bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Truth Primitive?
Authors: Wyatt Jeremy
Published: November 2022

Primitivist theories of truth have been defended by some of the luminaries of analytic philosophy, including the early Moore and Russell, Frege, Davidson, and Sosa. In this paper, I take up a contemporary primitivist theory that has been systematically developed throughout a sizeable body of work but has yet to receive sustained critical attention—Jamin Asay's primitivist deflationism. Asay's major ambitions are to defend a novel primitivist account of the concept truth and to harmonise that account with a deflationary theory of the property truth. I will elaborate a thoroughgoing critique of primitivist deflationism, arguing that we have reason to doubt all of the five theses that constitute the view. Along the way, I will also highlight a number of possible escape routes for the primitivist deflationist, explaining how they can make the view more resilient even as they compel us to rework some of its central commitments.
Effects of Exercise Programs on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in People With Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Marta , Gutiérrez-Suárez Andrea , Arias Jacobo Ángel Rubio , Andreu-Caravaca Luis , Pérez-Tejero Javier
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analyses were to evaluate the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) of people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and to analyze the influence of training variables.

Methods

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched until October 2021 for clinical trials or experimental studies examining the effects of exercise on the functional capacity and QoL in adults with ABI and comparing exercise interventions with non-exercise (usual care).

Results

Thirty-eight studies were evaluated. A total sample of 2219 people with ABI (exercise, n = 1572; control, n = 647) were included in the quantitative analysis. A greater improvement was observed in walking endurance (z score = 2.84), gait speed (z score = 2.01), QoL physical subscale (z score = 3.42), and QoL mental subscale (z score = 3.00) was observed in the experimental group than in the control group. In addition, an improvement was also observed in the experimental group in the “Timed Up and Go” Test scores and balance without differences from the control group. Significant interactions were also observed between the rehabilitation phases, type, frequency and volume of training, and overall effects.

Conclusion

The results suggest that exercise improves functional capacity and QoL regardless of model training, highlighting the effectiveness of long-term exercise that includes short sessions with components such as strength, balance, and aerobic exercise.

Impact

The results shown in this systematic review with meta-analysis will allow physical therapists to better understand the effects of training on people with ABI.
Firm Listing Status, Firm Size, and the Financing of Investment
Authors: Lé Mathias , Vinas Frédéric
Published: November 2022

How do companies finance their investments? We examine the financing of investments according to firms’ listing status, their size, and the nature of the investments. We show that private firms rely more on bank credit than public firms and less on financial debt, equity, and cash flow. We also show that the contribution of financial debt and equity increases with firm size. Considering both dimensions, we always find an increasing contribution of other financial debt and equity with firm size in both populations. Therefore, even in a bank-based economy, equity plays an important role in the investment of larger private firms. (JEL D25, E22, G21, G30, G31, G32)
The discovery of new Chilean taxa revolutionizes the systematics of Geoplaninae Neotropical land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida)
Authors: Almeida Ana Laura , Álvarez-Presas Marta , Carbayo Fernando
Published: November 2022

Two subfamilies of land planarians (Geoplanidae) are endemic to the Neotropical region, namely Geoplaninae (with 29 genera and 346 nominal species, most of which are from Brazil) and its sister-group Timyminae, with only two Chilean species. The systematics of these groups through morphology and molecular data (COI and 28S rDNA genes), including nine new Chilean species, is re-assessed in this study. The great morphological diversity of the Chilean species is congruent with the molecular trees and, accordingly, five new genera (Adinoplana, Harana, Myoplana, Sarcoplana and Transandiplana) are proposed, each characterized by putative synapomorphies. Seven new tribes are also erected (Adinoplanini, Gusanini, Haranini, Inakayaliini, Myoplanini, Polycladini and Sarcoplanini), each one monogeneric, except Geoplanini (which includes all genera under the current concept of Geoplaninae plus the Chilean Transandiplana) and Sarcoplanini (with Sarcoplana and the already known Mapuplana, Pichidamas and Wallamapuplana). Re-diagnoses of Geoplaninae, Timymini, Gusana, Inakayalia, Polycladus and Pichidamas are proposed and biogeographic remarks on Transandiplana are provided
Implementation of a Naloxone Best Practice Advisory Into an Electronic Health Record
Authors: Srikumar Jainaha K. , Daniel Kristin , Balasanova Alёna A.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Naloxone is a harm reduction tool for mitigating the rising rate of opioid overdose deaths. We sought to develop and implement an alert in the electronic health record outlining which patients are at higher risk of opioid overdose and should be coprescribed naloxone. Our aim was to increase coprescribing of naloxone to qualified patients. We also endeavored to evaluate naloxone prescription volume, fill rates, and statewide dispenses before and after alert implementation.

Methods

We developed the electronic alert according to a state opioid safety initiative specifying under which conditions it should activate. We collected data on naloxone prescriptions ordered in the 5 months before and after alert implementation and unique patients with a naloxone dispense statewide. We used internal pharmacy data to evaluate the percentage of fills and used a χ2 test to assess changes in percentage of fills. We used descriptive statistics and t tests to analyze changes in the number of prescriptions and changes in unique patients dispensed naloxone.

Results

We found a 2144% increase in the number of monthly naloxone prescriptions written after the alert became active. There was no statistically significant change in the percentage of fills. There was a 402.8% increase in unique patients statewide with a naloxone dispense after alert implementation.

Conclusions

Designing and implementing an electronic alert prompting naloxone coprescription are feasible and were associated with substantial increases in numbers of naloxone prescriptions and patients with naloxone dispenses statewide. Our findings expand on prior literature about electronic decision support for naloxone coprescription.
Efficacy of Microneedling With 35% Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Microneedling With 15% Trichloroacetic Acid Peels in Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dayal Surabhi , Kaur Rupinder , Sahu Priyadarshini
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Combination of microneedling and chemical peeling is a simple cost-effective treatment for acne scars.

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficacy and safety of combining microneedling with 35% glycolic acid (GA) peel versus microneedling with 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel in facial atrophic acne scars.

METHODS

Forty acne scars patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 20 each. Patients underwent microneedling followed by 35% GA peeling in Group 1 and 15% TCA peeling in Group 2 at 2 weekly intervals. Improvement was graded by Goodman and Baron's qualitative and quantitative global acne scar grading systems, physician's global assessment, and visual analogue scale (VAS). Skin texture was graded by VAS.

RESULTS

On comparing qualitative and quantitative acne scar grading within groups, there was significant difference from the baseline. When the two groups were compared for quantitative and qualitative acne scar grading, the difference was statistically not significant at the end of therapy. In VAS, greater number of patients assessed response as excellent and good in Group 1 than in Group 2 indicating better skin texture improvement in Group 1.

CONCLUSION

Both combinations were equally efficacious in treating acne scars. Glycolic acid peel delivered additional advantage of improvement in skin texture.
Primordial Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Morton Kara , Heindl Brittain , Clarkson Stephen , Bittner Vera
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

The primordial prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) involves the prevention of the onset of its risk factors. This review explores the associations between early modifiable risk factors and the development of ASCVD in adulthood, as well as evidence-based interventions to prevent them.

Review Methods:

A review was conducted on the basis of an in-depth literature search including longitudinal observational data, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in 2012 or later, clinical trials, and additional manual searches of recent literature based on reference lists of other reviews and relevant guidelines.

ASCVD is a disease that begins in childhood; hence, primordial prevention is an important target for improving cardiovascular morbidity and mortality later in life. Data from large-scale population studies have consistently identified the following modifiable risk factors for the development of ASCVD: smoking, overweight and obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, poor diet, and physical inactivity. These risk factors originate during the prenatal, childhood, and adolescent stages of life. Various successful interventions to prevent the onset of each risk factor have been evaluated at the individual, community, and population levels. Implementation of a heart-healthy dietary pattern and regular exercise early in life are large components of many successful interventions.
Posterior Corneal Curvature Changes After Pre-Descemet's Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Nidhi Kavya , Ashok Kumar Dhivya , Sinha Nisha , Agarwal Amar
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

To assess the changes in the posterior corneal curvature after pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) and correlate with the visual outcomes.

Methods:

Eyes with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, aphakic bullous keratopathy, and Fuchs dystrophy undergoing PDEK were included. The main outcome measures were the topography (OrbscanIIz, Bausch and Lomb) indices—total corneal power (TCP) in diopters (D), radius of the posterior curvature (mm), and best-fit sphere of the posterior corneal surface (BFS in D) at preoperative and postoperative 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results:

Overall, 43 eyes of 43 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 9.6 years were studied. The mean preoperative TCP 43.1 D ± 2.3 reduced to 42.4 D ± 2.6 at 3 months (P < 0.010). There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean posterior corneal curvature at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.002). There was no significant change in the TCP and posterior corneal curvature at 6 months (P > 0.05). The mean BFS showed an increase at 1 month (53.45 ± 5.2 D) and 3 months (52.95 ± 5.1 D) and decrease at 6 months (51.90 ± 5.3 D). The overall change in BFS (P > 0.05) was not significant. There was significant improvement in visual acuity (P < 0.05). The best-corrected visual acuity was ≥20/40 in 79.07% and ≥20/60 in 100% at 6 months. There was no statistically significant correlation between the change in the best-corrected visual acuity and TCP, posterior corneal curvature, or BFS.

Conclusions:

Although there was immediate postoperative change in the posterior curvature, no significant change was induced by PDEK.
Effect of Increasing Povidone-Iodine Exposure on Corneal Epithelium and Impact on Donor Rim Cultures
Authors: Sawant Onkar B. , How Stephanie , Hurlbert Susan , Titus Michael S. , Vadakkepattath Indu , Shen Xiang , Djalilian Ali R.
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a second povidone-iodine (PVP-I) application at the time of donor tissue recovery on overall tissue quality and to analyze the rate of positive fungal and bacterial rim cultures before and after implementing increased PVP-I exposure.

Methods:

The left cornea was recovered after a single application of PVP-I, while the right cornea was recovered after double PVP-I application in research-consented donors. The epithelial cell death rate was estimated using viability assay in corneal whole mounts under 10× objective (n = 5). Clinical characteristics of epithelium, stroma, and endothelium; positive rim culture rate; and incidences of infectious postoperative adverse reactions were compared for a period of 14 months before and after implementation of increased PVP-I protocol.

Results:

The average epithelial cell death rate was unaltered between single and double PVP-I exposure groups. We observed a modest 10% increase in the number of tissues with mild edema after implementation of increased PVP-I exposure. Nonetheless, the percentage of tissues with moderate or severe edema was unaltered. The average positive rim culture rate decreased from 1.17% to 0.88% (P = 0.075) after implementation of the double PVP-I soak procedure. There has been only one report of infectious postoperative adverse reactions since this procedure change. By contrast, there were 5 reports for a period of 14 months before implementation of this protocol.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that new donor preparation methods with an additional 5 minutes of PVP-I exposure do not affect tissue quality, reduce positive rim cultures, and lead to lower incidence of postoperative infection.
Feasibility of repeat microdissection testicular sperm extraction within 6 months for nonobstructive azoospermia
Authors: Tai Meng-Che , Huang I-Shen , Huang Chen-Yu , Huang William J.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is the mainstay of sperm retrieval in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Some experts believe that a resting period of ≥6 months is required between procedures to ensure better sperm retrieval rates and fewer complications. However, no scientific studies have investigated how long patients should wait before arranging a second mTESE procedure. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate whether good success rates are still achieved when a repeat mTESE procedure is performed within 6 months.

Methods:

Total 146 patients with NOA who underwent mTESE twice from the same testis between May 2012 and September 2019 were retrospectively collected. These patients were categorized into three groups according to the time interval between the two mTESE surgeries, with 44, 60, and 42 patients undergoing a repeat mTESE after <3 months (group I), between 3 and 6 months (group II), and >6 months (group III) after the first procedure, respectively.

Results:

No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of patient characteristics and preoperative hormone profiles. Overall sperm retrieval rates did not differ among the three groups (93.2%, 90.0%, and 88.1% in groups I, II, and III, respectively [p = 0.719]), nor did fertility outcomes, including rates of fertilization, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and cumulative live births.

Conclusion:

Sperm retrieval rates for repeat mTESE procedures were consistently high, even when the second procedure was performed within 6 months of the first. Repeat mTESE within 6 months is not a limitation for patients with NOA, if required clinically.
Bell's Palsy and Its Semantic Change over Time
Authors: Chern Alexander , Mudry Albert , Lustig Lawrence R.
Published: November 2022

Background

From 1821 to 1829, Sir Charles Bell presented cases of facial paralysis from infection, trauma, and unknown causes. As such, “Bell's palsy” initially referred to facial palsy of any etiology. Today, the term is reserved for idiopathic peripheral facial palsy. The objectives of this analysis were to establish when the eponym came to vogue and delineate the semantic shift from its original definition to its current one.

Methods

Extensive review of available 19th and 20th century literature mentioning “Bell's palsy” and “Bell's paralysis.”

Results

Historical accounts have eponymously attached Bell's name to facial paralysis as early as the 1840s—Bell's palsy was first used to describe cases of facial palsy of any cause. In 1886, Gowers characterized Bell's palsy as a “neuritis usually within the Fallopian Canal,” distinguishing it as a separate etiology. Over the next decades, the definition narrowed to peripheral facial paralysis from cold exposure or unknown causes. By the 1940s, its natural history was well described—an acute, unilateral, idiopathic, and usually self-limited peripheral facial palsy.

Conclusion

The semantic change of a word over time can tell us a remarkable story of its history and origins. Absence of a discrete lesion, lack of proven treatment, and good prognosis without intervention distinguished Bell's palsy from other causes of facial paralysis. Over time, the definition has narrowed from a facial palsy of any cause to an idiopathic peripheral facial palsy. Recent evidence supporting Bell's palsy as a viral mononeuritis may have driven its recent semantic change toward this specific etiology.
Fracture neck of the talus with isolated talonavicular dislocation: A case report
Authors: Selim Amr , Naqvi Ali Zain , Magill Henry , Smith Jay
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

Talar neck fractures are injuries which frequently result in adverse outcomes or impairment of functional activity. Four groups were identified according to Hawkins classification and Canale modification. We present a female patient with a fractured neck of the talus associated with talonavicular dislocation, but intact tibiotalar and subtalar joints; an injury pattern not fulfilling the criteria described in the Hawkins classification.

Patient concerns:

A 46-year-old woman missed a step and fell down stairs with an immediate painful right ankle and inability to bear weight.

Diagnosis:

Talar neck fracture with an unusual isolated talonavicular dislocation.

Interventions:

Temporary closed reduction followed by open reduction and internal fixation were performed.

Outcomes:

The patient had excellent functional and radiological outcomes following surgical management.

Conclusion:

We discuss the management of this rare case in addition to a review of the current literature to provide the best evidence-based recommendations for this injury pattern.
Citation analysis of the 100 top-cited articles on the topic of hidradenitis suppurativa since 2013 using Sankey diagrams: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yang Ting-Ya , Chien Tsair-Wei , Lai Feng-Jie
Published: November 2022

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory and debilitating dermatosis characterized by painful nodules, sinus tracts and abscesses in apocrine gland-bearing areas that predominantly affect women worldwide. New therapeutic interventions based on the clinical manifestations of patients have recently been introduced in numerous articles. However, which countries, journals, subject categories, and articles have the ultimate influence remain unknown. This study aimed to display influential entities in 100 top-cited HS-related articles (T100HS) and investigate whether medical subject headings (i.e., MeSH terms) can be used to predict article citations.

Methods:

T100HS data were extracted from PubMed since 2013. Subject categories were classified by MeSH terms using social network analysis. Sankey diagrams were applied to highlight the top 10 influential entities in T100HS from the three aspects of publication, citations, and the composited score using the hT index. The difference in article citations across subject categories and the predictive power of MeSH terms on article citations in T100HS were examined using one-way analysis of variance and regression analysis.

Results:

The top three countries (the US, Italy, and Spain) accounts for 54% of the T100HS. The T100HS impact factor (IF) is 12.49 (IF = citations/100). Most articles were published in J Am Acad Dermatol (15%; IF = 18.07). Eight subject categories were used. The “methods” was the most frequent MeSH term, followed by “surgery” and “therapeutic use”. Saunte et al, from Roskilde Hospital, Denmark, had 149 citations in PubMed for the most cited articles. Sankey diagrams were used to depict the network characteristics of the T100HS. Article citations did not differ by subject category (F(7, 92) = 1.97, P = .067). MeSH terms were evident in the number of article citations predicted (F(1, 98) = 129.1106; P < .001).

Conclusion:

We achieved a breakthrough by displaying the characteristics of the T100HS network on the Sankey diagrams. MeSH terms may be used to classify articles into subject categories and predict T100HS citations. Future studies can apply the Sankey diagram to the bibliometrics of the 100 most-cited articles.
Characteristics and mechanism of reciprocal ST-segment depression in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: Reciprocal ST-segment depression and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Qijun , Bie Fangfang , Hu Yingfu , Chen Yafeng , Yang Bo
Published: November 2022

At present, the mechanism of reciprocal ST-segment depression (RSTD) is unclear. ST-segment changes may be caused by the potential difference between the positive and negative electrodes, although this requires further investigation. The characteristics of RSTD and their relationship with ST-segment elevation in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were analyzed. We replaced the negative electrode of the precordial leads of an inferior wall myocardial infarction patient and observed the changes in the ST-segment of the precordial leads. A total of 85 patients were included, of which 75 were patients with RSTD. All 45 patients with inferior myocardial infarction had limb lead RSTD, and 37 had anterior lead ST-segment depression. All ST-segment changes in STEMI can be explained by the proposed mechanism, and the value of ST segment depression in limb leads can be calculated by the value of ST segment elevation. In summary, the mechanism of RSTD in acute myocardial infarction may be that the action potential (AP) of the negative electrode of the lead weakens or disappears and the AP of the positive electrode may not be completely offset, resulting in ST-segment depression. Animal experimental studies are needed for further confirmation. When the negative electrode of the precordial lead is changed in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction patient, the ST-segment of the precordial lead changes accordingly. All the changes are consistent with our analysis.
Biomarkers of stress in caregivers of children with special health care needs: A protocol for systematic review
Authors: Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia , Zonta Jaqueline Brosso , Sulino Mariane Caetano , Looman Wendy Sue , Correa Leticia Mancini , Okido Aline Cristiane Cavicchioli
Published: November 2022

Background:

Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) require greater attention from family caregivers as they present temporary or permanent physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional issues. This demand for care generates overload and stress among family caregivers. So far, there is no study that gathers the available literature regarding the use of biomarkers to assess stress among caregivers of CSHCN. Hence, we aimed to synthetize and to assess the scientific evidence on biomarkers associated with stress in caregivers of CSHCN.

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was elaborated following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). The search strategy will be undertaken through 7 electronic bibliographic databases: Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO. In addition, secondary searches in other sources, such as Clinical trials.gov-NIH, The British Library, Pro Quest Dissertations Database, Google Scholar, and medRXiv will be also carried out. The reference section of the included studies will be hand searched for additional relevant studies. There will be no restriction regarding the publication dates or languages for this systematic review. Moreover, in an independently manner, 2 investigators will select studies, perform data extraction, as well as perform a critical appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of the selected studies, based on their designs. The heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using theI2statistic test. According to the results of this test, we will verify whether a meta-analysis is feasible. If feasibility is confirmed, a random-effect model analysis will be carried out. For data analysis, the calculation of the pooled effect estimates will consider a 95% CI and alpha will be set in 0.05 using the SPSS version 23.0.

Results:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide better insights regarding the biomarkers associated with stress in caregivers of CSHCN. Hence, consistent data and robust evidence will be provided to help practitioners and decision-makers in this area.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge this study, will be the first to synthetize and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on biomarkers associated with stress in caregivers of CSHCN.
Effect of early progressive mobilization on intensive care unit-acquired weakness in mechanically ventilated patients: An observational study
Authors: Zhou Jing , Zhang Chao , Zhou Ji-dong , Zhang Cheng-kai
Published: November 2022

Early progressive mobilization is usually considered as an effective method for intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), but the controversies on this topic remain debatable, especially in initiation time, safety profile, and other implementation details. So, more studies should be performed to solve these disputes. A set of critically ill patients underwent mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU) of our hospital from March 2018 to September 2020 were included as study object. Patients received early progressive mobilization were included into the intervention group (n = 160), and another patients matched with the intervention group by gender, age, and APACHE II score, and these patients received routine intervention were included into the control group (n = 160). Then, indexes involving muscle strength, Barthel index, functional independence, incidence rates of ICU-AW and other complications were comparatively analyzed between the 2 groups. The Medical Research Council score and Barthel index score in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < .05). The percentages of patients who were able to complete taking a shower, wearing clothes, eating, grooming, moving from bed to chair and using the toilet by alone in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (69.38% vs 49.38%, 73.13% vs 51.88%, 81.25% vs 55.63%, 74.38% vs 48.75%, 82.50% vs 65.63%, 78.13% vs 63.13%, respectively, all P < .05). The incidence rate of ICU-AW and overall incidence rate of complications in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (6.88% vs 28.13% and 23.13% vs 48.13%, both P < .05). Early progressive mobilization can effectively increase muscle strength and daily basic motion ability, improve functional status, and decrease risk of ICU-AW in critically ill patients underwent mechanical ventilation, and it has an attractive application value in clinic.
Accuracy of monocyte to lymphocyte ratio for tuberculosis diagnosis and its role in monitoring anti-tuberculosis treatment: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adane Tiruneh , Melku Mulugeta , Ayalew Getnet , Bewket Gezahegn , Aynalem Melak , Getawa Solomon
Published: November 2022

Background:

High monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) values may be associated with the risk of active tuberculosis (TB) infection in adults, infants, and postpartum women with HIV infection. It may also serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of anti-TB treatment. Thus, the main aim of this study is to ascertain the accuracy of MLR for the diagnosis of TB and its role in monitoring the effectiveness of anti-TB therapy.

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 11 and Meta-DiSc software. The Quality assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. The area under the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic hierarchical summary ROC curve [(HSROC) curve (AUC)] was also calculated as an indicator of diagnostic accuracy.

Results:

A total of 15 articles were included in this study. Accordingly, the result showed that elevated MLR is associated with increased risks of TB disease [odd ratio = 3.11 (95% CI: 1.40–6.93)]. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of MLR for identifying TB were 79.5% (95% CI: 68.5–87.3) and 80.2% (95% CI: 67.3–88.9), respectively. The AUC of HSROC was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.857–0.903), indicating the excellent diagnostic performance of MLR for TB. This study also showed that there is a significant reduction in the MLR value after anti-TB treatment in TB patients (standardized mean difference  = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.007, 1.43).

Conclusions:

Generally, MLR can be considered as a crucial biomarker to identify TB and monitor the effectiveness of anti-TB therapy.
A nomogram for individualized prediction of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in stroke patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Lingling , Zhao Benxin , Xu Guangxu , Zhou Juan
Published: November 2022

To develop and validate a nomogram for individualized prediction of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients based on extremity function and daily living ability of stroke patients. In this study, 423 stroke patients admitted to the Rehabilitation Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from December 2015 to February 2019 were taken as the subjects, who were divided into the DVT group (110) and No-DVT group (313) based on the existence of DVT. Inter-group comparison of baseline data was performed by 1-way Analysis of Variance, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, or Pearson chi-square test. Data dimensions and predictive variables were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO); the prediction model was developed and the nomogram was prepared by binary logistics regression analysis; the performance of the nomogram was identified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Harrell’s concordance index, and calibration curve; and the clinical effectiveness of the model was analyzed by clinical decision curve analysis. Age, Brunnstrom stage (lower extremity), and D-dimer were determined to be the independent predictors affecting DVT. The independent predictors mentioned above were developed and presented as a nomogram, with AUC and concordance index of 0.724 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.670–0.777), indicating the satisfactory discrimination ability of the nomogram. The P value of the results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 0.732, indicating good fitting of the prediction model. Decision curve analysis showed that the clinical net benefit of this model was 6% to 50%. We developed a nomogram to predict lower extremity deep venous thrombosis in stroke patients, and the results showed that the nomogram had satisfactory prediction performance and clinical efficacy.
Comparison of maximum and mean standardized uptake values of jaw pathologies with bone SPECT/CT: an especial focus on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Minami Yoshiyuki , Ogura Ichiro
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate the comparison of maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVs) of jaw pathologies with bone Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), and a special focus on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Methods

Eighty-nine patients with jaw pathologies (63 MRONJ, 13 chronic osteomyelitis, 11 osteoradionecrosis and 2 primary intraosseous carcinoma) underwent bone SPECT/CT scans acquisition at 4 h after intravenous injection of Tc-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate in this prospective study. The evaluation of mean and maximum SUVs of jaw pathologies were performed using Q. Metrix and Xeleris workstation and defined the data automatically. Statistical analyses were performed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient for comparison of maximum and mean SUVs and Mann-Whitney U-test for SUVs of MRONJ. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

Maximum SUVs of MRONJ, chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis and primary intraosseous carcinoma were 17.6 ± 8.4, 21.7 ± 7.1, 11.9 ± 4.8 and 26.6 ± 7.0, respectively. Mean SUVs of MRONJ, chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis and primary intraosseous carcinoma were 10.1 ± 4.9, 11.9 ± 3.3, 7.0 ± 2.8 and 10.1 ± 4.5, respectively. The maximum SUV of jaw pathologies was significantly correlated with the mean SUV (Y = 0.494X + 1.228; R2 = 0.786; P < 0.001). Furthermore, maximum and mean SUVs of MRONJ had significant differences in underlying diseases, medication and staging.

Conclusion

The maximum and mean SUVs with bone SPECT/CT can be an effective tool for the quantitative evaluation of jaw pathologies, especially MRONJ.
The United Kingdom Paediatric Critical Care Society Study Group: The 20-Year Journey Toward Pragmatic, Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Peters Mark J. , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan , Scholefield Barnaby R. , Tume Lyvonne N. , Tasker Robert C. ,   for the United Kingdom Paediatric Critical Care Society Study Group (PCCS-SG)
Published: November 2022

Over the past two decades, pediatric intensive care research networks have been formed across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. The U.K. Paediatric Critical Care Society Study Group (PCCS-SG) has over a 20-year tradition of fostering collaborative research, leading to the design and successful conduct of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). To date, the PCCS-SG network has delivered 13 different multicenter RCTs, covering a spectrum of study designs, methodologies, and scale.

Lessons from the early years have led PCCS-SG to now focus on the entire process needed for developing an RCT, starting from robust preparatory steps such as surveys, data analysis, and feasibility work through to a definitive RCT. Pilot RCTs have been an important part of this process as well. Facilitators of successful research have included the presence of a national registry to facilitate efficient data collection; close partnerships with established Clinical Trials Units to bring together clinicians, methodologists, statisticians, and trial managers; greater involvement of transport teams to recruit patients early in trials of time-sensitive interventions; and the funded infrastructure of clinical research staff within the National Health Service to integrate research within the clinical service.

The informal nature of PCCS-SG has encouraged buy-in from clinicians. Greater international collaboration and development of embedded trial platforms to speed up the generation and dissemination of trial findings are two key future strategic goals for the PCCS-SG research network.
Myocardial Uptake of 68Ga-Pentixafor in a Patient With Systemic Amyloidosis
Authors: Pan Qingqing , Luo Yaping , Cao Xinxin , Li Jian
Published: November 2022

A 55-year-old man presented with chest tightness and lower-limb edema for 1 year. Laboratory and imaging examinations suggested cardiac amyloidosis. Both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT showed increased uptake in the myocardium of the left ventricle, whereas the bone marrow had diffusely mild uptake of 68Ga-pentixafor without bone destruction. 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy also detected extraosseous uptake in the heart, gut, kidneys, and soft tissue. The biopsy of the abdominal subcutaneous fat confirmed amyloid deposits, and the patient was finally diagnosed with primary systemic amyloidosis. This case demonstrated that cardiac amyloidosis might show increased 68Ga-pentixafor uptake in myocardium.
Multifocal Extramedullary Relapse With Neuroleukemiosis in a Case of Early T-Cell Precursor ALL
Authors: Ashwathanarayana Abhiram G. , Bansal Himanshu , Goyal Vikas , Dewangan Vinita
Published: November 2022

Early T-cell precursor ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) is a rare type of childhood and adult T-cell ALL. Disease recurrence is common within 2 years from the time of initial diagnosis. Outcomes of relapse have been characterized through risk stratification schemes, and one of the major determinants of overall survival is the overall tumor burden and sites of relapse. Although testicular recurrence is common; Peripheral nerve as a site of recurrence is relatively rare. We present a case of early T-cell ALL on maintenance therapy with multifocal relapse on FDG PET/CT in the cervical lymph nodes, the testis, and the left sciatic nerve. Bone marrow and flow cytometry confirmed the relapse.
Tailored ion beam for precise colour centre creation
Authors: Tobalina A. , Munuera-Javaloy C. , Torrontegui E. , Muga J. G. , Casanova J.
Published: November 2022

We present an invariant-based quantum control scheme leading to a highly monochromatic ion beam from a Paul trap. Our protocol is implementable by supplying the segmented electrodes in the trap with voltages of the order of volts. This mitigates the impact of fluctuations in previous designs and leads to a low-dispersion beam of ions. Moreover, our proposal does not rely on sympathetically cooling ions, which bypasses the need of loading different species in the trap—namely, the propelled ion and, e.g. a

 

40

Ca

+

to exert sympathetic cooling—significantly incrementing the repetition rate of the launching procedure. Our scheme is based on an invariant operator linear in position and momentum, which enables us to control the average extraction energy and the outgoing momentum spread. In addition, we propose a sequential operation to tailor the transversal properties of the beam before the ejection to minimize the impact spot and to increase the lateral resolution of the implantation.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Shortcuts to adiabaticity: theoretical, experimental and interdisciplinary perspectives’.
Nucisporomicrobium flavum gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Micromonosporaceae isolated from saline-alkali soil
Authors: Han Chuang , Jiang Mengqi , Shan Qiqi , Liu Ting , Wang Han , Guo Lifeng , Xiang Wensheng , Zhao Junwei , Wang Xiangjing
Published: November 2022

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinobacterium, designated strain NEAU-24T, was isolated from saline-alkali soil collected from Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, PR China. Strain NEAU-24T was found to produce abundant substrate mycelia but no aerial hyphae. The substrate mycelia formed irregular pseudosporangia consisting of nuciform spores, and the surface of the spores was smooth. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain NEAU-24T clustered with Pseudosporangium ferrugineum 3-44-a(19)T, Couchioplanes caeruleus subsp. azureus DSM 44103T and C. caeruleus subsp. caeruleus DSM 43634T within the family Micromonosporaceae and was most closely related to P. ferrugineum 3-44-a(19)T (99.17 %). The strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the cell-wall diamino acid and MK-9(H6) as the menaquinone. The whole cell sugar profile consisted of glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol and an unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were summarized as C16 : 0, C15 : 0, C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The low digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values could differentiate strain NEAU-24T from its related type strains. The phenotypic, genetic and chemotaxonomic data also indicated that strain NEAU-24T occupied a branch separated from those of known genera in the family Micromonosporaceae. In addition, genomic analysis confirmed that strain NEAU-24T had the potential to produce chitinase. Therefore, strain NEAU-24T represents a novel species of a new genus and species in the family Micromonosporaceae, for which the name Nucisporomicrobium flavum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Nucisporomicrobium flavum is NEAU-24T (=CCTCC AA 2020016T=JCM 33973T).
Mutations inZBTB20in individuals with persistent stuttering
Authors: Frigerio Domingues Carlos E , Raza Muhammad Hashim , Han Tae-Un , Barnes Terra , Shaw Philip , Sudre Gustavo , Riazuddin Sheikh , Morell Robert J. , Drayna Dennis
Published: November 2022

Background

Previous studies identified a strong linkage signal for non-syndromic persistent developmental stuttering on chromosome 3q13.2-3q13.33 in a large consanguineous family. To identify the causative genetic variant at this locus, including we performed further analysis, including whole exome, whole genome, and targeting Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified a homozygous rare c.2155G>A variant inZBTB20in individuals who stutter. This mutation encodes Isoleucine in place of a highly conserved Valine at amino acid position 719 in ZBTB20 that co-segregates (LOD = 4.23) with stuttering under a model of recessive inheritance with reduced penetrance in this family. Coding variants in this gene were significantly more frequent in a multiethnic cohort of unrelated individuals who stutter than in individuals in large population databases comprised of our normal control subjects and gnomAD database subjects matched for ethnicity.ZBTB20encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor, and luciferase reporter constructs using genes known to be regulated by ZBTB20 showed that the Ile719 mutant form of the protein displays altered transcriptional regulationin vitro. Although homozygosity for mutations inZBTB20has not previously been observed, dominant mutations inZBTB20have been reported in Primrose syndrome, a rare Mendelian dominant disorder characterized by tall stature, developmental delay, dysgenesis of the corpus callosum, but generally not speech disorders. Clinical re-examination of the affected family members ten years after their original ascertainment revealed only some suggestive signs associated with Primrose syndrome.

Conclusions

Our findings support variants inZBTB20as a cause of stuttering in a large family, and rarely in the wider population. Previous studies in mice have demonstrated thatZbtb20is required for the development of astrocytes, a brain cell type previously implicated in an animal model of stuttering. Our findings support our hypothesis that astrocyte pathology is involved in this disorder. Our findings also broaden the medical genetic view of disorders ofZBTB20, and demonstrate that individuals carrying a homozygous mutation in this gene can be viable, and that they can primarily display persistent developmental stuttering.
Identifying a developmental transition in honey bees using gene expression data
Authors: Daniels Bryan C. , Wang Ying , Page Robert E. , Amdam Gro V.
Published: November 2022

In many organisms, interactions among genes lead to multiple functional states, and changes to interactions can lead to transitions into new states. These transitions can be related to bifurcations (or critical points) in dynamical systems theory. Characterizing these collective transitions is a major challenge for systems biology. Here, we develop a statistical method for identifying bistability near a continuous transition directly from high-dimensional gene expression data. We apply the method to data from honey bees, where a known developmental transition occurs between bees performing tasks in the nest and leaving the nest to forage. Our method, which makes use of the expected shape of the distribution of gene expression levels near a transition, successfully identifies the emergence of bistability and links it to genes that are known to be involved in the behavioral transition. This proof of concept demonstrates that going beyond correlative analysis to infer the shape of gene expression distributions might be used more generally to identify collective transitions from gene expression data.
Expression and relationship with immunity of LRFN4 in lung adenocarcinoma: Based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhu Zhiyong , Peng Linglong , Luo Haoyun , Jiang Yahui , Yang Mingying , Gu Haitao , Wang Yaxu
Published: November 2022

Leucine rich repeat and fibronectin type III domain containing 4(LRFN4) has been reported to be upregulated in multiple tumors and related to prognosis and survival of patients. However, the function of LRFN4 in LUAD is still unclear. Herein, bioinformatic approach was used for the first time to elucidate the relationship between LRFN4 and LUAD. In LUAD tissues, we discovered that LRFN4 mRNA expression was considerably higher. Higher LRFN4 expression was associated with poorer prognosis and higher clinical stage of LUAD patients. Paraffin pathology sections (12 samples including LUAD tissues and paired normal tissues from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University) were used to verify the expression of LRFN4 at the protein level by immunohistochemical staining. On the other hand, we identified that LRFN4 expression was related to multiple immune cells that constitute tumor immune microenvironment. Pathway enrichment analysis also suggested the enrichment of several tumor- and immune-related pathways, such as: Hippo pathway, NOD-like pathway, TNF pathway and P53 pathway. Finally, we constructed an 8-gene prognostic risk signature based on 35 LRFN4-related immunomodulators using the Cox regression model, and obtained reasonably good accuracy through Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC curve) validation. The risk signature was further identified as an independent risk factor – was linked with worse survival of LUAD patients. Furthermore, a prognostic risk profile based on LRFN4-related immunomodulators was constructed. Meanwhile, other clinical features were integrated together as prognostic markers to construct a nomogram to predict the long-term survival probability of LUAD patients, and fairly high credibility was obtained by validation of calibration curves.