bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-year outcomes of drug-coated balloon treatment for long femoropopliteal lesions: a multicentre cohort and real-world study
Authors: Yu Xiaoxi , Zhang Xin , Lai Zhichao , Shao Jiang , Zeng Rong , Ye Wei , Chen Yuexin , Zhang Bihui , Ma Bo , Cao Wenteng , Liu Xiaolong , Yuan Jinghui , Zheng Yuehong , Yang Min , Ye Zhidong , Liu Bao
Published: July 2021

Background

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have shown superiority in the endovascular treatment of short femoropopliteal artery disease. Few studies have focused on outcomes in long lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Orchid®DCBs in long lesions over 1 year of follow-up.

Methods

This study is a multicentre cohort and real-world study. The patients had lesions longer than or equal to 150 mm of the femoropopliteal artery and were revascularized with DCBs. The primary endpoints were primary patency, freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 months and major adverse events (all-cause death and major target limb amputation). The secondary endpoints were the changes in Rutherford classification and the ankle brachial index (ABI).

Results

One hundred fifteen lesions in 109 patients (mean age 67 ± 11 years, male proportion 71.6%) were included in this study. The mean lesion length was 252.3 ± 55.4 mm, and 78.3% of the lesions were chronic total occlusion (CTO). Primary patency by Kaplan–Meier estimation was 98.1% at 6 months and 82.1% at 12 months. The rate of freedom from TLR by Kaplan–Meier estimation was 88.4% through 12 months. There were no procedure- or device-related deaths through 12 months. The rate of all-cause death was 2.8%. Cox regression analysis suggested that renal failure and critical limb ischaemia (CLI) were statistically significant predictors of the primary patency endpoint.

Conclusion

In our real-world study, DCBs were safe and effective when used in long femoropopliteal lesions, and the primary patency rate at 12 months by Kaplan–Meier estimation was 82.1%.
Ultrasonography indicators for predicting difficult intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sotoodehnia Mehran , Rafiemanesh Hosein , Mirfazaelian Hadi , Safaie Arash , Baratloo Alireza
Published: July 2021

Background

Ultrasonography (US) is recently used frequently as a tool for airway assessment prior to intubation (endotracheal tube (ETT) placement), and several indicators have been proposed in studies with different reported performances in this regard. This systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed the performance of US in difficult airway assessment.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the guideline of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Cochrane book. All the studies that had carried out difficult airway assessments using US, had compared the indicators in difficult and easy groups, and had published the results in English by the time we conducted our search in April 28, 2020, were included.

Results

In the initial search, 17,156 articles were retrieved. After deleting the duplicate articles retrieved from multiple databases, 7578 articles remained for screening based on the abstracts and titles. Finally, the full text of 371 articles were assessed and the data from 26 articles were extracted, which had examined a total of 45 US indicators for predicting difficult intubation. The most common US index was the “thickness of anterior neck soft tissue at the vocal cords level”. Also, “skin to epiglottis” and “anterior neck soft tissue at the hyoid bone level” were among the most common indicators examined in this area.

Conclusion

This systematic review showed that US can be used for predicting difficult airway. Of note, “skin thickness at the epiglottis and hyoid levels”, “the hyomental distance”, and “the hyomental distance ratio” were correlated with difficult laryngoscopy in the meta-analysis. Many other indicators, including some ratios, have also been proposed for accurately predicting difficult intubation, although there have been no external validation studies on them.
Differential gene expression identifies a transcriptional regulatory network involving ER-alpha and PITX1 in invasive epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Yichao , Jaiswal Sushil K. , Kaur Rupleen , Alsaadi Dana , Liang Xiaoyu , Drews Frank , DeLoia Julie A. , Krivak Thomas , Petrykowska Hanna M. , Gotea Valer , Welch Lonnie , Elnitski Laura
Published: July 2021

Background

The heterogeneous subtypes and stages of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) differ in their biological features, invasiveness, and response to chemotherapy, but the transcriptional regulators causing their differences remain nebulous.

Methods

In this study, we compared high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) to low malignant potential or serous borderline tumors (SBTs). Our aim was to discover new regulatory factors causing distinct biological properties of HGSOCs and SBTs.

Results

In a discovery dataset, we identified 11 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SBTs and HGSOCs. Their expression correctly classified 95% of 267 validation samples. Two of the DEGs, TMEM30B and TSPAN1, were significantly associated with worse overall survival in patients with HGSOC. We also identified 17 DEGs that distinguished stage II vs. III HGSOC. In these two DEG promoter sets, we identified significant enrichment of predicted transcription factor binding sites, including those of RARA, FOXF1, BHLHE41, and PITX1. Using published ChIP-seq data acquired from multiple non-ovarian cell types, we showed additional regulatory factors, including AP2-gamma/TFAP2C, FOXA1, and BHLHE40, bound at the majority of DEG promoters. Several of the factors are known to cooperate with and predict the presence of nuclear hormone receptor estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha). We experimentally confirmed ER-alpha and PITX1 presence at the DEGs by performing ChIP-seq analysis using the ovarian cancer cell line PEO4. Finally, RNA-seq analysis identified recurrent gene fusion events in our EOC tumor set. Some of these fusions were significantly associated with survival in HGSOC patients; however, the fusion genes are not regulated by the transcription factors identified for the DEGs.

Conclusions

These data implicate an estrogen-responsive regulatory network in the differential gene expression between ovarian cancer subtypes and stages, which includes PITX1. Importantly, the transcription factors associated with our DEG promoters are known to form the MegaTrans complex in breast cancer. This is the first study to implicate the MegaTrans complex in contributing to the distinct biological trajectories of malignant and indolent ovarian cancer subtypes.
Taking a deep breath: a qualitative study exploring acceptability and perceived unintended consequences of charging clean air zones and air quality improvement initiatives amongst low-income, multi-ethnic communities in Bradford, UK
Authors: Rashid Rukhsana , Chong Felisha , Islam Shahid , Bryant Maria , McEachan Rosemary R. C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Poor air quality is the one of the biggest causes of early death and illness across the lifespan. In the UK, 28 local authorities with illegal pollution levels have been mandated by the Government to develop plans to rapidly reduce pollution to legal limits. These plans include consideration of implementing one of four of charging 'Clean Air Zone’ (CAZ) classes in areas of high pollution which would charge older polluting vehicles a daily charge to enter. While this offers a potential to improve air quality, the extent to which CAZ might impact (for example, economically) on socio-economically deprived groups and local businesses is unclear.

Aims

To explore the acceptability and perceived unintended consequences of a CAZ and other initiatives to improve air quality with seldom-heard communities living in deprived, multi-ethnic areas within the city of Bradford, UK.

Methods

Ten semi-structured focus groups were conducted with people who live in areas of high pollution and deprivation. A total of 87 people participated from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds with the majority of Pakistani origin. Recorded data were transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

As poor air quality was not always visible it was seen as a hidden issue by many, and not prioritised over other more visible environmental issues (e.g. fly-tipping, littering). There was resistance to proposals which included charging private vehicles. Many felt that low-income families did not have the resources to purchase compliant vehicles or pay daily charges, placing a disproportionate burden on them. It was also felt that low-income taxi drivers would be disproportionately affected financially by proposals. Public transport infrastructure was felt to be inadequate. Other traffic management or emission reduction activities were also explored. Views towards these initiatives were more positive if they did not directly affect individuals financially.

Conclusion

Air quality initiatives such as CAZs were felt to be likely to financially disadvantage communities already living in socio-economic and environmental poverty. Policy makers need to carefully consider appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure that health and economic inequalities are not increased by implementation of CAZ. Given air quality is low priority for some groups, careful engagement and communication will be required to increase acceptance interventions such as CAZs.
Effect of an information leaflet on breast cancer screening participation: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Montero-Moraga Jose Maria , Posso Margarita , Román Marta , Burón Andrea , Sala Maria , Castells Xavier , Macià Francesc
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the impact of an information leaflet about the risk-benefit balance of breast cancer screening on women’s participation.

Methods

This cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted within a population-based breast cancer screening program and included women from the catchment areas of two hospitals in Barcelona, Spain. We evaluated women aged 50–69 years invited to screening between September 2019 and January 2020. The intervention group received an information leaflet on the benefits and harms of mammography screening. The control group received the usual invitation letter. The clusters consisted of the processing days of the invitation letter, assigned to the intervention with a simple random allocation scheme. We compared the participation rate at the individual level between groups, stratified by hospital and by per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses.

Results

We included 11,119 women (137 clusters): 5416 in the intervention group (66 clusters) and 5703 in the control group (71 clusters). A total of 36% (1964/5393) of the women in the intervention group and 37% (2135/5694) of those in the control group attended screening, respectively. Overall, we found no differences in participation among groups (difference in participation − 1.1%; 95%CI; − 2.9 to 0.7%). In a hospital attending a population with a low socioeconomic status, attendance was lower in the intervention group (− 1.4, 95%CI: − 5.7% to − 0.03%).

Conclusions

Overall participation in our program was unaffected by a new information leaflet on the risk-benefit balance of breast cancer screening. However, participation was lower in certain populations with lower socioeconomic status

Trial registration

Trial registration number ISRCTN13848929.
Living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kingdom of Tonga: a qualitative investigation of the barriers and enablers to lifestyle management
Authors: Taumoepeau Jennifer , Knight-Agarwal Catherine R. , Tu’i ‘ Esiteli A. P. , Jani Rati , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Simmons David
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite the increasing prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Kingdom of Tonga, little is known of non-communicable disease experiences among adults living in this location. This investigation aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to healthy lifestyle in a group of men and women living with T2DM residing in this Pacific Island nation.

Methods

This qualitative study consisted of three semi-structured focus groups (n = 16), conducted at the only Tongan Public Hospital located at Nuku’alofa, capital of Tonga (north coast of the island of Tongatapu). Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, cross-checked for consistency, and entered into a word processing document for analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesise results.

Results

Four main themes were identified: (1) Knowledge and Support; (2) Fear and Motivation; 3) Physical and Psychological Environment; and (4) Faith and Culture.

Conclusions

The qualitative findings from this study will assist the future development and information dissemination of culturally appropriate lifestyle-related for men and women living with T2DM in the Kingdom of Tonga. The need for collaboration between practitioners at the hospital, the church, family members, and local traditional healers is important if the lifestyle-related needs and wants of this group of people are to be met.
The epidemiology of primary and secondary adrenal malignancies and associated adrenal insufficiency in hospitalised patients: an analysis of hospital admission data, NSW, Australia
Authors: Lubomski Anna , Falhammar Henrik , Torpy David J. , Rushworth R. Louise
Published: July 2021

Background

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) causes considerable morbidity but may remain undiagnosed in patients with adrenal malignancy (AM). The epidemiology of AI and adrenal crises (AC) in AM is uncertain.

Methods

This was a retrospective study examining hospital admission data from 2006 to 2017. All admissions to all hospitals in NSW, Australia over this period with a principal or comorbid diagnosis of an adrenal malignancy were selected. Data were examined for trends in admissions for AM and associated AI/AC using population data from the corresponding years.

Results

There were 15,376 hospital admissions with a diagnosis of AM in NSW over the study period, corresponding to 1281 admissions/year. The AM admission rate increased significantly over the study period from 129.9/million to 215.7/million (p < 0.01). An AI diagnosis was recorded in 182 (1.2%) admissions, corresponding to an average of 2.1/million/year. This rate increased significantly over the years of the study from 1.2/million in 2006 to 3.4/million in 2017 (p < 0.01). An AC was identified in 24 (13.2%) admissions with an AI diagnosis. Four patients (16.7%) with an AC died during the hospitalisation.

Conclusion

Admission with a diagnosis of AM has increased over recent years and has been accompanied by an increase in AI diagnoses. While AI is diagnosed in a small proportion of patients with AM, ACs do occur in affected patients.
Electro-acupuncture for central obesity: randomized, patient-assessor blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: Zhong Linda L. D. , Wu Xingyao , Lam Tsz Fung , Wong Ying Ping , Cao Peihua , Wong Emily Yen , Zhang Shipping , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Obesity is a common medical condition. Among all the classifications of obesity, central obesity is considered to be a significant threat on the health of individuals. Scientific researches have demonstrated that the accumulation of intra-abdominal fat is associated with higher metabolic and cardiovascular disease risks independently from Body Mass Index (BMI). Our previous research found that the combination of electro-acupuncture and auricular acupressure could significantly reduce the body weight and the BMI compared to sham control group.

Methods/design

This is a patient-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial on electro-acupuncture for central obesity. One hundred sixty-eight participants with central obesity will be randomly assigned to two groups, which are the acupuncture group and the sham control group. The whole study duration will be 8-week treatment plus 8-week follow up. The primary outcome is the change in waist circumference before and after the treatment. The secondary outcomes include the changes in hip circumference, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, BMI and body fat percentage during the treatment and follow-up.

Conclusion

The trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture for central obesity compared with sham acupuncture. The study may provide the solid evidence of electro-acupuncture on central obesity in Hong Kong.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03815253,Registered 24 Jan 2019.
The failure of community-based health insurance schemes in Tanzania: opening the black box of the implementation process
Authors: Kigume Ramadhani , Maluka Stephen
Published: July 2021

Background

Globally, there is increased advocacy for community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes. Like other low and middle-income countries (LMICs), Tanzania officially established the Community Health Fund (CHF) in 2001 for rural areas; and Tiba Kwa Kadi (TIKA) for urban population since 2009. This study investigated the implementation of TIKA scheme in urban districts of Tanzania.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative case study was conducted in four urban districts in Tanzania in 2019. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and review of documents. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data.

Results

While TIKA scheme was important in increasing access to health services for the poor and other disadvantaged groups, it faced many challenges which hindered its performance. The challenges included frequent stock-out of drugs and medical supplies, which frustrated TIKA members and hence contributed to non-renewal of membership. In addition, the scheme was affected by poor collections and management of the revenue collected from TIKA members, limited benefit packages and low awareness of the community.

Conclusions

Similar to rural-based Community Health Fund, the TIKA scheme faced structural and operational challenges which subsequently resulted into low uptake of the schemes. In order to achieve universal health coverage, the government should consider integrating or merging Community-Based Health Insurance schemes into a single national pool with decentralised arms to win national support while also maintaining local accountability.
Barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of sustainable school meals: a qualitative study of the OPTIMAT™-intervention
Authors: Eustachio Colombo Patricia , Elinder Liselotte Schäfer , Patterson Emma , Parlesak Alexandr , Lindroos Anna Karin , Andermo Susanne
Published: July 2021

Background

There is an urgent need to align human diets with goals for environmental sustainability and population health. The OPTIMAT™-intervention study was developed to implement and evaluate a nutritionally adequate and climate-friendly 4-week lunch menu in Swedish primary schools. This study aimed to explore pupils’ and kitchen staff’s experiences of the intervention and to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of sustainable school meals.

Methods

An inductive manifest qualitative method was used. Nine focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted, six with pupils in grades 5 (ages 10–11) and 8 (ages 14–15) (n = 29) and three with kitchen staff (n = 13). Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Five main categories and 11 subcategories at a manifest level emerged. The five main categories were: 1) Experiences with the new menu, unfolding variations in how the new menu was received and kitchen staff’s experiences of working with it; 2) The meaning of diet sustainability, comprising pupils’ and kitchen staff’s perceptions about diet sustainability as a concept and part of their everyday lives; 3) Factors influencing plant-based food acceptance, covering aspects such as the influence of sensory factors, habits and peer pressure; 4) Opportunities to increase plant-based eating, including factors related to pupils’ and kitchen staff’s ideas for how to increase plant-based food acceptance; and 5) Need for a supportive environment to achieve dietary change, comprising pupils’ and kitchen staff’s thoughts on the importance of more knowledge, resources and involvement of stakeholders to eat more plant-based meals in schools.

Conclusions

Successful implementation of sustainable school meals would require more knowledge among pupils and kitchen staff. Staff also need more training in cooking of sustainable meals. Barriers among pupils could be tackled by introducing new plant-based meals more gradually and by more carefully considering the seasoning, naming and aesthetics of dishes. An increased leadership support for change and involvement of stakeholders from multiple levels within society will be key in the transition to sustainable school meals at scale.

Trial registration

The trial registration for the OPTIMAT™-intervention may be found at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04168632 Fostering Healthy and Sustainable Diets Through School Meals (OPTIMAT)).
Multi-trajectories of lipid indices with incident cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and all-cause mortality: 23 years follow-up of two US cohort studies
Authors: Koohi Fatemeh , Khalili Davood , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Hadaegh Farzad , Soori Hamid
Published: July 2021

Background

Understanding the distinct patterns (trajectories) of variation in blood lipid levels before diagnosing cardiovascular disease (CVD) might carry important implications for improving disease prevention or treatment.

Methods

We investigated 14,373 participants (45.5% men) aged 45–84 from two large US prospective cohort studies with a median of 23 years follow-up. First, we jointly estimated developmental trajectories of lipid indices, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations using group-based multi-trajectory modeling. Then, the association of identified multi-trajectories with incident CVD, heart failure, and all-cause mortality were examined using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Seven distinct multi-trajectories were identified. The majority of participants (approximately 80%) exhibited decreasing LDL-C but rising TG levels and relatively stable HDL-C levels. Compared to the individuals with healthy and stable LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels, those in other groups were at significant risk of incident CVD after adjusting for other conventional risk factors. Individuals with the highest but decreasing LDL-C and borderline high and rising TG levels over time were at the highest risk than those in other groups with a 2.22-fold risk of CVD. Also, those with the highest and increased triglyceride levels over time, over optimal and decreasing LDL-C levels, and the lowest HDL-C profile had a nearly 1.84 times CVD risk. Even individuals in the multi-trajectory group with the highest HDL-C, optimal LDL-C, and optimal TG levels had a significant risk (HR, 1.45; 95% CI 1.02–2.08). Furthermore, only those with the highest HDL-C profile increased the risk of heart failure by 1.5-fold (95% CI 1.07–2.06).

Conclusions

The trajectories and risk of CVD identified in this study demonstrated that despite a decline in LDL-C over time, a significant amount of residual risk for CVD remains. These findings suggest the impact of the increasing trend of TG on CVD risk and emphasize the importance of assessing the lipid levels at each visit and undertaking potential interventions that lower triglyceride concentrations to reduce the residual risk of CVD, even among those with the optimal LDL-C level.
Mandibular range of motion in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis with and without clinically established temporomandibular joint involvement and in healthy children; a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Sonnaville Willemijn F. C. , Speksnijder Caroline M. , Zuithoff Nicolaas P. A. , Verkouteren Daan R. C. , Wulffraat Nico W. , Steenks Michel H. , Rosenberg Antoine J. W. P.
Published: July 2021

Background

Recognition of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has gained increasing attention in the past decade. The clinical assessment of mandibular range of motion characteristics is part of the recommended variables to detect TMJ involvement in children with JIA.

The aim of this study was to explore explanatory variables for mandibular range of motion outcomes in children with JIA, with and without clinically established TMJ involvement, and in healthy children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included children with JIA and healthy children of age 6–18 years. Mandibular range of motion variables included active and passive maximum interincisal opening (AMIO and PMIO), protrusion, laterotrusion, dental midline shift in AMIO and in protrusion. Additionally, the TMJ screening protocol and palpation pain were assessed. Adjusted linear regression analyses of AMIO, PMIO, protrusion, and laterotrusion were performed to evaluate the explanatory factors. Two adjusted models were constructed: model 1 to compare children with JIA and healthy children, and model 2 to compare children with JIA with and without TMJ involvement.

Results

A total of 298 children with JIA and 169 healthy children were included. Length was an explanatory variable for the mandibular range of motion excursions. Each centimeter increase in length increased AMIO (0.14 mm), PMIO (0.14 mm), and protrusion (0.02 mm). Male gender increased AMIO by 1.35 mm. Having JIA negatively influenced AMIO (3.57 mm), PMIO (3.71 mm), and protrusion (1.03 mm) compared with healthy children, while the discrepancy between left and right laterotrusion raised 0.68 mm. Children with JIA and TMJ involvement had a 8.27 mm lower AMIO, 7.68 mm lower PMIO and 0.96 mm higher discrepancy in left and right laterotrusion compared to healthy children.

Conclusion

All mandibular range of motion items were restricted in children with JIA compared with healthy children. In children with JIA and TMJ involvement, AMIO, PMIO and the discrepancy between left and right laterotrusion were impaired more severely. The limitation in protrusion and laterotrusion was hardly clinically relevant. Overall, AMIO is the mandibular range of motion variable with the highest restriction (in millimeters) in children with JIA and clinically established TMJ involvement compared to healthy children.
Does facility readiness promote high-quality of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling to pregnant women? A national survey for improving policy of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Tanzania
Authors: Bintabara Deogratius , Lilungulu Athanase , Jumanne Shakilu , Nassoro Mzee M. , Mpondo Bonaventura C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) is a recommended approach to screen for HIV to all pregnant women during antenatal care (ANC) visits, and all with HIV positive results have to be enrolled into prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) program. However, little is known about the relationship between facility readiness and the uptake of PITC to pregnant women attending ANC in Tanzania. Therefore, this study assessed whether the facility readiness promotes the uptake of PITC to the pregnant women attending ANC for the purpose of improving the PMTCT interventions in Tanzania.

Methods

This study analyzed data for health facilities obtained from the 2014–2015 Tanzania service provision assessment survey. The Primary outcome measure was a composite variable (with score of 0–5) in which its higher scores indicates provision of high-quality of PITC. Also, facilities scored higher in the PMTCT service readiness index were considered to have high readiness to provide PMTCT services. In Poisson regression analyses, a series of models were fitted to assess whether there is an association between provision of high-quality of PITC and facility readiness. In all statistical analysis, a P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Out of 1853 included first-visit ANC consultations, only about one-third of pregnant women received all five components required for PITC. The mean percentage of PMTCT readiness score was moderate 63.96 [61.32–66.59]%. In adjusted model, we found that facility with high readiness to provide PMTCT services was significantly associated with the provision of high-quality of PITC (model 2: [β = 0.075, P = 0.00]).

Conclusion

In order to increase high-quality of PITC services, efforts should be made to improve the PMTCT facility readiness by increasing availability of trained staffs, diagnostic tools, and ARTs among health facilities in Tanzania.
Reciprocal transactivation of Merkel cell polyomavirus and high-risk human papillomavirus promoter activities and increased expression of their oncoproteins
Authors: Rasheed Kashif , Sveinbjørnsson Baldur , Moens Ugo
Published: July 2021

Background

Approximately 15% of human cancers are attributed to viruses. Numerous studies have shown that high-risk human polyomaviruses (HR-HPV) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) are two human tumor viruses associated with anogenetal and oropharyngeal cancers, and with Merkel cell carcinoma, respectively. MCPyV has been found in HR-HPV positive anogenetal and oropharyngeal tumors, suggesting that MCPyV can act as a co-factor in HR-HPV induced oncogenesis. This prompted us to investigate whether the oncoproteins large T-antigen (LT) and small antigen (sT) of MCPyV could affect the transcriptional activity HPV16 and HPV18 and vice versa whether HPV16 and HPV18 E6 and E7 oncoproteins affected the expression of MCPyV LT and sT. Reciprocal stimulation of these viral oncoproteinscould enhance the oncogenic processes triggered by these tumor viruses.

Methods

Transient co-transfection studies using a luciferase reporter plasmid with the long control region of HPV16 or HPV18, or the early or late promoter of MCPyV and expression plasmids for LT and sT, or E6 and E7, respectively were performed in the HPV-negative cervical cancer cell line C33A, in the keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, and in the oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line HSC-3. Transfections were also performed with deletion mutants of all these promoters and with mutants of all four oncoproteins. Finally, the effect of E6 and E7 on LT and sT expression in the MCPyV-positive Merkel cell carcinoma cell line WaGa and the effect of LT and sT on the expression of E6 and E7 was monitored by Western blotting.

Results

LT and sT stimulated the transcriptional activity of the HPV16 and HPV18 LCR and v.v. E6 and E7 potentiated the MCPyV early and late promoter in all cell lines. Induction by E6 and E7 was p53- and pRb-independent, and transactivation by LT did not require DNA binding, nuclear localization and HSC70/pRb interaction, whereas sT stimulated the HPV16/18 LCR activity in a PP2A- and DnaJ-independent manner.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the co-infection of MCPyV may act as a co-factor in the initiation and/or progression of HPV-induced cancers.
Climate change-induced migration: a bibliometric review
Authors: Milán-García Juan , Caparrós-Martínez José Luis , Rueda-López Nuria , de Pablo Valenciano Jaime
Published: July 2021

Background

This paper has reviewed the international research on the terms “climate change” and “human migration” from 1999 to 2019. To this end, a bibliometric and a cluster analysis by fractional accounting have been carried out using two of the most important databases: Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. The research found and studied 140 documents from WoS Core Collection and 193 from Scopus.

Results

The results show a continual increase in the number of articles published and citations received during the whole period studied. The U.S., U.K., Germany and China have been shown to be the most productive countries and there is a predominance of North American organizations supporting and fostering research on these topics.

Conclusions

The main contribution of this article is the analysis of new tendencies. The trend shows a transition from concepts such as vulnerability, climate change, land degradation, refugees and security to others such as concepts such as international migration, climate justice, sustainability, human rights and disaster risk reduction. Future research in this field should address the comparison of results from research focused on human beings to a focus on other living beings.
The intraoperative use of a calliper predicts leg length and offset after total hip arthroplasty. Component subsidence influences the leg length
Authors: Fansur Maliha , Yurdi Nagib A. , Stoewe Reinhard
Published: July 2021

Background

The purpose of total hip arthroplasty (THA) post-surgery and proper physiotherapy is positive recovery for the patient. Consideration is given to hip replacement biomechanics by ensuring no discrepancies in limb length (LL) and a stable prosthesis. Therefore, the patient must have proper preoperative planning and communication and a clear understanding of what to expect.

Methods

A prospective series of 59 THA operated by a single surgeon via Hardinge approach was studied, using an intraoperative calliper (CAL) to predict the change of LL and offset. We compared the results of the intraoperative changes before and after THA implantation with the reference of these values on anteroposterior x-ray pelvis. The importance of leg length balance and a good offset restoration is questioned, and the effect of component subsidence on leg length is considered.

Results

The average preoperative leg length discrepancy was −6.0 mm, postoperatively +3.6 mm. There was a strong correlation between the CAL measurements and the values on the x-ray (LL, r=0.873, p<0.01; offset, r=0.542, p<0.01). Reliability is better for limb length than for offset. These results are comparable within the literature and the statistical results from other studies reviewed. In addition, we evaluate the importance of subsidence of the prosthesis components for long-term results.

Conclusion

The intraoperative use of CAL gives excellent results in predicting the final LL and offset after THA. Considering subsidence of prosthesis components, a target zone around +5 mm might be more suitable for leg length directly postoperatively. Moreover, surgeons must discuss the topic of leg length discrepancy (LLD) intensively with the patient pre-operatively.

Level of evidence

Level 4, prospective cohort study
Surgical outcomes and risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with cervical spine metastasis: a prospective study
Authors: Kanda Yutaro , Kakutani Kenichiro , Sakai Yoshitada , Zhang Zhongying , Yurube Takashi , Miyazaki Shingo , Kakiuchi Yuji , Takeoka Yoshiki , Tsujimoto Ryu , Miyazaki Kunihiko , Ohnishi Hiroki , Hoshino Yuichi , Takada Toru , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: July 2021

Background

Few studies have addressed the impact of palliative surgery for cervical spine metastasis on patients’ performance status (PS) and quality of life (QOL). We investigated the surgical outcomes of patients with cervical spine metastasis and the risk factors for a poor outcome with a focus on the PS and QOL.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed patients with cervical spine metastasis who underwent palliative surgery from 2013 to 2018. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group PS (ECOGPS) and EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ5D) score were assessed at study enrollment and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Neurological function was evaluated with Frankel grading. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for a poor surgical outcome, defined as no improvement or deterioration after improvement of the ECOGPS or EQ5D score within 3 months.

Results

Forty-six patients (mean age, 67.5 ± 11.7 years) were enrolled. Twelve postoperative complications occurred in 11 (23.9%) patients. The median ECOGPS improved from PS3 at study enrolment to PS2 at 1 month and PS1 at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The mean EQ5D score improved from 0.085 ± 0.487 at study enrolment to 0.658 ± 0.356 at 1 month and 0.753 ± 0.312 at 3 months. A poor outcome was observed in 18 (39.1%) patients. The univariate analysis showed that variables with a P value of < 0.10 were sex (male), the revised Tokuhashi score, the new Katagiri score, the level of the main lesion, and the Frankel grade at baseline. The multivariate analysis identified the level of the main lesion (cervicothoracic junction) as the significant risk factor (odds ratio, 5.00; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Palliative surgery for cervical spine metastasis improved the PS and QOL, but a cervicothoracic junction lesion could be a risk factor for a poor outcome.
A cadaveric assessment of percutaneous trigger finger release with 15° stab knife: its effectiveness and complications
Authors: Abdoli Abbas , Asadian Majid , Banadaky Seyed Houssein Saeed , Sarram Rabeah
Published: July 2021

Percutaneous release of the A1 pulley has been introduced as a therapeutic approach for trigger fingers and is suggested as an effective and safe alternative, where conservative treatments fail. The aim of the current study was to determine if percutaneous release with a 15° stab knife can effectively result in acceptable efficacy and lower complication rate.

Methods

In the present study, the percutaneous release of the A1 pulley was evaluated by percutaneous release using a 15° stab knife in 20 fresh-frozen cadaver hands (10 cadavers). One hundred fingers were finally included in the present study. The success rate of A1 pulley release as well as the complications of this method including digital vascular injury, A2 pulley injury, and superficial flexor tendon injury was evaluated, and finally, the data were analyzed by the SPSS software.

Results

The results showed a success rate of 75% for A1 pulley release in four fingers, followed by eleven fingers (90%) and eighty-five fingers (100%). Therefore, the A1 pulley was found to be completely released in eighty-five fingers (100%). Overall, the mean of A1 pulley release for these fingers was determined as 97.9%, indicating that percutaneous trigger finger release can be an effective technique using a 15° stab knife. Furthermore, our findings revealed no significant difference in the amount of A1 pulley release in each of the fingers in the right and left hands. Additionally, 17 fingers developed superficial scrape in flexor tendons, while 83 fingers showed no flexor tendons injuries and no other injuries (i.e., vascular, digital nerve, and A2 pulley injuries).

Conclusions

Percutaneous release of the A1 pulley using a 15° stab knife was contributed to acceptable efficacy and a relatively good safety in the cadaveric model.
Effect of pedicle-screw rod fixation on oblique lumbar interbody fusion in patients with osteoporosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cai Kaiwen , Luo Kefeng , Zhu Jinjin , Zhang Kai , Yu Shengkai , Ye Yi , Jiang Guoqiang
Published: July 2021

Study design

A retrospective cohort study.

Objective

To investigate the radiological and clinical outcomes of patients with or without pedicle-screw rod fixation (PSRF) in OLIF surgery.

Methods

Between June 2017 and December 2019, 66 consecutive patients who underwent OLIF surgery at two centers were divided into stand-alone and combined groups according to whether or not PSRF was used. Imaging and clinical data were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Related coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis was used to detect the influencing factors of cage subsidence (CS).

Results

There was a lower baseline BMD in the combined group (p = 0.005). The combined group showed superior VAS score at 3 months postoperatively, although there was no difference in long-term VAS and ODI scores between the two groups. The foraminal height (FH) of the two groups was comparable at preoperatively, postoperatively, and 3 months postoperatively, but the combined group showed better maintenance of FH at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.049) and last follow-up (p = 0.019). The total CS (tCS) of the combined group was lower than that of the stand-alone group during the whole follow-up period (all p ≤ 0.001). Multiple linear regression suggested that lower BMD was the risk factor for main CS, and PSRF could significantly reduce the BMD threshold for severe CS (−4.77 vs −1.38).

Conclusions

OLIF combined with PSRF can effectively avoid foraminal height loss and prevent severe CS, which may be more suitable for patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia and improve clinical outcomes.
Validation of a portable marker-based motion analysis system
Authors: Wang Shaobai , Zeng Xiaolong , Huangfu Liang , Xie Zhenyan , Ma Limin , Huang Wenhan , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2021

Background

The Opti_Knee system, a marker-based motion capture system, tracks and analyzes the 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) motion of the knee joint. However, the validation of the accuracy of this gait system had not been previously reported. The objective of this study was to validate and the system. Two healthy subjects were recruited for the study.

Methods

The 6DOF kinematics of the knee during flexion–extension and level walking cycles of the knee were recorded by Opti_Knee and compared to those from a biplanar fluoroscopy system. The root mean square error (RMSE) of knee kinematics in flexion–extension cycles were compared between the two systems to validate the accuracy at which they detect basic knee motions. The RMSE of kinematics at key events of gait cycles (level walking) were compared to validate the accuracy at which the systems detect functional knee motion. Pearson correlation tests were conducted to assess similarities in knee kinematic trends between the two systems.

Results

In flexion–extension cycles, the average translational accuracy (RMSE) was between 2.7 and 3.7 mm and the average rotational accuracy was between 1.7 and 3.8°. The Pearson correlation of coefficients for flexion–extension cycles was between 0.858 and 0.994 for translation and 0.995-0.999 for angles. In gait cycles, the RMSEs of angular knee kinematics were 2.3° for adduction/abduction, 3.2° for internal/external rotation, and 1.4° for flexion/extension. The RMSEs of translational kinematics were 4.2 mm for anterior/posterior translation, 3.3 mm for distal/proximal translation, and 3.2 mm for medial/lateral translation. The Pearson correlation of coefficients values was between 0.964 and 0.999 for angular kinematics and 0.883 and 0.938 for translational kinematics.

Conclusion

The Opti_Knee gait system exhibited acceptable accuracy and strong correlation strength compared to biplanar fluoroscopy. The Opti _Knee may serve as a promising portable clinical system for dynamic functional assessments of the knee.
Precision and accuracy of pre-surgical planning of non-cemented total hip replacement with calibrated digital images and acetates
Authors: Gómez Luis Fernando Useche , Gaitán-Lee Hernando , Duarte María Alejandra , Halley Patrick Dennis , Jaramillo Alejandro Romero , García Efraim Leal
Published: July 2021

Background

When approaching a joint replacement procedure, pre-surgical planning is essential to predict an accurate estimation of implant size and position. There are currently two methods to achieve it, analog and digital. The present study aims to demonstrate how the hybrid technique is accurate and precise for pre-surgical planning in a non-cemented total hip replacement.

Methods

Concordance-type study is used against a gold standard, as well as inter- and intra-observer consistency evaluation of two orthopedic surgeons and two orthopedic surgery residents. Accuracy was calculated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Afterwards, the same calculation was done considering a margin of error with one size more and one less.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included in the study: 19 women and 19 men. Twenty-two prostheses (57.89%) were right-sided and 16 were left (42.11%). Twelve prostheses (31.57%) were Stryker and 26 Johnson & Johnson (68.43%). Acetabular cup correlation compared with the gold standard was moderate: ICC reported 0.45 (95% CI, 0.15–0.76). When adjusted by ± 1 size, ICC was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.18–0.79). On the other hand, results from the femoral stem reported ICC 0.85 (95% CI, 0.07–0.98). When adjusted by ± 1 size, ICC was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.06–0.99).

Conclusions

Hybrid templating is a reliable substitute for analog or digital planning. It is quick, inexpensive, accurate, and better results are observed in the femoral component regardless the level of expertise of the evaluator.

Level of evidence

Grade IV
Everolimus versus sirolimus for angiomyolipoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex: a multi-institutional retrospective study in China
Authors: Luo Cong , Zhang Yu-Shi , Zhang Ming-Xin , Chen Min-Feng , Li Yuan , Qi Lin , Li Han-Zhong , Zu Xiong-Bin , Cai Yi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of everolimus and sirolimus in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex-associated angiomyolipomas (TSC-AML).

Materials and methods

We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study of TSC-AML patients treated with oral everolimus 10 mg or sirolimus 2 mg per day for at least 3 months. Angiomyolipoma volume was estimated using orthogonal measurements by MRI or CT. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. All analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0 software.

Results

Response rates were high in both groups. With the prolonged medication durations, the therapeutic efficacy of both agents became more significant. The TSC-AML volume reduction after 6 and 12 months was more pronounced in patients with everolimus than those with sirolimus. More than half of the patients treated with everolimus had ≥ 50% reduction, and approximately 80% of them had ≥ 30% reduction, which was higher than that in patients treated with sirolimus. Regarding safety, there was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs between the two groups.

Conclusions

Both everolimus and sirolimus are excellent therapeutic options for TSC-AML. However, everolimus has a better therapeutic efficacy than sirolimus, particularly in reducing TSC-AML volume. Everolimus is therefore recommended as the first choice of therapy for TSC-AML.