bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond mediocrity: how common is life?
Authors: Balbi Amedeo , Lingam Manasvi
Published: April 2023

The probability that life spontaneously emerges in a suitable environment (abiogenesis) is one of the major unknowns in astrobiology. Assessing its value is impeded by the lack of an accepted theory for the origin of life, and is further complicated by the existence of selection biases. Appealing uncritically to some version of the ‘Principle of Mediocrity’ – namely, the supposed typicality of what transpired on Earth – is problematic on empirical or logical grounds. In this paper, we adopt a Bayesian statistical approach to put the inference of lower bounds for the probability of abiogenesis on a rigorous footing, based on current and future evidence. We demonstrate that the single datum that life has appeared at least once on Earth merely sets weak constraints on the minimal probability of abiogenesis. In fact, the a priori probability assigned to this event (viz., optimistic, pessimistic, or agnostic prior) exerts the strongest influence on the final result. We also show that the existence of a large number of habitable worlds does not necessarily imply, by itself, a high probability that life should be common in the universe. Instead, as delineated before, the choice of prior, which is subject to uncertainty (i.e. admits multiple scenarios), strongly influences the likelihood of life being common. If habitable worlds are uncommon, for an agnostic prior, a deterministic scenario for the origin of life might be favoured over one where abiogenesis is a fluke event.
Iceline variations driven by protoplanetary disc gaps
Authors: Broome Madelyn , Kama Mihkel , Booth Richard , Shorttle Oliver
Published: April 2023

The composition of forming planets is strongly affected by the protoplanetary disc’s thermal structure. This thermal structure is predominantly set by dust radiative transfer and viscous (accretional) heating and can be impacted by gaps – regions of low dust and gas density that can occur when planets form. The effect of variations in dust surface density on disc temperature has been poorly understood to date. In this work, we use the radiative transfer code MCMax to model the 2D dust thermal structure with individual gaps corresponding to planets with masses of 0.1 MJ –5 MJ and orbital radii of 3, 5, and 10 au. Low dust opacity in the gap allows radiation to penetrate deeper and warm the mid-plane by up to 16 K, but only for gaps located in the region of the disc where stellar irradiation is the dominant source of heating. In viscously heated regions, the mid-plane of the gap is relatively cooler by up to 100 K. Outside of the gap, broad radial oscillations in heating and cooling are present due to disc flaring. These thermal features affect local dust–gas segregation of volatile elements (H2O, CH4, CO2, and CO). We find that icelines experience dramatic shifts relative to gapless models: up to 6.5 au (or 71 per cent) closer to the star and 4.3 au (or 100 per cent) closer to the mid-plane. While quantitative predictions of iceline deviations will require more sophisticated models, which include transport, sublimation/condensation kinetics, and gas–dust thermal decoupling in the disc atmosphere, our results suggest that planet-induced iceline variations represent a potential feedback from the planet on to the composition of material it is accreting.
Mapping gas around massive galaxies: cross-correlation of DES Y3 galaxies and Compton-ymaps from SPT andPlanck
Authors: Sánchez J , Omori Y , Chang C , Bleem L E , Crawford T , Drlica-Wagner A , Raghunathan S , Zacharegkas G , Abbott T M C , Aguena M , Alarcon A , Allam S , Alves O , Amon A , Avila S , Baxter E , Bechtol K , Benson B A , Bernstein G M , Bertin E , Bocquet S , Brooks D , Burke D L , Campos A , Carlstrom J E , Rosell A Carnero , Kind M Carrasco , Carretero J , Castander F J , Cawthon R , Chang C L , Chen A , Choi A , Chown R , Costanzi M , Crites A T , Crocce M , da Costa L N , Pereira M E S , de Haan T , De Vicente J , DeRose J , Desai S , Diehl H T , Dobbs M A , Dodelson S , Doel P , Elvin-Poole J , Everett W , Everett S , Ferrero I , Flaugher B , Fosalba P , Frieman J , García-Bellido J , Gatti M , George E M , Gerdes D W , Giannini G , Gruen D , Gruendl R A , Gschwend J , Gutierrez G , Halverson N W , Hinton S R , Holder G P , Hollowood D L , Holzapfel W L , Honscheid K , Hrubes J D , James D J , Knox L , Kuehn K , Kuropatkin N , Lahav O , Lee A T , Luong-Van D , MacCrann N , Marshall J L , McCullough J , McMahon J J , Melchior P , Mena-Fernández J , Menanteau F , Miquel R , Mocanu L , Mohr J J , Muir J , Myles J , Natoli T , Padin S , Palmese A , Pandey S , Paz-Chinchón F , Pieres A , Malagón A A Plazas , Porredon A , Pryke C , Raveri M , Reichardt C L , Rodriguez-Monroy M , Ross A J , Ruhl J E , Rykoff E , Sánchez C , Sanchez E , Scarpine V , Schaffer K K , Sevilla-Noarbe I , Sheldon E , Shirokoff E , Smith M , Soares-Santos M , Staniszewski Z , Stark A A , Suchyta E , Swanson M E C , Tarle G , Thomas D , Troxel M A , Tucker D L , Vieira J D , Vincenzi M , Weaverdyck N , Williamson R , Yanny B , Yin B ,   (DES Collaborations) SPT
Published: April 2023

We cross-correlate positions of galaxies measured in data from the first three years of the Dark Energy Survey with Compton-y maps generated using data from the South Pole Telescope (SPT) and the Planck mission. We model this cross-correlation measurement together with the galaxy autocorrelation to constrain the distribution of gas in the Universe. We measure the hydrostatic mass bias or, equivalently, the mean halo bias-weighted electron pressure 〈bhPe 〉, using large-scale information. We find 〈bhPe 〉 to be $[0.16^{+0.03}_{-0.04},0.28^{+0.04}_{-0.05},0.45^{+0.06}_{-0.10},0.54^{+0.08}_{-0.07},0.61^{+0.08}_{-0.06},0.63^{+0.07}_{-0.08}]$ meV cm−3 at redshifts z ∼ [0.30, 0.46, 0.62, 0.77, 0.89, 0.97]. These values are consistent with previous work where measurements exist in the redshift range. We also constrain the mean gas profile using small-scale information, enabled by the high-resolution of the SPT data. We compare our measurements to different parametrized profiles based on the cosmo-OWLS hydrodynamical simulations. We find that our data are consistent with the simulation that assumes an AGN heating temperature of 108.5 K but are incompatible with the model that assumes an AGN heating temperature of 108.0 K. These comparisons indicate that the data prefer a higher value of electron pressure than the simulations within r500c of the galaxies’ haloes.
Late-formed haloes prefer to host quiescent central galaxies – I. Observational results
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Yangyao , Li Qingyang , Yang Xiaohu
Published: April 2023

The star formation and quenching of central galaxies are regulated by the assembly histories of their host haloes. In this work, we use the central stellar mass to halo mass ratio as a proxy of halo formation time, and we devise three different models, from the physical hydrodynamical simulation to the empirical statistical model, to demonstrate its robustness. With this proxy, we inferred the dependence of the central galaxy properties on the formation time of their host haloes using the SDSS main galaxy sample, where central galaxies are identified with the halo-based group finder. We found that central galaxies living in late-formed haloes have higher quiescent fractions and lower spiral fractions than their early-formed counterparts by $\lesssim 8~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ . Finally, we demonstrate that the group finding algorithm has a negligible impact on our results.
Stellar cluster formation in a Milky Way-sized galaxy at z > 4 – I. The proto-globular cluster population and the imposter amongst us
Authors: van Donkelaar Floor , Mayer Lucio , Capelo Pedro R , Tamfal Tomas , Quinn Thomas R , Madau Piero
Published: April 2023

The formation history of globular clusters (GCs) at redshift z > 4 remains an unsolved problem. In this work, we use the cosmological, N-body hydrodynamical ‘zoom-in’ simulation GigaEris to study the properties and formation environment of proto-GC candidates in the region surrounding the progenitor of a Milky Way-sized galaxy. The simulation employs a modern implementation of smoothed-particle hydrodynamics, including metal-line cooling and metal and thermal diffusion. We define proto-GC candidate systems as gravitationally bound stellar systems with baryonic mass fraction Fb ≥ 0.75 and stellar velocity dispersion σ⋆ < 20 km s−1. At z = 4.4, we identify nine systems that satisfy our criteria, all of which form between 10 and 30 kpc from the centre of the main host. Their baryonic masses are in the range 105–107 M⊙. By the end of the simulation, they still have a relatively low stellar mass (M⋆ ∼ 104–105 M⊙) and a metallicity (−1.8 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ −0.8) similar to the blue Galactic GCs. All of the identified systems except one appear to be associated with gas filaments accreting onto the main galaxy in the circum-galactic region and formed at z = 5–4. The exception is the oldest object, which appears to be a stripped compact dwarf galaxy that has interacted with the main halo between z = 5.8 and z = 5.2 and has lost its entire dark matter content due to tidal mass loss.
Molecular understanding of cation effects on double layers and their significance to CO-CO dimerization
Authors: Le Jia-Bo , Chen Ao , Kuang Yongbo , Cheng Jun
Published: April 2023

Cation effects have been shown in numerous experiments to play a significant role in electrocatalysis. To understand these effects at the molecular level, we systematically investigate the structures and capacitances of electric double layers with a variety of cations as counter charges at Pt(111)-COad/water interfaces with ab initio molecular dynamics. It is encouraging to find that the computed Helmholtz capacitances for different cations are in quantitative agreement with experiments, and that the trend of cation effects on capacitances shows clear correlation with the structures of interface cations of differing sizes and hydration energies. More importantly, we demonstrate the Helmholtz capacitance as the key descriptor for measuring the activity of CO-CO dimerization, the rate-determining step for C2+ formation in electroreduction of CO and CO2. Our work provides atomistic insights into cation effects on electric double layers and electrocatalysis that are crucial for optimizing electrode and electrolyte materials.
PACLOBUTRAZOL-RESISTANCE4 positively regulates cell expansion to promote tendril elongation in cucumber
Authors: Xu Yunmin , Zhu Yujie , Wang Xinrui , Hong Zezhou , Yang Aiyi , Liu Yuanyuan , Yan Ling , He Yong , Zhu Zhujun , Wang Huasen
Published: April 2023

As a climbing organ, the tendril undergoes rapid elongation to increase its length to locate support within a short growth time. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this observation is poorly understood. Here, tendril development was divided into 4 stages in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) along with its growth. Phenotypic observations and section analyses showed that the rapid elongation of tendril primarily happened during stage 3 and was mainly due to cell expansion. RNA-seq analysis showed that PACLOBUTRAZOL-RESISTANCE4 (CsPRE4) was highly expressed in the tendril. Our RNAi studies in cucumber and transgenic overexpression in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) suggested that CsPRE4 functions as a conserved activator of cell expansion to promote cell expansion and tendril elongation. Through a triantagonistic HLH (helix-loop-helix)-HLH-bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) cascade, CsPRE4-CsPAR1 (PHYTOCHROME RAPIDLY REGULATED1)-CsBEE1 (BR-ENHANCED EXPRESSION 1), CsPRE4 released the transcription factor CsBEE1, which activated expansin A12 (CsEXPA12) to loosen the cell wall structure in tendrils. Gibberellin (GA) promoted tendril elongation by modulating cell expansion, and CsPRE4 expression was induced by exogenous GA treatment, suggesting that CsPRE4 acts downstream of GA in regulating tendril elongation. In summary, our work suggested a CsPRE4-CsPAR1-CsBEE1-CsEXPA12 pathway in regulating cell expansion in cucumber tendrils, which might enable rapid tendril elongation to quickly locate support.
Fair Matching under Constraints: Theory and Applications
Authors: Kamada Yuichiro , Kojima Fuhito
Published: April 2023

This paper studies a general model of matching with constraints. Observing that a stable matching typically does not exist, we focus on feasible, individually rational, and fair matchings. We characterize such matchings by fixed points of a certain function. Building on this result, we characterize the class of constraints on individual schools under which there exists a student-optimal fair matching, the matching that is the most preferred by every student among those satisfying the three desirable properties. We study the numerical relevance of our theory using data on government-organized daycare allocation.
Financing Competitors: Shadow Banks’ Funding and Mortgage Market Competition
Authors: Jiang Erica Xuewei
Published: April 2023

Using novel shadow bank funding data, I find that shadow banks are funded by the very banks they compete with when originating mortgages. Evidence suggests that banks have market power in the upstream market for shadow banks’ funding, which in turn softens mortgage market competition through their strategic behaviors in both markets. I build and calibrate a quantitative model of vertical integration and competition to show that those consumers who would most benefit from shadow bank services are the ones to bear the costs. Secondary market innovation could increase downstream competition by reducing shadow banks’ reliance on their competitors.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Reactive arthritis after COVID-19 vaccination: 17 cases
Authors: Golstein Marc Alexandre , Fagnart Olivier , Steinfeld Serge Daniel
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study is to report a series of 17 cases of ankle bi-arthritis that occurred shortly after coronavirus disease 2019 RNA vaccination, and to discuss the potential role of these vaccines in the pathogenesis of this rheumatological manifestation.

Methods

All patients were examined in the same department and received a full work-up to investigate the usual causes of ankle bi-arthritis. No rheumatic inflammatory disease occurred after 9 months of follow-up. A post-vaccination serological follow-up in search of anti-Spike antibodies was requested for all patients.

Results

All patients recovered with low dose of prednisolone within <2 months, except one who could not be weaned off CS. The level of antibodies found was very high in all patients.

Conclusion

The ankle bi-arthritis occurrence chronology, the follow-up and the similar clinical presentation might suggest a pathogenic role of RNA vaccination.
Retired night shift workers exhibit poorer neurocognitive function compared to retired day workers
Authors: Runk Ashlyn , Lehrer H Matthew , Butters Meryl A , Buysse Daniel J , Evans Marissa A , Krafty Robert T , Hall Martica H
Published: April 2023

Study Objectives

Shift work is associated with compromised cognitive function, and with chronic exposure, may place shift workers at elevated risk for dementia. However, evidence of cognitive impairment among former night shift workers is mixed, possibly due to inconsistencies regarding retirement status, work history classification, and cognitive assessments. To address these limitations, this study compared neurocognitive function between retired night shift workers and retired day workers using a well-characterized sample and a rigorous neurocognitive test battery.

Methods

Participants (N = 61; mean age: 67.9 ± 4.7 years; 61% females; 13% non-white) were 31 retired day workers and 30 retired night shift workers equated on age, sex, race/ethnicity, premorbid IQ, years retired, and diary-assessed habitual sleep characteristics. Participants completed a neurocognitive battery assessing six cognitive domains (language, visuospatial ability, attention, immediate and delayed memory, executive function) and self-reported cognitive function. Linear regression models compared groups on individual cognitive domains, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and habitual sleep quality.

Results

Retired night shift workers scored lower than retired day workers on attention (B = −0.38, 95% CI [−0.75, −0.02], p = .040) and executive function (B = −0.55, 95% CI [−0.92, −0.17], p = .005). In post hoc analyses, attention and executive function were unrelated to diary-assessed habitual sleep characteristics (disruption, timing, and irregularity) in retired night shift workers.

Conclusions

The observed cognitive weaknesses in retired night shift workers may suggest increased risk for future dementia. Retired night shift workers should be followed to determine whether observed weaknesses progress.
Comparison of the Stress Responses After TAP Block and Epidural Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Taheri Piroozeh , Moinfar Zeinab , Varpaei Hesam A.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Major surgeries and the accompanied acute stress response are associated with poor immune system function and extensive immunologic changes. This study was conducted to compare postsurgery stress responses after transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks and epidural anesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty patients who were candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. After randomly assigning patients into 2 groups (30 patients in epidural anesthesia and 30 patients in the TAP block group), the degree of pain and stress responses (serum level of blood glucose, C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cortisol) of patients were measured preoperatively and at 6 and 24 hours after surgery.

Results:

Mean blood glucose, serum cortisol, CRP, and white blood cell decreased significantly 6 and 24 hours after the intervention in both groups and differed significantly between the 2 groups (P-value <0.05). The proportion of patients with a pain score greater than 3 at 6 and 12 hours after surgery was significantly higher in the Epidural group compared with the TAP block group, although this figure was significantly higher in the TAP block group 24 hours after surgery.

Discussion:

A significant decrease in the mean blood sugar, serum cortisol, CRP, and white blood cell in both groups at 6 and 24 hours after the surgery was noted. The pain score decreased 24 hours after surgery in the epidural anesthesia group and increased in the TAP block group.
Long-term Efficacy of Pectoserratus Plane Block (PSPB) for Prevention of Post-mastectomy Pain Syndrome
Authors: Mendonça Fabrício T. , Nascimento Larissa Ferreira Cunha , Veloso Nathalia Mundoco , Basto Gabriela Cavalcante Pires
Published: April 2023

Objectives:

Pectoserratus plane block (PSPB) leads to lower postoperative pain intensity. We examined whether PSPB could also reduce the incidence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) in women undergoing breast cancer surgery.

Methods:

We performed an extension study of a randomized trial that compared PSPB versus control in women undergoing mastectomy. The primary outcome was any chronic pain at the surgical site or adjacent areas, defined as persistent/recurrent pain lasting ≥3 months. Secondary outcomes included neuropathic pain (score ≥4 in the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire), use of analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs, pain intensity through the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and type, frequency, and location of the pain.

Results:

Of the 60 patients that completed the 24-hour follow-up (short-term trial), 53 (88%) completed the long-term follow-up (27 in the PSPB group and 26 in the placebo group). Six of 27 patients (22%) in the PSPB group and 17 of 26 patients (65%) in the placebo group reported any chronic pain (relative risk [RR], 0.34; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.16–0.73, P=0.005). The risk of neuropathic pain was also lower in the PSPB group than in the placebo group (18.5% vs. 54%, respectively; RR, 0.34; 95% CI=0.14–0.82, P=0.02). There were no differences regarding all other pain-related outcomes considering the patients who developed PMPS.

Discussion:

The results suggest that, in the long term, PSPB-treated participants were associated with a statistically significantly lower risk of PMPS than those who received standard general anesthesia.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03966326).
The Association Between Sociodemographic Factors, Social Determinants of Health, and Spine Surgical Patient Portal Utilization
Authors: Owolo Edwin , Petitt Zoey , Charles Antoinette , Baëta César , Poehlein Emily , Green Cynthia , Cook Chad , Sperber Jacob , Chandiramani Anisha , Roman Matthew , Goodwin C. Rory , Erickson Melissa
Published: April 2023

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To examine patient portal use among the surgical spine patient population across different sociodemographic groups and assess the impact of patient portal use on clinical outcomes.

Summary of Background Data:

Patient portals (PP) have been shown to improve outcomes and quality of care. Engaging them requires internet access, technological literacy, and dexterity, which may serve as access barriers.

Methods:

After exclusion criteria were applied, the study included data for 9211 encounters from 7955 patients. PP utilization was defined as having activated and used the Duke University Medical Center patient portal system, MyChart, at least once. Sociodemographic characteristics included urbanicity, age, race, ethnicity, language, employment, and primary insurer. Clinical outcomes included the length of hospital stay during the procedure, 30-day return to the emergency department, 30-day readmission, and being discharged somewhere other than home.

Results:

Being older than 65, non-White, unemployed, non–English-speaking, male, not-partnered, uninsured or publicly insured (Medicaid, Medicare and under 65 years of age, or other government insurance), and living in a rural environment were all risk factors for decreased PP utilization among surgical spine patients. A one-risk factor decrease in the number of social risk factors was associated with a 78% increase in the odds of PP utilization [odds ratio (OR): 1.78; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.69–1.87; P<0.001]. Patients not utilizing the portal at the time of their procedure had higher odds of 30-day readmission (OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.26–2.00), discharge somewhere other than home (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.95–2.99), and an increased length of hospital stay (geometric mean ratio: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.12–1.30) compared with those who utilized it.

Conclusions:

In patients undergoing spine procedures, PPs are not equally utilized among different sociodemographic groups. PP utilization is also associated with better outcomes. Interventions aimed at increasing PP uptake may improve care for certain patients.
Church Matters
Authors: Campbell Cathy L. , Williams Ishan C. , Campbell Lisa C.
Published: April 2023

For many African American adults, the church has the potential to be a place to receive education about advance care planning (ACP). The current study was conducted to (1) identify the frequency of ACP conversations and caregiving and (2) evaluate interest in church-placed end-of-life (EOL) care education. Data were collected from parishioners in 2 African American churches in an urban city in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Individuals older than 50 years reported a higher frequency of caregiving (P < .001) and were more likely to have talked to someone about EOL care (P < .001) than individuals younger than 50 years. Nearly all respondents considered EOL conversations “important” or “very important” (99.1%) and wanted more information about EOL conversations available via the church (95.8%). Our findings suggest EOL conversations are happening within families and with health care providers, but they are not documented in ways (eg, in writing) that research has focused on previously. Future EOL education will focus more on the importance of documenting and sharing EOL care wishes with family and health care professionals.
Factors Influencing Entry-Level Physical Therapy Graduates' Decisions to Participate in Residency Education
Authors: Lewis Alexis , Rhodes Scott , Abraham Karen , Lievre Arthur J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction.

All Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States prepare students to demonstrate entry-level clinical performance upon graduation. Clinical residency programs are an option for DPT graduates seeking to specialize in a practice area.

Review of Literature.

There is little research published on why DPT graduates decide to pursue residency education (RE) or not. This study aimed to determine factors influencing a Physical Therapist’s (PT) decision-making process in choosing to pursue a postgraduate residency.

Subjects.

PTs within 3 years of graduation and third-year DPT program students were surveyed. Most respondents were from DPT programs in the northeastern United States.

Methods.

A survey was created, piloted, and disseminated to various DPT programs. The survey asked participants their perceptions of motivating factors or barriers to pursuing a RE using multiple choice questions and Likert items. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were reported. One-way analysis of variances, chi-square analysis, and unpaired t tests were used.

Results.

Students who considered residency in their second year are 26.5× more likely to apply for a residency (P < .001). Participants strongly agreed with the statements that residency will increase confidence when practicing in their specialty area (1.39 ± 0.48), expand their knowledge as clinicians (1.39 ± 0.051), and expedite proficient practice (1.72 ± 0.057). Participants considered student burnout, the cost of residency, student loan debt, and geographical relocation as the top barriers to pursuing residency. Men were significantly more confident in their ability to apply to residency (F = 8.219, P = .005). Married individuals perceived loans or financial obligations (F = 3.607, P = .029), family obligations (F = 17.170, P < .001), and geographical limitations (F = 3.825, P = .024) as barriers more than single individuals.

Discussion and Conclusion.

There are many variables DPT students and recent graduates consider when deciding whether to pursue RE. RPs and entry-level DPT programs should consider these factors to promote increased participation in postprofessional RE.
Characteristics of sudden death by clinical criteria
Authors: Sefton Christopher , Keen Susan , Tybout Caroline , Lin Feng-Chang , Jiang Huijun , Joodi Golsa , Williams Jefferson G. , Simpson Ross J.
Published: April 2023

Sudden death is a leading cause of deaths nationally. Definitions of sudden death vary greatly, resulting in imprecise estimates of its frequency and incomplete knowledge of its risk factors. The degree to which time-based and coronary artery disease (CAD) criteria impacts estimates of sudden death frequency and risk factors is unknown. Here, we apply these criteria to a registry of all-cause sudden death to assess its impact on sudden death frequency and risk factors. The sudden unexpected death in North Carolina (SUDDEN) project is a registry of out of-hospital, adjudicated, sudden unexpected deaths attended by Emergency Medical Services. Deaths were not excluded by time since last seen or alive or by prior symptoms or diagnosis of CAD. Common criteria for sudden death based on time since last seen alive (both 24 hours and 1 hour) and prior diagnosis of CAD were applied to the SUDDEN case registry. The proportion of cases satisfying each of the 4 criteria was calculated. Characteristics of victims within each restrictive set of criteria were measured and compared to the SUDDEN registry. There were 296 qualifying sudden deaths. Application of 24 hour and 1 hour timing criteria compared to no timing criteria reduced cases by 25.0% and 69.6%, respectively. Addition of CAD criteria to each timing criterion further reduced qualifying cases, for a total reduction of 81.8% and 90.5%, respectively. However, characteristics among victims meeting restrictive criteria remained similar to the unrestricted population. Timing and CAD criteria dramatically reduces estimates of the number of sudden deaths without significantly impacting victim characteristics.
An asymptomatic double-chambered left ventricle diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging: A case report
Authors: Tian Jie , Jin Dan , Zhu Ying , Liu Yani
Published: April 2023

Rationale:

The double-chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is a rare congenital heart disease and is separated into 2 chambers by abnormally hypertrophied bundles of muscle or fibrous strips. Differential diagnoses, especially diverticulum, aneurysms and large ventricular septal defect are sometimes difficult.

Patient concerns:

A 33-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital to undergo abortion without any discomfort such as palpitation, chest tightness, shortness of breath and etc. The electrocardiogram reported a suspicious left anterior branch block and extensive anterior wall R-wave incremental dysplasia. The transthoracic echocardiography showed a bilayer structure of the ventricular septum with a continuity interruption visible on the left ventricular surface, and the color doppler flow imaging showed a low velocity bidirectional flow at this continuity interruption, communicated with the left ventricular cavity.

Diagnoses:

Final diagnosis of DCLV was confirmed by contrast-enhance ultrasound imaging.

Interventions:

The patient was discharged without any special treatment of the heart after the abortion.

Outcomes:

The patient did not complain of any special discomfort after the 3, 6, and 9 months of outpatient follow-ups.

Lessons:

This case highlights the necessity of contrast-enhance ultrasound imaging, which plays an important role in improving the accuracy of DCLV diagnosis and in differentiating it from other diseases.
Evaluating the readability, quality and reliability of online patient education materials on transcutaneuous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Authors: Erkin Yüksel , Hanci Volkan , Ozduran Erkan
Published: April 2023

Increasing digitization also raises concerns regarding the reliability and comprehensibility of online health information. In this study, we aimed to examine the readability, reliability, and quality of internet-based patient education materials on “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.” On September 15, 2022, we used Google search engine to search the keyword “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation” and obtained information from 200 websites. The readability of the websites was evaluated using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and Gunning Fog. The Journal of American Medical Association score and Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct were used to determine the reliability of the websites, whereas the DISCERN score and Global Quality Score were used to evaluate the quality of the websites. In the readability analysis of 102 websites that met the inclusion criteria of this study, we found that the Flesch Reading Ease Score was 47.91 ± 13.79 (difficult), average Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook were 11.20 ± 2.85 and 10.53 ± 2.11 years, respectively, and average Gunning Fog score was 14.04 ± 2.74 (very difficult). Commercial websites constituted the highest proportion of websites (n = 36, 35.5%). Overall, 16.7% of the websites were found to be of high quality according to the Global Quality Score, 16 (15.7%) websites had Health on the Net Foundation code of conduct certification, and 8.8% of the websites were found to be highly reliable according to the Journal of American Medical Association scores. There was a statistically significant difference between website typologies and quality and reliability scores (P < .001). Compared with the sixth-grade level recommended by the American Medical Association and the National Institute of Health, the readability of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation-related internet-based patient education materials was considerably high, but they showed low reliability and moderate-to-poor quality. Thus, the quality, reliability, and readability of websites developed by health professionals play a major role in conveying accurate and easily understandable information.
Diagnostic significance of MRI versus CT using identical PET data in patients with recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer: A PET/MRI study
Authors: Westphal Korbinian , Eiber Matthias , Henninger Martin , Scheidhauer Klemens , Beer Ambros J. , Thaiss Wolfgang , Rischpler Christoph
Published: April 2023

In this retrospective study we compared magnet resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) each combined with identical 2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose or 2-[18F] F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) data in patients with recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In total 42 patients with DTC were examined. All patients underwent FDG PET/MRI and CT, the latter originating from one of the following examinations: I-131 single photon emission computed tomography/CT (32/42), low dose FDG PET/CT (5/42) or diagnostic FDG PET/CT (5/42). Two readers assessed FDG PET/MRI as well as FDG PET/CT, with the latter CT coming from one of the above examinations performed at a maximum temporal interval of 5 days from PET/MRI. Local recurrence, cervical lymph node – and pulmonary metastases were assessed in a consensus read. Lesions rated with a high malignancy score (score 4 or 5) were further analyzed. Every malignant lesion was verified if it was identified by one of both or by both modalities. In 20 of 42 patients altogether 100 malignant lesions were present. In 11/20 patients in total 15 local recurrences (15 in MRI/ 9 in CT: 9 CT/MRI, 6 MRI only, 0 CT only; P = .04) were found with a statistically significant better performance of MRI. Regarding lymph node metastases, in total 13 lesions (12 in MRI/ 8 in CT: 7 CT/MRI, 5 MRI only, 1 CT only; P = .22) in 8/20 patients were found with no significant difference between both modalities. Furthermore, in 9/20 patients in total 72 lung lesions (40 in MRI/ 63 in CT: 31 CT/MRI, 9 MRI only, 32 CT only; P = .001) were found with a statistically significant better performance of CT. In 33/42 patients follow up was available and supported the observations. In patients with recurrent DTC, PET/MRI showed superiority compared to PET/CT in evaluation of the neck region. PET/MRI was inferior to PET/CT in evaluation of the lung. PET/MRI in combination with a low dose CT of the lung may thus represent the ideal staging tool in patients with recurrent DTC.
Flail arm syndrome due to duplication mutations in the SMN1 gene: A case report
Authors: Luo Han , Li Shanshan , Liu Bo
Published: April 2023

Rationale:

Flail arm syndrome (FAS) only involves the upper limbs early stage and manifests as proximal weakness and atrophy of both upper limbs and decreased tendon reflexes. As a benign variant type of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, FAS progresses slowly, with no lower motor neuron signs in the lower limbs or bulbar muscles within 12 months after onset.

Patient concerns:

A 49-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with a 15-month history of proximal weakness and muscle atrophy in both upper limbs. His other symptoms and signs were not obvious.

Diagnoses:

Gene test results indicated that there were duplication mutations in the exon 7 to 8 region of the SMN1 gene.

Lessons:

The abnormal duplication of exons 7 and 8 of the SMN1 gene in this patient may increase the risk of FAS. Further studies are needed to identify the dominant genes and genetic factors causing males to be susceptible to FAS.
Transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation improves bone marrow suppression in lung cancer patients following chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wei Yi , Zheng Yun
Published: April 2023

Background:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electronic acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on bone marrow suppression in patients with lung cancer after chemotherapy.

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive search of 6 databases until November 2022 and included 6 randomized controlled trials comprising 534 patients in our analysis. Eligible randomized controlled trials were included based on predefined inclusion criteria. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated with all of the continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity among the included studies was evaluated using Cochran I
2 and Q statistics. When the value of I
2 was over 50%, a random-effects model was used. Egger test was used to assess publication bias, and trim and fill analysis was conducted if bias was detected.

Results:

Our analysis found that TEAS significantly increased white blood cell counts (WMD: 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40–1.18, P < .001), platelet counts (WMD: 45.45, 95% CI: 30.47–60.43, P < .001), and comfort score (WMD: 6.89, 95% CI: 5.12–8.66, P < .001) compared to the conventional group. However, no significant difference was observed in red blood cell counts (WMD: 0.00, 95% CI: −0.10 to 0.10, P = .97) and hemoglobin level (WMD: −0.01, 95% CI: −2.49 to 2.46, P = .99) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

We tentatively conclude that TEAS can reduce bone marrow suppression risk and improve comfort in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, larger randomized controlled trials with more diverse patient populations and blood routine indexes are urgently needed to confirm these findings.
Efficacy analysis of virtual reality-based training for activities of daily living and functional task training in stroke patients: A single-subject study
Authors: Lee Lan-Ju , Choi Seong-Youl , Lee Hye-Sun , Han Sang-Woo
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Virtual reality (VR)-based training for functions such as cognition, upper extremities, balancing, and activities of daily living (ADL) has been used on stroke patients, and its efficacy has been reported. However, no comparison has been made between the efficacy of VR-based training for daily activities that exactly reproduces ADL and functional training. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the difference in independency enhancement of VR-based training for daily activities compared to cognitive and motor functional training.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:

This study was conducted on 4 patients who have been diagnosed with stroke and are currently receiving rehabilitation therapy in G hospital located in the city of Gwangju, using A-B-A’-B’ design from single-subject experimental designs.

Interventions:

Intervention was performed in 2 ways: application of VR-based training for daily activities after the application of cognitive and motor function training; and application of cognitive and motor function training after the application of VR-based training for daily activities. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, Computer Cognitive Screening Assessment System, Box and Block Test, and Grip and Pinch Strength Test were used to measure the changes in the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function.

Outcomes:

The results confirmed that the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function was improved after the application of VR-based intervention. In addition, the efficacy of independency enhancement was maximized by the early approach of training for daily activities at the time of VR-based intervention in stroke patients.

Conclusions:

VR-based intervention of training for daily activities and functional training can be considered to benefit the improvement of the performance of daily activities, cognitive function, and upper extremities function in stroke patients. In addition, although functional training was also effective in enhancing independency and functional improvement in stroke patients, an early approach to training for ADL based on tasks with objectives was deemed to be more effective.
Family health therapy for treating anxiety symptoms in flood victims
Authors: Ugwuoke Cajethan U. , Ede Kelechi Ruth , Ede Moses Onyemaechi , Oneli Joy Obiageli
Published: April 2023

Background:

Flood cases in so many parts of Nigeria, especially in Anambra state and the accruing psychological and health related problems, affecting members of families and society necessitated this study. In view to assist and help affected individuals who specialized in farming therapeutically, this study investigated the effect of rational emotive family health therapy (REFHT) on flood-induced anxiety disorders among farmers in Anambra state Nigeria. This study was guided with 3 null hypotheses.

Methods:

This is a group randomized control study, conducted in Anambra state Nigeria. The sample size was 120 registered cassava farmers in Anambra State Nigeria. A measure of anxiety disorders was used to assess the baseline data of the condition before the treatment, immediately after treatment, and after 3 weeks. The treatment was a self-developed REFHT manual that lasted for 12 sessions, 60 minutes per session with aim of reducing anxiety disorders among farmers who are victims of flood. The manual was delivered by counseling psychologists with orientation in rational emotive behavior and family therapies. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation, chi-square, and percentage) and inferential (Partial Eta Squared, and Analysis of Covariance) statistical tools.

Results:

The result revealed no significant gender difference was observed among the study participants’ socioeconomic, working status, and loan status. REFHT was significantly effective in reducing flood-induced anxiety disorders among farmers. There was no significant moderating effect of gender on flood-induced anxiety disorders among farmers. There was no significant interaction effect of gender and REFHT treatment on anxiety disorders among farmers.

Conclusion:

REFHT was significantly effective in reducing flood-induced anxiety disorders among farmers. Based on the findings, this study recommended among others that rational-emotive therapists and family health professionals should liaise with community leaders to provide career counseling services to farmers and establishment of community-based rational emotive institute for each state in Nigeria.
Association of IL-27 gene rs153109 and rs17855750 polymorphisms with preeclampsia susceptibility and severity: Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Wang Fengzhen , Wen Ersheng , Huang Yuyang , Wen Zhenyin , Liu Ziyou
Published: April 2023

Background:

The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association of interleukin-27 gene rs153109 and rs17855750 polymorphisms with preeclampsia susceptibility and severity.

Methods:

Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CBM, WanFang Data, CNKI, and VIP database were used for retrieving. After screening with our inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction and quantity evaluation were performed by 2 independent authors. Included case-control studies were used for meta-analysis by RevMan 5.4, and sensitivity analysis was carried out through 1-by-1 exclusion procedure. If heterogeneity exists, then random effects model was used; otherwise, fixed effect model was used. Publication bias analysis was performed using Begg test and Egger test. Trial sequential analysis was performed using trial sequential analysis 0.9.5.10 Beta.

Results:

A total of 5 articles were included. The heterogeneity was high across most models during the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results related to preeclampsia susceptibility showed that P values of all the models were higher than .05, while for meta-analysis results related to preeclampsia severity showed that P values of all the models were higher than .05 except for TT versus TG + GG and TT versus TG models of rs17855750 group. The sensitivity of the meta-analysis was high, and trial sequential analysis showed the possibility of false negative results. No obvious publication bias was found.

Conclusions:

There is no obvious association between interleukin-27 gene rs153109 and rs17855750 polymorphisms and preeclampsia susceptibility or severity. However, more multi-center and large sample case-control studies are expected to be carried out to verify our conclusion in the future.
Effects of monitoring exercise rehabilitation with target intensity on the patient with twice PCI: A case report
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Chen Yunxian , Chen Jinfeng , Li Aihua , Zhong Ming , Zhou Wanming , Tang Liangqiu
Published: April 2023

Rationale:

As the core of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), early exercise rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and center-based CR with target intensity is superior to home-based CR. However, there was no research to observe the effects of exercise rehabilitation on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, endothelial function evaluated as flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), and blood plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in CHD patients undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for 3 months.

Patient concerns:

A 57-year-old woman had been identified with triple vessel disease and undergone twice PCI for complete revascularization, however, there was no improvement in Lp-PLA2, FMD, and related indicators of cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Diagnosis:

Coronary angiography showed an 85% stenosis in the middle left anterior descending artery, an 85% stenosis in the proximity of a thick first-diagonal branch, a long 75 to 85% stenosis in the middle left circumflex artery, and a 90 to 95% stenosis in the proximal. The case was diagnosed as CHD.

Interventions:

The patient obtained optimal medical therapy comprising therapeutic lifestyle changes, and began monitoring exercise rehabilitation with target intensity 3 months after the second PCI in the CR center.

Outcomes:

There were changes in cardiopulmonary exercise capacity, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, FMD, and Lp-PLA2 in the patient with 3 apparent stenotic coronary arteries who was done PCI twice, without or with postoperative exercise rehabilitation, respectively.

Lessons:

We proved that monitoring exercise rehabilitation training with target intensity could improve the prognosis of chronic coronary syndrome patients, and it was never too late to do regular exercise rehabilitation.
Sufentanil, dexmedetomidine combined with surface anesthesia for awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation in the patient with severe mouth opening difficulty undergoing wedge resection of the right upper lung: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Lv Xiang , Sun Pingping , Yin Dekun
Published: April 2023

Background:

Severe mouth opening difficulty may increase the risk of airway management during anesthesia induction, and awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation (AFNI) is the first option for patients with orofacial anatomical changes.

Case summary:

A 54-year-old man was scheduled to undergo wedge resection of the right upper lung in August 2021. The patient had a history of enlarged right maxillary lesion resection and partial right maxillary resection surgery in April 2020, which led to orofacial anatomical changes and severe mouth opening difficulty. To avoid difficult airway-related emergency scenarios, the AFNI was successfully performed through intravenous injection of sufentanil and dexmedetomidine combined with lidocaine topical anesthesia under a conscious state without any uncomfortable feeling or complications.

Conclusions:

Intravenous injection of sufentanil and dexmedetomidine combined with lidocaine topical anesthesia can be used as an alternative medication scheme to relieve uncomfortable suffering for AFNI in patients with severe mouth opening difficulty.