bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymicrogyria: epidemiology, imaging, and clinical aspects in a population-based cohort
Authors: Kolbjer Sintia , Martín Muñoz Daniel A , Örtqvist Anne K , Pettersson Maria , Hammarsjö Anna , Anderlid Britt-Marie , Dahlin Maria
Published: August 2023

Polymicrogyria is estimated to be one of the most common brain malformations, accounting for ∼16% of malformations of cortical development. However, the prevalence and incidence of polymicrogyria is unknown. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence, incidence rate, neuroimaging diversity, aetiology, and clinical phenotype of polymicrogyria in a population-based paediatric cohort. We performed a systematic search of MRI scans at neuroradiology department databases in Stockholm using the keyword polymicrogyria. The study population included all children living in the Stockholm region born from January 2004 to June 2021 with polymicrogyria. Information on the number of children living in the region during 2004–21 was collected from records from Statistics Sweden, whereas the number of births for each year during the study period was collected from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. All MRI scans were re-evaluated, and malformations were classified by a senior paediatric neuroradiologist. The prevalence and yearly incidence were estimated. Clinical data were collected from medical records. A total of 109 patients with polymicrogyria were included in the study. The overall polymicrogyria prevalence in Stockholm was 2.3 per 10 000 children, and the overall estimated yearly incidence between 2004 and 2020 was 1.9 per 10 000 person-years. The most common polymicrogyria distribution was in the frontal lobe (71%), followed by the parietal lobe (37%). Polymicrogyria in the peri-sylvian region was observed in 53%. Genetic testing was performed in 90 patients revealing pathogenic variants in 32%. Additionally, 12% had variants of uncertain significance. Five patients had a confirmed congenital infection, and in six individuals, the cause of polymicrogyria was assumed to be vascular. Epilepsy was diagnosed in 54%. Seizure onset during the first year of life was observed in 44%. The most common seizure types were focal seizures with impaired awareness, followed by epileptic spasms. Thirty-three of 59 patients with epilepsy (56%) were treated with more than two anti-seizure medications, indicating that pharmacoresistant epilepsy is common in polymicrogyria patients. Neurodevelopmental symptoms were observed in 94% of the individuals. This is the first population-based study on polymicrogyria prevalence and incidence. Confirmed genetic aetiology was present in one-third of individuals with polymicrogyria. Epilepsy was common in this patient group, and the majority had pharmacoresistant epilepsy. These findings increase our knowledge about polymicrogyria and will help in counselling patients and their families.
An A–Z guide for dermatologists on how to critically appraise an abstract
Authors: Khalil Nada , Hussain Khawar
Published: August 2023

How to critically appraise an abstract.
Tirbanibulin: an alternative topical approach to manage superficial basal cell carcinoma. Comment on: ‘Successful treatment of field cancerization on the dorsum of the hands with 1% tirbanibulin ointment’
Authors: Martora Fabrizio , Ascierto Paolo , Palla Marco , Costa Claudia , D’Andrea Mirella , Di Trolio Rossella , Scarpato Luigi , Marasca Claudio
Published: August 2023

We read with great interest the article recently published by Abril-Pérez et al. in which they present a case of successful treatment of refractory actinic keratoses and field cancerization on the dorsum of the hands using 1% tirbanibulin ointment in a patient with sun-exposed and damaged skin. We think the case presented by the authors is very useful and we agree with many aspects of it and we wanted to report our own experience of using this drug for another dermatological cancer pathology, basal cell carcinoma.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Screened for Tuberculosis Infection in Swedish Antenatal Care
Authors: Walles John , Winqvist Niclas , Hansson Stefan R , Sturegård Erik , Baqir Haitham , Westman Anna , Kjerstadius Torbjörn , Schön Thomas , Björkman Per
Published: August 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) disease has been associated with pregnancy complications. However, the potential impact of TB infection (TBI) on pregnancy outcome is unknown. To investigate this, we conducted a register-based study in immigrant women screened with QuantiFERON assays for TBI in antenatal care in Sweden.

Methods

Women with history of immigration from TB-endemic countries were eligible for inclusion if national identification numbers and available QuantiFERON results obtained during pregnancy from 2014 to 2018 were available. QuantiFERON results were linked to data on maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes from the national Pregnancy and Patient Registers. TBI was defined as nil-corrected QuantiFERON result ≥0.35 IU/mL, in the absence of TB disease. Pregnancies in women with TB disease or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded, as were multiplex pregnancies, pregnancies resulting in miscarriage, and pregnancies occurring >10 years after immigration. Odds of defined adverse pregnancy outcomes were compared by maternal TBI status using mixed effects logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age and region of origin.

Results

In total, 7408 women with 12 443 pregnancies were included. In multivariable analysis, stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–3.21; P = .016), severe preeclampsia (AOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.03–2.56; P = .036), low birthweight (<2500 g; AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.01–1.88; P = .041), and emergency cesarean section (AOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02–1.63; P = .033) were significantly associated with TBI.

Conclusions

Among immigrant women seeking antenatal care in Sweden, TBI was independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings and to explore mechanisms involved.
Biotechnological potential of microbial bio-surfactants, their significance, and diverse applications
Authors: Kumari Renuka , Singha Lairenjam Paikhomba , Shukla Pratyoosh
Published: August 2023

Globally, there is a huge demand for chemically available surfactants in many industries, irrespective of their detrimental impact on the environment. Naturally occurring green sustainable substances have been proven to be the best alternative for reducing reliance on chemical surfactants and promoting long-lasting sustainable development. The most frequently utilized green active biosurfactants, which are made by bacteria, yeast, and fungi, are discussed in this review. These biosurfactants are commonly originated from contaminated sites, the marine ecosystem, and the natural environment, and it holds great potential for environmental sustainability. In this review, we described the importance of biosurfactants for the environment, including their biodegradability, low toxicity, environmental compatibility, and stability at a wide pH range. In this review, we have also described the various techniques that have been utilized to characterize and screen the generation of microbial biosurfactants. Also, we reviewed the potential of biosurfactants and its emerging applications in the foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural industries. In addition, we also discussed the ways to overcome problems with expensive costs such as low-cost substrate media formulation, gravitational techniques, and solvent-free foam fractionation for extraction that could be employed during biosurfactant production on a larger scale.
An Observational Prospective Cohort Study of Vaccine Effectiveness Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection of an Aerosolized, Inhaled Adenovirus Type 5–Vectored Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Given as a Second Booster Dose in Guangzhou City, China
Authors: Wang Fu-Zhen , Zhang Chun-Huan , Tang Lin , Rodewald Lance E , Wang Wen , Liu Si-Yu , Wang Wen-Ji , Wu Dan , Liu Qian-Qian , Wang Xiao-Qi , Huang Li-Fang , Huang Ao-Di , Bao Li-Ming , Zhang Zhou-Bin , Yin Zun-Dong
Published: August 2023

Using a prospective, observational cohort study during the post–“dynamic COVID-zero” wave in China, we estimated short-term relative effectiveness against Omicron BA.5 infection of inhaled aerosolized adenovirus type 5–vectored ancestral strain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine as a second booster dose approximately 1 year after homologous boosted primary series of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine compared with no second booster. Participants reported nucleic acid or antigen test results weekly until they tested positive or completed predesignated follow-up. After excluding participants infected <14 days after study entry, relative effectiveness among the 6576 participants was 61% in 18- to 59-year-olds and 38% in ≥60-year-olds and was sustained for 12 weeks.
The Antietam Staff Walk at the Uniformed Services University: A Program Evaluation
Authors: Cole Rebekah , Van Shufflin Matthew W , Smith Dale C , Woodard Scott C
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The battle along Antietam Creek in September 1862 was pivotal in shaping future combat medical readiness practices. With the full confidence of his commander, Major (Dr) Jonathan Letterman implemented an innovative ambulance corps system, which contributed immensely to modern-day battlefield medicine. Each year, the Uniformed Services University (USU) holds the Antietam Staff Walk, during which military medical students are engaged by faculty at various “stops” along the 6-mile walk. The four learning objectives for the Antietam Staff Walk are to (1) introduce the role of the “staff ride,” (2) orient learners to reading terrain, (3) reinforce the six principles of health service support, and (4) recall the heritage of the military medical officer. The Department of Military and Emergency Medicine at USU commissioned a program evaluation to determine if these course objectives were being met, evaluate the effectiveness of the Antietam Staff Walk as a teaching tool, and make recommendations for improving its educational impact.

Materials and Methods

We engaged in qualitative program evaluation to evaluate the Antietam Staff Walk course objectives. Our research team analyzed 156 reflection papers written by second-year military medical students attending Antietam in August 2021. We coded each of the papers, noting important words and phrases that were salient to the students’ learning experiences at Antietam. Our research team then compiled each of these codes into a master list and then determined how to divide this list into major categories. We collectively defined each of these categories, which served as the resulting themes of this program evaluation.

Results

Three themes emerged: (1) creation of an ambulance corps allows for proximal battlefield medicine, (2) a lack of buddy aid inspires Tactical Casualty Combat Care, and (3) disease/nonbattle injury necessitates preventative medicine. The students foremost gained an appreciation for the impact of the ambulance corps and recognized that the ambulance corps not only impacted medical care, but also the mission as a whole. However, may not have completely understood the long, slow evolution of battlefield care and may have overestimated the knowledge of physicians practicing mid-19th century medicine. We provided recommendations for addressing these learning opportunities during future Antietam Staff Walks at USU.

Conclusions

Our review of the Antietam Staff Ride resulted in several curricular recommendations for enhancing its learning impact. Our program evaluation serves as a model for line units and other military organizations to optimize the impact of the historical staff ride as a teaching tool.
Presurgical sleep and pain behaviors predict insomnia symptoms and pain after total knee arthroplasty: a 12-month longitudinal, observational study
Authors: Owens Michael A , Mun Chung Jung , Hamilton Katrina R , Hughes Abbey , Campbell Claudia M , Edwards Robert R , Smith Michael T
Published: August 2023

Objective

Up to 40% of individuals who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) experience some degree of pain following surgery. Presurgical insomnia has been identified as a predictor of postsurgical pain; however, modifiable presurgical behaviors related to insomnia have received minimal attention. The objective of the present study was to develop a 2-item sleep and pain behavior scale (SP2) to investigate a maladaptive sleep and pain behavior and is a secondary analysis of a larger, parent study.

Methods

Patients (N = 109) completed SP2 at baseline and 12 months and questionnaires assessing sleep and pain at baseline (pre-TKA), 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months post-TKA. SP2 demonstrated adequate preliminary psychometric properties.

Results

As hypothesized, even after controlling for baseline insomnia, pain, anxiety and other covariates, baseline SP2 predicted insomnia symptom severity at 6 weeks (β = 2.828), 3 (β = 2.140), 6 (β = 2.962), and 12 months (β = 1.835) and pain at 6 weeks (β = 6.722), 3 (β = 5.536), and 6 months (β = 7.677) post-TKA (P < .05). Insomnia symptoms at 6-weeks post-TKA mediated the effect of presurgical SP2 on pain at 3 (95% CI: 0.024–7.054), 6 (95%CI: 0.495–5.243), and 12 months (95% CI: 0.077–2.684).

Conclusions

This provides preliminary evidence that patients who cope with pain by retiring to their bed and bedroom have higher rates of post-surgical insomnia and pain and supports efforts to target this maladaptive sleep and pain behavior to reduce postsurgical pain.
Hippocampal Glutamate, Resting Perfusion and the Effects of Cannabidiol in Psychosis Risk
Authors: Davies Cathy , Bossong Matthijs G , Martins Daniel , Wilson Robin , Appiah-Kusi Elizabeth , Blest-Hopley Grace , Allen Paul , Zelaya Fernando , Lythgoe David J , Brammer Michael , Perez Jesus , McGuire Philip , Bhattacharyya Sagnik
Published: August 2023

Background

Preclinical and human data suggest that psychosis onset involves hippocampal glutamatergic dysfunction, driving hyperactivity and hyperperfusion in a hippocampal-midbrain-striatal circuit. Whether glutamatergic dysfunction is related to cerebral perfusion in patients at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis, and whether cannabidiol (CBD) has ameliorative effects on glutamate or its relationship with perfusion remains unknown.

Methods

Using a double-blind, parallel-group design, 33 CHR patients were randomized to a single 600 mg dose of CBD or placebo; 19 healthy controls did not receive any drug. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure glutamate concentrations in left hippocampus. We examined differences relating to CHR status (controls vs placebo), effects of CBD (placebo vs CBD), and linear between-group effects, such that placebo>CBD>controls or controls>CBD>placebo. We also examined group × glutamate × cerebral perfusion (measured using Arterial Spin Labeling) interactions.

Results

Compared to controls, CHR-placebo patients had significantly lower hippocampal glutamate (P =.015) and a significant linear relationship was observed across groups, such that glutamate was highest in controls, lowest in CHR-placebo, and intermediate in CHR-CBD (P =.031). Moreover, there was a significant interaction between group (controls vs CHR-placebo), hippocampal glutamate, and perfusion in the putamen and insula (PFWE =.012), with a strong positive correlation in CHR-placebo vs a negative correlation in controls.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that hippocampal glutamate is lower in CHR patients and may be partially normalized by a single dose of CBD. Furthermore, we provide the first in vivo evidence of an abnormal relationship between hippocampal glutamate and perfusion in the striatum and insula in CHR.
Genome Sequence Resource of the Head Blight Pathogens Fusarium asiaticum and F. graminearum Isolated from Cereal Crops and Gramineous Weeds in Korea and China
Authors: Jeong Eunji , Lim Jae Yun , Proctor Robert H. , Lee Yin-Won , Xu Jianhong , Shi Jianrong , Liu Xin , Seo Jeong-Ah
Published: August 2023

Head blight is a serious fungal disease that results in yield loss and mycotoxin contamination in cereal crops worldwide. Head blight is primarily caused by members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), which consists of at least 16 species, including Fusarium asiaticum and Fusarium graminearum. FGSC members produce trichothecene mycotoxins and can be divided into four groups (chemotypes) depending on the type of trichothecenes produced: NIV (production of nivalenol), 3ADON (production of 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol), 15ADON (production of 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol), and NX-2 (production of 3α-acetoxy, 7α, 15-dihydroxy-12, and 13-epoxytrichothe-9-ene). Whereas F. graminearum mainly causes head blight in wheat-producing areas, F. asiaticum is associated primarily with rice head blight in eastern Asia. To date, the NCBI database archives 116 assembled genome sequences of F. graminearum, but only four accessions correspond to F. asiaticum. Accessions for three F. graminearum strains (PH-1 = NRRL 31084, CS3005, and FG-12) are chromosome assemblies (i.e., include contigs/scaffolds consisting of full-length or nearly full-length chromosomes), but none of the F. asiaticum accessions is a chromosome assembly. This announcement reports the assembled genome sequences of nine F. asiaticum strains and seven F. graminearum strains isolated from rice, wheat, barley, and other gramineous plants in Korea and China.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Congenital Cytomegalovirus-Associated Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children: Identification Following Universal Newborn Hearing Screening, Effect of Antiviral Treatment, and Long-Term Hearing Outcomes
Authors: Rohren Leigh , Shanley Ryan , Smith Madeline , Yue Monica , Huang Tina C. , Nelson Peggy , Hernandez-Alvarado Nelmary , Schleiss Mark R. , Gravel Kristin E.
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common cause of nongenetic sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children. We examined the longitudinal hearing outcomes of children with cCMV in relation to their newborn hearing screening findings, and their use of antiviral therapy.

Design:

The study was based on a retrospective chart review using a database of pediatric patients (N = 445) seen at the University of Minnesota Lions clinic. Chart review identified infants with cCMV, and records were reviewed for information about universal newborn hearing screen (UNHS) results, the clinical course of SNHL, and the use of antiviral therapy.

Results:

A total of 44 children were identified with cCMV. In this group, 33 (75%) had SNHL of varying degree and age at onset. Notably, 17 (39%) children passed UNHS bilaterally. Of those children, 6 (35%) ultimately acquired bilateral or unilateral SNHL, detected at a mean age of 20 months (median age, 12 months). Five out of 10 children (50%) that did not pass UNHS in one ear acquired late-onset hearing loss in the contralateral ear, identified at a mean age of 24 months (median age, 4 months). Eleven (25%) children passed UNHS bilaterally and continued to demonstrate normal hearing in both ears at their most recent follow-up visit at a mean age of 19 months (SD, 18 months). Of the 33 children with cCMV and SNHL, 18 (55%) received antiviral medication (ganciclovir and/or valganciclovir). While, on average, both treated and untreated ears experienced a progression of hearing loss over time, the group that received antiviral treatment experienced less overall hearing change compared with the untreated group (baseline-adjusted expected mean difference, –10.5 dB; 95% confidence interval, –28.1 to 7.2 dB).

Conclusions:

Among children with cCMV included in this study who passed UNHS in both ears, 35% demonstrated delayed-onset SNHL. Notably, of those children who referred unilaterally, 50% later demonstrated SNHL in the contralateral ear. These findings have implications for audiological monitoring, and potentially antiviral therapy, of children with cCMV. As implementation of universal cCMV screening moves forward, a key aspect of follow-up will be appropriate long-term audiologic monitoring.
Risk of New-onset Type 1 Diabetes in Danish Children and Adolescents After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Nationwide, Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Bering Louise , Christensen Anne Vinggaard , Birk Nina Marie , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Bundgaard Henning , Benfield Thomas , Nygaard Ulrikka , Johannesen Jesper , Nielsen Susanne Dam , Berg Selina Kikkenborg
Published: August 2023

We investigated the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children and adolescents in a nationwide, matched cohort study. The hazard ratio of new-onset T1D within 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.22 (0.58–2.58). The risk of new-onset T1D in children and adolescents was not significantly increased after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Safety and Immunogenicity of V114 in Preterm Infants: A Pooled Analysis of Four Phase Three Studies
Authors: Chapman Timothy J. , Patel Shrita M. , Flores Sheryl A. , Xu Shengjie , Lupinacci Robert , Shi Yaru , Shekar Tulin , Feemster Kristen , Yi Jumi , Tamms Gretchen , Kaminski Janusz , Bickham Kara , Musey Luwy , Buchwald Ulrike K. , Banniettis Natalie
Published: August 2023

Background:

Risk of invasive pneumococcal disease is 3-fold higher in preterm versus full-term infants. V114 is a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) containing the 13 serotypes in PCV13 plus 2 unique serotypes, 22F and 33F. A pooled subgroup analysis was performed in preterm infants (<37 weeks gestational age) enrolled in 4 pediatric phase 3 studies evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of different 4-dose regimens of V114 or PCV13.

Methods:

Healthy preterm infants were randomized 1:1 to receive V114/PCV13 in the 4 studies. Safety was evaluated as the proportion of participants with adverse events (AEs) following receipt of PCV. Serotype-specific antipneumococcal immunoglobulin G (IgG) geometric mean concentrations, IgG response rates and opsonophagocytic activity geometric mean titers were measured at 30 days postdose 3, pretoddler dose and 30 days postdose 4.

Results:

V114 and PCV13 were administered to 174 and 180 participants, respectively. Mean gestational age was 35.4 weeks (range: 27 – <37 weeks). Proportions of participants with AEs were comparable between vaccination groups; most AEs experienced were of short duration (≤3 days) and mild-to-moderate intensity. V114-elicited IgG geometric mean concentrations, IgG response rates and opsonophagocytic activity geometric mean titers were generally comparable to PCV13 for the 13 shared serotypes and higher for serotypes 22F and 33F at 30 days postdose 3 and postdose 4.

Conclusions:

In preterm infants, V114 was well tolerated and induced comparable immune responses to PCV13 for the 13 shared serotypes and higher immune responses to serotypes 22F and 33F. Results support the use of V114 in preterm infants.
Multicenter, 2-dose single-group controlled trial of tacrolimus for the severe infertility patients
Authors: Hisano Michi , Nakagawa Koji , Ono Masanori , Yoshino Osamu , Saito Takakazu , Hirota Yasushi , Inoue Eisuke , Kikuchi Kayoko , Nakamura Hidefumi , Yamaguchi Koushi
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Infertility is estimated to affect 8% to 12% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide. While approximately 85% of infertile couples have an identified cause, the remaining 15% suffer physically and emotionally from unexplained intractable infertility. In recent years, maternal-to-fetal immunological abnormalities have attracted attention as mechanisms that differ from the conventional factors contributing to infertility and pregnancy loss. A T-helper 2 (Th2)-dominant immune state has been proposed as a maternal immune alteration to eliminate rejection and induce tolerance to a semi-allogeneic fetus. An imbalance in Th1 responses would not induce adequate maternal immune tolerance to the fetus or early embryos. Tacrolimus, widely used as an immunosuppressant agent in solid organ transplant recipients, is expected to suppress maternal rejection and promote tolerance to early embryos after assisted reproductive technology by modulating the immunological environment of the preimplantation endometrium. We planned an exploratory clinical trial to determine the efficacy, safety, and dosage of tacrolimus in women with intractable infertility.

Methods and analysis:

This is a multicenter, 2-dose, single-group controlled trial in infertile women who failed to achieve a chemical pregnancy despite multiple in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) treatment cycles. The following 2 key selection criteria were set: no underlying factors of infertility despite appropriate evaluation and presence of Th1-dominant immune state, defined as a Th1/Th2 cell ratio ≥ 10.3 in the peripheral blood. A total of 26 eligible participants are randomly assigned (in a 2:1 ratio) to receive immunosuppressive therapy with oral tacrolimus at a daily dose of 2 mg or 4 mg. Tacrolimus is administered for 16 days starting from 2 days before ET. The primary endpoint is the presence of clinical pregnancy 3 weeks after IVF/ET treatment, and the secondary endpoint is the presence of biochemical pregnancy 2 weeks after IVF/ET treatment. Safety evaluation and biomarker discovery for tacrolimus treatment in infertile women will be conducted simultaneously.

Trial registration number:

Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT; jRCTs031220235).
A bibliometric study of the top 100 most cited papers on aging and cancer
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Guo Ying , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2023

Cancer has been the major and increasing cause of premature death and years of life lost. Various studies suggested the correlation between the aging process and cancer genesis. To evaluate the performance of the articles and to identify and compare the top-cited articles on aging and cancer, a cross-sectional bibliometric analysis was performed. Top-cited articles that were indexed in the Core databases in Web of Science were utilized to identify articles published from inception to September 3, 2022. The top 100 most-cited articles on aging and cancer were evaluated for their specific characteristics. Both Microsoft Office Excel and Visual Basic for Applications were used to analyze the number of publications and scientific cooperations among authors over time. The query identified the top 100 most-cited articles from the 368,504 articles. The top cited articles accumulated 308,106 citations. The citations per article ranged from 39,141 to 1040. Thirty journals published these 100 articles, with the Ca-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians publishing the largest number. Most articles have focused on the trend analysis of incidence, survival outcomes, and prognosis of cancer from different origins. Co-authorship analysis revealed intense collaborative activity between United States authoritative academic institutions and scholars. The present study is the first to analyze most cited papers in “aging and cancer.” The historical trends, current status, and future direction in the field of older patients with cancer are systematically summarized. The occurrence and development of cancer is correlated with aging.
Impact of emotional state and suicidal intentions on suicide attempts among Korean adolescents with household financial difficulties following the outbreak of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Park Ju Young , Ha Jiyeon
Published: August 2023

The recent prolonged coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has brought an economic crisis to various households, leading to negative mental health such as depression, anxiety, traumatic distress, and suicide risk among adolescents. Adolescents with household financial difficulties due to the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic show high suicidal tendencies and attempts such as suicidal ideation and plans, their suicidal ideation and plans increase the risk of suicide attempts in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of emotional state and suicidal tendencies on suicide attempts among adolescents with household financial difficulties in early pandemic. This was a secondary data analysis study using statistical data from the 16th (2020) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Among 54,948 who participated in the survey, 16,839 (30.6%) adolescents who had household financial difficulties were included in final analysis. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis were conducted to analyze data. The strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology checklist was used for reporting this study. 16,839 adolescents (mean age 15.68 ± 1.76 years; 8709, 51.7% male) who experienced household financial difficulties in the prior year revealed 3 percent (508) had attempted suicide. Suicide attempts differed according to several characteristics and were significantly associated with sex, residence type, drinking experience, depressive mood, perceived happiness, suicidal ideation, and suicide planning. The findings indicate high-risk adolescents with household financial difficulties need a multi-dimensional safety network, suicide screening, and emotional interventions during the pandemic.
Impact of planned versus emergency cesarean delivery on neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by abnormal placentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Yi-Chien , Yang Cheng-Chun
Published: August 2023

Background:

Although planned cesarean delivery (PCD) is the mainstay of management for abnormal placentation, some patients still require emergency cesarean delivery (ECD). We aimed to systematically analyze the impact of various modes of delivery on neonatal outcomes.

Methods:

This study was complied with the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO (code: CRD42022379487). A systematic search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE and Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane databases. Data extracted included gestational age at delivery, birth weight, the Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, numbers of newborns with low Apgar score (<7) at 5 minutes, the rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, and the rates of neonatal mortality.

Results:

Fifteen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 2565 women (2567 neonates) who underwent PCD (n = 1483) or ECD (n = 1082) for prenatally diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and/or placenta previa (PP). Compared with the ECD group, neonates in the PCD group had significantly higher gestational ages (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–3.15; P < .001), birth weights (SMD: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00–2.27; P < .001), and Apgar scores at 1 minute (SMD: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29–0.73; P < .001) and 5 minutes (SMD: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25–0.70; P < .001). Additionally, the PCD group had significantly lower rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission (odds ratio [OR]: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.14–0.29; P < .001), low Apgar score at 5 minutes (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11–0.69; P = .01), and neonatal mortality (OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.05–0.33; P < .001).

Conclusion:

When pregnancies are complicated by abnormal placentation, PCD is linked to noticeably better neonatal outcomes than emergent delivery.
Refractory cardiac arrest caused by type I Kounis syndrome treated with adrenaline and nicorandil: A case report
Authors: Ichinomiya Taiga , Sekino Motohiro , Toba Megumi , Yokoyama Akihiro , Iwasaki Naoya , Kasai Yusuke , Araki Hiroshi , Yano Rintaro , Matsumoto Sojiro , Kurobe Masaya , Sasaki Ryu , Hara Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

Rationale:

Kounis syndrome is a rare but life-threatening anaphylactic reaction that can lead to acute coronary syndrome and cardiac arrest, and requires prompt diagnosis. Adrenaline, which is used to treat anaphylaxis, may cause coronary vasoconstriction and worsen ischemia, whereas coronary vasodilators may dilate systemic vessels and exacerbate hypotension. Delayed diagnosis of Kounis syndrome and inadequate therapeutic intervention may thus lead to a poor outcome.

Patient concerns:

A 59-year-old man was treated for sepsis due to a liver abscess. Following administration of daptomycin, the patient developed severe anaphylactic shock leading to refractory cardiac arrest. Because conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation was ineffective, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was considered as an alternative approach.

Diagnoses:

On bedside monitoring during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, unexpected ST-segment elevation was found on lead II electrocardiogram. Accordingly, the patient was clinically diagnosed with Kounis syndrome.

Interventions:

Nicorandil (6 mg/h), a coronary vasodilator with minimal blood pressure effects, was administered along with high doses of vasopressors, including adrenaline 0.2 µg/kg/min.

Outcomes:

After the initiation of nicorandil administration, the patient achieved return of spontaneous circulation and did not require extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Based on the elevated serum tryptase level, normal creatine kinase-MB range, and lack of stenosis on coronary angiography, the patient was definitively diagnosed with type I (coronary vasospasm) Kounis syndrome. He was subsequently transferred to the referring hospital without neurological sequelae.

Lessons:

If anaphylaxis leads to refractory shock and cardiac arrest, ischemic changes on the electrocardiogram should be investigated to identify underlying Kounis syndrome. In addition to adrenaline, coronary dilators are the definitive treatment. Nicorandil may be a useful treatment option because of its minimal effect on blood pressure.
Rare and unexpected ventilation difficulties due to tracheal diverticulum: A case report
Authors: Zhou Weiwei , Lang Yantao , Xu Zhongling , Yin Dekun
Published: August 2023

Rationale:

Tracheal diverticulum is a rare airway-related particular occurrence, and the forcible tube insertion may cause tracheal ruptures during tracheotomy. Therefore, fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) should be used routinely on all patients undergoing tracheal intubation or tracheotomy.

Patient concerns:

A 60-year-old male with laryngeal neoplasms was scheduled for partial laryngectomy using a suspension laryngoscope in July 2020. All operations were performed under general anesthesia through orotracheal intubation. Orotracheal intubation was a noninvasive procedure that could effectively control breathing. At the end of the surgery, the percutaneous tracheostomy was performed to maintain airway patency, facilitate spontaneous respiration, and remove the secretions.

Diagnoses:

At this moment, the tracheal diverticulum, located at the right posterolateral region of the trachea, became an unexpected airway-related particular occurrence, which led to tracheal tube placement difficulty, mechanical ventilation difficulty, and high airway pressure.

Interventions:

Subsequently, the tracheal tube was repositioned, with placement again confirmed by the FOB.

Lessons subsections:

Tracheal diverticulum is an infrequent cause of tube inserting difficulty for the tracheotomy, and FOB is the first option for patients with catheter placement difficulty and mechanical ventilation difficulty.
Possible correlated signaling pathways with chronic urate nephropathy: A review
Authors: Li Kaiqing , Ma Yanchun , Xia Xue , Huang Huili , Li Jianing , Wang Xiaoxin , Gao Yang , Zhang Shuxiang , Fu Tong , Tong Ying
Published: August 2023

Hyperuricemia nephropathy, also known as gouty nephropathy, refers to renal damage induced by hyperuricemia caused by excessive production of serum uric acid or low excretion of uric acid. the persistence of symptoms will lead to changes in renal tubular phenotype and accelerate the progress of renal fibrosis. The existence and progressive aggravation of symptoms will bring a heavy burden to patients, their families and society, affect their quality of life and reduce their well-being. With the increase of reports on hyperuricemia nephropathy, the importance of related signal pathways in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia nephropathy is becoming more and more obvious, but most studies are limited to the upper and lower mediating relationship between 1 or 2 signal pathways. The research on the comprehensiveness of signal pathways and the breadth of crosstalk between signal pathways is limited. By synthesizing the research results of signal pathways related to hyperuricemia nephropathy in recent years, this paper will explore the specific mechanism of hyperuricemia nephropathy, and provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of hyperuricemia nephropathy based on a variety of signal pathway crosstalk and personal prospects.
Recurrent choriocarcinoma complicated with leprosy during chemotherapy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hu Shiqi , Lin Xiaojuan , Yin Rutie , Wang Wei , Li Qingli
Published: August 2023

Rationale:

The global prevalence of leprosy has decreased substantially, and cases of leprosy infection are extremely rare in China. In this report, we present a case of recurrent choriocarcinoma complicated by leprosy infection during chemotherapy.

Patient concerns:

A 24-year-old Chinese woman (gravida 3, para 2) presented to a local hospital with vaginal bleeding. Her medical history included a previous diagnosis of hydatidiform mole.

Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes:

The patient was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma and received chemotherapy in 6 cycles. Shortly after the initial treatment was completed, the disease recurred twice with resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. In her second recurrence of choriocarcinoma, she was diagnosed with leprosy with many cutaneous nodules throughout her entire body. The patient was administered chemical treatment for leprosy with the multidrug therapy regimen after being diagnosed. To prevent exacerbating the infection, no immunotherapy was utilized to treat cancer, and the infection was well-controlled at the conclusion of anticancer therapy.

Lessons:

Because of immunological reduction, cancer patients are susceptible to a variety of infections. For patients with cancer, prevention and early detection of rare infectious diseases should receive special attention. Immunotherapy must be used with caution when treating patients with cancer and infections.
Safety and effectiveness of rehabilitation training for stroke complicated with muscular call vein thrombosis: An observational study
Authors: Liu Benling , Gao Dong-mei , An Wen-han , Zeng Fan-shuo , Cui Bao-juan , Huang Laigang
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to explore the safety and effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment for stroke patients with muscular call vein thrombosis (MCVT) in the lower limbs. A total of 173 patients were recruited with stroke complicated by MCVT, including 130 who received rehabilitation training and 43 who did not receive rehabilitation training. The t test and chi-square test were used to analyze the basic data of the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores between 2 groups at the beginning of recruitment (P = .149). There was a significant difference in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment scores of the lower limbs in patients with MCVT after 3 weeks of rehabilitation treatment (P < .001), and there was a significant difference in the rate of MCVT recanalization and extension between the 2 groups (χ2 = 11.646, P = 0001). Combined with anticoagulation therapy, rehabilitation training did not increase the thrombosis progression of MCVT and was effective in the recovery of lower limb motor function in stroke patients.
Efficacy of Jinshuibao as an adjuvant treatment for chronic renal failure in China: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Huan , Yuan Chao , Sun Cuicui , Zhang Qiong
Published: August 2023

Background:

Research on Jinshuibao (JSB) for chronic renal failure (CRF) is limited, its clinical efficacy on CRF has not been evaluated. Our aim is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of JSB for the treatment of CRF in Chinese patients, and to provide evidence-based medical advice for clinical practice.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared JSB combined with conventional treatment (CT) with CT alone in CRF were searched in 8 databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of science, China Biology Medicine disc, Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure form inception to March 31, 2023. RevMan5.4 statistical software was used for meta-analysis.

Results:

17 trials involving 1431 cases were identified for meta-analysis. The results showed that total effective rate (relative risk [RR] = 1.25, 95% confidence internal [CI]: 1.17–1.34, P < .00001), creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) (MD = −8.63, 95% CI: −12.42 to −4.84, P < .00001), albumin (Alb) (MD = −2.88, 95% CI: −4.85 to −0.92, P = .004) and hemoglobin (Hb) (MD = −5.88, 95% CI: −7.42 to −4.34, P < .00001) in JSB plus CT were significantly higher than those in CT; while blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (MD = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.27–2.80, P < .00001), serum creatinine (Scr) (MD = 48.23, 95% CI: 31.96–64.49, P < .00001), 24-hour urine protein (24hpro) (MD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.31, P = .003), uric acid (UA) (MD = 76.36, 95% CI: 12.40–140.31, P = .02), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (MD = 10.74, 95% CI: 5.04–16.45, P = .0002), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (MD = 5.07,95% CI: 1.21–8.92, P = .01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (MD = 3.74, 95% CI: 0.96–6.52, P = .008) in JSB plus CT were significantly lower than those in CT.

Conclusion:

Combining JSB with CT has a good effect on the treatment of CRF in Chinese people. High-quality RCTs are needed to further confirm the results.
Genome-wide analysis of RNA-binding protein co-expression with alternative splicing events in acute respiratory distress syndrome following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Luo Jinghua , Yao Zhenhua , Ye Chunfeng , Liu Yanling
Published: August 2023

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at an increased risk of developing severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is characterized by peripheral bilateral patchy lung involvement. The regulatory network of RNA-binding protein (RBP)-alternative splicing (AS) in ARDS following HSCT has not been investigated. We hypothesize that RBP-AS plays a regulatory role during HSCT-ARDS. The published ARDS transcriptome data after HSCT (GSE84439) were downloaded, and the transcriptome data of 13 mRNAs were obtained by sequencing the peripheral blood of 5 HSCT-ARDS patients and 8 ARDS patients through high-throughput sequencing technology. Systematic analysis of downloaded data was performed to obtain differentially expressed RBPs, and the differentially alternative spliced pre-mRNAs in HSCT-ARDS and control groups were used to explore the global gene RBP-AS regulatory network. A total of 1769 differentially expressed genes and 4714 regulated alternative splicing events were identified in peripheral blood from HSCT-ARDS, of which 254 genes had both differential expression and differential AS. In addition, 128 RBPs were identified, of which HDGF, PCBP2, RIOK3, CISD2, and TRIM21, DDX58, MOV10 showed significantly increased or decreased expression in the HSCT-ARDS. RBPs with decreased expression had antiviral activity, while those with increased expression were involved in ROS, fibrosis, and negative viral resistance. The RBP-RASE-RASG regulatory network is constructed. It is related to the dysregulation of antiviral immunomodulation, imbalance in ROS homeostasis and pro-pulmonary fibrosis, which are involved in the development of HSCT-ARDS.
Risk factors associated with late hepatocellular carcinoma detection in patients undergoing regular surveillance
Authors: Jang Sangmi , Jin Young-Joo , Lee Jin-Woo , Kwon Dam , Yu Jung Hwan
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a very poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of < 20%; hence, early diagnosis is crucial. Despite regular checkups for high-risk groups of HCC, there are a few cases in which it is discovered as a late-stage HCC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of patients with delayed HCC detection during regular surveillance. Between January 2010 and December 2020, we analyzed patients with newly diagnosed HCCs who underwent HCC surveillance by ultrasound or computed tomography scan at least twice and were followed up for more than 1 year for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and chronic liver disease. The mean age of 223 HCC patients was 70 years, of which 152 were male, accounting for 68.1%. Among them, 196 patients (87%) were diagnosed with Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage 0 or A, while 27 (13%) were diagnosed with Barcelona clinic liver cancer stages B and C. When classified according to the TNM criteria, 154 patients (69%) were in stage I, and 69 (31%) were in stage II or higher. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for patients diagnosed with late-stage HCC. The Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score was identified as a highly significant factor (P = .002, HR 1.547, 95% CI 1.177–2.032), whereas the presence of cirrhosis, body mass index, and sex had no significant effect. We found that in patients with chronic liver disease who were screened regularly, those with higher CTP scores were more likely to be diagnosed with HCC in the late-stages. Therefore, although the presence of cirrhosis is also important for HCC surveillance, careful attention is needed in patients with high CTP scores.
Pelvic floor muscle exercise with or without duloxetine for postprostatectomy urinary incontinence: A retrospective single-center study
Authors: Kang Chang Seok , Kim Dae Hyun , Choi Jae Hwi , Lee Chunwoo , Jeh Seong Uk , Kam Sung Chul , Hwa Jeong Seok , Hyun Jae Seog , Choi See Min
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and duloxetine treatment in the recovery from postprostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI). Participants were patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between 2018 and 2021 and who were able to attend follow-up appointments every 3 months for at least 12 months. Continence was defined as the use of ≤1 pad per day. PPUI was compared at each follow-up period by dividing the participants into the PFME group (PFME only after RP) and the PFME + DUL group (PFME and 30 mg duloxetine daily after RP). A total of 197 patients were included. No significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. In the PFME group (n = 127), the PPUI was 77.17%, 27.56%, 17.32%, 12.60%, and 9.45% at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months, respectively. In the PFME + DUL group (n = 70), the PPUI was 62.50%, 17.86%, 12.50%, 8.93%, and 5.36%, respectively, at the same follow-up period. At 2 weeks, the PFME + DUL group demonstrated a better incontinence rate than the PFME group (P = .019). However, no significant differences were found in the incontinence rates between the 2 groups at each follow-up period after 3 months. Compared to PFME monotherapy, the combination therapy of PFME and duloxetine has short-term effectiveness in improving PPUI, but it does not have a significant long-term impact. Therefore, for early recovery from PPUI, duloxetine should be administered for a short period during PFME.