bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated oropharyngeal abscess with hypopharyngeal extension recurring 12 years after initial surgical management: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Khoury Michel , Dong Selina Xiangxu , Alsaffar Hussain , Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie , Caulley Lisa
Published: April 2022

Pharyngeal abscesses require urgent management as they have the propensity to cause severe and life-threatening complications. The introduction of antibiotics has led to a dramatic decline in the incidence of these infections. Regardless, abscess formation continues to be observed in the peritonsillar, parapharyngeal, and retropharyngeal spaces. Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal abscesses that cause airway obstruction are scarcely reported and tend to be secondary to other processes. Herein, we describe the case of an 83-year-old man presenting with an idiopathic, obstructive, oropharyngeal wall abscess, extending from the infratonsillar region to the hypopharynx, which recurred after initial surgical management 12 years prior for the same process. He required reintervention during both episodes for rapid reaccumulation. A detailed electronic literature search of PubMed and MedLine was performed for studies reporting on recurrent pharyngeal abscesses and their management. Results were limited to articles published in English from inception to August 2021. The timely management of pharyngeal infections acutely obstructing the airway is crucial. Physicians should adopt close and frequent monitoring and have a low threshold for reimaging should symptoms worsen or fail to improve after the initial surgical intervention.
Evangelism and education: The making of the Zo people into a Christian community
Authors: Piang L Lam Khan
Published: April 2022

Imparting education by Christian missionaries to the locals of a non-literate society was not an end in itself, rather it was a means to an end. Evangelizing needed to go hand-in-hand with church planting and institutionalisation of the church establishment. To fulfil this mission, it was necessary to deploy locals but first equip them with the ability to read and write, as reading the Bible is necessary for spiritual growth, which necessitated the introduction of education among the local youths. This paper delineates how the Christian missionaries groomed and deployed the local youths for evangelism among the Zo people in the Indo-Myanmar borderland.
Curriculum Hybridization and Cultural Glocalization: A Scoping Review of International Research on Early Childhood Curriculum in China and Singapore
Authors: Yang (杨伟鹏) Weipeng , Li (李辉) Hui
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This article presents a scoping review of the internationally published research on the early childhood curriculum (ECC) reforms, policies, measures, and effectiveness in China and Singapore, to explore the joint and interactive effects of globalization and localization in ECC in two different contexts.

Design/Approach/Methods

We reviewed and analyzed the chosen studies with a multilevel curriculum framework: formal curriculum, perceived curriculum, operational curriculum, and curriculum ideology.

Findings

The synthesis of evidence indicated that in both China and Singapore (1) a constructivist orientation is relied upon to construct the formal curricula; (2) the perceived curricula have been heavily influenced by the indigenous values and contextual realities; and (3) the Western ideology embedded in the formal curricula has not been realized, as reflected in the operational curricula.

Originality/Value

The phenomenon of curriculum hybridization has been scrutinized to explain these findings regarding curriculum ideologies and practices. As confirmed by the findings and theoretical explanations, the 3CAPs framework (culturally, contextually, and child-individually appropriate practices) can be employed to guide the development of ECC in policies and practices.
Socioecological Factors Associated With Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among Workers: Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model
Authors: Kim Hye-Jin , Choo Jina
Published: April 2022

Background:

Physical inactivity is a major global health problem. Industrial automation has led to an increased number of workers who are sedentary at work. We examined whether three socioecological factors (i.e., predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors) derived from the PRECEDE-PROCEED model would be significantly associated with the physical activity and sedentary behavior among workers.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 539 employees at an electronic manufacturing plant in Gumi, South Korea. Physical activity variables of energy expenditure (MET-min/week) and sitting time at work (minutes/day) were measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Workforce Sitting Questionnaire, respectively. Of the socioecological factors, a predisposing factor defined as self-determined motivation was measured by the Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire; a reinforcing factor defined as autonomy support was measured by the Work Climate Questionnaire; and an enabling factor defined as supportive workplace environment was measured by the Perceived Workplace Environment Scale.

Findings:

Self-determined motivation (i.e., autonomous and controlled forms of motivation), autonomy support, and a supportive workplace environment were all significantly associated with increased physical activity energy expenditure during leisure-time. However, they were not significantly associated with sitting time on working and non-working days.

Conclusion/Applications to Practice:

Three socioecological factors of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model were significantly associated with leisure-time physical activity among workers. Our findings may help occupational health nurses use a socioecological approach for designing effective workplace strategies to increase leisure-time physical activity among workers.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Synthetic Data Derivatives for Spine Surgery Research
Authors: Greenberg Jacob K. , Landman Joshua M. , Kelly Michael P. , Pennicooke Brenton H. , Molina Camilo A. , Foraker Randi E. , Ray Wilson Z.
Published: April 2022

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

Leveraging electronic health records (EHRs) for spine surgery research is impeded by concerns regarding patient privacy and data ownership. Synthetic data derivatives may help overcome these limitations. This study’s objective was to validate the use of synthetic data for spine surgery research.

Methods

Data came from the EHR from 15 hospitals. Patients that underwent anterior cervical or posterior lumbar fusion (2010-2020) were included. Real data were obtained from the EHR. Synthetic data was generated to simulate the properties of the real data, without maintaining a one-to-one correspondence with real patients. Within each cohort, ability to predict 30-day readmissions and 30-day complications was evaluated using logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting machines (XGBoost).

Results

We identified 9,072 real and 9,088 synthetic cervical fusion patients. Descriptive characteristics were nearly identical between the 2 datasets. When predicting readmission, models built using real and synthetic data both had c-statistics of .69-.71 using logistic regression and XGBoost. Among 12,111 real and 12,126 synthetic lumbar fusion patients, descriptive characteristics were nearly the same for most variables. Using logistic regression and XGBoost to predict readmission, discrimination was similar with models built using real and synthetic data (c-statistics .66-.69). When predicting complications, models derived using real and synthetic data showed similar discrimination in both cohorts. Despite some differences, the most influential predictors were similar in the real and synthetic datasets.

Conclusion

Synthetic data replicate most descriptive and predictive properties of real data, and therefore may expand EHR research in spine surgery.
Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Kidney Disease in HIV Infected Individuals – A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Adnani Harsha , Agrawal Nirav , Khatri Akshay , Vialet Jaclyn , Zhang Meng , Cervia Joseph
Published: April 2022

Kidney disease is the fourth most common cause of non-AIDS-related mortality in people living with HIV. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains the cornerstone of treatment. However, little is known about the impact of cART on disease outcomes in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and HIV-immune complex kidney disease (HIVICK). This systematic review evaluates the impact of cART on progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and other outcomes in HIV-infected individuals. We conducted a literature search utilizing PubMed, and Cochrane database and 11 articles met inclusion criteria for analysis of which nine HIVAN studies showed decreased progression to ESKD or death for subjects when treated with cART versus those untreated. However, two studies showed no survival advantage with cART. Three HIVICK studies showed improvement in delaying ESKD in subjects on cART compared to untreated subjects. cART appeared to reduce the risk to ESKD or death in patients with both HIVAN and HIVICK.
Association Between Medial Displacement of the Middle Glenohumeral Ligament and Subscapularis Tear Severity
Authors: Hsu Kai-Lan , Chuang Hao-Chun , Chang Hao-Ming , Yeh Ming-Long , Kuan Fa-Chuan , Chen Yueh , Hong Chih-Kai , Su Wei-Ren
Published: April 2022

Background:

The intraoperative invisible middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) test has been shown to be associated with a subscapularis tendon retraction. However, the preoperative location of the MGHL and its association with subscapularis tear severity has not been evaluated.

Purpose:

To determine (1) the interrater reliability for identification and position of the MGHL, (2) any association between the MGHL position and subscapularis tears, and (3) the cutoff point at which MGHL position can predict subscapularis tear severity.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and surgical records of 176 patients were retrospectively reviewed by 3 independent orthopaedists. MGHL's identification, level (its position on axial MRI), and medial retraction ratio (distance from the lesser tuberosity to the MGHL divided by the width of the glenoid) were documented, and the interobserver agreement of the 3 indices was assessed. We calculated the association between subscapularis tears and the MGHL level and medial retraction ratio. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to establish the optimal threshold of the MGHL medial retraction ratio to predict subscapularis tear.

Results:

The MGHL was identified by at least 2 reviewers in 124 individuals (70.5%). The interobserver reliability was very good for MGHL identification (κ = 0.766), moderate for MGHL level (κ = 0.582), and excellent for MGHL medial retraction ratio (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.848). A low, positive correlation between MGHL level and subscapularis tear severity was found (Somers d = 0.392, P < .001), as well as a significant association between the medial retraction ratio and Lafosse classification of subscapularis tear size ( P < .001). A medial retraction ratio of ≥1.25 had a sensitivity of 0.70, a specificity of 0.83, and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.20, with excellent accuracy (area under the ROC curve = 0.820) to predict severe subscapularis tear.

Conclusion:

The MGHL was identified in 70.5% of shoulder MRIs. The location of the MGHL on preoperative MRI, as described by its level and the medial retraction ratio, was significantly associated with subscapularis tear severity, and a medial retraction ratio of ≥1.25 was predictive of a severe subscapularis tear.
Clinical Efficacy of the Antibiotic-Loaded Collagen Sponge During Arthroscopic Treatment of Acute Septic Arthritis of the Native Knee
Authors: Kim Kook-Jong , Jeong Ho-Seung , Ahn Byung-Hyun , Chung Dong-Min
Published: April 2022

Background:

To completely eliminate an infection, the antibiotic concentration must exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration for the causative pathogens. The antibiotic-loaded collagen sponge (ALCS) has been used to manage an infection through a high local concentration of antibiotics.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ALCS in the arthroscopic treatment of patients with acute septic arthritis of the native knee.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed the data for 132 consecutive patients with acute septic arthritis of the knee who underwent arthroscopic debridement between 2013 and 2019. Patients with a history of surgery in the affected joint, concomitant osteomyelitis, or accompanying medical infection were excluded. The study patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of ALCS during surgery. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were temporally measured to normalization and the duration of intravenous antibiotic administration was recorded, and the mean length of hospital stay was compared between the groups. Independent t test and chi-square test were performed to assess differences between the groups, and univariate analysis was used to analyze factors affecting recurrence of septic arthritis.

Results:

Of the 132 patients, 88 were ultimately included in this study; 51 patients were managed without ALCS and 37 were treated with ALCS. There were statistically significant differences between groups in the mean period for CRP-level normalization (15.2 ± 8.2 days [ALCS] vs 26.2 ± 14.7 days [without ALCS]; P = .004), mean duration of intravenous antibiotic use (18.4 ± 7.3 days [ALCS] vs 26.6 ± 16.1 days [without ALCS]; P = .046), and mean length of hospital stay (21.1 ± 11.6 days [ALCS] vs 30.3 ± 18.3 days [without ALCS]; P = .045). The preoperative CRP level was the only significant risk factor for recurrence or treatment failure after single arthroscopic debridement.

Conclusion:

The results of this study indicated that ALCS was able to reduce the duration of CRP-level normalization, intravenous antibiotic use, and hospitalization in patients who underwent arthroscopic irrigation and debridement for acute septic arthritis of the native knee.
Measuring the Uptake of Disclosure and Apology Content in the American Medical School Curriculum
Authors: Wojcieszak Doug
Published: April 2022

Surveys were sent to deans and curriculum leaders of American medical schools regarding the teaching of disclosure and apology in the curriculum. One-hundred six medical schools responded (n = 106; 60% response rate) and results showed that disclosure and apology (also known as communication and resolution programs or CANDOR) is being taught in American medical schools but more work remains to develop consistent curriculum across all medical schools. The same survey (with slightly different wording) was sent to a commercial list of fourth year medical students; two hundred thirty students (n = 230, 17% response rate) representing 67 medical schools completed the survey. The students’ data – though not statistically significant – provides a glimpse into students’ feeling about this topic, including the desire to learn what happens after “sorry” and how cases can be resolved with disclosure, including the insurance, legal, and compensation aspects. Further avenues of research on this topic are suggested.
Book review: Narrations about the Fringe Review of Reading the Margins, History, Culture, Literature
Authors: Aleaz Bonita
Published: April 2022

Narrations about the Fringe Review of Reading the Margins, History, Culture, Literature. Edited by Provakar Palaka (Mumbai: People’s Literature Publication, 2020), 279pp., ₹750. ISBN-13: 978-8193485668 (Paperback)
Photochromic Microcapsules for Textile Materials by Spray Drying—Part 3: Application of Photochromic Microcapsules on Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Morsümbül Seniha , Kumbasar Emriye Perrin Akçakoca , Çay Ahmet
Published: April 2022

Photochromic textiles, a class of functional textiles, have a color build up feature under ultraviolet light irradiation. However, photochromic dye application onto textile materials by conventional finishing techniques has difficulties due to their low water solubility and low affinity to the textile materials. Encapsulation technology could be used to overcome these problems in the production of photochromic textile materials. This article, which is the third in a three-part series, deals with the application of photochromic dye microcapsules produced by a spray drying method onto cotton fabrics. The photochromic dye microcapsules were applied onto cotton fabrics by a pad–dry–cure process. Color build up and ultraviolet transmittance of the resultant photochromic fabrics were evaluated after the application and consecutive washing. Moreover, the fatigue resistance of the photochromic fabrics was studied and the effects of the incorporation of hindered amine light stabilizers into microcapsules were investigated. Ultraviolet protection factor values of the samples were found to be 50+ even after 20 washing cycles. It was shown that the photochromic fabrics have a loss of 10% in ultraviolet protection factor values and 20% in color values after 20 ultraviolet irradiation cycles and the fatigue resistance of the photochromic dye capsules improved with the use of hindered amine light stabilizer compounds during microcapsule production.
Improved Gray Water Footprint Calculation and Assessment Method for Polyester Fabric Production
Authors: Wang Ke , Wang Xiaopeng , Feng Xiang , Wang Laili
Published: April 2022

Gray water footprint has been widely used as an indicator to quantify the water environmental impact of textile products. Traditionally, gray water footprint values are determined by the largest gray water footprint value of the typical water pollutant. The performances of other critical compounds that coexist in wastewater are disregarded. To mitigate these shortcomings associated with gray water footprint accounting and assessment, an improved gray water footprint calculation and assessment framework is proposed in this study. The diffusion and attenuation process of pollutants in rivers was considered for the comprehensive accounting and evaluation of the impacts caused by various pollutants in discharged wastewater. Polyester fabric production was used to illustrate the application of the improved gray water footprint calculation and assessment method. The results revealed that chemical oxygen demand caused the most severe water eutrophication impact and antimony caused the most severe water ecotoxicity impact. The comprehensive evaluation of improved gray water footprint indicated that alkali peeling process caused the largest water environmental impact during polyester fabric production.
Dyeing and Some Fastness Properties of Novel Perlite-Containing Polyester Woven Fabrics
Authors: Omeroglu Sunay , Becerir Behcet , Karaca Esra
Published: April 2022

This article is focused on the comparison of dyeing, and washing and light fastness properties of conventional and novel perlite-containing polyester woven fabrics via color measurements. All the production processes for the regular and perlite-containing polyester filament yarns were the same. The fabrics were dyed with three medium level energy disperse dyes of different hues in order to observe the shade change caused by the intrinsic yellowness of the perlite-containing fabric. Dyeing and fastness properties of the dyed fabrics were evaluated by their corresponding lightness (L*), chroma (C*), color strength (K/S), and color difference (ΔEab*) results. The perlite-containing fabrics showed similar dyeing and fastness characteristics when compared with the regular fabrics. The perlite-added fabrics were dyed in darker color but had lower chroma values than the regular ones. The perlite-added fabrics also had better fastness results than the regular fabrics when the evaluation was performed in the group itself. Intrinsic yellowness of perlite-added fabrics must be taken into account for any attempt to dye the fabric to a pre-designed shade.
Low Temperature Bleaching of Jute Using Peracetic Acid: A Novel Process
Authors: Chattopadhyay S. N. , Pan N. C. , Roy A. N. , Samanta Kartick K.
Published: April 2022

Jute, a natural golden fibre, is renewable and widely available and mostly used for the packaging of agricultural crops and commodities in the form of sack bag. However, over a period of time it has secured its own market in the field of home textiles and other lifestyle products due to its ethnic colour, good strength and biodegradable properties. Recently, jute has also been used in apparel products, particularly meant for outer and winter garments. Bleaching of jute has thus become an essential operation for making a white glossy fabric, that is, the base material to be used for subsequent coloration. The conventional hot hydrogen peroxide bleaching process produces good white fibre with a high loss in tensile strength. The present peracetic acid bleaching of scoured jute produces a satisfactory whiteness index of 65.8–77.7 with minimum loss of bundle strength. The peracetic acid bleached jute fibre could retain 85% of its bundle strength, when the bleaching was carried out at 70°C with 20 g/l peracetic acid for 120 min. A satisfactory whiteness index of 77 (Hunter scale) can be achieved incurring a low weight loss of <4.2 using the optimized recipe. The peracetic acid bleaching process may be considered as energy efficient and environment friendly, as the process is carried out at a near neutral pH of 7.5–8 and lower temperature of 50–70°C, in comparison to the 85–90°C and pH level of 11–11.5 (highly alkaline) normally used in hydrogen peroxide bleaching. The changes in physical, morphological and chemical properties after the peracetic acid bleaching of jute at optimized conditions were evaluated in detail.
Mechanisms of Action of a Herbal Formula Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang for the Management of Post-Stroke Related Numbness and Weakness: A Computational Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , Hung Andrew , Li Hong , Yang Angela Wei Hong
Published: April 2022

Stroke-related numbness and weakness (SRNW) are resultant symptoms of post-stroke sufferers. Existing research has supported the use of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (HGWT) particularly for SRNW; however, their mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of HGWT components targeting SRNW-related proteins through a computational molecular docking approach. Target proteins associated with SRNW were identified through DrugBank database and Open Targets database. Chemical compounds from each herb of HGWT were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Autodock Vina was utilized and the cut-off criterion applied for protein-ligand complexes was a binding affinity score of ≤ -9.5 kcal/mol; selected protein-ligand complexes were identified using 3D and 2D structural analyses. The protein targets PDE5A and ESR1 have highlighted interactions with compounds (BS040, DZ006, DZ058, DZ118, and HQ066) which are the key molecules in the management of SRNW. PDE5A have bioactivity with the amino acid residues (Val230, Asn252, Gln133 and Thr166) throughout PDE5A-cGMP-PKG pathways which involved reduction in myofilament responsiveness. ESR1 were predicted to be critical active with site residue (Leu346, Glu419 and Leu387) and its proteoglycans pathway involving CD44v3/CD44 that activates rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and ankyrin increasing vascular smooth muscle. In conclusion, HGWT may provide therapeutic benefits through strong interactions between herbal compounds and target proteins of PDE5A and ESR1. Further experimental studies are needed to unequivocally support this result which can be valuable to increase the quality of life of post-stroke patients. Keywords Herbal medicine, Complementary and alternative medicine, Natural product, Post-stroke, Computational analysis
Media stakeholders’ perceptions of interpreting in multilingual TV/Radio production: Inter-professional collaboration in context
Authors: Castillo Ortiz Pedro Jesús
Published: April 2022

This article explores inter-professional collaboration in multilingual TV/radio production by focusing on media stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of working with interpreters, and their bearing on the final broadcasting of interpreting on TV and radio. A mixed method approach is followed, consisting of qualitative analysis of video-recorded semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (broadcasters, producers, camera and sound operators and editors) involved in the production of two original broadcasts by Spanish State and Regional Andalusian Broadcasting companies, covering the Fourth Cines del Sur Film Festival (2010) in Granada. The analysis focuses on production-related issues and audience-oriented collaboration between stakeholders and interpreters. It is then corroborated with the original broadcasts of the two programmes and unbroadcast footage of off-air interactions with interpreters and the interpreter-mediated interviews. Drawing on the notions of “broad” and “narrow” context, the study demonstrates that inter-professional collaboration, and that the different degrees of knowledge integration across media and interpreting fields of knowledge ultimately shape the ways in which interpreting is performed and broadcast.
Observation of the cervical microbiome in the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Wang He , Jiang Yanming , Liang Yuejuan , Wei Lingjia , Zhang Wei , Li Li
Published: April 2022

Objective

Cervical microbial community in the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer patients was analysed to study its composition, diversity and signalling pathways by high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing,and the candidate genes associated with occurrence and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were screened out and the model was established to predict the evolution of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia malignant transformation from the cervical microbial genes aspect.

Methods

Cervical tissues of normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer patients without receiving any treatment were collected. The correlation between candidate genes and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression was initially determined by analyzing the microbial flora. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of candidate genes in different cervical tissues, ROC curve and logistic regression was used to analyse and predict the risk factors related to the occurrence and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Finally, the early warning model of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia occurrence and progression is established.

Results

Cervical tissues from normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer patients were collected for microbial community high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing. The analysis revealed five different pathways related to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. 10 candidate genes were selected by further bioinformatics analysis and preliminary screening. Real time PCR, ROC curve and Logistic regression analysis showed that human papillomavirus infection, TCT severity, ABCG2, TDG, PCNA were independent risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. We used these indicators to establish a random forest model. Seven models were built through different combinations. The model 4 (ABCG2 + PCNA + TDG) was the best early warning model for the occurrence and progression of CIN.

Conclusions

A total of 5 differential pathways and 10 candidate genes related to occurrence and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were found in cervical microbial community. This study firstly identified the genes from cervical microbial community that play an important role in the occurrence and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. At the same time, the early warning model including ABCG2 + PCNA+TDG genes provided a new idea and target for clinical prediction and blocking the evolution of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia malignant transformation from the aspect of cervical microbiological related genes.
Status of higher TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels in the aqueous humour of patients with diabetes and cataracts
Authors: Gao Chao , Lin Xiaolei , Fan Fan , Liu Xin , Wan Huijuan , Yuan Ting , Zhao Xinrong , Luo Yi
Published: April 2022

Background

Transforming growth factor (TGF) is a cytokine that acts on the proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis of cells and the accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Very few studies have precisely evaluated the concentration of TGF-β in the aqueous humour (AH) of diabetic and cataract (DMC) eyes due to the low expression of proteins in the AH or other reasons. The concentrations of TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3 in the AH of the DMC group were compared with those of the age-related cataract (ARC) group.

Methods

We collected AH and lens epithelium samples from 33 DMC patients and 36 ARC patients. Luminex liquid suspension chip detection was applied to detect the concentration of TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3 in the AH samples. The expression of TGFB1/2/3 in lens epithelium samples was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

The concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in AH samples of DMC eyes were higher than those of ARC eyes. The differences in TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 between the two groups were statistically significant (Pvalue = 0.001 for TGF-β1,Pvalue = 0.023 for TGF-β2). The difference of the correlation between TGF-β1 and glycosylated haemoglobin was significant (Pvalue = 0.011, and Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.306). The difference of the correlation between TGF-β2 and glycosylated haemoglobin was significant (Pvalue = 0.026, and Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.269). The mRNA expression levels of TGFB1 and TGFB2 were upregulated in DMC epithelium samples compared with ARC epithelium samples. The differences in TGFB1 and TGFB2 between the two groups were statistically significant (Pvalue for TGFB1 = 0.041,Pvalue for TGFB2 = 0.021).

Conclusions

The concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 in AH samples were significantly higher in DMC eyes than in ARC eyes. The higher the glycosylated haemoglobin was, the higher the concentrations of TGF-β1 and -β2 were. The mRNA expression of TGFB1 and TGFB2 was significantly upregulated in DMC epithelial samples compared with ARC epithelial samples, suggesting the proinflammatory status of the anterior chamber of DMC eyes.
Paradoxical development of pleural-based masses in patients with pleural tuberculosis during treatment: a clinical observational study in China
Authors: Dong Zhengwei , Zhang Wei , Sun Wenwen , Zhang Shaojun , Yang Chenlu , Wu Chunyan , Fan Lin
Published: April 2022

Background

To explored the clinical, pathological, and bacteriological characteristics of pleural-based masses occurred during anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment in patients with pleural TB.

Methods

Patients referred with newly diagnosed pleural TB were prospectively enrolled into the study. Patients were followed up throughout the treatment, and clinical data were recorded. Percutaneous biopsy and surgical tissues from pleural-based masses were examined histologically and samples sent for PCR. Cytokines in the pleural effusions and clinical factors were collected and compared between different patients.

Results

A total of 122 patients with pleural TB were enrolled, and 34.4% (42/122) displayed newly observed pleural-based mass during the treatment. Twelve cases underwent surgical resection at the 12 ± 0.5 months during the treatment course. Based on the surgical observation, 58.3% (7 /12) were located in pleura, 41.7% (5/12) were located in the lung parenchyma. Pathological observations showed that the pleural-based masses were typed as granulomatous inflammation, fibrous hyperplasia and necrosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR was positive in 57.1% of the cases (24/42). Any first-line anti-TB drug resistance gene mutations were positive in only 9.5% (4/42). Aside from 12 cases who underwent the surgical operation, 86.7% of the patients (26/30) still had a pleural-based mass at the end of 12 months treatment course. Patients with a pleural-based mass were younger, had a thicker pleural, a higher proportion of pleural adhesive, loculated pleural effusion and residual pleural effusion, and a higher level of LDH, ADA and lower glucose in pleural effusion than those without a pleural-based mass occurrence during the treatment (all Pcorr < 0.05).

Conclusions

Pleural-based masses were observed in about one-third of patients with pleural TB. The masses were in the lung or pleura and were divided into three pathological types.
Prospective association of dietary soy and fibre intake with puberty timing: a cohort study among Chinese children
Authors: Xiong Jingyuan , Xu Yujie , Liu Xueting , Wang Xiaoyu , Shan Shufang , Crabbe M. James C. , Zhao Li , Fang He , Cheng Guo
Published: April 2022

Abstracts

Background

Dietary phytoestrogens have been suggested to influence puberty timing, a critical stage for well-being in adulthood. We hypothesized that childhood soy intake might prospectively influence puberty timing and that dietary fibre and the key isoflavone metabolite equol might play roles.

Methods

Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed in 4781 children (2152 girls and 2629 boys) aged 6–8 years old from the Chinese Adolescent Cohort Study for whom a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and information about potential confounders were available. Anthropometry and pubertal status including age at Tanner stage 2 for breast development (B2) or age at the initiation of gonadal growth (G2), and age at menarche (M) or voice break (VB) were assessed annually. Equol excretion was determined by urine samples from 1311 participants.

Results

Among girls and boys, higher soy intake was associated with later puberty timing (hazard ratio (HR)-B2: 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80–0.96), p=0.02; HR-M, 0.87 (0.77–0.94), p=0.01; HR-G2, 0.91 (0.82–0.98), p=0.013; HR-VB, 0.90 (0.82–0.9), p=0.02), independent of prepubertal body fatness and fibre intake. These associations were more pronounced among children with a high urinary equol level (pfor-interaction ≤ 0.04) or with a high cereal fibre intake (pfor-interaction ≤ 0.06). Intake of dietary fibre or its subtype was not prospectively associated with puberty onset after adjusting for dietary soy intake (p≥0.06).

Conclusion

Higher childhood soy intake is prospectively associated with later puberty timing in both Chinese girls and boys, independent of prepubertal body fatness, and the association is particularly pronounced among individuals with a higher urinary equol level.
Neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, hypotonia, and variable brain anomalies in a consanguineous Iranian family is associated with a homozygous start loss variant in the PRUNE1 gene
Authors: Gholizadeh Mehdi Agha , Mohammadi-Sarband Mina , Fardanesh Fatemeh , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: April 2022

Background

Homozygous or compound heterozygous PRUNE1 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, hypotonia, and variable brain malformations (NMIHBA) (OMIM #617481). The PRUNE1 gene encodes a member of the phosphoesterase (DHH) protein superfamily that is involved in the regulation of cell migration. To date, most of the described mutations in the PRUNE1 gene are clustered in DHH domain.

Methods

We subjected 4 members (two affected and two healthy) of a consanguineous Iranian family in the study. The proband underwent whole-exome sequencing and a start loss identified variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Co-segregation of the detected variant with the disease in family was confirmed.

Results

By whole-exome sequencing, we identified the a start loss variant, NM_021222.3:c.3G>A; p.(Met1?), in the PRUNE1 in two patients of a consanguineous Iranian family with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP), hypotonia, developmental regression, and cerebellar atrophy. Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of the variant with the disease in the family. Protein structure analysis also revealed that the variant probably leads to the deletion of DHH (Asp-His-His) domain, the active site of the protein, and loss of PRUNE1 function.

Conclusion

We identified a start loss variant, NM_021222.3:c.3G>A; p.(Met1?) in the PRUNE1 gene in two affected members as a possible cause of NMIHBA in an Iranian family. We believe that the study adds a new pathogenic variant in spectrum of mutations in the PRUNE1 gene as a cause of PRUNE1-related syndrome.
Retraction Note: MiR-362-5p promotes the malignancy of chronic myelocytic leukaemia via downregulation of GADD45α
Authors: Yang Peng , Ni Fang , Deng Rui-qing , Qiang Guo , Zhao Hua , Yang Ming-zhen , Wang Xin-yi , Xu You-zhi , Chen Li , Chen Dan-lei , Chen Zhi-jun , Kan Li-xin , Wang Si-Ying
Published: April 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12943-015-0465-3.
Association between bone turnover markers, BMD and height loss of cemented vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Lin Shangjin , Cai Xiaoxi , Cheng Qun , Chen Cong , Cao Xuhai , Yang Fengjian , Fan Yongqian
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was recently performed for treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). However, recompression of cemented vertebra with significant vertebral height loss occurred in the patients after PVP was observed during the follow-up period. The purpose is to explore the risk factors among several potential predictors for the height loss of treated vertebral bodies after PVP in patients with OVCF.

Methods

A study of 93 patients who had undergone PVP between May 1, 2016, and March 1, 2019, at the Spine Center of Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University was conducted. The fractured vertebral height loss ratio ≥ 15% at final follow-up were defined as cemented vertebra recompression. The following variables were measured and collected: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), volume of bone cement injected, bone cement leakage, fractured vertebra segment, contact between bone cement and endplates, serum of calcium and phosphorus, and six kinds of bone turnover markers.

Results

Mann–Whitney U test and Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the cemented vertebra recompression was correlated with BMD, contact between bone cement and endplates, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3). Following multivariate modeling, multiple factors logistic regression elucidated that high BMD (P < 0.001, OR = 0.089) and high level of serum 25-OH-D3 (P = 0.012, OR = 0.877) were negatively correlated with the cemented vertebra recompression after PVP.

Conclusion

Decreased BMD and lower level of serum 25-OH-D3 might be two critical and significant risk factors for the height loss of cemented vertebrae after PVP.
Design and evaluation of an intelligent reduction robot system for the minimally invasive reduction in pelvic fractures
Authors: Zhao Chunpeng , Wang Yu , Wu Xinbao , Zhu Gang , Shi Shuchang
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Pelvic fracture is a severe high-energy injury with the highest disability and mortality of all fractures. Traditional open surgery is associated with extensive soft tissue damages and many complications. Minimally invasive surgery potentially mitigates the risks of open surgical procedures and is becoming a new standard for pelvic fracture treatment. The accurate reduction has been recognized as the cornerstone of minimally invasive surgery for pelvic fracture. At present, the closed reduction in pelvic fractures is limited by the current sub-optimal 2D intra-operative imaging (fluoroscopy) and by the high forces of soft tissue involved in the fragment manipulation, which might result in fracture malreduction. To overcome these shortcomings and facilitate pelvic fracture reduction, we developed an intelligent robot-assisted fracture reduction (RAFR) system for pelvic fracture.

Methods

The presented method is divided into three parts. The first part is the preparation of 20 pelvic fracture models. In the second part, we offer an automatic reduction algorithm of our robotic reduction system, including Intraoperative real-time 3D navigation, reduction path planning, control and fixation, and robotic-assisted fracture reduction. In the third part, image registration accuracy and fracture reduction accuracy were calculated and analyzed.

Results

All 20 pelvic fracture bone models were reduced by the RAFR system; the mean registration error E1 of the 20 models was 1.29 ± 0.57 mm. The mean reduction error E2 of the 20 models was 2.72 ± 0.82 mm. The global error analysis of registration and reduction results showed that higher errors are mainly located at the edge of the pelvis, such as the iliac wing.

Conclusion

The accuracy of image registration error and fracture reduction error in our study was excellent, which could reach the requirements of the clinical environment. Our study demonstrated the precision and effectiveness of our RAFR system and its applicability and usability in clinical practice, thus paving the way toward robot minimally invasive pelvic fracture surgeries.
Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: a review
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhang Lin , Chan Jacky C. P. , Wang Xihong , Zhao Chenchen , Xu Ying , Xiong Weifeng , Chung Wai Chak , Liang Feng , Wang Xu , Miao Jiangxia , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate how the ulcerative colitis (UC) be treated with Chinese herbal medicines (CHM), using Chinese medicine (CM) pattern (zheng) identification, in the current clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 7 electronic databases were systematically searched for UC clinical studies with CHM interventions (including single herbs and CHM formulas) published in English and Chinese from the date of their inception to November 25, 2020. Descriptive statistics were adopted to demonstrate the characteristics of study design, and to collate the commonly CM patterns of UC and frequently used CHM herbs and formulas. Further, IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 and Cytoscape 3.7.1 software were used to analyze and visualize the associations between different categories of CHM and their zheng indications.

Results

A total of 2311 articles were included in this study, of which most (> 90%) were RCTs with CHM formulas. The most common zheng of UC was Large intestine dampness-heat, while the basic type of CM patten was Spleen deficiency. The most frequently used classical formula was Bai-Tou-Weng-Tang, followed by Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San, and the commonly used proprietary CHM was Xi-Lei-San (enema). Sulfasalazine and Mesalazine are commonly used as concomitant western medicines. The most frequently used single medicinals were Huang Lian and Bai Zhu, which also identified as the core herbs for different CM patterns.

Conclusion

This study examined the application of CHM interventions for UC and summarized their characteristics in clinical practice. These data indicated there were limited information about the safety assessment of CHM formulas and further RCTs including CM pattern(s) with strict design are necessary.
Common needs in uncommon conditions: a qualitative study to explore the need for care in pediatric patients with rare diseases
Authors: Smits Rosanne M. , Vissers Eline , te Pas Rosan , Roebbers Noor , Feitz Wout F. J. , van Rooij Iris A. L. M. , de Blaauw Ivo , Verhaak Chris M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Challenges faced by children diagnosed with a rare disease or complex condition and their family members are often characterized by disease-specific complexities, such as a prolonged diagnostic process, an uncertain prognosis, and the absence of curative treatment. The psychological burden of living with a rare disease or complex condition is often understudied and may present overarching concepts that shape the general experience of having been diagnosed with a rare condition. The present study examines common needs from a comprehensive perspective combining relevant aspects from the rare disease literature in a theoretical perspective from pediatric psychology, such as a family-centred, developmental and interdisciplinary approach. An exploratory study was designed among parents from children with a rare disease or complex condition in an Integrated University Children’s Hospital in the Netherlands. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with open-ended questions based around the experience of having a child diagnosed with a rare condition, such as the psychosocial impact on the child and it’s development, the impact on the family, and how provided care was experienced.

Results

Twelve interviews were analysed with a thematic content analysis to identify common needs. Eight themes followed from the analysis and uncovered the need for (1) family-focused care, (2) coping with uncertainty, (3) empathic communication, (4) practical support, (5) information, (6) psychological support, (7) interdisciplinary care, and (8) social support.

Conclusions

The results from our study provide directions for research and health care to support young patients with a rare disease or complex condition and their families. Moreover, our results demonstrated that there are overarching concepts across different rare diseases that may be optimally supported with interdisciplinary care.
Clinical and molecular analysis of four unrelated Chinese families with pathogenic KLHL40 variants causing nemaline myopathy 8
Authors: Yuan Haiming , Wang Qingming , Zeng Xiumei , He Peiqing , Xu Wanfang , Guo Hongmei , Liu Yanhui , Lin Yangyang
Published: April 2022

Background

Homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in the KLHL40 gene cause nemaline myopathy 8 (NEM8), a severe autosomal recessive muscle disorder characterized by prenatal polyhydramnios, fetal akinesia or hypokinesia, joint contractures, fractures, respiratory failure and dysphagia. Currently, 46 individuals with NEM8 have been described in the literature, and 30 variants in KLHL40 have been identified.

Results

Here, we reported five individuals from four unrelated Chinese families who presented common features of nemaline myopathy and infrequent clinical characteristics. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to identify the causative gene. WES identified a recurrent missense variant c.1516A>C (p.Thr506Pro) and a novel frameshift variant c.543del (p.Ser182Profs*17) in KLHL40 in patient 1, a nonsense variant c.602G>A (p.Trp201*) and a missense variant c.1516A>C (p.Thr506Pro) in KLHL40 in patient 2, and homozygous variant c.1516A>C (p.Thr506Pro) in KLHL40 in patient 3 and both siblings (patients 4 and 5), all of which were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Next, we estimated the incidence of this disorder in the southern and northern Chinese population to be 4.59/106 and 2.95/106, respectively, based on the cumulative allele frequency of pathogenic variants in internal database.

Conclusion

The results of our study expand the mutation spectrum of KLHL40 and enrich our understanding of the clinical characteristics of NEM8. Genetic counseling was provided for the four families involved in this study. Given the severity and the relatively high incidence of this condition, we strongly suggest that KLHL40 be incorporated into a carrier screening panel for the Chinese population.