bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Arterial Spin Labeling for the Evaluation of the Cerebral Hemodynamics in Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Bian Hao , Zhang Lei , Wang Junping
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a vascular disease with significant risk of mortality due to ischemia or hemorrhage in the brain. The goal of the study was to explore three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL) to improve evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics in patients with MMD. Methods: Our study included 54 cases of ischemic MMD and 42 cases of hemorrhagic MMD. Dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion-weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) and 3D-ASL were performed at 3.0 T. Based on these scans, cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), and time to peak (TTP) were calculated and compared between patients with different disease subtypes. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to assess the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of different imaging procedures and parameters. Results: Our data suggested that CBF in the lesion area was more severely reduced in patients with hemorrhagic MMD than in those with ischemic MMD. The CBF parameter in 3D-ASL diagnosed hemorrhagic and ischemic MMD with a significant sensitivity and specificity of 80.59% and 57.41%, respectively, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75. We also found that the relative CBF of 3D-ASL was more pronounced decreased and the relative MTT and TTP of DSC-PWI were significantly increased in patients with hemorrhagic MMD than those with ischemic MMD. Specificity and sensitivity and AUC of 3D-ASL were better than the comparison of absolute values from DSC-PWI scans. Conclusion: Our study indicated that 3D-ASL is powerful in differentiating patients with cerebral ischemic or hemorrhagic MMD, providing another diagnostic tool that could potentially improve precision medicine to monitoring MMD patients.
The Regulatory Effect of the Paraventricular Nucleus on Hypertension
Authors: Xi Hanyu , Li Xingru , Zhou Yun , Sun Yaojun
Published: October 2023

Hypertension is among the most harmful factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and poses an urgent problem for the development of human society. In addition to previous studies on its pathogenesis focusing on the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, investigating the central causes of high blood pressure involving the neuroendocrine and neuroinflammatory mechanisms of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is paramount. This nucleus is considered to regulate the output of neurohormones and sympathetic nerve activity. In this article, we focussed on the neuroendocrine mechanism, primarily exploring the specific contributions and interactions of various neurons and neuroendocrine hormones, including GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, nitric oxide, arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, and the renin-angiotensin system. Additionally, the neuroinflammatory mechanism in the PVN was discussed, encompassing microglia, reactive oxygen species, inflammatory factors, and pathways, as well as immune connections between the brain and extracerebral organs. Notably, the two central mechanisms involved in the PVN not only exist independently but also communicate with each other, jointly maintaining the hypertensive state of the body. Furthermore, we introduce well-known molecules and signal transduction pathways within the PVN that can play a regulatory role in the two mechanisms to provide a basis and inspire ideas for further research.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Vitamin D Status of Patients with Severe Obesity in Various Regions Worldwide
Authors: Haghighat Neda , Sohrabi Zahra , Bagheri Reza , Akbarzadeh Marzieh , Esmaeilnezhad Zahra , Ashtary-Larky Damoon , Barati-Boldaji Reza , Zare Morteza , Amini Masoud , Hosseini Seyed Vahid , Wong Alexei , Foroutan Hamidreza
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Managing nutritional deficiencies is an essential component in the treatment of severe obesity. Vitamin D deficiency is often reported in investigations in severely obese cohorts. However, no prior study has summarized findings on this topic. Consequently, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status in individuals with severe obesity in different regions worldwide. We also evaluated levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and magnesium as secondary outcome measures. Methods: We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for relevant observational studies published in English from 2009 to October 2021. The heterogeneity index among the studies was determined using the Cochran (Q) and I2 tests. Based on the heterogeneity results, the random-effect model was applied to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Results: We identified 109 eligible observational studies. Overall, 59.44% of patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D <20 ng/mL], whereas 26.95% had vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D 20–30 ng/mL]. Moreover, the mean 25(OH)D level was 18.65 ng/mL in 96 studies. The pooled mean estimate of the serum calcium, PTH, and magnesium was 9.26 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.19–9.32, I2 = 99.7%, p < 0.001), 59.24 pg/mL (95% CI: 54.98, 63.51, I2 = 99.7%, p < 0.001), and 0.91 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.84, 0.98, I2 = 100.0%, p < 0.001), respectively. The results of the subgroup analysis indicated that the mean estimates of 25(OH)D were highest in North America (21.71 ng/mL [19.69, 23.74], [I2 = 97.2%, p < 0.001]) and lowest in Southeast Asia (14.93 ng/mL [14.54, 15.33], [I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.778]). Conclusion: The results obtained showed a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among severely obese individuals in various geographical regions, whereas the highest and lowest mean estimates were reported for North America and Southeast Asia, respectively.
Bioinformatics Analysis and Screening of Potential Target Genes Related to the Lung Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Huang Ping , Gu Yinfang , Guo Longhua , Zou Xiaofang , Yi Lilan , Wu Guowu
Published: October 2023

Objective: Several genes have been validated as molecular targets for gene therapy in lung cancer. We screened target genes that affect survival of patients with lung cancer. Methods: Data on gene expression in normal lung tissues/lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples were acquired from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx)/The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and merged to expand the sample size, followed by differential analysis of the merged expression data and acquisition of differentially expressed genes. Survival and simple Cox analyses were used to screen for genes affecting LUAD survival. Protein-protein interaction/multivariable Cox analyses were utilized, and a risk model was established. Candidate genes expression levels in cancer/paracancerous tissues of lung cancer patients, and BEAS-2B/A549/HCC95 cells were measured by RT-qPCR/Western blot. Survival analysis of candidate genes was conducted in LUAD samples collected from TCGA. Results: Among 947 genes differentially expressed in LUAD, 151 were correlated with patient survival, and 116 might act as risk factors for LUAD. The 7 identified candidate genes (TOP2A, TK1, KIF4A, ANLN, KIF2C, ASF1B, CCNB1) were high-risk genes playing possible roles in LUAD. These genes were differentially expressed in lung cancer and were associated with TNM stages (III - IV)/differentiation grade/lymph node metastasis/distant metastasis, which affected lung cancer patient survival. Conclusion: P2A, TK1, KIF4A, ANLN, KIF2C, ASF1B and CCNB1 were highly-expressed in LUAD/lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and correlated with LUAD patient survival. This study contributes to better understanding of the prognostic regulation mechanism in LUAD and the screening of target genes for clinical treatment.
Genetic Screening and Functional Analysis of Thyroid Peroxidase Variants in Chinese Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism
Authors: Zhang Hai-yang , Wu Feng-yao , Li Xue-song , Zhang Cao-xu , Tu Ping-hui , Yang Rui-meng , Liu Xiao-yu , Cui Ren-jie , Yang Liu , Wu Chen-yang , Zhang Rui-jia , Fang Ya , Sun Feng , Liang Jun , Cheng Feng , Song Huai-dong , Zhao Shuang-xia
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH), the most common neonatal endocrine disorder worldwide, can be caused by variants in the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene. This study aimed to identify TPO variants in Chinese patients with CH, analyze their impact on TPO function, and establish relationships between TPO genotypes and clinical characteristics. Methods: A total of 328 patients with CH were screened for TPO variants by performing whole-exome sequencing. The function of the detected TPO variants was investigated via transfection assays in vitro. The pathogenic effect of five novel variants was further assessed in silico. Results: Among 328 patients with CH, 19 TPO variants, including six novel ones, were identified in 43 patients. Eighteen patients (5.5%) carried biallelic TPO variants. In vitro experiments showed that TPO activity was impaired to varying degrees in 17 variants. Furthermore, we determined that a residual TPO enzyme activity threshold of 15% may serve as a criterion for differentiating CH severity. Conclusions: According to our study, the prevalence of TPO variants among Chinese patients with CH was 13.1%. Five novel variants led to impaired TPO function by altering its structure or by affecting its expression or cellular localization, which should result in impaired thyroid hormone synthesis.
Limited Efficacy of Venetoclax Combination Regimens in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Extramedullary Relapse
Authors: Bae Soyoung , Sa Seungwon , Park Silvia , Cho Byung-Sik , Kim Hee-Je
Published: October 2023

The recently approved BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) has achieved promising outcomes in new and relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although its use is not well established in R/R AML with extramedullary disease (EMD), some reports have shown promising outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 11 patients of R/R AML with EMD (with (n = 4) or without (n = 7) concurrent marrow involvement), who were treated with VEN plus decitabine (n = 9) or low-dose cytarabine (n = 2) between May 2020 and October 2020 in Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. The median number of prior treatment lines was 3 (1–6), and most (n = 9, 81.8%) had multiple sites of EMD. Nine patients (81.8%) received concurrent therapy for extramedullary (EM) involvement sites with radiotherapy (RT) (n = 4), surgery (n = 1), and both of them (n = 4). Among 11 patients, 4 patients (36.4%) had either marrow or EM responses to VEN combination; EM response was seen in 1 patient (9.1%, partial response) who had received concurrent RT (25 Gy, 10 fx) during the 1st cycle of VEN combination, and other 3 patients showed marrow response without EM response. After median follow-up of 27.0 months, the median overall survival was estimated to be 5.4 months. To conclude, VEN combination regimens have shown only modest efficacy in EM recurrence of AML with little impact on eliciting EM response.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Automated Diabetic Retinopathy Image Assessment Softwares: IDx-DR and Medios Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Rao Divya Parthasarathy , Brona Piotr , Negiloni Kalpa , Krzywicki Tomasz , Savoy Florian M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection of referable diabetic retinopathy (RDR). A direct comparison of these multiple automated diabetic retinopathy (DR) image assessment softwares (ARIAs) is, however, challenging. We retrospectively compared the performance of two modern ARIAs, IDx-DR and Medios AI. Methods: In this retrospective-comparative study, retinal images with sufficient image quality were run on both ARIAs. They were captured in 811 consecutive patients with diabetes visiting diabetic clinics in Poland. For each patient, four non-mydriatic images, 45° field of view, i.e., two sets of one optic disc and one macula-centered image using Topcon NW400 were captured. Images were manually graded for severity of DR as no DR, any DR (mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy [NPDR] or more severe disease), RDR (moderate NPDR or more severe disease and/or clinically significant diabetic macular edema [CSDME]), or sight-threatening DR (severe NPDR or more severe disease and/or CSDME) by certified graders. The ARIA output was compared to manual consensus image grading (reference standard). Results: On 807 patients, based on consensus grading, there was no evidence of DR in 543 patients (67%). Any DR was seen in 264 (33%) patients, of which 174 (22%) were RDR and 41 (5%) were sight-threatening DR. The sensitivity of detecting RDR against reference standard grading was 95% (95% CI: 91, 98%) and the specificity was 80% (95% CI: 77, 83%) for Medios AI. They were 99% (95% CI: 96, 100%) and 68% (95% CI: 64, 72%) for IDx-DR, respectively. Conclusion: Both the ARIAs achieved satisfactory accuracy, with few false negatives. Although false-positive results generate additional costs and workload, missed cases raise the most concern whenever automated screening is debated.
Screening for Turner Syndrome-Associated Hyperglycemia: Evaluating Hemoglobin A1c and Fasting Blood Glucose
Authors: Parra Villasmil Maria Graciela , Ryckman Kelli K. , Norris Andrew W. , Pinnaro Catherina T.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) are at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM). Currently, annual DM screening with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with or without fasting blood glucose (FBG) is recommended starting at age 10. However, the optimal DM screening for individuals with TS is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between HbA1c, FBG, and the 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A second goal was to query whether optimal HbA1c and FBG cut points for TS-associated DM and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), as defined by the OGTT 2-h blood glucose (BG), might differ from those for the general population. Methods: Individuals with TS ≥ age 10 from the TS: Genotype Phenotype study in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Data and Specimen Hub (DASH) who had 2-h OGTT BG, HbA1c, and FBG were included. Correlations between HbA1c, FBG, and 2-h OGTT BG were evaluated. Areas under the receiver operative characteristic (ROC-AUC) curves were generated. Optimal cut points for predicting TS-associated IGT (2-h BG ≥7.77 mmol/L) and DM (2-h BG ≥11.10 mmol/L) were determined. Results: 348 individuals had complete data (2-h OGTT BG <7.77 mmol/L, n = 239; TS-associated IGT, n = 79; DM, n = 30). ROC-AUC was poor for HbA1c to predict IGT (0.57, 0.49–0.65) but better for DM (0.81, 0.71–0.90). ROC-AUC was also poor for FBG to predict IGT (0.63, 0.56–0.70) but better for DM (0.85, 0.77–0.93). At a cut point of 38 mmol/mol (5.6%), HbA1c had 67% sensitivity (95% CI: 47–83%) and 86% specificity (95% CI: 82–90%) for identifying TS-associated DM defined by 2-h OGTT BG. Conclusions: The correlation of HbA1c and 2-h OGTT BG is lower in TS than in other published studies regarding type 2 DM. HbA1c is fairly specific for DM in TS but lacks sensitivity, especially at currently utilized levels. Future research should focus on characterizing individuals with TS whose glycemic status is discordant, as this may provide additional insights into the pathophysiology of glucose metabolism in TS. Longitudinal assessment of glycemia as it relates to micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with TS will further inform DM screening in this population.
Auditory Brainstem Response Testing in Children with Speech and Language Pathology: A Non-Randomized Observational Study
Authors: Aras Ivana , Vlahović Sanja , Stevanović Siniša , Pavičić Dokoza Katarina , Košec Andro
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare auditory brainstem response (ABR) findings of normal-hearing preschool children with different types of speech and language pathology. Methods: This retrospective, non-randomized, cohort study was conducted at a tertiary speech and hearing rehabilitation institution according to STROBE guidelines. The study enrolled 123 preschool children diagnosed with speech language pathology and normal hearing. The participants included children with developmental language disorder, autism spectrum disorder, isolated articulation pathology, organic brain lesions, cognitive delay, and a group of very young children with clinically significant speech development delay. All patients underwent standard ABR procedures. Results: The latencies were the longest in the group of children with organic lesion, followed by the group of children with autism spectrum disorder, then the group with developmental language disorder, and the young children group. In the group of children with articulation pathology and the cognitive delay group, the latencies were the shortest. Conclusion: This study showed a connection between several groups of children with language pathology that includes comprehension problems and prolongation of ABR latencies.
Processes of Emotion Idioms Comprehension of Turkish-Speaking People with Wernicke’s Aphasia
Authors: Civak Tan Pinar , Hancer Hale , Tokgoz-Yilmaz Suna , Arica Akkok Elif , Gokcan Mustafa Kursat
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Idioms are commonly used in everyday language to convey emotions figuratively. The ability to comprehend and use idioms that incorporate emotional elements is crucial for effective communication in daily life, particularly among people with aphasia (PwA). Despite the interest in understanding the process of emotion idiom comprehension in PwA, limited information is available in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the process of emotion idiom comprehension in people with Wernicke’s aphasia (PwWA) and compare it with that of neurotypical individuals. Methods: Sixty idioms were selected based on their syntactic and semantic features, and participants evaluated their imageability. Sixteen idioms were chosen for the study, and two types of tasks were prepared: written idiom-picture matching and written idiom-written text matching. These tasks were administered to two groups: 11 PwWA and 11 neurotypical individuals. The results were analysed in terms of task performance, response type, syntactic and semantic features, and emotional content. Results: The emotion idiom comprehension scores of the PwWA group were significantly lower than those of the neurotypical participants. PwWA had greater difficulty with the written idiom-picture matching task and tended to rely on the literal meanings of the idioms. There were differences in the semantic features between the two groups. Among the emotion idioms, PwWA showed significant differences in the types of emotions they were able to comprehend. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that regardless of the syntactic content of idioms, PwWA’s ability to comprehend emotion idioms is impaired, and they tend to interpret them more literally. This study provides a useful method for assessing emotional idiom comprehension in PwA.
РОЗРОБКА МОДЕЛЕЙ БІПОЛЯРНИХ ЕЛЕКТРОДІВ ДЛЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОГО РОЗПОДІЛУ ТЕПЛА ПРИ РАДІОЧАСТОТНІЙ АБЛЯЦІЇ ВАРИКОЗНОГО РОЗШИРЕННЯ ВЕН
Authors: Соловйов В. Г. , Ланкін Ю. М. , Романова І. Ю.
Published: October 2023

Робота присвячена моделюванню конструкції біполярних електродів для ефективного розподілу тепла при радіочастотній абляції варикозного розширення вен. Радіочастотна абляція вен - це мало-інвазивний метод лікування варикозу, заснований на закритті основних поверхневих вен під впливом теплової енергії, створюваної струмом високої частоти. В даній роботі розглянуто процедуру радіочастотної абляції вен, а також розробку та порівняння трьох моделей біполярних електродів, що дозволяють ефективно розподіляти нагрів в області вен, який підвищує ефективність методу та знижує ризик ускладнень. Показано, що аблятор із електродом у вигляді біполярної дротяної обмотки з прямокутним перерізом навколо ізолятора є кращим із точки зору рівномірності розподілу теплового поля в електроді. Результати моделювання можуть бути використані для подальшої оптимізації процедури радіочастотній абляції вен.
HOW TO MAINTAIN RELIGIO-INSTITUTIONS: THE CASE OF ALMS-TAX IN THE EARLY ISLAMIC STATE
Authors: KIRAY Abdullah , KOÇ Oktay
Published: October 2023

This study aims at exploring the process of maintaining religio-institutions particularly by using a qualitative abductive approach. Institutional theorists accept religion -among others such as state, market, professions and family etc.- as an institutional sector which also produces unquestionable institutional arrangements (e.g., halal, pray, zakat) in order first to provide and then to assure an earthly order, in turn a happy life after death to its proponents. Depending on these, this study’s focus is to explore and define the rationales, strategies of, and tools for maintaining religio-institutions basing on a clear case (i.e., rebellion of chief of Butah Tribe Malik bin Nuwayra in an effort not to give alms and various attempts of Caliph Abu Bakr for maintenance of existing religio-institutional order). To this end, data have been collected from secondary data resources (i.e., archival documents such as verses, hadiths, historical documents and texts), and analyzed by using qualitative data analysis technics such as content analysis.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH EXPENDITURES: EVIDENCE FROM THE DRISCOLL-KRAAY ESTIMATOR
Authors: ATAKLI YAVUZ Rüya , YILMAZTÜRK Refika Görkem
Published: October 2023

In this study employing panel data methods, it was aimed to econometrically test the relationship between human development and health expenditures in 25 OECD countries using data from the 2003-2019 period. For this purpose, in the econometric model established, the Human Development Index is included as the dependent variable to represent human development, while public health expenditures and household voluntary health expenditures are included as independent variables to represent health expenditures. The results of the empirical analyses indicate a positive and statistically significant relationship between health expenditures and human development. Accordingly, considering the overall panel based on the aforementioned period and group of countries, it is concluded that a 1 unit increase in public health expenditures increases the Human Development Index value by 0.11 units. Similarly, it was observed that a 1 unit increase in household voluntary health expenditures also increases the Human Development Index value by 0.03 units. Therefore, it is concluded that increases in investments in health, both by the public sector and at the household level, and thus the increase in health expenditures, will support human development in this group of countries.
Demand Shocks, Procurement Policies, and the Nature of Medical Innovation: Evidence from Wartime Prosthetic Device Patents
Authors: Clemens Jeffrey , Rogers Parker
Published: October 2023

We show that the demand shocks associated with the U.S. Civil War and World War I led to substantial increases in prosthetic device patenting (relative to patenting in other medical and mechanical technology classes). Through analyses of patent texts, we find that the Civil War led inventors to focus on production process improvements, while World War I did not. Further, we find that inventors emphasized dimensions of product quality that aligned with differences in buyers' preferences across wars. Alongside evidence from the historical record, these findings imply that procurement environments can significantly shape the scientific problems with which inventors engage.
What Triggers Mortgage Default? New Evidence from Linked Administrative and Survey Data
Authors: Low David
Published: October 2023

Why do homeowners default on mortgages? This paper studies the question using a survey specifically designed for the purpose, with a sample drawn from (and matched to) very rich administrative data. I find that a wide variety of typically-unobserved liquidity shocks together trigger nearly all defaults, so “strategic” default with no liquidity trigger is much less common than it usually appears. Conversely, even in this uniquely rich data I find that many foreclosures are not triggered by negative home equity, contrary to the predictions of almost every model in the literature.
The Challenge of Christian Deliberation in a Libertarian Context
Authors: Glenna Leland L. , Stofferahn Curtis W.
Published: October 2023

In 2005, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly authorized the formation of a task force to prepare a social statement on genetics and faith. Although the Churchwide Assembly voted to adopt the social statement in August of 2011 by a wide margin, there had been an earlier controversy. In June 2010, an article in the Dakota Farmer questioned whether the ELCA was accusing farmers of “sin” for planting genetically engineered crop seeds. At least two churches in rural North Dakota cited this factor as a reason for leaving the ELCA. Seven synods with strong farmer constituencies proposed resolutions challenging the social statement. This paper explores how the opposition used agrarianism and libertarianism to attack the ELCA’s use of the Christian concept of the common good in the social statement. This case reveals the challenges that the Church faces when contributing to ethical deliberations on controversial issues.
The Role of Extrinsic Motivation in Securing Actors’ Compliance with the International Anti-Money Laundering/Counterterrorist Financing Regime
Authors: Alshamsi Reem
Published: October 2023

The effectiveness of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) international regime to govern anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorist financing (CTF) has been questioned since its establishment. In theory, the FATF’s network of multilevel actors should protect the integrity of the international financial system. The empirical evidence in this article shows that the FATF has made a difference in ensuring states’ (official) compliance with its measures, using extrinsic motivation tools; for example, ranking noncompliant states. However, it argues that such motivation only ensures actors’ minimum compliance, meaning that the regime’s effectiveness is suboptimal, while fostering intrinsic motivation would improve actors’ performance. Therefore, it is essential to understand why actors comply with the FATF approach and how they could be persuaded to achieve better compliance so that the regime’s effectiveness is feasible. This article explores these questions, using interviews with thirty practitioners in three locations, supported by a qualitative analysis of documentary data.
“He Wreaks Havoc on Earth”
Authors: Salati Marco
Published: October 2023

This article draws attention to a criminal case recorded at the High Court of Ottoman Aleppo in 1655. Although extremely concise, the document is a good example not only of daily legal practice in an Ottoman court but also of the interaction between the judicial system and the urban elite in cases involving matters of public order that were perceived as particularly sensitive. The list of persons called before the court for an official statement of accusation is a sort of who’s who of Aleppine society. It includes some major Ottoman officeholders of the mid-17th century who were resident in Aleppo and other local notables.
A Mexican Renascence
Authors: Kane Louise
Published: October 2023

This article explores the periodical contributions of the Mexican-Jewish writer and editor Anita Brenner (1905–1974). It argues that Brenner’s periodical contributions—primarily relating to art criticism and published in diverse outlets such as The Nation, Mexican Folkways, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and Mademoiselle—decenter ideas of Mexico as a site of peripheral avant-gardism and reveal how Brenner was a pioneer of a transnational and, in some ways, distinctly female avant-garde network.
Tarsila do Amaral
Authors: Mariella Rosita
Published: October 2023

In the field of visual arts, painter Tarsila do Amaral was a pioneer in her revindication of ‘peripheral’ areas, as well as in her opposition to an exclusive Eurocentric vision of the world. The article highlights how her contribution was crucial to an early approach to decolonization that used the notion of antropofagia to present the colonized in an act of ‘devouring’ the colonizer, assimilating certain aspects and discarding others to process and build new, independent identities. Considering her white, upper-class and cosmopolitan background, the article also explores the limits of her colonial-related art practices and the common trap of exoticism in the arts. Using the history of Tarsila do Amaral as a case study, this study will question how artists from ‘peripheral’ areas were making use of their access to native cultures in order to be part of the established European art scene and hegemonic discourse.
Typification of the name Lavandula viridis (Labiatae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO P. PABLO
Published: October 2023

The typification of the name Lavandula viridis (Labiatae) is revised. A “holotype” had previously been indicated by Upson and Andrews in 2004 from a specimen kept at the herbarium BM. However, the original material comprises more than one element. Therefore, a lectotype for this name is designated in this work according to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code of 2018). The name is lectotypified using a specimen preserved at BM and collected by Francis Masson in Madeira in 1776.
The mycoheterotrophic genus Didymoplexiella (Orchidaceae) in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
Authors: NURALIEV MAXIM S. , AVERYANOV LEONID V. , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , NGUYEN CUONG HUU , LE TUAN ANH , MAISAK TATIANA V. , LYSKOV DMITRY F. , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P.
Published: October 2023

A synopsis of the orchid genus Didymoplexiella is presented for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Uncertainties in morphological delimitation of the species of Didymoplexiella are addressed in the context of the new data on variation of labellum structure; re-identification of a considerable number of specimens is performed in accordance with the current views. Three species are recognised in the study area. Of them, D. laosensis is endemic to Laos and Vietnam; D. ornata is known from Vietnam and also widely distributed in Malesia; and D. siamensis inhabits all three countries of Eastern Indochina and also Thailand, Japan, China and Taiwan. Didymoplexiella laosensis is newly recorded for Vietnam, whereas D. trichechus is excluded from the known flora of Eastern Indochina, and D. ornata is excluded from the flora of Laos. Typification of D. siamensis is revised. For each species, the type, synonyms (where applicable), citations of relevant regional taxonomic publications, brief taxonomic notes, data on ecology, phenology, distribution and IUCN preliminary assessment are provided. The geographical distribution of the species of Didymoplexiella in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam is shown on a map. A key for the identification of D. laosensis, D. ornata, D. siamensis and D. trichechus is presented.
Two new species of silica-scaled chrysophytes (Chrysophyceae, Synurales) Mallomonas kicherica and M. sibirica water bodies of Eastern Siberia, Russia
Authors: BESSUDOVA ANNA , FIRSOVA ALENA D. , TOMBERG IRINA V. , BAYRAMOVA ELVIRA , HILKHANOVA DIANA , BEDOSHVILI YEKATERINA D. , BASHENKHAEVA MARIA , KOPYRINA LYUBOV I. , ZAKHAROVA YULIA R. , LIKHOSHWAY YELENA V.
Published: October 2023

Two new species of Chrysophytes, Mallomonas kicherica and M. sibirica (order Synurales) were described in several water bodies in Eastern Siberia based on the ultrastructure of silica scales. These species belong to section Striatae. M. kicherica is characterised by scales with labyrinth-like reticulation on the dome and transverse ribs connected by short ribs-jumpers. This species is most similar in scale ultrastructure to M. striata var. balonovii. M. kicherica was found in the mouth of Kichera River, a tributary of Lake Baikal. M. sibirica is characterised by scales with a well-developed secondary layer on the shield in which rounded depressions are located. This species is most similar in scale ultrastructure to M. pechlaneri. M. sibirica was registered in different waters of Eastern Siberia under various ecological parameters—in the mixing zone of the Yenisei River and the Kara Sea, Lake Baikal, and in lakes Ulu, Vorota and Labynkyr (Yakutia).
Pleurothallis inaudita, an unnoticed new species in Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) from southwestern Ecuador
Authors: ROMERO BOSCO JAVIER ZAMBRANO , SOLANO RODOLFO
Published: October 2023

A new orchid species in Pleurothallis subsection Acroniae, is described and illustrated from Ecuador. Information concerning its distribution, habitat and phenology is provided. The new taxon is named as P. inaudita and is compared with the most similar species, P. imitor, from which it differs by its amber flowers suffused with red-purple (vs. yellow), lanceolate dorsal sepal (vs. ovate), ensiform petals (vs. oblong-subfalcate), and an ovate-triangular lip with an oblate callus (vs. triangular-sagittate with an oblong callus). Furthermore, P. inaudita is compared with P. tryssa and other morphologically similar species, member of Pleurothallis subsection Macrophyllae-Fasciculatae, P. crucifera.
Sarcolobus globosus subsp. peregrinus, a newly recorded subspecies of Sarcolobus (Apocynaceae) from Zhanjiang, China
Authors: DENG SHUANGWEN , LIN GUANGXUAN , LI ZIXIANG , LI YALI , XU LEI , YU QIANXIA , XING FUWU , WANG FAGUO
Published: October 2023

A newly recorded subspecies, Sarcolobus globosus subsp. peregrinus (Blanco) Rintz, was reported. This subspecies was previously known to be distributed in Southeast Asia islands, which was recently found in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China. Detailed morphological description, field photos and geographical distribution are provided in this study. Additionally, the whole chloroplast genome was sequenced by the Illumina sequencing technology. The annotated results revealed that the chloroplast genome has a conserved quadripartite structure, with a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs) separating the large single copy (LSC) region from the small single-copy (SSC) region, resulting in a total length of 161,561 base pairs (bp). The phylogenetic analysis shows that S. globosus subsp. peregrinus is clustered with its type subspecies (i.e., subsp. globosus), and the significant difference in branch length between them indicates a large variation in their evolutionary rates. These results provide new insights into the Apocynaceae of China.
SOD1 is a novel prognostic biomarker of acute kidney injury following cardiothoracic surgery
Authors: Holthoff Joseph H. , Harville Yanping , Herzog Christian , Juncos Luis A. , Karakala Nithin , Arthur John M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major burden among hospitalized and critical care patients. Among hospitalized patients that progress to severe AKI there is increased risk for morbidity, mortality, and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). As there are no specific treatments for AKI, the discovery of novel biomarkers that predict the progression of AKI may aid in timely implementation of supportive care to improve outcomes.

Methods

We collected urine from 204 patients that developed Stage 1 AKI by AKIN criteria within 72 h following cardiothoracic surgery. Urine samples were collected at the time of the initial diagnosis of AKI and stored at −80° C. Among the 204 patients, 25 progressed to a composite primary outcome of Stage 3 AKI, requirement of RRT, or 30-day mortality. The remaining 179 patients did not progress beyond Stage 2 AKI and were considered controls. Urinary concentrations of SOD1 and SOD1 activity were measured following collection of all samples. Samples were thawed and urinary superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) concentrations were measured by sandwich ELISA and urinary SOD1 activity was measured through a commercially available colorimetric assay.

Results

Urinary concentrations of SOD1 were significantly elevated (67.0 ± 10.1 VS 880.3 ± 228.8 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) in patients that progressed to severe AKI and were able to predict the progression to severe AKI (AUC – 0.85, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, total SOD activity also increased in the urine of patients that required RRT (77.6% VS 49.81% median inhibition, p < 0.01) and was able to predict the need for RRT (AUC: 0.83, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

These findings show that urinary SOD1 concentrations and SOD activity are novel prognostic biomarkers for severe AKI following cardiothoracic surgery.
Implant breakage after shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review of data from worldwide arthroplasty registries and clinical trials
Authors: Liebhauser Martin , Hohenberger Gloria , Lohberger Birgit , Hauer Georg , Deluca Amelie , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: October 2023

Background

Implant breakage after shoulder arthroplasty is a rare complication after aseptic loosening, infection or persistent pain, resulting in malfunction of the components requiring revision surgery. This correlates with a high burden for the patient and increasing costs. Specific data of complication rates and implant breakage are available in detailed arthroplasty registries, but due to the rare occurrence and possibly underestimated value rarely described in published studies. The aim of this systematic review was to point out the frequency of implant breakage after shoulder arthroplasty. We hypothesized that worldwide arthroplasty registry datasets record higher rates of implant breakage than clinical trials.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database were utilized for this systematic review using the items “(implant fracture/complication/breakage) OR (glenoid/baseplate complication/breakage) AND (shoulder arthroplasty)” according to the PRISMA guidelines on July 3rd, 2023. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted according to the Cochrane standards. Case reports and experimental studies were excluded to reduce bias. The breakage rate per 100,000 observed component years was used to compare data from national arthroplasty registries and clinical trials, published in peer-reviewed journals. Relevant types of shoulder prosthetics were analyzed and differences in implant breakage were considered.

Results

Data of 5 registries and 15 studies were included. Rates of implant breakage after shoulder arthroplasty were reported with 0.06–0.86% in registries versus 0.01–6.65% in clinical studies. The breakage rate per 100,000 observed component years was 10 in clinical studies and 9 in registries. There was a revision rate of 0.09% for registry data and 0.1% for clinical studies within a 10-year period. The most frequently affected component in connection with implant fracture was the glenoid insert.

Conclusion

Clinical studies revealed a similar incidence of implant failure compared to data of worldwide arthroplasty registries. These complications arise mainly due to breakage of screws and glenospheres and there seems to be a direct correlation to loosening. Periprosthetic joint infection might be associated with loosening of the prosthesis and subsequent material breakage. We believe that this analysis can help physicians to advise patients on potential risks after shoulder arthroplasty.

Level of evidence

III.
A magnetic solid phase chemiluminescent immunoassay for quantification of Cystatin C in human serum
Authors: He Jian , Liang Ping , Wang Tingting , Han Shuang
Published: October 2023

A chemiluminescent immunoassay for human serum Cystatin C (Cys C) was established using a direct-antibody sandwich model. The immunoassay kit uses magnetic separation technology, using magnetic particles as the reaction solid phase, alkaline phosphatase as the marker enzyme, and a new chemiluminescent substrate APLS as the substrate. It has the characteristics of high sensitivity and short reaction time. This product uses high-affinity antibodies, resulting in a high specificity. The established method showed good accuracy, uniformity, and stability. The limit of detection was 2.39 ng/mL. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 3.36%–6.00%, the interassay CV was 4.12%–5.35%, and the recovery rate was 99.07%. The correlation coefficient (r) of Cys-C kit was 0.999388 ≥ 0.9900. The accuracy of the developed method was tested by automatic chemiluminescence instrument (P > 0.05). The lowest titer was 0.92500, and the highest was 1.10000. The developed method showed a good correlation with the product from Roche by comparing these two kits in 240 clinical samples from China. In total, 1392 clinical patient from China samples were measured using the reagent kit developed in this study.
Antecedents predicting digital contact tracing acceptance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kuo Kuang-Ming
Published: October 2023

An awareness of antecedents of acceptance of digital contact tracing (DCT) can enable healthcare authorities to design appropriate strategies for fighting COVID-19 or other infectious diseases that may emerge in the future. However, mixed results about these antecedents are frequently reported. Most prior DCT acceptance review studies lack statistical synthesis of their results. This study aims to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of antecedents of DCT acceptance and investigate potential moderators of these antecedents. By searching multiple databases and filtering studies by using both inclusion and exclusion criteria, 76 and 25 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. Random-effects models were chosen to estimate meta-analysis results since Q, I2, and H index signified some degree of heterogeneity. Fail-safe N was used to assess publication bias. Most DCT acceptance studies have focused on DCT related factors. Included antecedents are all significant predictors of DCT acceptance except for privacy concerns and fear of COVID-19. Subgroup analysis showed that individualism/collectivism moderate the relationships between norms/privacy concerns and intention to use DCT. Based on the results, the mean effect size of antecedents of DCT acceptance and the potential moderators may be more clearly identified. Appropriate strategies for boosting the DCT acceptance rate can be proposed accordingly.
The burden of mitochondrial disease with associated seizures: systematic literature reviews of health-related quality of life, utilities, costs and healthcare resource use data
Authors: Bertini Enrico , Gregg Emily , Bartlett Chris , Senthilnathan Vij , Arber Mick , Watkins Deborah , Graziadio Sara , Tomazos Ioannis
Published: October 2023

Background

Mitochondrial disease is a degenerative, progressive, heterogeneous group of genetic disorders affecting children and adults. Mitochondrial disease is associated with morbidity and mortality, with predominantly neurological and neuromuscular symptoms including dystonia, weakness, encephalopathy, developmental delay and seizures. Seizures are one of the most common and severe manifestations of mitochondrial disease. These seizures are typically refractory to common anti-seizure therapies. There are no approved disease-modifying treatments for mitochondrial disease. Our objective was to conduct two systematic literature reviews to identify health-related quality of life (HRQoL), utilities, costs and healthcare resource use data in mitochondrial disease with associated seizures.

Methods

A range of databases and information sources were searched up to July 2022 to identify eligible studies. Search strategies included a range of variant terms for mitochondrial disease and HRQoL, utilities, cost and healthcare resource use outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed articles against the eligibility criteria; studies were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Risk of bias was assessed for studies reporting HRQoL data. Results were narratively assessed.

Results

Seven studies were eligible for the HRQoL and utilities review. The studies used different tools to report data, and despite the variability in methods, HRQoL scores across the studies showed moderate/severe disease in patients with mitochondrial disease with associated seizures. Parents of patients with mitochondrial disease with associated seizures were characterised by high total parenting stress. No studies reported utilities data. Two case reports and one retrospective review of medical records of children who died in hospital were eligible for the costs and resource use review. These provided limited information on the duration of hospital stay, in an intensive care unit (ICU), on mechanical ventilation. No studies reported costs data.

Conclusion

These reviews highlight the limited HRQoL, utilities, costs and resource use data and the variability of instruments used in mitochondrial disease with associated seizures. However, the data available indicate that mitochondrial disease with associated seizures affects patients’ and caregivers’ HRQoL alike. No robust conclusion can be drawn on the impact of mitochondrial disease with associated seizures on hospital or ICU length of stay.

Trial registration PROSPERO: CRD42022345005.
Is a preoperative multidisciplinary team meeting (cost)effective to improve outcome for high-risk adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: the PREPARATION study—a multicenter stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Vernooij Jacqueline E. M. , Boerlage Romijn M. , Doggen Carine J. M. , Preckel Benedikt , Dirksen Carmen D. , van Leeuwen Barbara L. , Spruit Rutger J. , Festen Suzanne , van der Wal-Huisman Hanneke , van Basten Jean P. , Kalkman Cor J. , Koning Nick J. ,   PREPARATION study investigators, van der Sloot Koene , Dias Esther M. , Kal Jasper E. , van den Nieuwenhuyzen Marjolein C. O. , di Biase Manuela , Hagenaars Martin , Oedairadjsingh Bies , van den Ende Taco , Timmerman Michel , Segers Zjuul , Schoester Dominique H. P. A. M. , Vons Kristy M. J. , Filius A. , van Harten Wim , Poolman Rudolf W. , Reijnen Michel M. P. J. , Noordzij Peter G. , van Munster Barbara C.
Published: October 2023

Background

As a result of increased life expectancy and improved care for patients suffering from chronic disease, the number of patients with multimorbidity requiring surgical intervention is increasing. For complex surgical patients, it is essential to balance the potential benefits of surgical treatment against the risk of permanent loss of functional capacity and quality of life due to complications. European and US guidelines on perioperative care recommend preoperative multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussions for high-risk noncardiac surgical patients. However, the evidence underlying benefits from preoperative MDT meetings with all relevant perioperative specialties present is limited. The current study aims to investigate the effect of implementation of preoperative MDT discussions for high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery on serious adverse events.

Methods/design

PREPARATION is a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in 14 Dutch hospitals without currently established preoperative MDT meeting. The intervention, preoperative MDT meetings, will be implemented sequentially with seven blocks of 2 hospitals switching from control (preoperative screening as usual) to the intervention every 3 months. Each hospital will be randomized to one of seven blocks. We aim to include 1200 patients. The primary outcome is the incidence of serious adverse events at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include (cost)effectiveness, functional outcome, and quality of life for up to 12 months.

Discussion

PREPARATION is the first study to assess the effectiveness of a preoperative MDT meeting for high-risk noncardiac surgical patients in the presence of an anesthesiologist. If the results suggest that preoperative MDT discussions for high-risk patients are (cost)-effective, the current study facilitates implementation of preoperative MDT meetings in clinical practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05703230. Registered on 11/09/2022.