bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dengue outbreak amongst travellers returning from Cuba—GeoSentinel surveillance network, January–September 2022
Authors: Díaz-Menéndez Marta , Angelo Kristina M , de Miguel Buckley Rosa , Bottieau Emmanuel , Huits Ralph , Grobusch Martin P , Gobbi Federico Giovanni , Asgeirsson Hilmir , Duvignaud Alexandre , Norman Francesca F , Javelle Emilie , Epelboin Loïc , Rothe Camilla , Chappuis Francois , Martinez Gabriela Equihua , Popescu Corneliu , Camprubí-Ferrer Daniel , Molina Israel , Odolini Silvia , Barkati Sapha , Kuhn Susan , Vaughan Stephen , McCarthy Anne , Lago Mar , Libman Michael D , Hamer Davidson H
Published: December 2022

Increasing numbers of travellers returning from Cuba with dengue virus infection were reported to the GeoSentinel Network from June to September 2022, reflecting an ongoing local outbreak. This report demonstrates the importance of travellers as sentinels of arboviral outbreaks and highlights the need for early identification of travel-related dengue.
Impact of streetlights on physiology, biochemistry and diversity of urban bryophyte: a case study on moss Semibarbula orientalis
Authors: Bhatt Upma , Sharma Shubhangani , Kumar Deepak , Soni Vineet
Published: December 2022

The use of artificial light at night is a very basic symbol of urbanization and has distorted many ecological, biochemical and physiological phenomena in plants, which have settled for millions of years in the biological system. Continuous illumination of light significantly alters the circadian rhythm of all organisms. The present study was focused to understand the effects of continuous light (CL) on the biochemistry and physiology of moss Semibarbula orientalis. It was observed that H2O2 accumulation and activities of chlorophyllase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes significantly enhanced in plants growing under streetlights. Similarly, plants under CL showed a marked reduction in photosynthetic performance. Specific fluxes (ABS/RC, TR/RC, ET/RC), phenomenological fluxes (ABS/CS, TR/CS, ET/CS), density of photosystem-II, quantum yield of photosynthesis and chlorophyll concentration markedly declined in plants growing under streetlights. Depletion in performance indices (PIcs and PIabs) and primary and secondary photochemistry [PHIO/(1 − PHIO) and PSIO/(1 − PSIO)] were also noticed, which indicated failure of adaptive strategies of photosystem-II, resulting in the loss of biomass of S. orientalis. Biomass decline is also shown by a decrease in coverage, which reduces the bryophyte species richness of the chosen locations. Present studies clearly indicate that artificial light at night drastically affects the moss population. The reduction in the dominating species, S. orientalis, improves species evenness and results in a slow growth rate.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels within the Trimester-Specific Reference Intervals Are Correlated with Non–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Remnant Cholesterol Concentrations in Pregnant Women
Authors: Wang Guocheng , Jin Feng , Xie Limin , Zhang Xiaofen , Zhang Yawei , Ni Xin , Li Wei , Zhang Guojun
Published: December 2022

Objective

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are associated with serum lipid concentrations in the general nonpregnant population. Here, we aimed to establish trimester-specific reference intervals and to explore the associations of their variations within the specific reference intervals during pregnancy.

Methods

Trimester-specific reference intervals were established according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute EP28-A3c guidelines using a direct sampling method based on a large prospective cohort. After making one-to-one matches, correlation analyses between TSH and lipid index levels, especially within the reference intervals, were conducted.

Result

A total of 1648 pregnant women for TSH and 2045 subjects for lipids were recruited to establish the trimester-specific reference intervals. The upper reference limit (90% confidence interval) of TSH for pregnant women in the first trimester is 3.95 (3.66–4.29) mIU/L, which is very close to the default value (4.0 mIU/L) recommended by the American Thyroid Association in 2017. Apart from triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TSH levels were positively associated with the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C), and remnant cholesterol (RC) either in the entire range or within the specific reference intervals. Of note, the positive correlations between TSH and non–HDL-C and RC were, albeit similarly weak (r < 0.25), relatively more robust (P < .001).

Conclusion

In this study, we showed positive correlations between TSH and lipid components within trimester-specific reference intervals, highlighting the need for the integrated management of pregnant women over age 35 and with nonoptimal lipid status in China.
Safe-zone schools and the academic performance of children in mixed-status households: Evidence from the ‘between the lines’ study
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Bucheli José R , Martinez-Donate Ana P
Published: December 2022

In response to the intensification of immigration enforcement in the interior of the USA, some school districts have implemented ‘safe-zone’ policies to protect students’ academic progression and well-being. Using primary data from a sample of US-born children of unauthorized migrants, we document the detrimental effect of stricter immigration enforcement on children’s educational outcomes and the benefits of safe-zone policies. Our analyses show that restricting immigration authorities’ access to schools and providing counseling on immigration-related issues are crucial policy components in strengthening children’s focus, effort, expectations, parental involvement, and relationships. These findings highlight the damaging impact of immigration enforcement on US-citizen children in mixed-status households and advance our understanding of the role of local policies in mitigating these effects.
An Analysis of Head and Neck Surgical Workload During Recent Combat Operations From 2002 to 2016
Authors: Stern Caryn A , Glaser Jacob J , Stockinger Zsolt T , Gurney Jennifer M
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In battle-injured U.S. service members, head and neck (H&N) injuries have been documented in 29% who were treated for wounds in deployed locations and 21% who were evacuated to a Role 4 MTF. The purpose of this study is to examine the H&N surgical workload at deployed U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan in order to inform training, needed proficiency, and MTF manning.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of the DoD Trauma Registry was performed for all Role 2 and Role 3 MTFs, from January 2002 to May 2016; 385 ICD-9 CM procedure codes were identified as H&N surgical procedures and were stratified into eight categories. For the purposes of this analysis, H&N procedures included dental, ophthalmologic, airway, ear, face, mandible maxilla, neck, and oral injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and vascular injuries to the neck were excluded.

Results

A total of 15,620 H&N surgical procedures were identified at Role 2 and Role 3 MTFs. The majority of H&N surgical procedures (14,703, 94.14%) were reported at Role 3 facilities. Facial bone procedures were the most common subgroup across both roles of care (1,181, 75.03%). Tracheostomy accounted for 16.67% of all H&N surgical procedures followed by linear repair of laceration of eyelid or eyebrow (8.23%) and neck exploration (7.41%). H&N caseload was variable.

Conclusions

H&N procedures accounted for 8.25% of all surgical procedures performed at Role 2 and Role 3 MTFs; the majority of procedures were eye (40.54%) and airway (18.50%). These data can be used as planning tools to help determine the medical footprint and also to help inform training and sustainment requirements for deployed military general surgeons especially if future contingency operations are more constrained in terms of resources and personnel.
On the cosmic web elongation in fuzzy dark matter cosmologies: Effects on density profiles, shapes, and alignments of haloes
Authors: Dome Tibor , Fialkov Anastasia , Mocz Philip , Schäfer Björn Malte , Boylan-Kolchin Michael , Vogelsberger Mark
Published: December 2022

The fuzzy dark matter (FDM) scenario has received increased attention in recent years due to the small-scale challenges of the vanilla Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model and the lack of any experimental evidence for any candidate particle. In this study, we use cosmological N-body simulations to investigate high-redshift dark matter haloes and their responsiveness to an FDM-like power spectrum cutoff on small scales in the primordial density perturbations. We study halo density profiles, shapes, and alignments in FDM-like cosmologies (the latter two for the first time) by providing fits and quantifying departures from ΛCDM as a function of the particle mass m. Compared to ΛCDM, the concentrations of FDM-like haloes are lower, peaking at an m-dependent halo mass and thus breaking the approximate universality of density profiles in ΛCDM. The intermediate-to-major and minor-to-major shape parameter profiles are monotonically increasing with ellipsoidal radius in N-body simulations of ΛCDM. In FDM-like cosmologies, the monotonicity is broken, haloes are more elongated around the virial radius than their ΛCDM counterparts and less elongated closer to the centre. Finally, intrinsic alignment correlations, stemming from the deformation of initially spherically collapsing haloes in an ambient gravitational tidal field, become stronger with decreasing m. At z ∼ 4, we find a 6.4σ-significance in the fractional differences between the isotropized linear alignment magnitudes Diso in the m = 10−22 eV model and ΛCDM. Such FDM-like imprints on the internal properties of virialized haloes are expected to be strikingly visible in the high-z Universe.
Probing plasma physics with spectral index maps of accreting black holes on event horizon scales
Authors: Ricarte Angelo , Gammie Charles , Narayan Ramesh , Prather Ben S
Published: December 2022

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration has produced the first resolved images of the supermassive black holes at the centre of our galaxy and at the centre of the elliptical galaxy M87. As both technology and analysis pipelines improve, it will soon become possible to produce spectral index maps of black hole accretion flows on event horizon scales. In this work, we predict spectral index maps of both M87* and Sgr A* by applying the general relativistic radiative transfer (GRRT) code ipole to a suite of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations. We analytically show that the spectral index increases with increasing magnetic field strength, electron temperature, and optical depth. Consequently, spectral index maps grow more negative with increasing radius in almost all models, since all of these quantities tend to be maximized near the event horizon. Additionally, photon ring geodesics exhibit more positive spectral indices, since they sample the innermost regions of the accretion flow with the most extreme plasma conditions. Spectral index maps are sensitive to highly uncertain plasma heating prescriptions (the electron temperature and distribution function). However, if our understanding of these aspects of plasma physics can be tightened, even the spatially unresolved spectral index around 230 GHz can be used to discriminate between models. In particular, Standard and Normal Evolution (SANE) flows tend to exhibit more negative spectral indices than Magnetically Arrested Disc (MAD) flows due to differences in the characteristic magnetic field strength and temperature of emitting plasma.
Burden of Severe Illness Associated With Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza in Adults Aged 50–64 Years, 2010–2011 to 2016–2017
Authors: Kim Philip , Coleman Brenda , Kwong Jeffrey C , Plevneshi Agron , Hassan Kazi , Green Karen , McNeil Shelly A , Armstrong Irene , Gold Wayne L , Gubbay Jonathan , Katz Kevin , Kuster Stefan P , Lovinsky Reena , Matukas Larissa , Ostrowska Krystyna , Richardson David , McGeer Allison
Published: December 2022

Background

Understanding the burden of influenza is necessary to optimize recommendations for influenza vaccination. We describe the epidemiology of severe influenza in 50- to 64-year-old residents of metropolitan Toronto and Peel region, Canada, over 7 influenza seasons.

Methods

Prospective population-based surveillance for hospitalization associated with laboratory-confirmed influenza was conducted from September 2010 to August 2017. Conditions increasing risk of influenza complications were as defined by Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Age-specific prevalence of medical conditions was estimated using Ontario health administrative data. Population rates were estimated using Statistics Canada data.

Results

Over 7 seasons, 1228 hospitalizations occurred in patients aged 50–64 years: 40% due to A(H3N2), 30% A(H1N1), and 22% influenza B. The average annual hospitalization rate was 15.6, 20.9, and 33.2 per 100 000 in patients aged 50–54, 55–59, and 60–64 years, respectively; average annual mortality was 0.9/100 000. Overall, 33% of patients had received current season influenza vaccine; 963 (86%) had ≥1 underlying condition increasing influenza complication risk. The most common underlying medical conditions were chronic lung disease (38%) and diabetes mellitus (31%); 25% of patients were immunocompromised. The average annual hospitalization rate was 6.1/100 000 in those without and 41/100 000 in those with any underlying condition, and highest in those with renal disease or immunocompromise (138 and 281 per 100 000, respectively). The case fatality rate in hospitalized patients was 4.4%; median length of stay was 4 days (interquartile range, 2–8 days).

Conclusions

The burden of severe influenza in 50- to 64-year-olds remains significant despite our universal publicly funded vaccination program. These data may assist in improving estimates of the cost-effectiveness of new strategies to reduce this burden.
Porous marine snow differentially benefits chemotactic, motile, and nonmotile bacteria
Authors: Borer Benedict , Zhang Irene H , Baker Amy E , O'Toole George A , Babbin Andrew R
Published: December 2022

Particulate organic carbon settling through the marine water column is a key process that regulates the global climate by sequestering atmospheric carbon. The initial colonization of marine particles by heterotrophic bacteria represents the first step in recycling this carbon back to inorganic constituents—setting the magnitude of vertical carbon transport to the abyss. Here, we demonstrate experimentally using millifluidic devices that, although bacterial motility is essential for effective colonization of a particle leaking organic nutrients into the water column, chemotaxis specifically benefits at intermediate and higher settling velocities to navigate the particle boundary layer during the brief window of opportunity provided by a passing particle. We develop an individual-based model that simulates the encounter and attachment of bacterial cells with leaking marine particles to systematically evaluate the role of different parameters associated with bacterial run-and-tumble motility. We further use this model to explore the role of particle microstructure on the colonization efficiency of bacteria with different motility traits. We find that the porous microstructure facilitates additional colonization by chemotactic and motile bacteria, and fundamentally alters the way nonmotile cells interact with particles due to streamlines intersecting with the particle surface.
The quiet side of debt: public debt management in advanced economies
Authors: Rommerskirchen Charlotte , van der Heide Arjen W
Published: December 2022

Whilst both the level and the make-up of public debt are high salience issues, the management of public debt seldom commands public attention. This study examines the quiet politics of public debt management in advanced capitalist societies, comparing debt management reforms and the everyday practice of debt management in Germany and the UK. We present evidence of two factors contributing to the political quietude around public debt management: a persistent absence of partisan contestation and conflict; and the dominance of ‘market discipline’ as an interpretative frame, which prevents changes in interest rates and debt servicing costs to be seen as the product of faulty debt management. We also find that this quietude creates a space for the coordination and cooperation between contemporary capitalist states and large dealer banks, whose capacities effectively to act within their respective domains depend on each other.
Self-Assembled Matrigel-Free iPSC-Derived Liver Organoids Demonstrate Wide-Ranging Highly Differentiated Liver Functions
Authors: Weng Yun , Han Simon , Sekyi Maria T , Su Tao , Mattis Aras N , Chang Tammy T
Published: December 2022

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived liver organoids serve as models of organogenesis, disease, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. Prevailing methods for generating organoids rely on Matrigel, whose batch-to-batch variability and xenogeneic source pose challenges to mechanistic research and translation to human clinical therapy. In this report, we demonstrate that self-assembled Matrigel-free iPSC-derived organoids developed in rotating wall vessels (RWVs) exhibit greater hepatocyte-specific functions than organoids formed on Matrigel. We show that RWVs produce highly functional liver organoids in part by eliminating the need for Matrigel, which has adverse effects on hepatic lineage differentiation. RWV liver organoids sustain durable function over long-term culture and express a range of mature functional genes at levels comparable to adult human liver, while retaining some fetal features. Our results indicate that RWVs provide a simple and high-throughput way to generate Matrigel-free liver organoids suitable for research and clinical applications.
HGF Secreted by Menstrual Blood-Derived Endometrial Stem Cells Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Through Downregulation of Hepatic Rnf186
Authors: Du Jiang , Jiang Yan , Liu Xinlei , Ji Xiang , Xu Bo , Zhang Yan , Liu Yanli , Zhang Tao , Lin Juntang
Published: December 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to protect against fatty liver diseases, but the mechanism is still not clear. Menstrual blood-derived endometrial stem cells (MenSCs) are a substantial population of MSCs that can be obtained in a noninvasive manner. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of MenSC transplantation in mouse models of diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The results revealed that MenSCs markedly promoted hepatic glycogen storage and attenuated lipid accumulation after transplantation. We further identified Rnf186 as a novel regulator involved in MenSC-based therapy for NAFLD mice. Rnf186 deficiency substantially inhibited high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance and abnormal hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in mice. Mechanistically, Rnf186 regulated glucose and lipid metabolism through the AMPK-mTOR pathway. More importantly, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is identified as the key functional cytokine secreted by MenSCs and decreases the expression of hepatic Rnf186. HGF deficient MenSCs cannot attenuate glucose and lipid accumulation after transplantation in NAFLD mice. Collectively, our results provide preliminary evidence for the protective roles of HGF secreted by MenSCs in fatty liver diseases through downregulation of hepatic Rnf186 and suggest that MenSCs or Rnf186 may be an alternative therapeutic approach/target for the treatment of NAFLD.
Extreme intraocular pressure and steroid-dependent iritis
Authors: Samuelson Thomas W. , Huang Marshall J. , Larsen Christine L. , Sheybani Arsham , Levin Ariana , Ertel Monica , Pantcheva Mina , Panarelli Joseph F. , Do Anna
Published: December 2022

A 50-year-old ophthalmic technician was referred by her retina specialist for urgent consultation due to markedly elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) unresponsive to medical therapy. Her history included chronic polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and chronic uveitis requiring ongoing topical steroid therapy. She had a sub-Tenon injection of Kenalog (triamcinolone) 18 months prior to referral. Chronic topical anti-inflammatory therapy included nepafenac (Ilevro) and prednisolone acetate 2 times a day. Attempts to discontinue topical steroid resulted in worsening inflammation. The patient was referred when the IOP measured 44 mm Hg in the left eye despite aggressive medical therapy, including acetazolamide. The IOP improved slightly when loteprednol was substituted for prednisolone acetate.

Current medications in the left eye include brimonidine 3 times a day, loteprednol 2 times a day, nepafenac 2 times a day, and fixed combination latanoprost + netarsudil at bedtime. Her only medication in the right eye was travoprost. She is intolerant to dorzolamide. She was also taking acetazolamide 500 mg 2 times a day. She was not taking any anticoagulants. Past surgical history included cataract surgery in each eye. She has not had laser trabeculoplasty in either eye.

Examination revealed uncorrected visual acuity of J1+ in the right eye (near) and 20/30 in the left eye (mini-monovision). There was no afferent pupillary defect. There was mild band keratopathy in each eye while the central cornea was clear in both eyes without keratic precipitates. Here angles were open to gonioscopy without peripheral anterior synechia. There was mild to moderate flare in each eye with trace cells. The IOP was 17 mm Hg in the right eye and 31 mm Hg in the left. Central corneal thickness measured 560 μm and 559 μm in the right and left eye respectively. There was a well-positioned intraocular lens within each capsule with a patent posterior capsulotomy. There was mild vitreous syneresis but no vitreous cell. The cup to disc ratio was 0.5 in each eye with a symmetrical neural rim. The retina was flat without macular edema. Visual field was normal in both eyes (Figures 1 and 2). Optical coherence tomography of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is shown in Figure 3 and retinal ganglion cell layer is shown in Supplemental Figure 1 (http://links.lww.com/JRS/A756).

JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202301000-00020/figure1/v/2023-08-19T002647Z/r/image-tiff

JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202301000-00020/figure2/v/2023-08-19T002647Z/r/image-tiff

JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202301000-00020/figure3/v/2023-08-19T002647Z/r/image-tiff

Please comment on your management of this patient's left eye.
Current insights into skin lipids and their roles in cutaneous health and disease
Authors: Nicolaou Anna , Kendall Alexandra C.
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review

The unique and complex array of cutaneous lipids include essential components of the skin structure and signalling molecules mediating homeostasis and inflammation. Understanding skin lipid biology and metabolism can support our comprehension of health and disease, including systemic conditions with cutaneous involvement.

Recent findings

Lipids found on the skin surface, produced by both the host and resident microbes, maintain and regulate the skin microbiome and the epidermal barrier, whilst altered contributions from either source can be detrimental to skin health. The unique lipid composition of the epidermal barrier is essential for its function, and recent studies have expanded our understanding of epidermal ceramide production. This has been supported by improved models available for skin research, including organotypic skin models enabling in-vitro production of complex acylceramides for the first time, and model systems facilitating in-silico exploration of the lipid profile changes observed in clinical samples. Studies have revealed further involvement of lipid mediators such as eicosanoids in cutaneous inflammation, as well as immune regulation in both healthy and diseased skin.

Skin lipids offer exciting opportunities as therapeutic targets for many conditions, whether through topical interventions or nutritional supplementation.
A rare case report of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome caused by direct anti-hepatitis C virus therapy with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir
Authors: Ma Bo , Shang Tianling , Huang Jianjie , Tu Zhixin , Wang Yan , Han Yujin , Wang Yang , Wen Xiaoyu , Jin Qinglong
Published: December 2022

Rationale:

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is a combination of direct-acting antivirals with pan-genotypic activity that is used to treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection. This was a fixed-dose regimen. SOF is a nucleotide nonstructural 5B polymerase inhibitor and VEL is an nonstructural 5A inhibitor. Side effects of this agent on the endocrine system, particularly iatrogenic Cushing syndrome (ICS), are uncommon. Here, we present a case of ICS with significantly low serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels caused by SOF/VEL.

Patient concerns:

A 49-year-old Asian woman with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis presented with a round face, fat thickening at the clavicle and back of the neck, mild facial edema, facial congestion, skin ulceration on the hands, central obesity, acne, and general status changes after 3 months of treatment with SOF/VEL (400 mg/dose, 1/day).

Diagnoses:

The patient’s serum adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels dropped significantly, and her normal rhythm vanished, with no visible aberrant lesions on computed tomography or across the abdomen. The patient was diagnosed with ICS.

Outcomes:

Symptoms improved after withdrawing SOF/VEL and taking low-dose oral hydrocortisone. Thus, the SOF/VEL was suspected to be an offender. To our knowledge, this is the first time that SOF/VEL has been linked to ICS.

Lessons:

Hepatologists and primary care physicians treating hepatitis C virus should be more aware of this uncommon adverse event so that direct-acting antiviral therapy can be stopped sooner if it recurs. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of collaboration between hepatologists and endocrinologists in co-management of complications.
The feasibility and efficacy of a community-based multifactorial intervention to improve the cardiovascular risk factor control among patients with type 2 diabetes: A 2-year cluster randomized trial
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Wang Yanlei , Cao Chenxiang , Zeng Ziqiang , Jin Lixia , Liu Zhaoxiang , Duan Min , Dong Yanan , Zhang Jinpin , Shuai Ying , Wang Na , Zhang Yajing , Deng Guixia , He Jiquan , Zhao Xinghua , Zheng Wenli , Yang Wenying , Xiao Jianzhong
Published: December 2022

Trial design:

Our study is to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of multiple cardiovascular factors intervention (MFI) in type 2 diabetes patients in China’s primary care setting.

Methods:

We performed a cluster randomized trial to compare the proportion of patients achieved the targets between usual care group (control, 9 sites, n = 868) and MFI group (8 sites, n = 739) among patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care setting. Logistic regression model with random effects was used to estimate the association of the effect of intervention and the proportion achieved the targets.

Results:

At baseline, the end of 1 year, and 2 years follow-up, the proportion of patients achieved all 3 target goals (HbA1c < 7.0%, blood pressure < 130/80 mm Hg and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 2.6 mmol/L) were 5.7%, 5.9%, 5.7% in the control group and 5.9%, 10.6%, 12.3% in the MFI group. After adjusting sex, age, diabetes duration, body mass index, HbA1c, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at baseline, there was no difference between the 2 groups (OR (95% CI): 1.27 (0.38–4.27) and 1.86 (0.79–4.38) for the first year and second year, respectively). When stratified by payment method, the patients with medical insurance or public expenses had a higher proportion achieved target goals (6.9% vs 16.4%, OR (95% CI): 2.30 (1.04–5.08)) in the second year.

Conclusions:

The controlling of cardiovascular risk factor targets remains suboptimal among patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care setting. MFI in type 2 diabetes improved cardiovascular disease risk profile, especially in the patients with medical insurance.
Adherence to hypertension and dyslipidemia treatment and its implication on control of cardiovascular disease in Vietnam: A semi-systematic review
Authors: Hung Pham Manh , Thanh Vu Huy , Sy Hoang Van , Duc Dang Quy , Tuan Vuong Anh , Tran Anh T Q , Brizuela Grace E , Tran Hieu B
Published: December 2022

Background:

To understand the prevalent issues and challenges in the provision of care for dyslipidemia and hypertension in Vietnamese adults, quantification of patient journey stages (awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment, adherence, and control) was performed in this semi-systematic review.

Methods:

The EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched for English articles published between 2010 and 2019. Thesis abstracts, letters to the editor, editorials, case studies, and studies on patient subgroups or nationally unrepresentative studies, were excluded. Articles from Google, the Incidence and Prevalence Database, the World Health Organization, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, and those suggested by the authors were also included. The last search was run on December 10, 2019 for dyslipidemia and hypertension.

Results:

A reviewer independently screened 586 retrievals for dyslipidemia and 177 retrievals for hypertension, and extracted data from 2 articles on dyslipidemia and 6 articles on hypertension that were included in the final synthesis.

Conclusion:

The data generated in this review will help overcome these issues and barriers to patient care in populations with these 2 conditions.
Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with hot compress in the treatment of obese adolescents with insulin resistance: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gang Xiaochao , Tai Yuxing , Xiao Zhenxiang , Jiang Xiaobo , Barat Dilnur , Gao Tianjiao , Han Yiran , Liu Jie , Zhong Chongwen , Chen Shaotao , Liu Mingjun
Published: December 2022

Background:

In recent years, the incidence of obesity patients has become younger and younger, and adolescents are gradually becoming one of the groups with a high incidence of obesity. Although several systematic reviews and clinical trials suggest that acupuncture and warm compresses may be effective in the treatment of obesity, the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with warm compresses in the treatment of obesity insulin resistance (IR) in adolescents have not been systematically reviewed.

Methods:

The search language of this study is Chinese and English, and the data of Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, Central Controlled Trial Registration Center, and China Scientific Journal Database were searched for this study respectively, from the date of creation of the above data to December 2022. Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture combined with warm compresses in adolescents with obese IR were included in this review. Main outcome measures were body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, IR index, body fat content, blood lipid level and blood pressure, etc. In addition, we manually retrieved other resources, including reference lists of identified publications, conference articles and gray literature.

Results:

This study will provide more clinical treatment ideas and options for adolescent obese IR patients.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this study is to summarize and evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with hot compress in treating obesity IR in adolescents from clinical trials.
Efficacy and safety of Yiqi Huoxue Yangxin decoction combined with western medicine in patients with chronic coronary heart disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Bingxin , Wu Bao , Zhao Mingzhang , Liu Yili , Xu Guolei , Li Qiao
Published: December 2022

Background:

There is no evidence-based data to confirm the efficacy of Yiqi Huoxue Yangxin Decoction combined with Western medicine in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, in order to provide new medical evidence for clinical treatment, we used this protocol to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness and safety of Yiqi Huoxue Yangxin Decoction combined with Western medicine in patients with CHD.

Methods:

The systematic review protocol is registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42022372800. The systematic literature review will follow PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The following search terms will be used in PUBMED, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang, and VIP on December 1, 2022. Two independent authors extract the following descriptive raw information from selected studies: study characteristics such as authors, year of publication, study design; patient demographic information such as number of patients, mean age, body mass index, and sex ratio. The primary outcome of interest is symptom scores. Secondary outcomes include ECG effective rate, improvement of blood lipid index, and adverse events. The Cochrane Bias Risk Tool is used independently by 2 reviewers to assess the risk of bias in included randomized controlled trials. The quality of retrospective studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Conclusions:

The results of our review will be reported strictly following the PRISMA criteria and the review will add to the existing literature by showing compelling evidence and improved guidance in clinic settings.
Sessile serrated lesion presenting as large pedunculated polyp in the rectum: A case report
Authors: Oh Shin Ju , Kim Jung-Wook , Oh Chi Hyuk
Published: December 2022

Rationale:

Sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) are serrated polyps (SP) with the typical serrated architecture of the crypt lining epithelium. SSL has an important clinical implication because they are recognized as precursor lesion of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) through “serrated pathway.” SSLs usually appear flat to sessile, and are located in the right colon.

Patient concerns:

A 69-year-old man was referred to a tertiary medical center because of intermittent hematochezia for 2 years.

Diagnosis:

Colonoscopy revealed a large, pedunculated polyp in the rectum. The polyp surface was slightly reddish in color and the elongated stalk was covered with almost normal mucosa. Histopathological examination of the resected specimens revealed the typical features of SSL with low-grade dysplasia.

Intervention:

Endoscopic mucosal resection using a detachable snare was performed on the tumor for definite diagnosis and treatment.

Outcomes:

There was no evidence of immediate or delayed bleeding after endoscopic mucosal resection, and the hemoglobin level normalized after a 1-year follow-up.

Lessons:

We report a rare case of a large pedunculated polyp with typical histological features of SSLs in the rectum. Endoscopists should always consider SSLs at any location even with unusual morphological findings.
Efficacy of intense pulsed light and meibomian gland expression treatments in meibomian gland dysfunction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhou Qi , Gao Zi-Qing
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light treatment combined with meibomian gland expression treatments in meibomian gland dysfunction.

Methods:

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of intense pulsed light treatment and meibomian gland expression treatments in the treatment of dry eye disease. The meibomian gland yielding secretion score was the primary outcome, whereas the secondary outcomes included the Meiboscore, tear breakup time in seconds, standard patient evaluation for eye dryness and corneal fluorescein staining.

Results:

This study consisted of 6 trials with 326 patients. Significantly greater improvement was observed in meibomian gland yielding secretion score at 1 month [mean difference (MD): 13.69 (95% CI, 11.98, 15.40)] and at 3 months [MD: 11.03 (95% confidence interval (CI), 10.27, 11.80)], low meibomian gland yielding secretion score at 1 month [MD: 6.92 (95% CI, 5.49, 8.34)] and at 3 months [MD: 6.80 (95% CI, 5.01, 8.59)], up meibomian gland yielding secretion score at 1 month [MD: 6.41 (95% CI, 4.12, 8.70)] and at 3 months [MD: 8.06 (95% CI, 5.70, 10.42)] and tear breakup time at 1 month [MD: 2.38 (95% CI, 1.83, 2.92)] and at 3 months [MD: 1.82 (95% CI, 1.48, 2.19)] in the IPL-MGX group than in the MGX group.

Conclusions:

IPL-MGX is safer and more efficacious as compared to the MGX alone in the treatment of patients with meibomian gland dysfunction-related dry eye. We recommend discussing the decision with the ophthalmologist for an appropriate choice.
The association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease history: A cross-sectional study using KoGES HEXA data
Authors: Kim Joo-Hee , Kwon Mi Jung , Choi Hyo Geun , Lee Sang Jun , Kim Sung-Woo , Kim Ji Hee , Kwon Bong Cheol , Lee Jung Woo
Published: December 2022

This cross-sectional study examines the association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study from 2004 to 2016 were analyzed. Among the 173,209 participants, we selected 11,453 patients with hyperuricemia and 152,255 controls (non-hyperuricemia). We obtained the history of CVDs (stroke and ischemic heart disease [IHD]) from all participants. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (age, income group, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, anthropometry data, and nutritional intake) for CVDs were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Participants with hyperuricemia reported a significantly higher prevalence of stroke (2.4% vs 1.3%) and IHD (5.6% vs 2.8%) than controls did (P < .001). Participants with hyperuricemia had a significantly higher aOR for CVD than the controls. The aOR of hyperuricemia for stroke was 1.22 (95% confidence interval = 1.07–1.39, P = .004). When analyzed by subgroup according to age and sex, this result was only persistent in women. The aOR of hyperuricemia for IHD was 1.45 (95% confidence interval = 1.33–1.59, P < .001). In the subgroup analyses, the results were similar, except in young men. Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with CVD in the Korean population.
Association between scene time interval and clinical outcomes according to key Utstein factors in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Jung Eujene , Ryu Hyun Ho , Ro Young Sun , Shin Sang Do
Published: December 2022

There is no consensus on the appropriate length of time spent on the scene by emergency medical services. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the association between the scene time interval (STI) and clinical outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and determine whether this association is affected by key Utstein factors—witness status, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and initial electrocardiogram rhythm. This study is a cross-sectional study, using data between 2017 and 2020 from a nationwide, population-based, prospective registry of OHCA. The primary exposure is the STI, which was categorized into 3 groups: short (0 < STI ≤ 12 min), middle (13 ≤ STI ≤ 16 min), long (17 ≤ STI ≤ 30 min). The main outcome was good neurological recovery. Multivariable logistic regression and interaction analyses were performed to estimate the effect of STIs on study outcomes according to key Utstein factors. Witnessed, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and an initial shockable rhythm were associated with high survival to discharge and good neurological recovery, whereas prolonged STI was associated with low survival to discharge and poor neurological recovery. In patients with witnessed arrest, increased STI caused a more rapid decrease in survival to discharge than in non-witnessed cases (witnessed arrest: 0.56 (0.51–0.62) in middle STI and 0.33 (0.30–0.37) in long STI, non-witnessed arrest: 0.72 (0.61–0.85) in middle STI and 0.53 (0.45–0.62) in long STI. In patients with an initial shockable rhythm, increased STI caused a more rapid decrease in survival to discharge and neurological recovery than in initial non-shockable cases. Longer STIs were associated with poorer OHCA outcomes, and this trend was further emphasized in patients with witnessed OHCA and OHCA with an initial shockable rhythm.
Establishment of a prognostic prediction system based on tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Feng Yan , Li Pengcheng , Yang Fang , Xu Ke
Published: December 2022

Background:

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an inflammatory tumor. Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development of PC. This study aims to explore hub genes of TME and establish a prognostic prediction system for PC.

Methods:

High throughput RNA-sequencing and clinical data of PC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and International Cancer Genome Consortium database, respectively. PC patients were divided into high- and low-score group by using stromal, immune scores system based on ESTIMATE. Differentially expressed genes between high- and low-score patients were screened and survival-related differentially expressed genes were identified as candidate genes by univariate Cox regression analysis. Final variables for establishment of the prognostic prediction system were determined by LASSO analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The predictive power of the prognostic system was evaluated by internal and external validation.

Results:

A total of 210 candidate genes were identified by stromal, immune scores system, and survival analyses. Finally, the prognostic risk score system was constructed by the following genes: FAM57B, HTRA3, CXCL10, GABRP, SPRR1B, FAM83A, and LY6D. In process of internal validation, Harrell concordance index (C-index) of this prognostic risk score system was 0.73, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year overall survival period was 0.67, 0.76 and 0.86, respectively. In the external validation set, the survival prediction C-index was 0.71, and the area under the curve was 0.81, 0.72, and 0.78 at 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year, respectively.

Conclusion:

This prognostic risk score system based on TME demonstrated a good predictive capacity to the prognosis of PC. It may provide information for the treatment strategy and follow-up for patients with PC.
Clinical study of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection in the treatment of submucosal tumor originating from the muscularis propria layer of the esophagus
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wen Jing , Zhang Shuxian , Liang Xuyang , Ren Ling , Wang Lu , Sun Yunliang , Li Shouying , Wang Kun , Lv Shengxiang , Qiao Xiao
Published: December 2022

Herein, we aimed to evaluate the clinical value and safety of transendoscopic submucosal tunnel tumor resection (STER) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the resection of esophageal submucosal intrinsic muscle tumors. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 68 patients with esophageal submucosal intrinsic muscle tumors treated with STER (STER group, n = 38, March 2018 to January 2020) or ESD (ESD group, n = 30, January 2017 to January 2020) at the First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang to compare the treatment efficacy, hospitalization time and costs, and postoperative complications between the 2 groups. All 68 cases were of single lesions. The mean operative duration was shorter in the STER group (53.39 ± 11.57 min) than in the ESD group (68.33 ± 18.52 min, P < .05). The postoperative hospital stay duration was significantly shorter in the STER group (5.86 ± 1.01 days; P < .05) than in the ESD group (8.2 ± 3.4 days, P < .05). The mean hospitalization cost was significantly lower in the STER group than in the ESD group (12,468.8 + 4966.8 yuan vs 17,033.3 ± 4547.2 yuan; P < .05). Only 1 case of intraoperative perforation occurred in ESD group. There were no other complications in both groups. The wound healed in both groups, and no residual or recurrent tumors were detected during the follow-up period. Both STER and ESD can be used for the treatment of esophageal intrinsic muscular layer (MP) tumors, and STER is safer and more efficient for lesions with a diameter <3.5 cm.
The length of hospital stays and clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with COVID-19 early in the pandemic in Taif City, KSA: A retrospective study
Authors: Abduljabbar Maram , Alghamdi Raghad , Althobaiti Kholoud , Althubaiti Shumukh , Alharthi Najla , Alosaimi Ghada , Qunq Mawddah , Saleh Lobna , Alosaimi Manal
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unprecedented in the healthcare sector worldwide. This retrospective study focused on the length of hospital stay and clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with COVID-19. Retrospective data of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) positive patients were collected between March 12 and June 30, 2020, and categorized into mild, moderate, and severe disease groups based on symptoms and severity of COVID-19. A total of 843 SARS-COV-2-positive patients were identified in this study (mildly symptomatic, 132; moderately symptomatic, 168; severely symptomatic, 17). The mean lengths (days) of hospital stay of Groups 1 to 8 were 16.38, 13.18, 13.72, 9.30, 6.96, 10.86, 5.77, and 7.37, respectively. Treatment Group 1 had the highest mean. In the treatment group, 7 patients who were not treated had the shortest stay. The patients with heart failure and Group 1 received antiviral, antimalarial, and antibiotic therapy; patients in Group 3 received antimalarial and antibiotic therapy; patients in Group 4 received antiviral and antibiotic therapy were tended to have a longer hospital stay. The length of hospital stay and clinical and therapeutic characteristics are crucial indicators of pandemic management, a shorter hospital stay is a positive outcome of better COVID-19 management.
Complementary and alternative therapies for generalized anxiety disorder: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Song Kai , Wang Yating , Shen Li , Wang Jinwei , Zhang Rong
Published: December 2022

Background:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a prevalent and impairing psychiatric disorder, which is a great threat to people’s mental health, and imposes a major burden on individuals, families and society. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is a potential treatment for GAD, however, the selection strategies of different CAM therapies in clinical practice is still unclear, and the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of different CAM interventions using systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods:

Based on the strategy, the authors will retrieve a total of 9 electronic databases by January 2023. After a series of screening, the 2 researchers will use Aggregate Data Drug Information System (ADDIS) and Stata software to analyze the data extracted from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CAM therapies for the GAD. Finally, the evidence grade of the results will be evaluated.

Results:

This study will provide a reliable evidence for the selection of CAM therapies for GAD.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will provide references for evaluating the influence of different CAM therapies for GAD, and provide a choice basis for clinical decision-making.