bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny and species delimitation in Albinaria from western Crete (Gastropoda: Clausiliidae)
Authors: Becher Elisa , Bamberger Sonja , Hausdorf Bernhard
Published: May 2024

We studied the phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation of the Albinaria species from western Crete classified in the Albinaria candida group based on sequences of 2050 loci generated by double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. It turned out that neither the A. candida group nor the Albinaria cretensis group is monophyletic and that the anterior palatal folds that allegedly characterize the species of the A. candida group were convergently reduced several times. That these folds are not suitable for diagnosing species groups became especially clear in the populations from Gramvousa Peninsula and adjacent areas, in which the development of the anterior palatal folds is variable. Previously, populations with anterior palatal folds were classified as Albinaria loosjesi, a species of the A. candida group, whereas populations without anterior palatal folds were classified as Albinaria tenuicostata, a species of the A. cretensis group. Our analyses showed that they belong to a single species, Albinaria grabusana (=A. loosjesi), which is not related to A. tenuicostata, but to Albinaria xanthostoma from the neighbouring Rodopos Peninsula. Admixture analyses and isolation-by-distance tests confirmed the specific distinctness of A. grabusana, A. xanthostoma, Albinaria amalthea, and A. candida.
Plerixafor-based mobilization and mononuclear cell counts in graft increased the risk of engraftment syndrome after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Cao Le-Qing , Wen Qi , Liu Bo-Ning , Zhao Zhen-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Xu Lan-Ping , Chen Huan , Wang Yu , Yu Lu , Wang Feng-Rong , Huang Xiao-Jun , Mo Xiao-Dong
Published: May 2024

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is one of the most common complications in the early phase after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and we aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for ES patients receiving ASCT in the era of plerixafor-based mobilization. A total of 294 were enrolled, and 16.0% (n = 47) experienced ES after ASCT. The main clinical manifestations were fever (100%), diarrhea (78.7%), skin rash (23.4%), and hypoxemia/pulmonary edema (12.8%). Plerixafor-based mobilization was associated with higher counts of CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells, and CD8+ cells in grafts. In univariate analysis of the total cohort, age ≥60 years, receiving ASCT at complete remission (CR), higher number of mononuclear cell (MNC), CD3+ cell counts, CD4+ cells as well as CD8+ cells transfused and plerixafor-based mobilization were associated with ES after ASCT. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years (P = .0014), receiving ASCT at CR (P = .002), and higher number of MNC transfused (P = .026) were associated with ES in total cohort. In plasma cell disease subgroup, age ≥60 years (P = .013), plerixafor-based mobilization (P = .036), and receiving ASCT at CR (P = .002) were associated with ES. Patients with more risk factors had a higher risk of ES. The 1-year probabilities of relapse, non-relapse mortality, and survival were comparable between patients with and without ES. Thus, plerixafor-based mobilization may influence the composition of T lymphocytes in grafts and increase the risk of ES, particularly in patients with plasma cell disease.
The correlation between chemical ingredients and acute toxicity of Psoraleae Fructus and two classic prescriptions
Authors: Shi Zhuo , Pan Jin-Chao , Zhang Cheng , Cui Jia-Lu , Wu Xiang-Jun , Li Fang-Yang , Li Mao-Xing , Xiao Cheng-Rong , Ma Zeng-Chun , Wang Yu-Guang , Gao Yue
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To compare the acute toxicity and chemical ingredients of Psoraleae Fructus (PF) with those of two classic prescriptions, Ershen Wan (ESW) and Sishen Wan (SSW).

Methods:

Based on classical toxicological methods, body weight, food and water consumption, lethal conditions, and toxic reactions were recorded after administering single oral doses of PF, ESW, and SSW. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) values of PF and ESW and the maximum tolerance dose (MTD) of SSW were determined. In addition, PF, ESW, and SSW constituents were detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), and the spectrum-toxicity correlation was analyzed.

Results:

The LD50 of PF and ESW were 53.9 g/kg/day (46.2–63.0 g/kg/day, 95% confidence limit [CL]) and 68.3 g/kg/day (59.0–78.9 g/kg/day, 95% CL), which were respectively about 40 and 50 times the human daily dosage. The MTD of SSW was 41.0 g/kg/day, indicating the highest safety. What can be inferred from the chemical ingredients and toxicity correlation analyses is that compatibility reduced the contents of 13 potential hepatotoxin compounds in PF.

Conclusions:

The classic compatibility of ESW and SSW effectively attenuated the hepatotoxicity of PF, which was related to the reduced content of potentially toxic substances, particularly coumarins. This study explored the principles of attenuating the toxicity of classic prescriptions to provide a reference for the rational clinical use of PF.
The Frequency of Skin Lesions in Guilan Province, Iran
Authors: Alizadeh Narges , Darjani Abbas , Rafiei Rana , Gharaei Nejad Kaveh , Khoshhal Ziabari Amirhosein , Eftekhari Hojat
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Skin tumors as one of the patient's most concerning health issues have a varied spectrum, some of which can be fatal. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of various skin lesions and the associated risk factors among patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2021 on 559 skin lesions diagnosed by dermatology specialists. Demographical and clinical data and various skin lesions (skin malformations, benign, premalignant, and malignant tumors) were recorded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21 based on a significance level < .05.

Results

The findings indicated an age-dependent increase in the prevalence of skin lesions. Females had a higher frequency of benign tumors, whereas males represented a higher rate of malignant tumors. About 53%, 6.8%, and 40.1% of skin lesions were benign, premalignant, and malignant tumors, respectively. Among detected tumors, seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma were the most prevalent as benign, premalignant, and malignant tumors, respectively. The high level of diagnostic accuracy among clinical and histopathological findings illustrated a significant agreement (p < .05).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that malignant skin tumors were more prevalent in males and in patients with an upper age, which suggests more consideration for better preventive policies in these populations.
Impact of Collaborative Leadership, Workplace Social Capital, and Interprofessional Collaboration Practice on Patient Safety Climate
Authors: Kida Ryohei , Fujitani Katsumi , Matsushita Hironobu
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Patient safety climate is an important factor in promoting patient safety for healthcare organizations. This study investigated the relationship between collaborative leadership and patient safety climate, the mediation effect of workplace social capital, or interprofessional collaboration practice.

Methods:

A web-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered between May 2021 and May 2022, to employees of three acute care hospitals in Japan. The relationship between variables was verified by structural equation modeling.

Results:

A total of 1,276 staff members participated in the study. Collaborative leadership affected the workplace social capital (β = .734) and interprofessional collaboration (β = .561), which were positively associated with patient safety climate (β = .403 and .405, respectively), verifying the mediating relationship of workplace social capital and interprofessional collaboration between collaborative leadership and patient safety climate.

Conclusions:

Collaborative leadership enhances the reciprocity and interprofessional practices of the healthcare team. The interaction among interprofessional team members fosters a patient safety climate. The results of this survey suggest that the development of collaborative leadership, which encourages interprofessional collaboration and fosters workplace social capital, is inherently crucial for cultivating a patient safety climate.
Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequence identiﬁed ﬁbroblasts signature and CD8 + T-cell - ﬁbroblast subtype predicting prognosis and immune therapeutic response of bladder cancer, based on machine learning: bioinformatics multi-omics study
Authors: Li Jingxian , Kong Zheng , Qi Yuanjiong , Wang Wei , Su Qiang , Huang Wei , Zhang Zhihong , Li Shuai , Du E
Published: May 2024

Background:

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are found in primary and advanced tumours. They are primarily involved in tumour progression through complex mechanisms with other types of cells in the tumour microenvironment. However, essential fibroblasts-related genes (FRG) in bladder cancer still need to be explored, and there is a shortage of an ideal predictive model or molecular subtype for the progression and immune therapeutic assessment for bladder cancer, especially muscular-invasive bladder cancer based on the FRG.

Materials and methods:

CAF-related genes of bladder cancer were identified by analysing single-cell RNA sequence datasets, and bulk transcriptome datasets and gene signatures were used to characterize them. Then, 10 types of machine learning algorithms were utilised to determine the hallmark FRG and construct the FRG index (FRGI) and subtypes. Further molecular subtypes combined with CD8+ T-cells were established to predict the prognosis and immune therapy response.

Results:

Fifty-four BLCA-related FRG were screened by large-scale scRNA-sequence datasets. The machine learning algorithm established a 3-genes FRGI. High FRGI represented a worse outcome. Then, FRGI combined clinical variables to construct a nomogram, which shows high predictive performance for the prognosis of bladder cancer. Furthermore, the BLCA datasets were separated into two subtypes – fibroblast hot and cold types. In five independent BLCA cohorts, the fibroblast hot type showed worse outcomes than the cold type. Multiple cancer-related hallmark pathways are distinctively enriched in these two types. In addition, high FRGI or fibroblast hot type shows a worse immune therapeutic response. Then, four subtypes called CD8-FRG subtypes were established under the combination of FRG signature and activity of CD8+ T-cells, which turned out to be effective in predicting the prognosis and immune therapeutic response of bladder cancer in multiple independent datasets. Pathway enrichment analysis, multiple gene signatures, and epigenetic alteration characterize the CD8-FRG subtypes and provide a potential combination strategy method against bladder cancer.

Conclusions:

In summary, the authors established a novel FRGI and CD8-FRG subtype by large-scale datasets and organised analyses, which could accurately predict clinical outcomes and immune therapeutic response of BLCA after surgery.
Application of intensive management of risk awareness combined with cardiac rehabilitation nursing in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure
Authors: Yin Xiaoli , Huang Cuiping , Lin Binglai
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of intensive risk awareness management along with cardiac rehabilitation nursing in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. We selected 101 elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart aging treated from January 2022 to March 2023. They were divided into control and observation groups based on hospitalization numbers. The control group (n = 50) received routine nursing, while the observation group (n = 51) received intensive risk awareness management and cardiac rehabilitation nursing. We compared medication possession ratio (MPR), cardiac function, self-care ability scale scores, quality-of-life, incidents, and satisfaction between the 2 groups. Before intervention, there was no significant difference in MPR values between the 2 groups (P > .05). After intervention, MPR values increased in both groups, with a greater increase in the observation group (P < .05). Cardiac function showed no significant difference before intervention (P > .05), but after intervention, the observation group had lower left ventricular end-systolic and diastolic diameters and higher left ventricular ejection fraction compared to the control group (P < .05). Self-care skills, health knowledge, self-responsibility, and self-concept scores improved in both groups after intervention, with higher scores in the observation group (P < .05). The observation group had higher scores in various quality-of-life domains (P < .05). The total incidence of adverse events was lower in the observation group (5.88%) compared to the control group (20.00%) (P < .05). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the observation group (96.08%) than in the control group (84.00%) (P < .05). Intensive risk awareness management combined with cardiac rehabilitation nursing in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart aging can enhance medication compliance, improve quality-of-life, enhance self-care abilities, boost cardiac function, reduce incidents, and increase patient satisfaction.
Electrolyte disturbances in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection: An observational study
Authors: Cancarevic Ivan , Nassar Mahmoud , Foster Allison , Umar Zaryab , Parikh Avish , Ahammed Md Ripon , Shaban Lilia , Abosheaishaa Hazem , Mergen Damla , Amin Toka , Ozkan Bike Ilayda , Sánchez Ruiz Angélica M. , Hosna Asma , ul Rasool Muhammad Haseeb , Ahmed Nazaakat , Ayotunde Fatima , Ashfaq Salman , Lopez Ricardo , Rizzo Vincent
Published: May 2024

There are multiple mechanisms by which The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection can cause electrolyte abnormalities, which may not be the case for bacterial causes of pneumonia. This study aimed to assess the differences in electrolyte levels between patients suffering from COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia. This is an original, retrospective study. Two cohorts of hospitalized patients were included, 1 suffering from COVID-19 and the other from bacterial pneumonia. Their day 1 and day 3 levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as their outcomes, were extracted from the charts. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed. Mean admission levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium were 135.64 ± 6.13, 4.38 ± 0.69, 3.53 ± 0.69, and 2.03 ± 0.51, respectively. The mean day 3 levels of these electrolytes were 138.3 ± 5.06, 4.18 ± 0.59, 3.578 ± 0.59, and 2.11 ± 0.64, respectively. Patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia were significantly older (N = 219, mean = 64.88 ± 15.99) than patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (N = 240, mean = 57.63 ± 17.87). Bacterial pneumonia group had significantly higher serum potassium (N = 211, mean = 4.51 ± 0.76), and magnesium (N = 115, mean = 2.12 ± 0.60) levels compared to COVID-19 group (N = 227, mean = 4.254 ± 0.60 for potassium and N = 118, mean = 1.933 ± 0.38 for magnesium). Only magnesium was significantly higher among day 3 electrolytes in the bacterial pneumonia group. No significant association between electrolyte levels and outcomes was seen. We found that COVID-19 patients had lower potassium and magnesium levels on admission, possibly due to the effect of COVID-19 on the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system as well as patient characteristics and management. We did not find enough evidence to recommend using electrolyte levels as a determinator of prognosis, but more research is needed.
Identification of disease-specific genes related to immune infiltration in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Wang Chao-Jie , Hu Yu-Xia , Bai Tu-Ya , Li Jun , Wang Han , Lv Xiao-Li , Zhang Meng-Di , Chang Fu-Hou
Published: May 2024

To identify disease signature genes associated with immune infiltration in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), we downloaded 2 publicly available gene expression profiles, GSE164760 and GSE37031, from the gene expression omnibus database. These profiles represent human NASH and control samples and were used for differential genes (DEGs) expression screening. Two machine learning methods, the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression model and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination, were used to identify candidate disease signature genes. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was employed to analyze the infiltration of 22 immune cell types in NASH. Additionally, we constructed a NASH cell model using HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid and free fatty acids. The construction of the cell model was verified using oil red O staining, and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of the disease signature genes in both control and model groups. As a result, a total of 262 DEGs were identified. These DEGs were primarily associated with metal ion transmembrane transporter activity, sodium ion transmembrane transporter protein activity, calcium ion, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. FOS, IGFBP2, dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), and IKZF3 were identified as disease signature genes of NASH by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination algorithms for DEGs analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curves showed that FOS, IGFBP2, DUSP1, and IKZF3 had good diagnostic value (area under receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.8). These findings were validated in the GSE89632 dataset and through cellular assays. Immunocyte infiltration analysis revealed that NASH was associated with CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, follicular helper T cells, resting NK cells, eosinophils, regulatory T cells, and γδ T cells. The FOS, IGFBP2, DUSP1, and IKZF3 genes were specifically associated with follicular helper T cells. Lipid droplet aggregation significantly increased in HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid and free fatty acids, indicating successful construction of the cell model. In this model, the expression of FOS, IGFBP2, and DUSP1 was significantly decreased, while that of IKZF3 was significantly elevated (P < .01, P < .001) compared with the control group. Therefore, FOS, IGFBP2, DUSP1, and IKZF3 can be considered as disease signature genes associated with immune infiltration in NASH.
Efficacy and safety of therapies related to acupuncture for acute herpes zoster: A PRISMA systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Liang XingYu , Chen Xi , Li XueMei , Yang Sha , Wang SiYing , Ma DanDan , Guo MingMing , Zhang Hong
Published: May 2024

Background:

Herpes zoster (HZ) is mainly characterized by intense pain and severe skin lesions, particularly during the acute phase, which seriously affects the patient’s quality of life. Acupuncture is a widely used and effective treatment for HZ. However, there are many types of acupuncture, which have different curative efficacy. This study employed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess and rank the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture therapies.

Methods:

The database of Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese BioMedical Database, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database were searched from inception to December 31, 2022 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture related therapies in the treatment of acute HZ. The outcome indicators measured were visual analogue scale (VAS), date of cessation of herpes increase (DCHI), effective rate (ER), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and adverse events (AEs). Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed using the GeMTC package (version 1.0-1) and R software (version 4.2.3).

Results:

A total of 59 RCTs with 3930 patients were included. The results of this NMA were as follows: compared with pharmacotherapy, electroacupuncture (EA) + pricking and cupping (PC) shown the best efficacy to improve VAS score and reduce DCHI. In terms of ER, EA + fire needle (FN) had the highest results of probability ranking. PC was more effective in reducing the incidence of PHN. Furthermore, this study shown that the incidence of AEs associated with acupuncture-related therapies was acceptable.

Conclusions:

This study indicated that therapies related to acupuncture were both effective and safe in treating acute HZ, and could significantly reduce patients’ symptoms such as pain and skin lesions with fewer adverse events. Clinically, the selection of the appropriate therapy should be based on practical considerations. However, due to the limitations of this study, more high-quality trials are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-related therapy for the treatment of acute HZ.
The role of the microscopic world: Exploring the role and potential of intratumoral microbiota in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Yu Liang
Published: May 2024

Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, coexist in the human body, forming a symbiotic microbiota that plays a vital role in human health and disease. Intratumoral microbial components have been discovered in various tumor tissues and are closely linked to the occurrence, progression, and treatment results of cancer. The intratumoral microbiota can enhance antitumor immunity through mechanisms such as activating the stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathway, stimulating T and NK cells, promoting the formation of TLS, and facilitating antigen presentation. Conversely, the intratumoral microbiota might suppress antitumor immune responses by increasing reactive oxygen species levels, creating an anti-inflammatory environment, inducing T cell inactivation, and enhancing immune suppression, thereby promoting cancer progression. The impact of intratumoral microbiota on antitumor immunity varies based on microbial composition, interactions with cancer cells, and the cancer’s current state. A deep understanding of the complex interactions between intratumoral microbiota and antitumor immunity holds the potential to bring new therapeutic strategies and targets to cancer immunotherapy.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of esophagogastric junction cancer research from 2002 to 2021
Authors: Wang Zhuoyin , Li Xinming , Hu Jili , Guo Xu , Gao Bulang , Zhu Bin
Published: May 2024

Numerous studies related to esophagogastric junction cancer (EGC) have been published, and bibliometric analysis of these publications may be able to identify research hotspots and frontiers of EGC. Studies published on EGC between 2002 and 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. The collaboration network of countries/regions, institutions, authors, co-citation network of journals, co-occurrence network, and overlay visualization of keywords were analyzed using the VOSviewer software. Cluster and timeline analyses of references were performed using the CiteSpace software. A total of 5109 English articles were published across 691 journals by authors affiliated with 4727 institutions from 81 countries/regions. The annual number of publications related to EGC research has exhibited an increasing trend. The United States, China, and Japan emerged as the top 3 prolific countries/regions. Institutions in the United States, Japan, and South Korea exhibited significant collaboration with one another. Diseases of the Esophagus was the most prolific journal, and Annals of Surgical Oncology, World Journal of Gastroenterology, and Gastric Cancer had also published more than 100 studies. Jaffer A Ajani was the most productive author while David Cunningham ranked the first in terms of total citations and average citations per article. Barrett’s esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Helicobacter pylori, and obesity were common topics in earlier research, and recent years had seen a shift towards the topics of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In conclusion, growing attention is paid to EGC research, especially in terms of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Double balloon enteroscopy versus single balloon enteroscopy: A comparative study
Authors: Koh Jonathan T.E. , Kim Wei Lim , Francisco Carlos Paolo , Ravi Rajesh , Chan Webber , Khor Christopher , Asokkumar Ravishankar
Published: May 2024

Device assisted enteroscopy (DAE) like the double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) are postulated to ease small bowel examination and performance of therapy. However, studies comparing the effectiveness of these 2 modalities have yielded varying results. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of SBE and DBE. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent DBE (n = 82) or SBE (n = 45) for small bowel exam in our unit from January 2014 to January 2022. Our primary outcomes were to compare the technical success and diagnostic success rates between DBE and SBE. Our secondary outcomes were to compare the therapeutic success, and complication rates. The main indications were suspected GI bleeding (DBE 41.5% vs SBE 48.9%), iron deficiency anemia (DBE 9.8% vs SBE 4.4%) and small bowel lesions (DBE 28.0% vs SBE 44.4%) detected either from prior capsule endoscopy or radiological imaging. Majority of the enteroscopy exam was by antegrade approach (DBE 67.1% vs SBE 77.8%). We found no significant difference in the technical success (DBE 95.1% vs SBE 97.8%, P = .46), diagnostic success (DBE 69.5% vs SBE 77.8%, P = .36) and the therapeutic success rate (DBE 63.2% vs SBE 54.3%, P = .09) between the groups. Complications occurred in 1 case from each group (mucosal tear). None of the complications were major. In patients who underwent enteroscopy, the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of SBE is similar to DBE. Both procedures were safe with low complication rates.
Changes in ocular biometrics following cycloplegic refraction in strabismic and amblyopic children
Authors: Jo Eunhui , Kim Seung Mo , Kim Joon Mo , Han So Young
Published: May 2024

This study was aimed to analyze ocular biometric changes following cycloplegia in pediatric patients with strabismus and amblyopia. Cycloplegia is routinely used to measure refractive error accurately by paralyzing accommodation. However, effects on axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (Km), and white-to-white distance (WTW) are not well studied in this population. This retrospective study examined 797 patients (1566 eyes) undergoing cycloplegic refraction at a Samsung Kangbuk hospital pediatric ophthalmology clinic from 2010 to 2023. Ocular biometry was measured before and after instilling 1% cyclopentolate and 0.5% phenylephrine/0.5% tropicamide. Patients were categorized by strabismus diagnosis, age, refractive error and amblyopia status. Differences in AL, ACD, Km, WTW, and refractive error pre- and post-cycloplegia were analyzed using paired t tests. ACD (3.44 ± 0.33 vs 3.58 ± 0.29 mm, P < .05) and WTW (12.09 ± 0.42 vs 12.30 ± 0.60 mm, P < .05) increased significantly after cycloplegia in all groups except other strabismus subgroup (Cs) in both parameters and youngest subgroup (G1) in ACD. Refractive error demonstrated a hyperopic shift from −0.48 ± 3.00 D to −0.06 ± 3.32 D (P < .05) in overall and a myopic shift from −6.97 ± 4.27 to −8.10 ± 2.26 in high myopia (HM). Also, AL and Km did not change significantly. In conclusion, cycloplegia impacts ocular biometrics in children with strabismus and amblyopia, significantly increasing ACD and WTW. Refractive error shifts hyperopically in esotropia subgroup (ET) and myopically in high myopia subgroup (HM), eldest subgroup (G3) relating more to anterior segment changes than AL/Km. Understanding cycloplegic effects on biometry is important for optimizing refractive correction in these patients.
Case of acute retinal necrosis with rapid progression to proliferative vitreoretinopathy: A case report
Authors: Chujo Shinichiro , Matsubara Hisashi , Matsui Yoshitusgu , Kato Kumiko , Kondo Mineo
Published: May 2024

Rationale:

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) was first reported in 1971 by Urayama et al as an acute uveitis accompanied by retinal arteritis and white retinal lesions in the peripheral retina that can progress to a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). We have experienced a case of ARN that, unlike the common developmental course to an RRD associated with ARN, progressed to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) involving the entire retina in 2 days. The purpose of this report is to present our findings in the case of ARN with an atypical rapid time course.

Patient concerns:

The patient was a 56-year-old woman who was treated for uveitis of unknown origin by her primary care physician. She was referred to our hospital because of a worsening of the fundus findings.

Diagnosis:

Fundus examination in our hospital revealed vitreous opacities in the right eye, yellowish-white lesions extending around the retina, and some retinal hemorrhages. Because the retinal changes suggested ARN, we performed a polymerase chain reaction of the anterior atrial fluid and detected varicella-zoster virus. Then, the diagnosis of ARN was confirmed, and treatment was begun. At 1 month and a half after beginning the treatment, focal retinal traction was observed in the right fundus. Two days later, a circumferential PVR and a total retinal detachment were detected.

Interventions:

We then performed vitrectomy with an encircling buckle and a silicone oil tamponade.

Outcomes:

Our examination 6 months postoperatively showed that the retina was attached and the BCVA was 20/200.

Lessons:

Our findings of a case of ARN showed that the progression from a local vitreous traction to a full circumferential PVR can develop in 2 days.
The effect of amantadine treatment on neurological outcome and mortality in mechanically ventilated severe head trauma patients in intensive care unit
Authors: Öner Özlem , Hanci Volkan , Gürkok Mehmet Çağatay , Ergan Begüm , Yaka Erdem , Gökmen Ali Necati
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the effect of amantadine use on neurological outcomes and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Glasgow coma score [GCS] between 3 and 8) who have been followed up on mechanical ventilators in the intensive care unit (ICU). Data from the hospital’s electronic records were retrospectively searched. Patients over 18 years of age, with severe brain trauma (GCS between 3–8), who were treated with endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation at admission to the ICU, and who were treated with Amantadine hydrochloride at least once in the first week of follow-up were included in the study. To evaluate the patients’ neurological outcomes, the GCS and FOUR scores were used. GCS and FOUR scores were recorded on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days of the first week. In addition, the score difference between the 1st and 7th day was calculated for both scores. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving amantadine treatment (Group A, n = 44) and the control group (Group C, n = 47). The median age of all patients was 39 (18–81) (P = .425). When Group A and Group C were compared, no statistically significant results were found between the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day GCS values (P = .474, P = .483, and P = 329, respectively). However, the difference in GCS values between day 1 and day 7 (∆ GCS 7-1) was statistically significant (P = .012). Similarly, when Group A and Group C were compared, no statistically significant results were found between the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day FOUR score values (P = .948, P = .471, and P = .057, respectively). However, the FOUR score values between day 1 and day 7 (∆ FOUR score 7-1) were statistically significant (P = .004). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of ICU length of stay, duration of non-ICU hospital stay, and length of hospital stay (P = .222, P = .175, and P = .067, respectively). Amantadine hydrochloride may help improve neurological outcomes in patients with severe TBI. However, further research is needed to investigate this topic.
Assessment of safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization combined with camrelizumab and donafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at BCLC stage C: A study of 20 cases
Authors: Wang Xinhao , Yang Yefa
Published: May 2024

Camrelizumab, donafenib, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are recommended for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their combined efficacy remains unclear. From July 2021 to January 2023, 20 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C HCC patients were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, Child-Pugh Score ≤ 7, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B or C. Surgical candidates were excluded. The treatment included TACE, camrelizumab, and donafenib. Endpoints were median overall survival, progression-free survival, and adverse events (AEs) related to donafenib. Among 20 patients, 85% experienced AEs from targeted therapy and programmed cell death protein-1, with 40% having grade 3 AEs. No grade 4 or 5 AEs occurred. Median follow-up was 9 months, with 15% achieving complete response, 65% partial response, and 15% stable disease. Disease control rate was 90%. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9 and 14 months, respectively. TACE, camrelizumab, and donafenib combination therapy in Chinese advanced HCC patients show effectiveness in extending survival with low severe AEs incidence.
A novel discriminant algorithm for differential diagnosis of mild to moderate thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Pan Liqiu , Li Linlin , Qiu Yuling , Ling Xiaoting , Wang Chenghan , Wu Zuhao , Li Xiaoman , Lin Faquan , Huang Yifang
Published: May 2024

Background:

Mild to moderate thalassemia trait (TT) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are the most common conditions of microcytic hypochromic anemia (MHA) and they exhibit highly similar clinical and laboratory features. It is sometimes difficult to make a differential diagnosis between TT and IDA in clinical practice. Therefore, a simple, effective, and reliable index is needed to discriminate between TT and IDA.

Methods:

Data of 598 patients (320 for TT and 278 for IDA) were enrolled and randomly assigned to training set (278 of 598, 70%) and validation set (320 of 598, 30%). Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to define the best diagnostic formula for the discrimination between TT and IDA in training set. The accuracy and diagnostic performance of formula was tested and verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in validation set and its diagnostic performance was compared with other published indices.

Results:

A novel formula, Thalassemia and IDA Discrimination Index (TIDI) = –13.932 + 0.434 × RBC + 0.033 × Hb + 0.025 ×MCHC + 53.593 × RET%, was developed to discriminate TT from IDA. TIDI showed a high discrimination performance in ROC analysis, with the Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.936, Youden’ s index = 78.7%, sensitivity = 89.5%, specificity = 89.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the formula index also obtained a good classification performance in distinguishing 5 common genotypes of TT from IDA (AUC from 0.854–0.987).

Conclusion:

The new, simple algorithm can be used as an effective and robust tool for the differential diagnosis of mild to moderate TT and IDA in Guangxi region, China.
Factors affecting medium-term patient satisfaction after arthroscopic repair of small to medium-sized rotator cuff tears: An observational study
Authors: Hapa Onur , Aydemir Selahaddin , Acar Emre , Cantürk Ali , Yanik Berkay , Tükel Gürhan , Gürsan Onur , Balci Ali
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to assess the effect of the status of the tendon and patient factors on patient satisfaction after rotator cuff repair. Forty-six patients treated for tears with a minimum of 5-year follow-up were included. Gender, age, and active smoking status were recorded. Pain visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, Simple Shoulder Test, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation were recorded preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Patients were divided into groups of highly satisfied (HS) and vaguely satisfied (VS) patients. Patients were evaluated with MRI both preoperatively and at their last follow-up. Of the 46 patients, 17 were HS and 29 were VS. The HS group had 7 re-ruptures, 4 of which were progressed tears, whereas the VS group had 15 re-ruptures, 4 of which were progressed tears. There was no difference in the rate of re-ruptures or progressed tears between groups. The HS group had a higher frequency of males. However, frequencies of active smoking or osteoarthritis of grade 2 or higher were lower in the HS group. It was shown that patient satisfaction after repair depends on patient-related factors like gender and smoking rather than tendon healing or degeneration.
Type 2 diabetes mediates the causal relationship between obesity and osteomyelitis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Heng-Zhi , Liang Jie , Hu Ai-Xin
Published: May 2024

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to determine the causal relationship between Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and osteomyelitis (OM). We performed MR analysis using pooled data from different large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Instrumental variables were selected based on genome-wide significance, instrumental strength was assessed using F-values, and thresholds for the number of exposed phenotypes were further adjusted by Bonferroni correction. univariable and multivariable MR analyses were performed to assess causal effects and proportions mediated by T2D. IVW (inverse variance weighting) showed a significant genetic effect of osteomyelitis on the following: After correction by Bonferroni, univariable analyses showed that childhood body mass index (BMI) was not significantly associated with genetic susceptibility to OM [odds ratio (OR), 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02, 1.55; P = .030], not significantly associated with adulthood BMI (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.61; P = .034), significantly associated with waist circumference (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.51, 2.24; P < .001), and significantly associated with hip circumference (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.31, 1.76; P < .001). Meanwhile, multivariable analyses showed no significant effect of childhood BMI on OM (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.84, 1.62; P = .370), no significant effect of adulthood BMI on OM (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21, 0.84; P = .015), a significant association between waist circumference and OM (OR, 4.30; 95% CI, 1.89, 9.82; P = .001), T2D mediated 10% (95% CI, 0.02, 0.14), and no significant association between hip circumference and OM (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.54, 1.90; P = .968). Our study provides evidence for a genetically predicted causal relationship among obesity, T2D, and OM. We demonstrate that increased waist circumference is positively associated with an increased risk of OM and that T2D mediates this relationship. Clinicians should be more cautious in the perioperative management of osteomyelitis surgery in obese patients with T2D. In addition, waist circumference may be a more important criterion to emphasize and strictly control than other measures of obesity.
A study on the prevalence and prognosis of progressive pulmonary fibrosis: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Jang Ji Hoon , Choe Eun Jun , Jung So Young , Ko Junghae , Kim Dae-Wook , Lee Jae Ha
Published: May 2024

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of more than 200 diffuse parenchymal lung diseases with various clinical courses. Disease progression is one of the most important prognostic factors, and, the definition of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) has recently been established. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of PPF among patients with non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in real-world practice. A total of 215 patients were retrospectively analyzed between January 2010 and June 2023 at the Haeundae Paik Hospital in the Republic of Korea. According to the criteria proposed in 2022 by Raghu et al, PPF defined as a condition that satisfies 2 or more of the following in the past year: worsening of respiratory symptoms, physiological evidence of disease progression, and radiological evidence of disease progression. The median age of the subjects was 67 years and 63.7% were female. A total of 40% was diagnosed with PPF and connective tissue disease-associated ILD (52.3%) was the most common type, followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) (25.6%) and cryptogenic organizing pneumonitis (16.3%). In multivariate logistic regression for predicting PPF, both the use of steroids and immunosuppressants (OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.41–4.67, P = .002) and home oxygen use (OR: 25.17, 95% CI: 3.21–197.24, P = .002) were independent risk factors. During the follow-up period, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the PPF group than in the non-PPF group (24.4% vs 2.3%, P < .001). In the survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazard regression model, disease progression, older age and lower forced vital capacity (FVC) were independent risk factors for mortality. Our study demonstrated that the prevalence of PPF was 40%. Concomitant therapy of steroids with an immunosuppressants and home oxygen use are risk factors for PPF. PPF itself was significantly associated with high mortality rates. Risk factors for mortality were disease progression, older age, and lower FVC.
Insomnia among college students: A bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2022
Authors: Yang Mengdie , Li Lingling
Published: May 2024

Background:

Insomnia has become a common health problem in modern society, especially among college students. The purpose of this study was to analyze the research status, research hotspots and frontier trends of insomnia among college students over the past 20 years.

Methods:

VOSviewer 1.6.19 and CiteSpace 6.2 were used. R4: This study conducts a bibliometric and visualization analysis of the annual publications, authors, countries/regions, institutions, categories, journal/literature cocitations and keywords related to insomnia among college students in the Web of Science (WoS) core collection from 2003 to 2022.

Results:

A total of 590 studies were included, and the number of studies on insomnia among college students has steadily increased over the last 20 years. The authors of high yield are represented by Taylor DJ and Miller MB. The countries/regions with high yields were the USA and China. The institutions of high yield were King Saud University and Southern Medical University. Its research fields were mainly Clinical Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosciences. Mental health and insomnia, sleep quality and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on insomnia are current research hotspots. Future research could focus on predicting the chronotype and physical activity of insomnia students.

Conclusion:

Through bibliometric and visualization analysis, this study investigated insomnia among college students over the past 20 years and preliminarily revealed the findings of coauthors and institutions. This study provides a general understanding of the research hotspots and frontier trends of insomnia among college students and provides some references for future research.
Effects of preoperative inhaled budesonide combined with intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative sore throat in patients who underwent thyroidectomy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Ping-Ping , Zhang Xing , Ye Hui , Chen Dan
Published: May 2024

Background:

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative inhaled budesonide combined with intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative sore throat (POST) after general anesthesia in patients who underwent thyroidectomy.

Methods:

Patients who underwent elective thyroidectomy were randomly divided into the intravenous dexamethasone group (group A) and budesonide inhalation combined with intravenous dexamethasone group (group B). All patients underwent general anesthesia. The incidence and severity of POST, hoarseness, and cough at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

There were 48 and 49 patients in groups A and B, respectively. The incidence of POST was significantly lower at 6, 12, and 24 hours in group B than that in group A (P < .05). In addition, group B had a significantly lower incidence of coughing at 24 hours (P = .047). Compared with group A, the severity of POST was significantly lower at 6 (P = .027), 12 (P = .004), and 24 (P = .005) hours at rest, and at 6 (P = .002), 12 (P = .038), and 24 (P = .015) hours during swallowing in group B. The incidence and severity of hoarseness were comparable at each time-point between the 2 groups (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Preoperative inhaled budesonide combined with intravenous dexamethasone reduced the incidence and severity of POST at 6, 12, and 24 hours after extubation compared with intravenous dexamethasone alone in patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Additionally, this combination decreased the incidence of postoperative coughing at 24 hours.
Investigating the molecular mechanism of Mori Cortex against osteosarcoma by bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental
Authors: Wang Yuanhui , Wang Ling , Xie Dongke , Chen Bo
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Mori Cortex against osteosarcoma (OS), we conducted bioinformatics prediction followed by in vitro experimental validation.

Methods:

Gene expression data from normal and OS tissues were obtained from the GEO database and underwent differential analysis. Active Mori Cortex components and target genes were extracted from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database. By intersecting these targets with differentially expressed genes in OS, we identified potential drug action targets. Using the STRING database, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Subsequent analyses of these intersected genes, including Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment, were performed using R software to elucidate biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components, resulting in the simulation of signaling pathways. Molecular docking assessed the binding capacity of small molecules to signaling pathway targets. In vitro validations were conducted on U-2 OS cells. The CCK8 assay was used to determine drug-induced cytotoxicity in OS cells, and Western Blotting was employed to validate the expression of AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Survivin, and Cyclin D1 proteins.

Results:

Through differential gene expression analysis between normal and OS tissues, we identified 12,364 differentially expressed genes. From the TCSMP database, 39 active components and 185 therapeutic targets related to OS were derived. The protein-protein interaction network indicated that AKT1, IL-6, JUN, VEGFA, and CASP3 might be central targets of Mori Cortex for OS. Molecular docking revealed that the active compound Morusin in Mori Cortex exhibits strong binding affinity to AKT and ERK. The CCK8 assay showed that Morusin significantly inhibits the viability of U-2 OS cells. Western Blot demonstrated a reduction in the p-AKT/AKT ratio, the p-ERK/ERK ratio, Survivin, and Cyclin D1.

Conclusion:

Mori Cortex may exert its therapeutic effects on OS through multiple cellular signaling pathways. Morusin, the active component of Mori Cortex, can inhibit cell cycle regulation and promote cell death in OS cells by targeting AKT/ERK pathway.