to effectively implement and manage digital systems, from business goals and strategies to structuring information and making decisions, risk assessments, project management, organising, and procuring services and products.

Organised in eleven chapters, and drawing on examples from all over the world, this book will be of interest to university students of business administration, management, information systems, and computer science, as well as practitioners seeking to better understand how to handle digital transformation in their own organisation.
Browning mechanism of tobacco leaves during flue-curing process: Proteomics and metabolomics analysis reveals the changes in materials
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Sun Guangwei , Yin Guangting , Sun Haoyue , Wang Tao , Bai Tao , Li Pengcheng , Duan Weidong , Chen Zhenguo
Published: August 2023

Tobacco leaves, as raw materials, undergo complex processing before the final product is obtained. During the flue-curing process, inadequate control of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity or water loss rate, may lead to enzymatic browning occur caused by starvation
metabolism of tobacco leaves, and therefore large amount of internal chemical substances consumed and changed, leading to excessive darker color and affecting the quality of products. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and material basis of browning, as well as the relationship
between browning and internal substances changes. The microstructural changes of tobacco leaves under transmission electron microscopy were observed, quantitative proteomic and untargeted metabonomic methods were conducted in browning and normal tobacco leaves. In the results, 106 differential
proteins and 576 differential metabolites were identified, with differential proteins mainly involved in biosynthesis and metabolism of polysaccharides, lipid, as well as the regulation of chlorophyll degradation and polyphenol oxidation related proteins. Differential metabolites were mainly
enriched in purine metabolism, histidine metabolism and isoflavone biosynthesis pathway, with more secondary metabolites biosynthesis pathway enrichment. Moreover, tyrosine metabolism and phenylpropane biosynthesis metabolism were identified as the mainly differential proteins and metabolites
pathways. Additionally, two metabolites, resveratrol and iridin, that exhibited strong free radicals scavenging activity and good antioxidant properties were uncovered. Taken together, these findings demonstrated changes of chemical substances and differences of proteins and metabolites between
browning and normal tobacco leaves under specific conditions, and provided a theoretical reference for exploring optimized conditions and controlling material changes during the processing of tobacco to inhibit browning.
miR-181a regulates mitophagy and improves cognitive function in vascular dementia via targeting PINK1/Parkin pathway
Authors: Li Xiuqin , Chen Shaopeng , Wang Suxing , Bai Xuedong , Lv Peiyuan
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the mechanism of miR-181a in cognitive function and mitophagy in vascular dementia. A rat model of vascular dementia was established by common carotid artery ligation and then divided into model group (n= 10), mimics group (n= 10), inhibitors group (n= 10), NC group (n= 10), and the remaining 10 rats were in sham operation group. The rats in mimics group were intravenously injected with miR-181a mimics and rats in inhibitors group were injected with miR-181a inhibitors. Model group and mimics group rats had a longer time on the 3rd to 4th day than sham operation group, and inhibitors group had a shorter time than model group and mimics group (allP<0.05). Time in quadrant of the cylindrical platform in model group and mimics group was shortened while it was prolonged in inhibitors group (P< 0.05). miR-181a mRNA level in model group, inhibitors group and NC group was lower. On the contrary, PINK1 and Parkin level was higher. miR-181a mRNA level was higher in mimics group with lower levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05). miR-181a level in mimics group was significantly increased and PINK1 and Parkin mRNA was decreased. miR-181a mRNA level in inhibitors group decreased significantly, while PINK1 and Parkin mRNA was increased (P<0.05). Parkin expression in mimics group and NC group was reduced. Up-regulation of miR-181 (mimics group) can target and inhibit PINK1/Parkin mRNA, thereby inhibiting mitophagy. miR-181a downregulation in mitochondria can promote PINK1/Parkin expression, thereby activating mitophagy in rats with vascular dementia, alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction, and improving the cognitive ability of rats.
Book Review: Li Zhang, Junlin Qu, Jing Jie and Nannan Liang, China’s Publishing Industry in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Zhu Xinyi
Published: August 2023

Li Zhang, Junlin Qu, Jing Jie and Nannan Liang, China’s Publishing Industry in the Era of Big Data (Singapore: Springer, 2022), 206 pp., US$ 119.99. ISBN: 978-981-19-0430-1 (Softcover).
Detection cost: A nonnegligible factor contributing to inhibition of return in the discrimination task under the cue–target paradigm
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zu Guangyao , Wang Aijun
Published: August 2023

The three-factor model argues that the spatial orienting benefit triggered by the cue, the spatial selection benefit of cue–target matching, and the detection cost of distinguishing the cue from the target contribute to the measured inhibition of return (IOR) effect. According to the three-factor model, the spatial selection benefit dominates the occurrence of the IOR effect in the discrimination task, while the detection cost is negligible. The present study verified the three-factor model in the discrimination task under the cue–target paradigm by manipulating the spatial location and nonspatial feature consistency of the cue and the target as well as the promotion or hindrance of attentional disengagement from the cued location with a central reorienting cue. The results indicated that the three factors of the three-factor model contributed to the measured IOR effect in the discrimination task. Interestingly, the IOR effect was stable when the cue and target were perfectly repeated and attention was maintained at the cued location, implying that detection cost was not a negligible factor. The current study supported the contribution of all three factors in the three-factor model to the measured IOR effect; however, we argue that the role of detection cost in the discrimination task under different paradigms should be further refined.
Organically modified mesoporous silica as a performance additive in tubular quenched polypropylene films
Authors: Jaisingh Aanchal , Goel Vishal , Kapur Gurpreet Singh , Nebhani Leena
Published: August 2023

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized by base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate in the water-acetone medium. For surface modification of mesoporous silica, commercially available silane, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate was reacted with mono-thioglycerol via 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxidanyl (TEMPO) aided thiol-ene reaction, and the obtained silane was incorporated on the surface of neat mesoporous silica to graft extended alkyl chains terminating in hydroxyl groups. The prepared MSNs were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. These MSNs were compared to conventionally used commercial silica as an additive in tubular quenched polypropylene films (TQPP) for their anti-blocking, thermal, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties. Organic modification of MSNs decreased the blocking force in TQPP films. The mechanical properties including % elongation and tensile strength increased for TQPP films with mesoporous silica, while it decreased for films containing commercial silica. Both modified and unmodified MSNs decreased haze and enhanced gloss in TQPP films, showing improved optical properties as compared to commercial silica particles. In TQPP film with modified MSNs, a reduced value of the water contact angle was obtained, indicating better wettability of the surface of the TQPP film.
Geoffrey Kingdon Fry and the British road to public sector reform
Authors: Page Edward C
Published: August 2023

To mark the 2023 death of GK Fry this note focuses attention on the approach to public sector reform in Britain discussed in his many works. Starting with his criticism of the 1968 Fulton Committee Report, his work developed a view of reform that foreshadowed debates that later went under the label of ‘new public management’ by at least 20 years. This note explains how he argued that a ‘positive state’ or Fabian approach dominated thinking about public administration for so long and largely accounted for the failure of most of the reforms of the postwar period until the 1980s. Fry’s background and interests to some degree help explain how he reached this perspective and how he set it out, so this note begins and ends with some outline of his life, career and outlook.
Empirical Properties of Crime Rate Trends
Authors: McDowall David
Published: August 2023

This article considers the operation of the time series processes that underlie U.S. crime rate trends. These processes are important because they carry the influence of the variables that generate the rates. They limit the forms that explanations of crime trends can take, and they open avenues for new theoretical development. Using data from the nation and a panel of large cities, analysis finds that crime trends operate much like random walks or their smoothed cousins; that they rarely deviate from a constant pattern; and that they show little evidence of nonlinearity. The article discusses the substantive implications of these features for understanding crime trends, and it considers directions for expanding the study of their empirical properties.
The Research Utility of the National Violent Death Reporting System for Understanding Homicide Trends
Authors: Rogers Ethan M. , Davis Jonathan
Published: August 2023

Homicide trend research has relied heavily on the same two data systems for decades. The current article highlights the research utility of a newer database—the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)—for examining the contours of homicide change. First, we describe the history, design, and availability of the NVDRS, and review past homicide and longitudinal studies using these data. Second, we discuss two features of the data system that researchers should consider when conducting homicide trend analyses: (a) data availability and representativeness and (b) data completeness. Third, we demonstrate a strong degree of correspondence between NVDRS homicide victimization trends and trends from other data systems. Fourth, we illustrate the ways in which the NVDRS can enrich our understanding of homicide trends by examining how homicide characteristics changed during the two recent homicide spikes from 2014 to 2016 and 2019 to 2020.
On a three-phase-lag heat conduction model for rigid conductor
Authors: Chiriţă Stan , D’Apice Ciro
Published: August 2023

We study a thermal model associated with a heat-conducting material based on a three-phase-lag constitutive equation for the heat flux, a model that leads to a Moore–Gibson–Thompson type equation for the thermal displacement. We are researching the compatibility of the three-phase-lag constitutive equation in concern with the second law of thermodynamics, thus discovering restrictions to be imposed on the involved thermal coefficients. On this basis, we manage to obtain the well-posedness problem of the model as the uniqueness of the solutions and their continuous dependence on the given data. Finally, we show that such a model not only allows the propagation of damped in time waves but also exponentially decaying in time thermal standing mode waves. We also show that if the thermodynamic restrictions are not fulfilled, then we can be led to instability. Through the present treatment of the thermal model in question, we obtain important information on the associated Moore–Gibson–Thompson type equation for the thermal displacement.
Promoting Children's Rights and Protections in Program Evaluation
Authors: Mayer Duncan J. , Groza Victor
Published: August 2023

The Nuremberg Code established ethics for the involvement of humans in research, initially in the area of health and medical research. While aspects of the code have been extended to the social and behavioral sciences, program evaluation does not always implement those policies, procedures, and protocols for protecting research participants, particularly children. Drawing on a children's rights framework and highlighting participatory and trauma-informed approaches, this article explores the areas of consent, assent, cultural considerations, protocol/data collection procedure review, and participant safety. It proposes recommendations that fit a range of evaluation settings and resource level.
Defining a canon to achieve learning outcomes: Las Casas Apology as a case example
Authors: Ruiz María José Gómez , Orejel Lourdes Giannina Orejel , Ferrer Montserrat Salomón
Published: August 2023

The Humanities Institute of Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara (Mexico), has carefully crafted its own reading canon by incorporating in to its course design a learning outcomes framework that mirrors its Christian institutional mission. The paper presents an overview of this framework and of its implementation within the University’s Gen Ed reading canon selection. It uses an excerpt of Bartolomé de las Casas’ Apology as a case example of the practice. This text is used within a course of introductory Ethics delivered to 30 different student groups per year. The criteria used in its selection and suggested practices are detailed. Overall, the text shows the value of a learning outcomes approach to text selection in a core-text-based course.
Poster 167: Increased Throwing Velocity is Correlated with a Higher Likelihood of Violating Current Pitch Count Recommendations in High School Baseball Pitchers.
Authors: Bowman Eric , Erickson Brandon , Camp Christopher , Freehill Michael , Smith Matthew , Serio Nicholas , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Smith Karch , Chalmers Peter
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

While pitch count and rest guidelines have been promoted for youth and adolescent baseball players for nearly two decades, compliance with guidelines remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of compliance with Pitch Smart guidelines, as well as the association between compliance and range of motion, strength, velocity, injury, and pitcher utilization.

Methods:

This study was a prospective, multi-center study of high school pitchers, encompassing each region of the United States. Pre-season pitchers were surveyed about their compliance with current off- season rest-related guidelines and history of injury. Pre-season, pitchers underwent standardized physical examinations and pitch velocity was measured. During the high school season that followed, both pitch counts and injury incidence were collected.

Results:

One hundred and fifteen pitchers participated. Based upon pre-season data, 84% of pitchers had previously violated current pitch recommendation guidelines. During the season, 14% had at least one instance of a violation of the current pitch counts guidelines. Across both the pre-season survey and in-season pitch counts, 89% of players had at least one violation of the current Pitch Smart guidelines. While there were no significant differences in range of motion or strength, those pitchers who were non-compliant with guidelines in the pre-season had higher max pitch velocity (mean±standard deviation 74±8 miles per hour vs. 69±5 miles per hour, p=0.009). Pitchers self-reported their peak velocity at 7 MPH greater than the actual measured velocity. Only a single injury occurred during the season, precluding a comparison between groups. There were no significant differences in the incidence of a history of injury between those pitchers who were noncompliant with between-season rest guidelines (p=0.285).

Conclusions:

Most high school pitchers are non-compliant with current Pitch Smart guidelines, and they tend to overestimate their peak velocity by 7 MPH. Pitchers with greater velocity were at the highest risk for violating current pitch count recommendations. Since both increased throwing volume and pitch velocity are known risk factors for injury, these athletes may be at particular risk for subsequent injury. research is necessary to understand whether taking three consecutive month rest between seasons prevents pitching-related injury.
Poster 268: The Relation Between Posterior Tibial Slope Angle and Bilateral ACL Tear
Authors: Li Zachary , Triana Jairo , Rao Naina , buldo-licciardi michael , Rynecki Nicole , Lomas Guillem Gonzalez- , Jazrawi Laith , Garra Sharif
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

Increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is a risk factor for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, as well as subsequent ACL graft tear. Prior literature has shown conflicting relationships between an increased PTS and bilateral ACL tears. The purpose of this study is to compare PTS angles for patients who had bilateral ACL tears to those who had only sustained a unilateral ACL tear.

Methods:

Retrospectively we identified patients who had bilateral and unilateral ACL tears at our institution over the last 10 years. Those who had bilateral surgery were matched to those who had unilateral surgery on a ratio of 1:1 based on age, sex, and BMI. Patients with unilateral ACL reconstruction were excluded if they had subsequent revisions or were less than 5 years post-operative. Lateral knee radiographs were used to measure the posterior tibial slope. The tibial axis was found using the circles measurement method which consisted of drawing circles along the tibial shaft and placing a line through the center of each to estimate the anatomical tibial axis. The PTS was then defined as the angle between the perpendicular line to this axis and the tibial plateau tangent line. Three blinded orthopedic residents performed these measurements. In addition to comparison of mean PTS between cohorts, both cohorts were stratified into “high slope” and “low slope” using 10-degress of PTS as a cutoff. An interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was then calculated.

Results:

Fifty-three patients with bilateral ACL tears were successfully matched to 53 patients with unilateral tears. The average PTS in patients with bilateral ACL tears was found to be significantly higher than patients with unilateral ACL tears (11.17 vs. 9.72, p = 0.005). An intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to 0.80 (95% confidence interval: 0.75 – 0.85). These cohorts were then stratified by the aforementioned sub-groups, finding that 69.8% of the bilateral cohort had more than 10-degrees of PTS, while this was true for only 46.4% of the unilateral cohort (p = 0.006).

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that patients with bilateral ACL tears have higher PTS angles than those who only had unilateral ACL tear. Clinicians should consider routinely assessing PTS in a newly-presenting patient with an initial ACL tear, as marked deviations from the general population could be a predisposing risk factor for subsequent contralateral tear. Further prospective research is necessary to determine if patients with unilateral ACL tears who present with this radiographic finding are at greater risk for contralateral tear.
Effect of a Sensorimotor Exercise Regime for Upper Limb Deficits in the In-Hospital Phase After a Supratentorial Stroke (SMULS)—Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gandhi Dorcas B.C. , Chawla Nistara Singh , John Christy , Singh Amarjot Gill , Zarreen Sania , Vijayanand Pranay J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Somatosensory impairments in the upper limb are a common occurrence in >50% of post-stroke individuals. The effects of a combined sensorimotor therapy program on improving functional outcomes have not been studied extensively especially in the acute and subacute phase post-stroke.

Methods

Through a randomized controlled trial of PROBE design, participants, selected on a pre-set selection criteria will either receive the a structured regime of sensorimotor therapy in addition to routine care or only routine care for over 14 days or until discharge. Outcomes will be analyzed on the “Action Research Arm test” and “Erasmus modified Nottingham Sensory Assessment” scale at discharge and then at the third and sixth months.

Results and Conclusion

The proposed study will allow development and implementation of sensory rehabilitation components to the existing stroke rehabilitation protocols. Initiating intervention within the acute and subacute phase post-stroke in suitable patients will allow early intervention for sensorimotor impairments subsequently leading to improved upper limb outcomes.
Resistance pattern of isolated microorganisms from 783 clinical specimen cultures in patients admitted to Yasuj Educational Hospitals, Iran
Authors: Forouzani Fatemeh , Khasti Tahere , Manzouri Leila , Ravangard Sara , Shahriarirad Reza , Koleini Maryam , Ayareh Nazanin , Nikbakht Gordafarin
Published: August 2023

Background

Infectious diseases are still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings. Serious infection caused mostly by gram-negative pathogens causes significant morbidity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antimicrobial resistance kills over 700,000 people worldwide. Antibiotic resistance is on the rise, and as a consequence, serious public health issues are arising. The present study investigated isolated clinical samples from Yasuj teaching hospitals to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile to various antibiotics.

Materials and methods

Microbial isolates regarding cultures from urine, blood, wound, abdominal tap, throat, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, endotracheal tube, sputum, skin lesion, nasal, and mouth secretion were collected from patients admitted to hospitals affiliated with Yasuj teaching hospitals. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were tabulated and analyzed with SPSS version 26.0.

Results

A total of 783 samples were evaluated in our study, with an average of 30.6 years and 54.5% female patients. Most of the bacterial isolates were gram-negative (64.2%). The majority of cultures were Escherichia coli (49.9%), mainly among urine samples (64.2%). The frequency distribution of norfloxacin antibiotic resistance was more common in internal medicine (66.7%), infectious (63.6%), and emergency wards (58.8%). The frequency distribution of penicillin antibiotic resistance was statistically significant in different wards. All cases of oxacillin were resistant.

Conclusion

Our data showed a high level of antibiotic resistance among bacterial isolates in our center. Considering widespread empirical antibiotic therapy in Iran, the rate of increasing resistance to common antibiotics prescribed for ambulatory and hospitalized patients is concerning. We recommend providing more strict guidelines and policies to control the overuse and overprescription of antimicrobials by health policy-making organizations.
An age-group analysis on the efficacy of chemotherapy in older adult patients with metastatic biliary tract cancer: a Japanese cancer registry cohort study
Authors: Hirao Takeru , Ikezawa Kenji , Morishima Toshitaka , Daiku Kazuma , Seiki Yusuke , Watsuji Ko , Kawamoto Yasuharu , Higashi Sena , Urabe Makiko , Kai Yugo , Takada Ryoji , Yamai Takuo , Mukai Kaori , Nakabori Tasuku , Uehara Hiroyuki , Miyashiro Isao , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2023

Background

The effectiveness of chemotherapy in older adult patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) remains to be established, despite the fact that the majority of patients diagnosed with BTC tend to be aged ≥ 70 years. In this study, we used three databases to examine the effectiveness of chemotherapy in a large patient population aged ≥ 70 years with metastatic BTC.

Methods

Using a large Japanese database that combined three data sources (Osaka Cancer Registry, Japan’s Diagnosis Procedure Combination, the hospital-based cancer registry database), we extracted the data from patients pathologically diagnosed with metastatic BTC, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, in 30 designated cancer care hospitals (DCCHs). A cohort of patients with comparable backgrounds was identified using propensity score matching. The log-rank test was used to examine how chemotherapy affected overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 2,622 registered patients with BTC in 30 DCCHs, 207 older adult patients aged > 70 years with metastatic BTC were selected. Chemotherapy significantly improved the prognosis of older adult patients, according to propensity score matching (chemotherapy, 6.4 months vs. best supportive care, 1.8 months, P value < 0.001). The number of patients receiving chemotherapy tends to decrease with age. Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) and gemcitabine plus S-1 (oral fluoropyrimidine) (GS) combination therapy were frequently performed in the chemotherapy group for patients under 80 years of age (70–74 years, 61.7%; 75–79 years, 62.8%). In contrast, monotherapy including GEM and S-1 was more frequently performed in age groups over 80 years (80–84 years, 56.2%; 85–89 years, 77.7%; ≥90 years, 100%). In the chemotherapy group among older adult patients aged < 85 years, the median OS was significantly longer according to age-group analysis of the 5-year age range following propensity score matching.

Conclusions

In older adult patients with metastatic BTC who received chemotherapy, prolonged survival was observed. Chemotherapy may be a viable option for patients with metastatic BTC who are aged < 85 years.
Assessment of innovative living and care arrangements for persons with dementia: a systematic review
Authors: Speckemeier C. , Niemann A. , Weitzel M. , Abels C. , Höfer K. , Walendzik A. , Wasem J. , Neusser S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Alternative forms of housing for persons with dementia have been developed in recent decades. These concepts offer small groups of residents familiar settings combined with efforts to provide normal daily life. The aim of this systematic review is to collate and analyze these more innovative forms of housing regarding residents’ quality of life, behavioral aspects, as well as functional, cognitive and emotional aspects.

Methods

Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and PsycInfo in November 2020. Studies comparing traditional and more innovative living environments for persons with dementia were eligible. Concepts are described based on the results of additional searches. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using checklists from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

A total of 21 studies corresponding to 11 different concepts were included, namely Green Houses (USA), Group Living (Sweden), Cantou (France), Group Homes (Japan), Small-scale Group Living (Austria), Special Care Facilities (Canada), Shared-housing Arrangements (Germany), Residential Groups (Germany), Residential Care Centers / Woodside Places (USA/Canada), Small-scale Living (Netherlands/ Belgium), and Green Care Farms (Netherlands). The concepts are broadly similar in terms of care concepts, but partly differ in group sizes, staff qualifications and responsibilities. Several studies indicate that innovative forms of housing may encourage social behavior, preserve activity performance and/or positively influence emotional status compared to more traditional settings, while other studies fail to demonstrate these effects. Some studies also show increased behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residents who live in more innovative housing concepts. The effect on cognition remains indistinct.

Discussion

The positive effects may be attributable to the inherent characteristics, including small group sizes, a stimulating design, and altered staff roles and responsibilities. Arguably, some of these characteristics might also be the reason for increased BPSD. Studies had variable methodological quality and results have to be considered with caution. Future research should examine these effects more closely and should investigate populations’ preferences with regards to housing in the event of dementia.
Concordance between culture, Molecular Culture and Illumina 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of bone and ulcer bed biopsies in people with diabetic foot osteomyelitis
Authors: Gramberg Meryl Cinzía Tila Tamara , Knippers Carmen , Lagrand Rimke Sabine , van Hattem Jarne Marijn , de Goffau Marcus Christofoor , Budding Budding Andries Edward , Davids Mark , Matamoros Sebastien , Nieuwdorp Max , de Groot Vincent , Heijer Martin den , Sabelis Louise Willy Elizabeth , Peters Edgar Josephus Gerardus
Published: August 2023

Background

In clinical practice the diagnosis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) relies on cultures of bone or ulcer bed (UB) biopsies, of which bone biopsy is reference standard. The slow growth or fastidious nature of some bacteria, hamper expeditious detection and identification. Rapid molecular techniques may solve both issues, but their additional value for everyday practice is unknown.

We investigated the concordance between conventional culture, the molecular techniques Molecular Culture (MC), and illumina 16S rRNA gene amplicon (16S) sequencing in people with DFO.

Methods

In the BeBoP trial, bone and UB biopsies were obtained from people with DFO who visited Amsterdam UMC. These biopsies were analysed using 1) conventional culture, 2)MC, a rapid broad range PCR analysing the 16S-23S ribosomal-interspace-region, and 3) 16S sequencing, and evaluated concordance among these techniques.

Results

We analysed 20 samples (11 bone and 9 UB) of 18 people. A total of 84 infectious agents were identified, 45 (54%) by all techniques, an additional 22 (26.5%, overall 80.5%) by both MC and 16S, and the remaining 16 species by culture and MC or 16S, or by a single method only. MC and 16S identified anaerobes not detected by culturing in 5 samples, and the presence of bacteria in 7 of 8 culture-negative (6 bone, 2 UB) samples.

Conclusion

The high level of concordance between MC and 16S and the additional ability of molecular techniques to detect various bacteria not detected by culturing opens up prospects for routine use of fast molecular techniques, in clinical settings including DFO.

Trial registration

The BeBoP trial is retrospectively registered on 05–03-2019 in Netherlands Trial Register: NL 7582.
An evaluation of the efficacy and the safety of home blood pressure monitoring in the control of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in both pre and postpartum periods: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Albadrani Muayad , Tobaiqi Muhammad , Al-Dubai Sami
Published: August 2023

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can significantly impact maternal, neonatal, and fetal health. For controlling these disorders, frequent blood pressure measurements are required. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is a suggested alternative to conventional office monitoring that requires frequent visits. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HBPM in the control of HDP.

Methods

We systematically conducted databases search for relevant studies in June 2022. The relevant studies were identified, and qualitative synthesis was performed. An inverse variance quantitative synthesis was conducted using RevMan software. Continuous outcome data were pooled as means differences, whereas dichotomous ones were summarized as risk ratios. The 95% confidence interval was the measure of variance.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in our review (n = 5335). Our analysis revealed a superiority of HBPM in reducing the risk of induction of labor, and postpartum readmission (P = 0.02, and 0.01 respectively). Moreover, the comparison of birth weights showed a significant variation in favor of HBPM (P = 0.02). In the analysis of other outcomes, HBPM was equally effective as office monitoring. Furthermore, HBPM did not result in an elevated risk of maternal, neonatal, and fetal adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Home monitoring of blood pressure showed superiority over office monitoring in some outcomes and equal efficacy in other outcomes.
Respecting tribal voices in the development of a gestational diabetes risk reduction preconception counseling program for American Indian/Alaska Native adolescent females: a qualitative study
Authors: Moore Kelly R. , Stotz Sarah A. , Terry Martha Ann , Seely Ellen W. , Gonzales Kelly , Marshall Gale , Nadeau Kristen J. , Akers Aletha , Garcia-Reyes Yesenia , Charron-Prochownik Denise ,   For the Stopping GDM Study Group, Brega Angela , Chalmers Laura , Fischl Andrea , Garrow Heather , Howe Jean , McNealy Kristie , O’Banion Nancy , Powell Jeff , Sereika Susan , Stein Howard , Thorkelson Shelly , Uribe-Rios Xochitl
Published: August 2023

Background

American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are disproportionately affected by adolescent obesity, adolescent pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM is associated with increased risk for perinatal death, obesity, and subsequent type 2 diabetes (T2D) for the offspring. Moreover, mothers with GDM are also at increased risk for T2D post-partum. Yet few lifestyle interventions exist to reduce GDM risk prior to pregnancy. We describe the process of adapting an existing validated preconception counseling intervention for AI/AN adolescent girls at-risk for GDM and their mothers. Perspectives and recommendations were gathered from a diverse array of stakeholders to assure the new program called Stopping GDM was culturally responsive and developed with tribal voices and perspectives represented.

Methods

We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with multiple AI/AN stakeholders (n = 55). Focus groups and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic content approach to construct cross-cutting themes across the focus groups and interviews.

Results

Four key themes emerged reflecting issues important to planning a reproductive health intervention: 1) Limited awareness, knowledge, and health education resources about GDM; 2) The importance of acknowledging traditional AI/AN values and the diversity of traditions and culture among AI/AN tribes; 3) The need to cultivate healthy decision-making skills and empower girls to make safe and healthy choices; and 4) Lack of communication about reproductive health between AI/AN mothers and daughters and between AI/AN women and health care professionals.

Conclusion

Findings have been used to inform the cultural tailoring and adaptation of an existing preconception counseling program, originally designed for non-AI/AN adolescent girls with diabetes, for AI/AN adolescents at-risk for GDM in future pregnancies.
TUBA1C is a potential new prognostic biomarker and promotes bladder urothelial carcinoma progression by regulating the cell cycle
Authors: Jiang Yi , Zhu Chao , Huang Haoxuan , Huang Gaomin , Fu Bin , Xi Xiaoqing
Published: August 2023

Background

TUBA1C is an α-tubulin isoform involved in mitosis, and its dysregulation has been implicated in tumor progression. There is still no clear understanding of its role in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA).

Methods

This study examined the differential expression of TUBA1C and its prognostic significance in bladder cancer based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and also assessed the correlation of TUBA1C expression level with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint gene expression levels and the half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of different chemotherapeutic agents. Immunotherapy response was estimated using the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm. We detected TUBA1C expression in BLCA cells using PCR and Western blotting. Functional assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, apoptosis and cell cycle assays, were also performed to assess the oncogenic role of TUBA1C in BLCA.

Result

In three independent public cohorts, TUBA1C was significantly upregulated in bladder tumor tissues, and high TUBA1C expression in bladder cancer was associated with a poorer outcome than low expression. TUBA1C was an independent prognostic risk factor for bladder cancer, and numerous immune checkpoint genes and infiltrating immune cells were associated with TUBA1C. TIDE analysis revealed that TUBA1C showed great potential for predicting the immunotherapy response in bladder cancer patients. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that high TUBA1C expression indicated sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Functional assays revealed that silencing TUBA1C significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of BLCA cells and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Conclusion

The overexpression of TUBA1C in bladder cancer predicts a poor prognosis and may also be a potential immunotherapeutic target. As a prognostic marker, TUBA1C influences tumor progression by regulating the cell cycle.
Retinal phototoxicity after macular hole surgery in a patient under paclitaxel
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno José M , García‑Zamora María , Ruiz‑Medrano Jorge
Published: August 2023

Background

The purpose is to report the second case, to our knowledge, of suspected paclitaxel-induced phototoxic maculopathy following pars plana vitrectomy surgery.

Case presentation

63-year-old phakic female who underwent an uneventful phaco-vitrectomy to treat a complete macular hole, developing macular phototoxicity in the post-operatively period that could not be explained by the surgery itself and could only be attributed to a possible photosensitization induced by the previous use of paclitaxel.

Conclusions

The use of paclitaxel has been widely extended as a chemotherapy drug to treat breast cancer. It works by altering the intracellular microtubular reorganization and, based on this mechanism of action, photosensitivity has been previously described. We report a case of suspected paclitaxel-induced macular phototoxicity following ocular endoillumination during vitrectomy surgery.