bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-biased gene expression at single-cell resolution: cause and consequence of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Darolti Iulia , Mank Judith E
Published: April 2023

Gene expression differences between males and females are thought to be key for the evolution of sexual dimorphism, and sex-biased genes are often used to study the molecular footprint of sex-specific selection. However, gene expression is often measured from complex aggregations of diverse cell types, making it difficult to distinguish between sex differences in expression that are due to regulatory rewiring within similar cell types and those that are simply a consequence of developmental differences in cell-type abundance. To determine the role of regulatory versus developmental differences underlying sex-biased gene expression, we use single-cell transcriptomic data from multiple somatic and reproductive tissues of male and female guppies, a species that exhibits extensive phenotypic sexual dimorphism. Our analysis of gene expression at single-cell resolution demonstrates that nonisometric scaling between the cell populations within each tissue and heterogeneity in cell-type abundance between the sexes can influence inferred patterns of sex-biased gene expression by increasing both the false-positive and false-negative rates. Moreover, we show that, at the bulk level, the subset of sex-biased genes that are the product of sex differences in cell-type abundance can significantly confound patterns of coding-sequence evolution. Taken together, our results offer a unique insight into the effects of allometry and cellular heterogeneity on perceived patterns of sex-biased gene expression and highlight the power of single-cell RNA-sequencing in distinguishing between sex-biased genes that are the result of regulatory change and those that stem from sex differences in cell-type abundance, and hence are a consequence rather than a cause of sexual dimorphism.
Cross-National and Cross-Generational Evidence That Educational Attainment May Slow the Pace of Aging in European-Descent Individuals
Authors: Sugden Karen , Moffitt Terrie E , Arpawong Thalida Em , Arseneault Louise , Belsky Daniel W , Corcoran David L , Crimmins Eileen M , Hannon Eilis , Houts Renate , Mill Jonathan S , Poulton Richie , Ramrakha Sandhya , Wertz Jasmin , Williams Benjamin S , Caspi Avshalom
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Individuals with more education are at lower risk of developing multiple, different age-related diseases than their less-educated peers. A reason for this might be that individuals with more education age slower. There are 2 complications in testing this hypothesis. First, there exists no definitive measure of biological aging. Second, shared genetic factors contribute toward both lower educational attainment and the development of age-related diseases. Here, we tested whether the protective effect of educational attainment was associated with the pace of aging after accounting for genetic factors.

Methods

We examined data from 5 studies together totaling almost 17,000 individuals with European ancestry born in different countries during different historical periods, ranging in age from 16 to 98 years old. To assess the pace of aging, we used DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation algorithm that reflects an individual’s rate of aging and predicts age-related decline and Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. To assess genetic factors related to education, we created a polygenic score based on the results of a genome-wide association study of educational attainment.

Results

Across the 5 studies, and across the life span, higher educational attainment was associated with a slower pace of aging even after accounting for genetic factors (meta-analysis effect size = −0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.30 to −0.10; p = .006). Further, this effect persisted after taking into account tobacco smoking (meta-analysis effect size = −0.13; 95% CI: −0.21 to −0.05; p = .01).

Discussion

These results indicate that higher levels of education have positive effects on the pace of aging, and that the benefits can be realized irrespective of individuals’ genetics.
A Sister-Group Comparison of Branching and Pedicellariae in Brittlestars (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea)
Authors: Turner R L , O'Neill B O
Published: April 2023

Synopsis

Branching of arms and presence of pedicellariae are characters among ophiuroids found only in the order Euryalida (snakestars and basketstars). Family Asteronychidae has neither character; family Euryalidae has 2 small clades with branched arms; and family Gorgonocephalidae has all species with pedicellariae and 3 or 4 clades with branched arms. Despite the rare occurrence of these characters in the Ophiuroidea, they might be key adaptations within the Euryalida that have led to relatively high diversification. Sister-group comparison of the distribution of these 2 characters among taxa indicates that neither character alone explains diversity patterns within the order. In particular, branching restricted to the tips of arms seems not strongly adaptive, probably for the lack of integration of basal forks with the disc. On the other hand, 2 clades of gorgonocephalids with basal branching exceed their snakestar sister groups in numbers of species, indicating an advantage of branching within the family. Unfortunately, the analysis cannot benefit from statistics, for at least 5 independent comparisons are required for a one-tailed sign test. Because branching and pedicellariae are probably not independent variables, future sister-group comparisons should be done only within the Gorgonocephalidae once clade structure is better clarified with increased taxon sampling (10 currently missing genera) and resolution of intra-generic inconsistencies in the most recent cladograms available. Branching might confer upon gorgonocephalid basketstars a more efficient use of pedicellariae for upstream capture of zooplankton over their snakestar relatives as well as over the Euryalidae, which retain ancestral downstream capture by mucus-laden podia.
Therapeutic compounds from medicinal plant endophytes: molecular and metabolic adaptations
Authors: Sharma Garima , Agarwal Surbhi , Verma Kavita , Bhardwaj Rashmi , Mathur Vartika
Published: April 2023

During the last few decades, endophytes have attracted increased attention due to their ability to produce a plethora of bioactive secondary metabolites. These compounds not only help the endophytes to outcompete other plant-associated microbes or pathogens through quorum sensing, but also enable them to surmount the plant immune system. However, only a very few studies have described the interlink between various biochemical and molecular factors of host-microbe interactions involved in the production of these pharmacological metabolites. The peculiar mechanisms by which endophytes modulate plant physiology and metabolism through elicitors, as well as how they use transitional compounds of primary and secondary metabolism as nutrients and precursors for the synthesis of new compounds or enhancing existing metabolites, are still less understood. This study thus attempts to address the aspects of synthesis of such metabolites used in therapeutics by the endophytes in the light of their ecological significance, adaptation, and intercommunity interactions. Our study explores how endophytes adapt to the specific host environment, especially in medicinal plants that produce metabolites with pharmacological potential and simultaneously modulate host gene expression for the biosynthesis of these metabolites. We also discuss the differential interactions of fungal and bacterial endophytes with their hosts.
Laser–tissue interaction simulation considering skin-specific data to predict photothermal damage lesions during laser irradiation
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jin , Um Seung-Hoon , Kang Yong Guk , Shin Minwoo , Jeon Hojeong , Kim Beop-Min , Lee Deukhee , Yoon Kyungho
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to develop a simulation model that accounts for skin-specific properties in order to predict photothermal damage during skin laser treatment. To construct a computational model, surface geometry information was obtained from an optical coherence tomography image, and the absorption coefficient of the skin was determined through spectrophotometry. The distribution of the internal light dose inside the skin medium was calculated using the light propagation model based on the Monte Carlo method. The photothermal response due to the absorption of laser light was modeled by a finite difference time domain model to solve the bio-heat transfer equation. The predicted depth and area of the damaged lesions from the simulation model were compared to those measured in ex vivo porcine skin. The present simulation model gave acceptable predictions with differences of approximately ∼10% in both depth and area.
A deep dive: Chandra observations of the NGC 4839 group falling into the Coma cluster
Authors: Mirakhor M S , Walker S A , Runge J
Published: April 2023

Cosmological simulations of structure formation predict that galaxy clusters continue to grow and evolve through ongoing mergers with group-scale systems. During these merging events, the ram pressure applied by the intracluster medium acts to strip the gas from the infalling groups, forming large tails of stripped gas, which eventually become part of the main cluster. In this work, we present a detailed analysis of our new deep Chandra observations of the NGC 4839 group falling into the nearby Coma cluster, providing a unique opportunity to explore the way galaxy clusters in the local Universe continue to grow. Our analysis reveals a cold front feature at the leading head of the group, preceded by a bow shock of hot gas in front with a Mach number of ∼1.5. The power spectrum of surface brightness fluctuations in the tail shows that the slope gets less steep as the distance from the leading head increases, changing from $-2.35_{-0.06}^{+0.07}$ at the inner part of the tail to $-1.37_{-0.07}^{+0.09}$ at the outermost part of the tail. These values are shallower than the slope of the Kolmogorov 2D power spectrum, indicating that thermal conduction is being suppressed throughout the tail, enabling long-lived small-scale turbulence, which would typically be washed out if thermal conduction was not inhibited. The characteristic amplitude of surface brightness fluctuations in the tail suggests a mild level of turbulence with a Mach number in the range of 0.1–0.5, agreeing with that found for the infalling group in Abell 2142.
Real-time prediction of intradialytic hypotension using machine learning and cloud computing infrastructure
Authors: Zhang Hanjie , Wang Lin-Chun , Chaudhuri Sheetal , Pickering Aaron , Usvyat Len , Larkin John , Waguespack Pete , Kuang Zuwen , Kooman Jeroen P , Maddux Franklin W , Kotanko Peter
Published: April 2023

Background

In maintenance hemodialysis patients, intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a frequent complication that has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. Prediction of IDH may facilitate timely interventions and eventually reduce IDH rates.

Methods

We developed a machine learning model to predict IDH in in-center hemodialysis patients 15–75 min in advance. IDH was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg. Demographic, clinical, treatment-related and laboratory data were retrieved from electronic health records and merged with intradialytic machine data that were sent in real-time to the cloud. For model development, dialysis sessions were randomly split into training (80%) and testing (20%) sets. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used as a measure of the model's predictive performance.

Results

We utilized data from 693 patients who contributed 42 656 hemodialysis sessions and 355 693 intradialytic SBP measurements. IDH occurred in 16.2% of hemodialysis treatments. Our model predicted IDH 15–75 min in advance with an AUROC of 0.89. Top IDH predictors were the most recent intradialytic SBP and IDH rate, as well as mean nadir SBP of the previous 10 dialysis sessions.

Conclusions

Real-time prediction of IDH during an ongoing hemodialysis session is feasible and has a clinically actionable predictive performance. If and to what degree this predictive information facilitates the timely deployment of preventive interventions and translates into lower IDH rates and improved patient outcomes warrants prospective studies.
Primary papillary epithelial tumor of the sella and posterior pituitary tumor show similar (epi)genetic features and constitute a single neuro-oncological entity
Authors: Feng Jing , Duan Zejun , Yao Kun , Gui Qiuping , Liu Xing , Wang Xingfu , Du Zunguo , Shao Liwei , Zhang Benyan , Cai Shanshan , Zhu Mingwang , Ma Zhong , Hu Zejuan , Xiang Lei , Fan Xiaolong , Qi Xueling
Published: April 2023

Background

“Primary papillary epithelial tumor of the sella (PPETS)” is a recently described rare tumor entity of the central nervous system (CNS) with stereotypic location in the sella. Comprehensive molecular investigations and epigenetic profiles of PPETS have not been performed to date.

Methods

We report a comprehensive clinical, histopathologic, and molecular assessment of 5 PPETS cases in comparison with a cohort composed of 7 choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), 7 central neurocytoma (CN), 15 posterior pituitary tumor (PPT) including 4 pituicytoma, 6 granular cell tumors of the sellar region (GCT), and 5 spindle cell oncocytoma.

Results

All PPETS had good outcomes. Immunohistochemically, PPETS tumors showed positive staining with TTF1, EMA, AE1/AE3, MAP2, and Vimentin, but were negatively stained with Syn, GFAP, CgA, and S100, and sporadically stained with Ki-67. In unsupervised hierarchical clustering and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analyses of DNA-methylation data, PPETS and PPT tumors formed a distinct cluster irrespective of their histologic types. However, PPETS tumors did not cluster together with CPP and CN samples. Similar findings were obtained when our samples were projected into the reference cohort of the brain tumor classifier. Substantial fractions of the PPETS and PPT tumors shared broadly similar chromosomal copy number alterations. No mutations were detected using targeted next-generation sequencing.

Conclusions

Though more cases are needed to further elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors, our findings indicate that PPETS and PPT tumors may constitute a single neurooncological entity.
Unraveling the electrophilic oxygen-mediated mechanism for alcohol electrooxidation on NiO
Authors: Chen Wei , Shi Jianqiao , Xie Chao , Zhou Wang , Xu Leitao , Li Yingying , Wu Yandong , Wu Binbin , Huang Yu-Cheng , Zhou Bo , Yang Ming , Liu Jilei , Dong Chung-Li , Wang Tehua , Zou Yuqin , Wang Shuangyin
Published: April 2023

Aqueous organic electrosynthesis such as nucleophile oxidation reaction (NOR) is an economical and green approach. However, its development has been hindered by the inadequate understanding of the synergy between the electrochemical and non-electrochemical steps. In this study, we unravel the NOR mechanism for the primary alcohol/vicinal diol electrooxidation on NiO. Thereinto, the electrochemical step is the generation of Ni3+-(OH)ads, and the spontaneous reaction between Ni3+-(OH)ads and nucleophiles is an electrocatalyst-induced non-electrochemical step. We identify that two electrophilic oxygen-mediated mechanisms (EOMs), EOM involving hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and EOM involving C–C bond cleavage, play pivotal roles in the electrooxidation of primary alcohol to carboxylic acid and the electrooxidation of vicinal diol to carboxylic acid and formic acid, respectively. Based on these findings, we establish a unified NOR mechanism for alcohol electrooxidation and deepen the understanding of the synergy between the electrochemical and non-electrochemical steps during NOR, which can guide the sustainable electrochemical synthesis of organic chemicals.
Novel application to estimate the mass-loss and the dust-formation rates in O-type gamma-ray binaries using near-infrared photometry
Authors: Moritani Yuki , Kawachi Akiko , Okazaki Atsuo T , Chimasu Sho , Yoshida Hiromi
Published: April 2023

We have performed the near-infrared photometric monitoring observations of two TeV gamma-ray binaries with O-stars (LS 5039 and 1FGL J1018.6−5856), using IRSF/SIRIUS at SAAO, in order to study the stellar parameters and their perturbations caused by the binary interactions. The whole orbital phase was observed multiple times and no significant variabilities including orbital modulations were detected for both targets. Assuming that the two systems are colliding wind binaries, we estimate the amplitude of flux variation caused by the difference in the optical depth of O-star wind at inferior conjunction, where the star is seen through the cavity created by pulsar wind, and other orbital phases without pulsar-wind intervention. The derived amplitude is <0.001 mag, which is about two orders of magnitude smaller than the observed upper limit. Also using the upper limits of the near-infrared variability, we for the first time obtain the upper limit of the dust formation rate resulting from wind–wind collision in O-star gamma-ray binaries.
Through an Australian Lens: The Influence of Body-Worn Cameras on Complaints Against Police—Beyond the Numbers
Authors: Davies Amanda , Krame Ghaleb
Published: April 2023

Globally, police and law enforcement agencies have looked to Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) for the promise they may offer to address the many and varied complex issues faced in policing a rapidly changing modern society. This paper discusses the evaluation of the use of BWCs in the 17,000+ officer New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) and the results specifically associated with implications for the topical and widely impactful complaints against police domain. The evaluative research is one of the first of its kind in Australia and the quantitative and qualitative data (from questionnaires and interviews) was sourced from members of the community, legal profession, judiciary, front line police officers, police managers, victims of crime advocacy groups, multicultural group representatives and organizational data, to inform on the potential impact from the deployment of BWCs by NSWPF officers. The results indicate potential, substantial advantages with data trends indicating a reduction in the number of complaints received and a reduction in the number of citizen complaints against officers upheld. The efficiency of triaging complaint submissions and the associated reported increase in officer morale are key areas to which the literature to date is an under-explored aspect of the police use of BWCs. This study offers a contribution to the constantly evolving body of literature and importantly contributing to informing policing policy, operational procedures and initiatives in safeguarding police officers and the community they serve.
What Makes Public Sector Data Valuable for Development?
Authors: Jolliffe Dean , Mahler Daniel Gerszon , Veerappan Malarvizhi , Kilic Talip , Wollburg Philip
Published: April 2023

Data produced by the public sector can have transformational impacts on development outcomes through better targeting of resources, improved service delivery, cost savings, increased accountability, and more. Around the world, the amount of data produced by the public sector is increasing rapidly, but we argue the full potential of data to improve development outcomes has not been realized yet. We outline 12 features needed for data to generate greater value for development and present case studies substantiating these features. We argue that a key reason why the transformational value of data has not yet been realized is that suboptimal data—data not satisfying these 12 features—are being supplied. The features are that the data should be of adequate spatial and temporal coverage (complete, frequent, and timely), should be of high quality (accurate, comparable, and granular), should be easy to use (accessible, understandable, and interoperable), and should be safe to use (impartial, confidential, and appropriate).
Effect of Allelochemicals from Cereal Rye Cultivar and Pythium lutarium on Corn Growth and Disease
Authors: Acharya Jyotsna , Robertson Alison E.
Published: April 2023

Allelopathic chemicals produced by a cereal rye (CR; Secale cereale L.) cover crop have been implicated in the negative effect of CR on corn planted into decomposing CR residue. Production of allelochemicals varies among CR cultivars. In the current study, the allelopathic effect of crude extracts from five CR cultivars (Elbon, Hazlet, Serafino, Tayo, and Yankee) was evaluated on corn seedling growth, mycelial growth of Pythium lutarium, and root rot of corn caused by P. lutarium using a plate assay. In general, crude extracts from all CR cultivars slowed pathogen growth and reduced corn coleoptile and radicle lengths. When corn was grown on media amended with crude extracts from the CR cultivars and colonized with P. lutarium, corn growth was reduced and root rot severity increased compared with the check (no extract with pathogen). Subsequently, a cup assay was used to further investigate the allelopathic effect of Elbon, Hazlet, and Serafino on corn seedling growth and root rot. Corn grown in cups into which each cultivar had been planted had shorter radicles and coleoptiles compared with the check (no CR), regardless of the CR cultivar. Results from this study suggest that allelochemicals released from decomposing CR vary among cultivars, and their interaction with Pythium spp. could affect seedling disease on corn. Consequently, choice of CR cultivar may be an important management decision to reduce the negative effects of CR on corn.

[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 .
Supplemental fixation of distal femur fractures: a review of biomechanical and clinical evidence
Authors: Wadhwa Harsh , Goodnough L. Henry , Sharma Jigyasa , Maschhoff Clayton W. , Van Rysselberghe Noelle L. , Bishop Julius A. , Gardner Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Fixation of distal femur fractures with lateral locking plates has relatively high rates of clinical failure. Supplemental fixation has shown promising results, and may reduce rates of fixation failure or nonunion. This review aimed to assess the biomechanical and clinical evidence regarding the use of supplemental fixation of distal femur fractures.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language studies up to December 4, 2020, identifying 1,829 studies. Biomechanical studies that assessed fracture displacement, load/cycles to failure, or construct stiffness and clinical studies that assessed fixation failure or nonunion after supplemental fixation of distal femur fractures were included. Studies with sample size ≤5, ORIF with non-locking plates, periprosthetic distal femoral fractures, nonunions or revision surgeries were excluded.

Results:

Seventeen studies were included, of which 8 were biomechanical and 9 clinical. Overall, biomechanical studies demonstrated increased construct stability and load to failure with various supplemental fixation strategies. Clinical studies demonstrated more mixed outcomes for nonunion and fixation failure rate among the various techniques.

Conclusions:

Biomechanical studies have demonstrated potential benefits of these strategies, but there remains a dearth of high-quality evidence evaluating their effect on clinical outcomes. Prospective RCTs are necessary to address these issues and confirm the results in the existing literature.

Level of Evidence:

IID
Congress Report on the Second World Congress of Global Scar Society with Scar Academy and Japan Scar Workshop
Authors: Abdelhakim Mohamed , Dohi Teruyuki , Ogawa Rei
Published: April 2023

Pathological scars (including keloids, hypertrophic scars, and scar contractures) are present with high severity among certain populations, particularly in Asians and Africans who are highly prone to develop scars. Understanding the patho-mechanism that underlies scarring, such as mechanosignaling, systemic, and genetic factors, as well as optimal surgical techniques and integrated noninvasive therapeutic methods can guide clinicians to develop treatment protocols that can overcome these issues. This report summarizes a congress at Pacifico Yokohama (Conference Center) on December 19, 2021 involving researchers and clinicians from diverse disciplines who convened to discuss current clinical, preclinical, and most recent research advances in understanding pathological scarring, keloid and hypertrophic scar management, and research progress in wound healing. Presenters described the advances in scar therapies, understanding scarring mechanisms, and scar prevention and assessments tools. Moreover, presenters addressed the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and using telemedicine in management of scar patients.
Presence of pseudo-Kayser-Fleischer rings in patients without Wilson disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sabhapandit Swapnali , Kulkarni Anand , Soumya TR , Anumula Shireesha , Konda Mounika S. , Shaik Tumula A. , Solomon Perumalla , Rao Padaki N. , Jagtap Nitin , Reddy Duvvur N. , Sharma Mithun
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims:

Kayser-Fleischer (KF) rings are due to copper deposition in Descemet membrane of the cornea in Wilson disease. Pseudo-KF ring (PKF), seen in patients with high bilirubin, is often misinterpreted as KF rings. These are bilirubin deposits in posterior corneal stroma. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the presence of KF and PKF rings in Wilson disease and non-Wilsonian liver disease with serum bilirubin >5 mg/dL.

Methods:

All patients referred from the hepatology unit with serum bilirubin >5 mg/dL were assessed by slit-lamp examination (SLE) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months for differences in corneal deposits between KF and PKF rings. All other clinical, laboratory, radiological, genetic, and tissue diagnoses by liver biopsy were done as required to confirm the cause of liver disease.

Results:

Among the 750 patients examined, corneal deposits were present in 13%, KF rings as granular deposits in 31.7%, and PKF as a posterior stromal hue in 68.3% of cases. PKF rings showed regression in 60%, disappearance in 36.6% at 3 months, and in 100% of cases at 6 months. KF ring showed regression in 10.7% and 8.3% until 6 months. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography identified KF ring as a hyperintense line on Descemet membrane in an additional 9.7% of patients compared with a scattered hyperintense hue in PKF rings.

Conclusions:

The presence of PKF rings in patients with jaundice is not uncommon and should be differentiated from true KF rings. Serial monitoring is essential to look for resolution, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography may be additionally helpful.
Thinning of the Lamina Cribrosa and Deep Layer Microvascular Dropout in Patients With Open Angle Glaucoma and High Myopia
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Mi Baoyue , Li Haoru , Du Bei , Liu Lin , Xing Xiaoli , Lam Andrew K. , To Chi-ho , Wei Ruihua
Published: April 2023

Précis:

Lamina cribrosa (LC) thinning (thickness of ≤128.00 µm) helps to distinguish open angle glaucoma from high myopia, which was associated with the presence of microvasculature dropout and elevated intraocular pressure.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors associated with LC thickness in highly myopic eyes with and without open angle glaucoma.

Methods:

In total, 240 highly myopic eyes with γ-zones (194 eyes without and 46 eyes with open angle glaucoma) were examined, and the LC center, externally oblique border, an abrupt change of scleral curvature (scleral step), deep layer microvasculature dropout and global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were investigated on optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography.

Results:

LC were thinner in highly myopic open angle glaucoma compared with high myopia alone (107.76±9.86 vs. 137.07±18.51 µm, P<0.001), which was associated with deep layer microvasculature dropout and elevated intraocular pressure. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detecting open angle glaucoma from the LC thickness was 0.964, which was statistically higher (P<0.05) than from the global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (0.921) and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (0.902). A LC thickness cutoff value of 128 µm provided 100% sensitivity for detecting open angle glaucoma with 84% specificity.

Conclusions:

Highly myopic eyes with open angle glaucoma appear to have a thinner LC, which was associated with elevated intraocular pressure and deep layer microvasculature dropout. LC thinning (≤128.00 µm) helps distinguish open angle glaucoma from high myopia with an abnormal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness distribution and unclear shallow disc cupping.
Effect of regional versus general anesthesia on thirty-day outcomes following carotid endarterectomy: a cohort study
Authors: Kline Leigh A. , Kothandaraman Venkatraman , Knio Ziyad O. , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: April 2023

Background:

The effect of regional versus general anesthesia on carotid endarterectomy outcomes is debated. This study assesses the effect of anesthetic technique on major morbidity and mortality and additional secondary endpoints following carotid endarterectomy.

Materials and methods:

This was a retrospective propensity-matched-cohort analysis investigating elective carotid endarterectomy patients in the 2015–2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (n=37 204). The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality and major morbidity, defined as stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. Secondary endpoints included minor morbidity, bleeding events, healthcare resource utilization, and length of hospital stay. Univariate, multivariable, and survival analyses were applied.

Results:

The 1 : 1 propensity-matched-cohort included 8304 patients (4152 in each group). Regional anesthesia was associated with similar incidences of major morbidity and mortality [odds ratio (OR), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.61–1.09); P = 0.162] and unplanned resource utilization [OR, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.78–1.11); P = 0.443], but lower incidences of minor morbidity [OR, 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44–0.81); P < 0.001] and bleeding events [OR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.30–0.78); P = 0.002], and a shorter length of hospital stay [1.4 vs. 1.6 days; mean difference, -0.16 days (95% CI, -0.25 to -0.07); P < 0.001]. On multivariable analysis, regional anesthesia remained independently predictive of minor morbidity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.58 (95% CI, 0.42–0.79); P = 0.001] and bleeding events [AOR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.30–0.77); P = 0.003]. Significance was maintained on survival analysis for these two endpoints. A mortality benefit was observed on univariate [OR, 0.50 (95% CI, 0.25–1.00); P = 0.045], multivariable [AOR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.24–0.96); P = 0.043], and survival analysis (P = 0.045).

Conclusions:

Carotid endarterectomy patients receiving regional anesthesia experience favorable outcomes compared to propensity-matched general anesthesia controls.
Orientated-quantitative computed tomography study on individualized axial safety target area of femoral neck screw channel and establishment of a stable spatial coordinate system based on anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar
Authors: Deng Ying-Sheng , Jiang Guang-Liang , Cao Yu-Fang , Deng Hong-Yi , Yang Hong-Ping , Zhu Zhen-Biao , Wu Duo-Qing , Wang Qiu-Gen
Published: April 2023

Background:

Frequent in-out-in femoral neck screws were reported potential huge iatrogenic-injury risks, related to axial safe target area (ASTA) of femoral neck screws channel. However, orientated-quantitative ASTA based on stable coordinate system was unreported before.

Methods:

Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on computed tomography (CT) images of 139 intact normal hips, and the intersection area, defined as ASTA, was obtained by superimposing the axial CT images of each femoral neck. Taking anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar (AC-FNB) as landmark, a coordinate system was established to measure the anterior–posterior diameter (D-AP), the superior–inferior diameter (D-SI) and the oblique angle respectively. Each intersection was overlaid up to the axial CT images to determine the coronal location of the ASTA boundaries.

Results:

Each ASTA presented an inclined rounded triangle with a flat anterior base coincided with AC-FNB. There were significant sex differences in D-SI (male: 33.6±2.3 vs. female: 29.4±1.9 mm) and D-AP (male: 25.3±2.1 vs. 21.9±1.9 mm), P<0.001. D-SI was found to be positively correlated with D-AP (R
2=0.6). All fluoroscopic visible border isthmus completely matched the corresponding ASTA boundaries. The oblique angle was 5–53° (male: 28.1±10.3°, female: 27.1±8.2°) without significant difference between sexes.

Conclusion:

The intersection method was employed to conveniently acquire orientated-quantitative individualized ASTA. Under this coordinate system, x-ray data of screws could be converted to axial coordinates in CT ASTA, which could help surgeons design combined screws configuration preoperatively and evaluate quantitatively their axial position intraoperatively.
Dietary carbohydrates in the management of epilepsy
Authors: Haridas Babitha
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

The role of dietary carbohydrates in the management of epilepsy is intrinsically linked to the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet has been in use for well over a century now. There have been numerous adaptations to the diet. It is crucial to understand the indications and role of the ketogenic diet in the management of epilepsy.

Recent findings

There have been new studies that have looked at the role of ketogenic ratios in seizure control. In addition, there has been new evidence in the role of using the ketogenic diet therapy instead of antiseizure medications. These data highlight that the ketogenic diet should be tailored for patients and caregivers. When used appropriately, it can result in a significant improvement in seizure control as well as cognitive and developmental gains.

The ketogenic diet therapy has undergone numerous revisions and reiterations from its initial reported use in patients a century ago. This has enabled us to tailor the diet specific to each patient's underlying diagnosis.
Molecular mechanism of modified Huanglian Wendan decoction in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wu Zhaojing , Yang Tiantian , Ma Hongbo
Published: April 2023

To investigate the mechanism of modified Huanglian Wendan decoction in the intervention of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The ingredients and targets of modified Huanglian Wendan decoction were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine Systems Pharmacology database. Related targets of PCOS were screened by Comparative Toxicogenomics Database database. Cytoscape 3.7.2 (https://cytoscape.org/) was used to draw the target network diagram of “traditional Chinese medicine - ingredient - PCOS,” STRING database was used to construct the target protein interaction network. NCA tool of Cystoscape 3.7.2 was used to carried out topology analysis on PPI network, core components and key targets were obtained. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis were carried out for the intersection targets by David database. AutoDockTools 1.5.6 software (https://autodock.scripps.edu/) was used to conduct molecular docking verification of key components and key targets. Ninety-one ingredients of the modified Huanglian Wendan decoction and 23,075 diseases targets were obtained, 155 Intersection targets of the drug and disease were obtained by R language, Veen plot was drawn. Gene ontology enrichment analysis obtained 432 biological processes, 67 cell components, 106 molecular functions. Fifty-four Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment pathways (P < .05) including tumor necrosis factor, hypoxia-induced factors-1, calcium, and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and baicalein were stable in docking with core targets. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to preliminarily study the mechanism of action of modified Huanglian Wendan decoction in the treatment of PCOS, which laid foundation for future experimental research and clinical application.
Role of CCT4/ErbB signaling in nephroblastoma: Implications for a biomarker of Wilms tumor
Authors: Wang Haoyuan , Zhang Lei , Liu Bin , Su Jianzhi , Ni Xiaochen
Published: April 2023

Wilms tumor is a common abdominal malignant tumor in children. However, the molecular mechanism of Wilms tumor is unclear. GSE66405 and GSE197047 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Wilms tumor, the R package “limma” was used. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the significant module. The list of DEGs was input into the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database to construct a protein-protein interaction network for predicting core genes. Gene Ontology analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis are computational methods for assessing gene function and biological pathways. The genome was analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and developed by gene set enrichment analysis. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database analysis was performed to find the diseases most related to the core genes. TargetScan was used to screen for miRNAs that regulate hub genes. A total of 925 DEGs were identified. The differently expressed genes were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, mRNA detection pathway, and folded protein binding. A total of 16 core genes (HNRNPK, PABPC1, HNRNPD, NCL, YBX1, EIF4G1, KHDRBS1, HNRNPAB, HSPA4, EEF2, HSP90AA1, EEF1A1, A TP5A1, SDHA, CCT4, CCT5) were obtained. chaperonin containing TCP-1 subunit 4 (CCT4) was downregulated in tumor tissue samples, which may have reverse regulatory significance for Wilms tumor. CCT4, HSP90AA1, NCL, PABPC1, and YBX1 were found to be associated with kidney disease, acute kidney injury, edema, tumor metastasis, transitional cell carcinoma, necrosis, and inflammation. The research found that the related miRNA of the CCT4 gene was hsamiR-7-5p. CCT4 might play an essential role in the occurrence and development of Wilms tumor, and they may participate in the occurrence and development of Wilms tumor through the ERBB signal pathway. CCT4 may be a promising biomarker of Wilms tumor.
The analgesic efficacy of pregabalin versus placebo for septorhinoplasty: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Zanmei , Xu Yang , Xue Zhihui
Published: April 2023

Background:

The analgesic efficacy of pregabalin supplementation for septorhinoplasty remains elusive. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare pregabalin supplementation with placebo for the postoperative pain control of septorhinoplasty.

Methods:

We systematically searched several databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effect of pregabalin supplementation versus placebo for pain control after septorhinoplasty. This meta-analysis was conducted by fixed or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity.

Results:

Seven RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. In comparison with control group for septorhinoplasty, pregabalin supplementation was associated with significantly decreased pain scores at 1 h (standard mean difference [SMD] = −1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.43 to −0.47; P = .004), pain scores at 2 hours (SMD = −1.01; 95% CI = −1.83 to −0.20; P = .02), pain scores at 6 hours (SMD = −1.00; 95% CI = −1.47 to −0.54; P < .0001), number of rescue analgesics (odd ratio [OR] = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.08–0.39; P < .0001) and analgesic consumption (SMD = −2.78; 95% CI = −5.05 to −0.51; P = .02), but unraveled no obvious impact on the incidence of nausea and vomiting (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.24–1.27; P = .16).

Conclusions:

Pregabalin supplementation was effective to improve pain relief after septorhinoplasty.
Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction for post-stroke insomnia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Xuedi , Xiong Yue , Jiang Sichen , Tang Lihua , Lin Xingzhen , Fang Xinyue , Shi Yuzhen , Lan Wanning , Xie Yaying , Peng Tianzhong
Published: April 2023

Background:

Poststroke insomnia (PSI) is a frequent complication of stroke usually as a comorbidity of poststroke depression and mainly occurs within the first 6 months after stroke.[1] Addressing PSI to improve stroke prognosis is of great value. Herbal medicine like Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMD), which is commonly considered to be a good treatment for depression and epilepsy, has the therapeutic potential on PSI; however, insufficient systematic reviews were conducted to testify its efficacy. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to provide reliable evidence of the efficacy and safety of CLMD on PSI and a foundation for further investigation.

Methods:

The literature of clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding CLMD for PSI published before June of 2021 will be retrieved in the databases, and 2 investigators will be asked to collect and crosscheck the data independently. For the including studies, the quality evaluation on methodology will be assessed in the light of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions V.5.1.0 as well as the quality of evidence will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Besides, the assessment of heterogeneity and reporting bias, the sensitivity analysis and the subgroup analysis will be conducted. Stata 15 will be applied to analyze the above data.

Results:

The review will conduct a high-quality synthesis on present evidence of CLMD for PSI.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of the study will indicate whether CLMD is effective and safe for PSI.
Intervention for job burnout reduction among a sample of Nigerian lecturers
Authors: Eseadi Chiedu , Ardi Zadrian , Victor-Aigbodion Vera , Ndille Roland , Obasuyi Hero Usiomoefo , Ogbuabor Shulamite Ebere
Published: April 2023

Background:

One of the major issues facing Nigerian university lecturers is job burnout. In the current study, Nigerian university history lecturers were examined in respect of job burnout prior to and after an online psychological intervention that followed the rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) principles and practice.

Methods:

In this study, a group randomized controlled trial approach was used, and only 80 university history lecturers with high burnout levels were included. We had 40 history lecturers participating in an online intervention group and 40 history lecturers participating in the control group. A questionnaire – Oldenburg Burnout Inventory – was used to collect data about job burnout.

Results:

After the history lecturers underwent the online psychological intervention (online REBT), significant reductions in mean job burnout were recorded (F(1, 78) = 5756.11;P < .001). Findings show a statistically significant effects of time on burnout scores of history lecturers [F(2156) = 1323.69,P < .001, ω2 = 0.92]. There was also a significant group and time interaction effect on the participants’ burnout scores [F(2156) = 1323.69,P < .001, ω2 = 0.91].

Conclusion:

University history lecturers can benefit from online psychological intervention that targets job burnout reduction. The current study paves way for future studies to validate the efficacy of online REBT intervention among other employees who struggle with burnout problem.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as prognostic markers in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer treated with atezolizumab in combination with chemotherapy
Authors: Kutlu Yasin , Aydin Sabin Goktas , Bilici Ahmet , Oven Bala Basak , Olmez Omer Fatih , Acikgoz Ozgur , Hamdard Jamshid
Published: April 2023

Atezolizumab is now the standard treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Herein, we investigated the prognostic role of inflammatory markers in patients treated with atezolizumab plus chemotherapy and evaluated the efficacy and safety of adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy for patients with ES-SCLC and prognostic and predictive factors as a real-life experience. This retrospective study included 55 patients who received front-line atezolizumab with etoposide plus platin regimen for ES-SCLC. We analyzed the survival outcomes and factors that may predict response and survival. The objective response rate (ORR) was 81.8%. At a median follow-up of 23.5 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 10.8 months, and the median overall survival (OS) time was 15.2 months. In univariate analysis for PFS, limited-stage disease at the time of diagnosis, the presence of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI), the presence of liver metastasis, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were found to be prognostic factors (P = .041, P = .034, P = .031, P = .004, and P = <.001, respectively). In other words, while the median PFS time was 14.1 months in patients with PLR ≤ 135.7, it was 7.5 months in patients with > 135.7. Similarly, median PFS was 14.9 months in patients with NLR ≤ 3.43, while it was 9.6 months in patients with > 3.43. Univariate analysis for OS revealed that limited stage at the time of diagnosis, NLR and PLR were significant prognostic indicators (P = .01, P = .006, and P = .007, respectively). Median OS time for patients with both NLR ≤ 3.43 and PLR ≤ 135.7 was significantly better than that of patients with NLR > 3.43 and PLR > 135.7 (16.9 vs 11.3 and 16.9 vs 11.5 months, respectively). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PLR was an independent significant predictive factor for the response to atezolizumab plus chemotherapy (OR: 0.07, P = .028). The patients with PLR ≤ 135.7 were significantly good responders to atezolizumab plus chemotherapy treatment. Real-life data demonstrated a significant correlation between survival and NLR and, PLR in ES-SCLC patients treated with atezolizumab. In addition, PLR was a significant predictive indicator of response to atezolizumab plus chemotherapy.