bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalization of scientific communication: Evidence from authors in academic journals by country of origin
Authors: Macháček Vít
Published: September 2022

This study measures the tendency to publish in international scientific journals. For each of nearly 35,000 Scopus-indexed journals, we derive seven globalization indicators based on the composition of authors by country of origin and other characteristics. These are subsequently scaled up to the level of 174 countries and 27 disciplines between 2005 and 2017. The results indicate that advanced countries maintain high globalization of scientific communication that is not varying across disciplines. Social sciences and health sciences are less globalized than physical and life sciences. Countries of the former Soviet bloc score far lower on the globalization measures, especially in social sciences or health sciences. Russia remains among the least globalized during the whole period, with no upward trend. Contrary, China has profoundly globalized its science system, gradually moving from the lowest globalization figures to the world average. The article concludes with reflections on measurement issues and policy implications.
THE SYSTEM OF RADIATION PROTECTION QUANTITIES USED FOR OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES TO EXTERNAL SOURCES: SHORT HISTORY AND CRITICAL REVIEW
Authors: Bouzegzi K , Frahi-Amroun A
Published: September 2022

The article summarises the development of the system of radiation protection quantities used for occupational exposures to external sources throughout the last century. Although the current system generally meets the radiation protection needs quite satisfactorily, this system has often been the target of criticism. Some controversial issues are highlighted in the present paper. The conclusion is that it would be appropriate to undertake a deep review of the current system and suggest the necessary revisions to remove any ambiguities or confusion and address the deficiencies and incoherencies.
A REVIEW OF 137CS TRANSFER FACTOR STUDIES FOR INDIAN ENVIRONS
Authors: Prabhu Ujwal , Shanker Jada
Published: September 2022

In recent years there have been conscious efforts put by researchers in India to generate the soil-to-plant 137Cs transfer factor values. This review study is aimed at providing a comprehensive background of 137Cs transfer rates around the environs of a few nuclear power plant sites of India. As a part of this, the study looked into 137Cs transfer rates from soil to various plant species. The effort was made to quantify the transfer rates of 137Cs and various parameters affecting the movement of 137Cs in the terrestrial environment. The past and current knowledge on 137Cs transfer factors available in the literature were reviewed thoroughly and highlighted the need for incorporating lesser known and overlooked aspects of radionuclide behaviour for future studies. The paper also tried to identify and highlight the gaps and inconsistencies in the reported values of 137Cs transfer factors.
Modeling cellular co-infection and reassortment of bluetongue virus in Culicoides midges
Authors: Cavany Sean M , Barbera Carly , Carpenter Molly , Rodgers Case , Sherman Tyler , Stenglein Mark , Mayo Christie , Perkins T Alex
Published: September 2022

When related segmented RNA viruses co-infect a single cell, viral reassortment can occur, potentially leading to new strains with pandemic potential. One virus capable of reassortment is bluetongue virus (BTV), which causes substantial health impacts in ruminants and is transmitted via Culicoides midges. Because midges can become co-infected by feeding on multiple different host species and remain infected for their entire life span, there is a high potential for reassortment to occur. Once a midge is co-infected, additional barriers must be crossed for a reassortant virus to emerge, such as cellular co-infection and dissemination of reassortant viruses to the salivary glands. We developed three mathematical models of within-midge BTV dynamics of increasing complexity, allowing us to explore the conditions leading to the emergence of reassortant viruses. In confronting the simplest model with published data, we estimate that the average life span of a bluetongue virion in the midge midgut is about 6 h, a key determinant of establishing a successful infection. Examination of the full model, which permits cellular co-infection and reassortment, shows that small differences in fitness of the two infecting strains can have a large impact on the frequency with which reassortant virions are observed. This is consistent with experimental co-infection studies with BTV strains with different relative fitnesses that did not produce reassortant progeny. Our models also highlight several gaps in existing data that would allow us to elucidate these dynamics in more detail, in particular the times it takes the virus to disseminate to different tissues, and measurements of viral load and reassortant frequency at different temperatures.
A juvenile skull from the early Palaeocene of China extends the appearance of crocodyloids in Asia back by 15–20 million years
Authors: Boerman Sophie A , Perrichon Gwendal , Yang Jian , Li Cheng-Sen , Martin Jeremy E , Speijer Robert P , Smith Thierry
Published: September 2022

The earliest Crocodylia from Asia have been represented so far only by alligatoroids and planocraniids. Although definitive crocodyloids are not known until the late Eocene, it has been hypothesized that Asiatosuchus-like basal crocodyloids originated in Asia before the late Palaeocene. In this paper, we describe a new fossil crocodyloid from the lower Palaeocene of Qianshan Basin, Anhui Province, China. The skull and lower jaw fragment exhibit several characteristics typical of juvenile crocodylians. They also display a combination of features not seen in any other taxon, warranting the erection of a new species and genus, Qianshanosuchus youngi gen. & sp. nov. Its affinities are tested in phylogenetic analyses based on two recent character matrices of Eusuchia. To assess the effect of juvenile characteristics on the outcome of the phylogenetic analyses, juvenile specimens of extant crocodylian taxa are analysed in the same way, showing that the effect of their ontogenetic stage on their placement in the tree is minimal. Our analyses point to a basal crocodyloid position for Q. youngi. With these findings, the presence of Crocodyloidea in Asia is extended to the early Palaeocene, 15–20 Myr earlier than formerly thought. Furthermore, our results corroborate previous hypotheses of a Palaeocene dispersal route of Asiatosuchus-like crocodyloids from Asia into Europe.
Movement Patterns of Transient and Prolonged Positioning Events in Nursing Home Residents: Results from the TEAM-UP Trial
Authors: Gadhoumi Kais , Sonenblum Sharon Eve , Kennerly Susan M. , Alderden Jenny , Sharkey Phoebe D. , Horn Susan D. , Yap Tracey L.
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE

To characterize transient and prolonged body position patterns in a large sample of nursing home (NH) residents and describe the variability in movement patterns based on time of occurrence.

METHODS

This study is a descriptive, exploratory analysis of up to 28 days of longitudinal accelerometer data for 1,100 NH residents from the TEAM-UP (Turn Everyone and Move for Ulcer Prevention) clinical trial. Investigators analyzed rates of transient events (TEs; less than 60 seconds) and prolonged events (PEs; 60 seconds or longer) and their interrelationships by nursing shift.

RESULTS

Residents’ positions changed for at least 1 minute (PEs) nearly three times per hour. Shorter-duration movements (TEs) occurred almost eight times per hour. Residents’ PE rates were highest in shift 2 (3 pm to 11 pm), when the median duration and maximum lengths of PEs were lowest; the least active time of day was shift 3 (11 pm to 7 am). Three-quarters of all PEs lasted less than 15 minutes. The rate of TEs within PEs decreased significantly as the duration of PEs increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The NH residents demonstrate complex patterns of movements of both short and prolonged duration while lying and sitting. Findings represent how NH residents naturally move in real-world conditions and provide a new set of metrics to study tissue offloading and its role in pressure injury prevention.
Practical MRI of Endometrial Neoplasms, Part 2: MRI and FIGO Staging
Authors: Piccolo Luciana Maksoud , Uski Ana Claudia Vincenzi Raduan , de Ávila Fernandes Jose , Abud Carolina Pereira , Leite Marcela Cavichioli , de Andrade Larre Ailma Fabiane , Naves Inácio Pedroso Maria Helena
Published: September 2022

MRI is the method of choice for the evaluation of endometrial carcinomas (ECs), from detection to evaluation of recurrent disease. Although the staging of ECs is done surgically using the system of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), preoperative assessment based on MRI findings helps in risk stratification and decision-making. The main parameters evaluated include the degree and depth of myometrial invasion, parametrial extent, and cervical stromal infiltration. The combination of T2-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and diffusion-weighted imaging increases the accuracy of EC diagnosis and staging. A proposed step-by-step guide was developed to help the radiologist formulate hypotheses and guide clinical reasoning from the approach of the patient to the preparation of the final report. A structured report is also proposed with the objective of improving report quality and facilitating communication with the treating physicians.
The optimal anticoagulation strategy for COVID-19, prophylactic or therapeutic?: a meta-analysis, trial sequential analysis, and meta-regression of more than 27,000 participants
Authors: Guo Mingyue , Han Qi , Xing Jiaxuan , Xu Feng , Wang Jiali , Li Chuanbao , Shan Zechen , Bian Yuan , Wang Hao , Xue Li , Yuan Qiuhuan , Pan Chang , De Yanshan , Wang Xingfang , Hao Panpan , Cao Shengchuan , Pang Jiaojiao , Chen Yuguo
Published: September 2022

Background

Anticoagulants are promising regimens for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, whether prophylactic or intermediate-to-therapeutic dosage is optimal remains under active discussion.

Methods

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, and MedRxiv databases on April 26, 2022. Two independent researchers conducted literature selection and data extraction separately according to predetermined criteria. Notably, this is the first meta-analysis on COVID-19, taking serious consideration regarding the dosage overlap between the 2 comparison groups of prophylactic anticoagulation (PA) and intermediate-to-therapeutic anticoagulation (I-TA).

Results

We included 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 36 cohort studies with 27,051 COVID-19 patients. By analyzing all the RCTs, there was no significant difference in mortality between the PA and I-TA groups, which was further confirmed by trial sequential analysis (TSA) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71–1.22; P = 0.61; TSA adjusted CI: 0.71–1.26). The rate of major bleeding was remarkably higher in the I-TA group than in the PA group, despite adjusting for TSA (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.15–2.60; P = 0.009; TSA adjusted CI: 1.09–2.58). RCTs have supported the beneficial effect of I-TA in reducing thrombotic events. After including all studies, mortality in the I-TA group was significantly higher than in the PA group (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.15–1.66; P = 0.0005). The rate of major bleeding was similar to the analysis from RCTs (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.86–2.69; P < 0.00001). There was no distinct difference in the rate of thrombotic events between the 2 regimen groups. In addition, in both critical and noncritical subgroups, I-TA failed to reduce mortality but increased major bleeding rate compared with PA, as shown in meta-analysis of all studies, as well as RCTs only. Meta-regression of all studies suggested that there was no relationship between the treatment effect and the overall risk of mortality or major bleeding (P = 0.14, P = 0.09, respectively).

Conclusion

I-TA is not superior to PA for treating COVID-19 because it fails to lower the mortality rate but increases the major bleeding rate in both critical and noncritical patients.
Carfilzomib, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone As Second-line Therapy for Lenalidomide-refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sonneveld Pieter , Zweegman Sonja , Cavo Michele , Nasserinejad Kazem , Broijl Annemiek , Troia Rosella , Pour Ludek , Croockewit Sandra , Corradini Paolo , Patriarca Francesca , Wu Kalung , Droogendijk Jolanda , Bos Gerard , Hajek Roman , Teresa Petrucci Maria , Ypma Paula , Zojer Nicholas , Minnema Monique C. , Boccadoro Mario
Published: September 2022

This phase 2 trial investigated reinduction with carfilzomib, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (KPd) and continuous pomalidomide/dexamethasone in patients at first progression during lenalidomide maintenance. The second objective was to evaluate high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/ASCT) at first progression. Patients were eligible who had progressive disease according to International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria. Treatment consisted of 8 cycles carfilzomib (20/36 mg/m2), pomalidomide (4 mg) and dexamethasone. Patients without prior transplant received HDM/ASCT. Pomalidomide 4 mg w/o dexamethasone was given until progression. One hundred twelve patients were registered of whom 86 (77%) completed 8 cycles of KPd. Thirty-five (85%) eligible patients received HDM/ASCT. The median time to discontinuation of pomalidomide w/o dexamethasone was 17 months. Best response was 37% ≥ complete response, 75% ≥ very good partial response, 92% ≥ partial response, respectively. At a follow-up of 40 months median PFS was 26 and 32 months for patients who received KPd plus HDM/ASCT and 17 months for patients on KPd (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-1.00, P = 0.051). PFS was better after longer duration of prior lenalidomide (HR 3.56, 95% CI 1.42-8.96, P = 0.035). Median overall survival (OS) was 67 months. KPd-emerging grade 3 and 4 adverse events included hematologic (41%), cardiovascular (6%), respiratory (3%), infections (17%), and neuropathy (2%). KPd followed by continuous pomalidomide is an effective and safe triple drug regimen in second-line for patients previously exposed to bortezomib and/or refractory to lenalidomide.
Dexamethasone for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Long-hua , Li Xiao-dan , Zhang Xiao-yu , Cheng Peng-jiang , Feng Zheng-yun
Published: September 2022

Background:

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods:

A systematic search of electronic databases was carried out from inception to May 1, 2022, including PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wangfang, VIP, and CNKI. Other searches were also checked for dissertations/theses and the reference lists of the included studies. Two team members examined all citations and selected eligible articles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone for the treatment of ARDS were included, and the quality of eligible RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. If necessary, we conducted data synthesis and meta-analysis. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation duration (day), ventilator-free status at 28 days; intensive care unit (ICU) free (day), ICU mortality, hospital mortality, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) as mean and range, SOFA as No. of patients, peak airway pressure (cmH2O), arterial oxygen pressure (mm Hg), days with PaO2> 10kPa, PaO2, and the occurrence rate of adverse events.

Results:

Four studies involving 702 patients were included in this analysis. This study showed that dexamethasone could significantly reduce all-cause mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.44, 0.88], I2= 30%,P< .001), and decrease ventilator-free status at 28 days (MD = 3.65, 95% CI [1.49, 5.80], I2= 51%,P< .001). No significant differences in occurrence rates of adverse events were found between dexamethasone and routine or standard care.

Conclusions:

Evidence from the meta-analysis suggests that dexamethasone is an effective and relatively safe treatment for all-cause mortality and ventilator-free status at 28 days in patients with ARDS. Owning to the small number of eligible RCTs, the conclusions of present study are warranted in the future study.
Congenital aflatoxicosis, mal-detoxification genomics & ontogeny trigger immune-mediated Kotb disease biliary atresia variant: SANRA compliant review
Authors: Kotb Magd A. , Kotb Ahmed , Talaat Sahar , Shehata Sherif M. , El Dessouki Nabil , ElHaddad Ahmed A. , El Tagy Gamal , Esmat Haytham , Shehata Sameh , Hashim Mohamed , Kotb Hanan A. , Zekry Hanan , Abd Elkader Hesham M. , Kaddah Sherif , Abd El Baky Hend E. , Lotfi Nabil
Published: September 2022

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indication for pediatric liver transplantation. We describe The BA variant: Kotb disease. Liver tissue in the Kotb disease BA is massively damaged by congenital aflatoxicosis resulting in inflammation, adhesions, fibrosis, bile duct proliferation, scarring, cholestasis, focal syncytial giant cell transformation, and typical immune response involving infiltration by CD4+, CD8+, CD68+, CD14+, neutrophil infiltration, neutrophil elastase spill, heavy loads of aflatoxin B1, accelerated cirrhosis, disruption of p53 and GSTPi, and have null glutathione S transferase M1 (GSTM1). All their mothers are heterozygous for GSTM1. This inability to detoxify aflatoxicosis results in progressive inflammatory adhesions and obliterative cholangiopathy early in life. The typical disruption of both p53 and GSTPi causes loss of fidelity of hepatic regeneration. Hence, regeneration in Kotb disease BA typically promotes accelerated cirrhosis. The immune response in Kotb disease BA is for damage control and initiation of regeneration, yet, this friendly fire incurs massive structural collateral damage. The Kotb disease BA is about actual ongoing hepatic entrapment of aflatoxins with lack of ability of safe disposal due to child detoxification-genomics disarray.

The Kotb disease BA is a product of the interaction of persistent congenital aflatoxicosis, genetic lack of GSTM1 detoxification, ontogenically impaired activity of other hepatic detoxification, massive neutrophil-elastase, immune-induced damage, and disturbed regeneration. Ante-natal and neonatal screening for aflatoxicosis, avoiding cord milking, and stringent control of aflatoxicosis content of human, poultry and live-stock feeds might prove effective for prevention, prompt diagnosis and management based on our recent understanding of its patho-genomics.
The complementary role of lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion in the TNM staging process of rectal cancer
Authors: Chen Tong , Wang Mingchuan , Cheng Xianbin , Wang Yizhuo , Jiang Yang , Fang Xuedong , Xiao Huijie
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to clarify the association between lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and/or perineural invasion (PNI) and the clinical characteristics and prognostic importance of rectal cancer, to provide a basis for early adjuvant treatment of rectal cancer. We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. This study involved rectal cancer tissue samples were obtained by surgical methods. Data on histological form, tumor classification, tumor size, gross growth pattern, blood and lymphatic vessel invasion, and PNI of the slice by HE staining were obtained from pathological examination. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue samples was performed to determine p53 and EGFR expressions. There were 330 rectal cancer patients included in the study. LVI and/or PNI can be used as a high-risk factor for the prognosis of rectal cancer, predict prognostic survival, and guide adjuvant therapy. The detection rates of LVI and PNI were 32.1% and 16.1%. Differentiation grade, Union for International Cancer Control staging, tumor-lymph node-metastasis staging are significantly related to LVI or PNI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that poor differentiation and N ≥ 1 can be used as independent risk factors and predictive factors for LVI. At the same time, poor differentiation and T > 3 is an independent risk factor for PNI. Only poor differentiation is the risk factor for poor prognosis in Cox risk regression analysis. In addition, the simultaneous occurrence of LVI and PNI is an independent prognostic factor.
Different traditional Chinese medicine constitution is associated with dietary and lifestyle behaviors among adults in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Min-Fen , Tang Pei-Ling , Pan Tzu-Cheng , Hsueh Kuang-Chieh
Published: September 2022

The World Health Organization states prevention of chronic diseases should be based on good lifestyle behaviors and healthy diets as they can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by 80%. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) emphasizes the congenital differences of TCMC stem from the genes of parents, while acquired differences in TCMC are caused by factors as living environments, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits. From the perspective of preventive medicine, this study explores the correlation between dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors as potential risk factors for different types of TCMC—balanced constitution, Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Phlegm stasis. Research data were collected from 2760 subjects aged 30 to 70 years participating in a survey conducted by Taiwan Biobank in 2012 to 2017. The survey included basic demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits along with a Body Constitution Questionnaire. Compared to men, women were 3 to 4 times more likely to develop Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, and Phlegm stasis. Variables that affected TCMC were smoking, midnight snack consumption, consumption of gravy-soaked or lard-soaked rice/noodles, deep-fried soybean products, bread spread, pickled vegetables as side dishes for the main course of a meal, and the dietary habit of vegetables or fruits instead of high-fat desserts. Poor dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors are the cause of unbalanced TCMCs. Understanding the specific TCMC of individual can provide useful information and predictions to maintain physical health and achieve early disease prevention to meet the goal of preventive medicine.
Prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress in an Ecuadorian outpatient population with type II diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study (STROBE)
Authors: Cárdenas Luisa , Cabezas María del Carmen , Muñoz Angie , Proaño José Luis , Miño Camila , Aguirre Nicole
Published: September 2022

Type II diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a worldwide disease with an important economic and health impact. Currently, depression, anxiety and stress are common disorders among diabetic populations but their respective prevalence may well be underestimated. So far, Latin American countries have only reported limited information about the impact of mental diseases on DM2 outpatients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors related to depression, anxiety, and stress among ambulatory DM2 populations from two third-level hospitals in Quito, Ecuador. A cross-sectional study based on a random sample was carried out in two hospitals. Patients were evaluated by the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). In addition, a validated survey was used to grade socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, and comorbidity variables. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS (version 22.0). STROBE guidelines were used for reporting this trial. A total of 208 adult patients with DM2 were included (women 58%; men 42%). The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 31.7% (95% CI, 25.5–38.5%), 33.7% (95% CI, 27.3–40.5%), and 25.0% (95% CI, 19.3–31.5%), respectively. Male gender was associated with a decreased risk for depression (OR 0.39 [95% CI, 0.18-0.81]; P = .01), anxiety (OR 0.31 [95% CI, 0.16–0.65]; P = .002), and stress (OR 0.35 [95% CI, 0.15–0.77]; P = .009). A higher level of education was associated with low risk for depression (OR 0.23 [95% CI, 0.11–0.46]; P < .001), anxiety (OR 0.47 [95% CI, 0.25–0.90]; P = .02), and stress (OR 0.24 [95% CI, 0.12–0.49]; P = .001). In contrast, patients with DM2 complications were more likely to have depression (OR 2.96 [95% CI, 1.32–6.63]; P = .008) and anxiety (OR 2.56 [95% CI, 1.20–5.48]; P = .01). Finally, an income higher than the basic salary reduced the risk of depression alone (OR 0.39 [95% CI, 0.16–0.91]; P = .03). In conclusion, a high prevalence rate of depression, anxiety, and stress was found in the DM2 outpatient population. Thus, more tailored care surveillance for DM2 patients is needed considering the bio-psycho-social environment to provide an integral health management.
Cortisol secretory patterns in deep and moderate neuromuscular blockades in laparoscopic surgery under total intravenous anesthesia: A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Jeongyoon , An Jihyun , Lee Dong Hwan , Lee Jihyang , Kim Eunju , Woo Kyeongyoon , Kim Kyeong Hyo
Published: September 2022

Background:

Neuroendocrine stress response induces physiological changes depending on the type of surgery and anesthesia. Although the optimal depth of neuromuscular blockade for reducing this response remains unknown, deep neuromuscular blockade is known to improve the surgical environment. Therefore, we hypothesized that a patient’s stress response would be lower in surgical procedures under deep neuromuscular blockade than under moderate neuromuscular blockade.

Methods:

This prospective, randomized, single-blind study enrolled 72 patients who underwent laparoscopic gynecological surgery under general anesthesia and were assigned to group D (deep blockade: target train-of-four 0 and posttetanic count ≥ 1) or group M (moderate blockade: target train-of-four count 1–3). The primary endpoints were changing patterns in cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels; the secondary endpoints were patient outcomes, such as hemodynamic variables, serum glucose level, postoperative pain in the postanesthesia care unit, and hospital stay.

Results:

The baseline characteristics were comparable between the 67 patients included in the 2 groups (34 in group M and 33 in group D). Cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels increased perioperatively in both groups but without significant intergroup differences. Serum glucose level increased perioperatively and decreased postoperatively, but without a significant intergroup difference. Postoperative pain, fentanyl requirement in the postanesthesia care unit, and hospital stay were also comparable.

Conclusions:

Compared with moderate neuromuscular blockade, deep neuromuscular blockade improved the surgical environment without significant intergroup differences in the hormonal stress response.
The relationship between fibromyalgia and depression, anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, fear avoidance beliefs, and quality of life in female patients
Authors: Cetingok Sera , Seker Oznur , Cetingok Halil
Published: September 2022

The study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between fibromyalgia (FM) disease and depression, anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, fear-avoidance beliefs, and quality of life in female patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. 37 female patients followed up with FM diagnosis in pain medicine clinic and a control group consisting of 37 healthy women were included in the study. Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Data Form, Quality of Life Form, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Visual Analogue Scale was applied to the participants. When the patients in the FM group were compared to the control group; Statistically lower scores in all Quality of Life Form subscales except emotional role difficulty and social functionality scores; statistically higher scores in both physical and work activity subscales in fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire; statistically higher scores in cognitive symptoms subscale in Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Visual Analogue Scale scores were found. In FM patients, it has been determined that anxiety, depression and perceived pain severity reduce social functionality and quality of life in areas such as mental health, physical function, and emotional role difficulties. It was determined that the functionality and quality of life of patients diagnosed with FM decreased in daily life. An important contribution of the study to the literature is that it shows that the behavior of avoiding activity due to pain-induced fear exacerbates the pain and even contributes to its chronicity. These results, which show the effects of anxiety, depression, anxiety sensitivity, and fear-avoidance behavior on the prognosis of the disease in FM patients, indicate that psychiatric evaluation and treatment in FM patients is an important factor that determines the functionality and quality of life.
The safety and efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xin-Chen , Wu Guang-Liang , Cai Ye-Feng , Zhang Shi-Jie
Published: September 2022

Background:

As an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the common signs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and dyspnea, with multiple organ injuries in severe cases. Therefore, finding drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19 is urgently needed and expected by the public. Several studies suggested beneficial effects of melatonin for the relevant prevention and treatment. To explore the effect and safety of melatonin in the treatment and provide theoretical support and reference for seeking the most suitable drug for COVID-19, the meta-analysis was carried out accordingly.

Methods:

It included randomized clinical trials of patients with COVID-19 treated with melatonin. Total effective rate was the primary outcome, while C-reactive protein (CRP), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), white blood cell count (WBC) were the secondary measures. Random-effect and fixed-effect models were used to evaluate the effect size of some indicators in this meta-analysis.

Results:

Six eligible studies with 338 participants were included. One hundred seventy subjects were treated with melatonin adjuvant therapy and 168 subjects were assigned to the control group, with total excellent effective rate in subjects treated with melatonin [odds ratio = 3.05, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.47, 6.31, P = .003]. Homogeneity was analyzed by fixed effect model (I
2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in CRP between the melatonin group and the control group (weighted mean difference [WMD] = –0.36, 95% CI = –3.65, 2.92, P = .83). Significant difference was not existed in SaO2 between the melatonin treatment group and the control group (WMD = 1, 95% CI = –1.21, 3.22, P = .37). In terms of WBC, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (WMD = –1.07, 95% CI = –2.44, 0.30, P = .13).

Conclusions:

The meta-analysis showed that melatonin had the beneficial effects for COVID-19 prevention and treatment as an adjunctive agent in combination with basic treatment for the treatment.
Role of Surgical Pathologist for Detection of Immunooncologic Predictive Factors in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Taverna Cecilia , Franchi Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers. Antiprogrammed cell death (PD)-1 therapies have been recently approved in this setting and they are currently tested also in the treatment of locally advanced diseases and in the neoadjuvant setting. However, the clinical benefits of these treatments have been quite variable, hence the need to select those patients who may obtain the maximal efficacy through the identification of predictive biomarkers. Currently, PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression by tumor and immune cells is the most widely used predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, patients with PD-L1− tumors may still respond to treatments, thereby emphasizing the need for the identification of other predictive biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the current data on histologic and molecular parameters that can be used to select patients with head and neck cancers for immunotherapy, with a focus on squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland carcinomas.
18F-FDG PET/CT Findings of Myeloid Sarcoma Involving the Left Ventricle and Kidney in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Yang Xu , Si Yukun , Kan Ying , Yang Jigang
Published: September 2022

A 1-year-old girl presented with vomiting for 1 week. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a mass with increased blood flow in the left lower abdomen. A malignancy was suspected. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed multiple lesions in the left ventricular wall, the kidney, and the left lower abdomen. Biopsy of the left abdominal mass confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma associated with acute myeloid leukemia. After 4 cycles of chemotherapy, follow-up PET/CT was performed for evaluating the therapy response, which showed complete resolution.
A Look Back: A Single Surgeon’s Experience Using Virtual Surgical Planning in Adult Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Dekker Paige K. , Fleury Christopher M. , Abdou Salma A. , Charipova Karina , Eze Victory C. , James Nia E.R. , Baker Stephen B.
Published: September 2022

The evolution of virtual surgical planning (VSP) in the last 2 decades has led to improved precision and efficiency for orthognathic surgery, both pre- and intraoperatively. This study evaluates a single surgeon’s experience with this technology over the past 6 years. Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery using VSP with the senior author between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Virtual surgical planning –specific data including incidence of midline/cant correction, occlusal equilibration, serial splints, segmental osteotomies, and custom plates were recorded and analyzed. Sixty patients undergoing orthognathic surgery using simulated VSP in the study period were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age at time of surgery was 23.5±7.9 years. Forty-nine patients (81.7%) underwent LeFort I osteotomy combined with at least 1 additional procedure (eg,unilateral or bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, condylectomy, genioplasty, etc.). Twenty-six (43.3%) of patients in the studied cohort underwent maxillary midline correction, 30.0% required occlusal equilibration, 36.7% underwent maxillary molar cant correction, 30.0% underwent mandibular cant correction, and 21.7% required both maxillary and mandibular cant correction. Three patients required serial splinting, and 15 patients (25.0%) required modification of splint design. Custom plates were utilized in 15 patients (25.0%). This study demonstrates the utility of VSP in accurately detecting occlusal cants, asymmetry, and occlusal interferences. Virtual surgical planning also allows for a dynamic preoperative planning process, offering the surgeon a high degree of versatility in splint design, and the ability to fabricate multiple customized splints for each case. This is particularly useful in patients with limited or unpredictable soft tissue elasticity.
Quality of Life in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients Who Underwent Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery
Authors: de Oliveira Squarisi José M. , de Mello Naves Marcell , Gomes Patrocínio Lucas , Borges Martins da Silva Paro Helena , Maria da Silva Mendonça Tania , Martins da Silva Carlos H.
Published: September 2022

This study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and daytime sleepiness in moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea patients who underwent maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery. We invited patients who had undergone MMA 1 year ago and preoperative patients to answer a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey—SF-36 and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire—FOSQ) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale—ESS). Twenty-two patients who underwent MMA and 28 preoperative patients participated in the present study. Patients who underwent MMA reduced their daytime sleepiness [5.0 (3.00–8.00) versus 16.0 (9.00–21.00), P<0.01] and increased their quality of life in the following domains: physical role functioning [100.0 (50.00–100.00) versus 62.5 (0.00–100.00), P<0.05], vitality [65.0 (58.75–90.00) versus 55.0 (21.25–67.50), P<0.0], mental health [78.0 (67.00–88.00) versus 62.0 (45.00–75.00), P<0.01], and social role functioning [88.0 (75.00–100.00) versus 69.0 (41.00–100.00), P<0.05]. Patients also improved their rates of sleep-related quality of life in general productivity [4.00 (3.63–4.00) versus 2.9 (2.03–3.75), P<0.01], social outcome [4.00 (4.00–4.00) versus 3.2 (2.00–4.00), P<0.01], activity level [3.7 (3.56–3.88) versus 2.8 (1.64–3.53), P<0.01], and vigilance [3.9 (3.55–4.00) versus 2.7 (2.03–3.67), P<0.01] when compared with the control group. The results suggest that moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea patients who undergo MMA have positive impacts on quality of life and daytime sleepiness when compared with preoperative patients.
What Are Patients Told About Innovative Surgical Procedures? A Qualitative Synthesis of 7 Case Studies in the United Kingdom
Authors: Elliott Daisy , Ochieng Cynthia A. , Zahra Jesmond , McNair Angus G.K. , Main Barry G. , Skilton Anni , Blencowe Natalie S. , Cousins Sian , Paramasivan Sangeetha , Hoffmann Christin , Donovan Jenny L. , Blazeby Jane M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

To investigate how information about innovative surgical procedures is communicated to patients.

Background:

Despite the national and international guidance that patients should be informed whether a procedure is innovative and has uncertain outcomes, little is known about current practice.

Methods:

This qualitative study followed 7 “case studies” of surgical innovation in hospitals across the United Kingdom. Preoperative interviews were conducted with clinician innovators (n=9), preoperative real-time consultations between clinicians and patients were audio-recorded (n=37). Patients were interviewed postoperatively (n=30). Data were synthesized using thematic analytical methods.

Results:

Interviews with clinicians demonstrated strong intentions to inform patients about the innovative nature of the procedure in a neutral manner, although tensions between fully informing patients and not distressing them were raised. In the consultations, only a minority of clinicians actually made explicit statements about, (1) the procedure being innovative, (2) their limited clinical experience with it, (3) the paucity of evidence, and (4) uncertainty/unknown outcomes. Discussions about risks were generalized and often did not relate to the innovative component. Instead, all clinicians optimistically presented potential benefits and many disclosed their own positive beliefs. Postoperative patient interviews revealed that many believed that the procedure was more established than it was and were unaware of the unknown risks.

Conclusions:

There were contradictions between clinicians’ intentions to inform patients about the uncertain outcomes of innovative and their actual discussions with patients. There is a need for communication interventions and training to support clinicians to provide transparent data and shared decision-making for innovative procedures.
The Global and Regional Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Modeling Analysis
Authors: Song Peige , He Yazhou , Adeloye Davies , Zhu Yuefeng , Ye Xinxin , Yi Qian , Rahimi Kazem , Rudan Igor ,   on behalf of the Global Health Epidemiology Research Group (GHERG)
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To estimate the global and regional prevalence and cases of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in 2019 and to evaluate major associated factors.

Background:

Understanding the global prevalence of AAA is essential for optimizing health services and reducing mortality from reputed AAA.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched for articles published until October 11, 2021. Population-based studies that reported AAA prevalence in the general population, defined AAA as an aortic diameter of 30 mm or greater with ultrasonography or computed tomography. A multilevel mixed-effects meta-regression approach was used to establish the relation between age and AAA prevalence for high-demographic sociodemographic index and low-and middle-sociodemographic index countries. Odds ratios of AAA associated factors were pooled using a random-effects method.

Results:

We retained 54 articles across 19 countries. The global prevalence of AAA among persons aged 30 to 79 years was 0.92% (95% CI, 0.65–1.30), translating to a total of 35.12 million (95% CI, 24.94–49.80) AAA cases in 2019. Smoking, male sex, family history of AAA, advanced age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, claudication, peripheral artery disease, pulmonary disease, and renal disease were associated with AAA. In 2019, the Western Pacific region had the highest AAA prevalence at 1.31% (95% CI, 0.94–1.85), whereas the African region had the lowest prevalence at 0.33% (95% CI, 0.23–0.48).

Conclusions:

A substantial proportion of people are affected by AAA. There is a need to optimize epidemiological studies to promptly respond to at-risk and identified cases to improve outcomes.
Berberine at sub-inhibitory concentration inhibits biofilm dispersal in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhang Changfeng , Li Zhongliang , Pan Qing , Fan Liping , Pan Ting , Zhu Feng , Pan Qian , Shan Li , Zhao Liping
Published: September 2022

Staphylococcus aureus

is a major human pathogen, which has multiple drug resistance and can cause serious infections. Recent studies have shown that berberine has antibacterial activity and it can affect biofilm formation of

S. aureus

. However, the berberine effect on the biofilm of

S. aureus

is controversial. In this study, we investigate the effect of berberine on the biofilm development in

S. aureus

NCTC8325 and explore the possible mechanism. Susceptibility test shows that berberine inhibits growth of methicillin-sensitive

S. aureus

(MSSA), methicillin-resistant

S. aureus

(MRSA) and vancomycin-intermediate

S. aureus

(VISA) at different concentrations.

S. aureus

NCTC8325 is chosen as a model strain to explore further the berberine effect. The MIC of berberine for

S. aureus

NCTC8325 is 256 µg ml−1. Berberine below 32 µg ml−1 inhibits the dispersal of biofilm and stimulates clumping of cells of NCTC8325 in a concentration-dependent manner, while not showing obvious inhibition on the bacterial growth. The transcription of the key negative regulator of biofilm dispersal AgrA is decreased and an agrA mutant forms biofilm reaching to a similar level of biomass to WT in the presence of berberine at 32 µg ml−1. Transcription of some genes involving synthesis of biofilm structure components, including polysaccharide intracellular adhesin (PIA), proteins and eDNA were also up-regulated, especially icaA for PIA synthesis. And consistently, PIA content was increased in cells exposed to berberine at 32 µg ml−1. This study reveals the dependence of berberine inhibition of biofilm dispersal on the Agr system, which is the first report exploring the molecule mechanism of the berberine effect on the biofilm of

S. aureus

.
Fully efficient, two-stage analysis of multi-environment trials with directional dominance and multi-trait genomic selection
Authors: Endelman Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2022

Plant breeders interested in genomic selection often face challenges to fully utilizing the multi-trait, multi-environment datasets they rely on for selection. R package StageWise was developed to go beyond the capabilities of most specialized software for genomic prediction, without requiring the programming skills needed for more general-purpose software for mixed models. As the name suggests, one of the core features is a fully efficient, two-stage analysis for multiple environments, in which the full variance-covariance matrix of the Stage 1 genotype means is used in Stage 2. Another feature is directional dominance, including for polyploids, to account for inbreeding depression in outbred crops. StageWise enables selection with multi-trait indices, including restricted indices with one or more traits constrained to have zero response. For a potato dataset with 943 genotypes evaluated over 6 years, including the Stage 1 errors in Stage 2 reduced the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) by 29, 67, and 104 for maturity, yield, and fry color, respectively. The proportion of variation explained by heterosis was largest for yield but still only 0.03, likely because of limited variation for the genomic inbreeding coefficient. Due to the large additive genetic correlation (0.57) between yield and maturity, naïve selection on an index combining yield and fry color led to an undesirable response for later maturity. The restricted index coefficients to maximize genetic merit without delaying maturity were identified. The software and three vignettes are available at https://github.com/jendelman/StageWise.
Male and Female Brain Coherence Models of Cognitive Performance and Psychopathology
Authors: Dumitru Magda L. , Korbmacher Max , Bartsch Hauke
Published: September 2022

Finding reliable imaging biomarkers of mental illness has been a major challenge, on a par with the quest for biomarkers of the male versus the female brain, as the two types of imaging inform one another. We explored the hypothesis that the degree of coherence (internal isomorphism) between brain volumes of the left versus the right hemisphere for patients with psychopathological conditions follows the brain coherence pattern of the healthy male or healthy female. We developed the ‘distance index’ (DI) as a biomarker of brain coherence and compared it with three ad hoc coherence measures. We found that only DI could reliably distinguish males from females and patients from controls. Also, cortical regions with highest DI scores were swapped between males and females across groups following male/female models of psychopathology. Furthermore, although indices were similar in predicting cognitive performance, DI provided a more proportionate prediction pattern across diagnosis groups, and more robust interactions with males/females. These findings highlight the importance of brain coherence, particularly measured by DI, for phenotyping sex and mental illness.